Poll/discussion: Do you keep just the definitive version of each character or collect multiple versions?

Do you keep just the definitive version of each character or collect multiple versions?


  • Total voters
    41
1 definitive version only. The only exceptions I make are for Multiverse stuff (AOA, Spider-Verse, Ultimate, etc) plus Iron Man armors. But I buy every character and don't ever skip on anyone that I don't already have in my collection (even if it's a MCU version) .
 
I’ve been trying to weed down to just one of each release. Haven’t missed much outside of a few international repacks and a running change.

Got a bad habit of buying up multiples when they’re cheap or I just run into them on the shelves. It’s sort of a passive thing but this line’s been going on so long that the excess really built up over time.
 
Generally I only keep one version that may or may not be the definitive version of each character. However that doesn't apply to Iron Man. I get the definitive look of each armour when I can and will update with new releases usually.

That also isn't a hard and fast rule. I do have multiples of different characters outside of Iron Man because I either like multiple looks/costumes, or they fit different teams/eras. I don't do that as much anymore though.
 
Really depends on the character. Spider-Man? I'll get the the best version of the blues and the black I can find and I'm out. Beta Ray Bill? I only need one good one (and so far we haven't gotten in in ML). I'm also susceptible to good renditions if they strike something in me. For some reason I have TWO versions of Mr. Fixit just because something about a gangster Hulk does it for me, but I have no other Hulks.
 
I plan to significantly prune my collection next year, and this is going to be a dilemma.

One example: Classic comic accurate Captain America. I currently have:

ML1 (Toy Biz)
80th Anniversary
20th Anniversary
Secret Wars
Mafex

Ideally, I would only keep one, but I have too much sentimental value attached to ML1 (I can’t understate the impact that ML1 Cap and Iron Man had when they were released.)

I can’t get comfortable with keeping the Mafex and not having a contemporary ML version or vice versa.

So, it probably comes down to ML1, Mafex, and 20th Anniversary staying, 80th anniversary and Secret Wars getting the boot, and not compounding the problem by picking up any further releases (looking at you, Gamerverse Cap).
 
Jim Lee era X-Men is another one. We’re moving toward having three complete sets of the Blue and Gold teams: Comic ML, X-Men ‘97 ML, and Mafex. I don’t need three complete sets. I’m trying to downsize.

Keeping the Mafex set over the comic ML set is a no braiber for me (assuming it gets completed). However, Men ‘97 will be tough to let go of because they are in a different style, and I do like them.

Then what becomes of Gamerverse Psylocke? I currently have no plans to pick up any more Marvel vs Capcom figures, but I went through quite a hassle to get her and she’s. one paint coat away from being a candidate for my ML figure of the year. However, she really doesn’t have a “home” if I get rid of my comic ML X-Men.

First World problems and all that…
 
I would argue a modernish Cap goes on your SHIELD shelf, a classic Cap on your Avengers shelf (80th or 20th) and a FA Cap on your Golden Age Invaders shelf (if they ever do some)
 
For most characters, I aim for a single definitive version but for some favourites with multiple awesome costumes, I'll pick up the best version of those too.

Iron Man's an easy example, he's had countless suits but I only really like the classic 70s, Silver Centurion, and OG War Machine ones, I don't care about stealth suits or Hulkbusters or even the modular armour. Likewise, I'm never going to pickup every single Spidey suit, just the classic and the symbiote are all I want. I currently have a classic Thor and don't really feel the need for anything else but if a premium version of the Simonson armour shows up, you can bet I'll be right on it. On the other hand, I have a Magneto, Cap and Daredevil that are straight up peak for me and can't see myself ever buying another.

So yeah, basically one most of the time but some characters have two absolute banger versions so I'd want both and ignore any others.

Which means I'm never getting a Polaris until someone does the Maurader version, boo.
 
I had to pick multiple. While I’d like to keep only the definitive version of each character, the reality is I have acquired several of the A list characters over the years. Whether due to Hasbro never quite making a definitive version or sticking an A lister in a baf wave I liked or even just being another look I enjoy, I have way more repeat characters than I’d prefer.
Well played Hasbro 🤨
 
I will never for the life of me understand the "one of a character" rule so many collectors have across brands. I will have multiple Spideys, Wolverines, Cyclops etc. Obviously a definitive is needed, but it's necessary to make great figures of the cornerstone characters every year.
 
I voted for 'Definitive version of each costume' but with caveats. Obviously.. only costumes I like, and even very minor variations can count. For instance, I have no problem with two tiger stripe Wolverines if one has bone claws and one has adamantium. To me, that feels like two separate 'looks' for the character. Right now, I even still have the '97 Wolverine AND the regular (Apocalypse wave?) Wolverine, because they feel very different from each other.

I think what I'm saying is I am become ungovernable.
 
I do multiples. It doesn't mean I'll get every version released of every character. But if I like something, I'll get it. No matter how many times I may have bought a Legends figure of the character.
 
I selected 'one definitive version' but what I really mean is that I've picked a single point in time for Marvel Comics and that's the look. My Marvel shelf is all Secret Wars/OHotMU costumes. That's the formative years of my comic reading so for many it's the default look in my mind.
 
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