Hasbro Answers Seibertron's Questions!

News Article by StuntPrime35-

Here we go again...

1.) Will there be toys based on characters presented in any of the IDW comic book series? We know the new character DRIFT is supposed to get the toy treatment, but what about favorites like Sentinel Prime (Megatron: Origins), Nova Prime (-tion series and Spotlights), Thunderwing (Stormbringer). An answer in response to the general question, not the specific characters would be much appreciated (unless you want to mention specific characters...)!

When we can we love to fold into the product line any new or popular character from any outside source Comic or Video game. We have donethings like the Fallen in the past, and we look for more down the road.

2.) Will we see the Alternators line return soon? BinalTech has returned to Takara Tomy, and Takara Tomy is also adding the new Alternity line. The Alternators line was supposed to make a comeback after the first movie, but we are getting close to the second and no mention of any Alternators revival.

There are no current plans for Alternators in 2009. There are just somany exciting things happening in 2009 that we had to make choices. Theteam likes the Alternators concept, but unfortunately it's just not theright time for a re-launch.

3.) Are you considering releasing any other re-issues of Generation 1 toys like 25th Anniversary Optimus Prime at this time? He’ll be pretty lonely on his own shelf.

We have a few G1 molds that we would like to see come out in Fall 2009,but not yet ready to announce as they will likely be retailer exclusives.

4.) There are a lot of issues with HASBRO brand product quality control lately. We know you care about the brand and toy because of your desire to protect collectors from lesser quality Knock Offs, but can you tell us what you have been doing to address issues with HASBRO Quality Control problems such as loose pieces that fall off out of the package, poor paint application quality, missing paint applications, and as the case may be with Universe Prowl- tacky, sticky paint.

You are correct in stating that a quality product is at the forefrontof our minds. First point, as conversion of Transformers has become morecomplicated, it is critical for peices to pop off more easily. This is meant to stop breakage and stress points. It some of the pieces didn't popoff, they might end up snapping off or at the very least stressing the plastic. However, we have heard some complaints about Animated productsand are currently investigating. If you have specific issues pleasecontact our consumer affairs department.

5.) Transformers fans love the fact that you are now putting us on a more equal footing with GI JOE and STAR WARS collectors by doing this Q/A, responding to the fandom more, and offering more nods to popular fan characters. Any plans for the ‘fan favorite’ idea to be put to use with Transformers? A poll could be taken in the same manner as has been done for GI JOE and STAR WARS. That way, you could see if there was a large demand for characters without us flooding HASBRO’s regular e-mail address, or filling forums with, "Will Hasbro ever make 'X' threads?”

The fan choice would be a lot of fun to do! Transformers are a littleharder to pull off than Joe or Star Wars because of the complex tooling(costs a lot more due to size and complexity). But that doesn't mean wewon't do it - it just won't be in 2009...unless of course you vote for theBay-former since we already have Michael Bay's head sculpted - HA! (thoseof you that saw the Easter Eggs on the movie DVD will know what I'm talking about).

Once again, Alternators has been shot down. The exclusive G1 figures are not a big thing for me, but the wanting to do more stuff like War Within is quite promising.

Source-Seibertron