[NikIsTheMan]

Hello To The Board,
Wanted to get your opinion on something I have been thinking about.

So I got into collecting Marvel toys after my son was born (he is now 4 and a half) as a way to share an interest with him from my childhood. I started with the Super Hero Squad since it would be age appropriate, and of course my marvel-infested blood mingled with his poor innocent gene pool to produce another rabid collector/fan. A year later, and we owned every Super Hero Squad release that was ever produced, thanks to Ebay. He plays with them almost every day.

With MU hitting it's stride last year, along with the Iron Man 2 line, I decided to start collecting the Marvel 3.75 inch toys for him as the logical next step in his collection. I grew up with similarly scaled GI Joe toys as a kid, so these lines always struck me as something I would have loved if I was a child now. Seeing his similar interests, I had a natural inclination towards getting these for him. I have them stored away and will give them to him when he gets older. Once again thanks to Ebay and revision packs, I have been able to get him almost every single 3.75 inch toy that's been released. I should have all completed soon. I resisted the 6 inch line because it's not something I had played with as a kid, and because when I started collecting for him last year they did not have a big presence in retail anyway.

So last month I finally purchased my first 6 inch Marvel toy, just to see what I would think of them. Unexpectedly, I LOVED the size and the design of the figures. So now I am wondering if I want to collect the 6 inch scale as another "down the road" set of toys for him, as in some ways I like them even more than the 3.75 inch figures.

So here is where my question comes in. Like many of you on the board, I am an OCD completist when it comes to collecting. So if I start to build a Marvel Legends collection for him, along with it's various off-shoots, I will want to go all in. My question is, how realistic would it be to expect that I'd be able to collect everything in the 6 inch scale dating back to its onset with Toy Biz in 2002? Can you basically find everything on Ebay and through the secondary market, or are some things just not out there anymore? I could answer that question for someone when it comes to both SHS and MU based on my experience the past couple years, but have no clue what to expect with the ML type stuff. I guess I am wondering if my mission is impossible before I undertake it. ;0 Would appreciate your opinions on this. Thanks.

[vampireheart]

Come on are you really collecting for him or for you??

[Good Stuff]

ML collecting now is very expensive - check your LCS, prices vary depending on the fig, but you'll be hard pressed to find much in retail. All I've seen lately is a few of the Mojo series peg warming figs that nobody wants.

I would suggest waiting for the new ML wave 1 release coming soon to begin collecting, rather than looking for the old stuff. This is definitely what I'll be doing...although I cringe on the thought of getting into collecting another line, especially when current MU already has the figs...and the ML will be basically larger versions of the MU figs....

[NoodleChow]

sounds like someone has a ton of disposable income =D

as for if it's possible? sure, search ebay, amazon, craigslist, and all the boards and you'd prolly be able to find everything up to 2002's spiderman classics. i'd try getting a giant lot off ebay or something since it'd prolly be cheaper than buying singles. i'm sure things like juggernaut and deadpool will be more pricey but if they're in a lot, the price will be more reasonable.

agreed with above in starting fresh with what's available now especially with the ML reboot happening soon.

[ludovicotek]

Definitely possible, but very very very very very very expensive.

[thechris]

Hi there. You may not like what I've got to say. You're looking at an extremely expensive endeavour, my friend. It depends on if *you* feel like there's actually a point to collect them. Also keep in mind that while your son appreciates these right now as a plaything, there's also the possibility that he may grow out of them so if these toys are really for him, you might want to look at something a little less expensive to invest in. I had a lot of little cousins and nephews who were into this sort of thing as a child, some even more so than I am now, and now they've outgrown it. I'm practically the only guy I know in my city who collects this crap.

I'm sure there are more, but you'd think I'd have run into one at work or something by now. And don't trick yourself into thinking these are a good financial nest egg for your son like gold bars. You're better off investing in a tax free savings account or something like that. Look at me ranting, you asked me a simple question and I started giving you parenting advice when I myself have no children. LOL. Don't think of it as advice, more like a logical analysis of your situation and my opinion which you can take with a grain of salt if you please.

[Xcaliber037]

Series 6 Deadpool will run 75+ last time I checked. And that was a while ago. If money is a concern wait till the relaunch in 2012. I broke down and got some figures a while back because I'm not sure Hasbro will make a better figure. Some MLs are just awesome like Faceoff Cap, Deadpool and McFarland Spidy (not really ML but a 6 inch fig. Best Spidy ever made in my opinion)
Here are some of my fave 6 inch Marvel figs

[Boba Fettuccini]

I'd wait til he gets older and find out what he wants. My dad did that with Hot Wheels, and I lost interest in those and now we have an attic full of carded Hot Wheels that aren't worth crap anymore.

[CLASSIFIED]

How much money do you have?

[warmachine6]

its not impossible to get the toybiz toys in the 2002 era , like your self i have started to collect marvel legends i already have 26ish inculding a baf , if you live in the uk it maybe harder than in the usa because on the ebay usa you have more variety and less spending on postage. its bascially you look thorugh things listed on ebay as marvel legends or simply collect the ones you like , bafs i would sugesst loose otherwise it will take ages to get them if each character is mint conditioned, unless you like that wave fair enough. good luck collection it will also help you have other figures in scale with 3.75 inch ones i.e you can have a 3.75 avengers set with a 6-7inch hulk

[quinten182]

I think M: is worth it if you have $ burning holes in your pocket. So many cool scaled figures.. Hulkbuster, Juggernaut, etc. But to catch up on the cool ones will cost you a pretty penny.. so it's all in your desire vs pocket book!

[DogFashionDisco]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boba Fettuccini

I'd wait til he gets older and find out what he wants. My dad did that with Hot Wheels, and I lost interest in those and now we have an attic full of carded Hot Wheels that aren't worth crap anymore.

^^^ This is a very sincere comment, I would listen to him if I were you.

[scottmurdock]

I agree with the crew here. If you have the money go for it. You are kinda stuck because if you wait to find out if your sprout wants that scale some characters will get even more rare and pricey. I am sure you are also collecting for you. If you can afford it and you enjoy it i say why not!

[AndyCR75]

Come on bro! No shame here. We know they're for you, so ets let go of that facade first. Secondly, yrs, it woud be an incredibly expensive ventute if you are a completist. I am one myself as my collection shows 100% completion to date minus wave 15. If you are very wealthy, hey knock yourself out, but first and more importantly, you need to come out of the closet. We all have!

[Jason Abbadon]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DogFashionDisco

^^^ This is a very sincere comment, I would listen to him if I were you.

HA! Hot wheels are the BEST!
Take a bunch to an overpass and chuck the matching diecast missiles at matching cars.
Better with friends after several beers, but it's a good bonding thing.

er...so I've heard (whistles, walks away)

[c2close]

Hello Sir! Very nice thought on putting this kind of thread / scenario. No disrespect to you Sir or to others. Well, Mr. Boba fettuccini is right "wait until he gets older and find out what he really likes." As long Sir as your happy with whatever decision you make Sir so then go for it, but remember Maslow's hierarchy of needs, Physiological needs come first for you and your family. It's okay to collect action figures for your son but in order to complete it sir it would really be very very expensive. I would just suggest well if your still deciding on trying to complete it for your son, as a fellow collector or friend I will much more focus on things that MIGHT HELP MY FAMILY FOR THE FUTURE (paying bills, mortgage, food, water, shelter, College funds for your son on the future).. Well, think of it.. if it's really a GOOD INVESTMENT. Im sorry for my english and rant Sir. I respect you sir thats just my side. At the day's end, your still the one to decide. As long as still you can pay your bills and you can support your family while collecting its ALL Good. =)

God bless Sir and to YOUR Family, Good luck to all your endeavors. Much Respect to you and the people here in Toyark.

[Tiberius]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason Abbadon

HA! Hot wheels are the BEST!
Take a bunch to an overpass and chuck the matching diecast missiles at matching cars.
Better with friends after several beers, but it's a good bonding thing.

er...so I've heard (whistles, walks away)

I get pissed off when a rock chips my window. I'd rage if a Hotwheel hit my truck lol.

[DogFashionDisco]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason Abbadon

HA! Hot wheels are the BEST!
Take a bunch to an overpass and chuck the matching diecast missiles at matching cars.
Better with friends after several beers, but it's a good bonding thing.

er...so I've heard (whistles, walks away)

Creative and yet thoroughly disturbing. I applaud you sir.

[gpmartin414]

Expect to spend $4,000 to $5,000 (including shipping) to acquire all the 6" figures to date. They take up a lot of space, too.

[scarecrow]

Quote:

Originally Posted by c2close

Hello Sir! Very nice thought on putting this kind of thread / scenario. No disrespect to you Sir or to others. Well, Mr. Boba fettuccini is right "wait until he gets older and find out what he really likes." As long Sir as your happy with whatever decision you make Sir so then go for it, but remember Maslow's hierarchy of needs, Physiological needs come first for you and your family. It's okay to collect action figures for your son but in order to complete it sir it would really be very very expensive. I would just suggest well if your still deciding on trying to complete it for your son, as a fellow collector or friend I will much more focus on things that MIGHT HELP MY FAMILY FOR THE FUTURE (paying bills, mortgage, food, water, shelter, College funds for your son on the future).. Well, think of it.. if it's really a GOOD INVESTMENT. Im sorry for my english and rant Sir. I respect you sir thats just my side. At the day's end, your still the one to decide. As long as still you can pay your bills and you can support your family while collecting its ALL Good. =)

God bless Sir and to YOUR Family, Good luck to all your endeavors. Much Respect to you and the people here in Toyark.

This man is a genius. You'd do well to listen to him.

[Optimus Vader]

I'll just answer the question you asked and spare you the lecture since that's been covered a few times already.

You can definitely find them, but it'll be pricey. On the other hand, IF you want to get into Legend collecting; it's probably not the worst time with them just about to start the line up again. I know you said you're a completionist, so you might need to get those older figs regardless, but I'd imagine if the new line starts doing well (which it seems like it will--people are pretty excited about the re-launch from what I've been reading) then they'll probably start making updated versions of the older Legends. So to build characters, I don't think you'll have to go that crazy back-collecting, unless you really need those to be complete.

[Jason Abbadon]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DogFashionDisco

Creative and yet thoroughly disturbing. I applaud you sir.

Did I mention I live on top of a tunnel that US1 goes through?

My roommmate, he hates the "crotch rocket" motorbikes that speed through there and is always talking about dropping a box of ball bearings into the tunnel just as they shoot by...

[quinten182]

I think the space factor is another huge point of consideration. I have every MU figure to date (give or take a few) and they take up half my room. Granted, I like displays and action poses over toybox figure on a stand display, but it should be noted that ML are much bigger and will require the space, especially if you're going MOC.. that's like an entire room to display then!

And Jason,
You should get more creative than ball bearings.. think of the old paperboy game on NES.. there were all kinds of exciting things to knock you off your "bike"!

[Tarquinius]

Here is my two cents:

It is possible but very difficult. Even with all the money in the world, there is only so much product out there. You may be waiting several months for a particular figure you want to come on the market.

Now of course, do not let me dismay you. I was once trying to walk down this pathand I decided VERY quickly that I only want the mutants from ML and some classic people like Iron Man, Cap etc. Needless to say it made my life easier.


Trying look at some High end antique emporiums which have all those booths people rent out. All of the places near me have at least one booth or seller who is selling toys and they always have ML there typically.

[miketime]

I would definately start with the new Legends line. But I try to stick to 1:18. I only have a hand full of Legends.