Universe Starscream

[MV75]

But maybe they learned from the mistake of the movie runs that they should have produced a crapload more toys than they did have because they underestimated demand, and did all of those "defective" bumble bees in one run, and the only time they could implement the "fix" was by creating another bumblebee character.

But that's all a moot point to me until they fix the bigger problem of craftsmanship and QC across the entire range.

[GoktimusPrime]

Remember that scalpers do inflate demand for a toy. Bumblebee was by no means shortpacked and Hasbro even released the Concept Bumblebee toy in more than one wave.

[MV75]

Short memory dude. They were out of toys full stop. Remember the great christmas drought? Not a single transformer in sight.

[FFN]

Regarding busted toys: Anybody remember Galaxy Force Chromia with her lopsided face and Galaxy Force Soundwave's crooked hinge that prevented him from transforming into vehicle mode properly? As I recall, the first instance of those issues being fixed were the Hasbro Cybertron releases.


Part of the problem were the retail chains under-ordering Transformers in the first place. As I understand it, production is partly based upon retailer buyer interest and order numbers (otherwise Hasbro would produce too much and be left with unsold stock). Essentially, nobody thought Transformers (movie and toyline) would do well in such a tough Summer 2007 market, and they were wrong.

Hasbro packed Deluxe assortments half-full of Bumblebees, as I recall. Damn scalpers.

[jaydisc]

I don't think it's so much exploitation, but a sign of lack of effort in the first place. Now, Classics/Universe Starscream is not a good example of this. I will concede that in this case it is a case of making an improvement.

Sounds like we agree then, as it's the allegations of exploitation that I defy.

As far as QC, I think we'll all agree that that's never good for anyone. And it does seem that first with Animated, and now with Universe, that some basic testing could have really avoided some obvious problems (BB's stingers/paint job, Sunstreaker & Prowls' paint, etc.) However, I don't believe for one second (and no one has given any real foundation to the contrary) that any failures here are by design in order to sell improved/fixed figures down the road or to exploit anyone.

[MV75]

Sounds like we agree then, as it's the allegations of exploitation that I defy.

As far as QC, I think we'll all agree that that's never good for anyone. And it does seem that first with Animated, and now with Universe, that some basic testing could have really avoided some obvious problems (BB's stingers/paint job, Sunstreaker & Prowls' paint, etc.) However, I don't believe for one second (and no one has given any real foundation to the contrary) that any failures here are by design in order to sell improved/fixed figures down the road or to exploit anyone.

No, I don't think it's currently intentionally done bad to then sell a "better" version later. They've just gone cheap, too cheap, which as a result has lost sales from myself. Simple as that.

I actually started to notice the QC decline with the first classics line, specifically, and pretty much just, bumblebee. But now we've gone from one slightly dodge figure to entire toylines with failure everywhere.

[i_amtrunks]

No, I don't think it's currently intentionally done bad to then sell a "better" version later. They've just gone cheap, too cheap, which as a result has lost sales from myself. Simple as that.

I actually started to notice the QC decline with the first classics line, specifically, and pretty much just, bumblebee. But now we've gone from one slightly dodge figure to entire toylines with failure everywhere.

Which was about the time Hasbro changed manufacturers in China...

The Movie had some QC issues, and very bad paint, Animated has had fairly bad QC in terms of joints and holding together, but the last wave of Universe/Classics has been the worst, combining the two. I hope it isnt a trend developing, or we will soon have Transformers that are more like bad model sets, you have to glue them together...

[jaydisc]

Looks like the official product pics have just been released. Unfortunately, I suspect they can't be trusted.

[MV75]

Looks great, but yea, plane mode is off...... they should have done the blue nosecone.

So yea, I dunno, I think overall the original classics release was better afterall.

[kurdt_the_goat]

Did anyone else notice that the packaging says "Generation 1 Series" rather than "Classic Series"? Not that I personally give a *hi*, but i know a few of you lose sleep over the Classics packaging style for 20th Prime and TRU Soundwave! Maybe this will help you to get over it!