I also think the "I used to be into it but now everyone likes it so I don't" thing is somewhat more complicated from my point of view.
I think you have to look at the psychology of collecting and what drives certain people to collect. Here are two examples:

For some, a part of collecting may be a need to be different or somewhat unique. If they are collecting something and its not in the mainstream, they are happy and enjoy it. Once it crosses a certain line and becomes mainstream, I can understand certain people deciding to ditch.

Then there are other people will only collect what is popular and liked by the majority. They would never think of collecting something on the sidelines or rarely discussed. Everyone likes it so I will like it (even though I really don't). That sort of thing. Some might not be able to even verbalize what they like about a figure or a toy line. This kind of ties into buying blindly.

I also believe that for some, one's taste can evolve or change over time. Maybe it gets more refined or more selective or whatever.
And what you liked or collected initially, is no longer the case after a period of time. At an accelerated level, you see this with some board members who are constantly rotating their collections (though it may be for other reasons like lack of space).

Finally, I think that a number of collectors here, started on another board, and eventually moved over here cause of some coolness factor.
Whatever that may be. Figures, atmosphere, whatever. That's fine. Whatever. And some will move on from here, just like a number of OG types have. And that's fine too. Whatever.

I'm not saying any of this is right or wrong. It just is what it is.
And it can probably be applied to bands, and records, and vintage synths and car purchasing and all sorts of other things.

I'm rambling off topic but that's how I see things....

And to tie it back the original post, the Usugrow Revels debuted at SDCC 2007 and shipped in September which is interesting.

kiyoka sculpted for SB until 2004 and betch has sculpted since 2005. Garagamel started late 2003 2004? But hiddy has designed with the exceptions(pushead,usugrow,Flynn). Even then im sure he had a close eye on the design.

All very valid and interesting points Peter. Your point about wanting to be unique is very true, and I saw this with so many bands - especially in teh UK music press who would constantly build up teh next big thing only to knock 'em down even quicker. Then a legion of magazine/reviewer accolytes would quote the latest reviews and pretend to be superior to you becuase they no longer like a band that is so "5 minutes ago", but you still do.

I saw the same kind of thing when SB first fell out of favor, and have had people say to me in the last few months: "I can't believe you are still buying RxH" like I am some kind of retard who can't move on when the hipster elite have deemed it appropriate. I was buying RxH before them, and I guess am buying it after them - cos I love Mutant Evil, Head and Bigaro (the shiny one).

People also tell me that there are so many great companies out there producing new stuff to collect - and I also completely agree on this, Anyone who scans my collection will find I am not a one trick pony - although I do have my favorites. Plus like most people I am limited on space and cash to buy everything I'd like. But I also don't feel like jumping on something just because it is new and hip. I have to like it.

I also admit that I do have my allegiances. Finding SB on Yahoo Japan via Henshin Cyborg searches where these peculiar, but obviously hensin cyborg influenced little critters showed up, is what got me into teh Jp vinyl scene (that and teh Get On! street bible which blew my mind when it first came out). Then finding that Hiddy shared the same love of vintage cyborhg stuff as me really sealed teh deal. Its hard to forget that.

And, knowing Hiddy has of course influenced me (how could it not) and has also kept me stoked on upcoming things. And altho I do not love everything SB produces, I know they are still capable of blowing my socks off (think DBM brain, DX Skull Kun, Sharkman, Rebel Ink, Pushead releases) on a regular basis. Plus I know Hiddy is just as excited as he was three years ago and is not afraid to try new things (that don't always work)and work with teh right old and new people where the sum of the parts becomes greater than the indicviduals (Usugrow, Cure and Convex spring to mind).

Urrghghg - now I'm rambling. Guess what I am trying to say to collectors here (especially newer ones) is there always seems to be something new and exciting around the corner, so don't be too quick to write off a company because of a perceived fallow period or the flood-of new-release opposite. Things can go either way. Remain open minded. Things change.

I'll never understand liking something or disliking something because of how popular it is. To me, it means you don't like said item, just the mystique/hype. It's an image thing than, that's what's satisfying you. "I'm into this, no one else is LOL!" OR "I'm into this, everyone else is, and I've got a ton WEEE!"

I collect for fun and to re-hash a lot of childhood emotions not much else gives me on the levels toys can. These types of toys are the best at doing that.

SB was my first "JP vinyl" love, and I'll always respect them. Some stuff stopped connecting with me, and other things began more so (RxH, Gargamel, Anraku) but I still have some SB, and will still continue to get some more. What they've done for this hobby/these toys is unmeasurable. RESPECT!

PLUS

Can't argue with that!

If one is really cynical, toy collecting can almost be seen as "point-and-click" shopping unless you live near a toy store or do alot of private wheeling and dealing.

And if it is shopping, then don't you think alot of people (speaking in general terms, not just this scene) buy things for status or image identity?

A collection of clothes. A fancy computer that they can barely operate and hate to use. Expensive golf clubs because everyone else at the club has them, etc.

I love secret base

But this toy was Pretty close to being all Super7.

I guess. But than the DBM's are only half SB I suppose and the Usugrow totally Usugrow and they're the whole starter of this thread, so I went with it. Now it's all too technical, damn it!

Interesting observation.
I completely missed that.

Mm, yes and no.

I think that while Internet access has made these Japanese toys much, much more accessible to those of us outside the country, it has not diminished the value of collecting so much as it changes its fundamental nature. For example, where you would normally line up outside a toy store for a certain release, now you would attempt to be one of the first to purchase from the store's website. Combing through online auctions is kind of like checking the consignment stores in Nakano Broadway on a daily basis. It's still collecting, just many times more efficient.



I do think a lot of what we do is conspicuous consumption. The cynical side of me agrees with this assertion. After all what are collection shots other than a way to drive your fancy car with shiny rims really slowly in a crowded parking lot?

The non-cynical- maybe less cynical- side of me says that we have a "duty" to share our collected items with the rest of the community, which can validate high-roller purchases or acquisitions of super rare toys. Showing off your latest purchase is never really clean of the 'look at me, look at what I can buy' urge, but on the other hand, I think someone that has a fabulous collection that no one ever gets to see is just as much at fault- but for different reasons. Anyway, what I mean to say is that there can be a greater purpose for purchasing these really expensive toys, which is to share them and show them to other like-minded collectors.

Were we talking about SB?

My interest in SB definitely has been rekindled by a few recent releases, notably the DBM Mask and the Convex Skullbee. As for the latter, it's kind of a testament to Hiddy's inventiveness that the same toy can be released with the same basic color scheme multiple times, and still make an impact with each release. Outside of the truly iconic characters, like Mickey Mouse or Optimus Prime, I don't know how many other toy companies could do the same thing.

My story...

About 6 months ago I was checking out Ultra Pop's selection of cool shit and I came across some SB figures. Paul schooled me on everything Secret Base. I took the bait (Atmos GID set). He opened the door to a whole new world! It was a jump, as before I was collecting Star Wars figures. So going from $6 a figure to $65 (+) was a BIG deal!

I love that's it's OK to open your figures and handle them...not cool with Stars Wars stuff (MIB).

If SB stuff was $.99 in the bargin bin, I would have tons more!

I've always collected things that I like. I really don't care what others think. I have got drawn into the hype a few times...who hasn't?

I love these figures and the whole community! I have met some cool folks and look forward to meeting more. SDCC 09 is on!

Thanks!

Peter, i've been told that you purchase one of everything.

True?