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 [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.

Age Of Extinction Evolution 2-pack Classics Optimus Prime - Pictorial Review

It's been 1 year and 8 months since I started this review blog and with all the support from you guys, Black-Plastic-Life finally went past 100,000 views mark with more than 14,000 views monthly. Thank you so much.

It's ironic that the first review that I posted was of Classics Optimus Prime (Voyager) back in January 2013 and my first review after the 100K achievement will be a variant of that mold, AoE Evolution 2-Pack Classics Optimus Prime.

Pic Credit : Web

Just like AoE Rollbar, I only bought the Classics version of Optimus Prime, not the set itself. This mold has been released quite a lot of time already (as Optimus Prime, Nemesis Prime and Ultra Magnus). The [official] variants  are :

- Classics Optimus Prime
- Henkei Convoy
- Henkei Crystal Convoy,
- Cloud Optimus Prime
- AoE Evolution 2-Pack

- Classics Ultra Magnus
- United Ultra Magnus

- Universe 2.0 Nemesis Prime
- United Black Optimus Prime

- Botcon 2008 Shattered Glass Optimus Prime
- Botcon 2014 Ginrai

With this new arrival, I'm close to completing this mold [yet again], just waiting for a friend to help me hunt for Transformers Cloud TF-A01 Optimus Prime.

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) .

KFC E.A.V.I Metal Citizen Stack [1st Issue] - Pictorial Review

This review is way over due, am really sorry bout that. Most of you have already known that Takara is releasing MP-22, the iconic character, Ultra Magnus. But back when the news was just a rumor, Keith's Fantasy Club (KFC) announced that they are releasing an MP figure homaging G1 Ultra Magnus, dubbed Citizen Stack (based on the name of Ultra Magnus voice actor in 1986's movie, Robert Stack).

Pic Credit : TFWiki

Not an unfamiliar face. Since Ultra Magnus made his debut in 1986, he's been one of the recurrent characters in Transformers universe, From G1 US (Season 3-4), G1 Headmasters, Robots in Disguise, Animated, TF Prime and more. However, after G1, most of the time Ultra Magnus toys is just white Optimus Prime repaints.

In G1, Ultra Magnus has kind of an unconventional alt mode. While most Autobots have a domestic vehicle as their Alt Mode, Ultra Magnus transforms into a car carrier equipped with missiles, one on each side. Fitting his role considering how he regarded himself as nothing more than a soldier for the Autobots cause.

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

Unique Toys G-02 Sharkies - Pictorial Review

One of the things that I love about 3rd party releases is that most of them are random! Yes, there's a pattern where they focus more on releasing combiners (not to mention, the Headmasters and the Wreckers) but aside from that, fans mostly are surprised with their offering. And the fact that they are producing some obscure characters for the fans is most welcomed. Wonder how long would it take for Hasbro to release a PROPER Reflector?

After the release of the first 4 figures from their War Lord Beasticons set, Unique Toys, the successor of CHMS, decided to take a detour and release an obscure character (which previously was teased by iGear) from the famous 1986's Transformers The Movie, the Sharticons, dubbed UT-G02 Sharkies.

Pic Credit : TFWiki

Made their debut in 1986, Sharkticons are a group of shark-like (well, land-cyber-shark, if you will) soldiers for the Quintessons. Although, despite their name, I myself see more piranha in them rather than sharks. From the picture above, your first impression might not be too far off. The Sharkticons are basically fierce killing machine with almost zero intelligence. And they are big and round. In short, aside from their numbers and also giant razor-sharp teeth paired with those empty eyes, they are just walking potatoes.

The Sharkticons served as the executors for the Quintessons, killing any being sentenced by their masters. However, when it's Kup and Hot Rod's turn, the Sharkticons failed their mission. Making things worst, the Dinobots came to the duo's rescue and by Grimlock's order, turned against their master simply due to their nature of obeying the strongest one.

Pic Credit : TFWiki

Despite the name, Sharkticons were released under the Gnaw which kind of confused me. I can understand that maybe Hasbro wanted a character name for the toys instead of using 'Sharkticons' in general but I can't seem to find any reference to the name Gnaw until Dreamwave's 2003 Cold War comics, giving back story to Gnaw as one of the Sharkticons, who became attached to a young Autobots, Wheelie.

Pic Credit : TFWiki

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

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

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)

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