I should also mention that my request for membership was in limbo until Leecifer pointed me in the right direction as far as who to follow up with. So... my origin is incomplete without mentioning Lee.

I'm a newbie as far as toy collecting goes, but I've been absolutely consumed by it.
I've always been an art-dabbler (I wouldn't say artist since I don't think I'm at that level yet, haha) so admiring and appreciating other people's creations has always been a hobby of mine in addition to creating stuff. When Bravo came out with a reality TV competition for artists, I couldn't help but watch. That's when I'd say the "roots" took hold, because the Sucklord was a contestant and I just found his toy-work so odd and wacky. It was through Google searches that I came across KR, which I gave a once-over and said "Hmm, that's neat, artists put their stuff on bunnies." I then move on and forgot about it. (I'm pretty sure I was working a below-minimum wage job at that time in my life after dropping out of college from health issues... So I had a lot more important stuff to worry about, haha.)

Fast-forward three years to 2014, and I rediscovered toys through Instagram. I think it started with resin toys mostly, and I was drawn into the whole DIY aspect of underground toy culture. Through Instagram I became more interested in production toys (though mostly western stuff) until I came across sofubi... And it's all been downhill from there

I think what really drew me in was T9G's Rangeas. I loved how happily insane it looked and couldn't stop searching Google for more photos. Rangeas led me to learn about other companies like Gargamel, Gargamel led me to the knowledge of lucky bags, searching for lucky bag spoilers led me here to SB, and SB led me to Mandarake, where I took the first step into true addiction by buying a 2021 GID Lucky Bag Zagoran.

The rest is history, and here I am, with a dent in my wallet and an insatiable hunger for sofubi.

I think my first vinyl purchase was back when Sony Japan released Kevin Lyons, Charles Burns and Dalek gacha vinyls back in 2002?? Was pretty hard to come across things here in Australia but managed to get some Critterbox (or was it StrangeCo?) Dave Cooper figures and bits n pieces before discovering Super7 and this whole world through the S7 mag.. after that I said goodbye to my life savings.

I've had a few good Godzilla, Ultraman, Power Rangers, Voltron, VR Troopers toys when I was kid. I only mention that amongst the others I had 'cause it's relative to the subject and many current collectors. My first actual exposure to vinyl toys was the Android figures by Andrew Bell when I read about them on a tech site. Had no idea what they, or vinyl toys were. I just wanted 'em 'cause I used to really be into hacking and modding Android phones. Then it was it D - unnies, and other various random Western toys. Then I visited Lulubell and Amy converted me. Secret Base x Balzac Halloween Shocker Bagman was my first ever sofubi toy.

I'm really enjoying this thread. Great revival, Toxicwaste. And Awesome stories, guys.

... Man, I reeaally don't think I know. This sucks! It's absolutely one of those memories I'd like to cherish

Just realized I don't remember my 1st kiss either. Ha, though I most certainly remember my 1st "sis boom bah" (praise you sexy summer math tutor).

Well, I've collected such a variety of toys off and on over the years, including vinyl toys, but that was because they were Godzilla related, not because they were vinyl. It was some time around 2008 or 2009 that vinyl became one of my tops, and I began to collect them also for the medium's sake... Dang it. Had to be either from (1) those Godzilla toys growing up, (2) exposure to "Art Toys" while still in New York, or (3) from Lego -> Minimates -> Kubricks & Bearbricks -> Medicom.

... If it is Godzilla based, here is my 1st Goji toy, the Super Shogun Godzilla. All credit to my late Grandparents. I'm surprised he's in as good of shape as he is. Definitely a beast.

Became acquainted with the original Super 7 store in Japan Town, as I was tracking down a "few" specially made, limited release, Halloween Ice Bat Uglydolls (with orange cape). Brian was such a sweetie pie! Came for the Uglydolls and then was mesmerized by all the fascinating world of Japanese vinyl toys, when I had a look around the store. I fell in love with all of the old stuff, staring back at me through these wonderful metal and glass cases, at the back of the store. That's when I got hooked on vintage!

My very first Kaiju toys...



They actually had THREE Leafmen in the case that very day I was there. Brian explained that they had returned from a buying trip in JP, and tried to snap up everyone of these that they saw. I have to say, Leafman has the most hypnotic eyes! He really seems to be staring back (with feeling!), when you look into those eyes!
*I DID manage to buy back the Leafman, having donated him to a worthy cause. Thank goodness for small miracles!

*Both photos were taken by Joe. He was curious about what this gal was plonking down on the sales counter, and came over to snap the photos .

Then, I lost out on a auction, and came back to the S7 store to sulk, and promptly bought one of each Buta dino they had (way back in "early" history). I think I had an instant army of them. Josh was really sweet about assembling the herd. Just like buying candy! ...and that's when I became addicted to Butanohana ...and I finally learned not to trip over that "step" in the entryway threshold!

My pleasure.