My animated collection, what's left for me.

[UltraMarginal]

Hey everyone, This thread is inspired by the other of a very similar name.

So I never particularly got into animated, mainly because I didnt' have a regular source of watching it. and I didn't want to branch my collecting due to expected expense.

I purchased a few figures, I got Jazz and Prowl, and the prime megs two pack. and Lockdown and Lugnut to even out the sides.

That was going to be it, but now I have been to botcon and I've got all the exclusives, and my Animated shelf is a bit lopsided. In the months leading up to Botcon I picked up a couple extras here and there because I figured they were cheap and I might need them to even out the battle at the end of the day.

Now though, I'm not too far from getting a fairly complete set together. I don't really want too many repaints, I've never really been into re-paints.

Sooo, I have the following:

Leader Autobot:


Bulkhead (MIB)

Voyager:

Wreckgar(MIB)

Deluxe:

Optimus Prime
Prowl
Jazz
Fisitron
Autotrooper
Autotrooper
Autotrooper
Cheetor
Minerva
Sideswipe
Sentinal Prime (MIB)
Ratchet Earth mode (MIB)


Leader Decepticon:


None

Voyager:


Lugnut
MotorMaster
Toxitron
Longarm/Shockwave (MIB)

Deluxe:


Megatron
Soundwave with Laserbeak
DragStrip
Dead End
WildRider
Breakdown
Lockdown


The above is what I have, a couple still coming back from BotCon in a box. Ratchet yet to be shipped from eBay.
here is a current picture not including the MIB figures which I'm more inclined to re-sell if I end up with conflicting numbers or change my mind about anything from now on.

http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l541/UltraMarginal/UltraMarginals%20Transformers%20collection/223838.jpg

So I'm thinking of getting the following to flesh it out:

Leader

Ultra Magnus

Voyager

Blackout
Blitzwing
SkyWarp/Starscream

Deluxe

Swindle (repaintedand a new head sculpt to
make it an outback.)


Swindle

I also have a hotrod and Cybertron Ironhide that I got in the states, still MIB, I'm not particularly keen on keeping them though as they were not key characters and I prefer the exclusive repaints. If I kept these I'd potentially have to get Oil slick and Black Arachnia to even it up.

Maybe a

BumbleBee and

Wasp to round it out

I'm a bit interested in leader Megs and Ultimate Prime. And I am curious about the cybertron mode prime. but I think I'm happy to leave these three.

I'm not particularly interested in Arcee, Blurr, cybertron ratchet or Ironhide, Sunstorm or blackarachnia.
I am curious about the dinobots, but I'm not fussed.

What do Animated collectors think of this plan? Am I missing out on any particularly good molds? Is there a particularly bad mold that I should consider swapping out for another character.
at the moment, I'm still unsure whether to count the auto troopers as 1 or 3, the other 2 are in a box still on the way from Botcon.

If anyone has any of these in box for sale I would be interested in picking them up, I'm spewing I didn't get Magnus for 35 last year when it was on sale everywhere.


Anyway, I'd love a bit of feedback/food for thought. I'm not a completist per se, though I'd love to feel like I have a complete set of Animated figures.

[liegeprime]

hmmm, Considering your not a completist... that understandable, BUT if you ever watched the whole series S1 - 3 - all available in youtube btw ( it's where I watched all the episodes) :D:D Then you'd prolly consider at least getting all the ones that did appear (even a short one) in the series.

Animated only produced a finite amount of characters which only a finite number got translated into toys ( collectors are still hoping fro a Supreme Class Omega Toy:(:(). Oh and don't count the dissapointing cancellation so - deluxe wasp - nope, highly unlikely youd find any at all :(


So, IMO, if you can complete the collection by getting the ones that did appear (even cameo ones) you still wont be spending much IMO. Just avoid the pointless recolours and stick to just one sizing scheme - like Lockdown. The first release would be enough. Ratchet - no need for the Cyb alt mode. BUmblebee - Activator is better in size scale than the Deluxe version really. Dont forget Soundwave and Blackout. These molds are quite fun and well hope that helps.

Yeah that would be it get one of each mold - follow a proper sizing when choosing which version to get for that character - as well as get the colorversion that appeared in the series (as much as possible) and youve got yourself a complete Animated line to enjoy.

[UltraMarginal]

I forgot to add, that in preparation for bot con I managed to watch all 3 seasons through a special download service...
I will definitely be buying the 3 season box set when it is eventually released.

I guess you are right about all the show appearances, there are only a few on the list that I'm not going to have by the time i'm done, might as well finish it all off. Just not a fan of repaints, it's just that in this case I got the re-paints first.

[liegeprime]

Repaints of an existing mold but a different character altogether is ok. but getting something like Lockdown who I think has 4 versions is just wasteful hehehe unless you can find the new attachment by itself on sale (prolly ebay) then I say just stick to one version your happy with :D

Yeah, you hit the nail on what I was trying to point out, there only a few more figures left when you do get what you wanted so finish the series off and enjoy the whole collection - complete and all heheheh - Ill post up a pic of my collection ( autos and deceps) so you can see just how small the series line really is anyways. Will give you a reference of (almost proper) sizing wise too I hope. Sans Botcon ones - I dont have any heheeh:p


Autobots

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb313/liegeprime/DSC00473.jpg

Decepticons

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb313/liegeprime/DSC00474.jpg

[LordCyrusOmega]

At the end of the day it's what ever makes you happy. I avoided activators unless it was for a character that didn't get a larger toy ( Dirge, Thundercracker and Cliffjumper.
Repaints are ok but not essential. I have a few and they routinely come off the shelves.
Toys of note:
Soundwave + Laserbeak (because it's Soundwave)
Electrostatic Soundwave + Ratbat ( I got the Takara version which look better IMO)
Safeguard (interesting combined mode)
Dinobots (just nice moulds though a bit simple)
Waspinator and Blackarachnia

[i_amtrunks]

Just get what makes you happy and is affordable.

Some figures worth getting would be Voyager Bulkhead (not well scaled, but an excellent figure), Activator Bumblebee, Sentinel Prime and Oil Slick (a great figure).

You can easily avoid most of the figures you mentioned you had no interest in, but keep Rodimus, he is one of the best figures in the entire line.

[iceburn]

yeap..whatever you are happy with. too bad for me, i try collecting them MISB/MOSC first then have additional as spares...

you might wanna look into getting Animated Activators? most of them are awesome

[The_Damned]

cybertron mode optimus prime is one of the better transformers out of animated

[JuzMel]

Yup whatever takes your fancy - but I kinda like the idea as liege in collecting only those that did appear in the cartoon. At least that's all what I do for my other lines as well. Unless of course you particularly like a figure / character that's didn't appear in the cartoon. Re-paints are kinda the company's way of making extra money.

Like Icy says, Activators are cool and fun! They pop out with a click of the button! :D

[Paulbot]

Ultra Magnus is my favourite Animated toy so I would definitely recommend it without hesitation.

I don't like Voyager Starscream (or Skywarp) that much but he's an important character. Voyager Shockwave (either grey or purple) is a more interesting toy.

I think Legends Bumblebee is a really nifty legends figure, but if scale's a concern the activator one is better, and it's one of the best activators too. The best Wasp toy was never released but made by one of our members (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=7042) using the activator Bumblebee.

If you do go for the Dinobots try and get the Japanese ones. I picked up all three while in Hong Kong because they are the only ones in my opinion where the shiny paint looks both subtle and right. But the toys themselves aren't that great all up.

As The Damned and i_amtrunks said, Cybertronian Optimus Prime and Oil Slick are pretty good figures.

Some top toys of the year threads from when the toys were originally out (2008 (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=3115), 2009 (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=6509)) might help with decision making too.

[UltraMarginal]

Thanks everyone for the constructive input, I do have an activators ratchet and Starscream, they are quite neat but I don't feel a need to get any others.

I'm going to have a look at those toy of the year threads for sure. there are some great deals on ebay at the moment for both the Aus and Japanese releases. I guess our dollar helps.:D

Are there any stinkers that anyone would definitely steer clear of? not counting loose joints, I'm not afraid of applying a bit of nail varnish to ball joints to tighten them up.

[liegeprime]

If you can try and find activators soundwave (goodluck with that though) as you can make a little army (mebbe of 3) to represent his "mini me's" in one of the episode. I tried but as you can see it was veeeeeeery hard trying to locate even that one at the time (still not giving up though). As for what to avoid well not really avoid but do take care with Blitzwing, Gok has had a string of bad luck with the figure breaking a tab somewhere (can't really remember) til he finally resorted to getting the Jap version. All in all the line is pretty decent.

[loophole]

i highly recommend leader Megatron he is just pure awesome, one of my favourite animated figures

[Paulbot]

Are there any stinkers that anyone would definitely steer clear of?
I think you could safely avoid Jetfire/Jetstorm (Safeguard). Pretty boring robot modes and jet modes... it's just the novelty of the combined robot form really that those figures have going for them.

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

Yeh, I secomd the Jetfire/Jetstorm comment. They were probably the most disappointing figures.

I thought Voyager Megatron was pretty bad too.

Definitely need a Leader Megs though, and Magnus. They were both winners in my book!!

[i_amtrunks]

I think you could safely avoid Jetfire/Jetstorm (Safeguard). Pretty boring robot modes and jet modes... it's just the novelty of the combined robot form really that those figures have going for them.

Third the Jet combo. I bought mine second hand really cheap from Skyshadow (I think) and am glad I paid unders for them.

Starscream was not a great toy, but such a central character. Blitzwing was also underwhelming, but I love mine. The Dinobots are also not the best figures, personally I like them, but I am not blind to their faults, simplistic robot modes, boring transformations and mostly bland detailing.

[KaRNiV8L PRiME]

And collection is not complete without the rainmakers :)

[UltraMarginal]

And collection is not complete without the rainmakers :)

I recognise sun storm and acid storm but who is the third and have they been custom painted?

[KillinSpoon]

If you are after a leader Megatron, I have one MISB somewhere that I would like to get rid of. :/

The other one is 'Icestorm' iirc and yes, they are custom paintjobs.

[Shirokaze]

All I can say is holy #@$% I didn't realise you had a Minerva. It would be such a waste not to collect all the animated figs, because she makes you 1 of less than 100? in the world that will ever have the opportunity for a 100% complete Animated collection.

Not that I'm trying to sway you or anything, just putting it out there :p

[KaRNiV8L PRiME]

I recognise sun storm and acid storm but who is the third and have they been custom painted?

i believe they call the 3rd rainmaker Hydrostorm

[UltraMarginal]

All I can say is holy #@$% I didn't realise you had a Minerva. It would be such a waste not to collect all the animated figs, because she makes you 1 of less than 100? in the world that will ever have the opportunity for a 100% complete Animated collection.
Not that I'm trying to sway you or anything, just putting it out there :p

Yea, minerva and the other botcon exclusives is a large part of the reason I'm going down this path. Though I think I'm going to stick to a definitive/preferred version of each character instead of one of everything.

[UltraMarginal]

If you are after a leader Megatron, I have one MISB somewhere that I would like to get rid of. :/And

The other one is 'Icestorm' iirc and yes, they are custom paintjobs.


And how much would said leader megs be selling for?

[KaRNiV8L PRiME]

These are what I constitute as complete animated

Deluxe Class
Cybertron Mode Optimus Prime
Bumblebee
Lockdown
Prowl
Blackarachnia
Autobot Ratchet
Autobot Jazz
Oil Slick
Snarl
Soundwave with Laserbeak
Swoop
Elite Guard Bumblebee
Sentinel Prime
Blazing Lockdown
Blurr
Swindle
Waspinator
Samurai Prowl
Electrostatic Soundwave with ratbat
Freeway Jazz
Fugitive Waspinator (unreleased)

Voyager Class
Bulkhead
Cybertron Mode Megatron
Starscream
Earth Mode Optimus Prime
Grimlock
Lugnut
Blitzwing
Shockwave/Longarm (Grey)
Skywarp
Wreck-Gar
Atomic Lugnut
Hydrodrive Bumblebee
Thundercracker (unreleased)
Blackout
Wingblade Optimus Prime

Leader Class
Bulkhead
Earth Mode Megatron
Ultra Magnus
Shadow Blade Megatron
Roadbuster Ultra Magnus (only if you want roadbuster

Supreme Class
Roll-Out Command Optimus Prime

Entertainment Packs
Optimus Prime vs. Megatron
Jetstorm and Jetfire

Activators only if character not available in other size class
Bulkhead
Bumblebee
Starscream
Lockdown
Optimus Prime
Autobot Ratchet
Patrol Bumblebee
Thundercracker
Megatron
Grimlock
Bandit Lockdown
Cliffjumper
Dirge
Fireblast Grimlock
Soundwave
Armor Up Optimus Prime
Battlefield Bumblebee


Exclusives
Stealth Lockdown (Deluxe Class) with Legends Class Bumblebee and Legends Class Optimus Prime
Rescue Ratchet (Deluxe Class) with Legends Class Starscream and Legends Class Prowl
Sunstorm (Voyager Class) vs Activators Ratchet.
Shockwave (Voyager Class) vs Activators Bumblebee
Bulkhead (Leader Class) with Activators Bumblebee
Megatron (Leader Class) with Activators Starscream
Arcee (Deluxe Class)
Cybertron Mode Ratchet (Deluxe Class)
Rodimus Minor
Ironhide
"The Revenge of Blackarachnia" two-pack (Deluxe Optimus Prime from "The Battle Begins" two-pack and Deluxe Class Blackarachnia)
"Battle in Space" two-pack (Deluxe Class Prowl and Deluxe Megatron from "The Battle Begins" two-pack)
Autobot Ratchet & Bumblebee two-pack
Cheetor (Transformers Collectors' Club)

Botcon 2011
Dead End
Breakdown
Drag Strip
Wildrider
Motormaster
Sideswipe
Toxitron
Autotroopers
Minerva
Fisitron

Legends Class
Optimus Prime
Bumblebee
Prowl
Starscream

[UltraMarginal]

Wow, awesome comprehensive list, I certainly see where you're coming from. I am currently scouring eBay and a couple online shops for best value purchases of a few key items. I'll have to keep an update happenning showing what I have, what I get and counting down to not so much left to get. I may have a wing blade prime and others by the end of next week!

how do people feel about the Japanese releases with the shinier paint. I have already got a sense of improved quality in blitzwing, and I realise it's the only way to get hold of blackout and jetwing prime.

does the shiny clash with the matte of the hasbro releases?

[Paulbot]

does the shiny clash with the matte of the hasbro releases?

I think so, except the Dinobots where it's more subtle and makes them look more Dinoboty. I think the brighter Autobot characters (like Bulkhead and Bumblebee in particular) are worse off. Can't recall noticing a Japanese Blitzwing before.

[liegeprime]

Well only if your desperate with a Blitzwing, coz The metallic look to him makes him look crisp and cleaner when next to the Hasbro release makes the Hasbro ones look like dull KOs:D:D But the Blackout ones don't as it uses a lot of Hasbro dull gray plastic scheme. For some reason though the Hasbro versions are more preferrable as the metallic sheen paints used by Takara versions doesn't really suit all of the TFA line at all. It's one of those figures that Dont Need the metallic look to it.