Masterpiece Soundwave and Acid Storm appearing a bit early at US TRU

[tinyJazz]

I am a bit surprise there isn't any indication of Hasbro versions for the cars?

This was discussed at SDCC/Botcon, Hasbro currently have no intention of releasing the Autobot cars because of licensing issues.

[drifand]

This was discussed at SDCC/Botcon, Hasbro currently have no intention of releasing the Autobot cars because of licensing issues.

I am under the impression that Takara has the licensing so this would not be an issue. I am surprised that there are issues, as it wouldn't be made if that was the case. Pretty sure Nissan wouldn't be an issue. but oh well I am not going into this as the cars are not my priority anyway.

[1AZRAEL1]

I am under the impression that Takara has the licensing so this would not be an issue. I am surprised that there are issues, as it wouldn't be made if that was the case. Pretty sure Nissan wouldn't be an issue. but oh well I am not going into this as the cars are not my priority anyway.

TakTom have the licenses yes, but Hasbro would need to obtain the licenses too to be able to release their versions of the MP.

[drifand]

TakTom have the licenses yes, but Hasbro would need to obtain the licenses too to be able to release their versions of the MP.

I thought is kind of obvious what is next Hasbro's step. btw I am not into company's politics here, but since a transformer toy has been made, I find it hard to believe if Hasbro decides to pass it up. But anyway, I got my answers.

[1AZRAEL1]

I thought is kind of obvious what is next Hasbro's step. btw I am not into company's politics here, but since a transformer toy has been made, I find it hard to believe if Hasbro decides to pass it up. But anyway, I got my answers.

They did originally say they weren't gonna do Grimlock, then they did. Never know though, they may end up doing them eventually.

[Trent]

I am under the impression that Takara has the licensing so this would not be an issue. I am surprised that there are issues, as it wouldn't be made if that was the case. Pretty sure Nissan wouldn't be an issue. but oh well I am not going into this as the cars are not my priority anyway.

Different companies. Takara obtaining a vehicle licence has nothing to do with Hasbro. Hasbro need to obtain their own licence. And because that will cost them money, they are not interested.

[GoktimusPrime]

Trent is absolutely correct. Different legal issues for Hasbro and TakTOM. And this isn't the first time either -- e.g. Car Robot Wild Ride was modified for RiD X-Brawn -- the Mercedes logo was changed to whatever company does that vehicle in the US. BT Prowl also had its Honda logo changed to Acura for the Alternators version. And of course, Hasbro cannot release any G1 Megatron reissue or Masterpiece because of the replica firearm alt mode.

hopefully they reissue Red Alert too as i still have one with the wrong head but don't actually want to swap it. unfortunately cant get another one with the correct head at rrp, and they're now all $100+

I'm surprised you haven't done an exchange, or at very least submitted a request for a replacement head, as you clearly feel that they've provided you with a product that does not match its description.

Maybe after the run of Datsuns Takara will reissue the tapes and Lamborghinis. They have said they were surprised by the high level of demand for the MP line, and adjusted their production run for Prowl etc accordingly, so I think it's possible.

Hmm... that would be good news. I'd get an MP Red Alert if they did another production run. No way I'd pay inflated secondary market prices for it.

Yeah, I am thinking it might be more worth buying the Hasbro Soundwave and I get best of both worlds.

I don't see any reason to get the TakTOM version unless the colours bug you that much and you're willing to fork out an extra fifty bucks for a cosmetic difference! It might be different if the Hasbro version's colours were bad, but they're not bad -- they're just different (and technically more G1 accurate, since the G1 toy came before the cartoon).

I reckon TakTOM should release a limited exclusive G1 US comic coloured MP Soundwave -- replace the blue with purple -- similar to the US comic coloured MP Grimlock they did. Ditch the Energon cubes and hand scanner and replace it with a spare head that has a mouth instead of faceplate. Maybe even retool Laserbeak as Ratbat. I personally wouldn't get this toy, but considering the popularity of Comic MP Grimlock, I reckon it'd work for TakTOM to do the same for Soundwave.

[drifand]

Not indicating Hasbro is wrong, just find it a waste product on the side lines. After all is an old design car not looking at the current Lambors or Nissans. This isn't the first time Hasbro had asked Lamborghini for copy rights before either. But again is not my call. I only felt is a waste.

As for Soundwave, I can afford both, it doesn't bother me as long as they are at correct prices and not paying inflated pricing. Anything above the $250 mark would be something I start considering on my funds before spending. I am a collector after all.

[Thorns2010]

This was discussed at SDCC/Botcon, Hasbro currently have no intention of releasing the Autobot cars because of licensing issues.

Can you provide a source of a Hasbro rep actually saying licensing issues is the reason?

I've followed all the info I could find from the recent conventions and haven't come across anything suggesting this.

[Sinnertwin]

Can you provide a source of a Hasbro rep actually saying licensing issues is the reason?

I've followed all the info I could find from the recent conventions and haven't come across anything suggesting this.

If i may, TJ

Seibertron.com / Ryan:*"Then again with the Takara Masterpieces, it seems like the smaller scale might be more appealing to American retailers such as Walmart and Target. Are you working with Takara on that or is that too far down the road?"*

Hasbro / Aaron:*"No we work with them on concept with "here's the next one we're thinking about", "what do you think?" so we do discuss it even though we know on the offset that it's for their market. Doing the smaller cars has helped but it's really about the market for Jerry. Do we do a non-connected high end item as an exclusive or where does it fit?"*

Hasbro / Jerry:*"The other thing with Sideswipe too is we have to get the Lamborghini license, which they have, which they were able to secure for the Japanese market. We have not [secured that]. If we're going to do that, we're going to need to approach Lamborghini and setup a licensing deal with them to do that.But we've seen them, we love them, we'd love to bring them to the US, there's no plans exactly yet but Masterpiece will continue. You've got Optimus Prime and Thundercracker this year, so we definitely see the value in bringing them over because fans love them."

You can read the SDCC 2012 interview here
Doesn't look like Hasbro have made any inroads towards licensing since.