The Energon Pub

News Credits: 656 · Mon Apr 22, 2013 9:15 am

There's an elephant in the room with the upcoming 30th anniversary next year, and that elephant, in my opinion, is the possibility of more G1 reissues. While it's almost certain that G1 Optimus Prime will probably get re-released for a third time domestically with some kind of different pack-ins and fancy packaging (no source here, just me speculating), I have to wonder if a full-blown reissue line, as was seen for the 20th anniversary, has been thrown around as a possibility.

My speculative question would be: would you buy G1 Reissues if they were thrown out again en masse?

Reasons I could see a line like this doing well -

* It's been 10 years since a domestic line that focused just on reissues, and about 4 years since Encore started becoming just a trickle of releases.

* There hasn't been a reissue line since the movies came out, some of the new fans may be interested in this stuff, but haven't been interested enough to pay secondary market pricing for vintage.

* G1 on TV on the Hub - wonder if this has increased interest at all?

Reasons I could see a line like this bombing -

* It's been so long since G1 that most collectors interested in it probably have it close to complete, or at least anything that would be on the block for a reissue.

* That 20th Anniversary line kinda bombed. I bought most of them on deep clearance and they sat on shelves, at least locally, for years.

* Newer fans may not give a damn about 30 year old toys.

* Degradation was an issue 10 years ago, could it be even worse now?

Anyways, enough of me, I'm curious to hear your thoughts on this.

News Credits: 7 · Mon Apr 22, 2013 9:58 am

It depends on what they reissued and how much it cost, but probably not. I'd go for reissues of the more unique stuff like Doubledealer, but if it's just a bunch of generic Autobot cars again, no thanks. Also, not particularly fond of stickers.

News Credits: 241 · Mon Apr 22, 2013 10:27 am

I'm picky when it comes to reissues, I mostly pick the ones that add something to the original package while remaining as close to the original possible. I will tell you this, that long missiles with short launchers and neutered gimmicks are deal breakers, despite the price. I will make exceptions if TakaraTomy have yet to release a toy however (I'm looking at you, Artfire!).

Mon Apr 22, 2013 10:28 am

I would buy them. Most of my G1 stuff is vintage. Most of them are in less-than-mint condition. I have some of the Encore Reissues, but only a select few due to the import costs. I would love to pick up so minty new toys to fill in the gaps in my G1 collection.

News Credits: 656 · Mon Apr 22, 2013 10:53 am

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:I will tell you this, that long missiles with short launchers and neutered gimmicks are deal breakers, despite the price. I will make exceptions if TakaraTomy have yet to release a toy however (I'm looking at you, Artfire!).

The long missiles didn't annoy me at first, but as time went on, they have started to. Certainly understandable, but man, putting Jazz's on when setting up my shelves was bad enough that I went out and got Cookie Crisp Jazz to replace the 2003 reissue one!

SJ21 wrote:I would buy them. Most of my G1 stuff is vintage. Most of them are in less-than-mint condition.

This is a huge factor. I have a vintage Trailbreaker, but have definitely been eyeballing the Encore since my vintage one is not in the best shape. If more reissues came out of stuff that is in disrepair ('sup, Mirage?), that could be a real win.

News Credits: 9 · Mon Apr 22, 2013 11:31 am

I would love to get my hands on some more reissues to fill in the gaps but NPrimal has a point about it just being the cars, it might not be worth it.
Obscurity and rarity would be what I am looking for; even if it means a little more money out of pocket or web exclusive reissues, might be a void TFCC can fill.

News Credits: 2 · Mon Apr 22, 2013 2:37 pm

I'd love a new re-issue line. In fact I'd probably buy every single one. But it's not gonna happen, for precisely the reasons you mentioned.

And there's all sorts of stupid safety/quality issues with those old molds. Plus, if you consider the "parts budget" and other luxuries like rubber tyres and things, Hasbro may not be able to offer them at a competitive price these days...

Mon Apr 22, 2013 3:17 pm

YES!

Sorry, i would comment as to why, but it really doesn't matter....... I just would

News Credits: 1452 · Mon Apr 22, 2013 3:23 pm

I just want something different, something that is outside of the big 5 of Megatron, Starscream, Soundwave, Prime and Bumblebee. They don't need to be obscure, but just something that we havent seen before.

News Credits: 12 · Mon Apr 22, 2013 3:33 pm

Blurrz wrote:I just want something different, something that is outside of the big 5 of Megatron, Starscream, Soundwave, Prime and Bumblebee. They don't need to be obscure, but just something that we havent seen before.

If we're talking about reissues, then by definition, aren't we talking about things we've seen before? Or do you just mean they should reissue G1 figures that we haven't already seen reissues of before?

News Credits: 1452 · Mon Apr 22, 2013 3:40 pm

The latter, although I guess in that instance I'm not sure if we have had a domestic G1 reissue of Megatron...

News Credits: 226 · Mon Apr 22, 2013 3:45 pm

Blurrz wrote:I just want something different, something that is outside of the big 5 of Megatron, Starscream, Soundwave, Prime and Bumblebee. They don't need to be obscure, but just something that we havent seen before.

Some Pretenders would be pretty damn awesome.

And some Micromasters.

I'd only buy them under two conditions.

1)- I don't have them already
2)- What I do have is in terrible condition.

Mon Apr 22, 2013 3:58 pm

I'd be open to buying a few of the original characters, mainly the car-bots, like Mirage, Jazz, Prowl etc.

News Credits: 656 · Mon Apr 22, 2013 3:58 pm

Blurrz wrote:Bumblebee.

A US Minibot set would be pretty cool, I don't think Hasbro's done that yet.

Mon Apr 22, 2013 4:11 pm

I probably would buy them and keep them packaged since I got most of the G1 I wanted already.

News Credits: 402 · Updated Oct 21, 2022

I think it all depends on how it was targeted. If the line was just going to be another TRU shelf item, it will most likely flop, since kids will want to have something with actual articulation (picky sods aren't they?). Where they would most likely succeed would be as items sold in comic book shops where nostalgia reigns.

Either way I won't get them because I don't care for the G1 toys when compared to todays standards.

News Credits: 656 · Mon Apr 22, 2013 4:52 pm

Mkall wrote:I think it all depends on how it was targeted. If the line was just going to be another TRU shelf item, it will most likely flop, since kids will want to have something with actual articulation (picky sods aren't they?). Where they would most likely succeed would be as items sold in comic book shops where nostalgia reigns.

You bring up an excellent point about a brick and mortar retail release. Maybe using the Amazon/BBTS/etc. distribution model that was implemented for things like 2011 Unicron, Jetwing Prime, Platinum Series, and such would make more sense, were they to pursue another reissue line.

News Credits: 7 · Mon Apr 22, 2013 4:54 pm

Blurrz wrote:The latter, although I guess in that instance I'm not sure if we have had a domestic G1 reissue of Megatron...

We have not, and from what I understand, never will, because it actualy would be illegal, IIRC. Something about "firearms replicas" being prohibited or something.

News Credits: 20 · Mon Apr 22, 2013 4:57 pm

Blurrz wrote:I just want something different, something that is outside of the big 5 of Megatron, Starscream, Soundwave, Prime and Bumblebee. They don't need to be obscure, but just something that we havent seen before.

This sums me up. I love reissues but I'm not buying the same handful of figures every few years. Encore has been slowly satisfying my reissue needs. I have a combination of the Takara and Hasbro stuff that I'm pleased with already. A lot of us jumped on the reissue train a long time ago. To start over again is unnecessary.

News Credits: 1 · Mon Apr 22, 2013 5:05 pm

Yes.

Most of my G1 collection is made up of re-issues now anyway. I would welcome any opportunity to enhance/expand that collection.

Mon Apr 22, 2013 7:36 pm

I actually was not alive during G1 (which makes me not a "true fan") but I have advocated for another round of G1 reissues since I became a more "hardcore fan" circa 2009-2010. I'm a fan of the original TV series so of course it worked like it was supposed to and made me want to buy the toys. The problem is that many of these figures are not practical and to replicate them exactly would call for a "too expensive" price tag at retail. Another problem already mentioned is that the new generation of collectors coming in aren't going to be that familiar with the original G1 toys, and all they'll see is overpriced blocks that do nothing. Personally, I'd love to have a bunch of G1 reissues since I have no G1 items and buying vintage would be too expensive and too difficult to find mint-condition figures. I'm really not sure I could afford to buy any G1 reissues though. Honestly I would be content with them reusing some of the Classics/Universe/Generations figures for the 30th anniversary series since I missed out on many of them. Or maybe they could make show-accurate representations of the original characters but with modern articulation, instead of modernizing the entire bot and alt mode.

Tue Apr 23, 2013 9:46 am

I would buy reissues for sure, but with certain conditions in place.

1. Molds that only Takara reissued would be a big yes. Hound, Blitzwing, Gun Megatron, Trailbreaker. Even modified or re-molded versions of Wheeljack, Mirage and Sunstreaker.

2. Molds that have not been reissued. Fort Max is a good start, but how about some of the other non-$300 toys? Artfire for a big start. Targetmaster Cyclonus, Blurr, Kup, and Hot Rod. Head masters.
And some Japanese series bots? Grandus, Road Ceasar, Minerva and Go-Shooter, Galaxy shuttle etc.

3. No really lame mold changes. Seeker missles and null rays, Prime smokestacks, Jazz and Datsun brothers missles- those re-tools make them look TERRIBLE. Makes you spend extra to get vintage bits from B/S/T or eBay.

4. DINOBOTS. DO IT.

News Credits: 1 · Tue Apr 23, 2013 10:30 am

I'd love a few re-issues, but it really depends on the character. Guys like Bumblebee and Optimus I have no need or want for. I wouldn't mind getting some of the other big named characters though (namely Megatron and Starscream). I wouldn't mourn if they were passed up however. They'll likely get an updated MP at some point in the next few years, what with their immense popularity.

It would be really nice to see a few less common characters get re-issued. Or characters who've only just regained popularity thanks to Hasbro throwing them at the newer/younger fans (Wheeljack and the like)

News Credits: 9 · Tue Apr 23, 2013 10:38 am

jindrak wrote:I would buy reissues for sure, but with certain conditions in place.

1. Molds that only Takara reissued would be a big yes. Hound, Blitzwing, Gun Megatron, Trailbreaker. Even modified or re-molded versions of Wheeljack, Mirage and Sunstreaker.

2. Molds that have not been reissued. Fort Max is a good start, but how about some of the other non-$300 toys? Artfire for a big start. Targetmaster Cyclonus, Blurr, Kup, and Hot Rod. Head masters.
And some Japanese series bots? Grandus, Road Ceasar, Minerva and Go-Shooter, Galaxy shuttle etc.

3. No really lame mold changes. Seeker missles and null rays, Prime smokestacks, Jazz and Datsun brothers missles- those re-tools make them look TERRIBLE. Makes you spend extra to get vintage bits from B/S/T or eBay.

4. DINOBOTS. DO IT.

Well put and in agreement for all 4 points.

News Credits: 1452 · Tue Apr 23, 2013 3:41 pm

IIRC one of the Dinobot molds (Slag?) is dead and crumpled. We would have had Encore xx Dinobots right after Devastator, but it would have only been 4/5 of the boys.