The Energon Pub

Yes, it's another one of these topics. Please, hear me out first, though. I'm not interested in picking apart the finer differences in "Classics" figures between Hasbro and TakaraTomy releases, or even in the case of Fun Publication's BotCon exclusives with the seekers. I'm solely interested in what mass market, US retail options for certain characters fans prefer in the Classics/Universe 2.0/Generations/Reveal the Shield lines of Transformers. We've got quite a few alternatives to choose from now.

Classics Bumblebee vs. RTS Bumblebee

I got with the 2006 Classics release myself. The lighter yellow and while stripes update Bumblebee's G1 look without being overbearing. There is also a fair amount of detailing in the paint job, which I always appreciate. As for the RTS release, it isn't bad. I can appreciate the attempt to synchronize Bumblebee's G1 appearance and his live action movie paint job, but when you have both versions side by side, the Classics version wins handily in my eyes. I like the lighter yellow, and the RTS version is missing some detailing paint apps here and there that the Classics version covers.

Classics Starscream vs. Universe 2.0 Starscream

This is a tough call for me. I was very happy with the original Classics release of Starscream. Even though the paint apps took liberties with the strict G1 character model, they still were very recognizable as Starscream. The Classics version also has lots of nice detailing in the paint job, which I really like. They don't detract from the look of Starscream at all, as far as I'm concerned. However, the Universe 2.0 figure is gorgeous as a G1 update of the character. The colors are spot on with Starscream's animation model. The white is very vibrant and striking. His face looks terrific painted in dark grey. The only thing missing is some detailing of the sculpt with paint apps, but I understand they were likely skipped to create a look as close to the animation model as possible. Universe 2.0 Starscream is on my shelf most of the time, but occasionally, I swap it out for Classics Starscream.

Classics Rodimus vs. RTS Rodimus

I understand that this is a tough call for a lot of collectors, but no so much for me personally. The Classics release is just far and away superior to me. I think the color choices and layout are perfectly evocative of the G1 character without aping the animation model exactly. The deep red of the car body looks really nice, and the orange spoiler, while still garish, isn't an assault on the eyes. The look of the Classics figure is the perfect example of the "Classics" mission statement, to bring G1 characters into the present with modern updates to their alt modes. Now, the RTS Rodimus does a great job of homaging the original animation model, but the result is just as poignant an example of why the 80's should stay in the 80's. The colors clash rather horribly. Beyond that, though, is the matter of the opaque windows on the RTS version. Why are they painted over in blue? The Transparent windows on the Classics release show off the faux interior of the car. It's got a steering column and everything. Why throw away that nice touch in the sculpt of the figure? I also find it bothersome that the contrast between the orange of the hood and the yellow of the flame decal is so low. From a distance, it's hard to even tell that the flames are there on the hood, unless you know to look for them.

Universe 2.0 Powerglide (mass retail) vs. Universe 2.0 Powerglide (Wal-mart Exclusive):

This one is easy. Although the mass retail version, with its largely light gray paint job with red highlights is more "realistic" and modern looking, going with the "Classics" ideal of updating G1 characters for the present, the Wal-Mart version with its G1 paint scheme (red all over) still looks very sharp, and is that much better an homage to the G1 character. Hasbro definitely got it right the second time around.

Universe 2.0 Cyclonus vs. RTS Cyclonus

This is another tough one for me. The new Cyclonus sculpt is so terrific, it almost doesn’t matter how it’s painted. With that said, though, here are my thoughts between the two options. The Universe 2.0 version more directly homages the G1 toy. I like the dark purple basis. It makes for a more menacing character, in my opinion. I also like how the grey breaks up the purple sections, making the look very dynamic, but still coherent. There is also a lot of nice attention to sculpting detail with additional paint apps. This version was an instant win for me. However, the RTS version is another terrific G1 character model homage, like Universe 2.0 Starscream. Where RTS Rodimus falls flat, RTS Cyclonus makes it work. Unfortunately, though, the dedication to the original animation model means far less paint detailing to bring out the subtleties in the sculpt. Also, the differences in hue between the light purples and lavenders of the figure are hard to discern in certain lighting conditions, or if viewing the figure from too far away. This time, the scales just barely tip the other way, and I choose the Universe 2.0 G1 toy color scheme to represent Cyclonus on my Classics shelf.

So, tell me what you think on each of these alternatives, and feel free to add any more comparisons that I might have overlooked. I’ll give my opinions on those as well. Please remember to limit the comparisons to what’s been widely available at North American retail.

Wolfman Jake wrote:Beyond that, though, is the matter of the opaque windows on the RTS version. Why are they painted over in blue? The Transparent windows on the Classics release show off the faux interior of the car. It's got a steering column and everything. Why throw away that nice touch in the sculpt of the figure?

I'm willing to bet, that should you unscrew RTS Rodimus, that the interior of the car won't be there. They probably didn't bother getting that frame out to save money on plastic.

Bumblebee: For whatever reason I like the BB with the stripes better. I like the colour of wellow that he has.

Starscream: I have Henkei, you should too.

Rodimus: Classics is on my shelf as Hotrod, Henkei is on my shelf with the Protector armour

Powerglide: I have the Red Japanese one as Powerglide and the white one with Reprolabels as (formerly) Micromaster Hot House

Cyclonus: I have Henkei, Universe and the RTS one (though from the Japanese release, not the US release)

If I have more time, I'll explain why later.

Bumblebee: I have the Walmart 3 pack version, looks a lot like the RtS version, similar black stripes.

Starscream: Universe 2.0, I didn't like the Classics version paint job as much, too cheap for Henkei

Rodimus: Classics with reprolabel set on my "Primes" shelf, RtS with Generations Blurr and Kup.

Powerglide: Mold fail.

Cyclonus: Henkei up front with Universe and RtS right behind each shoulder. A mold so awesome it deserves to be in triplicate.

I just want to reiterate that I was hoping to limit the discussion to Hasbro releases. That means Henkei Henkei and United Transformers releases from TakaraTomy are off the table.

O wow... those are tough calls. Especially since I'd be inclined to introduce the Japanese versions.

Classics Bumblebee vs. Legacy Bumblebee vs. RtS Bumblebee
With this I'd have to go with Classics, simply because of the shade or yellow used. RtS' subdued yellow is simply too movie like for my tastes, plus I hate the yellow jetski he has. That's the same reason I'm avoiding Legacy Bumblebee.

Classics Starscream vs. Universe 2.0 Starscream
O, that one's easy: Classics (tho I can't decide between Classics and Henkei). The Universe one simply has too many mold problems for me to consider, plus he's too light.

Classics Rodimus vs. RTS Rodimus
I know I'll end up with RtS Rodimus because I want that Cyclonus, but my preference still goes to Classics (again, undecided between Classics and Henkei). I like details that are updated to modern standards, and Classics Rodimus is a good example of that. RtS will still have a place in my collection: on my Universe shelf with fellow Matrix Templar Snarl. Now all I need is a Universe Night Slash Cheetor.

Universe 2.0 Powerglide (mass retail) vs. Universe 2.0 Powerglide (Wal-mart Exclusive)
Either or is fine with me, I'm happy the first Powerglide retained some of his red. Whichever ends up cheaper

Universe 2.0 Cyclonus vs. RTS Cyclonus
BOTH! RtS Cyclonus as himself, and Universe Cyclonus as his Armada

Generally, I won't buy repaints that represent the same character, so usually it comes down to which one came out first.

Bumblebee: Because I picked up the full RtS case from BBTS, I will have this Bumblebee. Not even sure if I'm going to open it. I don't have strong feelings either way, though Classics Bumblebee's hood panels are a bit loose.

Starscream: I think Universe Starscream is the first Classicsverse figure that I picked up at retail (not including Cheetor and Dinobot). In terms of G1-ness, this figure far and away wins.

Rodimus: Classics has the better paint job, and it matched the Protector armor nicely. Plus, I picked him up about a year and a half back when the aftermarket was commanding modestly higher prices but before the Protector armor drove prices through the roof.

Powerglide: Simple case of picking up the original before the repaint came out. I like both, and it probably would have come down to which one I saw first or price (I always thought it a little ridiculous that Wally World had these at $30 apiece when the mass retail price was $25).

Cyclonus: It seems most people prefer the more G1 coloring of RtS, but I much prefer the darker colors of Universe.

Amelie wrote:

Wolfman Jake wrote:Beyond that, though, is the matter of the opaque windows on the RTS version. Why are they painted over in blue? The Transparent windows on the Classics release show off the faux interior of the car. It's got a steering column and everything. Why throw away that nice touch in the sculpt of the figure?

I'm willing to bet, that should you unscrew RTS Rodimus, that the interior of the car won't be there. They probably didn't bother getting that frame out to save money on plastic.

Ah, I didn't think of that. It all starts to make sense when you consider the overal poverty of paint apps on the RTS Rodimus figure. It's made for cheap.

Also, thanks to those who pointed out that the "Legacy of Bumblebee" three-pack is yet another Classics Bumblebee alternative. I forgot that set even existed, probably because I have NEVER seen one in the wild, to my recollection. How many of those were actually made?

Wolfman Jake wrote:

Amelie wrote:

Wolfman Jake wrote:Beyond that, though, is the matter of the opaque windows on the RTS version. Why are they painted over in blue? The Transparent windows on the Classics release show off the faux interior of the car. It's got a steering column and everything. Why throw away that nice touch in the sculpt of the figure?

I'm willing to bet, that should you unscrew RTS Rodimus, that the interior of the car won't be there. They probably didn't bother getting that frame out to save money on plastic.

Ah, I didn't think of that. It all starts to make sense when you consider the overal poverty of paint apps on the RTS Rodimus figure. It's made for cheap.

Also, thanks to those who pointed out that the "Legacy of Bumblebee" three-pack is yet another Classics Bumblebee alternative. I forgot that set even existed, probably because I have NEVER seen one in the wild, to my recollection. How many of those were actually made?

I don't know, other than that they were (you guessed it) a Walmart exclusive. Should have had my dad-in-law order it for me years ago

Classics Bumblebee vs. RTS Bumblebee
Classics, love the shade of yellow used.

Classics Starscream vs. Universe 2.0 Starscream
Universe, G1 goodness.

Classics Rodimus vs. RTS Rodimus
Classics, hate the cheap look of the RTS version.

Universe 2.0 Powerglide (mass retail) vs. Universe 2.0 Powerglide (Wal-mart Exclusive)

--B-- wrote:Powerglide: Mold fail.

Agreed.

Universe 2.0 Cyclonus vs. RTS Cyclonus
RTS Cyclonus as himself, and Universe as his armada.

I have the Legacy of Bumblebee classic on my shelf. I like the black on him. The G1 toy had black arms and legs.

Universe 2.0 Starscream is more accurate to G1.

Classics Rodimus wins this one for me. I hate the blue windows and the flames look terrible on the RTS one.

Red Powerglide is far better than the grey one.

RTS Cyclonus, again, closer to G1.

id have to go with the original american release of all of them bb, ss, powerglide, and cyclonus. although i agree with the sentiments about cyclonus hes wonderful i typically dont by repaints of the same charachter unless its a complete remold.

Classics Bumblebee vs. RTS Bumblebee
Classics.

Classics Starscream vs. Universe 2.0 Starscream
Universe...easily.

Classics Rodimus vs. RTS Rodimus
Classics...easily again. Although RTS was less suck in person, other than the window paint. Those still look ridiculous. Although I don't mind that blue on his exhaust missile.

Universe 2.0 Powerglide (mass retail) vs. Universe 2.0 Powerglide (Wal-mart Exclusive)
Walmart is more G1...don't mind the original, though.

Universe 2.0 Cyclonus vs. RTS Cyclonus
Though less accurate, I actually like Universe better. Looks sharp.

Here's what I did. I took the RTS Cyclonus and Hot Rod and put them on a separate shelf with the Wal Mart Exclusive Powerglide as well as RTS Bumblebee and my Special Edition G2 Megatron and Deluxe Optimus.

Hmmm...for me, Henkei Bumblebee, Henkei Starscream, RTS Rodimus w FP Protector kit and RTS Cyclonus. If I couldn't have Henkei, I would go with Classics Bee and 2.0 Screamer.

Bumblebee: I don't have the RTS one yet, but it'll be the one I use. I have the Classics one, but when I was younger, I didn't like the white, and ruined the figure by colouring it black with a Sharpie.

Rodimus: Classics, with Reprolabels and some custom exhaust pipes. I don't have the RTS one, and don't plan to get it.

Starscream: Universe 2.0, partly because it looks way better, and partly because Classics Starscream was another victim of my Sharpie "customising" when I was younger.

Powerglide: Original Universe 2.0. I can't stand either red versions.

Cyclonus: Universe 2.0, as I don't have RTS.

Hound: Henkei. The green looks a lot better, he's a bit more G1 accurate, and I like the dark grey a lot better than the white on the Universe 2.0 version.

Astrotrain: Henkei. I never liked the Classics version, mainly because of the red and purple.

Hound and Astrotrain are my only Henkeis. All my other figures are American releases.

Amelie wrote:

Wolfman Jake wrote:Beyond that, though, is the matter of the opaque windows on the RTS version. Why are they painted over in blue? The Transparent windows on the Classics release show off the faux interior of the car. It's got a steering column and everything. Why throw away that nice touch in the sculpt of the figure?

I'm willing to bet, that should you unscrew RTS Rodimus, that the interior of the car won't be there. They probably didn't bother getting that frame out to save money on plastic.

The interior is there. You can modify the figure to have the canopy flip open and see the interior.

The reason for paining the windows is part of the anime look they were going for. At least that's my opinion.

Seriously? What a waste of plastic. That's like going to a museum, and they've painted over all the display cases with anything decent in them.

So in fact - they've wasted money covering up detail that was visible through the clear plastic they used already? Wow, Hasbro. Wow.

Amelie wrote:Seriously? What a waste of plastic. That's like going to a museum, and they've painted over all the display cases with anything decent in them.

Actually, that sounds like a pretty cool museum.