The Energon Pub

[El Duque]

TFClub has updated their blog with new images of their upcoming Reflector-esque robot trio combined in camera mode. They have also added images of two WWII style tank figures. They appear to be about scout size and have what could be combiner ports. Since their blog requires registration the images have been mirrored below.

[MGrotusque]

I sure do like that camera mode.

[T-Macksimus]

Sure look like PCC ports to me on those tanks. While I admire the detail on these and look forward to seeing the finished product, if they are for the PCC's then I think they are making a mistake by producing these. The demand wont be there. If, however, these are for another type of combiner then I'm stoked to find out what the other components are. Hopefully something along the lines of the GI JOE/TF crossover set back in WW1, at least in terms of general style and tone of the comic. Obviously these tanks are newer than that era's vehicles.

I like the modernized take on Reflector and it's cool that he is 1:1 scale with actual cameras. Not too much of a stretch considering that all of our cameras/phones/gadgets are shrinking.

[alternator77]

its kinda funny how so many dont like pcc (personally just started getting the 2 packs and i get a minicon for unicron and a cool scout figure ) but i guarantee if someone comes out with a couple of figures for the commanders their price will jump. then alot of the same people will suddenly want them. cough energon combiners...cough.

[GetRightRobot]

Already pre ordered the Perfect Effect version, so this will only serve as a means of buyer remorse.

The tanks are VERY interesting. I agree that the "port" in question does look like a PCC, the insignia appear to be on the chests of robot modes. Perhaps a transforming PCC limbs would sell. Plus, I love Transformers with antique alt. modes. More info please and thank you.

[T-Macksimus]

Already pre ordered the Perfect Effect version, so this will only serve as a means of buyer remorse.

The tanks are VERY interesting. I agree that the "port" in question does look like a PCC, the insignia appear to be on the chests of robot modes. Perhaps a transforming PCC limbs would sell. Plus, I love Transformers with antique alt. modes. More info please and thank you.

That's pretty much the deal breaker with those of us not overly fond of PCC's. The fact that the drones don't transform kind of messes with the whole concept of naming them "Transformers". Some of the Commander 2 packs interest me and I still may yet purchase Huffer but I just can't seem to justify picking up the other Commanders. I don't want to have a figure with a function that will just be wasted since I won't be buying any of the 5 packs. My one exception is the Dinobot's PCC but that is going to look foolish having anything other than it's original components combined with it.
If these tanks are more like Gestalt units, I'll be seriously tempted to get them even if I don't go for the other pieces that may possibly follow just because these are some very sweet looking tanks.

[GetRightRobot]

That's pretty much the deal breaker with those of us not overly fond of PCC's. The fact that the drones don't transform kind of messes with the whole concept of naming them "Transformers". Some of the Commander 2 packs interest me and I still may yet purchase Huffer but I just can't seem to justify picking up the other Commanders. I don't want to have a figure with a function that will just be wasted since I won't be buying any of the 5 packs. My one exception is the Dinobot's PCC but that is going to look foolish having anything other than it's original components combined with it.
If these tanks are more like Gestalt units, I'll be seriously tempted to get them even if I don't go for the other pieces that may possibly follow just because these are some very sweet looking tanks.

Agreed. I actually bought 3 of the 5 packs. I imagined that a few of the drones, repainted and swapped around, might yield some G1 gestalt goodness. I was wrong and quickly lost interest in PCC altogether. But somehow I feel like maybe I need to investigate any PCC commanders that have an antique alt. mode. G.I. Joe crossover, Hearts of Steel combiner, Call-of-Duty-World-at-War-atron? All things that would appeal to me.

[It Is Him]

I strongly disapprove of the Iron Cross. It's in bad taste.

[ShardFenix]

actually there are some pretty awesome combinations you can make with the PCC guys if you buy the right ones

I like to take Crankcase and the Destrons i think it is and give the helicopter and plane to bombshock to make a PCC bruticus. then hook crankcase up with the rallybots to make Menasor.

Also Darkstream with the destructicons looks sweet. I wish they sold everything separately. Like the main figures and the drones on the side

[Sodan-1]

I strongly disapprove of the Iron Cross. It's in bad taste.

I do hope you're just confusing the Iron Cross with the swastika. The swastika would be in terrible taste, but the Iron Cross is just a German military decoration, much like the Congressional Medal of Honour. It was first created back in the 19th century, so did not have anything to do with the Nazis. There shouldn't be a problem with its use.

Are we thinking that the star on the other tank is Russian or American? It's hard to tell without colour.

I love the fact that TFClub's Reflector can make use of real camera accessories, but unless it's a real working camera I really don't see the point. Still preferring Perfect Effect's.

[Springer]

The PCC figures definitely have a use. Remember when you were a kid and liked to smash some of your toys with a brick or a hammer just to see what they looked like obliterated? Well now you can keep your good toys in one piece and use these crappy things for the"scrapheap".

[It Is Him]

I strongly disapprove of the Iron Cross. It's in bad taste.

I do hope you're just confusing the Iron Cross with the swastika. The swastika would be in terrible taste, but the Iron Cross is just a German military decoration, much like the Congressional Medal of Honour. It was first created back in the 19th century, so did not have anything to do with the Nazis. There shouldn't be a problem with its use.

I'm aware of its pre-WWII history, and I'm aware it's still used today in the military, and no I'm definitely not confusing it with the swastika. As a military decoration, the Iron Cross is no longer awarded.

[Sodan-1]

I strongly disapprove of the Iron Cross. It's in bad taste.

I do hope you're just confusing the Iron Cross with the swastika. The swastika would be in terrible taste, but the Iron Cross is just a German military decoration, much like the Congressional Medal of Honour. It was first created back in the 19th century, so did not have anything to do with the Nazis. There shouldn't be a problem with its use.

I'm aware of its pre-WWII history, and I'm aware it's still used today in the military, and no I'm definitely not confusing it with the swastika. As a military decoration, the Iron Cross is no longer awarded.

The tanks are clearly from the WWII era, so why do you find it to be in bad taste? Do you just have an issue with Germany as a nation?

[It Is Him]

I strongly disapprove of the Iron Cross. It's in bad taste.

I do hope you're just confusing the Iron Cross with the swastika. The swastika would be in terrible taste, but the Iron Cross is just a German military decoration, much like the Congressional Medal of Honour. It was first created back in the 19th century, so did not have anything to do with the Nazis. There shouldn't be a problem with its use.

I'm aware of its pre-WWII history, and I'm aware it's still used today in the military, and no I'm definitely not confusing it with the swastika. As a military decoration, the Iron Cross is no longer awarded.

The tanks are clearly from the WWII era, so why do you find it to be in bad taste? Do you just have an issue with Germany as a nation?

First of all, I wasn't complaining about the tanks. Second, you pretty much know the answer to your first question. Third, I don't have any problems with Germany.

[Sodan-1]

I strongly disapprove of the Iron Cross. It's in bad taste.

I do hope you're just confusing the Iron Cross with the swastika. The swastika would be in terrible taste, but the Iron Cross is just a German military decoration, much like the Congressional Medal of Honour. It was first created back in the 19th century, so did not have anything to do with the Nazis. There shouldn't be a problem with its use.

I'm aware of its pre-WWII history, and I'm aware it's still used today in the military, and no I'm definitely not confusing it with the swastika. As a military decoration, the Iron Cross is no longer awarded.

The tanks are clearly from the WWII era, so why do you find it to be in bad taste? Do you just have an issue with Germany as a nation?

First of all, I wasn't complaining about the tanks. Second, you pretty much know the answer to your first question. Third, I don't have any problems with Germany.

I REALLY don't know why you "strongly disapprove" of its use as you haven't actually said. And I don't know you, so I wouldn't be aware of any personal reasons that would make you take issue with it. I'm not trying to turn this into a huge 'fight for the honour of a nation' argument. You have simply made a fairly powerful statement, and I'd like to respectfully know your reasons as it may change my opinion.

[Red 50]

What are the odds that one of the tanks is Brawl?

[GetRightRobot]

I strongly disapprove of the Iron Cross. It's in bad taste.

I do hope you're just confusing the Iron Cross with the swastika. The swastika would be in terrible taste, but the Iron Cross is just a German military decoration, much like the Congressional Medal of Honour. It was first created back in the 19th century, so did not have anything to do with the Nazis. There shouldn't be a problem with its use.

I'm aware of its pre-WWII history, and I'm aware it's still used today in the military, and no I'm definitely not confusing it with the swastika. As a military decoration, the Iron Cross is no longer awarded.

The tanks are clearly from the WWII era, so why do you find it to be in bad taste? Do you just have an issue with Germany as a nation?

First of all, I wasn't complaining about the tanks. Second, you pretty much know the answer to your first question. Third, I don't have any problems with Germany.

I REALLY don't know why you "strongly disapprove" of its use as you haven't actually said. And I don't know you, so I wouldn't be aware of any personal reasons that would make you take issue with it. I'm not trying to turn this into a huge 'fight for the honour of a nation' argument. You have simply made a fairly powerful statement, and I'd like to respectfully know your reasons as it may change my opinion.

FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!

I'm going to guess that atleast one of you are currently checking wikipedia for info because neither of you are historians OR in the German military. Here's an idea, agree that PCC sucks and only a monumental 3rd party creation could possibly save them!!! See? Now everyone gets along!!

[Sodan-1]

I strongly disapprove of the Iron Cross. It's in bad taste.

I do hope you're just confusing the Iron Cross with the swastika. The swastika would be in terrible taste, but the Iron Cross is just a German military decoration, much like the Congressional Medal of Honour. It was first created back in the 19th century, so did not have anything to do with the Nazis. There shouldn't be a problem with its use.

I'm aware of its pre-WWII history, and I'm aware it's still used today in the military, and no I'm definitely not confusing it with the swastika. As a military decoration, the Iron Cross is no longer awarded.

The tanks are clearly from the WWII era, so why do you find it to be in bad taste? Do you just have an issue with Germany as a nation?

First of all, I wasn't complaining about the tanks. Second, you pretty much know the answer to your first question. Third, I don't have any problems with Germany.

I REALLY don't know why you "strongly disapprove" of its use as you haven't actually said. And I don't know you, so I wouldn't be aware of any personal reasons that would make you take issue with it. I'm not trying to turn this into a huge 'fight for the honour of a nation' argument. You have simply made a fairly powerful statement, and I'd like to respectfully know your reasons as it may change my opinion.

FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!

Laugh. My. Arse off.

I'm going to guess that atleast one of you are currently checking wikipedia for info because neither of you are historians OR in the German military. Here's an idea, agree that PCC sucks and only a monumental 3rd party creation could possibly save them!!! See? Now everyone gets along!!

What makes you say neither of us are historians? Were we wrong about something?

I will agree with you that PCC sucks in my opinion. Did I read recently that Hasbro have called time on them?

I'd still like It Is Him to provide a reason for what he said. I'll happily let it drop regardless of the answer, so long as he gives one.

[WarGraver]

But... but... Grimstone!

Alright fine, the rest of the line sucks. I don't think that 3rd party efforts could salvage it, either.

[alldarker]

The tanks seem to be based on a German Tiger tank and a Russian T-34 tank, both from the WWII era. That would explain the Iron Cross and the Russian star. They look alright in alt mode, but PCC add ons are a bad idea, IMO.

[Galvatrondestroyer]

Bear with me on this but what if they were marvel crossovers capt. america and the red skull? Probably not, but it would be quite unique. Anyways, I really want that Reflector..he looks perfect for my classics style collection

[NeoDarwinian]

It seems to me that if anyone truly has a problem with the Iron Cross, they can just refuse to buy it. Wanting to halt the production of a line because it is deemed "offensive" smacks of censorship, dare I even say fascism?

I wonder if more WW2 themed tanks are coming? If that tank has a Hitler-esque face or swastika armband, I'm sold! Now where is my Churchill tank to fight him?

[MGrotusque]

i personally find that iron cross just really out of place aestheticlly really.

I don't care about it's historical value as such. It doesn't make sense to me because it allies itself with a human military faction that isn't necessary on a TF. Not too many TF's have ever done that save for G1 Hound and the new WW2 plane dude (the name escapes me at the moment). Least i think he has American insignias on him.

Of course this is a 3rd party product so it's a free for all in terms of artistic interpretation as a matter of fact.

I really could care less but my first impression was that it was a bit odd. I don't know the context on which these figures were conceived so it stands to tell what the bigger picture for these figures really is.

What is odd is that neither figure has their respective symbols displayed in tank mode.

[Godzillabot Primal]

What combiner ports I can not any!

[MGrotusque]

What combiner ports I can not any!

Use your words godzillabot. Reword that in a proper sentence please