The Energon Pub

Posted: **Sun Jul 01, 2012 11:45 am**

Dear guys

I've been away from collecting TFs for a while, and am now looking at them again. Just a request for updates on a few things.

1. DOTM
a) Is it confirmed that there will no longer be a deluxe Dino, Q, Leadfoot, etc?
b) There were rumours last I heard that there'd be a Leader Megatron. Is that confirmed as cancelled?

2. New Lines
a) I love the Transformers Prime series, but unfortunately it seems that the toys are now no more First Editions but RiDs. Is that going to be the case for all new characters that come out and the quality therefore of the same (sub)standard?

b) What other lines are upcoming? I have read of the FOC line.. will that be a limited number of figures only? What about Generations? I'm really hoping for really cool pieces of engineering such as the line that brought us Terradive last year.

3. New Sizes
One reason I started to lose interest was the crap toys that came out with the DOTM line, including Mech-Tech monstrosities, but also the miniscule sizes, especially obvious with the Voyagers. I found that many just didn't look right next to my existing collections.

Is this going to be the established new size for Deluxes? I.e. if they have Generations again, I can expect all figures to be downsized, and hence entirely out of scale with my existing Classics and Generations line?

Thanks in advance!

BC27

Posted: **Sun Jul 01, 2012 12:08 pm**

1. There was never going to be a Deluxe Dino, and Leadfoot, Soundwave, & Que got cancelled in the U.S. No Leader Megatron either.

2. First Edition was cancelled. Yes, we're getting RiD now. That's the case for all new Prime toys. Also, aside from Optimus, Jazz, and Shockwave, we're also getting Starscream, Ultra Magnus (Optimus retool), Bruticus (all 5 combaticons in Deluxe form. Probably each sold separately), Kickback, Sideswipe (Jazz retool), and Fireflight (Shockwave retool) as far as FOC Generations go.

3. Sizes are going down. e.i FOC Jazz is half the size of Movie Jazz in vehicle mode, and about a head shorter than RTS Jazz. You'll see a lot of that.

Hope all that helped.

Posted: **Sun Jul 01, 2012 12:18 pm**

PrimeStriker wrote:1. There was never going to be a Deluxe Dino, and Leadfoot, Soundwave, & Que got cancelled in the U.S. No Leader Megatron either.

2. First Edition was cancelled. ....

...FOC Jazz is half the size of Movie Jazz in vehicle mode, and about a head shorter than RTS Jazz. You'll see a lot of that.

Hope all that helped.

Hey thanks it definitely did! And it's sad news for me on the sizes. I don't think the money I'm going to save makes up at all for it lol. Thanks again!

Posted: **Sun Jul 01, 2012 12:24 pm**

Bonecrusher27 wrote:1. DOTM
a) Is it confirmed that there will no longer be a deluxe Dino, Q, Leadfoot, etc?
b) There were rumours last I heard that there'd be a Leader Megatron. Is that confirmed as cancelled?

There is no Deluxe Dino, and it doesn't look like there ever will be. As for Que and Leadfoot, they are not coming out at domestic retail, nor is Deluxe Soundwave for Human Alliance Soundwave. You can import Deluxe Que, Soundwave, Leadfoot, and HA Soundwave, as Takara released all of them. Their Leadfoot comes naked with no sponsor logos, though Reprolables makes a nice set of stickers for him.

We did hear a rumor that Leader Megatron and Shockwave were being developed, but that project seems to have died.

Bonecrusher27 wrote:2. New Lines
a) I love the Transformers Prime series, but unfortunately it seems that the toys are now no more First Editions but RiDs. Is that going to be the case for all new characters that come out and the quality therefore of the same (sub)standard?

The only FE figures produced were Voyagers Optimus Prime and Bulkhead, Deluxes Bumblebee, Arcee, Cliffjumper, and Vehicon, and the Deluxe Optimus Prime/Megatron Entertainment Pack with mini figures of the three kids. No one really knows what happened with FE, but the mainline is now Robots in Disguise. I wouldn't say the quality is sub standard, in fact the RID Vehicon is regarded as superior to the FE version by many including myself.

Bonecrusher27 wrote:b) What other lines are upcoming? I have read of the FOC line.. will that be a limited number of figures only? What about Generations? I'm really hoping for really cool pieces of engineering such as the line that brought us Terradive last year.

The FOC figures are being released under the Generations line, they will not be limited. Prime and Generations for the rest of the year. TRU will be getting MP Optimus Prime 2.0 and Thundercracker.

Bonecrusher27 wrote:3. New Sizes
One reason I started to lose interest was the crap toys that came out with the DOTM line, including Mech-Tech monstrosities, but also the miniscule sizes, especially obvious with the Voyagers. I found that many just didn't look right next to my existing collections.

Is this going to be the established new size for Deluxes? I.e. if they have Generations again, I can expect all figures to be downsized, and hence entirely out of scale with my existing Classics and Generations line?

The figures have definitely been downsized, and yes it does seem to be across the board for all lines. High oil prices and a bad economy.

Posted: **Sun Jul 01, 2012 12:27 pm**

Bonecrusher27 wrote:Dear guys

I've been away from collecting TFs for a while, and am now looking at them again. Just a request for updates on a few things.

1. DOTM
a) Is it confirmed that there will no longer be a deluxe Dino, Q, Leadfoot, etc?
b) There were rumours last I heard that there'd be a Leader Megatron. Is that confirmed as cancelled?

DOTM has been cancelled. The only Dino/Mirage toy in existence is the Legends class DOTM Mirage toy. A Repaint of ROTF Legends Sideways.

However, Takara did releas QUE in Japan so he can be acquired through online sources.

No Leader class Megatron was ever considered as far as I know.

Bonecrusher27 wrote:2. New Lines
a) I love the Transformers Prime series, but unfortunately it seems that the toys are now no more First Editions but RiDs. Is that going to be the case for all new characters that come out and the quality therefore of the same (sub)standard?

b) What other lines are upcoming? I have read of the FOC line.. will that be a limited number of figures only? What about Generations? I'm really hoping for really cool pieces of engineering such as the line that brought us Terradive last year.

RID is the default toy line for Prime. First Edition was as its name implies a first run of PRIME figures. Those were cancelled Prematurely, but there was never any reason to expect the entire prime line to be a first edition.

With that said the RID line is hardly substandard, there some great molds out, and many awesome molds coming down. Just because a few of the first ones were noticeably smaller and not as nice as the first editions does not mean the line is substandard as a whole. Give the line a chance.

For other upcoming lines only the continuation of Generations which will include FOC has been revealed thus far. Though the Generations line does inclcde some interesting new molds.

Bonecrusher27 wrote:3. New Sizes
One reason I started to lose interest was the crap toys that came out with the DOTM line, including Mech-Tech monstrosities, but also the miniscule sizes, especially obvious with the Voyagers. I found that many just didn't look right next to my existing collections.

Is this going to be the established new size for Deluxes? I.e. if they have Generations again, I can expect all figures to be downsized, and hence entirely out of scale with my existing Classics and Generations line?

Thanks in advance!

BC27

Figure sizes have never seen set in stone, they change through the years and even within in same lines. There's no way to say if this will be a standard size. For now it seems it is, but these sizes are not without precedent. R.I.D back in 2000 had very small deluxes. Yes some of them are very small now like FOC shockwave, but there's no way to say this is the new size for ever. It may just be for this run, and will change next year.

Posted: **Sun Jul 01, 2012 12:35 pm**

Bonecrusher27 wrote:1. DOTM
a) Is it confirmed that there will no longer be a deluxe Dino, Q, Leadfoot, etc?
b) There were rumours last I heard that there'd be a Leader Megatron. Is that confirmed as cancelled?

A) Deluxe Dino was never created, due to licensing issues with Ferrari. However, a Speed Stars toy and a repaint of Legends Sideways as Mirage were released in his stead.
Leadfoot has turned up in a Target exclusive 2-pack with Topspin on EBay, that item was canceled. Que/Wheeljack has been released in Asia regions, but not the US.
However, Soundwave (both HA and Deluxe), Que and Leadfoot have been released by TakaraTomy. No differences, except Leadfoot has lost his sponsor markings.

B) The rumors were untrue to my knowledge.

Bonecrusher27 wrote:2. New Lines
a) I love the Transformers Prime series, but unfortunately it seems that the toys are now no more First Editions but RiDs. Is that going to be the case for all new characters that come out and the quality therefore of the same (sub)standard?

b) What other lines are upcoming? I have read of the FOC line.. will that be a limited number of figures only? What about Generations? I'm really hoping for really cool pieces of engineering such as the line that brought us Terradive last year.

A) It's all RiD from here, but to say it's inferior to FE is a bit harsh. Rumor has it that although FE has been canceled for the US, Hasbro is looking into re-releasing them. So far some have been re-released in the Asia regions.
Worth noting is that TakaraTomy has his own take on the line, called "Arms Micron" series. Instead of their standard weapons those come with build-your-own Mini-Cons and instead of paint they have stickers for ultimate customising fun!
B) Generations is to restart with a good number of figures from the game Fall of Cybertron. Confirmed are:

Deluxe
- Shockwave
- Autobot Jazz
- Optimus Prime
- Bruticus (a combiner with all 5 Combaticons, all Deluxe)

and starting in 2013:
- Starscream
- Kickback
- Sideswipe (Jazz retool)
- Ultra Magnus (Optimus Prime retool)
- Fireflight (Shockwave retool)

Voyager
- Soundwave with Laserbeak
- Soundblaster with Buzzsaw

Legion
- Rumble & Ravage
- Ratbat & Frenzy

The Prime line will continue into 2013, but the highlights are of course, from Japan. Personally, the greatest for me is Arms Micron Unicron. Check out the Event Galleries, specifically BotCon 2012, and keep an eye out for SDCC 2012.

Bonecrusher27 wrote:3. New Sizes
One reason I started to lose interest was the crap toys that came out with the DOTM line, including Mech-Tech monstrosities, but also the miniscule sizes, especially obvious with the Voyagers. I found that many just didn't look right next to my existing collections.

Is this going to be the established new size for Deluxes? I.e. if they have Generations again, I can expect all figures to be downsized, and hence entirely out of scale with my existing Classics and Generations line?

Figures overall are getting smaller thanks to the financial crisis and the price of crude oil, but don't let that stop you, ok?

Posted: **Mon Jul 02, 2012 12:34 am**

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:Figures overall are getting smaller thanks to the financial crisis and the price of crude oil, but don't let that stop you, ok?

I, for one, am very disheartened with the shrinking-transformer-syndrome. At this rate, Bot-Shots will be the new Leader Class

Posted: **Mon Jul 02, 2012 3:10 am**

breakdown99 wrote:
JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:Figures overall are getting smaller thanks to the financial crisis and the price of crude oil, but don't let that stop you, ok?

I, for one, am very disheartened with the shrinking-transformer-syndrome. At this rate, Bot-Shots will be the new Leader Class

"Leader Class" he said.

Posted: **Mon Jul 02, 2012 4:30 am**

El Duque wrote:
Bonecrusher27 wrote:2. New Lines
a) I love the Transformers Prime series, but unfortunately it seems that the toys are now no more First Editions but RiDs. Is that going to be the case for all new characters that come out and the quality therefore of the same (sub)standard?

The only FE figures produced were Voyagers Optimus Prime and Bulkhead, Deluxes Bumblebee, Arcee, Cliffjumper, and Vehicon, and the Deluxe Optimus Prime/Megatron Entertainment Pack with mini figures of the three kids. No one really knows what happened with FE, but the mainline is now Robots in Disguise. I wouldn't say the quality is sub standard, in fact the RID Vehicon is regarded as superior to the FE version by many including myself.

There was an FE Starscream as well, Deluxe, and a 2nd Entertainment Pack with a repainted BB and Starscream. And the NYCC exclusive yellow cab Bee and pink Arcee.

And yeah, some of the RID and Arms Micron guys are really nice.

Posted: **Thu Jul 05, 2012 11:32 am**

Hey guys,

Thanks for all the responses, really helped me get up to date and get realistic fast on what's out there and what not to waste time hoping for.

El Duque wrote:
The only FE figures produced were Voyagers Optimus Prime and Bulkhead, Deluxes Bumblebee, Arcee, Cliffjumper, and Vehicon, and the Deluxe Optimus Prime/Megatron Entertainment Pack with mini figures of the three kids. No one really knows what happened with FE, but the mainline is now Robots in Disguise. I wouldn't say the quality is sub standard, in fact the RID Vehicon is regarded as superior to the FE version by many including myself.

Thanks for that checklist. I went to get some figure and I used that as a guide to what I should just buy RiD, and which have FEs that I can hunt for in my own time. I ended up buy FE Bulkhead, FE Arcee, RiD soundwave, and am extremely delighted by their aesthetic and transformation, especially Bulkhead.

Overcracker wrote:With that said the RID line is hardly substandard, there some great molds out, and many awesome molds coming down. Just because a few of the first ones were noticeably smaller and not as nice as the first editions does not mean the line is substandard as a whole. Give the line a chance.

I stand corrected. I bought the RiD Soundwave and have zero complaints. Great articulation, the aesthetics capture the feel of the series very well. It's good to know that RiD is the default now, so I can just buy as they come out. I must say i'm extremely disappointed with Knockout's paintjob though. Makes me really wish I'd learnt to paint models years ago.

JelZe Goldrabbit wrote:
A) Deluxe Dino was never created, due to licensing issues with Ferrari.
...
Figures overall are getting smaller thanks to the financial crisis and the price of crude oil, but don't let that stop you, ok?

That is most surprising! I would have thought that if they okayed the figure in the movies they'd be good to have toys made too. Any idea how these things work? I recall VW no longer allowing the beetle for Bumblebee. I would have thought this would be good publicity for them.

I think I'll still get some but it really does feel crappy because now it'll be out of scale so display and aesthetics wise it's a huge problem. Personally I would rather have paid a bit more to get toys more to the scale I'm used to. I don't suppose anyone has an idea how much more they would have cost if they'd gone with previous sizes.

I suppose that this pretty much is the end of Leader figures in the future?

Once again thanks for all your excellent replies!

Posted: **Thu Jul 05, 2012 12:06 pm**

Licensing for onscreen appearances seems to not include licensing for figures.

Sideways suffered a similar fate in ROTF . While in movie he was an Audi R6. The actual toy wasn't actually a licensed Audi. Very close,but no actual logos anywhere.

As far as sizing goes... Who can say what other lines may offer. Prime seems to be happy with voyagers. Though there es that battle station Optimus Prime. Generations is mostly deluxe. With a few voyagers.

For now there's no line that would have a leader class figure. But there's no telling what Prime will bring down the line. Or what the next movie will feature.

And this is not the first time we get tiny deluxes. The 2000's R.I.D line had really small deluxes. And really lanky voyagers.

Posted: **Thu Jul 05, 2012 1:17 pm**

Overcracker wrote:And this is not the first time we get tiny deluxes. The 2000's R.I.D line had really small deluxes. And really lanky voyagers.

That argument is moot, because the Car Robot line didn't really have the standard price points Hasbro had for Beast Wars, rather Takara's, at the time, flexible pricing structure. Plus, the current pricing structure stems from Armada. The Bullet Trains, for example, were Mega Class, inbetween current Deluxe and Voyager Classes.

Posted: **Thu Jul 05, 2012 3:46 pm**

While takara may have had the flexible pricing, Habsro did not.

From what I could find, the figures were grouped into the closest category for pricing.

According to tfarchive. Deluxes were 9.99 standard price which included the 3 car robots molds. The machine wars repaint two packs and Mega Octane (g1 onslaught repaint) Among others.

That means that at the time, you were paying 9.99 for a small figure, and paying 9.99 for a two pack OS smaller figures, or 9.99 for a combiner torso.

Posted: **Thu Jul 05, 2012 3:55 pm**

Overcracker wrote:While takara may have had the flexible pricing, Habsro did not.

From what I could find, the figures were grouped into the closest category for pricing.

According to tfarchive. Deluxes were 9.99 standard price which included the 3 car robots molds. The machine wars repaint two packs and Mega Octane (g1 onslaught repaint) Among others.

That means that at the time, you were paying 9.99 for a small figure, and paying 9.99 for a two pack OS smaller figures, or 9.99 for a combiner torso.

Don't forget that the Build Team were also all Deluxe, but Wedge was more the size of a Basic/Scout. The three Predacon Basics were in a Mega Class 3-pack, for the sake of bolstering.

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