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;-

TFC Verti-Aid [Project Prometheus] - Pictorial Review

A figure that I've been looking forward to, but mostly because he's the last component of TFC Prometheus. To be frank, when TFC revealed their version of First Aid and Blades months back, only Red Cross (First Aid) really caught my attention while Verti-Aid seemed a bit underwhelming. So, we'll find out whether my first thought of him justified.

Pic Credit : Web

In IDW Generation 1 Continuity, Blade was part of Autobot security force, on duty in the city of Kaon. The force was given task of hunting down the renegade operators of the gladiatorial contests held in the slum areas of Cybertron, which they succeeded. Among the captives, the soon-to-be-known-as Megatron.

Pic Credit : Web

Blade's G1 toy transform into a rescue helicopter that really looks like a Bell UH-1V Iroquois. Despite being a Scramble City-style combiner limb, Blade normally form Defensor's right arm.

Previous TFC Not-Protectobots' reviews can be found below

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

In Package

The last release of TFC that will be using this design. Personally, I like that every TFC combiners has their own theme but keeping the overall look and feel of the packaging.

Unlike other members of Prometheus, I don't really like the artwork of Verti-Aid as I don't really feel the connection between him and Blade.

Back View

Generations Combiner Wars Leader Class Armada Megatron - Pictorial Review

Comes together with Generations Combiner Wars Megatron is an unexpected pair (well...not if you saw the news back then), a repaint of Megatron, Armada Megatron!

Pic Credit : TFWiki

Armada Megatron is the main antagonist in the cartoon series Armada, the first installment of "Unicron Trilogy", before Energon and Cybertron. In the continuity, the war between the Autobots and the Decepticons escalated resulting both enhancing their power with the small race of Transformers called Mini-Cons. Believing that they made the conflict worse, the Mini-Cons seek help from the Autobots to escape Cybertron. The attempt almost fail due to an ambush by the Megatron and the Decepticons resulting the Mini-Cons, in their damage starship warped and crash-landed on earth.

Armada Megatron
Pic Credit : TFWiki

In Package
*Please take note that I won't be going into details for this review as it's a variant of Leader Class Megatron previously reviewed.

The fourth CHRUG Leader Class figure after Jetfire (Hasbro and Takara) and Megatron, Armada Megatron comes in the same Combiner Wars box as Megartron.

Generations Combiner Wars Leader Class Megatron - Pictorial Review

I was working out on the review of LG-09 Brainstorm when this arrived and the sane thing to do is to put that Brainstorm on hold and proceed with the tyrant, Generations Combiner Wars Leader Class Megatron.

Pic Credit : TFWiki

One of the greatest villain of all time, Megatron led the Decepticons force fighting for the control of Cybertron against the Autobots, an act that brought war upon the entire universe.

In Package

Hasbro surprised the fans with the announcement of Leader Class Megatron under the Generations Combiner Wars series. Most are skeptical while others ridiculed Hasbro's attempt to reboot the character for CHRUG line. Let us see, shall we?

Megatron comes in a big box with the same theme as the previous Combiner Wars releases. I just noticed that the word "Transformers" laid out vertically on the side resembles Age Of Extinction box design.

Unique Toys Ordin O-02 Alberich - Pictorial Review

Sorry for the delay of this review as I know the 3rd component is on his way to retails as we speak. Hope you enjoy the review of UT Ordin O-02 Alberich (Not-Rippersnapper).

Taking Sharknado to another level
Pic Credit : TFWiki

Just like the rest of the Terrocons, Rippersnapper first appeared during G1 episode Grimlock's New Brain, with his fellow teammates under the order of Galvatron to retrieve the anti-electrons. In IDW Generation 1 Continuity, Rippersnapper was a big fan of Sixshot during the war. The Terrorcons were taken hostage by the Reapers with intend to lure Sixshot out.

G1 Rippersnapper
Pic Credit : TFWiki

Review of Unique Toys Ordin O-01 Troll (Not-Blot) can be found here.

In Package

Box : Front View

Alberich comes in quite a small box, just like Troll. The artwork used on the front is really nicely done, reminding of IDW circa 2007/2008.

Box : Back View

Takara MP10A Convoy BAPE Version (Knockoff) - Pictorial Review

Not too often but there are few Transformers releases made as exclusives for a specific brand. One of the famous one would be Pepsi Convoy!

Carbonated drink is the right of all sentient being
Pic Credit : Web

One brand in particular had released a number of exclusive, even more than others. A Bathing Ape is a Japanese clothing company founded in 1993 (currently owned by Hong Kong company), currently available [at most part] around the world.

Pic Credit : TFWiki

The first of the exclusive was released in 2011, a green Convot Reissue BAPE Ver. The green version is the first out of 3 Bape Version of Convoy Reissue, released at 2011 (Green), 2012 (Black) and 2013 (Red Camo). The most recent release was quite different where it's no longer a Convoy Reissue but instead, green-camo Takara Masterpiece, MP10A Convoy.

This review however is not of original MP10A but instead a KO version.

In Package

First of, this figure is currently being sold at 95USD, roughly the same price as MP10B when it was first released.

Black-Plastic-Life on TF-Prototype!

We are now on TF-Prototype!!

The guys at TF-Prototype has been a strong supporter of this blog despite the fact that I'm just a small time reviewer. Thanks guy!

Get your 3rd Party/4th Party Transformers News here or follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

Black-Plastic-Life on TF-Prototype

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.