Repro boxes: Opinions ?

[warlock664]

Hey guys, I've just started reacquiring the Mego WGSH in loose/mint shape (all original accessories), after having sold off my collection of both loose and MIB Megos a few years back. Now, I'm not sure I'll ever be able to justify putting together another MIB set, so I was wondering what the opinion is on Repro boxes as a display option?
I bought a Supergirl repro box several years ago, and was pretty unhappy with the quality. The box lacked any glossiness and stuck out like a sore thumb. Has there been any improvement in box reproduction in the last few years? Any thoughts on who produces the best-looking repro boxes? There's currently an ebay seller (batcavetoys) that offers a range of box and Kresge-card repros, has anyone here had any experience with their product ?
Thanks in advance for any comments and opinions.

[mego73]

I can only speak for my own boxes which I started doing because the repro boxes I got were like yours. With the stuff I do, I can tell you I've worked hard to get it to look and feel like a new, colorful factory made box. From the glossiness to the working to get rid of stress cracking along the folds.

BTW, Batcavetoys is Toyroom on this forum and I've never seen his stuff up close, but many love his stuff as well. Maybe you ought to get a trial piece from each of us to see which you prefer.

I sent you a PM with pics of my stuff.

Mike

[Meule]

Batcavetoys is our own Anthony (thetoyroom), I've got dozens and dozens of his boxes and I can guarantee you won't be disappointed. He's honest, he does quality work, he's a great guy and he can make pretty much anything you can imagine.

[hobub]

I like Mike's boxes. I've done up a couple repro boxes myself but to get the quality I want, I'd much rather pay someone else to do them who is versed in the area (like building a pool or deck, if they do allot of them they tend to be second nature, not with me though). I haven't tried Anthony's but I've seen them and the look very nice as well.

[Lynn TXP 0369]

I love Mikes boxes and have getten several. I still want to get some more from him for a few I need.
Lynn

[jasonmego1277]

I can speak for myself and say love the repro boxes. I get mine from Mego73
and they are great. I haven't gotten any from Toyroom , but I hear his are great too. I have started repackaging all my minty loose Mego's and they look almost exactly like they came directly from the factory. Considering they are not expensive you could always try them out for yourself.

[SUP-Ronin]

I don't think you can go wrong with either of the fellas mentioned already. There are many examples of their work in the Finished Customs gallery. I eventually want boxes for many of my Original Megos, and Customs. I think it's a great way to display them, and helps keep them clean and protected.

[warlock664]

Repro boxes

Thanks for all the input; I'm gonna order a few from both Mike and Anthony. They look great.
As much as I'd love to put together another all-original MIB set, it probably won't happen overnight, if at all. The repros look great and will serve for now.
Jay

[SlipperyLilSuckers]

I have boxes I like from both Mike and Anthony, and am happy with all of them. Mike's are more glossy...if that's what you are after. Both great guys to work with.

[The Toyroom]

Mike's are more glossy...if that's what you are after.

That's an inaccurate statement...I've been using a new printing process for about the last year ...Boxes have a natural glossy look (i.e. no glossy spray finish is used-it's all in the paper) ...and prices have remained the same.

[The Bat]

My biggest question on who makes the BEST Boxes & Cards is...which ones are the right thickness? I once boght one(not from either of these Guys), that was really THIN...and of poor quality. I want Repro Boxes that are sturdy...like I believe the originals were?

[The Bat]

Personally...for the low price these Guys charge, I'd rather pay a Pro! Also...I'm not into Clamshells. I like to seal them up in the Bubble...just like Mego did!

[mego73]

My biggest question on who makes the BEST Boxes & Cards is...which ones are the right thickness? I once boght one(not from either of these Guys), that was really THIN...and of poor quality. I want Repro Boxes that are sturdy...like I believe the originals were?

The problem with thicker backing is that it causes stress cracking. So the trick is finding a happy medium between thickness and good looking folds so mine are not quite as thick as a real Mego but probably thicker than that other one you got. It also helps that the boxes are reinforced with an insert (almost all of them anyway).

Stress cracking (and protection from being handled) is the reason why I give it a once over with a finish even though the paper is already glossy(the insert, made from the same paper gets no additional finish). The finish, I found helps against print cracking at the edges (although sometimes it still happens).

[Meule]

Personally...for the low price these Guys charge, I'd rather pay a Pro!

Amen to that

Also...I'm not into Clamshells. I like to seal them up in the Bubble...just like Mego did!

I prefer boxes, so you can still take the figure out whenever you want

[ThatBatmanGuy]

I don't make repro boxes. I leave that to The Toyroom and Mego73.

I do make custom boxes for all my custom figures. I don't use paper either. I print on white vinly. It's the same stuff I make my decals out of. Outdoor grade inks and vinly. The inks actually burn into the vinly. Nice gloss finish that's waterproof with built-in UV protection. All done on a very special printer. Not one that you can pick-up at your local wally world. It's been awhile since I checked, but these printers start at 10Gs.

Bob