Transformer's Night Run 2024 : Race for Cybertron

 

Calling All Runners and Transformers Fans!

Get ready to lace up your running shoes and transform your workout into an unforgettable adventure! We're thrilled to announce the Transformer's Night Run 2024, a unique running event that combines the thrill of running with the excitement of celebrating four decades of Transformers. Whether you're a seasoned runner or a Transformers enthusiast, this event promises to be a spectacular experience for everyone.

Event Details*:

• Date: 19 October 2024
• Time: 5.00pm to 10.00pm
• Location: Dataran Wawasan, Putrajaya
• Distance: 5KM (Fun Run), 10KM (Competitive), 1.2KM & 800M (Kids Dash)
• Website: Transformers Run Asia 2024

Transformers Legacy United Voyager Class Vector Prime - Pictorial Review

Continuing on, next we have Legacy United Voyager Class Vector Prime. For those who don't know, Vector Prime is a character from Cybertron/Galaxy Force series and currently getting the Legacy-Update treatment.

Thanks to Hasbro Malaysia and Hasbro Singapore

In Package

Part of  3rd wave of Legacy United Voyager, Vector Prime. Vibrant artwork on the box. 

Side Note. Will Hasbro go back to windowed box? Do we need it?

22-steps transformation, average for a voyager size figure.

Transformers Studio Series: Transformers One: Deluxe Class SS112 Optimus Prime - Pictorial Review

Next, something fresh from the farm, courtesy of Hasbro Malaysia and Hasbro Singapore. 

For those who doesn't know, a new animated Transformers movie will be released in September 2024, simply titled Transformers One

We'll leave the debate on the design elsewhere although I welcome the different concept used. Watch, then judge.

Apparently this is "Orion Pax" mode, pre-matrix. If I'm not mistaken, Optimus Prime full design still not shown in trailer.

In Package

Limited Edition Transformers 40th Anniversary Coin Set

Been on a short hiatus welcoming a new member to the family. Received another package yesterday courtesy of Hasbro Malaysia and Hasbro Singapore with quite a number of goodies. We'll go through them one at a time.

First and foremost, commemorating the 40 years of Transformers (1984-2024), we have Transformers 40th Anniversary Coin Set, a Gift-With-Purchase limited edition merchandise. Before we go about how to attain it, let's check it out first.

As far as I remember, this is the second coin merchandize that is complete with a box (for at least Malaysia and Singapore's market)

[UPDATE] Petition : Haslab Omega Prime To Be Made Available Through Toy Shop

 Update after the 10th day. The petition covers both Malaysia and Singapore market

Petition Link : Haslab Omega Prime To Be Made Available Through Toy Shop for Malaysia and Singapore

Supports are appreciated

Till All Are One!

Petition : Haslab Omega Prime To Be Made Available Through Toy Shop

 It's been a long months, busy with a lot of things. Hoping to pickup the pace in the near future.

I'm posting this to ask everyone to help sign this petition of making Haslab releases available through local toy shop for Malaysia and Singapore

With the release of Omega Prime exclusively through Pulse, we'll experience a significant price increase compared to previous Haslab releases. At retail of RM1350, the total price might be increased to RM1600 to RM1700 (RM100/RM200 shipping + 10% tax).

Not sure whether it'll make a difference but maybe we can try to show how much local collector will prefer to have this made available through our local toy shops so that the price would be more affordable and payment only when item is released

I'll try and share the petition with Hasbro to show what we feel about this. Thanks for those who support

The petition can be found below

https://www.change.org/p/haslab-omega-prime-to-be-made-available-through-toy-shop

Thanks for the support

Transformers Studio Series Core Class ROTB Noah Díaz Exo-Suit

We're really closing in on to the completion of ROTB lineup. Next we have the [somewhat bearable] human character of ROTB, Noah Diaz [Exo Suit]. 

Jet Blaster Mode

No he doesn't look exactly like in the movie. Noah follows his appearance at the end of the movie wearing an exo suit [technically he's wearing parts of Mirage] but this toy also comes with a jetpack. 

Transformers Studio Series SS-106 Leader Class Optimus Primal - Pictorial Review

A long overdue review. Had finished the photography last week but haven't got around to sit and start writing. 

Presenting the leader of the Maximals in Rise of The Beast, SS106 Leader Class Optimus Primal

In Package

Perfect choice for the box's artwork. Optimus Primal in gorilla mode looks as intimidating as it gets. One thing I never got used to is how soft the boxes are nowadays.

Transformers Studio Series SS-105 Deluxe Class Mirage - Pictorial Review

Moving on to our next review, the Autobot that was clearly meant to replace Bumblebee (and I actually like the character), Mirage

Before we proceed... 

huhuuu Mirage should be an F1 car.. 

huhuhuuu he should be called Jazz instead... 

Get over it. As much as I like G1, this is not

In Package

One glaring issue you can see here is they put Mirage's early character design with different head sculpt, on the box. 

Well...not really an "issue" though. It's just weird thinking how much earlier did they produce the box that it used the old design. I could understand for the mainline but SS was always meant to be released later than the mainline. 

Did they made it even before the movie got delayed? 

Transformers Studio Series SS-104 Deluxe Class Nightbird - Pictorial Review

We're almost closing the chapter of Rise of The Beast Studio Series, impressively in less than 1 year. Our next release is Studio Series ROTB Terrocon Nightbird, the last of the bad guys trio.

Nightbird is based on her G1 iteration of the same name, which is also a cool, ninja-like assassin.  

In Package

SS-104, Nightbird. Really cool artwork on the front. Too colorful compared to her appearance in the movie though.

Transformers Studio Series SS86 Commander Class Ultra Magnus - Pictorial Review

I can't say that I've been waiting for this for quite some time as I generally have a rule to not 'upgrade' my existing figures (as it would be an endless cycle of buying the same figure). No excuse for getting this. I have display for my Movie 86 fig (with Kingdom Magnus) and 1 display for Headmaster series.

I'm bumping my Kingdom Magnus to the Headmaster series so technically I don't have a duplicate figure

In Package

SS86 Ultra Magnus is the first Commander Class figure under the SS lineup (both live action movie SS and SS86) and the 2nd Commander class of the year after Armada Optimus Prime.

It seems like pattern recently is 2 Commander class per year with last year Motormaster and SG Jetfire.

Ultra Magnus (UM) comes in a windowless box with a very well done artwork of him, based on the 86 Movie (I'd guess it's the scene where the Autobots are escaping Galvatron's attack)

Takara Tomy Transformers: Rise of the Beasts Leader Optimus Primal - Pictorial Review

We side step Studio Series release of ROTB and venture into the single release from Takara, of ROTB Leader Class Primal. 

In Package

I miss this kind of packaging. While I like the uniformity of the SS releases, I like the practical design use on this. 

Unlike Hasbro, Takara still maintain the use plastics on their releases. 

Transformers Legacy Evolution Leader Class Nova Prime - Pictorial Review

Legacy Evolution haven't really been on my radar recently sans few releases but this one caught my attention. 

He is the first official, mass release (well, he is mass releases exclusive though) Nova Prime and second after TFCC Nova Prime. 

In Package

Just like the other special releases, Nova Prime comes in a brown box with code F69595S00. 

The first thing that surprised me is he doesn't come in normal leader class box like previous Legacy Evo or Studio Series (see below). 

Transformers Studio Series SS-103 Voyager Class Rhinox - Pictorial Review

We're getting closer to completing Rise of The Beast lineup under the Studio Series. Up next is the 3rd Maximal, Rhinox.

Review courtesy of Hasbro MY and Hasbro SG.

In Package

Numbered 103, Rhinox comes in a box similar to the rest of the SS. The artwork shown give a detailed look of his alt mode, which we don't really see clearly in the movie

Transformers Legacy Evolution Titan Class Decepticon Nemesis - Pictorial Review

Sorry for the lack of review recently, June and July had been a crazy month, both at work and personal life.

But I think I don't want to miss the chance of reviewing her.

Yes, her.

The 2nd G1, yet not G1 per say, Titan. The most powerful warship the Decepticons had ever built. The Nemesis

Alt Mode

Transformers Rise of The Beasts Optimus Primal 2-In-1 Converting Mask

 Moving on to our 2nd Converting Mask release, Optimus Primal

In Package

Optimus Primal follows the same packaging theme as Bumblebee, based on Rise of The Beast line. I can't be sure the picture of Optimus Primal is based on his appearance in the movie or just not, we'll find out soon.

12 steps transformation

Transformers Rise of The Beasts Bumblebee 2-In-1 Converting Mask

 Now let's move away from the Studio Series and visit a line released specifically for kids, the Rise of The Beast 2-In-1 Converting Mask. So far there are 2 releases, Bumblebee and Optimus Primal

First, let's see Bumblebee

In Package

The mask's packaging follows the ROTB Mainline theme, without a plastic cover on the front.  

Both modes are shown at the back

Transformers Studio Series SS-101 Leader Class Scourge - Pictorial Review

 Saving the best for last. The SS ROTB releases that caught the attention of the fans when first revealed.

SS-101, the first of the 2nd hundred lineup, starting up strong. Terrocon Scourge, the leader of the Terrocon. The big baddy

In Package

Unlike the deluxe and voyager, SS leader comes with windowless box. Others might prefer otherwise but with that artwork, hard to care.

Transformers Studio Series SS-98 Voyager Cheetor - Pictorial Review

Moving on to the 2nd Beast release of SS ROTB, Cheetor. Just revisiting Beast Wars, personally for me Cheetor was the Bumblebee of the series. Had always loved his character's growth and arcs.

In Package

From the artwork, it's obvious SS Cheetor is different than ROTB mainline Cheetor (in a good way).

Transformers Studio Series SS-97 Deluxe Airazor - Pictorial Review

Withith Transformers: Rise of the Beast upon us, let us review the toys for the characters of the movie, under the Studio Series line, brought to you courtesy of Hasbro SG and Hasbro MY

First up, SS-97 Airazor, voiced by beloved Malaysia legend, Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh

In package

A bit of background. Rise of the Beasts comes under 2 different toylines which are the Rise of The Beasts (mainline) and the Studio Series.

For those who were wondering why they released 2 lines simultaneously, it's due to the delay the movie had. Supposedly the mainline would come out before the movie and Studio Series version would come out maybe a year after. Hence that's why some of the mainline releases have different design than in the movie 

Transformers Studio Series SS-99 Voyager Battletrap - Pictorial Review

Let's move away from the beasts for now

Now for a figure that I was more curious about than the rest, SS-99 ROTB Battletrap. I can't put my finger why Battletrap feels a bit more different aesthetic wise, from the rest of Studio Series Live Action releases.

In Package

I really like the character artwork on the box, wouldn't mind if they made it into a collector card of some sort.

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