Ethical Dilemma
I hate Wal*Mart. They are evil.
However...
Let me preface this by reiterating my love for Starscream. He's my favorite Transformer. The Masterpiece edition of this character is one of the finest pieces of toy engineering ever to grace this collector's shelf. The original Japanese edition was marred by only two things - a bizarre, anime-inacurate color scheme, and some sub-standard components used in a couple of the hinges/joints.
Well.
Hasbro has retooled the mold and is releasing an improved, anime accurate edition of this figure in the United States.
And it's a goodamn fucking Wal*Mart exclusive.
I've been able to avoid Wal*Mart exclusive Transformers in the past, either by importing them from Japanese retailers or passing on them altogether, but I don't think I'm going to be able to get away with that this time. As far as I know, this edition of the figure is only being released in the US, which means only through Wal*Mart.
The kicker? I paid over $100 for my original Japanese Masterpiece Starscream and while I don't regret a penny of it, it's still a chunk of change. The suggested MSRP for the new US edition? $59.99.
FUCK.
I hate compromising my principles. The only thing I can think of to make this right would be to make a donation to some anti-Wal*Mart advocacy group in the same amount (or more) as I spend at Evil Incorporated.
The one amusing irony is that, as an evil Decepticon, Starscream would probably insist on his likeness only being distributed through an institution that is harmful to humanity.
However...
Let me preface this by reiterating my love for Starscream. He's my favorite Transformer. The Masterpiece edition of this character is one of the finest pieces of toy engineering ever to grace this collector's shelf. The original Japanese edition was marred by only two things - a bizarre, anime-inacurate color scheme, and some sub-standard components used in a couple of the hinges/joints.
Well.
Hasbro has retooled the mold and is releasing an improved, anime accurate edition of this figure in the United States.
And it's a goodamn fucking Wal*Mart exclusive.
I've been able to avoid Wal*Mart exclusive Transformers in the past, either by importing them from Japanese retailers or passing on them altogether, but I don't think I'm going to be able to get away with that this time. As far as I know, this edition of the figure is only being released in the US, which means only through Wal*Mart.
The kicker? I paid over $100 for my original Japanese Masterpiece Starscream and while I don't regret a penny of it, it's still a chunk of change. The suggested MSRP for the new US edition? $59.99.
FUCK.
I hate compromising my principles. The only thing I can think of to make this right would be to make a donation to some anti-Wal*Mart advocacy group in the same amount (or more) as I spend at Evil Incorporated.
The one amusing irony is that, as an evil Decepticon, Starscream would probably insist on his likeness only being distributed through an institution that is harmful to humanity.