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An Update on John Warden's Latest Mecha Endeavours at Hasbro

Date: Friday, December 31st 2021 8:41pm CST
Categories: People News, Company News, Editorials
Posted by: william-james88

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Views: 150,275

2021 was a big year for Hasbro's mecha toylines. The ever growing Transformers toylines gave us a lot of product (Kingdom, Studio Series, Cyberverse, MP, MPM, Shaterred Glass, Netflix, Buzzworthy Bumblebee, Rescue Bots, Generations Selects, Crossover) and Hasbro finally released the first Power Rangers zords developed under John Warden, the man who got the Transformers brand where it is now. For those curious as to how Hasbro's other transforming/combining robot themed toyline went, we have an update.

For a quick recap of the Power Ranges toyline, when it first got to North American shores, the toys were based on the same toys previously sold in Japan and as time went on, there were more and more differences between the Japanese version of toys (done by Bandai) and the American version (done by Bandai of America). It wasn't like with Transformers where the Takara version would have a slightly different deco, it was far more extensive. For the past 10 years at least, the toys in Japan for the same mecha were bigger and had electronics. To sell at a lower price point, Bandai of America would literally make a new mold, usually smaller and with less parts. There was even one time in Power Rangers Samurai, where the Japanese version of the 5 animal combiner had 3 modes (limb mode, animal mode, and geometric shape mode) and the American version scrapped the shape mode for 4/5 animals, which made it look ridiculous (Japanese on the left, American on the right).

Now when Hasbro bought the brand, they would do the same, remake new molds for their Power Ranger toyline and hired John Warden as the head of the design team to make these new molds. The first toyline fully developed under John Warden was Dino Fury and fans finally got to experience the zords in the later half of 2021.

And it turns out that for the first time in the history of the brand, the American versions are on par with the Japanese version, or even preferred by fans. While still a toyline for kids, Hasbro went for a more collector oriented mindset in what they favoured. It did not have electronics, and the zords are slightly smaller, but they have more articulation than their Japanese counterparts and the main zord has better proportions, a more detailed sculpt and greater show accuracy. Yes, the American version of the toy is more show accurate. It is also more dynamic and works well as a mecha action figure rather than being a brick (which all Power Ranger/Super Sentai mecha were in the past). So congrats to John Warden and his team on that, it is no small feat (Hasbro on the left, Bandai on the right).

Of course, it does help that Hasbro's mecha came out well after the original series aired in Japan, so they could replicate any show detail the original Japanese toys didn't have. Also, Hasbro's combining system for the zords is not as kid friendly as the Japanese version since it requires more force to connect and disconnect. The original Japanese toys had ports similar to lego bricks with similar ease of building but that also means connections on the Hasbro versions are tighter and less likely to undo while posing the figure (something the Japanese toys never had to worry about). So far, 5 zords have been released with more on the way in 2022, and all can combine together in various ways. Below is an example of combining 4 of them together along with using an extra head that comes with the villain action figure.

What does have to do with both is Hasbro upcoming collector oriented Megazord line. This is the stuff of dreams. It's basically Hasbro creating a Masterpiece Megazord line (something similar to Soul of Chogokin) in the west. The price is along those MP level prices of course, being $165 USD for the original Dino Megazord.

This has a lot of fans excited, not just for this release but for what they will do next. Although the fan enthusiasm for the black repaint was not great, since that purchase was behind an NFT wall.

And now you are all caught up.

Transformers Focused Fan First Friday This Week- Star Saber Strongly Hinted At

Date: Monday, August 23rd 2021 2:24pm CDT
Categories: Event News, Rumors, Company News, Digital Media News
Posted by: Bounti76 | Credit(s): Transformers Facebook

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Views: 104,500

Well, Transformers fans, it looks like we are going to have a big reveal this coming week! The Transformers official Facebook page has posted that on Friday, the Transformers team at Hasbro will be doing a Fan First Friday streaming event on their YouTube channel. This isn't anything unusual- they've been doing FFF and Transformers Tuesday events all year- but it looks like we're going to get something pretty big revealed. Given their use of the phrase "Let's say go!" in the post, it seems they're going to reveal the HasLab Transformers: Victory project that was teased several weeks back. Seeing as how that was Autobot Supreme Commander Star Saber's catchphrase in the Victory cartoon, it's highly likely that we'll be seeing a reveal of a Star Saber figure in a few days.

While their post is by no means a confirmation of a Star Saber figure, it's hard not to speculate that it will be a new version of the Fan favorite Autobot. If it turns out to be true, this would also be the first transforming version of Star Saber released in the U.S. market; his previous G1 and Masterpiece figures were only released in Japan, as was the Victory cartoon (though the MP was available from online e-tailers in the US).

So are you pumped to see what the big reveal is? Hoping to see what the remaining Kingdom figures are going to be? There's only one way to find out, and that's to tune in this Friday at 11am ET on Pulse's YouTube channel. See you all then!

(You can check out the original Facebook post by clicking the photo above).

Takara Tomy Teases Transformers Display For Wonder Festival 2020

Date: Friday, February 7th 2020 4:30pm CST
Categories: Toy News, Company News
Posted by: ZeroWolf | Credit(s): Takara Tomy website

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Views: 34,479

Greetings Seibertronians! It's that time of year folks, as Wonder Festival 2020 [Winter] is set to kick off in Japan this weekend, and of course Takara Tomy will be there with some goodies to show off. According to a post on their website, one of these goodies will be a world first as they plan on unveiling the complete Studio Series Devesator! One can only assume that this will be made up of all the finalised toys unlike the last time we saw Devy in which case he was sporting a blue prototype of Overload, the last Leader Class Constructicon to be released.

As well as all the latest Studio Series releases, they are bringing with them Generations Earthrise and the latest Generations Selects toys.

To help promote Devesator, Takara Tomy are doing a twitter based giveaway where if you retweet their promotional tweet while attending the show, simple show your screen to one of the attendants to be given a free A5 sized file featuring Devesator on one side of it (while stocks last).

Here is the message from Takara Tomy's website, bearing in mind this has been machine translated:

Takara Tomy wrote: Wonder Festival 2020 Winter Takara Tomy Transformers Booth Information

At the Wonder Festival 2020 Winter Takara Tomy Transformers booth, which will be held at Makuhari Messe on Sunday, February 9th, 2020, the STUDIO series is currently launching an amazing eight-body union form, "Debatator", which is currently being launched in the STUDIO series. Will be unveiled for the first time in the world!

In addition, the latest products of the MASTERPIECE series, STUDIO series, EARTHRISE series, and GENERATIONSELECTS will be exhibited.

In addition, a Wonder Festival holding commemorative Twitter follow and retweet campaign is also implemented!

Please come by all means!

One festival information

Part 1: Debutator World's First Presentation

Devastator

Finally, the debatator that appeared in the movie “Transformers / Revenge” has been unveiled!

Moreover, the exhibition at the Wonder Festival venue will be the world's first.

Please come and see the overwhelming presence of the Deba Stator, which combines eight Constructive Constructs.

Part 2: Twitter campaign

Devastator

We carry Wonder Festival holding commemorative Twitter campaign! Follow and retweet the Transformers Official Twitter and show the screen at the booth and you will receive a double-sided design clear file (A5 size)!

* The number is limited. Designs are subject to change without notice.

It's also possible that FlameToys may have some more Officially licensed Transformers to show as well, since they are also in attendance.

Looking forward to the reveals? What do you think will be shown? Let us know in the Energon Pub and stay tuned to Seibertron for all the latest news and reviews!

Toys R Us Australia Cancels Transformers Masterpiece MP-34S Shadow Panther

Date: Thursday, May 31st 2018 11:42pm CDT
Categories: Toy News, Company News
Posted by: Va'al | Credit(s): OzFormers

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We have some unfortunate pieces of news for Transformers fans in Australia, specifically about the Takara Tomy Masterpiece MP-34S Shadow Panther and its initially reported availability at the Toys R Us chain stores across the country: user Millhouse over on OzFormers has shared an email from the company now stating that they will not be fulfilling the orders for the figure, as they no longer carry it for a number of reasons, stated below, and are only offering store credit, not refunds.

We regret to inform you that unfortunately we are not able to fulfil your Toys R Us Online Order for the following product, due to insufficient stock levels.
- Transformers Takara Tomy MP-34S Shadow Panther

Toys “R” Us Australia have recently entered voluntary administration; therefore, a refund cannot be processed.

Please go to this link to read our full administration information: https://www.toysrus.com.au/administrati ... tion-2018/

We can however, offer for you to choose other items to the same value, on our website www.toysrus.com.au and we will process this at no further charge to you.

We can also provide your details to our creditors, who will contact you with a proof of debt form request.

The other alternative is to lodge a dispute with your bank for the amount charged on your credit card for this transaction.
You will more than likely get your money back for the order we are unable to fulfil.

We understand your frustrations with this matter and sincerely do apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Should you have any concerns regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact us on 1300 8697 787.

This is, unfortunately, part of the bigger news that TRU Australia is also going into administration, as we first reported here. And if you're in for bad news, we also have final confirmation of the tax changes brought about by government, meaning that Amazon will no longer be shipping to Australia as of July 1st. Read more about it thanks to Burn over in the Australian Sightings thread.

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

Date: Sunday, February 18th 2018 5:26am CST
Categories: Movie Related News, Toy News, Event News, Company News, Interviews
Posted by: Va'al

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Views: 56,241

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

Toy Fair 2018 - Hasbro Entertainment Brand Preview, including Transformers: Studio Series, Generations, War for Cybertron, Fan Poll #HasbroToyFair #NYTF

Date: Saturday, February 17th 2018 12:38pm CST
Categories: Site News, Movie Related News, Toy News, Event News, Site Articles, Company News
Posted by: Va'al

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After the coverage we offered yesterday of the investor meeting from Hasbro, including the various slides made available during the call itself, in two of our stories - respectively, the future of the live-action Paramount movies and the general Transformers brand from a company perspective - we return today to New York City, to cover the Hasbro Entertainment Brand Preview!

Ranging across their several franchises, the event covers the likes of My Little Pony, Star Wars, and more, including of course our favourite transforming robots. Check out below as we update the story as the event takes place, featuring figures from multiple Transformers lines like Power of the Primes, Studio Series, Masterpiece (now that Takara Tomy and Hasbro have unified their brand efforts), and more!

!!MAKE SURE TO REFRESH THIS STORY FOR LIVE UPDATES!!

Derryl DePriest (main GI Joe brand manager) is MCing the event, and various housekeeping announcements are taking place, including the HasbroPulse app. You can check out Hasbro Pulse here. The app will be free, and will allow you to create wishlists among other features.

Brief introduction to Stretch Armstrong relaunch.

First brand up is Mighty Muggs, as we have covered in our preview story here, featuring Marvel and Star Wars, plus My Little Pony and Transformers, featuring Bumblebee, Starscream, Optimus Prime, and Megatron.

Followed quickly by Marvel.

Infinity War toys to come up soon, as Black Panther currently taking the spotlight. Superhero Adventures for the younger fans. Marvel Legends talk about various waves from Spider-Man BAF Lizard onwards, plus Ultimate Rider Wolverine with motorcycle. Next are Doc Ock, Cloak and Dagger, Bullseye with new BAF SP//dr. Avengers line will include Antman and Wasp from movie-verse, using photoreal technology to capture likeness of actors. X-Men wave including Wolverine and Sabertooth. Venom wave with Eddie Brock, Scream, Spider-Ham to coincide with Sony movie. More reveals later in the year. More Deadpool offerings too, to coincide with Deadpool 2 movie, including NERF blasters. Bishop, Lady Deadpool, Deadpool in boxers - BAF is Sauron (pterodactyl X-Men villain).

More Black Panther figures being announced, including Walmart exclusives, and wearable Infinity Gauntlet. Plenty of Fantastic Four figures appearing at Walgreens, including Silver Surfer.

10 products for each of the 10 years of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, from Iron Man (2008) to Infinity War (2018): Walmart Iron Man two-pack with new head; Iron Man 3 Pepper Potts and Mandarin; Target two-pack for Age of Ultron Hulk vs Hulkbuster; Crossbones vs Captain America with new Chris Evans.

Moving to My Little Pony.

In a first time of showing actual products during the presentation, we have new products of characters Trixie, Lulamoon and Starlight Glimmer from fan series. New Tempest Shadow from My Little Pony movie, with lightning glow. New animation accurate of Mane 6, and Cutie Mark Crew, a new line of cutesy collectibles.

Season 8 of the Friendship is Magic animated series will introduce Sea Ponies, premieres on March 24th.

Introducing new characters: Yona Yak, Smolder (dragon), Cozy Glow (new pony).

Next is Power Rangers, as pre-announced during yesterday's news cycle.

Introduced by Brian Casentini, executive producer of the series, partnered with Nickelodeon through 2021. 26th season launches in early 2019: Power Rangers Beast Morphers, as the new direction takes hold. No products shown yet, as launch is still far away.

Next brand, finally, is TRANSFORMERS.

Ben Montano and the brand team presenting, wearing I LOVE 84 t-shirts, with Takara team also present, thanking the fan community for their support, several rounds of applause.

Sean Carmine Infantino presents the Transformers: Cyberverse animated series with some test animation, to illustrate how the series will eventually look, showing the lore, backstory, history and characters - effectively the story of Autobots and Decepticons, their origins, teammates thrugh the perspective of Bumblebee. Animation style looks to be a mix between Rescue Bots and Robots in Disguise.

For the toyline: On the Decepticon side Megatron, Starscream, Shockwave on the Autobot side Optimus, Windblade, Bumblebee, Grimlock. Shadow Striker - new Decepticon female character - will arrive later.
Brought a fresh take to G1 designs for the toys, with Cybertronian influence, to new Scout, Warrior, Ultra, Ultimate classes of figures. Infusing new play pattern: "action attack" uses conversions to power a "signature move" which is accurate to the show.

John Warden introduces the Generations line, which as of March 9th will include ALL of the music for Transformers to be available on colored Vinyl. Lead into Machinima's Power of the Primes animated series, with poster featuring Optimus Primal.

Prime Master Quintus Prime with Bludgeon Decoy Suit
Megatronus with Bomb Burst Decoy Suit
Solus Prime with Octopunch Decoy Suit

Wave 2

Legends: Tailgate, Battletrap

Deluxe Terrorcons forming Abominus, revealed in a black box, with G1 accurate paint and deco, and new tooling.

Voyager Elita-1, with combined form called Elita Infin1te. The 1 is intentional.
New product: Nova Star, looks to be a Moonracer retool to join the Elita-1 team.

Leader Optimal Optimus, as seen previously.

Predaking shown on stage. One of most popular combiners, comes with Matrix of Leadership that houses only Onyx Prime Prime Master of entire toyline. Divides into five voyager Predacons, Cybertronian animals - Tantrum is renamed Torox.

Next direction for the line is War for Cybertron Trilogy, different from the old videogames (but same name, totally not confusing), going to correspond to 35th anniversary of G1, starting in 2019. Sounds like this is Cybertronian war pre-Earth, Tetra Jets will likely be there.

Fan vote poll for a deluxe class:
#Needlenose vs Tracks (brother vs brother),
#Spinister vs Wheeljack (Saboteur vs Scientist),
#Impactor vs Mirage (Greater Good vs Greater $$$)

Vote by hashtag Tuesday 2/20 - Friday 2/23 on Facebook and Instagram (hashtags above). Winners will be sold separately, but share story.

Studio Series:

Deluxe / Voyager / Leader classes
Most accurate newly rolled figures fans have experienced, licensed vehicle modes, in scale with each other, numbered packaging.

New Deluxe Jazz and Lockdown
Also shown are Ratchet Crowbar Stinger and Bumblee, as covered here.
Voyager Starscream
Voyager Optimus and Megatron from ROTF
Voyager Brawl
Thundercracker from Nitro Zeus
Leader Grimlock
Leader Blackout, with licensed helicopter.

Release due for April 2018.

Full brand team, from Hasbro and Takara Tomy

Next brand is Star Wars.
They're really excited about Porgs
Presenters dressed as Han Solo and Chewbacca pajama jumpsuit.
Plenty of villains to appear in Solo spin-off movie, NERF blasters, tiny little Black Series Porgs, Amazon exclusive R2-X2 astromechs, most figures feature photoreal technology, Kessel run Millennium Falcon, new Stormtroopers, new force link 2.0 figures (Han, Qi'Ra, Chewie), NERF glowstrike, and ultimate co-pilot Chewie.

Showing Tobias Beckett, Walmart exclusive Mimban Stormtrooper with weathering, Range Trooper. Kylo Ren from Jakku. The Vintage Collection featuring Death Trooper, Assault Tank Driver, Han Solo, Dr. Aphra, Cassian, Luke from TFA, Range Trooper and more from Solo movie, all series will be numbered. Imperial Assault Tank with molded coffee cup on the dash. Coming in 2019 is Saelt-Marae (Yak Face). Introducing #TheVinmtageConversation to discuss toylines with fans and get feedback.

Final reveal is the Hasbro Crowdfunding platform, HasLab, launching with Star Wars (but hoping to expand to other brands): funding for the largest Star Wars vehicle... Black Series Return of the Jedi Sand Barge. Big enough to fit a Jaba The Hutt inside of the barge, has pilot seat, prison cell, galley/kitchen, smuggler's compartment, Jabba will be included (with photoreal technology), all sorts of cool stuff. Over 2.5 sq ft of display area.

The new site is live now: https://www.hasbrolab.com/

Everyone moving to showroom for images, stay tuned!

New Press Release for Hasbro's HASCON, featuring Descriptions, and Panels

Date: Friday, July 7th 2017 2:47pm CDT
Categories: Event News, Press Releases, Company News
Posted by: Bronzewolf | Credit(s): Hasbro

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Our contacts over at Hasbro have sent along a new summary of all the events and panels Hascon, the upcoming, exclusively Hasbro, convention, will feature. It's filled with all sorts of fun opportunities for the fans of all Hasbro properties, from G.I.Joe, to My Little Pony, and of course our beloved Transformers. Check out the full list below!

TRANSFORMERS

Immerse yourself in the world of Transformers where things are “More than Meets the Eye”! We take you behind-the-scenes through the latest entertainment from movies to animation to comics, and have fun with the latest toys, hearing from the designers themselves how they bring this amazing brand to life!

Ready to roll out? Highlights and hands-on experiences include:

Get up close to an epic collection of Transformers movie props
Meet and get your picture with Optimus Prime and Bumblebee costume characters
Photo Ops featuring statues of Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Sqweeks, and more
Photo Ops with Camaro Bumblebee and the IMSA/NASCAR TRANSFORMERS: The Last Knight racing car
Hands-on play with the latest Transformers toys, plus previews of 2018 action figures and toys
historical products from the Hasbro Vault
Designer Archives featuring prototypes and imagery of never-before released toys

Plus, enjoy Transformers panels and VIP/add-on experiences, including:

· TRANSFORMERS: THE LAST KNIGHT in the Making - the making of Transformers: The Last Knight with producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura and special guests

· More than Meets the Eye – get a glimpse behind the scenes of the Transformers toy line

· PETER AND FRANK SOUND OFF: The Voices of Optimus Prime & Megatron!

· IDW - Transformers Comics: How Artists and Writers Bring Stories to Life

· THE PRIME WARS TRILOGY: See the story come to life!

· TRANSFORMERS Hall of Fame Dinner (add-on or VIP ticket purchase required)

· TRANSFORMERS: The Last Night Movie Event (add-on or VIP ticket purchase required)

MY LITTLE PONY

Welcome everypony! Discover the magic of friendship with a behind-the-scenes look at the latest pony adventures in entertainment (can you say NEW MOVIE? Oh yeah!), character meet-and-greets, a ponification experience and much more! Highlights include:

· Meet and mingle with the Mane 6 and Spike costumed characters

· Photo-ops with life-size movie ponies and scenes from My Little Pony: The Movie

· Get ponified like your favorite character at the Ponification Station

· Explore Equestria and take snaps, selfies, and pony pics

· Play the most ponyriffic My Little Pony apps and games

· Get a sneak peek of the latest MLP toys, along with rare treasures from the Hasbro Vault

· Visit Pinkie Pie’s Sugarcube Corner, an exclusive MLP-themed café

Plus, enjoy these My Little Pony panels and VIP/add-on experiences, including:

· The Making of My Little Pony: The Movie featuring Meghan McCarthy

· The Voices of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

· First Look at My Little Pony Season 8

· My Little Pony Designer Q&A

· My Little Pony Mane Event: Hall of Our FANmily Dinner (add-on or VIP ticket purchase required)

· My Little Pony: The Movie Sneak Peek (add-on or VIP ticket purchase required)

NERF

Nerf Nation unite! Get ready for an awesome hands-on intense, most action-packed, and most definitely “Nerf-tastic” weekend ever created. This is how we play!

Look for these hands-on activities, and more:

· Nerf Arena: The ultimate Nerf action in the inflatable Nerf arena

· Demo the latest in Nerf Modulus Build-a-Blaster and Nerf Nitro along with lots of Nerf blasters in the test area

· Demo Dude Perfect Smash football and Flying Disc Golf

· Photo-Ops with life-size Nerf Modulus package and Nerf Nitro car

· Go behind the blaster as we peak inside to see how they work

· Visit the Nerf Rival test area (ages 14 and over)

Plus awesome panels and add-on experiences:

· Selfies with Dude Perfect

· Dude Perfect: Best Friends, a Panda, and Nerf: Join the dudes from Dude Perfect as they talk about their awesome collaboration with Nerf and show off the brand new Nerf Dude Perfect Signature Bow

· Building Nerf – How the World’s Best Blasters Come to Life

· Add-on purchase required: Hang with Dude Perfect - Meet the dudes of Dude Perfect, enjoy some of the Dudes’ favorite snacks, snap a selfie, and receive an autographed Nerf Dude Perfect Football

MAGIC: THE GATHERING

Immerse yourself in a MAGIC-filled weekend with tournaments galore, demos for those new to the game, and an array of life-size experiences:

Hands-on demos to with Wizards of the Coast staff to teach you the basics of Magic and highlight some of new cards and features of the latest sets
Roaming costumed MAGIC: THE GATHERING characters for memorable photo ops
Photo ops with mind-blowing MAGIC: THE GATHERING 3-D sculpts

Plus these in-depth panels:

Magic: The Gathering - 25th Anniversary Show: Join us as we celebrate Magic’s past and present and reveal exciting announcements for our future!
Blogatog Live! Join Magic: The Gathering's Head Designer, Mark Rosewater, for a full hour of Q&A on all things Magic!
Magic: The Gathering Improv Show: Looking for some fun and maybe a few laughs? Watch as Wizards of the Coast's very own improv artists and their buddies embarrass themselves for the enjoyment of our fans!
Live Art with Aleksi Briclot: Join Aleksi, the illustrator of Magic: The Gathering's original five Lorwyn Planeswalkers, as he does a live painting of Chandra Nalaar
Magic: The Gathering - Building the Worlds Best in Fantasy Gaming: Join creative directors from Dungeons & Dragons and Magic: The Gathering as they pull back the curtain on building some of the most iconic worlds in fantasy gaming

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS

Grab your swords and spellbooks and get ready for an epic adventure! Dungeons & Dragons at HASCON offers everything you need to join the party and create stories you’ll be sharing for a lifetime. Experiences include:

· Join Dungeon Master extraordinaire Matthew Mercer as he leads a party of celebrity players through a fun-filled live D&D game on the HASCON main stage

· Play through Tomb of Annihilation, our newest D&D adventure, at the D&D tabletop play area

· Collect all the D&D loot, including the HASCON exclusive My Little Pony themed D&D Dice Tin

· Meet our goblins in the Jungles of Chult at the D&D experience on the HASCON main floor

GI JOE

Yo Joe! Celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the launch of the Real American Hero story with a fantastic selection of brand experiences that pays tribute to this epic fantasy and toy line!

Soak in a collection of G.I. Joe movie props including Firefly’s motorcycle, costumes, and more
Photo-Ops with life-size versions of the 1982 Snake Eyes blister card and 1964 G.I. Joe Action Soldier box!
Treasures from the Hasbro Vault features rare products and artifacts from the 1982-1994 product line,
Enjoy selections from our amazing collection of original G.I. Joe packaging

Plus, enjoy these G.I. Joe panels and VIP/add-on experiences, including:

· Creating the World of G.I. Joe Characters - hear the stories straight from G.I. Joe Legends who created the characters that launched and evolved the story and toys

· Creating the World of G.I. Joe Vehicles & Playsets – hear the stories straight from G.I. Joe Legends who created this epic lineup from 1982-1994

· G.I. Joe Legends Dinner: Join co-emcees and G.I. Joe authors Derryl DePriest and Dan Klingensmith for an intimate and entertaining evening event featuring one of the greatest gatherings of G.I. Joe Legends ever assembled! (add-on or VIP ticket purchase required)

STAR WARS

The force is with us! Come celebrate 40 years of Star War memories, and make some new ones with activities including:

Photo ops with the Emperor’s Throne, Yoda, and Stormtrooper statues
Pose like a real action figure and get your picture in with three different life-size action figure backer cards
Feast your eyes on 40 years of iconic Star Wars product
Highlights of the current product line with a preview of the epic Last Jedi 2018 line-up
Take part in the world's largest lightsaber built, sponsored by Blade Builders
Hang out in the screening area & lounge to watch Forces of Destiny episodes, Episode 8 trailer, designer desks and other content

From a galaxy far, far away, we have some fan-tastic panels, including:

· Star Wars: 40 Years of Play: Star Wars team members, veterans and newcomers alike will discuss their favorite products, hidden history and even the line’s origins at Kenner in 1977

· Behind the Black Series: Design Director Steve Evans and the talented team behind The Black Series gives a behind-the-scenes look at development of the line, never-before-seen details and other great surprises

· Star Wars - Forces of Destiny: Join the team as they take you behind the scenes and dive into the creative process of developing the exciting new Star Wars Force of Destiny line

· A Chat with Chewbacca Mom Candace Payne, along with a chance to get her autograph

MARVEL

Love the ever-growing Marvel Universe of super-heroes? Tingle your Spidey-senses with these amazing experiences:

Super-heroic photo ops featuring life-sized Thor packaging and the Enormous Hulkbuster statue photo-op
See how toys are made and get a sneak peek into the production process, presented by the Hasbro Model Shop
Meet the designers and marketers behind the Marvel line-up
Experience the current line of exciting figures and role play, with sneak peaks into what’s coming in 2018

Plus take in super-hero sized panels, including:

Panel with Marvel legend Stan Lee
How Marvel Toys are Made: Come learn how Hasbro brings Marvel entertainment to life in toys with a peek behind the curtain of the creative process
Spotlight on James Gunn: Moderated discussion with James Gunn, writer and director of the Guardians of the Galaxy film franchise
Marvel Legends: The Hasbro and Marvel product experts will discuss Hasbro’s ever popular line, with a sneak peek of upcoming, never before seen Marvel action figures

PLAY-DOH

Open a can of creativity with an array of experiences to inspire your inner maker:

· Hands-on play with Play-Doh Touch - build and scan your own creation

· bring your ideas to life in the Play-Doh Test Kitchen

· Meet a Doh-Doh costume character and photo op Make memories with Giant Play-Doh can photo op

· Doh-Doh lifesize statue photo op

· Create a masterpiece and add your design to the DohVinci art wall

Takara Tomy Transformers FES 2017 Announced - August 5th, Tokyo

Date: Tuesday, July 4th 2017 7:06pm CDT
Categories: Toy News, Event News, Company News
Posted by: Va'al | Credit(s): Takara Tomy

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Views: 19,678

The official Takara Tomy website has announced that the company will be holding a FES event this August in Funabashi, an hour outside Tokyo, in order to show off toys - current and potentially new - a stage-event, open all day to all fans of transforming robots! More details can be found below, and we'll update when more news surfaces, but maybe we'll find out more about MPM figures - or even Masterpiece MP Dinobot..?

Exhibition of the latest toys and stage · Enjoyable by everyone
It is a varied event such as attraction! It is!

For details of the event contents, please do not hesitate to contact us!

■ Schedule: Saturday, August 5, 2017
■ Holding time: 10 am - 7 pm
■ Venue: LaLaport TOKYO-BAY North Building 1st Floor Plaza
(2-1-1 Hamacho, Funabashi-shi, Chiba)
※ Event schedule subject to change without notice. Please note.

Takara Tomy Figure Survey Discussion Thread

Date: Wednesday, June 21st 2017 12:12pm CDT
Categories: Toy News, Company News, Store News
Posted by: D-Maximal_Primal | Credit(s): Takara Tomy Mall

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Views: 21,198

With the imminent approach of the 50th Legends figure, and the reveal of MP-39 Sunstreaker and a Masterpiece Dinobot definitely in the works, Takara Tomy has decided to do a little survey to get some information from the fans. The survey, which can be found here, asks some questions dealing with new figures, reissues, and toy buying habits. Said questions include:

-How often do you buy?
-How much do you spend on figures or are willing to spend?
-What figures do you have?
-How do you display said figures?
-What figures do you want Reissued?
-What do you like about the current Takara lines?

The survey is listed in Japanese, and in order to participate you need a Takara Tomy Mall account. Check it out, and let us know what you said in your survey or what you would say if you did take the survey!

Takara Tomy Transformers Masterpiece Line Awarded Long Life Design Award 2016

Date: Friday, October 28th 2016 5:19am CDT
Categories: Toy News, Press Releases, Company News
Posted by: Va'al | Credit(s): TF_pr

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Views: 42,939

Fellow Seibertronian Cyberpath has spotted a new tweet from TF_pr, proudly tootin their own horn as the Takara Tomy Transformers Masterpiece toy line has been awarded the Long Life Design 2016 prize, by Japanese Good Design Award (more info on it here)! The official press release includes a history of the 2003 MP-1 Optimus Prime figure, some more info on the transition from G1 to Masterpiece, a plug for MP32 Optimus Primal, a spotlight on designer Hironoshi Kobayashi, and more. Check it out here!