The Energon Pub

The US will finally be getting it's first toy of Transformers Generation1 Victory Saber and Dessaras as Robot Heroes! TFW have posted upcoming pictures of this set as well as pictures of Optimus Primal vs Jetstorm.

Check out the pictures here:
Victory Saber vs. Dessaras
http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-new ... ntid=11935

Optimus Primal vs. Jetstorm
http://www.tfw2005.com/resources/attach ... entid=8306

I'm HALF tempted to buy that Jetstorm for the priceless expression. Of course if I've resisted buying Robot Masters for this long, I probably always will.

JazZeke wrote:I'm HALF tempted to buy that Jetstorm for the priceless expression. Of course if I've resisted buying Robot Masters for this long, I probably always will.

You mean Robot HEROES.
But yeah, I agree that Jetstorm's expression is priceless. He was always one of my favorite characters from Beast Machines.
I don't really like Dessaras being the official name. Well, at least it's official.

Cool. Maybe we'll start getting some more of the Victory characters in the other lines, as well as the comics. Would be even nicer if Hasbro decided to finally release the show over here, either on DVD or something like Toonami.

OMG! DESZARAS!...


...as a fricking Robot Hero.

This is a severe rickrolling by Hasbro of the most unfunny and disappointing nature.

Victory Saber versus Dessaras is so weird for the RH line. I don't get it.

So Hasbro goes out of its way to produce obscure products like this but it can't give deluxe figs like the upcoming Hound release a more accurate paint job? Very strange indeed!

DevastaTTor wrote:Victory Saber versus Dessaras is so weird for the RH line. I don't get it.

So Hasbro goes out of its way to produce obscure products like this but it can't give deluxe figs like the upcoming Hound release a more accurate paint job? Very strange indeed!

I agree. Here we are at the end of Classics 2.0 and we still don't have Jazz, Trailbreaker, Hoist, Rumble, Shockwave.....

I look at the GI Joe 25th anniversary line and they have hit all the high points. Sure, not every figure was redone, but any that featured prominently in anime or comic media got at least one figure.

I know I'm equating apples to oranges in regards to the amount of complexity per figure (as well as the amount of part reuse), but the point is, before spending time on stuff that only a small minority of people even recognize, cover all the required bases.

I'm still holding out hope that a Classics 3.0 will follow ROTF. Maybe we'll get some of the guys I mentioned above? I can only hope.

C'mon guys ... really? You're going to bitch about them doing Dessaras and Victory Saber as Robot Heroes? Man, I was uber-geeked when I saw them as official products. And hearing rumors that Dai Atlas is going to be featured in Animated possibly? WOW! It's about time the Japanese exclusive characters got some love.

Since the UK and Australia have both received the entire run of Japanese exclusive G1 cartoons, I think the US is the only place left where these characters might possibly be an obscurity but to people like me who have been familiar with these characters for the past 13 years, has seen all of the Japanese episodes, stared at page after page from the Japanese manga and owns these characters ... they're definitely NOT an obscurity.

We should be thanking Hasbro for giving us these, not bitching all the time like so many fans do. I'd just love to see everyone be happy for once instead of bitching, bitching, bitching. It really disappoints me how negative people can be. Whatever happened to the glass is half full attitude folks?

Robot Heroes is it's own line ... I imagine that we'll get these characters at some point in a primary US line. It's only a matter of time.

JazZeke wrote:I'm HALF tempted to buy that Jetstorm for the priceless expression. Of course if I've resisted buying Robot Masters for this long, I probably always will.

That expression is priceless...with the cloud underneath him you'd think he just ripped a giant stinky fart...and the expression backs it up!

WHAT!!? "Dessaras"? Isn't it supposed to be "Deathsaurus"?

Sabrblade wrote:WHAT!!? "Dessaras"? Isn't it supposed to be "Deathsaurus"?

It's actually "Deszaras", I believe. I was really happy to see the US spelling be closer to his Japanese name than the bastardized (IMO) "Deathsaurus", which has always driven me nuts. Kudos to Hasbro for figuring out a spelling that would make his name sound correct instead of "Deathsaurus" ... plus I imagine Hasbro wouldn't really want "Death" in the name of a Transformer now. Doesn't sound very PC.

Seibertron wrote:C'mon guys ... really? You're going to bitch about them doing Dessaras and Victory Saber as Robot Heroes? Man, I was uber-geeked when I saw them as official products. And hearing rumors that Dai Atlas is going to be featured in Animated possibly? WOW! It's about time the Japanese exclusive characters got some love.

Since the UK and Australia have both received the entire run of Japanese exclusive G1 cartoons, I think the US is the only place left where these characters might possibly be an obscurity but to people like me who have been familiar with these characters for the past 13 years, has seen all of the Japanese episodes, stared at page after page from the Japanese manga and owns these characters ... they're definitely NOT an obscurity.

We should be thanking Hasbro for giving us these, not bitching all the time like so many fans do. I'd just love to see everyone be happy for once instead of bitching, bitching, bitching. It really disappoints me how negative people can be. Whatever happened to the glass is half full attitude folks?

Robot Heroes is it's own line ... I imagine that we'll get these characters at some point in a primary US line. It's only a matter of time.

I agree, its very cool of Hasbro to cater to the fans. These characters haven't seen the light of day in any form over here ever. And it really shows Hasbro actually has the collector in mind at least some of the time.

Now If only they had chosen to make updated versions of them in at least Ultra class I would have been all over these.
Even better release the original figures here (yeah totally unlikely)

But at least this gives me hope they are looking into more "obscure" characters.

At least this is a move in the right direction towards the release of characters like Overlord either in Re-issue form or in updated Universe form.

Seibertron wrote:C'mon guys ... really? You're going to bitch about them doing Dessaras and Victory Saber as Robot Heroes? Man, I was uber-geeked when I saw them as official products. And hearing rumors that Dai Atlas is going to be featured in Animated possibly? WOW! It's about time the Japanese exclusive characters got some love.

Since the UK and Australia have both received the entire run of Japanese exclusive G1 cartoons, I think the US is the only place left where these characters might possibly be an obscurity but to people like me who have been familiar with these characters for the past 13 years, has seen all of the Japanese episodes, stared at page after page from the Japanese manga and owns these characters ... they're definitely NOT an obscurity.

We should be thanking Hasbro for giving us these, not bitching all the time like so many fans do. I'd just love to see everyone be happy for once instead of bitching, bitching, bitching. It really disappoints me how negative people can be. Whatever happened to the glass is half full attitude folks?

Robot Heroes is it's own line ... I imagine that we'll get these characters at some point in a primary US line. It's only a matter of time.

I'm confused, how is questioning Hasbro's judgement equal to bitching? I just wonder where their priorities are when we constantly get subpar execution on many of the products the majority of us want but then they produce lesser known figures like these in this format.

As a stock holder, I don't have any problem at all with them making as many products as consumers and fans will support. And I regularly comment positively on products that don't necessarily appeal to me. Just check out my Darkwing post from 2 days ago.

But the RH line already has relatively limited collectors appeal for all markets, kids and fan/collectors alike. It seems more logical to produce these as a BotCon exclusive, a mail-in exclusive, or something similar.

I've got to say that I was suprised and a little disappointed that response to my post came from you. I was under the impression that these forums you created were to share our opinions, good and bad.

Seibertron wrote:

Sabrblade wrote:WHAT!!? "Dessaras"? Isn't it supposed to be "Deathsaurus"?

It's actually "Deszaras", I believe. I was really happy to see the US spelling be closer to his Japanese name than the bastardized (IMO) "Deathsaurus", which has always driven me nuts. Kudos to Hasbro for figuring out a spelling that would make his name sound correct instead of "Deathsaurus" ... plus I imagine Hasbro wouldn't really want "Death" in the name of a Transformer now. Doesn't sound very PC.

I know what his original Japanese name is. But I've just grown so accustomed to calling him "Deathsaurus" because that was his official U.S. name given to his BotCon Timelines toy, and, between that name, "Deszaras", and "Dessaras", it's actually a name that makes sense. I mean, what exactly does "Deszaras" mean, anyway? Does it even have a meaning?

Sabrblade wrote:

Seibertron wrote:

Sabrblade wrote:WHAT!!? "Dessaras"? Isn't it supposed to be "Deathsaurus"?

It's actually "Deszaras", I believe. I was really happy to see the US spelling be closer to his Japanese name than the bastardized (IMO) "Deathsaurus", which has always driven me nuts. Kudos to Hasbro for figuring out a spelling that would make his name sound correct instead of "Deathsaurus" ... plus I imagine Hasbro wouldn't really want "Death" in the name of a Transformer now. Doesn't sound very PC.

I know what his original Japanese name is. But I've just grown so accustomed to calling him "Deathsaurus" because that was his official U.S. name given to his BotCon Timelines toy, and, between that name, "Deszaras", and "Dessaras", it's actually a name that makes sense. I mean, what exactly does "Deszaras" mean, anyway? Does it even have a meaning?

Do all Transformer names have to have a direct-to-Enlgish translation? They are an alien species, after all. I kind of like the idea that some characters have names that don't have an English equivalent.

DevastaTTor wrote:I've got to say that I was suprised and a little disappointed that response to my post came from you. I was under the impression that these forums you created were to share our opinions, good and bad.

The forums are here for us to discuss our opinions ... mine included. These are indeed "discussion" boards. You are more than welcome to voice whatever opinion you have. I just get tired of seeing people complaining no matter what Hasbro does. I feel bad for them sometimes. Maybe it's just because I've met and interacted with so many of the people who work there that I try to always look at the positives of what they do. Just goes to show that you can't please all of the people all of the time. I remember when only about 25 figures were released in 1998. I'd say times are EXTREMELY good for TF fans in 2008. There's a little something for everyone now.

JazZeke wrote:

Sabrblade wrote:

Seibertron wrote:It's actually "Deszaras", I believe. I was really happy to see the US spelling be closer to his Japanese name than the bastardized (IMO) "Deathsaurus", which has always driven me nuts. Kudos to Hasbro for figuring out a spelling that would make his name sound correct instead of "Deathsaurus" ... plus I imagine Hasbro wouldn't really want "Death" in the name of a Transformer now. Doesn't sound very PC.

I know what his original Japanese name is. But I've just grown so accustomed to calling him "Deathsaurus" because that was his official U.S. name given to his BotCon Timelines toy, and, between that name, "Deszaras", and "Dessaras", it's actually a name that makes sense. I mean, what exactly does "Deszaras" mean, anyway? Does it even have a meaning?

Do all Transformer names have to have a direct-to-Enlgish translation? They are an alien species, after all. I kind of like the idea that some characters have names that don't have an English equivalent.

Here's what's been written on Wikipedia about his name:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deszaras

As Transformers: Victory had no professional English release (the infamous StarTV dub of Victory had the actors pronounce the name "Dez-sand-rass"), Deszaras's name was not translated in any fashion, leaving fans to interpret the Japanese as best as they were able. Deszaras's name in katakana reads デスザラス Desuzarasu. The popular interpretation of this, based on the pronunciation of the name in the animated series, is "Deathsaurus"; this is challenged by most Japanese transliterations of "saurus" being ザウルス zaurusu.

"Deszaras" is the romanised name which appears on the toy's Japanese packaging and also appears in 2006's Victory Region 2 DVD boxset. The name is intended to evoke those of creatures from sentai and kaiju movies, and may not be based on an English word at all. Some fans alsop believe that his name might have a slightily royal connection, as quite a few Transformers from Victory have royal names like 'Liokaiser', 'Dinoking' and 'Road Caesar'. Deszarus' name might be inspired by tsar the name of the old Russian rulers, but this is only a theory concieved by some fans.

I don't know what I like more, That adorable little Victory Saber or Primals face!

I love Robot Heroes

I don't own any robot heroes but I'm pretty tempted to get these 2 to sit on Countdown's rocket base.

I can't wait for them to make a Beast Machines Megatron Robot Hero.

I just realized! You know what else would rule? Pretenders! Could you imagine what Bomb Burst or Bugly would look like in Robot Hero form? Maybe Pretender Grimlock vs. Pretender Bomb Burst or something.

DevastaTTor wrote:

Seibertron wrote:C'mon guys ... really? You're going to bitch about them doing Dessaras and Victory Saber as Robot Heroes? Man, I was uber-geeked when I saw them as official products. And hearing rumors that Dai Atlas is going to be featured in Animated possibly? WOW! It's about time the Japanese exclusive characters got some love.

Since the UK and Australia have both received the entire run of Japanese exclusive G1 cartoons, I think the US is the only place left where these characters might possibly be an obscurity but to people like me who have been familiar with these characters for the past 13 years, has seen all of the Japanese episodes, stared at page after page from the Japanese manga and owns these characters ... they're definitely NOT an obscurity.

We should be thanking Hasbro for giving us these, not bitching all the time like so many fans do. I'd just love to see everyone be happy for once instead of bitching, bitching, bitching. It really disappoints me how negative people can be. Whatever happened to the glass is half full attitude folks?

Robot Heroes is it's own line ... I imagine that we'll get these characters at some point in a primary US line. It's only a matter of time.

I'm confused, how is questioning Hasbro's judgement equal to bitching? I just wonder where their priorities are when we constantly get subpar execution on many of the products the majority of us want but then they produce lesser known figures like these in this format.

As a stock holder, I don't have any problem at all with them making as many products as consumers and fans will support. And I regularly comment positively on products that don't necessarily appeal to me. Just check out my Darkwing post from 2 days ago.

But the RH line already has relatively limited collectors appeal for all markets, kids and fan/collectors alike. It seems more logical to produce these as a BotCon exclusive, a mail-in exclusive, or something similar.

I've got to say that I was suprised and a little disappointed that response to my post came from you. I was under the impression that these forums you created were to share our opinions, good and bad.

Ha Ha! That's kind of funny, that "as a stockholder" part, are you a board member?

Second any new character to a kid is appealing, much more than 5 repaints of the same thing. Plus how is it "sub-par", it looks like a quality item to me. It sounds like your opinion is based on the fact the you didn't like that they didn't produced something you wanted.

GetterDragun wrote:

DevastaTTor wrote:

Seibertron wrote:C'mon guys ... really? You're going to bitch about them doing Dessaras and Victory Saber as Robot Heroes? Man, I was uber-geeked when I saw them as official products. And hearing rumors that Dai Atlas is going to be featured in Animated possibly? WOW! It's about time the Japanese exclusive characters got some love.

Since the UK and Australia have both received the entire run of Japanese exclusive G1 cartoons, I think the US is the only place left where these characters might possibly be an obscurity but to people like me who have been familiar with these characters for the past 13 years, has seen all of the Japanese episodes, stared at page after page from the Japanese manga and owns these characters ... they're definitely NOT an obscurity.

We should be thanking Hasbro for giving us these, not bitching all the time like so many fans do. I'd just love to see everyone be happy for once instead of bitching, bitching, bitching. It really disappoints me how negative people can be. Whatever happened to the glass is half full attitude folks?

Robot Heroes is it's own line ... I imagine that we'll get these characters at some point in a primary US line. It's only a matter of time.

I'm confused, how is questioning Hasbro's judgement equal to bitching? I just wonder where their priorities are when we constantly get subpar execution on many of the products the majority of us want but then they produce lesser known figures like these in this format.

As a stock holder, I don't have any problem at all with them making as many products as consumers and fans will support. And I regularly comment positively on products that don't necessarily appeal to me. Just check out my Darkwing post from 2 days ago.

But the RH line already has relatively limited collectors appeal for all markets, kids and fan/collectors alike. It seems more logical to produce these as a BotCon exclusive, a mail-in exclusive, or something similar.

I've got to say that I was suprised and a little disappointed that response to my post came from you. I was under the impression that these forums you created were to share our opinions, good and bad.

Ha Ha! That's kind of funny, that "as a stockholder" part, are you a board member?

Second any new character to a kid is appealing, much more than 5 repaints of the same thing. Plus how is it "sub-par", it looks like a quality item to me. It sounds like your opinion is based on the fact the you didn't like that they didn't produced something you wanted.

You missed my point completely (and maybe it wasn't completely clear).

Where did I mention the quality of the RHs, any of them? If anything, the paint apps on the RH line is superior a lot of recent deluxe figures.

Check back on a lot of recent releases. In those posts, if it's not something I want, I almost always comment that it's not for me but for the folks who want it, I'm happy for them.

My beef is with the number of great figures in the line, really the transforming line (I probably should have clarified that), that are not 100%. If Hasbro went that last mile on most of their figures, a lot of folks wouldn't feel like the have to buy the Henkei releases to get the best paint apps, etc.

THAT is my point.

Hasbro is great a so many things. As a fan and collector of TFs and SW, I acknowledge that regularly by collecting their stuff. I even bought into the company because I believe in what they produce. They do cater to the fans and do release a broad range of characters in every line. But it just feels like so many releases now are 9/10ths of what they could be. Thus people buying the Henkei line and updating with Reprolabels. For all the great things they do, I just wish they were better at some of the final execution.

And yep, that's just my opinion.

Seibertron wrote:

JazZeke wrote:

Sabrblade wrote:I know what his original Japanese name is. But I've just grown so accustomed to calling him "Deathsaurus" because that was his official U.S. name given to his BotCon Timelines toy, and, between that name, "Deszaras", and "Dessaras", it's actually a name that makes sense. I mean, what exactly does "Deszaras" mean, anyway? Does it even have a meaning?

Do all Transformer names have to have a direct-to-Enlgish translation? They are an alien species, after all. I kind of like the idea that some characters have names that don't have an English equivalent.

Here's what's been written on Wikipedia about his name:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deszaras

As Transformers: Victory had no professional English release (the infamous StarTV dub of Victory had the actors pronounce the name "Dez-sand-rass"), Deszaras's name was not translated in any fashion, leaving fans to interpret the Japanese as best as they were able. Deszaras's name in katakana reads デスザラス Desuzarasu. The popular interpretation of this, based on the pronunciation of the name in the animated series, is "Deathsaurus"; this is challenged by most Japanese transliterations of "saurus" being ザウルス zaurusu.

"Deszaras" is the romanised name which appears on the toy's Japanese packaging and also appears in 2006's Victory Region 2 DVD boxset. The name is intended to evoke those of creatures from sentai and kaiju movies, and may not be based on an English word at all. Some fans alsop believe that his name might have a slightily royal connection, as quite a few Transformers from Victory have royal names like 'Liokaiser', 'Dinoking' and 'Road Caesar'. Deszarus' name might be inspired by tsar the name of the old Russian rulers, but this is only a theory concieved by some fans.

Ack, translations make my head hurt.

Well, if they weren't gonna use "Deathsaurus", I just don't see why they simply couldn't use "Deszaras" instead, as it's appeared that way everywhere else when "Deathsaurus" was not used.

I mean, does he really need three names?

Dessaras!

YAY!

NO MORE DEATHASAURUS! YAY!

REJOICE!



Seriously, when THAT name first popped up, I always vaguely fealt like it was a way of insulting american fans. Sort've a "you can't handle a less than obvious name, so here, use this remotely similar one!"

Dessaras ont he other hand is pretty close to accurate. It I can enjoy. These might be my first robot heroes. (partially because they're the first 2 pack I wanted both)