In Armada we Thrust

Transformers Armada was a neat line. You had the Mini-Cons adding an extra level of collect-ability and fun to the tried and true Transformers theme. Mini-Cons were available in a variety of colors and would in turn interact with the larger figures in a number of ways. They could plug on and add to the appearance or unlock an action like pop out guns. Sometimes they'd mirror prior gimmicks like Headmasters. The larger figures in Armada were something special themselves. While taking a step back from the hyper articulation of the prior lines, they brought back the chunkiness of G1 and G2 style toys while often being pretty imaginative in the process.

Despite being a Decepticon jet named Thrust, Thrust was one of those pretty imaginative toys. Feeling more like a member of the Predators than a G1 Seeker, Thrust was a neat toy. An F-35 Lightening II in alt mode, he had a cool black deco with silver and green highlights. In the backside of the jet was a loading bay of sorts where his Mini-Con partner Inferno could dock in vehicle mode. This filled out the back more and added a little extra firepower. In robot mode Inferno would empower a spinning blade attack made from the jet wings. As normal, Thrust got a repaint down the line in the 'Powerlinx' named redeco series.

This is where things get funky, you see Powerlinx Thrust was initially shown to be red, but was released in a brown deco despite being red on all art and pictures. This was done late in the planning stages and caused a bit of confusion at the time. Regardless, the brown jet does look good and introduces blue robot parts into the mix creating a unique looking toy. Funnily enough a red version did get released, first in Europe and then as a USA Edition in Japan.

In red Thrust looked more like his G1 namesake while adding white robot parts where the brown had blue with a few small detail differences. At OTFCC 2004 I had an opportunity to purchase one of these red versions. I was invited along with a group of friends to a private room sale where a few cases were available. I don't remember why I declined, but I kinda of regret that now. It sure would have been neat to have, especially during the time when it was perceived as more myth than reality.

Hasbro wasn't done with the mold just yet, later in Universe (another line I sing the praises of) around early 2004 Walmart had a feature Transformers aisle. While later the large overstock from this aisle became a headache for fans (and probably the employees), it did include a number of exclusive items. One just happened to use the Thrust mold in a rather neat set.

Sunstorm took the mold packaged with a forest green/black version of the Street Action team of Mini-Cons and Inferno. I was quick to jump on this set (as with the other exclusives from the aisle), though many could be found years later marked down on clearance. However this was the last version of the toy, though Thrust did get an homage in Unite Warriors (Takara's version of Combiner Wars).

While you either loved or hated the toy (I was in the loved crowd if you haven't guessed), it got quite a bit of mileage in use. Thrust was heavily featured on the cartoon and has made recent appearances in comics like the Kre-O and Legends manga series (not to mention being in the original Armada comic). Sunstorm appeared in various BotCon/OTFCC fiction as well. You wouldn't have guessed the lasting appeal of Thrust at the time, but that's one of the things that time can do with things.

Power of the Primes Wreck-Gar

I was really happy to find this years Walgreen's Exclusive toy on the way to a Pumpkin Patch with my wife. Weirdly enough, the annual Walgreen's exclusive Transformer has become a big deal for me. It's one of the bigger moments in Transformers toys for me each year and Wreck-Gar is definitely a good choice. Using  Combiner Wars Groove as a base mold, Wreck Gar has a new head and includes his axe weapon from the Reveal the Shield Wreck-Gar toy. Since this is a POTP toy, Wreck-Gar comes with a POTP Primemaster armor hand/foot unit.

Burn baby burn, Autobot Inferno

Earlier today, or I suppose yesterday... Friday morning. Friday morning (exact days can be confusing when you work over night) I stopped by Walmart on the way home from work to pick up some cat food. A quick visit to the toy aisle and I picked up Power of the Primes Inferno. I was pretty happy for this as I wanted him, but also... man I like Inferno. I just really like Inferno. I can't say I have all of his toys, but I do got a good bit and always glad to get another. There's just something about a red fire truck I guess. It doesn't hurt that I can't think of an ugly Inferno toy. He usually comes out looking great. I guess the traditional Inferno look just translates well into toy form. You got a fire truck, who doesn't love a fire truck? The traditional can chest really works well making this big beefy guy. He's just hard to hate.

This Inferno is based on the Combiner Wars Hot Spot toy mold. Which works pretty well, though I keep thinking it would have made for a perfect Pyro update. Probably because of the design of fire truck. His combiner form makes for a good modern Guard City. Some have been sticking Protectobots on him to serve this purpose. Me? Well, I've discussed before how I'd utilize other combining figures not in use and I plan to do so. New Guard City if you will. It's not an exact update, but it's not really intended to be. Just a clever nod for those in the know.

Whoahbots

This morning Amazon updated listings for the soon to be released Repugnus and Punch/Counterpunch. Honestly, I had assumed these were vaporware as they were just names on a list without any solid information for so long. I'm also pleasantly pleased as I really want Repugnus and even though I was first pretty meh on the idea of Counterpunch, seeing it makes me really want it. I'm still in the middle ground for Blast Off that seems to be part of the set. I'd like it, but not going to worry to much if I don't (my Bruticus is fine with the CW Blast Off... honestly, I just like the way the brown jet looks). I'm worried these will be another case of going up while I'm working or sleeping and sell out instantly like exclusives before (really hoping other places have them as well, to help out with chances). I also wonder if this will be some sort of Black Friday/Cyber Monday thing. I mean, here we are in July, the holidays will be here a lot sooner than you'd think and this does make for a good holiday grab. I just really want that Repugnus. Like, maybe a little too much. I don't mean to harp on the whole missing out on something because it sells out so fast, but it really is disheartening and has happened more often than I'd like. Which being only human and all...

Power of the Primes Tailgate

It was a big relief when I stumbled onto POTP Legends class wave 2 at my local Walmart. The class is one of my favorites to buy and just like Titans Return, I don't want to miss a single one (still cheesed about the few Combiner Wars ones I missed). In all actuality, just like the Windcharger before it, I was a bit confused for a new Tailgate. Both Windcharger and Tailgate got new Legends scale figures not very long ago and I'd figure they'd want to use the resources towards new molds of other characters first. Though just like Windcharger, I was very pleased with the end result as the new mold is a big improvement over the prior toy. Actually, though Tailgate is basically the same toy with a different head and colors, I like him a lot better than Windcharger. Sometimes it's the little things than can make a big difference.

Tailgate is a short, squat little guy with plenty of articulation for his size. Sure, you can't roll him up into a ball, but he has a pleasant amount for a smaller figure that turns into a car. He also benefits from a  limited color deco being used wisely. Tailgate's always been pretty basic on the color front, but those basic colors look really nice here. He's just a good looking toy.

In his car mode, Tailgate is completely adequate. He looks exactly like he's supposed too with no real surprises, and that's ok. Some people have complained (take a shot) that Generations toys from the past few years are really just G1 toys with better articulation. Which is pretty much the same thing as complaining that water is wet. These are meant to be updates to classic characters, and just happen to be that. I'm sure if they would look up they might see the point sailing over their heads somewhere in orbit.

In all I'm really happy with Tailgate, more so than I thought I'd be. I'm a little surprised just how much I like him as I technically already have the toy since my wife got me Windcharger for Christmas. Like I said, sometimes it's really the little things that can make all the difference. It doesn't hurt that I've been in that frame of mind I get where I can see all sorts of different used I could get from a toy mold if I was in a position to come up with such things. This is a mold that I can see plenty of other uses for, and with the Tailgate head, I can get more out of it mentally.

The Walgreen's Wreck-Gar Saga continues

In what has seemingly become a legendary adventure, it's seems Walgreen's exclusive Wreck Gar is soon to becoming a reality. My main man at Walgreen's shot me some more info regarding the release. Like the past 2 Transformers exclusives, Wreck Gar will be available in the fall/winter.

Credit: Homeslice from Walgreen's

That date implies an arrival of September 28th 2018, though considering it's in a deluxe shipment, that's not a hard date (so settle down if it's not at your store until a little later). The past two exclusives have been making appearances anywhere from October - December, so this shipping date falls in line with the same general expected time frame.

Also of note, looks like the smaller Authentics figures will be making an appearance at Walgreen's too. Hoping this leads to a few more molds, I'm sure enjoying the silly little things.

Combiner Wars: Bruticus vs Sky Reign commercial

For some reason, I've been thinking about Combiner Wars toys. Specifically the deluxe class. Ironically, in a line focused around combining, I found myself really enjoying the individual members on their own. While some complained (take a shot) about the rampant reuse of engineering in the line (they wanted scramble style combiners, but I guess not the working system?), It never fazed me. I really liked the proportions of the figures and the overall build of the robots. I found myself really liking the odd members of more random combiners like Sky Reign that were composed from classic characters that were traditionally not combiners. There was just something about those proportions that just clicked with me as a figure. Sometimes I'll find some customs or digi-bashes of the toys and wish they could have been real. Not that I minded the Titans Returns figures or anything (man, I love that line, it's right up there with Beast Wars as far as favorites go), but it could be part of the reasoning that I enjoy the Power of the Primes figures so much, even though they've got somewhat different proportions.

Offroad

The newest member of the Stunticons is pressed into action on missions his teammates want no part of, giving him the opportunity to show off his extreme-conditions combat training. It's dirty work in the most dangerous situations, but it's the only way he'll win his teammates' trust.

The Walgreens Wreck-Gar saga keeps on saga'ing

There's been a slow trickle here, a little drip there regarding the Walgreen's exclusive Wreck Gar I've talked about here before with nothing more than some pictures popping up a little while ago of a Combiner Wars Groove repainted and given a new head as Wreck Gar to go by. While everyone assumed it was more evidence of this cryptid of a toy seeping out, still no one really knows anything. Well, some official pics of the toy have found there way all over the internet (you can see them at any TF news site or group) and boy is this toy a weird one. You got CW Groove with a new head and deco to be Wreck Gar. Then you have the Generations/Reveal The Shield Wreck Gar's weapon (from around 2010/20111). Then instead of CW hand/foot pieces, you've got the POTP hand/foot/Prime armor thing. The former makes sense as it's released in POTP, so might as well tie in the gimmick. The mold makes sense as it's a completely compatible combiner limb deluxe that turns into a motorcycle. Not to mention, the CW molds are recent enough to not be lost in a warehouse somewhere. But man, that axe thing is out of the blue. Realistically, they could have used the hatchet from other CW deluxes to give Wreck Gar his trademark axe, so it's a little weird to pull a weapon tooling from so long ago out of the storage abyss.

I'm sure the toy will be available in the fall as the past two Walgreen's exclusive Transformers have been. I'm looking forward to it too. I quite likes Combiner Wars deluxes and Power of the Primes as an evolution of the idea. Not to mention, I just plain like Wreck Gar. So as usual, I look forward to that evening this fall when I take a break from work to visit my nearby Walgreen's and grab this guy and a pack of gummy worms.

I'm a very silly person

The weekend of the last BotCon, even though I couldn't make it, I still made a point to do a BotCon tradition just one more time. Have a Big Mac.Thanks to Facebook memories for bringing this picture back to my attention. I had been wondering where it went.

Guarding this here city

Thinking more about my Guard City idea, I think using Moonracer won't be too big of a departure for my POTP Guard City idea. I mean, it won't be to exact as is, but the teal is close enough to the blue that Fly Up has. Seeing as none of these will be exact anyway, I think it just may work. Sure, I could use my Protectobots with Inferno, but they're currently in use as Defensor. Besides, I didn't specify what city their guarding anyway. Jazz is a special agent and Moonracer is in the business of defending. Cities even.

Oh no, there's a fire. Don't worry, I'll save the day!

Cybertron is known for war and disco

I've always liked Inferno. I don't have a real reason why, he's just a likable character. There's just something about a big red fire truck I guess. Seeing as his newest toy is being made from Combiner Wars Hot Spot, I'm anticipating really enjoying the figure. While I'm not 100% set on it yet, My plan is to pair him with Rook, Alpha Bravo, Jazz, and maybe another white or light colored combiner limb figure to form sort of a Guard City combiner. I want to use that Wreck Gar that's allegedly coming to Walgreens, but feel that maybe someone else would at least pass better as Wreck gar is orange. Maybe Moonracer as her white and teal wouldn't clash too much.

Volcano Robo

Giant robots need swords, it's a rule.

It took me a while to cool to Volcanicus's lava. Initially, I was turned off by the idea of a classic Dinobot team combiner (new guys, no problem). It's been one of those long running ideas based on nothing. It used to be pretty commonplace to hear someone talking about the G1 Dinbots combined form, which didn't exist. I remember a toy dealer once swearing to me that they did, I was wrong, and he's seen it and it was a giant shogun warrior! My answer was to show me how it combined, seeing as he had a set of 'complete' (folks forget Grimlock had a gun) Dinobots that he was swearing was a combiner. It wasn't the first or last time I've had a toy dealer cross his arms, turn around, and I think hold his breath (fyi, it's best to know this stuff for your own self before getting sold one of those Family Dollar sets for 500$. Trust me, I've seen it happen.)

I think that bit of commonly passed around misinformation is the source of my initial turn off, because when I see it, I like it. It just looks cool. And hey, like Combiner Wars, everyone is a combiner in Power of the Primes, so why not finally work that out?

It's a really cool looking combiner form. There's no denying that. It's also a very cool name. Volcanicus. I don't know why the prospect of lava makes things 100% better, but I'm fond of the floor.

Rare things

Oh sure, Hasbro made a G2 Stunticon set for Combiner Wars (sadly, I did not get it) and could possibly make a G2 Defensor set for Power of the Primes (which who knows if I'll get), but man, I'd love to get some kind of versions of these one day. Imagine walking into a Walgreen's and seeing a knock off some of the most rare Transformers ever in an Easter Basket. If that ever happened, they better have that little pack of Bottle Caps in the basket.

Those are good.

Power of the Primes Dreadwind

My wife gave me a Dreadwind the other day. I've been on a buying restriction until after Christmas as she doesn't want me to buy anything she might get me. Though finding recent Power of the Primes toys that I wanted, I guess she decided to give me one early to tide me over.

Dreadwind is a great toy. Like other POTP deluxes, he's a throwback to Combiner Wars toys. He can form both his modes as well as an arm for a combiner form.

Since Primemasters don't form heads for the bots, the way they interact is a bit different. A Primemaster in its shell homages Pretenders, but out of it's shell homages a Powermaster.  POTP deluxes hand/foot bit doubles as a method for merging the Primemaster and the Transformer.

It looks a bit clunky, and basically gives the robot a beer gut. Though it isn't bad and is a neat way of using the hand/foot part (though I didn't mind the giant weird gun from CW). The part has a little dummy panel to cover the hole where you'd place your Primemasters to create a Primemaster mode. As I don't have any Primemasters yet, I substituted a Titanmaster to get an idea of how it works.

Of course the difference would be a neat rune looking bit giving the robot super powers and not a screaming face in it's chest crying for an end to this horrible life. The hand/foot bit can also be attached in vehicle mode, which on Dreadwind looks like one of those sound box things from G2. Which I don't hate.

So far I'm very pleased with my first experience with a Power of the Primes toy. I'm looking forward to getting more (after Christmas of course... or on... now I'm curious about what's in those packages under the tree) and enjoying the newest incarnation of my Transformers. My only gripe so far s that I wish a Primemaster could drive a larger toy like in Titans Return. Though I believe they can in the Legends and Leader figures. It's a nice combination of the gimmicks from the prior installments of the Prime Wars trilogy and so far looks like a good way to end it.

Grim pop and lock

Pictures of Authentics Grimock surfaced and whoa nelly. I've been sold on the guys already, but man, I need this guy. I'll be honest. If not for cool things like Combiner Wars, Titans Return, or Power of the Primes-I'd have already went mainly towards Legions and Legends in my Transformers buying (I'd still get the occasional nicer toy, but still). Toys like these would go right along with that. I'd totally be fine buying these regularly for a fairly low price. I really look forward to dropping by the Family Dollar on the way home from work and grabbing this guy. I really look forward to the future of this line.

Titans Return first impressions

So, this morning after I got home from work, I watched the first two episodes of Transformers Titans Return on the Go90 app. I was pleasantly surprised to like it. So far it seems to be a better overall production with more solid characters and so far plot. I'm honestly curious and excited to see where this show goes.

I was never bothered by the animation in Combiner Wars, but there was a few sticky moments in the animation that's still present here. Will Wheaton is the voice of Perceptor, who I admittedly haven't ever enjoyed in anything after Stand By Me. Just his voice just doesn't fit in for me. Maybe he'd be a better fit in another character.

I've always preferred Judd Nelson as Hot Rod/Rodimus Prime and it's great to see him back in the role (his bit in Animated was a nice surprise at the time). Not to mention it's great to see Hot Rod acting like Hot Rod. I hope the show continues on the path it's on and continues to improve.

So far, it's just nice to see it as an overall improvement over Combiner Wars.

I like the idea of a cartoon exclusive to an app. It seems silly and would make more sense on YouTube, but in a world where I do literally everything with my phone, it just makes sense.

Don't miss Titans Return on Go90!

Don't forget to reinstall Go90 on your mobile devices so you don't miss Transformers Titans Return tomorrow (or today, however you look at it)!

Despite my concerns, I'm admittedly a little excited for it.

Well that's neat

I can't lie, I'm a little hesitant to be excited for the upcoming Titans Return web series to start. I was really looking forward to Combiner Wars and like a lot of other TF fans, wasn't exactly happy with the results.

I've really enjoyed Titans Return a whole lot more than I've enjoyed a lot more recent TF lines, so much that the idea of a web series on it is very exciting to me. Just that after those less than favorable episodes of Combiner Wars, I uhh...

But this promotional artwork that's been floating around the past few days is a super fun image at least.

Walgreen's Wreck-Gar waits for no one

The mystery over that Walgreen's Wreck Gar just keeps going and speculation keeps speculating. Some people think it's movie related. Though some think it's a reuse of the Combiner Wars Groove mold, or even the Technobot version. Others have just figured it would be a reuse of the older Generations mold. There's also talks of possibly being a Titans Return toy we don't know about.  My pal at Walgreen's has gotten me a little more info on him which at least says he's part of the Generations line.

Credit: Homeslice from Walgreen's

While some movie toys have been released under the Generations line, I'm leaning more towards a normal Generations type toy. I'm halfway hoping it's a use of that CW motorcycle mold and the other half hopes for a TR toy.

Either way, I'm totally getting one.