Local man shows off ‘Star Wars’ collectibles

The new “Star Wars” movie will lead to the creation of new collectibles but a local man will just add them to those he has owned since the first movie in 1977.

Brendan Shank, 45, of Security-Widefield, said he has nearly 33,000 pieces of “Star Wars” memorabilia valued at $800,000.

“I’ve been collecting since I saw the first movie at Citadel Mall,” he said. “I never knew it would have any value.”

Shank’s basement and garage walls and ceilings are covered with collectibles — figurines, models, video games, even food labels are among the varieties.

“It’s hard to get insurance when your home is worth less than the contents inside,” he said. “I also have two storage units full of stuff.”

Shank said the pride and joy of his collection is a figurine from a 1985 cartoon that he bought from actor Leonardo DiCaprio for $9,100.

“There are only two of them known to exist,” he said. “DiCaprio asked to buy it back for $100,000. I’ll never sell it. Once it’s gone, you’ll never see it again.”

Shank said he and his wife travel regularly around the state to fill out his collection.

“What I don’t have is a Death Star,” he said. “It costs $8,000. I’m saving up for that one. I’ll be collecting these things until the day I die.”

Shank bristles at the idea of being considered a nerd or geek.

“Sometimes, we really do get offended by that,” he said. “We’re just everyday people who enjoy ‘Star Wars.'”