The differences in fan bases- a travelers opinion

One of the weirdest things that you get to experience in toy collecting, is the ego of other collectors. If you spend some time diving between a few brands you will actually experience fans who judge you completely on what you own. It is an interesting thing. Most toy collectors understand that they collect toys. For the select few who believe they are better than others, they are in for a harsh reality. Toy collecting is not a hobby that is bragged about with others. Most individuals collect so they can experience a thrill or to remember their childhood. Some collect for a profit and others collect to have a fun hobby. We are all in this game for different reasons. Now one of the things that I learned while under my alias of Transmuseum on TFW2005.com is this feeling of a hierachy amoung their ranks. The moderators as well as fellow fans actually talk down to you for not liking certain things and you get judged for not liking individuals like Maz, Brr-icy and the likes.

It is an interesting thing but from what I have dug out of it, it is the age groups. Transformer fan groups tend to be more judging their their G. I. Joe or Gundam counter parts. Reasoning? Age. The average age of a Transformer fan is usually in the early thirties and below. Now they have three main age groups for three seperate generations. The first generation is the fans of the original Transformers cartoon. The second generation is the Beast Wars fans. The last generation is the live action movie fans. There is some variation here and there but the age groups revolve around those three. That being the case, we have ages from 35 and down in the group. Now from the way most fan bases operate, the general chaos created by younger fans dies down when the older collectors are in their 40s. That would make the younger collectors either in the late 20s or early 30s. This actually gives the franchise some good life. People become more respectful and the more chaotic members either quit collecting or become more mature. It is an interesting thing but it has happened in various communities like Star Wars, Gundam and G. I. Joe.

Now, I do believe that once this starts to happen, some of the more egotistical collectors will either slowly stop collecting or become more silent. Thus, the true golden age of Transformers collectors will begin.

Just an opinion based off of what I have experienced.

Transformers (Generation One- Target Masters) Scoop with Holepunch and Tracer 1988

Professor blog: 000020 Subject: Scoop with Holepunch and Tracer Brand of product: Transformers (Generation One- Targetmasters) Release year: 1988

We are looking at the Generation One: Targetmasters Scoop with Holepunch and Tracer. I showed some comparison pictures between the 1988 version and the 2014 version as well for all three. This guy is one of my favorite Targetmasters but like all Generation One toys, he is a bit bland. He does look a lot better than most Transformers in both robot and vehicle modes. He does have a very simplified transformation and reminds me of the mini-bot line ups.

This guy is one of the best Transformers to start collecting with. He is very cheap and, unlike most Targetmasters, will not run you a ridiculous amount of money. His color scheme is an eye-sore but that was sadly most of the 80s Transformers. Now he does come with stickers but there is not to many of those. If you get a Scoop without stickers, it will not be the end of the world getting another Scoop or a new sticker sheet. His transformation can be done in just a few easy steps so you do not have to worry about breaking him or ruining him. His stickers are actually located in some great spots. The chance of the stickers wearing and tearing are pretty slim except for on his legs.

This guy is probably a good start for any Transformer collector. The early Transformers had some interesting gimmicks but Targetmasters is one of the best. They came with a total of three Transformers. Now the only thing that sucks is trying to replace one of them if you lose them. Scoop does not cost an arm and a leg so losing Holepunch or Tracer will not be the end of the world. If you are looking for an interesting toy with a great gimmick, this guy will be a good start for you! Even with those ridiculous colors…

Background of the toy: This particular Scoop, Holepunch and Tracer came to me from a recent Craigslist buy. He arrived into my collection in November 2013. He has no breaks or chips and is in great shape. He is the proper color and the stickers are all attached.