The Energon Pub

This question covers not only "new" Has/Tak products but also 3rd party and previously released figs that you hadn't gotten around to getting yet.

For me, it will definitely be more. My personal cash flow is the best it's been in 5 years or so and I'm definitely ready to "scratch a few itches" so to speak.

How about everyone else?

I'd like to spend less this year, but it'll depend on two factors:
- how much am I spending on getting older figures (like starting to amass a Headmasters collection); and
- how many 3rd party figures I choose to get, and hope they start moving under the $100 price point.

Takara's plans for any more Masterpiece figures may also help in spending less. Last year began with 1st edition Rodimus Prime, and then ended with the e-Hobby repaint version. Already preordered new Starscream, but still on the fence about MP-10 Prime.

I'll definitely get some of the domestic RID figures, and am looking forward to new additions to the Generations line (including possible FoC figures). Movieverse... depends on their offerings.

3rd party really hit a high last year, with iGear's coneheads, TFC's Hercules, MakeToys' Battle Tanker, and PerfectEffect's Scouting Force. Knowing that Hegemon (Megatron), Giant (other Devastator), iGear's PP series (Ironhide/Ratchet, etc), MMC's Shockwave, and on and on and on... these are all at or around the $100 price point. It's nice to know that some groups are taking on the mini-bots and are relatively affordable. Again, it all depends on the larger price point items.

Less.

I went a little too crazy buying Transformers last year to be honest, but perhaps the biggest "offender" is my split focus this year. I (finally) found a site that specializes in selling tin toys. I adore the things about as much as I do Transformers, but unlike Transformers they're exceedingly difficult to locate. I've only ever seen them in small, privately owned toy stores and between the economy and the big box store take over they're all but gone

But last year also held a wide variety of TF lines to buy between the regular and discount stores. This year we have, what? PRiD, Movie Trilogy and Generations (is the FoC in this or is it it's own line?)? I'm kinda burnt out with the movie designs myself, so the Trilogy line will be real touch and go. PRiD... there will be some figures purchase, but my annoyance with Hasbro at the moment makes me want to keep it slim. We'll see how I feel when the line hits full retail.

Never dabbled much in 3rd party stuff and as much as I like that 3rd party Arcee/Chromia I don't know if I'd want to put $100 down for it, not when I want to purchase a PS3 and a leather jerkin for a cosplay/Ren Fair outfit this year xP Oh the things I put off last year because of Transformers. Lol.

I'm hoping I'll have luck finding some nice, cheap figures at yard sales and flee markets like I did last year.

It will probably be less for me. I got most of the Classics figures I missed last year. I don't know how many more Classics figures we are going to get. The new "Prime" line doesn't interest me very much. I don't buy much third-party stuff. Unless a lot of new MP's come out, it should be a cheaper year.

Less by far most likely. I've gotten pretty much all of the older/harder to find stuff that I've been looking for already and aside from the occasional Prime figure that catches my interest (no gimmicks or translucent parts for me thanks ) and the rare Generations figure that I'm actually interested in, I probably won't buy much besides a few third party items (Hercules now complete, but there are a few that are prototypes that I'm interested in).

I expect this to be a pretty light year for my collection.

I think whether or not people get Hercules might sway their answers to this question in one direction or another.

Personally, I can't believe how expensive he is and how gonzo people are when it comes to getting him.

Probably less, but only because I'm not going to Botcon this year.

I've already spent more, between Hercules components and Takara versions of Prime First Edition figures....

Well... I guess that all depends on a few factors for me....

1) whatever I get/don't get for my birthday

2) how the fall of cybertron toyline looks

3) however much money I earn during the summer

Overall I think less seeing as though I'm only looking forward to picking up around 3 figures(so far)

Less.

Movieverse, my main focus, appears to be dying out. Not interested in Prime/Generations save for a few figures. 3rd Party's too expensive. And Kre-O has Devastator coming out, which I do plan on getting. Not too many upcoming figures catching my interest. Of course that may change with Toyfair...

Then there's catching up on old lines/figures. The money I saved from not buying current stuff could easily go there.

Definately more. TF: Prime will be the first full TF line I'm going to go for in a very long time. Of course there will be more Generations figs and the 3rd party figs aren't going to be cheap either.

Thank Primus I got a raise at work.

probably more. a pay rise in january means I've more money to spend, and with all the 3rd party stuff I'm interested in, plus some official stuff as well, and older stuff I've missed, I'm not going to have trouble finding ways to spend my money. assuming any/all the 3rd party products get released this year.

I think the Maketoys Giant is going to be the cause of higher spending for me. I hope there aren't any other 3rd party products i want. On the other hand, the lack of decent Movie figures may even things out.

Less. Unless DotM Leader Megatron costs $1000.

For me was less last year, just wasnt feelin it with DOTM stuff, yeah i bought a few items here and there, but didnt go overboard like i normally do. but this year will be dedicated to 3rd party and/or Transformers prime stuff, not sure which ones yet. Also, interested more in Encore this year as well, so this will surpass last year for sure.

I would like to say less as last year i allmost completed my classics and U2.O im up to date with RTS & Generations and have what i want from DOTM

TF Prime not that interested as of yet only a couple of characters i would think about buying so far Vehicon & Soundwave

The new foc/gen its all ready bought no questions as the for Movie Trilogy 1 or 2

So not too much money getting spent in the shops in 2012 ,anyway i can see this year being all about the 3rd party goodness

Giant,Arcee,Trailbreaker(if hasbro doesnt),Six Shot,Megatron and who ever else i forgot

So yes i think im going to to spend more this year .

More.

I intend to complete the Prime Line; still deciding if I will get the playsets or not.

And of course the movie trilogy.

Less.

Several factors are converging for me to finally break the cycle of spending.

1. I am approaching or at some of my collecting goals. There's no more "must have nao" purchases from my back catalog.

2. My collection hit a critical mass of size where I could no longer display what I truly liked displaying. Money aside, I have found that I don't need to own everything because competition for shelf space has allowed me to finally make 'this' or 'that' style comparisons. I learned what I really want to have out. The answers surprised me.

3. The brand is diverging slightly from what I care about. I don't know how to put it, but I'm going more the way of collector rather than consumer. My street cred is going to go straight to crap.

Less for me. No interest in the lesser Prime figures, its the First Edition or nothing for me. Im not bothered by any movie figures at the moment. I dont see any more Binaltech or Alternity figures on the horizon. Ive already paid for the last 2 Hercules figures.

So Im looking to Masterpiece, Generations, Fall of Cybertron for any spending this year. Ideally, I need to reduce my current collection before buying any new figures.

Counterpunch wrote:2. My collection hit a critical mass of size where I could no longer display what I truly liked displaying. Money aside, I have found that I don't need to own everything because competition for shelf space has allowed me to finally make 'this' or 'that' style comparisons. I learned what I really want to have out. The answers surprised me.

While I miss having you in the next state, I will gladly travel to your new place if it involves a Mini-con burning party.