You nailed this. My entire collection was created honoring the young kid that wasn’t able to afford the things the other kids had. And now, the chase, the pride and the excitement are what keeps me going. Shout out to all of the fellow collectors out there.
Appreciate you, I try to keep it as real and grounded as possible. Every time I pick something up it's like I can feel that younger me inside like.... yeah that one!
Yup that was me, one at a time if there was extra money..... and I had to be good the whole time. There was no such thing as building a collection. I used to look at the back of the box and "wish" lol.
@@ClevasMultiverse I had that flashback back when you said eating cereal watching Saturday morning cartoons. I had one cousin who lived on Long Island who had everything that ever came out. I told myself one day.......Now I send that same cousin pictures of my collection and he's like "Damn!"
Most of us in the 80s-90s had the occassional Gi Joe..Transformers..He-Man..Tmnt figures...but not all of them as later on as an adult with new releases of those lines!
Just wanted to say thank you. You named a few reasons why enjoy this hobby. Growing up I couldn't afford everything that I might have seen on TV, but with me working and toy companies cranking out everything "retro", I now have a better chance of getting the toys that I want. Keep up the great videos
I'm 50 and I started my serious collection just 5 years ago. Besides enjoying the thrill to collect all these figures I always wondering what I'm doing it now. Looking to your video brings some clarity, because I thought that the passing of my beloved mother lead me to collecting, since she was the one that always made some sacrifices to get me some figures when a was a kid. Besides my grieving in some degree, now I can identify myself with some of the reasons you gave. Thank you. Awesome video!
Wow, thank you for sharing. I would not be surprised if figures remind you of your mother if she was the one who used to get them for you and especially if she was sacrificing to make it happen. This hobby helps to keep memories alive. I appreciate you taking the time to comment. Thanks!
This genuinely one of the most real videos I've seen about collecting and that point about creating the childhood you never had hit me as well as the point of having that space you can go to escape, relax and be proud in yourself.
I appreciate that. I was deff talking from my experience and what I believe to be true. I extremely glad that it was able to connect! Thank you for commenting!
You ain't never lied. Youngest of 9 kids over here. I used to comb through the neighbors when i was in my single digits looking for aluminum cans cuz each one equaled a nickel. I brought every single one of the few figures I had: 4 gi joes, 1 Constructicon, 1 secret wars Captain America, and that mini voltron with the pull back & go lions. All that from getting every single beer and soda can I could find. Taught me how to grind & hustle. The foundation for my having the lifestyle I have now for me and my family. So, do I also build that childhood for me now as an old head? Hail yeah, I do! Great video man.
You see how these figures hold more value then people realize? You just reminded me about the constructobots and the Voltron's, I remember those. You just gave me flashbacks. The way they hold those memories for you is epic too. Look how detailed you can remember it. There are not many things that can do that for us. They even sound like they started your maturity as far as saving, grinding and hustling. These are the things that I think about when people say they are just "TOYS", it's way deeper than that! Thank you for sharing your story!
You are speaking so much sense in this video. I am a first-time viewer bro, but I am gonna chuck a like and subscribe because the passion for collecting deserves a following.
Great points and insight. Hit on a lot of reasons I relate with and I'm sure many others do too. My top 5: 1. Escapism - Takes me back to a better time and/or makes me feel better...comfort zone. 2. Nostalgia - Getting figures, vehicles I never could get but wanted, but also getting the ones I did have that are redone so well is just such a blast...my 12 year old self is high fiving me. It really did remind me of how fun childhood was. 3. Sharing - Something I can talk about and do with my kids and there are some cool communities to interact with as well 4. Creative Outlet - Posing and setup is a lot of fun...have had a blast setting up my display case. Enjoy seeing people do photographs (D Amazing, etc.) 5. Art Collecting - Some of these are so good they are like detailed, hands on little pieces of art. I imagine it's kind of the same drive that art collector's have.
These are all so valid! I especially like #3. We get a chance to introduce our kids to the hobby and they get to learn from us. It's like we're Stan Lee all of the sudden! This hobby has so many benefits that get downplayed all of the time. Thank you for sharing!
I agree with you on everything you said! I’ve just turned 42 and I have a marvel legends den in my apartment. That’s where I go right after work for escapism. This is therapy for me.
My room is almost like a decompression chamber. I also notice how the rest of the house can get turned upside down but that room never gets affected. It's like immune to reality.
Well said. I especially related to your reason regarding growing up too poor to afford collectibles. To add insult to injury, my friends often got them, didn't appreciate them, and wound up destroying them because they knew their parents would buy them more. But it turned out OK because the quality of figures and collectibles are much better now.
OHHHH I used to hate that. Nobody can spot a spoiled kid faster than a kid that doesn't have it. Everything comes full circle though and now it's our time.
I just made a similar video, but a lot of what you said most definitely resonated with me. Most of my figures in my pre-teen years were birthday & Christmas presents. I had a decent amount, but I was always envious of a cousin who seemed to have 2 or 3 times what I did. A lot of what I own now harkens back to satisfying my younger self by having complete collections when I couldn’t do that back then.
This was an incredible video. Absolutely loved your message And your delivery. Completely nailed some great reasons why I also collect. You also got me right in the heart when you said it makes you proud to see how far you've come, without realizing it- sitting back in silence and staring at some figures for hours not even messing with them really gives me that same feeling. Like FINALLY I got out of that "hell" whatever it was for each of us.
Exactly! That's what its all about! How many other things give you that feeling. Even paying your mortgage ain't the same. You feel like that's regular. The fact that you were able to do this on the side at the same time speaks volumes! Shout out to you!
@@ClevasMultiverseright back at you! You're successful, clearly a good man and a role model for people to live up to. Anyone would be lucky to develop a personality and mindset like yours
I’m 42 as well. You hit it on the head. This hobby is about satisfying that kid in you. Reliving some of the best memories from that time. I grew up in the hood and one of the best memories I have from that time is collecting comics and marvel cards with all the other kids in the neighborhood going from house to house with your collection hoping you don’t get jacked by the neighborhood bully. Summertime Somewhere Bel Biv Devoe playing in the background. Out in my overall shorts with one strap hanging Sox baseball cap and jordan 6 I got for my 10th birthday that I only wore once until my mama found out kids were getting beat up or killed for them joints and she took them away. 😂 I find it each generation of men has their own fascination with collecting stuff from their own childhoods. Our fathers generation was baseball cards and model trains. Out Grandfathers generation was about collecting coins 🪙.
and before the coins it was stamps lol. I am so feeling this comment. That whole scenario that you described is exactly what I feel when I'm in my room just spinning around in my chair, looking at everything. Music marks time but so does our collection. It's just more personal and individual for us. It sounds like we had a very similar upbringing. I'm glad that we were able to connect on this!
Good to see another adult collector. Ive been collecting since childhood even with growing up poor. Used money from mowing lawns and so on. Im 50 now and thats my enjoyment.
Same here, I'm finding out just how many of us there are as well. This video has definitely surprised me. Hard times build character if you ask me. I appreciate you commenting!
My back living room has shelves and cabinets covered and full of action figures. I don’t have kids, but my four nephews play with them and learn about their origins. Same goes for the turntables and record crates that share space with them. A few years ago I realized that I was trying to recreate what I saw in the homes of other kids. My parents didn’t give me all the things I wanted, but they gave me everything that I needed. So it’s nice that I can relive that era and see it through the eyes of children today.
That is so awesome. It's so true that it also allows us to connect with younger family members! I'm always the cool Uncle! They love coming through, although it's like a museum. Look with your eyes and not with your hands! lol
I thought I was the only one who thought like this. I'm with you brah, i still have my G.I Joe collection that I started collecting as a kid in the 80s.
Great video. I’m in my 40s and going to start dating again after a separation last year. I’ve been putting it off because of that potential embarrassment or rejection of my action figure collecting hobby. You gave me a perspective I never thought of. I don’t want to be with someone who can’t respect a hobby of their partner, and who doesn’t have a hobby themselves. I am at that point in my life that I need my space…my room to visit without distractions. If they don’t have that themselves, and need to suck up all my time, then it’s not going to work. I have my kids, I have my work, and then I have my collecting, she will need to adapt to that until the relationship gets more serious. Thanks my friend. I appreciate this.
And that is exactly how it should be my brotha! Respect is both ways in a relationship and I'm sure you're going to have to make sacrifices for things that she may like. No guy really likes rom-coms or in-law visits or whatever. You should never have to hide a part of you or feel shamed. One time a woman tried to lick a joke but I flipped it quick. I asked her what has she accomplished in the past 10 years that shows dedication and sacrifice. All while being responsible and keeping everything else afloat. She couldn't answer. Actually after that I caught her thinking to herself. I did not call her back lol.
Dude. My life just flashed before my eyes. Section 8. Food Stamp. Housing Projects. Man! I can relate. Not being able to afford toys now I get a feeling of how hard work paid off not only by my parents to keep us going but how far I have become and now able to give me family most of the stuff I didn’t have growing up! And for me collecting is the fruit of my accomplishments! 💪🏼
Man that was my life! I was kinda hesitant to bring it up but I was like nah we gonna keep it all the way 100 and see if it resonates. This collecting hobby is way more than just buying "Toys". I even hate when they call them toys. These figures represent my life in so many ways, I'm happy that it was able to connect with you and everybody else on this topic! Thank you for commenting!
As i grow older, i lose interest in everything, or i should i say I'm not so excited about things now, but collecting figures and hunting them down are so satisfying as a collector ❤
Very true reasons. I'm 50 year old woman who collects Transformers. My hobbies are Transformers, gaming and drawing. My husband supports my collecting. Over the last few years the thrill of the hunt is no longer there for me cause the toys I want don't show up in my town so I order online. Maybe I would enjoy the hunt if I could find the toys I want in store. Personally ordering online just makes my life easier. At least I know its coming. I look forward to getting something in the mail
It's getting to the point that all we can do is order now. Finding them in the wild is turning into something ancient but it still makes me happy when I'm looking and I DO see something. Every time feels like it's gonna be the last time. I also appreciate your hobbies as well. I draw, make music and game as well. I find myself going through rotations to keep them fresh and it allows me to miss one for a little while. Thank you for sharing!
So many things you can't control in life. Depending on others for your happiness, you will see it crushed and put aside. Hobbies bring me peace and confident knowing that I can be happy by myself.
I definitely relate to this. I’ve been a lifelong TMNT fan. Growing up my mother was a drug addict but every time she got her welfare check she’d buy me a figure. Most of my small collection is just my favorite figures from when I was a kid.
This was a brilliant video my friend. I agree you with 100% all 5 were spot on in a way I could have never to put into words like you did. Keep up the good work bro.
All truth… grew up in Brooklyn. Dad worked on a factory, mom a housewife. The thrill of the hunt is the best part. I’m going to the dentist today, and I’m hitting Target, and Walmart lol. And you’re right, the store employees are annoyed when you ask any questions. And it makes it more of a challenge. I just hate the scalpers. They ruin it. Yes… i pose my figures near my drawing table every morning. Yes, I’m 52. Oh my wife hates it. She sees it as clutter. A waste of money… and worst of all pathetic. I’ve been trying prove why it’s a fun hobby, but I get it. It isn’t sustainable… meaning the plastic action figures with take hundreds of years to maybe decompose. And…when we die (sorry) that our families will throw it all out. And yes… I love going alone. I usd to go with a close friend but he was into transformers and I was into Heman and marvel. So we weren’t in competition for the same things. I feel two ways. I work freelance and don’t have a steady income, so I get it… buy your tight. It’s so fun and creative, because we chose what to get, where to display them and how to pose them. Love this video. I used to eat cereal and watch Saturday morning cartoons too… still have great memories… I used to save any change I found around the house or from birthdays and buy a tv guide to circle and keep track of the times the new shows were airing on Saturdays in the Fall as with the beginning of the new school year. There a great book called The Heman effect. It is about how advertising companies, toy companies, sold us our childhood. It tells the history and facts of psychological manipulation in advertising and how it worked on our generation. Ours is the only generation for this moment in pop culture history. I still love it though. Thanks for the video. I’m a fan!
Thank you for such a detailed comment! Just reading about your experiences brought me back in time and made me remember even more good times. I really feel like the older times were the best times and this newer generation never had a chance to experience the things that we did. Yes we didn't have streaming and we had to lock in at that scheduled time but those were still the best times. We just knew we couldn't miss it. Mann you really brought me back with that TV guide. That was like a Bible back in the days. Thank you for sharing your experiences, this is exactly why I started this channel!
You basically said exactly the way I feel about collecting bro! This hobby is my way of keeping myself centered during stressful times… Keep up the great videos!
The first video I've seen from you and the way I can relate is crazy! Personally, I collect statues and 1/6 scale figures. Slowly getting more into the 1/12 world. Got yourself a new subscriber! 🤘🏻
Thanks for the sub! My brother collect Hot Toys and Statues. I like those a lot, but the way my instant gratification is set up I'm not built for payment plans and waiting. lol. Every time I see a Hot Toys collection I'm always impressed!
Ive been collecting as an adult for 20yrs now! MOTU Classics really changed the game with Nostalgia especially with Castle Greyskull! I collect today because its fun and makes me happy! Women come and go....but at the of the day my toy dioramas actually make me happy! The new Xmen 97 just made hunt figures...again!
X-men '97 really did a nostalgia trip for so many of us. That was a blessing. It's so true that they will be with us forever too. They will never leave us lol.
I share some of the same sentiments, like having a humble childhood (though I still managed to get a lot of toys because I saved up money). Nice list and talk.
But does she see the receipt? lol j/k. That's awesome that you have such a supportive partner. That tells me that your responsible because if the bases weren't covered she would deff have a problem. Keep doing your thing my brotha!
@ClevasMultiverse hell nah. If she knew what I paid for Mai, juri, Taki, goro, kintaro, yujiro hanma and shao Kahn from storm, she'd probably put me out. 😆
Thank you for that! I just come across that all the time and it never made sense to me. To them it makes perfect sense though. When I ask that it's because I'm thinking to myself, what are you going to be doing when I need some alone time? I appreciate you taking the time to comment, thanks again!
Same here. I collect them to remind me of my childhood. Saturday morning cartoons. I never had them growing up. I buy them to have now what I couldn’t have then.
Damn, this whole list really hit home! I've been collecting for years now and I am so appreciative for how far I've come and this awesome hobby. Excellent vid!✌️
You should be proud! It takes dedication and sacrifice to build collections. It's not as easy as it looks and I'm sure you know that. I hope your collection continues to grow!
Thank you for that! This community is one of the best if you ask me. If you take out the scalpers it's usually just people trying to look out for each other in a non judgemental way.
I have a lot of hobbies like video games, audio gear, photography, but collecting action figures (and taking photos of them) always brings me more joy. Nostalgia would have been on the number 2 spot for me for the reason that back in my childhood, I used to look at all these toys from a popular US store catalog (Best Catalog if anyone remembers), but rarely had a chance to own any of them. Number 1 reason would also be escapism. Even if I'm married and have children, I still love being in a room surrounded by the things that I love looking at and wishing to have when I was a kid.
I remember staring at catalogs too and wishing. I have a lot of those other hobbies that you mentioned and others as well. They feel more new to me though. Like an adult version of me hobby. Those figures bring me back, its almost like a mental time machine.
you hit it on the nail, liked and subscribed in an instant, thank you for this, I relate this to figures ,comics and even DVDs and Blue Rays I've collected ...even classic video games, thank you my man! this meant a lot to me Bro! keepin it real!
I've gone back for figures I never had as a kid but always wanted. Collecting is a nice way to fill in the childhood gaps of things that feel missing while also being able to enjoy some new things as well. I've been back and forth with my collecting in recent years, but I recently came back around because it is the one thing I enjoy most, and I finally appreciate what the hobby does for me. I feel like not enough collectors go deep into these types of conversations of why collect and their experiences.
I'm glad that you came back to it if it made you happy. That's what it's all about at the end of the day! It took me a while to realize the WHY of my collecting. I'm hoping that this helps some other people.
Nostalgia hit different for me. I didn't collect for nostalgia, but I do love going back through internet images of the old xmen and tmnt turtles from 80s and 90s and walking through those memories. I still remember the big ol blue tub i had FULL of these figures. My passion for figures stayed with me, but what I actually collect has changed over time. I'm much more in a "it looks badass" mode for collecting.
I was able to get a lot of those TMNT when they first dropped. I remember Lionel Kiddy City was going out of business and they had them for super low. That's one of the ones that I was able to get. My collecting has matured too throughout the years. I started with the walking dead and now their in one of those bins in a closet.
Damn kid... at 5:30 minutes. You hit the nail on the head a hundred times and the nail went through the wood! I ask people in general where ever if they have hobbies and always jump in before they answer to say "and don't say travel, shopping or going out to eat". Because those things are natural things everybody likes... if they have the money to do so.
It's amazing how they actually feel that those are hobbies. The fact of the matter is that they don't want to say the truth... which is that they don't know what to do with themselves when they are by themselves.
From London Uk bro, and EVERYTHING you said is 100 on point, most women have no hobbies period, also i hate collectors that just display their figures vanilla mode or are scared to crease the soft good etc, just go buy statues instead and stop wasting time..found your channel by chance a while back and i resonate with, big up from south london
I feel the same way, I HATE statues because we can't do anything and we're stuck with the artists vision. I need to make my figures my own and put my spin on it. If I feel that strong then I'll just buy 2 and keep one boxed. Salute to South London! I appreciate the feedback and comments! I hope to see you on the next one!
Very well said bro. The memories and the nastalgia. I started collecting the Motu origins 4 years ago and I started collecting transformers 13 years ago and this year l started collecting the g i joe classified. Agreed I didn't get alot of these figures growing up. Now, l can get these figures now that I didn't get growing up. Thanks for posting and sharing.
Thank you for commenting. It means a lot that this video was able to connect with so many people. Growing up you feel like you're alone with it but come to find out a lot of people had it the same way. Thanks again!
Love your video young g i’m 62 getting ready to retire. I got wall to wall toys mostly action figures six TVs every game system 10,000 comic books and I can’t wait to spend more time in my room. I got model cars hitting them with the airbrush etc that comment about Saturday morning cereal was on point
That room sounds amazing! Your retirement is deff not gonna be boring. Man those Saturdays were the best. Sometimes less is more. We didn't have streaming so we had to be up and we never missed it.
Fantastic video. Super relatable! I definitely had some figures growing up, but it was only so often that I would get a new one and I had virtually zero classic suits. Today I’m able to create the look of something that would’ve filled me with joy as a kid, but instead, they fill me with joy as an adult! Always love hearing the stories of other collectors!
First ever video I've seen of yours and I'm subscribing based on how great this video was. All of these reasons resonate with me. The only difference is that I was fortunate enought to have figures as a kid, but everything else is the same. Your reason that stands out to me the most (that I hadn't really heard from others) is how much this is something to do by yourself, and how that makes it a hobby. Great wisdom here.
The reason i collect action figures is the same reason i got into comic books: Art! But unlike art that "grown-ups" acquire with thousands of dollars for a single piece, the art i like to acquire for tens of bucks allows me to use it to express MYSELF. I also acquire action figures for the sake of the little child who could not. Also, to have an improved version of something i used to love -- as if it grew up with me.
Tell me about it. I used to draw the original game boy and pretend that I was playing with it. Those are the times that I remember that make me want to get up and go get it these days. Thank you for sharing!
Wow, dude. I've never heard anyone so eloquently and perfectly sum up the reasons for the passion we action figure collectors hold for this hobby. The thrill of the hunt isn't a thing for me so much anymore, but in my 20s, I'd go to every Toys R Us, Target, Wal-Mart or Kay-Bee I could imagine, would spend all day driving around to the far corners of my area to find that Holy Grail of a figure I was searching for. I don't have many fond memories of childhood, or of my life in general for that matter. But action figures and what they represent, the way you so expertly described, are among some of the few.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the video. I'm happy that it was able to resonate with you. I knew I couldn't be the only one that was feeling this way!
I appreciate you! I'm glad that other people are feeling the same. Sometimes it feels like I'm on an island. It's good to see that's not the case, it's just that we're spread out.
Hi man. Just discovered your channel. Really enjoying your videos. I have a small MOTU collection very much routed in the key characters that meant something to me as a kid in the 80s. I found your point about dating apps and hobbies hilarious 😂. Showed it to my wife and she thought the same. Also loved your point about doing things alone. That really struck a chord with me as i have always been an introvert and enjoy doing lots of things alone - reading, collecting, even attending sports games alone. Made sense mate. Thanks. Subscribed
Thank you for such a detailed comment my brotha, I appreciate you. I like Motu and I actually had Greyskull as a kid. Good times right there! That example came to me because it happens to me all the time. I find that people would try to pass judgement on something when come to find out they don't have anything going on. I have had women try to shame me but when I flip it on them you can almost sense the void in them. One simple question... So what do you do when you're alone? The answers always involves someone else. ALWAYS! I think alone time is therapeutic too. We need to do things for ourselves, especially as a man. That's actually an outlet for us. I think as collectors we are more in touch with who we are internally as opposed to who we think other people want us to be and that sets us apart. Thanks again, hope to see you on the next one!
Totally agree about the benefit of hobbies for yourself. Its often looked on as being unsociable but in reality if you struggle to be with yourself then you may well struggle to be in a relationship of any kind. My wives hobby is art, landscape painting and such. That's just for her. I did get her to do a few canvasses a few years back to go behind my MOTU display though 😂 but otherwise leave her to it !
I love the comment that you made in point 1 - each of these figures carries a story/memory. I feel that way about my figures. I can remember where I was when I got said figure or who gave it to me. And that is powerful in terms of what figures stay in the collection. For instance, I have moved away from the 1990 TMNT figures from NECA. I haven't really displayed them BUT my wife drove 45 minutes to a wal-mart with our less than 6 week old daughter to get me the Casey Jones/Raphael set. I love that set for the memory alone.
And that's exactly what I mean right there! Music isn't the only thing that marks time, these figures do too. They become sentimental pieces to us and the value isn't only in money. Your wife forged a memory with that set and that will be with you forever! You couldn't buy that if you tried. Thank you for sharing your story!
I'm only and X-Men Marvel Legends collector from the 90's Stan Lee era. My 5 reasons why I collect now: 1. Reminds me of my happy childhood playing with X-Men action figures with my younger brother. We would turn a whole living room into our imaginary diorama! 2. My action figures stems from my only card collection of the 1993 Skybox X-Men Series 2 collection 3. I watched the cartoons in the 90's and reliving these action figures again in my head. The X-Men 97 that came out ignited my passion to start collecting 4. I love taking photography and have a good eye for it. These action figures will be great to scratch that itch 5. I'm a visual person and enjoy art. So displaying my action figures is like having a mini museum in my home!
You know, before I ever had a figure it was the x-men cards from 92 or 94 I believe. The Magneto and Wolverine box. 100 card set with the 5 hologram cards. Those were going for 1 dollar a pack and I was able to get those if we went to a particular store that had them. I would study those damn cards like I was trying to pass the bar. I knew everything about all of them. The X-Men were my gateway into Marvel and those cards were the only thing tangible that I had at that time. You just reminded me all about that. X-men 97 did a great job of bringing me back also. I like your list... thank you for sharing!
Sound wave has always been one of those figures that I wanted. I just don't want to open the door for Transfomers. I remember when he was in walmart a few years ago, I was looking at him for a while. I really wanted to snatch him. That was a good starting place if he meant a lot to you as a kid. He was always one of the coolest Decepticons to me.
Dude im glad the youtube algorithm recommended this video! I hear ya brother. Im going to be 42 on november 4th. I collect for 4 out of 5 of your reasons. This video struck me out man! Its wholesome and beautiful. You gained a loyal subscriber. Im going to checkout your other videos. Thanks for this positive vibe my man.
Thanks for perfectly articulating the reasons why you collect. Reading the comments below provides a verification that your 5 reasons are exactly the same as others. I truly wish I had your vocabulary to express thoughts as easy as you make it appear. Thanks again Cleva - great job with your video.
I don't know that it's super easy my brotha. I deff scratch my head when I'm trying to put these videos together. What makes it all worth it is you guys and knowing that I'm not alone in this life I live, so thank you as well. Thank you for commenting too!
In the very beginning yes, after a while you had to buy 55 cents to get change. I do remember that the Chinese food spot used to change them, 7 for 10. I used to change them there too. Damn this is back in the days lol.
I agree 100%, I don’t know how these collectors go on hunts together. You’re out there with your competition. I don’t understand collectors saying that we’re a community bull💩. I don’t need no distractions I have enough voices in my head already 😂
Tell me about it right? Then they wanna be funny sometimes and hold to the book up to look at the numbers and make sure they match. They got it easy these days!
Well, I would guess that I am a Senior Member of the Action Figure Community. Not the most as it started in 1977, 1978 depending. I started April 2nd, 1994 so I'm a 30 year Collector. I grew up in the 1960s and all we had was Green Army Men and Cowboys and Indians basically. I wanted a G.I. Joe in 1964, but when I got him I hated him. He had weird hard plastic hands and couldn't hold his weapons or equipment. Not to mention that he was a Giant and poor kids like me could only have 1. I was actually able to read in 1964 too. I was the only kid in my First Grade class that started First Grade being able to, mostly, read. Hard words tripped me up a bit, but I was reading the 1100 page 3 Musketeers while the other kids in my class were reading Run Spot Run! I devoured Comic Books! My Uncle had thousands of Comics from 1941 to 1964! Most DC, but some Timely, Independents, and early Marvel! At that time, if you wanted to play Super Heroes, you had to sacrifice some of your Army Men and Cowboys and Indians, cut off their guns and make up your own characters. Something I do with headswaps and kitbashing today. Indians were actually pretty versatile, you could get your 'Archer', Atomic Axe, and one had a Shield. And of course every Team had a 'Rifleman'! The Jeep driver, in the sitting position, became 'The Leaper'! Heroines? Forget about it unless you were lucky or clever. I was a little bit of both. One year I got a 'Town Set' that had several female characters. Most were unusable, School Marm, sitting Indian Maiden, 3 walking Indian Maids with Papoose. But there was also a Lady Gunfighter! YES! Model kits, I got the Lost in Space model kit with Judy and Penny running, so Speedsters. Will Robinson became 'Electric Boy' with blue paint and blue twist ties. I finished off with Veronica from Archie's Jalopy. Another sitting figure, so 'Lady Leaper'. All but the Veronica still exist 55 years later. By the time Megos came around I was 14 and long out of Toys. I grew up, went into the Navy, discovered Anime in Japan in 1976. Also, Comic Book shops. My own Collection had been burned by my Psycho parents. Fast Forward to 1984 and I became the Manager of a Comic Book Store. In 1986, I opened my own Comic Book Store, and it lasted for 24 years. I got married late, almost 30, and we quickly had Children. My son wanted Action Figures, and because I ran a Comic Book Store, he wanted Super Heroes rather than Star Wars or Joes. I got as many Super Powers, pretty sure Toy Biz reboots considering the timeline of 1994 and the beginning of the Marvel line. My son got to have the Super Hero battles that I could only dream of when I was growing up, including Marvel vs. DC. A couple of years later and it became my hobby. My wife was a Barbie Collector so we never had any issues. My Collection is now 10 different Earth's, 5,600 Total Figures approximately. Six DC Earth's, 3 Marvel, and a Fantasy Earth. DC: Earth 1: Justice League, Main DC Earth 2: Justice Society Earth 3: Crime Syndicate Earth 6: Kingdom Come style Earth 23: Expanded Watchmen style Earth 35: Created Equal, All Female style Marvel: Earth 616: Main Marvel Earth 777: Older Toy Biz, New replacements, Power Rangers, Customs, Independents Earth 818: Futuristic Marvel Earth Between; Heroes and Villains from the Past and Future.
Wow, this is such a detailed story. I was actually able to picture what you were describing the whole time. You have literally been here since the inception and the best part is that you're still here. You never left and it sounds like your collection is EPIC! This is exactly what I mean about these figures bringing out memories for us. This timeline of events goes back decades but it has the clarity of an event that happened 5 minutes ago! I think it's also awesome how you were also able to find a wife who also enjoys the hobby in her own way. You struck gold my man! I really appreciate you sharing! The really made my morning! Thanks!
I got back collecting cuz if my cuzo was still alive he would love them especially wolverine and toys i miss out as a kid i couldn't get great vid jus became new subscriber stay bless G
I understand 100%! Those figures help to keep his memory alive. That's exactly what I was talking about. These are more than just toys to us! Thanks for the sub!
Man, let me start of by saying you just dropped some truth and a big ah ha moment for me trying to explain why I do it, not that it need explaining but just to get none collectors to understand and I vibe with everything you said I also subscribed because I already like where this is headed. Being from a similar situation growing up I definitely remember trying to sneak pay with food stamps lol. Great video that got me smiling.
Thank you for the comment. I deff remember waiting for people to clear out so I could get what I was looking for. Even letting people who came in after me go in front of me because I wanted the store empty. The good old days right? That's what makes us who we are today though!
Yup, the struggle was real, I sit back and watch the baby cries of this generation like hmm what a shame, I know a have a food stamp somewhere in storage once I find it I’m framing it and putting it up in my up and coming collection room.
Glad to hear it! I go through ups and downs with this myself but at the end of the day I truly feel like it helps as long as we're responsible with it.
@@ClevasMultiverse no problem man! Just came across your channel and I love what you’ve doing man! It’s crazy cause coincidentally I’m working in a pretty similar video to this one. But dang man this one was so good I gotta up my game!
@@justjustin_collects I didn't know that you were a creator, I just subbed to you and I'll be sure to check out your videos! Thank you for your support! I actually had 3 other ideas and at the last minute I did this one, really because of time. It looks like this topic really hit with a lot of people.
You nailed this. My entire collection was created honoring the young kid that wasn’t able to afford the things the other kids had. And now, the chase, the pride and the excitement are what keeps me going. Shout out to all of the fellow collectors out there.
Appreciate you, I try to keep it as real and grounded as possible. Every time I pick something up it's like I can feel that younger me inside like.... yeah that one!
I feel you 1000%! I started collecting because when I was growing up we didn't have the money for anything other than occasional figure.
Yup that was me, one at a time if there was extra money..... and I had to be good the whole time. There was no such thing as building a collection. I used to look at the back of the box and "wish" lol.
@@ClevasMultiverse I had that flashback back when you said eating cereal watching Saturday morning cartoons. I had one cousin who lived on Long Island who had everything that ever came out. I told myself one day.......Now I send that same cousin pictures of my collection and he's like "Damn!"
Most of us in the 80s-90s had the occassional Gi Joe..Transformers..He-Man..Tmnt figures...but not all of them as later on as an adult with new releases of those lines!
Just wanted to say thank you. You named a few reasons why enjoy this hobby. Growing up I couldn't afford everything that I might have seen on TV, but with me working and toy companies cranking out everything "retro", I now have a better chance of getting the toys that I want. Keep up the great videos
I'm glad to hear that you're able to catch up too! I hope you get everything that you missed out on!
I'm 50 and I started my serious collection just 5 years ago. Besides enjoying the thrill to collect all these figures I always wondering what I'm doing it now. Looking to your video brings some clarity, because I thought that the passing of my beloved mother lead me to collecting, since she was the one that always made some sacrifices to get me some figures when a was a kid. Besides my grieving in some degree, now I can identify myself with some of the reasons you gave. Thank you. Awesome video!
Wow, thank you for sharing. I would not be surprised if figures remind you of your mother if she was the one who used to get them for you and especially if she was sacrificing to make it happen. This hobby helps to keep memories alive. I appreciate you taking the time to comment. Thanks!
This genuinely one of the most real videos I've seen about collecting and that point about creating the childhood you never had hit me as well as the point of having that space you can go to escape, relax and be proud in yourself.
I appreciate that. I was deff talking from my experience and what I believe to be true. I extremely glad that it was able to connect! Thank you for commenting!
You ain't never lied. Youngest of 9 kids over here. I used to comb through the neighbors when i was in my single digits looking for aluminum cans cuz each one equaled a nickel. I brought every single one of the few figures I had: 4 gi joes, 1 Constructicon, 1 secret wars Captain America, and that mini voltron with the pull back & go lions. All that from getting every single beer and soda can I could find. Taught me how to grind & hustle. The foundation for my having the lifestyle I have now for me and my family. So, do I also build that childhood for me now as an old head? Hail yeah, I do! Great video man.
You see how these figures hold more value then people realize? You just reminded me about the constructobots and the Voltron's, I remember those. You just gave me flashbacks. The way they hold those memories for you is epic too. Look how detailed you can remember it. There are not many things that can do that for us. They even sound like they started your maturity as far as saving, grinding and hustling. These are the things that I think about when people say they are just "TOYS", it's way deeper than that! Thank you for sharing your story!
You are speaking so much sense in this video. I am a first-time viewer bro, but I am gonna chuck a like and subscribe because the passion for collecting deserves a following.
Thank you for the like, sub and comment! I appreciate your feedback. I want more than anything for this community here to grow!
Great points and insight. Hit on a lot of reasons I relate with and I'm sure many others do too.
My top 5:
1. Escapism - Takes me back to a better time and/or makes me feel better...comfort zone.
2. Nostalgia - Getting figures, vehicles I never could get but wanted, but also getting the ones I did have that are redone so well is just such a blast...my 12 year old self is high fiving me. It really did remind me of how fun childhood was.
3. Sharing - Something I can talk about and do with my kids and there are some cool communities to interact with as well
4. Creative Outlet - Posing and setup is a lot of fun...have had a blast setting up my display case. Enjoy seeing people do photographs (D Amazing, etc.)
5. Art Collecting - Some of these are so good they are like detailed, hands on little pieces of art. I imagine it's kind of the same drive that art collector's have.
These are all so valid! I especially like #3. We get a chance to introduce our kids to the hobby and they get to learn from us. It's like we're Stan Lee all of the sudden! This hobby has so many benefits that get downplayed all of the time. Thank you for sharing!
I agree with you on everything you said! I’ve just turned 42 and I have a marvel legends den in my apartment. That’s where I go right after work for escapism. This is therapy for me.
My room is almost like a decompression chamber. I also notice how the rest of the house can get turned upside down but that room never gets affected. It's like immune to reality.
Well said. I especially related to your reason regarding growing up too poor to afford collectibles. To add insult to injury, my friends often got them, didn't appreciate them, and wound up destroying them because they knew their parents would buy them more. But it turned out OK because the quality of figures and collectibles are much better now.
OHHHH I used to hate that. Nobody can spot a spoiled kid faster than a kid that doesn't have it. Everything comes full circle though and now it's our time.
I just made a similar video, but a lot of what you said most definitely resonated with me. Most of my figures in my pre-teen years were birthday & Christmas presents. I had a decent amount, but I was always envious of a cousin who seemed to have 2 or 3 times what I did.
A lot of what I own now harkens back to satisfying my younger self by having complete collections when I couldn’t do that back then.
The older me wants to send a message to my younger self... like don't worry. We gonna get it all in the future lol!
@@ClevasMultiverse if younger us could see what we have now!
This was an incredible video. Absolutely loved your message And your delivery. Completely nailed some great reasons why I also collect. You also got me right in the heart when you said it makes you proud to see how far you've come, without realizing it- sitting back in silence and staring at some figures for hours not even messing with them really gives me that same feeling. Like FINALLY I got out of that "hell" whatever it was for each of us.
Exactly! That's what its all about! How many other things give you that feeling. Even paying your mortgage ain't the same. You feel like that's regular. The fact that you were able to do this on the side at the same time speaks volumes! Shout out to you!
@@ClevasMultiverseright back at you! You're successful, clearly a good man and a role model for people to live up to. Anyone would be lucky to develop a personality and mindset like yours
I’m 42 as well. You hit it on the head. This hobby is about satisfying that kid in you. Reliving some of the best memories from that time. I grew up in the hood and one of the best memories I have from that time is collecting comics and marvel cards with all the other kids in the neighborhood going from house to house with your collection hoping you don’t get jacked by the neighborhood bully. Summertime Somewhere Bel Biv Devoe playing in the background. Out in my overall shorts with one strap hanging Sox baseball cap and jordan 6 I got for my 10th birthday that I only wore once until my mama found out kids were getting beat up or killed for them joints and she took them away. 😂 I find it each generation of men has their own fascination with collecting stuff from their own childhoods. Our fathers generation was baseball cards and model trains. Out Grandfathers generation was about collecting coins 🪙.
and before the coins it was stamps lol. I am so feeling this comment. That whole scenario that you described is exactly what I feel when I'm in my room just spinning around in my chair, looking at everything. Music marks time but so does our collection. It's just more personal and individual for us. It sounds like we had a very similar upbringing. I'm glad that we were able to connect on this!
Good to see another adult collector. Ive been collecting since childhood even with growing up poor. Used money from mowing lawns and so on. Im 50 now and thats my enjoyment.
Also good to see that there are far more of us than I ever realized
Same here, I'm finding out just how many of us there are as well. This video has definitely surprised me. Hard times build character if you ask me. I appreciate you commenting!
My back living room has shelves and cabinets covered and full of action figures. I don’t have kids, but my four nephews play with them and learn about their origins. Same goes for the turntables and record crates that share space with them.
A few years ago I realized that I was trying to recreate what I saw in the homes of other kids. My parents didn’t give me all the things I wanted, but they gave me everything that I needed. So it’s nice that I can relive that era and see it through the eyes of children today.
That is so awesome. It's so true that it also allows us to connect with younger family members! I'm always the cool Uncle! They love coming through, although it's like a museum. Look with your eyes and not with your hands! lol
this was a great video, really enjoyed your points!
Thanks so much!
I thought I was the only one who thought like this.
I'm with you brah, i still have my G.I Joe collection that I started collecting as a kid in the 80s.
I did too until I did the video, it seems like a lot of people are feeling this way! We're not alone!
Great video. I’m in my 40s and going to start dating again after a separation last year. I’ve been putting it off because of that potential embarrassment or rejection of my action figure collecting hobby. You gave me a perspective I never thought of. I don’t want to be with someone who can’t respect a hobby of their partner, and who doesn’t have a hobby themselves. I am at that point in my life that I need my space…my room to visit without distractions. If they don’t have that themselves, and need to suck up all my time, then it’s not going to work. I have my kids, I have my work, and then I have my collecting, she will need to adapt to that until the relationship gets more serious. Thanks my friend. I appreciate this.
And that is exactly how it should be my brotha! Respect is both ways in a relationship and I'm sure you're going to have to make sacrifices for things that she may like. No guy really likes rom-coms or in-law visits or whatever. You should never have to hide a part of you or feel shamed. One time a woman tried to lick a joke but I flipped it quick. I asked her what has she accomplished in the past 10 years that shows dedication and sacrifice. All while being responsible and keeping everything else afloat. She couldn't answer. Actually after that I caught her thinking to herself. I did not call her back lol.
Dude. My life just flashed before my eyes. Section 8. Food Stamp. Housing Projects. Man! I can relate. Not being able to afford toys now I get a feeling of how hard work paid off not only by my parents to keep us going but how far I have become and now able to give me family most of the stuff I didn’t have growing up! And for me collecting is the fruit of my accomplishments! 💪🏼
Man that was my life! I was kinda hesitant to bring it up but I was like nah we gonna keep it all the way 100 and see if it resonates. This collecting hobby is way more than just buying "Toys". I even hate when they call them toys. These figures represent my life in so many ways, I'm happy that it was able to connect with you and everybody else on this topic! Thank you for commenting!
@@ClevasMultiverse 💯
5:10 best definition of hobby I've heard
I feel like only the guys get this one!
As i grow older, i lose interest in everything, or i should i say I'm not so excited about things now, but collecting figures and hunting them down are so satisfying as a collector ❤
They really are, sometimes it slows down for me too but then it comes back. Peaks and valleys.
100% why I collect as a Mexican kid it was hard to get any good figures but now that life is better I can!!! Great channel bro keep it up!!
Puerto Rican myself and you already know how I had it. Hard times build character though! Thank you for commenting!
Very true reasons. I'm 50 year old woman who collects Transformers. My hobbies are Transformers, gaming and drawing. My husband supports my collecting.
Over the last few years the thrill of the hunt is no longer there for me cause the toys I want don't show up in my town so I order online. Maybe I would enjoy the hunt if I could find the toys I want in store. Personally ordering online just makes my life easier. At least I know its coming. I look forward to getting something in the mail
It's getting to the point that all we can do is order now. Finding them in the wild is turning into something ancient but it still makes me happy when I'm looking and I DO see something. Every time feels like it's gonna be the last time.
I also appreciate your hobbies as well. I draw, make music and game as well. I find myself going through rotations to keep them fresh and it allows me to miss one for a little while. Thank you for sharing!
So many things you can't control in life.
Depending on others for your happiness, you will see it crushed and put aside.
Hobbies bring me peace and confident knowing that I can be happy by myself.
Facts! and that's why this hobby of ours is so epic!
I definitely relate to this. I’ve been a lifelong TMNT fan. Growing up my mother was a drug addict but every time she got her welfare check she’d buy me a figure. Most of my small collection is just my favorite figures from when I was a kid.
I love TMNT figures myself! My collection is based on who I connected with as a kid too. I'm glad we were able to connect on this!
I collect for the exact same reasons you just gave! Thank you brother, very well said 👏
My pleasure! Thank you for stopping by!
This was a brilliant video my friend. I agree you with 100% all 5 were spot on in a way I could have never to put into words like you did. Keep up the good work bro.
Thank you kindly! I'm glad that you were able to connect with it . I was hoping that I wasn't the only one.
Loving your video discussions like this. Quickly becoming one for my favorite new channels
Thank you for that, the support means everything!
All truth… grew up in Brooklyn. Dad worked on a factory, mom a housewife. The thrill of the hunt is the best part. I’m going to the dentist today, and I’m hitting Target, and Walmart lol. And you’re right, the store employees are annoyed when you ask any questions. And it makes it more of a challenge. I just hate the scalpers. They ruin it. Yes… i pose my figures near my drawing table every morning. Yes, I’m 52. Oh my wife hates it. She sees it as clutter. A waste of money… and worst of all pathetic. I’ve been trying prove why it’s a fun hobby, but I get it. It isn’t sustainable… meaning the plastic action figures with take hundreds of years to maybe decompose. And…when we die (sorry) that our families will throw it all out. And yes… I love going alone. I usd to go with a close friend but he was into transformers and I was into Heman and marvel. So we weren’t in competition for the same things. I feel two ways. I work freelance and don’t have a steady income, so I get it… buy your tight. It’s so fun and creative, because we chose what to get, where to display them and how to pose them. Love this video. I used to eat cereal and watch Saturday morning cartoons too… still have great memories… I used to save any change I found around the house or from birthdays and buy a tv guide to circle and keep track of the times the new shows were airing on Saturdays in the Fall as with the beginning of the new school year. There a great book called The Heman effect. It is about how advertising companies, toy companies, sold us our childhood. It tells the history and facts of psychological manipulation in advertising and how it worked on our generation. Ours is the only generation for this moment in pop culture history. I still love it though. Thanks for the video. I’m a fan!
Thank you for such a detailed comment! Just reading about your experiences brought me back in time and made me remember even more good times. I really feel like the older times were the best times and this newer generation never had a chance to experience the things that we did. Yes we didn't have streaming and we had to lock in at that scheduled time but those were still the best times. We just knew we couldn't miss it. Mann you really brought me back with that TV guide. That was like a Bible back in the days. Thank you for sharing your experiences, this is exactly why I started this channel!
You basically said exactly the way I feel about collecting bro! This hobby is my way of keeping myself centered during stressful times… Keep up the great videos!
Thanks! It's amazing how some plastic can affect us but it does. Different strokes for different folks right?
The first video I've seen from you and the way I can relate is crazy!
Personally, I collect statues and 1/6 scale figures. Slowly getting more into the 1/12 world.
Got yourself a new subscriber! 🤘🏻
Thanks for the sub! My brother collect Hot Toys and Statues. I like those a lot, but the way my instant gratification is set up I'm not built for payment plans and waiting. lol. Every time I see a Hot Toys collection I'm always impressed!
Ive been collecting as an adult for 20yrs now! MOTU Classics really changed the game with Nostalgia especially with Castle Greyskull! I collect today because its fun and makes me happy! Women come and go....but at the of the day my toy dioramas actually make me happy! The new Xmen 97 just made hunt figures...again!
Great video!
X-men '97 really did a nostalgia trip for so many of us. That was a blessing. It's so true that they will be with us forever too. They will never leave us lol.
Thanks!
I share some of the same sentiments, like having a humble childhood (though I still managed to get a lot of toys because I saved up money). Nice list and talk.
Thank you! I appreciate you taking the time out to comment too!
Thankfully. My wife doesn't trip too bad when a package shows up.........................
But does she see the receipt? lol j/k. That's awesome that you have such a supportive partner. That tells me that your responsible because if the bases weren't covered she would deff have a problem. Keep doing your thing my brotha!
@ClevasMultiverse hell nah. If she knew what I paid for Mai, juri, Taki, goro, kintaro, yujiro hanma and shao Kahn from storm, she'd probably put me out. 😆
I appreciate what you said in this video. It is on point. This hobby keeps me sane and brings me peace.👊🏾
Thank you and I appreciate you taking the time to comment. It means a lot!
Inspiring and totally relatable. You deserve so many more subscribers!!
Thank you so much!! From your mouth to God's ears lol. I appreciate you!
You articulated the reasons for my addiction perfectly. 👏👏👏Figs for
Life!
Also the part about hobbies and collecting alone was fuckin poignant my man.
Thank you for that! I just come across that all the time and it never made sense to me. To them it makes perfect sense though. When I ask that it's because I'm thinking to myself, what are you going to be doing when I need some alone time? I appreciate you taking the time to comment, thanks again!
Same here. I collect them to remind me of my childhood. Saturday morning cartoons. I never had them growing up. I buy them to have now what I couldn’t have then.
The good old days! Now it's like everyday is Saturday if we want it to be.
Damn, this whole list really hit home! I've been collecting for years now and I am so appreciative for how far I've come and this awesome hobby. Excellent vid!✌️
You should be proud! It takes dedication and sacrifice to build collections. It's not as easy as it looks and I'm sure you know that. I hope your collection continues to grow!
Brother that was an awesome video! Another reason I like collecting figures is because of people like you in our community who I can relate to.
Thank you for that! This community is one of the best if you ask me. If you take out the scalpers it's usually just people trying to look out for each other in a non judgemental way.
I have a lot of hobbies like video games, audio gear, photography, but collecting action figures (and taking photos of them) always brings me more joy. Nostalgia would have been on the number 2 spot for me for the reason that back in my childhood, I used to look at all these toys from a popular US store catalog (Best Catalog if anyone remembers), but rarely had a chance to own any of them. Number 1 reason would also be escapism. Even if I'm married and have children, I still love being in a room surrounded by the things that I love looking at and wishing to have when I was a kid.
I remember staring at catalogs too and wishing. I have a lot of those other hobbies that you mentioned and others as well. They feel more new to me though. Like an adult version of me hobby. Those figures bring me back, its almost like a mental time machine.
you hit it on the nail, liked and subscribed in an instant, thank you for this, I relate this to figures ,comics and even DVDs and Blue Rays I've collected ...even classic video games, thank you my man! this meant a lot to me Bro! keepin it real!
Thank you for taking the time out to let me know! I'm glad that we were able to connect on this!
I've gone back for figures I never had as a kid but always wanted. Collecting is a nice way to fill in the childhood gaps of things that feel missing while also being able to enjoy some new things as well. I've been back and forth with my collecting in recent years, but I recently came back around because it is the one thing I enjoy most, and I finally appreciate what the hobby does for me. I feel like not enough collectors go deep into these types of conversations of why collect and their experiences.
I'm glad that you came back to it if it made you happy. That's what it's all about at the end of the day! It took me a while to realize the WHY of my collecting. I'm hoping that this helps some other people.
Nostalgia hit different for me. I didn't collect for nostalgia, but I do love going back through internet images of the old xmen and tmnt turtles from 80s and 90s and walking through those memories. I still remember the big ol blue tub i had FULL of these figures. My passion for figures stayed with me, but what I actually collect has changed over time. I'm much more in a "it looks badass" mode for collecting.
I was able to get a lot of those TMNT when they first dropped. I remember Lionel Kiddy City was going out of business and they had them for super low. That's one of the ones that I was able to get. My collecting has matured too throughout the years. I started with the walking dead and now their in one of those bins in a closet.
Yup ! That's why I collect too . Yes thank you , you know what's up , that's me too !
Appreciate you!
Damn kid... at 5:30 minutes. You hit the nail on the head a hundred times and the nail went through the wood! I ask people in general where ever if they have hobbies and always jump in before they answer to say "and don't say travel, shopping or going out to eat". Because those things are natural things everybody likes... if they have the money to do so.
It's amazing how they actually feel that those are hobbies. The fact of the matter is that they don't want to say the truth... which is that they don't know what to do with themselves when they are by themselves.
From London Uk bro, and EVERYTHING you said is 100 on point, most women have no hobbies period, also i hate collectors that just display their figures vanilla mode or are scared to crease the soft good etc, just go buy statues instead and stop wasting time..found your channel by chance a while back and i resonate with, big up from south london
I feel the same way, I HATE statues because we can't do anything and we're stuck with the artists vision. I need to make my figures my own and put my spin on it. If I feel that strong then I'll just buy 2 and keep one boxed. Salute to South London! I appreciate the feedback and comments! I hope to see you on the next one!
Great video! I really liked everything you said. My figure room is my calming and focusing space. Looking forward to future videos.
Thanks! I hope to see you on the next one!
Very well said bro. The memories and the nastalgia. I started collecting the Motu origins 4 years ago and I started collecting transformers 13 years ago and this year l started collecting the g i joe classified. Agreed I didn't get alot of these figures growing up. Now, l can get these figures now that I didn't get growing up. Thanks for posting and sharing.
Thank you for commenting. It means a lot that this video was able to connect with so many people. Growing up you feel like you're alone with it but come to find out a lot of people had it the same way. Thanks again!
Damn, this was so on point bro ! I really appreciate hearing this !
Thank you for commenting. I'm glad that people are able to relate!
so real bro, all collectors can agree with something you said 🙌
I was really hoping so.... I'm glad that everybody is relating! Thank you for the comment!
First minute in and I love this video. Me and my brother reminisce on old toys we had and did not have all the time.
Thank you! These figures bond people too and it goes over everyone's head a lot of the time.
Love your video young g i’m 62 getting ready to retire. I got wall to wall toys mostly action figures six TVs every game system 10,000 comic books and I can’t wait to spend more time in my room. I got model cars hitting them with the airbrush etc that comment about Saturday morning cereal was on point
That room sounds amazing! Your retirement is deff not gonna be boring. Man those Saturdays were the best. Sometimes less is more. We didn't have streaming so we had to be up and we never missed it.
Fantastic video. Super relatable! I definitely had some figures growing up, but it was only so often that I would get a new one and I had virtually zero classic suits. Today I’m able to create the look of something that would’ve filled me with joy as a kid, but instead, they fill me with joy as an adult! Always love hearing the stories of other collectors!
Thanks! That's definitely how I feel as well. I think the past only makes me appreciate it even more!
First ever video I've seen of yours and I'm subscribing based on how great this video was. All of these reasons resonate with me. The only difference is that I was fortunate enought to have figures as a kid, but everything else is the same. Your reason that stands out to me the most (that I hadn't really heard from others) is how much this is something to do by yourself, and how that makes it a hobby. Great wisdom here.
Awesome! Thank you! I was really trying to not regurgitate ideas. I'm happy that I was able to connect with you!
Bro you hit the nail on the head!! Real talk 1000%
Appreciate you! I'm glad it was able to resonate!
The reason i collect action figures is the same reason i got into comic books: Art!
But unlike art that "grown-ups" acquire with thousands of dollars for a single piece, the art i like to acquire for tens of bucks allows me to use it to express MYSELF.
I also acquire action figures for the sake of the little child who could not. Also, to have an improved version of something i used to love -- as if it grew up with me.
LEGO is this and more!!
Spoken very well, I agree 100%
Extremely well put and, pardon the figure pun...well articulated!! Captured how many of us feel.
Thank you! I'm happy that it was able to connect with so many people! I'm glad I'm not alone.
From one section8 survivor to another some people get there blessings later in life👌🏿great vid 10 out of 10
Thank you my fellow survivor! Good things come to those who wait right? Thank you for commenting too!
Bro I used to cut out figures from toy magazines to play with lol. Figures to me are like a showcase for my interests. Sci fi, medieval, heroes etc
Tell me about it. I used to draw the original game boy and pretend that I was playing with it. Those are the times that I remember that make me want to get up and go get it these days. Thank you for sharing!
@@ClevasMultiverse anytime man! Poor kid’s definitely get creative
Great content Fam! Very well said and I can definitely relate to 99% of what you just said for sure! Keep it up! 💯
Thank you! Will do!
Cleva is spittin str8 FACTS!!! 💯
I appreciate that! I'm glad that my outlook was able to connect and resonate with you! Thank you for commenting as well!
Wow, dude. I've never heard anyone so eloquently and perfectly sum up the reasons for the passion we action figure collectors hold for this hobby. The thrill of the hunt isn't a thing for me so much anymore, but in my 20s, I'd go to every Toys R Us, Target, Wal-Mart or Kay-Bee I could imagine, would spend all day driving around to the far corners of my area to find that Holy Grail of a figure I was searching for. I don't have many fond memories of childhood, or of my life in general for that matter. But action figures and what they represent, the way you so expertly described, are among some of the few.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the video. I'm happy that it was able to resonate with you. I knew I couldn't be the only one that was feeling this way!
GREAT video. You were able to articulate everything that I feel and think but am not able to communicate.
Thank you for that! I appreciate you! I'm sure that you could, I write down what I wanna say beforehand. Also, your HOT TOYS collection is official!!
Damn bro. This was a powerful video. You’re speaking real truth to power about figure collecting. 🫡
I appreciate you! I'm glad that other people are feeling the same. Sometimes it feels like I'm on an island. It's good to see that's not the case, it's just that we're spread out.
Bro, you nailed it on the escapist man actually on everything well put together and said thank u 🙏🏾u have a new subscriber 💪🏾
I appreciate that! Thank you for taking the time to comment too!
Hi man. Just discovered your channel. Really enjoying your videos. I have a small MOTU collection very much routed in the key characters that meant something to me as a kid in the 80s. I found your point about dating apps and hobbies hilarious 😂. Showed it to my wife and she thought the same. Also loved your point about doing things alone. That really struck a chord with me as i have always been an introvert and enjoy doing lots of things alone - reading, collecting, even attending sports games alone. Made sense mate. Thanks. Subscribed
Thank you for such a detailed comment my brotha, I appreciate you. I like Motu and I actually had Greyskull as a kid. Good times right there!
That example came to me because it happens to me all the time. I find that people would try to pass judgement on something when come to find out they don't have anything going on. I have had women try to shame me but when I flip it on them you can almost sense the void in them. One simple question... So what do you do when you're alone? The answers always involves someone else. ALWAYS! I think alone time is therapeutic too. We need to do things for ourselves, especially as a man. That's actually an outlet for us. I think as collectors we are more in touch with who we are internally as opposed to who we think other people want us to be and that sets us apart. Thanks again, hope to see you on the next one!
Totally agree about the benefit of hobbies for yourself. Its often looked on as being unsociable but in reality if you struggle to be with yourself then you may well struggle to be in a relationship of any kind. My wives hobby is art, landscape painting and such. That's just for her. I did get her to do a few canvasses a few years back to go behind my MOTU display though 😂 but otherwise leave her to it !
🎯This video gets the Chef’s kiss it was perfect. I had the same exact childhood now we got these figures.
Thank you! It's always a good feeling to find a kindred spirit!
The Thrill of the HUNT!~ Especially when you find them on the BARGAIN shelve!. GAME STOP is the place and Books A Million!!.
I need to check out books a million, thanks!
Bro…from 5 - 1 , I agreed with every single reason…keep up the dope content…
Thank you!
I love the comment that you made in point 1 - each of these figures carries a story/memory. I feel that way about my figures. I can remember where I was when I got said figure or who gave it to me. And that is powerful in terms of what figures stay in the collection. For instance, I have moved away from the 1990 TMNT figures from NECA. I haven't really displayed them BUT my wife drove 45 minutes to a wal-mart with our less than 6 week old daughter to get me the Casey Jones/Raphael set. I love that set for the memory alone.
And that's exactly what I mean right there! Music isn't the only thing that marks time, these figures do too. They become sentimental pieces to us and the value isn't only in money. Your wife forged a memory with that set and that will be with you forever! You couldn't buy that if you tried. Thank you for sharing your story!
I'm only and X-Men Marvel Legends collector from the 90's Stan Lee era. My 5 reasons why I collect now:
1. Reminds me of my happy childhood playing with X-Men action figures with my younger brother. We would turn a whole living room into our imaginary diorama!
2. My action figures stems from my only card collection of the 1993 Skybox X-Men Series 2 collection
3. I watched the cartoons in the 90's and reliving these action figures again in my head. The X-Men 97 that came out ignited my passion to start collecting
4. I love taking photography and have a good eye for it. These action figures will be great to scratch that itch
5. I'm a visual person and enjoy art. So displaying my action figures is like having a mini museum in my home!
You know, before I ever had a figure it was the x-men cards from 92 or 94 I believe. The Magneto and Wolverine box. 100 card set with the 5 hologram cards. Those were going for 1 dollar a pack and I was able to get those if we went to a particular store that had them. I would study those damn cards like I was trying to pass the bar. I knew everything about all of them. The X-Men were my gateway into Marvel and those cards were the only thing tangible that I had at that time. You just reminded me all about that. X-men 97 did a great job of bringing me back also. I like your list... thank you for sharing!
Facts! Finally someone explained my exact thoughts.
I'm just glad I'm not alone, sometimes I feel like I'm the only one thinking this way.
Always wanted sound wave as a kid.finally got one at 44. Now I have a whole collection. It’s crazy man.
Sound wave has always been one of those figures that I wanted. I just don't want to open the door for Transfomers. I remember when he was in walmart a few years ago, I was looking at him for a while. I really wanted to snatch him. That was a good starting place if he meant a lot to you as a kid. He was always one of the coolest Decepticons to me.
What a great video! Keep up with the great content.🔥
Thank you so much! This really mean a lot to me!
Dude im glad the youtube algorithm recommended this video! I hear ya brother. Im going to be 42 on november 4th. I collect for 4 out of 5 of your reasons. This video struck me out man! Its wholesome and beautiful. You gained a loyal subscriber. Im going to checkout your other videos. Thanks for this positive vibe my man.
Thank you! I appreciate you taking the time out to comment! I hope to see you on the next one!
Most points resonate with me. Great video!
Thank you, I appreciate the feedback!
I’m curious who collects toys for ‘the girls’.
I’m a nostalgia guy, myself. Good post.
oh, that was just me trying to be funny because it's the total opposite. That's usually the last thing they find out about me.
Thanks for perfectly articulating the reasons why you collect. Reading the comments below provides a verification that your 5 reasons are exactly the same as others. I truly wish I had your vocabulary to express thoughts as easy as you make it appear. Thanks again Cleva - great job with your video.
I don't know that it's super easy my brotha. I deff scratch my head when I'm trying to put these videos together. What makes it all worth it is you guys and knowing that I'm not alone in this life I live, so thank you as well. Thank you for commenting too!
Paper food stamps were awesome. Take the $1 stamp, buy a 25 cent pack of gum and get 3 quarters back
In the very beginning yes, after a while you had to buy 55 cents to get change. I do remember that the Chinese food spot used to change them, 7 for 10. I used to change them there too. Damn this is back in the days lol.
I agree 100%, I don’t know how these collectors go on hunts together. You’re out there with your competition. I don’t understand collectors saying that we’re a community bull💩. I don’t need no distractions I have enough voices in my head already 😂
Straight Facts! It's all good until it's not lol!
Bro you just got a new subscriber! Spot on, on your top 5! Awesome perspective! 👊🏽
Welcome to the Multiverse my brotha, glad to have you! Thank you for the sum and the comment! I hope to see you on the next one!
@@ClevasMultiverse Respect!
This was so well said and I completely agree with your points. I am a new subscriber and look forward to your future content.
Thank you! Catch you on the next 1!
I really felt this video! I just subscribed to your channel!
Thank you, I appreciate every sub, like and comment. I'm glad you liked it. I have a couple more like it, check out the page when you have a chance.
Well articulated my brotha. Dope video
Appreciate that! Just trying to speak what I know! I hope to see you on the next one!
Great vid, my friend! You hit the nail on the head all five times.
Much appreciated! Thank you for commenting!
Always love the videos man. I can relate on so many levels. Same age and yes we had those crappy food stamp Monopoly money crap.
Tell me about it right? Then they wanna be funny sometimes and hold to the book up to look at the numbers and make sure they match. They got it easy these days!
Digging the vibe & content. You got my subscription
I appreciate you! Thank you!
Well, I would guess that I am a Senior Member of the Action Figure Community. Not the most as it started in 1977, 1978 depending. I started April 2nd, 1994 so I'm a 30 year Collector. I grew up in the 1960s and all we had was Green Army Men and Cowboys and Indians basically. I wanted a G.I. Joe in 1964, but when I got him I hated him. He had weird hard plastic hands and couldn't hold his weapons or equipment. Not to mention that he was a Giant and poor kids like me could only have 1. I was actually able to read in 1964 too. I was the only kid in my First Grade class that started First Grade being able to, mostly, read. Hard words tripped me up a bit, but I was reading the 1100 page 3 Musketeers while the other kids in my class were reading Run Spot Run! I devoured Comic Books! My Uncle had thousands of Comics from 1941 to 1964! Most DC, but some Timely, Independents, and early Marvel! At that time, if you wanted to play Super Heroes, you had to sacrifice some of your Army Men and Cowboys and Indians, cut off their guns and make up your own characters. Something I do with headswaps and kitbashing today. Indians were actually pretty versatile, you could get your 'Archer', Atomic Axe, and one had a Shield. And of course every Team had a 'Rifleman'! The Jeep driver, in the sitting position, became 'The Leaper'! Heroines? Forget about it unless you were lucky or clever. I was a little bit of both. One year I got a 'Town Set' that had several female characters. Most were unusable, School Marm, sitting Indian Maiden, 3 walking Indian Maids with Papoose. But there was also a Lady Gunfighter! YES! Model kits, I got the Lost in Space model kit with Judy and Penny running, so Speedsters. Will Robinson became 'Electric Boy' with blue paint and blue twist ties. I finished off with Veronica from Archie's Jalopy. Another sitting figure, so 'Lady Leaper'. All but the Veronica still exist 55 years later.
By the time Megos came around I was 14 and long out of Toys. I grew up, went into the Navy, discovered Anime in Japan in 1976. Also, Comic Book shops. My own Collection had been burned by my Psycho parents. Fast Forward to 1984 and I became the Manager of a Comic Book Store. In 1986, I opened my own Comic Book Store, and it lasted for 24 years. I got married late, almost 30, and we quickly had Children. My son wanted Action Figures, and because I ran a Comic Book Store, he wanted Super Heroes rather than Star Wars or Joes. I got as many Super Powers, pretty sure Toy Biz reboots considering the timeline of 1994 and the beginning of the Marvel line. My son got to have the Super Hero battles that I could only dream of when I was growing up, including Marvel vs. DC. A couple of years later and it became my hobby. My wife was a Barbie Collector so we never had any issues.
My Collection is now 10 different Earth's, 5,600 Total Figures approximately. Six DC Earth's, 3 Marvel, and a Fantasy Earth.
DC:
Earth 1: Justice League, Main DC
Earth 2: Justice Society
Earth 3: Crime Syndicate
Earth 6: Kingdom Come style
Earth 23: Expanded Watchmen style
Earth 35: Created Equal, All Female style
Marvel:
Earth 616: Main Marvel
Earth 777: Older Toy Biz, New replacements, Power Rangers, Customs, Independents
Earth 818: Futuristic Marvel
Earth Between; Heroes and Villains from the Past and Future.
Wow, this is such a detailed story. I was actually able to picture what you were describing the whole time. You have literally been here since the inception and the best part is that you're still here. You never left and it sounds like your collection is EPIC! This is exactly what I mean about these figures bringing out memories for us. This timeline of events goes back decades but it has the clarity of an event that happened 5 minutes ago! I think it's also awesome how you were also able to find a wife who also enjoys the hobby in her own way. You struck gold my man! I really appreciate you sharing! The really made my morning! Thanks!
I got back collecting cuz if my cuzo was still alive he would love them especially wolverine and toys i miss out as a kid i couldn't get great vid jus became new subscriber stay bless G
I understand 100%! Those figures help to keep his memory alive. That's exactly what I was talking about. These are more than just toys to us! Thanks for the sub!
Man, let me start of by saying you just dropped some truth and a big ah ha moment for me trying to explain why I do it, not that it need explaining but just to get none collectors to understand and I vibe with everything you said I also subscribed because I already like where this is headed. Being from a similar situation growing up I definitely remember trying to sneak pay with food stamps lol. Great video that got me smiling.
Thank you for the comment. I deff remember waiting for people to clear out so I could get what I was looking for. Even letting people who came in after me go in front of me because I wanted the store empty. The good old days right? That's what makes us who we are today though!
Yup, the struggle was real, I sit back and watch the baby cries of this generation like hmm what a shame, I know a have a food stamp somewhere in storage once I find it I’m framing it and putting it up in my up and coming collection room.
@@Jayqone1 You should! I would if I still had one. Like scrooge McDucks first dime. It shows where you came from and how far you have come.
Lmao yup just like that
We both came from similar backgrounds. I agree with everything you said. Salute. Got you a subscriber.
I appreciate you taking the time to comment and thank you for the sub! Salute!
What's good brother its good to see you after all these years! hope you and the family is doing well.
Yo what's goody? Same to you! It's deff been a minute.
Everything you said is well said and it's all true.Thank you for Sharing Gijoe and stuff Kevin
Glad you enjoyed it, Thank you!
This was a really great video. Subbed.
Thank you for that! I appreciate you!
Yeahh I 💯 agree 👊🏽 great video man
Thank you! Hope to see you on the next one!
Really dope vid man, been feeling kind of on the fence with the hobby lately, this helped remind me of why I love it too 🍻
Glad to hear it! I go through ups and downs with this myself but at the end of the day I truly feel like it helps as long as we're responsible with it.
keep up the videos bro u my favorite figure youtuber🙏
Thanks man! That means so much to me. I really appreciate you taking the time out to comment.
Awesome video man! You hit the nail on the head!
Thanks! I'm glad this isn't only my truth!
@@ClevasMultiverse no problem man! Just came across your channel and I love what you’ve doing man! It’s crazy cause coincidentally I’m working in a pretty similar video to this one. But dang man this one was so good I gotta up my game!
@@justjustin_collects I didn't know that you were a creator, I just subbed to you and I'll be sure to check out your videos! Thank you for your support! I actually had 3 other ideas and at the last minute I did this one, really because of time. It looks like this topic really hit with a lot of people.
Well said. I totally agree. Great topic...
Thank you!