It's official....I'm finally ready to jump in w/ my first FL purchase
. I've been sitting on the outskirts admiring FL's creative excellence and company model (has FL grown fast or what?!?!.... I must say this is quite a feat given the economic times and all the formidable, entrenched competition). I've always known it was just a matter of time before I would add FL's work to my collection. With the unveiling of the Crusader line there is no longer any vacillation and hesitation on my part.
I've always felt that FL's style was so special that I should wait until they touched on one of the subjects that I am truly most interested in. It's similar to how I feel about Aeroart. I don't want to get into a comparison between the two outfits (and I couldn't do it anyways because I don't own any FL pieces, yet) but I just wanted to say purchases of this ilk and corresponding monetary magnitude for me are limited and are therefore more selectively studied than most. [I know FL cost much less than Aeroart...I just wanted to point out that, for me personally there is different purchasing philosophy when it comes to higher end figures. And although FL is much more affordable than Aeroart, their high quality brings a higher price than average compared to most other manufacturer's, hence a reason for me at least to weigh my purchases carefully, especially knowing how things can "get away from me at times"
. ]
Saying that, I have been anxious to add FL's work to my collection. I must say, it was hard not to jump in w/ those WWII Russians and Germans, and perhaps I will someday add some of those to my collection. But that was not quite a "red, center bullseye" for me in terms of my favorite subjects; it was more of a "green, fringe bullseye", so to speak. And I don't mean this in a negative sense, just in terms of my own personal, ideal interests.
Then came the Samurai.....what can you say? Simply amazing artistry, but there again, I don't collect that era/realm (but the figures are so good, I really had to think about it
). I've jumped in hot and heavy before w/ other manufacturer's debuts (who hasn't?
) and I've learned to have a little restraint (more like
had to learn, LOL!). I've found that I enjoy my purchases much more now as I tend to make fewer purchases. The buys I make now tend to be far less impulsive and are very carefully considered and selected and perhaps more thoroughly enjoyed w/ this added restraint.
...Then came the Civil War and American Revolution ranges. I don't collect Civil War but I think it I have to acquire at least some of the AWI figures, but I still had yet to pull the trigger....
I decided to just wait a little longer for FL to perhaps produce some Romans, Greeks, 100 Years War Knights (or any knights for that matter) or Crusaders (among a few other potential ranges of my prime interests). Well, the time has come!
The Crusades are definitely amongst my passions and these figures have stirred them indeed. So for any supporters of FL who have had to wade through any of my past complimentary posts regarding FL yet wondered if and when I'd ever actually make a purchase....well, the time has arrived, and I'm quite excited to join the ranks. I'm putting my money where my mouth is at last.
In the end, two things helped guide me to this point: 1) My one and only experience seeing FL figures "in the flesh" was a complete set of the Bavarian's in someone else's collection. Needless to say, I was quite impressed. 2) The many fine, informative comments I have read from FL collectors here in this forum. So thank you to you guys collectively, especially Gebhard.
Congratulations to FL on what is certain to be a popular, fast-moving, lucratively and creatively rewarding line. The initial Crusaders look absolutely stellar in the pics, and I'm looking forward to incorporating them into my collection.
Joe