BotCon 2008 Report - Targetmaster Cyclonus, 25th line & more
Saturday, April 26th, 2008 1:02PM CDT
Categories: Site News, Toy News, Event NewsPosted by: Seibertron Views: 117,691
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Hasbro announced a slew of goodies for all of us Transformers fans. If you have some questions, please ask in this thread and I'll do my best to answer the questions with what I heard.
TRANSFORMERS MOVIE
Over $700 million box office worldwide
#1 DVD in the USA in 2007
TRANSFORMERS TOY LINE
#1 action figure toy brand (npd data)
Movie Deluxe - action toy of the year
#1 fans
TRANSFORMERS ANIMATED
2008 Product Update
Toy Launch - June 22nd
Deluxe Sentinel Prime - Sept 08 street date
Deluxe Swoop
Deluxe Elite Guard Bumblebee - Sept 08 street date (going to be doing more themed repaints due to the equity that they have in some of the main characters)
Leader Class Ultra Magnus - Sept 08 (HUGE round of applause)
TRANSFORMERS UNIVERSE
Deluxe Ironhide (turns into a red SUV) looks so much better than Botcon version) has a license plate that says Oregon on it)
Deluxe Sideswipe (had wrong head in photo which was a black Sunstreaker head) - August 2008
Ultra Class Silverbolt - everyone laughed that they had his name wrong as "Sliverbolt", 1/2 was through transformation has transformation sound, other sound effects in robot mode such as gun firing
Ultra Storm Cloud - repaint of Powerglide (Numbers on jet say "MM-88" ... guess what that stands for? Basically an updated color scheme for Micromaster Storm Cloud)
Deluxe Hound with Ravage (new mold ... Hound transforms into a green jeep like vehicle, Ravage transforms into a cassette who will fit in Soundwave and also attaches to Hound, Ravage does not have weapons, hound's cannon will fit on shoulder or in hand)
Deluxe Cyclonus w/ Nightstick Targetmaster (new mold) ... looks frikkin' badass! Attaches to vehicle mode or in his hand, also "plugs" into his hand like the Japanese Headmasters series
Deluxe Cheetor (looks pretty cool, new mold, tail is his weapon, no spots on tail due to the type of plastic, will have two throwing star weapons like animated Prowl, little switch on back of cheetah mode that opens jaw and switches eyes from blue to green)
TRANSFORMERS UNIVERSE LEGENDS (NEW MOLDS!!!)
Tank Megatron (looks similar to G2 version, realistic dark green)
Jazz
Brawn (looks awesome!)
Beachcomber (looks awesome!)
ROBOT HEROES
Kickback vs. Ironhide
BW Megatron vs BW Silverbolt
Thrust vs Blaster
BM Cheetor vs BM Tankor
RID Optimus Prime vs RID Megatron
2008 EXCLUSIVES
Nemesis Prime (Japanese version will have red windows) (Comic-Con / HTS exclusive)
6" War Within Skywarp (Comic-Con / HTS exclusive)
Breakaway (Cybertron Hot Shot repaint) - Walmart
Fracture (Classics Mirage repaint) - Walmart
Crankcase (Cybertron Red Alert repaint) - Walmart
Mini-Con 12 pack (Kmart)
WW Prowl and WW Grimlock as TRU exclusives (Sept 2008) - have no plans to release Cosmos, Arcee, WW Bumblebee/Cliffjumper or Shockwave. Too expensive to tool up for these molds and they're not profitable enough.
UNIVERSE COMIC 2 PACKS
Target exclusives - include a Voyager and a Deluxe
Deluxe Roadbuster versus Voyager Dirge (Cybertron Hot Shot II repaint / Cybertron Starscream repaint)
Deluxe Ratbat versus Voyager Springer (Cybertron Evac repaint vs Cybertron Sideways repaint)
25 YEARS (1984 - 2009) SNEAK PEEK
Continue with Animated (might show some more stuff tomorrow)
Reissue of Optimus Prime with silver roller (launch November 2008) with reprint of Comic and digitally remastered DVD of More Than Meets The Eye), autobot logo sound box (like GiJoe sound boxes) with some of Peter Cullen's quotes
Flip open packaging looks awesome for 25th Anniversary Optimus Prime
25th Anniversary line will be celebrating all years of Transformers (showed logos for all series from Beast Machines to G2)
(Gearing up for 25th anniversary)
Put out an official G1 Counterfeit toys statement
Here are some off the answers given to the questions Fans asked.
Gestalts – Very hard to design and produce, not for a typical series. There will be a return for Gestalts when the time is right. MAYBE 25th Anni but they don’t want to make any promises. Definitely not the end of them though.
Robot Heroes. Our very own Fender Bender asked the question if the Transformer Robot Heroes would get “more love” like the Star Wars and Marvek guys are. Hasbro said there will be “more love” like possible bigger sizes.
Hasbro wants the new Universe line to expand, so more classics can be made. It will have to take a back seat when TF2 comes out since that will be upfront, along with the continuation of Animated. But the series will return.
TF G.I.Joe. This issue is talked about every year. It is a possibility but the time isn’t right, there is no business sense in bringing the 2 together when both lines are standing strong by themselves. Could be in the future, but not time yet.
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Posted by GetterDragun on April 26th, 2008 @ 1:06pm CDT
Posted by Autobot Snake Eyes on April 26th, 2008 @ 1:08pm CDT
I AM SO PSYCHED!!!!!!!!!
Yay for Hound, Cyclonus, and Sideswipe!
Posted by Lapse Of Reason on April 26th, 2008 @ 1:10pm CDT
Any pics available?
Posted by GetterDragun on April 26th, 2008 @ 1:11pm CDT
Lapse Of Reason wrote:Wow, some great news!
Any pics available?
Not allowed.
Posted by Orion_Prime48 on April 26th, 2008 @ 1:12pm CDT
Posted by First-Aid on April 26th, 2008 @ 1:13pm CDT
Posted by JustinRODimus on April 26th, 2008 @ 1:16pm CDT
Posted by Overcracker on April 26th, 2008 @ 1:18pm CDT
2009 is going to be another very expensive year.
Posted by Maniac23 on April 26th, 2008 @ 1:21pm CDT
I am not too fond of the Animated toyline but i must admit to being eager to see Ultra Magnus as he and Leader class Megatron are the only figures that i am considering buying.
Posted by Seibertron on April 26th, 2008 @ 1:21pm CDT
Let me tell you though ... Targetmaster Cyclonus is one of the greatest Transformers I've seen in years. I think I felt the same way about that toy as I remember feeling about the first leaked pics of Alternator Smokescreen and 20th Anniversary Optimus Prime back in the summer of 2003.
Hound is pretty incredible also. I just think the sheer awesomeness of Cyclonus just blew me away. I also absolutely loved Ravage, Brawn and Beachcomber. What a great idea to come up with new Legends class molds for the Mini-Bots. Kudos to Hasbro!!!
The packaging for 25th anniversary reissue of G1 Optimus Prime is just beautiful. It's an absolutely incredible gift set and I will definitely once again buy an Optimus Prime reissue.
Posted by Seibertron on April 26th, 2008 @ 1:22pm CDT
Posted by GetterDragun on April 26th, 2008 @ 1:25pm CDT
Seibertron wrote:Also, I'm uploading pics right now of Hasbro's display cases ... I'll be checking back in a little while to see if Hasbro put out any new figures since yesterday.
Are the rumors of possible classics headmasters true?
Posted by Nemesis_Apoc on April 26th, 2008 @ 1:27pm CDT
Posted by Tekka on April 26th, 2008 @ 1:29pm CDT
Posted by shortround on April 26th, 2008 @ 1:33pm CDT
Posted by Chaoslock on April 26th, 2008 @ 1:34pm CDT
Seibertron wrote:WW Grimlock as TRU exclusives (Sept 2008)
Beast Wars Megatron wrote:YES! YES!!! YESSS!!!
Posted by NuclearConvoy on April 26th, 2008 @ 1:36pm CDT
Posted by Seibertron on April 26th, 2008 @ 1:39pm CDT
GetterDragun wrote:Seibertron wrote:Also, I'm uploading pics right now of Hasbro's display cases ... I'll be checking back in a little while to see if Hasbro put out any new figures since yesterday.
Are the rumors of possible classics headmasters true?
Hasbro didn't say anything about Classics Headmasters that I heard. Where did you hear that rumor?
Posted by Mkall on April 26th, 2008 @ 1:40pm CDT
GetterDragun wrote:Seibertron wrote:Also, I'm uploading pics right now of Hasbro's display cases ... I'll be checking back in a little while to see if Hasbro put out any new figures since yesterday.
Are the rumors of possible classics headmasters true?
During question period, hasbro confirmed that classics headmasters were being worked on.
Also when asked about a G1-style Arcee they said:
"Just because it's not being shown here doesn't mean we aren't working on it"
Take that as you will
Posted by GetterDragun on April 26th, 2008 @ 1:43pm CDT
Mkall wrote:GetterDragun wrote:Seibertron wrote:Also, I'm uploading pics right now of Hasbro's display cases ... I'll be checking back in a little while to see if Hasbro put out any new figures since yesterday.
Are the rumors of possible classics headmasters true?
During question period, hasbro confirmed that classics headmasters were being worked on.
Also when asked about a G1-style Arcee they said:
"Just because it's not being shown here doesn't mean we are working on it"
Take that as you will
Mkall, can you confirm that they also said that Exclusives (ie 2007 Botcon) are respected by Takara?
Posted by Mkall on April 26th, 2008 @ 1:47pm CDT
GetterDragun wrote:Mkall, can you confirm that they also said that Exclusives (ie 2007 Botcon) are respected by Takara?
At the time when I left, there were still people asking questions. They had said nothing about the seekers before I left.
I'm not getting into the TF:A toys, but I'm going to be getting Ultra Magnus.
Posted by City Commander on April 26th, 2008 @ 1:49pm CDT
I really could do with a job!
Posted by JustinRODimus on April 26th, 2008 @ 1:52pm CDT
Posted by Agent 007 on April 26th, 2008 @ 1:53pm CDT
1) So beast wars cheetor is in universe?
2) Which soundwave can ravage fit in?
3) Any word on universe Jazz?
Posted by Rodentus Prime on April 26th, 2008 @ 1:57pm CDT
Mr.Bond007 wrote:I got a few questions.
2) Which soundwave can ravage fit in?
G1
3) Any word on universe Jazz?
I don't think he's happening due to his animated version
Posted by Chaoslock on April 26th, 2008 @ 1:58pm CDT
Let's see:
84 Prime
85 Grimlock (or Swoop)
86 Metroplex
87 Scorponok
88 Doubledealer
89 Thunderwing
I could live these reissued
Posted by Dead Metal on April 26th, 2008 @ 2:00pm CDT
25th any Prime sounds cool, here's hoping for a Megatron like that!
I can still dream can't I?!
Cheetor sounds interesting.
Also Cyclonus, but Ravage? which soundwave will he fit in? G1, Cybertron or gasp new Universe mold?
Posted by SoooTrypticon on April 26th, 2008 @ 2:08pm CDT
http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-new ... es-149204/
Great news all around. Would have loved a Universe BW Silverbolt- but the robot heroes is okay for now. Cheetor huh?
Really looking forward to this.
How was Ravages transformation/articulation. Is he just an update of the old one, or a new take?
Any news on the rest of the cassettes?
Thanks!
Posted by Megatron Wolf on April 26th, 2008 @ 2:17pm CDT
Posted by Rodentus Prime on April 26th, 2008 @ 2:43pm CDT
Megatron_Wolf wrote:Hold on, you said Ravage would fit in Soundwave. So does that mean we are finally getting a classic Soundwave?
No, he goes in G1/Reissue soundwave - Hasbro say they don't plan on a classics version due to the reissue.
Posted by Bumblethumper on April 26th, 2008 @ 2:44pm CDT
Also, have they confirmed or denied any combiners for Animated or Classicverse?
Posted by Agent 007 on April 26th, 2008 @ 2:50pm CDT
Rodentus Prime wrote:Mr.Bond007 wrote:I got a few questions.
2) Which soundwave can ravage fit in?
G13) Any word on universe Jazz?
I don't think he's happening due to his animated version
tha's kinda worthless then for those who don't have soundwave. Unless they're releasing him again?
Posted by Duke of Luns on April 26th, 2008 @ 2:51pm CDT
Universe is sounding better and better! Good as the first Classics was, for some reason I think 2.0 is hitting even sweeter spots for me.
Sideswipe is going to be in the first wave of Universe? That's cool .
I'm going to have to get Titanium Scourge soon, cause with Cyclonus on the way, Unicron's original Heralds are all getting figures . So, does U. Cyclonus look cooler than the Jiztoys or whatever custom figure?
Would you say that Brawn and Beachcomer are extremely close to the look and feel of their G1 counterparts and are meant to be updated versions of the character, or just simple homages? Either way, they will look a tad funny standing next to Bumblebee whose probably two-three times their size. Then again though, Powerglides pretty big too isn't he?
Finally, and I know I'll probably have to wait till tomorrow for an answer , but what's up with the 25th Anniversery line? Is it one figure, an entire subline, reissues, new molds?
I am quite excited, but even though I have a job now, this looks to be a very expensive year coming up!
Posted by Mkall on April 26th, 2008 @ 2:52pm CDT
Bumblethumper wrote:...did anyone ask about an animated Omega Supreme toy?
Also, have they confirmed or denied any combiners for Animated or Classicverse?
No gestalts in Animated and none planned for Classics at this time. However they did say that gestalts will come at some point when they can be done right. Also they let slip that there are no combiners in the second movie either.
Posted by munkimus prime on April 26th, 2008 @ 2:56pm CDT
Posted by Nekoman on April 26th, 2008 @ 2:58pm CDT
This is the greatest thing for Transformers EVER!!!
Posted by Agent 007 on April 26th, 2008 @ 3:14pm CDT
Mkall wrote:Bumblethumper wrote:...did anyone ask about an animated Omega Supreme toy?
Also, have they confirmed or denied any combiners for Animated or Classicverse?
No gestalts in Animated and none planned for Classics at this time. However they did say that gestalts will come at some point when they can be done right. Also they let slip that there are no combiners in the second movie either.
good they wouldn't work in the movie anyway. But that makes me said that they're not in universe
Posted by jazzrules on April 26th, 2008 @ 3:16pm CDT
http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/default.cfm?page=News/Item&newsid=8B3A8363-D56F-E112-4DCE4A995C59944E
Ironhide looks cool, as do Sideswipe, Silverbolt and Silver/Bluestreak
Posted by Rodentus Prime on April 26th, 2008 @ 3:17pm CDT
There is a universe Legends Hound on display which nobody has mentioned - I wonder if somebody confused him with the supposed legends Brawn/Beachcomber?
Posted by Maldroth on April 26th, 2008 @ 3:23pm CDT
I also wish Music Label Soundwave would see a stateside release.
Posted by Mandamus on April 26th, 2008 @ 3:26pm CDT
Posted by Maniac23 on April 26th, 2008 @ 3:28pm CDT
Posted by bcm77 on April 26th, 2008 @ 3:28pm CDT
jazzrules wrote:The official TF website has images of some of the new toys on it
http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/default.cfm?page=News/Item&newsid=8B3A8363-D56F-E112-4DCE4A995C59944E
Ironhide looks cool, as do Sideswipe, Silverbolt and Silver/Bluestreak
Beat me to it!
Good to see Silverstreak will be available at retail and so quickly after Prowl.
Hopefully Hasbro have learned their lesson with the Seekers debacle and won't make Smokescreen one of next year's Botcon Exclusives.
Posted by JustinRODimus on April 26th, 2008 @ 3:37pm CDT
Posted by Chaoslock on April 26th, 2008 @ 3:39pm CDT
JustinRODimus wrote:WOW!!!! 70 BUCKS FOR THAT PRIME?!!!! isn't that a little much? i mean, i could understand 40 or even 50 but... damn.
I hope they will actually do a MASS release for them... Mid-Europe didn't got any G1 Prime since the Goldbox-era.
Posted by Tekka on April 26th, 2008 @ 3:40pm CDT
Posted by Overcracker on April 26th, 2008 @ 3:43pm CDT
Silverstreak is very nice also. He even got the shoulder mounted missile launchers very nifty.
Sideswipe is awesome, wish there was someway to put the ears into the head so he doesn't look so much like Sideswipe's. I suppose a small surgery to remove the springs may work. Either that or remove the ears all together, and plug the holes.
Everything is looking fantastic. Can't wait to see Cyclonus.
Posted by ephbot on April 26th, 2008 @ 3:43pm CDT
Posted by Rodentus Prime on April 26th, 2008 @ 3:44pm CDT
Tekka wrote:I notice that Sideswipe still has the Sunstreaker ears. I wonder if that will remain until the release version.
No, See this pic of the one on display.
Posted by Agent 007 on April 26th, 2008 @ 3:47pm CDT