It's A Bewitching New Week

It's Monday, and you know what that means? A new week here on Planet Zone! But, a special kind of Monday, and the beginning of the best time of the year! Today is Memorial Day, a holiday that kicks off summer here in the states. Which means the scariest time of the year begins NOW! Speaking of everyday being Halloween, there's a new Not As Brightly Lit available! Thanks to each and every one of you for your support and for reading Zone Base. As always, please share with your friends.

Summer is a Spooky Season.

Tales Of The Beast Hunters - Chapter 16: Ultra Magnus

Tales of the Beast Hunters - Chapter 16

Ultra Magnus sees the massive Predacon coming from a mile away. He doesn't know who the big dragon is, and he doesn't care. All he knows is that the dragons are dangerous, and must be defeated. He converts to robot mode and leaps into the air, bringing the Forge of Solus around in a shattering blow that would destroy a lesser robot. Grimwing takes the blow, and is only momentarily fazed. The battle is short, violent, and never in doubt. It ends with Ultra Magnus on the ground, disarmed and barely functional. Grimwing stands over him. "Pathetic," he says. "I hoped to learn something from you, but this new race of Cybertronians must all be liars and savages." He leans down to look into the optics of his Autobot opponent, "Be warned. This world is in grave danger from my fellow Predacons. I will restrain them. You and your fellows stay out of my way or be destroyed." And then he is gone, leaving Ultra Magnus dented and smoking in the dust.
 

Flashfist Has Modern Solutions

Flashfist has always been one of the bots I think of whenever Starriors comes to mind. He's not one of the marquee characters for some reason. Flashfist comes from the last wave of toys before the line ended. Just like other toy lines, it's the later figures that come out the best. I really like his mix of yellow and brown colors.

With his bulky build and maser gun hand, you'd think Flashfist is a big tank type. Instead, the big guy is a walking rechargeable battery. When the Destructors attack, Flashfist absorbs the energy and fires it back. Considering the Starriors are fighting on a post apocalyptic wasteland... that's a pretty green solution to fighting robot war.

Tales Of The Beast Hunters - Chapter 15: Grimwing

Tales of the Beast Hunters - Chapter 15

The higher he soars into the unfamiliar sky, the more his mind clears. Grimwing remembers his time in the Hyperevolution Chamber. He remembers the "lessons" fed directly into his brain by Shockwave. But he also knows there must be more to the world into which he has been reborn, and he is determined to discover it. That's when his highly sensitive optics spot a Cybertronian signature on the ground below. Judging by the size and power of the stranger, he knows it must be a brother warrior - a kindred spirit. "Yes! Fight!" screeches Blackbeak, but Grimwing shakes his head. "No. We seek knowledge, not battle. For now," he says, and banks, descending towards the distant stranger.

Not As Brightly Lit: Graveyard Mansion

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Memorial Day weekend is approaching and summer is starting up! As the prelude to Halloween, summer indeed is a spooky season. In the spirit of those scary stories soon to be told around a camp fire, we're listening to an episode of 'The Witches Tale' from March 6th 1933 called 'Graveyard Mansion'. 

Tales Of The Beast Hunters - Chapter 14: Dreadwing

Tales of the Beast Hunters - Chapter 14

Dreadwing has known Starscream for too long for the cowardly Seeker to hide from him. Still, when he smashes into his former commander's hiding place, he expects a vicious fight, and is surprised to instead find Starscream with his weapons lowered. "Listen!" Starscream says. "Since when do I flee the moment Megatron is out of the picture? If he was deactivated because of me, I'd take command! As is my destiny!" Dreadwing aches to blast his fellow air warrior to atoms, but he knows Starscream is telling the truth. He levels a finger at the other Decepticon. "You will help me find Megatron then. Find him and bring him back."

Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Zombots

I'm not very well versed in Hot Wheels. Occasionally I'll see a neat one and grab it, and usually grab the Halloween/Christmas sets they put out each year. Ever since becoming more familiar with Zombot, I make a point to keep an eye out for them. You can imagine my surprise to stumble upon a new one randomly. When I say new, I mean a brand new sculpt. Instead of a gun, the robot is holding a tablet computer. I guess with decades of soldiers, ones with other tasks makes sense

This year one of the Hot Wheels collections is a Mattel games series. There's a blue and red Zombot to represent Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots. I found the red version at Kroger after my second vaccination shot. It's always good to see a new version, and a new sculpt is pretty great too. I wonder how many people pass Hot Wheels and notice of the robot car that's an action figure?

Tales Of The Beast Hunters - Chapter 13: Ratchet

Tales of the Beast Hunters - Chapter 13

Autobot Ratchet scowls at the data discs recovered from the Decepticon lab by Smokescreen. Most of them are useless - charred or cracked by the same plasma blasts that had rendered the Autobot warrior himself nearly unable to return to base. But a few have shocking information on them. Information that not only reveals much about the cloning process used to bring the Predacons back to life, but also about the secrets of the powerful new weapons recovered by Bumblebee.

By the Power Of Grayskull, I HAVE A DOLLAR

I thought it I didn't need to haunt the Dollar Tree for a little while, until I saw these He-Man mini figures. These small pvc figurines of classic MOTU characters will be impossible to resist like those Nacho Trays. They look decently sculpted for such small figures and have little bases to stand on. I kinda hope they make more, which to be fair I always want more characters as mini figures. For additional fun, pair these little guys up with the spooky trees and such that will be out for Halloween soon. You could recreate all those classic MOTU posters for just a few dollars! And while you're there, grab one of those Nacho Trays. It's quite the tasty treat, which you'll need building your little scene from Dollar Tree Halloween decorations and MOTU figures. Did I mention they sell slime?

Use The Force To Get Through This Week

I was about to make an analogy about how Monday can feel like war, but instead how about a new week here on Planet Zone! Next weekend is a holiday weekend and I sure could use the break. However don't think just because I have rest and relaxation on my mind that I've forgotten about posting. I've got a fun week planed for your reading enjoyment. Hope you're liking the Tales of the Beast Hunters. It's a fun little pack in story from Transformers figures that I feel just didn't get enough love. Speaking of love, I know Zone Base readers love scary stuff and the official start of the spooky season is next week! But if you'd want to hear something spooky in the meantime, there's a new Not As Brightly Lit! Thanks to each and every one of you who continue to support Zone Base and as always, please share with your friends!

Tales Of The Beast Hunters - Chapter 12: Skystalker

Tales of the Beast Hunters - Chapter 12

Skystalker slides from the murky numbness of his Hyperevolution Chamber and into the heat of battle. His Spark aches to join the battle, but his instincts tell him to wait, to understand where he is. Even as the battle between Smokescreen and Shockwave continues to rage, he takes a moment to look around. He stands in a room full of unfamiliar equipment - a room he nonetheless recognizes as a laboratory. A laboratory in which he - and possibly other Predacons - have been experimented on. His cold, calculating mind is suddenly submerged in anger. His wings spread, and a devastating barrage of white-hot discs fly, burning, blasting, and melting all around him.

Ninja Strike As If A Force... Of Ninjas

The new Snake Eyes movie is coming out soon and with it new toys. The GI JOE Classified series has been running since last summer and has been a challenge for most to collect. Fortunately for me, I haven't been too concerned. Between the Dollar Tree figures and the Jada series my needs have been filled. Though I would like some new action figures and the movie tie in line is delivering exactly what I'd like.

When it comes to GI JOE, I like the more far out stuff. Included with that is the various ninjas. This new core Snake Eyes line pretty much a modern version of Ninja Force... and I couldn't be more happy. I say core line as it's not in the Classified series (don't worry, there's new stuff for that line as well), but more of a mainline set of action figures. 

Like Power Rangers and Star Wars toys I tend to prefer those (but I do get the occasional 'collectors series' figure). These are not 3 3/4, but 6" figures with what looks like a fair amount of articulation. Similar to core class Power Rangers toys by Hasbro. Which I've been loving. There's some fun stuff here. Of course Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow are there, as well as Scarlett and The Baroness. There's also Red Ninjas and Night Creepers which fills me with pure joy. I hope more characters follow suit in this new core class series. This is more what I look for in GI JOE toys than Classified. Not to mention... I don't anticipate having as much of a hard time getting these as Classified fans have trying to get their figures. Yikes.

Tales Of The Beast Hunters - Chapter 11: Shockwave

Tales of the Beast Hunters - Chapter 11

With Megatron gone missing, Shockwave makes the decision to end his Predacon cloning program. A force of Predacons, united under Predaking could spell doom for the Decepticons as well as the Autobots. He is in the middle of shutting down his Hyperevolution laboratory when he spots an Autobot spy hiding in the shadows among the still-occupied chambers. A plan forms in his precise and brilliant mind: Destroy the Autobot and the lab, and lay the blame for the annihilation of the cloning program at the feet of Optimus Prime and his soldiers. Such an event would drive Predaking into a rage that would doubtless utterly consume the Autobots in its fury.

Not As Brightly Lit: THE Halloween Costume

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We're halfway into May and what to be for Halloween is obviously on our minds. This week Rob talks one of Halloween's most popular costumes, or as he calls it, THE Halloween costume. You've been it more than once and so has everybody else. That's right, a robe with make-up on your face. Probably one color with another color around your eyes. It's as part of Halloween as pumpkins and plastic fangs.

Tales Of The Beast Hunters - Chapter 10: Smokescreen

Tales of the Beast Hunters - Chapter 10

With Bumblebee injured and Bulkhead near total shutdown, it's up to Smokescreen to discover where these new and dangerous Predacons are coming from. Luckily, the Autobot trickster is also a capable spy, and soon he finds himself creeping through the shadows of a remote Decepticon lab. At first, he thinks the place is abandoned. Then he discovers a room lined with large glass chambers, each one filled with a strange, murky liquid, and the vague outline of a beastly machine. Satisfied that he's discovered exactly what Optimus Prime needs to know, he turns to leave, only to find Shockwave blocking his way. "You should not have come here," the Decepticon scientist says, raising his laser cannon.

How About A Refreshing Slice?

As someone who loves robots and monsters, Slice is the best Starrior. A robot skeleton with a spinning axe and sickle combination 100% intended to give the Protectors nightmares. I've always really appreciated Slice's specifically robotic skeleton design.

The cables, pipes, and hydraulics form the spooky when paired with his skull head. The red and purple really pulls it all together nicely. It's a mix of 80's super robot and spooky scary that makes for a unique looking toy. There's been other robotic skeletons, but Slice is a cut above the rest. Than pun just made this post better. We all know it.

Tales Of The Beast Hunters - Chapter 9: Bulkhead

Tales of the Beast Hunters - Chapter 9

Bulkhead can't deny that the new weapons brought back to base by Bumblebee are pretty cool, but no one can figure out how to activate them. Autobot Ratchet is working on it in his lab, but Bulkhead would rather smash stuff than study, so he's been out in the middle of the desert for hours, trying to get the thing to work. He's just about to give up when Ripclaw plunges out of the sky and smashes into him. Before Bulkhead can react, the unknown dragon's tail claw grips his chest and rips away a chunk of armor. Even as the big Autobot pounds on his beastly opponent, giving as good as he gets, he feels the poisonous heat of the dragon's mech venom searing his circuitry.

Walton Vs Predator

Lanard has been really knocking it out of the park in recent years. I've been speaking nothing good of them here for a reason. Lanard has always made low priced toys, most notably their 'The Corps!' line which can be a lot of fun. However since 2017, they've been doing more licensed lines in addition to some really far out cool original ideas. 

Last year their 90's flavored Aliens line captured a lot of attention which lead to a more premium collectors aimed Aliens figure series. This year they've followed that up with The Predator and I'm pretty happy that they did. So far the line consists of a large 12" figure ($20) and three smaller 7" figures ($10 each). Like other Lanard toys here in the states, they're a Walmart exclusive.It's hard to complain about going into your local Walmart and finding cool toys like these for not a lot of money.

The figures a super nice with lots of accessories and plentiful articulation. They're well sculpted and have a lot of paint detail. The three 7" figures are each based off a different Predator from the different movies with very distinct differences. The masks on the 7" figures are not removable, but is on the 12" toy. The 12" toy also has a few extra play features like a light up laser for his shoulder mounted cannon as well as opening mouth. The mask thing is obviously a result of the lower prices as is the more sparse paint details on each figures backside. It's not super concerning to myself, though I'm sure some in the more premium figure crowd isn't going to like that. Personally, a great Predator figure for $10 is pretty awesome.

New Week On The Grid

Monday sure can kick your giga butt, butt don't worry, Zone Base is here with an all new week of fun! There's an all new episode of 'Not As Brightly Lit' up to scare away that weekday boredom and I've got a fun week of new posts in mind. Thanks for continuing to read Zone Base and as always, please share with your friends!

Tales Of The Beast Hunters - Chapter 8: Ripclaw

Tales of the Beast Hunters - Chapter 8

Even before she fully shakes off the disorientation of emerging fresh from the Hyperevolution Chamber, Ripclaw can hear the soothing, strange voice of Shockwave. "Predaking is alive," he says, "but in danger. Enemies known as Autobots have stolen weapons powerful enough to harm even the king of the Predacons." Ripclaw needs to hear nothing else - she blasts out of the lab and into the sky, turning her ultra-sensative snout into the wind, sniffing for any hint of the stolen seapons. Instead she finds Lazerback, smiling his cunning grin, "Whatever the Decepticons have told you is a lie, my dear," he tells her. "Predaking is long gone. But that's no reason we shouldn't destroy the Autobots - and the Decepticons along with them."

Faker Than A Three Dollar Bill

On Eternia, if you see He-Man committing an evil act... and he only kinda looks like He-Man... you've just witnessed Faker in action. As his name and appearance would imply, Faker is an evil duplicate of He-Man. Obviously a blue skinned repaint of the classic He-Man toy with Skeletor's armor in orange and a robotic sticker on his chest, he is still pretty neat.

Faker didn't show up in a lot of MOTU fiction. Clearly the toy was a low budget solution to getting another figure on the shelves fast. So it stands to reason that not a lot of attention was paid to him afterwards. However Faker does appear in one episode of the classic cartoon. In it he's a near identical clone of He-Man causing trouble. This idea got revisited in 'The New Adventures of He-Man' with another near identical clone named He-Slave (no really). 

Faker does have various comic appearances, including a mini-comic late in the line despite being one of the earlier toys. His origins range from evil robot clone to magically created clone to random member of the Evil Warriors. I do like the classics take on Faker, in which he's a failed robot duplicate of Prince Adam. Man-at-Arms thought it would be a good idea to have a fake Adam to stand in while He-Man was off on adventure. The robot didn't work out and ended up in the hands of the Evil Warriors and reprogrammed. The idea is to fool the people of Eternia that He-Man had went evil. Pretty standard evil clone stuff admittedly, but it works. 

I mainly like Faker because of his colors. The blue contrasts with the orange in such a weirdly fun way. I've made my joke about Eternia being full of living Halloween decorations a million times before, and I'm going to make it again. It's most obvious in his Battle Armor variation. With it, Faker has an orange version of Skeletor's battle armor that makes you wonder why he wasn't a seasonal special edition. Despite the very basic nature of the toy, Faker is pretty popular and generally gets a good amount of merchandise. Which I'm sure Mattel is only to happy to produce.

Tales Of The Beast Hunters - Chapter 7: Starscream

Tales of the Beast Hunters - Chapter 7

When Predaking returned to the Nemesis speaking of mysterious explosions and the disappearance of Megatron, all optic sensors immediately turned to Starscream. The Air Commander has long coveted the command of the Decepticons. It was obvious to everyone that Starscream must be responsible. Now, he finds himself hunted and alone, cut off from the other Decepticons who believe him to be an assassin. Starscream finds himself where he never thought he'd be-hoping Megatron turns up safe and sound, if only so his name can be cleared.

Not As Brightly Lit: This IS My Costume

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Sometimes you don't wear a costume on Halloween. Perhaps a t shirt that has a pumpkin or a monster on it instead. Maybe one of these light up necklaces. This week Rob takes a look at some of the seasonal stuff we wear in place of a costume. Or as your shirt may say, 'This IS my costume'.

Tales Of The Beast Hunters - Chapter 6: Predaking

Tales of the Beast Hunters - Chapter 6

 Even as his blasters spew nova-hot flame across the quickly melting walls of the ancient starship, Predaking scans the cargo hold for signs of the powerful weapons the Autobots have come to find. So focused is he on holding off Optimus Prime and accomplishing his goal that he does not see the skulking form of Lazerback, flitting from shadow to shadow. No one does, in fact, and even as battle rages, the Predacon saboteur manages to plant enough explosives to utterly annihilate the derelict ship. When the charges detonate, all of the combatants are caught off guard. Predaking watches as his Autobot opponents escape with a precious few of the weapon crates in their possession. Only when he turns to make his on escape from the disintegrating starship does he see Megatron, surrounded by fire, plunge helplessly through the damaged floor, followed by hundreds of tons of debris.

Speeder Bikes: A Star Wars Story

The Return of the Jedi Speeder Bike is badass. If any part in the movie sold toys in the entire Star Wars saga, it's the Speeder Bike scenes. Part of me wishes they got their own movie. The part that likes badass things. Of course Kenner was quick to introduce the toy as obviously every kid would want one. The toy was a pretty well done replica of the vehicle as seen on the movie.

Even with the limitations the classic 5 points of articulation imposed on it's design, the toy still looked the part. Newer toys of course have been more accurate, but I'm talking about the original. The spring loaded explosion was a great way to have a dramatic death of your own creation. Not even going to lie, I had Luke crash one into the Emperor. Much more satisfying than throwing him down a randomly placed hole in the Death Star... why was that there? Nobody thought to put a fence over it or anything?

Tales Of The Beast Hunters - Chapter 5: Optimus Prime

Tales of the Beast Hunters - Chapter 5

 The moment the distress call sent by Wheeljack crackles to an abrupt stop, Optimus Prime springs into action. He orders Autobot Ratchet to overload the ground bridge enough to send him - alone - deep into space to join the fight against Megatron and Predaking. Ignoring the Autobot scientist's warnings that doing so will fry the bridge, leaving the Autobots without fast transport on Earth, and Optimus Prime no way home from space, he leaps into the glowing ring. Instantly, he finds himself in the swirling chaos of combat, fire lashing the air and smoke obscuring his optics. In the space of a moment, his warrior's mind grasps the situation, and he leaps into action, firing every weapon at his command at Predaking, hoping to give Bumblebee and Wheeljack the time they need to escape.

Dino Fury, The Idea Was To Bring Together a Group Of Teenagers With Attitude

Dino Fury has pretty much taken me by surprise. It didn't seem to have the buildup Beast Morphers got, so it was a little off my radar. I knew it was coming, but that was it. I went in with no expectations and ended up really liking it. Maybe more than Beast Morphers. I was aware of Kishiryu Sentai Ryusoulger (the Super Sentai series Dino Fury was adapted from), but didn't get a chance to watch any of it. Kinda glad about that as that allows me to go into Dino Fury fresh and just enjoy it on the surface level. 

As far as the toys go, so far I've gotten the Red and Blue Rangers as well as Boomtower (one of the monsters). Like Beast Morphers before it, the standard Power Ranger figures by Hasbro have a surprising amount of articulation. When Hasbro first took over, I initially thought the basic toys would be similar to the basic Marvel figures they produce and was glad to be wrong. These are some pretty dang nice toys. Boomtower doesn't have the wide range of movement that the Rangers have, but he's much bulkier. I mainly got him because I love his weird design.

Each figure comes with a Dino Fury Key. These little keys look like basic mini figures of the character it comes with that inserts into the Dino Fury Morpher role play toy. Doing so unlocks extra sounds exclusive to each key. Fictionally these allow the Rangers to morph into their Power Ranger forms. There's also Boost Keys that give the Rangers power ups. While I don't plan to get the Morpher, I do like the little mini figures. I'm mainly bidding my time until the Megazord comes out, it looks pretty awesome.

Bloody Hell, It's Monday

It's a brand new week here on Planet Zone! If you didn't notice, I started posting a chapter a day of the 'Tales of the Beast Hunters' text story that was included in Beast Hunters figures. I thought it'd be fun. There's a new episode of Not As Brightly Lit Up for something spooky in your ears. I've got a fun week of posts in mind for all you readers. Thanks for your continued support and as always share with your friends!

Tales Of The Beast Hunters - Chapter 4: Wheeljack

Tales of the Beast Hunters - Chapter 4

Wheeljack is willing to admit that he didn't think much of the idea that some kind of ancient Cybertronian arsenal was hidden in this solar system's asteroid belt. But now that the pitted, timeworn hulk of what is obviously a very old starship fills his view screen, he's got to say he's impressed. What's more, his sensors detect vast reserves of power in the old ship's hold. When he and Bumblebee go aboard, neither of them is surprised when they find dozens of crates filled with strange weapons. Unfortunately, they are surprised when they turn to begin loading their ship, only to find Megatron and Predaking blocking their way.

Laser Bolt, Because Why Not?

Anything goes on Eternia. One can ride a giant cat or a robot horse, maybe a satanic lawn mower or a shark tank into battle. Whatever the deal with the Dragon Walker is, anything is fair game in a fight. Sometimes He-Man just feels like riding a damn tricycle into battle. Before I go any further, I'll remind you he's royalty. He's the prince of Eternia and one day will be king. Combine that with also being a super powered being made of magic and they just let him do whatever the fuck he wants. 

*sigh*

In his damn underwear.

The Laser Bolt is three wheeled with laser guns with a dragon's head. It can be ridden laying down or stood up on it's wheels. All jokes aside, that kinda makes sense. Ride in, raise up and fire away while the rest of the vehicle acts as a shield. The dragons head doesn't really serve any purpose other than looking cool. I'd like to think the eyes are a way to see while driving that thing. I'd also like to think 'Heaven's on Fire' by KISS is playing on the stereo as He-Man rides into battle... or the drive through at Taco Bell. Weirdly enough, the Laser Bolt was only featured in the Christmas special episode of the cartoon. It uh... flew.

Tales Of The Beast Hunters - Chapter 3: Lazerback

Tales of the Beast Hunters - Chapter 3

Even as he floated helpless in the darkness of the Hyperevolution Chamber, Lazerback could hear what happened around him. He heard much of what Shockwave said in his strange voice, and he knew before he emerged what his plan would be. Now, freed from the chamber, he is no longer interested in what the Decepticon scientist who cloned him has to say. Lazerback refuses to serve under anyone, not an overlord like Megatron or a conqueror like Predaking. Instead, he is determined to see chaos reign. Stealing a tracking device from the lab, he blasts off hoping to see chaos made king by the destruction of two tyrants who stand in his way.

Not As Brightly Lit: Don't Tell Me About Halloween

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The old saying 'Happy Wife, Happy Life' rings true in this tale of a man in an unconventional marriage to a witch. This week we listen to "Don't tell me about Halloween" from a 'Quiet Please' episode that originally aired October 27th 1947 as Rob deals with the side effects of his second vaccination shot.

 

Tales Of The Beast Hunters - Chapter 2: Soundwave

Tales of the Beast Hunters - Chapter 2

There is no transmission so secure that it will not yield to the tender decryption of Soundwave. Such is the case with the conversation between Bumblebee and Wheeljack, and so, within minutes of the two Autobots blasting off for the distant asteroid belt, Megatron and Predaking also set course for the ancient weapons cache. Soundwave remains on Earth, patiently monitoring Autobot transmissions, assuring his leader that they are indeed alone. It is an opportunity to not only destroy this pair of Autobots, but also to secure weapons that ensure victory over the rest - an opportunity arranged with patient satisfaction by the Decepticon data master.

Let's Look At This Kmart Sales Paper

Halfway to Halloween, Walpurgisnacht, or just another day here at Zone Base. However you word it, Halloween is on folks minds even in the spring. We love it spooky and today seemed like a good day for it. Kmart used to be a pretty great place to shop before whatever the hell happened. That place went downhill and died messily in front of us all. During it's glory days people often got their Halloween costumes at Kmart. Now they often get them at Spirit, which may be located in your towns old Kmart.

You may have noticed the sweet collection of Ben Cooper/Collegeville style costumes up top. There's Heat Seeker, Megatron, She-Ra, He-Man, and Bumblelion. I just noticed She-Ra is wearing Catra's costume. The rubber mask selection is great too. Fantastic Faces brand with real hair and some with blinking lights. Just right to earn some of that candy being sold for some amazingly low prices.

Adding to the great selection, check out the 'boxed play sets'. The picture shows Voltron, Hordak, and the Autobot Dress Up Set. It may seem like a cheap trick by putting role play toys with the costumes. It also was one of the best ways to get an accessory to your costume that wasn't available. Next to the play sets is probably the most important thing you'll need when trick or treating. Flashlights.

We've all learned that wearing a costume and walking on the streets on the one night a year when people are expected to be out at night makes you completely invisible to cars. There will be broken Michelob bottles everywhere that you won't see without the aid of the flashlight. It's always Michelob. After Halloween, your Mom will keep the flashlight by her bed. It's just in time too, the one from last year's batteries were starting to die. 

Next is something very special to me. Make-up kits. I freaking love them. There's also additional costume accessories like a witch hat, and generic costumes. But most importantly is that 41" reversible cape. It has a collar, the Dracula cardboard head hanger, and it's a piece of crap. A pretty cheap plastic cape with a badly sewn on collar that will probably fall off before November 1st. Despite how crappy it is, I love it and will fucking kill over it. Admittedly it's mostly due to the cardboard Dracula hanger.

There's also the obligatory candles for your jack o' lanterns or to make the living room table look spooky. It really makes the Tombstone pizza while trick or treating the neighborhood kids that you normally hate special. You're probably also going to catch that paper ghost on fire with them. Speaking of the living room table, that's where that glass pumpkin will go. You'll realize in February that it's still there.

May The 4th Be With You Zone Base Readers!

 Happy Star Wars Day from Planet Zone! 

It's the perfect time for a nice Chewie Rolo!

Tales Of The Beast Hunters- Chapter 1: Bumblebee

Tales of the Beast Hunters - Chapter 1

With the threat of Predaking looming over them all, every Autobot dedicates himself to finding some means of battling the Predacon overlord. But it is the scout Bumblebee who discovers the key to victory. Buried deep within data recovered alongside one of the Iacon Relics he finds evidence of a derelict transport starship - a courier packed with weapons more ancient than any relic yet recovered - set adrift ages ago among the asteroids girdling Earth's solar system. With no other way to reach the ancient ship, he contacts Wheeljack, hoping the Autobot mercenary can provide transport and - if it turns out to be a trap - an extra blaster.

Striking Dinosaurs By Hunting Them

It's been a little while since I've talked Dino Strike here... and I wanted to again. The newest and current series 'Dino Strike Hunt' is pretty great. This time it's a mix of dinosaurs with removable capture devices and hunter vehicles. Instead of fighting dinosaurs with battle armor, they're being hunted! The dinosaurs are still really solid and the vehicles are pretty fun. There's 10 different toys with a variety of common to rare pieces.

Even though 'Hunt' is a departure from the armor and firing rockets of the prior series, the theme still feels natural. The capture devices range from muzzles, to a variety of chains, and one even has a trap that it's foot can be stuck in. The hunter vehicles are neat. Two jeeps and a helicopter with capture claws and firing rockets (a giant crossbow on the helicopter). The second camouflaged jeep is one of the more rare toys of the series, which I oddly appreciate for reasons unknown even to me.

Going Ape This Week

Nothing warrants a trip back in time like a Monday! It's going to be a weird week. Tuesday I get my second vaccination shot and will be feeling like crap afterwards! There's a new episode of Not As Brightly Lit available for your taste of pumpkin spice in spring. We're halfway to Halloween, but everyday is Halloween on Zone Base! Speaking of the spooky season, it's the first week of May and you know what that means? Spooky Summer will be starting soon! After Memorial Day weekend, summer starts and the scary party will begin on Zone Base! If this is your first summer as a reader, that means spooky clips and posts all through summer leading up the the big Zone Base Halloween Celebration! Which will technically still be summer since that starts in early August! Two months of Spooky Summer, three months of Halloween. FIVE WHOLE MONTHS OF SPOOKY SHIT. It's a pretty good time. Thanks for reading Zone Base and please share with your friends!