When it first started out, CBS' hit sitcom The Big Bang Theory centered on four quirky characters who loved comic books, video games and sci-fi movies and TV shows. As their new neighbor Penny walked into their universe, she, as well as the audience, were introduced to a world filled with valuable toys, rare comics and collectibles.
Since one of the main sets of The Big Bang Theory is Stuart's comic book shop, the store has always featured plenty of statues and action figures in its background. However, there are plenty of collectibles that came to the forefront of certain episodes -- items that have either been at the center of a story, or part of a particular set day in and day out.
As the series approaches its series finale, which is set to air Thursday, May 16, we take a look back at 12 seasons of The Big Bang Theory to run down the coolest collectibles featured on the show.
Green Lantern's Power Battery
In the Season 3 episode "The Psychic Vortex," the series introduced audiences to one of the coolest DC collectibles on the market: a Green Lantern power battery. In the comic books, the power battery is what allows a Green Lantern to recharge their power ring by speaking the Green Lantern Corps' oath: "In brightest day, in blackest night, no evil shall escape my sight..." -- an oath that Sheldon himself recites in the episode.
In "The Psychic Vortex," the power battery appears as a bribe. While it once belonged to Raj, he gifts it to Sheldon to convince him to act as his wingman during a party. But, of course, Sheldon has to bring the power battery along with him, turning on its light effect as a party trick.
Longclaw
In the Season 5 episode "The Russian Rocket Reaction," Sheldon and Leonard pooled their money to buy a replica of Jon Snow's sword Longclaw, as seen in the HBO series Game of Thrones. The sword was the subject of a humorous price battle between the two friends and comic shop owner Stuart. Then, once the purchase was made, the sword became a part of Leonard and Sheldon's apartment decor.
It even came back to the forefront when Sheldon moved out to live with his girlfriend Amy Farrah Fowler. Like Dr. Cooper, the sword would move across the hall, but it would remain a part of the show's background DNA.
Luke Skywalker's Lightsaber
One of Leonard's most prized collectibles is a replica of Luke Skywalker's green lightsaber. The saber, which actually lights up green, has been featured a bunch of times on the series. The collectible made its first appearance in the second episode of the very first season, "The Big Bran Hypothesis," after Leonard hears a worrying sound in the middle of the night. Not only does he use it as a flashlight of sorts, it also appears to be wielded as a weapon in case he comes across an attacker.
The lightsaber would make other appearances later, such as the time when the building's power went out and Leonard one-upped Sheldon's little light stick with his light-up sword.
Iron Man's Helmet
In the Season 6 episode "The Parking Spot Escalation," a dispute between Sheldon and Howard led to the inclusion of an awesome Marvel collectible: a fully wearable Iron Man helmet replica from Hasbro's Marvel Legends line of toys. As Howard and Sheldon fight over the same parking spot at Caltech University, the war soon escalates in shots taken at the character's prized possessions.
After Howard goes after Sheldon's couch spot, Sheldon retaliates by stealing (and wearing) Howard's Iron Man helmet. While Wolowitz may be a brilliant engineer, he is no Tony Stark, and this cool helmet replica is as close as the character will get to being Iron Man.
A Collection of Kryptonite
While this next collectible is not part of any crucial The Big Bang Theory story, it has been featured in the background of plenty of episodes. Raj's collection of Kryptonite is often featured as a center piece on his dinner table. The multicolored Justice League of America set contains replicas of four different colors of Kryptonite: blue, green, yellow and red. Each are kept in their own containment unit, and the rocks have a light-up feature.
The Kryptonite set is incredibly cool and, while it was available for a time online, it's now a lot harder to find. It's a testament to this collectible's wonder that it has constantly been featured as Raj's favorite display piece.
Of course, this is only a fraction of all the awesome collectibles featured on The Big Bang Theory. Whether it's a Black and White Superman statue, a Cylon-printing toaster or a special edition of Donkey Kong Jenga, re-watching any episode of the CBS sitcom will have you scouring through eBay to add plenty of new collectibles to your own hoard.
The Big Bang Theory airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CBS, and will conclude with an hour-long series finale on May 16. The series stars Jim Parsons, Johnny Galecki, Kaley Cuoco, Mayim Bialik, Kunal Nayyar, Simon Helberg and Melissa Rauch.