The Energon Pub

[Overcracker]

Forgot about Crowbar. Yes he's ostensibly the same Suburban mold with minor mods to the transformation.

I don't quite see Ratchet as being the same as the old Deluxe Ratchet. It may look similar, but many things end up in different places, and many many molding differences, as well as difference in how the torso transforms for me to consider that the same mold.

And yes, obviously thundercracker is just repainted from Nitro with a new head.

So o.k, not all are new molds. 10 out of the 13 figures are definitely new molds.

[Carnivius_Prime]

Is it weird that the display stands make me feel more compelled to buy more from this series than multi-figure gimmicks like Combiners ever have? Hm, it sounds weird when I typed it out just now but I think cos the figures themselves aren't affected by it in any way (most combiner figures I often feel get sacrificed in some way for the gimmick, particularly the dinobots) but to display them all in their supplied stands makes me want more cos they look gorgeous on my shelf but I don't absolutely have to so I don't feel forced. That's just my opinion and tastes though.


Overcracker still missing a G1 Hot Rod in that bold firey sig image.

[nycPrime]

Hey, got a couple of quick questions:

1. Can someone clarify the difference between the Studio Series and the MB line from Takara? Based on some google research, I think SS are slightly new molds that are influenced by old molds, and MB are redecos of old molds? Is that correct? Despite geared for different markets, this all still seems a bit redundant.

2. What's going to happen with SS Thundercracker? I imagine distribution will be poor with him...

[Sabrblade]

Hey, got a couple of quick questions:

1. Can someone clarify the difference between the Studio Series and the MB line from Takara? Based on some google research, I think SS are slightly new molds that are influenced by old molds, and MB are redecos of old molds? Is that correct? Despite geared for different markets, this all still seems a bit redundant.

Movie the Best is nothing but old molds and Takara-only. Studio Series is a whole new beast and shared between Hasbro and Takara.

2. What's going to happen with SS Thundercracker? I imagine distribution will be poor with him...

He's a TRU exclusive, but the timing of his release couldn't have been worse since he came out right when all U.S. TRUs are closing and no longer taking orders of new product from Hasbro or anyone. Not every TRU placed orders for Thundercracker since some stores were set to close when others weren't, before it was decided that all of them would be closing.

[Overcracker]

Hey, got a couple of quick questions:

1. Can someone clarify the difference between the Studio Series and the MB line from Takara? Based on some google research, I think SS are slightly new molds that are influenced by old molds, and MB are redecos of old molds? Is that correct? Despite geared for different markets, this all still seems a bit redundant.

2. What's going to happen with SS Thundercracker? I imagine distribution will be poor with him...

1. Movie the best are repaints, and re-releases of old molds. Its exclusive to Takara, and was in the works long before Studio series was even a thing.

Studio series is a joint effort between Hasbro and Takara, with both releasing the exact same figures. As said, mostly new molds, a couple of molds based on older engineering, and 1 repaint with a new head Thundercracker.


2. Thundercracker, is likely going to be a pain to find, and unscrupulous types are going to have a feel day with whatever they can find of him.

Already going for $100 on Amazon, don't expect to see it get better. In areas where TRU is not yet closed down, expect the amount of him to be found to be sold out fast. Decent mold, great paint scheme, interesting head, and exclusive to a dying chain... not a pretty picture.

Studio Series Thundercracker - Amazon.com $99.99

[william-james88]

2. Thundercracker, is likely going to be a pain to find, and unscrupulous types are going to have a feel day with whatever they can find of him.

Already going for $100 on Amazon, don't expect to see it get better. In areas where TRU is not yet closed down, expect the amount of him to be found to be sold out fast. Decent mold, great paint scheme, interesting head, and exclusive to a dying chain... not a pretty picture.

Studio Series Thundercracker - Amazon.com $99.99

There are cheaper options than that for thundercracker

https://www.ebay.ca/itm/THUNDERCRACKER- ... Swve1ayR4G

[transformers_va]

I only have one problem with mine, and unfortunately it's kind of a big one. The hinge on the back "skirt" on mine is extremely loose. Not a big deal in bot mode, but in beast mode it's just supposed to fold up under the tail and stay put, there's no pegs or anything for it, and mine keeps flopping down and giving him an ugly butt flap.

It's rubbery plastic, so I've kind of half-fixed it by folding the tips of the skirt over the top of some of the spikes on his tail to hold it in place, but I'm worried over time that will warp the plastic. Anyone having a similar issue?

I have the exact same issue with mine. I've been tucking the skirt (folded) into the slot where the tail comes out of the mace, and it holds. Unfortunate though, a simple peg underneath could have solved this issue.

[Overcracker]

There are cheaper options than that for thundercracker

https://www.ebay.ca/itm/THUNDERCRACKER- ... Swve1ayR4G

Good to know. That's probably the best price it will have.

[nycPrime]

Oh ok, didn't realize Studio Series was a collaboration between Takara and Hasbro. I see the logic of a SS Jetfire being less likely given the MB-16 release.

[Sabrblade]

Oh ok, didn't realize Studio Series was a collaboration between Takara and Hasbro. I see the logic of a SS Jetfire being less likely given the MB-16 release.

Why? Movie the Best has no bearing on Studio Series. Movie the Best even began long before Studio Series was a even thing, starting even before The Last Knight's toyline began. Movie the Best isn't even being sold in Hasbro markets. Takara does their own things on their own while Hasbro does theirs with Takara just like always.

[nycPrime]

Oh ok, didn't realize Studio Series was a collaboration between Takara and Hasbro. I see the logic of a SS Jetfire being less likely given the MB-16 release.

Why? Movie the Best has no bearing on Studio Series. Movie the Best even began long before Studio Series was a even thing, starting even before The Last Knight's toyline began. Movie the Best isn't even being sold in Hasbro markets. Takara does their own things on their own while Hasbro does theirs with Takara just like always.

I have no idea how the toy industry or Takara works. If Takara had plans for Jetfire or any other figure for that matter, then it'll probably be released independent of anything in the SS line. Without having that insight, I'm presuming that the odds seem less likely Takara would release 2 of the same characters with similar (though technically different) molds. I sincerely hope I'm wrong. I think I'm in the market for a movie Jetfire, and the MB version is a bit more than I'm comfortable with paying.

[Sabrblade]

Oh ok, didn't realize Studio Series was a collaboration between Takara and Hasbro. I see the logic of a SS Jetfire being less likely given the MB-16 release.

Why? Movie the Best has no bearing on Studio Series. Movie the Best even began long before Studio Series was a even thing, starting even before The Last Knight's toyline began. Movie the Best isn't even being sold in Hasbro markets. Takara does their own things on their own while Hasbro does theirs with Takara just like always.

I have no idea how the toy industry or Takara works. If Takara had plans for Jetfire or any other figure for that matter, then it'll probably be released independent of anything in the SS line. Without having that insight, I'm presuming that the odds seem less likely Takara would release 2 of the same characters with similar (though technically different) molds. I sincerely hope I'm wrong. I think I'm in the market for a movie Jetfire, and the MB version is a bit more than I'm comfortable with paying.

Takara's releasing everything from Studio Series that Hasbro is so far (minus Thundercracker), including all the same characters in the same bodies that they already released in Movie the Best: Ratchet, Jazz, ROTF Megatron, ROTF Optimus, Starscream, Grimlock, Lockdown, etc.

[I_AM... MEGATRON!]

While I love the figure and its a day 1 buy, I'm still pissed that the first Megatron we got for SS was from RotF when its the Movie 1 design that has never gotten anything close to a proper toy.

[ZeroWolf]

While I love the figure and its a day 1 buy, I'm still pissed that the first Megatron we got for SS was from RotF when its the Movie 1 design that has never gotten anything close to a proper toy.

I thought that was down to people complaining about Megatron's design from the first movie? Hence why each movie he's appeared in so far, he's had a different look. Also the studio series has taken characters and versions of them from across the live action movies. Actually I think this megs might be the only RotF representation we have for now.

[Lore Keeper]

I just got the wave 1 Voyagers and Leaders yesterday (review incoming ), and I love them.However, I have an issue with my Grimlock. The coattails/flap that forms the underside of his tail sits too loosely on the hinge for the friction to overcome gravity. This results in it just hanging down to the ground in his beast mode. For such an amazing figure, this is a huge let down. I was wondering, has anyone else had this problem?

[Lore Keeper]

While I love the figure and its a day 1 buy, I'm still pissed that the first Megatron we got for SS was from RotF when its the Movie 1 design that has never gotten anything close to a proper toy.

I thought that was down to people complaining about Megatron's design from the first movie? Hence why each movie he's appeared in so far, he's had a different look. Also the studio series has taken characters and versions of them from across the live action movies. Actually I think this megs might be the only RotF representation we have for now.

Optimus is ROTF too, specifically from the forest battle scene.

[Carnivius_Prime]

I just got the wave 1 Voyagers and Leaders yesterday (review incoming ), and I love them.However, I have an issue with my Grimlock. The coattails/flap that forms the underside of his tail sits too loosely on the hinge for the friction to overcome gravity. This results in it just hanging down to the ground in his beast mode. For such an amazing figure, this is a huge let down. I was wondering, has anyone else had this problem?

I don't have the figure yet don't know what the hinge part looks like but the usual tricks to stiffen loose joints (for example with nail polish) might work? I've used it on many a loose part whether an old action figure that had gotten super floppy over the years, or a modern action figure with QC issue.

[ZeroWolf]

While I love the figure and its a day 1 buy, I'm still pissed that the first Megatron we got for SS was from RotF when its the Movie 1 design that has never gotten anything close to a proper toy.

I thought that was down to people complaining about Megatron's design from the first movie? Hence why each movie he's appeared in so far, he's had a different look. Also the studio series has taken characters and versions of them from across the live action movies. Actually I think this megs might be the only RotF representation we have for now.

Optimus is ROTF too, specifically from the forest battle scene.

I don't know why, but I thought he was DotM

[Carnivius_Prime]

I don't know why, but I thought he was DotM

Needs his extra toned abs for DotM.

[I_AM... MEGATRON!]

Great, now I want a DotM Prime with his trailer. That would probably be a leader class...

[Carnivius_Prime]

Great, now I want a DotM Prime with his trailer. That would probably be a leader class...

That could be cool. Could be a voyager Prime likely slightly retooled from the current Studio figure to stay in scale but sold closer to Leader price point to have a big trailer that houses his attachable flight pack and a ton of badass weaponry. Don't want the whole trailer becoming the flight pack (or crazy angel thing like that Ultimate Optimus Prime figure) but just open up to be a total weapons rack and display piece all the other autobots can grab heavier firepower if they need it.

[skycutter]

(this is for the people wondering why we got a new toy for ROFT megatron but not 2007 movie megatron) i think they gave us ROFT megatron in studio series because of the game forged to fight, which has ROFT megatron in it, and kid who don't really watch the movie's might play the game, and want a toy of that megatron, other than 2007 version

[Jelze Bunnycat]

(this is for the people wondering why we got a new toy for ROFT megatron but not 2007 movie megatron) i think they gave us ROFT megatron in studio series because of the game forged to fight, which has ROFT megatron in it, and kid who don't really watch the movie's might play the game, and want a toy of that megatron, other than 2007 version

Another reason: have you seen what Megatron changes into in the 2007 movie? How would they even engineer that without tucking the legs under the wings?

[I_AM... MEGATRON!]

(this is for the people wondering why we got a new toy for ROFT megatron but not 2007 movie megatron) i think they gave us ROFT megatron in studio series because of the game forged to fight, which has ROFT megatron in it, and kid who don't really watch the movie's might play the game, and want a toy of that megatron, other than 2007 version

Another reason: have you seen what Megatron changes into in the 2007 movie? How would they even engineer that without tucking the legs under the wings?

Considering what they've pulled off with this line in regards to Grimlock and especially Blackout, I have faith in Takara/Hasbro to pull a rabbit out of the hat, so to speak.

[Spider5800]

I just got the wave 1 Voyagers and Leaders yesterday (review incoming ), and I love them.However, I have an issue with my Grimlock. The coattails/flap that forms the underside of his tail sits too loosely on the hinge for the friction to overcome gravity. This results in it just hanging down to the ground in his beast mode. For such an amazing figure, this is a huge let down. I was wondering, has anyone else had this problem?

Yeah, a couple of us are having the same issue:

I only have one problem with mine, and unfortunately it's kind of a big one. The hinge on the back "skirt" on mine is extremely loose. Not a big deal in bot mode, but in beast mode it's just supposed to fold up under the tail and stay put, there's no pegs or anything for it, and mine keeps flopping down and giving him an ugly butt flap.

It's rubbery plastic, so I've kind of half-fixed it by folding the tips of the skirt over the top of some of the spikes on his tail to hold it in place, but I'm worried over time that will warp the plastic. Anyone having a similar issue?

I have the exact same issue with mine. I've been tucking the skirt (folded) into the slot where the tail comes out of the mace, and it holds. Unfortunate though, a simple peg underneath could have solved this issue.

It's weird, because the instructions make it look like it should just fold up under the tail and stay in place, but that joint is so wide and the rubber is so heavy I don't get how it could possibly do that. Even if it wasn't so loose, it would get worn out really quick. Makes me think there's a missing step in the instructions, or there was some kind of last minute change from regular plastic to rubber and they didn't properly account for the extra weight.