Tag: Transformers

Transformers Masterpiece Bumblebee

Hasbro finally released another Transformers Masterpiece. This time the G1 Bumblebee.  The Transformers Masterpiece Bumblebee Figure does an amazing job or capturing the robot from the cartoon. This line always does a nice job and that’s why I have been waiting for a Mirage figure for so long(I bet that figure is hung up in licensing issues) I found this bad boy at Toys R Us. Its nice they let them use the VW Bug for Bumblebee. I will probably pick up this one pretty soon. I have seen the Takara version on eBay for a bit, but I am always worried about picking up a shoddy Chinese bootleg. So the best way to make sure I get the real thing is to get it from Toys R Us.

Comparing this to the original release is just sad. The original G1 Bumblebee came in red and yellow, I actually really disliked that set of original mini vehicles. They looked cheap and poorly made. The design was crap. That’s why I never purchased any of them in the 80’s. As a character, I just hated Bumblebee too. He was so irritating. But now I guess he is just part of my nostalgia. If I get any Bumblebee figure its this one. I took the pictures a month or two ago, but have been too lazy or busy to post it. But here it is!

Transformers Masterpiece Bumblebee 2017 Hasbro MP 08 with Spike Witwicky Autobot front of box

Transformers Masterpiece Bumblebee 2016 Hasbro MP 08 with Spike Witwicky



Bumblebee Masterpiece 2017 Hasbro MP-08 with Spike Witwicky Generation 1 Autobot G1 Generations

Bumblebee Masterpiece 2016 Hasbro MP-08 with Spike Witwicky Generation 1

On the same visit also saw the Fortress Maximus from the Generations series which is just a huge 22″ figure, but it should be for $150. Since I am not planning to put up a post on it or buy it, here is a quick pic. Its actually a pretty cool robot. I would be pick it up if I had the space.

Transformers Fortress Maximus Generations Hasbro 2017 with Emissary and Cerebros Titan Class Autobot front of box

Transformers Fortress Maximus Generations Hasbro 2016 with Emissary and Cerebros Titan Class Autobot

Toy section at Lab – a Electronics retailer

When in Japan, you walk. A LOT. My feet hurt every day I was there. That is probably why people seem much thinner in Asia, everyone walks.  I was only there for 5 days, so you kinda try to make the most of it. Lab was another electronics store within walking distance of the hotel. It had about the same stuff. But near the elevator was a wall of gashapon. Some of it was kind of hentai – ish. I did not know that was a thing. Anyway literally walls of gachapon machines. Dave was buying a certain line his sister liked. According to my cousin, this was a small collection of machines. I can’t imagine a large wall of machines. Lab Electronics is a good place to buy the latest greatest robot toys. They have the most popular hits but you will not find any obscure toys here.

A wall of gachapon machines at Lab electronics - gashapon (ガシャポン) or gachapon (ガチャポン) refer to variety of vending machine-dispensed capsule toys popular in Japan and elsewhere.

A wall of gashapon machines at Lab

バンダイ ジュウオウキューブ/ジュウオウジャー Doubutsu Sentai Zyuohger DX Cube 10 Zyuoh Dodekaioh at Lab Japan 2016 Gattai

Doubutsu Sentai Zyuohger DX Cube 10 Zyuoh Dodekaioh at Lab Electronics Japan 2016

The Doubutsu Sentai Zyuohger DX Cube robots are an interesting bunch. Blocks 123 and 456 create their own robots on the right. Blocks 1 through 10 make the larger robot on the left.

バンダイ ジュウオウキューブ/ジュウオウジャー Doubutsu Sentai Zyuohger DX Cube 10 Zyuoh Dodekaioh Japan Gattai

Doubutsu Sentai Zyuohger DX Cube 10 Zyuoh Dodekaioh Japan Gattai

SOC Soul of Chogokin Daitarn 3 Lupin Ranma Arcadia バンダイ 超合金魂

Ranma, Lupin, Arcadia SOC Soul of Chogokin Daitarn 3

I was planning to buy a few Soul of Chogokin Tryder and Daitarn from Lab Electronics, but I ended up finding some really nice older pieces at Mandarake. Which is really what I wanted to do.

Autobots Transformers Masterpiece Delta Magnus Combiner Computron 2016

Autobots Transformers MP-31 Masterpiece Delta Magnus Combiner Computron UW-08 2016

The Combiner Computron was an interesting piece because the packaging looks just like the US packaging with Japanese characters. Shinkalion was in all the stores and it appears to be a very popular line of toys right now.

シンカリオン 新幹線, 変形 Shinkalion E5 Hayabusa & Komachi E7 Kagayaki E3 Tsubasa 05 Takara Tomy Plarail robots at Lab Electronics front of box

Shinkalion E5 Hayabusa & Komachi E7 Kagayaki E3 Tsubasa 05 Takara Tomy Plarail robots at Lab Electronics



Shinkalion Takara Tomy 2016 Bullet Train Plarail back box at Lab Electronics シンカリオン 新幹線, 変形

Shinkalion Takara Tomy 2016 Bullet Train Plarail

ROBOT魂 The Robot Spirits Tamashii Nations Bandai Arcadia Super Robots at Lab Electronics 2016

The Robot Spirits Tamashii Nations Bandai Arcadia Super Robots at Lab Electronics 2016



ROBOT魂 Robot Spirits Tamashii Nations Heavy Metal Auge Vifam Aura Battler Lab Electronics 2016

Robot Spirits Tamashii Nations Heavy Metal Auge Vifam Aura Battler Lab Electronics 2016

I was a little surprised to see the Aura Battler Dunbine figure. I didn’t think the series was very popular. At least not enough so that they would release new versions.

Sunstorm – Transformers G1

Sunstorm - Generation 1 Decepticon 2003 eHobby Japanese ID number: 89 (サンストーム Sansutōmu)

Sunstorm Generation 1 Decepticon 2003 eHobby

 

Here’s the last of the Decepticon jets – “Sunstorm.”  This was never issued originally with the G1 robots in 1984 even though he appeared in the first episode of the Generation 1 cartoon.  I think I have all 7 of the Seekers now, unless there are others I do not know about. The Hasbro Masterpiece Sunstorm just came out, but the colors are awful. This will be the only Sun-storm in my collection, unless they make a nicer one.

This is another one I got in Akihabara, Japan. This appears to be made by e-Hobby a store affiliated with TakaraTomy that has made several exclusive Transformers redecos.

Sunstorm(サンストーム Sansutōmu) - Generation 1 Decepticon 2003 eHobby Japanese ID number: 89

Sun-storm – Generation 1 Decepticon 2003 eHobby

 

Jazz Action Masters 1990 Hasbro

The Generation 1 Jazz Action Masters figure by Hasbro in 1990 is another attempt to make a figure that is more true to the cartoon. It does a pretty good job. It’s not amazing, but it is a nice try. I think the size at 3.75 inches limits how accurate the figure is to the source material and  the manufacturers were forced to  limit the proportions/size based on packaging constraints. If the figure were made half an inch to an inch larger, they could probably have added much more detail and gotten the proportions right.  So all the figures from the Transformers Action Masters line are almost exactly the same size and proportions. Shockwave is my favorite robot from this line. The Jazz figure is just another solid addition. Like the previous post for Wheeljack, Jazz lacks the correct proportions if you really want to capture the cartoon, but this appears to be the style of line.

Jazz Action Masters 1990 Hasbro Transformers Autobot Generation 1 G1 front side of robot

Jazz Action Masters 1990 Hasbro Transformers Autobot Generation 1

 

Jazz Action Masters 1990 Hasbro Transformers Autobot Generation 1 G1 back side of robot

Transformers Jazz Action Masters 1990 Hasbro Autobot Generation 1


Wheeljack Action Masters 1990 Hasbro

Here is the Wheeljack Action Masters in 1990 from Hasbro. The Action Masters line did for the first time, what no other line had done so far. Not only did they not transform, but they also reintroduced several of the core Generation 1 robots. It was nice to see these robots again in another form.

I am a big fan of Wheeljack, but not for this figure. I really wanted to like this one, but for reason it just does not look or feel right to me. The proportions seem really off when you compare him to the cartoon. He should have a wider chest and have more bulk all the way around. He looks too skinny for me. While the Action Masters line is meant to reflect how the robots look in the cartoon, they really missed on this one. The newer figures from the Classics line do a better job of depicting Wheeljack than this one. This is still a solid representation and seems to be the style of this particular line, but this is just ok for me when I really wanted it to be amazing.

 

WheelJack Action Masters 1989 Hasbro Transformers Autobot Generation 1 G1 front side

Transformers WheelJack Action Masters 1989 Hasbro Autobot Generation 1

WheelJack Action Masters 1989 Hasbro Transformers Autobot Generation 1 G1 back side

Transformers WheelJack Action Masters 1989 Hasbro Autobot Generation 1

Shockwave Action Masters 1990 Hasbro

The Shockwave Action Masters is a robot in the line of Transformers that does not transform(weird right?) and is meant to look like the robot in the Generation 1 cartoon. The nice thing about these robots is they really do look as close as any toys to their source material. Many of the Generation 1 robots look nothing like the cartoon. The Megatron figure comes to mind. The Hero Mashers Transformers line in 2014 reminds me of the Actions Masters, except the Mashers are larger and more posable. Shockwave is about 4 inches and looks like he just jumped out of the cartoon. Some of the colors are off, but it really does not hurt this figure. This Shockwave is a bit beat up, so no poses as it can barely stand. It is leaning on the back of the cabinet. I need a nice minty new one so I can see if they can pose and stand without issues.

I picked up Shockwave at a local comic book store. They had a bunch of loose Transformers and I had never seen the Action Masters before. They looked super cool and I really liked the idea. I am surprised it took them 5 years to get around to it.

Transformers Shockwave Action Masters 1989 Hasbro Decepticons front side of loose figure

Transformers Shockwave Action Masters 1989 Hasbro Decepticons

Transformers Shockwave Action Masters 1989 Hasbro Decepticons back side of loose figure

Transformers Shockwave Action Masters 1989 Hasbro Decepticons



Toys R’ Us Exclusives to check out

Ok so I know I haven’t posted anything in a while and I still have plenty of robots to post. But I have found some pretty cool new exclusives from Toys R’ Us you should check out. They have a huge 18 inch Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Devastator which just looks amazing! I only had a few of the original robots from the Devastator set, but if I was going to get one now that would be the one. The only issue I have with it is the price $169.99(its cheaper at Walmart for $143). It looks a lot better than the original one in the 80’s so I might just give in and pick it up.

Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Devastator Figure Set Decepticons Hasbro 2015 box back

Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Devastator Figure Set Decepticon Hasbro 2015


Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Devastator Figure Set Decepticons Hasbro 2015 box side

Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Devastator Figure Set Decepticons Hasbro 2015

They also have a Transformers Platinum Edition Optimus Prime Figure and Transformers Platinum Edition Soundwave Figure. I don’t really care for these as I do not really like clear plastic figures. These are two matching clear figures if you like the whole translucent look. I am not a fan. The only thing really exciting about these are the accessories: Decepticon Frenzy figure, Buzzsaw figure, Laserbeak figure, Ravage figure, Decepticon Rumble figure, 2 Quake Hammers, Megatron mini-figure.

Age of Extinction Platinum Optimus Prime With Trailer & Sideswipe 2014 front of box

Age of Extinction Platinum Optimus Prime With Trailer & Sideswipe 2014


Age of Extinction Platinum Optimus Prime With Trailer & Sideswipe 2014 back of box

Age of Extinction Platinum Optimus Prime With Trailer & Sideswipe 2014

There are a couple of Masterpiece figures. The Transformers Masterpiece Bluestreak Figure is pretty sharp. I am considering picking that up. But a pre-order for Transformers Masterpiece Starscream Figure coming out in October is what I am really waiting for(Sorry it sold out on the site and stores! I never got one, but I did get the Bluestreak). I do not have any pictures of these as I have not seen them at the store, but I hope to see them soon!


Age of Extinction Platinum Optimus Prime With Trailer & Sideswipe 2014 box flap up

Age of Extinction Platinum Optimus Prime With Trailer & Sideswipe 2014

Found Platinum Prime was still at Toys R Us June 2016. Guess its not that popular or just too expensive. So I added a few pictures without the security clip on the box and now you can see the toy itself in the picture above.

Slusher Car Polyfect Toys

Here is another Polyfect robot, the Slusher Car. The names for these are so bad I don’t know what to say.  So far I have put up the robots Construction, Tornadonumber, and now Slusher Car from good old Polyfect Toys. That last one is just terrible. I really wonder who came up with these names. Was it the one guy at the company that knew English or what? I mean when I read that, I see Slushee Car.

This robot took forever to figure out which robot it was a copy of. I love the mystery this presents. After digging, this is the Transformers Sixbuilder Micromaster in 1992 from the Generation 1 series. At first look, I do not particularly care for the color scheme. Design wise it does remind me of Devastator a little bit, but more solid(which I like).  Especially the wing on the chest. So it may grow on me. While the colors really throw me off, there is a version of Sixbuilder comes in Devastator green that I would pick up. If you are going to make a knock off, you could at least try to improve it by using  a better color scheme. At this point I cannot say it will ever grace my display shelves. It is 6 robots that combine into one, so if each robot transforms it may be fun to play with. I can bring it to work and transform it on my desk when I am bored.

 

Polyfect Slusher Car  based on the Transformers Sixbuilder (Micromaster, 1992)  Japanese ID number: TF-01

Slusher Car Polyfect Toys

Anyway, it is hard to beat the cheap fun of a combiner Transformer for $5.99. Checkout your local Dollar Store for one of these cheaply made plastic robots.

 

Polyfect Slusher Car  based on the Transformers Sixbuilder (Micromaster, 1992)  Japanese ID number: TF-01

Slusher Car Polyfect Toys

Polyfect Slusher Car based on the Transformers Sixbuilder (Micromaster, 1992) Japanese ID number: TF-01

Polyfect Slusher Car

 

Epic Optimus Prime Transformers Rescue Bots 2014 Playskool Heroes

I don’t really care much for the Rescue Bots line, but the big robots have a special place in my heart. This 22 inch robot reminds me of the vinyl 2 foot Jumbo Machinder/Shogun Warrior robots of the 70’s(I wish this thing had shooting fists so bad!). Those are some of my favorite robots. That and this is probably the biggest Optimus Prime ever. What Transformers fan wouldn’t want one of those? Well Toy R’ Us has them for $12.98 on their site now just in case you want one. I bet they still have them at the store.

Epic Optimus Prime Transformers Rescue Bots vs Optimus Primal Transformers Rescue Bots 2014 Playskool Heroes

Epic Optimus Prime Transformers Rescue Bots vs Optimus Primal Transformers Rescue Bots 2014 Playskool Heroes

Next to the Epic Optimus Prime is the Optimus Primal from the Rescue Bots line. The 22 inch Optimus is much more impressive in comparison and as I write this I am more and more tempted to buy one. As I have limited space, I am trying to resist as best I can. Playskool Heroes also has a Star Wars line that is really cool. Their Millenium Falcon and X-Wing ships are pretty nice.

Toys R Us clearance Epic Optimus Prime Transformers Rescue Bots Transformers Rescue Bots 2014 Playskool Heroes

Here is the Epic Optimus Prime on the Toys R Us clearance aisle two weeks ago surrounded by his brothers. It reminds me of the scene in Toy Story with stacks of Buzz Lightyears.

I think my only problem with the Epic Optimus robot is that his arms and legs are hollow in the back. It makes it feel like a façade rather than a fully fleshed out robot. The chest is a compartment so that part and the head are the only parts that are not hollowed out in the back. But for $12.98 it is not a terrible buy and it is likely the best piece you will ever see from the Rescue Bots Transformers line.



Transformers Bumblebee Bot Shots 2012

Bot Shots made it right to my local Tuesday Morning and Ross store. I don’t see them at the regular stores like Walmart and Target, just the discount stores. So they must not be very popular. They are cute little robots and I hate to say it, but they look better than the original Generation 1 line of Mini Vehicles. The snarky little grin on Bumblebee’s face almost makes me want to pick this up. If they have a Starscream with this grin I’m sold. Too bad I have never seen one. I would not mind seeing other robots in this line, but this is the only one I have seen. I am guessing I will not see more of this line due to its piddling success.

Bot Shots is a game like Rock, Paper, Scissors. Fist beats sword, Sword beats blaster, Blaster beats fist.

You shoot the robots at each other as cars and the emblem on the chest will show Sword, Fist, or Blaster if it transforms.  If your Bot does not transform and the other does, you lose by default. If there is a tie, the highest number on the chest is the tie breaker.

Bumblebee Bot Shots Battle Game

Bumblebee Bot Shots Battle Game 2012

I guess I wouldn’t mind getting these free, but otherwise I am not really that hot on what I have seen so far.

Bumblebee Bot Shots Battle Game 2012

Bumblebee Bot Shots Battle Game 2012


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