TakaraTomy Movie 5 toyline (spoilers?)

[griffin]

After the 11 "Best" toys that were released earlier this year that featured the main characters from the first four movies, the 5th Movie toyline begins this month in Japan, under the banner of "The Last Knight King"... suggesting that the movie isn't about any Knight, but the King of Knights (Cybertronian or Human).

As noted on Seibertron (https://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/possible-plot-point-revealed-in-japanese-title-for-transformers-the-last-knight/37932/), the toyline title for the 5th movie is unusual, as it is Japanese words in Kanji, as opposed to the previous movie toylines which had "English" words in Katakana.

What is also unusual, is that the Deluxe & Voyager toys and packaging look to be regular Hasbro product from their production run (https://www.facebook.com/TransformersNeverDie/posts/1323157231098147), with just a few stickers on the box to note their original country of release (Japan). I haven't seen the packaging for the 1-step (speed change) toys yet, to see if they are boxed up or remain on Hasbro cardbacks.

The first wave of toys has a release date of April 30th in Japan (and Asia), and consist of the following figures...

- TLK-01 - Bumblebee (Deluxe - same as Hasbro version?)
- TLK-03 - Decepticon Berzerker (Deluxe - same as Hasbro version?)
- TLK-04 - Dinobot Slash (Deluxe - same as Hasbro version?)
- TLK-05 - Grimlock (Voyager - same as Hasbro version?)
- TLK-06 - Speed Change Bumblebee (1-step - same as Hasbro version?)
- TLK-07 - Speed Change Optimus Prime (1-step - same as Hasbro version?)
- TLK-08 - Speed Change Barricade (1-step - same as Hasbro version?)
- TLK-09 - Speed Change Hound (1-step - same as Hasbro version?)

See anything missing?
Yes, TLK-02 is missing... which has been found to be Deluxe Barricade (as originally expected). It was missing on all of the pre-order websites, most likely because it was Hasbro's "secret" first wave toy, and if it was meant to be a global secret, then TakaraTomy had to tow the line.

No word on the next wave at all yet, so that should mean that there won't be any released during the month of May in Japan. If that changes, it will be noted here.

And hopefully, like with previous movie toylines in Japan, we see some new characters included, as the ones so far don't even have fancy, improved colour schemes as an incentive for non-Japanese fans to buy them.

[Sinnertwin]

http://hlj.com/search/go?w=transformers%20the%20last%20knight

A few are already up at HLJ available for purchase.
1/5/6/7/8/& 9

[griffin]

http://hlj.com/search/go?w=transformers%20the%20last%20knight

A few are already up at HLJ available for purchase.
1/5/6/7/8/& 9

They must have just put them up this evening.

(and with that, NO Transformers pre-order product at HLJ is currently available... as they seem to be cutting back so much, most of their pre-orders sell out within days, and they don't increase their order with TakaraTomy :confused: :mad: )

[griffin]

The next ten have been revealed and added to various Japanese online stores, giving us official images of each...

- TLK-10 - Autobot Drift (http://takaratomymall.jp/shop/g/g4904810891611/) (Deluxe - same as Hasbro version?) - July 15th (3000yen)
- TLK-11 - Steelbane (http://takaratomymall.jp/shop/g/g4904810891628/) (Deluxe - same as Hasbro version?) - July 15th (3000yen)
- TLK-12 - Dinobot Slug (http://takaratomymall.jp/shop/g/g4904810891635/) (Deluxe - same as Hasbro version?) - July 15th (3000yen)
- TLK-13 - Sqweeks (http://takaratomymall.jp/shop/g/g4904810891642/) (Deluxe - same as Hasbro version?) - July 15th (3000yen)
- TLK-14 - Autobot Hound (http://takaratomymall.jp/shop/g/g4904810891659/) (Voyager - same as Hasbro version?) - July 15th (4800yen)
- TLK-15 - Caliber Optimus Prime (http://takaratomymall.jp/shop/g/g4904810891505/) (remould TF4 AD-31 w/ sword, new shield & new axe - Japan exclusive) - July 15th (8400yen)
- TLK-16 - Speed Change Megatron (http://takaratomymall.jp/shop/g/g4904810891673/) (1-step - same as Hasbro version?) - July 15th (1200yen)
- TLK-17 - Speed Change Grimlock (http://takaratomymall.jp/shop/g/g4904810891680/) (1-step - same as Hasbro version?) - July 15th (1200yen)
- TLK-18 - Speed Change Decepticon Berserker (http://takaratomymall.jp/shop/g/g4904810891697/) (1-step - same as Hasbro version?) - July 15th (1200yen)
- TLK-19 - Megatron (http://takaratomymall.jp/shop/g/g4904810891666/) (Leader - same as Hasbro version?) - August (day TBA) (7000yen)


A couple of surprises though (https://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/official-images-of-takara-tomy-transformers-the-last-knight-calibur-optimus-voyager-megatron/38315/)...

- Caliber Optimus has two listings on Amazon Japan - a regular edition (https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B072C955Y2/) - a limited edition (https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B072FVY1SX/) (same price, but comes with another sword, based on the TF1-3 Optimus sword)
It's not enough that this particular Optimus toy is limited and exclusive to Japan... but then they have to do a "limited edition" version of a limited edition toy, that comes with an exclusive sword. (the "exclusive" sword is included in the HLJ and TakaraTomyMall listings, so it's not that exclusive)

- The Japanese release of Hasbro's Voyager Megatron appears to be exclusive to ToysRUs in Japan (http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/threads/takaratomy-tlk-voyager-megatron-tru-jp-exclusive.1109928/), to be released on the same time as the July Movie toys (listed as July 17th on the website (https://www.toysrus.co.jp/s/dsg-582691800), but it's official day for stores is the 15th), for 4499yen.

[griffin]

The next batch of TF5 Movie toys for Japan have now been revealed, including nine of the mainline toys (http://news.tfw2005.com/2017/07/20/takaratomy-listings-last-knight-figures-344812), the release of the Hasbro Tribute Leader Optimus toy (http://news.tfw2005.com/2017/07/20/takara-tomy-tlk-ex-optimus-prime-2007-amazon-jp-exclusive-344830) as an Amazon Japan exclusive, and the various US ToysRUs exclusives (http://news.tfw2005.com/2017/07/22/images-figure-king-magazine-issue-234-transformers-last-knight-tribute-lg-54-57-345312) being released through ToysRUs Japan. The third link also shows us that the other Hasbro Tribute toys are also going to be Amazon Japan exclusives (Bumblebee 3-pack and Optimus 2-pack).

MPM-4 Optimus Prime 15,000 yen

TLK-20 Hotrod 2,800 yen
TLK-21 Crosshairs 2,800 yen
TLK-22 Bumblebee 2,800 yen
TLK-23 Strafe 2,800 yen
TLK-24 Dinobot Scorn 4,500 yen
TLK-25 (unknown voyager) 4,500 yen
TLK-29 (unknown deluxe) 2,800 yen
TLK-30 (unknown leader) 6,800 yen
TLK-31 Big Speed Change Dragonstorm 6,800 yen

Amazon exclusives
TLK-EX Tribute Leader Optimus 12,270 yen (August 31st)
TLK-EX Tribute Bumblebee 3-pack (http://amzn.asia/ixwtJjW) (September 30th)

ToysRUs exclusives (all appear to be August, but TBC when listed on TRU website)
Combiner Infernocus
Legion 2-pack Optimus & Grimlock
Legion 2-pack Bumblebee & Megatron
Deluxe Skullitron
Deluxe Megatron
Planet Cybertron

[griffin]

The bonus exclusive weapons for October and November in Japan have been revealed (https://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/giveaway-takara-tomy-transformers-tlk-bronze-calibur-axe/39689/), with a bronze Optimus axe for October, and another Teminus Sword plus Megatron sword for November.
The Axe is noted as being free with purchases over 2000yen on the 28th of October (the release date of that month's toys), at selected stores (usually ToysRUs and some of their other major chains).

[griffin]

The Japanese exclusive Battle Command Optimus toy from 2014 (from TF4 toyline), is being reissued (http://news.tfw2005.com/2017/10/24/battle-command-optimus-prime-reissue-coming-2018-352569)... which is really surprising, since it is a really bad toy.

It will see a re-release in April 2018 for 6,800yen.

[BigTransformerTrev]

The Japanese exclusive Battle Command Optimus toy from 2014 (from TF4 toyline), is being reissued (http://news.tfw2005.com/2017/10/24/battle-command-optimus-prime-reissue-coming-2018-352569)... which is really surprising, since it is a really bad toy.

It will see a re-release in April 2018 for 6,800yen.

I have that figure - I quite like it. Convertible trailer and tons of weapons

[griffin]

Sorry... I should have noted that it was just my opinion.
But saying that, aside from it having the good elements of heaps of accessories and a trailer, the gimmick and engineering made the robot mode a real mess to me.... being similar to the other gimmick Primes (1-step and Power Battler).

[BigTransformerTrev]

Sorry... I should have noted that it was just my opinion.
But saying that, aside from it having the good elements of heaps of accessories and a trailer, the gimmick and engineering made the robot mode a real mess to me.... being similar to the other gimmick Primes (1-step and Power Battler).

Oh t’wernt no skin off my nose - good luck finding any toy that every person likes ;)

I just liked it personally due to all the weapons and the fact that all my different JP one-step changers, like Stinger, all illicited different sounds. Plus any Optimus that comes with a trailer gets a big tick from me :D

But yeah, it’s certainly not the pinnacle of toy engineering :)

[Thurmus]

Sorry... I should have noted that it was just my opinion.
But saying that, aside from it having the good elements of heaps of accessories and a trailer, the gimmick and engineering made the robot mode a real mess to me.... being similar to the other gimmick Primes (1-step and Power Battler).

Why do you need to state it is your opinion? Is there an official Transformers rating board that decide if a figure is good or not?

Has it now got to the point where people have to have opinions explained to them in case they don't agree and if they don't it isn't an opinion, it is an outrage?

[BigTransformerTrev]

Why do you need to state it is your opinion? Is there an official Transformers rating board that decide if a figure is good or not?

Has it now got to the point where people have to have opinions explained to them in case they don't agree and if they don't it isn't an opinion, it is an outrage?

Dude - Griffin was just being polite, it wasn't a big deal ;)

I think the only reason he said it was his comment sounded a bit like a statement of fact rather than an opinion.


The Japanese exclusive Battle Command Optimus toy from 2014 (from TF4 toyline), is being reissued (http://news.tfw2005.com/2017/10/24/battle-command-optimus-prime-reissue-coming-2018-352569)... which is really surprising, since it is a really bad toy.

It will see a re-release in April 2018 for 6,800yen.

Anyways, I said I liked it so he was just clarifying that he was only offering an opinion in case, maybe, I was annoyed (which I wasn't as shown below)


I have that figure - I quite like it. Convertible trailer and tons of weapons


Sorry... I should have noted that it was just my opinion.
But saying that, aside from it having the good elements of heaps of accessories and a trailer, the gimmick and engineering made the robot mode a real mess to me.... being similar to the other gimmick Primes (1-step and Power Battler).


Oh t’wernt no skin off my nose - good luck finding any toy that every person likes ;)

I just liked it personally due to all the weapons and the fact that all my different JP one-step changers, like Stinger, all illicited different sounds. Plus any Optimus that comes with a trailer gets a big tick from me :D

But yeah, it’s certainly not the pinnacle of toy engineering :)

So it's all good on his end, it's all good on my end :)


Why do you need to state it is your opinion? Is there an official Transformers rating board that decide if a figure is good or not?

Well, not an official one but I wrote a review of the toy 3 1/2 years ago HERE (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=19293&highlight=Optimus) and the votes broke down that most people agreed with Griffin's assessment that no - its really not a good toy (even, as noted in the review, I had to admit that Optimus had too much of the shellformer going for him).

I understand your distress though. Griffin is the owner/operator of this site and I'm its member of the year. I guess when our opinions differ some people see it like when their parents fight - it can stress them out. I hope I have not caused undue emotional trauma to anyone for thinking it's not a bad figure ;)

But yeah, not so much on this site but on lots of others it seems like you can't offer an opinion on anything these days, be it movie or toy, without someone cracking it that your point of view doesn't line up with theirs. It can be a pain. It's why i don't interact much on some of the FB TF groups and some of the US fan sites.

[griffin]

Why do you need to state it is your opinion? Is there an official Transformers rating board that decide if a figure is good or not?

Has it now got to the point where people have to have opinions explained to them in case they don't agree and if they don't it isn't an opinion, it is an outrage?

Well... I need to own up to it being a news post after all, which I really should keep free of my personal opinions, and post them up later in another post.... just so that it looks more professional to readers - otherwise I could end up ranting in every news posting. Because I know that I have opinions that some people don't agree with (it could put them off reading here), and even opinions that very few people agree with (I love Actionmasters... but don't tell anyone :p ).

[Thurmus]

Fair enough by all. I may have been reading news.com.au too much on that day.

[griffin]

A vague list of Movie toys for April has been found (http://news.tfw2005.com/2017/10/27/possible-takara-tomy-april-2018-listings-new-movie-series-mpm-5-352688), with eight new Movie toys of older characters (unknown if they are new or old moulds), plus MPM-5 with no name.... which could be Barricade.

[griffin]

The next (and maybe the last) of the freebie weapons in Japan are a bronze axe and a pair of gold swords (http://news.tfw2005.com/2017/10/31/takara-tomy-mall-last-knight-campaign-items-bronze-calibur-axe-bronze-swords-megatron-optimus-prime-352893), for Leader Optimus and Leader Megatron.
The axe will be free with purchases over 2000yen (about AU$23), from October 28th (while stocks last), and the two swords are free with purchases over 5000yen (about AU$58) from November 11th (again, while stocks last).

[griffin]

Despite the news of TakaraTomy looking to release all/most of their Transformers exactly like the Hasbro versions... and despite all the previous Movie toys released by Hasbro, being released in Japan without any changes to the toys or packaging... we are now going to see four TF5 Movie toys released in Japan in February, with altered/added decos.

But don't get too excited, as it is just the four Knight Armor toys - Optimus, Bumblebee, Grimlock, Megatron (http://news.tfw2005.com/2017/12/26/transformers-turbo-change-line-coming-japan-february-2018-355908).

They finally spend some time and money to improve the deco of four Hasbro Movie toys, and it isn't any of the Premier (Collector) Edition toys.

[griffin]

The Japanese exclusive Battle Command Optimus toy from 2014 (from TF4 toyline), is being reissued (http://news.tfw2005.com/2017/10/24/battle-command-optimus-prime-reissue-coming-2018-352569).

It will see a re-release in April 2018 for 6,800yen.

This has now been listed on sites like Amazon Japan, with photos that show us (http://news.tfw2005.com/2018/02/28/takara-tomy-turbo-change-series-tc-09-battle-command-optimus-prime-360176) the minor colour changes, and the new shield accessory.

[Bladestorm]

This has now been listed on sites like Amazon Japan, with photos that show us (http://news.tfw2005.com/2018/02/28/takara-tomy-turbo-change-series-tc-09-battle-command-optimus-prime-360176) the minor colour changes, and the new shield accessory.

I'm surprised they've re-released a toy that shelf warmed... I already have the original (got it for extremely cheap as it was!) so I think I'll skip this one... or wait until it comes down ridiculously in price too.

[griffin]

Just when I thought that TakaraTomy had finally finished releasing TF5 Movie toys with the Battle Command Optimus, four TF5 1-steps and the four TF5 Knight Armour toys in April, there are three more being released at the end of July (http://news.tfw2005.com/2018/05/30/takara-tomy-turbo-changers-drift-slug-and-hot-rod-listings-and-stock-images-364624) - three 1-steps - Slag (TF4), Drift (TF4) and Hot Rod (TF5).
Hot Rod makes sense, but Slag and Drift are from TF4, and if the current images are the actual toys being released, Drift is blue instead of orange.
They will be TC numbered (10 - 12), which were also given to the nine April toys.