The Energon Pub

[Sabrblade]

While I haven't a clue yet as to why Takara is reissuing Superion, I do have one possible theory for why they chose to reissue Devastator.

Though, granted, it could just be wishful thinking on my part, but crazier things have happened such as Legends Grand Maximus and Legends Greatshot.

Anyway, perhaps Devastator's reissue is meant to serve as a test to see if a Unite Warriors release of the Landfill/Build King version of the set might be viable. Like, if Devastator does well, then maybe Takara might put out the still-unreleased pretooled version.

[Jelze Bunnycat]

*gasp* I just realised something! The Silverbolt could finally(!) have that Combiner Head Joint fix that later releases have sported!

I thought the original UW already had the fix. I'm guessing I was wrong?

The fixes started with standalone CW Scattershot, leading into UW Cyclonus and so on. That was before UW Superion and G2 Superion (tho the rare copy with the fix does exist)

[RustedCross]

The Decepticon logo on Scrapper’s shovel was a sticker.

[Qwan]

The Decepticon logo on Scrapper’s shovel was a sticker.

Wait, really? I don't think I ever noticed that.

The things you learn...

[o.supreme]

While I haven't a clue yet as to why Takara is reissuing Superion...

Perhaps simply because it was the first previously, and wanted to see if there was enough interest, as you said it could lead to other reissues, but more importantly, hopefully new ones. Also I want to believe that TT may have done a small reissue of Superion previously, even while the UW line was still being offered. My UW Superion I obtained about a year after its release, and it doesn't seem to have any issues with the head, also I remember some 3rd party retailers restocking Superion pretty late into UW run, which is why, despite being the first release, it was still available for quite a while. Which I think might add a valid point to Sabr about why TT would choose to re-release it (again?) If that is the case.

[Rodimus Prime]

Anyway, perhaps Devastator's reissue is meant to serve as a test to see if a Unite Warriors release of the Landfill/Build King version of the set might be viable. Like, if Devastator does well, then maybe Takara might put out the still-unreleased pretooled version.

Couldn't they just make that decision based on the sales of Devastator when he was originally released?

[Sarahthecutevixen]

soon Devastator will be mine 1/28 release date as of today for Amazon Japan, at 170 usd rounding up

[o.supreme]

soon Devastator will be mine 1/28 release date as of today for Amazon Japan, at 170 usd rounding up

Does that include shipping? If so, that is an excellent deal. I paid just a little under that for a gently used one about 18 months ago (looks like it had only been taken out of the box once, everything else was still all wrapped up). On average, I've seen most pre-orders going for $225 from retailers, before the re release however, most people on eBay were charging no less than $300 for a used original one. I'm glad I have mine, and glad he's getting reissued for those that may have missed it.

Another reason I'm glad he's getting a second run is *hopefully* my chance to get a replacement Hook. Individual UW constructions are all but non existent now, and my Hook, unfortunately broke where the small peg connects the main chest portion. It's not that bad because when the wing/chest piece is solid, it holds well together, but it still bothers me and would love to get a reasonably priced replacement.

[ZeldaTheSwordsman]

So even in an upscaled body Hook is the weak point? XD

[Sarahthecutevixen]

soon Devastator will be mine 1/28 release date as of today for Amazon Japan, at 170 usd rounding up

Does that include shipping? If so, that is an excellent deal. I paid just a little under that for a gently used one about 18 months ago (looks like it had only been taken out of the box once, everything else was still all wrapped up). On average, I've seen most pre-orders going for $225 from retailers, before the re release however, most people on eBay were charging no less than $300 for a used original one. I'm glad I have mine, and glad he's getting reissued for those that may have missed it.

Another reason I'm glad he's getting a second run is *hopefully* my chance to get a replacement Hook. Individual UW constructions are all but non existent now, and my Hook, unfortunately broke where the small peg connects the main chest portion. It's not that bad because when the wing/chest piece is solid, it holds well together, but it still bothers me and would love to get a reasonably priced replacement.

Shipping included

[gothsaurus]

When this Devy arrives, I'd love to see a comparison pic between Hasbro, Takara, and reissue. (if anyone has all three handy)

[-Kanrabat-]

I finally got my Legends Unite Warriors Bruticus! Was it worth the super expensive shipping and import fees to have it right now?

Well, I'll check it out and compare it with the G1 original at the same time. Right of the bat, we see that the UW version follow the cartoon colors rather than the old toy colors like the Hasbro version did.

First, Brawl.



Neat tank with nice details. Unfortunately, the UW turret don't turn at all like the g1 original.

In bot mode, Brawl have a bit of a problem with his waist joint, but its fine. Still havent received the small G1 Brawl gun from ebay.



Next is Swindle. Not a big difference with the Hasbro version and it's still a solid mold.



I really appreciate that the UW version went the extra mile to make the end of the combiner peg into a different color.



Vortex is the same excellent helicopter mold as before but with one exception: a 4 blades propeller instead of the usual 2.



Those blades are a bit awkward in robot mode, but they ain't so bad.
(Goddammit, blurry photo...)



4th member is Blast-Off. Hasbro made him into a jet for reasons. But Takara created a whole new mold by giving him his proper space shuttle mode. I never handled it before and I can tell that I'm impressed the way it's built. Sure, the obvious arms in shuttle mode are weird, but it's a price to pay for a 4 changer.



The bot mode have an unique transformation for his chest. I think this bot is the coolest of the team.



Finally, the leader, Onslaught. Honestly, he's the weakest of the bunch. Sure, his colors are absolutely magnificent, but it's his solidity that is very questionable. For some reasons, I just can't make his vehicle mode straight. The legs just won't peg into the crotch properly. I never had that problem with this bold before.



His bot mode is very nice, but he suffer from "noodle legs" syndrome. This mold have a tendency to have weak floppy knees depending on which one you get and this Onslaught is one of them unfortunately. This make him as posable as the G1 original.
So that Onslaught keep is original looks, I can't use the gun-canons on his back as his regular guns. So I too a spare Armada Optimus Prime gun, I repainted it, and gave it to him. It work very well!



And finally, the BIG BOI, Bruticus himself. While the G1 original use the head and the chest plate as separate parts, the CW/UW version integrated to parts into Onslaught himself. That was a genius design. What's not genius is that Onslaught's "noodle legs" syndrome carry over the combined mode. This make the G1 original ironically way more solid than the Unite Warrior. UW Bruticus flop all over the place and you must position the legs juuuuuuust right so that he don't topple over. For the money I paid, it's extremely disappointing. Also, Blast-Off's arm mode split a bit too easily but it's a common CW annoyance. I never considered it before but maybe this time I'll but some upgrade kits if it can improve his solidity.
At least once stable, UW Bruticus look great.



So, was this Bruticus worth the EXTRA 60/70$CAN I had to pay just to be sure to get him? Well, unfortunately, no. Definitely not. If it weren't for that pandemic bullcrap, I could have went the normal EMS route, avoid the ultra expensive Mandarake DHL service, and save the custom fees because by normal postage, Mandarake is completely invisible to customs. Not so with DHL. Still, the guy came in barely FOUR DAYS since ordering, instead of being lock in some limbo like my other two Mandarake orders. So it's at least that.

[gothsaurus]

Great review! I've been a big fan of the Unite Warriors. It's really nice to have an animation colored (and accurate as possible doing retools of existing toys) version. Colors and retools on this one really make it shine in my book, though he's certainly not perfect.

It's crazy to see animation coloring accidents brought to toys, like that cyclops eye on Blast Off. Ha ha ha.

I'd throw out, for any people who aren't considering getting the Unite Warriors set, that Amazon released the same mold in USA in toy colors as an exclusive. That might be a compromise for people wanting that shuttle mold (and in a little more unified color scheme). It's also great you can choose either chest version you want—toy or animation.

The KO perfect effect feet in yellow and green are a nice addition if you can track them down.

Cheers!

[-Kanrabat-]

Well, I just bought the Transform Dream Wave TCW-01 EX TCW-01EX Upgrade kit for IDW Bruticus parts set on eBay. Main reason is to fix Onslaught's legs. Having good hands and feet is also a myst. The rest of the parts will be a nice bonus. I also prefer the silver chest.

Fingers crossed that the set will make its way over here...

[gothsaurus]

I'll check out that kit. If it fixes the legs, might be worth picking up!

[-Kanrabat-]

I'll check out that kit. If it fixes the legs, might be worth picking up!

I can just have the "normal colors" instead of the United one, but this video have convinced me to get the normal kit regardless:

[gothsaurus]

Wow man. That's a lot of work dismantling the figure. Whew. Thinking back, I may have bought that set and then held off... thinking I was going to buy an extra Onslaught.

[-Kanrabat-]

Wow man. That's a lot of work dismantling the figure. Whew. Thinking back, I may have bought that set and then held off... thinking I was going to buy an extra Onslaught.

I'm not afraid to do the work. Even on my super expensive UW Onslaught. Because let's face it. Vanilla UW Onslaught is complete garbage. Seriously, I'm pissed at its quality. My CW Hot Spot and my Victorion hold themselves together fairly well. But this Onslaught is a catastrophe. So he will be put mercilessly under the knife.

[gothsaurus]

HAAAA!!! Well, I'd welcome more pics when you get finished.

Reminds me to revisit my own combiners. Needing to finish painting some add on kits to tart them up a bit. Trying to get the Botcon and Club combiners up to snuff against the rest of the crew.

[-Kanrabat-]

HAAAA!!! Well, I'd welcome more pics when you get finished.

Reminds me to revisit my own combiners. Needing to finish painting some add on kits to tart them up a bit. Trying to get the Botcon and Club combiners up to snuff against the rest of the crew.

I've been putting off applying the reprolabels on my CW Defensor for around FIVE YEARS now. But this sudden re-interests in combiners finally decided me to get it done.... This weekend.... For sure.... I guess....

[gothsaurus]

I seem to recall some red-white caution tape detailing on that one. I LOVE that stuff, as well as the black-yellow caution tape for Grapple.

Sounds like it's gonna be a fun weekend.

[Rodimus Prime]

I still think UW Cyclonus is the best UW figure, but I do like the colors on this Onslaught. Ironically, I bought UW Cyclonus to stand in for Onslaught in my G1 Marvel Bruticus, simply because his colors are almost a match. I did get the G2 Combaticons for the limbs, and made the CW set my IDW version.

[gothsaurus]

Wow Rodimus. I had all my focus on toy and animation versions, I never even thought about the comics. I'd love to see photos of what you've done to model after the comics if you have pics handy. Cheers!

[-Kanrabat-]

Wow Rodimus. I had all my focus on toy and animation versions, I never even thought about the comics. I'd love to see photos of what you've done to model after the comics if you have pics handy. Cheers!

Me too. And comparisons with the comics originals. I never read any TF comics appart the first two issues of War Within. So I know nothing but I'm still curious.

[gothsaurus]

I've not been grabbed by the newer comics, but the old UK stories were great. Those brought the Wreckers to life, and breathed life into a lot of second string characters.