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Post by supergetterv on Jan 13, 2006 22:06:01 GMT -5
I just recently got my first Chogokin figure and it was the GT-08 Combattler V figure. I got that cause it reminded me of an old bootleg Voltron 1 figure I got back in the early 80's. It was cool how they package it in styrofoam and had firing hands and head. And, I like the size, Around 4 inches. Delicate toy. Then I went and got my first Mazinger Z figure, a Best Posing Collection series 1 trading figure, you know the ones that comes in a small box and you don't know which one of the six figure you will end up with until you open it up. Well, I got 4 out of 6 figure, missing Great Mazinger and Volts V. Recently, I got the Chogokin GT-01 Mazinger Z figure off Ebay and that is when I realized that I kinda over paid for the GT-08. I could of save around 5$ had I got it on Ebay. Anyway, I've always wanted a SOC GX-01R. I remember seeing the box in a Hong Kong Comedy series. I remember seeing this figure priced at around 60 or 80$ when it first came out. Initially, my impression was that it was too pricely. I am now currently glad that I can own a brand new one for less than $100 after shipping from Ebay. Thinking of getting GX-03, Gx-06, and Gx-25. Any advice would be good. Thanks.
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Post by roboto on Jan 13, 2006 23:24:41 GMT -5
I began my toy robot collection with the exact same items you're starting your collection with now. After almost two years, I have most of the items in the SOC line except the hard-to-get exclusive items, such as GX-01RB, GX-24 DVD exclusive, etc. I also skipped the Evangelion series because I don't really consider them "Super Robots".
By the way, how much is the Best Posing Collection Series 1 going for now? I have an extra complete set of Series 2.
Quit your SOC collecting hobby while it's still early. In my opinion, you should keep the GX-01R and purchase the upcoming SOC Voltes V. After that, quit! Your wallet will like you.
Ouch! If you want these items badly, then you are at the mercy of unscrupulous sellers who prey on diehard SOC collectors. Prices for SOC items go higher if you start downwards from GX-29. If you must get the three items you desire, patience is sometimes rewarded - Bandai sometimes reissues popular SOCs. I wouldn't be surprised if they reissued GX-03 Combattler V and GX-06 Getter Robo. Just don't be the sucker who pays three times the actual price before the reissue.
Good luck.
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Post by supergetterv on Jan 14, 2006 1:17:53 GMT -5
Thanks for replying and the advice. The Best Posing Collection series 1 isn't really worth that much because I recently got some for around $4, but that only because the local store was having a 40% sale. Normally these small boxes are around $7. Haven't seen a complete set listed on ebay but I don't think they can go for more than 35$. I'm looking forward for the release of the Voltes V. As for the advice, I can't thankyou enough because I really didn't want any of the other SOC. I only wanted the Mazinger Z GX-01R, the GX-03, GX-06 and the GX-25 from the SOC line. When it comes to hurting the wallet, it's too late cause I have a big enough collection of RESIN statues and tons of PVC type action figures. Will be waiting for reissue of GX-03 and GX-06. GX-25 isn't that bad right now, I have seen it at around $40-60 range and I only wanted that one so that the GX-01R can Stomp on it.
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Post by Omni Existence on Jan 14, 2006 1:27:24 GMT -5
Welcome to RJ, superfarterv!
With regard to collecting SOC's, it's going to be a real b*tch trying to avoid the 'Pokemon- gotta catch them all' syndrome, but the best advise I can give you is collect the SOC's that you have a soft spot for.
For example, if you have love for Go nagai's Super Robots, then start with the GX-01R, and work your way to a GX-02R, GX-04S, and GX-06. When you have the core Super Robots, you can skip the rest and just pick up the ones that have value to you (nostalgia, etc).
;D
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Post by xiombarg on Jan 14, 2006 1:45:32 GMT -5
The only advice I can really give you is to try and keep your buying habits focused. Chogokins are too expensive to buy in lots, and you'll be much happier with your collection if you can afford the pieces you like because you resisted the urge to buy in groups of everything at once, but it sounds like you are familiar with the collecting bug so you probably know how it all works.
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Post by incognito on Jan 14, 2006 3:25:45 GMT -5
man... im going through the same thing right now... i wanna get them all... ...but one chogokin at a time or else i gotta find me another job!!!
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Post by Chen on Jan 14, 2006 10:26:33 GMT -5
Welcome too the board! That's how I got started too, I've always collected toys but then I bought GX-04 then I figured I'd better get GX-01R, but then I thought if I had GX-01R I better get GX-02R and then GX-05 came out, then GX-06 after that and then I was hooked. It's good that you just want GX-03, GX-06, and GX-25 but I doubt it will just be limited too those figures. GX-25 is still pretty cheap and you can get one for $50.00, GX-03 has already been re-released so another re-release won't be for along time if there is one, prices on those vary from $145.00-$200.00+. GX-06 might get another release but I haven't heard anything and therefore this is the most expencive item on your list.
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Post by rayar on Jan 14, 2006 10:58:47 GMT -5
Buy what you like, and have a varied collection. Ive found that trying to complete a whole line is not necessary and will drain your wallet. I spent a long time trying to get all the socs' but kind of found it pointless after a while because I wasnt really into all of the figures, just mostly the combiners. Now Im planning on selling at least half of them in order to finance other purchases.
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Post by Ben-Ohki on Jan 14, 2006 11:54:01 GMT -5
Buying your first SOC is a religious experience!! The GT series is good for reliving nostalgia, because as you already know, that series follows the concept "make'em like they used to." But the GX series is, "make'em like they used to, but use TODAY's technology." Since it sounds like you enjoy the Nagai designs, then yes, start with GX01R. It's almost the same as the original GX01, but the R version has several resculpted parts and improvements that were developed later on in the GX series. This was my first SOC too and I've never regretted it!
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Post by ataru on Jan 14, 2006 14:09:00 GMT -5
bcbcomics has gx-25 for $40.
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Post by supergetterv on Jan 17, 2006 23:36:31 GMT -5
I just received the GX-01R today from the ebay seller and I am glad to have it. Although I was kinda upset that the box was kinda damage, I was really happy that the Mazinger Z wasn't. It's brand new, can tell from the tape on the box. Mazinger Z is absolutely perfect in that it look just the the pictures on the box. Previously, I have had a Gundam Chogokin, the GD-44 MSZ-006 Zeta Gundam and I was really dissappointed with that one. I guessed it was the reason that I held off buying the GX-01R. The GD-44 was so bad that I kinda lost fate on the Bandai name. But anyway, its doesn't look like it was the seller fault cause he placed the SOC in bubble wrap. I blame it on the local post office for tossing the package around.
I also like to make a correction about the first post that I made when I started the thread. My first Chogokin is not THE Chogokin GT-08, it's actually the Chogokin Metal Meterial Launcher and Sword Strike GUNDAM. I didn't even realized that it was a Chogokin until I recently looked at the box.
Anyway, I saw a SOC GX-11, not the GX-11A, for 30$, around 32$ after tax, locally. Should I get it? Don't know if I should buy that one or a GX-25.
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Post by paladin on Jan 18, 2006 9:09:04 GMT -5
Now look what you guys have done! You've created a monster!
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Post by xiombarg on Jan 18, 2006 13:40:44 GMT -5
You should always buy everything you possibly can all the time so you don't miss out on anything. And prices don't matter. ;D
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Post by supergetterv on Jan 18, 2006 21:17:15 GMT -5
Came up with the decision to get the GX-11 Diana A figure first, it's the cheapest, then the GX-10, followed by the Gx-25. All three for less than what a USED GX-03 cost. I figured that I should stay with the Mazinger Z theme. One Fembot, One Comic Relief and One Villian character, and that is it. No more, at least from the Mazinger theme. THen after that, I work on getting SOC Combattler V. For now, I guess I can afford to get the gashapon version of Combattler V. From what I have seen in the review, it looks like a mini version of the GX-03. Good substitute for a fraction of the price.
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Post by nikodiablo on Jan 19, 2006 0:31:15 GMT -5
I started the craze with SOC Eva Unit-4 (the first and the only one I had then). Then I made the stupid mistake and displaying him in dusty environment. When I tried to wipe the dust off, I scratched the chrome on the plastic shoulders (the one that's functional, not the display ones). I was so dissapointed with myself that I refrained in buying more SOC, however I kept track of the news and Robot Japan Forum, and when the news about the SOC Voltes came out, I immediately pre-ordered one from my local supplier. When the GX-04S was re-released, I didn't hold back and ordered one straight from HLJ, and it has arrived just yesterday!! Superfaterv, you cannot miss out the grendest SOC, GX-04s or Voltes it comes out!
I'm gonna look for more SOCs, God forgive me...
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Post by mannyD on Jan 19, 2006 2:53:13 GMT -5
buy them all until you're bankrupt. just kidding ;D hehe no, just like xiombarg said, be focused and have a plan. gokins are expensive, buy those that you really really like, no impulse buys. learn to wait sometimes for best prices, gokins are rarely easily sold out i think (except for limited editions). and try to look in the "for sale" sections of message boards, some offer good bargains and mint figures.
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Post by nikodiablo on Jan 19, 2006 3:23:29 GMT -5
OK, my turn now. This is also sort of a noobie question, and I really need your help, Guys. I used to collect toys when I was a kid, mainly Machine Robo (don't burn me for this...), Old Takatokus (no valkyries, though...) and when I moved to the US, Transformers. So basically I'm familiar with the engineering and material quality from Bandai and Takara.
But then, I abandon robot collecting because I'm more interested in... Chicks ...
Recently, as things settled down, I began collecting robots again, starting with SOC Eva unit 4, and then Grendizer, and then Voltes (on my pre-order list). However, I discovered that now Bandai and Takara are not the sole players in Chogokin! I was astonished when I learned about the Shin Seiki Gokin (Aoshima), Max Gokin, and the most recently, Brave Gokin (CMS), and to some extent, even Toynami Masterpieces. Some of their characters really interest me... Mazinkaiser, Gao Gai Gar, Godannar... And I'm thinking to obtain some of them. However, I have no experience with these companies before! Can you Guys provide me with the pro and cons of these products that are not Bandai or Takara? Are they superior or inferior to SOCs in general from the standpoint of engineering or materials? Anything you can think of! Your inputs are greatly appreciated! Thanks before...
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Post by toystarr on Jan 19, 2006 3:40:45 GMT -5
I only collect what I really like and never whole series... and when I want something I get it and do not really think about the price (though I sure try to get a good price for the item I'm looking for) the real expensive thing is shipping costs that makes about a third of all my expenses. recently I fell in love with the black chogokin versions and I just bought the gx-01b and gx-02b for a little more than 200$ including shipment and that is not too bad.
nikodiablo: I can tell you that Max Factory has a very good quality. I own the Max Gohkin Mazinkaiser and I really dig the good workmanship and poseability. I also own a very beautiful Studio Halfeye Shin Getter but this one disappointed me as it is much too fragile to really pose or play with it but else it is really a wonderful piece of engineering.
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Post by Chen on Jan 19, 2006 17:06:28 GMT -5
Hey superfarterv! For a guy who just wanted GX-03, GX-06, and GX-25 you sure have expanded your buy list! The samething happened to all of us, SOC collecting just kind of sneaks up on you and all of a sudden you have 10-20 SOC's when you only wanted four or five ;D
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Post by 45caliber on Jan 19, 2006 19:35:03 GMT -5
yup.. same thing happened to me chen.. when i started soc collecting.. i only want the GX-04 grendizer.. after that i told myself that i also need a GX-01R because i have watched the anime when i was a kid.. looking both GX-04 and GX-01R's boxes.. it came across my mind that GX-01R wouldn't be complete without the great mazinger.. so i bought a GX-02R.. after a week.. saw this getter team GX-06.. holy sh*t.. it's nice that i can't manage to go home without buying this piece.. after looking/searching for the internet.... the rest was history... a sick that is hard to be cured.. all i need now is a GX-05 and a GX-13.. been hunting this now for a month.. i need a mint box ;D ;D ;D
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