Transformers Overgear

Neat

Twin Mill [Hot Wheels X Transformers]

Getting back to our look at the Hot Wheels X Transformers line, today we’ve got Twin Mill — a classic Hot Wheels car that originally debuted way back in 1969. This Transformers incarnation is the blue Spectraflame version, and it looks fantastic.

It resembles a souped-up classic Corvette with twin engine blocks and gnarly exhaust pipes, complete with attachable flame effects. It’s the kind of car that just looks fast, and in the blue deco I can’t help but compare it to Sideburn from Robots in Disguise (2001).

These Hot Wheels Transformers are roughly comparable to a smaller Deluxe Class figure, similar in size to modern Mini-Bot updates. I know that probably sounds ridiculous… but I actually like the size. I often feel Transformers are just a touch too big. Not because I like small Transformers (see the site’s name), but because the details tend to come out sharper when they’re a little smaller. It’s like when you upscale an image and it loses some clarity. This feels like a real sweet spot, size-wise, for me.

Transformation isn’t hard at all and isn’t too dissimilar from other car bots. The front end becomes the upper torso, with the arms and head folded up inside, while the rear end forms the lower body and legs. I’ll say there are some strong Machine Robo / Gobots vibes here, mostly due to the smaller robot form and the look of his legs. I also can’t help but compare him to Armada Blurr, thanks to how the front fenders form his shoulders and the overall proportions. These are all things I really like, so those similarities are a plus in my book.

Ironically, back in 2001–2002 when Sideburn from Robots in Disguise was on shelves, Hot Wheels had a line called Robo Wheels. These were originally designed by PLEX to be a new Machine Robo series. PLEX has designed Machine Robo, Power Rangers, and Super Sentai toys for Bandai, and Robo Wheels were intended to follow Machine Robo CG Robo. That deal fell through, and the designs were eventually released as Hot Wheels instead. I distinctly remember staring at them on store shelves, very tempted to grab a few. At the time, though, I was pretty broke — finances were stretched paycheck to paycheck — so between rent and life expenses, I had to make some tough toy decisions. Transformers fit the budget, but other lines required being picky. Of course, it wasn’t until years later that I learned Robo Wheels were Machine Robo designs… and by then they were long gone. Here’s hoping I can track some down someday for a decent price — and not broken to hell.

Back to Twin Mill: man, this is a cool-looking robot. His head is a little reminiscent of bots like Smokescreen, but with some extra flair to the helmet and, of course, that fabulous visor. There’s a very post-1986 G1 vibe to the head sculpt. The way his robot parts mix with the car kibble and color scheme gives him an almost knightly look. It’s really sharp, and that blue is spectacular.

The twin engine blocks — which need to be removed first during transformation — become a pair of forearm-mounted guns. They slip over his arms and give him some serious firepower. The flame effects attach to the exhaust pipes, creating a blazing firing effect. It’s pretty great… damn, I really like these toys.

Articulation is solid, too. Twin Mill can pull off a variety of dynamic stances with his twin fire guns, though considering the length of the barrels, he’s going to need some room to swing them around. If it hasn’t already been painfully obvious, I’m really high on these Hot Wheels Transformers. According to rumors, there’s more coming, and I’m genuinely excited about that. These feel special to me, and I’m proud to own them. They’re definitely on a pedestal in my mind.

Here’s hoping those rumors are true and more are on the way. Even if they’re just repaints, I’m in. I’d absolutely love to see more Transformers follow this same approach.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 [Console Heroes/SEGA Genesis]

I’m honestly a little surprised Sonic 3 got a Console Heroes diorama, given how slightly buried the game has become over the years. Thanks to its soundtrack featuring Michael Jackson’s music, it’s existed in a bit of a legal gray area due to licensing issues.

Thankfully, it’s starting to see the light of day again with a new soundtrack, because it really is a great game. Fortunately, these dioramas don’t have soundtracks, so it’s not really an issue here. Though I suppose you could just play some Michael Jackson on your Bluetooth speaker if you really wanted to complete the experience.

Sonic 3 is more than just a licensed-music curiosity, though — it’s where the world was introduced to Knuckles! Knuckles is forever linked to the series and an integral part of Sonic’s team. I’ve always liked his ability to glide and climb. Not to mention… he’s just cool looking.

This Console Heroes set faithfully replicates the cartridge at a slightly larger scale, including the red label colors that graced later Genesis/Mega Drive games. Do not ask me why I care so much about that, but it’s an appreciated detail. I just wish the box did the same, for no sane reason whatsoever. Once opened, the cartridge reveals a really well-done diorama based on the Carnival Night Zone from the game. Included to complete the scene are a balloon, a ring, a platform, and some spikes. Of course, we also get figures of Sonic and Knuckles. Knuckles stands stoically, like he often does, while Sonic is wagging his finger with that unmistakable ’90s attitude.

This is a fun little diorama and it’s neatly distinct from the other Sonic sets in the line. Really, Wilder Toys has made something special with the Console Heroes series, and I genuinely hope they dig their heels in even deeper with future releases.

Bone Shaker [Hot Wheels X Transformers]

Hot Wheels collectors often get talked down on by other toy collectors for no real good reason. Sure, I’ve made jokes too… but I’ve seen (and smelled) some interesting characters in every fandom. Neatly enough, Mattel and Hasbro have been collaborating in recent times, creating some really cool stuff. This week we’ll be looking at the Hot Wheels X Transformers Collaborative line, released right at the end of 2025. I got the set in the mountain of presents from the Mrs. at Christmas and have been dying to talk about them here on the site, as they’re really freaking cool!

First up is Bone Shaker, whose slightly spooky skull design feels just right in observance of Setsubun. Bone Shaker is based on a Hot Wheels car of the same name, originally released in 2006. It’s a cool hot rod with flame deco and a giant chrome skull on the grille. That car has been faithfully recreated here as a Transformer that’s roughly Deluxe Class sized. Neatly enough, he features a mace weapon made from the car’s stick shift. The weapon fits into the shift column inside the car, but sticks out of the roof similar to the cars you’d see Rat Fink drive. This thing is pure old-school rockabilly hot rod culture, and I really dig it.

Of note, the top of that mace weapon — which is the shifter’s knob — is emblazoned with an Autobot symbol on crossbones. G2 Hero Megatron had a Decepticon symbol on crossbones, and I’ve always loved that aesthetic. The car also draws mental comparisons to the G2 Laser Rods and Micromaster Hot Rod Patrol toys, which were really cool.

Transformation from hot rod to rad robot is pretty easy, all things considered. You’d think it would be more complex, considering how well done the car mode is. Things fold out in pretty standard car-bot fashion. The hood becomes his chest, with the arms and head folded underneath, while the rear end becomes his legs and feet. The car’s seats actually become his feet when folded up properly.

Of course, that mace can be held in either hand to crack some skulls open with. In robot mode, Bone Shaker looks great, channeling that G2 Laser Rod influence while still being his own bot. That skull custom grille is now his way-cool chest, while the exhaust pipes form a popped, cool daddy-o collar behind his head. Speaking of his head, it has neat exhaust pipe–style detailing, while his red visor suggests a cool pair of shades.

Come to think of it, the cool black colors paired with the flame deco and chrome parts almost look like a leather jacket. Literally a rockabilly robot through and through, and I’m here for it. He’s decently articulated, adding to an all-around great figure. It’s probably easy to tell that I really like this guy. I like both of them, but Bone Shaker is definitely my favorite of the two. It’s just such a neat original design that harkens back to a style that’s often forgotten in today’s toy landscape.