In today’s article, I get the chance to interview Philip Reed: the author of the upcoming “Transforming Collections” book, which will be a pictorial reference for current third party products. With all of the third party products that have been being announced, and the rapid releases seemingly becoming the new trend, this book is not only warmly welcomed, but well needed by the fandom!
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN COLLECTING TRANSFORMERS TOYS FOR?
My very first Transformers toy was in 1984 when I got Windcharger! I had several more over the years, with my collection rising and falling depending on life (as I am sure everyone can understand). Like most of the toys (and things) I collect I go in cycles, but the very first cycle started in the eighties. And I do still love the look and feel of the old Generation One toys.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF COLLECTING?
Definitely displaying the collection. I’ve now got nice lighting and shelving in the living room (and in my office at Steve Jackson Games) and getting a mass of toys setup and displayed is always fun. Seeing toys one at a time is cool and all, but getting several in one place makes me very happy. And there are some designs — CHUG Cyclonus! — that I have been trying to get in every released style. The same mold multiple times on one shelf really looks awesome.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE TRANSFORMERS LINES OR CHARACTERS?
I don’t so much collect lines as characters and designs. If it’s Shockwave or an Insecticon I’ve gotta have it (and this even applies to cheap transforming robot bugs; I just got a carded 1984 “Bug Bots” toy that I hope to open later tonight). What I like most about a Transformers toy is when the act of transforming it between modes is fun and not frustrating. I am not really a fan of the insanely complex toys (the only Masterpiece in my collection is Skywarp because he’s Skywarp). If I can’t transform a toy using muscle memory while on a conference call then it doesn’t get pulled off of the shelf often.
WHAT GOT YOU INTO COLLECTING THIRD PARTY TOYS? WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST PURCHASE?
The Quintesson Prosecutor. I couldn’t believe someone was making Quintessons, let alone obscure Quintessons, and the fun of that toy led me back to buying more and more third party toys. I first spotted it on some websites in late 2008 and took the risk and ordered one in early 2009. I am glad I grabbed it; all five of the “Quints” toys are proudly displayed in my living room.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BEGIN THIS PROJECT?
Many months ago I started having conversations with friends who would come over and ask: “What is that?” It was during a party at home that my brain first started churning through ideas for a book and then it took a long time to go from “I should create a book” to “I have a plan on how to create a book.” The idea behind this book is to give me the tool I needed the first time I started explaining the entire third party scene to a friend.
WHAT ARE SOME OTHER PROJECTS THAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY INVOLVED IN OR STARTING?
Well, I post reviews at my site — www.battlegrip.com — and at TFSource — www.tfsource.com. I’ve also started www.transformingcollections.com which will be slowly growing as I add material. That’s also where the PDF of the book will be available after it is released (the physical book will not be offered after the Kickstarter project closes). I also have a few ideas for other book projects, but I’m still thinking about them and don’t want to get too far ahead of myself; I first need to finish and release this book before I put too much thought into a second.
Thank you all for taking a moment to read this interview! If you’re intereseted in purchasing or contributing to this book, click here!
Also, check out some of Phil’s photography, which will be included in this book! Click the images to see larger resolutions as well as go to his Flickr to see more!
