A leaked retail sell sheet shows Titans Return Fortress Maximus as a double Headmaster at $179.99, with a February 19, 2016 date. John, Matt and Don dig into the leak and the fact the sheet still says “Titan Wars.” Brian drops in to say the toy looks 100% new next to Metroplex. The crew then weighs the price, likely repaints, Devastator’s future and who the next Titan might be.
The Fortress Maximus Sell Sheet Leak
John describes the image as a retail buyer sheet that surfaced overnight from Asia. It lists a Titan Wars Fortress Maximus with an exclusive sword and an exclusive Titan Master. It also lists a deluxe-size Cerebros, a G1 deco, an SRP of $179.99 and a 2/19/2016 date. John shrugs off the Titan Wars name as branding still in flux. [Source: not found]
Spoiler Warnings and First Impressions
Matt says it would have been a great Toy Fair reveal. He wishes news sites had put it behind a spoiler warning. Don wondered at first if it was another mock-up like last week’s Abominus image, but it looks official.
Double Headmaster and a New Mold
John initially sees Metroplex’s arms and thighs. Matt thinks the figure looks mostly new and better proportioned for the character. Don is glad the double Headmaster gimmick survived and wonders who the small Headmaster will be in the fiction. Brian drops in and says the toy looks 100% new, arms included, next to Metroplex photos on TFU.info.
Is $200 the Right Price?
John rounds the cost to about $200 after tax. Matt is willing to pay it for the size and parts count. Don is in, noting retail price and timing could shift. John notes a February date lands near Toy Fair and before the convention season.
Repaints and Exclusives
Matt, still upset there was no Metro Titan, predicts a chrome San Diego Comic-Con redeco. Don suggests a G1-accurate version with his classic weapons, or a Shattered Glass Fortress Maximus in Scorponok colors. Matt notes Devastator got the same minimal treatment.
What Happens to Devastator Now?
Matt still expects one more Devastator, likely yellow. Don expects a G2 repaint as an exclusive and pitches it as a Collectors’ Club subscription combiner. Matt doubts the economics work for the club. John suspects Titans are simply hard to repaint and release.
The Next Titan
Matt hopes for Scorponok to close out the line. Don thinks a Metro Titan from the Metroplex mold is the cheaper answer. Matt counters that Titans Return focuses on Masters, which points to Scorponok. John could see a modernized Headmaster Scorponok.
Combaticons in the Pile of Loot
John’s Combiner Wars Combaticon Deluxes are shipping from Big Bad Toy Store. Matt is waiting for Onslaught, and Don is holding his order for the Voyagers. Don says a Takara shuttle-mode Blast Off would make him double dip as a Bruticus fan. They count about one and a half new molds in the set.
Contributors: John, Matt, Don, Brian
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