https://www.bigbadtoystore.com/Search?HideInStock=true&HidePreorder=false&HideSoldOut=false&InventoryStatus=p,so&PageSize=50&SortOrder=PriceHighToLow&Brand=1971

I'm talking about those high-end statues and whatnot. $54,000 for a
gaudy bust of Optimus Prime.
Do you know anybody that buys these? If so, why?

On Wednesday, June 15, 2022 at 2:49:04 PM UTC-6, Travoltron wrote:

> Do you know anybody that buys these? If so, why?

I always imagine that there's this subset of collectors who are fans of various media, but consider themselves too old or too sophisticated to buy children's toys. They want to celebrate their love for Star Wars or Marvel Comics or Transformers, but instead of going to Walmart and getting action figures, they buy 1:1 scale collectible helmets, replica lightsabers, and statues. So, things that show that you're a fan, but definitely not toys.

This is just something I presume happens, though. I haven't actually met anybody who buys this stuff. But surely they must exist.

I mean, there are some high-end collectibles that are great. They're absolutely amazing. I think it's Sideshow Collectibles who puts out a life-sized C-3PO and R2-D2 statue. I would love to own those. But, each of them would cost more than I paid for my van. (Once a publisher buys my novels and gives me a huge cash advance, I'll get back to you about that.)

There's also a life-sized Robot B-9 from Lost in Space that I'd like to have, if I find myself with an extra $45,000 that I can't think of anything else to do with. But, you'd be surprised how often that doesn't happen.

The inherent problem with Transformers as a brand is that cars that have transformed into robots would be ridiculously huge. Not sure where I'd keep one in my house. I'd have to block off a section of the living room and cut a hole in the floor.

Zob (not sure the wife would be keen on that idea)

I actually would want some of those high-end screen-accurate Star Wars
items. Especially the lightsabers and blasters.

There used to be a local video rental store that had some of those
things on display including a life-sized frozen Han Solo. I wonder if he
wrote them off as a business expense? And then kept them when the store
went under?

Most of these Transformers items seem like overpriced junk compared to
the less-insanely priced Masterpiece line.

Do you remember after Michael Jackson died there was a video of his Star Wars collection room and it was all this crazy high end stuff? Or how Rick Springfield had a rare Star Wars action figure collection or Nicolas Cage used to have Action Comics #1?

I suspect celebrities like musicians and actors and other super elites have secret collections made up of these ultra high end collectibles. I guess at that price range they're status symbols. Who knows. We all have our own Very Legitimate Reasons for buying this crap (even if I think only mine are valid and everyone else is crazy).