Super7 brings its Ultimates line to Transformers, and Optimus Prime comes with a basketball. Bonzaitron and Bombshell are based directly on their Action Master toys. Generations Selects Deep Cover becomes official, with Hasbro Pulse calling it the first of two versions. The Rainmakers set returns through fan channels, and Studio Series 86 Jazz slips at Amazon. In hauls, the Galactic Odyssey Barricade and Counterpunch set arrives, and Diecast shows off X-Transbots’ talking Quintesson.

News

RFC News Desk 129 – Finally, a Basketball

Super7 revealed Transformers Ultimates: Optimus Prime, Starscream, Bonzaitron and Bombshell. Chris notes Bonzaitron and Bombshell are based on the Action Master toys, while Optimus and Starscream are cartoon-inspired. Optimus comes with a rocket pack, axe, Matrix, Spike, a surfboard and the basketball. Brian predicts the basketball will be cut and vows to complain all the way to Super7’s CEO. Don dislikes the look, and one host spots a movie-style Autobot logo on Optimus. Super7 says final figures will have more articulation than the prototypes. Preorders run through February only. [Source: TFRadio]

The crew debates why Hasbro would license a line that sits so close to its own R.E.D. figures. Chris says Hasbro now treats Transformers as an IP brand rather than a toy line. Another host argues the two lines target different buyers and stores.

RFC News Desk 130 – Generations Selects Deep Cover Officially Exists Now! …Twice?

Hasbro Pulse listed Generations Selects Deep Cover as the first of two versions of the character. It is the first US Deep Cover, and the first since the e-Hobby Sideswipe recolor. Chris already has one in hand. He expects the second version to be a Netflix deluxe on a rumored Earth-mode Sideswipe retool. He worries that version will carry battle damage, leaving Selects as the clean option. [Source: TFRadio]

Studio Series 86 Shipping Dates

Amazon preorders of Studio Series 86 Kup and Blurr should arrive next week. One host’s Studio Series 86 Jazz date slipped from April 5 to May 5.

Rainmakers Set Returns Through Fan Channels

The former Target-exclusive Rainmakers set is up for preorder again at fan channel retailers like Entertainment Earth and Big Bad Toy Store. Chris sees a pattern of Target exclusives getting new production runs after their exclusivity ends. He hopes Amazon exclusives like the Coneheads follow. [Source: not found]

R.E.D. Wave 2 Sightings

R.E.D. wave 2 is turning up in small numbers at Walmart in the US and Canada. Chris notes Walmart has abandoned exclusive runs before, as with The Last Knight figures that went to closeout stores. [Source: not found]

What We Got This Week

Brian got Cyberverse Deluxe Prowl and Soundwave. He likes Prowl, but Soundwave leaves an odd gap in vehicle mode. His friend Dusty gave him WizKids unpainted Transformers minis, waves 1 and 2, which he plans to paint. He held back another pickup that Chris also got, apparently the Galactic Odyssey Barricade and Counterpunch set.

Chris got the Galactic Odyssey Barricade and Counterpunch set. Barricade on the Datsun mold needs more color, and clear plastic lacks the Siege version’s purple tint. Counterpunch adds a nice yellow stripe but loses the red rims, and Chris still prefers the original.

John had nothing in Transformers this week.

Matt got BotCon 2013 Machine Wars Stryka for his female Decepticons, plus Cyberverse Energon Armor Clobber. He also got Kingdom Paleotrex, Studio Series 86 Jazz, which he likes almost as much as his favorite Jazz, and Studio Series 86 Blurr. His Galactic Odyssey Barricade has a stray red paint spot. He loves Kingdom Cyclonus despite a misfired wrist pin. Studio Series 86 Grimlock is wonderful, though Wheelie is terrible.

Diecast got the Shattered Glass two-pack for Optimus Prime. He also got X-Transbots’ electronic Quintesson, which plays lines from the cartoon.

Rob got Buzzworthy Bumblebee from Don, mainly for Spike. He is much happier with Kingdom Optimus Primal, which holds its swords solidly.

Don got the Galactic Odyssey Barricade and Counterpunch set and finally found Studio Series 86 Grimlock. He is now caught up on wave one of Studio Series 86 and Kingdom.

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