The Energon Pub

A few more images form their weibo page.

Inevitability Part II: Rise of the KO's of 3P's

The "game" has changed officially. As we can expect KO TFCC SideBurn in the coming months, so can we also expect the Blue KO of Protector. But why stop there? I pose this: KO MakeToy "Tank"? KO TFCC 2012 exclusives? KO Classics Devastator? Anything you want, any color scheme...



... here's the kicker: the fandom, as always, has complete control over the demand - hence our patience will always drive the net value (barring - get this - a KO Limited run like the initial KOLD Electrum Classics Starscream). Don't like the price? If its already manufactured, put together by sweatshop toddlers, and readied for shipment, patience will always drive prices to a reasonable amount. Enjoy the paradoxical conundrum...

Wildrider or GTFO! That'd be the only reason I had to buy any of these. Unless they were to do something new with the mold, like the Chromedome mock-up we saw.

Flux Convoy wrote:Wildrider or GTFO! That'd be the only reason I had to buy any of these. Unless they were to do something new with the mold, like the Chromedome mock-up we saw.

i was going to post, but you've summed up my sentiments exactly lol

A chromedome Ko would be epic..As for a Wildrider/Sg rodimus, sure...why not..

I'd love to see a slight remold as a Targetmaster.

From what they showed of the upcoming Sideswipe KO mold, they added a shoulder missile launcher, so extra weapons are not out of the question.

Received mine yesterday



Assembly of the package could have been better. Upon preliminary inspection, there are some telling differences between the original and this. Will do a proper comparison tmrw if I have the time.

unicron nemesis wrote:Assembly of the package could have been better. Upon preliminary inspection, there are some telling differences between the original and this. Will do a proper comparison tmrw if I have the time.

From what I gather, I'm hoping the the differences doesn't include the KO missing the suave SG goatee, but I think it just might.

Well, I'm definitely interested in the KO, and will just have to take paying about a 1/10th (or less) of the price of an original to lose the "Evil Spock" look.

Here's a simple review of the latest CHMS offering: Shattered Glass Black Rodimus





The figure comes with a plastic bio card, blaster & two flame missles (Red & Black).


The plastic bio card was a nice touch...however on closer inspection



it seems like the text is truncated. Good intention, lousy execution

Moving on to the figure itself



First thing I noticed was that the figure had problems with parts alignment.


After some comparison with the original, it was discovered that the lower torso of the CHMS figure was assembled wrongly which I thought was probably the cause of the alignment problem.
(CHMS on the left, Botcon Original on the right)


However, after removing some screws and parts and reassembling the figure, it did not solve the problem. Upon closer inspection, it would appear that the plastic used for the canopy is a little thicker than it should be, causing the other parts to have problems fitting and meshing. This problem can possibly be solved with some filing/sanding but I didn't bother with it. Incidentally, while taking the photo, I noticed a crack in the spoiler. Not sure if I'd caused it or if it was already originally there.


Other noticeable differences between the CHMS & original would be the paintjob, shade of purple (won't be able to tell if you don't have the original) and sharpness of the insignias. I consider these minor issues though.
(CHMS on the left, Botcon Original on the right)

(CHMS on the left, Botcon Original on the right)


Transformation of the figure was a little scary. Some of the joints are very tight, a common trait of CHMS figures. Everything's generally fine except for the ball joints used for the arms. Both arms kept popping off during transformation and stress marks started to form on the ball joints themselves. However, they don't look like they will break anytime soon.



The most disturbing issue I have with the figure is the face (which I assume all other figures will have the same problem.). It looks significantly different from the original and artwork.

Ok, tried the Shadow Scythe Armour onto the figure and it fits pretty well

What is it with CHMS and messed up faces?

I missed the Shattered Glass bus and it's much too expensive to bother to try and catch it at another stop, but I might be interested if they do a Wildrider version. Even better if Takara would just do another run.

Thanks for the review!

I only really want a second for the black armour, so I think I'll pick one up at some point. Though IMO they're obviously gouging if they want 40 bucks for this.

Mkall wrote:Thanks for the review!

I only really want a second for the black armour, so I think I'll pick one up at some point. Though IMO they're obviously gouging if they want 40 bucks for this.

I would think it's obvious they're gouging on any of their previous CHMS releases. KOs shouldn't cost that much. I'll pay it for a Wildrider though since I missed the official release. Hasbro never picked up the slack on that either. If they get around to doing a workable G2 Sideswipe, I'd be on that too.

i personally think your all complaining and moaning when instead you should be greatful. If you want the botcon version you might as well pull yoru pants down and ask some fat repulsive hardcore collector basically screw you because its the only way your gona be able to blow $200-300 on a single deluxe sized figure

Kotoys offers us the chance to own Shattered Glass Evil Hotrod for $40 which is a steal in my books. Not only did they need to copy the mould+pay factories and take time to assemble everything but they also give us packaging for it AND a choice of 2 missles.

Mine was pretty much alright aside from the arm issue but thats the same from all of them. The easist way to fix this is to use some varnish on the ball joints and let them dry and then pop them back in again

Mine has the CRAP goatie like everyone else does but again - easy fix - Use a Gundame perm marker pen to make the goatie. Its easy to do and takes just 2 stokes

now we just need the evil protector armour to come out and then copies of the clear rodimus armour

Swindle01 wrote:i personally think your all complaining and moaning when instead you should be greatful. If you want the botcon version you might as well pull yoru pants down and ask some fat repulsive hardcore collector basically screw you because its the only way your gona be able to blow $200-300 on a single deluxe sized figure

Kotoys offers us the chance to own Shattered Glass Evil Hotrod for $40 which is a steal in my books. Not only did they need to copy the mould+pay factories and take time to assemble everything but they also give us packaging for it AND a choice of 2 missles.

Mine was pretty much alright aside from the arm issue but thats the same from all of them. The easist way to fix this is to use some varnish on the ball joints and let them dry and then pop them back in again

Mine has the CRAP goatie like everyone else does but again - easy fix - Use a Gundame perm marker pen to make the goatie. Its easy to do and takes just 2 stokes

now we just need the evil protector armour to come out and then copies of the clear rodimus armour

Greatful for what? A prized toy that many had to jet their butts off to Pasedena to obtain is now available for purchase from a knock off company? The integrity of their toy is now in question if they ever try to sell their toy on the secondary market because of this knockoff?

When blowing your mouth off like that, perhaps take the time to realize that the majority of the people in this thread already own the original figure.

Blurrz wrote:
Greatful for what? A prized toy that many had to jet their butts off to Pasedena to obtain is now available for purchase from a knock off company? The integrity of their toy is now in question if they ever try to sell their toy on the secondary market because of this knockoff?

When blowing your mouth off like that, perhaps take the time to realize that the majority of the people in this thread already own the original figure.

Fortunately if all the Rodimii are like this one, then distinguishing a legit one from a fake shouldn't be too hard.

From what I see (and hear), it should not be too difficult to distinguish the KO from the original, especially if one owns a legit rodimus figure (at least the first few versions before the mold starts degrading). I've got almost all the repaints including the latest TFCC Sideburn and the feel of the figure is pretty different from a KO.

However, the worry is that some over-eager buyer may buy a KO over eBay and not know it. Should anyone wish to purchase an original Botcon version over eBay, they probably should get the seller to take a close up pic of the face. I think the big nose may be the best way to ID this KO. The alignment issues may not be universal though. I'm really not sure.

Anyway, the KO version of Wildrider is out for Pre-Order.

ah yes sorry i forgot about the rich morons. Sorry but some of us have things called wifes/girlfriends/a life and dont have the time to waste $200-300 on a single TOY, yes thats right - A TOY

Not something important but A TOY

perhaps YOU need to think about that before complaining about blowing 200-300 on a toy when were in a ressesion and when theres more important things than paying some fat greesy collector whos never kissed a girl $200-300 for a toy

Also i think its very unfair in the pictures you show a clearly roughed up version of the ko rodimus. Ive got 7 of them (6 for friends who asked) and there all top quality. They all do have the arm popping issue but its easy to fix. None have damaged parts like what was shown in the images and none had oversized windscreens. My one for example is fine and transforms and clicks together perfectly.

Yes the face is crud but again - gundam marker - easy fix for goatie

Im sorry but i just think your all being very unkind about kotoys offering this ko to so so many of us out there who cannot afford to throw away 200-300 on toy because we have more important things to use our money on, buying a house for example or weddings or other various things

Im greatful to kotoys for giving us the ko henkei wildrider and botcon rodimus. the more kos the better

Eh...Wait...are you directing your anger at me? I didn't put you nor the toy down in my post. I wasn't even replying to your post. I was replying to Mkall. I don't think that's fair. I know you're in an arguement with someone but pls direct the post to the correct person? I've nothing against KOs. The value own my collection is what the toys mean to me and not equivalent to the resale value, etc

My review was done to inform. That is all. In fact I've bought two of the KO rodimuses and have only opened one. The other looks to be in better condition from outside the packaging. That's why I said "I may be wrong about the alignment of parts".

PS: I didn't spend much on the original figures because I got them when they were first released. That's another story anyway.

EDIT: Oh yes, I'm married too.

Swindle01 wrote:ah yes sorry i forgot about the rich morons. Sorry but some of us have things called wifes/girlfriends/a life and dont have the time to waste $200-300 on a single TOY, yes thats right - A TOY

Not something important but A TOY

Wow. Rich morons? This is off to a good start. Let's keep going, shall we?

Swindle01 wrote:perhaps YOU need to think about that before complaining about blowing 200-300 on a toy when were in a ressesion and when theres more important things than paying some fat greesy collector whos never kissed a girl $200-300 for a toy

You do realize that "Comic Book Guy" isn't the norm for collectors? A great many of us have wives and girlfriends? Some who even support it and happen to be collectors as well.

However much one wishes to pay for an item in their collection, it's their right to do so. Their choice. You have no right to critique them on it. I don't know who you think you are.

Swindle01 wrote:Im sorry but i just think your all being very unkind about kotoys offering this ko to so so many of us out there who cannot afford to throw away 200-300 on toy because we have more important things to use our money on, buying a house for example or weddings or other various things

Very unkind? It's a bootleg. It shouldn't cost $40.00 Not to mention, the owner of KOToys is a total jerk. He's threatened people's lives and called them at 2:30 in the morning to scream at them over a PayPal dispute. No one in their right mind does something like that!

You don't think other collectors and fans have important things to use their money on? How do you know they didn't save up for these figures? How do you know they're rich? You don't. You just make blanket statements to offend and attack.

You sound bitter and angry. Like you're complaining about not being able to spend $200-300.00 on a figure. Too bad, so sad, we don't give a damn. Welcome to the club, the rest of us haven't been able to spend that much on a collectible. What makes you so special? Huh? NOTHING. YOU AREN'T SPECIAL. YOU NEVER WILL BE.

This, your earlier post in this thread and your other posts in another thread show me that you're not capable of being respectful, nor do you deserve to be here.

If this is just the beginning, you're just going to get worse.

There's the door, don't let it hit you on the way out.

bitter and angry? WOW your off to a good start to. calm down autobot032 your over acting

all im saying is - yes the ko costs $40...and your point is?
the fact is its a high quality ko and worth the cash. yes it isnt perfect but its about 90% close to the real thing and you yourself can do that extra 10% to make it perfect. it isnt a difficult thing to do

Fact is your all happy to pay FP prices for an item which isnt a legit thing from hasbro or takara....so why complain when a high quality ko of a botcon item shows up with a $40 tag?

seriously your complaining about a minor thing. Yeah its $40 but its a high quality ko which is as close to the real thing as alot of people can get

Also as for Tom of kotoys, yeah hes abit....bonkers....lets say...but this is why Kate now pretty much runs things. All tom does is speak to the guy who does CHMS and talk to the factories. Kate does all the online stuff now and talks to people as shes alittle more calm headed than he is.

also sorry UN i was just staing its alittle odd you showed a beaten up rodimus instead of a decent one. The bonnet logo puzzled me the most as it looks as if you went at it with a knife and scratched alot of it off. how on earth did you even get it in that condition? did it arrive like that?

Swindle01, you behavior has been less than desirable in this thread. I have no issue debating KOs, but you are taking this too far by baiting other members to start hurling insults.

You're getting a warning and if you persist, it will only escalate.

information-about-trolling-flaming-and-not-respecting-the-opinions-of-others-t16227.php

Everyone, keep it cool and discuss this civily.

Swindle01 wrote:also sorry UN i was just staing its alittle odd you showed a beaten up rodimus instead of a decent one. The bonnet logo puzzled me the most as it looks as if you went at it with a knife and scratched alot of it off. how on earth did you even get it in that condition? did it arrive like that?

The one in the pic is fresh from packaging. Didn't do anything to it other than transform, remove the lower torso, reassemble and take photos. Certainly didn't scratch it with a knife. LOL I was unlucky maybe? Hmmm... now maybe I should raise the issue to KO Toys. Will drop them an email later.

PS: I've not had any major issues with KO Toys so far. I buy from them and they deliver. Pretty simple and straightforward transactions so far, so fingers crossed.

Anyway, no matter how much collectors fight over the issue, there's always gonna be ppl who love/hate these KOs and hey, both parties are actually right in some sense. What we can do is bring the issue to the table and discuss it objectively.

Swindle01 wrote:bitter and angry? WOW your off to a good start to. calm down autobot032 your over acting

Not going to dignify this with a response. Overreacting is the word you're looking for, btw.

Swindle01 wrote:all im saying is - yes the ko costs $40...and your point is?
the fact is its a high quality ko and worth the cash. yes it isnt perfect but its about 90% close to the real thing and you yourself can do that extra 10% to make it perfect. it isnt a difficult thing to do

The point is, whether or not you agree with it, people are allowed to discuss, even negatively about this or any other ko/bootleg figure.

Swindle01 wrote:Fact is your all happy to pay FP prices for an item which isnt a legit thing from hasbro or takara....so why complain when a high quality ko of a botcon item shows up with a $40 tag?

The OP complained about the quality because he has that right. $40.00 is a lot of money for an item that's been bootlegged. On top of that, his actually had a break on the one fin. Misaligned construction, etc. He paid for it, he has the right to state the facts, whether they're negative or not.

Swindle01 wrote:seriously your complaining about a minor thing. Yeah its $40 but its a high quality ko which is as close to the real thing as alot of people can get

Again...his right to do so.

Swindle01 wrote:Also as for Tom of kotoys, yeah hes abit....bonkers....lets say...but this is why Kate now pretty much runs things. All tom does is speak to the guy who does CHMS and talk to the factories. Kate does all the online stuff now and talks to people as shes alittle more calm headed than he is.

I don't care how nice she is. That kind of service doesn't deserve my money or anyone else's. They offer an item, we the customer pay for it, all parties should be happy. When we're not, we end up being abused. That's horrible! There's no excuse for that.

unicron nemesis wrote:PS: I've not had any major issues with KO Toys so far. I buy from them and they deliver. Pretty simple and straightforward transactions so far, so fingers crossed.

Anyway, no matter how much collectors fight over the issue, there's always gonna be ppl who love/hate these KOs and hey, both parties are actually right in some sense. What we can do is bring the issue to the table and discuss it objectively.

I ordered Animated Voyager Optimus from them. The price wasn't terrible ("pre release") but the shipping was awful. Even with EMS, it took 10 days to arrive. I know the shipper service is out of their control and they can't force them to do their job better, but getting it to the shipper could be far more efficient. They sat around for a few before mailing it.

I'm pro bootleg/KO. I agree that it affords someone with a small income such as mine a chance to get what I/we desire. Because of the fact that we're on limited budgets and these bootleggers cater directly to us, I think we have every right to complain when our hard earned dollar doesn't get the respect it deserves.

Most collectors with money have the original figure(s) and don't use a bootlegger to fill their collection, or at the very least they do so rarely. So it's safe to assume that a large portion of their buyers are those of us with limited incomes who can't afford the real thing.

That's really my only problem with bootlegs and bootleggers, but with groups like CHMS, it's getting to a level of quality worthy of our dollar. I don't own this figure, or any CHMS for that matter, but I've owned bootlegs and knock offs before. I've owned quality ones that fool and ones that were crap from the word go. I've seen both sides of the issue.