Probably a conversation for a different thread but this is something I've never really even thought about before. I'd kinda assumed other hobbies would also have 3P companies making figures too but now you mention it I don't think I've ever really seen 3P/unofficial figures for other franchise being sold on a lot of the hobby sites. Although I've never been looking either. There's probably a multi-faceted answer for why that is but it's kinda interesting.

I don't own Gabriel but I've been lurking on here a little bit to read about him whilst biding my time to find a decent UK deal. From what I can gather, besides some people getting moist Omegas early on, some also had problems with uber tight ratchets but if so can be eased with lube. For the most part though I don't think there's anything to be concerned about.

 

The one I just got from bbts didn't have any of the past issues from when he was first released. The only advice I have is don't drop him on your foot. He's a heavy & beefy boi!!!  

 

It's all good to me, the variety of product lines, differences between collectors age, sex, budget, living space, priorities, marital status and with or without children etc. it all factors into the equation. I'm older and only collect MP, but my son loves the Hasbro lines from Combiner Wars - present line, it's what he's growing up with, but at the same time, I'm trying to instill appreciation for G1 in him through the cartoon and all the time he spends just looking and talking about my collection. It's all good to me, we can only work from where we are with what we got and have our reasons. Personally, I do not even care about future value, but from observation, even KO's can hold value when sold after the supply has shriveled up. Fans Toys has a collector's market, but I suspect figures from other third parties will as companies fade away, I hope it is not the case for any third party company, but I fear we're seeing it with Badcube and Maketoys, hope I am wrong about that, I like to see this hobby alive and kicking hard.

 

@Chris C137 Gundam does have some 3rd party offerings, either already built examples or conversion kits where they take the frame from like a 2.0 Zaku II and change it over to a Zaku I sniper. But, like you said, it isn't nearly as prominent in other toy lines. you would think though that there would be enough interest in Gundam or Macross that there would be more 3rd party offerings, unless Bandai sues the other companies out of business.

 

My wife always goofs around (maybe?) she's going to sell my stuff when I die and clean up. I keep telling her that I really feel this stuff is all going to lose value in the long run. It's all driven in value by people with nostalgia and honestly, once we're all gone, will anyone even care about it? If someone gave me one of those original big GI Joe figures from back in the day, would I even care? I have no attachment to it and while I can see, yeah, it's an old toy with some value, it has none for me personally.

Make me sad to think we're all a soon to start dying breed sometimes.

 

Definitely this. I had zero problems with my Gabriel when he arrived.

 

It’s all personal preference. I was more than willing to get Titans omega until I saw this sale, and I only have Masterpiece figures. Looked “good enough”.

you are thinking short term. I’m talking long term... 30 years, misb. I know a LOT of collectors that say “this will be my kid’s inheritance” expecting A+ phenomenal increases. 3p is worth it to fellow 3p collectors, but to a lot of people, also to future “Antique Roadshow” appraisers, they’ll be worth next to nothing. As I said, transformers is a tad different, so who knows for sure.

 

I think about this too, but try to put a positive spin on it, and life is full of surprises. Optimus Prime may be around long after we're gone, he's like Mario of video games, Superman and Spider-Man of comics, etc. These characters are like cultural icons, but I imagine even genius's like Joe Shuster, Jerry Siegel, Stan Lee, and Shigeru Miyamoto could never have imagined the widespread appeal, the popularity, and the magnitude on culture their creations would have across the globe. I just try to do my part in sharing the love with nostalgia fueling the way. With Transformers I started a blog a couple of months ago, to share the love and maybe help a few people along the way, not many visitors yet, but blogs seem to take time to catch on, sometimes years to get a descent following. lol

 

Bandai is known to come down hard on their IP and anyone using it.

 

yeah bandai can be on that crazy shit at times.

 

You should!! I can't believe Fans Hobby Power Baser cost me more. Unbelievable value.

 

Product: received.
Emotion: happiness.

thanks to the people on this thread that alerted me to this deal.

 

Yeah, I like the positivity in this thread, this seems to be the one 3rd party figure everyone can agree on.

I also stumbled into this thread and ending up buying it. My Omega has finally gotten mailed out!

 

Finally arrived. I know it's practically a cliche at this point but he's bigger than I expected. I saw how much he towered over the other figures and how small the reviewers' hands looked next to him but I was still unprepared. He's ginormous!

Went through the transformation and holy crap some of those joints were tight. And opening the door on the rocket was crazy difficult. But it was fun and I enjoy both modes. Not to thrilled with how he wants to fall backwards but I put him into a pose and he's good now. Can't do a photo tent pic of him - he's too tall  

 

Just ordered one from BBTS. Only showed two, now down to one!

 

Wow one left everybody! Last chance!

 

Nope, just checked. Sold out.

 

Off topic...been looking at Power Baser for a while trying to decide whether or not to take the plunge...is it worth the $$$?

 

Yes, this!!! Thanks to those who made us all aware of this deal...and congrats to all who got one...enjoy the plastic goodness!!

 

I can’t believe how lucky we were to get this guy on sale, and 30% off at that!