Video Review and Comparison of Transformers Toys R Us Exclusive Studio Series 09 Thundercracker - Updated

<3 the way the pinstriping on the wings play out in bot mode. Also whoever had mentioned Thundercrackers head looking like BW Inferno.... that was right on the money. (now I want to see him done up in a nice cherry red with clearcoat).

Does make me wish we also go thim in Purple with a shockwave head, or if they'd done Skyquake

gods thats hideious.

what a difference a head makes !

its a pity titans returns never did a starscream head. then you could swap it out.

partholon wrote:gods thats hideious.

what a difference a head makes !

Well, all the Movie have alien/monster heads. ¯\_ツ_/¯

I personally find that TC awesome and I may break my own rule and buy it right away at full price when it come out in store. For my SEALED Thundercracker collection.

partholon wrote:gods thats hideious.

what a difference a head makes !

its a pity titans returns never did a starscream head. then you could swap it out.

Titans Return didn't, but Takara' Legends did:

-

partholon wrote:gods thats hideious.

what a difference a head makes !

its a pity titans returns never did a starscream head. then you could swap it out.

The sculpt exists, it was used By Takara Tomy for Ghost Starscream.



Whether or not the sculpt was made just for this release like some of their other 2-pack Headmasters is unknown, but it does use the Nightbeat body. And more importantly the mold exists now so there's always a possibility Hasbro could use it in the future.

Emerje

While Titan Master compatible. I can't really say the *regular* heads really match the level of detail/asthetic that the movie line brings. Now if it came with a repainted/tooled cogman... that'd have been interesting.

Given the vtols I *am* surprised they didn't release him as a *new* movie Thrust (the repaint/tool of.... slingshot (?) )

SpikeyTigertron wrote:While Titan Master compatible. I can't really say the *regular* heads really match the level of detail/asthetic that the movie line brings. Now if it came with a repainted/tooled cogman... that'd have been interesting.

Given the vtols I *am* surprised they didn't release him as a *new* movie Thrust (the repaint/tool of.... slingshot (?) )

I disagree. Nitro Zeus especially looks fine in any CHUG collection, whereas Cogman's body is a suitable host for Spike/Galen/Fortress.



I'm fact, with a slightly retooled chest and recolouring, it would make a great Nightbeat body, IMO.

SpikeyTigertron wrote:While Titan Master compatible. I can't really say the *regular* heads really match the level of detail/asthetic that the movie line brings. Now if it came with a repainted/tooled cogman... that'd have been interesting.

Repainted/-tooled into?
A more classic Thundercracker head?
Why Cogman in particular?

SpikeyTigertron wrote:Given the vtols I *am* surprised they didn't release him as a *new* movie Thrust (the repaint/tool of.... slingshot (?) )

Not yet.

Lunatic Prime wrote:

SpikeyTigertron wrote:While Titan Master compatible. I can't really say the *regular* heads really match the level of detail/asthetic that the movie line brings. Now if it came with a repainted/tooled cogman... that'd have been interesting.

Repainted/-tooled into?
A more classic Thundercracker head?
Why Cogman in particular?

SpikeyTigertron wrote:Given the vtols I *am* surprised they didn't release him as a *new* movie Thrust (the repaint/tool of.... slingshot (?) )

Not yet.

Because Cogman was meant to take Nitro's body when he lost his head in a deleted scene from the film. That's why Nitro has got a removable head (which doesn't transform) and Cogman is a Headmaster (because he was meant to Transform into a head for Nitro in the film).

primalxconvoy wrote:

Lunatic Prime wrote:

SpikeyTigertron wrote:While Titan Master compatible. I can't really say the *regular* heads really match the level of detail/asthetic that the movie line brings. Now if it came with a repainted/tooled cogman... that'd have been interesting.

Repainted/-tooled into?
A more classic Thundercracker head?
Why Cogman in particular?

SpikeyTigertron wrote:Given the vtols I *am* surprised they didn't release him as a *new* movie Thrust (the repaint/tool of.... slingshot (?) )

Not yet.

Because Cogman was meant to take Nitro's body when he lost his head in a deleted scene from the film. That's why Nitro has got a removable head (which doesn't transform) and Cogman is a Headmaster (because he was meant to Transform into a head for Nitro in the film).

I know that but he's talking about Thundercracker. So why should Thundercracker come with a recolored or retooled head of Cogman in particular?

primalxconvoy wrote:

SpikeyTigertron wrote:While Titan Master compatible. I can't really say the *regular* heads really match the level of detail/asthetic that the movie line brings. Now if it came with a repainted/tooled cogman... that'd have been interesting.

Given the vtols I *am* surprised they didn't release him as a *new* movie Thrust (the repaint/tool of.... slingshot (?) )

I disagree. Nitro Zeus especially looks fine in any CHUG collection, whereas Cogman's body is a suitable host for Spike/Galen/Fortress.

IMG_20180214_203250~01.jpg

I'm fact, with a slightly retooled chest and recolouring, it would make a great Nightbeat body, IMO.

I'll admit that Spike on Cogman looks pretty darn good. Though he looks most at home on Fort Max's head.

Lunatic Prime wrote:

primalxconvoy wrote:

Lunatic Prime wrote:

SpikeyTigertron wrote:While Titan Master compatible. I can't really say the *regular* heads really match the level of detail/asthetic that the movie line brings. Now if it came with a repainted/tooled cogman... that'd have been interesting.

Repainted/-tooled into?
A more classic Thundercracker head?
Why Cogman in particular?

SpikeyTigertron wrote:Given the vtols I *am* surprised they didn't release him as a *new* movie Thrust (the repaint/tool of.... slingshot (?) )

Not yet.

Because Cogman was meant to take Nitro's body when he lost his head in a deleted scene from the film. That's why Nitro has got a removable head (which doesn't transform) and Cogman is a Headmaster (because he was meant to Transform into a head for Nitro in the film).

I know that but he's talking about Thundercracker. So why should Thundercracker come with a recolored or retooled head of Cogman in particular?

I think they meant if they released Nitro again, instead of Thundercracker, and with a newly retooled Cogman.

SpikeyTigertron wrote:

primalxconvoy wrote:

SpikeyTigertron wrote:While Titan Master compatible. I can't really say the *regular* heads really match the level of detail/asthetic that the movie line brings. Now if it came with a repainted/tooled cogman... that'd have been interesting.

Given the vtols I *am* surprised they didn't release him as a *new* movie Thrust (the repaint/tool of.... slingshot (?) )

I disagree. Nitro Zeus especially looks fine in any CHUG collection, whereas Cogman's body is a suitable host for Spike/Galen/Fortress.

IMG_20180214_203250~01.jpg

I'm fact, with a slightly retooled chest and recolouring, it would make a great Nightbeat body, IMO.

I'll admit that Spike on Cogman looks pretty darn good. Though he looks most at home on Fort Max's head.

You mean Cerebros?

Lunatic Prime wrote:

primalxconvoy wrote:

Lunatic Prime wrote:

SpikeyTigertron wrote:While Titan Master compatible. I can't really say the *regular* heads really match the level of detail/asthetic that the movie line brings. Now if it came with a repainted/tooled cogman... that'd have been interesting.

Repainted/-tooled into?
A more classic Thundercracker head?
Why Cogman in particular?

SpikeyTigertron wrote:Given the vtols I *am* surprised they didn't release him as a *new* movie Thrust (the repaint/tool of.... slingshot (?) )

Not yet.

Because Cogman was meant to take Nitro's body when he lost his head in a deleted scene from the film. That's why Nitro has got a removable head (which doesn't transform) and Cogman is a Headmaster (because he was meant to Transform into a head for Nitro in the film).

I know that but he's talking about Thundercracker. So why should Thundercracker come with a recolored or retooled head of Cogman in particular?

I'd Counter, why does he currently have BW Inferno's face on himself? I just think it would have been nice to have a head/titan master. and *if* they wanted to keep the "movie look" well cogman would have *the* option

primalxconvoy wrote:

SpikeyTigertron wrote:

primalxconvoy wrote:

SpikeyTigertron wrote:While Titan Master compatible. I can't really say the *regular* heads really match the level of detail/asthetic that the movie line brings. Now if it came with a repainted/tooled cogman... that'd have been interesting.

Given the vtols I *am* surprised they didn't release him as a *new* movie Thrust (the repaint/tool of.... slingshot (?) )

I disagree. Nitro Zeus especially looks fine in any CHUG collection, whereas Cogman's body is a suitable host for Spike/Galen/Fortress.

IMG_20180214_203250~01.jpg

I'm fact, with a slightly retooled chest and recolouring, it would make a great Nightbeat body, IMO.

I'll admit that Spike on Cogman looks pretty darn good. Though he looks most at home on Fort Max's head.

You mean Cerebros?

yeah. though wasn't the Brave Max pretender shell based off the same design?

But yeah, mostly I just don't understand we got Thundercracker. Unless TRU decided "we want thundercracker" when Hasbro said, "who want's a seeker-esque exclusive" had TRU went, "if you make it BLUE to match our previous exclusive MP release".

SpikeyTigertron wrote:

primalxconvoy wrote:

SpikeyTigertron wrote:

primalxconvoy wrote:

SpikeyTigertron wrote:While Titan Master compatible. I can't really say the *regular* heads really match the level of detail/asthetic that the movie line brings. Now if it came with a repainted/tooled cogman... that'd have been interesting.

Given the vtols I *am* surprised they didn't release him as a *new* movie Thrust (the repaint/tool of.... slingshot (?) )

I disagree. Nitro Zeus especially looks fine in any CHUG collection, whereas Cogman's body is a suitable host for Spike/Galen/Fortress.

IMG_20180214_203250~01.jpg

I'm fact, with a slightly retooled chest and recolouring, it would make a great Nightbeat body, IMO.

I'll admit that Spike on Cogman looks pretty darn good. Though he looks most at home on Fort Max's head.

You mean Cerebros?

yeah. though wasn't the Brave Max pretender shell based off the same design?

I'm sorry? What's the pretender shell got to do with this discussion?

SpikeyTigertron wrote:

Lunatic Prime wrote:

primalxconvoy wrote:

Lunatic Prime wrote:

SpikeyTigertron wrote:While Titan Master compatible. I can't really say the *regular* heads really match the level of detail/asthetic that the movie line brings. Now if it came with a repainted/tooled cogman... that'd have been interesting.

Repainted/-tooled into?
A more classic Thundercracker head?
Why Cogman in particular?

SpikeyTigertron wrote:Given the vtols I *am* surprised they didn't release him as a *new* movie Thrust (the repaint/tool of.... slingshot (?) )

Not yet.

Because Cogman was meant to take Nitro's body when he lost his head in a deleted scene from the film. That's why Nitro has got a removable head (which doesn't transform) and Cogman is a Headmaster (because he was meant to Transform into a head for Nitro in the film).

I know that but he's talking about Thundercracker. So why should Thundercracker come with a recolored or retooled head of Cogman in particular?

I'd Counter, why does he currently have BW Inferno's face on himself? I just think it would have been nice to have a head/titan master. and *if* they wanted to keep the "movie look" well cogman would have *the* option

Why would Cogman be with a BLUE repaint? That doesn't make any sense.

SpikeyTigertron wrote:

Lunatic Prime wrote:So why should Thundercracker come with a recolored or retooled head of Cogman in particular?

I'd Counter, why does he currently have BW Inferno's face on himself?

His head is kind of a mixture of the ones below.
The beak design of his forehead reminds me of (movie) Starscream and Airazor and there's kinda an antennae design, too, which reminds me of Waspinator.
The eyes also remind me of Waspinator's and now that you say it I get an Inferno vibe from him, too.
Edit: And the way his head widens on the bottom is also Starscream's design.

Also, bit of Alternity Starscream.

All I'm seeing is just a stylized version Movie Starscream's already-insectoid/beaked head.

Besides, why would the current design team headed by people who don't care for Beast Wars design a headsculpt with Beast Wars influences?

I still don't understand why they are wasting a Studio Series slot with this crappy (sorry, my opinion) repaint of a crappy (again, just my humble opinion) TLK figure?

I thought the point of this line was to be all new molds?

Ironhidensh wrote:I still don't understand why they are wasting a Studio Series slot with this crappy (sorry, my opinion) repaint of a crappy (again, just my humble opinion) TLK figure?

I thought the point of this line was to be all new molds?

Since it's a store exclusive, can we really consider this figure to take up a slot in the main line, instead of it being an on-the-side thing?

Ironhidensh wrote:I still don't understand why they are wasting a Studio Series slot with this crappy (sorry, my opinion) repaint of a crappy (again, just my humble opinion) TLK figure?

I thought the point of this line was to be all new molds?

>Nitro
>A crappy figure

Well, there's always must be that one guy, right? ¯\_◔ ε ◔_/¯

Ironhidensh wrote:I still don't understand why they are wasting a Studio Series slot with this crappy (sorry, my opinion) repaint of a crappy (again, just my humble opinion) TLK figure?

Many people really like the mold and it seems to be that many also like the new deco and head mold (including myself).

Ironhidensh wrote:I thought the point of this line was to be all new molds?

Technically it is, but you know . . . MOOONEEEY

Sabrblade wrote:Since it's a store exclusive, can we really consider this figure to take up a slot in the main line, instead of it being an on-the-side thing?

They are numbered and TC got number 09. So yes.

Ironhidensh wrote:I still don't understand why they are wasting a Studio Series slot with this crappy (sorry, my opinion) repaint of a crappy (again, just my humble opinion) TLK figure?

I thought the point of this line was to be all new molds?

But the wave 1 deluxes aren't even all new moulds, and the voyager star scream is just an upscale.

seeing it side by side with movie starscream I can see some of resemblance. Sort of like Movie 1 Barricade actually had more eyes than I remember. As far as the "why would they pull from other sources in a 'movie' line" who's to say they didn't originally? I personally never understood why/where they pull the original concept for the "monsters = decepticons" from. Plus insectoids lead to easy comparisons with the insect based Beast Wars figures.

As far as why I keep jumping to other characters, versus ITS THUNDERCRACKER!!!1! is because I *really* think that if they were "going to pull a character out of their ass" or use a "side cannon" character better options were on the table. I was only pushing forward 'maybe it's thundercracker because TRU has pulled that exclusive before'. Whether that was just the way Hasbro *always* marketed it, or if the store got to influence it... I wouldn't know. I find it interesting besides the specific target logo'd wrecker (based on that real NASCAR) that Walmart got the *other* wrecks exclusively.

william-james88 wrote:

Ironhidensh wrote:I still don't understand why they are wasting a Studio Series slot with this crappy (sorry, my opinion) repaint of a crappy (again, just my humble opinion) TLK figure?

I thought the point of this line was to be all new molds?

But the wave 1 deluxes aren't even all new moulds, and the voyager star scream is just an upscale.

I'm not convinced the Jazz mold is new, unless it's "re-engineered" using the base figure.

I'm also not sure why Has/Tak felt the need to "reinvent the wheel" with Lockdown either.

SpikeyTigertron wrote:I'm also not sure why Has/Tak felt the need to "reinvent the wheel" with Lockdown either.

They didn't, studio series lockdown uses the exact same transformation as the last night cog man.

Ironhidensh wrote:I still don't understand why they are wasting a Studio Series slot with this crappy (sorry, my opinion) repaint of a crappy (again, just my humble opinion) TLK figure?

I thought the point of this line was to be all new molds?

Not to get into a fight about Nitro, but (if you have it in hand) what do you not like about it? I think some of have mentioned the "chunky" under carriage. but that's pretty much part and parcel of all jet-formers. I do think Thundercracker's colors help the robot junk blend in a LOT better.

One thing I'm not sure a lot of reviews have pointed it, is how dynamic the Nitro mold is. The rear wings/thrusters have a LOT of tilt/angle to them which really adds to dynamic mid-flight or dashing shots. Sure waist swivel would have been cool, but they couldn't have done the (actually rather interesting) arm transformation with it.

If I had one qualm with the design, it's that I wish his tail fin split down the middle or otherwise "laid down" better.

william-james88 wrote:

SpikeyTigertron wrote:I'm also not sure why Has/Tak felt the need to "reinvent the wheel" with Lockdown either.

They didn't, studio series lockdown uses the exact same transformation as the last night cog man.

oh?! I didn't know that. was it confirmed if his face shield folds down (or has a separate headmaster)?

I'll be damned...

Sabrblade wrote:Besides, why would the current design team headed by people who don't care for Beast Wars design a headsculpt with Beast Wars influences?

Is that design team responsible for all toylines or just Generations?

SpikeyTigertron wrote:As far as the "why would they pull from other sources in a 'movie' line" who's to say they didn't originally? I personally never understood why/where they pull the original concept for the "monsters = decepticons" from. Plus insectoids lead to easy comparisons with the insect based Beast Wars figures.

I guess they wanted them to look as evil as possible and insectoid designs always look evil and alien. And it's to better distinguish Autobots from Decepticons. They did the same thing with the Arms Microns and R.i.D. lines. Only difference there is that the whole robot modes are different instead of just the heads.

SpikeyTigertron wrote:

william-james88 wrote:

SpikeyTigertron wrote:I'm also not sure why Has/Tak felt the need to "reinvent the wheel" with Lockdown either.

They didn't, studio series lockdown uses the exact same transformation as the last night cog man.

oh?! I didn't know that. was it confirmed if his face shield folds down (or has a separate headmaster)?

I don't think he has the Titan/Headmaster gimmick.

Lunatic Prime wrote: I guess they wanted them to look as evil as possible and insectoid designs always look evil and alien. And it's to better distinguish Autobots from Decepticons. They did the same thing with the Arms Microns and R.i.D. lines. Only difference there is that the whole robot modes are different instead of just the heads.

good point. I am a bit disappointed that they had a shot (maybe still do?) to give us the Shockwave we deserved. I think in general I was surprised how "slimey" the deceptions were in the movies. From the larval protoforms through the little nano-critters.

I'm also surprised that we didn't get sideswipe or (*sigh*) the twins. Think they'll add more to the roster, or have we "seen it all"?

this might sound crazy, and maybe it's just the clear cockpit/canopy.... but does Leader Blackout share designs/parts with Reveal the shield lugnut?!

SpikeyTigertron wrote:I'm also surprised that we didn't get sideswipe or (*sigh*) the twins. Think they'll add more to the roster, or have we "seen it all"?

I gues we haven't "seen it all". We haven't even seen two full waves. There are still missing two Deluxes and the Leader(s) from wave 02.

SpikeyTigertron wrote:this might sound crazy, and maybe it's just the clear cockpit/canopy.... but does Leader Blackout share designs/parts with Reveal the shield lugnut?!

I don't think so. The cockpit doesn't split and move apart. Just the middle part "disappears.

Lunatic Prime wrote:

Sabrblade wrote:Besides, why would the current design team headed by people who don't care for Beast Wars design a headsculpt with Beast Wars influences?

Is that design team responsible for all toylines or just Generations?

They handle Generations and the Movie line.

Lockdown isn't a retool of anyone this is like the stupid g2 Smokescreen to Energon Starscream or Dotm Roadbuster to Aoe Lockdown.

Just similar engineering

Thundercracker post updated with more images from Diatron!

https://www.seibertron.com/transformers ... ted/40866/

Has anyone seen where Thundercracker is popping up? I've only ever seen one e-bay listing and my local TRU couldn't even find him in the system yet, let alone any other studio series figures. Really hoping this isn't another hot-rod and cogman hunt....

Lunatic Prime wrote:

Sabrblade wrote:Besides, why would the current design team headed by people who don't care for Beast Wars design a headsculpt with Beast Wars influences?

Is that design team responsible for all toylines or just Generations?

All of the main Transformers toylines. Generations, movie lines, cartoon lines, etc.

Better snap this guy up quick, he's gonna be super rare (and expensive) if Toys R' Us does croak it.

Lunatic Prime wrote:

Sabrblade wrote:Besides, why would the current design team headed by people who don't care for Beast Wars design a headsculpt with Beast Wars influences?

Is that design team responsible for all toylines or just Generations?

william-james88 wrote:They handle Generations and the Movie line.

Sabrblade wrote:All of the main Transformers toylines. Generations, movie lines, cartoon lines, etc.

So who's right now?

Lunatic Prime wrote:

Lunatic Prime wrote:

Sabrblade wrote:Besides, why would the current design team headed by people who don't care for Beast Wars design a headsculpt with Beast Wars influences?

Is that design team responsible for all toylines or just Generations?

william-james88 wrote:They handle Generations and the Movie line.

Sabrblade wrote:All of the main Transformers toylines. Generations, movie lines, cartoon lines, etc.

So who's right now?

...Will and I both said the same thing.

Sabrblade wrote:

Lunatic Prime wrote:

Lunatic Prime wrote:

Sabrblade wrote:Besides, why would the current design team headed by people who don't care for Beast Wars design a headsculpt with Beast Wars influences?

Is that design team responsible for all toylines or just Generations?

william-james88 wrote:They handle Generations and the Movie line.

Sabrblade wrote:All of the main Transformers toylines. Generations, movie lines, cartoon lines, etc.

So who's right now?

...Will and I both said the same thing.

I think a better question is which team designs which class of toys? The Generations-style and Warrior Class, the One-Step, the "Big Toy", etc.

Sabrblade wrote:

Lunatic Prime wrote:

Lunatic Prime wrote:

Sabrblade wrote:Besides, why would the current design team headed by people who don't care for Beast Wars design a headsculpt with Beast Wars influences?

Is that design team responsible for all toylines or just Generations?

william-james88 wrote:They handle Generations and the Movie line.

Sabrblade wrote:All of the main Transformers toylines. Generations, movie lines, cartoon lines, etc.

So who's right now?

...Will and I both said the same thing.

No, you added the cartoon line and etc.. I colored that on purpose. Because to me it's interesting to know for which lines they are responsible.

Lunatic Prime wrote:

Sabrblade wrote:

Lunatic Prime wrote:

Lunatic Prime wrote:

Sabrblade wrote:Besides, why would the current design team headed by people who don't care for Beast Wars design a headsculpt with Beast Wars influences?

Is that design team responsible for all toylines or just Generations?

william-james88 wrote:They handle Generations and the Movie line.

Sabrblade wrote:All of the main Transformers toylines. Generations, movie lines, cartoon lines, etc.

So who's right now?

...Will and I both said the same thing.

No, you added the cartoon line and etc.. I colored that on purpose. Because to me it's interesting to know for which lines they are responsible.

John Warden and his team head the whole Transformers brand. That's the team I was originally referring to.

Sabrblade wrote:

Lunatic Prime wrote:

Sabrblade wrote:

Lunatic Prime wrote:

Lunatic Prime wrote:

Sabrblade wrote:Besides, why would the current design team headed by people who don't care for Beast Wars design a headsculpt with Beast Wars influences?

Is that design team responsible for all toylines or just Generations?

william-james88 wrote:They handle Generations and the Movie line.

Sabrblade wrote:All of the main Transformers toylines. Generations, movie lines, cartoon lines, etc.

So who's right now?

...Will and I both said the same thing.

No, you added the cartoon line and etc.. I colored that on purpose. Because to me it's interesting to know for which lines they are responsible.

John Warden and his team head the whole Transformers brand. That's the team I was originally referring to.

Thanks, that's what I wanted to know.
But it's really a pity that they don't give BEAST WARS any love. I wonder why the R.I.D. line got so many beast modes then.