"Tim's Corner" Debuts on Superhero Times

Today we are debuting a new column here on Superhero Times "Tim's Corner". Tim has been a long time forums member who always "tells it like is" you will find that he holds nothing back. First up for Tim - Premium 12-24 inch Figures & Collectibles grab yourself a drink, relax, read on and enjoy!

Premium 12-24 inch Figures & Collectibles
by Tim

Sideshow, Medicom, Necca and DC Direct are all popping out deluxe figures 12 inch figures (and larger). Usually they command a huge price tag. But, are they worth it?

I was given a Medicom Darth Vader figure from my boss. Price tag close to $200! This Vader is awesome. Several interchangeable sets of hands, for various pose settings. Interchangeable light saber (which, somehow I missed the point at first, and thought the light saber blade was not attachable. To my relief, I discovered my error, and can proudly display the ignited light saber). The Anakin reveal face, via removable helmet is meticulously detailed.

Thanks to my boss, I have a figure I love, that I don't have to feel guilty about spending a car payment on. If the rest of their figures are as nice as this one, this is definitely a great company, with a great line of really expensive items.

Sideshow has two types of figures. The "cheap" 12 inch deluxe figures, which generally run $35-55 depending on the line; and the premium format, which can run as "cheap" as $250 and as much as $600. I don't find the phrase "premium format action figure" to be an accurate title, because they are actually closer to statues than they are figures.

Sideshow also produces some really nice (and of course expensive) statues, busts, and other items. The attraction with Sideshow is not the figures themselves, but, the exclusive versions. The exclusive versions contain a bonus accessory or accessories that the regular editions do not have. These exclusive figures have had a premium tag on eBay. Some going 2-3x the retail price. If at all possible, a collector would want to get the exclusive version since generally, they are the same price as the regular edition. However, on some occasions, the price has been a little higher.

Sideshow has done an overall great job on these figures and premium format figures. The Luke Skywalker Premium Format figure is a nice one, and had a retail of "only" $275. Touted as the most realistic looking figure ever, this figure did a good job at recreating Mark Hamill; with exception to the freakishly long fingers.

Necca has their own line. Since they encompass lines I am not collecting, I am less familiar with their product. I could not resist a pre-order of the massive 20-24 inch Balrog, and it's huge wingspan of over 40 inches, however. And, at under $100, that may be the deal of the century. Lord of the Rings fans may fall in love with their line.

It's hard for me to even list DC Direct in this class of premium and deluxe figures. Yet, due to the overwhelming price tag, of $90 for the Batman and the Superman figures, I would be negligent in overlooking them.

DC Direct has released 3 13" figures thus far: Batman, Superman, and Green Lantern. Green Lantern, the cheapest at $60, is the best so far. However, in all honesty, I cannot see where or why the high price tag. Since the price cut, they have cut the accessories to interchangeable hands; and, on the latest releases, not even that. And, with the newest addition (Shazam) not only am I not seeing accessories, the price has increased, and is $70.

Because of a deep 35% discount, I have stuck with this line. Unfortunately, greed has grown to (hopefully) it's fullest at DCD. I can't imagine paying even $60 for these overpriced pieces of plastic. However, with each release, the detailing has gotten better. But, to date, DCD has not offered anything remotely close to commanding a price tag of over $25; much less $90, 70, or even $60.

Once upon a time, Toy Biz had Marvel Studios. The worst of the lot (Dr. Doom) was so much better than DCD's best (Green Lantern) and at almost half the price. I wouldn't say that the Dr. Doom is a bad figure. It's not. It's just the worst of the series-- which is still a great figure. And, certainly at $30, a much greater value than anything DCD could produce. It seems the line will have ended with the Dr. Doom, leaving 2 Wolverine's, 2 punishes, Blade and Daredevil. And, of course, two variants: an unmasked Dr Doom, and Daredevil with sunglasses.
The only real regret here is that Toy Biz only did a few. Apparently, Toy Biz was ahead of their time with these, and $30 was asking a lot. To this day, the value and detail are unmatched.

Even Hasbro has attempted a retail version Deluxe figure, with the Ultimate Villain Vader set. But, with a retail price of $50 at Walmart, these disappeared, and were not replaced. Apparently Toy Biz was not the only ones to be ahead of the times.

So, the question is, are all these deluxe lines worth it? There's a lot to be said for the larger more premium sets. With the exception of DC Direct, the figures are usually highly detailed, and have exceptional detail and work. I'm liking the Sideshow figures, although I wasn't thrilled with the Highlander Origins line, but, I did like the modern Connor and Duncan figures. So far, I like the Star Wars line. The premium format figures, while extremely expensive, and require a second job on my part to pay for them, are generally well done, and, almost worth the price tag. And, yes, I'd sell off my little figures to pay for them.

DC Direct, I will continue to pick up, but, only for so long. It's too bad they can't figure out that along with a high price tag comes high quality and highly detailed figures. I found Toy Biz' $10 rotocast Green Goblin to have better detail, better paint jobs and an overall better figure than DC Direct's line.

Collecting has definitely moved up several notches with the addition of the super deluxe figures.

Stop by our forums to let Tim know what you think about the Premium 12-24 inch Figures & Collectibles.