WHEN Sean Mahon’s mum threatened to throw out his old action figures and superhero toys, he sprung into action (kapow!)

Aghast at the thought of losing a chunk of his childhood, the 31-year-old boldly decided to set up a business and holy smoke, Batman – it’s been a surprise success.

Action Mahon sells collectible toys and figures such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Star Wars, He-Man and Batman at comic book fairs and vintage shows around Scotland.

“The response has been massive,” grins Sean, who lives on the south side of Glasgow.

“Kids love it because it’s toys, of course, and mums and dads love it because it reminds them of their own childhoods.

“It’s only really been going for six months or so, but at the last show I did there were 700 people there.

"It’s been brilliant and because I’m relatively new to Glasgow, it’s been a great way to meet people.”

Irishman Sean left his native country eight years ago to join the e-commerce team of a major chainstore, and after a spell in Brighton working for a high-end sneaker firm, he ended up in Glasgow.

“I love the city, it’s a great place to live,” he explains.

“On one of my trips home, my mum told me she was planning to throw out my old action figures and comic books and I was horrified.

"I managed to convince her not to and brought it all over here.

"My partner Thuy is very patient with me – our spare room is absolutely packed with toys.”

Sean’s memorabilia consists mainly of 80s and 90s action figures but he does have the odd, unusual item.

“The most random thing was a packet of Michael Keaton Batman cereal, which was unopened and still in the packaging, 30 years on,” he grins.

“That sold for £15, which was a result.

“I’m not really after the rare, expensive stuff – occasionally there will be something that comes along but I’m not competing with the big guys who do this on a grand scale.

“It’s a hobby, and my day job at digital innovation company Equator supports it.

“They are all really supportive, and tolerant of the fact my desk is full of little plastic toys…”

The best bit, says Sean, is getting to chat to fellow fans.

“It’s great chatting to kids who know the characters I grew up with, like Spiderman and Batman, from more recent versions,” he says.

“And then the dads get involved and talk about their childhood toys, and it’s amazing how many memories they share. I even had two sisters battling about which Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle was the best.

“Fans are really passionate about this stuff.”

Sometimes, Sean admits, things are just too precious to part with.

“I do have to think long and hard about what goes on the stall,” he admits.

“Sometimes, things go right back in the box – they are too special to sell.”

The next Big Glasgow Comic and Craft Fair takes place at the Trades Hall on October 3.