Meet George Simonson: Inside the Collection
Every shelf tells a story! Take a trip back to the '80s.
Jul. 12, 2026
George isn't just a toy collector. He's a collector of collections.
After decades of hunting down thousands of toys, George has filled his basement with more than 5,000 action figures and complete toy lines from the 1980s. It's a who's who of the decade's most iconic toys!
Walking into the collection fills George with complete joy, and he hopes it brings that same feeling to everyone who sees it. It's a trip down memory lane that's anything but child's play, proving some memories never go out of style.
Now it's your turn to press rewind. What was your very first toy? Head to our socials and let us know!
1. Super Powers Collection
George's favorite toy line is the Super Powers Collection, released from 1984 to 1986. The line features 34 action figures inspired by DC Comics' greatest heroes and villains, but one stands above the rest for George: Cyborg, one of his all-time favorite characters.
Finding Cyborg wasn't easy. George searched for years before finally adding the figure to his collection at 19 years old. Today, he owns three. The figure is especially rare because only one was packed per case, and production issues sometimes meant it didn't make it into the package at all.
Back in the 1980s, it seemed like every kid in America was searching for this figure. Were you one of them?
According to our expert, this collection still packs a super punch. Today, George's complete Super Powers Collection is valued at $5,500.
2. Secret Wars Collection
George's Secret Wars collection, produced by Mattel from 1984 to 1985, was inspired by Marvel Comics' groundbreaking Secret Wars comic book event, where the publisher's biggest heroes and villains battled for ultimate supremacy.
The toy line was Marvel's answer to DC's Super Powers Collection, giving fans another chance to bring their favorite comic book adventures to life. George's collection includes all 17 figures, and his favorite is Spider-Man.
So, where do your loyalties lie? Are you Team DC or Team Marvel?
According to our expert, this collection has become even more valuable thanks to Marvel's popularity. It's a heroic investment, with George's complete Secret Wars collection now valued at $3,000.
3. The A-Team Collection
The A-Team is peak '80s, and George's The A-Team collection earns an A+.
Do you remember The A-Team? George certainly does. His collection includes all nine of the original 6-inch action figures, along with the vehicles that made the line unforgettable, including the iconic van, a boat, an airplane and the playset. George owns them all.
For any fan of the '80s, this collection is a mission accomplished. The figures are in great condition, and their eye-catching packaging makes them even more special.
According to our expert, George's complete The A-Team collection is worth about $5,000.
4. ThunderCats Toy Collection
ThunderCats was one of George's favorite after-school cartoons, so it's no surprise this is one of the crown jewels of his collection.
Produced by LJN from 1985 to 1987, the ThunderCats toy line features many of George's favorite characters. He loves the larger size of the figures and their vibrant colors, but what makes them truly special are the memories.
As a kid, he spent countless hours playing with them, making this collection especially meaningful today. George owns all 30 figures in the line.
According to our expert, finding these figures in working condition is no easy feat because of decades of wear and tear. That rarity has them purr-fectly positioned for a value of about $5,000.
5. M.A.S.K. Collection
M.A.S.K. was one of the most unique toy lines of the 1980s, and George has the complete collection to prove it.
Produced by Kenner from 1985 to 1988, M.A.S.K. featured vehicles that transformed into something completely different. Corvettes, oil tankers and more all had hidden surprises.
The toys were based on the animated series M.A.S.K., which George watched growing up. The name stands for Mobile Armored Strike Kommand, and the series became a favorite for many kids of the era.
George owns all 39 vehicles in the line, including the playset. Do you remember M.A.S.K., or did this collection transform your memory?
According to our expert, M.A.S.K. combined elements of G.I. Joe and Transformers while carving out its own place in the toy aisle. Today, George's complete collection is valued at about $4,000.
6. WWF Collection
These WWF action figures were produced by LJN, and George has the complete lineup of all 64 figures. His favorite wrestler is "Macho Man" Randy Savage. Who was yours?
Each figure originally came with a collectible bio card that fans could cut out and keep. George was a huge wrestling fan growing up, and his complete collection is proof that his fandom went the distance.
These heavyweight figures were made from a durable PVC rubber-like material, the same type of material often used for dog toys. That toughness made them great for play, and dog approved.
According to our expert, the quality of the paint details and accessories helps this collection pin down an estimated value of $6,000.
7. The total value of his toy collection:
