2008 Acquisitions: Your best and worst?

[STL]

The bossbot posted this last year and it was great to read everyone's responses so I figured it'd be cool to do it again w/ a few extra questions thrown in. :)

1 - What was the total number obtained for the year (roughly, if you don't know)?
2 - What was your best acquisition for the year?
3 - What was your worst, or the thing you most regretted buying?
4 - Most difficult item to find?
5 - Item you never found, but still want?
6 - Were the Animated toys in general good or bad?
7 - Were the Classics 2.0/Universe 2.0 toys in general good or bad?
8 - Were the rest of the Movie toys in general good or bad?
9 - Did you think the Encores this year were good or bad?
10 - Did you think the Henkei was good or bad?
11 - Did you buy any non-transforming toys?
12 - Did you buy any officially licensed (non-toy) merchandise?
13 - Did you buy the Animated DVDs?
14 - Did you buy any of the Madman DVDs?
15 - Did you import the Cybertron boxset?
14 - Are there any trends in your buying that you noticed?
15 - Are there any changes to your buying habits that you're hoping to make?
16 - What are you looking forward to most in 2009?

[blackie]

1 - What was the total number obtained for the year (roughly, if you don't know)?
about 100 in the 6 months ive been collecting this year :D
2 - What was your best acquisition for the year?
My almost complete G1 overlord
3 - What was your worst, or the thing you most regretted buying?
rollout prime?
4 - Most difficult item to find?
Acid storms :P
5 - Item you never found, but still want?
$1 fort max??
6 - Were the Animated toys in general good or bad?
no comment, not interested
7 - Were the Classics 2.0/Universe 2.0 toys in general good or bad?
they were excellent IMO, looking forward to more after the movie
8 - Were the rest of the Movie toys in general good or bad?
once again not interested
9 - Did you think the Encores this year were good or bad?
loved 'em, comeon encore fort max
10 - Did you think the Henkei was good or bad?
Even better than the classics
11 - Did you buy any non-transforming toys?
cant say i did
12 - Did you buy any officially licensed (non-toy) merchandise?
so many tshirts
13 - Did you buy the Animated DVDs?
nope
14 - Did you buy any of the Madman DVDs?
masterforce and victory
15 - Did you import the Cybertron boxset?
nup
14 - Are there any trends in your buying that you noticed?
too much of that expensive G1 stuff
15 - Are there any changes to your buying habits that you're hoping to make?
budget better?
16 - What are you looking forward to most in 2009?
More G1
announcement of more encores
the movie
more comics
hopefully more money to buy more Transformers

[liegeprime]

1 - What was the total number obtained for the year (roughly, if you don't know)? around 200 figures or it could be less/more, Ive lost track
2 - What was your best acquisition for the year? RiD Brave Max , erm Encore Omega comes in close second though took me long enough for both to be acquired...
3 - What was your worst, or the thing you most regretted buying? Nothing really, I dont buy what I dont like anyhow
4 - Most difficult item to find? G1 Squawktalk
5 - Item you never found, but still want? G1 Raindance, Headmaster Juniors- Decepticons, Dash & Tackle
6 - Were the Animated toys in general good or bad? Good
7 - Were the Classics 2.0/Universe 2.0 toys in general good or bad? Good
8 - Were the rest of the Movie toys in general good or bad? Im like, Meh on this one.
9 - Did you think the Encores this year were good or bad? Definitely Good
10 - Did you think the Henkei was good or bad? Good
11 - Did you buy any non-transforming toys? Yes, Revoltech Prime, Starscream, Megs and um LEGO
12 - Did you buy any officially licensed (non-toy) merchandise? Yes - Tshirts, Cap and wrist band
13 - Did you buy the Animated DVDs? No,TFA I'll wait for a box set.
14 - Did you buy any of the Madman DVDs? Victory, Headmasters and Masterforce - but thru JB Hi-Fi sale :P
15 - Did you import the Cybertron boxset? nope
14 - Are there any trends in your buying that you noticed? My buying is getting smaller and smaller in amount but bigger and bigger in price ( which is not good for the wallet)
15 - Are there any changes to your buying habits that you're hoping to make? yeah get wanted items for cheap price....
16 - What are you looking forward to most in 2009?[/QUOTE] New Animated figures and my Holiday back to Philippines - Im gonna save so I can pig out on the bargains Ill find during the Philippine Toy convention during my holiday.

[Paulbot]

1 - What was the total number obtained for the year (roughly, if you don't know)?
305
2 - What was your best acquisition for the year?
Omega Supreme was 23 years of waiting come true. Sixshot was also a highlight
3 - What was your worst, or the thing you most regretted buying?
SWTF Millennium Falcon. Cybertron Scourge for an actual TF, no improvement on the Legends version
4 - Most difficult item to find?
A problem free MP04 Convoy
5 - Item you never found, but still want?
Nothing comes to mind
Were the Animated toys in general good or bad? Were the Classics 2.0/Universe 2.0 toys in general good or bad? Were the rest of the Movie toys in general good or bad? Did you think the Encores this year were good or bad? Did you think the Henkei was good or bad?
All good. 2008 was a great year for TF toys
11 - Did you buy any non-transforming toys?
Robot Heroes rock!
12 - Did you buy any officially licensed (non-toy) merchandise?
T-shirts
13 - Did you buy the Animated DVDs?
No give me a box set
14 - Did you buy any of the Madman DVDs?
Yes, now I just need to learn Japanese
15 - Did you import the Cybertron boxset?
No, not worth it. RID Boxset on the otherhand...
14 - Are there any trends in your buying that you noticed?
Buying too much and not opening everything
15 - Are there any changes to your buying habits that you're hoping to make?
Buying less, avoiding repaints
16 - What are you looking forward to most in 2009?
Watching the new movie and more 25th Anniversary toys. Botcon!!

[TheDirtyDigger]

1 - What was the total number obtained for the year (roughly, if you don't know)?
At a guess I'd say about 300

2 - What was your best acquisition for the year?
Fortress Maximus.

3 - What was your worst, or the thing you most regretted buying?
Universe Blaster.

4 - Most difficult item to find?
Classics Ironhide

5 - Item you never found, but still want?
G1 Scorponok

6 - Were the Animated toys in general good or bad?
Good.

7 - Were the Classics 2.0/Universe 2.0 toys in general good or bad?
Ok. I expected better.

8 - Were the rest of the Movie toys in general good or bad?
Good.

9 - Did you think the Encores this year were good or bad?
Good.

10 - Did you think the Henkei was good or bad?
Good.

11 - Did you buy any non-transforming toys?
Yes, Robot heroes but if you asked me why I couldn't tell you.

12 - Did you buy any officially licensed (non-toy) merchandise?
Yes.

13 - Did you buy the Animated DVDs?
Yes.

14 - Did you buy any of the Madman DVDs?
Yes.

15 - Did you import the Cybertron boxset?
No.

14 - Are there any trends in your buying that you noticed?
was buying everything I could afford. That changes now.

15 - Are there any changes to your buying habits that you're hoping to make?
Yes will be buying f***-all this year.

16 - What are you looking forward to most in 2009?
Having more money from buying less toys.

[Burn]

1 - What was the total number obtained for the year (roughly, if you don't know)?
err ... pretty much everything that was released at retail, and a few older figures I was chasing up. So I have no idea really.

2 - What was your best acquisition for the year?
I can't remember what I got anyway! :(

3 - What was your worst, or the thing you most regretted buying?
Animated Snarl. I was dealing with BBTS when the dollar was up and didn't know about "Pile of Loot". They shipped him seperately, the dollar crashed ... $45 he pretty much cost me.

4 - Most difficult item to find?
Universe Silverbolt. Only saw him once and it vanished when I went to get him the next time only to reappear a few weeks later.

5 - Item you never found, but still want?
Animated Swoop

6 - Were the Animated toys in general good or bad?
Bad. I just can't get use to the misproportions and roundness.

7 - Were the Classics 2.0/Universe 2.0 toys in general good or bad?
GOOD! (Though I did go Henkei for most of them)

8 - Were the rest of the Movie toys in general good or bad?
Good, though I didn't pick up any of the repaints.

9 - Did you think the Encores this year were good or bad?
Good, but I only got Sky Lynx, had all the others.

10 - Did you think the Henkei was good or bad?
GOOD! (Aside from the price)

11 - Did you buy any non-transforming toys?
Noooooooooooooooooo

12 - Did you buy any officially licensed (non-toy) merchandise?
Only City Commander.

13 - Did you buy the Animated DVDs?
Yes, though my nephew has stolen them.

14 - Did you buy any of the Madman DVDs?
Yes.

15 - Did you import the Cybertron boxset?
No.

14 - Are there any trends in your buying that you noticed?
I think i've become more selective. :eek: Plus my G1 buying has slowed down because I nearly have them all.

15 - Are there any changes to your buying habits that you're hoping to make?
I'll still plod along and just grab things when they pop up.

16 - What are you looking forward to most in 2009?
The movie and it's line, plus more Classics.

[kup]

1 - What was the total number obtained for the year (roughly, if you don't know)?

I am not sure but lots, at least 50-80 could be more.

2 - What was your best acquisition for the year?

That's a hard one so I will mention a few: Guardian Robot, City Commander and Bugbite.


3 - What was your worst, or the thing you most regretted buying?
None really as I am pretty selective but the closest thing to a regret is Activator Thundercracker. I like that mold but getting a repaint of it was probably too much.

4 - Most difficult item to find?

Titanium Prowl and Grimlock for sure.

5 - Item you never found, but still want?

Complete and in good condition Carnivac.

6 - Were the Animated toys in general good or bad?

Generally they were bad with mediocre engineering and materials used but there are a couple of gems in there such as Deluxe Prowl and Activators.

7 - Were the Classics 2.0/Universe 2.0 toys in general good or bad?

I would have to say bad not so much due to the molds but the materials and paints used to make them which were mediocre at best with poor color choices.

8 - Were the rest of the Movie toys in general good or bad?

Very bad with yet another wave of pointless repaints.

9 - Did you think the Encores this year were good or bad?

They were good and thoughtful but there appears to be a small (almost insignificant really) decrease of the materials used such as paint finishes. It is only really noticeable with the encore seekers compared with previous reissues. However I am forever grateful that they decided to reissue the toys that we never thought would happen, particularly Omega Supreme.

10 - Did you think the Henkei was good or bad?

Paint jobs and materials used in general were good but the Quality Control has been appallingly bad. Two toys with serious defects came into my possession.

11 - Did you buy any non-transforming toys?

Beast Wars and G1 Robot Heroes

12 - Did you buy any officially licensed (non-toy) merchandise?

T-Shirts and a couple of busts.

13 - Did you buy the Animated DVDs?

No.

14 - Did you buy any of the Madman DVDs?

Not this year, no.

15 - Did you import the Cybertron boxset?

No.

14 - Are there any trends in your buying that you noticed?

I am getting mostly all Henkei when it comes to the Classics 2.0 line but outside of that my buying is very dependent if I like what Hasbro has done with a repaint so there is no real pattern.

15 - Are there any changes to your buying habits that you're hoping to make?

None, I am still very selective in what I get so there is no real pattern.

16 - What are you looking forward to most in 2009?

Nothing. Not interested in Animated and since they are suspending the Universe/Henkei toys for the duration of the Movie 2 line, I am really not looking forward to anything. The Transformers 2 line is at this point not a factor since me collecting toys of that line will depend on how much I liked the movie. Maybe there will be an unannounced surprise by Has-Tak-Tom during the year but at this point I don't know of anything that I would be looking forward to.

[GoktimusPrime]

1 - What was the total number obtained for the year (roughly, if you don't know)?
I... don't know. About 100+?

2 - What was your best acquisition for the year?
Encore Sky Lynx (^_^)

3 - What was your worst, or the thing you most regretted buying?
Animated Blitzwing :(

4 - Most difficult item to find?
Animated Soundwave

5 - Item you never found, but still want?
Nothing comes to mind.

6 - Were the Animated toys in general good or bad?
Mediocre.

7 - Were the Classics 2.0/Universe 2.0 toys in general good or bad?
I only have three... they're good.

8 - Were the rest of the Movie toys in general good or bad?
I didn't get many, but I'm happy with the ones I got, so I'll say good.

9 - Did you think the Encores this year were good or bad?
Good.

10 - Did you think the Henkei was good or bad?
Good. Skywarp and Thundercracker were disappointing in terms of QC, but overall I'm pleased with the line.

11 - Did you buy any non-transforming toys?
No.

12 - Did you buy any officially licensed (non-toy) merchandise?
Yes. Mostly clothes. :)

13 - Did you buy the Animated DVDs?
No. Waiting for season box sets.

14 - Did you buy any of the Madman DVDs?
None that were released in 2008.

15 - Did you import the Cybertron boxset?
Eww, no. I have Galaxy Force. :)

14 - Are there any trends in your buying that you noticed?
It's expensive. :p

15 - Are there any changes to your buying habits that you're hoping to make?
Will probably be importing less with the current trends in the AUD and JPY. :/

16 - What are you looking forward to most in 2009?
Transformers 2 of course. :D I really hope I can meet Michael Bay again. :)

[d*r*j*]

1 - What was the total number obtained for the year (roughly, if you don't know)?
About 20 or so

2 - What was your best acquisition for the year?
Pepsi Prime.

3 - What was your worst, or the thing you most regretted buying?
None really... Tankor and Galvatron were dodgy, but I knew that beforehand.

4 - Most difficult item to find?
None have been that hard to find really.

5 - Item you never found, but still want?
A yellow or blue g1 Ultra Magnus maybe...

6 - Were the Animated toys in general good or bad?
They looked like pretty good kids toys, not my thing.

7 - Were the Classics 2.0/Universe 2.0 toys in general good or bad?
Generally good with a million qc problems.

8 - Were the rest of the Movie toys in general good or bad?
I think generally bad... stretching the idea too thin.

9 - Did you think the Encores this year were good or bad?
I think these are real good.

10 - Did you think the Henkei was good or bad?
Different problems vs Universe but generally good... a nice look.

11 - Did you buy any non-transforming toys?
I got some thundercats from ebay... a few bad guys. And some robot heroes.. maybe.

12 - Did you buy any officially licensed (non-toy) merchandise?
Not this year.

13 - Did you buy the Animated DVDs?
No.

14 - Did you buy any of the Madman DVDs?
No.

15 - Did you import the Cybertron boxset?
No.

14 - Are there any trends in your buying that you noticed?
Nah, not really. Atm I'm just getting a little collection of G1 primes. Usually look forward to one figure... for now that's Cyclonus.

15 - Are there any changes to your buying habits that you're hoping to make?
Not really... only buy what I can display so it's going to end sooner or later.

16 - What are you looking forward to most in 2009?
Cyclonus. Finally getting my original G1 Prime looking spiffy... Brand new smokestacks, full repro stickers, new emamal paints, a new shoulder etc etc.

[Kyle]

1 - What was the total number obtained for the year (roughly, if you don't know)?

Under 100, with a good portion of them Animated. :)

2 - What was your best acquisition for the year?

Very tough question. Don't think I can live without *most* of the purchases I made this year... :p

3 - What was your worst, or the thing you most regretted buying?

Interestingly, the Rescue Ratchet and Stealth Lockdown 3-packs.

4 - Most difficult item to find?

Animated Deluxe Wave 4 Swoop.

5 - Item you never found, but still want?

None from local retail.

6 - Were the Animated toys in general good or bad?

GOOD.

7 - Were the Classics 2.0/Universe 2.0 toys in general good or bad?

Legends = Awesome.
Deluxe = Ok.
Bigger than Deluxe = Bad (in general).

Henkei = Good.

8 - Were the rest of the Movie toys in general good or bad?

Was only interested in the Premiums/Metallics. They all look great, however QC (paint applications) continues to go downhill.

9 - Did you think the Encores this year were good or bad?

Good, with the big Transformers that we didn't think would have been reissued! Would have been perfect if we ever get Dinobots or Devastator. Come on HasTak!

10 - Did you think the Henkei was good or bad?

Good.

11 - Did you buy any non-transforming toys?

Not in 2008. I did not buy a single Robot Hero, but received a few as gifts from friends around Dec 07/Jan 08.

12 - Did you buy any officially licensed (non-toy) merchandise?

Comics, Books, DVDs and CDs.

13 - Did you buy the Animated DVDs?

Yes. :)

14 - Did you buy any of the Madman DVDs?

Victory.

15 - Did you import the Cybertron boxset?

No.

14 - Are there any trends in your buying that you noticed?

Waaay too many toys are being released every month. I'm less likely to buy a second of the same toy to keep MISB now.

15 - Are there any changes to your buying habits that you're hoping to make?

I would like to buy less (hahahaha), but if I can earn more money then I won't have to. :(

16 - What are you looking forward to most in 2009?

More Animated and TF2 movie toys.

[Adzma]

1 - What was the total number obtained for the year (roughly, if you don't know)?
Probably the bulk of my collection. I think I ended 2007 with 5 or 6 so roughly 40 throughout 2008.

2 - What was your best acquisition for the year?
My near perfect condition MP-4, free from the tyranny of TakTom's shocking QC.

3 - What was your worst, or the thing you most regretted buying?
MP Ultra Magnus, most of you are aware of his state.

4 - Most difficult item to find?
Majority came from RK so the only problem I had was when Omega was sold out for a short time.

5 - Item you never found, but still want?
N/A

6 - Were the Animated toys in general good or bad?
Not a fan of the franchise.

7 - Were the Classics 2.0/Universe 2.0 toys in general good or bad?
Overall I found them all good, with the exception of Prowl who had terrible paint applications. Returned him and bought a Henkei replacement instead.

8 - Were the rest of the Movie toys in general good or bad?
Not a fan of the movie line's toys.

9 - Did you think the Encores this year were good or bad?
Very good. It's good to see reissues that haven't been done before.

10 - Did you think the Henkei was good or bad?
I loved Henkei this year. The only problem was, along with pretty much every other line, the QC was touchy.

11 - Did you buy any non-transforming toys?
Titanium 3 inch Hot Rod and Thundercracker.

12 - Did you buy any officially licensed (non-toy) merchandise?
An Autobot shirt. :p

13 - Did you buy the Animated DVDs?
Nope.

14 - Did you buy any of the Madman DVDs?
Not personally but I received them as gifts. They were the Super-God Masterforce and Victory sets.

15 - Did you import the Cybertron boxset?
Nope.

14 - Are there any trends in your buying that you noticed?
Not that I'm aware of...

15 - Are there any changes to your buying habits that you're hoping to make?
I should space out the purchases a little more. Money can get tight sometimes.

16 - What are you looking forward to most in 2009?
TakTom to get off their lazy butts and solve the QC issues of late.

Overall it was a pretty good year.

[sifun]

1 - What was the total number obtained for the year (roughly, if you don't know)?
less than 100

2 - What was your best acquisition for the year?
City Commander

3 - What was your worst, or the thing you most regretted buying?
Animated Bumblebee Deluxe

4 - Most difficult item to find?
Universe Acid Storm

5 - Item you never found, but still want?
none at the moment...

6 - Were the Animated toys in general good or bad?
Great

7 - Were the Classics 2.0/Universe 2.0 toys in general good or bad?
Does not compare to Classics 1.0-
So for me the bar was raised too high up.

8 - Were the rest of the Movie toys in general good or bad?
Thought they were a bit crappy... but thats pretty much with all movie toys

9 - Did you think the Encores this year were good or bad?
Pretty crappy, i don't think i've got any encores except for jazz *which i already have in book style*, (it was cheap)

10 - Did you think the Henkei was good or bad?
Superior Paint schemes, Check. Chrome? Check. Effort and an extra comic? Check.
So yes extremely good. Except for Lambor which needed to have the jetpack still. (i haven't bought him yet)

11 - Did you buy any non-transforming toys?
Revoltech scream, prime, ultra magnus

12 - Did you buy any officially licensed (non-toy) merchandise?
Well didn't buy, more like given like a keychain.

13 - Did you buy the Animated DVDs?
Nope

14 - Did you buy any of the Madman DVDs?
Victory, special edition The Movie.

15 - Did you import the Cybertron boxset?
nope

14 - Are there any trends in your buying that you noticed?
Yes, buy all TF Figures that are the main line figures.

15 - Are there any changes to your buying habits that you're hoping to make?
Buy less. I soughta think I should save up and buy a car and house.

16 - What are you looking forward to most in 2009?
Masterpiece Grimlock

[jacksplatt11]

1 - What was the total number obtained for the year (roughly, if you don't know)?
20 or so probs

2 - What was your best acquisition for the year?
City Commander

3 - What was your worst, or the thing you most regretted buying?
Titanium Soundwave

4 - Most difficult item to find?
Animated Grimlock at one stage

5 - Item you never found, but still want?
nothing

6 - Were the Animated toys in general good or bad?
Ok

7 - Were the Classics 2.0/Universe 2.0 toys in general good or bad?
Classics 1.0 were much better

8 - Were the rest of the Movie toys in general good or bad?
Pretty bad

9 - Did you think the Encores this year were good or bad?
Don't collect them so no comment

10 - Did you think the Henkei was good or bad?
Very good

11 - Did you buy any non-transforming toys?
Robot Heroes

12 - Did you buy any officially licensed (non-toy) merchandise?
na

13 - Did you buy the Animated DVDs?
na

14 - Did you buy any of the Madman DVDs?
na

15 - Did you import the Cybertron boxset?
na

14 - Are there any trends in your buying that you noticed?
Buying much more than I originally set out to :(

15 - Are there any changes to your buying habits that you're hoping to make?
Buy much much less, need to spend my money on more important things

16 - What are you looking forward to most in 2009?
Masterpiece Grimlock :D:D:D

[gamblor916]

1 - What was the total number obtained for the year (roughly, if you don't know)?
Not sure but definitely under 100

2 - What was your best acquisition for the year?
My pristine Diaclone Mirage and Wheeljack

3 - What was your worst, or the thing you most regretted buying?
Classics Hotrod and Starscream

4 - Most difficult item to find?
C9 G1s

5 - Item you never found, but still want?
Binaltech Mirage

6 - Were the Animated toys in general good or bad?
Pass

7 - Were the Classics 2.0/Universe 2.0 toys in general good or bad?
Excellent, love the Sunstreaker/Sideswipe mould

8 - Were the rest of the Movie toys in general good or bad?
Pass

9 - Did you think the Encores this year were good or bad?
Very good

10 - Did you think the Henkei was good or bad?
For the most part good

11 - Did you buy any non-transforming toys?
Robot heroes Grimlock/Shockwave

12 - Did you buy any officially licensed (non-toy) merchandise?
Key rings

13 - Did you buy the Animated DVDs?
No

14 - Did you buy any of the Madman DVDs?
G1 box set

15 - Did you import the Cybertron boxset?
No

14 - Are there any trends in your buying that you noticed?
More doubles than before

15 - Are there any changes to your buying habits that you're hoping to make?
Spend less

16 - What are you looking forward to most in 2009?
More Masterpieces, Alternity and Henkei

[TF76]

1 - What was the total number obtained for the year (roughly, if you don't know)?
Not sure probably more than 50 but less than 100.

2 - What was your best acquisition for the year?
MIB G1 Prime and Soundwave.

3 - What was your worst, or the thing you most regretted buying?
Movie toys not in the movie.

4 - Most difficult item to find?
G1 MIB Ultra Magnus the first one I bought was ''lost'' in the mail the second one is a few days away.

5 - Item you never found, but still want
G1 Autobot cars like Sunstreaker and Wheeljack in nice condition.

6 - Were the Animated toys in general good or bad?
Good really enjoying the toys and cartoon.

7 - Were the Classics 2.0/Universe 2.0 toys in general good or bad?
Unsure not of any interest to me.

8 - Were the rest of the Movie toys in general good or bad?
Good but many later waves seemed un-needed.

9 - Did you think the Encores this year were good or bad?
Good and I hope the line continues, my personal opinion is the line suffers slightly from sloppy manufacturing and choice of materials, not the condition of the molds. However the price and packaging of the toys is excellent.

10 - Did you think the Henkei was good or bad?
Unsure not of any interest to me.

11 - Did you buy any non-transforming toys?
Not sure.

12 - Did you buy any officially licensed (non-toy) merchandise?
Yes.

13 - Did you buy the Animated DVDs?
Yes.

14 - Did you buy any of the Madman DVDs?
No only last year.

15 - Did you import the Cybertron boxset?
No.

14 - Are there any trends in your buying that you noticed?
I'm buying more.

15 - Are there any changes to your buying habits that you're hoping to make?
Buying more locally unless the dollar improves.

16 - What are you looking forward to most in 2009?
Encore, Animated and the new movie.

[Demonac]

1 - What was the total number obtained for the year (roughly, if you don't know)?
I'm sure it was a 100 or so. This year was a lot slower for various reasons.

2 - What was your best acquisition for the year?
MIB Fortress Maximus

3 - What was your worst, or the thing you most regretted buying?
I try to avoid buying anything I'll regret.

4 - Most difficult item to find?
Universe Sidseswipe.

5 - Item you never found, but still want
Kissplay Rodimus

6 - Were the Animated toys in general good or bad?
I'm pretty happy with them.

7 - Were the Classics 2.0/Universe 2.0 toys in general good or bad?
The new moulds were reasonably good. The repaints I can live without.

8 - Were the rest of the Movie toys in general good or bad?
See above.

9 - Did you think the Encores this year were good or bad?
I have no need to buy encores :D

10 - Did you think the Henkei was good or bad?
Paint applications were better than Hasbro's toys (thanks Walmart).

11 - Did you buy any non-transforming toys?
No.

12 - Did you buy any officially licensed (non-toy) merchandise?
Some clothing.

13 - Did you buy the Animated DVDs?
No.

14 - Did you buy any of the Madman DVDs?
No.

15 - Did you import the Cybertron boxset?
No.

14 - Are there any trends in your buying that you noticed?
I'm buying less (thankfully).

15 - Are there any changes to your buying habits that you're hoping to make?
Buying less!!

16 - What are you looking forward to most in 2009?
A really sucky movie, to be offset by the geekfest at Botcon.

[loophole]

1 - What was the total number obtained for the year (roughly, if you don't know)?
About 80 in the last 6 months
2 - What was your best acquisition for the year?
G1 Shockwave and TMII Megatron are even
3 - What was your worst, or the thing you most regretted buying?
Im pretty happy with my TF's now :D
4 - Most difficult item to find?
Sentinal Prime
5 - Item you never found, but still want?
Menasor Giftest
6 - Were the Animated toys in general good or bad?
Good
7 - Were the Classics 2.0/Universe 2.0 toys in general good or bad?
Good very pleased with them
8 - Were the rest of the Movie toys in general good or bad?
Good
9 - Did you think the Encores this year were good or bad?
Good
10 - Did you think the Henkei was good or bad?
Good
11 - Did you buy any non-transforming toys?
G1 Robot Heroes
12 - Did you buy any officially licensed (non-toy) merchandise?
Comics and Clothes
13 - Did you buy the Animated DVDs?
Yes the movie and S1 Boxset from that states
14 - Did you buy any of the Madman DVDs?
Headmsters, Supergod Masterforce and Victory
15 - Did you import the Cybertron boxset?
No
14 - Are there any trends in your buying that you noticed?
All the Animated figures but only deluxe sized stuff for the other lines
15 - Are there any changes to your buying habits that you're hoping to make?
Yes stick to a budget
16 - What are you looking forward to most in 2009?
Transformers 2 movie and Animated

[jaydisc]

1 - What was the total number obtained for the year (roughly, if you don't know)?

201

2 - What was your best acquisition for the year?

Games of Deception

3 - What was your worst, or the thing you most regretted buying?

Stealth Lockdown. I returned it.

4 - Most difficult item to find?

I typically don't have a hard time finding anything.

5 - Item you never found, but still want?

As said, I typically don't have a hard time finding anything.

6 - Were the Animated toys in general good or bad?

Great!

7 - Were the Classics 2.0/Universe 2.0 toys in general good or bad?

OK.

8 - Were the rest of the Movie toys in general good or bad?

Bad.

9 - Did you think the Encores this year were good or bad?

Great!

10 - Did you think the Henkei was good or bad?

Great!

11 - Did you buy any non-transforming toys?
12 - Did you buy any officially licensed (non-toy) merchandise?
13 - Did you buy the Animated DVDs?
14 - Did you buy any of the Madman DVDs?
15 - Did you import the Cybertron boxset?

No. No. No. No. No.

14 - Are there any trends in your buying that you noticed?

More MISB.

15 - Are there any changes to your buying habits that you're hoping to make?

Buying less in general.

16 - What are you looking forward to most in 2009?

Animated Shockwave!

[swoop]

1 - What was the total number obtained for the year (roughly, if you don't know)?
around 250
2 - What was your best acquisition for the year?
sealed energon unicron
3 - What was your worst, or the thing you most regretted buying?
MP 4, bad financial timing
4 - Most difficult item to find?
torgue gain, noize maze and wedgeshape
5 - Item you never found, but still want?
classics sideswipe
6 - Were the Animated toys in general good or bad?
good
7 - Were the Classics 2.0/Universe 2.0 toys in general good or bad?
great, the best line since G1
8 - Were the rest of the Movie toys in general good or bad?
not so good, to many repaints
9 - Did you think the Encores this year were good or bad?
good
10 - Did you think the Henkei was good or bad?
good
11 - Did you buy any non-transforming toys?
robot heroes
12 - Did you buy any officially licensed (non-toy) merchandise?
yes
13 - Did you buy the Animated DVDs?
no
14 - Did you buy any of the Madman DVDs?
yes
15 - Did you import the Cybertron boxset?
though about it but some had missing discs so I decided not to
14 - Are there any trends in your buying that you noticed?
splurging at bad times
15 - Are there any changes to your buying habits that you're hoping to make?
better budgeting
16 - What are you looking forward to most in 2009?
the second movie and more universe toys

[k.wong23]

1 - What was the total number obtained for the year (roughly, if you don't know)?
50?
2 - What was your best acquisition for the year?
City Commander
3 - What was your worst, or the thing you most regretted buying?
Universe Combiners
4 - Most difficult item to find?
Universe Sideswipe
5 - Item you never found, but still want?
SIlver Faced universe ironhide
6 - Were the Animated toys in general good or bad?
no comment
7 - Were the Classics 2.0/Universe 2.0 toys in general good or bad?
good
8 - Were the rest of the Movie toys in general good or bad?
craptastical
9 - Did you think the Encores this year were good or bad?
good
10 - Did you think the Henkei was good or bad?
good but no personal experience
11 - Did you buy any non-transforming toys?
HAHAHAHAHAH
12 - Did you buy any officially licensed (non-toy) merchandise?
yes
13 - Did you buy the Animated DVDs?
nope
14 - Did you buy any of the Madman DVDs?
almost.....
15 - Did you import the Cybertron boxset?
never fully got into it
14 - Are there any trends in your buying that you noticed?
increase retail purchases
15 - Are there any changes to your buying habits that you're hoping to make?
anything over 20cm in good detail = buy
16 - What are you looking forward to most in 2009?
MP Grimmayyyyy

[griffin]

1 - What was the total number obtained for the year (roughly, if you don't know)?
Somewhere between 500-700. I changed my counting method late in 2008 from one that was close to the fan-voted method, to a more "official" Hasbro-perspective method I developed (as in, what would *Hasbro* class and count as an actual TFs toy product). It meant I lost about 150 in my total count, but now means I should be able to reach the 25hundred figure in the 25th anniversary year, as I was hoping a few months ago...

2 - What was your best acquisition for the year?
A tough one... Out of 500+ figures, I don't think there was anything that really jumped out as being the one great acquisition for the year. Kinda sad in a way. I didn't even get anything significant at BotCon either, or any 'grail' toys in 2008...
Maybe, getting Transparent BT Mirage for about half ebay price, at BotCon (so no shipping either). I did get Time Warrior, but that's not a toy product.

3 - What was your worst, or the thing you most regretted buying?
Probably anything oversized, overpriced and overly gimmicky. Animated Rollout Prime comes to mind as one example... Those 2 Transcanning toys were a real disappointment as wel.

4 - Most difficult item to find?
The Risk boardgame. Finally found it on christmas eve at about a third the original price. Didn't actually have a problem with any 2008 toys though, as I imported about 85% of the toys released last year, due to it being cheaper than buying retail domestically. As such, I didn't have to hunt locally for many toys at all. Just remembered - Universe Ironhide. Not really difficult to find, but took me about 3 or 4 weeks after people were sighting it for me to find one. I was just impatient... :)

5 - Item you never found, but still want?
Of the 2008 toys, probably Henkei Wildrider. Everything else was found, or hasn't been out long enough to panic about.

6 - Were the Animated toys in general good or bad?
Good for the new asthetic/design perspective, to give the brand more diversity. Bad *if* it were the only TFs toyline at the moment, especially to this Geewunner... :p

7 - Were the Classics 2.0/Universe 2.0 toys in general good or bad?
Good.

8 - Were the rest of the Movie toys in general good or bad?
New moulds good, senseless recolours bad.

9 - Did you think the Encores this year were good or bad?
Good for the ones I wanted.

10 - Did you think the Henkei was good or bad?
Started out good, but it's forcing me to buy two of each character...

11 - Did you buy any non-transforming toys?
Yes. Robot Heroes mostly.

12 - Did you buy any officially licensed (non-toy) merchandise?
That metallic Allspark cube, and TFs underwear... :eek:

13 - Did you buy the Animated DVDs?
The first one released here, but will get the 2 seasons imported.

14 - Did you buy any of the Madman DVDs?
Nope, already had the cheaper US or UK versions.

15 - Did you import the Cybertron boxset?
Not yet, but will. Or get it while at BotCon.

14 - Are there any trends in your buying that you noticed?
It's getting too expensive. :p

15 - Are there any changes to your buying habits that you're hoping to make?
Cutting back on the JP stuff that is just recolours of Hasbro stuff.

16 - What are you looking forward to most in 2009?
Rest of the 25th Anniversary toys, and the movie. And maybe Animated if they do a good Arcee toy.

[GoktimusPrime]

I changed my counting method late in 2008 from one that was close to the fan-voted method, to a more "official" Hasbro-perspective method I developed (as in, what would *Hasbro* class and count as an actual TFs toy product).
I have some questions about your "Hasbro" method which I've posted here (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showpost.php?p=73474&postcount=163) :)

[Hereticpoo]

1 - What was the total number obtained for the year (roughly, if you don't know)?
25

2 - What was your best acquisition for the year?
Perfect G1 blitzwing with instructions, courtesy of JGON.

3 - What was your worst, or the thing you most regretted buying?
No regrets, I found if you buy a lot of 'meh' transformers they always remind you of the cash you wasted, adding a negative atmosphere to the collection. So I only buy the stuff I HAVE to have.

4 - Most difficult item to find?
A 100% complete G1 Darkwing that meets budget and condition preferences.

5 - Item you never found, but still want?
Legends Bumblebee, Brawl and Beachcomber. Have they been released here?

6 - Were the Animated toys in general good or bad?
Love them

7 - Were the Classics 2.0/Universe 2.0 toys in general good or bad?
I haven't come across any that I've had to have. They all look good in prototype forms and the end product always dissapoints me. However Henkei Cyclonus and Hound may be my first.

8 - Were the rest of the Movie toys in general good or bad?
The movies toy are incredibly ugly. Yuk Yuk Yuk. I feel ashamed and dirty to even look at them. Hopefully the ROTF toys are good.

9 - Did you think the Encores this year were good or bad?
Encores F#$%en ROCK!

10 - Did you think the Henkei was good or bad?
...cant comment, dont have any. They look good...

11 - Did you buy any non-transforming toys?
No, whats the point? Save those dollars for toys that transform.

12 - Did you buy any officially licensed (non-toy) merchandise?
Nope

13 - Did you buy the Animated DVDs?
Nope
14 - Did you buy any of the Madman DVDs?
In 2007
15 - Did you import the Cybertron boxset?
Push bamboo under my fingernails please.

14 - Are there any trends in your buying that you noticed?
I'm a fussy bastard

15 - Are there any changes to your buying habits that you're hoping to make?
No, I'm happy with my current habits. I hope I dont buy for the sake of buying, better the devil you know.

16 - What are you looking forward to most in 2009?
MP Grimlock and Alternity, and the new Movie. Oooh yeah :)

[SilverDragon]

1 - 18
2 - Animated Swoop!
3 - Movie Brawl, but I like him sometimes because he makes a good proxy tank for wargaming.
4 - EVERYTHING Animated
5 - Classics Grimlock, which was the first toy I seriously looked out for, to no avail. I'll have to get the Overkill repaint.
6 - Great!
7 - Good
8 - Meh.
9 - I dunno, I never got any.
10 - See 9.
11 - TF phone danglers, and Megatron vs Rattrap Robot Heroes.
12 - Comics.
13 - No.
14 - No.
15 - No.
14 - I bought way too much stuff simply because I could.
15 - I want to focus more and stop wanting everything in sight.
16 - Universe Dinobot and Animated Waspinator. Also, Animated Season 3 and Revenge of the Fallen.

[i_amtrunks]

1 - What was the total number obtained for the year (roughly, if you don't know)?
A lot less this year, I think under 50 if we don't count figures replacing already owned ones.

2 - What was your best acquisition for the year?
Thunderclash. Otherwise City Commander would have won.

3 - What was your worst, or the thing you most regretted buying?
Whatever movie toys I purchased this year. really not caring for the movie line now.

4 - Most difficult item to find?
Animated Activators Wave 1

5 - Item you never found, but still want?
Sentinel Prime and Swoop

6 - Were the Animated toys in general good or bad?
The designs are awesome, as is the concept, the quality control has been poor, the same across all Hasbro's tf lines.

7 - Were the Classics 2.0/Universe 2.0 toys in general good or bad?
Again, great design, poor QC.

8 - Were the rest of the Movie toys in general good or bad?
Bad. The QC issues started with the horrid movie designs. Just cant get into the transformations or aesthetics of the Movie figures.

9 - Did you think the Encores this year were good or bad?
Good, and very surprising, as to who got released.

10 - Did you think the Henkei was good or bad?
Hit and Miss for the price, but overall good.

11 - Did you buy any non-transforming toys?
Unless you count the Bumblebee Mask in teh DVD release, then no.

12 - Did you buy any officially licensed (non-toy) merchandise?
I didnt, but the gf is a stickler for that kinda stuff (pens, keychains etc)

13 - Did you buy the Animated DVDs?
Nope, waiting for full set, or will get from USA

14 - Did you buy any of the Madman DVDs?
Got them all.

15 - Did you import the Cybertron boxset?
Not worth it till either the AU$ improves or it comes down in price

16 - Are there any trends in your buying that you noticed?
I am much more selective now, no longer want every toy, and am doing my best to only get one of each toy, repaints are only bought when they are better than the original.

17 - Are there any changes to your buying habits that you're hoping to make?
To be even more selective, money is getting tighter, thus so must my choices be.

18 - What are you looking forward to most in 2009?
I'd love to see more animated stuff, but with the 2nd movie coming out, that aint going to happen.
I guess I'd like to see that the 2nd Movie toys are much better in quality than what has been made in 2007-2008.

[liegeprime]

Ehm Trunks, lotsa Sentinel and Swoop are in the local Kmart you might wanna give it a visit....:D

[i_amtrunks]

Ehm Trunks, lotsa Sentinel and Swoop are in the local Kmart you might wanna give it a visit....:D

But my local is in the Druitt! :p Ive seen both since the new year in the same store you are talking about, but didnt find them in 2008!

[Zippo]

1 - What was the total number obtained for the year (roughly, if you don't know)? 163 items
2 - What was your best acquisition for the year? AFA Graded Joustra Condor, closely followed by two more AFA Graded Joustras, and then a MISB set of the Terrorcons
3 - What was your worst, or the thing you most regretted buying? Star Wars Commander Cody
4 - Most difficult item to find? Nothing I found, since I found it ... Um, sealed G1 that I can afford
5 - Item you never found, but still want? Sealed G1 that I can afford
6 - Were the Animated toys in general good or bad? The ones I have opened are generally good
7 - Were the Classics 2.0/Universe 2.0 toys in general good or bad? Good, but Henkei are better
8 - Were the rest of the Movie toys in general good or bad? Premiums good, others not so
9 - Did you think the Encores this year were good or bad? Great, more G1 for me
10 - Did you think the Henkei was good or bad? Great, fantastic
11 - Did you buy any non-transforming toys? Robot Heroes, G1
12 - Did you buy any officially licensed (non-toy) merchandise? Botcon Shirt, Comics etc
13 - Did you buy the Animated DVDs? Region One
14 - Did you buy any of the Madman DVDs? Not this year
15 - Did you import the Cybertron boxset? Yes
14 - Are there any trends in your buying that you noticed? Slowed down this year for Singapore trip, still pass G1 in favour of new stuff
15 - Are there any changes to your buying habits that you're hoping to make? Not really
16 - What are you looking forward to most in 2009? Alternity Convoy, even if he is too small

[Rampage]

1 - What was the total number obtained for the year (roughly, if you don't know)?
25-30
2 - What was your best acquisition for the year?
Trypticon or Devastator
3 - What was your worst, or the thing you most regretted buying?
Everything i buy is awesome
4 - Most difficult item to find?
5 - Item you never found, but still want?
Predaking accs at reasonable prices
6 - Were the Animated toys in general good or bad?
They Suck
7 - Were the Classics 2.0/Universe 2.0 toys in general good or bad?
I like some of em but not enough to buy them
8 - Were the rest of the Movie toys in general good or bad?
They suck too
9 - Did you think the Encores this year were good or bad?
Encores FTW!!!
10 - Did you think the Henkei was good or bad?
Same answer as for Universe 2.0
11 - Did you buy any non-transforming toys?
GI Joes :p
12 - Did you buy any officially licensed (non-toy) merchandise?
Na
13 - Did you buy the Animated DVDs?
Pfft
14 - Did you buy any of the Madman DVDs?
Na
15 - Did you import the Cybertron boxset?
Huh?
16 - Are there any trends in your buying that you noticed?
I'm a cheap bastard
17 - Are there any changes to your buying habits that you're hoping to make?
Not Really
18 - What are you looking forward to most in 2009?
More Encore & the release of the Alternity line

[heroic_decepticon]

1 - What was the total number obtained for the year (roughly, if you don't know)?
Don't keep count, don't know, but not much this year.

2 - What was your best acquisition for the year?
C-114 Fortress Maximus MIB http://thumb18.webshots.net/t/58/658/0/53/47/2153053470100811158cmmKQT_th.jpg
individual boxed Liokaiser comes in close second http://thumb18.webshots.net/t/66/666/2/62/64/2227262640100811158KJbOgy_th.jpg

3 - What was your worst, or the thing you most regretted buying?
No regrets I can think of.

4 - Most difficult item to find?
All Seacons in cardbacks with bubbles still attached, Snaptrap MIB with all inserts. http://heroicdecepticon.blogspot.com/2007/11/under-sea-photogallery-part-2.html

5 - Item you never found, but still want?
lucky draw God Primus (found but not for sale, as good as never found) http://heroicdecepticon.blogspot.com/2008/01/japan-08-god-primus-transformers.html

6 - Were the Animated toys in general good or bad?
Don't collect these, dunno.

7 - Were the Classics 2.0/Universe 2.0 toys in general good or bad?
I like them. QC could be better.

8 - Were the rest of the Movie toys in general good or bad?
Don't collect these, dunno.

9 - Did you think the Encores this year were good or bad?
They were great. QC could be better though. I love eHobby Guardian Robot.

10 - Did you think the Henkei was good or bad?
Great.

11 - Did you buy any non-transforming toys?
G1 Robot Heroes.

12 - Did you buy any officially licensed (non-toy) merchandise?
No.

13 - Did you buy the Animated DVDs?
No.

14 - Did you buy any of the Madman DVDs?
No.

15 - Did you import the Cybertron boxset?
No.

14 - Are there any trends in your buying that you noticed?
I have dramatically slowed down in terms of collecting.

15 - Are there any changes to your buying habits that you're hoping to make?
No.

16 - What are you looking forward to most in 2009?
More Encores! :D

[Golden Phoenix]

1 - What was the total number obtained for the year (roughly, if you don't know)?
Probably about 100. I picked up most of the animated, whole bunch of stuff from the beast wars, plus henkei/universe, and plenty of stuff from the Unicron trilogy.

2 - What was your best acquisition for the year?
$19 Animated Voyager Starscream

3 - What was your worst, or the thing you most regretted buying?
Transformers Crossovers Venom. Horrible looking thing in Robot mode...good vehicle mode, but it doesn't make up for the robot

4 - Most difficult item to find?
The Universe Special Editions. Not hard, just a pain in the backside to get to. None of my local hunting grounds sold them >.<

5 - Item you never found, but still want?
*Points to sig*

6 - Were the Animated toys in general good or bad?
Good over all. Got some really good figure out of the line, plus the new style has been an interesting thing. Good to switch it up a bit

7 - Were the Classics 2.0/Universe 2.0 toys in general good or bad?
Good as a alternative to Animated. Figures have been good too, cept for the paint applications on some.

8 - Were the rest of the Movie toys in general good or bad?
Bad. Wasn't a fan of the original movie stuff. Only picked up about 6 figures, and 2 are Cybertron repaints. Most of the others just didn't appeal to me.

9 - Did you think the Encores this year were good or bad?
Don't really know. Not really into G1 figures, so I never got any

10 - Did you think the Henkei was good or bad?
Good. Better paint jobs in general, especially on Sunstreaker and Sideswipe

11 - Did you buy any non-transforming toys?
Picked up the 5 Revoltech (is that the right name?) Transformers. Good action figures

12 - Did you buy any officially licensed (non-toy) merchandise?
Comics. Mostly Trades though

13 - Did you buy the Animated DVDs?
Nope

14 - Did you buy any of the Madman DVDs?
Nope

15 - Did you import the Cybertron boxset?
Nope

14 - Are there any trends in your buying that you noticed?
Did my first international online store order, while dollar was good did plenty of that. Also due to the new networking, I started group ordering and Got assistance tracking figures down, or picking up second hand stuff.
I have also started to note down what is where so I could post later

15 - Are there any changes to your buying habits that you're hoping to make?
Maybe start saving, spending more wisely would help this.

16 - What are you looking forward to most in 2009?
The second movie

[fatbot]

1) 150+, i've hammered the actionmaster micromaster and gesalts sub lines from G1 last year
2) a toss up between shattered glass and henkai crystal convoy
3) G1 wheeljack, he's incomplete and he's gonna cost around $100 aud to compelte
4) ani safeguard, no one had him when i was actively looking for him
5) fort max, one day, he will be mine!
6) quite good, with noteable exceptions (lockdown, starscream, i'm looking at you)
7) classics 2.0 was quite good, although the qc could be better
8) crap, most movie toys were utter crap
9) damn straight, now we need the characters that haven't been reissued a hundred times already ( fort max, headmasters, pretwnders etc)
10) sweet sweet chrome, sorry had to wipe my chin, yes henkai was quite good
11) do bedroom toys count?
12) nope, don't have the tshirts in my size
13) yes
14) yes.
15) nope, i'll wait for the oz release
16) it's mainly been G1
17) yeah, stop spending so much bloody money!
18) more G1 goodness, encore, universe and watching the new movie

[JuzMel]

1 - What was the total number obtained for the year (roughly, if you don't know)?
Probably about 100.

2 - What was your best acquisition for the year?
The personally drawn & signed sketch of Animated Bumblebee by Eric Siebenaler. If only a figure counts, then make it Botcon Goldbug which was complimentary from Griffin from the comps. :)

3 - What was your worst, or the thing you most regretted buying?
The Marvel Transformers Crossovers, but I refunded them anyway.

4 - Most difficult item to find?
Galaxy Force Starscream and Vector Prime. Thank God I got them for a good deal on ebay.

5 - Item you never found, but still want?
Trypticon. Never made much effort this year and when I did, I couldn't find one within my budget. :(

6 - Were the Animated toys in general good or bad?
AWESOME. Love them!

7 - Were the Classics 2.0/Universe 2.0 toys in general good or bad?
So-so I guess. Ok Ok good lar, but more on average good, not good good.

8 - Were the rest of the Movie toys in general good or bad?
BAD. Mostly repaints of other series. Bah.

9 - Did you think the Encores this year were good or bad?
GOOD. Cause I love Takaratomy Stuff anyway.

10 - Did you think the Henkei was good or bad?
GOOD. Rather get them any day then classic.

11 - Did you buy any non-transforming toys?
Just the Robot Heroes I suppose.

12 - Did you buy any officially licensed (non-toy) merchandise?
T-SHIRTs and yet more T-SHIRTs! :)

13 - Did you buy the Animated DVDs?
Yup both Blast from the Past and Transform and Rollout!

14 - Did you buy any of the Madman DVDs?
Yeah have the special selection of G1 cartoon favourites and the 1990s animated cartoon movie.

15 - Did you import the Cybertron boxset?
Nope. Icy already burnt them on DVDs for me. Maybe get it another time?

14 - Are there any trends in your buying that you noticed?
Only buy when there is a sale? No more Legends class for me.

15 - Are there any changes to your buying habits that you're hoping to make?
Nope.

16 - What are you looking forward to most in 2009?[/QUOTE]
MP Grimlock and Sunstorm and the list can go on...

[Robzy]

1 - What was the total number obtained for the year (roughly, if you don't know)?
90-100

2 - What was your best acquisition for the year?
Encore Omega Supreme, City Commander

3 - What was your worst, or the thing you most regretted buying?
Animated Blitzwing (don't regret buying him, but I'm not impressed - even though I only paid $21 for him I still feel ripped off)

4 - Most difficult item to find?
Nothing really

5 - Item you never found, but still want?
Nothing

6 - Were the Animated toys in general good or bad?
Brilliant!

7 - Were the Classics 2.0/Universe 2.0 toys in general good or bad?
Good - but not as good as Henkei!

8 - Were the rest of the Movie toys in general good or bad?
Didn't buy any (so I guess that means 'bad')

9 - Did you think the Encores this year were good or bad?
Brilliant! Best year ever!!!

10 - Did you think the Henkei was good or bad?
Brilliant!!

11 - Did you buy any non-transforming toys?
What's the point??? :confused: J/K - didn't buy any!

12 - Did you buy any officially licensed (non-toy) merchandise?
Yessum!

13 - Did you buy the Animated DVDs?
No - waiting for season boxsets

14 - Did you buy any of the Madman DVDs?
Yessum!

15 - Did you import the Cybertron boxset?
Nope!

14 - Are there any trends in your buying that you noticed?
Not buying as much G1 as I'd like - something I plan to rectify in 2009!

15 - Are there any changes to your buying habits that you're hoping to make?
As above!

16 - What are you looking forward to most in 2009?
G1, the next (sigh) movie, and more Animated goodness!


:)

[STL]

Anybody who used words other than "good" and "bad" gets an Energon cookie! The rest of y'all are just darned unimaginative. :p

[GoktimusPrime]

Thanks for the cookie! *gobble gobble* :D


6 - Were the Animated toys in general good or bad?
Mediocre.

[SilverDragon]

Anybody who used words other than "good" and "bad" gets an Energon cookie! The rest of y'all are just darned unimaginative. :p

I used 'meh'.

*eats cookie*

[MV75]

1 - What was the total number obtained for the year (roughly, if you don't know)?

20. I think, dunno, not many.

2 - What was your best acquisition for the year?

The box with most of my original TF toys in it.

5 - Item you never found, but still want?

Lego galaxy commander and a tandy armatron. Err, gah, predaking.

6 - Were the Animated toys in general good or bad?

Never bought.

7 - Were the Classics 2.0/Universe 2.0 toys in general good or bad?

Generally bad. But that was due to poor craftsmanship putting me off from even trying most of them.

8 - Were the rest of the Movie toys in general good or bad?

Bad, because they were too late in reordering.

9 - Did you think the Encores this year were good or bad?

Freaking awesome.

10 - Did you think the Henkei was good or bad?

Dunno yet, havn't got cyclonus yet.

11 - Did you buy any non-transforming toys?

Lego.

12 - Did you buy any officially licensed (non-toy) merchandise?

Joking right?

13 - Did you buy the Animated DVDs?
14 - Did you buy any of the Madman DVDs?
15 - Did you import the Cybertron boxset?

No.

14 - Are there any trends in your buying that you noticed?

Yep, I'm being very selective in mainstream local releases and buying encore instead as they come.

15 - Are there any changes to your buying habits that you're hoping to make?

Yea, a disposable income, got that one.... ummmm... buy more encores.

16 - What are you looking forward to most in 2009?

More encores. More combiner encores at that.

[STL]

Thanks to my new database, I have very detailed answers on a lot of this which is quite fun but at the same time very very scary. :eek:

1 - What was the total number obtained for the year (roughly, if you don't know)?

735 Transformers, 50 non-transforming toys: representing an 86.2% increase in how my collection has grown as of the end of last year.

My total expenditures though only increased by 51.33% so I spent less per figure but I a lot of 2007's costs were because of the Botcon set.

2 - What was your best acquisition for the year?
Has to be Crystal Convoy. Nothing could really top that this, this year but City Commander came very damned close. If that new head that's available in Singapore wast he head used, I'm pretty sure it would've come home first.

3 - What was your worst, or the thing you most regretted buying?
Have to be the recolour Real Gear. Pure impulse buy b/c there was nothing better to buy and tney were darned cheap. My sister plays with them now.

4 - Most difficult item to find?
Nothing at retail really. Online, SD-21 General Galvatron is the one toy I really really want but have failed to get. I missed out twice, the most recent time being last Friday morning when I lost a bid at 5am cos I slept through it after getting home at 4 despite slapping myself several times to stay awake. I woke up at 7 o'clock with my laptop on next to me to curse myself and then doze off back to sleep.

5 - Item you never found, but still want?
Same as above, really.

6 - Were the Animated toys in general good or bad?
I loved how their engineering was something some groundbreaking. It took the toys in an all new direction and opened up a lot of possibilities. The QC did mar the line though I suspect it has to do with the fact taht these are new styles they're trying out and will take them time to master.

The other aspect that I find strong about them is the way the toys resonate character so well. While Hasbro have gotten better at that with Classics 2.0/Universe 2.0 as well, it really shines in Animated where each mold is very unique and difficult to repaint without it being so out of place to repaint.

7 - Were the Classics 2.0/Universe 2.0 toys in general good or bad?
Mixed. The QC and paint applications were poor at times. The one good thing it did start was several ideas for QC related Soapboxes. In general though, I'm just happy to have the line back. I love modern toys.

8 - Were the rest of the Movie toys in general good or bad?
The Walmart Exclusives were generally a delight even though they belonged in the Classics line. Its very sad though that hte reason why I liked the rest of the Movie toys was b.c not of the molds but b/c of their adaptability to Classics.

Of the truly Movie toys, Stockade was mediocre at best, Incinerator was above average but hardly excellent.

9 - Did you think the Encores this year were good or bad?
Exceptional. They gave many a collector the opportunity to possess some vintage stuff that would be beyond the grasp of many fans and I hope it continues even though I've had all of the re-issues to date.

10 - Did you think the Henkei was good or bad?
Excellent. Its so still hard to believe it only started out this year in April. But I've loved every moment of it and even though I've stagnated b/c of financial reasons, I will complete Henkei in due course. The one exceptional repaint was definitely Optimus Prime in my mind. I liked the mold a lot before that but the Henkei paint applications took my love for the mold to a far higher level and now the mold is among my top 10 molds ever b/c of it.

That said, QC was an issue that has been quite prevalent and I'm very disappointed in that.

11 - Did you buy any non-transforming toys?
Robot Heroes, Revoltech Hot Rod and Starscream (among two of my favourite acquisitions of the year) and Diamond Select Battle Damaged Prime Bust, Jazz and Reformatted Megatron.

12 - Did you buy any officially licensed (non-toy) merchandise?
Nope

13 - Did you buy the Animated DVDs?
Nope

14 - Did you buy any of the Madman DVDs?
Nope.

15 - Did you import the Cybertron boxset?
Nope. Intend to though.

16 - Are there any trends in your buying that you noticed?

Japanese Flavours
- My spending on Japanese toys this year increased by 157.85% compared to my previous almost 3 years of collecting.
- This has been driven in large part due to the higher quality paint applications on toys that I love. For me, Superlink and Galaxy Force provided far better versions of Cybertron - a toy line I credit with bringing out my love for modern toys which is another trend that's been emerging. I've found I cannot simply pass up on better packaged and coloured toys. Henkei is the ultimate extension of this though I don't think the packaging is necessarily better.

Displayability
- The number of toys in my collection that are bought with displayability (ie. MIB or MISB) in mind has increased by 61.42%. This has comes about b/c of two reasons. The first was Jaydisc and theDamned who have quite iimpressive displays. The second was b/c of Hasbro's change in packaging - ie. Classics 2.0 and Animated. The side on views of boxes has just changed how space can be used for display.

Doubles
- My rate of doubles is only at 9% which was a staggering surprise to me. I had suspected I was armed with way more but I was wrong but I guess that as part of my overall collection, the doubles are veyr miniscule.
- That however is about to dramatically change, however. I'm nearing the end of everything I want to buy in terms of TFs. I'm not a completist by any stretch of the imagination and as such am far more likely to go back into buying doubles of vintage toys I already have or toys I love.

Modernisation
I'm moving away quickly from vintage toys. This is very new to me as when I started, G1 was everything. In about 2 years I amassed close to 80% of G1 and it formed the vast majority of my collection. Now, G1 has dwindled from 33.4% of my collection in 2007 to 23.71%. And its unlikely that I'll ever complete out many of the Japanese lines other than the big ones.

What's happened? I've developed a love for modern sensibiltiies. I love the modern engineering that gives us great poseability and playability. G1 is a fragile and nostalgic throwback, it lacks the play value of modern toys. So for me personally, this transformation has been rather dramatic as I progresed from a once "modern is inferior" to "modern is superior" mindset. And that's just b/c I enjoy everything that modern toys offer us. Better packaging, better toys, better artwork etc, etc.

17 - Are there any changes to your buying habits that you're hoping to make?
I hope to stop buying Legends altogether as well as useless repaints of characters and molds I do not like just b/c they're cheap. I shop frequently b/c its something my better half and I do a lot of and a lot of times i buy stuff b/c its just so cheap. *Looks at TFM Camshaft with a dirty stare*

18 - What are you looking forward to most in 2009?
The rest of Henkei. I'm uncertain of where the movie will take us so the toys are still an uncertainty to me but images of a certain G1 favourite car surfaced today and my hopes are being dashed.

But there's still one thing I'm definitely looking forward to and that is customs. I intend to get more done this year and I have some big ones in store that will be a delight for me personally.

[GoktimusPrime]

So for me personally, this transformation has been rather dramatic as I progresed from a once "modern is inferior" to "modern is superior" mindset.
You actually once thought "modern is inferior"? Wow... on the whole I totally agree that G1 is absolutely a fragile and nostalgic throwback - as much as I love it.

Having said that there are several toys which are poorly made by modern standards - like Animated Grimlock and Blitzwing, by 2008 standards I find them to be rather underwhelming toys whereas G1 Blitzwing and Grimlock are very good toys by 1985 standards.

But so long as a modern toy is made well by modern standards, then I agree that modern is superior. Take Henkei Hound for example... that toy is pure awesomesauce. :D Or to use examples from Animated, Blackarachnia and Prowl. Very well done figures.. :)

[STL]

You actually once thought "modern is inferior"? Wow... on the whole I totally agree that G1 is absolutely a fragile and nostalgic throwback - as much as I love it.

Having said that there are several toys which are poorly made by modern standards - like Animated Grimlock and Blitzwing, by 2008 standards I find them to be rather underwhelming toys whereas G1 Blitzwing and Grimlock are very good toys by 1985 standards.

But so long as a modern toy is made well by modern standards, then I agree that modern is superior. Take Henkei Hound for example... that toy is pure awesomesauce. :D Or to use examples from Animated, Blackarachnia and Prowl. Very well done figures.. :)

I'm surprised too, really. I always thought vintage US G1 was superior in my mind b/c it gave me exactly what I wanted, representations of the G1 characters I grew up on and drooled over in toy catalogues that I thought I would never have. Yet I think Classics/Henkei changed all that b/c I could get modern representations of the same characters and for me that substituted for G1. Of course, a lot of it is dependent on customs and Hasbro/Takara continuing with Classics (which I suspect they will) but G1 still does have a few things Classics still doesn't like the City Former, the combiner teams and the special teams.

[MV75]

15 - Are there any changes to your buying habits that you're hoping to make?
Cutting back on the JP stuff that is just recolours of Hasbro stuff.


I see the words, but they're in the wrong order. :D

[autobreadticon]

B]1 - What was the total number obtained for the year (roughly, if you don't know)?[/B]
My laptop died along with my spreadsheet, i would guess 140 items (160 transformers) but they were mostly minis :D

2 - What was your best acquisition for the year?
Alternator Smokescreen , i think it was my 5th acquisition and i am a rally fan, so i was glad to start my collection with an Alternator for $26 NIB. City Commander ranks up with that too!

3 - What was your worst, or the thing you most regretted buying?
Supreme Animated Roll-out Prime , i couldn't pick it up even though they extended my layby date..:mad:

4 - Most difficult item to find?
Henkei Wildrider

5 - Item you never found, but still want?
MA-21 , why does it always rain on me (didnt even know this existed until i saw it at Jay's place :()

6 - Were the Animated toys in general good or bad?
Excellent , the toys looked exactly like how they would in the cartoon, i liked how the toy sizes corresponded with the cartoon and the variety of the toys made it appeal to everyone, collectors and kids alike

7 - Were the Classics 2.0/Universe 2.0 toys in general good or bad?
Hasbro releases are targeted at the children market with most of the REDOCS focusing on the G1 toy/Comic deco. The paint app made the toy feel cheap when held and displayed. The toys are excellent and as a collector i prefered the Henkei releases for their tech spec and all those little details i appreciate.

8 - Were the rest of the Movie toys in general good or bad?
didn't bother

9 - Did you think the Encores this year were good or bad?
Excellent!!!

10 - Did you think the Henkei was good or bad?
Henkei - so much love for these toys, my favourite G1 characters given a 'modern update' , its worth the extra $15-$20 premium for these toys.

11 - Did you buy any non-transforming toys?
Myclones - so disappointed these were cancelled, got HoC off Ice and Robot Heroes (can't wait till i own every single transformer character!! so glad it is popular and won't get cancelled anytime soon)

12 - Did you buy any officially licensed (non-toy) merchandise?
nope.

13 - Did you buy the Animated DVDs?
Nope.

14 - Did you buy any of the Madman DVDs?
nope. in no rush to buy these..

15 - Did you import the Cybertron boxset?
Nope.

14 - Are there any trends in your buying that you noticed?
More organised and methodically by creating a purchasing schedule and checklist, i'm more selective and controlled in my decision-making. This way i stress out less and always have spare money in my pocket.

15 - Are there any changes to your buying habits that you're hoping to make?
Have prioirity on what items to get before they become harder to find, such as getting Encore ReissueSunstorm in case it becomes limited.. avoid regrets such as MA-21 and Henkei Wildrider

16 - What are you looking forward to most in 2009?
Anything from TT, TF movie and repaints of the movie 2009 toys to become available immediately , more henkeis, Animated to continue, enjoying TF

[GoktimusPrime]

Tried licking any of your MyClones? They're coated with a special paint-coating which is designed to be bitter when tasted by infants, inducing them to spit them out. That's to prevent them from putting their small parts into their mouthes and potentially choking on them.

I haven't tried tasting a MyClone but I know someone who did (I'll leave it up to him to identify himself if he wants to ;)).

[STL]

What's MA-21?

[Kyle]

What's MA-21?

Japanese version of Premium Leader Optimus Prime with the extra chrome.

[STL]

Japanese version of Premium Leader Optimus Prime with the extra chrome.

Oh! Rabbit Ears!