Tail-ender: Difference between revisions
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A '''tail-ender''' is a toy that is released near the end of a toy line, shortly before a new line is starting (oftentimes even after a new line has already started). It can be the last new figure (or part of the last [[wave]] of new figures) of its assortment; it may even be the very last figure released to be branded as part of that particular line. Typically, the term only refers to figures released as part of general retail assortments; store [[exclusive]]s are usually exempt. Exceptions are when it's an ongoing store exclusive sub-line or assortment. | A '''tail-ender''' is a toy that is released near the end of a toy line, shortly before a new line is starting (oftentimes even after a new line has already started). It can be the last new figure (or part of the last [[wave]] of new figures) of its assortment; it may even be the very last figure released to be branded as part of that particular line. Typically, the term only refers to figures released as part of general retail assortments; store [[exclusive]]s are usually exempt. Exceptions are when it's an ongoing store exclusive sub-line or assortment. | ||
Very often, tail-enders are victims of poor distribution, end up being very hard to find and catching exorbitant prices on the aftermarket even when they're (at least in theory) still supposed to be distributed, thanks to [[toy scalping|scalpers]]. In some instances, leftover stock of the figure(s) in question eventually ends up being made available through other venues, often via closeout stores such as TJ Maxx, Ross, Marshalls or Five Below, resulting in a situation where you can either find these figures for low prices or have to pay through the nose on [[eBay]]. In some very rare cases, tail-enders end up never seeing an official release at all, usually when the figures haven't entered mass production yet by the time word has gotten out that the assortment is being discontinued. | Very often, tail-enders are victims of poor distribution, end up being very hard to find and catching exorbitant prices on the aftermarket even when they're (at least in theory) still supposed to be distributed, thanks to [[toy scalping|scalpers]]. In some instances, leftover stock of the figure(s) in question eventually ends up being made available through other venues, often via closeout stores such as TJ Maxx, Ross, Marshalls, or Five Below, resulting in a situation where you can either find these figures for low prices or have to pay through the nose on [[eBay]]. In some very rare cases, tail-enders end up never seeing an official release at all, usually when the figures haven't entered mass production yet by the time word has gotten out that the assortment is being discontinued. | ||
In some ''very'' rare cases, figures that are tail-enders in the United States end up being widely available at retail in Europe, making up for all the times when European retailers never stock anything beyond the first or second wave of a line. | In some ''very'' rare cases, figures that are tail-enders in the United States end up being widely available at retail in Europe, making up for all the times when European retailers never stock anything beyond the first or second wave of a line. | ||
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*''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Machines]] [[Battle for the Spark]]'' Basic [[Battle Unicorn#Beast Machines|Battle Unicorn]] | *''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Machines]] [[Battle for the Spark]]'' Basic [[Battle Unicorn#Beast Machines|Battle Unicorn]] | ||
{{Note|[[Hasbro]] eventually worked out a deal with online retailer [[BigBadToyStore]], selling them solid cases of the figure… which then ended up filling their warehouse for a good eight years.}} | {{Note|[[Hasbro]] eventually worked out a deal with online retailer [[BigBadToyStore]], selling them solid cases of the figure… which then ended up filling their warehouse for a good eight years.}} | ||
*''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' [[Mini-Con]] Class two-packs [[Scrap Iron (Cybertron)|Scrap Iron]] vs. [[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]], [[Blastcharge (Cybertron)|Blastcharge]] vs. [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] and [[Backblast]] vs. [[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] | *''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' [[Mini-Con]] Class two-packs [[Scrap Iron (Cybertron)|Scrap Iron]] vs. [[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]], [[Blastcharge (Cybertron)|Blastcharge]] vs. [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]], and [[Backblast]] vs. [[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] | ||
[[File:Sideswipebox.jpg|upright=0.8|thumb|Former urban legend.]] | [[File:Sideswipebox.jpg|upright=0.8|thumb|Former urban legend.]] | ||
*''[[The Transformers: Generation One Commemorative Series|Commemorative Series]]'' Series VIII [[Sideswipe (G1)/toys#Commemorative Series|Side Swipe]] | *''[[The Transformers: Generation One Commemorative Series|Commemorative Series]]'' Series VIII [[Sideswipe (G1)/toys#Commemorative Series|Side Swipe]] | ||
{{Note|Released as part of the [[Toys"R"Us]] exclusive ''Commemorative Series'' line, Side Swipe was only available at Toys"R"Us stores in the United States in ''very'' low quantities. The unsold stock was later made available through [[KB Toys]], at half the original price. The figure ''was'', however, available at Toys"R"Us stores in Canada and Australia in average quantities.}} | {{Note|Released as part of the [[Toys"R"Us]] exclusive ''Commemorative Series'' line, Side Swipe was only available at Toys"R"Us stores in the United States in ''very'' low quantities. The unsold stock was later made available through [[KB Toys]], at half the original price. The figure ''was'', however, available at Toys"R"Us stores in Canada and Australia in average quantities.}} | ||
*''[[Transformers: Alternators|Alternators]]'' [[Camshaft (G1)#Alternators|Autobot Camshaft]] | *''[[Transformers: Alternators|Alternators]]'' [[Camshaft (G1)#Alternators|Autobot Camshaft]] | ||
*[[Movie (toyline)|''Transformers'' (2007 movie line)]] [[Real Gear Robot]]s [[Farsight T-20]], [[Midnighter XR-4]] and [[Twitcher F451]] | *[[Movie (toyline)|''Transformers'' (2007 movie line)]] [[Real Gear Robot]]s [[Farsight T-20]], [[Midnighter XR-4]], and [[Twitcher F451]] | ||
*[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|''Universe'' (2008)]] Voyager Class [[Vector Prime (Cybertron)#Universe (2008)|Vector Prime]] | *[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|''Universe'' (2008)]] Voyager Class [[Vector Prime (Cybertron)#Universe (2008)|Vector Prime]] | ||
{{Note|Unusually, in this case the second-to-last wave of Voyager Class figures, containing [[Inferno (G1)#Universe (2008)|Inferno]] and Vector Prime, was hard to find. Inferno shipped again in the subsequent (final) wave, whereas Vector Prime only showed up in somewhat larger quantities many, many months after his initial retail sighting.}} | {{Note|Unusually, in this case the second-to-last wave of Voyager Class figures, containing [[Inferno (G1)#Universe (2008)|Inferno]] and Vector Prime, was hard to find. Inferno shipped again in the subsequent (final) wave, whereas Vector Prime only showed up in somewhat larger quantities many, many months after his initial retail sighting.}} | ||
*''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' Deluxe Class [[Rampage (ROTF)#RedDeluxe|Rampage (red redeco)]] and [[Evac (Movie)#Revenge of the Fallen|Evac]] | *''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' Deluxe Class [[Rampage (ROTF)#RedDeluxe|Rampage (red redeco)]] and [[Evac (Movie)#Revenge of the Fallen|Evac]] | ||
*''[[Transformers: Generations#Thrilling 30 (2013-2014)|Generations: Thrilling 30]]'' Legends Class [[Acid Storm | *''[[Transformers: Generations#Thrilling 30 (2013-2014)|Generations: Thrilling 30]]'' Legends Class [[Acid Storm#Generations|Acid Storm]] & [[Venin#Generations|Venin]] and [[Gears (G1)#Generations|Gears]] & [[Eagle Eye (G1)#Generations|Eclipse]] | ||
{{Note|Despite intended as the second-to-last wave of Legends Class two-packs, these figures were actually released about a month ''later'' than the figures from the "final" wave at US retail, and ended up more difficult to find (Gears in particular).}} | {{Note|Despite intended as the second-to-last wave of Legends Class two-packs, these figures were actually released about a month ''later'' than the figures from the "final" wave at US retail, and ended up more difficult to find (Gears in particular).}} | ||
*''Generations: Thrilling 30'' Deluxe Class [[Arcee (G1)#Generations|Arcee]] and [[Chromia (G1)#Generations|Chromia]] | *''Generations: Thrilling 30'' Deluxe Class [[Arcee (G1)#Generations|Arcee]] and [[Chromia (G1)#Generations|Chromia]] | ||
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===Released at United States retail, but only available from closeout chains=== | ===Released at United States retail, but only available from closeout chains=== | ||
[[File:TF2010-toy DeepDive.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.2|You will indeed have to dive deep to find this figure.]] | [[File:TF2010-toy DeepDive.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.2|You will indeed have to dive deep to find this figure.]] | ||
*[[Transformers (2010 toyline)|''Transformers'' (2010)]] ''[[Reveal the Shield]]'' Legends Class [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Transformers (2010)|Optimus Prime]], [[Megatron (G1)/toys#Transformers (2010)|Megatron]], [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Transformers (2010)|Starscream]], [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Transformers (2010)|Gold Bumblebee]], [[Prowl (G1)/toys|Prowl]] and [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailcutter]] | *[[Transformers (2010 toyline)|''Transformers'' (2010)]] ''[[Reveal the Shield]]'' Legends Class [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Transformers (2010)|Optimus Prime]], [[Megatron (G1)/toys#Transformers (2010)|Megatron]], [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Transformers (2010)|Starscream]], [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Transformers (2010)|Gold Bumblebee]], [[Prowl (G1)/toys|Prowl]], and [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailcutter]] | ||
*''Transformers'' (2010) ''Reveal the Shield'' Scout Class [[Windcharger (G1)#Transformers (2010)|Windcharger]] and [[Chopsaw#Transformers (2010)|Chopsaw]] | *''Transformers'' (2010) ''Reveal the Shield'' Scout Class [[Windcharger (G1)#Transformers (2010)|Windcharger]] and [[Chopsaw#Transformers (2010)|Chopsaw]] | ||
*''Transformers'' (2010) ''Reveal the Shield'' Deluxe Class [[Fallback (TF 2010)#Transformers (2010)|Fallback]], [[Mindset (TF 2010)#Transformers (2010)|Mindset]], [[Jazz (G1)/toys#Transformers (2010)|Special Ops Jazz]], [[Tracks (G1)#Transformers (2010)|Turbo Tracks]], [[Perceptor (G1)#Transformers (2010)|Perceptor]], [[Wreck-Gar (G1)#Transformers (2010)|Wreck-Gar]], [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Transformers (2010)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Transformers (2010)|Bumblebee]] | *''Transformers'' (2010) ''Reveal the Shield'' Deluxe Class [[Fallback (TF 2010)#Transformers (2010)|Fallback]], [[Mindset (TF 2010)#Transformers (2010)|Mindset]], [[Jazz (G1)/toys#Transformers (2010)|Special Ops Jazz]], [[Tracks (G1)#Transformers (2010)|Turbo Tracks]], [[Perceptor (G1)#Transformers (2010)|Perceptor]], [[Wreck-Gar (G1)#Transformers (2010)|Wreck-Gar]], [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Transformers (2010)|Optimus Prime]], and [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Transformers (2010)|Bumblebee]] | ||
*''Transformers'' (2010) ''Reveal the Shield'' Voyager Class [[Grapple (G1)#Transformers (2010)|Solar Storm Grappel]], [[Lugnut (TF 2010)#Transformers (2010)|Lugnut]], [[Strafe (G1)#Transformers (2010)|Strafe]] | *''Transformers'' (2010) ''Reveal the Shield'' Voyager Class [[Grapple (G1)#Transformers (2010)|Solar Storm Grappel]], [[Lugnut (TF 2010)#Transformers (2010)|Lugnut]], [[Strafe (G1)#Transformers (2010)|Strafe]], and [[Deep Dive#Transformers (2010)|Deep Dive]] | ||
*''[[Transformers: Prime (toyline)|Transformers: Prime:]] [[Beast Hunters]]'' ''[[Cyberverse]]'' Beast Tracker Vehicles [[Energon Driller#BeeDriller|Energon Driller]] with [[Bumblebee (WFC)/toys#CyberverseDriller|Bumblebee]] | *''[[Transformers: Prime (toyline)|Transformers: Prime:]] [[Beast Hunters]]'' ''[[Cyberverse]]'' Beast Tracker Vehicles [[Energon Driller#BeeDriller|Energon Driller]] with [[Bumblebee (WFC)/toys#CyberverseDriller|Bumblebee]] | ||
{{Note|All of the above figures (with the exception of Deep Dive) were comparably easy to find at European retail.}} | {{Note|All of the above figures (with the exception of Deep Dive) were comparably easy to find at European retail.}} | ||
*''[[Transformers: Age of Extinction (toyline)|Age of Extinction]]'' Power Battlers [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#HighOctanePowerBattler|High Octane Bumblebee]], [[Vehicon (AOE)|Vehicon]] and [[Junkheap (AOE)|Junkheap]] | *''[[Transformers: Age of Extinction (toyline)|Age of Extinction]]'' Power Battlers [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#HighOctanePowerBattler|High Octane Bumblebee]], [[Vehicon (AOE)|Vehicon]], and [[Junkheap (AOE)|Junkheap]] | ||
{{Note|These figures fell victim to a series of unfortunate events, among them being a [[Wikipedia:International Longshore and Warehouse Union#2014–2015 negotiation|massive slowdown at | {{Note|These figures fell victim to a series of unfortunate events, among them being a [[Wikipedia:International Longshore and Warehouse Union#2014–2015 negotiation|massive slowdown at U.S. West Coast docks caused by union action]]. Thus far, the figures have only been available in Hasbro's Asian markets and from online retailers and discount chains such as Ross, T.J.Maxx and Five Below. In addition, Junkheap is only included in one wave alongside the other two figures, while a revision of said wave includes Vehicon and Bumblebee but lacks Junkheap. Some online retailers only ever stocked the wave that doesn't include Junkheap.}} | ||
{{-}} | {{-}} | ||
===Planned for general retail in the United States but then picked up as store exclusives=== | ===Planned for general retail in the United States but then picked up as store exclusives=== | ||
[[File:AltRumble.jpg|upright=1.2|thumb|Not the only "Rumble" on this list.]] | [[File:AltRumble.jpg|upright=1.2|thumb|Not the only "Rumble" on this list.]] | ||
*[[Transformers: Universe (2003 toyline)|''Universe'' (2003)]] Ultra two-packs [[Overbite ( | *[[Transformers: Universe (2003 toyline)|''Universe'' (2003)]] Ultra two-packs [[Overbite (G1)|Overbite]] & [[Repugnus (G1)|Repugnus]], [[Long Haul (Universe Ultra)|Long Haul]] & [[Hightower (Universe Ultra)|Hightower]], and [[Bonecrusher (Universe Ultra)|Bonecrusher]] & [[Scavenger (Universe Ultra)|Scavenger]] (exclusively available at [[Target]]) | ||
*''[[Transformers: Alternators|Alternators]]'' [[Rumble (G1)#Alternators|Decepticon Rumble]] and [[Ravage (G1)/toys#AltJaguar|Ravage]] (exclusively available at [[Walmart]]) | *''[[Transformers: Alternators|Alternators]]'' [[Rumble (G1)#Alternators|Decepticon Rumble]] and [[Ravage (G1)/toys#AltJaguar|Ravage]] (exclusively available at [[Walmart]]) | ||
{{Note|Ravage ''was'' available at general retail in Europe, and both figures were available at general retail in some Asian Hasbro markets, with Ravage in [[multilingual packaging|European packaging]].}} | {{Note|Ravage ''was'' available at general retail in Europe, and both figures were available at general retail in some Asian Hasbro markets, with Ravage in [[multilingual packaging|European packaging]].}} | ||
*''[[Transformers Animated (toyline)|Transformers Animated]]'' Deluxe Class [[Arcee (Animated)#Animated|Arcee]], [[Ratchet (Animated)#Cybertron|Cybertron Mode Ratchet]], [[Rodimus Prime (Animated)#Animated|Rodimus Minor]] and [[Ironhide (Animated)#Animated|Ironhide]] (exclusively available at [[Toys"R"Us]]) | *''[[Transformers Animated (toyline)|Transformers Animated]]'' Deluxe Class [[Arcee (Animated)#Animated|Arcee]], [[Ratchet (Animated)#Cybertron|Cybertron Mode Ratchet]], [[Rodimus Prime (Animated)#Animated|Rodimus Minor]], and [[Ironhide (Animated)#Animated|Ironhide]] (exclusively available at [[Toys"R"Us]]) | ||
{{-}} | {{-}} | ||
====Planned for exclusive release but then picked up as exclusives by other stores==== | ====Planned for exclusive release but then picked up as exclusives by other stores==== | ||
*Commemorative Series Series IX [[Astrotrain (G1)#Commemorative Series|Astrotrain]] (intended for [[Toys"R"Us]], but eventually available at [[Hasbro Toy Shop]] instead) | *Commemorative Series Series IX [[Astrotrain (G1)#Commemorative Series|Astrotrain]] (intended for [[Toys"R"Us]], but eventually available at [[Hasbro Toy Shop]] instead) | ||
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[[File:Prime BH deluxe upscaled Windrazor.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|And if you managed to get this one, good luck with the running change variant.]] | [[File:Prime BH deluxe upscaled Windrazor.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|And if you managed to get this one, good luck with the running change variant.]] | ||
*''[[Animorphs]]'' [[Jake|Jake Stingray/Manta]] and [[Taxxon|Taxxon/Alien]] (only released in parts of Europe) | *''[[Animorphs]]'' [[Jake|Jake Stingray/Manta]] and [[Taxxon|Taxxon/Alien]] (only released in parts of Europe) | ||
*[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|''Universe'' (2008)]] [[Robot Heroes (toyline)|Robot Heroes]] [[Ricochet (Headmasters)#Robot Heroes|Ricochet]] & [[Predaking (G1)#Robot Heroes|Predaking]] and [[Tigatron#Robot Heroes|Tigatron]] & [[Inferno (BW)#Robot Heroes|Inferno]] (only released in Australia, Singapore, United Kingdom and Germany) | *[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|''Universe'' (2008)]] [[Robot Heroes (toyline)|Robot Heroes]] [[Ricochet (Headmasters)#Robot Heroes|Ricochet]] & [[Predaking (G1)#Robot Heroes|Predaking]] and [[Tigatron#Robot Heroes|Tigatron]] & [[Inferno (BW)#Robot Heroes|Inferno]] (only released in Australia, Singapore, United Kingdom, and Germany) | ||
*''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' [[Fast Action Battlers]] [[Jolt (ROTF)#Sparkblast|Spark Blast Jolt]] (only confirmed to have been released in Germany) | *''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' [[Fast Action Battlers]] [[Jolt (ROTF)#Sparkblast|Spark Blast Jolt]] (only confirmed to have been released in Germany) | ||
*''[[Transformers Animated (toyline)|Transformers Animated]]'' [[Bumper Battlers]] [[Bulkhead (Animated)|Workzone Bulkhead]] and [[Jazz (Animated)|Stealth Ninja Jazz]] (only released in Australia and Mexico) | *''[[Transformers Animated (toyline)|Transformers Animated]]'' [[Bumper Battlers]] [[Bulkhead (Animated)|Workzone Bulkhead]] and [[Jazz (Animated)|Stealth Ninja Jazz]] (only released in Australia and Mexico) | ||
*''[[Transformers: Prime (toyline)|Transformers: Prime:]] [[Beast Hunters]]'' ''[[Cyberverse]]'' Legion Class figures [[Rot Gut (Prime)|Rot Gut]], [[Divebomb (Prime)|Divebomb]], [[Bluestreak (Prime)#Cyberverse|Bluestreak]] and [[Vehicon (Prime)#CyberverseAce|Ace Vehicon]] (only released in Europe, Australia and South America) | *''[[Transformers: Prime (toyline)|Transformers: Prime:]] [[Beast Hunters]]'' ''[[Cyberverse]]'' Legion Class figures [[Rot Gut (Prime)|Rot Gut]], [[Divebomb (Prime)|Divebomb]], [[Bluestreak (Prime)#Cyberverse|Bluestreak]], and [[Vehicon (Prime)#CyberverseAce|Ace Vehicon]] (only released in Europe, Australia and South America) | ||
{{Note|Unusually, the figures were available in [[multilingual packaging|European packaging]] in Australia.}} | {{Note|Unusually, the figures were available in [[multilingual packaging|European packaging]] in Australia.}} | ||
*''Transformers: Prime: Beast Hunters'' ''Cyberverse'' Commander Class [[Megatron (WFC)/toys#Unicron|Unicron Megatron]], [[Ultra Magnus (WFC)#BHCyberverse|Ultra Magnus]] and [[Bludgeon (Prime)|Decepticon Bludgeon]] (only released in Asia, Europe and Canada) | *''Transformers: Prime: Beast Hunters'' ''Cyberverse'' Commander Class [[Megatron (WFC)/toys#Unicron|Unicron Megatron]], [[Ultra Magnus (WFC)#BHCyberverse|Ultra Magnus]], and [[Bludgeon (Prime)|Decepticon Bludgeon]] (only released in Asia, Europe and Canada) | ||
{{Note|Unusually, the figures were available in European packaging in Asia. The Canadian releases were available in standard trilingual Canadian/Latin American packaging.}} | {{Note|Unusually, the figures were available in European packaging in Asia. The Canadian releases were available in standard trilingual Canadian/Latin American packaging.}} | ||
*''Transformers: Prime: Beast Hunters'' Deluxe Cass [[Bumblebee (WFC)/toys#BHDeluxe2014|Bumblebee]], [[Twinstrike | *''Transformers: Prime: Beast Hunters'' Deluxe Cass [[Bumblebee (WFC)/toys#BHDeluxe2014|Bumblebee]], [[Twinstrike#Deluxe Class|Twinstrike]], [[Smokescreen (Prime)#Deluxe2014|Smokescreen]], and [[Windrazor (Prime)#Deluxe|Windrazor]] (only released in Asia and Europe) | ||
{{Note|Unusually, the figures were available in European packaging in Asia.}} | {{Note|Unusually, the figures were available in European packaging in Asia.}} | ||
*''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (toyline)|Dark of the Moon]]'' Deluxe Class [[Soundwave (ROTF)#Deluxe Class toys 2|Soundwave]] and [[Wheeljack (Movie)#Deluxe Class toys|Wheeljack]] (only released in Japan through [[TakaraTomy]], despite also being solicited by Hasbro) | *''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (toyline)|Dark of the Moon]]'' Deluxe Class [[Soundwave (ROTF)#Deluxe Class toys 2|Soundwave]] and [[Wheeljack (Movie)#Deluxe Class toys|Wheeljack]] (only released in Japan through [[TakaraTomy]], despite also being solicited by Hasbro) | ||
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[[File:Tfa-oilslick-repaint.JPG|right|upright=1.2|thumb|Was the name considered a safety hazard?]] | [[File:Tfa-oilslick-repaint.JPG|right|upright=1.2|thumb|Was the name considered a safety hazard?]] | ||
These have been officially confirmed by Hasbro at one point as then-upcoming new product that ultimately never materialized, be it through a [[BotCon]] or [[San Diego Comic-Con]] panel presentation, solicitations to retailers, [[cross-sell]]s on the packaging of toys that ''were'' released, online store listings or listings on the Hasbro.com website, with official [[stock photography|promotional photos]] provided. For anything that was canceled before it would ever be officially announced, or at least surfaced in [[prototype|sample packaging]], and only became known in retrospect, see: {{Main|Unreleased toy}} | These have been officially confirmed by Hasbro at one point as then-upcoming new product that ultimately never materialized, be it through a [[BotCon]] or [[San Diego Comic-Con]] panel presentation, solicitations to retailers, [[cross-sell]]s on the packaging of toys that ''were'' released, online store listings or listings on the Hasbro.com website, with official [[stock photography|promotional photos]] provided. For anything that was canceled before it would ever be officially announced, or at least surfaced in [[prototype|sample packaging]], and only became known in retrospect, see: {{Main|Unreleased toy}} | ||
*''[[Titanium Series]]'' 3" Robot Masters [[Cliffjumper (G1)/toys#Titanium Series 2|Cliffjumper]], [[Sunstreaker (G1)/toys#Titanium Series|Sunstreaker]], [[Soundwave (G1)/toys#Titanium Series 2|Soundwave]] and [[Nemesis Prime (G1)#Titanium Series|Nemesis Prime]] | *''[[Titanium Series]]'' 3" Robot Masters [[Cliffjumper (G1)/toys#Titanium Series 2|Cliffjumper]], [[Sunstreaker (G1)/toys#Titanium Series|Sunstreaker]], [[Soundwave (G1)/toys#Titanium Series 2|Soundwave]], and [[Nemesis Prime (G1)#Titanium Series|Nemesis Prime]] | ||
*''Titanium Series'' 6" Cybertron Heroes [[Primal Prime#Titanium Series|Primal Prime]] and [[Soundwave (G1)/toys#TiSoundblaster|Soundblaster]] (with [[Ravage (G1)/toys#Titanium Series|Ravage]]) | *''Titanium Series'' 6" Cybertron Heroes [[Primal Prime#Titanium Series|Primal Prime]] and [[Soundwave (G1)/toys#TiSoundblaster|Soundblaster]] (with [[Ravage (G1)/toys#Titanium Series|Ravage]]) | ||
*[[Movie (toyline)|''Transformers'' (2007 movie line)]] Scout Class [[Backtrack (Movie)|Backtrack]], [[Reverb (Movie)|Decepticon Reverb]] and [[Gunbarrel (Movie)|Gunbarrel]] ([[Target]] exclusive assortment) | *[[Movie (toyline)|''Transformers'' (2007 movie line)]] Scout Class [[Backtrack (Movie)|Backtrack]], [[Reverb (Movie)|Decepticon Reverb]], and [[Gunbarrel (Movie)|Gunbarrel]] ([[Target]] exclusive assortment) | ||
{{Note|According to unconfirmed sources (which are directly refuted by other sources), these figures were released in Mexico. Either way, all three figures were later available in the aftermarket in large quantities unusual for "unreleased" toys, and all of them included additional [[instructions|instruction]] sheets in Spanish.}} | {{Note|According to unconfirmed sources (which are directly refuted by other sources), these figures were released in Mexico. Either way, all three figures were later available in the aftermarket in large quantities unusual for "unreleased" toys, and all of them included additional [[instructions|instruction]] sheets in Spanish.}} | ||
*''[[Transformers Animated (toyline)|Transformers Animated]]'' Deluxe Class [[Oil Slick (Animated)#Toxic|Toxic Oil Slick]], [[Wasp#Fugitive|Fugitive Waspinator]], [[Blurr (Animated)#Vortex|Vortex Blurr]] and [[Swindle (Animated)#Mercenary|Mercenary Swindle]] | *''[[Transformers Animated (toyline)|Transformers Animated]]'' Deluxe Class [[Oil Slick (Animated)#Toxic|Toxic Oil Slick]], [[Wasp#Fugitive|Fugitive Waspinator]], [[Blurr (Animated)#Vortex|Vortex Blurr]], and [[Swindle (Animated)#Mercenary|Mercenary Swindle]] | ||
*''Transformers Animated'' Voyager Class [[Bumblebee (Animated)#Voyager|Hydrodrive Bumblebee]], [[Grimlock (Animated)#Goldfire|Goldfire Grimlock]], [[Optimus Prime (Animated)/toys#Wingblade|Wingblade Optimus Prime]], [[Blackout (Animated)#Animated|Blackout]], [[Thundercracker (Animated)#Voyager|Thundercracker]] and [[Bulkhead (Animated)#Mudbuster|Mudbuster Bulkhead]] | *''Transformers Animated'' Voyager Class [[Bumblebee (Animated)#Voyager|Hydrodrive Bumblebee]], [[Grimlock (Animated)#Goldfire|Goldfire Grimlock]], [[Optimus Prime (Animated)/toys#Wingblade|Wingblade Optimus Prime]], [[Blackout (Animated)#Animated|Blackout]], [[Thundercracker (Animated)#Voyager|Thundercracker]], and [[Bulkhead (Animated)#Mudbuster|Mudbuster Bulkhead]] | ||
{{Note|Hydrodrive Bumblebee, Wingblade Optimus Prime and Blackout ''were'' released in Japan through TakaraTomy (Bumblebee under the name "Jet Pack Bumblebee"), all three of them sporting (more or less) different decos than the intended Hasbro versions.}} | {{Note|Hydrodrive Bumblebee, Wingblade Optimus Prime and Blackout ''were'' released in Japan through TakaraTomy (Bumblebee under the name "Jet Pack Bumblebee"), all three of them sporting (more or less) different decos than the intended Hasbro versions.}} | ||
*''Transformers Animated'' Activators [[Soundwave (Animated)#Electromagnetic|Electromagnetic Soundwave]] | *''Transformers Animated'' Activators [[Soundwave (Animated)#Electromagnetic|Electromagnetic Soundwave]] | ||
*[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|''Universe'' (2008)]] [[Robot Heroes (toyline)|Robot Heroes]] [[Optimus Prime (RID)#Robot Heroes|Super Optimus Prime]] & [[Megatron (RID)|Megatron]] (the [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 franchise)|2001 ''Robots in Disguise'' franchise]]), [[Prowl (G1)/toys#Robot Heroes|Prowl]] & [[Laserbeak (G1)/toys#Robot Heroes|Laserbeak]] (''[[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]]''), [[Optimus Primal/toys#Beast Machines series|Optimus Primal]] & [[Jetstorm (BM)#Robot Heroes|Jetstorm]] (''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (franchise)|Beast Machines]]'') and [[Star Saber (Victory)#Robot Heroes|Victory Saber]] & [[Deathsaurus (Victory)#Robot Heroes|Dessaras]] (''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Victory (franchise)|Victory]]'') | *[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|''Universe'' (2008)]] [[Robot Heroes (toyline)|Robot Heroes]] [[Optimus Prime (RID)#Robot Heroes|Super Optimus Prime]] & [[Megatron (RID)|Megatron]] (the [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 franchise)|2001 ''Robots in Disguise'' franchise]]), [[Prowl (G1)/toys#Robot Heroes|Prowl]] & [[Laserbeak (G1)/toys#Robot Heroes|Laserbeak]] (''[[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]]''), [[Optimus Primal/toys#Beast Machines series|Optimus Primal]] & [[Jetstorm (BM)#Robot Heroes|Jetstorm]] (''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (franchise)|Beast Machines]]''), and [[Star Saber (Victory)#Robot Heroes|Victory Saber]] & [[Deathsaurus (Victory)#Robot Heroes|Dessaras]] (''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Victory (franchise)|Victory]]'') | ||
*[[Transformers (2010 toyline)|''Transformers'' (2010)]] ''[[Reveal the Shield]]'' Scout Class [[Bodyblock (TF 2010)|Bodyblock]], [[Rumble (G1)|Demolition Rumble]] and [[Downshift (TF 2010)|Downshift]] | *[[Transformers (2010 toyline)|''Transformers'' (2010)]] ''[[Reveal the Shield]]'' Scout Class [[Bodyblock (TF 2010)|Bodyblock]], [[Rumble (G1)|Demolition Rumble]], and [[Downshift (TF 2010)|Downshift]] | ||
*''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (toyline)|Dark of the Moon]]'' Deluxe Class [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#Movie Trilogy Series|Bumblebee]], [[Ratchet (Movie)/toys#Movie Trilogy Series|Ratchet]], [[Soundwave (ROTF)#Movie Trilogy Series|Soundwave]] and [[Wheeljack (Movie)#Movie Trilogy Series|Wheeljack]] ("[[Movie Trilogy Series|Movie Trilogy]]" wave) | *''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (toyline)|Dark of the Moon]]'' Deluxe Class [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#Movie Trilogy Series|Bumblebee]], [[Ratchet (Movie)/toys#Movie Trilogy Series|Ratchet]], [[Soundwave (ROTF)#Movie Trilogy Series|Soundwave]], and [[Wheeljack (Movie)#Movie Trilogy Series|Wheeljack]] ("[[Movie Trilogy Series|Movie Trilogy]]" wave) | ||
[[Category:Fan terminology]] | [[Category:Fan terminology]] | ||
[[Category:Toys]] | [[Category:Toys]] | ||
Revision as of 05:54, 3 August 2015
A tail-ender is a toy that is released near the end of a toy line, shortly before a new line is starting (oftentimes even after a new line has already started). It can be the last new figure (or part of the last wave of new figures) of its assortment; it may even be the very last figure released to be branded as part of that particular line. Typically, the term only refers to figures released as part of general retail assortments; store exclusives are usually exempt. Exceptions are when it's an ongoing store exclusive sub-line or assortment.
Very often, tail-enders are victims of poor distribution, end up being very hard to find and catching exorbitant prices on the aftermarket even when they're (at least in theory) still supposed to be distributed, thanks to scalpers. In some instances, leftover stock of the figure(s) in question eventually ends up being made available through other venues, often via closeout stores such as TJ Maxx, Ross, Marshalls, or Five Below, resulting in a situation where you can either find these figures for low prices or have to pay through the nose on eBay. In some very rare cases, tail-enders end up never seeing an official release at all, usually when the figures haven't entered mass production yet by the time word has gotten out that the assortment is being discontinued.
In some very rare cases, figures that are tail-enders in the United States end up being widely available at retail in Europe, making up for all the times when European retailers never stock anything beyond the first or second wave of a line.
Hasbro
Released at United States retail in very low quantities
These have a total sum of reported sightings in the single digits across multiple fan sites. Their rarity at retail isn't the conclusion of anecdotal local observation, but objectively verified with no opposition.
Hasbro eventually worked out a deal with online retailer BigBadToyStore, selling them solid cases of the figure… which then ended up filling their warehouse for a good eight years.
- Cybertron Mini-Con Class two-packs Scrap Iron vs. Grindor, Blastcharge vs. High Wire, and Backblast vs. Sureshock
- Commemorative Series Series VIII Side Swipe
Released as part of the Toys"R"Us exclusive Commemorative Series line, Side Swipe was only available at Toys"R"Us stores in the United States in very low quantities. The unsold stock was later made available through KB Toys, at half the original price. The figure was, however, available at Toys"R"Us stores in Canada and Australia in average quantities.
- Alternators Autobot Camshaft
- Transformers (2007 movie line) Real Gear Robots Farsight T-20, Midnighter XR-4, and Twitcher F451
- Universe (2008) Voyager Class Vector Prime
Unusually, in this case the second-to-last wave of Voyager Class figures, containing Inferno and Vector Prime, was hard to find. Inferno shipped again in the subsequent (final) wave, whereas Vector Prime only showed up in somewhat larger quantities many, many months after his initial retail sighting.
- Revenge of the Fallen Deluxe Class Rampage (red redeco) and Evac
- Generations: Thrilling 30 Legends Class Acid Storm & Venin and Gears & Eclipse
Despite intended as the second-to-last wave of Legends Class two-packs, these figures were actually released about a month later than the figures from the "final" wave at US retail, and ended up more difficult to find (Gears in particular).
Released at United States retail, but only available from closeout chains
- Transformers (2010) Reveal the Shield Legends Class Optimus Prime, Megatron, Starscream, Gold Bumblebee, Prowl, and Trailcutter
- Transformers (2010) Reveal the Shield Scout Class Windcharger and Chopsaw
- Transformers (2010) Reveal the Shield Deluxe Class Fallback, Mindset, Special Ops Jazz, Turbo Tracks, Perceptor, Wreck-Gar, Optimus Prime, and Bumblebee
- Transformers (2010) Reveal the Shield Voyager Class Solar Storm Grappel, Lugnut, Strafe, and Deep Dive
- Transformers: Prime: Beast Hunters Cyberverse Beast Tracker Vehicles Energon Driller with Bumblebee
All of the above figures (with the exception of Deep Dive) were comparably easy to find at European retail.
- Age of Extinction Power Battlers High Octane Bumblebee, Vehicon, and Junkheap
These figures fell victim to a series of unfortunate events, among them being a massive slowdown at U.S. West Coast docks caused by union action. Thus far, the figures have only been available in Hasbro's Asian markets and from online retailers and discount chains such as Ross, T.J.Maxx and Five Below. In addition, Junkheap is only included in one wave alongside the other two figures, while a revision of said wave includes Vehicon and Bumblebee but lacks Junkheap. Some online retailers only ever stocked the wave that doesn't include Junkheap.
Planned for general retail in the United States but then picked up as store exclusives
- Universe (2003) Ultra two-packs Overbite & Repugnus, Long Haul & Hightower, and Bonecrusher & Scavenger (exclusively available at Target)
- Alternators Decepticon Rumble and Ravage (exclusively available at Walmart)
Ravage was available at general retail in Europe, and both figures were available at general retail in some Asian Hasbro markets, with Ravage in European packaging.
- Transformers Animated Deluxe Class Arcee, Cybertron Mode Ratchet, Rodimus Minor, and Ironhide (exclusively available at Toys"R"Us)
Planned for exclusive release but then picked up as exclusives by other stores
- Commemorative Series Series IX Astrotrain (intended for Toys"R"Us, but eventually available at Hasbro Toy Shop instead)
Astrotrain was also available at Kmart stores in Australia.
Released in international markets only
- Animorphs Jake Stingray/Manta and Taxxon/Alien (only released in parts of Europe)
- Universe (2008) Robot Heroes Ricochet & Predaking and Tigatron & Inferno (only released in Australia, Singapore, United Kingdom, and Germany)
- Revenge of the Fallen Fast Action Battlers Spark Blast Jolt (only confirmed to have been released in Germany)
- Transformers Animated Bumper Battlers Workzone Bulkhead and Stealth Ninja Jazz (only released in Australia and Mexico)
- Transformers: Prime: Beast Hunters Cyberverse Legion Class figures Rot Gut, Divebomb, Bluestreak, and Ace Vehicon (only released in Europe, Australia and South America)
Unusually, the figures were available in European packaging in Australia.
- Transformers: Prime: Beast Hunters Cyberverse Commander Class Unicron Megatron, Ultra Magnus, and Decepticon Bludgeon (only released in Asia, Europe and Canada)
Unusually, the figures were available in European packaging in Asia. The Canadian releases were available in standard trilingual Canadian/Latin American packaging.
- Transformers: Prime: Beast Hunters Deluxe Cass Bumblebee, Twinstrike, Smokescreen, and Windrazor (only released in Asia and Europe)
Unusually, the figures were available in European packaging in Asia.
- Dark of the Moon Deluxe Class Soundwave and Wheeljack (only released in Japan through TakaraTomy, despite also being solicited by Hasbro)
- Dark of the Moon Human Alliance Soundwave (only released in Asian markets, including Singapore and Taiwan)
Officially unreleased
These have been officially confirmed by Hasbro at one point as then-upcoming new product that ultimately never materialized, be it through a BotCon or San Diego Comic-Con panel presentation, solicitations to retailers, cross-sells on the packaging of toys that were released, online store listings or listings on the Hasbro.com website, with official promotional photos provided. For anything that was canceled before it would ever be officially announced, or at least surfaced in sample packaging, and only became known in retrospect, see:
- Titanium Series 3" Robot Masters Cliffjumper, Sunstreaker, Soundwave, and Nemesis Prime
- Titanium Series 6" Cybertron Heroes Primal Prime and Soundblaster (with Ravage)
- Transformers (2007 movie line) Scout Class Backtrack, Decepticon Reverb, and Gunbarrel (Target exclusive assortment)
According to unconfirmed sources (which are directly refuted by other sources), these figures were released in Mexico. Either way, all three figures were later available in the aftermarket in large quantities unusual for "unreleased" toys, and all of them included additional instruction sheets in Spanish.
- Transformers Animated Deluxe Class Toxic Oil Slick, Fugitive Waspinator, Vortex Blurr, and Mercenary Swindle
- Transformers Animated Voyager Class Hydrodrive Bumblebee, Goldfire Grimlock, Wingblade Optimus Prime, Blackout, Thundercracker, and Mudbuster Bulkhead
Hydrodrive Bumblebee, Wingblade Optimus Prime and Blackout were released in Japan through TakaraTomy (Bumblebee under the name "Jet Pack Bumblebee"), all three of them sporting (more or less) different decos than the intended Hasbro versions.
- Transformers Animated Activators Electromagnetic Soundwave
- Universe (2008) Robot Heroes Super Optimus Prime & Megatron (the 2001 Robots in Disguise franchise), Prowl & Laserbeak (Generation 1), Optimus Primal & Jetstorm (Beast Machines), and Victory Saber & Dessaras (Victory)
- Transformers (2010) Reveal the Shield Scout Class Bodyblock, Demolition Rumble, and Downshift
- Dark of the Moon Deluxe Class Bumblebee, Ratchet, Soundwave, and Wheeljack ("Movie Trilogy" wave)
