Scott Toy Guru Neitlich from Spector Creative explores the many rules we make as toy collectors that govern our different shelves, collection and toy lines. Why do we do this when other hobby do not?
48 thoughts on “Completists. Cherry Pickers. I can't live without that one. Why do we make so many rules?”
Well back in the late 90's I collected POTF 2 figures, I think I have almost every wave that came out from SOTE to the EU. But towards the episode 1 movie with came out in 99 I became a completest with the episode 1 figures, I have the entire first wave. Then when AOTC and ROTS came out I became an army builder of clones (and so does everyone else) but after what Disney did i'm starting to realize that I don't have enough room for what I want, so I have a rule only collect clones/stormtroopers
Also, having rules can work as a form of self-control. Sometimes I'll see a really cool figure from a line I don't collect, and without self-control/rules, I'd end up spending money on something I don't "need" and don't have a place to display/store. What's the point in buying a one-off figure to toss in the attic and never look at again?
I haven't really been much of a completist, mostly because nobody makes action figures of the characters I REALLY want. (i.e. 50's-60s sitcoms. At least in 1:18 scale, which is what I generally collect) Though Jurassic Park and Star Trek Playmates are an exceptions. I want AAAALLL the characters, and the most accurate dinosaurs. Because I do a lot of customizing I snatch up any 3.75' or 4' figures with relatively normal clothes. And then there is creatures. I will purchase almost any animal/creature/robot that looks cool and interesting. I have a shelf that is a diorama of a sci fi/western saloon and it is populated with the most bizarre and fun creatures I can find, from Alf to Stitch to Robbie the Robot.
I prefer to buy near premium level sculpted adult collectibles over toys sold at retail for kids, such as Masters of the Universe Classics, Super7 ThunderCats Ultimates and TMNT Ultimates.
I set rules for myself. I made a list of Motu origins that I actually want. Mostly the ones I had as a kid, and the ones I wish I had as a kid. Anything not on my list, Iâm not gonna bother. Thatâs why I didnât care about wundar, not on my list. Grizzlor on the other hand, I really hope I can get one.
We make rules due to limited resources-mostly available space and funds. Iâm a generalist which mean I collect anything from X-plus Godzilla to Hot Toys MCU figures. My rule is one figure per character. If I were to collect all the Iron man Armor Iâd be out of funds and space.
My favorite Transformers are Combiners and Titan Class. I purchased everything from the Combiner Wars Line and Power of the Primes from 2015-2018. I've picked up the convention and Selects exclusives as well. But…I'm not getting the new Legacy Stunticons. They are better toys for sure, but they just don't fit in my collection. Other combiners that haven't been released yet however are "pre bought" if they ever are released. The same with Legacy Cybertron Metroplex. This is the first Titan I am skipping because I have no connection to it. I bought the previous 10 Titans, but I'm skipping this one.
I mostly have Transformers and I only buy multiples of a few characters, the rest I just buy the "cool" ones. I used to have the smaller Star Wars figures (when I was a kid) but more recently I've gravitated towards the 6 inch figures which unfortunately take up a lot more space. I've also recently leaned towards strong female characters in 6" versions such as Wonder Woman, Bo Katan, Eleven from Stranger Things, etc. Even though I have a LOT of shelf space I'm running out of room so I've started removing figures that spark less excitement. I have them boxed but eventually I'll sell them because there's no point in keeping anything I'm not going to display. One thing that irritates me is when my spouse give me figures as a gift. They don't know my "rules" so it ends up being something that I feel obligated to display even though I really don't want it. Toy collecting is my hobby, often the "hunt" is the fun part and I don't want anyone doing it for me!
That bookstore analogy doesn't work. Sure it might work for a classic like the Count of Monte Cristo, but I don't think you'll find a copy of Vertical Run by Joseph R. Garber in your local Barnes & Noble these days. Edit: Vertical Run is awesome btw: It's like Dilbert meets Die Hard.
Great topic! Thank you! I definitely identify with getting loads of the same character because they keep making improvements or tweaks or adding the proverbial "new hat." I inever set out to "army-biuld" Darth Vader, but it just sort of HAPPENED, over the decades.
I USED to be a completist, but lately, Hasbro and Mattel started making too many hard-to-get exclusives — some of which are actually major characters — and it almost made me give up collecting entirely. I think the only thing I'll strive to be a completist on any more is MOTU Classics, and that shouldn't be too hard, since I'm only short maybe five or six items.
So far my only "rule" has been only Star Wars figures in 3.75". I'm not actively buying all SW Vintage Collection though, just OT Luke's and whatever catches my eye.
I cherry pick pretty much everything. Vintage stuff from my childhood, modern figures. There are some chracters I'll buy across multiple lines: For example I got a Boba Fett figure, from 80's Kenner, Hasbro vintage ROTJ card, Black series, Mission fleet, Black series in the Droids colors, Han Solo & Boba fett 2 pack. (But no Boba from the disney series, becuz, eff that show.) The only rule I realy have is that it must be a "real" toy, i.e. available at retail and reasonably priced: Not some third party bootleg or 300+ bucks Hot Toys figure.
Good topic indeed, I usually go by my main rule of collecting MCU Marvel Legends and cherry picking the G.I. Joe classified figures, as well as collecting characters i admire and know well.
I do admit i tend to break the Marvel part of collecting figures with characters who i dig their designs such as Dormammu from the Xenmu? wave, other occasions like recently i might not have been a fan of Jane Foster but when the Mighty Thor figure came out i wanted to buy her figure, ironically i thought i would love her unhelmeted head than her helmeted head but it's viceversa cause the helmet looks awesome than anticipated.
I do plan on making a Batgirl and Scarlet witch oriented collection as well, plus there is this dream collection i wish i can make possible but huge not likely gonna happen or rare steps likely gonna happen where i have at least one 1:12 figure for each one of my fictional lady crushes lol.
I also go for at least buying 1 figure per month, just to save money easily and make decisions with ease.
There were some Savage Dragon figures made, in fact, I actually have one. I wanted the Pitt figure, but since he's a BAF, I had to buy all the figs in the line (which included Savage Dragon). I think you mean they no longer make those figs & the aftermarket prices are kinda crazy. The whole concept of BAF actually helped the toy market, because it pretty much forced us collectors to get figs that we otherwise wouldn't, in order to get all the pieces needed to build the fig we want. I just hate how Marvel Legends does it, because they put in figs that somethings don't even fit the them of the set. But I guess it's smart, because certain figs obviously sell better than others.
There is a Wolfsbane fig out, granted it's not the best, but it can at least be used as a placeholder, until they make a better one (if/when that happens). The good thing about the fig is that it has interchangeable parts so that you can easily turn it into another character (i.e. Moonstar or Karma) w/ the included accessories.
P.S. The Count of Monte Cristo was my fav story, because we had to read it for school. And we got to watch the movie during the last few days of school, before summer break. I also brought the newest version of the movie & have watched it several times over the yrs. It's just an interesting story. It's the perfect example to counter the complaint of story characters being connected, & making the world seem "small". If the connections are done in a creative enough way, then it actually adds to the story, as opposed to detract from it. And it's always a better payoff when the characters in a story can be linked together in creative & interesting ways.
I'm a superfan of a lot of different settings, but the only ones I actively buy as toys are MOTU Origins and any figures that look cool and seem like they could maybe hang with the Origins figures, like certain Classics and Revelations characters with paintjobs that aren't too crazy disparate from the Origins look. I'll occasionally buy figures from other lines, Ewoks and Jabba's Palace characters for instance, and I collect and paint numerous licensed and unlicensed miniatures lines too, but Origins is the only toyline I've tried to get a legitimate "all the bases covered" collection for.
I stare at my shelf holding all of the original Ark crew from the first season of Transformers and can't help but notice the big gap where Gears should be…..
I gave up on trying to be a completionist ages ago when 1) it got too expensive, and 2) I realized that my part of the country was the last to get anything (if we get it at all).
Now, I really only have a couple of rules for collecting. 1) I collect Phantom of the Opera stuff. I like the musical, I liked the original book, and I liked the 1925 movie. Thus, I am a Phantom mark (figures, posters, tiki mugs, even a board game). 2) I collect things I think look cool. Thus, my collection has a lot of random items in it (a Silver Surfer here, a Daredevil there, etc). 3) I collect things I have some sort of attachment to. I played with G.I. Joes when I was younger (Adventure Team era/RAH era). If Haslab announced a 12 inch Adventure Team G.I. Joe, I will probably back it.
I would love to see a system where action figures can be continuously available. I absolutely hate "missing out" on a figure due to arbitrary "limited time."
If i can somehow connect it to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, as in some sort of crossover potential… I might get figures outside of the TMNT world. First it started with Mega Construx TMNT figures, then customs of figures or vehicles. Now it Neca Turtles and figures that I might be able to mix with them.
Also, there's the main good guys from X-men the Animated series.
I enjoy your channel though I'm not really a toy collector. I say not really because I am a fossil collector. Nothing terribly impressive but I have taken to looking at dinosaur toys trying to find ones that are the most accurate and when I do I pop them next to the fossil in my display case. Just because the toilet advertise itself as being accurate doesn't necessarily mean that it is
Random question. Because why not. Did MOTU Brand Manager or fanboy Scott N. ever try to or want to introduce a new/original buck or body part into the Masters line? i.e. a buck that had 4 arms so you could introduce a race of 4 armed people. Or a robotic leg for a human. Not the best examples but I hope you get the point
I collect spiderman villains. For recent marvel legends I have decreed that Knull and the Life Foundation symbiotes are more Venom related characters than spiderman characters, so I don't have to buy them. And Razorback is not really a villain so I'm leaning no that. Human Fly is a yes.
I have a list of very specific characters I want and if they come out I buy them if not I wait, some characters are frequent like Optimus Prime, but sometimes you need to wait years for other characters like Arcee.
Even I, a 28 year Collector, with 10 different Earth's, over 3200 figures, have my own insane rules. 1. I collect 6", I won't go up to 7", I won't go down to 3.75. 2. There are rare exceptions to Rule 1. Characters who are supposed to be bigger or smaller! I just got Atom Smasher in today, a character who is supposed to be Giant! I will go smaller, for say, a Pixie figure for a Fantasy setting. 3. I try to keep duplicates to a minimum! I have 3 Marvel Earth's so once I get 3 of a specific figure I won't buy that figure again, except… 4. Army Building! The exception to rule 3 is in Army Building, usually Villains, but also SHIELD Agents, Guardsman, and the 4 Daughters of Fu Manchu. I also have an Iron Legion that I say are manned by loyal Stark Cousins! 5. Whenever possible, fill out Teams, or a slot. Fudge characters in the character does not exist. The Bald Elektra from Marvel She Force I use as Moondragon who was even wearing white at the time! MCU Elektra with the lower face mask head as Echo! The 2 women are virtually identical in looks and skill set with the mask head. A Human Torch without the 4 symbol as Original Human Torch Jim Hammond for an Invaders team. 6. Also, I make up Teams, fudge Characters here as well. Even lie. I have made a British team I call United Kingdom (I think there is a United team now). I am also making an Evil Kree Avengers, using every Kree and Blue skinned figure I can get my hands on. I have no connection to Maggot for example, but he's Blue, so I call him Mangler, a Kree powerhouse. 7. Adapt. While Marvel has put out Army Builders for major Organizations, there is a need for Street Level thugs and others. I solved this by Star Wars Black human males for Kingpin Organization, any suited figures for Maggia, Halo Troopers for Kang, Aliens and Stormtroopers for Thanos Army! At one time I was going to put Mandalorians in with Kang, but gave them their own group as Hi-Tech Mercenaries.
Conclusion? I'm weird! Note; DC Earth's have their own set of rules, however, the DC Earth's are more distinct. Earth 1 is the Main DC, so it's the most common. Earth 2 is Justice Society, so more Golden Age characters, like Atom Smasher go there. Earth 3 is Crime Syndicate. Warped or Evil versions of characters go there. Earth 6 is for Futuristic or Futuristic looking versions of Characters. Kingdom Come style, and characters like Dick Greyson Batman working with Terry Batman Beyond. Earth Watchmen, well, the Watchmen figures, but there are also a lot of DC Oddballs out there. Like the Super Friends characters, Golden Pharoh, Samurai, El Dorado, Black Vulcan, Red Sun Wonder Woman etc. Earth 35, Created Equal, All Female. This was an accidental Creation that has since been added to on occasion. A few years ago the Media Chain Hastings went out of business. They had a Huge sale, and they had female figures, Arrowverse, New 52, and the like on sale for about $5 each. I had versions of many of these, but I just couldn't pass up this kind of sale! So I ended up buying about 30 or so figures. Arrowverse Supergirl, White Canary, Black Canary, Hawkgirl, Vixen, Katana, Felicity Smoke, Batgirl of Burnside, a Mera, 4 or 5 Wonder Woman movie figures, New 52 Raven and Starfire, Starfire and Adam Strange 2 pack for $10, Talia Al Ghul movie figure, Harley Quinn, Poison Ivy, Catwoman, extra Super Woman of Earth 3, and many more.
I try to keep to 1 figure per character, preferably in classic costume. Teams get posed where they belong, ie Beast is an Avenger, but was a founding X-Men so he stays with the mutants. If I buy a Megazord, I must have a corresponding Power Ranger to pilot it (that one borders on insane, I know). Thank you DC Universe Classics for giving me my first childhood toy dream: a complete, in scale, founding 7 team of JLA.
I can claim 74 different Avengers on my Earth 616! There are a few customs and a couple of fudges, and I don't count anyone after about 2008 to 2010. So I probably have one of the most complete Avengers teams out there. There may be someone out there with a better Avengers Collection than I have, but I haven't heard from them yet.
I'm a Transformers cherry-picker, only buying what looks good to my eye or particular characters primarily due to cost. But with MOTU I decided from the onset that I wanted a full set of the Origins line as it was closest to my old collection. Naturally, convention exclusives and product availability completely blew away that desire, so I'll just be happy with what I can get within reason and let the rest go. Being that I'm buying for two (I have a younger fan in the family that I'm helping/supplying) means I'm in it for double or nothing, so it's not like I have a lot of spare dollars between that, my various other hobbies, and bills.
I see myself in this video completely..lol. My Marvel Legends are displayed by team, meaning I have multiple copies of certain figures who crossed over many teams/titles. I have 3 Beasts, 3 Nightcrawlers, 3 Icemen, 2 Darkstars and so on, but then I also collect every single Alpha Flight, Hercules, Banshee, Tigra, Scarlet Witch, Dazzler, Grey Gargoyle & Jocasta figure, bust and statue ever, from any company that ever made them. I tell myself that I don't collect MCU figures, except then that odd few that tickle my fancy creep in (aka the rule-breakers); which for me is the entire Eternals wave, Endgame Thor, the Mantis BAF, Infinity War Cap (both versions), Red Guardian, Korg and of course Stan the Man Lee.
I have a DC bookcase full of random characters in various sizes, but then have every Hawkman ever made and a large number of Wonder Woman, Catwoman and John Constantine figures; it goes beyond heroes too. I have a large Star Trek collection as well, but with limited space, only a select few are on display, my original 1970s Megos, 12" Playmates Captains, Shuttlecraft from Playmates & Galoob a few odds and sods, then every figure of Uhura, Doctor Crusher and the Andorians ever made by anyone! LOL
GI Joe controls a few shelves; my 70s 12" figures and a cherry picked few from Hasbro's exceptional Classified series. Then there's the random bookshelf, full of centaurs, Flash Gordon, Space 1999, Pegasi, Savage Dragon and a selection of MOTU Classics and other random nonsense. There are subsets within subsets too, for example I collect 2SLGBTQ+ characters from many lines – it may seem crazy from the outside looking in, but I do have my rules..Scott you nailed it!
My current favorite line is G.I. Joe classified I by two want to keep in the box in pristine shape the other to open and play with and pose. Unless the character is an army builder in which case I form teams of five or 10 which means I by 6 or 11
Star Wars is my favorite franchise ever. 2nd is MOTU. For SW I do not have a single SW figure. Yup zero none zilt. For SW I only and I mean ONLY collect prop replicas. Stuff like Master Replicas, EFX, helmets etc etc
My categories back in 1986-.. Gotta wear or has cape/similar (wings, robes, jackets) except secret wars Spiderman black costumed No villains – except Vader..well, he wears robe.. No females…- Except Leia…
Ironically, there're no rules in collecting figures..
I have an eclectic mix of loose and MOC He-man (200x, Classics, Masterverse, Super 7 5.5, Motu Minis and Origins) Spider-Man variants and a few core villains (Green Goblin, Venom) and a mall DC collection of the Bat Family (Batman, Azrael, Batgirl, Nightwing, Red Hood, Red Robin, Damian Wayne Robin). I only have a single room for displaying, so I've got 50 MOC figures attached to the walls with 3m strips!
My rules have changed so many times over the years..I wasn't interested in the 6" line of Star Wars, now I have prolly 200 easy..I think the only rule I didn't break was the LOTR TOYBIZ line..I only collect the Bad guys..my friend has all of them and there are many..plus it's to do with space. That helps keeping a rule going..cheers mate đșđșđ»
One of my ârulesâ is world building to fill out dioramas with different figures, even if werenât in original scene from movies, like the bars in Star Wars. Iâll put even more alien and human characters in it.
It would be cool if there was a star wars show of the cantina but like cheers. Lots of different aliens talking about life and going out on adventures.
I collect pro wrestling 7 inch figures. My rules are one of every character and on the shelf by era. So if someone has multiple figures from multiple eras I will find which one I want best and buy that figure. For example I have around 30 Undertaker figures between two toy lines. My other thing is if the wrestler has multiple characters/gimmicks. Fred Ottman has Tugboat, Typhoon and Shockmaster. I have all three. I have yet to blend toy lines on the shelves, except for putting Storm Collectibles Hulk Hogan and Jushin Liger with my Mattel WWE collection. Only because they fit best with that collection.
One of the biggest rules I have is not to buy any action figures that have a "U" cutout in the torso/ab area.
You do know Caucasian is an anthropology term pertaining to the shape of the skull and not skin pigmentation. Those which identify from Middle Eastern countries are designated Caucasian, as are North African descendants. I think you might be referring to those from western European countries.
Unless you use the term Mongolian to refer to those from the Asian countries, and Negro to refer to those from Sub-Saharan Africa, you should remove Caucasian as a descriptor of human beings.
I think really pushed past limit when display toys in bathroom or asking for it to clog toilet hehe. I have a weird thing where get certain things. That is funny it says LOP on it? I could never really stands Elves or Hobbits so its kinda funny. I liked Drow or Dark Elves to a degree as got Darkside Cowboys for Blood Bowl. I'd only get certain Big Uns like Minotaurs or Ogres not any Trolls or Treants. In general I always liked Minotaurs have a few Fantasy ones with Axes or something along those lines. I"d get Darth Maul for Phantom Menace mostly maybe a few random like Jango Fett or other Jedi. I got some random Darth Maul gear like Gulp cup or t shirts even ones that glow in dark hehe. I got Darth Vader Cookie Jar mail Away Han Solo its odd.
cherry picker always. why no interest in a subscription Scott 3 figures don't want to get one i do Scott so some of masterverse I'll pick if at retail I was there begining of he man and out before it got strange with snakes arc so not going to want everything I want a origins thundercats now.
I've got only 2 rules for all of my collections: 1) I only buy characters that have some significance for me and 2) I only buy figures which I think are cool, I gotta like the overall design… Of course, I make exceptions and have bought figures I don't like that much just because they're supposed to be rare. And I'm currently trying to complete POTF2 because the whole line is significant to me as it introduced me into "serious" collecting.
Well back in the late 90's I collected POTF 2 figures, I think I have almost every wave that came out from SOTE to the EU. But towards the episode 1 movie with came out in 99 I became a completest with the episode 1 figures, I have the entire first wave.
Then when AOTC and ROTS came out I became an army builder of clones (and so does everyone else) but after what Disney did i'm starting to realize that I don't have enough room for what I want, so I have a rule only collect clones/stormtroopers
Also, having rules can work as a form of self-control. Sometimes I'll see a really cool figure from a line I don't collect, and without self-control/rules, I'd end up spending money on something I don't "need" and don't have a place to display/store. What's the point in buying a one-off figure to toss in the attic and never look at again?
I haven't really been much of a completist, mostly because nobody makes action figures of the characters I REALLY want. (i.e. 50's-60s sitcoms. At least in 1:18 scale, which is what I generally collect) Though Jurassic Park and Star Trek Playmates are an exceptions. I want AAAALLL the characters, and the most accurate dinosaurs. Because I do a lot of customizing I snatch up any 3.75' or 4' figures with relatively normal clothes. And then there is creatures. I will purchase almost any animal/creature/robot that looks cool and interesting. I have a shelf that is a diorama of a sci fi/western saloon and it is populated with the most bizarre and fun creatures I can find, from Alf to Stitch to Robbie the Robot.
I prefer to buy near premium level sculpted adult collectibles over toys sold at retail for kids, such as Masters of the Universe Classics, Super7 ThunderCats Ultimates and TMNT Ultimates.
my main rule is if I can connect it to family guy then it's fair game haha đ€
I set rules for myself. I made a list of Motu origins that I actually want. Mostly the ones I had as a kid, and the ones I wish I had as a kid. Anything not on my list, Iâm not gonna bother. Thatâs why I didnât care about wundar, not on my list. Grizzlor on the other hand, I really hope I can get one.
Sometimes i go to toy shows just to test this exactly. My willingness not to get everything, sense of control, and knowing when to say yes or no.
I'm upset that my 3.75" X-Men won't be accurate. I want Storm in her swimsuit and cape, and Rogue in her Brotherhood outfit.
We make rules due to limited resources-mostly available space and funds. Iâm a generalist which mean I collect anything from X-plus Godzilla to Hot Toys MCU figures. My rule is one figure per character. If I were to collect all the Iron man Armor Iâd be out of funds and space.
My favorite Transformers are Combiners and Titan Class. I purchased everything from the Combiner Wars Line and Power of the Primes from 2015-2018. I've picked up the convention and Selects exclusives as well. But…I'm not getting the new Legacy Stunticons. They are better toys for sure, but they just don't fit in my collection. Other combiners that haven't been released yet however are "pre bought" if they ever are released. The same with Legacy Cybertron Metroplex. This is the first Titan I am skipping because I have no connection to it. I bought the previous 10 Titans, but I'm skipping this one.
For me it depends on the toy line. Some lines I'm more of a completionist, or close to it while others I cherry pick what I want.
I mostly have Transformers and I only buy multiples of a few characters, the rest I just buy the "cool" ones. I used to have the smaller Star Wars figures (when I was a kid) but more recently I've gravitated towards the 6 inch figures which unfortunately take up a lot more space. I've also recently leaned towards strong female characters in 6" versions such as Wonder Woman, Bo Katan, Eleven from Stranger Things, etc. Even though I have a LOT of shelf space I'm running out of room so I've started removing figures that spark less excitement. I have them boxed but eventually I'll sell them because there's no point in keeping anything I'm not going to display. One thing that irritates me is when my spouse give me figures as a gift. They don't know my "rules" so it ends up being something that I feel obligated to display even though I really don't want it. Toy collecting is my hobby, often the "hunt" is the fun part and I don't want anyone doing it for me!
That bookstore analogy doesn't work. Sure it might work for a classic like the Count of Monte Cristo, but I don't think you'll find a copy of Vertical Run by Joseph R. Garber in your local Barnes & Noble these days. Edit: Vertical Run is awesome btw: It's like Dilbert meets Die Hard.
Great topic! Thank you! I definitely identify with getting loads of the same character because they keep making improvements or tweaks or adding the proverbial "new hat." I inever set out to "army-biuld" Darth Vader, but it just sort of HAPPENED, over the decades.
I USED to be a completist, but lately, Hasbro and Mattel started making too many hard-to-get exclusives — some of which are actually major characters — and it almost made me give up collecting entirely. I think the only thing I'll strive to be a completist on any more is MOTU Classics, and that shouldn't be too hard, since I'm only short maybe five or six items.
So far my only "rule" has been only Star Wars figures in 3.75". I'm not actively buying all SW Vintage Collection though, just OT Luke's and whatever catches my eye.
I cherry pick pretty much everything. Vintage stuff from my childhood, modern figures. There are some chracters I'll buy across multiple lines: For example I got a Boba Fett figure, from 80's Kenner, Hasbro vintage ROTJ card, Black series, Mission fleet, Black series in the Droids colors, Han Solo & Boba fett 2 pack. (But no Boba from the disney series, becuz, eff that show.)
The only rule I realy have is that it must be a "real" toy, i.e. available at retail and reasonably priced: Not some third party bootleg or 300+ bucks Hot Toys figure.
Good topic indeed,
I usually go by my main rule of collecting MCU Marvel Legends and cherry picking the G.I. Joe classified figures, as well as collecting characters i admire and know well.
I do admit i tend to break the Marvel part of collecting figures with characters who i dig their designs such as Dormammu from the Xenmu? wave, other occasions like recently i might not have been a fan of Jane Foster but when the Mighty Thor figure came out i wanted to buy her figure, ironically i thought i would love her unhelmeted head than her helmeted head but it's viceversa cause the helmet looks awesome than anticipated.
I do plan on making a Batgirl and Scarlet witch oriented collection as well, plus there is this dream collection i wish i can make possible but huge not likely gonna happen or rare steps likely gonna happen where i have at least one 1:12 figure for each one of my fictional lady crushes lol.
I also go for at least buying 1 figure per month, just to save money easily and make decisions with ease.
There were some Savage Dragon figures made, in fact, I actually have one. I wanted the Pitt figure, but since he's a BAF, I had to buy all the figs in the line (which included Savage Dragon). I think you mean they no longer make those figs & the aftermarket prices are kinda crazy. The whole concept of BAF actually helped the toy market, because it pretty much forced us collectors to get figs that we otherwise wouldn't, in order to get all the pieces needed to build the fig we want. I just hate how Marvel Legends does it, because they put in figs that somethings don't even fit the them of the set. But I guess it's smart, because certain figs obviously sell better than others.
There is a Wolfsbane fig out, granted it's not the best, but it can at least be used as a placeholder, until they make a better one (if/when that happens). The good thing about the fig is that it has interchangeable parts so that you can easily turn it into another character (i.e. Moonstar or Karma) w/ the included accessories.
P.S. The Count of Monte Cristo was my fav story, because we had to read it for school. And we got to watch the movie during the last few days of school, before summer break. I also brought the newest version of the movie & have watched it several times over the yrs. It's just an interesting story. It's the perfect example to counter the complaint of story characters being connected, & making the world seem "small". If the connections are done in a creative enough way, then it actually adds to the story, as opposed to detract from it. And it's always a better payoff when the characters in a story can be linked together in creative & interesting ways.
I'm a superfan of a lot of different settings, but the only ones I actively buy as toys are MOTU Origins and any figures that look cool and seem like they could maybe hang with the Origins figures, like certain Classics and Revelations characters with paintjobs that aren't too crazy disparate from the Origins look. I'll occasionally buy figures from other lines, Ewoks and Jabba's Palace characters for instance, and I collect and paint numerous licensed and unlicensed miniatures lines too, but Origins is the only toyline I've tried to get a legitimate "all the bases covered" collection for.
I stare at my shelf holding all of the original Ark crew from the first season of Transformers and can't help but notice the big gap where Gears should be…..
I gave up on trying to be a completionist ages ago when 1) it got too expensive, and 2) I realized that my part of the country was the last to get anything (if we get it at all).
Now, I really only have a couple of rules for collecting.
1) I collect Phantom of the Opera stuff. I like the musical, I liked the original book, and I liked the 1925 movie. Thus, I am a Phantom mark (figures, posters, tiki mugs, even a board game).
2) I collect things I think look cool. Thus, my collection has a lot of random items in it (a Silver Surfer here, a Daredevil there, etc).
3) I collect things I have some sort of attachment to. I played with G.I. Joes when I was younger (Adventure Team era/RAH era). If Haslab announced a 12 inch Adventure Team G.I. Joe, I will probably back it.
I would love to see a system where action figures can be continuously available. I absolutely hate "missing out" on a figure due to arbitrary "limited time."
If i can somehow connect it to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, as in some sort of crossover potential… I might get figures outside of the TMNT world. First it started with Mega Construx TMNT figures, then customs of figures or vehicles. Now it Neca Turtles and figures that I might be able to mix with them.
Also, there's the main good guys from X-men the Animated series.
I enjoy your channel though I'm not really a toy collector. I say not really because I am a fossil collector. Nothing terribly impressive but I have taken to looking at dinosaur toys trying to find ones that are the most accurate and when I do I pop them next to the fossil in my display case. Just because the toilet advertise itself as being accurate doesn't necessarily mean that it is
Random question. Because why not. Did MOTU Brand Manager or fanboy Scott N. ever try to or want to introduce a new/original buck or body part into the Masters line? i.e. a buck that had 4 arms so you could introduce a race of 4 armed people. Or a robotic leg for a human. Not the best examples but I hope you get the point
I collect spiderman villains. For recent marvel legends I have decreed that Knull and the Life Foundation symbiotes are more Venom related characters than spiderman characters, so I don't have to buy them. And Razorback is not really a villain so I'm leaning no that. Human Fly is a yes.
I have a list of very specific characters I want and if they come out I buy them if not I wait, some characters are frequent like Optimus Prime, but sometimes you need to wait years for other characters like Arcee.
Even I, a 28 year Collector, with 10 different Earth's, over 3200 figures, have my own insane rules.
1. I collect 6", I won't go up to 7", I won't go down to 3.75.
2. There are rare exceptions to Rule 1. Characters who are supposed to be bigger or smaller! I just got Atom Smasher in today, a character who is supposed to be Giant! I will go smaller, for say, a Pixie figure for a Fantasy setting.
3. I try to keep duplicates to a minimum! I have 3 Marvel Earth's so once I get 3 of a specific figure I won't buy that figure again, except…
4. Army Building! The exception to rule 3 is in Army Building, usually Villains, but also SHIELD Agents, Guardsman, and the 4 Daughters of Fu Manchu. I also have an Iron Legion that I say are manned by loyal Stark Cousins!
5. Whenever possible, fill out Teams, or a slot. Fudge characters in the character does not exist. The Bald Elektra from Marvel She Force I use as Moondragon who was even wearing white at the time! MCU Elektra with the lower face mask head as Echo! The 2 women are virtually identical in looks and skill set with the mask head. A Human Torch without the 4 symbol as Original Human Torch Jim Hammond for an Invaders team.
6. Also, I make up Teams, fudge Characters here as well. Even lie. I have made a British team I call United Kingdom (I think there is a United team now). I am also making an Evil Kree Avengers, using every Kree and Blue skinned figure I can get my hands on. I have no connection to Maggot for example, but he's Blue, so I call him Mangler, a Kree powerhouse.
7. Adapt. While Marvel has put out Army Builders for major Organizations, there is a need for Street Level thugs and others. I solved this by Star Wars Black human males for Kingpin Organization, any suited figures for Maggia, Halo Troopers for Kang, Aliens and Stormtroopers for Thanos Army! At one time I was going to put Mandalorians in with Kang, but gave them their own group as Hi-Tech Mercenaries.
Conclusion? I'm weird!
Note; DC Earth's have their own set of rules, however, the DC Earth's are more distinct.
Earth 1 is the Main DC, so it's the most common.
Earth 2 is Justice Society, so more Golden Age characters, like Atom Smasher go there.
Earth 3 is Crime Syndicate. Warped or Evil versions of characters go there.
Earth 6 is for Futuristic or Futuristic looking versions of Characters. Kingdom Come style, and characters like Dick Greyson Batman working with Terry Batman Beyond.
Earth Watchmen, well, the Watchmen figures, but there are also a lot of DC Oddballs out there. Like the Super Friends characters, Golden Pharoh, Samurai, El Dorado, Black Vulcan, Red Sun Wonder Woman etc.
Earth 35, Created Equal, All Female. This was an accidental Creation that has since been added to on occasion. A few years ago the Media Chain Hastings went out of business. They had a Huge sale, and they had female figures, Arrowverse, New 52, and the like on sale for about $5 each. I had versions of many of these, but I just couldn't pass up this kind of sale! So I ended up buying about 30 or so figures. Arrowverse Supergirl, White Canary, Black Canary, Hawkgirl, Vixen, Katana, Felicity Smoke, Batgirl of Burnside, a Mera, 4 or 5 Wonder Woman movie figures, New 52 Raven and Starfire, Starfire and Adam Strange 2 pack for $10, Talia Al Ghul movie figure, Harley Quinn, Poison Ivy, Catwoman, extra Super Woman of Earth 3, and many more.
I think the only rule I have is "let them breathe".
I try to keep to 1 figure per character, preferably in classic costume. Teams get posed where they belong, ie Beast is an Avenger, but was a founding X-Men so he stays with the mutants. If I buy a Megazord, I must have a corresponding Power Ranger to pilot it (that one borders on insane, I know). Thank you DC Universe Classics for giving me my first childhood toy dream: a complete, in scale, founding 7 team of JLA.
I can claim 74 different Avengers on my Earth 616! There are a few customs and a couple of fudges, and I don't count anyone after about 2008 to 2010. So I probably have one of the most complete Avengers teams out there. There may be someone out there with a better Avengers Collection than I have, but I haven't heard from them yet.
I'm a Transformers cherry-picker, only buying what looks good to my eye or particular characters primarily due to cost. But with MOTU I decided from the onset that I wanted a full set of the Origins line as it was closest to my old collection. Naturally, convention exclusives and product availability completely blew away that desire, so I'll just be happy with what I can get within reason and let the rest go. Being that I'm buying for two (I have a younger fan in the family that I'm helping/supplying) means I'm in it for double or nothing, so it's not like I have a lot of spare dollars between that, my various other hobbies, and bills.
I have to be a cherry picker based on whether I rally want something, because money is not infinite.
I see myself in this video completely..lol. My Marvel Legends are displayed by team, meaning I have multiple copies of certain figures who crossed over many teams/titles. I have 3 Beasts, 3 Nightcrawlers, 3 Icemen, 2 Darkstars and so on, but then I also collect every single Alpha Flight, Hercules, Banshee, Tigra, Scarlet Witch, Dazzler, Grey Gargoyle & Jocasta figure, bust and statue ever, from any company that ever made them. I tell myself that I don't collect MCU figures, except then that odd few that tickle my fancy creep in (aka the rule-breakers); which for me is the entire Eternals wave, Endgame Thor, the Mantis BAF, Infinity War Cap (both versions), Red Guardian, Korg and of course Stan the Man Lee.
I have a DC bookcase full of random characters in various sizes, but then have every Hawkman ever made and a large number of Wonder Woman, Catwoman and John Constantine figures; it goes beyond heroes too. I have a large Star Trek collection as well, but with limited space, only a select few are on display, my original 1970s Megos, 12" Playmates Captains, Shuttlecraft from Playmates & Galoob a few odds and sods, then every figure of Uhura, Doctor Crusher and the Andorians ever made by anyone! LOL
GI Joe controls a few shelves; my 70s 12" figures and a cherry picked few from Hasbro's exceptional Classified series. Then there's the random bookshelf, full of centaurs, Flash Gordon, Space 1999, Pegasi, Savage Dragon and a selection of MOTU Classics and other random nonsense. There are subsets within subsets too, for example I collect 2SLGBTQ+ characters from many lines – it may seem crazy from the outside looking in, but I do have my rules..Scott you nailed it!
My current favorite line is G.I. Joe classified I by two want to keep in the box in pristine shape the other to open and play with and pose. Unless the character is an army builder in which case I form teams of five or 10 which means I by 6 or 11
You need an Abe Sapien in your bathroom.
Star Wars is my favorite franchise ever. 2nd is MOTU. For SW I do not have a single SW figure. Yup zero none zilt. For SW I only and I mean ONLY collect prop replicas. Stuff like Master Replicas, EFX, helmets etc etc
My categories back in 1986-
.. Gotta wear or has cape/similar (wings, robes, jackets)except secret wars Spiderman black costumedNo villains – except Vader..well, he wears robe..
No females…- Except Leia…
Ironically, there're no rules in collecting figures..
I have an eclectic mix of loose and MOC He-man (200x, Classics, Masterverse, Super 7 5.5, Motu Minis and Origins) Spider-Man variants and a few core villains (Green Goblin, Venom) and a mall DC collection of the Bat Family (Batman, Azrael, Batgirl, Nightwing, Red Hood, Red Robin, Damian Wayne Robin). I only have a single room for displaying, so I've got 50 MOC figures attached to the walls with 3m strips!
My rules have changed so many times over the years..I wasn't interested in the 6" line of Star Wars, now I have prolly 200 easy..I think the only rule I didn't break was the LOTR TOYBIZ line..I only collect the Bad guys..my friend has all of them and there are many..plus it's to do with space. That helps keeping a rule going..cheers mate đșđșđ»
Part of it is to have control in a world we have little control of. Lol
I try to stick to Star Wars , dc, wrestling and just got a few marvel.
One of my ârulesâ is world building to fill out dioramas with different figures, even if werenât in original scene from movies, like the bars in Star Wars. Iâll put even more alien and human characters in it.
It would be cool if there was a star wars show of the cantina but like cheers. Lots of different aliens talking about life and going out on adventures.
I collect pro wrestling 7 inch figures. My rules are one of every character and on the shelf by era. So if someone has multiple figures from multiple eras I will find which one I want best and buy that figure. For example I have around 30 Undertaker figures between two toy lines. My other thing is if the wrestler has multiple characters/gimmicks. Fred Ottman has Tugboat, Typhoon and Shockmaster. I have all three. I have yet to blend toy lines on the shelves, except for putting Storm Collectibles Hulk Hogan and Jushin Liger with my Mattel WWE collection. Only because they fit best with that collection.
One of the biggest rules I have is not to buy any action figures that have a "U" cutout in the torso/ab area.
You do know Caucasian is an anthropology term pertaining to the shape of the skull and not skin pigmentation. Those which identify from Middle Eastern countries are designated Caucasian, as are North African descendants. I think you might be referring to those from western European countries.
Unless you use the term Mongolian to refer to those from the Asian countries, and Negro to refer to those from Sub-Saharan Africa, you should remove Caucasian as a descriptor of human beings.
I think really pushed past limit when display toys in bathroom or asking for it to clog toilet hehe. I have a weird thing where get certain things. That is funny it says LOP on it? I could never really stands Elves or Hobbits so its kinda funny. I liked Drow or Dark Elves to a degree as got Darkside Cowboys for Blood Bowl. I'd only get certain Big Uns like Minotaurs or Ogres not any Trolls or Treants. In general I always liked Minotaurs have a few Fantasy ones with Axes or something along those lines. I"d get Darth Maul for Phantom Menace mostly maybe a few random like Jango Fett or other Jedi. I got some random Darth Maul gear like Gulp cup or t shirts even ones that glow in dark hehe. I got Darth Vader Cookie Jar mail Away Han Solo its odd.
90s west coast avengers is my avengers team also!
cherry picker always. why no interest in a subscription Scott
3 figures don't want to get one i do Scott
so some of masterverse I'll pick if at retail
I was there begining of he man and out before it got strange with snakes arc so not going to want everything
I want a origins thundercats now.
I've got only 2 rules for all of my collections: 1) I only buy characters that have some significance for me and 2) I only buy figures which I think are cool, I gotta like the overall design… Of course, I make exceptions and have bought figures I don't like that much just because they're supposed to be rare. And I'm currently trying to complete POTF2 because the whole line is significant to me as it introduced me into "serious" collecting.