The Energon Pub

I understand the numbers are used to project basically how many units would be needed not only to fully develop the toy, but also for it to be profitable for the business.

Unicron had a goal of 8K (it was met, not sure exactly how many were made). But when you think of past Botcon exclusives sure they were more expensive, and usually repaints or with limited retooling. But they are much rarer. Anywhere to just a few hundred, to a couple thousand.

Does anyone know what the average production amount is for a standard retail figure? I mean I'm sure they are all not the same, but lets just say for a Kingdom Deluxe... 50K units, 100K ? I would actually think it would be less than 50K, but I am just throwing numbers out, I have no idea. I the end, of course I'll be backing this Haslab, as it is exactly what I've wanted, so it's not about rarity for me, but when they say it is "limited", I know they mean it is not available at retail. But 10 years from now, I'm not saying that the average Kingdom deluxe will be worth more than Victory Saber, but I just wonder how often you will see either on the secondary market?

$179? The price of a Titan? Hell yeah! I'm in! This will be my first Haslab.

I don't know much about Victory so I'm gonna go watch some on Youtube.

upper legs in fully combined mode look short as hell. looks terrible.

AcademyofDrX wrote:

blackeyedprime wrote:His smaller robots look kinda poop. A fair few hollow parts like gun barrells and stuff which really shouldnt be on a non retail offering. Hope this can drive a g1 reisssue, think I'll just find the KFC Leo at some point.

Nice to not want to back this and nice for those that do, plus the haslabs technically doesnt waste a retail slot for a figure so another cherry on top.

This is fine as a personal choice, but I always struggle with the logic. Why are Hasbro offerings compared directly with 3P releases that are more than twice the price? I'm not saying it's wrong to not want hollow parts, but there's a significant price trade-off there.

This reasoning bothers me more when it's something like Core Class versus 3P Legends scale, but even in this case it seems like an unreasonable expectation.

I only need a Leo to add to the MP I already have which is at the size I want a star sabre to be, so spending two thirds+ the price of the haslabs for a third party Leo makes sense to me. Even at double the price of haslabs for a MP starsabre and KFC Leo it's still a beter choice than this Haslab at the mo. That's pretty good reasoning, what isn't, is that I'd probably spend near $120 on G1 reisue of Starsabre on his own.

Sabrblade wrote:

Seibertron wrote:

Sabrblade wrote:So... it is much smaller than the MP.

(Sidenote: Why do we have three different threads for this news?)

We don't. There's only one. The ongoing discussion about Hasbro's Fan First Fridays should be a separate topic and as things are revealed, they should be split off into their appropriate topics (such as Studio Series, War for Cybertron, Generations Selects, Masterpiece, etc). Unicron had his own topic, so all of the updates about Victory Saber should have it's own topic as well).

There's the original HasLab Victory announcement thread that's still separate.

It'll have to stay separate because it's tangled with the Pulse Con exclusive Kingdom Ravage set. Not worth the time to separate it. Sometimes things like that are going to happen. This should be the primary topic for Victory Saber going forward now.

blackeyedprime wrote:I only need a Leo to add to the MP I already have which is at the size I want a star sabre to be.

They actually made a 3P toy that combines with an official TT product? I mean, I know there was a 3P Motormaster that was CW compatible, but I would think that would be grounds for a C&D from TT.

Could depend on when it came out, if it had been a few years after TT made their initial money from mp ss, then they may have just let it slide.

Honestly, I am underwhelmed and disappointed.

Star Saber had many other iterations like Robot Masters and the Nissan GTR version.
Not only the 1989 version and the MP. I am proud to say I have them all. So I will be a sucker for this. Which makes me more disappointed

1) I hope they make some changes to cover up the hollow parts.
Look at the underside of Victory Leo’s cannons. Being a HASLAB project, they can just increase the price and make it solid. No excuse being environmentally friendly by using less plastic. I would rather stretch goals be filling up the gaps than blast effects.
And the port holes on Star Saber in jet mode. If they are screw holes, I hope they are covered with decals like the original 1989 release. If they are weapon ports, they are not needed. It spoils Star Saber’s look. If they exist to cut costs, please don’t!

2) Victory Leo’s lion face looks squashed. I hope it is just because it is a digital render. The original Victory Leo’s head stuck out of the back in Victory Saber combined mode. But that is not an excuse to squash the forehead of the lion. Don’t compromise the look of the lion face so that the backside which no one appreciates, has kibble. I would rather a beautiful lion head end up as back kibble because it will be hidden from view by the large wings!

3) I get that they are going for the proportions of the 1989 toy, but being HASLAB, they could have well given us an all new MP Victory Saber and charge the price of Unicron. MP Star Saber wasn’t designed to be combined with a 3rd party Victory Leo (balance and stress problems to the MP as it was not meant to hold the weight of a 3rd party Victory Leo). If they are going for the 1989 look, please include the 1989 gimmicks like the Brainmaster gimmick and storage for the blade of his sword on his back (that is where it should be hollow!).

I hope HASLAB people see this and make the appropriate improvements.

They kept the brain master gimmick

o.supreme wrote:

blackeyedprime wrote:I only need a Leo to add to the MP I already have which is at the size I want a star sabre to be.

They actually made a 3P toy that combines with an official TT product? I mean, I know there was a 3P Motormaster that was CW compatible, but I would think that would be grounds for a C&D from TT.

Yup. KFC did a Victory Leo, in a couple of variants. Even released replacement joints for the MP Starsaber, since his were kinda weak and get loose very quickly, and to make him more sturdy when combined with Leo. Can't say how good it is or isn't, as I never got it. Kept thinking the official MP had to be just around the corner. Honestly, the fact that TT never released the MP Leo kind of makes mw wonder about the over all popularity of the character, and whether or not that will play a factor in how well this set does.

I still wish this wasn't a crowdfunded piece, but I am down for it. Starsaber has always been my favorite Japanese TF character. Even if he did steal his gimmick from Machine Robo (Baikanfu~) I've seen someone post that they hope this drums up a chance at a G1 reissue. I am all in for that, the g1 toy is one of my grails.

One of the most desired character ever.
Many wished for a 2 pack of Star Saber and Victory Leo as the next "titan".

Is the price of a titan.

It would be pure MADNESS for me to not back this up.

o.supreme wrote:

blackeyedprime wrote:I only need a Leo to add to the MP I already have which is at the size I want a star sabre to be.

They actually made a 3P toy that combines with an official TT product? I mean, I know there was a 3P Motormaster that was CW compatible, but I would think that would be grounds for a C&D from TT.

Yup, they also did some posable hands for starsabre too. I was hoping for an official one but all this time later and with Hasbros inability to remember starsabre toys is contagious and Takara just forgot to do it back then

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwV8SOs0lLQ

This is fantastic. Hope they get enough backers to make it a reality.

optimeow wrote:3) I get that they are going for the proportions of the 1989 toy, but being HASLAB, they could have well given us an all new MP Victory Saber and charge the price of Unicron.

A couple thoughts on this. 1) what would be the point of doing an MP in Haslab, that is what the MP line is for. And 2) Um, no way in hell that would make enough backers at that price. Unicron barely made it and is a much more known/sought after figure. Hasbro apparently learned their lesson.

I'm guessing there is a much bigger market from casual fans who don't currently have an option for an affordable Starsabre at under $200 than there are die-hard Starsaber fans that would support an MP at $600.

o.supreme wrote:

blackeyedprime wrote:I only need a Leo to add to the MP I already have which is at the size I want a star sabre to be.

They actually made a 3P toy that combines with an official TT product? I mean, I know there was a 3P Motormaster that was CW compatible, but I would think that would be grounds for a C&D from TT.

That not unheard of.

There's plenty of 3P figures and armor sets that are compatible with Power Cor Combiners, Classic Optimus Prime, deluxe Lazer Optimus, and so much more. Not counting that most WFC and SS toys have their upgrade kits.

So, a 3P torso compatible with CW limbs would not only be "legal" but highly desirable.

TF-fan kev777 wrote:

optimeow wrote:3) I get that they are going for the proportions of the 1989 toy, but being HASLAB, they could have well given us an all new MP Victory Saber and charge the price of Unicron.

A couple thoughts on this. 1) what would be the point of doing an MP in Haslab, that is what the MP line is for. And 2) Um, no way in hell that would make enough backers at that price. Unicron barely made it and is a much more known/sought after figure. Hasbro apparently learned their lesson.

I'm guessing there is a much bigger market from casual fans who don't currently have an option for an affordable Starsabre at under $200 than there are die-hard Starsaber fans that would support an MP at $600.

Because it was absolutely impossible to get G1 Victory Saber under 1000$, I gave up and bought the Robo Masters set that was still expensive and tiny. This HASLAB will not only bring a Victory Saber at the reasonable price of a Titan, it's also Generations scaled! For me, this is perfect.

As for "waaaaah, hollow spaces", it's a standard for Generations figures and that's what 3P upgrade kits are for.

So for anyone wondering how large Starsabre and Victory Sabre are gong to be, I think Victory Saber will end up being a little taller than Siege Jetfire with Starsabre being a little shorter than Jetfire.

The reveal team actually did us some favors by using hound for comparison and mentioning he would walk into Starsabre's hand.

Here is Hot Shot next to Jetfire for the same comparison. Doesn't make it up to Jetfire's hand, so Starsabre will be smaller by about an inch. The Victory Leo platform shoes should add about 1.5 to 2 inches, which in turn should make him a little taller than Jetfire.

Saber looks so squat and chonky. Is that right? I hope the jet mode is okay, I really want to dogfight him with some Seekers.

Leo does too, tbh but I can live with that on him

This will be funded as soon as I get to my wallet though. Three unique, big, and well sculpted figures for Titan Prices (169.99) isnt that unreasonable

-Kanrabat- wrote:

TF-fan kev777 wrote:

optimeow wrote:3) I get that they are going for the proportions of the 1989 toy, but being HASLAB, they could have well given us an all new MP Victory Saber and charge the price of Unicron.

A couple thoughts on this. 1) what would be the point of doing an MP in Haslab, that is what the MP line is for. And 2) Um, no way in hell that would make enough backers at that price. Unicron barely made it and is a much more known/sought after figure. Hasbro apparently learned their lesson.

I'm guessing there is a much bigger market from casual fans who don't currently have an option for an affordable Starsabre at under $200 than there are die-hard Starsaber fans that would support an MP at $600.

Because it was absolutely impossible to get G1 Victory Saber under 1000$, I gave up and bought the Robo Masters set that was still expensive and tiny. This HASLAB will not only bring a Victory Saber at the reasonable price of a Titan, it's also Generations scaled! For me, this is perfect.

As for "waaaaah, hollow spaces", it's a standard for Generations figures and that's what 3P upgrade kits are for.

Same here. I've actually had the RM victory leo set since it came out thinking it was going to be the only starsaber I would ever get, but some of their connection points and joints started cracking. I do have a quite garish but decent quality ko of the g1 star saber in odd colors. So yes, this set was always going to be a must get for me. Still wish it was main line and not crowdfunded. I am worried that the 11k mark might be too high a bar. but its already hit 2500, so maybe not

Immortal Starscream wrote:I am worried that the 11k mark might be too high a bar. but its already hit 2500, so maybe not

I bet that some "scalpers" will go for the full five. Maybe even with several accounts.

As long that they hold their end of the bargain and pay Hasbro when it's time, I don't care how much they will resell them on the aftermarket. For once, "scalpers" will be allies. This could also backfire on them because if too much go on Ebay all at one, it will drive the price down to normal retail and a clear loss of money for the resellers.

Backer #428. I’m all for this project, been pining for a Generations Star Saber for years. Wonder what the other two stretch goal unlocks will be though…

The price isn't too bad. I'm considering this one, even though I'm not too enthused about the character.

-Kanrabat- wrote:One of the most desired character ever.
Many wished for a 2 pack of Star Saber and Victory Leo as the next "titan".

Is the price of a titan.

It would be pure MADNESS for me to not back this up.

We'll back it up together and save in shipping again.
While I anticipated a really rough price, this is below my limit so it works and the size is good.

Mindmaster wrote:Backer #428. I’m all for this project, been pining for a Generations Star Saber for years. Wonder what the other two stretch goal unlocks will be though…

Is there somewhere that tells you what backer number you are? Or, is that just what number it was at right after you backed? If it is the latter, then I think I was 425.

Edit: also, damn, 3100 already, nice!

TF-fan kev777 wrote:

Mindmaster wrote:Backer #428. I’m all for this project, been pining for a Generations Star Saber for years. Wonder what the other two stretch goal unlocks will be though…

Is there somewhere that tells you what backer number you are? Or, is that just what number it was at right after you backed? If it is the latter, then I think I was 425.

Edit: also, damn, 3100 already, nice!

It's the number you see right after you back