The Energon Pub

...And by this, I mean fans who primarily favour G1, for whatever reason...

How would you feel about a TF toy line that was akin to Masters of the Universe Classic figures? Basically toys that look almost identical to their 80's counterparts/ G1 toys but with modern articulation, die-cast metal even, and sweet accessories?

I realize that this may already sound like the current Classics line now or Alternators, but these are not what I mean...

What I mean are Deluxe and Voyager-sized figures that are in fact vehicles from the 80's, not modern counterparts, but actual vehicles from the 80's, as in '83 Lamborghini Countach and '83 Datsun 280ZX etc.

They would also look practically identical to their actual 80's toy-robot forms, and not versions of the cartoon.

Make it a limited line, totally collector targeted and non-mass retail, just a few fan favourites, and perhaps even as online exclusives like MOTUC. Perhaps even make it fun by adding in a fan vote contest.

Remember, I'm asking this to hardcore G1 fans (and at any age), so if any Bayformer cheerleader wants to yizz on the parade with how G1 is played out and that you're tired of it, shut up; if you want to say something, shut-up, nobody cares what you think anyway.

...Just kidding (Seriously)!! Any and all insight is most welcome. I mean that!

Rodimus the Prime wrote:...And by this, I mean fans who primarily favour G1, for whatever reason...

How would you feel about a TF toy line that was akin to Masters of the Universe Classic figures? Basically toys that look almost identical to their 80's counterparts/ G1 toys but with modern articulation, die-cast metal even, and sweet accessories?

I realize that this may already sound like the current Classics line now or Alternators, but these are not what I mean...

I think Classic/Universe etc has done a fantastic job so far, but I do see where you are coming from, the problem I for see is that due to the brick-like qualites of some of the G1 figures it might no be that easy to do from a design perspective.

Rodimus the Prime wrote:What I mean are Deluxe and Voyager-sized figures that are in fact vehicles from the 80's, not modern counterparts, but actual vehicles from the 80's, as in '83 Lamborghini Countach and '83 Datsun 280ZX etc.

This. I would love to see Bee as a VW Beetle again, not sure how the older vehciles would work license wise tho'?

Rodimus the Prime wrote:They would also look practically identical to their actual 80's toy-robot forms, and not versions of the cartoon.

You do realise you've just quashed the dreams of hundreds of collectors who strive for anime accuracy?!

Rodimus the Prime wrote:Make it a limited line, totally collector targeted and non-mass retail, just a few fan favourites, and perhaps even as online exclusives like MOTUC. Perhaps even make it fun by adding in a fan vote contest.

Couldn't see it working any other way, but it would be like club C/Punch all over again, I don't collect them, but I've not heard good things about trying to get hold of those limited MOTU figs. Fan contest you say? Where do I sign up?

Rodimus the Prime wrote:Remember, I'm asking this to hardcore G1 fans (and at any age), so if any Bayformer cheerleader wants to yizz on the parade with how G1 is played out and that you're tired of it, shut up; if you want to say something, shut-up, nobody cares what you think anyway.

...Just kidding (Seriously)!! Any and all insight is most welcome. I mean that!

I grew up on G1, so it remains the focus of my collection, be it G1-themed Bayformers or otherwise!

I wouldn't want to pay MOTUC prices for them. I understand why they have to price them as such, but I can't justify paying for it.

To be honest, I care more about the 80's figure, personally, than I do about the car.
I would prefer to see the 80's figure recognizeable with upgraded AltModes all the way throught to the next century, tho I've wondered at times what vehicles they would have chosen in the 1950s and 1940s.

If it was to be a limited line, what if Hasbro announced a number (eg: three waves of four) and any potential gimmick angle (trailer, surfboard rack or whatever-always open to Hasbros redesign) and folks then voted on which pieces they felt should be in the line. Wouldn't it make the line more likely to be counted as successful?

Hasbro would never foot the bill to pay for the use of the "real" car modes. that's why we have the "blended" cars, like Cybertron Crosswise/Smokescreen who is close to the real thing, but not excat enough.

I think classics ect. is doing fine, just too inconsistent. Powerglide really didn't need to be the size that he is. Seaspray either. They're neat toys, no doubt, deluxe or scout would have been better for the characters.

I dont think 80's vehicles are needed. Be nice, since cars then and cars now are different in style, which results in different style robots.

I never cared what kind of car it was before, it's the general shape that matters.

I would rather have the origional. I can go out get somethign on ebay a lot cheaper than if they did a reisssue line like this. The MOTU classics line's prices got way out of hand.

While I think it be nice to see them in 80's alt modes with die cast and better articulation. I think it would realistically end up being prohibitively expensive. While MOTUC classics re-use the same standard male body mold over and over again, reducing costs, TF's would require different molds for different characters. Also designing and engineering the transformation for a TF is leaps harder and takes longer than designing what is basically a costume for the standard body mold, with maybe some changes here and there. Which is why there are new MOTUC figures every couple months, but TFCC figures only a couple times a year or so. MOTUC figures sell out of Matty Collector in hours, and TFCC figures linger for years there until they get deeply discounted.

TFCC takes the easy cheap way out to keep he costs down which are already quite high for club figures by using existing molds.

So again, while I think it would be cool, it would be close to impossible to pull off at decent prices.

I think classics/universe/generations/ is doing a fine job for what they can do.

Great concept, however its extremely unlikely it would ever happen, sadly. Cost alone would be a concern.

However, deep down, all I've ever wanted Hasbro/Takara to do is completely re-release the ENTIRE G1 series!

Go on Mr Hasbro, you know you want to!

Then it wouldn't be G1, in my opinion. I am in the purest sense, a G1 collector - It has to be vintage, and reissues don't cut it for me. I will admit to having owned a few reissues in my time, but thats normally because they are a significant enough variant of a vintage toy. Good examples would be TFC Megatron, Starscream and Prime. Ehobby redecos are a grey area for me, as I love them, but I don't class them as part of my G1 collection, rather a bit of fun on the side.

I collect because I love the history of the object I am holding. It has history. Age. To me, that means something, and those small defects that age brings adds character to my collection. Reissues don't have that quality, which was why when I sold virtually all my reissues (all except notable G1 variants), I felt no pain on their passing.

So, my answer is "NO". It would provide amusement, but I very rarely buy new figures these days, unless its an old cartoon\comic character that finally gets a toy. In fact, Impossible Toys Valkyrie has been my only non-vintage purchase for a good time now. Darkmount will be next (STRAXUS).

Do you know how long my husband has been talking about wanting to own his own custom Rodimus Prime? Like well over three years XDD. While the thought of it is amusing I believe it would probably take the fans to actually bring it to life. It's a great concept, and one that I believe would rock the world of transformers for the collectors that could afford them. Of course you would most likely have to be a billionaire to afford such a thing.. And considering we're spending our hard earned cash on our miniature collections, it would probably be as much now as it would be were it to actually come true, a pipe dream. XD

Amelie, I totally understand where you're coming from, however for me these G1 reissues have given me a second chance of owning some of my all time favourite characters. Characters I either never had or even characters I should have really treated with more respect when I was younger.

I like the fact that they are brand new. I like the smell of the untouched plastic and rubber when you open the box for the first time. I like the fact that I'm the first person to take it out the box, to handle it, to transform it and to apply the stickers.

I guess it just takes me back to my childhood, its almost like I'm suddenly seven years old again, transported to my parents house opening my Christmas presents for the first time, which is why for me, its such an emotional experience.

That's why I love my G1 reissues so much. (I know! I need to get out more)

I'm trying to picture exactly what you're saying here. So you mean G1 Prowl but with knees, waist, ball joint shoulders?

I think I saw customs like that before only with the G1 Terrorcons. It was like the guy cut up a G1 Sinnertwin then reassembled him but with knees and things. Looked amazing.

I've often wondered why G1 Rodimus Prime couldn't have been similarly reissued. Surely wouldn't take that much to give him articulated new limbs.

Windsweeper wrote:I'm trying to picture exactly what you're saying here. So you mean G1 Prowl but with knees, waist, ball joint shoulders?

Yes, that's the core of what I'm saying; toys that look exactly like G1 figures, but with modern articulation, ala the waist, knees and ideally the rockered ankle joints.

Maybe make them a tad larger than the G1 figures, and scrap the Die-cast metal idea for cost factors (it really is a lost art, lol). The main thing behind this is that as much as I love first generation toys, they're not enough; they were barely enough when I was a kid because even in those days I wanted them to be able to do more. I want to see G1 toys the way I've always dreamed of seeing them. I want to see these iconic characters get the same love that vintage Star Wars characters get...(i.e. giving the original characters world class sculpts, 120% true to their classic iconography/ film appearances and Super-articulation)

I love Classics very, very much, but I want more magic; I want the magic to reach all the way and tickle the sweet spot.

Windsweeper wrote:I think I saw customs like that before only with the G1 Terrorcons. It was like the guy cut up a G1 Sinnertwin then reassembled him but with knees and things. Looked amazing.

I've often wondered why G1 Rodimus Prime couldn't have been similarly reissued. Surely wouldn't take that much to give him articulated new limbs.

I'd love to see those Terrorcon customs! Got a link? I agree about the G1 Rodimus too!

Rodimus the Prime wrote:

Windsweeper wrote:I'm trying to picture exactly what you're saying here. So you mean G1 Prowl but with knees, waist, ball joint shoulders?

Yes, that's the core of what I'm saying; toys that look exactly like G1 figures, but with modern articulation, ala the waist, knees and ideally the rockered ankle joints.

Maybe make them a tad larger than the G1 figures, and scrap the Die-cast metal idea for cost factors (it really is a lost art, lol). The main thing behind this is that as much as I love first generation toys, they're not enough; they were barely enough when I was a kid because even in those days I wanted them to be able to do more. I want to see G1 toys the way I've always dreamed of seeing them. I want to see these iconic characters get the same love that vintage Star Wars characters get...(i.e. giving the original characters world class sculpts, 120% true to their classic iconography/ film appearances and Super-articulation)

I love Classics very, very much, but I want more magic; I want the magic to reach all the way and tickle the sweet spot.

Windsweeper wrote:I think I saw customs like that before only with the G1 Terrorcons. It was like the guy cut up a G1 Sinnertwin then reassembled him but with knees and things. Looked amazing.

I've often wondered why G1 Rodimus Prime couldn't have been similarly reissued. Surely wouldn't take that much to give him articulated new limbs.

I'd love to see those Terrorcon customs! Got a link? I agree about the G1 Rodimus too!

I feel that you're closing in on the Masterpiece line - bigger, with articulation, and some die cast metal? Check, check, check. Now, it would be cool if within the Masterpiece line we saw some of the smaller (think G1 autobot cars) bots, and even the minis etc.


Either way, anything G1 is right up my alley.

Sounds like a potentially cool idea, but I think a little redundant. Most people are happy with simple reissues and classics, and if this retro line was more expensive and harder to get, I think a lot of people would just pass on it. Of course the most hardcore would eat it up, and I guess that would make it a success, but it just seems kind of redundant to me. I do agree it would be nice to see some other smaller characters done in the MP line. Ironhide, Ratchet, Hound? The Lambos? Of course, the possibilities could be endless.

Realistic car/jet/dinosaur modes: YES
better articulations than the original: YES
DIE-Cast: HELL YES!
original robot modes: ERRRR... NO.

Comic/cartoon models were really cool, and I like them way better than the original. Not to insult the G1 robot modes, I love as they fit together with the car modes - like Ratchet, his "robot" mode is awesome, I own the Encore version, but better articulation for that... can't believe it is possible.

What you wrote, sounds like a mass-costumization. I'd love to see Classics/Generations use die-cast, closer-to-the-original alt. modes, now than that line would be perfect.

Actually, I don't like the idea of them being bigger. I wish all the modern cars were smaller to fit in with the Diaclones but that's just me.

I know I saw those custom Terrorcons on one of the forums. Either here, the Allspark or TFWorld. Not sure if I'm allowed mention the other 2 but I'm just trying 2 help.

I could rant about this til' I'm blue in the face, but I think a number of people here got the point across of how impractical that would be already. Besides which I prefer the modern update approach myself. Sure the old vehicle modes from the Diaclone toys would be neat to actually have on my modern TFs, but it's no where near being a necessity for me. Poseability is a must though, and since classics/universe/generations has come across with that as well as they have, I can't complain. And ultimately, if anyone is going to point out scale issues... get out now. Transformers have been plagued with scale problems even before they existed as 'Transformers' so I'll happily settle for a giant Powerglide!

In truth though, I didn't get into the transformers via Generation 1, so my nostalgic value in it isn't quite as acute as certain other collectors. I'm not saying I have no value for it, just that it's rather distilled by the fact that I got into G1 through G2 and thus my tastes for it lay on a middle grounds that's being quite well fulfilled by recent lines.

So no, not something I'd get into.