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Possible Hasbro Masterpiece Bumblebee Release

Thursday, January 21st, 2016 2:26PM CST

Category: Toy News
Posted by: william-james88   Views: 36,950

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Interesting how in one day we get two indications that one of Hasbro's 2016 Masterpiece releases will be Bumblebee.

Firstly, on the TFW2005 boards, Kiresu put up a picture of a listing on Toysrus' database that describes Transformers Masterpiece Bumblebee with Spike. While there is no indication as to exactly what is included as the "Spike" accessory, it would probably by the exosuit figure, since it was still left open whether or not that was Spike or Daniel. That would definitely help explain the $64.99 it is priced at.

On the same day this was found, Hasbro posted a picture on their official Facebook page which features the Masterpiece Bumblebee toy. While this could just be for fun rather than a full blown tease, the fact that we now know we are probably getting a Hasbro MP Bumblebee does beg the question as to whether or not the MP Bumblebee featured on that picture is Takara's or Hasbro's own issue.

Let us know what you think!

Transformers News: Possible Hasbro Masterpiece Bumblebee Release

Transformers News: Possible Hasbro Masterpiece Bumblebee Release
Credit(s): Kiresu and Hasbro

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Re: Possible Hasbro Masterpiece Bumblebee Release (1758093)
Posted by ScottyP on January 21st, 2016 @ 2:56pm CST
Figured this was probably inevitable, but glad to see it. Here's hoping for some kind of difference from the Takara one!
Re: Possible Hasbro Masterpiece Bumblebee Release (1758104)
Posted by Burn on January 21st, 2016 @ 3:32pm CST
My first reaction was "but he's already been released in Australia" ... then I remembered that was the TT release with English instructions. :-P
Re: Possible Hasbro Masterpiece Bumblebee Release (1758110)
Posted by Emerje on January 21st, 2016 @ 3:50pm CST
william-james88 wrote:On the same day this was found, Hasbro posted a picture on their official Facebook page which features the Masterpiece Bumblebee toy. While this could just be for fun rather than a full blown tease, the fact that we now know we are probably getting a Hasbro MP Bumblebee does beg the question as to whether or not the MP Bumblebee featured on that picture is Takara's or Hasbro's own issue.


I just want to point out that they've used MP Bee two other times here and here. It was likely all done just in fun, but it definitely got the rumor rolling about two weeks ago.

Emerje
Re: Possible Hasbro Masterpiece Bumblebee Release (1758120)
Posted by william-james88 on January 21st, 2016 @ 4:30pm CST
Emerje wrote:
william-james88 wrote:On the same day this was found, Hasbro posted a picture on their official Facebook page which features the Masterpiece Bumblebee toy. While this could just be for fun rather than a full blown tease, the fact that we now know we are probably getting a Hasbro MP Bumblebee does beg the question as to whether or not the MP Bumblebee featured on that picture is Takara's or Hasbro's own issue.


I just want to point out that they've used MP Bee two other times here and here. It was likely all done just in fun, but it definitely got the rumor rolling about two weeks ago.

Emerje


Thanks for the added info :)
Re: Possible Hasbro Masterpiece Bumblebee Release (1758121)
Posted by kurthy on January 21st, 2016 @ 4:30pm CST
Considering you could import TT's MP-21 for that price (if available), I'm more than a little disappointed in Hasbro's price tag. You could get MP-21 from BBTS for only slightly more. Where's the value of a domestic release if it costs the same and comes out later?
Re: Possible Hasbro Masterpiece Bumblebee Release (1758122)
Posted by william-james88 on January 21st, 2016 @ 4:33pm CST
kurthy wrote:Considering you could import TT's MP-21 for that price (if available), I'm more than a little disappointed in Hasbro's price tag. You could get MP-21 from BBTS for only slightly more. Where's the value of a domestic release if it costs the same and comes out later?


There is no value. But there are fans who are hesitant of buying online. And there is also the hope for discounts and coupon use, which is something you can get at TRU that you cant from ordering the japan version online.

I am currently just dreading what this means for the canadian price. $65 is over $90 in Canada :shock: Aint no way I am paying 90$ for Bumblebee!
Re: Possible Hasbro Masterpiece Bumblebee Release (1758123)
Posted by Mindmaster on January 21st, 2016 @ 4:41pm CST
Pretty sure the Facebook-related one is pure coincidence; I think they've used him in other gag posts in the past before. :-?

Hopefully this rings true: I'm actually slightly pining for a Masterpiece Bumblebee (thought I'd never say those words in my life... *shudder*)
Re: Possible Hasbro Masterpiece Bumblebee Release (1758136)
Posted by Microraptor on January 21st, 2016 @ 5:25pm CST
YES!!!!!
Re: Possible Hasbro Masterpiece Bumblebee Release (1758149)
Posted by Kup98ss on January 21st, 2016 @ 6:19pm CST
$65????? Why on earth would I wait one to two years for the chance of having one of these masterpieces show up in the states when I can import it for the same price. Hell, the KO's are half the price and get made before Hasbro makes them. Great sales strategy Hasbro/Toys R Us.
Re: Possible Hasbro Masterpiece Bumblebee Release (1758151)
Posted by shajaki on January 21st, 2016 @ 6:25pm CST
Soooo happy. I want a second Bee and eBay is a no go, simply infested with KO's. Most other places (online) that he's still available is as expensive as TRU fella will be. The second I see him (in store or online) he's so bought.
Re: Possible Hasbro Masterpiece Bumblebee Release (1758160)
Posted by william-james88 on January 21st, 2016 @ 6:48pm CST
Kup98ss wrote:$65????? Why on earth would I wait one to two years for the chance of having one of these masterpieces show up in the states when I can import it for the same price. Hell, the KO's are half the price and get made before Hasbro makes them. Great sales strategy Hasbro/Toys R Us.


Well, it is cheaper than BBTS, which too many people see as a basis for the price (which as you alluded to, is incorrect).

So this could be made for those unknowing of the japanese market or those who are not familiar or feel uneasy about doing international purchases. I dont think this is for the savy collector, but instead for those unaware of this product or of the other ways of purchasing it. I wouldnt look down on this release or the price. Anyone who buys it is someone who wouldnt have known to buy it otherwise. I dont see that as negative in any way.

You got one for cheaper, and another fan got something they didnt know existed before (or cheaper than BBTS), everybody wins!
Re: Possible Hasbro Masterpiece Bumblebee Release (1758197)
Posted by Sabrblade on January 21st, 2016 @ 9:01pm CST
Oof, that price.
Re: Possible Hasbro Masterpiece Bumblebee Release (1758211)
Posted by william-james88 on January 21st, 2016 @ 9:22pm CST
Sabrblade wrote:Oof, that price.


:DANCE: Cheaper than BBTS :DANCE:

http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/prod ... ode=retail
Re: Possible Hasbro Masterpiece Bumblebee Release (1758225)
Posted by Hellscream9999 on January 21st, 2016 @ 9:48pm CST
william-james88 wrote:
Sabrblade wrote:Oof, that price.


:DANCE: Cheaper than BBTS :DANCE:

http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/prod ... ode=retail


Meh, maybe if I found it at a store, and it was the one with the cool visor, I'd get it, but bumblebee looks kinda dumb as is >:oP
Re: Possible Hasbro Masterpiece Bumblebee Release (1758226)
Posted by Bronzewolf on January 21st, 2016 @ 9:48pm CST
I'd like to say that I called this way back when I got Hasbro MP Bluestreak early last summer. Proof: https://plus.google.com/104887273530870 ... LQPgVV1srT
Re: Possible Hasbro Masterpiece Bumblebee Release (1758339)
Posted by Ironhidensh on January 22nd, 2016 @ 6:42am CST
I thought Volkswagen wouldn't sign off on US licensing?
Re: Possible Hasbro Masterpiece Bumblebee Release (1758344)
Posted by Starsaber468 on January 22nd, 2016 @ 7:09am CST
Me right now: I don't have the MP bumblebee mold and now their is possibly going be release I might get it. :D Now lets see the price.....
65$ [-( well screw that now.....
Re: Possible Hasbro Masterpiece Bumblebee Release (1758350)
Posted by Ironhidensh on January 22nd, 2016 @ 8:07am CST
Starsaber468 wrote:Me right now: I don't have the MP bumblebee mold and now their is possibly going be release I might get it. :D Now lets see the price.....
65$ [-( well screw that now.....

It's worth it. I consider MP Bumblebee the single most perfect Transformer ever made.
Re: Possible Hasbro Masterpiece Bumblebee Release (1758353)
Posted by Emerje on January 22nd, 2016 @ 8:28am CST
You know what else cost $65? Masterpiece Starscream at more than twice the size. I really don't understand Hasbro's rational for pricing MPs. For larger ones they're roughly half the price of their Japanese counterparts, but for the cars they've been just about the same. When it comes to the big MPs it makes sense to take a chance and wait for Hasbro (this is the year we should see Ultra Magnus if ever), but for the cars the best bet is to import. My MP BB only cost US$35 plus another US$5 for shipping by importing.

Ironhidensh wrote:
Starsaber468 wrote:Me right now: I don't have the MP bumblebee mold and now their is possibly going be release I might get it. :D Now lets see the price.....
65$ [-( well screw that now.....

It's worth it. I consider MP Bumblebee the single most perfect Transformer ever made.


That's a pretty bold statement. Personally, the forearm kibble bothers me way too much.

Emerje
Re: Possible Hasbro Masterpiece Bumblebee Release (1758357)
Posted by Ironhidensh on January 22nd, 2016 @ 8:37am CST
Emerje wrote:You know what else cost $65? Masterpiece Starscream at more than twice the size. I really don't understand Hasbro's rational for pricing MPs. For larger ones they're roughly half the price of their Japanese counterparts, but for the cars they've been just about the same. When it comes to the big MPs it makes sense to take a chance and wait for Hasbro (this is the year we should see Ultra Magnus if ever), but for the cars the best bet is to import. My MP BB only cost US$35 plus another US$5 for shipping by importing.

Ironhidensh wrote:
Starsaber468 wrote:Me right now: I don't have the MP bumblebee mold and now their is possibly going be release I might get it. :D Now lets see the price.....
65$ [-( well screw that now.....

It's worth it. I consider MP Bumblebee the single most perfect Transformer ever made.


That's a pretty bold statement. Personally, the forearm kibble bothers me way too much.

Emerje

I stand by it. For me, the Bee represents everything I want in a transformer.
Re: Possible Hasbro Masterpiece Bumblebee Release (1758364)
Posted by Mindmaster on January 22nd, 2016 @ 9:07am CST
Ironhidensh wrote:
Emerje wrote:You know what else cost $65? Masterpiece Starscream at more than twice the size. I really don't understand Hasbro's rational for pricing MPs. For larger ones they're roughly half the price of their Japanese counterparts, but for the cars they've been just about the same. When it comes to the big MPs it makes sense to take a chance and wait for Hasbro (this is the year we should see Ultra Magnus if ever), but for the cars the best bet is to import. My MP BB only cost US$35 plus another US$5 for shipping by importing.

Ironhidensh wrote:
Starsaber468 wrote:Me right now: I don't have the MP bumblebee mold and now their is possibly going be release I might get it. :D Now lets see the price.....
65$ [-( well screw that now.....

It's worth it. I consider MP Bumblebee the single most perfect Transformer ever made.


That's a pretty bold statement. Personally, the forearm kibble bothers me way too much.

Emerje

I stand by it. For me, the Bee represents everything I want in a transformer.


Yellow, annoying, and clogs up store shelves? :-P
Re: Possible Hasbro Masterpiece Bumblebee Release (1758381)
Posted by Ironhidensh on January 22nd, 2016 @ 10:34am CST
Mindmaster wrote:
Ironhidensh wrote:
Emerje wrote:You know what else cost $65? Masterpiece Starscream at more than twice the size. I really don't understand Hasbro's rational for pricing MPs. For larger ones they're roughly half the price of their Japanese counterparts, but for the cars they've been just about the same. When it comes to the big MPs it makes sense to take a chance and wait for Hasbro (this is the year we should see Ultra Magnus if ever), but for the cars the best bet is to import. My MP BB only cost US$35 plus another US$5 for shipping by importing.

Ironhidensh wrote:
Starsaber468 wrote:Me right now: I don't have the MP bumblebee mold and now their is possibly going be release I might get it. :D Now lets see the price.....
65$ [-( well screw that now.....

It's worth it. I consider MP Bumblebee the single most perfect Transformer ever made.


That's a pretty bold statement. Personally, the forearm kibble bothers me way too much.

Emerje

I stand by it. For me, the Bee represents everything I want in a transformer.


Yellow, annoying, and clogs up store shelves? :-P


Yeah, I should have clarified that I meant the MP version.
Re: Possible Hasbro Masterpiece Bumblebee Release (1758395)
Posted by Bronzewolf on January 22nd, 2016 @ 11:07am CST
Ironhidensh wrote:
Emerje wrote:You know what else cost $65? Masterpiece Starscream at more than twice the size. I really don't understand Hasbro's rational for pricing MPs. For larger ones they're roughly half the price of their Japanese counterparts, but for the cars they've been just about the same. When it comes to the big MPs it makes sense to take a chance and wait for Hasbro (this is the year we should see Ultra Magnus if ever), but for the cars the best bet is to import. My MP BB only cost US$35 plus another US$5 for shipping by importing.

Ironhidensh wrote:
Starsaber468 wrote:Me right now: I don't have the MP bumblebee mold and now their is possibly going be release I might get it. :D Now lets see the price.....
65$ [-( well screw that now.....

It's worth it. I consider MP Bumblebee the single most perfect Transformer ever made.


That's a pretty bold statement. Personally, the forearm kibble bothers me way too much.

Emerje

I stand by it. For me, the Bee represents everything I want in a transformer.


We here at the Wheeljack committee would like a word with you.
Re: Possible Hasbro Masterpiece Bumblebee Release (1758398)
Posted by Hellscream9999 on January 22nd, 2016 @ 11:12am CST
Bronzewolf wrote:
Ironhidensh wrote:
Emerje wrote:You know what else cost $65? Masterpiece Starscream at more than twice the size. I really don't understand Hasbro's rational for pricing MPs. For larger ones they're roughly half the price of their Japanese counterparts, but for the cars they've been just about the same. When it comes to the big MPs it makes sense to take a chance and wait for Hasbro (this is the year we should see Ultra Magnus if ever), but for the cars the best bet is to import. My MP BB only cost US$35 plus another US$5 for shipping by importing.

Ironhidensh wrote:
Starsaber468 wrote:Me right now: I don't have the MP bumblebee mold and now their is possibly going be release I might get it. :D Now lets see the price.....
65$ [-( well screw that now.....

It's worth it. I consider MP Bumblebee the single most perfect Transformer ever made.


That's a pretty bold statement. Personally, the forearm kibble bothers me way too much.

Emerje

I stand by it. For me, the Bee represents everything I want in a transformer.


We here at the Wheeljack committee would like a word with you.


Wheeljack can't be perfect because he isn't Exhaust :-P
Re: Possible Hasbro Masterpiece Bumblebee Release (1758400)
Posted by william-james88 on January 22nd, 2016 @ 11:18am CST
Bronzewolf wrote:
We here at the Wheeljack committee would like a word with you.


I am also part of the Wheeljack committe.

Serious question though folks, why are we outraged now by the price and not a year ago when BBTS showed their listing for upwards of 70$ ? It seems like all the time I have to convince people that cheaper alternatives to these high prices are available when you import the figure yourself, with many fans unaware of Japanese sites you can import directly from.

But suddenly, it's like everyone is an expert for this figure. It's like no one ever spent 65$ or more on MP Bee and everyone knows about import sites suddenly. Did no one buy their MP Bee from TF Source or BBTS?

Also, I would like to point out that for some reason, licenses from international car manufacturers seems tougher for Hasbro to aquire than Takara. That's been the case for over a decade (and why we never got another volkswagon bee toy since the first one in the states). If people are wondering why he costs as much as starscream, its pretty easy: Starscream doesnt require a vehicle license. This bumblebee does. Not saying this is all there is to it, but its definitely part of it.
Re: Possible Hasbro Masterpiece Bumblebee Release (1758410)
Posted by Hellscream9999 on January 22nd, 2016 @ 12:03pm CST
william-james88 wrote:
Bronzewolf wrote:
We here at the Wheeljack committee would like a word with you.


I am also part of the Wheeljack committe.

Serious question though folks, why are we outraged now by the price and not a year ago when BBTS showed their listing for upwards of 70$ ? It seems like all the time I have to convince people that cheaper alternatives to these high prices are available when you import the figure yourself, with many fans unaware of Japanese sites you can import directly from.

But suddenly, it's like everyone is an expert for this figure. It's like no one ever spent 65$ or more on MP Bee and everyone knows about import sites suddenly. Did no one buy their MP Bee from TF Source or BBTS?

Also, I would like to point out that for some reason, licenses from international car manufacturers seems tougher for Hasbro to aquire than Takara. That's been the case for over a decade (and why we never got another volkswagon bee toy since the first one in the states). If people are wondering why he costs as much as starscream, its pretty easy: Starscream doesnt require a vehicle license. This bumblebee does. Not saying this is all there is to it, but its definitely part of it.


I dunno, I think they see as more of size:price versus parts/complexity:price, but I also think $65 is a bit much for a glorified deluxe.

But to your question, I think we've been drawing enough attention to the likes of amiami and such that people are taking them seriously, especially for as low a price as they offer stuff for :-?
Re: Possible Hasbro Masterpiece Bumblebee Release (1758424)
Posted by Bronzewolf on January 22nd, 2016 @ 12:27pm CST
Hellscream9999 wrote:
william-james88 wrote:
Bronzewolf wrote:
We here at the Wheeljack committee would like a word with you.


I am also part of the Wheeljack committe.

Serious question though folks, why are we outraged now by the price and not a year ago when BBTS showed their listing for upwards of 70$ ? It seems like all the time I have to convince people that cheaper alternatives to these high prices are available when you import the figure yourself, with many fans unaware of Japanese sites you can import directly from.

But suddenly, it's like everyone is an expert for this figure. It's like no one ever spent 65$ or more on MP Bee and everyone knows about import sites suddenly. Did no one buy their MP Bee from TF Source or BBTS?

Also, I would like to point out that for some reason, licenses from international car manufacturers seems tougher for Hasbro to aquire than Takara. That's been the case for over a decade (and why we never got another volkswagon bee toy since the first one in the states). If people are wondering why he costs as much as starscream, its pretty easy: Starscream doesnt require a vehicle license. This bumblebee does. Not saying this is all there is to it, but its definitely part of it.


I dunno, I think they see as more of size:price versus parts/complexity:price, but I also think $65 is a bit much for a glorified deluxe.

But to your question, I think we've been drawing enough attention to the likes of amiami and such that people are taking them seriously, especially for as low a price as they offer stuff for :-?



Hahaha hahaha glorified deluxe. Too (almost painfully) accurate. And I don't
think of MP Bee as all that complex (if that's what you're getting at)...
Re: Possible Hasbro Masterpiece Bumblebee Release (1758437)
Posted by Hellscream9999 on January 22nd, 2016 @ 12:55pm CST
Bronzewolf wrote:
Hellscream9999 wrote:
william-james88 wrote:
Bronzewolf wrote:
We here at the Wheeljack committee would like a word with you.


I am also part of the Wheeljack committe.

Serious question though folks, why are we outraged now by the price and not a year ago when BBTS showed their listing for upwards of 70$ ? It seems like all the time I have to convince people that cheaper alternatives to these high prices are available when you import the figure yourself, with many fans unaware of Japanese sites you can import directly from.

But suddenly, it's like everyone is an expert for this figure. It's like no one ever spent 65$ or more on MP Bee and everyone knows about import sites suddenly. Did no one buy their MP Bee from TF Source or BBTS?

Also, I would like to point out that for some reason, licenses from international car manufacturers seems tougher for Hasbro to aquire than Takara. That's been the case for over a decade (and why we never got another volkswagon bee toy since the first one in the states). If people are wondering why he costs as much as starscream, its pretty easy: Starscream doesnt require a vehicle license. This bumblebee does. Not saying this is all there is to it, but its definitely part of it.


I dunno, I think they see as more of size:price versus parts/complexity:price, but I also think $65 is a bit much for a glorified deluxe.

But to your question, I think we've been drawing enough attention to the likes of amiami and such that people are taking them seriously, especially for as low a price as they offer stuff for :-?



Hahaha hahaha glorified deluxe. Too (almost painfully) accurate. And I don't
think of MP Bee as all that complex (if that's what you're getting at)...


I mean complexity to manufacture, lots of small parts mean higher expenses, even if its just for an expensive deluxe
Re: Possible Hasbro Masterpiece Bumblebee Release (1758524)
Posted by Optimum Supreme on January 22nd, 2016 @ 3:55pm CST
william-james88 wrote:since it was still left open whether or not that was Spike or Daniel.


I choose to believe it's Buster.
Re: Possible Hasbro Masterpiece Bumblebee Release (1758583)
Posted by Sabrblade on January 22nd, 2016 @ 8:32pm CST
Optimum Supreme wrote:
william-james88 wrote:since it was still left open whether or not that was Spike or Daniel.


I choose to believe it's Buster.
Now I want Hasbro's Exo-suited Witwicky to have Buster's blond hair just the mess with the fandom. :P
Re: Possible Hasbro Masterpiece Bumblebee Release (1758627)
Posted by Emerje on January 22nd, 2016 @ 10:44pm CST
william-james88 wrote:If people are wondering why he costs as much as starscream, its pretty easy: Starscream doesnt require a vehicle license. This bumblebee does. Not saying this is all there is to it, but its definitely part of it.


I don't think vehicle licenses impact prices nearly as much as one would expect. Alternators were, what, US$20 while unlicensed Deluxe figures were US$10? Licensed movie figures cost roughly the same as non-movie figures, and in some situations less. That sort of logic would also say that the Japanese are overpaying for the larger, non-licensed MPs like Starscream, but realistically the Japanese prices are simply better balanced based on scale rather than pesky licenses. Then there's non-Transformers like Hot Wheels, Matchbox, or even those dirt cheap licensed cars you find at places like Family Dollar or Big Lots. I'm sure the toy companies are paying something to use the likenesses, but it doesn't seem like it's enough to really impact the price of the products, especially if it's for something old from Nissan or Volkswagen that otherwise wouldn't be worth much to those companies.

Emerje
Re: Possible Hasbro Masterpiece Bumblebee Release (1758628)
Posted by LegendaryAntiHero on January 22nd, 2016 @ 10:50pm CST
I hope the price will be cheaper than importing the Takara version and it won't cost as much as Prowl did. When Prowl came out, the Hasbro version didn't cost any less than Takara's.
Re: Possible Hasbro Masterpiece Bumblebee Release (1758670)
Posted by Ironhidensh on January 23rd, 2016 @ 4:17am CST
Emerje wrote:
william-james88 wrote:If people are wondering why he costs as much as starscream, its pretty easy: Starscream doesnt require a vehicle license. This bumblebee does. Not saying this is all there is to it, but its definitely part of it.


I don't think vehicle licenses impact prices nearly as much as one would expect. Alternators were, what, US$20 while unlicensed Deluxe figures were US$10? Licensed movie figures cost roughly the same as non-movie figures, and in some situations less. That sort of logic would also say that the Japanese are overpaying for the larger, non-licensed MPs like Starscream, but realistically the Japanese prices are simply better balanced based on scale rather than pesky licenses. Then there's non-Transformers like Hot Wheels, Matchbox, or even those dirt cheap licensed cars you find at places like Family Dollar or Big Lots. I'm sure the toy companies are paying something to use the likenesses, but it doesn't seem like it's enough to really impact the price of the products, especially if it's for something old from Nissan or Volkswagen that otherwise wouldn't be worth much to those companies.

Emerje

Alternators were $30, and this is also why I question this release. Volkswagen wouldn't give out the license for Bumblebee during that era. Then again, Tamara got it, so maybe it is legit. :-?
Re: Possible Hasbro Masterpiece Bumblebee Release (1758678)
Posted by Emerje on January 23rd, 2016 @ 6:48am CST
Ironhidensh wrote:Alternators were $30, and this is also why I question this release. Volkswagen wouldn't give out the license for Bumblebee during that era. Then again, Tamara got it, so maybe it is legit. :-?


No, I actually looked it up to be sure. In 2004 Smokescreen was US$19.99, while in 2007 Ravage and Rumble were US$19.96. For that mater SDCC Nemesis Prime and Rodimus were only US$24.99.

As for the whole story about VW not allowing "war toys" as an excuse, I don't buy it. Japan has always sold toys and models based on actual VW WWII military vehicles used by actual Nazis (this military Beetle is from 2006). We're supposed to believe they're fine with that, but they draw the line at robots that rarely die with laser guns? Nope, I don't believe it at all. More likely at the time they were asking for a ridiculous amount for the New Beetle likeness (it was their new iconic flagship car at the time) that Takara and Hasbro couldn't justify it at the going price of Alternators and BT. Rather than sound cheap they made up the story about military toys to save face.

Emerje
Re: Possible Hasbro Masterpiece Bumblebee Release (1758682)
Posted by william-james88 on January 23rd, 2016 @ 7:19am CST
Ironhidensh wrote:Alternators were $30, and this is also why I question this release. Volkswagen wouldn't give out the license for Bumblebee during that era. Then again, Tamara got it, so maybe it is legit. :-?


No joke, I used to date a girl called Tamara, she was nice.

Emerje wrote:
No, I actually looked it up to be sure. In 2004 Smokescreen was US$19.99, while in 2007 Ravage and Rumble were US$19.96. For that mater SDCC Nemesis Prime and Rodimus were only US$24.99.

As for the whole story about VW not allowing "war toys" as an excuse, I don't buy it.


Thanks for your astute comments Emerje, and that price for SDCC Rodimus is bonkers.

One thing I would like to add though is that licenses are aquired at the national and not global level. So what might work in Japan, might not work in the US, or at least both cases may not be the same. We know this with the alternators line. Honda Japan had no problem having Overdrive have this nice gun. But Honda US didnt like it, forcing Hasbro to turn it into a scanner or tazer or whatever non gun thing it is.

So while car licenses might not be expensive, it isnt all that simple either and I am still baffled that Hasbro hasnt done the Sideswipe mold yet.

Image

Also, I take it a lot has changed with Hasbro since 2006, now they are no longer afraid of sounding cheap.
Re: Possible Hasbro Masterpiece Bumblebee Release (1758695)
Posted by Ironhidensh on January 23rd, 2016 @ 7:57am CST
Emerje wrote:
Ironhidensh wrote:Alternators were $30, and this is also why I question this release. Volkswagen wouldn't give out the license for Bumblebee during that era. Then again, Tamara got it, so maybe it is legit. :-?


No, I actually looked it up to be sure. In 2004 Smokescreen was US$19.99, while in 2007 Ravage and Rumble were US$19.96. For that mater SDCC Nemesis Prime and Rodimus were only US$24.99.

As for the whole story about VW not allowing "war toys" as an excuse, I don't buy it. Japan has always sold toys and models based on actual VW WWII military vehicles used by actual Nazis (this military Beetle is from 2006). We're supposed to believe they're fine with that, but they draw the line at robots that rarely die with laser guns? Nope, I don't believe it at all. More likely at the time they were asking for a ridiculous amount for the New Beetle likeness (it was their new iconic flagship car at the time) that Takara and Hasbro couldn't justify it at the going price of Alternators and BT. Rather than sound cheap they made up the story about military toys to save face.

Emerje

Yeah buddy? You looked it up? Well, guess what? I looked it up as well.......

And discovered that you are correct, good sir. I was confusing/remembering the price of human alliance figures. :oops:
Re: Possible Hasbro Masterpiece Bumblebee Release (1758698)
Posted by Emerje on January 23rd, 2016 @ 8:09am CST
william-james88 wrote:Thanks for your astute comments Emerje, and that price for SDCC Rodimus is bonkers.


And you are always welcome. As for Rodimus, yeah, that was pre-Platinum back when Hasbro didn't massively inflate the prices of the exclusive collectibles.

One thing I would like to add though is that licenses are aquired at the national and not global level. So what might work in Japan, might not work in the US, or at least both cases may not be the same. We know this with the alternators line. Honda Japan had no problem having Overdrive have this nice gun. But Honda US didnt like it, forcing Hasbro to turn it into a scanner or tazer or whatever non gun thing it is.


Heh, yeah, I have that Alternator (I'm actually only missing five for a complete set). Keep in mind that Honda is a Japanese company so it makes sense that they would negotiate the figure differently than the Hasbro version. But with VW being German and Alternators/Binaltech being a joint venture between the two it should have been negotiated together. And doesn't the idea of wanting a clean image in North America seem a little strange? Most people in NA probably aren't aware of VW's involvement in WWII and wouldn't make the connection, but with Germany and Japan being allies in WWII you'd think THAT would be the country they'd want to clean their image with. It feels totally backwards from normal logic.

Also, I take it a lot has changed with Hasbro since 2006, now they are no longer afraid of sounding cheap.


No kidding. Even your beloved Nemesis Prime mammoth was only US$20 in 2004. Can't even imagine what he'd cost today. Probably US$60 or maybe even US$80 like Ultra Mammoth.

Emerje
Re: Possible Hasbro Masterpiece Bumblebee Release (1758702)
Posted by william-james88 on January 23rd, 2016 @ 8:21am CST
Emerje wrote:
No kidding. Even your beloved Nemesis Prime mammoth was only US$20 in 2004. Can't even imagine what he'd cost today. Probably US$60 or maybe even US$80 like Ultra Mammoth.



:lol: :lol:

And yes, I do love that mammoth though I think I have exhausted the lists he will show up in (aside from best of Beast Wars Neo).

I am glad you brought up how Japan doesnt care much about being politically correct while looking at their past allegiances. That comes up a lot in video games. Like Valkyria Chronicles where it's a WWII stylized game, where the characters definitely seem to come right out of an anime. And in that game, you are playing as the resistance, against the germans (though they call them the imperial forces in the game). It just seemed so odd. But a friend of mine explained that the Japan culture sees WWII very differently than North America. For them, it was the war their father and grandfathers fought, not them, and they have moved past it. So WWII becomes a source of inspiration for storytelling and design just like any other moment in time regardless of their involvement "long ago".

That also explains why they didnt care that both G1 Megatron and MP Megatron are Nazi guns as well as being the gun from Man from U.N.C.L.E. (the later is what they were going for).
Re: Possible Hasbro Masterpiece Bumblebee Release (1758876)
Posted by Emerje on January 23rd, 2016 @ 7:25pm CST
william-james88 wrote:
Emerje wrote:
No kidding. Even your beloved Nemesis Prime mammoth was only US$20 in 2004. Can't even imagine what he'd cost today. Probably US$60 or maybe even US$80 like Ultra Mammoth.



:lol: :lol:

And yes, I do love that mammoth though I think I have exhausted the lists he will show up in (aside from best of Beast Wars Neo).

I am glad you brought up how Japan doesnt care much about being politically correct while looking at their past allegiances. That comes up a lot in video games. Like Valkyria Chronicles where it's a WWII stylized game, where the characters definitely seem to come right out of an anime. And in that game, you are playing as the resistance, against the germans (though they call them the imperial forces in the game). It just seemed so odd. But a friend of mine explained that the Japan culture sees WWII very differently than North America. For them, it was the war their father and grandfathers fought, not them, and they have moved past it. So WWII becomes a source of inspiration for storytelling and design just like any other moment in time regardless of their involvement "long ago".


This is true, the Japanese tend to look at historical events as just that, history, and then they move on. I don't think America is all that different. It certainly helped in making us close post-war allies.

Also, Valkyria Chronicals did have an anime and it was pretty good.

That also explains why they didnt care that both G1 Megatron and MP Megatron are Nazi guns as well as being the gun from Man from U.N.C.L.E. (the later is what they were going for).


And likewise that same gun being picked up by Hasbro. Nazi sidearm? Who cares!? It's a gun that turns into a robot, that's all that matters! :lol:

Emerje
Re: Possible Hasbro Masterpiece Bumblebee Release (1758885)
Posted by Ironhidensh on January 23rd, 2016 @ 7:57pm CST
Bronzewolf wrote:
Ironhidensh wrote:
Emerje wrote:You know what else cost $65? Masterpiece Starscream at more than twice the size. I really don't understand Hasbro's rational for pricing MPs. For larger ones they're roughly half the price of their Japanese counterparts, but for the cars they've been just about the same. When it comes to the big MPs it makes sense to take a chance and wait for Hasbro (this is the year we should see Ultra Magnus if ever), but for the cars the best bet is to import. My MP BB only cost US$35 plus another US$5 for shipping by importing.

Ironhidensh wrote:
Starsaber468 wrote:Me right now: I don't have the MP bumblebee mold and now their is possibly going be release I might get it. :D Now lets see the price.....
65$ [-( well screw that now.....

It's worth it. I consider MP Bumblebee the single most perfect Transformer ever made.


That's a pretty bold statement. Personally, the forearm kibble bothers me way too much.

Emerje

I stand by it. For me, the Bee represents everything I want in a transformer.


We here at the Wheeljack committee would like a word with you.

Wheeljack is a sexy beast, there can be no doubt, but he just doesn't have the same magic as Bumblebee for me. I think it's because the original Wheeljack figure was pretty dope even back in the day, but Bumblebee always sucked.
Re: Possible Hasbro Masterpiece Bumblebee Release (1798006)
Posted by william-james88 on June 15th, 2016 @ 2:02pm CDT
Yours truly, fellow Seibertron staffer William-James88, went to Toysrus today to confirm a rumour involving Hasbro's release of Masterpiece Bumblebee. Sure enough, I was shown the locations where this toy is now available in Canada, along with the SKU# and price.

As of today, Hasbro's Masterpiece Bumblebee is in the stockrooms of Canadian Toysrus stores in:

British Columbia
Saskatchewan
Alberta
Manitoba

The SKU# is 819867 and is priced at $119.99 CAD. Just to give a perspective, Masterpiece Bluestreak sold for $89.99 CAD last year and Takara's MP Bumblebee was sold for a range of ¥4,500 - ¥6,000 from Japanese retailers when it was first issued.
Re: Possible Hasbro Masterpiece Bumblebee Release (1798010)
Posted by Bumblebee21 on June 15th, 2016 @ 2:19pm CDT
How much in usd
Re: Possible Hasbro Masterpiece Bumblebee Release (1798012)
Posted by william-james88 on June 15th, 2016 @ 2:20pm CDT
Bumblebee21 wrote:How much in usd


We already knew it would be 64.99$ in the US. That was revealed in January:

http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/ ... ase/34600/

We didnt know how much it would sell in Canadian. But this price, 120, is 92$ USD, which is nonsensical.
Re: Possible Hasbro Masterpiece Bumblebee Release (1798016)
Posted by Wolfman Jake on June 15th, 2016 @ 2:42pm CDT
william-james88 wrote:
Bumblebee21 wrote:How much in usd


We already knew it would be 64.99$ in the US. That was revealed in January:

http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/ ... ase/34600/

We didnt know how much it would sell in Canadian. But this price, 120, is 92$ USD, which is nonsensical.


Yep. Still glad I got Takara's Bumblebee last year. It wouldn't surprise me in the least if TRU jacked up the price in the US as well.
Re: Possible Hasbro Masterpiece Bumblebee Release (1798018)
Posted by Bumblebee21 on June 15th, 2016 @ 2:55pm CDT
william-james88 wrote:
Bumblebee21 wrote:How much in usd


We already knew it would be 64.99$ in the US. That was revealed in January:

http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/ ... ase/34600/

We didnt know how much it would sell in Canadian. But this price, 120, is 92$ USD, which is nonsensical.

Wow that is expensive for an mp car in Canada
Re: Possible Hasbro Masterpiece Bumblebee Release (1798025)
Posted by Ultra Mad on June 15th, 2016 @ 3:19pm CDT
Yep, 120 $ for this figure is expensive. I bought the Takara import from a local store when it came out and I paid around 105$ with taxes.
Re: Possible Hasbro Masterpiece Bumblebee Release (1798027)
Posted by shajaki on June 15th, 2016 @ 3:23pm CDT
Y'know, I defend these MP/Platinum prices quite a bit. But 120 CAD for Bee, is goddam highway robbery :michaelbay:
Re: Possible Hasbro Masterpiece Bumblebee Release (1798029)
Posted by Bumblebee21 on June 15th, 2016 @ 3:36pm CDT
Bad photography strikes again

Image
Brighter windows a better Autobot symbol on the chest and a new crotch :HEADHURTS:
Re: Possible Hasbro Masterpiece Bumblebee Release (1798035)
Posted by Wolfman Jake on June 15th, 2016 @ 3:46pm CDT
You know, I wonder if that mistransformation is on purpose. It does show off the Volkswagen symbol when that part of the hood isn't properly tucked away, and Volkswagen isn't called out anywhere else on the front of the box. Might this be part of the licensing deal between Hasbro and VW?
Re: Possible Hasbro Masterpiece Bumblebee Release (1798037)
Posted by Bumblebee21 on June 15th, 2016 @ 3:49pm CDT
Wolfman Jake wrote:You know, I wonder if that mistransformation is on purpose. It does show off the Volkswagen symbol when that part of the hood isn't properly tucked away, and Volkswagen isn't called out anywhere else on the front of the box. Might this be part of the licensing deal between Hasbro and VW?

Probably

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Twincast / Podcast #348:
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