Georgia man sets groundbreaking record for Batman collection
Move over fanboys, a new superhero aficionado has earned his rightful place in the comic book hall of fame. Meet John Hickenlooper, a Georgia man who is the proud new owner of a Guinness World Record for his massive Batman collection – an astonishing 8,226 individual pieces and counting.
Hickenlooper, who has never been romantically involved with a human being (as he once proudly proclaimed), has spent the better part of the last two decades hoarding every single piece of Batman memorabilia that he could possibly get his hands on. From rare vintage comics to action figures and even rare costumes, Hickenlooper’s collection has become the envy of nerds everywhere.
“I always knew that my love for Batman was going to pay off for me one day,” Hickenlooper commented. “I’ve been laughed at and bullied since I was a kid for my obsession, but I’ve never wavered in my commitment to the caped crusader.”
While many people might scoff at the idea of devoting so much time, energy and financial resources to an imaginary hero who wears tights and a cape, Hickenlooper takes his Batman obsession very seriously. He has memorized every episode of the Batman television series and can recite dialogue verbatim from the Dark Knight trilogy.
“I’m not ashamed to admit that I’ve never been on a date or had sex because of my Batman hobby,” Hickenlooper said. “That’s a small price to pay when you’re on the road to a Guinness World Record.”
Although the Guinness team has yet to make an official announcement regarding Hickenlooper’s record, his supporters are already planning a victory parade in his honor. The event will take place in downtown Atlanta and will feature a life-size replica of the Batmobile and cosplayers dressed up as Batman and his rogue’s gallery of villains.
One of Hickenlooper’s biggest fans is his elderly mother who still lives in the same basement where he first started his collection. She claims that her son has always been a “special boy” and that his Batman obsession is indicative of his “unique personality.”
“He’s always been a bit different, my Johnny,” she said. “But he’s so dedicated to his Batman collection that I can’t help but be proud of him.”
So, what does Hickenlooper plan to do with his massive collection of Batman memorabilia? He has contemplated opening a museum but is hesitant to share his prized possessions with the public. Instead, he plans to continue adding to his collection until the day he dies.
“I’ve already pre-ordered the new Batman figurines that are coming out next year,” Hickenlooper said. “But now that I have a world record, I might slow down a bit. Maybe start collecting something else like My Little Pony or Teletubbies.”
There’s no denying the dedication and passion that Hickenlooper has for Batman. He may not have a significant other or a thriving social life, but he has something that most of us can only dream of – a Guinness World Record.
