The Energon Pub

[Va'al]

We're doing things a little different this year, by having a catch-all thread for Toy Fair news, which we'll post in the appropriate threads once they're front paged.

It makes it easy for the news team, and hopefully will keep the conversation more fluid in the threads too, without too many people talking over each other and about different figures or reveals.

And so, as the first post for the thread...

[Va'al]

Via fellow Seibertronian Emerje, and the same source as the Transformers: The Last Knight Megatron leaks (though probably not the actual source..), we have what is purported to be the first look at the Hasbro Transformers display at New York Toy Fair!

The image is small, grainy and not entirely useful, though we can see a Grimlock, an Optimus Prime both in robot mode; a truck mode Optimus, and another tank/truck vehicle (perhaps Hound or Onslaught?); a Bumblebee mask on the left; the three headed dragon at the very back. Given the nature of the image, it is very likely that the massive dragon is in fact art or a prop, and not a toy in itself, but feel free to speculate on what might show up this weekend in the Last Knight thread or below!

[Va'al]

Directly from Hasbro HQ, we have their opening press release for their presence at this weekend's Toy Fair in New York City - which Seibertron.com will be attending and covering - by revealing what lines will be showcased at the event. It also features an image of newcomer to The Last Knight Sqweeks (its RC toy, in any case, as first reported here), and some info on the other media releases in 2017. Check it out below, and stay tuned for more soon!

Hasbro Showcases the World’s Best Play and Entertainment Experiences at the 2017 American International Toy Fair

Company Unveils New Product and Entertainment from TRANSFORMERS, MY LITTLE PONY, HANAZUKI, NERF, PLAY-DOH, HASBRO GAMING and More

PAWTUCKET, R.I.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) will debut its 2017 portfolio of play and entertainment experiences at the American International Toy Fair in New York City.

“2017 is a landmark year for Hasbro, as we’re delivering record innovation, and telling more stories than ever within our brands across toy, game, entertainment and digital experiences,” said John Frascotti, President, Hasbro, Inc. “In addition to releasing two major motion pictures inspired by our globally popular brands, TRANSFORMERS and MY LITTLE PONY, we’re adding exciting innovation into our NERF and HASBRO GAMING brands, as well as introducing entirely new brands such as HANAZUKI to our fans and families around the world.”

ABOUT HASBRO

Hasbro (NASDAQ: HAS) is a global play and entertainment company committed to Creating the World's Best Play Experiences. From toys and games to television, movies, digital gaming and consumer products, Hasbro offers a variety of ways for audiences to experience its iconic brands, including NERF, MY LITTLE PONY, TRANSFORMERS, PLAY-DOH, MONOPOLY, LITTLEST PET SHOP and MAGIC: THE GATHERING, as well as premier partner brands. The Company's Hasbro Studios and its film label, Allspark Pictures, are building its brands globally through great storytelling and content on all screens. Through its commitment to corporate social responsibility and philanthropy, Hasbro is helping to make the world a better place for children and their families. Learn more at http://www.hasbro.com, and follow us on Twitter (@Hasbro & @HasbroNews) and Instagram (@Hasbro).

HAS-PR

[Va'al]

The Hasbro Investor Presentation, which takes place before Toy Fair itself, just finished, and we took down notes about what was of interest to Transformers in the company's talk to their investors over webcast! You can find the notes below, including some of the slides - these will be updated once Hasbro sends us the material in full, so do check back!

Hasbro CEO Brian Goldner

- Recap from previous communication about company's growth. (More here.)

- Reminder of Boulder Studios acquisition to work with Allspark Studios, leading to My Little Pony movie.

- Focus on storytelling, with Bumblebee brought up as example: started as comics, brought to life in TV, seen multiple incarnations up to new solo film in 2018.

- Brief glimpse of some new Transformers merchandise in slide.

- Video shown in room of TMall and AliBaba 11-11 Singles Day spot in China, featuring Optimus Prime and Bumblebee (as example of international partnerships and licensing).

- Micronauts and MASK franchises briefly shown on slide.

Hasbro CFO Deb Thomas

- Discussion on projections on costs, hedging, labor and investments, with an interesting note on what currency are used for markets (mostly USD and HKD) and what the exchange rates might be without the hedging. No speculation involved.
- Highest impact for Hasbro is in first quarter.
- A lot of money talk.

Hasbro President John Frascotti

- Video shown in room about Innovation Award.
- 50% of total revenue comes from Franchise Brands, including Transformers.
- Most numerous users of Hasbro products are over 14 (TF Generations, SW Black Series, Marvel Legends).

- Hasbro was number 1 toy company in US in January.

- Focus on Inclusivity: shift from gender categories, TF as example has tripled in sales from female audiences and collectors.

- Machinima Combiner Wars 12mln views, currently working on Titans Return sequel.
- Superfans came back into the conversation, committed fans who are loyal to a specific brand.

Samantha Lomow & Brian Chapman
My Little Pony
- first look at the upcoming movie shown in room

Tom Warner

- 10th anniversary of live-action movie series

- New movies: Bumblebee on June 8, 2018; next chapter 28 June 2019

- Mark Vahradian, Paramount Producer talk (in room only)

We get our first look at the giant three headed Dragon toy from The Last Knight, which we previously saw here. This appears to be the same kind of simplified toy as the Age of Extinction giant one step Grimlock with very limited articulation and hollow plastic (as can be seen on the legs). Also, a promotional shot of the full extent of the line was shown.

We also have our fist look at the electronic All Spark tech toys. These are all spark cubes which can recognize the character they are in and if the toy is in alt mode or robot mode.

The conference then covered all the Transformers related digital gaming coming our way, and how it's part of the storytelling process.

They also discussed their expansion across China, already in action since Age of Extinction.

Here is a look at the merchandising angle the brand is taking, in terms of officially licensed merch and apparel.

We also got our first look at Robots in Disguise Combiner Force Bruticus!

And they even revealed the Combiner Force Ultra Bee's toy

The future of live events was also discussed, though not in any detail.

Then it came to Rescue Bots. It seems the show isn't done yet, but might take on a different form.

More talk of the RC Sqweeks toy, and the character's presence in the movies.

They also discuss how Transformers are all across the fashion industry, as seen with the Moschino show and collection in the past year and in catalogs:

And ended with another way of looking at the same image of Trypticon, as the winner of the fan poll from the past years.

[Evil Eye]

This is all well and good but when do we see the delicious plastic crack? I wanna see that RID Bruticus (assuming it isn't rubbish)!

[kurthy]

What horrible thing are they going to do with Sqweeks in the name of 'it's for the kids!'? After Wheelie, the twins, and Mojo, my expectations for Hasbro and Michael Bay are very low.

[Hellscream9999]

This is all well and good but when do we see the delicious plastic crack? I wanna see that RID Bruticus (assuming it isn't rubbish)!

It'll most certainly be garbage, along with the rest of the crash combiner line - pure trash

[william-james88]

This is all well and good but when do we see the delicious plastic crack? I wanna see that RID Bruticus (assuming it isn't rubbish)!

Depends what you are expecting. We now have a reveal of combiner force ultra bee and it is not 4 individual bots which combine. So this liekyl wont be either. Just a big gimicky toy.

[Stuartmaximus]

Ok...that's strange I thought the RID combiners were meant to be made up of 4 bots? but Bruticus looks to be made up of 5

[Diem]

Mobile Armored Strike Kommand under emergent brands? YES PLEASE. I'd love to get some MASK toys made with modern toy tech.

[william-james88]

Ok...that's strange I thought the RID combiners were meant to be made up of 4 bots? but Bruticus looks to be made up of 5

I think the recent image of Ultra Bee cofirms that they are non transforming, so it doesnt really matter if they are made up of 4 or 5 bots.

[Dude Gatsby]

Depends what you are expecting. We now have a reveal of combiner force ultra bee and it is not 4 individual bots which combine. So this liekyl wont be either. Just a big gimicky toy.

Knowing how much I loved Transformer Combiners and Power Rangers back in the day, a kid would love this individual robots or not.

[Overcracker]

That M.A.S.K. logo is really really tiny. But if they're planning on bringing back the franchise, I'd hope some re-issues from the Kenner line make it into it.

I always loved M.A.S.K, I think I even had more M.A.S.K toys than transformers.

[Sideshow Sideswipe]

This is all well and good but when do we see the delicious plastic crack? I wanna see that RID Bruticus (assuming it isn't rubbish)!

It'll most certainly be garbage, along with the rest of the crash combiner line - pure trash

Keep in mind dude, these toys aren't for your demographic unless you are a kid 6-10 in which case why aren't you in school? Kids want a toy they can just slam together easily. I have 2 kids and they get such a sense of accomplishment when they can transform their toys 'just like daddy dooz'. So before you say it's trash, keep in mind who it's for.

[Nexus Knight]

This is all well and good but when do we see the delicious plastic crack? I wanna see that RID Bruticus (assuming it isn't rubbish)!

It'll most certainly be garbage, along with the rest of the crash combiner line - pure trash

Gotta disagree. I convinced my younger brother to pick out Beeside and the toy is absolutely perfect for younger fans. If you're not seven to twelve, maybe they aren't for you, but "pure trash" is an inaccurate description, IMO.

[Hellscream9999]

This is all well and good but when do we see the delicious plastic crack? I wanna see that RID Bruticus (assuming it isn't rubbish)!

It'll most certainly be garbage, along with the rest of the crash combiner line - pure trash

Keep in mind dude, these toys aren't for your demographic unless you are a kid 6-10 in which case why aren't you in school? Kids want a toy they can just slam together easily. I have 2 kids and they get such a sense of accomplishment when they can transform their toys 'just like daddy dooz'. So before you say it's trash, keep in mind who it's for.

Sorry, I grew up with Magnaboss and Tripredacus, something that was also for my age demographic as a kid, so no, we don't have to settle for this sh|t

[Terrsolpix]

Ok...that's strange I thought the RID combiners were meant to be made up of 4 bots? but Bruticus looks to be made up of 5

I think the recent image of Ultra Bee cofirms that they are non transforming, so it doesnt really matter if they are made up of 4 or 5 bots.

I'm going to have to disagree with you there. The Strongarm is oddly shaped at the elbow, leading me to believe the Z shape is to accommodate for her hands. Gimlock may have to split appear to combine, but it isn't impossible to pull a good looking mode from that *cough* Energon Omega Supreme *cough*

[Techorgan]

TBH, I'm a lot more interested in the Transformers: The Last Knight toyline. 1 thing that's kinda new is the AllSpark Tech toys. I know they look like One-Step Changers, but I wonder how that AllSpark cube works. P.S.: Why the AllSpark cube design looks a lot different than than the one in Transformers (2007)? Perhaps we might be seeing that AllSpark design in The Last Knight, probably, maybe it's a prototype version or there might be other versions of the AllSpark cube... Who knows? & for the three-headed dragon (could be based on Cybertron Scourge because he has 3 heads, or just some entirely new , or possibly a ), he looks so monstrous! He may be entirely dull-coloured in the movie (same goes for the Dinobots), but his black colour along with red & gold paint details really mix very well which makes him look a lot cooler. & yeah, like u guys said, he might be a retool of the AOE Stomp & Chomp Grimlock for he has a handle with trigger sitting on top of his dragon mode...

[steals_your_goats]

This is all well and good but when do we see the delicious plastic crack? I wanna see that RID Bruticus (assuming it isn't rubbish)!

It'll most certainly be garbage, along with the rest of the crash combiner line - pure trash

Keep in mind dude, these toys aren't for your demographic unless you are a kid 6-10 in which case why aren't you in school? Kids want a toy they can just slam together easily. I have 2 kids and they get such a sense of accomplishment when they can transform their toys 'just like daddy dooz'. So before you say it's trash, keep in mind who it's for.

Sorry, I grew up with Magnaboss and Tripredacus, something that was also for my age demographic as a kid, so no, we don't have to settle for this sh|t

No one's settling for anything. You don't like it? Great then don't buy it. It's not like they're replacing anything with these figures, they're just supplemental gimmick toys. Kids love things like this so I don't get why you're so offended by them when they're so obviously not for you in the first place.

[Nexus Knight]

This is all well and good but when do we see the delicious plastic crack? I wanna see that RID Bruticus (assuming it isn't rubbish)!

It'll most certainly be garbage, along with the rest of the crash combiner line - pure trash

Keep in mind dude, these toys aren't for your demographic unless you are a kid 6-10 in which case why aren't you in school? Kids want a toy they can just slam together easily. I have 2 kids and they get such a sense of accomplishment when they can transform their toys 'just like daddy dooz'. So before you say it's trash, keep in mind who it's for.

Sorry, I grew up with Magnaboss and Tripredacus, something that was also for my age demographic as a kid, so no, we don't have to settle for this sh|t

No one's settling for anything. You don't like it? Great then don't buy it. It's not like they're replacing anything with these figures, they're just supplemental gimmick toys. Kids love things like this so I don't get why you're so offended by them when they're so obviously not for you in the first place.

Plus, they're trying to make a fair line of COMPLETE COMBINERS as a "combiner wars" for younger kids. Tripredacus and Magnaboss were the only two combiners at that time were a big deal. Plus, your generation had different parents than this generation's. Plus, toy production costs are more, so they have to cut were they can. So, sorry, these are no Tripredacus (of which I've seen is crap anyways) and Magnaboss, but this what kids have nowadays.

[Deadput]

Sorry, I grew up with Magnaboss and Tripredacus, something that was also for my age demographic as a kid, so no, we don't have to settle for this sh|t

Those were main line figures while these are not instead they exist alongside the main stuff for people like us.


Plus Transformers is and always will be plastic toys for kids ages lower then what we are so whether you like it or not we don't have any choice besides sucking up because things are not nor will they ever be liked they used to.

[william-james88]

he might be a retool of the AOE Stomp & Chomp Grimlock for he has a handle with trigger sitting on top of his dragon mode...

He isnt a retool, but he is a similar toy in the sense that it transforms all in one shot and doest have much articulation.

[Kurona]

These arguments never quite make sense when they come up. If at the age these toys were aimed at you played with much more complex toys... well, good for you. But the human race is so complex that exact tastes and what you like to play with cannot be as easily defined as '9 year old' or '6 year old'. Some 11 year olds will yearn for the simplicity of Crash Combiners while some 7 year olds might pout at being given anything less than a Warrior class. It depends on the kid and not all of them are going to want a traditional Transformer or the like; some will want a simple One-Step or Mini-Con Deployer or what have you. Lumping all kids together as having the same taste based on what you liked when you were their age just because they're kids is extremely silly and a tad pretentious.

[william-james88]

Lumping all kids together as having the same taste based on what you liked when you were their age just because they're kids is extremely silly and a tad pretentious.

But then the same could be said reversely. If these simplified non transforming (as in individual bot modes) combiners are the only option for kids, then isnt Hasbro lumping all kids together as having the same taste and not wanting more?

[Kurona]

Lumping all kids together as having the same taste based on what you liked when you were their age just because they're kids is extremely silly and a tad pretentious.

But then the same could be said reversely. If these simplified non transforming (as in individual bot modes) combiners are the only option for kids, then isnt Hasbro lumping all kids together as having the same taste and not wanting more?

Except they're not the only option for kids. They're one of many options among a myriad including One/Three-steps, Team Combiners, Warriors, RC vehicles... the list goes on.
That's the entire point I was making. By not sticking exclusively to traditional transformers like Generations, Hasbro is providing for many different playstyles and many different types of kids. I'm really not sure where you got 'Crash Combiners are the only option for kids' from