Transformer of the Day for August 29, 2009
BLURR
-Faction: Autobot
-Era: Animated (2008-2009)
-Function: Elite Recon
-Motto: “Eat My Dust, Decepticons”
-Notable Toy: Deluxe (Hasbro, 2008)
Notes: Question: Is Blurr the only Transformer to actually die in Animated? Oh, I know there were plans for his spark chamber to survive the trash compactor to which Shockwave delivered him, but that’s off-camera. Anyway, it’s nice to see him show up in the new show and leaves us hungry for the upcoming Hot Rod... er… Rodimus… and hoping for a Kup one day.
Transformer of the Day for August 20, 2009
SLUGSLINGER
-Faction: Decepticon
-Era: Armada-Energon-Cyberton (2002-2006)
-Function: Aerial Combat
-Motto: “I Rule The Skies”
-Notable Toy: Deluxe (Takara, 2004)
Notes: The Doctor Mindbender of the Unicron Battles, Slugslinger is possibly the first transformer to arrive with a monocle. He’s also a pretty fun homage to his G1 predecessor. He kind of makes you wonder what kind of targetmaster an Energon toy would have used. Although his body was used for the exclusive Airazor (and proposed as the body for Devcon), he has not been subsequently reissued. And that is a shame.
Transformer of the Day for July 7, 2009
OIL SLICK
-Faction: Decepticon
-Era: Animated (2008-2009)
-Function: Anarchist Road Warrior, Chemical Warfare
-Motto:“Fear is My Ally”
-Notable Toy: Deluxe (Hasbro, 2008)
Notes: Oil Slick wasn’t intended to show up on Transformers: Animated, and only made a brief appearance as part of Team Charr in Transwarp. But what an appearance! As a peg warmer in the Animated Line, you have to think that his television appearance will help move the upcoming repaint, which will be more show accurate. In the meantime, let us bask in the glory of peg-warmer Oil Slick.
Transformer of the Day for June 14, 2009
OMEGA SUPREME
-Faction: Autobot
-Era: Animated (2008 - 2009)
-Function: Last Line of Defense
-Motto: “None Shall Pass”
Notes: Let’s not even pretend. Omega Supreme needs more than a Leader class to even do him justice against the Transformers: Animated Activators. He’d also be a great way to put together an official release for Sari. Yes, Omega really needs to get himself made, and we really need to have more Transformers: Animated. Maybe Shortpacked is right… maybe desperate times do call for desperate measures!
In the meantime, Saturday mornings are just not the same. 
Transformer of the Day for June 13, 2009
SPITTOR
-Faction: Decepticon
-Era: Animated (2008 - 2009)
-Function: Warrior
-Motto: “Hungry”
Notes: It’s hard to resist a giant space-based alien frog, and yet, there’s Spittor. So much more effective than his Robots in Disguise namesake, here is a big dumb Decepticon who somehow still manages to lay waste to his enemies. A big lumbering soldier to have in one’s corner, I have no idea how one could even begin to repaint this one. I just want one!
Transformer of the Day for June 12, 2009
RED ALERT
-Faction: Autobot
-Era: Animated (2008 - 2009)
-Function: Medic
-Motto: “This Won’t Hurt a Bit”
Notes: If there was ever a reason to create a brand new animated figure, it’s Red Alert. With elements of both the Generation One and Armada characters, she somehow remains distinct and fresh. Worst case scenario, I suppose she could be modified from a Blurr, but in this case, I gotta argue that she’s really worthy of a new construction. After all, we always need new medibots!
Transformer of the Day for June 11, 2009
SCRAPPER
-Faction: Decepticon
-Era: Animated (2008 - 2009)
-Function: Builder
-Motto: “Pass the Lubricant”
Notes: Like Mixmaster, Scrapper is really in it for the oil. And yet, unlike his bulkier comrade-in-arms, he still stepped up when Sari needed reinforcements to rescue the Earth-bound Autobots. It’s hard to imagine what figure could really do Scrapper justice, although I am sure a talented kitbasher could give a Blitzwing a whirl.
Transformer of the Day for June 10, 2009
HOT SHOT
-Faction: Autobot
-Era: Animated (2008 - 2009)
-Function: Sharp Shooter
-Motto: “Can’t Keep a Good Bot Down”
Notes: One of the charms of Transformers: Animated is the use of characters from different eras. Hot Shot is probably one of the best known characters from Armada-Energon-Cybertron, and his appearance incorporates both his classic yellow and later blue appearances. Given his recent Universe 2.0 appearance, it’s not surprising he didn’t make the cut for a toy version. Given the bulkiness of the original mold, you could almost use a recoloured Armada Hot Shot to bring to the party.
Transformer of the Day for June 09, 2009
SLIPSTREAM / “SUSAN”
-Faction: Decepticon
-Era: Animated (2008 - 2009)
-Function: Strategist
-Motto: “Appearances are Deceptive”
Notes: First, let me say how cool it is that Jim Sorenson was able to create an official name for Susan. That said, never was I more upset at Botcon 2009 than when the Hasbro panel responded to my inquiry on her with such derision. Because my view is that Slipstream represents Starscream’s competence and strategic sense, and worthy of a plastic rendering of her own. A slight tweak of the Voyager Starscream outta do it. Now stop dissin’ her Hasbro and get going!
Transformer of the Day for June 8, 2009
WHEELJACK
-Faction: Autobot
-Era: Animated (2008 - 2009)
-Function: Scientist
-Motto: “Experiment to Succeed”
Notes: How could I possibly make a list of Transformers: Animated characters spotlights and not include Wheeljack? His illustration is a perfect example of how to use the style to bring life to a classic Generation One character. And you got to think that an Energon Downshift with an Animated-style head would do in a pinch.
