Mastermind Creations R10 Salvia Prominon - Pictorial Review

Now, closing on Mastermind Creations' fembot, the sixth variant homaging one of the Thirteen, R-10 Salvia Prominon aka Not-Solus Prime

Pic Credit : TFWiki

In IDW G1 continuity, Solus Prime is one of the Thirteen, the first Transformers created by Primus. She is known for her phenomenal crafting ability, creating weapons for the other Primes, including the Star Saber and the Matrix of Leadership.

It was said by Nexus Prime that war between the Thirteen and their tribes broke off after Megatronus broken his promise to Solus Prime. She and most of the Thirteen left Cybertron to other planets where Solus Prime resided and started the Caminus Colony.

Reviews of previous variants can be found below

• R-08 Azalea
• R-08D Azalea Stealth Assassin
• R-08 Azalea Asterisk Mode
• R-08Z Zinnia
• R09 Eupatorium

Again, this is the 6th release of the mold hence the review will be very brief.

In Package

Front View

Mastermind Creations R09 Eupatorium - Pictorial Review

After series of official releases, let us continue with a 3rd party releases, this time by Mastermind Creations. After Cynicus, presenting R-09 Eupatorium, MMC's take on Elita One (also as Elita-One and Elita-1).

Pic Credit : TFWiki

Just like Optimus Prime, it wasn't always Elita One. Before the war, the soon-to-be Elita One, Ariel, is a young dockworker and girlfriend of Orion Pax. Due to Orion Pax's bad judgement call, Ariel was gunned down by Megatron trying to save him which she later was reconstructed by Alpha Trion  as Elita One.

Hunt For The Decepticons Elita-1
Pic Credit : TFWiki

Elita-1 is also the name of one of the 3 sisters appearing in Revenge of the Fallen but let us just forget about her...

Since Eupatorium is a retool of Azalea, this review will be brief. Review of previous usage of the mold can be found below

• Azalea
• Azalea (Stealth Assassin Version)
• Azalea (Asterisk Version)
• Zinnia
• Salvia Prominon 

In Package

Eupatorium comes in a box with the same design as other Reformatted series releases with a artwork of their Not-Elita One on the front.

Mastermind Creations R12 Cynicus - Pictorial Review

Now, let us venture into another subgroup in IDW continuity, the infamous Decepticon Justice Division (DJD).

Decepticon Justice Division
Pic Credit : TFWiki

The DJD is a small unit in the Decepticon army, consisting small number of bots carrying Decepticon's 'justice'. Being Megatron's enforcer, they act based on the The List, containing names of traitors, deserters or transgressors that opposed the Decepticon's cause either directly or indirectly. The known members of DJD are

• Helex
• Kaon
• Tarn (Leader)
• Tesarus
• Vos

There are also 2 others associated with DJD

• Nickel (medic, first female Decepticon in IDW)
• The Pet

Most of the names are codename based on the early cities the Decepticons conquered. The codename will will be used by new member in the event any of the current member dies.

DJD Vos
Pic Credit : TFWiki

The current Vos is at least the second bot that took the codename. Vos is a scientist and a linguistic purist, speaking only in Primal Vernacular instead of Neocybex, the modern Transformers language. Vos transform into a sniper rifle and wielded by other DJD members (and on occassion, Megatron himself).

In Package

Mastermind Creations R-01C Terminus Hexatron Continuum - Pictorial Review

Sorry for not having new reviews recently, was in the middle of moving to a new house and also my daughter was not well for quite some time.

This review of MMC R-01C Terminus Hexatron Continuum will be brief as the main review had been done for R-01 Terminus Hexatron. This figure is the 4th variant after Hexatron Super Nova (Limited Edition), Terminus Hexatron and Terminus Hexatron Shadow Emissary.

In Package

This is by far my favorite packaging compared to the rest of Hexatron's variants. It's not that the packaging of the Reformatted Line is bad or anything, but there's something about the badass artwork on the box that I love so much. But is that it?

Nope, inside there's a second clear packaging, homaging G1-style packaging. While I personally don't prefer this clear packaging as they tend to crack overtime, with proper care and handling, I don't think there will be a problem here.

Back View

The Japanese style artwork at the back of the box really gives me G1 Headmaster vibes.

Mastermind Creations R08Z Zinnia - Pictorial Review

Time for another Mastermind Creations release. Luckily, it's not another Azalea...well, technically she's not...

Arcee's laundry day?

Paradron Medics are settlers of Planet Paradron, home of pacifist Autobots escaping the Great War plaguing Cybertron. Cyclonus and Scourge who were injured by Superion, fled through a vortex and accidentally found the planet which is inhabited by these pacifists and sure enough, they conquered it...easily.

Led by Sandstorm, they requested help from the Autobots in Cybertron but even under Rodimus Prime's lead, they fail to retake the planet and ended up detonating Paradron's energon core, destroying it. Good Job!

Paradron Medic never really received a toy treatment aside from the non-transforming Super Collection Figure and Heroes of Cybertron version.

Pic Credit : TFWiki

Even the redeco of Energon Arcee is not really Paradron Medic but rather "Ariel (Arcee's name in Japan) Paradron-Type". However, back in 2008, she was supposed to be released under Binaltech line using the same mold as Binaltech Arcee but was later cancelled.

Pic Credit : TFWiki

For previous reviews of the mold, please check below :-

• R-08 Azalea
• R-08D Azalea Stealth Assassin
• R-08 Azalea Asterisk Mode
• Eupatorium 
• Salvia Prominon 

In Package

Mastermind Creations R08 Azalea Asterisk Mode - Pictorial Review

Okay, next (another short review)!

Back in early September, Mastermind Creations decided to release Azalea as an exclusive for Singapore Toy, Games and Comic Convention 2014, dubbed Azalea Stealth Assassins. The next month, another exclusive version of Azalea was release, during the first ever TFCon Chicago. 

It's like Mastermind Creations heard the outcry of their fans in the Asia region, Asterisk Mode was again offered, as an exclusive at Indonesia Toy, Game and Comic Convention, held on November 2014.

Reviews of previous variants can be found below :-

• Azalea Stealth Assassin
• Azalea (Normal Version)
• Zinnia 
• Eupatorium 
• Salvia Prominon 

*again, this will be another short review

In Package

Mastermind Creations R08 Azalea - Pictorial Review

This (and few after it) won't be as detailed as most other reviews since this a variant (although it's what the mold was intended for) of Azalea Stealth Assassin.

Pic Credit : MMC/TFWiki

It's kind of weird considering Azalea Stealth Assassin was released first before normal version of Azalea. I'm guessing Mastermind Creations is really confident with her that even though there's another version been released first, it won't affect the sale of the normal version (and also, Stealth Assassin was released in small numbers only).

Backstory of the character can be found below

• Perfect Effect PE DX-01 Motobor RC Review

Review of other variants can be found below

• Azalea Stealth Assassin
• Azalea Asterisk Mode
• Zinnia
• Eupatorium
• Salvia Prominon

In Package

Mastermind Creations [Reformatted] Feral Rex - Pictorial Review

Predaking, the beast of all combiners. As opposed to decreasing in intelligence experienced by most of other combiners, Predaking somehow manages to combine all the personalities of the components into one perfect, animalistic hunter.

Pic Credit : Web

So, here it is, the long awaited Mastermind Creations Feral Rex, completed. And it's impressive. First thing first, presenting the Feral Cons!

Feral Cons in Alt Mode

Feral Cons is robot mode

There's a certain degree of satisfaction whenever a combiner team is complete. Staring at the images, the uniformity of the design of all members is awesome.

Mastermind Creations R-06 Tigris - Pictorial Review

It seems like forever since Talon was teased and finally the [core members of] Feral Cons are complete, with the release of R-06 Tigris

Review of TFC version of Rampage can be found here.

In Package

Front View

Considering he's the fifth, there's not much to say about the box except that it follows the design of the rest of Feral Cons.

Mastermind Creations R08D Azalea Stealth Assassin - Pictorial Review

Mastermind Creations Azalea (Not-Arcee) was first teased back in 2013 when PlanetSteelExpress released her render along with Parapax Zinnia and later displayed at Captured Prey Third Party at Botcon 2013.

Pic Credit : MMC/TFWiki

Azalea is the 4rd version of 3rd Party release homaging G1 Arcee in Cybertronian Car mode, the first 3 being Rabid Squirrels's A.R.C, Impossible Toys' Valkyrie and iGear's Delicate Warrior. Other iteration of Arcee includes Perfect Effect's RC.

Before releasing Azalea, Mastermind Creations releases a dark color version of Azalea, dubbed R08D Azalea Stealth Assassin as Singapore Toy, Games and Comic Convention (STGCC) 2014 Exclusive, distributed by The Falcon Hangar limited to only 500 pieces worldwide.

Thanks to my friend Nik Khairul Amir for helping me out.

Reviews of her variants can be found below

•  Azalea
• Azalea Asterisk Mode
• Zinnia
• Eupatorium
• Salvia Prominon

Mastermind Creations R-02 Talon - Pictorial Review

Seems that recently, everything is about combiners, even I feel more excited whenever a combiner team member arrive. Now, for something that's been long overdue, Mastermind Creations Talon (Not-Divebomb).

G1 Divebomb's Box Art
Pic Credit : TFWiki

Along with the other Predacons, Divebomb was created in 2006, given by the Quintessons as a symbol of the alliance between them and Galvatron. Forming Predaking's left arm, Divebomb is one of the deadliest predator in the sky that enjoys nothing other than destruction.

Pic Credit : TFWiki

G1 Divebomb (and the rest of the Predacons) was released in 1986 in individual pack (D-75) and also in gift set (D-78) .

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

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.

Mastermind Creations R-01 Terminus Hexatron - Pictorial Review

The most powerful killing machine out there, a six-changer, that's what he is. Most try to not be in his way and those who does, fight with every bit of their spark to survive. And they'll regret it. Sixshot!

Pic Credit : Web

Sixshot made a notable appearance during Transformers G1 : The Rebirth (Part 1), storming Cybertron with other Decepticons, with sole purpose of getting control of the Plasma Energy Chamber. A monster, Sixshot single-handedly takes on the Aerialbots with his 5 alternate modes, upon being ordered by Galvatron.

In The Headmasters continuity, Sixshot was the arch-enemy of Ultra Magnus, as the Decepticon City Ninja Commander. Fought a fierce battle, Ultra Magnus faced Sixshot bravely but against the six-changer, Ultra Magnus fell by the power of theWingwolf, Sixshot's hidden seventh mode.To be frank, I prefered Sixshot's potrayal in US G1 rather than in the Headmasters as the former had him as a killing machine, not a ninja-bot.

The Glory of G1 SixshotPic Credit : Web

Before I continue, would like to wish Happy New Year 2014 for all. And special thanks to my friend who was kind enough to lend me this (skipped him for awhile, saving up for my best 'haul', my baby, to be born in April 2014)

Preda-What?

I feel compelled to post this as never had I have as much doubt on choosing which version should I buy. For official figures, I just follow my CHURG-mold-only rule, simple as that.

Even for 3rd Party releases, I usually made my decision whenenver the product was revealed albeit a few impulse buy like PE Motobot for instance, sold my iGear Delicate Warrior for her. Deciding on TFC Hercules, TFC Uranos, Toyworld Hardbone and Brainwave, all of them were simple choices. But now, there are 3 companies that set to release 3 entirely different Not-Predaking

1 - Unique Toys War Lord

War Lord was never in my consideration. The fact that the individual bots are too small and they looked more like a custom of G1 toys (which they initially were) as opposed to a 'REAL' 3rd Party release

2 - MMC Feral Rex

 This guy is awesome! Had a chance of reviewing R-03 Bovis before and I must say, the quality is superb! The plastics are solid and the joints are tight. All the individual bots look great though not a fan of Not-Razorclaw.

3 - TFC Project Ares

Found the picture today, combining Nemean (Not-Razorclaw) with prototype limbs. There are much to be tweeked as these are only for test shots but i really like them, aesthetic wise. Saw a review of Nemean, clearly showed that the joints and plastics are getting better on him compared to Uranos and Hercules.

I've been back and forth on which is my 'ultimate' Predaking. After weighing a lot of factors like design, quality and price, I will opt with TFC Project Ares.

However, I'll make sure to do MMC Feral Rex review as I already started with Bovis and maybe one day, Unique Toys War Lord

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

The Not-Combiners

It's a cruel time for Transformers collectors, it really is. Generations 3.0 has given us a promising debut with the releases of awesome characters especially Titan Class Metroplex. However, one thing that still lacking, the Combiners, where up until now, there's still no news of HasTak taking the wheel on this and delivering fair combiners to the fans. And so, we turn to 3rd Party companies. After the succesfull release of many ie Fansproject Crossfires, Maketoys Giant, TFC Hercules and Uranos, more combiners are shoved to us ie Maketoys Not-Computron, MMC Feral Rex (Not-Predaking), another from TFC yet to be named and of course, Fansproject Not-Menasor as apart of the Causality line.

Take note that there's 2 scale of combiners, one being the TFC's scale where we have Uranos, Hercules and MMC's Feral Rex. The other one being Fansproject Crossfires (Not-Bruticus and Not-Superion), Maketoys Giant and Not-Computron, etc. I choose the larger ones being that for combiners, I opt to the biggest scale available.

Reference, not accurately scaled
Pic Credit : Web

*Wishing for more combiners in TFC's scale*