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Fan Interview: Peter Hedlund

Copyright © The Simpsons Folder
This document is done
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Tell us, who you are and where you from?

My name is Peter S. Hedlund and I am from Denver, Colorado. USA.

When was the first time you saw The Simpsons and what was your reaction to it?

I was stationed in Germany with the US Army and I have to say that it was Love at First Sight.

Who is your favorite character on The Simpsons and why?

There are so many wonderful characters and they all have their good and bad points, habits etc., but I have to say that out of all of the characters, Homer comes in a very close second. He kinds of reminds me of myself (and I think that's wonderful). But the number one would be Ralph Wiggum. The poor kid is running a day late and dollar short of the "Normal" world, but it doesn't seem to bother him. He seems to have the deck stacked against him but he loves life and the little things make him happy. When you look at who his parents are, friends etc., you gotta pull for the "Underdog" Favorite quotes of his "I found a moon rock in my nose" and "It tastes like burning".

I heard you're a serious Simpsons collector. How long you have been collecting?

I have been a serious collector of Simpsons items for a little over two (2) years now.

Can you explain, why did you start collecting Simpsons merchandise?

I have always loved the cartoon and began to research how many collectables were out there a few years ago. After finding the huge number available I realized I had to start a serious collection.

What is your first Simpsons item you bought?

The first item(s) was a set of Simpson's figures (each roughly the size of your thumb nail) sitting on a couch. When you put all them together they formed an entire couch. They were sold in Europe in the very early 90's, and I bought mine in Germany. Sadly through moving numerous time I lost my Marge and Lisa figures so if anybody out there knows where I can get those, please let me know.

How many items does your Simpsons collection contain?

I don't have a definite number but roughly I would have to say that my collection contains between 700 to 1000 pieces. I know that is a huge difference but the number would depend out how you count them.

What is your favorite piece?

I have to say that I love all of my individual pieces, but my favorite would not be an individual piece but a number of them (all of the same theme). I have collected personal autographs for stars and guest stars from The Simpsons and that portion of my collection is now over 120+. As far as an individual piece, my personally autographed only 500 ever printed, Original Treehouse Of Horror #1, autographed by Matt Groening, Mike Allred and James Robinson and is the most valuable.

What is weirdest Simpsons collectible you have bought?

The weirdest is not something bought so to speak, it is a full back tattoo of over 40 Simpsons characters that I have been working on and will eventually take up almost my entire back. The nice thing about that is that there is always room to add.

Do you collect any other stuff, like books, other cartoons stuff, anything?

I grew up on and love Bill Waterson's - Calvin and Hobbes (I have numerous tattoo's of that) along with many of his books, Futurama (have alot of that),King Of The Hill (alot fo that also) and Ren and Stimpy are awesome, and I truly love the new animation art of things like Toy Story and also the Power Puff Girls (simple but funny).

Can you reveal your secrets to collecting Simpsons merchandise? i.e. what are the best sources to find good stuff?

The internet is making locating Simpson's collectable very easy. Sites like Mark Tarses www.Sunwayco.com, www.fox.com, etc. are good and for the diligent, you can still find some local things at garage sales etc (but they are few and far between).

Do you buy every item you see in stores?

I started that way and if money would allow I still would. I have recently had to narrow my purchases to certain items that I have to have, then want, then would like to have someday.

If you have to calculate, how much have you spent on your collection so far?

Not wanting, nor even able to put a precise figure on my collection, I would have to say that I have over six thousands of US dollars (way over)into it and it is growing everyday.

There are lot of people on the world collecting Simpsons merchandise. Do you have any advice for them, i.e. how to store, what to buy and what not?

I would say as for buying:
1.) Look around before you buy (there's alot out there).
2.) Don't get into the frenzy of bidding wars on the internet (you can always find another one).
3.) Research before you buy, know what they are worth.
4.) There are alot of knock-off's, be careful (I personally own some of them, but I bought them for myself, not for re-sale etc.) know what to pay.

Storage
There are some things you are never going to find mint etc. well, that's ok. If your collection is for yourself, enjoy, but if it's for value and the future, take care of it. I personally purchase two (2) of everything so I can have one out for display and one Mint In Box (MIB). I would also suggest out of direct sunlight, smoke-free environmets etc. The standards apply.

If you could design one Simpsons collectible, what would it be?

To try to put all of the influences on this show into one collectable would be impossible. I would like to see something, and I truly think it would have to be numerous items, that show The Simpsons from it's very humble beginnings to the glorious, cultural impact it now has. It would have to have pictures, interviews (from the stars to the collectors etc), figures etc. It would be numerous things that show what the show is, what it means to so many and the impact it has and has had on so many. I guess it would have to be something close to what I have collected plus so much more.

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