I’ve gotten a lot of questions about why I always travel with action figures.  The answer is simple really: because toting around an action figure mascot (AFM) makes everything WAY MORE FUN! 

The origin of the action figure dates way back to 2004, when Allison and I were on a band trip to Chicago.  Our other friend and co-trouble-maker, Eric, got a G.I.Joe in his happy meal, and the AFM was BORN!

G.I. Joe started it all

As my heterosexual life partner, Allison and I have spent a lot of time together.  Specifically, we have spent a lot of time on airplanes together.  In 2006, we embarked on a 9-week European backpacking trip sans-AFM.  However, about mid-way through the trip he found us!  SPIDERMAN!  We met him in a bathroom in a Grecian Airport.  Despite our less-than-sparkling first meeting, Spidy (as he came to be affectionately known) traveled with us throughout the rest of the trip, and on many subsequent adventures!

Flying high with Spidey

Food Hog

Spidey Likey Sangria

I am lazy and didn’t go through years of pictures to prove it, but Spidey had many great adventures with us.    Spidey ultimately met his end in Maui, where he tried to throw himself from the rental jeep.  I was able to piece him back together, but to be honest he was never the same, and having to put him on suicide watch was emotionally taxing for all of us.

Maui – pre Jeep catapult

Sad Face

Spidey – why would you do this to yourself!?!?!

RIP Spidey.  I will introduce you to some other mascots in a later post, but for now I’ll leave you with an image of Spidey doing what he loved best: Climbing!

RIP Spiderman.  A lover of adventure, pizza, and sangria.