Online retailer AmiAmi.com has posted pictures of both modes for the five Minibots (Bumble, Tailgate, Swerve, Outback, Pipes) that will be released as part of TakaraTomy’s Encore 09 Minibot set. The pictures reveal new detailing on the figures, especially on the heads of Swerve, Outback and Tailgate. They also provide a better look at the new chrome detailing on Bumble. The images can be seen by clicking on the image to the left!
Foster
I checked it earlier tonight and the rubsign is there, on the back of the head panel. I also noticed the TFC Bumble head has gray eyes, so the Encore's blue eyes will be another upgrade.
Rodimus Primal
SO glad I preordered them. They look fantastic. Pity no Hubcap.
ranoobu
ohh ok. Thanks or the input!
Ramrider
Not by Rodr-Evil or me, that's for sure.
But aside from that gripe (which I've covered far too many times already), these guys do look great, especially Swerve, whose original version suffered badly from the paint apps (mine's basically got a red splodge somewhere in the vicinity of the head – I'll have to fix that some time…). The subtle touch of adding colour to the eyes and visors helps no end. Surprised (but not disappointed) that they didn't do Pipes' visor in blue, as well…
Foster
I don't have him here at work, but I thought my TFC Bumblebee had the rubsign on the panel on the back of his head. A lot of reissues have the rubsign in a new location, so the robot can have a proper faction symbol front and center on their chest. Soundwave for one.
Noisemaze2006
So do I.
I don't like the changes they made in the cartoon. Just like the Go-Bots, I believe the Go-Bots failed because of how goofy they made them look in the cartoon. The toys of Leader-1 & Scooter were fine but look at them in the cartoon. Same with Bumblebee & the coneheads. Cool toys but they look goofy as hell in the show. I wish fans would STOP saying the cartoon versions are the definitive version of the characters. The cartoon versions are the dumbed down goofy pre-school versions.
MegaPrime33
You know, I dont know if it's because they're brand new, but these actually look better than the originals.
ranoobu
Anybody?
BigRC83
Great! But (and I am probably going to get flamed for this) I prefer Bumblebee's original face.
B-Fox
Sweet, sweet cand-ayyye!
But I swear I've seen these extra paint-apps on the Post-Movie Minibots before. Weren't they in the Transformers First Series Complete guide?
edit: Yup. Just checked my copy and the Swerve, Tailgate, and Outback shown in the book feature the additional paint on the figures' faces.
Planned since 2004, eh? Pretty clever, Takara.
bumblebee79
Its a good thing in my book.
ranoobu
Just noticed something.. does this mean the Bee is the only one without a rub sign? or is it somewhere not pictured
Basketball Jones
Very, very nice- this is the definitive version of Bumblebee.
airfox
Yup … I'm keeping my preorder. I'm really glad it's not the same as the TFC set, and the extra paint make 'em even better than the originals.
-airfox
lookinglasself
Wow. These look better than I was expecting. I guess I'll hang on to my preorder after all.
Noisemaze2006
Bumblebee looks constipated!
What the hell is wrong with his face??? I can't stop laughing at it.
Bass X0
Well…. Gears, Warpath, Cosmos, Brawn, Cliffjumper and Powerglide have already been reissued either in a collection or as a keyring.
ranoobu
That would be really cool if they released the other minibots in a second set.. it would help those that missed out… like me
flywheels
I was on the fence whether to order these or not…but after seeing the pics of them it's an easy choice. Now, which retailer gets my money?
Devastattor
Those are really nice. I might have to order a set after all.