Don't know if this is news or not, but HLJ has listings up for Cloud Starscream (Doubledealer), Cloud Shockwave (Whirl) and Cloud Hellwarp (Sky Byte). All three are listed as "June Restock" which is HLJ's usual description for re-releases.

Decepticon Starscream E-Hobby Limited by Takara Tomy | HobbyLink Japan
Decepticon Shockwave E-Hobby Limited by Takara Tomy | HobbyLink Japan
TF Hellwarp E-Hobby Limited by Takara Tomy | HobbyLink Japan

I don't know if they are re-releases in the proper meaning of the term or if HLJ just get's some of those as a part of an E-Hobby partnership, considering they put up Grand Scourge for pre-order some time ago which is unusual for a retailer that isn't known for dealing with exclusives.

Sadly no sign of other figures from the representive waves, no Rodimus or Roadbuster.

 

Someone posted about these in the Sales/Deals/Coupons thread earlier today too. I'm thinking HLJ has some deal in place with eHobby, which would be great news if this means we can now take advantage of the current exchange rate and avoid paying US online retailer prices (and provided there's no HLJ shenanigans in acquiring their stock).

As for Rodimus, Ironhide and Brawn, those three were TakaraTomy Mall exclusives. HLJ will need some kind of separate deal with them to acquire additional stock of those three.

 

That not only makes perfect sense but thickens the plot that there might be a partnership between eHobby and HLJ going on. Which is, as you said, pretty cool for collectors who want a more reasonable price on these figures.

I wanted Rodimus the most, but I really dig this Starscream too. Think I'll snag one.

 

Makes sense given they've got Grand Scourge

 

C'mon Rodimus!!

 

Roadbuster is still in stock and super cheap at chimungmung.com

 

You can still order these 3 Decepticons at eHOBBY. HLJ is probably taking advantage of this and purchasing some to offer to their non-Japanese customers.

TakaraTomy Mall did not ever offer any extra of their 4 Autobot exclusives, so I would doubt they'd ever show up on HLJ like the eHOBBY exclusives have.

Randy

 

Wow, I've wanted that Starscream since I first saw him, but now that my focus is just MP and 3rd party MP items I can't see buying him now.  

 

I wouldn't have expected them to re-release some of the Cloud figures.

 

Oh my, that Ultra Magnus is gorgeous and at a great price. I'm torn, though, because I'd rather have Minimus Ambus than Alpha Trion.

Incidentally, having never ordered from HLJ before, does anyone know what shipping rates are generally like to the US?

 

"Whoa this" UM "is pretty bad ass, makes me wanna squeeze into my bad ass red jeans!"

 

Whoa, the exchange rate on magnus works out at £31.99! Hlj shipping is quite cheap should be about £3.50. If magnus was ever to show up at UK retail he would be £49.99. Hmmmm...

 

Damn Magnus is pretty much a steal at this price. hell he's cheaper then the E-Hobby grand scourge. That cinches it ill be picking up the Takara version of UM.

 

There's probably a chart somewhere, but I think they're known to be a bit cheaper than AmiAmi. It also depends on whether you ship out just one item at a time or bundle things together; large orders work best for me at AmiAmi but HLJ might be a better fit for smaller orders.

 

Yeah I've only ever done small orders with them, the most expensive of which (AM Wildrider and the AM Planetary Bowgun) coming in at about $11 or so shipped.

 

considering i've seen at least a few people go all "im gonna throw away my minimus as soon as i get it!!" i'm sure you'll be able to buy one or otherwise do a swap for Alpha Trion once the Hasbro one gets released.

 

Thanks for the tip, I jumped on that!  

 

Still want to add Starscream to my collection at some point. Already have Roadbuster, Rodimus, and Shockwave (which are all great), and have limited interest in eventually picking up Optimus and Megatron if funds dictate.

 

Pre-ordered my second Magnus and MP-Roadrage!  

 

After seeing the E-Hobby photos, I finally caved and placed a pre-order for Ultra Magnus with AmiAmi. The difference in price is surprisingly only $2, and I'm liking Takara's additional paint apps and silver rims more and more. I'm sure this will make Maggie feel less like a toy and more like a collector's item.