Fantasy PEZ of robertsam2000

Over the last couple years while surfing eBay I noticed some very well done fantasy PEZ.  Each time one caught my eye, it was the creation of seller robertsam2000.  Many times I was surprised by the new creation.  For example, Rosie the Robot from the Jetsons, the set from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 1964 stop-motion movie, the marbleized psychedelic eye, Cling and Clang from H.R. Pufnstuf, etc.  So I wanted to do a feature here compiling the great creations of robertsam2000, a.k.a. Robert Samolewski from New York.  Occasionally, Robert will use a marbleizing paint effect or create a mold from an existing PEZ (see the Witch B photo below).  Many PEZ collectors dismiss fantasy PEZ such as these by saying they are simply "slapping a toy head on a PEZ stem".  In my opinion the creations here are way beyond that -- innovative subjects, attention to detail, color coordinated heads/stems, etc.  You be the judge...

Before we get to the photos, however, here is an interview I conducted with Robert via e-mail:

How many years have you been creating fantasy PEZ dispensers?
About 8 years.

What was the first fantasy PEZ you created?
He-Man and Skeletor from the Masters of the Universe. These are what started it all!  I had a bunch of vintage figures that I was trying to sell on eBay.  I was only able to get a few dollars for them and then thought how cool these would look as Pez dispensers.  I loved them!  So I made a set for me and sold a set for much more than the action figure was worth.  Then it went from there!  I still have a set for myself.

How do you get inspired to create a new fantasy PEZ?  Seeing a cool head somewhere, watching a movie or TV show, ... ?
I am really into nostalgic characters plus many new characters.  So whenever I see a head on something that I would like to see as a Pez dispenser I make it.  Some for myself and some to sell.
 
What year did you start selling your creations on eBay?
About 2006.

Most of your creations are for display only, in that the head does not tilt and no candy can be dispensed, right?  Have you created any "operational" fantasy PEZ?
I have made a few working Pez dispensers, but they are way too much work for a display piece.  So I normally don't do that anymore.  I still have a nice set of Universal Monsters that I made that work in my collection. [displayed in photos below]

How many different fantasy PEZ do you estimate you've created over the years?
About 900!  Many are 1 of a kinds depending on the head I find.  A few I have made about 15 or so of one design, but not many in quantity like this.

Where do you find the heads?  Flea markets, thrift shops?
Internet, toy shows, flea markets, garage sales.  A few I have made molds and made my own heads.

I really appreciate how you match the stem color to the head.  Do you have a large collection of different stem colors?
I buy used Pez from eBay for my stem selection.  One year I found someone selling about 300 stems on eBay with no heads for a great price.  That was a lucky find.  Not sure where they got these from?

Fantasy PEZ are quite polarizing in that collectors usually like them or dismiss them.  What has been your experience in terms of PEZ collectors reacting to your creations?
99.9% of my customers have loved them.  On a very very rare occasion someone returns one because they thought it was real.  I always state in my auctions that they are not made by Pez and do not work.

You also use a marbleizing technique that I really like on some of your creations.  What can you tell me about that process without revealing the "secret sauce" so to speak?
Well, it is basically floating paint in water.  There is a bit of a technique to get the right look.  I have lots of fun with these!

Do you still actively collect PEZ dispensers?
Oh yea!!!  I probably have over 3000 so far.  New and vintage.  Collecting them is what started it all.  I also collect lots of action figures.  The perfect blend of toy and Pez!

Thanks for the interview Robert!

Now here are some photos of the very cool fantasy PEZ of robertsam2000.  Enjoy!

Disclaimer: Goofy Grape and Kiss PEZ using Princess Leia weren't created by Robert, but are part of his collection