TakaraTomy Transformers Legends: LG-23 Galvatron and LG-21 Hardhead In Package

Odd how they parsed "Headmaster" as "Head Master".

Speaking for myself alone, I'd rather have the Hasbro Hardhead. My 1987 self never liked how cartoon Hardhead didn't have the "cool mouth plate" that my toy had.

Sabrblade wrote:Odd how they parsed "Headmaster" as "Head Master".

Also, Hardhead's TM is in head-mode while Galvatron's isn't. Perhaps because Nebulon (or whatever his name is) doesn't technically form the complete face?

I'm loving these in package samples. The production colors look great in "natural" lighting. Galvatron isn't as pale and Hardhead isn't as overly saturated as the stock photos had us believe. I was already committed to getting Takara's Hardhead for the cartoon accurate face sculpt, but now I'm certain I'll stick with Takara for Galvatron as well. The colors look great, and his "Head Master" has actual paint.

Randomus wrote:Speaking for myself alone, I'd rather have the Hasbro Hardhead. My 1987 self never liked how cartoon Hardhead didn't have the "cool mouth plate" that my toy had.

Same. He just looked more badass with the mouthplate toy look.

Now I miss when Hasbro toys were packaged in alt mode.

One of the pieces of news coming out of the Tokyo Toy Fest 2016, and a little overshadowed by the Masterpiece Cheetor reveal, concerns the Legends series and a potential godly addition. According to Twitter user tagoal, we might be seeing a heavy remold of the Leader Powermaster Prime, already a retool of Ultra Magnus. Machine translation of the tweets say the following:

Development in the Japan Edition ginrai!!

It something considerably different from the power master op ginrai?!

Redesign of the cab, ginrai, breast changes, changes, arms and legs are different and such?!

Which seem to suggest that chest, cab, arms and legs of the figure will be modified to get close to the big robot mode, including something happening to the Titanmaster feature to accommodate the Ginrai character. Are we to see the Godbomber directly? Let us know what you think in the Energon Pub!

Oh hell yes. I'm yet to watch Masterforce but I've heard that Ginrai is basically a toned down Kamina (which, considering how confusing his looking exactly like optimus is, makes "who the hell do you think I am?!" a legitimate question) so he's already in my good books. And hey, the transtector itself looked incredible

That's awesome news about Ginrai although depending on how different he is from PMOP, I might consider getting both, which wouldn't be too good for my wallet

Randomus wrote:

Sabrblade wrote:Odd how they parsed "Headmaster" as "Head Master".

Also, Hardhead's TM is in head-mode while Galvatron's isn't. Perhaps because Nebulon (or whatever his name is) doesn't technically form the complete face?

Yeah it could be that, but I thought it was to sell the look of this new titan master, which looks like Megatron. The head transformed as a robot is more recognizable than it just as a head.

That Bot wrote:Now I miss when Hasbro toys were packaged in alt mode.

I do too. The last time it happened was the AOE deluxe Dinobots, right?
Its odd, they've even been rereleasing many G1s in robot mode. I guess it's to differentiate themselves from other brands and it makes it easy for parent to tell that it is an action figure.

Randomus wrote:Speaking for myself alone, I'd rather have the Hasbro Hardhead. My 1987 self never liked how cartoon Hardhead didn't have the "cool mouth plate" that my toy had.

I preffer the grey on hasbro's hardhead over the brown on Takara's. Both are cool though, I am really impressed at how both companies took the same toy but modified it for it to resemble 2 different looks of the character: toy and show model. I really love when Hasbro and Takara offer different takes rather than both going for a similar look with one of them doing a better job at it.

Soon enough after reporting the rumour which really wasn't about Legends God Ginrai, we have some confirmation fuel from Takara Tomy designer and unofficial PR machine Hisashi Yuki over on Twitter. Fellow staff member Hellscream9999 notifies us of the Super Jinrai sketch, as part of the Legends series - Yuki seems to lament the non-MP choice, but also seems happy enough to ask for support for the line. Check it out below!

Hm, based on that artwork, it looks to still be Super Ginrai rather than God Ginrai. No visible Godbomber armor components.

Maybe put a Powermaster on the chest? More blocky G1 style truck cab?

You know, Takara, I'm getting really tired of buying more than one of these figures because of your awesome remolds and paint....

Sabrblade wrote:Hm, based on that artwork, it looks to still be Super Ginrai rather than God Ginrai. No visible Godbomber armor components.

Yup, and you know, how they wrote Super Ginrai on it

In that case, I might hold off on PMOP then. I think the cab looks okay, but I certainly would've taken the blockiness of the original. Ginrai, thy must deliver!

So Ginrai is getting heavy retooling from PMOP huh? Sounds like it could be Devastator all over again.

Delta Magnus wrote:So Ginrai is getting heavy retooling from PMOP huh? Sounds like it could be Devastator all over again.

Could be, but at least PMOP doesn't have omissions on the level of the Constructicon elbows (but I wouldn't be surprised if the leg modifications include ankle tilts).

Looking at the picture, it looks like the may have the arm panels hinge higher up so that they aren't underneath his hands. This could allow for wrist swivels, but would leave him without that grip he needs to hold his guns better.

The chest does look different too. At first I thought, "what's the point," since it's not like they still need to distinguish it from Ultra Magnus (they way Takara distinguished their Technobots from their earlier mold partners). Then I realized it: they're different characters (duh) ; giving them distinct chests gives us an excuse to get both to represent the two side-by-side.

Well played.

Randomus wrote:

Delta Magnus wrote:So Ginrai is getting heavy retooling from PMOP huh? Sounds like it could be Devastator all over again.

Could be, but at least PMOP doesn't have omissions on the level of the Constructicon elbows (but I wouldn't be surprised if the leg modifications include ankle tilts).

Looking at the picture, it looks like the may have the arm panels hinge higher up so that they aren't underneath his hands. This could allow for wrist swivels, but would leave him without that grip he needs to hold his guns better.

The chest does look different too. At first I thought, "what's the point," since it's not like they still need to distinguish it from Ultra Magnus (they way Takara distinguished their Technobots from their earlier mold partners). Then I realized it: they're different characters (duh) ; giving them distinct chests gives us an excuse to get both to represent the two side-by-side.

Well played.

Well PMOP has nasty hollow arms, no ankle tilts (as you mentioned) and no wrist swivels so hopefully they'll be on the agenda for upgrading.

Delta Magnus wrote:

Randomus wrote:

Delta Magnus wrote:So Ginrai is getting heavy retooling from PMOP huh? Sounds like it could be Devastator all over again.

Could be, but at least PMOP doesn't have omissions on the level of the Constructicon elbows (but I wouldn't be surprised if the leg modifications include ankle tilts).

Looking at the picture, it looks like the may have the arm panels hinge higher up so that they aren't underneath his hands. This could allow for wrist swivels, but would leave him without that grip he needs to hold his guns better.

The chest does look different too. At first I thought, "what's the point," since it's not like they still need to distinguish it from Ultra Magnus (they way Takara distinguished their Technobots from their earlier mold partners). Then I realized it: they're different characters (duh) ; giving them distinct chests gives us an excuse to get both to represent the two side-by-side.

Well played.

Well PMOP has nasty hollow arms, no ankle tilts (as you mentioned) and no wrist swivels so hopefully they'll be on the agenda for upgrading.

I don't know about the arms; they still look hollow in the sketch, and I can't recall any other instance where Takara went back and filled in forearms or thighs. Masterpiece aside, I think both companies are equally guilty of 3-sided limbs (which makes sense since the toys are designed jointly).

Somebody snuck in and got this.

...WOAH.

You had my curiosity, but now you have my attention.

Mindmaster wrote:Somebody snuck in and got this.

Well, okay, Delta, there you go. (In my defense, that's not how the inner forearms are shaped in the sketch.)

Looks like since they were redesigning the hands to swivel, they took the opportunity to make the roof panels a each separate piece and face the open side of the forearms into them. Higher parts count, but less paint.

>Cab looks better
>Arms no longer hollow
>Powermaster
>ANKLE TILTS

TAKARA WINS AGAIN

Mindmaster wrote:Somebody snuck in and got this.

Shiiiiiiiiiiirts. I feel like I should wait for this guy instead of PMOP..

The 2016 Tokyo Toy Show is in full force this weekend and we have some great Transformers Legends display images to show you from the TakaraTomy booth! The notables in this display are: LG-31 Fortress Maximus, LG-26 Scourge, LG-30 Weirdwolf, LG-25 Blurr, LG-24 Shockwave/Cancer, LG-23 Galvatron, LG-22 Skull(cruncher), LG-21 Hardhead, LG-28 Rewind/Nightbeat, and LG27 Broadcast (Blaster). The images below show them off in multiple modes, poses, and action and are slated to begin releasing next month. See the shots below and stay tuned to Seibertron.com: home for the best Galleries and Conversation around!

...aren't a few of those the Hasbro versions?

By now you have seen the sketch by TFYuki and thanks to a little sneaky photography we get an image of the toy from the presentation. This image was posted to Facebook by Fai Wong which show Super Ginrai with the remolding he was rumored to come with. Compare the leaked image below with an official image of Titans Return Powermaster Optimus Prime which you can also find below to spot the differences.



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Super Ginrai: I need you in my life. I adore masterforce and Ginrai and this is superb. They didn't need to do half of these upgrades but I guess with Ginrai you go all out or go home

Other pics: anyone else notice a distinct lack of fortress/cerebros figures?

Sigma Magnus wrote:...aren't a few of those the Hasbro versions?

It's definitely the Hasbro Fortress Maximus.

ZeroWolf wrote:Other pics: anyone else notice a distinct lack of fortress/cerebros figures?

Remember, the Hasbro Cerebros/Emissary figure uses the US cartoon head design with the mouthplate which does not match the toy at all. TakaraTomy must want to keep their retool a surprise.

I just can't wait to see Takara do a Legends Brave Maximus or a Grand Maximus.

I can't wait to see them do Metrotitan

I hope takaras dumped the headmaster gimmick for this.

Sorry to break it to you two but I don't think any of them are happening

Prowl4 wrote:I hope takaras dumped the headmaster gimmick for this.

They didn't...we've known that for awhile now...

Sigma Magnus wrote:

Prowl4 wrote:I hope takaras dumped the headmaster gimmick for this.

They didn't...we've known that for awhile now...

And what department of takaras do you work in?

Sigma Magnus wrote:

Prowl4 wrote:I hope takaras dumped the headmaster gimmick for this.

They didn't...we've known that for awhile now...

I think he means for super ginrai, it's possible that they redesigned the cab to allow a new ginrai figure to attach to it like the godmasters of old.

Prowl4 wrote:

Sigma Magnus wrote:

Prowl4 wrote:I hope takaras dumped the headmaster gimmick for this.

They didn't...we've known that for awhile now...

And what department of takaras do you work in?

...are we really doing this again? Look at the packaging pictures a few pages back. Very clearly some Headmasters. Hell, look at the display, there are little Headmasters everywhere!

ZeroWolf wrote:

Sigma Magnus wrote:

Prowl4 wrote:I hope takaras dumped the headmaster gimmick for this.

They didn't...we've known that for awhile now...

I think he means for super ginrai, it's possible that they redesigned the cab to allow a new ginrai figure to attach to it like the godmasters of old.

Prowl4, if that's the case, please be more specific...

ZeroWolf wrote:Sorry to break it to you two but I don't think any of them are happening

I know sarcasm when I read it.

I think since they are going as far as they are with this retool, I'd say it's certainly a possibility they're making Ginrai a Powermaster instead of a Headmaster. That said, that's just pure speculation as we have nothing to prove either way; it's just a possibility - but one I feel is likely due to how far they are shown to be going with the retool.

Hell, this can be backed up by the fact that so far, we have not been shown any Takara takes on TR figures that were target/powermasters turned into headmasters.
"But wait, most beautiful supreme goddess Kurona!" I hear you cry, if greatly paraphrased and peppered with compliments in my head. "They've shown Scourge and Blurr who are still headmasters and not targetmasters!"
This is true. However... Blurr, Hot Rod, Kup, Cyclonus and Scourge were only rereleased and retooled as Targetmasters in 1987 by Hasbro. In Japan, they were not. So from the perspective of Takara, this is not changing Targetmasters into Headmasters - just changing characters with no notable gimmicks originally into Headmasters, like Galvatron and Astrotrain.

Therefore, the possibility remains open that Triggerhappy and all the rest could be given their Targetmaster status and such back with the Headmaster gimmick omitted. At the very least, it remains very possible for Ginrai - especially given the extent of his retool and given we had comments on the smaller Ginrai figure apparently being altered.


... Typing something that long on a phone is bloody exhausting send help im dying

Prowl4 wrote:

Sigma Magnus wrote:

Prowl4 wrote:I hope takaras dumped the headmaster gimmick for this.

They didn't...we've known that for awhile now...

And what department of takaras do you work in?

Dear Primus, you are not seriously starting this again

There are clearly headmasters on the figures you want 'remolded', the figures show off the headmaster gimmick on the display, and Yuki's facebook page, among other places; time to cut the trolling, and accept things the way they are

Kurona wrote:I think since they are going as far as they are with this retool, I'd say it's certainly a possibility they're making Ginrai a Powermaster instead of a Headmaster. That said, that's just pure speculation as we have nothing to prove either way; it's just a possibility - but one I feel is likely due to how far they are shown to be going with the retool.

Hell, this can be backed up by the fact that so far, we have not been shown any Takara takes on TR figures that were target/powermasters turned into headmasters.
"But wait, most beautiful supreme goddess Kurona!" I hear you cry, if greatly paraphrased and peppered with compliments in my head. "They've shown Scourge and Blurr who are still headmasters and not targetmasters!"
This is true. However... Blurr, Hot Rod, Kup, Cyclonus and Scourge were only rereleased and retooled as Targetmasters in 1987 by Hasbro. In Japan, they were not. So from the perspective of Takara, this is not changing Targetmasters into Headmasters - just changing characters with no notable gimmicks originally into Headmasters, like Galvatron and Astrotrain.

Therefore, the possibility remains open that Triggerhappy and all the rest could be given their Targetmaster status and such back with the Headmaster gimmick omitted. At the very least, it remains very possible for Ginrai - especially given the extent of his retool and given we had comments on the smaller Ginrai figure apparently being altered.


... Typing something that long on a phone is bloody exhausting send help im dying

Well, they're in luck, they should have several targetmaster molds available to them to use (gen cyclonus, Gen scoop's pair, and mp rodimus - if I'm not mistaken) plus it really shouldn't be too difficult to whip up a new mold

Hellscream9999 wrote:

Kurona wrote:I think since they are going as far as they are with this retool, I'd say it's certainly a possibility they're making Ginrai a Powermaster instead of a Headmaster. That said, that's just pure speculation as we have nothing to prove either way; it's just a possibility - but one I feel is likely due to how far they are shown to be going with the retool.

Hell, this can be backed up by the fact that so far, we have not been shown any Takara takes on TR figures that were target/powermasters turned into headmasters.
"But wait, most beautiful supreme goddess Kurona!" I hear you cry, if greatly paraphrased and peppered with compliments in my head. "They've shown Scourge and Blurr who are still headmasters and not targetmasters!"
This is true. However... Blurr, Hot Rod, Kup, Cyclonus and Scourge were only rereleased and retooled as Targetmasters in 1987 by Hasbro. In Japan, they were not. So from the perspective of Takara, this is not changing Targetmasters into Headmasters - just changing characters with no notable gimmicks originally into Headmasters, like Galvatron and Astrotrain.

Therefore, the possibility remains open that Triggerhappy and all the rest could be given their Targetmaster status and such back with the Headmaster gimmick omitted. At the very least, it remains very possible for Ginrai - especially given the extent of his retool and given we had comments on the smaller Ginrai figure apparently being altered.


... Typing something that long on a phone is bloody exhausting send help im dying

Well, they're in luck, they should have several targetmaster molds available to them to use (gen cyclonus, Gen scoop's pair, and mp rodimus - if I'm not mistaken) plus it really shouldn't be too difficult to whip up a new mold

Plus, while including a new mold might be too much for Hasbro due to them needing to keep to an exact price range (they are limited to making only as much for a deluxe as can be justified for $17 or whatever for instance) - Japan's market is a lot more free with no such standard price points, hence if making a new figure for the toy means increasing the price a little, that's fine. That's how they wete able to get away with arms micron Breakdown and how they're able to package titan master vehicles with hardhead, weirdwolf etc just fine.

Interesting, I wasn't aware of their freeform pricing. I'd had just assumed they were like hasbro and priced all the same size together. This makes a lot of sense now as to why they didn't mind the extra tooling on devy.

Thanks kurona You've taught me something quite interesting!

ZeroWolf wrote:Interesting, I wasn't aware of their freeform pricing. I'd had just assumed they were like hasbro and priced all the same size together. This makes a lot of sense now as to why they didn't mind the extra tooling on devy.

Thanks kurona You've taught me something quite interesting!

Very welcome!
Admittedly I don't know why the markets are so different, just that they are... the reason AM Breakdown remains import-exclusive ;-;

Kurona wrote:

ZeroWolf wrote:Interesting, I wasn't aware of their freeform pricing. I'd had just assumed they were like hasbro and priced all the same size together. This makes a lot of sense now as to why they didn't mind the extra tooling on devy.

Thanks kurona You've taught me something quite interesting!

Very welcome!
Admittedly I don't know why the markets are so different, just that they are... the reason AM Breakdown remains import-exclusive ;-;

Well, that way, they never have to skimp on quality or vision to meet a set of constraints, they price the object at what it's worth, and their customers respect it knowing this. But, at the same time, it also creates loose ends, say they bump up pmop (for instance) to be more expensive, but people don't buy it, they lose money, whereas the Hasbro model probably allows for this through various outs, such as staggered case selections (for instance 2 bumblebee's and prime's for 1 quillfire and thunderhoof)

Hellscream9999 wrote:

Kurona wrote:

ZeroWolf wrote:Interesting, I wasn't aware of their freeform pricing. I'd had just assumed they were like hasbro and priced all the same size together. This makes a lot of sense now as to why they didn't mind the extra tooling on devy.

Thanks kurona You've taught me something quite interesting!

Very welcome!
Admittedly I don't know why the markets are so different, just that they are... the reason AM Breakdown remains import-exclusive ;-;

Well, that way, they never have to skimp on quality or vision to meet a set of constraints, they price the object at what it's worth, and their customers respect it knowing this. But, at the same time, it also creates loose ends, say they bump up pmop (for instance) to be more expensive, but people don't buy it, they lose money, whereas the Hasbro model probably allows for this through various outs, such as staggered case selections (for instance 2 bumblebee's and prime's for 1 quillfire and thunderhoof)

Oh yeah, there's definetely pros and cons for each system. Even for the consumer, at least with Hasbro you have consistency - when you buy Weirdwolf, short of scalping or some shops having idiotic pricing you at least know every deluxe will cost the same so you can plan ahead with your money a bit easier. With Takara, it's a little trickier.
And even if you do know every price in advance, it's much easier to remember "titan master 5, legend 10, deluxe 17, voyager 23, leader 45, titan 150" than individual prices for every single figure.
Okay, that is admittedly a bit of a small factor when at the end of the day Takara's system - at least in theory - would assure a more quality package, but even so. Consistency and memory go hand in hand. ... Says the one who failed college psychology

Nah!!!!!!!!!! Too expensive! I'll stick to my Hasbro not Ginrai version. More bang for the buck!