Hopefully just in time for Christmas wish lists and gift giving (to fellow TF fans or yourself), here is a ton of reveals on Hasbro's Combiner Wars figures, Takara Masterpiece figures and a bunch of 3rd party figures with the year long emphasis on combiners. The 3rd party output remains painfully high for wallets with the combiners contining unabated (and most looking amazing) but now there is a more heathly mix of other, often Masterpiece scaled, figures. In addition to the reviews there are galleries to upcoming 3rd party toys, licensed statues, and action figures. To start though is some fan-art including a custom paint job, transforming Lego, and more. On a side note for Transformers: Robots in Disguise fans it has been confirmed the second season is also the final season with only 16 episodes and will end with a "movie" that is equal to 3 episodes. Exactly when it will start airing has not been revealed. On to the info dump.
Fan Art Custom IDW Optimus Prime and Shockwave - Sadly this version of Optimus Prime and Shockwave isn't available. This custom paint job from LEK Custom Toys was inspired by the artwook from Transformers: Devastation IDW comic book from a few years ago that added a shiny sheen to all the TFs as a kind of hybrid of metal and cartoon look. The result is pretty fantastic looking. Even more images can be found at their Facebook page. Read More »
The Combiner Wars continue for Hasbro with an upcoming release of the Protectobots and for most of the 3rd party companies who have released either completed around four or five combiners this year with another 5 or so set to finish by year end. It is an embarassment of riches for fans but also quite wallet draining if trying to keep up, especially if trying to get all the combiners. That is before you include the 6 or so Dinobot lines that also in works from these companies.
Much like how combiners wars are a nod to the past so too are some of the links below with a look at potential Action Master designs using combiners as action figures, some behind the scenes info from Transformers: The Movie and 35+ year old commercials from Japan that feature many of your favorite G1 Transformers before they became Transformers. There are also links to galleries to the first 3rd party Grimlock, Prime 1 Studios Age of Extinction statue line, and a stop motion video.
As for reviews, the links include Hasbro's Combiner releases of Cyclonus, the Protectobots, Stunticons, along with Robots in Disguise Jazz & Drift, Playstation Optimus Prime and Masterpiece Star Saber. For third party releases there are a ton of reviews to go with their now overkill output. Iron Factory and 3DX has three releases of their legend scale lines. ToyWorld completes their not Throttlebot combiner after over a year of nothing on that front while also releasing a solid take on not Astrotrain. The number of not Dinobots in the works has reached at least six lines that I can think of including two of them being combiners. Probably need to develop a cheat sheet to keep up at this point. Warbotron has completed their not Bruticus combiner that looks spectacular while Unique Toys reaches the halfway point on their not Terrocons. Those are just some of the many reviews linked below. Read More »
It has been a months since did my last linkfest and its shows with an epic ton of video reviews for upcoming figures from Hasbro's Combiner Wars line and all the third party figures. Below are a bunch of reviews for the first wave for the Combiner Wars with an occasional look at an incomplete combiner as Hasbro chose to swap a Stunticon with an Arialbot for each wave to emphasize their ability to swap to create "new" combined robots. Also a look at the first wave of Robots in Disguise toys along with Masterpiece Ultra Magnus and Bumblebee.
For third party reviews the theme is the Dinobots with four lines coming this year. Two of them are Masterpiece scaled figures from Fanstoys while Planet X's are based on War for Cyberton, and one is regular scaled release (from Fansproject) while last is a combiner (from Toyworld). Hopefully the reviews below will help in deciding which of the four to commit to. The 3rd party pattern remains combiners. Other than the Dinobots there are currently takes on the Terrorcons, Combaticons, Technobots and Protectobots. Before the reviews here are links to some upcoming releases, two 80s Transformers videos, and an update on Transformers: Robots in Disguise cartoon series.
Update: Added this reveal of Combiner Wars Devastator. No real deal details except that he may follow the G1 version with six characters merging and come complete as a collection rather than sold individually. Hopefully more will be revealed at the New York Toy Fair that starts Feb 2. Read More »
The news on the Transformers 5 front remains dead and probably will for a while but that doesn't mean the toys stop coming. In a few cons Hasbro and 3rd party vendors teased about the next six months or so of releases. For Hasbro that means Angry Birds, Combiner Wars and Robots in Disguise toys.
For third party companies, the theme remains combiners with upcoming releases of combiners but it seems the theme for 2015 is Dinbots with at least three separate sets coming one of which will be an actual combiner. Other galleries include a look at Optimus Prime turning into a Playstation 1 console, a look at Ultimetel Prime, and more. On the video review front we have looks at the next wave of Generations Deluxe and Voyager toys, look at two versions of Swoop, reviews of the not Technobots, more Masterpiece figures including Wheeljack, and bunch more. Read More »
If last few years seemed like 3rd parties focused heavily on combiners, it seems this year has become about the Dinobots as at least three or so companies are prepping their own Dinobot homages. In that realm we have galleries for not Computron, not Swindle, not Sky-Byte, and early look at the not Throttlebots combiner. On the official products front, Takara is working on their take of the Sega Genesis Transformer and a new paint job for Evasion Mode Prime. Hasbro has released images of some of their Angry Birds Transformers line and a look at some TF4 exclusives. In the licensed products realm, Hot Toys is releasing their take on Optimus Prime while Prime 1 Studio has movie inspired busts in the works along with a large and expensive Starscream statue, and Kubrick is releasing their own Bearbrick Transformers. In addition have a look at apartments that kind of transform through creative use of space. On the review front, a look at 28+ toys that have been released or about too. A few favorites include a look at Generations Jetfire, iGears new design of the Seekers, not Skullcruncher, Guardian, not Sludge and a Dinobot combiner. Read More »
With all the Transformers 4 news, got a bit behind on the toy links. Now that we seem to be in a bit of a mini-TF4 news drought (at least until TF4 hits Chicago on Friday), it seems like a good time to play catch-up. Most of the upcoming toys were revealed at cons over the summer but there a lot of cool stuff being planned like a 3rd party version of Nova Prime, not Bruticus and more. Also have a ton of reviews for already released or about to be released toys from Hasbro, Takara and others. Also news from comics, Hasbro and more.
Lego Nintendo 64 Transformers - Very cool Lego creations that uses Nintendo 64 and is peripherals as alt modes that transform into robots and other objects. Lego Ratchet and Ironhide - Hit link for fan made Lego creations that actually transform and look remarkably like their Generation One inspired source. Read More »
With all the Transformers 4 movie news, I allowed the toy related links to stack up so this is my attempt to clear them out. Also trying out a new format to see if it is easier to read and use. Let me know what you think. As for what the links cover, we have the usual 3rd party lineup that includes lots of combiners, a look at Beast Hunters Abominus, more Generations toys with more images of IDW wave, Metroplex and possible re-release of Grimlock that never seemed to make it to toy shelves in the states. A new and expensive book is coming at the end of the year that might actually explain the 13 Primes was mentioned in Revenge of the Fallen and teased for the comic books before going nowhere. The Masterpiece line continues with a look at the Hasbro Soundwave and upcoming new figures. Last week the Tokyo Toy Show was held and it showed off most of the various toys covered in these links including the Super GT line (Alternity repaints), teased the Transformers Go (Takara name for Beast Hunters line) cartoon DVD that focuses on their Samurai combiner team. And last but not least is reviews including not The Fallen, not Sixshot and many Beast Hunters and Generations figures. Update: Added a video review of Generations Titan class Metroplex at the bottom of the post. Read More »
This round of links on the latest in Transformers toys both official and not is just full of reviews. We reviews of Beast Hunters toys, latest MP release, and 3rd party upcoming releases like Tetra Squadron, not STunticons, and more. Also have reviews of past releases like a 30 year old Gobot gestault and God Ginrai. Not reviews include a look at the lastest addition to the Super GT line, encore Fortress Maximus, a new Megatron statue and Transformers Go comparisons.
Super GT Galleries - GTR Maximus | GTR Megatron Takara has released a few more official images of their successors to the Binal-Tech line for Super GT racing. Four molds now are planned with Optimus Prime (GTR-01), Saber (GTR-02), Megatron (GTR-03) and now Maximus (GTR-04). I think its the same mold but with color differences and different heads molds for each character but not 100% on that. The average price of each is around $120 each with the first two coming out in the next month or so. Read More »
More toy news for your entertainment. Below are links to galleries for upcoming 3rd party toys including two combiners, GameInformer covers, WST Astrotrain and Transformers: The Ride tease. For videos there is a look at Sideswipe at recent Hub event, latest Kre-O commercial, and video reviews of Heavy Labor & five Transformers: Prime toys.
Not Dinobots CombinerHit the link to view a small gallery that shows off a closer to production design of the not Dinobot combiner that 3rd party TFC Toys is working on. The sucker has a whole lot of grey going on so hoping further tweaks are coming. Over all though it’s a pretty authentic creation of the 5 Dinobots but with the added combiner mode.
GameInformer Covers Hit the link for two of special covers created for GameInformer's special Transformers: Fall of Cybertron issue that should be hitting newsstands pretty soon. Read More »
Another week, more news related to Transformers. Oddly there have been an uptick in Transformers: Dark of the Moon stuff with a concept art gallery and a new USB product. In addition, Transformers: Prime toys images are popping up and more teases of upcoming 3rd party toys. Last are a few videos with a video review, Ironhide tribute and Transformers in 1-D.
Ryan Church Concept Art Hit the link to look at the latest concept art from Ryan Church for Transformers: Dark of the Moon. The main focus of the artwork is Shockwave both in his design and how might look during Chicago battle.
Transformers: Prime Galleries - Megatron | Arcee & Starscream | Cliffjumper Hit the links to view galleries that show off the robot and vehicle modes of four figures from the Transformers: Prime toy line that should start hitting stores in time for Christmas. Read More »
This week's link fest is almost a walk down memory lane for long time Transformers fans. Takara is releasing a Transformers: The Movie inspired version of Starscream, a bunch of 3rd party toys based on the G1 line, a look at Takara's G1 toys, G1 storyboards and a look at the Dinobot combiner. It has been 25 years but G1 is alive and well.
New Masterpiece Coronation Starscream - Set 1 | Set 2 Takara just recently released a new mold of Optimus Prime that was more cartoon accurate and now is doing the same for Starscream. MP-11 is new mold for the famed Decepticon, mimicking his look in Transformers: The Movie complete with his cape and crown just before he was destroyed by Galvatron. The figure is scheduled for around March 2012 and is being priced in the $140 range.
3rd Party Galleries, Videos - Cherry Bomb Toy Show | Victoria Toy Fair | Videos | Hercules A couple of weeks ago two toy shows were held that provided a look up in development "not" Transformers toys that various 3rd party makers are putting together. First two links are galleries. The third one is recent pics of the near completed prototype of the not Devastator. The last is a video link is teasers for Maketoy's not Devastator, Generations Laser Optimus Prime trailer, and IDW version of The Fallen. Read More »
Time for another linkfest. This one covers a wider variety from the Transformers world of accessories. This go around includes more 3rd party toys, Masterpiece improvements, news of upcoming releases, computer accessories, new TF book, and an interesting toy related video.
TFC Dinobots Prototype Image ACToys posted a single image look at the TFC next wave of toys inspired by the Generation One Dinobots. The image shows a prototype look at not Swoop and not Grimlock. There is a rumor of a not Dinobot combiner but not sure if this is part of that or not.
Alex Irvine, writer of Transformers: Exiles, InterviewThe next novel set in the War for Cybertron universe is out now. The writer, Alex Irvine, spoke with Suvudu about the novel. It seems, at least from the interview, that things are drifting away from the movies and now moving these prequel stories so the align more with the Transformers: Prime universe. The movies may continue to inspire ideas (the Allspark, original Primes, etc) but it seems that for the purposes of Hasbro's current TF continuity, the Autobot experience on Earth will those depicted in TF: Prime. The Exiles story will explore Cybertronian colonies like Junkion, more about the Thirteen, and more about the Optimus and Prime conflict that is the heart of the civil war. Read More »
Time for another link fest. This one is fairly focused on official Transformers toys including a look at the new Masterpiece version of Optimus Prime, a new DOTM toy, more 3rd party stuff and three reviews.
Masterpiece Optimus Prime 2.0 Released - MP-10 | Coin | Packaging | Comparison The new version, with new mold, of Optimus Prime has now been released from Takara. MP-10 is the most cartoon accurate version of Prime released so far that comes with a mini-Spike action figure along with his trailer modeled on the G1 version. This is a very expensive toy costing around $250 from the usual importer websites (TFSource, Bigbadtoystore, etc) but he does look pretty sweet. Hopefully video reviews will pop up soon so I can make a decision on spending that kind of money. Depending on the company's supplier (Japan or China), your figure might also come with a coin. Hit the links above to view galleries of this must have figure of any Optimus Prime fan. On a related note, it seems Takara is testing the idea of releasing a Masterpiece Ultra Magnus based on this figure. Back in the 80s, Magnus was a while repaint of Optimus Prime with a trailer that the cab fit into. This version seems to make use of the recent development from 3rd party makers (see Fansproject's City Commander) to create a trailer that breaks down into the needed component parts to form the Magnus look. It’s just a test so this may never happen (but don't be surprised if someone fills the void anyway). Read More »
Time for another linkfest. With the Dark of the Moon news down to just the upcoming home video releases and repaints, figured time to merge this stuff into one. Have not decided if will start seperating this stuff out yet into a bunch of seperate posts or not. What do you think? This method easier or prefer five or six individual posts? Any case, the latest is a TF pinball machine, a look at more 3rd party figures, TF Prime concept art, repaints and a review.
iGear Masterpiece Cartoon Seekers Third party Transformers maker iGear announced the next two toys in their not Masterpiece line. They are release cartoon version of not Starscream (December 31st) and not Skywarp (April 30th, 2012) that is based on their modified mold from Takara's Masterpiece Starscream that was released three or so years ago. The newish mold started with their recently released conehead seekers where the back leg wings have been modifed to eliminate the ball joint connection at the hip resulting in a better looking figure. Based on the coneheads, the retail cost will probably be around $130 each.
iGear's not Sharticon Speaking of iGear, they also revealed the near final look at their next not Generation One Transformeer knockoff with a look at their not Sharkicons based on the Quintessons' evil minions from Transformers: The Movie. Not sure on size, release date, or cost. Keep hoping they will be so cheap that you could practically create an army of them but not holding my breath on that. Read More »
Yet another Transformers: Dark of the Moon link fest and the toy and related news continues to trickle in. Below are few galleries to upcoming toys, a video review and two custom jobs that take two DOTM to the next level.
Leader Class Prowl Custom Hit the link to view a gallery and how-to on this very sweet custom leader class Prowl created by autobotx23 that sold for $339 on eBay. The figures core is Leader class Bumblebee with parts from leader Brawl, leader Megatron, Sentinel Prime, Halo figures, and more. The result is just a ton of Transformer goodness.
Hasbro's DOTM Wave 5 Gallery Hit the link for the deluxe class Wave 5 Transformers: DOTM toys. Not entirely sure when these are coming out but guessing in a few months. The line-up includes Armor Topspin (repaint), Darksteel (bio, repaint), and Air Raid (new mold). Read More »
More Transformers toys links, most of them focusing on TFC toys. This 3rd party not Transformers creator is quickly becoming the best around with a product line that any G1 fan would love. Other links include a look at Alternity figures, a review of the first TFC toy, and more.
Hercules Combined Mode Sneak PeekSpeaking of Hercules, TFC Toys has already revealed a sneak peek at the combined mode of the not Devastator figure. The final result looks very impressive. Enough so that I am seriously considering committing the estimated $600 to buy the six robots needed to create this combined figure.
A more G1 accurate Unicron with Kranix is now exclusively from Amazon. The figure has "sold out" several times (or Amazon just doesn't know how much stock they have). At the link are images that compare the Takara, Amazon, and Hasbro original version. Once you seem them all together, I can see why people are getting the Amazon version.
The next figure in the Hercules (not Devastator) line from TFC Toys has been revealed. Heavy Labor (not Long Haul) forms the right torso of the combined robot. The current price of the figure is around $100.
While the US just recently received a new box set for Beast Wars, Japan can look forward to the first time ever DVD release of Beast Wars II on October 20th. The cartoon series continued the Beast Wars story but in traditional cartoon, not CGI, format. No idea if there are plans to bring a subtitled version to the states.
For those that bought the individual season sets of Generation One Transformers cartoons, Shout! Factory has released a slipcase for them that is priced $6.99.
TFC Toys provided a sneak peak at their upcoming DSLR team (not Reflector) and custom Headmasters based on Ultra Magnus, Megatron and Blaster. Also the third Hercules figure was shown off, Neck Breaker (not Bonecrusher).
If you have been keeping up with the comics, another Prime was introduced called Nominus Prime. He was the Prime in charge of Cybertron before Megatron ignited the Great War. A war essentially caused by his corrupt, near dictatorship government (something to be explored in the upcoming Autocracy mini-series). While the succession of Prime varies depending on which universe (cartoons, Marvel, etc) you adhere too, the IDW/Hasbro current continuity seems to be Nova Prime (lost in Darkness dimension, becomes Nemesis Prime), Nominus Prime (vacates office to avoid assassination), Sentinel Prime (leader during some of the war that ignites under him, killed by Megatron), Zeta Prime (killed by Megatron), Optimus Prime (killed by ?), and next is likely Rodimus Prime.
Robot Kingdom has revealed the latest repaints for the Alternity series from Takara. This Japan exclusive line started a few years ago based on the Binal-Tech/Alternator line but with a smaller deluxe size scale. The potential was pretty good except it devolved into a repaint fest of about three to four releases per mold. In this case I think Goldbug is the third repaint of the 'Bee mold and Dai Atlas is the fourth (or fifth) from the Prime mold. If you have the money for import prices, I do recommend the line but not necessarily for getting all the repaints.
A Peaugh review of the Exgraver (not Scavenger) that shows off the expensive but pretty sweet looking figure. He shows off the robot mode, vehicle mode and arm mode. Real tempted to start my set.
While Transformers: Dark of the Moon is winding down its theatrical run, a little of toy related news continues to pop up now and then. Below is the latest, most of it about repaints and the like.
This tongue in cheek poster is an amusing take on what a Michael Bay version of President Roosevelt may be like. At the link is more images (not really Bay related) that places other Presidents in classic movie type settings like George Washington vs. Zombies and Andrew Jackson vs. aliens.
Hit the link to look at more images of concept art from Transformers 3 posted by Warren Manser. It seems he may continue to add to the set but it’s still worth looking at all the cool artwork created for the movie.
Time for another linkfest of Transformers news. It remains heavy on third party Transformers with a mix of G1 past and a new teaser for the Transformers Universe MMORPG coming next year.
The next vehicle in the Hercules (Devastator) set has been teased. The dump truck Heavylabor (aka Long Haul) will be the torso and hips once all the figures are out later in 2012. The estimated release date for the $100 figure is September 2011.
Time for another Transformers link fest not related to Transformers: Dark of the Moon stuff. In many cases it also seems like a repeat of previous link fests with new galleries to previous toys with the main difference being that many of them are available to buy.
BTS-04 Sonicron (Soundwave) Gallery Hit the link to view more pics of the 3rd party Sonicron (Soundwave) that uses his classic G1 look with a new alt mode of a more modern tape recorder. The toy works with classic G1 cassettes but apparently the company is working on making new ones to at some point.
Generation One Series Bible Auction Heritage Auction has posted images and the chance to buy a copy of the Transformers Series Bible from Sunbow Productions back in 1984. The 75-page book is the specifics on the character designs, episode synopses and more that was used when creating the animation for the series that started it all. (via Seibertron) Read More »
The movie has been out for weeks now and yet the Transformers: Dark of the Moon related merchandise news keeps coming.
Figure King 162 ScansHit the link for a scan of Japanese toy magazine Figure King #162 featuring Takara's release across the entire line of Transformers including DOTM, Masterpiece, and more. It also has interviews with Takara Tomy toy designers (but obviously in Japanese).
DOTM Galleries - Armored Topspin | Leadfoot | Shockwave Repaint | Shockwave and Ratchet Action Sets | Target Exclusives A bunch of links to upcoming DOTM toys that should be hitting toy shelves soon or already have (Target exclusives). The Shockwave repaint is very odd and not confirmed if official. I am sure one is coming as Hasbro reuses every mold at least two (or more) times but I would be really surprised if that color scheme is the final version. Read More »
If last few years seemed like 3rd parties focused heavily on combiners, it seems this year has become about the Dinobots as at least three or so companies are prepping their own Dinobot homages. In that realm we have galleries for not Computron, not Swindle, not Sky-Byte, and early look at the not Throttlebots combiner. On the official products front, Takara is working on their take of the Sega Genesis Transformer and a new paint job for Evasion Mode Prime. Hasbro has released images of some of their Angry Birds Transformers line and a look at some TF4 exclusives. In the licensed products realm, Hot Toys is releasing their take on Optimus Prime while Prime 1 Studio has movie inspired busts in the works along with a large and expensive Starscream statue, and Kubrick is releasing their own Bearbrick Transformers. In addition have a look at apartments that kind of transform through creative use of space. On the review front, a look at 28+ toys that have been released or about too. A few favorites include a look at Generations Jetfire, iGears new design of the Seekers, not Skullcruncher, Guardian, not Sludge and a Dinobot combiner.
This round of links on the latest in Transformers toys both official and not is just full of reviews. We reviews of Beast Hunters toys, latest MP release, and 3rd party upcoming releases like Tetra Squadron, not STunticons, and more. Also have reviews of past releases like a 30 year old Gobot gestault and God Ginrai. Not reviews include a look at the lastest addition to the Super GT line, encore Fortress Maximus, a new Megatron statue and Transformers Go comparisons.
More toy news for your entertainment. Below are links to galleries for upcoming 3rd party toys including two combiners, GameInformer covers, WST Astrotrain and Transformers: The Ride tease. For videos there is a look at Sideswipe at recent Hub event, latest Kre-O commercial, and video reviews of Heavy Labor & five Transformers: Prime toys.
Another week, more news related to Transformers. Oddly there have been an uptick in Transformers: Dark of the Moon stuff with a concept art gallery and a new USB product. In addition, Transformers: Prime toys images are popping up and more teases of upcoming 3rd party toys. Last are a few videos with a video review, Ironhide tribute and Transformers in 1-D.
This week's link fest is almost a walk down memory lane for long time Transformers fans. Takara is releasing a Transformers: The Movie inspired version of Starscream, a bunch of 3rd party toys based on the G1 line, a look at Takara's G1 toys, G1 storyboards and a look at the Dinobot combiner. It has been 25 years but G1 is alive and well.
Time for another linkfest. This one covers a wider variety from the Transformers world of accessories. This go around includes more 3rd party toys, Masterpiece improvements, news of upcoming releases, computer accessories, new TF book, and an interesting toy related video.
Time for another link fest. This one is fairly focused on official Transformers toys including a look at the new Masterpiece version of Optimus Prime, a new DOTM toy, more 3rd party stuff and three reviews.
Time for another linkfest. With the Dark of the Moon news down to just the upcoming home video releases and repaints, figured time to merge this stuff into one. Have not decided if will start seperating this stuff out yet into a bunch of seperate posts or not. What do you think? This method easier or prefer five or six individual posts? Any case, the latest is a TF pinball machine, a look at more 3rd party figures, TF Prime concept art, repaints and a review.
iGear's not Sharticon
Yet another Transformers: Dark of the Moon link fest and the toy and related news continues to trickle in. Below are few galleries to upcoming toys, a video review and two custom jobs that take two DOTM to the next level.
More Transformers toys links, most of them focusing on TFC toys. This 3rd party not Transformers creator is quickly becoming the best around with a product line that any G1 fan would love. Other links include a look at Alternity figures, a review of the first TFC toy, and more.
Hercules Heavy Labor Images
TFC Toys Future Plans
Alternity Goldbug and Dai Atlas Images
While Transformers: Dark of the Moon is winding down its theatrical run, a little of toy related news continues to pop up now and then. Below is the latest, most of it about repaints and the like.
Time for another linkfest of Transformers news. It remains heavy on third party Transformers with a mix of G1 past and a new teaser for the Transformers Universe MMORPG coming next year. 
Time for another Transformers link fest not related to Transformers: Dark of the Moon stuff. In many cases it also seems like a repeat of previous link fests with new galleries to previous toys with the main difference being that many of them are available to buy.
The movie has been out for weeks now and yet the Transformers: Dark of the Moon related merchandise news keeps coming.
