The Energon Pub

Nemesis Primal wrote:

Razorbeast88 wrote:But with the Legacy line and rumors of an armada starscream coming, id imagine armada Thundercracker and skywarp are on the way as well (and perhaps even cybertron versions of the Seekers in the future). So I'm wondering if I should wait and get those or see how they look

Skywarp was a toy-only character in the UT shows though, so I'm personally not expecting him to necessarily show up as soon as we may all like since they haven't done any toy-only character updates for anything other than G1 yet. Thundercracker I have higher hopes for since he was technically in the show as Starscream's Powerlinx upgrade, but you may have to just wait and see longer to see if they even get made anytime soon.

Good points, thank you!

My advice: don't assume the other armada seekers are being made unless we actually see listings, buy the ER versions. If armada versions do get released, and you like them better, resell the 2 pack to pay for it. Even with the imminent rerelease, resell value on the ER 2-pack is high enough to cover two voyagers with extra on the side, and may well be higher by the time we see the armada verions, if they even get made.

alekese wrote:My advice: don't assume the other armada seekers are being made unless we actually see listings, buy the ER versions. If armada versions do get released, and you like them better, resell the 2 pack to pay for it. Even with the imminent rerelease, resell value on the ER 2-pack is high enough to cover two voyagers with extra on the side, and may well be higher by the time we see the armada verions, if they even get made.

I appreciate the advice!

Are we really kidding ourselves that Hasbro isn't doing Armada Starscream so they can repaint the hell out of it? There's even that rumor that Jhiaxus will be a retool of it again. There's no way they're doing Starscream and not doing Thundercracker (Super Starscream), Skywarp, and Ramjet at the very least. That's not to say they'll all be easy to get just like previous iterations (including the original), but it would be very strange if they didn't milk it for all it's worth.

Emerje

Emerje wrote:Are we really kidding ourselves that Hasbro isn't doing Armada Starscream so they can repaint the hell out of it? There's even that rumor that Jhiaxus will be a retool of it again. There's no way they're doing Starscream and not doing Thundercracker (Super Starscream), Skywarp, and Ramjet at the very least. That's not to say they'll all be easy to get just like previous iterations (including the original), but it would be very strange if they didn't milk it for all it's worth.

Emerje

Considering that:
A. Hasbro seems to have no faith in anything outside G1 without testing the market for it first,
B. Hasbro still has yet to do some of the obvious assumed-to-be-coming repaints from G1, let alone other continuities, and
C. last time Hasbro released a new Armada Screamer, it only got the repaints/retools you listed because of TFCC releases and a Takara exclusive,
I personally have no faith in them being guaranteed releases, even though I want Thundercracker more than Screamer.

Also I realized my last post was technically inaccurate because I forgot Shadow Panther, Maximal Grimlock, & T-Wrecks, but realistically, Shadow Panther got made because they needed something easy to fill the slot that originally WAS going to be a show character, and Grimlock is still Grimlock and thusly will sell by name recognition alone, so they've really only taken the risk on 1 single toy-only character there.

Nemesis Primal wrote:Considering that:
A. Hasbro seems to have no faith in anything outside G1 without testing the market for it first,
B. Hasbro still has yet to do some of the obvious assumed-to-be-coming repaints from G1, let alone other continuities, and
C. last time Hasbro released a new Armada Screamer, it only got the repaints/retools you listed because of TFCC releases and a Takara exclusive,
I personally have no faith in them being guaranteed releases, even though I want Thundercracker more than Screamer.

A. Name recognition is everything and all of the repaints have recognizable names that will help sell them. If they can do Studio Series Thrust at retail with his 5 seconds of screen time anything will sell.
B. Which ones? There's very little they haven't done or hasn't been leaked. We even got repaints we didn't expect like a blue Deep Cover and black Ironhide repaint. Plus it isn't like we don't have more repaints planned for Legacy.
C. All of the repaints of Siege and Earthrise Starscream have only existed as exclusives too (aside from Siege Thundercracker). I would be surprised if any Legacy Armada Starscream repaint wasn't an exclusive as well. When was the last time a Starscream was released that didn't have the majority of its releases sold at mass retail? Classics (eventually)? And they could even do them in two releases, stick Thundercracker and Skywarp on Amazon and Ramjet on Target so Canada can sell him at TRU and go full circle (original Armada Ramjet was a Universe release exclusive to TRU).

Emerje

Razorbeast88 wrote:I'd appreciate any input/advice on this:

I have the ER skywarp and thundercracker pack in my stack on tfsource. And I plan to get either ER starscream or ss86 version, so I can have my 3 Seekers and a more complete roster of G1 characters

But with the Legacy line and rumors of an armada starscream coming, id imagine armada Thundercracker and skywarp are on the way as well (and perhaps even cybertron versions of the Seekers in the future). So I'm wondering if I should wait and get those or see how they look

Removing the 2-pack from my stack wouldn't take away free shipping, it'd let my wallet breathe a little more for upcoming Kingdom figures, and I care about completing the roster with my favorite versions of characters rather than complete accuracy. For example, I have HFTD Sea Spray and Fansproject not Bombshell. And I plan on getting TF Prime Ratchet and Wheeljack as my versions of those characters.

Any thoughts? Favorite versions of the Seekers?

That 2 pack go for a premium on Ebay. Plus having the ORIGINAL Seeker trio is always nice to have. So I say buy that 2 pack ASAP to be sure you have it, then get SS86 "leader" Starscream later. Having (temporary) Emperor Starscream flanked by his two cronies will make for a pretty swell display.

Armada Starscream may be coming, but Armada Skywarp never existed in the show and "Thundercracker" is just "Upgraded" Starscream. Plus I bet those colors will be some exclusives or others. That is, IF they get made.

If you want at least ONE complete Seeker trio, go with what you know for sure exist and already have in hand. Don't pass on these because that's literally your LAST chance. Remove the ER Seeker 2 pack from your stack and it will be GONE in 2 seconds after. You will not be able to get it back at retail price.

The maybe Armada trio (if there is a trio) can be for when it is time. Letting go of a highly sought after Seeker trio you already have in hand would be quite dumb.

I'm glad I never let these slipped by my fingers!

-Kanrabat- wrote:That 2 pack go for a premium on Ebay. Plus having the ORIGINAL Seeker trio is always nice to have. So I say buy that 2 pack ASAP to be sure you have it, then get SS86 "leader" Starscream later. Having (temporary) Emperor Starscream flanked by his two cronies will make for a pretty swell display.

PSA for anyone (in the US at least) who missed out on the ER Thundercracker/Skywarp set. DO NOT pay the eBay prices! I repeat DO NOT pay the eBay prices!!!

Entertainment Earth has them on pre-order for normal retail due in November.

https://www.entertainmentearth.com/prod ... er/hse8624

BBTS has them too. Their listed release date is sooner than EE, but I think their dates tend to be too aggressive.

https://www.bigbadtoystore.com/Product/ ... ils/147828

Emerje wrote:Are we really kidding ourselves that Hasbro isn't doing Armada Starscream so they can repaint the hell out of it? There's even that rumor that Jhiaxus will be a retool of it again. There's no way they're doing Starscream and not doing Thundercracker (Super Starscream), Skywarp, and Ramjet at the very least. That's not to say they'll all be easy to get just like previous iterations (including the original), but it would be very strange if they didn't milk it for all it's worth.

Emerje

Thats what I'd been thinking as well, it'd be a little strange to only release starscream from a new seeker mold

Though I suppose if I get the ER seeker trio, depending on the paintjob of Armada Starscream I could pass him off as Redwing

-Kanrabat- wrote:

Razorbeast88 wrote:I'd appreciate any input/advice on this:

I have the ER skywarp and thundercracker pack in my stack on tfsource. And I plan to get either ER starscream or ss86 version, so I can have my 3 Seekers and a more complete roster of G1 characters

But with the Legacy line and rumors of an armada starscream coming, id imagine armada Thundercracker and skywarp are on the way as well (and perhaps even cybertron versions of the Seekers in the future). So I'm wondering if I should wait and get those or see how they look

Removing the 2-pack from my stack wouldn't take away free shipping, it'd let my wallet breathe a little more for upcoming Kingdom figures, and I care about completing the roster with my favorite versions of characters rather than complete accuracy. For example, I have HFTD Sea Spray and Fansproject not Bombshell. And I plan on getting TF Prime Ratchet and Wheeljack as my versions of those characters.

Any thoughts? Favorite versions of the Seekers?

That 2 pack go for a premium on Ebay. Plus having the ORIGINAL Seeker trio is always nice to have. So I say buy that 2 pack ASAP to be sure you have it, then get SS86 "leader" Starscream later. Having (temporary) Emperor Starscream flanked by his two cronies will make for a pretty swell display.

Armada Starscream may be coming, but Armada Skywarp never existed in the show and "Thundercracker" is just "Upgraded" Starscream. Plus I bet those colors will be some exclusives or others. That is, IF they get made.

If you want at least ONE complete Seeker trio, go with what you know for sure exist and already have in hand. Don't pass on these because that's literally your LAST chance. Remove the ER Seeker 2 pack from your stack and it will be GONE in 2 seconds after. You will not be able to get it back at retail price.

The maybe Armada trio (if there is a trio) can be for when it is time. Letting go of a highly sought after Seeker trio you already have in hand would be quite dumb.

I'm glad I never let these slipped by my fingers!

I appreciate the input!!

Yeah, whatever you do, don't let that Seeker 2-pack slip through your fingers.

My advice is to definitely get the ER 2-pk, then ER Starscream…
Just my opinion; the Cornonation version isn’t worth $54-ish.
Especially if you have no want/need for the throne.
Even more so if you don’t really want the coronation gear.
Imo this is a perfect example of how Hastak (or an company) lures in fans and collectors;
Those people often times (myself included) find themselves very enticed by something just because it’s new.
And sometimes that appeal overrides at least some logic.
While none of this stuff is anywhere close to a NEED,
I’ve become better at reminding myself, “May look cool, but in the grand scheme ______ should be a pass.
Save that $$ for something you would really enjoy having.

Sowndwave76 wrote:My advice is to definitely get the ER 2-pk, then ER Starscream…
Just my opinion; the Cornonation version isn’t worth $54-ish.
Especially if you have no want/need for the throne.
Even more so if you don’t really want the coronation gear.

ER Starscream is now only available on the secondary market for around the same price as (or more expensive than) the upcoming leader if you factor in the inevitable shipping cost.

So unless one is lucky enough to land a ER voyager Starscream at normal retail price, might as well go with the SS86 leader.

My hope is that by the time ss86 is released, er version's price will drop a lot. If not, ss86 it is

Razorbeast88 wrote:

Emerje wrote:Are we really kidding ourselves that Hasbro isn't doing Armada Starscream so they can repaint the hell out of it? There's even that rumor that Jhiaxus will be a retool of it again. There's no way they're doing Starscream and not doing Thundercracker (Super Starscream), Skywarp, and Ramjet at the very least. That's not to say they'll all be easy to get just like previous iterations (including the original), but it would be very strange if they didn't milk it for all it's worth.

Emerje

Thats what I'd been thinking as well, it'd be a little strange to only release starscream from a new seeker mold

Though I suppose if I get the ER seeker trio, depending on the paintjob of Armada Starscream I could pass him off as Redwing

It should be noted that, unless the leakers have changed their tune, the rumor is that Armada Starscream isn't going to be a brand-new seeker mold, but will instead be a retool of someone else, with the current theory being that Jhiaxus is the original mold. If that's true, then who knows if HasTak will extensively reuse his molding if he's already the mold reuse, or if Armada Screamer will even be that great to begin with.

Tuned Agent wrote:

Razorbeast88 wrote:

Emerje wrote:Are we really kidding ourselves that Hasbro isn't doing Armada Starscream so they can repaint the hell out of it? There's even that rumor that Jhiaxus will be a retool of it again. There's no way they're doing Starscream and not doing Thundercracker (Super Starscream), Skywarp, and Ramjet at the very least. That's not to say they'll all be easy to get just like previous iterations (including the original), but it would be very strange if they didn't milk it for all it's worth.

Emerje

Thats what I'd been thinking as well, it'd be a little strange to only release starscream from a new seeker mold

Though I suppose if I get the ER seeker trio, depending on the paintjob of Armada Starscream I could pass him off as Redwing

It should be noted that, unless the leakers have changed their tune, the rumor is that Armada Starscream isn't going to be a brand-new seeker mold, but will instead be a retool of someone else, with the current theory being that Jhiaxus is the original mold. If that's true, then who knows if HasTak will extensively reuse his molding if he's already the mold reuse, or if Armada Screamer will even be that great to begin with.

IF the Armada Starscream rumor is true, the design doesn't really have as many redeco/retool options; Starscream and Thundercracker/Super Mode, Skywarp as a head and wing co-tool with Ramjet as a redeco, Jhiaxus as the main retool/reshell... Basically anything done with the T30 one

Technically Armada Thundercracker does not exist. Its still Starscream in blue, albeit Super mode Starscream.

Also even if the repaints have not been done before, nothing is stopping Hasbro from releasing other recolors of the mold for Dirge, Thrust* and Acid Rain, Sunstorm etc....


Anyway, Yeah anybody finding the TC, SW two pack for retail or thereabouts better jump on it. It's an excellent set. I was lucky enough to find it for half off retail. And I love them to bits.


I'm ponying up for SS-86 Starscream because I never could find the original for a decent price. And you get not only the throne and cape and crown, but also new articulated hands and some other minor sculpt differences. That's enough for me to warrant a purchase. Also because I have no other G1 looking Starscream.

Emerje wrote:A. Name recognition is everything and all of the repaints have recognizable names that will help sell them. If they can do Studio Series Thrust at retail with his 5 seconds of screen time anything will sell.
B. Which ones? There's very little they haven't done or hasn't been leaked. We even got repaints we didn't expect like a blue Deep Cover and black Ironhide repaint. Plus it isn't like we don't have more repaints planned for Legacy.
C. All of the repaints of Siege and Earthrise Starscream have only existed as exclusives too (aside from Siege Thundercracker). I would be surprised if any Legacy Armada Starscream repaint wasn't an exclusive as well. When was the last time a Starscream was released that didn't have the majority of its releases sold at mass retail? Classics (eventually)? And they could even do them in two releases, stick Thundercracker and Skywarp on Amazon and Ramjet on Target so Canada can sell him at TRU and go full circle (original Armada Ramjet was a Universe release exclusive to TRU).

A. Non-TF fans don't recognize any Seekers by name other than Screamer, but otherwise yes, I agree with this point.
B. They're still missing Detritus, Hauler*, I believe 5 named Seekers (Sunstorm, Bitstream, Nacelle, Slipstream, & Blackout) without that number even counting alternate decos like more G2 repaints, a whole bunch of Diaclones covering both named characters and just decos they haven't used yet (Loupedal, Delta Magnus, Magna Convoy, Clampdown*, red Mirage, etc), Treds & Treadshot from Warpath, Alpha Trion and/or Devcon from Scourge, Star Dasher, Slapdash from Siege Mirage, Metrotitan-based repaints for Sixgun & Slammer (although Slammer hasn't even been seen yet, so this could still occur), any of the 3 or so repaints/retools people keep saying they should do from Doubledealer, Toxitron, Nova Prime, Glyph & Tap-Out, Guidi's Drift/Deadlock from Springer, a release of Mainframe using his actual color scheme, and any number of repaints/retools of other continuity bots that could be made from existing G1 molds (Demolishor from Impactor, Snow Cat from Siege Ironhide, etc), and those are just the ones I can think of off the top of my head.
C. The point I was trying to make there isn't that they would have to be exclusives, I would expect them to be exclusives if they happen. What I was trying to point out was that last time Hasbro released an Armada Starscream mold, the ONLY reuse they actually gave it was Jhiaxus, and all of the Armada Seeker repaints/retools only happened because Fun Pub and Takara did them, NOT Hasbro, which tells me that Hasbro doesn't really care or think there is interest in those reuses. Considering the shared design teams and brand unification now, I would expect Takara to still push for TC, but I don't have a lot of hope for Skywarp or Ramjet.

*These characters do have a leak for them now, though, so I am denoting them thusly

Overcracker wrote:Technically Armada Thundercracker does not exist. Its still Starscream in blue, albeit Super mode Starscream.

Hasbro would still market it as Thundercracker and you know it.

Nemesis Primal wrote:

Overcracker wrote:Technically Armada Thundercracker does not exist. Its still Starscream in blue, albeit Super mode Starscream.

Hasbro would still market it as Thundercracker and you know it.

True Dat.

Overcracker wrote:Technically Armada Thundercracker does not exist. Its still Starscream in blue, albeit Super mode Starscream.

When he first turned blue, Starscream's first words were "I look like Thundercracker." He'd have to exist for Starscream to have said that.

In fact, we see Thundercracker onscreen later in Cybertron, having acquired a new body just like everyone else by that point.

Outside of the cartoon, Thundercracker appeared with his fellow Seekers in this comic:

Sabrblade wrote:

Overcracker wrote:Technically Armada Thundercracker does not exist. Its still Starscream in blue, albeit Super mode Starscream.

When he first turned blue, Starescream's first words were "I look like Thundercracker." He'd have to exist for Starscream to have said that.

In fact, we see Thundercracker onscreen later in Cybertron, having acquired a new body just like everyone else by that point.

Outside of the cartoon, Thundercracker appeared with his fellow Seekers in this comic:

Meta Joke. Since there was no actual Thundercracker in the cartoon, unless he was left back in cybertron and never mentioned.

Later comics retconned that.

But as I said, nothing is stopping Hasbro from doing it, and Hasbro is gonna repaint if they can.

The only redecos outside of the main 3 I'd accept are Universe 2003 Ramjet, and this guy:

Razorbeast88 wrote:I'd appreciate any input/advice on this:

I have the ER skywarp and thundercracker pack in my stack on tfsource. And I plan to get either ER starscream or ss86 version, so I can have my 3 Seekers and a more complete roster of G1 characters

But with the Legacy line and rumors of an armada starscream coming, id imagine armada Thundercracker and skywarp are on the way as well (and perhaps even cybertron versions of the Seekers in the future). So I'm wondering if I should wait and get those or see how they look

Removing the 2-pack from my stack wouldn't take away free shipping, it'd let my wallet breathe a little more for upcoming Kingdom figures, and I care about completing the roster with my favorite versions of characters rather than complete accuracy. For example, I have HFTD Sea Spray and Fansproject not Bombshell. And I plan on getting TF Prime Ratchet and Wheeljack as my versions of those characters.

Any thoughts? Favorite versions of the Seekers?

Get the two pack. You can always sell it at the cost you paid later if you no longer want it once you also have the armada Seekers in hand.

Thanks y'all! 2 pack is back in stack (cue AC/DC music)