Shanester

I am a fan of the Red Son alternative story line. It was well written and Dave Johnson's artwork is a thing of beauty, IMO. I also agree about Gotham by Gaslight.

Moved. Sorry about that folks. I didn't notice the location when I did the merge.

I understand the frustration with exclusives, but its been part of the Minimate collector experience since day one. At this point, it is part of nearly any collector line. I feel bad for guys outside the US because there is added levels of difficulty, but it is what it is. I collect pre-production Minimates. If you want to feel true frustration, try collecting those! My beef with exclusives is when they are impossible to find (not just difficult). Example: the Donatello SDCC EX that BHM mentioned. Either like two dozen were made (I jest) or someone is sitting on a giant stash of those. Where the heck are they and why do all other exclusives show up on the secondary market but never a EX Donny? If I can help anyone outside the US get an EX Vinimate, let me know. I promise to do all I can.

I absolutely loved the LOTR Minimates and was super excited when they launched. I remember stalking my lame TRU for weeks until they finally showed up. I welcome another shot at the line if it happens and will track down the larger figures. I like them. Also, that Storm is beautiful. Just sayin...

I try to remain open minded on these types of things, but its hard with this one. Especially after Affleck. That went exactly as I imagined it would.

I think its a ll a guessing game. I would have put my money into the MAX line. Police, Fire, Rescue, and all customize material into civilians. Didn't work apparently. No idea why, yet stuff like Adventure People were wildly popular in an earlier age.

DST has always maintained that Minimates were not a big money maker. Translated, I take this to mean that they are not (largely) profitable so they don't get treated as such. I understand it. However, I think they do like the brand and are fans in general. By "they", I mean the designers and decision makers at DST. In fact, I know they are fans, but they are also running a business.

TRU really, seriously dropped the ball with their web presence. They had the potential to be the "Amazon" of toy retailers and they blew it.

Collecting Minimates has long been a source of frustration. I don't know the answer but until national chains begin to pick them up again, its always going to be a bit frustrating. Those collectors outside of North America have always had it the worst.

I would never do that to anyone I called a friend. A reunion would be fun with clothes on...

I have no use for Bearbricks. People must like them because they keep making them.

I have educated myself on autos, fakes and COAs after a bad deal on something else, a faked piece of original art. The COA really means little. There are some good Facebook groups that will give opinions on signatures and sometimes insights on sellers to stay away from. Find a reputable source and make it easy on yourself.

Thanks Zach! You are very good to us and we all know you are a fan. Hopefully, we are not too hard on you and I personally appreciate all the time you spend giving us insight and answers. Keep the pictures coming! Best to you and your family!

Voted. Really nice work folks. I have always been in awe of the talent around here.

That is great and very creative Heinous