I picked up Energon Sharkticon on eBay a couple of days back, and the photo on the auction clearly shows a Toys Dream Project sticker on the bubble (the card is in English). Does anyone know anything about this? Was Sharkticon an exclusive in Japan?
Since he was no show character, he was only released as a "USA Edition" in Japan. Here's the breakdown of Energon/Superlink "USA Editions": Unicron (black) - Hasbro toy in Micron Densetsu Unicron packaging, mass retail, limited to 8000 pieces Strongarm ("Energon Strongarm" repaint) - exclusive to TF Station stores Signal Flare ("Offshoot" repaint) - Gamers exclusive, available at Tokyo Character Show 2004) Ultra Magnus - exclusive to Toy's Dream Project Sharkticon - exclusive to Toy's Dream Project Galvatron (Energon Megatron, large mold) - exclusive to Toy's Dream Project Tow-Line - exclusive to TRU Japan Stormjet (Slugslinger) - exclusive to TRU Japan
It arrived this morning; identical to the US toy except the packaging (the bubble isn't glued to the card like US releases, it has the little tabs that wrap round the card like Japanese ones. Also, there is a sticker on the inner card on the bottom, and on the back of the main card, and a TDP sticker on the front of the bubble).
From my understanding, those are stores that participate in some sort of Takara premium program and in return are allowed to call themselves a "TF Station" store and sell TF Station exclusives. Anyone correct me if I'm wrong about this.
Tomy run a similar thing with Zoids; some stores are able to order a special highly limited run Zoid that is exclusive to them.
Energon Sharkticon is such and underrated toy. He's a great toy, all he needs is a gun. Credit to Sharky!
