The World of the Simpsons Collectible Merchandise

Collectibles come in all shapes, sizes and forms. Some of the more common collectible items include sports cards or memorabilia, comic books, glassware or silverware and shirts; the list goes on and on. Some collector's markets fetch prices in the thousands or even tens of thousands for a piece, while sometimes, depending on what you are collecting, it may be possible to build an entire collection with just a few dollars.

Some markets are more successful than others, but the demand for The Simpsons collectible merchandise is just as large as they get - and it's no wonder, with the amount of success and fame achieved by The Simpsons name over the years. Like other collectibles, The Simpsons have all different types of merchandise; comic books, DVDs, poster, stickers, games, action figures and more all bear The Simpsons name and logo.

The Simpsons, first created by Matt Groening, originally aired on The Tracey Ullman Show in 1987, before being picked up by the Fox network in 1989. Since then it has kept its audience laughing as it is not only the longest running animated television show in America, but the longest running American sitcom, as well. Over the years they have amassed quite a cult following, and have release ample merchandise to please the fans in between seasons.

More than once The Simpsons has teamed up with Burger King to offer collectible action figures available only by purchase through their restaurant locations. More recently, The Simpsons have even been put into action figure form by famed designer Todd MacFarlane; the man responsible for the Spawn series of comic books and action figures, as well as a lot more. Action figures of The Simpsons characters have been designed and released by a number of other companies over the years, as well.

To promote the recent movie released in 2007, select 7-11 convenience stores were entirely transformed to mimic their Simpsons counterpart, the "Kwik-E-Mart". These mock stores featured such items as "Buzz Cola", the exact same type of soda drank on The Simpsons, as well as "Frosted Krusty-O's", a cereal named after the cartoon clown featured on the show. All of this was of course temporary, and the promotional products can now only be found in the hands of collectors or on internet auction sites such as Ebay.com.

A good collection builds value over time, and a collection of Simpsons merchandise or memorabilia is no different. With a lifespan of nearly 20 years and counting, The Simpsons has made its mark on this world in nearly every form possible. Once the writers and producers decide it's time to bring the series to a graceful end, The Simpsons collectible merchandise will be on everybody's minds - and not to mention wish lists as well.