Teenage Dollar Store Turtles

I sure do enjoy me some TMNT, but it can be a complicated thing to enjoy. Multiple versions, things change, I change. I've admittedly went back and forth between which version of the turtles I prefer at the moment. I generally hover between the original cartoon, the original comic, and the original movies. I do like the newer cartoons/movies, just not as much as the ones I listed first. It's just a preference.

I don't have to explain to regular readers my love of mini figures or discount stores, but if you're new, I love them. For some time I was eyeing a set of TMNT mini figures at Family Dollar for around $6. That'd get you a turtle and another character toy. The turtle was a pretty good approximation of the original Playmates figures and I wanted them pretty bad. However the other figure were based on newer figures and frankly the sculpts didn't do it for me. Not that they were terrible, it was just jarring enough for me to not want to spend the $24 for all 4 turtles when half the package I had no urge to own. Recently they've been refreshing the sets with newer figures based on the Nickelodeon cgi series.

The cgi series isn't bad and tends to homage itself more on the original cartoon. So these new mini figures from it make for a good set of turtles I'd like, but once again, they come with those other figures. The Dollar Tree, tends to feed my blind bag toy and mini figure hunger on frequent visits and for not a lot of money. I'd like to take a second to explain I just misspelled 'and' and my efforts to correct it resulted in many more misspellings. Fuck you 'and'.

The Dollar Tree had the newer figures individually packaged for a dollar each (it's kinda their gimmick) and talk about an easy sell. I really wish the set I was speaking about earlier was available for the same, but I'll gladly take these little guys. They're simple little figurines of the turtles with basic paint jobs in 'action' poses. Kinda look like something I would have gotten in a box of cereal and now I wish I would have. Because that would have completed the set going in blind. Achievements would have been unlocked.

If the boxes in the background didn't serve as a clue in addition to my multiple mentions, I'm moving. My current plan for these little guys is sticking them next to my micro consoles in the new Zone Base headquarters. Or maybe next to the little keyboard tablet set up that'll go in that room somewhere. They're just the right little thing for such a set up. Cowabunga indeed.

New Authentics!

It feels good to be a dollar store gangster. News recently broke of more Authentics coming to stores soon! While I haven't gotten any of the Titan Changers recently sold at the stores, I've made no secret of my love for these not very expensive figures. Soundwave looks to be taking a cue from his Cyberverse incarnation... and not a bad step to follow. Ratchet looks pretty good, he'll probably be an Easter Egg shell like the Optimus, but I don't care! It's $5! Like I said, I haven't gotten any of the Titan Changers... but that Grimlock might be the gateway to those. These look like just the thing to hunt in discount stores very soon!

Dollar Rangers

I love running errands. Not all the time kind you, but every so often I'll find myself needing to run a few on a Monday morning and I really make the most of it. With my work schedule I really don't stop by any store aside from a gas station until the the weekend. So those occasional Monday morning runs really can feel like an adventure. A pair of basketball shorts and a t-shirt. Maybe a hoodie (weather depending) and my drawstring backpack and I'm off. Maybe I have to go to the post office and drop off a load at the Goodwill. Perhaps grab a few things we forgot to over the weekend or do a few things there wasn't any other time to do. Life is random.

While out I usually make a point to drop by local Family Dollar/Dollar General stores. Monday mornings are probably the best time to peruse their various discount wares. I've never made my love of discount store toys a secret here and usually those errand runs are the best time to partake in checking those out. The stores are usually not very packed and aside from the occasional weird look from the random disgruntled senior citizen (one flipped me off in the parking lot when I was looking for Transformers Authentics... I have no clue why), I can usually enjoy my visit in a pretty low key manner. Earlier today I was alerted to images of the new value channel Power Rangers figures from Hasbro.

I've been eyeing the similar Marvel, Star Wars, and DC figures at these stores with a lot of temptation. I did buy some of the RID 2015 from a few years back and they're very pleasant basic figures. The initial batch seems to be Beast Morphers flavored and I wonder if other Ranger teams will follow. Or wondering as the initial batch is the original three Rangers from the show if the others as well as the villains will make an appearance. I'd sure like a Blaze in this form factor (love that design).

They're super cool looking and probably the dipping point to get me buying more of these type figures. They're generally pretty low priced, so I can see myself buying one or two on a random trip out. Then one day realizing I've gotten them all somehow.

Micromasters at Maximum value

With a site named Zone Base, it's not much of stretch to explain that I kinda like Micromasters. In fact, as readers probably have noted, I kinda have a thing for smaller Transformers and maybe even smaller toys in general. I don't have a greater explanation for why I do, I just do. So obviously with Micromasters in stores again in the Siege toy line, I'm one happy camper. Though, I've been having a good time at camp the past few years with a multitude of smaller TF toys at retail on a steady basis. Legend/Legion/Speed/whatever, Titanmasters, Primemaster, Botbots are just a few examples of smaller Transformers on shelves in the past few years.

So,  Saturday I had to make a run to the Family Dollar. While I was there, I took notice of some Primemasters hanging on the hooks next to the odd Legion and Authentics figures they normally have on the shelves at such stores. That's then I took note of things. Most toy lines feature a discount store version. There was Marvel, TMNT, Star Wars, and a few others with lower end toys to sell at these lower end type stores. It's nothing new and in fact something I enjoy keeping up with. It occurred to me while I was standing there that since the Authentics figures seemed to land with a dull thud for the most part as a discount line, what if the lower priced 'Masters' figures of late would/could replace them as the discount line? I mean, realistically the price of a small Authentics figure is very close to the Primemasters hanging right next to them on the shelf.

The Legion molds that have been in use for years now have probably seen the end of their molds viability and while the Authentics were an attempt to replace them, they clearly didn't. I mean, I admit to enjoying them, but that's because I like oddball things. They were cheap toys, especially compared to the Legion figures they were right next too. That was probably a pretty hard sell. Or if you look at the other discount toys, hell... those are still pretty good quality looking toys. So I wonder, just like in the past with discount versions of TF being smaller inexpensive molds reused to death, what if they used the well received recent smaller toys. Titanmasters, Primemasters, Battlemasters, Micromasters, even the newer Speed Series all generally sell for around $5 at most stores. Ok, Micromasters are $10, but that's a two pack. Like the former discount store versions of Spy Changers, Mini-Cons, and Legions I could really see these priced similarly in reuse for years. Wacky repaints and odd name uses up the wazoo as well!

I'd wholeheartedly welcome that. In fact, I'd love that. That's just the precises kind of thing I'd go nuts over.

Transformers Authentics Latino America commercial

You know, I had such a good time hunting the first batch down earlier this year, I really hope they make some new ones and I get to repeat that. It can be fun to hunt regular toys already, but something like these intended for discount chains that don't have the best distribution for toys, it can be a challenge. Not to mention, you can go into two Family Dollars just a few miles apart and feel like you've been in two different stores. One will be nice with recent merchandise and well kept, another can be a dumpster fire with a can of Chef Boyardi from 1994 still on the shelf. If it's during a holiday time frame, that can add into the equation more.

Not to mention, I like oddball things like this. I often snatch up cheap licensed stuff regularly, so a quirky line of low rent figures is just the thing. Some new molds or repaints of existing molds are just what I want. Maybe something like red repaints of Bumblebee into Cliffjumper, white repaints of Optimus into Ultra Magnus. Random 'stealth' versions of Megatron, obvious seeker repaints. Maybe a Trypticon made from the large Grimlock. Or hell, just versions of the characters in crazy colors. Actually, that'd be neat. They're so cheap, I wouldn't think twice in buying a hot pink Optimus.

Now if news sites would stop calling them Cyberverse or Evergreen.

Authentics Grimlock (large version)

As far as the larger Authentics figures go, Grimlock is king. So far there isn't a smaller version, which I don't rule the possibility of out, so this was a completely fresh experience going in. Though like Optimus there is some slight assembly required and due to his transformation, his legs are quite hollow. Fortunately that's where the lower budget stops affecting the figure and what's left is a completely satisfying toy.

He turns into a dinosaur, we all know this.

I won't lie, I was completely shocked by just how pleasant a toy Grimlock is. While individual experiences may vary, my Grimlock had pretty tight joints and really was exactly what I expected going in. Which was a generally traditional Grimlock. I do draw a few comparisons to his dinosaur mode to Goldran, but that can only be helped so much with similar alt modes and the general throwback nature these simpler toys have to older designs. Though it would make for a fun custom.

As I noted before that Grimlock's legs are hollow, they form his tail in robot mode. It actually makes for a pretty thick tail. Overall his dinosaur body is much more chunky than one would expect. Nothing wrong with that, it's just a fact. He's a sturdy big and chunky toy for a kid to stomp all over the carpet and 'RAWR' just often enough to border on cute and annoying. Like the other Authentics, Grimlock is all toy, so those going in for display pieces will probably balk at the idea of allowing such a simple to thing grace their shelves. Though if you like toys or outright have an affinity for the more random items (like I do), you'll probably be happy with this big silly thing (I am).

Authentics Optimus Prime (large version)

Optimus Prime in his larger Authentics toy, despite initial appearances in package, actually differs from his smaller counterpart (much more so than Bumblebee). One thing I'll point out in the picture, you'll notice part of his body isn't attached on card. Obviously owing to the budget needs of the card, there is some slight assembly needed. Nothing major, just snap that part on and you'll never have to remove it again. That part forms a back pack in robot mode and the front of Optimus's cab mode (his chest is a fake out). It actually snaps in nice and firmly on the robots back, though mileage may vary (individual cases may be different and that just happens sometimes).

Optimus is a much more solid and satisfying figure. He has a decent amount of articulation and has some pleasant heft with just enough paint to make him look nice. Now like his smaller counterpart, his legs are hollow due to his transformation, but unlike his smaller version, the rest of him is solid. I was actually really happy with this guy as I was initially concerned that I basically just bought a scaled up version of the smaller toy. Though, I do admit, these larger toys do feel overpriced at $10 each. I'd say 7-8 would be a more fair price and probably what they toy would cost at a Walmart or Target versus a discount channel (where some things are just more expensive for some universe imploding reason).

Of course Optimus turns into his normal semi truck vehicle mode, and like Bumblebee is very large and chunky making for a pleasant hand feel. The colors present in his robot mode aren't as dominate here. These are lower budget toys meant for children and it can really show at times. Much like an episode of Saved by the Bell. Just check out that episode where Mr. Belding's wife goes into labor in the school elevator. The elevator is very clearly a open door with somebody sliding as piece of cardboard. That's the level of compromise here. It's 100% adequate for it's intended purposes, though the lower budget is more clear at times.

Authentics Bumblebee (large version)

Unlike the smaller assortment of Authentics Transformers budget figures, I outright walked onto the larger assortment the other day. So I thought I'd take a individual look at each one of the figures. Unfortunately, I'm starting with the weakest of the batch. Bumblebee isn't much of a step up from the smaller figure, which itself wasn't the highlight of the assortment.

Bumblebee has a much more solid body, but retains the hollow arms. If I was to look right at him in package, I wouldn't be able to notice any real difference. That's a shame because they added elbow articulation and the added weight does give the figure some plesant heft. In fact, it's really nice in hand, even if it doesn't look like much more than a sized up version of the smaller 5$ figure.

I wish I could do something more than constantly compare this figure to the smaller version, but it's really hard not to. The car is exactly the same, just bigger with some additional heft. Though the wheels didn't pop off so easily. It's a big chunky toy that's really pleasant to hold. There's no mistaking it for anything other than what it is. Which is a discount chain toy intended for children at a budget price. As neat as these guy's are, the display shelf types would probably pass out in shock if these ever came to their attention.

It was probably unfair to lead the way with the weakest of the batch (the others are super neat), I did so intentionally since the next post coming later tonight is much more flashy and neat. I try to make constantly interesting updates and leading off a series of posts with 'this one's not as great' isn't what I'm all about.

The most incredible micros of all!

Considering this site is named after a Micromaster base, it's not a stretch to understand my fondness for smaller Transformers. Upon hearing/reading the rumors this morning of the Micromasters in the upcoming War For Cybertron line (it's a post down from this one, that's kinda silly to link to) I was ecstatic. All day I've been bopping along humming happily, it's been a great day for fan excitement. I stopped by the local Family Dollar on the way home for some snacks for work tonight and boom, there was the new larger Authentics (I'll be posting about them in the coming days) figures, which just added to my overall excitement and happiness. A couple of back and fourths with Shawn over the possibilities of blind bag Micromasters at the local Walmart just added to it. I look forward to next Toylanta and talking about them with him. I'm really curious about the Battlemasters. I'm assuming they'll be similar in how Legends worked with Titanmasters/Primemasters , but seeing how they have a new name, I'm curious. I guess when/if the rumors get verified (the source is pretty credible) in the coming months I'll find out for sure. Just man, to quote WCW, I'm Buff and I'm the stuff... wait... wrong quote...

Max Team Form Up!

Last week I briefly mentally compared Zenon to God Max, which resulted in having God Max on the brain. I spent a little time with mine afterwards, and what a great toy. Ok, mines a Family Dollar knock off, and so is most of my Brave toys. I think my Death Garry Gun is the only legit Brave toy I own. The rest being knock offs bought from various discount stores in various forms of quality. My God Max is pretty good actually, I think you can still find it at Family Dollar stores (comes in a set for about 15$). Decent quality (some loose bits, but it's a knock off of a 20 something year old toy) though the colors are off, which happens with discount store knock offs.

Fun toy, Brave toys are essentially G1 Transformers under a different line name and it shows. Takara decided to work on a  new venture and let Transformers cool, which resulted in a very Transformers show and toy line called Brave (think late Japanese G1 and you've pretty much got it). It's really neat to show someone who isn't familiar. First there's TF mold reuses in the line, which gets a few laughs, then you show them the newer mold toys for the line and their mind just blows.

Authentic hunt

These guys, right?

I've mentioned here before just how excited for the new Authentics Transformers figures I am. In fact, probably pretty often. Well as news of them popping up at Dollar Generals started last week, I couldn't contain myself. I started hoping I'd find them only to no avail.

So, today while promising to run some errands for my wife,  I took it upon myself to hit up a variety of stores in hopes of getting my Evergreen on. I live in the rural outskirts, so fortunately there is plenty of the 'dollar' stores local.

I first did a Google search for Dollar Generals near me from my last errand stop. Amazingly there was one 5 minutes away that I never knew about prior.

An old man shot me the bird in the parking lot when I left

Well, I walked in and man this was one big Dollar General... it took me a minute to find the toys.

Farts, not yet

So, I walked around and Googled the next store local... oh the one one the way home. You know what, I'm going to the Family Dollar instead. I always liked those better anyway. There's even that new one just down the road.

Oh hey, not even busy.

So I walked in and looked around for a second and... and... well they had nothing new on the shelves. So, I think about where to go next and there they were just laying on the bottom shelf just out of site. I did a jump with an excited gasp.

The store employees were looking at me dissaprovingly as I took this. 

I snatched up one of each and then noticed there was no price to be found. I looked here and there and saw a price nowhere. So I went to the cashier for a price check. $5.75 each. The same price as legions at Family Dollar. Wondering if my theory that these will replace Legions (movie ones are $8 at my local Walmart, a dollar less than Legends, which really defeats the purpose and these match up to Legends in scale).

So I walked around with my robots as I waited for my wife to text me back incase I needed to grab anything else. Purchasing my robots the employee mumbled something about not understanding. I then left and went to the grocery to buy my wife Cellas. Thats where I took this selfie. Because I was proud of my find and shared it on Talk Transformers.

My eyes always look googly in selfies.

As I went home I wished that song about this is how we do it was on. I think it's called 'this is how we do it'. I'm not sure what the it they're talking about doing in that song is, but I'm sure they were buying Transformers as well.