Top 5 Transformer toys sold at retail but NOT in the US
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Re: Top 5 Transformer toys sold at retail but NOT in the US
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Was the Alternity line really that good? I really hated the character designs back then (some have grown on me over the years), but when I finally got GT-01 GT-R Prime (a re-skin of Alternity Convoy) for a review I couldn't believe how terrible the figure was for US$100 at the time. I don't know how Takara wasn't embarrassed to put that in stores, and not just once, but NINE TIMES! I don't know, I feel like we dodged a bullet by not having Hasbro release these in place of something else.
Also laughed a bit about the honorable mention going to Binaltech Arcee. Were people really upset that Hasbro didn't release this manly looking Arcee? I would have much preferred Blaster and Red Alert over "her".
I guess it's only fair that I name some figures I wish had found their way over here. Many years ago when I first saw Metalhawk in a book I knew I wanted him. Unfortunately I don't have him in any form. Not as a Takara Tomy reissue, not as a silly BotCon exclusive, and, despite his importance in the comics, not as a new Generations figure. Shame, I really liked the idea of a more elaborate Pretender to dead the others.
Also wish Hasbro had tried a little harder to get Brave Maximus to us. I understand it didn't pass safety tests, but at the time they also believed in lower age ranges, primarily 5+ for RID. The Hasbro of today is willing to adjust ages to fit their needs. For example Generations was 5+, but Combiner Wars is 8+, likely because the weight of the combined size makes it harder for them to pass the dreaded drop test. Realistically this means Hasbro could have adjusted the age range to work in their favor, they just didn't want to go through the trouble back then. Even today, with Platinum Edition reissues also at 8+ including Trypticon (which was 6+ back in the day) realistically they could reissue Fortress Maximus if they wanted to (and didn't have a new one coming out) at the right age range. I almost got a Korean Brave Maximus off BBTS way back, I forget why I didn't.
Also would have liked an Artfire to go with reissue Stepper/Ricochet but that doesn't seem to ever be happening. Not that he was ever reissued or anything. Stupid Takara leaving me wanting more...
Emerje
Also laughed a bit about the honorable mention going to Binaltech Arcee. Were people really upset that Hasbro didn't release this manly looking Arcee? I would have much preferred Blaster and Red Alert over "her".
I guess it's only fair that I name some figures I wish had found their way over here. Many years ago when I first saw Metalhawk in a book I knew I wanted him. Unfortunately I don't have him in any form. Not as a Takara Tomy reissue, not as a silly BotCon exclusive, and, despite his importance in the comics, not as a new Generations figure. Shame, I really liked the idea of a more elaborate Pretender to dead the others.
Also wish Hasbro had tried a little harder to get Brave Maximus to us. I understand it didn't pass safety tests, but at the time they also believed in lower age ranges, primarily 5+ for RID. The Hasbro of today is willing to adjust ages to fit their needs. For example Generations was 5+, but Combiner Wars is 8+, likely because the weight of the combined size makes it harder for them to pass the dreaded drop test. Realistically this means Hasbro could have adjusted the age range to work in their favor, they just didn't want to go through the trouble back then. Even today, with Platinum Edition reissues also at 8+ including Trypticon (which was 6+ back in the day) realistically they could reissue Fortress Maximus if they wanted to (and didn't have a new one coming out) at the right age range. I almost got a Korean Brave Maximus off BBTS way back, I forget why I didn't.
Also would have liked an Artfire to go with reissue Stepper/Ricochet but that doesn't seem to ever be happening. Not that he was ever reissued or anything. Stupid Takara leaving me wanting more...
Emerje
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Re: Top 5 Transformer toys sold at retail but NOT in the US
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Man... Articles like this really take me back. I miss my LioKaiser & Overlord. I actually had the Euro Overlord first, then sold it and bought the Japanese one before selling my entire collection in 2006.
I really liked the Alternators also. I had them all, and any Binaltech variants that were not sold in the U.S., but again, I sold my collection in 2006, before they changed formats to the "Alternity" line.
I really liked the Alternators also. I had them all, and any Binaltech variants that were not sold in the U.S., but again, I sold my collection in 2006, before they changed formats to the "Alternity" line.

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Re: Top 5 Transformer toys sold at retail but NOT in the US
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o.supreme wrote:Man... Articles like this really take me back. I miss my LioKaiser & Overlord. I actually had the Euro Overlord first, then sold it and bought the Japanese one before selling my entire collection in 2006.
I really liked the Alternators also. I had them all, and any Binaltech variants that were not sold in the U.S., but again, I sold my collection in 2006, before they changed formats to the "Alternity" line.
Do you collect anything these days? The Alternity line is still out there if you have the money and interest.
And I too loved the Binaltech line, for it's use of die cast.
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Re: Top 5 Transformer toys sold at retail but NOT in the US
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Not really, there are some wonderful toys out there. I mostly just have all the animated series/movies on DVD. I get my son random toys on occasion. I really got into Kre-o/Kreons because they were inexpensive. I am REALLY tempted to get some of the new Combiner Wars, but again, don't have the funds. Still, thanks for the article, nice to always go down memory lane.
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Re: Top 5 Transformer toys sold at retail but NOT in the US
- Motto: "'till All Are One"
o.supreme wrote:Not really, there are some wonderful toys out there. I mostly just have all the animated series/movies on DVD. I get my son random toys on occasion. I really got into Kre-o/Kreons because they were inexpensive. I am REALLY tempted to get some of the new Combiner Wars, but again, don't have the funds. Still, thanks for the article, nice to always go down memory lane.
That's very kind of you. There will be articles every two weeks, and they usually deal with a look back at the different toys regarding a particular aspect (in this case it was geographical distribution). This link shows you what articles are available and the new ones will be posted there when they come out: http://www.seibertron.com/energonpub/master-list-for-top-5-best-transformers-lists-p1642668.php#p1642668
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Re: Top 5 Transformer toys sold at retail but NOT in the US
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william-james88 wrote:You know guys, I was thinking, and since I am hoping these lists will be viewed years down the line, I feel it's best that they can be improved on if need be. Since this list was about a country I don't actually dwell with and was more about facts than opinions, I don't mind improving it a bit. So I added to the 4th entry for it to encompass the Prime toys the states didn't get, which actually happen through 4 lines (Beast Hunters Cyberverse, Arms Micron, Construct-bots and the upscaled Legions). While it's too bad some G1 toys were kept to certain georgraphic regions, you would think that today's business practices would have evolved with both Takara and Hasbro being more in sync on some obvious stuff (like Breakdown!), but this showed that it was clearly not the case.
So here is the improved list thanks for all your help!
http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/top-5-transformer-toys-sold-at-retail-but-not-in-the-us/33481/
Thanks for the update. Not getting Breakdown really bothered me. Adam f'ing Baldwin voiced the guy and he's super awesome, and I wanted a toy version so bad. Had to make due with a friggin Cyberverse version, and it wasn't even a commander... So small next to his arch rival Bulkhead...
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Re: Top 5 Transformer toys sold at retail but NOT in the US
i'd make a list of the transformers never released here in the UK, but none of us are getting any younger and it would be a shame to spend the next week or so scrolling through a list of tears and disappointments
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Re: Top 5 Transformer toys sold at retail but NOT in the US
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monstrinhotron wrote:i'd make a list of the transformers never released here in the UK, but none of us are getting any younger and it would be a shame to spend the next week or so scrolling through a list of tears and disappointments
I like you and your glum humour.
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Re: Top 5 Transformer toys sold at retail but NOT in the US
A new Over Lord could have the potential to bridge the gap between Hasbro's "Combiner Wars" and "Titan Wars". The original Over Lord was a power master, combiner, and city bot. All in one Transformer.
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Re: Top 5 Transformer toys sold at retail but NOT in the US
- Motto: "That's [not out yet/never came out] in my area."
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Towline wrote:A new Over Lord could have the potential to bridge the gap between Hasbro's "Combiner Wars" and "Titan Wars". The original Over Lord was a power master, combiner, and city bot. All in one Transformer.
But can he see why kids love the taste of Cinnamon Toast Crunch?

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Re: Top 5 Transformer toys sold at retail but NOT in the US
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Very good list. I enjoyed seeing other toys that we in the US have not. now, if only we actually got new toys of some of these guys down the road

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Re: Top 5 Transformer toys sold at retail but NOT in the US
There is some nice EZ series unique repaints I've always liked.
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Re: Top 5 Transformer toys sold at retail but NOT in the US
Masterpiece Ultra Magnus, Star Saber, Bumblebee, Optimus and Grimlock
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Re: Top 5 Transformer toys sold at retail but NOT in the US
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LegendaryAntiHero wrote:Masterpiece Ultra Magnus, Star Saber, Bumblebee, Optimus and Grimlock
Werent MP Optimus and Grimlock sold at Tpysrus? I own both those Hasbro versions.
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Re: Top 5 Transformer toys sold at retail but NOT in the US
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william-james88 wrote:LegendaryAntiHero wrote:Masterpiece Ultra Magnus, Star Saber, Bumblebee, Optimus and Grimlock
Werent MP Optimus and Grimlock sold at Tpysrus? I own both those Hasbro versions.
Think so. I saw both at a Toys r us in Pennsylvania

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Re: Top 5 Transformer toys sold at retail but NOT in the US
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william-james88 wrote:Yotsuyasan wrote:I figured it had been said enough, and didn't have any plans to comment again on it myself... but since you ended up feeling the need to update #4 after all, how can it still say, "The First Edition figures like Transformer Prime First Edition Cliffjumper were available worldwide aside from the US, who instead only had the less accurate and less detailed Robots in Disguise subline toys in store," after the plethora of people who have commented with evidence to the contrary? Yes, you do go on to say, "Muuuuch later, it seems every toy found it's way to Toysrus though not every location got them and there were not too many to go around." But saying that loophole still allows the inclusion of that toy on the list seems rather silly.
If it was sold at U.S. retail, even if its release was delayed and a bit limited, it shouldn't be on a list titled, "Top 5 Transformer toys sold at retail but NOT in the US." Doesn't seem much room for grey area there.
Well these lists serve as reference so I found it fun to discuss the history of this line and how it started really bad for the states compared to the entire world and it was an indication of things to come. I found it pretty important to point out in an article about the states not getting toys, how they didnt get these figures at first which were for a main show. I still cant wrap my mind about how Hasbro decided to distribute everywhere else instead of the country they are based in. So I feel this is the best place to talk about it. It's not a loophole, just a quick history lesson. And I dont think it should be ignored. I want it to be remembered, because it sure as hell isnt fun to have everyone else get these fun toys at retail when you don't. If ever Canada does get Generations Arcee, for instance, I wont automatically forgive Hasbro for having taken so long to distribute it. And it sucks (for Arcee and all those first edition prime toys) that so many fans are left buying them for a premium not knowing when, if ever, these would be available in retail.
First of all, my apologies for posting in such an old thread. However, this point needed to be made.
The US got the first wave of First Edition Prime deluxes in late 2011, at Toys R Us. This assortment consisted of Arcee, Bumblebee, and Starscream. The reason we didn't get the rest was because no retailer wanted to pick them up with the PRID toys on the horizon, not due to Hasbro deliberately withholding them from their primary market. Hasbro does not control distribution, they simply offer their products to retailers, who decide whether they want to carry them or not, and the retailers control product distribution.

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Re: Top 5 Transformer toys sold at retail but NOT in the US
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That Bot wrote:The US got the first wave of First Edition Prime deluxes in late 2011, at Toys R Us. This assortment consisted of Arcee, Bumblebee, and Starscream. The reason we didn't get the rest was because no retailer wanted to pick them up with the PRID toys on the horizon, not due to Hasbro deliberately withholding them from their primary market. Hasbro does not control distribution, they simply offer their products to retailers, who decide whether they want to carry them or not, and the retailers control product distribution.
Thanks for adding to this. But I do have a question about distribtion. if it is done at the retailer level, then why is it that stores got Arcee, Chromia and Brainstorm in the states and that none of those toys were never found in canada. Walmart and TRU USA had them (right?) so why wouldnt they be found in Walmart and TRUs in Canada? Why would all stores in one country say no to having a product when all the stores in the neighboring country say yes?
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Re: Top 5 Transformer toys sold at retail but NOT in the US
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The typical reason that a particular country doesn't get a specific wave of product is because they missed the order window. We saw it earlier this year with the UK missing out on Combiner Wars wave 2 because wave 1 was still sitting around on shelves and they had enough backstock that they didn't need to order any more cases during the period when Hasbro was shipping out wave 2 assortments, and by the time they did need to order more, Hasbro was shipping out wave 3. For the specific instances of Arcee, Chromia, and Brainstorm, their wave (well, the deluxe wave at least) was released in fall of 2014 in the states, when Age of Extinction toys were still clogging shelves. I don't think I ever saw either of the ladies in the wild myself, although I had a fair few run-ins with Brainstorm. I think he was released earlier in Spring. I can hazard a guess that Canada didn't see these toys for the same reasons I didn't: excess movie stock, unwillingness to order shipments of a slower-moving product. That's just my hypothesis, though.

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Re: Top 5 Transformer toys sold at retail but NOT in the US
- Motto: "'till All Are One"
That Bot wrote:The typical reason that a particular country doesn't get a specific wave of product is because they missed the order window. We saw it earlier this year with the UK missing out on Combiner Wars wave 2 because wave 1 was still sitting around on shelves and they had enough backstock that they didn't need to order any more cases during the period when Hasbro was shipping out wave 2 assortments, and by the time they did need to order more, Hasbro was shipping out wave 3.
But that goes against what was previously said about it being the retailers who missed an order window. Now it seems that is being generalized for all department stores in a country. At least that is what I am udnerstanding from the first line and example:
The typical reason that a particular country doesn't get a specific wave of product is because they missed the order window.
Who is they? The specific country? Is there a greater country specific distribution level above the level of the specific retailer chain?
What I am asking is, if it is a retailer who decides whether to buy something or not, then the fact that a whole country didnt get something would be a coincidence that every retailer in that country didnt want that wave, correct? Because the generalizing for country you propose seems to indicate something different. Also wouldnt distribution to a country be a yes or no answer? If some were found in the states, then the product was distributed in the US, regardless of how little there was. Since there was none distributed in Canada, then it wasnt distributed. hence US had distribution, Canada did not, so I do not understand how the distribution in both countries would be comparable.
Am I explaining what confuses me well enough? Or have I confused you more now. If so, I am sorry. And thanks for trying to illuminate the subject.
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Re: Top 5 Transformer toys sold at retail but NOT in the US
Could you explain to me why Hasbro UK told me they had no plans to release combiner wars Devastator in the UK?
This is Hasbro UK choosing not to release Devastator not the retailers!
Sorry to throw a spanner in the works..........Here is the 5 I would've liked to see in the UK:
1.G1 Fort Max
2.G1 Shockwave
3.Combiner Wars Devastator
4.G1 Roadbuster
5.Reflector
This is Hasbro UK choosing not to release Devastator not the retailers!
Sorry to throw a spanner in the works..........Here is the 5 I would've liked to see in the UK:
1.G1 Fort Max
2.G1 Shockwave
3.Combiner Wars Devastator
4.G1 Roadbuster
5.Reflector






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