The Energon Pub

[AcademyofDrX]

This is the dumbest argument and it's been raging for a year now. If someone at Hasbro goes on record on how the lines and individual molds were developed and released, fine. Otherwise, it's pointless speculation. For all we know, they decided on what belongs in SS based on what cardboard backdrops they thought would work best. (This is tongue-in-cheek, but consider that Kingdom Cyclonus and Galvatron would probably have one virtually identical to Scourge's or Hot Rod's, respectively.)

I'm glad that we're getting animation style refreshes of the entire movie cast across Siege, Earthrise, Kingdom, and SS86 after the IDW- and toyline-inspired versions in Prime Wars. I couldn't care less which line they're in or why they're there.

[Sowndwave76]

Yeah, Studio Series 86 was never supposed to have existed, with all of its figures originally going to be in the third War for Cybertron Trilogy line before it wa decided to add in the Beast Wars toys. So if any toys are in the "wrong" line, it's all of the Studio Series 86 toys, while Cyclonus, Galvatron, Ultra Magnus, etc. are in the "right" line.

When I said "wrong lines", the quotation marks were most definitely intentional.
I was simply giving my opinion on how clear (at least in my eyes) the different aesthetics of some of these figures appear.
It's interesting that changes possibly were made due to BW needing some attention (that's not to suggest it wasn't justified). Would seem to me that all of this; line names, waves, character selection, class size, repaints/re-releases, etc., would've been hashed-out a long time ago. Which maybe it was... At the same time, yeah, some of this seems a bit mish-mashy.

[TF-fan kev777]

Yep, I'm also tired of the debate that will never 100% be verified unless someone from Hasbro tells up, which seems unlikely. Also, one of the biggest items that people point to as evidence that they should have been from different lines (the level of detail in the sculpting) is one of the easiest things to change late in the development assuming the molds are not made yet. The molded detail is superficial and does not change the purpose or overall shape of the part. Since all the parts are created first with 3D modelling, adding or removing details is as easy as a number of mouse clicks. All of the designs could have started with a plain version and then added in the details when desired, or the opposite, all created with heavy details, and then removed when desired.

The differences in the molded details really only tell us about where they ended up, not where the design began.

[EvasionModeBumblebee]

I wouldn't expect to see anything until after the Dino/B-127 wave is released, but I'm really interested to see how Grindor and Jolt look.

Grindor feels like the wild card, it could be anything from a straight repaint of Blackout to a substantial retool. I'm really hoping they retool at least the cockpit area for the CH-53, and it would be a great opportunity for some new hands.

[Rodimus Prime]

I wouldn't expect to see anything until after the Dino/B-127 wave is released, but I'm really interested to see how Grindor and Jolt look.

Grindor feels like the wild card, it could be anything from a straight repaint of Blackout to a substantial retool. I'm really hoping they retool at least the cockpit area for the CH-53, and it would be a great opportunity for some new hands.

I assume there will be some retooling, plus they would have to get rid of Scorponok, unless they just include him as his RoTF version, squished head and all.

[EvasionModeBumblebee]

I wouldn't expect to see anything until after the Dino/B-127 wave is released, but I'm really interested to see how Grindor and Jolt look.

Grindor feels like the wild card, it could be anything from a straight repaint of Blackout to a substantial retool. I'm really hoping they retool at least the cockpit area for the CH-53, and it would be a great opportunity for some new hands.

I assume there will be some retooling, plus they would have to get rid of Scorponok, unless they just include him as his RoTF version, squished head and all.

That would be funny xD

According to the listings, Grindor will have Ravage instead of Scorponok. I’d really like to have Ravage for my collection, but we’ll see how Grindor looks!

[D-Maximal_Primal]

"I want my crew"



We still really need a reshelling of Crowbar into Dreadbot, an Onslaught, and a Mohawk to complete this crew, though Crankcase and Dr Wu Mohican do help make the lineup look sharp. I love the Crew!

Finally got around to this



And the final results



I really like what this kit did here for toys spread throughout the line. Bee's legs feel full and complete now, and I'm glad someone didn't forget those shoulder cannons I loved in movie 1. Sentinel was a great figure, but having a proper full set of weapons makes him top notch. Blackout to me didn't really need the parts, but he got them, except for the miniguns, they went to another figure



I'd also like to make mention that Sentinel Prime is still one of the best figures of the line. The intricate details, the good quality and posing of the toy, the getting the robot design right while only really having the proper kibble in place with no real extraneous kibble, it's fantastic. He might be one of the sleepers of the line



also for fun, Best Buds for Afterlife

[Sowndwave76]

Honestly I was already planning on passing on Grimlock, and seeing these up-close shots just reinforces that. To me there is such a thing as too much detail. The figure over all looks good, and I might get it if I find it for cheap, but right now I'm happy with my MP Grimlock, and he represents the character on my movie shelf. So for now this Grimlock is a pass, but only because he would be an excess figure if I got him, not because I think there's much wrong with him.

If I had MP Grimlock I could understand passing on this guy.
I completely agree with the thought that more is not necessarily more in terms of details.
And especially in the case of the SS86 figures, it definitely isn't "more", and imo goes against what would seem to be an objective with that line.
Which was part of my initial point.
Having said this, he really is a solid figure; if nothing else, a really great representation of that character.
So while you have the MP version, I'll also give you my advice that you should strongly consider getting this new one. I guess something I'd take into consideration is if you're at all planning to get Slag and the other future releases (if those do in fact happen), and how SS86 Grimlock may fit in with the other Siege/ER figures in your collection.

[Sowndwave76]

D-Max,

Those are great photos...
I really dig the look of Blackout. If I would've started collecting SS figures, I would've bought him for sure. In fact, that's probably a situation where I would've only collected Decepticons.

[D-Maximal_Primal]

D-Max,

Those are great photos...
I really dig the look of Blackout. If I would've started collecting SS figures, I would've bought him for sure. In fact, that's probably a situation where I would've only collected Decepticons.

thanks!

I need to give Blackout some more love, I feel like I didn't give him proper appreciation when I first got him, and he is really good. They did a lot with him that I love.

He is a very special character to me too, being his attack at the beginning of movie 1 is still considered one of the best TF moments for me

[Sowndwave76]

He is a very special character to me too, being his attack at the beginning of movie 1 is still considered one of the best TF moments for me

Same... I can still remember being wowed at that opening scene.

[Rodimus Prime]

Honestly I was already planning on passing on Grimlock, and seeing these up-close shots just reinforces that. To me there is such a thing as too much detail. The figure over all looks good, and I might get it if I find it for cheap, but right now I'm happy with my MP Grimlock, and he represents the character on my movie shelf. So for now this Grimlock is a pass, but only because he would be an excess figure if I got him, not because I think there's much wrong with him.

If I had MP Grimlock I could understand passing on this guy.
I completely agree with the thought that more is not necessarily more in terms of details.
And especially in the case of the SS86 figures, it definitely isn't "more", and imo goes against what would seem to be an objective with that line.
Which was part of my initial point.
Having said this, he really is a solid figure; if nothing else, a really great representation of that character.
So while you have the MP version, I'll also give you my advice that you should strongly consider getting this new one. I guess something I'd take into consideration is if you're at all planning to get Slag and the other future releases (if those do in fact happen), and how SS86 Grimlock may fit in with the other Siege/ER figures in your collection.

I'm definitely considering it, because Grimlock is my favorite character and I already have most other Grimlocks from most other lines representing G1. I might get him just so I can pose 1 in bot mode and the other in Dino mode. I was gonna get MP-08X for that reason, but he's way too expensive.

[Sowndwave76]

I'm definitely considering it, because Grimlock is my favorite character and I already have most other Grimlocks from most other lines representing G1. I might get him just so I can pose 1 in bot mode and the other in Dino mode. I was gonna get MP-08X for that reason, but he's way too expensive.

If he's your favorite character than I'm changing my advice to you really should get him.
Take Wheelie out of the equation, and I'd still say he's worth $40 for sure, and with today's market, & yada yada, $50 is fair. I mean, I paid $40 for Netflix Prime!
I won't be at all surprised if once he's unavailable in stores it'll cost $70-$75 minimum to get him on the aftermarket.
Also consider that once Slag is released, there will be people who missed out on/passed on Grimlock who will decide they want both figures, so the aftermarket price is going to be steep for a long, long time.
As I advised to someone else, buy him, and give it a few days before opening... It shouldn't take long before you realize if he's going to be a part of your collection or a return.

[EvasionModeBumblebee]

That kit looks really good, D-Max! Can't believe I didn't order one when they were $25. . .

I agree on Sentinel, it's a really good figure. It's up there with Ironhide and Starscream as my favorite voyagers of the line.

D-Max,

Those are great photos...
I really dig the look of Blackout. If I would've started collecting SS figures, I would've bought him for sure. In fact, that's probably a situation where I would've only collected Decepticons.

You'll have another shot at the mold with Grindor later his year! It's an excellent figure, the only problem with it are the hands IMO.

[-Kanrabat-]

Now that HASLAB Unicron is officially out, I do wonder... Is a SS86 Unicron a possibility? Bear with me on this one, but I would really like a brand new mold of Unicron. The planet mode would not be a perfect sphere like Armada of course. And here's the sin: make it LEADER class. But the kind of leader that is a "voyager with accessories". The bot would be voyager sized, but he would come with his planet rings and a display stand for planet mode.

So, why would I want a Unicron that is this small? First to see them realise this challenge. Then it would be awesome as background display, as if Unicron is looming in the distance. The display cardboard would be the close orbit/surface of Cybertron.

TlDr: A smol voyager-ish Leader class SS86 Unicron would be awesome.

[ZeroWolf]

Now that HASLAB Unicron is officially out, I do wonder... Is a SS86 Unicron a possibility? Bear with me on this one, but I would really like a brand new mold of Unicron. The planet mode would not be a perfect sphere like Armada of course. And here's the sin: make it LEADER class. But the kind of leader that is a "voyager with accessories". The bot would be voyager sized, but he would come with his planet rings and a display stand for planet mode.

So, why would I want a Unicron that is this small? First to see them realise this challenge. Then it would be awesome as background display, as if Unicron is looming in the distance. The display cardboard would be the close orbit/surface of Cybertron.

TlDr: A smol voyager-ish Leader class SS86 Unicron would be awesome.

I think the intention was that HasLab unicron is SS86 Unicron

Also while I'll never say 'it won't happen', I don't think they will want to do another unicron within the next five years-decade. After all it was 17 years since the last one

[-Kanrabat-]

I think the intention was that HasLab unicron is SS86 Unicron

Also while I'll never say 'it won't happen', I don't think they will want to do another unicron within the next five years-decade. After all it was 17 years since the last one

Fair point.

But seeing so many 3P companies are obsessed to make the whole G1 cast in Legend scale, I wouldn't rule out for them to make a Smolicron.

[ZeroWolf]

I think the intention was that HasLab unicron is SS86 Unicron

Also while I'll never say 'it won't happen', I don't think they will want to do another unicron within the next five years-decade. After all it was 17 years since the last one

Fair point.

But seeing so many 3P companies are obsessed to make the whole G1 cast in Legend scale, I wouldn't rule out for them to make a Smolicron.

Now a legion sized unicron i could go for, Unicron in my Pocket or PokeCron

[sol magnus]

I think the intention was that HasLab unicron is SS86 Unicron

Also while I'll never say 'it won't happen', I don't think they will want to do another unicron within the next five years-decade. After all it was 17 years since the last one

Fair point.

But seeing so many 3P companies are obsessed to make the whole G1 cast in Legend scale, I wouldn't rule out for them to make a Smolicron.

Now a legion sized unicron i could go for, Unicron in my Pocket or PokeCron

Me too. I don't have any representation of Unicron in my collection.

I actually somewhat regret not getting the Haslab Unicron. Actually, not getting two of them. And before anybody gets mad because I would have sold one to totally recoup the money spent on the one I'd be keeping, it's because these hyper-collectible items are almost too expensive NOT to get.

But as usual, I went with my heart and got MP-44.

[ZeroWolf]

I think the intention was that HasLab unicron is SS86 Unicron

Also while I'll never say 'it won't happen', I don't think they will want to do another unicron within the next five years-decade. After all it was 17 years since the last one

Fair point.

But seeing so many 3P companies are obsessed to make the whole G1 cast in Legend scale, I wouldn't rule out for them to make a Smolicron.

Now a legion sized unicron i could go for, Unicron in my Pocket or PokeCron

Me too. I don't have any representation of Unicron in my collection.

I actually somewhat regret not getting the Haslab Unicron. Actually, not getting two of them. And before anybody gets mad because I would have sold one to totally recoup the money spent on the one I'd be keeping, it's because these hyper-collectible items are almost too expensive NOT to get.

But as usual, I went with my heart and got MP-44.

It was always out of budget for me, though while I know it was done last time we had updates of these figures but how long till someone uses HasLab Unicron, SS86 and the various WfC figures to recreate the movies poster

[chuckdawg1999]

There was a deluxe Unicron in Cybertron, then you had that Unicron toy in Prime, so a smaller scale Unicron can fit in fiction and be done somewhat well as a toy.

[sol magnus]

There was a deluxe Unicron in Cybertron, then you had that Unicron toy in Prime, so a smaller scale Unicron can fit in fiction and be done somewhat well as a toy.

But they don't look right. (whiny Luke Toshi Station voice)

[-Kanrabat-]

There was a deluxe Unicron in Cybertron, then you had that Unicron toy in Prime, so a smaller scale Unicron can fit in fiction and be done somewhat well as a toy.

They are not planets unfortunately.
I want a smol G1 planet Unicron.

[Sabrblade]

There was a deluxe Unicron in Cybertron, then you had that Unicron toy in Prime, so a smaller scale Unicron can fit in fiction and be done somewhat well as a toy.

They are not planets unfortunately.
I want a smol G1 planet Unicron.

Happy Meal to the rescue!

[Rodimus Prime]

There was a deluxe Unicron in Cybertron, then you had that Unicron toy in Prime, so a smaller scale Unicron can fit in fiction and be done somewhat well as a toy.

They are not planets unfortunately.
I want a smol G1 planet Unicron.

Happy Meal to the rescue!

I've never seen that before.