New pictures for Takara TAV Battle Grimlock, Supreme Bumblebee, Black Shadow, Stepper and others

Sky Shadow looks epic.

I'm also really surprised at how nice that Grimlock looks - great use of the FOC base.

Holy cows those guys look awesome! Bee and Grim are rocking it so much! And yay for visors!

I NEED that Grimlock in my life, it looks so much better than Warrior Grimlock!

It's also great to have another opportunity to buy the United Rumble and Frenzy, and at a reasonable price too (3780 Yen is the same as about £20). However, because some of those leaked store listings for upcoming Hasbro Legends mentioned Rumble I don't know if I should get these Takara versions or just wait to see if that Rumble actually happens (I say IF because we never did get the Generations Hardhead, Brawn or Gnaw).

That Stepper is the only one worth import prices and the only one I am getting. Well I suppose I will be getting two since he comes with Sideswipe.

That Grimlock looks amazing. Even if he probably doesn't have the light-up gimmick anymore.

That Grimlock looks excellent. I may have to give him a whirl.

To all that!

I hope the new Jazz that comes with Drift in the VS. pack is doing something like that Bee. He looks AWESOME!

Dat Grimlock.... that paint job is killing it! I'm really surprised how well that mold is working for him. I would dare to say its working better here than on the FoC version it was made for.

If I could add anything to it, it would be his snaggly teef.

interested in the grimlock and bb. will they make it to the american line?

griftimus prime wrote:interested in the grimlock and bb. will they make it to the american line?

Doubt it, and even if they did, they would probably have next to no paint; so get 'em while you can

carytheone wrote:Dat Grimlock.... that paint job is killing it! I'm really surprised how well that mold is working for him. I would dare to say its working better here than on the FoC version it was made for.

It's true! I don't collect RID figures, but that Grimlock might start me off.

That, or Megatronus (obviously).

Wow, the retooling on that Grimlock dwarfs what Sandstorm got!

I'm digging the effort HasTak has been putting into retools lately!

I must have that Grimlock, oh yes.

Everyone overlooking the tweak to blackshadow, ball jointed neck.

Poyguimogul wrote:Everyone overlooking the tweak to blackshadow, ball jointed neck.

Nope, still the same swivel joint. The figure has it at an angle though, so when you turn the head, he'll start looking up as well.

-Kanrabat- wrote:I wonder what molds could they bring into the Adventure line?

How about 2007 voyager Ratchet? They just have to remold both hands and the head to make a 100% classic character without any traces of bayformers aestetics!

He always reminded me of Transformers Prime Breakdown, or at least the versions with a bumper on his chest...

griftimus prime wrote:interested in the grimlock and bb. will they make it to the american line?

Probably not. It is really rare for a line like this that Takara announces something before Hasbro does. Thats why I am certain the 3 femcons arent coming either, as well as the Big Optimus.

That bumblebee looks amazing.

Ok so guys, we need eachother here. The best place to preorder this will be amiami (by FAR!) however, their preorders sell out in a day. For the ones coming out in august (runamick and override), we didnt even know until they sold out. So we need to pool our efforts and keep a vigilant eye. I hope the first person that spots these here: http://slist.amiami.com/top/search/list ... pagemax=40 can tell us right away. The listings should be up between 15-20 days.

Believe it or not, I am now even more excited for that Grimlock than Takara's Devastator.

Grimmy is for pre-order at Robotkingdom: http://www.robotkingdom.com/transformer ... tav30.html TFsourse: http://tfsource.com/transformers-advent ... -grimlock/ And other places...
http://www.capturedprey.com/store/tav30_battle_grimlock
http://www.agesthreeandup.com/transform ... -grimlock/

I clearly said Amiami. That is the place that sells the cheapest and sells out right away. The other places dont sell out as fast and cost way more. Especialy for anyone not living in the states.

william-james88 wrote:I clearly said Amiami. That is the place that sells the cheapest and sells out right away. The other places dont sell out as fast and cost way more. Especialy for anyone not living in the states.

Sorry I'm kinda slow, and I misunderstood.
Btw can we order from here in the U.S.? I thought it was Yen.
(Just a funny thing, but every time I get on a Japanese hobby site, I always expect to see boobies, and I'm usually right.)
Also is that Bumblebee a retool of the warrior Bumblebee? Or is is a bigger figure?

So, is that Grimlock the VOYAGER everyone was looking for ever?

SOLD!
Sorry dear 3 steps, but off in storage you will go.

Also, that Bee look BAD-ASS!

SillySpringer wrote:

william-james88 wrote:I clearly said Amiami. That is the place that sells the cheapest and sells out right away. The other places dont sell out as fast and cost way more. Especialy for anyone not living in the states.

Sorry I'm kinda slow, and I misunderstood.
Btw can we order from here in the U.S.? I thought it was Yen.
(Just a funny thing, but every time I get on a Japanese hobby site, I always expect to see boobies, and I'm usually right.)
Also is that Bumblebee a retool of the warrior Bumblebee? Or is is a bigger figure?

Yes, you can buy it even if it is in yen (wow, how did I never see how odd it looked when you write "if it is in"). Either paypal or your credit card will make the conversion. And yes, that bumbebee is a retool of the warrior version.

-Kanrabat- wrote:So, is that Grimlock the VOYAGER everyone was looking for ever?

Hell yeah it is

william-james88 wrote:

-Kanrabat- wrote:So, is that Grimlock the VOYAGER everyone was looking for ever?

Hell yeah it is

I just can't get over the giant cavity that is: the figure. I think this was pretty heavily discussed when the megatron prototype surfaced. It just looks terrible, and I think that is my biggest problem with grimlock's, is that they always have either a giant backpack, or a giant cavity on their back; that's a predominant reason why I liked the aoe and gold armor rid'15 warrior versions so much.

The Rumble and Frenzy pair look almost identical to their United release. I think maybe "Frenzy" (the blue on in this case) has a bit more of a lavender shade to him like the G1 cartoon, whereas the United version was a truer "blue" color. Also, the "chrome" detailing on the chest has been changed from gold to a more "screen accurate" silver (or light blue, it's hard to tell). "Rumble" (the red one) doesn't look different at all. Also, where are their scan stickers?
Black Shadow looks really nice. I'm tempted to get an extra one to replace my Generations Sky Shadow, but I don't know for sure. There are aspects of both versions that are screen accurate, toy accurate, or updated, so there's no "perfect" version for me to pick.
Battle Grimlock looks spectacular. Supreme Bumblebee looks nice, but I don't need another Bumblebee. I don't care much for one off "powered up" decos.
I wish I hadn't already bought the individual Sideswipe figure, because that Vs. two-pack with Stepper is a MUST. Here's hoping that the upcoming "Battle Mode" Jazz will feature that new visor helmet with the same awesome paint job as his individual release.

william-james88 wrote:Yes, you can buy it even if it is in yen (wow, how did I never see how odd it looked when you write "if it is in")

Hey Jake! Bloody Knockout just got in the box With MP Blue Bluestreak at the BBTS warehouse. They start their trip tomorrow. It's gonna be a Bluestreak party up in hur.
Thanks for the push. I'm totally coping your paint job.

Hellscream9999 wrote:

william-james88 wrote:

-Kanrabat- wrote:So, is that Grimlock the VOYAGER everyone was looking for ever?

Hell yeah it is

I just can't get over the giant cavity that is: the figure. I think this was pretty heavily discussed when the megatron prototype surfaced. It just looks terrible, and I think that is my biggest problem with grimlock's, is that they always have either a giant backpack, or a giant cavity on their back; that's a predominant reason why I liked the aoe and gold armor rid'15 warrior versions so much.

Even though the FOC Grimlock does have a cavity on his back, it doesn't really show except in his dino mode, where the cavity's on his belly. In robot mode, the cavity is mostly filled in by his dino head.

Hellscream9999 wrote:

william-james88 wrote:

-Kanrabat- wrote:So, is that Grimlock the VOYAGER everyone was looking for ever?

Hell yeah it is

I just can't get over the giant cavity that is: the figure. I think this was pretty heavily discussed when the megatron prototype surfaced. It just looks terrible, and I think that is my biggest problem with grimlock's, is that they always have either a giant backpack, or a giant cavity on their back; that's a predominant reason why I liked the aoe and gold armor rid'15 warrior versions so much.

The dino-mode cavity really isnt visible and the cavity in robot mode is filled up by the head and on the FoC adds a nice light up chest gimmick. It may be one of the best Grimlock molds we've gotten

Gearslide wrote:Wow, the retooling on that Grimlock dwarfs what Sandstorm got!

I'm digging the effort HasTak has been putting into retools lately!

I must admit: The retools are going very nicely! Glad someone else is appreciating them! And while I think Sandstorm had much more retooling, I will not argue that this is very impressive retooling nonetheless

D-Maximus_Prime wrote:

Hellscream9999 wrote:

william-james88 wrote:

-Kanrabat- wrote:So, is that Grimlock the VOYAGER everyone was looking for ever?

Hell yeah it is

I just can't get over the giant cavity that is: the figure. I think this was pretty heavily discussed when the megatron prototype surfaced. It just looks terrible, and I think that is my biggest problem with grimlock's, is that they always have either a giant backpack, or a giant cavity on their back; that's a predominant reason why I liked the aoe and gold armor rid'15 warrior versions so much.

The dino-mode cavity really isnt visible and the cavity in robot mode is filled up by the head and on the FoC adds a nice light up chest gimmick. It may be one of the best Grimlock molds we've gotten

Ha, you know whats funny? I tried to make a top 5 Grimlock molds, and I couldnt come up with anything past Masterpiece. Yeah, I would say the generations is second best so far. Maybe the movie voyager tied with the cartoon voyager for third. But it really felt like there wasnt much to go on. For such an iconic character, there havent been great toys of him.

william-james88 wrote:

-Kanrabat- wrote:So, is that Grimlock the VOYAGER everyone was looking for ever?

Hell yeah it is

I can see that it's a very extensive retool of the FOC mold. I wonder how the plastic quality will compare to the original FOC, which was very soft, see trhought, and cheap feeling? Also, will they fix the problem of the huge gap of the dino chest? Will it have a "fire-breathing gimmick?

-Kanrabat- wrote:

william-james88 wrote:

-Kanrabat- wrote:So, is that Grimlock the VOYAGER everyone was looking for ever?

Hell yeah it is

I can see that it's a very extensive retool of the FOC mold. I wonder how the plastic quality will compare to the original FOC, which was very soft, see trhought, and cheap feeling? Also, will they fix the problem of the huge gap of the dino chest? Will it have a "fire-breathing gimmick?

Is there a yes or no to any of those questions that would stop you from buying it?

william-james88 wrote:

-Kanrabat- wrote:

william-james88 wrote:

-Kanrabat- wrote:So, is that Grimlock the VOYAGER everyone was looking for ever?

Hell yeah it is

I can see that it's a very extensive retool of the FOC mold. I wonder how the plastic quality will compare to the original FOC, which was very soft, see trhought, and cheap feeling? Also, will they fix the problem of the huge gap of the dino chest? Will it have a "fire-breathing gimmick?

Is there a yes or no to any of those questions that would stop you from buying it?

I already have the FOC mold twice. One if in storage also. So, if the thing feel cheap and have a huge chest gap, I may save 60$ by not buying him... However, I guess, I will never be able to find out before risking missing out on any Amiami pre-orders.

william-james88 wrote:

D-Maximus_Prime wrote:

Hellscream9999 wrote:

william-james88 wrote:

-Kanrabat- wrote:So, is that Grimlock the VOYAGER everyone was looking for ever?

Hell yeah it is

I just can't get over the giant cavity that is: the figure. I think this was pretty heavily discussed when the megatron prototype surfaced. It just looks terrible, and I think that is my biggest problem with grimlock's, is that they always have either a giant backpack, or a giant cavity on their back; that's a predominant reason why I liked the aoe and gold armor rid'15 warrior versions so much.

The dino-mode cavity really isnt visible and the cavity in robot mode is filled up by the head and on the FoC adds a nice light up chest gimmick. It may be one of the best Grimlock molds we've gotten

Ha, you know whats funny? I tried to make a top 5 Grimlock molds, and I couldnt come up with anything past Masterpiece. Yeah, I would say the generations is second best so far. Maybe the movie voyager tied with the cartoon voyager for third. But it really felt like there wasnt much to go on. For such an iconic character, there havent been great toys of him.

Besides the stubby tail, the Leader AoE mold is awesome. no backpack, very screen accurate, fairly good articulation. I bought him over the voyager because he looked so much better and he looks like a true dinobot leader with that size

Cobotron wrote:Hey Jake! Bloody Knockout just got in the box With MP Blue Bluestreak at the BBTS warehouse. They start their trip tomorrow. It's gonna be a Bluestreak party up in hur.
Thanks for the push. I'm totally coping your paint job.

Can't wait to see your results. If you figure out another good mod to make the figure even more "Bluestreakier," I might just have to copy you right back

-Kanrabat- wrote:

william-james88 wrote:Is there a yes or no to any of those questions that would stop you from buying it?

I already have the FOC mold twice. One if in storage also. So, if the thing feel cheap and have a huge chest gap, I may save 60$ by not buying him... However, I guess, I will never be able to find out before risking missing out on any Amiami pre-orders.

Kanrabat, you are going to kick yourself so hard you'll turn yourself inside out if you pass on Battle Grimlock. Save yourself the heart ache and put him on your pre-order list ASAP!

Wolfman Jake wrote:

-Kanrabat- wrote:

william-james88 wrote:Is there a yes or no to any of those questions that would stop you from buying it?

I already have the FOC mold twice. One if in storage also. So, if the thing feel cheap and have a huge chest gap, I may save 60$ by not buying him... However, I guess, I will never be able to find out before risking missing out on any Amiami pre-orders.

Kanrabat, you are going to kick yourself so hard you'll turn yourself inside out if you pass on Battle Grimlock. Save yourself the heart ache and put him on your pre-order list ASAP!

Oh, I will pre-order him ASAP on Amiami. If the pre-orders are over too quick, I will then take my time before having to pay more elsewhere.

I don't think much of the RiD line in general, but somehow the remold for Grimlock kind of works....

Black Shadow is soooooooooooo owned!

They really went to town with that Grimlock. I'd like to get it, Stepper, and that Drift retool sadly BBTS pre-orders are sold out. Guess I'll have to get them the old fashioned way, wait until release.

chuckdawg1999 wrote:They really went to town with that Grimlock. I'd like to get it, Stepper, and that Drift retool sadly BBTS pre-orders are sold out. Guess I'll have to get them the old fashioned way, wait until release.

You wouldnt rather preorder them fro japan when the preorder is listed ?

william-james88 wrote:

chuckdawg1999 wrote:They really went to town with that Grimlock. I'd like to get it, Stepper, and that Drift retool sadly BBTS pre-orders are sold out. Guess I'll have to get them the old fashioned way, wait until release.

You wouldnt rather preorder them fro japan when the preorder is listed ?

Still available at Amiami chuck.

chuckdawg1999 wrote:They really went to town with that Grimlock. I'd like to get it, Stepper, and that Drift retool sadly BBTS pre-orders are sold out. Guess I'll have to get them the old fashioned way, wait until release.

I'm assuming you mean Grimsie, because that's the only one sold out at bbts.

Tfsource has him if you still wanna go the US route and they do that lovely free shipping @ $150.

http://tfsource.com/transformers-advent ... -grimlock/

Some preorders on amiami, most notably the VS set with Stepper as well as Supreme mode bumblebee. That Grand General vehicon is sold out.

fenrir72 wrote:Amiami

http://www.amiami.com/top/detail/detail ... agecnt%3D1

http://www.amiami.com/top/detail/detail ... agecnt%3D1

http://www.amiami.com/top/detail/detail ... agecnt%3D1

http://www.amiami.com/top/detail/detail ... agecnt%3D1

Of anyone is interested in the differences between the rumble and frenzy releases, I found this on TFW courtesy of member wingsaber86

william-james88 wrote:Of anyone is interested in the differences between the rumble and frenzy releases, I found this on TFW courtesy of member wingsaber86

Frenzy no gold?/.

william-james88 wrote:Some preorders on amiami, most notably the VS set with Stepper as well as Supreme mode bumblebee. That Grand General vehicon is sold out.

fenrir72 wrote:Amiami

http://www.amiami.com/top/detail/detail ... agecnt%3D1

http://www.amiami.com/top/detail/detail ... agecnt%3D1

http://www.amiami.com/top/detail/detail ... agecnt%3D1

http://www.amiami.com/top/detail/detail ... agecnt%3D1

That Vehicon is made of ice. It like evaporated under a desert sun in like 0.0001 seconds

william-james88 wrote:

I can't get over how awesome Fall of Cybertron Grimlock looks as a remolded Robots In Disguise Grimlock.

Still would love to get Transmetal Megatron out of that mold still, Hasbro!

fenrir72 wrote:
That Vehicon is made of ice. It like evaporated under a desert sun in like 0.0001 seconds

Do you think it confirms what we thought? That they have a japan language site that takes priority while we are getting leftovers?

I am terrified that this is the case with that Grimlock. Though the higher price point usually keeps a figure longer in availability.

Seibertron wrote:

william-james88 wrote:

I can't get over how awesome Fall of Cybertron Grimlock looks as a remolded Robots In Disguise Grimlock.

Still would love to get Transmetal Megatron out of that mold still, Hasbro!

This is such an excellent mold! I really do want this guy now. He's really cool

That Grimlock looks nice as a display piece I just hope they fixed some of the mould quirks when they remoulded him - like the tetchy shoulders.

Perhaps this is a good example of how Hasbro could make RID-16 Voyagers if they wanted too - you can imagine they could make an Optimus - release this Grimlock perhaps not to mention many of the Decepticons are much better suited to being Voyagers..

I wonder if there will be a USA version of Takara's new Bumblebee or not ?

If they go through the characters enhancing them like that I'd be fine with that.