MediaWiki - User contributions [en]

Kre-O

2011-06-20T22:30:25Z

65.211.248.2:

[[Image:Kre-O-Bumblebeeandothers.jpg|thumb|350px|right|Car me now!]]
'''Kre-O''' is a new play pattern expression of [[Hasbro]]'s best brands using quality construction bricks and mini-figurines. No, it's not ''[[Built to Rule]]''. It's especially not that thing that begins with an L! But it sure works with that thing that begins with an L.

L employees are asked to please not view this webpage.

Unveiled at [[Toy Fair 2011]], ''[[Transformers brand|Transformers]]'' will be the first Hasbro brand to be released as Kre-O construction brick kits. Kits will center around a Transformers character that can be taken apart and reassembled into a vehicle. Mini-figures called [[Kre-on]]s are also included in the larger kits, and these mini-figures are a mix of Transformers characters and human drivers. Prices will range from $7.99 to $59.99. The line launched [[June 6 2011]], [[2011]].

The robot/vehicle kits seem inspired by a mix of ''Transformers'' aesthetics, while the ''Transformers'' Kre-ons are strongly based on the [[Sunbow]] animation designs. From the mock-ups seen at Toy Fair 2011, it was hard to judge exactly what the aesthetic was going to be, as several of the kits displayed used nonfinal heads, some mocked up from ''Classics'' or ''Universe'' toys. Interestingly, the heads are very close to the aforementioned Classics and Universe toys, clearly sculpted based on those as references.

==Sets==
* '''Optimus Prime''' (568 pieces) w/ Optimus Prime, Skywarp, Bluestreak, and two human motorcycle driver Kre-ons
: Optimus Prime's trailer can stow two motorcycles, which the humans can ride

* '''Sentinel Prime''' (381 pieces) w/ Soundwave, Thundercracker, Sentinel Prime, and driver Kre-ons
: Sentinel Prime can be rebuilt from a red and black ''Dark of the Moon''-inspired robot mode to a fire truck

* '''Megatron''' (308 pieces) w/ Megatron, Shockwave, and two human Kre-ons
: Megatron can be rebuilt into a beige semi truck sans trailer. He and Starscream come with silver/zombie drivers rather than real humans.

* '''Starscream''' w/ Starscream and pilot Kre-ons
: A jet

* '''Sideswipe''' w/ Ironhide and human Kre-ons
: A red sportscar

* '''Prowl''' w/ Prowl and human Kre-ons
: A police car

* '''Autobot Ratchet''' (197 pieces) w/ Ratchet and driver Kre-ons
: An ambulance

* '''Mirage''' (119 pieces) w/ Mirage and driver Kre-ons
: An F-1 racer

* '''Autobot Jazz''' (119 pieces) w/ Jazz and driver Kre-on
: A silver sports car with red/blue stripes

* Smaller '''Optimus Prime''' (90 pieces)
: No Kre-on included

* Smaller '''Bumblebee''' (74 pieces)
: Ditto

==External links==
* [http://www.usatoday.com/money/companies/2011-02-12-hasbro-transformers_N.htm Hasbro pushes into L***'s land with new blocks @ USATODAY.com]

[[Category: Kre-O | Kre-O ]]
[[Category: Multi-property brands]]

Kre-O

2011-06-20T22:28:44Z

65.211.248.2:

[[Image:Kre-O-Bumblebeeandothers.jpg|thumb|350px|right|Car me now!]]
'''Kre-O''' is a new play pattern expression of [[Hasbro]]'s best brands using quality construction bricks and mini-figurines. No, it's not ''[[Built to Rule]]''. It's especially not that thing that begins with an L! But it sure works with that thing that begins with an L.

L employees are asked to please not view this webpage.

Unveiled at [[Toy Fair 2011]], ''[[Transformers brand|Transformers]]'' will be the first Hasbro brand to be released as Kre-O construction brick kits. Kits will center around a Transformers character that can be taken apart and reassembled into a vehicle. Mini-figures called [[Kre-on]]s are also included in the larger kits, and these mini-figures are a mix of Transformers characters and human drivers. Prices will range from $7.99 to $59.99. The line launched [[June 6 2011]], [[2011]].

The robot/vehicle kits seem inspired by a mix of ''Transformers'' aesthetics, while the ''Transformers'' Kre-ons are strongly based on the [[Sunbow]] animation designs. From the mock-ups seen at Toy Fair 2011, it was hard to judge exactly what the aesthetic was going to be, as several of the kits displayed used nonfinal heads, some mocked up from ''Classics'' or ''Universe'' toys.

==Sets==
* '''Optimus Prime''' (568 pieces) w/ Optimus Prime, Skywarp, Bluestreak, and two human motorcycle driver Kre-ons
: Optimus Prime's trailer can stow two motorcycles, which the humans can ride

* '''Sentinel Prime''' (381 pieces) w/ Soundwave, Thundercracker, Sentinel Prime, and driver Kre-ons
: Sentinel Prime can be rebuilt from a red and black ''Dark of the Moon''-inspired robot mode to a fire truck

* '''Megatron''' (308 pieces) w/ Megatron, Shockwave, and two human Kre-ons
: Megatron can be rebuilt into a beige semi truck sans trailer. He and Starscream come with silver/zombie drivers rather than real humans.

* '''Starscream''' w/ Starscream and pilot Kre-ons
: A jet

* '''Sideswipe''' w/ Ironhide and human Kre-ons
: A red sportscar

* '''Prowl''' w/ Prowl and human Kre-ons
: A police car

* '''Autobot Ratchet''' (197 pieces) w/ Ratchet and driver Kre-ons
: An ambulance

* '''Mirage''' (119 pieces) w/ Mirage and driver Kre-ons
: An F-1 racer

* '''Autobot Jazz''' (119 pieces) w/ Jazz and driver Kre-on
: A silver sports car with red/blue stripes

* Smaller '''Optimus Prime''' (90 pieces)
: No Kre-on included

* Smaller '''Bumblebee''' (74 pieces)
: Ditto

==External links==
* [http://www.usatoday.com/money/companies/2011-02-12-hasbro-transformers_N.htm Hasbro pushes into L***'s land with new blocks @ USATODAY.com]

[[Category: Kre-O | Kre-O ]]
[[Category: Multi-property brands]]

Kre-O

2011-06-20T22:28:19Z

65.211.248.2:

[[Image:Kre-O-Bumblebeeandothers.jpg|thumb|350px|right|Car me now!]]
'''Kre-O''' is a new play pattern expression of [[Hasbro]]'s best brands using quality construction bricks and mini-figurines. No, it's not ''[[Built to Rule]]''. It's especially not that thing that begins with an L! But it sure works with that thing that begins with an L.

L employees are asked to please not view this webpage.

Unveiled at [[Toy Fair 2011]], ''[[Transformers brand|Transformers]]'' will be the first Hasbro brand to be released as Kre-O construction brick kits. Kits will center around a Transformers character that can be taken apart and reassembled into a vehicle. Mini-figures called [[Kre-on]]s are also included in the larger kits, and these mini-figures are a mix of Transformers characters and human drivers. Prices will range from $6.99 to $59.99. The line launches [[August 1]], [[2011]].

The robot/vehicle kits seem inspired by a mix of ''Transformers'' aesthetics, while the ''Transformers'' Kre-ons are strongly based on the [[Sunbow]] animation designs. From the mock-ups seen at Toy Fair 2011, it was hard to judge exactly what the aesthetic was going to be, as several of the kits displayed used nonfinal heads, some mocked up from ''Classics'' or ''Universe'' toys.

==Sets==
* '''Optimus Prime''' (568 pieces) w/ Optimus Prime, Skywarp, Bluestreak, and two human motorcycle driver Kre-ons
: Optimus Prime's trailer can stow two motorcycles, which the humans can ride

* '''Sentinel Prime''' (381 pieces) w/ Soundwave, Thundercracker, Sentinel Prime, and driver Kre-ons
: Sentinel Prime can be rebuilt from a red and black ''Dark of the Moon''-inspired robot mode to a fire truck

* '''Megatron''' (308 pieces) w/ Megatron, Shockwave, and two human Kre-ons
: Megatron can be rebuilt into a beige semi truck sans trailer. He and Starscream come with silver/zombie drivers rather than real humans.

* '''Starscream''' w/ Starscream and pilot Kre-ons
: A jet

* '''Sideswipe''' w/ Ironhide and human Kre-ons
: A red sportscar

* '''Prowl''' w/ Prowl and human Kre-ons
: A police car

* '''Autobot Ratchet''' (197 pieces) w/ Ratchet and driver Kre-ons
: An ambulance

* '''Mirage''' (119 pieces) w/ Mirage and driver Kre-ons
: An F-1 racer

* '''Autobot Jazz''' (119 pieces) w/ Jazz and driver Kre-on
: A silver sports car with red/blue stripes

* Smaller '''Optimus Prime''' (90 pieces)
: No Kre-on included

* Smaller '''Bumblebee''' (74 pieces)
: Ditto

==External links==
* [http://www.usatoday.com/money/companies/2011-02-12-hasbro-transformers_N.htm Hasbro pushes into L***'s land with new blocks @ USATODAY.com]

[[Category: Kre-O | Kre-O ]]
[[Category: Multi-property brands]]

Deep Dive

2011-06-15T19:36:40Z

65.211.248.2: /* Notes */

{{faction|autobot}}
{{disambig2|the hovercraft from ''Reveal the Shield''|the Mini-Con from ''Cybertron''|Deepdive}}
:''Deep Dive is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Transformers (2010 toyline)|2010 ''Transformers'' toyline.]]''

[[Image:TF2010-toy_DeepDive.jpg|thumb|right|300px|When the wars end? Tough luck, mate, this is a top-selling franchise!]]

'''Deep Dive''' simply adores the ocean. He also enjoys meditating. When the wars finally end, he wants to spread his wisdom.

==Toys==
===''Transformers'' (2010)===
*'''Deep Dive''' (Voyager Class, 2011)
:''Accessories:'' "Harpoon Launchers", 2 [[missile|"harpoon" projectiles]]

:A redeco of [[Sea Spray]], Deep Dive transforms into a transport hovercraft, with rolling wheels underneath. The rear deck (featuring a fold-down ramp) can carry most [[size class|Scout]] class vehicles, but is specifically intended for the [[Breacher]] mold. Deep Dive's turbofans can rotate and tilt at several angles, and feature little fans inside that can spin (only by manual manipulation, as there is no gimmick mechanism linked to them). Deep Dive's harpoon launchers attach on the sides of his air cushion skirt.

:In robot mode, Deep Dive's design resembles that of a scuba diver, with a breather mask and "goggles" on his head, details resembling scuba air tanks (actually part of his vehicle mode air cushion) on his back and fold-out flippers on his feet. His harpoon launchers, using [[5mm post]]s, can be left attached to the underside of his arms as they were in vehicle mode, or placed in his hands.

:As he is part of the "[[Reveal the Shield]]" promotion, he also has a [[Rub Sign]].

::*''[http://tfu.info/2011/Autobot/DeepDive/deepdive.htm More information on Deep Dive at TFU.info]''

== Notes ==
*His stock photography has him mistransformed, with the flaps on his shoulders open.
*He shipped in the second wave of [[Reveal the Shield]] Voyager-class toys, at two per case. His companions were Lugnut and Solar Storm Grappel.
* This toy and all [[Reveal the Shield]] Voyager-class toys received poor distribution in the United States, selling online for several months prior to being sold at clothing discount stores like Ross, T.J. Maxx, and Marshalls. When they showed up at those three stores, they sold for less than half the normal retail prices.

[[Category: Toy-only characters]]
[[Category: Transformers (2010) Autobots]]

Shortpacking

2011-06-15T19:29:53Z

65.211.248.2:

A toy is said to be '''shortpacked''' when it is shipped in lower numbers than the rest of its release [[Wave|wave]]. Typically, this term is used for toys which ship at one per carton, although there are many lines like [[Alternators]] where most if not all of the toys ship at one per carton due to the assortment containing only four toys and retailers demand a variety of toys in those assortments, thus the four toys at one per case.

Generally, shortpacking is most notably a problem when an item first hits. Continued shipments and later assortments are often intended to make up the demand.

A toy that is shortpacked may be harder to find than other toys from the same assortment, since there are fewer of it produced. This rarity may make it attractive to [[Toy scalping|scalpers]], although if this happens during a period of heavy distribution, like a movie launch, few will notice any one character being shortpacked. Case in point, the initial shipments of Dark of the Moon Deluxe MechTech Figures Wave 1 had 3 Bumblebees, while having 1 each of the remaining 5 figures. Not all shortpacked figures are hard-to-find, particularly internationally-- outside the US, particularly in the UK and Europe, reports frequently indicate that those figures seem to be selling more poorly due to kids preferring other, more popular characters which sell better in those markets. This isn't always a result of shortpacking, as some assortments just received incredibly poor distribution in the USA while the toys showed up outside the USA to the point of being common. [[Ultra Magnus (Energon)]] and much of the 2010/2011 [[Reveal the Shield]] line are examples of this.

Sometimes, toys which are shortpacked in one wave are released in greater numbers in a later wave. Other times, a wave may ship with an alternate version of that same wave at the same time, creating assortments which are intended to compliment one-another by having a particular character at 2 in one version of the case while he's 1 per case in the other. The revision case switches this number, which theoretically (and frequently actually does) result in the ratio of product meeting the market's needs. (Sometimes, it doesn't quite work out, and as always availability may vary from neighborhood to neighborhood due to the local shoppers' needs.)

While inspiring similar feelings for many fans, shortpacking should not be confused with [[Chase figure|chase figures]] which are often exclusively at collectors and generally are intentionally much rarer. (A shortpacked toy may be 2 per [[Case|case]], while a chase figure may appear as seldom as 1 per every 2 cases.) Chase figures as collectibles do not generally exist in the Transformers line-- to date Hasbro has not mass-produced variants or collector-specific products in Transformers specifically designed with creating additional collector value, although this has been seen in other lines like Galoob's UltraForce, Mattel's take on Toy Story 2, Hot Wheels, and a few lower-run variants in Hasbro's own G.I. Joe and Marvel Universe assortments.

==Examples==
* ''[[Generation 1 (toyline)|Generation 1]]'' [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] shipped one figure per every two cases.
* ''[[Robots in Disguise (toyline)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Side Burn (RID)|Side Burn]] and [[Prowl (RID)|Prowl]] each got 3 figures per case, but [[X-Brawn]] had only two. Two per case is, traditionally, not necessarily considered rare especially in an 8-piece case.
* ''[[Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Acid Storm]] shipped 1 per case of 8 in Wave 2, while the other new toy in the assortment, [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], was shipped 2 per. Wave 2 revision 1 (which shipped at the same time) had 1 each of Galvatron and Acid Storm, as did waves 3 and 3 revision 1 which shipped later that year.
* ''[[Dark of the Moon (toyline)|DOTM]]'' [[Human Alliance]] [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] was shipped 1 per case of 4 in Wave 1, with [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys|Bumblebee]] filling out the remaining 3 figures. At the very same time, however, a case shipped with 2 of each of the 2 characters, meaning it may not have been a problem at some stores in some markets.
* ''[[Dark of the Moon (toyline)|DOTM]]'' [[Deluxe]] Wave 1 was a fine example of shortpacking not being a big problem. Wave 1 sported 3 of Bumblebee while Autobot Ratchet, Crankcase, Roadbuster, Autobot Skids, and Starscream were all packed at 1 per case.

==In Popular Culture==
* One of the world's finest web comics is based on this term. It's called Shortpacked!

[[Category:Toys]]

Shortpacking

2011-06-14T23:05:04Z

65.211.248.2:

A toy is said to be '''shortpacked''' when it is shipped in lower numbers than the rest of its release [[Wave|wave]]. Typically, this term is used for toys which ship at one per carton, although there are many lines like [[Alternators]] where most if not all of the toys ship at one per carton due to the assortment containing only four toys and retailers demand a variety of toys in those assortments, thus the four toys at one per case.

Generally, shortpacking is most notably a problem when an item first hits. Continued shipments and later assortments are often intended to make up the demand.

A toy that is shortpacked may be harder to find than other toys from the same assortment, since there are fewer of it produced. This rarity may make it attractive to [[Toy scalping|scalpers]], although if this happens during a period of heavy distribution, like a movie launch, few will notice any one character being shortpacked. Case in point, the initial shipments of Dark of the Moon Deluxe MechTech Figures Wave 1 had 3 Bumblebees, while having 1 each of the remaining 5 figures. Not all shortpacked figures are hard-to-find, particularly internationally-- outside the US, particularly in the UK and Europe, reports frequently indicate that those figures seem to be selling more poorly due to kids preferring other, more popular characters which sell better in those markets.

Sometimes, toys which are shortpacked in one wave are released in greater numbers in a later wave. Other times, a wave may ship with an alternate version of that same wave at the same time, creating assortments which are intended to compliment one-another by having a particular character at 2 in one version of the case while he's 1 per case in the other. The revision case switches this number, which theoretically (and frequently actually does) result in the ratio of product meeting the market's needs. (Sometimes, it doesn't quite work out, and as always availability may vary from neighborhood to neighborhood due to the local shoppers' needs.)

While inspiring similar feelings for many fans, shortpacking should not be confused with [[Chase figure|chase figures]] which are often exclusively at collectors and generally are intentionally much rarer. (A shortpacked toy may be 2 per [[Case|case]], while a chase figure may appear as seldom as 1 per every 2 cases.) Chase figures as collectibles do not generally exist in the Transformers line-- to date Hasbro has not mass-produced variants or collector-specific products in Transformers specifically designed with creating additional collector value, although this has been seen in other lines like Galoob's UltraForce, Mattel's take on Toy Story 2, Hot Wheels, and a few lower-run variants in Hasbro's own G.I. Joe and Marvel Universe assortments.

==Examples==
* ''[[Generation 1 (toyline)|Generation 1]]'' [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] shipped one figure per every two cases.
* ''[[Robots in Disguise (toyline)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Side Burn (RID)|Side Burn]] and [[Prowl (RID)|Prowl]] each got 3 figures per case, but [[X-Brawn]] had only two. Two per case is, traditionally, not necessarily considered rare especially in an 8-piece case.
* ''[[Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Acid Storm]] shipped 1 per case of 8 in Wave 2, while the other new toy in the assortment, [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], was shipped 2 per. Wave 2 revision 1 (which shipped at the same time) had 1 each of Galvatron and Acid Storm, as did waves 3 and 3 revision 1 which shipped later that year.
* ''[[Dark of the Moon (toyline)|DOTM]]'' [[Human Alliance]] [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] was shipped 1 per case of 4 in Wave 1, with [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys|Bumblebee]] filling out the remaining 3 figures. At the very same time, however, a case shipped with 2 of each of the 2 characters, meaning it may not have been a problem at some stores in some markets.
* ''[[Dark of the Moon (toyline)|DOTM]]'' [[Deluxe]] Wave 1 was a fine example of shortpacking not being a big problem. Wave 1 sported 3 of Bumblebee while Autobot Ratchet, Crankcase, Roadbuster, Autobot Skids, and Starscream were all packed at 1 per case.

==In Popular Culture==
* One of the world's finest web comics is based on this term. It's called Shortpacked!

[[Category:Toys]]

Shortpacking

2011-06-14T22:59:29Z

65.211.248.2: /* Examples */

A toy is said to be '''shortpacked''' when it is shipped in lower numbers than the rest of its release [[Wave|wave]]. Typically, this term is used for toys which ship at one per carton, although there are many lines like [[Alternators]] where most if not all of the toys ship at one per carton due to the assortment containing only four toys and retailers demand a variety of toys in those assortments, thus the four toys at one per case.

Generally, shortpacking is most notably a problem when an item first hits. Continued shipments and later assortments are often intended to make up the demand.

A toy that is shortpacked may be harder to find than other toys from the same assortment, since there are fewer of it produced. This rarity may make it attractive to [[Toy scalping|scalpers]], although if this happens during a period of heavy distribution, like a movie launch, few will notice any one character being shortpacked. Case in point, the initial shipments of Dark of the Moon Deluxe MechTech Figures Wave 1 had 3 Bumblebees, while having 1 each of the remaining 5 figures. Not all shortpacked figures are hard-to-find, particularly internationally-- outside the US, particularly in the UK and Europe, reports frequently indicate that those figures seem to be selling more poorly due to kids preferring other, more popular characters which sell better in those markets.

Sometimes, toys which are shortpacked in one wave are released in greater numbers in a later wave. Other times, a wave may ship with an alternate version of that same wave at the same time, creating assortments which are intended to compliment one-another by having a particular character at 2 in one version of the case while he's 1 per case in the other. The revision case switches this number, which theoretically (and frequently actually does) result in the ratio of product meeting the market's needs. (Sometimes, it doesn't quite work out, and as always availability may vary from neighborhood to neighborhood due to the local shoppers' needs.)

While inspiring similar feelings for many fans, shortpacking should not be confused with [[Chase figure|chase figures]] which are often exclusively at collectors and generally are intentionally much rarer. (A shortpacked toy may be 2 per [[Case|case]], while a chase figure may appear as seldom as 1 per every 2 cases.) Chase figures as collectibles do not generally exist in the Transformers line-- to date Hasbro has not mass-produced variants or collector-specific products in Transformers specifically designed with creating additional collector value, although this has been seen in other lines like Galoob's UltraForce, Mattel's take on Toy Story 2, Hot Wheels, and a few lower-run variants in Hasbro's own G.I. Joe and Marvel Universe assortments.

==Examples==
* ''[[Generation 1 (toyline)|Generation 1]]'' [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] shipped one figure per every two cases.
* ''[[Robots in Disguise (toyline)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Side Burn (RID)|Side Burn]] and [[Prowl (RID)|Prowl]] each got 3 figures per case, but [[X-Brawn]] had only two. Two per case is, traditionally, not necessarily considered rare especially in an 8-piece case.
* ''[[Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Acid Storm]] shipped 1 per case of 8 in Wave 2, while the other new toy in the assortment, [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], was shipped 2 per. Wave 2 revision 1 (which shipped at the same time) had 1 each of Galvatron and Acid Storm, as did waves 3 and 3 revision 1 which shipped later that year.
* ''[[Dark of the Moon (toyline)|DOTM]]'' [[Human Alliance]] [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] was shipped 1 per case of 4 in Wave 1, with [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys|Bumblebee]] filling out the remaining 3 figures. At the very same time, however, a case shipped with 2 of each of the 2 characters, meaning it may not have been a problem at some stores in some markets.
* ''[[Dark of the Moon (toyline)|DOTM]]'' [[Deluxe]] Wave 1 was a fine example of shortpacking not being a big problem. Wave 1 sported 3 of Bumblebee while Autobot Ratchet, Crankcase, Roadbuster, Autobot Skids, and Starscream were all packed at 1 per case.

[[Category:Toys]]

Shortpacking

2011-06-14T22:56:06Z

65.211.248.2:

A toy is said to be '''shortpacked''' when it is shipped in lower numbers than the rest of its release [[Wave|wave]]. Typically, this term is used for toys which ship at one per carton, although there are many lines like [[Alternators]] where most if not all of the toys ship at one per carton due to the assortment containing only four toys and retailers demand a variety of toys in those assortments, thus the four toys at one per case.

Generally, shortpacking is most notably a problem when an item first hits. Continued shipments and later assortments are often intended to make up the demand.

A toy that is shortpacked may be harder to find than other toys from the same assortment, since there are fewer of it produced. This rarity may make it attractive to [[Toy scalping|scalpers]], although if this happens during a period of heavy distribution, like a movie launch, few will notice any one character being shortpacked. Case in point, the initial shipments of Dark of the Moon Deluxe MechTech Figures Wave 1 had 3 Bumblebees, while having 1 each of the remaining 5 figures. Not all shortpacked figures are hard-to-find, particularly internationally-- outside the US, particularly in the UK and Europe, reports frequently indicate that those figures seem to be selling more poorly due to kids preferring other, more popular characters which sell better in those markets.

Sometimes, toys which are shortpacked in one wave are released in greater numbers in a later wave. Other times, a wave may ship with an alternate version of that same wave at the same time, creating assortments which are intended to compliment one-another by having a particular character at 2 in one version of the case while he's 1 per case in the other. The revision case switches this number, which theoretically (and frequently actually does) result in the ratio of product meeting the market's needs. (Sometimes, it doesn't quite work out, and as always availability may vary from neighborhood to neighborhood due to the local shoppers' needs.)

While inspiring similar feelings for many fans, shortpacking should not be confused with [[Chase figure|chase figures]] which are often exclusively at collectors and generally are intentionally much rarer. (A shortpacked toy may be 2 per [[Case|case]], while a chase figure may appear as seldom as 1 per every 2 cases.) Chase figures as collectibles do not generally exist in the Transformers line-- to date Hasbro has not mass-produced variants or collector-specific products in Transformers specifically designed with creating additional collector value, although this has been seen in other lines like Galoob's UltraForce, Mattel's take on Toy Story 2, Hot Wheels, and a few lower-run variants in Hasbro's own G.I. Joe and Marvel Universe assortments.

==Examples==
* ''[[Generation 1 (toyline)|Generation 1]]'' [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] shipped one figure per every two cases.
* ''[[Robots in Disguise (toyline)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Side Burn (RID)|Side Burn]] and [[Prowl (RID)|Prowl]] each got 3 figures per case, but [[X-Brawn]] had only two.
* ''[[Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Acid Storm]] shipped 1 per case of 8 in Wave 2, while the other new toy in the assortment, [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], was shipped 2 per. In the Wave 3 case assortment, this dynamic was reversed.
* ''[[Dark of the Moon (toyline)|DOTM]]'' [[Human Alliance]] [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] was shipped 1 per case of 4 in Wave 1, with [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys|Bumblebee]] filling out the remaining 3 figures. At the very same time, however, a case shipped with 2 of each of the 2 characters.

[[Category:Toys]]

Shortpacking

2011-06-14T22:09:58Z

65.211.248.2: /* Examples */

A toy is said to be '''shortpacked''' when it is shipped in significantly lower numbers than the rest of its release [[Wave|wave]].

A toy that is shortpacked is typically harder to find than other toys from the same assortment, since there are fewer of it produced. This rarity also makes it attractive to [[Toy scalping|scalpers]]. If a shortpacked toy is also a highly desirable one to fans and/or collectors (for instance, if it represents a popular character who is rarely produced as a toy), then it can become ''extremely'' difficult to obtain.

Sometimes, toys which are shortpacked in one wave are released in greater numbers in a later wave, which really tends to piss off the collectors who bought from the scalpers and delight those who didn't.

While inspiring similar feelings for many fans, shortpacking should not be confused with [[Chase figure|chase figures]] which are aimed exclusively at collectors and generally are intentionally much rarer. (A shortpacked toy may be 2 per [[Case|case]], while a chase figure may appear as seldom as 1 per every 2 cases.)

==Examples==
* ''[[Generation 1 (toyline)|Generation 1]]'' [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] shipped one figure per every two cases.
* ''[[Robots in Disguise (toyline)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Side Burn (RID)|Side Burn]] and [[Prowl (RID)|Prowl]] each got 3 figures per case, but [[X-Brawn]] had only two.
* ''[[Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Acid Storm]] shipped 1 per case of 8 in Wave 2, while the other new toy in the assortment, [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], was shipped 2 per. In the Wave 3 case assortment, this dynamic was reversed.
* ''[[Dark of the Moon (toyline)|DOTM]]'' [[Human Alliance]] [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] was shipped 1 per case of 4 in Wave 1, with [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys|Bumblebee]] filling out the remaining 3 figures. At the very same time, however, a case shipped with 2 of each of the 2 characters.

[[Category:Toys]]

Prowl (TM2)

2010-05-25T21:19:08Z

65.211.248.2: /* Beast Wars */

{{factions|maximal|autobot}}
{{disambig3|Prowl}}
:''Prowl is a [[Retcon|complete continuity headache]] appearing in [[Binaltech|numerous]] [[Beast Era|convoluted]] portions of the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Prowl2-bw-packageart.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Give a hoot! Read a book!]]
'''Prowl''' is not a verbose [[Maximal]], preferring instead to listen. He gathers information, analyzes it, and instantly suggests an appropriate course of action. His logical mind is without match among his Maximal brethren, who rank him among their best military strategists. Prowl feels that he fulfilled that same role in a previous life.

==Fiction==
===Japanese cartoon continuity===
====''Story of Binaltech''====
Offered a glimpse of the fast-approaching future by the time-travelling [[Decepticon]] [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] was witness to the death of [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] and various other Autobots in the year 2005. In an attempt to alter the course of these events, he began [[Project Bodyshop (project)|Project: Bodyshop]], developing new Binaltech bodies for his comrades that they would be able to control via the [[GT System]]. A body was developed to be used a secondary unit by Prowl, and designated "Prowl 2".

When Prowl came under attack from Decepticons on a mission in the vicinity of Saturn, Wheeljack made a desperate attempt to preserve Prowl's life by attempting a long-range transfer of his spark into his new body via [[subspace]]. Unfortunately, the process malfunctioned and Prowl's spark was lost. The body, however, had already been programmed with Prowl's [[datatrax]], and [[Chip Chase]], recalling [[Roll for It|the time years before]] when he had taken control of Prowl's body, volunteered to have his own mind transferred into the shell, bringing it to true life as the new Prowl. {{storylink|Prowl & Chase}}

====''The Headmasters'' cartoon====
[[Image:Prowlwubsmagnus headmasters.jpg|right|180px|thumb|G-G-Ghost Prowl!]]
Prowl was stationed at [[Autobot City]] on Earth in 2011 when he and many other troops were summoned to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] to help repel a [[Decepticon]] invasion. On the way to the [[space bridge]], the Autobots were attacked by a Decepticon attack force led by [[Sixshot]], but the arrival of the [[Trainbot]]s allowed them to break away and continue their progress. The Decepticons pursued them, and Prowl joined with [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] in lending [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] supporting fire until the Decepticon offensive broke. Prowl commented that they had showed their foes, and the team headed on to Cybertron. {{storylink|Four Warriors Come out of the Sky}}

Later, Prowl attended a briefing at [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]], where Ultra Magnus assigned several Autobot units to run interference with the Decepticons for [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]], as the young Autobot searched for the missing [[Matrix of Leadership]]. Prowl accompanied Ultra Magnus's unit, but did not appear again. {{storylink|Birth of the Fantastic Double Prime}}

===Beast Wars===
====Toy Bio====
Prowl II appears to have lost all specific memories of his prior existence. He remains convinced that he was a great military strategist in a previous life. {{storylink|Prowl II#Toys|Prowl II Transmetal 2 toy bio}}
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====IDW ''Beast Wars'' comics====
[[Image:IDW Prowl.jpg|left|200px|thumb|"Problem, Razorbeast?"<br/>
"Yeah. We have no idea who the hell you are."]]

Prowl was one of the [[protoforms]] left behind by the crew of the ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]'' on prehistoric [[Earth]]. He was activated and put in chronal phase by [[Razorbeast]] at [[Magmatron]]'s request, but was protected from Magmatron's [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] shell-program by Razorbeast's viral code.

Accompanied by [[Night Glider]], [[Sonar (BW)|Sonar]], and [[Air Hammer]], Prowl sped to meet up with Razorbeast. {{Storylink|The Gathering issue 2}} These fliers and a phalanx of other Maximals finally reached Razorbeast's team just in time to fight off [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage's]] Predacon militia. In the battle that ensued, Prowl battled [[Sky Shadow (BW)|Sky Shadow]]. After the skirmish, Razorbeast had a spark-to-spark conversation with Prowl, telling him how tempted he was to end [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron's]] life while he was in the capitivity of Magmatron. Prowl assured him that he made the right decision, as it was what happened in the here and now that mattered, not what what could happen in there and then of the future. {{storylink|The Gathering issue 4}}

During yet another attack by the Predacon militia, Ravage learned from a temporally displaced Magmatron that [[Shokaract]] was the real threat, and a truce was called. {{storylink|The Ascending issue 2}} Prowl was one of several Maximals who were taken back to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] in the present day, as it was under attack from Shokaract and [[Unicron]]'s acolytes. Prowl airlifted [[Snarl (BW)|Snarl]] (who invisibility-cloaked them both) in an effort to put a chronal displacement device on Shokaract. However, when Snarl jumped off, Prowl was visible once again and was blasted out of the sky. Fortunately, his sacrifice was not in vain, as the monster was taken to Magmatron's limbo and convinced to end this madness before Unicron consumed them all. {{storylink|The Ascending issue 4}}
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===Timelines===
Prowl (in his black coloration) is a member of the [[Axiom Nexus Security Administration]]. He, [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] and [[Prowl (Armada)|Prowl]] were part of the group investigating the discovery of [[Comet]]'s body. {{storylink|Withered Hope}}

==Origins and complications==
Due to the fact that ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' (1986) was not released in Japan until 1989, the production staff of the assorted Japanese-exclusive series were not entirely aware of the fact that several characters died during the film. As a result, these deceased characters continued to appear in subsequent Japanese series—[[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] in ''[[The Headmasters (cartoon)|The Headmasters]]'', [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] in ''[[Victory (cartoon)|Victory]]''. Prowl was an especially erroneous instance, because he had been ''specifically'' name-checked as being among the deceased in the Japanese dub of "[[Dark Awakening]]", and yet... here he was, with a speaking line and everything.

The story accompanying ''[[Binaltech]]'' (2003–2008) introduced the [[GT System|Genetronic Translink System]], a mechanism which allowed Transformers to simultaneously operate multiple bodies. This served as a possible explanation for the survival of many of these characters, but it did not explain how Prowl could still be around, since he had specifically been stated to be dead. Enter "Prowl 2", an identical clone (sort of) with Prowl's memories that seemingly [[retcon]]ned the appearances in ''The Headmasters'' into being "Prowl 2", rather than Prowl.

This continuity patch-job failed to stick, however—eighteen chapters in, the events of the ''Binaltech'' storyline were branched off into a parallel dimension, leaving the appearances of Prowl in ''The Headmasters'' as an anomaly once more.

The anomaly continued in early 2008, when IDW's ''[[Beast Wars Sourcebook]]'' profiled the [[Transmetal 2]] [[Beast Wars (franchise)|Beast Warrior]] Prowl. Originally released in 1998, this Prowl's [[bio]] noted that he believed himself "to have been a great military strategist in a former life," a reference to the original Prowl. As the ''Sourcebook'' had already chosen to represent the [[Magnaboss]] component ''also'' known as Prowl as an upgraded version of the original character, Transmetal 2 Prowl—here given the moniker of "Prowl II"—was established to be an upgraded version of the semi-clone from ''Binaltech''.

This, however, doesn't make sense. The IDW ''Beast Wars'' storyline occurs simultaneously with the ''Beast Wars'' cartoon, and the events of the branched-off ''Binaltech'' timeline do not line up with the ''Beast Wars'' show (specifically, in the Generation 1-era of the ''Beast Wars'' universe, [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] is known to have killed [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], but in the ''Binaltech'' timeline, [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] never even ''becomes'' Galvatron). Additionally, a few months after the publication of the ''Sourcebook'', the ''Binaltech'' story chapter included with [[Bluestreak]] firmly stamped out any possibility of this idea working by restoring Prowl to life and putting Chip back in his own body.

==Toys==
===Beast Wars===
[[Image:Prowl tm2 fktoy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|His wings will drive you nuts.]]
*'''Prowl''' (Deluxe Transmetal 2, 1999)

: Prowl is a [[Transmetal 2]] bio-mechanical owl with a flip-around-reveal [[spark crystal]] in his owl-skull. In beast mode, he has a spring-gear-activated spinning-wing attack gimmick. Oddly, the ''advertised'' robot mode for this figure has limited range of motion, since its wings would prevent its arms from moving forward. However, box art suggests folding the wings over the shoulders, rather than sticking out sideways from the chest.

: His toy was released in two color schemes. The first one is white, turquoise, and red. The second is black, blue, and red, and was done as a "[[running change]]" variation under the same individual [[SKU]] rather than as a completely new release. The black version came in the same assortment as the running-change white [[Dinobot II]].

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===Binaltech===
[[Image:BinaltechProwl.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Chip Chase cosplaying.]]
* '''Prowl''' (Binaltech, 2005)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''BT-15'''
**''Accessories:'' Engine/gun, traffic direction baton

: Prowl II transforms into a fully-licensed 1:24-scale [[wikipedia:Acura_RSX|Acura RSX]] with opening doors, hood and trunk. His engine becomes a (non-firing) gun, while a clear-plastic nightstick is hidden under his car-mode rear section. For his standard Japanese ''Binaltech'' release, Prowl received a vehicle mode deco based on a real Japanese police car (the [[Hasbro]] [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]]'s deco being based more on the original Generation 1 toy), a different spoiler mold, different rims, right-side steering, a Japanese police cherry blossom emblem instead of an Acura logo, and gray plastic instead of stony-blue. He was also labeled as a "Honda Integra Type-R", the model's make in Japan.

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[[Image:Binaltech Blue Prowl toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Prowl can argue with [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] 'til he's blue in the body.]]
*'''Prowl Vivid Blue Pearl Edition''' (Binaltech, 2005)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''BT-15 '''
**''Accessories:'' Engine/gun, traffic direction baton

:Like [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]], Prowl got two different ''Binaltech'' decos released in equal numbers. The second version, known as "Vivid Blue Pearl", is a civilian version with no police lights, a mostly blue interior, a Honda logo (instead of the cherry blossom emblem) on the grill, and a solid blue car-shell. His robot-mode parts remained mostly the same color, however.

:This mold (the Japanese blue Prowl variant, combined with parts from American police Prowl) was used to make ''Alternators'' [[Camshaft (G1)|Camshaft]].

==Notes==
* There is another "[[Prowl 2]]" toy out there, the [[Spy Changer]] from the ''[[Robots in Disguise (franchise)|Robots in Disguise]]'' line. No release of the toy included a [[bio]], and consequently, just exactly ''who'' this figure represents can be debated. But this was the first official use of the term "Prowl 2," so when the ''Binaltech'' storyline later called Prowl's Binaltech body "Prowl 2," it was likely an intentional reference. In fact, it may have been ''more'' than a mere reference, since ''Car Robots'' (the original Japanese version of ''Robots in Disguise'') is part of the ''Generation 1'' cartoon universe in [[Continuity|Japanese continuity]]. There is not enough evidence to declare the matter one way or the other.

==External links==
*[http://tfu.info/1999/Maximal/Prowl/prowl.htm Prowl at TFU.info]

[[Category:Alternators]]
[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:Clones]]
[[Category:Maximals]]
[[Category:Japanese-original characters]]
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[[Category:Transmetals 2]]