The Packaging Thread

[Paulbot]

I like the Gen Selects packaging (and it's improved over the last few years). It would never "sell" at a Kmart, but if (and when) we fans order direct from Hasbro rather than through the discount department stores, I'd be happy for all the toys to come in that form of packaging.

Other Hasbro toy lines are going to completely closed boxes (Marvel Legends, the 3.45" Thor movie toys) so kind of expect that Transformers will follow that trend too (already here for Leader, Commander and Titan) but clearly not right away based on the Earthrise reveals. I think for the Earthrise type gimmick toys aimed at the younger audience (all of Earthrise is aimed at not us!) the open packaging that allows the gimmick to be activated/seen makes sense.

[High_Q]

I'd like to see Hasbro do for CHUG what they are doing with GI Joe Classified - releasing a mold in modern packaging, and subsequently releasing the same mold in retro repaint and retro-carded packaging. Hasbro did something like that with the Titans Returns deluxe figures in retro boxes, but i'd like that done for SS86, for instance. I'd pay premium for that.

[GoktimusPrime]

I'd like to see Hasbro do for CHUG what they are doing with GI Joe Classified - releasing a mold in modern packaging, and subsequently releasing the same mold in retro repaint and retro-carded packaging. Hasbro did something like that with the Titans Returns deluxe figures in retro boxes, but i'd like that done for SS86, for instance. I'd pay premium for that.

I've been wanting this since 2006!

[Skyfire]

Initially, I had a poor view of the decision to make the window open and plastic-free for the Legacy and later Studio Series figures. I was worried that the accessories would be stolen or fall out. I was also a bit worried about the integrity of the box for online purchases and potential toy damage and box damage (I do keep boxes, which I flatten, after regretting not well maintaining some of my G1 packaging - I appreciate the effort and art that goes into packaging, balanced against my storage space). However, most of my purchases are in store.

After months now of examining many Legacy and Studio Series toys from many retail shops, I have some observations - a few Blasters with stolen Ejects, figures' heads pressed down, a few Dragstrips with detached chest pieces. However, problems have not really stopped me from getting a good copy of a toy though. Whether shop spoilage has affected retailers differently to before the plastic change, I don't know.

On the other hand, the open windows have overall been of benefit to me. I am pretty particular with cosmetic quality, especially heads and eyes. So, to my pleasant surprise, the absence of plastic windows has allowed me to look at paint and mould defects more clearly. Ironically, the full closed box approach stops me from inspecting quality and now I wouldn't mind an open window for the Leader classes.

Perhaps all this just speaks to the quite variable cosmetic quality of the toys - some are perfect and some are shoddy - and my intolerances.