I feel like people overthink collecting too much if you enjoy it and have the means to collect then do it and if you stop enjoying it or it becomes a chore then stop. Doesn’t need to be more complicated than that.
Probably, and I may fall into that category in some respects. It’s not a chore or unenjoyable for me, personally, just running out of space so I have to make decisions that work for the space that I have left 👍
I feel like at some point everyone needs to think critically about their collection. Like if your collection is stowed away in bins / your paying for storage off site for a collection you haven't seen or picked up in years. You can never pay off your credit cards, and or you're just starting to wonder if you really need a 5th set of the ninja turtles, or a 6th Wolverine, all the variants of Spider-man, He-Man, Skeletor etc. etc. It's a healthy thing especially if you collect multiple lines to not reach critical mass, and keep it under control. I love Skeletor but I passed on origins variants like terror claws, dragon blaster, snake armor, masterverse horde skeletor, techno skeletor. Better for me to save money towards other things I really want plus consider space as a premium too. Same goes for buying up cheap figs at Ross you don't actually like just for the sake of them being cheap.
@@ShutoStrikerYes I started with collecting marvel legends and I stopped because I just didn’t think they were worth the money any more. Collections will change and evolve but if you love it then it’s worth doing.
@@eterniastoys have you ever purchased something specifically to fit an unfilled space? I do! I often contemplate if this is good planning on my part or me just giving excuses to justify my addiction
Great job on expressing how most collectors get into the hobby. I just started two years ago. After years of wondering why adults were collecting toys. The biggest benefit from this hobby. Is that my creativity has been at the highest it's been in a long time. I genuinely appreciate your story, and hope more people see this video.
Thank you so much for your kind comment! My creativity has been enhanced a well. I think a lot of people who are really having a hard time in life are just missing a hobby and this is a great one.
Funny you say your creativity is at its highest. I wonder how low it really was before? I stopped collecting in my late 20s and took on woodworking, which led to pottery, glasswork, photography and writing. I graduated college with a couple of degrees and now look back on collecting as a silly waste of money. But I know my words will do nothing but offend those of you who will stop at nothing to justify such a clown hobby.
@@danielbrown2303 I believe creativity comes in different forms. For different personalities. I have a few other hobbies like automotive repair. Still it seemed like my imagination was low. Finding inspiration in displaying them in a diorama. Felt like I was crafting a detailed story. The hobby is more about the possibilities of story telling. Then it is about just collecting them.
Yup. Pretty much same thing happened to me. Had a ton of he-man as a kid including some of the harder to find ones now. All started when origins came out. Affordable and supposed to be at retail. Next thing you know, I have almost a complete collection, including vehicles and playsets. Then a few masterverse. Then some batman, then some neca movie figures. And running out of space. Can't wait for origins to be finished. 😂
I got curious the other day and looked at how many origins figures had been released. I was amazed. I have a few of the figures but they just weren’t my thing. I am happy for everyone that loves that line that it has went so long with so many characters. That’s awesome.
What you said about he early 200's... that is SO true! The amount of vintage toys I got for our son - "Toy Lots" on eBay..., a box of MOTU with both Castle Greyskull and Snake Mountain and 30 figures for 50 bucks?!? almost 100 GiJoes for 30 bucks?!? It was a great time for picking up amazing deals... Great video...
I jumped in on Star Wars in 2008 with the BMF. Yep, things were cheap and plentiful for a good few years. The Clone Wars cartoon, The Force Unleashed and Battlefront games.. I was hooked back in at the age of 36. Now I'm.52 and it's weird, but I can't sell it
I've thought about this a lot. My best friend passed away about 5 years ago. He was a huge Star Wars collector. His wife was overwhelmed by his collection after he was gone. She ended up keeping some statues that she liked and gave away a lot to his friends. She sold anything that was left over after that. It was a lot to process. I do not want to put my wife and kids through that.
Same. Most of what I have action figure wise has been shared in some way with my daughter. Either we have opened it together, made a video, or played together. I don’t think it would overwhelm her but I also have other types of collections that can go and I probably won’t miss at all.
@@eterniastoys I also think about this a lot. Especially about the hassle that would be for my family not to know where to sell them or how much to charge for them, etc Nevermind the weight it would be to grieve while having some memory being triggered by them
It is hard but I don’t have an overwhelming collection and have drastically reduced it so I think everything would turn out all right. Besides my family have followed me to enough comic and toy stores they would know where to take the stuff :)
Dealing with the deceased loved one's belongings is tough. It's one of the toughest things I've had to do. Moving a little boy's toys after he died in a car accident, just knowing that was the last place he played with them and will never play with them again. We gave most of them to a family with kids of their own.
I have also have had thoughts about this. I asked my wife one day "so? When I pass, some of this stuff may have value. What do you want to do?" She said she has no idea what to do. 🤔 But she said she is not going to sort through everything one at a time just to find the value. She may just get rid of it all. 😫😱
I never stopped collecting toys from childhood through my teens and into adulthood. I actually used to feel sad in my early teens as I thought one day I would wake up and just not be interested in toys, comics, cartoons etc anymore and all of a sudden like things I found boring like sports. I thought it was something that just naturally happened to everyone. But luckily I never grew out of my hobbies.
@@eterniastoys I do go through and sell off a lot of older stuff I no longer have interest in due to new more improved versions of characters being released. But I kept my young childhood toys of He-man and Transformers for nostalgia but they're in storage.
Exactly the same here, it only slowed down in my teens because I went from shopping at Walmart and Target to ordering Japanese and from more premium companies such as NECA in the mid 2000s.
One thing to keep in mind is that one day our collection will end up on auction if our family knows it's value, or Goodwill otherwise. We don't take any of it with us so enjoy it while we can and don't obsess too much about that next thing we "have to get".
For me I collect/make custom 1/6 scale figures. Those not familiar those are the 12 inch figures (think up scale og GIJOE figures). Besides the room it takes to display these figures, the price of these is much more expensive than your average figures. After watching this I can relate to fighting the urge to buying a new figure when the next interesting figure comes out. And in my hobby accessories are always something you are on the lookout for. So I guess it's finding a balance, and some times learning to let go. The pursuit of a item sometimes greater than the time after you finally have that item
“The pursuit of the item is sometimes greater than the time after you have the item.” Thank you. How very true! I spend more time looking and waiting for an item than actually interacting with it after I own it. That’s one reason I think my channel exists so that I actually get my figures out and hold them in my hands now and then instead of allowing them to be dust collectors.
I understand exactly what you feel since i am in the same dilemma. Born in early 80's we actually just missing our childhood memories so much. Having a massive collection of (80's-present) cartoon/game/movie character figures i really don't know how to stop collecting, but here what i am doing as to reach the stopping point. I categorized those fiction character into three. 1) cartoon/movie character that looks cool to me in term of design and personality 2) character that i am very familiar as a kid 3) character i regard as my 'childhood friend'. I will only collect the 3rd category . They are those characters from thundercats and silverhawks. At the moment i am collecting all of them specifically made by Super7 company. I have all of them and their vehicles (thundertank & electrocharger), and the upcoming line pre-ordered including that huge cat's lair. It is kind of bliss to wait for them until release date usually a year from pre-order dateline where i can enjoy those i currently have, and also saving money for the pre-order one. The good thing is i believe Super7 will release only a few more wave of thundercats and silverhawks line in the future. Here is some example of categories 1 and 2 that i already filtered by which without discipline i definitely will get them. 1) darth maul (hot toys), sephiroth (gametoys) , madara & itachi (rocket toys) , iron man (hot toys) . For category 2) dragonball (s.h. figuarts) , M.A.S.K (kenner) , biker mice from mars (nacelle) , MOTU (mattel/Super7) , transformers (takara/ maketoys / fanstoys & other 3p), ghostbuster re-issue(kenner), starcom (coleco) . Falling into one of these just like throwing myself into bottomless pit. I am surely bit by bit will swing to get all other related characters to complete the set and vintage like M.A.S.K and Starcom is very expensive to get nowadays. Hope this will give you some ideas , and i have subscribed to your channel
Thank you for the comment and subscribing! It sounds like we are in the same age range and having to figure out the same problems. I could collect forever but space is the biggest issue and I don’t want to collect figures that will just be sitting in totes. I think you have a good plan there and it has definitely given me some ideas moving forward.
I am a huge MOTU fan. I was also totally into Classics. And was a subber from Year 2 onwards. Never regretted going full in. Its still the greatest MOTU line in the universe and Origins and Masterverse never coming close
Thanks for the comment! I completely agree with you about Classics. Best figures by far! I have a couple of the Masterverse figures and they just feel cheap to me compared to classics. Origins looks so good in the package and every time I pop one open I am disappointed. The Sorceress was my last straw and the last one that I purchased. Too much money for that style of figure.
@eterniastoys totally. The Masterverse figures uses this really light cheap feeling plastic and the paint apps are so subpar (compared to the Classics). Yes the Classics do have their issues (what toyline or brand doesn't). But looking at the sculpting and details the 4 Horsemen added to the Classics line for each figure, u could really see its a labor of love and done by true fans of the franchise. The 4HM are diehard fans themselves. Agree with u on the Origins as well. Just look nice when it's MOC. Opening them after that, they just feel so underwhelming to me
Yeah that was my mistake with Origins. I should have just left them in the package but .. that’s not really my thing. 😂 As for Classics only flaws that ever bothered me was late in the line when they started cheaping out with the paint aps. A penny saved here and there is forever on display in our collections.
I hear you. When I first picked up collecting, I was buying everything. Eventually I made the decision to really limit myself to GIJOE and Transformers, as I don't have unlimited funds and unlimited space. I also started to really limit my self on what I buy from retail from both of these series, deciding to concentrate on vintage items that I do on the cheap (Facebook Marketplace, Garage sales and Trades). I normally try to avoid paying high collector prices and go for cheaper pieces, avoid "Complete" items that drive up the price, and instead buying incomplete items that allows me to spread my funds around. Overall I have a very nice collection that I am happy with, and allows me to live within my means.
My friend I feel your pain. As a fellow collector it's never over. I don't know if I'll ever feel like anything I collect is ever truly complete. I guess I'm just trying to fill some kind of empty void in my heart and soul LOL. Just like you I look around and I'm like okay I have no more room and I'm already in crippling debt buying the things that I have already bought. And yet I'm never satisfied. Every time I turn around there's a new figure that comes out that looks awesome that I want. If I were a millionaire and could literally buy every toy I've ever wanted I would need a house just for my collection. I mean have you seen some of the collections out there ? It's insane how huge some of them are. And of course they're bought by people with lots of disposable income. I wish I had advice to give you as far as how to best budget your collecting and know when to say when. Unfortunately I don't have the answer. I guess when you absolutely just can't hold anymore, that's the cutoff point 🤷🏻
I may be just about at the “can’t hold anymore” state. As far as huge collections I often wonder what the people on RUclips that have all of these statues do for a living. Crazy!
I had to sold many things of my collection after my wife had to leave her job but I keep my motu collection and TMNT collection and some other things it pain me to do it but I'll do it again for my family
You make a good point in your analogy between incoming bills and incoming waves of a new toyline. I've certainly had lines where I've 1.) fallen out of love with the line, 2.) get to the point where I'm only buying new waves to maintain my collection's 'completeness," then 3.) end up dreading news of upcoming waves because it just ends up becoming an expense at that point. That's always a definite sign that it's time for me to back away from a line and rethink my approach. It's taken longer than I care to admit, but I've found that I have a lot more fun just cherry-picking newer stuff.
That is where I am at as I just about have what I need or, at the very least, the core of what I want. I was in a store tonight and passed on an unnecessary figure. I’m getting better. 😂
This video speaks to me as an older collector. I collect Transformers and also board/mini gamer. I use to buy comic book figures, monsters, etc with my Transformers. About 18 years ago I cut back to Transformers cause I will never stop with Transformers but I had all those other toys. Early last year I got rid of mass amount of action figures (McFarlane, monster, Aliens) to local collectible shop. I wanted to enjoy my space again and make it into paradise I could truly enjoy. Also I'm getting older. I only have so much space. I have one shelf for miscellanous toys (McFarlane, anime, whatever), very top shelf that I can't touch physically without step stool I made for Voltron Lions looking down, half shelf for TMNT. I kept what I felt was important to me. Rest is totally for Transformers. It opened so much space. I also repainted, laid down new flooring and couple of other little things to the rooms. I'm loving it! As to "rules" over the last couple of years I started just getting the Transformers that really get me the most and to keep it at certain price range. I skipped over the last couple of years of movie toys and Earthspark. Still plenty of TFs to get that truly appeal to me.
It is hard parting with things but when we have a plan and are able to focus are collections I believe it makes them mean more to us. Your focused collection sounds really cool. I have always appreciated Transformers (loved the G1 cartoon) but never collected them myself.
@@eterniastoys At one time I would have never thought of getting rid of my other toys like Aliens. But . . . I don't know what the true turning point is on it that got me to do so. Maybe the thought they could go to good home? My age and wanting to simpliy? It felt like massive undertaking getting the toys with their assocerioes together along with the pure amount of it. Filled up the SUV twice. I grew up on He-Man, Star Wars and other stuff. I have little tiny bit of He-Man left. I still enjoy the classic cartoons and movies.
In 6 days I celebrate 30 years as an Action Figure Collector, started April 2nd, 1994. I think I'm buying more than ever as I'm Army Building and World Building. I have built a small Multiverse, 10 different Earth's, I have approximately 5,500 Total Figures. Sounds like a lot but there are You Tubers with over twice what I have.
What is sports ? There was no gap between my childhood and adult toy collecting. I'm going to struggle through bloody Mattel creations to get the last dozen or so MOTU origins vintage figures. Apart from that I will get some Stan solo stuff from time to time. And that's it. That's the plan.
@@eterniastoys And I also might have bought two neca Alien figures by accident a week ago... Just a blip I'm sure. Got to get back on the 12 stage programme again
Hearing of the vintage toy market in the early 2000's makes me wish I starting collecting a LOT earlier! I collect only vintage toy lines because that's what appeals to me most, but I also like the fact that I can research and understand the full scope of a line before I decide to start collecting, rather than modern lines that seem like a bottomless rabbit hole!😅
You are not kidding about the bottomless hole! When I think about Star Wars The Black Series or DC Multiverse there is no way they can ever run out of ideas for figures or vehicles for those lines.
Everyone says they had that period where they decided they were too old for told and moved on for a while but I interestingly never stopped. I never had that “I’m too old for this” phase. The whole MOTU Classics line was a stopping point for me though mainly due its pricing and how quickly they’d sell out and get even more expensive. I like Origins though.
I remember the quick sell outs. Many times I would be in front of the computer right at 11am and put a figure in my cart and before I hit check out, it was sold out. That happened with Ram Man and Man E Faces. I did get them later on though.
I'd figure we all make a museum.of our diorama..we all have diff taste..but in the end if you got the room..one big figure display.. and many on RUclips..are great..and I love seeing.all and new stuff.new figures of 2024 .just love the art of it.the joy of the hunt..and those figures I couldnt get when i was younger..poor.and to those that come out better and coolerlooking.i love this hobby
Right now my main focus is on collecting MOTU Origins/Masterverse/Cartoon Collection, every blue moon I'll buy something from Super7 or McFarlane toys but my main priority is the MOTU toys
collecting is not about buying what the companies make, it is about buying what you want. I have waxed and waned from new through vintage. I personally fall out with lines due to access. The Downunderverse scarcely gets what is made so, ya know, it’s difficult. I prefer origins to vintage MOTU, primarily because they can be posed and i can buy them from a store. it’s a weird thing but to be able to say (at 37) i want to buy MOTU at the store makes me happy because i couldn’t when i was a kid. Tmnt can be easier to collect vintage because they made so much, but as they made so much, i can be selective. bottom line, their are no rules, collect what you want, how you want and be happy, that’ll make you nice to others and the world a better place. smile mofos you live longer!
I find that one of the major issues is the price creep and being locked out as international customers for new ranges like MOTU Origins beyond issues like space and other mental health concerns - can a hobby slide into an addiction?
I think it can. When I catch myself buying characters that I know nothing about just to own it I start seeing signs of addiction for sure and try to cut back.
I deliberately pick VERY narrow collections. For example, I ONLY collect Mezco 5 Point XL Godzilla figures and that's IT for Godzilla. I ONLY collect Core Class Transformers (and ones that scale well with them, like Combiner Wars Sky Lynx). I've sometimes thought about starting a collection of DC Multiverse replicating the original Super Powers and 80's DC, but money and space has kept me from that, as well as having already missed some good figures, and the final nail preventing me is them making Plastic Man - my favourite superhero - as a build-a-figure. Screw that noise. My biggest risk of getting out of control is my King Kong collection, but I try to keep that one curated to either unique pieces (like my Fay Wray Barbie), quality pieces (like NECA and Mezco figures), or pieces that have a story behind them (like the old Aurora model kits). I don't want to be just buying anything with Kong on it. The more narrow the collection, the better. Less chance of it getting out of control.
Yeah the build a figure Plastic Man is a downer. In some cases build a figures have come back as a single carded figure (TDKR Bane for example) but there are so many that haven’t (Solomon Grundy, Arnold Mr. Freeze).
I started collecting as an adult in 2018 with just a few marvel legends here or there. Then the GI Joe Classified line came and I went mostly all in except for repaints. MOTU origns came and I went all in. Then I bout Optimus Prime and Megatron, and Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader. But led me to get more figures from those lines but I limited myself to only G1 Transformers and only OT Star Wars Black Series. Then I started collecting my favorite comics DC McFarlane figures. More recently I went all in on the Jada Toys Street Fighter line which is incredible. I also got the main Masterverse characters based on designs from the 80s. I have started to cherry pick comics Mafex figures in the last year. I'm still all in on Classified and Street Fighter, but only cherry pick everything else. It has to be worthy, or better than a version I own to replace it.
Yes I think I have definitive versions of about all the main characters of every line I collect at this point so they would have to come out with something really special for me to buy, say, another Darth Vader.
I’ve collected many lines when I was a kid, but as of right now, I decided to stick with mainly three. The mainline I collect is transformers, but only the generations stuff because the live action figures are overly complicated and not that fun for me. My second collection is Godzilla figures and I narrowed it down to this. Older band figures are the ones that I keep tagged, since they were based off of guys in rubber suits, they fit my aesthetic. For the high-end stuff like the Monsterverse; Hiya Toys has me covered. The final line that I collect isn’t even action figures it’s scream and ghost face merchandise mostly masks. When it comes to that I only go for variants that I really like unless I happen to find a really good deal on an older mask.
I don’t know how people without plans and rules for themselves do it. If I don’t have a list on your phone of what you are looking for or know “I just collect a, b, and c” I will buy anything. Thats how Funko makes so much money.
Did the same method you did when I collected. I mean,when I started collecting DC figs I only chose two teams. The Justice League and the Legion of Doom. Would it be great to have every single DC team in figure form? YES. But given how limited I am in both budget and space. I just decided to do those teams with my preferred characters. Same goes for the Naruto SH Figuarts line. I only collected Team Kakashi from both eras of the series. Great video!
Yep. That’s how it happened for me. Born in ‘79. I’m trying to get out now. I very rarely grab something besides gi joe classified. I still have more stuff than space and a lot is in tubs. I need to clean out but I just can’t get rid of my favorite vintage stuff and things like motu classics. I’m out of space and money and realizing I can’t take it with me. I want to streamline and simplify my life now that I’m older. I know a store that buys in bulk. They rip you off but they take everything and I always get a few hundred bucks
I could never get rid of my vintage or classics unless it was for a family emergency but could easily part with other things. I have found if you need to liquidate and are patient, Mercari is a pretty good spot for selling action figures and doesn’t break you too badly with fees.
I just started in May of 23' with the G.I. Joe Classified line... now it also includes the NECA Gargoyles, TMNT Mirage Comics waves and just a few weeks ago I started collecting Marvel Legends from the MCU and What If... lines. I'm at over 200 figures now, I wish I could figure out how to stop because I also collect Star Wars/Marvel/Pop Culture LEGO sets and have over 110 of those. My toy room is very full! We won't even mention the over 1500 digital videos games that I have across various launchers since 2010. It used to be CDs and DVDs but when those started to disappear it moved onto to other things. Must collect, must have, must display. 🤪
I completely understand. I have plenty of DVDs, books, and CDs as well as all the toys! DVDs are even cheaper to collect now so that’s a problem for collectors like us 😂
The addition is real, I Stop for sometime when I was married to my first wife had a huge collection of comics & action figures after my breakup she refused to give to them back & Believe she destroyed them I disillusioned , but every once in A while will pick up one. But when COVID Hit 🎯 That's when I realized were my passion was Action figures. It is a nice hobby , but it's addicting , collecting has become a full time job , Pre-orders different brands, The latest trending figures it's insane ! I know I have to pace myself. Buying figures expensive & Toxic ....
I needed an escape during Covid and getting further into my action figure addiction helped me during that time too! Sorry about what happened with your old collection.
When you've spent 40 grand in 5 years and your still collecting. It might be time to stop. I literally collect anything thats 80's orientated. New or old. If its top notch, im chasing.
I’m really only interested in collecting lines I had already started as a child. Reissue figures interest me but I can’t see myself buying anything new ever.
I’ve collected dragon figurines and toys since I was a kid, and in recent years I started collecting Godzilla figures. At first I thought I wanted a figure of every version of Godzilla, and I thought I wanted the really big figures that have been made of the newer versions of him, but I now realize that I’m much more interested in having a small handful of my favorite versions in smaller scale to save space and not let my collection get overwhelming. I also wanted to collect certain figures of heroes like the McFarlane Batman and Spawn figures, and the most posable Spiderman I can find, but then I bought a blank figure on Amazon that has tons of articulation, and found that I can create costumes and accessories for one figure and have all the characters I want without having to take up space with multiple figures instead
That’s a really good idea with the single figure that you can make into whatever you want especially for saving space. Masters of the universe got me when I was 3 years old so the first inclination I always have to overcome is getting every single figure. It’s a struggle. :)
I have 5 He-Man and I don't use any of them as He-Man. I customed one to look Asian and I call him Johnny Dragon, I use Movie He-Man as Dar, the Beastmaster, Viking He-Man I use as Eric the Viking, Savage He-Man I use as Ator the Cave Man, and the He-Man with the H symbol I use as Heracles, the Greek version of Hercules. One of these days I'll use a He-Man as He-Man. LOL
The end of last year, I decided to get a collection of Lord of the Rings figures from ToyBiz. I decided to get the entire Fellowship and then a few other characters I like. I felt my collection was complete after getting all 9 fellowship figures, Eowyn, Faramir, Lurtz, Saruman, The Witch King, and Peter Jackson as a Hobbit.
@@eterniastoys They all have a space on the shelf above my TV! Those LOTR figures were revolutionary and helped pave the way for the likes of Marvel Legends and Star Wars Black Series by using the 6 inch scale and having detailed and impressively articulated figures that satisfied both collectors and children.
Pre pandemic I was collecting action figures from video games, DC and others. But during the pandemic I stopped, I kind of resumed buying later on but its a lot less than before. As much as I like collecting and the figures, Ive kind of lost interest and I feel like I have enough.
I was actually not really collecting much of anything the two years or so pre pandemic. When it started and I needed to get my mind off of things is when I really got back into it again ( filling holes in collections and buying new lines).
I've had to seriously cut back because of continous price increases and lack of space, If I'm strolling the toy aisles I'll look at a toy and ask myself "do I really need this toy?" I'll be 48 in a few months and I can't really see myself hoarding action figures well into my 50's. In the interim I've focused on just Batman Hotwheels and the Star Wars vehicles by Jazwares as they're smaller and affordable.
Smart! At this point I have basically done that as well as my MOTU collection is complete and I only randomly buy Star Wars on clearance (I should stop that). DC Multiverse is really my only focus at this point.
buy them for your children, convince them to keep them in the boxes....claim to clean out the house 5 years later keep in boxes till they move out.....Profit.
Hey man what are you using for a Batman Armory? I have so many loose batman gadgets and would love to have an armory display for them. Just cant think of how to achieve the look.
@@eterniastoys Thanks man that is way cheaper than anything I was thinking. I just might try something else to stick them on there so I can rearrange if (let's face it, when) I get more figures with bat gadgets.
PRETTY GREAT!!! IF WE CAN JUST ENJOY THE COLLECTION, JUST ❤ WHAT WE ❤, AND LET THIS B WHAT IS, ❤ OF WHAT WE R, WHAT WE DREAM, WHO WE R!!!! MAKE US SMILE!!!!GIVE USTHE"HAPPY"!!!!❤🙏🫶👍THANK YOU 4 THE SHOW!!!!❤😂🙏🫶👍
My limitation in respecting my space and wallet is collecting only in 7-inch ⚖️ and live 🎬 action stuff from properties i really want. There are some exceptions customizing, etc, but yeah, that's generally the rule.. enjoyed the video thx for sharing.
@eterniastoys I hear you. It doesn't have to be a new character, though it could just be adding to the figs u already have, like paint details,cloth cape, or new head sculpt
I collected up a few of the He-Man figures in 2020-21, then stopped. I started grabbing up the MicroConstrux He-man figures, and they are pretty awesome. (Except for that... Lego-like part with vehicles, playsets. I'm not into Lego.) - But, the little mini figures came on replica 80s style packaging, and took up a whole hell of a lot less space. Along with other MicroConstrux figures. I collect modern Transformers, but limit myself to the Studio 86 line, and these days?... I don't collect much of anything, when just collecting a paycheck is difficult enough.
I hear ya. Things are tight. Collecting and (fooling around on my channel) helps keep my mind off the though times. Micro Construx are really cool. I have a few: Heman, Battlecat, and the green Trap Jaw.
Interesting topic. I recently started collecting MOTU figures of the '80s, caught by nostalgia. Then The 40th anniversary He-man caught my attention, and brought me to start collecting the Masterverse New Eternia line. I'm struggling to put a stop to my collection, even if I'm fully aware that I cannot afford, for space and money reasons, to go on much further. I've got some Origins figures, and I'd like to get some Classic ones, but it will be really difficult to manage.
In my opinion Classics is the best Masters of the Universe line of the last 25 years BUT If you are low on funds but WANT to collect I would recommend Masterverse. They have some cool sculpts and ideas plus you can find a lot of them at bargain stores like Ross and Ollie’s.
@@eterniastoys Beast Man is my first real purchase of the NE line. Whiplash is not in my collection yet. I managed to get Man at Arms, Tri clops, Mechanek, Ram Man (this one I'd like to get the Classics one, it is one of my favourites), Buzz Off, Mer Man, Trap Jaw, Zodac and last but not least Stratoss. Plus SDCC 40TH Anniversary He Man vs Skeletor. These figures represent the ones I owned in the '80s as a child. My problem is I don't know if I'lll manage to stop, since there are still 3-4 figures I'd love to add, but space and wallet are a big problem.
For me, it's LEGO, and that's a big, expensive problem. When I was a kid, it was pirate and castle only. No problem. Now, since Marvel and DC superheroes came out, I need a city to put them in. Oh, boy. I stepped back a couple of years ago, and I'm glad I did. It was getting pricey. The mania has passed, and I may even start selling off part of my collection soon.
I ALMOST got into Lego. My daughter liked them for a bit and I liked helping her put them together. Such a relaxing thing for me and fun thing for us to do together. Once she wasn’t into it anymore my dream for a big Lego city in the garage disappeared..
@@eterniastoys If I could afford a home, and have a garage, I would have turned it into a big Lego Superhero City. Now I'd turn it into a workshop for my custom gaming terrain business.
I have limited myself to not collecting entire lines so I have room and money for the more interesting or harder to find pieces and it helps in my impulse buys.
Same. Makes me grateful for pre-orders and the waiting game too. I've cancelled a lot of pre-orders after thinking more about things and coming to my senses. Sometimes even pile of loot items on BBTS I've talked myself out of for store credit 😂
I just collect what I like! It's important to establish financial boundaries too. For instance, I refuse to pay $75 on eBay for a 3 year old motu origins Trap Jaw! I'll find a beat up figure and re- card it with a Beggars Canyon kit and it looks great on the wall. I don't care if I have all the figure accessories either, it is only for me to enjoy. We forget that it is supposed to be fun like when we were kids!
I used to be obsessed with collecting toys and comics when I was in my late 20s, but then realized I was a grown adult who had nothing really going for him. I had thousands of dollars worth of GI joe, star wars, marvel and DC all while working for an extended car warranty call center as a phone-sales rep. I remember the day I realized collecting toys is lame. My friends wife was talking to me and I mentioned my toy collection. She just started laughing at me uncontrollably and asked why I did that. I honestly had no answer. I didn't know why I spent so much money on toys. Thankfully ebay was still pretty hot back then and I was able to sell all of my collection. I enrolled in college, learned how to Woodwork and made furniture. Now also I sculpt with clay and glass. I'm also a father of two little kids now and we just recently started collecting GI Joe's. However, there's definitely limitations we put on buying toys and focus more on their educations. Had my parents been more educated and spent more time with me I probably wouldn't have had such a strong obsession for toys. I know this will probably chap a few asses here, but if you're over the age of 10 you shouldn't be collecting action figures.
Thank you for your comment. I think everyone has their own journey with this and I appreciate yours. Glad you were able to build a different kind of future for yourself with your collection.
Ive been building gunpla since the original US gundam boom of the 2000s. Stopped when it died a few years later because at that time you could only import and that was expensive in the 2000s. Saw a gunpla at a barnes and noble about 10 yrs ago. Bought it,, built it. It has since snowballed into something im not sure i have full control of. There are more unbuilt kits in the closet then on the shelves. For a while they were relatively easy to get. Especially during Covid when no one was working and had to sell there possessions to live. Now 90%of kits are exclusive to the Japanese market and are ridiculously expensive to import. So its either buy the 15th 20 yr old GM variant just for something to build or pay the equivalent of 4 HGs for one. Is this even worth it anymore? Not to mention to the pile in the closet most of which are expensive exclusives.
I never actually stopped buying toys….i started with Star Wars ….and after Star Wars stopped coming in 1985 or so, what kept me going was transformers…and the hope Star Wars would return. transformers was the holdover from the 80s that kept coming. Still, I’d have the “Star Wars dreams” -the dreams that involved seeing Star Wars figures on the pegs again, but they were new and improved….needless to say, I’m still collecting.
My uncle was who got me into Star Wars. He had everything vintage when I was a kid. Star Wars has been new many times now and I love it. But I would say, as far as 3.75” goes, they are over improving.
I used to buy a lot of figures then that get boring. The diminishing return of new things being too similar to the ones I already have. Also the specific things you want were harder to find before the internet. I don't intend to sell any of my figure so I think a bit harder buying any thing new because I have limited space. So I consider price, durability and being different enough from the figures that I already own. I can make accessories by 3d printing so really the figures themselves that I have to buy.
I'm Definitely starting to have a space issue. 😂 But for me I only collect what I really like. I don't want to have every McFarlane figure. For example... McFarlane released a Batman Arkham video game line. I didn't even touch those. Even though I liked them. But I still have the Batman figures from DC direct. And those figures still look great to me. So no need for me to own the same figures twice. 😉
They say millennials are the most nostalgic generation. Fact check true! I limit my Star Wars collection to only characters that appeared in Jabba`s palace. I still have a lot of the stuff I collected from childhood. How do you feel about packaging? I used to keep them mint but now everything gets opened. Ironically stuff I`ve sold off from my past as a young adult I`ve purchased back. My wife hates this hobby she thinks its a waste. Oh well lol!
I don’t keep packaging unless I need it for reference. I have a few DC Multiverse boxes in the garage that I have held onto for upcoming videos but that’s about it. The hobby may be a waste but it keeps me sane.
Vintage trap jaw did come with that belt a comic book probably comes from the commemorative series He Mans they had different sort of feet the only thing that differentiated them from vintage you can find great reproduction He Man weapons from the RUclipsr He bro
It also would help to limit your lines of what you really love. Damn too expensive and impossible to display the collections of LEGOs, Joes, Marvels, DCs, Power Rangers, TMNTs, Star Wars, Transformers, etc. Unfortunately I'm one of the ebay sellers who sold vintage Joes lot back in 2003. Oh well.
I have the same symphtons my wife said its child trauma Know i so proud on my collection the problem its the space i want everything about 6 inch figures Motu,DC,Marvel Legends,Spiderman,Ghostbusters,Tmnt cartoon,NECA aliens,predator,robocop,terminator,back to the future,Gi-Joe classified,😅😂😂
youtube and social media posts stir the addiction of buying way too much...especially when some youtubers it "their job" to make content and hype things, especially if they are sponsored. then they sell stuff on the side and you never see the stuff they hyped again. so how much of it is genuine and how much is staged?
Very good point. I got a little caught up in reviewing things from 2022-2023 and I realized that wasn’t why I started my channel. I started it to have fun and Reviewing figures wasn’t fun to me. If I think something needs some attention I will hype it a little. For instance - the super powers whirly bat is a fun toy for anybody no matter the age so I talked it up a bit.
I recently packed up my collection to move it to new, bigger shelving. The moment i finished the transfer, i had a moment. I knew id too much. It didnt look cool. It looked gross. I decided to sell a huge chunk of things right then. Stuff that id pick up for no reason other than i could. I realised i only wanted the toys i had when i was a kid. Not the latest TMNT MOTU Crossover or the rare Ghostbusters vehicle or anything else like that. Im out.
I hear that! I had a moment like that with my 3.75” Star Wars a while back. Just too much inside. They live in the garage now and I no longer buy those.
![Twenty One Pilots - The Line (from Arcane Season 2) [Official Audio]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/XCz7WUotXs8/mqdefault.jpg)
Its comforting to know others deal with this same issue
I feel like people overthink collecting too much if you enjoy it and have the means to collect then do it and if you stop enjoying it or it becomes a chore then stop. Doesn’t need to be more complicated than that.
Probably, and I may fall into that category in some respects. It’s not a chore or unenjoyable for me, personally, just running out of space so I have to make decisions that work for the space that I have left 👍
I feel like at some point everyone needs to think critically about their collection. Like if your collection is stowed away in bins / your paying for storage off site for a collection you haven't seen or picked up in years. You can never pay off your credit cards, and or you're just starting to wonder if you really need a 5th set of the ninja turtles, or a 6th Wolverine, all the variants of Spider-man, He-Man, Skeletor etc. etc.
It's a healthy thing especially if you collect multiple lines to not reach critical mass, and keep it under control. I love Skeletor but I passed on origins variants like terror claws, dragon blaster, snake armor, masterverse horde skeletor, techno skeletor. Better for me to save money towards other things I really want plus consider space as a premium too. Same goes for buying up cheap figs at Ross you don't actually like just for the sake of them being cheap.
@@ShutoStrikerYes I started with collecting marvel legends and I stopped because I just didn’t think they were worth the money any more. Collections will change and evolve but if you love it then it’s worth doing.
@@eterniastoys have you ever purchased something specifically to fit an unfilled space? I do! I often contemplate if this is good planning on my part or me just giving excuses to justify my addiction
Yes - I did that with the Star Wars TVC dioramas. Those are now boxed up.
Great job on expressing how most collectors get into the hobby. I just started two years ago. After years of wondering why adults were collecting toys. The biggest benefit from this hobby. Is that my creativity has been at the highest it's been in a long time. I genuinely appreciate your story, and hope more people see this video.
Thank you so much for your kind comment! My creativity has been enhanced a well. I think a lot of people who are really having a hard time in life are just missing a hobby and this is a great one.
Funny you say your creativity is at its highest. I wonder how low it really was before? I stopped collecting in my late 20s and took on woodworking, which led to pottery, glasswork, photography and writing. I graduated college with a couple of degrees and now look back on collecting as a silly waste of money. But I know my words will do nothing but offend those of you who will stop at nothing to justify such a clown hobby.
@@danielbrown2303 I believe creativity comes in different forms. For different personalities. I have a few other hobbies like automotive repair. Still it seemed like my imagination was low. Finding inspiration in displaying them in a diorama. Felt like I was crafting a detailed story. The hobby is more about the possibilities of story telling. Then it is about just collecting them.
Yup. Pretty much same thing happened to me. Had a ton of he-man as a kid including some of the harder to find ones now.
All started when origins came out. Affordable and supposed to be at retail. Next thing you know, I have almost a complete collection, including vehicles and playsets. Then a few masterverse. Then some batman, then some neca movie figures.
And running out of space. Can't wait for origins to be finished. 😂
I got curious the other day and looked at how many origins figures had been released. I was amazed. I have a few of the figures but they just weren’t my thing. I am happy for everyone that loves that line that it has went so long with so many characters. That’s awesome.
What you said about he early 200's... that is SO true! The amount of vintage toys I got for our son - "Toy Lots" on eBay..., a box of MOTU with both Castle Greyskull and Snake Mountain and 30 figures for 50 bucks?!? almost 100 GiJoes for 30 bucks?!? It was a great time for picking up amazing deals... Great video...
Thank you so much! Yes, if only I had hung on to all those deals! (Still have the MOTU though)
I think you got those toys for yourself 😂
Ha Ha Ha I was always more of a "robot"fan...@@alphatrion100
I jumped in on Star Wars in 2008 with the BMF. Yep, things were cheap and plentiful for a good few years. The Clone Wars cartoon, The Force Unleashed and Battlefront games.. I was hooked back in at the age of 36. Now I'm.52 and it's weird, but I can't sell it
The battlefront games are my jam! I played battlefront 1 and 2 on original Xbox so much it’s ridiculous.
I've thought about this a lot. My best friend passed away about 5 years ago. He was a huge Star Wars collector. His wife was overwhelmed by his collection after he was gone. She ended up keeping some statues that she liked and gave away a lot to his friends. She sold anything that was left over after that. It was a lot to process. I do not want to put my wife and kids through that.
Same. Most of what I have action figure wise has been shared in some way with my daughter. Either we have opened it together, made a video, or played together. I don’t think it would overwhelm her but I also have other types of collections that can go and I probably won’t miss at all.
@@eterniastoys I also think about this a lot. Especially about the hassle that would be for my family not to know where to sell them or how much to charge for them, etc Nevermind the weight it would be to grieve while having some memory being triggered by them
It is hard but I don’t have an overwhelming collection and have drastically reduced it so I think everything would turn out all right. Besides my family have followed me to enough comic and toy stores they would know where to take the stuff :)
Dealing with the deceased loved one's belongings is tough. It's one of the toughest things I've had to do. Moving a little boy's toys after he died in a car accident, just knowing that was the last place he played with them and will never play with them again. We gave most of them to a family with kids of their own.
I have also have had thoughts about this.
I asked my wife one day "so? When I pass, some of this stuff may have value. What do you want to do?" She said she has no idea what to do. 🤔 But she said she is not going to sort through everything one at a time just to find the value. She may just get rid of it all. 😫😱
I never stopped collecting toys from childhood through my teens and into adulthood. I actually used to feel sad in my early teens as I thought one day I would wake up and just not be interested in toys, comics, cartoons etc anymore and all of a sudden like things I found boring like sports. I thought it was something that just naturally happened to everyone. But luckily I never grew out of my hobbies.
That’s amazing! I wish I still had everything from childhood. Not sure where I would put it though..
@@eterniastoys I do go through and sell off a lot of older stuff I no longer have interest in due to new more improved versions of characters being released. But I kept my young childhood toys of He-man and Transformers for nostalgia but they're in storage.
Exactly the same here, it only slowed down in my teens because I went from shopping at Walmart and Target to ordering Japanese and from more premium companies such as NECA in the mid 2000s.
One thing to keep in mind is that one day our collection will end up on auction if our family knows it's value, or Goodwill otherwise.
We don't take any of it with us so enjoy it while we can and don't obsess too much about that next thing we "have to get".
Very true. It would be weird to imagine MOTU classics figures at Goodwill but it will probably happen.
Completely agree. I eventually set a standard of only comic book dc and marvel characters from mafex and spiderman villains from legends.
Good plan! The hard part for me is sticking to it but I am hopeful.
For me I collect/make custom 1/6 scale figures. Those not familiar those are the 12 inch figures (think up scale og GIJOE figures).
Besides the room it takes to display these figures, the price of these is much more expensive than your average figures.
After watching this I can relate to fighting the urge to buying a new figure when the next interesting figure comes out. And in my hobby accessories are always something you are on the lookout for.
So I guess it's finding a balance, and some times learning to let go. The pursuit of a item sometimes greater than the time after you finally have that item
“The pursuit of the item is sometimes greater than the time after you have the item.” Thank you. How very true! I spend more time looking and waiting for an item than actually interacting with it after I own it. That’s one reason I think my channel exists so that I actually get my figures out and hold them in my hands now and then instead of allowing them to be dust collectors.
I understand exactly what you feel since i am in the same dilemma. Born in early 80's we actually just missing our childhood memories so much. Having a massive collection of (80's-present) cartoon/game/movie character figures i really don't know how to stop collecting, but here what i am doing as to reach the stopping point. I categorized those fiction character into three. 1) cartoon/movie character that looks cool to me in term of design and personality 2) character that i am very familiar as a kid 3) character i regard as my 'childhood friend'. I will only collect the 3rd category . They are those characters from thundercats and silverhawks. At the moment i am collecting all of them specifically made by Super7 company. I have all of them and their vehicles (thundertank & electrocharger), and the upcoming line pre-ordered including that huge cat's lair. It is kind of bliss to wait for them until release date usually a year from pre-order dateline where i can enjoy those i currently have, and also saving money for the pre-order one. The good thing is i believe Super7 will release only a few more wave of thundercats and silverhawks line in the future. Here is some example of categories 1 and 2 that i already filtered by which without discipline i definitely will get them. 1) darth maul (hot toys), sephiroth (gametoys) , madara & itachi (rocket toys) , iron man (hot toys) . For category 2) dragonball (s.h. figuarts) , M.A.S.K (kenner) , biker mice from mars (nacelle) , MOTU (mattel/Super7) , transformers (takara/ maketoys / fanstoys & other 3p), ghostbuster re-issue(kenner), starcom (coleco) . Falling into one of these just like throwing myself into bottomless pit. I am surely bit by bit will swing to get all other related characters to complete the set and vintage like M.A.S.K and Starcom is very expensive to get nowadays. Hope this will give you some ideas , and i have subscribed to your channel
Thank you for the comment and subscribing! It sounds like we are in the same age range and having to figure out the same problems. I could collect forever but space is the biggest issue and I don’t want to collect figures that will just be sitting in totes. I think you have a good plan there and it has definitely given me some ideas moving forward.
I am a huge MOTU fan. I was also totally into Classics. And was a subber from Year 2 onwards. Never regretted going full in. Its still the greatest MOTU line in the universe and Origins and Masterverse never coming close
Thanks for the comment! I completely agree with you about Classics. Best figures by far! I have a couple of the Masterverse figures and they just feel cheap to me compared to classics. Origins looks so good in the package and every time I pop one open I am disappointed. The Sorceress was my last straw and the last one that I purchased. Too much money for that style of figure.
@eterniastoys totally. The Masterverse figures uses this really light cheap feeling plastic and the paint apps are so subpar (compared to the Classics). Yes the Classics do have their issues (what toyline or brand doesn't). But looking at the sculpting and details the 4 Horsemen added to the Classics line for each figure, u could really see its a labor of love and done by true fans of the franchise. The 4HM are diehard fans themselves. Agree with u on the Origins as well. Just look nice when it's MOC. Opening them after that, they just feel so underwhelming to me
Yeah that was my mistake with Origins. I should have just left them in the package but .. that’s not really my thing. 😂 As for Classics only flaws that ever bothered me was late in the line when they started cheaping out with the paint aps. A penny saved here and there is forever on display in our collections.
5:11 OMG you got so much stuff in that room, even Domino’s Pizza and Burger King boxes
😂 just a picture from the web. Not mine.
😂 not mine. Just a pic from the web.
I hear you. When I first picked up collecting, I was buying everything. Eventually I made the decision to really limit myself to GIJOE and Transformers, as I don't have unlimited funds and unlimited space. I also started to really limit my self on what I buy from retail from both of these series, deciding to concentrate on vintage items that I do on the cheap (Facebook Marketplace, Garage sales and Trades). I normally try to avoid paying high collector prices and go for cheaper pieces, avoid "Complete" items that drive up the price, and instead buying incomplete items that allows me to spread my funds around. Overall I have a very nice collection that I am happy with, and allows me to live within my means.
That’s a great way to do it. I appreciate the completist like say the Padawan collector but that attention to detail would make me crazy.
I'll stop when I'm dead. 🤣
😂
My friend I feel your pain. As a fellow collector it's never over. I don't know if I'll ever feel like anything I collect is ever truly complete. I guess I'm just trying to fill some kind of empty void in my heart and soul LOL. Just like you I look around and I'm like okay I have no more room and I'm already in crippling debt buying the things that I have already bought. And yet I'm never satisfied. Every time I turn around there's a new figure that comes out that looks awesome that I want. If I were a millionaire and could literally buy every toy I've ever wanted I would need a house just for my collection. I mean have you seen some of the collections out there ? It's insane how huge some of them are. And of course they're bought by people with lots of disposable income. I wish I had advice to give you as far as how to best budget your collecting and know when to say when. Unfortunately I don't have the answer. I guess when you absolutely just can't hold anymore, that's the cutoff point 🤷🏻
I may be just about at the “can’t hold anymore” state. As far as huge collections I often wonder what the people on RUclips that have all of these statues do for a living. Crazy!
Toybiz marvel legends got me to. I quit them before toybiz lost the line. GiJoe Classified almost got me Im glad I held off.
Almost started buying classifieds too. There was just something off about those first few figures that made me say no thanks.
I had to sold many things of my collection after my wife had to leave her job but I keep my motu collection and TMNT collection and some other things it pain me to do it but I'll do it again for my family
I’d do the same if I had to. Here’s to a great 2024!
@@eterniastoys you too ✌️😁
You make a good point in your analogy between incoming bills and incoming waves of a new toyline. I've certainly had lines where I've 1.) fallen out of love with the line, 2.) get to the point where I'm only buying new waves to maintain my collection's 'completeness," then 3.) end up dreading news of upcoming waves because it just ends up becoming an expense at that point. That's always a definite sign that it's time for me to back away from a line and rethink my approach. It's taken longer than I care to admit, but I've found that I have a lot more fun just cherry-picking newer stuff.
That is where I am at as I just about have what I need or, at the very least, the core of what I want. I was in a store tonight and passed on an unnecessary figure. I’m getting better. 😂
This video speaks to me as an older collector. I collect Transformers and also board/mini gamer. I use to buy comic book figures, monsters, etc with my Transformers. About 18 years ago I cut back to Transformers cause I will never stop with Transformers but I had all those other toys. Early last year I got rid of mass amount of action figures (McFarlane, monster, Aliens) to local collectible shop. I wanted to enjoy my space again and make it into paradise I could truly enjoy. Also I'm getting older. I only have so much space. I have one shelf for miscellanous toys (McFarlane, anime, whatever), very top shelf that I can't touch physically without step stool I made for Voltron Lions looking down, half shelf for TMNT. I kept what I felt was important to me. Rest is totally for Transformers. It opened so much space. I also repainted, laid down new flooring and couple of other little things to the rooms. I'm loving it!
As to "rules" over the last couple of years I started just getting the Transformers that really get me the most and to keep it at certain price range. I skipped over the last couple of years of movie toys and Earthspark. Still plenty of TFs to get that truly appeal to me.
It is hard parting with things but when we have a plan and are able to focus are collections I believe it makes them mean more to us. Your focused collection sounds really cool. I have always appreciated Transformers (loved the G1 cartoon) but never collected them myself.
@@eterniastoys At one time I would have never thought of getting rid of my other toys like Aliens. But . . . I don't know what the true turning point is on it that got me to do so. Maybe the thought they could go to good home? My age and wanting to simpliy? It felt like massive undertaking getting the toys with their assocerioes together along with the pure amount of it. Filled up the SUV twice.
I grew up on He-Man, Star Wars and other stuff. I have little tiny bit of He-Man left. I still enjoy the classic cartoons and movies.
In 6 days I celebrate 30 years as an Action Figure Collector, started April 2nd, 1994. I think I'm buying more than ever as I'm Army Building and World Building. I have built a small Multiverse, 10 different Earth's, I have approximately 5,500 Total Figures. Sounds like a lot but there are You Tubers with over twice what I have.
Sounds like an amazing collection!!
What is sports ? There was no gap between my childhood and adult toy collecting. I'm going to struggle through bloody Mattel creations to get the last dozen or so MOTU origins vintage figures. Apart from that I will get some Stan solo stuff from time to time. And that's it. That's the plan.
Stick with the plan. Work the plan. 😂
@@eterniastoys And I also might have bought two neca Alien figures by accident a week ago... Just a blip I'm sure. Got to get back on the 12 stage programme again
Hearing of the vintage toy market in the early 2000's makes me wish I starting collecting a LOT earlier! I collect only vintage toy lines because that's what appeals to me most, but I also like the fact that I can research and understand the full scope of a line before I decide to start collecting, rather than modern lines that seem like a bottomless rabbit hole!😅
You are not kidding about the bottomless hole! When I think about Star Wars The Black Series or DC Multiverse there is no way they can ever run out of ideas for figures or vehicles for those lines.
Everyone says they had that period where they decided they were too old for told and moved on for a while but I interestingly never stopped. I never had that “I’m too old for this” phase.
The whole MOTU Classics line was a stopping point for me though mainly due its pricing and how quickly they’d sell out and get even more expensive. I like Origins though.
I remember the quick sell outs. Many times I would be in front of the computer right at 11am and put a figure in my cart and before I hit check out, it was sold out. That happened with Ram Man and Man E Faces. I did get them later on though.
I'd figure we all make a museum.of our diorama..we all have diff taste..but in the end if you got the room..one big figure display.. and many on RUclips..are great..and I love seeing.all and new stuff.new figures of 2024 .just love the art of it.the joy of the hunt..and those figures I couldnt get when i was younger..poor.and to those that come out better and coolerlooking.i love this hobby
I love the hobby too! Enjoy your toys.
I never get tired of the vintage ones. It’s the modern toys i’ve stopped buying.
I have found all of the vintage ones I wanted (I think). I thought about tracking down a millennium falcon and an Ewok village but again…space.
Right now my main focus is on collecting MOTU Origins/Masterverse/Cartoon Collection, every blue moon I'll buy something from Super7 or McFarlane toys but my main priority is the MOTU toys
Great focus to have! I love MOTU.
collecting is not about buying what the companies make, it is about buying what you want. I have waxed and waned from new through vintage. I personally fall out with lines due to access. The Downunderverse scarcely gets what is made so, ya know, it’s difficult.
I prefer origins to vintage MOTU, primarily because they can be posed and i can buy them from a store. it’s a weird thing but to be able to say (at 37) i want to buy MOTU at the store makes me happy because i couldn’t when i was a kid.
Tmnt can be easier to collect vintage because they made so much, but as they made so much, i can be selective.
bottom line, their are no rules, collect what you want, how you want and be happy, that’ll make you nice to others and the world a better place. smile mofos you live longer!
I find that one of the major issues is the price creep and being locked out as international customers for new ranges like MOTU Origins beyond issues like space and other mental health concerns - can a hobby slide into an addiction?
I think it can. When I catch myself buying characters that I know nothing about just to own it I start seeing signs of addiction for sure and try to cut back.
@@eterniastoys it can be a real slippery slope can’t it?
For sure!
I deliberately pick VERY narrow collections. For example, I ONLY collect Mezco 5 Point XL Godzilla figures and that's IT for Godzilla. I ONLY collect Core Class Transformers (and ones that scale well with them, like Combiner Wars Sky Lynx). I've sometimes thought about starting a collection of DC Multiverse replicating the original Super Powers and 80's DC, but money and space has kept me from that, as well as having already missed some good figures, and the final nail preventing me is them making Plastic Man - my favourite superhero - as a build-a-figure. Screw that noise. My biggest risk of getting out of control is my King Kong collection, but I try to keep that one curated to either unique pieces (like my Fay Wray Barbie), quality pieces (like NECA and Mezco figures), or pieces that have a story behind them (like the old Aurora model kits). I don't want to be just buying anything with Kong on it. The more narrow the collection, the better. Less chance of it getting out of control.
Yeah the build a figure Plastic Man is a downer. In some cases build a figures have come back as a single carded figure (TDKR Bane for example) but there are so many that haven’t (Solomon Grundy, Arnold Mr. Freeze).
I started collecting as an adult in 2018 with just a few marvel legends here or there. Then the GI Joe Classified line came and I went mostly all in except for repaints. MOTU origns came and I went all in. Then I bout Optimus Prime and Megatron, and Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader. But led me to get more figures from those lines but I limited myself to only G1 Transformers and only OT Star Wars Black Series. Then I started collecting my favorite comics DC McFarlane figures. More recently I went all in on the Jada Toys Street Fighter line which is incredible. I also got the main Masterverse characters based on designs from the 80s. I have started to cherry pick comics Mafex figures in the last year. I'm still all in on Classified and Street Fighter, but only cherry pick everything else. It has to be worthy, or better than a version I own to replace it.
Yes I think I have definitive versions of about all the main characters of every line I collect at this point so they would have to come out with something really special for me to buy, say, another Darth Vader.
I’ve collected many lines when I was a kid, but as of right now, I decided to stick with mainly three. The mainline I collect is transformers, but only the generations stuff because the live action figures are overly complicated and not that fun for me. My second collection is Godzilla figures and I narrowed it down to this. Older band figures are the ones that I keep tagged, since they were based off of guys in rubber suits, they fit my aesthetic. For the high-end stuff like the Monsterverse; Hiya Toys has me covered.
The final line that I collect isn’t even action figures it’s scream and ghost face merchandise mostly masks. When it comes to that I only go for variants that I really like unless I happen to find a really good deal on an older mask.
I don’t know how people without plans and rules for themselves do it. If I don’t have a list on your phone of what you are looking for or know “I just collect a, b, and c” I will buy anything. Thats how Funko makes so much money.
Awesome video. I totally relate 😊😊😊
Thank you!
Did the same method you did when I collected. I mean,when I started collecting DC figs I only chose two teams. The Justice League and the Legion of Doom. Would it be great to have every single DC team in figure form? YES. But given how limited I am in both budget and space. I just decided to do those teams with my preferred characters. Same goes for the Naruto SH Figuarts line. I only collected Team Kakashi from both eras of the series. Great video!
Thank you so much! You had a plan in the beginning which is great. I stumbled a bit before I had one.
Yep. That’s how it happened for me. Born in ‘79. I’m trying to get out now. I very rarely grab something besides gi joe classified. I still have more stuff than space and a lot is in tubs. I need to clean out but I just can’t get rid of my favorite vintage stuff and things like motu classics. I’m out of space and money and realizing I can’t take it with me. I want to streamline and simplify my life now that I’m older. I know a store that buys in bulk. They rip you off but they take everything and I always get a few hundred bucks
I could never get rid of my vintage or classics unless it was for a family emergency but could easily part with other things. I have found if you need to liquidate and are patient, Mercari is a pretty good spot for selling action figures and doesn’t break you too badly with fees.
I just started in May of 23' with the G.I. Joe Classified line... now it also includes the NECA Gargoyles, TMNT Mirage Comics waves and just a few weeks ago I started collecting Marvel Legends from the MCU and What If... lines. I'm at over 200 figures now, I wish I could figure out how to stop because I also collect Star Wars/Marvel/Pop Culture LEGO sets and have over 110 of those. My toy room is very full! We won't even mention the over 1500 digital videos games that I have across various launchers since 2010. It used to be CDs and DVDs but when those started to disappear it moved onto to other things. Must collect, must have, must display. 🤪
I completely understand. I have plenty of DVDs, books, and CDs as well as all the toys! DVDs are even cheaper to collect now so that’s a problem for collectors like us 😂
I stopped this year cause stuff to high
I’ve slowed down quite a lot due to the prices for sure. I am down to maybe one figure a month.
The addition is real, I Stop for sometime when I was married to my first wife had a huge collection of comics & action figures after my breakup she refused to give to them back & Believe she destroyed them I disillusioned , but every once in A while will pick up one. But when COVID Hit 🎯 That's when I realized were my passion was Action figures. It is a nice hobby , but it's addicting , collecting has become a full time job , Pre-orders different brands, The latest trending figures it's insane ! I know I have to pace myself. Buying figures expensive & Toxic ....
I needed an escape during Covid and getting further into my action figure addiction helped me during that time too! Sorry about what happened with your old collection.
When you've spent 40 grand in 5 years and your still collecting. It might be time to stop. I literally collect anything thats 80's orientated. New or old. If its top notch, im chasing.
Enjoy the chase my friend.
I’m really only interested in collecting lines I had already started as a child. Reissue figures interest me but I can’t see myself buying anything new ever.
I like new and vintage. I actually thought about going back and grabbing other things I had as a kid like Thundercats but again..space.
I’ve collected dragon figurines and toys since I was a kid, and in recent years I started collecting Godzilla figures. At first I thought I wanted a figure of every version of Godzilla, and I thought I wanted the really big figures that have been made of the newer versions of him, but I now realize that I’m much more interested in having a small handful of my favorite versions in smaller scale to save space and not let my collection get overwhelming. I also wanted to collect certain figures of heroes like the McFarlane Batman and Spawn figures, and the most posable Spiderman I can find, but then I bought a blank figure on Amazon that has tons of articulation, and found that I can create costumes and accessories for one figure and have all the characters I want without having to take up space with multiple figures instead
That’s a really good idea with the single figure that you can make into whatever you want especially for saving space. Masters of the universe got me when I was 3 years old so the first inclination I always have to overcome is getting every single figure. It’s a struggle. :)
2:24 still my favorite He-man figure. I love the original but the 2008 version is the one to have.
Completely agree. Especially with the alternate head from the Oo-Larr Figure.
I have 5 He-Man and I don't use any of them as He-Man. I customed one to look Asian and I call him Johnny Dragon, I use Movie He-Man as Dar, the Beastmaster, Viking He-Man I use as Eric the Viking, Savage He-Man I use as Ator the Cave Man, and the He-Man with the H symbol I use as Heracles, the Greek version of Hercules. One of these days I'll use a He-Man as He-Man. LOL
Awesome - You do your thing! It’s your world 👍
I have an extra 'Earth' that's a 'Fantasy Earth'! It's where I have Conan, Red Sonja, Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones Figures, etc.
The end of last year, I decided to get a collection of Lord of the Rings figures from ToyBiz. I decided to get the entire Fellowship and then a few other characters I like. I felt my collection was complete after getting all 9 fellowship figures, Eowyn, Faramir, Lurtz, Saruman, The Witch King, and Peter Jackson as a Hobbit.
Nice! Enjoy those. I have a lot of love for Toybiz because of their Batman ‘89 figures.
@@eterniastoys They all have a space on the shelf above my TV! Those LOTR figures were revolutionary and helped pave the way for the likes of Marvel Legends and Star Wars Black Series by using the 6 inch scale and having detailed and impressively articulated figures that satisfied both collectors and children.
I believe I had an Aragorn around 2003. Very cool figures.
Pre pandemic I was collecting action figures from video games, DC and others.
But during the pandemic I stopped, I kind of resumed buying later on but its a lot less than before.
As much as I like collecting and the figures, Ive kind of lost interest and I feel like I have enough.
I was actually not really collecting much of anything the two years or so pre pandemic. When it started and I needed to get my mind off of things is when I really got back into it again ( filling holes in collections and buying new lines).
I've had to seriously cut back because of continous price increases and lack of space, If I'm strolling the toy aisles I'll look at a toy and ask myself "do I really need this toy?" I'll be 48 in a few months and I can't really see myself hoarding action figures well into my 50's. In the interim I've focused on just Batman Hotwheels and the Star Wars vehicles by Jazwares as they're smaller and affordable.
Those jazwares vehicles are really cool! If I had the space I’d consider those for sure.
I only collect one line. Just GIJOE. Everything else I gave up on. I focused my collection on the IP I love the most.
Smart! At this point I have basically done that as well as my MOTU collection is complete and I only randomly buy Star Wars on clearance (I should stop that). DC Multiverse is really my only focus at this point.
buy them for your children, convince them to keep them in the boxes....claim to clean out the house 5 years later keep in boxes till they move out.....Profit.
It’d be hard for me to do that - I like to open them 😂
Hey man what are you using for a Batman Armory? I have so many loose batman gadgets and would love to have an armory display for them. Just cant think of how to achieve the look.
It is a plastic “home edit” bin from Walmart and I put the weapons on it with Loctite. Here is the link to the bin: www.walmart.com/ip/1094939071
@@eterniastoys Thanks man that is way cheaper than anything I was thinking. I just might try something else to stick them on there so I can rearrange if (let's face it, when) I get more figures with bat gadgets.
You’re welcome!
PRETTY GREAT!!! IF WE CAN JUST ENJOY THE COLLECTION, JUST ❤ WHAT WE ❤, AND LET THIS B WHAT IS, ❤ OF WHAT WE R, WHAT WE DREAM, WHO WE R!!!! MAKE US SMILE!!!!GIVE USTHE"HAPPY"!!!!❤🙏🫶👍THANK YOU 4 THE SHOW!!!!❤😂🙏🫶👍
Thank you for the kind words.
My limitation in respecting my space and wallet is collecting only in 7-inch ⚖️ and live 🎬 action stuff from properties i really want. There are some exceptions customizing, etc, but yeah, that's generally the rule.. enjoyed the video thx for sharing.
Thank you. I am thinking about customizing but I’m giving mcFarlane some time to make the figures first.
@eterniastoys I hear you. It doesn't have to be a new character, though it could just be adding to the figs u already have, like paint details,cloth cape, or new head sculpt
True. I have a Mr. Freeze I have been thinking about giving a new paint job to.
I started collecting in '94 with SPAWN. I've since moved on to 1/6th scale figures (very pricey) ! Note: there is no stopping !!!
😂 I’ll keep that in mind!
I collected up a few of the He-Man figures in 2020-21, then stopped. I started grabbing up the MicroConstrux He-man figures, and they are pretty awesome. (Except for that... Lego-like part with vehicles, playsets. I'm not into Lego.) - But, the little mini figures came on replica 80s style packaging, and took up a whole hell of a lot less space. Along with other MicroConstrux figures.
I collect modern Transformers, but limit myself to the Studio 86 line, and these days?... I don't collect much of anything, when just collecting a paycheck is difficult enough.
I hear ya. Things are tight. Collecting and (fooling around on my channel) helps keep my mind off the though times. Micro Construx are really cool. I have a few: Heman, Battlecat, and the green Trap Jaw.
Interesting topic. I recently started collecting MOTU figures of the '80s, caught by nostalgia. Then The 40th anniversary He-man caught my attention, and brought me to start collecting the Masterverse New Eternia line. I'm struggling to put a stop to my collection, even if I'm fully aware that I cannot afford, for space and money reasons, to go on much further. I've got some Origins figures, and I'd like to get some Classic ones, but it will be really difficult to manage.
In my opinion Classics is the best Masters of the Universe line of the last 25 years BUT If you are low on funds but WANT to collect I would recommend Masterverse. They have some cool sculpts and ideas plus you can find a lot of them at bargain stores like Ross and Ollie’s.
@@eterniastoysI'm actually collecting the New Eternia ones, from Masterverse. Very cool.
I really like those designs. Especially Beast Man and Whiplash.
@@eterniastoys Beast Man is my first real purchase of the NE line. Whiplash is not in my collection yet. I managed to get Man at Arms, Tri clops, Mechanek, Ram Man (this one I'd like to get the Classics one, it is one of my favourites), Buzz Off, Mer Man, Trap Jaw, Zodac and last but not least Stratoss. Plus SDCC 40TH Anniversary He Man vs Skeletor. These figures represent the ones I owned in the '80s as a child. My problem is I don't know if I'lll manage to stop, since there are still 3-4 figures I'd love to add, but space and wallet are a big problem.
Classics Ram Man is in my top 5 favorite figures! He’s great!
For me, it's LEGO, and that's a big, expensive problem. When I was a kid, it was pirate and castle only. No problem. Now, since Marvel and DC superheroes came out, I need a city to put them in. Oh, boy.
I stepped back a couple of years ago, and I'm glad I did. It was getting pricey. The mania has passed, and I may even start selling off part of my collection soon.
I ALMOST got into Lego. My daughter liked them for a bit and I liked helping her put them together. Such a relaxing thing for me and fun thing for us to do together. Once she wasn’t into it anymore my dream for a big Lego city in the garage disappeared..
@@eterniastoys If I could afford a home, and have a garage, I would have turned it into a big Lego Superhero City. Now I'd turn it into a workshop for my custom gaming terrain business.
That Mario garage sounds like a lot of fun!
I have limited myself to not collecting entire lines so I have room and money for the more interesting or harder to find pieces and it helps in my impulse buys.
Impulse buys were killing me. Like Red Tornado is cool but he does NOT go in my collection at all! 😂
Same. Makes me grateful for pre-orders and the waiting game too. I've cancelled a lot of pre-orders after thinking more about things and coming to my senses. Sometimes even pile of loot items on BBTS I've talked myself out of for store credit 😂
I had the TVC Jabba the Hutt on pre order until a month ago when I realized I had absolutely nowhere to put it when it arrived.
Great video! Having some of the same concerns as a collector.
Thank you! Hope you find solutions.
Do you think you could please do a similar video to this one about trading cards?
I will definitely consider it. Thanks for the recommendation.
I just collect what I like! It's important to establish financial boundaries too. For instance, I refuse to pay $75 on eBay for a 3 year old motu origins Trap Jaw! I'll find a beat up figure and re- card it with a Beggars Canyon kit and it looks great on the wall. I don't care if I have all the figure accessories either, it is only for me to enjoy. We forget that it is supposed to be fun like when we were kids!
Awesome! I have tons of fun with the hobby. It’s my escape!
To be fair, MOTU Classics is still the best modern toyline to date.
Completely agree!
I used to be obsessed with collecting toys and comics when I was in my late 20s, but then realized I was a grown adult who had nothing really going for him. I had thousands of dollars worth of GI joe, star wars, marvel and DC all while working for an extended car warranty call center as a phone-sales rep. I remember the day I realized collecting toys is lame. My friends wife was talking to me and I mentioned my toy collection. She just started laughing at me uncontrollably and asked why I did that. I honestly had no answer. I didn't know why I spent so much money on toys. Thankfully ebay was still pretty hot back then and I was able to sell all of my collection. I enrolled in college, learned how to Woodwork and made furniture. Now also I sculpt with clay and glass. I'm also a father of two little kids now and we just recently started collecting GI Joe's. However, there's definitely limitations we put on buying toys and focus more on their educations. Had my parents been more educated and spent more time with me I probably wouldn't have had such a strong obsession for toys. I know this will probably chap a few asses here, but if you're over the age of 10 you shouldn't be collecting action figures.
Thank you for your comment. I think everyone has their own journey with this and I appreciate yours. Glad you were able to build a different kind of future for yourself with your collection.
Ive been building gunpla since the original US gundam boom of the 2000s. Stopped when it died a few years later because at that time you could only import and that was expensive in the 2000s. Saw a gunpla at a barnes and noble about 10 yrs ago. Bought it,, built it. It has since snowballed into something im not sure i have full control of. There are more unbuilt kits in the closet then on the shelves. For a while they were relatively easy to get. Especially during Covid when no one was working and had to sell there possessions to live. Now 90%of kits are exclusive to the Japanese market and are ridiculously expensive to import. So its either buy the 15th 20 yr old GM variant just for something to build or pay the equivalent of 4 HGs for one. Is this even worth it anymore? Not to mention to the pile in the closet most of which are expensive exclusives.
I would just do what made me happy. Maybe there’s another part of the Gundam hobby you haven’t explored. Best of luck to you.
I never actually stopped buying toys….i started with Star Wars ….and after Star Wars stopped coming in 1985 or so, what kept me going was transformers…and the hope Star Wars would return. transformers was the holdover from the 80s that kept coming. Still, I’d have the “Star Wars dreams” -the dreams that involved seeing Star Wars figures on the pegs again, but they were new and improved….needless to say, I’m still collecting.
My uncle was who got me into Star Wars. He had everything vintage when I was a kid. Star Wars has been new many times now and I love it. But I would say, as far as 3.75” goes, they are over improving.
I used to buy a lot of figures then that get boring. The diminishing return of new things being too similar to the ones I already have. Also the specific things you want were harder to find before the internet. I don't intend to sell any of my figure so I think a bit harder buying any thing new because I have limited space.
So I consider price, durability and being different enough from the figures that I already own. I can make accessories by 3d printing so really the figures themselves that I have to buy.
I have been working on trying to find more accessories for my figures myself. I can never have enough batarangs! 😂
Nobody likes a quitter.
Not quitting - just re focusing. 👍
@@eterniastoys attaboy! *sorry for supporting your habit.* lol
I'm Definitely starting to have a space issue. 😂
But for me I only collect what I really like.
I don't want to have every McFarlane figure.
For example...
McFarlane released a Batman Arkham video game line.
I didn't even touch those. Even though I liked them.
But I still have the Batman figures from DC direct. And those figures still look great to me.
So no need for me to own the same figures twice. 😉
I sold my DC direct figures a few years bag and man do I regret it because I really want that Mad Hatter back! 😂
They say millennials are the most nostalgic generation. Fact check true!
I limit my Star Wars collection to only characters that appeared in Jabba`s palace. I still have a lot of the stuff I collected from childhood. How do you feel about packaging? I used to keep them mint but now everything gets opened. Ironically stuff I`ve sold off from my past as a young adult I`ve purchased back. My wife hates this hobby she thinks its a waste. Oh well lol!
I don’t keep packaging unless I need it for reference. I have a few DC Multiverse boxes in the garage that I have held onto for upcoming videos but that’s about it. The hobby may be a waste but it keeps me sane.
Vintage trap jaw did come with that belt a comic book probably comes from the commemorative series He Mans they had different sort of feet the only thing that differentiated them from vintage you can find great reproduction He Man weapons from the RUclipsr He bro
Thank you!
It also would help to limit your lines of what you really love. Damn too expensive and impossible to display the collections of LEGOs, Joes, Marvels, DCs, Power Rangers, TMNTs, Star Wars, Transformers, etc. Unfortunately I'm one of the ebay sellers who sold vintage Joes lot back in 2003. Oh well.
Very true! I didn’t even mention that I was into Lego. I love putting them together with my little girl but then we have nowhere to put them.
I have the same symphtons my wife said its child trauma
Know i so proud on my collection the problem its the space i want everything about 6 inch figures Motu,DC,Marvel Legends,Spiderman,Ghostbusters,Tmnt cartoon,NECA aliens,predator,robocop,terminator,back to the future,Gi-Joe classified,😅😂😂
I know! It’s hard being a fan of so many things!
youtube and social media posts stir the addiction of buying way too much...especially when some youtubers it "their job" to make content and hype things, especially if they are sponsored. then they sell stuff on the side and you never see the stuff they hyped again.
so how much of it is genuine and how much is staged?
Very good point. I got a little caught up in reviewing things from 2022-2023 and I realized that wasn’t why I started my channel. I started it to have fun and Reviewing figures wasn’t fun to me. If I think something needs some attention I will hype it a little. For instance - the super powers whirly bat is a fun toy for anybody no matter the age so I talked it up a bit.
Journey…. Not destination my friend 😂
I like a little of both 😃
I recently packed up my collection to move it to new, bigger shelving. The moment i finished the transfer, i had a moment. I knew id too much. It didnt look cool. It looked gross. I decided to sell a huge chunk of things right then. Stuff that id pick up for no reason other than i could.
I realised i only wanted the toys i had when i was a kid. Not the latest TMNT MOTU Crossover or the rare Ghostbusters vehicle or anything else like that. Im out.
I hear that! I had a moment like that with my 3.75” Star Wars a while back. Just too much inside. They live in the garage now and I no longer buy those.
Avoid adult toy collecting at all costs!
If only 😂
going on a year and 3 months not a penny spent on worthless plastic
Well done!