Seibertron.com Energon Pub Forums

[xRotorstormx]

Welcome to the latest edition of the Seibertron.com Twincast / Podcast! This episode features your host for the evening, ScottyP, along with Jon 3.0, Rotorstorm and Tigertrack. Tonight we discuss those bizarre cloud figures, some neat TFCC goodies, a really drool worthy Masterpiece figure and how times are changing in the collecting world.

Episode 99 "Penultimate" is available directly and in our RSS Feed and should appear on iTunes and Stitcher Radio within 24 to 48 hours of when you see this news post.

(0:20 - 10:48)
We start of the night discussing the newly released images of TFC-D04 Hellwarp and TFC-A04 Roadbuster ... will anyone actually be getting these figures? Guess you'll have to tune in to find out.



(10:49 - 19:21)
The cast recently got their TFCC subscription service figure Treadshot with Catgut...and the reviews are pretty stellar.


YAY no paint issues!

p.s If you have your figures on display, here is a must buy!



(19:23 - 27:28)
Of course we NEED to discuss these incredible photos of MP Ultra Magnus...



...as well as how excited we are for this guy, Star Saber!



(27:29 - 46:38)
With the overload of products coming out, we discuss a topic that has been at the forefront of a lot of collectors minds lately. Are we experiencing another exodus of collectors? Has the enthusiasm for the brand been diminishing and why? Listen in to hear what we think and our personal views on this topic.



(46:39 - 01:09:22)
Up next we talk comics! The cast dives into Robots in Disguise #32, Primacy #1 and MTMTE #32.

...and it probably wasn't a good idea for Rotorstorm to mention that she finally started buying the comics. *epic fail*



(01:09:23 - 01:20:49)
Up next we have a listener question that the cast probably could have gone on for hours about.



(01:20:50 - end)
And of course we close the night with our bragging rights! Tune in to hear what goodies we were able to get our hands on finally.



Thanks everyone for listening and we appreciate the continued support! Don't forget, the show only gets better if you tell us how. Drop us a review on iTunes and be sure to tell us what you love, what you hate, and what you want to hear!

Not on the show to give your take? Probably not, so don't forget to keep the discussion going on the Seibertron.com Energon Pub Forums by simply replying to this post!

Got a question for the Twincast? We take all of them, we just don't take them all seriously! Leave a question in the Ask the Twincast thread and, if it makes the cut, it may get read and answered on the show.

[Va'al]

Yay comics!

Something about this episode felt a lot smoother, maybe something about the editing?
But good listen again, nice work podcasters.

The Omega Supreme/Monstructor battle that Matt(/Tigertrack) was talking about is in the RID and MTMTE Annuals, and is all set in the pre-Expansion era, as he said. And yes, it does contradict Omega's statements in Primacy - something I hope will be addressed at some point, as the Cybertron Wars are enjoyable books that unfortunately end up as speedbumps in the IDW continuity.

Similarly with Megatron's characterisation, to be fair, but I'll wait until Primacy is over to make my mind up on that.

As for MTMTE and RID - pretty much all of my thoughts are in the reviews and discussions along them.


I think I keep repeating myself about collecting habits, but thought I'd chip in here again. As a non-Asian non-US collector, it's actually quite hard to get my hands on the majority of the regular releases, never mind the exclusives. For a while, I bought a lot more on impulse than I do now, and like Jon, my choosiness took hold a fair while ago. I bought four Dinobots and Evasion OP from the movie line, two Animated figures (and sold another four), and Generations Rhinox. That's about it since.. hum.. a while back.

However, I have moved to looking more into older figures (such as the Animated ones), scouting around for one-offs, or even considering non-TF figures - and may pick up MP Star Saber, unless my money goes into more comics artwork, TF and non.

[MGrotusque]

I would buy the heck out of a G1 Unicron!! It is glorious.

[Gallifreyan Autobot]

Whaaaa a Fully intact and sellable g1 unicron Mind=Blown i thought that they scrapped that idea

and i know this may just be me but i believe Roadbuster/ Ironhide from superlink had THE best Character development. granted he was a bit bothersome but he had like i said the best character development while others were kind of static even the decepticons were kind static

[Counterpunch]

I think I keep repeating myself about collecting habits, but thought I'd chip in here again. As a non-Asian non-US collector, it's actually quite hard to get my hands on the majority of the regular releases, never mind the exclusives. For a while, I bought a lot more on impulse than I do now, and like Jon, my choosiness took hold a fair while ago. I bought four Dinobots and Evasion OP from the movie line, two Animated figures (and sold another four), and Generations Rhinox. That's about it since.. hum.. a while back.

However, I have moved to looking more into older figures (such as the Animated ones), scouting around for one-offs, or even considering non-TF figures - and may pick up MP Star Saber, unless my money goes into more comics artwork, TF and non.

Question: Why not just work with someone in the US to buy figures for you and ship out like once a month? You're on Staff and otherwise, I'm sure people would be willing to help.

Never hurts to ask.

[Va'al]

I have done that multiple times, and I am very grateful for the help!

I think it's actually more of a case of wanting to physically look for figures, rather than online shopping or trying to seek them on the secondary market. That's why big collector groups and events are a great opportunity for swapping opinions and toys!

And, as I mentioned, I'm a lot pickier now. If I really want something, I'll find a way of getting it, as just happened with the Marvel Legends Agent Venom, and at least three members of staff looking for it in the US.

[RSDADDIMUS2]

I would buy the heck out of a G1 Unicron!! It is glorious.

Laws YES!!!

[megatronus]

Scotty's response to the listener question confused me at first. Why isn't Takara going after 3rd Parties? The Masterpiece & Generations lines ARE going after 3rd Parties!

Oh... you mean through legal channels... good point.

Touche, Scotty Pimpin. Touche.

[ScottyP]

Something about this episode felt a lot smoother, maybe something about the editing?

Phew, glad to hear that. I was worried that things would be a bit disjointed for reasons I won't elaborate on too much

[RotorstormNZ]

MP-22 is what finally made me pull the trigger on getting into the line - my Beast Hunters Magnus just doesn't compare!!! Also getting Bumble (had G2 as a kid) and MP-13.

I've been experiencing the same collecting funk as many of you, and I don't know why. I got into it thanks to the 2007 movie and impulse-bought at least a dozen of each line (and Prime) except for AOE. I've got nothing from it as Deluxe Lockdown isn't screen-accurate enough for me (more like Deluxe Letdown, amirite? Heyoo!), there's no Galvatron I like and there's no Deluxe Stinger that will reach retail here.

Generations is what I'm all about, and have been for a while, and I think Combiner Wars will do wonders for it. But I still only stick to characters/figures I like, and there haven't been terribly many of those.

Part of it is cost, and the other is Adult Responsibility...so I'm selling a lot of what I have and using those proceeds for Gen/MP, rather than spending what I already have.

I've only listened to the first quarter or so of the show but I wanted to chime in.

[Sabrblade]

Hey Tigertrack, you mentioned wanting all the Marvel G1 character bios to be compiled into one big volume, right? Well, according to one of the earlier Transformers Classics volumes, all the bios are coming in Volume 8.

[ScottyP]

Hey Tigertrack, you mentioned wanting all the Marvel G1 character bios to be compiled into one big volume, right? Well, according to one of the earlier Transformers Classics volumes, all the bios are coming in Volume 8.

That would get me to pick up that volume.

I still want a Marvel G1 Omnibus covering 1-80 US, Regen, and all of the UK stuff. I don't care if it'd be the size of four encyclopedias.

[Va'al]

Hey Tigertrack, you mentioned wanting all the Marvel G1 character bios to be compiled into one big volume, right? Well, according to one of the earlier Transformers Classics volumes, all the bios are coming in Volume 8.

That would get me to pick up that volume.

I still want a Marvel G1 Omnibus covering 1-80 US, Regen, and all of the UK stuff. I don't care if it'd be the size of four encyclopedias.

Give it long enough, and we'll get at least Marvel US and ReGen as a volume each.
The UK stuff.. eh.. maybe a little longer.

[Bumblevivisector]

I've said it before, but the reveal of Cloud Roadhider is going to make me repeat it again and again: his original Energon toy is PERFECT! Has no one else played with it enough to see how easily his head pops on and off, meaning every other toy in your collection can take turns decapitating him? What more could you ask for in a toy of a character that irritating?

Though I will agree with A.t.o. that he did get the best character development in the Energon cartoon, by default, so that could be seen as a consequence of the show's flaws more than a plus for Ironhide. His stupid voice probably overshadows who he was in a lot of fans' minds as well, denying him a fair shake. I mean, I liked that they tried something original by making the young Autobot f@#k-up with a little leadership potential and a lot of self-doubt something other than a speedster, and he may have sorta' paved the way for Animated Bulkhead in that respect, but he'll always be the punching-bag of my toy collection.

Not that I'll probably ever buy any Cloud toys anyway, because like you discussed, none of them are quite awesome enough to justify those prices.

[Gallifreyan Autobot]

I've said it before, but the reveal of Cloud Roadhider is going to make me repeat it again and again: his original Energon toy is PERFECT! Has no one else played with it enough to see how easily his head pops on and off, meaning every other toy in your collection can take turns decapitating him? What more could you ask for in a toy of a character that irritating?

Though I will agree with A.t.o. that he did get the best character development in the Energon cartoon, by default, so that could be seen as a consequence of the show's flaws more than a plus for Ironhide. His stupid voice probably overshadows who he was in a lot of fans' minds as well, denying him a fair shake. I mean, I liked that they tried something original by making the young Autobot f@#k-up with a little leadership potential and a lot of self-doubt something other than a speedster, and he may have sorta' paved the way for Animated Bulkhead in that respect, but he'll always be the punching-bag of my toy collection.

Not that I'll probably ever buy any Cloud toys anyway, because like you discussed, none of them are quite awesome enough to justify those prices.

i used to have the figure several years ago when the figure came out about in around 2004 what happened to it is anyones guess but i kind of have been looking around for a new figure .

i had been recently watching energon and i didn't notice really any errors though i did hear occasional 'Huh" and what" and "we are a team" stuff but overall it was ok though i wish it had the japanese intro minus the epilepsy warning thanks to a certain episode of a different franchise though people will know that i am mentioning. this may be me but i believe that this series is excellent on its own merit though that CGI .... and those Pat Lee facial expressions... TF prime had better Facial features and tones .... i am waiting for re release of the figures for the 10th anniversary of Energon which is this year

[Stormrider]

After seeing Ultra Magnus's transformation - there is no reason for the butt flap other than it being the designers' choice. The flap could have easily have been hinged so it folds into the back.

[Clerihan]

Nice episode,

hope the title is not a shade of things to come

[ScottyP]

Nice episode,

hope the title is not a shade of things to come

Some of us joked about that a few days ago. The literal meaning of penultimate would indeed spell doom. However, no, the show isn't going away

[Counterpunch]

Nice episode,

hope the title is not a shade of things to come

Next episode we vote someone off the show.

Maybe.

[Convotron]

Late to join the discussion(I only listened to the episode today).

I think a large reason why HasTak hasn't done much as far as legal action against the unlicensed 3rd party product industry comes down to a matter of practicality.

Most of the U3P companies are based out of China where the legal system cares little about things like unlicensed products. Also, the U3P industry isn't a single entity. Not only are we looking at multiple entities, those entities often have a revolving door of development teams. There are some known U3P toy designers who work for more than one U3P company on a project to project basis. In a way, U3P companies are somewhat amorphous and not that easy to pin down.

So imagine HasTak taking on multiple companies, taking them to court, and trying to construct decisive cases against each company. After all that effort and time required just to take these companies to court, what is the chance that HasTak would win a single case?

Look at how rampant the KO industry is in China. If it was worthwhile to hunt down every company that produces unlicensed products, we wouldn't see such a booming unlicensed product industry in China because legitimate companies would take all these unlicensed operations to court and win.

[ScottyP]

Late to join the discussion(I only listened to the episode today).

I think a large reason why HasTak hasn't done much as far as legal action against the unlicensed 3rd party product industry comes down to a matter of practicality.

Most of the U3P companies are based out of China where the legal system cares little about things like unlicensed products. Also, the U3P industry isn't a single entity. Not only are we looking at multiple entities, those entities often have a revolving door of development teams. There are some known U3P toy designers who work for more than one U3P company on a project to project basis. In a way, U3P companies are somewhat amorphous and not that easy to pin down.

So imagine HasTak taking on multiple companies, taking them to court, and trying to construct decisive cases against each company. After all that effort and time required just to take these companies to court, what is the chance that HasTak would win a single case?

Look at how rampant the KO industry is in China. If it was worthwhile to hunt down every company that produces unlicensed products, we wouldn't see such a booming unlicensed product industry in China because legitimate companies would take all these unlicensed operations to court and win.

This makes a lot of sense. On the flip side, there's a pretty big Canadian presence as well, and that may have driven my thought a little bit.

[Convotron]

This makes a lot of sense. On the flip side, there's a pretty big Canadian presence as well, and that may have driven my thought a little bit.

Would you clarify "Canadian presence"?

I understand that stores like Ages 3 and Up have close ties/dealings with certain 3rd party producers and I recall them having a C&D sent to them by Hasbro a few years ago over the sale of some 3rd party items.

TFCon does seem to have quite a welcome-with-open-arms attitude towards 3rd party items.

Aside from that, I'm very much in the dark about Canadian involvement in 3rd party product development.

[ScottyP]

This makes a lot of sense. On the flip side, there's a pretty big Canadian presence as well, and that may have driven my thought a little bit.

Would you clarify "Canadian presence"?

I understand that stores like Ages 3 and Up have close ties/dealings with certain 3rd party producers and I recall them having a C&D sent to them by Hasbro a few years ago over the sale of some 3rd party items.

TFCon does seem to have quite a welcome-with-open-arms attitude towards 3rd party items.

Aside from that, I'm very much in the dark about Canadian involvement in 3rd party product development.

My understanding of it, which could be wrong (shouldn't have been so matter-of-fact in my previous post!), is that the cases you've mentioned are a "Where's there's smoke, there's fire" kind of thing. Orders from Fansproject Core come from A3U - same address. I've also heard that MMC is almost entirely a Canadian operation, except for the manufacturing.

Again, I should walk back any perception I may have given in my previous post that this is all factual. The only fact I have is the FPC/A3U connection, but I don't know the exact details, could just be a fulfillment arrangement. Everything else is hearsay and I should've mentioned this earlier

[Convotron]

My understanding of it, which could be wrong (shouldn't have been so matter-of-fact in my previous post!), is that the cases you've mentioned are a "Where's there's smoke, there's fire" kind of thing. Orders from Fansproject Core come from A3U - same address. I've also heard that MMC is almost entirely a Canadian operation, except for the manufacturing.

Again, I should walk back any perception I may have given in my previous post that this is all factual. The only fact I have is the FPC/A3U connection, but I don't know the exact details, could just be a fulfillment arrangement. Everything else is hearsay and I should've mentioned this earlier

On the contrary, my basic understanding is along the lines of what you've just posted. I've heard/read things that point towards international co-operation in the 3rd party industry before but never paid much attention until recently. In fact, I read earlier this morning in a discussion thread that someone who owns/operates a known online retailer also has at least partial ownership or investment in an unlicensed 3rd party company.

If this kind of fragmented operation model exists in certain 3rd party companies, it could make it even more difficult for HasTak to pursue legal action. Very interesting. Thank you for taking the time to address my question!