Diecast hosts while Brian is out, and Generations Selects Deep Cover leads the news. Chris explains how the Diaclone-colored Sideswipe redeco leaked early and arrives in plastic-free packaging. Patrick Tatopoulos joins the next Transformers movie as production designer, and MP-52+ Thundercracker opens for preorder. R.E.D. Cheetor and Arcee are spotted at retail, and the Earthrise Skywarp and Thundercracker set returns. The crew also questions Flame Toys’ Arcee model kit concept.
News
Patrick Tatopoulos Joins New ‘Transformers’ Film
Patrick Tatopoulos is reportedly the production designer on the next Transformers movie. Chris explains that a production designer shapes the whole look of a film, from sets to wardrobe. His credits include the Justice League films and Independence Day. Chris expects the studio has a story treatment but no full script yet, and COVID will keep the work in pre-production. [Source: DiscussingFilm]
Generations Selects Deep Cover First Look
Deep Cover is the Diaclone-colored Sideswipe, black with blue details, first made a character by TakaraTomy’s e-Hobby. A Las Vegas shop listed a case early, and Manikara in the RFC Discord already has one. It is a straight Siege Sideswipe redeco with both Sideswipe’s and Red Alert’s weapons. Chris notes it is the first Transformers product in fully plastic-free packaging, with paper ties. One host hopes the savings mean more paint on future toys. [Source: TFRadio]
MP-52+ Thundercracker (Ver 2.0)
Masterpiece MP-52+ Thundercracker is up for preorder on Hasbro Pulse at $241.99. One host preordered MP-52 Starscream through a GameStop discount to try the mold first. Don wonders why Thundercracker costs less than Starscream, and the crew guesses Starscream’s extra coronation accessories. The crew expects a Skywarp and debates why Masterpiece Decepticons are so rare. [Source: Hasbro Pulse]
R.E.D. Cheetor and Arcee First Sighting
R.E.D. Cheetor and Arcee have been spotted at retail. Walmart.com briefly listed Arcee at about $40, which the crew blames on its pricing algorithm. The figures look more painted than wave one. Chris says Cheetor’s colors are wrong, just differently wrong from Kingdom Cheetor. The crew pitches future R.E.D. figures, including Prime Knock Out and Miko with the Apex Armor. [Source: TFW2005]
Winter Wonderfest Online Coming February 7th
Winter Wonderfest will run as a free online stream on February 7 because of Tokyo’s COVID limits. Chris notes past Wonderfests brought Transformers news, like Selects Star Convoy. [Source: Wonder Festival]
New Transformers Monopoly Edition
A new Transformers Monopoly edition turned up in the Walmart app, with no images yet. The crew jokes about Happy Days Monopoly with a jump-the-shark square. [Source: not found]
Earthrise Skywarp and Thundercracker Back Up for Preorder
The former Target-exclusive Earthrise Skywarp and Thundercracker two-pack is up for preorder again at Big Bad Toy Store and Entertainment Earth. Chris thinks it is either a second run or bought-back stock. One host notes a Hasbro rep told him the company knows about problems with retailer exclusives. [Source: not found]
Flame Toys Is Threatening Us with a Model Kit of Arcee
Flame Toys revealed concept art for a Furai Model Arcee, soon after revising its Windblade concept. Chris does not object to the style, but he does not want it to be the only option. He would like more artists’ interpretations, and a model kit is the ideal format for a cartoon-accurate Arcee. [Source: Flame Toys on Twitter]
What We Got This Week
Rob had nothing in Transformers this week.
Don had nothing in Transformers this week.
Matt got Earthrise Thrust from John DeLuna, after 30 days in the mail.
John finally opened Kingdom Megatron. He finds the dinosaur mode charmingly like a cheap rubber T. rex, even if it does not tab together well.
Diecast opened his Earthrise Alita-1 and confirmed the shoulders were assembled correctly, despite confusing box art. He dislikes the tan legs.