Baron Karza [ReAction+/Micronauts]

Following up on yesterdays heroic Micronaut is the evil Baron Karza! Baron Karza is the leader of the Evil Acroyears and general scourge of all that is good. Super7 is using the toy fiction, which makes me happy as I like Acroyears EVIL! As a Reaction+, the Baron is an O-Ring style figure and not held together by magnets like his original. I had the Palisades version with Andromeda for years before giving it to my father in law as those magnets always made me super nervous around my electronics.

That was probably a little too cautious for any rational reason... but a lifetime of being told not to bring magnets around my electronics outweighs any logic. Considering those Palisades ones were notoriously made of brittle plastic, that one's probably a pile of rubble now anyway. With this O-Ring version, I can enjoy my toy without worrying that my computer is going to randomly zap out. Not to mention, I do like him being in comparable size to the other figures. Just feels nice in hand.

Baron Karza was sculpted by Mecha Zone like Biotron was and he really nailed it. That classic head looks fabulous and the body still looks like the Steel Jeeg toy that was reused on the original. While no longer using magnets, he's sculpted and colored to not ignore where they would have been. That's a nice touch. His belly button missile launcher is sculpted in, but obviously doesn't fire anything. I do wish his missile jet pack separated to be used as individual weapons, but understand it not doing so. The look is there, so I'm happy. He's nicely articulated and makes a fine addition to my micro ranks.

Considering the other ReAction ride-able animals, I hope an Andromeda is on the way. As a horse or with a removable head for that sweet centaur action... or both! I also hope a Force Commander is in store as the head swap and recolor should be easy enough. This toy would look so good in white! Knowing Super7, there's likely a bunch of repaints coming. I've got high hopes for alternate color Time Travelers and Acroyears in blind boxes... but would love to see some of those alternate colors for Baron Karza show up. I never could get my hand on those translucent ones Palisades did. The sky's the limit and I'm in for all sorts of variations. I'm so freaking happy that these are getting made!

Biotron [ReAction+/Micronauts]

In January when the new Micronauts toys by Super7 were announced, I didn't think I could be any more ecstatic. The timing of their release around my birthday couldn't have been any as they were the perfect gift from the Mrs. Today we'll be looking at Biotron, or Robotman if you're more into Microman. I've been a fan of Super7's ReAction figures since discovering them in 2014 and their new ReAction+ line is something I've wanted for a very long time.

Much as a standard ReAction takes a character and has them as an 80's Kenner style figure, ReAction+ takes a character and presents them in the style of an O-Ring GI JOE figure.All time favorite figure formats used for a variety of characters? Yes please! Original Micronauts/Microman were O-Ring figures themselves as they were basically downsized Henshin Cyborg figures (which used 12" GIJOE dolls as a base), so this is a perfect format to revisit these characters.

Biotron is a great scaled down incarnation of the original giant toy, or a nice counterpart to the smaller Robotman figure. Biotron and Baron Karza (possibly more, I just know of these two) were sculpted by Mecha Zone (who makes some really good stuff) and they look great! I'm personally blown away by Biotron as he just looks so good! The sculpt is perfect and works great at an O-Ring figure. Certain colors just work perfectly together and the red and blue mix with the white base wonderfully. Of course the chromed head and hands really pop. His tank treads are represented as a removable backpack.

I've seen some conversation that these new Micronauts back ports aren't universally compatible with other similar scaled parts, so whatever else you try to connect there may not work. I'm keeping mine stock though, it looks great. One really nice touch is his chest canopy can be removed to place an Inchman inside. There's been a lot of discourse over exactly which one could fit inside as it's a slightly small size. Dianuats are a little too big, Micro Galaxy Squadron dudes are a little off. I wonder about a Buzz Lightyear Hyperspeed Series? Biotron feels like an award for patiently waiting for a new Micro line all this time. He really feels like a premium toy and knowing Super7, they'll make all sorts of variations. I can't wait.

ToyLanta 2025!

It's that time of year again for the great toy show, ToyLanta! I've been looking forward to this all year! This years convention will be a new experience. New management and a partnership with Power-Con creating the Power-Up! area at the convention. The annual Transformers Panel will be returning this year hosted by Dusty and myself. As usual, I'll be updating the site daily with my adventures at the con and posting pics to my Instagram. Thank you all for reading and please don't forget to share with your friends!

Friday: After getting a late start and being stuck in traffic for too long, I arrived at the convention around 7pm. Found Shawn and went to get my badge. Registration had been going on for a little while, so luckily no one was in line ahead of me to pick up my passes. I got to meet the new management and Shawn gifted me with a 'There Goes My Money' tote bag he had made PBS style. I stuck it in my con bag knowing it's going to come in handy over the weekend.

We poked our heads inside the dealer space briefly before heading to the Power-Up! section to check out everything. I've always wanted to go to a Power-Con, so it was neat. While there we spoke with guys from various toy companies. I spent a good bit of time at the Man or Monster? booth talking Glyos with the guy behind Warlords of Wor. He had a great set up with plenty of great stuff on display and for sale. I'm definitely buying some stuff from him this weekend.

I was planning on waiting until Saturday to buy anything and just take in the sights Friday night until I saw a bin with MOTU Origins vehicles for $10 each. It was mostly Talon Fighters, which I already have. But then I saw a Road Ripper with Mechaneck, a set I missed out on at retail... so I bought it. The same dealer had a loose 3P Hubcap for $15, which I may grab later. Maybe.

We found another dealer with a great table full of Transformers, Gobots, Micronauts, and other similar toys. We ended up talking with him a bit before the show started closing down and we had to leave. I'm definitely buying from him this weekend, he had some great stuff. Around this time we ran into Jerry, who's always awesome. The convention is being held this year in a convention center instead of a hotel, so there was a different vibe all around. Feels like an expo, think I like that. However, as it was closing down, everyone had to leave. So we did. Shawn headed back to his hotel and I back home. The Mrs hasn't been feeling good had been busy wrapping presents for my birthday Sunday and ordered us some food. I last ate a Publix salad around 2:30pm and it's almost 11pm as I'm writing this... I'm freaking hungry. It's Steak 'n Shake, I love Steak 'n Shake.

Saturday: Traffic was much better and I arrived at the convention around 10am. I decided to buy that 3P (I think it's an Ocular Max) Hubcap and found Shawn. We roamed the main dealer room. I went back and forth on a few toys, but didn't buy much. I'll make a point to grab a few more Sunday. I did get a Zybot Bulldozer whose name escapes me. A lot of the toy companies had elaborate displays that we took in. They had some really cool prototypes out for show. One dealer had projections of their characters on a clear disk, which made them look like holograms in the middle of the air. There was several high end dealers with a lot of cool stuff. It's neat to look at. One had 4 vintage Fortress Maximus sealed in boxes. Wow. 

We ate lunch at the con center resturant, which served a variety of foods. I got a hamburger and fruit cup. The burger was ok, but really wish I'd gotten something else. While eating we got into a conversation with a fellow at a nearby table and chatted for awhile. Always great to make a new friend! Afterwards we headed back to the Power-Up area, ran across Jerry again (hi Jerry!), was given Star Wars posters, and took in some unofficial GIJOE figures. Brian showed up around this time which lead to Shawn giving us his custom toy show exclusive. A Beast Battlemaster of... me. He painted a Battlemaster Optimus Primal into me. I see the resemblance, it's getting paired with the custom Springer of me he made for sure.

We all roamed around, I introduced Brian to Glyos at the Warlords of Wor table. While there I bought a Bognar Monster with an additional accessory set that converts him into a serpentine sea monster. So awesome. Think I'll grab another kit from them Sunday. We then found some chairs and chatted for a while before Brian headed back to his hotel. Shawn and I went back into the main dealer hall where I found a dealer whom had 2 Blokees Galactic Defender kits. So I got those. Shortly before the room closed for the day, I picked up a Muffin from Bluey magnet for the Mrs. She loves her.

Shortly after Shawn left for his hotel room and I headed home. The Mrs had dinner from Longhorn Steakhouse waiting for me. A fruit and walnut salad, something I often get from there. It was just what I needed. That and some rest as I discovered just how tired I was after we got up from those chairs and that chat. I am beat. Tomorrow's the last day of this years show. I'm hoping to score some Sunday deals and hopefully have a good panel. ToyLanta has always been an awesome con, but it's become a very big deal and very large convention since last year. The new management have turned the little show into a large prestigious convention. It's wilds to see with my own eyes. It's time to get some rest, Sunday is a double feature day. It's both the last day of the show and my birthday. I'm going to be busy.

Sunday: Sunday was a lot of fun. Being my birthday, the Mrs made me breakfast and gave me a ton of presents. Transformers, BeastBox, Micronauts, Godzilla, and a new Galaxy Watch (with some accessories) was an amazing start to the day before arriving around 12pm. I remembered a dealer who had a SDCC ReAction Unicron for cheap and decided to drop by to hopefully still find it. Well, it was gone (more on that later) but I saw a ReAction Skeletor with Panthor set for $10. Ok, awesome, purchased. I found Shawn and showed him, took him back to the dealer, also found the He-Man and Battle Cat version for $10 and a box of Super7 MOTU keshi for $5. Amazing deals! 

We then found Mountain Town toys whom I look forward to seeing every year. Mountain Town gifted me one of his sasquatch keshi that they make while Shawn picked up some Micronauts. We walked around a while taking in the con and looking for Sunday deals. I almost bought a Microman Batman and a Micronauts Time Traveler, but decided against it. The Batman was from 2004, so I knew if had several broken parts already (that series was snake bit, I have a ton) so it wasn't worth his price. The Time Traveler was too expensive considering all of it's chrome was completely gone and the clear plastic was smokers house brown. 

I was actually bummed to not find and Rock Lords or Gobots this year as those are my Toylanta staples. I came close several times to buy some Missing Link Transformers, but decided to wait as they're readily available online. Shawn went to take a break and a panel while I browsed a little. I found my way back to that dealer whom had the ReAction Unicorn... and it was there! Somehow it had both Mandela Effected itself in and out of reality! I spoke with the dealer, whom was a cool dude before running into Craig. We talked for a bit and I took in one last walk around before finding a seat to take a break. That last look around was magic.

A booth that Shawn and I visited a million times over the weekend... I just popped in. They mostly had old west toys that was neat to look at, but not something I'd like to buy. I was looking and... hey... what's that? Behind a cowboy, shoved to the back... a robot head looked back at me. I looked between the toys and... there as a Gobots Grungy just standing there. Where was he all weekend? I asked for a price and he was only... $30. I think I caused a sonic boom whipping the cash out of my pocket and now am the owner of a mostly complete Grungy. He's only missing two small parts that I'll eventually replace through junkers and is in overall amazing shape. My last purchase was an amazing deal and an overall awesome find. It was then time for a break, so I found a seat by the con room and enjoyed some Cheeze-its. Around this time Dusty found me. We chatted a bit, he went to the nearby Starbucks and I resumed my snack. 

The Transformers panel was the last of the weekend and a nice end to an overall awesome convention. Considering the time frame, I was pleased to have a half full room. Folks came and gone, but by the end there was a few folks talking Transformers with Dusty and I. Unfortunately all good things must end and the show was over. I said my goodbyes to Dusty and Shawn before heading home to an amazing birthday dinner. The Mrs got me pizza, wings, and 3 different birthday cakes. I don't know what I ever done to deserve such an awesome wife. Having my favorite convention on my birthday weekend was a unique and incredible experience. I'm very fortunate to have a great life full of amazing people and experiences. I've got a perfect partner, the best friends and family a person could wish for, and get to have amazing experiences like ToyLanta where I can indulge in my hobbies and somehow each year be a completely different awesome story. Thank you all for reading Zone Base. I'm very fortunate to have such a great readership and appreciate you all very much.

Transform Squadron 59 - Fly yourself to the Moon

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It's a new year and a great time to talk about new toys based on old toys! Rob's really excited about the new Micronauts and Transformers Cyberworld toys. He also swears Cybertron Jolt is a Microman homage, listen now to hear him talk about that way too much! All this and Switch 2 excitement, this month on Transform Squadron!

Thorium Weaponeer (Battle Tribes/Weaponeers of Monkaa)

Finishing up out look at the Micronaut themed Battle Tribes wave 32 is Thorium Weaponeer, whom is a Weaponeers of Monkaa mold. I was quite fond of Weaponeers of Monkaa figures so this was an extra treat. Thanks to his appearance, Thorium looks like many different Micronaut/Microman robots. Due to his variety of interchangeable parts you can really come up with a variety of looks. Of course the main point of this figure is it's alt mode as an Thorium Orbiter vehicle. The set comes with additional parts in order to make this work. They're from a Restructor Combat Pack weapons set, so they make look familiar to other Weaponeers fans.Transformation is a task of taking everything apart and reassembling.

If you're used to Glyos, you already know it'll be hard on your fingertips. Ouch. Once assembled, the Orbiter can be rode by most Battle Tribes figures. It's obviously perfect for the Micronaut/Microman styled ones... but hey, I'm sure anyone would look great on it. Those old Micronaut/Microman robots are one of the forefathers of Transformers and being the 40th anniversary of Transformers... I want to spend some extra time this year looking at the foundation of Optimus and his friends. I think this Battle Tribes wave did a great job of homaging Micronauts and Microman, which is one of the building blocks to what we know as Transformers today.

Deluxe Antronic Abomination (Battle Tribes X Godbeast)

Returning to our look at Battle Tribes Microman/Micronaut homage wave 32 is Antronic Abomination. Antronic Abomination is a collaboration between Battle Tribes and my main man The Godbeast. Using a combination of parts from Godbeast's Nemesis and a variety of Battle Tribes and Weaponeers of Monkaa parts, Antronic Abomination is a great update of Antron in Glyos form. Once again, Glyos makes a great medium for Microman/Micronaut updates thanks to the interchangeability. Thanks to that and all the extra parts, I was able to come up with some approximations of other Micronaut Aliens as well. It was a lot of fun coming up with the various freaky characters.

There was an extra set of combining part set available with this wave that would have allowed for more integration that I wish I would have bought, but still was able to get a lot done with what came with the figure. It's actually quite remarkable just how much the figure looks like Antron, I even had folks commenting on social media how they had to do a double take initially. It feels like the Aliens are often overlooked when anyone homages Micronauts... and that's fair. The line is so well know for the main guys that the other toys can get lost in the shuffle. Considering how long it's been since a new Microman or Micronauts line has been on shelves, homages feel like all there is for Micros in new toys.

The occasional Transformers or designer toy like this really help keep the memory of something great alive. Like I said, this is the 40th anniversary of Transformers and the 50th anniversary of Microman. It's a good time to appreciate the stepping stones that Bumblebee took to get where he is now. 

Neo Micro Battler Arom (Battle Tribes)

This past Saturday was Microman Day, a day that celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Microman toy line. With this year being the 40th Anniversary of Transformers, it's absolutely important to take a look back at the building blocks of Transformers as we know it. Microman's place in Transformers history is without doubt obvious. Micronauts which was also made from Microman prior to the launch of Transformers is important to observe. Last year Battle Tribes by Spy Monkey Creations offered a complete Micronaut homage set in their Battle Tribes wave 32. They have prior homaged the Mego line, but this set was particularly great. 

Arom is a translucent green Micro using the Micro Battlers wrestling body. As such he comes with a variety of extra parts. Additional boots, trunks, extra heads (many food themed), a tector belt, and matching mini wrestler partner. Arom is a really cool homage to the classic Microman and Micronauts toys. Battle Tribes are a fun Glyos toy line featuring various fantasy and wrestling figures in a variety of options. Being Glyos toys, their interchangeable nature is a perfect match for a Micro update. We'll be taking a look at the Microman/Micronauts flavored wave 32 over the next few weeks here on Zone Base. 2024 looks to be a special year in the world of Takara SF. Arom is here to help celebrate.

Oh Lord, it's Monday

I need the Lords of Light to help me get through another Monday. If you've got a good eye, you probably noticed some Micronaut toy molds getting reused. Those things really got around. I'm sitting in my chair, eating some microwave pancakes with a cup of decaff coffee watching Beast Machines. Life is good, even if I'm specifically groggy right now. Speaking of Beast Machines, it premiered 24 years ago today. I see you all have been enjoying the Pumpkin Spiced Mayhem here on the site. As hard as it is to believe that we've halfway through it already, I'm hard at work for the especially spooky October posts. Zone Base is a big place. There's one area that none of the Micromasters go on purpose. A street without lights ending in at a spooky old house near a cemetery.

Speaking of Monday, this was a good weekend. I got lots of cool things. The Mrs took Friday off and picked me up Legacy Armada Megatron, a Micro Galaxy Squadron blind box, a TMNT mystery ooze, and a skeleton butterfly figure. I love the weird skeleton animal figures stores stock for Halloween and this one is a champion! Saturday I picked up Studio Series 86 Brawn and Game Edition Cliffjumper. I aslo picked up another Micro Galaxy Squadron blind box and a 12 inch Godzilla. It's the 1954 version by Playmates. They've really come along way from those rough early figures. This looks and feels like a premium toy. Those last two Toxitron collection Transformers figures continue to ellude me, but I won't give up. 

Speaking of Halloween, man this season is going to be a good one. All the neon and rustic designs are amazing. I really like the variety of costumes this year. My local Walmart has Transformers, Power Rangers, Star Wars, Godzilla, Demon Slayer, TMNT, Creepypasta creatures, and more! It's awesome! Well, I've got some household chores to do and some more toy pictures to take. October is right around the corner and I've got a schedule to keep!

Thanks to each and every one of your support. It means so very much to me. I don't have any ads or do any begging, I just crank out the content because I love this stuff! We're all enjoying our hobbies together and all I ask is that you share the posts with your friends. That's it, no patreon or locked behind pay wall content. Too many greedy people out there and I refuse to be one. However, I'd love for everyone who'd want to see what I have to say to find the site. So if you're sharing my posts, I appreciate it a whole lot. I appreciate all of you reading. Thank you so much. Let's try to have a great week. I've got some fun stuff planned for the week... have you guys heard of that spooky house down that street. The Micromasters say Zodiac Energy doesn't reach there. I've heard it's a portal to the Bloody Zone...

Transform Squadron 46- Shining Code Orange

Rob talks Code Orange, Telecoma Senshi, and various Tectors while not realizing his beard is rubbing against the microphone.

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Transform Squadron~ No Mercy Robo

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Broadcasting from Planet Zone, Rob talks about Rise of the Beasts, Micronauts inspired Glyos toys, and Machine Robo Martial Arts Robo!

Shooting for a Good Week

Thanks for coming back for another week here on Planet Zone! Beast Summer is in full swing and I can see it's going well. I hope everyone had a great weekend, mine was certainly restful. In fact, I think I got more sleep in the past few days than the entire week before. Plenty of gaming was had. Specifically Run Saber for SNES, Cotton for Neo Geo Pocket, and Magical Chase for Turbograpx 16 were enjoyed. I guess sci fi action platformers and witchy cute em' ups were on the menu. Plenty of paranormal TV was watched as well as the debut episode of AEW Collision, a new Saturday night wrestling show from my preferred company.

The wrestling provided a great match for some school lunchroom style pizza from a local grocery store. Just right for a Saturday cheat meal. Sunday was Father's day and even though I don't have human children, apparently our furry ones got me a great suprise (according to the Mrs). A new lunchbox for work and some toys. Studio Series Battletrap and Cheetor from ROTB (which we all recently enjoyed) and some Bandai Ultimate Legends Demon Slayer figures. Tanjiro and Inosuke! I also ordered the new Battle Tribes drop. This drop is a great Micronauts themed set. I got the three new figures and am super pumped looking forward to their arrival. 

It's summer and you know what that means? CODE ORANGE! The past few weeks I've seen a lot of folks finding great early releases from their local At Home, Old Time Pottery, and Hobby Lobby. Myself I've seen some bleeding candles about two weeks ago, and some gargoyles last weekend after ROTB. I didn't look this weekend just to give the store some time. I did see plenty of folks on YouTube showing off theirs including some early Dollar Tree finds! My stores tend to really get in the mood around July so there's no point in getting to excited yet, but I am anyway. Halloween is almost here Zone Base readers and I've been at work preparing for the Pumpkin Spiced Mayhem starting in August. For all of you enjoying Beast Summer, don't worry I got your back. 2023 will be Beastly Halloween on Planet Zone! What's that mean? Well, you'll see. 

Thanks to all of you for continuing to read Zone Base. I know there's bigger and better sites out there. Your continued support means a lot to me. This is just a little fan blog, but in my mind it's all of us enjoying our hobbies together. I don't have any ads, affiliate links, or donation requests. I don't want your money. Your reading and support means the world. If there's anything I ask, if you could please share the posts with your friends. Help spread the word so more like minded folks can enjoy my nonsense. If you could, follow the new Facebook page. It's slowly getting started and I'd love to see it grow. Thanks again for reading, and let's have a great week!

Toylanta 2023

It's time for Toylanta 2023! The great toy show is here again and as always I'm attending. I've been really looking forward to this years con as it's always a good time. If you're in attendance, I'll be hosting the annual Transformers panel on Sunday at 12am. I hope to see you there! I'll be out on the floor all weekend if you feel like saying hi as well. Of course if you can't come, this post will keep you all filled in on the fun I've been having. I'll be updating daily, so be sure to check back for each update. I'll be posting pics to my Instagram throughout the weekend. If you like neat toys, you'll love all the cool stuff I'll be showing.

Micro Dino

I picked up this cool clear version of Neo Trox at my local Walmart recently. Trox is green generally, but like most Bakugan, his toys can come in a variety of colors. In this cool clear plastic, it's impossible not to compare him with a  Microman or Micronaut. This is definitely a toy that I wished ad some sort of chromed weapon. There are ports where you could plug a Nanogan in, that'd be a good place for a laser gun. Trox is pretty easy to fold back up into his marble form and an all around pleasant little guy. I'm pretty glad the Mrs spotted him as he's so great. Just a simple little guy that I want to walk around a play set and have adventures with.

Return of the Galaxy

I've been having a great time with my Guardians of the Galaxy advent calendar this Christmas season. Normally, I do a Star Wars one, but like last year, they sold out before I could purchase one. However, like the GOTG movies... it's kinda the same thing. Before any of you coming in give me the 'well actually' treatment... let me explain. I'm well aware of the GOTG prior to the movies, but it wasn't until the movies until I became a fan. They were just kind of in the various comics I'd read and frankly not much more. I do wish now that I would have paid them more attention, but if I had a time machine there'd be more pressing issues I'd focus on. The movies though, *chef's kiss*.

I enjoyed the Star Wars prequels, but not as much as I wanted to. I'd have liked them to be a lot better. Before Disney restarted Star Wars, I has accepted things the way they were. The GOTG came out and well, felt like a pretty decent Star Wars movie. No, it wasn't exactly the same, but pretty close. It's in that space opera nebulous that Micronauts falls in. It's like Star Wars, but different.

So what's that got to do with the above commercial? Well, the toys came out after the movie and well... how many of those mofo's were dead by the time you got the figure? It sure was exciting to get that Boba Fett or Darth Vader on Christmas morning. The Jabba's Palace play set was an amazing gift from Santa. But uh, I already knew what happened to those dudes. Did that have any effect on my enjoyment of the toys? Absolutely not. Sometimes I'd recreate scenes from the movie. Maybe they'd be adventures prior or even after and the guys somehow lived. Sometimes I just played with my toys and didn't care. I think that's where GOTG kinda falls into this. It's that side thing that also works. It's totally Star Wars, while being it's own thing.

Did that make sense?

Oh shit! What are we going to do now?

I was really excited to get the new Spike figure from the Transformers Studio Series 86 line. Not just because I really enjoy Transformers, the 1986 movie, the Studio Series line, Core Class, and everything else related to Transformers. No... well that's not just why. Spike also looked really cool. As someone who grew up with various sci fi/fantasy toys from the 80's and never left them behind (as you can see), Spike feels like a culmination of those ideas into a neat little figure. 

Spike, of course, represents his appearance in the 1986 Transformers movie decked out in his Exo-Suit. As seen in the movie, the suit has an attack mode as well as a vehicle mode that the figure pulls off pretty well. Before I go any further, let me just say that I REALLY like this figure. So I have nothing bad to say AT ALL. He is fairly articulated for a figure at his size and price. For a change, I really dig the included blast effects. I usually take them as a novelty and don't think much of them. Here's they represent the rocket fire from the vehicle modes booster pods. In attack mode, they're the blaster fire! That's nothing new... but it really did it for me this time.

Spike really feels like a natural evolution of Takara SF. All that old Microman and Diaclone art really seemed to be reflected in the 1986 Transformers movie and subsequent seasons. Honestly, if I were in the position to make convention or store exclusives, Spike would get made into a new Microman figure. Some of you are probably glad I'll never be in that position. I want repaints of this toy. Give me a Buzzworthy Bumblebee version in weird 'stealth' colors. They already use the Micronauts font in that line anyway. Let me find some weird knock off of this figure. I want that grind house feel of bootleg robot toys on this mold. I just envisioned a bootleg line where this figure is another character ala Inter-Changeables. Spike is a great version of his appearance in the 1986 movie and the culmination of so much more.

ToyLanta 2022 Report

 

It's time again for ToyLanta! The annual toy show is something I look forward to all year and I can't wait to have some fun. As usual I'll be updating each day, so keep checking this post for all the adventures I'll be having. I'll be updating my Instagram and Twitter all weekend, probably more often than here. So be sure to follow me on those for cool pictures from the show.

Friday-

I arrived at the show Friday evening just after 6pm. The day prior was a mix of sleeping off the work night and con prep. I slept between the grocery order, running to the ATM, getting stuff from store the grocery order was missing, and avoiding a tornado on the way back home. Spring is setting in here in the south, that means tornadoes. 

At the con I met up with Shawn. Friday is a dealers room preview and lobby swap party. The dealers were setting up as we checked some out. The dealer space is massive and we only saw about a half of it as well as the Makers Lab. Makers Lab is an area full of tutorials for customizing toys and creating stuff to go with them. It's always neat. This lead to seeing Buddy before heading to the hotel restaurant for some dinner. 

We ended up chatting and eating for a while and missed the lobby swap. However I think we had a better time. Shawn presented me with Shnaw, the Huddle House Sharkticon. In turn, I gave him StarViper a Zone Base exclusive Targetmaster. He'll pop up here soon. Toylanta is home to a lot of custom toys and those were the ones we made.

I headed home after eating my salad for the night around 10pm. Today's haul was Shnaw. A indie Sasquatch action figure gifted by Shawn. ReAction clear Merman and black Skeletor. Not to mention a Sasquatch mini figure made from recycled coffee mugs. I'm eyeing the room for Gobots tomorrow! But first, I'm going to finish this fig bar and get zome sleep.

Saturday-

I woke up at 7am and watched AEW Rampage off my DVR while making breakfast before heading to the great toy show. Getting there with a little timr before the Transformers panel, I took a little time to look around before going to the panel room. Then raking my place up front and talked with the folks in attendance for a hour. Afterwards Shawn and I went to the downstairs lobby area as Rebel Alliance solders ran about with ice cream makers screaming that the Empire is coming. 

Shawn presented me with a large box full of Transformers. Dude up and gifted me a metric ton of robots. Thanks Shawn! We then took the box to my car before eating at tge golf course restaurant. The hotel has a golf course with a pretty good restaurant, probably should have mentioned that first. Great hamburgers. We then went around through both floors of dealer rooms. More time was spent in the Makers Lab as well. An awesome painting tutorial was being held and I spent some time talking CAD with the 3D printer guru.

More time was spent in the dealers rooms untill they shut down for the day. We found some chairs to take a break. I called the Mrs while Shawn fell asleep. We apparently was next to a door because a dealer was loading up his truck. Well, his girlfriend was while he had apparently drank a bottle of vodka and was busy making an ass of himself. We managed to escape to the hotel restaurant for some soda and tiny baked potatoes with carrots that the menu called 'fingerlings'. We had planned to participate in the parachute drop, but apparently nobody showed up except for us. So the parachute toy catapult was being disassembled as we walked up. It was about 7:30PM and time to head home for the night. Dang, I'm worn out.

Today's haul was a box containing a metric ton of Transformers in was cardboard box gifted by Shawn. Two Wendy's Gobots (don't remember the names currently, blue jeep and a blue jet). Brimstone the Rocklord, and a triceratops Tamagora. A great time was had and we've still got Sunday to go. I plan to revisit the table with ReAction stuff and grab the knight Arthur from Ghouls n' Ghosts and some more Gobots. There was a suprsigly lagre amount of Wheeled Warriors and Metal Man action figures, not to mention Battle Beasts. It's time to get some sleep before the last day. 

Sunday 

I woke up again around 7am and fixed myself some breakfast while watching Golden Girls. Admittedly I wake up around this time normally of I'm not working as it's time to take my medication, but this weekend it's because of Toylanta! And also to take my medication... that's not as exciting though. It was Sunday, the last day of the show and last time to soak it all up. My Mom came with me today, she collects dolls and wanted to see if they had anything good.

We got to the show around 10:40am. First stop was showing Mom where the 'pink room' was. While there's assorted dolls around the dealers room, this was a room full of nothing but dolls. A dealer in noticed my Blockbuster Video t-shirt (auto correct suggested t-shit) and we talked about the glory days of that wonderful store. Shortly afterwards, Shawn found us and we hit the big dealers room. While looking around Mom found a dealer full of dolls whom also was retiring and looking to liquidate. A hundred bucks later, Shawn, Mom, and I walked a ton of doll stuff out to my car. 

We came back and I made a point to grab a ReAction Knight Arthur from a dealer and looked for more Gobots. During the look I made a vaccum form sign for the wife in the Makers Lab and grabbed her some Baby Yoda stickers from a Star Wars booth. Most of those are already on her laptop. I found some more Gobots, two were more Wendy's Gobots.

I was thinking that was the last of the set, but after getting home discovered there was two more I didn't see at the show. That's a need to get so I can complete the set quest I'm now find myself on. After some more browsing we called it a day. The show was winding down and so was I.

I found Shawn and Mom sitting on some chairs talking to a GIJOE cosplayer and got some pictures of Mom with him. Goodbyes were said and I hope to see Shawn again at next years show (dude, you better). Mom and I stopped at a RaceTrac for slushies and donuts on the way home. We got back to my house for a nice homemade bbq dinner the Mrs had waiting.

My haul for Sunday was that ReAction Knight Arthur in magic armor, two more Wendy's Gobots (the names escape me, red car and helicopter bots), and an orange BuggyMan from Gobots. Not to mention the stuff for the Mrs, whom loved her sign (it's now hung in our bedroom). It was a good show this year and well packed with a lot of people. After all this time of covid-mania running wild, things honestly felt back to normal for the first time.

Transform Squadron 30: Micro Mayhem

 

LISTEN HERE

This month: Rob talks about Transformers Micro Machines and hunting for a bootleg Micronaut!

Inter-Changing Things Up

 

Inner Space has been on my mind lately. I've always been a fan of this particular part of Transformers, even before I knew it was part of Transformers. I was just a kid playing with his Pocket Super Heroes and Buck Rogers figures and those neat shiny head guys sure were cool. A weird thing with toy molds is that they often live strange lives. MEGO wasn't the only company to reuse Micronaut molds. There was Lords of Light and Inter-Changeables for example. Unlike Lords of Light (I'll talk about those later), The Inter-Changeables were almost identical to Micronauts/Microman. Considering the packaging and presentation, you'd almost expect them to be a new series by MEGO. 

They weren't, but you'd swear they were and I think that was the intention. Note the hint about joint compatibility on the package above for Cosmo-Man, the new version of the classic Time Traveler figure. Released by Hourtoy for the first series and the second series by M&D Toys, the figures were near identical with just some different colors and names. However these were no bootleg toys, the molds were licensed by Takara (or were they? check down in the comments). I've seen others speculate that there's a MEGO connection. Maybe? They're odd for sure, but I've always appreciated the weirder aspects of these things.

Transform Squadron 29: Neon Shadow Gang

 

Listen Here!

In this episode, Rob talks about toys he’s looking for and goes on several tangents while doing so.

 

picture credit :https://micromanclub.tumblr.com/

MEGO's Multi of Micro

 

One particularly I enjoy about Transformers is the trivial associations. Due to the nature of it's creation and history, Transformers as a brand has formed quite the iceberg so to speak. Even the official mainstream stuff is in murky waters making it more of a lost continent than iceberg. One such dark corner is MEGO. It's pretty common knowledge to most fans that Microman was one of the toy lines used to initially create Transformers. It's also fairly well known that MEGO drew from that same well to create Micronauts. What may not be as well known is what else MEGO did from there.

Companies often reuse existing resources. While it may rub some the wrong way, it's just smart business. It's not much different than you using the same bottle of Tylenol for a different problem than you first bought it for. Things like toy molds are very expensive and usually easy to use again. MEGO for awhile was a pretty popular toy brand before they went into a downward spiral. Aside from Micronauts, their Pocket Super Heroes sold well.

Pocket Super Heroes was a 3 3/4 action figure line featuring Marvel and DC characters. The line was popular, but eventually sales slowed. Micronauts had also waned in popularity leading to extra resources left over. Often through their Lion Rock label, MEGO released various vehicles for use with the Pocket Super Heroes using several Micronauts molds. Ampzilla became Ampzilla for example. Pocket Super Heroes wasn't the only recipient of these molds. MEGO's Buck Rogers line featured the Star Searcher, made from the Micronauts Star Defender. Which itself was the Microman Surveyor 3 originally.

Neat, huh?