A pair of interesting items of news come our way from The-Arker.com, posted on ACToys.net. First and foremost, we have in package images of the Revenge of the Fallen Fast Action Battlers Cannon Blast Megatron (who we exclusively revealed was in the pipeline earlier this week), alongside Double Blade Optimus Prime and Pulse Blast Bumblebee. All three of these toys are new molds – and the packaging gives us our first look at Megatron’s all-new tank mode, as well as suggesting that in the sequel, Optimus Prime might be using double swords to slice up his foes. From the packaging, we have Megatron’s bio – check out the link above to read it.
As if that was not enough, this thread on ACtoys gives us in package images of the upcoming Transformers Universe Ultra Class Darkwind and Countdown. Both of these are going to be Toys R Us Exclusives in the US. Critics of the Universe box art may be pleased to see that Countdown’s box art features a slightly more dynamic pose than the static “standing upright” poses used on the earlier Universe toys box art. Also from the packaging we have Darkwind’s bio which has been added to our resources section, you can check it out by clicking on the link above.
highlander3000
" . . . if you're not at least a little bitter, you're not paying attention . . . "
Best. Quote. Ever.
Bass X0
but now they can no longer become Dreadwing. Darkwind is okay as his new name.
Runamuck
TRU exclusives = awesome. For once TRU gets something cool. Can't wait to stock these and buy them.
Rhinox555
Wow, a name change with one letter difference bothers me more than changing Bluestreak to Silverstreak. Or even Octane to Tankor.
Because with Darkwing, it actually clashes with his sole purpose of existance; to have Dreadwind and Darkwing become Dreadwing.
RedAlert Rescue
I can see some similarities in the new Prime to the old prime the upper arms, hips, front of legs and thighs look similar to the old mold but the kibble that forms the truck is changed on position it almost looks like they used parts of the design for the new one then extensively changed it.
But to me Megatron's legs look rather like FAB Ramjet/Starscream's as well.
Bumblebee is absolutely a remold though with seemingly the only significant changes visible in the pictures are the head and chest. (not sure if they are reusing the old wheels as well).
It's a pity they did not start from scratch I'd have liked a Bumblebee with wings on it.
Brave Magnus
I pass on Prime and Bumblebee but MEgatron is too awesome. Great design for a FAB.
Railguard
They look really cool but the larger ones I have to pass on them.
Chaos Muffin
Jolt (scroll down Japanese thread) looks mistransformed, but interresting
Beastbot X
What? No, we're talking about BUMBLEBEE, not Prime. Look at what I quoted in my first post on this.
Silent_Magnus
The first one's feet are formed from the front of the cab. While the back of the truck sits behind the head.
It's the opposite for this new one.
Search your feelings!
You know it to be true!
Dinobot Nuva
I don't see any difference.
I too have both releases of this mold, its pretty obvious its got plenty of retooling, but its still the same dang mold.
Roook
sweet. Does this mean Optimus is going to be using two swords? And shooting missiles out of his pipes?
And with the other fast action battler using dual whips. Holy crap this movie is going to be insane.
MushroomPrime
If someone has brought this up, I apologize.
But FAB Megatron's other arm looks like it did at the end of the first movie.
Don't have a pic handy, sorry
Silent_Magnus
Pro Tip: Look at where the wheels are in robot mode on the '07 toy and the new one.
Omnus
It's not that complex.
A check of the US trademark database shows that Disney does have one live TM for Darkwing Duck. However, it only covers the television program itself. The ones for toys are both dead (one cancelled and one abandoned).
The real reason for the rename: Hasbro's trademark lawyers aren't worth the money they're getting paid. They don't want to risk any possibility of a legal fight (no matter how small of a risk that is). After all, if they do have to engage in a legal fight, even though they're going to win (as would be the case with Darkwing), the money for doing so would come out of the legal budget. Therefore, their year-end bonus (money pre-budgeted to the them in case legal actions do need to be taken has to be expended somewhere or accounting will report that some money wasn't used, and therefore their budget will likely shrink the next year) would be smaller.
It boils down to the standards: corporate inefficiency, incompetence, and greed.
Beastbot X
No, I have the original FAB and its repaint, that is definitely the same mold, just with a different head and a remolded chest.
@l3x
Megatron actually looks really decent and it looks like, unlike most FABs, he's not missing any articulation (assuming the head moves)
BrokenSVT
Countdown = I can affordably complete my Cybertron series wants
Crombiecron
much more pleased with the megatron toy even if it is just a fast action battler it already looks better than most of his first movie toys!
Fit For natalie
Apparently Hasbro could not secure Darkwing for some reason.
Trademark law is confusing and complex.