In the vibrant world of Transformers collectibles, few figures ignite as much passion and debate as Megatron, the formidable Decepticon leader. The recent unveiling of the Studio Series 86 (SS86) Megatron has fans buzzing with excitement, particularly over the question: Is SS86 Megatron going to be a Fallen retool? Specifically, many speculate whether this figure is a retool of Age of the Primes (AOTP) Megatronus The Fallen. This article dives deep into this topic, exploring the concept of retools, the specifics of SS86 Megatron, its connection to AOTP Megatronus, and what this means for collectors. With insights from fan discussions and official sources, we aim to provide a comprehensive look at this highly anticipated figure.
Understanding Transformers Retools
Retooling is a cornerstone of toy production, especially in long-running franchises like Transformers. A retool involves modifying an existing toy mold to create a new figure, which can range from minor tweaks, such as color changes or new accessories, to significant overhauls that alter the figure’s appearance and functionality. For companies like Hasbro, retools are a strategic choice, allowing them to produce new characters or variants without the high costs and time required for entirely new molds. This approach is particularly common in premium lines like Studio Series, where accuracy to source material is paramount.
Retools can vary in scope. Minor retools might involve repainting a figure or swapping out a head sculpt, while extensive retools, like the one for SS86 Megatron, can involve redesigning multiple parts to create a distinct figure. Collectors often have mixed feelings about retools, appreciating their affordability but sometimes preferring the uniqueness of a new mold. Understanding this process is key to answering whether SS86 Megatron is going to be a Fallen retool.
Introducing SS86 Megatron
The Studio Series 86 line is a celebrated subline within Hasbro’s Transformers Studio Series, dedicated to characters from the 1986 animated film The Transformers: The Movie. This line aims to deliver movie-accurate figures with high articulation and detailed designs. SS86 Megatron, a Leader Class figure, is a centerpiece of this line, capturing the iconic Decepticon leader as he appeared in the 1986 film. Standing at approximately 8.5 inches, this figure is designed to transform into Megatron’s classic G1 gun mode, though some sources indicate it may also feature a tank mode, sparking intrigue among fans.
The SS86 Megatron figure is highly anticipated due to its role in the 1986 movie, where Megatron’s rivalry with Optimus Prime reaches its peak. Its Leader Class designation ensures a larger, more detailed figure with enhanced articulation, making it a must-have for collectors seeking to recreate iconic scenes. The question of whether SS86 Megatron is going to be a Fallen retool has added to the excitement, as fans speculate about its design origins.
The Connection Between SS86 Megatron and AOTP Megatronus The Fallen
Age of the Primes (AOTP) is another subline within the Transformers Generations toyline, focusing on the mythical Thirteen Primes, the original Transformers created by Primus. Megatronus, also known as The Fallen, is one of these Primes, depicted as a powerful and often malevolent warrior. The AOTP Megatronus The Fallen figure is a Leader Class toy, standing at 7.5 inches and transforming into a tank mode. It comes with accessories like a requiem blaster, staff mace, blade, gun turret, and blast effects, reflecting its warrior status.
Speculation about whether SS86 Megatron is going to be a Fallen retool arose due to similarities in design and transformation modes between the two figures. Fan discussions on platforms like TFW2005 and Reddit pointed to shared engineering, particularly in the tank mode and shoulder cannon design. Official sources have since confirmed that SS86 Megatron is indeed a retool of AOTP Megatronus The Fallen, with extensive modifications to align it with the G1 Megatron design from the 1986 movie.
Details on the Retooling Process
The retooling process for SS86 Megatron was no small feat. According to fan discussions and official confirmations, nearly every part of the AOTP Megatronus mold was modified to create SS86 Megatron. This included a new head sculpt to match G1 Megatron’s iconic helmet, redesigned shoulders and arms for a more angular, animated style, and adjustments to the transformation mechanism to support a gun mode rather than a tank. The question of Is SS86 Megatron going to be a Fallen retool? is answered affirmatively, with the retooling being so extensive that it’s been described as one of the best in Transformers history.
Transforming a tank mode into a gun mode is a significant challenge, as these alternate forms require different engineering. The design team’s ability to achieve this while maintaining movie accuracy has been widely praised. Accessories for SS86 Megatron, such as the fusion cannon, further distinguish it from AOTP Megatronus, ensuring it feels like a unique figure despite its retool origins.
Fan Reception and Discussions
The Transformers community has been vocal about SS86 Megatron and its status as a retool of AOTP Megatronus The Fallen. On forums like TFW2005, fans have called the retool “maybe the best I’ve ever seen,” praising the design team’s efforts to make SS86 Megatron feel distinct. Reddit threads echo this sentiment, with collectors excited about the figure’s movie-accurate design and articulation. The question Is SS86 Megatron going to be a Fallen retool? has fueled discussions, with many appreciating the balance of cost-efficiency and quality.
However, not all reactions are unanimously positive. Some fans argue that an iconic character like Megatron, especially from a milestone film like The Transformers: The Movie, deserves a completely new mold. They feel that retools, even extensive ones, can lack the prestige of a unique design. Despite this, the overall reception remains positive, with strong pre-order numbers indicating high demand for SS86 Megatron.
Comparing SS86 Megatron and AOTP Megatronus The Fallen
| Feature | SS86 Megatron | AOTP Megatronus The Fallen |
| Line | Studio Series 86 | Age of the Primes |
| Height | ~8.5 inches | ~7.5 inches |
| Transformation Mode | Gun (possibly tank) | Tank |
| Color Scheme | Purple and silver | Orange and black |
| Accessories | Fusion cannon, possibly others | Requiem blaster, staff mace, blade, gun turret, blast effects |
| Design Inspiration | G1 Megatron (1986 movie) | Dreamwave’s The Fallen |
SS86 Megatron and AOTP Megatronus The Fallen differ significantly despite sharing a base mold. SS86 Megatron’s purple and silver color scheme aligns with the G1 aesthetic, while AOTP Megatronus features a fiery orange and black deco, reflecting its “Fallen” persona. SS86 Megatron’s design is more streamlined, capturing the angular style of the 1986 movie, whereas AOTP Megatronus is bulkier, befitting its role as a warrior Prime. The transformation modes—gun for SS86 Megatron and tank for AOTP Megatronus—further distinguish the two, addressing the question Is SS86 Megatron going to be a Fallen retool? by highlighting the extensive changes made.
Why Hasbro Chose to Retool AOTP Megatronus for SS86 Megatron
Hasbro’s decision to retool AOTP Megatronus for SS86 Megatron likely stems from practical considerations. Creating a new mold is expensive and time-consuming, often costing hundreds of thousands of dollars and months of development. Retooling an existing mold, especially one as robust as AOTP Megatronus, allows Hasbro to produce a high-quality figure more quickly and cost-effectively. Since both figures are Leader Class and share similar engineering complexities, the AOTP Megatronus mold provided a solid foundation for SS86 Megatron.
Additionally, retooling enables Hasbro to meet collector demand faster, ensuring frequent releases within the Studio Series 86 line. This approach also maintains consistency in scale and articulation, crucial for collectors who display figures together. The question Is SS86 Megatron going to be a Fallen retool? is thus answered not only by confirmation of the retool but also by understanding Hasbro’s strategic production choices.
The Impact on Collectors
Retools can be a double-edged sword for collectors. On one hand, they make figures more affordable and accessible, allowing Hasbro to produce a wider variety of characters. On the other hand, some collectors feel that retools lack the originality of new molds, especially for iconic characters like Megatron. The extensive retooling of SS86 Megatron has mitigated these concerns for many, with fans appreciating the effort to make it feel unique. The question Is SS86 Megatron going to be a Fallen retool? has thus sparked a broader conversation about the value of retools in premium lines like Studio Series.
The positive reception and strong pre-order numbers suggest that collectors are excited about SS86 Megatron, retool or not. Its movie-accurate design and high articulation make it a standout addition to any collection, reinforcing the appeal of the Studio Series 86 line.
FAQs
Q: What is a retool in toy production?
A: A retool involves modifying an existing toy mold to create a new figure, often changing colors, parts, or transformation mechanisms to save time and costs.
Q: Is SS86 Megatron a completely new mold?
A: No, SS86 Megatron is a retool of AOTP Megatronus The Fallen, with extensive modifications to match the G1 Megatron design from the 1986 movie.
Q: Why did Hasbro choose to retool AOTP Megatronus for SS86 Megatron?
A: Retooling is cost-effective and faster, allowing Hasbro to leverage existing engineering while delivering a high-quality, movie-accurate figure.
Q: How do SS86 Megatron and AOTP Megatronus differ?
A: They differ in color scheme (purple/silver vs. orange/black), design (streamlined vs. bulky), transformation modes (gun vs. tank), and accessories.
Q: Are collectors happy with SS86 Megatron being a retool?
A: Many collectors praise the extensive retooling for its accuracy, though some prefer a new mold for such an iconic character.
Conclusion
In answering Is SS86 Megatron going to be a Fallen retool?, we’ve confirmed that SS86 Megatron is indeed a retool of AOTP Megatronus The Fallen, but with such extensive modifications that it feels like a distinct figure. Hasbro’s strategic use of retooling balances cost efficiency with collector satisfaction, delivering a highly detailed, movie-accurate G1 Megatron for the Studio Series 86 line. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to Transformers, SS86 Megatron is a standout addition to any collection. Share your thoughts on this retool in the comments or join discussions on platforms like TFW2005, and explore the full Studio Series 86 line for more iconic figures from the 1986 movie!
