Grimlock (Robot Mode) [Shining Version 02–Shining 1985]

These Blokees Transformers Blind Boxes kits don’t transform—which isn’t a big deal—but it is kind of funny considering the brand is built around that very gimmick.

I bring that up here because often when Grimlock shows up in these kits, he’s usually in dino mode. This time, we’re getting his robot mode, and I’m pretty happy about that. I’ve always liked the Dinobots’ robot modes, and Grimlock’s has a great look to it.

This is the Shining Version 02 release, a reworking of the Galaxy Version 02 kit. That’s called synergy.

Unfortunately, as you can probably tell from my photos, the light-up feature didn’t work on mine. At this point I’ve got about a 50% success rate with these things. If it did work, his eyes and chest would look spectacular. One day I’m going to take one of those wild CVS Pharmacy coupons and buy a pile of the batteries these use and attempt a full-on rescue operation.

Or I’ll just use the coupon to finally pay something close to normal price for a Coke Zero.

You can switch Grimlock’s eye color between red and blue, which is a really cool feature.

Maybe one day I’ll get to see it.

The ball’s in your court, CVS.

Grimlock himself looks great. Normally I roll my eyes when people hear “non-transforming Transformers” and immediately say “Action Masters,” but in this case… yeah, he actually does resemble the 1990 Transformers Action Masters Grimlock quite a bit. This honestly feels like a modern upgrade of that idea.

The build process is about what you’d expect from a Galaxy Version kit, but there are some nice touches. His wings include articulated dino-mode kibble, which is a detail they easily could have skipped, but I’m glad they didn’t.

He comes with the usual open and closed hands, the Shining Version display base with symbol pegs, and—thankfully—an Energon Cube. At this point, just include those with everything. I don’t care what the toy is.

He’s also got Grimlock’s classic Energo Sword and double-barrel blaster. The blaster didn’t fit securely in my copy’s hand—no idea if that’s just mine or a wider issue—but it’s an easy fix. A tiny bit of toilet paper in the fist, push the weapon in, tear off the excess, and you’ve got a snug fit.

COVID’s over. You can be wasteful with toilet paper again. Go nuts.

I like this kit. Go figure—I tend to focus on things I like here. It’s a hobby. Spending your free time on things you don’t like seems pretty stupid.

Even with the ongoing light-up issues (which is really my only consistent complaint with Blokees) and the loose weapon, this is a really fun take on Grimlock. It looks great, builds nicely, and has a strong presence.

He’s no bozo, indeed.

Halfway 2 Halloween~Must be the Season of the Witch

Halfway to Halloween is a great time to watch some classic horror movies and old Halloween specials. Just a good way for some spooky fun in the spring. One of my favorites to watch at Halloween (or any time) is Halloween 3: Season of the Witch. While it's lack of Michael Myers was pretty divisive in the past, thankfully it's finally getting it's just due in modern times. Halloween 3 is a really fun movie that's basically a feature length Halloween special. Part of the fun of Halfway to Halloween is the traditional Halloween stuff. This movie seemed to play on an endless loop during the season when I was a kid. Commercials like these are almost as much of the holiday as whatever they'll flavor with pumpkin spice come autumn.

originally posted on 5/2/2024

Halfway to Halloween – Signal Check

It’s that time again.

Not quite October, not even close really… but close enough that the signal starts to feel familiar if you’ve been paying attention.

I’ve always liked this stretch of the year for that exact reason. It’s not Halloween yet, but it’s also not not Halloween.

Halfway to Halloween is just a little week of leaning into it. Nothing too heavy. Nothing over the top. Just a few posts that let the season peek through the cracks a little early while everything else is still spring.

Sideswipe [Shining Version 02–Shining 1985]

Sideswipe is one of the original Autobots who’s kind of the everyday guy. In the original cartoon, he’s always there as part of the team, even if he doesn’t get a ton of spotlight.

He’s got a jet pack and pile driver arms, and while the show doesn’t always lean into it, he’s a bit reckless and not afraid to fight dirty—something that comes through more in the comics.

Alongside his brother Sunstreaker, they make up a solid duo, with Sideswipe being the more easygoing of the two.

This Shining Version kit from Blokees Transformers Blind Boxes is a really nice take on him. Like other Shining Versions, it’s an upgraded take on the Galaxy Version release, adding light-up features and some improved paint details.

Here, his eyes light up—and they look great. The LED is actually strong enough that you get a bit of light bleeding through the chest as well, which is a neat, unintended bonus.

He comes with the usual extras: open and closed hands, his laser gun, rocket launcher, display stand with symbol pegs, and an Energon Cube.

The standout here, though, is the jet pack. It’s a solid representation of the one he uses in the show, and it includes two blast effects to simulate the boosters firing as he takes off. It adds a lot to the overall look and gives you some fun posing options.

I tried to pose him like he was launching into flight in my photos… but it mostly looks like he’s about to go for a jumping high five.

I’m not what you’d call an expert photographer.