The Energon Pub

[D-Maximal_Primal]

Wow, some nice new reveals!

Sky Lynx is the king of these reveals, that is a fantastic looking figure there!

Scorponok also looks really good, I am looking forward to another Titan as good as Omega, and to complete the city bots. Really hoping he gets repainted into Black Zarak.

Fasttrack looks really good too, nice addition to the Scorponok piece.

Arcee is bad, that is an easy pass. the T30 is far superior to it

[Nemesis Primal]

Well Deadput just said literally everything I had to say about Arcee, so moving on.

Scorponok looks pretty great as a an update, and it's great he gets actual eyes in scorpion mode now, but I've always preferred Scorponok to be more of a normal-sized bot than city-sized, so I'll stick with my old Cybertron one.

Sky Lynx looks...amazing, actually, I didn't expect to like him this much. The base mode for his lynx mode actually makes a lot of sense (he's not gonna fly around in the combined alt mode, right?), and I love all his new added details like the treads on the lynx half and the NASA branding on the shuttle. I do still like my CW Sky Lynx, but he stays in combiner torso mode 90% of the time anyway...I might actually get Sky Lynx, we'll see. I am also curious if he and Scorpy come with blast effects, I'm sure they probably do since Omega and Jetfire did but I don't get why they don't show them.

Fasttrack is everything I wanted him to be, I'm glad he looks solid and gets to be a Weaponizer like Brunt and the others. His mobile turret mode looks great, and while I suppose I'm a bit curious about his "spear" mode (even though I don't own any Titans to use it), I'm more curious to see if that blade of his for said mode can come off as a weapon/Weaponizer part to be used by him or other figures. Also it looks like he gets to be the first Weaponizer to get working wrist swivels, yay!

[-Kanrabat-]

I agree that more female transformers in lines would be wonderful, but please let's start giving them their old molds and treat them like we do with male Transformers, revamping their designs to be anything other then "human female but metal with a kibble backpack/stocking" would also be preferred.

I LOVE sexy fembots.
However, in order to be "sexy", most fembots have no choice but to be a god damn SHELLFORMER. I'm pretty sure a fembot could achieve feminine curves and shape (even blocky ones) with a proper clever transformation.

On top of my head, the only one that achieve such a feat so far are Blackarachnia Beast Machine, Animated, and the MP. All the others are complete shellformers or partial shellformers. The non-feminine fembots like Miss "Lugnut", Strika, or Ripclaw dosent count because they don't have the "hot girl" look.

Ultimate challenge: Make that feminine looking transformable transformer, who is not a shellformer in any shape or form, a standard deluxe or voyager release. Come on, designers, you can do it!

[Ironhidensh]

Skorpinok and Fasttrack mean nothing to me, so those are super easy passes. Arcee, yeah, is a shellformer, but I'm starting to realize you just can't really do that character decently (accuratre to G1) without that. I'll be happy to toss Generations Arcee on the eBay pile.


Sky Lynx is just pure gold. Pure awesomesauce. Pure sex. I can't wait to pre order this on Pulse..... Just to then cancel that pre order later one as Sky Lynx becomes available else where quicker and cheaper.....

[ZeldaTheSwordsman]

Scorpy will already be scaled to Fortress Maximus. Why rescale him?

THANK YOU.

Well that's the laziest Arcee design I have ever seen.

No, the laziest Arcee design you've ever seen is her animation model, where the kibble magically poofs away

Sky Lynx, Scropinok, and Fasttrack all look great! Arcee is not really any better than the T30/Legends version from five years ago. In fact, the Legends version is probably still the best version, what with it's cartoon perfect paint applications and the fact that it doesn't parts form and all pieces are integrated into both modes. I may actually pass on Earthrise Arcee. It's a shame, because the head sculpt is gorgeous and the robot mode looks very good, but the paint apps are a step back from the Legends version, and that "hoverboard" represents worse partsforming than Earthrise Cliffjumper.

I can clearly see a port in her back kibble where the shield/hoverboard would connect, and from the looks of it I'm fairly sure she can be transformed without actually detaching it. Another thing to consider: While she does, annoyingly, have a faux-parts chest, she also has a waist swivel. Which the T30 figure could never dream of having.

Scorponok... I kind of expect titan classes to need hasbro employee.. Erm.. Third party upgrades, but even with upgrades it will have some awful flaws still.

Robot mode: really needs the chrome bits to beef his legs up

Eh, I don't think the legs lose that much without them. And they're still present in some form, albeit somewhat flatter. They even detach and migrate for base mode!

No double guns on his rear shoulders. No gun. The ankle hollows... Egads.

1. That is a shame, but he has at least one set of them so it could be worse. 2. Who says that the double guns he has can't be detached and held in his hands like Fort Max's leg guns? 3. It's the price of having ankle tilts in something that big and blocky, especially with the base mode ramps being built into the legs.

Scopion: laziest scorpion feet ever? Doesn't look like the feet separate or have articulation let alone the old movement gimmick. Lack of double guns to go rear. Mandibles look bad.

1. They look like they might have some articulation. The angle doesn't help with telling whether they're separate. Mind you, even on the original toy they're smushed pretty damn close together. I should know, I own one (minus Zarak and most of the accessories, but I do have the shield, the rifle, and the helmet) 2. Disappointing, but it's not an enormous heartbreak. 3. The mandibles look WAY better than the original toy's.

Base mode: lack of orange parts/lifts/missile flaps and plug in dishes etc.

He has the shield tower, which is more important to the look of the base mode than the dishes, elevator platform, and repair arms. They'd be nice to have, but they're not as critical. I also don't have much hope that a 3rd party would do them any time soon; Titans Return Trypticon came out two years ago and there's still no sign of anyone making his minor peripherals, so...

I would like everyone to keep in mind that there are plastic limitations even for Titan-class figures, and the fact that unlike Metroplex and Fortress Maximus, Scorponok has the scorpion tail to contend with. And despite that, he still comes with two of the double cannons, the leg add-ons, and his arm shield (which would make a good bashing weapon).

For me, these reveals are all quite solidly "Shut up and take my money!"

[LinaNui]

I really should be studying for an exam I have tomorrow, but here I am playing with Ironworks. He is awesome, highly recommend him. Since he has the bucket chest I tried to make him into some kind of loader. Here is what I came up with. I think it's pretty cool and I wanted to see if any of you have made some cool modes with him!

[MKyuun]

Arcee was the fig I most anticipated, and I'm pretty disappointed that the engineering that was present with the Thrilling 30 version to effect perfect transformation is wholly absent. This should have been an improvement, but it's a step back. I dislike parts-forming; it's exceptionally lazy and counter to the point of Transformers. I take exception to the opinion that physics prevents transformation, as the Thrilling 30 toy could transform, as well as MMC's Azalea and Fans Toys' Rouge, all resulting in decent Arcee figures, with albeit, varying degrees of accuracy. She's a challenging figure to do, admittedly, relying heavily on animation magic to eradicate the bulk of her alt mode. But, the engineering that's been brought to bear on the aforementioned figures is practical proof that it can be done effectively. Earthrise Arcee is a lovely action figure, indeed nicer looking than the upcoming MP, especially her face sculpt, but, seemingly, at the cost of her transformation, and that should never be the case in a mainline Transformer toy. Ever.

Contrarily, Skylinx, to whom I've never had much affinity, looks amazing. I definitely appreciate the additional base mode for Lynx, as his G1 'blue box' mode always seemed pointless, so it's nice to see innovation applied to a character who needed it to make all parts useful. It doesn't hurt that the base mode was executed fairly well, considering most base modes pretty much look like a robot with its limbs spread out. The details on the shuttle are cool, too. Just well done, overall. Might have to make room for him on the ole' CHUG shelves.

I have no interest in Scorponok or Fasttrack, but cheers to those of you who've been patiently waiting for HasTak to make them. I hope they turn out well. At least they transform.:/

[Whifflefire]

THAT SKYLYNX, MAN...

Primus, he's perfect! Everything I wanted and more! This is the most stoked I've been for a reveal since Counterpunch!

Scorponok looks awesome as well, glad Fasttrack has been revealed right of the bat to boost the excitement. He definitely appears to be a weaponizer, or at least partsforms, you a can a 5mm post on his crotch in the front of his vehicle mode, and the limbs look to be attached via 5mm posts as well.

Too bad they weren't more creative with Arcee's design, I know it's supposed to be G1 accurate but part of me was still holding out for some IDW inspiration. No worries, I can live without it, happy for those who may have missed out on the T30 version, and this one will be able to hold things.(And its not Moonracer/Chromia again.)

I'm hitting 300 this year, let's see if I can't get Skylynx to be the milestone marker.

[ZeldaTheSwordsman]

I'm pretty sure people are wrong about this Arcee being a strict partsformer..

By "Blue Box" mode, do you mean the shuttle transport crawler his lynx component turned into? Its purpose was to behave like a shuttle transport crawler and carry the shuttle along using the motor.

[Jelze Bunnycat]

I agree that more female transformers in lines would be wonderful, but please let's start giving them their old molds and treat them like we do with male Transformers, revamping their designs to be anything other then "human female but metal with a kibble backpack/stocking" would also be preferred.

I LOVE sexy fembots.
However, in order to be "sexy", most fembots have no choice but to be a god damn SHELLFORMER. I'm pretty sure a fembot could achieve feminine curves and shape (even blocky ones) with a proper clever transformation.

On top of my head, the only one that achieve such a feat so far are Blackarachnia Beast Machine, Animated, and the MP. All the others are complete shellformers or partial shellformers. The non-feminine fembots like Miss "Lugnut", Strika, or Ripclaw dosent count because they don't have the "hot girl" look.

Ultimate challenge: Make that feminine looking transformable transformer, who is not a shellformer in any shape or form, a standard deluxe or voyager release. Come on, designers, you can do it!

Would Energon Arcee count? Movie 1 Arcee also has some slight feminine features, Prime Arcee is also there... Ok, let's extend that challenge by excluding motorcycles.

[ZeldaTheSwordsman]

The problem Moonracer et al had was that Floro Dery gave them curvy robot modes and angular vehicle modes. If you have a curvy car mode as well as a curvy robot mode, it's a lot easier. That's why T30 Arcee was able to happen. Earthrise Arcee, the problem isn't the curves but rather the waist swivel. They sacrificed integration so that her pelvis would be untethered.

Here's a good example of a curvy carbot girl who's not a shellformer - Cybertron Override:

This despite the toy having been designed as a male character. It's kinda obvious why they picked this design to turn into a lady in the dub.

[Sabrblade]

The problem Moonracer et al had was that Floro Dery gave them curvy robot modes and angular vehicle modes. If you have a curvy car mode as well as a curvy robot mode, it's a lot easier. That's why T30 Arcee was able to happen. Earthrise Arcee, the problem isn't the curves but rather the waist swivel. They sacrificed integration so that her pelvis would be untethered.

Here's a good example of a curvy carbot girl who's not a shellformer - Cybertron Override:

This despite the toy having been designed as a male character. It's kinda obvious why they picked this design to turn into a lady in the dub.

Keep in mind the mold's curviness was to make it look sleek and aerodynamic to fit the character's role as a champion racer.

[ZeldaTheSwordsman]

I am aware. Doesn't make her any less curvy. It really shows what a difference the altmode being curvy too can make when it comes to having the robot mode be curvy without being a shellformer.

[william-james88]

So, what are the chances that Scorponok gets remolded/repainted into Black Zarak for Generation Selects and includes a repainted Fasttrack as the spear?

The same chances of getting Metrotitan from Metroplex, G2 Devastator from Devastator, Guardian robot from Omega Supreme...

[Sabrblade]

Well, at least Cyberverse has a good number of main and recurring fembots: Windblade, Arcee, Chromia, Shadowstriker, Slipstream, Nova Storm, Acid Storm (most of the time), Clobber, and as of season 3, Alphastrike and Skywarp.

[ZeldaTheSwordsman]

So, what are the chances that Scorponok gets remolded/repainted into Black Zarak for Generation Selects and includes a repainted Fasttrack as the spear?

The same chances of getting Metrotitan from Metroplex, G2 Devastator from Devastator, Guardian robot from Omega Supreme...

I think there's a decent chance of Black Zarak happening. I mean, they did do Grand Maximus, so it's not that much of a stretch to think they'd try doing Black Zarak even if it had to be by the same route. Masterforce was a pretty big deal and there's still a lot of nostalgia for it in Japan. Legends Godbomber existing is proof of that, let alone Grand Max getting done.

[Sabrblade]

So, what are the chances that Scorponok gets remolded/repainted into Black Zarak for Generation Selects and includes a repainted Fasttrack as the spear?

The same chances of getting Metrotitan from Metroplex, G2 Devastator from Devastator, Guardian robot from Omega Supreme...

I think there's a decent chance of Black Zarak happening. I mean, they did do Grand Maximus, so it's not that much of a stretch to think they'd try doing Black Zarak even if it had to be by the same route. Masterforce was a pretty big deal and there's still a lot of nostalgia for it in Japan. Legends Godbomber existing is proof of that, let alone Grand Max getting done.

The thing is, not only did the straight redeco Grand Max need to be crowdfunded (and fail to reach the quota for its only new accessory of a Pretender shell), but the figure is still pretty readily available online in unsold quantities that some like BBTS have had to clearance out in order to get rid of it. That's never a good sign from a business perspective. As such, Takara may be a little more wary about a Black Zarak, especially since it would also require retooled parts instead of being a mere redeco like Grand Max was.

[Rodimus Prime]

Didn't Grand Maximus get an Encore figure after Fort Max did? I'm pretty sure the original Black Zarak has never been reissued, and it wasn't Titan-sized to begin with, so there would be a higher demand for a properly-scaled Black Zarak, I would think. As it was just mentioned, Masterforce is still held in high regard, especially in Japan.

[Wolfman Jake]

I'm pretty sure people are wrong about this Arcee being a strict partsformer.

I hope you are right, because the robot mode looks great, especially the face sculpt, and I could forgive the lack of perfect paint app fidelity to the G1 cartoon model, but if the back half of the car can also sit on her back a la Earthrise Cliffjumper, that's just going to give Arcee a HUGE backpack, even bigger than the T30/Legends mold already has. We'll have to just wait and see what news and pictures come from the show floor in the coming days.

[Stargrave]

So, this pops right off:

Gives him a cleaner look from the front but a little awkward profile.

Also, no Matrix: that’s Siege Orion Pax. ER could be seen not just as an Earth upgrade but a Pax to Prime upgrade. That’s smaller than his Galaxy upgrade. But still.

[Sabrblade]

Didn't Grand Maximus get an Encore figure after Fort Max did?

Nope, and there's a funny story about that.

Back when Takara pulled out the G1 Fortress Maximus mold for its Encore release, they found the Grand Maximus Pretender shell along with the main toy mold, and eHOBBY wanted Fun Pub to do a full blown reissue of Grand Maximus. But, that kind of a toy release wouldn't have been realistically marketable for Fun Pub (even if it might have ended up being cheaper than what the original G1 release went for at the time on the secondary market), but they did, at least, end up using the Pretender shell in the Figure Subscription Service for Double Pretender Megatron.

[Flashwave]

The problem Moonracer et al had was that Floro Dery gave them curvy robot modes and angular vehicle modes. If you have a curvy car mode as well as a curvy robot mode, it's a lot easier. That's why T30 Arcee was able to happen. Earthrise Arcee, the problem isn't the curves but rather the waist swivel. They sacrificed integration so that her pelvis would be untethered.

Here's a good example of a curvy carbot girl who's not a shellformer - Cybertron Override:

This despite the toy having been designed as a male character. It's kinda obvious why they picked this design to turn into a lady in the dub.

Curvy? Its a square with arms on stick legs. I have seen girls built like this, and "sack of flour in skinny jeans" is an apt description...

More to the point however, this toy is only a passing resemblence to the Cartoon model. All the same parts are there, but not in the same proportions. And have you tried standing her in a pose? Those legs and the split hip aren't exactly tight. A better example might be TFSS Slipstream from Prime Starscream. That too was a male intended mold with some very effective feminine lines, and no shell. Really very little kibble at all.

If wthey really want to do Arcee and do her "right" they need to adopt the engineering from the Animated toy. There is nothing in that Transformation that could not be smoothed out from her angular cybertronic car to the more rounded G1 alt mode and not interfere with Transformation. You don't fet a perfect anthro humanoid leg maybe, but its a solid transformation and you are only left with the cockpit as a butt plate and the large shoulder pylons that are part of the design anyway. Its hardly a shell.

[Stargrave]

I'm pretty sure people are wrong about this Arcee being a strict partsformer.

I hope you are right, because the robot mode looks great, especially the face sculpt, and I could forgive the lack of perfect paint app fidelity to the G1 cartoon model, but if the back half of the car can also sit on her back a la Earthrise Cliffjumper, that's just going to give Arcee a HUGE backpack, even bigger than the T30/Legends mold already has. We'll have to just wait and see what news and pictures come from the show floor in the coming days.

The product description mentioned that being able to be removed for a sleeker robot mode. I think it’s going to be no worse/dramatic than Cliff and that it can just easily be stored on her person. It just will likely leave her more cluttered so they gave her the option to shed a few.

Also what’s the problem with partsforming? I think it’s rad. Weaponizers, Omega Supreme, Galaxy Upgrade Prime, heck Cybertron Prime, anything that ever combined or armored up, partsforming. I don’t get the grrr over partsforming. Always been around, used by many a beloved character, you all know it deep down you feel the love you feel the love for parts and their forming.

[Rodimus Prime]

Didn't Grand Maximus get an Encore figure after Fort Max did?

Nope, and there's a funny story about that.

Back when Takara pulled out the G1 Fortress Maximus mold for its Encore release, they found the Grand Maximus Pretender shell along with the main toy mold, and eHOBBY wanted Fun Pub to do a full blown reissue of Grand Maximus. But, that kind of a toy release wouldn't have been realistically marketable for Fun Pub (even if it might have ended up being cheaper than what the original G1 release went for at the time on the secondary market), but they did, at least, end up using the Pretender shell in the Figure Subscription Service for Double Pretender Megatron.

So do you think that Takara's reluctance to reissue Grand Max back then is still present, despite the potential demand for a properly sized Black Zarak? Besides a new head and deco, how else is Black Zarak different from Scorponok?

[ZeldaTheSwordsman]

People grump about partsforming because taking a figure apart and putting it back together doesn't really feel like transformation as such. And in particular, people grump about it being necessary to get a figure into robot mode at all; Super Modes tend to attract less complaint.

Hey Flashwave, get back to me when the Override pic finishes loading so that you can see the lower legs and the chest cockpit. If you can look at those and not say "curvy", you don't know what a curve is. And even the torso box has some curve to it. Yes, the toy isn't as slender as the animation model, but it's a match other than that. Besides, the blockiness is within the parameters that Kanrabat was talking about, so I figured she was fair game to bring up.
And yes, I have tried standing her. I've done it a lot. I happen to be a big Cybertron fan and I love Override's toy.

As for borrowing the engineering from Animated Arcee for G1 Arcee, there are two problems with that:
1. Animated Arcee transforms back-to-front compared to G1 Arcee.
2. Animated Arcee has different legs, which you mentioned yourself

In case you weren't aware, we actually already got a reasonably non-shellforming Arcee in the form of Thrilling 30 Arcee, without much more on her back than the Animated toy has.

The reason Earthrise Arcee sacrifices the integration that version has, is - as I have said multiple times now - for the sake of the pelvis swivel. On the T30 figure, the chest transformation and the need to support the other transformation joints keeps the pelvis tethered.