ININ's 'Star Renegades' Limited Collector's Edition Is Up For Order!!!

Got news from the ININ PR that a limited run collector's edition of the previously released Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 indie, Star Renegades', is up for order. Seems the Nintendo Switch version is limited to 2,500 copies, and the the PS4 version 1,500 copies. Each numbered, and inclusive of the collector's edition contents. Among said contents is a collector's box with a magnet latch, the original soundtrack, an artbook, diorama, stickers, and a reversible cover as well as 7 character cards. That and the game. 

Funko POPs | My Growing Collection

Those of you who follow me know I've posted a few reviews of Funko's POP!Vinyls in the past, and that they've been showcased on my "Hobby Highlight" page from time to time. My initial reviews were somewhat critical, but when you are reviewing collectibles the quality matters. I'm thankful to say though that with passing time the product has been shown more care for the price that is asked, and I have personally seen the paint jobs improve. Case in point the three new POPs I picked up including the Fallout76 Mothman, and the Devil & Angel Betty Boop were all painted well. No out of line paint, over-spray or poorly painted details. It's what you'd expect from a collectible that costs upwards of $12 each. To put it in better perspective the paint jobs on a Hotwheels car that costs the buyer only 99 cents was previously more impressively applied than the POPs. That's a huge disparity in possible quality per dollar. I do imagine though that there may be some corner cutting with stencil & airbrush application via machinery on POPs which could explain some of the paint over-spray in the earlier toys. That being said I think it's been sorted out for the most part, and with POPs becoming more & more detailed in build it's only fair that the toys should reflect a more appropriate per dollar quality presentation.

The Funko Fad ~ Is it Failing?

Everywhere you go shopping, from the local Walgreens to Walmart and even Gamestop you'll find Funko's POP! Vinyls stocked on store shelves. To some extent. You'll find store exclusives, limited editions, and even plastic casings for these budget priced collectibles. Oddly though that availability has somewhat slumped along the way for some reason or another. Lately in the midst of this craze that I call the "Funko Phenomenon" stores have begun to discount the toys, and even offer bundle prices in what seems like an attempt to get rid of stationary supplies. The kind of Pops that stay shelved for quite some time without much customer interest. It is slightly concerning seeing what could be possibly one of the last great toy innovations come to a crashing halt. There's no doubt in my mind that toys and collectibles are being lost among an audience who is more easily snared by the various entertainment offerings.

As a toy collector I've followed the Funko fad from it's start years ago to it's current day status. I've had the privilege to review some of the toys for Funko, and have even done some showcasing on my own dime, and my own time. What I've noticed is a continuous support of the brand by the company, and continued release of hyped "got to have" items that are definitely hard to get your hands on. The question that begs to be answered though is whether or not this hype is having any true influence on sales. Sure, the limited editions, exclusives, and giveaway editions have no doubt captured collectors' attention, and money, but with the sought after Pops being hard to find that leaves a less than desirable variety that no one really cares for or wants. The bulk of what it is Funko obviously hopes to sell.

My New Netsuke

For those of you who do not know it "Netsuke" are oriental statues, or carvings that originated back in the late 16th, and early 17th century in feudal Japan. Most netsuke were usually used as clothing accessories to show heritage, lineage, and standings within the feudal Japanese communities. Nowadays these keepsakes that are carved from bone, ivory, and other base materials are highly sought after, and are considered one of the finer traditional Japanese collectibles. They come in a variety of different forms including erotic nudes, animals of varying sorts, and Japanese deities/spirits. As far as me and the netsuke go I've collected a few here, and there, and have picked up most of my netsuke at antique malls, or flea markets. I do love buying them when I can find them for a reasonable price.

When it comes to value not all netsuke are genuine, or created equally though. The more authentic, and aged pieces are usually carved from some sort of bone while the modern pieces are sometimes resin in build. It's usually easy to tell the difference between the two as bone carries distinct markings, and modern resin copies are usually too perfect for their own good with non-porous non-skeletal structures. Modern netsuke also usually have a line around them from the mold they were cast in. Another sure fire way to tell a fake from a genuine netsuke is to look at the symmetry of the figure. Details like the persons', or deity's ears, or facial features can tip you off to a fake. It is hard to carve out a perfect netsuke, and without visible asymmetry present you can usually guess that the figure is a reproduction, or fake. actual distinct carving marks will also tip you off as to whether, or not the netsuke in your possession is fake.

2015 Is Just Around The Corner ...

It has definitely been a disappointing year for gaming in many ways. The year 2014 has brought with it MANY gaming problems including half-assed products, money mooching to the extreme, and even the latest hacking fiasco. Some gaming studios along with gamers have felt the hurt of poorly made decisions all across the board. In fact some gaming studios are on the brink of self-destruction as we speak due to such poor choices. With the way things are going it's hard to tell if gaming will survive the hard hits it's been dealt, and continues to be dealt. I personally hope gaming companies, and certain gamers get their shit together in 2015. The trolling, modding, cheating, and hacking seriously needs to stop. The younger generation of gamers in particular needs to lay off the stupid sauce, and get educated on how to act in a social environment. While hopes, and dreams for a better year of gaming may seem foolish, and far fetched I'm gonna hang onto the hope that things will improve.