Why I Got Out of Statue Collecting

[@Siile_]

Moderation is key. Just because you buy statues doesn't mean you should have a "collection" (as in dozens of pieces). I'll never call myself a collector, I don't try to complete lines or anything, I just a buy a few statues I truly love to have them throughout the house or in my working space, like you'd hang a painting, or place a vase or sculpture. I am extremely picky so that helps for sure. People don't have to completely get out and sell their entire collection because of prices going up. Some self control and that's it.

[@hollaz2]

Exactly, seems like a compulsive issue more than anything

[@felipeassis3197]

I do exactly the same. I only have a few statues of my very favorite characters. I also don't try to complete a line and have the feeling that I must buy the side characters for completion's sake.

[@Siile_]

@@felipeassis3197 I remember as a kid when The Phantom Menace came out, I wanted every single Hasbro figure. Droids, side characters, etc... Crazy. Doing the same thing with statues is an insane money pit and space waster. Random example but when I see Transformers collections with all the secondary and tertiary robots I can't help but think "come on, don't tell me you care about those as much as you care about Optimus Prime or Megatron" and often those collections would look much better with just three of four well selected statues. Otherwise they overshadow each other. Same with busts, one high end bust by itself is a centerpiece, but then if you add five or six next to it, they all steal from each other, they just don't look as interesting imo

[@papatubez3062]

Same. I'll buy a Transformer every now and then if one of them strikes me as particularly cool but I would never call myself a "collector". I think of a collector as somebody who has a shopping addiction.

[@papatubez3062]

​@@Siile_ ha I've come to this conclusion myself. Back when I had a lot more Transformers I used to imagine what would be the best way to display them and the best solution has always been to just have one or two nice ones out and put the rest of the toys away. Less is more and honestly an ocean of mediocre garishly colored plastic bs just looks sad in a room.

[@xXHardCorrXx]

Funny thing is I’ve always wanted to get into statue collecting. Before doing any research I expected them to be $100 MAYBE $200. Then I saw the prices and went “well that’s never happening” 😢

[@MintHunterComics]

YUP

[@northernmunkey1]

Statue prices have gone through the roof not helped by hype, rediculos shipping fees and taxes and third parties.

[@stanwilson7040]

@@MintHunterComics A real man finds a way to afford the statues, watches, cars and women he wants in life

[@phillipjohnson4156]

200 bucks? probably think a new car is 20k

[@headkills117]

@@stanwilson7040😂

[@ProfessorEchoMedia]

Failure or success, you are never less than honest, sincere and objective when sharing personal choices you have made and how they reflect upon your experiences in the hobby and life. That’s what sets your channel and indeed your entire representation apart from so many others. You seem to be a man without a lot of bullshit. In our world today, maybe in every world and every age, that’s a very rare thing. There are so many microcosmic truths in your videos and the stories they tell, whether consciously or subconsciously. Instead of comic book related statues this video could just as well express the vagaries of job choices or relationship histories. James, your videos often encapsulate our days and daydreams deeper than the surface subject or ostensible topic. I’m not trying to make you self-conscious, but videos like this work on other levels due to your honesty and your willingness to express it. It’s great stuff and keeps even non-comic collectors like myself coming back to watch more.

[@dandare1270]

I think your comment reflects my exact thoughts. Couldn’t have said it better! I just love this dude!

[@Ongo-Gablogian-14]

If you're having kids soon, getting out of statue collecting couldn't have come at a better time. The first time your child breaks a collectible is heartbreaking.

[@saulmartinez6439]

OMG you're so right, my kids have broken probably about 4 of my statues so 100% agree.

[@Thegravy251]

I purchased an incredible hulk 181 9.0, back when it was about $1000, and the seller told me his kid threw this backpack on it and broke the case, I told him I still wanted it, so he threw in an amazing spiderman #300. I just sent that ASM to get signed by McFarlane, the hulk was pressed into a 9.2.

[@rickrolledtruth5834]

Duh that's why u have a man CAVE that only u enter and have these awesome collectibles in. My children didn't enter my room til they were 6 yrs old lol... and my baby momma isn't allowed in there so yea. )

[@LastBastian]

@@rickrolledtruth5834 Exactly! First thing I did after buying my recent home, was installing custom doors to the entrance of my finished basement. Keeps out kids as well as pets. Nobody allowed down there without my permission.

[@kevinsalinas6016]

@@rickrolledtruth5834I am a martial artist and my martial arts Masters like yep man

[@Wr0ngNumb3r]

I collected original full size vintage arcade games for twenty years. I sold off all but a few last year and raised enough cash to pick up a Fantastic Four 1. With all the space I converted a section of the basement into a comic room. So happy I did it.

[@robertmalinowski6804]

Look at it this way James. Hindsight is 20/20. I should have bought tons of stuff before the boom, but didnt. If you enjoyed collecting statues, it made you happy. If you wish to sell them now to fund comic collecting, go for it. Do what you love!

[@jakeproven256]

I've gotten out of a few things, but everytime I do I always come back to it sooner or later. The things I've gotten out of were from when I was between the ages of 11 to 16, this was due to me growing up and me being in that ridiculous phase of, "you're to old to like that" but as I said I got back into it eventually and rediscovered my passions.

[@briancampbell9257]

Wow James, you hit the nail right on the head with this video. I have a large number of Sideshow 1/4 Scale statues, a bunch of Bowen Studios stuff etc., and I have reached the same conclusion that you have, and for most of the same reasons. No space, too expensive, not really a viable profit making activity. I live in Canada so when I bought all my items I paid in US funds, shipping as well as border fees. Now I'm trying to sell all my statues other than some 1/10th scale Iron Studios items and man, potential buyers are only willing to pay $300-$600 Canadian. So, I'm selling at a huge loss just to get them moving.

[@cuckertarlson3037]

Terrible return on investment 😞

[@TheRoleplayer40k]

I don’t really care about profit making in a hobby, but the rest are fair enough

[@PyroClit]

Thats the best decision you could make. I collect statues as well but damn i wish i didnt start. But that GL is beautiful though. Just buy 1 and be done with it.

[@WillKat66]

True understand brother. I got out from superhero comics mostly. Now I’m focus on GA comics a lot more rare and scarce books.

[@BatmanStatueCollector]

So much of what you said rings very true. It's so hard to truly quit!!

[@jackhalsey242]

I have collected some smaller statues throughout the years but got my first 1/4 scale 2 years ago. I decided because of price and space to only get the characters that I have a deep emotional connection to and get the best version that I love, not a whole bunch of each or adjacent characters. I only have 3 total but I absolutely love them and when I go into my office they bring me so much joy. One of the reasons is they standout because they are not grouped with a whole bunch of other statues in a small space. I say if you really love those Green Lanterns go for it while clearing out all the others. They look awesome and if he was one of my absolute favs I would have to think about it. Take care and best of luck. Love your channel

[@xellosmetallium8519]

Good Advice, I rather collect what I love then fill a room with a lot of nonsense for the sake of a complete collection. Plenty of time to get the right ones VS buy for the sake of got to have them all.

[@ASingaporeChipmunk]

Hi hi, been watching your channel for a while and yes selling them is just part and parcel of collecting. I also don’t understand why prices are so steep when it comes to statues… and will they hold value if you sell in the aftermarket after years to come? I don’t see it quite frankly because these statue companies will keep churning the statues whether you buy or not. So many companies now. Back then is just sideshow. Any case you will start buying some…. It’s the itch you will get anyway. Sad to see your statues go… like my own I talk about it before… but heh… at least now you enjoyed it and move it along. That is the correct mindset. Looking forward to more videos from you! Keep it up!

[@Hectekk]

Love the honesty and great advice.

[@MintHunterComics]

I appreciate that!

[@AlexApproBAT]

Great to see a statue related video from you again! Yeah, I feel your pain... it seems we got into the statue hobby around the same time. Even then, I was pointing out the increases from various companies, but those comments mostly fell on deaf ears. Because of cost, shipping, running out of room, and lack of characters I'm looking for... I'm aiming for this to be my last year of buying. I have a few final older and even fewer new pieces I want to pick up to complete my display.

[@AnthonyOldhandGarcia]

21 to 22 years ago i used to collect Spawn figure series, Totured souls figures, Trigun figures anime, Hellraiser figures, Alice in Wonderland twisted figures ect..., as i remember i had at least 240 plus figures at the time i was collecting them besides comics which is mainly what i usually collect. But as time passes as life went on in my early mid 20s i immediately had to stop because my collection was a bit too much especially the cost of these figures. Fast forward 2023 happy to say that i haven't collected any kind of cool figures ever since, now in my mid 40s now i stay collecting comics to this day as i have before 30 years ago. I like my comics more than figures or statues plus because of comicsbooks as an artist is what made me to be inspired to draw more especially when it comes to the artists who do them. Collect what you like on what you know well to enjoy the hobby that makes you happy. As home body like myself after a hard days of work or after church coming home to or with my wife, comicbooks and drawing are definitely to me personally the best thing i can ever have and do without being out there in the world where there's trouble or problems i or my family don't need. Amen and amen. I give God Jesus Christ, blessed be His name, all the glory for everything He has done and continue doing. Amen and amen. I never bought comic related statues due to high prices in the market which was the result of my budgeting of buying all those figures i had over 20 years ago that i was able to afford at the time. The figures i used to collect i see on Ebay, those prices are ridiculously high but of course because of it's rarity especially when it's in it's package and unopened. Nice review.

[@VidTubeWatch]

I totally respect your mind set to get out of statues. I was never into them, but of course I still have my Star Wars figures from back in the day. My hobby that got killed was coin collecting. Also silver certificates etc. I still collect comics. Now, the reason I got out of coin collecting and bills etc was because my younger brother devolved an addiction to drugs. He took all of my half dollars, silver dollars, and silver certificates in the $1 and $5 dollar range and spent them on drugs. I had only a modest collection of said coins and bills, but it was an absolute buzz kill. I still have several of my indian head pennies and mint sets, but that was just a kick in the knee. I never thought he would go that route. Thank God he didn't also steal my comics that were in the same closet at my parent's house where I kept all of that stuff at the time.

[@Vp-jt3vl]

Great video dude, good for you. Anyone can easily spiral out of control with various hobbies haha.

[@jeffstanley6013]

I got out of baseball cards a long time ago because my interest in the sport waned. It's not that I don't like baseball anymore; I just love football (and comics) more. 🙂

[@comicbookninja5268]

Collected stamps, sports cards, non-sports cards, movie memorabilia, action figures and a few mini statues but the one constant for the last 40 years has been comics and movies on physical media but I decided this year that I want to stop collecting comics except for Conan and to get far fewer movies on disc. Too much stuff and not enough room. I just want to enjoy what I do have.

[@dadcollector5575]

But they’re so damn cool!!! They look great in your background and there’s something very nostalgic about seeing anatomy of these characters in a 3 dimensional form.

[@fstgeorge]

Totally get it man. I have many passions, but when money is not unlimited and actually on quite a tight budget, it makes it tricky to narrow down what to buy, and what to sell. Very smart to minimize the collection, but maybe you'll be able to hold onto a handful of them for that badass comic book ambiance you've got going on. Keep rocking!

[@shigeyukikakita4637]

I love statues, but back about decade+ ago, i decided the comic book was more important then the statue, so now i only get a statue after i pick up a characters first appearance. You may have to let some amazing looking statues go by but, you have to draw the line somewhere.

[@jtrain9926]

Great video, for me 3D printing has also taken some of the pastiche out of the limited edition statue collecting. Now you can buy a large printer for the price of a single statue and you get hobby element of painting it as well.

[@jtrain9926]

@@protestant3207 usually, but they're like $20-50

[@vynilrob9719]

I stopped in the early 2000's...I was buying books monthly and began dreading the reading/bagging/boarding/boxing process. I was slowly getting away from the fun of it and stopped altogether. Now I'm slowly getting rid of 'em except for a few key runs and issues. I had a great time but I'm ready to move on. Awesome vid, sire!

[@palumbo915]

I got out of statues because of the price and real estate. I just got no room to put them, and I only make $51,000 a year, before taxes. I’m sticking to 1/6 scale figures that are Batman theme or anime. Great video. You are not alone, my friend.

[@Goose_Willis]

Understandable. I got started in 2018. But my limited space forced me to get what I considered to be a great representation of a fandom I love. Example: I have the Prime1 Studio Snake Eyes statue to represent my love of G.I. Joe. Did not get any other of the line. Had to set my limits. My absolute money pit was Die Cast Hot Toys Iron Man. The constant price increasing and more and more coming out faster and faster. Had to stop. Sold most of them and kept a few iconic ones for the display.

[@2112bart]

Last year I spent quite a bit on comics and graded cards. Decided this year to put everything on hold. With the exception of a few silver age Thor keys as that collection is nearly complete. Decided being debt free is more important than collecting at the moment and that’s possible for me in a two year window. I just like to think of the books I’ll be able to get once I’m in a better financial standing. Can still be apart of the hobby during that time by organising what I have now, creating focused want lists and watching the market and what other people are collecting.

[@MintHunterComics]

It’s important to take rests!

[@symphonynut3291]

This is a fascinating video that lends real insight into the mindset of an obsessive collector. As a compulsive collector myself (symphonic music and, previously, sci-fi first edition hardcovers), I have often ruminated on the “why” that led me to collect the things I do. Do I continue to collect because I truly enjoy what I am purchasing or am I simply satisfying the pleasure center in my brain whenever I hit the “buy” button? Am I happy or habitual? Probably both.

[@8tiveeye]

FOr me it was action figures. AT the time they weren't as expensive and I bought everything SPawn / Mcfarlane related because they finally made cool looking toys! A few years later my first baby was born so I put all collecting on a hiatus for about 15 plus years. ABout 4 years ago my son got interested in collecting figures from the MCU , and that started a chain reaction of lets get them all! So now that he's older we're stopping again lol. The huge price jumps are just too much, and we pretty much have everything we want. I'm slowly selling off some of the figures and comic books too.

[@MintHunterComics]

I happen to know action figures can really rack up

[@johngaravaglia6126]

I’ve been falling in and out of comics over the years. I was in high school during the time being a comics fan and action figure collector was considered childish. So I stopped for a while, and sold nearly 2/3 of my figures (I needed the money at the time). But then rediscovered my love for comics and became a Wednesday warrior again. And fell into the Funko Pop rabbit hole. At least keep your favorite statue. Especially if it’s a character you love so much.

[@parkersherrod7685]

I heavily collected Spider-Man Funko pops, and eventually it felt like a new one was coming out every other week. I realized it would be unrealistic to fit them in my home and collect them all. I sold them and traded a bunch for comics instead. Now I collect Spider-Man marvel legends, much more space efficient 😅

[@EricWoodyVariety59]

I got out of fossils collecting because I was unemployed and lost my vehicle. I'm a collector from way back and I just started Star wars figures collecting of Black series figures. And any Star wars vehicles and all star wars. I also want to collect iron man statues when I can afford them. I collect silver coins, medals commemoratives also old paper money. I also love antique bottles and collectibles. Next to fossils I collect Old native American artifacts. I've slowed down on my collections because I can't get around well without a vehicle or a job.its been tough not collecting but I do have my wildlife photography that keeps me busy and my video games. Once in awhile I read some comic adventure books and I listen to music. Do what you love and what others do. Enjoy your hobbies.

[@protagonist426]

I appreciate videos like this. As someone who recently started collecting, I only have 2 figures so far, it’s helped me focus my collection from the beginning. Like most of us I’m a fan of multiple IPs. But, Marvel is my number 1. I’ll only be collecting comic accurate pieces and limiting from the beginning has helped me not pull the trigger on other figures.

[@X.X.X.123]

A buddy of mine just got into it whos dobe well in real estate and is an investor. Hes a young bachelor, no kids or wife. He has bought the statues as visual ornaments to display. He has only bought quality 1/4 & 1/3 scale characters the he likes to keep forever, and will only buy that size. Those only two characters are his favorites. He avoids sideshow due to hollow statues. His pieces he has found deals on even pre orders direct free shipping. He definitely bought into it at a great time and is doing it the right way to buy them quality to keep forever

[@andrewcai5042]

I am dipping my toes into the occasional statue. My concern is also I must keep things in perspective to get comics.

[@FineSculptGlory]

Happens so quick over the years, one must learn to let go the lesser grails and embrace the wisdom of free space.

[@thesaucejeremy]

I was collecting hot wheels for a solid 2 years or so maybe 3 but I got tired of the hunt. Ppl would pay off employees to get first dibs, ppl would actually fight over hot wheels and it wasn't worth it. I sold off a case and didn't get crazy money for it I just wanted it gone but that's one box out of 4 or 5 cases of treasure hunts, cars of my liking and a few Supers.

[@Nitrus17]

So I don't have as many 1/4 scale statues as you had at your peak. Collecting since late 2018. At the most, end of this year I will have a max of 17 1/4 scale and 6 1/5 scales statues and 2 Star Wars models, possibly one more model on the way end of the year. Paid by working a lot of overtime. Half the money towards statues the other half for my family. Now all my OT money is going towards statues because of all the increased costs. But you are completely right though, the prices have become extortionate beyond belief. UK prices have reached above £2000 for 1/4 scales (looking at you 1/4 scale Prime 1 Constantine). I will never buy multiple statues for that price although after adding shipping, fees etc (another dire story) prices for some of my recent statues did increase prices dramatically to I think £1700. But I think thats enough now, I don't believe these items are worth that much be it 1/6 scale or larger scales especially when they are factory made with ES of hundreds or thousands. Also I've been lucky in I have nearly run out of room forcing me to not spend no where as much money as my heart would allow if I had space lol. Possibly if I do make a purchase of a very expensive statue it would be maybe one every 2 yrs now. The time for multiple buys has gone now. These companies have taken the statue community for fools far too long.

[@TurboDoggy]

Do you by chance have a link to the eBay page?

[@jefjefg]

A great topic for a video. I started seriously collect 1/4 statues in 2016 and before I got into statues I was collecting 1/6 figures. So like you I've been watching the increase in prices that actually began before the pandemic hit. But when the pandemic did kick in it went into overdrive then and the prices close to doubled. So I've gotten back into collecting 1/6 figures especially with all the 3rd party figures that just look amazing. I still buy statues but nowadays they're the 1/10 art scale statues by Iron Studios. My collection is also Joker-centric and I've found being focused mainly on collecting one character as kind of a theme and is less stressful too. So I'm still in the collecting game but now I have to be more selective by stepping back and taking a minute to really look at the prices to see if I can fit it into a budget (that I force myself to stick too.). Thanks for the video I really enjoyed it also I made sure to like and subscribe. Otherwise have an awesome day. 😎👍

[@rickrolledtruth5834]

You know your goin get that new sideshow batman dark Knight returns.

[@MintHunterComics]

Nope!

[@rickrolledtruth5834]

@@MintHunterComics lmfao ;p

[@bluelantern27]

Thank you, man. For me, that is comics. Mainly because i dont want to get rid of them, and I really would not know where to start. I tend to buy only on Wednesdays the weekly comics. I like having them and being able to read them. If i held off a couple of weeks, i could start buying slabs or even larger raw books, but then i will miss out on the weekly books. When i say larger books, i dont mean anything really expensive 😅. Thank you for the great video. I really appreciate it!

[@tstreett01]

Avid statue collector here, yes is can become an obsessive hobby, but eventually you’re going to hit a plateau. It’ll come down to storage space, pricing, or the realization it’s time to take a break. For me, I have a few pieces on pre order but once those are done, I’ll be stepping away from the hobby for a little while to pursue other endeavors. I’m sure one day down the road Ill return or just pick up those “must have pieces,” but right now, shipping cost and display space are putting a stop to it for me. Happy collecting y’all!

[@brucew7339]

I got out when they started hitting $500. I still remember getting the first gambit pf for under $300. And yeah same id have a af 15 if i knew better back then lol

[@chrishargas24]

I haven't dropped collecting comics, cards or figures, but cut back tremendously in 2019 after my lil girl was born. I've gotten very selective with what I get and believe it or not, it's more fun for me this way.

[@stevebell5017]

Thanks man great show as always my money pit hobby was and still is is beer 🍺

[@ramtruth3]

We all love nostalgia. I think we all can be collectors but we should all have limits and stick with the vision we have before starting. Mines was comic statues, 10 hero’s and 10 villains, space. But obviously I went out the box a little but I am proud where I’m at compared to others. I too started collecting around 2014-2015. I think I am towards the end but to continue this hobby that we all love I would have to either sell some to continue or trade with a fellow collector. Good luck and nice video.

[@BrandaoCollection]

Started collecting Hot Toys back in 2013 and went down the rabbit hole from there. Now, other than some few exceptions, I am really downsizing to focus more on Autographs and Comic Books. I completely understand when you get into something then just keep getting deeper and deeper into it. It does feel good however to start to focus my collecting more.

[@SergioRoguez]

Great video! I’ve been transitioning away from physical statues and comics, and over to digital collectible comics and statues on marketplaces like Veve. Much easier and also lucrative

[@jadecat4321]

I flip Flop between Marvel Legends and Comics. I usually quit one pick up the other on and off

[@thoomolong]

Dude, just keep the Bane statue for as long as possible. That thing looks badass.

[@luliu4572]

It's not just collecting Anime statues. I decided that I would stop going to Anime Conventions; Anime Expo in LA to be exact. Something that me and my best friends starting doing back in 2011. Now, in 2023, it's just not viable anymore. - One, it's expensive to rent rooms, get food, and buy things; I always racked up a bill of $1+K every time. And that was when I lied in CA; I live in Georgia now. - Two, the vast majority of my friends are too busy. They grew up, they have jobs, and one is even going to have a family. - Three, I want to focus on my own life right now. I want to learn how to draw myself, I'm in a serious relationship now, and I need money to sustain both.

[@MattMatt77]

I love Statues but HATE the business practices and some of the community in it.

[@paulharper9711]

Comic books, action figures, sports cards, signed memorabilia, I’ve been in and out of it all. Partly due to finances, partly due to the hobby slowing down (closure of comic book stores in the 90’s), partly due to over saturation (too many variant comics and sports cards) and just plane burnout. But I always seem to come back. Maybe not as full force as before though.

[@mr.ghidorah4202]

Used to collect Bowen statues late 2000s. When Hottoys came out I sold all my statues and focused on 1/6 figures. Then some of my Hottoys got damaged because of humidity, decided then to get out of the hobby and focused on my real loves, comics (which I've been collecting my whole life) and x-plus kaiju. As a Green Lantern fan like you, I will eventually get a large scale statue eventually. I've been eying that Sideshow John Stewart for a while now.

[@rafaelmendoza6256]

For me modern comics, I stopped buying cause of the price & variants!!

[@GreekGeek66]

It's all about space and what you can actually display. I lived up north and had a basement and would pack it with Collectibles. Fast forward decades later and I moved south where there are no basements. So it was either leave the Collectibles in the garage or sell them. Ebay became my friend. Unless you have a mansion or are single with no kids you just can't display everything. Have to trim

[@cougrcrumby]

I got out of statue collecting because it’s such a money suck… but I’m still keeping them for display in the mancave

[@MintHunterComics]

It was a total black hole

[@obijuank6044]

For me it was Funko Pops! What’s the listing name on EBay I mayyyybe interest in a few of the ones you’re selling. Congrats on the upcoming wedding

[@hunterdaniels2894]

I had the same thing happen in 2018-2020, I was HARD CORE into the MCU Hot Toys. At $200-600 a pop I was getting one every week. After I had 39 and the Hulkbuster ($1200) made 40 I finally realized I wasn’t going to have space and sold them all. I only have a couple left that were gifts but it was $1000s I could have spent on comics.

[@84lupio]

Feel you bro I’m on kinda of on the same bout but I don’t want to quit

[@stevegallo8483]

I started collecting action figures in the mid to late 90s and got anything I thought was "cool" at the time. My main focus was Star Wars, because of my love for the original trilogy(still got my old toys from back then), but I would also get others: superheroes, pop culture, wresting, etc. Thanks to Batman: The Animated Series, Harley Quinn became a favorite. I still collect today focusing mainly on Star Wars, but moderation is the key. Eventually you will run out of space.

[@expensivecardboard]

I got out of a few things. Most recently is funko pop. Yes I had those bug head wide eye plastic figures. I only collected the Harry Potter ones. Well that line alone has over 150 and it was getting ridiculous. I did recently sell 2 of the 5 most expensive ones the other week. I had sellers regret, but a few days went by and I had some liquid cash to purchase a limited edition low number collectable. So it's a win win. Another one is im selling off my mattel, hasbro, and neca harry potter figures. I do enjoy then but I have my eye on a staple peice for my collection that cost close to $500.

[@joelatorre]

Dude I totally hear you and I get it. I actually sold some statues in my collection (XM studios samurai series and others) to help pay for other statues and comics I wanted in my collection. That being said, with everything that you sell, try to make that fund or help fund, the 1/3 GL statue which would be awesome to have with your GL comic/slab collection

[@MintHunterComics]

Dude I need it. Let's be honest haha

[@Yankeesjetsfan71]

For me, it was single issues. They took up a lot of room that I didn't have. I missed issues that came out for my run and trying to read them & keep them in as mint condition as possible was just too much for me. Plus, my impatient ass wanted to read the whole story at once and not have to wait a month for the next issue or buy a book in a series that I dont read I realized that I'm a comic book reader, not collector. So stopped buying single issues and now I am trying to get into collected editions.

[@scottsimon615]

Thank you for this, James. I did a similar thing years ago when Randy Bowen stopped producing statues. Stopped cold turkey from buying statues. My collection was big enough ( I have well over 100 full size statues in my collection and boy, do they take up space. The boxes too… I don’t think that I’ll ever sell them (Never say never) so I have to give you props for that and yes, kids will break them eventually. Good luck with selling the rest. BTW, those Hal and Sinestro statues do look amazing!

[@comicfanagain8405]

You know what’s an untapped space right now - esp ppl who love statues - AFA graded toys from 80s, 70s. One example - black claw Wolverine, beaded nunchucks for Michaelangelo, 1978 Star Wars lines esp Vader - they are like comics, graded, vintage, rare, desirable, and hold their values.

[@TuffMedicine]

Well, for what it's worth, I miss Zatanna's legs in the background!

[@nuctech99m]

Collecting can get out of control, I know the feeling of wanting to have all of them, hope you sell them all.

[@JerrySoCalx]

just have some big statues that keep thier value to have more for the family and comics. it's getting pretty pricey out here tho !!

[@charliedogg7683]

"Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in!" - Michael Corleone, 'The Godfather Part III'. No, it's not easy to stop a hobby.

[@jeffreyross2615]

Thanks for the video, and your honesty!

[@ScarecrOmega]

Im glad I never started. Yeah they look cool, but I just think of the space they take up and the frustration of moving/cleaning them and getting rid of them, no thanks. Id rather have 1 major key than a couple bulky statues.

[@dosscomics5571]

Hey James.. I got out of sports card collecting back around 1995, and moved to comics. been collecting comics ever since... and never went back to cards.. the reason is I never believed cards held real value. A price guide may say its worth 50 bucks.. but you couldn't even $1 out of the card.. couldn't give em away. thats why I switched. Comics have real value.

[@hammur2323]

I had to get ride of my AFX racing cars - Tracks - G1 Transformers and 40% of my comics. Still down sizing and will keep my hot comics as I love them so much. Dumping some nice coins too.

[@davezombie9056]

Came to conclusion I can't afford to collect as many different comic titles as I have been so currently weeding out which to give up on and sell. Man picking what gives you the LEAST enjoyment out of a list of stuff you enjoy is hard lol

[@josephr6447]

There's something about the 3D representation of characters and IPs that we love and are nostalgic that makes statues very addictive.

[@funkified-]

i've been slowly getting out of transformers, specifically 3rd party combiners. Sold them off last year, and just kept the one I wanted. Also got out of a bunch of slabs that were purchased last year. It was done to stop the bleeding and risk further losses. Will just be focusing on raw books, then pressing and cleaning them for my own submissions.

[@Michael-tn9wp]

Collecting is a scam. What I mean is the sellers know we can’t control ourselves, Especially when it comes to “family” character like Spidey, Xmen and Bats. You start to feel like you must have them all. Who needs a Penguin statue? Or Mj or Gwen? If you have one Xmen do you need all team members from various eras and all the villains? Moderation is key. I’m looking (saving) for a definitive Hulk statue and for Xmen I’ve limited it to my top 3 are Storm, Nightcrawler and Mystique (and could squeeze in Psylocke and Beast, lol). Oh boy, what a hobby.

[@cyberray1976]

Back in the day, it was comics and Heroclix for me. I was collecting both, but ultimately, one hobby had to go, and that was Heroclix. One hobby was fine, but both were just too costly, and I eventually sold my Heroclix collection. Loved playing and collecting, but those little guys start to run into some serious money after awhile.

[@sirroxalot]

At one point I had over 170 Marvel Legends figures. I had the chase figures, the box sets, etc. I actually had two of almost every figure, because I wanted one with the comic and one with the poster; I literally wanted every "variant". lol I had to quit, because they just kept releasing more with no end in sight and I got tired of trying to keep up.

[@MintHunterComics]

Oh WOW!

[@leeniren3706]

I was very big into collecting Psa 10 1992 bowman cards. I had well over 400 of the 792 cards in a PSA 10 then all the sudden PSA yanked their prices for grading to over $150 a card when a common PSA 10 was going for $20-$30 it just wasn’t worth it. I was a member of Psa but now they just lost me. Good thing if I get to focus on comics a lot more and my son enjoys that too.

[@arthurtripp6922]

P.S. TRY TO KEEP THE FIRST STATUE OF BATMAN ON THE LEDGE ITS A CLASSIC REMBER SEEING IT TWENTY YEARS AGO. TALKED TO THE ARTIST WHO DID WORK AND HIS LOVE OF THE WORK.

[@TheXtremeChannelMrX]

Sexual favors go farther than you think! Love ya James!

[@lennon2744]

I got out of Pokémon because it got to crazy and had to many sets 😅 but I just got into comic books

[@jasonradtke5273]

I got out of statues and snow globes in mid late 2000's. Price, room, and there were just so many I couldn't keep up.

[@sandersho4008]

I totally get how picking up one character can open the door to wanting a bunch of companion pieces. I ordered the Prime 1 Punchline and immediately I thought I need a 1/3 Harley to pair with her. I only have a few 1/3 scale P1 pieces and six 1/6 pieces, but I’m already thinking I need to get out. I don’t plan on selling the 1/3 scale pieces, but I just need to stop adding more. Time, money, space. Statue collecting eats up all these things and it feels like an unhealthy way to live.

[@JTpopCULT]

I’ve gotten out of statues. I could possibly get more but I only bought 1 in the last couple years. They’re a hassle to move and clean and store the boxes. And one of the worst feelings in collecting is damaging a statue which is fairly common. I’m at a place where I like my statues and it’s all characters I love. The problem with statues is if your in the hobby or at least what I would do is buy what ever was the coolest statues but if I’m not a big fan of the character you get sick of them quick. I bought an amazing Red Sonja statue but I got rid of it after a couple years because it’s not something I’m that big of a fan of. The prices right now are crazy high but I’m cool with the collection the way it is now. I’m at a point I would need to sell something if I buy something because of space.

[@nbriez-c5914]

Every point you make here about statues are the same things that happening to action figures as well and many collectors have also left the community

[@anthonyojeda6851]

I got out of action figures, are used to love collecting different type of action figures but I ended up selling almost my entire collection because it just became a drag trying to find certain figures that are being scalped and the price increase by Hasbro sucks now I’m just sticking to comic books

[@Kidred-ys2vp]

I collect star wars black series, marvel legends, GI Joe classified series, Funko pops and NECA toony terrors. But I have one to collect 1/6 scale but the problem with those that feel like asking for like four five hundred-dollar just for one and pending on from what license property you want like marvel, DC Star wars I have wanted Star wars 1/6 scale Hot toy figure of Bo katana from the mandalorian but she's expensive they want $400 for her granted I have wanted one but to get into these kind of collectibles they are expensive.

[@TransformersSlagPodcast]

Skip the Last of Us statue, trust me bud. It will work out in the long run I can understand the Hal statue, but in the long game, The Last of Us one you can revisit later.

[@PhilipAMoore]

I have not bought a staue in seval years . as for getting out i have worked hard cut back on my comic books and consider it a miracle If I buy less then $300,00 a month.

[@leerogers5318]

Personally, I have always thought that statues were supercool, but I just did not have the room. In addition, I was in the military and moving statues on a constant basis was not a good idea. Even now, I am retired and still do not think I have the room and as you said they are quite expensive.

[@chrismurray3224]

This hit home. I’ve just had to hire a storage unit, despite having a relatively large house. I was literally surrounded by boxes. I’m looking at just one wall and there are around a hundred statues. That’s one wall. I must have around 250-300 1/6 scale Marvel characters. It’s become insane !! I think the ass has dropped out of the statue collecting “hobby” too. I’m gonna be a little too honest right now. I battled addiction for around thirty years and this is seriously starting to feel the same. Hope things are going well for you now. Thanks for this vid, from the UK. ✌️ PS: Err, just out of interest, what’s your eBay username 😂😉

[@Frankofsector2814]

Trading cards. I collected tons of trading cards in the 90's (Marvel Masterpieces, Marvel Universe, DC Cosmic Teams....etc. I got rid of all of them and just kept the Jim Lee X-Men Set from 1991 for nostalgia reasons.

[@justsumbum]

Wow!! Man just came across ur vid. & everything you said is about the same reason why I’m leaving the statue game. I have the x-men line & batman 1/3rd line, but decided I would rather keep my 1/4 x-men & I sold all my 1/3rds . Just takes too much space there great looking just too much space takers. Not to mention shipping on this statues are crazy high. Well at least prime 1 is. I spent $500 on shipping a lone. So yeah I’m definitely out & never coming back haha.

[@deadpoolredsuit4892]

I own 80+ 1/3 - 1/4 - 1/6 scale statues.. ..and have about 10 more on pre_order. Once i reach about 100 statues the plan is to stop and enjoy! 2024 will see my focus towards displaying my collection, as price have gone through the roof! along with shipping costs, and here the UK there is the dreaded 30% import fee, which suxxx! ..i am getting out of statue collecting, but i will not be selling. Maybe in 20 years time, i might let some statues to go, to fund holidays etc :D ..HAPPY COLLECTING to thoses staying in the game, and to those who have deep pockets.

[@gregoryliedtka7510]

For me it was Magic, i play a lot of board games tabletop and mtg was my ccg. The amount of product became to much to keep up with over last 2 years. I just got married myself and focusing on 1 or 2 hobbies was a must.