The Energon Pub

Let me first say, I am not a completest. I don't need to have every TF, every line or every repaint. In fact, if I don't like figures I won't even consider buying them, unless maybe its like the last 2 of an entire series/toy line.

That said, there have been other series I have regretted not purchasing the first time around and been angry with myself later on for missing out. G1 Reissues, alternators, and a few others. Now we are getting into the bulk of the movie toy line, and I don't want to fall into the same mistake... especially with such a big toy line.

From what I've read so far about the movie toys they -appear- to be only of decent build quality. Often with tabs that break, awkward transforms and sometimes junky alt modes. While I enjoyed the movie because it is TF's, I can't say I was a huge fan of the robot modes. Their alien look and overly intricate features seemed pointless and I never thought I would appreciate these trying to be recreated in the toys.

Considering I will have to shell out significantly more cash later on to pick up the ones I missed... I am nervous that I am making a mistake having not yet purchased a single movie toy. Are there some I absolutely need to get? or with the opinions I've voiced just now will I not be disappointed later on. I know I should look through the gallery and make my decision, but if all of them tend to be prone to breakage, stress marks and limbs that pop off and go limp, I really don't want to even bother.

thanks, and sorry for the long read.

Get Movie Prime. Probably the one must have figure of the line.

I hear Bumblebee 08 is a must have as well., but I can't get my hands on him yet.

Breakage doesn't seem to be an issue, most the parts seperate if too much pressure is applied without doing damage sans 70's bee. Deluxe Brawl has badly molded arm tabs that barely work (or don't at all).

I totaly recommend Wreckage and LongArm. They weren't fetured in the film(well, LongArm's alt was) but these 2 filler characters are probably the best the movie line has to offer.

Thats my opinion at least.

Granted '08 BB looks good, and I haven't gotten him yet. He's about the only one I'm missing. But I hear he losses parts quick and his pin stripping has a tendancy to just rub off.

But keeping in ind that I did get pretty much everyone else, I still have to say Wreckage and LongArm are the 2 best of the line.

hmm,
get prime, either or both
barricade, he's just too good to pass up really
08 bb - the hype is real, one of the best deluxes ever(qft), don't waste your time on the 74
wreckage is good, he kinda fits in any line

and then the rest,
scorp sucks
ironhide or ratchet are both okay.. but nothing great
screamer and blackout are really weak toys (besides their transformations) - i could care less for them both
megs - voyager a little better than leader, but still, nothing great, kinda crappy jet modes in the first place
jazz, okay but poopy hands, and stumpy
same goes for any of the transformers from the movie game: swindle, payload, long arm, etc.. you're not missing out

i agree that movie Prime is the must have toy of this line so far. i have most of the movie line of toys and and don't have any major complaints. i haven't had any of mine break or become loose jointed (but most have only been transformed once or twice). personally i think Ironhide is the best toy aside from Prime (don't have 08 BB yet). i would definately check out the galleries and see which ones stand out to you. maybe you'll wanna just collect the Voyagers, or maybe just the deluxes. the movie line is not the best TF line, but i think they're still a good, solid line of fun toys. i don't regret buying any of the one's i have(except Brawl only because i'm going to be getting the Leader class version of him.....and yes he does have shoulder issues in the deluxe scale). hope this helps a bit!

I agree leader class Prime is a must have.I also really liked Ironhide(i never had any problems with mine) Bonecrusher was also a really surprising good figure.Those have to be my top three other good choices are Starscream and Ratchet.I havnt got my hands on 09 Bumblebee yet to back anything up.

Make sure you get Leader Prime. The only way that figure could be more awesome is if it came with free breast implants for your girlfriend and cured cancer.

G1Blaster wrote:Make sure you get Leader Prime. The only way that figure could be more awesome is if it came with free breast implants for your girlfriend and cured cancer.

wow,
you in really are the king of obscure references..
dennis miller just lost his job

Leader Prime's definitely worth picking up. You can still find him at CostCo, too.

I just bought a Voyager Megatron but haven't opened him. I'm not sure I'm keeping him yet. I'd really love to hear they're planning a Leader Megs repaint, but somehow I doubt it.

decepticonjon wrote:

G1Blaster wrote:Make sure you get Leader Prime. The only way that figure could be more awesome is if it came with free breast implants for your girlfriend and cured cancer.

wow,
you in really are the king of obscure references..
dennis miller just lost his job

Thank you.

Ill say it a million times..... movie preview protoform prime and starscream are both very very cool and my fave in the movie line!!

Ryan's Galleries here are a godsend for those (me included) who like to research figures as best they can before purchasing them.

Here are some that I personally believe you should consider purchasing:
Barricade: http://www.seibertron.com/toys/gallery.php?id=1218&size=0&start=0
Beautiful alt mode, very well painted, but has a few drawbacks, his hands are stuck to the car panels, and some people have had to deal with his hair trigger gimmick "arm punch".

Ironhide:
http://www.seibertron.com/toys/gallery.php?id=1124&size=0&start=0
Again, a beautiful alt mode, but this time, a near flawless robot mode to boot. His painting is good, but severely lacking in terms of colour, his transformation is decent for his size. His weapon is lame, and they almost ruin the alt mode, and his springy shoulders may wear down after a couple of years.

'08 Concept Camaro Bumblebee:
http://www.seibertron.com/toys/gallery.php?id=1335&size=0&start=0
Gorgeous alt mode, brilliant, highly detailed robot mode, a complex and fun transformation, with an excellent weapon. However his paint applications are atrocious, and having 3 separate automorphs does mean he is more likely than most figures to wear down after some years have passed. Potentially the best figure from the movie line, and that makes him very difficult to find.

Non Movie Movie Line figures:
Wreckage:
http://www.seibertron.com/toys/gallery.php?id=1116&size=0&start=0
Nice alt mode, killer robot mode, with 2 blades that can be turned into 1. Head Sculpt is the best of the line, and transformation is intuitive. His paint scheme is a tad dull, and he does not have as much detailing as other movie line figures.

Speed Dial:
http://www.seibertron.com/toys/gallery.php?id=1078&size=0&start=0
A clever transformation with a realistic alt mode, and realistic paint apps. Transformation is very simple, and has limited articulation.

There are other figures that I personally like, but these are the ones I would recommend above the others. The Real Gear robots are an excellent line as a whole, and Deluxe Scorponok is very good too, but he does not have what I would call a "transformation".

Happy hunting.

Must-have Autobots: Leader Prime, 08 bumbles

Ones worth getting: Ironhide, Arcee

Only if you are willing to retouch: Ratchet

Must-have Decepticons: Barricade

Ones worth getting: Wreckage, Bonecrusher.

Only if you are completist: The rest

My 10yo daughter bought Movie Deluxe Jazz and pretty much cured me of any and all desire for any of the movie figures, certainly in the deluxe class. His arms are terrible, there are many parts that are thing and overly intricate, and just NOTHING like my Classics Voyager class Skyfire / Jetfire or her Classics Voyager class Optimus Prime.

As far as quality is concerned, it depends on the character. Starscream has no hands, but ironhide looks practically identical to his movie counterpart.

I'm assuming your not 8 so you can't really wear them out that easily, just dont rush yourself with them.

The figures are really well designed and have parts where you'll go "wait a minute i can pull this out and click that into place".

Nothing will ever be perfect, but i say buy and try and you can always return 'em if you dont like...just keep the box and reciept

DavidBeoulve wrote:My 10yo daughter bought Movie Deluxe Jazz and pretty much cured me of any and all desire for any of the movie figures, certainly in the deluxe class. His arms are terrible, there are many parts that are thing and overly intricate, and just NOTHING like my Classics Voyager class Skyfire / Jetfire or her Classics Voyager class Optimus Prime.

hey man, don't give it up yet...show some love for the 08 BB 'luxe and you won't regret it.

if you get this beaut at SRP, i tell you, it's the best "BANG" for the "BUCK" in the whole movie line.

that is, if you ever manage to get him at SRP.

My personal favorite from the movie line is Voyager Prime. He is Awesome looking in Robot mode and is very possable with cool guns. His alt mod is a little small, but definatly cool.

Next would obviously be 08' Bumblebee. He is an awesome deluxe figure. He is worth every penny you spend on him.

I picked up the G1 repaint of jazz, definatly better then the grey version. I like this one alot as well.

Most, if not all the decepticons are kind of lame-o.

ultra tron
Since I have a 10 year-old daughter, assuming I'm not 8 is what I'd call "a sure thing."

Jazz has some thin pieces of plastic that hold together his hood, which become his arms, that have hinges on each end, and it just pales in comparison to the joints and transformation styles of the Classics.

I'm gathering that not all movie figures are equal, it just seems to me that, overall, the Classics lines was sturdier. I could be wrong, I don't own the whole line of each to compare.

brimy311, zemper
Why is '08 Bumblebee good? Point me to a review or something, because I was reticent about the Classics Jetfire / Skyfire until I got him and realized he rocked.

Ya know, I'm kind of surprised that no one has really considered Ratchet. I love my movie Ratchet. He's heavy,solid,and sturdy. The only prob' I ever had with him was the rails behind his legs popped off everytime I transformed him. I just put a touch of super glue on them. No problem. I thought he was nicely done. Definitely one of my favorites, including Leader
Prime and Robo-Vision/Voyager Prime. Though the one I absolutely cannot stand is Leader Megatron. I can't get him to stay together when in alt mode. BLECH!!

The reason that the 08' bumblebee is so nice, they pretty much nailed his bot mode and alt mode to what he was in the movie, and he is only $9.99.

He is very possible, very accurate and exactly what you think should be of one of the main caracters of the movie.

IceWilly wrote:I know I should look through the gallery and make my decision, but if all of them tend to be prone to breakage, stress marks and limbs that pop off and go limp, I really don't want to even bother.

All of them? Nah, only a small few are prone to breakage and stress marks, namely '74 Bumblebee and Blackout. These boards are filled with haters who try and convince anyone who will listen that the movie toys are total rubbish and will break if you blink at them. I have all of them except 3 and I haven't had any problems so far. My advice is buy a few and if you're not impressed with them don't buy any more, just be careful about which ones you get first. I recommend '09 Bumblebee (yes it is '09), Rachet, Wreckage, Barricade, Voyager Prime, Arcee, Protoform Prime, and Starscream. The rest are pretty good but these ones are the best IMO.

DavidBeoulve wrote:My 10yo daughter bought Movie Deluxe Jazz and pretty much cured me of any and all desire for any of the movie figures, certainly in the deluxe class. His arms are terrible, there are many parts that are thing and overly intricate, and just NOTHING like my Classics Voyager class Skyfire / Jetfire or her Classics Voyager class Optimus Prime.

You can't judge the entire movie line on one toy. I like Jazz but he's certainly not the best figure from the line. Get another one, you might change your mind. Look above for my recommendations.

Vanquish wrote:Ya know, I'm kind of surprised that no one has really considered Ratchet. I love my movie Ratchet.

I do, too...of the movie Voyagers, he's probably the best. I've heard people love Ironhide, but his hood is floppy and not great, and I've heard people love Prime, but that huge backpack turns me off of the character. The other movie Voyagers are also-rans.

You can buy any of the decent voyagers except Ratchet and Blackout.

Phenotype wrote:You can't judge the entire movie line on one toy. I like Jazz but he's certainly not the best figure from the line. Get another one, you might change your mind. Look above for my recommendations.

Phenotype, you make a lot of sense. If I spot the $10 2009 Bumblebee I'll nab him.

Someone sent me Movie Voyager Ratchet and he's great. My 10yo daughter fell in love with him and claimed him immediately. Well, actually she asked politely, but I saw the look in her eyes. She doesn't ask for much, so she got him

gotta say, voyager megs is better than leader megs if you gotta get one of the two.
boy, us "movie haters", who, for some reason, bought movie toys, will surely try to convince you that all the movie toys will suck and break.
man right on, i love giving personal advice for someone who asks it -
funny, even the "movie lovers" all have a pretty good consensus of what toys suck and break, being newbs or old vets.