The Transformers Brand Team held a Google Hangout earlier this week in conjunction with Hunter PR and following on from the secret Hasbro UK retailer show where Hasbro revealed some new figures and marketing campaigns for the rest of 2015 and into 2016.
TFW2005, Seibertron, TFU.Info and BWTFs were amongst those invited to the event with TFW2005 publishing a nice summary of what was revealed and the questions that were raised.
The short version is as follows:
Fortress Maximus confirmed
Titan fan vote – Omega Supreme vs. Trypticon vs. Scorponok
G2 Bruticus boxset
Leader class Powermaster Optimus Prime
New Minicon type for RID
New product line – Alt-ModesRead on to check out images and details!
Generations: Fortress Maximus Confirmed
Way back at Botcon 2015 we saw hints at Fortress Maximus via some artwork on display at the booth. Various rumors and leaks have surfaced since then, but now it’s official. Fortress Maximus is coming in 2016 in the Titan Class scale. He looks to be a heavy remold of Metroplex. Only artwork was shown, see the attached images below.
Vote for the next Titan Class Figure
Starting November 24th on the official Transformers Facebook Page (Facebook.com/Transformers), fans will be able to cast a vote for which of the following fan-favorite characters should be added to the line:
Scorponok
Trypticon
Omega SupremeStarting on 11/20, fans will be treated to campaign-style posts featuring each of the three characters, leading up to the official voting post, which will go up on 11/24 at 1 pm EST. The vote will be active from 1:00 PM EST to 3:00 AM EST. Fans will be able to vote in the comments section of the post.
Additionally, this will be the first Transformers Fan Vote that will include fans from China. Chinese fans will be voting on WeChat, and their vote totals will be joined with the Facebook vote totals to determine the winner, whose identity will be shared with fans in the near future.
The winner is planned for release in Fall 2017.
Generations: G2 Bruticus Box Set Confirmed
Bruticus will also be getting the G2 treatment to go along with Menasor and Superion in boxset form. All the funky colors are present, and he will come with Shockwave, featuring his Actionmaster deco. No word on where he will be available, exclusive or not.
Generations: Leader Class Optimus Prime Confirmed
The second Leader figure to go along with Blaster in the Titans Returns line next year will be none other than Powermaster Optimus Prime. He comes with a Headmaster Apex, the Powermaster / Engine angle is not present, tho references to the old school figure’s gimmick is present in robot mode. He is a super heavy retool of Leader Class Ultra Magnus. He is also a triple changer with a base mode like Blaster.
Robots In Disguise: New Minicons and Deployers
RID will be getting several new offerings next year. Battle Packs which feature an almost-Warrior scale figure (between commander and warrior) and Minicon, with Energon like weapons and armor that then combine into a big super weapon. Drift and Overload get the Deployers treatment and interact with a new type of Minicon – Cyclones. We will also be getting a Minicon 4 Pack with Blizzard and Desert themes. Check all the pics below, waves and names are in the file names / captions. All due out in early 2016.
ALT-Modes: New Line
A new sub-line of Generations will be hitting called ALT-Modes which feature a tiny body and giant head, that does transform with a one step action. The giant head just rests on the tiny body / alt mod regardless of the mode. A mix of bobble heads, POP! and those Burger King Movie toys from a couple years ago. Looks to focus on G1 characters and should provide ample character shelf filler. These will be available via blind box.
We were able to ask some questions as well, here is a summary of what was asked and answered (paraphrased from audio recording):
TFW2005: Might there be a possibility of seeing some homages to other Transformers shows such as Beast Wars, the original Robots in Disguise, or Transformers Armada in the future?
Yes, nothing specific mentioned. Generations is a place to celebrate all versions of Transformers past, and they are aware of the anniversaries next year (86 Movie, Beast Wars, OGRID). Generations can be the place to celebrate those beyond the Titans Return story line.
TFW2005: Any characters the team would liked to have done but couldn’t for timing, cost, or other reasoning?
Answers swung into the Titans offered in the vote, all members mentioned one or the other. Biggest challenge long term is getting the figures they want to do in the proper scale.
We also slid in a strong request for Brave Max before asking our question.
TFW2005 – Takara Tomy Groove – any plans to bring him over?
Long pause, looks. Anything they do is up for grabs, they follow the chatter, nothing planned at the moment, they love Groove, keep an eye out.
BWTF – Most challenging piece to design out of all the ones you’ve shown.
RID – Weapon play, making them more than just a static weapon, the combining aspect.
Fort Max – size, weight, working with rest of line in base modes, layers upon layers of challenges.
ASM – How has switching from combiners to “Masters” / city modes changed the design process?
Dealing with base inter-connectivity, the miniature aspect of the characters, cockpit size across figures, being able to mine characters from late 80s. Head scale, went back and forth with Takara in relation to having them work across scales and figuring best size. Helmet gimmick addresses them being used on multiple class figures.
Seibertron – Repaint opportunities – Metrotitan, Black Zarak if Scorponok is done, etc.
Definitely possible, either from past lore or even current IDW series as there are Titans out there who haven’t been discovered yet. None yet planned. Metrotitan was talked about already and may be looked at in future.
Seibertron – Decision to not do Powermasters properly, the engine master etc?
Lots of “Masters” types in 80s. Wanted to make sure new fans could understand and they wanted to utilize a universal system in these new toys.
TRV – Any plans for more Masterpiece Decepticons?
Nothing that can be revealed at this time.
TFU – RID – Minicons on Auto / Decepticon sprue in slides?
Slides were reversed, Autobots will come on Autobot sprues, and vice versa, at retail.
BWTF – Are the RID armored Prime / Sideswipe Warrior class?
Little smaller, tried to keep articulation, comparable to old Commander, little bigger. Warrior style figure with the transforming weapons. Can hold (a pose) with weapon regardless of how big the weapon is.
TRV – CybertronCon – re-branding for Botcon or something else?
Hasbro looks to protect their trademarks as aggressively as they can – toys, characters or events around the world. Wanted to make sure it was protected in Asia. Committed to providing a fan experience around the world going forward, including Botcon 2016.
Seibertron – Overlord please. Can’t do PM OP without Overlord.
Laughs around the panel.
TFU – Victory Hill – will it affect Botcon?
Goal is to provide experience in all different forms. Children’s museum, traveling exhibits in Latin America, Casino stuff, Animatronic tour. It is not a fan convention, it’s an installment as seen with their other offerings for Avengers. Don’t see it replacing a fan convention, different experience.
TRV – Any more word on Machinima plans?
Nothing to announce at the moment. Machinima team is great, really understand Transformers. Should see a cross over with the toys and vice versa.
Statement from Jerry Jivoin – leaving main team, becoming head of marketing for Hasbro Italy, wants to say thanks to all the fans he’s met at the Conventions, excited for the brand and believes it’s in good hands.
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