Hikari Hand Numbering

[eastWOLF]

So I really love my growing hikari collections and Funko X MindStyle is doing great on these. I also love the numbered cards that come with each figure since they are personally hand numbered, but how "hand" numbered are they? On all the turtle hikaris I own (Metal Mix Leo, Tie Dye Leo and Pizza Power Mikey) the cards are clearly hand numbered based on the handwriting but with my Mystic Powers Skeletor and Garuda the numbers looked more typed up or stamped on.



When you put them together you can tell the difference.



IDK, maybe it depends on the line of hikari? Anybody have a Batman card they can show? Anyway, to me it feels a little unsincere if that is the case. I love the personal touch that a human provides but I guess it can get tiring just numbering 300, 500, 2000, 3000 and 5000 cards.

Anyone else have thoughts on this?

[agentaa]

Hmmm weird, I thought these were all supposed to be hand numbered. The turtles I believe were the first Hikari production release, I believe....someone can correct me if I'm wrong but maybe they changed it to the stamp later on for labor reasons...

[TulaBug]

Maybe Funko realized it would not be cost effective to hand number them.

[swind15]

I've noticed this with my Havok Skeletor and Mythos Creature too. It doesn't bother me either way to be honest.

Maybe there's a hand holding the stamp?

[AbelBeja]

I have all the Metallic TMNT's and they are hand numbered. I'm a little disappointed if it's gone from hand numbered to stamp numbered.

We'll see what happens with the other Hikari lines.

[TulaBug]

I have all the Metallic TMNT's and they are hand numbered. I'm a little disappointed if it's gone from hand numbered to stamp numbered.

We'll see what happens with the other Hikari lines.

Would the way they are numbered stop you from collecting them?

[Squird]

Made the change to prevent Carpal Tunnel. Even the Chinese have an OSHA.

[AbelBeja]

I have all the Metallic TMNT's and they are hand numbered. I'm a little disappointed if it's gone from hand numbered to stamp numbered.

We'll see what happens with the other Hikari lines.

Would the way they are numbered stop you from collecting them?

I'll still buy them as I like the line.

Just a bit misleading when it says hand numbered on the card and it's not.

[lovetheangels]

I would be more worried if there were multiple of the same numbers out there on the same piece.

[BlueberryWaffles]

I can confirm Pizza Power Mikey is hand-numbered.

[Charger14]

I would be more worried if there were multiple of the same numbers out there on the same piece.

Yep, sometimes those numbers don't add up.

[AbelBeja]

I would be more worried if there were multiple of the same numbers out there on the same piece.

Yep, sometimes those numbers don't add up.

That's worrysome

[TulaBug]

I have all the Metallic TMNT's and they are hand numbered. I'm a little disappointed if it's gone from hand numbered to stamp numbered.

We'll see what happens with the other Hikari lines.

Would the way they are numbered stop you from collecting them?

I'll still buy them as I like the line.

Just a bit misleading when it says hand numbered on the card and it's not.

I understand. Scott and I were at Toy Fair and the unveiling of these were in different packaging with each Hikari having it's own light. I remember thinking how awesome that was going to be. It never came to fruition but I have learned that there are many great ideas that are not always feasible.

[hpellot]

The newer omes I have noticed seem not to be hand numbered

[BigM]

I think hand numbering them would take a long time...
It doesn't bother me either way. I like that each one is individually numbered though.

[sclarke03]

To me hand-numbered isn't as important as individually-numbered. I'm still too chicken to open up my turtle to find out which one I got.

[eastWOLF]

To me hand-numbered isn't as important as individually-numbered. I'm still too chicken to open up my turtle to find out which one I got.

Wait, what's the difference (seriously)?

[cliffd64]

I don't care if they change this... but if they do, Funko needs to change the standard product descriptons they provide to retailers that claim it's hand numbered. Every description on almost every retailer site mentions this ... like so:

http://www.hottopic.com/hottopic/Funko/ ... 257011.jsp

[funkystark]

To me hand-numbered isn't as important as individually-numbered. I'm still too chicken to open up my turtle to find out which one I got.

Wait, what's the difference (seriously)?

He means he doesn't care if it's stamp 111/240 or if someone physically hand writes 111/240, aslong as it's clearly a number piece in a run.

And I agree with Cliff if we are getting away from someone physically hand writing the numbers the description needs to be changed.

[eastWOLF]

To me hand-numbered isn't as important as individually-numbered. I'm still too chicken to open up my turtle to find out which one I got.

Wait, what's the difference (seriously)?

He means he doesn't care if it's stamp 111/240 or if someone physically hand writes 111/240, aslong as it's clearly a number piece in a run.

And I agree with Cliff if we are getting away from someone physically hand writing the numbers the description needs to be changed.

Okay that clears it up and yeah I agree, if they're not actually hand numbered they should change the description.

[bobbleboy]

Personally, I wish I could see the production number without opening the package. I haven't opened any of mine yet (that don't come in coffins), but I'm so curious...

[mindblowin02]

I agree with bobble boy, I would rather see the numbering easier.

[CanDMan47]

This isn't about hand-written or stamped numbering, just numbering in general. Are all Hikari numbered? The one I've bought is a 1/1500, so inside it should say something like 967/1500? And the same with all? Are there any non-limited editions? I guess they can only have the item number not the factor, so that kinda answers that part. I'm going to take mine out of box the next time I rearrange my collection (this week sometime), so I'll see mine. But how important is it for you to know your number, or the number if you're buying one. Of course 1/???? I imagine is highly sought, what about the last in line? What else would you want the number for? Anything else you can tell a novice collector about numbered pieces?

[AbelBeja]

Are all Hikari numbered? The one I've bought is a 1/1500, so inside it should say something like 967/1500? And the same with all? Are there any non-limited editions?

All Hikari's are a Limited Edition run which is the "main attraction" for them compared to the other lines. They will all have a sticker on the front of the box saying what the run size is, eg. 500, 1000, 1500, 5000.

Inside the box there is a card like the photos above saying the number out of the total run number. The TMNT ones were all hand written. The newer Hikari's look like a stamp is being used but the card still says "hand numbered".

I prefer the item number not to be shown on the front of the box as people who buy them from stores will go for the lowest number possible. I like the random factor of it and you buy it knowing it can be any number.

I believe #1 in the production line were given away through competitions on Funko's instagram account on Fridays. Not sure if they're still giving away the #1's or a random numbered one now though.

Also, the Chinese "dirty/protos" Hikari's for sale do not come in boxes and are outside the official production number.

[eastWOLF]

This isn't about hand-written or stamped numbering, just numbering in general. Are all Hikari numbered? The one I've bought is a 1/1500, so inside it should say something like 967/1500? And the same with all? Are there any non-limited editions? I guess they can only have the item number not the factor, so that kinda answers that part. I'm going to take mine out of box the next time I rearrange my collection (this week sometime), so I'll see mine. But how important is it for you to know your number, or the number if you're buying one. Of course 1/???? I imagine is highly sought, what about the last in line? What else would you want the number for? Anything else you can tell a novice collector about numbered pieces?

They are all numbered except for the Jiangshi Hopping Ghost Sheriff, that one didn't have a card.
Yes there'll be a card at the bottom ________ of ________ telling you the number.
Like I said before it's not the defining factor if I buy a hikari but if a company boast "hand numbering" then they should all be hand numbered. Personally for any collectibles I buy and it's a numbered run I always like to know what number I got. The number doesn't matter much (except that one time I got an error piece statue) I just like it.

[funkystark]

I am personally favorable to pieces that are numbered 420

[AbelBeja]

I am personally favorable to pieces that are numbered 420

[CanDMan47]

Also, the Chinese "dirty/protos" Hikari's for sale do not come in boxes and are outside the official production number.

Ok, this is making me a little nervous. I'm currently the high bidder with a few hours to go. The money won't break me, but I don't want it if it's not official. I know you aren't looking at them or know which im bidding on, etc, but are you saying some of these aren't Funko? How can I tell before bidding? How will I tell if it's reaI if I "win" and end up with it? Can I PM you a few I'm watching that end in a couple days to get your opinion on their authenticity?

I am personally favorable to pieces that are numbered 420

That's funny, right there,

[funkystark]

CanDMAn47

It's not that they aren't real Funko, they were made by Funko but deemed to be a reject for what ever reason. Somethings that have been noticed are uneven distubution of glitter, really heavy in spots and non existant in others or I've seen creatures with two left arms. These were tossed and not to be sold but one way or another have been found and listed on ebay.

So it's not that you are buying something that isn't Funko, you are buying something that should have never been released nor are they counted towards those official sticker numbers we see.

Hope that help

[sclarke03]

Also, the Chinese "dirty/protos" Hikari's for sale do not come in boxes and are outside the official production number.

Ok, this is making me a little nervous. I'm currently the high bidder with a few hours to go. The money won't break me, but I don't want it if it's not official. I know you aren't looking at them or know which im bidding on, etc, but are you saying some of these aren't Funko? How can I tell before bidding? How will I tell if it's reaI if I "win" and end up with it? Can I PM you a few I'm watching that end in a couple days to get your opinion on their authenticity?

I am personally favorable to pieces that are numbered 420

That's funny, right there,

Here's an example, so you know what to avoid:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Funko-Hikari-TM ... 20ef3317af

[lovetheangels]

Should I cancel my bid on this one???

[BigM]

I dont think the actual number matters at all. They're all limited and I would say at least half the people will not open theirs so we may never know who has 1 or 500. As long as there isn't two #1s it's ok.

[CanDMan47]

Well, I "won". It doesn't look good for me.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/331354549746?_ilink&_trksid=p2060778.m570.l4459&_trkparms=gh1g%3DI331354549746.N9.S1.M-74.R1.TR6

If it's not a good piece, maybe I can use it as, oh, something. Is there a market for proto pieces, for real, non faking purposes? Or maybe I can get into customs, .

And worse case, I learned something today.

[AbelBeja]

Congrats :P

I would suggest contacting the seller and asking them to put it in a box for shipping. Some people have said they put it in an envelop which isn't safe.

[CanDMan47]

Congrats :P

I would suggest contacting the seller and asking them to put it in a box for shipping. Some people have said they put it in an envelop which isn't safe.

Lol, thanks I guess on the win congrats!

I love sarcasm, and jokes that call back from previous, unrelated conversations. I think call back jokes (that's what I've called them for a long time) are the best jokes. But I'm not sure if you are making a call back, or not. Not knowing you other than from here, or being able to see your facial expressions, or hear your voice inflections, how could I know. But there is this.
http://www.funkofunatic.com/viewtopic.php?f=62&t=53533

I've ordered from these guys several times now, and have recieved every thing in boxes. This is the first time I've had this. And they get one chance to make it right. Wow.

So, if it's a call back,

If not, I'll definitely try to catch them before the send it.

[AbelBeja]

It wasn't a callback? Never heard that term before...

I was being serious... and seeing how you've experienced getting funkos in an envelop before I didn't want you to experience it again.

I bought two dirty Hikari's, the Blaze Spider-Man and New Dimension Spider-Man and made sure they sent it in a box. They responded and said they would. They held their word and it arrived in a box.

[CanDMan47]

Yeah, I think I made the term up, but the joke form isn't new.

I contacted them last night asking for a box. We'll see if I get one. The delivery date is range starts on my birthday, so hopefully China will send me a good present.

Thanks once again (does anyone get tired of being thanked, especially by the same person, over and over? You seem to answer most of my questions lately). Whatever the outcome on this one, I think I'll still be on the look out for a more "real?" "traditional?" proto in a few weeks.

[CanDMan47]

Just got this.

Hi,my friend,how are you !
Thanks for your buying .

It will be put into a small box and then put into a shipping bag .

Thanks !

At least it's something

[Squird]

I wouldn't feel bad about buying the Hikari 'proto'. I think they're fun and have been trying to win one of the Batman for myself. Thankfully there's been a lot of scrap pieces so every auction that closes is pretty much relisted within a day or two.

When you're bidding on these pieces from Chinese sellers, don't spend a lot of money on them. 40 bucks ought to be the ceiling on these. By that standard, you did alright.

All that matters is that you enjoy it.

[AbelBeja]

Thanks once again

Nps

At least it's something

haha