The Energon Pub

Indeed....thanks Kanrabat!

I just had a thought. With the leaked photos on the new live action movie of Mirage as a Porsche (not sure how that works), I wonder if that will open up the rights to make a Masterpiece Jazz?

Spartron wrote:I just had a thought. With the leaked photos on the new live action movie of Mirage as a Porsche (not sure how that works), I wonder if that will open up the rights to make a Masterpiece Jazz?

Extremely low.
Movie =/= toys.

Dino couldn't even secure the Ferrari license for the toy. The same thing may happen for the SS figures of that newer Mirage.

-Kanrabat- wrote:

Spartron wrote:I just had a thought. With the leaked photos on the new live action movie of Mirage as a Porsche (not sure how that works), I wonder if that will open up the rights to make a Masterpiece Jazz?

Extremely low.
Movie =/= toys.

Dino couldn't even secure the Ferrari license for the toy. The same thing may happen for the SS figures of that newer Mirage.

This may sadly be the case again. Car manufacturers and rights are a tricky subject

ahhhh drat, thought I saw a silver lining

-Kanrabat- wrote:

Spartron wrote:I just had a thought. With the leaked photos on the new live action movie of Mirage as a Porsche (not sure how that works), I wonder if that will open up the rights to make a Masterpiece Jazz?

Extremely low.
Movie =/= toys.

Dino couldn't even secure the Ferrari license for the toy. The same thing may happen for the SS figures of that newer Mirage.

Yup.

Same reason we have yet to get a Licensed Sideways Audi R8 toy.

The VW sub brands are a fickle lot. Probably why Movie 1 Jazz was a Pontiac Solstice instead of a Porsche and got quickly murdered by Megatron so as to not have to worry about him and his alt mode later

If Takara ever manages to secure the rights for an MP Jazz Porsche it will be a cold day in hell.

Speaking of MPs, been a bit quiet lately on new bots coming. We still need a 2nd MPM this year, and Raiden has got to be revealed soon, right?

Thanks to our own D-Maximal_Primal, we've been alerted to a post from Autobase Aichi on Facebook. A reliable source in the past, they revealed a single picture each of Masterpiece figures, those of Crosscut (a redeco of MP Reboost), and Nightbird,a retool and redeco of MP Arcee.

Crosscut was originally released as a redeco and retool of G1 Skids in 2002, in a set with G1 Road Rage. This reveal shows him to be a faithful update to that figure, with the Diaclone style head that Reboost has.




We also have a clearer image of the upcoming MP-55 Nightbird. She's wielding a sword which has its origin with Generations Arcee from 2014. Takara did their own version of Nightbird from that mold, and while including its own sai weapons, it also included yellow versions of Generations Arcee's swords, which this Masterpiece version recreates here.



While there's no word on when they're going to be released, it's nice to see more images of these figures, especially Crosscut, who most people figured would be the natural first retool of MP Skids.

So what do you think of these two, Seibertronians? Excited to add another couple of Masterpiece figures to your collection? Let us know what you think of these two below, and stay tuned for all the latest news and reviews!

I like that MP Skids isn't even out yet and already has two variants on the way.

Nightbird actually looking pretty good from what I can see

At this point, repaints are a foregone conclusion. I venture to say that we could actually anticipate the next MP figure based solely on the maximum number of possible repaints. This means that, with ANY new MP-type mold or toy, you can expect the Seeker molds to be released in the first wave or first overall because of the shameless number of repaints possible. So far, we've seen THREE separate MP Seeker molds with a total repaint/reissue /minor retool count that makes up about 10% of the overall total MPs released (if I did the math right...I'm an NP, not a calculator). This is usually followed by the Prowl/Blue/Silverstreak/Smokescreen mold. Optimus/Convoy is always in the top three, simply because of popularity and the enormity of his name, but despite this, there have been at least 6 repaints of THAT mold.

In the end, all it says is that TF collectors are suckers because we think putting a new coat of paint on something makes it completely different (Scourge and the Sweeps, Starscream/Skywarp/Thundercracker/Sunstorm/Acid Storm/Ion Storm/Thrust/Ramjet/Dirge/Ghost Starscream, Bumbelbee/Goldbug/Cliffjumper/Bugbite/Hubcap, Ironhide/Ratchet, Hoist/Trailbreaker, Tracks/Roadrage) from an absolutely identical previous toy.

First-Aid wrote:In the end, all it says is that TF collectors are suckers because we think putting a new coat of paint on something makes it completely different (Scourge and the Sweeps, Starscream/Skywarp/Thundercracker/Sunstorm/Acid Storm/Ion Storm/Thrust/Ramjet/Dirge/Ghost Starscream, Bumbelbee/Goldbug/Cliffjumper/Bugbite/Hubcap, Ironhide/Ratchet, Hoist/Trailbreaker, Tracks/Roadrage) from an absolutely identical previous toy.

Calling those redecos "completely different" is a bit blunt though, they're only one step up from variants which some people are into (most did have roots in Diaclone variant releases). Besides, if you like the character and/or the colors, what's the harm?

That aside, Crosscut came much sooner than I expected.

First-Aid wrote:
In the end, all it says is that TF collectors are suckers because we think putting a new coat of paint on something makes it completely different (Scourge and the Sweeps, Starscream/Skywarp/Thundercracker/Sunstorm/Acid Storm/Ion Storm/Thrust/Ramjet/Dirge/Ghost Starscream, Bumbelbee/Goldbug/Cliffjumper/Bugbite/Hubcap, Ironhide/Ratchet, Hoist/Trailbreaker, Tracks/Roadrage) from an absolutely identical previous toy.

You forget that developing a mold is VERY expensive. So repaints are a necessary "evil" to make money. And if the toy maker is making money, this means there's more money to create brand new molds.

Beside, repaints SELL. Since the very dawn of G1. Also, should I mention all those pricey Botcon, Collector Clubs, Selects, Netflix, and so on repaints that collectors buy with glee? How come those people are "suckers" when they WILLINGLY ask and pay hard cash for these repaints, even on the aftermarket?

For the number of posts you have, you're not new in this fandom so you should be aware of these facts by now.

Jelze Bunnycat wrote:That aside, Crosscut came much sooner than I expected.

My thinking, is that when they saw positive feedback to the pricing of Skids. They decided to go all in immediately.


Personally, I love variants and redecos. Basically the Transformers equivalent of army building (in lieu of rebuying the exact same figure ala Insecticons, Sweeps, Vehicons). A friend of mine adores Starscream and the rest of the Seekers. As a result, WFC has given him quite the impressive looking collection in the last few years. If the repaints fund the completion of the MP Beast Wars line, for example, I don't see the problem.

-Kanrabat- wrote:

First-Aid wrote:
In the end, all it says is that TF collectors are suckers because we think putting a new coat of paint on something makes it completely different (Scourge and the Sweeps, Starscream/Skywarp/Thundercracker/Sunstorm/Acid Storm/Ion Storm/Thrust/Ramjet/Dirge/Ghost Starscream, Bumbelbee/Goldbug/Cliffjumper/Bugbite/Hubcap, Ironhide/Ratchet, Hoist/Trailbreaker, Tracks/Roadrage) from an absolutely identical previous toy.

You forget that developing a mold is VERY expensive. So repaints are a necessary "evil" to make money. And if the toy maker is making money, this means there's more money to create brand new molds.

Beside, repaints SELL. Since the very dawn of G1. Also, should I mention all those pricey Botcon, Collector Clubs, Selects, Netflix, and so on repaints that collectors buy with glee? How come those people are "suckers" when they WILLINGLY ask and pay hard cash for these repaints, even on the aftermarket?

For the number of posts you have, you're not new in this fandom so you should be aware of these facts by now.

I know. Please note that I included the term "we" in my post, not "they", meaning I included myself in the list of so-called suckers. That said, there are just so many figures anymore that it's not always economically viable for collectors to get that many repaints. Yes, repaints make money, I know this; it's the same in medicine when you find that a particular newly developed medication (which cost nearly $3 billion to bring to market, according to recent research) can be used for a different indication (perfect example: Viagra was originally a blood pressure medication). I have gradually changed my tune about repaints as the number of product lines has gone up. I have abstained entirely from Cyberverse (something I am regretting a bit now, but not enough to start shelling cash) because it was a rehash of Gen 1 (like about everything else for the last decade with the exception of the Movieverse line which added more diversity than any previous line since Beast Wars; incidentally, the kids sucked that up while the collectors whined that it wasn't G1).

At some point, Hasbro is going to wear out the repaint market, especially if prices continue to rise and inflation hits the market (current prediction is 20% inflation for 2021; beef alone has risen 7% since 1/1/21). Repaint sales will start to dip as money becomes tighter and fans become pickier. I've said it before, and I will continue to say it in the future: a BIG reboot is needed. I've felt that current toy technology level would allow HasTak to finally create the ultra-futuristic TransTech line we thought was coming after Beast Machines; I remember those released sketches and they were phenomenal. There needs to be new blood....er, Energon infused into the line. While we collectors may continue to suck up these rehashes of G1 over and over (until they price us out), I'm not sure that the line can survive remaining stagnant and redoing the same characters over and over in the future.

First-Aid wrote:I've said it before, and I will continue to say it in the future: a BIG reboot is needed. I've felt that current toy technology level would allow HasTak to finally create the ultra-futuristic TransTech line we thought was coming after Beast Machines; I remember those released sketches and they were phenomenal. There needs to be new blood....er, Energon infused into the line. While we collectors may continue to suck up these rehashes of G1 over and over (until they price us out), I'm not sure that the line can survive remaining stagnant and redoing the same characters over and over in the future.

From the top of my head Prime from 2011 was the last for the category you think of. However, this line here:

incidentally, the kids sucked that up while the collectors whined that it wasn't G1).

... that's where the problem is, because they're more intertwined than you think. A good deal of collectors are parents themselves, and as a possible stereotype they favor the old and will prohibit the kids from buying the new if they don't like it. Is it true? I can see it happening in a good minority, and that's all it takes; they scream the loudest, and the general public listens to the ones with the biggest mouths.

[/rant]

Well, as everything goes, market will decide and people will vote with their wallets. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

As for me, I'd hunt down an expensive repaint (especially when this here Canadian has to import it) only if it REALLY interest me. I don't feel obligated to get every variant but only for extremely rare occasions such as for the Classic Inferno mold.

nope and nope

Jelze Bunnycat wrote:

First-Aid wrote:I've said it before, and I will continue to say it in the future: a BIG reboot is needed. I've felt that current toy technology level would allow HasTak to finally create the ultra-futuristic TransTech line we thought was coming after Beast Machines; I remember those released sketches and they were phenomenal. There needs to be new blood....er, Energon infused into the line. While we collectors may continue to suck up these rehashes of G1 over and over (until they price us out), I'm not sure that the line can survive remaining stagnant and redoing the same characters over and over in the future.

From the top of my head Prime from 2011 was the last for the category you think of. However, this line here:

incidentally, the kids sucked that up while the collectors whined that it wasn't G1).

... that's where the problem is, because they're more intertwined than you think. A good deal of collectors are parents themselves, and as a possible stereotype they favor the old and will prohibit the kids from buying the new if they don't like it. Is it true? I can see it happening in a good minority, and that's all it takes; they scream the loudest, and the general public listens to the ones with the biggest mouths.

[/rant]

It's hard to "reboot" the franchise and expect fans and nostalgia driven parents to be on board when they're also releasing a G1 line right alongside of it. It'd be even harder today with two G1 lines (if you count SS86 as a line) and the popular SS movie line which is itself a massive overhaul of the franchise. The only way they could ever reboot the franchise properly again is if they cut off all of their other lines and made it the only thing on the shelves and that's never going to work with retailers. Really the best time to do something like Transtech is back when they were going to do Transtech, back when G1 was just a memory. Now G1 has created a whole new fanbase and any attempt to replace it with something new would be seen as a sign of the end rather than a rebirth.

Emerje

Emerje wrote:

Jelze Bunnycat wrote:

First-Aid wrote:I've said it before, and I will continue to say it in the future: a BIG reboot is needed. I've felt that current toy technology level would allow HasTak to finally create the ultra-futuristic TransTech line we thought was coming after Beast Machines; I remember those released sketches and they were phenomenal. There needs to be new blood....er, Energon infused into the line. While we collectors may continue to suck up these rehashes of G1 over and over (until they price us out), I'm not sure that the line can survive remaining stagnant and redoing the same characters over and over in the future.

From the top of my head Prime from 2011 was the last for the category you think of. However, this line here:

incidentally, the kids sucked that up while the collectors whined that it wasn't G1).

... that's where the problem is, because they're more intertwined than you think. A good deal of collectors are parents themselves, and as a possible stereotype they favor the old and will prohibit the kids from buying the new if they don't like it. Is it true? I can see it happening in a good minority, and that's all it takes; they scream the loudest, and the general public listens to the ones with the biggest mouths.

[/rant]

It's hard to "reboot" the franchise and expect fans and nostalgia driven parents to be on board when they're also releasing a G1 line right alongside of it. It'd be even harder today with two G1 lines (if you count SS86 as a line) and the popular SS movie line which is itself a massive overhaul of the franchise. The only way they could ever reboot the franchise properly again is if they cut off all of their other lines and made it the only thing on the shelves and that's never going to work with retailers. Really the best time to do something like Transtech is back when they were going to do Transtech, back when G1 was just a memory. Now G1 has created a whole new fanbase and any attempt to replace it with something new would be seen as a sign of the end rather than a rebirth.

Emerje

Unfortunately true. Which means that- for the foreseeable future- there will be no changes in the line. No new characters. No new expansions of the mythos. Nothing even vaguely resembling creativity or new product. Get used to G1 and let's hope you like it because that's ALL you're going to get. And , as I've said multiple times before, for a toy line that is all about change that's truly sad that it's spinning it's wheels and waiting for time and repetition to wear it down.

First-Aid wrote:
Unfortunately true. Which means that- for the foreseeable future- there will be no changes in the line. No new characters. No new expansions of the mythos. Nothing even vaguely resembling creativity or new product. Get used to G1 and let's hope you like it because that's ALL you're going to get. And , as I've said multiple times before, for a toy line that is all about change that's truly sad that it's spinning it's wheels and waiting for time and repetition to wear it down.

Just pointing out that the current Studio Series line, Kingdom line AND the upcoming Legacy line prove your discouragement wrong.

G1 and New CAN coexist.

I wouldn't say we don't get new characters, as each new show gives us a new character or 2, plus new versions of older characters. Cyberverse gave us Wildwheel for instance.

-Kanrabat- wrote:

First-Aid wrote:
Unfortunately true. Which means that- for the foreseeable future- there will be no changes in the line. No new characters. No new expansions of the mythos. Nothing even vaguely resembling creativity or new product. Get used to G1 and let's hope you like it because that's ALL you're going to get. And , as I've said multiple times before, for a toy line that is all about change that's truly sad that it's spinning it's wheels and waiting for time and repetition to wear it down.

Just pointing out that the current Studio Series line, Kingdom line AND the upcoming Legacy line prove your discouragement wrong.

G1 and New CAN coexist.

How so? Yes, we have the Fossilizers. That's about it. And, really, they aren't even characters...they are weapons to be USED BY the main characters. They are, essentially, throwaways. They do not enrich or expand on the mythos or the story. In fact, characters like Cog were hardly even used in the Netflix series (a G1 sequel, essentially). Even in Kingdom, who are the characters? Beast Wars. Why? Because Beast Wars was HUGE. WHy was Beast Wars huge? Virtually the ENTIRE CAST were new, exciting, well-written and fleshed out characters (even Primal and Megatron were "descendants"). G1 may have provided some background story and plots, but Ratrap, Cheetor, Pterosaur, Rampage, Air Razor, Tigatron...all entirely new characters, and it was PHENOMENAL. It expanded the lore. It didn't rely ENTIRELY on recycled characters and molds. THAT was a reboot, and damned if it didn't work like a charm. Where would Transformers be right now without Beast Wars? Probably gathering dust with the Go-Bots. It worked, it can work again, and honestly, it kind of needs to happen.

As for Cyberverse adding "a new character or two", think about what you just said. A new character or two. Out of how many characters? How many are just rehashed? That kind of makes my point for me.

I see what you’re saying, but “each new show gives us a new character or 2” does not prove your point of “ No new characters. No new expansions of the mythos. Nothing even vaguely resembling creativity or new product.”

It’s true that we’re nowhere near the state of constant flux as in the later 90’s and early 00’s, but the future really ain’t so grim.

You can pinpoint the exact year of when this shift from constant reinvention of the brand to constant recognition of the brand occurred to 2015, the year that the Hasbro Transformers brand team switched from Aaron Archer and Friends to John Warden and Friends. TF: Prime was the last TV series whose line Hasbro put the focus on above the Generations lines, and its ending marked the end of the Archer Era. From Robots in Disguise 2015 onward, the TV lines suddenly became secondary to the G1-heavy Generations lines in the Warden Era, with the TV lines themselves also becoming more G1-based beginning with Cyberverse using the G1-based evergreen designs. Prior to 2015, the movies were the focus of the brand, while from 2015 onward, the G1-based Generations line and evergreen designs became the brand's main focus.