We got to know a very interesting former chef and proud father of two: Mark Hutchins aka Hutch0 on TikTok. His passion leans more toward building Lego MOCs (My Own Creation), so we are clearly in for a treat!
Let’s get to know him and his collection a bit more 🙂
Q: What do you collect, and how did you get started?
I mainly collect Batman minifigures — along with his allies and villains, Spider-Man variants, and Star Wars empire figures. The sets I have are mainly Batmobiles and Batcaves.
I got back into Lego because my eldest daughter, who was 7 at the time, started looking at Lego. I hadn’t known that so much had been released, and this discovery brought back my interest in it. So we both went shopping. That was 2016.
Q: What was the first item in your collection?
It was a few variants of Batman. At the time I started, there were 28 variants. Now there are 96.
Q: What inspired you to start collecting?
Can’t say something inspired me, but my daughter wanted to get Lego and I wanted to be involved, I wanted to have Lego to build myself.
Q: What keeps you passionate about collecting?
Good question. Building and collecting Legos keeps me calm.
Q: Do you have a favorite item or a piece that holds special meaning to you?
I have a few that I received on birthdays like the 89 Batmobile and Shadowbox Batcave.
Also, I have custom-made pieces that I’m the only person to own. Those are also special.
Q: What is the rarest or most valuable item in your collection?
The big Batmobiles, as they were expensive sets. I have a few minifigures that are worth some money. The most expensive minifigure is probably the Harley Quinn from the Apocalypse set. That figure is around £280.
Q: What are some of the biggest challenges you face as a collector?
Wouldn’t say challenges as such. Just keeping up with what comes out and when. Saving money probably is the biggest. Or hiding it from the wife lol.
Q: Have you had any particularly memorable experiences related to your collection, such as finding a rare item or meeting other collectors?
I’m lucky to be able to display at many shows. By doing this I have met so many great people. My family joins me on many, and getting to share that with them has made so many memories.
Q: Has the collecting community influenced your collection?
I’d say yes, I started my Batman journey just happy to get one of each suit. Then, a few friends I had made, who also collected Batman figures, pointed out that I should go on to collect the different types. So, it could have a different face, a different cowl, a different cape, but the same suit. So, down the rabbit hole, I went.
Q: Do you participate in any online groups, forums, or events related to your collection?
I’m not in any groups that directly link to my collection but Facebook Lego groups in general I’m in. These have had a big impact on my collecting.
Q: How do you display or organize your collection?
My Batman collection is in a display case, same for my Empire army. I have a few sets on shelves. But I mainly MOC now so I have builds I’m working on every where.
My MOCs for shows are packed away.
Q: Do you have any tips for others on how to manage and maintain a collection?
Patience!
When I first started, I was very much like: “I must get on release”. This then meant I paid over the odds . If you just wait, you will find a bargain.
Also: keep your favorite things in cases or packed away.
Q: Can you share an interesting story or anecdote related to your collection?
I’ve found myself at comic cons while being able to display at them. So meeting a few famous people was great.
Q: Have you made any friendships or connections through your collecting hobby?
Oh yes, lots and lots.
My friends I grew up with have no interest in Lego so the Lego family are the ones I get to chat with about that.
Q: Do you have any goals or plans for your collection in the future?
Just to keep collecting and building!
I’m 4 years into building a big galactic Empire hanger so I just want to keep building on that.
Q: Are there any specific items you are currently seeking to add to your collection?
2006 Batwing is an old set that I want, and the animated Batman Skyline. Also, to get the final figures I need for the collection.
Q: How has collecting impacted your life, both personally and professionally?
I’d say personally it stopped me drinking as I’d rather buy Lego.
And it’s a great way to reset my brain and I find it incredibly calming. Professionally, it only made me work harder to earn more to buy more, lol.
Q: What skills or knowledge have you gained through your collecting hobby?
Batman Lego knowledge — I’m no expert but know enough, lol.
Building techniques skills have grown also. I’m always looking to find great ways to add details.
Q: What advice would you give to someone just starting out with their own collection?
Really all I can say is save, have a budget, be patient.
Join Lego groups and talk to people.
You will find that people will help.
Q: Are there any common mistakes new collectors should avoid?
Don’t go rushing in on buying — ask questions.
Avoid fake Lego. Most fakes don’t have the Lego stamp on their necks or hips.
Anything else you want to share?
Just enjoy it!
Such an interesting journey Mark has had so far! We are sure you’ve enjoyed reading about it as much as we did. It was such a pleasure to learn more about his passion!
We encourage you to keep an eye on his social media and see his progress on his MOCs:
Find him on Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram!
And, as usual, we wish you happy collecting!
