Transformer of the Day for July 13, 2009
DEMOLISHER
-Faction: Decepticon
-Era: Generation One (1984-1992)
-Function: Warrior
-Motto: “As You Command”
-Notable Toy: KB-Toys Exclusive (Hasbro, 2004)
Notes: Whatever the era, Megatron needs a toadie. In G1, it seemed as though Shockwave and Soundwave fought over the title. In Robots in Disguise, Sky-Byte wanted to be in his leader’s good graces, while in Beast Wars, Scorponok wanted to be his main man. And who can forget Animated’s Lugnut? In Armada, Demolisher seemed to want to earn the title. Of course, the best rendering of him was in his green, Autobot phase, before he was transformed into a constucticon in Energon.
Transformer of the Day for July 12, 2009
QUICKMIX
-Faction: Autobot
-Era: Armada-Energon-Cybertron (2002-2006)
-Function: Builder
-Motto: “For a Society to Stand Tall, You Gotta Build the Foundation Sound”
-Notable Toy: Cybertron (Hasbro, 2006)
Notes: Quickmix has more than a passing resemblance his Generation One Targetmaster namesake. Same transformation, similar headsculpt and colours, and even his minicon, Stripmine, resembles one of G1 Quickmix’s targetmaster partners, Boomer. That said, the notable difference is the placement of the cement mixer, which, for Cybertron Quickmix, serves as his right hand. Still, you cannot go too wrong with a mixer for a hand. Or a club if need be…
(Apologies and thanks to tfu.info for the images.)
Transformer of the Day for July 8, 2009
JETFIRE
-Faction: Autobot
-Era: Armada-Energon-Cybertron (2002-2006)
-Function: Tactician
-Motto: “You Can Fall Alone or You Can Fall Together”
-Notable Toy: Ultra Powerlinx (Hasbro, 2003)
Notes: Jetfire is an odd character in that his transformation mode seems to devolve over the course of the Unicron trilogy, going from immense space shuttle with mini-con, to smaller star hopper, to earth-inspired military transport. That said, it is still a hard choice to determine his best toy. The Cybertronian bomber is such a perfect vehicle, particularly when dudded up in his Sky Shadow spy colours, but there is something that draws me to his space shuttle mode from Armada, particularly in his Powerlinx colours. Either way, he’s a win!
Transformer of the Day for July 6, 2009
RED ALERT
-Faction: Autobot
-Era: Armada-Energon-Cybertron (2002-2006)
-Function: Medic
-Motto:“All Life Is Precious“
-Notable Toy: Deluxe (Hasbro, 2005)
Notes: While the cartoons were and remain dreadful to watch, what attracts me to the Unicron Trilogy remains the incredible Playstation video game subtitled “Prelude to Energon”. The graphics and the characterization in the video game was vastly superior to what was on the screen. And I always enjoy playing as Red Alert. That said, it’s the original Cybertron release that takes the cake for me. Somehow, it just works much better than the earlier Armada effort.
(Apologies and thanks to ign.com, shmax.com and bbts.com for the images.)
Transformer of the Day for April 29, 2009
OPTIMUS PRIME
-Faction: Autobot
-Era: Armada-Energon-Cybertron (2002-2006)
-Function: Leader
-Motto: “Freedom is the Right of All Sentient Beings”
-Notable Toy: Crystal Prime (Takara, 2003)
Notes: It’s high time we had another crack at Optimus Prime and I can think of no better example than “Bendy Prime”, brought to us during the Armada years. Truth be told, Armada is a terrible cartoon for which I do not care. However, some of the toys are really nice and Optimus Prime is lucky enough to be one of them. Be it the deluxe version (or his many repaints, like the crystal version shown above), or the Leader class edition that comes with an automatically transforming trailer, Prime rules!
(Apologies and thanks to shmax.com and bbts.com for the toy images.)
Transformer of the Day for January 8, 2009
TIDAL WAVE
-Faction: Decepticon
-Era: Armada-Energon-Cyberton (2002-2006)
-Function: Ocean/Space Transport
-Motto: “Tidal Wave”
-Notable Toy: Energon Repaint (Hasbro, 2004)
Notes: Despite his size, he is a minor character in the cartoon. Despite his size, he somehow combines with Megatron/Galvatron to form a super weapon. Despite his size, he can be overlooked… until you seem him transform in the Activision Game “Prelude to Energon”. It’s only then that you get it. Somehow he just seems right in “arctic” colours.
