DJ Ogden's lifelong passion for collecting Star Wars memorabilia traces back to a single childhood moment in Wadena, Saskatchewan. His mother purchased him a 1977 Darth Vader action figure, a toy that lacked the cape and lightsaber features common in modern versions, yet sparked an enduring fascination.
From Small-Town Toy Store to Major Collecting Passion
"In Wadena, we had a truck store that basically had a toy selection of about a four by two area filled with toys," Ogden recalled. "I then saw the very first Darth Vader movie, and I was hooked." That initial encounter with the iconic villain ignited what would become a decades-long pursuit of Star Wars figures and collectibles.
Showcasing Collections at Saskatoon's Nerdvana Event
Recently, Ogden joined dozens of comic book, action figure, and Pokémon enthusiasts at the first-ever Nerdvana Comic and Toy Show in Saskatoon. The event took place at the Western Development Museum, where hundreds gathered in a packed room to sell collectibles and celebrate shared interests. For Ogden, this marked his first participation in such an event since relocating to Saskatoon.
Event organizers Mark and Kaylan Rawson explained their motivation for creating the show. "We wanted to keep something going for the community and for vendors and for attendees to have somewhere to go, basically, in the spring," Mark Rawson said. His wife Kaylan added, "We've had nothing but positive reviews. All the vendors are having fun and it just makes us feel good that we can do this."
The Business Behind the Passion
The Rawsons, who both began collecting toys at age 12, operate Cosmic Comics Canada in Saskatoon. Their business, established five years ago, sells collectibles online and through Facebook. The couple plans to make the Nerdvana event an annual tradition, noting that vendor spots sold out just two weeks after this year's announcement.
Passing the Torch to New Generations
Ogden observed that while the community of toy and comic collectors is aging, seeing younger enthusiasts emerge is "exciting." At home, his two sons show little interest in his Star Wars collection but actively collect Pokémon cards themselves.
Character-Driven Collecting Philosophy
Ogden's approach to collecting is character-driven. After reading comics or watching Star Wars films, he often "falls in love" with particular characters and seeks out corresponding toys. Beyond Star Wars, he's also a fan of the 1987 Masters of the Universe film, appreciating its narrative of a heroic warrior defending the universe.
His current favorite set is the Star Wars: The Clone Wars trooper collection, which he acquired through a fortunate encounter at a Saskatoon Walmart. "The lady just happened to be like, 'Are you looking for something'? I showed her a photo of the set and she happened to have them in the back and came out with all of them, so that was pretty exciting," Ogden recounted.
Preserving Childhood Wonder Through Adulthood
What began with a simple action figure in a small Saskatchewan town has evolved into a comprehensive collection that Ogden continues to expand. His story illustrates how childhood interests can develop into lifelong passions, connecting generations of enthusiasts through shared cultural touchstones like Star Wars.
The success of events like Nerdvana demonstrates the vibrant collecting community in Saskatchewan, where enthusiasts can gather to buy, sell, and celebrate the pop culture artifacts that have shaped their lives. For collectors like Ogden, these gatherings provide valuable opportunities to connect with fellow enthusiasts and share the stories behind their prized possessions.
