The Energon Pub

[RK_Striker_JK_5]

Damn, both Sentinel and Bumblebee are looking good. I can't wait to get Sentinel so my various Ironhides-movie or otherwise-can gang up on him and kick his waste extraction unit.

[william-james88]

Ok so, I got the latest Studio Series leaders today (still no prime AAARGH!!!!!!!) and I opened Shockwave and let me say this, I don't remember ever being this dissapointed with a toy.

The reviews were good, so I thought, why not. He looked good in robot mode, and imposing too. And it turns out those are the only good things about him. In every other facet, the previous voyager is superior.
The previous one had a more fun transformation, a better looking alt mode (where the tank can actually roll) and didn't feel as cheap. I really hate the soft plastic on this new one. I have no clue why it was used for his hands and long weapon. It gives no articulation to the hand (his only hand!) and it warps the longer weapon, also making it harder for him to hold it. Plus that tube drags on the floor. And the face guard is really haphazard in vehicle mode. It was wonderful with the voyager, a nice touch. But here anything related to the alt mode feel just so lame. Why even bother.

So to recap, there is nothing good related to the alt mode/transforming aspect of the toy. And the robot mode has some really questionable plastic choices with limited articulation (no waste, nothing with the hands or feet). Pretty unacceptable for a "leader class" toy. Can't believe the Cyberverse Deluxe has more articulation than this guy.

[Rodimus Prime]

Hmm, I've been on the fence about ol' Shocky, since I have seen and read both good and bad things. And I have yet to see him in stores and make an in-hand judgment, so I don't know. He's really that bad? Basically just good for posing on the shelf?

[william-james88]

Hmm, I've been on the fence about ol' Shocky, since I have seen and read both good and bad things. And I have yet to see him in stores and make an in-hand judgment, so I don't know. He's really that bad? Basically just good for posing on the shelf?

Even posing him will give you issues due to how they did his feet. His ankles are practically levitating.

[Rodimus Prime]

So definitely not worth the leader price? I might get him if I see him cheaper, then. I also like the voyager quite a bit, so a Shockwave presence is not a must in my Bayverse collection. I just figured since most of Studio Series has been positive over all, and we haven't had a previous leader class figure of Shockwave, Hasbro would hit all the marks with this one, because most of the fandom has been waiting since 2011. Then again, we got a leader class DoTM Megatron, and he's got a few problems as well.

[ZeldaTheSwordsman]

Well, Studio Series Leaders may get more allotted to them than regular Generations Leaders, but they're still not quite in the same neighborhood as Movie 1-3 Leaders.

That said, SS Shocky looks a lot less chunky than SS DotM Megs, and hides the treads better than his DotM Voyager toy. He also has more spikes, and they stick out more. Which may have necessitated the soft plastic. Parts where it wasn't necessary probably fall victim to being on the same sprue as those where it was.

[Rodimus Prime]

Well, Studio Series Leaders may get more allotted to them than regular Generations Leaders, but they're still not quite in the same neighborhood as Movie 1-3 Leaders.

I'm sorry, I don't understand. Allotted more what? Accessories? Bulk? Parts count? Units produced?

[ZeldaTheSwordsman]

Well, Studio Series Leaders may get more allotted to them than regular Generations Leaders, but they're still not quite in the same neighborhood as Movie 1-3 Leaders.

I'm sorry, I don't understand. Allotted more what? Accessories? Bulk? Parts count? Units produced?

They seem to be allotted a bit more plastic and possibly more parts than the CHUG figures are. Blackout seems to have a bit more meat on his bones than, say, TR Sixshot. And then there's the Studio Series DOTM Leader Optimus.

[Rodimus Prime]

Well, Studio Series Leaders may get more allotted to them than regular Generations Leaders, but they're still not quite in the same neighborhood as Movie 1-3 Leaders.

I'm sorry, I don't understand. Allotted more what? Accessories? Bulk? Parts count? Units produced?

They seem to be allotted a bit more plastic and possibly more parts than the CHUG figures are. Blackout seems to have a bit more meat on his bones than, say, TR Sixshot. And then there's the Studio Series DOTM Leader Optimus.

I still haven't even opened mine, I'm considering selling it. For some reason I soured on it a bit after purchase. I have SS-05 Prime, that's a good representation of the character in SS. I didn't like Jetfire so I never got SS-32 either. Now I'm not sure the trailer and jetwing was worth the double dipping.

[ZeldaTheSwordsman]

Well, that trailer needs a crapton of paint. But it still looks to be a bigger, fancier trailer than what ER Leader Optimus got, even with how hollow the engines are.
Of course, I don't know if SS Optimus is lighter on mass than ER Optimus is.

[-Kanrabat-]

I was hesitant to wager 70$CAN plus 15% taxes for the Leader Shockwave. Because even with the Club R "sales warranty", it was uncertain if I'd ever get some money back. My instincts were right. Like Leader Grimlock, he look awesome in bot mode with all those details and paint. But unlike Grimlock he transform into a pile of nothing and like Willy J said, the process seem underwhelming.

So if SS Shocky go on "mysterious 39$CAN Walmart sale" like they did for the Siege leaders, I may get him. But anymore than that and I'll stick with my DOTM voyager original.

[M. Spector]

Well, that trailer needs a crapton of paint. But it still looks to be a bigger, fancier trailer than what ER Leader Optimus got, even with how hollow the engines are.
Of course, I don't know if SS Optimus is lighter on mass than ER Optimus is.

I returned my DoTM Jetwing Prime. He just felt too fiddly for $50. Things weren't tabbing in snugly and on only the 2nd time transforming the tab that joins the front grill halves just about gave way, so much to the point I was afraid of doing it again and having it break. Plus on a much less important note he cant hold the shield in a normal way.

So if anybody has had a positive experience with him that is good, but currently, just too rich and dinky for my tastes

[william-james88]

Well, that trailer needs a crapton of paint. But it still looks to be a bigger, fancier trailer than what ER Leader Optimus got, even with how hollow the engines are.
Of course, I don't know if SS Optimus is lighter on mass than ER Optimus is.

I returned my DoTM Jetwing Prime. He just felt too fiddly for $50. Things weren't tabbing in snugly and on only the 2nd time transforming the tab that joins the front grill halves just about gave way, so much to the point I was afraid of doing it again and having it break. Plus on a much less important note he cant hold the shield in a normal way.

So if anybody has had a positive experience with him that is good, but currently, just too rich and dinky for my tastes

That's exactly what I feel about Shockwave.

[LinaNui]

Ok, I have to agree with will about shockwave. I was really looking forward to this figure and I am a little let down. Robot mode is incredible. Tank is ok, I am glad they focused on the robot since he never did transform. The thing that really has me disappointed is his height. To me shockwave was 40ft and DotM megatron is 35ft. So having them be the same height does bug me. But overall I do still recommend him.

The reason I have 2 is since one has 2 right heels.One will be getting returned to amazon soon.

[ZeldaTheSwordsman]

Regarding Megatron, I think your height complaint might be resolved by leaning his torso forward and crooking his legs.

[LinaNui]

Regarding Megatron, I think your height complaint might be resolved by leaning his torso forward and crooking his legs.

No, I have my megatron bend and crouched over as much as he can and then he is just at head height with shockwave. I wish shockwave was about 1.5 inches taller.

[ZeldaTheSwordsman]

Well, tough break on that... Studio Series Leaders don't have the mass of movie 1-3 Leaders.

I blame Megatron more than Shockwave. He's super-chunky for a movieverse toy (he almost looks like an Armada toy doing Bayformer cosplay) and I don't think he compresses down enough. Of course, that's probably beyond Studio Series' average engineering level.

[LinaNui]

Well, tough break on that... Studio Series Leaders don't have the mass of movie 1-3 Leaders.

I blame Megatron more than Shockwave. He's super-chunky for a movieverse toy (he almost looks like an Armada toy doing Bayformer cosplay) and I don't think he compresses down enough. Of course, that's probably beyond Studio Series' average engineering level.

I would not blame Megatron since the TF1, TF2, and TF3 megatrons are all exactly the same height and are in roughly 1:52 scale (which seems to be the overall scale of Studio Series). I guess shockwaves height does vary from pictures that I have found, but I just feel like he should be bigger, but whatever I will live.

[D-Maximal_Primal]

Regarding the Leaders, Will, I knew you would not like Shockwave, your tastes are not what makes that figure great. Shockwave is an incredible and fun figure, and a vast improvement over his original voyager.

The robot mode is perfection, and the paint work is incredible. Mine has no issues with legs and posing, sure he has no wrist or waist, but the way he transforms removes the possibility of a waist, and besides, Cyberverse Shockwave is very small AND requires the waist to transform. I like the transformation on the SS one, and the tank mode is pretty good. You have to be transforming him wrong, cause Mine rolls good and the hose can thread up through the back to get out of the way.

Long story short, I knew shockwave wasn't your type Will. He is a great toy nonetheless.

And as for DotM Prime, Rodimus Prime: If all you have is the first voyager, this one is well worth it. The retooling makes him significantly tighter and better. And the trailer does a crap ton all things considered: weapons bay and flight pack. the flight pack could be better, but it is far better than folding in half and launching a little blue pod. You should still get him, that is the definitive Studio Prime

[Rodimus Prime]

I do have him, I just never opened him. He's sitting on my shelf still sealed. I'm considering selling him. For almost 3 months now. Same with half my Siege figures. I just have no desire. Kinda makes me question my commitment to collecting all over again...

[EvasionModeBumblebee]

I’ll be united with my SS Shockwave in a couple weeks, I’ll be sure to let you all know what I think of him!

In regards to Leader Optimus, I’ve got some bias because DOTM Prime with the trailer is the Optimus Prime to me, but I love it. It’s not perfect, there are gaps in the jetpack and the truck mode is kinda off, but the robot mode is excellent and the sheer number of accessories he comes with is really impressive. I’d totally recommend him.

Now that we know what this year holds for SS, what’s everyone hoping for next year?

While not necessarily this year, I’m hoping for

- The rest of the DOTM crew (Dino, Que, Bee, Hatchet)
- Sideways
- Evasion Mode Optimus (never got my hands on the original)
- I’d be interested to see how they tackle the Fallen, even though it’s not one I think I need.
- I’d actually like to see a dark gray repaint of ROTF Starscream as DOTM Starscream.

[ZeldaTheSwordsman]

Well, unless the situation with Ferrarass changes you're not going to see Dino.

I'd like to see DOTM Devcon, as well as TLK Onslaught, Dreadbot, and Mohawk.

[D-Maximal_Primal]

In regards to Leader Optimus, I’ve got some bias because DOTM Prime with the trailer is the Optimus Prime to me, but I love it. It’s not perfect, there are gaps in the jetpack and the truck mode is kinda off, but the robot mode is excellent and the sheer number of accessories he comes with is really impressive. I’d totally recommend him.

You and i have almost the exact same feelings about DotM Prime. He is my definitive movie Prime as well. and I think he did the best and most imaginative things with the trailer than any other Prime

Now that we know what this year holds for SS, what’s everyone hoping for next year?

While not necessarily this year, I’m hoping for

- The rest of the DOTM crew (Dino, Que, Bee, Hatchet)
- Sideways
- Evasion Mode Optimus (never got my hands on the original)
- I’d be interested to see how they tackle the Fallen, even though it’s not one I think I need.
- I’d actually like to see a dark gray repaint of ROTF Starscream as DOTM Starscream.

I'm hoping for Hatchet and Dino strongest of all, and then the rest of the TLK con crew. I also wouldn't mind another Jolt, my only Jolt is the DotM one that is that pale color. it's good, but I'd like a nice dark blue one.

And a new Galvatron, would not mind that at all

[EvasionModeBumblebee]

Well, unless the situation with Ferrarass changes you're not going to see Dino.

I'd like to see DOTM Devcon, as well as TLK Onslaught, Dreadbot, and Mohawk.

I didn't realize the Ferrari license was a problem, I guess I'd be ok if he was a close-but-not-quite-ferrari. I guess it's the opposite of Blitzwing for me, although I'm much more into military aircraft than I am cars.

Also, good thinking with Devcon! Didn't think to mention him, but I'd love to see that design get a figure. He was in the background of DOTM a fair bit, that could happen.

I'm hoping for Hatchet and Dino strongest of all, and then the rest of the TLK con crew. I also wouldn't mind another Jolt, my only Jolt is the DotM one that is that pale color. it's good, but I'd like a nice dark blue one.

And a new Galvatron, would not mind that at all

Yeah, I'm surprised there isn't more TLK representation in SS. I would like to see Hot Rod and Barricade, I could see Mohawk being included with Onslaught or something.

[Rodimus Prime]

Yes, Galvatron is definitely at the top of the list. Followed by Hound and Daytrader. And Quintessa.