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.
Transformer of the Day for June 07, 2009
CYCLONUS
-Faction: Decepticon
-Era: Animated (2008-2009)
-Function: Warrior
-Motto: “The Weak Shall Know Only the Void”
Notes: It’s a shame that Hasbro felt that Universe 2.0 toy was too close to Transformers: Animated Cyclonus to warrant a toy, because a Voyager-scale figure would just hit the spot. Now if only he could have been given some more face time, we could have learned his origins in this particular universe and found out if Scourge followed his lead here as well.
Transformer of the Day for June 6, 2009
BRAWN
-Faction: Autobot
-Era: Animated (2008 - 2009)
-Function: Warrior
-Motto: “Get Behind Me or Get Out of the Way”
Notes: It wouldn’t be Brawn if he wasn’t picking up something to throw at a Decepticon. His appearance against Team Charr was certainly a highlight of the opening for Season Three, and he certainly deserves his own place on the shelves of collectors everywhere. Perhaps a modified Soundwave body (new doors and new breast place) with a new head would work…
Transformer of the Day for June 05, 2009
MIXMASTER
-Faction: Decepticon
-Era: Animated (2008 - 2009)
-Function: Construction
-Motto: “We’re In It for the Oil”
Notes: Who knew the Constructicons could be so much fun? They’re more misguided than evil, and you wonder if the Autobots had been a little more understanding (or a little more free with the oil), whether they would have stuck around. But even with Mixmaster’s temper, he fell in behind Dirt Boss very quickly. Makes you wonder what a combiner of the three construction robots would look like. Unfortunately, there’s no simple repaint that could do Mix justice. Or is there?…
Transformer of the Day for June 4, 2009
WARPATH
-Faction: Autobot
-Era: Animated (2008 - 2009)
-Function: Elite Guard Police
-Motto: “You Either With Us or Scrap”
Notes: For me, the best part of the Prowl flashback episode, “Five Servos of Doom”, was Warpath. Big, strong and with a grudge, he is a toy I can get behind. You might be able to make a version out of a Hulk crossformer, but you are better off just creating a new toy from scratch. Because Warpath needs the cannon on his chest and the weight of his fists to back him up.
Transformer of the Day for June 03, 2009
STRIKA
-Faction: Decepticon
-Era: -Era: Animated (2008 - 2009)
-Function: Interrogation
-Motto: “You Will Tell Me All I Wish to Know and More”
Notes: The original Strika was one of the best parts of Beast Machines, so it’s great to see her return in Transformers: Animated. She continues to assume a leadership role, even contemplating going against the wishes of Megatron, until wiser processors prevail. Although a new figure would be the best route for Strika, I could also see her as a Bulkhead repaint with a new face.
Transformer of the Day for June 2, 2009
PERCEPTOR
-Faction: Autobot
-Era: Animated (2008 - 2009)
-Function: Scientist
-Motto: “The Truth Can Only Be Found Through Objective Reason”
Notes: Member of the Ministry of Science and team leader on the Omega project, Perceptor is portrayed as the brightest mind on Cybertron. Rumoured to have deleted his personality to facilitated greater mental storage space, his role appears to be to build bigger and better defences for his planet. He could certainly come to life from a modified Sentinel Prime, minus the plow and attitude.
Transformer of the Day for June 1, 2009
RAMJET
-Faction: Decepticon
-Era: Animated (2008 - 2009)
-Function: Aerial Warrior
-Motto: “I Didn’t Say That - You Can’t Prove It”
Notes: Given the announced end of Transformers: Animated at the end of Season Three, my current preoccupation with the series (see recent diorama for evidence) and efforts to catch-up after Botcon 2009, I thought we’d swing into June with another special TF-of-the-day side dish. For the next 14 days, we’ll be looking at fourteen different characters that graced the show and which should be allowed to grace the pegs of toy stores everywhere.
Denials aside, let’s start with “Ramjet“, the lying Starscream clone from Transformers: Animated. It was really grand that each clone had a different personality, and I particularly loved how the big liar’s only kind words to Starscream - “I’ll follow you forever” - was said while walking away and kicking the poor guy while he was defeated. Ramjet is a class act, and new and improved with his Swindle-sourced helmet. Hasbro, just repaint Starscream already! Ramjet’s ready to go!
Transformer of the Day for May 31, 2009
BOTANICA
-Faction: Maximal
-Era: Beast Machines (1999-2000)
-Function: Deep Space Explorer
-Motto: “External Growth Comes from Within”
-Proposed Toy: Night Viper (Hasbro, 1999)
Notes: After 10 years of missed opportunities, it’s time for Botanica to stand tall beside her fellow Maximals in the battle for Cybertron. The problem of course is what possible figure could one change into Botanica that would even come close to her appearance in the show? Or do you overlook the obvious and give her a pre-exploratory mode? My vote is for a modified Beast Machines Night Viper, but with work done on the snake head transformation.
