DK2-Guard (Legacy/Generations Selects)

At some point Hasbro decided to jump on the Diaclone bandwagon and I'm all here for it. DK-2 Guard here was a random gift from my mother who picked it up at Gamestop and he's super neat to have. Instead the attempts to work Diaclone into TF mythology like the others, he's just straight up a modern incarnation with an Autobot symbol. No problem there, it's super cool. So much so that they even referenced the Diakron version of the toy with his name. This leads me to wonder why the Diaclone Universe in Legacy isn't Diakron Universe... but I guess that's being specific for the sake of being specific... and seeing as there's no monetization of this site, I can't get away with that.

DK-2 Guard is a repaint of the Earthrise Ironhide toy. Thanks to Covidmania running wild during Earthrise, I was never able to get a version of that toy. With as happy as I was with the Siege version, that wasn't a big deal, but it is nice to have some version of it. This is a heavily retooled version of that Siege mold, so much that you could be fooled into thinking it's a new toy in vehicle mode. Robot mode is basically the same, but now with a van roof that doubles as a shield. it's neat, but I prefer to stick it on his back.

I keep saying he, but DK-2 Guard isn't an individual, it's a mech suit piloted by a Dianaut. Normally with the Transformers versions of Diaclone bots they get a personality based off the drivers. That's not the case here and DK-2 Guard is generally represents the mech itself. DK-2 Guard serves as a guardian for mankind against Waruders, Dinosaurs, Decepticons, and whatever evil force threatens mankind. Something like this is great as Diaclone Reboot toys are generally very expensive, but there's options of you'd like some Diaclone available at an affordable price. It's an expensive hobby and in these uncertain financial times, it's great toy have a bone thrown every so often.

Bios: Cybershark

Function: Ocean Attack

Just when the Predacons thought it was safe to go back in the water. Cybershark rises to the surface for a fearsome feeding frenzy! Like a turbo-charged torpedo speeding through the sea, Cybershark searches the ocean depths for Predacon enemies. Upon finding the enemy he launches his robotic hammerhead to knock 'em out cold, the finishes the job in robot mode by filleting his prey with his switchblade tale.

Strength: 7 Intelligence: 5 Speed: 8 Endurance: 5

Rank: 6 Courage: 9 Firepower: 5 Skill: 4

Weekly Halloween~ Ouija for kids!

I've talked about board game manufacturers dabbling in the occult before, but it's really a long standing tradition. Variations of the talking board date back thousands of years, but none are more famous in the present than the Ouija board. Basic spirit summoning with the risk of opening a portal to hell is available as close as your nearest Target. Even today it has an aura of mystery and a forbidden nature. I guess it's all fun and games until Zozo shows up.

I'm not BOY

You can't go back in time, but sometimes you can get a second chance. The Neo Geo Pocket was a portable console that I was really interested in during it's time. I've always been into portable consoles... long time readers have probably figured that out. Still am, though these days they rarely leave my house. Normally they're played in bed or in the living room while listening to the TV. Though back then, one with me at all times. On break at work, visiting my parents, eating lunch by myself... anytime I had a moment, there I'd be. You can see why I'd be interested in a cool new system. The Neo Geo Pcoket was definitely cool.

Initially the system was a black and white unit like the Gameboy, though a color version was soon introduced and that was  released here in the states. I wanted one pretty bad, but never pulled the trigger. Why you might ask? Well, let's talk about financial responsibility and trying to make good decisions. At the time I was in college and living on my own. Money was tight... honestly money was near mythological. We're not talking living check to check or some weeks being better than others, we're talking non-existent. My crappy job didn't pay enough to make ends meet as is, so when it came to fun stuff... I had to make some hard decisions.

When you see me talking about a toy, I bought it or my wife did usually. Maybe a random gift from a friend. It wasn't provided to me like those bigger sites who are constantly asking for your money (how does that work?). If I'm buying a game machine, no matter how much I want it... I'm making sure it's a good idea (hard learned lesson from the Virtual Boy). At the time I had some extra money (somehow) and Walmart had Neo Geo Pocket Color systems right there within grasp... and that's when I noticed it was always the same games and few systems in that display cabinet every time. Another store and ... the same thing.

It wasn't selling. So I decided to hold off and see if some more games come. I read gaming magazines and sites. They tend to side with sponsors and if you see something being covered... it's probably paid content. That's a marketing tactic used to keep certain names heard over others. These day's it's usually done viral on social networking... like when a game suddenly gets hate from nowhere. I hardly heard a peep about this cool new system, and it clearly wasn't getting any new games. Before I knew it... those Neo Geo Pocket Colors weren't on the shelves anymore. It was so fast, I've had to actually convince people that it existed.

Thankfully with emulation and compilation releases the games can be played now. I would have loved owning a Neo Geo Pocket Color at the time. Admittedly that probably would have made the burn of it getting canceled so quickly sting more... but it would have been my jam. It's a shame such a cool system didn't work out. Of course there was no stopping the Gameboy at the time. Pokemon was relatively new and printing money... I had it too. I also had a few pair of boots like the guy in the commercial is wearing... do they still make those? In an alternate reality where it was successful... which color do you think I would have went with? Been leaning towards the aqua blue or anthracite ones since 1999. Really like the stone blue one.

Toylanta 2023

It's time for Toylanta 2023! The great toy show is here again and as always I'm attending. I've been really looking forward to this years con as it's always a good time. If you're in attendance, I'll be hosting the annual Transformers panel on Sunday at 12am. I hope to see you there! I'll be out on the floor all weekend if you feel like saying hi as well. Of course if you can't come, this post will keep you all filled in on the fun I've been having. I'll be updating daily, so be sure to check back for each update. I'll be posting pics to my Instagram throughout the weekend. If you like neat toys, you'll love all the cool stuff I'll be showing.

Transform Squadron 42- Con Leche

LISTEN NOW!

This month, as Rob prepares for Toylanta, he talks about various convention experiences.

Bios: Turbo Master

"To control the sky is to control the ground!"

Function: Aerial Marauder

Turbo Master lives by the philosophy that supreme domination is only achieved by gaining absolute control of the sky. Stops at nothing to vanquish an enemy force. Enjoys field-testing new laser weapons on Autobot vacation resorts. Upsets his fellow Decepticons when he tests his hovering capabilities while they're playing cyber poker. Likes to handle dangerous missions alone. His battle tactic is to strike the enemy hard and fast, sparing no one. A heartless Decepticon who is never satisfied with victory. Always strives for complete and utter defeat of his adversary. Converts into an overpowering, dual propeller vertical take-off plane.

Strength: 9 Intelligence: 7 Speed: 6 Endurance: 9

Rank: 8 Courage: 10 Firepower: 5 Skill: 7

Bios: Double Punch

"Double the power means double the destruction!"

Function: Desert Vanguard

Forged out of the most hardened metallic substance in Cybertron's remote desert region. Combats computer-driven units in sandstorms with tempratures exceeding 150 Fahrenheit. Has a ferocious temper thats causes him to react violently at anything that crosses his path. Usually aligns with both sides in an argument just to advance his own position in Decepticon ranks. Cunning and cynical, Double Punch can convert into a fearsome, dual clawed robotic scorpion to perform his most diabolial schemes.

Strength: 8 Intelligence: 7 Speed: 7 Endurance: 6

Rank: 6 Courage: 9 Firepower: 8 Skill: 9

Bios: Windmill

"Nothing is immune from my radar systems! Nothing!"

Function: Air Defense

A specialist in air defense technology. Designed and implemented the Autobots' home base radar system. Advanced kinetic intelligence and cyber-optic perception modem implants enables him to track enemy attack forces anywhere in the galaxy. Feels a special dislike toward Decepticons for obliterating his defense laboratory on Cybertron. Enjoys the challenge of revamping discarded metallic substances to create new forms of laser weaponry. Able to convert into a high-impact, counter strike helicopter.

Strength: 8 Intelligence: 9 Speed: 8 Endurance: 6

Rank: 7 Courage: 10 Firepower: 7 Skill: 9

Toylanta Week is here!

It's not just the beginning of a new week here on Planet Zone, but the start of Toylanta week here on Planet Zone! That right, the great toy show is here and I'm hella excited. This week will be a little different. I'll be updating all weekend after each day at the show. Just to give me a little break before the show, we're going to have an all bios week. Since it's such a special con week, we'll focus on some special toys. 

Transformers Action Masters Elites were a set of Action Masters that transformed unlike the rest of their ilk. Toylanta gives us a chance to really appreciate the more special side of our hobbies. So I don't see a better time to appreciate a special little set of toys. Check back each day leading up to the great toy show and my ongoing reports. Thank you for continuing to read Zone Base and please share with your friends!

Bios: Omega Spreem

"Grinding Decepticons through my treads is my only objective!"

Function: Defense Base

There is no stopping him from taking on the Decepticons most ruthless forces. Displays no fear or caution when excited to the point of armed combat. Gets his kicks when he slams his treads into high gear to attack unsuspecting Decepticons. Often refers to his Decepticon counter parts as the lowest form of cybernetic existence. Skilled in the art of synthetic metallurgy, manipulating pre-solidified steel and titanium alloy into photon laser weaponry. Always seen cleaning out his neutronic laser barrels in case of attack. Can change into a devastating laser tank with rotating cannon unit.

Strength: 9 Intelligence: 6 Speed: 5 Endurance: 7

Rank: 8 Courage: 10 Firepower: 6 Skill: 8

Sideswipe (Kingdom)

Sideswipe also came in the Battle Across Time set with Skywarp. This Kingdom version of Sideswipe is a remold of the Siege Sideswipe toy that got a lot of use over the years. That's kind of the beauty of a Sideswipe toy mold, it's going to get a lot of reuse. Think of it as the Autobot Seeker mold. When there's a Sideswipe, there's going to be several repaints coming. I think this version has turned out a record number of repaints... and I'm not complaining. This Kingdom version is Sideswipe's Earth form, a red Lamborghini Countach. A very nice and flashy car that will draw attention wherever it goes. So of course it's just right to disguise yourself as.

Of course Sideswipe is an action figure and they're trying to sell as many toys as possible. So they'll turn into cool, flashy cars instead of that old Ford Taurus your Mom drives. If you have bought any Transformers within the past few years... you've probably got some form of this mold. However, just in case you don't, it's a good toy. Sideswipe transformers pretty easily. He's a character that you know how to transform by looking at, even if it's a brand new toy of him... you pretty much have it figured out. In robot mode he's pleasantly articulated and has a satisfying amount of chonk to his look. There's a reason why he's one of the standard bots. Sideswipe just looks like the concept, you know?

I can't say anything bad about this toy. I've got so many different versions of it... I better not have anything bad to say about it. This new Kingdom version is a nice change from the prior Siege version. While I really liked the Cybertronian design the Siege toy has, the Earthen mode is classic... and after a few years of that space car some change is welcome. I've honestly always liked him... it's hard not too. This combination of him and Skywwarp makes for a great set. It was a great gift from my wife and just a fun set to own.

Bios: Fracture

Dedicated to Megatron and the Decepticon cause, Decepticon Fracture is a dangerous enemy. She is totally fearless, and probably a little bit crazy, as she dives directly into any battle, regardless of the odds. Although she carries a powerful negative energy blaster, she prefers to use the seismic energy dischargers on her feet to smash the surrounding earth to pieces. Any battlefield on which she walks shudders with the force of her steps.

Strenght: 7 Intelligence: 4 Speed: 8 Endurance: 8

Rank: 5 Courage: 10 Fireblast: 8 Skill: 3

Weekly Halloween~ Witchy Ways

Ever see a witch? The town I loved in for a few years had one. She seemingly lived under a bridge in the town square. There was several accounts of her performing spells in the Post Office parking lot, dancing around small fires made of sticks and roadkill. I saw her once shaking some beads at a building. Was she just a crazy person loose in the streets? Maybe, but I wasn't sticking around to find out.

Toylanta is nearing

Toylanta is coming up and it's weighing pretty heavily on my mind. I'm really looking forward to going... and also having a little break. Work has been hard lately so some fun is more than welcome. I am a little antsy about the new venue. The show just keeps growing, which is awesome, but that necessitates the need for bigger locations. I was just getting used to the former "new" location the show has been at since 2020 (obviously that year got canceled), though I still vastly prefer the old location. Even though it was getting really cramped, I liked that place. Not to mention the new new location is much further away, meaning a longer trip to and from each day. Regardless, I'm really looking forward to the show.

Each year as the convention gets closer I make up a mental list of things to look for... and don't follow it well at the show. Partially because things change when you get there and see what's available. Honestly, sometimes you just change your mind. One thing I'm definitely looking for is Gobots and Rock Lords. You guys know I love them and for some reason... I just like buying them specifically at Toylanta. I don't know why, but there is something REALLY satisfying about buying them there. It's super proper, it has to be done. I'll throw other robot toys into that idea as well, because I'll likely get some... but it's really about the Gobots and Rock Lords at Toylanta.

I'll be hosting the Transformers panel, but I don't buy a whole lot of them there. Often dealers will have ones I already have or plan on buying soon. When they have something I don't... it's for a price I don't want to pay. Speaking of prices I don't want to pay, Battle Beasts. They're few and far between these days and generally cost more than I'd want to pay. I straight up walked away from a dealer when he quoted me twenty bucks a piece for some a few years ago. For the record they were very beaten and and one was missing an arm. There's some scummy dealers out there and I just don't tolerate their antics. One guy a few years ago wanted $200 for a ReAction Merman, I passed, and got the same one (with weapon... unlike the other) for $5 last year. It pays to be smart.... and with the cost of everything else these days... you need to be.

Another toy I'd like to find is of Demolition Man. I've forgotten the characters actual name... but the Sylvester Stallone guy. Some of (if not all) of that movies toys were made of New Adventures of He-Man figure molds. The main character is a repaint of He-Man... and I'd like to get one within reason. There's also those Micro TMNT play sets that use old Diaclone molds. Those would be great. That's the cool thing about a con like this, there's a little bit of everything and a lot of surprises. Not much drama either... thank god. I generally have a great time and each year is it's own story. Each year is a different experience, and that's awesome.

Terror of a New Week

Hope everyone is looking forward to a new week! Me... I'm a little sleepy. Daylight Savings time happened over the weekend and it always throws me off for a few days. The weekend was good, though I can't say alot happened. New episodes of The Mandelorian and 1000 lbs Sisters was watched. We had a nice dinner with Mom at Olive Garden Sunday. Gargoyle's Quest was played... it was cold and rainy. 

As far as toys go, I finally found Shadowstrip at Walmart completing the Velocitron Speedia 500 collection (unless they release any more). This little set of exclusives meant a whole lot to me for some reason and now I'm ecstatic to have them all. I almost bought a few more EarthSpark flip changers, but held off. With Toylanta coming and my birthday at the end of the month... I kinda feel guilty indulging too much. 

I did grab a set of the Dollar Tree Power Rangers figures. I was hoping to find more Final Faction, but sadly they haven't restocked. The Rangers though are a nice little set of mini figures. It's the MMPR team, sadly without the Yellow Ranger. I found it ironic as I passed out while watching Zyuranger Saturday night before finding these Sunday. I love Pluto Tv, speaking of which, they're doing a Beast Wars/Beast Machines thing today. There's a cool re-airing of Beast Wars happening in Japan thanks to Rise of the Beasts... so I like to think this is our equivalent here in the states. 

Despite being very sleepy, I've got a fun week in mind for you all. Thanks for reading Zone Base. It means so much to me that you all support this little fan blog. If you could share it with your friends, that be awesome. Well, I've got some chores to do between watching Beast Wars on Pluto Tv. We've got a new bird bath that could use some adjustment. 

Z Knights

Skywarp (Kingdom)

This figure of Skywarp came with Sideswipe in the Transformers Kingdom: Battle Across Time two pack. I recently got it as a gift from my wife at Christmas. For those who may not know, this is obviously not the classic Skywarp you may expect, but the character from Beast Wars II. This Skywarp is a Maximal and believe it or not, a school teacher back on Cybertron. In Beast Wars II, Skywarp spends much of his time mentoring Lio Junior as part of the Magnaboss combiner team. This newer toy isn't a combiner like the original, but a really nice update.

Skywarp is a remold/repaint of Kingdom Airazor whom I talked about here before. The falcon was converted to an eagle so well that you could probably fool someone that this was a new mold. Skywarp's robot head is completely new, really finishing out the package. He really is a fantastic update of the original toy... and I'm completely surprised they went with the Beast Wars II characterization instead of calling it Silverbolt as the toy was known here. I'd say that avoids confusion... but there's probably a few fans not in the know wondering about the Skywarp name as well. The toy gets extra cool points from me for that.

Bios: Sunrunner

Function: Assault Warrior

Abilities: The strongest combat experts in space. They are wild characters and will sacrifice everything in order to defeat the enemy.

Weapons: Surrounding their enemy, they bombard them with shells.

Strength: 7 Intelligence: 5 Speed: 6 Endurance: 7

Rank: 5 Courage: 7 Firepower: 7 Skill: 6

Weekly Halloween~ The Haunted Toys R Us

There's several certain things you'll experience depending on your generation. Several of us all know that copy of Frampton Comes Alive every bodies parents had. If you're a Transformers fan of a certain age, you're well acquainted with cardboard boxes full of one dollar Flip Changers at old BotCons. If you're into the paranormal... you've heard about the haunted Toys R Us. It's one of those ghost stories that just stays around, but not without reason. It's a pretty good story and there's something charming about a ghost in a toy store. Creepily so, sure, but there's just something neat about it. In another time it would have been a children's movie.

Wild Fang/Tecmo Knight

When it comes to violent and bloody video games the same ones are brought up. Mortal Kombat or Splatterhouse usually. One particularly violent game from 1989 is often not remembered... and for good reason. It was pretty under the radar and your local arcade probably chose other 'barbarian' games at the time. That game would be Wild Fang or Tecmo Knight as it's known outside of Japan. At first glance you might think it's a generic beat 'um up style belt fighter. However after inserting a coin you'd find that it's REALLY bloody. Surprisingly so, blood splatter and decapitations every few seconds. I'm pretty surprised there's not more notoriety for the game considering the time, but like I said... it's a little under the radar. You probably were too busy playing Golden Axe or Rastan to notice it in the corner of the arcade.

Depending on if you're player 1 or 2, Duke and Fleet are your heroes. The two warriors have to face The Beast Demon Army in their mission to resurrect The Great Beast Demon Delgomes by large amounts of human blood gathered from sacrifice. The heroes become 'Wild Fangs' and take on these evil forces. Oddly, if you're playing Tecmo Knight the bad guy is named Wild Fang. How do the heroes become Wild Fangs? They are paired with 3 protective deities. Smokeman (a big strong giant), the tiger (a tiger), and the dragon (a dragon... as you probably guessed). Your character actually rides these deities throughout the game.

Thanks to a button on the controls you can swap between them during your adventure. Smokeman is a really strong giant, but slower. Riding the tiger is much faster, but a little weaker. The dragon is actually a special form and only granted when found. The dragon is invincible flies around breathing fire for a short time before reverting back to Smokeman or the tiger. Power-ups are gained through the skulls left behind after defeating enemies.

Enemies are various demon/beasts/monsters that make up The Beast Demon Army. You progress through each level fighting assorted army members as you go and kill them in gory glory. Nothing is safe from getting bloodied up either. A recurring enemy is a large King Kong style gorilla whose hands reach around the edges of the screen. After so many hits to these arms and they're pouring blood... it's insane. Game play is fun and swapping out deities keeps things fresh. It's unfortunate the game is lesser known. I could easily have seen a SEGA version.

Ultra Week

It's a new week here on Planet Zone! I wish I could sound more excited saying that, but a little more sleep would have been great. The weekend was pretty laid back. New episodes of The Mandelorian, 1000lbs Sisters, and Earthspark were watched. I got some new toys, Hot Shot and Needlenose from Transformers Legacy Evolution.

It's cool to get a new Hot Shot, I loved Armada. Admittedly though, I wish they'd revisit other characters from the series. It's usually Hot Shot and Starscream... who are getting new toys. Optimus is getting a new toy this time, hopefully I can get it. The larger Commander Class figures can be harder to find for some reason.

I've got a fun week in mind for all of you. With Toylanta approaching, my mind is on attending and having some fun. As usual I intend to get some Gobots. It's in a new location again and I'm a little anxious about that. Thank you for reading Zone Base. If you like what I'm doing, please share posts with your friends. That'd be awesome! Alright folks, let's get this week started!

Optimus Prime (warrior class, EarthSpark)

At this point it feels like I own 9 million Optimus Prime figures. A new Optimus Prime toy used to be a special occasion, however, these days the main characters tend to get the most figures. When a character gets multiple figures in multiple price points, it's fair to think the different classes are a sign of quality. This newest warrior class figure of Optimus from EarthSpark though... It could have been a deluxe in prior toy lines. It could be the same thing going on with Rise of the Beasts toys, in which the mainline figures are giving the Studio Series ones a run for their money. I don't have a deluxe Optimus from EarthSpark yet... but kinda not seeing a reason for one after getting the warrior class toy.

What I'm saying is that this is a really pleasant Optimus Prime toy for a lower price than you'd pay for a deluxe, voyager, or leader class figure. I got him at Walmart for $14.99 and considering the rising cost of everything... am struggling to find a reason to buy another, more expensive toy. I guess more articulation, or gimmicks could be a reason... but this one is decently articulated for my liking... and like I said... could have been a deluxe in a prior line. This is a really satisfying Optimus Prime toy. I kept him near me all day and would fiddle with him on and off constantly. I like this toy. Optimus as an attached energy axe that can flip out. It's a neat weapon that won't get lost. That's neat.

I'm not saying he's perfect, there are a few things I don't like. His face for one... EarthSpark has some ugly faces. Not all of the characters have this problem, but it's impossible to ignore on the ones that do. The problem is that it's too long. The head itself is actually quite nice looking... but that long face is bad. IF it was shorted, closer to a normal Prime face, that'd be pretty great. I actually like Optimus's design in EarthSpark... just that face is a sticking point. The other thing I don't like is hard to describe. He was hard to transform... and I don't mean as in a complex transformation. Optimus transforms just as you'd think by looking at him. Just he didn't really fit together for some reason. I messed with him for a while trying to get everything to go into place... and for some reason something would always not go in exactly. Maybe mine has some quality control issues? Maybe I did something wrong? Maybe somethings just not perfectly executed? I don't know, but good grief I couldn't get around it.

Aside from the personal gripes... this is a pretty good figure that could give the more expensive figures some competition. This is something that I'm seeing going forward ... and that's a good thing. While I should expect a more expensive figure to be a nicer, the less costly one doesn't need to be obviously a lower model. Like I said... this is a satisfying toy and I'm struggling to find a reason to buy a more expensive toy. The cost of everything keeps going up, including Transformers. I don't get these things for free and real life comes before hobbies. This Optimus is a positive sign of things to come. Hopefully others follow suit.

Bios: Tonbot

Function: Forced Reconnaissance

The Insectrons' requisite spy, Tonbot is a flashy type who enjoys dressing up. His specialty is strewing his conversation with English. His tail contains powerful Botshot homing missiles, and he can blast a solvent liquid or mist from his mouth, literally enveloping pursuing enemies in smoke. His flight speed is the fastest of the Insectrons, and he can make his way as high as the stratosphere under his own power. He also enjoys sunset skies.

Strength: 7 Intelligence: 6 Speed: 10 Endurance: 7

Rank: 7 Courage: 8 Firepower: 9 Skill: 8

Weekly Halloween~ Men's Magazines

If I told you this was a magazine ad... you probably wouldn't believe me. Thanks to the general oldness of the production, it just looks like something straight out of the dark web. But no, the Rokurokubi is just there to sell us on this men's magazine. Honestly I'm a little lost on why they went this route, but you'll never see me complain about Yokai appearing in any media.

Dang, feels like I got cursed just watching it though.