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Twincast / Podcast Episode #192 "Transformers vs. Impropriety"

Transformers News: Twincast / Podcast Episode #192 "Transformers vs. Impropriety"

Sunday, January 14th, 2018 2:50PM CST

Categories: Site News, Digital Media News, Podcast
Posted by: Razorclaw0000   Views: 34,855

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Welcome to the latest Seibertron.com Twincast / Podcast episode, featuring host ScottyP, along with xRotorstormx and Razorclaw0000 as we journey through the latest toy and comic news in the first episode of 2018.

Episode #192 "Transformers vs. Impropriety" is available directly and in our RSS Feed, and should appear on iTunes, Google Play, and Stitcher Radio within 24 to 48 hours of when you see this news post.

First up, we continue the in-hand impressions of Wave 1 Power of the Primes toys, this time focusing on the Leaders. We discuss the common QC issues as well as the play pattern, inner robots, evolution modes, and discuss the relative successes and compromises of both Optimus Prime and Rodimus Prime.

Transformers News: Twincast / Podcast Episode #192 "Transformers vs. Impropriety"
They're just Prime


The discussion of the Power of the Primes toys leads us into a roundtable on the collecting epoch that is the Prime Wars Trilogy: as a new collector, are you OK to focus on Prime Wars (Combiner Wars, Titans Return, Power of the Primes) and largely ignore the first "Neo-G1" set of lines made up of Classics, Henkei, Generations, Universe 2.0, Thrilling 30, United, and Power Core Combiners? We discuss putting together a set of shelves of G1 characters using nothing but Prime Trilogy toys, thoughts on head sculpts, and other rules to help regulate a collection. Have opinions? We'd love to hear about them in the comments!

Transformers News: Twincast / Podcast Episode #192 "Transformers vs. Impropriety"
Neo-G1 Headmasters, impossible before Prime Wars!


While our thoughts are on Power of the Primes, we spend a few minutes discussing the recent news regarding the unconventional, but high profile, casting for Machinima's Power of the Primes cartoon. Ron Perlman, Samoa Joe, Mark Hamill, Jamie King, Wil Wheaton, and many others round out a large ensemble cast for the third show in the Prime Wars animated trilogy. We get down to the nitty gritty on potential reasons for the big-name talent, discuss the current fan apathy towards the shows, and discuss a coordinated fan response to the recent and future developments.

Transformers News: Twincast / Podcast Episode #192 "Transformers vs. Impropriety"
Why so seri-oh wait?


Next, we shift focus to the recently revealed Movie Masterpiece Ironhide, focusing on scale, accuracy, face sculpt, and more. We then digress to a discussion of GMC Topkicks as well as other movie Ironhide toys, looking back at some of the decos and more. We also give our thoughts on the Movie Masterpiece line and question Hasbro's decision of numbering.

Transformers News: Twincast / Podcast Episode #192 "Transformers vs. Impropriety"
He's a brick...house


Things take a decidedly heated turn as we enter into a spoiler-filled and angry teardown of Transformers vs Visionaries #1 and IDW Publishing's social media presence around it. Hear our thoughts on the issue, the ending of the issue and editorial decision, and finally the Tweetstorm around IDW's decision to both spoil the ending of #1 two days after the book launched, and the borderline sociopathicly chipper way they did it. You won't like ScottyP when he's angry.

Transformers News: Twincast / Podcast Episode #192 "Transformers vs. Impropriety"
Exactly how we felt...!


Turning our attention to happier things, we give our thoughts on the recently released MP-39 Masterpiece Sunstreaker. We break down the accessories and packaging, discuss scale, Chip Chase, transformation and the "masterpiece moments", and finally pairing him next to MP-12 Sideswipe. We get in depth on some transformation steps so take this as fair warning if you want to experience the transformation first hand and enjoy the surprises unspoiled.

Transformers News: Twincast / Podcast Episode #192 "Transformers vs. Impropriety"
It's Always Sunny for Sunstreaker


We conclude the episode with some listener questions, specifically Skullcrunchberries' question regarding "surprise"/forgotten purchases and pre-orders. After discussing some, we hit some bragging rights from the holidays and discuss a few collecting goals for 2018.

Transformers News: Twincast / Podcast Episode #192 "Transformers vs. Impropriety"
A red dragon, now with 100% less Anthony Hopkins


We hope you enjoyed the latest episode and would love to hear your thoughts on our roundtable or any other topic. We've got some exciting things on The Road to 200 and we hope you'll keep listening!

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Re: Twincast / Podcast Episode #192 "Transformers vs. Impropriety" (1931560)
Posted by Rysquad on January 14th, 2018 @ 7:59pm CST
I watched Combiner Wars and Titans Return on go90 on both my computer and TV.

The go90 site has it - I think I logged into my Verizon account.

And on my phone, I can easily cast the shows from the go90 app via Chromecast.

Official viewing isn't restricted to a phone via an app.
Re: Twincast / Podcast Episode #192 "Transformers vs. Impropriety" (1931606)
Posted by ScottyP on January 14th, 2018 @ 11:35pm CST
Rysquad wrote: Official viewing isn't restricted to a phone via an app.
As was acknowledged in the show. Just don't care enough to even put forth that modicum of effort.
Re: Twincast / Podcast Episode #192 "Transformers vs. Impropriety" (1931629)
Posted by xRotorstormx on January 15th, 2018 @ 7:24am CST
Rysquad wrote:I watched Combiner Wars and Titans Return on go90 on both my computer and TV.

The go90 site has it - I think I logged into my Verizon account.

And on my phone, I can easily cast the shows from the go90 app via Chromecast.

Official viewing isn't restricted to a phone via an app.



Guess I did not realize that go90 had a legit website...
Re: Twincast / Podcast Episode #192 "Transformers vs. Impropriety" (1931657)
Posted by snavej on January 15th, 2018 @ 11:00am CST
Megatronus looks a bit like Galactus.
Re: Twincast / Podcast Episode #192 "Transformers vs. Impropriety" (1931684)
Posted by Va'al on January 15th, 2018 @ 1:41pm CST
Halfway through, quick and dirty contribution.

Image
Re: Twincast / Podcast Episode #192 "Transformers vs. Impropriety" (1931685)
Posted by Rysquad on January 15th, 2018 @ 1:45pm CST
Razorclaw0000 wrote:The discussion of the Power of the Primes toys leads us into a roundtable on the collecting epoch that is the Prime Wars Trilogy: as a new collector, are you OK to focus on Prime Wars (Combiner Wars, Titans Return, Power of the Primes) and largely ignore the first "Neo-G1" set of lines made up of Classics, Henkei, Generations, Universe 2.0, Thrilling 30, United, and Power Core Combiners? We discuss putting together a set of shelves of G1 characters using nothing but Prime Trilogy toys, thoughts on head sculpts, and other rules to help regulate a collection. Have opinions? We'd love to hear about them in the comments!

Image
Neo-G1 Headmasters, impossible before Prime Wars!





Other than collecting current Ultra Magnus figures, I really got back into collecting because of Combiner Wars (and Rescue Bots, because of my young son).
Re: Twincast / Podcast Episode #192 "Transformers vs. Impropriety" (1931692)
Posted by Emerje on January 15th, 2018 @ 2:38pm CST
Getting Guren Dragotron at a good price is tricky, I've been wanting one for a while. There aren't very many cheap ones on eBay because sellers tend to overvalue him, and you can get him for dirt cheap on Mandarake when he shows up there (under $25), but the shipping is prohibitive.

Emerje
Re: Twincast / Podcast Episode #192 "Transformers vs. Impropriety" (1931702)
Posted by ScottyP on January 15th, 2018 @ 3:09pm CST
Emerje wrote:Getting Guren Dragotron at a good price is tricky, I've been wanting one for a while. There aren't very many cheap ones on eBay because sellers tend to overvalue him, and you can get him for dirt cheap on Mandarake when he shows up there (under $25), but the shipping is prohibitive.

Emerje
Not too bad on BBTS: http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/Product/V ... tails/4774 Not dirt cheap or anything certainly, but still a pretty good price!
Re: Twincast / Podcast Episode #192 "Transformers vs. Impropriety" (1931711)
Posted by primalxconvoy on January 15th, 2018 @ 3:26pm CST
Emerje wrote:Getting Guren Dragotron at a good price is tricky, I've been wanting one for a while. There aren't very many cheap ones on eBay because sellers tend to overvalue him, and you can get him for dirt cheap on Mandarake when he shows up there (under $25), but the shipping is prohibitive.

Emerje


Yes, Guren Dragotron is cheap as chips in Japan and became so shortly after release, which was baffling. I can understand why the other "Oni-cons" didn't sell well, but Dragotron is big, beautiful and a steal at around ¥2,000 that I've seen it go for, even in used places outside of Tokyo.
Re: Twincast / Podcast Episode #192 "Transformers vs. Impropriety" (1931724)
Posted by Rodimus Knight on January 15th, 2018 @ 4:27pm CST
What is Thrilling 30? I've seen it mentioned on BBTS also with some of their figures. Is it just what they're calling some of the Generations toys? And if so, what qualifies them as thrilling 30?
Re: Twincast / Podcast Episode #192 "Transformers vs. Impropriety" (1931735)
Posted by primalxconvoy on January 15th, 2018 @ 6:08pm CST
Rodimus Knight wrote:What is Thrilling 30? I've seen it mentioned on BBTS also with some of their figures. Is it just what they're calling some of the Generations toys? And if so, what qualifies them as thrilling 30?


Google and TFwiki are your friends, youngling:

- http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Thrilling_30
Re: Twincast / Podcast Episode #192 "Transformers vs. Impropriety" (1931762)
Posted by ScottyP on January 15th, 2018 @ 8:52pm CST
Rodimus Knight wrote:What is Thrilling 30? I've seen it mentioned on BBTS also with some of their figures. Is it just what they're calling some of the Generations toys? And if so, what qualifies them as thrilling 30?
It can mean the set of 30 "special", "x of 30" numbered releases that came out in 2013-2014. This is a hodgepodge of stuff encompassing various exclusive releases from Beast Hunters, Platinum, Generations, and even Age of Extinction. In the context of Generations toys, this is sometimes used to distinguish the toys from 2013 and 2014 from the earlier WFC/FoC era Generations toys. We meant the latter in this episode's context :)
Re: Twincast / Podcast Episode #192 "Transformers vs. Impropriety" (1931809)
Posted by Rodimus Knight on January 16th, 2018 @ 7:34am CST
ScottyP wrote:
Rodimus Knight wrote:What is Thrilling 30? I've seen it mentioned on BBTS also with some of their figures. Is it just what they're calling some of the Generations toys? And if so, what qualifies them as thrilling 30?
It can mean the set of 30 "special", "x of 30" numbered releases that came out in 2013-2014. This is a hodgepodge of stuff encompassing various exclusive releases from Beast Hunters, Platinum, Generations, and even Age of Extinction. In the context of Generations toys, this is sometimes used to distinguish the toys from 2013 and 2014 from the earlier WFC/FoC era Generations toys. We meant the latter in this episode's context :)


Okay, thanks.
I was looking at a couple of the listings on BBTS that mentioned it and couldn't figure out why they were being listed that way, and then I saw the note on this article.
So did they ever do all 30 numbered boxes, or their lack of doing so the reason why the other ones are included?
Re: Twincast / Podcast Episode #192 "Transformers vs. Impropriety" (1931811)
Posted by primalxconvoy on January 16th, 2018 @ 7:39am CST
Rodimus Knight wrote:
ScottyP wrote:
Rodimus Knight wrote:What is Thrilling 30? I've seen it mentioned on BBTS also with some of their figures. Is it just what they're calling some of the Generations toys? And if so, what qualifies them as thrilling 30?
It can mean the set of 30 "special", "x of 30" numbered releases that came out in 2013-2014. This is a hodgepodge of stuff encompassing various exclusive releases from Beast Hunters, Platinum, Generations, and even Age of Extinction. In the context of Generations toys, this is sometimes used to distinguish the toys from 2013 and 2014 from the earlier WFC/FoC era Generations toys. We meant the latter in this episode's context :)


Okay, thanks.
I was looking at a couple of the listings on BBTS that mentioned it and couldn't figure out why they were being listed that way, and then I saw the note on this article.
So did they ever do all 30 numbered boxes, or their lack of doing so the reason why the other ones are included?


The wiki link given above has a list of all of the figures, showing that number 14 is TWO figures, whereas some didn't even received numbers on their boxes.
Re: Twincast / Podcast Episode #192 "Transformers vs. Impropriety" (1931814)
Posted by ScottyP on January 16th, 2018 @ 8:04am CST
^ I am 99% certain their info about 14 is incorrect with respect to the AoE multi pack not having it labeled on the package. I threw that box away though, will go dig through the gallery here to see if that caught it.

But yes, there are 31 toys because of two number 28s. That whole thing could have been special but just ended up being a highly pointless mess

Edit: I can't find a picture of the box from every angle. Still pretty sure that one had a sticker, but really, all we need to know it was truly thrilling is this gem of stock photography:
Image
Re: Twincast / Podcast Episode #192 "Transformers vs. Impropriety" (1931839)
Posted by primalxconvoy on January 16th, 2018 @ 11:04am CST
ScottyP wrote:^ I am 99% certain their info about 14 is incorrect with respect to the AoE multi pack not having it labeled on the package. I threw that box away though, will go dig through the gallery here to see if that caught it.

But yes, there are 31 toys because of two number 28s. That whole thing could have been special but just ended up being a highly pointless mess

Edit: I can't find a picture of the box from every angle. Still pretty sure that one had a sticker, but really, all we need to know it was truly thrilling is this gem of stock photography:
Image



Well, this IS Hasblo, we're talking about here, not Hasbro. They NEVER get things like this right.
Re: Twincast / Podcast Episode #192 "Transformers vs. Impropriety" (1931868)
Posted by YoungPrime on January 16th, 2018 @ 2:11pm CST
Not feeling POTP's Voyager and Leader class figures.

Even popular TF reviewers on YouTube are having a hard time saying nice things about Rodimus and Starscream. Grimlock isn't terrible but it's not good enough to make me replace my FOC version with Iron Factory add on's.

And I was looking forward to finally getting a CHUG based Rodimus and Voyager class Starscream. But after seeing more and more reviews and feedback. I'm skipping both.
Re: Twincast / Podcast Episode #192 "Transformers vs. Impropriety" (1931871)
Posted by primalxconvoy on January 16th, 2018 @ 2:22pm CST
YoungPrime wrote:Not feeling POTP's Voyager and Leader class figures.

Even popular TF reviewers on YouTube are having a hard time saying nice things about Rodimus and Starscream. Grimlock isn't terrible but it's not good enough to make me replace my FOC version with Iron Factory add on's.

And I was looking forward to finally getting a CHUG based Rodimus and Voyager class Starscream. But after seeing more and more reviews and feedback. I'm skipping both.


Frankly, I'm surprised that so many reviews like POTP Optimus, with it's fugly cab rear, robot kibble on the trailer, having Orion Pax turn into an Earth lorry, etc. Personally, I think it would have been better to have a separate, decent Orion Pax, while using the POTP mold to make a decent, PM OP that can actually stand up on feet, can rather than wobbly, unstable hooves.
Re: Twincast / Podcast Episode #192 "Transformers vs. Impropriety" (1931878)
Posted by YoungPrime on January 16th, 2018 @ 3:25pm CST
"I think they're giving a lot for $45"

??????!

Are we talking about the same Leader class figures.... The TR Leader's are one thing but these especially that Rodimus???
Re: Twincast / Podcast Episode #192 "Transformers vs. Impropriety" (1931912)
Posted by ScottyP on January 16th, 2018 @ 7:01pm CST
primalxconvoy wrote:while using the POTP mold to make a decent, PM OP that can actually stand up on feet, can rather than wobbly, unstable hooves.
Yeah he's wobbly, if you don't transform it properly. The piece that connects the feet to the leg clicks in as you move it towards the back of the leg. If you don't do this, he has trouble standing.

YoungPrime wrote:"I think they're giving a lot for $45"

??????!

Are we talking about the same Leader class figures.... The TR Leader's are one thing but these especially that Rodimus???
Yeah, especially when compared to Movie Leader toys like recent Movie Optimus Leader molds. He's big, has four modes, a two-gun combining rifle, and a fun transformation. The toy has its flaws but it's a great usage of the pricepoint and concept despite the execution not being pitch perfect. I could spend $5 less and get two SW Black series figs or Marvel Legends and not get anywhere near the play value available with Rodimus.
Re: Twincast / Podcast Episode #192 "Transformers vs. Impropriety" (1931923)
Posted by primalxconvoy on January 16th, 2018 @ 9:06pm CST
ScottyP wrote:
primalxconvoy wrote:while using the POTP mold to make a decent, PM OP that can actually stand up on feet, can rather than wobbly, unstable hooves.
Yeah he's wobbly, if you don't transform it properly. The piece that connects the feet to the leg clicks in as you move it towards the back of the leg. If you don't do this, he has trouble standing.

YoungPrime wrote:"I think they're giving a lot for $45"

??????!

Are we talking about the same Leader class figures.... The TR Leader's are one thing but these especially that Rodimus???
Yeah, especially when compared to Movie Leader toys like recent Movie Optimus Leader molds. He's big, has four modes, a two-gun combining rifle, and a fun transformation. The toy has its flaws but it's a great usage of the pricepoint and concept despite the execution not being pitch perfect. I could spend $5 less and get two SW Black series figs or Marvel Legends and not get anywhere near the play value available with Rodimus.


I've done that, but the figure is still unstable.
Re: Twincast / Podcast Episode #192 "Transformers vs. Impropriety" (1934526)
Posted by Moxietron on January 29th, 2018 @ 12:46pm CST
as a new collector, are you OK to focus on Prime Wars


I registered a new account just for this -- heard the question on the podcast originally, of course.

I'm a old new collector. G1 Transformers are my childhood. My first figure was pre-rubsign Mirage, ca. 1984. My last childhood figure is one of the Technobots, though I'm not sure which (Afterburner?). My collection lay mostly dormant for 30 years, with the exception of getting the Commemorative Re-issue Optimus Prime in 2002-03 and Alternators Smokescreen shortly thereafter.

A coworker re-introduced me to the toys in late 2015 with CW Devastator. I was beyond impressed with the figure. I couldn't believe that such articulation was possible while maintaining fidelity with the old toys. It's as if someone had taken my memories of the old toy and run them through a wish-granting machine. They were a dream come true! So in late 2016, I pre-ordered UW Computron to fulfill a life-long dream of having a complete set of Technobots. I've since picked up Devastator, Defensor, Superion, Bruticus and various other figures from CW, TR and PoTP.

My collecting is driven almost entirely by nostalgia -- both for what I had as a kid and what I wish I had back then. So am I okay with focusing on Prime Wars? In short, no.

My focus is getting the best modern representation of childhood favorites. Many of the PW figures are lacking. For example, the limb Deluxes that were supposed to be a part of that Optimus combiner don't feel right to me. First, while the Deluxe scale is a notable and dramatic upgrade for the Scramble City combiners, it feels like a downgrade for the original G1 Car Robots. I'm probably just G-whining here, but I feel like those characters deserved better. That led me to digging through the past and discovering the Classics/Henkei/early Generations line of figures. These strike me as more faithful representations. They're probably not perfect (I don't own any yet, but will in a few days), but at least in pictures I've seen online, seem to be a damn sight more accurate than the CW Deluxes.

TL;DR -- I'm going to cherry-pick from Classics on forward for the best (IMHO) incarnation of my childhood favorites. Money allowing, maybe some day I'll have a full stable of Masterpiece as well.
Re: Twincast / Podcast Episode #192 "Transformers vs. Impropriety" (1934584)
Posted by primalxconvoy on January 29th, 2018 @ 3:17pm CST
Welcome back to TFs! I agree with what you wrote, too. Luckily, you are now in the position of hindsight to purchase toys of yesterday now. It's like some sort of time travelling TF collection!
Re: Twincast / Podcast Episode #192 "Transformers vs. Impropriety" (1934617)
Posted by Moxietron on January 29th, 2018 @ 4:37pm CST
primalxconvoy wrote:It's like some sort of time travelling TF collection!


It's weirder than that. I started just as my oldest son started getting Transformers toys. He ended up getting all of Wave 1 and 2 of Titans Return Deluxes, i.e. the modernized Headmasters.

This is surreal because my SON is picking up, essentially, where I left off 30 years ago. Computron was introduced right along with the first Headmasters. Meanwhile, my youngest son is constantly asking me, "is that a Headmaster?" with every new figure I bring home.
Re: Twincast / Podcast Episode #192 "Transformers vs. Impropriety" (1934618)
Posted by primalxconvoy on January 29th, 2018 @ 4:55pm CST
Nice! Have you got him Cogman yet?
Re: Twincast / Podcast Episode #192 "Transformers vs. Impropriety" (1934742)
Posted by Moxietron on January 30th, 2018 @ 8:30am CST
I've been debating introducing him to the Bayverse at all. Not just because they're crap movies, but because there's some questionable content for kids -- all of the Megan Fox fan service, racist robots, robot genitalia. My kids are still very young and I have a hard time keeping them from talking about their "pee-pee" and "poo-poo" all the time. They don't need Bayverse TF.
Re: Twincast / Podcast Episode #192 "Transformers vs. Impropriety" (1934746)
Posted by primalxconvoy on January 30th, 2018 @ 8:44am CST
Moxietron wrote:I've been debating introducing him to the Bayverse at all. Not just because they're crap movies, but because there's some questionable content for kids -- all of the Megan Fox fan service, racist robots, robot genitalia. My kids are still very young and I have a hard time keeping them from talking about their "pee-pee" and "poo-poo" all the time. They don't need Bayverse TF.



I totally understand. I share your views and also have similar ones for some of the Legends comics from Japan. That said, unlike the Legends toys (where the comics come with them), the actual film content is arguably limited to the films and not the toys. Cogman and Nitro Zeus have Titanmaster heads, so you can use them with Titans Return toys.
Re: Twincast / Podcast Episode #192 "Transformers vs. Impropriety" (1934751)
Posted by Moxietron on January 30th, 2018 @ 9:11am CST
Yeah, and they've already gotten movie toys from relatives. I'm surprised they haven't asked what show they're from. I've shown them the G1 show and little bits from the Unicron Trilogy, RID, Prime, Animated. They're actually pretty darn content just to watch Rescue Bots. I am completely fine with that. We watch G1 when I'm feeling like sharing my nostalgia with them. They like it okay, but vastly prefer Rescue Bots.

As to Takara Legends pack-in comics -- totally agreed. While I can easily dismiss those issues for myself ("Oh, Japan!"), I could never do that for my kids. Of course, I would never let my kids near expensive import toys in the first place. I can't see myself giving them the luxury of unboxing a Takara release that's more than twice the cost of the equivalent Hasbro. First, they wouldn't appreciate it like we do. Second, I'd have to snatch that comic out of the box and then have the awkward time explaining to them why they can't even look at it. Third, I've already had to replace on of their TR toys. I can't/won't risk that on an expensive import.
Re: Twincast / Podcast Episode #192 "Transformers vs. Impropriety" (1934777)
Posted by ScottyP on January 30th, 2018 @ 10:53am CST
That's quite the perspective Moxietron, thanks for sharing that and welcome to the boards! I hope you enjoy your stay :D

I can't even imagine the tyranny of choice that starting a Classics collection would be now. Do you think you'll approach it character by character? How might you factor in scale? Though scale wise, at least you don't have to have a collection with a gigantic Powerglide like many of us had ten years ago unless you actually choose to!
Re: Twincast / Podcast Episode #192 "Transformers vs. Impropriety" (1934788)
Posted by Moxietron on January 30th, 2018 @ 11:32am CST
Thanks for the warm welcome!

Since I'm focusing on nostalgia, it's really not that bad. My childhood TF collection wasn't huge and neither was my wishlist. I guess if I were to codify my acquisition process, it would be something like this:

> Look at the current line (i.e. PoTP). I am assuming that newer toys have better engineering, so is the best place to start. Read/Watch reviews, especially noting comparisons (Thank you, emgo et al!).
> Browse TFwiki and various e-tailers looking for alternatives if the current line is unsatisfactory. Read/Watch reviews.
> Pick one and acquire without breaking the bank.

Example: I picked up the Autobot Heroes set (Ultra Magnus, Springer, Blurr, Kup, RC) because I wanted that specific Ultra Magnus. Figuring that I had most of the "2005" main cast, I decided that I needed Hot Rod. I vacillated between the TR, Classics and Henkei versions for a while. I found the TR version on clearance at my local, but soon-to-be-closed TRU ($12 USD!) and, since he was literally the last one on the peg, picked him up. He's...okay. There's something lacking -- paint apps? detail? color richness? So while I'm content to display him alongside the others, I still wanted better. I found the Classics version from a private seller on Reddit for $10. SOLD!

As for scale, I have to admit to just being kinda arbitrary about this. As long as scale roughly corresponds with prominence or power, I'm okay. I can deal with a Leader Jetfire and a Voyager Grimlock. What I can't deal with is having Leader Megatron and Soundwave, but no Starscream. As I understand, the Classics Deluxe mold was great; faithful to the toy and cartoon. But they're Deluxe figures. Granted, it would let me get the full Seeker set that way, but they would not play well with my Decepticon Leaders. The more recent Leader Starscream is just a mold-reuse of Jetfire. I like the Jetfire mold as Jetfire. Also, that mold is finicky as hell. I really don't want another. Don't get me started with PoTP Starscream... So I guess my only option for Starscream is MP-11 or Make Toys Meteor. I'm saving my pennies for the latter. I saw the Toyhax reprolabels...OMG...G1-gasm!
Re: Twincast / Podcast Episode #192 "Transformers vs. Impropriety" (1934885)
Posted by Razorclaw0000 on January 30th, 2018 @ 7:50pm CST
Emerje wrote:Getting Guren Dragotron at a good price is tricky, I've been wanting one for a while. There aren't very many cheap ones on eBay because sellers tend to overvalue him, and you can get him for dirt cheap on Mandarake when he shows up there (under $25), but the shipping is prohibitive.

Emerje



I was really psyched to find that price and he’s gorgeous in person. The red and gold blend so well together.
Re: Twincast / Podcast Episode #192 "Transformers vs. Impropriety" (1934887)
Posted by Razorclaw0000 on January 30th, 2018 @ 8:07pm CST
Moxietron wrote:Thanks for the warm welcome!

Since I'm focusing on nostalgia, it's really not that bad. My childhood TF collection wasn't huge and neither was my wishlist. I guess if I were to codify my acquisition process, it would be something like this:

> Look at the current line (i.e. PoTP). I am assuming that newer toys have better engineering, so is the best place to start. Read/Watch reviews, especially noting comparisons (Thank you, emgo et al!).
> Browse TFwiki and various e-tailers looking for alternatives if the current line is unsatisfactory. Read/Watch reviews.
> Pick one and acquire without breaking the bank.

Example: I picked up the Autobot Heroes set (Ultra Magnus, Springer, Blurr, Kup, RC) because I wanted that specific Ultra Magnus. Figuring that I had most of the "2005" main cast, I decided that I needed Hot Rod. I vacillated between the TR, Classics and Henkei versions for a while. I found the TR version on clearance at my local, but soon-to-be-closed TRU ($12 USD!) and, since he was literally the last one on the peg, picked him up. He's...okay. There's something lacking -- paint apps? detail? color richness? So while I'm content to display him alongside the others, I still wanted better. I found the Classics version from a private seller on Reddit for $10. SOLD!

As for scale, I have to admit to just being kinda arbitrary about this. As long as scale roughly corresponds with prominence or power, I'm okay. I can deal with a Leader Jetfire and a Voyager Grimlock. What I can't deal with is having Leader Megatron and Soundwave, but no Starscream. As I understand, the Classics Deluxe mold was great; faithful to the toy and cartoon. But they're Deluxe figures. Granted, it would let me get the full Seeker set that way, but they would not play well with my Decepticon Leaders. The more recent Leader Starscream is just a mold-reuse of Jetfire. I like the Jetfire mold as Jetfire. Also, that mold is finicky as hell. I really don't want another. Don't get me started with PoTP Starscream... So I guess my only option for Starscream is MP-11 or Make Toys Meteor. I'm saving my pennies for the latter. I saw the Toyhax reprolabels...OMG...G1-gasm!


Welcome, and I really appreciate your different view point. Classics and the rest of that era are often more reimaginings that capture the essence but take interesting liberties. The engineering is often more complex and often elegant. If you’re aiming for the best representation, you have a three-axis decision to make: G1 accuracy vs price vs “fun factor”. MP and 3rd Party MP are both awesome and extremely G1. However price is often quite high comparatively. The last ten years of Hasbro/Takara stuff hits a good fun factor and some figures have come down into a great price range.

Good luck!
Re: Twincast / Podcast Episode #192 "Transformers vs. Impropriety" (1934900)
Posted by primalxconvoy on January 30th, 2018 @ 9:25pm CST
Yes, and the good thing now is that people like me have sold some of the older remakes of G1 characters, so I guess there is a glut of these figures on the secondary market. For example, some of the film TFs have G1 versions (such as Hoist), and these, IMO, look fine in any regular CHUG collection. I would recommend looking at Armada, Energon, Galaxy Force/Cybertronian, Filmverse, etc iterations (such as the great Energon version of Shockwave), as there are some "trash to treasure" gems out there for peanuts.

If you're not adverse to Beast Wars, you can still find Lio Convoy, Galvatron, Big Convoy and Magmatron in Japan for reasonable prices, which is an absolute steal, as they are AMAZING TF display pieces.

If you're also interested, Binaltech and Alternators, plus the racing car Binaltech (with race queens) usually go fairly cheap, as they have lost their appeal (difficult to transform, used to be expensive, limited molds and are too big for MP or CHUG collections). There are some really nice G1 style bots there, too. However, if you plan to show them to your kids avoid the versions marked "Kiss" or "Kiss Players" (tfwiki is your friend) - They make the Legends comics and Bay's filmography look like preschool teaching material by comparison.
Re: Twincast / Podcast Episode #192 "Transformers vs. Impropriety" (1934942)
Posted by Razorclaw0000 on January 31st, 2018 @ 6:04am CST
As a small point, I’d say don’t deprive yourself of some of the truly glorious decos in Kiss Players. The adult content is limited to the packaging largely. IIRC even the instructions are fine. That Rodimus is still amazing.
Re: Twincast / Podcast Episode #192 "Transformers vs. Impropriety" (1934962)
Posted by ScottyP on January 31st, 2018 @ 7:51am CST
Razorclaw0000 wrote:As a small point, I’d say don’t deprive yourself of some of the truly glorious decos in Kiss Players. The adult content is limited to the packaging largely. IIRC even the instructions are fine. That Rodimus is still amazing.
The Glit/Rosanna/Sunder set comes to mind as well. More in the realm of a saccharine over-done trying to be cute thing going on than anything creepy.
Re: Twincast / Podcast Episode #192 "Transformers vs. Impropriety" (1934974)
Posted by Counterpunch on January 31st, 2018 @ 9:09am CST
Moxietron wrote:TL;DR -- I'm going to cherry-pick from Classics on forward for the best (IMHO) incarnation of my childhood favorites. Money allowing, maybe some day I'll have a full stable of Masterpiece as well.


This is admittedly, the primary focus of my hobby.

Let me throw a few thoughts your way to do with as you see fit... (I think you've already made some wise decisions by looking back to pre prime wars stuff fwiw)

1. Identify your core cast to whom everyone will scale off of. What I mean for this is, take Prime and Megatron. They are larger than most, but what is right to you? Voyager or Leader? Something in between?

2. Many if not most of your decisions will follow off of this, but there are distinct problems. Your official seekers are either too big or too small to scale off their boss. Soundwave's options are either too big or too old. Shockwave's options are abysmal. On the other side, dudes like Ironhide don't have properly sized options. The larger folks have good options, the regular dudes have good options, the inbetween size characters are difficult to land in the right place.

3. Opt into third party stuff, but do it carefully.

4. If nostalgia is as important as you say, prepare to import Takara versions of key characters. I would encourage you do do an experiment by buying something like Universe Sunstreaker and Henkei Sunstreaker. Put them side by side and see first hand where that extra money takes you.

5. Last but perhaps most important...be prepared to get multiple versions of some characters. What seems right in one cast may be less so as your collection evolves. I thought I was done with Ironhide once I got Henkei Ironhide, but ultimately it was another toy that filled that defined role.

Good luck.
Re: Twincast / Podcast Episode #192 "Transformers vs. Impropriety" (1935035)
Posted by primalxconvoy on January 31st, 2018 @ 1:51pm CST
Razorclaw0000 wrote:As a small point, I’d say don’t deprive yourself of some of the truly glorious decos in Kiss Players. The adult content is limited to the packaging largely. IIRC even the instructions are fine. That Rodimus is still amazing.


This is true. The Kiss comics were online, or sold separately, I believe, while the likes of Rosanna were sold after the primary Kiss figures where released (seemingly toned-down due to issues with the first Kiss line).

For more information, here is an entry concerning it at Tfwiki:

- http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Transformers:_Ki ... (franchise)

Btw, what's a good figure to replace Henkei Ironhide and Ratchet? I didn't like the Combiner Wars versions, so didn't bother with them.
Re: Twincast / Podcast Episode #192 "Transformers vs. Impropriety" (1935124)
Posted by ScottyP on January 31st, 2018 @ 5:47pm CST
primalxconvoy wrote:Btw, what's a good figure to replace Henkei Ironhide and Ratchet? I didn't like the Combiner Wars versions, so didn't bother with them.
For official product, there's Arms Micron Ironhide and RiD or TAV Ratchet as options, but they're still not that great for this purpose.

Two 3rd party options would be something like the iGear versions, which are older and tougher to find but probably cheap now, and the TFC Old Soldiers which are super cheap at BBTS at the moment - though if anything like the Hound from that series, they are probably awful. And you still have scale issues with these!

Honestly, depending on what scale one goes with, I wouldn't rule out Masterpiece Ironhide and Ratchet.
Re: Twincast / Podcast Episode #192 "Transformers vs. Impropriety" (1935141)
Posted by primalxconvoy on January 31st, 2018 @ 7:05pm CST
Thanks for that. There's even that wonderful Botcon/TFCC repaint of that Energon toy as both Ratchet and Ironhide, which is the closest we've gotten to a G1 style CHUG figure. However, those are pretty expensive. I'm resigned to waiting for an affordable G1 style CHUG for the time being.
Re: Twincast / Podcast Episode #192 "Transformers vs. Impropriety" (1935160)
Posted by Moxietron on January 31st, 2018 @ 8:47pm CST
It's so funny that we're talking about appropriate Ratchets. I'm kinda sorta looking for one...

See, he was technically my very first Transformer. I bought him at Zayre back in the day with my own money. Brought him home and was instantly disappointed. The next day we went back and I exchanged him for Mirage and I couldn't have been happier!

But nostalgia is this weird thing. It can sink its hooks into you such that any remotely salient memory takes a life of its own. Now? I think I want a Ratchet. Maybe even that Commemorative Ratchet up on pre-order at BBTS. Nostalgia has me wanting a genuinely terrible toy. LOL!

So...do I bother? I haven't seen, let alone played with a Ratchet in 34 years. Does the Commemorative edition still have die-cast parts? I seem to remember the windshield/head being die-cast and maybe pieces of the battlewagon thing.
Re: Twincast / Podcast Episode #192 "Transformers vs. Impropriety" (1935165)
Posted by Moxietron on January 31st, 2018 @ 9:20pm CST
Counterpunch wrote:
Let me throw a few thoughts your way to do with as you see fit... (I think you've already made some wise decisions by looking back to pre prime wars stuff fwiw)



My first taste of that was through the Autobot Heroes gift set. Springer, especially, is the damn finest triple-changer I've ever seen! I feel like mold re-use and forced gimmicks impose design compromises that really lessen the quality of the newer figures.

1. Identify your core cast to whom everyone will scale off of. What I mean for this is, take Prime and Megatron. They are larger than most, but what is right to you? Voyager or Leader? Something in between?


This question drives my OCD bananas. I have everything mostly in the right scale...and then there's TR Perceptor. WTF. He would have been perfect for a Leader Class TR base-mode-pseudo-triple-changer. At the very least, he should be Voyager, which is about the size of my G1. But instead we get a "tiny" Deluxe.

2. Many if not most of your decisions will follow off of this, but there are distinct problems. Your official seekers are either too big or too small to scale off their boss. Soundwave's options are either too big or too old. Shockwave's options are abysmal. On the other side, dudes like Ironhide don't have properly sized options. The larger folks have good options, the regular dudes have good options, the inbetween size characters are difficult to land in the right place.


The very definition of "bananas." See above :BANG_HEAD:

3. Opt into third party stuff, but do it carefully.


Tell me more about "carefully." As I fill in my wishlist with mainline figures, I'm going to start looking at 3P for the gaps or for characters that I may just want to continue collecting (i.e. Soundwave). I've already put in a pre-order for Make Toys Meteor and am looking at DX9's Invisible for my ersatz Mirage.

In fact, after PoTP, I think I'm pretty much done with mainline Hasbro toys, It's all MP, back-catalog Takara and 3P from here on out.

4. If nostalgia is as important as you say, prepare to import Takara versions of key characters. I would encourage you do do an experiment by buying something like Universe Sunstreaker and Henkei Sunstreaker. Put them side by side and see first hand where that extra money takes you.


This is an area I rely heavily on Google and YouTube for research. Takara isn't always better (IMHO) and there are a handful of figures that I much prefer the Hasbro versions (The aforementioned Perceptor, CW Megatron, CW Defensor). I wish I could just buy both, though. CW Megatron's mold-mate, Armada Megatron was a bit of a dilemma for me. Photography can be super-tricky. I was convinced that the Takara version was the best and the Hasbro version was butt-ugly...until I found a site (was it here?) that had very clear comparison shots showed the color difference not being that sharp. I went ahead and bought BBTS's 2-pack and could not have been happier. Ironically, even though I just wanted the G1-style Megs, I ended up absolutely loving the Armada Megatron. He's the one I display in bot mode, while G1 Megs sits as a tank.

5. Last but perhaps most important...be prepared to get multiple versions of some characters. What seems right in one cast may be less so as your collection evolves. I thought I was done with Ironhide once I got Henkei Ironhide, but ultimately it was another toy that filled that defined role.

Good luck.


Thanks. I've already got multiples, not counting my original G1s. MP Soundwave and TR Soundwave. CW Megatron and Armada Megatron. TR PM Optimus and MP-10V. In my own head canon, they can all coexist as my home is a Dimensional Nexus. I have a photo of the Soundwave "brothers" together fist-bumping. When I get a spare moment, I'm going to take a shot of the two Megatrons doing the "Wonder Twin powers ACTIVATE!" thing.
Re: Twincast / Podcast Episode #192 "Transformers vs. Impropriety" (1935191)
Posted by primalxconvoy on February 1st, 2018 @ 3:39am CST
If you don't mind a 3P KO, you could get this version of Ratchet:

- http://sirtoys.com/toys.php?c=1&p=3542& ... tchet.html

Personally, I think it's too big for my CHUG collection, but some users have pointed out that Ratchet was a bit bigger than the other deluxe sized Autobots in the show.
Re: Twincast / Podcast Episode #192 "Transformers vs. Impropriety" (1935251)
Posted by Counterpunch on February 1st, 2018 @ 11:43am CST
I think when it comes to Ironhide and Ratchet, your best takes fall into these options:

iGear Weapon and Medical Specialists: Voyager sized and probably best scaled for the line
Ratchet Ironhide.jpg


P1010568.jpg


or Botcon: smaller, but faithfully G1 toy accurate and taller than most modern deluxe figures
r_ratchet091.jpg

bcratchetrm.jpg
Re: Twincast / Podcast Episode #192 "Transformers vs. Impropriety" (1935308)
Posted by Razorclaw0000 on February 1st, 2018 @ 6:28pm CST
I do really like the TFC ones and they aren’t as horrible as their hound.
Re: Twincast / Podcast Episode #192 "Transformers vs. Impropriety" (1935461)
Posted by ScottyP on February 2nd, 2018 @ 8:54am CST
Razorclaw0000 wrote:I do really like the TFC ones and they aren’t as horrible as their hound.
That's good since I'm picking up a $30 TFC Ironhide from the vintage shop later this afternoon :lol:
Re: Twincast / Podcast Episode #192 "Transformers vs. Impropriety" (1935508)
Posted by Razorclaw0000 on February 2nd, 2018 @ 11:34am CST
ScottyP wrote:
Razorclaw0000 wrote:I do really like the TFC ones and they aren’t as horrible as their hound.
That's good since I'm picking up a $30 TFC Ironhide from the vintage shop later this afternoon :lol:



Just watch for the rear view mirrors or surgically remove before they break on their own.
Re: Twincast / Podcast Episode #192 "Transformers vs. Impropriety" (1936044)
Posted by ScottyP on February 5th, 2018 @ 8:39am CST
Razorclaw0000 wrote:
ScottyP wrote:
Razorclaw0000 wrote:I do really like the TFC ones and they aren’t as horrible as their hound.
That's good since I'm picking up a $30 TFC Ironhide from the vintage shop later this afternoon :lol:



Just watch for the rear view mirrors or surgically remove before they break on their own.
The dire warning in the instructions along with the insert pamphlet with the same dire warning printed on it made me keep my hands away appropriately :) Instructions are garbage otherwise, they have you do the final steps from bot to van in a strange, not possible order. There's a panel on each arm I need to shave down a little, it isn't actually possible to transform it perfectly as intended the way they made the part where the arms meet the back of the front of the roof.

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Transformers Podcast: Twincast / Podcast #345 - The Roast
Twincast / Podcast #345:
"The Roast"
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Posted: Saturday, March 9th, 2024

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