Buyer beware: KO MP Seekers incoming

[BruiseLee]

There's a thread on TFW discussing soon to be released KO MP Seekers starting with Thundercracker and Skywarp around late March to April. They don't seem to oversized figures and no prod or box shots so could be something similar to a Takasa Tony type KO( direct copy). Just be careful if you order from sellers you are not familiar with around that time or that are offering some kind of "preorder" now. Also in the pipeline are Acidstorm and Sunstorm.

[MEEEGGGAAATTTRRROOONNN!!!]

Looking at that thread (http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-3rd-party-discussion/981448-wukong-wk-03-masterpiece-seeker.html), apparently there are two companies doing KOs -- Wukong and KuBianBao:

http://i.imgur.com/ntTAA84.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/Fa3Ga1y.jpg

TF Upgrader also has a gallery of a prototype KO (https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.914734038612333.1073742640.407873945965014&type=3) which claims to be the same size as MP-11, sporting an additional head, better waist rotation, more diecast parts and more durable plastic, although not sure which of the two companies it belongs to.

Hopefully the price is competitive, because that regular-sized KO Prime had shocking QC and a steep tag!

[z3r03d]

Wow. These looks nice! WILL DEFINITELY buy.

If QC issues do exists then I'll have to pass it to my kids.

Hopefully no major QC issue.

[Raider]

Gotta say I really love the colours on Acidstorm and Sunstorm, moreso than the official versions.

[drifand]

Gotta say I really love the colours on Acidstorm and Sunstorm, moreso than the official versions.

I liked the TT version for Sunstorm . Is well painted and bright.

[MEEEGGGAAATTTRRROOONNN!!!]

I actually like the digital camo on Acid Storm, he looks rather plain with just the stripes.

[Raider]

I liked the TT version for Sunstorm . Is well painted and bright.

I have both the TT and hasbro version but still prefer this colour scheme. It seems similar to the ehobby version and that's why it get my pick.

[drifand]

Cool, buy these ones if they suit.

Who knows the Ko have higher quality control.

[MEEEGGGAAATTTRRROOONNN!!!]

Possible third company called Tanaka making KOs (via TF Upgrader (https://www.facebook.com/407873945965014/photos/a.413238205428588.98389.407873945965014/938358072916596/?type=3&theater)):

http://i.imgur.com/IkCOIFx.jpg

[drifand]

Looks like someone is showing TT how milking is actually done than wasting time on people waiting .

[MEEEGGGAAATTTRRROOONNN!!!]

From 比比奇2016 (http://photo.weibo.com/5821983259/talbum/detail/photo_id/3954739659860752) on weibo:

http://i.imgur.com/wElI3Ma.jpg

Extra null rays are a bonus!

[Deonasis]

^The purple null rays look like they can be fired.

[MEEEGGGAAATTTRRROOONNN!!!]

Cool!

I noticed they were shorter, but didn't notice the yellow button.

I wonder if they're going to try to "update" the mold, rather than just copy it...

[drifand]

So now they are just trying to make it better so that you may want to buy one.

I like to see final colours.

[ampoldj]

some MP11 Starscreams are floating around eBay for as low as 190aud and sellers declaring it as KO

[MEEEGGGAAATTTRRROOONNN!!!]

some MP11 Starscreams are floating around eBay for as low as 190aud and sellers declaring it as KO

Interesting! TF Direct says the KuBianBao seekers have an estimated release date of May's end (https://www.facebook.com/tfdashdirectdotcom/posts/952571818131916), so I wonder who made these ones...

Any links?

[ampoldj]

just using the ebay mobile app so cant get link atm but search MP11 and the cheapest comes around below 200aud total and sellers are from China so not sure what these are :confused:

[MEEEGGGAAATTTRRROOONNN!!!]

Okay, found one (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/New-Transformers-Masterpiece-MP11-Starscream-instock-/172145317290).

This is the only non-stock pic they provide:

http://i.imgur.com/AS32SrL.jpg

Still pricey at US$160!

[ampoldj]

^that's one of them and can't tell the difference by that pic.

[MEEEGGGAAATTTRRROOONNN!!!]

Yeah, you can't tell anything by that pic!

Wish they could've at least shown the box to see if they're running the Takasa Tony label.

[drifand]

Amateurs (joking)

It's the blue! It's too dark to the TT version.
That's how you know.

FFS if you paying us$160 the authentic one is just $250 delivered.

[Ralph Wiggum]

Waste of time. People expect to pay KO prices for KO products.

[drifand]

Waste of time. People expect to pay KO prices for KO products.

Under $120
No more.

[Ralph Wiggum]

I'm a cheapskate. No more than $100 :D :) :D

[Awsam]

Takara MP11 starscream ko has already been released. Not by Kubinbao (who already said they weren't making it) factory is Ao Feng. About $150AUD.
Be careful on ebay, paint is the same and box is labeled Takara Tomy.
I have one coming, will post comparison pics between Tk, Has & Ko

[Ravagecat]

Thanks for the heads up on this...

...although I don't understand why anyone would be getting excited about KO Transformers :confused:

I would urge people not to buy these as you are only encouraging the counterfeiters to make more...

[drifand]

Thanks for the heads up on this...

...although I don't understand why anyone would be getting excited about KO Transformers :confused:

I would urge people not to buy these as you are only encouraging the counterfeiters to make more...

It depends though, if you bought a weijiang Ko which makes an entirely upgrade product you be amazed.

If the Ko is just to replicate the original then is not worth it but saying that Takara should have reissue them before having the need for these.

[Ravagecat]

It depends though, if you bought a weijiang Ko which makes an entirely upgrade product you be amazed.

If the Ko is just to replicate the original then is not worth it but saying that Takara should have reissue them before having the need for these.

I kinda see what your getting at but it still doesn't justify stealing from Takara/Hasbro in my opinion...

If someone like myself who has been collecting Transformers since 1985 was to start adding KO's to their collection apart from the moral side of things I'd have to ask myself; Am I collecting Transformable Robots or Transformers?

like I said just my opinion...each to their own

[drifand]

Ask yourself why Ko like these happen and you know why.
How much is mp-11? $250
Skywarp? $400
Sunstorm? $300

Now ask yourself if you are a collector and you wait 4 years and TT did nothing to reissue, what would you do if you really want one and there aren't options left?

I nearly went for a Ko mp-10 and I waited 4 years till it only reissue it. I wouldn't think about a Ko if TT reissue them. There are new collectors every year and some are bound to want and miss a critical piece.

They can always do a make to pre order like what Arcadia does for Macross toys.

As for this topic, there are some that only show the replica image of TT version and I have doubts is the actual toy. I will wait for the pics as the member has bought one.

Won't chat about stealing design as the original g1 took a lot of copied bots and made them tfs. I like to keep everything positive here so please just beware of fake production of mp-11 if you were thinking it was a good deal

[MEEEGGGAAATTTRRROOONNN!!!]

Some shots of the KO (https://www.facebook.com/groups/131527480522376/permalink/259530601055396/) -- seems to have the same kinds of problems that affected the KO MP-10.

[GoktimusPrime]

Thanks for the heads up on this...

...although I don't understand why anyone would be getting excited about KO Transformers :confused:

I would urge people not to buy these as you are only encouraging the counterfeiters to make more...
^100% agree.

Especially considering that's it's often cheaper to get the originals either:
* pre-ordered
* at RRP
* off the secondary market if it's loose (and if you're a MISB collector, surely you'd only want an original -- who buys fakes to keep them sealed?!?)

I chucked out about half a dozen counterfeit G1 Transformers (all were given to me for free, I didn't pay for them) over the weekend. I can't even bring myself to give them away to other people. I just chucked them in the wheelie bin and took great satisfaction hearing them crack (I threw them in with significant force). ;)

[drifand]

Apparently they are selling well, sadly TT should reissue to fight back or anime version lol.

[DarkHyren]

Apparently they are selling well, sadly TT should reissue to fight back or anime version lol.Who knows, maybe that's the whole plan behind the anime editions. However the only way such a plan will be successful is if they price them at affordable prices rather then the $200-300 and upwards we've seen of the more recent TT Mall figures...

[drifand]

Who knows, maybe that's the whole plan behind the anime editions. However the only way such a plan will be successful is if they price them at affordable prices rather then the $200-300 and upwards we've seen of the more recent TT Mall figures...

I will pay $250 for a properly well done painted anime Starscream with ALL accessories and TT can label it it Perfect edition just to sucker all of us.
With the ONE condition, that it has to be passed through top QC checks unlike what Ramjet is getting.

If you sell that price then make sure the standards fit, otherwise it will just not be satisfying. I don't mind if TT kick up a notch in quality and start charging higher as this is a collector's line.

TT has milk seekers for ages and took them so long to come out ramjet.
The KO industry if they took a step further and painted Starscream white, would have now nuke Ebay mp-11.

Still waiting on the member's KO pic comparison.

[MEEEGGGAAATTTRRROOONNN!!!]

DaimChoc's reporting that this KO (https://www.facebook.com/DaimChocReports/posts/249516928732075) has diecast and improved parts.

I can see the diecast, but does anyone see the improvements?

[drifand]

DaimChoc's reporting that this KO (https://www.facebook.com/DaimChocReports/posts/249516928732075) has diecast and improved parts.

I can see the diecast, but does anyone see the improvements?

Only saw someone whinging on fb about diecast parts and wants plastic.

[drifand]

Saw a close up on eBay and it looks more plastic than ever! Good grief

[MEEEGGGAAATTTRRROOONNN!!!]

Saw a close up on eBay and it looks more plastic than ever! Good grief

Was this (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Masterpiece-Transformers-MP-11-Starcream-KO-Version-Figure-Loose-/291741830575?hash=item43ed2b0daf:g:3~cAAOSw3mpXFZd J) the one?

LOL! It's only been transformed once but is still in "new" condition! Shoulda said: "never been transformed and only dropped once."

[drifand]

Was this (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Masterpiece-Transformers-MP-11-Starcream-KO-Version-Figure-Loose-/291741830575?hash=item43ed2b0daf:g:3~cAAOSw3mpXFZd J) the one?

LOL! It's only been transformed once but is still in "new" condition! Shoulda said: "never been transformed and only dropped once."

yup thats the one, it looks bad

[MEEEGGGAAATTTRRROOONNN!!!]

Some test shots (https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1619923724993347&id=100009272064762) of the BB7 (BiBiQi) seeker.

[MEEEGGGAAATTTRRROOONNN!!!]

Review of the KO, and unsurprisingly, it's not very good!:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDWI4cwzwCo

[drifand]

Review of the KO, and unsurprisingly, it's not very good!:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDWI4cwzwCo

Too bad is not hard to be better than the original and anything worse is all down hill. What a complete waste of time and efforts.

[MEEEGGGAAATTTRRROOONNN!!!]

Too bad is not hard to be better than the original and anything worse is all down hill. What a complete waste of time and efforts.

Yeah, definitely a waste! Curious to see if the other KO seekers are at least trying to improve things.

Edit: Speaking of the other KO's, here're some test shots (https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1629515694034150&id=100009272064762) of the BB7 seeker.

[MEEEGGGAAATTTRRROOONNN!!!]

Test shots of the KuBianBao seeker here (https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1634613093524410&id=100009272064762&pnref=story).

Like the extra projectile null rays.

[Ralph Wiggum]

Apparently Skywarp will be released first. Interesting to see how it turns out and if TT respond.

[MEEEGGGAAATTTRRROOONNN!!!]

Yeah, hopefully TT respond by actually improving QC and not charging crazy prices! :p

[drifand]

Ko skywarp is out on eBay but is a metal version.

I do not know the quality of it and I think this toy does not have the Ko box so you should be able to identify .

Perhaps TT took full opportunity to release their reissue sw at the right time.

[MEEEGGGAAATTTRRROOONNN!!!]

Yeah, seems like TT is responding given there are at least two different types of KO seekers already (or set to be) released -- but instead of making them mainline releases, which would have totally undercut and killed the KO's, they went the greedy route and made them exclusives.

Wonder what they'll do when the KO coneheads are about to drop?

[ampoldj]

KBB MP11 Starscream is on ebay now. alot cheaper than the direct KO version and they claim superior material :rolleyes:

http://m.ebay.com.au/itm/KBB-Transformers-Masterpiece-MP-11-Starscream-Figures-With-Box-/222202252490?nav=SEARCH

[drifand]

KBB MP11 Starscream is on ebay now. alot cheaper than the direct KO version and they claim superior material :rolleyes:

http://m.ebay.com.au/itm/KBB-Transformers-Masterpiece-MP-11-Starscream-Figures-With-Box-/222202252490?nav=SEARCH

What bugs me is Starscream grey plastic, it's very poor even for the original.

[MEEEGGGAAATTTRRROOONNN!!!]

What bugs me is Starscream grey plastic, it's very poor even for the original.

Yeah, that's an area where they could've surpassed the original! Why bother to include more diecast but skimp on the paint? :rolleyes:

[drifand]

It doesn't need to be painted but the grey has to be well mould not with swirls marks. And just making it white would have gotten them buyers.

[MEEEGGGAAATTTRRROOONNN!!!]

It doesn't need to be painted but the grey has to be well mould not with swirls marks. And just making it white would have gotten them buyers.

Good point -- I wasn't looking too closely at the plastic, just not a fan of that grey in general.

[GoktimusPrime]

I hope that people are reporting these counterfeits to eBay staff.

[drifand]

I hope that people are reporting these counterfeits to eBay staff.

I don't see any point, TT themselves are not hitting these Ko hard enough and allow these to float.

If you are silly to spend so much on a Ko then you deserve to learn it the hard way.

[MEEEGGGAAATTTRRROOONNN!!!]

I hope that people are reporting these counterfeits to eBay staff.

The listing clearly states it's not an official figure and is a copy, so I don't think eBay has the power to do anything.

If it were masquerading as the real thing, then I think eBay would act.

[drifand]

The listing clearly states it's not an official figure and is a copy, so I don't think eBay has the power to do anything.

If it were masquerading as the real thing, then I think eBay would act.

Though I know at one point Voltron license had madtoys sellers remove all listings as they were not licensed products. Unfortunately TT had not gave the same effort as other companies.

[MEEEGGGAAATTTRRROOONNN!!!]

Though I know at one point Voltron license had madtoys sellers remove all listings as they were not licensed products. Unfortunately TT had not gave the same effort as other companies.

Yeah, if TT don't care, then why should eBay? If anything, eBay is more than happy to let these copies slide as it makes them a profit!

[GoktimusPrime]

The listing clearly states it's not an official figure and is a copy, so I don't think eBay has the power to do anything.

If it were masquerading as the real thing, then I think eBay would act.
You have the power to report it (if you have an eBay account).

Knowingly selling and purchasing counterfeit goods is against eBay's Terms of Service and against the law! :eek:
http://pages.ebay.com/help/policies/replica-counterfeit.html

#thepowerisyours

[MEEEGGGAAATTTRRROOONNN!!!]

#thepowerisyours

#IChooseNotToExerciseThatPower

If TT is so concerned they should get their lawyers onto it stat! I'm not about to do their job for them when all they'll do in return is sell overpriced Seekers from a mold that's been raped to dust!

If anything, maybe this should serve as a lesson to TT not to overprice their goods (and drop their QC levels) just to capitalise on some poor schmuck's nostalgia for a piece of plastic they had 30 years ago!

[drifand]

I think we already done our part by making people aware these are out there.
With some of us already announced the reissue of TT seekers. I think it's a good enough exercise.

My curiosity was the materials they choose and whether it added any value to it.
Value in this case I mean in terms of quality not money.

I definitely think we have not seen the end of the mp11 seekers as if I can think why no white starscream, I am pretty sure they did too.

[Smint]

If anything, maybe this should serve as a lesson to TT not to overprice their goods (and drop their QC levels) just to capitalise on some poor schmuck's nostalgia for a piece of plastic they had 30 years ago!

As much as i appreciate Takara doing the R&D I still agree with this.


Technically these companies are not breaking any laws. From a copyright point of view they're no different to 3rd party manufacturer's like Fanstoys. Morally its up to you whether you think it's a good or bad thing to buy KO's.

Personally, if i think it's worth my money then i'll buy it. I transformed MP11 last night and forgot how annoying it was. Paying $200 and have issues like the chest not stay in place is unacceptable. How negative would the reviews be if we got a transformer from Fanstoys that had this issue?

TT has no excuse to not fix QC issues or make improvements (within reason) for re-releases. Either that or lower the price.