Legacy Bulkhead Designer Writes about Making him look G1 and More Pulsecon Details

Well, thank you for trying, but in this G1 fan's opinion you missed the mark. (No pun intended.) This figure looks more like it belongs in UT or even borderline Cyberverse.

You did well on Skids, though, even if he's a bit simple. Here's hoping the Legacy line gets better from here.

Rodimus Prime wrote:You did well on Skids, though, even if he's a bit simple.

Speaking of borderline Cyberverse

william-james88 wrote:

Rodimus Prime wrote:You did well on Skids, though, even if he's a bit simple.

Speaking of borderline Cyberverse

The difference is that Bulkhead is a larger figure, thus should be a bit more complex. I'm basing this just on what we have seen so far, but both of these figures seem like they have a very similar transformation. It's a bit easier to get past it on a smaller figure than a larger one. I guess we'll find out soon enough.

"To 'make Bulkhead look like he belongs in our G1 universe', we trimmed away the fat. Literally! The overweight stockiness that defines Bulkhead's iconic look was the first thing to go. Now he's got the fit physique of a bodybuilder. No fat Transformers allowed!"

Sabrblade wrote:"To 'make Bulkhead look like he belongs in our G1 universe', we trimmed away the fat. Literally! The overweight stockiness that defines Bulkhead's iconic look was the first thing to go. Now he's got the fit physique of a bodybuilder. No fat Transformers allowed!"

Exactly. It's not like we didn't have fat transformers in G1. Powermaster Prime? Hoist? Trailbreaker? Inferno? Grapple? I'm sure there were some Cons as well, but the point is, 1 of Bulkhead's endearing qualities was that he was roly-poly, while still being a badass fighter. And this Legacy version is like he got some serious stomach stapling. It's like the original versions (both TFA and TFP) got fat-shamed.

Rodimus Prime wrote:

william-james88 wrote:

Rodimus Prime wrote:You did well on Skids, though, even if he's a bit simple.

Speaking of borderline Cyberverse

The difference is that Bulkhead is a larger figure, thus should be a bit more complex.

I get the logic, but in practice, the only time that was ever true was with the Bayverse Leaders. Ever since then, complexity hasn't really been higher for larger classes. The first leader in the Generations class was Jetfire and he was not at all more complex than anything below him. Same for Combiner Wars Megatron, SS Grimlock, Siege Shockwave and on. I can't recall anything in the Earthrise line more complex than deluxe Cliffjumper. This Bulkhead seems as complex as fellow voyagers Inferno or Grapple. The big difference is that he looks simple due to the chest being so obviously the truck front and not more in line with the bot's silhouette unlike Inferno or Grapple. But regardless of what I've written I do agree with your criticism though, the end result aint great.

Sabrblade wrote:"To 'make Bulkhead look like he belongs in our G1 universe', we trimmed away the fat. Literally! The overweight stockiness that defines Bulkhead's iconic look was the first thing to go. Now he's got the fit physique of a bodybuilder. No fat Transformers allowed!"

Oddly enough, I never considered Bulkhead fat (not prime one, which is where I first learnt of the character). He was just round and big. He doesn't look fat like a human would (or movie Hound or Leadfoot do) with the larger protruding part being in the belly area. It was just an interesting transformer physique to me, something not seen before either for cybertronians or humans.

Sabrblade wrote:"To 'make Bulkhead look like he belongs in our G1 universe', we trimmed away the fat. Literally! The overweight stockiness that defines Bulkhead's iconic look was the first thing to go. Now he's got the fit physique of a bodybuilder. No fat Transformers allowed!"

Just wait for the associated media where Bulkhead pushes healthy eating habits.

Sabrblade wrote:"To 'make Bulkhead look like he belongs in our G1 universe', we trimmed away the fat. Literally! The overweight stockiness that defines Bulkhead's iconic look was the first thing to go. Now he's got the fit physique of a bodybuilder. No fat Transformers allowed!"

To be fair, I think his physique has less to do with "no fat Transformers allowed" and more to do with "we need to somehow squeeze an Optimus Prime out of this mold, too".

william-james88 wrote:

Wolfman Jake wrote:

william-james88 wrote:

Wolfman Jake wrote:To be fair, we don’t know what the story is yet behind Legacy. It could be that characters native to different universes get reformatted or recontextualized when they come to this G1 inspired universe.

Does the story matter? The story is just there to further sell the toys they were gonna release anyway.

Sometimes, yes. Sometimes no. Transformers Prime was a show first and foremost. The “supporting” toy line came later in development. The Prime toys featured gimmicks that had nothing to do with the actual show. It has and can go either way with Transformers, but nowadays, I’m sure the toys and media are developed in tandem for the most part.

I meant story like how Hasbro frames a generations toyline, not something linked to a cartoon.

Let's not forget that the past SIX Generations toy lines have had tie-in animated shows on various platforms. We may not hear about it for a while yet, but I bet there will be a Legacy show by the end of 2022. The War for Cybertron Trilogy was a success for Netflix and Hasbro. Why stop now? And yes, I know that the show will likely take "liberties" with whatever plotline we get with the toy line proper, but they will still reflect several elements of each other. Like I said earlier, more than likely, the toys and media are being co-developed, and there may be some very intentional story reasons for why characters will look as they do.

Rodimus Prime wrote:

Sabrblade wrote:"To 'make Bulkhead look like he belongs in our G1 universe', we trimmed away the fat. Literally! The overweight stockiness that defines Bulkhead's iconic look was the first thing to go. Now he's got the fit physique of a bodybuilder. No fat Transformers allowed!"

Exactly. It's not like we didn't have fat transformers in G1. Powermaster Prime? Hoist? Trailbreaker? Inferno? Grapple? I'm sure there were some Cons as well, but the point is, 1 of Bulkhead's endearing qualities was that he was roly-poly, while still being a badass fighter. And this Legacy version is like he got some serious stomach stapling. It's like the original versions (both TFA and TFP) got fat-shamed.

Legacy Bulkhead is not intended to fat shame anyone. I'm fat, and this "G1-ified" Bulkhead reminds me of my own physique. I've got a big gut and a broad chest, but my arms and legs are not very thick at all. I kind of like how this new Bulkhead toy is shaped, much like I appreciate Hound's look in the live action movies. Am I fat shaming myself? I certainly hope I never encounter a plastic toy robot that makes me feel that threatened about my own self image and body shape.

I think Bulkhead looks decent. I love bulky and simple bots and front of vehicle is torso is great.
Maybe we'll get a repaint/tool with a missile pack on the back of the truck, or a generic head version for army building.

I really like Transformers with not too complex transformations. That's just me.
And mixing characters from a specific line with the style of a different line (Prime/Animated with G1/Generations style) is awesome!

Here's hoping they do Energon Wing Saber and Optimus (a bit less fat Optimus).
Energon Optimus is still one of my favorite Optimus figures, the gimmick is cool and the transformation is fun.

when…
the heck…
am I going to get a Gears?

nobody at hasbro has love for my little red and blue grumpypants? If he ever makes the cut, he better have a mask face like the G1 minibot!

Tuned Agent wrote:

Sabrblade wrote:"To 'make Bulkhead look like he belongs in our G1 universe', we trimmed away the fat. Literally! The overweight stockiness that defines Bulkhead's iconic look was the first thing to go. Now he's got the fit physique of a bodybuilder. No fat Transformers allowed!"

To be fair, I think his physique has less to do with "no fat Transformers allowed" and more to do with "we need to somehow squeeze an Optimus Prime out of this mold, too".

You nailed it with a sledgehammer.
A shame that Legacy Bulkhead is just a pretool of a repaint/remold family.

As for the character himself, only ANIMATED Bulkhead is "fat". The prime one was more of a classic strongman.

Box with legs.


but again, I think it would be a decent fit for Sumo Prime (aka energon optimus for the few who don't know) It just feels wrong for Bulkhead. Maybe if it had the tapered looking cab that the vehicle it is based off of had, it would look better.

However, I won't knock the designer. An attempt was made, within the strict confines of what the company demands, and the result is definitely distinct as a result, and that is never a bad thing. It's just not for me.

Apparently Knock Out will be following Bulkhead’s suit and be a G1-ification with a dash of Barricade, using the same body type as Jazz if the new Wreckers comic cover is to be believed. Which I don’t mind, I liked SS86 Jazz.

Mindmaster wrote:Apparently Knock Out will be following Bulkhead’s suit and be a G1-ification with a dash of Barricade, using the same body type as Jazz if the new Wreckers comic cover is to be believed. Which I don’t mind, I liked SS86 Jazz.

That's cool and all, but Xaaron!

Jesus there is no pleasing anyone is there.. We should all be lucky that they still cater to the "older fans" and try to give us the best renditions that they can instead of saying F' it and just making simple kiddie toys. F'ing entitled whining fanboys kill everything lets not kill the toys that we love so much, the Transformers line (yes they do pay attention to these fan sites) .
I for on am just glad they are still pushing any kind of product aimed for our demographic and I look forward to getting all the upcoming figures to finish the original G1 line AND some of the newer ones.

Skids is just what I wanted for skids, Bulkhead will make a nice addition to my collection.

Just enjoy that we are still getting Transformers in 2021.. A line that most thought died after Action Masters and G2 way back when.

Pulsecon 2021 is ON! We got 5 new reveals along with what we saw earlier this week. We learnt that in this Legacy line, all energon weapons combine together (unknown if there is a designated full combination) and a new box gimmick is the QR codes, which leads you to the character's web page. There is an image below for you to try out.
You can see the images below for:

Deluxe:
Skids
Dragstrip
Prime Arcee
Kickback

Voyager:
Bulkhead

Leader:
Lazer Optimus Prime

Galvatron Unicron Pack (not under the Legacy line)

Skids vehicle mode with the non translucent windows reminds me of a lada. Still skipping it. Dragstrips vehicle mode but hopefully some good pics available. Car bots really sem to have suffered with the start of wfc.

Money saved. call me when Tarnataulas and Inferno from BW get released

Not seeing any obvious CW peg on Dragstrip, so I'm even more confident that the underlying combination system will be different, though we'll need to see Motormaster to know exactly how it's going to work.

AcademyofDrX wrote:Not seeing any obvious CW peg on Dragstrip, so I'm even more confident that the underlying combination system will be different, though we'll need to see Motormaster to know exactly how it's going to work.

Further evidence that this is most probably a solid G1 stance with Motormaster's trailer being the arms and legs and these guys sticking to it like in the show.

Hasbro Exec: How can we make our packages even more difficult to stack?

Packaging Designer: Well we can add a second angled side and taper the front skinnier at the top than at the bottom.

Hasbro Exec: Brilliant!

Dammit...the only 1 I was going to get was Lazer Optimus. Then it bloody turns out he's half Earthrise Optimus and half Playskool. And still a voyager.

Ahem, I mean not my cup of tea, but if these sell well they won't cancel Tarantulas and Inferno.

TF-fan kev777 wrote:Hasbro Exec: How can we make our packages even more difficult to stack?

Packaging Designer: Well we can add a second angled side and taper the front skinnier at the top than at the bottom.

Hasbro Exec: Brilliant!

These aren't Funko Pops, and with smaller (or non-existent) packaging window openings, MIB collecting is just box collecting now.

Not feeling Arcee as I like her original toy and my arcee is the generations one but the others are nice and I will get them.

TF-fan kev777 wrote:Hasbro Exec: How can we make our packages even more difficult to stack?

Packaging Designer: Well we can add a second angled side and taper the front skinnier at the top than at the bottom.

Hasbro Exec: Brilliant!

Stop living the hoarder lifestyle and throw your boxes away

It's a shame they didn't reveal Blaster or any of the Cores. I'm still not sure how I feel about the Geewun reimaginings of Prime Arcee anf Bulkhead (it's so surreal seeing Arcee with a nose...) but I'm still going to buy both of them. I may even swap out Earthrise Arcee on my G1 Autobot shelf for this new one. G2 Laser Optimus looks really good, and I'm getting him too. While I don't like Drag Strip as much as the Combiner Wars version, I may hold back until we see more Stunticons before I decide whether or not I'm buying it.

Arcee should probably been bulky like wreckgar but it's kinda got some of the g2 bike things going for it. Not keen on bot mode so it's a pass.

Laser primes trailer looks too small but it still looks really good, dunno why I'm a sucker for g2 prime when bay verse version sucks. I'm gonna have to pass but hopefully a toxitron out of him. I'm happy with g2 and tr for now.

Kickbacks just not needed for me, happy with legends.

Dragstrips 6 wheels yay but sucky car mode. Classics still wins it for me in bot mode despite it being stylised. Depends on how good the combined mode is.

Bulkhead with rhinox head might do it for me but so many more toys I'd want before that. It's just not bulky and big enough for Bulkhead to me.

All in all, saving quite a bit with not many wants from legacy at the moment.

Naturally the big promo image for "celebrating the brand's history and different incarnations" consists of entirely G1 characters with two characters from the same series as the only exceptions. Especially as Prime has been the only series this millennium to have its first anniversary noted.

Hmm.

Notbshaping upbto be my most wow'd by line but these are first reveals.

Glad Dragstrip has his unique 6 wheeler mode. Gotta see what that combiner looks like.

Arcee's proportions look a bit off but she's not bad. Headsculpt is a bit unemotional but it has all the right elements, she turns into a super bike and we are going forvthe arm blades. This is what a Prime-Character-in-G1 should be aiming for, Hasbro. I hope the rear wheel halves do something to tuck in better thoygh?

Kickback: If I didnt have the trio from Generations all ready I would be very excited about this. Maybe they will give us a Ransack redeco?

Prime: I like this vut I dont need it. Need to see more of the trailer. The shoulders have some kind of hinging going on like the launchers can flip up and the arm tucks in? If so then kudos for changing the transformation up

Arcee looks good and I'll probably have her as my chromia or something

Bulkhead is looking better now

G2 Prime makes me sad I got Nemesis Prime instead of waiting on the black Convoy they'll make with this mold

STOP IT WITH THESE FUCKING LEGS HASBRO!!!!!!!!!!

Razorbeast88 wrote:Arcee looks good and I'll probably have her as my chromia or something

Bulkhead is looking better now

G2 Prime makes me sad I got Nemesis Prime instead of waiting on the black Convoy they'll make with this mold

Just make it two different characters. Nemey is a twisted Optimus Prime doppelganger and Black Convoy/Scourge is an artifically altered clone or what have you. Plus side its three different looking bots on the same base frame

Flashwave wrote:

Razorbeast88 wrote:Arcee looks good and I'll probably have her as my chromia or something

Bulkhead is looking better now

G2 Prime makes me sad I got Nemesis Prime instead of waiting on the black Convoy they'll make with this mold

Just make it two different characters. Nemey is a twisted Optimus Prime doppelganger and Black Convoy/Scourge is an artifically altered clone or what have you. Plus side its three different looking bots on the same base frame

True true true

This PulseCon has been underwhelming. They could have at least revealed the other wave 1 voyager figure and the core class figures. Will they at least put the remaining Kingdom figures, Pipes and Slammer, up for preorder this afternoon along with the two convention exclusives?

Wolfman Jake wrote:This PulseCon has been underwhelming. They could have at least revealed the other wave 1 voyager figure and the core class figures. Will they at least put the remaining Kingdom figures, Pipes and Slammer, up for preorder this afternoon along with the two convention exclusives?

When will the convention exclusives be up for preorder?

Lazohr Prime... so much Yeeeeees.

Want to pre-order now.

Also, thought I would pass on Kickback, but damn. if he doesn't look nice.

Can totally skip Prime Arcee. Need to see the rest of the stunt icons before I commit to that, though Dragstrip does look nice.

william-james88 wrote:STOP IT WITH THESE **** LEGS HASBRO!!!!!!!!!!

What's wrong with them Earthrise Legs? I think they work fine.

Wasn't expecting a retool of Earthrise Prime for this though.

Razorbeast88 wrote:

Wolfman Jake wrote:This PulseCon has been underwhelming. They could have at least revealed the other wave 1 voyager figure and the core class figures. Will they at least put the remaining Kingdom figures, Pipes and Slammer, up for preorder this afternoon along with the two convention exclusives?

When will the convention exclusives be up for preorder?

4:00 pm EST for Pulse Premium members. 5:00 pm EST for everyone else.

When will the convention exclusives be up for preorder?

4pm ET, though the pre-order for Ravage went up at 3pm UK. Was this an error? Is my pre-order gonna be cancelled?

Prime Arcee sure packed-in the pounds since 10 years ago! You gotta hit the treadmill, girl!

Lazer Optimus look boss. But will it be a Commander, or a leader? If leader, I'm sure to pick him up. It will be fun to pit him against my original.

Dragstrip look NICE! I'm looking forward building Menasor. Let's hope Deadend is not an exclusive this time around because that would be EVIL.

Also, the more I see that Bulkhead, the more I like it.

-Kanrabat- wrote:Prime Arcee sure packed-in the pounds since 10 years ago! You gotta hit the treadmill, girl!

Lazer Optimus look boss. But will it be a Commander, or a leader? If leader, I'm sure to pick him up. It will be fun to pit him against my original.

Dragstrip look NICE! I'm looking forward building Menasor. Let's hope Deadend is not an exclusive this time around because that would be EVIL.

Also, the more I see that Bulkhead, the more I like it.

Leader Class, like his mold predecessor, Earthrise / Kingdom Prime

-Kanrabat- wrote:Lazer Optimus look boss. But will it be a Commander, or a leader?

Legacy Laser Optimus Prime is Leader Class.

First impressions?
I do worry about the new Menasor, since it appears (initially) that the Deluxe Stunticons don't have a combiner peg apparatus. Beyond that, Dragstrip looks good.

Skids: He has a kind of cheaper appearance to him overall.

Kickback: Very G1-esque. I hope they do more with the head to hide the face in insect mode. And I hope he has a proper grasshopper style abdomen, even though G1 Kickback didn't. If you're going to make a cybernetic grasshopper, at least try for SOME anatomical accuracy.

Laser Optimus: I think the G1 fans will be OK with it, but it looks kind of higgledy-piggledy to me. Same with Bulkhead.

Prime Arcee: Just when I thought they couldn't make any transforming version look LESS like the on-screen model, they prove me wrong....

This whole G1ification is starting to eat it's own tail. I get the appeal of getting this treatment for characters from non G1 eras, having them all fit in a cohesive look. But what's the point of making a G1 version of Prime Arcee when she is already a toon version of an already existing G1 character? Now we have 2 G1 arcees, how much freaken G1 do you need???? I don't think it looks good either, just something that exists. Honestly, these reveals were not that great. Now I am off to get my Pulsecon exclusive.

I'm not paying near £50 for deluxe Ravage with a tape. Price madness. Going to have to wait and see the price of Galvatron. Hasbros got me with a few Power Rangers purchases (Cog, Pig, Pirantis and I'm liking the near 12" Megazord). I dont remeber Zartan being £37!!! but sadly I'll be paying that for him makes Ravages price almost look okay.

Wolfman Jake wrote:

-Kanrabat- wrote:Lazer Optimus look boss. But will it be a Commander, or a leader?

Legacy Laser Optimus Prime is Leader Class.

NICE! And that trailer look to be more complete and less cheap than the ER Optimus one.

Hmm Prime Arcee looks a but better then how bulky turned out, probably a plus with not having to share a mold with Optimus Prime.

I love kickback's wings.

Dragstrip, I'm undecided at the moment. If i got him, and his buddies, they'd probably spend most of the time in uncombined mode (assuming they're working with cars stuck on limbs G1 Menasor).

Lazer Prime, didn't see it coming that it was a WfC Prime retool.

william-james88 wrote:This whole G1ification is starting to eat it's own tail. I get the appeal of getting this treatment for characters from non G1 eras, having them all fit in a cohesive look. But what's the point of making a G1 version of Prime Arcee when she is already a toon version of an already existing G1 character? Now we have 2 G1 arcees, how much freaken G1 do you need???? I don't think it looks good either, just something that exists. Honestly, these reveals were not that great. Now I am off to get my Pulsecon exclusive.

The Arcees are still two different characters, they just have the same name. I don't know if that's canon, but that's the wiki's problem, not mine. (Edited to add: they agree.)