Transformers x Universal Monsters Frankentron is revealed on a retooled Impactor mold, and the crew pitches Mirage as the Invisible Man next. Takara Tomy’s February 2024 preorders give better looks at Commander Ultra Magnus, and the first in-hand photos of Ultra Magnus show a big, chunky robot. Japan’s EarthSpark toys get improved decos, and Seiko unveils a Transformers watch. In What We Got This Week, Brian lands a boxed Brave Maximus and a carded Transmetal 2 Prowl.
News
Frankentron Collab Transformers x Universal Monsters Full Details
Hasbro revealed Frankentron, a Transformers x Universal Monsters collaboration built on a retooled Impactor mold. One host said the tooling dates to around the time of Dracula, and Universal had not gone along with more collaborations after that. The retooled hands are turned for a monster pose, and the Tesla coil cannon plugs onto the arm. The crew pitched follow-ups: a mummy, Rusty Cross’s Runamuck idea, or a clear Mirage as the Invisible Man. Some hosts find the collabs uncompelling but praised the solid engineering, and one host ordered one. [Source: TFW2005]
Takara Tomy Pre-Orders for February 2024: Legacy and Studio Series
Takara Tomy’s new preorders give better looks at Leader Optimus Primal and Commander Ultra Magnus. One host liked the shot of the Matrix popping out of Ultra Magnus’s chest. One host noted the new stock photos show a painted grille on the truck cab, which Hasbro’s earlier photos lacked. [Source: TFW2005]
Transformers Studio Series Commander Class Ultra Magnus In-Hand Images
A collector in Holland posted in-hand photos of a retail Studio Series 86 Ultra Magnus, packed in robot mode in a windowless box. The crew said he towers over Siege and Earthrise Ultra Magnus and stands taller than Commander Rodimus. One host called it the Ultra Magnus he wants. [Source: TFW2005]
Transformers Masterpiece Movie MPM-11D Dark of the Moon Ratchet Official Images
Takara Tomy revealed MPM-11D Dark of the Moon Ratchet in a bright green deco. One host finds the color hideous and has always disliked the movie Ratchet robot mode, while another likes it. [Source: TFW2005]
Transformers BWVS-07 Airazor vs Inferno Western Pre-Orders Live
The Beast Wars Again BWVS-07 two-pack pairs Airazor and Inferno, likely the last of the Versus redos. Airazor’s deco is more vibrant, and Inferno adds a second blue gun so he can plug it into his blunderbuss. One host is strongly considering it, and another bought it during the show. [Source: TFW2005]
Takara Tomy to Release EarthSpark Toys With Improved Deco
Japan is getting EarthSpark, and Takara Tomy’s versions have better decos. One host misses the old Takara decos but not the import prices. Another noted the Japanese releases skip the build-a-figure parts. [Source: TFW2005]
Super7 ReAction Burning Optimus Primal Spotted
A Reddit user found a ReAction Burning Optimus Primal from Super7. One host said the head color is not quite right, but at least it is not blue. Don showed off the metallic version he found at Target. [Source: not found]
Seiko Announces Collaboration With the Transformers Brand
Seiko announced a Transformers watch at about $400. One host called it moderately tasteful for Transformers merchandise. Several hosts admitted they cannot parse watch collector culture, and one host prefers a smartwatch. [Source: BWTF]
New Dollar Tree Transformers Masks
Dollar Tree is selling new evergreen-style Transformers masks for $1.25. One host loves them, while another joked they do not belong in an adult collection. [Source: not found]
What We Got This Week
Matt
Matt had no Transformers this week. His big pickup was the Shokugan Modeling Project Thunder Megazord.
Don
Don’s pickups were off-topic, apart from his big purchase: Soul of Chogokin GaoFighGar, from the Brave series that Brian called a cousin of Transformers.
Diecast
In Indianapolis, Diecast found another G2 Dead End and a G2 Sideswipe at Walmart. The Sideswipe is headed to Brian. His Dead End has paint drips on the face. He said only one or two of the five or six Walmarts he visited had the G2 wave.
Rob
Rob’s pickups were off-topic.
Chris
Chris had nothing this week.
Brian
Brian’s G2 Superion desk mat arrived, and it is huge and heavy. Shawn sent him G2 Mirage and Dead End. The Takara Optimus Primal vs. Megatron two-pack disappointed him because the box is only a paper slipcover. He bought a boxed FHE Transport to Oblivion on Betamax. A seller sent a carded Transmetal 2 Prowl in gem mint condition. From Mandarake he got a carded Airazor and the original carded Optimus Primal vs. Megatron two-pack. A 2 a.m. purchase brought a carded Predator Snare. His big buy was a boxed Brave Maximus with sealed instructions, about $400 with shipping.