Gotta Collect 'Em All: From Pixels to Plastic
Like many others, William’s passion for collecting began with the Pokémon games. After running through tall grass and discovering new creatures in Pokémon Emerald, he quickly set himself a goal that would shape how he approached hobbies for the rest of his life: catch them all and complete the Pokédex.
At the time, he had no idea that simple sense of completion would turn into a lifelong (and admittedly expensive) passion of collecting anything from physical game copies to mangas, gundam kits, and cards.
William's Prized Gundam Thunderbolt Kits, And A Gooner Binder...?
While most collectors featured in our Collector Spotlight series point to Pokémon cards as their ultimate grail, William’s most prized possessions are his Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt kits.
Drawn in by the series’ music, storytelling, and strong character depth, William has been on a mission to collect every Thunderbolt kit ever released. To date, he is just one kit away from completing the entire regular-release Thunderbolt lineup!
But Gundam isn’t the only franchise that has captured William’s heart. He also has a self-declared Gooner Binder filled with Boa Hancock cards from the One Piece TCG.
When showing it to friends, William jokingly sums up his dedication with the pun: “I want Boa to put her hand on my ****… ”
Just Another Day In Akihabara
One of William’s most memorable collecting experiences is one he looks back on with equal parts pride and embarrassment.
While hunting for Gundam kits in Akihabara, he set himself a goal to secure at least 80% of his wishlist. By the end of the day, he found himself carrying four full bags of model kits through the streets. Eventually, he had to stop on the side of the road to rearrange everything into three bags, drawing curious stares and even an impressed whistle from a passerby.
Only later did it sink in that he still had two more days left in Japan, and that there was no need to go ham so early. Regardless, this experience remains a memory that still makes him laugh (and cringe) to this day.
The Sense of Comfort Collecting Provides
What keeps William coming back to collecting is simple: the pursuit of something new. Whether it’s pulling a card he’s been chasing or finally securing a long-sought item, the act of adding to his collection gives him a sense of accomplishment and progress.
Being able to step back and admire what he has collected over time also gives him a mental reset when life feels overwhelming or moves too quickly.
Chasing The TCG Pokémon Living National Dex
Looking ahead, William is embarking on what he describes as a lifelong project: a National Pokédex binder filled exclusively with Secret Rares, Art Rares, Character Holo Rares, and Secret Art Rares.
It’s a goal without a finish line; a collection meant to grow indefinitely and, in his words, “empty his wallet for as long as he lives.” One day, he hopes it becomes a family heirloom, and he fully intends to get future generations hooked on Pokémon collecting as well!
That aside, he’s also an avid Giratina fan who’s currently working toward collecting every Giratina card ever released. One particularly elusive target is a 2012 Black & White promo limited to just 1,000 copies each in Japan and Korea; a card he hopes to secure when the time (and funds) are right.
Collect for enjoyment, not investment. At the end of the day, this is a hobby which is meant to help relieve (and not cause more) stress!
Coin Flips, Gut Feelings, And Collecting What He Loves
William’s personal collecting philosophy is refreshingly unconventional. Whenever he’s unsure about a decision, he flips a coin. If he loses the flip but can’t stop thinking about the item afterward, he takes it as a sign that he truly wants it and goes back to buy it anyway.
That being said, his advice for newer collectors is simple: to buy what you like, and above all, collect within one’s means — because staying alive always comes first.
Connect With William And Follow His Collecting Journey!
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