LINK TO FULL CONVERSATIONS WITH HEINZ, FAUNTLEROY, IMPOSSIBLE BURGER, and STEVE-DAVE: drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-i5rpztz1MTgGhKzKHD0wG01VfOMMyMj?usp=sharing
@@secretdestroyer33 really appreciate this comment AA. This video was pointed out to me by someone who recognised my logo and lower half of my twitter handle. I've asked for the video to be taken down on those grounds. I'm really disappointed that my private discussion with him has been made public. The video takes my comments out of context and makes false claims.
@@dennyking I don't want to click on the video and give him another view but I think I'm at the end. Also the bottom right script. I would like to know who he thinks I'm spying for and to what end 🤷♂️
@@secretdestroyer33 Ha, wow, what an absolute lack of self awareness, man. "Militant pro repro stance". Using the word nazi like a 10 year old in a comment section. How absolutely childish are YOU? This is why his video was justified, the fact that this "issue" is even at this level shows how pathetic some in the toy collecting community truly are.
4. (Classified) FOIA GRANTED 4. To lose virginity I am sorry ReproCop, your model is incapable of downloading necessary software needed to attempt engagement. If you were to somehow overcome your limited processor by overriding your programmed "simple nature" you're also lacking in necessary hardware to perform this action. Again, I say ReproCop do not attempt to move forward with this objective....the greater odds are you'll short circuit your memory cpu and reboot only to be permanently stuck in a state of adolescence. I repeat ABORT MISSION and DISABLE OBJECTIVE!
If ‘Baby Huey’ is who I think it is, then I spent money at his establishment. I’ve even considered getting in touch with him about getting a Star Destroyer or a Death Star. I won’t be going through him. You didn’t explicitly share his identity, so I will respect that and just be careful who I deal with. Great video as always. And I fully agree. I feel that hoarding figures is more damaging than repro ever could be. Army building troops, officers and other generic characters is one thing, but who needs 30 Yak Faces? The prices are ridiculous for any weapon and people think they have gold when they find out something they are trying to sell happens to be Star Wars. The hoarders and uneducated hurt the hobby more than anything else.
If you care more about the monetary value of your toys, you are a "speculator," not a collector. I don't buy figures with the thought that they will be worth more in the future.
I believe that you can be both a speculator and a collector. The issue with the assholes discussed in this video is they are simply speculators. They have no actual love for the items or they would be willing to share the love with everyone...including people that need repro parts to "complete" a figure. They are simply gatekeepers making sure that their investments stay strong.
My take: repros are a necessary evil for most of us. I can’t justify spending 70 bucks on chin guns for my AT-AT when high quality repros exist for 20 bucks, same with weapons. At the end of the day, all of this is plastic that we save because we love them for what they are. The anti-repro crowd makes no sense. Is there suddenly an intrinsic meaning to plastic? I missed Kenner by about 25 years so I have no connection at all. I just like the toys and how they look/their historical aspect and thus Ill do what I can do to fix them up. The toys themselves don’t have meaning, but rather the memories we create with them.
It comes down to the fact that many of those repros are not readily distinguishable from the original, which in turn makes it possible for people to attempt to pass them off as the genuine article. Regardless of your stance on repros, it should at least be obvious why that's controversial when there's a significant price differential between the genuine article and the reproduction items. Personally, I think most collectors just want repros for personal collection use, but that doesn't mean there aren't legitimate issues involved that merit consideration.
@Maximillian Wylde Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying it doesn't or that Michael is necessarily wrong that some of the people involved can be problematic in various ways, just that I don't think you can discount out of hand the fact that there are legitimate and reasonable concerns when it comes to reproductions in any collectibles market. My dad used to deal in antiques and I can tell you that very similar issues come up all the time in a variety of fields besides toys.
Alarm bells started to ring for me after joining one such group earlier this year, I made the 'unforgiveable sin' of posting a custom of a vintage star wars figure on their FB forum! LOL Now remember, as you said, these figures were produced in their millions. The figures I customised were beaten up, yellowed and missing fingers: ROTJ Skiff Guards not a Yak face or Blue Snaggletooth. The abusive memes and comments that followed in the minutes of the post going up were unbeliveable! Now fair enough, I had failed to read the small print in their rules, but instead of reigning in the abuse, the moderator piled on with a comment of: 'we do not permit the uploading of images of customised figures on this group'. Apparently, encouraging vintage customs is a big no no, yet abusing and harrasing people for doing so is just fine and can go on without any problem from the moderators!!!! A very warped mindset to say the least!
This is why I belong to zero and post in zero toy groups, i'm just a private collector that watches retroblasting, analog toys, formbx257 and toy polloi.
Being close to 50 yrs old, myself and friends had a lot of the Star Wars line of toys as kids. I don't currently collect them, because I moved on to full size collecting (classic cars). When you stated that these individuals stated they were against repro parts for classic cars, I about lost my sh*t. If the automotive community felt the same way, there would be far fewer cars to be able to enjoy. Hell, SEMA wouldn't exit in the capacity it does today, and hundreds of thousands of jobs would be non-existent. I might as well crush my '66 Mustang project since it wouldn't be the same with repro parts....(obvious sarcasm). To me, they aren't even collectors, they're just businessmen chasing a buck.
I used to spend quite a bit on classic cars myself; but I got the 8 I wanted, just how I wanted and moved on to true ‘BD Energy’ collecting: WWII fighter planes.
I'm 40 minutes into this... You know? With all due respect to everyone... Fuck these people. From now on, I'll buy nothing but Repro and be absolutely happy. People can collect how they want. Seriously, the bullying, the harassment, the threats of litigation. That is absolute bullshit. Here's the thing, somewhere back in the big bang that triggered these groups to exist was a nugget of truth. The concern over repros and legitimate vintage parts being indistinguishable. I can get behind that. I can totally understand it. (Though, if you're someone like me and you don't care if it's actually 1:1 accurate, and just a good display piece, then it doesn't actually matter at all.) If they want to blame anyone they need to blame themselves. A Star Wars action figure from the 1970s is not worth hundreds of dollars. It's just not. Unless it was my personal original Luke or Han from when I was a kid, it is worth no more than retail price. In my view. Price gouging has made repros necessary. The sheer volume of lost parts has made repros necessary. Michael, I've followed your content for many years now. You've always been entertaining, detailed, articulate, open, honest, and always shown us the books. I can find no fault in your points, and what you've presented here today from these people is, truly, sickening. You, Stan Solo, and all the rest, do not deserve these attacks on your character, the threats, and most importantly, the wasted time. Here's to a Happy New Year.
This is what's mind blowing to me. I hate repro but it doesnt bother me that you want to buy it . That's just fine collect how you want and what makes you feel good . I dont know why people cant just chill.
I agree, I'd seriously consider giving my right arm if I could get my original collection back (I gave it to some 2ndcousin or some such in HS because I was too "grown up"...and he probably didn't even respect them anyway)
Agreed! What the minions of these groups don't seem to understand is that they themselves are responsible for the repro market going from strenghth to strength! They buy and sell Star Wars Toys for ridiculous money which prices most other collectors out of the market. No wonder there is a demand for repro! At the end of the day it is up to the individual how and what to collect regardless of your view on repro. Dictating, bullying and harassing people who don't collect what you would like them to collect is completely unacceptable!
I dunno, pal... "From now on, I'll buy nothing but repro" kind of sounds like you're modifying your inclination, in response to them. Don't give them the power to influence you in any way, is my reaction. Collect how you would, regardless of them.
Ya know, I gotta be honest, I have never had any issues with anti-repro types bothering me or anyone I know about anything, but this was a well needed video because anyone who is trying to shit on other collectors needs to be called out ......... They are intentionally trying to ruin the enjoyment of others simply for personal gain ...... this to me signifies that they are not collectors, but parasites trying to feed on real collectors ....... but because they don't have the talent to provide a valuable service (like being able to create products that have been lost over time that collectors now want reproductions of to make their collecting experience complete), they have to attack others who are adding to many collectors enjoyment of the hobby ...... they are simply human garbage
Dont forget that the sellers of the One true toy to rule them all artificially drive up the prices of their own inventories through these underhanded tactics, on top of the abuse to people and their bizarre bullish bullshit behavior
Mego was raised from the dead by A REPORDUCTION TOY MAKER. The repos were so good that the original maker was convinced to hire him as a partner in bringing his company back to life
Michael, we’ve discussed this subject. Repro Star Wars toys are a frustration in the community, there’s no doubt about that. Another frustration is elitist mentality and the inflated ego some possess. Your video is an eye opener to the players in these circles. Some I considered up and up people. The constant jockeying for position of top Star Wars virtue signaler to the cause is laughable. I’ve seen and read the intimidation first hand. If you’re not in, you’re out. Gate keepers, the lot of them. What a dumb hill to die on.
When you bought a vintage figure you don t want it to decrease in value because other options are available.... personnaly i prefer modern stuff it looks better most of the time... as long as you know what you bought it s ok for me
Right on Michael! Another repro that a lot of fans need to fix their own personal collections like mine are stickers. Those are IMPOSSIBLE to find without repro makers. Thank the Lord for repro makers because I have a chance of fixing up my collection. There is no way I can afford original stuff at those prices they are asking. Anti-Repro people GET A FREAKING LIFE! Great job Michael and Retroblasting :-)
I'm not a Star Wars collector but a toy collector nonetheless. I got out the game years ago because of lame elitist garbage like this. The cosplay community deals with the same trash.
Replicas and reproductions are needed in any and all fandoms. Things break, get lost, and some things are never sold to the fans. So we could really use any and all means of getting our hands the products of our focus
Im a long time transformer collector and I just...I can't believe people would act like this. Why would you not want more people to love what you love? If you're not fraudulently claiming the repros are original and selling them for exorbitant prices what does it matter?
I'm in the same boat, chief. I'm on the hunt for a new blaster and stickers for my G1 Astrotrain and an arm for my Brawn, and everyone I've asked has been super helpful.
On the first day of Repro-Cop training they take you and the other recruits into a big room and pass around repro items for you to smell and taste so you know what to look for when you start walking the beat. I love Repros, customs, reissues etc. Long live Stan Solo. Long live the Black Major!
Death treats about repro accessories? The world is messed up indeed. Will they try to go after Hasbro since they entered the repro business or will they simply bully the small toy makers and fans? I think that repro can be a fun/cheaper way to complete a figure for the casual collector. As long as there's no deception, I'm all for it. Of course, for some, toy collecting is their retirement fund/life investment so I can see why they would go nuts about repros even though it doesn't justify attacking other collectors. Toy collecting should be fun. IT'S TOY COLLECTING! Little plastic dudes to create stories or remind you of the time when you used to set them up to create stories.
Oh, back in like 1996-97 some people had shit fits when Hasbro made a 4 pack of vintage style Star Wars figures. Anyone hoping to retire on vintage toys is a fool if not an IDIOT. They should sell them off and invest in stock and things. I can tell you I've been to a few garage sales where there's NASCAR stuff that some guy bought as an investment and now they cannot give it away for less than original retail. Oh, of course, BEANIE BABIES is another big example. It also reminds me of model train stuff. Those train people are dying off, and so where you used to be able to unload used model train stuff now there's a lot less buyers. Action figures will probably go the same way. Modern kids grow out of traditional toys at age 6. They are unlikely to grow up and be shelling out $80 for a teeny piece of plastic that was made 35 years before they were born.
I mean when i was a kid I'd use weapons from everything for my toys a toy store near my house used to give you a weapon with all the loose figures there so i had power rangers with MOTU swords and 90s and 70s star wars figures sharing weapons it was great and i didn't care it was fun didn't matter if they didn't match
Everyday I’m reminded how great it is to have no presence on social media. We’ve invented a whole new way to torture each other on a daily basis. I’m a toy collector too but I’ve never heard of or belong to any of these groups...sounds like it’s a good thing. I go on eBay or to my local vintage toy shops or toy shows and buy the toys I want. I watch toy polloi or your channel to learn how to fix them and that’s pretty much it. It’s sad that like Jacob Marley you’re chained to the internet for your career. So I want to say thanks Michael for all the great content. I wish you guys the best in 2021.
Amen Michael... Well said. I took myself out of several "Live and let live" groups. When I was actually told who to associate with...I was done. That is not community...it is control. I have no enemies list....nor do I ever want one. I just collect.
"I paid lots of money for a piece of plastic. You getting a cheaper repro is against the rules!" I think that's a huge part of the issue. Justifying the effort and money to get original pieces is harder to justify when others can get it cheaper, easier and maybe even in better quality. Depending on your outlook on the entire issue -and your mental age- you might feel like a fool (ofc you aren't for buying original parts) and who likes that?
I lost a majority of my Star Wars weapons playing with my figures so if I need weapons, I'll order a repo. If selling vintage kenner Star Wars, I think the buyer should be told. I have no intent of selling my vintage Kenner. That's my childhood. I'm currently collecting The Vintage Collection because of my childhood. Repo weapons? Absolutely. My vintage figures need them to "feel" complete.
Lots of Repro in my collection. I leave my collection out to be touched, talked about, and played with. When I die my stuff will likely get sold; I doubt my family or whoever sells it will go through the lengths to even know what’s Repro and what’s not. If the future market for vintage Star Wars toys ends up being cheaper for everyone who wants it because of Repro, then that sounds awesome to me. Awesome toys for awesome kids is a better legacy than some old fart’s “investment collection.”
@@namelessjedi2242 I definitely had fun with mine. Being an Adult, I'd like to have them complete. If i have to buy a repo weapon just so Han can have his blaster or Luke's lightsaber so be it. It doesn't have to be certified vintage for me.
I can barely sit through 50 minutes of modern day films, this was a rollercoaster. Great video, really liked it! I'm sorry this kinda crap exists, fight the good fight mate!
Well done on calling these groups out on their elitist nonsense. A big thumbs up from me to yourself, Chris Smith and Toy Polloi. You have all helped to make a very challenging year a little brighter. Happy New Year to all!
I’m not a collector. I have maybe 12-15 of my original figures left from childhood. None of them have their weapons. I think I’m going to specifically buy repro weapons for all of them now. Just because I know how angry it makes some people.
Meanwhile I've got a shelf of Touhou figures purchased off of Ali Express because the originals are long out of stock and buying secondhand can be prohibitively expensive. Doesn't mean I like them any less, and they're generally pretty well made. Sure, maybe I have to make a modification here or glue on a broken bit there, but for me, that just makes the figure all the more special. Don't let elitists get you down folks. Collections are supposed to be enjoyed above all, and if you are someone who only collects for money, well, let's just say I hope your collection goes the way of the nft.
I've never understood the big deal with repros. They are for me, I buy them for me and no on else. Why do some fanboys care so much. Good job here Michael.
The positive about this is they have a miserable life fighting all the time about a piece of plastic. I love toys but I enjoy a peaceful surrounding more.
Life's too short, isn't it? These people are apparently "grown-ups"... At least Mike's well-spoken and reasonable throughout these shenanigans. Likely the only one with an actual wife. So pointless. Toys. TOYS...
22:29 - "Im not lacking in self-awareness. I'm a difficult person to get along with if you're like most of these individuals. I fight my battles out in the open and not in cloisters or private Facebook groups. I don't make backroom deals. I form my opinions though following cause and effect to facts and I'm very self-aware of my combative nature when I encounter dishonesty and stupidity. I will not hide from or deny anything I've said to the people I've battled and it's all right there for anyone to see posted in comment sections on the internet. Anything I've related in a message I've aady said to the person's face..." Spoken like a true hero! I say that unironically and unsarcastically; I genuinely meant that!! We live in a world that has either forgotten, or actively works to subvert (read as "pervert"), what it means to be an honest, heroic figure. Heck, a group that actively teaches its members how to dishonestly create false IDs to harass others has summarily ceded the high ground. Another great video, Michael. Thank you, ever so!
Retroblasting, Critical Drinker, Ethan Van Sciver..it's an enjoyable listening end to 2020! Later, off to Netflix for some Transformers War Cybertron and Season 3 Cobra Kai 🤙😍
My stance on repros: There is no flipping way I would ever spend $20 or more on a half inch, plain black, plastic pistol. That is ludicrous and an insult to anyone with any concept of money. Furthermore, to paraphrase Woody from Toy Story, "THEY - ARE - A - TOY!!!". Yes, I collect, but no, I don't place them on any pedestal of worship. In fact, I lost count on how much stuff I gave to away to friends who had kids because I believe ultimately, that is the whole point to a toy: to entertain children. But then again, after seeing the reactions of some of these anti-repro people, perhaps they still are entertaining children.
None of the figure or accessory molds still exist. Only the vehicle molds were stored in the US which is why they were remade several times since the 90’s POTF2 days. It’s been rumored most of the figure molds were dumped in a river in Asia in the early 90’s.
I was kicked out of a Facebook Star Wars Group for suggesting some one buy a repro Leia blaster instead of paying $90 for an original. Some one in the group also demanded to see pictures of my collection.
Michael, I am curious if you have had any experience with the Battlestar Galactica community unlike this Star Wars insanity? This kind of insanity is what gives everyday collectors a bad name.
I don't think it's a coincidence that the Star Wars fandom seemingly became flooded with absolute toxic non-fans as soon as Lucas sold out to Disney. As we speak, Lucasfilm employees are making fun of a cancer surviving youtuber for getting emotional over Luke's appearance in the latest Mando. How craven you must be.
My second comment is that there was a similar thread earlier this year in a GI Joe FB group calling on Hasbro to shut down Black Major. The individual even posted Black Majors real name as though they were the “Repro Cops”. The comments were a mix of people who support Black Major or people who had a bad experience with someone else. No one could accuse Black Major of defrauding them. They just want him shut down for ideological reasons.
I recently did a video where I ran into trolls. Brutal. You can't even be sure they actually watched your video. The just react to imaginary enemies in their heads.
@@spacedinosaur8733 You lived under a rock for the last 10 years ? of course ! i am in the CCBS tolerant group and on neverending mission to defend myself from purists
@@Truenofan86 Not under a rock per say...just not active in Lego groups. Though I did make a pretty neat mini-fig diorama about oh...10 years ago. (Kirk, Spock & McCoy as the three kings crossing the dessert and their Red Shirt companion....and the pack of wolves following them)
@I am Petitgguy Retail guy here. We absolutely HATE the scalpers and resellers. They make our lives miserable. Say we get in 20 of a really hot toy. Some dude comes in right as the store opens and snags them all. I now have 19 pissed off customers, some are collectors and some are parents buying for their kids. I'd rather sell 20 toys to 20 different customers than all 20 to the scalper. One of the other reasons is that if the scalper can't make a fast buck, we can potentially get hit with a huge return. That royally screws with your sales numbers. I used to see this all the time when I worked for an upscale toy shop that used to be on Michigan Ave in Chicago. We had 12" G.I. Joes that you couldn't get anywhere else. Every time we had a new release, they'd show up and then a few weeks later we'd take the hit.
@I am Petitgguy Oh, there's no argument that there's bungling in the distribution system for toys. My current employer is a major consumer electronics chain and we have measures in place to dissuade folks from being hoggy. They're not always successful (witness the bots in online ordering), but they're doing much better than in the past. On the line level, I also have the power to say "No!" and my bosses will back me up. We know what's there on our shelves. In fact, a lot of our policies for dealing with resellers were originally put in place because of another notorious blight on the retail landscape, the infamous "renters" (which also exist in the toy community, btw).
I have been a fan of this channel for years. When you focus on toys, cartoons, etc. and give us all perspective... well, there really is nothing like this on the Internet that I have enjoyed as much. Additionally, I love Melinda's and Aaron's Dreamland podcast more than any other podcast I listen to. You guys are my friends and seem cut from the same cloth, generationally speaking. Mike, the last couple of years I have watched you descend into these angry tirades against all the "haters" and perceived enemies you've accrued. You seem more bitter lately. You may be right in all of your frustration to the RUclips trolls. I don't have a channel, and I can't tolerate the stupidity of 95% of all the comments I've seen on a zillion other topics, so I can't imagine how frustrating it must be to be in your shoes. But the amount of energy you're spending to make videos like this... The impact on your quality of life just creating these retorts surely has a cost. I would watch every Retroblasting video with great interest in the past, but recently it seems I have to skip most of them because of your bitterness. It's hard to watch. Like I said, I think you're 100% right for feeling this way. I would too. I don't blame you. But God, there is more to life than this. You seem to perseverate on absolutely useless bull****. I can't imagine how much time was spent making this video. Is this really worth it? The world is full of morons. Yes. There's nothing you can do to change that except not be one of them. (And you're not, in case the nuance of text is misinterpreted). Please... have some children. Get some perspective. I was born in 1975 and have an amazing vintage toy collection. Collecting toys is fun. Talking pop culture is fun. But having a family helps keep it all in perspective and keep me sane. Having a life outside of myself helps shed all the dead weight and makes it easy to ignore all the morons. Or maybe just take a year-long break from your channel and find some peace again. You make quality content. But the last couple years seem to have been spent responding to all your trolls and the fun from the early years is missing. Love you guys.
Small and obnoxiously loud. That about sums the "police" up. I might not agree with everything on this channel but I enjoy the hell out of it. Every channel will attract its trolls and every hobby will manifest its assholes. Those people and their anger is the result of deeper issues.
Jeez man. We are grown ass men that collect toys for FUN!!!!! We buy plastic time capsules that remind us of fun times and make us smile. Some people are taking this way too far. Thanks Michael for the video. Always enjoy your content.
I've been a toy collector all my life,I'm 50 next year,i still have all the original toys i bought and were bought for me from the 70s and 80s,including to my knowledge all their accessories,it was only a couple of months ago i learned of the value of said accessories and the potential"goldmine"i have in my attic,i also found out about the whole repro/anti-repro thing,it occurs to me its a case of people who love toys and people who love power,and anyone who covets power generally isn't a nice person
They sound like Lucy from the peanuts gang and her insistence that she never eats December snow and will only eat January snow. Get while its fresh, it'll be yellow snow by January, kid...
I had a friend in elementary school who was spoiled by his absent parents. He had every Star Wars, Gi joe, Transformer, He-Man, etc. I was poor had like 5 Joes and a handful of Transformers. He flew into a rage at me because after he broke the Gi joe Jinx's thumb he demanded I give him mine. He threatened to never be friends again and that I was selfish. That is exactly how these manbabies behave. They can't stand everyone having access to the hobby. MH from the IC even attacked on RUclips because I called pro-repro "Collectors". This is all about money to them, class, and the have and have nots.
You know, usually, I detest the use of the word 'manbaby' because it's typically used as a slur against people who are passionate about their hobbies, no matter how benign their passion is, by people who's ignorance and hatred of anything they can't or won understand overcomes any kind of intelligence, compassion, civility or logic. But holy sh*t, these dudes are some weapons grade manbabies. Live and let live is the best policy, guys. You don't like repro and other people are fine with it. Some don't care at all. Repro people, just make sure you're forthcoming about what you sell and do. Anti-repro people, understand that you aren't the gatekeepers, you don't control the medium and some people can't afford originals, can't find them and are perfectly okay with reproductions. Drama, drama, drama, what is it with internet communities and drama? I swear, some people exist solely to be miserable and spread that misery to others. Nice to see someone bust out receipts when called out tho, wonder what the opposition's response will be. By the by, any know where I can get a repro communications mast/antenna for the USS Flagg? XD
I recently quit an X-wing TMG group, because one of the admins will come bitch and whine if you post anything negative about Star Wars (On your page, not in the group). Total control freak, you must praise all things star wars, or you're "Bad" and have to be taken down. He also believes criticism of Star Wars in any form is "Taking away something people love". I just can't deal with these people. They're everywhere these days.
Support and buy repro, make your own even. This hobby should be fun. The people featured in this video want the value of the originals they sell to remain high in value, period. They clearly have ulterior motives. The toys should be appreciated what they mean nostalgia wise , not their monetary value. They've been re-issued and they've been reworked, etc by Hasbro over the years, so those would just be high-end repros themselves. I also buy and enjoy the jumbos from Gentle Giant, I don't care what people think lol. I want nothing to do with any elitist group. Sure, I do actually respect people who show a love and appreciation for original pieces and want to only collect those, but the loudest people here are just greedy elitists. Seriously, similar videos like this one could be made on the Gi Joe community and the MOTU community right now. There are so many scalpers and scammers out there. There's a guy in the 5.5 community who runs a group and does FB auctions and has his own son shill bidding on his auctions. People in the Joe community are threatening each other and trashing people's family members over the new 6 inch Joe line. This is the worst time to ever be part of any toy community.
This is possibly the greatest on-line bitch slap ever... I am with you Michael, I am tired of so called Fans telling me what i can buy. And it sickens me. You are the man and thank you for standing up for what is right. And the Baby Huey nickname is spot on, pure genius Michael French.. pure genius.
As someone who completed a full vintage run of Kenner figures with original accessories I have made purchases where "original" weapons were not original which was a hassle however I am in favor of repro accessories as that is the only option if you have a figure without accessories. The problem is the people against repro are the ones inflating the value of original accessories by not accepting reproductions. The problem will go away if we stop valuing these tiny pieces of plastic as being worth more than the figures themselves.
I just think everyone can have their own opinion on collecting, but no one should be able to tell you how to collect your collection. Oh happy New Year from Australia , it's 2021 here.
Sheesh! I'm only 9 minutes into this video and I had no idea stuff like this was going on... just over reproductions of toy accessories? I mean... I guess it isn't THAT surprising, being the internet and all. But again... sheesh! Sorry you have to put up with all that.
Yeah, but the thing is, like a lot of "fundamentalists" these ones are also huge hypocrites and always have huge double standards and are basically just unethical thugs basically, they do what they spend so much time pretending to be against so vehemently, so that just proves they don't care and are just doing it for other reasons.
I noticed ReproBlasting who copies your logo has comments disabled on his vids. He carry’s on and sooks about them but doesn’t let people comment on his vids. Very soft.
I...would never think this could exist in all honesty. Maybe I'm naive. I can say much but I'm totally with your point. Every extremism is bad, that's for sure. This is really disturbing. The only problem of internet is not trolls, well not only, but it also put you in contact with people you'll never should in real life. And on the "freedom of speech" excuse and with the anonymous veil, anyone feel free to say whatever to whoever. I'm truly sorry for you but also for any good toy collectors.
When I was restoring my GI Joe aircraft carrier ,I was able to find the parts online for mostly reasonable prices .Until I came across a replacement railing that was always just over 300 bucks . For a freaking railing ? Found a 3d printed copy for 30 bucks. Not original ,but it works for me. I life in the REAL world . With kids ,bills and an eventual retirement. If ever sell my FLAGG,it will be as is . To me ,it is complete. I also had to replace most of my weapons for my Joe's ,since a lot of weapons were supposed to be the same type (UZI),but there were a lot different molds over the years and I wanted all the different weapons to be more uniform. Some of my later Joe's came with (shudder) neon weapons....yeah those got replaced . If these Star Wars "Fans" DEMAND no reproduction weapons/accessories then DON'T BUY THEM !!!! Star Wars is a cult to these folks !! I enjoy Star Wars ,but I live in the real world. A world where most Vintage Star Wars are missing their guns. I would say other things about these cultists ,but I'm trying to restrain myself .
Naw. The anti-repro guys are the conservatives (duh). The progressive SJWs are the ones who want us to sellout our traditional values. There is nothing wrong with a Star Wars Orthodoxy
LINK TO FULL CONVERSATIONS WITH HEINZ, FAUNTLEROY, IMPOSSIBLE BURGER, and STEVE-DAVE: drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-i5rpztz1MTgGhKzKHD0wG01VfOMMyMj?usp=sharing
@@secretdestroyer33 really appreciate this comment AA. This video was pointed out to me by someone who recognised my logo and lower half of my twitter handle. I've asked for the video to be taken down on those grounds. I'm really disappointed that my private discussion with him has been made public. The video takes my comments out of context and makes false claims.
@@dennyking the fact you think I'm some part of a brigade just goes to show how far this video has mislead you.
Michael, move forward. Turn off all of your social media and do what you and your team do BEST, make incredible Vintage Toy videos. Time is short...
@@dennyking I don't want to click on the video and give him another view but I think I'm at the end. Also the bottom right script. I would like to know who he thinks I'm spying for and to what end 🤷♂️
@@secretdestroyer33 Ha, wow, what an absolute lack of self awareness, man. "Militant pro repro stance". Using the word nazi like a 10 year old in a comment section. How absolutely childish are YOU? This is why his video was justified, the fact that this "issue" is even at this level shows how pathetic some in the toy collecting community truly are.
ReproCop! What are your prime directives?
1. Serve my financial interests
2. Protect the price guide values
3. Keep the gate
4. (Classified)
Brilliant! 🤣🤣👍
The first two aren't illegitimate concerns in a collectible market IMHO.
I’d buy that for a dollar!!
4. (Classified) FOIA GRANTED 4. To lose virginity
I am sorry ReproCop, your model is incapable of downloading necessary software needed to attempt engagement. If you were to somehow overcome your limited processor by overriding your programmed "simple nature" you're also lacking in necessary hardware to perform this action. Again, I say ReproCop do not attempt to move forward with this objective....the greater odds are you'll short circuit your memory cpu and reboot only to be permanently stuck in a state of adolescence. I repeat ABORT MISSION and DISABLE OBJECTIVE!
@@SFforlife not if they have anything to say about it hahah.
How many people came to see the comments as much as Michael's incredibly well collected views?
Yes.
I did
His scripts are fine but he reads them in a very monotone manner lol.
Doctor: "Mr Baby Huey, your heart has failed and we don't have any donors, the only other option is an artificial heart."
Baby Huey: "NO REPRO!!!"
Narrator: “Baby Huey then died a few days later.”
@@johncaulfield8935 "And everybody with their repro hearts lived happily ever after..."
Pffft. Nice.
If ‘Baby Huey’ is who I think it is, then I spent money at his establishment. I’ve even considered getting in touch with him about getting a Star Destroyer or a Death Star. I won’t be going through him. You didn’t explicitly share his identity, so I will respect that and just be careful who I deal with. Great video as always. And I fully agree. I feel that hoarding figures is more damaging than repro ever could be. Army building troops, officers and other generic characters is one thing, but who needs 30 Yak Faces? The prices are ridiculous for any weapon and people think they have gold when they find out something they are trying to sell happens to be Star Wars. The hoarders and uneducated hurt the hobby more than anything else.
I’m glad you’re putting these fools on blast and holding them accountable for their fuckery.
At least some of the nonsense appears to be mental illness. I dont know how else to explain such bizarre behavior
@@JONNYSORENSEN_AU Spoiled as kids?
Well said! :-D
If you care more about the monetary value of your toys, you are a "speculator," not a collector. I don't buy figures with the thought that they will be worth more in the future.
I believe that you can be both a speculator and a collector. The issue with the assholes discussed in this video is they are simply speculators. They have no actual love for the items or they would be willing to share the love with everyone...including people that need repro parts to "complete" a figure. They are simply gatekeepers making sure that their investments stay strong.
I asked my vintage Jawa if he minded having a Repro weapon, He said "No Fracks given at least I can shoot droids again"........Ootini.
Lies! No Jawa would be seen dead with a Repro "Utinni"
@@RiFFxxx I stole it...Ootini
But the 40 year old plastic originals were made from MAGIC. Apparently.
@@scockery Hokey religions & ancient weapons are no match for a.........You know the rest.....Ootini.
@@dante001ish no match for a cool vinyl cape
My take: repros are a necessary evil for most of us. I can’t justify spending 70 bucks on chin guns for my AT-AT when high quality repros exist for 20 bucks, same with weapons. At the end of the day, all of this is plastic that we save because we love them for what they are. The anti-repro crowd makes no sense. Is there suddenly an intrinsic meaning to plastic? I missed Kenner by about 25 years so I have no connection at all. I just like the toys and how they look/their historical aspect and thus Ill do what I can do to fix them up. The toys themselves don’t have meaning, but rather the memories we create with them.
I agreed with you 💯 cent
You are absolutely correct.
Yep. What he said. 👍
It comes down to the fact that many of those repros are not readily distinguishable from the original, which in turn makes it possible for people to attempt to pass them off as the genuine article. Regardless of your stance on repros, it should at least be obvious why that's controversial when there's a significant price differential between the genuine article and the reproduction items.
Personally, I think most collectors just want repros for personal collection use, but that doesn't mean there aren't legitimate issues involved that merit consideration.
@Maximillian Wylde Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying it doesn't or that Michael is necessarily wrong that some of the people involved can be problematic in various ways, just that I don't think you can discount out of hand the fact that there are legitimate and reasonable concerns when it comes to reproductions in any collectibles market. My dad used to deal in antiques and I can tell you that very similar issues come up all the time in a variety of fields besides toys.
Here comes the Boom!!!
It’s about time someone said something
@@nickk5263 and here you are bitching about Michael. don't you have something better to do?
Buy million token!
Did somebody say BOOM?!
KABOOOOOOOM!!!!!!!!!
If I needed someone to back me in verbal fight I'd pick Michael. Physical fight, Tony from Analog Toys.
(cracks knuckles) just say the word!
Most definitely,Tony looks like he'd eat your liver and Michael would be able to make you apologise
Alarm bells started to ring for me after joining one such group earlier this year, I made the 'unforgiveable sin' of posting a custom of a vintage star wars figure on their FB forum! LOL Now remember, as you said, these figures were produced in their millions. The figures I customised were beaten up, yellowed and missing fingers: ROTJ Skiff Guards not a Yak face or Blue Snaggletooth. The abusive memes and comments that followed in the minutes of the post going up were unbeliveable! Now fair enough, I had failed to read the small print in their rules, but instead of reigning in the abuse, the moderator piled on with a comment of: 'we do not permit the uploading of images of customised figures on this group'. Apparently, encouraging vintage customs is a big no no, yet abusing and harrasing people for doing so is just fine and can go on without any problem from the moderators!!!! A very warped mindset to say the least!
Well, "community standards," you know... Can definitely tell what people value.
Nerds with moderator power. People who never had power in their lives when given it, even (or especially) over "their own", turn into dicks.
It's easy to tell people their Stormtroopers shouldn't get blasters when you're the one hoarding all the originals.
This is why I belong to zero and post in zero toy groups, i'm just a private collector that watches retroblasting, analog toys, formbx257 and toy polloi.
Same here.
Same. We should start our own fraternity! Lol
@@rockcatinc.4814 Absolutely, we can go old school and do a forum.
@@crushingalldeceivers haha. Yeah we will show them!
Same
Being close to 50 yrs old, myself and friends had a lot of the Star Wars line of toys as kids. I don't currently collect them, because I moved on to full size collecting (classic cars). When you stated that these individuals stated they were against repro parts for classic cars, I about lost my sh*t. If the automotive community felt the same way, there would be far fewer cars to be able to enjoy. Hell, SEMA wouldn't exit in the capacity it does today, and hundreds of thousands of jobs would be non-existent. I might as well crush my '66 Mustang project since it wouldn't be the same with repro parts....(obvious sarcasm). To me, they aren't even collectors, they're just businessmen chasing a buck.
I used to spend quite a bit on classic cars myself; but I got the 8 I wanted, just how I wanted and moved on to true ‘BD Energy’ collecting: WWII fighter planes.
Awesome
I'm 40 minutes into this...
You know? With all due respect to everyone... Fuck these people. From now on, I'll buy nothing but Repro and be absolutely happy.
People can collect how they want.
Seriously, the bullying, the harassment, the threats of litigation. That is absolute bullshit.
Here's the thing, somewhere back in the big bang that triggered these groups to exist was a nugget of truth. The concern over repros and legitimate vintage parts being indistinguishable. I can get behind that. I can totally understand it. (Though, if you're someone like me and you don't care if it's actually 1:1 accurate, and just a good display piece, then it doesn't actually matter at all.)
If they want to blame anyone they need to blame themselves. A Star Wars action figure from the 1970s is not worth hundreds of dollars. It's just not. Unless it was my personal original Luke or Han from when I was a kid, it is worth no more than retail price. In my view. Price gouging has made repros necessary. The sheer volume of lost parts has made repros necessary.
Michael, I've followed your content for many years now. You've always been entertaining, detailed, articulate, open, honest, and always shown us the books. I can find no fault in your points, and what you've presented here today from these people is, truly, sickening. You, Stan Solo, and all the rest, do not deserve these attacks on your character, the threats, and most importantly, the wasted time.
Here's to a Happy New Year.
This is what's mind blowing to me. I hate repro but it doesnt bother me that you want to buy it . That's just fine collect how you want and what makes you feel good . I dont know why people cant just chill.
I agree, I'd seriously consider giving my right arm if I could get my original collection back (I gave it to some 2ndcousin or some such in HS because I was too "grown up"...and he probably didn't even respect them anyway)
Agreed! What the minions of these groups don't seem to understand is that they themselves are responsible for the repro market going from strenghth to strength! They buy and sell Star Wars Toys for ridiculous money which prices most other collectors out of the market. No wonder there is a demand for repro! At the end of the day it is up to the individual how and what to collect regardless of your view on repro. Dictating, bullying and harassing people who don't collect what you would like them to collect is completely unacceptable!
FUCKING THIS
I dunno, pal... "From now on, I'll buy nothing but repro" kind of sounds like you're modifying your inclination, in response to them. Don't give them the power to influence you in any way, is my reaction. Collect how you would, regardless of them.
Ya know, I gotta be honest, I have never had any issues with anti-repro types bothering me or anyone I know about anything, but this was a well needed video because anyone who is trying to shit on other collectors needs to be called out ......... They are intentionally trying to ruin the enjoyment of others simply for personal gain ...... this to me signifies that they are not collectors, but parasites trying to feed on real collectors ....... but because they don't have the talent to provide a valuable service (like being able to create products that have been lost over time that collectors now want reproductions of to make their collecting experience complete), they have to attack others who are adding to many collectors enjoyment of the hobby ...... they are simply human garbage
Dont forget that the sellers of the One true toy to rule them all artificially drive up the prices of their own inventories through these underhanded tactics, on top of the abuse to people and their bizarre bullish bullshit behavior
Thank you. Finally... A fan who gets it.
I'll make this clear, I'm not related to impossible burger. Great video Michael.
Hahaha
@@AnalogToys 😉
Mego was raised from the dead by A REPORDUCTION TOY MAKER. The repos were so good that the original maker was convinced to hire him as a partner in bringing his company back to life
Whoa, for real? That's awesome!
When someone says “it’s not about the money,” yeah, no it’s totally all about the money.
It's a similar kind of mentality as that bloke in the pub who starts a bigoted rant off with: "I'm not a racist, but..."
haha my workplace said that before firing people and cutting our hours.
It's about the money when sellers lie about accessories being original when they post something for profit.
Michael, we’ve discussed this subject. Repro Star Wars toys are a frustration in the community, there’s no doubt about that. Another frustration is elitist mentality and the inflated ego some possess. Your video is an eye opener to the players in these circles. Some I considered up and up people. The constant jockeying for position of top Star Wars virtue signaler to the cause is laughable. I’ve seen and read the intimidation first hand. If you’re not in, you’re out. Gate keepers, the lot of them. What a dumb hill to die on.
hear! hear!
When you bought a vintage figure you don t want it to decrease in value because other options are available.... personnaly i prefer modern stuff it looks better most of the time... as long as you know what you bought it s ok for me
Right on Michael! Another repro that a lot of fans need to fix their own personal collections like mine are stickers. Those are IMPOSSIBLE to find without repro makers. Thank the Lord for repro makers because I have a chance of fixing up my collection. There is no way I can afford original stuff at those prices they are asking. Anti-Repro people GET A FREAKING LIFE! Great job Michael and Retroblasting :-)
Oh god...the stickers....I loved/hated the stickers
It's funny how toy collecting is becoming The Tiger King.
Ha ha! So true
Right?! Come for the fun toy talk. Leave for the crushing narcissism.
Baby huey worked with Carol Baskins
I'm not a Star Wars collector but a toy collector nonetheless. I got out the game years ago because of lame elitist garbage like this. The cosplay community deals with the same trash.
I think it's been like that for awhile now especially if you're part of facebook groups or forums.
Replicas and reproductions are needed in any and all fandoms. Things break, get lost, and some things are never sold to the fans. So we could really use any and all means of getting our hands the products of our focus
it also helps the crafting community!
i made earrings for a friend from reproduction She-Ra swords - no way was i going to use the real thing
Well said!
I have no problem with reproduction as long as a seller or owner is honest about it.
Death threats because of Star Wars toys how is this fucking possible 😂 Michael I need your DeLorean so I can go back to 1996.
Man 96 was a good year. I think the nineties set up false hope of a great future sadly.
Or go back to 1979 and clean out the shelves for 40 bucks!
They use repro bullets in their repro guns, so death threats are a moot point.
I’d go back to 84 myself and take a ton of roboskulls
@@noneed4me2n7 plus the end of history.
If I want to buy a repro, so what? That’s my business. Don’t tread on my repros.
This. Repros are great for a lot of display collectors, I really don't understand why people are against things that help the hobby.
Im a long time transformer collector and I just...I can't believe people would act like this. Why would you not want more people to love what you love? If you're not fraudulently claiming the repros are original and selling them for exorbitant prices what does it matter?
I'm in the same boat, chief. I'm on the hunt for a new blaster and stickers for my G1 Astrotrain and an arm for my Brawn, and everyone I've asked has been super helpful.
On the first day of Repro-Cop training they take you and the other recruits into a big room and pass around repro items for you to smell and taste so you know what to look for when you start walking the beat. I love Repros, customs, reissues etc. Long live Stan Solo. Long live the Black Major!
C3p0
I bet those weirdos shove original figure lights sabers up their urethra as a form of worship to the gods of non-repro
Death treats about repro accessories? The world is messed up indeed. Will they try to go after Hasbro since they entered the repro business or will they simply bully the small toy makers and fans?
I think that repro can be a fun/cheaper way to complete a figure for the casual collector. As long as there's no deception, I'm all for it.
Of course, for some, toy collecting is their retirement fund/life investment so I can see why they would go nuts about repros even though it doesn't justify attacking other collectors.
Toy collecting should be fun. IT'S TOY COLLECTING! Little plastic dudes to create stories or remind you of the time when you used to set them up to create stories.
Probably the same people who send death threats over not liking a movie because the old hero they grew up with didn't turn out how "they" wanted.
@@Clay3613 Ya gotta wonder at the overlap between the two groups, don't you?
Oh, back in like 1996-97 some people had shit fits when Hasbro made a 4 pack of vintage style Star Wars figures.
Anyone hoping to retire on vintage toys is a fool if not an IDIOT. They should sell them off and invest in stock and things. I can tell you I've been to a few garage sales where there's NASCAR stuff that some guy bought as an investment and now they cannot give it away for less than original retail. Oh, of course, BEANIE BABIES is another big example.
It also reminds me of model train stuff. Those train people are dying off, and so where you used to be able to unload used model train stuff now there's a lot less buyers. Action figures will probably go the same way. Modern kids grow out of traditional toys at age 6. They are unlikely to grow up and be shelling out $80 for a teeny piece of plastic that was made 35 years before they were born.
@@scockery And that's despite the figures having noticeable differences from the originals.
“The pro-repro side is a pathway to many products some consider to be...unoriginal.”
Is it possible to buy these things?
@@V2011F Not from an anti-repro group
I mean when i was a kid I'd use weapons from everything for my toys a toy store near my house used to give you a weapon with all the loose figures there so i had power rangers with MOTU swords and 90s and 70s star wars figures sharing weapons it was great and i didn't care it was fun didn't matter if they didn't match
You're 80s...love it
Everyday I’m reminded how great it is to have no presence on social media. We’ve invented a whole new way to torture each other on a daily basis. I’m a toy collector too but I’ve never heard of or belong to any of these groups...sounds like it’s a good thing. I go on eBay or to my local vintage toy shops or toy shows and buy the toys I want. I watch toy polloi or your channel to learn how to fix them and that’s pretty much it. It’s sad that like Jacob Marley you’re chained to the internet for your career. So I want to say thanks Michael for all the great content. I wish you guys the best in 2021.
Not all heroes wear capes. But I bet Michael does!
He has a Cape for his Cape
...and its repro vinyl one! 😁
He in fact has a very nice Superman cape and has been known to wear it.
Amen Michael... Well said. I took myself out of several "Live and let live" groups. When I was actually told who to associate with...I was done. That is not community...it is control. I have no enemies list....nor do I ever want one. I just collect.
Gonna need some popcorn for this one
"I paid lots of money for a piece of plastic. You getting a cheaper repro is against the rules!"
I think that's a huge part of the issue. Justifying the effort and money to get original pieces is harder to justify when others can get it cheaper, easier and maybe even in better quality. Depending on your outlook on the entire issue -and your mental age- you might feel like a fool (ofc you aren't for buying original parts) and who likes that?
I lost a majority of my Star Wars weapons playing with my figures so if I need weapons, I'll order a repo. If selling vintage kenner Star Wars, I think the buyer should be told. I have no intent of selling my vintage Kenner. That's my childhood. I'm currently collecting The Vintage Collection because of my childhood. Repo weapons? Absolutely. My vintage figures need them to "feel" complete.
Lots of Repro in my collection. I leave my collection out to be touched, talked about, and played with. When I die my stuff will likely get sold; I doubt my family or whoever sells it will go through the lengths to even know what’s Repro and what’s not. If the future market for vintage Star Wars toys ends up being cheaper for everyone who wants it because of Repro, then that sounds awesome to me. Awesome toys for awesome kids is a better legacy than some old fart’s “investment collection.”
Yep. It’s not my fault some people chose action figures as their financial investment. I just want to have fun with toys.
@@namelessjedi2242 I definitely had fun with mine. Being an Adult, I'd like to have them complete. If i have to buy a repo weapon just so Han can have his blaster or Luke's lightsaber so be it. It doesn't have to be certified vintage for me.
I can barely sit through 50 minutes of modern day films, this was a rollercoaster. Great video, really liked it! I'm sorry this kinda crap exists, fight the good fight mate!
Well done on calling these groups out on their elitist nonsense. A big thumbs up from me to yourself, Chris Smith and Toy Polloi. You have all helped to make a very challenging year a little brighter. Happy New Year to all!
Oh gosh you should see the neca groups after the last vid. Criticism doesnt exist in a hive mind.
I’m not a collector. I have maybe 12-15 of my original figures left from childhood. None of them have their weapons. I think I’m going to specifically buy repro weapons for all of them now. Just because I know how angry it makes some people.
Meanwhile I've got a shelf of Touhou figures purchased off of Ali Express because the originals are long out of stock and buying secondhand can be prohibitively expensive.
Doesn't mean I like them any less, and they're generally pretty well made. Sure, maybe I have to make a modification here or glue on a broken bit there, but for me, that just makes the figure all the more special.
Don't let elitists get you down folks. Collections are supposed to be enjoyed above all, and if you are someone who only collects for money, well, let's just say I hope your collection goes the way of the nft.
I've never understood the big deal with repros. They are for me, I buy them for me and no on else. Why do some fanboys care so much. Good job here Michael.
This crusade against repro parts is the greatest example of truly first world problems I've ever seen. 🤣😅😂
I didn't think there would be one last video for 2020. This was good.
The positive about this is they have a miserable life fighting all the time about a piece of plastic. I love toys but I enjoy a peaceful surrounding more.
Toys are for kids, not grown ups.
@@evertonporter7887
That’s the way it used to be until people started selling these toys for big money to people dumb enough to pay for them
Life's too short, isn't it? These people are apparently "grown-ups"... At least Mike's well-spoken and reasonable throughout these shenanigans. Likely the only one with an actual wife. So pointless. Toys. TOYS...
I bought a large lot of repro for my original star wars figures . I just want them to look nice on my shelf .
Haha!!! Exactly. What the hell is wrong with that! I am into vintage as well. Graded too. But.... I would be the first to support reproduction.
50 bucks for 1 vader or luke saber..I can get like 14 repros for that much...
I am joining these groups, just to sit back, eat some popcorn, and watch the trainwreck
22:29 - "Im not lacking in self-awareness. I'm a difficult person to get along with if you're like most of these individuals. I fight my battles out in the open and not in cloisters or private Facebook groups. I don't make backroom deals. I form my opinions though following cause and effect to facts and I'm very self-aware of my combative nature when I encounter dishonesty and stupidity. I will not hide from or deny anything I've said to the people I've battled and it's all right there for anyone to see posted in comment sections on the internet. Anything I've related in a message I've aady said to the person's face..."
Spoken like a true hero! I say that unironically and unsarcastically; I genuinely meant that!! We live in a world that has either forgotten, or actively works to subvert (read as "pervert"), what it means to be an honest, heroic figure. Heck, a group that actively teaches its members how to dishonestly create false IDs to harass others has summarily ceded the high ground.
Another great video, Michael. Thank you, ever so!
Retroblasting, Critical Drinker, Ethan Van Sciver..it's an enjoyable listening end to 2020! Later, off to Netflix for some Transformers War Cybertron and Season 3 Cobra Kai 🤙😍
My stance on repros: There is no flipping way I would ever spend $20 or more on a half inch, plain black, plastic pistol. That is ludicrous and an insult to anyone with any concept of money. Furthermore, to paraphrase Woody from Toy Story, "THEY - ARE - A - TOY!!!". Yes, I collect, but no, I don't place them on any pedestal of worship. In fact, I lost count on how much stuff I gave to away to friends who had kids because I believe ultimately, that is the whole point to a toy: to entertain children.
But then again, after seeing the reactions of some of these anti-repro people, perhaps they still are entertaining children.
if hasbro saw a market in recast accessories,they would dust off the molds if they even still exist
Lol they now Recast vintage figures... lol
@@bwtrader ghostbusters and transformers yes licensed by Hasbro.ive seen recasts by customizers by
There is literally a whole retro line of star wars figures.
None of the figure or accessory molds still exist. Only the vehicle molds were stored in the US which is why they were remade several times since the 90’s POTF2 days. It’s been rumored most of the figure molds were dumped in a river in Asia in the early 90’s.
I was kicked out of a Facebook Star Wars Group for suggesting some one buy a repro Leia blaster instead of paying $90 for an original. Some one in the group also demanded to see pictures of my collection.
I hope you told them to get bent.
I sure hope you gave idiotic strangers photos of your toys after they treated you poorly. I mean why would you not! 😛
@@JONNYSORENSEN_AU I'm only guessing they wanted to belittle my collection and rate my true fandomness ... but yeah screw em. Didnt give em shit.
I'm not a toy collector. Just a Retroblasting fan. I had no idea this kind of thing even existed. I am shocked and sad.
Michael, I am curious if you have had any experience with the Battlestar Galactica community unlike this Star Wars insanity? This kind of insanity is what gives everyday collectors a bad name.
I'm glad I stumbled upon this. We're dealing with a similar issue in the tech tuber community.
I don't think it's a coincidence that the Star Wars fandom seemingly became flooded with absolute toxic non-fans as soon as Lucas sold out to Disney. As we speak, Lucasfilm employees are making fun of a cancer surviving youtuber for getting emotional over Luke's appearance in the latest Mando. How craven you must be.
This!
Seems like they have no moral compass
You listed plenty of good reasons not to use the anti repro guys names, but I can’t think of a better and funnier name than Little Lord Fauntleroy.
#LioManBad
My second comment is that there was a similar thread earlier this year in a GI Joe FB group calling on Hasbro to shut down Black Major. The individual even posted Black Majors real name as though they were the “Repro Cops”. The comments were a mix of people who support Black Major or people who had a bad experience with someone else. No one could accuse Black Major of defrauding them. They just want him shut down for ideological reasons.
He pissed off the folks hoarding Stardusters and Steel Brigade figures with his repros. That was part of it.
I recently did a video where I ran into trolls. Brutal. You can't even be sure they actually watched your video. The just react to imaginary enemies in their heads.
Grown men are getting militant over little pieces of plastic!
Imagine being so into toys that you send death threats.
Ya that's just flipping crazy!
It's stuff like this that scares me away from the hobby every time it starts to look cool
That needs to go on a shirt
There’s a shag carpet in a dump in Western New York that has probably fifty original Star Wars guns in it.
HOLY SHIT!!!! 50 MINUTES!!! This is going to be so good.
I’ve been watching for 26 mins so far and didn’t even notice the passage of time. This stuff is crazy lol
Truly sad that these people are so upset over reproduction when they are the ones selling original ones for tones of money
And that was another episode of "And You Thought Your Fandom is Weird....."
BIONICLE and Gundam fandoms also act like tiny children
@@Truenofan86 There is a BIONICLE fandom??
@@spacedinosaur8733 You lived under a rock for the last 10 years ? of course ! i am in the CCBS tolerant group and on neverending mission to defend myself from purists
@@Truenofan86 Not under a rock per say...just not active in Lego groups. Though I did make a pretty neat mini-fig diorama about oh...10 years ago. (Kirk, Spock & McCoy as the three kings crossing the dessert and their Red Shirt companion....and the pack of wolves following them)
@@Truenofan86 That's still going on? They still don't call em "Hero factory" pieces do they?
Are these the same people that purposefully are in the business of scalping?
Same mentality at the least. These people ruin whatever collecting hobby they parasitize.
i dont even mind recasts,just the scalpers
@I am Petitgguy Retail guy here. We absolutely HATE the scalpers and resellers. They make our lives miserable. Say we get in 20 of a really hot toy. Some dude comes in right as the store opens and snags them all. I now have 19 pissed off customers, some are collectors and some are parents buying for their kids. I'd rather sell 20 toys to 20 different customers than all 20 to the scalper. One of the other reasons is that if the scalper can't make a fast buck, we can potentially get hit with a huge return. That royally screws with your sales numbers. I used to see this all the time when I worked for an upscale toy shop that used to be on Michigan Ave in Chicago. We had 12" G.I. Joes that you couldn't get anywhere else. Every time we had a new release, they'd show up and then a few weeks later we'd take the hit.
@I am Petitgguy Oh, there's no argument that there's bungling in the distribution system for toys. My current employer is a major consumer electronics chain and we have measures in place to dissuade folks from being hoggy. They're not always successful (witness the bots in online ordering), but they're doing much better than in the past. On the line level, I also have the power to say "No!" and my bosses will back me up. We know what's there on our shelves. In fact, a lot of our policies for dealing with resellers were originally put in place because of another notorious blight on the retail landscape, the infamous "renters" (which also exist in the toy community, btw).
I have been a fan of this channel for years. When you focus on toys, cartoons, etc. and give us all perspective... well, there really is nothing like this on the Internet that I have enjoyed as much. Additionally, I love Melinda's and Aaron's Dreamland podcast more than any other podcast I listen to. You guys are my friends and seem cut from the same cloth, generationally speaking.
Mike, the last couple of years I have watched you descend into these angry tirades against all the "haters" and perceived enemies you've accrued. You seem more bitter lately. You may be right in all of your frustration to the RUclips trolls. I don't have a channel, and I can't tolerate the stupidity of 95% of all the comments I've seen on a zillion other topics, so I can't imagine how frustrating it must be to be in your shoes.
But the amount of energy you're spending to make videos like this... The impact on your quality of life just creating these retorts surely has a cost.
I would watch every Retroblasting video with great interest in the past, but recently it seems I have to skip most of them because of your bitterness. It's hard to watch.
Like I said, I think you're 100% right for feeling this way. I would too. I don't blame you. But God, there is more to life than this. You seem to perseverate on absolutely useless bull****. I can't imagine how much time was spent making this video. Is this really worth it? The world is full of morons. Yes. There's nothing you can do to change that except not be one of them. (And you're not, in case the nuance of text is misinterpreted).
Please... have some children. Get some perspective. I was born in 1975 and have an amazing vintage toy collection. Collecting toys is fun. Talking pop culture is fun. But having a family helps keep it all in perspective and keep me sane. Having a life outside of myself helps shed all the dead weight and makes it easy to ignore all the morons.
Or maybe just take a year-long break from your channel and find some peace again. You make quality content. But the last couple years seem to have been spent responding to all your trolls and the fun from the early years is missing.
Love you guys.
Small and obnoxiously loud. That about sums the "police" up. I might not agree with everything on this channel but I enjoy the hell out of it. Every channel will attract its trolls and every hobby will manifest its assholes. Those people and their anger is the result of deeper issues.
This is the exact reason I don't have social media.
Jeez man. We are grown ass men that collect toys for FUN!!!!! We buy plastic time capsules that remind us of fun times and make us smile. Some people are taking this way too far. Thanks Michael for the video. Always enjoy your content.
I bet the “45 thumbs downs” on this video right now are the minions at work. 😂😂 this video is epic!
I left echo base this year - not a friendly community environment at all. Wise words Michael and Happy 2021 to you all.
I've been a toy collector all my life,I'm 50 next year,i still have all the original toys i bought and were bought for me from the 70s and 80s,including to my knowledge all their accessories,it was only a couple of months ago i learned of the value of said accessories and the potential"goldmine"i have in my attic,i also found out about the whole repro/anti-repro thing,it occurs to me its a case of people who love toys and people who love power,and anyone who covets power generally isn't a nice person
You're 80s bro..🤘🤘🤘
The anti-repro crowd seem to have a hard time writing legibly.
Or without dropping fbombs or other four letter words.....
The anti repro crowd is the same people who buy 6 remnant troopers then complain about scalping
They sound like Lucy from the peanuts gang and her insistence that she never eats December snow and will only eat January snow.
Get while its fresh, it'll be yellow snow by January, kid...
I had a friend in elementary school who was spoiled by his absent parents. He had every Star Wars, Gi joe, Transformer, He-Man, etc. I was poor had like 5 Joes and a handful of Transformers. He flew into a rage at me because after he broke the Gi joe Jinx's thumb he demanded I give him mine. He threatened to never be friends again and that I was selfish. That is exactly how these manbabies behave. They can't stand everyone having access to the hobby. MH from the IC even attacked on RUclips because I called pro-repro "Collectors". This is all about money to them, class, and the have and have nots.
You know, usually, I detest the use of the word 'manbaby' because it's typically used as a slur against people who are passionate about their hobbies, no matter how benign their passion is, by people who's ignorance and hatred of anything they can't or won understand overcomes any kind of intelligence, compassion, civility or logic.
But holy sh*t, these dudes are some weapons grade manbabies.
Live and let live is the best policy, guys. You don't like repro and other people are fine with it. Some don't care at all. Repro people, just make sure you're forthcoming about what you sell and do. Anti-repro people, understand that you aren't the gatekeepers, you don't control the medium and some people can't afford originals, can't find them and are perfectly okay with reproductions.
Drama, drama, drama, what is it with internet communities and drama? I swear, some people exist solely to be miserable and spread that misery to others. Nice to see someone bust out receipts when called out tho, wonder what the opposition's response will be.
By the by, any know where I can get a repro communications mast/antenna for the USS Flagg? XD
RetroBlasting’s Magnum Opus.
Totally agree!
So far... They keep getting better.
I recently quit an X-wing TMG group, because one of the admins will come bitch and whine if you post anything negative about Star Wars (On your page, not in the group). Total control freak, you must praise all things star wars, or you're "Bad" and have to be taken down. He also believes criticism of Star Wars in any form is "Taking away something people love". I just can't deal with these people. They're everywhere these days.
Yes! This was the video you mentioned the other day! Thank you! Time for a brew and view!
Hope you enjoy!
These are sick people
Support and buy repro, make your own even. This hobby should be fun. The people featured in this video want the value of the originals they sell to remain high in value, period. They clearly have ulterior motives. The toys should be appreciated what they mean nostalgia wise , not their monetary value. They've been re-issued and they've been reworked, etc by Hasbro over the years, so those would just be high-end repros themselves. I also buy and enjoy the jumbos from Gentle Giant, I don't care what people think lol. I want nothing to do with any elitist group. Sure, I do actually respect people who show a love and appreciation for original pieces and want to only collect those, but the loudest people here are just greedy elitists.
Seriously, similar videos like this one could be made on the Gi Joe community and the MOTU community right now. There are so many scalpers and scammers out there. There's a guy in the 5.5 community who runs a group and does FB auctions and has his own son shill bidding on his auctions. People in the Joe community are threatening each other and trashing people's family members over the new 6 inch Joe line.
This is the worst time to ever be part of any toy community.
@retroblasting you just huffed and puffed and blew the roofs off all their houses.
This is possibly the greatest on-line bitch slap ever... I am with you Michael, I am tired of so called Fans telling me what i can buy. And it sickens me. You are the man and thank you for standing up for what is right. And the Baby Huey nickname is spot on, pure genius Michael French.. pure genius.
I wonder if Baby Huey will now remove you from his cult?
@@toddpersenico8333 trust me I am already out of that group
@@anthonywhitehead5576 Good call. I only lasted a few days after they found out who I was. :)
@@toddpersenico8333 haha.. heck yeah. I dont like being told what I can buy or not buy...
As someone who completed a full vintage run of Kenner figures with original accessories I have made purchases where "original" weapons were not original which was a hassle however I am in favor of repro accessories as that is the only option if you have a figure without accessories. The problem is the people against repro are the ones inflating the value of original accessories by not accepting reproductions. The problem will go away if we stop valuing these tiny pieces of plastic as being worth more than the figures themselves.
I just think everyone can have their own opinion on collecting, but no one should be able to tell you how to collect your collection.
Oh happy New Year from Australia , it's 2021 here.
How's it looking so far? I request spoilers.
Sheesh! I'm only 9 minutes into this video and I had no idea stuff like this was going on... just over reproductions of toy accessories? I mean... I guess it isn't THAT surprising, being the internet and all. But again... sheesh! Sorry you have to put up with all that.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Fundamentalists are never fun, and always mental.
Yeah, but the thing is, like a lot of "fundamentalists" these ones are also huge hypocrites and always have huge double standards and are basically just unethical thugs basically, they do what they spend so much time pretending to be against so vehemently, so that just proves they don't care and are just doing it for other reasons.
We need to stop toy gun violence! Also know your toy gun rights!
i am gonna buy an entire collection of only repros solely to piss these sort of people off.
These are grown men trying to ruin livelihoods over toys. 😂 Im glad you guys didn’t bend, this is ridiculous.
Somehow I'm not impressed to find a new layer of toxic in the SW fandom...
I noticed ReproBlasting who copies your logo has comments disabled on his vids. He carry’s on and sooks about them but doesn’t let people comment on his vids. Very soft.
I...would never think this could exist in all honesty. Maybe I'm naive. I can say much but I'm totally with your point. Every extremism is bad, that's for sure. This is really disturbing. The only problem of internet is not trolls, well not only, but it also put you in contact with people you'll never should in real life. And on the "freedom of speech" excuse and with the anonymous veil, anyone feel free to say whatever to whoever. I'm truly sorry for you but also for any good toy collectors.
When I was restoring my GI Joe aircraft carrier ,I was able to find the parts online for mostly reasonable prices .Until I came across a replacement railing that was always just over 300 bucks . For a freaking railing ? Found a 3d printed copy for 30 bucks. Not original ,but it works for me.
I life in the REAL world . With kids ,bills and an eventual retirement. If ever sell my FLAGG,it will be as is . To me ,it is complete.
I also had to replace most of my weapons for my Joe's ,since a lot of weapons were supposed to be the same type (UZI),but there were a lot different molds over the years and I wanted all the different weapons to be more uniform. Some of my later Joe's came with (shudder) neon weapons....yeah those got replaced .
If these Star Wars "Fans" DEMAND no reproduction weapons/accessories then DON'T BUY THEM !!!! Star Wars is a cult to these folks !! I enjoy Star Wars ,but I live in the real world. A world where most Vintage Star Wars are missing their guns.
I would say other things about these cultists ,but I'm trying to restrain myself .
I live in the real world too, pal. But my vast collection is all original; and thus also very valuable.
They sound just like progressive liberals to me.
Naw. The anti-repro guys are the conservatives (duh). The progressive SJWs are the ones who want us to sellout our traditional values. There is nothing wrong with a Star Wars Orthodoxy
What are the “cops” dealer auctions and account names? I don’t want to accidentally support them.
They gonna be big mad lol