New Takara Tomy Transformers Legends LG51 Manga Online

Oooooookay, let's have a look at this baby.

Title is "LG51 Doublecross Prologue", which means this takes place before Doublecross's pack-in comic.

This story is set on Planet Beast, homeworld of the Beastformers and Laser Beasts.

The first page tells the history of the Beastformers, from their origins with the Three Wise Ones, to their living peacefully before Galvatron invaded the planet, to said invasion by Galvatron, to the repelling of Galvatron's invasion with the help of the Autobots, to the Firebots (Monsterbots) staying on the planet to help protect the Beastformers (until they later had to leavesince they appear elsewhere in The Headmasters cartoon). Then, the Laser Beasts emerged from their underground civilization, aiming to take the surface world for themselves (after a massive natural disaster destroyed their subterranean home). A new war, between the Beastformers and the Laser Beasts, had begun.

Page 2: The Firebots (Monsterbots) return to Beast to help the Beastformers once again, along with Lione, Shuffler, and Toraizer. With these new threats, the Laser Beasts take more drastic measures and, I'm not sure, but I think they use that gem that Tigerburn has to either turn themselves into Headmasters using Lione, Shuffler, and Toraizer as templates to scan, or that they might even be merging themselves completely with those three (we'll need to wait for a translation/summary to clear this up). Either way, Tigerburn and at least two others become Headmasters, which gains them enough of an advantage in the war for Tigerburn to decapitate Doublecross's robot mode head, which leads into Tigerburn's controlling Doublecross's body later in the Doublecross pack-in comic. And, apparently, Repug (Repugnus) got beheaded too, explaining his being a Headmaster in the other Legends comics. With this new development on the Laser Beasts' side, the Beastformers regroup and White Leo and his sister White Lune consult Platinum Tiger, who informs them about the Legends World, with a To Be Continued message leading into the previously-released Doublecross pack-in comic.

English summary of this prologue comic:

Long ago, the Three Wise Ones arrive on the planet Beast and use their power, crystallized in several gemstones, to build an underground city and create various inventions. To protect the planet they create the Laser Beasts, a technological civilization that lives underground, but the Laser Beasts' hearts are as cold and merciless as machines. Seeking to create a warmhearted, peaceful society, a group of Laser Beasts venture to the surface where their descendants evolve into the Beastformers, a new race that later gets embroiled in the Transformers' war. Many Beastformers are mind-controlled into becoming Decepticon Beasts, and the Autobot Beasts battle them in a war of their own until their leader, White Leo, bests Cobrander and undoes the mind control.

The peace on Beast is fleeting, however, as a natural disaster heralds the emergence of the Laser Beasts from the underground, come to conquer the surface world, and another war breaks out. The power of their machines overwhelms the Beastformers, who lose most of their countries to the invaders, but during their final stand, reinforcements arrive in the form of the Autobot Monsterbots and Headmaster Teens. After the Laser Beasts retreat in the face of Transformers, their Emperor, Tigerburn, desires the robots' power and devises a plan to take it for himself using one of the Three Wise Ones' gems. By exposing the Headmaster Teens to the gem's power, he merges his body with that of Lione while two of his soldiers do the same with Shuffler and Toraizer, turning the three Laser Beasts into fully robotic Headmasters. With their newfound strength, they capture the Beastformers' Head Hunter vehicles and use them to decapitate the Monsterbots in search of bodies to control, though not before Doublecross snatches the gems for the Beastformers' side. White Leo is then contacted by Platinum Tiger, who tells him that hope for victory lies in an alternate dimension filled with Beast Power: the Legends World.

Ok, Toraizer is based on TR Sawback. No surprise there. Just who is he? Well, according to the gun he's wielding he's Scope Cougar as featured in the manga. This page has an image ID'ing the weapons:

Battle Beasts Laser Beasts line-up on Super Toy Archive.

That leaves Shuffler, but there are no Elepant Laser Beasts.

Also of note is that Platinum Tiger (aka Saber Sword Tiger) is the basis for Fengul, Grotusque's partner.

From fellow Seibertronian Cyberpath, we have a notification of the first images appearing of the in-pack comics of the latest batch of Takara Tomy Transformers Legends, following the Titans Return line released by Hasbro, which includes LG54 Bumblebee, LG55 Targetmaster Slugslinger, and some parts of the LG57 Octone and LG56 Perceptor manga issues, which can stay where they are, thank you very much.

There is the expected unnecessary imagery by artist Hayato Sakamoto (a couple of panels in particular), alongside a sort of storyline using Titans Return, Unite Warriors, Headmaster lore and more, and we've mirrored the first two comics (found on the back of the instruction sheets, and courtesy of TFW2005 user prime roller) below.

So there's also an "evil" Spike in the Legends verse and the plasma energy blaster comes into play. Organics always triumph over mecha!

Bumblebee & Excelsuit Spike comic summary:

Bumblebee and Spike Witwicky, once close friends, have drifted apart and now walk different paths in life—Spike has become an interplanetary diplomat while Bumblebee is now Goldbug, leader of the Throttlebots. In the current day, the person posing as Spike declares Goldbug a traitor to the Galactic Peace Alliance and orders the other Throttlebots to eliminate him, when in truth, the kill order exists because Goldbug has already seen through his facade and is out there protecting the real Spike.

Heavily injured by his assailants, Goldbug takes Spike and flees to the Legends World, where he seeks out Fortress and tells him what he knows before collapsing. Perceptor uses the Axalon facilities to perform major repairs on him, but rebuilds him not as Goldbug but as Bumblebee, believing his old form suits him again now that he's Spike's protector once more. Meanwhile, Fortress recognizes the exosuit Spike is wearing as an experimental Headmaster suit developed on Master that the human previously helped test pilot. He explains that the suit was developed as a way to help Headmaster Juniors wield their Masterforce, and paved the way for the Master-Brace technology currently used by them and Godmasters.

While Spike and Bumblebee are reaffirming that being apart will never diminish their friendship, the fake Spike arrives in the Legends World with the Throttlebots, claiming to be the real deal. Forming the head of Fortress's transtector, Spike promises to pay back his impostor back for endangering his best friend and attacks alongside Bumblebee. The fake orders the Throttlebots into battle, but they're reluctant to fight their former leader and stand back instead, allowing Bumblebee to blast the impostor. He retreats with his mask coming loose, and Bumblebee taunts him that he knows better than anyone how difficult it is to get the self-absorbed Throttlebots to follow orders. Following their victory, Spike and Bumblebee set out to find Daniel, who they know is also hiding out in the Legends World, and ask Fortress to lend a hand when the time comes to make their move against the fake Spike. They then drive off into the night, happy to be working together again.

Sabrblade wrote:Bumblebee & Excelsuit Spike comic summary:

Bumblebee and Spike Witwicky, once close friends, have drifted apart and now walk different paths in life—Spike has become an interplanetary diplomat while Bumblebee is now Goldbug, leader of the Throttlebots. In the current day, the person posing as Spike declares Goldbug a traitor to the Galactic Peace Alliance and orders the other Throttlebots to eliminate him, when in truth, the kill order exists because Goldbug has already seen through his facade and is out there protecting the real Spike.

Heavily injured by his assailants, Goldbug takes Spike and flees to the Legends World, where he seeks out Fortress and tells him what he knows before collapsing. Perceptor uses the Axalon facilities to perform major repairs on him, but rebuilds him not as Goldbug but as Bumblebee, believing his old form suits him again now that he's Spike's protector once more. Meanwhile, Fortress recognizes the exosuit Spike is wearing as an experimental Headmaster suit developed on Master that the human previously helped test pilot. He explains that the suit was developed as a way to help Headmaster Juniors wield their Masterforce, and paved the way for the Master-Brace technology currently used by them and Godmasters.

While Spike and Bumblebee are reaffirming that being apart will never diminish their friendship, the fake Spike arrives in the Legends World with the Throttlebots, claiming to be the real deal. Forming the head of Fortress's transtector, Spike promises to pay back his impostor back for endangering his best friend and attacks alongside Bumblebee. The fake orders the Throttlebots into battle, but they're reluctant to fight their former leader and stand back instead, allowing Bumblebee to blast the impostor. He retreats with his mask coming loose, and Bumblebee taunts him that he knows better than anyone how difficult it is to get the self-absorbed Throttlebots to follow orders. Following their victory, Spike and Bumblebee set out to find Daniel, who they know is also hiding out in the Legends World, and ask Fortress to lend a hand when the time comes to make their move against the fake Spike. They then drive off into the night, happy to be working together again.

Thank you magic man!

So, now all the target masters are female piloted. I'm down with that. Though, it's cracking me up that the legends comics just continues to find ways to have the girls have wardrobe malfunctions. Oh Japan. Never change.

What I don't understand is how we have comics showing this content (and NSFW stuff in the Octone comic) and yet these are retail toys in japan with a target market still being 7-9 year old kids (boys mostly). I get stuck in what I find ridiculous arguments where people say transformers toys in japan are not aimed at kids (unlike everywhere else in the world) and while that doesnt make a lick of sense for a kids toy company, I then have these damn comics that really dont help that point.

Really, what would a 7-9 year old boy think looking at the Octone comic?

Because it’s not that big of a deal?

Seriously it’s not a big deal. I don’t think it is. I binged Dragon Ball last year and the stuff in these comics is tame compared to the stuff that goes on with Goku, Master Roshi and Bulma in the first arc.

It’s Japan’s comedy. People are too sensitive now.

william-james88 wrote:What I don't understand is how we have comics showing this content (and NSFW stuff in the Octone comic) and yet these are retail toys in japan with a target market still being 7-9 year old kids (boys mostly). I get stuck in what I find ridiculous arguments where people say transformers toys in japan are not aimed at kids (unlike everywhere else in the world) and while that doesnt make a lick of sense for a kids toy company, I then have these damn comics that really dont help that point.

Really, what would a 7-9 year old boy think looking at the Octone comic?

A. Aimed to 7 to 9 year old......proof? Written or images stating it that as fact or policy by Takara

B. Japanese "target audience" you claim is much much more mature than the average western kid who needs to be protected from flying missiles from the likes of Bobba Fett

Randomhero wrote:Because it’s not that big of a deal?

Seriously it’s not a big deal. I don’t think it is. I binged Dragon Ball last year and the stuff in these comics is tame compared to the stuff that goes on with Goku, Master Roshi and Bulma in the first arc.

It’s Japan’s comedy. People are too sensitive now.

The popular culture Western puritans are really prudes alright!

Another case in point, Tatsunoko produced Superbook and Flying House had a scene where one of the characters taking a bath had a mosaic on his male bits. Tezuka/RAI produced "In the Beginning" had the first three episodes and some during the Fall of Jericho arc edited. The former had Eve fully naked (heck, the Bible described it as such) which was excised and the lady who helped the spies in Jericho had a scene that was shoddily excised.These shows were focused as "religious shows".

The latest Street Fighter has initially portrayed Cammy White with her extra details on her bosom. A subsequent update erased that detail (game is focused on teens folks). I can name an endless examples to fill up a warehouse full of Street Fighter II Super Super Nes version etc etc.

Japan is much more lenient on what is considered appropriate for children than the West is. While such would be deemed borderline-to-right-on-pornographic in the West, the same isn't true over in Japan.

Though, things have gotten tamer over there since Dragon Ball's initial years. Toei themselves censored some content from the original Dragon Ball Z footage for the Japanese version of Dragon Ball Kai. But even then, the uncut version of Dragon Ball Kai still contained some stuff that was further censored for its English televised dubs on Nicktoons and (more severely) the CW, meaning that even with Toei's original censorship, Kai still had to be further censored for American TV while the objectionable content of the uncut version was A-OK for the Japanese broadcast.

Yeah, no.

william-james88 wrote:What I don't understand is how we have comics showing this content (and NSFW stuff in the Octone comic) and yet these are retail toys in japan with a target market still being 7-9 year old kids (boys mostly). I get stuck in what I find ridiculous arguments where people say transformers toys in japan are not aimed at kids (unlike everywhere else in the world) and while that doesnt make a lick of sense for a kids toy company, I then have these damn comics that really dont help that point.

Really, what would a 7-9 year old boy think looking at the Octone comic?

In the bold. Where'd you base that conclusion?

I base my posts on FACTS! Straight from the horse's mouth......TAKARA

http://tf.takaratomy.co.jp/products-lineup/tf_lg/lg55

using a simple search engine known as google.

(LG-55) to ( LG-57). no editorializing etc just the facts

The Perceptor manga is another reference to "The Face of the Nijika." Such a missed opportunity that Perceptor's head doesn't transform into a Nijika Titan Master. Perhaps someone will make one.

Personally I believe if it’s a toy it’s for kids but with Takara I don’t think THEY focus on their stuff being for kids. I don’t think their focus has been that way for a long time now and maybe that’s why they’re having financial issues. They’re so damn picky and have to make everything looks as close as possible to a cartoon 30 years ago, won’t use molds of characters that dont have established fiction in Japan(twintwist and topspin im baffled are getting released by them) and go out of their way to fix tiny continuity errors only fans would know in the comics.

While these are toys, unlike Hasbro who’s primary customer are kids and the parents that buy them for their kids it’s not that way in Japan or for Takara. It’s not. Releasing expensive box sets like Unite Warriors and overpriced mall exclusives shows that.

As for what some deem offensive or inappropriate, again that’s their humor! To Japan that’s tasteful tongue and cheek stuff. Like I said about the first couple years of Dragon Ball stuff like that was in their cartoons and manga back then and that’s the humor Sakamoto and the people at Takara grew up with. It’s nostalgia. Just like how garbage like Stranger Things is nostalgic for everyone in the West.

Seibertron.com is a US-based family friendly website.

Whatever argument anyone wants to make to defend borderline pornography kinda stops at that point.

There seems to be some misconceptions about "Japan". Firstly, naked, seemingly underaged girls in a kids' comic is just as weird over here in Japan as it is outside it. However, as repugnant as Sikomofo's work is, it's included with toys that did not see a mass retail release (unless it was in Toys R Us Japan), and, according to Takara's site, the toys were aimed at customers aged 15 years and over.

This seems to be a loophole, allowing content that definitely WOULDN'T be allowed in kids' comics, or TFs aimed at kids proper (like "TF Adventure" in Japan), which seems to be aimed at what some (misguided, IMO) Takara execs think adult collectors in Japan want.

Although there will always be slight differences between certain values regarding nudity, violence, etc, most places (especially in this digital, global age) have fairly similar views when it comes to children, especially Japan.

The stereotype of Japanese (males) being pervy, tiny emasculated misogynists simply isn't true. In Japan, it's usually reserved for "otaku", but then again, most nerdy Japanese aren't really that way, either. In fact, most TF fans I've met in Japan were either indifferent to Sikomofo's "fan service", or in agreement that it wasn't really appropriate. Basically, there was no real desire for such content, and it was the toys themselves that were the hook.

My theory is that Sikomofo was given the same carte blanche freedom with the pack-in comics, as IDW was with MASK, Visionaries, etc and probably for the same reason; they are not mainstream or considered important enough so "taboo" or political content can be included as the comic staff wish.

However, doesn't Seibertron have rules about nudity? I know TFW2005 has, which is why I've not seen any mention of this comic recently at that site.

Va'al wrote:Seibertron.com is a US-based family friendly website.

Whatever argument anyone wants to make to defend borderline pornography kinda stops at that point.

Vaal, please excuse my ignorance, but didn't you upload this comic here? If so, your comment above seems at odds with the content you uploaded?

If you've got a problem, may I suggest editing the comics before inclusion? You could blur the parts you find not suitable for the site, which might also protect the site from copyright too (as the site would not then be hosting a full copy of copyrighted material)?

Just a thought.

Oh god not you again.

primalxconvoy wrote:There seems to be some misconceptions about "Japan". Firstly, naked, seemingly underaged girls in a kids' comic is just as weird over here in Japan as it is outside it. However, as repugnant as Sikomofo's work is, it's included with toys that did not see a mass retail release (unless it was in Toys R Us Japan), and, according to Takara's site, the toys were aimed at customers aged 15 years and over.

This seems to be a loophole, allowing content that definitely WOULDN'T be allowed in kids' comics, or TFs aimed at kids proper (like "TF Adventure" in Japan), which seems to be aimed at what some (misguided, IMO) Takara execs think adult collectors in Japan want.

Although there will always be slight differences between certain values regarding nudity, violence, etc, most places (especially in this digital, global age) have fairly similar views when it comes to children, especially Japan.

The stereotype of Japanese (males) being pervy, tiny emasculated misogynists simply isn't true. In Japan, it's usually reserved for "otaku", but then again, most nerdy Japanese aren't really that way, either. In fact, most TF fans I've met in Japan were either indifferent to Sikomofo's "fan service", or in agreement that it wasn't really appropriate. Basically, there was no real desire for such content, and it was the toys themselves that were the hook.

My theory is that Sikomofo was given the same carte blanche freedom with the pack-in comics, as IDW was with MASK, Visionaries, etc and probably for the same reason; they are not mainstream or considered important enough so "taboo" or political content can be included as the comic staff wish.

However, doesn't Seibertron have rules about nudity? I know TFW2005 has, which is why I've not seen any mention of this comic recently at that site.

Oh it’s there. There’s an entire thread about the comic, two actually and you’re menrtioned by a couple wondering when you’re gonna show up and throw a fit like usual

Seriously if you wanna act all high and mighty and be taken serious. Maybe start using the artist’s actual name instead of the childish name you choose to give him to be funny. I take these comics more serious than anything you say when you use it.

Why don't we just stop newsing the comics? Obviously this site isn't mature enough to handle them based on both the news staff refusing to post two of the comics and a particular user throwing a shit fit every time they're posted.

Just take it off the front page so no one gets their precious feelings hurt, and let us who actually enjoy the comics and want to discuss them do so in peace here.

steals_your_goats wrote:Why don't we just stop newsing the comics? Obviously this site isn't mature enough to handle them based on both the news staff refusing to post two of the comics and a particular user throwing a **** fit every time they're posted.

Just take it off the front page so no one gets their precious feelings hurt, and let us who actually enjoy the comics and want to discuss them do so in peace here.

BECAUSE VIEWS!!!!!!

Seriously might as well. Rest of the world has to make exceptions to the special snowflakes

Sorry we gotta think of the one(s) who get upset over drawings that are entirely based on comedic value. We gotta target the artist and call him names and make up names to insult him even though the company that produces the toys and prints the comics also approve of them

steals_your_goats wrote:Why don't we just stop newsing the comics? Obviously this site isn't mature enough to handle them based on both the news staff refusing to post two of the comics and a particular user throwing a **** fit every time they're posted.

Just take it off the front page so no one gets their precious feelings hurt, and let us who actually enjoy the comics and want to discuss them do so in peace here.

For the record, Val actually did not news the Octone comic which was by far the closest to softcore porn (click here to get to the specific panels). We don't want to deny fans official transformers material as long as it is within the bounds of the site.

Also, most of these toys did see retail release at either toys r us, bic camera and Japanese Electronics shop Yamada Denki (among others).

Takara has never ever said that these toys were for adults, and any quote they did give us said that they were these toys for children and that children was still their target demographic (they are a toy company, selling these in toy stores, this should be obvious).

If someone can find a quote from takara saying this is not the case and these are for adults only, please let us know, this would be significant news. So far it is just an unfounded notion fans started and Takara not making any changes to Trypticon, most of the TLK line and their entire Power of the Primes output means they have been and will be selling the exact same toys as Hasbro, which are undeniably kids toys aimed at kids.

william-james88 wrote:

steals_your_goats wrote:Why don't we just stop newsing the comics? Obviously this site isn't mature enough to handle them based on both the news staff refusing to post two of the comics and a particular user throwing a **** fit every time they're posted.

Just take it off the front page so no one gets their precious feelings hurt, and let us who actually enjoy the comics and want to discuss them do so in peace here.

For the record, Val decided not to news the Octone comic which was by far the closest to softcore porn. We Don't want to deny fans official transformers material as long as it is within the bounds of the site.

Also, most of these toys did see retail release at the both toys r us and bic camera.

I get it. I do. But if it's too bad to news then at least post a link in the forum with an NSFW tag so those who want to see it can see it.

william-james88 wrote:

steals_your_goats wrote:Why don't we just stop newsing the comics? Obviously this site isn't mature enough to handle them based on both the news staff refusing to post two of the comics and a particular user throwing a **** fit every time they're posted.

Just take it off the front page so no one gets their precious feelings hurt, and let us who actually enjoy the comics and want to discuss them do so in peace here.

For the record, Val decided not to news the Octone comic which was by far the closest to softcore porn. We Don't want to deny fans official transformers material as long as it is within the bounds of the site.

Also, most of these toys did see retail release at the both toys r us and bic camera.

Ahh, I see. That means that kids under 15 CAN buy these, and get exposed to the contents of these comics. I just checked the Octane comic and although it doesn't feature the usual underaged girls, I DOES feature female Transformers in sexual poses, and with imagery that suggests sexual acts or functions (liquids dripping from groin areas, etc). Basically, it's not suitable for kids.

I still think it's a good idea to censor rather than restrict this content. That way, people get to see the content, but if they really want it uncensored, they are welcome to pay for the toys and comics themselves.

Also, for the record, it's not just me that's voiced concern over these comics, either.

primalxconvoy wrote:

william-james88 wrote:

steals_your_goats wrote:Why don't we just stop newsing the comics? Obviously this site isn't mature enough to handle them based on both the news staff refusing to post two of the comics and a particular user throwing a **** fit every time they're posted.

Just take it off the front page so no one gets their precious feelings hurt, and let us who actually enjoy the comics and want to discuss them do so in peace here.

For the record, Val decided not to news the Octone comic which was by far the closest to softcore porn. We Don't want to deny fans official transformers material as long as it is within the bounds of the site.

Also, most of these toys did see retail release at the both toys r us and bic camera.

Ahh, I see. That means that kids under 15 CAN buy these, and get exposed to the contents of these comics. I just checked the Octane comic and although it doesn't feature the usual underaged girls, I DOES feature female Transformers in sexual poses, and with imagery that suggests sexual acts or functions (liquids dripping from groin areas, etc). Basically, it's not suitable for kids.

I still think it's a good idea to censor rather than restrict this content. That way, people get to see the content, but if they really want it uncensored, they are welcome to pay for the toys and comics themselves.

Also, for the record, it's not just me that's voiced concern over these comics, either.

But youre the one who continues to push it more and more and the reason a page or two got deleted at TFW and the mods threatened to lock the thread entirely

All for silly drawings and hurt feelings instead of just being an adult and saying “I have problems with these comics so I’m gonna be a functional adult and choose to not click and partake in a problem I personally see”

steals_your_goats wrote:

william-james88 wrote:

steals_your_goats wrote:Why don't we just stop newsing the comics? Obviously this site isn't mature enough to handle them based on both the news staff refusing to post two of the comics and a particular user throwing a **** fit every time they're posted.

Just take it off the front page so no one gets their precious feelings hurt, and let us who actually enjoy the comics and want to discuss them do so in peace here.

For the record, Val decided not to news the Octone comic which was by far the closest to softcore porn. We Don't want to deny fans official transformers material as long as it is within the bounds of the site.

Also, most of these toys did see retail release at the both toys r us and bic camera.

I get it. I do. But if it's too bad to news then at least post a link in the forum with an NSFW tag so those who want to see it can see it.

That's been suggested. However, Seibertron has been pretty good with this subject. They were the first site, I think, to separate the toy and comics discussion (to keep discussions on topic), and have enacted due diligence with what content they feel is appropriate or not.

However, even if the comic discussion isn't "Newsed", there is every chance that those who are opposed to the comics will still voice their views at that thread (as is their right). It wouldn't be a "Sakamoto Fan Boys" thread, but rather, a thread for any relevant views, news or ideas regarding those comics.

Btw, did anyone notice that the Bumblebee comic had NO NAUGHTY PICTURES WHATSOEVER? Or did I miss something?

william-james88 wrote:

steals_your_goats wrote:Why don't we just stop newsing the comics? Obviously this site isn't mature enough to handle them based on both the news staff refusing to post two of the comics and a particular user throwing a **** fit every time they're posted.

Just take it off the front page so no one gets their precious feelings hurt, and let us who actually enjoy the comics and want to discuss them do so in peace here.

For the record, Val actually did not news the Octone comic which was by far the closest to softcore porn (click here to get to the specific panels). We don't want to deny fans official transformers material as long as it is within the bounds of the site.

Also, most of these toys did see retail release at either toys r us, bic camera and Japanese Electronics shop Yamada Denki (among others).

Takara has never ever said that these toys were for adults, and any quote they did give us said that they were these toys for children and that children was still their target demographic (they are a toy company, selling these in toy stores, this should be obvious).

If someone can find a quote from takara saying this is not the case and these are for adults only, please let us know, this would be significant news. So far it is just an unfounded notion fans started and Takara not making any changes to Trypticon, most of the TLK line and their entire Power of the Primes output means they have been and will be selling the exact same toys as Hasbro, which are undeniably kids toys aimed at kids.

The toy boxes and the website state that the current Legends toys are for sale to customers and 15 or over. Thus, they are not AIMED at customers under 15 years old. That doesn't mean that these toys cannot be sold to children under 15 though.

primalxconvoy wrote:

steals_your_goats wrote:

william-james88 wrote:

steals_your_goats wrote:Why don't we just stop newsing the comics? Obviously this site isn't mature enough to handle them based on both the news staff refusing to post two of the comics and a particular user throwing a **** fit every time they're posted.

Just take it off the front page so no one gets their precious feelings hurt, and let us who actually enjoy the comics and want to discuss them do so in peace here.

For the record, Val decided not to news the Octone comic which was by far the closest to softcore porn. We Don't want to deny fans official transformers material as long as it is within the bounds of the site.

Also, most of these toys did see retail release at the both toys r us and bic camera.

I get it. I do. But if it's too bad to news then at least post a link in the forum with an NSFW tag so those who want to see it can see it.

That's been suggested. However, Seibertron has been pretty good with this subject. They were the first site, I think, to separate the toy and comics discussion (to keep discussions on topic), and have enacted due diligence with what content they feel is appropriate or not.

However, even if the comic discussion isn't "Newsed", there is every chance that those who are opposed to the comics will still voice their views at that thread (as is their right). It wouldn't be a "Sakamoto Fan Boys" thread, but rather, a thread for any relevant views, news or ideas regarding those comics.

Btw, did anyone notice that the Bumblebee comic had NO NAUGHTY PICTURES WHATSOEVER? Or did I miss something?

I find it absolutely incredible that you're so unaware that you are the reason for all of this. You are the one who continues to derail threads until you get what you want. You are the reason that the threads are separate. And even though you keep getting everything you want it's never enough. You just keep coming in and running things for everyone else because it offends you personally. I honestly don't think you'll be happy until the comics are completely banned from this site.

steals_your_goats wrote:

primalxconvoy wrote:

steals_your_goats wrote:

william-james88 wrote:

steals_your_goats wrote:Why don't we just stop newsing the comics? Obviously this site isn't mature enough to handle them based on both the news staff refusing to post two of the comics and a particular user throwing a **** fit every time they're posted.

Just take it off the front page so no one gets their precious feelings hurt, and let us who actually enjoy the comics and want to discuss them do so in peace here.

For the record, Val decided not to news the Octone comic which was by far the closest to softcore porn. We Don't want to deny fans official transformers material as long as it is within the bounds of the site.

Also, most of these toys did see retail release at the both toys r us and bic camera.

I get it. I do. But if it's too bad to news then at least post a link in the forum with an NSFW tag so those who want to see it can see it.

That's been suggested. However, Seibertron has been pretty good with this subject. They were the first site, I think, to separate the toy and comics discussion (to keep discussions on topic), and have enacted due diligence with what content they feel is appropriate or not.

However, even if the comic discussion isn't "Newsed", there is every chance that those who are opposed to the comics will still voice their views at that thread (as is their right). It wouldn't be a "Sakamoto Fan Boys" thread, but rather, a thread for any relevant views, news or ideas regarding those comics.

Btw, did anyone notice that the Bumblebee comic had NO NAUGHTY PICTURES WHATSOEVER? Or did I miss something?

I find it absolutely incredible that you're so unaware that you are the reason for all of this. You are the one who continues to derail threads until you get what you want. You are the reason that the threads are separate. And even though you keep getting everything you want it's never enough. You just keep coming in and running things for everyone else because it offends you personally. I honestly don't think you'll be happy until the comics are completely banned from this site.

Sadly Legends only has 6 more months than to find something else be upset over

In an attempt to get this thread back on track, I wonder if anything is going to happen with Grotusque. Unless I missed something he's the only one who didn't get an explanation in the Doublecross prelude comic for what happened on planet beast.

Black Hat wrote:Oh god not you again.

Easy hat. Like your own, opinions on the subject at hand are welcome and tolerated.
However, opinions on fellow users are a different matter. Please proceed with objective diligence.
Thanks.

Cobotron wrote:

Black Hat wrote:Oh god not you again.

Easy hat. Like your own, opinions on the subject at hand are welcome and tolerated.
However, opinions on fellow users are a different matter. Please proceed with objective diligence.
Thanks.

I'm sorry, I was out of line. I'm just getting a bit tired of a certain user constantly making the same arguments over and over again, in a thread that was created solely to avoid his tantrums.

Black Hat wrote:

Cobotron wrote:

Black Hat wrote:Oh god not you again.

Easy hat. Like your own, opinions on the subject at hand are welcome and tolerated.
However, opinions on fellow users are a different matter. Please proceed with objective diligence.
Thanks.

I'm sorry, I was out of line. I'm just getting a bit tired of a certain user constantly making the same arguments over and over again, in a thread that was created solely to avoid his tantrums.

I'm getting tired of the entire thing. The thread was created to contain everyone's tantrums on this topic.

The debate is welcome as long as it's conducted in a civilized manner that doesn't turn to personal attacks on anyone who chooses to participate.

Your apology is appreciated Hat.
Carry on!

steals_your_goats wrote:In an attempt to get this thread back on track, I wonder if anything is going to happen with Grotusque. Unless I missed something he's the only one who didn't get an explanation in the Doublecross prelude comic for what happened on planet beast.

Platinum Tiger (known as Saber Sword Tiger in the US) did get the spot light in the last few panels, and he was the basis for Fengul:



Series 2 with #50 Saber Sword Tiger (Platinum Tiger) courtesy of the Super Toy Archive

If White Leo (Pirate Lion) is any indication, he'll be used for a future Grotusque release, though I have hunch he'll be an EX release outside of the regular line.

primalxconvoy wrote:The toy boxes and the website state that the current Legends toys are for sale to customers and 15 or over. Thus, they are not AIMED at customers under 15 years old. That doesn't mean that these toys cannot be sold to children under 15 though.

Interesting stuff. I was looking on the boxes (like the one below) and couldnt find the age group. Is it written in letters or numbers, do you have an example?

william-james88 wrote:

primalxconvoy wrote:The toy boxes and the website state that the current Legends toys are for sale to customers and 15 or over. Thus, they are not AIMED at customers under 15 years old. That doesn't mean that these toys cannot be sold to children under 15 though.

Interesting stuff. I was looking on the boxes (like the one below) and couldnt find the age group. Is it written in letters or numbers, do you have an example?

I can't read Japanese but I'm pretty sure it's on the bottom of the package in a black box in the upper right corner

steals_your_goats wrote:

william-james88 wrote:

primalxconvoy wrote:The toy boxes and the website state that the current Legends toys are for sale to customers and 15 or over. Thus, they are not AIMED at customers under 15 years old. That doesn't mean that these toys cannot be sold to children under 15 though.

Interesting stuff. I was looking on the boxes (like the one below) and couldnt find the age group. Is it written in letters or numbers, do you have an example?

I can't read Japanese but I'm pretty sure it's on the bottom of the package in a black box in the upper right corner

Here you can see the bottom of the boxes for Bumblebee and (Slugslinger?) The top-right hand corner of each box shows the RECOMMENDED age for these figures. I cannot verify if these toys have to be legally suitable for the "regular" toy age range (3/5 and up?), but I assume they are, as I believe (but don't know) that children can buy these from Toys R Us, etc without adult supervision. However, I'm fairly sure kids can buy certain types of fireworks and BB guns in such a way, too, in Japan (although I cannot verify it).

Also included are two screenshots from the official Takara Tomy site, where you can see the recommended ages for two TFs (Legends Bumblebee and TLK Grimlock). Scary, filmverse Grimlock is recommended for ages 5+, whereas cute Bumblebee is recommended for ages 15+

(Source: - TLK Grimlock - http://tf.takaratomy.co.jp/products-lineup/tf_tc/tc-04

- Legends Bumblebee - http://tf.takaratomy.co.jp/products-lineup/tf_lg/lg54 )

Hey guys! Bit of advice, if you're getting shitted off with a member constantly harping on about something, use your "Foe" list. That way, you only see their posts if someone else quotes them.

It's fucking brilliant. You won't see that particular member, and you'll be able to engage in the discussion without having them constantly shoving their opinion down your throat.

It's also the easiest option, after all, some people seem intent to shove their morally righteous opinions rather than shutting up and moving on. Why people continue to read stuff they know they don't like is beyond me ...

More summaries from the Wiki.

LG55 Slugslinger:

Shaoshao Li is surprised to be met with Spike Witwicky in the Legends World, and more so when the chairman (after telling her to dismiss any silly rumors about him being an impostor) informs her that all Transformers in this dimension will cease functioning the next day. Indeed, that day Slugslinger reveals that he has reacquired Caliburst, whose mutant ability to fire anti-electrons renders all other Transformers unconscious and frothing at the mouth. Even his fellow Targetmasters Triggerhappy and Misfire aren't spared, as Slugslinger takes the opportunity to steal Blowpipe and Aimless from them, showing no remorse for his betrayal and instead bragging that shooting people in the back is what he loves the most. Merging with a transtector rewarded to him by "Spike" for his services, Slugslinger then combines the three Targetmaster partners into a massive plasma energy gun so infused with the deadly energy that he dubs it the "Plasma Energy Chamber".

As the plasma energy emissions begin slowly disintegrating the unconscious Transformers, Shaoshao demands to know why Spike is working with a Decepticon, and he claims the Transformers must be destroyed as they're an obstacle that prevents galactic peace from ever being achieved. He notes that that Shaoshao should understand, having once hated them too, but she's moved on since then and doesn't hesitate for a second to transform into her Targetmaster suit and save Hot Rod. She is joined by fellow Targetmasters Sue, who fights for Kup, and White Lune, who now works with Blurr and fights for him too. Together, the three of them all take on Slugslinger, but he destroys their suits with a plasma energy burst. However, the energy doesn't affect the organics within, who slip past his defenses and successfully separate his head from his body and break apart the Plasma Energy Chamber. The Decepticon himself is knocked out by Caliburst's anti-electrons in the confusion, allowing Shaoshao and Hot Rod to capture and imprison him. Afterwards, Hot Rod wonders if Shaoshao is alright with defying Spike and being branded a traitor by the Galactic Peace Alliance, only for her to tell him to take the blame.

LG56 Perceptor:

Having heard that the Legends World was created by the Zamojin, Perceptor travels to the dimension in search of his old friend, Katsu Don, whom he's lost touch with and worries about. Highbrow looks forward to investigating the dimension's mysteries together with his fellow scientist, though Perceptor's first duty is to fix up Ramhorn, injured in battle to the point where his cassette mode is beyond repair. Perceptor replaces it with a new tank mode, and while Ramhorn hates it, the scientist insists that he made the right choice giving him a more mobile altmode is better. The group is then interrupted by none other than Katsu Don, who says he's here to "take back Nijika" before tearing Perceptor's head off and running off with it. Highbrow and Perceptor's colleague Minerva are ready to make chase, but Ramhorn warns them that the Zamojin are strong and that they should bring some extra firepower in the form of Perceptor's body.

Katsu Don brings Perceptor to the headless new body of Nijika, damaged in a previous battle, and, having recalled that Perceptor's parts are compatible with hers, attaches the panicking scientist's head to it. The process is interrupted by the other Autobots, who have reconfigured Perceptor's body into its rarely seen tank mode, and a combined barrage from both it and Ramhorn distracts Katsu Don long enough for Perceptor to remove his head from Nijika. He returns it to his original body and takes aim at Katsu Don using Ramhorn's third mode, a handheld weapon, and the Zamojin retreats, swearing he will fulfill his dream of creating a full-scale Nijika someday. Admitting that he wasn't actually going to open fire on his old friend, Perceptor hopes that Katsu Don will someday, on a night of falling stars, find the right path again.

After returning to Axalon, Perceptor figures that since his head was already separated, he might as well convert it into a small robot and live a comfortable, human-sized life. Unfortunately, this makes it less comfortable for him to use his microscope mode, as he now has to stand on Minerva's head just to look into the lens.

Burn wrote:Hey guys! Bit of advice, if you're getting shitted off with a member constantly harping on about something, use your "Foe" list. That way, you only see their posts if someone else quotes them.

It's **** brilliant. You won't see that particular member, and you'll be able to engage in the discussion without having them constantly shoving their opinion down your throat.

It's also the easiest option, after all, some people seem intent to shove their morally righteous opinions rather than shutting up and moving on. Why people continue to read stuff they know they don't like is beyond me ...

I agree. It's also good to avoid using, or reading potentially abusive language contained in posts, especially when such language could be better substituted with mature or ambiguous vocabulary instead.

It's also a good idea to refrain from stating that you've ignored them, as it defeats the purpose of ignoring them (if only Facebook were so easy in that way).

primalxconvoy wrote:

Burn wrote:Hey guys! Bit of advice, if you're getting shitted off with a member constantly harping on about something, use your "Foe" list. That way, you only see their posts if someone else quotes them.

It's **** brilliant. You won't see that particular member, and you'll be able to engage in the discussion without having them constantly shoving their opinion down your throat.

It's also the easiest option, after all, some people seem intent to shove their morally righteous opinions rather than shutting up and moving on. Why people continue to read stuff they know they don't like is beyond me ...

I agree. It's also good to avoid using, or reading potentially abusive language contained in posts, especially when such language could be better substituted with mature or ambiguous vocabulary instead.

It's also a good idea to refrain from stating that you've ignored them, as it defeats the purpose of ignoring them (if only Facebook were so easy in that way).

See, I posted what I did in an attempt to defuse situations that were driving this thread off-topic.

You, just drove it off-topic. Please butt out when staff are doing their jobs. Go read the rules, you'll see we don't like such things.

Cheers.

Burn wrote:

primalxconvoy wrote:

Burn wrote:Hey guys! Bit of advice, if you're getting shitted off with a member constantly harping on about something, use your "Foe" list. That way, you only see their posts if someone else quotes them.

It's **** brilliant. You won't see that particular member, and you'll be able to engage in the discussion without having them constantly shoving their opinion down your throat.

It's also the easiest option, after all, some people seem intent to shove their morally righteous opinions rather than shutting up and moving on. Why people continue to read stuff they know they don't like is beyond me ...

I agree. It's also good to avoid using, or reading potentially abusive language contained in posts, especially when such language could be better substituted with mature or ambiguous vocabulary instead.

It's also a good idea to refrain from stating that you've ignored them, as it defeats the purpose of ignoring them (if only Facebook were so easy in that way).

See, I posted what I did in an attempt to defuse situations that were driving this thread off-topic.

You, just drove it off-topic. Please butt out when staff are doing their jobs. Go read the rules, you'll see we don't like such things.

Cheers.

Burn, you wrote:

"... some people seem intent to shove their morally righteous opinions rather than shutting up and moving on..."

Whoever that was about, regardless if which side of any discussion that was in, seemed unhelpful and certainly not appropriate from a mod or admin. It might even be itself against the rules, right?

Simply stating that users have the option of ignoring others was enough. I expected more concise and neutral language from you, that's all, especially if your intent was to "defuse" rather than "incite" others (like myself).

However, I do appreciate your input about adding others to an ignore list. It's really a very useful tool. I should use it more.

If you wish to continue this discussion via PM, I'm more than happy to do so.

You're really determined to have the final say and drive things off-topic aren't you?

I'm sure you can guess how that's going to end. It was a note for folks, it wasn't up for discussion ...

Burn wrote:You're really determined to have the final say and drive things off-topic aren't you?

I'm sure you can guess how that's going to end. It was a note for folks, it wasn't up for discussion ...

Anyway, moving on from this, what do other people think about the Bumblebee comic? It doesn't seem to have anything "adult" in it, right? Why would that be? Is it the most recent/last of the current Legends wave? Perhaps it's a sign of things to come?

I wanted to thank Cyberpath and primalxconvoy for showing me where I could see the age on the boxes. I would not have guessed it at all, especially since I see different numbers on the takara boxes I do own with 0 consistency.

Which leads me to my next point. Ok, so yes, the toys with these comics have the "proper" age group but it still doesnt make a lick of sense.

All the movie toys have a 5+ age group and yet Unite Warriors has 15+ ?!?!?!?! Its clearly not about complexity. I am noticing that anything remotely backed by a current day media ends up being 5+ while anything that is inspired by older media to be 15+. Its not really linked to the toys in and of themselves but seems more like an attempt to show which age groups would appreciate the characters represented in the toys. Which I personally find is dumb. Like for instance, Skullcruncher is not too hard a toy to transform and just as was the case with at least 2 beast wars toys, a transforming crocodile can easily be appreciated by kids without needing to appear in a show they are currently watching.
And yet, while Hasbro has it at 8+, Takara puts the 15+ on their version which is really not all that different aside from the face. So its as if the marketting department feels this would only appeal to fans. Which doesnt help to give these toys to new generations for them to enjoy.

I am now rereading an interview with Hisashi Yuki with this in mind and yes, I can now definitely admit that there has been a change in direction since the Legends line began showing that anything based on G1 (Legends, Unite Warriors, MP and Encore) are targetted to collectors alone.

But still, its not to say that the takara toys in general are aimed at collectors, explaining the higher amount of paint, since we still have stuff like this:https://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/transformers-the-last-knight-takara-turbo-changers-coming-in-february-2018/40380/

It just means that anything G1 related will be marketted at collectors, regardless of the quality or paintjob or how different/similar it is to the Hasbro version. None of that is really related, the only thing that determines who they market the toys towards is based on the fiction it is representing.

Intersting, but still doesnt make much sense to me as a business perspective.

I would guess that, with the shrinking birth date, plus the lack of popularity of Transformers (compared to other brands in Japan, like Sentai Ranger, Masked Rider, Gundam, etc), plus perhaps rise in online shopping eating into toy shop costs, then Takara has taken these measures to counter these.

However, even if it's true, I don't believe most TF collectors are really interested in smut in their pack in comics. They buy the toys because of the toys. Sikomofo just has more leeway to draw infantile pictures because it's probably NOT being looked at by most people in Japan. Also, like I said, I think be there age given for the toys is only a suggestion, and not a legal system, such as "Ages 3+" used in the UK/US, etc.

What would be interesting is to see the actual legal age limit that these toys can be sold to.

ANYWAY...

So, White Lune is now the Targetmaster partner of Blurr, evil impostor Spike is still at large (and his true identity still unknown), the Plasma Energy Chamber is (or was) now a thing in Japanese continuity prior to Beast Machines, Nijika's headless body is a repurposing of the Hasbro Titans Return Windblade body, and the Minerva seen in Perceptor's comic is indeed the fully robotic Minerva Transtector who was granted a life of her own at the end of the Masterforce cartoon and whom would go on to become a colleague of Perceptor (and Wheeljack) in the Victory cartoon.