The Energon Pub

[Wolfman Jake]

Once an item's in stock at TFsource, that's it.

Still, with it not expected in stock until December, that should be plenty of time to see what other options (if any) crop up.

Exactly.

Here's another scenario to consider, btw. If Groove is truly destined to be a Takara-only release, there is another way Hasbro can eventually get one out in their markets. If this Groove for Unite Warriors really is a Takara-only mold, then it likely will NOT be remolded into Afterburner. If rumors are true, Computron will come out next year in Hasbro markets AND retain all the G1 members instead of switching in a new character or two. Afterburner would therefore need a new Hasbro-approved deluxe figure, which could later that year (or possibly earlier) be retooled and repainted as Groove. I would expect such a Groove later rather than sooner, as that will give plenty of time for stores to sell out of the Legends Groove offering from this year.

I think BotCon goers should definitely press the question of a Hasbro deluxe Groove release, at least to make sure it's on Hasbro's radar. I'm sure they can figure out the best way to make it happen. But if they don't, definitely preorder your Takara Defensor sets before it's too late. If we don't know anything about a Hasbro Groove by December 2015, feel free to bail on your pre-order.

[shajaki]

As I said earlier, if Hasbro wasn't involved in this, I'm sure they will consider all options in releasing it because they have to know there's some degree of demand.

But then it might be like the Classics Botcon Seekers. There were probably exclusivity rights (or something) prohibiting Takara from using the Hasbro(Funpub) remolds, and from making there own within a certain time frame. Thusly, a couple years later Takara makes their own Coneheads with newly molded (and completely different) wings.

So what I'm getting at, is that Hasbro would probably try and release their Groove, or make their own slightly different version but not until some time has lapsed after UW Guardia's release.

[King Kuuga]

I don't know what was up with the botcon coneheads, but I doubt there's any sort of exclusivity contract with this. For molds that are exclusively developed by Takara, there may be a few extra hoops to go through to release them, but the club shows us that it's possible. Anyway, my theory is only that Hasbro will consider all their options. This doesn't necessarily indicate a release, they may decide after weighing the options that it's not worth their time or money to follow through, but I would be extremely surprised if they dismiss the option without at least considering it.

[Powered Convoy]

Ordering for Unite Warriors Defensor is open with TakaraTomy Mall. Ordered mine.

Randy

How did you do so? Do you have a Japanese address? (Or a friend with one?) I, for one, could not figure out how to even register with their website without one.

And out of curiosity, how much is the shipping going to cost you?

Frankly, though, given that BBTS and TFSource only seem to have about a $25.00 mark-up on this, and given that with TFSource at least (I don't know about BBTS here, been ages since I ordered with them) you can get free shipping on this to U.S. addresses even if you are ordering it alone (as it is enough by itself to hit the $150 threshold for free shipping) I feel fine with having not been able to register at the Takara Tomy Mall. I don't think it would have made much of a difference in cost, if any.

Japanese address.

I'm not sure on shipping, but it's only viable as I bought 3 of them (which was the limit). If I were to only buy one (or even two), BBTS would ultimately be cheaper.

Also, Sabrblade is right on the money about the whole Groove being different than a normal CW Deluxe thing.

Speaking of Groove, some nice scans from the Japanese magazines here:
http://www.allspark.com/content/2015/05 ... ers-scans/
http://www.allspark.com/content/2015/05 ... ers-scans/

I don't know what was up with the botcon coneheads, but I doubt there's any sort of exclusivity contract with this. For molds that are exclusively developed by Takara, there may be a few extra hoops to go through to release them, but the club shows us that it's possible. Anyway, my theory is only that Hasbro will consider all their options. This doesn't necessarily indicate a release, they may decide after weighing the options that it's not worth their time or money to follow through, but I would be extremely surprised if they dismiss the option without at least considering it.

New tooling that Fun Pub makes can't be used by Hasbro or Takara. Fun Pub can use anything from the Hasbro and Takara library provided they're allowed to / there are not any licensing issues. So Fun Pub isn't limited beyond what they're allowed to use.

So Fun Pub could technically release an exclusive using Deluxe Groove or Henkei Thrust, but Hasbro and Takara can't release a figure using the BotCon 2007 Thrust wings since it was paid for by Fun Pub.

Randy

[Yotsuyasan]

I'm not sure on shipping, but it's only viable as I bought 3 of them (which was the limit). If I were to only buy one (or even two), BBTS would ultimately be cheaper.

Well, since I only want one myself, good to know that the price I'm paying is comparable.

Re: Takara Tomy Mall's limit of three per customer. If that is supposed to be the only official source for the purchase of Defensor, that definitely makes me curious where the various internet retailers are getting their supply. I'd previously assumed they were just placing large orders to Takara Tomy and then doing a slight mark-up.

I suppose they could all have a bunch of people placing orders of three each from various dummy Japanese addresses, but it seems a bit far fetched. And I'm still especially curious about the source for that store someone else mentioned the other day, Scramble Core, which is selling it for less then the Takara Tomy Mall.

[Sabrblade]

As I said earlier, if Hasbro wasn't involved in this, I'm sure they will consider all options in releasing it because they have to know there's some degree of demand.

But on the other hand, the same was said of the Takara-only Prime molds like Breakdown and Unicron yet Hasbro never released them.

It may end up as a special Club release or something if they can't justify the cost of releasing it through their normal outlets.

This I agree with. A Club exclusive or a some other kind of exclusive like a Platinum Edition would seem to be the most viable options for a Western release.

But then it might be like the Classics Botcon Seekers. There were probably exclusivity rights (or something) prohibiting Takara from using the Hasbro(Funpub) remolds, and from making there own within a certain time frame. Thusly, a couple years later Takara makes their own Coneheads with newly molded (and completely different) wings.

In addition to what Powered Convoy said about Hasbro and Takara not being able to use Fun Pub-original toolings, back in 2007, Hasbro wasn't originally going to continue the Classics line. Classics was only ever intended to just be a filler line to tide us over with something new on the shelves until the first movie line's release. Thus, the BotCon 2007 set was meant to fill in the missing Seeker gaps as a way to finish off and close the door on the Classics line.

Little did they know how popular/successful it would turn out to be at the time, thus spurring them to keep going with in by creating the 2008 Universe line. But the BotCon 2007 set was intended to be the swan song of the then-ending Classics line.

So what I'm getting at, is that Hasbro would probably try and release their Groove, or make their own slightly different version but not until some time has lapsed after UW Guardia's release.

Thing is, though, Hasbro's already made their own Groove. The Legends mold. As much as a lot of us don't want to hear it, Hasbro's stance on releasing Unite Warriors Groove is likely to be something like "We already gave you a CW Groove toy that still combines with Defensor. Please be happy with what we've already given you fans."

This is a different case from Quickslinger and Brake-Neck since, unlike those two, Hasbro's Groove isn't fully excised from the combiner by the new guy. He just combines a different way.


Don't get me wrong, I'm not against the idea of Hasbro releasing this figure, as I too wish they would. But the economics of the situation point to Hasbro taking the more, for lack of a better term, lackadaisical route of not releasing it and sticking with the Legends figure for the Western market. As mentioned before, our best hope is for a Platinum Edition exclusive or a Fun Pub exclusive.

Also, Sabrblade is right on the money about the whole Groove being different than a normal CW Deluxe thing.

To be frank, I can't take all the credit. Most of what I've said is but an elaboration on the original points you yourself made about this figure.

[SW's SilverHammer]

It may end up as a special Club release or something if they can't justify the cost of releasing it through their normal outlets.

This I agree with. A Club exclusive or a some other kind of exclusive like a Platinum Edition would seem to be the most viable options for a Western release.

Botcon 2017 "Cykill" Megatron

[Powered Convoy]

I'm not sure on shipping, but it's only viable as I bought 3 of them (which was the limit). If I were to only buy one (or even two), BBTS would ultimately be cheaper.

Well, since I only want one myself, good to know that the price I'm paying is comparable.

Re: Takara Tomy Mall's limit of three per customer. If that is supposed to be the only official source for the purchase of Defensor, that definitely makes me curious where the various internet retailers are getting their supply. I'd previously assumed they were just placing large orders to Takara Tomy and then doing a slight mark-up.

I suppose they could all have a bunch of people placing orders of three each from various dummy Japanese addresses, but it seems a bit far fetched. And I'm still especially curious about the source for that store someone else mentioned the other day, Scramble Core, which is selling it for less then the Takara Tomy Mall.

Hasbro Asia must be distributing it, as TakaraTomy Mall is the only distributor in Japan (and as mentioned has limits on how much you can order at one time). All the US based retailers use Hasbro Asia for things like this. It's rare they actually have to go to a Japanese source to get something.

Also, Sabrblade is right on the money about the whole Groove being different than a normal CW Deluxe thing.

To be frank, I can't take all the credit. Most of what I've said is but an elaboration on the original points you yourself made about this figure.

Randy

[King Kuuga]

Ultimately, if Takara or Hasbro Asia were to release this figure in individual packaging, I would take that. That's really all any of us wants is the ability to purchase Groove separately from this box set. Someone mentioned the possibility of knockoffs earlier but I really don't want it to come to that.

[Yotsuyasan]

Hasbro Asia must be distributing it, as TakaraTomy Mall is the only distributor in Japan (and as mentioned has limits on how much you can order at one time). All the US based retailers use Hasbro Asia for things like this. It's rare they actually have to go to a Japanese source to get something.

Interesting. If it is a Takara initiated mold, and if they want to have exclusivity to it, it would still seem a bit strange, though, for any division of Hasbro to openly defy Takara like that.

I suppose I shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth too closely, though.

[King Kuuga]

Isn't Hasbro Asia just a distributor for Takara products outside of Takara's core market of Japan?

[Powered Convoy]

Hasbro Asia must be distributing it, as TakaraTomy Mall is the only distributor in Japan (and as mentioned has limits on how much you can order at one time). All the US based retailers use Hasbro Asia for things like this. It's rare they actually have to go to a Japanese source to get something.

Interesting. If it is a Takara initiated mold, and if they want to have exclusivity to it, it would still seem a bit strange, though, for any division of Hasbro to openly defy Takara like that.

I suppose I shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth too closely, though.

It's not defying, they distribute Takara's product to other Asian countries excluding Japan.

Isn't Hasbro Asia just a distributor for Takara products outside of Takara's core market of Japan?

Yes that is correct.

Randy

[Jelze Bunnycat]

Isn't Hasbro Asia just a distributor for Takara products outside of Takara's core market of Japan?

Yes that is correct.

Randy

That would be Transformers Asia, which has ties with both TakaraTomy and Hasbro. Hasbro Asia distributes Hasbro products in China, Hong Kong, and Singapore, and were the ones who created the GDO series and the Asia Kids' Day Protectobots. Unless I'm missing something here...

[Yotsuyasan]

Hasbro Asia, Transformers Asia, whoever. Even if they distribute Takara product to non-Japanese Asian markets, if Takara specifically wanted a product to only be exclusive to their website, why would it get any distribution elsewhere against their sanction?

Unless Takara just doesn't care, and just thought saying it was exclusive sounded cool to their Japanese customers, who they figured likewise wouldn't care about what happens in foreign markets. If that is the case, then I suppose it may be a good sign for an eventual Hasbro release. (Assuming, of course, Hasbro even wants to release it.)

[william-james88]

Hasbro Asia must be distributing it, as TakaraTomy Mall is the only distributor in Japan (and as mentioned has limits on how much you can order at one time). All the US based retailers use Hasbro Asia for things like this. It's rare they actually have to go to a Japanese source to get something.

Interesting. If it is a Takara initiated mold, and if they want to have exclusivity to it, it would still seem a bit strange, though, for any division of Hasbro to openly defy Takara like that.

I suppose I shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth too closely, though.

It's not defying, they distribute Takara's product to other Asian countries excluding Japan.

Isn't Hasbro Asia just a distributor for Takara products outside of Takara's core market of Japan?

Yes that is correct.

Randy

But then how does that work with Takara Tomy's claim that :

"groove" is unobtainable overseas completely new mold product!

[Jelze Bunnycat]

Hasbro Asia, Transformers Asia, whoever. Even if they distribute Takara product to non-Japanese Asian markets, if Takara specifically wanted a product to only be exclusive to their website, why would it get any distribution elsewhere against their sanction?

Unless Takara just doesn't care, and just thought saying it was exclusive sounded cool to their Japanese customers, who they figured likewise wouldn't care about what happens in foreign markets. If that is the case, then I suppose it may be a good sign for an eventual Hasbro release. (Assuming, of course, Hasbro even wants to release it.)

I'm guessing it follows our "exclusivity" rules and applies it to Japan only. Outside of Japan, it's free-for-all.

Again, let's all consider Deluxe Groove to be a TakaraTomy-only product at this time until further notice.

[Yotsuyasan]

I'm guessing it follows our "exclusivity" rules and applies it to Japan only. Outside of Japan, it's free-for-all.

Exclusive to Japan* via the Takara Tomy Website!

* Japanese exclusivity not valid outside of Japan.

[william-james88]

I'm guessing it follows our "exclusivity" rules and applies it to Japan only. Outside of Japan, it's free-for-all.

Exclusive to Japan* via the Takara Tomy Website!

* Japanese exclusivity not valid outside of Japan.

But as I said, doesnt that contradict the notion that this product wont be available overseas?

[Yotsuyasan]

But as I said, doesnt that contradict the notion that this product wont be available overseas?

Indeed it does, which is why I am confused (in a happy sort of way, mind you) that online retailers are making it available overseas. Where exactly are they getting their stock? And is it with or without Takara's knowledge and/or blessing?

Inquiring minds want to know!

[Jelze Bunnycat]

I'm guessing it follows our "exclusivity" rules and applies it to Japan only. Outside of Japan, it's free-for-all.

Exclusive to Japan* via the Takara Tomy Website!

* Japanese exclusivity not valid outside of Japan.

But as I said, doesnt that contradict the notion that this product wont be available overseas?

If overseas meant "From Hasbro", it still applies. It's subject to interpretation, really. TakaraTomy says it's TakaraTomy Mall only, but I'm guessing that's for single private customers. Wholesalers, importers and resellers are left out of the equation it seems.

[King Kuuga]

But then how does that work with Takara Tomy's claim that :

"groove" is unobtainable overseas completely new mold product!

Because that's a bad machine translation not made by someone who can tell us the intricacies of the statement.

Also a marketing blurb.

[Wolfman Jake]

Why is everyone suddenly confused about the meaning of Takara Tomy "exclusivity" in Transformers releases? Of course they don't care if their products are being sold outside of Japan. It's still money to them. The Transformers Cloud figures were sold exclusively through Takara Tomy Mall and eHobby, but that didn't stop retailers from around the world from buying stock to resell to consumers at a mark-up. The case with Unite Warriors Defensor is no different. Takara didn't make a deluxe Groove mold and say, "Hasbro can't have this." It's more a matter of "Hasbro won't release this, because it's made with different child safety standards" or "Hasbro already has a Groove figure in their market, so they don't want another one right now."

[Sabrblade]

Why is everyone suddenly confused about the meaning of Takara Tomy "exclusivity" in Transformers releases? Of course they don't care if their products are being sold outside of Japan. It's still money to them. The Transformers Cloud figures were sold exclusively through Takara Tomy Mall and eHobby, but that didn't stop retailers from around the world from buying stock to resell to consumers at a mark-up. The case with Unite Warriors Defensor is no different. Takara didn't make a deluxe Groove mold and say, "Hasbro can't have this." It's more a matter of "Hasbro won't release this, because it's made with different child safety standards" or "Hasbro already has a Groove figure in their market, so they don't want another one right now."

[Powered Convoy]

Why is everyone suddenly confused about the meaning of Takara Tomy "exclusivity" in Transformers releases? Of course they don't care if their products are being sold outside of Japan. It's still money to them. The Transformers Cloud figures were sold exclusively through Takara Tomy Mall and eHobby, but that didn't stop retailers from around the world from buying stock to resell to consumers at a mark-up. The case with Unite Warriors Defensor is no different. Takara didn't make a deluxe Groove mold and say, "Hasbro can't have this." It's more a matter of "Hasbro won't release this"

Yup.

For those who don't know Hasbro Asia = Transformers Asia. It's just Transformers Asia is more encompassing since they also distribute TakaraTomy product.

Almost everything TakaraTomy produces, even if it's an exclusive some where, is also available to Hasbro Asia for distribution under the TakaraTomy label.

This doesn't apply to everything, but pretty much everything they produce.

So while Unite Warriors Defensor is a TakaraTomy Mall exclusive, it's also available to retailers (some how) from Hasbro Asia to distribute.

Randy

[Va'al]

From the Facebook group Talk Transformers, and translator and user Kelvin Chan/Goktimus Prime, we have confirmation that the Takara Tomy Unite Warriors Superion box set, including all five Aerialbots in the Takara deco (and white hands and feet), will also be released at Australian retail, with English box and instruction sheets! Check out the images of the translations and the original Japanese, plus further details below.

I can now reveal that Hasbro will be releasing TakaraTOMY's Unite Warriors Superion set here. I don't know what the price will be, but I've been told that this will be out at Toys R Us in July. This is another set of instructions which I've translated for Hasbro

Contents page. The name of Silverbolt's shield is based on a name nominated and voted on by Australian Transformers fans.

The Japanese version shows the function and name of each Aerialbot in Japanese, with just their name written in English in smaller subtitles below the line. For Hasbro's version, I've translated the functions and names to English, and included their mottos in English, Latin and Japanese.