As Spider-Man fans go, the collecting bug bit Andrew Flores about seven years ago.

Since then, his spider-sense has tingled for just about any action figure, toy car or other Spidey stuff he can cram into a bedroom full of collectibles.

“It's just amazing,” said Flores, 37, of the Spidey shrine in his Far West Side home. “Everybody that walks in, I like to see their expression because it's wall-to-wall.”

Naturally, fans like Flores have been climbing the walls for “Spider-Man 3,” which debuts Friday, May 5. And there are plenty of related goodies to grab — “Spider-Man 3” movie products will sell in more than 70 countries.
But it takes a special kind of fan(atic) to create a mini museum of arachno-mania.

Still, Flores' roomful of Webslinger wares is nothing compared to the three roomfuls that belong to Sy Winnie, the Ohio music teacher behind SpidermanCollector.com.

From an ultra-rare button (only three known to exist) to life-size Spideys, Winnie figures he has more than 7,000 Spider-Man collectibles, not counting comics.

“It just keeps snowballing somehow,” Winnie said.

Of course, ask these collectors which item takes the most room in their hearts, and you might as well ask a parent to name a favorite child.

Just the same, Flores' most prized possession is a “Spider-Man” movie poster with the World Trade Center towers reflected in the hero's eye lens. He also cherishes his copy of “Amazing Spider-Man” No. 36, which has the superhero face the 9-11 tragedy.

For Winnie, it's probably his copy of “Amazing Fantasy” No. 15, which marked Spider-Man's first appearance in 1962. Sentimental pieces also carry cachet, such as a 1974 can of Spider-Man Crazy Foam — a replacement for one he gave to his first girlfriend's brother, who blew up the aerosol can in the oven.

Just don't expect these avid collectors to shout their Spider-Man fanaticism from the rafters.

René A. Guzman | 210SA contributor