The new plight of modern collectors

I got seriously into this hobby at the height of the war on terror in Afghanistan and subsequently Iraq. This was a great time to collect modern figures and my sense of patriotism certainly fueled my foray into the modern figure collection and customization.

Since that time, several factors have contributed to the decline of the modern collection. I have since started focusing almost exclusively on the World War II era. One major factor was when President George Bush declared, from the deck of the USS Abraham Lincoln, the conclusion of "major combat operations in Iraq."

I believe the other major factor is the almost total exit of Blue Box International's Elite Force 1:6 line of figures. Some of the best boxed modern combat figure kits came from BBI in the last several years.

BBI has but one modern release since its Weekend of Heroes exclusive two pack. Its special anniversary edition SEAL Team 3 HAHO figure. And it has not released a World War II figure since its D-Day Anniversary line of paratroopers almost two years ago. In contrast, Dragon Models (DML) has released over four dozen figures in the last 12 months, albeit entirely in the World War II genre. DML's last modern military release was in October 2004, the Ralph 2d ID "Stryker Brigade" figure. And it received only a lukewarm reception from the die hard modern collectors. Little did they realize then that DML would depart the modern stage for some time. For the pedantic, DML did release a Dragon Expo Exclusive twin pack of Kenneth Bowra which included Bowra in modern and Vietnam era gear.

Add to that the apparent exit from the 1:6 market by U.S.-based 21st Century Toys and the picture gets more bleak.

DML has made no announcements regarding modern figures to be released this year, although it should be noted DML has released to the Army Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) some limited edition modern Army figures sporting the new Army Combat Uniform (ACU), the successor to the woodland BDU and three color desert DCU.

It really puzzles me why DML would make general releases of these new modern figures. It should also be noted that the figures are very lightly equipped from what I have read.

Sure the Toy Soldier and a.c.e. continue to provide quality carded uniform and accessory sets to whet the appetite of the modern collector, but can the community of collectors survive solely on niche gear releases?

But, like it or not, World War II sells. And apparently World War II German figures sell.

More to come...