Death sells. Movies. Apartments. You name it. So, it isn’t too surprising to learn that toys from the upcoming film The Dark Knight are flying off the shelves. According to the New York Post, action figures of The Joker, which are somewhat modeled after late actor Heath Ledger (I don’t see the resemblance, even in the more detailed figure) have sold out completely in New York City after debuting in stores a week ago. An employee of Toys “R” Us claimed the warehouse is all out, too, though a company spokesperson says stock of the figures will continue to be replenished.

Considering Mattel isn’t likely trying to cash in on Ledger’s death, there’s no reason to think the toys are in limited supply. So why are people buying them in bulk (one guy apparently bought 30 at one time) and/or selling them on eBay for marked-up prices? Even if there is an extreme demand for the figures now, there won’t be much interest in the future. Especially if Mattel’s entire run is enough to supply all the toy stores in the U.S. (not to mention the rest of the globe). Collector’s item it may be, but not in terms of financial investment. It just won’t be enough of a rarity in the long run.

For those who still think it’s going to be worth it to buy the figures in bulk or for $20 a piece, just check out the eBay listings. There’s a ton of them, and few of them have bids. Imagine what the same page will look like in a year, or two, or twenty (OK, in twenty years it might be worth $20 tops). Personally, I think nothing is worth collecting for financial gain in a world in which the internet exists, mainly because I saw my entire comic book collection go down in price thanks to the world-decreasing powers of eBay. But hey, if you want something to throw into a box with all your “Death of Superman” comics, feel free to spend your money how you wish.