Bludgeon box pics

[kup]

http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-toys--products-30/in-box-images-of-revenge-of-the-fallen-bludgeon-168532/

As expected, looks like the paint applications are severely lacking when compared to the promo pic.

The green seems duller and the silver replaced by 'Hasbro gray'.

I hope the orange matches the G1 toy like the promo pic does. I can live with the dull green and the Hasbro gray can be painted over but the orange is much harder to touch up.

[liegeprime]

Hmmm that dull green is okay by me, rather than they give him bright green which in Hasbro's color factory would be flouro along the way:p. Wonder if Takara would pick the figure up and repackage in the Henkei line, that would rock - chromed parts (possibly the sword blade) and all!:D

[kup]

Hmmm that dull green is okay by me, rather than they give him bright green which in Hasbro's color factory would be flouro along the way:p. Wonder if Takara would pick the figure up and repackage in the Henkei line, that would rock - chromed parts (possibly the sword blade) and all!:D

If TakTom does that I will most certainly skip the ROTF release. However I doubt it as Bludgeon never featured in the Japanese continuity and is therefore an obscure character to them.

[GoktimusPrime]

King Grimlock is just as obscure in Japan (hence the limited nature of its release). Perhaps TakaraTOMY could release Bludgeon as a store exclusive.

[kup]

King Grimlock is just as obscure in Japan (hence the limited nature of its release). Perhaps TakaraTOMY could release Bludgeon as a store exclusive.

I think that he will be released as movie just like this one.

King Grimlock seems like a one off oddity but regardless, Grimlock is still a recognizable character in Japan while Bludgeon is not.

[rampagesss]

Probably one of the few ROTF figures i will by, so far only have Rampage and Ravage as i don't care to much for the look of the movie figures, so am catching up on G1 instead:D
But Bludgeon does look good!

[Doubledealer]

The tank looks like utter crap in that front box shot. :eek: Strange paint apps, hasbro grey...It almost looks like a KO to me. He looks great in his heavily photoshopped pictures though. :/

Come on Takara, do this one justice!

[Gutsman Heavy]

I knew I've seen Bludgeon's face before...

http://images.wikia.com/starwars/images/thumb/9/97/KOTOR2Nihilus.jpg/325px-KOTOR2Nihilus.jpg

[kup]

I knew I've seen Bludgeon's face before...

http://images.wikia.com/starwars/images/thumb/9/97/KOTOR2Nihilus.jpg/325px-KOTOR2Nihilus.jpg

Yeah, I thought the same when it comes to the Box art. However the actual toy face seems more unique.

[Lordy]

That's a mixture of green, brown and orange that would make Roadbuster jealous :)

He looks alright in robot mode, it's sad that there is no real effort in the detailing on the weapons on the tank.

[SMHFConvoy]

...Wonder if Takara would pick the figure up and repackage in the Henkei line, that would rock - chromed parts (possibly the sword blade) and all!:D

If not I wonder if it's possible to put silver leafing on the sword? I only wonder because the leafing might flake off when you put the sword in it's scabbard.

[liegeprime]

Best to spray paint it. but I forgot what was that spray paint D.Digger used before to chrome some of his figure parts.... and where to get it. Im so getting this figure.. maybe 2 even

[Lord_Zed]

Yeah he's pretty much the colours I figured he'd be. Hasbro grey is a given on any Hasbro toy for years now. An I'm not suprised the Tank mode is darker as he is meant to fit into the Movie line, and the bight green look is a bit to cartoony.

Parts of the tank look quite nice, the stowage is a cool detail, but he suffers from the classic TF problem of I have a gaping hole in the front of my tank mode.

[GoktimusPrime]

I like the darker green. Looks better than the green on G1 Bludgeon IMO. :)

[SilverDragon]

Excuse me while I drool. Bludgeon looks badass. I love that you can stick one sword in a proper scabbard.

[snaketales]

This may well be the first ROTF toy I buy... if it makes it to Australia (and if not I may even be motivated to hunt it down).

[Ode to a Grasshopper]

I (still) wants it. The front box art of the head is fugly but the actual head looks alright - interesting to note that they made him an actual upgrade on the bio and not a new character.

[heroic_decepticon]

this would likely be the first and probably only ROTF toy that I buy.

but gosh, it looks like a really small toy in a really large box doesnt it

[kup]

this would likely be the first and probably only ROTF toy that I buy.

but gosh, it looks like a really small toy in a really large box doesnt it

I imagine him to be just a little taller than deluxe size - maybe he is just as tall as Universe Sunstreaker.

So far it looks like an 'in between deluxe and voyager' size but got pushed up in the official scale.

[liegeprime]

I imagine him to be just a little taller than deluxe size - maybe he is just as tall as Universe Sunstreaker.

So far it looks like an 'in between deluxe and voyager' size but got pushed up in the official scale.

pretty much like MIxmaster, now that cement mixer really aint that big, but by golly that box just takes a whole lot of airspace/shelfspace. ;)

[GoktimusPrime]

That's just typical of Hasbro's packaging - chuck a toy in a box that's half air so it looks big on shelf from a distance... then charge more money for it too. :/ That's why most of my Hasbro boxes end up in the recycling bin.

It's interesting how TakaraTOMY uses the same size packaging for their movie and ROTF toys which would be frustrating for Japanese collectors who aren't as accustomed to such big space-wasting packaging (because a lot of Japanese homes are small and pokey) and also Japanese collectors like to keep toys in package (due to the frequent amount of seismic activity, that's why Japanese toy packaging is usually designed so that opened toys can be easily placed back into their packaging, including carded figures)

Bludgeon looks neat. I like the darker green. I'd like to see a Bludgeon figure later on that looks more like the inner robot instead of the Pretender shell, but I suppose that the Pretender shell image is far more iconic considering that Bludgeon very seldomly came out of his shell in G1/G2.

[Ode to a Grasshopper]

Maybe hasbro could do a zeppelin transformer?:p

[Lord_Zed]

The old Bludgeon robot was really a rather generic looking TF compared to his much more memorable Pretender Shell. Something about this ones new head still bugs me a little though, but he is such a good reinterpretation of Bludgeon overall, that I'm sure I'll get over it.

[GoktimusPrime]

Maybe hasbro could do a zeppelin transformer?
Like Hearts of Steel Scourge (http://tfwiki.net/w2/images2/2/2c/Hearts_of_Steel_Scourge.JPG)! XD

[Jaisun]

Even though I expected those lovely promo pics provided by Hasbro would be all prettie'd up compared to the production figure, I am still looking forward to this guy alot! I am a sucker for Samurai and fuedal Japan in general, so combine that with TF's and you got my cash =oP

[Ode to a Grasshopper]

More Bludgeony goodness! (http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-toys--products-30/new-vehicle-and-robot-images-of-revenge-of-the-fallen-bludgeon-168541/)

[Jaisun]

More Bludgeony goodness! (http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-toys--products-30/new-vehicle-and-robot-images-of-revenge-of-the-fallen-bludgeon-168541/)

*sigh* Why do these lucky "I got it first" people usually have no artistic flair when taking the shots? I mean c'mon, atleast put him in a cool pose instead of looking like an upright corpse (no pun intended considering his head mould). Anyhoo, he's still a definate buy for me, and good job on finding the pics =o)

[Ode to a Grasshopper]

Transforming him properly would be good too. Going by the boxart, the grey hinges on the behind shot, and the wakizashi holder location in tank mode he should have thigh armor - as he's transformed there he just has child-bearing hips and a kibbletastic big butt.

[GoktimusPrime]

*sigh* Why do these lucky "I got it first" people usually have no artistic flair when taking the shots?
Do you think they're taking the shots for the benefit of fellow fans or just so they can boast about having it first? I find so many video so-called toy reviews are like that... a review (think of a film or book review) is meant to be a critical/analytical appraisal; if you love or loathe something it helps to explain _why_ instead of just drooling all over a toy for no apparent reason other than the fact that they have it!

Either that or they're crap photographers like me. :p

[liegeprime]

erm what is that last photo meant to show anyway? that the turret cockpit splits? why does it even need to split.... what's inside? wish they had a comparison shot with another figure, for size thingie.... is there a review out there somewhere already to explain the fig more a bit, than pictures can.

[Bartrim]

Liege, I think the turret splits so it can act as a scabbard for his sword... (again I think)

[Meangreen]

Liege, I think the turret splits so it can act as a scabbard for his sword... (again I think)


Yeah, that's pretty much how I read it. the scabbard hole then aligns with the gun in tank mode so you can complete the barrel. I'm really impressed by nifty bits of engineering like that actually.

Does anyone else feel the urge to hoist a flag off the turret in bot mode too? Just for that extra stereotypical samurai look?

[Jaisun]

Does anyone else feel the urge to hoist a flag off the turret in bot mode too? Just for that extra stereotypical samurai look?

Hell yeah! I am extremly tempted to get 2 of these and make him my first custom attempt with a mix of metallic black primary and deep red highlights, complete with flag =o) Any suggestions on good paints to use on TF's?

[liegeprime]

Liege, I think the turret splits so it can act as a scabbard for his sword... (again I think)

thanks for that.:) I have to say kudos to the toy designer... whoever from Hasbro team of designers made this, thank you for listening to what the fandom wants badly!:D:D this figure is Awesome!! now they just need to do Thunderwing:D who looks like a demon Shogun Warlord - which transforms into a stellar battle ship and were done...:)

[Wheel-J]

thanks for that.:) I have to say kudos to the toy designer... whoever from Hasbro team of designers made this, thank you for listening to what the fandom wants badly!:D:D this figure is Awesome!! now they just need to do Thunderwing:D who looks like a demon Shogun Warlord - which transforms into a stellar battle ship and were done...:)

+1!

And more pics of ROTF Bludgeon from out of the box (http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-toys--products-30/new-vehicle-and-robot-images-of-revenge-of-the-fallen-bludgeon-168541/) are available on the same fansite from the first post.

[Vector Sigma 13]

I shall have one of these!

[Lord_Zed]

I think his face may need a black wash, but none the less looking good!

[FFN]

That's just typical of Hasbro's packaging - chuck a toy in a box that's half air so it looks big on shelf from a distance... then charge more money for it too. :/ That's why most of my Hasbro boxes end up in the recycling bin.

It's interesting how TakaraTOMY uses the same size packaging for their movie and ROTF toys which would be frustrating for Japanese collectors who aren't as accustomed to such big space-wasting packaging (because a lot of Japanese homes are small and pokey) and also Japanese collectors like to keep toys in package (due to the frequent amount of seismic activity, that's why Japanese toy packaging is usually designed so that opened toys can be easily placed back into their packaging, including carded figures) Hasbro doesn't have the luxury of size-customised packaging that Japanese toylines do. They create packaging that will be able to protect the toy reasonably well, look impressive on shelves, make it hard to steal the toy, and to be able to contain a wide variety of toy dimensions. It is more cost-effective in the long run.

[Ode to a Grasshopper]

Does anyone else feel the urge to hoist a flag off the turret in bot mode too? Just for that extra stereotypical samurai look?Thank God it's not just me...:o

[kup]

Hasbro doesn't have the luxury of size-customised packaging that Japanese toylines do. They create packaging that will be able to protect the toy reasonably well, look impressive on shelves, make it hard to steal the toy, and to be able to contain a wide variety of toy dimensions. It is more cost-effective in the long run.

Its more cost effective for them not us

[Meangreen]

Thank God it's not just me...:o

It's the little things that add effect eh.

I imagine maybe the standard 'con symbol on blood-red? With extra tattering for that weatherd effect? Glorious!

[Ode to a Grasshopper]

I'd try for something incorporating the 'con logo with the JSDF logo (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Flag_of_JSDF.svg).

[FFN]

Its more cost effective for them not us Last I checked Hasbro didn't charge more for toys because of big packaging. One assumes customised packaging would cost more than standardised one-size-fits-all packaging, and who do you think the cost is passed onto?

[griffin]

More images added to that last TFW2005 link above, or go here if (http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/more-toy-images-information-of-rotf-voyager-bludgeon/17028/)not a TFW member.

[Sky Shadow]

Last I checked Hasbro didn't charge more for toys because of big packaging.

Well... they kind of do. Whenever they put a small toy in a big package, they charge for the price point of the big package, not the small toy.

[griffin]

Absolutely. They even admitted it themselves with the Classics Optimus figure, that it was too big for Deluxe pricing, so they packed it in Voyager instead. Same with the RiD Trainbots. They couldn't even get the AU retailers to buy those Trainbots because (according to Hasbro AU) they were overpriced at the voyager price-point (due to their smaller size), but were stuck with them being in that packaging and price-point.

[FFN]

But those are unusual circumstances, not how the toys are usually designed. Voy classics Prime was designed as a deluxe, and at one stage, they actually made a Deluxe class toy of him in resin prototype form.

The RID Trainbots were made under Takara's very flexible price points that Hasbro didn't have. They were never sold at the Maxcon/Mega Combat/Voyager pricepoint, because Maxcon/Mega Combat/Voyager replaced Ultra (USD$20) during Armada. The trainbots were sold under the Mega (USD$15) price point, which was then phased out after RID (Armada sold role play Star Sabers at $15, though).

[GoktimusPrime]

I don't see how Hasbro's packaging is less customised than TakaraTOMY's. TakaraTOMY also have price points and standard packaging sizes, for example, all Deluxe Henkei figures come in the same size card and blister package. Also, aren't they all customised to a degree because they have individual toy name, package art, tech specs, photos etc.? The inside plastic tray would also have to be custom moulded to fit snugly over the toy too.

I personally don't like the feeling of paying big bucks for a toy where half the box is full of air. :/

[Mecheon]

The thing is, if Takara wanted to, they could release an ungodly huge Transformer right now that didn't fit into any size class, or one in between a Voyager and a Deluxe, for instance

But Hasbro is basically bossed around by Walmart in terms of size classes, so they don't get that freedom

[heroic_decepticon]

The thing is, if Takara wanted to, they could release an ungodly huge Transformer right now that didn't fit into any size class, or one in between a Voyager and a Deluxe, for instance

But Hasbro is basically bossed around by Walmart in terms of size classes, so they don't get that freedom

that's a pretty good point.

[kup]

Why has Hasbro prostrated themselves to Walmart to the point that it dictates its policy and product range?

[heroic_decepticon]

Why has Hasbro prostrated themselves to Walmart to the point that it dictates its policy and product range?

I think its because some retailers have gotten so large that manufactures (who don't sell their own product and depend on others to distribute and sell), have to take heed to their needs or whims and fancies.

This book called 'The World is Flat' (the Goldman Sachs Finanace book of the year for 2006 and 2007) actually has a few chapters on this sort of situation and explains its mechenics better than me.

Walmart refusing to stock Transformers would be catastophic for Hasbro. Not the other way round.

gone are the days when the manufacturer could decide which 'leading department store' they want to place their product in.

[GoktimusPrime]

Does anyone else feel the urge to hoist a flag off the turret in bot mode too? Just for that extra stereotypical samurai look?
I believe you are referring to the Sashimono (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sashimono) :)

[Meangreen]

I believe you are referring to the Sashimono (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sashimono) :)

Exactly ;). Now I have a name to put to them. Thanks Goktimus.

[GoktimusPrime]

No problemo. (^_^)

[FFN]

I don't see how Hasbro's packaging is less customised than TakaraTOMY's. TakaraTOMY also have price points and standard packaging sizes, for example, all Deluxe Henkei figures come in the same size card and blister package. Also, aren't they all customised to a degree because they have individual toy name, package art, tech specs, photos etc.? The inside plastic tray would also have to be custom moulded to fit snugly over the toy too.

I personally don't like the feeling of paying big bucks for a toy where half the box is full of air. :/ Oh really?

*looks at my Galaxy Force Deluxe Nitro Convoy, Noisemaze and Whatever Cybertron Defense Hot Shot Was Called*
*looks at my Galaxy Force Voyager Vector Prime, Starscream and Backguild boxes*
*looks at my Galaxy Force Ultra Jetfire (whatever his name was in Japan), Fast Gunner and Sonic Bomber boxes*

They're all different dimensions and sizes to best fit each individual toy. Hasbro doesn't do that. They do a standardized "one size fits all" packaging for all the toys of that class.


The thing is, if Takara wanted to, they could release an ungodly huge Transformer right now that didn't fit into any size class, or one in between a Voyager and a Deluxe, for instance

But Hasbro is basically bossed around by Walmart in terms of size classes, so they don't get that freedom TakaraTomy wouldn't release a giant crazy Transformer without Hasbro's backing. Their market doesn't really support Transformers to the extent that Hasbro's does, unless they really enjoy losing money.

Takara haven't had their own mainline since they merged with Tomy, and whatever major lines they've released have been movie lines and redecos of Classics and Universe stuff. Most of TakaraTomy's own TF developments since the merger have been in the niche collector markets.

[kup]

Can we drop this? We all know where each of us stand when it comes to our views of Hasbro's and Taktom's practices. No point to continue dancing around in circles.

[GoktimusPrime]

Hasbro doesn't do that. They do a standardized "one size fits all" packaging for all the toys of that class.
So why not make a smaller standardised packaging? I still don't see the need to have oversized space-wasting packaging that's half full of air.


Takara haven't had their own mainline since they merged with Tomy, and whatever major lines they've released have been movie lines and redecos of Classics and Universe stuff. Most of TakaraTomy's own TF developments since the merger have been in the niche collector markets.
It happened before the merger - with the exception of "high end collectable lines" like Music Label, Sport Label etc., Takara haven't had their own mainstream (i.e.: for kids) line of Transformers since Car Robot. After Car Robot Takara went nuts promoting Web Diver and Beyblade leaving Transformers by the wayside, something which infuriated Japanese Transfans and some fans would argue contributed or exacerbated Takara's financial troubles (leading to their merger with former rival Tomy). And we all know that TakaraTOMY's approach to Transformers just hasn't been the same as Takara's. :/

[Mecheon]

The thing you have to remember is that Takara haven't done a kids line for one very, simple reason

Different markets

The collector's market in Japan is HUGE compared to the measly pickings that Western audiances have. By comparison, their children's market is tiny

[GoktimusPrime]

I don't know about you, but whenever I've shopped for Transformers in Japan I'm always the _only_ adult in the aisle and I've occasionally had to fight through mobs of children to get to a TF toy. One time I was at a Japanese supermarketing sitting on the floor and rifling through a box of Transformer PVC figurines... all these other people kept walking past and staring at me; either amazed to see a grown man furious rummaging through TF products or amazed at my stunning good looks (:p). There may* be a slightly higher proportion of collectors:children in Japan, but I'd say that Transformers is still primarily a childrens' toyline even in Japan.

One thing that many Japanese fans criticised Takara for in 2001-2002 was their over-focus on adult collectors and not enough attention to sustaining the line for kids, which is what Transformers needs in order to survive. During those years Takara pumped out lots and lots of G1 reissues, but if you read the boards Japanese fans were complaining about the complete lack of any NEW TF products in Japan. Reissues are nice, but ultimately what Transformers needs (and what most fans want) are new toys. Those were really dry years for Japanese Transfans (2002 was a dry year for _everyone_ actually) until the drought was finally broken by Micron Legend (Armada); a childrens line of Transformers.

----------------------
*I say may be because you have to consider that:
1/ although Japanese high end products like G1 reissues, Masterpieces, Binaltechs, Music Label etc. are specifically targetted at adults (Ages 15+), there's also the fact that these toys are manufactured in limited quantities compared to their "low end" products for kids.
2/ Hasbro has also released their own versions of some high end lines, e.g.: Alternators, Commemorative Series reissues, Masterpieces etc.; albeit modified to comply with child safety standards.

[Sky Shadow]

TakaraTomy wouldn't release a giant crazy Transformer without Hasbro's backing.

Why not? Masterpiece Megatron was a giant crazy Transformer without Hasbro's backing. And in recentish pre-Tomy times, Brave Maximus was too.

[FFN]

Megatron is practically one of the only ones, the others would have some form of Hasbro involvement, however minor. And Brave Max tanked.


So why not make a smaller standardised packaging? I still don't see the need to have oversized space-wasting packaging that's half full of air. Because they want to be able to fit all possible sizes and dimensions of figures that they can develop at this price point. Look at Long Haul, he originally shipped in vehicle mode but it barely fit into the depth of the box, so later assortments he fits in width-wise while in robot mode, and thus takes up much of the space in the packaging.

[emmai]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ucyuj74gaiY

His review come up :)

[kup]

Impressive.

[liegeprime]

Sweet, the review is out!

[rampagesss]

after seeing that review im defanatly going to get one he looks awsome!

[Ultra Streak]

Yeah, this is the ROTF one im most excited about. I dont think theres anything much cooler than a samurai robot with katanas.

[griffin]

It's looking more likely that Bludgeon might be out before Christmas, with so many of them showing up in collectors hands from asian ebay auctions.
Another review (translation) and more photos here:
http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/nest-global-alliance-iron-on-clothing-patch/17167/

This might be one toy I won't be waiting for a sale to buy.

[Lord_Zed]

This might be one toy I won't be waiting for a sale to buy.

Agreed...maybe. The current $50 voyager price tag is pretty ugly now that the US dollar has dropped. If I get it at full price, it will be my most exspenisve voyager class purchase to date. :eek:

[griffin]

Aaaand still more pics of Bludgeon...
http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/refresher-gallery-of-revenge-of-the-fallen-voyager-bludgeon/17283/

The oranges don't look as bad in these pics, making me a little less worried about Hasbro screwing up this nicely designed toy.

[Mecheon]

Aaaand still more pics of Bludgeon...
http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/refresher-gallery-of-revenge-of-the-fallen-voyager-bludgeon/17283/

The oranges don't look as bad in these pics, making me a little less worried about Hasbro screwing up this nicely designed toy.

Bludgeon was always orange though. I mean, where's all this green come from? He was orange :p