The Energon Pub

AcademyofDrX wrote:Complaints about too many G1 Optimus toys. What year is it, 1994 through 2023 inclusive?!

Indeed. Really nothing to be upset or surprised over. Hopefully he comes with some effects parts...






and the articulation to hunch down into his uppercut pose.

I don’t think this release will involve any damaged parts, even removable, unless Hastak goes with a relatively empty triailer. Or at least one with limited parts & engineering on the interior. Although putting a small peg or two on his lower left torso as an option for previously owned blast effects wouldn’t shock me either.
What will be interesting is how much is in the trailer, since that interior was never part of the movie.
I’m betting we can safely assume that will be determined/prioritized after the bot is handled/designed.

It won’t bother me either way, but my gut tells me this bot is going to be substantially larger than the previous voyager versions.
I know it may cause a handful of characters such as Blaster, Inferno, Grapple, Trailbreaker, & Hoist to appear a bit small; but that would put him more in scale with a lot more figures from the minibots to characters like Sideswipe & Ironhide, to the Dinobots & Ultra Magnus.
I always thought the voyager was a bit on the small side.

One reason I really hope this happens is because it may be another nudge for Hastak to make a new, vastly improved G1 (bot mode) Megatron.

Ultra Markus wrote:its about time
i had a feeling this would happen ever since getting 86 UM

I feel Kingdom Rodimus paved the way for this. The first 2 CC ( Jetfire and Skylynx) which are pretty much universally loved by fans represented larger characters in fiction, but not large enough to be Titans. Weve seen a shift as traditionally smaller characters go from legends/core class to deluxe. Kingdom Rodimus was the experiment to see if fans would accept a mid level size character but with more "stuff" sold at a CC price point. I think Rodimus was honestly mixed. I mean I've never seen anyone give him a bad review, but the fact that Jetfire, Skylynx, and even Motormaster had multiple production runs whereas Kingdom Rodimus was on heavy discount, as low as $40 USD at one point speaks for itself. Still I guess Hasbro is confident enough in their design team to roll out yet another Optimus. I'm sure by all practical standards it will be the " perfect" representation of that toy, with all the bells and whistles. But honestly I'm good with ER. Prime, I got the weapons pack with add ons so I'm good.

Sowndwave76 wrote:I don’t think this release will involve any damaged parts, even removable

The thing is, it's what they looked like in The Movie. They could have a SS'86 Windrider figure. But for authenticity he should resemble the corpse we see.

Sowndwave76 wrote:One reason I really hope this happens is because it may be another nudge for Hastak to make a new, vastly improved G1 (bot mode) Megatron.

I think RED is going to be the only viable option for SS'86 Megs really.

AllNewSuperRobot wrote:

Sowndwave76 wrote:I don’t think this release will involve any damaged parts, even removable

The thing is, it's what they looked like in The Movie. They could have a SS'86 Windrider figure. But for authenticity he should resemble the corpse we see.

Sowndwave76 wrote:One reason I really hope this happens is because it may be another nudge for Hastak to make a new, vastly improved G1 (bot mode) Megatron.

I think RED is going to be the only viable option for SS'86 Megs really.

Well, if they cheat a bit with the story, I'm sure a perfect looking G1 bot Megatron that transform into a tank would be possible in leader class.
At worst, it could come out in Legacy.

AllNewSuperRobot wrote:Windrider

Who's that? The secret lovechild of Windcharger and Wildrider?

Sabrblade wrote:

AllNewSuperRobot wrote:Windrider

Who's that? The secret lovechild of Windcharger and Wildrider?

Pesky autocorrect

AllNewSuperRobot wrote:

Sowndwave76 wrote:I don’t think this release will involve any damaged parts, even removable

The thing is, it's what they looked like in The Movie. They could have a SS'86 Windrider figure. But for authenticity he should resemble the corpse we see.

Like I said, I won't be shocked or surprised if there is something included that helps create the battle damage. But there's no way I see that as being the central design aspect/gimmick of this figure. Hastak may choose to take the bot of this CC version and re-release it in a retooled, repainted "dead", exclusive version. It would actually be a decent way to get another use out of what is normally a one-and-done figure class.
But obviously he wasn't just seen dead in the movie. And with this, I wouldn't be surprised if the anniversary (even though it's not a major anniversary year for the movie) influences this release at least some.
We'll see hopefully sooner than later, but just like Ironhide, Brawn, and Ratchet have non-damaged, SS86 versions, I see this release following suit.
And similar to SS86 Ultra Magnus, I'm betting this new CC version is essentially meant to be the definitive, G1 version of OP. Not only will this represent his movie appearance, but also his appearance in every cartoon episode. The packaging is going to be SS86, but there's also a bigger picture here.

AllNewSuperRobot wrote:I think RED is going to be the only viable option for SS'86 Megs really.

For now, yes. But if there's a major character that is overdue for an updated, screen-accurate figure, Megatron has to be towards the top of that list.
I and others have said it for a while now-- it's time to make a version that looks completely G1 in bot mode, and allow the alt mode to "suffer". At this point, I don't care that it's not a pistol... Not to mention, if it were, it's not like that could be held by any other figure. Even one as large as CW Devastator would look awkward holding a handgun that's almost the same size as one of the seeker jets.

SynchroBunny wrote:Don't know why people are surprised we're getting another Optimus at this point.

Didn't Hasbro say a while back that their gameplan going forward was to have an Optimus figure on the shelves every year for their main lines, because he's one of the most recognisable characters in the franchise?

Not saying "Don't be mad" at another Prime, we're fed up of seeing Shelf-warmer Bees here too

We already have Legacy United Deluxe OP, Voyager Animated OP, Leader OP, and SS Level A MV8 OP for 2024. We don't need a CC figure just to hit every price point next year (I'm sure Core Prime will still be available).

Emerje

My main issue with CC for Rodimus was tooling resources put into the trailer thereby increasing the price point which landed him in CC. For those of us not really into the "cargo" section that only display their Bots on a shelf it artificially inflates the price. When I personally would have been fine with Leader Class if it left out the Trailer, although really he feels more like a Voyager to me.

I had the same issue with Leader Kingdom Prime, "technically" a Voyager put into a Leader price point with a craptastic trailer to make it seem worth the increase. I would have certainly opted for a Voyager release if it meant no trailer.

At least with both UM releases the trailer actually becomes part of the Bot so you're not left with an unused item collecting dust somewhere. I just don't have that kind of space to store "extras" or to set up an alt display with them in Alt mode or to utilize the "battle platform" function that bot OP and Rodimus trailers have.

All that said, it will depend greatly on how his basic both mode turns out and if they don't cheap out with the trailer again on whether I'd consider buying him. Because while I may not "use" in that sense I'm not about to "pay" for something that isn't delivered.

EvasionModeBumblebee wrote:Disappointing but not surprising. After WFC put out a trio of G1 Commanders (and Legacy made one), Commander class finally comes to Studio Series! What exciting new characters will they do now that they have the character rosters of numerous movies?

It’s just more G1 commanders, and redos of characters that got definitive leaders just a few years ago.

Basically my feelings too.

So, being very objective, what needs to happen for a G1 Prime to warrant Commander Class price?

If we start with Earthrise as our basis:

1. Needs to be larger. Earthrise was fine for its purpose, but for a commander class that works with the SS-86 figures better, and to accommodate the price it really needs to be a bit beefier. Might not be really any taller, but it does need to feel like there is more going on inside. More heft if you will.

2. Starting from the top, maybe a different head option. not sure what that could be. don't think they'd include a Starscream head for this, but maybe a more toy accurate head and a cartoon head? Yellow eyes and blue eyes?

3. Longer Smokestacks. Earthrise's were pitifully small.

4. Arm articulation is fine, and don't see much room for improvement there, but it probably wold need to get a separate index finger for "heroic pointing"

5. Maybe an ab-crunch.

6. They'd need to resolve the bumper and front wheels issue. They have to somehow make them tuck into his back and not be hanging down his back which limits the waist swivel when properly stowed.

7. Slightly less lanky legs. and better gas tanks. The ones on earth rise where less than stellar, and had a tendency to not hold open in truck mode, or move out in robot mode and mine pop out quite easily.

8. Knees and ankles are fine. So other than maybe some red lights for the toes, not much needs to be improved there.

Moving onto the Trailer:
1. It definitely needs to be bigger.
2. Needs to have a blue repair bot, with missiles (even if they don't launch, not expecting spring loaded launchers in any way)
3. Locations to store all accessories.
4. Probably more G1 accurate fold out stands for base mode.

Accessories
They need to include them this time, and not make you buy an entirely different figure for them.
1. Ion Blaster (large, non-folding, accurate)
2. Axe. Large translucent Axe.
3. Roller.
4. Matrix (obviously)
5. Sideswipe jetpack
6. Gas nozzle, hose and base connector. (I'm having doubts they'd include this though)
7. No doubt they'd include blast effects like Magnus.


I'd expect this would add up to around Magnus's $75 bucks, don't see how that can go up to $89.99 though.

What else to add to make that pricer point? Energon cubes? Key to vector sigma? Megatron in gun mode? Spike and Spark Plug?

Seems like either the robot / cab needs to beef up the engineering and parts count or it's getting a ton of superfluous accessories to make up the price.

I think we can at least expect the cab section to be proportionately the same in both size and shape to the cab of SS86 Commander class Ultra Magnus.

Sabrblade wrote:I think we can at least expect the cab section to be proportionately the same in both size and shape to the cab of SS86 Commander class Ultra Magnus.

Agreed. Beefier cab closer to Magnus Yes.

Let me put on my surprised face now.

A large number of interchangeable battle damage parts could make it more enticing.

Maybe they'll include TWO voyager sized OP figures in the Commander box - a live one, and a 'dead' one! Regardless, I'll be interested in seeing what they do with this one. ER Optimus is great, but the trailer is kind of only 50% 'there'. I've stashed the trailer away in storage simply because I never use it, and it takes up shelf space that I could use for displaying other figures. Though I did the same with Rodimus' trailer, and Toxitron.

The gas tanks on ER OP's legs are a constant source of frustration. They don't lock into place, and it seems that they're in the exact spot where it's most natural to put your fingers when handling the figure. So you always wind up pushing the tanks down, and have to keep pulling them back out. And ER OP's gun was stubby and underwhelming.

It'll be an interesting challenge. If they make him any 'bigger' then he won't be in scale with the other figures like he is now. And we all know what a stickler Hasbro is on keeping figures in scale...

Sabrblade wrote:I think we can at least expect the cab section to be proportionately the same in both size and shape to the cab of SS86 Commander class Ultra Magnus.

3P already made mini masterpiece that are 99% cartoon accurate at the scout/legends scale. So if they can do it, I don't see how can't do it at the Generations scale with a freaking commander budget.

Overcracker wrote:So, being very objective, what needs to happen for a G1 Prime to warrant Commander Class price?

If we start with Earthrise as our basis:

1. Needs to be larger. Earthrise was fine for its purpose, but for a commander class that works with the SS-86 figures better, and to accommodate the price it really needs to be a bit beefier. Might not be really any taller, but it does need to feel like there is more going on inside. More heft if you will.

2. Starting from the top, maybe a different head option. not sure what that could be. don't think they'd include a Starscream head for this, but maybe a more toy accurate head and a cartoon head? Yellow eyes and blue eyes?

3. Longer Smokestacks. Earthrise's were pitifully small.

4. Arm articulation is fine, and don't see much room for improvement there, but it probably wold need to get a separate index finger for "heroic pointing"

5. Maybe an ab-crunch.

6. They'd need to resolve the bumper and front wheels issue. They have to somehow make them tuck into his back and not be hanging down his back which limits the waist swivel when properly stowed.

7. Slightly less lanky legs. and better gas tanks. The ones on earth rise where less than stellar, and had a tendency to not hold open in truck mode, or move out in robot mode and mine pop out quite easily.

8. Knees and ankles are fine. So other than maybe some red lights for the toes, not much needs to be improved there.

Moving onto the Trailer:
1. It definitely needs to be bigger.
2. Needs to have a blue repair bot, with missiles (even if they don't launch, not expecting spring loaded launchers in any way)
3. Locations to store all accessories.
4. Probably more G1 accurate fold out stands for base mode.

Accessories
They need to include them this time, and not make you buy an entirely different figure for them.
1. Ion Blaster (large, non-folding, accurate)
2. Axe. Large translucent Axe.
3. Roller.
4. Matrix (obviously)
5. Sideswipe jetpack
6. Gas nozzle, hose and base connector. (I'm having doubts they'd include this though)
7. No doubt they'd include blast effects like Magnus.

As part of the studio series line, we should expect the figure to be screen accurate, and IIRC he didn't use the axe in the movie. He also didn't have the jetpack or Roller and its (his?) accessories.

So to get to the Commander price point, that trailer has to be on point, probably also used as Optimus's "death bed."

However, if they focus on the 40th anniversary aspect as opposed to the studio series one, then all the stuff you listed should be included.

Rodimus Prime wrote:However, if they focus on the 40th anniversary aspect as opposed to the studio series one, then all the stuff you listed should be included.

I think this is the most likely scenario.

Also, as far as accessories go, "Leader" SS86 Starscream have set a precedent with the throne that never appeared in the movie.

-Kanrabat- wrote:

Rodimus Prime wrote:However, if they focus on the 40th anniversary aspect as opposed to the studio series one, then all the stuff you listed should be included.

I think this is the most likely scenario.

Also, as far as accessories go, "Leader" SS86 Starscream have set a precedent with the throne that never appeared in the movie.

Let's face it, Hasbro would actually release this twice. First as SS86 retail release, a well engineered Optimus with done up trailer. He comes with gun and blast effects as well as autobot city backdrop (so fans can remake his epic duel with a non-existent SS86 megs)

Then, SDCC rolls round (or pulsecon...or any event really) and they release a 40th anniversary special Commander Class Optimus Prime with all the bells and whistles (roller and all)....They sell it as a higher price.

*I am joking with this but I could see Hasbro doing it

ZeroWolf wrote:

-Kanrabat- wrote:

Rodimus Prime wrote:However, if they focus on the 40th anniversary aspect as opposed to the studio series one, then all the stuff you listed should be included.

I think this is the most likely scenario.

Also, as far as accessories go, "Leader" SS86 Starscream have set a precedent with the throne that never appeared in the movie.

Let's face it, Hasbro would actually release this twice. First as SS86 retail release, a well engineered Optimus with done up trailer. He comes with gun and blast effects as well as autobot city backdrop (so fans can remake his epic duel with a non-existent SS86 megs)

Then, SDCC rolls round (or pulsecon...or any event really) and they release a 40th anniversary special Commander Class Optimus Prime with all the bells and whistles (roller and all)....They sell it as a higher price.

*I am joking with this but I could see Hasbro doing it

Only twice? Sorry, I'm cynical and will expect at least five releases. SS86, a "special" 40th anniversary version (cell shaded or metallic paint), a "dead" version, and at least one version of Nemesis Prime. Plus They could throw in a Shattered Glass version.

One option I don't think anyone has considered yet is the addition of electronics...eyes that fade to dark, a voice speaker with multiple movie quotes...

Fun little tidbit. Searched HasbroPulse for Bombshell as I still haven't found him (most of my local stores haven't even started stocking Legacy United...still on Wave 1 or 2 of Legacy). Who should pop up with that search? Bombshell and...Cyclonus! Guess that answers that question doesn' it? LOL

You'll never see electronics in a mainline toy again. I doubt they'l make new tooling for a commander for a convention exclusive. What I do think we'll see for sure is a convention exclusive with toy colors or something like that.

Rtron wrote:You'll never see electronics in a mainline toy again.

Unless it's part of a gimmick-based subline in a non-Generations toyline, like the Cyberverse line's Battle Call and Roll N' Change toys.