I agree completely! and I make and sell toys and clothes.. I am gonna keep my stuff at prices I would want to pay

This can be an argument when you manage to win lotteries from time to time. But, believe me, it is utterly frustrating after you enter for the tenth time and still loose.

It's great Hirota can make loads of cash with his direct auctions, some time went in this metal paint, but I can't see why it would do any good to the toy fan who can't afford one on the secondary market (with a further rise in price) and can't seem to win a lottery in a clean way.

^I understand your frustration. But I really don't see any conspiracy on the lotteries by HS as well as Zollmen and some others. For me I just happened to win a few.... and lose a lot!

I don't and can't know how lotteries are managed, the makers do as they want, and I can't blame you for winning, I'm actually glad you did, I know they are in good hands.
It's just strange that people manage to win multiple time out of hundreds of people entering.
My guess is that some people are trustful to the makers and get a preference from time to time.

^Thanks and I'm with you on that. If somehow gaining the trust helps I certainly wouldn't mind to be on that side of the coin.

Wow! That's some auction ending.
Well although he tried to humbly but impossibly control what buyers did with his figures and show disdain towards flipping them,
It had to have had an influence on HS going this auction route. More power to him if he can get that type of cash for one-offs but what does it mean for the everyday collector is the big question.

I for one would like to see bigger runs because I've never won any of the lotteries.
Maybe even pre-orders like Zollmen did with the green Maza. I mean look at how accesible that version is now compared to other short-run Mazas. This seems to be a surefire way to deter flippers, garner more money in volume and make them more accesible to collectors. He is a one-man show from what I understand so that may not be possible but who knows, maybe he can collaborate with a factory/painter. I'd enjoy seeing more creations from him given he'd have more time.

Imo, Gargamel has had a slow and steady model that seems to work for everyone, with runs enough to suffice the everyday collector and one-offs priced reasonably for those that want a more unique figure and deeper pockets.

And I realize he didn't set the price on that Super-Alloy Mecha-Ju which I imagine is just beautiful in hand btw,
but it'd be interesting to see if he does this more often.

The same debate happens every HxS auction and to date nuthin' has changed.

I wouldn't anticipate much changing this time around either . . . seems he's comfortable with the current run size and maintaining the quality doing exactly what he's doing.

Blank runs, pre orders, bigger runs, getting other painters involved etc. all have potential to screw up a good solid business model.

I'm out of the loop. I didn't realize HS had done these auctions before.
I imagine they all ended pretty high just not as high as this one?

The previous auctions were around $3,000 or $4,000. Still very high but this recent one is the highest I've seen for any new figure. Maybe it was a higher because it was a one-off and not a run of 2-3.

Should also be noted 2 of those auctions by HS were for a set of 2 figures. So it was like paying $1,500 for each figure.

It's all a game of deep pockets and who you know

Much like real life!

This isn't real life..it's fantasy..right??!!

Love the Pink Ju!!!!! The colours are crazy.

just got my Blue mecha Ju...super nice

That's a really nice image, Simon!

The blue is great because he actually uses two different color vinyl.

I thought the blue had a red waist section. Is that a different version?

^^ Yeah, that's the first release you're thinking of. That one was navy with the red waist.

Really like the gator arm that comes extra!

I can understand why people flip out for those but personally I just don't see the appeal in these type of paint apps on toys, too much crazy detail going on for me.

I'm obviously a fan of Pus' paint jobs but I can unabashedly say that it really really works in this case. The Mecha is a metal robotic beast and Pus' HP techniques makes it look like rusty, beaten, oxidized iron. And as he does on the HP Cococroc teeth, he adds a bit of yellow at the base to give it extra realism.

For the new Mini Set, Hirota used marbled vinyl for the base. The subtle marbling makes them look rusty as well. In addition, the tower in the set was completely redone. It's now a tower that is partially destroyed and has Pus style stitching holding it together. Also, the Japanese characters say "Pushead". It also includes a bloody omake arm.

I think he did well to achieve such effects, but I feel that the overall job is a bit overworked for such a clean model. I'm pretty sure if some average joe with an airbrush did this, it wouldn't be appreciated in the same way as I assume many will fawn over these-I wouldn't doubt many would consider it blasphemy against the sculpt otherwise. I have big respect for Pushead, and I love Hirota's sculpt, but this was far from a collaboration I ever would have wished for. I just feel like there's a clash of styles. I'd personally take many of the other toys in that case over those Mechas.

Maybe they're better appreciated in person?

same thoughts. doesnt work well to me either,
though header card is so cool.

unquestionable pushead´s highly detailed style works best "on his own" figure: kaws x pus companion,
but in general seems to work much better on organic figures imho,
so id like to see it on a regular first gorilla ju sculpt much more.

...much more excited about his new secret base head!!!

I think this is a case of the pictures not doing justice to the real deal.