Sakai exclusive Usagi figure

[Eltanin]

I seriously doubt they will manage to sell it at that price. They are probably fishing for offers.
But yes, I too believe that this person deserves to have their order cancelled. Flipping an item you haven't even received yet is too much.

[Gaffey]

I love those happy Usagi sketches.

[Kaimuki]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Usagi-Yojimbo- ... Sw8b1aJsNo

Well that didn't take long...first eBay listing for the signed exclusive at $300
Flippers

Hopefully, Stan can (and will) cancel this person's order and refund his payment prior to shipping the figure out to him. That is just so disrespectful to Stan!

The ebay flipper auction says it is from Jamestown, North Carolina.
All Stan needs to do is see who made an order from that location.

[jabba359]

While I disagree with flipping the figure, the person *did* order it fair and square. I highly doubt it was a Dojo member, so they bought it at street price, not our discounted price. While certainly disagreeable, I don't think cancelling the order is the right thing to do, as much as I'd enjoy them not getting their figure.

[Steve Hubbell]

While I disagree with flipping the figure, the person *did* order it fair and square. I highly doubt it was a Dojo member, so they bought it at street price, not our discounted price. While certainly disagreeable, I don't think cancelling the order is the right thing to do, as much as I'd enjoy them not getting their figure.

Considering the fact that the majority of the SDCC exclusive figures were bought up by dealers and other ebay flippers, it would be nice if Stan's true fans were able to at least buy this version directly from him without these leaches trying to jump in and get their greedy hands on these figures as well.

If they don't cancel his order, they should at least fill his order last, after every other order placed or even attempted has been filled. Then, if they finally run out, send him a refund.

[Maka]

That’s true, Jabba.

In the old days, Stan used to give free sketches to fans. But a few capitalists took advantage of Stan’s generosity. So Stan started charging. While free sketches are not always available anymore, it did lead to Stan collecting donations for JANM and providing additional revenue for the Sakai’s. The market is willing to pay Stan directly what it was giving to these ebay “flippers.” And now there is a Stan Sakai online store, which never existed before. Fan can now purchase original sketches, water colors, prints, signed Books, and exclusive figures variants. Maybe that would have happened anyway, but those ebay flippers impacted Stan’s decision to charge for his sketches, which has allowed more people to have access to his work who couldn’t get to conventions. And support Stan directly.

So while life is full of negative things, there are plenty of positive things too. Thank you for your post because it made remember that. Peace, maka

[Maka]

The SDCC figure was frustrating for fans. And seeing people post on Facebook that they paid five times the original price to own one is a bummer. I don’t like that either, Steve.

And that experience led Stan, Julie, and Daniel to commit to making sure people on this forum had the opportunity to get one of these exclusive variants if they wanted to and at a discount to what the market was willing to pay. That may or may not have happened anyway but I bet the SDCC experience made it more likely. And I am bias, but I think these exclusives are better than the SDCC version because of the personalized note from Stan to us fans. I personally like the colors better too.

It is not all roses and there are people out there that act in ways that I don’t appreciate or think is ethically something I wouldn’t do. I share your and others’ frustrations with these flippers.

In the end, I can’t control them. But I will choose to focus and spend my energy remembering the kindness and generousity of the Sakai’s. And you, Jabba, Spam, Grusagi, Maichan, and countless others here who have made this community such a great place to visit and belong too. I’m sorry this is so frustrating for many of us. But I know it is frustrating because you and others care about each of us here. Thank you for that. You all are good people that make my life richer and better. Peace, Maka

[maichan]

Well said Maka.

My 2cents worth... I try to be tolerant and understanding of such things, even if I don't like them.

Personally I feel it is immoral and unethical for someone to 'flip' one of these figures so soon, before they even have it in hand, and while there is still the opportunity for people to buy directly from Stan. At least wait until you have it in hand.

I placed an order for an AP figure. I plan on keeping it until I die, and once I'm gone, it'll go to another collector - then the new owner has the freedom to do what they want with it.

As for cancelling the 'flippers' order, well that is something only Stan can decide. I don't know what I'd do if I were in Stan's shoes. For various reasons, I think I'd still honor the sale. Unfortunately this is just another one of the less attractive sides of out hobby. Like Maka, I prefer not to focus on the bad side, and prefer to focus on the good side of the hobby.

I'm grateful and glad to have had several opportunities to meet with Stan, and get signatures and sketches over the past few years.

[Mayhem]

Don't ship whoevers it is for 30 days after the auction ends, if it sells. Then the lister can have a complaint labelled that they weren't able to supply the item

(if you put up a "pre order" for an item you don't yet have, you have to supply it within 30 days of it being available to the seller)

[OnitsukaTiger]

I'm so happy that Stan's made such an effort to help us out with this. It's so rare that I'm "on the inside" for something like this. Really makes the figure feel that much more special. I snagged an unsigned release (probably to open) and an AP! The artwork on these looks gorgeous and is the cherry on top of an already terrific offering.

This has been a really positive experience and contrasts to so many other sour exclusive collectible experiences I've had over the years. I'm really grateful for Stan and this community. <3

[Trevis Woods]

Well said Maka...
I also don't think the order should be canceled because they did purchase it just like everyone else. That being said, it is frustrating because I see so many people on FB commenting that they missed the opportunity to get one. I saw the same responses but magnified regarding the SDCC version on FB. It was obviuos the SDCC situation was not handled correctly but Stan and Daniel made sure things were done with the fans in mind first and foremost. That is completely unheard of today. They didn't have to do it but they did and that is awesome. Hopefully those SDCC prices will start to fall a little since this new figure is extrememly exclusive and limited.
I continue to be impressed how Usagi's popularity continues to soar over these last two years. I would say the online store presence, TMNT appearance and the Saga collections have all pushed Usagi to a new level of awareness to those not already in on the secret of how awesome Stan's work is

[OnitsukaTiger]

Trevis, I've been aware of Usagi since childhood (TMNT cartoon) but only in the past two years did I finally start reading it at the prompting of my brother who bought the Saga editions.

I really wish I had started reading Usagi earlier. I've been on board with Hellboy since probably 2003-ish. It's comforting to have a long term ongoing title to follow. Better late than never

[OnitsukaTiger]

I've been following the posts on Facebook from Stan as the figure becomes periodically available. A few people are really snotty in some of the comments. I understand the frustration because I've been in that situation myself but it's made me especially grateful to be part of the Dojo community.

A part of me has some sympathy for them but all of them could've stopped by this forum at any point I suppose. That discount is pretty nice too

[Steve Hubbell]

[quote="Stan "the Coolest Man" Sakai (on facebook)"]If the web developer has fixed the counting system on my website, Daniel will be putting more Sakai Variant figures online this afternoon.
http://stansakai.com/product-category/s ... y-variant/

Meanwhile, here are more drawings for Artist Proofs.
























































[/quote]

[Slashuur]

Oh! I love the one where it's raining