G1 Cyclonus: Original vs Reproduction

Discussion in 'Transformers Toy Discussion' started by e3nine, Sep 23, 2008.

  1. e3nine

    e3nine I have a large MISB collection.

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    Before I start ...
    All participation is welcomed. If I missed anything please let me know. These differences are ones I found just by combing over the pictures.

    Keep all ethical "knockoff" discussion out of this thread. This is for educational purposes only. NO DEBATES PLEASE.

    There are some color differences, but those have to be ignored. Many variables with originals (fading, picture lighting, etc) make color matching against repro's inconclusive.

    Again, the purpose to this is to educate eBayers. There are AWFUL sellers out there who claim these pieces as being real.

    When on eBay, look at the seller's feedback and other items for sale. Chances are, they've sold many of these already. That will be the best indicator of "original" or "reproduction". You gotta use your head before using this guide.



    Cyclonus: Reproduction
    September 23, 2008


    And here's the base image for the comparisons.
    [​IMG]
    This is provided so you have a clean view of the product as a whole.



    and away we go with the comparisons!


    1. No Rub Sign
    [​IMG]
    As you can see, the rub sign is missing. Now that I think about it, I don't think I've ever seen a KO with one. Since Cyclonus has a visible window spot where it should be, this should be the #1 indicator. (for now)


    2. Adios Toes
    [​IMG]
    The makers of this box did a fantastic job matching the artwork to the grid. The only spot that's clearly off is the foot / toe area. It's somewhat chopped off.



    3. Gradient Fill
    [​IMG]
    Much like the Insecticons, the yellow gradient fill is a bit too harsh. It doesn't quite fade like it's supposed to.


    I'm sure there are other issues with the box, but until better picutres surface, this should do for now.

    Scourge will be up this evening. Thanks!
     
  2. Prometheum5

    Prometheum5 Well-Known Member

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    Glad to see someone's watching the skies for us... thanks for the tips!
     
  3. Draven

    Draven Banned

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    Thanks for another excellent comparison, e3nine. I'm glad there are so many differences on this one; also the lack of rub sign on a figure that always had one is an excellent tell, at least for the time being.
     
  4. RoboticPlanet

    RoboticPlanet Exclusively Exclusive

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    Thanks e3nine for another installation of your comparisons. Fantastic info as always.

    Assuming the bootleg is in hand, are there any recognizable differences between the molding of the bootleg gun & the original? A loose batch of these recently made it into the wild and it would be nice to spot the fakes.
     
  5. e3nine

    e3nine I have a large MISB collection.

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    Unfortunately, this figure is not in hand. The toy seems to be reverse cased though.
    [​IMG]

    The KO gun seems to have much of the detail washed out. Also, if it is reverse casted, the gun with be thicker with Cyclonus' fist hole getting smaller.
     
  6. Killa-B-Killed

    Killa-B-Killed Material Handler

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    Any info on why some original guns are packed in North/South direction, and some are packed northwest/southeast direction?
    Possible box swaps?

    Thanks
     
  7. alien

    alien Command

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    yes, good analysis man!
     
  8. Pasaway

    Pasaway Well-Known Member

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    Hey, e3nine, I saw your write up for Sludge, you wouldn't happen to have a comparison Write up on Swoop or Grimlock, would you. if not, do you know of another on the net somewhere?
    thanks.
     
  9. Might Gaine

    Might Gaine The Devil Express

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    I've sold a lot of MISB Cyclonuses, and they've all been diagonal.

    2 normal US Cyclonuses: Diagonal
    1 poster box US Cyclonus: Diagonal
    10+ Euro Cyclonus: Diagonal

    The 1990's Chinese Cyclonuses I've seen pictures of have been diagonal as well.

    So diagonal gun Cyclonuses are not box swaps. And they're definitely the more common version. Up-and-down may just be a very early packaging variant or something.
     
  10. Might Gaine

    Might Gaine The Devil Express

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  11. MrPractical

    MrPractical Well-Known Member

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    Did anyone bother to document the difference in the actual figure and accessory? I need to get a Cyclonus gun but I don't know how to tell a KO one from an authentic one.

    Btw, thanks for highendtfs, I link that to people literally every single day.

    Edit: In looking at pictures tonight is it fair to say:

    1. If barrel of weapon is facing right and spru makes face you it's a KO but if facing left and spru makes face you it's real?
    2. KO weapon is darker than real but in pictures you wouldn't be sure it's not just lighting.
     
    Last edited: Nov 30, 2023