The Energon Pub

[burning_sirius]

Alright guys, time to discuss amongst ourselves for brownie points, who will be released this year.

I am thinking MP 11 (a proper release) and MP 13 (with all cassettes)

MP 13 will correspond with the MP 10 price point as MP 11 will be at the same seeker price point.

Also one hopes that Starscream still comes with display stand.

I rule against MP 12 because Hasbro has poo pooed the idea that they will pay for the Lamborghini license.

[Whammy]

MP 11(a proper release)

Oh God I hope so.

[Mkall]

I think we'll find out in a couple weeks when Hasbro does Toy Fair.

[Sinnertwin]

My money's on Soundwave

[Henry921]

My money's on Soundwave

Pretty much this.

The only question is whether he comes with one cassette or all five.

Personally, I'd wager Soundwave with Laserbeak alone, like the Takara release, for $100-130 and the four other cassettes separately for $50-75.

[Jelze Bunnycat]

Starscream is a no-go, he already had a Masterpiece release with the original MP mold, in G1 colors no less. For the US that's plenty for Hasbro. That's why we got Thundercracker with the new mold: he was only one not released in the US.

I'm pretty certain Soundwave is next, if we do get him. The smaller car molds will pose a price point problem however, as they're so small and, let's face it, not iconic enough.

[burning_sirius]

My money's on Soundwave

Pretty much this.

The only question is whether he comes with one cassette or all five.

Personally, I'd wager Soundwave with Laserbeak alone, like the Takara release, for $100-130 and the four other cassettes separately for $50-75.

I am pretty sure that the only thing jacking this is the conversion rate. He will be Starscream sized so he will be around the usual 70-80 threshold alone, but with cassettes I can see him going for the MP Optimus price point. Think about it and the trends we are seeing from Hasbro and Takara. The MPs sold well so they might pull another 'complete release' for a MP figure. I can hope, but my speculation is not without merit.

Starscream is a no-go, he already had a Masterpiece release with the original MP mold, in G1 colors no less. For the US that's plenty for Hasbro. That's why we got Thundercracker with the new mold: he was only one not released in the US.

I'm pretty certain Soundwave is next, if we do get him. The smaller car molds will pose a price point problem however, as they're so small and, let's face it, not iconic enough.

And speaking about that, we have 3 releases of MP Optimus. So you saying just because they released it way back in 06 means they will NEVER release the coronation gear which is dumb as Thundercracker was supposed to be MP 03 mold until Hasbro realized 'hey we have the MP 10 mold available lets use that'. We have yet to get a proper MP 10 release that utilizes all the engineering for the cape and crown. I think it is good speculation to see him come over here. Everyone will ditch their MP 03 at that point.

[Sinnertwin]

The MP is a select line that Hasbro needs to consider carefully before sinking money into. We've already had G1 inspired SS, SW & TC. I honestly can't see Hasbro reinvesting money intonanother Starscream. OP's a different story, he's the flagship character of the franchise and as such will probably get released til the end if days. As JelZe pointed out, unless it's iconic chances are we won't see it.

[burning_sirius]

The MP is a select line that Hasbro needs to consider carefully before sinking money into. We've already had G1 inspired SS, SW & TC. I honestly can't see Hasbro reinvesting money intonanother Starscream. OP's a different story, he's the flagship character of the franchise and as such will probably get released til the end if days. As JelZe pointed out, unless it's iconic chances are we won't see it.

I doubt also that we will get Sideswipe, but all things are possible. One hopes Hasbro will shell out the money for the license. If not, well... there is always Prowl

Also, implying Starscream is not iconic.

[Jelze Bunnycat]

Also, implying Starscream is not iconic.

Not iconic enough for two MP releases, unlike Optimus Prime. Also, first without trailer, second with trailer and even Roller!

[RAcast]

I really do hope Hasbro goes for the Lambo license. Sideswipe is EASILY my favorite Autobot car and the MP is nothing short of awesome. That, or someone needs to do G2 Sideswipe already! I honestly would not be able to say no if and when they do it.

[NTESHFT]

Just as Mkall posted, I'm sure we'll all find out when Toyfair hits.........I so can't wait....l.I'm hoping for some surprises we didn't imagine. I know that is wishful thinking when it comes to Hasbro, but then again, I really wasn't expecting the Version 2 of Prime to come stateside. I honestly hope for Sideswipe. I want to have him in alt mode. I have the Takara version. As for Soundwave- getting the Takara version, along with all the minions, so I'm happy with that.

[mooncake623]

I am thinking MP 11 (a proper release) and MP 13 (with all cassettes)

MP 13 will correspond with the MP 10 price point as MP 11 will be at the same seeker price point.

Also one hopes that Starscream still comes with display stand.

sounds like wishful thinking... but anything is possible I guess.

[necr0blivion]

I'd say Soundwave for sure, but not the same items packed it - there will likely be a variation of which cassette (or cassettes) will be packed in.

I highly doubt Hasbro wants to do more seekers, even if there are mold tweaks as seen in MP-11. In their perspective, they've released the trio and that's all there is to it.

I would love to see the Autobot cars, but just not sure how that will play out. It would be great to get them in 2-packs, so you can get the repaints out the way early.

Finally, not thrilled about the idea of TRU being the US distributor. Would LOVE it if HasbroToyShop got some as exclusives, or one of our prominent e-tailers. The TRU route is simply too spotty and subject to unnecessary price fluctuations.

[VioMeTriX]

Also, implying Starscream is not iconic.

Not iconic enough for two MP releases, unlike Optimus Prime. Also, first without trailer, second with trailer and even Roller!

starscream is the 2nd most popular character, right behind prime and ahead of megatron... so what is your definition of iconic? he came back as a ghost 3 times in the original series, then again in beast wars... even when prime was dead as was starscream, in season 3 starscream as a ghost got more screentime than Optimus Prime.

[Jelze Bunnycat]

Also, implying Starscream is not iconic.

Not iconic enough for two MP releases, unlike Optimus Prime. Also, first without trailer, second with trailer and even Roller!

starscream is the 2nd most popular character, right behind prime and ahead of megatron... so what is your definition of iconic? he came back as a ghost 3 times in the original series, then again in beast wars... even when prime was dead as was starscream, in season 3 starscream as a ghost got more screentime than Optimus Prime.

You hit the nail on the head with 2nd most popular character (even if it's debatable with the likes of Megatron, Soundwave and now Bumblebee). Optimus Prime is the character people associate Transformers with the most (again, next to Bumblebee and Megatron). Starscream? Not so much. To his credit however he has a second MP release in Japan. Go figure.

[necr0blivion]

Also, implying Starscream is not iconic.

Not iconic enough for two MP releases, unlike Optimus Prime. Also, first without trailer, second with trailer and even Roller!

starscream is the 2nd most popular character, right behind prime and ahead of megatron... so what is your definition of iconic? he came back as a ghost 3 times in the original series, then again in beast wars... even when prime was dead as was starscream, in season 3 starscream as a ghost got more screentime than Optimus Prime.

I don't believe "iconic" is the issue. Prime received 2 Hasbro releases because of extremely significant changes from MP-01 to MP-10. While the inclusion of a trailer and roller may be big news, it feels that the deciding factor to release is due to the smaller size - Hasbro collectors can now have a more "unified" MP collection (remember, Hasbro did not bother to release MP-04, Sleep Mode, or reissue MP-01 like Takara did).

Meanwhile Takara has released a new Starscream in MP-11, he's roughly the same mold with a few tweaks and add-on pieces. Therefore not significant enough to have another US run, also considering that he already scales well with the other MP figures. Using the new mold for Thundercracker was a way to provide this character to the non-Japanese market, and I don't think it makes enough business sense to redo Starscream or Skywarp with the mold. Much like I don't see Takara releasing Skywarp or Thundercracker in the updated MP-11 mold.

So, possible but not likely. If Hasbro wants to prove me wrong, I'll just have yet another MP Starscream to display. Starscream is my hero!

[Sinnertwin]

Also, implying Starscream is not iconic.

Not iconic enough for two MP releases, unlike Optimus Prime. Also, first without trailer, second with trailer and even Roller!

starscream is the 2nd most popular character, right behind prime and ahead of megatron... so what is your definition of iconic? he came back as a ghost 3 times in the original series, then again in beast wars... even when prime was dead as was starscream, in season 3 starscream as a ghost got more screentime than Optimus Prime.

Dont forget that Prime was also featured in three episodes of Season 3:
Dark Awakening
The return of Optimus Prime 1 & 2

[VioMeTriX]

Also, implying Starscream is not iconic.

Not iconic enough for two MP releases, unlike Optimus Prime. Also, first without trailer, second with trailer and even Roller!

starscream is the 2nd most popular character, right behind prime and ahead of megatron... so what is your definition of iconic? he came back as a ghost 3 times in the original series, then again in beast wars... even when prime was dead as was starscream, in season 3 starscream as a ghost got more screentime than Optimus Prime.

Dont forget that Prime was also featured in three episodes of Season 3:
Dark Awakening
The return of Optimus Prime 1 & 2

lol i realized that after i posted, good call

[PrymeStriker]

Also, implying Starscream is not iconic.

Not iconic enough for two MP releases, unlike Optimus Prime. Also, first without trailer, second with trailer and even Roller!

starscream is the 2nd most popular character, right behind prime and ahead of megatron... so what is your definition of iconic? he came back as a ghost 3 times in the original series, then again in beast wars... even when prime was dead as was starscream, in season 3 starscream as a ghost got more screentime than Optimus Prime.

Dont forget that Prime was also featured in three episodes of Season 3:
Dark Awakening
The return of Optimus Prime 1 & 2

Four episodes of season three. He was also in "Five Faces of Darkness, Part 4"