HASBRO has returned the answers to our questions that were submitted last week. I am quite thankful that they took the time to answer all of the questions asked.
Here are the questions we submitted and their HASBRO answers:
Seibertron.com’s HASBRO Round 1 Q/A:
1.) Will there be toys based on characters presented in any of the IDW comic book series? We know the new character DRIFT is supposed to get the toy treatment, but what about favorites like Sentinel Prime (Megatron: Origins), Nova Prime (-tion series and Spotlights), Thunderwing (Stormbringer). An answer in response to the general question, not the specific characters would be much appreciated (unless you want to mention specific characters...)!
When we can we love to fold into the product line any new or popular
character from any outside source Comic or Video game. We have done
things like the Fallen in the past, and we look for more down the road.
2.) Will we see the Alternators line return soon? BinalTech has returned to Takara Tomy, and Takara Tomy is also adding the new Alternity line. The Alternators line was supposed to make a comeback after the first movie, but we are getting close to the second and no mention of any Alternators revival.
There are no current plans for Alternators in 2009. There are just so
many exciting things happening in 2009 that we had to make choices. The
team likes the Alternators concept, but unfortunately it's just not the
right time for a re-launch.
3.) Are you considering releasing any other re-issues of Generation 1 toys like 25th Anniversary Optimus Prime at this time? He’ll be pretty lonely on his own shelf.
We have a few G1 molds that we would like to see come out in Fall 2009,
but not yet ready to announce as they will likely be retailer exclusives.
4.) There are a lot of issues with HASBRO brand product quality control lately. We know you care about the brand and toy because of your desire to protect collectors from lesser quality Knock Offs, but can you tell us what you have been doing to address issues with HASBRO Quality Control problems such as loose pieces that fall off out of the package, poor paint application quality, missing paint applications, and as the case may be with Universe Prowl- tacky, sticky paint.
You are correct in stating that a quality product is at the forefront
of our minds. First point, as conversion of Transformers has become more
complicated, it is critical for peices to pop off more easily. This is
meant to stop breakage and stress points. It some of the pieces didn't pop
off, they might end up snapping off or at the very least stressing the
plastic. However, we have heard some complaints about Animated products
and are currently investigating. If you have specific issues please
contact our consumer affairs department.
5.) Transformers fans love the fact that you are now putting us on a more equal footing with GI JOE and STAR WARS collectors by doing this Q/A, responding to the fandom more, and offering more nods to popular fan characters. Any plans for the ‘fan favorite’ idea to be put to use with Transformers? A poll could be taken in the same manner as has been done for GI JOE and STAR WARS. That way, you could see if there was a large demand for characters without us flooding HASBRO’s regular e-mail address, or filling forums with, "Will Hasbro ever make 'X' threads?”
The fan choice would be a lot of fun to do! Transformers are a little
harder to pull off than Joe or Star Wars because of the complex tooling
(costs a lot more due to size and complexity). But that doesn't mean we
won't do it - it just won't be in 2009...unless of course you vote for the
Bay-former since we already have Michael Bay's head sculpted - HA! (those
of you that saw the Easter Eggs on the movie DVD will know what I'm
talking about).
Thanks to HASBRO again for giving us this opportunity to do this, and thank you, the community for your well thought out questions. ROUND 2 is scheduled for December 1st submission date, so look for a thread soon asking for your NEW questions that you want answered by HASBRO!
