Inferno robot and vehicle [Defender Version 02- The Overthrow]

It's hard not to like a firetruck. That's a big part of Inferno's appeal. He's a firetruck and that's awesome! Those vehicle parts do work out making for one cool looking robot. As a character, he's every bit as heroic as the alt mode suggests. First to rush out and try to save whomever needs recusing or defended. His bravery and heat resistant body armor makes him ideal to step right into a fire or firefight. He's pretty rationale and level headed... which is funny compared to his partner Red Alert. A bot who's known for his paranoia.

It's been a while since I've talked about Blokees Defender type kits. Maybe too long. During that time I've amassed a whole lot of them to talk about here and Inferno is leading the way. It's worth noting that unlike prior Blokees posts where I tried to cover a case at a time... it's going to be a whole lot more random on out. I've got a whole lot of kits to cover and variety has always been the flavor of the day here at Zone Base.

In Defender Type series 02, Inferno is represented by both robot and vehicle mode kits. Obviously these models don't Transform, but it's fun to have some of the alt modes represented. Vehicle mode Inferno isn't ride-able like Optimus Prime's, but still is pretty neat. It's a pleasant little firetruck with a raise-able ladder. Neatly enough, the extinguisher tip from the ladder can be removed and attached to Inferno's arm in place of a hand as he's often seen with.

The robot mode kit is well done as the Defender Type proportions really fit Inferno's design. It's hard to express how something so small (and cute) can look so stout and hardcore... but here it is. The way the firetrucks ladder runs down his back (head is in the ladders base) is replicated well and even though he's given the Defender types generic laser rifle, it looks close enough the original toys Extinguisher Rifle. I think the only thing that would make Inferno's kits better would be a Phoenix King chase version. That would be amazing.

Predacon Inferno (Legacy/Voyager Class)

I was absolutely ecstatic when Inferno from Beast Wars was announced for the Transformers Legacy  toy line. A long time fan (and personal) favorite from the series was finally getting an update. Unfortunately distribution wasn't the greatest and it took a while to find one. I finally did sometime in the late spring/early summer of this year, thankfully, and now seems like a great time to talk about him. Like most modern updates of classic characters, Inferno is very show accurate. I know I often say they look as though they walked off my TV screen a lot, but that's what they do and Inferno most definitely does. His mouth can even open for those famously maniacal bouts of insanity. Inferno rules.

As he should, Inferno transforms into a fire ant. A VERY LARGE FIRE ANT. The ant is fairly realistic and transformation from robot to beast mode is reasonably easy. The ant's legs feature a decent amount of articulation with moving legs and pinching pincers. In robot mode, Inferno has an impressive amount of movement. This is really a great toy of him. I've always held the original up to a high standard and this is a big improvement. They did a great job. Inferno's signature BFG from the show is well represented and doubles as the rocket for his blender butt flight mode. Said mode doesn't have the propeller gimmick of the original toy... but I don't mind that. There is some inner detailing sculpted in intended to resemble Scavenger. The Antagony version of this mold comes with a Scavenger head that can be used on Antagony or Inferno to bring the third Beast Wars ant toy up to date. Scavenger is a different character, however the toy was meant to represent a Transmetal version of Inferno in Japan. So you can either have a new Scavenger or Transmetal's Inferno if you choose.

I don't have anything bad to say about Inferno. I can imagine the beast mode kibble turning off some... and that's fair. I personally expect it to be there as the bug legs have a history of hanging around in robot mode. Fortunately they can be posed out of the way or removed if one desires (just don't loose them for later transformations). Once again, this is a really great update of a classic fan favorite that looks like it just walked off my TV screen. I shouldn't speak for others, but I feel like saying this is a special toy for Beast Wars fans. The others get regular updates, but Inferno... not so much. That's not cool. Inferno rules. Thankfully this one's good enough to fill that insane gap for a while. 

For the Royalty.

Bios: Inferno

"Always look before you leap."

Inferno is a true Autobot, always looking out for the safety and well being of those around him. In vehicle mode, he is a powerful firetruck capable of heroic, and often dangerous, search and rescue missions. In robot mode, he is a skilled targetmaster and sniper. Inferno thinks before he acts, aware of the consequences of his actions. He is able to powerlinx with Hot Shot and always provides a well thought-out approach before battle.

 

Strength: 8 Intelligence: 7 Speed: 8 Endurance: 10

 Rank: 8 Courage: 10 Fireblast: 10 Skill: 10

Bios- Inferno

Where there's smoke, there's me.

'The hotter things get, the better I like it!' is Inferno's motto, and he's not just talking about fires. Would rather fight Decepticons than fires, but his strength and ceramic-plated armored skin, able to withstand temperatures as high as 14,000 degrees Fahrenheit, make him ideally suited for his job. His Hydro-Pack converts to a high-pressure cannon that can shoot any liquid substance from water to corrosive acid.

Ronin Mecha on Tubi

I've mentioned on here before my love of Korean rip off robot anime. Hell, I've posted a few. There's just a charm of those dollar bin robot cartoons full of stolen robot designs in adventures that I guess form a plot. Look, I don't think I really need to explain why Diaclone Inferno... I mean... you know what site you're on right?

So I was perusing Tubi earlier and discovered they've begun hosting a ton of them. Now as a series called Ronin Mecha. Like putting them together as a movie series, which makes sense considering some of them are literally made from others re-edited together. It's great to see them constantly add to their collection of Super Robot cartoons on Tubi. For the record I love Tubi and I'm sure if you're a Zone Base reader you're probably a fan too. It's practically the streaming service of Zone Base.

Biocombat on a dark and stormy night

Transmetal Scavenger is a funny toy. He was obviously intended to be Transmetal Inferno at some point, so much so that the Japanese version IS Transmetal Inferno. Considering Inferno was originally meant to be Megatron, Inferno has a habit of intended to be somebody else at some point. Hell, I still remember my Scavenger's receipt saying 'Inferno'... and Rampage's said 'Killer Crab' which would have been a great name. Though on his own, Scavenger is a good looking toy. I'm convinced he's a homage to Warudaros, but that's a return to all the intended to be talk earlier.

Inferno (1985)

Where there's smoke, there's me.

The hotter things get, the better he likes it, and this goes for fires AND fights! Inferno can do anything Earth fire trucks can in vehicular mode, but is often distracted from his job to engage in combat. His great strength is thanks to his ceramic-plated armored skin that can withstand 8000 degrees Celsius. He also has an extinguisher rifle that shoots flame-suppressing foam, an energy dampening beam to counter other beams and forearms that shoot missiles. Unfortunately, he doesn't follow orders well and isn't very mobile as a robot.

Defenders of Space/Phoenix King

Apparently this is also in public domain, which is only fair as they stole the design for Phoenix King from the Diaclone version of Inferno.

They were also bold enough to market a toy of Phoenix King.

Which was a bootleg Inferno.

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.

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.