Everyone, as 2011 comes to a close, I'm reminded of the journey we have made this year. We became our own sub-forum, and the community went through a lot of changes. We got our totally awesome preorder links thread, and an IRC channel to chat on, (and I personally became very close with some members because of it). POP preorders reached a new level of insanity, and Banpresto scared us with a limit to their distribution. I saw the disparity of conflict and infighting that discouraged some people from posting versus forum members going to great lengths to help each other obtain figures and preorders to love and covet.
I love how an opinion or a picture has lead to an onslaught of purchases (ex. IK Marineford Luffy), showing our deference for each others' opinions. I've also seen the immense joy in finally getting the Holy Grail figure whose presence had been missed in an otherwise complete collection. I have seen figures of characters whom I never would have thought would exist, and shared in the joy of the one person I knew would be over the moon about the announcement. I have rejoiced in these things, over more than just this one year alone, on Arlong Park Forum Collectibles threads.
I'd personally like to say that I hope 2012 brings about more tolerance and empathy for our fellows in the community. I'd like to remind everyone that opinions don't have to be ugly, or comments needlessly unthoughtful and bitter.
What helped me immensely today with thoughts over the past year is thinking of all the AMAZING RELEASES we've had!! Isn't it great how you can remember the moment you first slapped eyes on the prototype, how you felt, and then finally obtaining the item?? I've taken some pictures today that I'd like to share with everyone, and I hope you all remember these moments/releases:
WCF Bon-Nami
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Funny how one of the best/sexiest WCFs ended up being a man. Bon-Nami reignited our love for the charm that WCFs bring.
Master Stars Luffy [hide][/hide]
Perhaps one of the figures that leaves people opinions the most divided, as usually one either loves him, or hates him.
Will of D Roger [hide]
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Our first great (official release) figure of Roger.
Portrait of Pirates Marco [hide][/hide]
Megahouse showed us they can still give us some amazing stuff.
Figuarts Ace [hide]
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Figuarts showed us that not only can they do interchangeable parts well, they can do a mean, competitive sculpt for a fair price. Grandline Children [hide][/hide]Banpresto completely kicked Megahouse's behind by releasing something to rival the out-of-print Mild POPs, giving us a true-to-manga sculpt at a large size. WCF Carue [hide][/hide]Restoring our faith in WCF quality, Carue unexpectedly skyrocketed in price. Ichiban Kuji Marineford Luffy [hide][/hide]
This Luffy showed me that sometimes a ridiculous looking promo shot (Luffy taking a 'dump') can turn into an amazing figure.
Portrait of Pirates Perona
[hide][/hide]Everyone finally got a great Perona figure and a new woman to add to their POP collection. No doubt, Perona was an instant classic, despite the box size. Brotherhood [hide][/hide]
I'm not sure I was more excited for any other release this year. Banpresto gave us a jaw-dropping diorama of one of the most famous scenes in One Piece.
Master Stars Piece Ace [hide][/hide]
MSP Ace showed us the craziness that some collectors will resort to in terms of pricing, and the biggest mistake that Banpresto has made in distribution this year. Chaoer Ace [hide][/hide]Chaoer Ace showed us that, sometimes, 'bootlegs' ain't so bad…(reason 1790?) And this year my Ace collection grew… [hide]
[/hide] **3/2011 (I believe) - 10/2011
I want to extend everyone on APF the invitation to post your hilights from 2011. How did your collection grow? What was your best purchase? What figure releases did you feel were the best?**