The Energon Pub

Pretty happy that it’s a bit crap cos we’ll means some money saved. Think trying to shoehorn an existing character into a vehicle makes the toy designer’s job much harder. If their brief was give the hiss tank a robot mode, it would’ve turned our much better. Also not too familiar with the comic lore, it it feels odd seeing megatron being piloted by a human. If they had to pick an existing character to turn the hiss tank I’d have gone for someone like prime breakdown who already ended up as a human controlled mech…

On the plus side, the packaging is awesome.

Emerje wrote:

-Kanrabat- wrote:

Jelze Bunnycat wrote:

-Kanrabat- wrote:So far, all X-Over toys were original characters. Why not that one?

You actually wanna break that tradition?

I don't get what you mean. All the X-Over characters so far were unique and not existing characters from the regular TF universes.

That Cobra vehicle could have been someone new and fresh (as all the others) instead of a amateurish cosplaying Megatron.

If they had made an all new character there's more than a few of us that would have been extremely angry and perhaps even felt a little betrayed since the whole point of the crossover is to do it with recognizable characters. May as well create an all new Joe character while they're at it.

Excuse me? the X-over figure AREN'T established characters, despite being established vehicles within their respective franchises.

ThunderThruster wrote:Excuse me? the X-over figure AREN'T established characters, despite being established vehicles within their respective franchises.

I'm pretty sure he meant the Transformers in the Transformers VS GI Joe specifically.

The comics may have been the G1 robots VS the Joes, but for this here X-Ocer, Megs shouldn't have been locked into his G1 bot mode. Especially when Megatron had so many different bot appearances through the decades.

blackeyedprime wrote:Nah, just a $90 bot/vehicle compatible with classifieds and no classified figure included -though it could be done budget wise with as commander class jetfire was practically $45/£45 at retail on its release depending where sourced from.

Even the comic con x over sets before with vehicles painted as tfs and neat accessories compared to the dirt cheap retail versions was a thing before so Hasbros pricing has always been crazy. I think the tank they used for shockwave was something like $20 when I picked it up in toys r us in LA.

I like the compatability with the original joe figures though, reminds me of the robotech tank bot.

It's not compatible with Classified.

As an aside about how "bad" the Baroness figure looks. I don't expect everyone to be toy experts in general, but that's a straight repro of 1984 Baroness, which of all the complaints one could levy against this set would be mine. Hasbro has decided based on (allegedly) fan feedback that 10+ years of modernized Joe figures with superior articulation and aesthetic to just...make O-ring Joes again. The only thing "boggling" to me is this new overall strategy. They're saying it's for the 40th anniversary, well these are 40 year old action figures. Literally. That Baroness is 38 years old. Last year they released a modern Baroness as a Walmart exclusive for a line new retro line that supposedly 'failed', yet you coulcn't keep the things on the shelf until the final waves when they got their act together and produced (more than) enough to meet demand.

As far as Megatron being "bad", this is the first such figure of it's type and cramming a Megatron into a HISS tank is a pretty mean feat. Even if this isn't everyone's cup of tea, it's definitely mine because GI Joe is my other cup of tea. I'll definitely be getting one, and hopefully they won't take too long with the inevitable Optimus Prime and Hawk/Duke/Snake Eyes.

sol magnus wrote:As an aside about how "bad" the Baroness figure looks. I don't expect everyone to be toy experts in general, but that's a straight repro of 1984 Baroness, which of all the complaints one could levy against this set would be mine. Hasbro has decided based on (allegedly) fan feedback that 10+ years of modernized Joe figures with superior articulation and aesthetic to just...make O-ring Joes again. The only thing "boggling" to me is this new overall strategy. They're saying it's for the 40th anniversary, well these are 40 year old action figures. Literally. That Baroness is 38 years old. Last year they released a modern Baroness as a Walmart exclusive for a line new retro line that supposedly 'failed', yet you coulcn't keep the things on the shelf until the final waves when they got their act together and produced (more than) enough to meet demand.

Hasbro's Joe product strategy seems weird to me, but I think it fits with their other product lines broadly. Star Wars The Vintage Collection is their only detailed 3.75" line, while Marvel, Ghostbusters, Star Wars, and now Joe have retro designs. I'm sure from a cost perspective, the development and production expenses have to be lower for those, so the margins are better, and they can focus on their 6" scale. I'm surprised that demand is there since it's competing with ReAction, but they must feel they're unique enough because they're still licensing out to them.

Hiya Toys announced they're doing 1/18 Joes so similar toys will still be out there, but they'll be considerably more expensive.

The toy market is really weird right now with so many shared licenses, different scales, and different design philosophies.

More directly on topic, I plan to buy the Walmart Cobra Commander to go with my Megatron. I too much prefer that style of figure.

AcademyofDrX wrote:

sol magnus wrote:As an aside about how "bad" the Baroness figure looks. I don't expect everyone to be toy experts in general, but that's a straight repro of 1984 Baroness, which of all the complaints one could levy against this set would be mine. Hasbro has decided based on (allegedly) fan feedback that 10+ years of modernized Joe figures with superior articulation and aesthetic to just...make O-ring Joes again. The only thing "boggling" to me is this new overall strategy. They're saying it's for the 40th anniversary, well these are 40 year old action figures. Literally. That Baroness is 38 years old. Last year they released a modern Baroness as a Walmart exclusive for a line new retro line that supposedly 'failed', yet you coulcn't keep the things on the shelf until the final waves when they got their act together and produced (more than) enough to meet demand.

Hasbro's Joe product strategy seems weird to me, but I think it fits with their other product lines broadly. Star Wars The Vintage Collection is their only detailed 3.75" line, while Marvel, Ghostbusters, Star Wars, and now Joe have retro designs. I'm sure from a cost perspective, the development and production expenses have to be lower for those, so the margins are better, and they can focus on their 6" scale. I'm surprised that demand is there since it's competing with ReAction, but they must feel they're unique enough because they're still licensing out to them.

Last year they did NEW TOOLING Stalker, Grunt, Scarlett, Cobra Officer and Cobra Trooper. Totally new tooling. It's not 'budgets.' The previous figures in that line were repros of 2000s update Joes. And those ReAction figures blow.

Hiya Toys announced they're doing 1/18 Joes so similar toys will still be out there, but they'll be considerably more expensive.

I'm cautiously waiting for these, but I'm sure they'll do something that goes against something else, as that's the thing du jour with these licensed products.

The toy market is really weird right now with so many shared licenses, different scales, and different design philosophies.

Agreed.

More directly on topic, I plan to buy the Walmart Cobra Commander to go with my Megatron. I too much prefer that style of figure.

Already have it. LOL

This Megatron reminds me of those old Star Wars crossover figures, in all the worst ways possible. Add being super hollow on top of that, and it just looks bad. I genuinely think they could have designed a better toy than this, even with compatibility with the Joes, but as it is this just screams low-effort and over-priced.

AcademyofDrX wrote:As an aside, can we stop referring to this as a $90 figure? It's a two-pack, it's overpriced at $70, not overpriced at $90.

Emerje wrote:You were expecting a $22 figure and a Titan sized bot for $90?

That Baroness is a 3.75", not a $20-22 6" figure. Am I missing something?

The Retro Joe 2-packs on Hasbro Pulse sell for $40-$42. Divide by two, and there you go. Older figures in the Retro series were $13-$15, but the product has changed and the price is higher now. I'm not saying Baroness is worth that much, but that's how she would be priced.

I would add that size/scale/price are only indirectly related these days, but that's a whole other conversation, and I get where you're coming from.

So in light of the Core Hotrod, Seibertron article why didn't Seibertron post a picture of Megatron's epic backpack as the lead picture... Just for fairness.

Oh geez. That is pretty bad. But maybe it's necessary for the figure to go in the back? The Joe has to be able to do something with the figure in bot mode.

Gauntlet101010 wrote:Oh geez. That is pretty bad. But maybe it's necessary for the figure to go in the back? The Joe has to be able to do something with the figure in bot mode.

That said, functional cockpits on Transformers are either one piece, split between the windows and the seat or (less often) compressed as Titans Return has shown (Not counting ER Snapdragon with it split down the middle), I'm assuming so it stays in one piece in vehicle mode. Not ideal with the empty space that stays well... empty.

I did a quick-n-ruff shoop of what would make that Megatron way more interesting for me and way better looking.



Even if nothing of the vehicle is part of the bot, at least the coloring make more sense and is more consistent.

Also, dafuk with those HUGE hollow gaps in the thighs and especially the arm canon? Those looks cheap. 3P gap filler makers will have a field day with this one.

Jelze Bunnycat wrote:

Gauntlet101010 wrote:Oh geez. That is pretty bad. But maybe it's necessary for the figure to go in the back? The Joe has to be able to do something with the figure in bot mode.

That said, functional cockpits on Transformers are either one piece, split between the windows and the seat or (less often) compressed as Titans Return has shown (Not counting ER Snapdragon with it split down the middle), I'm assuming so it stays in one piece in vehicle mode. Not ideal with the empty space that stays well... empty.

I know Baroness sits there; I mean maybe that was the only way to design it while still keeping it stable.

ThunderThruster wrote:Excuse me? the X-over figure AREN'T established characters, despite being established vehicles within their respective franchises.

Context, man, I'm talking about THIS crossover. If they're going to use an established G.I.Joe character then why wouldn't they use an established Transformer figure?

Tuned Agent wrote:

Emerje wrote:You were expecting a $22 figure and a Titan sized bot for $90?

That Baroness is a 3.75", not a $20-22 6" figure. Am I missing something?

Yeah, you somehow missed the quote I was replying to. They said they were expecting him to be in scale with G.I.Joe Classified figures, that's the 6" line, hence why I said Megatron would be the size of a Titan. But as others have mentioned the 3.75" and 6" lines are both priced about the same.

Emerje

Tuned Agent wrote:This Megatron reminds me of those old Star Wars crossover figures, in all the worst ways possible. Add being super hollow on top of that, and it just looks bad. I genuinely think they could have designed a better toy than this, even with compatibility with the Joes, but as it is this just screams low-effort and over-priced.

AcademyofDrX wrote:As an aside, can we stop referring to this as a $90 figure? It's a two-pack, it's overpriced at $70, not overpriced at $90.

Emerje wrote:You were expecting a $22 figure and a Titan sized bot for $90?

That Baroness is a 3.75", not a $20-22 6" figure. Am I missing something?

Prices changed, that Baroness would retail for $20 if released individually today.

AcademyofDrX wrote:The Retro Joe 2-packs on Hasbro Pulse sell for $40-$42. Divide by two, and there you go. Older figures in the Retro series were $13-$15, but the product has changed and the price is higher now. I'm not saying Baroness is worth that much, but that's how she would be priced.

I would add that size/scale/price are only indirectly related these days, but that's a whole other conversation, and I get where you're coming from.

Emerje wrote:Yeah, you somehow missed the quote I was replying to. They said they were expecting him to be in scale with G.I.Joe Classified figures, that's the 6" line, hence why I said Megatron would be the size of a Titan. But as others have mentioned the 3.75" and 6" lines are both priced about the same.

Emerje

william-james88 wrote:Prices changed, that Baroness would retail for $20 if released individually today.

Thanks all for the clarification, I don't follow Joe and am not familiar with the different lines and price points. But I guess that just means there are two overpriced toys in this set, because there's no way that Baroness is worth $20.

Tuned Agent wrote:Thanks all for the clarification, I don't follow Joe and am not familiar with the different lines and price points. But I guess that just means there are two overpriced toys in this set, because there's no way that Baroness is worth $20.

Better than having to pay the eBay price for the vintage original.

But still, that remind me of those 42$CAN (33$US) SS86 deluxe Blurr at Canadian Toys R Us.

Siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiighhhh..................

Looks like the more I discuss how much I hate a thing, the more I say how silly and overpriced the thing is, the more I desire it.

Am I a tsundere or something?

So I preordered it at Amazon.com.

I always wanted a vintage Baroness. I still love silly-stupid Transformers and the more I look at that Megatron being some nerd in a cheap cosplay at a 'con, the more I love it. As for the price, that's about a Commander set and even with the shipping fee, I'm sure it will be way cheaper to import it from the USA than buying it at the Canadian price. Plus usually, the tax deposit get partially or fully refunded.

And no, for the price paid, I'm not going to repaint that Megs. But I'll be opening the box for sure. And when the time comes, I'll buy the usual 3D printed filler parts.

-Kanrabat- wrote:Siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiighhhh..................

Looks like the more I discuss how much I hate a thing, the more I say how silly and overpriced the thing is, the more I desire it.

Am I a tsundere or something?

So I preordered it at Amazon.com.

I always wanted a vintage Baroness. I still love silly-stupid Transformers and the more I look at that Megatron being some nerd in a cheap cosplay at a 'con, the more I love it. As for the price, that's about a Commander set and even with the shipping fee, I'm sure it will be way cheaper to import it from the USA than buying it at the Canadian price. Plus usually, the tax deposit get partially or fully refunded.

And no, for the price paid, I'm not going to repaint that Megs. But I'll be opening the box for sure. And when the time comes, I'll buy the usual 3D printed filler parts.

Wow, it appears sold out. Guess more than enough people don't mind the price.

william-james88 wrote:Wow, it appears sold out. Guess more than enough people don't mind the price.

That might have been a temporary thing or on your end, it seems like I can still order it. It's also still available from other retailers except for Pulse. I think the demand is there, but there should be plenty of pre-orders open still.

Tuned Agent wrote:

AcademyofDrX wrote:The Retro Joe 2-packs on Hasbro Pulse sell for $40-$42. Divide by two, and there you go. Older figures in the Retro series were $13-$15, but the product has changed and the price is higher now. I'm not saying Baroness is worth that much, but that's how she would be priced.

I would add that size/scale/price are only indirectly related these days, but that's a whole other conversation, and I get where you're coming from.

Emerje wrote:Yeah, you somehow missed the quote I was replying to. They said they were expecting him to be in scale with G.I.Joe Classified figures, that's the 6" line, hence why I said Megatron would be the size of a Titan. But as others have mentioned the 3.75" and 6" lines are both priced about the same.

Emerje

william-james88 wrote:Prices changed, that Baroness would retail for $20 if released individually today.

Thanks all for the clarification, I don't follow Joe and am not familiar with the different lines and price points. But I guess that just means there are two overpriced toys in this set, because there's no way that Baroness is worth $20.

All vintage/retro toys cost quite a but more than we'd like. Look at those Reaction figures. It's just the price now. Prices aren't gonna come down, it's the new normal and people have to choose to either go with it or exit.

william-james88 wrote:Wow, it appears sold out. Guess more than enough people don't mind the price.

It might not be perfect, but people have wanted a GiJoe TF since the 80s. People will get it for that reason alone. I know that's my main motivation. I love this collab line because of the combos we're getting, and that trumps the figures being somewhat compromised.

The figure would actually have to be pretty awful for me to pass or a straight up repaint. The only one I've taken a pass on is Afterlife Ectotron. Yes, even Maverick wasn't terrible enough for me to say no to.

AcademyofDrX wrote:

william-james88 wrote:Wow, it appears sold out. Guess more than enough people don't mind the price.

That might have been a temporary thing or on your end, it seems like I can still order it. It's also still available from other retailers except for Pulse. I think the demand is there, but there should be plenty of pre-orders open still.

As for now it's back to being sold out.
The release date is still for January of next year so I'm pretty sure some restock will be done sooner or later.

AcademyofDrX wrote:

william-james88 wrote:Wow, it appears sold out. Guess more than enough people don't mind the price.

That might have been a temporary thing or on your end, it seems like I can still order it. It's also still available from other retailers except for Pulse. I think the demand is there, but there should be plenty of pre-orders open still.

I was only referring to the link Kanrabat posted.

Gauntlet101010 wrote:

william-james88 wrote:Wow, it appears sold out. Guess more than enough people don't mind the price.

It might not be perfect, but people have wanted a GiJoe TF since the 80s. People will get it for that reason alone. I know that's my main motivation. I love this collab line because of the combos we're getting, and that trumps the figures being somewhat compromised.

The figure would actually have to be pretty awful for me to pass or a straight up repaint. The only one I've taken a pass on is Afterlife Ectotron. Yes, even Maverick wasn't terrible enough for me to say no to.

I thought the titanium Megatron was also a GI Joe TF. Maybe I am misinterpreting what I read.