Alexander Gruber from Freising has been collecting action figures - for 40 years.
In his 27 square meter empire he keeps almost 1,500 treasures.
Freising
- Alexander Gruber's paradise is only 27 square meters.
White walls, black tiled floors, glass showcases - and in between countless colorful superheroes, fire-breathing dragons, spaceships, dinosaurs and science fiction figures, which the Freising man lovingly calls "Maxl".
And the room in the basement of his family house is not just his "Maxl room", but the testimony of over 40 years of passion.
The Star Wars saga laid the foundation
It all started when “Star Wars - Star Wars” hit German cinemas in February 1978, the first part of the sci-fi saga.
“That was my first movie, I fell in love with this story straight away,” remembers the now 48-year-old.
Back then, his parents gave him a few pawns.
Gruber's first passion was sparked.
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Detail: The film shelf guarded by King Kong is only a small part of Alexander Gruber's collection.
© Rainer Lehmann
The second was added a few years later, and it remains unbroken to this day: Alexander Gruber has been playing video games since he was eight years old.
“I've come into contact with all generations of consoles.” In addition to the common ones that can be found in many German children's rooms, Gruber also owns some exotic ones that were not even sold in this country.
For example the video game system Neo Geo from Japan.
"In the 90s a game cost a whopping 500 marks." Today he has 20 such games at home.
People are still collecting: “There's the Playstation 5 for Christmas.” When Alexander Gruber says such sentences, he is as happy as the boy from before.
He frankly admits that.
"I'm already 48, but still a child in that regard."
Figures, statues and films are an investment for the Freisinger
The Freisinger, who works as a cook at BMW in Munich, does not stop at films and series either.
“It started before I started my apprenticeship, back then with VHS tapes.” Regardless of whether it is horror, comedy or Disney cartoons: “There is no genre that I don't know or like.” In addition to numerous tapes, DVDs and blue-rays Gruber is always looking for various accessories.
"There are, for example, special editions, statues, busts, helmets and more." The head of the monster from Ridley Scott's Alien film series is just one of many pieces that Gruber houses at home in Vötting - in its original size, of course .
Action figures, console games and films: These three hobbies are not cheap, although Gruber always tries to get bargains from German and American online providers.
“Sure, with the money I could have paid off our house long ago - and bought a second one,” he admits.
For him, however, the figures, statues and films are a good investment.
“I also see my collection as financial security for my family.” That is why he looks after all items.
“Everything is new or like new.
In collectors' circles, a figure can lose an enormous amount of value, even if only the packaging is minimally damaged. ”This is one of the reasons why the Freising artist has only ever unpacked around ten percent of his treasures.
With almost 1,500 figures, that's a lot of work.
Alexander Gruber's wife shares his passion for movies and video games
Keyword family: Alexander Gruber's wife Ursula shares her husband's passion for movies and video games.
It is therefore hardly surprising that Gruber's Maxl room is teeming with Spiderman, Wonderwoman and Co.
There are posters hanging in the bedroom, and two life-size Hulk characters - Gruber's favorite character - and King Kong are watching breakfast in the living room.
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Surrounded by giants: two life-size Hulk statues stand in the Gruber's living and dining room.
Wife Ursula - here with son Liam Alexander - shares her husband's passion.
© Rainer Lehmann
Gruber has also already bought the first pieces for his little son Liam Alexander's nursery: figures from the 3D animation film “How to Train Your Dragon” or a Star Wars travel trolley.
"Of course I would be happy if Liam Alexander would get enthusiastic about it and continue collecting." The prerequisites are definitely given.
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