Generations Deluxe Rattrap - Pictorial Review

One thing that I was worried about with the release of Age Of Extinction line : Generations line not reaching Malaysia's shore. It was the case back in 2011 with the last wave of Generations didn't hit the shelves and I got the same feeling this year when even after months it was released, the wave that consist of Deluxe Scoop still nowhere to be seen and the newest wave consisting of Deluxe Rattrap and Tankor might suffer the same fate. Luckily, new stock arrived yesterday with Deluxe Scoop, Armada Starscream, Skywarp, Minicon Assault Team, Tankor and Rattrap altogether in a carton.

Pic Credit : TFWiki

One of the main characters in Beast Wars series and the earliest crew of Maximals, Rattrap is perhaps the most annoying character the Maximals have to deal with, with the constant negativity, sarcasm and being dowright rude to almost everyone even his commanding officer. He's a fine soldier nonetheless, been at the frontline of countless battles between the Predacon and Maximal.

Unique Toys A01 Soundmixer - Pictorial Review

This review is sponsored by X2OToys

Less than a month ago, I watched a youtube clip by TheFineBros, Kids React to Walkmans (Portable Cassette Players) which made me feel old...really old..

Based on the clip, I kind of understand why Hasbro still haven't (maybe wouldn't) produce this iconic character (not in the version that fans want at least) in the CHURGs line.

Pic Credit : TFWiki

DJ in da house. Fans of G1 will never forget Blaster, the most happening bot out there. He is loud. He is energetic. He is closest to the earth cultures than any of his comrades. In a long rivalry with Decepticon Communications Officer, Soundwave, Blaster was joined by a cassette army to help him settling the scores with Soundwave and his minion.

Pic Credit : TFWiki

Unlike most important G1 characters, Blaster never really have an appropriate toy aside from the G1 version (and Reissues, etc) while his arch enemy, Soundwave received several updates with the most recent a Masterpiece treatment (both Hasbro and Takara version).

With the volume of 3rd Party companies nowadays, it surprised me that no one ever release Blaster until this year, by Unique Toys (and next, Mega Steel).

Mastermind Creations R-04 Leo Dux - Pictorial Review

Busy month indeed. With my baby, works, TransMY exhibitions, hard to find time for reviews. Aside from this, hopefully will also be able to finish the reviews for TFC Phlogeus, UT Soundmixer, KFC Citizen Stack, and also TFC Gumball.

But first thing first, let us proceed with MMC R-04 Leo Dux (Not-Razorclaw). With this release, Feral Rex finally took form!

For brief back story of the character, please refer below:

TFC Nemean Pictorial Review

Generations Whirl - Pictorial Review

For now, 2014 seems like a well-balanced year, with interesting releases from both HasTak and 3rd Party companies. There's still no sign of the Generations Deluxe Wave 4 here in Malaysia, kind of worrying; considering this won't be the first time I have to outsource some of the regular releases. We are lucky though, since the Wave 4 (if not mistaken) of Generations Voyager has already arrived.

Pic Credit : Web

Whirl....the weird character both in term of his design AND personality. Don't get me wrong Geewunner, I have nothing against his design, just calling a spade; a spade. Whirl is a member of the Wreckers, which recently given more spotlight in the Transformers world. Honestly, I think it's because of that spotlight that fans could have a chance to get our hands on an obscure characters like him (and not long after, Voyager Roadbuster).

Wreckers are well-known to be 'reckless', not abiding to most rules written. But Whirl take it to another level. None can determine whether Whirl is in fact insane OR he just believes that insanity makes an extremely effective weapon.

G1 Whirl
Pic Credit : Web

Universe 2.0 Cheetor - Pictorial Review

One of the figures that I vowed to skip and never even considered before, Universe Cheetor. This changed, however, since my wife decided to start collecting the Neo-Beast Wars figures (thanks a lot, Rhinox and Rattrap!!)

Pic Credit : TFWiki

The young and enthusiast Maximal was never short on energon. Despite his good intent, Cheetor had few times caused problems to his teammates and almost leading them to the brink of destruction. All of this reminded me a lot of Hotrod in the 1986's Animated Movie.

Pic Credit : TFWiki

Among the initial crews of the Axalon that crash-landed on the 'mysterious planet', Cheetor quickly went on his way, after choosing a cheetah as his beast form, going on a run with others of his kind....sort of. This 'harmless' act brought him face-to-face with Waspinator and the other Predacons which resulted him being rescued by Optimus Primal. And that won't be the last....

Unique Toys Maniaking - Pictorial Review

It seems like forever since I've last done a review as I was busy at the office and also been involved with Malaysia's Transformers 30th Anniversary Expo early February. Thanks to a dear friend who's kind enough to lend me the figure that I'm about to review next. First, a little back story.

Earlier this month, Transformers : Age of Extinction (AOE) Teaser Trailer was released depicting some interesting cast with appearance of Transformers' iconic character, Galvatron.

Screenshot from AOE Teaser Trailer, showing Galvatron
Pic Credit : TFW2005

Not a newcomer, Galvatron is a character that almost all TF fans have heard of, be it from Transformers Generation 1, Armada, Energon, Cybertron or any other media (comics, etc). Let us explore Galvatron throught Generation 1 continuity.

Pic Credit : Web

After the fierce battle between Optimus Prime and Megatron in Transformers : The Movie (1986) that left most children then crying their eyes out (I still cringe everytime I watch the death fight), Optimus Prime died (for the first time, not the last) and Megatron suffered the most fatal blow ever, leaving him half dead and was evacuated from the battle by Soundwave.

Not long after, Megatron was betrayed (not the first time) by Starscream and was left in space to rust alongside with few others. There, the unfortunate few met Unicron which offer Megatron a new, stronger body in exchange for total obedience. Hence, Galvatron was born. Throughout Transformers history, Galvatron made frequent appearance as either an upgrade of Megatron or a separate entity.

G1 Galvatron (the non-accurate-color version)
Pic Credit : Web

As a CHURGs collector, I was pleased when Hasbro announced the release of Universe Galvatron back in 2008. Yet, the fact that he was only a Deluxe-sized figure was a small issue; compared to the nightmare of the figure design.

Universe Galvatron
Pic Credit : Web

Since then, there's a lot of news hinting that 'this' or 'that' company will be releasing their own Galvatron but only in 2013, Unique Toys showed their prototype and Maniaking was released in January 2014.

Mastermind Creations R-05 Feral Rex Fortis - Pictorial Review

One thing that I hate in collecting Transformers figures...the wait! Even more so if it's part of a team, Headmasters, Throttlebots and in this case, Combiners. The next figure released by Mastermind Creations after R-03 Bovis is R-05 Fortis (Not-Headstrong), courtesy of a friend

Pic Credit : transformerscustomtoys.com

Glutony with brute force. Not the brightest of the 5 but Headstrong still maintained the most determined of all once he decided he wanted something. And nobody can say otherwise. With unbreakable ramming head and acid-dripping horn, Headstrong proves to not be taken lightly by the enemy

During G1's Call of The Primitives, the Predacons went fleeing for their lives when Sky Lynx and Trypticon had their energy drained by Tornedron, but stopped by Headstrong, declaring that he should die fighting, bringing the fight back into his fellow Predacons. Headstrong can form either leg of Predaking but mostly as the left leg.

TW-03 BII - Pictorial Review

First and foremost, I would like to thank ToyWorld for giving me the chance to do advanced review of their TW-03, a big leap for my review blog. Before we start, as always, an introduction is in order.

Let us forget for awhile, about the 'all-mighty' Bumblebee post-2007 era and go back to a simpler time, Generation 1, 1984 era. Bumblebee is one of the first Autobots lineup introduced when the series aired, being a part of the crew that crashed on Earth 4 millions years ago.

Not being the toughest nor the smartest one, doesn't stop Bumblebee from being in the fight for Earth safety. Being one of the most good 'hearted' bot out there, Bumblebee befriended Spike Witwicky and acted as his closest friends and guardian till Spike's adulthood.

Pic Credit : Web

Bumblebee survived the reign of Unicron and remained in the Autobots frontliner during Rodimus Prime's time. He however, sustained fatal injuries during the outbreak of the Hate Plague and rebuilt into a new soldier, Goldbug.

Pic Credit : TFWiki

Over the years, there's been an extensive version of Bumblebee, from the improved-G1 design to the reboot/new design. There's few design that roughly follows (or intended to follow) the original Bumblebee design such as G1 version (pic above), 2006's Classics Bumblebee and recently the new offering by a 3rd Party Company, Artfeather.

Pic Credit : TFWiki

Pic Credit : ACToys

However, just as we went into 2014, Toyworld decided to release their version of Bumblebee, TW-03 BII.

TFC-008 Wings Of Uranos [Project Uranos] - Pictorial Review

Now, for the last piece of the puzzle. Sorry for the delay I had a slight problem with the supplier that causes the delay and hectic end of 2013 doesn't help.

Years before, during the time of Hercules, TFC decided to release an add on set after his [near] completion, answering to fans request [demand] of a more G1-Devastator-ish aesthetic for Hercules. And TFC answers with the Rage of Hercules set. And I applauded them for that.

Pic Credit : Web

But, with Uranos, TFC decision to release add on even before the combiner was finished was a bit disappointing, considering they were still at the stage where amendment can be made. Okay, that's the end of that. Moving forward, having completed 5 members of Not-Aerialbots team, do you need the upgrade set?
Without further ado, I present to you Wings of Uranos

Maketoys MT-03 HyperNovae - Pictorial Review

First and foremost, this review wouldn't be possible without the help of a dear friend, who's kind enough to lend me this figure, one of my favorite characters in Transformers

Pic Credit : Web

Presenting, one of the most graceful Transformers out there, Nova Prime, predecessor to Nominus Prime. Back then in Cybertron, there was another big war being fought, long before Optimus Prime/Megatron time, ended in the hand of Nova Prime. With the end of Chaos, Nova ventures to Cybertron's underground with his closest comrades and advisors, Jhiaxus, Galvatron, Cyclonus and Dai Atlas, to find the Guiding Hand.

World with no factions
Pic Credit : Web

Even with the purest of intention, Nova Prime slowly drift away, believing more than he should, on the prophecy of "All Shall Be One" , planning the Expension to enslave all lifeforms under his empire. Running out of time when Vector Sigma's flow of new sparks ceased, Nova Prime and his team boarded the Ark to start the Expension.

Nemesis Prime
Pic Credit : Web

Nova Prime discovered a portal while on their way to the Benzuli Expanse and, blinded by his greed and pride, went into the portal to the Dead Universe and never be seen again. Not as Nova Prime

Pic Credit : Web

Nova Prime was actually a concept design made for Optimus Prime by Don Figueroa but the toy never seen the light of day. However, there was a company that produced this design and if not mistaken, only 2 figures exist (1 design, 2 variants)

By Master Collectibles
Pic Credit : Web

Knowing what the fans want, Maketoys took the liberty of [mass] releasing the first Not-Nova Prime figure, dubbed MT-03 HyperNovae

Generations Rhinox - Pictorial Review

Yet another release that caught the fans by surprised, after the release of Generations Waspinator. The Ironhide of Beast Wars era, Rhinox. Thanks to my friend, who's a hardcore Beast Wars collector, for this piece

Pic Credit : Web

One of Maximal's aces, Rhinox is the most dependable of all of them. A mix of Ironhide's brawn and strength with Wheeljack's intelligence, Rhinox are both effective both on field work and as a strategist, pulling the strings to make sure the Maximal won the battle. He's part of the Axalon's crewmember that crashed on earth during the pursuits of Megatron and his Predacons army

Beast Wars Rhinox
Pic Credit : TFWiki.net

Even with the glory of Beast Wars era, Rhinox received a cruel life in Beast Machine era as he and Silverbolt were captured and stripped of their organis bodies and placed into the body of Tankor and Jetstorm respectively

Tankor/Rhinox
Pic Credit : Web

Generations Doubledealer - Pictorial Review

*First of all, I would like to apologize on how brief this review is and I kinda half-assed on transforming the figure. Was actually a bit dissapointed at how this figure turns out*

Now, another official release. Hasbro decision of releasing a repaint of Generations Blitzwing as Doubledealer surprised me. Sure, repaints are inevitable but for Blitzwing, I would've guess the next logical variant would be Overcharge, considering he's a redeco of G1 Blitzwing, released as an eHobby Exclusive on 2005.

Pic Credit : TFWikiNet

Before we begin, let's make things clear. Don't confused Doubledealer and Doubleclouder. Although sharing the same toy, Doubleclouder was a character from Japanese-exclusive series, Transformers : Super-God Masterforce. Despite being the same, both Doubledealer and Doubleclouder has different background and stories to them

Doubledealer (also known as Dealer) is on both sides of the war but at the same time, on neither. His real side, his only concern is himself. Allegiance on sale, Doubledealer is the best comrade a bot could have if they can pay him enough. As valueable he is to both sides, neither choose to fully trust him.

Toyworld TW-02 Orion - Pictorial Review

Throughout Transformers history, it's not something to for Transformers figure to be inspired by the comic series and vice versa. Transformers continually upgrading and changing their design in one series after another which gives a vast diversity to each of the characters. That makes them unique

IDW (Idea and Design Works) currently owns the license for Transformers comic book, replacing the now-history Dreamwave Productions, starting from May 2005. Focusing mainly (but not exclusively) to a rebooted Generation 1 continuity. From The Transformers : Infiltration series, IDW Publishing is moving forward strongly, creating another universe, a great one at that, for the Transformers fandom

Infiltration (2005-2006)
Pic Credit : Web

 For a character that constantly receiving new design and reimagining, one version kind of stands out, Optimus Prime of IDW's The Transformers Series

One of my favourite 3rd Party company, Toyworld, took the challenge (and as if anticipated Hasbro/Takara direction towards the IDW Continuity) to release an update of Optimus Prime that the fans had long longing for.....

Pic Credit: Web

THIS!!

Generations IDW Goldfire - Pictorial Review

Death in G1 Transformers was not a common thing. Having children as the target audience, the dark tone and storyline were not introduced in the series, up until Transformers The Movie (1986) where almost everyone died. Literally! Death was everywhere, I s**t you not!

Pic Credit : Web

Apparently after 2 years, killing a bot is actually easy
Pic Credit : Web

While some stay dead, making way for newer characters, some return as either their ownself eg Optimus Prime, or they are being reformatted into new bot, eg Megatron to Galvatron, much stronger and powerful (at least till the end of the episode). A lot of people debated whether the later can be count as death since the bots were alive prior to the reformatting. But lets keep it short and consider it as the death of the character itself

Pic Credit : Web

Part of the rescue team led by Rodimus Prime, Bumblebee and the crew fall into the trap set by a Transformers-Hating couple by using the body of the deceased Optimus Prime as bait. Exposed to the hate plague, the Autobots ran amuck and started battling each other. Severely damaged by the Superion, Bumblebee body was reconstructed by the Quintessons, saying that he's no longer a 'Bumblebee' but a 'gold bug' (referring to the shiny body) thus dubbed Goldbug by Optimus Prime 

The resemblance is uncanny!
Pic Credit : Web

Generations IDW Autobot Skids Fix - Tutorial

As I mentioned before in the previous review (Generations IDW Skids), Skids has limited articulation on the legs due to the design of the top part of his thighs (connected to the ball joints). Here's the easy fix, thanks to my friend, Mr Low Ghim Joo for pointing that out

Not enough clearance due to the shape/design

Generations IDW Autobot Skids - Pictorial Review

Glad to see how the new Generations take on a more obsecure characters, not only the frontliner. Now, it's time for Skids!

No, not THIS retarded abomination! Don't get me wrong, I like the movie franchise, enjoyed every one of them. But THIS here tainted the name of Skids soooo much that I think it's one of the reason Hasbro decided to fix that

Now, THIS is Skids!

Not initially seen in the initial Autobots crew that crashed landed on earth, Skids first appear in episode 45, Quest for Survival and the second (and last), episode 50, Triple Takeover. Skids is usually 'absent' where he spend most of his time inside his on head but one of the best theoretician onboard.

Initially part of the Diaclone toy line, Skids transform into a Honda City Turbo in blue while there are also red and black color scheme

Generations IDW Waspinator - Pictorial Review

Hasbro surprised many with their choices in the new Generations 3.0 (Thrilling 30) lineup, starting from Springer and Blitzwing, then the gigantic Titan Class Metroplex. Not only that, they also released a character from a line that its reboot back in 2008 was long forgotten, Waspinator of Beast Wars!

The Maximal

Many not know Beast Wars, some even call it an abomination for me personally, Beast Wars had on of the best storyline of all the Transformers series, albeit with some shady computer-animation (but understandable considering the time it was aired)

Pic Credit : Web

Either people had watched Beast Wars or not, most of them WILL know him. Despite being a fan's favorite, the universe (well, Beast Wars universe, at least) hate him! Imagine any bad circumstances, any disaster, any battle, you can bet that most probably Waspinator sustained (at least some) damage.

Pic Credit : Web

However, all the tortures, the humiliations, the disrespect, the constant explosions and everything the universe throws at him, Waspinator is a survivor and loyal to the Predacons'cause

Beast Wars Waspinator (1996/1997)
Pic Credit : Web

Generations Calvin Johnson Exclusive IDW Megatron - Pictorial Review

First of all, I would like to say that there's not much info on this variant so even my post's title is likely to be wrong. Pictures of this figure surfaced on the internet months ago bearing that name and that's it, nothing else known about it (at least not to my recollection)

Did some googling about Calvin Johnson, he's actually an American football wide receiver for the Detroit Lions of the NFL, nicknamed 'Megatron'. I'm really interested to know how Hasbro will release this

Pic Credit : Web

Not much I can tell (since I know sooo little about him) and this will be a short review since the mold has been reviewed here

Generations IDW Deluxe Megatron

Mastermind Creations R-03 Feral Rex Bovis - Pictorial Review

Gestalts are forces to reckon with, tipping the scale in whichever war or battle they participates in. However, there's one particular team, whose combined form feared even by the other combiners, the King of The Beast, Predaking of the Predacons.

Pic Credit : Web

Fusing Divebomb, Headstrong, Rampage, Tantrum and Razorclaw of the Predacons, Predaking is ferocious demon with extreme physical abilities and personality. The perfect hunter and predator, Predaking, despite being animalistic, differ from his kind of uncontrollable and stupid machine.

Pic Credit : Web

Forming Predaking's right leg (although not exclusively), Tantrum seems to have his patience replaced and all filled with violence. And if you count pointless fight, endless destruction and senseless violence as 'fun', then he's the most fun bot out there

Dr Wu DW-P15 Rain Storm - Pictorial Review

There are few categories of 3rd Party releases, from a full figure, add ons (armor, extensions), replacement (heads, etc) and also weapons.

Dr Wu is one of the companies that focused on the release of add on weapons and recently recently, IDW-inspired weapons for Generations Springer