Other review goodies~

Some other reviews by fellow TransMY Reviewers Community

By clskywlkr

Fansproject Function X-3 Smart Robin

By Rainformers

Cybertron Con 2013 Henkei Jetfire

TransMY Reviewer Community - The Initiative

It's been a slow year, kind of caught up with a lot of things from personal, work to hobby. Hopefully, in 24 hours, will be able to post another review so stay tuned.

After TransMY collaboration doing Malaysia's Transformers 30th Anniversary Expo, we're trying to move forward and expend our group, hence TransMY Reviewers Community is born

The idea behind this is to get few TransMY-ian to start up their own Transformers reviews on any platform (blog, youtube, etc) to help promote the group, the fandom and also themselves. Also, through this, hopefully we can groom and help each other to bring forth more reviewers (from Malaysia, especially)

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

TFC Uranos [Project Uranos] - Pictorial Review

The first of many, the Aerialbots, consist of Silverbolt, Skydive, Slingshot, Air Raid and Fireflight, formed the first Autobots combiners (in the G1 US Continuity), Superion.

Pic Credit : Web

Despite being one of the most popular Autobots combiner ever, Superion is far from perfect, really far. In theory, the combining process of gestalts often results in insanity and instability due to the meshing of disparate personalities into one mismatched whole.

Overcoming this issue, Superion chose not to meld it together, instead shutting all out, the conflicting personalities of the Aerialbots. Deprieved from all that, Superion was left with sole purpose of destroying the Decepticons,  with Menasor at the top of his list, other than protecting the earth and human.

Pic Credit : Web

Superion's design was depicted in the cartoon having a mouth plate however it wasn't the case for his G1 toy nor most of the media, comic etc

IDW's The Transformers:Robot In Disguise #9 Night and the City
Pic Credit : Web

Before we move on, below are the links for the previous Project Uranos's review

TFC Phantom
TFC Eagle
TFC Blackbird
TFC Harrier
TFC Falcon

TFC F-16 Falcon [Project Uranos] - Pictorial Review

Finally, nearing the end of Project Uranos however, despite the long wait, I dreaded the fact that it arrived simultaneously with ACG-HK Metroplex... I'm broke...

Let's continue, with the last member of TFC's Project Uranos (but not the last release, waiting for Wing Of Uranos), F-16 Falcon, Not-Skydive

Pic Credit : Web

Being the geek of the group, Skydive enjoys reading, a lot, before the hobby was destroyed with the release of Twilight Saga (LOL). However, foes are not to take him lightly, as he's capable of mimicking any flight patterns, any aerial tactics thanks to his filled up databank through his 'geeky' hobby. Just as his team members were, except for Silverbolt, Skydive was not, initially, bound to the whole Autobots cause.

KODX Black Convoy - Pictorial Review

First and foremost, this post merely act as a review and comparison between the original United Black Convoy and the new KODX Black Convoy, not endorsing it

Tracing back, the release of KO Optimus Prime mold started with the low-end quality version of Henkei Prime, Ultra Magnus (Blue Body) and Nemsis Prime (All black, silver thigh), then the KOLD (KO Lucky Draw) version which include KO Crystal Convoy, Gold and Silver Versions, Shattered Glass, Double Shattered Glass, Wonderfest, KO Wonderfest and few more iterations of the mold. Although better the quality is still below average.

The KODXs released end of December, currently consist of 4 version, KO Shattered Glass, KO Crystal Convoy, KO Henkei Convoy and KO Black Convoy

Generations Voyager Springer - Pictorial Review [Part 2]

Robot Mode

Awesome design! Hasbro manage to take the IDW design and bring it to life. If you notice, the shoulder pads are made out of thin plastics. His rotor blades can be use a sword which is solid and design nicely, much better compared to Defender's

Generations Voyager Springer - Pictorial Review [Part 1]

First of all, I want to said, last time Generations halted during the screening of Transformers' Dark of the Moon, around June 2011, having release Junkheap and Sky Shadow. So for me, except from 3rd party releases, it's been constant repaint and repaint and repaint (including the Asia Exclusive figures) so hasn't been that much exciting for me. Even when I started Henkei/United this year, felt bored of the same mold

However, early this year, Toy Fair 2013 revealed what's on the table for the future and I was damn excited. One of the figure would be, Generations Voyager Springer

Pic Credit : web

First made his appearance in the 1986's Transformers The Movie, Springer became one of the new regulars (together with Kup, Arcee, Blur, etc) that took place post-Optimus Prime era. Springer, to me gave the impression of regular jock. Good build, skilled, but never really shines.

Springer was apart of a new group introduced, a triple-changer, along with a few others ie Sandstorm, Broadside and few others.

Pic Credit : Web

He received a fairly decent toy back in the days which to me is good enough if you look some of the other characters released. After Generation 1, a (somewhat) homage of him made an appearance in Transformers Superlink (Energon), named Sprung/Bulkhead. Toy wise, HasTak did make an effort of introducing him post-Unicron Trilogy under the Universe line A COUPLE OF TIME being repaint after repaint (not to mention Botcon release)

One of the many Springer
Pic Credit : Web

And in 2012, he was again released using Transformers Hunt for The Decepticon's Tomahawk mold and as I saw it, people seems happy to use it filling in for Classics Springer slot.

Despite all that, back in 2010, Fansproject kick-start their Warbot series with the release of Defender a coincidentally-homaging-Springer which was met with different reaction. Being the first full fledge figure, poeple still wondering whether the price is right for a small-voyager figure. Nonetheless, fan rejoice, we have our Springer!

I have to admit though, Defender comes with a few flaws, paint chip, loose joint and sometime-weird proportions. In early 2013, during Toyfair 2013, HasTak launch their 'counter attack', answering to fans wants and demands.

Mech Ideas Demolition Crue Apex and Geminus - Pictorial Review

These past few years, the Transformers scene had change drastically as Hasbro/Takara focused more and more of their attentions to mainstream line (except for Takara's Masterpiece line) namely Dark of The Moon, Transformers:Prime and Fall of Cybertron, independent companies jump ship one after another into this gold mine of collectors. There are cases of failure debut while a few had significant improvement on their releases (Xovergen's Trailerforce TF-01).

Few however, passed with flying colors on their first try. Planet X for instance, went with the Genesis Project, their own rendition of War for Cybertron's Omega Supreme (hopefully, will be able to review him before end of February)

Another 3rd party company that kind of step in nonchalantly into the arena with the offering that (at least for me) really caught my attention. Mech Ideas first debuted their Demolition Crue (Not-Wreckers) project with Apex and Geminus in TFCon 2012 which schedule to be release on February 2013.

Apex and Geminus are homages of G1's Jumpstarters, Topspin and Twintwist which were said to be able to transform between modes in a fraction of a second providing them edge in combat

Jumpstarter - Topspin
Pic Credit : Web

Jumpstarter - Twintwist
Pic Credit : Web

The brothers made appearances in various series and publications like the Marvel comics and Dreamwave comics continuities. However, my favorite would be their appearance in the 5-issue limited series published by IDW Publishing in 2010.

The Last Stand of The Wreckers #1
Pic Credit : Web

 The story follows the adventure of the veteran Wreckers and their new recruits in a (suicide) mission of liberating an Autobots facility from the rogue Decepticons Overlord.

Different from other series, The Last Stand of The Wreckers focused on more 'benchwarmer' characters that hardly being explored in depth unlike the 'popular' characters.

A really recommended read but note, it's heavy and it gets bloody (or oily(?)) so if any of you guys can't stand the fact of losing any of your favorite characters, stay away! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!










 

The brothers - before the end
Pic Credit : Web

Let's get into the review, shall we?

Kre-O Micro Changers Combiners Constructicon Devastator - Pictorial Review

After getting the Preview Wave, I was hooked! Brick had never been my cup of tea but the image of the new Combiners set really get my attention. Found all 4 of the set at a local Toys R Us, went back home with all 4

Let's start with Constructicon Devastator set

In Package - Front View

Renderform RF005 Kit Nebulous Tempest - Pictorial Review

I mentioned earlier that recently Hasbro and Takara seldom release straight-repaint figure anymore without small retooling/remolding, especially giving new head for the figure. But 3rd parties has been doing this for quite some time. While company like Fansproject and a few others focused their release on add ons/weapons, some offered fans with alternative heads (Fansproject did, by the way, releasing a new head for Classics Cliffjumper and iGear's Kup head). Some of the companies are Beelzeboss and Renderform


Renderform is a garage kit label, a custom made upgrade kits/accessories by Venksta. More can be found here Renderform.

Here's a review of the RF005 Kit for Universe Darkwing

Transformers Universe Darkwing - Pictorial Review

One thing that Transformers collectors could expect in any line of the releases. REPAINT! It started long ago and continued till this day. However, recently, Hasbro/Takara choose an alternative way of reproducing existing mold which is retool/remold.

This wasn't the case for years back where a straight repaint were done whether or the not it's resembles the said character (which most of time, didn't)

An example of it, here's Transformers Universe Darkwing (2009), repainted from Universe Silverbolt.

Pic Credit : Web

First of all, he shouldn't be confused with Decepticons Hydra which appeared in G1 Masterforce series. However, he did made an appearance in the commercials for the Powermaster toys.

Repaint as a Toys 'R' Us exclusive, his new alt mode is an XB-70 Valkyrie jet.

TFC F-4 Phantom [Project Uranos] - Pictorial Review

After the success of Project Hercules, TFC offered fans with similarly craved by fans figures, continuing their effort in releasing yet another Transformers G1-Not-Combiners, Uranos (Not-Superion)

First of all, the team that formed Superion was Aerialbots, a 5-jets team consisting Silverbolt (Leader, Concorde SST), Air Raid (Boeing F-15C Eagle), Fireflight (McDonnell Douglas F-4B Phantom II),  Skydive (General Dynamics F-16C Fighting Falcon) and Slingshot (McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II).

Pic Credit : Web

Rebuilded from old shuttles, they act as a counter-measure of Decepticons newly formed combiner team, Stunticon. Stunticons were set out to 'take the ground' dominated by Autobots (as most are land vehicles) resulting in Autobots taking the area once dominated by Decepticons, the sky

Superion
Pic Credit : Web

For the first release, TFC had given has F-4 Phantom (Not Fireflight). First, let see him from the last century's prespective

In G1, he can describe as a reckless flyer, pays no attention to the safety of others as he can get easily distracted.

Pic Credit :Web

Toy representation, as it were. And he was small! Really-really small. Now, for TFC's offering

TFC Hercules [Project Hercules] - Pictorial Review

Finally, started from July 2011, the set finally completed on January 2012. To recap, let us first have a look G1 Devastator and next, the Hercules Team (Not-Constructicon) assembled

TFCC 2012 Exclusive Runamuck Pictorial Review

Now, for the TFCC 2012 Free Subscription Figure, another half of the Battlechargers, Runamuck. First, his G1 toy transforms into a Pontiac Firebird Trans Am sports car. An autotransformer, he uses a pull-back motor to propel him forward in both car and robot modes, though starting in car mode triggers his transformation to robot after he rolls forward a short distance. His mold is very similar to his partner Runabout, but it is highly unlikely one is actually a retool of the other since they had simultaneous production. Also, because of his design, he lacks complete articulation.

New millenia update

TFCC 2012 Exclusive Over-run (Runabout) Pictorial Review

Was up till late last night and ended up waking a bit late, rush like hell to get to the office, the day seems bleak....until I received my Parcel from US. My TFCC (Transformers Collectors Club) 2011 Exclusive G2 Ramjet!

Made me remembered of other TFCCs figure so instead of Hercules, I'll proceed with TFCCs for awhile

TFCC Exclusive 2012 Over-run (Runabout)

Over-run is the first half of the Battlechargers that received recognition to be released under TFCC. Let us see how he was years ago

Pic Credit : Web

Menacing, ain't it? (sarcasm mode : on) Runabout transforms into a Lotus Turbo Esprit sports car. He uses a pull-back motor to propel him forward in both car and robot modes, though starting in car mode triggers his transformation to robot after he rolls forward a short distance. Neat, huh?

In 2012, TFCC released 3 figures being TFCC Over-run (Roundabout), TFCC Runamuck and TFCC Shattered Glass Drift. Runamuck is a free figure that comes with the TFCC membership.

In Package - Front View

TFC Heavy Labor [Project Hercules] - Pictorial Review

Back when it was released, I had to wait around 1 month plus for the release of the 2nd component, Heavy Labor (aka Not-Long Haul). Was initially scheduled to be released on September 2011, was delayed till end of October due to unforeseen issue arises in regards to the replacement part (Exgraver's hoe)

TFC (Project Hercules) Heavy Labor (Not-Long Haul)

In Package - Front View

TFC Exgraver [Project Hercules] - Pictorial Review

Project Hercules started at 2011, created a wave of frenzy to the fans. Created by TFC, this is the first independent release that tackled Transformers Generation 1 combiners. A lot of love-or-hate comments thrown, some skeptical, some had faith.

Project Hercules (aka Not-Devastator) takes on G1's Constructicons, the first combiner of the G1 series.

From left to right: Scavenger, Mixmaster, Long Haul, Bonecrusher, Hook and  Scrapper
Pic Credit : Web

 20 years ago, here's Devastator

The vintage design
Pic Credit : Web

With hard work and creative design, TFC accomplished (to me) the impossible and created this monster

Pic Credit : Web

Transformers Classics Megatron (Voyager) - Pictorial Review

Presence of Optimus Prime alone is not enough in the Transformers Universe. The far end of the equation of fair, responsible, peace loving leader, comes the cruel, saddistic, war-born tyrant, Megatron of the Decepticons

Named from the fallen one of the first 13th, Megatronus, Megatron have his own vision in leading the Cybertronian to glory. Commanding an army, they meet face-on with the Autobots, defending their own version of justice that brought Cybertron to it's death

Sure, he looks awesome and menacing
Pic Credit : Web

Despite of his design in animation, Megatron actually came from a somewhat sad looking toys during the diaclone era. However, taking the form of a modified Walther P38, he definately had one of the coolest alt mode in Transformers history.

He's happy to see you
Pic Credit : Web

As I mention earlier, his 1984 toy was sad.... I don't mean any disrespect in which I now the technology of that era and the fact that it wasn't Hasbro design to begin with but I call things as it is (by the way the design of MP-05 Masterpiece Megatron is awesome).

After his career drop dead on 1986 movie, Megatron never became a gun again. Maybe he doesn't like people pulling the trigger. So, begin Megatron's career as a tank, a small aircraft, a T-Rex, a Dragon, a slightly smaller lizard-like dragon, something-something-that-is-also-a-hand, a beetlebug-tank and many more.

So in 2006, fans rejoice on the return of Megatron as a gun again...

Or did they?

Transformers Classics Optimus Prime (Voyager) - Pictorial Review

Optimus Prime...what can be said about him? Iconic character, leader of the Autobots. They killed him off back in the day, during G1's 1986 Transformers The Movie to be replaced by an adrenaline-junky (which turns out to be a low self esteem kid) Hot Rod (as Rodimus Prime)

Fans wept, parents shooked their heads, kids wet their bed, it was an awful time. Then it got better when they decided Optimus Prime should live again (reanimated, more likely)....just to die again while saving his fellow Autobots. Talk about pouring acid on a burn.

At last during The Return of Optimus Prime, while all being were in dire time, Optimus Prime was brought back to save the day and claimed back his place as the Autobots' Leader.

Taken from Diaclone mold by Hasbro, Optimus Prime was first release on 1984. Contrary to popular belief, the toys was not release to promote the series rather the series was created to promo the toys. That was, until Hasbro realized the potential of their franchise.

Give him a break, this was 20+ years ago
Pic Credit : Web

 22 years after that, a new mold was release to refresh the franchise and honoring the old warriors

Classics (Voyager) Optimus Prime

Neo - G1 live!
Pic Credit : Web