What makes you an MISB / MOSC Collector?

[ampoldj]

Hi just wanna know why do people keep their collection MISB or MOSC?

I started to collect TFs again by 2011 and I never opened any of them and when they started to grow in numbers I just still displayed them MISB/MOSC. My friend even told me my room looks like a TRU TF Section and asked me what is the point collecting these without opening them. Well for me I just love looking at them in-package.

I changed my preference by 2013 when I have to open up some Leaders to remove batteries. As i opened them I had some issues with most of them, loose joints, parts not painted on Takara, some electronic sounds not working, etc. from then only my deluxes remained sealed.

When I jumped to the MP band wagon late 2013 I tried to keep my Prowl again MISB paying about $70. After a few months I felt like im paying $70 just for the box if I wont open and transform it at least. So i opened it but just to find out the crappy hood paint job immediately! I though this is a masterpiece and still QC issues this obvious do exist, so from there on especially MPs I have to check and make it MIB just to make sure the items are there (hopefully no problems)

I know in toy collection sealed items will have more value in the long run but it is a great risk unable to know the condition of your item, especially with the boxed ones you don't know what is inside...

[Trailer Park Ninja]

I'm not solely a MISB/MOSC collector but have quite a lot of figures still carded or boxed.

I still enjoy opening up a new figure to see the detail and the engineering behind the transformation then adding these to my play/display collection. So I have quite a large number of dupes because of this.

That said, I guess why I still collect MISB or MOSC is akin to collecting art. The whole ensemble consisting of packaging, cover art, synopsis and other figure lines etc on the back is a nice display piece. Obviously, this is expensive to do so I am selective with what I keep intact.

The other reason I collect this way is a bit of history to look back on the figure lines that came out and for nostalgic reasons. E.g. I have some AFA Transformers G1 and Mattel Superpowers figures which I don't want to open but is just a great memento of my childhood memories. It's so hard to find great condition loose figures that justify the asking price.

I remember all those experiences affiliated with a figure, e.g. birthday gift, getting up early to catch the Saturday morning cartoons, the improvised storylines playing out a scene etc.

There is a risk with MISB that you have a fault with a figure which can affect the value but I've never believed in collecting toys for a collectable value resale. I invest in more conventional things e.g. shares, property to make a profit, collecting figures MISB or otherwise is just a hobby I enjoy.

[ampoldj]

I guess that is why those who can afford buys 2 of the same stuff... 1 to open and 1 remaining sealed

[dsphatlite]

I like it when they have collector boxes with windows... makes it easier to be a MISB collector.

Yes if I like a figure alot I will buy two of. One to open and one to keep in box.

[GoktimusPrime]

This thread inspired me to make this photocomic. Freedom is the right of all awesome action figures.

[drifand]

they are called Transformers for one reason. So it is up to you ultimately.
Opening them has its advanatgaes and disadvantages.

For example, I realise how piece of junk for over paying a piece of plastic in the mp range as they are priced highly with a premium box. On the other hand some mps are nice. MISB, you just worry about the box. <sorry for being blant, but it is just that. You only rely on others who review and what they say otherwise.

End of the day, is what you are happy with. Friends are correct in questioning, "whats the point?" Are you thinking of selling? Is it valuable?
Most of the mp have no value. If you can afford best of both worlds, yeah, that will be cool.

I only have a few MISB but they are meant to be sold. Ultimately I like to see what I bought.

[ampoldj]

I like it when they have collector boxes with windows... makes it easier to be a MISB collector.

Yes I just hope MPs should have window and flap cover instead, at least you know how the toys looks like inside and not wondering what if TakTom or Hasbro HK mistakenly put a ROCK inside the bubble then packed in the box

This thread inspired me to make this photocomic. Freedom is the right of all awesome action figures.

Nice one Gok, this is the same thing my daughter asked me "what if your toys comes to life dad?" (watched too much Toy Story and shocked Buzz Light years are not factory sealed)
Well this is what happens Loose toys helping the sealed ones

EDIT: drifand is right, I just recently felt happyness when I transformed my Transformers and did appreciate them more (even with the QC issues that has bugged me already for years)

[Shirokaze]

What makes me a MISB collector? Right now its laziness I'll get around to them one day though....

[Defcon]

What makes me a MISB collector? Right now its laziness I'll get around to them one day though....

Just had a quick laugh, yeah I can relate to that but I do like something just staying sealed. It actually enhances a collection to have some sealed and some open on display. The sealed toys actually remind me of a toy store, the box art and style of packaging is worth displaying. If the packaging doesn't appeal and is generic, and its not really a special release, its probably better to just open and discard the package in the bin.

[High_Q]

My friend even told me my room looks like a TRU TF Section and asked me what is the point collecting these without opening them.

Having my room look like a TRU TF section is the point. Personally, the appeal of toy collecting is a lot more than the play pattern inherent in the toy itself. The aesthetics of the toy, its box/card art, and the nostalgia of viewing vintage/reissued sealed toys bring me greater pleasure than fiddling with them.