The Energon Pub

I have my theory based on what I see, alot o people argue against my opinion. But it would be interesting to see other views and in the process actualy build up some data that may help answer the question.

The question beeing: "Who are the dominant force financing the Transformers Franchise. And are the bulk of the purchases by a loyal customer base or is it regenerating as generations grow up. Who are the new customers and are they like me and many others when we were kids, or are they new adult collectors. How much does each group spend and on what type of transformer. Most importantly how valuable are the hardcore collectors who were there when it allbegan, to Has/Tak and are we just gonna see transformers bastardised till there is no profits to be made, or are we going to see it evolve into something true to it's roots but with healthy improvements.

So if you could answer these questions and add or argue against the ones I have decided on then feel free.

1: How old are you? [year]
2: When was yur first purchase [year]
3: How much on average do you spend a year?
4: How much have you spent in total? Also state what percentage you feel goes as profit to Has/Tak or is a second hand purchase
5: What type of transformer collector are you
a: vintage collector
b: just strated and are hooked on new ranges, if so which ones.
c: anything with transformers related
d: High Grade posable figures, from Hybrid - MPs
e: A mixture
6: Do you spend as much as you can on transformers, or are you restricted by a lack of products that interest you, if so how much more could you spend?
7: If you are a new collector, what are your opinions on older ranges, not just G1 and are they of any interest, say for instance are reissues soemthing you would actively look for are your interests just on the ranges aimed at new audiences such as yourself.. If you are a veteran collector what is your opinion on new ranges particulary the ones which are aimed at a new audience and how do the relate to you, are they on your shopping list or not?

THis really needs to be simplified, but in the meantime, if there are any new collectors, especially the young collectors, or even better those of you who have kids, what's the situation, are transformers really that popular with kids, are they a big part of your or there life or are they just one of many other things, and a quick fad until the next thing comes along, also what will transformers mean to you in a few years. I always told my mum I'd be into transformers, and even though I did put them aside for a number of years, I alwys thought they were kool, but I don't feel some of the new lines have the same impact and I don't see a frsh new following, that's the point of this thread, not just to prove me wrong, but to actualy see what is going on out there, not just with hardcore collectors, but the new generation.

I'm sorry, but by even posting this here your survey sample is inherently biased.

One thing I will tell you as someone who works behind the scenes on the boards and amongst the fandom, whatever you see on Seibertron, TFW, Allspark...none of it is indicative of the fandom. Seriously.

The boards give you the most vocal opinions and completely slant towards dedicated collectors.

DTR69 wrote:The question beeing: "Who are the dominant force financing the Transformers Franchise.

I'm not gonna bother with that any more... It's not us collectors if that's what you're asking.

Counterpunch wrote:I'm sorry, but by even posting this here your survey sample is inherently biased.

One thing I will tell you as someone who works behind the scenes on the boards and amongst the fandom, whatever you see on Seibertron, TFW, Allspark...none of it is indicative of the fandom. Seriously.

The boards give you the most vocal opinions and completely slant towards dedicated collectors.

This x 100.

First of all I'd like to thank anyoen who has bothered to read this, but secondly those who have and have bothered to reply, the points you are making is nothing I haven't already stated. I know this isn't the perfect way to get answers, and I have already said if you feel that anything is flawed then feel free to point me in the right direction.

Yes I have an opinion and yes I beleive in them and will argue my point, but is it so hard for people understand that people can be open minded at the same time and open to others opinions and yes that an opinion can be changed.

I am fully aware that I'm not going o get some definitive answer, but what I would like to know is who are the other target audiences, and what there relationship with collecting transformers is like. I am a collector who grew up from G1, my personal beleif is that like many others we longed to experience the toys we either couldn't afford or were'nt available when we were younger, on top of that I feel transformers are unique in the fact that becuase they transform their robot designs are influenced from the alt mode leading to a design that has so many unique characteristics that would never of come about if someone was just trying to design a unique looking robot. Form follows function is a beautiful thing. Now as we are older and have money that we can decide where it goes, alot of us have chose to spend unbeleivable amounts on our passion for TFs.

Times have changed and so have the ways kids play. Are kids today interested in TFs the same way we were, [I say we, but I'm hoping that some new fans are reading this too]. Those who say the hardcore collector is just a small part and that TFs are mainly sort after by kids, then where are all the kids. This site doesn't have an age restriction and neither do any of the others to my knowledge, I know for a fact that there are people who are member shere that are not from my generation and are in there early 20s, thats someone who wasn't around during the g1 explosion.

So if the hardcore collector is just a small part then, that means the rest are just people who will buy the odd transformer. Already it sounds wrong. There are people of all different age groups on this site, so they can't all tick all the boxes of your everyday TF collector, they all have different stories. And some of you have kids, so even the kids who are to young to use computers, can hopefully be represented by there parents who are fans.

Even if there are only certain type of audience present here, there is still a distinct variation within that. And a hardcore collector could be someone who deosn't even contribute to Has/Taks profits as they collect vintage toys. So labels can be deceiving. And a hardcore fan could have only just been exposed to Transformers, and that doesn't mean that there input, opinions, purchases etc are any less important.

How many transformers do you have to buy before you are a collector? And if the peopel who buy and are interested in transformers aren't the dominant customers than who is?........................

Doesn't anyone who thinks that the old G1 fan is a small part of the customer bas think it's weird that there is no oter presence apart from the oldskool fans on transformer forums?

So does that mean no kids are into transformers enough to join a fan based site. Do kids even like transformers?

Hope this helps...

1: Late 1978 (32/33)
2: Between '85-'86
3: £100-£200 approx (including gifts?)
4: Difficult to be exact, but I'd imagine at least a couple of thousand pounds £.
5: Mixture, but primarily G1 (G1 re-issues)
6: I have a family to support, so I don't have as much disposable income to spend on TF's these days. If I really want something now, I do have to save for it. (I guess it makes me want it more).

1: How old are you? 1984
2: When was year first purchase [year]? As a child I'd say my first Transformer was 1986 or so, as an adult I started collecting again in late 2005/early 2006
3: How much on average do you spend a year? Depends on what is released that year, between $300 and $700
4: How much have you spent in total? Also state what percentage you feel goes as profit to Has/Tak or is a second hand purchase. Thousands, I'd say that at least 85% is HasTak, 10% 3rd Party, 5% on eBay
5: What type of transformer collector are you? Neo-G1 if it a G1 homage (or just the occasional cool figure) I buy it.
6: Do you spend as much as you can on Transformers, or are you restricted by a lack of products that interest you, if so how much more could you spend? I buy what I like, if I don't enjoy a figure or an entire line, I skip it.
7: If you are a new collector, what are your opinions on older ranges, not just G1 and are they of any interest, say for instance are reissues something you would actively look for are your interests just on the ranges aimed at new audiences such as yourself.. If you are a veteran collector what is your opinion on new ranges particularly the ones which are aimed at a new audience and how do the relate to you, are they on your shopping list or not? I think of all figures as sort of an experiment in evolution, it's great to see how things evolve over time. I also like seeing the change in what is popular, while I have a feeling we will never see a line without Optimus Prime, it is interesting to see what other characters become popluar and when ... like how Bumblebee has made a comeback recently, but wasn't seen in a toy line or show for years.

The question beeing: "Who are the dominant force financing the Transformers Franchise. And are the bulk of the purchases by a loyal customer base or is it regenerating as generations grow up.

Kids are, and always will be that force. As you've mentioned, not all our money is a profit for Hasbro. While Kids (their parents actually) spend on regular retail Lines which are a direct Profit to Hasbro, Collectors may pick up the Generations and RTS figures; to use a contemporary example, and are a source of profit for Hasbro. But Collectors may also pick old TF's from years ago, which no longer apply as profit, or simply purchase TF's from Takara, or figures that aren't actually TF's (3rd party, FP, iGear etc...) so no profit for Hasbro in either instance.

1: How old are you? [year]

33

2: When was yur first purchase [year]

1985 or so.

3: How much on average do you spend a year?

800 to maybe 1000 bucks on average. Obviously things like MP's and G1 re-issues tend to bump that up a bit.

4: How much have you spent in total? Also state what percentage you feel goes as profit to Has/Tak or is a second hand purchase

You'd have to separate Hasbro from Takara in these instances. Buying a Generations figure or an Movie figure in Target or Walmart produces no Profit for Takara, while buying an MP Rodimus, or an Encore product for instance produces no Profit for Hasbro (until they release their own). Separate entities have separate profits.

No way to know how much I've spent. But I'd say about 50 to 60% is profit to Hasbro, maybe 20 or 25% profit to Takara. The rest is second hand, or older stuff, that no longer makes profit for them. With a very very small percentage in 3rd party products so far.

5: What type of transformer collector are you
a: vintage collector
b: just strated and are hooked on new ranges, if so which ones.
c: anything with transformers related
d: High Grade posable figures, from Hybrid - MPs
e: A mixture

e: A Mixture

6: Do you spend as much as you can on transformers, or are you restricted by a lack of products that interest you, if so how much more could you spend?

I don't feel restricted, nor do I spend as much as I could. I mean I could buy everything that's put out but I don't. I am selective.

7: If you are a new collector, what are your opinions on older ranges, not just G1 and are they of any interest, say for instance are reissues soemthing you would actively look for are your interests just on the ranges aimed at new audiences such as yourself.. If you are a veteran collector what is your opinion on new ranges particulary the ones which are aimed at a new audience and how do the relate to you, are they on your shopping list or not?

Somewhat Veteran now I guess. I've liked most of the new stuff. (minus most of the PCC line) But I like more of the vintage stuff. The things I grew up with.

Times have changed and so have the ways kids play. Are kids today interested in TFs the same way we were, [I say we, but I'm hoping that some new fans are reading this too]. Those who say the hardcore collector is just a small part and that TFs are mainly sort after by kids, then where are all the kids. This site doesn't have an age restriction and neither do any of the others to my knowledge, I know for a fact that there are people who are member shere that are not from my generation and are in there early 20s, thats someone who wasn't around during the g1 explosion.

Kids are interested in TF's pretty much like we were, but like with us it isn't an exclusive thing. I mean I had TF's, MASK, He-Man, Hot Wheel etc... Also we are much more discriminating about what we buy. As the new movie stuffs starts ot show up in pictures, I've seen many state they'll pick up maybe 2 or 3 figures and that will be it. Hasbro could not survive on Collectors buying 2 or 3 figures out of a line of 20 or so.

I know there are people here as young as 12 or 13 years old.
You don't see younger kids, because they probably don't sign up, nor would their parents let them.

They surely visit, and probably look at the galleries, but kids under the age of 12 would probably not find much enjoyment in the forums any way.

We do get parents who aren't fans around here asking questions on behalf of the kids who own TF's.

Why are we sure Kids are the main demographic for Hasbro?
Because all their products are tailored for kids. They have all sorts of security features that are in place for kids.
While they might have collectors in mind when designing a line like Generations(classics) ultimately, they wan those same toys to be sod to kids, because they are the main source of Profit.


Takara by the way had a totally different demographic aim in Japan. They do tend to aim at Collectors more than Kids. Which is why the produce encore, and masterpiece products.

Heck even when bringing MP's or re-issues over form Takara, Hasbro always attempts to offer them cheaper and always makes them available to kids.

Counterpunch wrote:I'm sorry, but by even posting this here your survey sample is inherently biased.

One thing I will tell you as someone who works behind the scenes on the boards and amongst the fandom, whatever you see on Seibertron, TFW, Allspark...none of it is indicative of the fandom. Seriously.

The boards give you the most vocal opinions and completely slant towards dedicated collectors.

Not to mention the fact that the people that buy the majority of Transformers don't even post/read this or other TF sites...although I guess that's more or less what you're saying so it is mentioned.

I'll give it a shot -

1: How old are you? 31, 32 in April, so 1979 - Where has all the time gone?!

2: When was your first purchase - My first Transformer was Smokescreen, so around 1984/1985, hard to say. The first Transformer I directly bought myself was Optimus prime, original G1, back in 1986/87.

3: How much on average do you spend a year? - Depends on what I'm looking for, hard to give an average. With MP Hot Rod bought then I've reached my usual limit a lot sooner than I normally do.

4: How much have you spent in total? Also state what percentage you feel goes as profit to Has/Tak or is a second hand purchase - I dread to think how much I've spent in total, might cause a heart attack.

5: What type of transformer collector are you - Mixed mostly, though these days I mostly focus on the G1 remakes, the last bunch of movie bots were...to put it kindly somewhat disappointing until the non-movie appearing ones appeared like Brawn and some of the scouts.

6: Do you spend as much as you can on transformers, or are you restricted by a lack of products that interest you, if so how much more could you spend? - Generally restricted these days, I'm tired of a lot of the shoddy rubbish that appears, a lot of the non-transforming junk and the constantly terrible distrubution of any that are worth going for.
I know what I want to add to the collection, and a lot of what gets churned out doesn't interest me as much as the G1 remakes from Classics/Universe/Generations/RTS - the G1 remakes of older G1 characters - tend to.

7: If you are a new collector, what are your opinions on older ranges, not just G1 and are they of any interest, say for instance are reissues soemthing you would actively look for are your interests just on the ranges aimed at new audiences such as yourself.. If you are a veteran collector what is your opinion on new ranges particulary the ones which are aimed at a new audience and how do the relate to you, are they on your shopping list or not? -

To be honest I feel that the quality in newer lines has been a mixed bag. For the one Transformer that's released that is a great example of how far the franchise has come since it's early years, there are several that are truly terrible.
I've been collecting Transformers since the 80s and while G1 wasn't perfect, it did have it's shining gems and there are still some shining gems to be found today. But there are also a lot of Transformers that are terrible beyond reason.

I tend to be very specific about what ones I'm looking for these days.

2: When was your first purchase [year]

Can't remember, around eight-years old. Grew up in the eighties.

3: How much on average do you spend a year?

On TF's, around 200 dollars on average. More on other non-TF collectibles [Yamato Macross, Hot Toys/Enterbay 1/6 scale models]

4: How much have you spent in total? Also state what percentage you feel goes as profit to Has/Tak or is a second hand purchase

A rough estimate would be around 400-500 US dollars. I only began seriously collecting TF's after the 2007 movie was released.

5: What type of transformer collector are you

e: A mixture

6: Do you spend as much as you can on transformers, or are you restricted by a lack of products that interest you, if so how much more could you spend?

Suffice it to say, I'm not a completionist. I tend to spend a lot on bayverse figs due to their wide[r] availability, but most of the time, I pick out only those TF's that I particularly like in any particular line. The maximum I've spend on any single TF was 60 USD [I think, on G1 MP Starscream], but I've definitely spend a lot more on Macross figs.

I'm not adverse to spending a maximum of 200 dollars on a TF, but the fig would have to really knock my socks off in terms of articulation, screen accuracy and display value.

7: If you are a new collector, what are your opinions on older ranges, not just G1 and are they of any interest, say for instance are reissues soemthing you would actively look for are your interests just on the ranges aimed at new audiences such as yourself.. If you are a veteran collector what is your opinion on new ranges particulary the ones which are aimed at a new audience and how do the relate to you, are they on your shopping list or not?

I'm definitely a new collector.

The only G1 fig I'm even remotely interested in owning is Mirage. He was my first TF from my childhood, and nostalgia is my only motivation here. I did own a couple of "budget version" Takara TF's such as a G1 Soundwave fig who's cassettes were non-transforming, as well as an Ultra Magnus which was basically a white repaint of G1 OP without the trailer.

My opinion of older lines is that TF's are advancing smoothly in terms of sophistication and toy technology, although the recent DOTM line seems to have taken a few steps back in terms of transformation complexity to accommodate the kids.

THis really needs to be simplified, but in the meantime, if there are any new collectors, especially the young collectors, or even better those of you who have kids, what's the situation, are transformers really that popular with kids, are they a big part of your or there life or are they just one of many other things, and a quick fad until the next thing comes along, also what will transformers mean to you in a few years. I always told my mum I'd be into transformers, and even though I did put them aside for a number of years, I alwys thought they were kool, but I don't feel some of the new lines have the same impact and I don't see a frsh new following, that's the point of this thread, not just to prove me wrong, but to actualy see what is going on out there, not just with hardcore collectors, but the new generation.

My cousin's kids seem "receptive" towards TF's, but don't really go all out for it like I used to as a kid. Video games is more their thing, to be honest. While they'd never turn down a TF as a gift, PS3 games are likely to put a bigger smile on their faces.

Personally, I think TF's will always survive, just like novels and radio shows in this age of TV's and video games. There's always something different about having a solid toy in your hand and transforming it.

As for myself, I'm a very diverse collector, and TF's are a part of the many other items I collect, which range from exotic knives, Burago model cars, Yamato Macross figs, to even glass sculptures. TF's will always be a significant part of my collecting, but I can't say I center my collecting around it.

As for the more recent lines, I think kids will always buy what's popular, and right now, that'd be the movieverse toys. As an adult collector, I tend to go for less gimmicky figs like the MP, binaltech, or Generations lines.

There you go; that's my two cents' worth.

When I saw the title I thought it was yet another spam thread! Now that people have replied I see it isn't so here goes:

1: How old are you? [1976]

2: When was yur first purchase [1984]

3: How much on average do you spend a year?
I have a £1200 but I estimate I spend less than £1000 a year.

4: How much have you spent in total?
I have no idea.

5: What type of transformer collector are you
d: High Grade posable figures, from Hybrid - MPs
e: A mixture
One of these. I only buy figures that are really poseable but even cheap scouts and deluxes are worth buying for this reason.

6: Do you spend as much as you can on transformers, or are you restricted by a lack of products that interest you, if so how much more could you spend?
I'm restricted.

7: I'm a veteran collector who bought hardly any Beast Era and nothing between Beast Wars and Classics. Since resuming I've bought a few G1s I wanted as a kid and got a few RiD but have no interest in AEC. Everything after AEC is on my list.

I will take a shot too.

1: How old are you? [year]
1980

2: When was your first purchase [year]
My first purchase as opposed to my parents buying for me? 1991 I think. But I got my first transformer in 1985.


3: How much on average do you spend a year?
I hate to think, but I would guess around 500usd.

4: How much have you spent in total? Also state what percentage you feel goes as profit to Has/Tak or is a second hand purchase
I am sorry I have no idea. I bought a lot of second hand G1s at first. 75% of current annual expense to Hastak?

5: What type of transformer collector are you
I started as a: vintage collector, but got disillusioned by the sheer expense of old G1 toys combined with their brick-y-ness.
Since 2008 I have been d: High Grade posable figures, from Hybrid - MPs

6: Do you spend as much as you can on transformers, or are you restricted by a lack of products that interest you, if so how much more could you spend?
I am not restricted by lack of products at all, rather by lack of funds. In fact I wish their were less awesome figures coming out at the moment so I was not spending as much on Transformers as I am. Bring on the movie! I need a break in classicsverse figures so my funds can recover. TFClub and Fansproject are lining me up for a serious Wallet-emptying session.

7: If you are a new collector, - I'm not. I have collected G1 figures since I was old enough to earn money to save for them, lost interest in new transformers during late G1/beast wars, had it reignited by the TRU reissues and discovered Alternators, then Masterpiece, and finally started collecting Classicsverse transformers and getting 3rd party products particularly Fansproject items.

Already people have answered on how much they spend. So if the people who buy the majority of TFs aren't here, and the ones that are here spend hundreds sometimes thousands a year on TFs how much are the people who aren't here spending. The amount I have spnt now as an adult is equivalant to 100 of my childhoods possibly more and thats on fresh purchases. If the internet was about when I was a kis I would be on TF websites all day long.
I am not trying to say that the statistics are wrong I am saying what Has/Tak does with the statistics are wrong. All I'm doing is asking a few questions, I know there are factors that are flawed, so why are you pointing them out to me, and as I said if you feel you can improve on it do so. The negative responses have more or less been to say I'm stupid for asking the question and that I have an opinion that I'm orchestrating the answer to work in my fava etc etc. Generaly the responses have all been with a negative tone. Little gifs with smileys banging there heads against walls.

There are many age groups on this site? even if it just ranged from 20 - 35 that's a big gap, and shows that someone were atrracted to transformers after g1 and therefor can give an insite. Also alot of members have kids that TFs are aimed at, but are probaly to young to get on the net. AND YOU KNOW THIS TO BE TRUE and yes I am making an assumption becuase unlike you I'm not gonna try and make you feel stupid. Why are you trying to squash my questions before anyone can answer anyway. Why have people got so on edge about me asking some questions.

Why as collectors yourself do you feel that we are such a small customer base, look how many dedicated sites there are, look at how high transformers are on ebays search list. Look at how many 3rd party companies there are catering for us. Look at how every line aimed at a new audience is full of homages aimed at collectors, look at teh whole MP range. But as you all say we are not the main customer base, so where are they. The point I'm trying to make is not that they don't exist, but that Has/Tak isn't producing TFs that are making them want to discuss them and want to find out more. And personaly I don't blame kids for not going crazy like most of us did as kids.
At the end of the day, I wanna hear from the other age groups and different audiences/groups of fans and hear what they have to say. If I don't that will also give me an insite into how other audiences pursue there interest of TFs.

\Why as collectors yourself do you feel that we are such a small customer base, look how many dedicated sites there are, look at how high transformers are on ebays search list.

It's an immutable fact that collectors are only a tiny portion of the market for TFs. Hasbro have not exactly been secretive with these figures. It may seem like adult fans make up a larger part simply due to our significant web presence but in reality we only buy a fraction of what children and their parents buy.

Look at how many 3rd party companies there are catering for us. Look at how every line aimed at a new audience is full of homages aimed at collectors, look at teh whole MP range.

But all of the third party products are made in the hundreds or thousands only, while official Hasbro products are sold in the millions. And outside of Japan the Masterpieces are sold in toy stores in kid-friendly packages, aimed at both kids and adult collectors.

But as you all say we are not the main customer base, so where are they. The point I'm trying to make is not that they don't exist, but that Has/Tak isn't producing TFs that are making them want to discuss them and want to find out more. And personaly I don't blame kids for not going crazy like most of us did as kids.

This is my personal opinion rather than a fact but I feel like kids have so much opportunity to discuss toys with their friends and families that they don't feel much of a need to discuss figures online. Certainly they might visit sites like this to view the galleries and news but this is very visibly an adult-oriented site where they might feel uncomfortable posting. Chances are that websites like Hasbro's or Hub's are more their forte.

At the end of the day, I wanna hear from the other age groups and different audiences/groups of fans and hear what they have to say. If I don't that will also give me an insite into how other audiences pursue there interest of TFs.

Fair enough, there's nothing wrong with that. And I hope that the data that you are gathering is interesting and useful to you. All we've been trying to advise you is that this board represents an unbalanced cross-section of the fanbase.

1: How old are you? 31
2: When was yur first purchase 1987/88.G1 Hound
3: How much on average do you spend a year?varies too much to say.but it would be over 1000-maybe 1500-thats not bots only though
5: What type of transformer collector are you?e: A mixture.G1,CHUG,Onscreen only movie bots
on out there, not just with hardcore collectors, but the new generation.

If you did not grow up in the 80s or know someone that did that collects TFs or has a strong interest, please comment, I know there are some mebers on here for a fact. Just one person would be kool, this isn't about people numbers, it's more on view.
Thanks for everyones input so far. Peeps with kids who are into transformers, are they into transformers due to your influence, or would they have gone for TFs regardless?

DTR69 wrote:Peeps with kids who are into transformers, are they into transformers due to your influence, or would they have gone for TFs regardless?

Now, that's a very interesting question.

I know my Dad influenced my love for Star Wars (he brought me to see ANH when i was 4) - but i don't think my parents would have influenced my love for Transformers.

Then again, the fact that they bought the toys for me would have some influence?

My little girl plays with some of my legends (Bumblebee is her favourite), so hopefully she'll be interested enough to inherit my collection when i finally grow up

well my nephew got into TF on his own-but my collection/interest retained his interest.....if ya know what I mean.he often makes up his own fiction as to what happened to the bots that never appeared again after the 86 movie.an area that seriously interests me too... we often talk about it

JokerFC wrote:well my nephew got into TF on his own-but my collection/interest retained his interest.....if ya know what I mean.he often makes up his own fiction as to what happened to the bots that never appeared again after the 86 movie.an area that seriously interests me too... we often talk about it

Sorry I'm a bit confused, but it sounds like you definently have another outlook to share. If you could be more specific, especiaaly with ages etc. And what does your nephew think about g1, the toyline, the modern remakes and how it compares to modern day TFs. Also how big an impact has it had. Also what about you and what do you feel about it?

DTR69 wrote:

JokerFC wrote:well my nephew got into TF on his own-but my collection/interest retained his interest.....if ya know what I mean.he often makes up his own fiction as to what happened to the bots that never appeared again after the 86 movie.an area that seriously interests me too... we often talk about it

Sorry I'm a bit confused, but it sounds like you definently have another outlook to share. If you could be more specific, especiaaly with ages etc. And what does your nephew think about g1, the toyline, the modern remakes and how it compares to modern day TFs. Also how big an impact has it had. Also what about you and what do you feel about it?

well hes 11 so he doesnt think much about modern remakes etc.he sees a difference obviously in the movie/CHUG and Animated stuff.he doesnt enjoy much of the G1 stuff because well they are kinda bricky comapred to todays stuff.Animated is his fave by far.he finds some of the movie bots transformatiosn to be complicated-which in fairness they can be.

Im 31 and am a lifelong TF fan.LOVE G1 and the Generations Classics stuff-in fact for me its a dream come true.I liked the animated stuff and movie bots too-although I strictly only buy bots that appeared onscreen and dont go in for the pointless updates they continually receive.

Im fascinated by the 86 movie.I really want IDW to do a "directors cut" of the movie and include the death scenes of Windcharger,Huffer,Wheeljack,Gears,Trailbreaker,Mirage,Shockwave and Red Alert and tell us where were or what happened to Hound,Sideswipe,Sunstreaker,Skids,Hoist,Inferno,Tracks,Smokescreen and Grapple.and anyone else that didnt appear in season 3.

JokerFC wrote:

DTR69 wrote:

JokerFC wrote:well my nephew got into TF on his own-but my collection/interest retained his interest.....if ya know what I mean.he often makes up his own fiction as to what happened to the bots that never appeared again after the 86 movie.an area that seriously interests me too... we often talk about it

Sorry I'm a bit confused, but it sounds like you definently have another outlook to share. If you could be more specific, especiaaly with ages etc. And what does your nephew think about g1, the toyline, the modern remakes and how it compares to modern day TFs. Also how big an impact has it had. Also what about you and what do you feel about it?

well hes 11 so he doesnt think much about modern remakes etc.he sees a difference obviously in the movie/CHUG and Animated stuff.he doesnt enjoy much of the G1 stuff because well they are kinda bricky comapred to todays stuff.Animated is his fave by far.he finds some of the movie bots transformatiosn to be complicated-which in fairness they can be.

Im 31 and am a lifelong TF fan.LOVE G1 and the Generations Classics stuff-in fact for me its a dream come true.I liked the animated stuff and movie bots too-although I strictly only buy bots that appeared onscreen and dont go in for the pointless updates they continually receive.

Im fascinated by the 86 movie.I really want IDW to do a "directors cut" of the movie and include the death scenes of Windcharger,Huffer,Wheeljack,Gears,Trailbreaker,Mirage,Shockwave and Red Alert and tell us where were or what happened to Hound,Sideswipe,Sunstreaker,Skids,Hoist,Inferno,Tracks,Smokescreen and Grapple.and anyone else that didnt appear in season 3.

I don't really expect kids of today to appreciate the G1 toys, to be honest I think we all can say we have been disapointed once we got the toy out of the box, on more than one occassion, it was the artists vision of what could have been and thankfully is possible today. SO what does he think about g1 as it should be like MP figures etc. I have to say, the fact that g1 can be relived just how it is in toys today is one thing, but the fact that, animated styles which generaly only work 2d can be creaated as toys and look identical and pose and transform so well is amazing.

And last of all, I'd love to see them go a step further and do a modern style animation, obviously dreamwave/IDw stylee I don't care of what I just wanna see them move, those drawings are amazing. ANd I swear there was gonna be a CGi movie from Japan, it was mentioned during the anouncement of the live action movie years ago.