Author Topic: When is a Variant Different Enough to Buy?  (Read 4046 times)

Offline Jim

  • Jedi Apprentice
  • *
  • Posts: 1806
    • View Profile
When is a Variant Different Enough to Buy?
« on: October 17, 2004, 12:51 PM »
For the people out there that buy variants for there loose collections.  What OTC figs did you consider different enough to buy?  Looking for you loose collectors thoughts.  Here is my take:

Luke X-Wing Pilot  (no teeth showing) -  still undecided
Greedo (paint apps) - yes
Tusken Raider (paint apps) - yes
Jawas (paint apps) - yes
Luke Bespin (clean) - yes
Vader Hoth (paint apps) - still undecided
Gamorrean Guard (paint apps) - yes
Bib Fortuna (paint apps) - yes
Imperial Trooper (new head sculpt) - yes



Offline Muftak

  • Jedi Apprentice
  • *
  • Posts: 1229
  • Cardboard Entrepreneur
    • View Profile
Re: When is a Variant Different Enough to Buy?
« Reply #1 on: October 17, 2004, 09:26 PM »
Luke X-Wing Pilot  (no teeth showing) -  nah. I had two of them from a few years back, both of which I removed the teeth of already, so I am alright on Lukes. If you couldn't bring yourself to doing the dental surgery yourself, then yeah, the change in the look is substantial enough (and improved enough) to warrant replacing Bucky.

Greedo (paint apps) - yes. I opted to swap up as well. As JesseJames points out, there are enough "Greedo" lookalikes around Mos Eisley and Jabba's Palace to warrant the multiples, especially since each is unique in its way.

Tusken Raider (paint apps) - I skipped this one. I kind of army built him on the cheap when he came with the Massif, plus the principle of the Saga Tusken being a better figure kept me away.

Jawas (paint apps) - Yes. Hasbro could do day-glo Jawas and I'd buy 'em, though. Honestly I haven't ever seen a Jawa two-pack in the store that I've passed up, POTF2-present.

Luke Bespin (clean) - Yes. I was sure he'd be a part of a TRU four-pack some day, but I'll take him on a card instead. This is repainting at its best-used.

Vader Hoth (paint apps) - No. Again, I have two of the Imperial Forces version, so why bother?

Gamorrean Guard (paint apps) - No. I army-built on clearance with these guys too. Just no need...eh, maybe I'll buy one to be the Captain or something, if they wind up sitting around.

Bib Fortuna (paint apps) - No. A repainted piece of crap is just that. The proverbial "slap in the face" to collectors, akin to repainting a POTF2 Chewie.

Imperial Trooper (new head sculpt or straight repaint?) - From what I've heard it's the same head, just given much better attention (and blond hair). The one I've seen in person looked like the same old pinhead to me. If it sits I might pick one or two up, but honestly it will be for the scanning boxes (my Death Star needs 'em, and when I bought him back in the day it was off of eBay and the box was not included.)

Offline Ben

  • Jedi Master
  • *
  • Posts: 6577
    • View Profile
    • greatest blog ever written.
Re: When is a Variant Different Enough to Buy?
« Reply #2 on: October 17, 2004, 10:01 PM »
I bought Greedo, Luke Bespin, andX-Wing Luke carded, plus an extra Luke Bespin to open, since it's a sensible repaint.

I'll buy one carded for all the rest, and possibly one each to open, provided I find them. If Hoth Vader isn't different at all, I'll just get a carded one and will skip the opener.
don't you know there ain't no devil, there's just God when he's drunk

Offline CorranHorn

  • Jedi Apprentice
  • *
  • Posts: 2101
  • I can't think of anything witty to say...
    • View Profile
    • The Power Of The Customizer
Re: When is a Variant Different Enough to Buy?
« Reply #3 on: October 18, 2004, 02:41 AM »
To me a variant is different enough to buy, when it makes the figure you're buying significantly different from the previous version. From the OTC you listed, the Bespin Luke is the closest in that regards as it's a clean painted version of the Saga Luke, with the Hoth Vader being close as well if you never got the TRU Imperial 4-pack. The Vader there and thus the Hoth Vader are POTJ Emperor's Wrath Vader's painted in solid black so they are significantly different.
Jason F.

- FFURG Admin
- Vintage Needs: Micro Collection Snowspeeder box and pilots, Micro Collection X-Wing pilot

Offline Jeff

  • Administrator
  • Jedi Elder
  • *
  • Posts: 26285
  • Leave me where I lie
    • View Profile
    • www.JediDefender.com
Re: When is a Variant Different Enough to Buy?
« Reply #4 on: October 18, 2004, 10:16 AM »
Luke X-Wing Pilot  (no teeth showing) -  No.  One is enough for me.

Greedo (paint apps) - No.  The dark green of the Wal-Mart Cantina was

Tusken Raider (paint apps) - No.  I'v got too many Tusken already open.

Jawas (paint apps) - No.  I've got too many Jawas already open.

Luke Bespin (clean) - Yes.  It still amazes me how different this figure looks with a new paint application.  The non-bloody, cleaner look makes this one really stand out from the Saga version.

Vader Hoth (paint apps) - No.  I've got too many Vaders to warrant one where the only difference is a light white paint app on his feet.

Gamorrean Guard (paint apps) - No, I've got 2 of the old ones and didn't want more.

Bib Fortuna (paint apps) - No.  I'd rather buy a NEW sculpt Bib   :(

Imperial Trooper (new head sculpt) - Yes.  New head deco = must buy.  He'll look good standing next to the old one.


So, the only rehash figures that were different enough for me to grab to open were Bespin Luke and Scannign Trooper (still looking for him). 

Jeff
Editor-in-Chief  - www.JediDefender.com
On Twitter?  Follow JediDefender -> @jedidefender

Offline Blue_Harvester

  • Jedi Initiate
  • *
  • Posts: 338
  • Great Googly-Moogly
    • View Profile
Re: When is a Variant Different Enough to Buy?
« Reply #5 on: October 26, 2004, 04:36 PM »
Hmm, since this thread seems to have cooled down a bit, I
thought Id post a blurb I once posted over on POTF2. About
what kinds of variations are most interesting/desireable.

Note that this list is kinda tailored for CARDED collectors, and
not loose toys like REBELTRADER first posted about, but I
thought it would still provide some food for thought...
 
Basically, I want you to 'score' what kinds of variations you find
most desireable/interesting/valuable...  Put a "NA" for
classifications of variations you do not care about in any way... and
otherwise, a  single-digit score of 1-9 (where 1 means you only care "
MOST MINIMALLY" and a 9 means "MOST IMPORTANT"....If you do put a
value on any of the major categories, then please delve down into a
breakout of that category to highlight which kinds of those variations
you value most.

basically fill in every "[ ]" box with a "[na]" or "
  • " thru

"[9]"..  and fill-in a "[T/F]" box with "[-True-]" or "[-False-]".

This might help us to be able to categorize different kinds of
checklists.

If you can find any examples of variations that do not fall into
a category below, reply, and we'll try to find a way to fit it
in.  Also, if you can break apart a sub-category into significant
sub-sub-categories, ill do that too.  Whatever you think is most
informative.

Also, if you can help me out, wherever I have a "?" listed as an
example fig,  if you know of one that fits the categorization, please
reply, and Ill edit-it back into the original post.

-------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------
Section 1) "What kinds of variations matter to you?"


============Variation classifications============
[ ] ==Figure variations
...[ ] Slight (intentional) vars in paint [i.e. Blue/BrownCoatHan]
...[ ] Major_ (intentional) vars in paint [i.e. RedARC/BlueARC]
...[ ] Slight (accidental)  vars in paint [i.e. red/brown 'stache ozzle]
...[ ] Major_ (accidental)  vars in paint [i.e. Leftie/Righty Luke]
...[ ] Plastic color variations...........[i.e. EndorHan waist jig]
...[ ] Plastic mold variations............[i.e. SBD internal details]
...[ ] Other physical variations..........[i.e. Magnet/nomagnet Luke]
...[ ] Common Assembly Mistakes...........[i.e. R2 with two right-legs]

[ ]==Accessory variations
...[ ] Slight_ variations in paint color .[i.e. ? ]
...[ ] Major__ variations in paint color .[i.e. ? ]
...[ ] Plastic color variations...........[i.e. Clear/BlackStand]
...[ ] Plastic mold variations............[i.e. "StarWars" in/no box]

[ ]==Outer-Bubble variations
...[ ] Size__ changes (thin bubble/fat bubble)...  [i.e. ?]
...[ ] Design changes (with/without support-ridge) [i.e. Ultra Wampa]
...[ ] Sticker-on-bubble variations............... [i.e. ?]

[ ]==Inner-Bubble variations
...[ ] Major Figure-presentation vars.....[i.e. McTrooper Saber-UP/DOWN]
...[ ] Minor Inner-bubble mold vars.......[i.e. any saber-tray variants]
...[ ] Soft-goods presentation............[i.e. Jabba Luke hood-up/down]
...[ ] Bubble-in-bubble (packaging) vars..[i.e. ? ]
...[ ] rubber-band/twist-tie/tape changes.[i.e. ? ]

[ ]==Insert variations (background/forcefile/chip/slide/etc)
...[ ] Major text variations...............[i.e. ? ]
...[ ] Minor text variations (font, punct).[i.e. ? ]
...[ ] Major picture variations............[i.e. ? ]
...[ ] Minor picture variations............[i.e. Dots on Clone]
...[ ] Spelling/numbering mistakes/vars....[Han&Maul (03/25& 03/27)]
...[ ] tape-overs/stickers.................[Dexter w/pipe/tape/nopipe]
...[ ] background variations (with/without/which/orientation)

[ ]==Cardfront variations
...[ ] SameFig/DifferentLine variations.....[i.e. Saga/HOF ClashVader]
...[ ] Major Card-front changes (same line).[i.e. blue/gold-stripe Saga]
...[ ] Major text variations................[i.e. ? ]
...[ ] Minor text variations (font, punct) .[i.e. ? ]
...[ ] Major picture variations.............[i.e. ? ]
...[ ] Minor picture variations.............[i.e. Dots on Clone]
...[ ] tape-overs/stickers..................[i.e. Annie Warning/Valorum]
...[ ] Common Mistakes/Corrections..........[i.e. EpI/NoEpI Yoda]

[ ]==CardBack variations
...[ ] All printed VersionID vars (.01, .02, etc)
...[ ] datestamp (with/without).......[i.e. ? ]
...[ ] Common Mistakes/Corrections....[i.e. Tanus/JQuile flip on Bossk]
...[ ] tape-overs/stickers............[i.e. PadmePilot lore]

-------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------
Section 2) "How do you consider MULTIPLE variations for a fig"

How 'completist' are you? 

...MAXIMALLY Completist, or MINIMALLY Completist?


A) [T/F]  - MAXIMALLY
........... If more-than-one kind of variation exists for a particular
........... figure, then I try to get EVERY conceivable combination
........... {i.e. the full-factorial set (whenever possible (+))}

........... For example, if HanHoth came out with blue/brown coats, on
........... two different cards (blue/gold-stripe), then Im looking
........... for FOUR figures for my collection...

....................BlueHan  on BlueCard
....................BrownHan on BlueCard (+)
....................BlueHan  on GoldStripeCard
....................BrownHan on GoldStripeCard

B) [T/F] - MINIMALLY
...........If more-than-one kind of variation exists for a single-
...........figure, then I try to get AT LEAST ONE EXAMPLE of each type
...........of variation

....................BlueHan  on BlueCard
....................BrownHan on GoldStripeCard

........... (In this example, you only need TWO figures for your
........... collection because you have at least one blue coat, at
........... least one browncoat, at least one bluecard, at least
........... one goldcard).

-------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------
Section 3) "How does 'rarity' impact your need to be completist?"

A) [T/F] - MAXIMALLY - Ill get multiples of a rare or HTF item if I can
.......................find them. (for whatever reason)

B) [T/F] - MINIMALLY - Once a checkbox is checked, If I find the same
.......................HTF fig on a peg another time, Ill leave it.
-------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------
Han shot FIRST. Luke threw TWICE. And it was THX-1138 who wasn't at his post on the big screen back in '77. And I first learned that Vader was Luke's dad in the cinemas at the Tampa Bay Mall in 1980.

Offline Jim

  • Jedi Apprentice
  • *
  • Posts: 1806
    • View Profile
Re: When is a Variant Different Enough to Buy?
« Reply #6 on: October 26, 2004, 06:45 PM »
Hmm, since this thread seems to have cooled down a bit, I
thought Id post a blurb I once posted over on POTF2. About
what kinds of variations are most interesting/desireable.

Note that this list is kinda tailored for CARDED collectors, and
not loose toys like REBELTRADER first posted about, but I
thought it would still provide some food for thought...
 
Basically, I want you to 'score' what kinds of variations you find
most desireable/interesting/valuable...  Put a "NA" for
classifications of variations you do not care about in any way... and
otherwise, a  single-digit score of 1-9 (where 1 means you only care "
MOST MINIMALLY" and a 9 means "MOST IMPORTANT"....If you do put a
value on any of the major categories, then please delve down into a
breakout of that category to highlight which kinds of those variations
you value most.

basically fill in every "[ ]" box with a "[na]" or "
  • " thru

"[9]"..  and fill-in a "[T/F]" box with "[-True-]" or "[-False-]".

This might help us to be able to categorize different kinds of
checklists.

If you can find any examples of variations that do not fall into
a category below, reply, and we'll try to find a way to fit it
in.  Also, if you can break apart a sub-category into significant
sub-sub-categories, ill do that too.  Whatever you think is most
informative.

Also, if you can help me out, wherever I have a "?" listed as an
example fig,  if you know of one that fits the categorization, please
reply, and Ill edit-it back into the original post.

-------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------
Section 1) "What kinds of variations matter to you?"


============Variation classifications============
[ ] ==Figure variations
...[ ] Slight (intentional) vars in paint [i.e. Blue/BrownCoatHan]
...[ ] Major_ (intentional) vars in paint [i.e. RedARC/BlueARC]
...[ ] Slight (accidental)  vars in paint [i.e. red/brown 'stache ozzle]
...[ ] Major_ (accidental)  vars in paint [i.e. Leftie/Righty Luke]
...[ ] Plastic color variations...........[i.e. EndorHan waist jig]
...[ ] Plastic mold variations............[i.e. SBD internal details]
...[ ] Other physical variations..........[i.e. Magnet/nomagnet Luke]
...[ ] Common Assembly Mistakes...........[i.e. R2 with two right-legs]

[ ]==Accessory variations
...[ ] Slight_ variations in paint color .[i.e. ? ]
...[ ] Major__ variations in paint color .[i.e. ? ]
...[ ] Plastic color variations...........[i.e. Clear/BlackStand]
...[ ] Plastic mold variations............[i.e. "StarWars" in/no box]

[ ]==Outer-Bubble variations
...[ ] Size__ changes (thin bubble/fat bubble)...  [i.e. ?]
...[ ] Design changes (with/without support-ridge) [i.e. Ultra Wampa]
...[ ] Sticker-on-bubble variations............... [i.e. ?]

[ ]==Inner-Bubble variations
...[ ] Major Figure-presentation vars.....[i.e. McTrooper Saber-UP/DOWN]
...[ ] Minor Inner-bubble mold vars.......[i.e. any saber-tray variants]
...[ ] Soft-goods presentation............[i.e. Jabba Luke hood-up/down]
...[ ] Bubble-in-bubble (packaging) vars..[i.e. ? ]
...[ ] rubber-band/twist-tie/tape changes.[i.e. ? ]

[ ]==Insert variations (background/forcefile/chip/slide/etc)
...[ ] Major text variations...............[i.e. ? ]
...[ ] Minor text variations (font, punct).[i.e. ? ]
...[ ] Major picture variations............[i.e. ? ]
...[ ] Minor picture variations............[i.e. Dots on Clone]
...[ ] Spelling/numbering mistakes/vars....[Han&Maul (03/25& 03/27)]
...[ ] tape-overs/stickers.................[Dexter w/pipe/tape/nopipe]
...[ ] background variations (with/without/which/orientation)

[ ]==Cardfront variations
...[ ] SameFig/DifferentLine variations.....[i.e. Saga/HOF ClashVader]
...[ ] Major Card-front changes (same line).[i.e. blue/gold-stripe Saga]
...[ ] Major text variations................[i.e. ? ]
...[ ] Minor text variations (font, punct) .[i.e. ? ]
...[ ] Major picture variations.............[i.e. ? ]
...[ ] Minor picture variations.............[i.e. Dots on Clone]
...[ ] tape-overs/stickers..................[i.e. Annie Warning/Valorum]
...[ ] Common Mistakes/Corrections..........[i.e. EpI/NoEpI Yoda]

[ ]==CardBack variations
...[ ] All printed VersionID vars (.01, .02, etc)
...[ ] datestamp (with/without).......[i.e. ? ]
...[ ] Common Mistakes/Corrections....[i.e. Tanus/JQuile flip on Bossk]
...[ ] tape-overs/stickers............[i.e. PadmePilot lore]

-------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------
Section 2) "How do you consider MULTIPLE variations for a fig"

How 'completist' are you? 

...MAXIMALLY Completist, or MINIMALLY Completist?


A) [T/F]  - MAXIMALLY
........... If more-than-one kind of variation exists for a particular
........... figure, then I try to get EVERY conceivable combination
........... {i.e. the full-factorial set (whenever possible (+))}

........... For example, if HanHoth came out with blue/brown coats, on
........... two different cards (blue/gold-stripe), then Im looking
........... for FOUR figures for my collection...

....................BlueHan  on BlueCard
....................BrownHan on BlueCard (+)
....................BlueHan  on GoldStripeCard
....................BrownHan on GoldStripeCard

B) [T/F] - MINIMALLY
...........If more-than-one kind of variation exists for a single-
...........figure, then I try to get AT LEAST ONE EXAMPLE of each type
...........of variation

....................BlueHan  on BlueCard
....................BrownHan on GoldStripeCard

........... (In this example, you only need TWO figures for your
........... collection because you have at least one blue coat, at
........... least one browncoat, at least one bluecard, at least
........... one goldcard).

-------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------
Section 3) "How does 'rarity' impact your need to be completist?"

A) [T/F] - MAXIMALLY - Ill get multiples of a rare or HTF item if I can
.......................find them. (for whatever reason)

B) [T/F] - MINIMALLY - Once a checkbox is checked, If I find the same
.......................HTF fig on a peg another time, Ill leave it.
-------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------


I dont mean to offend you but, damn thats too much work ;)  Just wanted some basic ramblings from everyone.  This is just for fun and not a science project ;)  Welcome aboard the forums :)

Offline JediMAC

  • Pretty in Pink
  • Retired Staff Member
  • Jedi Sentinel
  • *
  • Posts: 14572
    • View Profile
    • JediDefender
Re: When is a Variant Different Enough to Buy?
« Reply #7 on: October 26, 2004, 07:20 PM »
Hmm, since this thread seems to have cooled down a bit, I
thought Id post a blurb I once posted over on POTF2. About
what kinds of variations are most interesting/desireable...

Woah.  I'll have to look this over a little more later on.  I fancy myself a pretty serious completist, both carded and loose, but not necessarily an obsessive compulsive carded completist when it comes to stuff like bubble changes, and whatnot.  I try to nab most of the more obvious carded differences though.

But as for Jim's original question on the loose OTC figures, anything with even the slightest paint application changes will be going into my loose collection too, including the following, which I think is the identical list to the others listed above:

Luke X-Wing Pilot
Greedo
Tusken Raider
Jawas
Luke Bespin
Vader Hoth
Gamorrean Guard
Bib Fortuna
Imperial Trooper

Any others we're missing, folks?

Offline jokabofe

  • Jedi Knight
  • *
  • Posts: 3653
    • View Profile
Re: When is a Variant Different Enough to Buy?
« Reply #8 on: October 26, 2004, 08:24 PM »
OK, I've got a free hour to answer this survey  :P

Just kidding, but I will answer it... I'm one of those insane carded/loose completists, so my answers may not reflect those of the general public.


Section 1) "What kinds of variations matter to you?"


============Variation classifications============
[ ] ==Figure variations
...[9] Slight (intentional) vars in paint [i.e. Blue/BrownCoatHan]
...[9] Major_ (intentional) vars in paint [i.e. RedARC/BlueARC]
...[1] Slight (accidental)  vars in paint [i.e. red/brown 'stache ozzle]
...[1] Major_ (accidental)  vars in paint [i.e. Leftie/Righty Luke]
...[5] Plastic color variations...........[i.e. EndorHan waist jig]
...[8] Plastic mold variations............[i.e. SBD internal details]
...[9] Other physical variations..........[i.e. Magnet/nomagnet Luke]
...[1] Common Assembly Mistakes...........[i.e. R2 with two right-legs]

[ ]==Accessory variations
...[1] Slight_ variations in paint color .[i.e. ? ]
...[1] Major__ variations in paint color .[i.e. ? ]
...[1] Plastic color variations...........[i.e. Clear/BlackStand]
...[1] Plastic mold variations............[i.e. "StarWars" in/no box]

[ ]==Outer-Bubble variations
...[1] Size__ changes (thin bubble/fat bubble)...  [i.e. ?]
...[1] Design changes (with/without support-ridge) [i.e. Ultra Wampa]
...[7] Sticker-on-bubble variations............... [i.e. ?]

[ ]==Inner-Bubble variations
...[9] Major Figure-presentation vars.....[i.e. McTrooper Saber-UP/DOWN]
...[5] Minor Inner-bubble mold vars.......[i.e. any saber-tray variants]
...[5] Soft-goods presentation............[i.e. Jabba Luke hood-up/down]
...[1] Bubble-in-bubble (packaging) vars..[i.e. ? ]
...[1] rubber-band/twist-tie/tape changes.[i.e. ? ]

[ ]==Insert variations (background/forcefile/chip/slide/etc)
...[9] Major text variations...............[i.e. ? ]
...[5] Minor text variations (font, punct).[i.e. ? ]
...[9] Major picture variations............[i.e. ? ]
...[5] Minor picture variations............[i.e. Dots on Clone]
...[9] Spelling/numbering mistakes/vars....[Han&Maul (03/25& 03/27)]
...[9] tape-overs/stickers.................[Dexter w/pipe/tape/nopipe]
...[9] background variations (with/without/which/orientation)

[ ]==Cardfront variations
...[9] SameFig/DifferentLine variations.....[i.e. Saga/HOF ClashVader]
...[9] Major Card-front changes (same line).[i.e. blue/gold-stripe Saga]
...[9] Major text variations................[i.e. ? ]
...[5] Minor text variations (font, punct) .[i.e. ? ]
...[9] Major picture variations.............[i.e. ? ]
...[5] Minor picture variations.............[i.e. Dots on Clone]
...[5] tape-overs/stickers..................[i.e. Annie Warning/Valorum]
...[9] Common Mistakes/Corrections..........[i.e. EpI/NoEpI Yoda]

[ ]==CardBack variations
...[5] All printed VersionID vars (.01, .02, etc)
...[1] datestamp (with/without).......[i.e. ? ]
...[5] Common Mistakes/Corrections....[i.e. Tanus/JQuile flip on Bossk]
...[5] tape-overs/stickers............[i.e. PadmePilot lore]

-------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------
Section 2) "How do you consider MULTIPLE variations for a fig"

How 'completist' are you? 

...MAXIMALLY Completist, or MINIMALLY Completist?


A) [T/F]  - MAXIMALLY
........... If more-than-one kind of variation exists for a particular
........... figure, then I try to get EVERY conceivable combination
........... {i.e. the full-factorial set (whenever possible (+))}

........... For example, if HanHoth came out with blue/brown coats, on
........... two different cards (blue/gold-stripe), then Im looking
........... for FOUR figures for my collection...

....................BlueHan  on BlueCard
....................BrownHan on BlueCard (+)
....................BlueHan  on GoldStripeCard
....................BrownHan on GoldStripeCard

B) [T/F] - MINIMALLY
...........If more-than-one kind of variation exists for a single-
...........figure, then I try to get AT LEAST ONE EXAMPLE of each type
...........of variation

....................BlueHan  on BlueCard
....................BrownHan on GoldStripeCard

........... (In this example, you only need TWO figures for your
........... collection because you have at least one blue coat, at
........... least one browncoat, at least one bluecard, at least
........... one goldcard).

It really depends. On the variation in question, the answer is yes. I would need 4 Han Hoth figures for my collection. Another perfect example of that would be the Luke Dagobah OTC - I had to get 4 (1 carded standing, 1 carded handstand, 1 loose standing, 1 loose handstand).


Section 3) "How does 'rarity' impact your need to be completist?"

A) [T/F] - MAXIMALLY - Ill get multiples of a rare or HTF item if I can
.......................find them. (for whatever reason)

B) [T/F] - MINIMALLY - Once a checkbox is checked, If I find the same
.......................HTF fig on a peg another time, Ill leave it.

I usually pick up any HTF variants that I can, even if I may have that figure already. And even if I have that variant already, there's always someone in the collecting community that I can help out by trading and/or selling it to at cost.

Not sure if I answered your questions correctly, but as you can see with me it's usually all or nothing. Not a big fan of the factory errors and one-time goofs. More a fan of the production changes and things of that like.

Offline Jim

  • Jedi Apprentice
  • *
  • Posts: 1806
    • View Profile
Re: When is a Variant Different Enough to Buy?
« Reply #9 on: October 27, 2004, 07:25 AM »
Well I broke down and bought the OTC Luke X-Wing.  If it wasnt clearanced I definitely would of passed.  The Hoth Vader though still does not have my full attention.  The change is fairly minor, but if I find one cheap i'll pick it up.

Offline Blue_Harvester

  • Jedi Initiate
  • *
  • Posts: 338
  • Great Googly-Moogly
    • View Profile
Re: When is a Variant Different Enough to Buy?
« Reply #10 on: October 27, 2004, 12:06 PM »

I dont mean to offend you but, damn thats too much work ;)  Just wanted some basic ramblings from everyone.  This is just for fun and not a science project ;)  Welcome aboard the forums :)

Yeah, it took a while to type up the first time, but ive got it
filed now.   

 I *am* still trying to think of different categorizations of
variations that have ever arisen.

Thanks for the welcome.  ;D  Im buds with JJ.  He woke
me to your site.  We been in PSWCS for a long time..

As far as other kinds of 'variation hunters' , of course there
are the 'themed' hunters, who step-up their variation
ambitions for, lets say, only one persona in the saga.
(i,e, they might want *every* conceivable BOSSK variation
ever made, for instance).

Im pretty completist (carded) myself.  I go for "INTENTIONAL"
differences, but not tape/inner-bubble/rubber-band differences  -- changes to the toy, and how Hasbro might
'change' how a figure looks (presumably to help it sell better).
I know it drives a lot of other collectors crazy, but I was
especially thrilled with the whole Bespin Luke evolutionary
thing. (bloody/burnt/flesh -- magnet arm/hand/none -- etc)

Some changes are just too minor for me to get excited about
(mole/nomole Padme for example)

My other fetish is non-common errors (wrong insert type of things)

-BH
Han shot FIRST. Luke threw TWICE. And it was THX-1138 who wasn't at his post on the big screen back in '77. And I first learned that Vader was Luke's dad in the cinemas at the Tampa Bay Mall in 1980.

Offline Jim

  • Jedi Apprentice
  • *
  • Posts: 1806
    • View Profile
Re: When is a Variant Different Enough to Buy?
« Reply #11 on: October 27, 2004, 01:32 PM »
You must have a boatload of carded figs.  Just curious, how many?  Interesting stuff none the less. 

Offline Snively Bandar

  • Jedi Initiate
  • *
  • Posts: 475
  • Hug a llama today!
    • View Profile
Re: When is a Variant Different Enough to Buy?
« Reply #12 on: October 29, 2004, 08:19 PM »
So far, for sure I'm going with these, which look noticeably better or different than their original counterparts:

Luke X-Wing Pilot
Tusken Raider
Jawas
Luke Bespin
Imperial Trooper

I'll have to see the other few in person to see if the new paint applications are drastic or improved enough to pick them up as well.  If it's just a different wash, I probably won't bother.

Offline DoctorPadawan

  • Jedi Apprentice
  • *
  • Posts: 1996
  • Get that poison out of your system
    • View Profile
Re: When is a Variant Different Enough to Buy?
« Reply #13 on: October 31, 2004, 08:48 AM »
I'm kind of in between on the variant issue.  I couldn't care less about packaging variations, so that never enters into my collecting habits.  I'm also not all that fond of "error" versions of figures, as I prefer to have the version of the figure that is most accurate to the film and the one that works the best, quality-wise.

For example, I have the bloody stump Saga Luke Bespin.  I do not like the bloody stump version for the simple fact that the magnet in his hand sucks.  It stays on there, but only just so.  I would have much preferred to have the peg-hand version, but even though I have the "rare" version, I'd much rather have the sturdier one.  The fact that they went back to the magnet with the OTC version (which I did buy) disappointed me as well.  As soon as I knew the Hangar Duel Anakin with the arm peg was out there instead of the magnet version, I gave my magnet one away and bought the peg version. 

(On a semi-related note, did the Final Battle Jango figure ever come out with a peg for his head instead of a magnet?)

Color variants, I am okay with.  Back when they changed the Endor Han's pants to brown from blue, I picked one of the brown ones up.  If they were to do a version of Throne Room Vader from Saga without eyebrows (and a way to tell that he didn't have them), I'd pick it up.  Things that are done to make the figures more accurate to their film versions are worth it to me.  Ditto for the red ARC Trooper, which while not film-based, was still accurate for the cartoon series.  As for the Hoth Han thingamabob, I went with blue since it was "right" to me.  I won't get into that debate here, as I know many of you are in the brown coat camp, but I just always liked blue better, so call me a hypocrite. ;D

Minute changes in paint apps are not enough to get me to pick something up.  I have no desire to pick up OTC Jawas, Tuskens, and Greedo just because they're painted a bit more "dirty."  I've seen each of them in stores and the difference is negligible to me.  The Hoth Vader I will have to see in person (which will never happen given the rate of stocking at retail) to make a final decision (and then I'd consider it only because it is Vader), and I never had a Scanning Trooper (no way was I going to pay 20 bucks for a crappy case and a kitbash), so I will pick him up when I see him (in 2009 at KayBee).

So yeah, here's my final scorecard:

-Complete repaints for film accuracy: YES
-Complete repaints for "dirtying it up": NO
-Sculpting changes for film accuracy: YES
-Sculpting changes for no real reason: NO
-Packaging changes of any sort: NO