The Energon Pub

Show me no more...I'm sold! Pleeeease make it faster...and green and purple!

Oh boy... I've been going over all my pros and cons for each set of 3rd party Constructicons and I'm fairly certain my brain actually stalled for a second or two. There's too many and they all perfectly balance out! I think some people are expecting WAY too much from these companies:

-- complex appendages (i.e. big hands) fully integrated with the figures;
-- small and discrete connector ports that are strong enough to hold
these behemoths together;
-- slim and slender robot modes that still manage to transform into sturdy
gestalt limbs;
-- and seemingly zero kibble.

Even with all the minor cosmetic design features (Herc's visor, Giant's yellow and paint apps, Neck Breaker's hideous black chest) both sets are distinct homages to Classics Devastator. We're within months of FINALLY having complete Classics Devastators here people! I'm halfway through Hercules and I don't regret my decision to be an early adopter in the slightest. Just as those who have been holding out for Giant shouldn't (so long as there are no CATASTROPHIC quality issues). As far as designs go I'd be very happy with either.

Sodan-1 wrote:Oh boy... I've been going over all my pros and cons for each set of 3rd party Constructicons and I'm fairly certain my brain actually stalled for a second or two. There's too many and they all perfectly balance out! I think some people are expecting WAY too much from these companies:

-- complex appendages (i.e. big hands) fully integrated with the figures;
-- small and discrete connector ports that are strong enough to hold
these behemoths together;
-- slim and slender robot modes that still manage to transform into sturdy
gestalt limbs;
-- and seemingly zero kibble.

Even with all the minor cosmetic design features (Herc's visor, Giant's yellow and paint apps, Neck Breaker's hideous black chest) both sets are distinct homages to Classics Devastator. We're within months of FINALLY having complete Classics Devastators here people! I'm halfway through Hercules and I don't regret my decision to be an early adopter in the slightest. Just as those who have been holding out for Giant shouldn't (so long as there are no CATASTROPHIC quality issues). As far as designs go I'd be very happy with either.

Yep, agree completely. Choices are great, especially when it's kick-ass Devastators like these.

Okay Sodan, I concede, I'm back on board with Giant. If they can somehow get these to $110-$120, I'll consider the double dip. Otherwise, I'll just cross my fingers for a $300 boxset. But, real talk ... those are some hollow ass bots for $150 per 2 pack.

El Duque wrote:Some new in-hand images of MakeToys upcoming Giant components, Excavator and Bulldozer, have surfaced on ACToys. These two will comprise the first Giant two-pack that is scheduled to release sometime in January. Unfortunately these images, which we've mirrored below, only display the pair in their vehicle modes. Of note, the stickers have changed since the last time we saw these two. The "Excavator" and "Bulldozer" stickers have now changed to "MTC Co.".



Update: Added robot mode images.

These giant constructicons looks awesome. I like the deluxe size scale & the generation one 1985 constructicons designs.

I'm not too fond of the yellow & black color scheme. the yellow & black colors on these molds remind me of the awfully colored walmart store exclusives Rid yellow & black landfill toys.

I'll wait for the generation one 1985 constructicon colors to be applied to these giant constructicon toy molds.

I didn't think so many would dislike these guys. I think they look great in vehicle mode and pretty good in robot mode.

It almost looks like there's a division just like in boxing: you're either a Pacquiao fan or your a Mayweather fan. In this case, Hercules or Giant (though some admit to wanting both).

I do like how Hercules look, but asides from sheer bulk, the individual toys aren't as nice as what Maketoys are offering: not so realistic vehicle modes, chunky and boxy robot modes. Just look at the cab on mad blender, even the cab on the original Mixmaster looks better.

A comment I read mentioned that these are pretty hollow toys for a (estimated) 150$ price tag. I agree that they are expensive, however, the TFC toys are also expensive just like any 3rd party product. I'd love to buy these guys for 10-15$ each, but you can't use the expensive argument to backup your preference of the TFC version, since both versions are expensive.

Whats crackin, casual collector. Its okay to address me directly.

My "hollow bots" statement was the shock of that picture from a high angle; it almost looked unfinished. Sure, I'm willing to go $10 above a fansproject causality piece because it's an upgrade from scout to deluxe (and judging by altmode comparison pictures with hercules, holds its own against a small voyager). $150 is teetering on the edge of my purchase decision though (after all, I really just want the G1 homage to combat FansProject's Colossus). I guess I'm making a big deal out of $150 to $120 because that's a difference of $90 to me. Since I'm in it for G1 Giant anyway, Im looking at $720 - $900 dollars on one mold. That $90 becomes a huge factor in either paying $700 for two complete sets of Giant that I might regret spending vs $360 - $450 on a figure I can keep in combined mode and be content with spending (not to mention have a kick ass box to keep in its background - assuming they give the box the same kind of care Battle Tanker received)... Really was hoping for a little more in the individual bot modes, at least at first glance.

If MakeToys wants to sell this at $150 to me, I gotta kick the tires and see whats under the hood - in other words: show me these 2 pack extras that have been hinted, or let encline make a video of the finished product. Don't be like TFC, just show your cards already - full combined mode with the finalized head reveal - dramatic pose showing articulation - who cares if TFC copies you - Giant has the scale that I want anyway.

Court Jester wrote:who cares if TFC copies you - Giant has the scale that I want anyway.

What would TFC copy? They're already developed and being manufactured...poopy black blade/chest and all.

Kibble wrote:

Court Jester wrote:who cares if TFC copies you - Giant has the scale that I want anyway.

What would TFC copy? They're already developed and being manufactured...poopy black blade/chest and all.

the marketing aspect that Court was talking about?

I was going more for the visor gimmick tfc tacked on to to herc a little time after enclines video comments on what MT had to do improve the combined mode head... but you know, that's purely speculation.

it would surely be wrong if a company who's already using the likeness of a character trademarked by another company were to incorporate a 3rd companies ideas on how to portray the IP-holder's character

Giant just went into the no pile based on these images:







They look cheap, hollow and not worth the cash they will cost. Hercules bots are big, beefy and solid. Everything a construction based Transformer should be. If these go in the bargin section of TFSource or similar for $20 per set, I may get them but I'm not holding my breath on that one.

Court Jester wrote:Whats crackin, casual collector. Its okay to address me directly.

My "hollow bots" statement was the shock of that picture from a high angle; it almost looked unfinished. Sure, I'm willing to go $10 above a fansproject causality piece because it's an upgrade from scout to deluxe (and judging by altmode comparison pictures with hercules, holds its own against a small voyager). $150 is teetering on the edge of my purchase decision though (after all, I really just want the G1 homage to combat FansProject's Colossus). I guess I'm making a big deal out of $150 to $120 because that's a difference of $90 to me. Since I'm in it for G1 Giant anyway, Im looking at $720 - $900 dollars on one mold. That $90 becomes a huge factor in either paying $700 for two complete sets of Giant that I might regret spending vs $360 - $450 on a figure I can keep in combined mode and be content with spending (not to mention have a kick ass box to keep in its background - assuming they give the box the same kind of care Battle Tanker received)... Really was hoping for a little more in the individual bot modes, at least at first glance.

If MakeToys wants to sell this at $150 to me, I gotta kick the tires and see whats under the hood - in other words: show me these 2 pack extras that have been hinted, or let encline make a video of the finished product. Don't be like TFC, just show your cards already - full combined mode with the finalized head reveal - dramatic pose showing articulation - who cares if TFC copies you - Giant has the scale that I want anyway.

Hey Court Jester,

I totally understand that $ is an issue. To be honest as much as I'd like to buy more Transformers toys, the adult with limited funds part of me usually just waits till my desire to possess these toys subsides. Example: when I 1st saw pics of SFX Scouting Force X, I felt like I needed those toys or my life would be hollow . I still didn't buy them and I can live with it.

If I had more funds, I'd just get both Hercules and Giant. Since I'm on a budget, I'm gonna wait till Giant is finished to see which set looks better overall. Right now, I feel like Giant looks better and that's why I'm defending it.

I see. In a way, I'm in the same boat. I loved the aesthetic of Giant the moment they teased proto grays. I was even considering doubling up on the set. Respecting your position to defend Giant against undeserved criticism, I must also respect the efforts of the sculptor(s). In this sense, I can see where you're coming from.

Scouting Force X is really a fantastic set though, I highly recommend it once it goes on sale. Purely based on the Reflector set, I'm willing to save up for Perfect Effect's Arcee homage for an instant sale upon release - my way of supporting their artists; a pat on the back for a job well done.