G1 Cyclonus: Original vs Reproduction

e3nine · 09-23-2008, 02:09 PM

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Wheeljack
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August 3, 2007
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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.

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

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

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

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!

Prometheum5 · 09-23-2008, 02:42 PM

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

Draven · 09-23-2008, 03:07 PM

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.

RoboticPlanet · 09-23-2008, 05:36 PM

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.

e3nine · 09-23-2008, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by macabremouse

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.

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

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.

Killa-B-Killed · 09-23-2008, 06:43 PM

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

Thanks

alien · 09-24-2008, 09:38 AM

yes, good analysis man!

Pasaway · 09-26-2008, 12:41 PM

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.

Might Gaine · 10-01-2008, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Killa-B-Killed

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

Thanks

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.

Might Gaine · 10-01-2008, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pasaway

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.

This is my guide:
Comprehensive G1 Counterfeit / "Knockoff" ID Guide | HIGHENDTFS.COM?