The Energon Pub

This shows that Takara Tomy can do whatever they want in Japan.

Powersa wrote:This shows that Takara Tomy can do whatever they want in Japan.

Yeah. Takara is just another word for Yakuza.

*hops, skips, and jumps over seeker comments*

Man, I don't know about that clear Prime. I'm not a big fan of translucent tf's (other then BT Mirage), but he seems kinda nice. Was there ever a reason in the original G1 cartoon that made Tomy/Tak release him like that other then to do something different? Racking my brain on this one...

Aside from my one comment that people who are upset over the fact that their Botcon Exclusive characters, are, thanks to TakTomy, no longer exclusive. I've been pretty quite on the matter, frankly because aside from a random purchase or two, collecting Transformers is a waste of time and money to me, and I don't get Exclusives(unless I randomly win something, because Free is awesome.)

But I agree with CP, whom really is one of the best sources of logical thinking and sources on matters such as these, along with a select few others, which have been mentioned already.

If these Henkei figures are just exclusives, then that does kind of suck, however, if they are or eventually will be a general release figure in the Tak Classics line, then it really is a shot to the fans who ended up buying the Botcon exclusives.

Ok, you pay around $300 for the Botcon set, you get three of the seekers, conehead and otherwise. It's an exclusive so you know not everyone and their Aunt Tilly will have one.

But then you find out the exact same figure is coming out in Japan, it comes with better paint apps, what looks like some chrome, and it'll be mass produced.

For those that couldn't get the figure, if you just didn't want to spend the cash, or couldn't go to Botcon for a variety of reason(live in the UK etc) it is a great thing, to be given the chance own those figures, even though the paint apps are different and better on one.

But for the person who has the exclusive, it's like having a rare painting, only a handful of people have this painting, then someone comes a long and mass produces the painting, sells them, and yours is pretty much worthless, because why buy the real thing when you got a look-alike that is just as good and cheaper.

For the shipping bit, well, it's not like you order only one thing from Japan if you live elsewhere, you get things in bundles, otherwise you're getting shafted.

Tekka wrote:So we all got shafted. That's life, and that's what all the people say.

I will have to make sure I'm buried with my Botcon Thundercracker, to make sure I get my money's worth. Unless of course the mortician is a TF fan, in which case he will shaft me once again by taking TC from my lifeless corpse.

If you ever need one, I'll trade you a kidney for your Botcon Thundercracker

Since I'm in geek heaven thanks to finally being to get TC and NOT having to pay 300$ for him, I decided to quickly photoshop some comparison shots:

Skywarp comparison

Thundercracker comparison





Frankly, Skywarp is the one who's more different then the original - in both cases, Heinkei used the toy colors, not the show colors... And there are many other little differences on both toys, like the 'same color as body' nosecone, the 'stripes' going all over the end of the wing, less silver paint, etc...

Anyway, I hope we can get them from a Hong Kong Ebay seller in a few months, the same way the other Heinkei are avaliable today... 'Cause don't forget, they are made for Japan, but still made in China...

Thankfully, I'm quite happy with my 'Cracker both figurewise and paintwise. That Skywarp though...

sigh. It never ends for my poor wallet.

I guess the best thing to do is to quit labeling toys as "Exclusives" and just call them "Special Edition", "Botcon Edition", "Anime Edition" or something to that nature, because lets face it, Exclusives are not really exclusives.......maybe

Has anyone ordered things from Toy Hobby Market or Ganbo-Store.com before? If so, how? I am a little concerned since I do not speak Japanese, and there is no convenient 'English' button.

Sgt. Grumbles wrote:Thankfully, I'm quite happy with my 'Cracker both figurewise and paintwise. That Skywarp though...

sigh. It never ends for my poor wallet.

I feel ya man. I really do. My wallet's been giving me the stink eye since I've come back to collecting after this past Botcon. And it hasn't stopped with the news of the City Commander Armor, Cliffjumper kit, and now Henkei Skywarp. Damn you and your beautiful G1-esque paint job!!!!

starfish wrote:3) To those who say "exclusives are just part of collecting Transformers, so tough luck" are being a tad harsh, I feel. Most TF exclusives are released in either Japan or the US. What about those of us who live in neither of these countries? Just think of all the exclusive US toys that have been released recently - the Best Buy Premiums, Target G1-deco Movie Jazz / Starscream etc. Not to mention the fact that the UK toys are double the US price anyway. So you US folks should really be happy with your lot, I'd say.

Don't forget, while we have it hard with exclusives nowadays, we had a hell of a time in 1991-1995... Tons of Japanese toys got repainted/rereleased in Europe (oh Overlord, my main TF trading currency) and then we got those funky 1991 Action Masters and AM Elites...

Frankly I don't see what's the point in exclusive collecting. I didn't ever want a toy just because it's a rare exclusive and only 100 or so people can have it - for example, I want the Japanese Dinocasettes because I like them. I don't, and never will want a Ghost G1 Starscream which are only 3 or so in the world - I don't care.

I wanted Botcon Thundercracker because it'd have been a great update to a popular and beloved character... and was pissed it became an exclusive. Well, Takara helped us, as I predicted numerous time...

But hey, people who collect rare exclusives... For our next Huncon (Hungarian TF Con) we might do an exclusive figure, like, an Action Master Overlord... There'll be maybe 10 or so from this toy. I' might put one up on Ebay just to see how much people are willing to pay for a glorified kitbash just because of the "exclusive" label...

BB Shockwave wrote:Since I'm in geek heaven thanks to finally being to get TC and NOT having to pay 300$ for him, I decided to quickly photoshop some comparison shots:

That picture lies! The purple on Hasbro's Skywarp was never that nice... it was an ugly pink. I wish it had been that nice purple.

BB Shockwave wrote:

starfish wrote:3) To those who say "exclusives are just part of collecting Transformers, so tough luck" are being a tad harsh, I feel. Most TF exclusives are released in either Japan or the US. What about those of us who live in neither of these countries? Just think of all the exclusive US toys that have been released recently - the Best Buy Premiums, Target G1-deco Movie Jazz / Starscream etc. Not to mention the fact that the UK toys are double the US price anyway. So you US folks should really be happy with your lot, I'd say.

Don't forget, while we have it hard with exclusives nowadays, we had a hell of a time in 1991-1995... Tons of Japanese toys got repainted/rereleased in Europe (oh Overlord, my main TF trading currency) and then we got those funky 1991 Action Masters and AM Elites...

Frankly I don't see what's the point in exclusive collecting. I didn't ever want a toy just because it's a rare exclusive and only 100 or so people can have it - for example, I want the Japanese Dinocasettes because I like them. I don't, and never will want a Ghost G1 Starscream which are only 3 or so in the world - I don't care.

Alas, back in 1991, my parents said I was too old for Transformers, so I wasn't allowed any. Too old for Transformers!!!

I have my fair share of exclusives too (I'm a movie line completist), but I've got stuff like Vardia Starscream (yay, he's so funky!) not because of its rarity or potential resale value, but just to complete the set. I'm sure the vast majority of those who got the Botcon set got them because they were actually darn fine figures - and completed a set - rather than because of any resale value!

Tekka wrote:That picture lies! The purple on Hasbro's Skywarp was never that nice... it was an ugly pink. I wish it had been that nice purple.

Tekka speaks truth.
Classics Skywarp = wishy washy pink.
Henkei Skywarp = win.
Hasbro product shot = lies.

Tekka wrote:

BB Shockwave wrote:Since I'm in geek heaven thanks to finally being to get TC and NOT having to pay 300$ for him, I decided to quickly photoshop some comparison shots:

That picture lies! The purple on Hasbro's Skywarp was never that nice... it was an ugly pink. I wish it had been that nice purple.

There must be some color variants then because my classic Skywarp has a shade of purple closer to the one in that pic then to a shade of pink.

First off, I'll totally verify the conversation Counterpunch and Geekee1 had with that "reliable source" at Botcon because I was there.

Rather than get mad at FunPub for trying to get us to buy a "false exclusive", we should be thanking them for giving us all a shot at finishing a seeker set which at the time, didn't seem likely at all.

As for Takara's decision, I at least respect the fact that it is not a super wide release and not the exact same colors.

Therefore to me, Botcon Thundercracker REMAINS AN EXCLUSIVE.

If it was the exact same paint scheme and a wide release then I'd see the argument, but at best the Henkei version is a foreign variant of the original exclusive.

I have a feeling both Thundercrackers will cost ovder $200 by this time next year.

And I have a feeling less than 50% of the people on this board who wined about how Thundercaker should be redone as a Henkei will never even place an ebay bid on him, let alone own the figure.

sto_vo_kor_2000 wrote:

Tekka wrote:That picture lies! The purple on Hasbro's Skywarp was never that nice... it was an ugly pink. I wish it had been that nice purple.

There must be some color variants then because my classic Skywarp has a shade of purple closer to the one in that pic then to a shade of pink.

Then you are extremely lucky. Both my Hasbro Skywarps have the horrible pinky-purple as you can see below. I want your Skywarp!

Delicon wrote:And I have a feeling less than 50% of the people on this board who wined about how Thundercaker should be redone as a Henkei will never even place an ebay bid on him, let alone own the figure.

I saw the first signs of this just after the announcement as well. People who had previously claimed to want a Thundercracker "so badly" now didn't care anymore. It upsets me simply because I supported them and then they decide they can't be bothered. It leaves me thinking; then why did I bother to defend you? Makes me sad.

Tekka wrote:

sto_vo_kor_2000 wrote:

Tekka wrote:That picture lies! The purple on Hasbro's Skywarp was never that nice... it was an ugly pink. I wish it had been that nice purple.

There must be some color variants then because my classic Skywarp has a shade of purple closer to the one in that pic then to a shade of pink.

Then you are extremely lucky. Both my Hasbro Skywarps have the horrible pinky-purple as you can see below. I want your Skywarp!

Delicon wrote:And I have a feeling less than 50% of the people on this board who wined about how Thundercaker should be redone as a Henkei will never even place an ebay bid on him, let alone own the figure.

I saw the first signs of this just after the announcement as well. People who had previously claimed to want a Thundercracker "so badly" now didn't care anymore. It upsets me simply because I supported them and then they decide they can't be bothered. It leaves me thinking; then why did I bother to defend you? Makes me sad.

Guess I am.

Mines is a bit darker then yours.I wont say a lot darker but still not that bright.

So rather than going through 8 pages of back and forth pointless bickering, how are people going with ordering from a Japanese only website? Any luck yet?

GetterDragun wrote:

Liege Evilmus wrote:

GetterDragun wrote:I wonder if I can get my money from BotCon back. I won't be going to any more BotCons.

This sucks!!!

I can apreciate you feeling shafted here, alright, but say they did this with this years Shattered Glass set that had a thread with ebay auctions straight from the convention...

...would you still care!?!

Hell I haven't made a single botcon yet, but if all it is is a chance to get some crappy repaints, I can't see any point in going at all.

And don't give me all that BotCon Exclusives can only be bought at BotCon ****, cause BBTS had them too!

Exclusives get revisited just as often as figures get repainted now a days. Get use to it and thanks for the heads up about the rest of the events being a waste of time.

Apparently you don't know what the definition of "exclusive" is. If this is what BotCon considers an exclusive, I'd much prefer getting an early release of a regular figure since you are getting an item early...which is something they can guarantee.

And that BBTS argument is pretty silly, what did they get, their own production run? Maybe e-bay sellers that sell BotCon stuff should make their own convention exclusives next.

Let me ask you something about "exclusives" the end of last year MP-StarScream was released in G1 colors as a Walmart Exclusive. Granted Ebay, BBTS and pretty much every other online retailer had them(same as these botcon sets), but still it was an exclusive limited run.

Now granted there's more than one Walmart, but same as lets say the Target Robovision Prime, you could only get this figure from Walmart.

What happened, Takara releases it after the Walmart run ended.

No one got upset, no one felt jilted, and most where happy to have a second chance, and even more where happy for them.

Now granted, that release was more numerious then a botcon seeker, but does it make it less of an "exclusive"

No.

As for me bringing up BBTS, well, last I checked, botcon exclusives couldn't be sold retail, and could only be attined at either the convention or TFCC site. Now, Ebay is whoever selling whatever is one thing, but isn't BBTS a retail site?

But realy I can't help but wonder, if it was this years set going to market, would anybody even care?

Burn wrote:So rather than going through 8 pages of back and forth pointless bickering, how are people going with ordering from a Japanese only website? Any luck yet?

I mentioned it way back on page 2 I think, but I signed up to both Ganbo and Toyhobby and they do not ship internationally. So my next best guess is to use a third party company such as Rinkya.

As soon as the pre order becomes available I'll be talking to Rinkya to see if they can sort something out for me.

Liege Evilmus wrote:
As for me bringing up BBTS, well, last I checked, botcon exclusives couldn't be sold retail, and could only be attined at either the convention or TFCC site. Now, Ebay is whoever selling whatever is one thing, but isn't BBTS a retail site?

As far as I know, BBTS purchased all of their sets at the convention. They ordered them as a customer like any one of us. They didn't get any special price that I know of. They sell them like they would sell any item from someone's private collection.

Tekka wrote:

Burn wrote:So rather than going through 8 pages of back and forth pointless bickering, how are people going with ordering from a Japanese only website? Any luck yet?

I mentioned it way back on page 2 I think, but I signed up to both Ganbo and Toyhobby and they do not ship internationally. So my next best guess is to use a third party company such as Rinkya.

As soon as the pre order becomes available I'll be talking to Rinkya to see if they can sort something out for me.

Let me know how that goes because there's already a bunch of Australian's lining up for a group order if we can do it.

Tekka wrote:I saw the first signs of this just after the announcement as well. People who had previously claimed to want a Thundercracker "so badly" now didn't care anymore. It upsets me simply because I supported them and then they decide they can't be bothered. It leaves me thinking; then why did I bother to defend you? Makes me sad.

Personally, I'm glad that people are getting a second shot at owning TC without paying silly money. Checking on ebay, there are two Botcon ones going for about £150/$300 each. That's simply insane money. I cannot justify paying that sort of money for a deluxe figure. I CAN justify paying £30/$60ish if I get in early enough, with the added bonus of not having to drop a couple of hundred dollars on a set I'm then going to split and sell off. If I don't get in early enough... I'll live with it. And probably track down something like Titanium TC to fill the gap in my Classics Seekers.

Thats a nice looking Skywarp. I do love the hasbro version as well, but the Henkei version is very sleek as well.