I've started this thread with the hope of having a civil and productive discussion about the controversies, as well as excitement & joy that can arise in the world of Kenner Star Wars Action Figure collecting communities. Please be respectful of everyone's opinions and avoid being verbally aggressive towards other members.
For 30+ years I did not purchase any type of custom or repro action figure while collecting 3.75" Star Wars action figures. My very first purchase of a "custom" was from a company called MyFace. They produced toy sized heads that are made by taking a digital scan of your face. I thought this was the coolest thing ever! Within the last few years, I have begun to purchase professionally made "Kenner style" action figures from a handful of customizers that offer them in large quantities to a larger customer base. (Stan Solo, Pro Custom Figures, Toy Weaver)
As a MOC & Loose, graded & non-graded collector, I initially had reservations about making these purchases because I was concerned if I was supporting a "black market type" business that could flood the collecting market with items that could be passed off as originals. My own personal conscientious method of purchasing any of these customs (even Hasbro's Retro Collection) has been to make sure the items are recognizably different in some way from the originals (stamped SS, not stamped, slight sculpt difference, etc), or to focus on buying the figures that have never been made by Kenner or Hasbro, and looked amazing when included in my collection.
I personally think these customizers are offering the community something great that for whatever reason, Hasbro has not been offering.
For 30+ years I did not purchase any type of custom or repro action figure while collecting 3.75" Star Wars action figures. My very first purchase of a "custom" was from a company called MyFace. They produced toy sized heads that are made by taking a digital scan of your face. I thought this was the coolest thing ever! Within the last few years, I have begun to purchase professionally made "Kenner style" action figures from a handful of customizers that offer them in large quantities to a larger customer base. (Stan Solo, Pro Custom Figures, Toy Weaver)
As a MOC & Loose, graded & non-graded collector, I initially had reservations about making these purchases because I was concerned if I was supporting a "black market type" business that could flood the collecting market with items that could be passed off as originals. My own personal conscientious method of purchasing any of these customs (even Hasbro's Retro Collection) has been to make sure the items are recognizably different in some way from the originals (stamped SS, not stamped, slight sculpt difference, etc), or to focus on buying the figures that have never been made by Kenner or Hasbro, and looked amazing when included in my collection.
I personally think these customizers are offering the community something great that for whatever reason, Hasbro has not been offering.