The Energon Pub

[EvasionModeBumblebee]

Not what I was expecting, but I like it! It's cool to see a unique Thundercracker that isn't just blue Starscream, and I'll totally be picking this one up. I also like how they tied him into DOTM even if we didn't see him, I hope we get more figures like this later on!

[chuckdawg1999]

Is it the lighting or does the back of the box have it wrong and Thundercracker isn't that blue?

[william-james88]

We just newsed that Trasformers Studio Series Thundercracker was found at a US Toysrus. It's number was 09 in the series and, right away, we wondered if that meant Takara would be getting that too since so far their numbering has been the exact same as Hasbro's (as are the toys). Well, the Loopaza Mega Store added information regarding Takara's release of the Studio Series. This is our first confirmation that they will indeed also be releasing Megatron, Jazz, Lockdown and Brawl. However, their number will be different from Hasbro's with Jazz at number 09 and the rest following suit. Will this mean that the boxes will be different then? And does that mean Takara wil not be releasing Thundercracker?

This is also an occasion to get some stock images we have not seen yet of these same toys since Takara always uses the finished products for their marketting as opposed to renders. Hopefully we will get these same images in better definition soon.

[Evil Eye]

Thundercracker looks cool but I'll probably get Nitro Zeus instead to be honest. He suits the mold better, at least IMO.

[Sabrblade]

You know, this Thundercracker would actually make for a half-decent Cloud Thundercracker, to go along with jet-tank Starscream and Hellwarp.

[dragons]

Thundercracker looks cool but I'll probably get Nitro Zeus instead to be honest. He suits the mold better, at least IMO.

Thunder crack good repaints in jet mode bad looking repaint in bot ok looking figure I don't see green mold on toy

[Lunatic Prime]

That said, I'm now considering buying this just so the Legends Ghost Starscream Headmaster has something to ride in. I'm not a fan of mixing the styles, but it might be OK.

Emerje

The new head is the only reason I really want this one because I already have Nitro Zeus. The color scheme looks good, too. In general I avoid buying two versions of a mold (retools are kinda another mold to me but only a new head isn't a real retool to me. So now that everyone is confused I can go on ). But the head and new color scheme make it really worth to me owning two variants of it. I might even have picked up TC over Nitro if they released them simultaneously. But I have to wait until I see him unboxed in a good lighting.

[Overcracker]

The more I see of Jazz, the more I want him.

Never got the original movie Jazz due to the horrible arms even though I loved the Solstice alt mode.

Lockdown looks pretty cool.

Megs I'm still on the fence about. Will need to see comparison pics with his old tank self to make a decision.

Brawl does nothing for me. Still have he original Deluxe Class, and its a pretty decent toy for what he is.

[Rysquad]

Gonna check tonight. Hopefully they didn't buy them all.

[Rysquad]

That said, I'm now considering buying this just so the Legends Ghost Starscream Headmaster has something to ride in. I'm not a fan of mixing the styles, but it might be OK.

Emerje

The new head is the only reason I really want this one because I already have Nitro Zeus. The color scheme looks good, too. In general I avoid buying two versions of a mold (retools are kinda another mold to me but only a new head isn't a real retool to me. So now that everyone is confused I can go on ). But the head and new color scheme make it really worth to me owning two variants of it. I might even have picked up TC over Nitro if they released them simultaneously. But I have to wait until I see him unboxed in a good lighting.

I want to use the Nitro mold for troop building. I have Legends Octane with Headmaster Ghost Starscream on the way. Already using one Nitro for Thunderwing. Need another for Scorponok.

[Aimless Misfire]

Already using one Nitro for Thunderwing.

Why is everybody using Nitro for Thunderwing when Titans Return Black/Sky Shadow's jet is clearly the same sculpt as G1 Thunderwing? I can't make any sense out of it, Nitro doesn't look anything like Thunderwing.

[primalxconvoy]

Already using one Nitro for Thunderwing.

Why is everybody using Nitro for Thunderwing when Titans Return Black/Sky Shadow's jet is clearly the same sculpt as G1 Thunderwing? I can't make any sense out of it, Nitro doesn't look anything like Thunderwing.

1/ The colours are similar.

2/ The recent Headmaster Thunderwing hasn't got a body.

3/ Nitro Zeus' lack of paint, large size and relatively low profile in TF lore make it an ideal host for customising a new figure, that doesn't require much effort and doesn't cause any "uncanny valley" reactions of "That's just a fanmode!".

- Repainting Black Shadow takes more effort, regardless of how much more authentic-looking it is.

[william-james88]

Already using one Nitro for Thunderwing.

Why is everybody using Nitro for Thunderwing when Titans Return Black/Sky Shadow's jet is clearly the same sculpt as G1 Thunderwing? I can't make any sense out of it, Nitro doesn't look anything like Thunderwing.

But Sky Shadow is all in black

[Jelze Bunnycat]

We just newsed that Trasformers Studio Series Thundercracker was found at a US Toysrus. It's number was 09 in the series and, right away, we wondered if that meant Takara would be getting that too since so far their numbering has been the exact same as Hasbro's (as are the toys). Well, the Loopaza Mega Store added information regarding Takara's release of the Studio Series. This is our first confirmation that they will indeed also be releasing Megatron, Jazz, Lockdown and Brawl. However, their number will be different from Hasbro's with Jazz at number 09 and the rest following suit. Will this mean that the boxes will be different then? And does that mean Takara wil not be releasing Thundercracker?

This is also an occasion to get some stock images we have not seen yet of these same toys since Takara always uses the finished products for their marketting as opposed to renders. Hopefully we will get these same images in better definition soon.

TakaraTomy's SS numbers and Hasro's regular numbers have lined up so far, but it appears Thundercracker having a number despite being a planned exclusive (no assortment code) throws a wrench into things. Not a real problem as the boxes for TakaraTomy are different, and include the SS number:



Furthermore, right now Hasbro's missing 10 and 11, which may be assigned to Ratchet and Lockdown. TakaraTomy's lineup has no gaps so far, so Thundercracker may not see release in Japan, or as SS-EX. He never was in the movies anyway.

[SureShot18]

That Thundercracker’s robot mode is utterly bizarre. The jet looks killer in those colors though.

[Rysquad]

Already using one Nitro for Thunderwing.

Why is everybody using Nitro for Thunderwing when Titans Return Black/Sky Shadow's jet is clearly the same sculpt as G1 Thunderwing? I can't make any sense out of it, Nitro doesn't look anything like Thunderwing.

1/ The colours are similar.

2/ The recent Headmaster Thunderwing hasn't got a body.

3/ Nitro Zeus' lack of paint, large size and relatively low profile in TF lore make it an ideal host for customising a new figure, that doesn't require much effort and doesn't cause any "uncanny valley" reactions of "That's just a fanmode!".

- Repainting Black Shadow takes more effort, regardless of how much more authentic-looking it is.

yep.


Basically, Thunderwing on Nitro Zeus is simple.

[-Kanrabat-]

Already using one Nitro for Thunderwing.

Why is everybody using Nitro for Thunderwing when Titans Return Black/Sky Shadow's jet is clearly the same sculpt as G1 Thunderwing? I can't make any sense out of it, Nitro doesn't look anything like Thunderwing.

1/ The colours are similar.

2/ The recent Headmaster Thunderwing hasn't got a body.

3/ Nitro Zeus' lack of paint, large size and relatively low profile in TF lore make it an ideal host for customising a new figure, that doesn't require much effort and doesn't cause any "uncanny valley" reactions of "That's just a fanmode!".

- Repainting Black Shadow takes more effort, regardless of how much more authentic-looking it is.

yep.


Basically, Thunderwing on Nitro Zeus is simple.

It's not just simplicity. It's the overall sculp as well for the robot mode. Nitro Zeu's chest is very "Thunderwingy" from the start. As for Black Shadow, it would require a severe chest modding. Plus, Nitro Zeus overall look make for a PERFECT movie Thunderwing. It's TW with an earth mode and that's awesome.



Anyone curious enough can see more HERE.

[william-james88]

Plus the details match with Stormbringer Thunderwing

[Aimless Misfire]

Oh, ok. I was looking at the jet mode not the robot mode. Sky Shadow's jet mode is a perfect modern update of Thunderwing. I've always seen Nitro as Needlenose. But I'm only concentrating on the jet modes.

I was never able to get the Thunderwing Titan Master. I couldn't get that boxed set so I bought Metalhawk & Tidalwave off ebay separately. Never got around to Thunderwing or Pounce. I'm not paying $20 or higher for a head with no body. I can get a full MISB deluxe with that money.

[Emerje]

Already using one Nitro for Thunderwing.

Why is everybody using Nitro for Thunderwing when Titans Return Black/Sky Shadow's jet is clearly the same sculpt as G1 Thunderwing? I can't make any sense out of it, Nitro doesn't look anything like Thunderwing.

But Sky Shadow is all in black

And the Thunderwing Titan Master isn't really a good fit for Leader class. Not to mention Sky Shadow's helmet doesn't suit Thunderwing.

Furthermore, right now Hasbro's missing 10 and 11, which may be assigned to Ratchet and Lockdown. TakaraTomy's lineup has no gaps so far, so Thundercracker may not see release in Japan, or as SS-EX. He never was in the movies anyway.

I can't be bothered to double check, but if TFWiki is right then Jazz is 10 and Lockdown is 11 so Thundercracker does cause the numbers to stray.

Emerje

[-Kanrabat-]

Oh, ok. I was looking at the jet mode not the robot mode. Sky Shadow's jet mode is a perfect modern update of Thunderwing. I've always seen Nitro as Needlenose. But I'm only concentrating on the jet modes.

I was never able to get the Thunderwing Titan Master. I couldn't get that boxed set so I bought Metalhawk & Tidalwave off ebay separately. Never got around to Thunderwing or Pounce. I'm not paying $20 or higher for a head with no body. I can get a full MISB deluxe with that money.

The only reason I bought the box set was to get that head. All the other figures were a bonus. A very, very LARGE bonus.

Also, it's very sad that Funpub, the Collector Club, and Botcon are no longer a thing. Because Leader Black Shadow would have been a sureshot remold/repaint as Thunderwing.

Oh well, some KO company and/or Shapeway might get to it some day.

[Jelze Bunnycat]

Furthermore, right now Hasbro's missing 10 and 11, which may be assigned to Ratchet and Lockdown. TakaraTomy's lineup has no gaps so far, so Thundercracker may not see release in Japan, or as SS-EX. He never was in the movies anyway.

I can't be bothered to double check, but if TFWiki is right then Jazz is 10 and Lockdown is 11 so Thundercracker does cause the numbers to stray.

Emerje

Simply put, TakaraTomy's numbering will be 1 behind after 8, Blackout.

[Budder Prime]

Already using one Nitro for Thunderwing.

Why is everybody using Nitro for Thunderwing when Titans Return Black/Sky Shadow's jet is clearly the same sculpt as G1 Thunderwing? I can't make any sense out of it, Nitro doesn't look anything like Thunderwing.

1/ The colours are similar.

2/ The recent Headmaster Thunderwing hasn't got a body.

3/ Nitro Zeus' lack of paint, large size and relatively low profile in TF lore make it an ideal host for customising a new figure, that doesn't require much effort and doesn't cause any "uncanny valley" reactions of "That's just a fanmode!".

- Repainting Black Shadow takes more effort, regardless of how much more authentic-looking it is.

I am honestly wondering why Hasbro hasn't just made an official one, It works so well.

yep.


Basically, Thunderwing on Nitro Zeus is simple.

It's not just simplicity. It's the overall sculp as well for the robot mode. Nitro Zeu's chest is very "Thunderwingy" from the start. As for Black Shadow, it would require a severe chest modding. Plus, Nitro Zeus overall look make for a PERFECT movie Thunderwing. It's TW with an earth mode and that's awesome.



Anyone curious enough can see more HERE.

[Qwan]

It's not long ago at all that the exclusive Studio Series Thundercracker made his debut at US Toys R Us stores, and now we have official images of the very same 'bot from Weibo user 淘宝店变形金刚改造工厂.

Before we get into the images though, it's also been reported that Thundercracker scans at $29.99 at Toys R Us stores! This is the same price as other Studio Series Voyagers, so it appears that Thundercracker won't cost any extra despite being a store exclusive.

The first picture from Weibo shows Thundercracker's packaging art in full - tweaked from that of The Last Knight Nitro Zeus (Thundercracker's base for this toy) and sporting Thundercracker's head instead. The other two images depict the toy in its robot and vehicle modes, and give us our best look so far at what we might expect it to look like color-wise. Thundercracker sports paint detail heavily based on his Generation 1 appearance, though with a small amount of 'realistic' modification to better fit a more Movie-based aesthetic: a clear cockpit instead of yellow, more subtle Decepticon symbols on the wings, and so on. It even appears that the front-most sections of his wings in jet mode have been made gray to visually replicate the intakes on his G1 toy.

Check out the images below or in the gallery on Weibo, and let us know your thoughts too by posting about this news in the Energon Pub Forums!

[-Kanrabat-]

I'm sold. I REALLY want this TC!