Toy Fair 2018 - Hasbro Transformers Brand Interview: IDW, Unicron, G1, Bumblebee, More #HasbroToyFair #NYTF

Sunday, February 18th, 2018 5:26AM CST

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A final story from the main Hasbro Transformers day over at the Times Center in New York City, where Toy Fair 2018 is still taking place, is the group interview with the Transformers brand team - including infamous names like John Warden and Ben Montano - which our Twincaster podcaster megatronus was present for and recorded in full!

The team took questions from a varied assortment of podcasters, fansites, media sites, many of whom we've also collaborated before, on topics such as Masterpiece toys, the relationship with IDW comics, exclusives, the aesthetic of Cyberverse versus what we might see in War for Cybertron, the possibility of Unicron in a crowdfunded effort, the Bumblebee movie and its toyline, and more. We've highlighted below the questions and responses, including the more trivial and brief, for your perusal - take a read, join the discussion, and let us know what you think!

More villains in MPM line? (MPM-1 Starscream already present, but..)

Would love to do that, more MP figures to talk about later in the year, but we do want to balance out the factions.

Difference between MPM and Studio Series, in terms of character selection in particular?

Global accessibility with Studio Series so as many as possible, MPM is more selective by its nature. Trying to catch a new generation of grown kids too. Attempt to create entirely new toys for this demographic, and have fun with the line later down the road.

Bumblebee movie shift affecting the line?

Not in release (April 2018), they were supposed to come out together but only some characters have been moved later to coincide with June release. Studio Series collection will host the movie line, but not intended as a catch-all (Thundercracker an exception). Robot modes are scale-accurate, fit a collector shelf, cautious about the numbering system, a narrative woven into it, including backgrounds and cut-outs.

Future of Generations?

Power of the Primes ends in 2018. War for Cybertron starting in January 2019, no reveal of the new fiction yet so plenty of speculation welcome.

Why another trilogy?

It helps and invites new fans into the franchise, casual fans and kids. Trilogy invites to speculate, not lead to an ecosystem – it’s a storytelling universe, as per Hasbro blueprint.

Comments on unification of Takara Tomy and Hasbro?

The relationship and cooperation has always been there, this just allows for bringing multiple fandom factions – allowing things like Movie Masterpiece and Takara Tomy Masterpiece lines to be accessible to everyone. Cooperation is key, and building on the passions of both teams, in a very genuine way.

Any plans to move away from stickers, or get better?

We hear the concern, but stickers will continue in Prime Wars. Next chapter will be approached with fan feedback in mind – though cannot reveal yet. War for Cybertron is a new take on things, moving a little further away from the callbacks and throwbacks in POTP too, though story can feel a little more familiar.

Masterpiece continuing after the MPM line?
Looking at more Decepticons.

How is Toys R Us situation affecting Hasbro Transformers?

Not much of a comment, though Studio Series Thundercracker is a TRU exclusive. We hope to continue partnership.

Fan-vote: is there an IDW influence, and what is the Hasbro-IDW relationship continuing?

Fans are voting on a pair, not on singles. Yes, the pairings are inspired by elements of IDW, but each can fill in blanks in the toyline in different ways, that those guys can fill them. Fans have a way of organically to play and work in the battleground story. There is intentional conversations, pairings have love/hate elements, and may jar with some.

We are wrapping up current IDW continuities this year, Unicron is coming to devour everybody. The intention is to continue after that, whatever comes next. Towards end of year we should know more, but we will collaborate on more stories.

Do pairings have a gimmick? Are they new molds?

No. War for Cybertron line may include some previous molds, but intention is to give good representation of the characters. Fans are just voting on the idea of which character will best fit a toy.

(TLK Hot Rod, TR Scourge and Highbrow are examples of Partial Tool – technical shorthand klaxon – good deal of model making involved, plans are thought out strategically, already working on War for Cybertron.)

How are changes with movie plans (alleged reboot of film franchise) affecting toyline?

We’re always part of the conversation as partners, but we’re focusing on Bumblebee right now. Lots of toy concepts, lots of Cyberverse, Studio Series, War for Cybertron – we’re just pausing on the movieverse, in no way distracting us.

Bumblebee film will hopefully show what we can do collectively.

Any bets with Star Wars team on who will do best?

Hoping on parents bringing kids to the movies, that’s all. Travis Knight did grow up with G1 like I did [John Warden], so we’re expecting a new fan experience.

Cyberverse: hard G1 inspiration reason rather than RID? Female Decepticon make its way in other aspects of the brand?

Definitely yes on the latter, Shadow Striker in the series. Aesthetic is aimed to engage all generations, for robot mode at least, a currently fragmented fandom interest (BW, G1, etc) – unification of brand, of lines, of generations of fans. Opening up a dialogue and viewership, which is definitely not a G1 story, it starts in current day but there is an element of comfort for parents and older fans.

A lot of families in fan community, it’s exciting to bring them to the brand and share with kids, nieces, nephews. That doesn’t detract from Generations, War for Cybertron appealing more to the older fans and collectors.

Authentics will continue, they’re not tied to any story or fiction – just classic characters for a casual shopper, grandma buying ‘an Optimus’ or you just want ‘a Megatron’.

Exclusives?

Only TRU Thundercracker announced for now, but we do have more lined up for the year.

Would fans want to see a crowdfunded HasLab Unicron? What kind of pricing? Point fans to HasLab, talk about it, read about it, podcast about it. Talk about what you want to see, we’re listening. #Unicron

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Re: Toy Fair 2018 - Hasbro Transformers Brand Interview: IDW, Unicron, G1, Bumblebee, More #HasbroToyFair #NYTF (1940132)
Posted by galvatron00 on February 18th, 2018 @ 6:06am CST

TL;DR..

HasLab UNICRON?! :APPLAUSE:

So we discuss, they listen, woo!

Re: Toy Fair 2018 - Hasbro Transformers Brand Interview: IDW, Unicron, G1, Bumblebee, More #HasbroToyFair #NYTF (1940135)
Posted by Galactic Prime on February 18th, 2018 @ 6:25am CST

What the F???? is a Haslab?

Re: Toy Fair 2018 - Hasbro Transformers Brand Interview: IDW, Unicron, G1, Bumblebee, More #HasbroToyFair #NYTF (1940137)
Posted by ZeroWolf on February 18th, 2018 @ 6:52am CST

It's their new crowd sourcing platform, from the details I imagine it's a bit like lego ideas.

Re: Toy Fair 2018 - Hasbro Transformers Brand Interview: IDW, Unicron, G1, Bumblebee, More #HasbroToyFair #NYTF (1940142)
Posted by kurthy on February 18th, 2018 @ 7:36am CST

Now, it's official. There will be no additional waves to PotP, we've seen all the regular releases.

Re: Toy Fair 2018 - Hasbro Transformers Brand Interview: IDW, Unicron, G1, Bumblebee, More #HasbroToyFair #NYTF (1940155)
Posted by william-james88 on February 18th, 2018 @ 8:40am CST

kurthy wrote:Now, it's official. There will be no additional waves to PotP, we've seen all the regular releases.

Ending in 2018 but not sure if that means all waves have been shown. They still haven't shown us 3 confirmed prime masters

Re: Toy Fair 2018 - Hasbro Transformers Brand Interview: IDW, Unicron, G1, Bumblebee, More #HasbroToyFair #NYTF (1940157)
Posted by 1984forever on February 18th, 2018 @ 8:44am CST

If it’s about Cybertronian alt-modes then a vote for Wheeljack will probably get us his van alt-mode from episode 1 of the G1 cartoon. Seriously all I want is 3 Tetra-jet Rainmakers, Bumblebee and Wheeljack’s alt-forms and Straxus’s flying gun mode from the comics. Ferak would be nice too. I got customs of 3rd party Tetra-jets as the Rainmakers already and “Skiff” I believe he’s called, but I still want the official figs.

Re: Toy Fair 2018 - Hasbro Transformers Brand Interview: IDW, Unicron, G1, Bumblebee, More #HasbroToyFair #NYTF (1940160)
Posted by steals_your_goats on February 18th, 2018 @ 9:01am CST

I'm all for cybertronian modes but I get the feeling that they're just going to rehash the original 84 line again instead of giving us things like the Autobot targetmasters, headmaster juniors, horrorcons and other post movie characters

Re: Toy Fair 2018 - Hasbro Transformers Brand Interview: IDW, Unicron, G1, Bumblebee, More #HasbroToyFair #NYTF (1940170)
Posted by Graviton on February 18th, 2018 @ 9:21am CST

I am not entirely sure about this HasLab service. If the Unicron price is nearly as expensive as Jabba's Sail Barge and needs the same number of backers then I doubt it will pass. That being said I do really want a Unicron and would pay up to $300 to back it. Hopefully It would be twice the size of a Titan class. I would also like it to have a removable head, minicon ports, kranix, and some more throwacks to all other toys/incarnations of the character

Re: Toy Fair 2018 - Hasbro Transformers Brand Interview: IDW, Unicron, G1, Bumblebee, More #HasbroToyFair #NYTF (1940178)
Posted by griftimus prime on February 18th, 2018 @ 9:53am CST

i thought there was going to be a quick switch figure.

Re: Toy Fair 2018 - Hasbro Transformers Brand Interview: IDW, Unicron, G1, Bumblebee, More #HasbroToyFair #NYTF (1940182)
Posted by ZeroWolf on February 18th, 2018 @ 10:22am CST

steals_your_goats wrote:I'm all for cybertronian modes but I get the feeling that they're just going to rehash the original 84 line again instead of giving us things like the Autobot targetmasters, headmaster juniors, horrorcons and other post movie characters

Your hunch is correct, at least regarding the first line as it is supposedly set before earth

Re: Toy Fair 2018 - Hasbro Transformers Brand Interview: IDW, Unicron, G1, Bumblebee, More #HasbroToyFair #NYTF (1940187)
Posted by mbd88prime on February 18th, 2018 @ 10:34am CST

haslab unicron? HEll yes. But yes to earlier comments about removable head. should also have space inside to double as a playset to recreate movie scenes. also to actually have a transformers playset that transformers can be INSIDE. Also yes to comments about being at least double titan class size! Get some orson wells sound clips and lights in there too. light up eyes, abs, possibly even glowy bits in planet mode ala when we first see unicron in the movie.

I would not only back this but a primus! Also, ark, nemesis(g1 version not prime/fall of cybertron), axalon, and darkside ships!

also agree with what about horrorcons, headmaster jr.s, the second duocon, targetmaster autobots, and powermasters and SCORPONOK!! finish the g1 cast please, we came this far!

after g1 how about generations versions of rescue bots! original R.I.D., unicron trilogy, etc

Re: Toy Fair 2018 - Hasbro Transformers Brand Interview: IDW, Unicron, G1, Bumblebee, More #HasbroToyFair #NYTF (1940208)
Posted by Flashwave on February 18th, 2018 @ 11:27am CST

griftimus prime wrote:i thought there was going to be a quick switch figure.

There was, it was a Sixshot repaint in the Chaos on Velocitron boxset for Titans Return

Re: Toy Fair 2018 - Hasbro Transformers Brand Interview: IDW, Unicron, G1, Bumblebee, More #HasbroToyFair #NYTF (1940324)
Posted by NTESHFT on February 18th, 2018 @ 4:23pm CST

Haslab Unicorn?......I'm excited about this.....

Am I reading wrong about what they were saying about Abominus?...... he will be in a box set? I would hope so, but someone correcting me would keep my hopes from getting up.....

I'm digging all the prime master to figures, and Predaking is on my list for sure. As for their plans with WFC...I'll have to wait until I see some pics. I was hoping for something different with the the fan vote so that may be a pass for me....

Re: Toy Fair 2018 - Hasbro Transformers Brand Interview: IDW, Unicron, G1, Bumblebee, More #HasbroToyFair #NYTF (1940342)
Posted by Sabrblade on February 18th, 2018 @ 5:35pm CST

NTESHFT wrote:Haslab Unicorn?......I'm excited about this.....

Am I reading wrong about what they were saying about Abominus?...... he will be in a box set? I would hope so, but someone correcting me would keep my hopes from getting up.....

He's not a box set.

Re: Toy Fair 2018 - Hasbro Transformers Brand Interview: IDW, Unicron, G1, Bumblebee, More #HasbroToyFair #NYTF (1940347)
Posted by TheForgottenTaxi on February 18th, 2018 @ 5:49pm CST

Uh, I feel like there's a lead being buried here:

"We are wrapping up current IDW continuities this year, Unicron is coming to devour everybody. The intention is to continue after that, whatever comes next. Towards end of year we should know more, but we will collaborate on more stories."

What?! Unless I missed an earlier announcement, this is huge (and hugely disappointing) news! We're talking about literally the longest-running TF continuity of all time -- and I would argue the best one as well.

Re: Toy Fair 2018 - Hasbro Transformers Brand Interview: IDW, Unicron, G1, Bumblebee, More #HasbroToyFair #NYTF (1940353)
Posted by Targetmaster Kup on February 18th, 2018 @ 6:10pm CST

Yes, it is the end. All the comics will end with UNICRON. Then the Universe will start over pre-Earth in the Way for Cybertron.

TheForgottenTaxi wrote:Uh, I feel like there's a lead being buried here:

"We are wrapping up current IDW continuities this year, Unicron is coming to devour everybody. The intention is to continue after that, whatever comes next. Towards end of year we should know more, but we will collaborate on more stories."

What?! Unless I missed an earlier announcement, this is huge (and hugely disappointing) news! We're talking about literally the longest-running TF continuity of all time -- and I would argue the best one as well.

Re: Toy Fair 2018 - Hasbro Transformers Brand Interview: IDW, Unicron, G1, Bumblebee, More #HasbroToyFair #NYTF (1940357)
Posted by ZeroWolf on February 18th, 2018 @ 6:21pm CST

Targetmaster Kup wrote: Yes, it is the end. All the comics will end with UNICRON. Then the Universe will start over pre-Earth in the Way for Cybertron.

TheForgottenTaxi wrote:Uh, I feel like there's a lead being buried here:

"We are wrapping up current IDW continuities this year, Unicron is coming to devour everybody. The intention is to continue after that, whatever comes next. Towards end of year we should know more, but we will collaborate on more stories."

What?! Unless I missed an earlier announcement, this is huge (and hugely disappointing) news! We're talking about literally the longest-running TF continuity of all time -- and I would argue the best one as well.

Also the hasbroverse will still exist so tf, Joe, rom and the micronauts will still be in the same universe, but from the get go this time so we don't have any awkward conversation about where gi joe was during some important tf arcs...

Though I could see them during the wfc tie-ins as flashbacks or its own miniseries rather than an ongoing...unless they are planning to just do miniseries but I guess we'll see.

Re: Toy Fair 2018 - Hasbro Transformers Brand Interview: IDW, Unicron, G1, Bumblebee, More #HasbroToyFair #NYTF (1940360)
Posted by Targetmaster Kup on February 18th, 2018 @ 6:30pm CST

ZeroWolf wrote:
Targetmaster Kup wrote: Yes, it is the end. All the comics will end with UNICRON. Then the Universe will start over pre-Earth in the Way for Cybertron.

TheForgottenTaxi wrote:Uh, I feel like there's a lead being buried here:

"We are wrapping up current IDW continuities this year, Unicron is coming to devour everybody. The intention is to continue after that, whatever comes next. Towards end of year we should know more, but we will collaborate on more stories."

What?! Unless I missed an earlier announcement, this is huge (and hugely disappointing) news! We're talking about literally the longest-running TF continuity of all time -- and I would argue the best one as well.

Also the hasbroverse will still exist so tf, Joe, rom and the micronauts will still be in the same universe, but from the get go this time so we don't have any awkward conversation about where gi joe was during some important tf arcs...

Though I could see them during the wfc tie-ins as flashbacks or its own miniseries rather than an ongoing...unless they are planning to just do miniseries but I guess we'll see.

I think the entire Hasbroverse is rebooting, if I'm not mistaken.

Re: Toy Fair 2018 - Hasbro Transformers Brand Interview: IDW, Unicron, G1, Bumblebee, More #HasbroToyFair #NYTF (1940369)
Posted by Flashwave on February 18th, 2018 @ 6:59pm CST

Targetmaster Kup wrote:
ZeroWolf wrote:
Targetmaster Kup wrote: Yes, it is the end. All the comics will end with UNICRON. Then the Universe will start over pre-Earth in the Way for Cybertron.

TheForgottenTaxi wrote:Uh, I feel like there's a lead being buried here:

"We are wrapping up current IDW continuities this year, Unicron is coming to devour everybody. The intention is to continue after that, whatever comes next. Towards end of year we should know more, but we will collaborate on more stories."

What?! Unless I missed an earlier announcement, this is huge (and hugely disappointing) news! We're talking about literally the longest-running TF continuity of all time -- and I would argue the best one as well.

Also the hasbroverse will still exist so tf, Joe, rom and the micronauts will still be in the same universe, but from the get go this time so we don't have any awkward conversation about where gi joe was during some important tf arcs...

Though I could see them during the wfc tie-ins as flashbacks or its own miniseries rather than an ongoing...unless they are planning to just do miniseries but I guess we'll see.

I think the entire Hasbroverse is rebooting, if I'm not mistaken.

right, but he is saying it will reboot all together so they are all there to build off each other from the beginning, instead of trying to shoehorn new Joe stuff into the side of a decade old TF story

Re: Toy Fair 2018 - Hasbro Transformers Brand Interview: IDW, Unicron, G1, Bumblebee, More #HasbroToyFair #NYTF (1940373)
Posted by TheForgottenTaxi on February 18th, 2018 @ 7:20pm CST

Welp, this all sounds like a huge jumping off point to me. The post-reboot books will have to look amazing to keep me buying. What a waste.

Re: Toy Fair 2018 - Hasbro Transformers Brand Interview: IDW, Unicron, G1, Bumblebee, More #HasbroToyFair #NYTF (1940386)
Posted by Targetmaster Kup on February 18th, 2018 @ 7:52pm CST

TheForgottenTaxi wrote:Welp, this all sounds like a huge jumping off point to me. The post-reboot books will have to look amazing to keep me buying. What a waste.

I'm looking at it the same way.

Re: Toy Fair 2018 - Hasbro Transformers Brand Interview: IDW, Unicron, G1, Bumblebee, More #HasbroToyFair #NYTF (1940474)
Posted by ZeroWolf on February 19th, 2018 @ 3:35am CST

Flashwave wrote:
Targetmaster Kup wrote:
ZeroWolf wrote:
Targetmaster Kup wrote: Yes, it is the end. All the comics will end with UNICRON. Then the Universe will start over pre-Earth in the Way for Cybertron.

TheForgottenTaxi wrote:Uh, I feel like there's a lead being buried here:

"We are wrapping up current IDW continuities this year, Unicron is coming to devour everybody. The intention is to continue after that, whatever comes next. Towards end of year we should know more, but we will collaborate on more stories."

What?! Unless I missed an earlier announcement, this is huge (and hugely disappointing) news! We're talking about literally the longest-running TF continuity of all time -- and I would argue the best one as well.

Also the hasbroverse will still exist so tf, Joe, rom and the micronauts will still be in the same universe, but from the get go this time so we don't have any awkward conversation about where gi joe was during some important tf arcs...

Though I could see them during the wfc tie-ins as flashbacks or its own miniseries rather than an ongoing...unless they are planning to just do miniseries but I guess we'll see.

I think the entire Hasbroverse is rebooting, if I'm not mistaken.
right, but he is saying it will reboot all together so they are all there to build off each other from the beginning, instead of trying to shoehorn new Joe stuff into the side of a decade old TF story

Exactly, there's also the possibility that we're looking at a soft reboot of sorts, we need proper confirmation before we start dropping the comics...which is odd as I know plenty that stick with DC (and Marvel!) Through all their shenanigans, why can't transformers be allowed the same treatment. There will be a point with the current continuity where they will have to do a wipe of some sorts, time will tell us if this will be IDW's "Rebirth" or IDW's "New 52"

I should point out that I love the current continuity but this is the reality of the current situation...till we get more info from IDW.

Re: Toy Fair 2018 - Hasbro Transformers Brand Interview: IDW, Unicron, G1, Bumblebee, More #HasbroToyFair #NYTF (1940479)
Posted by Va'al on February 19th, 2018 @ 4:02am CST

ZeroWolf wrote:I should point out that I love the current continuity but this is the reality of the current situation...till we get more info from IDW.

This should start happening this week, once the comics solicitations drop. Expect Tuesday to Thursday.