They might just not be posted yet. Core has always seemed to on the “lower tier”, and I think it only exists, largely, to have something less than $25 for that “pillar” of the brand. That, and Hasbro’s decision to refocus on “major characters, cheap“ seems to reflect on fewer new figures, but more package refreshes and carry over.
Micronus might be a “core with accessories”, as we’ve seen Hasbro be more liberal with what a retail offering can entail.
Legacy United Wave 5- The listing is interesting to me, given the amount of “old stuff, new packaging” appears to be going on. My “gut” is telling me that this is a measure by Hasbro to extend United to the spring to avoid launching a new initiative right around the holidays. Between new episodes of Earthspark AND Transformers One both being major fall media initiatives, they might be eyeing to extend United to give more time to sell down inventory and Prime its own “launch window” in the spring (where “casual buyers” are lighter, perfect to target collectors). Still going to preorder Armada Wheeljack, given the retail backlog I’m seeing.
Generations Prime(s)-
I’m surprised to see a big push on The Thirteen. Even more so that so many are being hit in the 3 waves that seem to cover the 2025 line up. The 13 don’t particularly trip any of MY triggers, but I know they do for many. I don’t know if I’m getting “burned out” on Transformers, but there isn’t a lot appealing to me from that list as “must buys”.
Of what’s listed?
Venom- Well, I got Ransack, with two more slated for the Amazon Mayhem set…so I guess I’ll have to complete the set? Depends on if he gets a full new mold or is a glorified Waspinator retool.
Swindle- This is an odd listing. Is he a “preview” for the Combaticons in 2026…or a stand alone? FWIW, I’d LOVE to see an Animated Mercenary Swindle be a thing. It would give a nice Swindle in an Animated homage. I guess it will depend on what the Primes end up being.
Flatline- An interesting character is always a plus for me. Wiki says he was based on a Trailbreaker design, but given the other listings, my bet is that he’ll be an Armada Red Alert retool.
It’s hard to make any early decisions since I don’t believe that we’ll see the Primes take on the abstract designs they’ve typically been portrayed as, much less comprise AS MUCH of a retail line as they are in this instance.
