A comic fan has achieved his “lifetime dream” of getting into the Guinness Book of Records with his collection of Deadpool merchandise.
Gareth Peter Pahlini, 41, of Clogan, Ireland, began collecting memorabilia back in 2006 and now buys between 20 and 40 new items each month.
Over the past 17 years, the father-of-two’s collection has now grown so large that he has an entire room in his house devoted to comic books, collector’s dolls, and a life-size statue of a Marvel superhero.
‘I think it’s my happy place,’ said the father-in-law at the home – which has 2,250 collectors’ pieces. When I sit in the comic cave, I feel a sense of accomplishment.
Gareth has been a fan of Deadpool since he read his first comic book at the age of five and was “totally hooked” on the stories.
Gareth Peter Pahlini, 41, of Clogan, Ireland, started collecting memorabilia in 2006
The adorable fan says he was more interested in the animation as Deadpool has “dealt with a lot of hardship,” which makes him a “more rounded character.”
In the 2016 film, Deadpool is rendered immortal but permanently disfigured after undergoing an experimental treatment for cancer.
After rediscovering the series as an adult, Gareth said: ‘I bought as many comics as I could … and as action figures started coming out, I collected them and put them on a small screen. And I think he just grew up.
By the time the movie came out, Gareth hoped he’d amassed enough merchandise for him to win a Guinness World Record.
At the time, it was just short of the 2000 record — and he focused all of his energies on completing Man Cave.
Earlier this year, it was confirmed that he is now the proud owner of most Deadpool merchandise in the world.
“It’s been my life’s dream to be in the book since I was a little kid,” Gareth said, opening up about the moment he found out.
“When I saw all of these people’s names in the book, I said, ‘Well, one day, I’m going to find something that I can be in the book for.'” ”
After losing his Guinness World Records title in 2016, Gareth focused all of his energies on completing ‘The Man Cave’.
Pictured: Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool in the 2016 Marvel movie
What’s more, Gareth says he became increasingly invested in his merchandise line after giving up alcohol in 2009.
He explained: “In my monitoring, I found things that made me happy.
And that’s also where I spend my money – all the money I saved from coming out and everything else that I then put into comics and my collection.
“Something where I can look around and be proud of.”
One of the oldest items in Gareth’s collection is a figurine of Deadpool holding a rubber chicken, bought for him by his aunt.
He said: ‘It just made it different and funny.
‘Compared to all the other statues I’ve seen that were serious and museum-like.
Gareth read his first Deadpool comic book at the age of five and was ‘totally addicted’ to the stories
Pictured: Gareth is surrounded by the 2,250 pieces of Deadpool merchandise he owns. Acquires between 20 and 40 new items each month
Gareth says his seven-year-old son Liam is also a fan of Comic Cave and would spend hours there with him
“And there’s a sentimental story to go along with this – my aunt was able to get it for me and bring it back to me when I was living in South Africa.”
One of Gareth’s favorites is a rare bust of Deadpool used when molding the character’s mask in the first movie, which was signed by Marvel comic book creator Stan Lee and actor Ryan Reynolds.
Furthermore, Gareth says he “couldn’t have imagined” another actor playing Deadpool.
Praising Ryan’s performance, he added: “I think the really cool thing is that he’s also a father and you can see he makes time for his family – he’s just a really good guy.”
In addition to bringing him great joy, Gareth says his seven-year-old son Liam is also a fan of Comic Cave.
‘He absolutely loves it,’ said Gareth. “He’ll come sit downstairs with me, he likes to be there.”
Gareth also has a YouTube channel dedicated to weekly comics and entertainment news, as well as reviews of items in his Deadpool collection.
“I don’t think I will ever stop,” he said. I will continue to collect as long as I can.
