Fansproject LER-02 Cubrar w/ Tekour - Pictorial Review

Dinobots, Dinobots, Dinobots (after Combiners, Combiners, Combiners!!) !!

There are 2 versions of Generation-size Dinobots currently in the market, the first being Toyworld version and second is Fansproject. Both now are on their 2nd figure and here's the review of LER-02 Cubrar w/ Tekour (Normal Retail Version), Fansproject version of Dinobot Slag (Toyworld version of Sludge will be arriving maybe after Chinese New Year).

Another version of Dinobot Slag (by Fans Toys) and character background can be found here.

Review of LER-01 Columpio w/ Drepan can be found here.


In Package

Packaging for LER-02 has the same design as LER-01 Columpio w/ Drepan.

Cubrar's Artwork

Back View

Belated New Year (and belated haul)

We've been in 2015 for more than 20 days now. Really love the releases planned for this year especially the new Combiner Wars line. 

Also preparing for this year TFSS 3.0 as unlike previous years, all of the mold are CHRUG variants which means I'll be getting all of them. 2015 Botcon theme has been announced but we have yet to see any character plan for it. But I'm estimating the use of Orion Pax (if not this year, maybe next year) and also few more using last year Generation figures.

As of now, most of my pre-2015 releases has been completed, just a few more to go than I can just start at current and future releases

Henkei

Dinobot (Henkei)
Cheetor (Henkei)

United

Perceptor (United)

Takara Generations

Orion Pax (Takara Generations)
IDW Megatron (Takara Generations)
Rhinox (Takara Generations)
Waspinator (Takara Generations)
Minicon Assault Team (Takara Generations)
Armada Starscream (Takara Generations)
Skybite (Takara Generations)

TFCC/TFSS

TFCC Shattered Glass Drift
TFCC Eject
TFCC Rewind
TFCC Scourge

Botcon

Botcon Strika
Botcon Shattered Glass G2 Optimus Prime
Botcon Shattered Glass Grimlock

Others

Megatron (Deluxe)
Megatron (Deluxe Special Edition)
Optimus Prime (Deluxe)
Optimus Prime (Deluxe Special Edition)
Cyclonus (2-Pack/3-Pack)
Ratchet (Autobot Warriors Set)
Perceptor (Autobot Warriors Set)
Kup (Autobot Warriors Set)

Fans Toys FT-05 Soar - Pictorial Review

I think this is one of the releases fans been waiting for quite so far, with the success of his predecessor, he becomes one of fans' favorite even before he was release, especially to Masterpiece collectors. I give you, Fans Toys FT-05 Soar (Not-Swoop).

Detail about the character and a review of Planet X's version of Swoop (Fall Of Cybertron version) can be found here.

Review of FT-04 Scoria can be found here.

You can pre-order yours at 1 Toy.

In Package

In general, Soar still maintained the same box design as Scoria but if you look closely, the name of the line has been changed from Iron Dibots to Iron Dinobots. I'm not sure whether the former was a mistake or Fans Toys changed it on purpose.

TFC Red Cross [Project Prometheus] - Pictorial Review

I know it's late but still, Happy New Year!

This will be my first review for 2015, another release by TFC, the fourth member of Project Prometheus, Red Cross (Not-First Aid)

Pic Credit : Web

First Aid in general appeared togather with the rest of the Protectobots in Generation 1 cartoon, rather then just by himself. It's actually a common fate shared by almost all combiner team members. Aside from that, First Aid also played the role of Autobot's doctor from time to time, healing both his comrades and also aiding their human allies.

G1 First Aid
Pic Credit : Remy

Other TFC Not-Defensor reviews can be found below :

• Gumball (Not-Streetwise)
• Warning Line (Not-Groove)
• Hydrant (Not-Hotspot) 

In Package

Red Cross's packaging follows the same design as the rest of his team members, following TFC way of doing specific design for each combiner team.

Mastermind Creations R08Z Zinnia - Pictorial Review

Time for another Mastermind Creations release. Luckily, it's not another Azalea...well, technically she's not...

Arcee's laundry day?

Paradron Medics are settlers of Planet Paradron, home of pacifist Autobots escaping the Great War plaguing Cybertron. Cyclonus and Scourge who were injured by Superion, fled through a vortex and accidentally found the planet which is inhabited by these pacifists and sure enough, they conquered it...easily.

Led by Sandstorm, they requested help from the Autobots in Cybertron but even under Rodimus Prime's lead, they fail to retake the planet and ended up detonating Paradron's energon core, destroying it. Good Job!

Paradron Medic never really received a toy treatment aside from the non-transforming Super Collection Figure and Heroes of Cybertron version.

Pic Credit : TFWiki

Even the redeco of Energon Arcee is not really Paradron Medic but rather "Ariel (Arcee's name in Japan) Paradron-Type". However, back in 2008, she was supposed to be released under Binaltech line using the same mold as Binaltech Arcee but was later cancelled.

Pic Credit : TFWiki

For previous reviews of the mold, please check below :-

• R-08 Azalea
• R-08D Azalea Stealth Assassin
• R-08 Azalea Asterisk Mode
• Eupatorium 
• Salvia Prominon 

In Package

Mastermind Creations R08 Azalea Asterisk Mode - Pictorial Review

Okay, next (another short review)!

Back in early September, Mastermind Creations decided to release Azalea as an exclusive for Singapore Toy, Games and Comic Convention 2014, dubbed Azalea Stealth Assassins. The next month, another exclusive version of Azalea was release, during the first ever TFCon Chicago. 

It's like Mastermind Creations heard the outcry of their fans in the Asia region, Asterisk Mode was again offered, as an exclusive at Indonesia Toy, Game and Comic Convention, held on November 2014.

Reviews of previous variants can be found below :-

• Azalea Stealth Assassin
• Azalea (Normal Version)
• Zinnia 
• Eupatorium 
• Salvia Prominon 

*again, this will be another short review

In Package

Mastermind Creations R08 Azalea - Pictorial Review

This (and few after it) won't be as detailed as most other reviews since this a variant (although it's what the mold was intended for) of Azalea Stealth Assassin.

Pic Credit : MMC/TFWiki

It's kind of weird considering Azalea Stealth Assassin was released first before normal version of Azalea. I'm guessing Mastermind Creations is really confident with her that even though there's another version been released first, it won't affect the sale of the normal version (and also, Stealth Assassin was released in small numbers only).

Backstory of the character can be found below

• Perfect Effect PE DX-01 Motobor RC Review

Review of other variants can be found below

• Azalea Stealth Assassin
• Azalea Asterisk Mode
• Zinnia
• Eupatorium
• Salvia Prominon

In Package

Maketoys MTCM-03 Quantron - Pictorial Review

I think it's about time I finished Maketoys Quantron reviews, after taking quite a long time doing one members at a time.

Pic Credit : TFWiki

Computron is the combined form of Autobot's Technobots, created by Grimlock in the G1 episode, Grimlock's New Brain. Recognized as the arch nemesis of Abominus, Computron counter the brute force of the Terrorcons with his lightspeed computational power.

G1 Computron
Pic Credit : TFWiki

Computron has 2 default configurations that are frequently used by the fans. One is following his cartoon/comic edition with Afterburner as the right hand and Strafe as his left while the second configuration is the opposite.

Fun Fact. Since the Decepticons are known as Destrons in the Japanese market with changes such as Combatron and Stuntron, Computron is known as Computicon in keeping with the naming convention used there.

Reviews for the team members can be found here

• Metalstorm (Not-Scattershot)
• Blindfire (Not-Strafe)
• Celeritas (Not-Lightspeed)
• Sonic Drill (Nosecone)
• Overheat (Afterburner)

Maketoys Not-Technobots (Recap)

Maketoys MTCM-03 [Quantron] Metalstorm - Pictorial Review

Now, let us get back to Quantron. This will be last review before the grand finale, Quantron himself. Metalstorm (Not-Scattershot) is the leader of the Technobots and one of my favorite G1 characters.

Pic Credit : TFWiki

Scattershot is a triple-changer that was created by Grimlock and appointed to lead the Technobots to counter the threat of the Terrocons. During the first part of The Rebirth, Scattershot was the one made out the 100 "blips" heading for them while he was manning the radar screen at the Autobot City. During the Decepticons assault, Scattershot used his rarely-seen 3rd mode, a cannon.

Example of where the rubsign shouldn't be
Pic Credit : TFWiki

For other Quantron's team members, the reviews can be found below :

• Overheat (Not-Afterburner) 
• Sonic Drill (Not-Nosecone) 
• Celeritas (Not-Lightspeed) 
• Blindfire (Not-Strafe) 
• Quantron (Computron)

TFC Hydrant [Project Prometheus] - Pictorial Review

Another combiner review, coming up! Let's take a break from Maketoys Quantron for awhile and proceed with TFC latest offering, Hydrant (Hotspot) of Prometheus (Protectobot).

Pic Credit : http://www.transformers-universe.com

Hotspot and the Protectobots are closer to the human than any other Autobots, giving their all in protecting them. However, it doesn't mean that they are not natural fighters. Countless time has the Protectobots become the opposing force battling the Decepticons, especially, the Combaticons.

Other TFC Not-Defensor reviews can be found below :

• Gumball (Not-Streetwise)
• Warning Line (Not-Groove)

In Package

Maketoys MTCM-03 [Quantron] Blindfire - Pictorial Review

The last of Quantron's limbs, before we move on to Metalstorm (Not-Scattershot) and finally, Quantron (Not-Computron) himself. Sorry for the delay as there are too much on my plate right now, hopefully will be able to settle all pending reviews in a week or two.

Pic Credit : Web

Strafe was created alongside the other Technobots by the [temporarily] genius Grimlock from components found within Unicron's head. Strafe was the first to show what he can do, given task by Grimlock to disable Unicron's internal defenses.

G1 Strafe
Pic Credit : Web

For other Quantron's team members, the reviews can be found below :

• Overheat (Not-Afterburner)
• Sonic Drill (Nosecone)
• Celeritas (Not-Lightspeed)
• Metalstorm (Not-Scattershot) 
• Quantron (Not-Computron)

In Package

Instruction Booklet

It's obvious that Blindfire has the simplest transformation of all the five. However, that's not particularly a bad thing.

Maketoys MTCM-03 [Quantron] Celeritas - Pictorial Review

We are now on the 3rd member of Maketoys' Not-Technobots, Celeritas. Just FYI, celeritas is a Latin word, translated as "speed", referring to his G1 character, Lightspeed.

Pic Credit : TFWiki

Created alongside with the rest of the Technobots, Lightspeed was the one who took charge leading Afterburner and Nosecone on a rescue mission to save Strafe and Scattershot using cross-fire strategy against Terrorcon Hun-Grr.

G1 Lightspeed

For other Quantron's team members, the reviews can be found below :

• Overheat (Not-Afterburner)
• Sonic Drill (Nosecone)
• Blindfire (Not-Strafe) 
• Metalstorm (Not-Scattershot) 
• Quantron (Not-Metalstorm)

Maketoys MTCM-03 [Quantron] Sonic Drill - Pictorial Review

Next, review of Quantron's Sonic Drill, Maketoys take on G1 Nosecone.

No, I'm articulated!
Pic Credit : Web

For those who didn't know, before there are Technobots, there's only Nosecone. He was the first to be built by Grimlock in an attempt to counter the Terrocons and save the Autobots. With his help, the temporarily-intelligent  Grimlock managed to create the last G1 Autobot Combiner team (at least in G1 US Cartoon).

For other Quantron's team members, the reviews can be found below :

• Overheat (Not-Afterburner)
• Celeritas (Not-Lightspeed)
• Blindfire (Not-Strafe) 
• Metalstorm (Not-Scattershot) 
• Quantron (Computron)

In Package

Instruction Booklet

Based on the number of the transformation sequence, Sonic Drill seems to be more complicated than Overheat. And he is!

Maketoys MTCM-03 [Quantron] Overheat - Pictorial Review

It's been quite sometime since I last reviewed Maketoys releases and I never had a chance to review their first combiner, Giant. 

Now, moving on to their 2nd combiner (3rd if you count yellow Giant), MTCM-03 Quantron (Not-Computron). We'll start with Overheat, MT version of Afterburner. Brief background of the character and review of Warbotron version of Afterburner can be found here.

The full box picture will be updated later (or included in the review of the last component).

For other Quantron's team members, the reviews can be found below :

• Sonic Drill (Nosecone)
• Celeritas (Not-Lightspeed)
• Blindfire (Not-Strafe) 
• Metalstorm (Not-Scattershot) 
• Quantron (Not-Computron)

In Package

Instruction Booklet

Quantron comes with an instruction booklet and product catalog mostly featuring updates for their Battle Tanker series.

Overheat section

Transformers Generation Deluxe Chromia - Pictorial Review

Enough with combiners (for now), it's time an official release of a character whose 'type' doesn't make appearance quite often in Transformers universe especially in CHURG line (original mold). In fact, its 1 out of 2 of its kind to be officially release under the Neo-G1 line, both under the same wave (excluding TFTM All Spark Power Fracture who uses Classics Mirage's mold). Chromia, the Autobot Fembot.

Pic Credit : TFWiki

Pic Credit : TFWiki

Along with the other Fembots, Chromia first appeared in G1's The Search for Alpha Trion. Chromia, along with Moonracer and Firestar who are working under the orders of Elita One, sneak into Shockwave's headquarters to raid the energon cubes stockpile. As the mission went south, they escape and return to Elita One only to be ambushed by the Decepticons and Elita One captured.

The Fembots
Pic Credit : TFWiki

After the Generation 1 timeline, Chromia (at least the name) made few other appearances in both cartoon and comic book, the most recent would be in the IDW Generation 1 continuity. Born from the hot spot (filled with unborn sparks) in Caminus, Chromia is a part of a distant colony of Cybertronians whose citizens had adapted to their new life by developing differentiated genders. Joined by Nautica, Chromia went to Cybertron as bodyguards for the Cityspeaker, Windblade.

Chromia and Windblade
Pic Credit : TFWiki

TFC Ares [Project Ares] - Pictorial Review

And finally, another project completed, the inevitable review after TFC Phobus, Ares himself. But first, let's recap

Project Ares : Team Members

Project Ares : Alt Mode

Project Ares : Robot Mode

With Mastermind Creations Feralcons

Not-Rampage

Not-Divebomb

Not-Headstrong

Not-Tantrum

Not-Razorclaw

Quite surprising to see that both versions of Not-Predacons has almost the exact same shades of orange, red and yellow.

TFC Phobus [Project Ares] - Pictorial Review

Finally, roughly 10 months after the release of TFC Nemean, Ares is now complete with the arrival of the last piece, Phobus (Not Divebomb). A little back story of Divebomb and the review of Phobus's MMC counterpart, Talon, can be found here.

So, let us begin.

In Package

Phobus's first surprised is the size of the box he came in. It was first hinted by RobotKingdom that Phobus will have the same shipping cost as TFC Nemean (Not-Razorclaw) and SR-71 Blackbird (Not-Silverbolt) however, having it in hand, was quite shocked with the size and the weight.