After the success of the first Transformers Fans’ Preview, a second Transformers Fans’ Preview session was held on 18 July, which saw an overwhelmingly positive response. Held at Hasbro Singapore’s headquarters, the conference room was packed with excited collectors from all walks of life, as the upcoming wave of Transformers: Studio Series and Movie Masterpiece figures were unveiled.
Planet Iacon and its associates were thrilled to step into the conference room for the Fans Preview session, where a full slate of products awaited them. While the previous session focused on the third wave of Transformers from the War for Cybertron: Siege line, this session’s theme was live-action movie-related – focusing on one particular combiner in particular.
Devastator.
As Transformers fans know, Devastator is one of the most popular Combiners in the series, having seen multiple iterations over the course of different series. One of the most prominent versions of Devastator can be see in the second live-action Transformers film, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.
Transformers: Studio Series brings the deadly combiner to life – with eight different components making up the gigantic Devastator. 2019 will see four of the eight components released – Scrapmetal, Rampage, Hightower, and Long Haul – with the remaining four components coming out in 2020 – Mixmaster, Scrapper, Overload, and Scavenger.
The highly anticipated Masterpiece Movie Megatron was the other highlight of the session, which saw fans handling him with great reverence and respect. After all, which Transformers fan isn’t going to get Megatron to accompany their Masterpiece Movie Optimus Prime?
The session began with a keynote address by Hasbro Brand Manager Jiang Haipan, who re-iterated the impact that Transformers has had in shaping popular culture today. New attendees were excited to hear about the upcoming lineup of Transformers figures for 2019.
“The greatest strength of Transformers has always been their ability to defy expectations,” Jiang said, both in terms of their robot and alternate modes, and in terms of the new concepts and features that each line brings.
The session’s figures were then revealed to the joy of all collectors present.
“It’s good to see Hasbro Singapore engaging Transformers fans like this, and I think preview sessions like this will help to generate interest and anticipation among fans,” said Fabian Wong.
The figures, which had not been released in stores at the time of the preview, were as follows:
Transformers: Studio Series
Deluxe Class
- Autobot Drift (helicopter mode)
- Dropkick (car mode)
- Constructicon Hightower
Voyager Class
- Constructicon Long Haul
- Decepticon KSI Boss
Leader Class
- Optimus Prime (with Jetwing component, from Transformers: Dark of the Moon)
Masterpiece Movie Series
- MPM-8 Megatron
- MPM-9 Jazz
Did you read that right? Yes, Jazz was also “present” for the Fans Preview session – although he is currently embargoed, so he remained mint, in a sealed box, during the session. However, attendees were able to take a look at the classy Masterpiece Movie packaging that he came in, which showcased the different play features of Jazz.
A Facebook Live presentation followed on Planet Iacon’s Facebook Page whilst the other hobbyists had a free play and photo taking session as they tried the different configurations possible for Devastator’s two new components – Long Haul and Hightower.
Planet Iacon also debuted new content in the form of two live unboxing videos on Facebook Live. Optimus Prime, with his Jetwing component, was unboxed in front of a live audience, as well as Masterpiece Movie Megatron.
Benjamin Sim summed up the fans’ reactions as he expressed his thoughts about the event.
“I’m very excited to be at this Fans’ Preview, and I’m so grateful to Hasbro Singapore and Darren Tan [administrator of Planet Iacon] for this exclusive invite,” said Sim.
What about Jazz?
He’ll be revealed at the next Transformers Fans’ Preview session.
Follow Planet Iacon on Facebook for more updates and photos about the upcoming Transformers releases!
All products (except for Jazz) featured in this article will hit major department stores and hobby shops in August.
A shoutout to Hobby Ark Toy Store and Robo Robo, who have Masterpiece Movie Megatron in stock now. Ping me if you’d like a shoutout too!
Videos
- Second Transformers Fans Preview
- Unboxing of Optimus Prime (Dark of the Moon)
- Unboxing of Masterpiece Movie Megatron
You might also want to read:
Photo credits: Planet Iacon and John Elijah Tan
This is an original article on marcusgohmarcusgoh.com.
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I’m an independent scriptwriter who writes for popular shows like Lion Mums, Crimewatch, Police & Thief, and Incredible Tales. I’m also a Transformers enthusiast and avid pop culture scholar. You can find me on social media as Optimarcus and on my site.
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