It IS crazy. No argument there. But again, value is completely subjective to the collector or enthusiast, and even occaision. It's ok to I FART A LOT about low run numbers, that what a forum is for. But you are way off in your estimation of how this product has come to be made available to us, and the unassigned costs. This is a unique and creative item, that seems mass produced, but really isn't.
So do people think that RxH isn't going to follow the same path of Secret Base? Interest and prices on SB have dropped off a ton from a couple years ago...I gotta think that two years from now the same thing is going to happen to RxH. If you don't see this pattern happening with RxH, why? Also, I've seen a lot of mention that Mori now has to pay for his shop and that's why we're seeing such a flood of releases. So, was getting a shop NOT a good thing to do? Making releases just for the sake of paying for a brick/mortar might lead to weak releases and distancing his fan base.
Because RxH RULES! (kidding) I hope it DOES! I want some price drops, I'd scoop up some I've passed on FOR SURE!
Well, I see a fundamental difference between SB and RxH... Secret Base seems to be larger runs of tried and true sculpts that are all factory painted. Only recently have they kinda mixed things up a bit by retiring the previous Obake and releasing the new one. They've also done themselves a big favor by roping in Usugrow with the Rebel Ink figure... so I see SB as a company on the rebound after a year of relative coasting. Don't get me wrong, I still love SB stuff, but for a while, it was a lot of the same... RxH seems to have the highest quality figures in my opinion in terms of casting and vinyl quality. Also, the painting of the figures seems to be done personally by Mori, and I think that means something to a lot of collectors. Sure there have been a lot of "blank" figure releases lately, but I've found that in most cases, it's to highlight some feature of the vinyl itself whether it be bubble vinyl, or pearl vinyl. Also, I see RxH taking much larger risks by introducing a number of new sculpts (Jinja, Gatchigon, Vader, Mad Barbarian collabs, etc.) Don't even get me started on the mini figures... I have to say that I've come into RxH far later into the game than most other collectors, but I can definitely see why it's earned the fanbase it currently enjoys... they're top notch boutique vinyl pieces, and I see RxH as being pretty much top shelf compared to a lot of other Japanese vinyl vendors right now.
The cost of opening and keeping the shop will definitely contribute to overhead, but I do not believe that any RxH is produced for the "sake" of paying a store lease. So far it seems like many character designed RxH creations are produced by creative impulse. Whether the designs are a hit with fans or not, people will always vote with their money. You can't argue that the Chaos figure has seemingly become RxH's staple production figure. But the closest I've gotten to not buying a Chaos release was the gold mist, and even then I picked it up to complete my OG4 set. Only time will tell if RxH goes the way of SB, but it seems like Mori and Hiddy are two really different creators.
I hear what you're saying, Loco - and don't disagree with it. But I think a lot of what you said could have been said for SB a couple of years ago: SB use to be the standard for quality. SB put out risky new sculpts such as the Mad Mantis, Barbarian, King Skullbrain/Bee, Damage Brain - some are hits and others big misses just like the new RxH sculpts. SB was the top dog for Japanese boutique toys. Seems the only real difference is that RxH upped the quality and is a bit more hands-on. People were throwing hundreds of dollars at a SB figure, and now those figures that were selling for $200+ are selling for $100ish. Some figures are selling at 50% of retail. I'm not dogging RxH (or SB) - just pointing out a pattern I've seen and thinking that it could easily happen to RxH.
Is it known that Mori is still hand-painting the figures? The interview gave me the impression that he had assistance from veteran kaiju airbrush painters. Also, I thought I had read on this board in the recent past that he was no longer able to hand paint the painted runs. Anyone know for sure?
Oh, I know... but I still think there are some reasons why they are different in the eyes of a lot of collectors currently. Hopefully Mori won't suffer any sort of burn out or backlash from completionists in his quest to expand his brand.
Not sure which way you meant, but I'd think $5 is high, if anything - I'd be surprised if there's more than $3 in raw materials in an average RxH release, even with >$100-bbl. oil, top-quality Japanese vinyl, and V-Color bought at retail. Likewise, your average Ed Ruschka or Murakami is about $40 in canvas and acrylic, and the Mona Lisa is perhaps ten bucks worth of poplar and oil. So what? The value of the materials simply isn't very relevant in artworks. For vinyl, I'd estimate maybe 20% of the value is in how those materials are manipulated (reflecting variation in quality and price among similar-sized pieces by the same artist), and 75% is in reputation, hype, perceived talent, scarcity, the 'bigger fool' theory, etc. -- essentially, it's in our collective minds. Someone once told me that in the budgets of the giant cosmetics companies, the cost of the actual materials used to manufacture the makeup - all the dyes and scents and goops - are listed under miscellaneous/petty cash. The material cost is so minuscule compared to packaging, testing and (mostly) advertising that they don't even bother to break it out in the budget. All those $50-per-1/2 ounce pots of 'rejuvenating' goo, now those are a multibillion dollar ... ummm ... 'scam' might be a little strong ... 'collective delusion' perhaps. As to this specific Evil - The seller should be particularly glad this one brought such a high price, since his future RxH sales may be at risk -- Didn't data (or someone) post that Mori was gonna bring a world of hurt to the seller for listing this too early? As to the parallels with SB, Mori at least has the advantage of their experience from which to learn, and I expect the lesson is not lost on him. I know this is from a few pages back, but I wanted to say I think this is an interesting point (and well put!) (Emphasis added.)
But if there is high demand for the item and you can produce more- why not? Would they loose any quality if the quantity was bigger? I think if they were cheaper everyone would be happy- surely there cannot be one person on here that like fighting tooth and nail to find one of this figure and having to pay what could keep your fridge full of food for a month for one?
You'd be surprised... I'm sure Mori factors in a number of considerations when deciding how many pieces to include in any run. Considerations could include quality control, potential perception of flooding the market, turn around time, wanting to get other projects out, etc... Creating to demand isn't as easy as it sounds, and it's much safer to err on the side of creating fewer than too many pieces to reduce risk of inventory for himself and his vendor. Remember, individual buyers aren't his only customers. If a run or a number of runs are too large, inventory will sit and could cause vendors to place smaller orders in the future. Also, part of the hobby is that these things ARE boutique, and therefore limited in nature. Part of the thrill is the chase and the ability to acquire harder to get things is more exciting for a bunch of us here. Not everyone I'm sure, but I'd be willing to bet that more people will admit that the frustration is also part and parcel of the joy of receiving certain pieces.
I agree! I do wish we can all get wat we want w/o stressing about missing out on it, but when we finally get wat we've trying hard to get its that more rewarding. But regardless of how rare a figure, all that matters is if YOU love it or not. Sorry if I've derailed topic
What did it finally end at? Last I looked it was at 18000 yen with 2 1/2 hours left to go....BTW did anyone catch what the green Mutant Head go for that ended on Monday?
By tha way I don't do YJA,so I never know what any of these fig's go for.I just try and keep up with what you guy's are watching and talking about..
Seems crazy but if that person is comfortable paying for that then that's that. I think it's a great looking evil. (don't collect them but that one was great.)
