The Energon Pub

Hi everyone! New member here with a question.

The wife and I are just getting into Transformers Animated and we really enjoy it. I like the Animated figures and am thinking about getting some of them. Is there any difference between the Takara and Hasbro figures? For example, is Hasbro's Blurr painted the same as Takara's Blurr?

Welcome to the boards. Beware of the nuts, and the nutcases.

The main difference between Hasbro and Takara's Animated is the use of shiny paint and proper symbols on Takara's, and matte paint and single color symbols (gold or silver) on Hasbro figures. Some feature differences in deco and color, like Bulkhead (called Ironhide in Japan), Starscream and Skywarp.

I would advise you to stick with Hasbro on this as they're more show-accurate and easier (and cheaper) to get. Especially here in Europe where they're discounted 50%. Some figures however are/will be available through Takara only, the first of which is Blackout.

Thanks for the tip!

Blackout is one of the ones I really like, but I think the price of the Takara figures definitely makes me lean toward the Hasbro figures!

Seems like I see some Animated stuff in Walmart (though I only started looking recently). Are a lot of the Animated figures still available in stores, or did I miss the boat? Seems like some of them (Blurr, Prowl) are pretty pricey on Amazon.

You've largely missed the boat on most of the figures I'm afraid, as it was a filler line for Revenge of the Fallen. If you really want one, Toys 'R Us may still have some, like Cybertron Mode Ratchet and if you're really lucky, Arcee.

That's what I figured based upon what I'd been finding out online.

I think some of the figures are too cool, though, and I'm going to have to acquire some. Their simple transformations and neat character design give them so much personality.

At least I'm in on the ground floor for the War for Cybertron figures and whatever comes out based on Transformers: Prime (provided the show and figures are to my liking).

Between the late 80s and now I sure missed a lot! Haha. Thanks again!

They are definitely a very fun toy line. I'd recommend Prowl in particular (NOT Samurai Prowl) because he's so poseable. There are still quite a few Animated Activators available in my area, along with some of the less popular deluxes. Heck, I even saw a Grimlock the other day. (I'm in Oregon, USA) The Activators are REALLY fun, and a great way to indulge in different decos without spending lots of money.

If you really like a character, the Takara models can be worth it. Ratchet is my favorite, so I bought him from TFsource.com - the metallic paint really makes him pop, it's very pretty.

Watch eBay, and set up alerts if there's a particular toy you want. If you're fine with loose toys sometimes you can find a real bargain. Heck, I'm probably going to get rid of my Samurai Prowl and Deluxe Bumblebee pretty soon.

ETA: Here's comparison shots of my Hasbro and Takara Ratchets.

Hasbro


Takara

Thanks for your reply. I did see some at Walmart today. I bought Animated Skywarp for $13 since it seemed like a good deal. I think he's pretty cool but he wasn't one of my more desired figures, so I have him listed for sale on Amazon and he should fund some other purchase with the profit. They had Swindle in stock too, who I think I'll get and keep. Heck, I might get the other Skywarp for $13 and keep it!

I'm going to keep an eye on on eBay/Amazon for the guys I'm interested in. At the very least I'm itching for the voyager Bulkhead figure. I just really like him

That Takara Ratchet is really awesome! I'm really falling in love with his character on the show. Just saw the episode with his "old war story" flashback!

in addition to eBay and such, make sure to check some of the better online stores like Big Bad and others advertising on this site as they may still have Hasbro Animated in stock.

Animated is a great jumping back in point and glad to see you and your Misses are enjoying it.

retrothomas wrote:Thanks for your reply. I did see some at Walmart today. I bought Animated Skywarp for $13 since it seemed like a good deal. I think he's pretty cool but he wasn't one of my more desired figures, so I have him listed for sale on Amazon and he should fund some other purchase with the profit. They had Swindle in stock too, who I think I'll get and keep. Heck, I might get the other Skywarp for $13 and keep it!

I'm going to keep an eye on on eBay/Amazon for the guys I'm interested in. At the very least I'm itching for the voyager Bulkhead figure. I just really like him

That Takara Ratchet is really awesome! I'm really falling in love with his character on the show. Just saw the episode with his "old war story" flashback!

Engaging characterization is (IMO) Animated's biggest strength. I'd def. keep one of the Skywarps for your clone army, plus he's such a pretty toy! (But beware! There have been reports of loose joints/QC problems with him.) I'd also check out any local TRUs. The one in my town still has Animated endcaps.