The Energon Pub

primalxconvoy wrote:

AcademyofDrX wrote:I know a lot of people are complaining about the price, but I think the throne was a great addition to justify it. There isn't even a throne in the coronation scene, but it's a very popular unlicensed accessory, so it makes sense as an accessory pack add-on.

That's not really the point for those that are complaining, I think. The point is that the accessories, however good they might be, are coming with a figure many of us have already got (and that said figure isn't really that significantly different enough), thus limiting the appeal.

If these accessories came with a substantially repainted SS (metallic paint, clear plastic, etc), as a different character, a different toy or even by themselves, then I think more people would be happier.

It reminds me of the recent blunders Hasblo has made regarding releasing toys that fans want (clear purple Fossilizer, Fangry, etc) in bundles with toys that many fans didn't. It gives the impression Hasblo is "milking" the fans, and it's not cool.

"Blunders" lol.

Whatever, if it's not worth the price, don't buy it. I already have six Earthrise seekers, another one isn't going to kill me.

AcademyofDrX wrote:

primalxconvoy wrote:

AcademyofDrX wrote:I know a lot of people are complaining about the price, but I think the throne was a great addition to justify it. There isn't even a throne in the coronation scene, but it's a very popular unlicensed accessory, so it makes sense as an accessory pack add-on.

That's not really the point for those that are complaining, I think. The point is that the accessories, however good they might be, are coming with a figure many of us have already got (and that said figure isn't really that significantly different enough), thus limiting the appeal.

If these accessories came with a substantially repainted SS (metallic paint, clear plastic, etc), as a different character, a different toy or even by themselves, then I think more people would be happier.

It reminds me of the recent blunders Hasblo has made regarding releasing toys that fans want (clear purple Fossilizer, Fangry, etc) in bundles with toys that many fans didn't. It gives the impression Hasblo is "milking" the fans, and it's not cool.

"Blunders" lol.

Whatever, if it's not worth the price, don't buy it. I already have six Earthrise seekers, another one isn't going to kill me.

I'm sure others share your perspective, but I'm betting just as many don't.
I have six ER seekers, but that's not even the majority of why I don't want this SS.
I don't think I'd buy this version if it were only $30...
"But you could sell off this, that, and the other....". Nope.
Imo none of these extras are worth that hassle.
It's great that they at least included a recognizable throne...
But as primalxconvoy said, it's the whole package that ends up being a letdown.
Not to mention, IF the photo renders are accurate, SS isn't even completely sitting on the throne because of his wings...
And even if the throne works well for Megatron, still not worth it for me.
The hinges and pins in the coronation cape make that look odd. Probably for storage (or even packaging), but if it's at all intended for articulation, seems very weird to have a perfectly straight crease in what's supposed to be a flowing, fabric cape.

But for those who are looking forward to this, that's great.
This is for sure related to a big scene in the movie.
And knowing it's releases like this that help make new molds possible, by all means, buy this guy! Hell, buy two copies!!

Earthrise Starscream was nearly impossible to find in my neck of the woods. Nothing but a sea of Grapples as far as the eye could see. So I welcome this Coronation Starscream with open arms and will gladly add it to my collection that currently lacks an Earthrise Starscream.

Sabrblade wrote:Earthrise Starscream was nearly impossible to find in my neck of the woods. Nothing but a sea of Grapples as far as the eye could see. So I welcome this Coronation Starscream with open arms and will gladly add it to my collection that currently lacks an Earthrise Starscream.

Here, here. Same for me. Never saw Starscream at all.

I welcome this version with all the accoutrements.

Sowndwave76 wrote:

Razorbeast88 wrote:
I appreciate the advice!

No prob! I am being more and more cost-aware these days... Although, looking back, I pretty much always have been. But now that prices are going up, even more so...
Point being that the $20 you save is most likely going to go towards another figure, right?
At some point eventually?
I personally would never be able to say that those pack-in's are as good as another figure.
Like having that stuff is as good as having SS86 Perceptor?? Or Legacy Kickback???
For me that's not even close.
It also comes down to this-- just because I have the money to spend, doesn't mean I want to.
Meaning it still doesn't sit well with me that a deluxe is now $25.
I'm doing it and as of now not backing out, but it just seems wrong that to have 3 Sharkticons is costing me $75.

I know everyone's different, living different lives, with different financial goals and limitations.
I guess I'm about to the point where it's getting very difficult to justify so much $$$$ being spent on toys.

Ya know, you can do what I'm doing. There are already two very good Gnaw figures out and about, the Cyberverse Warrior figure and the Titans Return version, three if you count the Legends repaint. The Cyberverse figure is really, really fun, and don't forget the TR Gnaw was used in the Pit of Judgement set. I think you can find the Cyberverse figure for well under $20 if not $15 since it was released in two sublines, and I'm confident there's a loose TR Gnaw on eBay for cheap. Then you only need the one SS86 Gnaw.

By the way, we're 100% certain that Starscream's throne is plastic right?

Coronation Starscream is what's finally going to get me to replace that janky leader one from Combiner Wars. Passed up on the Tetrajet since I don't really care for the design, and wasn't really excited to see all the same G1 characters show in Earthrise again killing my excitement for the mold at the time. Even though it technically won't scale right I'm sure the throne will look good with the rumored TM2 Megatron as well, just would need a Covenant of Primus to go with him.

I wonder how many people will get the leader set just for the throne, whether they already have ER Screamer or not. I mean, IMO that throne belongs to someone else, not him.

primalxconvoy wrote:It reminds me of the recent blunders Hasblo has made regarding releasing toys that fans want (clear purple Fossilizer, Fangry, etc) in bundles with toys that many fans didn't. It gives the impression Hasblo is "milking" the fans, and it's not cool.

Did you just start collecting yesterday? That's the entire point with Multi-packs, it's been happening since Generations even began.
Think back to TR, the clones were a worse offender than anything that's happened recently.

Nuclearxpotato wrote:

primalxconvoy wrote:It reminds me of the recent blunders Hasblo has made regarding releasing toys that fans want (clear purple Fossilizer, Fangry, etc) in bundles with toys that many fans didn't. It gives the impression Hasblo is "milking" the fans, and it's not cool.

Did you just start collecting yesterday? That's the entire point with Multi-packs, it's been happening since Generations even began.
Think back to TR, the clones were a worse offender than anything that's happened recently.

Of course, the clones (in the USA) were a much-discussed, similar "blunder". However, Hasblo rectified that by releasing them individually, and I think, as a 2-pack (RIP)?

However, I feel the Fangry multi-pack is just as bad as the multi-packs you mentioned.

As for me, in Japan, we've not had the multipack problem per-sec, as far as I recall, but now Bakara has started to release Hasblo versions of TFs, we've had to suffer a similar fate to our non-Japanese counterparts.

And as for collecting, if I ignore my childhood, I've been collecting for about 20 years.

chuckdawg1999 wrote:
Ya know, you can do what I'm doing. There are already two very good Gnaw figures out and about, the Cyberverse Warrior figure and the Titans Return version, three if you count the Legends repaint. The Cyberverse figure is really, really fun, and don't forget the TR Gnaw was used in the Pit of Judgement set. I think you can find the Cyberverse figure for well under $20 if not $15 since it was released in two sublines, and I'm confident there's a loose TR Gnaw on eBay for cheap. Then you only need the one SS86 Gnaw.

By the way, we're 100% certain that Starscream's throne is plastic right?

I have the TR version (still sealed)... I just like the appearance of this SS86 version so much more...
So like I said, I'm good with making this purchase (even though cost doesn't make it feel real good), but I've decided these three and the two Sweeps I've preordered will be the only troop building I ever do.
I'm so happy with some of these figures that I really can't think of the improvements (what or how) that would need to happen in order for me to want another Cyclonus, Hot Rod, Jazz, Grimlock, etc.
Not to mention, IF better versions happen, it still probably wouldn't be worth it to me because at that point the costs will have gone up again!
The articulation is more than enough, I don't need these figures to be larger, and I wouldn't like it if they were smaller.
They're just that good imo!!!

I'm going to assume the throne packed with Starscream is plastic... Hopefully not too cheaply made.

Well Starscream is my favorite character, so I'll definitely be getting him. I have the Earthrise figure, and I don't care. The more Screamer, the better, especially decked out in coronation awesomness!

I think it's awesome if people want this version of SS.
I don't think there's anything bad about it per se...

$53 seems like a steep price tag imo for what's included.
On top of the fact that it looks like I'll be buying more than I had anticipated from the end of this year through the next.

Here's what I have on queue:

The Ark (just showed up 3 days ago)
Slag
Wreck-gar
Gnaw x3
Sweeps x2
Selects Galvatron

Coming up ("most likely going to happen" purchases):
Repacked Kup
Rumble
Dragstrip
Wild Rider
Kickback
Perceptor (already preordered)
Blaster
Motormaster

Maybe's:
Pipes
Selects/Exclusive Bluestreak

Unconfirmed (but possibly for 2022):
Swoop
Sludge
Snarl
Dead End
Breakdown
Bombshell
Shrapnel

There's sure to be at least 1 more "most likely..." that we just don't know about yet.

$730 is what that list of figures will cost
(add $46-ish if I do get Pipes and Bluestreak, and that total doesn't include the Ark or taxes. It also has each voyager at $30 each; not sure if that price is going to go up next year).

Some would say, "What's another $53 when you're spending that much, and with SS86 SS you get accessories that won't ever be packed with another figure?".
My mindset is the exact opposite... Spending $730+ (I'm sure it'll be closer to $800 by the end of 2022) means I'm trying to save anywhere and everywhere that I can. I'm not okay ending up with a figure that I look at and think, "mehhh".

Really dig the new Perceptor, only I was hoping it would be Blaster first as none of the existing ones really capture the character for me. Still I'm looking forward to the new Perceptor and hope that a few more get done before they totally move on.

Any word on a potential titan-class studio series 86 figure?

I swear I've seen talk of Devastator, but I would love to see a more affordable titan-class Unicron...

As much as I'd like to see such a Unicron figure, could you imagine the Jupiter-proportioned sh*t-storm that would blow through this board if one were made so soon to the release of the Pulse version?

Mkdlmr wrote:Any word on a potential titan-class studio series 86 figure?

I swear I've seen talk of Devastator, but I would love to see a more affordable titan-class Unicron...

Nothing about a studio Series Titan Class I'm afraid, technically you already have Combiner Wars Titan Class Devestator to stand in for a 86 devy (indeed, this is why I think it was reissued this year, because of his part in the film). As for Unicron, I'll never say never but I can't see them doing a Titan Class Unicron for a little while longer yet. They only shipped HasLab Unicron this year so they'll probably wait a few years before tapping that well again.

primalxconvoy wrote:As much as I'd like to see such a Unicron figure, could you imagine the Jupiter-proportioned sh*t-storm that would blow through this board if one were made so soon to the release of the Pulse version?

[Intended as playful sarcasm]

Oh no, you spent $650 for a 30" masterpiece quality unicron... Why are you bent out-of-shape over people getting a 24" siege quality unicron?

But in all seriousness, I'd probably give someone $650 [includes shipping] for a haslab unicron [missed the boat ], but that'll never happen because he goes for double that...

Have you seen the disgusting prices some @rse-clowns are charging for the Gen-Sel Dirge/Ramjet packs?

I hope they fail to sell every single one of them and suffer financially to boot. Subhuman scum, every single last one of those sellers.

primalxconvoy wrote:Have you seen the disgusting prices some @rse-clowns are charging for the Gen-Sel Dirge/Ramjet packs?

I hope they fail to sell every single one of them and suffer financially to boot. Subhuman scum, every single last one of those sellers.

1630110908472.jpeg

As long as buyers are willing to validate them with a purchase, they will continue. Hasbro and Amazon can share some of the blame for their production and distribution shortcomings.

Rodimus Prime wrote:

primalxconvoy wrote:Have you seen the disgusting prices some @rse-clowns are charging for the Gen-Sel Dirge/Ramjet packs?

I hope they fail to sell every single one of them and suffer financially to boot. Subhuman scum, every single last one of those sellers.

1630110908472.jpeg

As long as buyers are willing to validate them with a purchase, they will continue. Hasbro and Amazon can share some of the blame for their production and distribution shortcomings.

Not sure why this was posted in SS86, but indeed people are willing, those are in line with the going prices.



Note that that last one took 27 bids to get up to $305 (+$15 shipping) from a start of $99.99. Shortages suck, but you can't blame the high aftermarket prices on the sellers when the buyers are eager to pay them. primalxconvoy, you're in Japan, set up an alert on Mandarake and you might be able to snag one for relatively cheap (between 10,000 yen and 14,000 yen by the looks of it) if you're fast enough.

Emerje

These cone head listings disgust me

Emerje wrote:

Rodimus Prime wrote:

primalxconvoy wrote:Have you seen the disgusting prices some @rse-clowns are charging for the Gen-Sel Dirge/Ramjet packs?

I hope they fail to sell every single one of them and suffer financially to boot. Subhuman scum, every single last one of those sellers.

1630110908472.jpeg

As long as buyers are willing to validate them with a purchase, they will continue. Hasbro and Amazon can share some of the blame for their production and distribution shortcomings.

Not sure why this was posted in SS86, but indeed people are willing, those are in line with the going prices.

Capture.JPG

Note that that last one took 27 bids to get up to $305 (+$15 shipping) from a start of $99.99. Shortages suck, but you can't blame the high aftermarket prices on the sellers when the buyers are eager to pay them. primalxconvoy, you're in Japan, set up an alert on Mandarake and you might be able to snag one for relatively cheap (between 10,000 yen and 14,000 yen by the looks of it) if you're fast enough.

Emerje

Cheers. My GF found some Japanese auction sites for around 14,000 yen, but that's still too much, IMO. She originally ordered both them and Earthrise Ironhide and Prowl from TTM, alongside Volcanicus (for a friend). However, he wanted me to cancel it but TTM usually doesn't cancel preorders, and after nagging them, only cancelled the WHOLE order (rather than individual items in that order, line every other website around the world). She then got confused and didn't re-order MY toys...

TT Mall is a really bad website anyway. They don't have a "recent releases" section in their TF area (you have to search each TF section, under "MP", "Earthrise", etc), they don't accept Japanese Visa debit/credit cards (even though EVERY other place in Japan does) and they've started to sell regular TFs as TTM exclusives (even when they're sold regularly outside Japan) leading to me having missed some releasees, as I thought Amazon Japan would sell them...

Quantum Surge wrote:These cone head listings disgust me

That is literally no different than saying the price of Gold is disgusting because of how high it is or being disgusted at how high one's 401K is right now. It's a price determined by supply and demand.

If people want to blame anyone, blame Hasbro for not making enough to satisfy the demand. I mean, in this case we literally know who to blame for the poor supply.

william-james88 wrote:

Quantum Surge wrote:These cone head listings disgust me

That is literally no different than saying the price of Gold is disgusting because of how high it is or being disgusted at how high one's 401K is right now. It's a price determined by supply and demand.

If people want to blame anyone, blame Hasbro for not making enough to satisfy the demand. I mean, in this case we literally know who to blame for the poor supply.

I hold both the manufacturers and scalpers responsible. I've no sympathy for scalpers. They're just as bad as the ones selling PS5s for thousands of dollars.

I’m not going to blame anyone for making a buck. I wish I held onto my spare set now. Oh well.

But I can’t wait to army build me some Sharkticon from the 86 studio series line! I have plenty on preorder so I don’t have to worry about shelling out extra cash over market value.