Transformers

I picked up the Dinobots, Darkwing and Rodimus, too. They're all right. The POTP Optimus is the real stand out in my opinion. I got a bunch of Japanese releases, too. Overlord, Windblade, Wheelie, Perceptor, G2 Megatron and Masterpiece Sunstreaker and movie Optimus.

 

I'm disappointed to hear that Dreadwing isn't a solid toy. Still hoping for Hydra and Buster repaints to stick with Overlord, though.

 

Predaking looks great in combined mode. I'm not sure how I feel about the thighs hanging off the backs of Tantrum and Headstrong in robot mode. I'd be upset about the apparent lack of a giant sword, but I'm sure some 3rd parties will pump out a ton of 'em.

my YAMATO/ARCADIA MACROSS VFs;

 

VF-19S

 

 

 

YF-19

 

 

 

VF-17S

 

 

VF-1J

 

 

I've been addicted to 3rd party legends class Transformers lately.

 

image-20180523_133640 by Tim Solberg, on Flickr

 

Hot soldiers Soundblaster, Generation Toys Megatron and Iron Factory Starscream and Shockwave.

 

image-20180527_130341 by Tim Solberg, on Flickr

 

Mech Fan Toys Galvatron and Megatron.

 

image-20180603_001934 by Tim Solberg, on Flickr

 

Iron Factory Black Shadow.

 

image-20180603_130641 by Tim Solberg, on Flickr

 

I also replaced the stock labels on Power of the Primes Rodimus with the Reprolabel set.

 

image-20180603_131540 by Tim Solberg, on Flickr

 

image-20180603_131643 by Tim Solberg, on Flickr

 

image-20180601_235337 by Tim Solberg, on Flickr

Power Baser (3P Powermaster Optimus Prime), the Terrorcons, and Predaking all arrived.

 

I only have one more Transformer on pre-order, the Perfect Effect Mega Dragon. With the arrival of Predaking, I'm mostly done with my recent Transformers collecting spree. Now I'll probably shift back to low intensity just like before Combiner Wars.

 

Power Baser is great. Other than some stupid things in the transformation, it has that PM Prime presence. Unsurprisingly the $200+ MP grade toy quickly booted the $50 mass market leader class toy with 3p enhancements to the curb.

 

I'm happy with the Terrorcons. I've read that some people don't like them, but I think they're great. I've wanted my own Abominus for a long time. I'm torn on whether to bother with an upgrade kit so he can have a gun and some better feet. So far I'm erring on the side of not bothering since Abominus wasn't one of the classic figures I had back in the day, and he's a new face in my menagerie.

 

I'm also happy with Predaking. I have a few nits, but that's all. Unlike Fort Max, Predaking was worth the wait. As with Abominus, I'm leaning towards not bothering with any upgrade kits. I'm not really feeling the lack of the sword, and I think Titan Predaking looks damn good as it is. I just need to sticker the big guy up.

 

Other than waiting for Mega Dragon, there are a few figures I'd like MP grade versions of. The Power of the Primes Darkwing and Dreadwind have illustrated clearly to me that I simply need to reacquire the G1 versions of that pair. But I have basic versions of all the characters I wanted. It's pure maintenance and refinement mode now.

 

Macross collecting continues. The VF-31A arrived. I picked up a YF-30. And I have a Bandai DX YF-19 on pre-order. I've also gotten into 1/100 Hi Metal R with a semi recent Hikaru VF-1A and Destroid Defender. I have Nexx's VF-2 on pre-order to go with my Sylvie VF-2.

 

And that's whats going on for me in the transforming toy world lately.

Power Baser is on my to get list. I have the full Takara Legends/Titans Return God Ginrai with the Perfect Effect add-on kits, and the Maketoys Thunder Manus, so I might as well get them all, right?

 

I picked up the Takara exclusive deluxe class GoShooter, from the Generations Nightbeat mold, and swapped the head for a Titanmaster port from Shapeways. I have a POTP Inferno that might get similar treatment to be Hosehead/Cab, completing my Autobot Headmasters Jr. set. Well, once I get ahold of the Minerva and Cab headmasters.

 

Studio Series Jazz is a must own, he's a little on the small side, but the engineering of the toy really impressed me. I'm not so impressed with the Studio Series Brawl, though.

 

image-20180823_174836 by Tim Solberg, on Flickr

 

I'm on a Rodimus streak. L-R: MMC Calidus Luminous, DX9 Carry with targetmaster, and Hasbro Not Rod(Bayformers Hot Rod). I have a few ideas on how to improve the Bayformers Hot Rod.

 

image-20180824_112208 by Tim Solberg, on Flickr

Power Baser is on my to get list. I have the full Takara Legends/Titans Return God Ginrai with the Perfect Effect add-on kits, and the Maketoys Thunder Manus, so I might as well get them all, right?

 

I think you'll be very happy with Power Baser if you ever get him. He's got some impressive size and weight to him.

 

The only issue is there are just a couple of steps to his transformation which shouldn't be a problem, but are. It's all in that step of combining the tractor with the trailer. For that reason, mine has stayed in combined mode ever since I changed him that way. But, oh goodness, if he isn't a total badass in his combined robot mode.

Those Hot Rod cars and Rodimus look good! But how do they look in robot form? And why is the one on the left so big? I mean, the car looks awesome like that but it's way bigger than the other two. Do you have the Masterpiece Hot Rod? I've been eyeing him a lot and hope to get one maybe for Xmas.

 

 

Billy

image-20180823_215557 by Tim Solberg, on Flickr

 

MP-09 Hot Rod/Rodimus Prime (don't get this one), MP-28 Hot Rod, and DX9 Carry.

 

The leftmost one can be Hot Rod or Rodimus, which sounds cool, but doesn't work too well. The knees are known to break on the Takara version, which is also the only one with the trailer like the vintage Rodimus. I have the Hasbro version, which dropped the trailer to get the price down. As Hot Rod, he goes well with the 12" MP-01 Optimus, but is too short as Rodimus.

 

There are 2 versions of Masterpiece Hot Rod, the one in the middle that I have (mine has Reprolabels applied) and a Targetmaster version. I think it's a great figure, the Matrix from MP-10 Optimus even fits in his chest! He has a saw blade and fishing pole, straight out of TFTM. The transformation is much less frustrating than MP-09 Rodimus, too.

 

Check BBTS or other trustworthy shops for Masterpiece Transformers, eBay is flooded with bootlegs.

 

There's also the Power of the Primes Rodimus, which uses a base Hot Rod with a trailer that parts forms into the Rodimus Prime robot mode. It's more stable than the Masterpiece Rodimus, but Masterpiece Hot Rod is better.

 

There are "third party" unofficial, unlicensed options available, too, just to make things even more confusing.

Thank you for the photo and the insight on Hot Rod figures! I really really like the MP version of Hot Rod because he seems to look really accurate and has all those cool accessories from the movie. Dallas has told me about places to buy them so I don't get duped so thanks for confirming that.

 

 

Billy

Dx9 Carry and Open and Play Big Cannon pair up pretty well as Masterpiece style Rodimus and Galvatron.

 

image-20180825_152752 by Tim Solberg, on Flickr

 

download_20180825_221150 by Tim Solberg, on Flickr

 

Surfing Space Munky.

 

image-20180825_205908 by Tim Solberg, on Flickr

 

This is the Throne of the Primes Optimal Optimus. I'm impressed with this guy. I have the original Optimal Optimus and the Primal Prime repaint, so I wasn't sure I needed a new version.

 

image-20180825_210524 by Tim Solberg, on Flickr

 

There is a "jet" mode, but it's just a gorilla in the Superman flying pose. It's just as goofy as the original toy.

::sigh::

 

I want to be done, but the upcoming War for Cyberton figures are trying to lure me back.

 

It doesn't help that Shockwave and Soundwave are two of my favorites, and their new figures look pretty spiffy. Ravage and Laserbeak are looking good too.

 

Even the Micromaster redos are interesting. I had actually been missing my Air Strike Patrol and Battle Patrol and been thinking about picking them up on Ebay. Whisper was basically my favorite Micromaster.

 

Even Megatron and Cybertronian Starscream are looking good.

 

Maybe I'm not as out as I thought I was. :/

I just scored a huge TF haul. Target exclusive Soundwave, studio Series VW Bumblebee, Power Baser, x-Transbots Skids, Ocular Max Stealth Arcee TFCon exclusive, and Iron Factory Slipstream. Probably going to hold off on buying anymore, at least until tomorrow...

I'm back from TFCon Chicago! I saw lots of awesome Transformers, the dealers had so many rare G1 toys for sale. There were also a ton of 3rd party prototypes on display.

 

20181027_093153 by Tim Solberg, on Flickr

 

Maketoys Cross Dimension Galvatron! I'm looking forward to seeing this guy painted. And really looking forward to seeing one on my shelf.

 

20181027_161948 by Tim Solberg, on Flickr

 

I nearly bought this Cyclonus. It's Fans Toys Quietus.

 

20181028_110657 by Tim Solberg, on Flickr

 

I don't remember who makes these gigantic Devastator and Omega Supreme figures, but they are fully transfomable. The Teletran One computer had a working monitor, showing Transformers: Prime.

 

20181028_110721 by Tim Solberg, on Flickr

 

Fanshobby Overlord. This guy and Mega Dragon were 2 of my favorites from the show.

 

20181028_111421 by Tim Solberg, on Flickr

 

Mastermind Creations The Pet. I have a couple of their other IDW comics styled figures, they're pretty cool.

 

20181028_115049 by Tim Solberg, on Flickr

 

I think this Skylynx is by Maketoys. They shared a booth with MMC, so it's a little confusing. He's sold as 2 separate figures, the shuttle and the lynx. The combined form looks awesome, and is quite big.

 

20181028_120457 by Tim Solberg, on Flickr

 

Fanshobby Black Power Baser. Big, Masterpiece style Powermaster Optimus. I got the traditional colored version.

 

20181028_120504 by Tim Solberg, on Flickr

 

Fanshobby also has a great looking G2 Laser Optimus out. There's a black Robots in Disguise Scourge version, too.

 

 

image-20181027_222531 by Tim Solberg, on Flickr

 

TFcon exclusive Ocular Max Azalea Stealth. This was a surprise release at the con. This crazy orange screaming face is awesome. There's a standard pink Arcee version due out in the next month or so. Lots of diecast, and some cool Figma style extra hands and faces.

 

I'll make another post with all of my con loot.

I saw on your Flickr that you've transformed Power Baser at least once. How did it go?

 

My first time transforming him was extremely irritating. I had a hell of a time getting the cab folded up just right so it would fit in the trailer/body. That was why I didn't even think about transforming mine again for a long time.

 

This past weekend I played with the figure a bit and did mode changes back to truck, little Optimus, and then back to PM Prime. It definitely wasn't as bad this time around. Although those backpack panels were in super tight and I cracked off one of the little grippers on the end of the peg. But that's actually a good thing because the backpack panels aren't as much of a bitch anymore.

I've played around with Power Baser a few times now. For the most part, I'm impressed. The cab's tires seem to be pushing the sides of Super Optimus' Torso out, I'm a little worried about that.

 

I tried out the base mode, it's kind of pointless. No ramps for cars, and the smaller Optimus can't stand in the center, unlike the vintage. Overall, I'm really happy with this guy.

I just learned of the Star Trek Vs Transformers comic. I'll have to pick that up when it hits trade paperback status.

 

It's too bad the Shockwave in the comic (if he appears) will probably be cartoon Shockwave instead of tech-spec and comic evil-spock Shockwave. If Shockwave were portrayed as the latter, it would have been cool to have a scene of Shockwave and Spock matching wits.

TFcon loot!

 

image-20181027_181358 by Tim Solberg, on Flickr

 

image-20181103_131940 by Tim Solberg, on Flickr

 

MMC Ocular Max Azalea turned out pretty well. She looks great with Takara MP Hot Rod. I'll be getting the standard Arcee colored version for my Masterpiece collection.

 

image-20181028_160429 by Tim Solberg, on Flickr

 

Safety Mega-sub. Totally not a gun. I gave this to Silverwing.

 

image-20181028_173913 by Tim Solberg, on Flickr

 

Power Baser/Powermaster Optimus and X-Transbots Savant/Skids hanging out with Rodimus and Stepper. Skids is a surprisingly cool figure.

 

image-20181028_210919 by Tim Solberg, on Flickr

 

The most stylish t-shirt ever.

 

image-20181030_093715 by Tim Solberg, on Flickr

 

Autographed Optimus Prime art print by Kei Zama, one of the artists for IDW's Transformers comics.

 

image-20181030_093811 by Tim Solberg, on Flickr

 

More Than Meets The Eye and Lost Light comics autographed by writer James Roberts. The final issue came out today, I'm really going to miss this series.

 

image-20181030_113634 by Tim Solberg, on Flickr

 

Optimus in super mode. This guy is really cool, and huge!

 

image-20181107_141647 by Tim Solberg, on Flickr

 

I picked up the fully articulated hands for him, too. They retain the rail system that attaches the gun to the hand, so no worry about the fingers being too loose to hold the gun. Each little knuckle joint is pinned together, not just some cheap joint that pops out when you move it, the way some articulated hands on Transformers are.

 

image-20181107_002421 by Tim Solberg, on Flickr

 

X-Transbots Stunticons Wildrider and Breakdown. I didn't buy these 2 atTFcon, but I was very tempted to, after seeing them there. These are the only Stunticons I had as a kid, so I don't feel too compelled to finish the set, although Dragstrip and Deadend are looking good.

I splurged today on Transformers. I hadn't really intended to. I had only intended to pick up Shockwave, but one thing led to another and I ended up with quite a bit. I picked up:

 

Shockwave

Sideswipe

Flak/Topshot

Visper/Stormcloud

Megatron

Blackout

 

All of course are Siege: War on Cybertron figures except Blackout which is a Movie Leader figure.

 

Shockwave is OK. He has a nice robot mode and a pretty nifty starship mode. I agree with the reviewers saying that he's too small. I would have preferred a better and larger core Shockwave without all the extra bits. He's not replacing my FT-03T Quake Wave at all, but he should be fun to play with.

 

I found all the Micromaster redos to be extremely flimsy. Every single one of them has had a leg pop off in the limited handling I've had with them. Still, it's nice to have versions of Flak and Whisper again. They were my favorites of the Micromasters back in the day.

 

I didn't like the new Megatron figure at all. I think he's inferior to both the Combiner Wars Leader and the Titans Return Blitzwing redeco.

 

Sideswipe is pretty awesome. He looks super cool and has a kind of Combiner Wars-esque transformation with enough little extras to make it fun. He's definitely my favorite of the Siege figures.

 

Then there's Blackout. I'm no fan of the live action movies or even of the character. But that Leader class helicopter deserves respect.

 

The only ones I had to reference instructions for were, oddly enough, Megatron and Stormcloud. I couldn't figure out what I was supposed to do with Stormcloud's arms and legs. Megatron's transformation was simply unintuitive and clunky.

 

I actually got Blackout to helicopter mode without referencing anything. I suppose I'm rather proud of that. However, I will admit that his panels are pretty gappy because I obviously haven't done something entirely correct. Still, I thought I did a pretty good job.

 

Well, I guess now I need Soundwave and Jetfire.

Nice haul, Gabriel! Blackout has been on my "maybe" list for some time. I've picked up a few Siege releases, Optimus, Flywheels and Cog, as well as the Micromasters and Targetmasters. Cog interacts with Fort Max relatively well. I've been focusing on Masterpiece and 3rd party.

 

I picked up Fans Toys Galvatron (Sovereign) and Seaspray. Galvatron is great in robot mode, I transformed him once and won't bother doing it again. It's not worth the effort. Seaspray is pretty cool.

 

Also got Fanshobby's takes on Overlord and Robots in Disguise Scourge. Overlord is huge, and awesome! Scourge is pretty good, but not quite as refined as Overlord or FH's Powermaster Optimus. The arms don't quite lock together tightly. Still, I'm happy to have the first evil Optimus redeco in MP style.

 

I bought a number of other MP types over the past few months... Transform And Roll Out's Jazz, Open and Play Big Spring, and MP-11NR Ramjet. Ramjet was on clearance at BBTS, due to miss-assembled shoulders. It's hard to beat getting a nearly $200 MP for $39.99.

I picked up the new Soundwave.  Robot mode is definitely Soundwave.  I like robot mode a lot.  His alt starcruiser mode is...  well, I don't hate it, but I don't really like it either.  He pretty much stays in robot mode.  Though, I have messed around with him enough to come up with a custom "stereo" mode.

He really needs Laserbeak and Ravage, but I can't find that pack.  Online it's either $30 for the set by themselves or $30 along with the racecar micromasters.  I don't want the racecars and I don't want to pay $30 for a $10 pack of figures.  I guess I'll just have to keep on dropping by Walmarts and hoping I see them.

It is extremely irritating they made the new Soundwave's cassette bay JUST SMALL ENOUGH that G1 cassettes won't fit in it.  I mean it's only like 1 or 2 millimeters too small.  

I was interested in the upcoming Leader Optimus Prime.  Then I watched a review.  I don't like how the new figure is so small.  I also don't like how the full armored up transformation forces the cannon arms to be underslung instead of over the shoulders.  There's basically nothing I'm seeing of this new version that's any kind of an upgrade over my older one, so I'm definitely skipping.

I did pre-order Jetfire.  I'm not fan of G1 cartoon Skyfire, but I'll give it a shot.  The figure still looks kinda neat.  I still wish I had ordered Fans Toys Phoenix when I had the chance.  Oh well.

I'm still kind of toying with the idea of getting the black version of Power Baser, but the Chogokin 2202 Yamato kicked that out of the running this month.

 

I picked up Siege Soundwave, too.  I agree, the robot mode is great, the spaceship mode, not so much.  It's too much like a Titans Return voyager, such as Alpha Trion.  I haven't picked up the cassettes, either, not sure if I'll go for the wave set.  

 

I picked Siege Starscream today, he's decent.  The alt mode vaguely resembles a BSG Viper, which is cool.  Stepper, the POTP Jazz redeco, is cool enough, too.  I like the Siege Ironhide, too, a vastly better figure then that awful Universe/Classics version.  

 

If you only get one Transformer this year, get Studio Series Bumblebee Optimus Prime.  A great G1 meets Bayformers robot mode, G1 truck mode,   and just over all goodness.  I like this one better than the Siege Prime, which has a great (if very repetitive, at this point) G1 robot mode, and an acceptable space truck mode.  

 

That Siege leader class Galaxy Force Optimus looks awful.  I still have the 2005 version, and the redeco.  It's hard to top the combined mode with Sonic Bomber.  

17 hours ago, Galvatim said:

I picked up Siege Soundwave, too.  I agree, the robot mode is great, the spaceship mode, not so much.  It's too much like a Titans Return voyager, such as Alpha Trion.  I haven't picked up the cassettes, either, not sure if I'll go for the wave set.  

 

I picked Siege Starscream today, he's decent.  The alt mode vaguely resembles a BSG Viper, which is cool.  Stepper, the POTP Jazz redeco, is cool enough, too.  I like the Siege Ironhide, too, a vastly better figure then that awful Universe/Classics version.  

 

If you only get one Transformer this year, get Studio Series Bumblebee Optimus Prime.  A great G1 meets Bayformers robot mode, G1 truck mode,   and just over all goodness.  I like this one better than the Siege Prime, which has a great (if very repetitive, at this point) G1 robot mode, and an acceptable space truck mode.  

 

That Siege leader class Galaxy Force Optimus looks awful.  I still have the 2005 version, and the redeco.  It's hard to top the combined mode with Sonic Bomber.  

I finally saw Ravage and Laserbeak on Amazon for $10 so ordered them.  Hopefully they'll be here soon.

I'm not a fan of the tetrajet mode, but I have noticed how Viperlike the Siege Seeker mold is.  It's possible I may pick up Skywarp.  It just depends on if I happen to see him in stores once released.

As for Optimus, I'm largely satisfied with what I have.  I've got Power Baser.  I have both the Titans Return PowerMaster Prime and Magnus Prime, as well as the Perfect Effect PM Prime upgrade kit and figure.  I have my original PM Prime as well as a commemorative edition PM Prime.  And I have the 2005 Cybertron Leader Optimus Prime.  That's a lot of figures considering I'm not even particularly a fan of Prime!  (I'm really more of a fan of that PM Prime sort of look)

I have looked at the Bumblebee Studio Series Prime.  It does look like a pretty neat figure.  But it's not really a priority for me.  That said, if I happened to accidentally see it in a shop, I probably would impulse buy it.

Right now the Transformers figures I'm interested in are the Siege remolds of Sideswipe.  I'm intending to pick up Red Alert.  And I'm excited about G2 Sideswipe.  Finally!  A black lambo without that horrible snarling facesculpt!

I noticed that Arcadia started pre-orders for the Macross Zero SV-51 recently.  The price tag on that one is high.  I don't know if I really need a SV-51 that badly.  I've wanted one for a while, but seeing the asking price... I just don't know.

http://anymoon.com/blog/?p=12016

 

 

 

 

Edited May 2, 2019 by Tasuke

That VF-1 looks great. Years ago I had some of the old Bandai/Takatoku toys but they were nothing compared to this.

The VF-1 is such a cool design.  I had the G1 Jetfire from Transformers as a kid, which was the same toy as the Takatoku Valkyrie.  Is Bandai still releasing that 1/35 scale VF-1?  That would go perfectly with my Masterpiece Transformers collection.