Another part of history that will never be reissued ... TAKARA Hybrid Style Convoys - THS-01, 02 and 02B.
Hybrid Style Convoy collection
A quick history lesson : TAKARA is no more, now a larger entity after its merger with Tomy in 2006, hence the "birth" of TakaraTomy. Many will be familiar with the new blue TakaraTomy logo.
Old collectors will likely remember the red TAKARA one ...
but did you know that, in the earlier years, it was in a form of a "cute" golliwog-like character logo?
Yes, it was mainly found on Diaclone releases, before it was removed due to widespread criticism; and I have a Diaclone piece (as proof) to support this ...
Anyway, back to this set ... can't really recall when I got the full set, what I know is over the years, there have been 3 reissues of THS-02 G1 Convoy :
1. TakaraTomy THS-02 Convoy - no difference from the TAKARA one, only change in company and logo (and the positioning of the logo on the box...haha)
My TAKARA THS-02
TakaraTomy THS-02 (source : collectiondx.com)
2. TakaraTomy THS-02 Convoy Black Gold version (Asia Exclusive) - to me, it's a cheaper version of e-hobby exclusive THS-02B. Still, it was a limited edition, featuring new gold paint apps on the arm and leg joints.
(source : TFwiki)
(source : serpentorslair.com)
Asia Exclusive vs e-hobby Exclusive (pic below) - can you see the difference?
My THS-02B in repair mode...
3. Hasbro Platinum Edition Year of the Rooster Optimus Prime (aka THS-02 G1 Convoy) - a special edition to celebrate Chinese New Year in 2017 (Year of the Rooster). This was basically yet another reissue (not retool or redeco) with no additional accessories / add-ons. To me, it was just another money making proposition for Hasbro.
(source : tformers.com)
For those who missed the TAKARA ones, this is their best opportunity to own a piece of that history, albeit them being TakaraTomy and Hasbro versions.
Now, for the fundamental question... a question that must be answered by all mold or series completist... should I get these 3 to complete my Hybrid Style Convoy collection... or not?
One thing's for sure, there will not be another reissue of THS-01 Galaxy Convoy, for now... (I hope Hasbro and TakaraTomy are not reading this right now).
I am the only one!
