Universe Special editions (OP, Megs, Drag Strip & Overkill)

[Gutsman Heavy]

Repaints, repaints, rolly polly repaints!

http://www.seibertron.com/images/news/gfx/1222078673_Universe08_SE1.jpg
http://www.seibertron.com/images/news/gfx/1222078673_Universe08_SE2.jpg
http://www.seibertron.com/images/news/gfx/1222078673_Universe08_SE4.jpg

[Paulbot]

Drag Strip, great! Overkill, will get. Packaging, interesting.

Repaints of dodgy Prime and Megatron toys... not so much.

Where'd you find these?

[Pulse]

We can't really make judgement on Dragstrip/Overkill yet but even though that OP/Megs have schmick new paintjobs, the figures underneath the paint are pretty craptacular... :rolleyes:

[Paulbot]

We can't really make judgement on Dragstrip/Overkill yet
BotCon Overkill was a good concept, and can they really go wrong with a yellow repaint of Mirage. I had a spare Mirage to turn into Crasher, but Hasbro did that... so I was going to get it repainted as Drag Strip. Now I just have a spare Mirage. :)

[sifun]

i have a feeling these are going to be very expensive.
Optimus and megatron are the worst molds... I don't think i'll pick those up. Will look forward to seeing more of Dragstrip and Overkill though

[Pulse]

BotCon Overkill was a good concept...

Yeah but is he wanted among the fandom?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v185/Transfan2/Haul%20Pictures%2016%20-%20Current%20No%2015/MyTFHaul_for_09-11-08.jpg By the way, that's not mine

[kup]

Don't care about the Megatron and Prime molds. Megatron's wouldn't be so bad if the hadn't sacrificed his hand for the stupid gimmick.

I will need to see the other two before I decide to buy them. So far this idea has been badly executed (What else is new?)

[Borgeman]

some nice packaging there though

George

[dirge]

I love that Megatron mould, aside from the stupid non-weapon hand thing. I'd love that repaint. Drag Strip also interests me (:

[Stompy]

I'm in for Megatron and Dragstrip. Not too sure about the other two. I like my chrome dino and that OP isn't exactly the most interesting mold except for the highly poseable robot mode.

[STL]

I am in frickin' love with the packaging. Saves me from having to try and get a Drag Strip customised too. :D

[Sky Shadow]

Yeah but is he wanted among the fandom?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v185/Transfan2/Haul%20Pictures%2016%20-%20Current%20No%2015/MyTFHaul_for_09-11-08.jpg By the way, that's not mine

God yes. He's the only Classics toy I'd gladly own. And they do it right (like this, at least in terms of colours):
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3187/2838147717_355e19f9df.jpg?v=0
...then I'd even consider Drag Strip.

[Pulse]

God yes. He's the only Classics toy I'd gladly own. And they do it right (like this, at least in terms of colours)

...then I'd even consider Drag Strip.

You're not a Classics Fan? *shakes head* :D

[Stompy]

I love that Dragstrip orange colour. So much memories of my childhood (T_T).

The OP and Megatron mold.... have they been released in Japan before?

[STL]

The OP and Megatron mold.... have they been released in Japan before?

Nope, nope. That's what I was originally thinking but looking at the markings on the box it looks very much like an American release which is strange given the quality of the packaging which isn't something we normally associated with Hasbro.

The other option I'm speculating is its a HK convention exclusive in which case it'd be pretty expensive. :(

[Pulse]

Nope, nope. That's what I was originally thinking but looking at the markings on the box it looks very much like an American release which is strange given the quality of the packaging which isn't something we normally associated with Hasbro.

The other option I'm speculating is its a HK convention exclusive in which case it'd be pretty expensive. :(

Maybe they're the new generation Robotmasters?

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/200/486076185_eeb0d4c464_o.jpg

[Robzy]

I love that Megatron mould, aside from the stupid non-weapon hand thing. +1 - it's great!

I don't mind the Optimus mould either - in robot mode tho!

[FFN]

Nope, nope. That's what I was originally thinking but looking at the markings on the box it looks very much like an American release which is strange given the quality of the packaging which isn't something we normally associated with Hasbro.

The other option I'm speculating is its a HK convention exclusive in which case it'd be pretty expensive. :( Well, it's a bit obvious this is a Hasbro product given it's entirely in english, the back of the box doesn't shotgun you in the face with masses of japanese text and messy layouts and it's under the Universe line :)

I don't think it's a HK thing, because the artwork looks to be by one of the IDW artists employed by Hasbro.

[griffin]

People, remember that these were first revealed by our own Hasbro AUS, back at the beginning of August:
http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=1857


...more of the series one Classics will be recoloured and released, featuring more Gen1 characters.
Possible figures may include:
- 'Premium' Optimus (maybe more Gen1 accurate colours)
- 'Premium' Megatron (g1 grey colours)
- Dragstrip (maybe recolour of either Hotrod or Mirage)
- Overkill (could be recolour of Grimlock)
- 'Premium' Cliffjumper (maybe new head or details)
- 'Red' Mirage (not sure what character it would be)
- Nemesis Prime

So the photos confirm this new series, and we at least know of another 3 planned if the first four are successful.

[liegeprime]

BotCon Overkill was a good concept, and can they really go wrong with a yellow repaint of Mirage. I had a spare Mirage to turn into Crasher, but Hasbro did that... so I was going to get it repainted as Drag Strip. Now I just have a spare Mirage. :)


Erm if you ever need to offload that spare mirage Paulbot :D:D. My cousin is just starting his TF collection and Im supporting him by giving him figures (already gave him my spare Classics Screamer and Ramjet) and going with him in buying some universe toys which are of G1 homage ( which he prefers:D).

Will these figs be available here then? Interested in Dragstrip, but there isnt any pics of the fig itself.. anyone find one? the pic of dragstrip a few replies back is a custom (AFAIK) by a kitbasher.

[griffin]

Will these figs be available here then?

According the Hasbro AUS back at the beginning of August, these should be in our stores by late November:


...we are planning on running some newly developed deluxe Classics items separately across TBD accounts late this year. The first wave will hopefully be in the market by late Nov (depending on production) and will include a Premium Optimus Prime, Premium Megatron G1 grey deco, Decepticon Dragstrip and Overkill. We may also be able to get a second wave (possibly next year tho) which should include Premium Cliffjumper, Red Mirage and Nemesis Prime. The packaging and products look great from what I have seen.

[Kyle]

A little disappointed by these "Premiums". They're certainly an improvement in terms of paint app and packaging. But I was hoping they would have been Hasbro version of Henkei. :o:p

The probably means Nemesis Prime will be a repaint of this smaller Prime again, and not the SDCC version.

[FFN]

Hasbro has quite the racket going with packaging toys in fancy packaging that could be sold for much lower prices in normal packaging.

Example: The Star Wars Vintage figure collection were originally premium figures in terms of articulation and detailing, packaged in vintage reproduction cardbacks in clamshell protective cases. However, regular Star Wars figures have since caught up in terms of articulation and detailing, and about half of the 'vintage' figures have been repacked and sold as normal Star Wars figures anyway.

So, essentially, people were paying to get a certain figure mold first, and in fancy packaging.


In this Universe 'Special Edition' case, we aren't even getting a new mold, just the fancy packaging.

[lcz128]

Wow !

I actually like them! :D
Megatron is a buy for me, as mine just went off to Canada for Liokaiser, and I wasn't that a big fan of the original's colours! {and I may try chopping up that spinning arm to add an elbow joint... Hrmmsss :D}
Optimus... I already made my own premium... :\
Dragstrip and Overkill, depending on pics as they're released, I'll probably get them! :D Cool! Thanks Hasbro AUS for the info before and now that they're coming, I'm really glad! ^_^ I just hope they're not too expensive!

[liegeprime]

Wow !

I actually like them! :D
Megatron is a buy for me, as mine just went off to Canada for Liokaiser, and I wasn't that a big fan of the original's colours! {and I may try chopping up that spinning arm to add an elbow joint... Hrmmsss :D}

Ooooh cool lcz! I always thought the mold would be a perfect one for kitbashing it to a G1 Bludgeon (IDW universe) the green tank mode fits well as all else in the mold, based from what he looks in the Strombringer story arc. Its like it was intended to be Bludgeon but they refitted the head into Megsy and changed the right hand to a spinning blade instead of giving it a hand so he can have a sword. Always wanted to make mine into one but dont know how heheh :o. itd make a cool as Bludgeon. Ill get one megs when it comes out ( provided its not too pricy) and rename the one I have in the two pack as Classics Bludgeon:D, maybe even "skullify" the face to fit.

[i_amtrunks]

The Special Edition figures have appeared at Hasbro Toy Shop now, I wonder what that means for non US markets?

I'm thinking store exclusive...

Can't wait to see Dragstrip and whom the red Mirage repaint will be, it's a great figure.

[1orion2many]

:oUUUMMMM what line was Megatron released in as I don't remember having the mould in my collection:o.

[i_amtrunks]

:oUUUMMMM what line was Megatron released in as I don't remember having the mould in my collection:o.

He was released in the Classics line as part of a Deluxe 2 pack with Optimus Prime. I think the pack was called "Ultimate Battle". TRU and Targets were flooded with them for quite a while.

[Sky Shadow]

You're not a Classics Fan? *shakes head* :D

My biggest problem with the Classics line is... well... the concept. In the eighties and 1990-91 I was excited by Powermaster Prime, Pretender Grimlock, Action Masters Shockwave, Action Masters Elite Omega Spreem etc, because it had seemed like we'd never again get a chance to own those characters (or, at least, a version that was minty fresh and not old and battered like our beloved original toys from the mid-eighties.)

But life's not like that any more. So many years later I have no interest in an eleventy-tenth version of G1 Optimus Prime, Starscream, Grimlock etc. I love Animated, because it brings something new to the floor. I understand that for most people who aren't me, Overkill is not a 'classic'. But until Classics starts bringing us more characters that haven't been done to death (like Overkill - one of my favourite G1 characters/toys) then I'll keep spending my money solely on Animated toys. :)

Edit: Actually, now I think of it, it's even more than that. Classics was the first Transformers line that ever actually inspired me to stop collecting. Because to me, Transformers describes more than just the fact that the toys change forms. It describes the whole line, which is supposed to be constantly evolving. First the line was just minicars - that's all anybody knew Transformers were. Then they were cassettes, then larger cars, planes, guns, gestalt construction vehicles, dinosaurs, triple-changers, futuristic vehicles, Targetmasters, Headmasters, Powermasters, Pretenders, Micromasters, Action Masters, etc. For me, Classics isn't fun and it's not new - it's retro nostalgia. Animated is progressive and fun and I love it.

[iceburn]

1orion2many.... trunks is right. the cheapskate version... Ultimate Battle 2-pack

http://images.icebu12n.multiply.com/image/7/photos/33/500x500/29/P1270110.JPG?et=FPqnHE2sq64RZTjrDL%2BxiQ&nmid=105889149

[Thanatos]

Overkill:

http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/8907/universeoverkillnt1.jpg

From the TF Wiki:

* Overkill ("Special Edition" Deluxe, 2008)
o Accessories: Missile launcher, missile, tail-flail

Originally created for the "Asian market", Classics Grimlock was once again used as the base to make the 2008 Universe version of Overkill. Unlike the customization class version above, this toy is actually cast in white and aqua plastics. He retains all of his previous gimmicks. Like the other "Special Edition" figures, Overkill comes in a black book box-style packaging with monochrome art.

This toy will be available for purchase in the US via Hasbro Toy Shop.

[Stompy]

Animated is progressive and fun and I love it.

(T_T) So, I'm not alone with my Animated love. <3<3

Those pics of Overkill reminds me of Classics Ultra Magnus colour scheme. Can start a colour theme.

[Golden Phoenix]

I am liking the look of Megatron.
I hope the other Premiums come out too. Hopefully Cliffjumper will have some changes done to him.

[GoktimusPrime]

Aw, no cassette mode? :p

[SilverDragon]

I missed Grimlock, so Overkill will be a good substitute, especially since the repaint now makes it distinctly not Grimlock so it won't clash with Animated!Grimlock.

[FFN]

Walky claims on his blog (http://shortpacked.livejournal.com/413945.html) that these were created specifically for Australia. One should consider the fact that he's friends with the Hasbro guy who designed the decos for these figures, and well, Hasbro Australia were the first to reveal these so far we're the only country to confirm that they will be available at retail.

[Golden Phoenix]

Walky claims on his blog (http://shortpacked.livejournal.com/413945.html) that these were created specifically for Australia. One should consider the fact that he's friends with the Hasbro guy who designed the decos for these figures, and well, Hasbro Australia were the first to reveal these so far we're the only country to confirm that they will be available at retail.
Maybe it is to make up for the lack of other things. Like a "we're sorry, have this instead"

[Gutsman Heavy]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/firstpredacon/localnews/dragstrip.jpg

[Pulse]

So this is gonna be the 3rd distinctively different paintjob for the Mirage mould? (Mirage, Fracture & Drag Strip)

Hmmmmm, They're gotten 4 so far from the Prime mould (OP, White, Black & Botcon) so that means there may be one more re-use for the Mirage mould in the future... (Arcee? (http://forums.tformers.com/talk/index.php?autocom=gallery&req=user&user=4946&op=view_album&album=389) Maybe not :rolleyes:)

[STL]

Might not be so hard to get after all:

http://www.robotkingdom.com/services/eshop/main.php?action=list&CatType=Category&CatID=41_87&lang=us

:D :D :D

[Thanatos]

Oh man. Awesome pic Guts.

YAY FOR ROBOT KINGDOM!

[kup]

Dragstrip is too bright fluro yellow for my liking. A more subtle G1 like yellow would have been better.

[lcz128]

Yep. Looks like I'll be getting these ^_^

[i_amtrunks]

Glad to see Dragstrip is a mustardy yellow, not something closer to what Sunstreaker was given.

He and Megatron look to be the better of these first four figures, and they were needed too, the Decepticons need some extra support to bolster their numbers.

[Gutsman Heavy]

http://www.seibertron.com/images/news/gfx/1222205537_897871d9f677_A400.jpg
http://www.seibertron.com/images/news/gfx/1222205537_8978715f9657_Main400.jpg

[jaydisc]

More pics (http://www.tf08.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=70) of Drag Strip

[Paulbot]

More pics (http://www.tf08.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=70) of Drag Strip

Looks good!

[STL]

Just as I imagined he'd be! Can't wait! And lovely packaging too! I'll need spares. :o

[kup]

More pics (http://www.tf08.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=70) of Drag Strip

Awesome! He looks much better in those pics. The fluro yellow issue has been made null.

I will certainly get it even if I already have too many figures of this mold :)

[MV75]

Only an issue for you because you forgot how flashes work. :D

I like how the boxed toy actually has an extra highlight that the previous pictures don't.

[1orion2many]

1orion2many.... trunks is right. the cheapskate version... Ultimate Battle 2-pack

http://images.icebu12n.multiply.com/image/7/photos/33/500x500/29/P1270110.JPG?et=FPqnHE2sq64RZTjrDL%2BxiQ&nmid=105889149

Thanks iceburn and i amtrunks, I did pick up that 2 pack but all my classics are still in their plastic prisons, that's why I didn't recognise the mould:o.

[MV75]

http://www.tfw2005.com/resources/universe-classics-20-autobots-262/optimus-prime-special-edition-se-01-1993/
http://www.tfw2005.com/resources/universe-classics-20-decepticons-263/megatron-special-edition-se-02-1994/

Offical images.

Meh, nothing special there. I guess white is the new dark grey. :D

[kup]

Not much interest for me on those special editions either. The only one that mildly interests me is Overkill but that's it.

[dirge]

The Prime figure still doesn't interest me, but that Megatron repaint still looks promising.

I do love it when combiners get separated from their buddies (BT Swindle, Cyberjet Air Raid, TFU2 Silverbolt), so I'm keen for Drag Strip.

[kup]

The Prime figure still doesn't interest me, but that Megatron repaint still looks promising.

I do love it when combiners get separated from their buddies (BT Swindle, Cyberjet Air Raid, TFU2 Silverbolt), so I'm keen for Drag Strip.

Yeah I am for Dragstrip too. I had forgotten about him.

[MV75]

I'm still up for Dragstrip, looks very cool. But yea, just looking at the pictures, what's so special about that Prime compared to the original release? I don't see anything special.

I'll most likely get megatron though as I like tanks, and I can buy this one seperate.

Overkill I'm on the fence with. Either way.

[dirge]

What's so special about that Prime compared to the original release?


The truck mode blows in finer detail? :D

[autobreadticon]

don't want to sound nasty , but since Hasbro has QC the paint application will likely feel cheap. Even the box design feels lazy...

[STL]

don't want to sound nasty , but since Hasbro has QC the paint application will likely feel cheap. Even the box design feels lazy...

Really? The box design looks to me to be very nifty. It's very collector orientated and from me very much appreciated b/c it means I can actually get away with buying only one and then havng the toy out in the open but the box still perfectly displayable.

[MV75]

The truck mode blows in finer detail? :D

Beats me. I dunno what the diff between them both are. :)

[Lord_Zed]

Are these toys going to be ridiculously exspensive like the Toys R Us movie Jazz repaint? Cause Drag Strip is kinda cool, sorta...

[i_amtrunks]

Are these toys going to be ridiculously exspensive like the Toys R Us movie Jazz repaint? Cause Drag Strip is kinda cool, sorta...

These were a few dollars more expensive (about $6 I think) for the Yankees when Hasbro Toy Shop had them available. so I guess we are probably looking at double, knowing the mark ups we get. :rolleyes:

[MV75]

http://club.tfclub.com/viewthread.php?tid=22699&extra=page%3D1&frombbs=1

More megatron.

[FFN]

Are these toys going to be ridiculously exspensive like the Toys R Us movie Jazz repaint? Cause Drag Strip is kinda cool, sorta... Wasn't the double price on Jazz due to Toys R Us being pricks? I recall way back when the reissues came out, TRU charged ridiculous prices until Hasbro AU asked them to tone it down.

[i_amtrunks]

I still remember buying TRU re-issue Skids for $50 when he went on sale for a mate, and buying Grapple for $40 on sale another 3 months later. Also remember Penrith TRU trying to sell a TRU reissue Dirge for $45 when the box had been extensively damaged and the inner plastic casing as mangled too.

They have not improved much since then..