In package images for Takara Tomy Transformers Adventure Line May 2015 releases

I'd peel those dumb stickers off the insecticons and get them. They match!

Optimizzy wrote:I'd peel those dumb stickers off the insecticons and get them. They match!

I prefer the original Gen. Skrapnel, that one has Reflector and is probably cheaper and easier to find. Not here though. Though I wish we'd see a Kickback.

Bombshell is more accurate to the G1 cartoon with the grey head, just noticed that, but I already have the CW one.

*drooool*

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:
Bombshell is more accurate to the G1 cartoon with the grey head, just noticed that, but I already have the CW one.

Even though he is scow accurate, I preffer the purple chest on Bombshell.

According to their bios, these bugs are all mass-produced swarms that are commanded by Lockdown.

Sabrblade wrote:According to their bios, these bugs are all mass-produced swarms that are commanded by Lockdown.

That explains the picture. Also, something somewhat nerdy but fun, it seems Japan finally corrected themsevles with Shrapnel's name:



He was called Sharpnel for a time but this box shows that it is now back to the original spelling in english

william-james88 wrote:

Sabrblade wrote:According to their bios, these bugs are all mass-produced swarms that are commanded by Lockdown.

That explains the picture. Also, something somewhat nerdy but fun, it seems Japan finally corrected themsevles with Shrapnel's name:



He was called Sharpnel for a time but this box shows that it is now back to the original spelling in english

Nope. The Japanese still stays シャープネル (Shāpuneru) or "Sharpnel" (as a consequence of Japanese phonetic limitations I bet), but like Legends, the US name is used for the English part. And yes, "Sharpnel" was used as his Japanese name in G1.

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:Nope. The Japanese still stays シャープネル (Shāpuneru) or "Sharpnel" (as a consequence of Japanese phonetic limitations I bet),

The Japanese can say "shrapnel" ( シュラプネル Shurapuneru), so the change to "Sharpnel" might have been intentional, as a portmanteau of "sharp" and "shrapnel".

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:
Nope. The Japanese still stays シャープネル (Shāpuneru) or "Sharpnel" (as a consequence of Japanese phonetic limitations I bet), but like Legends, the US name is used for the English part. And yes, "Sharpnel" was used as his Japanese name in G1.

But it is Takara's official translation for English, like Gregevor. So as an English speaker who doesn't speak Japanese, I will use the name they give me.

william-james88 wrote:But it is Takara's official translation for English, like Gregevor. So as an English speaker who doesn't speak Japanese, I will use the name they give me.

I get ya, though you mention Gregevor/Greejeeber and I wonder something. Suppose an Encore reissue of G1 Minerva were to come out. Would you use the name everyone uses and knows it's supposed to be ("Minerva"), or this name:

Before we go on with the debate, I did a little looksie and I don't really see any name discrepancies in Adventure for the time being (like the JP G1 name clashing with US G1 name), aside from Adams vs. Cosmos.

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:Before we go on with the debate,

Oh, I didn't want this to be viewed as a debate, but just as one last question of curiosity before putting it to rest.

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:I did a little looksie and I don't really see any name discrepancies in Adventure for the time being (like the JP G1 name clashing with US G1 name), aside from Adams vs. Cosmos.

That's good to hear. Only Sharpnel/Shrapnel and Adams/Cosmos while everyone else has consistent naming. Excellent.

william-james88 wrote:

SKYWARPED_128 wrote:Are these deluxe class (sorry, haven't paid much attention to the RID/TAV line at all until now)?

I hope there's a Kickback fig planned for the future; hate to have to use the FOC fig as a stand-in. Particularly because I don't own one.

I realize no one answered about the size, these are legends size, which would be similar to the old scout class, maybe a bit smaller.

Thanks for the info! Sucks that they're not deluxe class. I thought I'd be that much closer to getting my own Insecticon trio. Guess not.

Sabrblade wrote:

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:I did a little looksie and I don't really see any name discrepancies in Adventure for the time being (like the JP G1 name clashing with US G1 name), aside from Adams vs. Cosmos.

That's good to hear. Only Sharpnel/Shrapnel and Adams/Cosmos while everyone else has consistent naming. Excellent.

The only real one would be "Grand Vehicon General", as someone reminded me that グランド (gurando) can be either "Grand" or "Ground".

SKYWARPED_128 wrote:

william-james88 wrote:

SKYWARPED_128 wrote:Are these deluxe class (sorry, haven't paid much attention to the RID/TAV line at all until now)?

I hope there's a Kickback fig planned for the future; hate to have to use the FOC fig as a stand-in. Particularly because I don't own one.

I realize no one answered about the size, these are legends size, which would be similar to the old scout class, maybe a bit smaller.

Thanks for the info! Sucks that they're not deluxe class. I thought I'd be that much closer to getting my own Insecticon trio. Guess not.

It's good to know that as Legends, they're pretty much the same size as the original G1 toys

Looks like even Takara has FAILED to fix that droopy left antenna on Skrapnel's insect mode....

SKYWARPED_128 wrote:
Thanks for the info! Sucks that they're not deluxe class. I thought I'd be that much closer to getting my own Insecticon trio. Guess not.

Well, it works in scale.



And anyways, maybe the deluxe class should be left... to the Deluxe Insecticons.

Sabrblade wrote:

william-james88 wrote:But it is Takara's official translation for English, like Gregevor. So as an English speaker who doesn't speak Japanese, I will use the name they give me.

I get ya, though you mention Gregevor/Greejeeber and I wonder something. Suppose an Encore reissue of G1 Minerva were to come out. Would you use the name everyone uses and knows it's supposed to be ("Minerva"), or Minelba

Well there are a few more things to consider when making a news post. Not everyone is as savy or even on the boards. Many just do a google search and as a news site, we hope to be there front and center for as wide a reach of fans as possible. And while the name might be slightly different in Japanese, the majority of fans will search for news on Takara's Shrapnel instead of TAV Sharpnel. If we go with a more niche name, people might not find the news as easily. For Minerva, I would personally put both (Minerva/Minelba), since they are quite different names and depending on what was advertised, either name may be as prevalent. I might do the same with Adams/Cosmos if I am the one to news his in package images. But for Shrapnel, because the names are quite similar, and anglophones are more familiar with the Shrapnel spelling, and Takara acknowledging that, it seemed like a no-brainer to write it the English way in the news and have us comment on this topic in the boards instead.

FYI BBTS has delayed Lockdown until June. This entire year almost every pre-order has been delayed.

So, they put Lockdown in a big-ass "voyager" box like they did For Battle Blades Bumblebee, with a matching price. True, Animated Lockdown IS a pretty big deluxe.

No matter, I'm not regretting my pre-order and he will be way more nice looking than my boring "stealth" version.

-Kanrabat- wrote:So, they put Lockdown in a big-ass "voyager" box like they did For Battle Blades Bumblebee, with a matching price. True, Animated Lockdown IS a pretty big deluxe.

No matter, I'm not regretting my pre-order and he will be way more nice looking than my boring "stealth" version.

Oh, you never got the original?

Also, he isnt at the deluxe price point, he is in between voyager and deluxe.

william-james88 wrote:

-Kanrabat- wrote:So, they put Lockdown in a big-ass "voyager" box like they did For Battle Blades Bumblebee, with a matching price. True, Animated Lockdown IS a pretty big deluxe.

No matter, I'm not regretting my pre-order and he will be way more nice looking than my boring "stealth" version.

Oh, you never got the original?

Also, he isnt at the deluxe price point, he is in between voyager and deluxe.

I knew he would be at the Bee price point.
And no, I don't have the original. Truth is, I just wanted a LEGEND Animated Bee. Ironically, the best option for the price was that set:

It was brand new and sealed and around 35$ shipped. So, I had my Bee... plus a bonus micro Optimus and another Animated "deluxe". I really love his transformation and the overall feel of the toy. Unfortunately, this is not the most interesting of paint jobs and I never wanted the expensive original. When I saw how glorious the TAV version was, I pre-ordered immediately. Now, that neat mold will have the paint job it deserves!

william-james88 wrote:

SKYWARPED_128 wrote:
Thanks for the info! Sucks that they're not deluxe class. I thought I'd be that much closer to getting my own Insecticon trio. Guess not.

Well, it works in scale.

Well, I guess they're back on the list. Now if only they'd make an announcement for Kickback.

william-james88 wrote:And anyways, maybe the deluxe class should be left... to the Deluxe Insecticons.

Bombshell and Shrapnel ready for delivery!

fenrir72 wrote:
Bombshell and Shrapnel ready for delivery!

I wanted to warn you about something before you receive these, just so you are prepared and not too dissapointed: the chests have been remolded. There is now an indented circle for where the sticker lies, which means removing the sticker (as some intend on doing) would still result in a very apparent circle on the figure's torso.

william-james88 wrote:

fenrir72 wrote:
Bombshell and Shrapnel ready for delivery!

I wanted to warn you about something before you receive these, just so you are prepared and not too dissapointed: the chests have been remolded. There is now an indented circle for where the sticker lies, which means removing the sticker (as some intend on doing) would still result in a very apparent circle on the figure's torso.

Thank you for giving me another reason to hunt for US Skrapnel

william-james88 wrote:

fenrir72 wrote:
Bombshell and Shrapnel ready for delivery!

I wanted to warn you about something before you receive these, just so you are prepared and not too dissapointed: the chests have been remolded. There is now an indented circle for where the sticker lies, which means removing the sticker (as some intend on doing) would still result in a very apparent circle on the figure's torso.

What??! When was this discovered?
I'm legitimatly upset now. I thought easy peasy rip N repro but nooooo.

shajaki wrote:

william-james88 wrote:

fenrir72 wrote:
Bombshell and Shrapnel ready for delivery!

I wanted to warn you about something before you receive these, just so you are prepared and not too dissapointed: the chests have been remolded. There is now an indented circle for where the sticker lies, which means removing the sticker (as some intend on doing) would still result in a very apparent circle on the figure's torso.

What??! When was this discovered?
I'm legitimatly upset now. I thought easy peasy rip N repro but nooooo.

This has just been discovered since someone finally got hold of them


I think this can definitely be on the list of times Hasbro beats Takara.

Well.........
Its not THAT bad... I guess...

Weird. Why would Takara go to the trouble? Here's hoping Powerglide has not met the same fate.

Wolfman Jake wrote:Weird. Why would Takara go to the trouble? Here's hoping Powerglide has not met the same fate.

Don't count on it... In fact, does every non-RiD 2015 mold have such indentations?

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:

Wolfman Jake wrote:Weird. Why would Takara go to the trouble? Here's hoping Powerglide has not met the same fate.

Don't count on it... In fact, does every non-RiD 2015 mold have such indentations?

Should we ask Kanrabat to look at his Junkion again?

william-james88 wrote:

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:

Wolfman Jake wrote:Weird. Why would Takara go to the trouble? Here's hoping Powerglide has not met the same fate.

Don't count on it... In fact, does every non-RiD 2015 mold have such indentations?

Should we ask Kanrabat to look at his Junkion again?

No real need, I'll go google some images.

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:

william-james88 wrote:

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:

Wolfman Jake wrote:Weird. Why would Takara go to the trouble? Here's hoping Powerglide has not met the same fate.

Don't count on it... In fact, does every non-RiD 2015 mold have such indentations?

Should we ask Kanrabat to look at his Junkion again?

No real need, I'll go google some images.

Please include them in your report then

william-james88 wrote:

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:

william-james88 wrote:

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:

Wolfman Jake wrote:Weird. Why would Takara go to the trouble? Here's hoping Powerglide has not met the same fate.

Don't count on it... In fact, does every non-RiD 2015 mold have such indentations?

Should we ask Kanrabat to look at his Junkion again?

No real need, I'll go google some images.

Please include them in your report then

I'll have to give you a rain check on the images, but from the looks of it, none of the other "fillers" have been retooled with special indents.

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:I'll have to give you a rain check on the images, but from the looks of it, none of the other "fillers" have been retooled with special indents.

I did my own research and came to a similar conclusion. I can't see a hint of an indent on the knockout figure for instance:

I wont bother with a screenshot, but the glorious TAV Lockdown is also ready to be paid and shipped! Mine ammount to 36$CAN shipped. Meaning, 1.50$CAN more than what a voyager would cost at full price with taxes at TrU. Not too bad!

Unfortunate for the remolded indents on the Insecticons. Will, I checked my TAV Junkion and no, he don't have any special indent. the sticker is just there, on top, minding it's own business, like some colorful wart.
You should defenitely buy a Junkion BTW. It's a very fun and great mold, for the same price you'd buy it in store locally. Just add one or two things to soak in the shipping cost at HLJ:
http://www.hlj.com/product/TKT82845/Sci?utm_source=seibertron.com&=&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=news%20post

-Kanrabat- wrote:Unfortunate for the remolded indents on the Insecticons. Will, I checked my TAV Junkion and no, he don't have any special indent. the sticker is just there, on top, minding it's own business, like some colorful wart.
You should defenitely buy a Junkion BTW. It's a very fun and great mold, for the same price you'd buy it in store locally. Just add one or two things to soak in the shipping cost at HLJ:
http://www.hlj.com/product/TKT82845/Sci?utm_source=seibertron.com&=&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=news%20post

Thanks for getting back to us and for the tip but I am not fond of these simplified toys. I actually don't like helicopter drift in the end, flat face and all. They might be fun for a while, but I dont have fun going back to them rediscovering their transformation or posing them. These are more of a one time thing. And they look out of place with any other figure aside from those of their class. So in the end, not a fan, sorry.

william-james88 wrote:

fenrir72 wrote:
Bombshell and Shrapnel ready for delivery!

I wanted to warn you about something before you receive these, just so you are prepared and not too dissapointed: the chests have been remolded. There is now an indented circle for where the sticker lies, which means removing the sticker (as some intend on doing) would still result in a very apparent circle on the figure's torso.

No problem. Just don't remove the walking bulleye decal

william-james88 wrote:

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:I'll have to give you a rain check on the images, but from the looks of it, none of the other "fillers" have been retooled with special indents.

I did my own research and came to a similar conclusion. I can't see a hint of an indent on the knockout figure for instance:

What is going on with knockout? He looks dismantled! And why is his hand where his head should be? Am I hallucinating?

Japan resident Matt has spotted the latest Takara Tomy TAV Transformers figures in Japan.

The figures found were:

TAV 17 Shrapnel for 1105 Yen (8.90$ US)
TAV 16 Bombshell for 1105 Yen (8.90$ US)
TAV 15 Voyager Lockdown 2975 Yen (23.96$ US)

This was found at an electronics store named Yamada Denki.

You gotta love how Japan has a reliable release schedule, and nothing beats those local prices, which are the same as the local Hasbro prices (at least for the Legends figures here).

Anyone know if the white decal on the insections is a removeable sticker or a paint app?

jgilkinson wrote:Anyone know if the white decal on the insections is a removeable sticker or a paint app?

Removeable sticker but you would be stuck with a nasty indent which is not present in the hasbro mold:

jgilkinson wrote:Anyone know if the white decal on the insections is a removeable sticker or a paint app?

From page one, it was confirmed that the ADVENTURE faction symbols are stickers.
Just last page we have shown that not only the ADVENTURE stickers are removable from the Insecticon chests, those chest have been remolded with circle indents to accomodate the ADV stickers. So far, those are the only figures remolded this way.

One more reason for me to stick with Hasbro on the Insecticons.

Also, deluxe Lockdown is so big that he's been reclassified as a voyager! In fact, many older figures would be reclassified due to the changes in standard sizes of TFs.
A great example is Ultra Beast Machine Jetstorm. If re-released, he would be sold as a LEADER class toy and priced as such.

william-james88 wrote:

jgilkinson wrote:Anyone know if the white decal on the insections is a removeable sticker or a paint app?

Removeable sticker but you would be stuck with a nasty indent which is not present in the hasbro mold:

oh yeah that made my mind up for me. Saw a few of these guys on clearance at a local walmart so heading there to grab whats left. Thanks

I find it funny how Takara made their voyagers cheaper than Hasbro's, but our release of this mold was still cheaper because it was a deluxe.

Autobot_Crossfire wrote:I find it funny how Takara made their voyagers cheaper than Hasbro's, but our release of this mold was still cheaper because it was a deluxe.

No, the voyagers arent cheaper because Lockdown IS NOT priced as a voyager. He is priced between a voyager and deluxe. A voyager would cost between 25-30$ US in Japan.

Autobot_Crossfire wrote:I find it funny how Takara made their voyagers cheaper than Hasbro's, but our release of this mold was still cheaper because it was a deluxe.

Like Battle Blade Bumblebee before him, Animated Lockdown is quite tall for a Deluxe. TakaraTomy took advantage of his height, put him in a box and bumped the price by 1,000 Yen. That doesn't make him a Voyager Class figure, as Ultra Magnus is still 800 Yen more expensive (3,500 vs. 4,300 Yen).

Gotta appreciate TakaraTomy's flexible pricing structure.

Yup. HLJ has TAV Ultra Magnus for 3440 Yen, Lockdown is only 2800. Also, Lockdown is low stock, so scoop him up while he's cheap!

what is with lockdown having kabuki mack up on his face?