Born from a million comic books, more than 10,000 mighty marvels of merchandising call The Toy & Action Figure Museum of Pauls Valley, Okla., home. Inside a former department store on an aged downtown street in a city you otherwise might never visit, the museum is one of those tourist attractions that’s actually worth the drive — roughly one hour south of the Oklahoma City metro area.
After you pay your $6 admission, you enter the space, and immediately, you won’t quite know where to begin, as your eye is seduced by color in every direction. Perhaps the most famous exhibit is to the immediate left: “The Adult Collector’s Bedroom Diorama,” a virtual bedroom filled with a bed and wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling action figures, as well as the occasional snack wrapper.
To the immediate right is “The Military Action Figure Display,” which presents detailed dioramas of World War II battles. Similar in nature is a G.I. Joe exhibit toward the back, with skirmishes with Cobra by land and by sea, wallpapered with issues of the popular 1980s Marvel comic.
In the very back stands my favorite area: “The Back-Cave.” It’s devoted to all things Batman, from toys and games to books and posters … and even arcane items such as Batman-branded tortilla chips. There’s a coin-operated Batmobile ride for the kids, who also will want to visit Action City, where they can play with some figures, dress up in superhero costumes, or just kick back and watch cartoons.
Dotting other walls and shelves are a tribute to STAR WARS, a current look at WATCHMEN and lots of horror icons, from Clive Barker’s HELLRAISER to James O’Barr’s THE CROW. “From Art to Action Figure” demonstrates how the look of a character changes on the journey from page to three dimensions, making examples out of Alex Ross’ Superman and Batman, Erik Larsen’s Savage Dragon, Jack Kirby’s Mister Miracle, and others. Another display is dedicated to Thor, keying off a recent storyline that places the Norse god in Oklahoma.
Last but not least is “The Oklahoma Cartoonists Collection,” featuring original sketches and other work from those comics artists and writers who, at one time or another, lived in the Sooner State. There are more than you might think, such as SHAZAM!’s E. Nelson Bridwell and Smilin’ Jack’s Zack Mosley. Not surprisingly, and completely deservingly, the bulk of the exhibit belongs to Chester Gould, creator of Dick Tracy.
Both times I’ve gone since the museum’s 2005 inception, I wanted to spend more time in there than my impatient kids could stand. For more information, visit http://www.actionfiguremuseum.com. —Rod Lott
Wanna see more photos? And better ones, at that? BOOKGASM contributor Ken Davis has 20 gems here.
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
This IS an awesome place and your story really captured the WOW factor.
Thank you,
Susen Foster
Public & Media Relations Director
Toy & Action Figure Museum
PV office: 405/238-2995
580/369-8999 cell
Neat!…If I ever get down that way, this looks like a must-see.
Whew, fantastic! I can’t imagine the work and cost that went into this museum. What an awesome place! That is such a small admission fee for something so huge, and the insurance must be staggering! I hope I can get up there some day to visit the museum!