Megatronia's War Minions

A New Beginning...

2009-12-15T09:42:00.003+08:00

Greetings everyone... for those of you who happen to stumble upon this blog or those who are regular visitors... I thank u all for coming in n read my ramblings about my love for Transformers hehehe...

Anyhow... I've promised that once I start to retake better pics of my collections I will be doing a new blog. Well... I've finally got off my butt and re-took my collection pics n becoz I want a fresh new start..I've gona ahead and did a new blog...

So pls head over here - http://nm-project.blogspot.com/

See ya all there :)

Cheers!!!
N_M

Transformers - All Kup

2008-10-10T01:26:00.004+08:00

Tribute to Kup

CGI G1 Kup by Iaconcity

G1 Vintage Kup

TFC Targetmaster Kup and Wheelie

E-Hobby Orion Pax and Deon

TFC Targetmaster Kup and Wheelie + E-Hobby orion Pax and Deon

It's been months since my last post... I originally wanted to retake pics of my TF collections as i find my older pics of em to be somewhat badly taken or not up to my irritating perfectionist standards LOL. But i decided to just go ahead with my old pics. It's gonna be a heck lot longer if i was gonna do that..bcoz i only plan to start retaking pics when i move into my new apartment.. latest by December.. and that would mean that i would most probably start taking pics of my collection in January.

Well anyways... I am gonna kick start my regular posting of my TF collection with Kup and figures that shares it's mold. What u guys see here are G1 vintage Kup, TFC Targetmaster Kup + Minibot Wheelie and E-Hobby Exclusive Orion Pax and Deon.

This is just to showcase em all in 1 post..I'll do an individual review on em later. For now... just enjoy!!!

Till All Are One!!!

Transformers - E-Hobby - Silver Chromed Bluestreak

2008-07-29T00:52:00.002+08:00

The above figure is the 2003 Exclusive Silver Chromed Bluestreak by E-Hobby. It was released as the exclusive counterpart of the Takara Book Cover series "Prowl" together with the E-Hobby exclusive "Gold Jazz". Bluestreak was never released as a normal issued figure by Takara due to this. You can read more about the origin of this figure Here.

Once again... this figure is very much like the gold plated E-Hobby exclusive Jazz. definitely not a figure to be played with. I'm not a big fan of fully chromed figure, so in many ways.. owning this figure is pretty much just an additional figure for collection sake. Definitely only for hardcore completist and not for the every day run of the mill collectors... if u can find it and afford it.. get it just for the fun of it, but if u can't... it's not a big lost :)

I much prefer my exclusives to be either all black in color or crystal version. When i say crystal..i mean clear/transparent colored figures. The E-Hobby crystal Hotrod is an example of such a figure :)

Cheers!!!
N_M

Transformers G1 - Bluestreak aka Silverstreak

2008-07-08T02:52:00.012+08:00

Three Autobots Brothers by Iaconcity

Ok, before i even start on my quasi review of this toy, judging from the amount of pics u see here, u already know that it's gonna be a doozie LOL. Oddly enough, Bluestreak is the least fav of the 3 brothers mold, i'm guessing it's got a lot to do with it's rather uninteresting paint job... yet, he is the original mold that pretty much gave birth to his other two more popular modified brethren.

Original Diaclone, Repainted and Modified Bluestreak Molds

Above are the 3 Bluestreak variant colors known with the "Blue" Bluestreak being the original Diaclone color. It was first issued in Blue, then in the black hooded "Anime Accurate" version, then retooled/modified into the "Racing Type" aka Smokescreen's mold and "Police Type" aka Prowl's mold. This mold was even available in both gold and silver version as prize campaign cars. There was even a Mexican version of Bluestreak that's straight off muted Grey in color.

The result of the three available Fairlady Z vehicle mold ( Original and Retooled ) resulted in the creation of the G1 three Autobot brothers - Bluestreak, Prowl and Smokescreen.

Diaclone "Blue" Bluestreak

The pic above is the very elusive original Diaclone "Blue" Bluestreak and also the most expensive version among the three variant versions as seen in the first pic above. It is also the most sought after bcoz there was a slight confusion when it was first released officially as a "Transformer" toy under the name "Bluestreak". It's color scheme image was actually used as the box art for the original release of Bluestreak's toy and the image of this blue Diaclone toy was used in the transformation instruction sheet as seen below. Up till now, it is the hardest version to find and most the most expensive version of this mold to date. Needless to say, this is one of the two existing colors out there that i have not been able to get, regardless of it being an original or a reissue. The other being, the gold Bluestreak.

G1 "Anime Accurate - 2002 Exclusive" Bluestreak

The black hooded "Anime Accurate" Bluestreak was also never released as an original G1 toy. oddly enough, this is the one color scheme that's identical to the anime version of Bluestreak. This was only available as a Diaclone repaint and as a 2002 exclusive. I took the chance to grab this piece when it came out becoz.. frankly speaking... though i claim to hate repaints in the past... I'm all for it as long as it's a good repainted figure LOL!!!

G1 Original- Hasbro Commemorative Series "Silver/Grey" Bluestreak

The original G1 issued toy version of Bluestreak is silver in color. As mentioned earlier on, this is the least fav of the 3, character and color/mold wise. The fact that it came with a Diaclone version toy pic in it's original transformation instruction sheet doesn't help boost it's popularity of the toy either. Instead everyone preferred the blue version.

I got this Hasbro's Commemorative Series version of Bluestreak aka "Silverstreak" because Takara did not reissue Bluestreak under the Book Cover Series. Takara only reissued the black hooded Bluestreak as an exclusive. The most prominent difference between the two version are

Takara's version is named "Streak" and the original "Fairlady Z" license plate is now replaced with "STREAK" instead.

Takara's version literally replicate everything down to the chrome weapons, missiles and spring loaded twin shoulder rocket launchers.

Hasbro's version have changed it's name to "Silverstreak" probably due to copyright complications. The license plate sticker is also changed to the word "STREAK".

Hasbro's version now have black plastic weapons. missiles and non spring loaded twin shoulder rocket launchers.

The silver Bluestreak u see above is actually the Hasbro Commemorative Series version using extra chrome weapons belonging to this mold. I really didn't want to get this piece in the first place because i've already got the anime accurate version. But decided to get it just because it is the same color scheme as the original G1 issued figure.

I guess those who didn't manage to get the exclusive black hooded version would have to settle for this one reissued by Hasbro. But it's definitely a bitter sweet experience getting this piece because it comes with black weapons, missiles and non spring loaded shoulder rocket launcher and it's retailing for almost the same price as the normal Takara Book Cover Series reissued figures of similar mold eg. Prowl and Smokescreen.

2003 E-Hobby "Silver Chrome" Bluestreak

2003 E-Hobby "Silver Chrome" Bluestreak was offered as an E-Hobby exclusive paired with "Gold" Jazz when Jazz and Prowl was reissued under the Book Cover Series. The original silver chrome Bluestreak was first issued in both gold and silver as prized campaign cars. Read Here for more info.

Phew... that's a real mouthful doing this quasi toy review of Bluestreak. How is it that i ended up with 3 out of 5 versions of Bluestreak variants out there. When i never got him as a kid. I manage to get a rather beat up Bluestreak back in 2001. It was missing both it's hood and rear windows. It pretty much looked like a convertible LOL. I have no idea where i've chucked that figure since i've got a few minty fresh ones with me now LOL

War Within Bluestreak by Iaconcity

Above is a CGI rendition of War Within Bluestreak done by Iaconcity... very sweet figure to have as a toy if it's ever being made.. don't u think? :p

Cheers!!!
N_M

Transformers G1 - Smokescreen

2008-07-08T02:32:00.006+08:00

Three Autobots Brother by Iaconcity

Autobot Smokescreen's mold is modified from the original Diaclone "Fairlady Z" Mold aka "Bluestreak". This particular mold is usually refered to as "fairlady Z - Racing Type".

Toywise, i must day it is the most attractive of the 3 brothers.. plainly bcoz of it's race car modified look and the color is very bright and eye catching too. I never got Smokescreen as a kid, I'm guessing it's either i am broke or the fact that the trauma i suffered from the whole "Prowl" ordeal must have something to do with it. But to be honest.. i think it's more probable that i was BROKE!!! LOL.

So when the chance to get all 3 of the 3 brother presents itself in the 2002 reissue Book Cover Series, I went all out on em. To date, Prowl and Smokescreen is still tthe 2 more sought after figures. Prowl for it's more prominent role in the G1 animation and Smokescreen for it's sweet mold.

Character wise, according to my memory, his two most prominent role was in the G1 episode - "The Gambler" where the enigmatic Autobot bounty hunter "Defcon" made it's debut as well as the episode - "Trans-Europe Express". His favorite move when in vehicle mode is creating a concealing cloud of smoke from his exhaust... hence the character's name - "Smokescreen"!!!

Can't say i've got much to say about this toy aside from the fact that it's a sweet looking figure and with the recent re-imagination of the TF-Classics/Universe 2.0 and Henkei series... i'm very looking forward to see a very super posable "Smokescreen' toy. Judging from pics of both Prowl and Bluestreak... i can't wait to see how sweet Smokescreen would look in it's updated toy mold :p

Cheers!!!
N_M

Transformers G1 - Prowl

2008-07-07T01:35:00.008+08:00

Original Three Autobots Brothers by Iaconcity

Prowl is arguably the most popular in terms of his character in the G1 season 1 and 2 series as well as a toy for both collectors and fans. His mold is a repainted and slightly modified version of the original "Fairlady Z" mold which was the original Diaclone and much sought after blue colored "Bluestreak". I will go into details of the multitude of variants that comes from this mold in my later posts. Prowl himself have had three known Mexican versions of this toy. But the Mexican versions seems to be made of cheaper plastics. Talk about double standards LOL!!! A testament of Prowl's popularity is apparent in the multitude of times this name was used in the various Transformers series ranging from "Beast Wars" to the very recent "Transformers Animated"

Bluestreak, Prowl and Smokescreen have often been regarded as the "Three Autobot Brother" by fans. But as to whether or not they are truly related... I am not sure at all, as it was never officially stated nor was it stated in their individual tech spec. I guess they were called that plainly becoz they look very similar to each other. But if that was so.. wouldn't that make Sideswipe and Red Alert twins instead of Sideswipe and Sunstreaker? :P

Prowl's role in the G1 series throughout season 1 and 2 are fairly frequent but nothing major. But somehow, he seems to be the favorite among the "So Called" 3 brothers. Maybe it's becoz of his very smart looking paint job of black and white. One can never go wrong with the classic black and white color combo. So i guess he's the fav among the 3 partially had something to do with his color scheme, as well as his character in the show.

Prowl's Uninspiring Death

So ok.... i have already established that i like Prowl's Character and toy and if i were to elaborate on it anymore i am sure u guys will shoot me with Prowl's Acid Pellets gun LOL. So u can just imagine my horror when i watched the 1986 TF- Animated Movie where Prowl was killed off with but a single shot by the Constructicon "Scrapper"!!!

Ok Toy wise, prowl have got a much deeper personal memory to me than Bluestreak and Smokescreen. It is so, bcoz Prowl was the only toy of the same mold i ever owned as a kid. Why am i so confident about that? Well... it's related to a rather sad story, at least for me LOL.

I remember buying prowl way back in probably around 1984 or 85. I got him by saving up my daily school allowance of 3 bucks. Which i am guessing would have taken me at least 1 1/2 months time to gather as i do not get any allowance at all on weekends. Anyhow, when i've finally gone and bought the toy. I had to rip the box apart to get to the toy and bolted back to my mum's vegetable stall. If u've read about how i got my 1st TF toy aka Red Alert... that's where i got Prowl as well :P

Ok to cut a long story short... i stuff Prowl into pants pocket and hid it from my parents. bcoz back then, we were lucky to even have food on the table as my mum had to work really hard in the veggie market, so buying toys is definitely out of the question. So when ever my parents or my brothers and sisters asked me where i got a certain toy i am playing with, i would have to lie about it saying that it was given to me by my rich friend.. Ssshhyyyeeaahhh RITE!!! Like there are so many good hearted rich kid around LOL!!!

Ok, then come the sad part of my story with Prowl. Ever since i've bought him, i've always tried to kept him from my parents and siblings detection. I bring it along with me to school in my school bag. Now, i must first and foremost say that i am a horrible student in school as i simply do not have the ability to pay much attention to what the teachers teach in class. I suspect that i suffer from a mild case of A.D.D - "Attention Deficit Disorder" back then LOL. I was always more "Street Smart" than "Book Smart".

Anyhow, one evening while i was helping my mum close down the veggie stall, my dad who was waiting in the car for us, went through my school bag and found my "Prowl" toy and my badly scrounged up and hidden test papers with failing grades on em .. ECKS!!!

When i got into the car after helping my mum close up shop. The first thing i got was an ear full from my dad about my test paper grades and where on earth i got the money to buy toys that he knows we most certainly cannot afford. When we finally reached home, the first thing my dad did was took away my newly acquired Prowl toy along with a few other mundane toys and told me that i would only get it back if my grades improved. Heck.. that would pretty much means i will never ever see my toy Prowl ever again LOL. True enough, i never got to see him again until around 1987 when we moved to a new house. I stumbled upon it while helping my dad pack. But it was already broken due to the fact that this particular toy mold have got highly fragile roof and rear windows.

I was finally reunited with a minty fresh toy of prowl, thanks to Takara's Book Cover series in 2002!!!

War Within Prowl by Iaconcity

Above is a really cool CGI version of Prowl's Cybertronian mode beautifully done by Iaconcity. It is inspired by Don Figueroa's comic book "Transformers - The War Within" series.

TRU Exclusive War Within Prowl

A War Within Prowl toy paired with War Within "Grimlock" would be available to us under the now defunct 6" transformable Titanium series as a TRU Exclusive in September 2008 - Read Here

I would most definitely love to get my hands on both these babies if they were made available here locally. Ok that's all for now... Hope u guys enjoyed this posting :P

Cheers!!!
N_M

Transformers G1 - Bluestreak/ Prowl/ Smokescreen Mold

2008-07-07T00:29:00.009+08:00

G1 Three Autobot Brothers by Iaconcity

As always, i would always start of a review of a group shot of figures sharing similar molds. This time around it's a group shot of all the "Three Autobot Brothers" - "Bluestreak", "Prowl" and "Smokescreen" aka "Fairlady Z" vehicle mold. Other modification of this mold include a police car mold as well as a racing type mold.

The original Three Autobot Brothers -
Bluestreak, Prowl and Smokescreen

The three brothers are arguably my most favorite of the G1 mold..i know, i know LOL..i have said that before. But i really like this mold. Prowl however is the more popular of the 3 brothers in the G1 season 1 and 2 series, followed by Smokescreen and last but not least, Bluestreak.

Above are pics of my Bluestreak, Prowl, Smokescreen and their variant repainted versions. The figures are - Positioned based on their robot mode -

Upper Left - Takara Book Cover Series, Anime accurate - Bluestreak.
Lower left - Takara Book Cover Series - Prowl.
Middle - Takara Silver chromed E-Hobby Exclusive - Bluestreak.
Upper Right - Hasbro Commemorative Series - Silverstreak.
Lower Right - Takara Book Cover Series - Smokescreen.

As always.. enjoy the pics for now.. I will do an individual review of what these figures meant to me at a personal level and probably talk about the different variations of them out there.

Cheers!!!
N_M

Transformers G1 - Targetmaster Stepper.

2008-07-06T05:00:00.009+08:00

This here is a repaint and retooled mold of Autobot Jazz named "Stepper". It was once upon a time said to be one of the most sought after TF toy by fans and collectors. He was released back in 1987 in Japan as a Japan only exclusive Targetmaster partnered with Cyclonus's Targetmaster Nightstick. For some reason, Takara never released Cyclonus and Scourge as Targetmasters figure hence both their Targetmasters are given to "Stepper" and "Artfire" or "Autofire" a Japanese mispronunciation. Artfire is a retooled and repainted version of Inferno and he is partnered with Scourge's Targetmaster - Fracas. The picture above is the original packaging of the 1987 release of Stepper and according to a price guide book, this figure is once priced at USD $1000 Buckeroos!!!

So when the Takara book cover series announced it's release, i was overjoyed with glee and ordered 5 pieces of this very sought after baby.. or so i thought LOL!!! Apparently, this really cool figure is not known to most of the "So Called" local TF collectors and fans and is now perhaps one is the least sought after TF toy from the entire book cover series. Maybe the lack of an animated version of them might have caused this reverse effect from it's original release.

But no matter what it is with the masses... to me, this is still a gem to have in my collection no matter what. He is a sad example of how a once unobtainable figure is not appreciated when it is finally being made obtainable to every Tom, Dick and Harry. Imagine how hard it used to be to obtained such a piece back in 1987!!! There is no way for anyone around the world to know of it's release unless u r Japanese or u r a frequent visitor to Japan. That's the Pros and Cons of having the internet :P

Like all things Takara, Stepper comes with chrome parts and weapons. It's really a double edge sword when it comes to chrome parts. For one... it's very nostalgic to see chrome or die-cast parts for a toy as toys nowadays are majority made of 100% plastic, Only high end toys are made of die-cast and would probably cost u a pretty penny to obtain them. The cons however with a die-cast toy or toys with chrome parts and weapons is storing them properly so that it won't get scuffled or tarnished in time. Especially when u r not a "Re-Boxer" LOL... it's a personal term for someone who actually put his/her toys back into it's original packaging after he/she had taken it out to play or admire. But we all know that toy collectors never play with their toy collection, so the concept of it being a toy is somewhat moot LOL.

The above tech spec of Steeper is translated from it's Japanese text by this site. Here a different name is given to Stepper's Targetmaster, Instead of using the name Nightstick, it is named "Flashfire" a former Nebulan police sniper, which would make sense since he's a Targetmaster after all. Ricochet's tech spec is obtained from the same site as well.

Then in 2004, Hasbro released their version of Stepper naming him "Ricochet" in their Commemorative Series. Since i've already got 5 pieces of Stepper in my collection, i wasn't really very keen in getting Ricochet just becoz it was released under a different name and packaging.

The decision no to get it was a good one indeed as Hasbro really did a crappy job by first not giving it gold chromed weapons like that of Stepper's. To further lessened the appeal of Ricochet is the fact that it's got really long and awkward looking missiles. I mean... what gives?? Is Ricochet compensating for something else with really long missiles?? LOL

To wrap up this very technical review of Stepper, without much personal memories of owning this toy back in the 80's in the first place. I would recommend those of you out there who is actually thinking of owning this piece to go for the takara version aka Stepper and just completely ignore Hasbro's Ricochet. In terms of value for money.. Takara got chrome parts, better packaging and comes with a collectors card of the figure. Hasbro's packaging is made up of thin flimsy cardboard and the toy has chromeless weapons and ridiculously unsightly long missiles!!! LOL

Cheers!!!
N_M

Transformers - E-Hobby - Gold Jazz

2008-07-06T04:12:00.006+08:00

E-Hobby Gold Jazz is the very first set of 2 exclusive figures in 2002 that was released under the E-Hobby banner which is normally a repainted version of the G1 Transformers toys, usually in the pre-Transformers "Diaclone" line colors. But since Jazz does not have a Diaclone variant color, he was released in gold instead. A pattern i later realized that Japanese love making all gold exclusive figures. Frankly speaking, i'm not a big fan of the gold figures. it feels like a frickin transformable Oscar statue LOL

All in all, i got nothing much to say about this figure that i have not said in my earlier post about the original G1 jazz. The figure does tarnish quite easily once it's taken out of it's box, so for those of u who have a penchant for fully gold figures, make sure it's kept back in the box after u've fiddled with it.

Transformers - Golden Lagoon

This particular paint job kinda reminds me of the G1 season 2 episode "Golden Lagoon" where "Beachcomber" have stumbled into a concealed paradise like place where "Electrum" was found. it is a lazer proof like substance that enables one to become invulnerable once being coated in it. the Decepticons later found the Electrum and coat themselves in it and even manage to defeat Omega Supreme with the help of it. Of course, the Autobots later found out the source of the Decepticons invulnerability thanks to "Powerglide's" spying and later coat themselves in the substance as well. Realizing that they have lost the advantage of invulnerability, the Decepticons destroyed the golden lagoon which pretty much destroyed the paradise like forest where the pool of Electrum was found in the first place.

All in all.. this figure is a nice addition to any hardcore G1 Transformers completist. If u r not a completist i would not recommend u to get it :)

Cheers!!!
N_M

Transformers G1 - Jazz.

2008-07-05T12:27:00.006+08:00

CGI Cybertronian Mode Jazz by Iaconcity

G1 Autobot Jazz aka Meister is among the few transformers that appeared in the 1984 Transformers animated series that appeared to us in his original Cybertronian mode. He was pretty much the "African American" among the other Autobots based on his accent, voiced by the voice actor "Scatman Crothers" who was decease in 1986. Jazz is one of the very few season 1 and 2 Autobots who survived the ridiculous onslaught of the D-Cons who basically killed of many season 1 and 2 A-Bots with but a single shot!!! He still makes occasional appearances in season 3 but he no longer plays any important role throughout the third season.

CGI Jazz by Iaconcity

Autobot Jazz's toy mold is also taken from Takara's "Diaclone" and "Microman" line> Jazz is also one of the few who does not come with a variant repaint version of him from the respective pre-Transformers line. Aside from it's original first release back in 1984, jazz was reissued In Europe in 1990 and 1991 in the Transformers Classics line. It was later retooled for the G2 line with a ridiculously huge rocket launcher. Takara took the same mold and retooled it as a new Targetmaster figure "Stepper" in 1987, partnering him with "Nightstick" who was originally Cyclonus's Targetmaster partner. I will talk more about Stepper when i do a review about him in my upcoming posts. Jazz was later reissued in 2002 under the book cover reissues by Takara.

Toywise, Jazz is a super cool figure that transforms into a Porsche 935. I too remember owning him when i was a kid, and if u've read my earlier entries..i gave away all of my TF's back in the early 90's. Anyhow.. my first reunion with a Jazz figure was when i was in college back in 1999. While visiting my college mate's boyfriend's house, I noticed that he's got a pretty good condition Jazz displayed on top of his T.V. set. I literally begged him to sell it to me, and after some price haggling.. i manage to get it for RM100. it was complete with rocket launcher and gun but the figure was slightly discolored due to the fact that it's a white colored toy and was subjected to direct florecent light and the previous owner is a smoker!!!

Anyhow, the chance to own a brand new Jazz figure finally came when Takara released the book cover series back in 2002. But what's odd about this particular mold was that it suffered from a severe case of "Loose Joint Syndrome". I was wondering what caused it to be so, until i finally got the E-Hobby gold exclusive figure of Jazz. It was clear that both figure shared the same mold but the mold had to be catered for the gold E-Hobby Jazz as it was fully covered in gold paint. The paint obviously is thicker in texture compared to normal paint hence the normal issued Jazz is uber loose. Come 2008, Jazz is once again reissued under the Encore line but this time around..it's head mold is supposedly taken from a variant Jazz head mold. Not quite sure which one as i remember reading it somewhere before the release of the Encore Jazz reissue which was released in March 2008.

Jazz have made multiple reincarnations throughout the years, it's most recent reincarnation was in the 2007 Transformers live action movie and now in the new Transformers animation aptly entitled "Transformers Animated". This time around Jazz is an Autobot elite guard who is also a very cool cyber ninja. He shares the same mannerism and love for earth's culture like G1 Jazz and so is his voice actor whose voice is reminiscence of Scatman Crothers. His facial feature this time around better reflects his African American accent. But ironically, although he looks African American... he is still majority white in color.. go figure LOL

Cheers!!!
N_M

Transformers - G1 - Jazz/ Gold jazz/ TM Stepper Mold.

2008-07-05T04:29:00.006+08:00

CGI Jazz by Iaconcity

G1 jazz is perhaps one of the most beloved TF characters for Season 1 and 2 of the US animated series. because of his popularity among fans..it was only fitting that he was the first TF to be reissued in the Takara book cover series.

Depicted above are the various versions of G1 Jazz figure. The Gold jazz was an E-Hobby exclusive while the black Jazz is "Stepper", a figure that was once only exclusively available in Japan as a Targetmaster.

I'll go into further details of these 3 Jazz's mold figs in my next few postings. As for now... just enjoy the pics of em together :P

Cheers!!!
N_M

Transformers - E-Hobby - Road/Load Hauler

2008-07-05T03:57:00.004+08:00

Road/Load Hauler is the product of the multitude of color mistakes that's very apparent in the G1 animated series. he first made his appearance in the three part episode "More Than meets the Eye", where Cliffjumper called out to a green colored "Grapple" lookalike and called him Hauler instead of Grapple.

Road/Load Hauler was released as an E-Hobby exclusive back in 2003 along with the release of the non exclusive reissue of Inferno and Starscream. It is basically a g1 Grapple figure in a very Constructicon-esque lime green color. If anything at all.. this figure is a nice addition to any hard core TF fan who is all too happy to own this figure even though it is the product of mistaken color and crappy QC in the 80's G1 animation.

I for one am not complaining about having him in my collection, bcoz as i have mentioned before. This is one of my more faborite G1 TF toy mold. Back in 2003, E-Hobby figures are pretty much very hard to obtain as toy shops are reluctant to bring in exclusive figures that are generally repaints of the original issues and cost double the price of the normal issues. But i was lucky to be able to order it here locally, but of course, i have to pay a pretty penny for owning this E-Hobby exclusive figure :)

Cheers!!!
N_M

Transformers G1 - Inferno

2008-07-05T03:21:00.004+08:00

CGI Inferno and Skids by Iaconcity

G1 Inferno shares a similar mold with Grapple minor retooling that distinguish them apart in vehicle mode. Inferno being a fire truck while Grapple is a construction vehicle. Unlike most of the Takara "Diaclone" and Microman" line, Inferno does not come with a repainted version of himself.

Inferno was first reissued in the G2 series which comes with a water shooting action kibble which in my opinion doesn't do much for me. But guess what.. i have been hunting for the G2 version for the past 5 yrs heheheh :p Takara actually did a somewhat off beat repaint and rettoled version of Inferno as a Targetmaster named "Artfire". it was released together with the repainted n retooled version of g1 jazz as Stepper. These 2 Japan only exclusives Targetmasters were suppose to replace the lack of both Cyclonus and Scourge as Targetmasters, hence both the Targetmasters were given to both Artfire and Stepper instead.

Then in 2001, both Inerno and Grapple were released as exclusives as a set of two. i was unable to obtain that set as it was very hard and expensive to obtain, although i did manage to obtain other sets instead. Then comes the Takara book cover reissues where only Inferno made the cut. He was released together with anime accurate Starscream. because grapple didn't quite make the cut, an E-Hobby repaint of Grapple was released instead named - Road/Load Hauler".

Character wise, Inferno couldn't be more different that that of Grapple. Inferno is more of an action junkie who prefer to be in the heat of things and is somewhat of a hot head while his partner,"Red Alert" is his complete opposite as seen in the G1 anime episode "Auto berserk". he even have a girlfriend back in Cybertron named "Firestar" featured in the G1 anime episode "The Search for Alpha Trion".

Toy wise... the Takara reissued Inferno is far sturdier than the Hasbro Commemorative series reissue of Grapple. Everything worked just like the original vintage Inferno. Actually... i was expecting Takara to reissue "Art Fire' when they announced the reissue of Inferno in the book cover series. But since "Stepper" was released as a non exclusive figure... i guess i was mistaken for expecting an Art Fire figure to be issued as an exclusive. Oh well.. maybe Art Fire will finally get to see the light of day when TakaraTomy reissue it again in the Encore series :P

Cheers!!!
N_M

Transformers G1 - Grapple

2008-07-05T02:34:00.005+08:00

CGI Grapple and Hoist by Iaconcity

G1 Autobot Grapple like all season 1 and 2 Transformers toy mold, most of them are originally from a line of transforming toys from Takara Japan known as the "Diaclone" and "Microman" series. Grapple's mold is one of the few rare mold that does not have a repainted paint job, with the exception of a retooled Inferno mold.

Grapple is often seen together with Hoist in the US G1 animated series. Their love for constructing and building got them into trouble in the G1 episode "The master Builders". The Constructicons trick Grapple and Hoist with claims of having left Megatron. They construct a tower Grapple thought up to absorb solar energy, which Optimus Prime was against the idea of building it for fear of The Decepticons getting their hands on it. However they were betrayed by the Constructicons and it was up to the other Autobots to save the day.

Grapple's mold is one of my most favorite G1 mold, although it is somewhat cumbersome and simplistic. if my memory serves me well..i remember having both Grapple and Inferno as a kid. I got reunited with Grapple once more back in 2001 when i got him along with a whole box of other vintage TF for a real steal hehehe. Unfortunately, that figure's chrome is somewhat scuffed, so i have decided to take pics of the Hasbro's Commemorative series Grapple instead.

Takara never did reissued Grapple in the book cover series, but it was reissued once as an exclusive set of 2 figures together with Inferno back in 2001. Only Inferno was reissued by Takara in the book cover series paired with anime accurate Starscream.

Upon looking at both vintage and the newly released Hasbro's Commemorative series Grapple, one would not be able to tell much difference between the two based on sight alone. But the moment u hold up both figures... there's a distinct difference between the two. For one, the die-cast part used in the commemorative series felt more like sheet metal. it was very thin and light, whereas the vintage Grapple's die-cast part is much more sturdier n heavier.

Another distinct difference with the Hasbro Commemorative series reissue is that both hands/fist port are no longer spring loaded. The trigger that was suppose to create a spring loaded shooting action is now just there for cosmetic G1 authentic purposes. it doesn't work at all!!!

Can't really recall any specific fond memories of grapple nor can i remember how i manage to obtain it as a kid... but what the heck, why bother to crack my head trying to remember how i first got it as a kid when i have him with me now LOL!!!

Cheers!!!
N_M

Transformers G1 - Grapple / Inferno / Load Hauler Mold

2008-07-01T04:53:00.007+08:00

Transformers Autobot Commercial

Greetings guys.. it's been two months since i've posted anything new here, so let me start everything off again by first introducing all of u guys to yet another set of same mold but different characters TF Toy. presenting.. G1 Grapple, Inferno and E-Hoby Road/Load Hauler.

G1 Grapple, Inferno and E-Hobby Road/Load Hauler

G1 Grapple and Inferno might have shared a similar mold, but they could not have been more different character wise. Road/Load Hauler is a product of the ever famous color mistakes of the G1 animation's quality control. What better way to legitimized the repaint of a toy and make it an exclusive than to blame it all on QC LOL!!!

OK.. i will do a more detail review on these figs individually in the next few post. For the meantime.. enjoy them in a trio shot!!!

Cheers!!!
N_M

Transformers - G1 - Mirage

2008-04-10T14:16:00.005+08:00

CGI G1 Mirage by Iaconcity

G1 Mirage is one of the more memorable Autobots who gets more screen time than the other more mundane Autobots from Season 1 and 2. He is often remembered as the original reluctant fighter for the Autobot cause as he would rather spend his time and energy finding a way back to his beloved home world of Cybertron. For some unknown reason, he's one of the more beloved character to fans and collectors, in terms of the animation and the toy.

Like most of the G1 season 1 and 2 Transformers toys... Mirage's mold is taken from a Pre-Transformers line of toys from Japan owned by Takara known as Diaclone. But unlike most Diaclone toys. Mirage was one of the very few who do not come with a repainted version unlike some of the other figures like Sideswipe and Sunstreaker.

I remember owning a Mirage toy as a kid but i seriously cannot remember how i obtained it in the first place. if u have been reading my blog before, you would have known by now that the most deeply rooted memories of me and my TF toys is the one where i was playing with em in my parents bathroom's bathtub LOL!!!

I remember drying them up after playing with em in the water.. ECKS... GOD FORBID!!! LOL. When i said drying em off..i actually mean just chucking em into a plastic bag where all my die-cast TF toys are haphazardly piled up inside the plastic bag clinkitty clanking against eachother and getting it's paint job scratched and decals peeled!!! Alas i gave em all away at the beginning of 1990.

I got reunited with a toy of G1 Mirage back in 2001. I happen to met a guy who was fascinated that there r ppl still collecting vintage TF toys. But ofcourse.. to this guy it means a 20++ yr old toy that he's had since childhood that is pretty much junk to him. He was willing to trade it for a single "Spawn" action figure. I had to be brain damage if i were to refused this offer... ofcourse i jumped at it and accepted his offer with gusto LOL!!

Ofcourse the toy didn't come in superb pristine condition.. but at least it is not badly tarnished or damaged in any way. All it was suffering from was just "Loose Joint Syndrome". It was easily and swiftly fixed and when the guy came back over to my place the next day..he was amazed that his former super loose n flingy toy is now tight and all new and cleaned up LOL!!! Mirage have been with me ever since and he is one of 3 very very elusive TF Autobot toy that have not seen the light of day in the reissue list. The other two being Wheeljack and Sunstreaker. supposedly these three original molds have been missing or destroyed... but we know that had never stopped "Haskaramy" before.. It's doable if they wanted to do it :p

CGI WW-Mirage by Iaconcity

This here is a CGI image of Mirage in his Cybertronian mode.. pretty nifty indeed... pretty much inspired by "Don Figueroa's" depiction of the pre-earth Transformers in their original Cybertronian mold in the "Transformers - War Within" comic book series. I wouldn't mind if Haskaramy produce a line of "War Within" inspired toys. For a time there.. the 6" Titanium series seems to be the answer to that prayer but the series tanked big time. But with the advent of TF - Classics/Universe 2.0 and Henkei... it would be awesome if this idea gets picked up again...

Ok, until my next post.. "Till All Are One"!!!

Cheers!!!
N_M

Transformers - E-Hobby - Roadrage

2008-04-10T10:26:00.005+08:00

"Roadrage" is the E-Hobby repainted that was reissued along with the normal release of the book cover "Tracks". Roadrage's color is actually the original "Diaclone" color for "Tracks' mold. I guess Hasbro decided to change it to "Blue" instead of "Red" as it would better represents the "American" image as the later would seems to be a bit too "Communist" especially during the 80's.

Thought this color was originally it's "Diaclone" color. It was made available in some parts of Europe as the official "Tracks" in the 80's. But this is believed to be a very rare find... especially in the days before the wonders of the Internet!! LOL

When the chance to grab "Roadrage" - Pun intended... since Roadrage is suppose to be a "Fembot" hehehe..okok let's get back to talking about the toy.

So, when Roadrage was reissued... i had to find ways to get it as it was not readily made available in the local market. It's hard to believe that only a few years ago, E-Hobby exclusives are very hard to come by. Since it was not made available locally...i had to get it from a nearby source, and that nearby source is "Singapore".

Owning this figure is a real treat for me as I've developed quite a fonding for Diaclone colored TF's :P I get chills when i pose both Roadrage and Tracks together as depicted above. I would have love to own the "Black" version if it was possible for me LOL.

Sadly, the "Black" version is a super exclusive "Lucky Draw" figure. Below are a few pics of the black lucky draw Tracks. You can view more pics of the figure at the link provided below the pics.

Pics obtained from - http://www.luckydrawtransformers.com/content.php?/transformers-lucky-draw/toy-gallery/1227/Tracks.html?page=1

Ok guys... hoped u guys enjoyed the pics and my quasi reviews :P

Cheers!!!
N_M

Transformers - G1 - Tracks

2008-04-10T00:55:00.004+08:00

CGI G1 Tracks by Iaconcity

"Tracks" is one of the more memorable and likable Autobot characters in the American G1 Transformers TV series back in the 80's. Not only was he a regular fixture in the show that was given more air time, but he had got 2 episodes of Season 2 that features him in it - "Make Tracks' and "Auto-Bop"

His personality is always described as "Vain" and borders at being a complete "Narcissist" as he is pretty much in love with his own sleek earth vehicle mode. The coolest thing about Tracks is that he's capable of transforming into a pseudo carplane. A car with wings if you will... The only other Autobot that is almost as vain as Tracks is.. would probably be "Sunstreaker"!!!

I don't quite remember how i obtained this toy back in my childhood days, but i distinctively remember playing with it as a kid in my parents bathtub. The "Firebird" decal was completely destroyed LOL.

However back in 2000/2001 when i was going nuts hunting down old vintage Transformers toys... I happen to find one that was put up for sale in a toy shop via consignment. Sure it was going at 100 bucks a pop, but it's condition was pristine and 100% complete with all it's accessories. I grabbed it without a second thought and it's still with me till this day.

When Takara reissued it in their book cover editions, i grabbed an extra piece just for the sake of having one that's MISB.

CGI WW Tracks by Iaconcity

Above is a CGI rendition by Iaconcity of the "War Within - Tracks". The War Within series is the brainchild of legendary Transformers comics writer - "Simon Furman". His writings was brought to life by the talented artist "Don Figueroa" whose designs of the Pre-Earth Transformers in their original Cybertronian robot and vehicle modes.

You can get a better idea of the "War Within" series here - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transformers:_The_War_Within

Above is a comparison of Tracks and the repainted E-Hobby exclusive - "Roadrage"... which is actually a "Fembot". This red version of Tracks was actually it's original Diaclone/Microman, Pre-Transformers color. However, back in the 80's... red versions of Tracks were made available in Europe...

OK, that's all for now.. I'll be featuring "Roadrage" in my next blog entry.. until then..

Cheers!!!
N_M

E-Hobby - Diaclone/Microman - Sideswipe Mold

2008-04-09T17:32:00.006+08:00

Tigertracks

Clampdown

Deepcover

These Diaclone reissue exclusives are obtained around the middle of 2003 and have proven to be some of my most prized and fav exclusive figures in my collection.

Tigertracks, Clampdown and Deepcover are reissues from the Pre- transformers line known as "Diaclone/Microman" series by Takara. Owning the original MISB Diaclone/Microman series of these figures would literally cost an arm and a leg. So when the chance to grab them as reissues presents itself... It is a do or die situation for me. No brainer really LOL.. Ofcourse i MUST have them :)

At the bottom of this post are links that would better explain the existence and significance of these figures in the world of transformers toy collecting. I do not profess to be an expert in all things Transformers..I would much rather sit back and enjoy the fun that is playing and collecting the toy :)

Info of Diaclone Tigertracks, Deepcover and Clampdown
http://www.tfsource.com/articles/yellow-sideswipe.html
http://www.tfsource.com/articles/tigertracks.html
http://www.tfsource.com/articles/Polswipe.html

OK then... I hope you all enjoyed the pics :)

Cheers!!!
N_M

Transformers - G1 - Sideswipe

2008-04-09T17:07:00.004+08:00

CGI Sideswipe by Iaconcity

"sideswipe" like all the other Season 1 G1 TF toys owes it's existence to a Pre-Transformers toy line from Japan called "Diaclone/Microman". This Pre-Transformers toy line actually comes with a yellow version of the same mold. I have often wondered if this repainted figure was actually meant to be "Sideswipe's" twin brother... I guess I'll never know. However,if repaints of this mold meant that they are related, I guess they would have to be Quintuplets instead of twins since there are 5 different repaint versions of this mold!!!

Sideswipe

"Sideswipe" is perhaps one of my fav Autobot character in the show... mainly because he is always a very fun and funny character in the show. especially the dynamics between him and his vain twin brother "Sunstreaker"...

There is very little i can share about my history with this toy since "Red Alert" literally stole his thunder in terms of having a very special sentimental value in my heart. Considering how much less popular and unknown Red Alert is compared to Sideswipe.

But i must admit... i do like this color a whole lot more than red Alerts majority white paint job. Oh well, be that it may... I might not have a special story to tell about the acquiring of this toy in my childhood days. But i will always love this mold and will get it no matter how many different coat of paints they slapped on it.

I'm currently very looking forward to the Transformers Classics 2.0 AKA Transformers Universe toy line. It's generally a new take on G1 toys.. making em super posable.. the way they were intended to be in the first place. To be ANIME ACCURATE!!!

Cheers!!!
N_M

Transformers - G1 - Red Alert.

2008-04-09T02:52:00.012+08:00

Continuing on my showcasing and blogging of my "All Sidespwie" mold,I've decided to just go ahead by reviewing "Red Alert" first since they are from the same mold after all. I've often wonder why these two bots aren't the twin brothers instead of "Sunstreaker" as the other twin brother. However, i guess it worked out just fine... because Red Alert is a little bit of a worrywart and it would have driven Sideswipe insane if he was his twin brother LOL!!!

Anyhow... like most of the Season 1 of the G1 Transformers toys, they belonged to a Pre-Transformers line of toys called "Diaclone/Microman". I'll most probably do a short intro on the Diaclone/Microman toy lines and history in the next few entries of this blog.

CGI Red Alert/Prowl by Iaconcity

Anyhow, as I've mentioned in my previous post... this particular mold holds a very special spot in my heart and memory of owning a Transformers toy. Now I'm not sure if i've mentioned this before because I've told this story so many times... I can't keep track of it anymore LOL

Red Alert

Red Alert hold an important spot in my heart and journey with my love affair with all things Transformers because this was the very first TF toy i ever got!!! The thing is that... i got it before even knowing that there's actually a cool cartoon show about them!! All i saw was a cool Lamborghini that transforms into a very cool looking robot. But getting it wasn't easy. It was selling for about 40 bucks and back in the 80's for a 9 year old boy..it might as well be 4 million bucks LOL!!! Especially when I'm the youngest of 5 siblings coming from a below average income family of a veggie stall owner in the local vegetable market!!!

Gathering whatever savings i had, i brought em to the small toy shop at the corner and poured out my coins and whatever dollar bills that was in the mix LOL. The caretaker of the toy shop was a very surly lady that just scoffs at my ragtag clothing and my pathetic amount of scrunched up dollar bills and coins. She sat at the counter and counted whatever amount i had looking very uninterested and by the time she finished counting, she just looked up and me and said...

"You don't have enough money, ask your mother to give you more money to buy this toy"...

Yeah right... like it was that simple LOL. If that was so, would i be here in your shop with a handful of scrunched up dollar bills and a mix of quarters and pennies?? LOL

Anyhow, i ended up going back and forth from my mum's stall to the shop. Fishing out coins from my mum's change bin. Hehehe yeah i know it's wrong.. but i was only 9 and the seduction of a cool transforming toy is too much for me to resist LOL.

After going back and forth a few times... the lady from the toy shop was getting a bit annoyed with me as i was no way near the amount needed to buy the toy. Finally running out of time as it's almost 1pm and it's time to help my mum to close down the stall and go home for the day. Feeling defeated, i left the shop with my head held low and teary eyes. As i was leaving the shop.. a man walked into the shop and i could hear him asked the woman in the shop why is the boy (Me) looking so sad. She must have told him about my pathetic attempt to buy the toy, because soon after hearing their conversation... i heard the man calling out to me. He waved at me, signaling me to come to him with one hand while holding the "Red Alert" toy in the other.

I rushed back to the shop where he was standing and he told me.. "Here, you can have this toy". It was the the single most kind thing a total stranger have ever done for me for as long as i could remember. Ofcourse i grabbed the toy from his hands with glee and thanked him profusely.

But because this toy is bought with very questionable means... I had to open up the toy at an open air car park. Ripping up the box to get to it's contents and hurried back to my mum;s veggie stall to help her pack up. In an attempt to explain for the possession of this toy i told everyone that my friend gave me that toy... Yeah RIGHT.. like anyone actually believed that LOL

So, there you go... a true life story of my adventure or rather misadventure of owning my very first Transformers toy.. "RED ALERT"!!!

Cheers!!!
N_M

Transformers G1 - All Sideswipes

2008-04-08T02:20:00.009+08:00

CGI Sideswipe by Iaconcity

It's been almost 5 mths since i've updated my TF collection blog. Mainly because i was a bit lazy to do so, plus i had to return the digital cam i'm using to my cousin. Got a new cam around January, but like i said..I was too lazy to update it, though i have been taking pics of new additions to my collection. Mostly TFTM toys.. and since everyone got those nowadays..i'll just gonna focus on my vintage and vintage reissues for now.

So now that i'm back... what better way than to kick it off by showcasing and reviewing one of my fav G1 Transformers toy mold of all time... "SIDESWIPE"!!!

The G1 Autobot twins Sideswipe and Sunstreaker are two of my fav Autobot characters of all time...both in the show and as a toy. Sideswipes mold holds a very dear and very first memory of a Transformers toy for me. That's because the very first Transformers i ever got for myself was "Red Alert", a white repaint of Sideswipe. But i'll save that story for when i review them as individuals..

G1 - All Sideswipes

Over here is my collection of almost all the different reissues of Sideswipe, with the exception of a G2 black Sideswipe. I'm still hunting it down. As you can see.. my collection consists of the G1 original red Lamborghini - Sideswipe, white fire chief Lamborghini- Red Alert. The other three are Exclusives/E-Hobby reissues of Diaclone colored versions of it that was released back in mid 2003. They are - White police Lamborghini - Clampdown, Black Lamborghini - Deepcover and yellow Lamborghini - Tigertracks. All are released by Takara with the exception of Red Alert.

Hope u guys enjoyed the pics... will be updating my blogs with more pics of my collection :)

Cheers!!!
N_M

RID - Megatron Megabolt

2007-11-15T03:46:00.003+08:00

RID's Megatron Megabolt is a physical manifestation of the Beast Machines "Floating Head/Base" Megatron. However, in the show... the floating head/base does not nor has it ever transform into a robot mode as seen in this toy which serves as it's alternate mode.

Owning this particular figure would prove to be a tricky and difficult one as it was not made available to the local market in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The local Hasbro distributor have got a nasty habit of not bringing in figures from the tail end of a toy line. Maybe they thought that collectors would not be looking for figures that's towards the end of a toy line... hmmm.. WRONG!!!

Like i said earlier on, owning this piece was a tricky one. I had to go online on ebay and only manage to get 5 such pieces of this figure. i got it together with the blue Beast Wars "Transmetal II Megatron" aka "Cryotek". I have since sold off the rest of my pieces and have but only one such figure in my collection.

It was only much later did i found out that there's actually a repainted version of it released by Hasbro and then much later.. a rather brightly colored version by Takara.

I've actually missed out on the other two repaints of this figure. truth be told, i wouldn't mind having them as part of my collection... if i could hunt them down :)

Cheers!!!
N_M

Transformers G1 - Hot Rod

2007-10-24T03:05:00.002+08:00

CGI Hotrod by Iaconcity

Autobot Cavalier "Hot Rod" is the quintessential example of a free spirited youth in all aspect of the word. He made his debut in the annuls of Transformers history in the 86" Transformers animated movie. I remember how incredibly excited i was the first time i saw this new and cool looking Autobot. Not only does he look good in robot form.. his vehicle form is pretty sweet too. He is portrayed as a cocky young Autobot whose over confidence in himself is put to the test all throughout the movie.

Prime's Death - HotRod's Destiny

But the introduction of Hotrod could have backfired badly with fans throughout the world. Especially when he was the one indirectly responsible for the death of Optimus Prime in Megatron's hand. To top it off.. he intercepted the passing of the "Autobot Matrix of Leadership" that had fallen from the dying grasp of Optimus Prime, which was originally intended for Ultra Magnus... Poor Ultra Magnus, he just can't catch a break LOL.

He was basically the heart and soul of the entire movie as it is more of a journey for him to discover his potential for something far greater... His appearance as Hot Rod was pretty much almost a one time deal as he was no longer Hot Rod by the end of the movie and didn't revert back to HotRod until almost the end of Season 3 of the US animated series.

I'll get back to this in a while...Now let us talk about my experience with the toy itself. :P

G1 HotRod 2000/2001 Reissue

I am not very sure if i did have a Hot Rod toy as a kid... bcoz i seems to have jumbled up memories of ever transforming one. Afterall, if i never had one b4, how did i know how to transform it when i finally got myself one in 2000??? But then again, u don't have to be a rocket scientist to transform a G1 Transformer toy neeways LOL

G1 Vintage/Reissue HotRod

Anyhow i finally mange to get myself a minty fresh Hot Rod around 2000/01 when it was reissued by Takara in it's G1 style box. I actually had to sell off my first HotRod shortly after in 2002 due to financial problems, but i manage to get it again in the later half of that year... It is a good feeling to have a very sought after fan fav toy in my hands.. and transforming it is a real treat as well. Short of it being super articulated.. this toy is still pretty sweet even though it's a typical G1 blockish robot with very few or little articulations.

In my 8 yrs as a Transformers toy collector, there are only a handful of TF toys that is a "Must Get" for me.. and HotRod is definitely one of them. I have got 3 different version of G1 Hot Rod toy to date and they are among my most prized possessions.

Arise Rodimus Prime!!!

Ok, Let us get back to the movie now... as I've said earlier, HotRod's appearance was pretty much a one time deal when he first made his debut in the animated movie bcoz by the end of the movie, he was transformed by the power of the "Matrix" into the new leader of the Autobots - "Rodimus Prime". Aside for being the one single handedly destroying the chaos bringer "Unicron" with the power of the Matrix.. Rodimus Prime was a super lame leader and pale in comparison with Optimus Prime.

The downfall of the Transformers series in the US is pretty much Rodimus Prime's fault. His leadership is often mediocre and often borders at idiotic. I guess it is due to this that they decided to bring Optimus Prime back towards the end of the season. I remember breathing a sigh of relief when Rodimus returns the Matrix to Optimus Prime as the leader of the Autobots and he reverting back to the cocky young Hot Rod once more. Hot Rod later becomes a "Targetmaster" in the Season 4, 3 part mini series "The Rebirth", which is also marks the end of the Transformers TV series in the US.

HotRod's Comparison

Depicted above are the 3 G1 Hot Rod's i mentioned that's currently in my possession. From Left to Right.. G1 Vintage/Reissued HotRod, G1 Vintage Reissued Targetmaster Hot Rod and E-Hobby Exclusive clear crystal HotRod. Each of these figures are featured in their own individual postings to do them justice..

Unfortunately for us, the name "HotRod" can and will never be used for this character by "HaskaraTomy" again as the name is no longer copyrighted under them. Throughout the years in the various revival of the Transformers series... various characters have been portrayed as "Hot Rod-like", but none is named Hot Rod anymore.. Infact he's been renamed as "Hot Rodimus" and "Rodimus Major", which sounded immensely corny LOL. But in the memories of every old school G1 Transformers fan.. he will always be known as "Hot Rod"!!!

Cheers!!!
N_M

Transformers - G1 - Targetmaster Hot Rod

2007-10-24T03:02:00.003+08:00

Transformers Season 4 Opening

After the 3rd season of the Transformers animated series in the US, HotRod is finally back with us as the likable hotshot he is, in the Season 4, 3 part seires "The Rebirth". The entire series was technically geared towards the introduction of the Headmasters and Targetmasters toys. This time around, HotRod is back to his old fun loving and carefree ways... happy to have shed himself of the name "Rodimus Prime" and the mantle of "Leader of the Autobots"... Bcoz frankly speaking... Rodimus couldn't lead ants on a picnic!!! LOL

HotRod is now back and is drafted into the ranks of the "Targetmasters" a concept derived from the Headmasters concept.. but instead of having heads that transform, the Targetmasters have weapons that transforms into a robot which serves as an Exo-suit for Nebulans whom they are binary bonded to.

HotRod is now binary bonded to his Nebulan Targetmaster "Firebolt" which in turns serves as a "Electrostatic Discharger Rifle".

G1 Targetmaster HotRod Reissue

I am not very sure if i ever had an original G1 HotRod before.. but i am sure as hell that I've never had a "Targetmaster HotRod" before. The only Autobot Targetmaster i remember owning was "Pointblank".. but that's another story hehehe :)

Anyhow, thanks to Takara and the reissued "Book Cover" series.. i finally got myself a Targetmaster HotRod figure. This toy is still pretty much minty fresh.. taken out only to take th pictures u see above. No sense in opening up yet another HotRod figure and risk getting it's chrome parts tarnished .. right?? ;p

G1 HotRod's Comparison

Well, the pics above are of the 3 different HotRod figures i have in my possession. This pic is just for pure reference purpose only, to see the minor difference among the three.. But it's a real kick to put em together and take pics of them.. there's a sense of satisfaction in this hehehe...

Cheers!!!
N_M

Transformers - E-Hobby - Crystal Hot Rod

2007-10-24T02:47:00.002+08:00

E-Hobby Crystal Hotrod

This here is an E-Hobby, Clear Crystal version of G1 HotRod. Ofcourse it is not made of clear crystals... but rather it's basically clear colored plastics. This figure was released as a set of 2 exclusive E-Hobby HotRod's back in 2001. The other Exclusive HotRod figure that comes along as a set with this is a "Black HotRod"

I got this figure in 2002 on an online auction together with the original reissued HotRod. Unfortunately, i was unable to secure the black version as i am a big fan of TF's that are repainted "Black" hehehe... But nonetheless, this figure remains as my fav among the three HotRod's i have. There's something really cool about a clear version of a toy... and eversince it's success, Takara have been churning out "Black" and "Clear Crystal" version of TF toys as exclusives.

The tech spec translation obtained from http://www.tfu.info/2001/Autobot/HotRodClear/hotrod.htm reads...

..."His life targeted by Black Rodimus, Hot Rodimus escapes into the legendary cavern known as the Crystal Cave. Just as he is cornered, the power of a crystal fountain spouting at his feet changes him into a crystal-coated form, and limitless light flows out from within him. Bathed in that light, Black Rodimus finds the evil heart implanted within him by Megatron expunged, and he is reborn as a heroic Cybertron
warrior."...

Hot Rod's Comparison

Nothing much to say really as this is basically a straight copy of g1 HotRod mold except for the fact that's made of clear colored plastics... The pics above are for reference purpose to highlight the minor differences among the 3 HotRod's... but it's pretty cool posing all 3 of em together huh? hehehe :P

Cheers!!!
N_M

Transformers G1 - All Prime Mold

2007-10-23T11:07:00.001+08:00

Diaclone: "Battle Convoy" Diaclone Optimus Prime Commercial

All Prime Robot Mode

All Prime Truck Mode

Transformers G1 Optimus Prime commercial

G1 Optimus Prime

Jafcon Black Optimus Prime

Pepsi Optimus Prime

G1 Ultra Magnus

Diaclone Ultra Magnus

Shining Ultra Magnus

Well guys... I'm not gonna give a long commentary on these babies hehhe.. pictures r worth a million words... The various repaints of G1 Prime molds here are my pride and joy. As u guys can see here.. I only collect Prime mold that's exactly identical to the vintage G1 mold. I do not collect Prime with short smoke stacks. I have always been an "All Prime" mold collector... Short of the latest Ipod Magnus, have most of em.

I do have the vintage G1 Prime with me with box and all but I'm not gonna bother to take pics of all the same "Optimus Prime" figures lol.. I have yet to make up my Mind to get the "Encore series" Optimus Prime. Technically,it's the same fig with same paint applications with minor differences.. but perhaps i will get it if i have any loose change lying around :P I have yet to hunt down a "Diaclone Battle Convoy" as well as G2 Prime with black trailer :P The Hunt Continues!!!

I will be doing a feature on each of the Prime molds individually in the future, for now.. Enjoi!!! :)

Cheers!!!
N_M

Transformers - G1 - Decepticons Headmasters

2007-10-21T23:50:00.002+08:00

Marvel Comics - Transformers Headmasters

Transformers Headmasters is a very interesting concept that was introduced in both the US and Jap TV series as well as Marvel Comics.. However, each had their own take on the whole introduction and evolution of this concept.

Marvel Comics - Transformers Headmaster #1 (1987)

I first came across the Transformers Headmasters back in 1987 when Marvel Comics released a 4 part mini series which got me hooked on a whole new generation of Transformers toys and extra playability in terms of the toys. I can't really recall much about the difference between the Season 4, 3 part series - "The Rebirth" and the 4 part "Headmasters" mini series by Marvel Comics. But there are a few distinct differences that i still remembers clearly...

1. Fortress Maximus wasn't built by Spike in Nebulos (Compared to the US Season 4 animated version to that of Marvel Comics version), nor was he the original Headmaster for Fort Max. The original Headmaster to "Cerebros" was the Nebulan leader "Galen" which in turn makes "Cerebros","Fort Max" Headmaster.

2. The comics series did not introduce Arcee as a Headmaster like she did in the 3 part Season 4 series - "The Rebirth".

3. The Nebulans introduced in Marvel Comics were more like Earth inhabitants with similar skin tones n features... whereas the US Season 4 Nebulans have green skin tones indicating and differentiating them as aliens n Nebulans.

To read more about the history behind, Transformers Headmasters.. pls proceed to
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transformers_Headmasters

Transformers Season 4 Opening

Back in the late 80's everything was substantially slow by atleast a year or two, So naturally..i only caught wind of the existence of Season 4 around 1990. A friend of mine had bought the video tape of "Transformers - The Rebirth" and was happily parading it in front of me. taunting me by telling me about how awesome the 3 part series is. I practically had to beg him to get him to lend it to me... I am sure i had to do something unimaginable only to get my friend to lend it to me LOL.. But it was well worth the effort :P

Sure enough... the show kick major @$$!!! Not only were the Headmasters introduced in the show... the Targetmasters are there as well!! Other new characters were also introduced... like the Throttlebots, the clones and Punch/Counterpunch to name but a few. Oddly enough.. Arcee was drafted into the ranks of the Headmasters with Spike's son, Daniel as her Headmaster.

I'm not sure how the story goes for the Jap "Headmasters" anime series goes as i am incredibly disgusted with it when i got a set of the series back in 2001 and watched it. Listening to the incredibly cheesy voice over and dialog simply turned me off. Hence, ever since then...i am not a big fan of Jap inspired Transformers anime.

Transformers G1 Horrorcons Commercial

OK.. now let's get to the toys. As expected... toys are introduced to accompany the Headmasters and Targetmasters concept from both the comics and animated series. The tag line had also changed from "Transformers - More Than Meets The Eye" to Transformers - More... Much More Than Meets the Eye on the toy catalog for the US Season 4 characters as well as the Jap Headmasters series.

Transformers Catalog - Decepticons (1987)

The Headmasters toys, although typically blockish in looks like most G1 Vintage Transformers toys, was a fresh addition to it's playability. So without further ado... i will now talk about the Decepticons Headmasters toys in my possession and the fun memories i have of them :)

Decepticon Headmaster Horrorcons - Snapdragon

Decepticon Horrorcons Headmaster "Snapdragon" with Headmaster "Krunk" - I first came across this toy around 1988/89. It belonged to a classmate of mine who had brought it to school to show it off for all to see. As usual.. being the kid of a below average income parents.. all i could do was just sit at a corner and look at the toy from a distance. I'm not sure about the details of it all.. but somehow, that classmate borrowed this toy to me. That means.. i get to bring it home and play with it for a few days. I'm not sure how things work nowadays.. but back in the 80's.. borrowing a toy to a friend is as good as money or a binding contract of friendship!!! LOL.

Anyhow, after playing with it for a few days, i had to return the toy back to my classmate. Upon returning the toy to it's rightful owner... i guessed i must have looked rather sad n immensely pathetic becoz my classmate took one look at me and said..."You look SAD... Keep the toy" and just walked off. Now, i have come a long way since then and would never let myself be so pathetic... but back then, it was a totally different story. Who cares if i was treated like a beggar in some alley... I got myself a SNAPDRAGON toy for FREE!!! This was one such example of my TF toys being a "Charity Projects" of my wealthier friends. But alas.. i gave it away along with my other TF toys to my cuz in 1990.

Fast Forward to 2003, It was my Birthday and i decided to treat myself by getting myself a vintage MISB Snapdragon from a fellow TF collector and friend. My friend is pretty notorious for being able to track down just about any vintage G1 TF toys around. Since i was sick of E-baying by then... i decided to get it from him instead. However, when i brought the figure back with me and opened up the figure... i noticed that although it appeared to be MISB, the figures have got very fine scratches on the figure. ( Yes... i do open up my toys.. even if it's "Vintage".. GASP!!! Hehehe ) Not so much as a deep scratch, but rather like what u would see if u were to scratch a toy with ur fingernails a few times. I m certain that the fig had been doctored and tampered with before reaching the hands of my friend who had sold it to me. Hence nowadays, i would never buy a vintage TF toy that comes with boxes... bcoz i am not about to pay a small fortune for it only to find out that it's been tampered with b4 -_-*

I'm currently still hunting down Snapdragon's partner in crime.. the Decepticon Headmaster Horrorcon "Apeface".. This bugger have been eluding me for almost 8 yrs now and i have sworn to get this particular piece even if i have to kill someone for it LOL

Decepticon Headmaster - Mindwipe

Decepticon Headmaster - Skullcruncher

Decepticon Headmaster - Weirdwolf

Decepticon Headmaster "Mindwipe" with Headmaster "Vorath".
Decepticon Headmaster "Skullcruncher" with Headmaster "Grax".
Decepticon Headmaster "Weirdwolf" with Headmaster "Monzo".

As a kid, i distinctively remember having both "Mindwipe" and "Skullcruncher" in my possession. Not sure how i came to own them back then...but they were all given away back in 1990 when i quit toys and went into collecting X-Men comics. It was the cool thing to do back then LOL. I never had a "Weirdwolf" toy though...

I manage to get hold of these 3 Headmasters figs complete with box and all for an incredibly cheap price back in 2003 on an online auction similar to that of E-bay. They are still with me up till this very day... Although, i could swear that i have got an extra Mindwipe stashed somewhere in some boxes among my collection.. i must try to dig it out and perhaps sell or trade him off for any figure that i am still missing LOL.

I don have much memory about these guys except that i remember that i really like playing with Skullcruncher.. and becoz of that misplaced memory.. i seems to have a stronger sentimental bond with that toy :P

Decepticon Jr Headmasters - Fangry

Decepticon Jr Headmaster "Fangry" with Headmaster "Brisko" - The Jr Headmasters were never introduced in the US series, but were pretty much regulars in the Jap's "Headmasters" or "Masterforce" series. Not quite sure which since i wasn't a fan of the series at all.

Anyhow... i never got the Jr Headmasters toys as a kid, so when i saw "Fangry" being sold in a local toy shop, i had to get him. But not without much self debating whether or not to get it. That's becoz it was selling for quite a hefty sum and the toy is considerably small. i finally bought it one day while passing by the toy shop again. It had more to do with me having nothing new to buy that day, rather than me going over to the shop specifically to buy it. I am a firm believer of fate.. if something is fated to be yours.. it will be yours in due time. Since i have been wanting to get this toy for over a period of 6 mths and it's still there in the shop..it seems like it's waiting for me to own it... now how could i resist FATE? LOL

Decepticon Jr Headmasters - Squeezeplay

Decepticon Jr Headmaster "Squeezeplay" with Headmaster "Lokos" - This too was a toy that i had never owned before as a kid and it was a treat finally holding him in my hands. I got this baby on the same online aution site as i did the original Decepticons Headmasters toys. Unfortunately, this is an incomplete figure... missing it's weapon. What pisses me off is that, the person who sold this to me actually have another complete figure of this toy but he had not put it up for auction until he had sold this to me. Nonetheless.. this is my fav among the three Decepticons jr Headmasters toys.

I am curently still missing the 3rd Decepticon Jr Headmaster "Horribull" and i am still hunting this particular piece to complete off my Decepticons Headmasters Collections :p

Cheers!!!
N_M

Transformers - G1 - Triple Changer - Octane

2007-10-20T02:29:00.002+08:00

Transformers Triplechanger Octane Commercial

Decepticon Triple Changer "Octane" was first introduced in Season 3 of the US Transformers series. He is the 3rd and final Decepticon Triple Changer to be introduced into the series and perhaps the only Decepticon Triple Changer to have a more memorable fleshed out character compared to Astrotrain and Blitzwing.

Behold - Triple Changers!!!

Unusual Friendship

Octane made his debut as somewhat of a double crosser by planning to use Trypticon to usurp Galvatron's leadership of the Decepticons. Ofcourse he was exiled and hunted down by the Decepticons for that. He soon seeks sanctuary from the Autobots and befriended the Autobot Triple Chnager "Sandstorm" as seen in the clip above, when Galvatron sends the Combaticons to hunt him down.

Starscream's Ghost

While running away from his pursuers.. he stumbled into the burial chambers of the deceased Decepticons from Season 1 and 2. This is where he first encountered Starscream's ghost.. who forced octane into helping him in getting revenge from Galvatron... After that.. he was never seen again in the entire season.. it's ironic that the only reason y Octane is memorable is solely due to the fact that he was a defected Decepticon double crosser and that he was used as a tool of vengeance by Starscream's ghost.

Ok.. let's talk about the toy now... like i said earlier on, Octane was introduced into the series in season 3 after the 86' TF animated movie and so was the toy. Octane is the only Decepticon Triple Changer toy that was not taken from the Diaclone mold. He is arguably the most sought after among the 3.. perhaps of that same reason as well.

Just like Astrotrain and Blitzwing.. i remember having Octane as well when i was a kid.. mainly bcoz i distinctively remember that i was happily parading him and my other TF toys on a trolley in the veggie market after I've helped my mum set up her stall hehehe...i was quite a showoff then LOL. I remember that his chrome shiled was badly tarnished due to the fact that i used to pile my TF toys all into a plastic bag n haul em around with me wherever i go ... so u can just image the chrome n decals damage Hahahaah :P. I am almost certain that I've traded him off for another TF toy bcoz by the time i gave my TF toys to my cuz in 1990..i don remember having him in my possession anymore :P

Anyhow... i manage to get Octane again around the same time i got Astrotrain n Blitzwing in 2001/02.. and it's still with me till this day. I almost sold him off a few times due to financial constrains but I'm glad i didn't succeed in it... So far, he's the only Decepticon Triple Changer that hasn't been reissued yet by TakaraTomy...but with the coming of the "Transformers Encore" series... one can never know what surprises they will pull out of their hats :p

Anyhow..i can't wait for next year's Classics 2.0 toy series by Hasbro to be released as there would be a revamped anime accurate n super posable Triple Changer Octane toy made for this line. So far Astrotrain had already gotten the Classics treatment... can't wait for Blitzwing to join the fray ;p

Cheers!!!
N_M

Transformers - G1 - Triple Changer - Blitzwing

2007-10-19T10:43:00.003+08:00

Transformers Toy Commercial - Blitzwing

CGI Blitzwing by Iaconcity

Decepticon Triple changer "Blitzwing" is the second Decepticon Tripplechanger toy to be introduced into the US Transformers series. It first made it's debut in Season 2 and makes fair appearances in the show. Like his fellow Decepticon Tripplechanger "Astrotrain".. more character development was put into this character in the season 2 episode "Tripple Takeover"...

The Exile of Blitzwing!!!

He later become an outcast in season 3 in the 5 part episode, "Five Faces of Darkness". He was pivotal in the final part of the 5 part episode, as he was responsible for thwarting the plans of the "Quintessons" to trick Galvatron into immobilizing all Transformers in Cybertron by sending galvy on a wild goose chase for a "Decepticon Matrix". Blitzwing had no choice but to ask the Autobots to help instead when Galvatron refuse to believe in Blitzwing's accusations of the Quintessons. When the "Quints" plans were thwarted.. Galvatron was furious that Blitzwing had asked the Autobots for help and exiled him from the ranks of the Decepticons.

Tripplechangers!!!

G1 Vintage - Blitzwing

OK.. enuf with the History lessons hehehe... Now lets get to the toy. Like all G1 season 1 n 2 toys.. they are taken from Takara's Diaclone toy line mold... I am very amazed with the Japs toy designers.. imagine that this was done way back in the 70's. Even then.. they were brilliant when it comes to brainstorming toy concepts... i mean.. what can be more fun than to have a robot transform into a vehicle??... Well.. simple... a robot that transforms into TWO VEHICLES!!! :P

I remember having a Blitzwing toy as a kid.. but the thing with me is... i never have a certain toy with me long enuf as i would often have to trade it for another toy i didn't have... so it's safe to say that i never had all the Tripplechangers with me at one time. Just like my vintage "Astrotrain".. i got my vintage "Blitzwing" in 2001 on E-Bay. The vintage Blitzwing is still with me...

Takara Book Collection - Blitzwing

Blitzwing n Overcharge Comparison

When Takara reissue good old Blitzwing on their "Book Collection Series"... i couldn't resist on a chance to get a 100% complete Blitzwing figure in all it's minty fresh glory hehehe :P. Along with this reissue... an E-Hobby version was also released. It is in it's original Diaclone color named "Overcharge". I'll be featuring this toy in my next posting after this.. :)

Cheers!!!
N_M

Transformers - G1 - Triple Changer - Astrotrain

2007-10-19T03:04:00.003+08:00

G1 - Season 2 Bumper - Astrotrain

CGI Astrotrain by Iaconcity

Decepticons Triple changer "Astrotrain", was introduced in the second season of the G1 US Transformers series back in the 80's and rightfully so.. the toy was also released in conjunction with the season 2 wave of TF Toys.

Tripplechangers!!!

Astrotrain is arguably the best looking Triple changer character among the Decepticons and perhaps my fav among the 6 as well. He did make a fair amount of appearances in the series.. but doesn't quite play a pivoytal part in it. The most character development and screen time Astrotrain gets was in the season 2 episode "Tripple Takeover" where both Astrotrain and Blitzwing tricked Starscream into trapping Megatron in an undrground tunnel in an attempt to usurp Megatron as the leader of the Decepticons.

His next memorable role was in the 86' TF animated movie, where he transformed into his space shuttle mode to carry the injured and defeated Decepticons away from Autobot city on earth. He then appeared briefly in the post TF animated movie in the 5 part season 3 episode "Five Faces of Darkness" in a badly weakened state. He had returned to the exiled Decepticons hideout with some energon for the defeated Decepticons army who was in hiding. The sad part is... he was even too weak to fully transform into any of his individual mode to even fight over the few measly energon cubes he had brought back... kinda pitiful really... especially when he's one of my fav Tripplechanger character n toy ;p

Vintage G1 Hasbro - Astrotrain

Ok. that's enough brief history about my most fav D-Cons Tripplechanger. Now let's get to the toy. I must say... i have quite a good karma when it comes to Astrotrain, bcoz i remember having him as a kid and he was the one toy that i remembered playing with alot. I shudder to think what's the condition of my very first Astrotrain... hehehe he's probably quite banged up with missing decals n paint chip. I wouldn't be surprise if he's rusted at the screws either hehehe..i do have a nasty tendency to play with my TF toys in my parents bath tub LOL. The Astrotrain depicted above is the G1 vintage by Hasbro/Takara that i've obtained in 2001

Takara Reissued "White Astrotrain"

Anyhow... fast forward 10yrs ++ after i gave my TF toys away in 1990... Takara reissued good old Astrotrain. This time around.. Takara decided to reissue the fabled "White Astrotrain" which was a Japanese exclusive way back in 1985 as seen above. I grabbed it in a heartbeat as looking for a vintage version of this would literally cost a small fortune to obtain it :P Since i've already got 2 of this fig...i didn't bother getting the Hasbro released "Commemorative Series". When it comes to reissued vintage TF... if i have a choice..i would not get the Hasbro version.. the quality is just plain "SUCKY".

I've completely forgotten to take pics of he Takara Reissued Astrotrain bcoz i have completely forgot about it's color differences.. because i had 2 Astrotrain with me..i didn't bother checking on it, thinking that they r probably the same hehehe BIG MISTAKE!!! i only realized it's difference when i was looking up some pics online hehehe... Nonetheless..i'm glad i manage to grab this fig and he's now safe in my archives of TF toy collections hehehe

E-Hobby Astrotrain

Anyhow.. as anyone who knows me well..would know that i would always get the E-Hobby version of the Takara Book Collection toy. But sadly, E-Hobby Astrotrain is one of the very few G1 reissued E-Hobby figure that i've missed out on. For some reason.. the anime accurate colored E-Hobby Astrotrain is the most elusive of the lot. Up till this very day, i am unable to track one down locally.. I'm still looking for this particular piece..so if anyone of u have any way of getting this piece.. gimme a holler :P

Cheers!!!
N_M

Transformers - E-Hobby - G1 - Galvatron

2007-10-17T16:59:00.002+08:00

The Birth of Galvatron!!!

Galvatron makes his debut in the 86' Transformers animated movie... and anyone who is atleast 10 yrs of age at that time was blown away when Megatron morphs into Galvatron . In a way, he would have been considered a quasi spawn of Unicron.. since Unicron did gave him his new form and name, not to mention... the morphing of the Seekers n Insecticons into Cyclonus and Scouge with his Sweeps. Though i have no idea whatever happened to Cyclonus' armada hehehe i guess that must have been a fluke. Anyhow... thanks to the introduction of Galvatron into the Transformers mythos... almost all reincarnation of a TF series comes with a Megatron that eventually morphs into a more powerful Galvatron. However... G1 is the only series where Galvatron gains a new look and form.. all the other TF series just repaints a Megatron figure and pass him off as a Galvatron.

E-Hobby G1 Reissue Galvatron

G1 Galvatron made a come back in 2006 and I think it's safe to say that all the fanbois r not expecting this at all. No one was expecting Galvatron to be the next candidate to be reissued by Takara. Especially when there are many figures from season 1 n 2 of the US TF series that never quite made it as a reissued figure... Wheeljack, Sunstreaker, Mirage and Reflector to name a few.

Takara did a real number on us with the reissue of Galvy... they decided to go ahead n make a regular mass market version of Galvy in anime accurate colors.. and cleverly made this grey G1 toy accurate version as an E-Hobby Exclusive. To me it's kind of a bitter sweet ordeal.. it's sweet that they r making a purple anime accurate Galvy..but at the same time..it would mean that i would have to get both version since it just doesn't feel G1-ish with a new purple Galvy instead of the vintage colored Galvy that we have come to recognize n know as original G1 Galvy ;p

This E-Hobby Galvy comes with extra kibbles.. that being a small diecast Matrix figure with a short chain. I'm very impressed with the use of real die cast metal instead of a chromed piece as the Matrix. The main difference of it between the mass produced n the E-Hobby version is it's color. The E-Hobby version's Matrix is green in color... perhaps represented as the fabled Decepticon Matrix of Leadership.

Well.. anyway u cut it... I'm happy to have both pieces. There's no better treat than to have a brand new toy that was made 20++ years ago that u've always wanted but could never afford as a kid heheh... Don't get me wrong..i'm all for vintage... But reissues are way way cheaper than having to fork out RM250 onwards for a loose vintage figure.. But with the now fickle minded TakaraTomy.. we can never be sure what's coming up next. I don see why both Hasbro n TakaraTomy couldn't reissue the whole G1 line.. there is clearly a market for it... instead they hide behind the excuse of the original molds have either been destroyed or missing.. C'mon..if China can make perfect knock-offs out of these so called "Lost" molds... y can't the original company do it? :P

Cheers!!!
N_M

Transformers - E-Hobby - Shining Ultra Magnus

2007-10-17T02:52:00.003+08:00

Shining Ultra Magnus

This particular piece was limited to just 800 pieces world wide and was released in Japan back in 2000 for the 20th Century Toy Museum toy show at the Mitsukoshi Department Store. This piece is one of my Pride and joy in my collection and it's extremely hard to find nowadays.

Back when it was first released..i really didn't bother with it or think too much about it... after all.. Ultra Magnus wasn't a really interesting toy/mold to have.. and since I've already got the G1 vintage.. there really wasn't anything that really attracted me to this particular piece... I only decided to get this piece in 2003 after I've manage to find the Diaclone version. it was a 2 pcs set on ebay and i grabbed it without thinking much about it... it was only much later did i realized that "Shining Ultra Magnus" is quite rare to come by or own :)

Ultra Magnus's Robot Modes

Ultra Magnus's Vehicle Modes

Honestly..i much prefer Ultra magnus vehicle mode to that of his robot mode.. and putting the vehicles together does gives me a sense of satisfaction hehehe

Cheers!!!
N_M

Transformers - E-Hobby - Diaclone - Ultra Magnus

2007-10-17T02:33:00.002+08:00

Diaclone: "Powered Convoy" Diaclone Ultra Magnus

The Diaclone Ultra Magnus is from the Pre-Transformers line by Takara named "Powered Convoy". As seen in the Diaclone toy commercial above... it is pretty clear that "Powered Convoy" wasn't meant to be a stand alone character..but more of a drone.

I guessed it's a joined decision of both Hasbro n Takara to finally use this particular mold for a Transformer toy... I mean, i makes sense...since the cab is literally a G1 Optimus Prime cab n robot. Ultra Magnus is also the last and only Transformer toy taken from the Diaclone line. Especially since magnus made his debut in the 86' animated movie and was pretty much a main fixture all throughout the US series in season 3 n 4.

Transformers - The Movie 1986 ( Jap Version )

Above is an actual Jap version of the trailer for the TF animated movie of 86'. If u watch carefully... Ultra magnus actually appeared in his Diaclone color instead of the G1 Magnus color of light blue and white. I guess the dark blue and red does make him look more Decepticon than an Autobot. But i would still prefer this color scheme over the G1 version anyday :)

Diaclone Ultra Magnus

Back in 2000 when i made up my ind to go on a TF vintage hunt... never would i have imagine that i would one day get to own a Diaclone Magnus..or any other Diaclone colored TF toy for that matter... Original Diaclones are incredibly pricey on Ebay... so when it was actually reissued back in 2001...I was overjoyed. But unfortunately for me... local toy shops do not bring em in bcoz "Exclusives" are too pricey to bring in. I thought my hope of owning this particular piece is over. Thankfully, while i was browsing Ebay online one day...i saw this particular piece up for grabs.. n to make the deal even sweeter.. it comes as a set of 2 along with another exclusive Magnus figure... that being the infamous "Shining Ultra Magnus".

Ultra Magnus's Robot Modes

Ultra Magnus's Vehicle Modes

Up till this very day... these 3 babies remain as some of my most precious addition in my collection and i know most would be screaming at me for opening up my Exclusives...Sorry to disappoint em, but i am a firm believer of opening up my toys.. may it be super rare or exclusive.. there is just no joy in owning a joy by keeping it sealed and not opening up to enjoy the toy atleast once hehehe :p

Cheers!!!
N_M

Transformers - E-Hobby - G2 - Ultra magnus

2007-10-15T00:48:00.001+08:00

E-Hobby - G2 Lazer Prime Mold - Ultra Magnus

This here is an E-Hobby Exclusive "Ultra magnus". It is a straight off white repainted version of the G2 Lazer Optimus Prime / Reissued G2 Prime Of Justice figure. As you could probably see here in the first pic of the boxed figure.. it actually came with a light blue colored tanker trailer as opposed to pic of the ones i took of it.. That's because i was too lazy to get the trailer from storage as it's stashed somewhere in the multitude of boxes i have...But more importantly... i find that the chrome trailer that originally belonged to Car Robots - Black Convoy, suits this mold far far better :)

Although this is an E-Hobby Exclusive..it still doesn't escape the fact that once again.. Ultra Magnus is a straight repaint of a Prime mold which once again makes poor old Magnus... Primes "BEEYOTCH"!!! LOL

Robot Mode Comparison

Truck Mode Comparison

Anyone who love this mold have got to get all three colors and display em together... I assure u... u'll get chills just seeing these 3 "Primes" together Hehehe..

Cheers!!!
N_M

Transformers G2 - Lazer Optimus Prime

2007-10-15T00:45:00.001+08:00

G2 Reissued - Lazer Optimus Prime

This here is a Re-issued G2 Lazer Optimus Prime from 2006. The reissued version is called G2 Prime Of Justice. For almost 5 yrs, i've been hunting for this particular Optimus Prime mold ever since i i got the car Robot's Black Convoy figure. This particular mold is awesome indeed... but i must say.. the decals applied on this figure are very very very LAME n CHEESY!!! I have to put alot of effort to restrain myself from ripping off all the garish decals so that this mold would be of pure g1 prime color. Alas..i feel like i would be mutilating a perfectly good toy.. eventhough i wanna pluck out my eyeballs whenever i look at the decals LOL... But i guess i would have to console myself with the fact that this particular mold is one of my fav toy mold of all time :P

I am sure u would have noticed by now that the tanker i used for this figure is totally different from that of the ones in the boxed pic heheh... well, that is explained below :P My bad!!! hehehe

Robot Mode Comparison

Truck Mode Comparison

The comparison shots of all 3 figures of the same mold is a real treat indeed... I made a big mistake while i was taking the pics of them in vehicle mode... I didn't realized that the trailers all have different colors n motives for their individual vehicle modes. It was already quite late when i took these pics and i was getting tired and sleepy. But frankly speaking..i thought they looked a heck lot more awesome all using Black Convoy's tanker...i'm sure u all would agree with me on this decision as well.. Right?? :p

Cheers!!!
N_M

Transformers - RID / Car Robots - Black Convoy / Scourge / Nemesis Prime

2007-10-15T00:34:00.002+08:00

Transformers RID / Car Robots Commercial

Black Convoy / Scourge - TRANSFORM!!!

This here is "Car Robots" - "Black Convoy". It is a straight off black repainted version of the G2 lazer Optimus Prime / Reissued G2 Prime Of Justice figure. Truth be told.. when i first saw this figure...i thought it was a completely new mold... imagine my surprise when i found out that it is actually a repainted version of G2 Lazer Optimus Prime!!! I had no idea G2 designs were so far ahead compared to the blockish and less articulated G1 toys.

Black Convoy aka Scourge aka Nemesis Prime are the typical names of a black repainted Prime figure. Black Convoy / Scourge is introduced as an evil Optimus prime like character in the Transformers Car Robots / RID series back in 2001. Since i never watched the cartoon series before..i'm gonna just talk about this solely on the toys point of view.

The posability of this figure is a real treat indeed...not to mention the very cool color scheme.. it is primarily black in color with minimal green metallic trimmings n highlights. It comes with a blaster/gun weapon as well as an "Energo Sword". Needless to say... i am a big fan of this particular mold.. there's almost nothing bad i could say about this figure.. except maybe the fragility of the chrome parts... especially the tanker. yet what's most fragile is the very same reason y this figure looks soo darn SCHWEET in vehicle mode..hehehe... It just looked awesome when u put black n chrome together :P

Robot Mode Comparison

Truck Mode Comparison

The comparison shots of all 3 figures of the same mold is a real treat indeed... I made a big mistake while i was taking the pics of them in vehicle mode... I didn't realized that the trailers all have different colors n motifs for their individual vehicle modes. It was already quite late when i took these pics and i was getting tired and sleepy. But frankly speaking..i thought they looked a heck lot more awesome all using Black Convoy's tanker...i'm sure u all would agree with me on this decision as well.. Right?? :p

Cheers!!!
N_M

Transformers G1 - Soundblaster

2007-10-14T18:16:00.002+08:00

Soundwave's Rebirth - Soundblaster!!!

Original G1 Soundblaster by Takara

"Soundblaster" is first introduced in the Jap "Headmasters" series as the rebirth of a destroyed "Soundwave" as a result of a one on one bash out with "Blaster" as seen in the video clip above. Since i wasn't a big fan of the jap series.. i don't really connect with this character at a personal level... But as a toy.. this figure RAWKS!!! This figure was first released in the late 80's, early 90's and was only exclusive to the Japanese toy line by Takara.. since the US line basically stopped when the US animated series ended in the 3 part series of the 4th season. Above is the original packaging of g1 Soundblaster by Takara.

Takara Reissued Book Cover Collection - Soundblaster

Soundblaster

Takara finally reissued this retooled figure of Soundwave aka Soundblaster in their "Book Collection" series and this figure was snapped up even faster than Soundwave. This figure is indeed a sweet figure.. Aside from the fact that he is a black repainted Soundwave... everyone, well at least for me heheh. Well as i was saying, aside from being a repainted Soundwave... it is slightly retooled at it's chest compartment/cassette deck that allow it to hold 2 cassettebots. This figure comes with "Ravage" and "Buzzsaw"

Soundblaster n Soundwave Comparison

There really isn't much different in terms of it's looks n playability.. but it is always fun to have a soundwave/blaster toy. Since Soundwave is definitely a fan fav among many G1 TF fans!!!

Cheers!!!
N_M

Transformers - G1 - Soundwave

2007-10-14T18:00:00.003+08:00

Soundwave Toy Commercial

Back in 1984 when i first watched the G1 Transformers cartoons... there were a few distinct characters that i was very interested in.. one of them being Soundwave. Not only does he look cool in robot form.. he's got cassettebots that shoots out of his chest compartment/cassette deck!!! What makes him stand out from the rest of the D-Cons was definitely his "Monotone" voice.

He is a regular fixture in the first 2 seasons of the US Transformers series and function as Megatron's right hand bot... perhaps second only to Starscream. His loyalty towards Megatron is unwavering thus making him one of Megatron's most trusted soldier.

Unfortunately by the 3rd season of the US animated series, Soundwave is hardly seen anymore throughout the season and he is no longer Megatron's Right Hand Man either. With the reformation of Megatron into Galvatron, both Starscream n Soundwave have been replaced by both Cyclonus, Scourge and the sweeps.

Soundwave Superior... Constructicon Inferior...

Soundwave is one of the G1 D-Cons to have survived from "Haskara's/Takbro's" decision to kill off the pre TF Animated movie of 86'. He appeared in the movie, and perhaps one of his most memorable scene is when Megatron ordered him to dispatch his Cassettebots to jam the A-Bots transmission as seen in the video clip above.

Transformers G1 Vintage - Soundwave

Transformers Book Collection - Soundwave

Transformers Classics - Soundwave

Transformers Encore - Soundwave

As a kid... i could never afford the bigger bots as they are way beyond my budget.. i would either have to save up like crazy just to get 1 toy.. or i would have to be a "Charity project" for my wealthier and luckier friends... Frankly speaking, i do remember having a "Soundwave" toy as a kid.. but as for how i got to have it in the first place... i simply could not remember anymore.

Soundwave

Anyhow... I manage to get Soundwave again years later in 2001 when a guy whom i just met in a toyshop mentioned that he's got tons of vintages in his collection and have no idea that they are worth that much. It was a very mint figure, i got a Blaster from the same person as well, and to top it off.. another collector whom i have bought all of his Beast Wars collection from, gave me a few cassettebots FOC as an incentive for buying such a huge lot from him...

Unfortunately, i had to sell off both my Soundwave n Blaster along with their Cassettebots due to a financial emergency in 2002.

CGI Soundwave by Iaconcity

Thankfully, a few years later Takara decide to do a series of reissued G1 vintage TF under the Book Collection series... At long last, i got my beloved Soundwave back in my hands, followed by a retooled and repainted Soundwave called "Soundblaster" under the same series.

Soundwave n Soundblaster Comparison

Depicted here are both Soundwave and Soundblaster with their cassettebots, Although Soundblaster was only reissued once under the Takara Book Cover Collection, Soundwave have joined the ranks of being a toy that's gonna be reissued to hell LOL. So far eversince the Takara Book Cover reissues... it had seen quite a few reincarnation since then. The latest reincarnation of it being reissued is the "Transformers - Encore" series by TakaraTomy.

I didn't bother to get yet another G1 Soundwave.. as i've already got it... so unless i am loaded and have nothing to buy.. i don't think i'll be getting an extra Soundwave fig. Although, i must admit.. it's pretty darn tempting to get it becoz it's in a G1 style packaging hehehe ;p

CGI War Within Soundwave by Iaconcity

Above is a CGI War Within done by Iaconcity inspired by Don Figueroa's "War Within" comic book series. The designs for this series are very creative to say the least and it's a real breath of fresh air to see TF's in the original Cybertronian mode... however this mode is very very different from the Cybertronian street lamp mode as seen in the very first episode of the three part episodes "More Than Meets The Eye".

Soundwave have been confirmed for TFTM-2 in 2009. So i guess it is very unlikely for Soundwave to be a walkman again.. so maybe something like the WW Soundwave would make better sense... what do u guys think??

Cheers!!!
N_M

Transformers - Armada - Starscream and Seekers!!!

2007-10-12T21:18:00.000+08:00

Screamer's Dilemma - Numb by Linkin Park

Starscream's Brigade

Transformers Armada marks the return of a G1 fan fav character on a regular basis... behold.. "STARSCREAM"!!! Sure, there have been toys named "Starscream" in the earlier toy series before "TF-Armada"... but none had depict him in his G1-esque glory. Screamer made an appearance in the Beast Wars US CGI animated series where he possessed poor old Waspinator's body.

The Video clip above featuring the song "NUMB" by "Linkin park" is perfectly made to reflect Screamer's dilemma in the TF Armada series... for those of u who have watched that particular series.. u'll know what i mean.. if u haven't watch it.. then u really should give it a try :)

Armada - Starscream

With the introduction of TF Armada - Starscream was finally reintroduced back into the Transformers mythos tat would somewhat closely resemble the G1 Starscream. In fact.. the TF Armada Screamer n Seekers mold are one of my fav Seekers mold of all time.Screamer looked awesome in thsi mold... but this mold is without it's flaws. I hate the fact that the back portion of the robot figure got a huge piece jutting out like a sore thumb. But aside from that... the figure is awesome.. posability is satisfactory... plus the wings placements just gives me chills.. especially if u r a hard core G1 fan like me. For once.. a Screamer/Seeker mold that looks awesome n anime accurate unlike the toy mold for the g1 Screamer n Seekers figs.

Armada - Thundercracker

Thundercracker, as it is named in it's box is actually Starscream in the TF Armada series. Screamer became blue in color resembling that og G1 Thundercracker in the second half of the TF Armada series called - "The Unicron Battles"... this is where the main cast of characters in the show changed in color. I guess this is "Haskara's/Takbro's" way of legitimizing the reasons for repainting the toys n pawning em off fans and children alike LOL.

Armada - Skywarp

Skywarp is the only seeker figure sharing a similar mold to that of Screamer n Thundercracker.. with the exception of a new head mold. I must say.. i love his head mold very much... but it's abit of a love hate kinda thing.. i would much rather see Skywarp as another repaint of the 2 earlier molds and use this new quasi "Trojan" head mold for the "Coneheads" of G1 aka, Thrust, Ramjet and Dirge.

That being said, This particular mold and figure is the most popular among the 3. In fact, Skywarp is actually short packed locally. back then... i had a choice of either getting extras of this Skywarp and that of the hasbro Commemorative Skywarp.. unfortunately..i chose to go with the G1 Commemorative series Skywarp and I've been regretting ever since.. as i love this particular mold very much.

TFU Ramjet

Pic Source - http://www.bwtf.com/universe/ramjet/

I missed out on a repainted version of this particular mold that was released under the Transformer Universe line... It is a white and blue repainted figure of this mold named - "Ramjet"... i'm still hunting for this particular figure up till this day... So if anyone of u out there got this piece.. gimme a holler :)

Cheers!!!
N_M

Transformers - Energon - Arcee's - Pt 1

2007-10-08T00:15:00.000+08:00

Transformers Vintage - Arcee!!!

Botcon Exclusive - Arcee!!!

Transformable Model Kit - Arcee!!!

Arcee - The only "Fembot" to be featured regularly in the US Transformer animated series. First made it's debut back in 96' in the TF animated movie. She was an instant hit with the fans.. sadly up till this very day, there hasn't been an original "Haskara/Takbro" Arcee figure that based fully on the G1 robot and vehicle design. Although the name "Arcee" was used once before as "Botcon" Exclusive for the Beast Wars series using a "Black Arachnia" figure as depicted above. A model kit of Arcee was produced by a fan that upon fixing it, looks exactly like the G1 vintage Arcee in the animated series and the figure is capable of transforming into her Cybertronian vehicle mode.

Behold... ARCEE!!!

With the introduction of the Transformers Energon series... fans went wild when an Arcee figure is finally made available on retail in mass production. Although this incarnation of Arcee doesn't transforms into the G1 vintage Cybertronain car mode... but seriously.. WHO CARES!!!

This new incarnation of Arcee as a "Biker Chick" drove fan bois everywhere Ga-Ga. This particular figure was short packed and it was snapped up by fans everywhere... i myself got about 8 pcs of this particular fig hehehe. I originally wanted to repaint em all to create my own gang of Cybertronian Biker Chicks gang LOL.

Arcee's Robot Mode

Arcee's Bike Mode

Arcee's Roll Call ( Left to Right )
1. TFTM - ( Blue Energon Repaint ) - Arcee.
2. TF Superlink by Takara ( Light pink ) - Ariel.
3. Toy Dream project by Takara ( Lime Green Repaint )- Paradron Medic.
4. Transformers Energon - By Hasbro - Arcee

Needless to say... u guys can see for yourself just how much i like this particular mold. Above are the various original repainted figures using the Energon Arcee Mold. These pics were taken about 1 1/2 mths ago, with the blue TFTM Energon repainted Arcee as the latest in my collection of this particular mold. However..i have just obtained the latest repainted version of this figure under the TFTM line. The figure is named "Elita-One". Most g1 fans would know that Elita-1 is the female consort of Optimus Prime and before she was Elita-1, she was Ariel.. just as Orion Pax was, before he became Optimus Prime.

TFU - Noghtracer

I will be updating this pic in the future..or perhaps feature them all individually on their own.. The only figure of this mold that i'm still missing is "Nightracer" from a supposedly TFU line.. i'm not sure if this figure was ever released or ever made it here locally... So, to those of u who might have any knowledge about the existence of this fig.. pls do gimme a holler :)

Cheers!!!
N_M

Transformers G1 - Powermaster Optimus Prime

2007-10-01T00:36:00.001+08:00

Ttansformers Powermasters Marvel Comics Commercial

The Powermasters is the 3rd incarnation of a concept that introduces human or Nebulan partners as an integral part of a Transformer. The first two being, Headmasters and Targetmasters which was introduced in the 4th season 3 part series "The Rebirth". The powermaster concept was never seen in the US animated series, however it was introduced in the US Transformers comics by "Marvel Comics" in the late 80's.

Transformers Powermaster Optimus Prime Commercial

Powermaster Optimus Prime - I first came across Powermaster Optimus Prime reading the Transformers comics by Marvel Comics back in the late 80's. Back then, the idea of Optimus Prime merging with his trailer to become an even bigger and more powerful Optimus Prime was refreshing.. but sadly, this concept have been repeated and abused to hell. Especially when newer incarnation of Prime seems to be a super wuss as he is always too dependent on merging with either his trailer components or another Autobot just to be a match with Megatron/Galvatron in battle.

Anyhow,Powermaster Optimus Prime never made an appearance in the US animated series but it did showed up in the Jap series of "Masterforce". The concept for this series is very Gundam-esque, as the bots r more like mindless exo-suits while the humanoid character is the one controlling the bot. The worst part is the introduction of very garish and ridiculous "Bangles" where the humanoid characters would be wearing em.. usually in both hands...and in order for the humanoid character to transmogrify into the "powermaster" exo-suit, he or she would have to bang both bangles together. This concept is highly off beat in my opinion. Especially when the bots lost all personalities of their own and instead serve as oversized exo-suits to the humanoid characters.

G1 Vintage Powermaster Optimus Prime

Ok, that's enuf bashing of the Jap "Masterforce" series heheh... as i am sure that there r those of u out there who loved it and would be coming after me with a machete if i continue to beeyotch on it LOL.

Now let's talk about the toy. As i have mentioned b4... i could never afford an Optimus Prime figure back in my childhood days. When i got the TF vintage bug, i went around frantically hunting for vintages and Optimus Prime was at the top of my want list.Unfortunately, back in 2000, there wasn't any G1 Optimus Prime available at all..i had to resort to go into chat rooms n ask around if anyone got one. I was told to go look for it on Ebay... and back then.. even a rag tag g1 prime cost a bomb, so u can imagine how much it would be after shipment charges.. ECKS!!!

I finally caught a big break when i saw the vintage Powermaster Prime in my fav toy shop. It was selling for RM600.00... that's roughly USD157++... I bought it in a heart beat. Thinking that i would be satisfied with this Powermaster Prime... but it's just not the same when it's not the original G1 Prime with trailer hehehe...

G1 Reissue Powermaster Optimus Prime

The second Powermaster Prime i got was around 2001/2002. This is a Takara reissue called "God Ginrai" which comes with another trailer/robot name "God Bomber". This figure would further push the idea of Prime merging with just his original trailer component, but he could also merge with God Bomber. Since i am not a big fan of the whole merging gimmick with God Bomber.. i didn't bother take pics of it here.. But perhaps i will in the future :P

There is another version of this reissued "God Ginrai" figure.. it is released as an Exclusive figure under E-Hobby. The figure is generally a bright orange version of this figure called - "Fire Guts God Ginrai". I have yet to add this particular figure into my collection.. i missed out on it back in 2003 and then again at 2004 and it's fricking expensive nowadays!!! If i were to get this figure..i would really have to save up for it :P

E-Hobby Nucleon Quest- Black Powermaster Optimus Prime

My third and most fav Powermaster Prime fig is this figure, an E-Hobby Exclusive figure named - "Nucleon Quest - Black Powermaster Optimus Prime". This particular is a direct black repaint of the G1 Powermaster Prime mold without God Bomber. This particular fig is definitely one of my Pride and Joy among my Optimus Prime collections. I'm pretty much a big fan of black repainted exclusive figures which i have affectionately called em my "Blackies" Hehehe...

Cheers!!!
N_M

Transformers G1 - Galvatron

2007-10-01T00:11:00.002+08:00

Megatron morphs into Galvatron!!!

Galvatron - The new and deadlier albeit less crafty leader of the Decepticon compared to Megatron... Kinda weird actually, considering that he looks a heck lot better than Megatron and supposedly more powerful as well because he was reformatted by "Unicron". yet he's not even half as clever and menacing as Megatron.. i guess this is why up till this day.. Megatron is a much bigger fan fav character compared to Galvatron. Perhaps his lack of ingenuity is to match the uninspiring lousy leadership of the new Autobot leader - Rodimus Prime.

Galvatron was introduced into the Transformers mythos in the 1996 Transformers anime movie as the new leader of the Decepticons. He's the product of Unicron reformatting him from the battered form of Megatron. He continue to make appearance regularly as the leader of the Decepticons in Season 3 and 4 of the US Transformers series as well as the Japanese "Headmasters" series.

The above video clip showcase 2 of the most memorable scenes in the history of Transformers in the 96' anime movie. The reformatting of Megatron into Galvatron by Unicron and the introduction of Cyclonus and Scourge and the Sweeps. It also shows the final demise of Starscream by Galvatron, when he blast poor old screamer into smithereens in his newly reformatted cannon form...

Ever since then.. almost all Transformers toy line would have a Megatron toy which will eventually be repainted in a different color scheme and be named "Galvatron"

Transformers G1 Galvatron Commercial (Jap)

Transformers G1 Galvatron Commercial (US)

Transformers G1 Galvatron Commercial (uk)

The above TV commercials for Galvatron are identical to the ones i have posted for my review on Ultra Magnus.

Anime Accurate Galvatron

With the reissue of G1 Galvatron, Takara decided to finally do Galvy justice by giving him his original anime accurate purple color scheme. This is indeed a treat for me and all the G1 fans out there... it is a long time coming for Galvy to be presented in it's original purple color and not the G1 vintage grey color scheme.

Below are both versions of the recently reissued G1 Galvatron's.. This time around, Takara released a G1 anime accurate color scheme for it's regular released Galvatron figure whereas the old G1 vintage Grey colored version is an E-Hobby exclusive figure. The only difference between these reissues and the Vintage figs are the extra diecast Autobot Matrix, which are actually quite heavy. it comes with a short chain where the matrix could be fixed to form a short medallion like chain to be worn by the Galvatron figure in robot mode. The E-Hobby version spots a green Matrix as opposed to the normal silver matrix on the regular released figure. The green matrix is supposedly the fabled "Decepticons Matrix of Leadership".

Galvatron Comparison Robot Mode

The first time i ever hold a vintage G1 Galvatron toy in my hand was back in the late 80's where a close friend of mine lend it to me. Back then i was like... WOW.. this is a very cool toy indeed...and it's BIG too.. n have electronics that gives out lights n sounds.. how cool is this toy??!!!

Fast forward to 2001... I manage to get a vintage Galvatron figure but it's crown in bot mode was chipped... I had to convince myself that my Galvy is a battle damaged Galvy heheh pathetic huh? But even back then, a Galvy with a chipped crown is worth alot.. bcoz most loose vintage Galvy is missing it's arm mounted cannon. Mine was complete..so it's still worth quite a few pretty pennies :P

But alas, i had to sell it off around 2002 due to financial problem and i need the cash for my college tuition fees. I had to sell off quite a few rare vintage TF's to do so.. up till this day..i am still aching over the fact that i had to sell off my vintages inclusive of Galvy. But thankfully i manage to get a junker Galvy around 2003 who is missing the cannon.. and finally in 2006, i got the reissued Galvy by Takara.

Galvatron Comparison Cannon Mode

Takara who is ever the smart toy manufacturer of Transformers.. Not only dis they reissued the much desired G1 "Galvatron" toy, they decided to make TWO of them!!! One, a G1 anime accurate pruple colored version and the second one a vintage grey color Galvy under the E-Hobby exclusive banner.. whereby catering to those who prefer either the grey vintage color or the purple anime accurate color... clever buggers... ever vigilant in milking the fans for every penny we r worth LOL

Cheers!!!
N_M

Transformers G1 - Ultra Magnus

2007-09-30T23:48:00.000+08:00

Diaclone: "Powered Convoy" Diaclone Ultra Magnus

Ultra Magnus - Like most of the G1 Transformers...especially in both Season 1 n 2, the toy mold belonged to a Pre-Transformers like by Takara called "Diaclone". Ultra Magnus is the last G1 TF toy that uses the "Diaclone" line toy mold called "Powered Convoy". he's also the only Season 3 Transformer whose mold belonged to the "Diaclone" line.

The TV commercial above is the Japanese commercial of "Powered Convoy".. apparently he's more of a drone figure rather than a singular figure as seen and used in the G1 series and mythos of the Ultra Magnus we all knew and so fond of.

Transformers G1 Ultra Magnus Commercial (Jap)

Transformers G1 Ultra Magnus Commercial (US)

Transformers G1 Ultra Magnus Commercial (uk)

Above are 3 different country based TV commercials of Ultra Magnus, each with it's own flair and style to inject excitement into kids who would be watching these toy commercials. Apparently, the commercials seems to depict him more as the new Autobot leader and paired him up with the new Decepticon leader - "Galvatron" in these commercials.

Vintage G1 Ultra Magnus

Ok let's talk a little bit about the toy and it's history. Ultra Magnus made his first debut in the 1996 Transformers animated movie and is supposedly pegged as Optimus Prime's choice as the new leader of the Autobots after his untimely demise. I think this is mainly becoz his design is the only "Prime-like" design among the new Autobots that were introduced in the animated movie. But an atrocity is being committed in the movie... "HotRod" basically stole Ultra Magnus thunder when he caught hold of the matrix first, as it was falling off Prime's dying hands. Nice going there Prime... u fail to mention this minor albeit very crusial information about the passing on for the Autobot's Matrix of Leadership hehehe. Magnus continues to make regular appearances after the movie in the US series in both Season 3 and 4. He also makes regular appearances in the Japanese "Headmasters" series...where he was killed off by Sixshot!!! Poor Ultra Magnus just can't get a break!!! LOL

Ultra Magnus's Robot Modes

Now let us talk about Ultra Magnus toy mold... Poor old Magnus is forever pegged as Optimus Prime's BITCH for all time.. till now. Because the front cab of the vehicle mode for Ultra Magnus is basically the same cab and robot mold of G1 Optimus Prime. The difference in with this toy mold is the fact that the trailer transform into the armor of Ultra Magnus where the Prime- like figure is snapped onto the transformed trailer body to complete the whole Ultra Magnus figure...

As a kid, i could never afford the bigger TF toys.. especially figures like Prime n Magnus. So when i started going G1 crazy back in 2000... I made up my mind to get all Prime n Megatron figures out there. Since Ultra Magnus cab mode basically transform into a white G1 prime mold..this make this figure a must have for me.

Ultra Magnus's Vehicle Modes

I finally got a chance to get a g1 Ultra Magnus figure in 2001. I manage to get the Exclusive Diaclone colored Ultra Magnus as well as the yellow crystal version - "Shinning Magnus" in 2003. I didn't bother getting the Hasbro reissue of Ultra Magnus in 2003 as like all Hasbro reissued G1 Prime mold, it's stacks are stunted...

Anyhow.. ever since Prime's cab is used as Ulttra Magnus cab and thanks to Dreamwave's effort in depicting Magnus as a white Prime and Prime's brother. Toys of Ultra Magnus are forever presented as a white repainted Prime and pegged as Prime's BITCH for all time..

The only Ultra Magnus figs that are out there now that are not of an Optimus Prime repaint is the repainted version of TF Armada's "Overload" as well as the 6" G1 Titanium Ultra Magnus. Rumor has it that next years Classics 2.0 / TFU line would have an Ultra Magnus toy that is of a completely new mold that is not a repaint of Prime... let's keep our fingers n toes crossed.. shall we?? :P

Cheers!!!
N_M

Transformers - Beast Wars Neo - Big Convoy's !!!

2007-09-24T04:01:00.000+08:00

Transformers - Beast Wars Neo Opening & Closing

Big Convoy's - Robot Mode

Big Convoy is tHe Optimus Prime of the Jap Beast Wars Series - "Beast Wars Neo". This had got to be one of the best "Prime" mold ever done. Not only is this figure befitting of being called a "Prime" or rather "Convoy" in the Jap series... the icing on the cake for this particular fig is the fact that it actually housed "The Matrix" inside it's chest compartment...making it the very first Prime fig with "The Matrix"!!!

Big Convoy's - Beast Mode

Since i have mentioned countless times that i am not a big fan of any completely Jap TF series... this is no different as well... I didn't bother to watch the series at all as i have had very bad experiences with TF series made by Japs.. the dialog are usually ABYSMAL!!! Hence i will be dealing with this particular character n toy solely based on the toy features alone and not the anime.

Transformation Instruction Sheet

Anyhow... ever since i first lay eyes on this particular figure in my local toy shop.. i went completely Ga-Ga over it!!! I bought my first original "Big Convoy" back in 2000 and was so impressed by it, i went on a hunt for the black version, aptly named - "Black Big Convoy". This particular figure is an Exclusive Limited Edition version of the original Big Convoy figure. It's color scheme is generally black with minimal gold trimmings n highlights. The third and final piece that i've obtained from the "Big Convoy" mold is a Transformers Universe version of this figure named - "Nemesis Prime" back in 2003. This latest addition is the only figure of this mold released by Hasbro under the TFU banner. Although it suffers from the usual Hasbro faults of suffering from loose joint syndrome... It doesn't bother me too much, especially when i am an "All Prime Collector" and this particular mold is one of my top fav Prime mold ever...

I guess it's safe to say that if there is any repainted or reissue of this particular mold/figure in the future.. I'll definitely be one of the first in line to snag it :P

I will feature these figure individually in the future to allow those of u out there a better look and understanding for my appreciation for this particular figure.

Cheers!!!
N_M

Transformers - Armada - Optimus Prime's Mold

2007-09-22T04:18:00.000+08:00

Armada Optimus Prime's - Robot Modes

Transformers Armada Optimus Prime. This Optimus Prime mold is perhaps one of my "Top Ten" most fav Prime mold ever!!! This Prime's mold is affectionately termed by the fans as "Bendy Prime". This is prolly bcoz it's one of the most posable Prime mold ever made. U can almost tell just how much i love this Prime's mold by the multitude versions of it that i have made a point to get. OK.. Roll call Time...

Top Left - Takara Exclusive "Nemesis Prime"
Top Middle - Original Armada - "Bendy" - "Optimus Prime"
Middle - Takara Exclusive Crystal version - "Optimus Prime"
Lower Left - TF Cybertron Reissue - "Optimus Prime"
Lower Middle - TF Universe - Armada Prime Repaint - "Ultra Magnus"
Lower Right - TF Armada Prime Repaint - "Nemesis Prime"

Armada Optimus Prime's - Truck Modes

Not much to say here except that i simply love this Prime's mold and i would buy em if it is being reissued and repainted another color again.. if that ever happens, i would have to add in the new comer into this already impressive brood of "Bendy Prime" :P

This mold is far better than it's much larger counterpart that comes with a trailer that allows the front cab Prime to merge into a much larger prime affectionately termed as "Fish face/head Prime" due to the Merman like features of the face and head. I will be featuring this Armada Prime mold in the future.

Cheers!!!
N_M

Transformers G1 - Sixshot

2007-09-14T03:29:00.003+08:00

Sixshot Toy Commercial

Sixshot!!!

Decepticon Sixchanger - Sixshot. Sixshot is perhaps one of the most sought after G1 toy that have the least show time in the history of the US G1 Transformers series. Even the lame ass Triplechanger "Broadside" beats him in air time... yet his impact in the toy series was more than enough to put him into the head of the pack.

Cyberducks in a Barrel

Sixshot first made his debut appearance in the 3 part Season 4 series entitled "The Rebirth"... and what a first impression he made. He single handedly downed all 5 of the Aerialbots by transforming into his 5 attack modes and then transforms back to his robot mode and uttered a pretty memorable one liner...

..."Five up, five down... it's like shooting Cyberducks in a barrel"!!!

I remember back in 2000 when i first caught the revival of the TF G1 bug... i went G1 huning on ebay like a mad man... and my top priority must have TF figure in my "To Get" list is none other than "Sixshot"!!! back then, even a rag tag beat up Sixshot with missing weapon commands atleast USD200... That's like around RM800.. and with shipping cost and what not.. this bugger could easilly cost atleast RM 1K!!!

But luckily..i held off long enuf until Takara dropped an unexpected bombshell. They went and reissued Sixshot back in 2002. No way in hell would i miss out on the chance of getting Sixshot in all it's mint and pristine condition. i went and grabbed 7 pcs of it. I literally depleted atleast 1/4 of the available stocks in my fav toy shop :P

Transformers Figure - (Takara) Sixshot (Clear) (Hyper Hobby Issue 43 Lucky Draw Exclusive 2002 - Limited To 10 pcs Worldwide.

Transformers Figure - (Takara) Sixshot (Black) (Figure King Issue 53 Lucky Draw Exclusive 2002 - Limited To 10 pcs Worldwide.

And for those of you who knows Takara oh so well...they would never let a sought after toy go "Un-Exclusived" and for that exact reason alone.. Sixshot was made into 2 very exclusive version.. One is a crystal clear version and the other an all black version.

Sixshot VS Magnus - Headmasters Series (English Dub)

OK.. now let us get back to his anime appearances. For his other NON-US series appearances. Apparently, he is quite a pivotal character in the Jap Headmasters series. In the Jap series he's more of a Ninja Assassin type of character where he could actually use a ninja-like skill to create mirror images of himself either in singular mode or all 6 modes. he even have a rather weird 7th mode where he kinda become a hodgepodge of all his other modes to make a weird winged wolf-cannon mode which simply doesn't make sense and would never make it into consideration with the US market. Above this paragraph is a clip dubbed in English where Sixshot is squaring off with Ultra Magnus. Now those of u who wonder y i do not watch the Jap TF series... Just take a look at the clip and listen to the dialogs and u will know why i would rather gouge out my eyes and stick red white barbeque's skewers into my ears before i would watch the any of the Jap Series. the Dialog is "ABYSMAL"!!!

Sixshot VS Magnus - Headmasters Series (Japanese Dub)

Now for those of you who prefer it all "NATURAL".. above this paragraph is the complete clip in Jap where Sixshot duke it out with Ultra Magnus and actually killed him. Poor Magnus, he just can't catch a break.. I mean, it's like Haskara/Takbro create his character just to have him dragged in the mud LOL..I mean, COME ON...he got cheated out of the matrix by Hotrod, he got blown to bits by the Sweeps in the Tf animated movie of 86' and got put back together by the Junkion. His toy is a mere repaint of G1 Prime cab section and thanks to Dreamwave's endeavor... He is forever seen as Optimus Prime's "BITCH" with him appearing as Ultra Magnus in a multitude of Prime's repaint from Armada to Masterpiece and even TF classics series...But nothing takes the cake better than being offed by "Sixshot"!!! Magnus is one sad bot LOL

Cheers!!!
N_M

Introduction

2007-09-11T00:24:00.000+08:00

Blinkyou.com

Hello everyone... first of all, let me introduce myself. I am known to my local Transformers Toy Collectors Community as New_Megatronia. I've initially tried doing a blog of my own dedicated solely to all things Transformers since last year. However due to a few reformatting of my PC and my short memory span, I've forgotten the password to my account and didn't figure out what it was till last night... Ok.. Now that i am back online... Let's Transform and Roll Out!!!

Challenge Of The Go-Bots

Transformers Opening Titles: Generation One Season 2

OK... I guess the beginning is always a good place to start, so lets start with what got me hooked on all things Transformers. Well, like all kids growing up in the 80's "Transformers" was the biggest thing on TV!!! My love for all things Transformers was first "Sparked" by oddly enough, before the debut of the "Transformers" series. It was the less interesting "Challenge Of the Go-Bots".

That was what got me interested in Robots transforming into vehicles initially. They were cool and all, but they were lacking what Transformers have... a sense of style.. a style that stood the test of time, Something Transformers did effortlessly. ofcourse, when Transformers debut in 1984, Go-Bots was blown right out of the water and into obscurity.

Well, everyone love the show.. even my older brother loved it and I often watch it with him when we were kids. But loving the show was 1 thing... loving the toys was quite another. I grew up in a below average income family, so such luxuries as owning a Transformers toy was out of the question... More stories of my childhood conquest with Transformers will unfurled in the future as i feature my TF toy collections... especially my G1 collections.

Well, as I was saying earlier... owning a TF toy as a kid was something I never really had, well...not in the sense that it was bought for me by my parents or even an Aunt or Uncle. All the TF toy I ever had were bought by myself because I saved up like heck on my own by selling odds and ends to the kids at the marketplace or at school. Ofcourse, that meant I could only afford the smaller TF toys.

My very first TF toy that i bought was "Red Alert"... But ofcourse i didn't know what his function was, I just think that he looks cool and that it's a Lamborghini that transforms into a cool robot. I think I bought it just to impress my older brother hehehe, what a kid would do just to get some attention LOL . Most of my bigger TF toys were all charity project of my richer friends who would pawn them off to me in exchange for certain tasks. Some would feel so sorry for my pathetic lack of a Transformers toy, that they would just never ask for the toys back that they had borrowed me. That's how pathetic i was LOL

To say the least... I never owned a Prime or Megatron toy as a kid as these r the bigger and more expensive toy that one would have to fork out at one go.. and if a Prime n Megs toy is beyond my reach...I can kiss my dream goodbye for ever owning even bigger toys like Omega Supreme...

Well... fast forward 23 yrs later... I now have got more TF toys then i would ever imagine owning and my obsession my all things Prime n Megs have also embarked me on a quest to get all the available Prime n Megs figures I could get my hands on.

On a final note..i am perhaps the only Transformers fan and toy collector in my community that's disabled and wheelchaired bound... That kinda gives the whole notion of "Transform and Roll Out!!!" a whole new meaning Hahahah :p

Well... that's it for now... I will be updating my blog periodically with all things TF related and TF FanFic will be featured at the following Blogs featured at the links provided at "New Megatronia's Direct Link" situated at the side menu of this Blog.

NOTE: This is purely a fan based blog and in no way is it used as a promotion for any kind of sales purposes. The images that are primarily mine would have been labeled with my blog add on it. Other related images that are not originally taken by me are obtained from various Transformers related sites to help makes this blog a little bit more interesting. Images which i have taken from these sites are all featured at my "Fav Transformers Link" section. Should there be any copyright infringement on my part, pls notify me so that i may remove the images as requested. Thanks

NOTE: I am NOT a member of any or do not have any affiliation with any local Transformers community unless it's under "New_Megatronia's Direct Link" at the side menu of this blog.

Cheers!!!
N_M

Transformers G1 - Triple Changer - Broadside

2007-09-08T02:06:00.002+08:00

Tripple Changer - Broadside Commercial

CGI Broadside by Iaconcity

Autobot Triple changer - Broadside. Ok guys, for the very first time i'm gonna talk about a G1 figure with literally not a single drop of enthusiasm at all LOL. This A-Bot Tripplechanger figure have only one word to describe it.. and that word is "SAD"!!!

Aside from the less than inspiring robot mode... the vehicle modes r just too mundane to be used in any scenario at all.. like how often do u get missions that involved the sea except for the episode "Atlantis, Arise".

Broadside - Robot Mode

Broadside transforms from a Robot to a Navy Carrier to a weird Jet Plane.. All of it's modes are very uninspiring and just doesn't make sense at all. Of all the G1 Triple changers, this guy is the Fugliest of the lot.

Broadside - Vehicle Modes

To say that this bot is "Mundane" is an overstatement... he only appeared a few times in Season 3 in the US series and fade into obscurity. The sad part is, his name was not even mentioned but rather recognized based on his appearance alone... Although most bots that never showed up in the US series eventually made it into the Jap Headmaster series.

All in all... i can't stress enough how mundane this figure is and the only reason any hardcore G1 fan would wanna spend money on this toy is for the sake of being a completist. Atleast, for the sake of completing the group of 6 Triple changers. Let's just say that this figure is like the kind of figures u would tell urself that u will only buy it when u've already bought the more interesting figures beforehand...or at least when u r out shopping for toys n there's nothing to get and u don wanna go home empty handed... this is the only time u would pick up this toy :P.. In fact.. that was precisely the reason this figure is even in my collection :P

Cheers!!!
N_M

Transformers G1 - Triple Changer - Springer

2007-09-08T01:39:00.003+08:00

Tripple Changer - Springer - Commercial

Autobot Triple changer - Springer. Springer made his debut in the TF milestone animated movie back in 86'. This is also the first time we've seen an A-Bot Tripplechanger in the show. Since all 3 of the D-Cons Tripplechangers have already made their debut in Season 2 of the TV series. Springer is pretty much a regular fixture all throughout the third season of the series replacing the cast of the regular A-Bots in Season 1 n 2.

There have always been somewhat of a sexual tension among Springer, Arcee and Hotrod throughout the 86' Animated Movie n 3rd season. I guess when the female population of Cybertron is so scarce..it's a free for all LOL

Dare To Be Stupid!!!

Anyhow, Springer made quite an impression with his debut.. he gave me the impression of a very strong warrior who's always ready for a good fight.. but instead of just busting in all guns a blazing like hotrod.. he's more of a calm and collective tactician but not uptight.His most memorable scene would be the fight scene with Wreckgar and the Junkions in Planet Junk.

Springer - Robot Mode

Springer - vehicle Modes

Ok, let's talk a lil bit about the toy. I gotta admit that Springer's toy mold is not really all that interesting.. aside for his vehicles form that looks anime accurate.. the Robot mode is not really all that interesting. But then again, we are talking about the 80's here and i think such designs would be considered state of the art back then.

CGI Springer by Iaconcity

Can't really say that he ranks among the top ten must have TF toy for me to have if i have to choose only ten to bring along with me to a desert island LOL... yeah that's clever.. bring toys instead of food when u r suppose to go to a desert island LOL

He's just one of those toys u just wanna have and own just becoz he's a pivotal part of the TF history and mythos.

TF Energon - Bulkhead/Sprung

Botcon 2007 Exclusive - Springer

Pic Source - www.Tformers.com

Springer's likeness was used in the 2003/04 TF series - Energon/Superlink. Although that character wasn't named Springer.. the Japs did named him "Sprung".. That's as close as it ever got to being named "Springer". Botcon 2007 also churned out a convention exclusive of Springer which was originally a repaint of Cybertron Defense Team Hot Shot.

Cheers!!!
N_M

Transformers G1 - Junkion - Wreckgar

2007-09-08T01:16:00.000+08:00

Wreckgar - Robot Mode

Wreckgar - Bike Mode

Junkion - Wreckgar. This is a character that makes his debut in the 86' TF animated movie as well and is the leader of a clan of long lost Transformer called the Junkion. The quirky character traits of the Junkions talks funny mainly becoz they learn to speak by watching TV. More on the Junkion society here - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Junkion

He was one of the most original and interesting characters from the TF universe in a very long time. I've always wanted to have this toy for a very long time and i finally manage to get this fig in 2003. Though it is not complete with it's weapons... but it is good enuf for me :)

86' TF Movie - Junkions Attack!!!

Weird Al Yankovic - Dare To Be Stupid

The most memorable scene in the 86 TF movie is when the Junkions attacked the Autobots who crashed landed in the planet "Junk", led by Ultra Magnus. This particular scene also featured the song "Dare to be stupid" by Weird Al Yankovic. Incidentally, the upcoming 2008 TF series aptly entitled "Transformers Animated" features the return of our beloved TV talking Junkion "Wreckgar" and he is incidently voiced by Weird Al Yankovic!!! Can't wait to see how the new Wreckgar will look like... i hope he still looks the same so that his toy will finally be an updated version of this rather mundane vintage version. G1 vintage will always have a place in my heart... but let's face it... we would much rather have all of our favourite G1 TF's remake with today's toy making technology and anime accurate. :)

Cheers!!!
N_M

Transformers G1 - Blaster

2007-09-08T00:47:00.000+08:00

Transformers G1 Blaster Commercial

Autobot - Blaster and Steeljaw. Of all the TF that I've owned in the past and the Re-issues that i own now... Blaster and Steeljaw are perhaps the two most most memorable Transformer toy to me. Hehehe it is so bcoz there's a rather shameful story behind it. Well i dunno about all of u richer and luckier kids who have parents n aunties buying u TF toys when u r kids... but i had no such luck... everything i owned..i had to fight tooth and claw for em on my own. For me... my story behind Blaster n Steeljaw having a deep impression in my life as a TF fan was that way back in the 80's when i got my Blaster and Steeljaw.... erm.. let's just say... "Dubious Ways"?? :p hehehe ok ok.. i stole it... I'm not overly proud of it... But it was a great feat indeed LOL It wasn't easy stealing such a huge toy from a department store.. but i manage to do it anyway ... and that was the first and last TF i ever stole as a kid :P

Ok... fast forward till 2001, i manage to get Blaster and all four of the basic Cassettebots from a guy i happen to bump into at a toy shop. The guy was intrigued that old TF toys are actually salable and that there r collectors who are willing to pay good money for it. But this guy is no longer a toy collector so i manage to get a heck lot of vintage stuff from him for a steal.. stuff including Soundwave and the Decepticons cassettebots and Devastator. Sadly..i had to sell em all off around 2002 due to an emergency for cash... i sold off alot of my vintage back then bcoz of this emergency...

Blaster - Takara - Book Cover Edition

Blaster - Robot Mode

Blaster - Beatbox Mode

Lucky for me, Blaster and Steeljaw got reissued once more by Takara in 2006, which was the last TF to be reissued under the book cover series.. E-Hobby also came out with a blue version of Blaster aka "Twincast". This particular figure is very very hard to find for some unknown reason. This is one of a hand full of E-Hobby Exclusives that is almost impossible to find. the other being the anime accurate colored "Astrotrain". Now that Takara have merged with Tomy to become TakaraTomy and have embarked on the "Encore" series, there is a possibility that it will be reissued again... Hopefully, this time around.. they would reissue the rest of the cassettebots as well.

86' TF - Movie Cassettebots Battle

Though Blaster was introduced in the G1 American series in Season 2... his cassettebots were only introduced in the 1986 animated Transformers - The Movie. and make regular appearances in Season 3.

Auto-Bop

My most fav episode featuring Blaster is the Season 2 episode - "Auto-Bop". In this episode, the humans are being hypnotized by Soundwave through club music. Blaster and Tracks along with a few street kids who are friends of tracks infiltrated the club where Soundwave is doing his sinister deeds... I can't believe that i just used the word "Sinister Deeds" LOL.. how 80's is that??!!! Anyhow... there is a scene where Blaster and Soundwave duke it out in a battle of sound.. gangsta style :) I've posted that episode on this blog entry just for easy reference :) NJOI!!!

Cheers!!!
N_M

Transformers G1 - Monsterbot

2007-09-08T00:21:00.001+08:00

Transformers Monsterbots Commercial

The Monsterbots - Doublecross, Grotusque and Repugnus are perhaps the most interesting Autobots ever and it's a shame that they were never introduced in the US cartoon series as well. I think theyr are introduced in the Jap Headmasters series, but since i am not a big fan of the Jap series...i'm not very sure about it :)

Doublecross transforms from robot to a two headed dragon, Grotusque transforms from a robot to a winged Sabretooth Tiger and Repugnus transforms from robot to a bug-like creature. I knew i had to have them when i first set eyes on them way back in the 80's. But i have only seen em in the small TF catalog pics that comes packed with every TF toy. Grotusque is my fav among the trio... although i am known for being a lover of dragons. So for a sabretooth cat like creature to actually wins my affection among the three with a double headed dragon among them says alot about the design of Grotusque.

Monsterbot - Robot Mode

Sadly... none of the Monsterbots i own are complete and Grotusque is missing both wings and his weapon. So in alot of way..i am still hunting for a complete version of Grotusque. I have myself an extra set of the trio, though they are more of a junker lot rather than proper figures... I'm keeping them in hand to maybe someday transfer their heads into a new body by way of kitbashing. But so far... none of the new lines of TF are as interesting in design compared to the vintages.

Monsterbot - Monster Mode

Don't get me wrong.. the new toy technology and the posability and articulation of the new TF figs are fun and all.. but they fail to capture the creativity and magic of the vintages. I'm kinda sick of construction vehicles, planes, tanks and sport cars... The good old days have interesting toys like Clones, Duocons, Doubledealers that actually transform into a different figure... and interesting monsters that transforms into cool transformers... I do miss the good old days :P

I hope that with the passing of the Transformers Classics line and the coming of the Classics 2.0 aka Transformers Universe line... more updated g1 figs are made and i would love to see a new take on these very cool Monsterbots... Recent TF toy lines did use the Mosnterbots names - "Repugnus" but sadly... it is nothing like the original Monsterbot at all.

Cheers!!!
N_M

Transformers G1 - Insecticons

2007-09-06T00:52:00.001+08:00

G1 Insecticons Toy Commercial

The Insecticons have always been my fav even way back when i first saw them in their debut episode - "A Plague Of Insecticons"... they look awesome!!! Shrapnel with his signature trait od repeating the last word in a sentence. Bombshell who is ever the mind bending psycho and the manipulative Kickback who is adept at controlling others through blackmail.. I vaguely remember owning all three of the show appearance Insecticons... I must have, bcoz i seems to know just how to transform em when i go them back in 2001.. OK OK.. that's hardly a testament to say that i did own em once LOL... After all, G1 TF's are simplistic in design n very easy to transform.. so it's no "Rocket Science" that i know how to transform em when i got them in 2001 LOL.

Insecticons - Robot Mode

Insecticons - Insect Mode

My fav among the three have always been a close tie between Bombshell and Shrapnel... but i am almost certain that i like Bombshell the most. His character is just so very intriguing.. and i love his ability to control minds with his "Cerebro Shell"... In a lot of way... i fancy myself as Bombshell LOL... the mind is indeed my playpen :P

However... I'm certain that I've never owned any of the "Deluxe Insecticons" - Chopshop, Barrage, Ransack and Venom. The designs of the Deluxe Insecticons.The Deluxe Insecticons are originally from a pre - Transformers line of toys by Takatokutoys called "Beetras" I will not go too deep into the history of these figures.. u can read more about them here - http://1500bc.com/pretf/beetras.html

The Deluxe Insecticons never made any appearance at all in the G1 cartoon series and i have never seen or hold them in my hands before until 2001. When i was on a crusade to hunt down all my fav G1 TF toys i never owned.. and the complete series of the G1 Insecticons are one of the must have Transformers toys i must have. When i finally got em in my hands, i was like a kid again... transported back to my childhood days when i can never afford to have all my fav TF toys.

Plague of Insecticons

Insecticons Clones

Now as u guys can see... I am indeed a crazed Insecticons fan based on the pics above. I have always been amazed by the Insecticons ability to create clones of themselves and my quest for owing a "Plague of Insecticons" began when i got my first set of the original trio back in 2001. I got myself an extra Shrapnel around the same time in a junker lot from ebay. Then in 2003 i got a great deal for the trio complete with their G1 vintage boxes. In 2004, Takara reissued the book cover edition of the Insecticons and added an E-Hobby Exclusive set of the trio. the E-Hobby Insecticons are repainted versions of the original and are introduced as the clones of the original Insecticons. Shothole - Clone of Kickback, Salvo - Clone of Bombshell and Zaptrap - Clone of Shrapnel. The book cover edition as well as it's E-Hobby counterpart comes with extra kibbles in the form of three "Energon Cubes" which are simply three pink rubbery cubes.

Insecticons Reformatted

The original trio also appeared in the 1986 animated Transformers - The Movie. However, it also marks the end of their insectoid existence and being reformatted by Unicron into Cyclonus and The Sweeps. Since there is no way to know who is the original Cyclonus and Scourge.. and who are Cyclonus's Armada and Scourge's Sweeps... i can only assume that the Decepticon being reformated in the foreground is the original while the ones in the background are the lackies. So... based on that deduction alone... Shrapnel and Kickback become Scourge's Sweeps while Bombshell become Cyclonus!!!

Insectoid TF's are introduced in other TF toy lines.. though they are much more sophisticated in designs compared to the vintage G1 Insecticons... they fail to have memorable personalities and roles on the show.. with the acceptance of an irritating Waspinator from the Beast Wars series.

Cheers!!!
N_M

Transformers Movie - All Spark Powers Figures.

2007-08-12T02:44:00.000+08:00

With the world hooked on Transformers Mania... Hasbro is churning out more TF movie toys, The upcoming "All Spark Powers" toys is the latest wave of TF movie toys that are a mix of repainted, retooled and completely new characters with new molds. The figs in this wave are - First Strike Optimus Prime, Cliffjumper, Landmine, Stockade, Desert Attack Brawl, Night Watch Optimus Prime, Incinerator and Evac.

I am eagerly waiting for these babies to hit the shelf as the bots designs are getting better as they are starting to look more like the bots we love and not really fugly bots from the earlier waves.

First Strike Optimus Prime is a repaint of movie rocker Prime that resembles G1 prime's paint job. Night Watch Optimus Prime looks awesome standing side by side the original rocker movie Prime... His color scheme kinda makes him look like Ultra Magnus.. yet another repaint... But this repainted prime is not introduced as Ultra Magnus. But frankly speaking..i don care what he's called... he could be called Arcee's geriatric grandfather for all i care..I'll still get this figure LOL

Pics of this wave of TF are available at - http://tformers.com/ig.php?mode=album&album=8197&dispsize=800&start=0

Cheers!!!
N_M

Transformers Animated - 2008

2007-08-12T00:29:00.000+08:00

With the whole world gone nuts over the whole TF mania, thanks to the recent CGI movie and the success of last years Transformers Classics line. Hasbro is bringing us "Transformers Animated" a new animated series that's slated for release next year - 2008 on Cartoon Network. The characters and designs of the bots in this series is heavily influenced by the G1 bots... with a twist.

I gotta admit that i was abit skeptical about the new look n animation style of this series. it's one thing to put the "Teen Titans" with this animation style, but to apply this style on robots...more accurately "Transformers'!!! I have been waiting for the past 6 yrs for a western based TF series since beast machines, bcoz i am seriously sick of the Japs take on Transformers since Transformers - R.I.D, bcoz the storylines of the series are very preachy and riddled with irritating kids.

Imagine my surprise when i saw the first released image of the new western take on Transformers entitled - "Transformers Animated". Prime looks like a mix between a Doberman and a Gorilla!!! Needless to say, there's a huge hue and cry over this new series look.

Transformers: Animated 2008 Preview

But everything changed ( well, atleast for me ) when previews of the upcoming series was released on this year's SDCC. The video clips above obtained from youtube are the previews released on SDCC. OK, upon seeing the previews, I must say... they don't look half bad in this very stylized "Teen Titans" look. But what caught my attention are a bunch of very interesting characters that actually makes me anticipating the debut of this series. The characters that appeared in this short preview clips are - G1 Arcee, Beast Wars Black Arachnia and the appearance of the g1 Dinobots!!!

Testshots pics obtained from www.Tformers.com

I am further convinced with the coolness of this series when Testshots of the toys for this upcoming series was released. I have to admit that i was wondering how on earth are the boys at Hasbro gonna pull off making the toys anime accurate and transformable. Boy was i blown away when i saw the pics of the toys at my fav TF news webste www.tformers.com. The toy figs looks awesome.... the toy pics gave us an idea that more G1 characters with an updated look.

Figs like Soundwave, The Dinobots and a sketch of a tripplechanger which is reminiscence of G1 Blitzwing and a bunch of other cool characters whose identities will be revealed in due time.

All i can say is... i am very very looking forward to this series as well as the toys that are gonna be released along with the debut of this new "Transfomers Animated" series.

More pix of the toys are available at - http://tformers.com/ig.php?mode=album&album=8198&dispsize=800&start=0

Cheers!!!
N_M

Transformers G1 - Dinobots

2007-08-09T19:10:00.000+08:00

Diaclone: "Dinosaur Robo"

Today's feature on G1 Tansformers are the "Dinobots" or rather originally known as "Dynabots" in the pre-earth Transformers - War Within series. The Dinobots are perhaps every Transformers toy collectors favorite.. I mean, what's not to like? it's made up of 5 of the most well known Dinosaurs... coming from the 80's when the kids are equally as nuts about Dinosaurs and Transformers... this was a match made in Cybertronian Heaven!!! Like most G1 toys... they very a repackaged and repaint of the japanese line of transforming dinosaurs toys called "Dinosaur Robo" by Takara. Thanks to Hasbro...these relatively unknown toys are being introduced to us in the Transformers Universe as the beloved "Dinobots".

As always, I'm not gonna go into too much details about the History of the Dinobots as u can prolly read em up in the multitude of sites on the Internet... In fact, here's a quick link to all things - "Dinobots" - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dinobots

Transformers G1 - Dinobots

Ok... now that that's out of the way, i will talk about my collection of Dino's in a more personal perspective. The Dinos depicted in my collection here are G1 Grimlock, G2 Blue Grimlock, G1 Swoop, G1 Sludge, G2 Red Snarl, G2 Green Snarl, Diaclone Slag, G1 Slag, G2 Red Slag and G2 Green Slag. I guess from this collection of Dinos, u can pretty much guess how big a fan i am of the Dinobots... hehehe

I'm still missing quite a few dinos if i truly wanted to complete my collection of all the Diaclone, G1 and G2 Dinos. I remember vaguely as a kid having all 5 of the Dinobots... but they were never as a set of 5. i think i had to trade em off so that i could atleast get to play with each one of them at a time. My fav was always Grimlock and Snarl... I'm a sucker for T-Rex n Triceratops LOL

It's kinda ironic how i used to play with my Transformers toys and kinda bash em against eachother and not bother about it other then the enjoyment of playing with em. Heck, i used to bring em into my parents bathroom during bath time and play with em in the bathtub LOL. Ofcourse this would end up in massive wear on the decals and a bad case of "Cosmic Rust" LOL. I never bother drying em off either after playing with em in the bath tub. A kid's imagination is boundless when u give him a toy and let him cut loose..I was one such kid with a little too much imagination for his own good LOL.

The first time the Dinobots made their debut in the G1 Tv series " S.O.S Dinobots", i was like frickin going nuts. There i was, glued to the Tv set watcing my favorite Cartoon series and they are introducing Dinosaurs into the whole Transforming mix!!! Grimlock, Slag and Sludge were the first 3 Dinos introduced in the show. Swoop and Snarl was later introduced in "War of the Dinobots". The Dinobots personalities are further explored in 2 more Dinobots based stories in "Dinobot island" and "Desertion of the Dinobots".

Best of Dinobots from Transformers the movie

A testament to their popularity is the fact that they survived the chopping block when the Transformers Animated Movie of 1986 literally almost kill off every Autobots that we've come to know and love in the first 2 seasons of the Transformers Tv series.

Unfortunately for the Dino's, they are not often featured in the post Transofmers animated movie (1986)... with the exception of Grimlock making regular appearances. But not as the arrogant and powerful leader of the Dinobots.. but rather as a comic relief for the whole of season 3 of the Tv series. In fact he was even made a genius in the episode - "Grimlock's New Brain" where he was responsible for the creation of the "Technobots' and finally returned to his dim witted state when he transfers his super intelligence to "Computron"

Grimlock even go so far as to save the universe when he helped destroy "Tornadron" a being made of pure energy.. supposely created as the successor of Unicron by an ancient being known as "Primacron" in the season 3 episode - "Call Of The Primitives" this is my favorite episode in the entire season 3 series.

The Dino's toys have since seen many reincarnations in the post G1 series... beginning with G2 repaints, then in Beast Wars as a character simply known as "Dinobot" in both organic and transmetal II form. Beast machines also came out with a sub-line of toys called "Dinobots". Transformers - Energon also released a show inspired version of the Dinobots, but only Grimlock and Swoop was released and they have the ability to merge into 1 bot. The Transformers Universe line also did it's endless repaints n renditions on some of the earlier Dino toys and finally.. Transformers Classics released a "Grimlock" toy that's a tribute to it's G1 counterpart albeit an updated look. But the other dinos were reduced into measly "Minicons"... However, the future of the Dinobots seems bright as the upcoming 2008 Transformers animated series aptly entitled "Transformers Animated" are bringing back the Dinobots in all their G1 glory. So far test shots of both Grimlock and Slag have been shown and they look awesome. Hope to see the other 3 dinos being made as well. if this is so, this will be the first time the Dinobots are being brought back to the TF universe as they are in an updated look!!! can't wait for that to happen LOL

OK folks.. That's all for now... until my next blog entry of my TF toy collection... Till All Are One!!!

Cheers!!!
N_M

TF - Cybertron / Galaxy Force - STARSCREAM!!!

2007-08-09T19:05:00.000+08:00

Ok guys, lets get the ball starting with me sharing my thoughts on my TF collections... and who better to start with but my favorite Transformer character of all time... "STARSCREAM"!!!

I have always been a big Screamer fan since it's G1 appearance.and none have captured his sneaky characteristics better then the late original voice actor of G1 Screamer - "Mr Chris Latta". His screachy voice is quite hellish to imitate as u would prolly sound hoarsed if u were to continue trying to imitate his voice.

Anyhow, Starscream's character and designs have always been a favorite of mine and that love for all things Screamer became even more fanatical when "Dreamwave" released the "War Within" series which dealt with the stories of Transformers before they crash landed on earth. the designs were awesome... Especially the seekers designs. They were reminiscence of the G1 cartoon cybertronian pyramid shaped seekers as seen on eps 1 of the Transformers cartoon series. The designs for the look of the pre- earth Transformers designs falls on the shoulders of a talented young comic book artist named - "Don Figueroa.". This design is later produced under the 6" Titanium line. But i won't talk about that here now..:)

The reason why i love TF GF/Cybertron's Starscream as my fav figure and the 1st toy i choose in my collection to talk about is... This is actually the very first Starscream figure that's been made to look some wHat similar to that of the "War Within" Screamer/Seekers designs.

The robot mode looks very impressive and majestic, very befitting of the character that is Starscream.The Cybertronian jet mode is just as impressive. Sadly, the toy in it's robot mode suffers from the lack of articulations on it's arms. It's simply a case of "Style over Substance"...i guess the later lost out. But no biggie to me.. i can live with a minor sacrifice on such an awesome looking toy design.

Honestly, i much prefer this deluxe sized Screamer rather than the super sized
"Supreme (King) Starscream"... I find that figure too cumbersome.. but a sweet mold nonetheless....and paying homage to his 1986' animated Transformers - The Movie, "Starscream's Coronation" look is a real treat to many TF fans out there... especially those who grew up and loving all things TF from the 80's

The Starscream toy depicted here is the "Takara" version... I never got the "Hasbro" version as Hasbro's release of the toy was actually released much later, and i simply couldn't wait that long for em to release the figure. The "Starscream and Vector Prime" 2 pack was never made available here in Malaysia as well. It is often very unpredictable over here for us TF fans and collectors. We are never sure if we will get certain so called "Store Exclusive" figures from Hasbro.. But that is never the case with Takara's TF's. There is a 100% certainty of obtaining them here, especially the E-Hobby figs.. But ofcourse when the local Hasbro destributors do bring in some unexpected figures... it is snapped up really really fast.

One such figure to look out for is the re-painted MP-03 TakaraTomy's Starscream to it's original anime accurate colors by Hasbro. Since this too is a "Store Exclusive" toy, we are not sure if we are getting it here locally.

Ok then, that's it for now... i am almost certain that i will be talking a heck lot more about Starscream since aside from the multitude of toy versions of Prime and Megs that i collect... Screamer also belonged to my category of must have figure to have...and i mean every single version i could get my hands on :)

So until the day i post another toy pic of Screamer and talk about how engrossed i am with it...

..Till All Are One!!!

Cheers!!!
N_M

Transformers G1 - Constructicons - DEVASTATOR!!!

2007-08-09T18:58:00.002+08:00

Diaclone Construction Robo Commercial

Transformers Devastator Commercial

Transformers Devastator G2 Commercial

OK, let' get the ball rolling on talks about my Transformers toy collections. Now, from the very beginning when this blog was set up... I've made up my mind that i would not be making a very formal "Review" of my toys... I wanted to talk about them casually and perhaps some in depth personal views n memories that may be connected to them.

Transformers - Devastator's debut!

I would like to start things off by talking about the most loved G1 Decepticon Combiner/Gestalt of all time, "The Constructicons" - "DEVASTATOR" -!!!

The Constructicons like most of the G1 Season 1 and 2 Transformers are from a pre-Transofrmers line of Japanese toys by Takara known as "Diaclone". When hasbro bought the rights for these toys and re-introduces them to the world as "Transformers"... Hasbro have unknowingly started a rich history and fan base spanning over 20 years and enriching new generations of fans and collectors of Transformers!!!

The Constructicons are made up of six Decepticons, They are - Scrapper, Scavenger, Longhaul, Mixmaster, Hook and Bonecrusher. Each transforms into construction vehicles and trucks. They first made their debut in the G1 animated series "Heavy Metal War".
The history behind the extistence of the Constructicons are somewhat screwed up in the animated series.

- First of all, They were introduced in Season one as being created on earth by the Decepticons in a secret temporary base.

- Then they were introduced in the Season Two episode, "The Secret of Omega Supreme" as friends of Omega Supreme who got reprogrammed by Megatron into Decepticons with the use of a reprogramming device called the "Robo Smasher" and was given a the ability to merge into "Devastator". Omega Supreme is hell bent on exacting revenge on the betrayal of the Consructicons for destroying "Crystal City", supposedly the most beautiful city in Cybertron, which was originally under the care of Omega Supreme.

- Finally, they were later revealed to be the maker/creator of "Megatron" before the great war with the Autobots. it was never really explained except for the scene where the Constructicons were putting together a robot in some laboratory and the end product was the birth of "Megatron". This would have contradict with the history of their first appearance in season one.

Such were the abundance loopholes and mistakes that the G1 series were riddled with throughout the existence of the show.. I guess back then, quality control wasn't that tight on cartoons... They probably think that it's no "BIG DEAL", since it's just a cartoon.

When the US Transformers series ended after Season 3 n 4... Hasbro tried to revive the toy line by introducing "Transformers - Generation 2". It is generally just a rerun of the G1 series with a touch of tech to it and CGI opening credits. With it, toys are being released under the G2 banner and the Constructicons are being repainted yellow in color in this G2 version.

Well, that's enough with the History lesson... you guys can probably read more in detail about the Constructicons in the net. In fact.. here, u can go read all about them here - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constructicons

Dreamwave Constructicon / Devastator

Now, Let me share with u guys my memories related to "The Constructicons". Like i said before in my earlier posts, I was brought up in a below average income family and most of my TF toys are either bought by myself or charity projects of my much richer and luckier friends. Devastator was perhaps the very first combiner TF i "ALMOST HAD"... noticed that i said "Almost HAD" and not "HAD". Reason behind it was, thoough it would have been the only combiner i could afford on my own as they are completely comprised of 6 small Transformer toy unlike the other combiners that come with a 5th bigger deluxe sized toy. Since the other combiners only have 5 figures in a set.

Though they were much easier to afford... i still had to save up like hell for em and have to get em one at a time. U see... i was one of those kids who love their toy so much that i had to bring my toys to school with me. I mean, I've already had 5 out of 6 constructicons and i had finally saved enough to get the 6th figure that would allow me to build "Devastator" Ofcourse i was excited.. i mean, WOULDN'T YOU???

I remembered that day well, I had packed in all 5 of my Constructicons into my school bag and couldn't wait for school to end. When it did finally end, i left my school bag outside of my classroom and rushed off to the sundry shop just across the street from my school. I went and got my 6th Constructicon and was happily making my way back to school and to my school bag. But i was about to have a very BIG and BAD surprise!!! When i got back to school and went and open my schoolbag to put in my newly acquired toy. I realized that all the other 5 Constructiocns were GONE!!! Someone had stolen my other 5 Constructicons!!! I was very upset to say the least and completely gave up any hope of ever having a complete Devastator.

yet somehow, I remember finally owning one towards the end of the 80's. I'm not quite sure how. memories of it are somewhat fuzzy. I remember distinctly that i did had a "Devastator" becoz i gave away a huge plastic bag full of Transformers toy in 1990. The show had ended by then and so had the comic book. I was moving on with cooler and more grown up stuff. I got hooked on Comic book collecting and went from Transformers to X-men Mutants!!!

G1 Constructicon Team

Constructicon Techspec & Instruction Sheet

Anyhoo... Fast forward to 2001, i got addicted again with Transformers and this time, i was hell bent on getting all the G1 Vintage i never had or had given up a decade ago. Devastator was obviously my prime target.

I guess in a way, the universe is making up for all the crap i was handed out as a kid and decided to make good in paying it back to me generously. Because by the later half of 2001, i manage to get my hands on a bunch of G1 TF which also includes a complete devastator for a really low and affordable price. I got em from someone i bumped into at a toy store who didn't know that there are people out there who are interested in his old toys!!!

But by 2002... i was once again forced to give up my beloved Vintage Transformers due to a dire need to pay my college tuition fees. Once again, i bid adieu to my TF's which includes "Blaster" n "Soundwave" along with almost all of their "Cassettebots".

But then again, fate smiles my way and i manage to get my hands on an even newer vintage Devastator for an even cheaper price than the one i had sold off to pay my tuition fees. Then another Devastator from another collector who's giving up vintage Transformers. All in all, i would have almost had 5 Devastators with me if my first wasn't stolen and the 2nd being somewhat fuzzy in my memory!!!

By 2002-2003, "Dreamwave Production" has turned the world of TF fans into a pack of marauding wolves, gorging up every single available copies of "Transformers" comics in the market. There was a time when "Transformers" comic books are not obtainable locally at all, due to some distribution issues. I actually have to obtain mine from Singapore!!! They were scalped to hell locally... Heck, i still got tons of extra copies of em LOL.

It was also around this time that the Vintage TF toys are making a comeback, being first reissued by Takara as the "Book Cover" series and later joined by Hasbro releasing the "Commemorative" series. But the vintage Constructicons were never released till this day. Though the market is flooded with an exact size Bootleg version of the Constructicons, available as a gift set.

War Within Constructicons - Designed by Don Figueroa

Don Figueroa, the talented comic book artist of the - "Transformers War Within" series designed a new look for the Constructicons Cybertronian modes for the comic book series and i must say, they do look WICKED!!!

Now if only they would make a Transformers - War Within toy series and finally make a "Devastator" set that would do us proud and sends us clawing and biting our way just to get one to satisfy all of our hunger for the most loved Decepticon Transformers Combiner of all - "DEVASTATOR"!!!

Cheers!!!
N_M