The Energon Pub

[El Duque]

Site sponsor TFsource dropped by to let us know they have received some information from Takara regarding the recently listed UN-32 Artfire and how it differ from the Million Publishing Exclusive version.

Although we don't have a picture yet, we have some details from Takara Tomy on the differences in the Million Publishing vs. United Artfires.

We have learned a little more on the Million Publishing vs. United Artfire details! Coloring will be different, Million Publishing will include two partners, Nightstick and Sparks, the UN version will include one, likely "Nightstick" but that is not for sure. The million publishing version will be limited, UN-32, will not. There may be more differences such as packaging, etc. If you want to change your preorder accordingly, please email customercare@tfsource.com now, so that we can modify your order!
http://tfsource.com/products/view/product_id/4225/
http://tfsource.com/products/view/product_id/4693/

Pictures of the Million Artfire can be found below, no picture on UN-32 yet!
http://millionhero.jp/tfg2012/artfire.html

[Kibble]

It's odd Takara is pulling the rug out from under MP like that. While the two little buddies are a nice touch, I don't think the extra one will be worth $70 to me...especially when you could just find his original mold and redeco him yourself. I'm about 95% likely to be canceling that MP preorder...

[Mkall]

I'll be getting both. One will be Artfire and the other will be Shattered Glass Inferno.

[Gauntlet101010]

I'm giving some serious thought to cancelling my preorder for the MP one. Any clue when that's coming out?

I'd really like to see a picture of this to decide which one I want. I don't really have any warm, fuzzy feelings for Arty and the $100 price difference between the two is really steep. It's cool we're getting a Classics Artfire, but I don't know if I really need to shell out the dough for the priciest one available; not if I have a choice.

[It Is Him]

Yeah, I'm with Kibble. This whole thing is rather strange.

[Nemesis Destron]

Me too, I really wanna see the up close comparisons between the 2.

[triKlops]

looks like this will be my cost effective alternative instead of the MillPub one
would like to see some flicks before i plunk down the cash though

[Flux Convoy]

Hey folks, here's some information that isn't really useful information so there. Oh and one of these is missing a Target Master. Maybe... There, all the facts, just for you. I'm sticking with my initial order until we see what's up and can actually gauge what we want based on actual useful information and/or pics.

[gothsaurus]

If I were MP, and Takara released nearly the identical exclusive... I'd switch it TOOOOooooo.....

HAULER.

Odd that we're suddenly getting THREE new retool/redecos of this toy. Will that set a record for this size class? That will be six. Trying to think if anyone else in the "classics" lines has gotten that many in this size class.

[Mkall]

If I were MP, and Takara released nearly the identical exclusive... I'd switch it TOOOOooooo.....

HAULER.

Odd that we're suddenly getting THREE new retool/redecos of this toy. Will that set a record for this size class? That will be six. Trying to think if anyone else in the "classics" lines has gotten that many in this size class.

I think Classics Prime may still hold the record. Classics, Henkei, Ultra Magnus, Nemesis Prime, Crystal Convoy, Shattered Glass Prime and Black Convoy (not counting the cancelled Autobot Black Convoy)

[gothsaurus]

I guess I need to cheer more for Hauler then. That would tie Prime!

[Flux Convoy]

I guess I need to cheer more for Hauler then. That would tie Prime!

I'd be right there with you. I want Hauler pretty badly. Seems like it would be a perfect figure for the club to do. Not only has he had a profile in the club magazine but he's in the last storyline as a background bot. Specifically issues 41 and 42. I'd happily pay out for him.

[Seibertron]

[DMSL]

Wow didn't know Takara would pull a Hasbro and release an "exclusive" repainted figure in the main line. It is a huge price difference as well. I do like the extra Targetmaster but for that huge of a price gap i am not sure. I'll wait till i see pictures and then i will decide whether i change my pre-order or not.

[Kibble]

Although is this a huge price difference over there? It's not costing them $140 if they order it directly...

[Stormrider]

If I were MP, and Takara released nearly the identical exclusive... I'd switch it TOOOOooooo.....

HAULER.

Odd that we're suddenly getting THREE new retool/redecos of this toy. Will that set a record for this size class? That will be six. Trying to think if anyone else in the "classics" lines has gotten that many in this size class.

Seven. Don't forget Asia Hasbro is releasing a blue version as Hotspot.

Although is this a huge price difference over there? It's not costing them $140 if they order it directly...

It's about 2000 yen difference ($25) and it is more difficult to obtain the MP version. You have to buy the MP magazine, cut out the coupon and then mail it in with 6000 Yen. I agree with everyone else, this seems very strange for Takara to do.

[Kibble]

Although is this a huge price difference over there? It's not costing them $140 if they order it directly...

It's about 2000 yen difference ($25) and it is more difficult to obtain the MP version. You have to buy the MP magazine, cut out the coupon and then mail it in with 6000 Yen. I agree with everyone else, this seems very strange for Takara to do.

I agree it's still strange, but if the difference was only $25 I'd probably opt for the fancier exclusive with extra buddies.

[quickmixed]

I'm holding on to my preorder. I display my exclusive figs seperately so I need an exclusive Artfire to go with my exclusive Stepper. I was willing to pay the initial price 2 months ago and still am.

[Arlekkin]

Am I the only one smelling Arms Micron here?

Maybe the new takara version will have the panels on the back painted red instead of white and maybe finally we will get the ladder instead of the water gun/crane.

[El Duque]

In our second piece of Artfire news for the day, it sounds like UN-32 Artfire may not be happening.

If you thought Takara offering a non-exclusive version of Artifre was too good too be true you may have been right! Last week pre-orders started appearing at on-line retailers for UN-32 Artfire, which was followed by news of what differences we could expect between the Takara and Million Publishing versions. This all seemed a bit odd since a Takara general release would step on the toes of the Million Publishing exclusive.

Now word is reaching us that UN-32 Artfire may not exist. Takara has denied the release via their twitter account, and Allspark member (and e-Hobby employee) Hydra had this to say:

I don't know who decided that the supposed regular release of Artfire would only have one Targetmaster, but there is no regular release of Artfire coming. Million posted it on their Twitter account on the 21st, calling it out as a false rumor. I heard the same thing directly from TT staff, so you can safely assume that there is no normal version of Artfire on the way.

-Hydra

It sounds like the Million Publishing exclusive Artfire may be the only game in town.

[Seibertron]

[Gauntlet101010]

Glad to hear this exclusive is still an exclusive.

[fenrir72]

Was this an April Fools joke? Wait, it ain't April anymore.........

[Stumpybot]

somebody done f***ed up this time. Whats that i see in the distance? a tidal wave of pure nerd rage?

this sounded off from day 1 to me. TFsource was the main source of info, the MP exclusivity being so close and the blatantly flipping off the fans that they know had dropped the money. i hope the truth of whats gone on come out, coz a lot of shops were taking preorders for this

[Rated X]

Was I the only one that kept my MP pre-order and was happy for everyone else who was getting the united ? If this was backlash from "nerd outrage" I hope CHMS gets in on the action. I dont condone greediness.