If anything, it looks like some of their folks took a train to a field and set off smoke signals and filmed it with that corporate synergy vibe that the suits like to think makes a difference.
Just remembered, Tamashii Nations, the collectors division of Bandai’s toy division is involved and the reveal will be on their robot-specific IG page later this week, so it’s likely not a toy aimed at kids(like the Unitroborn thing I linked earlier). Zoids I can see, given that a fully articulated diecast Zoid would be pretty appealing. SOC Transformers, maybe not as much, at least to me. Knowing Bandai, a potential SOC Optimus from them would probably look like Transform Element’s TE-01 Optimus with chrome instead of silver or white parts(deco similar to something FansToys would put out) but with springpins and ball joints for hips and shoulders. Likely not as poseable as MP-44 but cleaner overall. Not sure I’d go for it.
More like Five-Star General Killboner! Lol…j/k. I tend to agree with what you’re saying. I suspect this is more than just a one-off special figure…more like a series of some sort. Here is some more wild speculation… SHF Transformer human characters Masterpiece Machine Robo And I’d like to throw in SOC TFs…but I would think Takara might be afraid that would cannibalize MP TF sales…I dunno
Apart from finish and expected cleaner sculpts, I’m not sure they’d be as appealing. The expected use of springpins and the PITA of typical Bandai preorder nights would self-sabotage an SOC TF IMO
I think you’re probably right. But what if they did a retro-TF SOC series? Like, imagine an SOC version of the G1 Optimus figure with full articulation, diecast out the ass, chrome, etc. There’s a custom G1 Optimus out there somewhere kind of like that.
It’s possible, the reveal will be on Tamashii Nations’(Collector’s division for Bandai toys) dedicated page for robot toys on Instagram. I could see this being a METAL BUILD Zoid. If the proportions were balanced out and transformations used no parts-forming I might be down with that.
I’m just trying to think of something that leverages the relative strengths of each company. Bandai can SOC like nobody’s business, and Takara has some high profile brands. I think there could be a lot of synergy in the SOC and SHF lines. I need to take a look at the video mentioned…but if Tamashii is involved, it would seem to insinuate gokin or figuarts stuff. This is exciting…hopefully it doesn’t turn out to be a nothing-burger…
Bandai Spirits (Blue Logo) is compromised of 4 divisions: Hobby Products: Plastic model kits Tamashii Nations: Collector’s items IchibanKuji: Lottery figures Banpresto: Prize figures No other division is promoting this collaboration other than Tamashii Nations so lottery/prize figures and model kits are already out of the question. We’re assuming it’s mecha related considering these companies make toys and have control of well established IPs involving mechs, but we have absolutely 0 knowledge as to whether or not it will be Metal Build or Chogokin related, it’s all speculation as to what we would want from these companies.
It’s likely robot specific given that the reveal will be on their IG page dedicated to their robot toy releases, so I think Figuarts can be ruled out, same with model kits. Leaves me thinking it could be 1 of the following: METAL BUILD Zoid Robot Damashii non-transforming Transformers Super Robot Chogokin(SRC) non-transforming Transformers SOC FA non-transforming Transformers SOC Shinkalion DX VF-1 MP Jetfire Transforming RX-78-2 Gundam Optimus Prime with Roller Guntank and Diaclone Dianauts Amuro and Spike
You just described the Optimus toy I have dreamed about for years. I don’t know how much demand there is for something like that, but I know I want it. Reality will probably be a SOC non-transforming Optimus, which I don’t even have enough interest in or enthusiasm for to complain about.
Takara don't need Bandai to make a high end Shinkalion, it's probably only a matter of time before they do.
I agree but still think it’s possible Bandai would want to cash in on the hype seeing as Takara hasn’t made a high end one yet
I can only really see two reasons these rival companies would want to collaborate on anything. 1) A weird crossover featuring a brand from each side, ie Transformers and Gundam. 2) To make a new version of a toy that was shared between two franchises like G1 Jetfire's original macross mould or figures that were used in both Transformers and Brave.
*head explodes* SOC Machine Robo Eagle Robo Starscream That reminds me, SOC figure of that character from Brave which borrowed elements of Sixshot’s design?
