Transformers Studio Series SS-100 Deluxe Bumblebee - Pictorial Review

Next is SS-100, the face of Transformers Live Action movies, Bumblebee. It doesn't look like a coincidence that the first 100 SS lineup starts and ends with Bumblebee.

In Package

If you noticed, the Bumblebee in the artwork is bulkier and less lean compared to the Bayverse version. He resembles Volkswagen Bumblebee from BB Movie more in terms of proportion.

Transformers Rise Of The Beast Exclusive Fan Channel Limited Edition GWP (Gift With Purchase) - Pictorial Review

As you are all aware, the latest installment of Transformers Live Action Movie will premier on 8 June 2023, titled "Rise of The Beast" (ROTB). 

Checkout the Trailer below

Supporting the movie, there are 2 mainlines being release concurrently for the movie which are the Rise of The Beast line and also under Studio Series. 

In conjunction with the release of the movie and the toy lines, Hasbro is giving a chance for the fans to collect an exclusive Rise of The Beast merchandise, badge/coin collection.

Let's go through the merchandise first.

The set consist of of 1 Collector box and 5 unique badges/coins.

The box has a nice finishing to it, with premium feel.

Marvel Legends Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 - Pictorial Review

This is the review for the complate wave of Marvel Legends Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 3, released ahead of the premier of the movie, courtesy of Hasbro MY and Hasbro SG.

The set consists of 7 characters which are Star-Lord, Rocket, Drax, Mantis, Nebula, Kraglin and Adam Warlock. There are 2 Star-Lords per carton of 8. The figures retailed at RM124.90 each for Malaysia.

Dungeons & Dragons Golden Archive Gelatinous Cube - Pictorial Review

Another thanks to Hasbro MY  and Hasbro SG for providing this review piece.

Now, time for a new Hasbro offering, from the newly started Dungeons & Dragons Golden Archive for the upcoming D&D movie, Honor Among Thieves.

Just a bit of a background. A Gelatinous Cube (or an athcoid) is a cube-shaped mindless, gelatinous matter that appears in countless D&D media.

In Package

The Gelatinous Cube (GC) comes in a windowless box, as per Hasbro Plastic-Free Packaging direction. The artwork is nicely done with both classic RPG vibe and board games.

Transformers Legacy Evolution Armada Hotshot - Pictorial Review

Buying by association.

One of my issues in collecting. I had kept 1 Legacy Armada Starscream since I have an extra unit but he'd be lonely. So I need to have Armada Hotshot.

Jokes aside though. This year we'll see the release of rebooted Armada figure, namely Armada Optimus Prime (Commander Class) and Armada Megatron (Leader Class).

Of the 3 Unicron-Trilogy series, Armada is the one that desperately need a reboot due to the poor execution despite cool concept.

Alt Mode

This is the 3rd mold for Armada Hotshot after the original release and Universe 2.0

I must say it looks to be underwhelming. Personally I preferred the Universe 2.0 Hotshot's alt mode better.

BUT, he definitely resembles his original toy better.

There is unmatching yellow color on the hood of the car due to being colored transparent plastics. The rims are unpainted which is something that Hasbro really need to stop doing. 

Transformers Legacy Evolution Comic Universe Voyager Tarn - Pictorial Review

It seems like Hasbro is not letting the TF Fans rest, despite there's only few days left till new year. When you thought that Haslab Victory Saber was supposed to be last, BOOM came Legacy Evolution, Wave 1.

For this wave, the most sought after are 2 release, Deluxe Breakdown (for obvious reason) and Voyager Tarn, which we'll be looking at now

Alt Mode

Tarn, named after one of the fallen cities, is the leader of the Decepticon Justice Division, appearing in the 2005 IDW continuity.

Just like the source material, Voyager Tarn transform into a cybertronian tank. It's safe to say that the base of the design is considerably accurate to the comic.

Transformers Haslab Victory Saber (Part 2) - Pictorial Review

Now, let us continue with the 2nd half of the release.

Victory Leo, the reformatted God Ginrai.

Part 1 of the review can be found here.

Victory Leo (Alt Mode 1)

The first alt mode for Victory Leo, the jet. The overall design is spot on. But it's not like the source material itself is complex. 

Transformers Haslab Victory Saber (Part 1) - Pictorial Review

Finally got time to do the review of the latest (and my 3rd) Haslab after Unicron and ML Sentinel. Another must-have for me since the Japanese G1s are part of my collections.

Haslab Victory Saber was announced in 2021. 

In Package

Moving away from the bland packaging of Unicron, Victory Saber box comes with a sleeve. On it are nicely done artwork of Victory Saber (outline), Star Saber and Victory Leo on the front and the toy image on the back.

It also comes with a cardboard poster foreshadowing Deszaras/Death Saurus release.

Good news, we're getting him next year. Congrats.

Hasbro Starting Lineup Series 1 Stephen curry - Pictorial Review

Next, we'll take a look at another Starting Lineup figure, the Golden Boy Stephen Curry, courtesy of Hasbro MY and Hasbro SG

Review of Starting Lineup LeBron James can be found here.

In Package 

The starting lineup uses windowless box, much like other Hasbro recent releases, following their no-plastic packaging policy.

The printing on the box is really nicely done with premium look and finishing.

The box is compact and sturdy with additional outer brown box for extra protection.

Hasbro Starting Lineup Series 1 LeBron James - Pictorial Review

 Finally my waiting ended, after debacle with the courier company. First would like to thank Hasbro Malaysia and Hasbro Singapore for reaching out to me a small time blogger.

Hasbro had announced at the end of September 2022, a new toyline, featuring 8 All-Star players of the NBA, namely Joel Embiid, Trae Young, Ja Morant, Lebron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Dončić, Jayson Tatum, and Stephen Curry.

I'll be reviewing the man the King James himself first.

Review for Starting Lineup Stephen Curry can be found here.

In Package

As were other Hasbro recent releases, he comes in a windowless box, continuing their policy of no-plastics packaging. While people like to debate the resulted packaging, the Starting Lineup box looks really good with highly detailed printing on the front and back of the box.

The box itself feels compact and not at all soft that you should be worried about damaging it. On top of that, it comes in a brown box for extra protection.

McFarlane DC Multiverse Speed Metal Dark Flash (Gold Label) - Pictorial Review

On and off, McFarlane slowly releasing characters from the Death Metal arc, this time, specifically Speed Metal. Presenting Dark Flash from the Dark Multiverse.

The figure is released as a Gold Label to which I'm still not really sure the distinction).

When it was first revealed, I'm thrilled to find out that there are 3 head variants for Dark Flash. It's fun hunting the variants (if you've made peace with McFarlane not including the alternate heads).

However so far, I still haven't seen the other variants anywhere in the market

Transformers Legacy Leader Class Dragon Megatron - Pictorial Review

 I think this is a fairly awaited figure from Legacy. From my observation the appeal of Beast Wars characters not as good as the core G1 releases (by not much) but I've seen considerable interest for this.

With the release of BW Inferno, the original lineup for Predacons and Maximals are complete, understandable that they ventured further. But skipping Transmetal and going directly to Transmetal 2 seems a bit weird. Possibly due to 1) POTP already released his counterpart and 2) to venture farther away then 'another T-Rex' albeit it's not really the same.

Alt Mode

Personally I think Hasbro gave more attention in doing the BW characters in terms of detailing, more than characters from other series (the same case as MP). However, I'm still surprised by how good this turns out.

McFarlane MK11 Shadow of Spawn - Pictorial Review

My next McFarlane review, MK11 Shadow Of Spawn. I took a risk on this when the PO was online without the actual product image. 

But from the MK11 list of skins for Spawn, it's clear that it will be a homage to classics Spawn deco

They've been lazy in terms of Spawn's MK11 packaging. Well, easier to throw the box away later.

McFarlane Megafig Omega Spawn - Pictorial Review

This is something that took quite a short time between reveal and release. And honestly, I don't enjoy the unplanned purchases. But looking at the first online image, yeah, this is right up my alley.

Presenting, Omega Spawn, one of the oldest Hellspawns.

Right of the bat..that's a waste of space. It obviously is. The box could've been shrunk down half the size which would've made shipping cost lower. Not to mention the storage space for those who's keeping the box.

Marvel Legends Retro Collection Apocalypse - Pictorial Review

As an X-Men Animated Series fan, I looked forward to this, considering I missed the previous release. Presenting, Apocalypse!

I remember one friend was telling me he had a hard time determining the size of the figure from online pic due to the card size.

Yes, the card is big!