Transformers Archives - Page 2 of 6

Jetfire Generations 2014 Leader Class 30th Anniversary

Con October 6, 2014 Hasbro, Transformers No Comments

The most amazing Transformers robot to come out in years, just showed up at my local Toys R’ Us(For me, feel free to dispute my claim. I am partial to planes.). I am a huge fan of the new Generations Jetfire, which puts the “Thrilling” in the Thrilling 30th Anniversary of our favorite robots. The robot looks amazing as a robot and a plane, but the robot form takes the cake. I have been waiting months for this robot to come out and I have not been disappointed. Jetfire looks pretty darn close to his G1 roots as a robot. Which is great as the original Generation 1 toy looked nothing like the cartoon. It was based on the Takatoku Toys Macross VF-1S Super Valkyrie which I have and love(it is one of my only 1980’s Valkyries), but was disappointed as well. It was not until the Classics Jetfire Transformers Voyager line in 2006 that we actually received a Jetfire robot that remains true to the show. It only took 20 years. So if you do not want to throw down the dough for the 2006 Jetfire(which is a great piece, this is an awesome alternative).

Jetfire comes with a few accessories a missile launcher, arm cannons, turbo thrusters, and removable battle helmet. My favorite is the helmet. It makes him look a little like the old Macross Valkyrie, but with it off he looks like the G1 robot we have all been waiting for. The thrusters and arm cannons give him weapons and the thrusters are nice as they remind me of on the ones on my original Jetfire G1 robot. I do not really care for the metallic red on the thrusters and guns, but it is more of a matter of taste as it does not really detract from the robot itself. If you are as excited about Jetfire as I am, you can buy him from Amazon here.

Jetfire Transformers Generations Autobot 2014 Leader Class Skyfire Hasbro 30th Anniversary

Hasbro Jetfire Transformers Generations Autobot 2014 Leader Class Skyfire 30th Anniversary

Hasbro Jetfire Transformers Generations Autobot 2014 Hasbro Leader Class Skyfire 30th Anniversary. Jetfire aka Skyfire (スカイファイアー Sukaifaiā) and Jetfire (G-2, ジェットファイヤー Jettofaiyā) in Japan, Tin Fo (Hong Kong, 天火, "Sky Fire") Cantonese and Tīen Hǔo (Taiwan, 天火, "Sky Fire")Mandarin in China, Bolide (Canada, "Meteor"), Aquila ("Eagle") Italy, and Jacto (Portugal, "Jet").

Jetfire Generations Hasbro Transformers Autobot Hasbro 2014 Leader Class Skyfire 30th Anniversary

Jetfire Transformers Generations Autobot 2014 Leader Class Skyfire 30th Anniversary. Jetfire aka Skyfire (スカイファイアー Sukaifaiā) and Jetfire (G-2, ジェットファイヤー Jettofaiyā) in Japan, Tin Fo (Hong Kong, 天火, "Sky Fire") Cantonese and Tīen Hǔo (Taiwan, 天火, "Sky Fire")Mandarin in China, Bolide (Canada, "Meteor"), Aquila ("Eagle") Italy, and Jacto (Portugal, "Jet").

Jetfire Generations Transformers Autobot 2014 Leader Class Skyfire 30th Anniversary

I haven’t purchased Jetfire, but I am sure I will have one soon.

Transformers Age of Extinction Grimlock Evolution 2-Pack

Con July 31, 2014 Hasbro, Transformers, Transformers No Comments

This is a pretty nice Toys R’ Us exclusive. The Transformers Age of Extinction Grimlock Evolution 2-Pack comes with a classic Generation 1 like Grimlock based on the classic 1984 cartoon and the Age of Extinction 2014 version from the movie.

If you don’t want to pay big money for a G1 Grimlock, here is a cheaper option you can pick. I do not have Grimlock yet, so it is an option I am thinking about. I have been eyeballing the dark blue Generation 2 Grimlock as my cousin already has the G1 version. But what I like about this one is that the head is not a teeny weeny wee little thing like the original Generation 1 release. The new Grimlock looks really nice, but I haven’t gotten around to seeing the movie yet. So I do not have any attachment to it like I do for the G1 Grimlock redux.

Transformers Grimlock Age of Extinction Evolution 2-Pack 1984 Generation 1 version and 2014 front box cover Foreign names-Japanese(グリムロック Gurimurokku), French La Menace, Italian: Tiran, Drago, Korean (그림록 Geurimnok), Mandarin Gāng Sǔo (鋼鎖, "Steel Lock"), Portuguese Trancoso, Grunhido, Implacável, Spanish: Ferozaurio

Transformers Grimlock Age of Extinction Evolution 2-Pack 1984 to 2014

Both robots change to Dino mode or into a tyrannosaurus rex.

Transformers Hero Mashers

Con July 21, 2014 Hasbro, Transformers No Comments

When I found the Transformers Hero Mashers at Toys R’ Us, I almost picked them up. I find these robots very appealing as they are faithful to the Generation 1 cartoon. This is one of the better Generation 1 renditions of Megatron. The original G1 robot form was so poorly done, I have never wanted to add it to my collection. I wish they had concentrated on the robot form instead of how it looks as a gun. The Optimus Prime Generation 1 robot was always the cream of the crop. Awesome looking robot, looks great as a truck.

I may pick up the Megatron, Starscream, Optimus Prime and Bumblebee. I find the Megatron and Starscream are the best looking figures in the bunch followed by Bumblebee. I love the Starscream as you can see the smirk on his face or Megatron the sneer of disgust. It brings back so many good memories. The size is perfect for display or just playing around with your kids. The only fault I see is that the robots do not transform. But they are not meant to be transformed. You are supposed to pull them apart and mix up the body parts like Mr. Potato Head. Imagine Megatron Prime or a mashup of Grimlock and Optimus?

The Hero Mashers offer a fun option for G1 collectors who want robots that look more like the original cartoon, than their original G1 counterparts in the 80’s or just a great way to get your kids love the Generation 1 Transformers as much as we did. I am glad they came out with these instead of another reissue.

Hero Mashers 2014 Hasbro Megatron, Optimus Prime, Starscream, Bumblebee

Hero Mashers asbro 2014 Grimlock Springer Drift

Hero Mashers Hasbro 2014 Grimlock, Springer, Drift

The Optimus Prime is also pretty sharp too, but they have so many decent versions of him out there. A good Megatron or Starscream figure is much more appealing as it is harder to find cartoon faithful rendition of those figures. I am sure several of these will fill a happy space in my collection.

Platinum Series Year of the Horse Optimus Prime & Supreme Starscream

Con July 14, 2014 Hasbro, Transformers, Transformers No Comments

I found these Platinum Series Optimus Prime & Supreme Starscream at the local Toys R’ Us. Both are repaints of previous releases, which is disappointing. You would think on the 30th Anniversary, they would provide us with some new products. I don’t care much for the gold grill on Optimus Prime, but it is a marvelous piece aside from that. I really do not understand why some robots are re-released in gold versions. They all look terrible.

I went through all my robots and found out I do not yet have a G1 version of Optimus Prime. I am sure they will issue another 2 or 3 in the next 5 years so I can wait. I am tempted to save up and buy the Transformers Optimus Prime 20th Anniversary Figure as I feel it is the best Optimus G1 figure I have ever seen.
Now the Starscream I am thinking about picking it up. It looks great as a robot and the ship it turns into reminds me of the Ark. Looks like this is a shared exclusive with Big Bad Toy Store. They are both nice pieces, but the boxes are so big. I am reluctant to add a piece with such a large box. I am sure if I had the space, I would have them all.

Platinum Series Year of the Horse Optimus Prime 2014 30th Anniversary

Platinum Series Year of the Horse Supreme Starscream 2014 30th Anniversary

Robot Super Trucks Kickback Insecticon bootleg

Con May 22, 2014 Transformers, Transformers No Comments

Robot Super Trucks - Trucks to Robot - Robot Heroes get ready to roll out! Transformers Kickback Insecticon Decepticon bootleg robot

Robot Super Trucks – Trucks to Robot – Transformers Insecticon Kickback Decepticon bootleg robot

I found Robot Super Trucks in Fatima Portugal. Thought it was interesting enough to post. It’s a Kickback Generation 1 Transformer bootleg Insecticon with a different color scheme instead of the typical purple and black. Glad to know the old molds are still being put to use. Sorry the images are sideways. I can’t figure out how to rotate them on my phone.

Anyway this is the Robot Super Trucks. I figure this maybe an Autobot reference. I can see a few of these on eBay occasionally, but it is hit or miss. Maybe Takara sold the molds for some extra cash. I kinda wished I had picked this one up.

These robots do not look half bad for knockoffs. I am just not a fan of the colors or I would own this now. I am kind of kicking myself for not picking this one up.

Robot Super Trucks - Trucks to Robot - Robot Heroes get ready to roll out! Transformers Insecticon Decepticon bootleg robot Kickback

Robot Super Trucks – Trucks to Robot – Kickback Transformers Insecticon Decepticon bootleg robot

Beachcomber Generation 1 Hasbro 1985

Con April 19, 2014 Hasbro, Transformers, Transformers No Comments

Here is your Robot of the Week! Beachcomber from the Generation 1 Transformers mini vehicles. So if it looks like I am doing a run of G1 mini vehicles, you would be correct. I will probably eventually do a run of Go-Bots from Generation 2 and Machine Robos when I get around to it. So Beachcomber is a pretty cool little robot. Stands good, you don’t have to extend the legs(like Bumblebee and Cliffjumper) which can cause issues down the line if you transform these baby’s long enough. Blue and gray work pretty good colorwise for this little dune buggy. It is a simple design, but simple can take you a long way when you got a nice looking dune buggy and decent looking robot as options. The transformation is simplistic as well, but it’s nice as I have done it about 3 times while writing this little blurb. The dune buggy mode reminds me of a Lego car. The pieces mold tightly together and you would hardly know it was a Transformers robot if not for the Autobot sticker on the hood. It’s a nice Generation 1 robot that really would not cost you much to add to your collection loose.

Beachcomber Generation 1 Autobot Hasbro 1985

Gears Generation 1 Transformers Hasbro 1984

Con April 12, 2014 Hasbro, Transformers, Transformers No Comments

Gears is a cool little mini vehicle is a nice design and easy to transform. Since you don’t have to extend the legs, he stands a lot easier than say Bumblebee and Cliffjumper from the same collection of G1 mini vehicles. Mini vehicles in general are simplistic robots in form and transformation, but that makes them a lot of fun. I find myself transforming them back and forth as I take pictures, write about them, and research more about these pieces. This one is in pretty good shape except for the Autobot sticker. It’s not too bad in either robot or truck form.

Gears Generation 1 Autobot Hasbro 1984

When these came out in the 80’s I really didn’t care much for them. I only came into them recently in auction lot of which now makes up the bulk of my G1 Transformers. This line of robots really remind me of the Gobots or Machine Robo. I find the original Japanese Machine Robos superior in packaging and design. They transform easier, you can keep them in their original packaging, and they look good both as robots and vehicles. Because of these similarity and the fact that I don’t care if I break them, I find them just as fun. This is probably my favorite one to play with so far. =)

Cliffjumper Generation 1 Hasbro 1984

Con April 3, 2014 Hasbro, Transformers, Transformers No Comments

When I first got this one, I was like nice. I have Bumblebee! It really looks like Bumblebee from the cartoon since I have the yellow version, but it is the wrong car. Bumblebee is a Volkswagon Bug, not a Porsche Turbo. The face really looks like Bumblebee though. While looking this up with Bumblebee I realized I had Cliffjumper and I mixed the two up. Hasbro made the choice to have Cliffjumper in red and yellow as a way to make the toy line look bigger. I dunno, six cars in the Mini Vehicles line is good enough as far as I can tell.

Cliffjumper Generation 1 Autobot 1984 Transformers Mini Vehicles

Cliffjumper Generation 1 Autobot 1984 Mini Vehicles

I enjoy the little guy as it is easy to transform. Not too stupid looking, but they could have put a little more effort into the hands and arms. Anyway figure since these Bumblebee and Cliffjumper both transform the same way and I confused the two, they will my Robot of the Week this week. Cliffjumper’s legs are a little loose after transforming him over the years. So the joints on the arms and legs are a bit loose and he does not stand or pose as well as he used to.

Cliffjumper G1 Generation 1 Hasbro Mini Vehicles 1984 car form front

Cliffjumper G1 Transformers Hasbro Mini Vehicles 1984 car form

Bumblebee Generation 1 Hasbro 1984

Con March 30, 2014 Hasbro, Transformers, Transformers No Comments

Bumblebee was always one of the more irritating Transformers characters. Always getting in trouble and doing stupid things. Like having an little brother that keeps bugging you all the time. Usually you see him in his standard yellow as a Volkswagon Beetle. As the initial line did not have enough robots. Some of the mini vehicles came in the two colors red and yellow. My Bumblebee comes in red. There is nothing complicated about transforming the robot to a car. It is a simple, fun design. I could see why it would be a popular toy back then and even now.

Bumblebee Red Mini Vehicle Volkswagon Beetle Generation 1 robot 11 C-56

Bumblebee Generation 1 Transformers red mini vehicle Hasbro 1984

I always find these interesting tidbits as I explore my robots and Dave’s. I bought this in a lot in auction. I never would have picked this up on its own. But it is nice having these robots to fill out my Generation 1 collection as I found out I have more Generation 2, Beast Wars, Machine Wars and other later series. I have a really small G1 collection. That being said I never really cared about these robots in the 80’s. but I enjoy them much more now as an adult and my daughter enjoys transforming them too.

Bumblebee Red Mini Vehicle Volkswagon Beetle Generation 1 diagonal 11 C-56

Bumblebee Generation 1 Transformers red mini vehicle Hasbro 1984

Bumblebee Red Mini Vehicle Volkswagon Beetle G1 car back 11

Bumblebee G1 Transformers red mini vehicle Hasbro 1984

Twincast – Transformers G1 Takara 2012

Dave February 8, 2014 Takara, Transformers, Transformers 2 Comments

Twincast with Nightstalker and Stripes G1 Encore 22 Takara Tomy 2012 Transformers Autobot Generation 1 Japanese ID number: C-116 1987 Foreign names Japanese- Broadcast(ブロードキャスト Burōdokyasuto), English- Billy, Blaster (Omni Productions dub Twincast), French- Tempo, Italian- Radiorobot, Audiobot, Digital (Twincast), Portuguese Rajada (Gust), Dinamitador, Spanish- Bill, Plato, Platon

Twincast G1 Encore 22 Takara Tomy 2012 with Nightstalker and Stripes

Here’s a Japan-only issue of Blaster redone in blue and yellow -named as “Twincast.” I bought this because I didn’t have any of the Autobot tapes. I thought he was worth it for 80 dollars since he came with two of the Autobot tapes. I’ve also included a picture of Blaster for comparison.

I have finally taken him out of the box, along with the two tapes that came with him (“Nightstalker” and “Stripes.”) I never had any of the tapes as a kid and I’ve casually looked for them online but they are so expensive for what they are – I usually see them for about 30 dollars each! So, I decided to buy this encore, Japan-only re-issue to get Twincast and two tapes. I believe there are 10 Decepticon and Autobot tapes.