The Energon Pub

Got Tarantulas today. Very happy with him, he's great in both modes

And I finally gave in to all the Jhiaxus praise I've seen here and got him despite not being attached to the character or design. And he's great, totally worth it. Just a solid, fun figure. He's definitely got a presence to him

SpaceEagle wrote:That's still pretty exciting, I know people would prefer a bigger Dinoking/Monstructor but I s'pose for how small the original toy(s) was(were) I think that's at least cute.

I do have strong feelings on this, but; it is what it is, If it does in fact come to fruition. I agree that core class (the new Legends class) is a nice inexpensive way to collect smaller/less expensive versions of popular characters. It is also a nice way to release characters that are genuinely small in scale (Rattrap, Cassettes, Spike etc...) . Even making the combiner/Volcanicus gimmick again is fine.

Before I get to my objection, I do appreciate the insight that the design team was looking back at the Legion Class TFP Terrorcons/Abominus from 2013, which I hadn't thought about in some time. I purchased that giftset on clearance at Target for my son, mostly as a novelty, but at that time, I wasn't back into collecting, and I thought there were zero chances of getting proper combiners ever again. It was a neat idea, but my son broke it in short order. I paid almost zero attention to TLK toys, so I had no idea that was repurposed into Infernocus. I'm guessing if there were ever to be a new SS Infernocus, fans probably wouldn't want it made out of core class, or maybe they would, because he wasn't that large of a combiner on screen.

At any rate, that is kind of my point. For the few times that Monstructor and/or Dinoking appear in fiction, they are basically the same size as Devastator, Predaking, Bruticus etc... The fact that the toys themselves were smaller was just odd, but then again, there were a lot of odd choices made in the original line.

Why was Scorponok 2/3 the size of his rival Fort Max? It took 33 years to fix that error, but I'm glad Hasbro/TT did. While I'm usually a fan of Animation Accuracy over original Toy accuracy; All that aside, a solid Toy design is all I'm looking for. The Weaponizes and their ilk take old characters and give them fresh new concepts, and the fossilizers were all new, and my favorite part of the Kingdom Line. However if a choice that is made is so nonsensical just because something was a certain way previously, it automatically makes a toy less desirable. (Legacy Blitzwing anyone?)

I mean, here's a good picture of many of the Decepticon Combiners form the original series. There may be some slight size variance, but which ones obviously stick out?



Now, to be fair, I am aware that in the 90's there were some Micromaster Combiners made in Japan that were canonically smaller. I have most of those, so it only makes sense, but for the record Dinoking & Monstructor were not among them. (Ironically their combined toy form is even smaller than those Micromaster combiners )

I mean if I knew for 100% certainty supporting core class combiners would lead to a proper sized Monstructor/Dinoking in the next couple of years, you bet I'd double dip for that. The problem is, we dont know. Such obscure characters are often "one and done", which is my greatest fear if these long awaited characters come out so vastly undersized. Thus, while it can be assumed that sometimes people at Hasbro read certain message forums, I doubt they'll ever see my signature, but I have updated it accordingly, just in case.

o.supreme wrote:

SpaceEagle wrote:That's still pretty exciting, I know people would prefer a bigger Dinoking/Monstructor but I s'pose for how small the original toy(s) was(were) I think that's at least cute.

I do have strong feelings on this, but; it is what it is, If it does in fact come to fruition. I agree that core class (the new Legends class) is a nice inexpensive way to collect smaller/less expensive versions of popular characters. It is also a nice way to release characters that are genuinely small in scale (Rattrap, Cassettes, Spike etc...) . Even making the combiner/Volcanicus gimmick again is fine.

Before I get to my objection, I do appreciate the insight that the design team was looking back at the Legion Class TFP Terrorcons/Abominus from 2013, which I hadn't thought about in some time. I purchased that giftset on clearance at Target for my son, mostly as a novelty, but at that time, I wasn't back into collecting, and I thought there were zero chances of getting proper combiners ever again. It was a neat idea, but my son broke it in short order. I paid almost zero attention to TLK toys, so I had no idea that was repurposed into Infernocus. I'm guessing if there were ever to be a new SS Infernocus, fans probably wouldn't want it made out of core class, or maybe they would, because he wasn't that large of a combiner on screen.

At any rate, that is kind of my point. For the few times that Monstructor and/or Dinoking appear in fiction, they are basically the same size as Devastator, Predaking, Bruticus etc... The fact that the toys themselves were smaller was just odd, but then again, there were a lot of odd choices made in the original line.

Why was Scorponok 2/3 the size of his rival Fort Max? It took 33 years to fix that error, but I'm glad Hasbro/TT did. While I'm usually a fan of Animation Accuracy over original Toy accuracy; All that aside, a solid Toy design is all I'm looking for. The Weaponizes and their ilk take old characters and give them fresh new concepts, and the fossilizers were all new, and my favorite part of the Kingdom Line. However if a choice that is made is so nonsensical just because something was a certain way previously, it automatically makes a toy less desirable. (Legacy Blitzwing anyone?)

I mean, here's a good picture of many of the Decepticon Combiners form the original series. There may be some slight size variance, but which ones obviously stick out?



Now, to be fair, I am aware that in the 90's there were some Micromaster Combiners made in Japan that were canonically smaller. I have most of those, so it only makes sense, but for the record Dinoking & Monstructor were not among them. (Ironically their combined toy form is even smaller than those Micromaster combiners )

I mean if I knew for 100% certainty supporting core class combiners would lead to a proper sized Monstructor/Dinoking in the next couple of years, you bet I'd double dip for that. The problem is, we dont know. Such obscure characters are often "one and done", which is my greatest fear if these long awaited characters come out so vastly undersized. Thus, while it can be assumed that sometimes people at Hasbro read certain message forums, I doubt they'll ever see my signature, but I have updated it accordingly, just in case.

I completely understand that angle and I do hope there'll be be at the very least a Dinoking/Monstructor that's more scaled around CW gestalt size. I'd be surprised if they didn't even try to make a Titan class gestalt considering the whole 6 bot team à la CW Devastator. While I do personally prefer toy-accuracy over media-accuracy, I do prefer a scale closer to what the shows have given us (for the most part) because...it would be really awkward having a Blaster that towers over Optimus or a Motormaster that struggles to reach Megatron's shoulder.

I'm guessing because both Dinoking and Monstructor haven't really had major presence (in comparison to the classic Scramble City teams), HasTak's playing it safe with the smaller size class, hence why it's coming out as Volcanicus first as well as hopefully satiating fans that prefer DK/MS as smaller lads.

(Also I will admit while I do love Legacy Blitzwing overall, the cockpit front bugs me not because it sticks out too far nor because its accuracy gone wrong, but moreso its based off of a mistranformation from the OG toy!)

It's not guaranteed that a successful core class Dinoking / Monstructor will lead to a bigger version of those combiners, although it is a strong possibility. But it probably IS guaranteed that an unsuccessful core class Dinoking / Monstructor will lead to that being the only version of the character.

Rtron wrote:It's not guaranteed that a successful core class Dinoking / Monstructor will lead to a bigger version of those combiners, although it is a strong possibility. But it probably IS guaranteed that an unsuccessful core class Dinoking / Monstructor will lead to that being the only version of the character.

Preeeeeetty much. It's my guess as to why it's not DK/MS first and foremost on top of being a cheaper size-class.
It being successful will help show HasTak that DK/MS still have their fans and maaaayyy pave the way for a bigger version later on.

OK, I have a couple items to catch up on here.

First up, I would like it if the Nemesis were the titan, I would like that, it would be neat, and a good opposite for I-ark-onus. I would also feel comfortable using Nemesis as the name too, given IDW made Onyx's titan the BWII Nemesis. Would be especially cool if Nemesis was a she.

Second, There are now 2 fiction only Titans: Lodestar who featured pretty prominently in IDW2019 and had a cool base and weaponized design, and Cargohold, who only showed up in alt mode, but did exist.






third, while I do hope we get Dinoking, I also have feelings about Volcanicus himself. I am glad we are getting him again, I like Volcanicus, but I really wish they would do a proper Cyberverse Volcanicus for us. That one was so much cooler in both design and execution, and I really want a proper toy of that team.




Fourth, with regards to Skar, my theory with the Dinoking stuff is that we will get an Ankylosaurus with a robot mode based on IDW Skar, but it will fuse cues from the RiD2015 Scowl, who I really liked both in design, characterization, and voice actor.

I think some of you have it backwards to what I'm hoping for. After a Core class Monstructor, I don't want a Titan class Monstructor, I want a Core class Devastator.

And here I am wanting both standard CHUG scale combiners and core class versions Volcanicus being a core class offering along with a possible version of Dinoking is just a fun way to get a combiner out quickly in my opinion

I likewise would LOVE more small combiners. Heck...they could do a core class Devastator, maybe even push the retool potential of Sixbuilder so its a worthwhile investment

Regarding Bludgeon-from-Tarn, I have seen in a few places now this image, pointing out that our Legacy Tarn has detailing on his thighs that has no reason for being there....unless he's going to share a mold with Bludgeon:
As long as he has a sword and isn't just Tarn-wearing-Bludgeon's-colors, I think I'll be cool with that. That IDW2 Bludgeon design is just his Evergreen/Cyberverse/RiD15 toy design filtered through Milne's design style, after all, it's pretty much the first time he's actually had a consistent design since even in G1 he fluctuated between shell and inner bot by appearance.

Hmm, if that really is the case of us getting an IDW Bludgeon design I think I'm just gonna stick with my TFCC figure for a Voyager-sized G1 Bludgeon.
Hopefully people who do want that at least enjoy it.

Nemesis Primal wrote:Regarding Bludgeon-from-Tarn, I have seen in a few places now this image, pointing out that our Legacy Tarn has detailing on his thighs that has no reason for being there....unless he's going to share a mold with Bludgeon:

someone-noticed-the-upcoming-retool-v0-fkr78sdgeer91.png

As long as he has a sword and isn't just Tarn-wearing-Bludgeon's-colors, I think I'll be cool with that. That IDW2 Bludgeon design is just his Evergreen/Cyberverse/RiD15 toy design filtered through Milne's design style, after all, it's pretty much the first time he's actually had a consistent design since even in G1 he fluctuated between shell and inner bot by appearance.

That detail clinches it for me. And I too like that design. Many do, hence why that RID toy has always been hot.

william-james88 wrote:

Nemesis Primal wrote:Regarding Bludgeon-from-Tarn, I have seen in a few places now this image, pointing out that our Legacy Tarn has detailing on his thighs that has no reason for being there....unless he's going to share a mold with Bludgeon:

someone-noticed-the-upcoming-retool-v0-fkr78sdgeer91.png

As long as he has a sword and isn't just Tarn-wearing-Bludgeon's-colors, I think I'll be cool with that. That IDW2 Bludgeon design is just his Evergreen/Cyberverse/RiD15 toy design filtered through Milne's design style, after all, it's pretty much the first time he's actually had a consistent design since even in G1 he fluctuated between shell and inner bot by appearance.

That detail clinches it for me. And I too like that design. Many do, hence why that RID toy has always been hot.

Great figure, another highlight from RID.

I have to admit, the more I think about it, the less I like the idea of core class combiners like this. It's not a question of if but of when the pegs wear out.

I'm still waiting for my pre-ordered Super 7 Bludgeon to come out:

-

Also, I wish Hasbro would release core class bots and/or micromasters or other smaller bots as part of the main line, and any corresponding pretender shells (with appropriate compartments for smaller bots) in their "RED" line. They could do it a few times to see if people are interested, say with the classics pretenders.

I'm still shocked they haven't even put a single Pretender or even an Action Master in the R.E.D. line as is. I've got nothing against Ultimates! and I'm glad they're at least giving some interesting offerings (such as Pretenders/AMs) but it still baffles me that Hasbro hasn't even put figures known for not being able to transfo- convert in their line all about...figures that don't convert.

SpaceEagle wrote:I'm still shocked they haven't even put a single Pretender or even an Action Master in the R.E.D. line as is. I've got nothing against Ultimates! and I'm glad they're at least giving some interesting offerings (such as Pretenders/AMs) but it still baffles me that Hasbro hasn't even put figures known for not being able to transfo- convert in their line all about...figures that don't convert.

I think Autobot Spike is coming out, right?

primalxconvoy wrote:

SpaceEagle wrote:I'm still shocked they haven't even put a single Pretender or even an Action Master in the R.E.D. line as is. I've got nothing against Ultimates! and I'm glad they're at least giving some interesting offerings (such as Pretenders/AMs) but it still baffles me that Hasbro hasn't even put figures known for not being able to transfo- convert in their line all about...figures that don't convert.

I think Autobot Spike is coming out, right?

Ohhhh, I think I do recall something like that. A figure of Autobot X would be cool, at least that was actually in the cartoon unlike the Pretenders/AMs.

SpaceEagle wrote:

primalxconvoy wrote:

SpaceEagle wrote:I'm still shocked they haven't even put a single Pretender or even an Action Master in the R.E.D. line as is. I've got nothing against Ultimates! and I'm glad they're at least giving some interesting offerings (such as Pretenders/AMs) but it still baffles me that Hasbro hasn't even put figures known for not being able to transfo- convert in their line all about...figures that don't convert.

I think Autobot Spike is coming out, right?

Ohhhh, I think I do recall something like that. A figure of Autobot X would be cool, at least that was actually in the cartoon unlike the Pretenders/AMs.

They did feature in the G1 animated adverts though.

https://youtu.be/R5Cs7PsK9cc

https://youtu.be/RY2yycvflVM

https://youtu.be/WOTOd-rQ2cQ

primalxconvoy wrote:

SpaceEagle wrote:

primalxconvoy wrote:

SpaceEagle wrote:I'm still shocked they haven't even put a single Pretender or even an Action Master in the R.E.D. line as is. I've got nothing against Ultimates! and I'm glad they're at least giving some interesting offerings (such as Pretenders/AMs) but it still baffles me that Hasbro hasn't even put figures known for not being able to transfo- convert in their line all about...figures that don't convert.

I think Autobot Spike is coming out, right?

Ohhhh, I think I do recall something like that. A figure of Autobot X would be cool, at least that was actually in the cartoon unlike the Pretenders/AMs.

They did feature in the G1 animated adverts though.

https://youtu.be/R5Cs7PsK9cc

https://youtu.be/RY2yycvflVM

https://youtu.be/WOTOd-rQ2cQ

Hah, yeah. Still, hopefully we'll get something revisiting the Pretender concept (outside of the mini ones in PotP) or at the very least get some RED figures based on either Pretenders or Action Masters. Would be funny if there were 3P shells made for the current core class bots!

I think we may see a revisiting of sorts with Metalhawk.

I'm very eager to see how Metalhawk will turn out - I wonder if they'll actually stick with the human look of the shell like FunPub did or end up just giving us an update of his inner robot à la Titans Return.

(I'm betting the latter as more likely since HasTak doesn't seem to really do the former, judging by the absence of Stranglehold in comparison to Bludgeon's and even Octopunch's appearances, on top of the PotP mini shells outright using robotic faces in official art. BUT I am more than happy to be proven wrong on this.
It's probably the least likely but I do hope they use the budget to give us robot and shell in one package...

An issue with putting pretender shells in R.E.D is that the line is a Walmart exclusive (iirc). Target won't be too thrilled about stocking toys that will send people to their competitor in order to complete them.

At this rate, lower your expectations, expect the gimmick to go dormant again. That way you won't be uselessly angry when hasbro brings out more hybrid pretenders (outside shell transforming into inner vehicle).

As for Bludgeon, I'll be down for that, I did really like the rid15 toy, and I agree, it looks dead cert that the Tarn toy was made with that possible retooling.

Personally I ain't upset about the hybridisation, just got a pipe dream that probably won't really get fulfilled - having that in mind helps curb any expectations.

I know the gimmick ain't popular to many (especially in regards to the Action Masters, heh.), so I know I've got little excuses to be upset at HasTak for not trying to revisit a concept people weren't all too excited for in the first place.

I know you were not referring to me specifically but if anything I am mildly upset at the potential Bludgeon retool being based off of a design I'm not that fond of...even then no one is forcing me to buy it and I know this won't be the last we see of the character anyway.

DeathReviews wrote:

MCutter wrote:Has anyone pointed out Chopshop flying in among the Insecticon swarm? I'm guessing he'll be part of the next Buzzworthy 'collide' four-pack.

*edit: name of the four-pack

You can definitely see Chopshop and Venom there - and maybe Barrage if you squint hard. Will they count the Creatures Collide Ransack and not do a proper remold? Probably. Hopefully they'll do new molds for the remaining Deluxe Insecticons...

This is what I see in the Insection section (ltr): Front & in robot mode - Shrapnel, Kickback, Bombshell; back & in insect mode - Barrage, Mosquito thingy (?), Venom, Chop Shop. Thoughts?

I realize this is a bit nitpicky, but why is Slag (I'm not using Slug) the head and upper torso rather than Grimlock? The triceratops head does look good on the chest, though.

I'm excited about the possibility of a future Monstructor, but I would have hoped for a full size version rather than a core version.