Mastermind Creations [Reformatted] Feral Rex - Pictorial Review

Predaking, the beast of all combiners. As opposed to decreasing in intelligence experienced by most of other combiners, Predaking somehow manages to combine all the personalities of the components into one perfect, animalistic hunter.

Pic Credit : Web

So, here it is, the long awaited Mastermind Creations Feral Rex, completed. And it's impressive. First thing first, presenting the Feral Cons!

Feral Cons in Alt Mode

Feral Cons is robot mode

There's a certain degree of satisfaction whenever a combiner team is complete. Staring at the images, the uniformity of the design of all members is awesome.

Mastermind Creations R-06 Tigris - Pictorial Review

It seems like forever since Talon was teased and finally the [core members of] Feral Cons are complete, with the release of R-06 Tigris

Review of TFC version of Rampage can be found here.

In Package

Front View

Considering he's the fifth, there's not much to say about the box except that it follows the design of the rest of Feral Cons.

Mastermind Creations R-02 Talon - Pictorial Review

Seems that recently, everything is about combiners, even I feel more excited whenever a combiner team member arrive. Now, for something that's been long overdue, Mastermind Creations Talon (Not-Divebomb).

G1 Divebomb's Box Art
Pic Credit : TFWiki

Along with the other Predacons, Divebomb was created in 2006, given by the Quintessons as a symbol of the alliance between them and Galvatron. Forming Predaking's left arm, Divebomb is one of the deadliest predator in the sky that enjoys nothing other than destruction.

Pic Credit : TFWiki

G1 Divebomb (and the rest of the Predacons) was released in 1986 in individual pack (D-75) and also in gift set (D-78) .

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.

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

Unique Toys Maniaking - Pictorial Review

It seems like forever since I've last done a review as I was busy at the office and also been involved with Malaysia's Transformers 30th Anniversary Expo early February. Thanks to a dear friend who's kind enough to lend me the figure that I'm about to review next. First, a little back story.

Earlier this month, Transformers : Age of Extinction (AOE) Teaser Trailer was released depicting some interesting cast with appearance of Transformers' iconic character, Galvatron.

Screenshot from AOE Teaser Trailer, showing Galvatron
Pic Credit : TFW2005

Not a newcomer, Galvatron is a character that almost all TF fans have heard of, be it from Transformers Generation 1, Armada, Energon, Cybertron or any other media (comics, etc). Let us explore Galvatron throught Generation 1 continuity.

Pic Credit : Web

After the fierce battle between Optimus Prime and Megatron in Transformers : The Movie (1986) that left most children then crying their eyes out (I still cringe everytime I watch the death fight), Optimus Prime died (for the first time, not the last) and Megatron suffered the most fatal blow ever, leaving him half dead and was evacuated from the battle by Soundwave.

Not long after, Megatron was betrayed (not the first time) by Starscream and was left in space to rust alongside with few others. There, the unfortunate few met Unicron which offer Megatron a new, stronger body in exchange for total obedience. Hence, Galvatron was born. Throughout Transformers history, Galvatron made frequent appearance as either an upgrade of Megatron or a separate entity.

G1 Galvatron (the non-accurate-color version)
Pic Credit : Web

As a CHURGs collector, I was pleased when Hasbro announced the release of Universe Galvatron back in 2008. Yet, the fact that he was only a Deluxe-sized figure was a small issue; compared to the nightmare of the figure design.

Universe Galvatron
Pic Credit : Web

Since then, there's a lot of news hinting that 'this' or 'that' company will be releasing their own Galvatron but only in 2013, Unique Toys showed their prototype and Maniaking was released in January 2014.

Mastermind Creations R-05 Feral Rex Fortis - Pictorial Review

One thing that I hate in collecting Transformers figures...the wait! Even more so if it's part of a team, Headmasters, Throttlebots and in this case, Combiners. The next figure released by Mastermind Creations after R-03 Bovis is R-05 Fortis (Not-Headstrong), courtesy of a friend

Pic Credit : transformerscustomtoys.com

Glutony with brute force. Not the brightest of the 5 but Headstrong still maintained the most determined of all once he decided he wanted something. And nobody can say otherwise. With unbreakable ramming head and acid-dripping horn, Headstrong proves to not be taken lightly by the enemy

During G1's Call of The Primitives, the Predacons went fleeing for their lives when Sky Lynx and Trypticon had their energy drained by Tornedron, but stopped by Headstrong, declaring that he should die fighting, bringing the fight back into his fellow Predacons. Headstrong can form either leg of Predaking but mostly as the left leg.

TFC-008 Wings Of Uranos [Project Uranos] - Pictorial Review

Now, for the last piece of the puzzle. Sorry for the delay I had a slight problem with the supplier that causes the delay and hectic end of 2013 doesn't help.

Years before, during the time of Hercules, TFC decided to release an add on set after his [near] completion, answering to fans request [demand] of a more G1-Devastator-ish aesthetic for Hercules. And TFC answers with the Rage of Hercules set. And I applauded them for that.

Pic Credit : Web

But, with Uranos, TFC decision to release add on even before the combiner was finished was a bit disappointing, considering they were still at the stage where amendment can be made. Okay, that's the end of that. Moving forward, having completed 5 members of Not-Aerialbots team, do you need the upgrade set?
Without further ado, I present to you Wings of Uranos

Maketoys MT-03 HyperNovae - Pictorial Review

First and foremost, this review wouldn't be possible without the help of a dear friend, who's kind enough to lend me this figure, one of my favorite characters in Transformers

Pic Credit : Web

Presenting, one of the most graceful Transformers out there, Nova Prime, predecessor to Nominus Prime. Back then in Cybertron, there was another big war being fought, long before Optimus Prime/Megatron time, ended in the hand of Nova Prime. With the end of Chaos, Nova ventures to Cybertron's underground with his closest comrades and advisors, Jhiaxus, Galvatron, Cyclonus and Dai Atlas, to find the Guiding Hand.

World with no factions
Pic Credit : Web

Even with the purest of intention, Nova Prime slowly drift away, believing more than he should, on the prophecy of "All Shall Be One" , planning the Expension to enslave all lifeforms under his empire. Running out of time when Vector Sigma's flow of new sparks ceased, Nova Prime and his team boarded the Ark to start the Expension.

Nemesis Prime
Pic Credit : Web

Nova Prime discovered a portal while on their way to the Benzuli Expanse and, blinded by his greed and pride, went into the portal to the Dead Universe and never be seen again. Not as Nova Prime

Pic Credit : Web

Nova Prime was actually a concept design made for Optimus Prime by Don Figueroa but the toy never seen the light of day. However, there was a company that produced this design and if not mistaken, only 2 figures exist (1 design, 2 variants)

By Master Collectibles
Pic Credit : Web

Knowing what the fans want, Maketoys took the liberty of [mass] releasing the first Not-Nova Prime figure, dubbed MT-03 HyperNovae

Generations Rhinox - Pictorial Review

Yet another release that caught the fans by surprised, after the release of Generations Waspinator. The Ironhide of Beast Wars era, Rhinox. Thanks to my friend, who's a hardcore Beast Wars collector, for this piece

Pic Credit : Web

One of Maximal's aces, Rhinox is the most dependable of all of them. A mix of Ironhide's brawn and strength with Wheeljack's intelligence, Rhinox are both effective both on field work and as a strategist, pulling the strings to make sure the Maximal won the battle. He's part of the Axalon's crewmember that crashed on earth during the pursuits of Megatron and his Predacons army

Beast Wars Rhinox
Pic Credit : TFWiki.net

Even with the glory of Beast Wars era, Rhinox received a cruel life in Beast Machine era as he and Silverbolt were captured and stripped of their organis bodies and placed into the body of Tankor and Jetstorm respectively

Tankor/Rhinox
Pic Credit : Web

Generations Doubledealer - Pictorial Review

*First of all, I would like to apologize on how brief this review is and I kinda half-assed on transforming the figure. Was actually a bit dissapointed at how this figure turns out*

Now, another official release. Hasbro decision of releasing a repaint of Generations Blitzwing as Doubledealer surprised me. Sure, repaints are inevitable but for Blitzwing, I would've guess the next logical variant would be Overcharge, considering he's a redeco of G1 Blitzwing, released as an eHobby Exclusive on 2005.

Pic Credit : TFWikiNet

Before we begin, let's make things clear. Don't confused Doubledealer and Doubleclouder. Although sharing the same toy, Doubleclouder was a character from Japanese-exclusive series, Transformers : Super-God Masterforce. Despite being the same, both Doubledealer and Doubleclouder has different background and stories to them

Doubledealer (also known as Dealer) is on both sides of the war but at the same time, on neither. His real side, his only concern is himself. Allegiance on sale, Doubledealer is the best comrade a bot could have if they can pay him enough. As valueable he is to both sides, neither choose to fully trust him.

Generations IDW Goldfire - Pictorial Review

Death in G1 Transformers was not a common thing. Having children as the target audience, the dark tone and storyline were not introduced in the series, up until Transformers The Movie (1986) where almost everyone died. Literally! Death was everywhere, I s**t you not!

Pic Credit : Web

Apparently after 2 years, killing a bot is actually easy
Pic Credit : Web

While some stay dead, making way for newer characters, some return as either their ownself eg Optimus Prime, or they are being reformatted into new bot, eg Megatron to Galvatron, much stronger and powerful (at least till the end of the episode). A lot of people debated whether the later can be count as death since the bots were alive prior to the reformatting. But lets keep it short and consider it as the death of the character itself

Pic Credit : Web

Part of the rescue team led by Rodimus Prime, Bumblebee and the crew fall into the trap set by a Transformers-Hating couple by using the body of the deceased Optimus Prime as bait. Exposed to the hate plague, the Autobots ran amuck and started battling each other. Severely damaged by the Superion, Bumblebee body was reconstructed by the Quintessons, saying that he's no longer a 'Bumblebee' but a 'gold bug' (referring to the shiny body) thus dubbed Goldbug by Optimus Prime 

The resemblance is uncanny!
Pic Credit : Web

Generations IDW Autobot Skids - Pictorial Review

Glad to see how the new Generations take on a more obsecure characters, not only the frontliner. Now, it's time for Skids!

No, not THIS retarded abomination! Don't get me wrong, I like the movie franchise, enjoyed every one of them. But THIS here tainted the name of Skids soooo much that I think it's one of the reason Hasbro decided to fix that

Now, THIS is Skids!

Not initially seen in the initial Autobots crew that crashed landed on earth, Skids first appear in episode 45, Quest for Survival and the second (and last), episode 50, Triple Takeover. Skids is usually 'absent' where he spend most of his time inside his on head but one of the best theoretician onboard.

Initially part of the Diaclone toy line, Skids transform into a Honda City Turbo in blue while there are also red and black color scheme

Generations IDW Waspinator - Pictorial Review

Hasbro surprised many with their choices in the new Generations 3.0 (Thrilling 30) lineup, starting from Springer and Blitzwing, then the gigantic Titan Class Metroplex. Not only that, they also released a character from a line that its reboot back in 2008 was long forgotten, Waspinator of Beast Wars!

The Maximal

Many not know Beast Wars, some even call it an abomination for me personally, Beast Wars had on of the best storyline of all the Transformers series, albeit with some shady computer-animation (but understandable considering the time it was aired)

Pic Credit : Web

Either people had watched Beast Wars or not, most of them WILL know him. Despite being a fan's favorite, the universe (well, Beast Wars universe, at least) hate him! Imagine any bad circumstances, any disaster, any battle, you can bet that most probably Waspinator sustained (at least some) damage.

Pic Credit : Web

However, all the tortures, the humiliations, the disrespect, the constant explosions and everything the universe throws at him, Waspinator is a survivor and loyal to the Predacons'cause

Beast Wars Waspinator (1996/1997)
Pic Credit : Web

Generations Calvin Johnson Exclusive IDW Megatron - Pictorial Review

First of all, I would like to say that there's not much info on this variant so even my post's title is likely to be wrong. Pictures of this figure surfaced on the internet months ago bearing that name and that's it, nothing else known about it (at least not to my recollection)

Did some googling about Calvin Johnson, he's actually an American football wide receiver for the Detroit Lions of the NFL, nicknamed 'Megatron'. I'm really interested to know how Hasbro will release this

Pic Credit : Web

Not much I can tell (since I know sooo little about him) and this will be a short review since the mold has been reviewed here

Generations IDW Deluxe Megatron

Mastermind Creations R-03 Feral Rex Bovis - Pictorial Review

Gestalts are forces to reckon with, tipping the scale in whichever war or battle they participates in. However, there's one particular team, whose combined form feared even by the other combiners, the King of The Beast, Predaking of the Predacons.

Pic Credit : Web

Fusing Divebomb, Headstrong, Rampage, Tantrum and Razorclaw of the Predacons, Predaking is ferocious demon with extreme physical abilities and personality. The perfect hunter and predator, Predaking, despite being animalistic, differ from his kind of uncontrollable and stupid machine.

Pic Credit : Web

Forming Predaking's right leg (although not exclusively), Tantrum seems to have his patience replaced and all filled with violence. And if you count pointless fight, endless destruction and senseless violence as 'fun', then he's the most fun bot out there

Takara United TG-20 Ratbat - Pictorial Review

Haven't been reviewing normal/mass release figures for quite some time now but I'll make an exception for him.

Pic Credit : Web

Ratbat, along with Lazerbeak, is one of Soundwave's main minions. With alt mode of the ancient where most newer generation of kids won't even have a clue, Ratbat transform into a cassette tap, fitting into Soundwave's cassette player alt mode

Obsessed with efficiency and self-surviving, Ratbat was featured during the Battle of The Autobot City when the Decepticons ambushed and later succeeded in killing Optimus Prime. Taking Lazerbeak's task, Ratbat act as spy and information gatherer to give the Decepticons advantage over the Autobots

TFC Uranos [Project Uranos] - Pictorial Review

The first of many, the Aerialbots, consist of Silverbolt, Skydive, Slingshot, Air Raid and Fireflight, formed the first Autobots combiners (in the G1 US Continuity), Superion.

Pic Credit : Web

Despite being one of the most popular Autobots combiner ever, Superion is far from perfect, really far. In theory, the combining process of gestalts often results in insanity and instability due to the meshing of disparate personalities into one mismatched whole.

Overcoming this issue, Superion chose not to meld it together, instead shutting all out, the conflicting personalities of the Aerialbots. Deprieved from all that, Superion was left with sole purpose of destroying the Decepticons,  with Menasor at the top of his list, other than protecting the earth and human.

Pic Credit : Web

Superion's design was depicted in the cartoon having a mouth plate however it wasn't the case for his G1 toy nor most of the media, comic etc

IDW's The Transformers:Robot In Disguise #9 Night and the City
Pic Credit : Web

Before we move on, below are the links for the previous Project Uranos's review

TFC Phantom
TFC Eagle
TFC Blackbird
TFC Harrier
TFC Falcon

TFC F-16 Falcon [Project Uranos] - Pictorial Review

Finally, nearing the end of Project Uranos however, despite the long wait, I dreaded the fact that it arrived simultaneously with ACG-HK Metroplex... I'm broke...

Let's continue, with the last member of TFC's Project Uranos (but not the last release, waiting for Wing Of Uranos), F-16 Falcon, Not-Skydive

Pic Credit : Web

Being the geek of the group, Skydive enjoys reading, a lot, before the hobby was destroyed with the release of Twilight Saga (LOL). However, foes are not to take him lightly, as he's capable of mimicking any flight patterns, any aerial tactics thanks to his filled up databank through his 'geeky' hobby. Just as his team members were, except for Silverbolt, Skydive was not, initially, bound to the whole Autobots cause.