I've never been able to afford/obtain the original, hope I can score the mini. First RxH mini since the Turtles I NEED.
This new chaos is awesome. Lately it's seemed like the minis were getting sort of stale to me, but I really like the colors and paint on this one.
Was this Splatter PopSoda on the left a lottery item at Pachi? Added to the list. (Pic via PS's blog)
the mini gid chaos looks good...a store front drop on thursday nite. appears limited by RxH standards these days...
These are nice. So this puts us at...90 minis so far since they debuted earlier this year? I really love the RxH minis but think the roll out might have been engineered differently. The speed of all these releases is just intense.
Keep it nice n' vague . . . just in case wives, girlfriends or significant others are reading over your shoulder!
One thing I've noticed, going through Joe's flickr, is something like 1/2 of the minis have either no paint or minimal paint - but retail is still $40. I wonder if that, along with the relase speed, is what has led to the RxH mini (and maybe regular size) bust. Is it about the glut, the types of versions released, or both? I dunno... I like some blanks and know vinyl makers need to make them to help recoup expensive upfront costs, but I also think they should be $5-$10 less than painted figures, since that cost is saved when you make a blank. So sure, make blanks to recoup costs, but at the same time, help collectors out by deducting the cost of the paint work. Just my 2 cents.
Totally agree . . . unpainteds and simple paint apps are nice to mix it up and round out a collection but when you're paying the same for something as cool as the GID Chaos with multiple spray detailing it's a no brainer!
Okay you made me count the number of unpainteds in the DB. I count 20 out of 90 - just shy of 'half' and alot of those unpainteds have been one-offs or chases. There really haven't been that many unpainted minis released - usually just the first release of the fig. On pricing of no paints the Black unpainted sets from NYC were less than $40/fig. And Andy I am sure you saw that you can buy unpainted flesh minis at the RxH store for 5000/yen for a set of 3. The Solid unpainted chaos is 2200 yen. Even at full price RxH minis are a steal at 2500 yen compared with other makers. And additionally one should remember that RxH doesn't set the price for overseas retail. Thems the facts.
I was referring to blanks and blanks plus very minor paint apps (like the rainbow chaos pack). Add those up and the number is pretty large. But look, I don't think this is an either/or situation or a reason to get defensive. It's an opportunity to look at plans and policies, listen to what collectors are saying (since the overseas $40 payers represent at least 75% of the RxH market), and maybe consider making an adjustment or two. Well, at the end of the day I guess it actually makes less sense to listen to collectors (who are often fickle) and more sense to look at through sales and distributor inventory numbers. As long as none of your retailers have heavy inventory or dead stock issues, then all's well! Actually, I think the blank issue is less important than the release speed. Like quite a few other collectors, I've given up on being complete on any of the lines, just because there's so much coming through the pipe. For what it's worth, I've been collecting RxH for over 2 years, so I'm speaking more as a concerned collector than a nay sayer.
Man, actually looking at the list on the first page, it's crazy. I was quite excited when the Minis first came out. It was fun waiting for the next release and adding a new picture to the DB. After awhile, really lost track when they kept coming so fast. I'm still excited to see what the next batch will be. But I just know I can't get them all anymore.
Just a thought that would make me buy more RxH. If Mori can give people surprises for their fans. Something like a bonus "one-off mini" or "one off regular" if the inside of header card includes a special sticker or mark. You send it to the store and he sends to you the bonus gift. If that happens I don't think the topic discussed will be an issue as the more you buy the better the chance you will get rewarded. I would be supporting that idea with my money for sure.
Totally agreed. Make those one-offs, short-runs, and bonuses available to fans. I think that could really breathe new life into the line and generate more collector interest, the same way Gargamel, Pushead, Cronic, Blobpus, Ilanena....and others have done with their one-offs. Short-runs and *pure* event exclusives (NOT available at a later date online) would be other ideas. Plus, like kidclam said, a bonus or point card system (like Secret Base has) would be a great way to reward the folks spending so much to collect and support RxH.