e-Hobby Exclusives: The Reissues That Became Grails

The so-called e-Hobby era has become a landmark of Transformers collecting for many fans. Running predominantly through the 2000s, the TakaraTomy-affiliated online store offered recolours of classic Transformers toys in weird and wonderful colour schemes — sometimes referencing Diaclone or Micro Change releases, occasionally diving into exceptionally niche corners of the brand's lore, and often just embracing pure creative experimentation.

What makes this period so fascinating is the dramatic shift in perception over time. Many of these toys weren't particularly appreciated when released, sitting plentifully available online for years before experiencing a swift and surprising renaissance. Today, individual e-Hobby releases can outstrip even the original vintage versions on which they're based, with some specimens commanding immense sums on the aftermarket. It's a remarkable transformation for what were once considered curiosities.

Even aside from their current desirability, there's genuine substance here worth celebrating: lush new colour schemes afforded to beloved vintage classics, the sheer unbridled creativity at play, and a willingness to serve the most dedicated collectors with references that rewarded deep knowledge of the franchise. We discuss our favourite releases, the ones that got away, and why certain examples have achieved such legendary status.

With Missing Link now promising a return-to-form that feels almost spiritually in-keeping with what the e-Hobby reissues offered, it's the perfect time to look back on what is, for many of us, one of the fondest periods of post-G1 collecting. If only it had gone on longer.

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Chapters

0:00:00 Intro

0:06:24 Sponsor Segment: Valart

0:10:14 Introduction to e-Hobby

0:26:23 New Characters From Old Toys

0:35:36 Will They Re-Do Some of These Repaint Ideas Again?

0:42:21 Availability on Release

0:50:01 Why Does e-Hobby Feel 'Exotic'?

1:09:52 Why Do They Still Feel Like Grails Now?

1:19:26 Sponsor Segment: TFSource

1:29:51 Final Thoughts & Patron Questions

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