Hasbro’s Transformers Tuesday stream reveals two Amazon-exclusive Legacy two-packs, Senator Shockwave with Orion Pax and Senator Ratbat with Miner Megatron. JTPrime confirms the sub-line’s leader is Nova Prime, and the pipeline teases Snarl, Bombshell, Strongarm, Bludgeon and Trashmaster. Hasbro’s Q1 earnings show an 85% drop in operating profit. Saudi Entertainment Ventures plans three Transformers attractions. Japan’s movie-ticket exclusive Nemesis Prime and Burning Optimus Primal frustrate overseas fans.
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Transformers Livestream: Robosen Elite Optimus Prime
The stream spotlighted Robosen’s smaller Elite Optimus Prime, which Brian thought had been on sale for months. Spencer Wyld confirms in the RFC Discord that it was announced in October. The Elite now sits at the original flagship’s launch price. Brian, who owns Robosen’s first Transformer, wonders who it is for. Diecast keeps his flagship Optimus Prime boxed while he waits for its promised display stand. [Source: TFW2005]
The IDW-inspired sets retool Siege molds: a Seeker into Senator Shockwave, Hound into Orion Pax, Megatron into Miner Megatron and Studio Series Scourge into Ratbat. One host calls Miner Megatron the best toy of the four. He finds Orion Pax small with an oddly happy face and does not need a non-cassette Ratbat. Another prefers the earlier Senator Ratbat. Brian says it reminds him he does not need to buy everything. Don already ordered Shockwave and Orion Pax but skips the other set, while another host is getting it for Miner Megatron. [Source: Hasbro Pulse]
Nova Prime and the Legacy Pipeline
JTPrime confirms the sub-line’s Leader is Nova Prime, retooled from Siege Galaxy Upgrade Optimus Prime. One host calls that the natural base, since customizers have long used Cybertron Optimus Prime. The stream also showed Studio Series 86 Brawn, Gamer Edition Cliffjumper and Megatron, and Rise of the Beasts Rhinox. The pipeline lists Core Class Snarl, Bombshell, Strongarm, Detritus, Shadow Striker, Bludgeon and Trashmaster. Strongarm is a long-wanted character for one host. Another guesses Trashmaster could echo Animated Wreck-Gar. One host prefers Titans Return Brawn, and JTPrime says Gears is next year. [Source: TFW2005]
Hasbro’s Q1 2023 Earnings Fall Sharply
Net revenue fell about 15% to $1 billion, operating profit dropped 85% to about $18 million and Hasbro posted a $22 million loss. Partner brand revenue fell 36%. The crew thinks higher prices are a factor but not the main one. One host points to retailers over-ordering during shipping delays. Another recalls Aaron Archer warning years ago that shipping plastic toys worldwide was not sustainable. [Source: Jedi Temple Archives]
Seven to Bring Transformers Brand to Saudi Entertainment Destinations
Saudi Entertainment Ventures is partnering with Hasbro on three Transformers-themed attractions, with more to follow. Brian jokes that he has already been to Rob Springer’s and Don’s houses. [Source: PIF]
Movie Ticket Exclusive Studio Series Nemesis Prime and Burning Optimus Primal
In Japan, fans can order a movie ticket bundled with an exclusive Studio Series Nemesis Prime or Burning Optimus Primal, delivered in January. One host estimates importers would charge $130 to $140 each. Another wants Burning Optimus Primal. One host notes it repeats the Masterpiece’s blue head and prefers Nemesis Prime. The crew hopes Selects might offer similar decos later. [Source: Autobase Aichi]
In-Hand Photos of Nemesis Leo Prime
Production Nemesis Leo Prime looks better than its stock photos, with charcoal instead of brown tones. The crew still finds it boring and wants more metallic blue or red. One host will buy it in hopes of a Generations Big Convoy someday. [Source: Autobase Aichi]
Legacy Evolution Beachcomber In-Hand Images
Pixelmaster’s photos show Legacy Beachcomber as expected. One host likes it more than the previous version, and the crew suggests G2, Golden Lagoon and Diaclone repaints. [Source: TFW2005 boards]
Rise of the Beasts Mainline Deluxe Mirage In-Hand Photos
The crew thinks mainline Mirage looks like a dollar-store Transformer. One host says the design was hard to fit into a sub-deluxe, and another notes printed detail on flat surfaces without paint. Don finds too much unpainted gray on the Voyager Optimus Prime. Diecast put a Rhinox back at Walmart and will wait for Studio Series. One host worries this is the new normal for retail toys. [Source: Facebook]
Transformers Pet Vision Filters on Snapchat and TikTok
Official filters add an Optimus Prime helmet and glowing eyes to pets. One host wants it for his pets but does not have either app. [Source: Transformers]
Dr. Wu’s tiny Grand Galvatron is the next third-party toy Brian has to buy. One host says it needs a keychain loop. [Source: TFormers]
KFC Singapore and Transformers: Rise of the Beasts Collaborate
KFC Singapore is running a Rise of the Beasts menu promotion. The crew hopes it implies you are eating Airazor. [Source: SG Food Lifestyle]
What We Got This Week
Brian
Brian had nothing this week.
Chris
Chris had nothing this week.
Diecast
Diecast loves Studio Series Gamer Edition Bumblebee in hand, though he has not transformed it yet. Don, who has transformed it, ranks it near the top of the Gamer Edition figures. Diecast also got Magic Square’s Prime 2.0 EX with paint and Fans Toys Blaster, his first Fans Toys figure he is not thrilled with. He finds Blaster’s head too high, arms too low and waist too skinny. Another host suggests it matches season three animation.
Don
Don got Magic Square’s first Combaticon. He also impulse-ordered the MDLX Optimus Prime to go with his Rodimus preorder.
Rob
Rob’s pickups this week were not Transformers.