I think the opposite is more likely.

 

TF Classics exists to reaffirm the G1 mentality with a twist.

 

On one hand, I think Hasbro wants to convey the image that G1 (or something very close to it) has carried the brand for decades; they want audiences to think : These are the characters you grew up with even though they've been facelifted. They want little kids to be G1 fans to support the G1 aspects of the movie and they want lapsed fans to feel like nothing has changed.

 

On the other hand, I think they TWEAKED G1 (rather than doing a Robot Masters/Masterpiece line) because they want to redefine G1 for the slightly more hardcore fanbase so that anything with Rodimus, Starscream, Megatron and Optimus IS G1.

 

Basically, I think this line exists not as a bribe to fans but as an attempt to blur the lines and soften the impact of any changes in the movie.

 

Now, if they WANTED to bribe fans, I think it would be smart to call a decent animation studio up, snag a few old TF writers (like Buzz Dixon or Paul Dini or even the ever-popular Simon Furman), call up some voice actors and do a direct-to-DVD G1 movie that, say, follows Headmasters and introduces the Classics designs into animation.

 

Because I don't think G1 fans would be AS upset about, say, George Clooney as Prime and Gary Oldman as Megatron or something -- provided there was an animated tie-in that revisited G1 while plugging the Neo-G1 toyline, with Cullen and Welker reprising their roles.

 

But they have to move fast if they're going to do this. I think it's the smart choice.

 

The movie WILL have changes to it. The studio may demand big name actors in place of old favorites.

 

So reunite the old favorites for a direct-to-DVD release to ride the wave of the movie's popularity while plugging some of the toys on the shelf.

I'll just agree with everything. Everyone's making too much sense for me. Just give me the toys and I'll be happy.

I'll just agree with everything. Everyone's making too much sense for me. Just give me the toys and I'll be happy.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

:tflaugh Voice of Reason :eek2