The Energon Pub

I feel the need to repeat there are spoilers so please don't read if you don't want any.

As I watched DOTM, I found myself automatically referencing and cataloging the toyline. Here are some observations and thoughts (in alphabetical order after the leaders)

Megatron
The way this guy just rolled up onscreen, he screamed IMPRESSIVE BAD ASS. Which makes me really, REALLY want a Leader Megatron. There just MUST be a way to make his cool Voyager mode even cooler in a Leader version... so much to exploit and expand on in a larger scale! Of course, there may be some size issues if the Leader size Megatron comprised both cab and trailer and Optimus Prime was just cab, but I think I'd forgive that!

Optimus Prime
Sadly, we didn't see the Ultimate Prime mode realised in the film. I'd already decided that he was a piece of junk when I saw the reviews, and now I can sleep knowing my money is safe for other figures. At least with ROTF, the combined OP/Jetfire mode has some link to the movie.

Although, remember how some of us would have been a LOT happier if they hadn't tried a Cybertron toyline combination, been too clever, and instead gave us a Leader Jetfire with detachable parts that would simply fit onto Prime, for a much cooler, more poseable, movie accurate look?

I feel exactly the same way about Ultimate Prime and his trailer. One of the early battles shows Prime's trailer transform into a really cool battle/ weapons station. I wish that this was exactly ALL the trailer did.

And I'd rather have a new Leader Optimus Prime that was just a leader, but with the updated look, with all the weapons. Not to mention stand toe-to-toe with a Leader Megatron!

Instead of trying to force things and come up with a mode that looks just... well... FORCED, the trailer could have just did what it did in the movie. I won't say more... that you have to watch for yourselves!


Barricade
He's actually in the movie, although with a different paint scheme. I don't know if he's meant to be the same character. We've seen lots of drones use the same mode. But definitely a police car, although without any significant parts, and ultimately, fodder for the Autobots.


Dreads
I was pleased with their portrayal. In fact since they transform to more or less the same bot mode, I don't think it's be too upsetting if I bought another one or two in search of that elusive middle finger. Oh, slight consolation for myself: He doesn't actually give the finger in the movie, so I don't feel much loss now


Human Alliance Leadfoot
Remember how we were wondering about that fat beer gut, which turned off many forthe Human Alliancefigures? Now that it's confirmed to actually be quite movie accurate, who'll consider buying it? For those cursing Michael Bay for making Steeljaw a dog and not a lion, he's not in the movie. Unless his part was cut out, I think Bay Blameless for this.


Leader Ironhide
I now understand why the slight change in weapons. I really missed his old cannons and wasn't going to buy him because of this. Now that I've seen the movie, I will probably forgive that (and the big feet and simple transformation) and get him after all.

Although, now that I've seen the movie, I wonder... why make a Leader Ironhide and a new Voyager - TWO new molds at all? You'll see what I mean.


Q and Dino
Have we seen all the expected releases for DOTM toys yet? Or is it mainly repaints after wave 2/3?
Because after watching DOTM I have to think there are toys just BEGGING to be made! Especially after seeing Dino in action, man I HAVE GOTTA GET THIS ONE! Ferrari, gymnastic/ Parkour like style has unique just like Sideswipe's skating, and they make a great pair! And I love his weapons! I don't like the name though

I'm not too keen on Q. If only they'd made him Wheeljack, maybe I'd buy him.


Shineless Sideswipe
Remember how when Devastator came out, and people were pissed his component parts didn't change into individual Constructicons? And when ROTF came out, some people were a bit more forgiving? Well, we've complained for weeks about Sideswipe's crappy colour. I can say that in DOTM, he's no longer the same high shine finish in ROTF, but white. Still... shiny white, meaning that the paintjob was still a lousy excuse for me. I won't be buying until a silver version comes out.


Shockwave
Doesn't transform to anything in the movie. In fact his role was so drone-like I regret buying him now. Nice figure, but certainly one I would have bought at discounted prices.


Silverbolt
Sadly, not in the movie. Really wanted to see James Avery again.


Skyhammer
Not in movie. Woulda been nice to see the Autobots get some air support for once.

Twins
Not in the movie, probably to the jubilation of many. I for one miss them.


Wreckers
How many people buy not on the merit of a toy itself, but whether or not the toy figure played a significant role in the movie? With all the talk about Rednecks and Nascar (and not having read the novel and knowing what to expect), I had expected some Nascar connection, e.g. a scene at a race track. I was also expecting some characterization. Interestingly enough, nothing much. They didn't play that significant a role at all!

Bonecrusher27 wrote:Optimus Prime
Sadly, we didn't see the Ultimate Prime mode realised in the film. I'd already decided that he was a piece of junk when I saw the reviews, and now I can sleep knowing my money is safe for other figures. At least with ROTF, the combined OP/Jetfire mode has some link to the movie.

It was his trailer. Optimus specifically said "I lost my trailer. I need that flight suit". While it transformed offscreen, I think its safe to assume that the trailer was the jetpack.

Bonecrusher27 wrote:I feel exactly the same way about Ultimate Prime and his trailer. One of the early battles shows Prime's trailer transform into a really cool battle/ weapons station. I wish that this was exactly ALL the trailer did.

I do admit that an Optimus with the Weapons trailer that could hold his swords and axe and shield would be awesome.

Bonecrusher27 wrote:Barricade
He's actually in the movie, although with a different paint scheme. I don't know if he's meant to be the same character. We've seen lots of drones use the same mode. But definitely a police car, although without any significant parts, and ultimately, fodder for the Autobots.

Barricade looked exactly the same as he did in the first movie as far as I could tell and he already has a DOTM toy.

Bonecrusher27 wrote:Dreads
I was pleased with their portrayal. In fact since they transform to more or less the same bot mode, I don't think it's be too upsetting if I bought another one or two in search of that elusive middle finger. Oh, slight consolation for myself: He doesn't actually give the finger in the movie, so I don't feel much loss now

Hatchet was a cat and Crowbar lacked the huge scissor things on his shoulders and had a different head. I'd like to see a Hatchet and Crowbar deluxe that keeps the film's alt-mode.

Bonecrusher27 wrote:Shineless Sideswipe
Remember how when Devastator came out, and people were pissed his component parts didn't change into individual Constructicons? And when ROTF came out, some people were a bit more forgiving? Well, we've complained for weeks about Sideswipe's crappy colour. I can say that in DOTM, he's no longer the same high shine finish in ROTF, but white. Still... shiny white, meaning that the paintjob was still a lousy excuse for me. I won't be buying until a silver version comes out.

Sideswipe's the same colour as in ROTF as far as I could tell. He's definitely silver, not white.

Bonecrusher27 wrote:Shockwave
Doesn't transform to anything in the movie. In fact his role was so drone-like I regret buying him now. Nice figure, but certainly one I would have bought at discounted prices.

Drone-like's a bit harsh. He was clearly a commander in the army and he owned the Driller and took on all nine Autobots at once.

Bonecrusher27 wrote:Wreckers
How many people buy not on the merit of a toy itself, but whether or not the toy figure played a significant role in the movie? With all the talk about Rednecks and Nascar (and not having read the novel and knowing what to expect), I had expected some Nascar connection, e.g. a scene at a race track. I was also expecting some characterization. Interestingly enough, nothing much. They didn't play that significant a role at all!

All I want is a full set of weaponized Wreckers. They NEVER put their weapons away in the film.

Starscream GaGa wrote:

Bonecrusher27 wrote:Optimus Prime
Sadly, we didn't see the Ultimate Prime mode realised in the film.

It was his trailer. Optimus specifically said "I lost my trailer. I need that flight suit". While it transformed offscreen, I think its safe to assume that the trailer was the jetpack.

In the movie, doesn't he just put it on as in, just having the jet pack attached? Certainly it doesn't look like the whole blessed trailer on him. What I meant by Ultimate mode was that toy mode where you see him combine into an even bigger OP in the toy (with the same sized head )

Hmmm... you did actually manage to memorize lines from the movie after just one sitting? Hats off.

Starscream GaGa wrote:Barricade looked exactly the same as he did in the first movie as far as I could tell and he already has a DOTM toy...Sideswipe's the same colour as in ROTF as far as I could tell. He's definitely silver, not white.

I know Barricade has a toy out already. I'm saying there are some people who won't buy a figure that isn't in the movie. Colour-wise I'll take a closer look at him and Sideswipe again this afternoon. I'm pretty sure the earlier scenes has Sideswipe nearer white than silver.

Starscream GaGa wrote:Hatchet was a cat and Crowbar lacked the huge scissor things on his shoulders and had a different head. I'd like to see a Hatchet and Crowbar deluxe that keeps the film's alt-mode.

Yes, me too, although I think my dreams for Hatchet won't come to pass. Besides these though were there not other Dreads as well, in the building scene, as well as one on the emerge-from-the-sand scene?

Starscream GaGa wrote:Drone-like's a bit harsh. He was clearly a commander in the army and he owned the Driller and took on all nine Autobots at once.

Yes he was. But by drone I meant he had no characterization whatsoever. In the set up scene when Prime recognises him I was prepared for more. Instead he might just be another warrior fighting it out.

Starscream GaGa wrote:All I want is a full set of weaponized Wreckers. They NEVER put their weapons away in the film.

You'll have no complaints about HA Roadbuster then Just wait for HA Topspin and you're good to go!

Bonecrusher27 wrote:Barricade
He's actually in the movie, although with a different paint scheme. I don't know if he's meant to be the same character. We've seen lots of drones use the same mode. But definitely a police car, although without any significant parts, and ultimately, fodder for the Autobots.

Shockwave
Doesn't transform to anything in the movie. In fact his role was so drone-like I regret buying him now. Nice figure, but certainly one I would have bought at discounted prices.

For a character who I thought had been forgotten, I'm very pleased with Barricade's treatment in DOTM. His little moment with Bumblebee confirms it for me, and it was cool seeing him boss around the nameless 'Cons. He had more screen-time then a lot of the other characters.

Shockwave is worthy of his figure as well, I reckon. He certainly does not live up to the hype provided by all the promo stuff, but I thought his role in the movie was kinda cool. It's clear all the Autobots (even Prime) feared or at least respected him. He shrugs off an attack from all three Wreckers, is consistently seen as a threat by all Autobot and human characters, and is the only character in the whole movie besides Sentinel to cause him any kind of harm to Optimus. It also takes an entire assault from several groups of humans to injure him, and even THEN Prime has to come in to actually kill him (once he's been blinded). I might be wrong, but he is the only Decepticon to survive an attack of any kind (he gets through several different scuffles before finally getting killed). All the others die immediately once directly attacked by humans/Autobots.

Cheesinator wrote:It's clear all the Autobots (even Prime) feared or at least respected him. He shrugs off an attack from all three Wreckers, is consistently seen as a threat by all Autobot and human characters, and is the only character in the whole movie besides Sentinel to cause him any kind of harm to Optimus. It also takes an entire assault from several groups of humans to injure him, and even THEN Prime has to come in to actually kill him (once he's been blinded).

For sure. I just wished someone had given him a sort of back story, or even have him say a few words.

Anyway, I think we should leave off discussing the movie on this thread. My main reason for starting it was as it relates to the toys in the DOTM line. Cheers!

Ah fair enough.

On that note, I seriously hope they make a Leader Megatron. The voyager is nice, but it doesn't really look anything like Megatron in DOTM (at least, not without extensive repainting). It's too scrawny and light-coloured. Most of the other major characters seem to be represented well.

As you said, I'm surprised there's no info on a Mirage toy. The way he's always around (but actually does very little) really suggests Hasbro is pushing to promote a figure.

[quote="Bonecrusher27"]I feel the need to repeat there are spoilers so please don't read if you don't want any.

As I watched DOTM, I found myself automatically referencing and cataloging the toyline. Here are some observations and thoughts (in alphabetical order after the leaders)

Megatron and Shockwave
I too felt the desperate need for a leader toy. Shockwave need not have a leader toy as he didn't transform.

Optimus Prime
The trailer is transport for weapons. In his first scene we see him take weapons from the open trailer. The flight pack is black, the trailer is silver. It appears to me that the flight pack was stored in the trailer.

Barricade
I was glad to see him back but disappointed he didn't have a grudge match with Bee. Soundwave made some comment about it being a long time coming as he was about to execute Bee which suggest a history that was totally left out of the story. I think Barricade should have been wanting to execute him.

Dreads
Crankshaft's scissor things are way to big on the toy.

Human Alliance Leadfoot
The toys look awful but the on-screen character looks worse! His belly was actually flopping around his knees! I don't see myself buying any version of this guy unless it's on discount.

Q
Why the stupid bald old man head? So stupid.

Twins and Jolt
I wanted an explanation as to their disappearance. It made no sense.

Wreckers
There are three things I find odd about the Wreckers:
1) The lack of race circuit,
2) Making toys with clean car modes when they appear armed THE WHOLE TIME,
3) The redneck references in the mold but giving one a Scottish accent and another a northern English accent. The latter didn't talk enough for me to identify the origin.

Okay, after round 2...

Starscream GaGa wrote:
Barricade looked exactly the same as he did in the first movie as far as I could tell and he already has a DOTM toy.

Yes confirmed. I don't know what I was looking at. Was there maybe another police car? Who knows. That being said, given Stuntedcon (sic) look of the DOTM toy, I'm passing on this figure.

Starscream GaGa wrote:Hatchet was a cat and Crowbar lacked the huge scissor things on his shoulders and had a different head. I'd like to see a Hatchet and Crowbar deluxe that keeps the film's alt-mode.

I definitely am wanting Hatchet if they ever do him! Would be incredibly cool to have three of the same alt modes transform into different creatures.

That said, there definitely were a LOT of Dreads. Three on the highway, two or three in the building, two emerging on the moon, and more or less having the same look except for Hatchet. It's almost like they are the special forces or something... very nice and I've always liked the black look. I think I'll buy another one or two of him to create my own 'Deception Specwar soldier'.

Starscream GaGa wrote:Sideswipe's the same colour as in ROTF as far as I could tell. He's definitely silver, not white.

I think I see him looking silver now but still don't feel it's the same paintjob as ROTF. In any case, there were certainly at least two parts he looked whitish to me. First on returning from the first mission, and second right after the scene where the Director states her intent to confiscate the pillars.
But now I'm wondering if I should just buy the colourless DOTM one and add some sort of shine to him.

Starscream GaGa wrote:Drone-like's a bit harsh. He was clearly a commander in the army and he owned the Driller and took on all nine Autobots at once.

I agree. Having less sensory overload than watching it the first time, I have to change my opinion. He certainly did a lot more, although I do wish he'd been given some lines or backstory. As far as a non-TF fan goes, he's just another soldier.

Starscream GaGa wrote:They NEVER put their weapons away in the film.

I hadn't noticed that! Now I'm definitely going to be getting HA Roadbuster, and am starting to hope that HA Topspin will be the same.