The Energon Pub

I was told by someone, due to the economy going kerplunko hasbro is going to discontinue action figures from the classic universe and animated. Some few sets will be released, but that will be it for the U.S. market. Only movie figures from that point out. Is this true? What the hell!

Universe is going to take a break and Animated may (sadly) die down eventually (but not too soon, as more toys are gradually being announced). But I don't think the economy is namely at fault.

If it had to do with the economy, they probably wouldn't be making movie figures either.

IMO I'd say that it's half rumor and half realist, with the global economy being in turmoil and all.

If a kids mom and dad were going to buy the newest transformer for his birthday,....and he likes G1, Animated and the new movie, they would have to either just get one and disappoint the poor lad, or if Hasbro dropped some lines the options would be smaller for the parents. So, less choice, means they'll just buy the movie character then. and Hasbro is still making money, because that's ultimately what TF's are all about, "to sell toys".

Hasbro doesn't like to have too many lines going at any one point so Universe and Animated will be taking a backseat as the the Movie lines come out. Both lines have pieces that will be released over the next few months, and as the movie dies down that we can expect to see a few more Universe release, and a possible Season 3 line for Animated.

Hasbro has been tightliped about post movie for now, and with the ecomomy in the tank, it is likely that we will see less releases than we've seen in the past few years, but only time will tell.