Back in the days when HT hasn't go that deep into obtaining movie licensing, they were churning out the best military figures in the 1:6 industry. And their asking price were also the highest. Then I wouldn't budge paying the kind of prices they asked for something that doesn't require a license to make. Many other makers now filled that void (since HT departed from 1:6 military scene) but the HT's asking price has somehow already became the norm even for the most mediocre offering. Hence I have stopped buying 1:6 military figure altogether.
Now HT hasn't really gotten much license that is of my interest but I have found myself lately back paddling on some of their previous releases.The following are but a few HT MMS series I've got and the reason I got them.
1.
Rambo III - got this when it was just released (2007) Back then, this only cost me approx USD90. The likeness of the sculpt is phenomenal - at that time - and though I am not really a fan of Stallone and the Rambo franchise, I bought it anyway.
2.
TDK Batman DX02 - I heard a lot about the DX line and how amazing it is. Somehow I let my curiousity get the better of me. It was my birthday the day I bought it... hence an added reason to get something
I wasn't disappointed at all - though the tummy-oil-leak syndrom is on my piece as well. First encounter with PERS and I am impressed.
3.
Kamui Gaiden - Sculpted by Yulli herself. Her fame on her sculpting prowess arouses my curiosity again. Its a great figure by itself and the sculpting were spot on. Hair sculpt are great as well but most importantly, I got it real cheap as the shop was trying to clear it because of the dented box. Who cares about the box...
4.
ALIEN Big Chap - I am a big fan of original design and the ALIEN movie (1979) is my era. Someone was selling a damaged piece at eBay (broken wrist with wrist stud stucked inside the wrist) at a fraction of its original cost. I jump on the opportunity and repaired the wrist. It now looks as good as new - externally of course
5.
T-600 Std Ver - has been resisting this one for the longest time and finally gotten it. Price is the biggest factor for me to take the plunge eventually after such long haul resistance. Again, eBay the medium for me to commit the sin. But mostly because I have pre-ordered T-800 Arnold and I wanted an endo to make a pair when it arrives.
Thats about all of my HT's MMS collection.
I still felt HT's asking price are a tad too high for me hence I only buy when the price came down considerably. That said, not every piece will experiece a price depreciation. I somehow catches the trend and it is something like this :
When a figure is released, the price you need to pay is close to retail price... maybe 10% less if you know the shop well and are a regular. Couple months after its release, the price dropped considerably (but not on every set). This is the time you buy them. And when the stocks start to dwindle, the price goes up again. So catch the figure you want at the right time and be rewarded.
Again, this phenomenon does not apply to every set HT releases but it tends to be so for the more popular ones...
2010 announced licenses doesn't get me sitting up but I am interested to see Clash of the Titan's prototype... especially keen on Medusa - if they are gonna make one.
