Pogue you are probably right about aftermarket value affecting the popularity, but for some reason that possibility saddens me. I wish nobody cared about resale value.

For my part (and I know I speak for a few others by saying this) the "RxH Collections" thread here is what put the hook in me. All those pictures made something "click" about the genius of RxH. Then as so many have said, once you buy some, you're probably going to be hooked. My point is that I think our own community's enthusiasm becomes a form of hype that is infectious. While I know this is a point of contention for many here, the Show Your Monsters thread at KR has definitely broadened interest in kaiju among people formerly focussed on non-Japanese toys. The Kozik forums over there have also broadened interest in RxH as has his subscription plan, I assume.

I agree with Lorne. I think the resurgence of vinyl as a toy medium is still in its formative stage, and it is too early to think about reissues. Innovation, not recreation.

But yeah, let Mori do what he wants. RxH is his mutant baby.

People bring up the point of the market value going down when things are re-issued...are you collecting for the market value or collecting cause you like the figure. Me personally, I buy a toy cause I like it (if I can afford it). I never buy a toy thinking about how much it will cost in 5 months. Sure the thought goes through my head at times but it is not high on my priority list when purchasing a toy. I'm fine with toys being re-issued as long as there is something that sets it apart from the original, but no matter how you look at it, there is no greater feeling of looking on your shelf and knowing that what you have is the first run. I would love to have some of the earlier RxH toys but I have to agree with Josh and others. I think Mori has enough in him to make tons of originals before having to resort to making re-issues.

Here's where my concern lies with that situation:

-Market value goes down
-People stop buying from S7 and other stores because they can get them cheaper on the open market
-S7 and other stores aren't making money on RxH
-RxH isn't making money
-RxH = Dead

I know that's a bit far fetched, but still it's what it CAN lead to, and why a lot of us fear a huge market drop.

Not because WE can't profit one day, but because RxH isn't Star Wars where they'll make toys forever regardless of market price. They're small and need this stuff to sell out, and it sells out when there's a smaller amount even if the fan base is growing.

But, again, MY main feeling is like most, move forward, it's too soon to reissue.

Yes, I understand that BD6969 but there's also the flip side to that and probably the thing that makes re-issues a sort of last ditch effort for some. The flip side being, the re-issued toy does just as well as the original. There is also the big difference of making the re-issue in the usual size run or making a little bit more than usual. It's almost like putting out a new toy because you can only take an educated guess on how well the toy will be recieved by the public. No matter what, I think a lot of us agree.
There is no reason for an RxH re-issue when we all believe Mori can still think of many originals to make.

On a side note, does anyone know the history of the figures as far as who they are fighting? I'm not asking about the history or inspiration for a figure, just wondering...if they're fight figures, is it every creature for himself or are there teams?

If you snoop around there are some stories to them. Mutant, Chaos, Evil and Bigaro are good guys they fight Akro, Bigaos, Jinger and O.Bat. There's some info on all the other stuff too, like where they come from, some of their past and all that. Limited info given to us from Mori through Hiro.

not sure if anyone admits it here, but i'm betting people that have tracked down and paid 300 bucks for an older figure would feel shitty when they see the exact same one coming out again for 50

But if they did the second edition then the originals would keep there value pretty much...I dont think anyone here really collects for value and money and shit(correct me if im wrong) but more for just to have the pieces they want! Thats the only reason i would like to see them re-released!

i dont mean collecting for value

i just mean buying item A for lots of money

then item A (b) comes out, just as good as the first, costing 1/10 what you paid for your item A

Ahh i got ya, very good point there!

is it really collecting if they make every thing to order? Sounds like shopping to me.

The early RxH figures were made in small runs because nobody wanted them. There was a time when they didn't make it to yja because the flippers didn't think they would sell (this is true for lots of stuff). Mori used to bring 10 figures to shows and take 5 back home. The 1st phone orders were filled with less than a handful of figures.

All of this is part of the charm and history of the company for the people who collected back then. I wouldn't trade all that so a group of salivating shoppers can get an old color way with a couple of clicks. Especially since there is so much RxH product around these days.

I guess i like to shop then

most people do

You are 110% correct about that!

When I first registered here last June I think the popularity still wasn't quite there. Some of the figs people look hardcore for now were even hanging around on TT and some on S7. Even the clear pink booska caught around $150 on ebay and I thought that was alot. I honestly think alot of the explosion has to do with the fact people discovered how rare the older ones are and the higher they see a figure go for the more intrigued they are and want to be a part of it.

I don't care about the value or how much people paid, but I do think re-issues would ruin the fact that its a old or classic paintjob from a different time. I DO however think they need to look at some of those older colorways and become more influenced by them again, mix them up a bit etc. Imo alot of colorways this past year were very weak compared to the older stuff.

Yup. That's why I think of the unattainable early releases as being really special, more than their rarity. So many unpainted or barely-painted reeases this past year. Maybe that's why more creative releases like the Fungus Chaos, Booska Heads, and TT Chaos were so hot, popularity-wise. They are more compelling than the flat schemes. The redeeming thing is that even if the colorway is unspectacular, the sculpt is still great.

By contrast, say what you will about the recent sculpts, but some of the Blobpus colorways this past year were very inventive, but I digress...

For some people, the biggest rush is the actual purchase or winning of an auction and not the item (whatever that may be: car clothes etc).

One purchases said item and now their world or their standing in the world is perfect, for a fleeting time. Then that feeling eventually leaves.

Sometimes, I think this isn't a hobby at all but just shopping online.

I vote for larger runs with better paint applications and fewer releases going forward. I would love to see 4-6 figures a month but all kick ass paint apps (no more blanks).

Blanks could work with specific colours, just don't flood the market like the flesh sets.
Bring out some GID figures. Even do some GID blanks (but probably would never happen). Walder set. Coloured clears with paint. Explore other innards. etc etc

Feel like this has been discussed before.

The instant gratification of the shopping aspect is unavoidable for any of us indoctrinated into capitalist cultures, which means pretty much anyone who can afford this hobby. I'm currently taking a temporary break from buying toys so that I can pay off some other purchases, and I've gotta say, it's been really interesting as a matter of perspective. Disassociating from that constant cycle of hunting, buying, and impulse buying has helped me to focus on what I really love. Unfortunately it turns out to be almost everything I was buying anyway LOL. But when I pick up again, there will be more focus.

I agree that maybe there's too much RxH hype, but if you truly love it, what are you gonna do? For my part, I've decided to forego any sort of figure completism and just buy the figures that really stand out so that I can also have budget for the other stuff I love ... Gargamel fight figures, Yamanaya reissues of Bulmarks, etc. More balance, less impulsiveness.

OTOH I don't really recommend taking a break from buying toys. It kinda sucks.

I agree that the instant gratification is unavoidable, I just kinda try and reduce it where I can. As you say, try to be less impulsive. Jog and not sprint. Be more selective.

Taking a break from the boards can help too. Sometimes the boards whip up such a hype about stuff that it's easy to get caught up in it.

Back to reissues. Seems like an evil twin of customs.

i think its worth noting that this discussion is largely academic, as mori will never read this, or any other discussion from the fans, as he doesnt have a computer or care to. he just does his thing, and a handful of vendors bring it to the public. its a pretty cool contrast from most products that go through committee, focus groups, etc.

if mori were to spend his time re-issuing old figures (which, for, among other reasons, being the ones that he had the hardest time selling, i majorly doubt he would be into), that would mean less time to think about and work on new figures, new colorways, innovation, etc. this would mean there would be fewer new and interesting RxH products for the fans to buy. Even if he could keep up his current output AND make re-issues at the same time, how many of the collectors could keep up? i assume most of the people here are not millionaires, i know i cant keep up with RxH as it is, and would drown if there were more.

if there were too much product for even a growing audience to keep up with, RxH would flounder and have to slow way down or bow out.

on top of all that, wouldnt it just be kind of....not special if all the 'super holy grails' were suddenly just available? There has been some talk about the right/wrong reasons for collecting - part of it i think should be a love for the product, and part of it is the chase. i would still love my tiger7 figure if it was accessible and afforadable, because the design is amazing. but having spent a couple years thinking about how cool it was and how much i wanted it made it just that little bit more satisfying when the opportunity arose to get one.

the more i think about it, the more i think re-issuing something like early RxH would not be a good idea. i see it burning out collectors, stagnating the brand, and making it just a little bit less exciting to think about those gorgeous old hard-to-find figures. i know its at best a long shot for me to ever own even one, but i would prefer that to being able to just plunk down $300 and have five old chaos figures without trying or waiting.

just my two cents though, and i think this is a really great topic!

Hit tha nail on tha head,this statement is so true...Well said Josh..

Man this thread is great. I never really thought about it the way so many here have laid it out. Such a great eye opener and made me seriously reconsider my words.

My exact thoughts!