We recently introduced a new regular feature in Scoop: Origin Issue. The subject is a straightforward question, but one with many different answers: Why do you collect?

The subject this time is Lawrence Klein, Chairman Emeritus and Founder of the Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art (MoCCA).

The gene of collecting has been passed down to me from my grandparents. As a kid, both my grandfathers tried to influence me to collect with them, one stamps and the other coins. When I was eight, my dad took me to a flea market with a comic book dealer. It blew my mind at the time, how neat was it to have all these comics in one place and not like the brief selection at the grocery store. I picked up three comic books and was hooked.

I am very lucky to have a dad who supported and participated with me in collecting. We went to all the New York City conventions and met great people I call friends today. For years we went to the San Diego con. Together, we went on many journeys collecting and spending quality time together. Even when I started MoCCA my folks were there helping.

Now that I have a son and one on the way, I look at that time collecting with a deeper fondness.  In hindsight, collecting comic books wasn’t just about the enjoyment of the perfect find, the great read or even the first piece of original art (Neal Adams cover), it was about the time spent with my dad. I hope I can be that father to my kids, no matter what they choose to collect.

You can find the Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art at 594 Broadway, Suite 401, New York, NY10012. They’re online at www.moccany.org.

If you’d like to share your origin issue, drop us a line with “Origin Issue” in the subject line. We’re looking for a maximum of 200 words addressing why you collect (and it doesn’t have to be comic books).