JP/HK Masterpiece Ultra Magnus coming to ToysRUs Australia

[griffin]

Many rumours have been circulating on what is next for ToysRUs Australia after we got in the Masterpiece Wheeljack earlier this month, and a tease was included on our 2014 Transformers Toy Checklist (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=16763)... but now it can finally be revealed.

MP-22 ULTRA MAGNUS

http://toycollectors.com.au/transformers/2014/jp14a62.jpg

Price and scheduled release date provided by Sinnertwin...
$299.99
SKN 086323
400 units total. 2 shipments allocated ( 1st ETA February 260 units + ETA: 04/04/15 160 units)

A bit of a wait on the Asian release (which was pushed back to December 27th now), but not surprising after how long it took to get Wheeljack here.
The price is actually within the range I was expecting, so hopefully there is a catalogue sale soon after its release, and before it sells out.

Just like with MP Wheeljack, this figure will come with translated instructions and bio booklet... but this time, the Bio was written up by an Ozformers member - GoktimusPrime.
.

[Paulbot]

I can't deal with that right now.

[Golden Phoenix]

I am surprised by this. Very impressed though.

[TAAUBlaster]

The few MP releases we've had here must've done well (despite TRU high prices) if we're getting Ultra Magnus here. Hopefully they will price him decently :/

[Edit] And congrats to Gok for his official contributions on this release :)

[Thurmus]

Do you get paid in Masterpieces for the translation?

[Sinnertwin]

$299.99
SKN 086323
400 units total. 2 shipments allocated ( 1st ETA February 260 units + ETA: 04/04/15 160 units)

[k.wong23]

Damn that's expensive...lucky for pre order :D

[griffin]

$299.99
SKN 086323
400 units total. 2 shipments allocated ( 1st ETA February 260 units + ETA: 04/04/15 160 units)

Thanks!
First post updated.

Not as many units as recent MPs, so maybe TRU are being careful on their highest priced Transformers toy ever (matching Myer's recent record with the Platinum Edition Trailer & Sideswipe set).

A bit of a wait on the Asian release (which was pushed back to December 27th now), but not surprising after how long it took to get Wheeljack here.

The price is actually within the range I was expecting ($250-300) based on other items, so hopefully there is a catalogue sale/discount soon after its release, and before it sells out.

If the Japanese/HK release sells out like the Autobot cars often do, I think the delayed release here will still see it sell, as secondary prices online could well end up making this cheaper.

[griffin]

Do you get paid in Masterpieces for the translation?

There are confidentiality agreements in place for working for or with Hasbro, so he and I will only be able to say as much as we are allowed.

However, Goktimus has already revealed his "payment" somewhere else on the board that you can find if you do a search, so is probably allowed to fill in the blanks now... but that's up to him, as he is free to talk about anything he is allowed to.
(I would only stop him from saying something that breaches the confidentiality agreement, as that would impact on future relations between us and Hasbro.)

[nexusnixx]

$299.99
SKN 086323
400 units total. 2 shipments allocated ( 1st ETA February 260 units + ETA: 04/04/15 160 units)

ouch! well at least TRU is wanting to "bridge" this gap of getting more "collector" worthy toys in.... thumbs up still

[5FDP]

Great news and it does look awesome, but my days of spending $300 per figure are over. I wouldn't be able to justify this to the wife. Oh well, looks like I'll be sticking with my Titanium version.

[Golden Phoenix]

$299.99
SKN 086323
400 units total. 2 shipments allocated ( 1st ETA February 260 units + ETA: 04/04/15 160 units)

If they time it with a 20% off sale that brings it down to ~$240 which isn't too bad.

[i_amtrunks]

If they time it with a 20% off sale that brings it down to ~$240 which isn't too bad.

That would be a price I'd be happy to pay for such a large figure. $300 is just a little too steep. I'd love to support TRU in this endeavour but when I can get is a fair amount cheaper online it is an easy decision.

[philby]

that's pretty cool! like most of us here though I think getting it online overseas is probably the way to go but I think it's great that they seem to be trying at least :)

[Megatran]

Hats off to TRU Oz.

[kurdt_the_goat]

It's great that we have members here that are so dedicated to TF - who had a hand in getting this here and improving the Australian retail situation... But I can't help but feel completely indifferent towards it cause of that price.

Even as a single purchaser, most of us will probably only be paying around 1/2 or 2/3 of that, to get the Japanese release (and to our doors!).

As a bulk import, it should be a damn sight cheaper and only looks like they're doing it to make a buck (or several hundred!) rather than help out the local community.

It coming out so close to the Japanese release only makes it more obvious. A high price is more understandable when they get something in that has long since sold out of it's initial release overseas - that becomes a great option for someone who misssed out.

But this... as much as i appreciate the effort of our members, this release really shouldn't be supported in my mind - hope all you have your preorders in online already!

[xlojnr]

I think that it would be fair to exercise your right to choose where you would like to purchase from due to the freedoms provided to you through technology, import policy, etc, but I think that you should try and be more understanding to aussie retailers trying to make this accessible.

the higher price than the one afforded to you from overseas counterparts isn't all mark-up. don't the physical retailers need to pay 10% gst? and wages for staff/costs for storage, logistics, storefront rental, business overheads.

they are helping the local community by making this piece accessible, but they are also a business which needs to turn a profit after paying off costs. to say that this release shouldn't be supported is saying that you wish to continue to cripple the availability of similar items locally.

[Krayt]

HA!!

I nearly called it in talking to a mate on skype back in October...


28/10/2014 13:07

apparantly there is rumors of gen leader ultra magnus

putting it out there now... gok's project was extra details onto Magnus to make fans happy....

or box bio

or something

Was off the leder Magnus rumors, not MP though

[kurdt_the_goat]

to say that this release shouldn't be supported is saying that you wish to continue to cripple the availability of similar items locally.

And to buy it is saying that you're ok paying what they know is an exorbitant price, letting them know they can do it again in the future and maybe for even more!

People balked at the $250 MP Ghost Starscream a few years ago (can probably still grab one for that price at your local TRU as well!) and this is really no different.

The reality is it barely matters at all if the item is available locally these days. Have you seen the gaming departments of Kmart, Myer, David Jones, Dick Smith? They've almost or completely removed them due to inability to compete. Similarly, i'd rather we had no TF's locally than everything being overpriced.

[Defcon]

At $300 I think Ultra Magnus represents better value than say Ghost Starscream at $250. Anyway it may seem like an extreme price, but they are almost certain to have a sale eg. Was $300, pay $250 save $50! Which brings it down close enough to what it would cost to import it anyway.

[drifand]

$299 is pretty high priced , it may shelf warmed as not many can afford.

No bumble bee?

Nice that they tried.

[xlojnr]

And to buy it is saying that you're ok paying what they know is an exorbitant price, letting them know they can do it again in the future and maybe for even more!


well.. that's the basis of most "support local" campaigns. The input costs of trying to release a product in Australia (especially when one of those costs is labour) mean that the cost of the item will be quite pricey, but with doing so you are supporting local industries providing jobs locally.

Having said that, in consumer markets cost is obviously king - which is why Australia's manufacturing industry is non-existent, as they can't compete, and as you state, retail is doing it tough whenever the dollar climbs (as they can't compete with importing from overseas).

I was just trying to state that making a blanket statement such as the high cost of the MP toys here being all about outrageous money grabbing from local retailers may be misguided and a bit extreme. They need to cover additional costs (which can be significant), and they obviously add a mark up (no business would survive without one), but it may not be as big as you believe the mark up to be.

Anyways - obviously this is a discussion that is veering off course, and it's simply different philosophies, which is fine, so I shall now keep quiet. Party on.

[Megatran]

All this focus on price is depressing.

How about the white elephant in the room? That is, what's written on the bio booklet by Gok? Anyone wasn't to hazard a guess?

(Well done Gok).

[Krayt]

I hope it was more of a proof read of the translation after seeing the slipups in Wheeljacks, rather than a "write from scratch"

[xlojnr]

How about the white elephant in the room? That is, what's written on the bio booklet by Gok? Anyone wasn't to hazard a guess?

(Well done Gok).

that in itself makes this a collectors item :P

congratulations mate! I hope that your name is given the appropriate amount of credit on the bio booklet!

[Defcon]

How about the white elephant in the room? That is, what's written on the bio booklet by Gok? Anyone wasn't to hazard a guess?

(Well done Gok).

Thanks for bringing this to attention, I may of missed this, as I didn't fully read the first post. Now that I have, that piece of info is very interesting. Congrats to Gok!

[reillyd]

And to buy it is saying that you're ok paying what they know is an exorbitant price, letting them know they can do it again in the future and maybe for even more!

I'm happy to pay a premium for an English translation bio and instruction manual, for a large oversize toy that is even bigger than MP Optimus Prime

[drifand]

Actually the worse part is many of you here hated Magnus to begin with. So this can really back fire badly.

[Tober]

So this will be a direct import of MP-22 Ultra Magnus except for the bio and instructions?

The $299 is a huge issue, it's about half that price in Japan/HK. I doubt the cars are included. :rolleyes:

Is anyone going to get theirs signed by Gok? ;)

[laproblematique]

Excuse my ignorance but I still don't understand this Magnus.

It looks like a repaint of the MP-10 with snap on armor from the trailer section to make it look oversized compared to the MP-10? At least that's what I get from seeing the vehicle mode.

[Tober]

Excuse my ignorance but I still don't understand this Magnus.

It looks like a repaint of the MP-10 with snap on armor from the trailer section to make it look oversized compared to the MP-10? At least that's what I get from seeing the vehicle mode.

The transformation itself is completely different to Optimus Prime. The Ultra Magnus cab doesn't turn ito an individual robot, but can separate from the trailer.

[Sinnertwin]

Excuse my ignorance but I still don't understand this Magnus.

It looks like a repaint of the MP-10 with snap on armor from the trailer section to make it look oversized compared to the MP-10? At least that's what I get from seeing the vehicle mode.

it's not a white repaint of Prime :)
While aesthetically they look very similar, Ultra Magnus incorporates both the cab & trailer as part of his transformation without removing parts, as opposed to MP 10 which as you know is a stand alone robot. And as Tober pointed out it is detachable

[Trent]

While I applaude Hasbro Oz for bringing this over, it kind of confirms that at this stage, Hasbro US has no plans to release their own version, which we would usually get. This is disappointing, because I was hoping for a toy colour release to buy as well, in the lighter blue and with a chrome front bar instead of red.

And good work Gok! I hope you can continue to work with Hasbro in the future :)

[DELTAprime]

I'm not interested at that price. My preorder at HLJ for him is ¥14,400. I really want to buy all Transformers locally but a 100% markup is unacceptable.

[UltraMarginal]

I can't deal with that right now.

:D
haha, I see what you did there.

US142 was the list price for my pre-order and that was before the 30% pre-order discount. but like others have said things need to be taken into account. Hasbro Australia is essentially a third party buyer here, they will be getting a good price but not a great price.
add to that shipping (say $10 per figure), import duties & customs fees (which add about 15% to 20% to the base cost, GST (10%) and then Hasbro Australia needs to make a buck (20%) then TRU need to make a buck (20%)

say Hasbro OZ get it for $120 AU

120 + 10 = 130
130 x 1.15 = 149.5
149.5 x 1.1 = 164.45
164.45 x 1.2 = 197.34
197.34 x 1.2 = 236.81

So I'm guessing they need to charge about $235 before anyone is making any more than 5 or 10 % profit. which gives TRU room to move with discounts.

Having said that, I think Ultra Magnus is iconic enough that they'll move 400 units easily enough at $300. its expensive but it's also massive and looks awesome.

A more important discussion point though is that it's here and that Hasbro Australia reached out to the fan community for a collaboration on an Australian exclusive product! in my eyes, this is monumental and something that should be fostered. :cool::D:cool::D
Congratulations to Goktimus for being able to be involved in this project, I'm jealous but at the same time could not have added any value myself. As much as it's not been too long in the process I'm amazed that he didn't pop trying to keep news like this to himself for a few months.

[CoRDS]

im going to have to try to get one of these special limited editions ;)

[crankcase76]

Well unfortunately i have already ordered mine online, but in saying that i will be pleased that TRU are finally getting stuff us collectors want. Good work TRU it about time .:)

But a HUGE shout out to Goki ..... He can now say with pride that he has been a special part of the release of one truely awesome MP transformer. Good work Goki, i wish i had waited to ordered one from here and got your autograph on the bio card.:o

[nexusnixx]

we also need to be mindful when we are quoting pricing is TRU is $299AUD and online is $150USD - there is an element of shipping cost involved too - so we cannot take list price of online store and plaster to what TRU is offering at $299...

shipping cost yes is slightly lower when shipping in bulk but there is still a cost that TRU and other retailers will have cater into their pricing...

[kurdt_the_goat]

Hasbro Australia is essentially a third party buyer here, they will be getting a good price but not a great price.

You're saying that Hasbro HK would be charging Hasbro AU standard wholesaler price? It's the same company!

HK's cost would be the manufacturing cost (which is likely god knows how low) and AU's cost would be nigh on identical (+ shipping assuming they bought em in for TRU)

TRU would get the standard wholesaler price we can (could) all get (12519Y in a case of 4 (http://www.toy-wholesaler.jp/cgi-bin/goods2-e.cgi?id=TF-022)) + local distribution ... and then they double it.

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

Cha-Ching says TRU and Hasbro.

It's great to see a local (for you guys) release on this, but to be honest, after the previous MP releases (Of which I saw none until Prowl), I am sceptical as only 400 units... Plus that price is a killer. Hmm, perhaps that high price would have meant I could see one on shelf! :eek:

I wonder if they had perhaps ordered a larger number to be sold theoretically they could have made it a more appetising price.

Congrats Gok on the work. I bet it's a great job.

[Megatran]

*snip*
A bit of a wait on the Asian release (which was pushed back to December 27th now), but not surprising after how long it took to get Wheeljack here.
*snip*
When was this confirmed? Was hoping to recieve it before Christmas. :(

[Krayt]

RK has updated their preorder page with the new date, so I'd say confirmed.

Speaking of which, I just put my order in coz hunting for one of 400 will be hell, and with 60ish shipping and exchange RKs price was 260aud ish.... So not too far from 300

[Joshy]

Looks like ill be fighting for one of the 400 :cool:, no money for the preorder at the moment but atleast I get another chance at getting one.

[drifand]

Excuse my ignorance but I still don't understand this Magnus.

It looks like a repaint of the MP-10 with snap on armor from the trailer section to make it look oversized compared to the MP-10? At least that's what I get from seeing the vehicle mode.

If you watch the cartoon maybe that helps rather than a toy comparison perspective .

[drifand]

Looks like ill be fighting for one of the 400 :cool:, no money for the preorder at the moment but atleast I get another chance at getting one.

If you are just after Magnus without extras, hlj has it on pre order and will be delivered under $200, you also only pay when they have it in stock.

[Megatran]

If you are just after Magnus without extras, hlj has it on pre order and will be delivered under $200, you also only pay when they have it in stock.
How have you confirmed that it will be delivered under $200? The size and weight information is currently not available. The strong aussie dollar against the Japenese Yen is helping and you may be right in the end but I still can't fathom how you confirmed this. Has HLJ notified you of this information? :confused:

[drifand]

How have you confirmed that it will be delivered under $200? The size and weight information is currently not available. The strong aussie dollar against the Japenese Yen is helping and you may be right in the end but I still can't fathom how you confirmed this. Has HLJ notified you of this information? :confused:

I have based on NY shipping charge and added extra to top off a worse case scenario. I have also used EMS as the shipping method and added 2000 yen on top. so if it ends up over $200 is really a joke for a Japanese online store. As I paid as low as $160 delivered. < yes PAID.
Shipping of two magnus using sal is 3,160¥ you can be bold to say that would be the cost of one magnus using EMS.

Not to say I can be wrong. But there are good chances if you get it from HLJ, you get it under $200.

Just converted from XE.com > 141.604 AUD without shipping
I will give a plus AU$10 and call it $151.00 for Paypal difference
I am very sure EMS doesn't cost over $50 for this piece, it isn't diecast like mp1 was.

hope that make sense. Again I am happy that TRU has brought it in, just wished it was like $270 and below.

[griffin]

When was this confirmed? Was hoping to recieve it before Christmas. :(

Amazon Japan updated the release date in mid October (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=19567).

At least it is only a couple weeks delay. Wheeljack and Bumblebee were pushed back a couple months from their first scheduled release date.

[Megatran]

Amazon Japan updated the release date in mid October (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=19567).

At least it is only a couple weeks delay. Wheeljack and Bumblebee were pushed back a couple months from their first scheduled release date.
The wrong side of Christmas unfortunately. :o

[Bidoofdude]

Where's the Devastator GIF? Hell no.

[Magnus]

I get my TFs from eBay - current prices are close to $300 on preorder listings, so I'd be paying close to that anyway unless there's an auction or an eBay sale. I don't know if I'd be willing to wait, but the prospect of translated documentation (by an Ozformers member, no less!) makes this release enticing.




Where's the Devastator GIF? Hell no.

You mean this one? (http://i0.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/000/549/306/165.gif)

[Megatran]

Is the bio booklet purely a direct translation from Japanese to English? Why doesn't Hasbro just use Google translation?













:p only kidding :p

Good work Gok ;)

[AJ_Prime]

That's awesome news, well done Gok. Must've been exciting to work with them! Yet difficult at the same time to maintain the confidentiality agreement.

Very nice to see the big guy released in Oz. Did you ever consider throwing in a reference to the Tyrest Accord?

[Joshy]

If you are just after Magnus without extras, hlj has it on pre order and will be delivered under $200, you also only pay when they have it in stock.

Awesome thanks, is the extra just the collector coin?

[GoktimusPrime]

That was fast! I was told that this toy was being released by Hasbro HK in December, but didn't expect that it would already be in TRU AU databases so soon! :eek: Thanks for all the kind comments, everyone. :) It was certainly a labour of love because I fell ill with a stomach bug straight after meeting up with Hasbro, but soldiered on because there was a tight deadline to stick to.

My work included:
* Translating and interpreting the booklet.
* Redoing the "History of Ultra Magnus" page. I replaced some of the Takara exclusive Ultra Magni with Hasbro ones; so it's a lot more Hasbro-centric. The first draft of the booklet didn't have my revised version though, so I'm not sure if this edit made it to the final print. I hope so.
* Redoing the bio on the booklet (sorry, they didn't get me to do the tech specs card bio; I suspect that will still be left in Japanese). The Japanese version is very Japanocentric (e.g. reference to Scramble City), which I removed and re-wrote from a more Hasbro/Anglo-centric continuity POV. I used Ultra Magnus' Marvel TF Universe profile and original G1 tech specs as my reference points.

Easter Eggs
* The 'History of Ultra Magnus' page has 'in constantia victoria' written on it, which is Latin for "Consistency is victory," Ultra Magnus' motto.
* The Hasbro reps that I spoke with mentioned that they didn't think that the Japanese name for Ultra Magnus' gun, "Super Blaster Gun," was very good. However, the Hasbro name isn't much better ("Laser Gun"). So I've given a new name. One line from the bio reads, "Wields an Ambus Class laser gun in robot mode." ;) For the purists, I've left it as just "laser gun" in the toy contents page. I explained the reference to Hasbro and asked if it was okay, and they approved. :D


Do you get paid in Masterpieces for the translation?
Hasbro gave me $395 worth of toys for free and have said that I'll be getting an MP Magnus too. Although it was a verbal promise, so I'm not cancelling my Japanese preorder just yet. :p Also cos I'm impatient. ;) I'm still gonna get the TakaraTOMY version first, then if Hasbro follows through and gives me the Hasbro one, I'll keep that and sell my TakTOM version. :cool:


So this will be a direct import of MP-22 Ultra Magnus except for the bio and instructions?
Yes.

Is anyone going to get theirs signed by Gok? ;)
So long as you're willing to pay my appearance fee. :p

Excuse my ignorance but I still don't understand this Magnus.

It looks like a repaint of the MP-10 with snap on armor from the trailer section to make it look oversized compared to the MP-10? At least that's what I get from seeing the vehicle mode.
It's a completely new toy. Much like Titanium Series Ultra Magnus, there is no inner robot (although the truck can can detach). The entire thing transforms from an articulated car carrier into Ultra Magnus' armoured robot mode. The head does reveal the "inner robot" face underneath as a homage to the G1 toy, but the MP toy itself doesn't have an inner robot.


That's awesome news, well done Gok. Must've been exciting to work with them! Yet difficult at the same time to maintain the confidentiality agreement.
It's was DAMN hard! From the moment that I was offered this job I wanted to shout from the highest peaks and tell the world what was happening! :D


Very nice to see the big guy released in Oz. Did you ever consider throwing in a reference to the Tyrest Accord?
I did... and I also considered throwing in references to the G1 Marvel Comic, but I ultimately decided against both because I felt that it would've been a bit too fanboyish. I had to restrain myself and keep it within the confines of the G1 cartoon continuity, which is what the MP toy is intended as. The bio does draw heavily from the G1 tech specs and TFU profile, so that's your Marvel and toy continuity references there... but it's 'generic' enough that it doesn't conflict with the G1 cartoon.

Here's the cover art for the booklet btw. ;)
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/mp_magnus_art_zps5150cf61.jpg

[griffin]

* The 'History of Ultra Magnus' page has 'in constantia victoria' written on it, which is Latin for "Consistency is victory," Ultra Magnus' motto.

I thought it was supposed to be an English translation. ;)

Wouldn't they let you use his motto "Consistency is Victory"?
It would have looked a lot better, particularly to the majority of Australians who don't know latin.

[GoktimusPrime]

It ought to be close enough to English to work out the meaning, even if it's something as rough as "in constant victory." It's just a small piece of text that appears on one corner of one page. :o Besides, I thought a lot of English speakers liked the look/sound of Latin, even if they don't necessarily understand the full meaning (much as a lot of Japanese speakers like the look/sound of English but don't really care about its meaning). :p

There's this image/ shirt (http://ih2.redbubble.net/image.15028145.1946/fig,black,mens,ffffff.jpg) that I've seen circulating around the net and I've also seen people wearing it IRL; so it seems pretty popular, despite having no English translation (and being grammatically incorrect. It should say PAX・PER・TYRANNIDEM).

[griffin]

The TFW2005 news page has listed Goktimus as the artist, instead of the writer (which is even what he said in the text he quoted).
And they are treating it as a rumour as well, since they didn't know that there is proof of it's listing at TRU here.
I sent a message to the news poster, so maybe they'll correct it.

[Paulbot]

It seems they are missing, and it's a little unclear from the first post, that this is the Japanese toy/packaging (like the first MP Mangus, Ghost Starscream, and Wheeljack) and not a new packaging/redecoed rerelease like the Hasbro MPs or the Asian Grimlock. Right?

[Sinnertwin]

Right.

[griffin]

That was the other thing I pointed out to the news poster, as I wasn't sure if that's what he was assuming it was either.

[theshape]

Congrats gok! Its such a shame about the price :(

[crankcase76]

Hasbro gave me $395 worth of toys for free and have said that I'll be getting an MP Magnus too.

Awesome Goki, so did you have to pick out what toys you wanted straight away or can you chose over a period of time? If i could i would have asked if they could open the Vault for a couple of mint pieces .:)

[GoktimusPrime]

Remember on October 13 when I posted this acquisition?
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/acquisitions/acquisitionthrilling1013_zps29dea354.jpg
Yeah... that was my 'down payment' from Hasbro. ;) They actually took me into their vault and handed those toys to me. They offered more AoE stuff, but I wasn't really interested (e.g. Strafe packaged with Mini-Cons etc.). They also let me look at and handle some mint sealed 2015 Combiner Wars toys (they're for Hasbro's display at the next Toy Fair). :o

P.S.: Generations Skids came along with me that day. ;)
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/hasbro_skids_zpsf7b025ac.jpg

[crankcase76]

Wow, that must have been a drool fest stepping into the Vault....:D.

[GoktimusPrime]

Wow, that must have been a drool fest stepping into the Vault....:D.
Sure was! It took me about a week to pick my jaw up from the ground. ;) Their reception also has a gold chrome plated TF1 movie Leader Class Optimus Prime in a glass case. :cool:

[Starscream77]

How far back to the toys in the vault date?
Ie is there minty boxed G1 in there ?

[crankcase76]

Sure was! It took me about a week to pick my jaw up from the ground. ;) Their reception also has a gold chrome plated TF1 movie Leader Class Optimus Prime in a glass case. :cool:

DAMN........ I would love a gold O.P. from TF1. Was there any G1 goodness in their?

[Sinnertwin]

Nice avatar, Gok ;)

[Sky Shadow]

The article on TFW2005 is one of the most hilariously ill-informed things I've ever read there, and that's saying a lot.

"Kelvin Chan will be providing the art for the booklet included in the Hasbro Asia release of MP Ultra Magnus... Although not much is known about this artist, the information given is worth noting as a rumor for now."

Goki should post some of his childhood Transformers drawings just to confuse them even more.

[griffin]

They still haven't fixed it yet either... and I allowed for time-zone difference as well. There are just so many errors on that, the longer it is there, the more people will believe the existing details. :(

[Sinnertwin]

They still haven't fixed it yet either... and I allowed for time-zone difference as well. There are just so many errors on that, the longer it is there, the more people will believe the existing details. :(

You've pointed out the errors. Can't do much more than that if they're not willing to take note and make some changes.

[Blastwave]

Congrats Gok!

Almost want to pick one up just because of your involvement but I already have him on order from Japan.

[Trent]

It's their mentality. A convict backwater where kangaroos hop around Sydney airport couldn't possibly be getting something before the mighty US of A.

The same thing happened when it was announced that we would get MP Soundwave before them (of course ours got delayed but the point is still valid)

:rolleyes:

[Bidoofdude]

It looks like the commenters aren't treating it like a rumor. Most seem to believe it to be entirely true (which it is), probably because of Griffin's disclaimer. :) Not a total loss for 'straya.

[griffin]

It looks like the commenters aren't treating it like a rumor. Most seem to believe it to be entirely true (which it is), probably because of Griffin's disclaimer. :) Not a total loss for 'straya.

Most of the replies since the update at about page 56 was for the item itself, rather the Australian update... as the topic has over 600 replies to it now, and updates that are linked to long topics often get lost. (which is why I will sometimes create new topics if something significant or different is posted)

[GoktimusPrime]

Last night I posted this on the original FB thread:

.....I'd like to clarify that I did NOT do any of the artwork and I do not claim any credit for that.
I've also posted this on the official TF FB page...

.....this art is NOT my work. I only worked on the English language _text_ of the booklet, but none of the artwork or illustrations were done by me -- that's all carried over from the original Japanese version of the booklet.

[Krayt]

TFW2005 finally updated with what Griffin told them

[5FDP]

LOLZ @ TFW :D Jealous much?

[Krayt]

Finally starting to look at Magnus pics now his release is coming....

Man he is going to give me the shirts...

I always hated his upside-down belt.... and now this matches the anime :(

[griffin]

TFW2005 finally updated with what Griffin told them

Yay.

(now if only I could stop Seibertron from stealing my news & images and not crediting me for it)

[Sinnertwin]

i know you're not a fan, but some larger image marking may be in order

[kurdt_the_goat]

There's never gonna be any getting around sites stealing stuff... that's entirely what the internet is these days. It's not like a news credit on any of those sites means a whole lot (or u get paid), so i wouldn't let it worry you.

That said, maybe it's time to revisit the idea of the Australian TF news site separate from the boards. It's bound to be more popular than my other TF website attempt (http://www.transformersearch.com/) earlier this year! Then you can steal all their news in return :p

[griffin]

i know you're not a fan, but some larger image marking may be in order

It's had me thinking about it when I saw one of my compilation/collage images on their site without credit.

I like to archive clean official images (which is why I hate Robotkingdom's habit of ruining images that they didn't take by sticking their name over the top of it), so I would have to be careful not to look like I'm claiming ownership of the official images... because my compilation images are usually made up of official images. So I would like credit for the trouble of finding the official images, creating the compilation/collage, and hosting it on this server.
Members here are welcome to use the images on this site (if they can find them :o ), but if they are used on other sites that I didn't post or authorise, I'd like people to at least mention where they "acquired" the image from. :mad:

They didn't even bother to change the file-name (second image (http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/how-its-made-stomp-and-chomp-grimlock-exhibit-at-pawtucket-arts-festival/31181/)) to hide the fact that they took one of my images. :rolleyes:
That, and their uncredited plagiarism of this translation of mine (http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/takara-tomy-mp12t-tigertrack-tokyo-toy-show-availability-details/27548/) (from here (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?p=359324#post359324)), suggests a lack of procedures or rules about news postings by their staff.

[griffin]

There's never gonna be any getting around sites stealing stuff... that's entirely what the internet is these days. It's not like a news credit on any of those sites means a whole lot (or u get paid), so i wouldn't let it worry you.

Yeah, I'm not letting it worry me. I just don't feel right supporting their site if they don't respect ours.
As for internet behaviour, when it is news sites, they are more responsible for crediting their sources, and lose readership if they are found to be claiming to be the source or omit to credit a source to make them look like they are the source.
TFW2005 do it, and so do we... which is why I am often chasing up people for a source of their info and images, or I will add a link to the source if I can find it quicker than waiting for their reply (because I want to maintain credibility of this site as a news site).
It's not hard to reference a source, as it takes just as long to say it in the sentence of what you are posting news about. It's just lazy or intentional to not mention where you heard something or copied the images from.

[kurdt_the_goat]

You're right of course, and it's admirable that you take that stance. I find it really lame that Seibertron often credits one of their forum members for "finding" a news item on another TF news site as well.

I would guess though that they don't lose too much readership over it. It's not like a reputable news source (like Reuters etc) that would have to worry about sourcing, article accuracy and so on to keep their readership. They're presenting 'valuable' news whereas TF news is really just inconsequential hobby interests, so i don't think many expect a high standard.

I think most people just check up on any of the various sites when they're bored, even if most of the news is the same across them all, regardless of any opinion they have of the site. (ie, i don't like Seibertron that much either, but if TFW's news hasn't updated, it takes half a second to quickly skim Seibertron too, so i don't really care that much about their practices, certainly not enough to stop checking every now and then).

Readership should really come from the quality of unique articles they produce, and for that i think they're all pretty crap! In fact the only one that i think hits this mark would be Maz's articles on TF Source, of all places!

[reillyd]

The wrong side of Christmas unfortunately. :o

Yes because all this disgruntled talk about mundane issues like "Price" and "Cost" are moot when you can swing it as a Christmas gift. Then it's FREE$

[CoRDS]

Yes because all this disgruntled talk about mundane issues like "Price" and "Cost" are moot when you can swing it as a Christmas gift. Then it's FREE$


this is how im getting mine. however it looks more like its going to get pushed to birthday present in march.

[GoktimusPrime]

I always hated his upside-down belt.... and now this matches the anime :(
Yeah, but you can't blame the MP toy for trying to be "show-accurate," considering that it's part of the theme of MPs. ;) Although if Hasbro USA ever do their own release of MP Ultra Magnus, I reckon they should try to differentiate the toy by making it more toy accurate; e.g. chrome bumper, right-way up belt, yellow eyes (re: box/tech specs art) etc.

griffin: I'm also not into watermarking either, but since this TFW incident, I've decided to just tag my name on a corner of some images. But your comment about not wanting to mislead people into thinking that you're taking credit for creating the image (instead of just being the first to post it) is a fair one too. Perhaps something like, "Uploaded by griffin" would serve to both mark the image and explicitly state that the image was merely uploaded by you, but not made by you. :o I might start doing something similar for any future MP22 related pics I might upload.

Also, I've started posting little daily tidbits about Hasbro-release MP22 here (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Transformers-The-Religion/129480307081019?fref=ts). :)

[Caffinetron]

So how much do you think this will retail for over here?
Is this figure one of the best MPs' yet?
I am really up and down about pre ordering him. It will be through TFI downunder.

[griffin]

So how much do you think this will retail for over here?


Price, date and quantity is in the first post.

[xlojnr]

I am really up and down about pre ordering him. It will be through TFI downunder.

TFI Downunder has sold out of its Ultra-Magnus pre-order

[Joshy]

They got some more stock in, I canceled my overseas order and got one through Tfi last night. Might still have some left..

[CoRDS]

he is sold out of them again today

[drifand]

Desperate for it? Try bbts.

[Krayt]

Robotkingdom should have it, and near halved the shipping price last week

[Robzy]

Hasbro version is just too damn expensive.

[drifand]

http://www.amiami.com/top/detail/detail?gcode=FIGURE-005770&page=top

Don't say I didn't help, is available via amiami, get it quick!

[deceptibot]

Hasbro version is just too damn expensive.
There's a Hasbro version as well? Or did you mean the TRU import of mp-22?

[GoktimusPrime]

There's a Hasbro version as well? Or did you mean the TRU import of mp-22?
^One and the same. :)

[TAAUBlaster]

808Toys has Magnus for preorder still at $215

[griffin]

Hasbro version is just too damn expensive.


There's a Hasbro version as well? Or did you mean the TRU import of mp-22?

He may have used the word "Hasbro, but would have meant the ToysRUs stock of the JP version, NOT an actual Hasbro version - which is not yet known about.
Robzy was probably commenting on the TRU stock being so much more expensive than the exact same toy out in Japan or HK, if you wanted to import one yourself.
ToysRUs are NOT selling a Hasbro version.


^One and the same. :)

They aren't the same, as Hasbro hasn't revealed one yet.

[drifand]

808Toys has Magnus for preorder still at $215

Hobby search and amiami have it for almost $50 less.

[TAAUBlaster]

Hobby search and amiami have it for almost $50 less.

Sorry- I was under the impression they were sold out. :o

[GoktimusPrime]

Sorry- I was under the impression they were sold out. :o
I don't blame you. Amiami are often sold out before the toy's even listed! </hyperbole> :p I was surprised to see that they've restocked, but obviously great news for anyone else wanting to pre-order. :)

[TAAUBlaster]

Amiami's website is showing "sold out" for Magnus now.

[drifand]

Amiami's website is showing "sold out" for Magnus now.

This is correct, hobby search is still available .

[jazzcomp]

This is correct, hobby search is still available .
How much to ship to Oz?

[drifand]

How much to ship to Oz?

It will be no more than $40 for ems and $30ish+ for sal if they provide.

Australian dollars.

I never had issues with them.
I didn't buy from them though, just helping out people here who missed.

[jazzcomp]

Sold out now.

[Trent]

Chimungmung had him as of this morning for $155 US

[GoktimusPrime]

Does anyone here know of anyone in Hong Kong or any other Sinophone market (where the Hasbro version should have been released) who's actually purchased this version of the toy? I'm keen to see how the final version of the booklet turned out. :o

[jazzcomp]

If it's $300 - will it be a shelfwarmer? Or is the toy enough to buy whatever the price?

[Krayt]

Does anyone here know of anyone in Hong Kong or any other Sinophone market (where the Hasbro version should have been released) who's actually purchased this version of the toy? I'm keen to see how the final version of the booklet turned out. :o

My RK had the box tape cut, and I feared the instructions ad been swapped, but they were the original version, so all good!

(I have a full set of Japanese.... English are optional extras, not preferred)

[GoktimusPrime]

I called Hasbro this morning and they said that MP22 is now in their distribution centre.

[ILikeSoundwave]

You can pre-order him on the TRU website, it's says available early February.
http://www.toysrus.com.au/transformers-ultra-magnus-with-trailer_1181150/

[griffin]

You can pre-order him on the TRU website, it's says available early February.
http://www.toysrus.com.au/transformers-ultra-magnus-with-trailer_1181150/

Wow, they finally took on one of my suggestions/complaints.
I had to go through Hasbro though, but eventually they must have gotten the message that they need to sell these things more effectively to their target market (collectors), which means pre-ordering or reserving items, better ratio-distribution (more units to stores that have to cater to more people/population), and restocking stores manually when they run out or when a customer asks for an item (at the moment a store can't order in stock even if head office still has it and a customer at the store wants one :rolleyes: ).
One out of three suggestions is a start at least.

[Megatran]

I wonder with all these these Takara MP imports & so close to the Japanese release date will impact on Hasbro releasing their MP equivalents in the future.

[drifand]

I would think it is affected being it is tru the only mp provider.

[griffin]

I wonder with all these these Takara MP imports & so close to the Japanese release date will impact on Hasbro releasing their MP equivalents in the future.

Someone else wondered that a month or so ago, and I noted that by the time Hasbro gets around to releasing their version, the JP one would be long gone... and realistically, most MPs could be re-released every second year (some like Optimus could be released annually) and still sell due to their limited numbers and being exclusive to a small number of stores here.

And even if one did impact on the Hasbro release (you could say that the slow moving Prowl was due to most collectors already having the JP version*), the Australian market is so small that it wouldn't impact on Hasbro America's decision on what to release, when to release, and how many to produce globally.


(*it was the same price as MP Bumblebee and Wheeljack, and in a bigger box to look like better value to non-collectors)

[Sinnertwin]

When we compare Prowl to say Bumblebee that will only have 504 & Magnus with 400, having 1200 units didn't do it any favours either.

[drifand]

When we compare Prowl to say Bumblebee that will only have 504 & Magnus with 400, having 1200 units didn't do it any favours either.

I would say if they stay on bringing in Hasbro releases it would be a good backup or may be shelf warmed if priced too high. The Magnus would be interesting observation actually.

[Paulbot]

I think if I were a more casual fan, I'd be more inclined to buy a Transformer in a Japanese box (like MP Wheeljack) at $100 than buy a Transformer at the same price in the current Hasbro box style (like MP Prowl). The Japanese boxes look more "prestige" and like you're getting some "special" that's worth the extra dollars because it's been imported, rather than just a regular mass produced toy.

[GoktimusPrime]

^Excellent point. Last month I took my family for dinner at a Chinese restaurant in Sydney's Chinatown, and I had MP Bumble w/ me on the table. One waiter recognised the toy and asked me if it was MP Bumblebee, then told me that he was a casual collector of Masterpieces; and yeah, exactly like you said, he prefers the TakaraTOMY black boxes over Hasbro's, as he perceives them as being more "legitimate." MP Wheeljack and Bumblebee seem to be strong sellers, while Hasbro MPs like Prowl, Sunstorm, Prowl and Grimlock are shelfwarming (at least in TRUs that I've been going to).

I wonder why we didn't see this level of enthusiasm for previous Japanese imported MPs such as MP2 Ultra Magnus, MP4 Convoy Perfect Ed., and the mother of all MP shelfwarmers, Ghost Starscream. Could it be that MPs have become more popular since the MP10? :confused:

In other news, I spoke w/ someone from Hasbro this morning who said that they do not have MP22 in their distribution centre atm (contradicting what I was told by another Hasbro employee on Monday). Anyway, considering that the toy is due in TRUs next month, I'd say that if the toys aren't already in their DC, it will be soon. :)

[Paulbot]

In Victoria MP4 Conovy Perfect Ed disappeared off the shelves pretty quickly once the catalogue came out, and the Hasbro versions were pretty good sellers. MP2 Magnus though was some odd albino Optimus Prime so it's not a surprise that didn't have the same appeal.

[drifand]

Then again you may have a collector strictly looking at Hasbro numbering. Well maybe.

For me the product was the focus point and sometimes the Hasbro version will appeal to me more.

For things to come, maybe MP-11 starscream will make a appearance on Hasbro in better colours.

[GoktimusPrime]

In Victoria MP4 Conovy Perfect Ed disappeared off the shelves pretty quickly once the catalogue came out, and the Hasbro versions were pretty good sellers. MP2 Magnus though was some odd albino Optimus Prime so it's not a surprise that didn't have the same appeal.
Fair point. Hasbro Optimus Primes sold well here too, and Hasbro's MP Starscream flew off shelves (no pun intended) at my local TRU. MP Grimlock, Soundwave, MP10, Thundercracker (I could never even find him in stores!) and Acid Storm were also strong sellers. But then again, those toys weren't overpriced like MP Prowl is (and MP Sunstorm and Grimlock are also dearer than their previous counterparts' AU RRP). Then again, the local MP Rodimus shelf warmed here, even after the price was reduced to as low as $80 or even $60 at one stage.

Perhaps it's a combination of several factors that's helping to move Wheeljack and Bumble, including:
* Exotic Japanese packaging
* Quick release. Wheeljack and Bumble were both released shortly after they came out in Japan.

[UltraMarginal]

When we compare Prowl to say Bumblebee that will only have 504 & Magnus with 400, having 1200 units didn't do it any favours either.
Wow, that's a big discrepancy, I wonder if they got a little carried away ordering that prowl.

^Excellent point. Last month I took my family for dinner at a Chinese restaurant in Sydney's Chinatown, and I had MP Bumble w/ me on the table. One waiter recognised the toy and asked me if it was MP Bumblebee, then told me that he was a casual collector of Masterpieces; and yeah, exactly like you said, he prefers the TakaraTOMY black boxes over Hasbro's, as he perceives them as being more "legitimate." MP Wheeljack and Bumblebee seem to be strong sellers, while Hasbro MPs like Prowl, Sunstorm, Prowl and Grimlock are shelfwarming (at least in TRUs that I've been going to).

I wonder why we didn't see this level of enthusiasm for previous Japanese imported MPs such as MP2 Ultra Magnus, MP4 Convoy Perfect Ed., and the mother of all MP shelfwarmers, Ghost Starscream. Could it be that MPs have become more popular since the MP10? :confused:


I have to agree with Paul, my local Target sold out of MP4 the day it went on sale and sold out of more than half before the sale started. I was lucky there were any left on the evening before the sale and was able to pick up at the sale price.

Magnus, well, it's just a white repaint. nice but still just a white repaint.
the Ghost Starscream was just ridiculously overpriced. I get the impression TRU and Hasbro AU might have woken up a little to the Australian collector market since then.


In Victoria MP4 Conovy Perfect Ed disappeared off the shelves pretty quickly once the catalogue came out, and the Hasbro versions were pretty good sellers. MP2 Magnus though was some odd albino Optimus Prime so it's not a surprise that didn't have the same appeal.


Fair point. Hasbro Optimus Primes sold well here too, and Hasbro's MP Starscream flew off shelves (no pun intended) at my local TRU. MP Grimlock, Soundwave, MP10, Thundercracker (I could never even find him in stores!) and Acid Storm were also strong sellers. But then again, those toys weren't overpriced like MP Prowl is (and MP Sunstorm and Grimlock are also dearer than their previous counterparts' AU RRP). Then again, the local MP Rodimus shelf warmed here, even after the price was reduced to as low as $80 or even $60 at one stage.

Perhaps it's a combination of several factors that's helping to move Wheeljack and Bumble, including:
* Exotic Japanese packaging
* Quick release. Wheeljack and Bumble were both released shortly after they came out in Japan.

I agree, the packaging probably helps a lot, but then the size of the Hasbro MP boxes would imply that the toy is a lot larger and worth the price point, but only to someone not familiar with the Takara release.
Rodimus was also without the trailer, if they had packed him with his trailer, I'd have probably happily dropped $150 on him. I waited for the sale price on the hot rod MP myself because I knew it was coming and wanted to save the $20-$40 . the collector news sights and podcasts generally gave bad reviews of the fragility of the Rodimus as well which certainly would have put a lot of people off. I am still wondering how I'm going to get a legit MP Rodimus Prime without selling off my wifes Kidneys.

The quick release of the more recent MP's has to have helped as well.

[GoktimusPrime]

I got Rodimus when it dropped down to $80... only to see it drop down to $60. :p IMO $60~80 is a reasonable price for that toy. Sure beats paying $99 for an Age of Extinction Leader Class toy. ;) :p

[MayzaPrime]

I only ever saw 2 MP 02 on the shelves and they were at at Target Miranda Fair. I grabbed one while the other one was missing a head.

MP-04 Raced off the shelves at Target Tuggeranong and other Targets in ACT.

The only MP that I have seen shelf warm was MP-03 Ghost Starscream and that was at Toys R Us Majura and that sat there for about 12 months but they wanted $199.

I have always struggled to get MPs in Australia. I know that most of the workers at Toys R Us at Majura buy all of the MPs before they even hit the shelf.

[Mr_K]

MP Ultra Magnus is now available to pre-order on the Toys R Us Website for $299: http://www.toysrus.com.au/transformers-masterpiece-mp22-ultra-magnus/

Expected release date of February

Glad I ordered mine from Anime-Export where it cost me about $170AUD

[jazzcomp]

Nope - I'm wondering if it'll shelfwarm and be on clearance. Just like Ghost SS?

[nexusnixx]

Nope - I'm wondering if it'll shelfwarm and be on clearance. Just like Ghost SS?

that is provided it has not been trashed around by people... i have seen 3 x MP Ghost SS suffering from that fate

[drifand]

I be very reluctant to place any Magnus on the shelves to be honest.
It should be in glass case and enquire for it.

[griffin]

$299.99
SKN 086323
400 units total. 2 shipments allocated ( 1st ETA February 260 units + ETA: 04/04/15 160 units)

Is it 400 units or 420 units?

[Mr_K]

Toys R Us website (link in my previous post) now outlines that MP Ultra Magnus will be available "Online Only".

If we're purchasing online then why not get it from another online store for a LOT cheaper.....my $0.02

[Trent]

Toys R Us website (link in my previous post) now outlines that MP Ultra Magnus will be available "Online Only".

If we're purchasing online then why not get it from another online store for a LOT cheaper.....my $0.02

Might be referring to the fact that it is only available online at the moment. They'd be silly not to offer it at stores.

[drifand]

Might be referring to the fact that it is only available online at the moment. They'd be silly not to offer it at stores.

+1 that would be the worst decision they made.

[millhouse]

+1 that would be the worst decision they made.

I think it's a case of currently being online only. As it's essentially a pre-order, it's not something being offered in stores. I bet you'll see it on the shelf at some point.

[drifand]

I think it's a case of currently being online only. As it's essentially a pre-order, it's not something being offered in stores. I bet you'll see it on the shelf at some point.

I would have advertise it in store at the transformers section for people to order it, but I am not in charge.

[CoRDS]

I would have advertise it in store at the transformers section for people to order it, but I am not in charge.

if only they had some kind of system where they could put a picture up of the item where a card that you could take with you to the checkout to then swap for the item.

[griffin]

Pre-ordering in-store was a suggestion of mine, but they said it was too difficult to undertake and then implement when released.
They could do it if they really wanted to.

As for "online only", as people have noted, it refers to the ability to pre-order it, not its sale when it is released.

[Sinnertwin]

if only they had some kind of system where they could put a picture up of the item where a card that you could take with you to the checkout to then swap for the item.

They've got something similar, at least at the Parramatta store. They've got the boxes displayed in a glass cabinet with the purchase details prnted on tickets you take to the counter on the outside.

[GoktimusPrime]

They've got something similar, at least at the Parramatta store. They've got the boxes displayed in a glass cabinet with the purchase details prnted on tickets you take to the counter on the outside.
The only potential problem with that is that the cabinet is in the games section, well away from the action figure aisle where all the other Transformers are located. So a person unfamiliar with the store's lay out might find the TFs, have a quick look, and then leave not knowing that they actually do stock MPs. I can understand the need to use the cabinet for security reasons (without risking damage to the box by using those "spider" tags), but I would've printed laminated coloured flyers and stuck them around the TF section to inform customers about this product. :o

[griffin]

The ToysRUs store at Hong Kong (the store I visited) has a big display case with tags for the more expensive items... something they should do at all stores here so that they can advertise or pre-sell the more expensive collectibles as a chain-wide policy.

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/blog/b006.jpg

[drifand]

yeah they should do that, mind you I think a smaller glase case or even a poster of Ultra Magnus mp would do the trick

[CoRDS]

The only potential problem with that is that the cabinet is in the games section, well away from the action figure aisle where all the other Transformers are located. So a person unfamiliar with the store's lay out might find the TFs, have a quick look, and then leave not knowing that they actually do stock MPs. I can understand the need to use the cabinet for security reasons (without risking damage to the box by using those "spider" tags), but I would've printed laminated coloured flyers and stuck them around the TF section to inform customers about this product. :o

i think i left out a cheeky smile in there somewhere its a system they have had for YEARS and years expensive items get carded so they dont get ruined on shelves.


they only seem to do it now for overly huge items that dont fit on shelves.

[GoktimusPrime]

The ToysRUs store at Hong Kong (the store I visited) has a big display case with tags for the more expensive items... something they should do at all stores here so that they can advertise or pre-sell the more expensive collectibles as a chain-wide policy.
I saw the same thing in Japan (Namba Parks TRU, Osaka); although they didn't have any MPs out when I was there, but I noticed that they did it for other high end collectible toys.
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Japan/japan2012_osaka014_zps8e4db227.jpg

i think i left out a cheeky smile in there somewhere its a system they have had for YEARS and years expensive items get carded so they dont get ruined on shelves.
I've never noticed it until recently. I always go to the action figure aisle at TRU, but I almost never go to the games section. I only stumbled upon the one at TRU Parra last month by accident (because the check outs all had massive queues, and I was looking to see if anyone was serving at the games counter). This is what I meant by putting a notification in the action figure aisle, because otherwise it'd be very easy for customers to completely miss it.

[Handsprime]

I've never noticed it until recently. I always go to the action figure aisle at TRU, but I almost never go to the games section. I only stumbled upon the one at TRU Parra last month by accident (because the check outs all had massive queues, and I was looking to see if anyone was serving at the games counter). This is what I meant by putting a notification in the action figure aisle, because otherwise it'd be very easy for customers to completely miss it.

Ah games, it's a shame Toys R Us aren't selling them anymore, though to be honest they were mostly stocking on Wii and DS games, and even those were either over-priced, or just meh.

[GoktimusPrime]

I couldn't care less about games (that stuff's for kids! Playing with toys is where it's at, bay-bee! :D). :p In other news, I can now confirm that Hasbro AU does have MP22 Ultra Magni in stock (they literally got it about 70 minutes ago). ;)

[reillyd]

The price may put some people off, but I love the idea of English instructions. I'm happy to support TRU and Hasbro on this one, and hope it leads to more translation gigs for you Goktimus

[GoktimusPrime]

Cheers, mate. :)

I'm happy to support TRU and Hasbro on this one, and hope it leads to more translation gigs for you Goktimus
It already has. :cool: I've done two more jobs for Hasbro since Ultra Magnus. One of which was the instructions for Movie Advanced Stinger (http://otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=19822) (I can mention this since news of it coming out here was already made known long ago ;)), and the other one is still hush-hush. :o I hope Hasbro will ask me to do more, as more importantly, it will mean more Japanese toys being directly released here. :) The high prices are unfortunate, but that's more of Toys R Us' decision rather than Hasbro's AFAIK.

[Bidoofdude]

I saw that display case in HK, it was pretty cool. If only stores here had such a dedicated area for TFs. They had Metroplex lined up in bins near the front, stacks made out of MP Soundwaves, a whole wall of Generations and Prime deluxes and 2 full shelves of voyagers and other Prime FE stuff, as well as GO! on the other wall.

If TRU did something like that here, I'd say they'd boost their sales up quite a bit.

[tron07]

I saw the same thing in Japan (Namba Parks TRU, Osaka); although they didn't have any MPs out when I was there, but I noticed that they did it for other high end collectible toys.


I bought Magnus from Osaka earlier this year as well, for 160,000 Yen from Denden town, famous stall but I cant recall the name of the shop now. :D

Still inside one of my luggage.

[drifand]

you do mean 16,000 yen right?

[tron07]

you do mean 16,000 yen right?

:confused: ermm... I think so, it was about USD$160 :D

[drifand]

Hobbysearch still has them, if anyone still looking for a jp online store.

[ILikeSoundwave]

So the US also got MP Magnus.... but at 7-11 (http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-news-rumors/1032514-mp-22-found-7-11-california.html) :D

[drifand]

So the US also got MP Magnus.... but at 7-11 (http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-news-rumors/1032514-mp-22-found-7-11-california.html) :D

I honestly didn't see that coming from them.

[jazzcomp]

I honestly didn't see that coming from them.
Seriously, cheap at $80 USD.

[drifand]

I am unsure what to think, as that's way below RRP.

It is difficult to believe.

[Handsprime]

USD $80? That's pretty much 1/3 of the TRU Price. I call Horri-Bull :P

But nonetheless it isn't a surprise to see Transformers at a Servo. I remember seeing some Transformers from the movie (Forgot which movie and forgot what size the figures were, think they were either Legends or Deluxes), but unlike the Ultra Magnus they were really expensive.

[Trent]

As posted in the NSW sighting thread, Campbelltown TRU had 4 MP UMs on the floor today.

[deceptibot]

As posted in the NSW sighting thread, Campbelltown TRU had 4 MP UMs on the floor today.

Curious. I called both the Canberra stores today, and I got the same line at both that "MP UM is only available through the website, no stock in store". A diversion until stock is in? Or might they be only stocking some stores? I'm guessing the former, but I guess we'll see.

[MayzaPrime]

Curious. I called both the Canberra stores today, and I got the same line at both that "MP UM is only available through the website, no stock in store". A diversion until stock is in? Or might they be only stocking some stores? I'm guessing the former, but I guess we'll see.

I talked to one of the guys at Toys R Us at Majura Park on Friday and we looked up on the system that UM was at the warehouse and should start showing up this week or next. Each location is getting 4.

[deceptibot]

I talked to one of the guys at Toys R Us at Majura Park on Friday and we looked up on the system that UM was at the warehouse and should start showing up this week or next. Each location is getting 4.

Thanx for that. I must be talkin to the wrong people ;)

[griffin]

Apparently the online orders have started shipping as well, with the bonus Coin...


Pre orders for ultra Magnus with coin have been shipped I have mine!

[griffin]

The exchange rate has certainly taken its toll. I looked up a HK online store for Ultra Magnus, and it was going to cost AU$310 to import... which makes the domestic one cheaper now if you didn't already have one when it was cheaper to import, and even better if ToysRUs have a sale.

[Pep_87]

I read tfwiki that only 400 units were going to be made available in Australia. not many really. can see the future prices of UM on the secondary market going right up.

[Omega Metro]

The exchange rate has certainly taken its toll. I looked up a HK online store for Ultra Magnus, and it was going to cost AU$310 to import... which makes the domestic one cheaper now if you didn't already have one when it was cheaper to import, and even better if ToysRUs have a sale.

I'm hoping this will be the case for Star Saber. :)

[drifand]

Unless you are buying specifically for Goki's work, I would not understand why pay double.

[Omega Metro]

Unless you are buying specifically for Goki's work, I would not understand why pay double.

I would never pay full price for it. I'm suspecting SS will shelf warm like crazy so no real rush to get a MP I don't really care for.

[drifand]

You be very surprised it may well not be shelve warmed at all. This mp does look like an awesome transformer even for any kid. In fact, I say it will go faster than Ultra Magnus. But we will see.

[rodent]

Are you referring to Sunstorm? Because I still see him on my occassional trips to TRU and how long has he been out now..? I'd place him in the shelfwarming category. Mind you its $130 price for an MP-11 mould is pretty reasonable (although Acid Storm was cheaper?).

[Handsprime]

Are you referring to Sunstorm? Because I still see him on my occassional trips to TRU and how long has he been out now..? I'd place him in the shelfwarming category. Mind you its $130 price for an MP-11 mould is pretty reasonable (although Acid Storm was cheaper?).

I think he meant Star Saber

[Sinnertwin]

I read tfwiki that only 400 units were going to be made available in Australia. not many really. can see the future prices of UM on the secondary market going right up.

for the Australian Market, yes, but considering that the toy itself is exactly the same as the one released internationally, i doubt that there would be a dramatic increase in demand for what is essentially just a translated & modified booklet.