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

Action Masters mofo

I don't care what anyone says, I love Action Masters. It's hard not to they're great toys. Of course some folks have a hard time accepting Transformers that don't transform. That's fair. Me, well, between the partners and vehicles transforming (not to mention the Action Master Elites) the idea of conversion is retained. Not to mention one critical point.

I don't care. I just don't care.

It doesn't faze me at all. The toys are just great looking representations of classic characters as well as introduced new characters as really good action figures. The commercials really sell it too, I love that original animation. The Optimus Prime Armored Convoy vehicle was reused in Microman, which worked perfectly. Part of me wishes there was some sort of return to the idea. Super 7 has ReAction figures of Transformers coming. That's pretty close. Ideally, I'd like figures that match the sculpting style of the originals along with reissues sold in blond boxes. Not only because I'm crazy for blind packed toys, but I'd think that'd be pretty great. And it's my damn site, so what I think is pretty much what goes on here.

Cyberverse Grimlock (scout class)

I've been looking forward to getting these new Cyberverse Scout figures for a while now (as regular readers already know) and was really happy to finally find my local Target newly stocked with the early waves of Cyberverse toys. I got Grimlock and plan to get the others later as I want to stretch out the process. It's more fun to get one or two things at a time that a bunch all at once with a long stretch in between. The original scout class was at the time a name refresh of the former basic class that came began with Cybertron, with basics going back to Beast Wars. The class was phased out by the Dark of the Moon toy line. It was replaced with the original Cyberverse sub line that renamed the original Legends class to what's still called Legion class and introduced the Commander class, which later got rebranded Legend class. Often newer fans will get older scouts/basics confused for Legends, which isn't the same... though it's not hard to understand the confusion. We now have this new Scout class that's a new thing all together.

Grimlock is a pleasantly squat and chunky little guy. My plan for Cyberverse is to focus on Scout class with the occasional full sized figure. My main focus is on Generations, Studio Series, and other lines more aimed at an older fan such at myself. Like Rescue Bots and Robots in Disguise, Cyberverse is more intended for younger children and I only have so much money to spend. Being a fan of smaller figures, like Legion class and such, these Scout class figures are just the thing. I get representations of the characters from the upcoming show, a fun inexpensive Transformers line to collect, and feed my love of smaller toys.

Remember when I said these new Scout class figures are a new thing? Well, I wasn't kidding. Upon first glance, you'd think they're bigger versions of Legion class figures. They certainly look that way and feel like that in robot mode. It's got a pleasant heft and hand feel, though they have a strange gimmick. The transformation is an odd half transformation/battle mode. If not for the cartoonish styling of the figures and the lack of definition of the gimmick, it can look like a more cheap attempt at a Transformer and has been called worse by more jaded fans. Which isn't unfair as the gimmick isn't described in much detail. Cyberverse is a very play heavy, gimmick laden line. So the Scout Class is given a 'gerwalk mode' gimmick which I can't help to think is also an attempt to differentiate the more bargain line from the bigger and more expensive figures.

Part of Grimlock's gimmick is a spring loaded chomping mouth. Which is a cute standard play feature in a lot of animal based toys. I suppose Grimlock's battle mode here is him stomping forward munching metal and handing out knuckle sandwiches. It's a silly little thing meant for a seven year old to play with in the backyard and not deter his parents from getting the bigger toy later on (see mom, it's not the same thing). For a 40 year old lifelong fan of the franchise, I got a cool figure of Grimlock from the new cartoon.

Shaun described him as sort of a new Action Master. That's a pretty good description, as he's got the same amount of articulation, about the same size, and probably what an Action Master would cost in the modern toy market. I was thinking earlier as I was taking my trash out that he was actually more in line with an Action Master Elite. Action Master Elite figures actually transformed, but it was a very basic transformation that wasn't much more than a robot bent a certain way and pointing a gun. So to say Cyberverse Scout class is a modern take on Action Masters is pretty spot on. Good thing I like Action Masters.

I'm happy with my new Grimlock figure and still plan on buying most if not all of these new Scout figures. This is going to sound like I'm making excuses here, and maybe I am. But I've been buying Transformers for 35 years, so I'd like to think my experience in doing so has prepared me for these things. The first figures from a new line are always the worst. Aside from mold reuses, future figures in the line will be better as the design team will essentially find their groove with these. So I don't know if they'll fully transform or the battle modes will improve, but I have faith that they'll get better. Grimlock is pretty cool though as is, I wouldn't mind getting some cool repaints of his mold later on.