Latest news with #OptimusPrime
Forbes
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Missing Link Optimus Prime Toy Review: Right In The Feels
This toy is so much better than the original you remember. What if a classic toy were to be remade with modern articulation and detailing? That's where the new Missing Link toys for Transformers come in, and they are amazing. The first of these was the classic Optimus Prime, with the iconic trailer, quickly followed by an anime-accurate version (minus the trailer). The version here is the initial 'C-01' release with the trailer, and an awful lot else. To back up a bit, most kids during the mid-80s would have likely had this version of Optimus Prime at one point. However, the original release had almost no real articulation to speak of. It just stood rigid and couldn't be posed at all. Furthermore, the hands were separate parts that had to be attached. Don't get me wrong, it was still a great toy, but this Missing Link version is really quite something else. The articulation is really quite impressive for a re-imagined classic toy like this. FEATURED | Frase ByForbes™ Unscramble The Anagram To Reveal The Phrase Pinpoint By Linkedin Guess The Category Queens By Linkedin Crown Each Region Crossclimb By Linkedin Unlock A Trivia Ladder Firstly, the articulation is way more involved now. You have more movement in its knees, hips, and feet, so you can actually pose the toy properly now. The arms are also more involved, as you can swivel them at the shoulder and elbow. The hands are now folded into the gap behind the radiator grate and can also be opened and closed. The other big addition is that this release also includes a very shiny Matrix of Leadership. This, too, can be removed and held in the new articulated hands. In the original toy, you can spaces for the small Diaclone figures, but these figures were removed when they came Westward as Transformers. The nice thing here is that the whole Matrix housing can also be removed to leave those old Diaclone seats as well. So, that's just the main toy; what about the trailer? This is basically identical to the original. You get the little buggy, but it's silver now, and the maintenance pod. The latter can also be removed and features hair-trigger, spring-loaded missiles. The trailer can also be used in its three configurations: open, closed (but with the maintenance pod popping out), and the rather fun vertical maintenance bay setup (shown below). It's pretty versatile, and you also have stabilisers underneath that can be pulled out and retracted as needed. The full maintenance bay setup with the trailer is still fun to do. The main use of the trailer, though, was storing the other smaller Transformers toys, which this Missing Link toy line is pumping out multiple variants already. Over the years, I've owned a lot of Optimus Primes. From multiple Masterpiece iterations to even the new Diaclone version, but this is probably one of my favorites. Even compared to the walking-talking Robosen version. The fact it takes the classic toy and just updates it without changing anything drastic, just to make it a better toy, is something I cannot enthuse about enough. All of this excellence is also pretty affordable, considering the amount of stuff you get, coming in at a decent $119.99. Considering that the original 1984 toy can go for multiple times this amount, and doesn't have any of the new articulation or gimmicks, makes this an absolute bargain. So, if your parents threw all your old toys away and you've fancied replacing your classic Optimus Prime, get this one. It's better than the toy you remember and is nowhere near as expensive compared to the original that's on the collector's market. The Missing Link Optimus Prime is available from the Hasbro Pulse online store for $119.99. Missing Link Optimus Prime Missing Link Optimus Prime Gallery Manufacturer: Takara Tomy, Hasbro Release Date: February 2024 (Japan) Price: $119.99 Disclosure: Hasbro sent me this toy for the purposes of this review. Follow me on X, Facebook and YouTube. I also manage Mecha Damashii and am currently featured in the Giant Robots exhibition currently touring Japan.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
18th annual Spirit of Grafton kicks off
GRAFTON, (WBOY) — The 18th annual Spirit of Grafton is underway, with hundreds of visitors from all over expected to come out. Dozens of vendors are in attendance alongside numerous food trucks, the Wreaths Across America mobile exhibit, Optimus Prime and much more. Salem EMS holds first car wash fundraiser 'It's kind of a homecoming community event for the people of Grafton, Taylor County, and those that have moved away and often come back for Memorial Day festivities,' Kevin Stead, Grafton City Manager said. If you weren't able to make it out on Saturday, the 158th annual Grafton Memorial Day Parade will be on Monday at 10 a.m. Stead said there are still spots for last minute additions to line up at Grafton High School between 8:30-9a.m. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Scottish Sun
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Mum thinks she bagged a bargain when she orders superhero T-shirts on Temu but when they arrive all she can do it laugh
Have you ever wondered why everything on Temu is so cheap? Scroll down to find out VERY UN-APPY Mum thinks she bagged a bargain when she orders superhero T-shirts on Temu but when they arrive all she can do it laugh Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A MUM has been left in hysterics after her recent shopping experience with Temu went horribly wrong. Whether it's last-minute bits for your holiday or household items needed for a cheap DIY project, Temu has become the go-to for millions of shoppers around the world. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 One mum left everyone in hysterics after her Temu shopping haul went horribly wrong Credit: TIKTOK/@mrclogers 2 Instead of saying 'Avenger', the T-shirt had an unfortunate spelling mistake Credit: TIKTOK/@mrclogers But while many regularly take to TikTok to show off their epic hauls, for one online customer it didn't go so well. On the lookout for some purse-friendly kids' clothing, one mum decided to see what's available on the China-based marketplace, where she spotted several superhero-themed T-shirts. All chuffed with the bargains, she placed the order and patiently waited for the cut-price goodies to arrive - only to be left in stitches. Gobsmacked by what had arrived, her hubby Dan (@mrclogers) shared the disastrous fail on social media - and it couldn't have gone any worse. One of the clothing pieces included a black T-shirt with a hilarious spelling mistake - Thandazing Spiderman. ''C'mon, show me the next one,'' her partner could be heard in the video, as the woman pulled up the next item. ''Captain America - the first Awenger,'' the pair couldn't stop laughing. Sharing the hilarious shopping fail on his page, Dan wrote in the caption: ''When she orders a few bits off Temu! ''I don't think it's that bad? Just a little more confusing for someone with dyslexia,'' he chuckled. Although the video was posted just a day ago, it's already taken the internet by storm, winning the duo more than 500k views and close to 34k likes. I got a Disney travel bag from Temu for my birthday… it could've been lovely but the spelling errors had me in hysterics Over 600 people flooded to comments in hysterics, as many shared their own experiences with the fast fashion marketplace. One parent wrote: ''we ordered Optimus Prime toy for our kid. It said Deformers on the box.'' Another joked: ''Can't wait for The Awengers to come out again, absolutely love Iron Wang.'' Why is Temu so cheap? TEMU exploded onto the scene in late 2022, with people all over social media raving about the low prices. The company is a Chinese-owned digital marketplace - essentially an online shopping app where people are connected to the retailer directly while the app takes care of the shipping element. The frenzy over the app is not completely unfounded either as it offers a wide variety of products, including fashion, make-up, electronics and furniture. According to a report from the US House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, Temu takes advantage of a trade loophole that allows the company to ship duty-free goods directly to the US. The loophole is called the de minimis exception and it means they can ship goods valued up to $800 (£643) to the US without it being inspected or taxed by US customs. Temu connects customers directly to manufacturers and only manages how the items are sent to customers. It means Chinese vendors can essentially sell their products directly to customers and ship it without building a network of warehouses across the globe. By doing this, they cut down on huge costs and ensure the product itself isn't marked up extra. While many of the products seen on the Temu app are from brands with extensive, original collections, many more are dupes of designer brands. ''Not a fan of the Awengers. I'm more into the Justine Weague,'' read another comment that's been liked by 260 others. ''We ordered some capybara stickers for our daughter one was smoking, one was foaming at the mouth,'' a horrified mum said. ''She wanted to put them on her Stanley for school.'' An online shopper chimed in: ''I bought a Frozen backpack. All perfect, right character, right name Frozen.... ''Until 4 months later after using it daily, I realised above Frozen was written the mention "Dinsye" instead of Disney.''
The Irish Sun
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Mum thinks she bagged a bargain when she orders superhero T-shirts on Temu but when they arrive all she can do it laugh
A MUM has been left in hysterics after her recent shopping experience with Temu went horribly wrong. Whether it's last-minute bits for your holiday or household items needed for a Advertisement 2 One mum left everyone in hysterics after her Temu shopping haul went horribly wrong Credit: TIKTOK/@mrclogers 2 Instead of saying 'Avenger', the T-shirt had an unfortunate spelling mistake Credit: TIKTOK/@mrclogers But while many regularly take to TikTok to show off their On the lookout for some All chuffed with the bargains, she placed the order and patiently waited for the cut-price goodies to arrive - only to be left in stitches. Gobsmacked by what had arrived, her hubby Dan (@ Advertisement READ MORE ON SHOPPING One of the clothing pieces included a black T-shirt with a hilarious spelling mistake - Thandazing Spiderman. ''C'mon, show me the next one,'' her partner could be heard in ''Captain America - the first Awenger,'' the pair couldn't stop laughing. Sharing the hilarious shopping fail on his page, Dan wrote in the caption: ''When she orders a few bits off Temu! Advertisement Most read in Fabulous ''I don't think it's that bad? Just a little more confusing for someone with Although the video was posted just a day ago, it's already taken the internet by storm, winning the duo more than 500k views and close to 34k likes. I got a Disney travel bag from Temu for my birthday… it could've been lovely but the spelling errors had me in hysterics Over 600 people flooded to comments in hysterics, as many shared their own experiences with the fast fashion marketplace. One parent wrote: ''we ordered Optimus Prime toy for our kid. It said Deformers on the box.'' Advertisement Another joked: ''Can't wait for The Awengers to come out again, absolutely love Iron Wang.'' Why is Temu so cheap? TEMU exploded onto the scene in late 2022, with people all over social media raving about the low prices. The company is a Chinese-owned digital marketplace - essentially an online shopping app where people are connected to the retailer directly while the app takes care of the shipping element. The frenzy over the app is not completely unfounded either as it offers a wide variety of products, including fashion, make-up, electronics and furniture. The loophole is called the de minimis exception and it means they can ship goods valued up to $800 (£643) to the US without it being inspected or taxed by US customs. Temu connects customers directly to manufacturers and only manages how the items are sent to customers. It means Chinese vendors can essentially sell their products directly to customers and ship it without building a network of warehouses across the globe. By doing this, they cut down on huge costs and ensure the product itself isn't marked up extra. While many of the products seen on the Temu app are from brands with extensive, original collections, many more are dupes of designer brands. ''Not a fan of the Awengers. I'm more into the Justine Weague,'' read another comment that's been liked by 260 others. ''We ordered some capybara stickers for our daughter one was smoking, one was foaming at the mouth,'' a horrified mum said. ''She wanted to put them on her Stanley for school.'' Advertisement An online shopper chimed in: ''I bought a Frozen backpack. All perfect, right character, right name Frozen.... ''Until 4 months later after using it daily, I realised above Frozen was written the mention "Dinsye" instead of Disney.''
International Business Times
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- International Business Times
Entertainment IP x Consumer Products: Evolving Global Licensing Strategies
Entertainment IP collaborations have evolved beyond traditional marketing initiatives, now representing a core growth strategy across sectors such as gaming, mobility, and food and beverage. By merging cultural relevance with product innovation, these partnerships are reshaping how brands connect with consumers across demographics and regions. An analysis of five notable collaborations, including three developed under the leadership of Cosmo Xue, a global authority in IP licensing and cross-industry brand partnerships, illustrates the changing dynamics and expanding influence of co-branded innovation. Segway x Transformers (2022–2024): Integrating Mobility with Fan Culture The partnership between Segway-Ninebot and Hasbro's Transformers introduced five limited-edition mobility products, including the Optimus Prime and Bumblebee Gokart PROs. Distributed across China, the United States, and Canada, the collaboration remained active through April 2024. The launch campaign delivered a 37% increase in Segway's online traffic and was featured by over 500 media outlets, including License Global and PR Newswire. Under Xue's strategic leadership, the collaboration contributed to Segway's repositioning from a mobility innovator to a lifestyle brand, demonstrating the expanding role of entertainment IP within the mobility sector. PUBG MOBILE x Venom (2024): Advancing Narrative Integration in Mobile Gaming In 2024, Tencent Games collaborated with Sony Pictures to integrate Venom into PUBG MOBILE through immersive in-game content and targeted social media promotions across North America and Southeast Asia. The initiative drove over 12 million video views across TikTok and YouTube within the first weeks of launch and recorded a significant increase in user engagement. Xue directed the global execution of the campaign, ensuring narrative consistency and regional market adaptation, an approach increasingly cited as a model for cross-industry IP licensing. Fortnite x Nike (2023): Expanding Brand Presence in Virtual Spaces Fortnite and Nike's 2023 collaboration introduced "Airphoria Island," a virtual experience featuring exclusive digital Air Max sneakers. The campaign attracted millions of players globally and was widely reported by outlets such as IGN, Hypebeast, and Business of Fashion. Nike's internal metrics showed a measurable rise in brand engagement among Gen Z audiences, underscoring the importance of virtual environments for future brand licensing strategies. McDonald's x Pokémon (2023): Sustaining Franchise Value Through Co-Branding A collaboration between McDonald's and Pokémon across key Asian markets combined themed Happy Meals with location-specific toys and collectibles. The campaign achieved a 20% uplift in product sell-through during its launch week and generated significant consumer engagement, particularly in Japan and Singapore. This initiative further demonstrated the commercial strength of nostalgia-driven IP licensing in the food and beverage sector. Honor of Kings x Meet Fresh (2025): Extending Gaming IP into Lifestyle Markets In early 2025, Tencent introduced a crossover campaign between Honor of Kings and Taiwanese dessert chain Meet Fresh, featuring themed packaging and in-store activations across North America. The month-long promotion generated over 40 million impressions and expanded the gaming IP's reach into new lifestyle consumer segments. Xue led the North American rollout, coordinating execution across cities and ensuring consistent brand alignment. Strategic Impact and Emerging Leadership As global demand for multi-platform brand experiences grows, IP licensing is becoming an increasingly sophisticated discipline requiring creative integration and operational expertise. Across multiple sectors and regions, Xue's role as a senior executive and strategic architect of high-impact collaborations has been recognized for setting new benchmarks within the industry. According to Xue, effective partnerships "build cohesive narratives that extend across content, product, and consumer experiences, ultimately creating value that endures beyond the initial activation." Xue's work exemplifies how strategic IP licensing has moved from a marketing adjunct to a core pillar of global brand development, influencing new standards for cross-sector co-branded innovation.（by ：Jon Stojan）
