Bios: Double Punch

"Double the power means double the destruction!"

Function: Desert Vanguard

Forged out of the most hardened metallic substance in Cybertron's remote desert region. Combats computer-driven units in sandstorms with tempratures exceeding 150 Fahrenheit. Has a ferocious temper thats causes him to react violently at anything that crosses his path. Usually aligns with both sides in an argument just to advance his own position in Decepticon ranks. Cunning and cynical, Double Punch can convert into a fearsome, dual clawed robotic scorpion to perform his most diabolial schemes.

Strength: 8 Intelligence: 7 Speed: 7 Endurance: 6

Rank: 6 Courage: 9 Firepower: 8 Skill: 9

Bios: Windmill

"Nothing is immune from my radar systems! Nothing!"

Function: Air Defense

A specialist in air defense technology. Designed and implemented the Autobots' home base radar system. Advanced kinetic intelligence and cyber-optic perception modem implants enables him to track enemy attack forces anywhere in the galaxy. Feels a special dislike toward Decepticons for obliterating his defense laboratory on Cybertron. Enjoys the challenge of revamping discarded metallic substances to create new forms of laser weaponry. Able to convert into a high-impact, counter strike helicopter.

Strength: 8 Intelligence: 9 Speed: 8 Endurance: 6

Rank: 7 Courage: 10 Firepower: 7 Skill: 9

Toylanta Week is here!

It's not just the beginning of a new week here on Planet Zone, but the start of Toylanta week here on Planet Zone! That right, the great toy show is here and I'm hella excited. This week will be a little different. I'll be updating all weekend after each day at the show. Just to give me a little break before the show, we're going to have an all bios week. Since it's such a special con week, we'll focus on some special toys. 

Transformers Action Masters Elites were a set of Action Masters that transformed unlike the rest of their ilk. Toylanta gives us a chance to really appreciate the more special side of our hobbies. So I don't see a better time to appreciate a special little set of toys. Check back each day leading up to the great toy show and my ongoing reports. Thank you for continuing to read Zone Base and please share with your friends!

Bios: Omega Spreem

"Grinding Decepticons through my treads is my only objective!"

Function: Defense Base

There is no stopping him from taking on the Decepticons most ruthless forces. Displays no fear or caution when excited to the point of armed combat. Gets his kicks when he slams his treads into high gear to attack unsuspecting Decepticons. Often refers to his Decepticon counter parts as the lowest form of cybernetic existence. Skilled in the art of synthetic metallurgy, manipulating pre-solidified steel and titanium alloy into photon laser weaponry. Always seen cleaning out his neutronic laser barrels in case of attack. Can change into a devastating laser tank with rotating cannon unit.

Strength: 9 Intelligence: 6 Speed: 5 Endurance: 7

Rank: 8 Courage: 10 Firepower: 6 Skill: 8

Sideswipe (Kingdom)

Sideswipe also came in the Battle Across Time set with Skywarp. This Kingdom version of Sideswipe is a remold of the Siege Sideswipe toy that got a lot of use over the years. That's kind of the beauty of a Sideswipe toy mold, it's going to get a lot of reuse. Think of it as the Autobot Seeker mold. When there's a Sideswipe, there's going to be several repaints coming. I think this version has turned out a record number of repaints... and I'm not complaining. This Kingdom version is Sideswipe's Earth form, a red Lamborghini Countach. A very nice and flashy car that will draw attention wherever it goes. So of course it's just right to disguise yourself as.

Of course Sideswipe is an action figure and they're trying to sell as many toys as possible. So they'll turn into cool, flashy cars instead of that old Ford Taurus your Mom drives. If you have bought any Transformers within the past few years... you've probably got some form of this mold. However, just in case you don't, it's a good toy. Sideswipe transformers pretty easily. He's a character that you know how to transform by looking at, even if it's a brand new toy of him... you pretty much have it figured out. In robot mode he's pleasantly articulated and has a satisfying amount of chonk to his look. There's a reason why he's one of the standard bots. Sideswipe just looks like the concept, you know?

I can't say anything bad about this toy. I've got so many different versions of it... I better not have anything bad to say about it. This new Kingdom version is a nice change from the prior Siege version. While I really liked the Cybertronian design the Siege toy has, the Earthen mode is classic... and after a few years of that space car some change is welcome. I've honestly always liked him... it's hard not too. This combination of him and Skywwarp makes for a great set. It was a great gift from my wife and just a fun set to own.

Bios: Fracture

Dedicated to Megatron and the Decepticon cause, Decepticon Fracture is a dangerous enemy. She is totally fearless, and probably a little bit crazy, as she dives directly into any battle, regardless of the odds. Although she carries a powerful negative energy blaster, she prefers to use the seismic energy dischargers on her feet to smash the surrounding earth to pieces. Any battlefield on which she walks shudders with the force of her steps.

Strenght: 7 Intelligence: 4 Speed: 8 Endurance: 8

Rank: 5 Courage: 10 Fireblast: 8 Skill: 3

Weekly Halloween~ Witchy Ways

Ever see a witch? The town I loved in for a few years had one. She seemingly lived under a bridge in the town square. There was several accounts of her performing spells in the Post Office parking lot, dancing around small fires made of sticks and roadkill. I saw her once shaking some beads at a building. Was she just a crazy person loose in the streets? Maybe, but I wasn't sticking around to find out.

Toylanta is nearing

Toylanta is coming up and it's weighing pretty heavily on my mind. I'm really looking forward to going... and also having a little break. Work has been hard lately so some fun is more than welcome. I am a little antsy about the new venue. The show just keeps growing, which is awesome, but that necessitates the need for bigger locations. I was just getting used to the former "new" location the show has been at since 2020 (obviously that year got canceled), though I still vastly prefer the old location. Even though it was getting really cramped, I liked that place. Not to mention the new new location is much further away, meaning a longer trip to and from each day. Regardless, I'm really looking forward to the show.

Each year as the convention gets closer I make up a mental list of things to look for... and don't follow it well at the show. Partially because things change when you get there and see what's available. Honestly, sometimes you just change your mind. One thing I'm definitely looking for is Gobots and Rock Lords. You guys know I love them and for some reason... I just like buying them specifically at Toylanta. I don't know why, but there is something REALLY satisfying about buying them there. It's super proper, it has to be done. I'll throw other robot toys into that idea as well, because I'll likely get some... but it's really about the Gobots and Rock Lords at Toylanta.

I'll be hosting the Transformers panel, but I don't buy a whole lot of them there. Often dealers will have ones I already have or plan on buying soon. When they have something I don't... it's for a price I don't want to pay. Speaking of prices I don't want to pay, Battle Beasts. They're few and far between these days and generally cost more than I'd want to pay. I straight up walked away from a dealer when he quoted me twenty bucks a piece for some a few years ago. For the record they were very beaten and and one was missing an arm. There's some scummy dealers out there and I just don't tolerate their antics. One guy a few years ago wanted $200 for a ReAction Merman, I passed, and got the same one (with weapon... unlike the other) for $5 last year. It pays to be smart.... and with the cost of everything else these days... you need to be.

Another toy I'd like to find is of Demolition Man. I've forgotten the characters actual name... but the Sylvester Stallone guy. Some of (if not all) of that movies toys were made of New Adventures of He-Man figure molds. The main character is a repaint of He-Man... and I'd like to get one within reason. There's also those Micro TMNT play sets that use old Diaclone molds. Those would be great. That's the cool thing about a con like this, there's a little bit of everything and a lot of surprises. Not much drama either... thank god. I generally have a great time and each year is it's own story. Each year is a different experience, and that's awesome.