The Energon Pub

News Credits: 332 · Tue Aug 01, 2023 11:29 am

Don't forget, SS86 started with 3 or 4 figures released in a wave at a time, now we're down to 1. If that keeps up we can squeeze it out until 2026. (Pause for a moment that we're talking about 2026 as some NOT far off time) Heck, two years is 20 years removed from when the movie was set, hoh boy.

News Credits: 462 · Tue Aug 01, 2023 12:07 pm

For reference, here is Brawn's official cartoon model:

News Credits: 4878 · Wed Aug 02, 2023 12:09 am

We have some video reviews of Brawn, from our community members, which we wanted to share with you. The toy can currently be preordered on Amazon. Enjoy!

chuckdawg1999 wrote:Once the Studio Series 86 line made it past two years of shelf life, you knew they would make Mr. Shoulder wound himself, Brawn. While I always felt that the Titans Return figure was a fantastic representation of the G1 design, the Studio Series designers took it one step further and gave us what I think is the best Brawn to date. Transformation is intuitive and fun, even working in an homage to the transformation of the original toy. This is definitely worth a spot on your shelf, maybe clutching at its shoulder as it falls down.

For reference, here is Brawn's official cartoon model:

News Credits: 3 · Wed Aug 02, 2023 5:20 am

Great review as always!

I cant wait to get my copy from Hasbro Pulse. Just waiting on a shipping notification.

SGM

News Credits: 1646 · Wed Aug 02, 2023 7:10 am

He's in stock on Pulse right now too.

News Credits: 332 · Wed Aug 02, 2023 6:31 pm

I forgot to mention, some people are reporting that Brawn's pistol is falling out of the sleeve and ending up in the shipping box. Make sure to check before you start throwing things out.

Also, Brawn and the Evolution Wave 4 figures are coming with those plastic clothing ties and not the paper ones, I believe the changeover is starting.

News Credits: 3 · Wed Aug 02, 2023 6:43 pm

Appreciate the heads up on that!

News Credits: 9 · Thu Aug 03, 2023 5:46 pm

Both Brawn and the Ironhide/Prowl 2-pack showed up today.

I did decide to get the 2-pack despite all of my criticism of it being made...
I'm hoping to do some bot-surgery resulting in final, definitive versions of both.

The only modifications for "dead" Ironhide is switching his head and damaged chest/windshield.
I have not opened my SS86 Ironhide yet, but I'm assuming this is connected with a metal pin.
For Prowl, I'm wanting the head and chest of the "dead" version swapped with those of the ER figure. Which also is a matter of metal pins.

To anyone who has done any moderate to extensive customizing that includes removal of those small pins, please, please share your approach and anything you would recommend in this process.
It would be very much appreciated by me and others.

Fri Aug 04, 2023 5:35 am

Brawn is looking good.

Would love a version with the G1 toy head. Heck, put him in a "Enemy Within" 3 pack with a Ravage and Starscream and I'll hand over I don't know how much $...

(I remember my Dad asking if I REALLY wanted such a small figure when I bought G1 Brawn, my brother got Inferno at the same time. Brawn's role in the comic meant there was no other choice.)

News Credits: 1646 · Fri Aug 04, 2023 12:55 pm

My Corpse pack is waiting for me at home, I will hopefully get to see them tomorrow once we are home from the hospital.

News Credits: 10 · Sat Aug 05, 2023 9:19 pm

D-Maximal_Primal wrote:
sol magnus wrote:Gonna be doing my review this week, and now I can never unsee your post. LOL

In what way can you never unsee it?

Your scathing critique, which can often color a review. In this case, though, that didn't happen. Not because I don't value your opinion, but because I was so torched after a long day I simply didn't remember your post after all.

Snarl has got his problems, but I actually liked him just about as much as the others.

News Credits: 9 · Mon Aug 07, 2023 12:52 pm

chuckdawg1999 wrote:Don't forget, SS86 started with 3 or 4 figures released in a wave at a time, now we're down to 1. If that keeps up we can squeeze it out until 2026. (Pause for a moment that we're talking about 2026 as some NOT far off time) Heck, two years is 20 years removed from when the movie was set, hoh boy.

This may be a possibility, but according to leaks and rumors, both Swoop and Sunstreaker will be released next year.
I wouldn't be shocked, but I'll be a bit surprised if both Wheeljack and Windcharger get figures in this subline.
Imo, we don't need another Wheeljack, similar to how we don't need others like Grapple that had a second or two of screen time.
If Windcharger does get a SS86 release, that's fine by me.
But his 1.5 seconds of being shown badly damaged is a stretch imo in terms of saying he should be included.
I guess Hound is left, but past him it seems to me that Hastak would need to start re-doing characters.
Besides having all 5 Dinobots in the same line/packaging, it was a smart move by Hastak to free-up a leader class slot for a non-movie character by putting Snarl in SS86.

Speaking of Snarl, I'm still buzzin' about this figure.
Knowing what can and can't be done with a mainline, leader class figure (or even just based on the previous 3 Dinobots), this is a superb effort by Hastak.
The 2-3 things that I would want improved almost become nit-picky because he's just that good overall.

Needless to say, I absolutely cannot wait for Swoop.

News Credits: 1646 · Mon Aug 07, 2023 7:39 pm

Previously, i had gotten SS86 Ironhide for $20, and I had gotten ER Barricade, serving as my figure of that mold. And I sold Ironhide and I now am looking for the siege Barricade, because both molds are not overly fun to me. I'm not a fan.

But then, I got the corpses. And they are hilarious. I love blasting these 2 apart. This is a macabre sense of joy. I enjoy them. And i think the fact I don't like the molds that much means it is more fun to kill them, in essence. And now we need Ratchet and Brawn like this so I can complete the deaths of the shuttle.

News Credits: 332 · Mon Aug 07, 2023 8:52 pm

Sowndwave76 wrote:
chuckdawg1999 wrote:Don't forget, SS86 started with 3 or 4 figures released in a wave at a time, now we're down to 1. If that keeps up we can squeeze it out until 2026. (Pause for a moment that we're talking about 2026 as some NOT far off time) Heck, two years is 20 years removed from when the movie was set, hoh boy.

This may be a possibility, but according to leaks and rumors, both Swoop and Sunstreaker will be released next year.
I wouldn't be shocked, but I'll be a bit surprised if both Wheeljack and Windcharger get figures in this subline.
Imo, we don't need another Wheeljack, similar to how we don't need others like Grapple that had a second or two of screen time.
If Windcharger does get a SS86 release, that's fine by me.
But his 1.5 seconds of being shown badly damaged is a stretch imo in terms of saying he should be included.
I guess Hound is left, but past him it seems to me that Hastak would need to start re-doing characters.
Besides having all 5 Dinobots in the same line/packaging, it was a smart move by Hastak to free-up a leader class slot for a non-movie character by putting Snarl in SS86.

Speaking of Snarl, I'm still buzzin' about this figure.
Knowing what can and can't be done with a mainline, leader class figure (or even just based on the previous 3 Dinobots), this is a superb effort by Hastak.
The 2-3 things that I would want improved almost become nit-picky because he's just that good overall.

Needless to say, I absolutely cannot wait for Swoop.

Seeing who we've gotten thus far, milliseconds of screen time might get you a figure. Windcharger definitely needs an update to fit with the other minibots and a Wheeljack without the clear plastic would be nice. Don't forget, new molds mean more corpse repaints. There's also the rumored Astrotrain repaint/tool and Devastator.

News Credits: 9 · Mon Aug 07, 2023 10:05 pm

chuckdawg1999 wrote:Seeing who we've gotten thus far, milliseconds of screen time might get you a figure. Windcharger definitely needs an update to fit with the other minibots and a Wheeljack without the clear plastic would be nice. Don't forget, new molds mean more corpse repaints. There's also the rumored Astrotrain repaint/tool and Devastator.

I realize that any sort of minimal visual cue of a character in the movie means it could end up in this subline.
I won’t be at all surprised if dead/damaged Brawn and Ratchet happen next year, and of course then, maybe dead/damaged Wheeljack and Windcharger will follow.

I know nothing has been substantiated, but I didn’t know a new Astrotrain was even a rumor.
I’m all for that!!

And did you mean Devs is a rumor too, or just that group is still left from the movie?

Based on what we have and even what’s realistically left, I could see a new set of Constructicons coming out in ‘26 as a solid nod to the 40th anniversary.
Because of the unqiue configuration (which is partially due to the 6-member group), Devastator is similar to Menasor in that his combining system isn’t chained to the individual figures needing to be re-tooled/re-painted to make any other combiners.

With this, I do think a new Devastator is deserving of having voyager-scaled Constructions…
I mean the engineering alone would basically require this since each is almost a triple-changer.
Also, those characters aren’t small; check out character scale charts.
Or, what’s stuck in my mind is the movie scene where Soundwave is fighting Hook inside of Astrotrain.
Hook is extremely close in statue to Soundwave.
Basically the Constructicon figures should be as tall as the ER seekers.
Sure, this may have Devs taller than Legacy Menasor…
But not by much, and I doubt anyone is going to see that as some travesty.
As long as he’s done well, I believe people will be good with a slightly “too large” combined form.
Especially since they will have paid for SIX voyager figures.
Not to mention with the extra combined parts/pieces, even spread-out between all 6, each figure should end up costing $40+.
Especially in 2026.
Honestly, I’m kind of to the point where I’d prefer any combiner be sold in a set.
Especially for Devastator; have him take the Titan class slot for that year, even if it’s $260+.
These days, hunting down individual figures is annoying. At least for some of us.
I would not call finding 6 different figures a good time.
Nor waiting over a year and a half to complete a combiner group.
An all-in-one set also wouldn’t take away from other individual voyager releases in the mainline.

News Credits: 12 · Mon Aug 07, 2023 10:07 pm

I would love a proper astrotrain. The siege one was a$$ so I didn't get it lol

Devastator would be cool too, though I already have the 3rd party GT rebuilder and I like their designs

News Credits: 462 · Mon Aug 07, 2023 10:09 pm

Sowndwave76 wrote:I know nothing has been substantiated, but I didn’t know a new Astrotrain was even a rumor.
I’m all for that!!

At SDCC, Hasbro did a massive Q&A session where one of the answers given was about Hasbro considering rereleasing Siege Astrotrain in Studio Series 86 but with all the weathered battle damage removed (like what was done between Kingdom and Legacy Galvatron).

News Credits: 9 · Mon Aug 07, 2023 10:32 pm

Sabrblade wrote:
Sowndwave76 wrote:I know nothing has been substantiated, but I didn’t know a new Astrotrain was even a rumor.
I’m all for that!!
At SDCC, Hasbro did a massive Q&A session where one of the answers given was about Hasbro considering rereleasing Siege Astrotrain in Studio Series 86 but with all the weathered battle damage removed (like what was done between Kingdom and Legacy Galvatron).

Thanks for the info.

Wanted this to be a new mold; especially cleaned-up with little to no greebling, and at least one of the two alt modes looking better than what the Siege version offered.
I'd really like to have a "mainline" version of this character, so we'll see.
For a SS86 release, I'd hope he'd include the same treatment as some of the others and at least get some retooling if a new mold isn't an option.
I also understand that Hastak may feel they haven't had enough profit from that Siege mold.

Razorbeast88 wrote:I would love a proper astrotrain. The siege one was a$$ so I didn't get it lol

Devastator would be cool too, though I already have the 3rd party GT rebuilder and I like their designs

Agreed... I didn't like passing on Siege Astrotrain, but I definitely didn't like him enough to bite.

There are a few different 3P Devastators out there that are awesome.
I just haven't been willing to dish-out that much money for one.
Not going into it, but we're over 8 years since the CW version.

News Credits: 56 · Mon Aug 07, 2023 10:50 pm

Razorbeast88 wrote:I would love a proper astrotrain. The siege one was a$$ so I didn't get it lol

Devastator would be cool too, though I already have the 3rd party GT rebuilder and I like their designs

I'm perfectly satisfied with Siege Astrotrain. It's far better than the TR version from just a couple years before it.

Also,.UW Devastator is still better than any 3P I can think of. The CW version was reissued as recent as 2-3 years ago. A testament to it's enduring popularity.

Of coutim sure other versions will come eventually. Thankfully I won't feel compelled to want to replace the ones I have.

News Credits: 10 · Mon Aug 07, 2023 10:52 pm

o.supreme wrote:
Razorbeast88 wrote:I would love a proper astrotrain. The siege one was a$$ so I didn't get it lol

Devastator would be cool too, though I already have the 3rd party GT rebuilder and I like their designs

I'm perfectly satisfied with Siege Astrotrain. It's far better than the TR version from just a couple years before it.

Also,.UW Devastator is still better than any 3P I can think of. The CW version was reissued as recent as 2-3 years ago. A testament to it's enduring popularity.

Of coutim sure other versions will come eventually. Thankfully I won't feel compelled to want to replace the ones I have.

Agreed on Astrotrain.

I got one of those reissued CW Devastators, but I'd like a more in-scale set of Constructicons.

Tue Aug 08, 2023 10:23 am

Wasn't Sunstreaker rumored for a Buzzworthy release?

What I really do like about the Dinobots is that they all are in SS86 packaging! It kind of bummed me out about Cyclonus, Rodimus and a couple others that weren't.

chuckdawg1999 wrote:Windcharger definitely needs an update to fit with the other minibots and a Wheeljack without the clear plastic would be nice. Don't forget, new molds mean more corpse repaints. There's also the rumored Astrotrain repaint/tool and Devastator.

As far as minbots go I was thinking about this the other day and they really only have four more to go of the OG 84/85 releases and not counting goofs like Bumper or cash grab repaints of 86. That said, since they've already done hubcap and Pipes I would also expect obvious redo of Outback, Swerve and Tailgate. As I've already stated my only must have redo is Powerglide. I am curious just how accurate Windcharger's alt mode will be when it finally happens. The one drawback to these bots getting a DLX release is that they become more difficult to find a space for in my display, fitting their smaller "Legends" version were far easier. Which is why I'm trying to stick to them for a few, but I am finding it increasingly tempting to get the new beachcomber. lol

I'd also be keen on a new Astrotrain as my Decepticon forces pale in comparison to my Autobots, so I really need more good versions released! If it's just a Siege reissue then I'd probably just pass never really felt that one was worth the price tag.

News Credits: 9 · Tue Aug 08, 2023 12:03 pm

I'm pretty sure Sunstreaker was rumored to be in the regular SS86 subline...
Although assuming it may not be a new mold, it would make sense for it to be in Buzzworthy.
Either way, I hope this is sorted in a way so that we still get Hound.

Are the only main OG minibots left, Gears, Seaspray, Windcharger, and Powerglide (I know the repaint characters will most likely happen as well)?
I was never a huge fan of any of these characters, but I would probably still get them.
I have really appreciated getting these as deluxe class figures. For me, Legends class was just too small and limiting in terms of engineering. Then sometimes in turn, appearance was compromised.

It's almost a weird feeling that I'm down to TWO figures on my main "want" list--
Bombshell and Swoop.
I got Brawn, and will get Ratchet, Sunstreaker, and Hound.
But those and any additional minibots are just icing at this point.

I would probably get a new Astrotrain (although I agree the extras and the cost make it a tough sell).
And I agree, I would really like to have more Decepticons.
My fingers are crossed that Octane gets a new figure next year.
And talk about super short appearances in the movie, Reflector was seen briefly a couple times (once at least).
I would be all in favor of a Reflector 3-pack; slightly retooled.
Considering it would really be two different figures, with two of the three being the exact same, I'd pay $55+ for that set.
It could be a Buzzworthy release, put in the same sized packaging as the other 3-packs in that line.

I'd also take a new Shockwave.

There's been enough discussion about a new Megatron with a G1 accurate bot mode, but I'm all for that as well. The ER version was such a letdown to me; the face/head looks scrunched into the helmet. It just looks awkward. And the front lower torso details aren't legit in terms of coloring.

A couple of these I think we'll have to be patient for...
I would not doubt if Hastak is planning on these now, for release in 2026 for the movie's 40th anniversary.
My gut says there won't be a full anniversary sub line, but we'll get something like an OP vs Megatron 2-pack.
And then the main celebratory piece would be a new set of Constructicons.
On the other hand, I have the thought that Hastak would be smart to milk the G1 market that year while all of the "kids of the 80's" are still playing the game...
I feel very confident in saying that many, many, many people like me will be retired from collecting well before 2036... Hell, that year I'll turn 60!!
In fact I'm already committing to 2026 being the last year I buy anything TF.

News Credits: 462 · Tue Aug 08, 2023 12:12 pm

Sowndwave76 wrote:I'm pretty sure Sunstreaker was rumored to be in the regular SS86 subline...

It was, yeah.

News Credits: 2 · Tue Aug 08, 2023 12:25 pm

I just got Brawn and Snarl a few days ago. Both are amazing. It's tough to find things to complain about with Brawn, but they should have painted the back window, come on. Also enough with the excuses to not have wrist swivels. There is no excuse with these figures except being cheap and or lazy. Brawn, Kup, Perceptor and others needed wrist swivels. Other than that Brawn is near perfect. Snarl could only use a bigger and/or better placed tail. He ain't hittin no one with that. I love these figures though and now just crossing my fingers for Swoop. All 5 Dinobots that are nearly perfect and matching will be a big accomplishment, to me. A great Brawn was a big one I been waiting to cross off my want list as well.

News Credits: 51 · Tue Aug 08, 2023 2:55 pm

Reminder for clarity: we have a retail Studio Series listing for a "MV6" Sunstreaker. The running assumption is that that is a mislabeled 86 Sunstreaker since he wasn't in Bumblebee and as far as we know was never planned to be in Bumblebee.