The Energon Pub

[megatronus]

Welcome to the latest episode of the Seibertron.com Twincast / Podcast! This episode features your prodigal host Counterpunch, micron master ScottyP, pinball wizard xRotorstormx, and combiner wars junkie Megatronus - listen in as we discuss the latest news, toys, and more.

Episode #117 "Block Town" is available directly and in our RSS Feed, and should appear on iTunes and Stitcher Radio within 24 to 48 hours of when you see this news post.

We've got toys on the brain tonight folks, and we get started with a few of this year's Club exclusive figures. A couple Twincasters have the first Subscription Service 3.0 figure, Carzap, a few others this year's 'free' Lio Convoy, and yet another the Club Store exclusive Nova Prime. Are these worth your hard earned dollar? While we assess paints apps, heads, and what we're looking forward to, check out Seibertron's galleries of Nova Prime, here.

Gotta watch your back in Block Town.

Time for some main-line talk, starting with Combiner Wars Leader Thundercracker. In-hand images have been piling up, and this figure is in stock at Hasbro Toy Shop and site-sponsor BBTS. Is the Twincast excited for a comic-accurate figure, or resigned to an out-of-scale one? We discuss what could have been, and how we come to terms with what is - it's all quite zen, actually.

Starscream: not far behind.

Seibertron's got brand spanking new galleries of Legions Class Cliffjumper, Skywarp, and Ultra Magnus up and running, and some in our ranks want to know what all the Ultra Magnus fuss is about. Listen in as the rest of the crew discusses these neat little finds - probably coming to a Dollar Store or Big Lots near you!

Goodbye Minimus Ambus… Hello Ultra Magnus!

We move onto something BIG - San Diego Comic Con's exclusive (oh, that word) Titan Devastator. Some of the Twincast crew is entranced by dat box and others by dat purple chrome, but is dat enough to make the crew pull the trigger? Are we still hung up on our original assessments of this set, or are we coming around? It's a tough call, so tune in.

Prepare… for extermination.

The Twincast crew gets down to some serious business: Unite Warriors Defensor with deluxe Groove. The Twincast discusses the intrigue of these figures and their exclusive molds and decos. With wave 3 of Combiner Wars appearing at retail, will the crew be picking up Unite Warriors Defensor? What's it mean to be exclusive anyway? Well, you'll just have to listen to find out.

Groooooovy

The time is ripe… for a LISTENER QUESTION! News staff member williamjames88's thoughtful query initiates a lively discussion about buying at retail vs online. In an age of increased convenience and internet dominance, what motivates some of the crew to venture out into the wild of brick and mortar retail? Conversely, what keeps some crew-members married to eCommerce? There are no wrong answers, but some revealing insights into Twincast members' nostalgia, collecting philosophy, and life commitments. Listen in to hear what it's all about.

Old toys, new channels.

We get on to some unlikely art-talk with the release of five very cool Fembot concepts by IDW artist Alex Milne. The popularity of female Transformers amongst the fandom, and the demand for more toys of such characters, has been an encouraging trend. Will we see these characters take flight in toy or comic form? As always, the Twincast crew has some opinions on that.

Let me stand next 'toy' your fire…

We touched on SDCC before, so you know we got to talk Botcon! The convention is just a month away, and we've caught wind of some rumored Waspinator-based army builders. Which of these taste-the-rainbow decos make sense, and which don't? Does the Twincast crew even care if these figures fit in, or are we simply excited for some Waspinator-related fun?

Prepare… for buzz-termination. See what I did there?

We finish up the Twincast with some bragging rights. What did everyone get since the last recording - or even since two recordings ago?

This episode, there are some clear winners.

Don't forget, the show only gets better if you tell us how. Drop us a review on iTunes and be sure to tell us what you love, what you hate, and what you want to hear!

Not on the show to give your take? Probably not, so don't forget to keep the discussion going on the Seibertron.com Energon Pub Forums by simply replying to this post!

Got a question for the Twincast? We take all of them, we just don't take them all seriously! Leave a question in the Ask the Twincast thread and, if it makes the cut, it may get read and answered on the show.

[ScottyP]

I hope the end of this one doesn't kill anyone with mercury poisoning.

[welcometothedarksyde]

27:40 "That was an opening for Jon" That's what she said

[megatronus]

27:40 "That was an opening for Jon" That's what she said

Even the listeners are doing it now!

[Counterpunch]

Best episode.

[TGS1985]

Let me stand next 'toy' your fire…

Wow, bravo for the Jimi Hendrix reference to Firestar, didn't think of that one.

Unfortunately I won't get to listen to the actual podcast until tomorrow as I have to leave town but if that (and the other comments) are any indication of what's to come, it's gunna be goooood. Can't wait!

[Quinturion]

I have listened to most episodes for the last half year. I'm from the Netherlands (Europe).I am an adult collector who listens from his "boycave" (Mancave that consist out of Transformers and comics) and most of the time I enjoy it and sometimes a beer or two helps to reach the end. Maybe I am missing the point of these podcasts, but from time to time they are very US oriëntated.

Here's my question about last episodes retail/online topic.

Are you aware that retail does not apply at all in countries like mine unless you like movie related or Legends Class TF's? The last time I was in a "Toys'R'Yours" was when I visited Times Square. I have 4 options. Go west (KapowToys, TFSource etc.), Go east (Robotkingdom etc.) or stay at home. (Pay a bit more to keep a good foot with domestic online sellers) or eBay. But they are still all online.

[Flashwave]

Hey guys, jumping in on the whole store vs. online debate.

Personally, I stand on the fence.

I have ordered the defensor limbs. In part, I id that because I want to swap a Firefly Superion Fist for Blades' and was impatient. I prefer the chainguns for Superion, and the gunbarrel fists look enought like water hoses. But that's not a normal for me. I enjoy the hunt for the figures, but what is more important for me, is having things in hand, and not having large boxes sitting around for twelve-fourteen hours is a good thing for me. I try to time online purchases for days when I can meet the postman, and hope for the best. And I feel like Scotty's comment about "you could have ordered it" in reference to the Stunticons is a bit of a sleight. Yes, I could have ordered Jetfire, who NEVER SHOWED in West-Central Indiana that I can tell. The same Generations Leaders from AOE never moved from their dust. If there was one case per store, that was it, and I bet 80% left the backroom before being stocked, but he never graced a store. I've seen exactly one Air Raid, and he's attached to my Superion. I've seen four cases of Stunticons, each at sepewrate stores. The first was missing it's Air Raid. So yes, he was out there, but extremely hard to nail down. And I work long dily shifts that end at Stocking time. Thik of Over-The-road guys, who wants $700 or more of merchandise on a porch on a regular basis for days on end?

[ScottyP]

And I feel like Scotty's comment about "you could have ordered it" in reference to the Stunticons is a bit of a sleight.

Sorry it made you feel that way, intention was to hopefully help folks "hunt smarter", not harder, but your perspective is definitely an interesting one that I hadn't considered Very sound reasoning why you do what you do. I'm glad folks have chimed in on this, it's fascinating stuff to me!

[xRotorstormx]

Hey guys, jumping in on the whole store vs. online debate.

Personally, I stand on the fence.

I have ordered the defensor limbs. In part, I id that because I want to swap a Firefly Superion Fist for Blades' and was impatient. I prefer the chainguns for Superion, and the gunbarrel fists look enought like water hoses. But that's not a normal for me. I enjoy the hunt for the figures, but what is more important for me, is having things in hand, and not having large boxes sitting around for twelve-fourteen hours is a good thing for me. I try to time online purchases for days when I can meet the postman, and hope for the best. And I feel like Scotty's comment about "you could have ordered it" in reference to the Stunticons is a bit of a sleight. Yes, I could have ordered Jetfire, who NEVER SHOWED in West-Central Indiana that I can tell. The same Generations Leaders from AOE never moved from their dust. If there was one case per store, that was it, and I bet 80% left the backroom before being stocked, but he never graced a store. I've seen exactly one Air Raid, and he's attached to my Superion. I've seen four cases of Stunticons, each at sepewrate stores. The first was missing it's Air Raid. So yes, he was out there, but extremely hard to nail down. And I work long dily shifts that end at Stocking time. Thik of Over-The-road guys, who wants $700 or more of merchandise on a porch on a regular basis for days on end?

Are you still missing Jetfire? I see him sporadically still around my area I can keep an eye out for one.

[Kibble]

Leader Jetfire was available online at clearance prices long after it was clear your brick and mortar stores wouldn't be getting it. Was it eBay, hasbrotoyshop.com, Amazon...all of the above? I don't remember. But I do know I was wishing I had waited because it was like half the price.

[megatronus]

Leader Jetfire was available online at clearance prices long after it was clear your brick and mortar stores wouldn't be getting it. Was it eBay, hasbrotoyshop.com, Amazon...all of the above? I don't remember. But I do know I was wishing I had waited because it was like half the price.

TRU.com had it on clearance a couple times, and then HTS had it on super duper clearance something like 6 weeks ago. BBTS has Jetfire on clearance right now for $35. So he's still definitely attainable.

[ScottyP]

Leader Jetfire was available online at clearance prices long after it was clear your brick and mortar stores wouldn't be getting it. Was it eBay, hasbrotoyshop.com, Amazon...all of the above? I don't remember. But I do know I was wishing I had waited because it was like half the price.

Even now it's still available at a discount during BBTS's current Leader class sale.

[Counterpunch]

Maybe I am missing the point of these podcasts, but from time to time they are very US oriëntated.

Here's my question about last episodes retail/online topic.

Are you aware that retail does not apply at all in countries like mine unless you like movie related or Legends Class TF's?

Well, there's really no doubt that our focus is the US based collector's market. We encourage any and everyone to listen, but there's no getting around the fact that we're going to discuss what affects us and what we are influenced by. We've acknowledged the difficulty that non primary markets for Hasbro have in terms of getting toys, but there will rarely be a caveat to any particular area outside of Japan or increasingly for the Chinese market.

It's not a purposeful snubbing. At one point we very much wanted to bring a Euro perspective on to the show, but timing and recording were not going to work out for that.

I think most of us are actually very aware of how hard it is to get TFs in certain Euro locations. Back in the days of AEC, most Europeans found it cheaper to import Takara toys than Hasbro, which was baffling to us.

It's always been my impressing that the taxes and tariffs of certain Euro countries have been the biggest obstacle, aside from reticent retailers, to getting merchandise past wave 1 of anything.

Is that still the case?

[Flashwave]

And I feel like Scotty's comment about "you could have ordered it" in reference to the Stunticons is a bit of a sleight.

Sorry it made you feel that way, intention was to hopefully help folks "hunt smarter", not harder, but your perspective is definitely an interesting one that I hadn't considered Very sound reasoning why you do what you do. I'm glad folks have chimed in on this, it's fascinating stuff to me!

No worries, you're still a fav. (Aww, who am I kidding, I couldn't pick between all of you)

Hey guys, jumping in on the whole store vs. online debate.

Personally, I stand on the fence.

I have ordered the defensor limbs. In part, I id that because I want to swap a Firefly Superion Fist for Blades' and was impatient. I prefer the chainguns for Superion, and the gunbarrel fists look enought like water hoses. But that's not a normal for me. I enjoy the hunt for the figures, but what is more important for me, is having things in hand, and not having large boxes sitting around for twelve-fourteen hours is a good thing for me. I try to time online purchases for days when I can meet the postman, and hope for the best. And I feel like Scotty's comment about "you could have ordered it" in reference to the Stunticons is a bit of a sleight. Yes, I could have ordered Jetfire, who NEVER SHOWED in West-Central Indiana that I can tell. The same Generations Leaders from AOE never moved from their dust. If there was one case per store, that was it, and I bet 80% left the backroom before being stocked, but he never graced a store. I've seen exactly one Air Raid, and he's attached to my Superion. I've seen four cases of Stunticons, each at sepewrate stores. The first was missing it's Air Raid. So yes, he was out there, but extremely hard to nail down. And I work long dily shifts that end at Stocking time. Thik of Over-The-road guys, who wants $700 or more of merchandise on a porch on a regular basis for days on end?

Are you still missing Jetfire? I see him sporadically still around my area I can keep an eye out for one.

I may end up Looting him and play the timing game. Ironic I know. But thankee anyway.

Speaking of Botcon: It's even in driving distance, I wish I could make it out.

[Quinturion]

I think most of us are actually very aware of how hard it is to get TFs in certain Euro locations. Back in the days of AEC, most Europeans found it cheaper to import Takara toys than Hasbro, which was baffling to us.

It's always been my impressing that the taxes and tariffs of certain Euro countries have been the biggest obstacle, aside from reticent retailers, to getting merchandise past wave 1 of anything.

Is that still the case?

Yes, it still is indeed. You can ask a seller upfront to declare a lower value ($40) to avoid customclearances which makes buying expensive items and multiple items risky. The same goes for pre-orders, because when the time comes when the item is instock and ships out the seller often forgot your request.
On eBay that 'Global shipping program' is a disaster and makes a buyer like me buy more and cheaper in Asia than the US since the shippingcosts are the same or less.

[Flashwave]

I think most of us are actually very aware of how hard it is to get TFs in certain Euro locations. Back in the days of AEC, most Europeans found it cheaper to import Takara toys than Hasbro, which was baffling to us.

It's always been my impressing that the taxes and tariffs of certain Euro countries have been the biggest obstacle, aside from reticent retailers, to getting merchandise past wave 1 of anything.

Is that still the case?

Yes, it still is indeed. You can ask a seller upfront to declare a lower value ($40) to avoid customclearances which makes buying expensive items and multiple items risky. The same goes for pre-orders, because when the time comes when the item is instock and ships out the seller often forgot your request.
On eBay that 'Global shipping program' is a disaster and makes a buyer like me buy more and cheaper in Asia than the US since the shippingcosts are the same or less.

Disaster is more like ripoff. I sold something on Ebay and Global shipping was twice itms price. Had I known that, up front, I woulda renegotiated with the buyer, butby the time I knew, thesale was finalized I couldnt change anything on my end. I will nevr use Global Sales again.

[Quinturion]

I had the same idea. But there's always that hard to find item which makes that a very tough decision.

[chuckdawg1999]

I have to say it's been over a year since I stepped into any retail store that sells toys. The stores by me don't stock nearly as fast, or as well as I need them too. Transportation is also an issue. While I'm not a big fan of how Amazon treats its employees, I can't get over how great their customer service is. I do have to stress again that waiting for sales only hurts the brand in the long run as it sends a negative message to retailers.