You guys, something has happened. I don’t know when, I don’t know how, and I don’t know exactly WHAT it is just yet, but SOMETHING has definitely happened. Something that has me questioning who I even am now. Something that has shaken me to my foundation. Something…
…logical? That all sounded very dramatic, didn’t it? Well, this IS kind of big. At least for me. At least I think it is. Allow me to provide a bit of backstory. Hasbro has announced they are releasing (or, more accurately in most cases, RE-releasing) several Original Trilogy Black Series figures on retro-style Kenner cards. Entertainment Weekly ran an article on them, which I will link to now: ew.com
These things look amazing, especially with the backing cards. My immediate thought was, “Well, time to start saving for 20 bucks a pop on these. I wonder how much the stands will cost?”
That was my IMMEDIATE thought. The one I had right after that was, “Wait, do I really NEED these?”
That’s right, I questioned myself. And then I ran through some logic on the subject. I already have a bunch of the Gentle Giant jumbo figures displayed proudly throughout my apartment. From a logistical standpoint, do I even have room for these new 6” figures? The answer is that I actually DO have room for them. So then, the next question is how will these items add to my collection?
Folks, this is where I surprised myself. The answer to that question is that I’m not sure they will add much of anything. It will just be more retro-inspired Kenner cards hanging on my walls. Not that you can ever have too many, but the fact is I already have most of these figures already in the original Black Series packaging. And I fight the urge to open them daily. The main reason I haven’t given in to that urge is that I have no place to display them loose, or I would open them in a heartbeat. So I don’t feel the need to repurchase anything just because the packaging reminds me of my childhood.
Wait, WHAT DID I JUST SAY?!?!?!?
I’m all about nostalgia. I’m all about holding on to the things that have made me happy my entire life. And that includes Star Wars and Star Wars toys in Kenner packaging. These things could have been made with me specifically in mind. That’s how perfectly suited they are to my sensibilities. But here I am, saying “I’ll probably pass.” I know, I’m as confused as you are.
Am I growing up? Am I moving on? Or am I just being responsible and logical? And can you be logical and responsible while still maintaining your geek cred? I think we all know the answer is yes. The fact of the matter is, I think these Black Series retro releases are great. The toys look great, the packaging looks great, and if they had come out 4 or 5 years ago, they would have been all mine. But in this instance, it seems like a combination of too-little, too-late for Hasbro and my realization that my collection is nearing a point of completion. I’m more concerned with filling holes than building new wings to my collection at this point. I’m sure some day I’ll get to the point of wanting to expand, but for now, with so much new stuff coming out, it just seems safer (from a financial and storage standpoint) and more enjoyable to focus on finishing the sets I’ve started, as opposed to embarking on a new collecting journey.
Am I growing up? Is this responsibility? Am I becoming less of a collector? I guess time will tell. For now, this has just been somewhat of a comforting realization. Knowing I can resist the pull of nostalgia, even when it’s accompanied by some REALLY cool toys.
That’s not to say that I think Hasbro is doing anything wrong. I think this set will be a GREAT addition to many collections, and I look forward to salivating over them if I can ever find them on shelves. And if any of YOU pick any up, I hope you’ll post pictures so we can all admire them from afar.
Until then, I’m gonna go play with the toys I already have, and have a good time doing it.
Until next time,
May The Force of Others Be With Us All
Jeff can be heard weekly on Assembly of Geeks (www.assemblyofgeeks.com) and on his own podcast network, MarvinDog Media (www.MarvinDogMedia.com) where he hostsThe Pilot Episode, Talking Toys with Taylor and Jeff, and Bantha Banter: A Star Wars Chat Show. He is also co-host of Comics With Kenobi with fellow CWK blogger Matt Moore, on CoffeeWithKenobi.com, which you have already found if you’re reading this blog. You can contact Jeff at jeffm@coffeewithkenobi.com.
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