Generations: Superion & Menasor (1st Photos)

[Hursticon]

Courtesy of TFW2005/Toyark member Kickback (https://twitter.com/rankal), who's currently covering SDCC for both sites; The first pair of photos of Generations: Superion (https://twitter.com/rankal/status/492325582101680128) & Menasor (https://twitter.com/rankal/status/492325894124363776) have graced the Internet! :eek:

BARE IN MIND THAT THESE ARE HAND-PAINTED TEST-SHOT/PROTOTYPES WHOM ARE WOEFULLY POSED & MIS-TRANSFORMED. :cool:


http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Webpics/BtUXgHlCcAEBA9Cjpglarge_zpsbca5827b.jpg

http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Webpics/BtUXyIKCMAA0stbjpglarge_zpsae52e96f.jpg


These have just been followed up with this pair of shots, courtesy of DEE-FUZZZZZ (https://twitter.com/deefuzz/status/492328613576847361)! :D

http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Webpics/BtUaQRICIAEnHsljpglarge_zps06d2496e.jpg http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Webpics/BtUaPj9CEAQu9mljpglarge_zpsab5f0083.jpg



Official Promotional Photos:

Autobot: Aerialbot - Superion

http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Webpics/Autobot-01-Superion_zpsa2f9aa51.jpg


Aerialbot: Leader - Silverbolt

http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Webpics/Autobot-02-SilverboltA_zps054e7613.jpg http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Webpics/Autobot-03-SilverboltB_zps95d787c1.jpg


Aerialbot: Firefly

http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Webpics/Autobot-04-FireflyB_zps980979df.jpg http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Webpics/Autobot-05-FireflyA_zps3172ab76.jpg


Aerialbot: Airraid

http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Webpics/Autobot-06-AirraidA_zps5517cde4.jpg http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Webpics/Autobot-07-AirraidB_zps7a3fc3ee.jpg


Aerialbot: Skydive

http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Webpics/Autobot-08-SkydiveA_zps9359fc8a.jpg http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Webpics/Autobot-09-SkydiveB_zps26c68140.jpg


Aerialbot: Alpha-Bravo

http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Webpics/Autobot-10-Alpha-BravoA_zps0a57d4c8.jpg http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Webpics/Autobot-11-Alpha-BravoB_zps531a03e5.jpg



Decepticon: Stunticon - Menasor

http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Webpics/Decepticon-01-Menasor_zps6c6a3938.jpg


Stunticon: Leader - Motormaster

http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Webpics/Decepticon-02-MotormasterA_zps41b13f15.jpg http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Webpics/Decepticon-03-MotormasterB_zps126d6b31.jpg


Stunticon: Dragstrip

http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Webpics/Decepticon-04-DragstripA_zps149823d1.jpg http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Webpics/Decepticon-05-DragstripB_zps4de010a9.jpg


Stunticon: Deadend

http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Webpics/Decepticon-06-DeadendA_zps5130e6d3.jpg http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Webpics/Decepticon-07-DeadendB_zpsfe676383.jpg


Stunticon: Breakdown

http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Webpics/Decepticon-08-BreakdownA_zpsb7e69251.jpg http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Webpics/Decepticon-09-BreakdownB_zps507b8799.jpg


Stunticon: Offroad

http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Webpics/Decepticon-10-OffroadA_zps6e4eafdb.jpg http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Webpics/Decepticon-11-OffroadB_zpsf8e11203.jpg


Stunticon(?): Blackjack

http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Webpics/Decepticon-12-BlackjackA_zps13e9fb35.jpg http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Webpics/Decepticon-13-BlackjackB_zps49181281.jpg

[Deonasis]

W00t! They look a bit messy but hey, official. combiners. ..I can live with it :D And they both have a sixth member? Neat.

[Hursticon]

W00t! They look a bit messy but hey, official. combiners. ..I can live with it :D And they both have a sixth member? Neat.

Yep! - Powerglide seems to of become a Targetmaster weapon for Superion! :D

[Hursticon]

...and TFW2005 has a full gallery up here (http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/san-diego-comic-con-33/transformers-from-hasbro-breakfast-event-at-sdcc-2014-180787/). :)

I'll mirror a couple of the better shots here shortly. ;)

[Hursticon]

Interesting points to note:

Combiners will be comprised of:

1x Voyager torso.
4x Deluxe limbs.
1x Legends figure forming a Gun for Superion & the Chestplate for Menasor.
6x Figures in total, each.

Each limb will come with a detached, identical Fist/Foot/Alt-mode Gun "Appendage" component that converts for the desired purpose (Scramble City enabling?).
Each Team/Combiner has unique "Appendage" components.


Now for some more pics before I hit the fart-sack :p:


http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Webpics/SDCC-2014-Hasbro-Transformers-Breakfast-030_1406215561_zps07516782.jpg

http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Webpics/SDCC-2014-Hasbro-Transformers-Breakfast-058_1406215561_zps8458c574.jpg http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Webpics/SDCC-2014-Hasbro-Transformers-Breakfast-011_1406215561_zpsce9908d4.jpg

http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Webpics/SDCC-2014-Hasbro-Transformers-Breakfast-007_1406215561_zpsb8342ab3.jpg

http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Webpics/SDCC-2014-Hasbro-Transformers-Breakfast-048_1406215561_zps8585a2e5.jpg

http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Webpics/SDCC-2014-Hasbro-Transformers-Breakfast-008_1406215561_zps422b8a05.jpg http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Webpics/SDCC-2014-Hasbro-Transformers-Breakfast-009_1406215561_zps39417795.jpg

http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Webpics/SDCC-2014-Hasbro-Transformers-Breakfast-025_1406215561_zps4e46d2a5.jpg

http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Webpics/SDCC-2014-Hasbro-Transformers-Breakfast-060_1406215561_zps3448e64b.jpg

http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Webpics/SDCC-2014-Hasbro-Transformers-Breakfast-015_1406215561_zps784935bf.jpg

http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Webpics/SDCC-2014-Hasbro-Transformers-Breakfast-016_1406215561_zps45c9216e.jpg http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Webpics/SDCC-2014-Hasbro-Transformers-Breakfast-017_1406215561_zps7f65f5fd.jpg

http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Webpics/SDCC-2014-Hasbro-Transformers-Breakfast-020_1406215561_zpsdff8604c.jpg

http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Webpics/SDCC-2014-Hasbro-Transformers-Breakfast-031_1406215561_zpse60be932.jpg

http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Webpics/SDCC-2014-Hasbro-Transformers-Breakfast-019_1406215561_zps77f11fb8.jpg

http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Webpics/SDCC-2014-Hasbro-Transformers-Breakfast-033_1406215561_zps69ad4d27.jpg http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Webpics/SDCC-2014-Hasbro-Transformers-Breakfast-028_1406215561_zps7176dcc4.jpg

http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Webpics/SDCC-2014-Hasbro-Transformers-Breakfast-024_1406215561_zps843247e3.jpg

http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Webpics/SDCC-2014-Hasbro-Transformers-Breakfast-066_1406215561_zps1f308e7e.jpg





*Note: Glue has had to of been applied to each hip just so this prototype can even stand! - Still a work in progress people, be kind in your judgement. ;):)

http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Webpics/SDCC-2014-Hasbro-Transformers-Breakfast-067_1406215561_zpsa18df315.jpg

[liegeprime]

Aaaaw, Hursty beat me to it. hhehehehe.

My sentiments are that FINALLLY!!! WHAT THE HECK HAVE YOU GUYS IN HASBRO BEEN DOING!!! :p:D and YOU BETTER NOT BOTCH THIS UP!!! YOU HAD PLENTY OF TIME TO WATCH WHAT THE 3rdPARTY COMPS CAN DO WITH YOUR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES....

having said that, I'm getting these for sure. Time to retire the old Superion Maximus set... now if they only followed up with Bruticus and Defensor next I can retire Bruticus Maximus to the 3rd party shelf hehehe.

Superion Maximus is on his way there now...

[Tober]

I really need to see the alt modes. So far they are looking promising.

I was a bit baffled when I thought I saw an A-10 amongst Superion. .. :/ Interesting that it forms the weapon.

Thanks Hursti. :)

[Omega Metro]

They look 'buyable'. They have a hard bunch of TF fans to please though.

[Jilm101]

i really want these to be good please please be good

[1AZRAEL1]

Whilst not the greatest thing in the world, I like them and will buy them. Maybe even 2 sets depending on how the bots look.

[CBratron]

It's nice to see that they're trying. But they don't seem to know what to do with the bot mode arms in combined mode. 3rd party will make replacements for those tiny feet/hands. Motormaster looks like he's a remold of voyager Optimus.

[Tober]

Official Superion images (http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/generations-classics-44/sdcc2014-transformers-generations-2015-aerialbots-official-images-180792/)

Official Menasor images (http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/generations-classics-44/sdcc2014-transformers-generations-2015-stunticons-official-images-180793/)

They will be released across two waves early next year. Superion mostly in the first wave.

[CBratron]

Official Superion images (http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/generations-classics-44/sdcc2014-transformers-generations-2015-aerialbots-official-images-180792/)

Official Menasor images (http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/generations-classics-44/sdcc2014-transformers-generations-2015-stunticons-official-images-180793/)

They will be released across two waves early next year. Superion mostly in the first wave.

Looking at these pics the individual bot and alt modes looke fine. It just comes undone when they combine. And Motormaster and Optimus Prime are definitely similar molds.

[Sky Shadow]

Blackjack's the sixth Stunticon now. Interesting.

http://i.imgur.com/2isH5Dx.jpg

[Tober]

Looking at these pics the individual bot and alt modes looke fine. It just comes undone when they combine. And Motormaster and Optimus Prime are definitely similar molds.

It was revealed at the Hasbro panel that the upcoming Voyager Optimus Prime can also combine with the Superion and/or Menasor deluxes.

[swoop]

I don't understand why Hasbro felt the need to change slingshot and wildriders alt modes. I get that they probably don't want 4 jets in one wave and 4 sports cars in another but if they split 2 jets and 2 cars to a wave it wouldn't be a problem.

A helicopter just looks and feels wrong amongst those jets. I can forgive the less than perfect combined mode, I understand they have budget restrictions that prevent them from making these perfect like I'm sure their designers are capable off but there is no excuse for making slingshot a helicopter. At least his robot mode looks good, I'm loving those wrist missiles.

I don't get why they changed wildrider to the off-road truck, they already made brakedown a truck in Prime and his constructbot toy is a truck. Since they felt the need to change one of the stunticons alt modes why not continue the trend and make brakedown the truck.

[Tober]

Maybe budget restrictions. I'm thinking we will see Alpha Bravo and Offroad repainted as Vortex and Swindle. Just a guess...

[CBratron]

I think everyone will be suspecting that too.

[Shirokaze]

Maybe budget restrictions. I'm thinking we will see Alpha Bravo and Offroad repainted as Vortex and Swindle. Just a guess...

Now that you mention it, he looks like he was designed to be vortex first and an aerial bot second.

Besides the helicopter thing, I'm actually pretty satisfied with these. It could've ended up A LOT worse all things considered. :)

[skylynx]

Wow actually decent job by Hasbro. Was a bit letdown by the feet at first, but on closer look it seems that they just glued the hands on so hopefully it's just a placeholder for the feet for now :)

[CBratron]

Wow actually decent job by Hasbro. Was a bit letdown by the feet at first, but on closer look it seems that they just glued the hands on so hopefully it's just a placeholder for the feet for now :)

The feet are the hands all the better to scramble city with. Better than the Energon combiners but not that much better.

[swoop]

I could see slingshot being re moulded into vortex, a new head sculpt and a remold of the helicopter nose and it would look pretty good. But I don't see swindle in any of wildrider

[griffin]

More images (http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/san-diego-comic-con-33/post-panel-transformers-case-update-more-menasor-and-superion-at-sdcc-2014-180791/) of the two "glued" prototypes from the Hasbro breakfast, in the main display case.

And a couple of names have shown up (http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-generations-classics-30-35/legends-blackjack-huffer-accidentally-revealed-180795/) that could be the name of Menasor's chest-piece robot (Blackjack)... and maybe it's redeco if the Optimus Prime toy is to be a core combiner and has the same chest-piece robot to purchase as well (Huffer).

Still not sure yet if the Legends Powerglide, Blackjack (and maybe Huffer) are sold separately as a bonus part to each combiner group. I still have to read the Hasbro panel yet.

[MayzaPrime]

I woke up this morning and checked Siebertron & TFW2005 and I was totally blown away... :eek: :eek: :eek: Wow! Well played Hasbro! :D

I was really disappointed with the Voyager Optimus Prime, but I am totally happy with the Motormaster/Menasor retool. I hope we get an Optimus Prime combiner like in the G1 episode Masquerade.

Also bring on the G2 combiner repaints!

[kup]

This actually looks pretty decent and despite some lack of refinement, it shows that Hasbro is watching and listening to consumer preferences.

I am looking forward to Superion provided it's not midget size but annoyed at the change of alt modes. Wouldn't surprise me if a 3rd party 'corrects' that if Hasbro expects us to buy the repaint of the set again to get the character.

[Verno]

Generations rolls on! That's excellent news :cool:

Yes, the combined forms look a little so-so, but the individual figures look great. Depending on my level of sentimentality, I may even pick up a Silverbolt.

[philby]

OMG!!!! insane! hopefully these come out soonish and aren't on the same price range as the 3rd party stuff! Was anyone expecting something like this?

[kup]

OMG!!!! insane! hopefully these come out soonish and aren't on the same price range as the 3rd party stuff! Was anyone expecting something like this?

I was thinking they might as they got to have noticed the demand and success of 3Ps. However I was expecting a lot worse given their poor track record with combiners. This is a pleasant surprise, not great and some design choices are questionable but certainly looks decent as long as they charge a fair price for it.

Silverbolt still suffers from heavy undercarriage but the robot mode works. I just hope it's comparable with current combiner heights (referring to Energon and FOC) and curious about the 'connector'. I kind of hope it is an Energon style connector as it would help to improve the Energon one by replacing it with silverbolt and a couple of limbs, specially with the FP upgrades.

[Sinnertwin]

As mentioned earlier, i can see Slingshot repainted/tooled into Vortex and Blades, plug a .50 cal machine gun on his back and some new paint and you have Swindle. You could even squeeze out First Aid with a similar piece attached on his alt mode, like what Hoist & Trailcutter currently use.
A lightbar on Breakdown, there's Streetwise. I would even go as far as saying that Prime may be repainted into Hot Spot with a little modification. The repaint and/or remold value is definitely there.

[kaiden]

As mentioned earlier, i can see Slingshot repainted/tooled into Vortex and Blades, plug a .50 cal machine gun on his back and some new paint and you have Swindle. You could even squeeze out First Aid with a similar piece attached on his alt mode, like what Hoist & Trailcutter currently use.
A lightbar on Breakdown, there's Streetwise. I would even go as far as saying that Prime may be repainted into Hot Spot with a little modification. The repaint and/or remold value is definitely there.

i was waiting for /sarcasm

....

[BigTransformerTrev]

Be still my beating fuel pump! Just...just wonderful news! And they look great! :D

So now we've got a Generations Bruticus, Superion and Menasor! Bring on Devstator and the rest! :D

[Omega Metro]

These are very nice. And typical!.....just after I buy a TFCC Breakdown deluxe for my classics.:mad:
Also is interesting how they can do a Ferrari 458 Italia in this line but not do a movieverse Dino Italia.:confused:

[loophole]

Awesome!! Love that Motormaster!!!

[Sutton]

Not the worst things I've ever seen. Menasor's a bit hit and miss, but Superion's pretty well done. The 'Slingshot' guy is interesting, in that it's a helicopter but the bot mode is still reminiscent of the original Slingshot. And 5 planes is a bit a boring TBH, a helicopter breaks up the team nicely. Although it means 4 of them have to fight solo for hours while they wait for him to turn up so they can combine...

[Sutton]

Also, the case assortments are the BIGGEST DICK MOVE of all time on Hasbro's part. I have no real interest in the Stunticons (I have a far superior Menasor already TYVM), but would be interested in the Aerialbots, but having 3 from one team and 1 from the other in the case assortments is problematic. BBTS and similar places don't list too many individual figures.

[griffin]

I wonder how this plays out with the upcoming Asian Protectobots (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=18735)... if those recolours are just cashing in early on the 2015 Combiner theme (by coming out before the end of the year before "everything" combines next year).

(okay not everything, but it is expected of anything homaging a previous combiner character)

[Oberon Sexton]

I'm thinking I might buy these and then never open them. I really want to support official products and releases, but these look trash.

[k.wong23]

The FoC Bruticus looked really corny, these are a big improvement. Looking forward to them!

[Verno]

So the theory seems to be we'll have something of a Combaticon/Bruticus set based on a mix of repaints from these two initial Gestalts? Certainly feasible given the 'Scramble City' nature of the combination.

[kup]

These are very nice. And typical!.....just after I buy a TFCC Breakdown deluxe for my classics.:mad:
Also is interesting how they can do a Ferrari 458 Italia in this line but not do a movieverse Dino Italia.:confused:

The Hasbro Menasor doesn't look that hot in combined mode so the TFC one may have value for you. The individual Hasbro bots look nice though from what I can see.

[Hursticon]

Updated the 1st post (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=19078) with the Official Promotional Photography. :cool:

I'm absolutely loving these figures, and I'm someone who owns both of FansProject's iterations of the pair. ;)
My only complaint would be the slight undersized-nature of their feet and oversized-nature of their fists, otherwise, I'll be preordering their various case assortments "on sight" of their solicitations being posted. :D

Now,
The question is: Will Hasbro Australia's sales reps pull their finger out, return the Generations line to our shores and appropriately distribute these figures in acceptable numbers ALONG with successive waves? :rolleyes:
Prior history has taught me not to hold my breath and to recommend any & all interested parties to seek online sources :), I really miss the local toy hunts though and wonder if such things will be relegated to the past forever? :(

Only time will tell I suppose...

[MayzaPrime]

Given that in the IDWverse anyone can be a combiner (Prowl). I think that it is really cool that Optimus will be a combiner and hopefully this will tie in with the comic series. I would love to know who else will be a part of that combiner. It has been hinted at that it will be a hat tip to the G1 episode Masquerade (one of my favourite)

Optimus
Mirage - Drag strip
Jazz - Deadend
Sideswipe - Breakdown
Windcharger - ???

Could Windcharger be replaced by a repaint of Off Road? Who could it be?

Or will it be a repaint from either Defensor or Bruticus?

[Robzy]

While not brilliant, I'm impressed enough with these to consider buying them. I love Combiners... we need more!

[ChlorHex]

This is a pleasant surprise :)
Glad to see Hasbro giving fans what we want... Finally!
Would prefer all the Arielbots to retain their jet modes but nothing that a 3P company can't fix.
I actually prefer the Stunticons more based on the toy photo with all that glue... Looks comparable to Maketoys (when compared from a price perspective).
The key thing now is the size... size does matter for my gestalts :D

[kup]

While not brilliant, I'm impressed enough with these to consider buying them. I love Combiners... we need more!

Yeah, still not within 3P standards but it's a huge improvement from crapfest official combiners released in the not distant past. I am happy to support and reward these new ones if they are as good as they look.

[GoktimusPrime]

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/avatars/shutuptakemoney.jpg
:cool: ICH LIEBE DIE GESTALTEN!!! :D

As others have said, the different alt modes with Slingshot^Alpha Bravo and Wildrider^Off Road may be due to potential mould reuse for the Combaticons, but one added advantage - especially for the Aerialbots - is increased variety in the alt modes, which impacts on the look of the overall gestalts. One thing that particularly made the G1 Aerialbots dull as a set, was the generic nature of the limb robots. Although they all do have different alt modes as fighter jets, they all follow the same transformation pattern. And in both the G1 cartoon and comics, it often made the individual limb robots indistinguishable when they formed Superion. The same could sometimes happen with Menasor, especially the leg robots unless viewed from behind. Colour was often the only way that you could distinguish which robot was which, but in situations where we weren't able to see the colours, it became impossible to tell. Look at these examples from G1 canon and see if you can distinguish which Aerialbot was formed which limb...
Hate Plague infected Superion (http://tfwiki.net/mediawiki/images2/8/82/ROOP1_superion_hateplague.jpg).
Superion vs Menasor (http://tfwiki.net/mediawiki/images2/6/69/Menasor_superion_heavy_traffic.jpg) in the US comics.
Superion (http://tfwiki.net/mediawiki/images2/5/56/Superion_inside_story.jpg) in the UK comics.
Superion vs G.I. Joe (http://tfwiki.net/mediawiki/images2/a/ac/Superion_blood_on_the_tracks.jpg)
Superion being owned by Combaticons (http://tfwiki.net/mediawiki/images2/1/1f/GreatWar_superion_torn_apart.jpg) in the G1 manga.
As a helicopter and 4WD, Alpha Bravo and Off Road are more distinctive. That's one thing that made sets like the Combaticons and Protectobots so cool; each of them have clearly distinctive forms. You can look at a black and white illustration of say Bruticus or Defensor (http://www.allspark.com/forums/uploads/monthly_04_2012/post-940-1334443882.jpg) and still tell who is who. :)

A shame that they've changed the names, but I'm assuming it's due to trademark issues. :o Hasbro Australia would have to be 9 flavours of crazy if they don't release these toys here.

[CBratron]

And the big question.

Do you think Australian retail will be reliable enough to buy these locally?

[kaiden]

As others have said, the different alt modes with Slingshot^Alpha Bravo and Wildrider^Off Road may be due to potential mould reuse for the Combaticons, but one added advantage - especially for the Aerialbots - is increased variety in the alt modes, which impacts on the look of the overall gestalts. One thing that particularly made the G1 Aerialbots dull as a set, was the generic nature of the limb robots. Although they all do have different alt modes as fighter jets, they all follow the same transformation pattern. And in both the G1 cartoon and comics, it often made the individual limb robots indistinguishable when they formed Superion. The same could sometimes happen with Menasor, especially the leg robots unless viewed from behind. Colour was often the only way that you could distinguish which robot was which, but in situations where we weren't able to see the colours, it became impossible to tell. Look at these examples from G1 canon and see if you can distinguish which Aerialbot was formed which limb...
Hate Plague infected Superion (http://tfwiki.net/mediawiki/images2/8/82/ROOP1_superion_hateplague.jpg).
Superion vs Menasor (http://tfwiki.net/mediawiki/images2/6/69/Menasor_superion_heavy_traffic.jpg) in the US comics.
Superion (http://tfwiki.net/mediawiki/images2/5/56/Superion_inside_story.jpg) in the UK comics.
Superion vs G.I. Joe (http://tfwiki.net/mediawiki/images2/a/ac/Superion_blood_on_the_tracks.jpg)
Superion being owned by Combaticons (http://tfwiki.net/mediawiki/images2/1/1f/GreatWar_superion_torn_apart.jpg) in the G1 manga.
As a helicopter and 4WD, Alpha Bravo and Off Road are more distinctive. That's one thing that made sets like the Combaticons and Protectobots so cool; each of them have clearly distinctive forms. You can look at a black and white illustration of say Bruticus or Defensor (http://www.allspark.com/forums/uploads/monthly_04_2012/post-940-1334443882.jpg) and still tell who is who. :)

yeah its hard to tell the difference between the limbs BUT that's only because of the lazy drawing of the artists. and even if they weren't being lazy, they probably weren't familiar enough with the source material.

i do agree that they are generic in nature, but they're all jets... and because they combined into a gestalt, they had a uniform colour scheme - red, white and black. it probably didn't help that they had the scramble city attribute which meant they could be any limb and so that further kills any individuality that other gestalts like Bruticus and Defensor have.

the helicopter foot looks stupid to me. I prefer the g1 original which has some symmetrical balance and beauty rather than an ugly club foot. :p

[Defcon]

Alpha Bravo could be used as Vortex from bruticus and Blades from Defensor. The 4WD offroad could be used as Swindle, and could work as First Aid, given a new head and a siren but not ideal. While these are released in waves, we should expect to see boxsets, where they might actually replace the helicopter from Superior with another jet, just a possibility but not a sure thing.

[kup]

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/avatars/shutuptakemoney.jpg
:cool: ICH LIEBE DIE GESTALTEN!!! :D


lol given recent history, they don't want to take your money, not without making you work first ;) They will make you search half way across the world before you can give them your money and that's if you are lucky ;)

With latest waves, it reached a point that 3Ps were more accessible than official Hasbro Generations toys. Skids for example.

[Sky Shadow]

I like them. What do you think is the purpose of the gestalt hands transforming into feet and vice versa? I'm thinking that each limb comes with a larger weapon (akin to the ones that came with the original Stunticons, Streetwise and First Aid for example) that can also transform into a hand or foot.

[Hursticon]

What do you think is the purpose of the gestalt hands transforming into feet and vice versa?

It's for the Scramble-City play pattern ;):):


Interesting points to note:

Combiners will be comprised of:

1x Voyager torso.
4x Deluxe limbs.
1x Legends figure forming a Gun for Superion & the Chestplate for Menasor.
6x Figures in total, each.

Each limb will come with a detached, identical Fist/Foot/Alt-mode Gun "Appendage" component that converts for the desired purpose (Scramble City enabling?).
Each Team/Combiner has unique "Appendage" components.


Looking at the little purple weapon that comes with Blackjack, that seems to always end up on Menasor's chest in every pic, I have a hunch that weapon is supposed to form the Hilt of Menasor's sword. ;):)

[kaiden]

Looking at the little purple weapon that comes with Blackjack, that seems to always end up on Menasor's chest in every pic, I have a hunch that weapon is supposed to form the Hilt of Menasor's sword. ;):)

that would have been the ideal way to go, but it looks like where you would plug the blade into the hilt is too small... and i can't see a hole for it either.

[Lint]

I don't understand why Hasbro felt the need to change slingshot and wildriders alt modes. I get that they probably don't want 4 jets in one wave and 4 sports cars in another but if they split 2 jets and 2 cars to a wave it wouldn't be a problem.

A helicopter just looks and feels wrong amongst those jets. I can forgive the less than perfect combined mode, I understand they have budget restrictions that prevent them from making these perfect like I'm sure their designers are capable off but there is no excuse for making slingshot a helicopter. At least his robot mode looks good, I'm loving those wrist missiles.

I don't get why they changed wildrider to the off-road truck, they already made brakedown a truck in Prime and his constructbot toy is a truck. Since they felt the need to change one of the stunticons alt modes why not continue the trend and make brakedown the truck.



This annoys the heck out of me as well but overall, colour me impressed.

I'm liking the Aerialbots more as their bot modes are more ringers to their G1 character models. The Stunticons are kinda awful in this department. Drag Strip and Dead End especially.

[CBratron]

I don't mind the changed alt modes too much. I just think Breakdown would be the better candidate considering his alt mode in TFPrime.

[Sky Shadow]

I don't understand why Hasbro felt the need to change slingshot and wildriders alt modes. I get that they probably don't want 4 jets in one wave and 4 sports cars in another but if they split 2 jets and 2 cars to a wave it wouldn't be a problem.

The problem with splitting waves for gestalts is uneven distribution. I know you remember Energon, where some people had two-limbed giant robots for about a year, and others never completed their Maximus toys.

[Tober]

The problem with splitting waves for gestalts is uneven distribution. I know you remember Energon, where some people had two-limbed giant robots for about a year, and others never completed their Maximus toys.

They are splitting them over multiple waves tho -

o Deluxe wave 1
• Firefly
• Skydive
• Alpha Bravo (Slingshot)
• Dragstrip

o Deluxe wave 2
• Air Raid
• Dead End
• Breakdown
• Offroad (Wildrider – an off road truck)

o Voyager wave 1
• Silverbolt
• Optimus Prime (combiner compatible, artwork shown)

o Voyager wave 2
• Motormaster


I know you remember Energon

Some of us are still trying to forget Energon.

[spiderken17]

They look pretty good but not as good as the 3rd party combiners. What happened to Slingshot and Wildrider?

[Sky Shadow]

They are splitting them over multiple waves tho -

Oh. Well in that case, screw you, Hasblow! :p;)


Some of us are still trying to forget Energon.

LOL. :cool:

[Lord_Zed]

That's a big improvement alright, Hasbro finally give the fans some proper classics combiners. I love the head sculpts on the individual bots, they have certainly outdone the 3rd parties on G1 accuracy there. Having said that I'm saddened we are getting these toys during a period of significant quality decline, feels like they could have been even more three or four years ago.

They do look nice though, but I seriously doubt that I will be retiring my 3p combiners, the quality gaps got too big, though I will likely still grab some of these guys. Blackjack for sure, Micromasters FTW!

And look forward to G2 repaints. :P

[swoop]

The problem with splitting waves for gestalts is uneven distribution. I know you remember Energon, where some people had two-limbed giant robots for about a year, and others never completed their Maximus toys.

That was the tail end of the line not the beginning, but your right it was a pain.

[Hursticon]

I found this slide, which contains a frame/screen-cap from a possible future Hasbro Designer's Comentary video, to be rather interesting for 2 reasons:

When Alpha-Bravo (Slingshot) is in the correct limb orientation, I find his colour layout immediately calls out his G1 origins and doesn't look out of place at all. :cool:
Just like so many times as a kid, seeing others running around with their G1 Superion's legs orientated this way; the immediate thought that enters my head is: "You've got the Leg-bots the wrong way round!". :p


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BtXLlr-CcAEdPqS.jpg:large


Is Slingshot being a chopper now really that big of an issue? :rolleyes:
I mean, the guy rocked a Rolls Royce radiator on his chest for Pete's sake! - The bot's full of himself! :p:D

[doublespy]

Really appreciate the effort that went into these. Although combining is a good gimmick I guess it's not easy to pitch this idea on a corporate level when the characters are only recognizable by older fans and it obviously takes more to engineer combiners. The IDW tie-in possibility may have been what they used to get the go-ahead

The individual deluxes look to be similar to the FOC Combaticons in terms of engineering - gone are the days when you get wrist swivels on a deluxe toy - but with a voyager being the torso it makes a world of a difference. The combined modes both look great. And the Gewuuuness on some of the individual bots are absolutely off the chart! Silverbolt and Breakdown especially. I'm definitely getting these. Generations just gets better and better:D

[Penetrator]

sling shot has a new name :eek:

[CyberiusPrime]

Menasaur was my first combiner TF that i was given.
It's good to see that they have updated the models and what not a bit.
The idea of 6 members of the combiners is very Constructercons/devistator type.

But if they do come out, i will more than likely (actually make that definately) picking them up :)

[Ode to a Grasshopper]

I'm...actually not feeling it.
I don't mind the new alt-modes for pseudo-Slingshot and pseudo-Wildrider, I like the idea of having the Legends guys form parts of the gestalt, I like that HTT are doing gestalts and especially like that they're doing Voyager-sized torso-bots. But the execution just seems so lacking, even taking into account the constraints of official price-points. The Aerialbots look great in bot mode (or passable in Silverbolt's case), but poor in the others, and the Stunticons mostly look good in alt-mode but lacking in bot-mode (except for Motormaster, who despite the alt-mode change is the opposite). Combined Superion looks OK-ish, but Menasor looks way too much like PCC Crankcase (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/File:PCC-toy_Crankcase.jpg).

I want to like these, I really do, but as things stand unless they look much better than both the TFCC and Official pics look, the reviews are glowing, and/or unless there's a great 3P upgrade kit announced then I'm probably going to pass.:(

[AJ_Prime]

Yeah I got excited about these when I first saw them, but the more images I see the less excited I get. Individually they look pretty good, but combined they just don't seem to pull it off. Much like FoC Bruticus parts of the combined body look disproportionate. Those hands are like, HUGE! Also I thought people were moving away from thigh gap these days, but it seems like Hasbro are still going for the skinny thigh syndrome.

Might wait to see what they're like once they are released and perhaps watch a couple of video reviews before I make up my mind. Perhaps they'll look better posed dynamically.

Those aerialbots look a bit kibbly in alt mode but might be able to live with it.

[i_amtrunks]

I'll pre order both waves/ case assortments online to be safe, it's going to be one of those things where it is better to potentially pay a little more to ensure that you get the toys, rather than hope that they might get a general or exclusive release locally.

[dirge]

Do you think Australian retail will be reliable enough to buy these locally?

I suspect most here will pre-order long before we find out the answer to this.


The problem with splitting waves for gestalts is uneven distribution


And this is the other reason why many will pre-order.

Kinda proves that Hasbro AU have shot themselves in the foot when it comes to the collector market here.

[griffin]

A six member team means that it allows them to have a Devastator that has all six Constructicons, but still have the 5-team combiner core like 1986 Combiners, but have the sixth Constructicon become a chestplate or weapon.

I can't work out the meaning behind Slingshot's new name - Alpha Bravo.
It's radio/military for the letters A B... but that isn't jumping out as standing for anything specific or obvious. If it is meant to stand for AerialBot, that would be so lame, as he's a member of the team, not the whole team.

[crankcase76]

Well if they get it right i'll get them, bit saddened that they changed Slingshot and Wildrider. But looks like my wallet will have a bit more dust in it for awhile.:)

[Trent]

Initial things I noticed:

-Put a goatee on Menasor's head and you have unicron.
-Sooooo much robot strapped to bottom of plane syndrome happening with the aerialbots it's really unappealing.
-Once again Hasbro persist with scramble city despite the compromises it creates. Although as others have stated it may be to create repaint potential for other combiner teams.
-Motormaster looks great. So do most of the stunticons. Good to see Hasbro using the likeness of real vehicles without gaining permission off the manufacturers (for example, Dead End being a 458 Italia (http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ferrari_458))

-Anyone else notice the guy in the photo below? Does it seem like he is trying to explain the concept of mass shifting to that girl?;)

http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Webpics/BtUaQRICIAEnHsljpglarge_zps06d2496e.jpg



I'm...actually not feeling it.
I don't mind the new alt-modes for pseudo-Slingshot and pseudo-Wildrider, I like the idea of having the Legends guys form parts of the gestalt, I like that HTT are doing gestalts and especially like that they're doing Voyager-sized torso-bots. But the execution just seems so lacking, even taking into account the constraints of official price-points. The Aerialbots look great in bot mode (or passable in Silverbolt's case), but poor in the others, and the Stunticons mostly look good in alt-mode but lacking in bot-mode (except for Motormaster, who despite the alt-mode change is the opposite). Combined Superion looks OK-ish, but Menasor looks way too much like PCC Crankcase (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/File:PCC-toy_Crankcase.jpg).

I want to like these, I really do, but as things stand unless they look much better than both the TFCC and Official pics look, the reviews are glowing, and/or unless there's a great 3P upgrade kit announced then I'm probably going to pass.:(


Yeah I got excited about these when I first saw them, but the more images I see the less excited I get. Individually they look pretty good, but combined they just don't seem to pull it off. Much like FoC Bruticus parts of the combined body look disproportionate. Those hands are like, HUGE! Also I thought people were moving away from thigh gap these days, but it seems like Hasbro are still going for the skinny thigh syndrome.

Might wait to see what they're like once they are released and perhaps watch a couple of video reviews before I make up my mind. Perhaps they'll look better posed dynamically.

Those aerialbots look a bit kibbly in alt mode but might be able to live with it.

I'm glad that I'm not the only one not impressed with what I see. I appreciate what Hasbro's designers are attempting but it just seems like the bean counters had too much input :(

[Lord_Zed]

As someone who has gravitated largely to the world of expensive collector toys I'm not so impressed either, but putting my cynicism aside for a moment, I am impressed that Hasbro actually decided to make these guys in the first place. I guess they are always constrained by the need to appeal to both kids and collectors while still coming in within budget which is becoming more apparent these days. As I said earlier I kind of wish these had happened a few years ago when Generations was in it's stride, as nice as it is to see combiners I still feel the best days of the Generations line is behind us alas.

The need for a gimmick has always been a bane for Hasbro, just look at the last lot of Commander/scout class toys, they would have been better had the part of the budget that went into the spring loaded target masters gone into improving the base toy instead.

Still I'm of mixed views about the return of the scramble city style universal combiner gimmick. It is a classic gimmick but I imagine it will make for some significant limitations.

[Defcon]

I'm just glad they are using a voyager for the torso, instead of a deluxe, or else I wouldn't touch these with a ten foot pole and say immediately that they have already failed :p It was a big complaint from FOC Bruticus, I'm glad someone took notice. The combined mode just looks to be a hand painted prototype with the figures glued together. So I would think, and expect some changes along the line before they get to the finished products.

[Bidoofdude]

I'm in love. Superion is perfect. I even like the helicopter they gave Slingshot/Alpha Bravo. Menasor, though nowhere near as good as Superion, still looks nice. The bot and alt modes for both teams are perfection. Not sure what to say about Wildrider's replacement/new alt mode.

[GoktimusPrime]

I don't mind the helicopter mode for Alpha Bravo, and I suppose I can get used to the 4WD for Off Road. Slingshot was a Harrier in G1 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harrier_Jump_Jet), which of course is a jet fighter with VTOL (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VTOL) capability, and naturally all helicopters are capable of VTOL. G1 Wildrider, as his name suggests, is an absolute lunatic of a driver (http://www.botchthecrab.com/archive/decoder.asp?CharName=Wildrider&ImgURL=/archive/techspecs/decepticon/1986/ts_wildrider.jpg). Even Breakdown didn't like sharing the road with him (http://www.seibertron.com/comics/universe/original/index.php?tf_id=wildrider)! And having an off road alt mode may also potentially negate one of Wildrider's primary weaknesses in G1; his tyres were prone to blow-outs due to his reckless driving. Having an all terrain alt mode would be better suited for Wildrider's personality. This is unlikely, but it may also be a reference to Car Robot Wild Ride (http://www.toyarena.com/images/4904880070251.jpg) (a.k.a. RiD X-Brawn (http://www.tfw2005.com/resources/attach/4/0/5/9/7/RID073_1200239656.jpg)), who was an SUV (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0d/1998-2001_Mercedes-Benz_ML_320_(W163)_wagon_03.jpg).

The names are annoying though. Don't tell me that Hasbro couldn't find any other way to approximate their original names...
Autobot Slingshot
Aerialbot Slingshot
Sling (Slingshot's Japanese name (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51t-y7pfKUL._SX300_.jpg))
Slingshooter
Decepticon Wildrider
Stunticon Wildrider
Wildride
X-Wild or X-Ride (as a quasi homage to X-Brawn <---> CR Wild Ride)
Wyldrider, Wildryder or Wyldryder
Feralrider
Wilddriver
Crazybolt
etc.

[klystron]

Superion looks great. I'm well into this whole generations combiner thing. This is on the top of my future acquisitions list, which means I may cancel some of my other proposed purchases.
Seriously I just quit a getting a few other figures in order to get Predaking instead. I might focus solely on collecting "combiners." Klystron the Combiner Collector. Sounds nice.

[doublespy]

The Combiner War teaservideo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gnj2qGYNGlY&list=UUK8klGY0dOW2ydE4-26_WUA) played during the SDCC panel.
With Hasbro designers' insights, a look at how the combining connector works and some better looks at the individual 'bot modes. Those quick cut shots of alt mode to bot mode to combiner really reminded me of the old G1 commercials (with only the new Slingshot looks a bit out of place).

One thing that bugs me though is how they at times the combiners are badly mistransformed when they were presenting the figures. Personally if I devote time and effort into designing a product I'd like to present it properly especially for its debut. I've also seen some of the toy show presentation or promotion videos where TakTom designers show off their products. II could tell the TakTom designers really LOVE these toys they design and want them to look great when presenting them to the public. Maybe that's the difference between a" concept artist" and an engineer:D

[5FDP]

I think Superion looks great while Menasor looks a bit ordinary. On the flip side, the Stunticons as individual bots look really good. I'll probably have the Aerialbots in combined form while displaying the Stunticons separately. Problem solved ;)

[kup]

One thing that bugs me though is how they at times the combiners are badly mistransformed when they were presenting the figures. Personally if I devote time and effort into designing a product I'd like to present it properly especially for its debut. I've also seen some of the toy show presentation or promotion videos where TakTom designers show off their products. II could tell the TakTom designers really LOVE these toys they design and want them to look great when presenting them to the public. Maybe that's the difference between a" concept artist" and an engineer:D

That bugged me a lot and kind of throws their own credibility out. If I have spend endless hours designing a toy, I am going to freaking know how it's supposed to be Transformed, specially on an official video preview. That Menasor looked really f'ed up but the 'designer' was seemingly oblivious to it.

[GoktimusPrime]

One thing that bugs me though is how they at times the combiners are badly mistransformed when they were presenting the figures. Personally if I devote time and effort into designing a product I'd like to present it properly especially for its debut. I've also seen some of the toy show presentation or promotion videos where TakTom designers show off their products. II could tell the TakTom designers really LOVE these toys they design and want them to look great when presenting them to the public. Maybe that's the difference between a" concept artist" and an engineer:D
^This. ;)
Overall I find that TakaraTOMY has a better work ethic and genuine pride than Hasbro's -- seemingly more interested in pleasing the end consumer instead of just retail buyers. This is reflected in the quality/effort poured into packaging design, securing trademarks*, and customer service**.

*They occasionally have names like Destron Octone (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3558/3525965178_444092b9f4.jpg), Cybertron Inferno (http://images.toywizard.net/0001/henkei-c15-inferno.jpg), Autobot Dino (http://blogs.c.yimg.jp/res/blog-65-7e/smokingray77/folder/483549/31/12287731/img_25?1403424841), Dinobot Slash (http://thumbs2.ebaystatic.com/d/l225/m/mBTzl8WMqxzrZsbThx_oxZA.jpg) etc. where TakTOM have appeared to lost the rights to those names, but at least they're trying to maintain some semblance to the original name. Hasbro on the other hand don't seem to be even trying with names like "Alpha Bravo" and "Off Road." :confused:
**Have your calls answered by a person who promptly deals with your issue, instead of a machine that diverts you to another machine which then hangs up on you! :eek:

[Lord_Zed]

To be fair Off Road and Alpha Bravo don't actually bare much resemblance to those they have replaced from G1 aside from colours. I find it odd given they have clearly made an effort to get all the other head sculpts looking like the G1 toon, but these two look nothing like Slingshot and Wildrider. They look more like new characters really.

Maybe Slingshot decided to pursue a solo career, afraid the others were holding him back, and Wildrider got committed. :D

So the combiner teams had to get some new recruits.

Slingshot would be a silly name for a helicopter anyway.

[Bidoofdude]

To be fair Off Road and Alpha Bravo don't actually bare much resemblance to those they have replaced from G1 aside from colours. I find it odd given they have clearly made an effort to get all the other head sculpts looking like the G1 toon, but these two look nothing like Slingshot and Wildrider. They look more like new characters really.

Maybe Slingshot decided to pursue a solo career, afraid the others were holding him back, and Wildrider got committed. :D

So the combiner teams had to get some new recruits.

Slingshot would be a silly name for a helicopter anyway.

Alpha Bravo/Slingshot's head isn't too off, he's just missing a mouth. They got the orange in the middle part right.

[Lord_Zed]

Alpha Bravo/Slingshot's head isn't too off, he's just missing a mouth. They got the orange in the middle part right.

The shape is wrong, Slingshot is supposed to have a curved face with two rectangular sides, Alpha Bravo's head looks more Like Vortex.

[GoktimusPrime]

As others have suggested, it appears that they're using the Vortex mould for Alpha Bravo as a cost saving measure. And the final product may vary -- the head for Alpha Bravo might get retooled to look more like Slingshot. <shrugs> :confused:

[kup]

As others have suggested, it appears that they're using the Vortex mould for Alpha Bravo as a cost saving measure. And the final product may vary -- the head for Alpha Bravo might get retooled to look more like Slingshot. <shrugs> :confused:

Maybe they are counting on 3rd parties to 'fix' it. That way the collector market will feel confident that they can buy the Hasbro set 'as is' because a 3P upgrade will be on the way.

[Sinnertwin]

Maybe they are counting on 3rd parties to 'fix' it. That way the collector market will feel confident that they can buy the Hasbro set 'as is' because a 3P upgrade will be on the way.

Third parties are going to be producing add-ons regardless of Hasbro's intentions. I'm sure we'll see new feet and hands, swords, guns, hips, heads, laser pointers etc
I don't mind the choices of vehicles that they've chosen, i just wish that they'd have 5/5 head sculpts, not 4.

[kup]

Third parties are going to be producing add-ons regardless of Hasbro's intentions. I'm sure we'll see new feet and hands, swords, guns, hips, heads, laser pointers etc
I don't mind the choices of vehicles that they've chosen, i just wish that they'd have 5/5 head sculpts, not 4.

Something tells me that this 'Combiner wars' theme would not exist if it wasn't for the success of 3P combiners in the last couple of years.

[Lint]

Something tells me that this 'Combiner wars' theme would not exist if it wasn't for the success of 3P combiners in the last couple of years.

3P leads the way! You could consider the free consumer/market litmus test as dispensation for the IP infringement. Everybody wins! (except our wallets :p)

[Sky Shadow]

Alpha Bravo is clearly designed as Blades, and - with its Vortex alternative head - has been coloured into Alpha Bravo. Off Road... do we assume there's a Swindle head on as part of its mould? Brawl? First Aid? Who do we think that design is 'meant' to be?

[Sinnertwin]

Something tells me that this 'Combiner wars' theme would not exist if it wasn't for the success of 3P combiners in the last couple of years.

I agree. It'd be naive to think that Hasbro/TT haven't taken any notice of them. Then again, there's no Predaking, so maybe they haven't... Either way, i'd be more inclined to part with $150 than $500 for a combiner any day of the week.

[i_amtrunks]

I am intrigued by the tie in comic that I assume will also be packaged in with the deluxes.

Since combiners have been a big focus point in the IDW comics for a long time, it looks like the new series with either mess up alot of continuity or be set in a splinter universe...

[Sky Shadow]

Since combiners have been a big focus point in the IDW comics for a long time, it looks like the new series with either mess up alot of continuity or be set in a splinter universe...

Maybe it's set in the past, or predominantly flashbacks?

[Paulbot]

I assumed the opposite, and it'd be about them finally getting combiner technology to work. Since they've already been seen in IDW, having Menasor and Superion doesn't add anything new the way Bruticus, Defensor, Computron etc would. A story about them learning (form Devastator?) how to do it properly could fill a few issues.

[doublespy]

I know he has nothing to do with the combiners, but Off Road gives a G1 Crankcase vibe somehow

[i_amtrunks]

I think you may be right about the when of e tie in comic Paulbot, it may take place in RiD late 30's.

With Livio on art, I automatically assumed it would be taking place in Cybertrons history, perhaps after Primacy, but that would not work.

[Alpha Supreme]

I personally love FOC Bruticus and even bought the Wreckers... some nice homages amongst them and I am super stoked for the "Combiner Wars". Always loved combiners and hope they come out with Abominis!!! I love me some beast Transformers who combine. Computron would be lovely too!!!

[Ravagecat]

Excited that they are doing these sets :D but share the disappointment of others for the extreme changes to Slingshot and Wildrider...:confused:

Also I noticed they went to a lot of trouble to make Silverbolt, Fireflight, and Air Raid look as close as copyright would allow to their original G1 1980's jets but gave Skydive a double tail?? Why not continue the trend?? I have never seen an F16 with twin tails :confused: ..and maybe they couldn't come up with a design that even vaguely/remotely looked like a harrier jump jet with out infringing on copyrights so had to go for a helicopter??

As for the Stunticons..Motor master doesnt have his trailer no big deal and dragstrip and Breakdown look pretty close to thier 80's counterparts :) but why have the given Deadend's alt mode the likeness of a Ferrari Italia of sorts instead of Wildrider. Deadend was a Porsche 928 back in the day and the G1 80's Wildrider was 308 GTB Ferrari??

It would be great when Hasbro come up with these ideas if they had a forum of sorts and ask the fans for their input before steaming ahead. At least if something like that was in place we could get some sort of explanation as to why they have been done the way they currently are. This change was made because of this... we couldn't use that shape because of that and so on...

Hope they have another panel next year at botcon or sdcc with the generations toy designers so someone can ask...

[kup]

Excited that they are doing these sets :D but share the disappointment of others for the extreme changes to Slingshot and Wildrider...:confused:

Also I noticed they went to a lot of trouble to make Silverbolt, Fireflight, and Air Raid look as close as copyright would allow to their original G1 1980's jets but gave Skydive a double tail?? Why not continue the trend?? I have never seen an F16 with twin tails :confused: ..and maybe they couldn't come up with a design that even vaguely/remotely looked like a harrier jump jet with out infringing on copyrights so had to go for a helicopter??

As for the Stunticons..Motor master doesnt have his trailer no big deal and dragstrip and Breakdown look pretty close to thier 80's counterparts :) but why have the given Deadend's alt mode the likeness of a Ferrari Italia of sorts instead of Wildrider. Deadend was a Porsche 928 back in the day and the G1 80's Wildrider was 308 GTB Ferrari??

It would be great when Hasbro come up with these ideas if they had a forum of sorts and ask the fans for their input before steaming ahead. At least if something like that was in place we could get some sort of explanation as to why they have been done the way they currently are. This change was made because of this... we couldn't use that shape because of that and so on...

Hope they have another panel next year at botcon or sdcc with the generations toy designers so someone can ask...

I am pretty sure that although they are starting to realize the commercial value of of providing to consumer preferences, they probably still have some upper position stooge in there who thinks he knows better. Maybe he forces his own suggestions onto the design team and we end up with such outcomes that don't make much sense from either copyright or budget points of view..

[Lord_Zed]

Excited that they are doing these sets :D but share the disappointment of others for the extreme changes to Slingshot and Wildrider...:confused:

Also I noticed they went to a lot of trouble to make Silverbolt, Fireflight, and Air Raid look as close as copyright would allow to their original G1 1980's jets but gave Skydive a double tail?? Why not continue the trend?? I have never seen an F16 with twin tails :confused: ..and maybe they couldn't come up with a design that even vaguely/remotely looked like a harrier jump jet with out infringing on copyrights so had to go for a helicopter??

As for the Stunticons..Motor master doesnt have his trailer no big deal and dragstrip and Breakdown look pretty close to thier 80's counterparts :) but why have the given Deadend's alt mode the likeness of a Ferrari Italia of sorts instead of Wildrider. Deadend was a Porsche 928 back in the day and the G1 80's Wildrider was 308 GTB Ferrari??



I understand the copyright issues for the cars, but why the jets? I'm not a fan of the Aerialbots alt modes at all. Air Raid has gone from a F15 to a long retired F14, kind of ok, but why? Fireflight doesn't really look anything at all like a Phantom, his shape is so wrong I'd just call him a derpjet. As for Skydive, well maybe he is actually meant to be a Mig 24 now with his two tail fins, but even then he looks way off. I don't really understand seeing as how they have made proper likenesses of military aircraft for the movie lines. As a big fan of jet Transfromers these lazy alt modes bother me, and that's even before I consider the fact that each of them has a kibble brick attached to the bottom of the fuselage.

[Stug]

I understand the copyright issues for the cars, but why the jets?

You may well be onto something here... the model kit industry went into meltdown about 10 years ago as Boeing began hitting kit manufacturers for use of their IP - it was rumoured they were demanding up to $40 per kit to model one their planes :eek: (the big debate was whether they owned the designs or not given they were typically built for the state and the state would often have several companies building any one plane - especially WWII designs or aircraft they built of other companies designs). However, Boeing won and most new western kit manufacturers now have printed on the box or instructions that the kit is officially licensed. Lockheed Martin also began imposing the same.

Coincidentally, the F-15, F-4 and Harrier (US Marine version) were all McDonnell Douglas products - and MD has since merged with Boeing. Similarly General Dynamics, producer of the F-16, sold their aerospace arm to Martin before they merged to become Lockheed Martin. Northrop and Grumman haven't sought licensing hence they can probably get away with the F-14 like design.

A cost of $40 doesn't seem to have eventuated - anecdotally, I'd suggest it's been about 10% but that's still a cost that they may not be willing to absorb or pass on...

[Ravagecat]

You may well be onto something here... the model kit industry went into meltdown about 10 years ago as Boeing began hitting kit manufacturers for use of their IP - it was rumoured they were demanding up to $40 per kit to model one their planes :eek: (the big debate was whether they owned the designs or not given they were typically built for the state and the state would often have several companies building any one plane - especially WWII designs or aircraft they built of other companies designs). However, Boeing won and most new western kit manufacturers now have printed on the box or instructions that the kit is officially licensed. Lockheed Martin also began imposing the same.

Coincidentally, the F-15, F-4 and Harrier (US Marine version) were all McDonnell Douglas products - and MD has since merged with Boeing. Similarly General Dynamics, producer of the F-16, sold their aerospace arm to Martin before they merged to become Lockheed Martin. Northrop and Grumman haven't sought licensing hence they can probably get away with the F-14 like design.

A cost of $40 doesn't seem to have eventuated - anecdotally, I'd suggest it's been about 10% but that's still a cost that they may not be willing to absorb or pass on...

Some good info there stug :)

[Raptormesh]

I understand the copyright issues for the cars, but why the jets? I'm not a fan of the Aerialbots alt modes at all. Air Raid has gone from a F15 to a long retired F14, kind of ok, but why? Fireflight doesn't really look anything at all like a Phantom, his shape is so wrong I'd just call him a derpjet. As for Skydive, well maybe he is actually meant to be a Mig 24 now with his two tail fins, but even then he looks way off. I don't really understand seeing as how they have made proper likenesses of military aircraft for the movie lines. As a big fan of jet Transfromers these lazy alt modes bother me, and that's even before I consider the fact that each of them has a kibble brick attached to the bottom of the fuselage.

Please forgive me but that mig 24 quote has been bothering me you were referring to mig 25 perhaps?