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I have managed to acquire through alternative methods six of the seven Wal-Mart exclusive movie Transformers. Big Daddy (bottom row, right) and Fracture (top row, right) came to me via ToysOnFire. Divebomb (bottom row, second right) and Jolt (bottom row, third right) were purchased through BBTS.com. And courtesy of Bensen Yee, of bwtf.com acclaim, I now recently added Breakway (top row, left) and Crankcase (top row, middle) to the mix. That means I am only missing Grindcore (for whom pre-Beast Wars Rhinox is a close stand-in, bottom row, far left).

When Crankcase and Breakaway arrived, I totally wanted to gush about these figures, but I didn’t have time to do up a proper post with pictures. Now that I’ve got the pictures in order, I have to share them. Suffice to say these figures are amazing! It is a damn shame they had to be evilstore exclusives - made them so much harder for me to get.

They are all among my most recent favourites. Divebomb looks like a Cybertron version of Sunstorm, a character which I love. Jolt uses one of the better moulds of the Cybertron line and could serve as a Shattered Glass version of Smokescreen. Crankcase again uses another favourite from the Cybertron line (Red Alert), and to better effect than the upcoming Botcon Kup. Even cooler is that the cyber key unlocks twin cannons in vehicle mode, a feature virtually identical to his Generation One counterpart. Breakaway is a nice tribute to the G1 Powermaster Getaway, just as Fracture is a nice nod to one of the key Renegade Gobots, Crasher. It is so cool that they kept her as a “she” for this release - no wonder she’s so hard to find.

And Big Daddy, hands down the best mould of Cybertron, is definitely worth having. He just looks cool!

And to think they came from an expanded universe movie line…

I can’t take credit for Blue Bacchus - that’s all JoshMiller. But how about it? How about Energon Bulkhead as Blue Bacchus and the smaller version of Energon Megatron as Black Shadow?

I think that would just be too cool for skool!

(Thanks as always to www.tfu.info for being such a handy reference site for toy pics.)

So Takara/Tomy has updated their website and so we finally can take a look at the Japanese version of Classics Dinobot.

Funny. He looks like Dinobot. Huh.

ActionFig.com recently uploaded its March Q&A and one of their questions was on the subject of the Hasbro North American Dinobot (and Cheetor). Specifically, “when the figures hit the market, it seemed like neither design lived up to its potential with multiple issues in both bot and beast modes.”

To put it mildly.

I don’t know about the other problems, since I could not bring myself to buy the rare copy that has yet to make its way across the border. Because the paint job was… well… gross! It makes me really question Hasbro’s response: “While we do an excellent job of listening to our fan base and incorporating characters and features that fans look for, we always have to keep in mind that our toys are meant to be played with - the overall intention of Universe was to improve on the overall designs of the original toy versions and still deliver an enjoyable Transformers experience for fans and children.”

How does giving Dinobot an appealing colour hurt his playability? Or his marketability, given that kids might, just might, get their hands on an old copy of the Beast Wars cartoon and recognize the piece on the shelves is the same one from the show? It shouldn’t. Explaining that that the Takara repaint is more expensive and Hasbro didn’t want to front the cost would be an answer. Or that there are too many other similar looking Dinobots out there and we wanted to make this one unique. That would be an answer. Neither of them very good but as least they could be understood.

But somehow expecting us to believe that they are “listening to our fan base” and allowing this traversy of a dungbot to happen at the same time just isn’t on. In any case, it is one more example of how Takara is getting Universe right. While about half of the figures could go either way, it seems when Hasbro falls, it really falls down hard.

Just a little random weirdness. From Carnage in C-Minor (from Transformers, Series 3), I present a reanimated Huffer and Brawn, fighting alongside the Constructicons.

I can’t make this stuff up.

I have fallen hard for the Transformers: Animated-style (in terms of the style of the toys and the reimagination of classic and new characters), and rumours of its demise fills me with a vast sense of loss. I figured the best I could hope for is the faint possibility that Botcon 2009 would use these molds to create exclusives of unmade characters, while waiting for the line to close up on the shelves. Given the limited announcements at Toyfair (Soundblaster and Arcee being the two notable TF:A editions), I honestly don’t hold out for a continuation of the style when it comes time to move beyond Transformers II: Electric Fallentude.

But last week, after finally getting a hint of what was to come in terms of this year’s Botcon set (Kup, Thunderclash, Landshark, Flak and Scourge), I was really excited that hope was real and we’d see more TF:As. Given the use of the Elite Guard, a wholly Transformers: Animated invention, it really looked like they were going to go with a TF:A-style for the toys. Most promising was the prospects of Kup and Scourge, for which there are existing molds that work (as demonstrated by serious kitbashers) in the form of Cybertron Mode Optimus Prime and Cybertron Mode Megatron.

And while a Thunderclash in any form would be cool, the prospect of a TF:A version wet my lips with anticipation!

So already upset to read that Voyager Bumblebee was getting canceled, I went on to learn that Andrew Wildman had drawn a mock-up of Energon Starscream as Skyquake. Not because the convention toy was going to be a rarely used G1.5 character only seen in Europe, or even because of the mold, but because it meant some or all of the line would be in a different style. Given that TF:A is so distinct, I feared it would cheapen the set to have such a mish-mash set - like packaging 25th anniversary G.I. Joes with original RAH figures.

It also twigged me to the prospect that this line might go a different route. Something that has been subsequently borne out.

This afternoon, the first Botcon figure, Kup, was previewed. You would think that using what I consider one of the rare gems in the Cybertron (Red Alert / Cannonball) with a very accurate face sculpt (minus the glitter), would leave me excited. Instead I just feel sapped. Although the figure looks okay in robot mode, with its orange striping and hatchback, it’s looks off in vehicle mode. Particularly when you put him back to back with a Classics Rodimus. And I can’t say I am a fan of bringing the Elite Guard into a G1 universe at all.

So we’ll see how the rest of the set turns out then. Landshark may well end up as a beast at this point, since there are many possibilities to work from. Flak could be almost anyone (although I really hope they resist using the Cybertron Defence Hot Shot mould again). And things can still go well depending how Thunderclash turns out. Still, from my perspective, they missed a big opportunity here. Nonetheless, there is at least hope from the fan community, with the announcement that unicron.com has stepped up with a very TF:A accessory pack. So thanks to them, today is not a total wash.

I just need to add a Cybertron-mode Optimus Prime to the shopping cart next time and add a Kup-repaint to my list of projects…

While I like to think I’m a decent customizer, I have to admit that life is made easier with soft vinyl munnies. Painting hard plastic, particularly plastic that moves (as in the case of Kid Terrific, which I hope to unveil in the coming days) is really an art. Which makes me respect these artists over at Transformers Freestyle that much more:

Minerva - someone thought to put together a Minerva, with transforming head!, out of a TransScanning Bumblebee? Holy crap!

Primus - here is another great example of imagination. To combat the threat of the deluxe Unicron, someone opted to take Energon Hot Rodimus and turn him into Primus. Wow!

Decepticon Triple Changers - as soon as I saw the TF Clubs rework of Armada Jetstorm into Astrotrain, the idea of putting together a group of three Decepticon triple changes based around the various Unicron-saga Jetfires came into my head too, with Energon Jetfire as Blitzwing and Cybertron Jetfire as Octane. These guys actually did more than think it, they did it, even taking the concept back to Armada Jetstorm to remake him into a new Astrotrain too.  What I learn is that if I can think it, others can do it.

Autobot Triple Changers - and here is a case of symmetry of which I couldn’t conceive. Convert Tital Wave to Broadside; Energon Cliffjumper to Sandstorm? Nope, that didn’t cross my mind. And while Hasbro eventually made a run at Springer using Cybertron Evac, I think these guys may have come out on top with their version.

Pyro and Clench - these guys may have only seen action in Europe, but clearly they too can be part of the mythos again.

And the list keeps going. Star Sabre. B’Boom. Greatshot. Powered Convoy.

Hasbro! Hire these guys! now!

You know, I am having serious misgivings about the transformersclub, particularly after their recent adventure at Toyfair 2009, specifically in relation to efforts to organize this year’s Botcon event.

I may be wrong here but it seems to me the reason for the club is to benefit and enhance the fan experience, notably those fans who have paid membership dues. To date, to the best of my knowledge, the club does this through three main avenues - preparation for the annual Botcon convention, preparation of club exclusives, and ongoing communications (club magazine and website). And to be completely fair, I’ve been reasonably satisfied with the results to date.

However, it seems that the club is becoming simply another communications and marketing tool for the toy line. On some level, I am fine with some measure of overlap - fans are just as interested in looking forward as much as looking back. But I wonder who pays the bills when the club attends events like Toyfare? Is it Hasbro or it is the club through whatever revenue streams (club dues, toy store profits and Botcon proceeds) are available to it? And if it is the latter, does it move the club forward for the benefit of members to appear at these events? Are we better served by a one-on-one interview with Michael Bay that could have easily been conducted by internal Hasbro communications and disseminated to the community?

Most importantly, how does the club’s participation in the communications roll out for the movie take away resources to planning for Botcon 2009? There is barely less than three months left before the big event and there is no indication when convention forms will be made available. According to the site, “Now is the time to make your hotel reservations,” which is putting the cart before the horse. Why make hotel accommodations bookings, to say nothing of transportation and vacation plans, without even a modicum of details?

It may seem like a little thing but I’m not prepared to make arrangements costings hundreds of dollars on spec. I’ll buy a convention pack without seeing the toys, because I’m taking part in an event, but I won’t book a hotel until I’ve submitted a convention form. The sooner I have a convention form, the more likely I can get vacation leave and discounts to afford the accommodations and transportation costs, and be able to attend.

In what has been described in the United States as a depression, I am serious reservations of falling any tried-and-trued model. I have reservations about an event that presumes attendance rather than provides amble opportunity to obtain vacation time and make affordable travel arrangements by making convention details available in advance. Worldcon has had delegate forms ready since the fall for an event scheduled for August. Providing a bigger time frame seems to me to be more advantageous than narrowing it.

No one is certainly implying that everything needs to be cast in stone three years in advance. Events, by definition, need some fluidity in terms of events and presentations. But why admission forms can’t be put up on line as soon as a location is known is beyond me.

I really didn’t know I had this much to say until I began to say it.

Anyway, just some of the highlights (and lowlights) from what I’ve seen out of Toyfair 2009. One of these days, maybe I’ll get to live the fanboy dream and be able to attend in person. Until that day, this is as good as it gets for me.

Transformers

Being in love with Diamond Direct’s statue line, I am psyched about the upcoming Galvatron, Ultra Magnus and Jetfire. Although I would prefer a more matted finish on Ultra Magnus. (And I am still insanely curious as to whether the exclusive Galvatron, Ultra Magnus, Jetfire and Ricochet will appear at www.xl-shop.com (located in Malaysia of all places), particularly given that they were expected back in July 2008 and no longer show up on their website.)

I am so sad to hear the ongoing rumours that Season Three will be the last season of Transformers: Animated. I cannot believe how hard I’ve fallen for this line. Here’s hoping that Arcee (and here), Soundblaster and Ratbat don’t end up left on the drawing board like their predecessors in the line Titanium. It’s not as if there isn’t a precedence for showing off a particular toy that you end up cancelling.

Like others though, I welcome the new Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen as a chance to take a reprieve from Transformer-madness. I suspect I’ll buy a few of the interesting figures, but overall I have no interest in retreads of key characters like Bumblebee and Optimus Prime. The first movie was enough for that. I do wonder though if Hasbro was close enough to the filming process this time to get toys that will be movie-accurate the first time around, or will they be encouraged to again reproduce a second version for the Christmas rush.

And this is probably not the ringing endorsement that parties involved want to hear but Devastator, oh, he could have been so much worse. I dislike the absence of a unifying colour for sure, but he much better than how I feared he would come out. Like on wheels or something…

That said, there are a few figures that look interesting. Like Volt. Hey look ma! Hooks for hands! (It helps that he’s a Fast Action Battler, the singularly best part of the first movie line in my opinion.) And sucker I am, I am totally going for the Bumblebee helmet and hand cannon accessories.

DC-Land

I should have known that … wouldn’t end with Batman and Superman. But I’m really surprised how quickly they moved onto Green Lantern. And strangely pleased. To feed my love of super-deformed heroes (and the Green Lantern shrine), these are pick-ups. That said, is it just me or does Hal look like he has a Guy Gardner collar going on?

Speaking of Hal, he is quickly becoming a mainstay of all things DC Direct. It’s like once they do a Superman and a Batman, they move to Hal… sometimes even before Wonder Woman… So where is the movie, guys? Not that you can keep track of lanterns these days since they keep showing up in different hues…

So happy that Mr. T is getting the Mattel DC Universe treatment. I can only hope that sometime soon the same will occur for Mr. Sloan and we can get our very first full-articulate Golden Age Mr. Terrific action figure. On that day, I pledge to buy TWO - one for home and one for office. There. That should be incentive enough.

And I fear that Jay will have to come home to join Hal (although not likely this Hal because of the price point and the fact I already have the very nice DC Direct figure). Could this mean an Alan Scott could be coming soon? Dare to dream!

Having declared the unlikelihood of acquiring the Tonner Hal Jordan, I should say that they really did wet my lips with Hawkgirl.

I was tempted already on the Giffen-era JLA. But I gotta say this little addition to wave two might just convince me.

G.I.Joe-ville

That’s a pretty neat transforming base, even if it looks like a weird SUV-aircraft carrier hybrid. And while the Motor Viper figure is kind of neat, I gotta say the SUV doesn’t compare to an old fashion H.I.S.S. tank. Really, is there anything as iconic in G.I.Joe-ville as the H.I.S.S.? So clearly it can’t be in the film…

Curiously how much RoC Scarlett (can we really begin to use acronyms to distinguish the movie from the RAH line?) bears more than a passing resemblance to Sigma Six Scarlett. (Editor’s note: now that’s a figure a certain club should be pushing to have remade for its members.)

Speaking of Sigma Six, this line of movie figures seemingly takes the worst of that line (the non-recognizable figures) and adds the worst elements of the bulky, non-articulate Extreme line (really, were there redeemable elements of that line 1)

While on the subject on non-articulation, I am generally a fan of the Robot Heroes and Combat Heroes lines. However, while I’ve caught all the Transformer Movie Heroes, in addition to their animated selves, I can safely take a pass on the RoC Combat Heroes. I hate to be a buzz kill, but there is no buzz there at all. Maybe it is the absence of recognizable attire. However, I am all about this H.I.S.S. tank - I can totally see a black version with a repainted driver to match his classic look.

All that aside, the 25th Anniversary line still rocks my socks! ZAP and LAMPREY! So cool!! Even RoC thinks so, what with their stealing Scrap-Iron and everything.

Others

A life-size Smile Time Angel? Who would have thunk it?

While I might not need a Master Chief, but, wow, I might just need a Sgt. Johnson.

That’s a pretty cool looking Deadpool figure. And who thought that after Iron Man recently got the Captain America treatment, he would then get the Punisher treatment. Does this mean Frank is armouring up for Dark Reign? Or that Marvel is becoming increasingly toy focussed now that the license for their toy properties is with Marvel? Hey, I just call it like I see it.

And Arno Stark? Total cuteness!

1. I shouldn’t be so hard on every element G.I. Joe Extreme. There was room to work with a character like Iron Klaw and I’m surprised he hasn’t been introduced into the 25th Anniversary line like Matt Tracker. But honestly, those figures represent the worst of the “lose-the-articulation-and-play-value-and-make-it-like-a-statue” look made famous by McFarlane Toys. The only interesting part of the line was Mayday, who irony of ironies, was the only figure not released.

Ten Transformer Questions:

1. What is your favourite overall Transformers era?
2. What is your favourite Transformers cartoon series?
3. What is your least favourite Transformers cartoon series?
4. What is your favourite part of the hobby: the toys, the cartoon, or the comic?
5. Which is your favourite comic run (Marvel, Marvel UK, Dreamwave, IDW)?
6. What was your favourite line of statues (HardHero, Palisades, Diamond Direct)?
7. Who are your top three Decepticons?
8. Who are your top three Autobots?
9. Which non-toy character do you most want to see recreated in plastic?
10. What is the strangest Transformers-related thing you collect?

Oh Hasbro… how can you get the Mighty Mugg Jazz so right and Shockwave so wrong! The laser is too big and what is with the painted-on ears? Nothing, that’s what.