The Energon Pub

1. Can Hasbro get more g1 and toon accurate with Universe 3.0 ? Don't get me wrong, I am really enjoying the universe 2.0 figures. I am especially loving cyclonus and hound - some of the best molds ever made. The only thing that turned me off were the innacurate colors. So the figures became more like homages to original characters rather than original characters. I noticed this moreso with Universe 2.0 than with Universe 1.0. I realize that hasbro has to make some sort of marketable plan with designs. But if these are characters that modern-day fans haven't heard of, why dissappoint the older fans? 8 year-olds don't know who Powerglide is . There's no need to hip him up with a different paint scheme. All it does is discourage people like me from buying him. I also skipped out on onslaught and silverbolt because I wanted them as combiners. However, I did buy the Darkwing because to me it made more sense to have the mold painted to be that character in the first place.

But seriously? how do you all make these deciscions- are there tests? Do you all have new molds with accurate, and hipped-up paint schemes and see what a test group of kids would like better?

Do you see if a kid likes Rodimus in original yellow flames and yellow spoiler , or gold flames with an Orange spoiler.

Those little subtle color changes can really ruin it for a collector and fan of the original series.



2. Is it feasable to create a new series that utilizes the Transformer Universe toyline ; for example, A G1 sequel that takes the the original Transformer universe and crosses it over with other universes ( via time/space portals) . This way you can re-hash older ( Energon, Cybertron ) molds in different paint schemes . You can bring back the " classics" Optimus Prime mold - this time with a Trailer. It doesn't have to be as " adult" as G.I. Joe resolute. I think the old fans would be excited about a G1 continuation. I think, Transformers have become like the new Warner Brothers/Disney Characters - there can be slight modifications over the years, but the more you keep it true and consistent the better! The voice actors even sound the same. I must say, that i was dissappointed with the Animated Series. Didn't seem like the Hasbro re-imaging worked as well as it could have. It isn't a huge hit with the kiddos, and the fan-basis has to simply " settle" with what we get because we aren't receiving anything else.

3. 20 years from now, would hasbro consider re-making a Transformer movie Franchise since Michael Bay ruined it for alot of us? You know, doing it right this time, getting in some decent actors, writers, designers that can make characters true to what they looked like with a modern twist?

4. Suggestion... Universe 3.0 Soundwave. Tape deck design with working Speakers that one can connect their MP3 player to. . At a 24.99 price tag that is a great deal. Also can you make it g1 accurate?

5. With all these talks about possibilities for new Transformers Media - where would I sign up for doing voice acting. I sound exactly like Chris Latta.

6. Will we ever see a universe, Arcee, Jazz, Blitzwing, Kup, Sharkticon ( perfect for army building) ,Insecticons,
Pretenders, Combiner Menasor, Blurr, Reflector, Blaster, Universe Junkions ( army building ) ?

P.S. Universe Blaster sucked, so did Dropshot , and the other cybertron repaint. the Evac repaints were ok and so was target ratbat .

7. Will we be seeing Masterpiece Grimlock in the states?

8. Will Hasbro please release a Target/Walmart exclusive Starscream's Ghost ?

9. Can we see a cartoon accurate box set of the original 3 seekers?

10. Repaint voyager energon galvatron to match the G1 cartoon and sell it as universe?

11. Can Hasbro buy the Fansproject city commander or make a decent Ultra Magnus? I really want one .

WORKING MP SOUNDWAVE MP3 PLAYER WITH WORKING CASSETTES:
How possible would it be for Hasbro to make a (working) Masterpiece Soundwave in original G1 colors and be G1 cartoon accurate in look/design. Plus have it be a working MP3 player where the larger sized cassettes would each contain the soundtrack to the original G1 series, Animated Movie, the live Action Film and it's upcoming sequel ( Such MP3 player chip technology is really easy and cheap!). That way each cassette would actually play something as well as be able to transform into G1 accurate Laserbeak, Ravage, Buzzaw, Rumble and Frenzy( and finally be in scale with some of the larger more modern toys). The MP Soundwave would also have working speakers (possibly in it's legs) and possibly have some sound recordings form the original series and VA Frank Welker. I think there would be a huge demand for this item and would be worth the close to $100 price tag it would fetch. The cassettes could even be sold seperatly so you could make even more money by having an MP Cassettes set or a few of them come out every so often. Have MP Sopundwave come with Laserbeak or Busssaw and then sell the others in sets throughout the year(s).

Make this after you bring Universe back when the movie line finishes.

Under whose jurisdiction does the CG stock renders/publicity stills of the Revenge of the Fallen Transformers fall under, Hasbro's or the movie studio's? There are CG stills of some characters, but not of others - and even the box art pictures for the ROTF toys seem to be done in two different styles.

Will all the characters from Revenge of the Fallen have CG stock renders this time, or will some of the lesser characters be ignored, like Brawl and Bonecrusher were in the first film?

Editor wrote:9) With the success FansProject has had with their releases, and a number of other companies rushing into the market to fill where collects feel Hasbro has "dropped the ball". What is the current view Hasbro/Takara is taking towards these groups, and what future concerns do they forsee to maintain control of their licences, in light of what is currently a large level of fan support these companies are gaining?

I would love to hear an honest answer to this question, not the PR answer that we will likely get if asked.

metalogan wrote:1. Can Hasbro get more g1 and toon accurate with Universe 3.0 ? Don't get me wrong, I am really enjoying the universe 2.0 figures. I am especially loving cyclonus and hound - some of the best molds ever made. The only thing that turned me off were the innacurate colors. So the figures became more like homages to original characters rather than original characters. I noticed this moreso with Universe 2.0 than with Universe 1.0. I realize that hasbro has to make some sort of marketable plan with designs. But if these are characters that modern-day fans haven't heard of, why dissappoint the older fans? 8 year-olds don't know who Powerglide is . There's no need to hip him up with a different paint scheme. All it does is discourage people like me from buying him. I also skipped out on onslaught and silverbolt because I wanted them as combiners. However, I did buy the Darkwing because to me it made more sense to have the mold painted to be that character in the first place.

But seriously? how do you all make these deciscions- are there tests? Do you all have new molds with accurate, and hipped-up paint schemes and see what a test group of kids would like better?

Do you see if a kid likes Rodimus in original yellow flames and yellow spoiler , or gold flames with an Orange spoiler.

Those little subtle color changes can really ruin it for a collector and fan of the original series.



2. Is it feasable to create a new series that utilizes the Transformer Universe toyline ; for example, A G1 sequel that takes the the original Transformer universe and crosses it over with other universes ( via time/space portals) . This way you can re-hash older ( Energon, Cybertron ) molds in different paint schemes . You can bring back the " classics" Optimus Prime mold - this time with a Trailer. It doesn't have to be as " adult" as G.I. Joe resolute. I think the old fans would be excited about a G1 continuation. I think, Transformers have become like the new Warner Brothers/Disney Characters - there can be slight modifications over the years, but the more you keep it true and consistent the better! The voice actors even sound the same. I must say, that i was dissappointed with the Animated Series. Didn't seem like the Hasbro re-imaging worked as well as it could have. It isn't a huge hit with the kiddos, and the fan-basis has to simply " settle" with what we get because we aren't receiving anything else.

3. 20 years from now, would hasbro consider re-making a Transformer movie Franchise since Michael Bay ruined it for alot of us? You know, doing it right this time, getting in some decent actors, writers, designers that can make characters true to what they looked like with a modern twist?

4. Suggestion... Universe 3.0 Soundwave. Tape deck design with working Speakers that one can connect their MP3 player to. . At a 24.99 price tag that is a great deal. Also can you make it g1 accurate?

5. With all these talks about possibilities for new Transformers Media - where would I sign up for doing voice acting. I sound exactly like Chris Latta.

6. Will we ever see a universe, Arcee, Jazz, Blitzwing, Kup, Sharkticon ( perfect for army building) ,Insecticons,
Pretenders, Combiner Menasor, Blurr, Reflector, Blaster, Universe Junkions ( army building ) ?

P.S. Universe Blaster sucked, so did Dropshot , and the other cybertron repaint. the Evac repaints were ok and so was target ratbat .

7. Will we be seeing Masterpiece Grimlock in the states?

8. Will Hasbro please release a Target/Walmart exclusive Starscream's Ghost ?

9. Can we see a cartoon accurate box set of the original 3 seekers?

10. Repaint voyager energon galvatron to match the G1 cartoon and sell it as universe?

11. Can Hasbro buy the Fansproject city commander or make a decent Ultra Magnus? I really want one .

You...you're not serious about all this are you?

This is bait right?

Counterpunch wrote:
You...you're not serious about all this are you?

This is bait right?

I was thinking the same thing with some of the those 'questions'
but as for 5:
1) if you haven't already, take VA lessons, they help even if you think you have the goods.
2) get a professional demo reel made up, doing one voice is good, but you'll need more than that.
3) hire an agent.

and that is just the minimum you'll need to do. As far as TF goes, Hasbro most likely won't even be involved in the early selection of voices, so be prepared to work hard if this is truely a goal for you.
For the Record: Editor is speaking from the view of a graduate of the Vancouver Film School Voice Acting program, and years of Drama classes.

Editor wrote:

Counterpunch wrote:
You...you're not serious about all this are you?

This is bait right?

I was thinking the same thing with some of the those 'questions'
but as for 5:
1) if you haven't already, take VA lessons, they help even if you think you have the goods.
2) get a professional demo reel made up, doing one voice is good, but you'll need more than that.
3) hire an agent.

and that is just the minimum you'll need to do. As far as TF goes, Hasbro most likely won't even be involved in the early selection of voices, so be prepared to work hard if this is truely a goal for you.
For the Record: Editor is speaking from the view of a graduate of the Vancouver Film School Voice Acting program, and years of Drama classes.

and don't ask David Kaye how to become a voice actor at BotCon. I'm going to throw up all over the place the next time someone asks him that at BotCon.

Unfortunately a lot of our questions, no matter how well phrased or well intended will never get a proper answer or even submitted and I think everyone here knows why. Because of the current economic climate Hasbro has increased the price for their products, yet the quality has gone down substantially (and noticeably). Almost every single figure made will be repainted 2 to 10 times or more(which is ridiculous), sometimes for years to come because it is a cheap and easy way for Hasbro to make additional money (and the fans keep buying them). Plus the initial (new sculpt) figure is made from slightly higher quality building materials than than any of the subsequent repaints, though not by much as of late. Which also are of much lower quality in terms of their respective paint jobs as well. I suggest you take a look at a toy from a year ago and a repaint of it now, like the recently released Leo Convoy/Prime. You will notice that the actual plastic material used is a lot lighter, does not react to being painted as well and is much cheaper and less durable than the plastics used a year or even several months ago. The same can be said for their Robot Heroes line, especially the new ROTF line. All of which look and feel as if they are cheap knock-offs, which really is a shame. As long as the economic climate is the way it is, and/or people keep buying Hasbro's unnecessary multitude of repaints. Hasbro will continue with business as usual. They will also continue to paint classic characters in the wrong color scheme so they can offer a more accurate figure later on as a special limited figure and/or a Japanese/Store exclusive to garner even more funds from essentially the same toy. When it boils down to it, Money is the only thing that Hasbro really listens to, not the fans.If they did they would have made some of the toys fans have been asking about for over 10 years now, like an updated version of Soundwave to name but one. I would welcome anyone's feedback when it comes to this topic or similar ones. I have been collecting Transformers since I was a little kid and I am both saddened and sicken at the turn the toys have taken as of late.

Optimist_Prime wrote:This may have been asked and/or answered already, but why leave out Red Alert from the TFU line? Is it because slight remolding had to be done?

What remolding was done to Red Alert? From the images I've seen, the only visible difference between him and Sideswipe is the lightbar...?

1. Are you ever going to make a TF movie Leader class Blackout that would be more movie accurate? Nearly everyone that has commented about the voyager mold has been dissapointed in it.
(I still bought it though.) Seriously, a Leader class Blackout would sell like wildfire. Did I happen to mention that you should make a Leader class Blackout?

2. Have you ever thought about making star wars transformers that were in the same vein as the TF movie figures? I mean without the character heads, or the blockiness? I see a lot of sales potential in that idea... much like having a Leader class Blackout.

Kryptokron wrote:1. Are you ever going to make a TF movie Leader class Blackout that would be more movie accurate? Nearly everyone that has commented about the voyager mold has been dissapointed in it.
(I still bought it though.) Seriously, a Leader class Blackout would sell like wildfire. Did I happen to mention that you should make a Leader class Blackout?

Really? I think the voyager Blackout is the best figure from the movie line (in original colors, after you fix the gimmick) It fits in the G1-Classics line as well.

Firebird wrote:Make this after you bring Universe back when the movie line finishes.

Awesome!! I'd buy that for $29.99

will there be sunstorm figure release in the classic series acid storm has one but no sunstrom in the series.?

For the Record: Editor is speaking from the view of a graduate of the Vancouver Film School Voice Acting program, and years of Drama classes.[/quote]

I was a member of the 'Terrible Tens' at VFS, 2000/2001. I'm putting together a voice demo on my comp, after a renewed interest in VO. When did they get a specific Voice acting program?

BTW, this was supposed to be to Editor...

@ Kryptokron

It was a night class program I took out of general interest back about 98/99, as a reference, at the same time of the classes, Ocean was dubbing the first set of Gundam Wing episodes.

We had a few different VA's come in and teach classes as the main instuctor missed half the classes while he was on location filming, (I want to say for SG1, but I can't remember)

A few of the classes were headed by the Dobson Brothers (whichever were free that day)

For the most part I haven't done anything since taking the course. But because of it, I can legitly say that Red Alert bought me a beer.

Why are people constantly asking for a new Soundwave toy? wasnt one released 2/3 years ago or has veryone forgotten titanium soundwave ever existed?

Just be happy you got the reissue and animated and movie.

As for masterpiece soundwave? nah Id rather have a masterpeice Jetfire/Skyfire or a working masterpiece reflector with built in working digital camera, hell maybe theyll ork that in to takaras device range as a usb camera, that would be great.

Speaking of which my question would be does hasbro have any plans to bring Device Label to other Markets like Europe and america as its quirky enough to have cross market appeal?

Hey Neurie are you in the UK? Because then we know each other and have met while at Botcon way back when. I just wanted to comment on your Reflector idea. I was thinking about that before and forgot to mention it here. That would be a peftect figure/toy for them to add to the Universe line. Everyone knows what a camera looks like and the way Reflector looked way back when is still very similar to what current SLR Cameras look like today and it would not be hard to make it an actual working camera as well. Something Hasbro should definitely think about, especially since Hasbro never released a retail version in the US and never in G1 colors. Also the Titanium version of Soundwave was alright, but it still does not do the chracter Justice. Esepcially since the Titanium line was kind of it's own subset and the toys never really were all that stable in or out of their Transformations. They also were subject to paint chips and prone to signs of wear and tear.

1.Will there be a new Beast Machines Jetstorm in the Universe 2.0 line 2.Will there be a Supreme mold for Fortress Maximus in the Universe 2.0 line

[b][b][b][b]WE NEED MORE TFORMERS WITH BALL JOINT CONNECTED HEADS. FOR GREAT HEAD POSABILITY[/b][/b][/b][/b]

1. Why are you not just creating one good ROTF constructicons set? As a long term transformers fan, I am actually insulted that I am expected to purchase two of each constructicon just to be able to do what should be available in one set. It is not at all impossible to create a handful of construction vehicles that turn into both limbs and robots. In fact, it was done over two decades ago. As it stands, unfortunately, I will not be buying any of them.

2. Why don't you put more of an effort into paintjobs/quality control? Especially with the prices of transformers now raised to ridiculous numbers. (This issue is unfortunately very present in what would be the perfect classics universe line)

3. Are there any plans for a more mature transformers series? I know I am not alone when I say that this is an amazing idea that would be extremely pleasing to life long fans like myself. I think it is about time all of these iconic characters really get to shine in what would be more like their actual scenarios. To be able to see stories like those depicted in the current comic series, or even just an animated version of the current comic series, would just be incredible. The mythos is fleshed out and loved enough to be more than a kids commercial for the action figures.

(Haha some of this sounded harsh, but whatever. Hasbro has been crapping on us fans for a while >_<)

I'm puzzled by some of Hasbro's design choices for the toys. It seems like larger toys would be able to have more detailed transformations, but the exact opposite seems to be true. For example, you have a superbly detailed transformations crammed into small toys like Universe Galvatron or Universe Cyclonus, and on the other hand you have very large toys like Cybertron Metroplex or Energon Omega Supreme which are essentially big dumb hunks of plastic. There are exceptions, but I'm always very disappointed when a larger toy has a very unimaginative transformation and an alt mode that I could almost mimic physically myself. Why is this, especially since I'd think that you'd want to drive sales of the higher price points, and these designs are doing the exact opposite.

Okay guys, let's keep it simple and bait-free:

1) Will the Universe line continue after the movie, and if so will some of the gaps in the existing line be filled in (eg. Wheeljack, Tracks, Motormaster)?

2) Will the Animated cartoon or toyline continue after the movie and if not is there a new series in the works?

3) Will Hasbro follow Takara's example and release more adult collector-orientated material such as the Masterpiece, Alternity and Label lines?

4) If the economy and rising material costs continue to cause problems in the cost and quality of toys, what is Hasbro planning to do to keep the Transformers line possible?

That's all for now...

A few years ago Takara released the WSTF line on miniature figures. They were not too popular in Japan but have been very popular with western fans. Ebay is full of them and some third party toy makers have even created there own versions of small transformers (Justitoys dinorobots) which have been incredibly successful. My question is, Why has Hasbro not jumped on the bandwagon and reproduced the WSTF toys that Takara produced?

WST toy would not pass us safety standards.

And patrick youll get your Dr Who figures

as for a question:

Seeing as Japan and america are getting lots of exclusives now, will europian and australasian markets be getting any aswell?