[Acquisitions] Iron Man 2 Mighty Muggs: Iron Man Mark VI and War Machine

I've been collecting action figures for the past nine years and as much as I would love to say that I pretty much know how this industry runs, the truth is that there are still tons and tons of stuff that I have yet to figure out. Secondary market pricing is a case in point.

[Acquisitions] G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra 2009 SDCC-Exclusive Clan McCullen Destro Two-Pack

Before going to China Square Central two Sundays ago, I prepped myself up for what could possibly be the biggest toy splurge of my life. I had set aside a huge budget for toys and I was willing to blow it all in one day if that was what it would take to plug some glaring holes in my collection. Alas, most of the figs that I need stayed elusive and I was only able to use less than ten percent of my budget during our CSC visit. I was really disappointed not to find my targets there but my frustration turned into excitement when I found this 2009 SDCC-exclusive Clan McCullen Destro two-pack in one of the shops on the second floor! I checked the whole thing out for damages or any other oddities and after confirming that it's in fantastic condition, I pulled the triger on the deal. It may be hard to believe but the seller actually sold this bad boy to me for only 40 SGD (1360 PHP or 31 USD)! 1360 PHP for one of the best G.I. Joe exclusives ever? No-brainer! So, even though I didn't get to buy a ton of stuff at CSC, the visit was definitely worthwhile. 

[Acquisitions] True Heroes L.A.S.E.R. Rockslide

When my wife and I went to Hong Kong last 2010 for our honeymoon, I was able to spot and acquire some World Peacekeepers (WPK) toys from one of the Toys "R" Us branches there. World Peacekeepers are 1:18-scaled, military-themed toys which are pretty much like our beloved Joes in the sense that both brands have various playsets and vehicles that help provide kids of all ages an expanded and more enjoyable playing universe. Yes, the WPK action figures may look terrible but their playsets and vehicles can definitely go toe-to-toe with their G.I. Joe counterparts. They're not locally available here in the Philippines (even up to now) and that's the reason why I was so excited to fill my shopping cart up with WPK stuff back when we were in Hong Kong. Unfortunately, I had to pass up on some cool items then and make do with a Black Hawk chopper, a tent, two jeeps, and three sets of bunk beds and lockers because of baggage space limitations but still, it was a great haul.

[Acquisitions] G.I. Joe Combat Heroes Wave 2

After getting hooked on Hasbro's Super Hero Squad toys, I guess it's only natural for me to also like the squadies' American cousins: the G.I. Joe Combat Heroes. These figures have been on the shelves for years but they don't seem to be selling all that well. I think that today's kids aren't really familiar with the G.I. Joe brand as a whole and when you couple that fact with a very steep price range, then you have the recipe for a sure-fire toy aisle stinker. I know it's a bit harsh but that's the truth and trust me, I don't like it too! As a huge G.I. Joe fan, I want the property to succeed but there are things beyond our control and we, as collectors, can only do so much to help propel the brand. So, let's talk about the toys and see why they actually deserve some appreciation!

[Acquisitions] Super Hero Squad Iron Man Figs

 

The wifey and I have just returned from our 5-day Singapore sojourn so please let me apologize for the site's long (and unannounced) hiatus. The trip went as planned and I'll be playing catch up for quite some time to share the various stuff that I was able to acquire during our vacation. We better get things started quickly because the list of the toys that I need to talk about is getting longer by the minute!