Nancy: You mentioned Sunway Co. I know one of the fans from Sunway attended the Global Fanfest. Did you? And if so, what did you think?
Bill: I didn't attend the Global Fanfest. I didn't win an entry. Although I could have gotten in on a press pass, I'm sure, I just didn't think the expense of air fare, hotel, etc. was worth having access to perhaps a limited number of events. I do wish, though, that I could have won.
Nancy: You're not alone. Here's an unusual question: Bill (hmmm) of Washington DC asks 'I'm looking for a Homer and Marge Wedding Cake Topper, but have unsuccessful thus far. Do you know if such an item exists, or do you think I would have to have it specially made by a cake maker? Thanks!'
Bill: I get that question about once a month, so it seems some cake-topper company could make a killing on a product like this. To the best of my knowledge, such toppers have never been produced featuring Homer and Marge in wedding attire. My suggestion typically is for people to buy a couple of figures and have them custom dressed for the occasion.
Nancy: Geez, I thought I was giving you a stumper! I can't imagine that people ask about a wedding cake topper that often. Here's a question I don't entirely understand. Perhaps you can explain a little in your answer. (Action figures?) Bart in Royersford, PA asks 'Are they going to discontinue Wave 1?'
Bill: It's a little hard to predict exactly what Playmates will do in the future, but the company has told me it will continue to produce figures as long as there is demand. So while Wave 1 sets don't seem to be shipping anymore, some Wave 1 figures have continued to be delivered with Wave 2, and I imagine some of that might continue with Wave 3. Hope that makes sense.
Nancy: Speaking of action figures, what new ones are on the horizon? I saw a 'Pin Pals' Homer today. Is that new?
Bill: Pin Pal Homer is part of Wave 2, which came out in late August. Wave 3 is due at the end of December or early January. Moe, Nelson, Kamp Krusty Bart, Sunday Best Homer, Millhouse, Otto are the figures that will be available and the play set environments will be Sideshow Bob/Krusty Studio and Mayor Quimby/Town Hall.
Nancy: Oooo! Pretty soon I'll have my own Springfield.
Bill: Yes, the current ToyFare magazine apparently has a nice spread on what's coming after that.
Nancy: While we're discussing action figures, here's another question: el Guapo in Millis, MA asks 'I have all of the interactive "Simpsons" figures and environments. Although I would love to open them and try each one out, would it be worth my while to leave them alone and eventually accumalate in value to allow my early retirement at age 48? I am currently age 41... Gracias!'
Bill: I recommend, if you can, buying one and putting the other way for safe-keeping. It's a little hard, though, to predict whether values will go up over time. But "Simpsons" figures from a decade ago kept mint in packaging are now worth about 10 times they original retail price.
Bill: Let me correct that last response. I recommend buying one to play with and one for safe-keeping.
Nancy: lol Gotcha. EdnaK asks 'What would your "dream" collectible be?'
Bill: Let me think a second. Interesting question. So many of the items I used to dream they've made in the past couple of years. I guess it's not a single item, but rather my dream is for there to be "Simpsons" conventions where fans can get together, swap merchandise and chat up the show. That would be cool.
Nancy: ManGod asks 'Do you give or get "Simpsons" stuff for the holidays?'
Bill: Not usually. It's hard for people to get me stuff I don't already have, and I don't know too many others who are as nuts about it as me.
Nancy: krustyman asks 'Bill, long time fan 50,000 dollars in "Simpsons" merchandise from dinky toys to priceless "Simpsons" pieces given from Groening to only the closest cast members. I know "The Simpsons" is a copyright, but do you think that they enforce it to much? Like I gaurntee websites such as yours and mine cause 1,000 of dollars a year in "Simpsons" products by promoting them. (not a lot to FOX) and then they shut us down. I gaurantee Matt Groening does not feel the same as FOX.
Bill: It's kind of hard to predict what Matt feels, but I think a lot of it is out of his control anyway. It's up to Fox to abide by its contracts with voice talent, etc., that prohibit such secondary uses as Web sites without permission.
Nancy: One more question, then we're going to open the chat for everyoe to talk. theRman in Berwyn IL asks 'What the most sought after (rarest) "Simpsons" collectible?'
Bill: One has to be this British cookie jar of Homer. I've seen it offered for about $1,000.
Nancy: Whoa! That's a lot of D'oh!
Bill: Cookie D'oh!
Nancy: Bill, thanks for answering all of these questions. Do you mind if we just open up the room to everyone?
Bill: Great!
