Yo, my young brother, I am so glad to hear what you have learned about this thing of ours, lol. I never thought about expressing the realities of this and the idea that you really hit major things within 5 examples? I am very impressed. You had me flashing back to the days when Spawn figures first hit the scene and the waves were coming out in good numbers and monthly at Toys R Us, for example, and we had to hide stuff in the baby doll/Barbie section until we could come back with Cash to get that hard to find figure that you didn't expect to see. Lol. You are so right about the difference between pre and post COVID hunting at the stores, and how it forces some of us to finally say , damn I need to get it online. So much great content in your presentation. Thank you for putting out there for us to consider and schooling the newbies. Respect.
Thank you my brotha! I really appreciate the feedback and the time that you took to comment. This was my first video and I always feel like most people just want to show off their figures. I really never saw or heard anybody talking about the reality of the situation and how we get to the point where we are considered "collector's". Everybody see's the outcome but the grind is so overlooked. It's way deeper than just having money. This is why so many people quit, it's because they never realized what it actually takes to get there. If you liked this video check out my, "4 tips for collectors" video and see if it resonates the same. Thanks again my brotha! These comments make it all worthwhile!
I'm in the same boat as you Wayne Stanley! I started April 2nd, 1994 with the, I guess update of the Super Powers line and the beginning of Toy Biz! I had no idea that the Toy Biz and Super Powers would have better lines down the road. DCUC for DC and Marvel Legends for Marvel. As a result, the early Figures are now way too small, although the later Toy Biz still scale okay. But early Cho'od, Juggernaut, Hulk, Thing, etc. are definitely too small. I can adapt some, an earlier smaller Human Torch is now my Toro in my Invaders for example. Until recently I was still Fudging a Bald Elektra as Moondragon. Now that we have a Legends, I can finally put that Figure in my for sale box.
Ah, and I currently have 10 different Earth's, 6 DC, 3 Marvel, and an Earth Between that is Heroes and Villains from the Past and Future. I have approximately 5,000 to 5,500 total Figures. Despite having twice as many DC Earth's, I have twice as many Marvel Figures. Most of the DC Earth's are small and the Marvel Earth's are more complete. And, I lie, Fudge, and cheat. For example, I have made Wakandan Avengers, British Avengers, Evil Kree Avengers, Evil Skrull Avengers, and a Dark Avengers of counterparts rather than the actual Team. I currently have 75 different Avengers, but that's counting about 8 Customs and a couple of Fudges, and of course 5 different Hank Pym. In X-Men I have 56 in 4 different Teams.
I was like that with some Gi Joe Classified figures. Saw them in Ross for the cheap and was like nah. Fast forward 6 Mos later, and I start to get into them and I'm like damn, I should have got that Roadblock....
Finally somebody pointed out the reality about collecting figures, I'm glad I don't have enough money to buy what i see, only the figures I really need. Great video!
Even with all the money space would become the next issue unless you're gonna keep moving lol. I agree with only buying what you need. I collect what I remember not what I think other people like. I think that's a good rule of thumb to go by.
Solid list. Some honorable mentions could be 1. FOMO, 2. Back tracking on what you thought you didn’t want or “need” lol. Sounds like we started collecting around the same time. My first figure was the apocalypse wave Wolverine, now I’m thousands deep feels like it.
Those are great topic ideas that I want to touch on too. There is so much to collecting that we seem to... learn as we go... the hard way lol. I appreciate your support!
Broski, no lies told; you gave the game away. You told it ALL- nothing but the truth. Spoken like a TRUE collector. Let me explain how I started going HAM on figures- I started collecting comics in 1991 (Silver Surfer #50). Man, I fell in love. I had to be selective since I didnt have much money. Fast forward Aug 29, 2005 New Orleans, LA. I had a FIRE collection to include Spiderman's first black suit appearance, the founding Image comics' first issues, the death of Superman, first appearance of Rogue, etc. Hurricane Katrina wiped out my entire house to include my comic collection. I'm also in the military and I hadn't deployed yet and didn't experience military PTSD, but I had PTSD from losing my comics. I couldn't go in a comic book shop for a long time and I later found out I was having panic attacks trying to go in a comic book shop and stay in there for a bit. I had a few toys that I collected in my attic. Around 2010 is when I started heating up collecting transformers marvel and DC figures. Between 2019-2021 was my height of collecting. And when I say collecting, if I have an open figure, I have one, sometimes two in the box. I'm meticulous with it, too, just how I was collecting comics. I'm checking corners, cracks in the plastic, etc. Then I started boxing up the boxes. I'm on Haslab (got the Unicron, Sentinel, Galactus and TWO giant men en route). 2022-2023 I HAD to slow down. I'm running out of space and I don't want to spend that kind of money on them anymore, but I'm not gonna lie: if I get that crack fiend feeling and I gotta have it, I snatch it ASAP. I don't have many of those moments much and I have a little more self-control. Bro, for real, this has to be the realist collecting video on TH-cam, PERIOD. Take notes, peeps. Great job on this brother
I really, really appreciate your feedback my brotha! That collection sounded crazy. I'm so sorry to hear about Katrina. Damn yo, I could understand you feeling like that completely! Most of the time even with the money we can't replace a lot of the things that we collect and they become a part of us. Taking a loss like that could make somebody turn away completely. I'd glad that wasn't the case with you and you bounced back like you never left. I didn't jump on the Giant man myself. I wanted to but IDK. Now you tell me you got 2 and I'm like damn. I should have pulled the trigger on that one. @@29thizzle
This is straight facts homie! I've been collecting legends since middle school (2015ish) and for the past 2 years, I've really had to cut back on spending. It's also important to not invest in too many lines that won't bring you the same satisfaction as your favs do. Like rn, I'm only collecting Legends and Wrestling. Occasionally I'll cop a multiverse or black series but I'm basically retired from those lines lol.
My man speaking on some hard truths, especially that cleaning/dusting. And God forbid you want to rearrange a small section, talk about your domino effect!
Great video. I started collecting at the same time. Initially wanted to do one thing, then it exploded into many toy lines. If i could add something to the list of things I wish I knew before I started collecting, it would be that your interests will change. Whether it be the toy line, the brand, domestic to imports, to scale. Your interests will evolve and then you will have to curate your collection to meet those newer goals. The evolution never really stops.
Ain't that the truth, it take's so much discipline to remain focused. I started with DC, then jumped to Marvel Legends, now I have TMNT and The Boys NECA figures. It get's crazy real quick!
Same same. I experienced everything in this video and ended up starting to sell of some of my collection. It helped open up space, not be so cluttered, and made some money back. I’m focusing on 2 lines and I don’t pre-order everything I see now. Pre-orders can catch you slipping 😂.
The thing I hate about pre orders is that most things look great in a picture and then when you get it... not so much. I like being able to view the sculpt to see if I really like it.
Yea bro you got it nailed. I started when DC Bombshells were released and 29 statues later everything looked great. I started realizing after blindness this line wasn’t stopping. The hundreds stopped all of a sudden and I was left wanting more. How could I do more cheaper. I started checking out all the reviewers online. Started paying attention how all the 6 and 7 inch figures were way more articulated these days. I told myself I’d never collect figures again because of the limit of posing, but this was different now and wow they were mini statues in just about any way I wanted it and for cheap too compared to statues. Brands kept getting more and more. Before I knew it had happen my Legends, lead me to McFarlane and McFarlane led me to Neca TMNT and then I saw the Classified line and as a poor family we never had the money to collect in the 80’s and partly 90’s. Gi Joe was one I always wanted to collect. So I saw this new Classified line and started watching it just blow up and the sales that Target and Walmart had online and eventually Amazon and others I was 400 figures in mostly due to army building and I kept digging and digging myself a hole cause like you said the debt is real and it happens fast now with so little. It took awhile to dig myself out, but now after just 6 months I’m halfway back in where I was and it’s so stressful seeing all the collections just explode so fast and releasing has got ridiculous. Can’t keep up. So I said that to say this. This guy has nailed it. If you don’t have space and account separately for boxes if you pose. If you only can get by credit card. If you have the OCD of completions. If you do not have the means or loads of money for sealed glass cases or the detolfs weathering with strips from dust. TIME TIME TIME. It is huge to think about because your life becomes increasingly complicated when you invest in a collection. He’s right boxes stacked up cluttering the room and you will get depressed if you start and do not have the room and realize you can’t do what you want. It’ll sit in corners or plastic crates in the extra rooms or attic, basement, or closets. Cleva I am the same way… if I never started then, today I would not dare try to start. I love my collection and he’s right weather, theft, home fires, earthquakes… etc… Insurance is a must and the more you have the more you pay especially now. I recommend if you are on a stiff budget that is check to check income… do not do this. I was for a long time and I got lucky I didn’t go under, but now it’s risky more than ever. Make sure you have disposable cash like Cleva said cause it’ll go fast and that credit line will look intriguing. I’m about 5 to 6 months from digging out a second time and I finally realized my priorities and cut off collecting till I’m able without screwing around with important income. Patience is best doing this, but you always have a nervous thought what if this one sales out over and over this is it the hot one I’ll have to pay on evilbay. That thought is almost always there. The other thought is clearances for kitbashing or army building. Your money will vanish so quickly one after the other more and more and pretty soon you’ll make mistakes buying cause of the clearance price. You’ll find that day or week you dedicate to going through all of it and finding what you just bought. You forgot you had it and you never wanted a second one. It’s not that popular and it doesn’t even break even for you as an online sell. Listen to Cleva cause he’s right when he says… If I Knew Then What I Know Now About Collecting. I Have a friend and he’s well off but after 2 decades of collecting he finally woke up and looked around and made a commitment to getting rid of it. That was 5 years ago and he has sold a little over half and he’s barely got any profit from selling it. Now because of the time and stress it is taking to get rid of it it’s made him absolutely miserable and he hates collecting now. It ruined his passion he once had. So be sure your heart is in it with wisdom at the head cause if you aren’t pre prepared it’ll suck you in fast. Some do have the strength to resist most and maintain a nice size collection and not add on once they have it set up. I imagine though that’s very few. I mean look at Kyle Peterson. This guy hasn’t stopped yet and his collection is MASSIVE. The difference is it’s his business and he has the money and the room to display. He has a system and it works. I don’t even want to know what his insurance runs monthly for it. Just beware it can be great fun at first, but it gets out of hand fast if you let it. I’m happy now with what I have and I’m currently dealing off a lot of my stuff to break even and I’m happy about it more and more. The pressure has been stressful and the more I find a way to get it sold for just breaking even that stress gets lower and lower. Like I was saying about 5 or 6 months I should be good if my deals continue to stay consistent, but where I am now I feel great everyday. I still have my favs displayed and love them as centerpieces of my collection but I’m done wanting to add and complete. I’ll be content with what I have. Cleva best wishes to you for your channel and I’ll be supporting and watching. Take care everyone and I hope these experiences sink in before it becomes overwhelming to all collectors. Stay safe everyone
Wow now that was an in depth comment right there. I appreciate you taking to the time out to write that all out. I had to learn all of these things little by little and they all seemed to just smack me in the face one day lol. The collection rooms look good in the pictures and in the videos but the backstory on getting it to look like that are so often overlooked. Most of the time it's just that I've put so much time and energy into it that I just can't stop now, then I would feel like it was all for nothing. All in all collecting is a discipline and we all have our methods on how we make it happen. The people just coming in might think that it's all fun and games though. Thanks again my brotha, I really appreciate your feebback!
Nice first video. Especially like how you pointed out how much of an addiction this hobby is. We are all chasing that high of adding another figure to the shelf.
It's a fact right? Even when we think we are finished they gonna come out with something that we didn't even know that we wanted but now they showed it to us and it's a must have lol. It's all by design so we just have to be mindful.
Everything said in this video is facts. I’ve almost quit the hobby completely 10 times after I single figure dominoe’d my whole set up 😂. Moving/packing is also a bitch when you collect.
Cleaning. I do it every few months especially when I get some alone time and my peeps are away and out of the house. Get the JBL speaker and play music. Or keep the brush near by and do it little by little. Keep the brush on the shelf you’re working on.
That's great advice. You deff have to be alone because it's too easy to get distracted and then it drags on forever. Great tip on the brush too! How quick do we lose track right?
I started collecting because I saw that buying the statues of my favorite characters were like a couple hundred dollars and the action figures were so much less than that and had a better variety of figures. Now it seems like if you miss the figure's release in the store or online, the price goes up to ridiculous amounts of money. I was looking for a classic comic book accurate Spider-Man and at the time I was looking I had missed the release of the Marvel legends figures, and they were being sold in the aftermarket for over $100, sometimes closer to $200. I do have a classic Spider-Man figure now. But it took a while to wait for a new release to get it. And collecting his rogues gallery has been expensive as well.
Yeah my brother collects statues and I can tell you that they take up a lot of space and they cost a lot of money. I like Marvel Legends because of the size and the fact that I can squeeze a whole lot more of them in the same amount of space. You should really watch my new video because I break down how expensive Spider Man and his rogue gallery are. That Spider Verse is no joke right there!
Video is super accurate. Been actively collecting since i was a a teenager. That was over 25 years ago. My toy room is stil waiting to be organized since i've completed moving... Over a year ago. Lol. The comments are filled with great advice. I agree that building a strong network between collectors to help find deals and hard to find figures is greatly recommended. Many of us adults still have the thrill of the hunt embedded in us because the feeling of being a kid and dashing to the toy aisle meant so much. There's this since of pride knowing you found what you wanted the old fashion way. It still trips me out going to Walmart, Target, and etc, and finding SH Figuarts stuff.
There is nothing like finding a gem that you had no idea was gonna be there. Getting an Amazon box at your front door doesn't hit the same when you already know what's inside right?
@@ClevasMultiverse Since you mentioned, that one thing that has really made things complicated collecting is website, and store exclusives. The whole deal with scalpers buying up everything before you can open up an app on your phone.
I need to bring that up. I HATE scalpers!! Especially the ones that don't even collect and dry up the inventory from the people that really live this! It's so much more than a dollar sign for us. I will deff keep this in mind.@@DrVRhodes7541
That last part is so real. The amount of times I've said I'm done and then proceed to buy more. Luckily the line I collect is going on a hiatus (lightning collection) Great video though! Just started collecting this year. All it took was one figure and I now have 160. All of your points are so relatable.
160 in your first year is impressive. You must have hit the ground running. It took more of an acceleration for me because I didn't realize I was collecting. I seriously thought I was just gonna get a Flash figure and boom.....you know the rest...
Awesome tips, I just got into collecting Marvel Legends and have had a lot of fun collecting the Avengers especially with the new wave. Also high quality video for your first one!
Collecting is like a reward that just keeps on giving. Watching your collection grow also helps you to feel accomplished I think! I'm glad your on board and good look moving forward! Thanks for the feedback!
20 years of collecting and i finally stopped. Made an inventory on what i have and started purging. Keeping the only ones i really like is very fulfilling.
Man bro you really have solid knowledge and straight to it. Real talk and informative spot on. 🤘🏼💎 more of this kind of talk is always welcomed. Thank u for ur time
Great tips for any new collectors startin out. Ive always bought toys, but I really didnt get into this collecting or atleast take it seriously until maybe 2012 or 2013 or so with The Power Rangers Legacy collection stuff, Sh figuarts, DCUC, NECA. Then I got into the Marvel Legends as Marvel was getting bigger and more popular than ever. Ive learned so much about this game from the Marvel Legends community. But i was always on a budget so I always just got the stuff i personally wanted and not just everything. I learned that very early. I may not get the ENTIRE wave, just chars I liked....and sometimes that did consist of the entire wave, Lol eBay became my starting point really. I was late in the Marvel legends game so i had to play catch up. Thats when I learned about sought after figures and prices they demand...especially on EBAY. So about a decade in of REAL collecting, As of now, I probably got over 300 Marvel legends(I know its still small amount) but it includes the BEST of the BEST action figure representations of these characters. Comic and MCU. With all of my collections From toys to movies, shoes, games, music...Im sitting on a small fortune for sure! Addictive man!
Oh it is extremely addicting! That's what I try to tell people. It seems that you have the right idea though. I can't and won't buy just anything. It has to make sense and it has to flow with what I have going on.... including my budget lol. Thank you for commenting, I appreciate it!
""When other people look at my collection they see who I have. When I look at it I see who I don't have."" That really got me. Spot on observation. I've been collecting since I was a teenager in the 90s. For someone relatively new to this you've got some solid observations. A point you touched on a bit with the community/groups online but is a big one for me: my collecting really ramped up again around 2015 and since then I've tried to make it about more than just buying stuff and really leaning into toy customizing, making some friends and connections, and finding ways to explore the IP I like and find new IP. For example, I just got into the Lobo comics because McFarlane released that new version with the bike and I'm really enjoying what I've read so far. I'm doing a rewatch of The X Files and just finished some fun customs of Scully and Mulder (not posted on my IG yet). I think it's important to rise above JUST converting money into shelf objects. Cheers dude, keep up with the solid content!
I think that's how we all think right? It's an infinite chase and there will always be a hole that you wanna fill. As soon as you fill it then boom, it's like a sink hole appears and now it's something else. I've wanted to get into customizing but honestly I think I would mess it up. Have you been able to upgrade any of your figures yourself? I've seen some nice things done but I also feel like that's an art form and those people are gifted. I might have to outsource some figures to get them done.
I collect toys for a war. Yes. the figures I collect are going to war with each other. So, I normally want to army build but not enough money. The figures I get are Soldiers, Xenomorphs (Aliens), Predators, Comicbook heroes, villains, dinosaurs, Monsters, Cartoon characters like Bugs bunny, Mickey Mouse, Daffy Duck, Movie figures, and Hotwheels.
I've been collecting off and on my whole life(45). But I didn't get serious until endgame Thor came out. After that I wanted to build a specific collection. It keeps me to a limit to some degree so that helps me with control issues. Be it money, space, or time. I too see who I'm missing now, than who I have. Hahaha but it helps slow the process.
That's the way that you want to do it. You want to get what it is that you like. At the end of the day we CAN'T have everything. You have to find that sweet spot that's perfect for you. It's always good to hear from like minded people. Thanks for the feedback!
You speak the truth 100%. I have only been collecting for a year now and I have obtained so much in that time. I am an opener, so most boxes get tossed out immediately. I do not think you mentioned in addition to all the driving and hunting, things that are store exclusives...UGH! Walmart is the worst. When the Ultimate Edition RVD came out last year, I had it pre-ordered in July. It was set to be delivered in November. November came and went, my pre-order changed to January. Meanwhile I never every saw it in any walmarts I went to (and I went to a lot). January comes and goes, my order gets moved to March. At this point I didn't think it was ever coming, so I bought a scalped one on eBay, my Walmart RVD comes in the next week. UGH! After that, I no longer purposely go on hunts, if I am in a store, I will look. I will also not cry about not getting something. It is what it is. The new UE Mankind is a Walmart exclusive, and I am just going to go with the flow. If I see it, I see it. If not oh well. I do not like owning 50 versions of the same character, unless we speak of Hogan, then I get a lot of variations of him. I am pretty good with the Marvel Legends, I mostly collect the MCU versions of characters, and I have the core group and a grip of villains. The WWE figures are my weakness, but I have been able to pass on things just because I do not need them, so there is a little resistance going on, but figures from the 80's and 90's forget it. I try to get all the key players. This new Yokozuna looks great. This was the 1st time ever seeing one of your videos and it speaks so much truth. Now if you excuse me, I have some dusting to do.
I appreciate you taking the time out to make such a detailed comment. This hobby of ours takes so much commitment and I don't think that people see that right away. They see the rooms and they want that overnight. They don't understand what it takes to get a collection looking right. Store exclusives are the worst and that's one thing that I hope they do away with.
This is such an awesome video. I’m big into the GI Joe Classified line, and it’s so true about the army building but now we have vehicles coming. Space and money are definitely going to be an issue.
Thank you for your support! So far I've been able to stay away from G.I. Joes but I really like them. They almost had me though because I really wanted Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow but I talked myself out of it. I knew I was jumping off a cliff with that one. Right now it's Marvel, DC, TMNT and Neca (The Boys). I just bought Ashoka though, smh. Let's see how that goes...
FIRST POSTING, huh. Well, my friend, GREAT JOB!! Vining on style and presence. Confidence and knowledge compliments each other. Visual Layout and editing skilz are great. Direct and real straight shooting is valuable. I’m down for more and can’t wait to see what you can bring. 👏
Great video. This is excellent for beginner collectors to let them know what they are getting into. I've been into action figures since i was ten . I got into Hasbro figures in 2020 during the Covid quarantine. Your video is spot on. I've learned most of the things you mentioned and am at the point where I'm ready to fall back and be content with what i have. Fighting plastic addiction is hard, but i don't want to go from collecting to hoarding.
Damn, that was literally the worst time to jump in. I remember that's when Red Hulk got released and that was the beginning of what it has turned in to. I've deff slowed down but I would say only get the figures that make you happy. I tend to only buy figures that I remember as a kid. The ones that I wished I could be back then.
@@ClevasMultiverse I'm a nostalgia collector now. I've been able to get the updated Spider-Man, DareDevil, Black Widow, and 20th Ann Captain America amongst others this year. I think I did well. Hasbro put out alot of bangers this year, like the Deadpool and Bob 2 pak.
OMG TRUTH! "It all starts with ONE". lol. My GI Joe Classified was supposed to be ONLY Tiger Force squad [8 figs] ....now it includes Valaverse, Marvel Legends, SW Black, plus custom figs. I can open my own eBay store. Real Truth!
That's how the snowball begins, and it's almost like a drug. You don't realize how deep you've gone until your family is telling you that you need rehab lol. We just have to be mindful and disciplined. It's hard though cause sometimes I want everything myself!
I truly miss Toys R Us. I very rarely got to visit that store. As a kid i told myself when im older ill be able to shop there with my own money ............ Yeah that didnt happen. Great video 👍
Tell me about it. I remember the same thing, looking at a whole bunch of stuff that I couldn't get. When I first started collecting Toy' R Us was closing down and I managed to get a few figures from them before they closed. That was for the Netflix Daredevil wave. I really wish I could just pull up now and see what they have. Those are the golden days of toys I think.
I started collecting when I was 14, I'm 45 now. I purged all of my boxes about 4 years ago. I don't use stands for figures, I use blue tac, been doing it for years because it is cheap and it doesn't make you lose space on a shelf with a bulky stand. Lots of toy companies use blue/ white tac during toys show displays.
So for all of my figures that are standing, I have them working off of gravity, lol. That's why those domino effects are such a big deal to me. I hang my flying characters with the twine that they come with and a thumbtack that matches the paint so it doesn't stand out so much.
I agree. It does snowball. It’s worth it, I love my collection. And YES!! No one thinks about the space for the boxes. Hard to move a figure on without the original box. And yup maintenance and cleaning. Need to chunk it out. Great video. Hope a lot of newbies see this. Very important info. Be well.
Exactly!! Thank you for the comment. It's always worth it, I can't tell you how many times I've been having a bad day and I'll just go to my game room and look around and boom. Out of nowhere I feel 100% better! They become therapeutic to us!
I started collecting in 1999 with mcfarlane movie maniacs @ $9.99 and marvel legends were $ 6.85 at walmart . How times have changed. Ebay didn't even take PayPal had to send a check or money order to seller and wait.
It's funny how this "hobby" of ours is always evolving right? (Mannnn, $6.95 a fig.... lol... I would buy out the store these days at that price point) I don't go back as far as you but it's those beginning days that keep me coming back. IDK if I would be able to start from scratch in 2024. Thanks for stopping by to comment!
I lovvveeee this video!! Major keys points to know before and while you’re collecting. Mr Hood Figure Collector!!!! You’re charismatic and funny af! Btw Chandler passed away the other day. Keep posting videos!! I wanna see what u got next! Peeeeaaaaaccee (Clevas Voice) 😂
truth spoken on many fronts...luckily for me, I mainly collect older vintage stuff....I have dabbled in new stuff but stopped about 1 year ago. My collection comprises about 25% new stuff. With all that said, I think I am going to stop for good, and just curate the collection, but enough is enough....resisted going to a few toy shows in the last couple months....keep up the good work and interesting topics, I enjoy the more psychologhical aspect of the disease we all share. Thanks.
I appreciate the feedback. Let me ask you, as you collect vintage era's do you feel that they make it more expensive. I feel that anytime I'm buying backwards all the vendors want an arm and a leg lol. It's always about buying what makes you happy though.
Just subscribed man I see a lot of port with your channel as a stopmotion animator and figure collector I agree with your points in this video very informative for collectors 🔥🔥💯
Another thing that's definitely relevant for Legends: don't believe that the one e.g. Black Widow you have is going to be the one. They will release a new better version where you don't have to use the blast effects from another figure or it has a new accessory or a better head sculpt. You only learn more about what you're buying after years and years. I dont buy everything anymore because of funds and I know I can research on TH-cam or on Reddit what won't be worth it. For a guy who only started a few days ago, your video has spoken to a lot of people. Nice work, Cleva
Plus we have to remember that there will always be figures that you're just gonna have to get multiples of regardless of how you plan. (Ex. Wolverine, Spider-man, Iron-man, Deadpool) These dudes have so many suits that are so iconic that we just have to. More of a reason to go less on the others... Thank you for that last part. I really can't believe how it's moving. I really thought that it would take me a year or 2 to get these views. This community is the best and I'm gonna keep pushing forward with the best I can possibly bring! I'm hoping that each video will be better than the last.
Thank you! Would you believe the original video was like 56 minutes. I had to trim it down, I was just talking and talking lol. Do you think 15/20 min videos are good? Should I keep it about the same or increase/decrease the time?
@@ClevasMultiverse yeah I think that’s a good length and maybe you should do some shorter vids (5-10 min) too. I think anything longer than this only works well if it’s a live with a guest/s and or interaction with the chat, or a prerecorded interview with someone.
When it comes to mafex or mezcos, “museum poses” is what I avoid. I’m not spending $100-$150 on an action figure just to leave it in a standing museum pose, that’s a waste of money
Mafex figures were made to display dynamically. They even come with the stands because they know that, and for the price nah that figure is gonna work lol. I really hate boring .. "vanilla" poses". I've never seen a comic cover where the character is just standing in line. The cover is always almost the best illustration of the comic. I think it's the same with the figure's. It's not what you have, it's how you rock it!
This is an impressive showing for your first video. Not sure if you have experience in TH-cam, but you’re off to a better start than most! Im subbed and looking forward to more!
Hunting figures in-store is now completely pointless for me. Canada especially is dried up. I have visited multiple Walmarts/Gamestops etc to only be greeted by the same peg warmers I don't want. The real deal now is pre-ordering from specialized collector e-retailers like DJC Collectibles, Ecollectibles, Entertainment Earth, Big Bad Toy Store, etc.
Tell me about it, one of the best feelings I used to have was finding a figure that I needed in the wild. Newer collectors will never really have that feeling now. These days you already know what's in the box before you open it and it's just not the same.
With anything, I'm quite specific with what I want and why, I put some tight rules down. I'm just building an Excalibur team made of my favourite former team members.
That's a pretty easy team to get together. I do need a Captain Britain myself! You have to know what your doing otherwise you'll just be all over the place with no direction.
@@ClevasMultiverse It should be, but wanting a Betsy Captain Britain and a recent version of Rachel might take a while for them to become figures. Rogue, Nightcrawler and Wolfsbane, are much easier.
Keep them high and away from little hands. Try your best to put them out of reach so you don't have any accident's. I'll put mine closer to the ceiling before I put them closer to the floor.
Best first video ever, I got into DC Multiverse this year. I have a ton of figures now and I promised I'd only do the JL, then that became the JLI, plus JLDark, but it was okay, I had a rule for only definitive versions of characters, except for Batman and Superman...then the Flash, now I have a bunch of movie figures. Now I'm thinking about the villains, and I decided to get back into Marvel Legends. But I'm only doing the classic core Avengers...right?
Lmao, this is what I mean. It's like saying you only want one potato chip. It doesn't work like that. Our collections start to branch out like the timelines on Loki.
Good video!! I'm hitting 1500 1/12 and 1/11 scale figures, its neverending!!! Got some great day points in your video, didnt even touch Dioramas, props and custom figures!! I'll watch some more!!!🤔👍🤙😁😊
I didn't touch on those yet because those are the things that we tend to grow into so we can deff move onto those in the future. I've made a couple of dioramas myself and I made them from scratch during Covid. I could show people how but damn thats gonna be a long video. I need all the feedback and ideas ya got, so thank you for your's! oh and 1500.... that's impressive! How are you displaying them?
Collecting with marvel legends in a nutshell for me, gets the figure I wanted few weeks or month later they make the same figure but better 😂 now I gotta sell the one I got and get the new one with a better head sculpt. Along the line again another rerelease this time with more accessories now I gotta sell the figure I had replaced my original with, with an even better version. Month or a few weeks later they rerelease it again in two pack lol I’m done picking up the same figure. Spider-Man’s always
@@ClevasMultiverse well brother it can only go up from here :D every sunday is great i can't wait until you get enough subs to be monetized, keep up the good work.
Now is the time to guide your growth. Stay focused on what you're trying to build and work on that. I would stay with one line until I felt that it was healthy enough before spreading out.
Thank you for the feedback! Oh yes it is, and it's an addiction that you never really get to appease. It's like being hungry, once you eat it's just a countdown to you being hungry again. Thank you for the Sub also, I'm grinding trying to get to 1000!
@@ClevasMultiverse Word! And I collect so many different lines AND makes i.e. Mafex, Mezco, Hottoys, etc., etc. Not to mention damn near all of Hasbro (which I should buy some stock in to make me feel better). It’s doing a number on my pockets but I am fortunate enough to have such an expensive hobby. But still-shit is getting ridiculous but this it’s one of the few outlets I have….🤷🏾♂️
Bro your a funny dude very likeable i just started recollecting my childhood im an 80s kid these tips helped and its was funny these the type of collectors I have been looking for much love broski
I appreciate that, thank you my brotha! Actually from all of my videos this was the one that I was most shaky about, it was my first one so you know how that goes.
What I never understood was why do some people collect just Figures, or just Sneakers/Trainers, or just Video Games/Movies, or just Trading Cards, or just Statues, you get my point, why Collect one type of Luxury item? Why not a few of each of those and other things to collect? I haven't seen a single TH-camr with a Variety.
Good question. I can only speak for myself but I can tell you that trying to bankroll a little bit of everything is not something that everybody can do. Even picking one theme or genre is exhausting. Imagine liking Jordan's and trying to get every color and model. That is gonna be very expensive and exhausting, if it's even possible. Now imagine someone says, hey? Why just Jordans? You should get every model and color of every sneaker ever. Why just the one? That wouldn't even be possible. Even if money wasn't an issue. Time and space deff would be. Plus I don't like everything enough to keep them. I play PS5 games but I'll trade them in once I'm done. I can't sell my figs though.
@@ClevasMultiverse But there's no need for every colour variations, I'm a collector myself, but I have Figures, Cards, Games, Sneakers, and I can see it can become an Addiction of constantly wanting more but that's when the individual has to say no I have a Red Figure for example, so there's no need for the Same Figure but in Blue.
I think too that eventually it will branch out to some other things and those can be more controlled. There's always one main attraction though and I think that's what people tend to focus on, their #1. @@rashidhumine
I started Collecting back when Marvel legends release The Juggernaut wave in 2016. All I Wanted was the Brown Suit wolverine and it snowballed from there I wanted all the X-Men. Then one day I saw Captain America, Ironman and Thor Anniversary for sale on Amazon. I was fucked from there. 😂
It's designed like that my brotha! They do that on purpose. I would say focus on what it is you like and stick with that. Just because they drop it doesn't mean you have to buy it.
I decided early on to get the figures of characters that are personal favorites of mine, and if there’s multiple versions, I only keep the one that looks best (in my opinion). There are exceptions for figures that are so good looking I can’t pass them up, or have accessories that I can use with my favorites figures. Just a point of view, I guess. Maybe some don’t even call me a collector?
Some figures have several iconic costumes, like Wolverine and Spider man and it makes sense that you want more than one. It's a good rule to limit the others though. A lot of these figures only have a slight variation that you could hardly notice and it's not really worth it.
2.17 got me laughing , Ok, 1. Collect on a limit not every single character unless your rich Eg only wolverine and wolverine villains EVEN that’s too many 2. You will eventually get burnt, even I got burnt on EBay 3. Wait everything goes clearance 4. buy rare - which go up in price 5. display wisely, use good shelves cheap from ikea
Those are all facts too! Although #3 is a gamble. There have been times that I've only seen the figure once or sometimes not at all. Some fig 's never even make it to the shelves around here.
That's a great approach to start out and to stick with. Try to get only what it is that you like. I started off a lil crazy in the beginning and I had to learn to pump the brakes little by little.
@ClevasMultiverse Right, that's why I watch alot of videos just to hear other people's experiences and learn from that. Currently I own XM 1/6 Black Suit Superman and Green Arrow
Yo, my young brother, I am so glad to hear what you have learned about this thing of ours, lol. I never thought about expressing the realities of this and the idea that you really hit major things within 5 examples? I am very impressed. You had me flashing back to the days when Spawn figures first hit the scene and the waves were coming out in good numbers and monthly at Toys R Us, for example, and we had to hide stuff in the baby doll/Barbie section until we could come back with Cash to get that hard to find figure that you didn't expect to see. Lol.
You are so right about the difference between pre and post COVID hunting at the stores, and how it forces some of us to finally say , damn I need to get it online. So much great content in your presentation. Thank you for putting out there for us to consider and schooling the newbies. Respect.
Thank you my brotha! I really appreciate the feedback and the time that you took to comment. This was my first video and I always feel like most people just want to show off their figures. I really never saw or heard anybody talking about the reality of the situation and how we get to the point where we are considered "collector's". Everybody see's the outcome but the grind is so overlooked. It's way deeper than just having money. This is why so many people quit, it's because they never realized what it actually takes to get there. If you liked this video check out my, "4 tips for collectors" video and see if it resonates the same. Thanks again my brotha! These comments make it all worthwhile!
I started collecting back in the 90's with the Toy Biz Batman and X-men figures, at this point I feel like my collection owns me.
Honestly I wish I would have started earlier, buying backwards is too expensive lol!
Don't let it consume you! Consume it.
I'm in the same boat as you Wayne Stanley! I started April 2nd, 1994 with the, I guess update of the Super Powers line and the beginning of Toy Biz! I had no idea that the Toy Biz and Super Powers would have better lines down the road. DCUC for DC and Marvel Legends for Marvel. As a result, the early Figures are now way too small, although the later Toy Biz still scale okay. But early Cho'od, Juggernaut, Hulk, Thing, etc. are definitely too small. I can adapt some, an earlier smaller Human Torch is now my Toro in my Invaders for example. Until recently I was still Fudging a Bald Elektra as Moondragon. Now that we have a Legends, I can finally put that Figure in my for sale box.
Ah, and I currently have 10 different Earth's, 6 DC, 3 Marvel, and an Earth Between that is Heroes and Villains from the Past and Future. I have approximately 5,000 to 5,500 total Figures. Despite having twice as many DC Earth's, I have twice as many Marvel Figures. Most of the DC Earth's are small and the Marvel Earth's are more complete. And, I lie, Fudge, and cheat. For example, I have made Wakandan Avengers, British Avengers, Evil Kree Avengers, Evil Skrull Avengers, and a Dark Avengers of counterparts rather than the actual Team. I currently have 75 different Avengers, but that's counting about 8 Customs and a couple of Fudges, and of course 5 different Hank Pym. In X-Men I have 56 in 4 different Teams.
Now that's a lot of figures right there!
@@BladeStar-uq6xe
So true and you get distracted with a figure you didn’t even want then you see it and be like damn I want that now
It's so true, and this is like a life long chase. It happens over and over again lol!
I was like that with some Gi Joe Classified figures.
Saw them in Ross for the cheap and was like nah.
Fast forward 6 Mos later, and I start to get into them and I'm like damn, I should have got that Roadblock....
@@righteousdivineI don’t want to hop on that line but I got croc master from a trade and I seen snake eyes with timber and I’m like damn they’re nice
Finally somebody pointed out the reality about collecting figures, I'm glad I don't have enough money to buy what i see, only the figures I really need. Great video!
Even with all the money space would become the next issue unless you're gonna keep moving lol. I agree with only buying what you need. I collect what I remember not what I think other people like. I think that's a good rule of thumb to go by.
Solid list. Some honorable mentions could be 1. FOMO, 2. Back tracking on what you thought you didn’t want or “need” lol. Sounds like we started collecting around the same time. My first figure was the apocalypse wave Wolverine, now I’m thousands deep feels like it.
Those are great topic ideas that I want to touch on too. There is so much to collecting that we seem to... learn as we go... the hard way lol. I appreciate your support!
Broski, no lies told; you gave the game away. You told it ALL- nothing but the truth. Spoken like a TRUE collector.
Let me explain how I started going HAM on figures- I started collecting comics in 1991 (Silver Surfer #50). Man, I fell in love. I had to be selective since I didnt have much money. Fast forward Aug 29, 2005 New Orleans, LA. I had a FIRE collection to include Spiderman's first black suit appearance, the founding Image comics' first issues, the death of Superman, first appearance of Rogue, etc. Hurricane Katrina wiped out my entire house to include my comic collection.
I'm also in the military and I hadn't deployed yet and didn't experience military PTSD, but I had PTSD from losing my comics. I couldn't go in a comic book shop for a long time and I later found out I was having panic attacks trying to go in a comic book shop and stay in there for a bit.
I had a few toys that I collected in my attic. Around 2010 is when I started heating up collecting transformers marvel and DC figures. Between 2019-2021 was my height of collecting. And when I say collecting, if I have an open figure, I have one, sometimes two in the box. I'm meticulous with it, too, just how I was collecting comics. I'm checking corners, cracks in the plastic, etc. Then I started boxing up the boxes. I'm on Haslab (got the Unicron, Sentinel, Galactus and TWO giant men en route). 2022-2023 I HAD to slow down. I'm running out of space and I don't want to spend that kind of money on them anymore, but I'm not gonna lie: if I get that crack fiend feeling and I gotta have it, I snatch it ASAP. I don't have many of those moments much and I have a little more self-control.
Bro, for real, this has to be the realist collecting video on TH-cam, PERIOD. Take notes, peeps. Great job on this brother
I really, really appreciate your feedback my brotha! That collection sounded crazy. I'm so sorry to hear about Katrina. Damn yo, I could understand you feeling like that completely! Most of the time even with the money we can't replace a lot of the things that we collect and they become a part of us. Taking a loss like that could make somebody turn away completely. I'd glad that wasn't the case with you and you bounced back like you never left. I didn't jump on the Giant man myself. I wanted to but IDK. Now you tell me you got 2 and I'm like damn. I should have pulled the trigger on that one. @@29thizzle
I've been collecting Marvel Legends for over 20 years. This is a great list you put together. There's lots of wisdom in this video. Nice job.
Thank you. I was trying to think about the things that nobody ever told me and I had to learn the hard way.
Everything you said was spot on. This plastic addiction is crazy.
Thanks! It really is!
This is straight facts homie! I've been collecting legends since middle school (2015ish) and for the past 2 years, I've really had to cut back on spending. It's also important to not invest in too many lines that won't bring you the same satisfaction as your favs do. Like rn, I'm only collecting Legends and Wrestling. Occasionally I'll cop a multiverse or black series but I'm basically retired from those lines lol.
I feel you 100%! You have to limit yourself as to what it is your trying to do or else your going to be all over the place..... and broke! lol
My man speaking on some hard truths, especially that cleaning/dusting. And God forbid you want to rearrange a small section, talk about your domino effect!
And why is is that when one of them wants to fall out of place..... It's ALWAYS the one in the back or the hardest to reach place? lol
Man...this is DAMN good for a first video. Valid points all around. Subscribed!
I appreciate the feedback and the Sub! Thanks!
Great video. I started collecting at the same time. Initially wanted to do one thing, then it exploded into many toy lines. If i could add something to the list of things I wish I knew before I started collecting, it would be that your interests will change. Whether it be the toy line, the brand, domestic to imports, to scale. Your interests will evolve and then you will have to curate your collection to meet those newer goals. The evolution never really stops.
Ain't that the truth, it take's so much discipline to remain focused. I started with DC, then jumped to Marvel Legends, now I have TMNT and The Boys NECA figures. It get's crazy real quick!
Same same. I experienced everything in this video and ended up starting to sell of some of my collection. It helped open up space, not be so cluttered, and made some money back. I’m focusing on 2 lines and I don’t pre-order everything I see now. Pre-orders can catch you slipping 😂.
The thing I hate about pre orders is that most things look great in a picture and then when you get it... not so much. I like being able to view the sculpt to see if I really like it.
❤ you are so correct all of it.. eventhough I been into collecting figures since the late 90s as a seller and a buyer I still enjoy the good info 😊❤
Thank you man! That was my first video too. I just want to shed light on the entire reality. I appreciate your feedback!
Yea bro you got it nailed. I started when DC Bombshells were released and 29 statues later everything looked great. I started realizing after blindness this line wasn’t stopping. The hundreds stopped all of a sudden and I was left wanting more. How could I do more cheaper. I started checking out all the reviewers online. Started paying attention how all the 6 and 7 inch figures were way more articulated these days. I told myself I’d never collect figures again because of the limit of posing, but this was different now and wow they were mini statues in just about any way I wanted it and for cheap too compared to statues. Brands kept getting more and more. Before I knew it had happen my Legends, lead me to McFarlane and McFarlane led me to Neca TMNT and then I saw the Classified line and as a poor family we never had the money to collect in the 80’s and partly 90’s. Gi Joe was one I always wanted to collect. So I saw this new Classified line and started watching it just blow up and the sales that Target and Walmart had online and eventually Amazon and others I was 400 figures in mostly due to army building and I kept digging and digging myself a hole cause like you said the debt is real and it happens fast now with so little. It took awhile to dig myself out, but now after just 6 months I’m halfway back in where I was and it’s so stressful seeing all the collections just explode so fast and releasing has got ridiculous. Can’t keep up. So I said that to say this. This guy has nailed it. If you don’t have space and account separately for boxes if you pose. If you only can get by credit card. If you have the OCD of completions. If you do not have the means or loads of money for sealed glass cases or the detolfs weathering with strips from dust. TIME TIME TIME. It is huge to think about because your life becomes increasingly complicated when you invest in a collection. He’s right boxes stacked up cluttering the room and you will get depressed if you start and do not have the room and realize you can’t do what you want. It’ll sit in corners or plastic crates in the extra rooms or attic, basement, or closets. Cleva I am the same way… if I never started then, today I would not dare try to start. I love my collection and he’s right weather, theft, home fires, earthquakes… etc… Insurance is a must and the more you have the more you pay especially now. I recommend if you are on a stiff budget that
is check to check income… do not do this. I was for a long time and I got lucky I didn’t go under, but now it’s risky more than ever. Make sure you have disposable cash like Cleva said cause it’ll go fast and that credit line will look intriguing. I’m about 5 to 6 months from digging out a second time and I finally realized my priorities and cut off collecting till I’m able without screwing around with important income. Patience is best doing this, but you always have a nervous thought what if this one sales out over and over this is it the hot one I’ll have to pay on evilbay. That thought is almost always there. The other thought is clearances for kitbashing or army building. Your money will vanish so quickly one after the other more and more and pretty soon you’ll make mistakes buying cause of the clearance price. You’ll find that day or week you dedicate to going through all of it and finding what you just bought. You forgot you had it and you never wanted a second one. It’s not that popular and it doesn’t even break even for you as an online sell. Listen to Cleva cause he’s right when he says… If I Knew Then What I Know Now About Collecting. I Have a friend and he’s well off but after 2 decades of collecting he finally woke up and looked around and made a commitment to getting rid of it. That was 5 years ago and he has sold a little over half and he’s barely got any profit from selling it. Now because of the time and stress it is taking to get rid of it it’s made him absolutely miserable and he hates collecting now. It ruined his passion he once had. So be sure your heart is in it with wisdom at the head cause if you aren’t pre prepared it’ll suck you in fast. Some do have the strength to resist most and maintain a nice size collection and not add on once they have it set up. I imagine though that’s very few. I mean look at Kyle Peterson. This guy hasn’t stopped yet and his collection is MASSIVE. The difference is it’s his business and he has the money and the room to display. He has a system and it works. I don’t even want to know what his insurance runs monthly for it. Just beware it can be great fun at first, but it gets out of hand fast if you let it. I’m happy now with what I have and I’m currently dealing off a lot of my stuff to break even and I’m happy about it more and more. The pressure has been stressful and the more I find a way to get it sold for just breaking even that stress gets lower and lower. Like I was saying about 5 or 6 months I should be good if my deals continue to stay consistent, but where I am now I feel great everyday. I still have my favs displayed and love them as centerpieces of my collection but I’m done wanting to add and complete. I’ll be content with what I have. Cleva best wishes to you for your channel and I’ll be supporting and watching. Take care everyone and I hope these experiences sink in before it becomes overwhelming to all collectors. Stay safe everyone
Wow now that was an in depth comment right there. I appreciate you taking to the time out to write that all out. I had to learn all of these things little by little and they all seemed to just smack me in the face one day lol. The collection rooms look good in the pictures and in the videos but the backstory on getting it to look like that are so often overlooked. Most of the time it's just that I've put so much time and energy into it that I just can't stop now, then I would feel like it was all for nothing. All in all collecting is a discipline and we all have our methods on how we make it happen. The people just coming in might think that it's all fun and games though. Thanks again my brotha, I really appreciate your feebback!
No problem bro. I’m enjoying your takes on the MCU. I totally agree with the issues. Take care
Nice first video. Especially like how you pointed out how much of an addiction this hobby is. We are all chasing that high of adding another figure to the shelf.
It's a fact right? Even when we think we are finished they gonna come out with something that we didn't even know that we wanted but now they showed it to us and it's a must have lol. It's all by design so we just have to be mindful.
Everything said in this video is facts. I’ve almost quit the hobby completely 10 times after I single figure dominoe’d my whole set up 😂. Moving/packing is also a bitch when you collect.
Exactly, I can move my whole 3 bedroom apartment faster than just my one game room. You have to move them differently.
Been collecing for 10 years and this is some hard ass truth
Thank you my brotha! I was trying to keep it real and show the other side to it.
Great content !! I feel all the points u mentioned and they are true. Keen to hear your take as to how survive this long run without getting burnt up.
Thanks! Will do!
Really enjoyed this man ! Figures all day long is what I like, collection videos and topics like this. Great job bro !
Figures are a BIG part of my life lol. I'm glad that you enjoyed it, I appreciate the feedback!
Cleaning. I do it every few months especially when I get some alone time and my peeps are away and out of the house. Get the JBL speaker and play music. Or keep the brush near by and do it little by little. Keep the brush on the shelf you’re working on.
That's great advice. You deff have to be alone because it's too easy to get distracted and then it drags on forever. Great tip on the brush too! How quick do we lose track right?
I started collecting because I saw that buying the statues of my favorite characters were like a couple hundred dollars and the action figures were so much less than that and had a better variety of figures. Now it seems like if you miss the figure's release in the store or online, the price goes up to ridiculous amounts of money. I was looking for a classic comic book accurate Spider-Man and at the time I was looking I had missed the release of the Marvel legends figures, and they were being sold in the aftermarket for over $100, sometimes closer to $200. I do have a classic Spider-Man figure now. But it took a while to wait for a new release to get it. And collecting his rogues gallery has been expensive as well.
Yeah my brother collects statues and I can tell you that they take up a lot of space and they cost a lot of money. I like Marvel Legends because of the size and the fact that I can squeeze a whole lot more of them in the same amount of space. You should really watch my new video because I break down how expensive Spider Man and his rogue gallery are. That Spider Verse is no joke right there!
Video is super accurate. Been actively collecting since i was a a teenager. That was over 25 years ago. My toy room is stil waiting to be organized since i've completed moving... Over a year ago. Lol.
The comments are filled with great advice. I agree that building a strong network between collectors to help find deals and hard to find figures is greatly recommended.
Many of us adults still have the thrill of the hunt embedded in us because the feeling of being a kid and dashing to the toy aisle meant so much. There's this since of pride knowing you found what you wanted the old fashion way.
It still trips me out going to Walmart, Target, and etc, and finding SH Figuarts stuff.
There is nothing like finding a gem that you had no idea was gonna be there. Getting an Amazon box at your front door doesn't hit the same when you already know what's inside right?
@@ClevasMultiverse Since you mentioned, that one thing that has really made things complicated collecting is website, and store exclusives. The whole deal with scalpers buying up everything before you can open up an app on your phone.
I need to bring that up. I HATE scalpers!! Especially the ones that don't even collect and dry up the inventory from the people that really live this! It's so much more than a dollar sign for us. I will deff keep this in mind.@@DrVRhodes7541
So very true. The hunt was so real, and finding that figure was a rush, still is. Lol.
Bro is spitting facts. Every point made me look at my shelves like " damn he's right".
I was looking at my shelves during the video too lol. I appreciate the feedback!
That last part is so real. The amount of times I've said I'm done and then proceed to buy more. Luckily the line I collect is going on a hiatus (lightning collection) Great video though! Just started collecting this year. All it took was one figure and I now have 160. All of your points are so relatable.
160 in your first year is impressive. You must have hit the ground running. It took more of an acceleration for me because I didn't realize I was collecting. I seriously thought I was just gonna get a Flash figure and boom.....you know the rest...
Awesome tips, I just got into collecting Marvel Legends and have had a lot of fun collecting the Avengers especially with the new wave. Also high quality video for your first one!
Collecting is like a reward that just keeps on giving. Watching your collection grow also helps you to feel accomplished I think! I'm glad your on board and good look moving forward! Thanks for the feedback!
20 years of collecting and i finally stopped. Made an inventory on what i have and started purging. Keeping the only ones i really like is very fulfilling.
It's all about what you like. That what makes it more important.
I remember when Marvel Legends was 8 bucks and then went to 12, and I was like “nah I’m out that’s too much.”
Man... Silver Surfer (obsidian) just dropped and he's going for $44.99 and its just a re-release. It's getting ugly out here!
Man bro you really have solid knowledge and straight to it. Real talk and informative spot on. 🤘🏼💎 more of this kind of talk is always welcomed. Thank u for ur time
I appreciate the feedback! I feel like people like showing things off but they skip all the B.S. that comes with it. I'll be sure to keep it coming.
Great tips for any new collectors startin out.
Ive always bought toys, but I really didnt get into this collecting or atleast take it seriously until maybe 2012 or 2013 or so with The Power Rangers Legacy collection stuff, Sh figuarts, DCUC, NECA.
Then I got into the Marvel Legends as Marvel was getting bigger and more popular than ever.
Ive learned so much about this game from the Marvel Legends community.
But i was always on a budget so I always just got the stuff i personally wanted and not just everything. I learned that very early. I may not get the ENTIRE wave, just chars I liked....and sometimes that did consist of the entire wave, Lol
eBay became my starting point really. I was late in the Marvel legends game so i had to play catch up. Thats when I learned about sought after figures and prices they demand...especially on EBAY.
So about a decade in of REAL collecting, As of now, I probably got over 300 Marvel legends(I know its still small amount) but it includes the BEST of the BEST action figure representations of these characters. Comic and MCU.
With all of my collections From toys to movies, shoes, games, music...Im sitting on a small fortune for sure!
Addictive man!
Oh it is extremely addicting! That's what I try to tell people. It seems that you have the right idea though. I can't and won't buy just anything. It has to make sense and it has to flow with what I have going on.... including my budget lol. Thank you for commenting, I appreciate it!
""When other people look at my collection they see who I have. When I look at it I see who I don't have.""
That really got me. Spot on observation.
I've been collecting since I was a teenager in the 90s. For someone relatively new to this you've got some solid observations.
A point you touched on a bit with the community/groups online but is a big one for me: my collecting really ramped up again around 2015 and since then I've tried to make it about more than just buying stuff and really leaning into toy customizing, making some friends and connections, and finding ways to explore the IP I like and find new IP. For example, I just got into the Lobo comics because McFarlane released that new version with the bike and I'm really enjoying what I've read so far. I'm doing a rewatch of The X Files and just finished some fun customs of Scully and Mulder (not posted on my IG yet). I think it's important to rise above JUST converting money into shelf objects.
Cheers dude, keep up with the solid content!
I think that's how we all think right? It's an infinite chase and there will always be a hole that you wanna fill. As soon as you fill it then boom, it's like a sink hole appears and now it's something else.
I've wanted to get into customizing but honestly I think I would mess it up. Have you been able to upgrade any of your figures yourself? I've seen some nice things done but I also feel like that's an art form and those people are gifted. I might have to outsource some figures to get them done.
Thanks for sharing! Awesome knowledge you laid out!
Thanks for watching!
great video man!
whole thing really hit home.
keep it up!
Thank you my brotha, I appreciate the support!
Good video. Been collecting for many years and what you say makes sense. Good job!
Awesome, thank you!
I collect toys for a war. Yes. the figures I collect are going to war with each other. So, I normally want to army build but not enough money. The figures I get are Soldiers, Xenomorphs (Aliens), Predators, Comicbook heroes, villains, dinosaurs, Monsters, Cartoon characters like Bugs bunny, Mickey Mouse, Daffy Duck, Movie figures, and Hotwheels.
That set up sounds crazy, I would love to see it!
@@ClevasMultiverse When I complete my collection maybe I still just started.
I've been collecting off and on my whole life(45). But I didn't get serious until endgame Thor came out. After that I wanted to build a specific collection. It keeps me to a limit to some degree so that helps me with control issues. Be it money, space, or time. I too see who I'm missing now, than who I have. Hahaha but it helps slow the process.
That's the way that you want to do it. You want to get what it is that you like. At the end of the day we CAN'T have everything. You have to find that sweet spot that's perfect for you. It's always good to hear from like minded people. Thanks for the feedback!
You speak the truth 100%. I have only been collecting for a year now and I have obtained so much in that time. I am an opener, so most boxes get tossed out immediately. I do not think you mentioned in addition to all the driving and hunting, things that are store exclusives...UGH! Walmart is the worst. When the Ultimate Edition RVD came out last year, I had it pre-ordered in July. It was set to be delivered in November. November came and went, my pre-order changed to January. Meanwhile I never every saw it in any walmarts I went to (and I went to a lot). January comes and goes, my order gets moved to March. At this point I didn't think it was ever coming, so I bought a scalped one on eBay, my Walmart RVD comes in the next week. UGH!
After that, I no longer purposely go on hunts, if I am in a store, I will look. I will also not cry about not getting something. It is what it is. The new UE Mankind is a Walmart exclusive, and I am just going to go with the flow. If I see it, I see it. If not oh well. I do not like owning 50 versions of the same character, unless we speak of Hogan, then I get a lot of variations of him.
I am pretty good with the Marvel Legends, I mostly collect the MCU versions of characters, and I have the core group and a grip of villains. The WWE figures are my weakness, but I have been able to pass on things just because I do not need them, so there is a little resistance going on, but figures from the 80's and 90's forget it. I try to get all the key players. This new Yokozuna looks great.
This was the 1st time ever seeing one of your videos and it speaks so much truth. Now if you excuse me, I have some dusting to do.
I appreciate you taking the time out to make such a detailed comment. This hobby of ours takes so much commitment and I don't think that people see that right away. They see the rooms and they want that overnight. They don't understand what it takes to get a collection looking right. Store exclusives are the worst and that's one thing that I hope they do away with.
Well said. It's nice to see others recognize this hobby as an investment. I prefer toys over digital goods for that reason.
I even buy the disks for my PS5. It's always better to have something tangible in your hand. It just feels better to me.
Yo Fam, Great first video! As far as current topics for me, I’m looking into shelves and lighting.
Thank you my brotha, I appreciate your support! I will deff keep that in mind!
This is such an awesome video. I’m big into the GI Joe Classified line, and it’s so true about the army building but now we have vehicles coming. Space and money are definitely going to be an issue.
Thank you for your support! So far I've been able to stay away from G.I. Joes but I really like them. They almost had me though because I really wanted Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow but I talked myself out of it. I knew I was jumping off a cliff with that one. Right now it's Marvel, DC, TMNT and Neca (The Boys). I just bought Ashoka though, smh. Let's see how that goes...
Cleva you got a great narrative ability you got potential to get a big chanell going keep at it I liked this video
Thank you! That means a lot to me. I've debated doing this for so long. Your feedback deff helps to push forward.
Great video. Wish i would have seen it sooner. I'm all in with the Marvel legends now.
Tell me about it, I learned all of these things the hard way myself.
Great video man!!! Keep doing your thing bro!
Thanks! Will do!
FIRST POSTING, huh. Well, my friend, GREAT JOB!! Vining on style and presence. Confidence and knowledge compliments each other. Visual Layout and editing skilz are great. Direct and real straight shooting is valuable. I’m down for more and can’t wait to see what you can bring. 👏
I really appreciate your feedback! Thank you so much! I'm going to try my best!
Great video. This is excellent for beginner collectors to let them know what they are getting into.
I've been into action figures since i was ten . I got into Hasbro figures in 2020 during the Covid quarantine. Your video is spot on. I've learned most of the things you mentioned and am at the point where I'm ready to fall back and be content with what i have. Fighting plastic addiction is hard, but i don't want to go from collecting to hoarding.
Damn, that was literally the worst time to jump in. I remember that's when Red Hulk got released and that was the beginning of what it has turned in to. I've deff slowed down but I would say only get the figures that make you happy. I tend to only buy figures that I remember as a kid. The ones that I wished I could be back then.
@@ClevasMultiverse I'm a nostalgia collector now. I've been able to get the updated Spider-Man, DareDevil, Black Widow, and 20th Ann Captain America amongst others this year. I think I did well. Hasbro put out alot of bangers this year, like the Deadpool and Bob 2 pak.
Those are all staples that I would want too. Do you collect only the characters that mean something to you or do you build teams also?
Fantastic first video man - keep up with the content & you’ll be one of the faves! 👍
I appreciate you! Thank you for the support!
OMG TRUTH! "It all starts with ONE". lol. My GI Joe Classified was supposed to be ONLY Tiger Force squad [8 figs] ....now it includes Valaverse, Marvel Legends, SW Black, plus custom figs. I can open my own eBay store. Real Truth!
That's how the snowball begins, and it's almost like a drug. You don't realize how deep you've gone until your family is telling you that you need rehab lol. We just have to be mindful and disciplined. It's hard though cause sometimes I want everything myself!
My wife always asks “who don’t you have” 🤣… my usual answer is “it’s complicated” 😅
That's actually the perfect answer right there now that I think about it!
I truly miss Toys R Us. I very rarely got to visit that store. As a kid i told myself when im older ill be able to shop there with my own money ............ Yeah that didnt happen. Great video 👍
Tell me about it. I remember the same thing, looking at a whole bunch of stuff that I couldn't get. When I first started collecting Toy' R Us was closing down and I managed to get a few figures from them before they closed. That was for the Netflix Daredevil wave. I really wish I could just pull up now and see what they have. Those are the golden days of toys I think.
Great episode. Just started semi seriously collecting and some of the points had me like: damn! So I'm not crazy lol.
You deff are not crazy lol. There is so much that goes into this that gets looked over.
6:00 truth "its addictive"
Oh yes it is! It's all about understanding it and managing it so that it works out for you.
love the list. SUBSCRIBED!
Thanks!
I started collecting when I was 14, I'm 45 now.
I purged all of my boxes about 4 years ago. I don't use stands for figures, I use blue tac, been doing it for years because it is cheap and it doesn't make you lose space on a shelf with a bulky stand. Lots of toy companies use blue/ white tac during toys show displays.
So for all of my figures that are standing, I have them working off of gravity, lol. That's why those domino effects are such a big deal to me. I hang my flying characters with the twine that they come with and a thumbtack that matches the paint so it doesn't stand out so much.
As a collector who's been in the game for decades, this is an amazing video and I hope anyone coming into this hobby gets to see. Great job!
Thank you! I Appreciate your feedback!
I am with you my man. I been collecting the legends since the start. Captain America and the Hulk were my first two. Lol
Great video. I’ve been collecting for years and enjoy watching other collectors. Solid work and collection.
Thanks for watching! I appreciate the feedback!
Phenomenal video!!! Thank you very much.
You're very welcome! Thank you for your feedback!
Really enjoyed your video, also some very relevant and important info you're giving. Great video and God bless!!
Glad you enjoyed it! I'm trying my best to help out!
All straight facts thanks for this great video you hit the nail on the coffee table
Thanks!
My man, good video! Real talk! So true .. ✌🏼
Thanks man!
Thanks this is very helpful!! 😊
Glad it was helpful!
Great commentary and thoughts my brother 👍🏾
Much appreciated! Thank you for the feedback!
That's some top notch advice. Especially storing the empty boxes. BTW very inspiring displays in your room.
Thank you, I appreciate all of the feedback! We can all get the same figures but I think how you display them defines a part of your character.
Great video man good stuff !
Glad you enjoyed it! I appreciate you taking the time out to comment!
Where were you back in ‘15 my guy? Keep the videos coming, I will keep watching.
I appreciate the feedback, I deff will!
I like your vibe bruh you earned a sub
I appreciate your feedback, and thanks for the sub. I'm trying to drop Sunday mornings.
I agree. It does snowball. It’s worth it, I love my collection.
And YES!! No one thinks about the space for the boxes. Hard to move a figure on without the original box.
And yup maintenance and cleaning. Need to chunk it out.
Great video. Hope a lot of newbies see this. Very important info.
Be well.
Exactly!! Thank you for the comment. It's always worth it, I can't tell you how many times I've been having a bad day and I'll just go to my game room and look around and boom. Out of nowhere I feel 100% better! They become therapeutic to us!
Hilarious! I JUST started my collection. It turned me into a junky too!
It does it to all of us my brotha! We're in this together! lol
I started collecting in 1999 with mcfarlane movie maniacs @ $9.99 and marvel legends were $ 6.85 at walmart . How times have changed. Ebay didn't even take PayPal had to send a check or money order to seller and wait.
It's funny how this "hobby" of ours is always evolving right? (Mannnn, $6.95 a fig.... lol... I would buy out the store these days at that price point) I don't go back as far as you but it's those beginning days that keep me coming back. IDK if I would be able to start from scratch in 2024. Thanks for stopping by to comment!
@ClevasMultiverse yea I don't know that I could start and have as much as I have at these current prices.
I lovvveeee this video!! Major keys points to know before and while you’re collecting. Mr Hood Figure Collector!!!! You’re charismatic and funny af! Btw Chandler passed away the other day. Keep posting videos!! I wanna see what u got next! Peeeeaaaaaccee (Clevas Voice) 😂
I would like to drop a video every Sunday if possible.
truth spoken on many fronts...luckily for me, I mainly collect older vintage stuff....I have dabbled in new stuff but stopped about 1 year ago. My collection comprises about 25% new stuff. With all that said, I think I am going to stop for good, and just curate the collection, but enough is enough....resisted going to a few toy shows in the last couple months....keep up the good work and interesting topics, I enjoy the more psychologhical aspect of the disease we all share. Thanks.
I appreciate the feedback. Let me ask you, as you collect vintage era's do you feel that they make it more expensive. I feel that anytime I'm buying backwards all the vendors want an arm and a leg lol. It's always about buying what makes you happy though.
Just subscribed man I see a lot of port with your channel as a stopmotion animator and figure collector I agree with your points in this video very informative for collectors 🔥🔥💯
Thank you! These are all of the lessons that nobody was around to teach me, I'm hoping that they help out.
Another thing that's definitely relevant for Legends: don't believe that the one e.g. Black Widow you have is going to be the one. They will release a new better version where you don't have to use the blast effects from another figure or it has a new accessory or a better head sculpt. You only learn more about what you're buying after years and years. I dont buy everything anymore because of funds and I know I can research on TH-cam or on Reddit what won't be worth it.
For a guy who only started a few days ago, your video has spoken to a lot of people. Nice work, Cleva
Plus we have to remember that there will always be figures that you're just gonna have to get multiples of regardless of how you plan. (Ex. Wolverine, Spider-man, Iron-man, Deadpool) These dudes have so many suits that are so iconic that we just have to. More of a reason to go less on the others...
Thank you for that last part. I really can't believe how it's moving. I really thought that it would take me a year or 2 to get these views. This community is the best and I'm gonna keep pushing forward with the best I can possibly bring! I'm hoping that each video will be better than the last.
Great first video. This was super entertaining keep it up 👍
Thank you! Would you believe the original video was like 56 minutes. I had to trim it down, I was just talking and talking lol. Do you think 15/20 min videos are good? Should I keep it about the same or increase/decrease the time?
@@ClevasMultiverse yeah I think that’s a good length and maybe you should do some shorter vids (5-10 min) too. I think anything longer than this only works well if it’s a live with a guest/s and or interaction with the chat, or a prerecorded interview with someone.
I deadass be thinking that they gonna come out 5/10 min and next thing you know boom, 55 min lol. Thank you for the feedback.@@the1fist245
1 thing I wish I knew before collecting...
I would be broke 😢
Ain't that a fact! 😂
When it comes to mafex or mezcos, “museum poses” is what I avoid. I’m not spending $100-$150 on an action figure just to leave it in a standing museum pose, that’s a waste of money
Mafex figures were made to display dynamically. They even come with the stands because they know that, and for the price nah that figure is gonna work lol. I really hate boring .. "vanilla" poses". I've never seen a comic cover where the character is just standing in line. The cover is always almost the best illustration of the comic. I think it's the same with the figure's. It's not what you have, it's how you rock it!
You kept really real Bro! Can't stop Won't stop lol.
Thanks! I'm trying to keep it as authentic as possible!
Outstanding video Brother 🫡🫡🫡 All facts about this collection life 😂😂😂
Thank you my brotha! I learned the hard way! lol
This is an impressive showing for your first video. Not sure if you have experience in TH-cam, but you’re off to a better start than most! Im subbed and looking forward to more!
Thank you! I appreciate your support! That's my first vid, I'ma try a few diff things and see what sticks...
You have a point about the boxes and space … smh that a problem
That's a problem that just creeps up on you out of nowhere, right?
Def connected with most if not everything you said. Well done
Thank you my brotha! I learned these things hard and slow lol.
@@ClevasMultiverse As we all do..necessary evil. lol
Hunting figures in-store is now completely pointless for me. Canada especially is dried up. I have visited multiple Walmarts/Gamestops etc to only be greeted by the same peg warmers I don't want. The real deal now is pre-ordering from specialized collector e-retailers like DJC Collectibles, Ecollectibles, Entertainment Earth, Big Bad Toy Store, etc.
Tell me about it, one of the best feelings I used to have was finding a figure that I needed in the wild. Newer collectors will never really have that feeling now. These days you already know what's in the box before you open it and it's just not the same.
With anything, I'm quite specific with what I want and why, I put some tight rules down. I'm just building an Excalibur team made of my favourite former team members.
That's a pretty easy team to get together. I do need a Captain Britain myself! You have to know what your doing otherwise you'll just be all over the place with no direction.
@@ClevasMultiverse It should be, but wanting a Betsy Captain Britain and a recent version of Rachel might take a while for them to become figures. Rogue, Nightcrawler and Wolfsbane, are much easier.
Dope video. I’m new to collecting so I definitely appreciate the tips. The hardest part for me is my grandson wanting to play with my figures.
Keep them high and away from little hands. Try your best to put them out of reach so you don't have any accident's. I'll put mine closer to the ceiling before I put them closer to the floor.
@@ClevasMultiverse I been letting him pose them with me and he’s slowly starting to understand
Don't let him eat cheetos before helping lol@@kngnyc
@@ClevasMultiverse 😂🤣😂🤣
Cleva, lots of good common sense advice here, great video! 👍
Appreciate it!
Best first video ever, I got into DC Multiverse this year. I have a ton of figures now and I promised I'd only do the JL, then that became the JLI, plus JLDark, but it was okay, I had a rule for only definitive versions of characters, except for Batman and Superman...then the Flash, now I have a bunch of movie figures. Now I'm thinking about the villains, and I decided to get back into Marvel Legends. But I'm only doing the classic core Avengers...right?
Lmao, this is what I mean. It's like saying you only want one potato chip. It doesn't work like that. Our collections start to branch out like the timelines on Loki.
Good video!! I'm hitting 1500 1/12 and 1/11 scale figures, its neverending!!! Got some great day points in your video, didnt even touch Dioramas, props and custom figures!! I'll watch some more!!!🤔👍🤙😁😊
I didn't touch on those yet because those are the things that we tend to grow into so we can deff move onto those in the future. I've made a couple of dioramas myself and I made them from scratch during Covid. I could show people how but damn thats gonna be a long video. I need all the feedback and ideas ya got, so thank you for your's!
oh and 1500.... that's impressive! How are you displaying them?
Collecting with marvel legends in a nutshell for me, gets the figure I wanted few weeks or month later they make the same figure but better 😂 now I gotta sell the one I got and get the new one with a better head sculpt. Along the line again another rerelease this time with more accessories now I gotta sell the figure I had replaced my original with, with an even better version. Month or a few weeks later they rerelease it again in two pack lol I’m done picking up the same figure. Spider-Man’s always
It's all by design my brotha, that's what I was trying to say. They know how to rope us in.
Amazing collection I love it Whoa
Thank you my brotha!
Great video, got me to sub. More content like this please.
I'll try my best to keep it rollin!
that well crafted beard made me subscribe nice video bro i'll definitely turn on post notification
I appreciate your support! I would like to drop a video every Sunday if possible.
@@ClevasMultiverse well brother it can only go up from here :D every sunday is great i can't wait until you get enough subs to be monetized, keep up the good work.
Im about 6 toys deep, fresh to collecting appreciate the insight
Now is the time to guide your growth. Stay focused on what you're trying to build and work on that. I would stay with one line until I felt that it was healthy enough before spreading out.
I feel you on the pricing. And this shit being MAD addictive. New Subscriber btw…
Thank you for the feedback! Oh yes it is, and it's an addiction that you never really get to appease. It's like being hungry, once you eat it's just a countdown to you being hungry again. Thank you for the Sub also, I'm grinding trying to get to 1000!
@@ClevasMultiverse Word! And I collect so many different lines AND makes i.e. Mafex, Mezco, Hottoys, etc., etc. Not to mention damn near all of Hasbro (which I should buy some stock in to make me feel better). It’s doing a number on my pockets but I am fortunate enough to have such an expensive hobby. But still-shit is getting ridiculous but this it’s one of the few outlets I have….🤷🏾♂️
Man. I collect statues and it’s basically the same
Trap. Great video Bro
Thanks for watching!
Bro your a funny dude very likeable i just started recollecting my childhood im an 80s kid these tips helped and its was funny these the type of collectors I have been looking for much love broski
I appreciate that, thank you my brotha! Actually from all of my videos this was the one that I was most shaky about, it was my first one so you know how that goes.
What I never understood was why do some people collect just Figures, or just Sneakers/Trainers, or just Video Games/Movies, or just Trading Cards, or just Statues, you get my point, why Collect one type of Luxury item? Why not a few of each of those and other things to collect? I haven't seen a single TH-camr with a Variety.
Good question. I can only speak for myself but I can tell you that trying to bankroll a little bit of everything is not something that everybody can do. Even picking one theme or genre is exhausting. Imagine liking Jordan's and trying to get every color and model. That is gonna be very expensive and exhausting, if it's even possible. Now imagine someone says, hey? Why just Jordans? You should get every model and color of every sneaker ever. Why just the one? That wouldn't even be possible. Even if money wasn't an issue. Time and space deff would be. Plus I don't like everything enough to keep them. I play PS5 games but I'll trade them in once I'm done. I can't sell my figs though.
@@ClevasMultiverse But there's no need for every colour variations, I'm a collector myself, but I have Figures, Cards, Games, Sneakers, and I can see it can become an Addiction of constantly wanting more but that's when the individual has to say no I have a Red Figure for example, so there's no need for the Same Figure but in Blue.
I think too that eventually it will branch out to some other things and those can be more controlled. There's always one main attraction though and I think that's what people tend to focus on, their #1.
@@rashidhumine
I started Collecting back when Marvel legends release The Juggernaut wave in 2016. All I
Wanted was the Brown Suit wolverine and it snowballed from there I wanted all the X-Men. Then one day I saw Captain America, Ironman and Thor Anniversary for sale on Amazon. I was fucked from there. 😂
It's designed like that my brotha! They do that on purpose. I would say focus on what it is you like and stick with that. Just because they drop it doesn't mean you have to buy it.
@@ClevasMultiverse100, I actually slowing down. I didn’t even Fund the Haslab Giant man or G.I.joe Dragon Fly. That FOMO is deadly though.
This was hard to listen to, but I needed to hear it.
It's hard to live it too lol
It’s about knowledge of knowing what you want to really collect , I’m just collecting two lines that’s it , I can’t have them all 🤔
That';s exactly how you have to do it, you have to know what it is that you want and not fall victim.
I decided early on to get the figures of characters that are personal favorites of mine, and if there’s multiple versions, I only keep the one that looks best (in my opinion). There are exceptions for figures that are so good looking I can’t pass them up, or have accessories that I can use with my favorites figures. Just a point of view, I guess. Maybe some don’t even call me a collector?
Some figures have several iconic costumes, like Wolverine and Spider man and it makes sense that you want more than one. It's a good rule to limit the others though. A lot of these figures only have a slight variation that you could hardly notice and it's not really worth it.
The accessories. They add up.
Yes they do!
2.17 got me laughing ,
Ok, 1. Collect on a limit not every single character unless your rich
Eg only wolverine and wolverine villains EVEN that’s too many
2. You will eventually get burnt, even I got burnt on EBay
3. Wait everything goes clearance
4. buy rare - which go up in price
5. display wisely, use good shelves cheap from ikea
Those are all facts too! Although #3 is a gamble. There have been times that I've only seen the figure once or sometimes not at all. Some fig 's never even make it to the shelves around here.
I just started collecting I'm very thoughtful with my approach if I really want a figure I purchase I'm very selective.
That's a great approach to start out and to stick with. Try to get only what it is that you like. I started off a lil crazy in the beginning and I had to learn to pump the brakes little by little.
@ClevasMultiverse Right, that's why I watch alot of videos just to hear other people's experiences and learn from that. Currently I own XM 1/6 Black Suit Superman and Green Arrow