Hello. Completely new to the hobby and seeking guidance.

[Vycem]

Hello,

So as the title says, I'm completely new to the hobby and I'll probably be asking all sorts of obnoxious noob questions. Don't get me wrong, I've been lurking this and other forums, and I've also been researching as much as possible online, but I could still use some guidance.

That and I kind of wanted to be able to talk about this with other people. Currently I'm feeling very self conscious because I'm a guy, and I hear there are other guys into this stuff, so here's hoping to let the nerd flag fly surreptitiously over the interwebs and get the reassurance.

I used to have action figures when I was a kid, but most of those are long gone, except for my collection of Babylon 5 action figures. I love the show hard, so even though the figures are really crappy and crude, what the hell.

During my college years I had a buddy that was a huge anime figure fan and he gave me two tiny PVC freebies. That got me down a rabbit hole. The guy was awesome. He was an embalmer so he got to live on top of the funeral home where he worked. He had converted the attic into a museum of anime figures. It was amazing.

After he set me down that path I veered away and got too busy going into the working world. I got into miniature wargaming because I thought the models were amazing and I really, really wanted to learn how to paint them. I became addicted to sites like http://www.coolminiornot.com and still try it.

I then drifted back to anime figures and also discovered garage kits - because hey, you get anime figures AND you get to paint them. Still have to learn that properly though.

That led me to sites like Figure.fm, where I started seeing dollies, but I ...err...I admit it. I thought it was weird. I thought the dolls looked amazing, but the concept of taking them to photo shoots and talking about "adopting them" made me nervous, so I did the guy thing and scoffed. Meanwhile, I discovered Figmas.

Those were a revelation. Anime figures! You can pose! In all sorts of cool ways! WITH PROPS!!

I know. Kettle: meet black, right?

I mean, hell, I even bought off of eBay a Japanese apartment for my figmas, which basically amounts to a fancy doll house.

Anyway, I was sitting here all smug about how I wasn't into dolls, while clicking on every photo shoot thread. You know. To make fun of them. Because I'm cool. Not because I really liked them or anything.

Then I saw it on AmiAmi: a preorder for a 1/3 Obitsu Azone Kuroneko "Hybrid Action Figure" as they label it. Yes, it has real hair, and articulated joints, and real clothes - but it's not a dollfie. It's a hybrid action figures. Besides, it has painted eyes, and according to Den Of Agels, it's CLEARLY not a doll (and how do I know that, you ask? Damn good question I'll masterfully dodge in 3...2...1...)

I love that character. I have a figma, I have the PVC of her dressed for the anime convention, I even have a preorder of her in the white outfit she wore on her first date on the light novels FOR THE SAME MONTH. So I clearly should not add on top of a $100 order an incredibly expensive 1/3 hybrid action figure. But I did.

So fine. Not a doll I told myself. Then something funny happened. I started researching proportions, comparative sizes to other obitsus and dollfies.

Then I caught myself window shopping online while at work. Because, you know, it would be totally awesome if I could recreate her school uniform. Buying a few articles of clothing doesn't make it a doll, right? And I mean, it doesn't hurt to stop by the art supply store and see if I can get the perfect color and material for the uniform's necktie.

Before I knew it, I started planning buying an alternate head so I could try glass eyes of her real eye color with glasses. Except I'm going to have to learn how to to her faceup, which makes me nervous. And wouldn't it be cool if I could make her outfits too? I mean, I have an amazon gift card lying around. Nothing wrong with buying a few books on sewing. Sewing is a useful life skill anyway. And I do have access to a sewing machine...

So here I am. It's ridiculous to lie to myself at this point. I just pre-ordered my first BJD. It's not a typical dollfie so the size has me all messed up for clothing purposes and have tons of questions. I don't know how to even begin with faceups. I read a bit from the care and maintenance section, and now I'm terrified of messing her up.

Anyway, I apologize for the the infobomb. I'm here to learn and maybe meet people I can talk to about BJDs. I guess I like pretty things, and it's really hard when you don't know many other people who do. I mean, my wife is incredibly understanding and supportive, and while she likes my anime figures (and thinks my figmas are really cool), she would never buy any herself. She's also a bit wary about the BJD thing, but she admits she just doesn't understand it. It doesn't help that Figure.FM has some NSFW photo shoots that gave her the wrong idea.

And my friends? Yeah. Try telling other young professionals that you suddenly discovered an interest in dolls and see how far that gets you.

Sometimes with hobbies you kind of want a community, you know?

And since everyone does it here, I'm from Florida, though I'm trying to move before the year ends.

[Evelien]

Welcome!! When I saw how big your post was, my initial thought was OMGTLDR; but it was a good read ^^. A very good read! I think you'll fit in just fine here. You should know, our most (in)famous Obitsu owner here is *gasp* a guy!
*points at K2*
... and may I URGE you to visit his subforum in particular:
viewforum.php?f=17
You just might love it.

[Yanagi-sen]

Welcome. There are lots of information threads, tips, tricks, etc. If you can't find what you are looking for (or don't even know WHAT you are looking for), feel free to ask away.

Babylon 5 figures... I'm totally jealous. I really loved that show too.

Many of us came in through anime/manga. All of my MSD (1/4 scale) boys are based off anime characters.

Face ups can be intimidating. But as long as you get the right supplies and follow some basic steps, you can remove one you aren't happy with and redo. You only get better with practice and don't feel bad if the first few don't turn out the way you envision. ^___^

[cookiesncream66]

hey and welcome im pretty new too but i think you will fit right in my obitsu named Haruko is based on a character i roleplay with that is anime *whispers * and she's a bitch too "hey!" ahh don't we all love haruko.

[Stormlight]

Welcome! Your post made me lol. Yay! Another one gets sucked in! You picked a great forum here. Everyone is very nice, with very little drama going on. I dunno much about figures. Only one of those I own is a black Escaflowne figure I got with my boxed set. But the hybrid you described sounds really neat. Post lotsa pics.

And no worries, you are definitely not the only guy here. There are at least two more lurking around on the forum. XD

[maywong]

Hi and welcome.

[kiki-chan78]

Woot!!! Welcome to the forum!!!! We need more vinyl-love in here. Also, hate to burst your bubble; 48cm Azone, it uses the 48cm obitsu body. Congrats, you bought a BJD. DoA might not be happy with *that* head, but use an eye-hole one, and it's totally postable there. ^__^

Yup, I agree with sending people to look at MAdhVinyl! Your wife should love it! If you're not careful, she'll want to put kittieh-ears on your girl because of the comic. Then again, kitty ears are adorable. ^.~

Careful though, BJDs tend to be like expensive little potato-chips. I can tell you for a fact that Yanagi-sen held out for about a year or so before succumbing to picking up a little friend for her first boy... then another... I think she's now at 5? That number is destined to go up. It always happens.

When I started, I first thought that I was only getting a really elaborate and large drawing mannikin. Then Omi showed up. Five large vinyl BJDs, and seven resins (or was that eight?) later... I've kind of given up.

<3

-Kiki-chan78.

[OkamiKodomo]

That and I kind of wanted to be able to talk about this with other people. Currently I'm feeling very self conscious because I'm a guy, and I hear there are other guys into this stuff, so here's hoping to let the nerd flag fly surreptitiously over the interwebs and get the reassurance.

[...]

And since everyone does it here, I'm from Florida, though I'm trying to move before the year ends.

Two things. What part of Florida? I'm located in Orlando, and we're always looking for more local dollfolks for our group. If it makes you feel better, one of our members is a guy... a cop, actually, and comes to the meets with his fiance. Last I saw him, he had a Dollshe on pre-order to be his Dungeons and Dragons character.

And second:



Oh, and I agree with kiki-chan.... these little buggers are addicting. I managed to acquire 6 dolls in one year. XD

[Vycem]

Thanks everyone! It's very nice to pseudo-meet you all.

@Evelien Thank you for the link! It took me a while to figure out what was going on. When I first saw the name of that subcategory, I just thought it was another company brand I hadn't heard about. D'OH. It looks pretty awesome! I'm going to have to read that whole thing in-depth, though it might take me a while since things are a bit crazy.
I saw from your profile that you're a teacher. That's awesome! I'm actually going through a bit of a career change. I'm currently a computer programmer, but I kind of like people so I'm moving to teaching myself - though secondary.
I also browsed through your LJ - I'm envious that you're at the point of making clothes and doing faceups yourself! I hope to get there eventually.

@Yanagi-sen Yeah, I really love Anime too. What characters do you have? Babylon 5 is one of my favorite sci-fi series. I just love how it's basically one continuous story, and while the first season is kind of weak, seasons 3 and 4 are nothing but pure payoff.
I saw on your profile that you're a teacher! As I mentioned to Evalien, I'm currently in the process of trying to become a teacher (in Texas though). What do you teach?

@cookiesncream66 Another Obitsu owner! What does Haruko look like? What kind of game do you RP in? I used to be into RPGs a while back but haven't had time in a while. Though I still have rulebooks for some, heh. I actually ran a D&D campaign for my friends after college, lasted about two years. It was great but very draining.

@Stormlight Thank you for the welcome! Is there a lot of drama in other BJD forums? I mean, how can you even have drama with BJDs? It's all about getting cool looking BJDs and making them look good. It's not exactly a competitive hobby! Though I guess there's always the potential. While lurking around DOA I did notice they were very specific as to what was okay and what wasn't.
I'll see if I can eventually work up the courage for pics. I'll probably wait until after I move though.
And I see you're another corporate grunt! Yes, the wheels of fate keep turning.
I saw that you have an LJ and you're working on writing. Was the BJD on your pic inspired by your writing or the other way around? How long have you been writing?

@maywong Thank you! And I love your avatar pic.

@kiki-chan78 Thank you! And yes, you caught me. I have officially purchased a BJD. I know you need to have the right connections to get into BJD so hopefully by the time I can earn entrance there I will have options. I do plan on getting an alternate head with eyeholes!
I haven't shown her MAdhVinyl, I need to finish it myself, heheheh.
Aaah! I know, I'm trying really hard to be good and just focus on one for now. Though I think I will eventually break down and get an original. Gah. This hobby IS expensive. If my wife found out how much the first one is costing me, she would be horrified. I think she suspects but doesn't really want to know.
What's the difference between the vynil and the resin other than material? Do they look substantially different?
I saw the link to your web comic! I most definitely have to read it. I'm a huge graphic novel fan, though I do follow a couple of web comics. It's so great that you can draw! I want to learn that some day. I bought myself a couple of books to learn to, and hope to devote some time to it when I'm able. How long have you been drawing for?

@OkamiKodomo Orlando! I'm in Miami, alas, though my sister and a really good friend live in Orlando so I go up there once in a while. You know, I keep finding cops in all sorts of hobbies! I do a lot of miniature war gaming and met a lot of cops that way too. Maybe next time I'm up there it'll coincide with a group event and I'll mosey on down there.
And yes, you make a very good point. Actually, most of the time I have no problem with the fact that I have a whole lot of nerd interests, and I have no shame about it. I guess the whole social stigma of gender roles made me nervous for this one.
6 in one year! Wow. Yeah...I have a bad feeling I'll be hitting a second one by xmas latest...
Also, I saw you had a link for fashions for sale! Sadly, that forum is currently Verboten for me until I get invited to the inner circle. Do you make the clothes? Do you happen to have any that would fit, I don't know, an obitsu 48 body? Heheheh


Off topic for everyone here: why is it so hard to get me to shop for clothes for myself, yet all of a sudden I care about BJD fashion and want to buy mine all sorts of outfits?

Seriously, I had an inner fight between buying a video game and buying doll clothes. And somehow, the video game *lost*.

[OkamiKodomo]

lol, I don't have any currently, but I'll PM you to discuss, if you'd like. There are a loooot of people here that make doll clothes, so you'll definitely find someone if I can't help... also, that link goes to my page over on Den of Angels. If you need an invite to DoA, I can give you one, or there's a few people here that hand those suckers out like candy. -coughcoughgreyhauntcough- If you have access to the market forums here, I highly recommend browsing it. ^_^

We have meet-ups near the University of Central Florida campus every month. We just had one yesterday, though we won't be having one for May, as I'll be out of town, and I'm the one that hosts them. Our next one is scheduled for June 30th. If you're a convention-goer, you can hit up Metrocon in June, over in Tampa. There's a panel scheduled, and I'm sure there will be a few meets between con-goers lol~