ActionToyMan — Local services in Erie

When it comes to the stores contents, it's amazing not only for us vintage collector's but also anyone who might just want to relive their childhood with a quick browse. You could walk in as a non toy collector and still find something that, at the very least, brings back a pleasant memory well worth the visit alone. The store is JAM PACKED with classic vintage figures of all sorts; everything from TMNT, G.I. Joe, Captain Planet, Masters of the Universe, The Real Ghostbusters to even more obscure stuff like Warriors of Virtue, Madballs, Attack of the Killer Tomatoes, Super Mario Bros movie figures etc. The prices varied which is normal for vintage toy shops but I didn't feel like the prices were outrageous one way or the other; I'd say they were pretty spot on. As far as I can tell, there aren't any other stores in the area that have anything like ACTIONTOYMAN does. I've visited here about 5 times total over the past 7 years that we were ​able to travel out this way; it truly is a must for me and is what I look forward to most during the trip.

Now... the owner. I get it, it's a toy shop. I'm sure working with small barely coherent children sucks 90% of the time. There are signs clearly stating to "see with eyes not with hands" yet hundreds of figures get knocked over regardless of the signs. My recent visit was good but not great. Now, I don't ever expect to have my butt kissed as I walk in to any store and I honestly appreciated the fact that I didn't have someone bothersomely hovering over me asking me if I needed help the entire time. However, the store lacked that inviting feeling almost completely. I spent quite a bit, as I normally do each visit, and attempted to joke and make conversation with said owner only to get nothing back in return but a completely blank stare and my receipt. No "have a good day" or "thanks for your purchase." I don't think the owner spoke more than 2 words to me or anyone else in the store my entire 2 hour visit. It was very strange. As a collector, we tend to get excited about our hobby and these places are usually a safe haven for us to freely talk and express our thoughts about the hobby and I didn't feel like that was even remotely possible with this person. I don't expect to be best buds, but a little genuine hospitality certainly...

MIND.WAS.BLOWN. I've ridden/driven by this hallowed corner all my life, but never went in. Didn't know what to expect and was nervous to be a girl geek and walk in alone. Well, this weekend my grown nephew was in town, so his dad, him, me and my great-niece made a visit. Three generations of fans/collectors. I was overwhelmed and had to concentrate on keeping my mouth from gaping open. I must have said "WOW" 500 times.

I was amazed at all the characters and franchises I knew, most of them actually. There are 3 floors, I only made it onto 2, but I will be going back with local nephews and a special 4 yo friend I nanny. If I had known of the wonders in this store, I be tripping over collectibles. But at 70, in 2 weeks, I was specific in finding a couple small figures, Wonder Woman and Captain Marvel, which I found. I will buy other items for the kids because I have no room for anymore special things!

The staff is delightful and knowledgeable and was receptive to my bringing my buddy to sort through the tubs of figures in the basement. He said you'd need at least 2 hours to sift through them all, so I won't be hesitant to take my buddy and get some items to play with. We play like fiends, so new characters are always welcome.

If you are in town, or live in town, and love collectibles, then this is the place to visit. It's literally a museum of toys. There are figures of movies that I wouldn't think there was a market for. There was a Coronation Scene Party from Lord of the Rings that I thought was swoon worthy, but more than I could justify and where would I put it? But it was gorgeous display of 5 characters, Faramir, Eomer, Arwen, Aragorn, and Galadriel.

Enjoy your visit and I hope you find something special and nostalgic to take...

UPDATE!! STILL THE GREATEST PLACE EVER! There are places that just feel like home. When you come to erie, whether you are a toy aficionado or a comic book fan, ACTIONTOYMAN is one of those places. No matter why you collect action figures, be it for a historical, sentimental, or just gotta-have-it reason, you will fall in love with ACTIONTOYMAN. three floors of amazing new and nostalgic toys, and if that wasn't enough to entice you, there's a whole other room in the back full of comic books and graphic novels! most of the comics in that room are $1! You can also find those collector grade books you have been looking for everywhere else! Heck, even if your driving past erie on your way to another destination, take the time to stop in just to gander at everything, chances are you'll leave with something awesome, new, old, or just plain cool! Trust me, it will be worth the stop, I...