US Toyfair preview/investor event

[griffin]

The big annual American toyfair is apparently on this weekend (remember that they are a day behind us), and a presentation by Hasbro was conducted for investors (someone from TFW2005 was there), which gave us some advance info of this year's product focus.

(the Transformers exhibit will be in a new separate topic - if you see the info first, please post it up as a new topic)

The investor presentation covered a number of Hasbro products, but the TFW report focuses on the Transformers parts (http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/toy-fair-38/tfw2005-coverage-of-hasbro-new-york-toy-fair-2013-investor-event-176829/) (of course).

They even have pictures from the slide show as well.

The more notable bits...
- Transformers Prime is being renamed Transformers Beast Hunters for this season (cartoon and toyline - the cartoon is being talked about as if it is a whole new one)
- Another Transformers cartoon will be created, but will be for China only (who already get their own MMOG).
- The revenue figures of the last few years in America are shown.
- Main focus for 2013 is Beast Hunters and Construct-bots. 2014 focus will be on the fourth movie.
- There will be Beast Hunters BotShots.
- Kreo is still being pushed as a major concept for Hasbro, boasting about it being released in 25 countries, and expanding into GIJoe and Star Trek this year.
- A total of 7 Kreo Combiners are mentioned (none named though).
- 36 Kreo micro-changers (so far we have 18 released).
- 8 Beast Hunters Kreo sets (5 have been released so far).
- Perhaps a greater emphasis on licensed items this year for Beast Hunters.
- Net revenue for Hasbro as a whole spiked in 2011, but has been pretty flat since 2007.
- An interesting graph (http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/attach/7/3/8/6/3/Hasbro-New-York-Toy-Fair-2013-Investor-Event-11_1360336521.jpg) that details the amount of average time kids from 6-12 years old spend on various entertainment activities.
- Biggest growth markets in last few years, and in the future, are China, Russia and Brazil.

[KaRNiV8L PRiME]

http://www.toynewsi.com


Hasbro today at the New York Toy Fair will be giving a overall presentation for their Star Wars, Marvel, G.I. Joe, and Transformers lines. Over the course of the next hour or so we will be bringing you live updates from this presentation followed by images from the Hasbro showroom with all the new products on display. Be sure to update your browser often over the course of this next hour as we will be updating this page often with information.

Hasbro Product Representative Josh Lamb and Jerry Jivon for Transformers on stage presenting:

INTRODUCTION:

A new evil has been awaken on TF Prime New Universe, Legends, Kre-O, Robots in Disguise, Beast Hunters, Rescue Bots Energize line.

Beast Hunters

- Transformers Prime Beast Hunters Preview is being shown.

- The Ultimate Autobot Hunter coming this Spring.

- IDW Beast Hunters comic coming, 3 alternate covers.

- Predacons have been detected. Predaking Dragon and Optimus Prime Voyager Class. Officially comes out 2/11.

- Television show in spring.

- New Digital web site will be fully live on 2/18.

Legion Scale

- New Soundwave. Prowl wave 2.

- Hun-Gurrr with dragon tooth saw.

- Starscream with thunder talon and Shockwave in Commander Scale.

Deluxe Scale

- Ratchet with DragonGrinder Drill Dreadwing with Dread Assault Cannon

- Skystalker with Cryostrike disc launcher

Voyager Wave 2

- New Shockwave with detachable Beast Armor.

- Ultra Magnus with Forge of Solus Prime and Grimwing w/Blackbeak. Think bear and falcon combo, is green colored.

- Beast Hunter Optimus Prime with spinning dragon cannons, sword and shield. Light up head and chest, upgraded vehicle mode/robot mode.

- Target Exclusive Beast Fire Predaking with light up fire breath., 21" Wing Span and tail comes off to become a sword.

- Hunt and Battle Online at Transformers.com.

- CNA means Cyber Nano Algorithms. That was a trivia question they asked us.

- Bot Shots Beast Battling also online.

Transformers Construct-A-Bots

- Showing a teaser ad for them.

- With Contruct-A-Bots you can build and then transform them without taking anything off.

- Can also customize and make up your own bots.

- Scout Class will see Ironhide, Starscream, both in G1 colors.

- Elite will see Wheeljack and Soundwave also in G1 colors.

- No cassettes pop out on Soundwave.

- Blitzwing & Bumblebee Triple Changers.

- Ultimate set has Optimus vs. Megatron.

- Triple Changers and Ultimate set have projectile weapons.

- Packaging has reusable storage container for Elite class and up.

- Full color instruction books and red and purple storage trays.

- Pricing expected to be $9.99 USD to around $39.99 USD in price range.

Generations

- 30th Anniversary will see a new Anniversary logo on packaging in 2014.

- They've teamed up with IDW for a story for this.

- Deluxe scale will start seeing comic books packed in.

- We will see Bumblebee, Megatron (Stealth Jet), Trailcutter, and Orion Pax.

- Trailcutter looks like a G1 Trailbreaker.

- Legends scale will see Optimus will Roloer and Bumblebeel with blaster.

Voyager Scale

- Triple-Changer Springer - Robot, Chopper and car in G1 colors.

- Blitzwing - Robot, Jet and Tank in G1 color, looks real nice and like the G1 version.

Transformers Platinum

- Ultra Magnus with Forge of Solus.

- Grimlock vs Bruticus 2-pack.

- Grimlock will have vac-metal.

Transformers Masterpiece

- New Japanese logo!

- First up is Acid Storm who is a green seeker

- Soundwave with all 5 cassettes and Frenzy and Rumble will have ground pounders.

- Titan Class will include a BIG Metroplex coming!!! PIC!!! (http://twitter.com/Enewsi/status/300334241047273472/photo/1)

- Inspired by Fall of Cybertron game. This toy will be 24 inches tall.

- Features, Scamper who is a legend scale.

- Figure has light up eyes, flip down visor. articulated pupils, independent cannons, head converts to gunner turret.

- Metroplex will have sounds and phrases.

- Metroplex will have a fashionable and functional helmet.

- Firing projectile blaster, articulated hands/fingers, autobot repair bays, take-off/landing strips, weapon turrets, helipad landing zone in vehicle mode

- Release planned for Fall 2013

- Expected price is $125 USD

Kre-O Toys

- Micro, Combiners and classic brick building. Beast Hunters for Transformers with Optimus, Bublebee and Trailcutter. Beast Hunter Ripclaw Daragon.

- Micro Changers, 36 Kreons to collect. Micro Changers are Kreon figures that can be rebuilt in their alternate mode.

Showing wave 2 and 3.

- Micro Changer Combiner set. 4 Microchangers that combine. 7 total.

- Defensor, Prianacon, and Abomimus coming out soon.

- Fall 2013 will also see Autobot Command Center. Kreon based Transformers playset.

- Limited time only will see customizable Kreon figures, not blind bagged.

- Comes with extra parts, some of which are vac-metal and will work with the command center.

- Optimus, Bumblebee, Ironhide, Megatron, Starscream and Soundwave.

Transformers Segment of the Panel has finished! Head over to Toy News International for more Live toys news from the panel that is going on now at toynewsi.com

[1AZRAEL1]

Wow. I have to say i am really excited for the generations stuff and kreon stuff. And finally a metroplex for the classics shelf. Cannot wait to see all this stuff.

[fatbot]

http://www.seibertron.com/images/toys/uploads/1360443224_metro1.jpg

as much as I want Metroplex, given the standard some of the FOC figures are at, I think I'll wait for an in hand reveiw before I comit

[Starscream77]

Pumped for that Metro
The triple changers voyagers in G1 colours are another must

[1AZRAEL1]

Not the greatest figure, but i will buy it. Need a better shot of his face too. But first impressions for me aren't bad.

[fatbot]

Pumped for that Metro
The triple changers voyagers in G1 colours are another must

http://sphotos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/561646_490657944315247_1892188389_n.jpg

[fatbot]

Not the greatest figure, but i will buy it. Need a better shot of his face too. But first impressions for me aren't bad.

http://sphotos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/535028_490659807648394_245442266_n.jpg

can anyone else see the surprise?

[1AZRAEL1]

What surprise?

Edit: ooooo must buy those voyagers.

[Paulbot]

I like the IDW Deluxes and am glad I haven't bought the Spotlight comics yet. I'll just collect them with the toys. All the Generations news is great and the pics look good.

[kup]

That Metroplex looks freaking sweet! Yay!

[Ultra Mackness]

In theory this will need to be a thin year for me acquisitions wise, but I just don't know how I'm going to achieve that! The FOC triple changers look great and Metroplex looks fantastic (I see that surprise fatbot and got a little buzz when I did so I won't ruin it for anyone else :))

Great to see as well a mention of the Masterpieces - Acid storm I'll probably wait till I see one in hand, but Soundwave comes with all 5 cassettes! Can't wait!! This combined with the masterpiece Datsuns from Takara (Prowl, YESS!), 2013 is going to be a great year.

[GoktimusPrime]

Wooooooo!!! :D New Classicsverse toys make Goki happpppeeeee! :D
Btw, that Springer artwork looks Roche-esque to me. ;)

Hmm... the Autobot text on Metroplex's right breast section says "STAY CLEAR." Scamper?


In theory this will need to be a thin year for me acquisitions wise, but I just don't know how I'm going to achieve that!
Start saving up before the toys come out? The advantage of these price point size classes is that you know how much each will cost, so e.g. put $50 aside for each Voyager etc. :)

[kup]

Good to see what looks like decent toys again from Hasbro.

[Tallestblue]

http://sphotos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/535028_490659807648394_245442266_n.jpg

can anyone else see the surprise?

There's a very special someone In the window on Metroplex's chest to the side....Could it be? I mean...We have Springer coming...

[Golden Phoenix]

I saw the Generations figures and suddenly my wallet started screaming.......

[ILikeSoundwave]

Need Metroplex, no matter the cost.:D

[1AZRAEL1]

I saw the Generations figures and suddenly my wallet started screaming.......

Haha me too. If i was still in my last job, i wouldn't be able to afford all this good stuff, my wallet is still gonna hate me, and Im still gonna have to plead with my wife :p

[Omega Metro]

Need Metroplex, no matter the cost.:D

^This. Will take the rest as they come. Blitz wing looks good. Springer looks blah....but will get though.

[GoktimusPrime]

I keep saying that I'm going to wait and see if Metroplex is actually WORTH the size and price and isn't just another oversized disappointing figure like Energon Omega Supreme or Cybertron Supreme Starscream etc. -- but who am I kidding, I'm probably gonna buy this toy on sight! :p (then later regret it when it shelfwarms and goes on sale :rolleyes:)

[Bidoofdude]

With all those lights and sounds, he'll probably be quite solid, I imagine.:D
I cried this morning. (and wet myself):p:o

:eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:

I EXPLODED WITH JOY!!!!! I definitely need the Voyagers, Metroplex and Trailcutter AT THE LEAST!!! SO HAPPY!!!!:D:D:D:cool:

It's good that Hasbro really listened to the fans, especially with the 30th anniversary soon. IDW (WITH COMICS!!!!:eek::D), Blitzwing and Trailbreaker/cutter.
I'm in heaven!

Even though Metroplex is in scale with legends, he'll probably still massively tower over the deluxes, which is pretty good IMO.:cool::eek:

[Paulbot]

I know most people hate Action Masters (as the worst gimmick thread suggests) but I don't. So I'm pleased to see a new Bumblebee toy with his helicopter buddy back :)

[SuspectimusPrime]

Need Metroplex, no matter the cost.:D


^This. Will take the rest as they come. Blitz wing looks good. Springer looks blah....but will get though.

+2 :eek::eek::cool:


I keep saying that I'm going to wait and see if Metroplex is actually WORTH the size and price and isn't just another oversized disappointing figure like Energon Omega Supreme or Cybertron Supreme Starscream etc. -- but who am I kidding, I'm probably gonna buy this toy on sight! :p (then later regret it when it shelfwarms and goes on sale :rolleyes:)

What's there to not like already? :p

1. Looks good in robot mode
2. Looks good in alt mode
3. Actually got paint apps (looks like Hasbro finally cost-cut-ed that cost cutter who was skimming paint-costs off FOC Generations line)
4. His alt mode doesn't look like he's been left alone to crouch on all fours and vomit on the side of the road (http://www.seibertron.com/images/toys/files/32/r_metroplex050.jpg), after an epic Fri night that ended in his bro-bros ditching him

http://www.seibertron.com/images/toys/files/32/r_metroplex050.jpg
Via Seibertron.com: http://www.seibertron.com/images/toys/files/32/r_metroplex050.jpg

[SuspectimusPrime]

http://sphotos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/535028_490659807648394_245442266_n.jpg

can anyone else see the surprise?

G1 Prime waving at us?

[SMHFConvoy]

Cyberverse Bumblebee and Prime with target master partners? I will happily buy those.

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

It's amazing how much they made this guy look like Dinobot!! (http://tformers.com/ig.php?mode=view&album=19477&pic=A1970+RATCHET+Robot+Mode.jpg&dispsize=600&start=0&sl=transformers-toy-fair-2013-transformers-beast)

Also read somewhere, predaking with firey breath? return of the old sparking gimmick? Wonder if it will get banned here during the summers? (Looks out window at 41 degree day)

Oh my! I am very excited about all this news.

[i_amtrunks]

Generations figures will be awesome, and the collected comic idea is worth it to try and get more readers as well. Should have happened a long time ago.

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

Also note a version of BH(?) Ultra Magnus based on the RID Optimus body with wings and a hammer. Does that mean that the old Magnus and (therefore) Thundertron are going to be discontinued? AAaw, I liked that look of Magnus (And more specifically him not being a Prime clone).

[Ode to a Grasshopper]

This is going to be an expensive year or two. MP Soundwave and friends, MP Prowl, MMC Not-Predacons, and now all these new goodies. And just in time for the Yen to drop courtesy of our new government here - good for Japan, bad for me...:(
Still, Hasbro really looks to be delivering the goods.

Early thoughts...
As always, a lot of passes, a few must-haves, and a lot of wait-and-see-what-the-repaint/remold-is-likes.

Updated huge freaking Metroplex? Nice. Probably won't bite due to cost and Japanese apartment storage space issues (and having Encore Metroplex already), but it's a nice move from Hasbro. Looking forward to seeing pics of it next to Fort Max.

Supreme Predaking looks great. Me want.

Springer looks pretty good. Blitzwing looks nice, but I like my Animated Blitzwing, so I'm hoping for a good repaint/remold there to turn him from a 'probably' into a 'definitely' buy. Really liking Paulbot's idea of redecoing/remolding them both into Classicsverse Battletrap and Flywheels - those would be bought on sight. Am quite keen to see Astrotrain too.

Pass for most of the Beast Hunters stuff, unless we get some decent Firecon homages from the dragon-y types.

Deluxe-wise, Trailcutter looks great (and like there'll be a probable Hoist remold on the way), not too fussed on most of the others atm. What really has me interested about these guys is their potential for retools - would love to see IDW 'bee as Classicverse Hubcap/Bumper and Orion Pax as a an updated minibot (Gears springs to mind).

The new packaging style and IDW collaboration is pure win.

[kup]

I keep saying that I'm going to wait and see if Metroplex is actually WORTH the size and price and isn't just another oversized disappointing figure like Energon Omega Supreme or Cybertron Supreme Starscream etc. -- but who am I kidding, I'm probably gonna buy this toy on sight! :p (then later regret it when it shelfwarms and goes on sale :rolleyes:)

It's obvious from the pics of all modes that it has simple engineering. It is probably not worth it from that perspective. However it does look pretty cool as a character representation of Metroplex and the base and mobile base modes are not that different from G1.

[gdmetro]

That metroplex looks sweet- but can't help but feel that from hasbro's recent track record it will disappoint in size and engineering. I will buy it anyway!

[Trent]

Wow. Looks like Hasbro's getting back in the game. Some very impressive figures there, Blitzwing looks good.

Awesome to see a stealth jet Megs. Hope it's good.

And Metroplex - 2 feet tall!! Wow. Still not a definite buy for me, but I'll be keeping an eye on it.

And this (http://cdn.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/attach/7/3/8/6/3/Hasbro-New-York-Toy-Fair-2013-Investor-Event-18_1360336521.jpg) graph is interesting. See how relatively poor Prime sales in 2012 have been compared to other years.

[drahsrebu]

i was hoping to save some $$ this year.....ohhhhh wellllllll:rolleyes:

[1AZRAEL1]

Hasbro has surely pulled a fast one on us. Just when alot of us lost our faith in them bringing toys out the majority of us want, then BAM!!! shows us some killer figures. I for one cannot wait to store these in boxes until i have sorted out my collection room again lol

[GoktimusPrime]

That metroplex looks sweet- but can't help but feel that from hasbro's recent track record it will disappoint in size and engineering. I will buy it anyway!
^My thoughts exactly. :)

[SMHFConvoy]

It's amazing how much they made this guy look like Dinobot!! (http://tformers.com/ig.php?mode=view&album=19477&pic=A1970+RATCHET+Robot+Mode.jpg&dispsize=600&start=0&sl=transformers-toy-fair-2013-transformers-beast)

TM2 Dinobot at that! Where's the honour in that? ;-)

[Paulbot]

It's been pointed out on Twitter that Metroplex's box art appears to include a green Trailcutter (Hoist?!) and a yellow helicopter (Springer as Sandstorm?!).

(hopefully Flywheels can still happen if not Battletrap. Flywheels is the more memorable of the pair)

[SuspectimusPrime]

And this (http://cdn.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/attach/7/3/8/6/3/Hasbro-New-York-Toy-Fair-2013-Investor-Event-18_1360336521.jpg) graph is interesting. See how relatively poor Prime sales in 2012 have been compared to other years.

Wow, it looks like Animated really whacked the ball out of the court and set a precedent for non-live action movie franchise lines.

Would be good to see how that graph looks like one year from now with Hasbro's collaboration with IDW.

=-=-=-=-=

Also, on the same page where Trent's graph was: another reason for me to learn Mandarin:


At the Q&A Session Brian revealed that there will be a New Transformers TV Series developed and aired exclusive for Chinese Transformers Fans.

"We have Transformers: Prime in China" said Goldner. "And we are also developing a new TV Series for Transformers indigenous to the Chinese Market. Transformers is one of the popular brands there. The brand was there in the 80s so we are making a Brand New TV Series that is produced in China with Chinese partners and will air in CCTV [China Central Television]."

[griffin]

This is for the doubters on Seibertron (one of the news staff) and TFW2005 (several members) who questioned our ability to be a source of Transformers news (we aren't an American site, so couldn't possibly know anything first)...


Transformers Masterpiece
- First up is Acid Storm who is a green seeker
- Soundwave

[KaRNiV8L PRiME]

This is for the doubters on Seibertron (one of the news staff) and TFW2005 (several members) who questioned our ability to be a source of Transformers news (we aren't an American site, so couldn't possibly know anything first)...

And your new pic of generations Optimus with roller

[Trent]

This is for the doubters on Seibertron (one of the news staff) and TFW2005 (several members) who questioned our ability to be a source of Transformers news (we aren't an American site, so couldn't possibly know anything first)...

I noticed last night on TFW that they were talking(well, posting really) like the toy fair was the first mention of Acid Storm/Soundwave :rolleyes:

[1AZRAEL1]

I noticed last night on TFW that they were talking(well, posting really) like the toy fair was the first mention of Acid Storm/Soundwave :rolleyes:

That's because outside of their borders there be dragons :p

Never ceases to amaze me that they like to discredit information we get before them, only to find out that we were right and yet they still ignore it.

[Trent]

That's because outside of their borders there be dragons :p

:)

I even read it in a pirate voice:D