№1: My Writing Plan + The Optimus Prime Studio Series 86 Action Figure
Entry Number One
My Writing Plan
With life’s daily responsibilities seemingly coming from all angles, finding the time to write (not to mention getting into that proper headspace) can be quite a challenge.
But not impossible.
Especially, if one were so inclined to be flexible.
With this aforementioned flexibility in mind, a writing medium that immediately appealed to me comes from sportswriter and published author Joe Posnanski. Using the Substack app (or possibly on Substack.com via an open browser in his phone), Posnanski wrote—in real time—an on-the-spot narrative of the Washington, D.C. Pen Supershow.
As I glossed over Posnanski’s post, my thoughts shifted towards this singular question, “How can I could put my own spin on his writing method?” Perhaps using an internal writing style on top of Posnanski’s on-the-spot narrative? Well, time will tell as to how this exercise will eventually go considering that the focus of these posts will be on my musings and writings. (Themes centering on toy acquisitions, notable finds, movies, and other trivial things that tend to fall through the proverbial cracks.)
In a recently writing retreat that I attended in early September 2024, it was suggested that in order to build a consistent writing habit, one should—at the very least—write down “three pages” prior to starting their day. At the onset, this would most certainly be a tall order for me since my days get really busy starting 5:45 am. That said, it is my hope that my writing exercise—in conjunction with the use of the Substack app—will help elevate the frequency of my posts as well as provide those much needed (and desired) writing reps.
Or at least…that’s the plan.
Beyond Good. Beyond Evil. Beyond your Wildest Imagination.
Here is a little bit of personal trivia: There was a time in my life when I memorized all of the lines in the 1986 animated film—The Transformers: The Movie.
True story.
Well, it was what I thought every 80’s kid would likely do or at the very least be somewhat familiar with. A kid without the hypnotic lure of the internet and armed ONLY with an abundance of time, a Betamax, and the aforementioned movie. Without question, The Transformers Movie (1986) had such a big impact on me that in 2018, I even snuck it into a scene in my comic book (Lindol #3 | 2018).
Which brings us to the present: September 29, 2024.
Prime Time
When I first heard that Hasbro was finally going to release this screen-accurate version of Optimus Prime (Specifically, The Transformers: The Movie Studio Series 86-31 Commander Class Optimus Prime Action Figure), I knew immediately that I would be getting it.
I just didn’t know that last Sunday was going to be that day.
So, here it is.
For any fan of The Transformers (TF), the face of the packaging immediately brings back—one of—if not the highest moment of the movie: The cavalry coming in to save the day.
I am also anticipating that with the release of the charismatic Autobot Leader, TF collectors who have been shying away from the screen accurate The Transformers: The Movie Studio Series line will now start backtracking and procure previously released figures.
I’m fairly confident that I am not alone in that assessment.
The cheapest Bumblebee that I could find
As any toy collector will probably tell you, there are three primary factors to take into consideration when looking for a toy/action figure/collectible in the secondary market: Desirability, Availability, and Price.
High Interest + Low Supply = Inordinately High Prices.
Such was the case with The Transformers: The Movie Studio Series 86-29 Deluxe Class Bumblebee Action Figure.
Released in the first week of August 2024, Bee has long since flown off retailer shelves and the few remaining stocks that I did find in the local secondary market had a eye popping markup of about 24% to an astounding 60% of the Suggested Retail Price (SRP).
Fortunately, I found one that didn’t hurt too much.
Here is a photo of my brother and I posing with our Prime’s. You know, I can‘t think of any other time when we purchased the exact same thing at the exact same time.
Next on Musings: The stars have seem to aligned for Monsters Inc. and The Incredibles + The passing of Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo (June 25, 1966 - September 30, 2024) ■
About
Tedi Gustilo Villasor, Ph.D. is a former columnist for Baby Magazine (Philippines) as well as a past contributor to NBA.com/Philippines. His other works include the indie comic books Lindol and OBIsessions.
Click here for more information on his work as a psychologist.
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