Gigastorm and BW Galvatron [Defender Version 07- Power of the Beast]

@robfromzonebase BW Galvatron [Transformers Blokees Defender Version 07-Power of the Beast] #zonebase #transformers #blokees #blokeestransformers #beastwars ♬ rondo - Uz:ME

Admittedly, I get pretty excited for just about every character Blokees includes in a Transformers Defender Version assortment. Of course, like the other Beast Wars characters they've released, I was ecstatic when these two were revealed. With Defender Version 07: Power of the Beast, Blokees dipped into the Japanese-exclusive Beast Wars series and included characters that have always been a really big deal to me. I was blown away to see both Galvatron and Gigastorm from Beast Wars II included. Frankly, it surprised me since there was already a version of G1 Galvatron in the assortment, and I never expected them to tackle something like Trypticon or Gigastorm in the Defender Version size class. This one still kind of blows my mind.

Galvatron serves as Lio Convoy's counterpart and the main villain of Beast Wars II. The Emperor of Destruction eventually becomes corrupted by Angolmois Energy and later falls under Unicron's influence during Beast Wars Neo. Depending on how you look at it, that technically makes his original toy the first Unicron action figure. For a long time, the original Beast Wars II Galvatron toy was considered one of the greatest Transformers toys ever made, and mine is still very special to me. I'm hoping to pick up the new version soon, but just like the other Beast Wars characters in this assortment, there's a lot of love attached to him. The kit itself does a great job capturing the character's look and even includes his signature Galva-Axe rather than a generic weapon.

In Beast Wars II, Galvatron has a younger brother named Megastorm, whose toy was a reuse of the original Generation 2 Megatron mold. Thanks to the effects of that pesky Angolmois Energy, he and several other Destrons were mutated into gnarly cyborg beast warriors. Megastorm became Gigastorm, who was created from a remold of the original Generation 1 Trypticon toy. At the time, both Megastorm and Gigastorm became affordable ways for fans to obtain molds they might have otherwise missed. Around the early 2000s, these toys seemed to sit on clearance at online retailers forever. Gigastorm was especially fun because he featured a large nose horn that somehow made an already giant dinosaur even more kaiju-like than Trypticon had been.

@robfromzonebase Gigastorm [Transformers Blokees Defender Version 07-Power of the Beast] #zonebase #transformers #blokees #blokeestransformers #blindbox ♬ 苦悩の聖人 (Saint of Suffering) - Akuma Dollz

Gigastorm is an especially impressive kit. While building him, I kept finding myself impressed by just how well Blokees adapted the design. Assembly follows a similar approach to other beast and dinosaur Defender Version kits, with a central frame surrounded by shell pieces that form the body. The limbs then plug into place around that structure. While this certainly isn't a Master Grade-style build or anything, I really enjoyed assembling the head. The horns fit through slots in the upper head section, which also houses the eyes. The lower jaw then attaches before the completed head connects to the neck and upper body. It's not especially complex, but it feels involved in a satisfying way.

I had actually built Dino Mode Sludge right before Gigastorm, whose head wasn't much simpler, yet somehow Gigastorm's assembly felt more substantial. The neck section is particularly fun, as it can be connected regardless of position but only looks correct when oriented properly. It's a small touch, but one I appreciated.

Another detail I absolutely loved was the inclusion of the tiny Gigascouter attached to his body, just like on the original toy. That's the sort of detail Blokees could have easily skipped, but they didn't. If you remove it, you'll even find a tiny molded Predacon/Destron symbol underneath. Again, they didn't have to do that, but they did. Those little extra touches are one of the reasons I enjoy these kits so much. Blokees could cut corners, but they usually don't.

Of course, seeing Gigastorm in this line immediately gets my imagination running wild. If they can do Gigastorm, then surely a Defender Version Trypticon can't be too far behind. I'd be completely on board with that. Honestly, I've always wanted a red Trypticon. Maybe they could even do a special version inspired by Starriors Cosmittor or Zoids Rex. I also hope Gigastorm's inclusion eventually leads to Megastorm, which in turn could pave the way for a proper Generation 2 Megatron.

That would be awesome.

Leo Prime/Lio Convoy (Robot and Beast) [Defender Version 07 – Power of the Beast]

@robfromzonebase Leo Prime/Lio Convoy (robot and beast) [Transformers Blokees Defender Version 07- Power of the Beast] #zonebase #transformers #blokees #blokeestransformers #beastwars ♬ Volcano Girls - Veruca Salt

I was extremely excited to see Lio Convoy (or Leo Prime, as Hasbro now him) included in the Blokees Transformers Defender Version 07: Power of the Beast assortment when it was first revealed.

Extremely.

Sure, I get excited for every Defender Version assortment, but this one was a particularly big deal for me.

During the Beast era, Lio Convoy was one of the coolest-looking Transformers on the planet. College-aged me (who was perpetually broke) couldn't afford one, so for the longest time he existed only as JPEGs I'd printed on my old HP inkjet printer and thumbtacked to the wall next to Coal Chamber posters.

Remember that terrible OfficeMax job I've mentioned before? While working in the copy center, I printed one of the Beast Wars II movie promotional images of Lio Convoy battling Galvatron as a poster.

It proudly hung on my wall for years. In fact, I still have that wonderfully pixelated poster folded up inside a tote in the garage. It spent years hanging on whatever refrigerator I happened to have.

Come to think of it...

Maybe I should turn that image into a refrigerator magnet for the current one.

At BotCon 2001, I finally picked up a pair of sofubi figures of Lio Convoy and Galvatron. Between those, a few PVC figures, and some little keshi, they were my stand-ins until I eventually tracked down the real toys.

These days you can hardly throw a rock without hitting a new toy of one of the Japanese Beast Wars leaders, but there was a time when they felt incredibly special.

Honestly...

They still do.

In this assortment, Lio Convoy is available in three different forms: his beast mode, his robot mode, and a Special Armor Type version of the robot. I'm thrilled to have the standard robot mode, but I'd really like to add the Special Armor version someday. It features chrome detailing, Energon Tonfas, a blast effect for his jet pack, and the Convoy Council cape from his later appearances.

Now that I think about it, Flame Toys even produced a Furai Model version with the cape.

I really should pick that up.

There have been all sorts of alternate color versions of Lio Convoy over the years, but part of me wishes Blokees would surprise us with an Alpha Trion version. During the old 3H era of BotCon, there were plans for an Alpha Trion toy based on Beast Machines Snarl. When Alpha Trion first appeared in that story, though, he was illustrated using Lio Convoy's silhouette instead.

That's one of those wonderful "what if?" moments that would make for an incredibly fun special edition.

Today we're looking at both the standard robot mode and beast mode kits. Like the other Defender Version releases, Blokees treats each mode as its own separate model instead of trying to engineer a transformation between them.

Personally, I love that approach.

A transforming toy always has to make compromises. By separating the two modes, both end up looking as good as they possibly can.

The lion assembles very easily. The body begins with two large halves connected by an internal frame that acts as the skeleton for the rest of the kit. The legs and feet go together quickly, while the head gets a little extra attention. The lower jaw is assembled separately before attaching to the face, which then connects to the mane. Additional mane pieces can fold upward to recreate the Lion Typhoon attack.

Once complete, the lion has a modest amount of articulation. The jaw opens, and the mane pieces can be displayed raised or lowered.

The robot builds much like a standard Defender Version kit, although it has a few fun gimmicks. The lion claw sections can be displayed forward for his claw attack or folded back to resemble the mane pieces seen on his forearms. The lion head that normally sits on his shoulder can also be swapped with the full beast-mode head, allowing you to display the Lion Typhoon in robot mode. It's a little oversized, but it looks fantastic.

Like a few of the Beast Wars Defender Version kits, the extra armor around the forearms slightly limits articulation. Personally, I don't mind, although I'm sure it probably drives somebody on the internet absolutely crazy.

Lio Convoy also includes a yellow blaster using the same mold that's been included with several Defender Version kits. I tend to think of it as this line's equivalent of the classic Optimus Prime rifle. Part of me wishes Lio Convoy had received a yellow version of that weapon instead, but this one still looks great in his hands.

Once assembled, this is an incredibly sharp-looking mini figure.

Like Cheetor before him, I can't help but compare him to the sprites from Transformers Beast Wars: Beast Warriors' Strongest Decisive Battle on the Game Boy Color. The proportions are surprisingly similar, and now I've got myself wishing Blokees would release a line of Defender Version kits painted to match those pixel-art colors.

Now that I've said it...

I want that even more.

Lio Convoy has always been a special character to me, and Blokees absolutely nailed him. This is one of those rare instances where I honestly don't have a single complaint.

I'm just ridiculously, blissfully happy with it.

I wish everything did that.

Happy Labor Day!

It's Labor Day and that mean's I'm taking a little break for the holiday. Regular posting will resume tomorrow, but for now... I'm going to take a nap. Thanks everyone for reading Zone Base. Please continue to share the site with your friends!

BIOS: Hellscream

Function: General Chief of Staff
This is Starscream's evolved form, created when he was dropped into the Angolmois energy by Gigastorm. His hatred reacted with the evil Angolmois energy. Now he is even more cruel and savage than before, attacking his opponents colorfully with such weapons as his sharkwinders and Terrorstorm. In fact, he is biding his time for a chance to force Gigastorm from power.

Strength: 8 Intelligence: 10 Speed: 10 Endurance: 8
Rank: 8 Courage: 5 Firepower: 8 Skill: 8

Tasmania Kid (Legacy: United/Core Class)

Legacy continues being the Generations series I want with this new version of Tasmania Kid, a character I honestly thought would be lost to time. A kid appeal character from Beast Wars II, Tasmania Kid is Takara's version of Beast Wars Snarl. Not a repaint or remold, the same toy with a new name for the market. I don't believe Snarl was released by Takara, so he could easily be considered the same guy with a different name if you choose. Like all other recent Transformers figures, Tasmania Kid is a pretty great update of the original design. The original toy featured a spring loaded transformation, something all the initial Beast Wars basic class (precursor to Core Class) figures had. Of course this wasn't universally loved by all, so this newer toy skipping the gimmick is probably welcome for a lot of people.

I personally wasn't bothered by it, but can see how it would turn off some. Despite the lack of spring loaded transformation, Tasmania Kid transforms VERY faithfully to his original toy. It's pretty impressive. It's like they took the original toy and improved it. Tasmania Kid transforms into his Tasmanian Devil beast mode fairly easily and satisfactorily. It's just a pleasant experience. He retains his Tasmanian Gun arm cannon, which is the tail from his beast mode. Unlike the original toy, there isn't a firing missile. Something I'm not sad about, though it does look a lot smaller now. Not just because it physically is, but seems puny. Not a bad thing, it's just that this is such an accurate update that the difference in seems out of place. It's fine on it's own.

It's probably easy to see that I'm happy with this toy. I'm obviously a big Beast Wars fan and love all these recent updates. It's really cool and a lot of fun for me as a fan. Especially after all the years where Beast Wars was seemingly put away and all but ignored. The orignal toy was always a cool little figure. While I doubt a Snarl version will be coming... though if that's Takara's version it would be sort of awesome. I would love to see a Bound Rouge as that was always a cool recolor. Or hey, maybe a leopard version... that would blow my mind.

Bios: Powerhug

Function: Judo Expert 

The Insectrons' Judo Master, Powerhug is covered with an incredibly durable shell. Straightforward of character, for some reason he speaks with a Kyushu dialect. Long ago, he apparently had a nasty experience with the Autorollers, and is hoping to settle the score. His special skill is the Hug Hell Wheel, in which he rolls into a ball and delivers a body blow. In beast mode, his fangs and tail become alloy cutters. His crushing Power Hug pinions his enemies. 

Strength: 9 Intelligence: 7 Speed: 9 Endurance: 10
Rank: 8 Courage: 8 Firepower: 6 Skill: 5

Bios: Moon

What's this in his chest? Twelve moon reports are in there! Transform Moon!

I'm Moon, the rabbit shaped robot! Usually, my friend Artemis and I are up on a little planet circling the planet Gaia. And in upcoming "Second News" segments on TV, I'll be telling everyone the secrets of the Beast Warriors we've seen, so be sure to root for me!

(Hmph, trying to hog the spotlight all to yourself! Hey all you good kids, don't forget to root for me, Artemis too!)

Bios: Dirgegun

Function: Aerial Captain

Powered up in all respects, Dirgegun specializes in attacks that drive computers crazy. He weilds a Needle Launcher, which injects powerful computer viruses into his enemies. His Needle Shot, with its incredible rate of rapid fire, launches spears which paralyze his enemies. And his "Blaster Leader" is a sonic attack that yields tremendous results. Dirgegun has sworn loyalty to Gigastorm who rebuilt him.

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

Rank: 5 Courage: 3 Firepower: 7 Skill: 7

Nemesis Leo Prime (Legacy Evolution/Voyager Class)

As happy as I was to get the updated Lio Convoy, it's probably no surprise that I'd be all over his repaint. I have a few different Lio Convoy toys from over the years, but this is the first 'black' version that I've gotten. Takara often does a 'black' version of some of it's toys. It's a simple repaint and often used as a special edition. With Hasbro, it's usually an easy repaint called 'Nemesis' instead of 'Black'. In Beast Wars II, Black Lio Convoy was a result of the Copy Machine creating an 'evil' version of Lio Convoy and some of the other Cybertrons. Black Lio Convoy was a much more arrogant character than Lio Convoy as these 'evil' mirror image types tend to be reversals of the characters they're based on. It's an old trope that's fun if handled right.

So far there hasn't been much to make me think Nemesis Leo Prime is a separate character, other than he's in the Velocitron Speedia 500 manga as a background character. I guess he could be another guy. There's also Dark Amber Leo Prime, who's a repaint of the Masterpiece Lio Convoy and another character. Dark Amber Leo Prime is created from the body of Lio Convoy/Leo Prime (spoiler, he died... like all Transformers leaders do regularly) and some of Unicron's energy. Bluebolt thought it would be a good idea to revive Lio Convoy to save the dying universe (in Transformers, our words are in danger... always). Of course he isn't Lio Convoy reborn, but a new character who borders on good and evil for a bit. Not sure if he saved the universe yet, but if that's him in the crowds on Velocitron... 

Really, I wanted to talk about this new toy, but as it's a straight repaint of one I got not too long ago, there's not too much to say. Despite his naming, Nemesis Leo Prime is more than just a black repaint. There's a mixture of dark gray and teal in the mix creating a very pretty toy. I do wish there was some new feature added for this figure, but he's  literally an easy repaint. I don't mind though as it is what it is, and repaints in Transformers is just how it is. Either way, I'm happy with my purchase. Lio Convoy is one of those Transformers characters I hold in a higher regard. Whenever I get the chance to buy a new toy of him, I usually jump on it (assuming I'm able). Prior versions of Black Lio Convoy were special editions, so having a version available at general retail is hard to complain about. 

Leo Prime/Lio Convoy (Legacy Evolution/Voyager Class)

Lio Convoy is one of those Transformers characters that'll forever be on a higher shelf in my heart. He was introduced in Beast Wars II when I was in college, blowing me away with just how cool he looked. I even made a poster from some Beast Wars II art featuring Lio Convoy facing off against Galvatron. That poster remained a fixture on my walls for a long time. I still have it, though it's folded away and enjoys retirement inside a box these days. When Hasbro announced an update, I was ecstatic. Sure, he's gotten some new toys over the years and I've gotten a lot of them... with the current updates the excitement was much higher. They're just that good. These days he's known as Leo Prime here in the states to be more English packaging friendly, but it's the same guy.

This new Voyager Class toy is a really nice upgrade. As much of a big deal getting the original toy was to me back in the day, it's far from perfect. In Legacy Evolution he gets a nice upgrade. As the name implies, Leo Prime transforms into a lion. A white lion to be specific often speculated to be playing off Kimba the White Lion. According to various sources, his original concept was to be a Cheetor retool as Optimus Prime. Beast Wars was original conceived as a continuation of the original ongoing Transformers story line. Cheetor was intended to be Prowl, and Optimus got toys inspired by Batman and King Kong. A majestic lion Optimus was a natural choice, and not the first time a lion Optimus was considered. For Beast Wars II a new cast was created and with it a new leader. That lion finally found it's way to toy form.

This new toy is a pleasantly large Voyager Class figure with lots of articulation and features. Lio is a little tricky to transform, but not anything resembling the Lament Configuration. Part of his robot design is the regal draping of the lion over his shoulders giving a royal vibe. The lion's mane can be used as a weapon too. It folds out in places to display weapons for an attack mode. This is a throwback to the original toy as is a hidden Matrix of Leadership within his chest. That sort of thing always triggers the same sense of giddiness it did back in the older days when it wasn't as often used. In lion mode, Lio Convoy has giant fold out claws that also can be deployed in robot mode as can the beast mode's attack forms.

They look cool and give that royal look a little edge. Lio Convoy, Leo Prime... whatever he's called is a classic in my book. This newest figure is a wonderful update that makes me just as happy as the original did a long time ago.

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: 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

Bios: BB

Function: Bombardier

Though large of form, however much matters are betrayed by Starscream's orders, he responds only with the single word "Roger" and carries out his duties faithfully. There may be some fateful trauma between the two. A rarity among the Destrons, he is a reliable soldier who has restrained his eccentric side. He can launch in rapid fire the Screamwinder missiles, which he shares with Starscream, from his BB Launcher.

Strength: 8 Intelligence: 4 Speed: 6 Endurance: 9 Rank: 5 Courage: 8 Firepower: 9 Skill: 7

Beast Warriors in GB Missions

Look, I don't know if my fondness for Beast Wars has been noticed or not. But uh... I really like Beast Wars. I also like video games. There was a few Beast Wars video games that came out during the beast era. I'm apparently in the mood for Gameboy games this week so I've got a great BW game to talk about. Duel Fight! Transformers Beast Wars: Beast Warriors' Strongest Decisive Battle was released for the Gameboy Color in 1999. Developed by Gaibrain and published by Takara only in Japan.

As the name would imply, the game takes place during the Beast Wars, but features casts of Beast Wars, Beast Wars 2, and Beast Wars Neo. Beast Machines wasn't released in Japan until a few years later, I'm not sure why the Transmetal/Metals versions of characters were excluded. I presume it's so everybody matches thematically, but I don't know. Maybe. The game is a pretty decent 2D fighter, probably not up to snuff for hardcore fighting game players, but solid enough to have a good time. There's a few game modes and a pretty large cast of characters. I've always been impressed by that, you'd think a cartoon tie in game for kids would be basic shovel ware. But no, this is a pretty solid effort. Moon and Artemis are secret characters, and I'm always up for Moon.

Bios: Moon

 

Function: Celestial Observer

What's this in his chest? Twelve moon reports are in there! Transform Moon!

I'm Moon, the rabbit shaped robot! Usually, my friend Artemis and I are up on a little planet circling the planet Gaia. And in upcoming "Second News" segments on TV, I'll be telling everyone the secrets of the Beast Warriors we've seen, so be sure to root for me!

(Hmph, trying to hog the spotlight all to yourself! Hey all you good kids, don't forget to root for me, Artemis too!)

 

Bios: Sea Phantom

 

Function: Pirate Sneak Attacker

A shark transformer. Like a bullet, he's a very warlike guy. He likes to make a surprise attacks with his simple-teleport ability. A great eater that bites everything with his fangs. Weapons include Phanthom Jaws in mecha-beast mode and Phanthom Fin, also in mecha-beast mode.

Bios: Lio Convoy

"The balance of nature must be preserved by an unceasing battle for survival."

As far back as his memory records extend, Lio Convoy has been entrusted by the Builders with protection of equilibrium in the ecosystem over which he presides. However, Lio Convoy's understanding is that if either the Maximals or Predacons were to achieve superiority over their enemies, the inevitable result would be an imbalance leading to the downfall of their society. He interprets the brutality of war as nothing more than natural selection at work.

Lio Convoy is never seen without his Typhoon Staff, which was presented to him by the Builders as a symbol of his authority. It continually emits a hypnotic pulse that paralyses any bioorganic Transformer within a 1 km radius. Unbeknownst to Lio Convoy, the same pulse exerts a limiting effect on his internal Energon Matrix, restricting a power the extent of which even the Builders fail to fully grasp...

Bios: Gigastorm

Function: Grand Duke of Destruction

This is Megastorm's new form, powered up under the influence of evil Angolmois energy. He transforms in three stages, from destroying dinosaur to monolithic base to attack fortress. His audacious offensives, making use of his tremendous power, force the Cybertrons into tight spots again and again. He is on the verge of no longer considering Galvatron his older brother, and the danger of a split in the camp now looms large. The Gigahorn on his head is harder than diamond, and can pierce through all manner of things.

Random Transformer Memory

While packing this weekend, I decided to repack a good deal of my Transformers. Several had been in banker boxes and condensing the mass of them seemed like a great idea. Instead of 4 small size boxes, one big box. Not to mention, several were starting to come apart from various moves and such. While I was mostly just transferring ziploc freezer bags full of robots from one box to another, occasionally I'd take a second to look over the toys.

Memories of this Armada Optimus Prime, or that G2 Megatron pop up instantly when looking at the toy. That's pretty normal, but occasionally there's the 'oh yeah' toy like Heinrad or pink and purple bootleg Transmetal Optimus Primal that I haven't thought about often. Then there's the ones I forgot I owned all together, like various Spychanger repaints.

I think the funniest is all the candy toys, capsule toys, and sofubi from Beast Wars I'd come across. They were plentiful during beast era and even more so for a few years after. I remember those old BotCons racking up on them for not a lot of money. I bought a display pack of BW II Kabaya kits once for 5$ and then had my friend hold my Pepsi Blue while making the pack fit in my backpack.

I was already explaining what they were to him and then had to explain what Pepsi Blue was. Of course by that point the soda had done turned warm and when he took the sip I offered it tasted horrible. I don't know what happened to that guy. We were friends for a while before he seemingly vanished off the face of the earth. I wonder if he still doesn't trust my opinion of beverages?

Special Beast Wars Sauce

There was a time when the Beast Wars movie seemed like the most amazing thing ever to me. Later when I got a subtitled VHS copy at a local comic con (anyone else miss the bootleg video booths at those?) I discovered it wasn't much more than a new episode of Beast Wars 2.  That and a episode of Metals (what we called season 2 and 3) with a bit of a clip show... but that's kind of what these kids show 'special' movies really are anyway. But at the time, it was nothing short of amazing.

It's funny what the lack of availability does to things. I was in college and working that dreaded Office Max job. Between stocking shelves and selling computers, I'd often cover the copy center. I'd like to say I was multi talented, but the management was so bad that you'd often find yourself doing multiple jobs if you were competent while the slackers got promoted, often to management. Of course the store eventually closed down due to some genius opening a store next door to a Walmart...

It was those times hanging out in the copy center that I'd usually take advantage of the equipment and make various posters from images I'd bring in on a floppy. A particular favorite was a Beast Wars 2 poster I made that found itself on every refrigerator I had for years. 20 something years later I still have it. Though, it's yellowed quite a bit and stuck in a box somewhere. Maybe after I move I'll put it in a frame. Though I might spray it with Lysol first, kinda smells. It old.