The Energon Pub

ZeroWolf wrote:

Emerje wrote:A rather unsettling but very Hasbro thought just entered my head. What if the Ultra Magnus cab doesn't change, but SS86 Optimus is compatible with the armor and they made a white Selects version that can be swapped for the cab that comes with the Commander figure? I wouldn't call that ideal at all, but it also wouldn't surprise me. Back when Masterpiece UM was announced some of us thought they might make a new UM cab bot that was identical to MP10 but transform differently to be compatible with the armor, but that obviously never happened, MP10 didn't even get a white repaint somehow (well, not until 2018 anyway).

Emerje

Wait, would the commander figure still Transform to UM in this example, or require SS86 OP to be able to Transform?

I think what he's saying is that the white cab part that originally comes with UM wouldn't transform on its own, much like the Titanium figure (albeit that one was simplified) but it could be swapped out with a cab that transformed by itself, thus giving us SS86 OP as well as 2 versions of Magnus. This way both Hasbro and the fans can have their cake and eat it too, so to speak.

Interestingly I feel Optimus would be better suited to Commander as maybe it would then include Roller, since they couldn't manage that in Leader Class. And being that Kingdom bas just a reissue/package refresh they obviously didn't have the budget there again to include Roller...

So I would assume that Commander UM would also at some point be able to be repainted as OP so that they can get reuse out of said "new" mold, Hasbro doesn't generally like to use a mold only once.
Though it's not as simple to repaint and rerelease Commander Class Bots at retail so it's done sparingly.

Till-all-R1 wrote:Interestingly I feel Optimus would be better suited to Commander as maybe it would then include Roller, since they couldn't manage that in Leader Class. And being that Kingdom bas just a reissue/package refresh they obviously didn't have the budget there again to include Roller...

So I would assume that Commander UM would also at some point be able to be repainted as OP so that they can get reuse out of said "new" mold, Hasbro doesn't generally like to use a mold only once.
Though it's not as simple to repaint and rerelease Commander Class Bots at retail so it's done sparingly.

While I wouldn't expect a Commander Class UM to be repainted unto OP, its not like they don't have options for a straight up repaint. Two ideas are Delta Magnus (aka the Powered Convoy colours from Diaclone) or Shattered Glass UM (fans might want a skull head though).

Emerje wrote:A rather unsettling but very Hasbro thought just entered my head. What if the Ultra Magnus cab doesn't change, but SS86 Optimus is compatible with the armor and they made a white Selects version that can be swapped for the cab that comes with the Commander figure? I wouldn't call that ideal at all, but it also wouldn't surprise me. Back when Masterpiece UM was announced some of us thought they might make a new UM cab bot that was identical to MP10 but transform differently to be compatible with the armor, but that obviously never happened, MP10 didn't even get a white repaint somehow (well, not until 2018 anyway).

Emerje

While I think this is possible, I'd still say it's unlikely.
First, it's probably a pretty tall task to produce a trailer design that works for both situations.
The physical interaction of the trailer and a bot-free cab would probably be quite a bit different from that of the trailer and a cab that has the necessary components/capabilities to be a stand-alone bot.
I just doubt that any of a SS86 Optimus design would be hinged on accommodating the SS86 Ultra Magnus with one exclusive (and relatively needless) repaint.

I'm sure there are some who would claim that "a true Ultra Magnus figure must include a complete, inner figure/white Prime".
But I'm betting there are more (including those who love this character) who don't care either way.
Seems like there's a lot involved for a combination that only some really care about.

Then consider the cost factor.
Take someone like me for instance; I'll probably get the SS86 Magnus. But spend another $35-$40 for a Selects white Prime? No way no day.
I'm sure others think ahead as much as I do, but that money will go towards other figures, or something else in general.
Spending $85+, then another $35-$40, and ultimately having the original CC cab stored in a container is by no means what I'm looking to do.
Especially if we do get a SS86 CC Optimus Prime... There's another $85+. And assuming it's good, I'll probably get that too (I have the 35th Anniversary and NF versions, so I don't even have an OP trailer right now).

And yeah, Hastak is going to want to do something more with a SS86 Optimus mold (if this in fact comes to fruition), but there are options; ones that are classic and basically expected, as well as ones that would be niche/novelty.

Emerje wrote:A rather unsettling but very Hasbro thought just entered my head. What if the Ultra Magnus cab doesn't change, but SS86 Optimus is compatible with the armor and they made a white Selects version that can be swapped for the cab that comes with the Commander figure? I wouldn't call that ideal at all, but it also wouldn't surprise me. Back when Masterpiece UM was announced some of us thought they might make a new UM cab bot that was identical to MP10 but transform differently to be compatible with the armor, but that obviously never happened, MP10 didn't even get a white repaint somehow (well, not until 2018 anyway).

Emerje

Interesting possibility. I'm fairly sure Hasbro would not do that. There's no reason to add complexity by designing a non transforming Magnus cab, and the required connection to allow it to be removed and a separate Prime to connect to it. Seems a bit unnecessary.

I'm fairly certain SS-86 Magnus is just the staging ground for an ultimate 40th Anniversary G1 Prime for sometime between 2024 and 2026. As such, Im fairly certain Magnus will include a fully transformable white Prime.

Which will then get released with an appropriate trailer and all his accessories was Prime.

They could if they really wanted to include a Minimus Ambus with Magnus that could be placed in is chest in place of a matrix though. Though that is not Movie accurate. For accuracy his accessories are reduced to his rifle only.

Also, Magnus's trailer is 75% air. Unlike Rodimus and Prime, which do require massive plastic panels. Magnus is wide open reducing the amount of plastic needed and by extension the budget. Making a non transformable cab, would reduce the budget even more, and then where's the Commander price going?

Combiner wars already gave us a pretty good all inclusive Magnus without a white Prime, and clearly the Leader price point was a bit of a stretch with all the empty space and hollowness.

Think of it like this, leader class Magnus trailer was on the small side while the commander Class one will be more massive (hence more plastic)

Though there is other Commander Class Ultra Magnus and Primes I'd rather see then the boring G1 version...how about combining RiD 2001 versions
(This is a joke, I doubt we'd get any more homage from RiD 2001 UM then we got with Siege Magnus)

Sowndwave76 wrote:I'm sure there are some who would claim that "a true Ultra Magnus figure must include a complete, inner figure/white Prime".
But I'm betting there are more (including those who love this character) who don't care either way.
Seems like there's a lot involved for a combination that only some really care about.

Since you brought it up I would be just fine with it being strictly Ultra Magnus, since I don't recall him aver appearing in bot form w/o the trailer/armor attached. Essentially white Prime. Thus if there were a way to transform UM without needing a two part assembly process I'd be all for it.

I just assumed they incorporated the transforming cab because it's beneficial to them for future repaints/retools for other versions or different Bots altogether. It does seem as if a transforming cab is a requirement to complete the process, as I don't know any way in which the trailer itself could become UM. Perhpas if it's possible, like Prime's trailer simply becomes whatever, UM's Cab could become something else similar to Rodimus Prime's battle platform rather than becoming a Bot.

Till-all-R1 wrote:

Sowndwave76 wrote:I'm sure there are some who would claim that "a true Ultra Magnus figure must include a complete, inner figure/white Prime".
But I'm betting there are more (including those who love this character) who don't care either way.
Seems like there's a lot involved for a combination that only some really care about.

Since you brought it up I would be just fine with it being strictly Ultra Magnus, since I don't recall him aver appearing in bot form w/o the trailer/armor attached. Essentially white Prime. Thus if there were a way to transform UM without needing a two part assembly process I'd be all for it.

I just assumed they incorporated the transforming cab because it's beneficial to them for future repaints/retools for other versions or different Bots altogether. It does seem as if a transforming cab is a requirement to complete the process, as I don't know any way in which the trailer itself could become UM. Perhpas if it's possible, like Prime's trailer simply becomes whatever, UM's Cab could become something else similar to Rodimus Prime's battle platform rather than becoming a Bot.

Yeah I really won’t care either way…
For me, a separate figure (white Prime) will be useless— I won’t display it, and if I ever have Magnus displayed in vehicle mode, that bot would be in truck mode anyway.
But if it is a part of this new version, so be it.
Like I said, as long as Magnus looks good & the trailer has good functionality, I’ll bite.
Now, I’m also hoping they manage to keep his bot mode in scale with the rest.
The CW version (which I have thanks to a friend) is a bit too big.

I’m also hoping we get word sooner than later if this is actually happening this year.
With how little I’m getting from the Legacy line, I may be in the market for that Fanstoys Thomas.
If this UM is being released sooner than later, it would be nice to know so I can hold onto funds accordingly.

Till-all-R1 wrote:Interestingly I feel Optimus would be better suited to Commander as maybe it would then include Roller, since they couldn't manage that in Leader Class. And being that Kingdom bas just a reissue/package refresh they obviously didn't have the budget there again to include Roller...

So I would assume that Commander UM would also at some point be able to be repainted as OP so that they can get reuse out of said "new" mold, Hasbro doesn't generally like to use a mold only once.
Though it's not as simple to repaint and rerelease Commander Class Bots at retail so it's done sparingly.

Technically there is a roller, it came with the Centurion Drone set.

-Kanrabat- wrote:Yeah, I'm still salty over this.

Look up the prices they are going for on the secondary market now.... That might make you feel a bit less salty.

I bought it day one because of the Weaponizer, with little thought to all the accessories. Man am I glad I did.

Leader Snarl and Core Ironhide up for pre-order on Pulse:

https://hasbropulse.com/collections/stu ... obot-snarl

https://hasbropulse.com/collections/stu ... s-ironhide


Since Snarl is 86-19, I'm guessing 86-18 will be Voyager Ratchet?

o.supreme wrote:Leader Snarl and Core Ironhide up for pre-order on Pulse:

https://hasbropulse.com/collections/stu ... obot-snarl

https://hasbropulse.com/collections/stu ... s-ironhide


Since Snarl is 86-19, I'm guessing 86-18 will be Voyager Ratchet?

Ordered. Thanks for the tip - I didn't get any notification (??)

EDIT - Actually, I did. Right when I saw this post.

It's another Transformers Tuesday, Seibertronians! Today we get two drops from Hasbro on totally opposite ends of the size spectrum. Officially revealed is the penultimate Leader Class Dinobot, Snarl! Recreated in all his ten seconds of screentime glory, Snarl comes with his sword as an accessory, the only Leader Class Dinobot to do so so far. Number 19 in the 86 movie subline of Studio Series, Snarl is due in mid-summer this year, and can be found on Hasbro Pulse, among other retailers.

Transformers Studio Series 86-19 Leader Class Dinobot Snarl

(Ages 8 and Up | Approx. Retail Price: $54.99 | Available: August 2023)

Bring the epic action of the Transformers movies from the big screen into your collection with the all-new Transformers Studio Series Leader 86-19 Dinobot Snarl action figure. Featuring movie-inspired details and accessories, the new Studio Series Dinobot Snarl action figure stands 8.5” tall and converts from robot to Stegosaurus mode in 31 steps. The figure includes a removable backdrop display from the iconic Battle of Autobot City scene and comes with a sword accessory that attaches to the Dinobot Snarl in both modes. The new Transformers Studio Series Leader 86-19 Dinobot Snarl is available for pre-order now at Hasbro Pulse and other major retailers

Also today, we got the reveal of Studio Series Core Class Ironhide! He's a slight retool of Core Class Ratchet, consisting of a new head and removal of the ambulance light bar. This latest iteration of Ironhide is due in July, also from Hasbro Pulse

Transformers Studio Series Core Class Ironhide

(Ages 8 and Up | Approx. Retail Price: $11.99 | Available: July 2023)


Bring the epic action of the Transformers movies from the big screen into your collection with the new Transformers Studio Series Core Class Ironhide action figure. Ironhide stands at 3.5” tall and is inspired by iconic movie scenes with details that reflect the Transformers movie universe. This toy features a classic conversion between robot and van modes in 15 steps and includes 2 blaster accessories that attach to Ironhide in both modes. The new Transformers Studio Series Core Class Ironhide is available for pre-order now at Hasbro Pulse and other major retailers.

So what are your thoughts? Excited to get one step closer to a full crew of Leader Class Dinobots? Glad to have an Ironhide at a smaller size? Let us know below!

Got my preorders in at both Hasbro and Amazon, just in case. I wonder when Ratchet will be revealed.

Not really interested in "Core" Ironhide, but Leader 86 Snarl is a must-have so far as I'm concerned. Reserved my copy, and will await his arrival...

Transformer Tuesday? Just another day for me with nothing that interesting happening. An rather lackluster in the wake of nothing interesting to me for months. It really is starting to seem like 23 is going to be a very light year with maybe only two releases I plan to buy.

Though I guess 22 wasn't much better since most of the stuff I bought was actually from 21.

-Kanrabat- wrote:The idea of a perfectly G1 looking Megatron bot that change into a tank is out there. I found that Megatron mousepad on Amazon.



The art is official too.
So, having a SS86 leader Megatron that would look like this and transform like this is not a far-fetched idea.

I’d say it’s time to make this happen…
Especially while the SS86 subline is still going.
And I’d hope all of the focus gets put into the bot mode; it’s not like there are aspects of a tank that need to be accurately addressed to match what was seen in an episode, let alone the movie.
In fact I’d be okay if the alt mode was a “Cybertonian” tank or spaceship if that meant there are no treads in the lower legs (or anywhere).

I’ve been pretty okay with the 35th Anniversary figure, but it does fall a bit short.

Throw-out the energon mace, & package him with the “light saber” & blaster he used in the final battle.
Assuming the appearance, engineering, and articulation are on point,
I’d happily pay leader class cost for this version.

-Kanrabat- wrote:The idea of a perfectly G1 looking Megatron bot that change into a tank is out there. I found that Megatron mousepad on Amazon.



The art is official too.
So, having a SS86 leader Megatron that would look like this and transform like this is not a far-fetched idea.

There's no realistic way for that tank to become that Megatron. Where did the turret go? Where did his legs come from? What happened to the treads? Maybe a Masterpiece with lots of tiny folding panels could pull this off, but there's no chance of it being done at retail.

Emerje

Emerje wrote:

-Kanrabat- wrote:The idea of a perfectly G1 looking Megatron bot that change into a tank is out there. I found that Megatron mousepad on Amazon.



The art is official too.
So, having a SS86 leader Megatron that would look like this and transform like this is not a far-fetched idea.

There's no realistic way for that tank to become that Megatron. Where did the turret go? Where did his legs come from? What happened to the treads? Maybe a Masterpiece with lots of tiny folding panels could pull this off, but there's no chance of it being done at retail.

Emerje

That's basically just the Earthrise tank with the Siege turret. It wouldn't look that clean, but a retool of those would be pretty close.

My point is that it’s time to make a Megatron figure (for SS86) with a screen-accurate robot mode even if the alt mode is a tank.
No one is going to purely buy that figure for the tank mode anyway.
So if the bot parts cause misalignment where similar colors don’t match up for the alt mode, who cares.
It’s not ideal, but since a pistol alt mode will never be an option, something’s got to give.
With the bot mode being more important anyway, I’d say put all the eggs in that basket…
Very, very few are going to complain.