Stuff that concerns me about current 1/6 military figure releases during Wartime...

This subject has been touchy since OSW started 20 years ago. There will always be some subject matter that just rubs folks the wrong way, and some manufacturers that are more than willing to not only broach the subject, but make figures about them.

Certain WWII subjects, the ongoing GWOT figures, polarizing/any politicians, questionable movie figures.... Are they in good taste, or a good idea? Probably not. But the only way to know for any manufacturer is if a figure sells or not.

The current Damtoys figures are no exception. Sporting specific unit markings and other things. E&S is a bit less blatant about it, and sometimes their figures border on pure fantasy as opposed to any real life representation. The current FSB figures have a bunch of real gear, but don't seem to be following any sort of actual unit, and just labelled as Russian FSB. The fact that it's called Russian is enough to set some folks off.

As long as we can keep our opinions and tempers in check while on the forums and groups, and keep interactions civil-ish, the figures are just representations of something we see, or have seen on the TV, or internet, or magazines. If we don't like it, our "voices" will be heard with our purchases. Or lack thereof.

Personally, I've never seen more product as a bad thing.

Obviously that mileage is going to differ for everyone. I remember a very long time ago, when Hot Toys released a Michael Jackson figure, that it pissed off some people here. And some people, in general across the hobby.

Something I used to say in the old days - The product you don't like and don't enjoy, but if it sells well, creates down the road opportunities for other unrelated product one day that you might want to see.

^ The above is not just my stance, it was also the core stance of Ronin Six here long ago.

I have no desire to have a Michael Caine as the Batman butler, Alfred Pennyworth, as a figure in my collection. But the robust sales and demand for The Dark Knight stuff through the Nolan-verse created that opportunity. Even if I don't want that figure, I'm happy there was some kind of option available for those who did. We can support each other as general collectors while disagreeing on all other kinds of out-of-hobby viewpoints.

If too many collectors find the theme here too garish, as you might, then the sets won't sell well and the natural evolution of the hobby will self cannibalize anything you don't find appropriate.

If many collectors want to purchase the product ( their personal viewpoints is another matter, to each their own), then it might open doors for that arcane unrelated topic one day that you might want in your collection.

Look for the win. Even if it's a small win in your book. And if it's not a win to you in any fashion, look for the win in the next situation. Only you can determine where your litmus test holds for some kind of product. I do understand and sympathize where you are coming from though.

I appreciate the topic and your honesty here.