Must've been away from eBay too long, because these prices are shocking

2 days ago, I was on eBay looking at some HoC figures to prop up my ever-growing SCF army (more on that in later posts), and I happened across a number of auction lots for G1 Black Zarak parts.

'Ah', I thought, 'perhaps it's time to finally complete my second Black Zarak'. You see, aside from my pristine MIB Black Zarak, I also have another loose Black Zarak to display and to 'play' with (eek! really? GPS!).

The seller of this loose Black Zarak, a guy named newausbot78 (a horrid irresponsible seller) claimed that the Black Zarak was complete. However, when it arrived, it was missing the silver lift parts. He said he would send the parts, but never did and just never contacted anyone again. I'm not the only victim, several other OZ Former forum members fell prey too.

So, long story short, I needed a silver lift to complete the second Black Zarak.

Enter this batch of Black Zarak parts auctions and lo and behold, there was the exact thing I needed. It was slated to end during lunch time today, and up to 30 seconds before the auction ended, the price was US$6.50, yup, six-dollars-and-fifty-cents. 

So I put in my bid, at $45 (sounded exorbitant to me).

When the auction ended, bam! 

Price ended at $90. Nine-zero-dollars. For a mere Black Zarak lift. I was staring at the screen in disbelief.

Now take a look.

I then went to check out the other auctions that I watched, but did not bid on. 

12-Year Anniversary on eBay... has it been that long?!?

Two days ago on Sunday, I received this in the (e)mail.

12 years?!? Has it been that long?

I did a quick check and yes, I have been on eBay for that long - heroic_decepticon has been supporting eBay for more than a decade. So where are my additional perks eBay? Where?

~ HD

Rare / obscure pre-Transformers auctions on eBay

A buddy and long-time Transformers veteran is selling some of his rare / obscure pre-Transformers items on eBay. 

Amongst some interesting items are the diaclone instructions for Swoop, Mechabot-1 unused paper works set and a very sexy almost Choro-Q looking transformable van that looks very much like protect black Ironhide. The last item is pretty obscure to me as I've never seen it before.

Head over and check them out (and check back over the next few days as he may list more auctions) - Karoon47's eBay pre-Transformers auctions. 

Cheers,

~ HD

Heroic's acquisition tally for 2011

At the end of every year, I traditionally try to cap the year off with a special post. 

Usually, its a tally of some kind, or other. The year 2011 has been a 'big' year for me, where I acquired a number of rare items that I had been after for some time. It is also noteworthy because I finally managed to obtain the final Japanese exclusive (elusive) Transformer that I needed - Blue Bacchus MIB.

In terms of acquisitions, this year has been massive. I think I acquired more figures in 2010, but in 2011 I acquired more MIB pieces - almost every piece in the list below is either MI(S)B or MO(S)C.

(Re)introducing... the entirety of my acquisitions this year... (very impressive if I do say so myself, heh).

Here's wishing you a great new year's eve and a very happy New Year!

~ HD

***

THE TALLY FOR 2011

Pre-Transformers

1. Car Robots No. 3: Police Countach (aka “white Sunstreaker” or “police car Sunstreaker”)
2. Car Robots No. 7: Fairlady Z, blue edition (aka “blue Bluestreak”)
3. Car Robots No. 18: Lacia Stratos Malboro edition (aka “Malboor Wheeljack), unused - here + here
4. MC-05: MicroX Camera Robo (aka Reflector)

Lucky Draw

1. Transformers: Generations lucky draw God Primus MISB

G1 Autobots / Cybertrons (all MIB / MOC unless stated otherwise)

1. Bluestreak MISB (USA box)
2. Hot Rod (USA box)
3. Doubledealer (USA box)
4. Optimus Prime, Powermaster
5. Ultra Magnus (USA box)
6. Goodbye Convoy giftset MIB #2 - here + here
7. Goodbye Convoy giftset MIB #3 (unused, complete with poster)
8. Headmaster - Kaku / Kirk (loose)
9. Headmaster - Loafer (loose)
10. Headmaster - Rodney (loose)
11. Headmaster - Trizor (loose)
12. Headmaster - Lione (loose)
13. Micromaster Transport - Missile Launcher
14. C-38: Broadblast (Blaster) (unused)
15. C-47: Grapple
16. C-60: Pipes MOSC
17. C-76: Guardian giftset (sold)
18. C-83: Sandstorm (unused)
19. C-108: Artfire MISB
20. C-112: Autobot Clones
21. C-116: Twincast (unused)
22. C-121: Gurafi (Graphy)
23. C-122: Noizu (Noise)
24. C-123: Dairu (Dial)
25. C-124: Zauru (Saur)
26. C-303: Minelba / Minerva (unused)
27. C-308: Doubleclouder (sold)
28. C-310: God Ginrai giftset
29. C-319: Landcross (unused)
30. C-334: Race Track Patrol (sold)
31. C-335: Off-Road Patrol (sold)
32. C-341: Grease Pit MISB
33. C-342: Air Wave, unused, sealed paperworks
34. C-343: Hot House, unused, sealed paperworks
35. C-344: Iron Works MISB
36. C-345: Landshaker (unused)
37. C-346: Sky Hyper (unused)
38. C-350: Rabbicrater #1 (unused)
39. C-350: Rabbicrater #2 (unused) (sold)
40. C-362: MT-02 (sold)
41. C-366: MT-06 (sold)
42. C-369: Jet Tank Team, MT-09 (unused) (sold)
43. C-370: Sixliner (unused)
44. TF-02: Sixwing (unused) (sold)
45. TF-03: Six Turbo (unused)
46. TF-04: Guard City (unused)
47. TF-05: Sixtrain (unused) (sold)
48. TF-05: Sixtrain (unused)
49. TF-07 (unused)

G1 Decepticons / Destrons (all MIB / MOC unless stated otherwise)

1. Shockwave (loose; incomplete)
2. Triggercon – Crankcase MOSC
3. Triggercon – Ruckus MOSC
4. Triggercon – Windsweeper MOSC
5. Goodbye Megatron #2, unused (sold)
6. D-16: Megatron (sold)
7. D-17: Soundwave
8. D-73: Razorclaw, unused (sold)
9. D-74: Rampage, unused (sold)
10. D-75: Divebomb, unused (sold)
11. D-76: Tantrum, unused (sold)
12. D-77: Headstrong, unused (sold)
13. D-87: Wipe (Mindwipe)
14. D-98: Sixshot
15. D-99: Apeface
16. D-100: Snapdragon
17. D-101: Soundblaster
18. D-307: Overlord MIB #2 (unused) - here + here
19. D-313: Overbite (unused) (sold)
20. D-309: Black Shadow
21. D-310: Blue Bacchus #1
22. D-310: Blue Bacchus #2 (unused)

Henkei! Henkei! – all MISB / MOSC unless otherwise stated

1. C-04: Mirage (sold)
2. C-09: Sideswipe x 02 (1 sold)
3. C-14: Ratchet, loose (sold)
4. C-18: Mini-bot Attack Team (sold)
5. D-03: Astrotrain (sold)
6. D-04: Ramjet x 04 (3 sold)
7. D-06: Galvatron

Gentei! Gentei! (Henkei! Henkei! exclusives) – all MISB / MOSC unless otherwise stated

1. Dark Skyfire MISB
2. Electro-disruptor Mirage
3. Ghost Starscream #1 and #2

Transformers: United (Takara’s continuation of the Henkei! Henkei! Line; all MISB / MOSC unless otherwise stated)

1. UN-01: Cybertronian Optimus Prime
2. UN-02: Cybertronian Bumblebee
3. UN-03: Cybertronian Cliffjumper
4. UN-04: Cybertronian Megatron
5. UN-05: Cybertronian Soundwave
6. UN-08: Drift
7. UN-10: Straxus
8. UN-11: Autobot Grapple
9. UN-12: Autobot Jazz
10. UN-13: Autobot Tracks
11. UN-15: Perceptor
12. UN-16: Blurr
13. UN-17: Kup
14. UN-18: Wreck Gar x 02
15. UN-19: Wheeljack
16. UN-20: Rumble and Frenzy 2-pack
17. UN-21: Scourge
18. UN-22: Laser Optimus Prime
19. United exclusive Fracas and Haywire MISB - here + here

Transformers: Generations (Hasbro’s continuation of the Classics line; all MISB / MOSC unless otherwise stated)

1. Headhead, Universe version, WalMart exclusive
2. Kup
3. Scourge x 09
4. Solar Storm Grapple
5. Thundercracker x 03 (2 sold)
6. Wheeljack x 03 (2 sold) - here + here

Japanese Art Books / Books / Pocket Books

1. Transformers pocket book #53 (featuring series 1 to series 3 Transformers)
2. Transformers pocket book #57 (featuring Masterforce)
3. Transformers TV Art Book #69 (featuring Masterforce)
4. Victory: The Movie animated comic
5. Victory character book

Other Transformers Toys / Merchandise

1. Awesome, Mr
2. Brave DX: Dug Base MIB, unused (sold)
3. Decoy Collection No.1 (22 piece Cybertrons set)
4. Decoy Collection No.2 (22 piece Destrons set)
5. Decoy Collection No.3 (9 piece Cybertrons set)
6. eHobby: Bluestreak, chrome version, MISB
7. eHobby: Garboil and Howlback
8. eHobby: KISS Players Position multipack MISB
9. eHobby: Skids and Screech MISB (Generations exclusive)
10. Encore #04: Starscream MISB
11. Encore #19: Skids MISB
12. Encore #20: Devastator giftset
13. FansProject: City Commander upgrade kit
14. FansProject not Bombshell
15. FansProject not Kickback
16. FansProject not Sharpnel
17. G1, 1985, Transformers "Original T-Shirt" released by Takara
18. G1, 1987, Headmasters Board Game (unused)
19. G1, 1987, Headmasters Card Game set (unused)
20. G1, 1989, C-327: Victory Leo promotional flyer
21. G1, 1990, C-360: Sky Garry promotional flyer
22. G1, VSL laser discs x 10
23. G2, Go-Bots, Megatron MOSC (sold)
24. G2, Go-Bots, Optimus Prime MOSC (sold) 
25. G2, Go-Bots, Soundwave MOSC (sold)
26. G2, Terradive MOSC
27. HeadRobots: Cobra, green MOSC
28. HeadRobots: Cobra, black MOSC
29. HeadRobots: Hardhead upgrade kit (Head Robots)
30. History Collection (Prime, Megatron Bumblebee, Soundwave, Jazz, Starscream)
31. LP, Fight! Super Robot Life (1985)
32. MakeToys not Powerglide and not Seaspray MISB
33. MP-10: Rodimus Convoy MISB
34. Optimus Prime and Megatron speakers MIB
35. Perfect Effect not Reflector
36. Perfect Effect not Rumble and Frenzy
37. RTS – Backfire MOSC
38. RTS – Firetrap MOSC
39. RTS – Megatron MOSC (legends class)
40. RTS – Optimus Prime MOSC (legends class)
41. RTS – Windcharger MOSC
42. SCF – Black Zarak
43. SCF – Fortress Maximus
44. SCF – Grand Maximus
45. SCF – Minelba
46. SCF – Soundwave
47. Suntory BOSS figures (all unused) – Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Jazz, Ironhide, Wheeljack, Megatron, Soundwave, Starscream, Shockwave, Astrotrain
48. Transformers: Generations 2009 (vol 1)
49. Transformers: Generations 2009 (vol 2)
50. Transformers: Generations 2009 (vol 3)
51. Transformers: Vault
52. 2010 Special: Unicron MISB

C-121 and C-122 MIB and complete dino-cassettes on eBay!

Just 11 hours away from ending, dino-cassettes C-121: Gurafi and C-122: Noizu, both MIB and complete for sale on eBay! (not my auctions).

Far as I can see it, the prices are still modestly reasonable.

Thinking about it, I'm of 2 minds whether these will end very high (as is usual) or they will end on the low end because of the impending KOs that will be released soon. 

Or, and its a big 'or', these may end very high because its most likely the final chance for a purist collector  to obtain genuine dino-cassettes without fear of KO contamination. Sleep with peace of mind and all that.

Or, they are going to end high anyway because anyone getting them needs to get both so that they can combine into Decibel!

Here are the auctions:

C-121: Gurafi, currently at US$255.00 (reserve not met). Good news is that seller has reduced the reserve, priced to sell anyone?

C-122: Noizu, currently at US$349.99 (reserve met).

My prediction?

I think they will each end at the US$550 to $650 mark, if the US$400 loose Zauru that ended this morning is any indication.

Fortunately (or unfortunately), I won't be bidding on these (*hint*).

Good luck to all!

~ HD

***

*update 6 Aug 2011*

The auctions have actually ended at the price shown above - ie: no one bid more. I thought that was strange, so I went and had another close look at the auctions again.

As it is, I discovered I was incorrect - the toys were NOT complete. Both C-121 and C-122 were missing (1) their weapons; and (2) their bio-cards.

If I were to consider bidding, that'd be fatal. I wouldn't even bid at all because as Jon has commented below, it'd be near impossible to find the weapons and biocards loose.

I guess their incompleteness was the reason for them not hitting as high an ending price as I thought.

Come to think of it, the seller is smart and got quite good money for them too. Once the KOs hit retail, incomplete vintage dino-cassettes would be worth a lot less and the demand would plunge. I think complete and mint originals would keep their value quite well, but incomplete ones are going to suffer for sure.

That's what I think anyway.

~ HD

Ultimate Custom Transformers Seeker Plane Jet WOW!!! (auction #160625261277)

I showed this auction to E yesterday night while we were having dinner with her sister, because I thought it was a fascinating concept (but also very funny!).

E loved it and said we should support the seller by bidding. Her sister eyed us suspiciously and thought we were crazy.

I bidded on behalf of E.

We bid $11 first and lost out to the previous bidder right-away. E said, 'let's bid again!'.

We bid $11.50 and was the high-bidder. E was satisfied.

We went to watch Kung-Fu Panda 2 (very nice popcorn) and then returned home to check that we were still the high-bidder.

With 5 hours to go, we couldn't stay up to 'prevent' people from sniping us and decided to leave it to fate. We went to bed hoping that we'd win the auction for Mr Awesome!

Woke up this morning to find that we did win Mr Awesome! Yum (okay, not dog compatible).

So, what is Mr Awesome?

This is the seller's eBay description (I tried to match his/her text colour):

"Ultimate Custom Transformers!!!

Look at this serious custom work! This amazing guy can change into a jet and back into robot! But that's not all. THE PLANE FLY FOR REAL!!! Make sure you transfrom him properly then, gently launch it in the air. THIS WILL KNOCK YOU SOCK OFF! Mr Awesome will conquer both the Autobots AND Decepticons just because he's so AWESOME! Made entirely of the cellulose of real LIVING TREES! First time you heard of a Transformers that is close to nature. even if he transform into a effing JET?! Hey, not even Beast Wars can make such a claim! This custom took hours and HOURS of making. The following result will be the most perfect and ULTIMATE piece in your collection!

CAPSLOCK LIKE THE FIST OF THE NORTH STAR JUST TO POINT OUT THAT THIS TRANSFORMERS IS THE ULTIMATE IN AWESOME!

Paypal only. Serious bidders only. No bull, I'm warning you. No laughing when you bid. Bidding on this awesome TF is like, the most serious and critical thing you will do in your whole life! And because I'm so nice, SHIPPING IS FREE WORLDWIDE."

This is Mr Awesome!

E loved all the Q&A too, which I will record here for posterity's sake...

***

Q: Great Custom Man. I hope you can do a review of this awesome custom on YouTube as well as the transformation. Jul-29-11

A: Unfortunately, five years ago, I hade the brilliant idea of posting multiple soft porn clips on Youtube. I was banned-- "FOREVEEEEEER!!!" Pinkie Pie! I hate it when you do that! As I was saying, I would totally have done a Review. Not only of the awesomest TF ever, but also of the rest of my collection. Unfortunately, Youtube is not forgiving like 4chan. I'm really banned-- "FOREVEEEEEER!!!" Eeeeek!

***

Q: Yo this is amazing did Frenzy Rumble make it looks like his?! Jul-28-11

A: No, but I was really inspired. Fun fact: Check the list of bidders for a surprise! :)

***

Q: If I'm lucky enough to win this pinnacle of auction awesomeness, I'm getting Mr. Awesome AFA graded! Jul-28-11

A: ((O_O)) If you do, please mail me the pics! This could be beyond epic!

***

Q: Will future repaints of this item be offered in the near future? Jul-28-11

A: Maybe. But to keep the novelty up and the demand high, it could take a few weeks or a few months before the next unique and amazing desing... For I don't beleive in repaint. ONLY NEW MOLDS.

***

Q: Do you have combine shipping??? Jul-28-11

A: Well, I can certainly ship Megatron and Optimus Prime together. They certainly in a love-hate relationship. Add Starscream into the mix, and we get one interesting love tri.... Whait... You mean, "postage services". The only other item I'm selling right now is a Street-Fighter Arcade Machine find it at: http://cgi.cafr.ebay.ca/Street-Fighter-Arcade-Machine-Cabinet-Canadian-vers-/160628291005?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_2&hash=item25663135bd Because it's local pick-up only for that one, I cannot combine any shipping as for now.

***

Q: Your AWESOME item has inspired me to ask something that truly bothers me. Why are dogs' noses wet? Jul-27-11

A: They lick it, obviously. But be careful. Mr Awesome is not dog comatible.

***

Q: Yo bro is this drybrushed? Jul-27-11

A: Better than drybrush. It used the very ancient and arcane technique of aplying a very complex ink trough a felt medium. Before applying said ink, one must have his Ying and Yang in perfect equilibrium. Before each stroke, one must breath deeply ten time, achieving the state of mind required to pour the maximum awesomness such a piece deserves. Now that you know, you can call me: MASTER.

***

Q: If the item does not come completely mint, can I return the item for a full refund? Jul-27-11

A: NO RETURNS. Mr Awesome will come into a hard envelope. Remember that the envelope itself is his docking bay accessory. Just the fact of touching and looking at Mr Awesome, Mr Awesome will fall for you. If you return him, it will break his heart... You want to break Mr Awesome's heart? WHAT KIND OF MONSTER ARE YOU?!

***

Q: dude are you serious on selling this? ^_^ it's a joke right? coz' I kinda laugh at it especially on the description panel thumbs up :P Jul-27-11

A: I'm really serious for selling this. Hey, it started at ONE CENT. With FREE shipping. People will pay what they think this AWESOME TRANSFORMERS think it's worth. So far, I'm thanking everyone who play along. Also, My full congratulation for the one who will win the auction! I assure you, once paymkent is cleared, full positive feedback will be given. Thanks again everyone, you are all AWESOME! (...but not as awesome as Mr Awesome.)

***

Q: I am not sure ULTIMATE is a strong enough word for this... I think you just raised the bar to high for customs... Would it be easy for you to add LEDs? Again, I can't BELIEVE the ULTIMATE AWESOMENESS that is :SEEKER JET PLANE!! Thanks for the inspiration.. Jul-27-11

A: Oh, if I'd add LEDs, your face would MELT from an AWESOMNESS OVERDOSE. For security reasons I cannot. :(

***

Q: Do you ship CHINA?! Jul-27-11

A: YES! I'm shipping FREE and WORLDWIDE. By lettermail. And normally, you will not have any custom fees. But as for Italy and Spain... Their postage services are slow as hell... So be warned!

***

Q: Is it complete with all accessories? I don't see any in the pics. Jul-27-11

A: It is complete. It will come with his awesome docking bay! In plane mode, it will snugly fit inside, wings folded. The docking bay might even come with some colorful pieces of art on the outside, upper right corner! You know, a homebase is not complete without some tasteful deco.

***

Q: Are there any issues with paint rub? Jul-26-11

A: Never! The paint was MARKED PERMANENTLY. So, it will NEVER rub off. Guaranteed. Don't forget that this Transformers is the ultimate for any customs. EVER!!!

***

Q: You say this item is new, I'm not so sure it is, has it been transformed? Jul-26-11

A: It have been transformed in factory, by the manifacturer: me.As long that my holy hands are the only ones that have touched this awesomest custom ever, the item is NEW! Bow before me.

***

Q: LMAO!!!!! This is the greatest auction I have ever seen on ebay... Just AWESOME!!! Jul-26-11

A: The Geat and Powerful Jin and the mythical FR sell awesome customs. I had to emulate my heroes! @_@

***

You know what the scary thing is?

If E keeps this mint and together with his custom loading dock, it's going to be worth more than my entire G1 Transformers collection, beware! =)

~ HD

D-328 Dinoking giftset auction has ended - someone is going to have a USD$2,500 hole in the wallet

Been looking at this for days with interest. This afternoon, at around 2pm Sydney time, the Dinoking giftset auction ended.

22 bids and a week after its listed, the D-328 Dinoking giftset MISB has ended at the very sweet price (for the seller) of US$2,481.65! Whoa!

Again, here's the auction link with actual auction title (but despite what it says, this is not an AFA graded piece): Transformers G1 Victory Dinoking Giftset MISB D-328 AFA.

Now, as if this was not enough, another seller has today listed 6 individual boxed Dinoforce robots MIB for auction as a set. The starting price? US$1,125. Inspired by the above auction? Probably.

Will watch how this one pans out in a week's time.

D-328: Dinoking giftset auction update - 24 hours and 5 bids later

So here we are, 24 hours and 5 more bids later... the fabled D-328 Dinoking giftset auction is now at a whopping highest bid of US$2034.99!

With only less than 15 hours to go, who knows what's going to happen. This has already gone beyond my expectations and is hovering around the amount that Jay predicted. Will it go higher tomorrow? Will go past the $2.5K mark? We'll see tomorrow.

Auction link with actual auction title (but despite what it says, this is not an AFA graded piece): Transformers G1 Victory Dinoking Giftset MISB D-328 AFA

D-328: Dinoking giftset auction update - now at USD$1,500.99

It's been approximately 24 hours since I wrote the post below, and no prizes for guessing, the Dinoking auction has gone up another few notches in terms of price!

It now has 15 bids and the winning bid at the moment is US$1500.99.

Auction link with actual auction title (but despite what it says, this is not an AFA graded piece): Transformers G1 Victory Dinoking Giftset MISB D-328 AFA

It has 1 day and 16 hours to go, so I'll be back here tomorrow to report on progress. In the meantime, I'm going to have to revise my estimate of how much I think this will go for. As Jay commented yesterday, there's a very good chance this will hit the $2,000 mark.

Wow, C-328: Dinoking giftset MISB auction on eBay

For years and years, I have not seen a Dinoking giftset on auction on eBay. That was how rare it was (and still is). Now, a couple of days after I have acquired Dinoking, I see an auction on eBay for Dinoking, MISB no less!

Judging from the questions that the seller's been asked, it seems that there is quite a bit of interest for this piece from China. I'm not surprised that interest for this would come from many parts of the world because this giftset used to only be available in Japan and a few other Asian countries back in 1989. So, there isn't a large quantity of these produced back in the day (and also factoring in Transformers' declining popularity by the 90s).

There's still 2 more days to go and its already bidded up to US$1225.00 now!

Auction link with actual auction title (but despite what it says, this is not an AFA graded piece): Transformers G1 Victory Dinoking Giftset MISB D-328 AFA

Pretender to the Throne!

My complete set of 1988 Decepticon Pretenders are here!

I bought these from the same seller who sold me the complete set of six 1988 Autobot Pretenders, eBay seller nancyfancypants, one of the best the friendliest eBay sellers I have had the pleasure to buy from. Shipping was top-notch fast and these figures arrived in a little over a week.

I am very happy to be able to purchase these six Decepticon Pretenders in one hit! I'm gonna say it again, my Pretenders are here! Hurrah!

I will be featuring each one in more detail in later posts, but first, here they are - Skullgrin, Bomb-burst, Submarauder, Iguanus, Bugly and Finback...


The Decepticon Pretenders - Skullgrin, Bomb-burst, Submarauder, Iguanus, Bugly and Finback


Top Row: The Decepticon Pretenders - Skullgrin, Bomb-burst, Submarauder, Iguanus, Bugly and Finback
Bottom Row: The Autobot Pretenders - Landmine, Cloudburst, Waverider, Groundbreaker, Sky High and Splashdown


Top Row: The Decepticon Pretenders - Skullgrin, Bomb-burst, Submarauder, Iguanus, Bugly and Finback
Bottom Row: The Autobot Pretenders - Landmine, Cloudburst, Waverider, Groundbreaker, Sky High and Splashdown


Autobot Pretenders vs Decepticon Pretenders!


The Pretender Army
The Autobot platoon - Landmine, Cloudburst, Waverider, Groundbreaker, Sky High and Splashdown
The Decepticon platoon - Skullgrin, Bomb-burst, Submarauder, Iguanus, Bugly and Finback


The Pretender Army
The Autobot platoon - Landmine, Cloudburst, Waverider, Groundbreaker, Sky High and Splashdown
The Decepticon platoon - Skullgrin, Bomb-burst, Submarauder, Iguanus, Bugly and Finback


The Pretender Army
The Autobot platoon - Landmine, Cloudburst, Waverider, Groundbreaker, Sky High and Splashdown
The Decepticon platoon - Skullgrin, Bomb-burst, Submarauder, Iguanus, Bugly and Finback


The Pretender Army
The Decepticon platoon - Skullgrin, Bomb-burst, Submarauder, Iguanus, Bugly and Finback


The Pretender Army
The Autobot platoon - Landmine, Cloudburst, Waverider, Groundbreaker, Sky High and Splashdown


Special Pretender Army shot photographed by E

$4,000 figure for $73.34!

Since don't know when, the prices on eBay started becoming extortionist. Where Transformers figures are concerned, every one and their pet lists skyhigh Buy-It-Now (BIN) prices for items that on open market auction would fetch but a fraction of their listed BIN price at best.

This has resulted in a second-hand Transformers market that is generally inflated. Additionally, its hateful that there are less than a handful of decent auctions out there anymore. The majority of auctions are BIN auctions at extortionist prices.

A simple search for "Transformers Weirdwolf" would return all of 3 auction results and around 25 BIN auctions in sellers' eBay stores - with extortionist prices from US$50 (incomplete) to US$150 (complete) and even US$400 (Mint in Box). [searches performed on 29 September 09, 0830hrs AEST, for G1 Weirdwolf]

A quick search of the completed auctions for "Transformers Weirdwolf" reveals that the figure costs closer to US$9 (incomplete) to US$60 (complete) and US$300 (Mint in Sealed Box). [searches performed on 29 September 09, 0830hrs AEST, for G1 Weirdwolf]

The marked difference in price is simply staggering, if not sometimes, beyond belief.

An example being my Targetmaster Cyclonus with box that I bought for US$73.34 (picture 1 below), compared with a loose complete one for US$94.99 BIN (picture 2 below), compared with yet another auction that is selling one without its box for US$150 BIN (picture 3 below), and another one that is MISB for US$4,000 (picture 4 below).

In any case, I rest my case.

Picture 1 - the Targetmaster Cyclonus I won at auction for US$73.34.

Picture 2 - a Targetmaster Cyclonus that is complete with Tech Specs and instructions at US$94.99 Buy-It-Now












Picture 3 - a loose complete Targetmaster Cyclonus at US$150 Buy-It-Now. It does not even have Tech Specs and instructions like the one above, yet its costs 50 whole dollars more.














Picture 4 - a US$4000 Targetmaster Cyclonus. Given that it is MISB and AFA graded (ie: in a plastic prison forever and ever), 4000 smackeroos is still too much to be shelling out for it I'd think.

Parts and Pieces - Leozack auction and and Transformer parts

Been watching this one for a couple of days now, just to out of curiosity to find out how much a MIB C329 Leozack costs.

I was curious because it is in quite a similar condition with my individual boxed Leozack, which was featured here. The only difference being that mine still has its sticker sheet with its stickers unapplied.

The auction ended at US$152.50. See below.

I think I paid more for my complete Liokaiser set in individual boxes (if the cost I paid for the set is divided by 6 that is). However, the downside of buying individual boxes piecemeal is that shipping does chalk up to quite an amount and also that it would take a lot of time (not to mention effort) of continually monitor eBay for the right auctions to turn up. And when the right auctions do turn up, to start praying that the price turns out right as well.

Personally, I'm more someone who buys figures that are complete. I simply am not able to afford to buy something incomplete (or not as a set) and then spend copious amounts time trying to hunt down parts for the figure/s.

With that said, I find myself sometimes guilty of 'buying' incomplete figures and then waiting a really long time before getting off my a$$ to buy the parts that complete them.

In 2004, I acquired very near C10 minty Protectorbots and Aerialbots as part of a huge lot of Transformers I bought here but never go around to completing them by buying some of their missing weapons. Missing are: Blades' small white gun, Air Raid gun, Skydive gun, Slingshot gun and Fireflight gun.

In September 2007, I acquired all five Combaticons, with cardbacks in bubbles and in box, but somewhat incomplete. I just wanted what is I think my third set of Combaticons in cardbacks. While this is a sweet lot, I was missing Swindle's small black gun (Swindle MOC pic) and all of Vortex's weapons (Vortex MOC pic).

In February 2008, I bought a Star Saber and Victory Leo set, and another Victory Leo MIB (seen from post here), but as can be seen here, these are missing parts as well. Star Saber was (surprise surprise) missing his blade; the loose Victory Leo was missing his large cannon and 2 shoulder cannons; the MIB Victory Leo was missing his 2 shoulder cannons.

I'm quite happy to say that after more than 5 years for some and 1.5 years for others, I've in September 2009, acquired the missing parts for all of the above.


Guns for Swindle, Vortex, Air Raid, Skydive, Fireflight, Slingshot and the elusive Blades gun show above. I bought these for about $10 each from an Australian eBay seller with very good service and lightning fast shipping. This is the seller "ezystyles" eBay feedback page with links to his eBay Store and also his auctions in case anyone is looking for parts and good service to get them to you fast.


2 shoulder cannons and large cannon for Victory Leo and the ever elusive Star Saber blade shown above. I bought the Victory Leo and Star Saber parts from an eBay seller from Japan and for quite bizarre reasons, he ended shipping them to my Singapore address. Since I was no longer staying there, we had to wait for the package to be returned to Japan and then he had to ship them out to me in Australia again. All in all, it took almost 5 weeks since I paid to receive the items... and they were also pricey, although not unexpectedly.

I'm happy that my MIB Victory Leo is now complete and so is my loose Victory Saber set!

Now that I have all the weapons for the Combaticons, I'm toying with the idea of resealing all of them back into their cardbacks... a thought and a post for another day perhaps?

What madness is this?!?

When it comes to eBay, I thought I have seen it all.

Obviously, I haven't.

Because much as I love Transformers' in their package it is hard to imagine much less fathom the reasons why it'd be worthwhile paying that amount of dough for a sealed Bludgeon (which does not even have a backing card that is nice and flat). Yes, its a pretty rare figure to come across sealed because of its limited production run, but gosh, the amount it went for tops even MISB Thunderwings.

Frankly, I'm quite bewildered is all. Don't think there is anymore I can say.

This is a screen shot of the auction.

Wow, rare Headmasters Highbrow MISB!

An ultra rare MISB Highbrow has been listed on eBay. Easily one of the rarer and harder to find of the 1987 Headmasters, this would be a great piece to have in a serious collector's collection. I have not seen many of these around over the years I have been collecting Transformers and this is certainly a good piece to be getting.

I think it will easily become even more valuable if the winning bidder were to grade it with AFA.

Check out the auction here:
Transformers Headmaster Highbrow MISB auction

Direct link to pictures of MISB Highbrow can be found here.

Final batch of eBay auctions ending in 5 hours

The final batch of eBay auctions are ending in less than 5 hours. Of there, I think that Battle Rollar or Roller will prove to be the more popular figure.

Link to eBay page here.

For now, last batch of Transformers auctions on eBay

Yesterday, I have listed the 'final' batch of Transformers for auction on eBay.

The auctions, surprising even to me, contained a number of G1 figures. I listed my spare Runamuck and Runabout (man, I love these guys). Also listed my spare Bludgeon. I know how rare this figure can be, so its time to let me spare one go and give someone else a chance to own this piece of Transformers history.

Auctions can be found here: Heroic Decepticon's auctions

More Transformers auctions on eBay

Listed another small lot of TFs on eBay tonight. Listing was cut short due to dinner cooking commitments and the nightly catch up of Lost Season 1 episodes. That means another couple of auctions more to list tomorrow.

Today's lot includes the amazing 'Masterpiece' Roller custom, that for whatever arcane probably legalistic reason, is called Battle Rollar. This is an incredibly detailed piece and is a thing of beauty to behold. It has just the right touch of detail balanced by a subtle colour scheme with a transformation sequence that just works. I marvel at this every time I look at it, and, like mentioned in the auction, am only selling it because its a spare that a friend didn't want as his birthday present. He instead preferred a Transformer artbook.

Link to auctions: Heroic Decepticon's eBay auctions

5% discount for pick up from Sydney city applies to the new lot of listed toys as well.

Transformers Auctions on eBay

I have just listed a batch of Transformers for auction on eBay. I will be listing another batch tomorrow.

Please follow this link to my eBay auctions (might not be updated yet, but auctions will show within the next couple of hours): Heroic Decepticon's eBay auctions

I'm offering a pick up option from Sydney city that attracts a 5% discount.

Bluestreak (part 02) - His special place

I'd like to think that Bluestreak holds a special place in more than my heart- he holds a special place in the history of G1 as well.

Why?

I can at the moment think of 3 reasons:

[1] The blue Bluestreak controversy
It is basic knowledge among fans that while the Bluestreak box art and package pictures depict a predominantly blue coloured Bluestreak, the toy is anything but- in fact, the actual toy is almost entirely silver in colour. This begs the 24 year question of 'why didn't Hasbro release Bluestreak in his microman blue colour?'

The mythical blue Bluestreak

[2] Bluestreak is in every Transformer package
I'm sure a portion of G1 fans would have realized this, and I certainly did when I picked up my first Series 1 Transformer. In the 'Study your Transformer's Tech Specs' section of the instructions, it is the Bluestreak tech spec that is used as an illustration. Since this section of the instructions is present in all Autobot and Decepticon G1 toys up to 1990, bar carded ones, Bluestreak is by default in every Transformer package!

There are 2 versions of this- the first appeared only in Series 1 (1984) instructions and is fully coloured; the second appears from Series 2 (1985) onwards till the end of G1 and is not fully coloured. It is noteworthy that Series 1 toys who were also released as part of Series 2 (and in some countries as Series 3) had fully coloured instructions but a tech spec section that is not fully coloured. See below.


Coloured Bluestreak tech spec used as example (found in the instructions of 1984 Series 1 toys only)


Non-coloured Bluestreak tech spec used as example (found in the instructions of TFs from 1985 to 1988)


Non-coloured Bluestreak tech spec with bar chart overlay (found in the instructions of TFs from 1989 to 1990s)


[3] Parts mix up
It is also basic knowledge that Bluestreak, Prowl and Smokescreen were cut from the same mold, and had similar parts. There appears to be a mix up of launchers, whether deliberate or not.

Bluestreak came with red launchers, Prowl with silver and Smokescreen with white. These were, again, at odds with the toy depicted in their respective packages. From the pictures on the package, Bluestreak was to have silver launchers, Prowl white and Smokescreen red. This was corrected to a limited extent in that the Bluestreaks released with Series 2, in 1985, did in fact come with silver launchers.

Another mix up issue that is perhaps a little less known is the base material colour of the gun and 3 missiles that came with the launchers. This base colour, which can be seen once the chrome has faded/ been worn off/ scratched off, should correspond with the colour of the launchers. That is to say that if a Bluestreak toy came with red launchers, the base material colour of his gun and 3 missiles will be red as well; white launchers will come with guns and missiles with a white base material colour and so on.

It is thus easy to identify whether a 'complete' vintage Bluestreak, Prowl or Smokescreen is truly complete in the sense that it has all the parts it originally came with or that a seller simply mixed and meshed parts together to sell the unsuspecting buyer an apparently 'complete' toy. And that, is a word from the wise for eBay rookies.

With Bluestreak having such a profound importance to the G1 line, it is little surprise that I hit the roof when Hasbro and Takara, in recent times, purported to call him Silverstreak.

Next: What's in a name?

***
Read all Bluestreak chapters!
Chapter 01: A (re) introduction
Chapter 02: His special place
Chapter 03: What's in a name?