The Energon Pub

News Credits: 10 · by **sol magnus** » Tue May 11, 2021 12:23 pm

Mirage has actually been retooled slightly to have an actual Earth Mode.

News Credits: 12 · by **Razorbeast88** » Tue May 11, 2021 12:23 pm

sol magnus wrote:
Razorbeast88 wrote:https://youtu.be/T8UKATBSsRY

Kremzeek put up a review of tracks already

Gotta say I wasn't one of the people hating on this guy before but wow the legs and feet are just terrible. And I knew the flight mode sucked but oof. I wanted him since he's a pretty unique character but I guess I'll wait a few years for the next one. I at least wanted a loudpedal out of this mold but now I think I'll pass either way

Huh. The only thing I'm not liking about that figure is the feet set up. That's not going to go over well in the long term. But the face sculpt and everything else seemed to turn out okay. His copy seems a little loose, so maybe they'll work that out when we get them in stores.

He's a sentimental purchase for me either way.

I'm not too bothered by the feet, I think the legs are what worry me the most
But yeah hopefully it's more his copy than anything

News Credits: 23 · by **aronjlove** » Tue May 11, 2021 12:27 pm

sol magnus wrote:Mirage has actually been retooled slightly to have an actual Earth Mode.

And it looks like he lost the shoulder mount during the retooling?

News Credits: 12 · by **Razorbeast88** » Tue May 11, 2021 12:36 pm

Automatic pre-order for me, I haven't shut up about this set since it was first rumored

I would've preferred sideswipe instead of mirage, I skipped out on siege version thinking earth mode would be in this set, but im happy with my gen selects deep cover and I pre-ordered gigawatt awhile back

Not the biggest fan of this mold of mirage but I do like the character so he's a welcome addition to the collection

As for Grimlock!!! I will say I'm not quite sure how I feel about him yet. Love him because he's BW Grimlock (finally) but I expected something resembling the IDW version with the blue spots. This white and gray look is interesting though, adds some contrast that I guess wouldn't have been there before. And what an interesting head sculpt!!! Is that from a previous design or is it new?

by **Nemesis Reformatted** » Tue May 11, 2021 12:39 pm

Thank God I don't want Grimlock or Mirage. I'm trying to avoid Amazon as much as possible after they F'ed me over on my Ratchet/Lifeline order.

Here's a little tip for anybody wanting an Amazon exclusive. Put in your pre-order but DON'T TRUST IT! As soon as they start shipping keep your eyes on the ebay auctions. If Amazon doesn't ship yours right away be ready to jump on the first ebay listing for a decent price. The prices shouldn't be too high at first. And do this especially if you only want 1 figure out of the set. I wish I had done this with Ratchet & Lifeline but unfortunately, I trusted Amazon. That turned out to be a huge mistake. :-x

Razorbeast88 wrote:
Nemesis Reformatted wrote:
Razorbeast88 wrote:https://youtu.be/T8UKATBSsRY

Kremzeek put up a review of tracks already

Gotta say I wasn't one of the people hating on this guy before but wow the legs and feet are just terrible. And I knew the flight mode sucked but oof. I wanted him since he's a pretty unique character but I guess I'll wait a few years for the next one. I at least wanted a loudpedal out of this mold but now I think I'll pass either way

I love it & can't wait to get 2. 1 to keep as-is in his cartoon form. And the other to customize into his original & way cooler-looking toy form. I was only going to get 1 & customize it but the changes are different enough to get 2.

Tracks is the perfect example of pointless & unnecessary changes they made to the cartoon. His original toy version looked like a badass ninja. Kinda like a male version of Nightbird. With the huge ninja craze of the 80's I'm surprised they didn't market him that way. He could have easily been the Transformers equivalent of Snake Eyes.

Happy for you! I definitely agree that the G1 toy's head sculpt was wayyyyyy cooler. Exactly why I considered getting a loudpedal (if they made one) instead of tracks. Post pictures of the customized tracks when you're finished with him!

I'm trying to get my Youtube channel going but I need a lot of practice with public speaking. I have everything set up but I suck at speaking on camera. I want to post a bunch of customizing tutorials along with toy hunts & reviews. I have my new Studio Series 86 Grimlock ready to go but I can't talk about it naturally, I keep pausing to collect my thoughts. I'm gonna keep practicing, hopefully I'll get the hang of it soon. It's a lot harder than it seems.

News Credits: 12 · by **Razorbeast88** » Tue May 11, 2021 12:49 pm

Nemesis Reformatted wrote:Thank God I don't want Grimlock or Mirage. I'm trying to avoid Amazon as much as possible after they F'ed me over on my Ratchet/Lifeline order.

Here's a little tip for anybody wanting an Amazon exclusive. Put in your pre-order but DON'T TRUST IT! As soon as they start shipping keep your eyes on the ebay auctions. If Amazon doesn't ship yours right away be ready to jump on the first ebay listing for a decent price. The prices shouldn't be too high at first. And do this especially if you only want 1 figure out of the set. I wish I had done this with Ratchet & Lifeline but unfortunately, I trusted Amazon. That turned out to be a huge mistake.

Razorbeast88 wrote:
Nemesis Reformatted wrote:
Razorbeast88 wrote:https://youtu.be/T8UKATBSsRY

Kremzeek put up a review of tracks already

Gotta say I wasn't one of the people hating on this guy before but wow the legs and feet are just terrible. And I knew the flight mode sucked but oof. I wanted him since he's a pretty unique character but I guess I'll wait a few years for the next one. I at least wanted a loudpedal out of this mold but now I think I'll pass either way

I love it & can't wait to get 2. 1 to keep as-is in his cartoon form. And the other to customize into his original & way cooler-looking toy form. I was only going to get 1 & customize it but the changes are different enough to get 2.

Tracks is the perfect example of pointless & unnecessary changes they made to the cartoon. His original toy version looked like a badass ninja. Kinda like a male version of Nightbird. With the huge ninja craze of the 80's I'm surprised they didn't market him that way. He could have easily been the Transformers equivalent of Snake Eyes.

Happy for you! I definitely agree that the G1 toy's head sculpt was wayyyyyy cooler. Exactly why I considered getting a loudpedal (if they made one) instead of tracks. Post pictures of the customized tracks when you're finished with him!

I'm trying to get my Youtube channel going but I need a lot of practice with public speaking. I have everything set up but I suck at speaking on camera. I want to post a bunch of customizing tutorials along with toy hunts & reviews. I have my new Studio Series 86 Grimlock ready to go but I can't talk about it naturally, I keep pausing to collect my thoughts. I'm gonna keep practicing, hopefully I'll get the hang of it soon. It's a lot harder than it seems.

That's so unfortunate you had that experience with Amazon. I haven't had any problems so far, though the only exclusive I've ordered was Barricade with P-CP.

As far as the YouTube channel, best of luck! Public speaking can be pretty difficult but maybe writing down what you want to say or bullet points of the things you want to say can help organize your thoughts. From there it's just rehearse rehearse rehearse! Memorization helps as well. From there you can record yourself with multiple takes to slowly practice taking out any awkard pauses or stop yourself from saying words like "um" or "like" too often. Its frustrating now but you'll get the hang of it! Can't wait to check it out

News Credits: 12 · by **Razorbeast88** » Tue May 11, 2021 12:52 pm

The more I look at Grimlocks head the more I like it. And the gray is nice too, I think my only real complaint is that the fake eyes on his chest are unpainted. Some paint on the shoulders would've been nice too but it's those eyes that get to me

Other than that I'm loving it, and the idea that they're taking on waspinator, starscream and dinobot. Very interested to see what else will come out of this line

And the more I look at mirage the more he grows on me

That artwork though! Beautiful

News Credits: 19 · by **blackeyedprime** » Tue May 11, 2021 12:58 pm

I really disliked siege Mirage but his new one is in middle grounds for me. The grey bits could have done with being blue and numbering 26 on alt modes nose with the autobot symbol being a bit further up would have improved the alt mode a bit.

Grimlocks not doing anything for me, the figure has enough flaws as dinobot yet alone for a repaint -tho the lack of shiny chesticles helps grimlock out a bit.

Really glad hasbro pulse has got them instock rather than relying on amazon uk to never have them but £10 more for a voyager/deluxe at £55 is a bit pricey. Think I'm still sticking to classics mirage and maybe this mirage will get used for all of the repaints in selects.

News Credits: 56 · by **o.supreme** » Tue May 11, 2021 12:59 pm

Well that is a nice option that both Pulse & Amazon are offering it to hopefully avoid some of the shortages that occurred with last years Amazon exclusives. We see Waspinator and another feathered bot (I assume Skywarp which is a retool of Airazor)...on the packaging. I know there were some rumors going around, but I can't keep them all straight, it will be interesting to see how many of these sets there are, and what characters they contain.

News Credits: 456 · by **Sabrblade** » Tue May 11, 2021 1:02 pm

They... They de-Dalmatian-ed Grimlock's deco.

News Credits: 10 · by **sol magnus** » Tue May 11, 2021 1:03 pm

aronjlove wrote:
sol magnus wrote:Mirage has actually been retooled slightly to have an actual Earth Mode.

And it looks like he lost the shoulder mount during the retooling?

Strangely enough, that looks like the case. A suprise, to be sure, but an unwelcome one. #-o

News Credits: 387 · by **Bounti76** » Tue May 11, 2021 1:24 pm

The Amazon exclusive 2-pack (subtitled 'Battle Across Time') of Grimlock and Mirage has been revealed! What's more, it's also up for preorder at Amazon, with a limited number of sets available at Hasbro Pulse (where Pulse Premium members have first access).

Grimlock is a new head retool and complete redeco of Kingdom Dinobot, paying homage to Grimlock's Beast Wars toy being a redeco of Dinobot. As such, he's listed as 'Maximal Grimlock.

Mirage is a retool of his Siege figure into an Earth-mode racecar, featuring the same head, unlike his previous Amazon exclusive figure, which featured a more G1 toy accurate head.

Read on for the official press release from Hasbro, as well as official pictures of the duo (and see if you notice how we may be getting a certain figure).

Transformers: Generations War for Cybertron: Kingdom Battle Across Time Collection Deluxe WFC-K40 Autobot Mirage and Maximal Grimlock

(Ages 8 and Up / Approx. Retail Price: $49.99/ Available: 11/1/2021)

The Deluxe WFC-K40 AUTOBOT MIRAGE and MAXIMAL GRIMLOCK Battle Across Time Collection includes a G1-inspired AUTOBOT MIRAGE figure standing at 5.5 inches tall that converts to Earth racecar mode in 20 steps and a Beast-Wars: Uprising-inspired MAXIMAL GRIMLOCK standing at 5.5 inches tall that converts to raptor mode in 28 steps. The figures come with 2 blaster accessories and MAXIMAL GRIMLOCK’s tail detaches from raptor mode to become 2 sword accessories!

The Battle Across Time Collection allows fans to experience the clash between G1 and Beast Wars with MAXIMAL and AUTOBOT team-ups! With DINOBOT, STARSCREAM, and WASPINATOR in pursuit, GRIMLOCK and MIRAGE must team up to keep the DECEPTICON-PREDACON threat at bay. Each Battle Across Time pack features exclusive art that creates an epic battle scene when combined (each sold separately, subject to availability).

Beastify the battlefield! Worlds collide when the MAXIMALS and PREDACONS join the fight, coming together with the AUTOBOTS and DECEPTICONS in an epic battle that will alter their destiny forever. Adult fans nostalgic for the original TRANSFORMERS animation and kids discovering classic characters for the first time can share and experience exciting play patterns for all generations. Available now for pre-order on Amazon.

So what do you think of this two-pack, Seibertronians? Are you excited to have both these figures? Click on any photo above to be taken to the Amazon listing, and let us know what you think below!

News Credits: 11 · by **Munkky** » Tue May 11, 2021 1:26 pm

This set looks good, and even better Hasbro Pulse UK will actually be stocking it! Though I don't know if it's something I really need in my collection. G1 Mirage has never been a character I've cared all that much about, but it's good to see an Earth mode version of the Seige mould finally happen, and while I am nostalgic for Beast Wars Grimlock and I think it's been done well here, I only recently bought Studio Series 1986 Grimlock so that's good enough for me.

News Credits: 10 · by **sol magnus** » Tue May 11, 2021 1:30 pm

I'm probably going to sell the Grimlock, to be honest. Not doubling up on any Beast Wars sculpts.

News Credits: 10 · by **JazZeke** » Tue May 11, 2021 1:37 pm

sol magnus wrote:I'm probably going to sell the Grimlock, to be honest. Not doubling up on any Beast Wars sculpts.

My brother wants Grimlock but not Mirage. Any chance we could arrange something?

News Credits: 10 · by **sol magnus** » Tue May 11, 2021 1:39 pm

JazZeke wrote:
sol magnus wrote:I'm probably going to sell the Grimlock, to be honest. Not doubling up on any Beast Wars sculpts.

My brother wants Grimlock but not Mirage. Any chance we could arrange something?

I'm sure there's a way. I pre-ordered it already.

by **Betenoire** » Tue May 11, 2021 1:43 pm

(Ages 8 and Up / Approx. Retail Price: $49.99/ Available: 11/1/2021)
---

Must have been written pre pricing change as both Amazon and Pulse have it at $52.99 at the moment.

Which seems better than the Shattered Glass Megs jump.

News Credits: 1 · by **bluecatcinema** » Tue May 11, 2021 1:49 pm

Is anyone else having trouble seeing the images?

News Credits: 22 · by **Rodimus Prime** » Tue May 11, 2021 1:53 pm

They both look good, but I have no attachment to Grimlock. Mirage, if the difference from the Siege version is significant enough, I'll try to get.

News Credits: 650 · by **ScottyP** » Tue May 11, 2021 2:01 pm

Really diggin' that toy-style headsculpt on BW Grimlock. Hope the next time this mold gets some use it's a heavier retool for Thrustor

News Credits: 8 · by **Autobot Roadburn** » Tue May 11, 2021 2:16 pm

Rodimus Prime wrote:They both look good, but I have no attachment to Grimlock. Mirage, if the difference from the Siege version is significant enough, I'll try to get.

Let me know if you want to split a set, I’m more interested in Grimlock

News Credits: 100 · by **-Kanrabat-** » Tue May 11, 2021 2:28 pm

Broken pictures. Broken pictures everywhere
Appart that, Mirage is a big "meh" for me and that BW Grimlock look weird. I know it have nothing to do with the original, but I would have much prefered a repaint/retool of Beast Megatron for Grimlock.

News Credits: 12 · by **Sentinel_Primal** » Tue May 11, 2021 2:46 pm

Well... Grimlock and Mirage are a thing. Grimlock's not as good as I was expecting, but not terrible. Mirage is just confusing. They removed the shoulder mounting despite that being G1 accurate, plus they left the cannon unpainted, while painting the thighs in white instead of just molding in white. Seems very odd

News Credits: 65 · by **Wolfman Jake** » Tue May 11, 2021 3:03 pm

I love how they changed the “elf” tampograph from the original toy and replaced it with “orc.” That just warms my nerdy heart, lol! It’s nice to see that Mirage gets to keep his classic “26” racing number. Some other recent figures, like Wheeljack and Smokescreen, weren’t so lucky. I really hope the shoulder mounting functionality isn’t gone. It doesn’t look good from the pictures, but we haven’t seen every angle yet, and maybe there is an alternate way to do it that we haven’t yet seen. I’m a bit disappointed that this isn’t a straight upgrade to the Siege version of Mirage. Some details have been improved, while others have been changed for the worse or even lost altogether. I may end up keeping Siege Mirage as my main display piece for the character.

by **Nemesis Reformatted** » Tue May 11, 2021 3:09 pm

Bounti76 wrote:So what do you think of this two-pack, Seibertronians? Are you excited to have both these figures? Click on any photo above to be taken to the Amazon listing, and let us know what you think below!

I really like Grimlock & I might get him loose off ebay. I definitely don't need another Mirage, I have all of the Siege versions.

Razorbeast88 wrote:That's so unfortunate you had that experience with Amazon. I haven't had any problems so far, though the only exclusive I've ordered was Barricade with P-CP.

I ordered 2 Ratchet/Lifeline sets back in November & they never shipped them. They finally canceled the order a week or two ago. I ended up buying Lifeline off ebay & Wolfman Jake from this forum hooked me up with Ratchet. That guy is AWESOME! I thought I was only getting a loose Ratchet but he sent everything minus Lifeline, I got the original box, instructions & plastic blister. I was fricken over the Moon!

And they didn't ship my Dirge/Ramjet set in a bigger shipping box. They just slapped the shipping labels right on the actual item. Took me an hour to remove the stickers & glue residue with a hair dryer & Goo-Gone. I called them about it & they gave me a partial refund, almost half price. So it worked out ok in the end.

Razorbeast88 wrote:As far as the YouTube channel, best of luck! Public speaking can be pretty difficult but maybe writing down what you want to say or bullet points of the things you want to say can help organize your thoughts. From there it's just rehearse rehearse rehearse! Memorization helps as well. From there you can record yourself with multiple takes to slowly practice taking out any awkard pauses or stop yourself from saying words like "um" or "like" too often. Its frustrating now but you'll get the hang of it! Can't wait to check it out

Thanks for the support. ;)^

I just need to keep practicing. My biggest problem are reviews because everybody else have been doing reviews for years. It feels like a waste of time & I want to do something different than everybody else. I don't want to simply copy. I'm probably not going to do reviews & just do comparisons & little customs tweaks.

I'm going to start with short customizing tutorials for beginners. I have about 25 planned so far.