MFT MS27 Poison (Not-Octane) - Pictorial Review

One of the recently released, the 2nd Decepticon Triple Changers tackled by MFT, Poison (Not-Octane), and the one I had been waiting anxiously since his reveal.

Alt Mode (Tanker)

MFT MS25 FlyWheel (Not-Tracks) - Pictorial Review

MFT is a new line that I collect, after my hiatus in 2015. At first they focused on making KO of Iron Factory releases, among others, then releases their own mold under Mechanic Studios (MS).

The reason for collecting them was the G1 accuracy for most of the releases and it's space-saving, not to mention pairing them with Hasbro's Titan looks better

Alt Mode

Transformers Kingdom Deluxe Class Scorponok - Pictorial Review

 I didn't start collecting Kingdom Beast Wars when they were first released but my wife decided that some of them are nicely made and wanted them.

So, all or nothing

Alt Mode

The resemblance to the character model is uncanny. BW Scorponok is a character that didn't received love from Hasbro in previous Generations and Masterpiece lines so it's great to finally have an update of him.

The different tones of purple used blend in nicely with highlights of the red at the tip of its stinger and legs. Quality wise, everything pegs in securely however, the scorpion legs are loose a their ball joints which is actually a bummer, given how strong and tight Blackarachnia spider legs.

On the issue of hollow parts on the tails, half of it just Hasbro being Hasbro while the other half is due to the transformation where one on the robot legs peg into the tail

Transformers Kingdom Leader Class Galvatron - Pictorial Review

I haven't been updating the blog for 6 years now but I thought I might try easing into it slowly. For starter, let us see Transformers Kingdom recent release, the character that never been properly release under official line, Galvatron

This is the 3 mold iterations of a G1-Inspired Galvatron toy under Hasbro (after Universe 2.0 and Titan Returns, excluding Galvatronus from Combiner Wars).

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Transformers Cloud TFC-A03 Hot Rodimus - Pictorial Review

Transformers Cloud is a Japanese toyline that started in 2014 with the Decepticons are exclusives to e-Hobby while the Autobots are exclusives to TakaraTomy Mall. Main title of the series are called Spacetime World:Guardians Of Time (GOT).

Each Cloud releases comes with a comic book, starting with TFC-A01 (Optimus Prime), TFC-D01 (Megatron), TFC-A02 (Brawn), TFC-D02 (Starscream), TFC-A03 (Hot Rodimus), TFC-D03 (Shockwave) and soon to be release in March, TFC-A04 (Roadbuster) and TFC-D04 (Hellwarp).

The story began with multiple universes existing as product of the mysterious omnipotent being, the Creator. Realizing that all the universes needed order, the Creator selected a universe called "Cloud World" and dispatched an emissary, SARA to guide the inhabitants keeping the peace across the multiverse.

Guardians of Time

As part of the task, SARA can open dimensional gates allowing the Transformers to travel all across the multiverse and asking in return, for them to gather surplus energy from various sources in different universes. Cloud World Autobots are seen to travel in various other continuity for that purpose, like 33rd HM Spacetime (which refers to the 33rd episode of The Headmasters, Duel on the Asterois) and 24th BW Spacetime (refers to 24th episode of Beast Wars) where both episode involves significant energy surges.

As of now, I've owned 4 Cloud releases which are TFC-A01 (Optimus Prime), TFC-D02 (Starscream), TFC-A03 (Hot Rodimus) and TFC-D03 (Shockwave) as only these 4 out of 6 uses original CHRUG mold, plus the upcoming TFC-A04 (Roadbuster) and TFC-D04 (Hellwarp).

Pic Credit : TFWiki

Hot Rod was first introduced in The Transformers : The Movie (1986) as a young Autobot stationed in Autobot City. He was the first to suspect something is wrong after Daniel pointed out a hole on the Autobot Ship while they're fishing (yes, fishing). He was present during Optimus Prime's dying moment after bravely fighting Megatron (many would argue Hot Rod's interference in the fight was the cause of Optimus Prime's death but I personally think Megatron would've done the same with him being close to the gun) and caught the Matrix when it was being passed to Ultra Magnus (which many would also argue that it's the reason why Magnus can't open it during an attack afterwards. To me, it's been decided by the Matrix beforehand)

What do you mean it doesn't "make any sense"?
Pic Credit : Web

During the battle against Galvatron inside of Unicron, Hot Rod was overpowered by the new leader of the Decepticons before he manage to tap into the power of the Matrix with the most epic soundtrack playing at the background.

Arise, Rodimus Prime!

In Package

Transformers Cloud series comes with a box with character artwork on the front, in this case Hot Rodimus. The artwork combines with its pair with the Autobot character facing towards the right and the Decepticon (in this case, Shockwave) facing towards the left.

Pic Credit : Seibertron.com

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.

Transformers G1 Cast (Season 2)

As long as I'm at it, better do another one, for characters debuted during Transformers G1 Season 2

Season 2

Autobots

- Omega Supreme (Planet X's Genesis)
- Beachcomber --> Still finding the best version
- Blaster --> FOC version doesn't really suits me
- Cosmos --> Still finding the best version
- Grapple (Generations/United)
- Hoist (Generations 3.0)
- Inferno (Classics/Henkei)
- Perceptor (Generations/United)
- Powerglide (Classics/Henkei)
- Red Alert (Generations/Henkei)
- Seaspray (HFTD)
- Skids
- Smokescreen (Classics/Henkei)
- Tracks (Reveal The Shield/United)
- Warpath (Generations/United)
- Air Raids (Aerialbots) (TFC Project Uranos)
- Fire Flight (Aerialbots) (TFC Project Uranos)
- Silverbolts (Aerialbots) (TFC Project Uranos)
- Skydive (Aerialbots) (TFC Project Uranos)
- Slingshots (Aerialbots) (TFC Project Uranos)
- Blades (Protectobots)
- First Aid (Protectobots)
- Grooves (Protectobots)
- Hotspot (Protectobots)
- Streetwise (Protectobots)

Decepticons
- Buzzsaw --> Still finding the best version
- Astrotrain (Classics/Henkei)

- Blitwing (Generations 3.0)
- Dirge (Generations/Henkei)
- Ramjet (Classics/Henkei)
- Thrust (Generations/Henkei)
- Breakdown (Stunticons) --> Skipped the Fansproject version, small size compared to TFC and MMC
- Deadend (Stunticons) --> Skipped the Fansproject version, small size compared to TFC and MMC
- Dragstrip (Stunticons) --> Skipped the Fansproject version, small size compared to TFC and MMC
- Wildrider (Stunticons) --> Skipped the Fansproject version, small size compared to TFC and MMC
- Motormaster (Stunticons) --> Skipped the Fansproject version, small size compared to TFC and MMC
- Swindle (Combaticons) --> Skipped the Fansproject version, small size compared to TFC and MMC
- Brawl (Combaticons) --> Skipped the Fansproject version, small size compared to TFC and MMC
- Vortex (Combaticons) --> Skipped the Fansproject version, small size compared to TFC and MMC
- Blast Off (Combaticons) --> Skipped the Fansproject version, small size compared to TFC and MMC
- Onslaught (Combaticons) --> Skipped the Fansproject version, small size compared to TFC and MMC

Transformers G1 Cast (Season 1)

In the (US) G1 series, there'a handful of characters introduced, be it recurrent, regulars or one off. I hope one day, Hasbro/Takara (and 3rd party companies, of course) will be able to release all the cast together with G1 Japan (Headmasters, Masterforce, Victory) and all comic continuities.

Here's basically the cast of the US G1

Season 1

Autobots
- Optimus Prime (Classics/Henkei Line)
- Bumblebee (Classics/Henkei Line)
- Jazz (Reveal The Shield/United Line)
- Windcharger (Generations/United Line)
- Wheeljack (Generations/United Line)
- Trailbreaker (Generations 3.0 Line)
- Sunstreaker (Universe 2.0/Henkei Line)
- Jetfire (Classics/Henkei Line)
- Sideswipe (Universe 2.0/Henkei Line)
- Ratchet (Universe 2.0/Henkei Line)
- Prowl (Universe 2.0/Henkei Line)
- Mirage (Classics/Henkei Line)
- Ironhide (Universe 2.0/Henkei Line)
- Huffer --> Waiting for a proper version, iGear wasn't my cup of tea
- Hound (Universe 2.0/Henkei Line)
- Gears --> Waiting for a proper version, iGear wasn't my cup of tea
- Cliffjumper (Classics Line)
- Brawn --> Waiting for a proper version, iGear wasn't my cup of tea
- Bluestreak (Universe 2.0/Henkei Line)
- Grimlock (Dinobots) (Classics/Henkei Line)
- Snarl (Dinobots) --> Will HasTak take the challenger? Or Toyworld would release theirs?
- Slag (Dinobots) --> Will HasTak take the challenger? Or Toyworld would release theirs?
- Sludge (Dinobots) --> Will HasTak take the challenger? Or Toyworld would release theirs?
- Swoop (Dinobots) --> Will HasTak take the challenger? Or Toyworld would release theirs?

Decepticons
- Megatron (Classics/Henkei/United Line)
- Starscream (Classics/Universe/Henkei/United Line)
- Soundwave --> Still finding the best version
- Thundercracker (Generations/Henkei Line)
- Skywarp (Classics/Henkei Line)
- Shockwave --> Will HasTak take the challenger? Or Voyager-sized Quake Wave?
- Laserbeak --> Still finding the best version
- Ravage --> Still finding the best version
- Frenzy Rumble (Generations/United Line)
- Reflector (Perfect Effect Scouting Force PE-11)
- Kickback (Insecticons) --> Shouldn't have sell Fansproject Causality 01-03
- Bombshell (Insecticons) --> Shouldn't have sell Fansproject Causality 01-03
- Shrapnel (Insecticons) --> Shouldn't have sell Fansproject Causality 01-03
- Mixmaster (Constructicons) (TFC Hercules Project)
- Bonecrusher (Constructicons) (TFC Hercules Project)
- Long Haul (Constructicons) (TFC Hercules Project)
- Scavenger (Constructicons) (TFC Hercules Project)
- Scrapper (Constructicons) (TFC Hercules Project)
- Hook (Constructicons) (TFC Hercules Project)

The list might be incomplete, just a basic reference

Generations Hoist Image Reveals Robot and Vehicle Modes with Tow Winch

Seems like whenever Generations line re-started, I'm fully satisfied. Hasbro previously announced the continuation of the line with Metroplex, Blitzwing, Springer, Orion Pax and Trailcutter

The Titan

BeforePrime

And today, it was revealed that Generation Hoist will join our Classics rank

Pic Credit : Web

Can't wait!

TFC SR-71 Blackbird & X-47 Phantom Ray [Project Uranos] - Pictorial Review

Been waiting for quite sometime for him considering that he's going to be the last new mold of Project Uranos (the last 2 are re-tooled of the the first 2 figures). But came across few hick-up with the supplier which resulted in a short delay.

Pic Credit : Web

Created alongside with his comrades of Aerialbots, Silverbolt is the commander of the air team that act as a counter-measure for Decepticons' Stunticons. Built from a low-flying cargo transport vessel, Silverbolt face with an uncanny weakness, height which is laughable considering his role. He fight against it, overcoming his fear and become a great commander leading his strike team

Pic Credit : Web

His first toy in the 80's is proven to be having (at least proportional and) a great design, especially when comparing him with other Gestalts Commander

Pic Credit : Web

In 2008, Hasbro surprised fans with the release of Universe 2.0 Ultra Class Silverbolt with a mold that worthy of the name. It's a shame though him and Onslaught (and Hotspot, in 2012) were released as a non-combiner robot

Ever-growing

Been quite busy lately, haven't had a time to do any reviews. Plus, I haven't received most of the newer releases yet including TFC Uranos's Blackbird, Planet X Genesis, Toyworld, Aurora, etc.

However I've been doing quite excellent in terms of my Henkei/United hunt, since I decided to start collecting them, been able to get Henkei Inferno, United Grapple, Henkei Hound and Henkei Prowl. Waiting for next month budget for my Ganbo Exclusive Thrust and Dirge together with Henkei Ramjet.

One thing I've noticed that collecting the classics line is kinda exhausting especially when you haven't start when it began. Everynow and then, you have new releases in front of you, old releases to get and 3rd party releases that doesn't make it easier

The newly announce E-Hobby Exclusive United Magnificus

Despite all that, I'm getting married in 2 months!

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?

2013 Want List

During the recent Chinese New Year holiday, I decided to stay instead of going back to my hometown to rest a little bit, had friends over to hang out and stuff. Decided to do something I've planned for quite sometime, transforming all of my collections to alt mode just for kick (and doing inventory)

Left out maybe 3-4 figures, here's the only figures that are in my collection

My Neo-G1 collections

Looking at it, made a check list of what I'm still missing, hopefully can be a guide for my 2013 hunt


Lambor - Henkei
Sunstreaker - Henkei
Red Alert - Henkei

Bumblebee - 3 packs
Bugbite - Botcon 2007
Hound - Henkei, Scorch (Botcon 2010)
Perceptor - United
G2 Megatron - 2 pack, Special Edition
Skywarp - Henkei
Thundercracker - Henkei, Botcon 2007, Botcon 2010 (G2)
Thrust - Botcon 2007
Dirge - Botcon 2007
G2 Prime - Botcon 2012 (Shattered Glass)SG G2 Magnus - Botcon 2012 (Shattered Glass)

Strika - Botcon 2013

Ratbat - United
Tankor - Henkei
Mirage - Henkei
Ratchet - Henkei
Ironhide - Henkei
SG Soundwave - Botcon 2012
SG Grimlock - Botcon 2008
Cyclonus - 2 pack
Drift - United, Shatterd Glass 2011
Streak - Henkei
Smokescreen - Henkei
Deepdive - Hasbro
Powerglide - Henkei, Walmart Exclusive
Megatron - United
Magnificus - United eHobby
Springer - United
Blitzwing - United, Doubledealer (Hasbro)
Orion Pax - United


Skid - Hasbro
IDW Megatron - United, G2 Dreadwing (Hasbro)
G2 Dreadwing - Hasbro
Seargeant Kup - United, MW Electron (Botcon 2013)




Manage to secure United Stepper and Henkei Ghost Starscream, that's a good start I guess

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

Drowsy babble

Mid of last year marked the start of a great run, a new life. Socially and luckily, my hobby too.

Had a chance of catching up on the releases that were left out. Considerably done, now onto Shattered Glass

Thanks for the support dear

Newest haul

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.

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 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