Toyworld TW-H03 Swamper - Pictorial Review

It's been quite sometime since I reviewed anything by Toyworld. The last was TW-03 BII in January. Let us move on to their new offering, TW-H03 Swamper (Not-Skullcruncher), the first Decepticon Headmaster from Toyworld.

Pic Credit : TFWiki

In The Headmasters cartoon series, Skullcruncher was among the group small Cybertronians who flew out to escape the never ending war, under the command on Fortress [Maximus].Crashing on Planet Master, the crew fight for survival on the planet which resulted them building a larger, lifeless Transformer bodies called Transtectors.

After rigorous physical and mental training, the crew manage to master this new technology and became the Headmasters. However, Skullcruncher and several others rebelled against Fortress and sided with the traitor, Scorponok.

Pic Credit : TFWiki

Transformers Age Of Extinction - Just some thoughts

Watched the premier of Transformers Age of Extinction with fellow TransMYian on June 25th and wasn't disappointed to be honest. But to make it clear, I'm not a Bayformers fanboy not am I a hardcore Geewuner. Been enjoying all thing Transformers from all the series, the comic books (IDW, Marvel, Dreamwave) and few other medias.

Pic Credit: Web

Never intended to write anything about it but stumble upon a review that shockingly gave AoE some 'harsh' critiques which to me only partially true and the best part, putting something like

" 'I'm also quite sure the old-time fans would be disappointed with bla bla bla "

This won't be a proper review, just few points I like to let out. Let us begin but first, MAJOR SPOILER ALERT!

Negative

1 - The movie is quite too long for my taste, nearing 3 hours. Felt that some parts can either be excluded or compacted

2 - Galvatron is one of favourite character in Transformers universe, but Bay should've at least waited a bit as Megatron has been dead and brought back to life for quite few times already. TF5 maybe?

3 - Hate the new Decepticons way of transforming

Positive

1 - Human characters aren't as annoying as the previous 3. Mark Wahlberg played his character well. AoE changed the movie franchise from spastic comedy party into having more mature atmosphere.

2 - More robot screen time!

3 - Better storyline than the previous 3 and it seems Bay did some homework this time. In case people are wondering, here are some homages that could be found in the movie

• Flat-cab truck that Optimus Prime transform into in the beginning of the movie is a homage to Generation 1 Optimus Prime
• Lockdown role as a bounty hunter, just like when he debuted in Transformers universe during Animated.
• The resurrection of Megatron is based on the storyline of TF Animated where he trick Dr Sumdac into building his new body.
• Having the Dinobots fossilized reminded me of IDW Spotlight : Shockwave. Hope there'll be detail explanation of why the Dinobots were there in the first place. 
• The alliance with Dinobots was nicely done. Personally, better than it was in G1 and Animated
• The human-created Transformers reminded me of the fate of Sunstreaker in IDW Devastation series.
• The 'creator' that was mentioned by Lockdown might end up end up with 2 possibilities. (1), the Quintesson or better yet, (2) Unicron [and be default, hopefully, Primus]
• The first time in the franchise that the story heading somewhere, a bigger arc. Rodimus and the cast of 86 maybe?

Transformers Movie franchise was never 'phenomenal' from the start. There are ok parts and some bad parts. However, found out that AoE currently being targeted with thoughtless reviews which is kind of weird. However, as the fan of Transformers Franchise (not just someone who suddenly knows everything about Transformers after watching the 4 live action movies ie "his childhood"), I find that AoE is better than what I expected.

I get that people say not all reviewers a fan of a certain franchise etc. True, there's a lot of reviewers know Transformers from the movies only, no more. However, I would've been better if they some homework just to have a basic idea. Why? Because they are reviewer. Is it right if I reviewed a Generations figure then complaint there is no die-cast parts? If you decide to do a review of anything, there must be at least some knowledge of it.

Let say I watch a love story which ends with both the main characters died, no happy ending. Is it right if I say it sucks and a stupid movie when it's an adaptation of "Romeo and Juliet"?

Generations Autobot Scoop - Pictorial Review

This is one review that I've been dreading to do for reasons that I'll explain later. Once in a while, Hasbro choose to release few obscure characters that are sometimes even fans are unfamiliar with. They did that back in 2011 for example, with the release of Generations Darkmount, Sky Shadow and Thunderwing.

For 2014, Hasbro released Generations Autobot Scoop, a character that is new even for me.

Pic Credit : TFWiki

Scoop is an Autobot Targetmaster, the 4th Autobot Targetmasters to be released under CHURG after United Stepper, Artfire and Henkei Strafe. Known as one of the best field infantries, Scoop uses both cool-headed logic and battle-hardened tactics to fight and crush his enemies on the battlefield. I have no idea in which media did Scoop first appeared but he's in Marvel continuity, Generation 2 and also the more recent IDW Generation 1, among others.

Pic Credit : TFWiki

Generations Deluxe Tankor - Pictorial Review

One would thought that Beast Wars was the most unorthodox and controversial Transformers franchise when it was aired in the 90's. But then 1999 came in and we have Beast Machines (BM), a 26-episodes sequel to Beast Wars.

Season 1 of BM focused on the Maximals (Optiumus Primal, Rattrap, Cheetor and Blackarachnia) being back on Cybertron...but not the Cybertron as they know it. All that's left is a deserted Cybertron with streets patrolled by mindless Vehicon Drones serving Megatron and at the same time, the Maximals are infected with a deadly virus that'll kill them. The problem was solved with the help of a supercomputer, the Oracle which reformats them into technorganic bodies.

On the other hand, we have Drones serving Megatron evil plan, specifically Tank Drones, lead by the tank general, Tankor. Tankor along with the other Vehicon Generals, leads Megatron mindless army in keeping the planet under control and to fight against the Maximals.

Pic Credit : TFWiki

Tankor and the other generals are the only ones granted sparks, as opposed to normal drones. Tankor fought again and again with the Maximals, holding onto Megatron's promise of "fabulous prize to be won!" for getting them into captivity. And the Maximals anything they can to defend themselves from Tankor brutal attacks. However, much to their dismay, Tankor turns out to be their beloved comrade that fought side-by-side with them during the Beast Wars, Rhinox

Pic Credit : TFWiki

Rhinox was one of the unlucky ones during Maximals' returned to Cybertron. Unlike the Transmetals that were able to stay mobile for a short period, Rhinox was held captive by Megatron and had his spark forcibly removed. The spark was later used to power Tankor, the tank general with hope that the Maximals will be less willing to fight him. But Megatron failed to foresee that Tankor end up being only slightly more intelligent than the rest of the Tank Drones.

Pic Credit : TFWiki

Despite Optimus Primal attempt to reach Rhinox's spark, he was too late as the spark was already tainted by his time inside Tankor, rejecting the Maximals and supporting Megatron's idea of technologically-pure Cybertron....but only the idea, not Megatron himself. This resulted in a fail coup d-etat and Tankor was killed. Rhinox expressed his regret over his actions when Optimus Primal met him (his Spark) one last time within the Allspark.

The widely-inaccurate BM Tankor
Pic Credit : TFWiki

Generations Deluxe Rattrap - Pictorial Review

One thing that I was worried about with the release of Age Of Extinction line : Generations line not reaching Malaysia's shore. It was the case back in 2011 with the last wave of Generations didn't hit the shelves and I got the same feeling this year when even after months it was released, the wave that consist of Deluxe Scoop still nowhere to be seen and the newest wave consisting of Deluxe Rattrap and Tankor might suffer the same fate. Luckily, new stock arrived yesterday with Deluxe Scoop, Armada Starscream, Skywarp, Minicon Assault Team, Tankor and Rattrap altogether in a carton.

Pic Credit : TFWiki

One of the main characters in Beast Wars series and the earliest crew of Maximals, Rattrap is perhaps the most annoying character the Maximals have to deal with, with the constant negativity, sarcasm and being dowright rude to almost everyone even his commanding officer. He's a fine soldier nonetheless, been at the frontline of countless battles between the Predacon and Maximal.

Age Of Extinction Scorn (Hasbro Version) - Pictorial Review

Next is the last Age of Extinction Dinobots from the first wave and quite frankly my favourite of the three. Scorn was never in any of Transformers universe, not as Scorn-a-dinobot nor as Scorn in general.

Age Of Extinction Autobot Slug (Hasbro Version) - Pictorial Review

Having a kid really change my schedule. This isn't a complaint but never in my whole life that I left new figures unopened for more than 2 days (aside from my Henkei Crystal Convoy, that baby is still MISB)

To continue, next is another familiar character, Deluxe Age of Extinction Dinobot Slug or to be exact, Slag. If I'm not mistaken, the name was changed during Fall of Cybertron.

TFC Conabus [Project Ares] - Pictorial Review

TFC seems to be a a roll recently. They were fairly quite after the release of Nemean but starting with Phlogeus, it's been one after another. Conabus was released not one month after Phlogeus and from what I gathered, Atheo will be arriving at my doorstep in 2-3 weeks time.

For a brief description about Headstrong, please proceed to MMC R-05 Fortis Review

Age Of Extinction Voyager Class Grimlock (Hasbro Version) - Pictorial Review

It seems that this few weeks, Transformers is all about Age of Extinction. The launching of the toys ended up to be a pretty big deal here in Malaysia, with few friends lined up at Toys Ur Us during their Midnight Madness early this month.

As usual, from the start, never intended to get any movie figures. No offense, it's because I only collect CHURG figures. Didn't thought my wife was the one ended up wanting to collect the Dinobots, haha. But this won't be a long review, just a short one.

So first of, AoE Voyager Grimlock!

KFC E.A.V.I Metal Citizen Stack [1st Issue] - Pictorial Review

This review is way over due, am really sorry bout that. Most of you have already known that Takara is releasing MP-22, the iconic character, Ultra Magnus. But back when the news was just a rumor, Keith's Fantasy Club (KFC) announced that they are releasing an MP figure homaging G1 Ultra Magnus, dubbed Citizen Stack (based on the name of Ultra Magnus voice actor in 1986's movie, Robert Stack).

Pic Credit : TFWiki

Not an unfamiliar face. Since Ultra Magnus made his debut in 1986, he's been one of the recurrent characters in Transformers universe, From G1 US (Season 3-4), G1 Headmasters, Robots in Disguise, Animated, TF Prime and more. However, after G1, most of the time Ultra Magnus toys is just white Optimus Prime repaints.

In G1, Ultra Magnus has kind of an unconventional alt mode. While most Autobots have a domestic vehicle as their Alt Mode, Ultra Magnus transforms into a car carrier equipped with missiles, one on each side. Fitting his role considering how he regarded himself as nothing more than a soldier for the Autobots cause.

Warbotron WB01A Air Burst - Pictorial Review

This figure isn't new, I missed the boat to do an early review of him and now even the 2nd figure of this set is about to be released.

Pic Credit : TFWiki

A member of a rather popular combiner, Bruticus, Blast Off is one of those bot that prefer to be alone than with company, your average devil-may-care Transformers. Suiting his alt mode, Blast Off prefer to spend his time orbiting far above the earth, scouting through the void and looking for target.

Many might remember the G1 episode, Starscream's Brigade where Blast Off and his team, reduced to personality components during their imprisonment, were liberated by Starscream and installed into abandoned World War II military vehicles (Blast Off in particular changed the B-17 bomber into a space shuttle).

TFC Gumball [Project Prometheus] - Pictorial Review

TFC seems to be on a roll lately. They were on a break after Nemean was released and now, they have Phlogues and Gumball released closely (with Conabus and Not-Groove coming in soon).

Pic Credit : TFWiki

Streetwise is part of Protectobot team that made a fair number of appearance throughout the series, as either as individual, team or combined form. As the team name implies, Streetwise and the rest of the Protectobots (usually First Aid and Groove) spend a lot of their time in rescue missions, helping the human that are affected by Decepticon's evil plan.

Pic Credit : TFWiki

Other TFC Not-Defensor reviews can be found below :

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

TFC Phlogeus [Project Ares] - Pictorial Review

It seems that it's all about the Predacons lately. After Leo Dux of Feral Rex, here's a review of TFC Phlogeus (Not-Rampage) of TFC Ares.

Pic Credit : TFWiki

He wasn't named Rampage for nothing. Pure rage, blazing fury and destructive nature pretty much sums Rampage up. During the Generation 1 cartoon, the Predacons appeared in numerous occasions but more as a group rather than as individuals so it's kind of hard to tell Rampage's role in the cartoon series (at least as far as I remember).

Pic Credit : TFWiki

Unique Toys A01 Soundmixer - Pictorial Review

This review is sponsored by X2OToys

Less than a month ago, I watched a youtube clip by TheFineBros, Kids React to Walkmans (Portable Cassette Players) which made me feel old...really old..

Based on the clip, I kind of understand why Hasbro still haven't (maybe wouldn't) produce this iconic character (not in the version that fans want at least) in the CHURGs line.

Pic Credit : TFWiki

DJ in da house. Fans of G1 will never forget Blaster, the most happening bot out there. He is loud. He is energetic. He is closest to the earth cultures than any of his comrades. In a long rivalry with Decepticon Communications Officer, Soundwave, Blaster was joined by a cassette army to help him settling the scores with Soundwave and his minion.

Pic Credit : TFWiki

Unlike most important G1 characters, Blaster never really have an appropriate toy aside from the G1 version (and Reissues, etc) while his arch enemy, Soundwave received several updates with the most recent a Masterpiece treatment (both Hasbro and Takara version).

With the volume of 3rd Party companies nowadays, it surprised me that no one ever release Blaster until this year, by Unique Toys (and next, Mega Steel).

Mastermind Creations R-04 Leo Dux - Pictorial Review

Busy month indeed. With my baby, works, TransMY exhibitions, hard to find time for reviews. Aside from this, hopefully will also be able to finish the reviews for TFC Phlogeus, UT Soundmixer, KFC Citizen Stack, and also TFC Gumball.

But first thing first, let us proceed with MMC R-04 Leo Dux (Not-Razorclaw). With this release, Feral Rex finally took form!

For brief back story of the character, please refer below:

TFC Nemean Pictorial Review

My biggest haul to date!

It's been a long 5 days, too tired to do anything, having no more than 4 hours sleep each day. But it was worth it!

My princess was born on April 20th, 2.55 am (+8.00 GMT) and both baby and mommy are safe. Couldn't be happier than this

More Review goodies~

Review of Transformers Prime Beast Hunters Abominus by a friend of mine, LDRTransformersWorld, just started doing reviews. Let's show some support!

Hun-Gurr

Twinstrike

Maketoys MCB-001 Armageddon Add On Kit - Pictorial Review

First of all, for a brief history of the character, please go to the link below:-

Planet X Genesis Pictorial Review

This review is a courtesy of X2OToys, thank you! Moving on..

Back in 2013, Hasbro released Platinum Edition Year of the Snake (YOS) Omega Supreme, a redeco/retool of Energon Omega Supreme based on War For Cybertron version of Omega Supreme. Despite having a new head and a massive, articulated claw arm, he is still seen far away from being the 'perfect' Omega Supreme by the fans.

Enter Maketoys! In the same year, Maketoys announces their new project, MCB-001 Armageddon Add On Kit to enhance the look of YOS Omega Supreme.

 

Maketoys Manga Mech Series Trash-Talk & Cogwheel - Pictorial Review

Here's another review made possible by our sponsor,  X2OToys , Maketoys [Manga Mech Series] Trash-Talk (Not Swerve) and Cogwheel (Not-Gears).

http://x2otoys.com/

Pic Credit : TFWiki

Swerve is one of those characters that was made popular again after quite sometime. Made his debut in Transformers G1 cartoon series and had almost limited screen times with few notable appearance in G1's Five Faces of Darkness and Forever Is A Long Time Coming. Aside from those, Swerve hardly ever appear again. However, in IDW G1 continuity, Swerve is one of the frequent casts, appearing in a lot of the episodes. 

Pic Credit : TFWiki

Gears on the other had, was a familiar face in Generation 1 cartoon series. Although he's one of the original crew of the Ark, Gears was involved in seldom involved in the battle due to his non-combatant nature (or maybe he just doesn't really care much about earth in general).

Gears was also featured in other continuities such as Dreamwave Generations 1, G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers and most recently, IDW Generation 1 where he joined Rodimus as the crew of the Lost Light, on a mission to find the Knights of Cybertron.

A new milestone

I've been collecting 'full time' for just about 5-6 years now and have lost count on how many time I've been asked about my rule of collecting. Well, I've had quite a few actually

1 - Once I only collect Hasbro version of CHURG molds.
2 - Bend that rule when I started collecting any Takara version of CHURG molds that were repainted into a new character, like Henkei Strafe from Cyclonus mold
3 - Bend the rule again when I made exception due to 3rd Pary releases. For example, I went for both Henkei and Classics Optimus Prime due to the release of FP DIA Commander, bought both Henkei and RTS Bumblebee to be used with Not-Bumper and Not-Hubcap MGS add on.
4 - Also bend the rule when I went for a repetitive release of the same character when the repaints are good like e-Hobby Decepticon Set where I've already had all the 3 mold (Hasbro version)
5 - Went ahead and start collecting Botcon and TFCC figures if they are using CHURG molds
6 - Due to the fact that with all of this 'exception', I ended up having at least 70%-90% of the variants for each mold, leaving behind only Henkei/United version of the molds
7 - Ended up deciding to collect every single variants ever (officially) release of CHURG molds

Quite happy thinking that I've almost completed pre-2014 releases of CHURG mold


Bumblebee w/ Wave Crusher (Classics )
Cliffjumper (Classic)  
Bumblebee (Henkei)  
Bugbite (Botcon 2007's Game Of Deception)  
Bumblebee (Reveal The Shield)  
Bumblebee (Legacy Of Bumblebee)  
Bumblebee (United)

Inferno    (Classics)
Spark/Pyro (Botcon 2010 G2 Redux)   
Solar Storm Grapple (Reveal The Shield)   
Artfire (Million Publishing Exclusive)   
Hotspot    Inferno (Henkei)   
Solar Storm Grapple (United)

Jetfire    (Classics)   
Dreadwind (Botcon 2007's Games Of Deception)   
Dark Skyfire (Henkei eHobby Exclusive)   
Treadbolt (Universe)   
Skyfire (Henkei)   
Jetfire (United)

Onslaught (Universe)
Hardhead (Universe Walmart Exclusive)   
Clench (Botcon 2012 G2 Redux)   
Onslaught (Henkei US)

Rodimus    (Classics)   
Rodimus (3-packs/2pack)   
Shattered Glass Rodimus (Botcon 2008)   
Wildrider (Henkei)   
Sideburn (TFCC 2010)   
Rodimus (Henkei)   
Rodimus (United)

Silverbolt (Universe)   
Darkwing (Universe)   
Skyfall (Universe Wallmart Exclusive)   
Silverbolt (Henkei US)           

Sunstreaker (Universe)   
Sideswipe (Universe)   
Red Alert (Generations)   
Punch Counterpunch (TFCC 2010)   
G2 Breakdown (Botcon 2011 G2 Redux)   
Breakdown (TFCC 2013)   
Sunstreaker (Henkei)   
Lambor (Henkei)   
Red Alert (Henkei)

Darkmount (Generations)
Skullgrin (Generations)   
SG Straxus (Botcon 2012)   
Darkmount (United)

Dirge (Generations)   
Dirge (United)   
Dirge (Henkei)   

Jazz (Generations)   
Stepper (Million Publishing Exclusive)   
Kick-Out/Kick-Off (Botcon 2012)   
Wheelie    (Generations)
Shattered Glass Treadshot (Botcon 2012)   
G2 Jazz(Ultimate Giftset)   
Jazz (United)

Thunderwing (Generations)   
Skyshadow (Generation)   
Metalhawk (Botcon 2012)   
Thunderwing (United)

Windcharger (Generations)
Windcharger (United)   
Wipe-out (United)               

Wreck-Gar (Generations)
Junkheap (Generation)   
Scrapheap (eHobby Set)   
SG Wreck-Gar (Botcon)   
SG Junkheap (Botcon 2012)   
SG Scrapheap (Botcon)   
Wreck-Gar (United)

* in no particular order of releases
**  name might not be accurate
*** first name (underlined and bolded) are also part of the releases

Still, have a lot of backdated figures on my list right now

Classics       
Megatron (Deluxe)       
Megatron (Deluxe Special Edition)       
Optimus Prime (Deluxe)       
Optimus Prime (Deluxe Special Edition)       
       
Universe 2.0       
Cyclonus (2 Pack)/(3 Pack)       
Powerglide (Universe Walmart Exclusive)       
       
Henkei       
Dinobot (Henkei)       
Cheetor (Henkei)       
Hound (Henkei)       
Smokescreen (Henkei)       
Octane (Henkei)       
       
United       
Megatron (United)       
Perceptor (United)       
       
Generations 3.0       
Crosscut       
Scoop       
Minicon Assault Team       
Armada Starscream       
Rattrap       
BM Tankor       
Crosscut       
       
Exclusives       
Shattered Glass Grimlock (Botcon 2008)       
Scorch (Botcon 2010 G2 Redux)       
Shattered Glass Soundwave (Botcon 2012)       
Dirge (Botcon 2007)       
Shattered Glass Thundercracker (Botcon 2011 G2 Redux)       
Shattered Glass Drift (TFCC 2012 Exclusive)       
Electron (Botcon 2013)       
Thrust (Botcon 2007)       
Shattered Glass Tracks (Botcon 2012)       
Strika (Botcon 2013)       
SG G2 Optimus Prime (Botcon 2012)       
SG Ultra Magnus (Botcon 2012)       
Scourge (TFCC 2013)       
Metroplex (SDCC)       
Ferak (Botcon 2014)       
Devcon (Botcon 2014)       
Astrotrain (Asia Exclusive)       
Galvatron (Asia Exclusive)       
Octane (Asia Exclusive)
Ironhide (Asia Exclusive)       
Hound (Asia Exclusive)       
Mirage (Asia Exclusive)       
       
Takara Generations       
Skids (Takara)       
Rhinox (Takara)       
Waspinator (Takara)       
Hoist (Takara)       
Trailcutter (Takara)       
IDW Orion Pax (Takara)       
IDW Megatron (Takara)       
IDW Bumblebee (Takara)       
Springer (Takara)       
Blitzwing (Takara)       
Sandstorm (Takara)       
Minicon Assault Team (Takara)       
Armada Starscream (Takara)       
       
Transformers Cloud       
Starscream (Takara Cloud)       
Convoy (Takara Cloud)       


*few of the figures haven't been released yet
*some figures are speculation as there's no official news from Takara yet

Basically, still along way to go for pre-2014 figures. But now, my main priority is the 2007 Games Of Deception Box set!