Titan Heroes

Optimus has since learned not to sign licensing contracts without reading them.

Titan Heroes is a cross-property brand used by Hasbro to sell 12" or larger figures that are inexpensive to produce, durable, and minimally articulated. While the implementation in other properties worked out okay, something went horribly wrong with the first wave of Transformers: Prime Titan Heroes. Despite pretty much everyone's first impression, these were not third party knockoffs.

They first appeared at Toys R Us in late spring 2013 ($25 for 16", $10 for 12") and trickled into other stores, although the 16" variety seems to only be sold at Toys R Us. By the end of 2013 it was possible to buy a two-pack of the 12" versions for $9.99 at Walgreens, with a $4 off coupon...and people still felt vaguely ripped off.

Notes

• The phrase "Titan Heroes" is not found on the first wave packaging. However, similar toys in other lines do use the term.
• The first wave packaging looks like a box but is actually more of a card wrapped into a box shape. It includes bio notes and tech spec numbers.
• The figures are fused together rather than held with screws, so they cannot be easily taken apart for customization or part-harvesting.