People opinion, wife, girlfriend, friends, parents, mainstream, all would end up owning you either. Things are made for humans, and apreciated for its beauty, like art, cars, toys, coins. If you are Weak and dumb enough, even your fucking will own you.
When my favorite toy company stop producing my favorite series of toys altogether, I only have one thing to say to it: Thank you for releasing me from my pain.
I could never sell my toys because I have a unhealthy emotional attachment to them. Probably from a childhood full of neglect/abuse at home and bullying at school.
you are not alone, friend. i worked in a toy store for about a year and a half, i would say there are two kinds of people that would come through. those who grew up close to toys and stayed close to toys, and those who had toys and through whatever means, usually a parent throwing them away, lost them- and were trying to get that piece back. i think both paths tell a similar story. toy culture is very fascinating, we are more alike than we are different
I worked at Toys R Us when Gundam Wing model kits arrived. I literally spent my weekly paychecks on Gundam figures. Went broke for 3 months. At the time, I thought I was awesome but now I look back and realize how stupid I was. But when you're young and you live at home with your parents and pay no bills, anything was possible.
I'm 2yrs late on this video and no idea if anyone will read this. I wasnt/haven't been a "collector" since I was a kid. From my teens to my early 30s, I was a minimalist and in a sense, still am. Because of Covid, around last September, I felt like I rewoken a beast when I purchased my first "toy"/lego set at Target out of boredom. I built the set, felt the rush, bought another, then started finding youtubers who reviewed and worse, did toy hunting videos. More recently, I started getting into action figures like Black Series/Marvel Legends. I was finding my small studio apartment couldn't fit anything I was buying, I had a shopping addiction. I have roughly $2k+ worth of sealed Lego Sets still in their boxes and a way too many action figures than I initially intended to buy. I decided to start returning/selling some excess and narrowing down the collection to things I really enjoy too. It's weird still wanting to have the minimalistic aesthetician while being a collector. I think the 2 can go hand in hand. Main thing is to focus on what is important to you and what brings you the most joy in life.
I'm in a similar place. Since the start of 2020 I have acquired a LOT of toys. Mainly Transformers (WFC) and NECA TMNT (toon and movie). Recently I've also been getting into Star Wars TVC and then there are bits and pieces from other franchises (Jurassic Park, GI Joe, Ghostbusters etc). The last few weeks I've come to realise I can barely move in my home "office". And do I really know or see half the items I have? I think there is some sort of addictive trait in there - always have to complete the good guy team, or the bad guy team. I am now contemplating selling off some of the collection and trying to narrow down what I want or need. Exactly as the guy in the video says. I.e. I don't need ALL the autobots, or 3 different versions of Optimus Prime. Just keep favourite or nostalgic characters and get rid of the rest. But taking that first step is difficult! But acknowledging there is a problem is the first step.
Can’t believe your comment , same thing happened to me . With the pandemic something inside of me pushed me to start to collect dragon ball . Im now collecting Black series and vintage star wars . I honestly was just trying to find another hunting toy video and came across this video . Im speeches of how I didn’t realize what i was getting my self into . I sort of not to that point were it’s necessary i buy when i can but this video , THIS COMMENT just scared the shit out of me lol . How are you doing now ? Update 2022?
@@definitelynotnolan thanks for the comment man and the update too , hope everything works out for you . Really made me think twice now . I think im gonna slow down on my collection. Thanks for sharing again .
Every now and then, i rewatch this as it really resonates with me in regards to where i feel i am mentally heading towards as a collector. It's not out of hand yet but i find myself questioning whether im even collecting for myself anymore or "stocking" up towards a situation that will likely never even happen. This video deserves way more views.
True story - sold off my comic collection years ago. About 10-15 years later I was renting a house and about ready to move out because the owner was planning to sell. Some things had been stored there by the owner. They said "Just clean stuff out if you can. If it's something you want, keep it, if not, throw it out." Well the landlady was pretty cool so my roomies and I decided that sure we'd clean the place out before we moved out to make it easier for her to sell. There... In a closet full of worthless paperback books, broken electronics, and various junk were 2 boxes... WITH MY OLD COMIC COLLECTION! You can not understand that feeling of finding a thing you'd regretted getting rid of years prior. I was so fortunate. Moral of the story? There isn't one. I was lucky. 😂
That must have felt incredible! I have uncovered long lost things before, and the magical wonder and fortune are something special and also something that no one else can understand.
WOW! What a wild story. So amazing. I keep dreaming I will re-find a box of beautifully painted Warhammer 40K models stolen from my last house when I was moving.
This video spoke to me on many levels. I went through the exact same stages. I like to use the term "Cherry pick" now for my collection going forward. I have to admit a collection is more impactful to yourself when its filled completely with things you absolutely love as opposed to having to have it there because it is part of the set. The single characters are what bring most nostalgia, not always the entirety of the collection. Great vid!
That's a smart idea. You're going to do fine. Learning to see the items, that people will want to have, in the future. it's simply the best strategy. This skill will take you far. U Don't need a ton of money to play with the Big Boys.
This kinda describes me now. It definitely helps with my chosen property (Tokusatsu in general). To see a figure at first, and not really be into the design, but watch the show or movie then cherry pick the more memorable characters is a joy. It’s even better when you see other similar collections, noticing differences in what made that collectors cut as opposed to your own. This really is a good time to be a collector.
HardCorllector I do the same thing I just buy what I like instead of entire waves with 50% of figs I don't want much more gratification in buying what I want saving money and space
That is a great way to look at it, "cherry pick". My batman collection includes things that are interesting to me the batman figures that are unique to me, as a collector. I always did the cherry pick thing with my figure collecting. When I was heavy into game collecting, it was everything on Xbox and GameCube. I had damn near a complete GameCube collection and a fairly decent xbox collection. Those are my two favorite consoles. Working at GameStop at the time didn't help. Flipping games, games being brought into the store where people had no idea what they had (was always fair and let them know the value or what to do with it) to do with GameCube games once we stop taking them. I looked at my collection one day and realized that half the games in the library I didn't like or haven't even played. I cherry picked what meant something to me or what I would actually played and got rid of the rest of it. You're right there is more to collecting when every piece you enjoy or you know a story about it personally.
I keep coming back to this. This might be the most essential toy collecting video Dan has ever put on TH-cam. And no matter how long ago it was filmed --- it will always be relevant for someone at some point in their collecting journey. Thank you Dan.
After moving several times, and then having kids of my own, I decided to pare down my various collections. Some things of were sold, others donated. Marie Kondo's quotes on discarding things that do not bring you joy really changed my perspective on collecting. By asking myself if a particular toy/game/whatever brings me joy or not, it was easy to part with a lot of them.
My collection (used to) grow whenever stressors in my life reached an overwhelming level. The way I manage it, is by reverting back to my childhood and dive in to all things nostalgic. By removing myself mentally from those stressors, I am able to manage them much easier however, in the beginning it was just watching videos, old cartoons, and toy commercials on TH-cam and channels like yours, or purchasing a random retro toy catalog on eBay or a cool find at a yard sale. Before I knew it, those stress relievers were becoming expensive! The pandemic isnt helping matters either, but Im showing restraint, lol
I revisit this video whenever I feel like I'm slipping down the rabbit hole of collecting. Thanks Dan for always reminding us why we loved collecting in the first place.
I took my collection through the weeding process and created a business selling toys. I buy stuff I like, put a price on it and get to keep it and look at it till it sells. Then I buy more. An ever repeating loop that I throughly enjoy.
Yeah, but iam returning your children! they crap at cooking and not to mention the shit a job they did at cleaning my car. Not as advertised, I will do a charge back if you do not respond
I went through a huge personality crisis several years ago and vowed to limit my collecting to just Spider-Man (with extremely rare exceptions for really cool Star Wars, Batman, & pop culture items). Even with Spider-Man, I only get it if I'm at that point where I go "I gotta have it!" I don't just get everything with Spider-Man on it.
It’s really about holding onto your youth and that feeling of being a kid. It reminds you of an easier time when you had very little cares in the world. I did the same recently, purging most stuff I’ve held onto for years just because it reminded me of simpler times. Now I just have a very small amount of keepsakes that actually have true meaning and tell a story.
Indeed there must be a psychological thing in the background behind at least some, if not most of collecting. I "finally" bought a Robocop into my hoarder's glass cabinet just because I did not get one as a kid for christmas way back then.
I’ve revisited this video several times over the past couple of years, and I finally did the same to my collection. It was really out of necessity for more space, but I realized as I was pruning the collection that it was very liberating. I got rid of a lot of stuff that was purchased from an addictive perspective instead of something I really wanted. My collection is now full of things that I really like, and that is all I add to it now, which has increased my enjoyment tenfold. Thanks for the inspiration!
“Collecting” to me is something I did when it was hard to collect things. Before the internet, and it was really an accomplishment to find something. And it wasn’t always just a matter of having money to do it. I used to collect sugar packets as a kid. Every restaurant I’d go to is take a sugar packet home with me. I had a move ticket stub collection. A box of them, every time I went to movies I kept it and it had the date, time, show and place on it. Now I grow up and people “collect” funkopops or just basically stuff that is more just a matter of “ok, I can afford another one, click the buy now button.” I never felt l in a this was “collecting”. I know it sounds like gatekeeping or an old person dumping on different times. I don’t know. Collections are great reflections of us, and there’s something to be said about a collection that was actually sought out vs something that you just went online and bought from the same place over and over again.
Man, you are speaking to my heart and wallet...thank you for sharing this! You break down the psychology of what so many of us have gone through beautifully...and articulate a happier, healthier goal. Sounds strange, but you made my day because I feel a stronger sense of direction about/for my collection than I ever have.
Dan, I’m always amazed at the professional production of your videos. This one in particular hit a note with me and has given me clarity with regards to my incessant need for stuff! Wonderful stuff, keep it up my friend!
Always have to keep in mind, whatever you sell you can always buy back later. Can't be too attached, especially if collecting starts impacting you negatively.
I love this video so much. It really was something of a gut punch from reality as to what a collection could end up being: bloated and wasteful. It's so easy to let yourself go nuts and try to justify it. I love how you ended with your new mentality: collect things that you really love, that mean a lot to you, that brings you joy and not just for the sake of some arbitrary goal of collecting. As usual, keep up the good work. This is a great channel.
As a collector, a lot of this really resonated with me especially about the FOMO and the ever justifying growing of the collection and having to own multiple copies and the running out of space and the addictive qualities of it. I appreciate how honest and upfront you were about it. It can very, very easily get out of hand but it's also one of life's pleasures for those with a collector's heart (like myself) so finding the right balance for you is key.
I lost 95% of my G.I. Joe collection to a fire back in 2014. Before then my collection consisted of anything and everything that I was able to find that had the G.I. Joe logo. I started the collection in 1982. After the fire I was done collecting. A few years later I missed it and so I began to re-evaluate what I collected and why. It was fun and brought me joy. I have since returned to collecting G.I. Joe and while it is a slow process to find items I lost, I am enjoying it more than the first time around. Part of what I enjoy is the sharing of information about the hobby and that brought me to TH-cam earlier this year. Thank you for your videos. I have enjoyed your channel a lot.
MacDowin have my toy collection with damaged bad by water in stock because of a fire about 3 weeks ago. Depressing. Not sure how I plan on going about it once my house is rebuilt. So I can get your story here I'm glad to see it... Not glad for your Misfortune back then though of course
Watched this because thinking to slow down on my toy collecting. My toy collecting became worse after I started ordering online. In the past I only bought from stores, and if the stores didn't have the figure, I had no way of buying it. It is tough, but I will start trying from today. Hopefully in 2024 I will be able to control my collecting
I totally understand you. Before the internet we all thought everything was never going to be re made. And so here we are 2018. Wow Sometimes I long for the simplicity of my younger years.
This video helped me "reassess" my collection. I originally set out to collect 90's X-Men and Batman the Animated Series figures but It quickly grew into Spiderman and Avengers figures too. I sold everything off but what I had originally intended to collect and now my collection feels much more complete and affordable to maintain. Thanks for making this video. You saved me a lot of money and anxiety while making collecting enjoyable again.
My childhood collection is long gone and scattered to the winds. In my mid-20s I acquired a handful of figures, but after a year or two I gave all those away. Ten years later I began my collection 3.0. It's all figures I had as a kid and loved, figures I wanted, and a few modern figures like Black Series and that Robocop/Terminator hybrid. My collection is focused just on what I love, and nothing else.
The obvious solution to accumulating more stuff is to get a bigger house. When I die, my collection will be buried with me like an Egyptian pharaoh, and I will play with them for eternity in the afterlife.
When I was in Marine Corp boot camp my dad sold my collections. That consisted of pretty much every Star Wars figure, vehicle, play set, diorama, mail in limited editions, collectors cases, t shirts, bed sheets, comforters, curtains and desk made from A New Hope to Return of the Jedi. This was thousands and thousands to include a Star Destroyer that took up my entire bedroom and had to be raised and lowered on a set of pulleys. It was so big I could dock a Tie Fighter, Vaders Fighter, the Tie Advanced Intercepter, Tie Bomber, Millennium Falcon, an X wing, A wing, B Wing, Cloud Car in its hanger as well as an AT AT ans AT ST if the legs were folded under them. I had never seen anything like it till I got it and have not since. Granted I was a kid and my mom and dad financed all of that collection. GI Joe consisted of every comic book from #1 to the last issue I purchased in 1990 3 days before leaving for boot camp. All of the 3 3/4 tall action figures released from 1994 to 1990. The third collection sold that darkened my dad's drive way and yard. 1975 Dodge Dart Swinger Gold with black vinyl 3/4 top with a 318ci, auto trans modified with 340 heads. Headers, posi rear end, 1968 Plymouth Barracuda Fast Back Big Bid Yellow changed from a 318ci to a 426 big block hemi with a B&M shirt stack blower, 2 holley 750cfm carbs, headers, 4 speed Trans with pistol grip shifter, 8 poing roll cage, high Cowell hood. 1970 Dodge Chalkenger road runner green340ci 6 pack carbs, 4 speed Trans with pistol grip shifter all stock. In the yard 426 hemi, 2ea 383 Magnum, multiple sets Mopar wheels, a rolling Super Bird Shell with no motor from the Hurtz Rent a Racer fleet. All there when I left in June gone when I came home in Sept.
Every time I consider selling my collection (it happens to us all) I find figures that I love to pieces or had forgot about and can't let go. Can't believe your dad is snake eyes from gi Joe. That's pretty Cool!
This conversation definitely helped me reevaluate my situation. I can’t stop collecting videogames. I know I need to chill out. Thank you very much for the perspective and insight.
I loved how Dan told his own story with the same intonation he uses with the rest of the videos. Very important lessons for collectors. You have to take the time to curate your collection and decide what you want it to be, otherwise it will become unwieldy and unmanageable. Not to mention financially unsustainable
Sometimes I see other click bait-y TH-camrs who start to talk about quitting their (a little intense) collecting habits...only to double down for the LoLs and say they'll be collecting til they die and they'll never stop. That's why every once in a while, I revisit this video to hear something more rational and logical.
This is perhaps your best video. I collected SciFi memorabilia for over 3 decades and in the last year I sold most of it off.. I kept the things I made myself and let almost everything else go. It was liberating. The people who have the items now are happier, and I am happier for letting them go.
Currently selling my collection except the comic movie figs, power rangers, and transformers. I’d like to say this video really gave me perspective on how far I’ve gone during this long expensive journey of collecting. Also collecting at the high paced level I’ve achieved has awarded me little to nothing in life and should not be as big a part of my life as it is. Hope no one else is finding themselves upside down this far into addiction as I find myself now.
I realize I'm finding my self at this point in my life. I'm having to cum to terms with having to let go and say good-by to the mass of stuff I have collected.
Thank you for making this video. I’ve been struggling with what to do with my collection these past couple of weeks. I moved a few months ago so I had practically all of my figures boxed up and now that I’ve gotten some cabinets to display them in my new apartment I’ve honestly been feeling a little overwhelmed with how much stuff I’ve actually accumulated throughout the years. I got myself a few detours thinking that should just about cover it but I filled them all up and still have so many boxes. And this comes after I sold off 90% of a sub collection (amiibo) because my roommate already had the same exact ones. I’ve considered just selling it all but I feel like I’d regret that down the line or that I’d feel all the years I’ve spent collecting so far was just a waste. But downsizing seems like it’s the right move. I just need to figure out what stays and what goes. Thanks Dan!
I have been kinda avoiding this video for a while. I didn't want to feel bad for collecting again. Man, I couldn't have been more wrong. Talk about a big deep breath of balance. This was great. I could see a lot of myself in the different 'acts'. Thank you, Dan!
The singular moment that made me change the way I collected Transformers... The Lego movie. Will Ferrell as the dad to be specific. I was becoming him. So I changed. My kids go hunting with me. They get pieces as well. It's now about family.
awesome! i'd picked up one of those TRU radio flyer landspeeders when the priced dropped thinking that i'd sell it around xmas time or just keep it. ...or since i'm older i thought i would give it to some woman's (eventually i'll start dating again, lol) grandkid and be like a hero to him. hey, since i don't have kids of my own maybe at least *one* kid will remember me, lol.
I do that with my kid (elementary aged) with comics. My stuff gets bagged & boarded, but it breaks my heart a touch when I see one of his #1's folded in half with part of the cover ripped off laying under his bed. But it is his book to do whatever with & I know it was read dozens of times more than I ever read my books.
Collecting Transformers became SO much more fun when I got my niece involved in it. I put on the G1 cartoon as background noise one day and noticed that she'd camped out and watched all of season 1 and 2! That's all it took, she was bit by the bug. Now we make a weekly trip into town to see what we can find at retail or antique stores. She's even more adamant about it than I am sometimes!
This video REALLY hit close to home. I absolutely loved every word. I think I'm personally on collection "2.5" if I were to compare my experience to yours. There was a point where the collection ballooned way beyond my needs, wants, desires, and financial responsibility. I sold pretty much all of it as well. Since then - I reassessed and bought some of it back. And while I'm doing my best of sticking to only the things I love and can afford, I occasionally find myself reverting back to that old "completionist" mentality and have to do a hard gut-check. I aspire to reach full-on Phase 3.0 eventually. And I thank you for showing us fellow collectors that it is definitely achievable.
I did the same thing. I bought tons of Gijoes and it got out of hand. I eventually sold almost my whole collection in 2008. except for a few figures I loved. just recently I decided to rebuy some of my figures but Only the ones I really like. I didnt care about getting every figure made anymore.
gearing up to sell my 'star wars' 6" black series. it was fun when i started about 3 years ago, and it cost a pretty penny getting up to par with most everyone else. but, i'm somewhat of a completist and inbox, not to mention the hunt is a huge part of the fun for me. problem is hasblo is coming out with just too much stuff, i can't keep up. i think in 2019 they had something like 62 releases, and by the end of this year probably closer to 70. a lot of retailers just aren't stocking them well in my area, and walmart just quit having them altogether. while it was always a challenge to get the new stuff to begin with, online hasn't made it any easier between all the exclusives and new figs which are snapped up within seconds by bots, scalpers, and other collectors. counting on hasblo pulse to have their act together is like hoping today will be good beach weather at the north pole. then if you do get it in the first round of pickings, hopefully it's not packaged by an ape. being inbox, the condition of the package is everything, but amazon is almost a guaranteed disaster. then you order something that's on back order for four months and start seeing it on shelves by then. that's if your order isn't cancelled. it's almost worth paying an extra ten bucks to a dealer to get it in good condition and reasonably on time after a month or so. that's okay, i'm so far behind that i'm about a year behind anyway. retailers are clearing beginning to give up handing over shelf space for bullshit product that collects dust unless it's a hot ticket item which are hard to get in the store. because most stores have an automatic re-ordering system and department managers who just couldn't give a shit, the inability to sell ten rose ticos prevent new orders. it's all heading to online collecting, but that's a fucking mess, too. one person in one of my collecting groups said they have *41* BS figures in his queue he's waiting on, a lot of the pre-orders (which is yet another layer of bullshit right there). wheeeeeeee!!! yeah, i'm bitching about it, so what? the bottom line is it's just no fun anymore. i can't afford to keep up, fed up with online bullshit and not knowing if, when, or what condition you'll get it, always hated exclusives and there just seems to be more of those, i have other shit to do in life than dedicate it to collecting online and being in the right place at the right time just for the slim *chance* of getting something the very second it's released, and while there being a challenge to it doesn't turn me off, it's to the point where what they do/don't do and how they do it is going to drive no small amount of collectors out of the game. i recently found a probot on the shelf, much to my shock, and it's a great figure. i set it back down because my heart just wasn't in it. that's when i knew i was done.
lol, I more just meant the general attitude of 3.0 as opposed to the amount of times unloading. If 3.0 is fluid enough a full unload hopefully shouldn't happen. *crosses fingers*
my collection 3.0 is the highest level of collecting ive ever been in my whole life. this version has a form, unity, character to it, my previews collections were merely a replication of what i wanted today. thanks to the ever growing toy/model community it boosted my confidence into revising my whole view of what i want in my collection. i mainly collect gundams but to compensate for for the lack of other robots i cheat here and there making excuses like “megaman can fit in with these” “a little revoltech wouldnt hurt” “what a great price im going to buy this evangelion figure”. i started my collection 3.0 with the mindset of strictly 1/100 gundam mastergrades. now its a mix of both 1/100 model kits - 1/144 scale figures.
Wow! Dan ,you just showed what every collector has gone through bro ,I sold my collection due to lack of space ,but watching your video ,maybe I'll get back into it ,great video bro.
I still remember when I remember my older brother sold his collection of Jim Lee X-Men cards in the early 90's of which a considerable sum of it was bought with part of my money that I won from an art contest. And he sold it for a like, cheap so he could buy more Image titles. It was my money, but it wasn't my collection... but up to now I still feel the sting.
From South America, collecting is a lot more expensibe here. Nostalgia drove me towards collecting three months ago. You really helped me to skip stages, focus to save cash, and be happy collecting. Thank you a lot.
"How far will you go to justify that something should be a part of your collection just to be able to add to your collection". I'll have to keep that in mind.
I went without food one week to buy I figured. Well I had some crackers, a couple of eggs a half a bag of potatoes and a can of Viana sausages, but I was starving by the following Friday. Nothing wrong with a little sacrifice once in a while, LOL
Well said, and well executed right to the point!!! Every toy collector or just collector of things can relate to this topic!!! Thanks, Toy Galaxy!!! AKA " Dan Larson!!! Sincerely Thanks!!!! Love your dry sense of humor of your channel!!! That's what keeps me coming back to every episode of Toy Galaxy to see the next topic!!!
I’ve only been a serious collector for a few years, so I’ve not yet reached the point where I’ve had to sell anything. Having said that though, I do have a mental checklist of which toys I’d happily sell to make room for new stuff, and which ones are going to be in my life forever.
I sold my whole collection like ten year's ago. Took up the whole guest room and garage. But just recently started collecting again & am just getting what i like when i can afford it sensibly. Started with a custom Thundarr. I feel this time around the game room will be enough to display a new collection. I'll also give toys away to family, grandkids etc. to make room for new one's. Love the video, great share.
I sold my collection due to lack of space issues and like letting go of an old relationship. Big mistake to this day I still look back at the good old days.
Thanks for posting this video, as I found it cathartic as I'm in the middle of selling off part of my collection do to financial reasons. But seeing your video and taking a look at my collection, I could solace that I did exactly loose sight of why I was collecting and rationalizing purchases of "I need this figure because..." when I did not need to. Now that I'm culling my collection, I'm regaining on what means the most to me and what I can kiss goodbye knowing that I'll never have a "complete collection."
Collections can be an opressive burden. I have an obsessive personality and I'm glad to have recognized it early. Whenever I get into things like books or Black Series Star Wars or Lego, I use a lot of restrant to only purchase what I love most from those series. It hurts to pass especially on items that I like a lot, but it's ultimately better to cherrypick. It's healthier and you feel less burdened by stuff, less suffocated, and ultimately happier because you genuinely love everything in it.
Ha haaa, that was great TG! That served as a warning to me as my collection is small but already diverging & I could see my future in this great little vid. Thanks for the advice dude & good luck with staying on point.
Yes. I've lost my collection twice. The first occasion happened when I left home at 18. Pretty much every toy I had ever owned was lost overnight. I was only able to spare my recent collection of Marvel Legends waves 1, 2, 3, & 4. At the time, those were the only waves available from Toy Biz. But, I was smitten and knew I couldn't part with the fantastic new line. Everything else that I had left at home with my parents (mostly the toys I grew up with) was gone in less than a year. By that point, I was already working my first job and my collection of Toy Biz Marvel Legends was extra special to me. It was an accomplishment and symbolized something I had truly worked for. It was something my parents didn't help me cultivate. And it was Marvel! As I struck out on my own I spent nearly every spare cent collecting Legends from Walmart, Target, and KB Toys. I had all but the most rare of legends figures twice. Naturally, one figure was to pose on the shelf and the duplicate was to hang boxed on the wall. Rather redundant really. I told myself I was making an investment in my future. And as I worked towards my Bachelors Degree, I continued this questionable practice. Then news came that Toy BIz was done and Hasbro was taking over. And after the Annihilus Wave and Blob Wave of Hasbro Legends, and the company's seeming preference for smaller scale Marvel toys, I assumed the Legends line was nearly done for. With college graduation around the corner, I sold all of my figures, and their duplicates, (except the X-Men) at convention and made enough money to buy a (then) $500 PlayStation 3 and some starting games and accessories. That was it. My years of investment turned into less than $1000 worth of fun in one weekend. I was ready to move and leave collecting in the past. I thought my collection was the biggest thing I had ever seen. The biggest collector achievement I would ever accomplish. And for a few years, that was it. Then, Marvel Legends came back in 2012. I started with Hope Summers, the latest X-Character to hit the line at the time. I was hooked, lined, and sunk all over again. I now own more Marvel Legends then I ever did in the Toy Biz days. Easily triple the numbers. It's been a crazy obsession. And up until last year, I had to be a completionist again. But now with my collection of nearly 400 Legends figures, I've decided it's OK to just collect the ones I really want. And I'm happy. I'm happier now as a collector than I ever have been. Thanks for sharing guys. This is one of the most sentimental videos you've done yet. And it struck a cord with me. All the best. -Rob
Jacob Choe Thank You! That’s my ‘other’ collection I started after leaving home. Though not quite as prolific. And much easier to find storage for! I never found the need to sell those.
Rob Pollock Thanks for sharing. I was a 14 year old going on 18 when I sold a bunch of LJN wrestling figures for $20. It was a great collection, but I wanted a couple silly cassettes, which eventually led to another collection. I'm back on WWE figures, and I'm getting a little more selective now.
Thanks Dan! This video was great. I'm just getting back into collecting Star Wars. When I was younger in the 90s my collecting was very unfocused, but now I'm letting go of some of those pieces and making my collection more focused on my actual interests. Thanks for the encouragement!
I sold almost everything when we I got married. We had no savings for a wedding, honeymoon, and starter items like furniture/plates/etc. For ten years never bought anything since the discretionary income simply wasn't there. Last year (about 15 years since we got married) I asked my wife if we could talk. We're not rich but we're doing OK. I told her how much I missed that part of my life. I don't golf, buy expensive clothes, or things many other adults do with money. I asked if I could re-buy some comics and plastic. She agreed I can have 75.00 a month to do whatever.
Some of us have to understand that once you get in a married relationship, not every decision is your own. His wife knows that his hobby is a part of his life and is something he enjoys, but knows that it can get very pricy and that they still have to be financially stable. But you also have to be in the same position with your wife, does she have a monthly allowance for her money? A marriage has to be equal throughout it for it to continue, hope you and your wife the best and have fun collecting again!
@@mercy7364 I am married too. It hasn't affected my hobby whatsoever and won't because I found someone who respects what I enjoy and who I am as I do for her in return. If someone tries to change you from harmless things you enjoy, that is not a healthy relationship.
You're a legend, Dan. I bet you had multiple storage barns, possibly even the parents' basement, storing 2.0. I'm jealous, but also damn glad I never had that much of a collection :)
I was started when I was a kid an on sale collector. Just buy anything half decent and kinda like at discounted price. So I ended up with just the bad guys for a series. I grew older and now I just collect what I like at reasonable price. So a lot of secondhand and discounted items. Rarely new items. Since I open all my toys and don't plan to sell anything.
I've been a collector of many things throughout my life. I'm 27, but now I'm realizing my limits and I need to enjoy my collection and the thrill of the hunt. Thank you for this insightful video.
A few years back I gave away the majority of my collection, some stuff I even threw in the garbage. I was just so overwhelmed by it that the thought of trying to sell it seemed like to much of a hassle. While I do regret giving away some things, for the most part I felt like it was the best decision for me.
I sold my toy collection about 6-7 years ago and don't collect any longer mainly because I have other hobbies that take up the little bit of free space and money that my kids have not managed to consume. I collected late 70's through late 80's action figures with a ton of carded figures. The greater percentage of my loose figures were complete and my G.I Joe collection was pretty impressive. In addition to the space and money issue I started having figures break just from picking the dang things up. I also had the bubbles falling off of a few carded figures. I began to have nightmares about picking up one of my rare Joes only to see stress cracks on his elbows or have the crotch fall off. These are not worries a grown man should have :)
Yep. I had MOC POTF2 Luke Jedi that was only available in theaters when ROTJ Special Edition. I took exceptional care of that thing and the bubble just slid right off of it one day.
I applied this mindset to my current project, creating scenery and boats for a "short stories series" my daughter and I started. I know have an amazing lineup of creations and a focus for the project over a long term stand. Thanks Dan!!
Good for you Dan. However, almost fainted when I read the title of this video believing it to the end of ToyGalaxy. With this obviously not being the case, I am now Looking forward more than ever to new uploads from you guys.
I had one or two collections when younger of things like comics (I sold that when I went to college). Never anything permanent or purposeful. Recently, however, I deliberately started a collection of a specific character. At around 15 items, the collection is already comprehensive and complete and I’m very happy because I like the character and there isn’t endless merch of him.
Wonderful video! I've had to sell stuff I wanted. I never was able to go down your 2.0 road. My ex wife didn't understand my love for DC/Marvel and my desire to pose and display the heroes and villains. The Megos, Super Powers and Secret Wars long lost in previous moves, I built a nice 5" DC and Marvel collection as an adult, and when the scale went up to 6" I followed, eventually selling my entire 5" collection to make room and honestly, because I felt and still feel it's an upgrade. The ex always was upset and did guilt me into selling some, but after the divorce (for many reasons) I no longer have that problem. Now I continue my exclusively DC/Marvel collection, adding a few extra things that mean a lot. I just get what I love for pose/display purposes. Nothing in package and am very happy with the state of things. Anyway, wonderful video. Thanks for sharing!
I jsut got over my own "collection 2.0" phase. while i didnt buy everything in triplicate, i did buy a lot of stuff without rhyme nor reason. my colelction was beginning to over flow. and i had pieces that I dont even enjoy allover the house. i decided to trim it way down to just one franchise (tokusatsu) a few months back. sold off atleast 80% of the old collection by now.
I still have collection 1.0 Collection 2.0 too collection 3 is the problematic one. I went too far! But the thing is, this video didn't go too far and was well done. Good video/10
I don't have a collection anymore. I buy toys occasionally, sometimes for a video, sometimes I repaint them. But I realised that I get just as much enjoyment from going to a store and looking at the toys as I do from buying them and looking at them at home.
So agree with what is said here. I went down the path of collecting things that I wasn't into and that grew into a huge "worthless" collection to me. I sold off those bits and kept the rest. Feels so good to let them go at last. Thanks for sharing such a relatable video!
THANK YOU! i believe I'm in the collection 2.0 now and thinking and would love to shrink my collection because of space issues, no concrete line, juts collect anything i fancy. I really need to reinvent my collection. this video and your words helps me clear my mind.
I remember when my mom got rid of all my mint, gen 1, pokemon cards... when I told her that I could have payed off my debt and probably bought a house I think she felt worse then I did
True, but it is only worth what you can sell it for, I have tons of comics with value, according to price guides, but getting near what they are worth is a challenge and if you sell a portion and are left with the ones noone wants it's even worst
Genuinely made me reflect a little on my collection. I’ve been buying/building Gunpla for roughly 2 years now and I’ve installed shelves, emptied out space, and even just generally found random places to put them. I decided a little bit ago to cool it with buying them but this video really made me realize that I should stop for a while, I have many to build and I have a lot I need to find space for
dachicagoan That's definitely bad parenting, not the kid's fault. Nowadays the parents preffer to just give a phone or a console to their children as long as the thing keeps them distracted, so yeah, kids can't appreciate the stuff we give them to play because they aren't taught to.
It can work. My father lost his collection in a fire and my mother had all her toys given away without her consent. So, their children have almost every toy they ever owned. Our children now play with those toys. My child loves what I love. My husband calls it brain washing, I call it bonding. It is really up to you.
Man so much of this resonated with me. I’m glad to know my fellow collectors feel and experience the same struggles. Great video brother. Thanks for sharing with us.
As a wise man once said; The things you own end up owning you
Tyler Durden is a legend
That guy had herpes. That’s for life, yo!
Consuming can be consuming.
People opinion, wife, girlfriend, friends, parents, mainstream, all would end up owning you either.
Things are made for humans, and apreciated for its beauty, like art, cars, toys, coins.
If you are Weak and dumb enough, even your fucking will own you.
That is so true.
- "Why I sold my collection"
- Billions of figures in the background.
I loved this comment, but you really have to watch the video
Man, that cracked me up. Exactly what I was thinking every time i caught the background.
@@memorabiliaexpert I was thinking the same thing.
The "collection" and the collection are often 2 different things.
When my favorite toy company stop producing my favorite series of toys altogether, I only have one thing to say to it: Thank you for releasing me from my pain.
Which was it?
Oh my God that is poignant
Did your favorite toy company is toy biz
Mattel still make barbie! You'll be fine.
@@suhtangwong zing
I could never sell my toys because I have a unhealthy emotional attachment to them. Probably from a childhood full of neglect/abuse at home and bullying at school.
Sorry to hear that happened to you.
@@uphilliceskater thank you for being kind to me
I’m the same way, my collection was an escape from the real world bullshit
you are not alone, friend. i worked in a toy store for about a year and a half, i would say there are two kinds of people that would come through. those who grew up close to toys and stayed close to toys, and those who had toys and through whatever means, usually a parent throwing them away, lost them- and were trying to get that piece back. i think both paths tell a similar story. toy culture is very fascinating, we are more alike than we are different
@@teddaroski2677 Thank you, I agree!
I worked at Toys R Us when Gundam Wing model kits arrived. I literally spent my weekly paychecks on Gundam figures. Went broke for 3 months. At the time, I thought I was awesome but now I look back and realize how stupid I was. But when you're young and you live at home with your parents and pay no bills, anything was possible.
That’s so true 😂
I'm 2yrs late on this video and no idea if anyone will read this.
I wasnt/haven't been a "collector" since I was a kid. From my teens to my early 30s, I was a minimalist and in a sense, still am.
Because of Covid, around last September, I felt like I rewoken a beast when I purchased my first "toy"/lego set at Target out of boredom. I built the set, felt the rush, bought another, then started finding youtubers who reviewed and worse, did toy hunting videos.
More recently, I started getting into action figures like Black Series/Marvel Legends. I was finding my small studio apartment couldn't fit anything I was buying, I had a shopping addiction. I have roughly $2k+ worth of sealed Lego Sets still in their boxes and a way too many action figures than I initially intended to buy.
I decided to start returning/selling some excess and narrowing down the collection to things I really enjoy too. It's weird still wanting to have the minimalistic aesthetician while being a collector. I think the 2 can go hand in hand. Main thing is to focus on what is important to you and what brings you the most joy in life.
How are you doing now?
I'm in a similar place. Since the start of 2020 I have acquired a LOT of toys. Mainly Transformers (WFC) and NECA TMNT (toon and movie). Recently I've also been getting into Star Wars TVC and then there are bits and pieces from other franchises (Jurassic Park, GI Joe, Ghostbusters etc). The last few weeks I've come to realise I can barely move in my home "office". And do I really know or see half the items I have? I think there is some sort of addictive trait in there - always have to complete the good guy team, or the bad guy team. I am now contemplating selling off some of the collection and trying to narrow down what I want or need. Exactly as the guy in the video says. I.e. I don't need ALL the autobots, or 3 different versions of Optimus Prime. Just keep favourite or nostalgic characters and get rid of the rest. But taking that first step is difficult! But acknowledging there is a problem is the first step.
Can’t believe your comment , same thing happened to me . With the pandemic something inside of me pushed me to start to collect dragon ball . Im now collecting Black series and vintage star wars . I honestly was just trying to find another hunting toy video and came across this video . Im speeches of how I didn’t realize what i was getting my self into . I sort of not to that point were it’s necessary i buy when i can but this video , THIS COMMENT just scared the shit out of me lol . How are you doing now ? Update 2022?
@@marcosyong2488 terrible I collect more stuff now lol I'm riding the wave until I decide to sell everything
@@definitelynotnolan thanks for the comment man and the update too , hope everything works out for you . Really made me think twice now . I think im gonna slow down on my collection. Thanks for sharing again .
Every now and then, i rewatch this as it really resonates with me in regards to where i feel i am mentally heading towards as a collector. It's not out of hand yet but i find myself questioning whether im even collecting for myself anymore or "stocking" up towards a situation that will likely never even happen. This video deserves way more views.
True story - sold off my comic collection years ago. About 10-15 years later I was renting a house and about ready to move out because the owner was planning to sell. Some things had been stored there by the owner. They said "Just clean stuff out if you can. If it's something you want, keep it, if not, throw it out." Well the landlady was pretty cool so my roomies and I decided that sure we'd clean the place out before we moved out to make it easier for her to sell. There... In a closet full of worthless paperback books, broken electronics, and various junk were 2 boxes... WITH MY OLD COMIC COLLECTION! You can not understand that feeling of finding a thing you'd regretted getting rid of years prior. I was so fortunate. Moral of the story? There isn't one. I was lucky. 😂
That must have felt incredible! I have uncovered long lost things before, and the magical wonder and fortune are something special and also something that no one else can understand.
The comics choses you!
WOW! What a wild story. So amazing. I keep dreaming I will re-find a box of beautifully painted Warhammer 40K models stolen from my last house when I was moving.
This video spoke to me on many levels. I went through the exact same stages. I like to use the term "Cherry pick" now for my collection going forward. I have to admit a collection is more impactful to yourself when its filled completely with things you absolutely love as opposed to having to have it there because it is part of the set. The single characters are what bring most nostalgia, not always the entirety of the collection. Great vid!
That's a smart idea. You're going to do fine. Learning to see the items, that people will want to have, in the future. it's simply the best strategy. This skill will take you far. U Don't need a ton of money to play with the Big Boys.
This kinda describes me now. It definitely helps with my chosen property (Tokusatsu in general). To see a figure at first, and not really be into the design, but watch the show or movie then cherry pick the more memorable characters is a joy. It’s even better when you see other similar collections, noticing differences in what made that collectors cut as opposed to your own. This really is a good time to be a collector.
HardCorllector I do the same thing I just buy what I like instead of entire waves with 50% of figs I don't want much more gratification in buying what I want saving money and space
The 'collect-them-all' attitude is the enemy of wall spaces and bank accounts everywhere!
That is a great way to look at it, "cherry pick". My batman collection includes things that are interesting to me the batman figures that are unique to me, as a collector. I always did the cherry pick thing with my figure collecting. When I was heavy into game collecting, it was everything on Xbox and GameCube. I had damn near a complete GameCube collection and a fairly decent xbox collection. Those are my two favorite consoles. Working at GameStop at the time didn't help. Flipping games, games being brought into the store where people had no idea what they had (was always fair and let them know the value or what to do with it) to do with GameCube games once we stop taking them. I looked at my collection one day and realized that half the games in the library I didn't like or haven't even played. I cherry picked what meant something to me or what I would actually played and got rid of the rest of it. You're right there is more to collecting when every piece you enjoy or you know a story about it personally.
I keep coming back to this. This might be the most essential toy collecting video Dan has ever put on TH-cam. And no matter how long ago it was filmed --- it will always be relevant for someone at some point in their collecting journey. Thank you Dan.
After moving several times, and then having kids of my own, I decided to pare down my various collections. Some things of were sold, others donated. Marie Kondo's quotes on discarding things that do not bring you joy really changed my perspective on collecting. By asking myself if a particular toy/game/whatever brings me joy or not, it was easy to part with a lot of them.
My collection (used to) grow whenever stressors in my life reached an overwhelming level. The way I manage it, is by reverting back to my childhood and dive in to all things nostalgic. By removing myself mentally from those stressors, I am able to manage them much easier however, in the beginning it was just watching videos, old cartoons, and toy commercials on TH-cam and channels like yours, or purchasing a random retro toy catalog on eBay or a cool find at a yard sale. Before I knew it, those stress relievers were becoming expensive! The pandemic isnt helping matters either, but Im showing restraint, lol
Hope its been working out! I know it can be a struggle
I revisit this video whenever I feel like I'm slipping down the rabbit hole of collecting. Thanks Dan for always reminding us why we loved collecting in the first place.
„I’m not an addict, I could’ve stopped anytime“
- every addict ever
I took my collection through the weeding process and created a business selling toys. I buy stuff I like, put a price on it and get to keep it and look at it till it sells. Then I buy more. An ever repeating loop that I throughly enjoy.
When it comes to selling, I factor in 2 things:
- how replaceable is the piece
- how happy it would make the buyer to own it
Solid advice 🙏
I sold my children
I m trying to....
Yeah, but iam returning your children! they crap at cooking and not to mention the shit a job they did at cleaning my car. Not as advertised, I will do a charge back if you do not respond
Mighty Raccoon guess they WERE so cute you could eat em alive
Yeah about that, can I get a refund?
I sold both my dogs :P
I went through a huge personality crisis several years ago and vowed to limit my collecting to just Spider-Man (with extremely rare exceptions for really cool Star Wars, Batman, & pop culture items). Even with Spider-Man, I only get it if I'm at that point where I go "I gotta have it!" I don't just get everything with Spider-Man on it.
The Sean Ward Show I'm going through that now. Sticking mostly to Spider-Man, Batman and Dragon Ball. With a few exceptions.
Wondering where you fell on Web-Man...
I did this last year. As the best decision I've ever made. My collection is very focused now.
I cleared out a whole room in my house.
It’s really about holding onto your youth and that feeling of being a kid. It reminds you of an easier time when you had very little cares in the world. I did the same recently, purging most stuff I’ve held onto for years just because it reminded me of simpler times. Now I just have a very small amount of keepsakes that actually have true meaning and tell a story.
Indeed there must be a psychological thing in the background behind at least some, if not most of collecting. I "finally" bought a Robocop into my hoarder's glass cabinet just because I did not get one as a kid for christmas way back then.
I to had to thin out my collection When i realized there's a fine line between collecting and hoarding
There's not a fine line, it's just hard to resist going from one to the other.
I’ve revisited this video several times over the past couple of years, and I finally did the same to my collection. It was really out of necessity for more space, but I realized as I was pruning the collection that it was very liberating. I got rid of a lot of stuff that was purchased from an addictive perspective instead of something I really wanted. My collection is now full of things that I really like, and that is all I add to it now, which has increased my enjoyment tenfold. Thanks for the inspiration!
“Collecting” to me is something I did when it was hard to collect things. Before the internet, and it was really an accomplishment to find something. And it wasn’t always just a matter of having money to do it. I used to collect sugar packets as a kid. Every restaurant I’d go to is take a sugar packet home with me. I had a move ticket stub collection. A box of them, every time I went to movies I kept it and it had the date, time, show and place on it. Now I grow up and people “collect” funkopops or just basically stuff that is more just a matter of “ok, I can afford another one, click the buy now button.” I never felt l in a this was “collecting”. I know it sounds like gatekeeping or an old person dumping on different times. I don’t know. Collections are great reflections of us, and there’s something to be said about a collection that was actually sought out vs something that you just went online and bought from the same place over and over again.
Man, you are speaking to my heart and wallet...thank you for sharing this! You break down the psychology of what so many of us have gone through beautifully...and articulate a happier, healthier goal. Sounds strange, but you made my day because I feel a stronger sense of direction about/for my collection than I ever have.
Sold my Entire GI Joe RAH collection when I went off to college in 1990. I. Had. Everything. Sold it for 900.00 dollars. I’ve regretted it ever since.
Dan, I’m always amazed at the professional production of your videos.
This one in particular hit a note with me and has given me clarity with regards to my incessant need for stuff!
Wonderful stuff, keep it up my friend!
Agreed! I'm fairly new to the channel, but right now Dan is my favorite YT show host, just so much fun to listen to & watch.
this could be a good TEDtalks' speech
Always have to keep in mind, whatever you sell you can always buy back later. Can't be too attached, especially if collecting starts impacting you negatively.
I love this video so much. It really was something of a gut punch from reality as to what a collection could end up being: bloated and wasteful. It's so easy to let yourself go nuts and try to justify it.
I love how you ended with your new mentality: collect things that you really love, that mean a lot to you, that brings you joy and not just for the sake of some arbitrary goal of collecting.
As usual, keep up the good work. This is a great channel.
As a collector, a lot of this really resonated with me especially about the FOMO and the ever justifying growing of the collection and having to own multiple copies and the running out of space and the addictive qualities of it. I appreciate how honest and upfront you were about it. It can very, very easily get out of hand but it's also one of life's pleasures for those with a collector's heart (like myself) so finding the right balance for you is key.
You are a very eloquent speaker. I really appreciate that about your channel
Thank you very much.
This is the best advice for any collector. Great video.
I lost 95% of my G.I. Joe collection to a fire back in 2014. Before then my collection consisted of anything and everything that I was able to find that had the G.I. Joe logo. I started the collection in 1982. After the fire I was done collecting. A few years later I missed it and so I began to re-evaluate what I collected and why. It was fun and brought me joy. I have since returned to collecting G.I. Joe and while it is a slow process to find items I lost, I am enjoying it more than the first time around. Part of what I enjoy is the sharing of information about the hobby and that brought me to TH-cam earlier this year. Thank you for your videos. I have enjoyed your channel a lot.
MacDowin very adaptable and positive outlook.
Sorry to hear about the fire but it sound like you were able to salvage some good from it.
MacDowin have my toy collection with damaged bad by water in stock because of a fire about 3 weeks ago. Depressing. Not sure how I plan on going about it once my house is rebuilt. So I can get your story here I'm glad to see it... Not glad for your Misfortune back then though of course
housefire Barbecue is priceless
Watched this because thinking to slow down on my toy collecting. My toy collecting became worse after I started ordering online. In the past I only bought from stores, and if the stores didn't have the figure, I had no way of buying it. It is tough, but I will start trying from today. Hopefully in 2024 I will be able to control my collecting
I totally understand you. Before the internet we all thought everything was never going to be re made. And so here we are 2018. Wow Sometimes I long for the simplicity of my younger years.
It's a great and terrible time to be alive.
This video helped me "reassess" my collection.
I originally set out to collect 90's X-Men and Batman the Animated Series figures but It quickly grew into Spiderman and Avengers figures too.
I sold everything off but what I had originally intended to collect and now my collection feels much more complete and affordable to maintain.
Thanks for making this video. You saved me a lot of money and anxiety while making collecting enjoyable again.
My childhood collection is long gone and scattered to the winds. In my mid-20s I acquired a handful of figures, but after a year or two I gave all those away. Ten years later I began my collection 3.0. It's all figures I had as a kid and loved, figures I wanted, and a few modern figures like Black Series and that Robocop/Terminator hybrid. My collection is focused just on what I love, and nothing else.
I think I have reached the end of my nostalgia. I'm so thirsty for something new.
The obvious solution to accumulating more stuff is to get a bigger house. When I die, my collection will be buried with me like an Egyptian pharaoh, and I will play with them for eternity in the afterlife.
When I was in Marine Corp boot camp my dad sold my collections. That consisted of pretty much every Star Wars figure, vehicle, play set, diorama, mail in limited editions, collectors cases, t shirts, bed sheets, comforters, curtains and desk made from A New Hope to Return of the Jedi. This was thousands and thousands to include a Star Destroyer that took up my entire bedroom and had to be raised and lowered on a set of pulleys. It was so big I could dock a Tie Fighter, Vaders Fighter, the Tie Advanced Intercepter, Tie Bomber, Millennium Falcon, an X wing, A wing, B Wing, Cloud Car in its hanger as well as an AT AT ans AT ST if the legs were folded under them. I had never seen anything like it till I got it and have not since. Granted I was a kid and my mom and dad financed all of that collection.
GI Joe consisted of every comic book from #1 to the last issue I purchased in 1990 3 days before leaving for boot camp. All of the 3 3/4 tall action figures released from 1994 to 1990.
The third collection sold that darkened my dad's drive way and yard. 1975 Dodge Dart Swinger Gold with black vinyl 3/4 top with a 318ci, auto trans modified with 340 heads. Headers, posi rear end, 1968 Plymouth Barracuda Fast Back Big Bid Yellow changed from a 318ci to a 426 big block hemi with a B&M shirt stack blower, 2 holley 750cfm carbs, headers, 4 speed Trans with pistol grip shifter, 8 poing roll cage, high Cowell hood. 1970 Dodge Chalkenger road runner green340ci 6 pack carbs, 4 speed Trans with pistol grip shifter all stock. In the yard 426 hemi, 2ea 383 Magnum, multiple sets Mopar wheels, a rolling Super Bird Shell with no motor from the Hurtz Rent a Racer fleet.
All there when I left in June gone when I came home in Sept.
Every time I consider selling my collection (it happens to us all) I find figures that I love to pieces or had forgot about and can't let go. Can't believe your dad is snake eyes from gi Joe. That's pretty Cool!
DeckyStrikesBack Did Dan follow in his parents footsteps join the first order and become a silent ninja
And those special ones are the ones you hang onto. It's the other stuff that it's ok to let go.
DeckyStrikesBack I can't believe he had a grown man head as a kid. Lol
His Dad is Snake Eyes from the movie G.I. Joe?!?! I thought Ray Park was Snake Eyes in that movie?....o_0
How is that possible. ..his dad has to be 60
This conversation definitely helped me reevaluate my situation. I can’t stop collecting videogames. I know I need to chill out. Thank you very much for the perspective and insight.
I loved how Dan told his own story with the same intonation he uses with the rest of the videos.
Very important lessons for collectors. You have to take the time to curate your collection and decide what you want it to be, otherwise it will become unwieldy and unmanageable. Not to mention financially unsustainable
Sometimes I see other click bait-y TH-camrs who start to talk about quitting their (a little intense) collecting habits...only to double down for the LoLs and say they'll be collecting til they die and they'll never stop.
That's why every once in a while, I revisit this video to hear something more rational and logical.
I needed this. Thank you. I've got a lot of reflecting and considering to do
This is perhaps your best video. I collected SciFi memorabilia for over 3 decades and in the last year I sold most of it off.. I kept the things I made myself and let almost everything else go. It was liberating. The people who have the items now are happier, and I am happier for letting them go.
Currently selling my collection except the comic movie figs, power rangers, and transformers. I’d like to say this video really gave me perspective on how far I’ve gone during this long expensive journey of collecting. Also collecting at the high paced level I’ve achieved has awarded me little to nothing in life and should not be as big a part of my life as it is. Hope no one else is finding themselves upside down this far into addiction as I find myself now.
I realize I'm finding my self at this point in my life. I'm having to cum to terms with having to let go and say good-by to the mass of stuff I have collected.
Thank you for making this video. I’ve been struggling with what to do with my collection these past couple of weeks. I moved a few months ago so I had practically all of my figures boxed up and now that I’ve gotten some cabinets to display them in my new apartment I’ve honestly been feeling a little overwhelmed with how much stuff I’ve actually accumulated throughout the years. I got myself a few detours thinking that should just about cover it but I filled them all up and still have so many boxes. And this comes after I sold off 90% of a sub collection (amiibo) because my roommate already had the same exact ones. I’ve considered just selling it all but I feel like I’d regret that down the line or that I’d feel all the years I’ve spent collecting so far was just a waste. But downsizing seems like it’s the right move. I just need to figure out what stays and what goes. Thanks Dan!
I actually had nightmares about loosing my figure collection it ruins my day when I think about it.
King Zacka same😖💔
Be careful not to get TOO attached.
King Zacka try having a House fire... And have your toys damaged... That's where I'm at right now. It's kind of a nightmare
King Zacka it happened to me too. I lost all my moc ringside exclusive figures (I had 3 of each same as him) it really saddened me
@@SecretGalaxyTV o
I have been kinda avoiding this video for a while. I didn't want to feel bad for collecting again. Man, I couldn't have been more wrong. Talk about a big deep breath of balance. This was great. I could see a lot of myself in the different 'acts'. Thank you, Dan!
The singular moment that made me change the way I collected Transformers... The Lego movie. Will Ferrell as the dad to be specific. I was becoming him. So I changed. My kids go hunting with me. They get pieces as well. It's now about family.
awesome! i'd picked up one of those TRU radio flyer landspeeders when the priced dropped thinking that i'd sell it around xmas time or just keep it. ...or since i'm older i thought i would give it to some woman's (eventually i'll start dating again, lol) grandkid and be like a hero to him. hey, since i don't have kids of my own maybe at least *one* kid will remember me, lol.
I do that with my kid (elementary aged) with comics. My stuff gets bagged & boarded, but it breaks my heart a touch when I see one of his #1's folded in half with part of the cover ripped off laying under his bed. But it is his book to do whatever with & I know it was read dozens of times more than I ever read my books.
Collecting Transformers became SO much more fun when I got my niece involved in it. I put on the G1 cartoon as background noise one day and noticed that she'd camped out and watched all of season 1 and 2! That's all it took, she was bit by the bug. Now we make a weekly trip into town to see what we can find at retail or antique stores. She's even more adamant about it than I am sometimes!
You are so right about that when you said, "It is now about family."
Ha, I think that hit home for a lot of collectors with kids
This video REALLY hit close to home. I absolutely loved every word.
I think I'm personally on collection "2.5" if I were to compare my experience to yours. There was a point where the collection ballooned way beyond my needs, wants, desires, and financial responsibility. I sold pretty much all of it as well. Since then - I reassessed and bought some of it back. And while I'm doing my best of sticking to only the things I love and can afford, I occasionally find myself reverting back to that old "completionist" mentality and have to do a hard gut-check.
I aspire to reach full-on Phase 3.0 eventually. And I thank you for showing us fellow collectors that it is definitely achievable.
I did the same thing. I bought tons of Gijoes and it got out of hand. I eventually sold almost my whole collection in 2008. except for a few figures I loved. just recently I decided to rebuy some of my figures but Only the ones I really like. I didnt care about getting every figure made anymore.
gearing up to sell my 'star wars' 6" black series. it was fun when i started about 3 years ago, and it cost a pretty penny getting up to par with most everyone else. but, i'm somewhat of a completist and inbox, not to mention the hunt is a huge part of the fun for me.
problem is hasblo is coming out with just too much stuff, i can't keep up. i think in 2019 they had something like 62 releases, and by the end of this year probably closer to 70. a lot of retailers just aren't stocking them well in my area, and walmart just quit having them altogether. while it was always a challenge to get the new stuff to begin with, online hasn't made it any easier between all the exclusives and new figs which are snapped up within seconds by bots, scalpers, and other collectors. counting on hasblo pulse to have their act together is like hoping today will be good beach weather at the north pole.
then if you do get it in the first round of pickings, hopefully it's not packaged by an ape. being inbox, the condition of the package is everything, but amazon is almost a guaranteed disaster. then you order something that's on back order for four months and start seeing it on shelves by then. that's if your order isn't cancelled. it's almost worth paying an extra ten bucks to a dealer to get it in good condition and reasonably on time after a month or so. that's okay, i'm so far behind that i'm about a year behind anyway.
retailers are clearing beginning to give up handing over shelf space for bullshit product that collects dust unless it's a hot ticket item which are hard to get in the store. because most stores have an automatic re-ordering system and department managers who just couldn't give a shit, the inability to sell ten rose ticos prevent new orders.
it's all heading to online collecting, but that's a fucking mess, too. one person in one of my collecting groups said they have *41* BS figures in his queue he's waiting on, a lot of the pre-orders (which is yet another layer of bullshit right there).
wheeeeeeee!!!
yeah, i'm bitching about it, so what? the bottom line is it's just no fun anymore. i can't afford to keep up, fed up with online bullshit and not knowing if, when, or what condition you'll get it, always hated exclusives and there just seems to be more of those, i have other shit to do in life than dedicate it to collecting online and being in the right place at the right time just for the slim *chance* of getting something the very second it's released, and while there being a challenge to it doesn't turn me off, it's to the point where what they do/don't do and how they do it is going to drive no small amount of collectors out of the game.
i recently found a probot on the shelf, much to my shock, and it's a great figure. i set it back down because my heart just wasn't in it. that's when i knew i was done.
The hobby is so much more fun at Collection 3.0.
lol, I more just meant the general attitude of 3.0 as opposed to the amount of times unloading. If 3.0 is fluid enough a full unload hopefully shouldn't happen. *crosses fingers*
my collection 3.0 is the highest level of collecting ive ever been in my whole life. this version has a form, unity, character to it, my previews collections were merely a replication of what i wanted today. thanks to the ever growing toy/model community it boosted my confidence into revising my whole view of what i want in my collection. i mainly collect gundams but to compensate for for the lack of other robots i cheat here and there making excuses like “megaman can fit in with these” “a little revoltech wouldnt hurt” “what a great price im going to buy this evangelion figure”. i started my collection 3.0 with the mindset of strictly 1/100 gundam mastergrades. now its a mix of both 1/100 model kits - 1/144 scale figures.
I am at 3.0 not. I stopped buying every legends. I now buy figures representing my childhood only and buy BAFs.
Wow! Dan ,you just showed what every collector has gone through bro ,I sold my collection due to lack of space ,but watching your video ,maybe I'll get back into it ,great video bro.
I still remember when I remember my older brother sold his collection of Jim Lee X-Men cards in the early 90's of which a considerable sum of it was bought with part of my money that I won from an art contest. And he sold it for a like, cheap so he could buy more Image titles. It was my money, but it wasn't my collection... but up to now I still feel the sting.
From South America, collecting is a lot more expensibe here. Nostalgia drove me towards collecting three months ago. You really helped me to skip stages, focus to save cash, and be happy collecting. Thank you a lot.
"How far will you go to justify that something should be a part of your collection just to be able to add to your collection". I'll have to keep that in mind.
Robert Chisholm Ditto
Mighty Raccoon I know. I just came to me while I was watching this video.
I went without food one week to buy I figured. Well I had some crackers, a couple of eggs a half a bag of potatoes and a can of Viana sausages, but I was starving by the following Friday. Nothing wrong with a little sacrifice once in a while, LOL
In fact I’m selling my Star Wars Collection tomorrow and this review helps me a great deal . Thank You !!!
This is the realest shit
Thew Adams : high praise indeed.
Thew Adams keeping it real on a toygalaxy vid with limited appeal?
My man!
Yes it is
Well said, and well executed right to the point!!! Every toy collector or just collector of things can relate to this topic!!! Thanks, Toy Galaxy!!! AKA " Dan Larson!!! Sincerely Thanks!!!! Love your dry sense of humor of your channel!!! That's what keeps me coming back to every episode of Toy Galaxy to see the next topic!!!
I’ve only been a serious collector for a few years, so I’ve not yet reached the point where I’ve had to sell anything. Having said that though, I do have a mental checklist of which toys I’d happily sell to make room for new stuff, and which ones are going to be in my life forever.
I sold my whole collection like ten year's ago. Took up the whole guest room and garage. But just recently started collecting again & am just getting what i like when i can afford it sensibly. Started with a custom Thundarr. I feel this time around the game room will be enough to display a new collection. I'll also give toys away to family, grandkids etc. to make room for new one's. Love the video, great share.
I sold my collection due to lack of space issues and like letting go of an old relationship. Big mistake to this day I still look back at the good old days.
Thanks for posting this video, as I found it cathartic as I'm in the middle of selling off part of my collection do to financial reasons. But seeing your video and taking a look at my collection, I could solace that I did exactly loose sight of why I was collecting and rationalizing purchases of "I need this figure because..." when I did not need to. Now that I'm culling my collection, I'm regaining on what means the most to me and what I can kiss goodbye knowing that I'll never have a "complete collection."
What a wonderful video Dan!
Thank you.
Collections can be an opressive burden. I have an obsessive personality and I'm glad to have recognized it early. Whenever I get into things like books or Black Series Star Wars or Lego, I use a lot of restrant to only purchase what I love most from those series. It hurts to pass especially on items that I like a lot, but it's ultimately better to cherrypick. It's healthier and you feel less burdened by stuff, less suffocated, and ultimately happier because you genuinely love everything in it.
This video helped me more than I could ever say! Thank you!!!
Jason Quane I think this video helped me too. I now know what direction I want to take my collection.
Glad we could help.
I just sold my collection. So much of what you’ve said is exactly how I felt. Thank you Dan! I’ll still watch your channel because it’s fun!!
Never sell your collection. Just get rid of things here and there.
That's what I have done.
Ha haaa, that was great TG! That served as a warning to me as my collection is small but already diverging & I could see my future in this great little vid. Thanks for the advice dude & good luck with staying on point.
Yes. I've lost my collection twice. The first occasion happened when I left home at 18. Pretty much every toy I had ever owned was lost overnight. I was only able to spare my recent collection of Marvel Legends waves 1, 2, 3, & 4. At the time, those were the only waves available from Toy Biz. But, I was smitten and knew I couldn't part with the fantastic new line. Everything else that I had left at home with my parents (mostly the toys I grew up with) was gone in less than a year. By that point, I was already working my first job and my collection of Toy Biz Marvel Legends was extra special to me. It was an accomplishment and symbolized something I had truly worked for. It was something my parents didn't help me cultivate. And it was Marvel! As I struck out on my own I spent nearly every spare cent collecting Legends from Walmart, Target, and KB Toys. I had all but the most rare of legends figures twice. Naturally, one figure was to pose on the shelf and the duplicate was to hang boxed on the wall. Rather redundant really. I told myself I was making an investment in my future. And as I worked towards my Bachelors Degree, I continued this questionable practice. Then news came that Toy BIz was done and Hasbro was taking over. And after the Annihilus Wave and Blob Wave of Hasbro Legends, and the company's seeming preference for smaller scale Marvel toys, I assumed the Legends line was nearly done for. With college graduation around the corner, I sold all of my figures, and their duplicates, (except the X-Men) at convention and made enough money to buy a (then) $500 PlayStation 3 and some starting games and accessories. That was it. My years of investment turned into less than $1000 worth of fun in one weekend. I was ready to move and leave collecting in the past. I thought my collection was the biggest thing I had ever seen. The biggest collector achievement I would ever accomplish. And for a few years, that was it. Then, Marvel Legends came back in 2012. I started with Hope Summers, the latest X-Character to hit the line at the time. I was hooked, lined, and sunk all over again. I now own more Marvel Legends then I ever did in the Toy Biz days. Easily triple the numbers. It's been a crazy obsession. And up until last year, I had to be a completionist again. But now with my collection of nearly 400 Legends figures, I've decided it's OK to just collect the ones I really want. And I'm happy. I'm happier now as a collector than I ever have been.
Thanks for sharing guys. This is one of the most sentimental videos you've done yet. And it struck a cord with me. All the best. -Rob
Nic Gresham It’s me! A digitally hand drawn and colored picture of me. :D
I love your minimates reviews!
Jacob Choe Thank You! That’s my ‘other’ collection I started after leaving home. Though not quite as prolific. And much easier to find storage for! I never found the need to sell those.
Rob Pollock Thanks for sharing. I was a 14 year old going on 18 when I sold a bunch of LJN wrestling figures for $20. It was a great collection, but I wanted a couple silly cassettes, which eventually led to another collection. I'm back on WWE figures, and I'm getting a little more selective now.
Thanks Dan! This video was great. I'm just getting back into collecting Star Wars. When I was younger in the 90s my collecting was very unfocused, but now I'm letting go of some of those pieces and making my collection more focused on my actual interests. Thanks for the encouragement!
I sold almost everything when we I got married. We had no savings for a wedding, honeymoon, and starter items like furniture/plates/etc. For ten years never bought anything since the discretionary income simply wasn't there. Last year (about 15 years since we got married) I asked my wife if we could talk. We're not rich but we're doing OK. I told her how much I missed that part of my life. I don't golf, buy expensive clothes, or things many other adults do with money. I asked if I could re-buy some comics and plastic. She agreed I can have 75.00 a month to do whatever.
@Simon Turpin well we've been happily married for almost 18 years and many of my friends are sadly divorced so it works for us
This is peak cringe. You shouldn't need to ask your wife for permission to do something harmless for yourself with your own money. This is insanity.
Some of us have to understand that once you get in a married relationship, not every decision is your own. His wife knows that his hobby is a part of his life and is something he enjoys, but knows that it can get very pricy and that they still have to be financially stable. But you also have to be in the same position with your wife, does she have a monthly allowance for her money? A marriage has to be equal throughout it for it to continue, hope you and your wife the best and have fun collecting again!
@@mercy7364 I am married too. It hasn't affected my hobby whatsoever and won't because I found someone who respects what I enjoy and who I am as I do for her in return. If someone tries to change you from harmless things you enjoy, that is not a healthy relationship.
You're a legend, Dan. I bet you had multiple storage barns, possibly even the parents' basement, storing 2.0. I'm jealous, but also damn glad I never had that much of a collection :)
I was started when I was a kid an on sale collector.
Just buy anything half decent and kinda like at discounted price.
So I ended up with just the bad guys for a series.
I grew older and now I just collect what I like at reasonable price.
So a lot of secondhand and discounted items. Rarely new items.
Since I open all my toys and don't plan to sell anything.
I've been a collector of many things throughout my life. I'm 27, but now I'm realizing my limits and I need to enjoy my collection and the thrill of the hunt. Thank you for this insightful video.
I’m at this point. I just woke up one day, looked around the collection room, and felt numb.
The feeling comes back. Don' make the mistake of giving away everything.
A few years back I gave away the majority of my collection, some stuff I even threw in the garbage. I was just so overwhelmed by it that the thought of trying to sell it seemed like to much of a hassle. While I do regret giving away some things, for the most part I felt like it was the best decision for me.
I sold my toy collection about 6-7 years ago and don't collect any longer mainly because I have other hobbies that take up the little bit of free space and money that my kids have not managed to consume. I collected late 70's through late 80's action figures with a ton of carded figures. The greater percentage of my loose figures were complete and my G.I Joe collection was pretty impressive.
In addition to the space and money issue I started having figures break just from picking the dang things up. I also had the bubbles falling off of a few carded figures. I began to have nightmares about picking up one of my rare Joes only to see stress cracks on his elbows or have the crotch fall off. These are not worries a grown man should have :)
Yep. I had MOC POTF2 Luke Jedi that was only available in theaters when ROTJ Special Edition. I took exceptional care of that thing and the bubble just slid right off of it one day.
I applied this mindset to my current project, creating scenery and boats for a "short stories series" my daughter and I started. I know have an amazing lineup of creations and a focus for the project over a long term stand. Thanks Dan!!
Good for you Dan. However, almost fainted when I read the title of this video believing it to the end of ToyGalaxy.
With this obviously not being the case, I am now Looking forward more than ever to new uploads from you guys.
The end of Collection 2.0 was like 10 years ago. I've been in 3.0 for a while. Long since before the show started. We're not going anywhere.
I had one or two collections when younger of things like comics (I sold that when I went to college). Never anything permanent or purposeful. Recently, however, I deliberately started a collection of a specific character. At around 15 items, the collection is already comprehensive and complete and I’m very happy because I like the character and there isn’t endless merch of him.
YOU WERE THE CHOSEN ONE
You were supposed to bring characters to you collection...
Not sell them for profit!
Wonderful video! I've had to sell stuff I wanted. I never was able to go down your 2.0 road. My ex wife didn't understand my love for DC/Marvel and my desire to pose and display the heroes and villains. The Megos, Super Powers and Secret Wars long lost in previous moves, I built a nice 5" DC and Marvel collection as an adult, and when the scale went up to 6" I followed, eventually selling my entire 5" collection to make room and honestly, because I felt and still feel it's an upgrade. The ex always was upset and did guilt me into selling some, but after the divorce (for many reasons) I no longer have that problem. Now I continue my exclusively DC/Marvel collection, adding a few extra things that mean a lot. I just get what I love for pose/display purposes. Nothing in package and am very happy with the state of things. Anyway, wonderful video. Thanks for sharing!
I jsut got over my own "collection 2.0" phase.
while i didnt buy everything in triplicate, i did buy a lot of stuff without rhyme nor reason.
my colelction was beginning to over flow. and i had pieces that I dont even enjoy allover the house.
i decided to trim it way down to just one franchise (tokusatsu) a few months back.
sold off atleast 80% of the old collection by now.
I currently own somewhere around $75000 worth of Pokémon cards, and no plans of selling anytime soon. That’s memories right there.
I still have collection 1.0
Collection 2.0 too
collection 3 is the problematic one. I went too far! But the thing is, this video didn't go too far and was well done. Good video/10
Triple T I say the video didn’t go too far enough!
I don't have a collection anymore. I buy toys occasionally, sometimes for a video, sometimes I repaint them. But I realised that I get just as much enjoyment from going to a store and looking at the toys as I do from buying them and looking at them at home.
I never sell any of my collection...just add...I can't get myself to part with anything I own and have no desire to
You arent at that point yet.
It will come eventually.
Its just stuff.
So agree with what is said here. I went down the path of collecting things that I wasn't into and that grew into a huge "worthless" collection to me. I sold off those bits and kept the rest. Feels so good to let them go at last. Thanks for sharing such a relatable video!
One time I had to sell my body so I could keep collecting...😞
Wtf ya'll
worth it!
Been there bro. Smh
How much?
Not enough unfortunately...😔
Rebuilding my collection after selling off most of it was way more fun than acquiring it the first time. And much more focused!
Great one Dan! I recently went down just to legends, mostly X-Men cause it just got way to pricey
Hard to keep up at $20+ per figure.
THANK YOU! i believe I'm in the collection 2.0 now and thinking and would love to shrink my collection because of space issues, no concrete line, juts collect anything i fancy. I really need to reinvent my collection. this video and your words helps me clear my mind.
I remember when my mom got rid of all my mint, gen 1, pokemon cards... when I told her that I could have payed off my debt and probably bought a house I think she felt worse then I did
True, but it is only worth what you can sell it for, I have tons of comics with value, according to price guides, but getting near what they are worth is a challenge and if you sell a portion and are left with the ones noone wants it's even worst
Genuinely made me reflect a little on my collection. I’ve been buying/building Gunpla for roughly 2 years now and I’ve installed shelves, emptied out space, and even just generally found random places to put them. I decided a little bit ago to cool it with buying them but this video really made me realize that I should stop for a while, I have many to build and I have a lot I need to find space for
Sell my collection? Man I hope never :P I want to give it all to my son and daughter :D put on a museum idk.... sell is the last thing I want
dachicagoan That's definitely bad parenting, not the kid's fault. Nowadays the parents preffer to just give a phone or a console to their children as long as the thing keeps them distracted, so yeah, kids can't appreciate the stuff we give them to play because they aren't taught to.
Let's hope you don't HAVE to. But if you decide to, it's because you want to.
Preach, brother!
It can work. My father lost his collection in a fire and my mother had all her toys given away without her consent. So, their children have almost every toy they ever owned. Our children now play with those toys. My child loves what I love. My husband calls it brain washing, I call it bonding. It is really up to you.
Man so much of this resonated with me. I’m glad to know my fellow collectors feel and experience the same struggles.
Great video brother. Thanks for sharing with us.