Our Questions and Answers for December.
1.) Since the Universe toyline spans TF history, is there any chance of seeing a Transtech figure, or another "figure that never was"/"Lost Figure"? A "What Might Have Been" segment of the Timeline could be interesting to say the least.
HASBRO- It would definitely be interesting to see some of those concepts that didn't make it off the drawing board as a real toy, and the Universe line would be a great place to showcase it. In the immediate future we've got a whole list of other characters that are a little higher on the priority list, but you never know. We like to revisit these old concepts from time to time and if there's a great design we haven't used there is a good
chance it will see the light of day eventually.
2.) Any more Universe Ultras in the works? Are there any particular character(s) that you have been thinking would be a great fit for that particular size?
HASBRO- The team is really concentrating on Transformers Revenge of the Fallen product right now. Because of that, we have not been developing any further Universe Ultra items. However, there are members of the design team who would like to find space for more tanks, but currently nothing is definite.
3.) Most characters in the TF universe are male, but there were a few fem-bots in the 1980s cartoon as well. Will we be seeing any of them in the universe toy line?
HASBRO-For 2009, there are currently no "female" bots planned. However, we do have Arcee in the Animated line and you never know what could appear in Movie 2!
4.) Can you explain the typical pipeline for a toy from concept to finished product, including time & constraints, how many are produced, planning for repaints, etc.? A book illustrating this subject (with many images ) would be a very sought after collectible in the community.
HASBRO- Most items take 12-14 months from concept to store shelf. Hasbro does not discuss numbers or processes, however you can be assured that Hasbro and Takara/Tomy put a lot of love in each design.
5.) What is the hook for on Universe Galvatron's shoulder (the piece is gray and unfolds from another purple folding piece) ? And the fold out shoulder 'legs/feet'? Can you show us the conceptualized use of these features?
HASBRO- Initially, Galvatron was being designed as a triple changer and was actually going to be in a larger class. But once the decision was made to put Galvatron in Deluxe, his third "walker tank" mode was dropped. Because of molding reasons we had to leave some of those extra pieces in there. Here's the initial sketch and idea for the third mode. (see attached)
Didn't get your burning questions answered? Be ready to submit them for February! And check back for the list of other sites answered questions.
