More Gentle Giant Bust Edition Sizes Set

[Bannister]

As I have stated on numerous occasions, if you don't like "flippers" then get out of the hobby now, run as fast as you can and dont look back.

These are limited edition collectibles that are MEANT to not be owned by everyone in this world. Their niche, their marketablility, their allure is the fact that not everyone will have it. With the nature of this niche, there's going to be people who want something so badly that they're willing to pay insane amounts of money. Why fault the seller or buyer for that? A collectible will only ever be worth as much as the next Joe Schmoe is willing to pay for it.

Killing this hobby? Nay, whether you like to admit it or not, flippers and or high secondary market value is what makes this hobby fun and exciting. To know that your PF Doom Exclusive is bringing in over a grand and you paid retail for it. Without this why would anyone ever pay these high retail prices for static collectibles?

If you can't handle it get out. This goes for any collectibles not just this stuff. Cards, comics, silverware, stamps, coins, sex toys, etc.

Dougy youve been hanging around The Kiddy Board wayyyy too much bud.

But then "true collectors" would have nothing to complain about.

 

[DouglasMcc]

As I have stated on numerous occasions, if you don't like "flippers" then get out of the hobby now, run as fast as you can and dont look back.

No need to run away. I have no problem collecting what I can find/buy, and passing on the scalper bait. I may have to go without a few items ... but in the end, I will stick by my beliefs. Those are more important to me than Poly and Plastic.

These are limited edition collectibles that are MEANT to not be owned by everyone in this world. Their niche, their marketablility, their allure is the fact that not everyone will have it. With the nature of this niche, there's going to be people who want something so badly that they're willing to pay insane amounts of money. Why fault the seller or buyer for that? A collectible will only ever be worth as much as the next Joe Schmoe is willing to pay for it.

I can handle if someone doesn't agree with me about the nature of edition sizes. So be it. I will admit right here that I am not an expert on LOTR popularity, so maybe those numbers are correct (however, in the case of the Wraiths I am still doubtful). I can also handle if someone is desperate enough to spend crazy amounts of money on an item. I may not agree with the act, but I am not going to lecture them on how they chose to spend their money. However, sticking up for scalpers is repugnant. They make all of us collectors look bad. And the thought that someone would be greatful that one of those people ... and I use the term loosely ... is kind enough to sell them a 300 dollar item for "only" a grand is kind of sad too.

Killing this hobby? Nay, whether you like to admit it or not, flippers and or high secondary market value is what makes this hobby fun and exciting. To know that your PF Doom Exclusive is bringing in over a grand and you paid retail for it. Without this why would anyone ever pay these high retail prices for static collectibles?
If you can't handle it get out. This goes for any collectibles not just this stuff. Cards, comics, silverware, stamps, coins, sex toys, etc.

Don't presume to know me or anyone else on this board. People love to throw around phrases like that ... "oh, you know you believe the same thing I do ... just because you won't admit it doesn't mean its not true. Because if you don't have the same values as me, that will make us all different. Oh the horror." Well, I can only speak for one person here: ME. And I could care less what monetary value you chose to place on an item. The house full of collectibles I have are measured in memories - both family memories, childhood memories, and memories of how I enjoyed the property. Just as an example - my most prize collectible, the "grail" of my collection, if you will - is an old beat up Kenner Hoth diorama ... the one that came with the cardboard cutout of an AT-AT. It's probably not worth anything to the eBay set - it was played with extensively. However, my father gave it to me as a child after I got my tonsils out. It's one of the few times I can still remember when we acted like an actual family before they got divorced. And I still have it and a hand full of figures I used to play with. They may look like crap now. But I wouldn't trade them for one of your PF Doom with his silly cup. They represent a moment in my life, not some "high retail price static collectible." And Dannie, stop looking for graphics. That show of emotions is really beneath your talent or contempt.

Dougy youve been hanging around The Kiddy Board wayyyy too much bud.

Believe what you want. But as far as I am concerned, the only thing that separates flippers from Jango Blaster scammers is that an item changes hands. Doesn't make either practice right.

P.S. This is my last post to this thread, so I would like to clarify before I get flamed by some of you. I consider "flipping" to be buying a limited item with the express purpose of selling it. I know there are some of you out there who buy items and then sale them later due to a lack of space or change of collecting direction. Most of you start those auctions at original price or 0.01, etc. If someone is stupid enough to bid the item up to an insane price, then more power to you on spending that money. My problem is the dozens, if not thousands of SDCC exclusives you see the day after the convention ends, or the hundres of exc. SSC items that go up 10 minutes after they sell out. You know them: "Amazing X, it sold out in 20 minutes on Sideshow's website. Get yours today!" That's the "flipping" I have trouble with. It's how I feel and its not going to change. If you feel different, then we can agree to disagree.

 

[The Josh]

I will say this. Just because I think Flippers suck and they're a large scale pain in the ass when it comes to collecting doesn't mean I can't handle it. I'm not gonna quit collecting because of them I just think they suck. Flippers and Scalpers are what they are. I deal with it and go on. I will say that I do watch and see who does this a lot and won't help them if they need it down the road.

 

[nash]

Believe what you want. But as far as I am concerned, the only thing that separates flippers from Jango Blaster scammers is that an item changes hands. Doesn't make either practice right.

You heard it first here exclusively on Sideshowcollectors.com folks! The words of the world's TRUE COLLECTOR....Dougy McC!!!!

 

[Captain Faramir]

I wonder if they'll make a Faramir bust............

 

[tomandshell]

I wonder if they'll make a Faramir bust............

I hope so!! It was an absolute crime that the only Faramir item in the original Sideshow/Weta line was his helmet in the Gondorian Helm Set, but no facial sculpt at all. While we might never get a 1/6 scale statue, GG can give us the bust we have been needing.

 

[Bannister]

I wonder if they'll make a Faramir bust............

 

[jason2885]

I just got Strider and the Ringwraith. I really like them.

 

[Bannister]

I just got Strider and the Ringwraith. I really like them.

 

[jason2885]

BTW I want Faramir and I also want them to do the entire Fellowship as they appeared from Rivendell to Moria.

 

[swabie2424]

One thing I can say is give GG some time to make all these characters you all want. They're all awesome ideas... and I'm sure they're coming in good time. The LOTR line will have legs for sure. Look at the Star Wars line for guidance. GG, like Sideshow, loves to mix main characers, baddies, creatures and cool secondary characters all together.

I know most people want a fellowship Sam and Frodo instead of the Orc armor... but I kinda like the choice. I know these others will come... so it's cool to have some different items for now.

GG has already covered some major players in the LOTR world with Sam, Frodo, Ringwraith, Strider, Saruman, Gandalf and Elrond (sorry if I'm forgetting someone.) Just wait until 4 years from now when there are 70-80 of these on the market! Gonna make a sweet display!

 

[jason2885]

One thing I can say is give GG some time to make all these characters you all want. They're all awesome ideas... and I'm sure they're coming in good time. The LOTR line will have legs for sure. Look at the Star Wars line for guidance. GG, like Sideshow, loves to mix main characers, baddies, creatures and cool secondary characters all together.

I know most people want a fellowship Sam and Frodo instead of the Orc armor... but I kinda like the choice. I know these others will come... so it's cool to have some different items for now.

GG has already covered some major players in the LOTR world with Sam, Frodo, Ringwraith, Strider, Saruman, Gandalf and Elrond (sorry if I'm forgetting someone.) Just wait until 4 years from now when there are 70-80 of these on the market! Gonna make a sweet display!

Balrog!!!!

I really hope theres not 80 of these in 4 years. Im hoping for about 10 or so a year.

 

[tomandshell]

Balrog!!!!

I really hope theres not 80 of these in 4 years. Im hoping for about 10 or so a year.

They've done about 60 Star Wars busts in five years. I don't see the LOTR line growing as fast as that one.

 

[The Josh]

They've done about 60 Star Wars busts in five years. I don't see the LOTR line growing as fast as that one.

I don't think it can unless they start doing book characters.

 

[swabie2424]

Read my feature article, "A Space Saga" over at GGC.com.

https://www.gentlegiantcollectors.com/A Space Saga1.html

In it... I have a graph illustrating how GG's production is going up and up in the Star Wars line every year. Even though they've "only" done 60 or so in 5 years... there were many fewer the first two years when GG was just spreading its wings as a company. They are absolutely pumping stuff out these days.

Maybe LOTR won't grow as fast as Star Wars... but expect more than you think. This will not be like Sideshow PF pieces...

 

[swabie2424]

I don't think it can unless they start doing book characters.

Gotta disagree with you on this one, Josh... because they can do several versions of each of the main characters. Just think of all the different Viggo's they can do. (Strider, Aragorn, Elessar etc.) Gandalf the grey and white. Different versions of the hobbits. Smeagol and Gollum etc etc etc.

And LOTR is so rich. I mean there are sooo many amazing and recognizable characters to make!

 

[Bannister]

Gotta disagree with you on this one, Josh... because they can do several versions of each of the main characters. Just think of all the different Viggo's they can do. (Strider, Aragorn, Elessar etc.) Gandalf the grey and white. Different versions of the hobbits. Smeagol and Gollum etc etc etc.

And LOTR is so rich. I mean there are sooo many amazing and recognizable characters to make!

Off the top of my head:
Gandalf the Grey
Gandalf the White
Ringwraiths with various poses
Morgul Lord
True Form Witchking
Sauron
King Elessar
Aragorn at the Black Gates
Fellowship Pippin
Fellowship Frodo
Fellowship Sam
Fellowship Merry
Rohan Armor Merry
Gondorian Soldier Pippin
Faramir as a Ranger
Armored Faramir
Gimli
Legolas
Legolas with Helm's Deep armor
Theoden
Eomer
Eowyn in a dress
Eowyn in Armor
Cave Troll
Various Moria Orcs
Various Uruks
Easterling
Various Haradhrim Soldiers
High Elven Warrior
Galadhrim Soldier
Wormtongue
Boromir
Osgiliath Boromir
Gothmog
Fell Beast
Treebeard
Galadriel
Haldir
Arwen
Denethor
Gollum
Smeagol
Hobbit Smeagol

 

[The Josh]

Gotta disagree with you on this one, Josh... because they can do several versions of each of the main characters. Just think of all the different Viggo's they can do. (Strider, Aragorn, Elessar etc.) Gandalf the grey and white. Different versions of the hobbits. Smeagol and Gollum etc etc etc.

And LOTR is so rich. I mean there are sooo many amazing and recognizable characters to make!

Yeah, they can go forever if they wanna do each one like that. Though, I don't think they will. I don't see the point of doing every character in each little outfit they wore during the movies.

 

[woodsy]

Over time they'll not only hold... but gain value. More and more people will keep jumping into the line when they see the quality of the pieces.

Either that, or the opposite will occur. If GG starts screwing with the edition sizes [looks like it's already happening] the way SS/Weta did, and floods the market I can see this line doing a crash and burn big time. I for one would love to see every bust set at a consistant number like 2000, instead of this "all over the map" nonsense.

 

[Darth Loki]

Bannister, I'd be more than happy with that list. I'm sure there will be a few convention exclusives that we haven't thought of though.