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First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign

Posted by william-james88 Dec 12, 2022 at 9:01am CST 75,541 views
Ever since December 1st, we've been getting non stop Transformers Rise of the Beasts news. And when it comes to toys, we have a whole year's worth catching up to 2023 movie toys, giving us a smorgasbord of potential toy news,leaks,first looks ect. And this news has all of that. Sonic Bomber made a Facebook post showing two new Transformers Rise of the Beast deluxe toys: Wheeljack and Nightbird. These toys are assumed to be from the mainline and not studio series although we now know that both series of toys are based on preliminary designs. These are the same size, price and complexity as the Studio Series deluxes.

These are our very first looks at not just the toys but also the characters, who were not highlighted in the first trailer. There were supposed leaks regarding these character designs and these toys support them with Nightbird's head looking like her G1 self and Wheeljack having a redesign from the Bumblebee movie design to have large glasses and no large "ears" (which could have been guessed from the back view we got from the trailer).

People have asked why this Wheeljack has more of that typical "nerd" look and this might be further proof that Michael Bay has a more hands on role, similar to the one he had in the Ninja Turtles movie, a movie where we know he dictated several looks. This looks very similar to Donatello from that film, where Michael Bay does like having obvious visual cues to reinforce a personality or trait. It's easier when handling a movie with a ton of characters, like this one where we have 3 main factions (and 2 lesser ones). These are just assumptions and guesses, meant to provide possible reasons for this change.

To answer another question, here are all the toys which will get a deluxe release in the mainline independently of their release in the Studio Series line:

Tra Mv7 Core Boy Deluxe Class Ast with the EAN: 5010993983308
Deluxe Bumblebee (Codename: George)
Deluxe Mirage (Codename: Pluto)
Deluxe Wheeljack (Codename: Barcelona)
Deluxe Airazor (Codename: Titan)
Deluxe Nightbird (Codename: Outlaw)

Of those we have now seen Airazor, Wheeljack and Nightbird.






















































































First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign
First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign

More Bots. More News. More Awesome.

Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (view post)
Comment by -Kanrabat- Dec 12, 2022
Emerje wrote:I don't like Wheeljack. They did a great job in the last movie with the G1 look, so why does he look like a stereotypical nerd now?

Emerje


He look like a nerd?

To me he nails the hippie look.

Image
Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (view post)
Comment by william-james88 Dec 12, 2022
transformers_va wrote:So, these pieces of junk are intended for ages 6+, yet original G1 toys (e.g. Optimus) were intended for ages 5+... when did children get dumber? If these were what were on offer when I was a child, I probably wouldn't be the same collector that I have been for 30 years now. Soon, Transformers will be no more than Go-Bots... so sad.


I don't understand this take. G1 Optimus was simpler than these toys (he has less transformation steps than what we see from the toys in these pictures). And his lack of articulation made him easier for the exact angle needed for a transformation step to be achieved. That's the same tactic Hasbro uses with rescue bots, which are good for even three year olds. I would even argue that it's because G1 was so simple that many people got into it, because it meant even dumb kids could transform them.

Most of G1 had odd proportions, didn't resemble the show, were simplistic in transformation, had very little articulation and some (like Optimus) even had partsforming. So if it made people who are still fans to this day, then there is no reason kids who are given these toys won't be fans for life.
Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (view post)
Comment by Glyph Dec 12, 2022
edit: nvm, I'm just repeating other people
Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (view post)
Comment by Mr.MicroMaster Dec 12, 2022
Wheeljack face is literally nerd face emoji. Other than the face the toy looks pretty good.
Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (view post)
Comment by First-Aid Dec 12, 2022
Mr.MicroMaster wrote:Wheeljack face is literally nerd face emoji. Other than the face the toy looks pretty good.


I expect the Autobots to ask him why he looks so off from previous, and for him to say that "I just was experimenting with something different." That seems like a Wheeljack-y thing to do and could explain why he looks different. The bots can alter their structure to create weapons and such, why not the ability to alter their facial appearance.
Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (view post)
Comment by transformers_va Dec 12, 2022
william-james88 wrote:I don't understand this take.

If you don't understand how this:
300px-G1_OptimusPrime_toy.jpg

Is not a much better toy than these:
1670785239-s-l1600-11-.jpg

1670785242-s-l1600-4-.jpg

Then I can't help you... you obviously gravitate towards the kiddie toys more.
Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (view post)
Comment by Emerje Dec 12, 2022
-Kanrabat- wrote:
Emerje wrote:I don't like Wheeljack. They did a great job in the last movie with the G1 look, so why does he look like a stereotypical nerd now?

Emerje


He look like a nerd?

To me he nails the hippie look.

Image

Really? All I see is this:

Image

If I look at it as sunglasses then all I see is this:

Image

Either way, it's not Wheeljack.

Emerje
Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (view post)
Comment by Flashwave Dec 12, 2022
That is a terrible looks for Wheeljack, but I like the toy. And Nightbird. Maybe I will call him Tow Line after the Wnergon news van or something overall ROTB has some great figures coming out.
Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (view post)
Comment by Sabrblade Dec 12, 2022
"When I grow up, I'm gonna be just like Albert Einstein!"

Image
Image
Image
Image
Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (view post)
Comment by william-james88 Dec 12, 2022
transformers_va wrote:Then I can't help you... you obviously gravitate towards the kiddie toys more.


I don't need help (though I do thank you for reaching out). Asking me what I think of kiddie toys won't get us anywhere since I am not the target audience. You should give all those toys to 5 year olds to see what they think. I only gravitate towards facts. Here is one: G1 optimus prime was a kiddie toy too, a kiddie toy you gravitated towards when you were a kiddie.
And you don't gravitate towards kiddie toys now because you are not a kiddie.
Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (view post)
Comment by SpaceEagle Dec 12, 2022
"That's not my Wheeljack!"

Regardless of Geewun familiarity, I think these both look stunning. I am highly certain this version of Wheeljack is meant to look more like Que than the Wheeljack we normally know, especially considering how Geewunny he looked in Bumblebee. But the big glasses and rounder head immediately made me think of DotM Wheeljack (or "Que") who likewise had a very round head and glasses.

Nightbird also looks really cool. I enjoy how the colours come together in robot mode and vehicle mode.
Gonna be nice picking these two up whenever they're available.
Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (view post)
Comment by william-james88 Dec 12, 2022
Sabrblade wrote:Image
Image


It gets even better when you compare their entire bodies and see that both wear suspenders
Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (view post)
Comment by transformers_va Dec 12, 2022
william-james88 wrote:Asking me what I think of kiddie toys won't get us anywhere since I am not the target audience.
I didn't ask you... you just injected your opinion, because you think you know more than others. Unfortunately, given your posts throughout the years, your opinions hold no value with me... you tend to favour weak designs.
Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (view post)
Comment by Immortal Starscream Dec 12, 2022
nightbird is just... blegh.
wheeljack looks like bay's version of donatello. I like it, but I also dont like it. I like it as a goofy robot design, I don't like it as wheeljack. every time we turn a character into a stereotype in these movies, it never ends well
Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (view post)
Comment by Cheesinator Dec 12, 2022
transformers_va wrote:
william-james88 wrote:Asking me what I think of kiddie toys won't get us anywhere since I am not the target audience.
I didn't ask you... you just injected your opinion, because you think you know more than others. Unfortunately, given your posts throughout the years, your opinions hold no value with me... you tend to favour weak designs.


"I'm not talking to you and I don't care what you say but I will respond to every comment you make" is a weird look.

Speaking of which...

Sabrblade wrote:Image


They say say God does not make mistakes...but surely he was drunk when he designed this Wheeljack's face.

In seriousness though, it's not for me but I appreciate that they're trying some weirder designs on side characters. Rest of the figure looks pretty solid.
Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (view post)
Comment by SpaceEagle Dec 12, 2022
transformers_va wrote:
william-james88 wrote:Asking me what I think of kiddie toys won't get us anywhere since I am not the target audience.
I didn't ask you... you just injected your opinion, because you think you know more than others. Unfortunately, given your posts throughout the years, your opinions hold no value with me... you tend to favour weak designs.

I'm going out on a limb and think no one asked for your opinions on the offerings for youngsters, either. Funny how that works.
Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (view post)
Comment by Solrac333 Dec 12, 2022
I don't hate it but why even bother calling him "Wheeljack" if they're giving him a total redesign? I don't see myself getting many of these figures.
Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (view post)
Comment by AllNewSuperRobot Dec 12, 2022
From the colour palette alone, wouldn't that head sculpt have made more sense as an Aerialbot/Flier?
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