First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign

Monday, December 12th, 2022 9:01AM CST

Categories: Movie Related News, Toy News
Posted by: william-james88 Views: 70,506

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Ever since December 1st, we've been getting non stop Transformers Rise of the Beasts news. And when it comes to toys, we have a whole year's worth catching up to 2023 movie toys, giving us a smorgasbord of potential toy news,leaks,first looks ect. And this news has all of that. Sonic Bomber made a Facebook post showing two new Transformers Rise of the Beast deluxe toys: Wheeljack and Nightbird. These toys are assumed to be from the mainline and not studio series although we now know that both series of toys are based on preliminary designs. These are the same size, price and complexity as the Studio Series deluxes.

These are our very first looks at not just the toys but also the characters, who were not highlighted in the first trailer. There were supposed leaks regarding these character designs and these toys support them with Nightbird's head looking like her G1 self and Wheeljack having a redesign from the Bumblebee movie design to have large glasses and no large "ears" (which could have been guessed from the back view we got from the trailer).

People have asked why this Wheeljack has more of that typical "nerd" look and this might be further proof that Michael Bay has a more hands on role, similar to the one he had in the Ninja Turtles movie, a movie where we know he dictated several looks. This looks very similar to Donatello from that film, where Michael Bay does like having obvious visual cues to reinforce a personality or trait. It's easier when handling a movie with a ton of characters, like this one where we have 3 main factions (and 2 lesser ones). These are just assumptions and guesses, meant to provide possible reasons for this change.

To answer another question, here are all the toys which will get a deluxe release in the mainline independently of their release in the Studio Series line:

Tra Mv7 Core Boy Deluxe Class Ast with the EAN: 5010993983308
Deluxe Bumblebee (Codename: George)
Deluxe Mirage (Codename: Pluto)
Deluxe Wheeljack (Codename: Barcelona)
Deluxe Airazor (Codename: Titan)
Deluxe Nightbird (Codename: Outlaw)

Of those we have now seen Airazor, Wheeljack and Nightbird.

Credit(s): Sonic Bomber

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Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (2151445)
Posted by -Kanrabat- on December 12th, 2022 @ 9:22am CST

Emerje wrote:I don't like Wheeljack. They did a great job in the last movie with the G1 look, so why does he look like a stereotypical nerd now?

Emerje

He look like a nerd?

To me he nails the hippie look.

Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (2151447)
Posted by william-james88 on December 12th, 2022 @ 9:25am CST

transformers_va wrote:So, these pieces of junk are intended for ages 6+, yet original G1 toys (e.g. Optimus) were intended for ages 5+... when did children get dumber? If these were what were on offer when I was a child, I probably wouldn't be the same collector that I have been for 30 years now. Soon, Transformers will be no more than Go-Bots... so sad.

I don't understand this take. G1 Optimus was simpler than these toys (he has less transformation steps than what we see from the toys in these pictures). And his lack of articulation made him easier for the exact angle needed for a transformation step to be achieved. That's the same tactic Hasbro uses with rescue bots, which are good for even three year olds. I would even argue that it's because G1 was so simple that many people got into it, because it meant even dumb kids could transform them.

Most of G1 had odd proportions, didn't resemble the show, were simplistic in transformation, had very little articulation and some (like Optimus) even had partsforming. So if it made people who are still fans to this day, then there is no reason kids who are given these toys won't be fans for life.

Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (2151450)
Posted by Glyph on December 12th, 2022 @ 9:34am CST

edit: nvm, I'm just repeating other people

Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (2151451)
Posted by Mr.MicroMaster on December 12th, 2022 @ 9:35am CST

Wheeljack face is literally nerd face emoji. Other than the face the toy looks pretty good.

Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (2151454)
Posted by First-Aid on December 12th, 2022 @ 9:43am CST

Mr.MicroMaster wrote:Wheeljack face is literally nerd face emoji. Other than the face the toy looks pretty good.

I expect the Autobots to ask him why he looks so off from previous, and for him to say that "I just was experimenting with something different." That seems like a Wheeljack-y thing to do and could explain why he looks different. The bots can alter their structure to create weapons and such, why not the ability to alter their facial appearance.

Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (2151457)
Posted by transformers_va on December 12th, 2022 @ 9:52am CST

william-james88 wrote:I don't understand this take.

If you don't understand how this:

300px-G1_OptimusPrime_toy.jpg

Is not a much better toy than these:

1670785239-s-l1600-11-.jpg

1670785242-s-l1600-4-.jpg

Then I can't help you... you obviously gravitate towards the kiddie toys more.

Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (2151458)
Posted by Emerje on December 12th, 2022 @ 9:57am CST

-Kanrabat- wrote:
Emerje wrote:I don't like Wheeljack. They did a great job in the last movie with the G1 look, so why does he look like a stereotypical nerd now?

Emerje

He look like a nerd?

To me he nails the hippie look.

Really? All I see is this:

If I look at it as sunglasses then all I see is this:

Either way, it's not Wheeljack.

Emerje

Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (2151459)
Posted by Flashwave on December 12th, 2022 @ 9:59am CST

That is a terrible looks for Wheeljack, but I like the toy. And Nightbird. Maybe I will call him Tow Line after the Wnergon news van or something overall ROTB has some great figures coming out.

Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (2151460)
Posted by Sabrblade on December 12th, 2022 @ 10:10am CST

"When I grow up, I'm gonna be just like Albert Einstein!"

Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (2151463)
Posted by william-james88 on December 12th, 2022 @ 10:27am CST

transformers_va wrote:Then I can't help you... you obviously gravitate towards the kiddie toys more.

I don't need help (though I do thank you for reaching out). Asking me what I think of kiddie toys won't get us anywhere since I am not the target audience. You should give all those toys to 5 year olds to see what they think. I only gravitate towards facts. Here is one: G1 optimus prime was a kiddie toy too, a kiddie toy you gravitated towards when you were a kiddie.
And you don't gravitate towards kiddie toys now because you are not a kiddie.

Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (2151469)
Posted by dbelleman on December 12th, 2022 @ 10:41am CST

Can't unsee this

Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (2151470)
Posted by Sabrblade on December 12th, 2022 @ 10:44am CST

Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (2151471)
Posted by SpaceEagle on December 12th, 2022 @ 10:47am CST

"That's not my Wheeljack!"

Regardless of Geewun familiarity, I think these both look stunning. I am highly certain this version of Wheeljack is meant to look more like Que than the Wheeljack we normally know, especially considering how Geewunny he looked in Bumblebee. But the big glasses and rounder head immediately made me think of DotM Wheeljack (or "Que") who likewise had a very round head and glasses.

Nightbird also looks really cool. I enjoy how the colours come together in robot mode and vehicle mode.
Gonna be nice picking these two up whenever they're available.

Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (2151473)
Posted by william-james88 on December 12th, 2022 @ 10:49am CST

Sabrblade wrote:

It gets even better when you compare their entire bodies and see that both wear suspenders

Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (2151474)
Posted by transformers_va on December 12th, 2022 @ 10:49am CST

william-james88 wrote:Asking me what I think of kiddie toys won't get us anywhere since I am not the target audience.

I didn't ask you... you just injected your opinion, because you think you know more than others. Unfortunately, given your posts throughout the years, your opinions hold no value with me... you tend to favour weak designs.

Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (2151476)
Posted by Immortal Starscream on December 12th, 2022 @ 10:55am CST

nightbird is just... blegh.
wheeljack looks like bay's version of donatello. I like it, but I also dont like it. I like it as a goofy robot design, I don't like it as wheeljack. every time we turn a character into a stereotype in these movies, it never ends well

Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (2151477)
Posted by Cheesinator on December 12th, 2022 @ 10:56am CST

transformers_va wrote:
william-james88 wrote:Asking me what I think of kiddie toys won't get us anywhere since I am not the target audience.
I didn't ask you... you just injected your opinion, because you think you know more than others. Unfortunately, given your posts throughout the years, your opinions hold no value with me... you tend to favour weak designs.

"I'm not talking to you and I don't care what you say but I will respond to every comment you make" is a weird look.

Speaking of which...

Sabrblade wrote:

They say say God does not make mistakes...but surely he was drunk when he designed this Wheeljack's face.

In seriousness though, it's not for me but I appreciate that they're trying some weirder designs on side characters. Rest of the figure looks pretty solid.

Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (2151479)
Posted by SpaceEagle on December 12th, 2022 @ 11:01am CST

transformers_va wrote:
william-james88 wrote:Asking me what I think of kiddie toys won't get us anywhere since I am not the target audience.
I didn't ask you... you just injected your opinion, because you think you know more than others. Unfortunately, given your posts throughout the years, your opinions hold no value with me... you tend to favour weak designs.

I'm going out on a limb and think no one asked for your opinions on the offerings for youngsters, either. Funny how that works.

Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (2151480)
Posted by Solrac333 on December 12th, 2022 @ 11:02am CST

I don't hate it but why even bother calling him "Wheeljack" if they're giving him a total redesign? I don't see myself getting many of these figures.

Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (2151481)
Posted by AllNewSuperRobot on December 12th, 2022 @ 11:04am CST

From the colour palette alone, wouldn't that head sculpt have made more sense as an Aerialbot/Flier?

Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (2151482)
Posted by william-james88 on December 12th, 2022 @ 11:05am CST

Cheesinator wrote:They say say God does not make mistakes...but surely he was drunk when he designed this Wheeljack's face.

Maybe this is proof that there is no God.

(sorry, coudn't resist)

On the flip side, God did give us free will, so a designer was truly free to make something like this, proving God might exist afterall.

Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (2151483)
Posted by Mr.MicroMaster on December 12th, 2022 @ 11:06am CST

First-Aid wrote:
Mr.MicroMaster wrote:Wheeljack face is literally nerd face emoji. Other than the face the toy looks pretty good.

I expect the Autobots to ask him why he looks so off from previous, and for him to say that "I just was experimenting with something different." That seems like a Wheeljack-y thing to do and could explain why he looks different. The bots can alter their structure to create weapons and such, why not the ability to alter their facial appearance.

That would be a pretty funny moment.

Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (2151484)
Posted by SpaceEagle on December 12th, 2022 @ 11:08am CST

Solrac333 wrote:I don't hate it but why even bother calling him "Wheeljack" if they're giving him a total redesign? I don't see myself getting many of these figures.

I'm still standing by my assumption that it's to look closer to DotM Wheeljack/Que.

Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (2151485)
Posted by Sabrblade on December 12th, 2022 @ 11:12am CST

Solrac333 wrote:I don't hate it but why even bother calling him "Wheeljack" if they're giving him a total redesign?

Well, they named this other guy Wheeljack too, yet he looks a lot more like an evil Sideswipe:

Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (2151487)
Posted by transformers_va on December 12th, 2022 @ 11:19am CST

SpaceEagle wrote:I'm going out on a limb and think no one asked for your opinions on the offerings for youngsters, either. Funny how that works.

Did I ever say anyone had? How about minding your own business there, chief...

Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (2151488)
Posted by Emerje on December 12th, 2022 @ 11:21am CST

Sabrblade wrote:
Solrac333 wrote:I don't hate it but why even bother calling him "Wheeljack" if they're giving him a total redesign?
Well, they named this other guy Wheeljack too, yet he looks a lot more like an evil Sideswipe:

Yeah, but we didn't have a wheeljack in Armada before him so it didn't really matter. Then Energon happened and everyone just sort of threw their hands up in the air.

Emerje

Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (2151489)
Posted by Emerje on December 12th, 2022 @ 11:23am CST

transformers_va wrote:
SpaceEagle wrote:I'm going out on a limb and think no one asked for your opinions on the offerings for youngsters, either. Funny how that works.
Did I ever say anyone had? How about minding your own business there, chief...

Dude, that's not how public forums work. Anything you post is fair game for others to reply to, you don't get to choose.

Emerje

Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (2151490)
Posted by SpaceEagle on December 12th, 2022 @ 11:24am CST

transformers_va wrote:
SpaceEagle wrote:I'm going out on a limb and think no one asked for your opinions on the offerings for youngsters, either. Funny how that works.
Did I ever say anyone had? How about minding your own business there, chief...

Don't be upsetti when people don't like your spaghetti!

Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (2151491)
Posted by 84everfan on December 12th, 2022 @ 11:26am CST

SpaceEagle wrote:
transformers_va wrote:
william-james88 wrote:Asking me what I think of kiddie toys won't get us anywhere since I am not the target audience.
I didn't ask you... you just injected your opinion, because you think you know more than others. Unfortunately, given your posts throughout the years, your opinions hold no value with me... you tend to favour weak designs.

I'm going out on a limb and think no one asked for your opinions on the offerings for youngsters, either. Funny how that works.

Considering designs didn't look this stupid and uncool when I was a kid, your argument doesn't work. You can't just use "it's for kids" as an excuse when "kids" have been the target audience for going on 40 years. Especially when this movie is targeted at an adult audience. Was SONIC pg-13? No.

Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (2151492)
Posted by Overcracker on December 12th, 2022 @ 11:32am CST

I’m really of 2 minds with Wheeljack. The VW Bus mode looks great, but that head, just does not work for me. Not sure what the though behind the big glasses was. :-B

We had a Wheeljack forum smiley all this time and never knew.

In a similar vein, Nightbird’s BMW mode is pretty sleek looking. Her robot mode, looks a but skeletal though, and those feet… 8-|

Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (2151493)
Posted by blackeyedprime on December 12th, 2022 @ 11:36am CST

Nightbirds car looks too small like the wfc cars and looks like a single seater

Wheeljack... Just another argument for the movie to be called transformers name swap. The face is awful but there has still been plenty worse baynus faces. The camper van not having circular head lights? Not licenced? Way too small and looks like it might scale with the teeny tiny vehicle mode ss Ratchet

I don't like the design enough to have it as a not wheeljack on my shelves so at least it saves me some money.

Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (2151494)
Posted by SpaceEagle on December 12th, 2022 @ 11:36am CST

Overcracker wrote:In a similar vein, Nightbird’s BMW mode is pretty sleek looking. Her robot mode, looks a but skeletal though, and those feet…

It's supposed to be a Nissan Skyline, not a Bimmer, although it seems the toy has to be slightly distinct to avoid licensing much like Wheeljack's VW Bus mode here!

Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (2151495)
Posted by transformers_va on December 12th, 2022 @ 11:39am CST

Emerje wrote:Dude, that's not how public forums work. Anything you post is fair game for others to reply to, you don't get to choose.

Emerje

Really? That's how public forums work? Wow! smh

Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (2151497)
Posted by SpaceEagle on December 12th, 2022 @ 11:42am CST

84everfan wrote:
SpaceEagle wrote:
transformers_va wrote:
william-james88 wrote:Asking me what I think of kiddie toys won't get us anywhere since I am not the target audience.
I didn't ask you... you just injected your opinion, because you think you know more than others. Unfortunately, given your posts throughout the years, your opinions hold no value with me... you tend to favour weak designs.

I'm going out on a limb and think no one asked for your opinions on the offerings for youngsters, either. Funny how that works.

Considering designs didn't look this stupid and uncool when I was a kid, your argument doesn't work. You can't just use "it's for kids" as an excuse when "kids" have been the target audience for going on 40 years. Especially when this movie is targeted at an adult audience. Was SONIC pg-13? No.

Personally I don't understand why people are comparing cheap, basic toys to something like the legendary 80's Optimus Prime toy? This is NOT that level, 80's OP was a high ticket item. It was more expensive than other toys available. Sure this and the modern kiddie offerings have little different in the way of engineering, but these kiddie toys are much more meant to be like something that the Jumpstarters/Battlechangers/Duocons/etc. offered us. Cheap, simple, and something gimmicky little novelties to make a very young kid smile.

Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (2151498)
Posted by Overcracker on December 12th, 2022 @ 11:44am CST

SpaceEagle wrote:
Overcracker wrote:In a similar vein, Nightbird’s BMW mode is pretty sleek looking. Her robot mode, looks a but skeletal though, and those feet…

It's supposed to be a Nissan Skyline, not a Bimmer, although it seems the toy has to be slightly distinct to avoid licensing much like Wheeljack's VW Bus mode here!

Don’t recall any 90’s Skyline’s having a split grill. That looks closer to a BMW than a Skyline.

D948F748-0DFF-40BC-93ED-270804E17D87.jpeg

Also, the scoop is in the wrong place if we are going by the Movie car:

DBDF14E7-3526-4D74-AE70-BA2538DD9457.jpeg

Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (2151499)
Posted by SpaceEagle on December 12th, 2022 @ 11:47am CST

Overcracker wrote:
SpaceEagle wrote:
Overcracker wrote:In a similar vein, Nightbird’s BMW mode is pretty sleek looking. Her robot mode, looks a but skeletal though, and those feet…

It's supposed to be a Nissan Skyline, not a Bimmer, although it seems the toy has to be slightly distinct to avoid licensing much like Wheeljack's VW Bus mode here!

Don’t recall any 90’s Skyline’s having a split grill. That looks closer to a BMW than a Skyline.
D948F748-0DFF-40BC-93ED-270804E17D87.jpeg

Also, the scoop is in the wrong place if we are going by the Movie car:

DBDF14E7-3526-4D74-AE70-BA2538DD9457.jpeg

Right right, that's why I mentioned the toy's trying to be legally distinct. Much like how Sideways's Audi mode looks nothing like a regular R8 but just a legally distinct sports coupe that we still consider a faux R8. Besides, Nightbird's toy here still has the Skyline's taillights, seems like the front had to be messed with a bit. :-?

Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (2151501)
Posted by Overcracker on December 12th, 2022 @ 11:53am CST

SpaceEagle wrote:
Overcracker wrote:
SpaceEagle wrote:
Overcracker wrote:In a similar vein, Nightbird’s BMW mode is pretty sleek looking. Her robot mode, looks a but skeletal though, and those feet…

It's supposed to be a Nissan Skyline, not a Bimmer, although it seems the toy has to be slightly distinct to avoid licensing much like Wheeljack's VW Bus mode here!

Don’t recall any 90’s Skyline’s having a split grill. That looks closer to a BMW than a Skyline.
D948F748-0DFF-40BC-93ED-270804E17D87.jpeg

Also, the scoop is in the wrong place if we are going by the Movie car:

DBDF14E7-3526-4D74-AE70-BA2538DD9457.jpeg

Right right, that's why I mentioned the toy's trying to be legally distinct. Much like how Sideways's Audi mode looks nothing like a regular R8 but just a legally distinct sports coupe that we still consider a faux R8. Besides, Nightbird's toy here still has the Skyline's taillights, seems like the front had to be messed with a bit.

True, but outside of VW and its subsidiaries, did not think there was an issue licensing cars. Did Nissan not allow their cars to be used?

Audi is owned by the VW group as is Porsche, but I{m definitely hoping they don't pull a Sideways with Mirage.

Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (2151502)
Posted by SpaceEagle on December 12th, 2022 @ 11:58am CST

Overcracker wrote:True, but outside of VW and its subsidiaries, did not think there was an issue licensing cars. Did Nissan not allow their cars to be used?

Audi is owned by the VW group as is Porsche, but I{m definitely hoping they don't pull a Sideways with Mirage.

I'm honestly just as confused about the inability to get Nissan licensing, though I guess there hasn't been that many attempts to get their licensing outside of Japan? I know Alternity and TF GT exists but those weren't released outside of Japan's market if I remember correctly.

Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (2151503)
Posted by ZeroWolf on December 12th, 2022 @ 12:04pm CST

SpaceEagle wrote:
84everfan wrote:
SpaceEagle wrote:
transformers_va wrote:
william-james88 wrote:Asking me what I think of kiddie toys won't get us anywhere since I am not the target audience.
I didn't ask you... you just injected your opinion, because you think you know more than others. Unfortunately, given your posts throughout the years, your opinions hold no value with me... you tend to favour weak designs.

I'm going out on a limb and think no one asked for your opinions on the offerings for youngsters, either. Funny how that works.

Considering designs didn't look this stupid and uncool when I was a kid, your argument doesn't work. You can't just use "it's for kids" as an excuse when "kids" have been the target audience for going on 40 years. Especially when this movie is targeted at an adult audience. Was SONIC pg-13? No.

Personally I don't understand why people are comparing cheap, basic toys to something like the legendary 80's Optimus Prime toy? This is NOT that level, 80's OP was a high ticket item. It was more expensive than other toys available. Sure this and the modern kiddie offerings have little different in the way of engineering, but these kiddie toys are much more meant to be like something that the Jumpstarters/Battlechangers/Duocons/etc. offered us. Cheap, simple, and something gimmicky little novelties to make a very young kid smile.

Also since when did a movie aimed at adults stopped companies selling the designs to kids? Hasbro's been doing it ever since the 07 movie.

More famously, Kenner toys (now part of hasbro) tried to sell the xenomorph from alien to kids to say nothing of the other examples from the 80s onwards.

So yeah, for the kids is a valid excuse because that's what's going on. All the lines (exception Masterpiece I believe) because the majority of those who buy tfs are kids.

Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (2151505)
Posted by TulioDude on December 12th, 2022 @ 12:07pm CST

People are right, he should look more like Armada Wheeljack

Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (2151509)
Posted by Sabrblade on December 12th, 2022 @ 12:29pm CST

Overcracker wrote:I{m definitely hoping they don't pull a Sideways with Mirage.

Oh, but, Takara already did!

Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (2151510)
Posted by DeathReviews on December 12th, 2022 @ 12:30pm CST

Paint him green, and he's Riddler-tron!!

Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (2151512)
Posted by Cyber Bishop on December 12th, 2022 @ 12:34pm CST

Different head on that bus and it is fantastic, calling it wheeljack in it's current look with the glasses is just plain stupid. Bay is a jackass (since he has allegedly had his hands in the design) , They need fresh minds designing them.

Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (2151513)
Posted by Sabrblade on December 12th, 2022 @ 12:39pm CST

Just remember, folks. VW Bus Wheeljack here is gonna look like this in about two decades:

Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (2151514)
Posted by Overcracker on December 12th, 2022 @ 12:40pm CST

Sabrblade wrote:
Overcracker wrote:I{m definitely hoping they don't pull a Sideways with Mirage.
Oh, but, Takara already did!

True.

Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (2151515)
Posted by SpaceEagle on December 12th, 2022 @ 12:42pm CST

Sabrblade wrote:Just remember, folks. VW Bus Wheeljack here is gonna look like this in about two decades:

That's what I'm sayin'!

Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (2151517)
Posted by -Kanrabat- on December 12th, 2022 @ 12:51pm CST

transformers_va wrote:
Emerje wrote:Dude, that's not how public forums work. Anything you post is fair game for others to reply to, you don't get to choose.

Emerje
Really? That's how public forums work? Wow! smh

I'll be ironic but here it is:
Please grow up.
>:oP

Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (2151521)
Posted by william-james88 on December 12th, 2022 @ 2:08pm CST

Overcracker wrote:
SpaceEagle wrote:
Overcracker wrote:In a similar vein, Nightbird’s BMW mode is pretty sleek looking. Her robot mode, looks a but skeletal though, and those feet…

It's supposed to be a Nissan Skyline, not a Bimmer, although it seems the toy has to be slightly distinct to avoid licensing much like Wheeljack's VW Bus mode here!

Don’t recall any 90’s Skyline’s having a split grill. That looks closer to a BMW than a Skyline.
D948F748-0DFF-40BC-93ED-270804E17D87.jpeg

Also, the scoop is in the wrong place if we are going by the Movie car:

DBDF14E7-3526-4D74-AE70-BA2538DD9457.jpeg

The deco is also wrong, they added way more brown on the hood area.

SpaceEagle wrote:
Overcracker wrote:True, but outside of VW and its subsidiaries, did not think there was an issue licensing cars. Did Nissan not allow their cars to be used?

Audi is owned by the VW group as is Porsche, but I{m definitely hoping they don't pull a Sideways with Mirage.

I'm honestly just as confused about the inability to get Nissan licensing, though I guess there hasn't been that many attempts to get their licensing outside of Japan? I know Alternity and TF GT exists but those weren't released outside of Japan's market if I remember correctly.

When it comes to licensing, I'd wait till we get the Studio Series figures before looking too much into this. There's no rhyme or reason to licensing as it differs per company (even owned within the same conglomerate) and per country. It could be that, as with previous movie toylines, not all figures for a particular character gets a licenced alt mode. This nightbird and wheeljack may not be licenced but their SS counterparts could be.

Cyber Bishop wrote:Different head on that bus and it is fantastic, calling it wheeljack in it's current look with the glasses is just plain stupid. Bay is a jackass (since he has allegedly had his hands in the design) , They need fresh minds designing them.

Just in case you are referring to what I wrote, we don't know if Bay had a hand in this specific design. We just know that he was involved in this film more than on Bumblebee and that he had a hand in the designs in the Ninja Turtles movie, even though he was just producing that one as well.

Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (2151523)
Posted by Overcracker on December 12th, 2022 @ 2:23pm CST

william-james88 wrote:
Overcracker wrote:
SpaceEagle wrote:
Overcracker wrote:In a similar vein, Nightbird’s BMW mode is pretty sleek looking. Her robot mode, looks a but skeletal though, and those feet…

It's supposed to be a Nissan Skyline, not a Bimmer, although it seems the toy has to be slightly distinct to avoid licensing much like Wheeljack's VW Bus mode here!

Don’t recall any 90’s Skyline’s having a split grill. That looks closer to a BMW than a Skyline.
D948F748-0DFF-40BC-93ED-270804E17D87.jpeg

Also, the scoop is in the wrong place if we are going by the Movie car:

DBDF14E7-3526-4D74-AE70-BA2538DD9457.jpeg

The deco is also wrong, they added way more brown on the hood area.

SpaceEagle wrote:
Overcracker wrote:True, but outside of VW and its subsidiaries, did not think there was an issue licensing cars. Did Nissan not allow their cars to be used?

Audi is owned by the VW group as is Porsche, but I{m definitely hoping they don't pull a Sideways with Mirage.

I'm honestly just as confused about the inability to get Nissan licensing, though I guess there hasn't been that many attempts to get their licensing outside of Japan? I know Alternity and TF GT exists but those weren't released outside of Japan's market if I remember correctly.

When it comes to licensing, I'd wait till we get the Studio Series figures before looking too much into this. There's no rhyme or reason to licensing as it differs per company (even owned within the same conglomerate) and per country. It could be that, as with previous movie toylines, not all figures for a particular character gets a licenced alt mode. This nightbird and wheeljack may not be licenced but their SS counterparts could be.

That makes sense. Maybe these are mainline toys, and we get the Licensed versions in SS.

Its going to get really confusing down the line.

Re: First Look at ROTB Wheeljack and Nightbird Toys shows Wheeljack got a Major Redesign (2151526)
Posted by bluecatcinema on December 12th, 2022 @ 2:32pm CST

Nightbird looks fantastic. Wheeljack is just okay.

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