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Fri 07/25 20:36 comments (51)
日本語/Japanese  Wed 04/30 17:40 JST
As some of you may already know, the WHF (World Hobby Festival) is going to be no more - the last show in Kobe was yesterday and the last one in Tokyo at Big Sight will be next Monday on the 5th.

While I usually attend every Wonder Festival, the WHF is a show that I attend when I have a load of spare time - most of the stuff displayed are kits and while makers like Good Smile do show up, most of the stuff has been previously seen at the Wonfes (previous coverage here.)
The folks who organize the WHF have not mentioned why they are throwing the hat in but I don't think its because people are getting bored of figures. I love my figures and dont think I could ever get bored with them - especially as many of them are cuties. Do you think you could ever get bored of your figures? Are you a person who has already got bored? If so, what have you done with your figures?
Maybe the WHF has come to an end because the amount of people buying kits are dwindling? Why pay 12,000 yen for a kit when you can pay 6,000 yen-ish for the PVC version when it comes out.

A comrade figure sculptor was having one of his figures being made into a PVC but had permission to sell kits of the same figure at a show. He said that it was imperative to keep the PVC figure under wraps and that if people knew that a PVC version was coming out, nobody would buy the more expensive kit version.
The reason why kits cost an arm and a leg is because they are not mass produced - the unit cost just to mould one kit can cost up to 5,000 yen. Many sculptors outsource the casting of their kits as they dont have the equipment at home.
Anyway, back to the coverage of the event - picked out the best of the bunch from the following sites where you can see more - I think there is one NSFW one so keep an eye out for it ^^;
Polls
AndyH in Birmingham, UK
3D artist
Registered on 2006/12/25 10:08
What, no more WHF? Bah! I always used to look forward to drooling over figures coming soon. They always had such good cosplayers too. Ah well, at least theres still Wonder Festival!

As for getting bored with figures? I dont think i will!
(ID #178374) Posted on 2008/04/30 20:24
FatBastard in over his head
Meat Puppet
Registered on 2007/11/04 18:16
Just started collecting figures recently, and while I don't except to be bored of them I won't buy it unless its unique in some way. I find alot look too similar, or there are too many versions of the same character so I keep it down to a minimum. T'is best.
(ID #178375) Posted on 2008/04/30 20:27
raptor_cZn in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Student
Registered on 2007/12/12 21:53
LoL... Saber in bunny girl outfit =p..
Just got into collecting figures lately so I don't think I will be bored with figures anytime soon. Besides, tons of new figures are always being released from time to time.
The kit figures look nice but unfortunately its quite pricey. I wonder if one could literally print out a figure using a 3D printer in the future when the printer becomes more affordable? That would be nice to have.
(ID #178380) Posted on 2008/04/30 20:39
bob-san in Madison WI
Administrative Assistant
Registered on 2007/02/22 23:27
My figure collecting actually started with Gashapon and have since moved up to the PVC range.  I don't think I'll be bored anytime soon, but I do have to be picky due to space and cash.
(ID #178382) Posted on 2008/04/30 20:42
Last{[0]}Raven in ☆DANNYCHOO Site ☆
Raven, AMV & MAD maker, Otaku
Registered on 2008/01/02 12:55
NUUUUUUUUUUUUUU i was planning on going to japan if they did it again T-T
(ID #178384) Posted on 2008/04/30 20:45
CrazyAnimeTuga in Portugal
Student
Registered on 2007/01/03 02:12
It's a sad thing to know that WHF is no more :(, normally before a figure comes out there's the resin kit and so we have a preview how a future figure may look like.
(ID #178386) Posted on 2008/04/30 20:48
ornehx in Penang, Malaysia
dannychoo.com no aidokusha
Registered on 2007/12/25 23:02
2nd pic is nice
lucky star bunch are cuties especially kona
is that saber in the blue bunny suit with her excalibur (last picture)? bunny suit looks too small to fit

i love my figure - like to take pictures of them whenever i am free - then mess around photoshop abit with it.
(ID #178387) Posted on 2008/04/30 20:49
Evil King in Vlaardingen, the Netherlands, Earth
Student and full-time otaku
Registered on 2007/12/19 00:24
Too bad, hope it's just this one that goes though. If you add the banning of cosplaying from akiba and such, one would almost think that the otaku scene is in danger of dissappearing.....let's hope this trend doesn't follow through.

About figures, I'll be bored of them when I'm dead; you just can't stop loving 'em. Still, I'm a PVC fan: kits can look very good, but unless you're a real ace with the old airbrush, paying an arm and a leg just ain't worth it. BTW, great Falcon model I saw there ^^
(ID #178397) Posted on 2008/04/30 20:58
Spicytuna in Philadelphia, PA
Professional Slacker
Registered on 2008/01/25 04:25
That is an awesome Millennium Falcon!
(ID #178401) Posted on 2008/04/30 21:07
Registered on 2007/09/29 21:48
agreed nice falcon model so detailed and it has lights, lol at the bunny suit saber, doesnt fit her
(ID #178402) Posted on 2008/04/30 21:12
chibihien in Singapore
National Servicemen
Registered on 2008/01/19 21:34
loli alert!

Togi Shiro-chan in a yukata is WIN
(ID #178403) Posted on 2008/04/30 21:13
zengar in philippines
student
Registered on 2008/01/29 06:47
yoko's rack look a bit different doesn't it?
(ID #178407) Posted on 2008/04/30 21:14
Martin Wandering in Taibei
Student, Spiral Warrior
Registered on 2008/02/04 10:01
Indeed, something amiss.
(ID #178496) Posted on 2008/04/30 23:51
Deranged in London UK
Physics Student
Registered on 2007/02/18 04:47
What? No more? Aw, I always looked forward to WHF to see the new figures and salivate at them... 

Bored of figures!? Hey, I just got started XD Not going to be bored for ages if at all... 
(ID #178410) Posted on 2008/04/30 21:16
GundamJehutyKai in Foundation II Stellvia
IT Client Support
Registered on 2007/09/12 21:33
Wonderfestival was always the major show for model kit purchases but they are right in that most collectors won't buy an expensive resin figure if they know that a cheap PVC version is on the way.

I'd get pretty damn peeved if i bought a resin kit only to hear that a PVC version is in the works as it would dramatically devalue my investment. 
If I were the type to sell my figures, it would be even worse but even if i didn't, knowing that others can get something similar to my own works at a fraction of the cost and effort is certainly going to grate.

And the advantages of resin are becoming less apparent (more dynamic poses, no lean problem). But the loss of WHF is a real shame. Maybe I'll go browse the auction sites and see if there's anything worth picking up.
(ID #178413) Posted on 2008/04/30 21:18
Tami in Germany - Cologne
WebDesign, Coding, Administration
Registered on 2007/12/16 10:42
Ohh i like the Akira figure. ^^v
Somehow people hardly like the "pink haired bit**" as some of the people i know like to refer to poor Akira-sama, i totaly don't see why. ;)
Nice photos, thanks for sharing... sad that the WHF won't be anymore, besides the figures to see - those kind of conventions are always nice to meet up with people and if one goes away it is a sad thing.
Well figures, i still want to get into it but my budget is already cramped due my recent shopping sprees for tech and gadgets... maybe in a few months.
I for sure want some nendroids and figmas (it seems like it's a lot of fun to play with them and a camera!).
(ID #178418) Posted on 2008/04/30 21:31
Len-Vesper in Quebec City, Canada
Medical Research and Design
Registered on 2008/02/17 03:54
Damn.  Damn.  Damn.

I have to go to one of these festivals, at least if they are open to the public at all.  I'd have picked up the Shana figure in a flash.

Just the sort of self-indulging prestige of having the hand made version/one cast version would make it kind of worthwhile to myself.  

:3
(ID #178427) Posted on 2008/04/30 22:00
pyro in Blighty
slacker
Registered on 2007/08/23 09:14
I'd actually rather buy a kit than a finished PVC figure.
(ID #178442) Posted on 2008/04/30 22:14
axronsam in singapore
student
Registered on 2007/11/15 09:09
The figure of Nia looks nice.. ^^
(ID #178443) Posted on 2008/04/30 22:14
Saku in Toronto
Web Developer
Registered on 2008/02/07 23:38
Bunny outfit of Saber. Me wants.
(ID #178445) Posted on 2008/04/30 22:16
the great paul in Brooklyn, New York
Poor College Student
Registered on 2008/03/14 09:02
i dont get bored of my figures but i do get bored of dusting them off
(ID #178449) Posted on 2008/04/30 22:18
Fariz Asuka in Singapore
Student and Miku Guardian
Registered on 2008/03/11 20:11
Darn.. I should have the money to go and visit these events.. Sadly, none.. Well, wait for next great event then..
(ID #178452) Posted on 2008/04/30 22:24
Timotei in Sweden
NEET
Registered on 2008/02/17 09:28
Ooh, I want that Komari so badly. I need to catch them all (little busters!). 

And, no I won't get bored of my sweet figures. It's a hobby I won't stop with until I die. 

Awesome photos, alot of sweet goodies. ^^;
(ID #178460) Posted on 2008/04/30 22:38
Alto50 in U.S.
University Student
Registered on 2008/03/22 22:55
I've always wanted to start collecting figures, but haven't because of an extremely limited budget and just no knowledge of where I would buy them overseas ;_;.

Anyone wanna point me in a good direction (hopefully affordable too?) >_>
(ID #178473) Posted on 2008/04/30 23:00
Hirito in The Little Red Dot - Singapore
ORD!! Now awaiting Uni admission.
Registered on 2007/09/01 18:24
It's sad that they're not going to have any more WHF, but it's not like I have the funds to visit anyway lol. Love the Lucky Star bunch (Konata and Kagamin!!), Togi Shiro in Yukata and the loli white bunny girl!!
(ID #178484) Posted on 2008/04/30 23:18
Panther in Urban Hell (Singapore)
Deathseeker
Registered on 2007/12/24 09:20
Thanks for coming, WHF. It was nice knowing you. Now back to Wonfes.

Aka. I have no idea how to make figures anyway and would probably spoil stuff making one if I tried, not to mention mass-produced figures are finished, ready, and cheaper.
(ID #178497) Posted on 2008/04/30 23:54
tick tock in Tokyo
Full-time student へへ
Registered on 2008/05/21 23:18
seems like i'm booked on the 5th ^^. how come it's only from 1100-1600? only a measly 5 hours... sigh...
(ID #178517) Posted on 2008/05/01 00:40
desangel in Malaysia
Student
Registered on 2008/03/30 10:05
not good...for it to end without me visiting once T_T
(ID #178519) Posted on 2008/05/01 00:50
Deathy in Brazil
Registered on 2007/04/20 07:26
I'm not a big fun of Mecha but that white one (Gundam?) made me go 'wow!'. Also there's a lot of nice kits on the pictures, me wants LS chars and Louise.

And who's the girl with big bunny ears?
(ID #178521) Posted on 2008/05/01 00:53
Rin in Canada
Student Otaku
Registered on 2008/01/04 16:17
OMG!!! Vita!!! Konata!!! I SO WANT!!!
It's a shame that the WHF is going to end. It looks like it's a cool event. I wonder if anyone who attends the event can get their hands on a Konata figure for me. I'll pay them back through pay pal!!!!! I would so want to go!!!
(ID #178527) Posted on 2008/05/01 01:04
gia in Portland OR, USA
Editor
Registered on 2008/02/04 14:27
Maybe it's not that people are getting bored of their figures, it's that fewer people are getting into kits? I know I have the hand-eye coordination of a two year old, so I avoid kits like the plague @_@
(ID #178528) Posted on 2008/05/01 01:04
Tiny Red Man in Pedobear Land
Full Time Pedobear
Registered on 2007/04/11 16:51
b chiku spotted..
(ID #178538) Posted on 2008/05/01 01:25
radical anime fan in Dai-Singapore-dan. Hotter than Kamina and Lelouch combined.
Polytechnic Freshman. Mmm... fresh.
Registered on 2007/01/25 21:20
Figures are like Gundams; cost a bomb to make. I would have thought that people would appreciate it more... damn, that Vita one looks really cute.

Gurren-Lagann BE MINE!!! Hopefully some modelling shops in Singapore will import it. *frantic finger-crossing*
(ID #178540) Posted on 2008/05/01 01:31
lostandfound in a UFO... catcher...
Part human, part student, 100% loser
Registered on 2007/10/22 02:10
Bored with figures? NEVER!! I want the Yoko and Nia and Saber figures!!
(ID #178556) Posted on 2008/05/01 02:05
Certifiably Insane in Singapore
Pursuing that ever-elusive diploma.
Registered on 2008/04/13 16:19
Well, from a business perspective PVC compared to self-assembly makes sense...but this is relatively sad news.

Still, it doesn't take away my liking for figurines, I own a few small Haruhi ones myself, but they're a rarity for me to buy at any rate, I prefer to ogle. ^^

(ID #178563) Posted on 2008/05/01 02:13
Henry in Makati, Philippines
anime/cosplay events organizer
Registered on 2006/12/25 19:17
this is indeed a sad news but is this really what's happening to the figure industry?

there are still a lot of figure enthusiast during WonFesu...
(ID #178565) Posted on 2008/05/01 02:20
strikr in California
purchasing
Registered on 2007/11/06 23:42
Well that's a bummer that they aren't going to do WHF anymore. As for being bored with figures, I do get alittle bored with my girls and I try to rotate them whenever I get a chance. I've kept the boxes so nothing tragic happens to them in storage.
(ID #178566) Posted on 2008/05/01 02:20
gurugurutrex in Vancouver, B.C., Canada
オタク by moonlight, Graphic Designer by daylight
Registered on 2007/11/08 03:37
I used to buy a lot of GK when I was in highschool since I got loads of time after school to paint and build them. But not anymore no. Just don't have time to do it. I just buy the PVC figure instead.
I want the AmiAmi version Shana-chan! (@@.
(ID #178588) Posted on 2008/05/01 03:01
XSportSeeker in Brazil
Hikikomori
Registered on 2007/08/22 05:30
A pitty.
While I do get the appeal PVC figures has, being cheaper and all, lots of great kits will never be mass produced.

Only by these few pics, I can say that I'd buy at least 3 of them, even if it is more expensive than regular PVC (Lucky Star ones and Shana).

Also, garage kits are the origin of PVC figures right? If an event like this just closes, this means less people will be interested in doing them, so less options to the PVC market too.

Bummer...
(ID #178600) Posted on 2008/05/01 03:22
junq man in former superpower
trying to stay relevant
Registered on 2007/08/18 05:03
The availability of PVC prepaints is what caused me to stop making GK - it's pretty sickening to spend months of your life doing one of these things then seen it already built and painted in a bubble pack! Besides which PVCs are more durable and have resale value. Probably resin is going to survive for those obscure subjects which wouldn't sell as PVC.
(ID #178603) Posted on 2008/05/01 03:28
GundamJehutyKai in Foundation II Stellvia
IT Client Support
Registered on 2007/09/12 21:33
Resin still has the edge over PVCs.

PVCs still don't have a proper solution to leaning (unless they add a prop up bar) and Resin kits in general, still have more dynamic poses than PVC figures, although they are catching up.

Luckily, none of my resin kits have been turned to PVC so I'm quite happy about that.
(ID #179283) Posted on 2008/05/01 23:54
BeLe in Davao, Philippines
.NET/Web Developer
Registered on 2007/01/03 16:36
I want that millenium falcon. ^^  And no, I'll never get bored of figures. 
(ID #178625) Posted on 2008/05/01 04:05
syrix in U.S.
student
Registered on 2007/03/21 09:30
I second that ^^.
(ID #179017) Posted on 2008/05/01 15:21
Hakushaku in US(United Shame)
In Insanity Hell
Registered on 2008/03/13 03:33
What the Saber in bunny suit...I must be seeing things....
(ID #178628) Posted on 2008/05/01 04:12
thefrikking in Spain
Imperial Guard
Registered on 2007/08/18 06:30
Bored? As long as they keep doing things like show above, never!
(ID #178631) Posted on 2008/05/01 04:12
sammyb in Berkeley, CA, USA
Student
Registered on 2008/04/06 04:58
The death of WHF is unfortunate news. Just got into figures, so I don't want to see the scene dry up so soon!
Are those Lucky Star figures (Konata and Kagami) kits? Anyone know where to get those? They're really pretty.
(ID #178686) Posted on 2008/05/01 06:04
autumncanvas in usa
animator/director
Registered on 2008/05/01 06:59
i just bought my first figure (kureha) after seeing it on this site, and i dont think i could ever become bored of just staring at the awesomeness that my eyes behold!!!! ^_^
(ID #178705) Posted on 2008/05/01 07:12
darkguyver0 in texas
student
Registered on 2008/01/30 02:40
Its a shame when something like that comes to an end but like all things it will return :)
(ID #178724) Posted on 2008/05/01 08:26
D_Blade in Montreal
Non-profit org. volunteering work addict
Registered on 2006/12/31 22:48
Danny, from the two hypotheses you've mentioned, I have to say that the one talking about it not being profitable anymore seems the true reason...
As a personal fund-awareness customer (some would call me a stingy, but it's not that true), I'd just wait for PVC version of figures as well and in that respect never buy collector items, as I always believe that if you buy a second edition of it (not a second-hand one in that precise case), there is money left to buy other stuff that may come in handy or be enjoyable as well.

About WHF itself, I'm sure it will be replaced by an analogous event after a little while. No worries to have about it disappearing then.
(ID #178745) Posted on 2008/05/01 09:20
lsio83 in Boston
Student
Registered on 2007/11/25 06:34
The kits are nice. I'd get them if I'm rich.  They cost at least 100 USD when PVC is about half the price.  I'd rather get a PVC and use that half money to buy some health care products.
(ID #178784) Posted on 2008/05/01 10:16
シャキー in カナダ
Student~
Registered on 2007/0