Toy Fair 2010 Gossip

[jaydisc]

There's lots of news flowing out about the Toy Fair and Hasbro's announcements.

Collectors Club members are invited to a password protected sneak peak.

TFW2005 has some thorough info here:
http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/toy-fair-38/transformers-collectors-club-members-only-toyfair-2010-gallery-169157/

And this guy, Collecticon, is at the show, posting pics at his Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/collecticon/), Twitter (http://twitter.com/collecticon) and blog (http://www.collecticon.com/).

There's one bit of disappointing news as far as I'm concerned, and that's Human Alliance Jazz with Lennox. I wish they picked a better bot for that, like Ironhide or even Prime.

Activators are back!

There are now transforming RPMs

And Generations is the name of the new line going forward.

[1AZRAEL1]

Liking the WFC toys, and damn Hasbro for doing a "Generations" Thrust that looks almost exactly like Henkei Thrust (after I fork out the money for the Henkei version)

[Verno]

Any word on a Universe Rhinox?

[jaydisc]

Not through my channels.

I think the biggest fan pleaser will be a tribute to Straxus (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Straxus_%28G1%29) named Darkmount

[Robzy]

Hmmm... some interesting stuff there (and a lot of stuff that doesn't interest me at all) :)

[kup]

I can't see anything in the 'Universe' gallery that is interesting to me aside from the vintage car guy but his colors are not very good. Dissapointing as this doesn't seem like Classics 3.0 and more like Random Repaints 50.5

It seems that 'Exclusive' doesn't mean much these days given Thrust.

The WFC figures look pretty good from the design point of view but I still fear that it will have a pinkish cheap paint job.

[Robzy]

I think you're right Kup! Is there even a Classics 3.0? Or is that the new Generations line?

Re the toys... I haven't felt the buzz of excitement for a couple of years, ever since they've started making a lot of these figures in a Bayformer-hybrid style. They just don't appeal to me... I'm even struggling with WFC but I'll probably get end up getting the ones I kinda like.

[dirge]

I'm thrilled to hear of a return of the Activators, but a little dismayed by only one new Legends. Still, my wallet will be happy (:

[jaydisc]

There's at least three new legends. In addition to Ravage, there's non-combining Long Haul (http://www.flickr.com/photos/collecticon/4353985355/) and Red Rampage (http://www.flickr.com/photos/collecticon/4354122641/). Also, although probably not what you mean, the Powercore Combiner limbs are also "Legends".

[Sleeve]

It seems that 'Exclusive' doesn't mean much these days given Thrust.


That had me wondering. I thought Hasbro weren't allowed to release anything mass-market that was a previous Botcon exclusive? Understandably they're using the Henkei mold, but still, it seems a little sneaky. I'm not complaining mind you, I love the opportunity to finally get Thrust.

[kup]

Any images of this 'Darkmount'?

[TheFallen]

The Drift figure is the leaked vehicle mode from a few months ago

I will buy the Thrust even though I only recently bought the Henkei. I prefer the non lightning bolts.

But where is Thundercracker?????

[jaydisc]

My recollection is that Hasbro has said mold would need to be significantly different, although IMO, Thrust is far from significantly different. As far as I'm concerned it's good news for more frugal collectors. Also, with FunPub's recently ill thought out set of exclusives and their gross handling of international members, I lack sympathy.

That being said, even with Henkei Thrust, and now Generations Thrust, my Games of Deception box set is still likely my most treasured TF acquisition, my collection's centerpiece.

As to Darkmount, no pictures I've seen yet.

Based on Thundercracker's complete inability to be significantly different, I wouldn't hold your breath. It's funny how things go. When Henkei TC and SW were announced, Botcon Thrust's price skyrocketed. With this news, it's likely the reverse will happen.

[TheFallen]

Couldn't they take liberties with the markings like they did with the original classics Starscream for Thundercracker? That would make him different

[jaydisc]

Arguably, they can do whatever they want. My opinion is that based upon what we've seen to date, using Thrust as an example, there would likely need to be a mold change.

[GoktimusPrime]

Hubcap interests me the most out of those pics. A refreshingly unique alt mode. :)

Drift... yeah, I'll get him. Undecided about Deluxe Ironhide. I'll probably have to see him for myself IRL before deciding.

Others don't particularly interest me. I'm not liking the look of the movie Activators... while I didn't mind the Animated Activators, I think Activator movie Bumblebee just looks too "kiddy" for my tastes. JMO.

[kup]

Here is a pic of Straxus (Darkmount):

http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/5214/1266093863575.jpg

http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/5214/1266093863575.jpg

I need a better pic but so far it seems ok - It will be a good tribute if they get the head right and by the shape of the blurry pic, it looks like they have. However that third 'alternate' mode looks very forced.

[Kyle]

The limbs of the Powercore Combiners Aerialbots and Combaticons don't look transformable... Reminds me of Energon Optmus Prime. I hope I'm wrong.

The transformable RPMs look like they all share the same transformation designs with the same areas splitting. I couldn't see any pics of robot modes and assume there are only "half transformations" and they can only transform from car mode into some sort of half way battle vehicle mode but not full robot mode.

I actually LOVE the idea of Human Alliance Jazz! Finally some love for him. :D
VERY VERY glad the HA line is continuing in some form.

And I'm VERY happy with more new movie Legends. Ravage!!! And the new non-combining Constructions can act as clones to the existing combining toys we have. I really wish they will release all 3 bikes... (Looks like there's hope now.) Even repaints of the same mould would be fine as long as they release all 3 characters/sisters.

The new Deluxe movie Bumblebee looks interesting. Looks like they have copied a lot of elements from the HA toy and merged them with the old Deluxe mould. Finally a "Premium" BB for me? :D

The new Deluxe Ironhide looks pretty good, but quite different from the one shown on the UK toy show flyer. This Deluxe is not much better than the Voyager (mixing Premium Ironhide with ROTF head and guns). I'll still buy though. The other one shown on the UK flyer had the concept art accurate "wings" above his shoulders. Maybe there are indeed two different Deluxe Ironhide toys coming as reported by the earlier rumours?

And it's interesting how Hasbro has kept their word of not releasing a "Premium" Leader Optimus Prime. Instead releaseing a simpler repaint of Leader Optimus Prime with battle damage marks, but the head from Buster Optimus Prime and NEW meat hooks. Looks like I might be buying this... :o

And movie activators are pure win. :D

[kup]

The Powercore combiners look ok although some minicons have been a bit compromised for the weapon gimmick like the Helicopter guy. It's also odd that some of the larger bots don't have hands but weird shovel claws.

If they produce some good fiction (as in a cartoon) associated with the line, I may bite but so far its pointing to be just a filler line and for me, it's not interesting enough to collect without some good fictional backing.

[1AZRAEL1]

I like the legends Ravage so far, but for the most part, I will most likely miss most of these. To me, they seem to be lacking something that I can't wuite put my finger on. Straxus looks ok, I may pick him up.

[Robzy]

Hubcap interests me the most out of those pics. A refreshingly unique alt mode. :) He kinda reminds me a little of this guy! (http://www.tfu.info/Gobots/Guardians/GoodKnight/goodknight.htm) :D

[SharkyMcShark]

My wallet actually just started crying. I'm defintely grabbing HA Jazz and Calssics 3.0 Thrust (despite hating the mold and having no needs for a classics thrust, Thrust is just awesome). The plain Classics 3.0 stuff looks good (Drift, Jetblade, etc).

In fact the only things I'm really not sold on are the straight up RotF repaints (Long Haul, Reverb repaint, NO Ratchet) and the Powercore stuff. I'm not keen on Powercore - it looks like they kind of thing that might work in Deluxe scale (I'm thinking more of Universe Cyclonus here more than Armada) but at the Scout level, which as I understand it is what it mostly is, looks kind of pointless.

[Gutsman Heavy]

So this is what it feels like to have your expensive exclusive released at a cheap price. Meh, those Botconners need to harden up.

[1AZRAEL1]

The plain Classics 3.0 stuff looks good (Drift, Jetblade, etc).

In fact the only things I'm really not sold on are the straight up RotF repaints (Long Haul, Reverb repaint, NO Ratchet)

Jetblade is a RoTF repaint of Dirge I believe. I'm not sold on the repaints either, but then again, I didn't buy many RoTF figures :p

[Starscream212]

Well im liking most of the movie stuff bar the silly repaints! worthy mention would be HA Jazz and Eltia 1, the third deluxe bike.
Im also liking Darkmount he looks awsome.

Sadly powercore combiners look like a waste of space for me, so i will be avoiding them unless they have a significant tie to the cartoon which i hope wont happen.

WFC toys were already instant buy, but i wanna see some more megatron!

[1AZRAEL1]

WFC toys were already instant buy, but i wanna see some more megatron!

I wanna see Soundwave, or even Shockwave (seeing as how he is a playable character, it stands to reason they will make a figure of him)

[Starscream212]

I wanna see starscream the most! I just hope this game is awsome!

[MV75]

Generations stuff is looking good. That is all.

[GoktimusPrime]

He kinda reminds me a little of this guy! (http://www.tfu.info/Gobots/Guardians/GoodKnight/goodknight.htm) :D
...as much as I hate to admit it, you're right. One thing Gobots had over Transformers was a wider variety of alt modes. I hope this means that Hasbro will look at expanding the diversity of alt modes in Transformers. Bring on more vintage cars, taxis, vintage military vehicles, appliances, limousines etc. Oh, and Botanica!!


Calssics 3.0 Thrust (despite hating the mold and having no needs for a classics thrust, Thrust is just awesome).
Hahaha. I don't need Classics Thrust, but I'm also thrilled that he'll be released for mass retail sale. I do need a Classics Dirge though (I missed out on both BotCon and Gentei Dirge :(), so by all means go ahead and buy Generations Thrust. I hope a lot of people buy this toy and encourage Hasbro to released Dirge! :D

If I happen to have the money to spare at the time this toy comes out I might buy a Thrust too (I'd keep it sealed, no need to have two loose ;)) just to try and support/encourage Hasbro to give us Dirge. :)

[Robzy]

So this is what it feels like to have your expensive exclusive released at a cheap price. Meh, those Botconners need to harden up.
THIS!

[GoktimusPrime]

So this is what it feels like to have your expensive exclusive released at a cheap price. Meh, those Botconners need to harden up.
I don't mind. HasTak should've released all the Seekers as common retail toys in the first place. I paid about $50 for my Gentei Thrust (incl. postage); making it my most proportionately expensive* exclusive Transformer... but I don't mind that the toy's coming out as a mass release, in fact I'm quite thrilled about it (as detailed in my last post :)).

*By "proportionately expensive" I mean the cost of the toy versus the cost of how much it would've cost as a regular mass release toy. I usually only ever pay the same RRP for my exclusive TFs... it's quite rarely that I'd ever pay more than that. But with Thrust I was desperate so I bit the bullet and paid the 3500JPY (≈$43).

[SharkyMcShark]

Jetblade is a RoTF repaint of Dirge I believe. I'm not sold on the repaints either, but then again, I didn't buy many RoTF figures :p

Yeah I know but that mold is so awesome (and it's coming out under the new banner isn't it?)

[1AZRAEL1]

Yeah I know but that mold is so awesome (and it's coming out under the new banner isn't it?)

Well the boxart doesn't specifically say RoTF, but it doesn't say Generations either. Much like the Ironhide repaint box as well. The lines between series' is becoming very blurred indeed.

[griffin]

So this is what it feels like to have your expensive exclusive released at a cheap price. Meh, those Botconners need to harden up.

Since it isn't the BotCon mould, it isn't a problem (and most people specifically wanting the BotCon version, will still pay good money just to have that rare (wing-mould was destroyed after they used it) version).

And it is okay for Hasbro and Takara to release stuff in their own markets that was released in the other, but you will still find some minor variations with paint or colour.

[KaRNiV8L PRiME]

These are some of my favourite things

Human Alliance Jazz with Lennox - Looks hot
Power Core Combiners Aerialbots and Combaticons - Reminds me of Energon Optimus Drones, still like it though. Would like to see size comparisons with Classics deluxe or voyager
War for Cybertron Optimus Prime
Classics 3.0 Drift
Thrust - Bring on more seeker exclusives
ROTF Leader Class Starscream - Automatic buy
Voyager Sea Spray
Legend Class Ravage, Rampage and Long haul new molds

[SilverDragon]

The Powercore Combiners look pretty neat. I may pick one up. It's a bit disappointing that the 5-pack ones have nontransforming vehicles for limbs, but it's not the end of the world.

The RotF Scouts look pretty neat, as always.

The one thing I am really liking is the Generations stuff. Thrust is going to end up being bought, as I currently have no versions of the Classics Seeker mold, retooled or otherwise, and I quite like his wing-fans.

The Straxus tribute is pretty cool, although it leaves me thinking about where the hell an Emirate Xaaron tribute is.

Drift actually looks good.

Oh, and this list of names (http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/toy-fair-2010-hasbro-transformers-panel-summary/17862/) may interest people. Mini-con Chainclaw? Does this mean we're going to get Mini-cons with animals as robot modes?

[fatbot]

I've seen the TFCC pics and Hubcap reminds me of this

http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/oo146/fatbot/zztop.jpg

I just wonder if it'll have a soundbox that plays "Legs" by ZZ Top

The Arielbots combiner looks strange, but the Combaticons combiner is pure win!

[Lint]

I dont know if I should be happy or sad that the only toy I would buy from that lot is Drift

[Tober]

HA Jazz and Drift is the only 'must have' for me, I can ignore his character.

Roller, get me one signed by Mr Mac will you? I want to annoy people with it...:rolleyes:

[Zippo]

Yellow box - ROTF Subline 'Hunt for the Decepticons', all sizes of Transformers
Red Box - Generations and Deluxe size only.

Love some of the new movie bots, though Sea Spray needs to be a 'Generations' toy. Horray on Thrust!!

Any word on when all of these will be released. I hear Fall 2010 (September) but then I also hear that Fall will be a slow release period..

[SentinelPrime]

yay no need to spend money on this lot.... boring!

[jaydisc]

Breacher (attaches to Seaspray) and Insecticon (from the movie)

http://itfdb.com/temporary/tf/breecherinsecticon.png

[jaydisc]

New mold: Sidearm Sideswipe:

http://itfdb.com/temporary/tf/sidearmsideswipe.png

[jaydisc]

Elita 1 (combines)
http://itfdb.com/temporary/tf/elita1.png

Hailstorm?
http://itfdb.com/temporary/tf/hailstorm.png

Voyager Prime (includes swords, pistols, and a pop open chest with matrix of leadership)
http://itfdb.com/temporary/tf/battlebladesprime.png

[Tober]

Sidearm Sideswipe looks promising. That white grill makes it look like the has a bloodied grin tho. :p

[Grievous]

Scout Hubcap is just amazing...Drift also looks pretty sexy...
I'm happy about Thrust...and the more I see Sea Spray the
more I like him...but without a shadow of a doubt my favourite
on display is Powercore Combiner Smolder with his axe buddy
Chopster.

Awesomely Awesome!
:D

[Zippo]

Oh, where did the slides come from jay?

[jaydisc]

That guy whose Twitter account I posted in the first post. He's been posting videos of the presentation to YouTube. Follow the Twitter link to the YouTube links.

[loophole]

Hailstrorm looks pretty cool

[Seraphim Prime]

So after all this time we're going to finally get our third bike sister!

Only it's a Chromia repaint! Not that awesome pink one we've seen in concept art, or that appeared (for about 30 seconds) in the movie! And they didn't even give it the right colours!

Everything else has had me heaps excited. Everything but this. This has me disappointed. :(

[Tober]

Have they announced MP Grimlock or shown pics?

I assume it will include the crown...

[KaRNiV8L PRiME]

Have they announced MP Grimlock or shown pics?

I assume it will include the crown...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DT3lz0OyEyk&feature=youtu.be&a

Here is a video showing Grimlock as TRU exclusive in US

[Tober]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DT3lz0OyEyk&feature=youtu.be&a

Here is a video showing Grimlock as TRU exclusive in US

Cool, thanks. :)

[Autocon]

so there will be three new lines of tfs
war for cybertron
rotf orange package
generations - inlcuding power core combiners

yes?

[Autocon]

also activators are the new fast action battlers

[Wheel-J]

Woooot! there's Blaster! :D

[gamblor916]

I think I'll have to pick up WfC Bumblebee, that's a nice sleek alt mode.
I wonder how much bitching there's going to be about the Thrust seeker re-release and Grimlock crown :D

[Prime_217]

okay i just saw the pics of "elita-1" and now i am pissed off! transformers is finished for me

[KaRNiV8L PRiME]

http://www.seibertron.com/images/events/131/generations_straxus_darkmou.jpg
http://www.seibertron.com/images/events/131/hasbro_masterpiece_grimlock.jpg
http://www.seibertron.com/images/events/131/powercore_combiners_destruc.jpg
http://www.seibertron.com/images/events/131/rotf_elita-1.jpg
http://www.seibertron.com/images/events/131/rotf_hailstorm.jpg
http://www.seibertron.com/images/events/131/rotf_scout_breacher_insecti.jpg
http://www.seibertron.com/images/events/131/rotf_side_arm_sideswipe.jpg
http://www.seibertron.com/images/events/131/rotf_voyager_battle_blades_.jpg
http://www.seibertron.com/images/events/131/sdcc_blaster.jpg
http://www.seibertron.com/images/events/131/rotf_legends_sandstorm.jpg

[jaydisc]

so there will be three new lines of tfs
war for cybertron
rotf orange package
generations - inlcuding power core combiners

yes?

No, I understood it as WfC is going to be released within Generations.

ROTF orange package represents final movie bits known as Hunt for the Decepticons, which has correlating online activties (entering codes in from packages).

Power Core Combiners seem to be their own line.

[kup]

I think I'll have to pick up WfC Bumblebee, that's a nice sleek alt mode.
I wonder how much bitching there's going to be about the Thrust seeker re-release and Grimlock crown :D

I don't mind the Hasbro Grimlock crown. Chances are that it will be expensive anyways and it won't come in an Awesome comic direct tribute. But for those who got the original release, they can always go for the relatively inexpensive custom crown.

In regards to Thrust, it is good that it is again getting a mass release since Botcon 07 as it is now much more accessible along with the Japanese Gentei but it does indeed degrade the meaning of Exclusive. Several people who got the Botcon seekers would not have done so if they knew there would be far more accessible releases a couple of years later.

[Starscream212]

WTF on elita 1, strait repaint by the look of things so how the hell will it combine? cause apparently Hasbro are not releasing insructions.

ultimate fail hasbro, anyone got two chromia's to try and make the combination?

[jaydisc]

Hasbro said when presenting Elita-1 that instructions for combination would be released online.

[Starscream212]

they must of changed there mind then, but still a repaint is disapointing.

[Sky Shadow]

Oh my god - there's a Straxus toy. My life is... well not complete, but filling up. :)

[Tommy K]

i have to get yoda especially for his droopy, uh, turrets, yes, turret, i wonder if they can move those, turrets, all around and such lol

[SharkyMcShark]

re Elita 1, I'm fairly sure Hasbro has said before that when they released the third bike it would either be entirely new or a remold of one of the existing ones - so I'd think that the connection point would be remolded.

[kup]

Wasn't Darkmount Straxus' fortress?

[GoktimusPrime]

yup. :)

[kup]

yup. :)

It is a much more thoughtful name alternative to a lost copyright than Tankor or Fracture.

[dirge]

Yeah okay, three new Legends moulds, but two of them might as well be repaints (since I have the EZ Collections versions).

I'll probably grab Darkmount since everyone is fapping over it and I'm only in this to look hip.

[kup]

Yoda looks like a Warcraft Goblin.

http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/toy-fair-38/official-star-wars-transformers-images-from-toy-fair-2010-169179/

http://www.slice-o-life.com/creepbox/media/1/20090120-tuxedo.gif

[Lord_Zed]

Good to see you've got your priorities straight.

I have to say I'm fairly impressed by what I've seen, I didn't really dig Seaspray or the powercore Huffer pic that we saw a month back, and figured I could tone down the TF's this year. However there's quite a few interesting looking moulds there, in the generations/classics and even a few of the new movie ones look reasonably promising.

And I have to admit Drift and HA Jazz are looking nice.

And ofcourse I need Thrust.

Not sure If I dig Powercore Combiners though, time will tell.

[Stompy]

Wow I can't believe they made new FAB's and 2 new Bumblebee deluxes. I don't really see the necessity.

I'm really glad the Human Alliance line is still going. The Powercore figures are a mixed bag. Great alts but the bot modes are too Cybertron trilogy, which I've had enough of. The gestalts are nice but disappointing the limbs don't have bot modes. I'm really digging the War for Cybertron figures. I'm all movieversed out but stilllike the Leader Starscream and Human Alliance.

[Autocon]

looks like my tf buying will be limited YES!

insecticon from the movie and breacher from the game
hailstorm from the game
sideswipe need to see how different the mold is dont like the new colours
voy op hmmm how different from this voy will have to see
payload jetblade hubcap brimestone
elita -1 not even purple, maybe the purple will be botcon exclusive? if so buy me one!
battle ops bb
maybe sea ravage
HA sideswipe
ironhide seaspray
black rachet....maybe
leaders ss
NO generations
NO powercore combiners
NO wfc

[griffin]

WTF on elita 1, strait repaint by the look of things so how the hell will it combine? cause apparently Hasbro are not releasing insructions.

ultimate fail hasbro, anyone got two chromia's to try and make the combination?

Hasbro stated at the last BotCon that the third bike would be a redeco, and that's because they weren't even sure if they would be doing a third.
They still promised that the three would still be able to combine in some way, but we'll just have to wait and see what format Hasbro have the three in, and if anything is remoulded on Elita-1 to acheive it.


In regards to Thrust, it is good that it is again getting a mass release since Botcon 07 as it is now much more accessible along with the Japanese Gentei but it does indeed degrade the meaning of Exclusive. Several people who got the Botcon seekers would not have done so if they knew there would be far more accessible releases a couple of years later.

Quite a few people are talking about this Thrust toy as if it is the same as the BotCon one. It is significantly different, and in my opinion, the BotCon one is better, because it has the 'VTOL turbines' moulded into the wings, plus has different tail-wings. The JP version (and this new Generations one) has plug in bits for the 'turbines', which takes away from the look of the original Gen1 toy.
Just because it is a Jet called Thrust that looks similar, doesn't make it the same. The BotCon version is far superior in capturing the likeness of Gen1 Thrust, and is still worth much more for being a rare, *unique* toy. And people who have the BotCon version shouldn't be upset about this one, as their toy is still just as rare as it ever was.

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

I'll probably grab Darkmount since everyone is fapping over it and I'm only in this to look hip.

LOL Fapping to look hip?:confused:

Likey Darkmount, nice bit of TF history there, but what the heck sorta vehicle mode is that? Troop carrier/tanks thing? Not diggin third "just got the crap blasted outta me" mode. Smacks of Classics Galvatrons attempted third mode.

Rest looks pretty good. Not terribly fussed with Thrust, ahving both botcon and gentei, I am intrigued to see which it will most resemble.

Thrusts all round!

[kup]

Just because it is a Jet called Thrust that looks similar, doesn't make it the same. The BotCon version is far superior in capturing the likeness of Gen1 Thrust, and is still worth much more for being a rare, *unique* toy. And people who have the BotCon version shouldn't be upset about this one, as their toy is still just as rare as it ever was.

Yeah but many people got Botcon Thrust not because he was exclusive but because they thought that it would be the only release of the character as Classics.

Since they have Thrust now released it seems that Dirge is an eventuality. I feel bad for the people who forked out US$250-$300 for each Botcon figure on ebay when they thought that was the only way to complete their Classics collection. Thankfully I didn't have to pay anywhere near that much.

[SharkyMcShark]

I feel bad for the people who forked out US$250-$300 for each Botcon figure on ebay when they thought that was the only way to complete their Classics collection.

I don't. It's ridiculous money to pay for a deluxe figure in and of itself, and while I'm not that into the classics seeker mold it gives me no end of joy that something quite close to what people were paying obscene prices for will be available at retail.

Further to that, actual completists will probably want both (or all three if you're into the Japan exclusives) seeing as their collection wouldn't actually be complete without all releases. Character completists (ie someone that needed a Thrust for their collection) could easily have bought a custom or even made one for less than $300.

[Tober]

Generations Thrust doesn't have the inappropriate chrome or strange stickers either. :)

[dirge]

LOL Fapping to look hip?:confused:

Yeah, why not? ;)

[kup]

Generations Thrust doesn't have the inappropriate chrome or strange stickers either. :)

Yeah, I didn't like that and that's one of the reasons why I didn't get it.

[The Scream Man]

Im sorta glad there isnt much there for me. Just gotta get animatd Arcee and Im good for a bit.

...although those war for Cybertron Autobots are pretty awesome.....

[GoktimusPrime]

I'd rather fap over Darkmount than fap over Drift. :p

[Kyle]

Regarding Elita-1, I don't believe any remoulding on the Chromia mould is necessary for the combined mode. In fact, any combination (with repetition allowed) of the bike moulds would result in a combined figure. Here's an example with one Chromia and two Arcee toys:

http://www.hk-tf.com/discuz/upload/viewthread.php?tid=15868
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2803/4212987939_fb81f5f18e_b.jpg

(Think about the Y shape connection system of the Build Team toys: http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Build_Team )

http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/attach/4/0/5/9/7/MotorcycleGangCOMBOMode03_SJ_w_1253304004.jpg
http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/attach/4/0/5/9/7/MotorcycleGangCOMBOMode03_SJ_w_1253304004.jpg

[i_amtrunks]

Some nice looking toys (Yay, Straxus!) and some not so good looking toys. Powercore look like they will be an interesting line to collect.

[lcz128]

I was pretty wowed by the news!
While there are only a handful of releases really going tone relevant to my classics/henkei collecting, I do haveto say some of the movie stuff (voyager prime- though I may just wait for an eventual takara release) has me intrigued.

I am really impressed with how they pulled off drift. True, I don't see many if any chances of his mould being reappropriated onto another character, but damn that's impressive how they managed to pull off such an accurate offering. Complete with all three swords and sheaths too!! What impressed me further was that there is very little paint on the toy and it doesn't even really look like it needs any more! Looks to be a good example of where plastic choice can totally make a toy!

At this point, the impression that the grimlock toy gives me is that his chest won't be chrome. That's just going off the picture... I am capped at home and as I am typing this post on the way to work on my iPhone, I will wait to get in to work and have a proper look. Either way, I can actually say: nice one hasbro!
Being the chrome junkie I am, I already have chromelock, and will skip the American release. That said, I cab imagine how fun it'll be when someone who didn't have access to the Japanese version gets their hands on this toy for the first time. Better late than never (:

regarding thrust, owning two gentei thrusts and no botcon one, I still have to say I am stoked. If anything refer to my feelings above about getting access to something that just wasn't in your reach for the first time. Good stuff. I of course will be picking his up!! I think if we take a moment to remember how we used to be back when we didn't know where or how to obtain Japanese releases, damn I have to say it's nice to hear that these are going to be released for the general public. It wasn't u
that long ago that I was stuck with general release stuff myself. I think the year galaxy force was out was the first time I started ebaying and it was only when I met jay and the other melbournians that I started buying from online tf stores like rk. ( I had actually used fantofan before... For primus believe it or not!)

I am a little disappointed with the five figure combiners but glad I already have my own :)
I will have to see more pix of the regular power core ones before I canmake up my mind

[Lord_Zed]

Yeah but many people got Botcon Thrust not because he was exclusive but because they thought that it would be the only release of the character as Classics.

Since they have Thrust now released it seems that Dirge is an eventuality. I feel bad for the people who forked out US$250-$300 for each Botcon figure on ebay when they thought that was the only way to complete their Classics collection. Thankfully I didn't have to pay anywhere near that much.

I kind of excpected this to happen, given Hasbro's perchant for miliking moulds as much as possible. Its probably rather annoying for those that paid a lot like you said. When it comes to exclusives though, if there's money to be made then I think most companies will hapilly produce or reproduce and exclusive item. It was pretty silly of Hasbro to let them make such prominent characters for Botcon anyway.

[kup]

I kind of excpected this to happen, given Hasbro's perchant for miliking moulds as much as possible. Its probably rather annoying for those that paid a lot like you said. When it comes to exclusives though, if there's money to be made then I think most companies will hapilly produce or reproduce and exclusive item. It was pretty silly of Hasbro to let them make such prominent characters for Botcon anyway.

Yeah that's exactly where I was coming from. It was a bad move from Hasbro to begin with specially that it came along with the announcement that Classics was permanently over - Back then Universe had not been announced and everything was gearing towards the first movie line.

[Paulbot]

Come on Hasbro, release Thundercracker.

Just do it in Action Master Thundercracker colours. That way characters get the character but it still looks very different to the Botcon version.

[kup]

Come on Hasbro, release Thundercracker.

Just do it in Action Master Thundercracker colours. That way characters get the character but it still looks very different to the Botcon version.

It's been already said somewhere before on the board but an AM repaint of Thundercracker would be awesome.

[Sky Shadow]

Come on Hasbro, release Thundercracker.

Just do it in Action Master Thundercracker colours. That way characters get the character but it still looks very different to the Botcon version.

This would be the single greatest thing that HasbroTakaraTomy could ever do. :)

(Other than release the original Seeker mould in Action Master Thundercracker colours. Come on, eHobby!)

[Blink90210]

Come on Hasbro, release Thundercracker.

Just do it in Action Master Thundercracker colours. That way characters get the character but it still looks very different to the Botcon version.

agreed.

Drift looks good, so does Seaspray. Powercore Combiners are a little too abstract for me but I may pick them up when I see them in person.

[Lord_Zed]

They could also release Thundercracker in toy accurate colours, as opposed to toon colours.