optronix91 wrote:Heys. Were the Mirage/Swoop/Wheeljack lost or damged by Hasbro? If true, why don't Hasbro and Takara just remake the mold the same way the KOers do?
Broke or lost is the rumor.
At this time, I would guess it has to do with money. HASBRO found that the G1 commemoratives do not sell altogether too well here in the states. Too many sit on shelves, even when clearanced.
However, Tak/Tomy may go that way soon. They are rumored to be heading more to the adult collector arena, and G1 re-issues, especially rare versions, would attract a lot of collectors to them.
The rumored Sky Lynx re-issue, and the Encore line are proof that they seem to like re-issues again, and with them still using and apparently creating Masterpiece molds, it looks like our best bet is for them to get us our beloved rare re-issues.
As to why they don't use what the KO'ers are using, I have no idea, except that I think the way the KO'ers are doing it creates poor product that is loose and fragile for the most part.
I'll let you know what I think of these when I grab that Mirage. Purists will tell you to stay away from KO's, but if they are high quality, and figures you really desire at much more affordable prices, I say, why not???