Images: Andrew Dibben, Gotham Collectables
Autobots, roll out! There’s a thrilling new “big thing” in Adelaide, and you really have to see it to believe it. We’ve caught sight of an enormous Optimus Prime statue outside the Gotham Collectables store in Edinburgh North, and it’s become a bit of an internet sensation.
Standing at an impressive 6.2 meters tall and weighing in at 5 tonnes, the American-made Optimus Prime statue was imported to Australia over ten years ago by Gotham Collectables owner Rino D’Alfonso. The one-of-a-kind, highly detailed statue, made entirely from automotive parts, was originally supposed to live in Rino’s front yard, but, somewhat unsurprisingly, this plan fell through due to council regulations.
Now a fixture of the storefront in Edinburgh North, the statue has been attracting hoards of fans to Rino’s business. The giant statue that “literally towers over you” has proven an excellent advertising strategy for Gotham Collectables, with people “even travelling from the southern side of the city to see it”, and, according to his customers, it’s “well worth the drive”.
Rino is also the proud owner of five more transformers statues, each standing 3 meters tall and weighing 5.5 tonnes. These statues, which include the likenesses of Bumblebee, Megatron, and Ironhide, were featured at the Royal Adelaide Show in 2024.
The store also boasts life-size figures of popular characters like Batman, Iron Man, and the Hulk, making it a true monster of a collection for superhero enthusiasts. The variety and scale of these statues truly set the store apart, creating a one-of-a-kind destination for fans.
“It’s like walking into Warner Brothers Movie World”, says Rino.
Perhaps the most fascinating part of Rino’s collection is his fully registered 1966 and 1989 Batmobiles that he made himself. These vehicles are so eye-catching that he gets “pulled over regularly” while driving them, and sometimes he’s even dressed as Batman himself when this happens.
He also runs a program called Batmobile SA, offering people the chance to hire the 1989 Batmobile for parties, weddings, or private hire. Back in September 2024, Rino partnered with Uber and Warner Brothers to offer free trips in the Batmobile around the Adelaide CBD.
As a business owner and ambassador of the HeartKids charity organisation, Rino is all about giving back to the community. He also works with organisations like Make-a-Wish to offer children with critical illnesses superhero-themed experiences.
So for comic book fans, collectors, Transformers fanatics, or anyone interested in checking out this giant statue, take a trip to Gotham Collectables in Edinburgh North to see it with your own eyes.
WHAT: Gotham Collectables
WHERE: 35 Bellchambers Road, Edinburgh North, SA 5113.
WHEN: Friday to Sunday, 10AM – 4PM.
For more information, click here.
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