MFT MF-45R Fire Rescue (Not Artfire) - Pictorial Review

 Taking a break from McFarlane reviews for awhile, here's one of MFT newest release, MFT MF-45R Fire Rescue (Not Artfire), the 4th repaints of the mold.

In Package

The box art is different from the previous releases of the mold, a more common design for MFT releases.

McFarlane Justice League Snyder Cut Batman (Masked Version) - Pictorial Review

Continuing on, next is Snyder Cut Batman Masked version. As of now, other available versions are Unmasked and Chase Platinum (goggles on forehead. Yeah, I know). As far as Batman goes, it's a simple choice.

The suits are based on the final battle version, a nice mix of black and gray.

McFarlane Justice League Snyder Cut The Flash- Pictorial Review

 Now, time for the main man of JL Snyder Cut (I like his role better compared to in the theatrical release)

McFarlane Justice League Snyder Cut Cyborg Unmasked - Pictorial Review

 Let's keep the reviews going.

Next, Synder Cut Cyborg Unmasked version. I opted for this version the mask version made minimal appearance in the movie and insignificant meaning to me. As far as I can tell, both versions are identical sans the mask.

Of all the lineup, didn't really paid much attention to him, just a character I needed for my Snyder Cut lineup. Boy, I was wrong.

The whole sculpt is phenomenal! I can't believe the amount of detailing on him from head to toe.

McFarlane Justice League Snyder Cut Aquaman - Pictorial Review

McFarlane is another slippery slope for me. Started with Dark Knights as I love the design and their twisted backstories. Then I decided to have the counterpart for each of them, you know, balance, as all things should be.

Impulsively expended the line with Death Metal but with the small lineup (so far), it should be okay.

It all changed when the fire nation attacked.. I mean when Snyder Cut version of the movie was released with awesome design of Darkseid and Steppenwolf. With McFarlane later revealed their full lineup of JL Snyder Cut (technically no Wonder Woman under that release, just WW84), decided to collect all.

McFarlane DC Multiverse The Batman Who Laughs (w Sky Tyrant Wings) - Pictorial Review

Last year during the start of the pandemic, I was bored and ventured out of the normal Transformers lineup (and some Diaclone) into other things that was part of my childhood. So February last year, I started my first action figure collection with Marvel Legends, focusing on the characters from the X-Men Animated Series.

I completed almost 90% of the lineup in 3 months and so that's that. Then, McFarlane's take on DC Dark Knights really caught my intention. 

After much contemplation (knowing that I won't stop at just one), I started with Batman Who Laugh w/ Sky Tyrant Wing.

My first impression of him was "Wow!"

Given that mostly I handled Marvel Legends and Black Series figures at that time, this figure feels different in hand. 

Transformers Kingdom Voyager Class Rhinox - Pictorial Review

Finally, the original 5 of the Maximal team, Rhinox, the BW counterpart of G1 Ironhide. This is the 2nd modern version of the character after the Generation Thrilling 30 version that was released on 2014. 

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HasLab Crowdfunding War For Cybertron Unicron - Pictorial Review

Lo and Behold, the figure that was dubbed Divorce Class Unicron (jokes aside, I still don't understand the concept of asking permission to buy what you want)

Unicron was first revealed in July 2019 as the second Crowdfunding project by HasLab, after Star War's Jabba's Sail Barge and was released in Malaysia on February 2021, the longest PO for Hasbro release (and most expensive official mainline Transformers).

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Comes in a brown box while the figure itself encapsulated by styrofoam. First complaint. Being that this is a collector's item, Hasbro should've included another carton box outside instead of just using the box with the artwork cause when handling, chances are the box will be damaged

Unicron comes with the figure itself and his wing accessories, display stand, extra face plate (damage version), small stand, and few others

Right out of box, he's in planet mode and no matter how many pictures you've seen, in hand, he really is huge. Despite the planet's surfaces are made out of interconnected panels, the tab are secure that disconnecting them is not quite easy (in a good way). The protruding pillars on the sides are made out rubber but hard enough they don't bend easily. The stand itself is solid and able to withstand the weight even during transforming 

MFT MF-49B Audio Wizard (Not-Twincast) - Pictorial Review

The inevitable repaint of MFT MF49 Emitter/Blaster, KO OS of Magic Square Blaster

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The alt mode is solid although the handle is quite easy to unpegged. The cassette can be stored inside the tape deck but need a bit of effort to take out. Overall the finishing is nicely done without any smudges etc.

Transformers Kingdom Commander Class Rodimus Prime - Pictorial Review

 The most anticipated figure from Hasbro mainline this year, Commander Class Rodimus Prime (usually it's the Titan but The Ark is not your usual Titan)

One of the thing that's highly debated was Is He Worth the Commander price tag. Let's try and see

In Package

Front View

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.

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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

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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

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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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TEMPORARY HIATUS [Hopefully]

Sorry for not updating the blog for quite sometime. Here I'm announcing my review will be [temporarily, I hope] put on hold for unspecified period of time.

I've been swamped with my work these past couple of years and I don't see it getting better in near time. Also, my attention will also go fully to my family so I can't see any way for me to cater for both aspect of my personal life AND posting quality reviews in acceptable time.

In addition, I'm trying to stablize my financial situation so I won't be able to get my hands on any new exciting stuff for the time being. Although before, I was lucky enough to have friends providing me their stuff as review materials, most of the stuff were bought by me and for the review to be done fast to help other collectors made purchasing decision, I often paid more than usual. Given the current situation, that's a luxury I couldn't afford.

Thank you all for your support, especially my loyal readers. Hope that one day I'll be able to come back and sharing with you guys my reviews. 

Till All Are One!

Generations Combiner Wars Titan Class Devastator - Pictorial Review

This review is courtesy of Hasbro Malaysia and MyToy. This is a review unit, will hit the shelves in Malaysia around July/August.

Almost every year, there will be at least one Generations figure that fans look forward to. There are quite a few interesting official releases that were revealed for 2015 Generations Combiner Wars line like Leader Class Megatron, Ultra Magnus, the Stunticons, Aerialbots, Protectobots and few others. Personally, the most intriguing would be Titan Class Devastator, the 2nd Titan Class ever released.

To be honest, I'm quite surprised with the choice they made considering the other three combiners are around leader class and they already planned a more suiting Titan Class figure to be released within this couple of years (hush hush for now). However, knowing that Devastator is the most iconic combiner, the decision doesn't really feels weird.

So, let's get right it, one member of the Constructicons at a time.

1 - In Package 

The box is quite big, compared to regular releases but for those who are familiar with Titan Metroplex's box size, this wouldn't surprised you much. The artwork on the front looks really good, I must say.

The tech spec design can be seen on the top left corner of the box.

Botcon 2015 General Optimus Prime - Pictorial Review

For now, this will be the last review of Botcon 2015 exclusives, haven't got any plan to acquire any of them in near time. This is a review of General Optimus Prime, a redeco of Generations Roadbuster, a homage to the unreleased G2 General Optimus Prime (would have been a redeco of G2 Dirtbag).

Pic Credit : TFWiki

It was revealed that General Optimus Prime will be part of Botcon 2015 souvenir set, together with Sgt Hound a repaint of Generations Scoop.

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Botcon General Optimus Prime is basically Generations Roadbuster with green military camouflage.

SDCC 2015 Exclusive Transformers Generations : Combiner Hunters Arcee - Pictorial Review

Continuing with Combiner Hunters set, now we'll proceed with Arcee. Sorry as I don't have Windblade right now, hopefully will manage to find he in near future.

Just like Chromia, Arcee didn't come with the large sword and also missing her two guns which I'm not sure whether that's how she's supposed to be or not.

Let's continue.

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The approach for Arcee's paint scheme is different compared to Chromia. While the latter comes with metallic paint job (on certain parts) and flame/tribal tattoo, Arcee comes in normal black and pink paint scheme.

SDCC 2015 Exclusive Transformers Generations : Combiner Hunters Chromia - Pictorial Review

Mid of the year, a great time for unknown exclusives. After [supposedly] Botcon 2015 Black Skids review, we will continue with another figure who was at first, thought to be another Botcon exclusive but turn out to be part of a 3-pack Combiner Hunters set, available at San Diego Comic Con 2015. Let us first start with Chromia. However, just to make clear, mine doesn't come with the big sword (as in promo pictures) nor can I confirmed that the paint scheme is final. 

Pic Credit : Web

Again, the review will be short as it's a repaint of a figure I reviewed before. The review for normal version of Chromia can be found here.

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Botcon 2015 Burn Out - Pictorial Review

This is a gallery and brief review of a figure, rumored to be part of Botcon 2015 exclusive line-up. There's no official name for him yet, so we'll just call him Black Skids for now.

*Update : He's called Burn Out

This variant is said to be a homage to the black Diaclone version of Skids/Crosscut.

Pic Credit : TFWiki

Review of the previous variants can be found below

• IDW Skids
• IDW Crosscut
• AOE Rollbar

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Just as the name implied, this variant of Skids comes in black paint app with red highlights nicely put on the side. This is a bit different compared to the Diaclone version where the stripes on the side are yellow rather than red.

Mastermind Creations R10 Salvia Prominon - Pictorial Review

Now, closing on Mastermind Creations' fembot, the sixth variant homaging one of the Thirteen, R-10 Salvia Prominon aka Not-Solus Prime

Pic Credit : TFWiki

In IDW G1 continuity, Solus Prime is one of the Thirteen, the first Transformers created by Primus. She is known for her phenomenal crafting ability, creating weapons for the other Primes, including the Star Saber and the Matrix of Leadership.

It was said by Nexus Prime that war between the Thirteen and their tribes broke off after Megatronus broken his promise to Solus Prime. She and most of the Thirteen left Cybertron to other planets where Solus Prime resided and started the Caminus Colony.

Reviews of previous variants can be found below

• R-08 Azalea
• R-08D Azalea Stealth Assassin
• R-08 Azalea Asterisk Mode
• R-08Z Zinnia
• R09 Eupatorium

Again, this is the 6th release of the mold hence the review will be very brief.

In Package

Front View

Mastermind Creations R09 Eupatorium - Pictorial Review

After series of official releases, let us continue with a 3rd party releases, this time by Mastermind Creations. After Cynicus, presenting R-09 Eupatorium, MMC's take on Elita One (also as Elita-One and Elita-1).

Pic Credit : TFWiki

Just like Optimus Prime, it wasn't always Elita One. Before the war, the soon-to-be Elita One, Ariel, is a young dockworker and girlfriend of Orion Pax. Due to Orion Pax's bad judgement call, Ariel was gunned down by Megatron trying to save him which she later was reconstructed by Alpha Trion  as Elita One.

Hunt For The Decepticons Elita-1
Pic Credit : TFWiki

Elita-1 is also the name of one of the 3 sisters appearing in Revenge of the Fallen but let us just forget about her...

Since Eupatorium is a retool of Azalea, this review will be brief. Review of previous usage of the mold can be found below

• Azalea
• Azalea (Stealth Assassin Version)
• Azalea (Asterisk Version)
• Zinnia
• Salvia Prominon 

In Package

Eupatorium comes in a box with the same design as other Reformatted series releases with a artwork of their Not-Elita One on the front.

Generations Combiner Wars Leader Class Ultra Magnus - Pictorial Review

Now, a release that fans had been craving for so many year, the one and only, the legendary and iconic, Ultra Magnus!

Pic Credit : Web

Ultra Magnus was first introduced in Transformers : The Movie in 1986, an elite soldier that was entrusted with the Matrix by Optimus Prime in his death bed (but the Matrix chose Hot Rod). Ultra Magnus was one of the main cast in the season 3 and 4 of US G1 series, all the way to G1 Headmasters. 

G1 Ultra Magnus
Pic Credit : TFWiki

 

Ultra Magnus's G1 toy is actually a white version Optimus Prime with a convertable trailer that becomes his armor. This indirectly the reason why several version of his toys afterwards are a white repaint of Optimus Prime. Some, not all. There are few series where Ultra Magnus were designed uniquely such as in Robot In Disguise/Car Robot, Animated and also Transformers:Prime.

Dreamwave Ultra Magnus

In Dreamwave Generation One continuity, Ultra Magnus IS actually a white Optimus Prime. Ultra Magnus shed his armor in the episode Countdown to Extinction after he was shot down by Shockwave.

Pic Credit : TFWiki

In IDW Generations 1 continuity, Ultra Magnus is not just one bot. The 'immortal' lawman was close with Orion Pax, Skids and Delta Magnus where he fought alongside them in countless wars, witnessing a lot of historical event. However, after his death (the cause has yet to be revealed), Chief Justice Tyrest who was inspired by Magnus's legend, fashioned a suit of armor cast in Magnus's image and bestowed it upon a succession of other robots. Currently, Minimus Ambus is the mastermind under the suit of the legend.

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He's finally here! 

Ultra Magnus comes in a box with the same design as the previous three Combiner Wars Leader Class figures (after Megatron, Armada Megatron and Thundercracker).

Might not be big but the artwork of Ultra Magnus is clearly based on IDW version of the character.