If people aren't happy with this R2 and are going to wait for a phantom brushed aluminum is-never-gonna-happen HT R2, then they're never going to happy with any R2 and they're in the wrong hobby.
Not really. As a collector, how many times have we said this is the figure for me, only to replace it later on with a newer version that's better?
True, newer doesnt necessarily always means better, but in most cases, it is. Of course, something better has to be done to compete with an older model.
A factor also to consider is the love for the character. If its a minor upgrade, its pretty easy to settle with a current figure, specially if it is already nice to begin with.
But some characters, people want the best version of it.
With hot toys having significant success with their diecast figures, hence even now insinuating a diecast upgrade to the earlier Ironmman figures, if Hot toys decide to do this in diecast, then its not gonna be just another newer figure.
Everyone who has had a diecast figure said that there's just something about having metallic components to a figure and the weight has a wow factor.
Much like a premium format where the heft of the statue has a feeling of grand...there's gonna be a difference with one figure completely plastic, and the other being heavier and with metallic components.
I also have this on pre-order. But I'm also looking ahead of what is inevitable.
With Hot toys having the license now, there is absolutely No way they will skip one of the most beloved character of Star Wars.
The only question is if its gonna be diecast figure or not.
This Sideshow figure is truly more bang for your buck. The price is also great specially since SS came out with guns blazing with all these accessories.
But here's the thing, unless you have Jabba diorama to go with it, an overwhelming number of people here will display it without the accesories. I know if I buy it, just about everything is staying in the box.
So the biggest factor is the figure itself. And after seeing the proto of tamashii diecast R2-D2, I just have a feeling that Hot Toys will end up making the finished version of this.
Also, I know most talking feature is just a dumb ploy to add to the price and is usually useless, but I have to say that everytime I turn on the lights to my Medicom R2, I always still have to press the talk button on R2 and it never gets old hearing his bee boo boopp talk.
So if Hot Toys does this with Diecast, with talking feature, and with no seams on the dome...then its not just a matter of people being too OCD.
Here's the tamashii Diecast R2 proto.
Look at the price of Sideshow Storm and Sand troopers. Vaders, Obi Wan. Ridiculously high in the aftermarket. These items will never be available again. A new product doesn't change that. If they're in demand, their prices will go up. If they're not, their prices will go down. That's just the collectibles market. The price of Beany Babies didn't tank because someone released a better stuffed toy - people just stopped collecting.
