The Energon Pub

Fri Jun 22, 2012 1:41 pm

Hey all,

I'm a big fan of the Classics/Universe/RTS/Generations characters of the G1 originals, but it seems like Hasbro has no interest in re-circulating the molds for any of these awesome characters. Example - Classics Optimus Prime was such a great figure, I'm surprised Hasbro hasn't brought him back around within the last few years. Same goes for Ironhide/Ratchet, Hound and the Lambos, and Mirage. I'm wondering why they wouldn't get more use out of these excellent molds?

Mike

News Credits: 4 · Fri Jun 22, 2012 1:43 pm

Takara has done re-releases of a couple of them, Prime/Convoy included, but yes, I'd like some, even internet exclusive, re-releases of some of the toys. It'd beat the ebay prices, especially for something like Albino Prime Ultra Magnus.

News Credits: 1 · Fri Jun 22, 2012 1:44 pm

You're one of the few who'd call for a re-release of the Ironhide mold.

I guess we're not including Botcon or Takara releases? Or recolors? Because the molds have been used a lot elsewhere.

Fri Jun 22, 2012 1:48 pm

Well, I wasn't wild about the Ironhide mold, but it was better than the G1 Diaclone windshield face guy. And since I missed them on the pegs, I'm annoyed because I'd like to have the original Ark Crew in Classics style.

News Credits: 1 · Fri Jun 22, 2012 2:11 pm

TFs in general don't see many re-releases (outside of BB and Prime of course, if you count slight redecos).

I can see why you'd want them, but I think you're stuck with ebay prices, especially with some of the more lackluster toys. I guess the classics line sucks like that. If you didn't get in early you missed out on a few key figures.

News Credits: 4 · Fri Jun 22, 2012 2:13 pm

ha! yeah, as much as there might be other Ratchet and Ironhide toys from one company or another that I might like the look of better than the Classics versions of them, I'd not pass up a "sad" Ratchet for £15 or so. (Diaclone Ironhide repaint might not be unpopular as well. maybe?)

Also, nohandluke, welcome to Seibertron!

Fri Jun 22, 2012 2:39 pm

Thanks craggy!

The bummer of it is that when they originally came out, I had Prime, BB, Cliffjumper, Mirage and Starscream in Classics...and then I wanted to buy a DeLorean so I sold them as part of my funding effort.

My Transformers-obsessed pal Joe said I shouldn't live without a Classics Prime, so he gave me one of the multiples he had. I have since acquired Prowl, Silverstreak, Sunstreaker and Wheeljack. However, the rest continue to mock me on Ebay.

News Credits: 241 · Fri Jun 22, 2012 3:11 pm

EBay isn't really the best place for buying stuff IMVHO. Ever tried our very own Carbombya Bazaar? Most of us are quite reasonable when it comes to selling (and sneaking in bonuses).

And Hasbro would rather repaint than re-release. However, it's worth noting that the only Classics toys that were re-released were Deluxe Optimus Prime and Megatron (down to the misassembled feet) in the Ultimate Battle 2-pack, once in Universe 2003 and again in the 2010 line. Not everyone's cup of tea, but I enjoy them.

Also, if you don't mind importing Japanese toys, you should look at the United toy line, at the very least UN-09 Megatron. It's a repaint of Classics Megatron, but in silver, black and red, similar to its Henkei! release.

Fri Jun 22, 2012 3:55 pm

Thanks for the tips! I never heard of the United line - only the Henkei Takara stuff

News Credits: 129 · Fri Jun 22, 2012 4:23 pm

Hasbro doesn't seem to be very interested in Classics anymore.

It's kind of obvious when you look at how these releases have gone and what we saw at Botcon.

News Credits: 4 · Fri Jun 22, 2012 4:54 pm

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:EBay isn't really the best place for buying stuff IMVHO. Ever tried our very own Carbombya Bazaar? Most of us are quite reasonable when it comes to selling (and sneaking in bonuses).

And Hasbro would rather repaint than re-release. However, it's worth noting that the only Classics toys that were re-released were Deluxe Optimus Prime and Megatron (down to the misassembled feet) in the Ultimate Battle 2-pack, once in Universe 2003 and again in the 2010 line. Not everyone's cup of tea, but I enjoy them.

Also, if you don't mind importing Japanese toys, you should look at the United toy line, at the very least UN-09 Megatron. It's a repaint of Classics Megatron, but in silver, black and red, similar to its Henkei! release.

Don't get me wrong, I like buying directly off other collectors. A few people on here have really helped me out of the last year or so. It's just that, with ebay, I can search easier, and the majority of the listings that come back are UK based, rather than gawd knows where, USA. I've no problem buying from my colonial cousins, but apparently their postal service has a grudge with exporting anything larger than a stamp at a reasonable price. I sort of grudge paying $10 for a figure and $15+ for postage.

Fri Jun 22, 2012 11:25 pm

nohandluke wrote:I'm annoyed because I'd like to have the original Ark Crew in Classics style.

Well, it is doable. Of course, unless reissues do happen, you'll have a lot of hunting to do, and some of them may be pricey. And for a few figures (like Huffer and, soon, Gears) you'll likely have to go 3rd party unless Hasbro surprises us with something new in the near future...

But here's my Arc Crew, just missing Gears. (Although a larger Trailbreaker would be nice!)