Lucca Comics and Games 2018 Transformers reveals

Build the ultimate battlefield with SIEGE figures. SIEGE plunges fans into the epic fight to survive on the final day of the AUTOBOT and DECEPTICON battle to control CYBERTRON. The DECEPTICON resistance army and the AUTOBOT counter-resistance fighters gear up with the C.O.M.B.A.T. (CYBERTRONIAN Omnifuctional Modular Battlefield Assault Tech) System, the universe’s most advanced modular weaponry.

Happy Halloween from Zone Base!

The big day is here! Happy Halloween! Hope everyone has fun watching spooky specials and eating weird colored candy!

Halloween Saftey (1985)

Gang, it's Halloween... I'm very concerned about you all having a safe and fun Halloween.

Halloween Saftey (1977)

The big day is officially here! I've been saying it and I mean it, I'm really concerned about your saftey while you trick or treat!

Power of the Primes Wreck-Gar

I was really happy to find this years Walgreen's Exclusive toy on the way to a Pumpkin Patch with my wife. Weirdly enough, the annual Walgreen's exclusive Transformer has become a big deal for me. It's one of the bigger moments in Transformers toys for me each year and Wreck-Gar is definitely a good choice. Using  Combiner Wars Groove as a base mold, Wreck Gar has a new head and includes his axe weapon from the Reveal the Shield Wreck-Gar toy. Since this is a POTP toy, Wreck-Gar comes with a POTP Primemaster armor hand/foot unit.

Cinderella's Castle Mystery Tour

It's hard for me to think Halloween without thinking of Disney's Halloween Treat, the classic Halloween Special (and it's man versions) that's a definite must watch each Halloween season. Though it's long gone, there was a Disney attraction that was seemingly right out of that very special. Cinderella's Castle Mystery Tour was a haunted cave type attraction located within Cinderella's Castle at Tokyo Disneyland that focused on the more scary villains spooking the poop out of guests. Most notable is the large animatronic Horned King from The Black Cauldron. While I always wished my older brother would have went went us on our family trip to Disney World, this would have been a real treat to go with him on. During the olden days of The Disney Channel (when it was AWESOME) they'd regularly show The Black Cauldron and I don't think he ever missed it.

London Comic Con Reveals

Transformers – MCM London Comic Con Reveals 2018 – Product Copy

Reach past the big screen and build the ultimate TRANSFORMERS collection with Studio Series figures. Each figure in the Studio Series lineup is inspired by an iconic movie scene and designed with specs and details to reflect the TRANSFORMERS movie universe.

Megaforce Halloween Saftey

I don't think I've made it clear just how concerned I am for your safety this Halloween.

Paris Comic Con Studio Series Official Reveals

Reach past the big screen and build the ultimate TRANSFORMERS collection with Studio Series figures (each sold separately), inspired by iconic movie scenes and designed with specs and details to reflect the TRANSFORMERS movie universe.

PUMA & HASBRO REVEAL THE RS-X TRANSFORMERS PACK

Global sports brand PUMA and Hasbro Inc. officially unveil the exclusive Transformers-themed collection. Since first capturing our sci-fi imagination in 1984, Transformers have transcended generations, becoming a global pop-culture phenomenon.  The PUMA x TRANSFORMERS capsule range celebrates the two iconic Autobots, Bumblebee and Optimus Prime, their super powers and remarkable built, reimagined into PUMA’s latest RS-X silhouette.

Inside the Studio Series

While the news of Sideswipe and WW2 Bumblebee in Studio Series was revealed at NYCC, recent pictures of Takara's releases of them has my mind whirling a bit on Studio Series. There's a few I have yet to get already, and quite a bit I plan to get. I should have jumped on Lockdown when I saw him. I decided to wait a bit and never saw him again. Farts. Sideswipe is a must have though. I absolutely love movie Sideswipe and this is looking to be the defacto version of him. The WW2 BB just looks cool. Definitely getting Dropkick, too good to pass up. I'm very drawn to Barricade. Admittedly I prefer his TF5 incarnation more, but that does look great. Rumor has it there's a Cogman coming and that would be good. I've yet to find one of my own in the wild and another chance would be welcome. Hopefully it's a Titanmaster as well.

I've heard speculation of Cogman and the upcoming Drift to be repacked TF5 toys with a few touch ups. That's fine, TF5 figures were basically a precursor to Studio Series as is. Berserker from TF5 and Studio Series Crankshaft seemingly share engineering. I've yet to get any of the Camaro versions of BB, mainly holding off for the upcoming movie edition with interchangeable parts. I jumped on the VW version at site though. Really dig the movie VW Bumblebee design. Still hope they do a Studio Series version of Evac from the ride. Not only because I'm a big fan of it, but because I think it just makes sense. Good looking bot, not to mention a premium version would just make sense for the Supply Vault. Also... I'd just like to have one.

Montser Mash- Boris Pickett

It's not Halloween without The Monster Mash. 

This video is a Halloween fever dream.

Bumblebee trailer (even newer one)

It's extremely hard to not get excited for this movie.

Zoids Liger Zero (basic action figure version)

mew

When one talks about Zoids, they usually focus on the model kits. Which isn't surprising considering it's the focal point of the series and well... they're awesome. Though if you look just below the surface, you'll find a slew of excellent toys other than the model kits. I've always enjoyed the pvc's and action figure versions of the Zoids as they offer an alternative to the big bulky unit. Sure, I've got my Iron Kong... but it's a beast (no pun intended, but I'm gonna own it anyway) to fiddle with. While my action figure and pvc's are great to just goof around with casually. BTW, if you haven't noticed as a reader yet, I'm trying to put more focus on my own toys past the occasional review post. It's a work in progress, so work with me while I get the process streamlined (I'm trying to improve my pictures). Since this is the first one of these type posts on Zoids, I thought no body better to start off with than Liger Zero!

The Halloween that Almost Wasn't/The Night Dracula Saved the World

This is my favorite Halloween special.

Just bask in it's glory.

They go disco dancing.

Energon Igniters Power Series (wave 1)

From left to right: Hot Rod, Bumblebee, Megatron, and Dropkick in vehicle mode

The Energon Igniters toy line from the Bumblebee movie created a new size class called the Power Series. These are relatively simple figures with a lot of charm. If you're confused about them, don't worry, I was too at first. News sites didn't give the Energon Igniters the best coverage information initially and I thought these were a renamed version of Scouts. If you were to look at them in stores, you'd think they were Turbo Changers at first glance as they have the same style packaging. Once you get past the initial confusion, there's a fun little series of figures to be found.

Witch's Night Out

This is legitimately one of my favorite Halloween Specials.

I watch it every Halloween a few times.

Energon Igniters commercial

McBotbotCon

Like many of you, I cannot stop making comparisons to the new Transformers Botbots and McDonald's Food Changeables.  Then it hit me. What if... what if... WHAT IF THERE WAS A MCDONALD'S BOTBOTS HAPPY MEAL WHERE THE BOTBOTS TURNED INTO MCDONALD'S FOOD? WHAT IF THERE WAS A BOTBOTS CHANGEABLES HAPPY MEAL? WHY IS THERE NOT ONE ALREADY?

I've went to thinking these were silly and neat to stark raving mad over these little things. Clearly I am in the most excellent timeline.

Why do they keep calling him Igor?

So, real talk, Shasta used to be a staple in my household. We drank to poop out of it when I was a kid. These days it's mainly a discount store soda that I still occasionally buy for the memories. Or I just buy a Faygo at the gas station, because they're the same company these days. Though, despite my fondness towards Shasta... ok look, THAT'S NOT IGOR.

Weird monster naming aside, man this is a wonderful commercial. Great production, good costumes. It really invokes the feeling of Halloween in the past. Which... I guess being filmed in the past it should ... it just feels like watching a old Halloween special doesn't it?

Totally isn't Igor...

Botbots reveal!

Thanks to Hasbro and their partners, I just opened up the newest press release for Botbots and man now I really want them! Check it out!

BotBots are mischievous little robots who came to life from everyday objects inside a shopping mall! This rare type of Transformers robot is tiny, mischievous, and great at hiding!

Kinnikuman intro

The new Imaginext that Shawn sent (thanks!) couldn't have came at a better time, I've had M.U.S.C.L.E on my mind lately!

Halloween (2018)

I just got home from a viewing of the newest Halloween movie and boy was that great. Set 40 years after the original Halloween and ignoring all the sequels and the remake, this takes the series in a new direction and giving us possibly the most brutal film in the series. While the movie ignores the events of the sequels and multiple timelines of the series, it doesn't completely neglect them either. There are multiple homages to the entire series in very clever ways that I super appreciated.

In college, Halloween was my defacto favorite movie. I'd watch it or it sequels seemingly non-stop. While now at 40 I no longer have a defacto favorite movie, but a group of absolute favorite movies and Halloween stands tall among them. This felt like a personal victory after the reboots tried their best to ruin the good name of Michael Myers. It's one of those things that when I saw announced that made me breathe a giant sigh of relief. While I watched it, I breathed a big sigh of happiness.

I'm very thankful for this movie and it's crew for making such a love letter to the immortal classic that feels like the only sequel the movie ever needed.

Dino Charge-Trick or Treating Safety

I'm not even kidding about just how concerned I am about everyone's safety Halloween Night.

BotBots, what what

So actual information about Botbots came forth today and it's a little out of left field. In case the cute name wasn't a clue, Botbots are obviously intended for children (man... why they keep making toys for kids?) and are seemingly a stab at the Shopkins crowd which if you look at that area in your local stores is obviously a booming segment (man... why does these companies keep trying to make money?). This picture is all we're given to imagine the line and it's clear that we have a line of food Transformers. I'm sure readers know this is something I'd like (man... why does he keep buying things he likes?).

I love blind bags, this is known. I don't know if these transform like Tiny Turbo Changers and I'd be completely ok if the didn't. I like pvc figurines a lot as is and these would be pretty charming in a pvc figurine. My wife likes Shopkins and buys them often. If they come like those, this will be fun. Usually Shopkins have a few toys in a blind pack, or in the case of the Shopkins Happy Places-a matching theme for the included blind toys. For a few dollars a couple of silly little Botbots are too weird to resist.

 

 I own a weird site about monsters and robots with a random old McDonald's commercials, did you think I'd hate them?

Halloween Triumphant

The newest and what's looking like the best Halloween since the original is releasing this weekend and with it is the new version of the classic theme by John Carpenter himself! I've got my tickets already for Saturday night, man it's going to be great!

Good Ideas

You just can't keep a good idea down. Drench from Transformers Generation 2 has just a great look. That green striped into black, the yellow spoiler with that 'TURBO' graphic. It's just a super sharp deco that makes for a really good looking toy. So good looking that...

It was planned for a Universe update around 2004, made from the Armada Wheeljack mold, which was a really good figure with a pretty similar car mode. Sadly the toy was never made, but you just can't keep a good idea down.

As you can tell from the test shot, and might remember from the time, Wheeljack wasn't the best name for the mold as Sideswipe would have been a better choice. It looks like Sideswipe and the name would better suit the 'traitor' character. Such an obvious oversight that...

In 2008, Shattered Glass Sideswipe was inspired by the idea. Shattered Glass being a mirror universe with evil Autobots and heroic Decepticons. Characters had different colors and looks than they traditionally had, with Sideswipe jumping to the Decepticons, it just worked. Making for a great looking toy, with a great deco that payed homage to past Transformers. Perfect for a Transformers convention exclusive. I mean look at that car mode. It's a perfect homage to G2 Drench, a nod to the unreleased toy, and a good use of the mold.

But we're not done here. Nope, not at all. Surprisingly 10 years later, in the anime SSSS. Gridman, the deco popped back up. Many of the human characters were designed to pay homage to various Transformers (not to mention other random homages) and...

Well... you just can't keep a good idea down.

Burger King of Halloween!

Feels like it was just the other day when I was looking back fondly at the Halloween Whopper Burger King gifted the world that was tragically taken by us because of stupid people (no really, you don't have to listen to them, don't be fooled by whatever they're sharing on Facebook). Fortunately Burger King earlier this month released the wonderful return of the Black Cherry Freeze, the classic Halloween beverage that turns your mouth black while you drink it! The all new Nightmare Whopper has a GREEN BUN and looks amazing! They swear it's all natural coloring, so the stupid people won't complain about weird poop... except for the after effects from the Black Cherry... Look, you better get it while you can.

Seriously, all you have to do is point at something else and they'll forget and suddenly focus on it.

Beetras don't bug me

Zone Base readers know of my affinity towards insect based robots. Which is funny, since I don't like real bugs that much, I mean they look kinda neat, but gross. Regardless, you make that bad boy a robot and there I am. With Halloween around the corner (I'm not sure if you've noticed, I kinda like the holiday) nothing seems more appropriate than bugs... ok, I'll talk about insect robots whenever but... so...

Beetras are a robot line of particular note for me. Most Transformers fans recognize the use of the molds as the Deluxe Insecticons, maybe in Convertors, or even odd discount store bootlegs. The toys are just good looking. My favorite is Beet-Gugal/Chop Shop. Just a sharp robot who looks super tough. Even his newer toys manage to capture the essence of the original (but now with knees!) proving you just can't beat a good design.

Beetras was originally a line by Takatoku, who previously had made some pretty successful robot lines, but by the time Beetras was coming out, they were pretty much on the way out closing the business soon after. Mark had made some budget versions of Beetras, those are the molds used in Convertors and probably most bootlegs. Bandai eventually bought out Takatoku and Hasbro licensed the molds for the Deluxe Insecticons. Sometimes you'll see odd budget insect robots that kinda work alongside whatever Beetras uses you may own, but sadly there wasn't anymore new molds. I think Hasbro's use of them are the most famous, as most folks instantly recognize them.

Godbeast Halloween series

If you don't follow TheGodbeast already, I suggest you do. Very awesome monster toys in great various series of colors. The most recent Halloween batch is available now (what's left anyway) and really awesome. I've got an order coming in soon that I'm really looking forward too. Using the Glyos system, Godbeast figures can be combined into all sorts of crazy monstrosities. With the various colors and themes, don't be surprised if you want them all. I know I do.

Alpha Bits Haunted House commercial

Just what in the hell is going on here? Just pure insanity and breakfast with Frankenstein? 

Wait... what did that skeletons button say?

Battle Beasts (Diamond Select stop motion)

I was only able to find Ruminant and Spyrnus from the Diamond Select version of Battle Beasts, which was a bummer since they were such good looking figures. Though I admit, I never felt like these were Battle Beasts, just cool fantasy figures. Guess they were too grimdark.

SSSS. Gridman intro

I may be a little enamored.

SSSS. Gridman

This weekend I was able to catch up on the first two episodes of a series I've been anticipating for awhile now, SSSS. Gridman. This is an anime Gridman series that's an all new cannon, but the creators insist isn't a reboot or remake. Gridman, of course, is a classic tokusatsu show from the 90's that was released in America (with new teenager scenes in the vein of Power Rangers) as Superhuman Samurai Syber-Squad (something I've talked about quite a bit here). In short, I loved it. It has a different vibe from the original series. It's a little sad, with a touch of comedy. For instance in one scene, as Gridman was fighting a kaiju, his partner Sho was trying to find a weak spot on the kaiju leading a quip that they always have a weak spot in the Ultra series (both are made by Tsuburaya and have obvious similarities).

Adding to the drama is that our hero, Yuta, has amnesia and cannot remember his past. He can see kaiju before they materialize, leading to foreboding shadows in the background. The whole show has a great fever dream like quality which matches the somber mood and how I can imagine life would be for an amnesiac. He's drawn to the computer in which Gridman communicates with him and understands enough that he's part of the whole Hyper Agent scene. I really dig the who dreariness of the show. It's got a charm of it's own and making the entire story kind of haunting. A show like this can be a little over the top, so giving it that downer mood sets it apart and gives it character.

I'm sure if you're in the same circles I am, you've probably seen all the posts about the large number of Transformers Easter Eggs in the character design. There's tons of it, with more getting found practically every hour. I wonder if that's going to continue or if it will curb off at some point. That was super fun to spot out. Joy kills magically had a problem with it (heaven forbid something be popular), but it was great to watch so many people point it out with pure joy. I know I was personally thrilled with it and continue to do so as more and more gets pointed out. It's kinda amazing.

It's great to see something I've liked since I was a kid make a return after 20 something years. I still remember waking up early every day to watch SSSS before going to school. I still watch old episodes of it regularly, as goofy as it may be. I hope to get some of the new toys from this series as the updates to the classic designs look great. I suggest that if you haven't already checked it out to do so. The show kicks gigabutt.

Frankenstein Conquers the World trailer (US/German version)

Frankenstein in use as a kaiju has always been a weird one. Sure, I suppose it makes sense, he's a big freak made in a lab. Go figure some radiation could make him giant. He made one hell of an awesome villain in Power Rangers (that was an ass kicking he dealt out). It's just his portrayal comes off more bizarre than anything. Which once again, bizarre works for Frankenstein, but once he becomes a giant, he just kind of looks like a caveman. I suppose wearing fur didn't help with that, but it is what it is. Can't have him grow gigantic and somehow his pants still fit. Good thing the Gargantuas are furry monsters to avoid that awkward issue. Man, Frankenstein's weird yelling just doesn't help. I think Frankenstein in Power Rangers/Super Sentai was better, even though his pants grew.

Boy, a living severed hand is always a great monster on it's own though, isn't it? The least realistic it looks, the better.

What the heck did I do this weekend?

 

Honestly it was a pretty low key weekend. Aside from getting groceries and a little shopping at Walmart, we didn't really do much. Did some more clean up on my toy room, ate pizza and BBQ. I did watch the first 2 episodes of SSSS. Gridman, which was AWESOME and full of random TF Easter Eggs. Cyberverse wasn't as good as last week, but still ok. Super Ninja Steel was funny. I'll give a more in depth post about Gridman a little later. Didn't find the G1 Minibots, but brought home Power Series Megatron as well as some Nano Metalfigs, some swank Universal Monsters cups and the most rad Halloween Star Wars cup I've ever bought for a dollar.

Also ordered some stuff from Godbeast. Godbeast is awesome. Today (Monday) I went out to vote (early voting began today in my area, as a night shift worker it's generally my best option) which was a bit of a drag as they were having machine problems and it took a lot longer than I'm used too. After that a trip to Walmart again to order some contacts before my prescription expires and my insurance renews (my vision hasn't changed in over a decade), figuring I'll take a new exam after the new year and get some new glasses. While there I took a bag of pennies I found while cleaning my toy room to the Coinstar and bought Power Series Bumblebee. They had actually restocked since Saturday, I was tempted to grab Acid Storm but decided to hold off until next weekend. I have no real reason why.

I think I said Gridman more than 'uh' or 'like' the entire weekend. Which is a new record.

Woo Hoo Gridman!

SSSS. Gridman had it's debut episode earlier this week! If you're like me, you plan to watch it this weekend. I've already seen some keen Transformers Easter Eggs that are in the show, so now I'm even more excited for the chance to finally watch it. As a Superhuman Samurai Syber-Squad fan, I'm super pumped to finally get something new from something that's been over for what... 20 something years?

Felix the Ghost Breaker

That was a little messed up.

Transformers Adventure Ultimate Optimus Prime commercial

Still wish I would have gotten one of these.

Drone Footage of a Clown Creeper

I occasionally think about getting into drones. It looks super fun and I think it would be cool to get some great videos, you know? But considering the costs involved and the actual spare time I have, it just doesn't work out to more than a 'that would be neat'. I've mentioned I watch a lot of spooky videos and weird stuff caught by drones/security cameras always fascinates me. Because assuming it's not staged, that's pretty freaky. Double freaky considering I've been really contemplating getting a security camera, specially whenever we move. So the idea of flying a drone around and ... well there's one of those damn clowns... just prowling about for someone to scare. That'd be weird. Maybe scary, I mean, what if you were just flying one of those things around and caught one of the clown creepers attacking somebody? Man.

I remember a few years ago when the clown epidemic was at it's biggest point there was one seen a few times at the Walmart by my work. My wife was worried for my safety as I often stop there on my way home or make a quick run on my lunch break for stuff. I'd knock a fool out, but still. It makes me wonder, as there's quite a bit of factories and warehouses around here, what's the chances of one in my companies parking lot? I'd knock a fool out, but still.

Weird.

Puma X Transformers

PUMA and Hasbro have teamed up to create exciting Transformers themed footwear! PUMA will combine the Transformers theme with its RS-X shoe, which is based on the iconic 1980s Running System (RS) line. For PUMA and Hasbro, the launch of this collaboration comes ahead of an important date for Transformers fans: the release of the BUMBLEBEE movie which hits theaters this December.

The PUMA x TRANSFORMERS range will be sold exclusively at Foot Locker stores. More details will be revealed over the coming weeks.

Godzilla: The Planet Eater trailer

Who dat

This artwork has been floating all over the internet earlier today (at least as of when I woke up) of some unknown Generations character. Most are assuming it to be a Micromaster or Battlemaster for Siege while some are saying the art style doesn't match up with the Siege art we've been shown. Judging by the more traditional Optimus Prime in the image, I wonder if it's for some store/expo banner or even the trading card game. Of course it could be for Siege and not all the art is exactly the same.

I'm only posting because it's fun to speculate on a unknown Transformer. It's been a while since the opportunity to do that has came up. Usually it's pretty clear who the character is latley. I've been saying this since Titanmasters, but man these smaller 'Masters' figures from Generations are my favorite thing in Transformers these days. I would say I hope Takara gets wild with them like they've done in the past, but they've apparently stopped doing that for the time being. Recolors of small 'Masters' would make great premiums. Like a mail away, or a exclusive version inside a store exclusive gift set. Maybe even some sort of official organization, it would make a good 'freebie' type (because that cost totally wasn't folded into something else... nah).

EDIT ONE ETERNITY LATER: Mystery was solved. Well, that's neat.

Godzilla vs Gigan trailer (1972)

Nestle Halloween candy commercial (1977)

Look, I don't know how much more Halloween you can get than Frankenstein slinging candy bars with a rebate offer on the bag than this but, here we are and here it is. Thinking about the ending, when did the frightened Frankenstein trope begin? I mean, sure, he's always been afraid of fire and possibly get's self conscious ordering at Subway (dammit, nobody is worried about what you're doing while they're eating lunch, just tell the guy what you want and stop holding up the line). But when did the 'oh my goodness, you scared me' variation start?

Sure it's funny to see a big scary monster act non threatening (this comes from a big scary monster who used to own a Honda Fit), but it's certainly been a long running thing. Either way, I love older Halloween commercials. Not just for nostalgia either, I just prefer the presentation and style. Though I have been seeing some newer ones that are sure to be classics. There's a newer Kit Kat one with a badly carved pumpkin who talks goofy (see, his mouth is weird). Or that great IHOP one with the talking pumpkin that turns around to reveal it's face, scaring the mail man who picks it up and throws it (every time, every freaking time it comes on my neighbors end up beating on the ceiling).

Zoids Blox promo

The other day I was wondering what all crazy knock off toys will be at discount stores for the Christmas season. Last year M.A.R.S. Converters had a VERY Zoids looking batch of robot dinosaurs haunting my local Family Dollar next to their better looking robots. Of course Zoids Wild started up in June this year and Hasbro is planning to bring that to the US sometime soon-ish (there's not much info other than Hasbro is licensing it at the moment). I'm really looking forward to that. I love Zoids, but they can be prohibitively expensive making the US versions the best option in most cases. I think the last version of Zoids available here was the Hasbro version of Zoids Blox which I thought was very neat. There was some small remote control Zoids Tomy released here under another banner to avoid legalities shortly after it was dying here. But that was around 2004-2005? So it's been awhile. I guess a little longer for Zoids Wild toys to debut here isn't much of a hassle. Just I wish it was now instead of later.

If I see those fake ones at Family Dollar again, I might just grab some.

Jollibee Beast Machines kids meal commercial

I've said it before, and I'll say it again and again and again. I wish we had Jollibee here in my area. I'm sure the food is good... but my desires comes from their excellent kids meals toys. More recent ones look like Legion toys with a little lower budget. These Beast Machines toys could pass for retail toys. It's crazy how nice they look in these commercials. These look like something you'd buy in a store.

I wonder how the food is?

45 Grave- Do you wanna party

Symbiotic Dark Cherry Liemade Brisk commercial

I really like Brisk. I can't say I drink it all the time, but pretty close to it. Ever since I learned of the new Venom themed Brisk I had to have it. Just right for Halloween time, just right for a Spider-Man fan, and just right for a Brisk flavor. Unfortunately I had the hardest time finding a bottle for no real reason, just my usual haunts never have it. Fortunately they usually have my favorite flavor, so I don't complain too much. So while out the other day running some errands, I found myself in a Family Dollar and what else do I find?

Venom Symbiotic Dark Cherry Limeade Brisk!

So I grabbed two bottles (it's only $1 a huge bottle) eagerly and stuck them in the fridge as soon as I got home. Bringing one to work with me, I could hear it calling me, demanding to drink it and have a taste. If you're not familiar with Brisk, let me give you a quick introduction. It's a half and half beverage by Lipton in partnership with Pepsi. A half and half is half iced tea and half lemonade of some variety. The Venom Brisk is half tea, half dark cherry limeade. I usually enjoy a good cherry limeade, so this was really calling out to me. Like a symbiote to a host.

How's it taste?

Pretty darn good. At first I wasn't too impressed with it, but over the course of the bottle began enjoying it more as sometimes with soft drinks, the first impressions aren't lasting. The dark cherry variation of cherry limeade is new to me and took a bit to get used too. It's a little sweeter than I anticipated, and the dark cherry dominates the flavor with the lime being more of a chaser. It's good. The dark color is really neat, I'm used to the more bright green of my usual Brisk so the dark red is really standing out. The color also fits Halloween time as it could easily pass for blood if ever in a vampire themed release.

Power Rangers Legacy Wars: Street Fighter Showdown

It's finally out, enjoy!

Man, I need a toy of Ryu Ranger.

Micronaught Aliens commercial

If the latest episode of Transform Squadron didn't make it clear, I just might have some affection towards things that glow in the dark. I also have an affection towards Micronauts/Microman thanks to Transformers. I also wish my brain glowed in the dark. Thinking about it... it might just at this point.

Ghost on road in India

So... did somebody get drunk after working a local haunted house and stumble out into the road or something?

I'm not saying it's not creepy, it is, and it would be unnerving to drive up on.

"Hello Police... yeah... there's a woman dressed like a ghost walking around in the middle of the road... I guess like those clowns from a few years back yeah... ok cool, I'm going to just keep driving now, later bye"

What the heck did I do this weekend?

 

Enjoyed another peaceful weekend. Friday morning before coming home from work, I stopped by Walmart and scored Devastator leaving only the G1 reissue Minibots left to acquire. Kinda hoping they do more later, but at the same time don't look forward to trying to buy them before they sell out. Saturday I stopped to get groceries and breakfast on the way home as later that night the Mrs and me went to see The Nun at a later evening showing.

Before leaving and after some sleep, I caught up with my DVR. Cyberverse was excellent this week. I really enjoy this show and it's getting better each week. Usually a cartoons first episodes are the worst and the first episodes weren't bad! At this rate I wonder if the series end will be amazing. I enjoyed seeing Shockwaves little drones, making me wonder if the toy's eventual repaint will be a troop builder of those. Makes me think of that old BotCon idea of using the Megabolt Megatron mold as a bug like army for Cryotec.

Ninja Steel was decent, the 'lesson' of this weeks show was decent, just felt like it needed a little more something. Basically, Calvin gets a job as a mechanic and quits school. Decides to go back to school after helping fix the Lion Fire Megazord with Mick, with Mick showing him what to do. Though the message is solid and boy I liked this weeks monster, it felt a little uneven on the lesson part.

The Nun was great. We enjoy the Conjuring movies as a whole and this one was pretty top notch. Maybe not perfect, but pretty close. I really liked the setting, pretty much what I wish Universal would have done with Dark Universe. Here we had basically an updated 'old timey' spooky movie in a castle that had substance AND style. Action packed with scares, this was a great movie. I like The Conjuring moves as a whole, but I didn't like the Annabelle moves as much as the main movies while I feel this one might actually be better than the main movies. Just an overall good horror movie.

Afterwards we went to the nearby Walmart to check out it's Halloween section and I picked up the rest of the Bumblebee Speed/Legion series wave 1. It's funny, these toys are $5 again while the Last Knight ones jumped up to 8-9$ last year. Weird. We got some Steak and Shake and came home. Great night. Sunday was spent similar to last weeks, more work in my toy room and just a nice day at home. I learned of a new smaller Authentics Grimlock being found, so this morning I looked without luck for one this morning while doing some errands. One day little Grimlock... one day.

Power Rangers Samurai Halloween Saftey video

Gang, as the big day nears... I feel we all need some helpful hints.

Ultraman Halloween Event!

今年の #ハロウィン は家族でウルトラハッピーに！🎃🕸

小田急電鉄「ODAKYU ウルトラハッピー！ハロウィン」イベントが明日10/6(土)より開催！👻🎉
10/27(土)には最新ウルトラヒーロー「ウルトラマンルーブ」が登場します‼✨

詳細はこちら🔽https://t.co/2HmiuHRA7s pic.twitter.com/9kVwt6ynsj

— 円谷プロダクション (@tsuburayaprod) October 5, 2018

This year's #ハロウィン family is ultra happy! 🎃🕸 Odakyu Electric Railway [odakyu Ultra happy! Halloween event will be held from October 6 (sat) tomorrow! 👻🎉 10/27 (sat) The latest ultra hero [ultraman lube] appeared in ‼✨ detail here 🔽 https://m-78.jp/news/post-4917/

Happy Dance

More news from NYCC has been coming and boy oh boy is it my kind of news! New renders of Cyberverse and Energon Igniters figures have been popping up showing me stuff I just can't help but to love. Transformers is the music I can't hear enough and the upcoming year's verse is the very song that I'll gladly put on repeat.

I'm very happy to see Shadow Striker get a scout release and find it just a bit better looking than the larger 20$ toy, so that's a definite plus! Also a Soundwave with a super rad Laserbeak launching action is hard to deny as pure awesome. Not to mention more Hot Rod. Love me some Hot Rod. It looks like some great releases in my personal fan favorite Power series is coming by way of a few creative repaints as well as some new molds. Man... just MAN I wish these had some crazy launching missile gun, or water changing action with squirter because they are ssssooooo descendants of G2 gimmick figures in design. Seeing as they're outfitted with a port for that Energon Igniter gimmick block, maybe some crafty fans can make some nifty Axelerators type guns to hold in bot mode and store as engines in vehicle mode.

Little Baby's Ice Cream commercial

Good luck sleeping.

I'm going to Siege them all when I see them

Being a nighttime worker, I'm usually asleep when cool toy news hits the internet. Which is a mixed blessing as I don't have to wait for each increment of news to drip out of the news Keurig, but if there was some surprise sale thing it's usually long gone before I'm ever aware of it *sigh*. Though if I want such nice things as new Siege toys as well as somewhere to put them, I gotta work *shrug*. Today whilst I slumbered was the Hasbro showing of upcoming Transformers Siege toys at New York Comic Con. Man, if I wasn't already excited for these... I have no analogy... I'm really excited for these. I might shit my pants.

The highlight of the news was finally a look at the Decepticons and boy look at those Decepticons! They showed off a brand spanking new Soundwave with Micromasters for cassettes! That is a super good use of the concept. Laserbeak is even in his More than Meets the Eye design which is just wonderful! Soundwave turns into a spaceship that looks an awful lot like his weird lamp post alt mode from the same episode. Which works well as Mothra may have been all for a lamp toy, but it's not very exciting on a toy box.

The Micromasters, Battlemasters, and Weaponizers are really fun and are exactly the kind of thing I go crazy for. I also appreciate how the standard bots looks like their classic selves, but still updated enough to not just be a rehash of things I've already bought. Reflector is a pretty genius idea. Since he's traditionally three identical dudes, you can buy him individually and still have a solid toy and not complain about the cost of three identical toys. Though, since most fans would buy three, three of them can combine to form the camera mode.

I like the battle worn appearance and the tech detailing. It's another neat way to make the toys stand out visually from prior versions as well as sell the War for Cybertron theme. You know... they're fighting a war, gonna have a few boo boos. I'm really looking forward to these and hoping they start showing at Christmas time like POTP did last year. The wife sure did Siege up a bunch for presents (I'm very patiently waiting for the holiday for the new card game) and well... that's the kind of awesome I can live with!

Drench

Give me more action! It's no fun unless I can see the whites of their eyes.

He's young and impetuous with a love for excitement that hides his serious, intelligent side. He has amazing skill in devising hair-raising new defense methods. As a vehicle, aqua-power makes him a formidable opponent. As a robot, he uses it to defend with courage and accuracy.

Friday the 13th part 7: The New Blood trailer

It wasn't until I was an adult until I finally figured out why Tina's Mom sounded so much like Arcee.

Action Master Devastator

Thinking and winning do not mix.

Awesome and terrifying! Programmed for the sole purpose of crushing everything in his path. He is the embodiment of a life form which takes full advantage of his enemies' weaknesses and uses them for their destruction. His ferocious partner, Scorpulator, conducts attacks without reason and warning, ripping his victims to scrap metal with his razor sharp claws. Scorpulator's tail shoots twin pulse laser beams. Changes into an acid spray gun.

Microman 45 rpm record

This is a great listen. I felt like this was the intro to some toku show, which considering how Microman commercials are great little tokusatsu productions, was really fitting. I can't help but to marvel at how the singer belts out the tune so well despite being a silly little toy tie in record. I honestly feel little things like are cool, just a little song released to coincide with a toy line. Imagine if Hasbro commissioned a Siege song?

Weeble Wobble Haunted House commercial

So... if a ghost scares a Weeble Wobble... if it passes out and faints, does it just bobble around unconscious?

Transform Squadron-Episode 2

Transform Squadron Episode 2- Great Value BotCon

On this episode, Rob discusses Microman soft vinyl, Walmart Transformers reissues, and Bumblebee movie Energon Igniters Power series figures. Also, Rob asks the immortal question, just what do you call the glow in the dark color anyway?

Taco Bell Monster Straws

The wife and I were just talking about these the other day. They should bring them back, paired with some sort of Halloween combo. Like one of those $5 box deals. Call it the Halloween combo, I dunno a black or orange taco shelled creation, nacho fires and a drink with the straw included. You know you'd be all in for that.

I admittedly just want some nacho fries.

What the heck did I do this weekend?

This weekend was pretty laid back. Though, I suppose I should bring up Friday, Friday morning I swung by Walmart on the way home from work and got the reissue Starscream and grabbed one of the new Speed series (formerly Legion Class) Bumblebee toys. They had others, but seeing as I was grabbing a $35 figure... I felt like waiting to buy the rest. The following Saturday morning I went with the wife to pick up our groceries and stop by Target. While At that Walmart I picked up the Bumblebee Power series Hot Rod.

Initially I thought the Power series was a new name for Legend class (like Speed for Legion), and seeing the packaging I thought they were Turbo Changers... I was wrong. Power series is a new size class obviously aimed at children, that like the Speed series works with the Energon Igniters power brick thingies. On it's own though, it's a fun little basic figure. When they first showed up online, I had said they remind me of G2 toys... and it still does. The figure is very similar to a standard Generation 2 toy without it's gimmick weapon. That certainly works for me as I've always really dug that style of toy. Hoping to see these continue and maybe even stretch out into something with more traditional robots.

We ate lunch at McDonald's, where my wife grabbed the TF happy meal toys for me. We pretty much stayed home the rest of the weekend aside from a quick run out for Subway for lunch Sunday and a quick drop by the Dollar General. I was hoping to score the Mummy Army set, continuing from last Halloweens skeleton army set and went home with two! Most of Sunday was spent organizing my toy room. It's a project I've been putting off for some time now and plan on spending the next few Sundays doing. Not just for the sake of cleanliness, but also there's going to be a few weekends with my Mom staying over coming up and the futon in there serves as a guest bed. Not to mention we hope to move next summer (and this time we mean it), so having it mostly packed up ahead of time is a good thing. I recorded a new Transform Squadron episode that should go up soon, so hopefully you all will enjoy that.