CAFAD (Chronic Action Figure Addiction Disorder): My Story
I suffer from this worrying condition at times in my life. It usually coincides with Star Wars movie releases.
I was fortunate to find a post on Youtube about a similar condition named ‘Acute Action Figure Addition Disorder (AAFAD). This certainly opened my eyes a little and allowed me to reflect on my own behaviour.
If you are interested in this subject or looking for help yourself, please take the time to watch this video in full*:
ACUTE ACTION-FIGURE ADDICTION DISORDER
So where did it all begin for me?
As with the unfortunate ‘Skeletor’ in the video, it started with my parents. An addiction is even more difficult to avoid or overcome when inflicted on you in your own home by your parents. My Mother loved the movies and many Star Wars toys were to be found under the tree at Christmas.
I recall distant memories of ripping plastic bubbles from card backs, in some cases tearing the card in half in order to get to the action figure. On occasion the item would spill out of the packaging and hit the floor. Within seconds I had reduced a rare, mint, A++, un-punched card action figure to a loose, played with example with a paint chip on its nose.
Years later while living in my own place, my parents dealt the final killer blow that sucked me in for what appears to be the rest of my life:
“We are throwing all of your stuff out of the attic and garage, if you want it, come and get it!”
What did I discover? Boxes of old Star Wars Action figures from the 80’s that provided an instant gateway back to my childhood. They were carefree days when I didn’t need to worry about bills, work stress and politics, or the ability to put on weight extremely quickly with very little effort.
I could immediately immerse myself back in that world where the continual violent struggle between ‘Hoth Luke Skywalker’ and ‘Random Stormtrooper’ was the order of the day.
This really set the scene, so what was the next step?
I hit eBay listings to take a look at market valuations for what was currently in my possession. Before long I was bidding on items that I could add to my collection, perhaps those missing pieces that I yearned for as a child.
I also attended ‘Midnight Madness’ (Billed Force Friday more recently) at the Warrington Toys R us to be one of the first to get my hands on the new ‘Revenge of the Sith’ line of action figures.
By the time that Celebration Europe 2007 came around, my finances were allowing me to stretch to those unopened vintage figures that can take you back to that frenzied moment as a child. However, this time they can remain unopened and that moment can last for as long as I want it to.
My love affair with eBay ended around this time when I placed a £40 bid for the much sought after ‘Blue Snaggletooth’ and I happened to win the auction. My money was taken and withdrawn from the sellers PayPal account, but the item was never forthcoming and eBay were not willing to refund the money.
I had also been subject to other issues such as reproductions and repaints over the years. I began to realise the market was fraught with risk due to the money involved and unscrupulous sellers.
So it was, with the Star Wars movies in hibernation and vastly reduced outlet to feed my addiction, my CAFAD was somewhat cured.
Then one fateful day in November 2014…
“There has been an awakening, have you felt it?”
Follow me on twitter @SW_Collector to view my collection and see updates on new items
*Youtube video courtesy of KillerTonk — Produced by Primordial Productions ©2009
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