New 6-Inch Non-Transforming R.E.D. Transformers Line

[High_Q]

TFW2005 (https://news.tfw2005.com/2020/06/24/new-transformers-r-e-d-6-inch-action-figure-series-revealed-g1-optimus-prime-megatron-413371) and a few other sites have revealed a new non-transforming Transformers product line called “Robot Enhanced Design” (R.E.D.). First figures are G1 Megs and OP, Soundwave and BB. Also TFP Arcee and a Cheetor.

[reillyd]

Oh wow. That?s so unexpected......

So you have super articulation like a Revoltech, the detachable parts and accessories like Marvel Legends.
I?m honestly not sure how well these will be received, but I?d definitely buy Optimus and Megatron.
I?d buy Arcee if it was G1..... not sure there?s a lot of demand for TFP these days.

[DELTAprime]

The first thought that came to mind... Action Masters!

[Sinnertwin]

The first thought that came to mind... Action Masters!

But with better articulation! :p

Super keen on these, not so much the Walmart exclusivity.. but RK etc will come through hopefully

[UltraMarginal]

I think I might grab a Jazz, maybe soundwave. It's interesting that these are coming out so soon after the shitty barely articulated ones that have been available for some time now.

[High_Q]

I think I might grab a Jazz, maybe soundwave.

R.E.D. Soundwave (TFW2005 (https://news.tfw2005.com/2020/06/26/transformers-live-stream-6-26-reveals-and-details-413508) has pics) includes an alt-mode Lazerbeak that can be stored in Soundwave. If these are all scaled and at the same price point, then tiny G1 Bumblebee should include both the robot and the car.


It's interesting that these are coming out so soon after the shitty barely articulated ones that have been available for some time now.
I think these new ones are intended as modern articulated action figures whereas Super7's ReAction figures are mainly for retro appeal display. I like both kinds but ReAction figures are expensive, at about the same price as these REDs.

[Omega Metro]

6 Inches is too small. I would of jumped on it at 12 inches though.

[reillyd]

I think these new ones are intended as modern articulated action figures whereas Super7's ReAction figures are mainly for retro appeal display. I like both kinds but ReAction figures are expensive, at about the same price as these REDs.

Also an important distinction is that Super7 Reactions are 3.75?, and only five points of articulation (POA). These look to have the articulation of Marvel Legends figures, and interchangeable parts (eg. hand for Megatron holding Energon cube).

[Lord_Zed]

Interesting, but they don't seem any more articulated than the current MP toys. Still if they start making some more obscure characters I might get some.

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

A good way to get people in I think. I mean you can't say they aren't cartoon accurate right? Well, I am sure someone could. But I bet if you had enough after a a while they'd make a very nice display. I like 6 inch action figures and could probably happily get some of these guys (assuming the price isn't ridiculous)

[griffin]

In-hand images of Megatron & Optimus (https://news.tfw2005.com/2020/09/15/transformers-r-e-d-robot-enhanced-design-optimus-prime-megatron-in-hand-images-419601).

[High_Q]

I like non-transforming animation accurate TFs, so might get OP and Bumblebee. However, I'll wait for more reviews before deciding due to at least one report of sticky plastic :( and bended parts (https://youtu.be/vN9wXE9SbRo?t=247).

[reillyd]

Ewww, sticky plastic is so gross. There was a Hasbro line - I forget what it was called, but it was low quality plastic parts that were interchangeable across characters, and i had to stop collecting it because it was so gross. I think maybe it was Construct-o-bots?

I hope it was just a bad batch, and that other figures are okay.

[High_Q]

Ewww, sticky plastic is so gross. There was a Hasbro line - I forget what it was called, but it was low quality plastic parts that were interchangeable across characters, and i had to stop collecting it because it was so gross.

I had 'weeping' plastic syndrome happen to all my 1970s/80s Star Wars figures in the late 1990s, but those were vintage toys and that was in SE Asia where humidity is high. I had to throw those toys away. Hmm, i still can't find other reviews of these R.E.D.s.

[Dan]

I had 'weeping' plastic syndrome happen to all my 1970s/80s Star Wars figures in the late 1990s, but those were vintage toys and that was in SE Asia where humidity is high. I had to throw those toys away. Hmm, i still can't find other reviews of these R.E.D.s.

I live in Melbourne, so my old Star Wars figures never did that, but they do, even now, have a very distinct smell. In fact I've discovered that if I pack a few new Hasbro Star Wars figures into the same closed ice-cream tub as my old Kenner toys, they take on that smell! That's okay, as it reminds me of childhood Christmas. :)

[High_Q]

I live in Melbourne, so my old Star Wars figures never did that, but they do, even now, have a very distinct smell.

I remember that smell too, in addition to the plastic 'sweat'. The closest scent i can think of would be ice-cream tubs.

[Dan]

I remember that smell too, in addition to the plastic 'sweat'. The closest scent i can think of would be ice-cream tubs.

Maybe me storing them in ice-cream tubs is the secret to preserving and even enhancing that evocative retro scent. ;)

[griffin]

The second wave was announced at Pulse-Con on the weekend, to include BW Cheetor and TFPrime Arcee (https://news.tfw2005.com/2020/09/26/hasbro-pulsecon-2020-transformers-red-wave-2-reveals-420428).

Just like the first wave, these are Walmart exclusives in America. This second wave is scheduled for release in March for US$20 each.
We were supposed to be getting the first wave at BigW next month, but that was from a few months ago, so it's release here is still unconfirmed.

[griffin]

Wave 3 have been officially revealed (https://news.tfw2005.com/2020/12/11/transformers-r-e-d-g1-bumblebee-and-starscream-revealed-425771) - Gen1 Bumblebee and Gen1 Starscream (with coronation outfit)... expected for April in Walmart in America.

[1AZRAEL1]

I hate exclusives. I really do hope we get some if them here.

[High_Q]

The aesthetics for the G1 figures for this line is inconsistent. Wave 1 figures look animation accurate but Wave 3 Starscream looks :( like someone designed it based off the Evergreen design, realised the mistake and tried to correct it by using the Hero Masher Starscream as animation model. And why does an otherwise decent looking Bumblebee have black inner feet and inner forearm? :confused:

[griffin]

Not sure if this helps, but some "insight" into the thinking behind the RED line, from one of the people at Hasbro responsible for them, posted up on the Hasbro Pulse site (https://hasbropulse.com/blogs/unboxed/behind-the-design-transformers-r-e-d-robot-enhanced-design).

In case it disappears later, or someone has trouble accessing the Pulse site, the Qs and images can also be seen here (https://news.tfw2005.com/2020/12/13/hasbros-behind-the-design-transformers-r-e-d-robot-enhanced-design-article-425901).


Behind-the-Design: Transformers R.E.D. (Robot Enhanced Design)We sat down with Transformers Product Designer Manager, Lenny, for an exclusive behind-the-scenes interview about the new line of non-converting Transformers figures, called R.E.D.
Q: Why did you decide to do a line of non-converting Transformers figures?
A: When designing Transformers, one of the first things that has to be considered is the balance between robot and alt mode. Sometimes that means the final design won’t perfectly match their appearance in various entertainment. So, we wanted to create a line that celebrated the robot form without having to make any compromises for conversion functionality. In doing so, we are able to create more character-accurate robot modes because we didn’t have alt mode parts and pieces placed in areas they didn’t appear in entertainment. For R.E.D., it’s one of our goals to match robot silhouette as close as possible to the entertainment they’re from, without the conversion “kibble” as our fans call it.
Q: How does it differ from working on converting Transformers figures?
A: For starters they don’t convert, which is kind-a-great because we can fully focus on the robot details, articulation, and accessories. However, it presents other challenges because of robot anatomy being varied from character to character. You have to reinvent the wheel a lot. Also, traditional converting Transformers toys are mostly constructed out of ABS plastic, but for these we primarily used PVC, with some parts in ABS. This is because PVC is better for pulling out of a mold, it’s softer which allows for more details.
Q: What are the challenges you faced?
A: Our first challenge was deciding if fans would want non-converting figures from a brand called Transformers. To be honest, it is kind of the opposite of what Transformers figures are. So, we were pleasantly surprised to find the research indicating that there was demand for these types of figures. That being said, if we were going to do this, we knew we had to deliver on accuracy and articulation.
Transformers robots are polymorphing beings so that means almost all characters have subtle to major difference in their articulation systems. To achieve greater range of motion, we have to cut away at material so we maintain accuracy and aesthetic detail.
Q: So, if they don’t convert, what are these Transformers figures for?
A: Traditional Transformers figures are designed to convert so in some cases the articulation and deco has to accommodate that need. But with R.E.D figures, our main focus is poseabilty and robot detail. Also accessories, those can be the first to get cut for a typical Transformers figure, but without the conversion element, we can have more, and more detailed accessories. So, short answer, they’re for display. For those fans who want the most accurate looking robot modes on their shelves with awesome character-inspired accessories. Being a veteran on the brand now it is amazing for me to see our robot modes executed with such accuracy and detail like we have never seen before.
Q: How do you choose accessories?
A: We choose accessories based on iconic scenes each character is most known for. As well as elements from the entertainment that character is inspired by. An example of this is Prime Arcee with her swappable hand pistols and the cube of dark Energon ore, which Megatron was mining on the show. Our goal is to bring these scenes to life with elements from the stories people know and love.
Q: How do you plan out the articulation for these figures?
A: We have basic articulation points that have become standard and for the most part and we try to replicate them, but as I had mentioned earlier these bots are polymorphic and what may work for one may not for another. So we set out to achieve our basic double jointed, double elbowed figure but know we will need to make adjustments for details and silhouette.
Q: Does which character you’re working on affect the articulation and other details?
A: Almost on all figures. We reference signature poses the characters may be famous for and try to ensure that the articulation system can achieve them. Without the additional parts needed for the functionality of conversion, we are able to design for poseability and with display in mind. R.E.D. figures are able to achieve poses some converting figures cannot.
Q: How do you plan deco for RED figures?
A: The Goal is to match what we see on screen. However, sometimes on screen, especially in the case of the old shows, there is a lot of variance or lack of detail. In those cases, we have to update finishes to gloss or matte, and make the ultimate decision on a color. Like in the Generations line, the character Cyclonus is like 3 colors throughout the seasons of the G1 Transformers series. In cases like that, we don’t want to make a boring figure so we sometimes make changes to the tone of the color to add more visual interest or shade for more contrast.
Q: How do you curate the collection for the year?
A: We want to represent all the wonderful entertainment the Transformers brand has created throughout the years. So to do that we could just go in chronological order, however that would leave some fans waiting a very long time. That’s why we decided to pull from the various universes. Since we are pulling from the various universes or entertainment we want to start with characters that left a significant mark on the brand, whether through key scenes or epic acts of heroics or villainy.
Q: What is unique about R.E.D. compared to other premium action figure lines?
A: Well, first of all, our characters are robots. And yes, the other brands have robot characters or metal humanoids, but we are through and through robots. Cybertronians have a thick boxy feel, considering that we want them to feel built rather than sculpted, they are robots after all. So to do that we are utilizing a lot of secondary parts to achieve a layered effect. In addition, those secondary parts are great for recreating wings, arm blades, as well as animal parts like Cheetor’s legs on his back.
Q: Why did the team name it R.E.D?
A: We wanted to focus on the idea that this is a celebration of the robot mode so we are enhancing the robot design and making sure it is the first priority. Red is also an iconic Transformers color, our logo is in red, our Autobots are red, we’re all about the red.
Q: What is your favorite part about these figures?
A: We get to make robots in all of their glory. I love Transformers, especially great puzzle conversions, but there is something refreshing about being able to create our characters’ robot modes in this way, it’s so clean and unencumbered by the conversion considerations. They just really look so awesome.

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

I could probably go for this lot of toys. It does make me wonder, if Optimus and Megatron are 12cm tall at about the 6inch size (like Marvel Legends size) does that mean the Bumblebee will be smaller?

Like it would suck to have them looking so close to the cartoon, and then all be the same height right?

[Ode to a Grasshopper]

I just realised...I really want a Rung with backpack scooter out of this line. It'll never happen, but it'd be perfect...

[griffin]

In-hand images of wave 2 Cheetor (https://news.tfw2005.com/2021/01/10/transformers-r-e-d-wave-2-cheetor-in-hand-images-427104), with comparisons to other toys.
And some early images of wave 2 Arcee (https://news.tfw2005.com/2021/01/05/transformers-r-e-d-arcee-transformers-prime-in-hand-images-426961).

[griffin]

Official images of the 3rd wave of RED figures - Gen1 Bumblebee and 1986 Movie Starscream (https://news.tfw2005.com/2021/01/21/transformers-r-e-d-g1-bumblebee-and-coronation-starscream-new-stock-images-427666).

[Omega Metro]

These seem mighty tempting but seems difficult to source them here so far. Not that I’ve looked into it too much. No room anyway.

[1AZRAEL1]

They are hard to source at a decent price. Big W were supposed to stock, but sadly that's not the case anymore

[griffin]

Yep... BigW were originally planned to have them, but since the first wave didn't end up coming here, I doubt we will see any of them here... unless they show up a year later for cheap.

[Deano85]

Waiting to see a review on Bumblebee

[griffin]

In-hand screenshots of the 3rd wave Coronation Starscream (https://news.tfw2005.com/2021/05/13/transformers-r-e-d-wave-3-coronation-starscream-in-hand-images-433292).

[griffin]

And the other wave 3 figure - Bumblebee (https://news.tfw2005.com/2021/05/14/transformers-r-e-d-wave-3-g1-bumblebee-in-hand-images-433433).

[High_Q]

Someone from TFW2005 shared info that upcoming R.E.D. figures (https://news.tfw2005.com/2021/05/19/new-transformers-r-e-d-kingdom-san-diego-comic-con-set-ean-codes-433651) are G1 Shockwave and Galvatron, and TFP Megatron and Optimus.

[griffin]

Official product details (https://news.tfw2005.com/2021/05/20/transformers-r-e-d-optimus-primal-and-reformatting-megatron-official-product-descriptions-433666) (no images) of what could be the 4th wave of RED figures - BW Optimus Primal and 1986 Movie Reformatting Megatron (probably a redeco of the wave 1 figure with part or all green grid work over it).

[griffin]

Official product details (https://news.tfw2005.com/2021/05/20/transformers-r-e-d-optimus-primal-and-reformatting-megatron-official-product-descriptions-433666) (no images) of what could be the 4th wave of RED figures - BW Optimus Primal and 1986 Movie Reformatting Megatron (probably a redeco of the wave 1 figure with part or all green grid work over it).


Official images have now been released (https://news.tfw2005.com/2021/07/21/transformers-r-e-d-optimus-primal-reformatting-megatron-announced-for-walmart-collector-con-437825), of the packaging and toys for this 4th wave.

[griffin]

In-hand pics of the Reformatting Megatron figure (https://news.tfw2005.com/2021/08/11/transformers-r-e-d-reformatting-megatron-in-hand-images-438935).

[griffin]

Wave 4 figures are already out in Singapore (https://news.tfw2005.com/2021/09/09/transformers-r-e-d-wave-4-out-in-singapore-440753) (Optimus Primal and Reformatting Megatron)... apparently scheduled for release in America in December.
(priced at sg$41, which converts to about the same in AU dollars... which is pretty expensive for Deluxe sized non-converting toys)

[griffin]

Two new R.E.D. toys have been found on an Asian site (https://news.tfw2005.com/2021/12/07/first-look-at-transformers-r-e-d-uiltra-magnus-and-knock-out-446326), in packaging, which must be wave 5 - TFPrime Knock Out and "Gen1" Ultra Magnus (just a white redeco Optimus).

[Seraphim Prime]

That Knock Out looks amazing, and could very well be one of the few RED figures I get if there's an easy way to get hold of them.

[griffin]

Out of packaging images of Knockout and Ultra Magnus (https://news.tfw2005.com/2021/12/11/transformers-r-e-d-ultra-magnus-and-knock-out-in-hand-images-446559).

[High_Q]

Official reveals of R.E.D. Galvatron and Shockwave (https://news.tfw2005.com/2022/03/22/transformers-tuesday-walmart-collector-con-preview-red-galvatron-shockwave-revealed-452173). Galvatron looks decent. Shockwave looks 'off', in part due to the top chest section being smaller than the animation model. This line could have greater appeal if the visual style, at least for the G1 characters, were more consistent.

[KELPIE]

Where can we get these guys in Australia?

[DELTAprime]

Where can we get these guys in Australia?

In the words of '07 movie Optimus Prime "ebay".

Yep, no local shops have them unless a local seller lists them on ebay. I'd suggest trying a Singapore based seller.

[griffin]

I've been getting them from Walmart and Hasbro Pulse through a shipping agent (comgateway who orders them for me in case the site won't take a non-american credit card).

[KELPIE]

Thanks guys. TFsource has some but their stock is hit and miss and their pricing ridiculous.

Good tip Griff. I'll check them out, I've looked into a few freight forwarders however none seem to fit the bill... this mob look pretty decent.

[griffin]

One of the leakers (who is in the UK) has managed to get a packaged RED Galvatron toy from Asia (https://news.tfw2005.com/2022/04/10/transformers-r-e-d-galvatron-in-hand-images-453452) (as it has the Hasbro Hong Kong sticker on the box), even though it isn't being released in America until August (and shouldn't be sent out to Asian stores too much before that).

This is one of the first times I have seen this leaker have a packaged toy, but I still don't think it was from a legitimate source (unless he mentions on the video that it was sent to him by Hasbro to review).