Generations Combiner Wars Leader Class Thundercracker - Pictorial Review

Now, a repaint that no one saw coming but inevitable, Generations Combiner Wars Leader Class Thundercracker, third repaints of Jetfire mold after Hasbro and and Takara Jetfire. This review is courtesy of MyToy.

MyToy

Pic Credit : TFWiki

A character that is frequent in both the cartoon series and in the toyline. Thundercracker, along with the other Seekers (Starscream and Skywarp), was one of Megatron's warriors that participated in the attack of the ark. The character ended after the attack on Autobot City where he was gunned down by Optimus Prime and later thrown out into space only to be reformatted into Scourge by Unicron.

This is the 3rd mold ever used for a Thundercracker in CHRUG line, after the first classic seeker mold and then the FOC version. BUT, if you consider all the repaints and variants, it's another story. For instance, for the first classic seeker mold, there are 4 variants which are Botcon 2007, Henkei, Generations and United 3-Pack version (5, if you count the Shattered Glass version).

Review of Generations Leader Class Jetfire can be found here.

In Package

Let us get started, shall we? Thundercracker comes in a black box with his artwork on the lower left corner.

Iron Factory IF-EX05 Windsaber - Pictorial Review

Now, let's take a break from Dinobots, Combiners and whatnot, be it official or 3rd party releases. Here's something out of the ordinary, a legend-size figure by the third party company, Iron Factory. 

EX-05 Windsaber (Windblade) is the fifth release after EX-01 (FOC Grimlock Add On), EX-02 Turrets and Manacle (Scramper and Slammer), EX-03 Sonictech with Bassrhino and Leotrible (Blaster with Ramhorn and Steeljaw) and EX-04 Fortress/City Commander (Ultra Magnus).

Review of the original figure, Hasbro Windblade can be found here.

Windsaber review will be brief considering how simple the figure is but will have a lot of pictures for your viewing.

In Package

Windsaber comes in a small box with japanese-style patterns on the right side. The overall design is different compared to EX-01, EX-02 and EX-03.

Back View

The design at the back of the box is pretty simple with the top-half containing silhouette of Windsaber standing on top of what appears to be HasTak Titan Class figure, Metroplex, with caption "I'm Standing On The Shoulders of Giants) on the bottom left side.

Toyworld TW-D02 Muddy - Pictorial Review

Time for another Dinobot, this time the second figure from Toyworld lineup, Muddy (Not-Sludge). TW-D01 Muddy is one of four Not-Sludge released for CHRUG line (the other 3 are Fansproject's Columpio, Planet X's Neptune and the most recent, GCreation Thunderous, which I will be reviewing afterwards).

As of now I only had the chance to review Fansproject's version and can be found here.

Review of previous Toyworld Dinobot, Roar (Not-Snarl) can be found here.

In Package

Muddy comes in a black box with the nice artwork of the character on the front, just like TW-D01 Roar.

Mastermind Creations R12 Cynicus - Pictorial Review

Now, let us venture into another subgroup in IDW continuity, the infamous Decepticon Justice Division (DJD).

Decepticon Justice Division
Pic Credit : TFWiki

The DJD is a small unit in the Decepticon army, consisting small number of bots carrying Decepticon's 'justice'. Being Megatron's enforcer, they act based on the The List, containing names of traitors, deserters or transgressors that opposed the Decepticon's cause either directly or indirectly. The known members of DJD are

• Helex
• Kaon
• Tarn (Leader)
• Tesarus
• Vos

There are also 2 others associated with DJD

• Nickel (medic, first female Decepticon in IDW)
• The Pet

Most of the names are codename based on the early cities the Decepticons conquered. The codename will will be used by new member in the event any of the current member dies.

DJD Vos
Pic Credit : TFWiki

The current Vos is at least the second bot that took the codename. Vos is a scientist and a linguistic purist, speaking only in Primal Vernacular instead of Neocybex, the modern Transformers language. Vos transform into a sniper rifle and wielded by other DJD members (and on occassion, Megatron himself).

In Package

Generations Combiner Wars Defensor - Pictorial Review

To continue my previous review, here's Combiner Wars Protectobots combined form, Defensor.

Pic Credit : TFWiki

Always went head-to-head with the Combaticons, Defensor can be considered the exact opposite of Bruticus, focusing primarily in safeguarding the civilian while repelling the Decepticons' assault. Other than his combat skills, Defensor also equipped with the ability to generate a forcefield (which sometimes failed).

G1 Defensor
TFWiki

G1 Defensor was released in 1986 both separately and and as a giftset. Later he was repainted as Guard City in 1992 and released in Japanese market.

Review of TFC version of Defensor, Prometheus, can be found here.

Also here are the reviews for Combiner Wars Stunticons and Menasor.

Combiner Wars Protectobots

Generations Combiner Wars Protectobots - Pictorial Review

Now, time for Combiner Wars. The Protectobots are released under the third wave of the line with different approach as before. Unlike the Aerialbots and Stunticons, all members of the Protectobots are all released in the same wave.

G1 Protectobots
Pic Credit : TFWiki

Aside from G1/G2 version (and comic books), the Protectobots (as a team) were never included in any other newer Transformers series unlike Constructicons, Aerialbots and Combaticons for instance, that made appearance (an iteration of them) in the Energon/Superlink series among others.

Some back stories of the characters and a third party version of them by TFC can be found below

• TFC Gumball (Not-Streetwise)
• TFC Warning Line (Not-Groove)
• TFC Hydrant (Not-Hotspot)
• TFC Red Cross (Not-First Aid)
• TFC Verti-Aid (Not-Blade)

Q-Transformers QT-02 Bumblebee and QT-08 Bumble - Pictorial Review

Just for fun, I'm doing a review of a new Japan Transformers line, Q-Transformers, that was launched late 2014.

Q-Transformers is, in a way, a continuation of Choro-Q line and exhibit similar design of super-deformed characters that transform into fully licensed vehicles.

The cartoon series, Q-Transformers : Mystery of Convoy Returns was released in support of the toyline and also a mobile game under the same name.

The first wave was released on December 26th, 2014, consisting 8 characters which are 

• QT-01 Optimus Prime (Western Star 4900 SB Tractor)
• QT-02 Bumblebee (2014 Camaro Concept)
• QT-03 Lockdown (Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4)
• QT-04 Crosshairs (Chevrolet Corvetter C7)
• QT-05 Lamborghini Countach LP500S)
• QT-06 Prowl (Nissan Fairlady Z-280Z-T)
• QT-07 Hot Rodimus (Toyota 86)
• QT-08 Bumble (Daihatsu Copen)

Fansproject Function XV M.A.D.L.A.W (Master V) - Pictorial Review

Continuing from where we left off, here's a review of another Sixchanger, by another company that's not Mastermind Creations, but the old-timer, Fansproject, with their take on G1 Quickswitch, Function XV M.A.D.L.A.W (Master V).

Pic Credit : TFWiki

What do we know about him? Well, aside from his appearance in Marvel The Transformers comic #240 Out To Lunch! and his own commercial (where he was declared to be Sixshot's son, adamant to make up for his father's mistakes), Quickswitch was only in G1:Season 5 (which consist of  more than 10 episodes from previous seasons and The Transformers: The Movie), at the end segment of Five Faces of Darkness Part 2. 

All the end segments featured stop-motion puppet of Powermaster Optimus Prime and a [real] boy, Tommy Kennedy (some information can be obtained here).

PuppetMaster Optimus Prime
Pic Credit : TFWiki

So, is that it? Yes, technically. It's because Quickswitch is actually the Hasbro version of Sixknight, a character that appeared in Masterforce series. Both versions was released simultaneously in 1988.

Pic Credit : TFWiki

I will explain about Sixknight if I do a review of toy version of the character in the future (a repaint is coming, from what I heard).

G1 Quickswitch
Pic Credit : TFWiki

Three out of six Quickswitch's alt modes are basically the same as Sixshot which are robot mode, Cybertronic Jet, laser pistol while the rest are a drill tank (while Sixshot is a tank), a hovercraft (Sixshot's off-road vehicle) and a flying puma (Sixshot's winged wolf).

In Package

Mastermind Creations R-01C Terminus Hexatron Continuum - Pictorial Review

Sorry for not having new reviews recently, was in the middle of moving to a new house and also my daughter was not well for quite some time.

This review of MMC R-01C Terminus Hexatron Continuum will be brief as the main review had been done for R-01 Terminus Hexatron. This figure is the 4th variant after Hexatron Super Nova (Limited Edition), Terminus Hexatron and Terminus Hexatron Shadow Emissary.

In Package

This is by far my favorite packaging compared to the rest of Hexatron's variants. It's not that the packaging of the Reformatted Line is bad or anything, but there's something about the badass artwork on the box that I love so much. But is that it?

Nope, inside there's a second clear packaging, homaging G1-style packaging. While I personally don't prefer this clear packaging as they tend to crack overtime, with proper care and handling, I don't think there will be a problem here.

Back View

The Japanese style artwork at the back of the box really gives me G1 Headmaster vibes.

Generations Combiner Wars Menasor - Pictorial Review

The review of Stunticons wouldn't be complete without reviewing the combiner himself, the mighty Menasor.

Dreamwave's G1 Menasor
Pic Credit : Web

Decepticon's 2nd combiner after Devastator, Menasor is the name of the combined form of the Stunticons. The Stunticon's ability to match the Autobots dominance of the road is the not the end of Megatron's secret weapon. Unveiling their combined form when they were confronted by the newly created Aerialbots, Megatron predicted his genius Plan B to be smart and foreseeing the end of the Autobots, only to be matched Superion, the combined form of the Aerialbots.

G1 Menasor
Pic Credit : TFWiki

Combiner Wars Stunticons

Generations Combiner Wars Stunticons- Pictorial Review

Sorry for being late doing this review, these 3 months had been extremely busy with work. Not only that I'm currently in the middle of moving to a new house.

For the Combiner Wars releases, I'll be doing 2 parts of review for each team, the first as individuals and the second will be on the combined mode. Basically, this review will only focus on the team members of Decepticon's Stunticons.

Pic Credit : TFWiki

The Stunticons were Megatron way of breaking Autobots' dominion over the road/land, created from various stolen human vehicles and customized. The Stunticons were given life by Vector Sigma with Megatron special request, 'to fill them with hatred for the Autobots and everything they stand for'. But before they were granted life, Megatron brought them for a 'test drive' via remote control, forcing them to do all kind of 'stunts' from summersault, flip to bashing through forests. They are the arch enemy of the Aerialbots.

G1 Stunticons
Pic Credit : TFWiki

In this review, I'll do them part by part, starting with in-package image of all the members, then alt mode and finally robot mode. The combiner mode and the combiner itself, will be done in the next review.

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 Legends LG-09 Brainstorm - Pictorial Review

For most fans, 3rd Party releases are always better than HasTak. That, to me is not the case. But, there are some releases that most fans will agree that HasTak did better jobs. One of it would be Generation Springer. Now, for another one, Brainstorm. 

For G1 Brainstorm back story and also review of Toyworld's take on the character, please click here and here. This figure however, are of a more darker Brainstorm, the IDW version.

IDW Brainstorm
Pic Credit : Web

In Package

Brainstorm's box design follows the same design as the previous Generations Legends releases. The box is quite big as you can see the extra spaces inside.

The artwork follow the design of IDW Brainstorm but with less detailing.

Back View

TFC Prometheus [Project Prometheus] - Pictorial Review

*Just noticed that the setup of my camera went haywire, sorry for the quality of the pictures*

It has been almost a year since Gumball was released, and now; Project Prometheus is reaching it's end. For those who missed, below are the reviews of the 5 members of Prometheus chronologically.

• Gumball (Not-Streetwise)
• Warning Line (Not-Groove)
• Hydrant (Not-Hotspot)
• Red Cross (Not-First Aid)
• Verti-Aid (Not-Blade)

Pic Credit: TFWiki

Defensor's existence revolves around the safety of others, specifically to safeguard human life. Yet, in return it becomes his weakness, taken advantage of by his rival, Bruticus and the Decepticons. 

G1 Defensor
Pic Credit : TFWiki

Group Shots

To recap, the journey so far;-