Philip Reed of Battlegrip.com has a Kickstarter-funded book called Transforming Collections on the way that serves as an overview of the third-party “transforming robot toy” phenomenon that fans have been eating up for the past few years.
There is no denying the popularity of some of these companies like FansProject, iGear, TFC, and a few others that have built their reputations around either enhanacing existing Transformers toys; or by straight-up filling in gaps left by Hasbro and Takara by producing original, complete Transformers figures; or, in some cases, by producing toys that are just better than what the official license holders have given us. Some will argue that these companies have had a lot to do with the increasing popularity of the Transformers brand, but whatever the case may be, this is definitely an exciting time to be a Transformers fan, that’s for sure.
Given the popularity of these companies and their products, Philip has done what has really needed to be done for some time: he’s put together a book, funded by Kickstarter, that will give hardcore fans, casual fans, and newcomers a taste of what these independent companies have to offer the world of the Transformers collector.
Being huge fans of third-party Transformers toys ourselves, DisThunder and I picked Philip’s brain about this project, and this is what he had to say:
1. Is this a series or a one-off? Judging by how quickly these seem to be coming at us these days, this seems like something that may benefit from more than one volume.
If the book does well I could see coming out with a second volume in 2013. In fact, a second volume could be the next stage; less of an introduction and more of a deep dive into third party toys.
2. What’s NOT going to be included here? Meaning what makes something an “official” third-party product and not just a custom?
I don’t want to rule out anything, but one-off pieces that were produced to order or made and then sold don’t count. But a book of custom Transformers toys — meaning, designs where only one version was made by an artist — could be very fun to create.
3. Since this is Kickstarter-funded project, does that allow you some wiggle room in terms of being able to reference Hasbro’s intellectual property?
The method of funding really has no impact here. What this is is a reference work and fair use. You know those books on collecting X or collection of essays on Y? This book is falling into the same category as those books.
4. Who would you say would be the core audience for this book? Hardcore TF fans? Fans new to the third party world?
At the moment I’ll say anyone who loves Transformers and transforming robot toys should find the book fun. While it’s designed as an introduction to third party toys I think the pics, my thoughts on the manufacturers, and the interviews with some third party manufacturers should be entertaining for everyone.
5. Who’s contributing to this project? Do you have a team collecting pics and information?
When I started the project I was planning to handle everything, but then I started getting some volunteers who bring some variety to the project: TJ Duckett, an excellent photographer, will be contributing some pics. Sid Beckett from the TFW2005 forums will be interviewing a couple of third party manufacturers for the book. And Gavin G. of the Daytime Ninja is adding two interviews to the book.
6. What was your “gateway drug” into the the Third-Party transforming-figure universe?
Impossible Toys “Quints” series hooked me. Hercules from TFC sucked me in. I had several third party toys before Hercules, but the transformation design and quality of the TFC Toys not-Constructicons is what really snagged my heart. I love the blockiness and durability of that set.
7. This is one of those few areas of the action figure world where it seems the sky is truly the limit. Of the figures you’ve chronicled so far, what was the one the you feel really pushed the envelope the most, or really established the third party companies as an industry, rather than a fan venture?
I’m going back to Hercules, the not-Devastator toy that’s one of the best transforming robot toys I’ve ever seen. When I first started reading about the line I just couldn’t see myself trying the toys; at $90 to $100/each collecting all six wouldn’t be cheap. But when I finally took a chance on the line I was blown away by the quality and then couldn’t wait for the rest of the Hercules toys to be released. And now I can’t wait to see the not-Stunticons that are coming from FansProject; the prototype shots make the toys look amazing.
8. Is there any particular “unlicensed transforming-toy” that your still waiting to see the third parties attempt?
Would Trypticon be too much to ask for? Just imagine if a third party manufacturer brought us a giant transforming Trypticon with the quality and transformation approach of Hercules but at $1,000 to $1,500 retail? Wow. I’d create a shrine for something like that . . . I’d have to since it would be too big to fit on any of my current shelves.
You still have some time to get in on this awesome Kickstarter project–check out the Transforming Collections official Kickstarter page and order your copy today.
Additional links:
Check out ActionFigurePics’ coverage of this project.
