Fun Pub responds to Henkei TC release

I wish that this will resolve the various issues people seem to have about the release, but I doubt it will.

I just hope I can get a Japanese Thundercracker seeing i wasn't able to get the Botcon set.

It will solve one issue at least. Namely the missing TC figure in many peoples collection. But then people will just complain about the missing Trust and Dirge. Though Dirge could be easily rectified as well.

I'm just waiting for BBTS to put of the preorder for this one.

Mr. Sinclair wrote:And from our standpoint, no worries again. We appreciate that the Henkei version will be no different than the BotCon Classics version. The goal all along was to create a BotCon set that wasn’t exactly “exclusive” and give people the chance to finish a Seekers set (at a price much higher than the Henkei versions) from a line that had been cancelled, or so we thought.

Fixed.

Nekoman wrote:

Mr. Sinclair wrote:And from our standpoint, no worries again. We appreciate that the Henkei version will be no different than the BotCon Classics version. The goal all along was to create a BotCon set that wasn’t exactly “exclusive” and give people the chance to finish a Seekers set (at a price much higher than the Henkei versions) from a line that had been cancelled, or so we thought.

Fixed.

Dude, don't go changing what he said. That's not cool

Pete didn't have to make a statement regarding this. He didn't have to answer my email asking him about it, but he did, and damn quick I might add. We owe him the courtesy to take what he said and accept it as it is.

After all, he's not the reason this is happening. We are.

First Gen wrote:After all, he's not the reason this is happening. We are.

We are? I never wanted this.

RodimusConvoy13 wrote:

Nekoman wrote:

Mr. Sinclair wrote:And from our standpoint, no worries again. We appreciate that the Henkei version will be no different than the BotCon Classics version. The goal all along was to create a BotCon set that wasn’t exactly “exclusive” and give people the chance to finish a Seekers set (at a price much higher than the Henkei versions) from a line that had been cancelled, or so we thought.

Fixed.

Dude, don't go changing what he said. That's not cool

Hey it was a simple joke, I didn’t mean any harm by it. Although, I wouldn’t say I’m constantly trying to be cool anyway.

i'm gonna try real hard to get TC, but i still wish i had bought the seeker set from botcon, it's not like henkei is releasing the rest of them like at botcon. i just really hope i'm able to get this.

Nekoman wrote:

First Gen wrote:After all, he's not the reason this is happening. We are.

We are? I never wanted this.

When I say 'we', I mean fandom. You already know that though.

I'll enjoy my Botcon figures no matter what else is released in the world. I got the Botcon experience (including dinner party, concert, dealer room, live movie preview with a theater full of TF fans, etc...). I also made some money back selling some extra sets and met some cool people while I was there.

You can't buy that from Takara.

Unfortunately, I'll never trust the word "exclusive" again.

First Gen wrote:

Nekoman wrote:

First Gen wrote:After all, he's not the reason this is happening. We are.

We are? I never wanted this.

When I say 'we', I mean fandom. You already know that though.

But aren’t I part of the fandom? If so, shouldn’t I be included in that “we” and not be at fault? Not everyone in the fandom wanted to see this happen.

Oh well though, just a joke, nothing more, nothing less.

This is all just hysterical to me

Nekoman wrote:We are? I never wanted this.

The fact that fandom in general seems to should count for something, right?

I for one could have gotten Skywarp when he was out in the Battle for Autobot City (may still be able to if I wanted it bad enough, actually...), and wouldn't really miss Thundercracker, but if there's still room for me to hope for a Henkei Thrust... Not gonna really hold my breath, but I admit I'd jump at the chance to get it if it happens.

Patience and persistence paid off.

I knew Takara would release at least some of the exclusive Seekers. They're kinda fanatical about show accurate toys and figures of characters that were in the show.

For them not to make a Thundercracker, at least, would've driven them insane. They live for this.

It wasn't about destroying the value of the original exclusives, it wasn't about proving TC wrong. It's about getting the stuff to the fans how they want it.

Takara is definitely collector minded and they focus heavily on our likes and dislikes and they do a really nic job of trying to please us.

Do I find a bit of humor in this? Sure, I won't lie. Not at the expense of others though. Just find it funny that I knew Takara would do this.

And to those of you who say we won't see the conehead Seekers...wrong. Maybe not right now, maybe not even in '08, but sooner or later, we'll see Henkei coneheads.

And you know? I find nothing wrong with that. Even though I most likely won't buy 'em (too much money invested in Universe and Animated, especially Animated) but I think it's great that everyone else is finally getting the figure(s) they wanted.

That's the coolest part of all.

Koloth wrote:It will solve one issue at least. Namely the missing TC figure in many peoples collection. But then people will just complain about the missing Trust and Dirge. Though Dirge could be easily rectified as well.

I think the Universe Dirge that's upcoming will do for me. Helps that I want the Roadbuster in that set as well. I might use my WST Thrust to complete the Seekers line up, just for giggles.

Sledge wrote:

Koloth wrote:It will solve one issue at least. Namely the missing TC figure in many peoples collection. But then people will just complain about the missing Trust and Dirge. Though Dirge could be easily rectified as well.

I think the Universe Dirge that's upcoming will do for me. Helps that I want the Roadbuster in that set as well. I might use my WST Thrust to complete the Seekers line up, just for giggles.

What would the story behind that be? The Decepticons stole Perceptor's mass shifting machine from "Microbots" in order to make themselves giants and crush the Autobots underfoot!

Only it went horribly wrong and turned Thrust into a permanent midget! =O

I'm thinking a photocomic story where Megatron is evaluating the seekers in their new bodies. So he checks out Classics Screamer, 'Warp, Ramjet and TC (or Titanium TC), Universe Dirge, then can't find Thrust in his "upgraded" body. Cue much complaining from Thrust.

"But we only had enough materials to build 5 and 1/5th bodies!"

"Look on the bright side: you can look up Arcee's skirt."
"I suppose... wait a minute! We don't wear clothes!"

Tekka wrote:"But we only had enough materials to build 5 and 1/5th bodies!"

I shall call him... Mini Me...

I heard this tidbit of news this morning and I about dropped the case of beer I had in my hands when I got the call!!! FINALLY I can have my Classics/Henkei TC!!! Not to slight Skywarp and all, since I will score him as well! And people say that the toy people do not listen to the fans! Pshaw and balderdash to them now!!



Pyro is one happy fangirl!!

I think it's pretty cool that Takara is doing Thundercracker. Give some of the nonUSA fans a chance to get at least the three main Seekers. As for me, I shall continue storing away pennies in hopes of attaining the BotCon set one day. I already have Ramjet, so I might as well shoot for all 6 Seekers at this point. Plus Dreadwind was just pure win. I want him even more than the coneheads.

I wonder if they'll stop using the word "Exclusive" now, since they can't guarantee it.

Pyrostrata wrote:I heard this tidbit of news this morning and I about dropped the case of beer I had in my hands

Starting a bit early aren't ya?

I'm glad I'm out of this as I don't collect Classics/Universe/Henkei figures. I bought some, sold some, and kept only Classics Bumblebee and Ramjet. I only collect G1 and G1 Masterpieces (and Mashin Eiyuuden Wataru figures). As long as they don't make G1s or Masterpieces exclusives on Botcon I'm happy. But I support TakaraTomy's move to release Henkei Thundercracker. And why do people complain? The figure isn't equal to the exclusive, they did the right thing, they are going to release a different Thundercracker. People shouldn't be envious, we should want to share the good things with everyone and let all be happy. That's why I dislike this exclusives idea, it just serves to bring anger to everyone. I want everyone to be able to have the figures they like. When I have a figure I love so much, like MP-5 Megatron and MP-4 Optimus Prime, my wish is that everyone will be able to have one without having his wallet sucked up.

Just my thoughts. Don't throw me rocks or energon cubes, especially with anti-matter .

GetterDragun wrote:I wonder if they'll stop using the word "Exclusive" now, since they can't guarantee it.

I share the same sentiment.

Lapse Of Reason wrote:

GetterDragun wrote:I wonder if they'll stop using the word "Exclusive" now, since they can't guarantee it.

I share the same sentiment.

Ditto. I guess I'll wait to see the going price before becoming all pissy, though.

TFBuyer wrote:

Lapse Of Reason wrote:

GetterDragun wrote:I wonder if they'll stop using the word "Exclusive" now, since they can't guarantee it.

I share the same sentiment.

Ditto. I guess I'll wait to see the going price before becoming all pissy, though.

It's not hte price, it's the fact they called it an exclusive when it's not. Even if it went down in value or was a $5 item, I'd still be pissed. Don't call something an exclusive if it's not true.

But it was true at the time. How were they to know at BotCon '08 that TT were going to do this?

I still see the BotCon seekers as "exclusives" because TT's Thundercracker is not exactly the same as BC08's. If anything they're varients, and no one's ever jumped up and down before about calling limited varients "exclusives" so what's the problem now?

GetterDragun wrote:I wonder if they'll stop using the word "Exclusive" now, since they can't guarantee it.

Is the Japanese one identical to the botcon one? If not, then how is the botcon one no longer 'exclusive?'

I'm not trying to still the pot or anything, but wasn't part of the marketing for the 07 set that is would be the only way to complete your classics seekers?

OptimusPrimeRib wrote:I'm not trying to still the pot or anything, but wasn't part of the marketing for the 07 set that is would be the only way to complete your classics seekers?

Ok, how about if I bought Starscreams and repainted them as Thundercrackers? I would still be completing the seekers. So, it would never be the only way .

But I just say that the exclusives shouldn't be done, they only create anger on everyone instead of joy, and this should be about joy.

capellamusic wrote:

OptimusPrimeRib wrote:I'm not trying to still the pot or anything, but wasn't part of the marketing for the 07 set that is would be the only way to complete your classics seekers?

Ok, how about if I bought Starscreams and repainted them as Thundercrackers? I would still be completing the seekers. So, it would never be the only way .

But I just say that the exclusives shouldn't be done, they only create anger on everyone instead of joy, and this should be about joy.

You know what I mean, and I could be totally wrong. It just seems like that was part of the sell.

Okay, so, my only real question is regarding the remolded parts for BotCon Thrust.
Is it likely that Takara Tomy have the rights to use parts created by FunPub?

NuclearConvoy wrote:Okay, so, my only real question is regarding the remolded parts for BotCon Thrust.
Is it likely that Takara Tomy have the rights to use parts created by FunPub?

Iirc....no, no one's allowed to use those parts. However, that won't stop Takara from fabricating their own. They could reverse engineer the FunPub ones and add pieces to it to make it just different enough.

Or if they scratch built it, it might even be better than the FunPub originals.

Autobot032 wrote:

NuclearConvoy wrote:Okay, so, my only real question is regarding the remolded parts for BotCon Thrust.
Is it likely that Takara Tomy have the rights to use parts created by FunPub?

Iirc....no, no one's allowed to use those parts. However, that won't stop Takara from fabricating their own. They could reverse engineer the FunPub ones and add pieces to it to make it just different enough.

Or if they scratch built it, it might even be better than the FunPub originals.

I hope they reverse engineer them, then i can complete my G1 seeker set. One question though, with the release of henkei TC will it lower the botcon TC?

Burn wrote:But it was true at the time. How were they to know at BotCon '08 that TT were going to do this?

I still see the BotCon seekers as "exclusives" because TT's Thundercracker is not exactly the same as BC08's. If anything they're varients, and no one's ever jumped up and down before about calling limited varients "exclusives" so what's the problem now?

the most legitimate question in all of this thread.

Hasbro/FunPub is one thing. Hasbro/TakTomy is another in dealings on it's own. Mattel has done this, if not worse to their faithful Hot Wheel collectors (I was one of them), to the point that after 2006, they can't sell out the their RED LINE CLUB memberships like they used to. Mattel had lied to their RLC members about a rewards progarm if you bought an RLC esclusive within a certain timeframe. They said everyone would get a rewards car, but a few did, and a lot didn't.

What de we get, a hobby store color repaint of a Hot Wheels Classics.
It was a hobby store dealer that pointed it out, and Mattel knew it.
They didn't want to admit it, so when the news came out, those who voiced their opinion had their posts deleted, even auctions were removed that stated the truth, and above all, either had posting rights revoked, or banned forever.


Hasbro can do what it wants, but at least Hasbro is a lot better than Mattel when it comes to collectors.

What I hear is "it's not right, it's supposed to be an exclusive." Well that's part of being a collector. I admit, I saw no justification for the set, which in it's heyday in 2007 was going for $750 or more. I was always curious about a possibility of Takara doing the Classics, and my curiosity was right.

But does this mean they will limit TC and SW. I believe t will be similar to the RM release of the tow, but in a far less quantity.
Plus, for those getting excited over this "event", you had better get the jump now, because if BBTS or anyother import toy store gets a hold of it, the cost will be just the same, or maybe if not more than the Botcon versions.

However, the next question is the current value for the Botcon sets, and will the price come down to those that are trying to make a epay profit?

Well case in point, look at Classics Starscream, the Hasbro Version, even loose is at least an average of $18 to $22, which is down from a year ago, when loose was about $25 to $28. Starcream MIB, was fetching close to $40 when people heard it would be discontinued, but with the annoucement of TakTomy's Henkei line coming, the value dropped, but only slightly. Plus the chrome on some of the Henkei has made some people stick to getting the classics version.

Also, we know this isn't a mass release, so that may keep the value for the Botcon set at a respectable level. There are details that we don't know yet, and the stores they are using aren't big like TRU, so how many units will be in production is also another factor to consider.

Now if they follow the RM release, and make it a two-pack, my suggestion would be to jump on it, even if you have to starve, becuase once the big "retailers" get ther hands on it, we will have another thread on how it costs so uch, and more complaining form the left-wing.

I don't envy those who have the Botcon set, becuase I really don't care to feel for Hasbro and their marketing woes on releasing the seekers at mass retail, we know they have taken bigger losses on a whole toyline. TC, Dirge, and espeically Thrust would have flown off the shelf. Ramjet was a bigger loss becuase I have seen him in stores just a few months ago.

With every move TakTomy makes concerning the Henkei line, anyone that does not have the Botcon set should keep a close eye out for either one, becuase you may catch a good deal.

I did for my Magna Convoy set, and got it for half of it's value, so whose to say you might can't get lucky, just search, and you'll get a good deal.

Now that's a thread worth talking about.

Autobot032 wrote:

NuclearConvoy wrote:Okay, so, my only real question is regarding the remolded parts for BotCon Thrust.
Is it likely that Takara Tomy have the rights to use parts created by FunPub?

Iirc....no, no one's allowed to use those parts. However, that won't stop Takara from fabricating their own. They could reverse engineer the FunPub ones and add pieces to it to make it just different enough.

Or if they scratch built it, it might even be better than the FunPub originals.

Incorrect. Takara can use the wings if they so desire. They did the engineering for them, they are allowed to use them.

This page has some well thought out responses.

I do agree. FunPub has nothing to do with this. They did their part last year. They saw Classics were going to be discontinued, figured it would make for a cool collectible, stepped up whenre Hasbro failed, and got us our missing seekers. Even the price was reasonable if you were an attendee,which is kinda the point of Botcon. Attend, have fun and get a cool souveneir. WTG FubPub.

Hasbro now just has to live with the missed opportunity. I doubt there will be too many Henkei TCs made, seeing as it is a store exclusive. Of the ones that do make it to the US, I would imagine a hefty markup will be applied by dealers.

This Henkei bit really makes no difference. If one couldn't afford TC before, I doubt those people will be able to afford this one. If you could, well, you already have it and it is a moot point. Prices might drop a little for a while...like 10%. I can't imagine this will have too much of an impact on Botcon TCs. After all, they are still an exc. and are slightly different.

Then again, hunting down rare exclusives is part of the fun of being a collector.

Autobot032 wrote:

NuclearConvoy wrote:Okay, so, my only real question is regarding the remolded parts for BotCon Thrust.
Is it likely that Takara Tomy have the rights to use parts created by FunPub?

Iirc....no, no one's allowed to use those parts.

Not true.

Takara can use them if they so desire.

Bonger wrote:This Henkei bit really makes no difference. If one couldn't afford TC before, I doubt those people will be able to afford this one. If you could, well, you already have it and it is a moot point.

Are you aware of what a Botcon TC is selling for at the moment?

I think it is how they market the exclusive figures that is the root of the problem. The mold is a standard mold with an exclusive feature. It is not often marketed as say Thundercracker with exclusive head or something else when indeed that is the case. Some people assume that the whole mold should be exclusive. I wish that were the case. The real problem here is that they are releasing the molds too close together, like the Botcom Prime and SDCC Prime. I see them in their vehicle form and I cannot tell them from Ultra Magnus other than the color. I like recolors myself and wish they would not be called exclusives. Somebody's got to complain.

Complain about what? The Botcon figures are still exclusives. The SDCC figures are still exclusives. Or is someone going to seriously argue that the Classics Seeker mold should never have been used again?

Sledge wrote:Complain about what? The Botcon figures are still exclusives. The SDCC figures are still exclusives. Or is someone going to seriously argue that the Classics Seeker mold should never have been used again?

Yes, I think that was the point that the people complaining were trying to make. If something is an exclusive then the whole mold should become exclusive and not be used.

Not my point of view.

Energon wrote:

Sledge wrote:Complain about what? The Botcon figures are still exclusives. The SDCC figures are still exclusives. Or is someone going to seriously argue that the Classics Seeker mold should never have been used again?

Yes, I think that was the point that the people complaining were trying to make. If something is an exclusive then the whole mold should become exclusive and not be used.

Not my point of view.

There shouldn't be any exclusives in the first place. That serves just to raise problems and anger between everyone. Why not let everyone be able to have something? This is supposed to bring joy. I think all of this is rather ridiculous. I'm sick of hearing/reading the word exclusive. Imagine that MP Optimus Prime was released as an exclusive and only a few people could have it. It would be terrible and unfair to everyone. It wouldn't make sense, then why does it make sense to make other exclusives? But if they're done, at least they should just be f'n repaints, and as far as I've seen Henkei Thundercracker is a different repaint from the Botcon Thndercracker, so they're different figures.

This is probably my last post about this matter, I'm already tired about all of this BS...

Counterpunch wrote:

Autobot032 wrote:

NuclearConvoy wrote:Okay, so, my only real question is regarding the remolded parts for BotCon Thrust.
Is it likely that Takara Tomy have the rights to use parts created by FunPub?

Iirc....no, no one's allowed to use those parts.

Not true.

Takara can use them if they so desire.

See, now that actually bothers me.

Opinion: FunPub probably knew that TC was going to be released in JP, because. . .

Facts: At Botcon this year they specifically stated that they do not own the molds but they did also specifically pointed out that the Thrust wings were designed by them so it is the property of FunPub. They also said that they used a softer material when making remolds so after the first run it's gone. They couldn't make anymore Thrust even if they wanted too.

Thoughts: If Japan plans on releasing thrust and or accurate ramjet/dirge it will have to remold its own parts. Any thoughts on the chances of them doing this?

Only remolds I've ever heard of the japanese doing are the kabaya micron change molds and the sonic convoy ramble.

videriant wrote:Only remolds I've ever heard of the japanese doing are the kabaya micron change molds and the sonic convoy ramble.

Coby Ramble had both heads on the mold, no change was made.

Somewhere, there are a million little Coby Ramble heads.

It's like treasure.

videriant wrote:Opinion: FunPub probably knew that TC was going to be released in JP, because. . .

Facts: At Botcon this year they specifically stated that they do not own the molds but they did also specifically pointed out that the Thrust wings were designed by them so it is the property of FunPub. They also said that they used a softer material when making remolds so after the first run it's gone. They couldn't make anymore Thrust even if they wanted too.

Thoughts: If Japan plans on releasing thrust and or accurate ramjet/dirge it will have to remold its own parts. Any thoughts on the chances of them doing this?

Only remolds I've ever heard of the japanese doing are the kabaya micron change molds and the sonic convoy ramble.

So, BotCon Thrust will remain unique, yes?

Counterpunch wrote:

videriant wrote:Only remolds I've ever heard of the japanese doing are the kabaya micron change molds and the sonic convoy ramble.

Coby Ramble had both heads on the mold, no change was made.

Somewhere, there are a million little Coby Ramble heads.

It's like treasure.

But, CP, where's the map?

NuclearConvoy wrote:
So, BotCon Thrust will remain unique, yes?

Only in the fact that if FunPub is correct, that a Henkei release will feature different wings. That said, there are a number of ways that those wings could be redone.