Transformers

I hit Big Lots and came away with Big Loot!

Knock-Offs
First let me say, these guys are poorly made. Some of them are recognizably KO's of G1 Autobots and Decepticons I recognize, such as Streetwise.

I Bought:

• A set of 3 "Ultrabots" that combine for $3 each.
• 2 sets of 2 construction "Quick-Change" robots for $1.50 a set.
• 2 sets of 2 jet "Quick-Change" robots for $1.50 a set.
• 2 sets of 2 police/rescue "Quick-Change" robots for $1.50 a set.
• 1 set of 2 military "Quick-Change" robots (jeep & tank) for $1.50.
• A set of 6 2/3rds sized Dinobot Knock-Offs for $6.
  

My son's collection has gone from 2 to 25 in $25.50 plus tax. Plus I won't cry if they break. My wife and I both had the idea that he'd only play with them when I'm around, otherwise he'll want mine because he always has access to his - plus that keeps down on the breaking.

My Collection:
I haven't bought anything new for me - I still have Classics Mirage, G1 Grimlock, Classics Grimlock, and the G1 Mail Order crew, Overdrive, Camshaft and Downshift.

Some of the Classics line looks good so I suppose I'll have to nab what I can before the Animated line comes out. The movie line is good but expensive; still, the ingenious transformations are impressive.

I want:
Thank God Almighty I am not a completist, just a favoritist. I want:

• Classics Optimus Prime $20
  
• DVD Optimus Prime $65-80
• Encore Optimus Prime $50+
• Encore Soundwave $50+
• Encore Megatron $50+ - never had him as a kid, he was always on Cybertron in my alternate stories; Soundwave and Shockwave, later Galvatron commanded the forces on Earth.
• Classics Starscream or any latest version that turns into a jet, not some Protoform.
• Anyone who is cool and less than $15

Blasphemy of Blasphemies, I don't want Encore Starscream because, well, he's so stiff and immobile compared to the latest versions.

Obviously, these guys are overly expensive for a father of four - so in a pinch Classics Optimus Prime and Encore Optimus Prime are all I need. After that I'd go for either DVD Optimus Prime or Encore Soundwave... not sure.

Hasbro's website has a few remaining Classics they seem to want to push off the shelves. Lesser figures are desirable because they also cost less.

As an owner of TWO original Jetfires (I called him Starfire), I can't really get myself to like the Classics Jetfire.

Perplexing:
There is an aspect of collecting that perplexes me - first is the desire to own all of a set when the cost, in total, is so high. I'm glad some people enjoy that immensely; I have four children.

I am wary of the fact that some impulses hit me and then leave; the difference between collecting Transformers and Electronics is that the former doesn't seem like a bad choice with age; I think. I only just got "Stumbling on Happiness" by Prof. Daniel Gilbert, and it was weird getting the book the day after the desire to re-try Transformers hit me.

Update:
Starting a New Generation the Right Way: Using the 1st Generation Cartoons