Arcee [AMK Mini Series 2]

Returning to the Yolopark AMK Mini Series 2 kits is Arcee, one of the more famous G1 characters who famously didn’t get a proper toy until almost 20 years after her introduction. Well… that’s not completely true. There were attempts back in the day that never made it past the design stage, and a Garage Kit model that anyone around in the pre-movie era probably saw brought up in conversation way too often.

This AMK Mini, however, is one of several Arcee toys we’ve gotten in more recent years. Like the other AMK Minis, I’m really impressed with the finished product’s quality and articulation. At this point you’d think I’d be used to it… but nope. Yolopark’s models are genuinely impressive, and the Minis end up as very nice figures once completed.

Unlike the prior kits in this series, Arcee isn’t blocky and chonky. Closely following her classic appearance, she has smaller, sleeker proportions than the other bots in the line. They did a really solid job here, and I’m reminded of the Action Master Arcee that was intended to be a BotCon 1996 exclusive.

That one never made it past the mock-up stage, and part of me always goes into “what if” mode when I think about things like it. Funnily enough, it was made from modified Power Rangers Happy Meal figures. I was working at McDonald’s at the time and still remember taking a few of those home.

Articulation-wise, Arcee is excellent. Like the others in the series, she comes with open and closed hands. She’s also got two pistols, so the closed fists will probably see more use. This is a really neat little Arcee, but like Clear Hound, mine had a QC issue that’s chafing my ass a bit. I tried to pose her strategically for the post picture, but mine came with two upper left thighs and no right one. Not the end of the world… except her right leg looks wrong. I’ve written Yolopark customer service hoping for a replacement part. They’re located in Hong Kong and it’s February, so I’ll have to be patient. They’re a great company, so I’m hopeful it’ll get resolved.

Outside of that QC hiccup, this is a good Arcee. And just being honest, I dig the pink and white. Those colors just work. I’m looking forward to more Yolopark releases as I slowly dip my toes into their other size classes. Just all-around good stuff.

Arcee with Cheetor [Beast Alliance/Beast Weaponizers]

The last of the Beast Weaponizers, Arcee, is who we're looking at today as we close the book on the Beast Alliance toys from Transformers: Rise of the Beasts. Like Wheeljack with Rhinox, Arcee comes partnered with a recolored Cheetor. I don't mind the mold reuses as it's a good Battlemaster, but would have preferred a new character with a new deco. I guess they wanted to keep as many onscreen characters relevant as possible.

I've liked the Beast Weaponizers best out of the Beast Alliance 'main' figure types, so it's probably obvious that I find Arcee pretty pleasant. I know that I compare lots of Transformers to Microman figures, but this Arcee really looks like she could fit in with them. It's the sculpting. Like the other Beast Alliance figures, there's some hollowness here and there. It's most noticeable on her back as there's just a large open space. Fortunately it's part of her design as that's where the wheels go from alt mode. So that space does get filled up. Arcee is fairly articulated as Beast Weaponizers generally are. Transformation to motorcycle is pretty easy, everything just goes into place. Her windshield piece can pop off easily, so be careful. This is actually my second one as I initially didn't notice my first was missing out of the store. Dang it! Both modes are pretty good and part of me wishes I would have checked to see if another figure could ride the motorcycle. Maybe one of those Micromen I keep comparing toys too.

Cheetor has the same cheetah root mode and claw weapon mode as his regular Beast Battlemaster release. It's a very slight redco of that toy with darker yellow,and lighter gray plastic with less spots. It feels like a weird choice, possibly a last minute decision. Cheetor turns into the same claw weapon that I still like to think is some sort of electric gun type ranged weapon. It's just too awkward to imagine as a melee weapon... but I guess could serve as one. Once again, I really wish he was a different character or at least in a much different set of colors. Still a good toy, so my only complaints feel like a nitpick. Though I feel it's a fair one. Arcee can hold him in weapon mode or he can mount on her forearms, which would be more suitable looking for a melee weapon. Overall it's a decent set and another satisfying addition to a really fun series of toys.

Arcee with Silverfang (Beast Combiners/Beast Alliance)

Arcee has gotten a variety of different figures in Rise of the Beasts. Each one based on the same design, but also coming out completely different. As a Beast Changer, she's a much more simple toy for gimmick compatibility and I kind of like it in this case. Beast Alliance as a whole brings up strong comparisons to past Transformers gimmicks and Arcee has Pretender vibes. Specifically because her combined form reminds me of Jazz's Pretender armor, or maybe even Dee-Jay from GIJOE. Both toys I've always liked from an era in which bother were really neat. During the concept art phase of this toy, Silverfang (her Maximal partner) had purple armor. This lead to a really neat combined look that was clearly  a victim of cost cutting.

Arcee turns into her ROTB motorcycle alt mode as to be expected. Like I said above and is the case with all the Beast Changers toys so far, she's a fairly simple toy. In Arcee's case, it works as she has a fairly generic robot body. I could see customizers turn this toy into just about anyone. Transformation is simple and combination is done the same was as other Beast Changers. Silverfang slips over he shoulders and select bits can become a gun or melee weapon and a bit of armor/shield. I think that simple robot toy makes it work well in this case as Arcee practically becomes a new robot in this mode. A better looking robot, the wolf armor is cool and that new super mode head are great. So far this is one of the better looking super modes in the Beast Combiner assortment IMO.

Silverfang is a pretty large wolf as is the case with these Combiner partners. Simple like the others as well with unfortunately no articulation. Part of me wishes they would have more features for a more impressive toy, however I'd rather not pay the price that'd come with that. As fun as these are, the lower cost is an incentive and as they are aimed more towards children... I think it'd be pretty detrimental. Not to mention, the old school robot fan in me appreciates the simple figures with a combining gimmick. There's quite a few more Beast Alliance figures still to go and two more Beast Combiners I've yet to acquire as of this writing (Optimus Prime and Scourge). I don't expect the sub line to go on after Rise of the Beasts dies down... but I'd love it too. It'd be super cool to utilize this gimmick with more traditional designs. I could see it working well in the Authentics line.

Tacticons Wave 2 (EarthSpark)

I enjoyed the first wave of Tacticons so much, that the surprise of seeing Wave 2 at Target a little while back was a very welcome one. Honestly, I wasn't aware that they'd be happening as I couldn't remember anybody saying anything. Of course not being from the more popular size classes that's to be expected. Wave 2 features Arcee, Hashtag, and a repeat of Bumblebee. Of course I already have Bumblebee, so I snatched up the two new figures. Like the ones before, these are simple and small 1 step transforming figures that can fit on your finger tip like a finger puppet. As silly as the premise sounds (and is) they're really satisfying little toys. If you're a fan of smaller Transformers like I am, these mentally fall into the category that Micromasters, Mini-Cons, World's Smallest, and Botbots fall into. They're not articulated unfortunately... but it's ok. They just are what they are.

Of the two, Hashtag is my favorite. I don't know how well it shows up in the amazing cell phone photography I do, but there's a great glitter sparkle in her purple colors. It looks really nice in person and I like her communication truck alt mode. Arcee turns into a 50's type car in EarthSpark and I do like it, but for some reason this toy makes me think of Galaxy High (for some reason) and I like that better. It's a neat alt mode. Thanks to their size and Arcee's silver helmet, I'm reminded of Diaclone drivers a little. They're a little bigger than a Micro Machine, but could work well in one of those play sets. You could make a neat little scene and post the picture to your Instagram. I'm sure it'd get plenty of likes. Hopefully there's more of these Tiny TF's on the way. They're just right to stick in a hoodie pocket and carry around with all day. Not everything needs a million points of articulation or a specific shelf to be displayed on. I keep my smaller ones in a plastic shoe box.

Arcee (Studio Series/Core Class)

In Rise of the Beasts, Arcee manages to merge her G1 and Energon designs into one neat little robot. So far she's gotten a  few figures, but we're going to look at her Core Class figure from Studio Series. Core Class is quickly becoming my current favorite size class. Not just because I like the smaller figures and cheaper prices... they're generally neat. I know I've been comparing the recent ROTB toys to other Transformers figures a lot, and that's something that's been fun for me.

These new figures of Arcee are like the Core Class Spike I spoke about not long ago. They feel more like Takara SF Land realized in modern Transformers. Specifically this time, Arcee makes me think of an individual Microman or Diaclone troopers general design. As a toy, Arcee reminds me of a 90's Microman. Like Spike, I'd love to see a Buzzworthy Bumblebee box set with the molds themed as so. They use the Micronauts font there after all.

Like other incarnations, Arcee transforms into a motorcycle. The Energon design is probably my favorite version of Arcee, so thanks to the similarities, I'm fond of this one going in. It's a mixed bag with this toy. I like the robot, like the motorcycle, don't like the transformation. Hard to put into words exactly why and it's possible that it could have just been my own clumsiness. Maybe you might have a better opinion of it. It's not a deal breaker, ultimately.

I do wish Arcee had two of her little rectangle guns like she does in the movie. They make me think of the various Uzis many a GIJOE came with. That's definitely a gun that's seemingly from a specific era. Arcee is a fun little figure from a fun movie. So far, I've liked every Core Class figure I've gotten my hands on. I'm not sure if that's a sign for anyone else, but it just adds to my appreciation of the size class. Can't complain about that.

Tales Of The Beast Hunters - Chapter 19: Arcee

Tales of the Beast Hunters - Chapter 19

Arcee has been watching the pattern of attacks on her fellow Autobots with great interest. They are savage and devastating, yes, but they are also random. What's more, the Decepticons have been no where to be seen. Her tactical processors tell her that the Decepticon forces are in chaos - and just as concerned about the Predacon threat as the Autobots are. That's why, when she finds herself tracking Ripclaw to a hidden cave deep in the Canadian Rockies, she transmits the location directly to the Decepticons. Why should the Autobots risk themselves against the Predacons when the Decepticons are probably more than willing to do it for them!

Latam Fan Summit Studio Series Reveals

 

Transformers Studio Series –51 Deluxe Class Transformers: Dark of the Moon Soundwave (HASBRO/Ages 8 and Up/ Approx. Retail Price: $19.99/ Available:01/01/2020)The 51 Deluxe Class SOUNDWAVE is a 4.5-inch collectible action figure inspired by the Transformers: Dark of the MoonSerengeti Hideout scene where SOUNDWAVE and LASERBEAK patiently await orders from MEGATRON. This Studio Series 51 Deluxe Class Transformers: Dark of the Moon SOUNDWAVE figure is highly articulated, features vivid, movie-inspired deco and converts from robot to car mode in 19 steps. Fans can use the removable backdrop to pose and display the SOUNDWAVE scene with their own style. Also included is 1 detailed LASERBEAK figure accessory that attaches to SOUNDWAVE’s arm. Reach past the big screen and build the ultimate TRANSFORMERS collection with Studio Series figures, inspired by iconic movie scenes and designed with specs and details to reflect the TRANSFORMERS movie universe. Each Studio Series figure sold separately and subject to availability at most major toy retailers on01/01/2020

Look what came in the mail today!

No, not one of those 5$ Taco Bell meals

Thanks to Kilby picking me up one at Hascon last weekend, my Titans Return Arcee set came in today. Inside the shipping box was a rolled up poster that I haven't looked at yet, a new RFC staff badge, a Hascon branded can of Play Dough, and of course the Arcee set. Long time Transformers fans know Arcee was made a Headmaster in the Rebirth and we've all heard Don ask for one for over 20 years at BotCon. Titans Return of course being a return to the Headmaster gimmick and well... they actually made the Headmaster Arcee. Arcee is a reuse of the Blurr mold with a new head. The new head is Daniel as a Titanmaster (spelled backwards so they can trademark it) and even resembles his exo suit. Also included with the set is a diecast Titanmaster Ultra Magnus. The box is really neat and not what I expected. I saw images online and just assumed it was a box with the figures inside. If I would have read more, I would have saw it's actually a fancy unfolding contraption that displays the toys, the art, and their collector cards quite nicely when you unfold it. It's a super nice set, and I could happily live with more exclusives packaged in this manner.

I wish I could Hascon

I can't wait to own a million tiny Pretenders.

While I couldn't make it to Hascon, I've been certainly enjoying the coverage (pic from TFW2005) so far and am looking forward to getting my Titanmaster Arcee soon (thanks Kilby!). It's nice living in times where even if you can't go to an event, you can still enjoy the sights and news in real time (assuming the 4G signal is good) and talk about everything with others either not there or maybe are there and taking a minute to check their phone.

I'm hoping to hear some sort of official announcement of the new fan club (I'm so much more into fan clubs than shows) and more about the upcoming cartoon. Oh, and I suppose even more new toys would be great. Really would like to see more Power Of the Primes stuff and more on those new simple transform evergreen figures (gee, think I said something like this would be good before). I hope to get more info on store exclusives. I like store exclusives. Feels like an old BotCon that I didn't have to drive out of state for.

I'm finding myself literally chomping at the bit for Primemasters. They look so wonderful. I can't contain my excitement for them. I already love Titanmasters so very much. I was so worried that whatever replaced them wouldn't be as awesome until I saw they were actually more awesome. I'm going to be ridiculous over Primemasters. I already am. But when I actually get them in hand... I just might explode.