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trance wrote:1) What was behind Hasbro's decision to name the latest Transformers "initiative" Hunt for the Decepticons, and why the vague term "initiative"?

I got this one!


Okay, this is tied in tightly with the G I Joe "initiative" Pursuit of Cobra. When I say tied in, I mean that it is a similar theme, etc...

Joe fans were given a bit more of a sneak peak at Joecon for the late 2010 releases than TF fans at Botcon as the con was held so late this year (to tie in with the movie release).

By initiative they mean a multi media campaign, referencing books, comics, a line of figures that ties both movie lore and classic lore into a big mess of mangled continuity, updates of classic themes, and (possibly) the hint of a new series. It is definitely meant to be a stop loss between movie years, in order to keep both movie fans and old school collectors excited until the next movie comes out.

Examples from G I Joe that were shown at Joecon:

a) a HISS tank updated for a new generation, that looks like it could actually stand up and walk at any point.

b) a motorcycle that become "Mech-like" armor

c) tons of classic characters in updated uniforms

d) New comic art tied into the theme, that seems to pick up where the movie comics drop off.

e) Some completely new characters that fit very well into the "classic" non-movie lore, and have a more traditional look, but are not just the same guys repainted/with a different hat.



So, what we should expect is that there will be one line out, that will contain would we would traditionally look at as "Classics or Universe 2.0" tied in with an extended "ROTF" line, that might not make sense in what us "true fans" think of as a sensible continuity, but it keeps everything in one style of packaging (cutting costs), and lets kids see figures that they might not have looked at in a "Classics" line as part of their own line.

That's good stuff, Maggie, is that your words or an official blurb?
Mind if I use it in my blurb here?

http://www.transformerland.com/transfor ... icons.html

When you google HUNT FOR THE DECEPTICONS, TFL frequently pops up in the #1 spot...I was kinda hoping for an official answer exclusive to TFL regarding HFTD to help sustain this position and further TFL's standing in the community.

That is not the official answer, but my speculation based on their behaviors with their other lines, most specifically, the other "in house boy's toy" G.I. Joe.

They are also performing similar streamlining with Star Wars and other "out of house" brands, as allowed by the liscensers.

The main reason for the streamline is to not have a brand competing with itself (similar to how Animated and Universe 2.0 were).

As far as getting a more specific answer, based on recent returns from the last G.I. Joe Q&A (just return a week and a half ago), when asked about more info regarding Puruit of Cobra, they will tell you that the release of the line will be second half of 2010 (like they said in their press conference on 11/5), and that images and more info will be seen around Toyfair and/or Botcon. (This is my speculation based on the answer given in the TF Views question from the first post in this thread as well as those Joe Q&A answers.)

Well, this is prime time to have an official answer on HFTD...this was my attempt to come up with something I didn't think another site would ask, worded in then manner Hasbro prefers. Other HFTD questions are welcome and encouraged, I'd just like to have at least one

It's kinda sad really, the only question I can think of. And the only thing I really want to know; I know Hasbro won't anwser...

When the Universe line returns do we have any hope of seeing completion of groups such as the Dinobots? Is their a chance we could get a Universe Updated Battletrap? or Shockwave?

Ultra Magnus wrote: All questions must be submitted before midnight London time 11/29/09.

There's not much time left, so don't forget to ask your questions!

Okay, folks, submissions are now over.

We will be letting the hamsters run around on printed copies of all submitted questions, and any still legible and uneaten after 12 hours will be submitted.

Thanks to all who submitted, and check back in roughly 2 weeks for your answers!