101: This series, 'Hunters & Collectors', will cover essentially, all things collecting. It has, and continues to be a huge part of my geek life, whether action figures, busts, statues, novelty items, or even collecting badges from all my attended conventions.
What is it about collecting that, drives us "hunters and collectors" to continue growing, spreading, and researching days on end? What is it that drives us crazy, makes us smile, makes us kick our selves, feel pride, feel joy?
Simply put, "to each his/her own". But I am sure what I share can be seen commonly among collectors around the world! Even with all the time and money, there seems to be no stopping the collectors!
First, a little background on myself: I would say my collecting started in 2007, when I attended my very first convention, Star Wars Celebration IV in Los Angeles, CA. I can not remember exactly, but assume I had small figures and items here or there. But the Yoda Mini Bust by Gentle Giant is what I consider my first collectible. Since then, my collection has grown quite a bit in both quantity, quality, genre, and type.
Today, I collect everything from Hot Toys, Sideshow Collectibles, Gentle Giant, NECA, Hasbro, Mattel, McFarlane, Figma, Revoltech, Mezco, jewelry, custom works, carded, loose, exclusives, and more. In lieu of that, I also have joined dozens of groups and forums throughout social media, while making new friends along the way from around the world. Some call them "toys" some "action figures"; some say "collectibles" others say "relics". I have not come across two people with identical thoughts or collecting styles, yet we can always come to a common consensus. No, there will not always be a common ground or collection, but we, hunters and collectors, always have a place to reconcile.
I have created this survey for all you hunters and collectors to partake in! It is short and straight to the point, to get some idea of how we all hunt and collect! Much appreciated for those who partake!
TAKE THE SURVEY: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/YFKDYH9
Highlighting from the survey, yes there have been multiple companies with quality control and use-of-material issues. Personally, if I ever have issues, I simply contact the company. Perfect example: San Diego Comic Con 2014, I attended Thursday of the convention weekend, purchasing a NECA SDCC exclusive Ahab Predator. Upon initial inspection (and utter excitement to add another Predator to my collection) everything seemed okay. Upon returning home the next day and conducting a review, I noticed the inner thigh of one leg was left unpainted. I immediately contacted NECA via Twitter and their Customer Service page, and by the middle of the following week, I had a new, (fully painted) Ahab!
No complaints, no rants, no issues . . . granted if it was not replaced, maybe a rant or two would arise, but that is rarely, if ever needed.
Staying on the topic with NECA, yes, they have had some better and some worse quality Predator or other lines over the years. But it also seems to rely on the beholder, the consumer, the collector; what do you do if you open a package with a missing piece, unpainted limb, broken accessory? Personally, Ahab has been the only Predator figure, only NECA figure for that matter, I have ever had an issue with. Even in the "worst wave" scenario, not every figure will bring about the same situation.
Well, I want to thank everyone for checking out this new column. Hoping you all enjoy, partake in the survey, and be sure to subscribe and follow the pages below!
Alex is a college student in his third year as a political science major pursuing a career in law. Collecting and anything geeky has been a huge hobby and area of interest for years, and has landed him a spot with Go Figure News! Subscribe to his YouTube channel.