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Buyer Beware: New Knock-Offs of BotCon Mirage, Henkei "Ghost" Starscream and Seekers

Transformers News: Buyer Beware: New Knock-Offs of BotCon Mirage, Henkei "Ghost" Starscream and Seekers

Monday, November 8th, 2010 6:44AM CST

Categories: Toy News, Knock Offs
Posted by: DevastaTTor   Views: 98,514

Topic Options: View Discussion · Sign in or Join to reply

Seibertron.com member Scaleface has posted a warning to Transformers collectors that there is a new supply of very accurate knock-offs entering the market of Henkei "Ghost" Starscream and BotCon clear Mirage along with other versions of Henkei Thundercracker, Skywarp, and Mirage. To add to the deception, all of these figures come in packaging that is nearly identical to that of recent Henkei releases. From the original post:

Scaleface wrote:Whereas most Henkei/Classics KOs are obviously KOs, I thought I might warn people that some company has started to product replica Henkei toys. They sell for about $30 each. I've seen Crystal Starscream, Thundercracker and Skywarp, and the clear Henkei Mirage and they are IN PACKAGE!

Additionally there is a KO version of Botcon Mirage. Luckily you can tell the original from a KO in that the KO has no rub sign.

Of course for thoe who want these hard-to-get toys and don't mind KOs, it's a real deal.


The images from KOToys.com he includes in his post show just how good these new replicas are. Please use caution when purchasing these figures in the future, especially if you buy them through auction sites or online trading forums.

Thanks to Scaleface for the heads up!

Image

Image
Credit(s): Scaleface, KOToys.com

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Re: Buyer Beware: New Knock-Offs of BotCon Mirage, Henkei "Ghost" Starscream and Seekers (1143999)
Posted by ShardFenix on November 8th, 2010 @ 7:35am CST
as a poor college student i have to say knock offs are a pretty sweet deal.
Re: Buyer Beware: New Knock-Offs of BotCon Mirage, Henkei "Ghost" Starscream and Seekers (1144003)
Posted by Blackstreak on November 8th, 2010 @ 7:57am CST
those KOs look really good. For those of you who can't tell the KOs from the real deal understand one thing: there are no 'clear versions' or 'ghost' Classics Thundercracker or Skywarp. Aside from that, I never know where to get my hands on these things so I don't worry.
Re: Buyer Beware: New Knock-Offs of BotCon Mirage, Henkei "Ghost" Starscream and Seekers (1144014)
Posted by Rated X on November 8th, 2010 @ 8:37am CST
Damn...sounds like I wasted 300 bucks. I mean, Im glad to have the real ones but I fully condone bootlegs. This is a good way to stick it to the people who take 1 dollar worth of plastic, put it in a 12 dollar mold and flip it for 100 bucks by making them in limited quanity as a gimmick to jack up the price. Im not saying they can match Hasbro pound for pound in capital income, but dammit They could of made as many Thundercrackers and Skywarps as they did Grimlocks and Astrotrains to bring the price down to a fair 50 bucks. Henkei brought this on upon themselves by making the choices they did on limited production for certain figures.

But since I already bought all these, I hope they use the mold to give us the rainmakers and Sunstorm. I wonder why Henkei never did a version of Acid Storm with G1 markings instead of camoflauge ??? I woyuld have bought it in a heartbeat.
Re: Buyer Beware: New Knock-Offs of BotCon Mirage, Henkei "Ghost" Starscream and Seekers (1144028)
Posted by Counterpunch on November 8th, 2010 @ 9:08am CST
Rated X wrote:Henkei brought this on upon themselves by making the choices they did on limited production for certain figures.


No...that's not even remotely correct.

Henkei Skywarp and Thundercracker were made to order.

Meaning that they put out the order for them ahead of time and allowed the number of people who desired the toy to pre-order. The production run was then set somewhat above that number so that everyone who wanted one, got one. Then there were extras (that sat in retailers hands for almost a year) for people to buy at a later point.

The price for the figures was figured by the unit cost by order. It would have been cheaper if more people ordered.

Now, do you still want to blame Takara for the cost? Or should you look at what is essentially a market price and not be so upset about it?
Re: Buyer Beware: New Knock-Offs of BotCon Mirage, Henkei "Ghost" Starscream and Seekers (1144030)
Posted by Dead Metal on November 8th, 2010 @ 9:11am CST
Rated X wrote:Damn...sounds like I wasted 300 bucks. I mean, Im glad to have the real ones but I fully condone bootlegs. This is a good way to stick it to the people who take 1 dollar worth of plastic, put it in a 12 dollar mold and flip it for 100 bucks by making them in limited quanity as a gimmick to jack up the price. Im not saying they can match Hasbro pound for pound in capital income, but dammit They could of made as many Thundercrackers and Skywarps as they did Grimlocks and Astrotrains to bring the price down to a fair 50 bucks. Henkei brought this on upon themselves by making the choices they did on limited production for certain figures.

But since I already bought all these, I hope they use the mold to give us the rainmakers and Sunstorm. I wonder why Henkei never did a version of Acid Storm with G1 markings instead of camoflauge ??? I woyuld have bought it in a heartbeat.

Henkei was Takaras version of the Classics line, it was a general release line. Also Thundercracker and Skywarp where both store exclusives and were produced according to how many where pre-ordered and they only cost 5 dollars more than the regular Henkei line of figures.
Re: Buyer Beware: New Knock-Offs of BotCon Mirage, Henkei "Ghost" Starscream and Seekers (1144033)
Posted by NuclearConvoy on November 8th, 2010 @ 9:15am CST
LOL, I have BotCon Mirage and I've never even opened him up... I wonder what he goes for these days?

Also, it may just be the lighting, but KO BotCon Mirage looks to be made of slightly lighter blue plastic than Real BotCon Mirage.
Re: Buyer Beware: New Knock-Offs of BotCon Mirage, Henkei "Ghost" Starscream and Seekers (1144093)
Posted by Rated X on November 8th, 2010 @ 10:39am CST
I get what you guys are saying. But I just dont agree with the idea of "special release". A release is as special as you wanna make it. Henkei went out of their way to make them "exclusive". That was their choice, not the fans. Nobody complained about not being able to get an Astrotrain, Grimlock, or Bumblebee from the classics because they made enough in the first place. When the fans called out for Skywarp and Thundercracker, they should have just gone for the motherload. This "special release" thing was the way somebody wanted it, on purpose. Thats my issue.

Needless to say I stepped up to the plate and bought them all at Botcon. Im not cheap, just rational. Now if we could just get those other 2 Rainmakers :D
Re: Buyer Beware: New Knock-Offs of BotCon Mirage, Henkei "Ghost" Starscream and Seekers (1144106)
Posted by Scaleface on November 8th, 2010 @ 10:56am CST
Blackstreak wrote:those KOs look really good. For those of you who can't tell the KOs from the real deal understand one thing: there are no 'clear versions' or 'ghost' Classics Thundercracker or Skywarp. Aside from that, I never know where to get my hands on these things so I don't worry.


The story text from Seibertron is WRONG, the KO Thundercracker and Skywarp are NOT CLEAR. They are solid, just like the real thing.
Re: Buyer Beware: New Knock-Offs of BotCon Mirage, Henkei "Ghost" Starscream and Seekers (1144132)
Posted by Flashwave on November 8th, 2010 @ 11:49am CST
Rated X wrote:I get what you guys are saying. But I just dont agree with the idea of "special release". A release is as special as you wanna make it. Henkei went out of their way to make them "exclusive". That was their choice, not the fans. Nobody complained about not being able to get an Astrotrain, Grimlock, or Bumblebee from the classics because they made enough in the first place. When the fans called out for Skywarp and Thundercracker, they should have just gone for the motherload. This "special release" thing was the way somebody wanted it, on purpose. Thats my issue.

Needless to say I stepped up to the plate and bought them all at Botcon. Im not cheap, just rational. Now if we could just get those other 2 Rainmakers :D


There's a similar issue in the Model Train world, only it's universal to almost EVERYTHING. It is sad, and frustrating, because EVERYTHING has to be pre-ordered, without even so much as a review to look at, or you have to pray yor store of choice buys extra or can hold it until you pay for it, which gets interesting when there's everything else to be reserved too. A lot of places have to do it though, because what you DON'T want is excess product that don't sell. I don't know exactly why they did it for SW, it may be that TC they were trying to counter the rarity of Botcon out of ploiteness, and maybe they were testing the market either for future limited releases or to see just how many people wanted Seekers. Like a census, if you don't speak to the right person, your number isn't counted and you don't end up winning.

It sucks though, don't it?
Re: Buyer Beware: New Knock-Offs of BotCon Mirage, Henkei "Ghost" Starscream and Seekers (1144140)
Posted by Dead Metal on November 8th, 2010 @ 12:47pm CST
Rated X wrote:I get what you guys are saying. But I just dont agree with the idea of "special release". A release is as special as you wanna make it. Henkei went out of their way to make them "exclusive". That was their choice, not the fans. Nobody complained about not being able to get an Astrotrain, Grimlock, or Bumblebee from the classics because they made enough in the first place. When the fans called out for Skywarp and Thundercracker, they should have just gone for the motherload. This "special release" thing was the way somebody wanted it, on purpose. Thats my issue.

Needless to say I stepped up to the plate and bought them all at Botcon. Im not cheap, just rational. Now if we could just get those other 2 Rainmakers :D

I think you're confusing henkei with a company, it's not it's just the Japanese version of the classics line, intended for the Japanese market at normal Japanese prices.
Re: Buyer Beware: New Knock-Offs of BotCon Mirage, Henkei "Ghost" Starscream and Seekers (1144185)
Posted by OptiMagnus on November 8th, 2010 @ 3:15pm CST
I still can't believe how close these things are to the real ones. Insanity.
Re: Buyer Beware: New Knock-Offs of BotCon Mirage, Henkei "Ghost" Starscream and Seekers (1144222)
Posted by Rated X on November 8th, 2010 @ 4:55pm CST
Dead Metal wrote:
Rated X wrote:I get what you guys are saying. But I just dont agree with the idea of "special release". A release is as special as you wanna make it. Henkei went out of their way to make them "exclusive". That was their choice, not the fans. Nobody complained about not being able to get an Astrotrain, Grimlock, or Bumblebee from the classics because they made enough in the first place. When the fans called out for Skywarp and Thundercracker, they should have just gone for the motherload. This "special release" thing was the way somebody wanted it, on purpose. Thats my issue.

Needless to say I stepped up to the plate and bought them all at Botcon. Im not cheap, just rational. Now if we could just get those other 2 Rainmakers :D

I think you're confusing henkei with a company, it's not it's just the Japanese version of the classics line, intended for the Japanese market at normal Japanese prices.


I see what you mean, but the point is whether it's Henkei, Takara, Gentei, Etc, sombody chose to make fewer on purpose rather than just making it a standard release. Thats my beef. I could see if it was some kind of specialty character (Ghost Starscream, Holagram Mirage, Nemisis Prime, etc) but plain ol Thundercracker and Skywarp ??? They mass produced Starscream. Sheesh...Thats like mass producing Duane Wade figures but not LeBron James or Chris Bosh Figures, you feel me ??? They need to put out the dream team all 3 !!!
Re: Buyer Beware: New Knock-Offs of BotCon Mirage, Henkei "Ghost" Starscream and Seekers (1144245)
Posted by El Duque on November 8th, 2010 @ 5:48pm CST
You do realize Takara makes Henkei and Gentei figures, right?
Re: Buyer Beware: New Knock-Offs of BotCon Mirage, Henkei "Ghost" Starscream and Seekers (1144249)
Posted by Mkall on November 8th, 2010 @ 5:53pm CST
That's the problem with these three since G1 is that fhile the first one usually sells very well, latter repaints don't sell as well because parents see that it's the same figure in new colour and kids will already have a jet so they will want something different.

We are the only ones these days that know the significance of all three jets.

It's sad I tell ya, sad.
Re: Buyer Beware: New Knock-Offs of BotCon Mirage, Henkei "Ghost" Starscream and Seekers (1144296)
Posted by OptiMagnus on November 8th, 2010 @ 7:37pm CST
El Duque wrote:You do realize Takara makes Henkei and Gentei figures, right?

I don't think they do. Everyone keeps thinking Henkei and Gentei are separate companies! Arrgh! :BOOM:

ATTENTION: Takara Tomy produces the Henkei and Gentei figures. Henkei and Gentei are not separate companies or subsidiaries. They are simply the names of toylines that Takara Tomy makes.
Re: Buyer Beware: New Knock-Offs of BotCon Mirage, Henkei "Ghost" Starscream and Seekers (1144356)
Posted by Flashwave on November 8th, 2010 @ 10:20pm CST
OptiMagnus10 wrote:
El Duque wrote:You do realize Takara makes Henkei and Gentei figures, right?

I don't think they do. Everyone keeps thinking Henkei and Gentei are separate companies! Arrgh! :BOOM:

ATTENTION: Takara Tomy produces the Henkei and Gentei figures. Henkei and Gentei are not separate companies or subsidiaries. They are simply the names of toylines that Takara Tomy makes.


I think his point is that he messed up the name the first time, and then in his reply was something to the effect "WHOEVER they are, they made it a special release." We'll just call them George.
Re: Buyer Beware: New Knock-Offs of BotCon Mirage, Henkei "Ghost" Starscream and Seekers (1144364)
Posted by Blurrz on November 8th, 2010 @ 11:13pm CST
I really don't see an informed fan falling for these KO's. If anything, we should be expecting to pay premium on these bad boys. Anything that seems like a discount on these figures on bay should be avoided completely. If you're looking these up on Ebay, the people who are going to be in possession of the toys are going to Transformers collectors just like you. If you're feeling skeptical on a purchase, then avoid it, your gut is probably right on this one.
Re: Buyer Beware: New Knock-Offs of BotCon Mirage, Henkei "Ghost" Starscream and Seekers (1144455)
Posted by Rated X on November 9th, 2010 @ 8:28am CST
Mkall wrote:That's the problem with these three since G1 is that fhile the first one usually sells very well, latter repaints don't sell as well because parents see that it's the same figure in new colour and kids will already have a jet so they will want something different.

We are the only ones these days that know the significance of all three jets.

It's sad I tell ya, sad.


Partially true my friend, but Hasbro didnt have a problem with the following "same mold" releases due to parental ignorance:

1. Bluestreak, Prowl, and Smokescreen

2. Ironhide and Ratchet

3. Sunstreaker and Sideswipe (outcry later prompted a Hasbro Red Alert release 1 year later)

4. Thrust and Dirge (1 year ago here it was me against the world for even suggesting Hasbro sould release them)

5. Mirage and Fracture (Gobots homage for little kids ???) (Drag Strip ended up in Marshalls for $9.99 1 year later as well)


Sombody is fighting for Skywarp and Thundercracker not to be released by Hasbro. Might I suggest an Italian job ??? :grin:
Re: Buyer Beware: New Knock-Offs of BotCon Mirage, Henkei "Ghost" Starscream and Seekers (1144473)
Posted by SentinelA on November 9th, 2010 @ 9:21am CST
I bought the 3 Seeker set from KOTOYS.COM so suck it Hasbro.
Re: Buyer Beware: New Knock-Offs of BotCon Mirage, Henkei "Ghost" Starscream and Seekers (1144514)
Posted by Gauntlet101010 on November 9th, 2010 @ 10:32am CST
'Cracker (and the 3 Rainmakers for that matter) are all very tempting. I want to wait for Hasbro, I really do, but the faith is weakening. A KO will do in the end.
Re: Buyer Beware: New Knock-Offs of BotCon Mirage, Henkei "Ghost" Starscream and Seekers (1144527)
Posted by Anonymous on November 9th, 2010 @ 10:52am CST
~
Re: Buyer Beware: New Knock-Offs of BotCon Mirage, Henkei "Ghost" Starscream and Seekers (1144617)
Posted by Counterpunch on November 9th, 2010 @ 1:35pm CST
SentinelA wrote:I bought the 3 Seeker set from KOTOYS.COM so suck it Hasbro.


You get them yet?
Re: Buyer Beware: New Knock-Offs of BotCon Mirage, Henkei "Ghost" Starscream and Seekers (1144633)
Posted by Mkall on November 9th, 2010 @ 2:25pm CST
Counterpunch wrote:
SentinelA wrote:I bought the 3 Seeker set from KOTOYS.COM so suck it Hasbro.


You get them yet?

I'm guessing these'll be your first KOs?

You're in for a surprise.
Re: Buyer Beware: New Knock-Offs of BotCon Mirage, Henkei "Ghost" Starscream and Seekers (1144644)
Posted by NTESHFT on November 9th, 2010 @ 2:40pm CST
Sorry, but I'll deal with not having one before buying a KO. Case in point, the Shadow Command Trailer set.
Re: Buyer Beware: New Knock-Offs of BotCon Mirage, Henkei "Ghost" Starscream and Seekers (1144680)
Posted by Kibble on November 9th, 2010 @ 4:50pm CST
What's sad is it sounds like the quality of the KO TC is better than the real one...
Re: Buyer Beware: New Knock-Offs of BotCon Mirage, Henkei "Ghost" Starscream and Seekers (1144706)
Posted by NTESHFT on November 9th, 2010 @ 5:54pm CST
If it is, then I need a Thundercracker.....
Re: Buyer Beware: New Knock-Offs of BotCon Mirage, Henkei "Ghost" Starscream and Seekers (1144792)
Posted by LOST Cybertronian on November 9th, 2010 @ 8:47pm CST
peaugh reviewed the KO Ghost Starscream.

http://www.youtube.com/user/peaugh#p/a/u/0/nKOG-SyXQMk
Re: Buyer Beware: New Knock-Offs of BotCon Mirage, Henkei "Ghost" Starscream and Seekers (1144818)
Posted by Gauntlet101010 on November 9th, 2010 @ 10:12pm CST
Looks like the arm isn't as loose as the Clearscream I have, although the hands still seem to be too tight in that arm. Still ...
Re: Buyer Beware: New Knock-Offs of BotCon Mirage, Henkei "Ghost" Starscream and Seekers (1144893)
Posted by G1Sizzle on November 10th, 2010 @ 5:52am CST
Since I bought two of the KO Henkei TCs, people have been asking me to review them so they'll know whether or not to purchase them. Here goes!

Image

Image

This is the KO (left) standing next to the legit original Henkei Thundercracker (right). As you can see, there aren't a lot of differences between the two. The differences are mostly very very subtle. As you can see, though, the actual Henkei figure has its launchers held onto its arms by rubber bands, whereas the KO is actually able to support its own launchers. Your mileage may vary, though, as the launcher port on the KO's right arm (your left) is a little loose, but nowhere near as loose as the actual product.

To be perfectly frank, this KO is perhaps the best KO I have ever seen. It is sturdy, the transformation process is fluid, and the plastic quality feels like the real deal. I had no issues in transforming it, and it's actually a bit less floppy than the Henkei version. The only joints I thought were too stiff were on the bottom right tailfin, which took a little more pressure to fold up than I was comfortable with. Otherwise, the figure fits together in both modes quite comfortably. All in all, the KO has BETTER paint apps than the original, and holds its launchers better.

The only real problem was that one of the launchers was broken and the missile won't fit in correctly. A simple fix, really.

Simply put, if you want Thundercracker and can't afford the Botcon or Henkei versions, this guy is the one for you, and the price is unbeatable.

Now...I imagine a lot of you are wondering how you can avoid being taken in and buying the KO thinking you are getting the real deal. Well, I'm glad you asked, because I'm about to tell you how you can tell the difference between the two:

Image

The real Henkei version has a notch in the "knee pad" of TC's leg. The KO is perfectly squared.

Image

As you can see from the back of the two TCs' wings, the red on the Henkei version is a much lighter color. This is most noticeable on the wing backs, but is true for the whole figure. The KO figure's red is a much deeper red. Also, I feel like the blue on the KO is a tad deeper blue, and I'm quite sure that the cockpit is a MUCH deeper amber color.

Image

As you can see, the alignment of the Decepticon sigil on the front of the wing is a bit off. That's only true on one wing of my KO, so I'm not certain that this is common to each figure. However, it is one of the few differences that can be detected BEFORE opening the packaging.

Image

This one is a dead giveaway. It's so small, it's almost unnoticeable, but there is a notch on each seeker's shoulder. On the real deal, the notch compromises the silver swatch. It's this way on every seeker that I have, including other KOs. But on this KO, the notch is significantly lower on the shoulder and doesn't cross into the silver swatch at all.

All things considered, I recommend this KO to people who don't have Thundercracker and can't afford him. And I hope this review helps those of you who want to know the difference.
Re: Buyer Beware: New Knock-Offs of BotCon Mirage, Henkei "Ghost" Starscream and Seekers (1144969)
Posted by Dead Metal on November 10th, 2010 @ 9:37am CST
Seibertron.com member G1Sizzle has posted a part review part comparison guide on the previously revealed KO reissue of henkei Gentei Thundercracker. You can use this to distinguish the KO from the real deal.

G1Sizzle wrote:Since I bought two of the KO Henkei TCs, people have been asking me to review them so they'll know whether or not to purchase them. Here goes!

Image

Image

This is the KO (left) standing next to the legit original Henkei Thundercracker (right). As you can see, there aren't a lot of differences between the two. The differences are mostly very very subtle. As you can see, though, the actual Henkei figure has its launchers held onto its arms by rubber bands, whereas the KO is actually able to support its own launchers. Your mileage may vary, though, as the launcher port on the KO's right arm (your left) is a little loose, but nowhere near as loose as the actual product.

To be perfectly frank, this KO is perhaps the best KO I have ever seen. It is sturdy, the transformation process is fluid, and the plastic quality feels like the real deal. I had no issues in transforming it, and it's actually a bit less floppy than the Henkei version. The only joints I thought were too stiff were on the bottom right tailfin, which took a little more pressure to fold up than I was comfortable with. Otherwise, the figure fits together in both modes quite comfortably. All in all, the KO has BETTER paint apps than the original, and holds its launchers better.

The only real problem was that one of the launchers was broken and the missile won't fit in correctly. A simple fix, really.

Simply put, if you want Thundercracker and can't afford the Botcon or Henkei versions, this guy is the one for you, and the price is unbeatable.

Now...I imagine a lot of you are wondering how you can avoid being taken in and buying the KO thinking you are getting the real deal. Well, I'm glad you asked, because I'm about to tell you how you can tell the difference between the two:

Image

The real Henkei version has a notch in the "knee pad" of TC's leg. The KO is perfectly squared.

Image

As you can see from the back of the two TCs' wings, the red on the Henkei version is a much lighter color. This is most noticeable on the wing backs, but is true for the whole figure. The KO figure's red is a much deeper red. Also, I feel like the blue on the KO is a tad deeper blue, and I'm quite sure that the cockpit is a MUCH deeper amber color.

Image

As you can see, the alignment of the Decepticon sigil on the front of the wing is a bit off. That's only true on one wing of my KO, so I'm not certain that this is common to each figure. However, it is one of the few differences that can be detected BEFORE opening the packaging.

Image

This one is a dead giveaway. It's so small, it's almost unnoticeable, but there is a notch on each seeker's shoulder. On the real deal, the notch compromises the silver swatch. It's this way on every seeker that I have, including other KOs. But on this KO, the notch is significantly lower on the shoulder and doesn't cross into the silver swatch at all.

All things considered, I recommend this KO to people who don't have Thundercracker and can't afford him. And I hope this review helps those of you who want to know the difference.
Re: Buyer Beware: New Knock-Offs of BotCon Mirage, Henkei "Ghost" Starscream and Seekers (1144974)
Posted by kirbenvost on November 10th, 2010 @ 9:41am CST
It's unfortunate that the KO is better quality than the real deal... but at least there are ways to tell, as difficult as they may be to spot in-package. Thanks for the information!
Re: Buyer Beware: New Knock-Offs of BotCon Mirage, Henkei "Ghost" Starscream and Seekers (1144978)
Posted by Jelze Bunnycat on November 10th, 2010 @ 9:51am CST
kirbenvost wrote:It's unfortunate that the KO is better quality than the real deal... but at least there are ways to tell, as difficult as they may be to spot in-package. Thanks for the information!


Pretty ironic, isn't it?
Re: Buyer Beware: New Knock-Offs of BotCon Mirage, Henkei "Ghost" Starscream and Seekers (1144980)
Posted by Dead Metal on November 10th, 2010 @ 9:55am CST
I'm playing with the idea of buying these, so I could display these instead of my real ones and protect those from damage, especially TC keeps falling over.
Re: Buyer Beware: New Knock-Offs of BotCon Mirage, Henkei "Ghost" Starscream and Seekers (1144987)
Posted by funklizard on November 10th, 2010 @ 10:16am CST
G1Sizzle wrote:Since I bought two of the KO Henkei TCs, people have been asking me to review them so they'll know whether or not to purchase them. Here goes!

Thanks a bunch for that!

The most distinctive bits (or, at least, the easiest to distinguish in photos) seem to me to be the subtle notches affecting the shoulder and kneecap paint apps.

Any chance you have the packaging around to compare as well?
Re: Buyer Beware: New Knock-Offs of BotCon Mirage, Henkei "Ghost" Starscream and Seekers (1144994)
Posted by Counterpunch on November 10th, 2010 @ 10:52am CST
G1Sizzle wrote:Since I bought two of the KO Henkei TCs, people have been asking me to review them so they'll know whether or not to purchase them. Here goes!


Outstanding work!
Re: Buyer Beware: New Knock-Offs of BotCon Mirage, Henkei "Ghost" Starscream and Seekers (1145003)
Posted by g2grimmy64 on November 10th, 2010 @ 11:01am CST
Is that...silver paint replacing the gaudy chrome? If so, I'm sold! Personally, I don't mind using KO's as a TEMPORARY substitute for figs that either I can't currently afford, or Has/Tak has yet to release.
Re: Buyer Beware: New Knock-Offs of BotCon Mirage, Henkei "Ghost" Starscream and Seekers (1145004)
Posted by It Is Him on November 10th, 2010 @ 11:02am CST
Kudos to G1Sizzle! A very thorough and informative review. Much appreciated.
Re: Buyer Beware: New Knock-Offs of BotCon Mirage, Henkei "Ghost" Starscream and Seekers (1145009)
Posted by leokearon on November 10th, 2010 @ 11:22am CST
Wait, the site is trying to warn us that there are Knockoff's about and then they display a review endorsing them?

What kind of message is that sending?
Re: Buyer Beware: New Knock-Offs of BotCon Mirage, Henkei "Ghost" Starscream and Seekers (1145011)
Posted by Jelze Bunnycat on November 10th, 2010 @ 11:32am CST
leokearon wrote:Wait, the site is trying to warn us that there are Knockoff's about and then they display a review endorsing them?

What kind of message is that sending?


The reviewer is in no way affiliated with Seibertron.com, so it's his opinion and his alone. The site takes no position in the matter, other than buying KO's is at your own risk.
Re: Buyer Beware: New Knock-Offs of BotCon Mirage, Henkei "Ghost" Starscream and Seekers (1145012)
Posted by leokearon on November 10th, 2010 @ 11:40am CST
JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:
leokearon wrote:Wait, the site is trying to warn us that there are Knockoff's about and then they display a review endorsing them?

What kind of message is that sending?


The reviewer is in no way affiliated with Seibertron.com, so it's his opinion and his alone. The site takes no position in the matter, other than buying KO's is at your own risk.


Yet it still posts the review on the front page as news... I still think it gives the wrong message
Re: Buyer Beware: New Knock-Offs of BotCon Mirage, Henkei "Ghost" Starscream and Seekers (1145013)
Posted by Jelze Bunnycat on November 10th, 2010 @ 11:42am CST
leokearon wrote:
JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:
leokearon wrote:Wait, the site is trying to warn us that there are Knockoff's about and then they display a review endorsing them?

What kind of message is that sending?


The reviewer is in no way affiliated with Seibertron.com, so it's his opinion and his alone. The site takes no position in the matter, other than buying KO's is at your own risk.


Yet it still posts the review on the front page as news... I still think it gives the wrong message


It's merely for educational purposes, giving ways to tell the fake from the real deal. First one to do so.
Re: Buyer Beware: New Knock-Offs of BotCon Mirage, Henkei "Ghost" Starscream and Seekers (1145015)
Posted by leokearon on November 10th, 2010 @ 11:48am CST
JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:
leokearon wrote:
JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:
leokearon wrote:Wait, the site is trying to warn us that there are Knockoff's about and then they display a review endorsing them?

What kind of message is that sending?


The reviewer is in no way affiliated with Seibertron.com, so it's his opinion and his alone. The site takes no position in the matter, other than buying KO's is at your own risk.


Yet it still posts the review on the front page as news... I still think it gives the wrong message


It's merely for educational purposes, giving ways to tell the fake from the real deal. First one to do so.


That would be true if it was just showing the comparisions but the article is clearly a review as well, if it was just a comparisions they that would be fine but since it is also a review that says that people should buy them if they can't get the offical ones that is the problem
Re: Buyer Beware: New Knock-Offs of BotCon Mirage, Henkei "Ghost" Starscream and Seekers (1145017)
Posted by Vicalliose on November 10th, 2010 @ 11:52am CST
So, the reason you can tell the difference is because the KO doesn't suck as much as the original?
Image
Re: Buyer Beware: New Knock-Offs of BotCon Mirage, Henkei "Ghost" Starscream and Seekers (1145023)
Posted by Counterpunch on November 10th, 2010 @ 12:07pm CST
leokearon wrote:Wait, the site is trying to warn us that there are Knockoff's about and then they display a review endorsing them?

What kind of message is that sending?


Really now...

What's so hard to understand about the situation?

1. Hey, there's KO figures out there.

2. Here's a review of said KO figures, turns out that the quality is comparible to the originals. Buyer beward.

3. End of transmission.

Insert the following comments to suit your taste:

A. KO figures are made of pure evil from the deepest bowels of hell. Buying them infects countless Hasbro employees with herpes. Don't do it or you'll be haunted by the Ghost of Michael Jackson.

B. KO figures are super awesome. Just because you didn't go to BotCon over three years ago, and just because you passed on the open availability of the Henkei seekers doesn't mean that you shouldn't have everything you've ever wanted all the time 100%. Buy buy buy.
Re: Buyer Beware: New Knock-Offs of BotCon Mirage, Henkei "Ghost" Starscream and Seekers (1145043)
Posted by Vicalliose on November 10th, 2010 @ 12:45pm CST
Counterpunch wrote:B. KO figures are super awesome. Just because you didn't go to BotCon over three years ago, and just because you passed on the open availability of the Henkei seekers doesn't mean that you shouldn't have everything you've ever wanted all the time 100%. Buy buy buy.

This.

It's funny though. Even with the new found availability of these high quality KOs, I still wont be able to afford them. Partially due to the fact that I did recently spend a bunch of money on some KOs... which are all broken now (should've done more reading on those), but mostly because my mom is going into surgery soon. #-o

Ah well, 'you win some, but you loose more often than not.' :-(
Re: Buyer Beware: New Knock-Offs of BotCon Mirage, Henkei "Ghost" Starscream and Seekers (1145065)
Posted by It Is Him on November 10th, 2010 @ 1:55pm CST
Vicalliose wrote:I did recently spend a bunch of money on some KOs... which are all broken now (should've done more reading on those)


Only because I'm curious: Which ones did you buy? High quality ones, or ones on cheapo blister cards?
Re: Buyer Beware: New Knock-Offs of BotCon Mirage, Henkei "Ghost" Starscream and Seekers (1145069)
Posted by Vicalliose on November 10th, 2010 @ 2:11pm CST
It Is Him wrote:
Vicalliose wrote:I did recently spend a bunch of money on some KOs... which are all broken now (should've done more reading on those)


Only because I'm curious: Which ones did you buy? High quality ones, or ones on cheapo blister cards?

Ok, so they're not all broken, but as useless as they are to me now they might as well be.

I got them from KO toys, I don't blame them, I should have spent more time thinking about it.

They're not THAT terrible, but I still regret the purchase. One was a Classics Bumblebee whos wheel broke off, the other was a Classics Prime that has the arm kibble broken off, and a Megatron to re-paint gray but the foot broke off. I also got a Thrust Ramjet to repaint into Dirge, but we all know what happened in that case. I got two other primes with them that aren't broken, but better versions have been seen since then.

Just wish I'd waited until I saw these to spend 50 bucks on KOs. :roll:

*edit* Aw jeez. It took me this long to realize I messed that up? #-o
Re: Buyer Beware: New Knock-Offs of BotCon Mirage, Henkei "Ghost" Starscream and Seekers (1145075)
Posted by Dead Metal on November 10th, 2010 @ 2:27pm CST
leokearon wrote:
JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:
leokearon wrote:Wait, the site is trying to warn us that there are Knockoff's about and then they display a review endorsing them?

What kind of message is that sending?


The reviewer is in no way affiliated with Seibertron.com, so it's his opinion and his alone. The site takes no position in the matter, other than buying KO's is at your own risk.


Yet it still posts the review on the front page as news... I still think it gives the wrong message

I posted it on the front page as a means for people to check if the toy they're buying is real or a KO. Since the review was completely integrated into the comparison it was impossible to just post the comparison by itself without destroying the original posters work.
I had second thoughts about posting it, due to it also being a review, but decided to do so anyway since as you can see from this thread there where a lot of concerns as how to identify the KO from the real deal so that people don't overpay and get stuck with a copy.

It's also not the first time we posted something like this, and it won't be the last ether. Especially since 3 of these KOs here are of extremely rare and pricey figures. So the moment someone posts a comparison of those it will get posted, even if it contains a review.
Re: Buyer Beware: New Knock-Offs of BotCon Mirage, Henkei "Ghost" Starscream and Seekers (1145103)
Posted by Chaoslock on November 10th, 2010 @ 4:28pm CST
Damn bootleggers!

I demand they sell their bootlegs all over the world, not just in Japan!

(I hate exclusivity of figures)
Re: Buyer Beware: New Knock-Offs of BotCon Mirage, Henkei "Ghost" Starscream and Seekers (1145151)
Posted by G1Sizzle on November 10th, 2010 @ 5:30pm CST
My review was meant to serve two purposes:

1. To answer the question "Are these KOs high quality or garbage?"

2. To let people know how they can determine whether or not what they have bought or are about to buy is KO.

I am in no way endorsing or condemning the practice of bootlegging. I do buy bootlegs from time to time. I almost have to, because I live in China, and the supply of legit products here is scarce. If someone chooses not to buy KOs or bootlegs, then I would think this review would be helpful to them also. And it's helpful to those who do, because they can make wise decisions about spending their money. Obviously, I already had a legit original. I bought this one as a curiosity.

I do think that these particular bootlegs bear paying special attention to them. This is the first time we're seeing high quality, if not equal quality bootlegs being made of not only modern toys, but high-priced exclusives. These are not just the G1 KOs, which have several distinctions that mark them as fake. These are near perfect duplicates of exclusives that a lot of people are going to be fooled by.

By the way, I have noticed from pictures of the KO Skywarp that the same notching differences in the shoulder and knee exist. So this TC review should also be helpful in distinguishing fake Skywarps too.

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