T3Collects

T3 Collects is a Northern California–based toy collector and content creator best known for documenting the modern collecting experience through in-store hunts, convention coverage, and community-driven content. Active across multiple lines, with a strong focus on Marvel Legends, T3 Collects also explores G.I. Joe Classified, DC Multiverse, and cult-favorite properties like The Crow. His approach emphasizes authenticity, accessibility, and the shared thrill of the hunt, making his content resonate with collectors at every level. In addition to regular video content, he hosts the podcast T3 Connects, spotlighting fellow collectors and voices from across the hobby.

Instagram: T3Collects
YouTube: @t3collects

 

Q&A with T3Collects

For those who might be new to your content — who is T3
Collects, and how did your collecting journey begin?

I’m Carlos from Northern California. I’ve been collecting
since I was a kid, but I really got back into it when my son was about 3 or 4
years old. He was into Super Hero Squad, so I started buying those for
him. Then Marvel Universe 3.75-inch figures caught my eye (for him… lol).

I fully dove back into collecting in 2015 when I found most
of the Captain America: Civil War Marvel Legends at Ross for $5.99. It’s
been all downhill from there.

Your content has a very recognizable style — how would
you describe what you bring to the collecting community?

My content is mostly raw footage with minimal editing —
usually just transitions. I want viewers to see exactly what I see in the
moment, whether I find something amazing or absolutely nothing. It’s all real
reactions, and yeah, I do curse sometimes when I find something unexpected at
Ross or insane clearance deals at Target or Walmart.

What’s the best part of connecting with other collectors
online? Any standout interactions or stories?

I’ve met several collectors in person who’ve become great
friends. We help each other out finding figures we can’t get in our own cities.
Building a real community and genuine friendships makes this hobby so much more
fun.

Meeting industry people at SDCC this past year who actually
knew who I was completely blew my mind. Talking with Dan Yun and Dwight Stall
from the Marvel Legends team was incredible.

I’ve also made close friends through YouTube that I still
want to meet in person — Chris from The Man Collects, Art Gutierrez (Art
G), Dakota and Jordan from The Strong Collectors, just to name a few.

I became close friends with Raphael Ceja (Cejaman) on
YouTube. We’ve gone to WonderCon, SDCC, SoCal Gaming Expo together, toy hunted
all over SoCal, and he even took me to Frank and Son’s — which, in my opinion,
isn’t all that great (I know I’m going to get hate for that).

What lines or brands are you currently collecting the
most?

Marvel Legends will always be my number one. After that it’s
kind of all over the place with G.I. Joe Classified and DC Multiverse. Another
big focus for me is The Crow.

What’s the current centerpiece of your collection — the
one figure you’d grab first in a fire?

My The Crow Eric Draven Hot Toys figure that my close
friend John sent me. He’s an incredibly generous friend who never expects
anything in return. When I opened it, I actually cried — no shame.

What’s your all-time favorite holiday movie?

(And do you watch it every year—or only when someone forces you?)

That’s a hard one. I’d have to say it’s a tie between Elf
and Home Alone. A Christmas Story used to be my favorite, but
once it started airing 24/7 a few years ago, I kind of got sick of it.

Favorite holiday TV special or episode from any show?

How I Met Your Mother — “Symphony of Illumination.”

What’s your go-to holiday song or playlist when you’re
decorating or filming content?

“I Won’t Be Home for Christmas” by Blink-182. Probably not
what you’d expect, lol.

If you could see one franchise get a full holiday
special, who would you pick and why?

Star Wars already had its time, and Marvel just did the Guardians
of the Galaxy Holiday Special, so I’d love to see either Superman or Batman
get a full holiday special.

What’s a pop culture moment that instantly feels like
“the holidays” to you?

The moment it hits November 1st and retail stores start
playing Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” That’s when
the holidays officially start.

What’s the most memorable toy or collectible you ever got
as a holiday gift growing up?

Getting Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in 1992. I remember my
parents telling me stories about parents fighting over them in stores.

If you could design a holiday variant of any character,
who gets the makeover?

I’d love to see holiday-themed Marvel Legends like Hasbro
does with Star Wars — Wolverine in a torn-up holiday sweater, Spider-Man in a
Christmas sweater, or Magneto dressed like Santa.

Favorite holiday snack or drink while working on content
or sorting your collection?

Holiday-colored peanut butter M&M’s

What’s something you want other collectors to know about
you or your goals for the future?

Beyond action figures, I also collect vinyl records, movie
posters, and physical media. My goals are to hit 10K subscribers on YouTube,
10K followers on Instagram, meet more collectors in person, grow my podcast T3
Connects, keep getting invited to cool events like SDCC, meet more industry
people, host my own West Coast toy expo with popular YouTubers, open my own
collectibles shop — and finally meet the owner of New Meta in person!