Here's the big key: what developments in realism and immersion will we get in the next few years in the 1/6th scale figure market?
Look at some of the pieces being released now, in terms of realism of sculpts, clothing tailoring et., it's quite incredible.
How much better can that get? And if there is a change and evolved movement to more realism, that's the only way I can see these figures losing their value at a incredible rate.
Something, any new movement, will have to make what we are seeing now, obsolete. Then we can look at the pricey HT that are in the market now as undesirable and they then will lose their value at a rapid rate.
But what will it take?
1/6th scale figures that do what? Look like what? et?
Excellent deduction and correct in every way. I look back at my 1/6 collectible figures and it describes this perfectly.
1. 21st Century - The ones that got me hooked to "high-end" figures. initially brought "realism" to the military figure market.
2. Dragon - They were the next evolutionary step, with better clothing and fidelity of details, specifically with weapons.
3. Blue Box - Improved headsculpts and paint apps, as well as better detailing throughout.
4. Sideshow - Obtained the "Star Wars" 1/6th scale figure license. HUGE step up from Hasbro.
5. Hot Toys - Initially blew away all other manufacturers of modern military figures. Moved into the "Movie Masterpiece" line, where there was really no high end figure competition and have not slowed down. HT has made 1/6th figures an art form.
The "next" evolutionary mark will have to improve on the current leader's design. Either through even better body development (lack of visible joints), even more realistic head sculpts (be it through new materials or production methods), finer detailing, and/or addition of special effects (such as HT's PERS but allowing additional facial movements/expressions, perhaps open/closing mouths?), individually moving fingers?, technological advances in lighting, sound effects, etc...
^^^^^^ Seamless bodies that have great articulation and durability. All the TT figures will then look like poo
That is definitely one direction to take.
Hot toys figures will not lose their value. I mean, how better can they get? Maybe in clothing, maybe in material, but not by a whole lot.
To quote Qui-Gon: "There's always a bigger fish."
Evolution towards more realism has always steered this hobby. Fidelity of detail is king, be it better sculpts, paint apps, scaled clothing, etc.
Aren't we all constantly surprised and impressed by Hot Toys every 6 months or so?
Dated them too!
I think it's all about confidence. Part of the reason there's that whole nerdy, virgin stereotype about comic book/toy collectors is because in some aspects it's true. And for some reason they feel ashamed of collecting such things so it becomes a "dirty little secret" type of thing. I was never that way and that's probably the reason I never had any issues. I'm proud of what I've collected over the years and never minded sharing that with the girls I was dating either.
Here, here!
Never had a problem with the wife and my hobby. She may not be into 1/6th scaled figures but she definitely appreciates the beauty and amazing detailing that go into them. I recently put on display my T2 T-800 (yeah, I was late to the party...
) and she was really impressed by the detailing of the outfit and the sculpt, mentioning that it definitely looked like a miniature "Arnold"...
My 8 yr old son also shares the hobby with me. It's been great quality time for us.
I sure hope so
