Robosen gets competition from an animatronic Rise of the Beasts Optimus Primal and auto-transforming RC Optimus Prime and Bumblebee. The first look at the G2 Toxitron Collection Mirage thrills Matt, even without the toy head. Hasbro reports Transformers up 9% in a down year and talks up its Mattel deal for Optimus Prime in Hot Wheels. The crew splits on Legacy Armada Megatron and Super7’s Beast Wars ReAction figures. Brian also nearly completes an orange G2 Devastator.
News
First Look at G2 Toxitron Collection Mirage
Hasbro’s Walmart-exclusive Toxitron Collection opens with G2 Mirage, the seventh use of this mold. Matt loves it but is furious it lacks the toy head, and he still wants the Diaclone red Mirage. The alligator tampos move to the spoiler so they stay on the arms in robot mode. A package refresh of Shadow Strip will also run in the wave. Brian is glad he sold his third-party version. [Source: Autobase Aichi]
In-Hand Photos of Shattered Glass Hot Rod
Shattered Glass Hot Rod is not the e-Hobby deco, but it is black and purple with a mustache and the visor option. One host says it is not the black Hot Rod he wanted but will still buy it. Others would still like the e-Hobby colors or a Sideburn deco. [Source: Autobase Aichi]
First Images of Super7 Beast Wars ReAction Figures
Brian was surprised by Super7’s Beast Wars ReAction renders. One host says they respectfully shrink the toys to 3.75 inches. Another likes them but says they do not fit his collection. One host finds the card art generic. The crew wonders if Beast Machines ReAction figures could work. [Source: Autobase Aichi]
EarthSpark Warrior Class Jawbreaker, Starscream and Megatron Stock Photos
Brian asks why Jawbreaker looks like a dino-chicken, and the crew settles on some lesser-known dinosaur. Megatron’s packaging says One Step Flip Changer, so not all three are Warriors. [Source: Autobase Aichi]
First Look at EarthSpark Deluxe Nightshade
A box stock photo gives the first look at EarthSpark Deluxe Nightshade, with no alt mode shown yet. Brian jokes the show is mostly about pictures of toys in boxes, which becomes the episode title. [Source: TFW2005 boards]
In-Hand Images of Legacy Armada Megatron
Don dropped his preorder because he sees nothing new beyond added articulation. Another host, whose all-time favorite toy is the original Armada Megatron, thinks it looks better than expected. One host says no update can match the original toy’s play value but likes the leader-class scale next to Armada Optimus Prime and Starscream and wants a Voyager Demolishor and a Sideways next. [Source: Autobase Aichi]
Hasbro at the 51st Annual J.P. Morgan Global Technology, Media and Communications Conference
Hasbro CEO Chris Cocks said Transformers is up 9% in a down year heading into the movie. He said the Mattel licensing deal makes sense, including Optimus Prime in Hot Wheels. He also highlighted a very pink Barbie Monopoly. [Source: Business Wire]
Transformers Retro G1 Thundercracker Found at US Retail
Retro Thundercracker is reaching Walmart shelves, though the crew still sees only Starscreams locally. [Source: TFW2005]
Rise of the Beasts Animatronic Optimus Primal and Auto-Transforming RC Figures
An animatronic Optimus Primal and China’s auto-transforming RC Optimus Prime and Bumblebee earn Rob Springer’s label: the Robosen we have at home. The crew thinks the RC figures look terrible. [Source: Amazon UK]
Cinemark Rise of the Beasts Popcorn Bucket and Theater Promotions
Cinemark’s Optimus Prime head popcorn bucket wins over one host. Malaysia’s Dadi Cinema has cups with Optimus Prime and a nightmarish Bumblebee topper, though the crew likes the cup art. [Source: TFW2005]
Transformers ROTB x Monro Optimize Your Ride Promo
Monro Auto Service offers a poster, cross-branded service packages and character standees. One host notes former Hasbro marketer Ben Montano may now work in Monro’s marketing department. [Source: TFW2005]
What We Got This Week
Diecast
Diecast had nothing this week.
Don
Don got EarthSpark Deluxe Optimus Prime and two Shattered Glass Grimlocks. He also bought a second Gamer Edition Bumblebee to display in both modes, then realized Cliffjumper is coming.
Matt
Matt had nothing this week.
Rob
Rob’s pickup this week was not Transformers.
Chris
Chris found the R.E.D. Shockwave on Walmart clearance for $15. He finds it a slight improvement over the earlier R.E.D. Megatron and a great-looking cartoon Shockwave, though one ankle tilts it back. The Megatron gun accessory came warped, but he likes the translucent purple fist and arm cannon. He still would not pay full price for the line.
Brian
Brian got Shattered Glass Grimlock and loves it in robot mode with the Trypticon colors. At Chris’s urging, he has nearly completed an orange G2 Devastator. He only needs a regular G2 Scrapper and the head gun.