Summer fireworks season is still going on and with it our look at monster sparking Transformers. This week, we're taking a look at some monsters who aren't here to hurt you... unless you're a Decepticon. The Monsterbots! The Monsterbots are Autobots who turn into big scary fire breathing monsters. Released in 1987, these are some seriously cool toys. In Headmasters, they're mainly stationed on Planet Beast helping the Beastformers.
In more recent times they got new updated toys. Now with with the Titanmaster and Primemaster gimmicks that are modern updates of Headmasters and Powermasters, they fit more into the timeline that they were introduced in. Some of the Titanmasters are Beastformers even! Repugnus seemingly gets the most new toys over the years (it's impossible to ignore his excellent Cyberverse figure). However Doublecross/Twinferno has been getting some extra attention in more recent years.
Summer is a fun time that can also be pretty scary sometimes. We've got one more look at sparking Transformers until the fireworks season is over. But don't worry, Spooky Summer won't be over for a while and we've got some more scary themed Transformers to help with the creepiness of the season. After all, we're getting into ghost story time.
The terror of the deep. If he's not stealing sunken
treasure or ancient artifacts, he amuses himself by smashing holes
in submarines and cruise ships. Electrically-charged, razor-tipped
harpoon gun momentarily short-circuits on contact. Also armed with
vice-like tentacles that stick to any surface. So strong underwater
that he can wrestle a whale to a standstill. Inner robot converts
to metal-rending crab creature equipped with depth gauges, deep-sea
radar and acetylene torch gun.
Siege, Earthrise. Both Transformers toy lines with heavy focus on Micromasters. Earthrise even makes a point for multiple Micromaster bases in it's ranks. Let's go a few lines back, Power of the Primes and Titans Return, also featuring small toy play. Titanmasters in fact had very similar play features and so may of the larger bots in Titans Return had base modes.
I'm making a badly formed case for Grandus to make his return. Look at him, a toy so wonderful they came up with a new way to say grand. He'd be perfect, he'd be wonderful, even grand. Honestly, I don't know why there isn't a Grandus sitting on the shelf of my local Walmart. Hasbro could be coy. They could disguise him as one of the G1 reissue line. The more legit members of society would get it. We'd know what the score is. I'd even go buy some grands biscuits to make it a thing. I'd have a grand ass day.
I've been loving Transformers Siege toys. I've got literally no real complaints about the line and wish it'd go on forever. It won't though, and with SDCC this weekend, like you I'll find out what's following it. Transformers lines used to get 18 months of a life span, or at least until the line got a refresh. Starting with Power of the Primes though, Generations seemingly has shifted to a year long life cycle. It is what it is and frankly a nice way to keep the selection fresh. Though like I said, Siege will by the end of this year and it's follow up will most likely be shown in some form by SDCC.
Usually by now something has leaked. Hasbro has been pretty good about containing leaks these days, but by now there would be something. Closest we have is stuff for Siege that hasn't came out yet. It's at this point I wonder, will it be that different? Hear me out. Combiner Wars was pretty different from Titans Return, which was similar to Power of the Primes, but still had it's differences. All three were part of a trilogy full of toys pretty dang distinct from each other aide from the beginning and end.
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.
This artwork has been floating all over the internet earlier today (at least as of when I woke up) of some unknown Generations character. Most are assuming it to be a Micromaster or Battlemaster for Siege while some are saying the art style doesn't match up with the Siege art we've been shown. Judging by the more traditional Optimus Prime in the image, I wonder if it's for some store/expo banner or even the trading card game. Of course it could be for Siege and not all the art is exactly the same.
I'm only posting because it's fun to speculate on a unknown Transformer. It's been a while since the opportunity to do that has came up. Usually it's pretty clear who the character is latley. I've been saying this since Titanmasters, but man these smaller 'Masters' figures from Generations are my favorite thing in Transformers these days. I would say I hope Takara gets wild with them like they've done in the past, but they've apparently stopped doing that for the time being. Recolors of small 'Masters' would make great premiums. Like a mail away, or a exclusive version inside a store exclusive gift set. Maybe even some sort of official organization, it would make a good 'freebie' type (because that cost totally wasn't folded into something else... nah).
I guess Hasbro decided to make this years SDCC exclusives the freaking bomb or something, because, in addition to that amazing Bumblebee set I talked about last week, they unveiled this amazing thing today. Just look at that thing, that's amazing. They've taken the POTP Optimal Optimus, colored him like BW season one Primal and gave him a throne to display all his Primemasters on as well as a magic mace to use them with (because Gauntlets are so last week) and most importantly, a freaking crown. I really want this, and once again the crushing reality of the online sales of these exclusives are usually sold out within minutes insuring a busy working professional like myself to miss out. Sucks, but I guess that's the trade off. That's really awesome though, I mean... MAN THAT'S AWESOME.
Hey Hasbro, you know you could send me some review copies right?
I'll make no bones about it. I want a Pretender Megatron (and the Optimus and Oilmaster as well, but I'm talking about Megatron here). Full stop, he could have been anyone else. Just as long as it had that sweet reuse of the Grand Maximus shell. That was a great use of the mold and in the dark colors just looks great. When the TFCC's final year of existing brought this out to play, I was amazed. I really wanted to subscribe to the subscription service to get it, but alas, it was not to be. Sometimes money doesn't always fold the way you'd like it, and it didn't fold in the favor of getting this guy. Really, it could have been anybody in that shell and I'd been sold (though Spacewarp is a really great idea). Anybody who reads Zone Base knows I'm a Pretender fan and at the time those new Pretenders from the TFCC was a siren song. Fortunately Primemasters came along and gave me Pretenders in a new flavor. Unfortunately, there's not enough of them. I want like, billions of them.
The greatest treasures are found in the darkest
places!
A hard-working hothead. Always concerned with getting
the job done right. Outer shell constructed of high density Cybertronic
alloy, impervious to most armaments. Outside his shell, transforms
into all-terrain, exploration vehicle. Mining activities facilitated
by electromagnetic, sonic, thermal, chemical and radiation scanners.
Armed with laser saber and astro blaster that shoots concentrated
bursts of incendiary explosives.
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...
Note the Power Suits in this old Diaclone commercial kinda look like...
Good old Pretender Cloudburst's shell...
Who just got a Primemaster update, which is just small enough...
To fit a modern Diaclone pilot with a minor modification, and hey...they look a little similar to that inner robot.
This never occurred to me until I saw a guy in Microfans posting his custom Power Suits using Primemaster decoy armor. My mind was blown with just a little paint and a piece to give the pilot something to stand on in the suit how suddenly Cloudburst was adapted. I wonder if this was intentional? Either way, it's super cool.
I love Primemasters. They're a great way to homage Pretenders and Powermasters all in one. But I'll be super honest, I think it would be so freaking cool if there was a way of putting tiny versions of the original Pretender inner robots into Primemaster decoy armor. I loved smallest Transformers back in their day and can't help but to think tiny little transforming bots to go in those tiny shells would just be the Bumblebee's knees. The transformations aren't even complex, so I can't imagine they'd be that hard to pull off.
So... why does' he have to suit up before unleashing his inner robot? He's inside the shell right?
I know me saying who and what Pretenders I'd love to see as Primemasters is hardly anything new, but man I'd love to see that un-produced spider monster Pretender shell as a Primemaster. The gorilla has seen the light of day as Oilmaster and Optimus Prime by way of Fun Pub (with all new shell albeit), but man that spider monster is just so crazy cool looking that I'd LOVE to see it make an appearance. I know it will never happen, but I see it as an ideal choice.
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.
I've not made it a secret that I really love the Titans Return line. The bulk of that love comes from the Titanmasters and how they interact with the larger bots. It's a combination of Micromasters, Headmasters, and Diaclone play patterns that just melts together in a wonderful robot fondue. So while wondering what they could do with Titanmasters if they ever revisit the play pattern and it came to me.
Several Diaclone vehicles would combine to form larger robots in which would have a pilot. I could easily see a Titanmaster, Primemaster, or even a similar new little robot utilize these vehicles to form a combiner that houses it's accompanied drivers as a team. While I can't predict the future, I'd be hard pressed to not see that be a big hit. I mean, it would be glorious. Think of tracking down all those little bots and finally reach the big pay off in this cool giant robot they'd form. Imagine if you could mix and match the little parts. Or what if there was blind bagged wacky color variations?
As Power of the Primes toys start popping up, my excitement for the line grows more and more (add in the fact that I am under a strict buy no toys until after Christmas ruling from my wife, and I get even more antsy). I've spent so much time focusing on Primemasters, that I've just now started thinking about the Evolution figures in the line. The leader class figures all have this great Evolution gimmick, which is similar to Star Saber, in which a smaller robot can merge with the rest of his larger vehicle mode to form a larger super robot. In fact, I've been told that the leader class Optimus Prime figure was designed by the designer of the original Star Saber figure (I'm not sure just how true that is yet). It may be just wishing in one hand, but man oh man would I like to see a Evolution Star Saber figure in this line. It's just too perfect of an opportunity.
I got this picture off Google images, apparently someone got this picture from Wowslider.
I'm not doing a very good job at hiding my excitement for Primemasters. I've been wanting a Pretenders update for a very long time. I had gotten used to homage toys that basically used the shells as the robot mode without any actual shell. Fun Publications did a few Pretenders that I thought were awesome, but whoa nelly not for their asking price. I mean whoa the crap nelly. As Primemasters are basically mini figures using the shells, it's a good way to homage them and really, I like small toys.
Not to mention, I'll never own a Metalhawk. Sure, I have a pvc of him from that one particular wave of SCF, but never the real toy. There were a few updates, a BotCon I had to miss, a box set that sold out before I could commit (and was under the understanding that it would be more widespread... thanks TF news sites!). But never to actually get a Metalhawk. There was a cool Bootleg I saw of him that was floating around back in the day. Yep, never was able to track one down for myself.
But there's a Primemaster Metalhawk a coming, one for $5 that will be easy to get. Well, that's a gosh darn win in my book.
