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We’ve all gone through it–that one figure we wanted more than anything but had to search high and low, for weeks or even months, before we found it. DCUC fans do that every week, but it’s not a new phenomenon–it’s been going on ever since the days of Mego’s World’s Greatest Superheroes and, of course, Star Wars.

I have a few tales of toy hunts, but none more memorable than the Great Turtle Hunt of 1989. For Christmas that year I wanted nothing but Ninja Turtle action figures. Of course, that was the year every kid my age wanted Ninja Turtle action figures, so they were virtually impossible to find. My parents, having become very familiar with the difficulties of finding popular toys around the holidays (thank you, Cabbage Patch Kids!) decided to be proactive. So one day in October that year, my father let me skip school and he and I drove all across Massachusetts, hitting every big retailer and toy store we could find. We found a few random Turtles here and there, but finally, at the gift shop of the now-defunct King’s Castleland in Whitman, we found the mother lode. When we got home, they were quickly swept into hiding until Christmas morn.

So here’s the deal. Hasbro has graciously donated a prize pack, seen above. To win it, all you have to do is post a comment below telling the story of a toy you had to hunt for. It can be a long tale or short, funny or tragic, ending in victory or defeat–anything. When the contest ends, I’ll choose whichever story I think is the best and send along the prizes to the winner.

The rules:

• All entries need to be received by Friday, March 19 at 5pm Sunday, March 21 at 11:59pm.
• Everyone gets one entry, so make sure to pick the best story you’ve got.
• Contest open to U.S. residents only. I’m sorry, but international shipping is way too expensive these days.
• Contest not open to my friends, family or Power Pals–sorry guys! Gotta be impartial on this one.