Via Twitter user @UncleFahey we can share for you our first in-hand images of the new Transformers Collaborative: J.Balvin x Transformers J. Balvintron.
This is the latest installment in the Transformers Collaborative line and it brings us a special redeco of the G1 Soundwave mold in colors inspired by the style of Colombian singer J. Balvin. It comes with special redecos of the G1 Ravage and Laserbeak molds as Vibras Stripes and Energia Buzzaw respectively. It also includes 2 redecos of Siege Jetfire guns and blast effects.
This sample was sent in advance by Hasbro, but you can still pre-order Balvintron via the NTWRK platform for for $69.99 and expected for release in October this year. Check all the images after the jump and then share your impressions on this figure on the 2005 Board!
pandastrong
No, those are sold listings.
Pcsolyar
Those are all sold listings, with the final bid shown
MehWave
Aren't those just starting bids?
Pcsolyar
Wouldn't say it has increased in value yet, it was $69.99+shipping on NTWRK when it came out. It's selling for less on eBay right now.
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wideload
It sold out and has already increased in value.
MehWave
I agree. I get the iconic, nostalgic value of the original G1 Soundwave, but it's really dated and it shows. These collabs would do better (albeit still reaching a limited, niche audience) if they used a more modern mold and in addition to painting it, retooled to make an original, exclusive figure. Limited run, maybe numbered.
ArkinDotWav
Yeah, I would have bit the bullet and ordered it day 1 if it could fit with my generations collection like the rest of the Collabs.
I've considered repainting my seige Soundwave into this colorscheme, and getting this only for the gun so he could keep that. But nah. Not really worth it.
DecepticusPrime
Their mistake was letting him pixk a deco for the g1 mold and not forcing the siege mold
fedgez
I enjoyed the different color cassettes is all, yellow soundwave with guns that make him tippy as hell(yeah not so much). This toy may not increase in value until I am long dead–even then. There are much worse purchases I have made that I totally regret in the transformers series.
TFXProtector
Oh, no. I'm glad you shared it, gives us conversation fodder here.
Agreed on the collaboration part. Did they learn nothing on the Linkin Park one? Heck, a lot of these ideas and exclusives are kind of bunk in the long run.
Device Label? Great at the time and seemed like a really fun idea, but, it made for wonky figures stuck with outdated technology baked in and the figures/designs have been updated and replaced in grand ways. More e-waste and plastic waste.
Linkin Park? Yuck.
This? Yuck.
Disney Label? Adorable, but, fragile and stupidly expensive.
I don't mind certain crossovers, such as the BTTF Gigawatt and GB Ectotron, those are long-standing fanwank that has finally come to life. No one asked for this collab. No one. (People did ask for functional tech Transformers and DL gave us that, but not the greatest in the end.)
I think exclusives, mainline, and Selects (with a few crossovers thrown in) are the best way to go. This J. Balvin garbage is not.
W-P38
Agree for the most part, certainly with this figure. I thought I’d share what I saw, but personally I wouldn’t go near this release. That being said, I’m more inclined to critique the collaboration than how the toy stores are managing the overstock.
TFXProtector
It's not selling at $41.25 through NTWRK, it'll never sell at $70.00 through BBTS. I get that they have to make their money back, but this is betting on a busted horse, right here.
Don't get me wrong, I get that BBTS has to make money and get stock in, but some of their choices and decisions are part of the reason they're stuck with overstock and people going elsewhere to get their plastic crack fixes. (In terms of Transformers, at least.)
W-P38
Transformers x J. Balvin Voyager J. Balvitron Exclusive Figure
Now up for preorder at BBTS ($69.99)
power3921
Strongly considered it for $50ish shipped for a bit, but I remembered I'm pretty sure I have a reissue Soundblaster (minus cassettes) somewhere, so I probably don't need this mold again, even if do love the tacky deco
G1 Cassette Hunter
41.25 + 13.95 shipping to me + taxes…so not cheap enough on clearance to justify another. 1 & done for me. No point of trying for resale market.
wideload
Showing me $49.23 with shipping within the USA.
TFXProtector
Wow. That sold like hotcakes, eh? Oh…
Fuze9
Well I'm jealous. Is there a discount code around? A way to get free shipping?
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wideload
Down to $50..tax and shipping included. Bought it just for the recolours of ravage/buzzsaw.
Superquad7
$60 too much for me. EASY pass. Bleaugh.