Detritus (Legacy: Evolution/Deluxe Class)

Detritus is one of those Transformers characters that means something to me for reasons I can't fully explain. To begin with, I've always been a Hound fan. Classic cartoon Hound to be specific. In 2004, Takara re-issued G1 Hound in their Book style series in which I bought that immediately. I still have my childhood one, but it was nice to have a complete Hound again. Hopefully I can find that Walmart exclusive version of the G1 toy as well. Love Hound. Well, around that time e-Hobby was running exclusives based off most of the Takara reissues. These would often be brand new G1 characters using original molds.  Sometimes they'd be based off Diaclone versions or take inspiration from other sources. It's probably pretty easy to guess I was quick to snatch up one made from the Hound toy mold.

Detritus was based on a desert colored variation of a military Jeep that really looked good. He was a new character and with a name like was obviously a Junkion! At the time, there wasn't many Junkion toys. Only G1 Wreck-Gar specifically. The Junkions have always had a cult following with many Transformers fans, so this was very welcome. Adding to Detritus's coolness was that he was a Mercenary! That wasn't very commonplace back then either. Detritus was a Junkion who left the planet and took up arms dealing. Working for whomever paid him and would eventually side up with whatever group won. His ultimate goal? Take over the Junkions! Dang! We got a new bot that was full of character, not bad for a straight repaint. Detritus also saw life in Takara's incarnation of Power Core Combiners as a repaint of Mudslinger. I hope to get that eventually.

This new toy of Detritus from Legacy: Evolution is a bit of a weird one. The Siege Hound toy mold was heavily retooled into a fairly updated G1 accurate toy. The figure at some point will be released a Buzzworthy Bumblebee figure that I look forward to. This new Detritus figure is a repaint of that which has not came out yet. Whacky. I liked that Siege toy, but wasn't fond of transforming it. This version, however, I had no problems transforming. Either they made it easier somehow or I just got better at it. Regardless, it's a nice new figure of Detritus. Transformation was easy for me this time and both modes a really nice. The Jeep is very pleasant and the desert deco looks good. As a robot, Detritus is fairly articulated and has two guns that can be combined in a few ways into bigger weapons. You know, Evo-Fusion. I tried to mirror the original toy a little because I love those G1 shoulder rocket launchers. If there is anything to take issue with, the front hood portion of the Jeep does stand out a little extra. Not a deal breaker or anything, but it does seem a bit big. Regardless, this is a very good toy of a character I like quite a bit. It's got me excited for the eventual Hound toy as well. Whenever that comes out. 

Merry Christmas from Zone Base!

Merry Christmas! I hope all of you are having a great holiday and getting exactly what you want under the tree. While I do have a little bit of content planned, I'm sure you can all understand that I'll be taking most of the week off. Thank you so much for reading Zone Base!

Santa Claus X Exkaiser

Gamer Edition Megatron (Studio Series/Voyager Class)

It feels kind of odd that Transformers Studio Series would dip into video games for inspiration. Not that I'm opposed to it, just it seems more like something for Legacy. Regardless, nicer and higher quality toys of the War for Cybertron designs are welcome. Once again, thanks to Hasbro's reuses of names, I should clarify it's the War for Cybertron video game and not the War for Cybertron Trilogy. Considering we're at 40 years of Transformers, I suppose the entire thing is a War for Cybertron. Regardless, they made new toys of older designs that looked cool then and still do now. I was always fond of this version of Megatron. The War for Cybertron game (WFC from here out) featured the characters before arriving on Earth and with sci fi Cybertronian alt modes and designs. I've always enjoyed that aesthetic.

The original WFC Megatron figure was a Deluxe Class and pretty good honestly. This step up to a Voyager does add some extra heft to the big bad leader of the Decepticons. Like I said, I like this version of Megatron. So obviously I'm going to think this new and updated version looks great. I used to joke that his Cybertronian tank was a Roomba, but these days I can't help but to make comparisons to Action Master Megatron's Neutro-Fusion Tank. I think it's the similar shape. If it were in more similar colors it'd probably work. That's obviously a coincidence. Transformation from robot to tank isn't too hard, but a little fiddly at spots. Your mileage may vary of course. As a robot Megatron is fairly articulated. I've seen some complaints of his knee joints being weird. I personally didn't notice it on mine, but admittedly wasn't measuring the entire range of motion either. Once again, your mileage may vary. The tank's cannon barrel is Megatron's signature Fusion Cannon in robot mode. He also has the games take on his classic energy mace/morning star. Personally, I'd love this design to use the sword the Microman toy had. That design would work very well. I'm really happy with this toy and plan to get all the Gamer Edition figures in Studio Series. Those were some cool games and the designs were awesome. I'd love to see Fall of Cybertron get this treatment as well.

Transform Squadron 51- Christmas Wrappings

LISTEN NOW!

It’s Christmas and… what should Rob talk about? He doesn’t know either, so it seems like a good time to wrap up the year with a few random subjects and a look at next year!

Bios: Snow Cat

"There is no terrain, or opponent, that I cannot conquer."

Snow Cat is a powerful Decepticon who can overcome any environment. He transforms into an all-terrain vehicle and has given his Decepticon allies a strategic advantage in battle on many occasions. Though unruly at times, Snow Cat has proven to be one of Megatron's most valued warriors. His insane fighting tactics are feared by his enemies, and sometimes, his allies.

Strength: 8 Intelligence: 6 Speed: 6 Endurance: 5

Rank: 5 Courage: 6 Fireblast: 6 Skill: 7

Christmas 1984 in Robots

Did that kid really say Starscream turned into a space ship?

Battletrap (Autobots Unite/ Power Plus)

Autobots Unite is a rather odd little sub-line from the Rise of the Beasts movie toys. It's basically all reissues of the Energon Igniters figures from the Bumblebee movie that I went nuts for here with the exception of Battletrap, the only new toy. Battletrap so far has only 2 toys despite being an on screen character. A Studio Series Voyager and this. I don't mind it... but find his lack of toys odd. This is also a straight repaint of the Ironhide Energon Igniters toy. At first I thought this was a weird choice... but it really does work even if not very screen accurate. As you'd guess with the Power Plus class name, there is an an additional 'Energon Core' included.

The Energon Core is a small motor block that can connect to a compatible figure adding a pull-back gimmick to the vehicle and adds to the appearance in some cases. A Power class figure from the Energon Igniters figure could fairly be called an up-scaled Legend/Legion/Speed Series toy. For me, they drew heavy mental comparisons to G2 figures in stature and build. They're simple and not for everyone. I'm pretty sure the types they're not for don't read this site.

Battletrap turns into a 70's/80's-ish pick up truck similar to the one in the movie but without the towing attachment. I didn't really mind that and in his 'attack mode', Battletrap really looks cool. He's a straight repaint of the Ironhide figure... but the new deco really looks good here. It's a simple set of colors, but Battletrap is a nice looking little figure. I don't have to tell you than transformation is simple and articulation is limited. You can tell from the pictures. Considering I paid $4 for him at Ross, I'm not complaining. In Energon Igniters, this class generally cost around $15. I'm not sure if Autobots Unite was supposed to be a discount line or not as they seemingly never appeared in stores until now at liquidation type places. I did see some more in the same class for $8 at the same Ross, so I have no clue what price he'd if you were to find one. At $4 though... I'm happy.

Last Monday I gave you my.... I don't know guys, Mondays suck

Another weekend has come and gone leaving us with just one more week until Christmas! With Christmas and New Years Day happening over the next few weeks, I'm sure you all will understand those weeks being light on content while I take a little break to enjoy the holidays. That being said, this week is going to have a lot going on! I've got a fun week planned and hopefully the new Transform Squadron episode will go up! 

This weekend was mostly spent finishing up Christmas shopping. However, I finally got to watch Godzilla Minus One as my local theaters finally started showing it at a time I could go. I also took advantage of some deals on the Walmart app and got the 1986 movie edition vintage reissue Hound and Hot Rod for 9$ each. Not to be outdone, I finally tracked down Beast Alliance Airrazor! Aside from those Burning Battle Masters from Japan, I've completed the line. Maybe one day I'll get them. After Godzilla, I used a gift card from my Father in law to buy a Taito Super Pocket. The Super Pockets are a new Evercade model in the vein of the classic Gameboy. I'd been wanting to get in the Evercade world and mission accomplished!

I've got a busy day and week ahead of me. Something about this time of the year. Thanks to each and every one of you for continuing to support Zone Base! I've got a fun week in store! Mutal High Fives all around!

Godzilla Minus One

My local movie theaters clearly didn't want me to see Godzilla Minus One. Though after planning a short road trip, everything changed and it was suddenly showing at my regular theater. So, I finally got to watch the movie without any trouble aside from a delay. It wasn't easy feeling like missing out as I kept hearing about just how good of a new film this is. That's one of my biggest take aways from the movie... it's actually a really good movie. I think it's fair to say it'd be just as good without Godzilla in it. Though I'm not complaining about his role either.

In so many ways, Minus One feels like a remake of the original Godzilla film from 1954 with a different story. It hits the familiar notes and tones, but differently. I also appreciate just how much like an actual animal Godzilla feels. They really captured that well. Not to mention just how big of a threat he imposes. I've been watching these movies my entire life and this is probably the first time the threat felt real. It's just so tangible in this movie. They did a really good job. Not to mention, Godzilla's design is just great. Talking about this without spoiling is hard, as I just want to go over every scene with anybody and everybody. There's no other way to say it, this movie is perfect.

These Blind Boxes are Way Cool

You all know I love blind boxes and the newer movie designs (and something about Transformers too). These are super awesome and I LOVE the alternate Shattered Glass versions. Hope I can score some in the future. REALLY like that Goldbug.

Scourge w/ Predacon Scorponok (Beast Alliance/Beast Combiners)

Coming back to the Beast Alliance figures from Rise of the Beasts is Scourge with Scorponok. This set is a nice departure from the other Beast Combiner. There's something about Scourge rocking the beast armor that just works. Like other Beast Combiner main bots, he is a more simpler figure. That doesn't take away from the pleasantness of him. He's a satisfying toy of the movie incarnation of Scourge with a little more color. In the movie Scourge is really dark while this toy gives us a little visual variety with a mainly copper/brown body. It makes for a good looking departure. He turns into a Mad Max style truck like other Scourge toys.

Scorponok is a pleasantly large partner figure. A scorpion (duh) that combines with Scourge (or any other Beast Combiner) easily by fitting over the base robots head and shoulders. His tail becomes a melee weapon that I like to think is a whip. Combined mode really stands out as it gives Scourge an extra set of arms and an overall gnarly look. It's worth noting that Scorponok fits onto Scourge facing forward as opposed to sideways across the shoulders like the other Beast Combiners. Thanks to Scorponok and Scourge's dirtier colors combined with the more monstrous looks... we get a pretty unique looking robot. There's a definite fantasy flavor to the super robot styling of this toy. I like it. This is a pretty unique Beast Combiner and so far the best looking one I've covered so far. We've got one more Beast Combiner to look at soon, but until then, let's appreciate this mutant freak.

Bios: Prowl

 

Function: Military Strategist 

"Logic is the ultimate weapon."

Prowl strives to find logic and reasoning in everything. A listener, not a talker. Has most sophisticated logic center of the Maximals. Able to analyze and advise on complex combat situations almost instantaneously. Fires highly corrosive acid pellets. Cybernetic eye and frontal lobe interact with wing mounted ion orbs, supplying limited telekinetic power. Afflicted with ironic, dry sense of humor. Believes himself to have been a great military strategist in a former life. 

Strength: 6.1 Intelligence: 8.2 Speed: 7.9 Endurance: 7.6

Rank: 6.5 Courage: 8.1 Firepower: 8.8 Skill: 7.9

 

The Predator Holiday Special

20th Century Studios, 2018

Jawbreaker BB-25 (BeastBox)

Jawbreaker is a BeastBox just so full of character. Just look at that face! He also shares some parts/engineering with the same mold used for SubZero (whom I love). However, unlike other toys that reuse molds... he's not just another repaint. Jawbreaker is his own toy. He's great! As you can tell by the pics, Jawbreaker is a robotic dinosaur/kaiju that of course transforms into a box. I like to think of him as the Anguirus to SubZero's Godzilla, though the Snarl lover in me can't help but to see a little Desert Warrior in him.

Thanks to his deco, I also can't help but to make Evangelion comparisons either. His colors are so close to Unit-01 that I can't ignore it. *Edit* I was just made aware that it's actually a homage to Zero Wing, that's pretty amazing (thanks for the heads up, FoxxFiveFive!). Jawbreakers transformation into box mode very similarly to SubZero. That's to be expected with the shared engineering. I don't mind it though and they're different enough that it's easily overlook-able. This is a great addition to the BeastBox ranks. He just has so much character that it's impossible to hate him. Just look at that face! 

Slamming into a New Week

It's Monday again folks, time for another exciting week here on Planet Zone! I had a great weekend. Got a lot of Christmas shopping did and some housework done too. I think after next weekend weekend we'll have all our Christmas shopping done. Christmas is a fun time of year, but the shopping can be hard. Fortunately it's been not so bad this year. I picked myself up a few things too. Got a SW Micro Galaxy Squadron blind box and on the TF front, Flipchanger Breakdown and Legacy Bludgeon.

I also picked up a gaming grip for my phone at Five Below and some neat TF stickers. Somehow I managed to watch a whole lot of classic MOTU episodes despite all the running around. That show can be hilarious with all the hokeyness, but there's some solid classic fantasy/sci fi stories there as well. Well, I finished my bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch and nearing the end of my cup of coffee with Grinch creamer.

There's just a few more minutes of this episode of Collision left on my DVR. I've got some chores to be done and another day of my Jurrasic Park advent calendar to open. It's going to be a busy day. I hope everyone has a great week. There's some fun stuff planned here at Zone Base. Thanks for reading and please share with your friends! Mutal high fives everyone!

Predacon Inferno (Legacy/Voyager Class)

I was absolutely ecstatic when Inferno from Beast Wars was announced for the Transformers Legacy  toy line. A long time fan (and personal) favorite from the series was finally getting an update. Unfortunately distribution wasn't the greatest and it took a while to find one. I finally did sometime in the late spring/early summer of this year, thankfully, and now seems like a great time to talk about him. Like most modern updates of classic characters, Inferno is very show accurate. I know I often say they look as though they walked off my TV screen a lot, but that's what they do and Inferno most definitely does. His mouth can even open for those famously maniacal bouts of insanity. Inferno rules.

As he should, Inferno transforms into a fire ant. A VERY LARGE FIRE ANT. The ant is fairly realistic and transformation from robot to beast mode is reasonably easy. The ant's legs feature a decent amount of articulation with moving legs and pinching pincers. In robot mode, Inferno has an impressive amount of movement. This is really a great toy of him. I've always held the original up to a high standard and this is a big improvement. They did a great job. Inferno's signature BFG from the show is well represented and doubles as the rocket for his blender butt flight mode. Said mode doesn't have the propeller gimmick of the original toy... but I don't mind that. There is some inner detailing sculpted in intended to resemble Scavenger. The Antagony version of this mold comes with a Scavenger head that can be used on Antagony or Inferno to bring the third Beast Wars ant toy up to date. Scavenger is a different character, however the toy was meant to represent a Transmetal version of Inferno in Japan. So you can either have a new Scavenger or Transmetal's Inferno if you choose.

I don't have anything bad to say about Inferno. I can imagine the beast mode kibble turning off some... and that's fair. I personally expect it to be there as the bug legs have a history of hanging around in robot mode. Fortunately they can be posed out of the way or removed if one desires (just don't loose them for later transformations). Once again, this is a really great update of a classic fan favorite that looks like it just walked off my TV screen. I shouldn't speak for others, but I feel like saying this is a special toy for Beast Wars fans. The others get regular updates, but Inferno... not so much. That's not cool. Inferno rules. Thankfully this one's good enough to fill that insane gap for a while. 

For the Royalty.

Bios: Icepick

Icepick believes that he represents the next generation of Decepticons. According to him, all those not gifted with the ability to combine are obsolete, and should be destroyed. He's willing to start with the Autobots, but he won't hesitate if an older Decepticon strays into his line of fire. 

Strength: 7 Intelligence: 3 Speed: 5 Endurance: 9

Rank: 6 Courage: 7 Fireblast: 8 Skill: 4

Blockbuster Sega Genesis

Blockbuster Video, 1994

Terran Nightshade (EarthSpark/Deluxe Class)

Nightshade is a unique figure as they don't specifically transform into an owl, but a statue of one. This ties into the show where the various Terrans took their time to pick an alt mode and went with one that they felt fit them. As a long time fan of this sort of thing, that's funt. It gives a different look into the characterization of Transformers. Normally we'd just accept that Bumblebee was a car or Starscream a jet. Nightshade chose an owl statue from a book series they liked. Not to mention, the statue was in a cemetery. Nightshade's colors match that really well. Spooky Season may be over, but Christmas time is for scary ghost stories and it's fun to think Ebeneezer was right around the corner in that cemetery.

Nighshade is a pretty well done figure that closely matched their appearance on the show. I say closely as you'd have to remove the beast mode wings to really nail is and due to the plastic quality of them... that's not super recommended. They'd break after a few times. Fortunately I really like the winged look in robot mode. It works well overall with the statue flavoring of the toy... and the wings just look cool. In addition, Nightshade comes with a neat pair of knives and a Mandroid part. Initially I wasn't planning to complete Mandroid... but I've changed my mind. I've got a good bit of him now and it'd be fun. I don't think the Takara Tomy versions of these come with the Mandroid parts, but they have slightly different decos. Nightshade is more show accurate in the Takara Tomy release, but it's not that different from the Hasbro version in my opinion. 

Transformation was very easy for me. Everything just folded away and Nightshade turned into a statue of an owl. Those cool knives fit into the owl's wings neatly and everything just works well. As a robot, Nightshade is fairly articulated and the same could be said for the owl form. That cool green looks great in both modes and brings out some well done sculpting. This is certainly a toy full of character. Part of me wishes to see a repaint as Hoot from Convertors, but that'd never happen. Like Twitch (who I just realized hasn't been covered here yet... dang it), Nightshade's robot mode gives me strong Microman/Micronaught vibes. That's neat, I like the similarities even if they're probably unintentional. Nightshade is a really cool toy. I think my only complaint is their hands. They too small. That's probably a necessity, but I'd like them a little heftier. If a minor nitpick is my only complaint, then there's nothing to really complain about. Neat toy.

Monday's do not Compute

It's Monday again and... I'm a little mad the weekend is already over. But that just means another fun week here on Planet Zone! So while I eat a bowl of Honey Bunches of Oats and watch Beyond Belief, let me tell you about this weekend I had. It was short. I had meant to do some housework... but that didn't happen. Does playing Mighty Doom count? Did some shopping, got some Christmas presents bought. I did pick up Earthspark Nightshade for myself as well as a TF Micro Machines and SW Micro Galaxy Squadron blind packs up. I try not to get myself much at Christmas time... but sometimes you just need to treat yourself. I think my Code Red (Stranger Things Transformers) came in. I'll open that box in a minute. Oh, I started my Jurrasic Park Advent Calendar! It's Christmas!

I don't have myself together yet, but I promise this week will be fun for all of you. Thank you for continuing to support Zone Base and independent thought. If you like what I'm doing, please share the site with your friends. That'd be amazing. There's strawberries in my cereal.

Richochet BB-35 (BeastBox)

Ricochet is one of the coolest BeastBox toys made. Hands down... or hands up as she's a boxing kangaroo! Wherever your hands are, watch out because she's ready to throw some. Like I said, Ricochet is a kangaroo. This allows for a favorite gimmick of mine, the partner figure! Kangaroo's are marsupials and she comes packing a baby Roo! Little Mini Ricochet stores neatly in her pouch. The pouch can be opened for the little robot baby to poke it's head out or just be taken out for adventure!

If that's not enough features for you, Ricochet includes removable boxing gloves and goggles. You'll need to removes these when transforming into box mode, but there's plenty of room for them in the Box Charger. Ricochet also features a pair of missile launchers that can be aimed. Due to their location on her hips, I tend to imagine Mini Ricochet controls them from his pouch battle station. I REALLY like Ricochet's colors. That shade of orange just works on mecha animals. I have others with similar colors and love it. When explaining just how cool these toys are to folks not in the know, this is a great example of the line. Awesomely imaginative, creative, and a lot of fun. 

Despite how many people ask me if the boxing gloves are coffee cups.