I am taking an awful risk, this had better work....(Universal Monsters 1:1 busts)

[Anton Phibes]

I just thought I would throw that classic line from Star Wars by Peter Cushing out there to start this thread.

I have a ton of Universal Monsters stuff. I try to avoid "double dipping". For example, I already have the Don Post Monster masks so I don't buy any more masks of "The Wolfman" and the gang. That way I am not overwhelmed with so many of the same style of piece. Introduction aside.

I am hooked on the 1:1 scale busts of the Universal Monsters by Sideshow. I bought an Ardeth bey for $425 no shipping/no tax. I will have a Dracula. I will buy them all as long as I can afford them.

Now, I had the Miles Teves busts that came out at Spencer's a few years ago. I bought them for $65 each from an employee who got me a discount.

I just sold them on Ebay for $90 for Phantom and $190 for Frankenstein. So, I made a profit from them and enjoyed them for years. But the media that they are produced in and the lack of cloth clothing, bases etc. made them pale in comparison to Ardeth Bey (and I am sure Dracula as well.) I do not usually sell things from my collection unless there is an ovekill. Sideshow better give me a Phantom and Frankenstein 1:1 bust and continue this line. I would hate to think I took a terrible risk and it didn't work out as I planned. I also did this with the Hasbro Universal Monsters when the Sideshow 12" figures started being produced. Sideshow's product is just so much better. At least I can afford the PF Mummy now.

Does anyone else think this way or have I gone completely mad? Does your collection lose and gain pieces when better quality items come out? No offense to Mr. teves the sculpting was great. Its just now that the heavy duty mixed media Busts series from Sideshow is out and looks as if it will continue, that the Vinyl Spencers/Cineart busts remind me of....well, those 1970's Marvel Hulk and Spiderman piggy banks. Great sculpting, but media lacking.

[kain4521]

I Think they will end up making a Frank and a Phantom bust so you should be in good shape. I myself think they look awsome but are too expensive for me.

[hairlesswookiee]

lol i feel the say way about this subject. my girlfriend calls me a packrat because i never get rid of anything. i myself dont believe in buying multiple items that are very similar (hence my loathing of master replicas) but im sure once you get any of the sideshow busts you will realize they are in a class of their own. im still deciding if i should get one of the darth maul busts before they get too expensive. have you posted any pictures of your ardeth bey bust yet?? please do i'd love to see it.

[Anton Phibes]

here ya go....

[Bannister]

Count me in as hooked on these 1:1 busts as well. I just got Ardeth Bey off the wait list and can't wait for the Dracula. I imagine they will do a Frankenstein eventually and hopefully a Wolfman and Creature from the Black Lagoon.

[creecher]

I can certainly see your way of thinking Anton. We are all different in our collecting habits, and swing whichever way allows us the best outcome in any situation or circumstance.

I myself have only come on board with the Sideshow 12 inchers. I spied a Hasbro Frank and added him to my collection. The quality isn't anywhere up to Sideshow, but I like having him in my collection nonetheless. I ran out of cupboard space just about the time I bought my first PF. I rotate my 12's but have the PF's on permanent display. Space becomes an issue, so with something as big as 1:1 makes it harder to horde everything that you have striven for. I have considered selling some 12's, that I just bought to have everything in a line. Not that easy in Australia where the market isnt there to support or warrant selling at such a loss. So I have chosen to keep everything I collect, and now am more discerning in what I collect.

The rate of Uni 12's has all but died. I am still waiting for Ygor but don't expect anymore 12's after that. The PF's have my devotion now. So it's The Mummy or bust.No. It's The Mummy. :mummy for me. I have to be grateful I am just able to afford the PF's. The 12's have taken a back seat, till I can afford them. Getting harder with my pay stagnating and expenses taking more of my expendable income. At least my collection isn't stagnating and is always in transition.

[hairlesswookiee]

here ya go....

thats is insasne!!! i need to start playing the lotto so i can afford the busts.

[Phil]

Now, I had the Miles Teves busts that came out at Spencer's a few years ago. I bought them for $65 each from an employee who got me a discount.

I just sold them on Ebay for $90 for Phantom and $190 for Frankenstein. So, I made a profit from them and enjoyed them for years. But the media that they are produced in and the lack of cloth clothing, bases etc. made them pale in comparison to Ardeth Bey (and I am sure Dracula as well.) I do not usually sell things from my collection unless there is an ovekill. Sideshow better give me a Phantom and Frankenstein 1:1 bust and continue this line.

I did NOT sell my Monster or Phantom busts, so I hope they don't make them. :P

I hope they go Wolfman next, but I'll bet a Karloff Monster is in the wings.

[Anton Phibes]

I did NOT sell my Monster or Phantom busts, so I hope they don't make them. :P

I hope they go Wolfman next, but I'll bet a Karloff Monster is in the wings.


I am hoping for Wolfman next also because he is a personal fave. You say that you won't buy a Frankenstein or a Phantom? Or you just hope they don't make them? C'mon...you know you want them. Is this a "God please don't let Sideshow make anymore stuff I love so I can hold onto some of my money and pay my bills" moment? Those go away after awhile. Really.
I am going to start selling blood to pay for mine. I figure if I do nothing but sell blood and plasma from now until December I can afford a PF mummy and a Dracula bust. Selling blood to pay for a Dracula...it's funny...see? I have no room in my home for this poop but I keep on buying it. Its just a hobby. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAA!!!!! :rotfl :rotfl :rotfl :rotfl (nevermind.)

[FrankenFan]

Based on the pictures you've posted of your collection, I think you made the right decision, Anton. You seem to be focusing on exemplary pieces (Bobble-Hater) and, as nice as the Cine Art busts are, they are not in the same class as the Sideshow busts.

I can't imagine the line continuing without a Phantom and Frankenstein's Monster. Personally, I hope we get the Monster from Bride and the Phantom as Red Death, complete with removable mask and hat. Both characters have attributes that would excel in mixed media but, based on Dracula's less than deluxe costuming, I'm probably being unreasonable in my expectations and too fanciful in my imaginings.

I have a more eclectic approach to collecting, and though I try to select what seems to me to be the best of the variety of monster toys available, others would surely turn their noses up at some of my choices. (Bobble-Hater)

In the end, all that really matters is the satisfaction and joy your collection gives you, and only you can define what it is that does. (Bobble-Hater)

http://www.kurtgoldzung.com/MB/ir.jpg