robots/monsters/misadventure

Thursday, February 28, 2019

Our Friend Power 5 (1989)

I've been a lot busier in the past few days than I'd like to be. Times like these call for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles piloting Courageous the Gobot in another Korean movie of dubious legalities.

Tuesday, February 26, 2019

Micro Robot 7


God Lives Underwater-Drag Me Down


Giant Acroyer


I don't know exactly why, but I really enjoy the use of Egypt in this commercial. The long standing alleged alien connection to the pyramids makes for a great backdrop for a weird sci fi robots adventure. Easter Island, Aztec ruins, Atlantis, or any kind of ancient civilization just makes for a good place for alien space adventure to settle on Earth. Not just for fictional purposes either, there's just a stark contrast between a alien robot and an ancient structure that makes for the perfect place for a sci fi battle.

Friday, February 22, 2019

Mazinger Z vs Transformers limited covers



"Mazinger Z vs transformers"
[Invincible Iron King Kong vs Transformers] manga
The Limited Cover version has already been announced

Wind Ninja Draw Cover version only
Bean Torpedoes, written book tower, had

Big Shima Yu Draw Cover version only
Verve Comics, Bri comics had

If you have a special love for these two artists!!
※ Limited Cover version only cover different, content same as general cover edition

M.A.S.K Rhino, Thunderhawk, and Switchblade


Thursday, February 21, 2019

I need a (combat) hero


It had been floating in the unfounded rumor scene for a bit, and officially revealed and for sale at Hasbro Pulse this past weekend, but Combat Hero Megatron has finally been released in some form. This is a big one for me as I've always been disappointed that the original toy had never been released. The Optimus Prime Combat Hero homage toy got a release about 5 years ago and mines been waiting for it's partner in combat heroism. These old G2 molds have steadily been a favorite of mine over the years and the unreleased combat hero versions just looked so damn cool. While the new toys aren't the originals, they're close enough. Not to mention, using some damn fine molds. While I've yet to buy a Siege Megatron (though will soon), it's a great looking toy. Though I do think the combat hero deco just looks a little better on it. Just the sharp contrast of the white and camouflage is so striking. It's got that sanitary menace that Storm Troopers have. So freaking good looking. Man, even in exclusives based on the molds, Siege is just an amazing Transformers line.


Monday, February 18, 2019

Toy Fair 2019 reflections

It practically ordered itself
Another Toy Fair has come and gone, and if you're anything like me, you're probably grateful for your social media to return to normal. All joking aside, as usual there was a ton of news for the upcoming year in toys. Most of the Transformers news was already made available prior to the event in form of press releases, sneak peaks on popular pop culture sites, and fandom news sources scouring the internet (how do they have the time?). Though there still was some surprises to be had and honestly, not going makes the spoiled surprises hardly an issue for me since it's just reading news (though partially the source of my sarcasm towards the onslaught of news over the weekend after they already leaked it the week earlier). Power Rangers had some great looks at upcoming toys and I'm really looking forward to some of that stuff. There's a great Star Wars pseudo vintage Kenner style line coming that I'm excited over. My love for those old Kenner figures has never faded (and likely why I like the standard/basic figures so much), so getting updates of those is something I'm all in for.

Super 7 showed off some cool stuff that I'm really interested in. I've always dug their ReAction line (see, Kenner style toys) and they've got some great stuff coming. I wish I would have got a better look at their M.U.S.C.L.E line (another favorite toy style), but such is how the news flow goes. I'm sure I will as time goes. Honestly I didn't get to see much more than I'm talking about here as that was majorly in my optics over the weekend. That's kinda the end result of a flood of news, you end up just taking a few sips of the water and head for dry land. I'll take in more in time as really, more in depth information will be made available as the things get closer to release.

To give a spotlight on my favorites from the show, well, as far as Transformers goes I'm still in awe of Siege. I absolutely love the line and don't see anything I don't want. Really looking forward to those 35th Anniversary toys. Great reuse of already excellent Siege toys. Cyberverse has some great toys coming, and even though I'll hardly buy all of them, the Spark Armor figures as well as a few stand outs like Alpha Trion are must gets. With Power Rangers I mainly plan on buying the Megazords when they come out in fall, though the Micro Morphers and Playskool figures will be bought regularly. I'm really excited for the vintage Star Wars toys, though my main source of excitement is for episode 9 toys and they'll show those more in the coming months. If they showed any Mega Construx, I didn't see it. So I'm hoping there's some good stuff coming as I really like the Heroes series. Same with Imaginext. Since Power Rangers has went to Playskool, my focus is the blind bags and whenever series 12 shows up, I'm scooping up that new Adventure People homage and the robot from Big. They have some neat Batman figures coming, I'll get a few of those I'm sure.

In all, there's a ton of great stuff coming and I'm pretty excited for it. I don't get too worked up for Toy Fair as most of the big news seems to only cover a few months out of the year anyway (they acted like Generations was ending last year, remember?), but it is nice to get that few months worth of news even if it means my social media is practically unusable for a weekend. I did buy a sweet pair of Reebox this weekend and like 50$ worth of pizza (so far on day 3 of just microwaving pizza instead of cooking, I'm going to call that a win) while playing Sega (I really like Sega). So, thinking I had a better weekend than the folks at Toy Fair.

Power Rangers Lightning Collection!

LIGHTNING COLLECTION
POWER RANGERS LIGHTNING COLLECTION 6” FIGURE Assortment
It’s Morphin Time! Introducing a new era of POWER RANGERS collectibles with Hasbro’s all-new POWER RANGERS LIGHTNING COLLECTION 6” Figures! The LIGHTNING COLLECTION features over two decades of iconic characters from this storied franchise, and Hasbro is excited to bring its own take to this premium line. The LIGHTNING COLLECTION’s highly-articulated, 6-inch figures will have best-in-class detailing and design and will feature Photo Real technology for realistic actor likenesses.  Look for the collectible figures in this series, including MIGHTY MORPHIN WHTE RANGER, DINO CHARGE RED RANGER, MIGHTY MORPHIN LORD ZEDD, and POWER RANGERS S.P.D. SHADOW RANGER. 

Sunday, February 17, 2019

Programming Note-

I totally promise to do more Toy Fair related posts tomorrow. The news flow is pretty much non stop until then and frankly, I've had a rough week. So a little downtime is in order. I'm mainly posting this for me as there's so much I want to talk about from the show and I've still got press releases to share. Man, there is a lot of good stuff this year.

Friday, February 15, 2019

Beast Morphers toys at the Fair


Early looks from Toy Fair are steadily coming in, man I'm digging the Beast Morphers stuff. My main focus before was the Megazords... but those Micro Morphers are now in front of that. Holy crap that looks line a fun line to collect.

ECTO-1 TRANSFORMER IS HAPPENING

HASBRO REVEALS TRANSFORMERS-GHOSTBUSTERS ECTO-1
COLLABORATIVE FIGURE AND IDW COMIC SERIES

‘More than Meets the Eye’ Collides with ‘Who You Gonna Call?’
For Transformers & Ghostbusters 35th Anniversaries

PAWTUCKET, RI – Feb. 15, 2019 – Autobots, Decepticons and ghosts?! Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ:HAS) and Sony Pictures Consumer Products today revealed the first-ever TRANSFORMERS-Ghostbusters Collaborative figure, the ECTO-1 ECTOTRON, available at GameStop summer of 2019 and for pre-order starting February 15 at HasbroPulse.com, GameStop and EB Games Canada. This year marks the 35th anniversary of both the TRANSFORMERS brand & the original Ghostbusters film.

When fans of the iconic Ecto-1 from the 1984 Ghostbusters movie look a little closer at this nostalgic interpretation of the car, they will be treated with a new “robot in disguise” named ECTOTRON, a converting Paranormal Investigator. The figure is packed in a G1-inspired box featuring classic tech specs and comes with its own proton pack and Slimer accessory, and converts between two modes in 22 steps – a seven inch Ecto-1 vehicle and a TRANSFORMERS robot.

TRANSFORMERS robots have always been more than meets the eye, but now, through the TRANSFORMERS Collaborative, fans can experience these larger than life characters as they team-up, mash-up and meet up with other characters, teams and people. It is a world of constant change where things are not what they seem. A combined world of TRANSFORMERS and Ghostbusters where heroic Autobots, evil Decepticons and now ghosts can be discovered!

The Ghostbusters have a new, out of this world teammate and fans will be able to meet the all new TRANSFORMERS character ECTOTRON in his epic origin story by IDW Publishing. A brand new 5-part series from creative team Erik Burnham & Dan Schoening begins in June 2019.

The ECTO-1 ECTOTRON figure is available at GameStop starting Summer of 2019 and for pre-order starting February 15 at HasbroPulse.com, GameStop and EB Games Canada. And be on the lookout for other possible TRANSFORMERS and Ghostbusters items. When these two iconic franchises come together – anything is possible!
About Hasbro
Hasbro (NASDAQ: HAS) is a global play and entertainment company committed to Creating the World's Best Play Experiences. From toys and games to television, movies, digital gaming and consumer products, Hasbro offers a variety of ways for audiences to experience its iconic brands, including NERF, MY LITTLE PONY, TRANSFORMERS, PLAY-DOH, MONOPOLY, BABY ALIVE and MAGIC: THE GATHERING, as well as premier partner brands. Through its entertainment labels, Allspark Pictures and Allspark Animation, the Company is building its brands globally through great storytelling and content on all screens. Hasbro is committed to making the world a better place for children and their families through corporate social responsibility and philanthropy. Hasbro ranked No. 5 on the 2018 100 Best Corporate Citizens list by CR Magazine, and has been named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by Ethisphere Institute for the past seven years. Learn more at www.hasbro.com, and follow us on Twitter (@Hasbro) and Instagram (@Hasbro).
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Entertainment Inc., which is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE’s global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition, and distribution; television production, acquisition, and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. SPE’s Motion Picture Group production organizations include Columbia Pictures, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Stage 6 Films, AFFIRM Films, and Sony Pictures Classics. For additional information, visit http://www.sonypictures.com/corp/divisions.html.
 
About Ghost Corps
Ghost Corps, Inc., a subsidiary of Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc., is focused on expanding the Ghostbusters brand with live-action feature films, animated motion pictures, television, merchandise, and other new entertainment products.  Ghost Corps is headquartered on the Sony Pictures Studios lot in Culver City, Calif.

Thanks to Hasbro and Rogers & Cowan for providing Zone Base with this news

War for Cybertron coming to Netflix!

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/z534wdwTn-BZUA4xKWGpPfZ5kTFLoyvoy6mB5_HOF77Lz_BU1nI6y9GvYBCw6tEqr8-z8qrPRglMTHDhUpf_ZfLpR5uUhvqIMiVNCoWbaGhhW_Yl0dKxVYRYWruafQicxzFSHJGJ

ALL-NEW TRANSFORMERS UNIVERSE ORIGIN STORY
IS COMING TO NETFLIX IN 2020

-- RAISES THE STAKES OF THE AUTOBOT & DECEPTICON WAR --

  • Netflix and Hasbro have partnered with Rooster Teeth to bring War For Cybertron to Netflix members around the world in an all-new original series to launch in 2020 – complete with a new animation look and style that presents the Transformers like you’ve never seen them before.
  • Rooster Teeth (RWBY, gen:LOCK) will produce the original series for Netflix and Polygon Pictures (Godzilla, Knights of Sidonia) will serve as the animation studio. Transformers veteran FJ DeSanto (Transformers: Titans Return, Transformers: Power of the Primes) will serve as showrunner on the series with several contributing writers, including George Krstic (Megas XLR), Gavin Hignight (Transformers: Cyberverse), and Brandon Easton (Agent Carter, Transformers: Rescue Bots).
·         “In this Transformers origin story, we will explore the expansive universe of Cybertron in a way that audiences have never seen before - to the delight of both existing fans and those coming to the franchise for the first time,” said John Derderian, Director of Anime for Netflix. “The Transformers brand is a global phenomenon and we are thrilled to partner with Hasbro, Rooster Teeth and Polygon to bring this exciting new series to our members around the world on Netflix.”

·         “We're thrilled to work with Rooster Teeth’s new premium studio division to bring an all-new Transformers fan-oriented series to Netflix," said Tom Warner, Senior Vice President for the Transformers franchise for Hasbro. “Transformers has a rich history of great storytelling and War for Cybertron is an exciting new chapter in the Transformers Universe.”
Thanks to Hasbro and Rogers & Cowan for providing Zone Base with this news

Beast Morphers Premiere!

POWER RANGERS BEAST MORPHERS
PREMIERES SATURDAY, MARCH 2, AT 8:00 a.m. (ET/PT) ON NICKELODEON
 
Power Rangers returns to Nickelodeon with an all-new series from Hasbro and Allspark Pictures at an all-new time
 
BURBANK, Calif. -- FEBRUARY 15, 2019 -- Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS), a global play and entertainment company, and Nickelodeon today announced that the iconic, long-standing Power Rangers franchise is returning with an all-new television series, POWER RANGERS BEAST MORPHERS, premiering on Saturday, March 2, at 8 a.m. (ET/PT) on Nickelodeon in the U.S. In this brand new season of Power Rangers, the Rangers are sporting tactical leather suits with their ‘Beast Bot’ sidekicks and elevated battle footage with an all-new cast of dynamic heroes, evil villains and imagination defying monsters.
 
Set in the future, a secret agency combines a newly discovered substance called Morph-X with Animal DNA to create the Power Rangers Beast Morphers team. The Rangers must fight off an evil sentient computer virus bent on taking over the source of all ranger power, the Morphin Grid itself!
 
“We are extremely thrilled to have Power Rangers under the Hasbro family and to celebrate over two decades of this iconic brand,” said Simon Waters, Senior Vice President and GM of Hasbro’s Power Rangers franchise. “We're eager to bring exciting new products to fans this year and introduce all-new Power Rangers entertainment and content from Hasbro with the POWER RANGERS BEAST MORPHERS series on Nickelodeon. From the captivating storyline to the action-packed scenes, this new series is sure to entertain Power Rangers fans and new audiences of all ages.” 
 
ABOUT HASBRO
Hasbro (NASDAQ: HAS) is a global play and entertainment company committed to Creating the World's Best Play Experiences. From toys and games to television, movies, digital gaming and consumer products, Hasbro offers a variety of ways for audiences to experience its iconic brands, including NERF, MY LITTLE PONY, TRANSFORMERS, PLAY-DOH, MONOPOLY, BABY ALIVE and MAGIC: THE GATHERING, as well as premier partner brands. Through its entertainment labels, Allspark Pictures and Allspark Animation, the Company is building its brands globally through great storytelling and content on all screens. Hasbro is committed to making the world a better place for children and their families through corporate social responsibility and philanthropy. Hasbro ranked No. 5 on the 2018 100 Best Corporate Citizens list by CR Magazine, and has been named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by Ethisphere Institute for the past seven years. Learn more at www.hasbro.com, and follow us on Twitter (@Hasbro) and Instagram (@Hasbro).

ABOUT NICKELODEON
Nickelodeon, now in its 39TH year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, digital, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon’s U.S. television network is seen in more than 90 million households and has been the number-one-rated kids’ basic cable network for 22 consecutive years. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc.

Thanks to Hasbro and Rogers & Cowan for providing Zone Base with this news.

Zone promotional video


Thursday, February 14, 2019

Cyberverse season 2-Power of the Spark trailer!

  • Season 2, titled CYBERVERSE: POWER OF THE SPARK, is set to release fall 2019 with Cartoon Network USA.

  • In CYBERVERSE: POWER OF THE SPARK, the AUTOBOTS are closer than ever to finding the ALLSPARK, but completing their quest will be tougher than they could have imagined. They’ll face new enemies and be challenged by Earth’s roughest terrain, and along the way they’ll discover that, when near the ALLSPARK, they are imbued with incredible new powers.
  • Using one of these mysterious new abilities, the AUTOBOTS will convert Earth vehicles into Spark Armor: the battle-ready gear they need to defeat the DECEPTICONS and continue their mission. They’ll convert boats into mech suits to battle Sharkticons in the water. They’ll change planes into jetpacks to take on the Seeker Squadron in the sky. Any Earth vehicle is a chance to instantly level the playing field, turn the tables, and win the day. With the power of the spark in their circuits, the AUTOBOTS will complete their mission on Earth and begin the perilous journey back home, where that same power holds the key to returning life to their planet.

Your moment of Zen

I've had a long night, here's Cripin Glover dancing in Friday the 13th part 4.

Wednesday, February 13, 2019

Oh my BotBot

News broke today of all the new and upcoming Botbots on the way and every single one of them is amazingly amazing. But that's not why we're here. Well, I guess it is, but there's one particular bit from the news as to my excitement. Other than all the other cool stuff... 

*sigh*

Know how I've been hoping for holiday BotBots? Well gosh dand and holy crap it happened. Just look at that. 

 

Beast Morphers are Go Go!

POWER RANGERS BEAST MORPHERS DUAL CONVERTING ZORD Assortment 
Imagine calling on the power of these Converting Zords and battling the Power Rangers' toughest enemies. Convert from Beast Mode, ready for a fight, to Vehicle Mode, ready to roll to the next place Zord power is needed. And combined with other Zord figures (Each sold separately. Subject to availability.), kids can build the Beast-X Megazord to imagine taking on even more powerful foes. Assortment includes Beast Wheeler, Beast Chopper, and Beast Jet Zords. Each sold separately. Subject to availability. Go Go Power Rangers! Available at most major toy retailers nationwide.

POWER RANGERS BEAST MORPHERS BEAST WHEELER CONVERTING ZORD 
(Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $24.99/Available: Fall 2019)

Go go POWER RANGERS! Imagine calling on the power of the POWER RANGERS BEAST MORPHERS BEAST WHEELER CONVERTING ZORD and battling the Power Rangers' toughest enemies. Convert from Gorilla Mode, ready for a fight, to Wheeler Mode, ready to roll to the next place Zord power is needed. And, combined with BEAST RACER CONVERTING ZORD and the BEAST CHOPPER CONVERTING ZORD, kids can build the BEAST-X MEGAZORD to imagine taking on even more powerful foes. Find other POWER RANGERS figures and gear, including POWER RANGERS BEAST MORPHERS toys, to expand the morphinominal action. Each sold separately. Available at most major toy retailers nationwide. 
POWER RANGERS BEAST MORPHERS BEAST CHOPPER CONVERTING ZORD 
(Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $24.99/Available: Fall 2019)

Go Go POWER RANGERS! Imagine calling on the power of the POWER RANGERS BEAST MORPHERS BEAST CHOPPER CONVERTING ZORD and battling the Power Rangers' toughest enemies. Convert from robotic Jackrabbit Mode, ready for a fight, to Chopper Mode, ready to fly to the next place Zord power is needed. And, combined with BEAST RACER CONVERTING ZORD and the BEAST WHEELER CONVERTING ZORD, kids can build the BEAST- X MEGAZORD to imagine taking on even more powerful foes. Find other POWER RANGERS figures and gear, including POWER RANGERS BEAST MORPHERS toys, to expand the morphinominal action. Each sold separately. Available at most major toy retailers nationwide.
POWER RANGERS BEAST MORPHERS BEAST JET CONVERTING ZORD 
(Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $24.99/Available: Fall 2019)

Go Go POWER RANGERS! Imagine calling on the power of the POWER RANGERS BEAST MORPHERS BEAST JET CONVERTING ZORD and battling the Power Rangers' toughest foes. Convert from robotic Scarab Mode, ready for a fight, to Jet Mode, ready to fly to the next place Zord power is needed. And, combined with BEAST RACER CONVERTING ZORD, BEAST WHEELER CONVERTING ZORD, BEAST WRECKER CONVERTING ZORD and BEAST CHOPPER CONVERTING ZORD, kids can assemble the BEAST- X ULTRAZORD to imagine taking on even more powerful foes. Find other POWER RANGERS figures and gear, including POWER RANGERS BEAST MORPHERS toys, to expand the morphinominal action. Each sold separately. Available at most major toy retailers nationwide.
POWER RANGERS PLAYSKOOL HEROES RED RANGER AND DRAGON THUNDERZORD Figures
(Ages 3 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $29.99/Available: Fall 2019)

GO GO POWER RANGERS! Imagine roaring into battle alongside the POWER RANGERS PLAYSKOOL HEROES RED RANGER AND DRAGON THUNDERZORD Figures, inspired by the MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS TV series! Sized right for younger rangers, the collectible 3-inch action figure and 14-inch Zord toy let boys and girls get a grip on big fun! Kids ages 3 and up will love pressing down on the Zord toy’s tail, activating flapping wings, a roaring mouth, light-up eyes and tongue, and sound effects. Adding to the fun, these figures have been designed with Power Morph activation. Place the Red Ranger toy on the DRAGON THUNDERZORD figure’s platform to trigger a pop-up projectile launcher which can be activated with the push of a button! Kids can imagine big battles and epic encounters! Available at most major toy retailers nationwide.

Special Thanks to Hasbro and Rogers & Cowan for providing Zone Base with this news.

Daimakaimura/Ghouls N Ghosts


Roboto

Well, why wouldn't Peter Cullen be in this as well?

Tuesday, February 12, 2019

Sounds like a Blast

This is awesome. I'm a fan of AtGames products and seeing this news has my heart filled with hopes of seeing some really cool editions of their consoles themed around Star Wars and Marvel. Though not just those, there's some really great older Disney games I'd love to see as well. I can really picture those neato Blast micro consoles themed around a character or specific theme selling fast. I love playing old Data East games on their Legends Flashback console, really hope this means that old awesome Avengers arcade game gets released.

Spatterhouse


Sometimes when I think about things I want, but will probably never have, one of those is Splatterhouse toys. If they ever did it would probably work into the PS3/Xbox360 game and not the classic series. Not that there's nothing necessarily wrong with that, I guess. Just my Splatterhouse fandom is for the old 16 bit games and that's the things I specifically would want. Sofubi, pvc, or even good old action figures. Man, would it be great.


Monday, February 11, 2019

Hey Rob, how about the exact type of thing you like?

 
Toy Fair is right around the corner waiting to jump out and stab you with a knife. It's THAT close. So, as per the norm, almost all the news from the show is being released early to various sites either officially or by leaks. I'm not complaining, because the news is just wonderful (and I just can't click every link on Twitter). Wonderfest was this past weekend holding tons of news that I'm interested and really want (hello Star Convoy and Armada Prime). Today the news was new Cyberverse toys. I've enjoyed the line as is, but haven't jumped in whole hog as it's not 100% for me (and that's ok). Well, now they made it 200% for me (and that's ok)!
The new Spark Armor Battle Class figures are exactly the type of thing I go for. Legion/Speed style figures (they might be a little bigger) with partner drone vehicle type things that can turn into armor for said figure. Pardon me while I find somebody to shake violently and yell in their face about how awesome that is. I'm really digging the looks of these toys too, completely traditional looking Transformers characters with the additional armor friends. Often they'll reinvent the look of the bot for such a gimmick, which I'm not opposed too at all. Just when they look so drastically different, I'd prefer they'd be a new character. That and maybe it's a holdover from Action Masters mentally that's got me really excited for traditional looking characters with such a gimmick.
With Siege being as awesome as it is right now, the general greatness that is the Walmart reissue line, it's extra fries and ketchup with my combo meal that Cyberverse is doing such an awesome awesome. I hope the gimmick see's life the the cartoon, that'd be great. It's hard not to be excited for such a thing, I kinda hope Takara gets hold of this as I'd love to see it in their manga stories. Seems perfectly compatible with the general storytelling that takes place there.


MP 18+ Streak and MP Bumblebee 45 2.0!

Thanks to Hasbro and their partners for providing Zone Base with this news!
Streak and Bumblebee Version 2.0 from Takara Tomy!  Both with be available exclusively at EB Game Canada.
$109.99 (Canadian ) – TT Streak
$159.99 ((Canadian) – TT BB

Friday, February 8, 2019

Hassenfeld Rangers, Power Up!

As Toy Fair nears, more and more news of future toys are coming out including some looks at the Hasbro Beast Morphers toys. They look pretty great. I pretty much called it here a few months ago that the regular Rangers figures would be similar to the basic/standard Marvel action figures Hasbro makes. I'm good with that, because they are pretty neat toys. I probably won't buy many of those admittedly, because I usually focus on Megazords and that's looking pretty promising too.

One thing I'm really digging on the Megazords toys is the proportions. They've got an old school robot toy look to them and we all know I like that quite a bit (not that I don't buy modern robot toys, but by now you've got the gist of it). One thing I was pleased to see was some early looks at the new Playskool Wild force Megazord. That looks really neat. I'm hoping that the variety of Rangers figures produced for that line will have some Zeo and movie (1995) stuff. Hopefully Mystic Force, please Mystic Force.
I've been very excited for Beast Morphers and while the year seemingly flew by for me, waiting for Hasbro's Power Rangers news felt like an eternity. I knew they'd do a great job, I just wanted to see for myself. The new toys are slated to hit stores around spring, which is perfect as my local stores generally amp up their stocking by spring after spending winter obviously taking a break. Man, it's only February and 2019 seems like a record toy year.



Sêjûshi Bisumaruku/Saber Rider and the Star Sheriffs intros

Sêjûshi Bisumaruku

Saber Rider and the Star Sheriffs

Thursday, February 7, 2019

Mazinger Z vs Transformers


Screened Full-color crossover comic draw down Marvel [Mazinger Z vs Transformers] March 22, 2019 announced! The two biggest robot heroes clash beyond time and space! Achieve a dream Showdown in a series of series by six popular cartoonists! The cover drawn by Go Nagai Sensei!

Autobop in the Key of Chain

Something got me thinking the other day about something completely silly that was a whole lot of fun. Long before these recent days of being able to stroll down the aisles of Walmart and being able to pluck a G1 Minibot off the shelf and long after you could originally stroll down the aisle of Walmart and pluck a G1 Minibot off the shelf, there was another way you could... stroll down the aisle and pluck a G1 Minibot of the shelf...

That seemed a lot more clever in my head.

Around 2002 G1 Minibots were released as key chains by Fun4All. Essentially they were near identical reissues in reproductions of the toys original packaging with a tiny plastic loop molded on and a small key chain attached. At first Bumblebee and Cliffjumper were released, later Windcharger and Brawn followed. These little key chain figures were literally just the thing for somebody like me who was giddy with every step at the time in his love for transforming robots from Hasbro.

I eagerly snatched them up even grabbing multiples as they were pretty cheap and just so damned neat. I loved them. Later at BotCon 2002, there was an incentive exclusive for those who preregistered. Not to mention, as Dreamwave was taking issue with 3H for selling a convention comic, 3H sold a small exclusive who came with the comic included. Those exclusives turned out to be Tap-Out and Glyph, made from the Cliffjumper and Bumblebee key chain figures! I was blown away by the fun exclusives as were others at the show. That was just the ideal thing at the time.

Throughout the con I had a Bumblebee attached to the zipper of my con backpack and noticed others had the key chains on their bags as well. I saw a fan who had all of the key chains (including his new con exclusive ones) attached to his belt loops. It was a fun and everybody just loved these key chain toys. A little later at BotCon Europe 2002 they released Rook as the exclusive, made from Windcharger. Like others, I bought quite a few from 3H. It was hard not to love the key chain toys and exclusive versions were just a little better.

In 2003 the key chain figures found their way to Japan by way of 7-Eleven exclusives with black colored variants as chase figures! I really wish I would have taken the opportunity when I had it to order a set. Those black ones are super cool. Oddly enough Fun4All went bankrupt in 2004 and around 2006 Basic Fun had begun selling the key chains in newer packaging. Yes I bought more, shut up. That was the last of the figures, though plenty of other TF key chains have came since.

Oddly enough the key chain figures have a weird legacy. I've heard several times people misremembering the original G1 Bumbelbee as a key chain. Or I can't count the times I've seen one of the Minibots for sale with the loop cut off with a seller trying to pass them off as originals. I got one for a quarter once. I damn well knew it was a key chain with the parts cut off with some toenail clippers, but dude... a quarter.

I guess with the reissues now hanging from the pegs at Walmart, one doesn't really need a return of the key chains. I hope to see more and more of the little guys at my Walmart. I've always really liked Minibots, it's hard not to. Those key chain versions of the Minibots were silly, but another fun way to enjoy the classic toys. Who doesn't like to have fun with their toys?

Other than assholes.


Wednesday, February 6, 2019

Toylanta is like a month away

Toylanta is a month away and I'm pretty excited. Been making a mental shopping list that I won't adhere too, but I'll still make it. I really enjoy this con. There's no fandom drama or personalities crowbarring their way into the forefront, just a bunch of like minded people wanting to have a good time. The dealer space is this amazingly huge nebulous that just keeps expanding into each nook and cranny of the con space full of just about anything. While I'm certainly looking forward to the Transformers panel Dusty and I will be running, I'm really excited for the Kenner designers panel. That's going to be awesome. That and the parachute drop. It's always insanely fun and maybe a bit dangerous.

I'm really looking forward to this one dealer who has a huge set up of just random stuff. A back wall of things like Sideshow Dolls, and a table full of various bins. There's gold in them thar bins. Random themed bins with random prices lined up and fun to look through. Not to mention, the Micronauts and Transformers assorted around the dealers space. A little extra digging and you can find some really unique things. Oddball bootlegs or random Diakron figures. Stuff that you didn't expect to find. There's always this pair of dealers, facing each other in the same ailse each year. One just has a ton of cool stuff, including a plethora of fairly priced TF. The other, tons of capsule toys and sofubi. I like to plant myself on that aisle and just take it in.

There's a few places local to the con to eat, but I know I'll eat at the McDonald's at least once. It's nearby and a Big Mac is my favorite con food. It's time to prepare my con backpack for the show. I've got a new Samurai Tactical Backpack waiting to hold whatever random Cobra Viper I pick up. I do need to get a new hand sanitizer to clip onto one of the straps. Sure, I could just reuse the one from my TMNT backpack that used to accompany me, but it's very important that I match the sanitizer to the backpack. This is the utmost most serious of businesses to business and I won't take any exceptions to the business. I mean business. That's how you do business.

Monday, February 4, 2019

Transform Squadron 006 -Great Value BotCon 2019


Rob discusses Rangerstop Atlanta and the 2019 Walmart Transformers G1 reissues that are known so far while speculating future releases!



Humble Bumble


Today I was putting some stuff up in my toy room and was fondly looking at some of the neat Bumblebee stuff my wife had given me. I've been quite enjoying myself in the post Bumblebee movie glow and am really looking forward to getting a copy of the movie next month when it comes out. I'm glad to see it doing as well as it's been doing and overall glad to have a live action Transformers movie to be as good as it is. Simply put, they made a great Transformers movie and I am very happy with it. Sunday, some concept art for the movie popped up online and wow is it cool looking. I can't help but wish some of those designs would have gotten used in the movie. I hope whatever movie comes next, whenever next may be, that it's just as much of a pleasure. Nice things are nice.

Terminator 2 3-D commercial


Great Puma


Friday, February 1, 2019

If you don't Botbot, kiss a Buttbutt


It's been a minute since I've talked about Botbots here and that's a shame since I love them so. I've got a pack unopened in my toy room and plans to grab another pack or two this weekend. I've been sick all week, so having some fun with Botbots this weekend sounds like just the pick me up. I'd call this Botbottalk, but I recognize other sites.

These came along as I was pining for a return of Food Changeables and offered a spiritual follow up that built upon that idea. The thing is, these don't have to be a Transformers branded thing for me to enjoy them. A hamburger or a laptop that transforms into a robot as a small inexpensive toy is just the kind of thing I'd be all for. In fact, I kinda hope to see cheapo rip offs of Botbots eventually. I'd totally be down for hitting up multiple Family Dollars tracking down weird copycats. Everyone has made the Shopkins comparison, and since we're comparing I hope they do holiday themed sets like Shopkins does. My wife buys Shopkins and frankly I'm jealous of those holiday sets. They're really neat.

Everyone and their neighbors mama has wished for a McDonald's Happy Meal of Botbots. Part of me just wants to buy a cheeseburger and fries and drop a blind pack into the bag. That's how ridiculous I am for the idea, I'm planing to DIY a Happy Meal. Though thinking Happy Meals, they'd obviously be lower budget versions of the Botbots (which I'd be ok with) or maybe even odd figurines or odd gimmick toys (which I'd surprising also be ok with, I'd kind of like a pull back corn dog toy). Realistically, I'd be all for whatever fast food place that would do a Botbots meal, but deep inside I want to see that Food Changeables/Botbots cross over happen. It kinda has to.

I'm excited for the Japanese market to get these. I'd love to see Gatchapon versions or what kind of odd exclusives they'd get. Clear Botbots exclusive to some random release that I'd probably never be able to obtain? That would drive me crazy, but I'd love the possibility. You know, maybe they could actually make the Rockbots happen. Man, what kind of world would it be where a never produced toy concept from G1 was released decades later in a sub line with a cupcake vampire?