An unreleased G2 Stunticons set from a former Kenner employee’s collection tops $12,000 on eBay, headlining a week of rare prototypes. Generations Roadbuster and Sky-Byte start shipping, and Masterpiece Grimlock’s reissue reportedly adds a throne. Shardcon is canceled, and Paramount’s $100 million Age of Extinction opening draws questions. Brian gives Rise of the Dark Spark a 5 out of 10, and Diecast and Don weigh in on Fans Toys Scoria. The crew closes with a spoiler-filled Age of Extinction debate, with Diecast and John defending the film.
News
Unreleased G2 Stunticons Top $12,000 on eBay
A former Kenner employee is auctioning never-released Transformers prototypes, reportedly for charity. A G2 Stunticons set, including a Motormaster never seen outside packaging, sits at $12,100 with five days left. The lots also include a Laser Cycle Jazz and unreleased Auto Jetter and Auto Roller figures. A carded G2 Breakdown, used for the BotCon 1994 exclusive, is near $900, and Don will not sell his. The crew wishes Fans Project would make its Stunticons in these colors. [Source: not found]
Shardcon Canceled
Shardcon is canceled and retired, along with its planned exclusives. Brian guesses its organizers could not raise enough capital through the Shardcon Club and wisely chose not to go into debt. He calls Shardcon 2013 as well run as any BotCon. The crew will see each other at TFCon instead. [Source: not found]
Generations Roadbuster and Sky-Byte Ship
New images show Generations Roadbuster and Sky-Byte, and both are already shipping to stores. One host preordered at Big Bad Toy Store but will grab them in store if he sees them first. Another will now own all three Sky-Byte figures, though this one is more symmetrical than he likes. [Source: not found]
Masterpiece Grimlock Reissue Gets a Throne
A photo suggests the MP-08X Grimlock reissue will include a throne, a nod to King Grimlock from the Marvel comic. The crew wishes it were the torture device instead. [Source: TFW2005]
Age of Extinction’s $100 Million Opening Questioned
Paramount reported a $100.38 million domestic opening for Age of Extinction, but some analysts estimate closer to $97 million. Brian notes each sequel since Revenge of the Fallen has opened lower. The film has earned $302 million worldwide. Brian says fudging would be pathetic, but a false accusation would be petty. [Source: TFW2005]
Boss Fight Studio’s Kickstarter Passes $188,000
Boss Fight Studio’s Vitruvian H.A.C.K.S. Kickstarter has raised $188,623 against its $75,000 goal, with nine days left. Brian recommends the $500 all-in tier. [Source: Kickstarter]
Transformers Cybertron Comes to DVD
Transformers Cybertron arrives on DVD August 5. Don calls it the best of the Unicron Trilogy cartoons. [Source: not found]
Dr. Wu’s Bandolier Kit for Masterpiece G2 Sideswipe
Dr. Wu’s DWP-21 upgrade kit adds a bandolier and a big gun to Masterpiece G2 Sideswipe. Don has wanted one since JD Church teased him about it. Dr. Wu also offers an Age of Extinction Optimus Prime sword for about $19. [Source: not found]
More Age of Extinction Merchandise
Best Buy is taking $25 preorders for an Age of Extinction steelbook with no release date set. Target has an Optimus Prime sword roleplay toy. Sega also launched a site and trailer for its Human Alliance arcade game. [Source: not found]
This Week in History
In 1987, the first Headmasters episode premiered in Japan. In 2001, a special collector’s edition of Transformers: The Movie came out on VHS in the UK, with a Star Wars-style opening crawl.
Rise of the Dark Spark Review
Brian reviews Rise of the Dark Spark on Xbox 360. Developed by Edge of Reality instead of High Moon Studios, it plays almost exactly like the earlier games. Brian finds the obstacles tedious, such as repeatedly ejecting Rumble as Soundwave to open locks. The voice acting is lifeless, and hidden enemies kill you without warning. He calls it a movie tie-in built to cross-merchandise and gives it a 5 out of 10.
Q and A with Rob Springer
Jinkies1982 asks why studios keep making Michael Bay Transformers movies if they are so bad. Rob says they make a fortune, so they will continue until they stop making money. He thinks Age of Extinction made the robots more central characters, even if it is messy. If you dislike the films, he says, vote with your wallet.
Age of Extinction Discussion
Brian and Don call the movie boring, with no scene worth the price of admission. Diecast and John enjoyed it, and Diecast liked the raid to rescue Cade Yeager. Everyone agrees John Goodman’s Hound is the best character. The crew likes Lockdown and the more distinctive Autobots. They call Galvatron, voiced by Frank Welker, a wasted presence.
The crew questions why Optimus Prime beats Grimlock so easily, why the Dinobots arrive so late and why Drift switches alt modes. They also debate Optimus killing humans and the ages of Tessa and Shane. Brian argues the physics ruin the action for him. He wonders whether the Robots in Disguise cartoon, with Bumblebee in charge, could read as a loose follow-up. Brian apologizes to fans of the film for venting.
What We Got This Week
Diecast picked up Fans Toys Scoria and posted a video review at tfradio.net. The crew says it is big, heavy and pretty, though some copies have loose shoulders and very tight pegs.
Don also got Fans Toys Scoria and plans to leave it in Triceratops mode. He praises the instructions as some of the best he has seen from a third party.