South Claw [Gobots/Monster Gobots]

Usually when I talk about a Transformers Combiner, I make a point to talk about the concessions made for the combiner mode. With Gobots... that's not really the case. South Claw forms the left arm of Monsterous, but aside from the connector peg, you'd probably never know. South Claw is also known as Weird Wing in Machine Men and Death Claw/Number Three in Machine Robo. It's also worth noting that Monsterous is also known as Puzzler Fiends in Machine Men and Devil Satan 6 in Machine Robo. Also worth noting, I love the names in Gobots/Machine Men/Machine Robo. He's pretty much the same toy in each line, I think the only notable change is the wings are a lighter grey in Gobots.

South Claw is a Monster Gobot member of the Renegades who turns into a pretty gnarly flying kaiju monster. One fun thing about Monster Gobots is just how far out their designs are. South Claw is this weird cycloptic freak who looks like something Samus Aran would battle. Like most Gobots, he's reasonably articulated for a toy of his time... actually, maybe a little bit more. His forearms have a nice swivel and his wings can be posed in robot mode to give him an extra devilish look. Transformation is pretty easy as he mostly folds in half with parts re-arranged. I really like the purple/pink he's cast in.

I got this South Claw (it's a play on south paw) at ToyLanta 2024 from a hipster couple who regularly run a pretty decent booth. They sold him for a really low price because, as you can probably tell, he's got a chewed up foot/claw. Either someone's dog or feral cousin got a hold of it. Outside of that, the toy is in decent shape. A little paint wear and dings here and there. It's to be expected when paying a few bucks for an almost 40 year old toy. Maybe I'll find a junker to swap out parts with... or just have a South Claw with a fucked up foot. Sometimes these little dings give older toys extra charm. South Claw is a pretty good Gobot on his own and part of a pretty cool combiner team. His weird looks give him extra character and those colors make him look out of this world.

Bios: Courageous/Grungy

Earth trembles under the shocking force of GoBotron's newest surprises: Power Warriors!

Guardian Power Warrior, Courageous, assembles with Leader-1 commanding inside the armored chest, while four top Guardian soldiers enter each protective Power Suit. The friendly GoBots immediately begin their enemy location search using Power Suits' information gathering skills: telescopic sight, keen hearing, super-sense touch, and smart smell.

However, the menacing form of Power Warrior, Grungy, looms evilly in the distance, with Cy-Kill encased in his armored chest. Four Renegade henchmen work inside Grungy's Power Suits, using the spy-sight, eavesdrop hearing, razor sharp touch, and tracking smell to locate their foes.

The fight goes on as each side looks for the weak point that will mean the other's defeat. Power Warriors may be the ones to finish the battle but the question remains - who will be the winner?

Bios: Fracture

Dedicated to Megatron and the Decepticon cause, Decepticon Fracture is a dangerous enemy. She is totally fearless, and probably a little bit crazy, as she dives directly into any battle, regardless of the odds. Although she carries a powerful negative energy blaster, she prefers to use the seismic energy dischargers on her feet to smash the surrounding earth to pieces. Any battlefield on which she walks shudders with the force of her steps.

Strenght: 7 Intelligence: 4 Speed: 8 Endurance: 8

Rank: 5 Courage: 10 Fireblast: 8 Skill: 3

I'm gonna say Gobots a Million times

I've been wanting to talk about Buggyman for awhile now. Buggyman is a Gobot that doesn't get included often when the subject of Gobots comes up. He's not one of the main characters, so that's understandable. Gobot's have a lot of different toys and were released under a bunch of different lines. I don't know everything about them... nobody really does. The best you can do use use the references available. However, back to Buggyman. He's a pretty charming little guy. Pretty much what I think of when thinking of Gobots. He's got the signature look. This is the second version of Buggyman in Gobots, the first is in blue. I actually tried to go over the variations in a recent TikTok I made on this toy. Let's watch that real quick.

@robfromzonebase Buggyman #zonebase #gobots #Bandai #tonka #machinerobo #machinemen #robomachine #revengofcronos #toys #toysoftiktok ♬ original sound - Zone Base

Honestly I'd make more videos more often, but spare time is a fleeting thing. I don't think I'm writing this posts intention to talk about Buggyman in the same way you'd talk about a toy in a review. I don't think I do reviews... I mean... it's a purely subjective subject. What's my qualifications, or anyone else's to decide if a toy is good or not? I really just want to talk about Gobots and Buggyman is going to be my example for today. Ya'll dig? I'm going to put pictures of Buggyman in for the people who don't read and just skim over the pics. They'll never know. The actual post will just be our thing. Post readers club... somebody make a hand sign and we'll all do it.

I said Buggyman (damn, that's a fun name) was what I thought when thinking of Gobots. That means a few things. First... look at that face. That's the quintessential Gobot face. It's similar to several others across all the Machine Robo/Gobot robots. That goes for that box around his head as well. Despite what Buggyman turns into (a dune buggy, it's in his name), he absolutely looks like a standard issue Gobot. All the design bullet points are met. You may second guess an oddball robot here or there, but this is definitely a Gobot on sight. Also a great example of why Gobots are so fun. The wonderful die-cast, that traditional Bandai look, those rubber tires. For what was intended to be an inexpensive toy, Buggyman is pretty high quality.

Then there's the influence, intended or not. I loved Mini-Cons when they were first released. Still do. Not only did they remind me of Micromasters... but they also reminded me of Gobots. Take Ironhide for example... it's almost a tiny recreation of Buggyman. All those random alt modes and the mixture of unique and traditional robot modes. They were almost a Machine Robo line nestled in a Transformers line. Ironically the two brands were heated competitors at the time with robot fans winning in the end.

Blood and Brimstone

 

Brimstone/BloodyRock is a pretty awesome toy. As far as Rock Lords go, he's pretty freaking hardcore. This giant red demonic stone robot with a monster head toting a burning axe. I almost wish that his Gobots name was BloodyRock, just to sell how monstrous he was... but Brimstone is a pretty good name too. Most of the evil Rock Lords have wonderfully monstery appearances as is, but they generally still just turn into rocks. Brimstone pretty much turns into some evil stone table probably used for evil rituals. Which of course is ideal for a children's toy.

When the Vamp's Outside

 

Vamp is one of the Monster Gobots that automatically springs to mind whenever you think about the group. Like the other Monster Gobots, Vamp's original mold is a Devil Invader toy from Machine Robo. Called Casmodon, where he varies quite a bit from Vamp. Casmodon is more of a swamp and ocean specialist, which owes to his Gilman like appearance. As Vamp, she has the power to drain power from other GoBots. I'm assuming this was inspired by the collar formed from alt mode kibble in robot form. 

Thinking about it, Vamp does kinda look like Nosferatu in some ways. Regardless, she's clearly the most 'monstery' of the Monster Bots. An excellent toy as well. I wish I knew where mine currently was. There's also a larger Super Gobots version and Ripclaw from Beast Hunters is intended to be a homage to Vamp. I've always really liked the alt mode. Like the other Monster Gobots it's a weird vehicle of sorts that sorta looks like the Batmobile. Pretty fitting for a vampire robot.

Ask about Wendy's Special Edition Gobots

 

I wasn't planning to buy Wendy's GoBots, but by the end of ToyLanta, I owned four of them. Initially I thought I had completed the set, but then realized there was two more. Welp, off to Ebay. Let's talk about them for a minute,they're hella neat. You guys know I love my GoBots and fast food premiums. So, of course I'm a sucker for these little guys. Today is my birthday, so I'm going to indulge myself a little to talk about silly things... as opposed to everyday when I... so yeah.

It's well known that GoBots were mostly made from Bandai's Machine Robo Toys, however these little bots were original creations made exclusively for Wendy's. They're small with pretty basic transformations, but pleasantly fit right on in with your other bots that go. It's a common misconception that they were included with kids meals, but actually they were sold individually at stores for 99 cents with purchase. There were things like story books available as well. Wendy's went all out with this promotion including my favorite extra. The little tray liner had art of the toys with their bios! It's pretty hard not to appreciate the little guys, and I'm compelled to complete the set now that I've gotten most of them.

I'm pinching your head

 

Pincher/Falgos is one of those Gobots that can be harder to get now. He has just enough breakable parts that finding one in decent condition can be a challenge. I got him and Scorp randomly one day in the 2nd grade. I say randomly as my mom just had them waiting for me after school one day. Neither lasted very long unfortunately. Just like the Leader-1, whom I found one day with a broken arm, I suspect a certain jealous cousin got his grubby hands on them. Same kid who every year tripped over his bed sheet ghost costume while we tricked or treated and threw a temper tantrum at least twice every year. Though watching him spike his McBoo Pail on the ground in anger was pretty great.

Back to Pincher. He's a weird bot that really fills out the role of Devil Invader. With wings, pinchers, and overall look. Pincher could fit in with the gang in a Ghouls n' Ghosts game. In alt mode, he's a easily one of the coolest vehicle modes ever. A weird demon/dinosaur/bird/jet hybrid that's pretty far out. I managed to replace Scorp, but haven't yet found a decent Pincher for a good price. Hopefully that'll change soon. He's too cool not to own again.

Spoiler Alert

 

Spoiler is a Gobot that I have a lot of love for. Which is funny as I didn't know his name until I was an adult. I was given Spoiler, but not as a gift or anything. My neighbor at the time who was something of a family friend had found it in his yard and gave it to me. I was pretty unfamiliar with it and after reviewing the back of various Gobot packages decided he was Good Knight. Now before you point out that he obviously isn't, Gobots generally just had robot modes on cardbacks. That and I was 8. 

Years later I was corrected and it's good to be. But let's talk about Spoiler for a minute. He's one of the Renegades and really enthusiastic. Originally in Machine Robo, the toy was known as Countach Robo. Spoiler is generally a straight repack of the green eyed red version without the extra stickers. He's a pretty good toy. Fairly articulated for the time (shoulders, knees) and a solid alt mode. Not to mention, there's a lot of die-cast metal that just makes him pleasant in hand. Spoiler isn't one of the more well known Gobots. However he's a pretty good one, just not a Good Knight.

Don't miss your train

At Toylanta this past year, I managed to get a few Gobots for pretty good prices. I pretty much focused on them at the show and had fun doing so. I plan to do the same again this coming show and opefully bringing even more home. You guys know I love my Gobots. 

Loco here is one of those bought from this years con and man I really won out with him. He was only $5 and in pretty good shape. A few dings in the paint and that's it. His joints are tight and as you can see in the pics, he looks a lot better than I'm used to when buying a used Gobot. Go me.

Loco is a pretty simple robot, but still pretty solid. As his name implies, Loco turns into a train. Not a bullet train like you'd usually expect. Nope, an old timey steam engine style train. I believe the technical term is a choo-choo train. Transformation is pretty simple, his arms poke in and he folds over. Despite the simplicity, Loco has solid train and robot modes. In Machine Robo his name is Steam Robo, can you guess why? Loco is mostly black with some red and gold. Don't forget that classic chrome. His chest stickers are leftovers from Steam Robo and they look great. That's just about the only word to describe this toy. He's pretty great.

Put A GoBot On Your Shit

Tonka decided to step up their attack during the great transforming robot toy wars of the 80's. This lead to the addition of free 3D stickers included with your Gobots purchases in 1985. I'm only human, don't threaten me with a good time. I'll gladly take your holographic stickers. My only question is, why only 12? I could see packs of these for sale next to the trading cards. Collect them all and put them on all. Your Trapper Keeper, bike, or malt liquor. Anythings fair game in the 3D sticker game.

Bios: Spike Stone

Type: Related to triceratops with horned nose and armored body

Spike Stone and other Rockasaurs roam the land showing no favor to either good or evil rock warriors. Rockasaurs guard their territory jealously attacking all who are foolish enough to challenge their might! When Spike Stone changes from rock to beast, he becomes a menacing monster!

Creepy Invader From Space

Creepy's great when you need a little spooky shit in your life. As the standard retail release or the cool mail away version, he's just a great example of what makes a Monster Gobot so awesome. With the reveal of Kingdom Scorponok earlier I've been hoping for a new Creepy as a repaint. I can't help to associate the two thanks to Scorponok's Happy Meal toy. I'd imagine it'd be perfect for a Netflix Transformer at Walmart. Oh man, what if that came out at Halloween time?

Bios: Granite

Rank- Good rock warrior

Body Type- Granite: a tough-as-nails composition that reflects his strength and determination.

Weapon- T-Gun

A happy-go-lucky rock with a ready laugh, Granite is truly a "gently giant". But put him in the thick of a fight and he's one of the most fearsome combatants on the battlefeild.

Despite its ordinary appearance, the T-Gun's shiny bullets will pierce anything and that's enough to send any evil rock running for cover!

Bios- Creepy

From the depths of the Antares Star System, on a scorched planet of soot and ash, a modified mutant emerges -- Creepy.

Though a weird intermingling of metallic and living parts, this fearsome creature arises -- easily able to change from monster-robot to monster-vehicle.

A welcome recruit to Cy-Kill's band of Renegades, Creepy can use his claws to snap GoBots in half, or send a lethal poison shooting out from his spider legs.

The worst of all monsters to creep into existence, Creepy thrills to the sport of his deadly games. Even Renegades must take care that Creepy's power doesn't threaten their existence. Guardians -- Beware! The final conflict may be near!

Bios- Brimstone

Rank- Evil Rock Warrior/Second In Command

Body Type- Brimstone: A foul-smelling combination of sulfur and rock.

Weapon- The Torcher

Brimstone's scheming intellect makes him a deadly foe. Brimestone is always ready to step in for Magmar and take command. Brandishing The Torcher, his flame-throwing weapon, he laughs wickedly as he charges fearlessly into battle.

Scamble! Devil Invaders Attack!

Revenge Of The Gobots

Dang, Gobots are Scary

I've been pondering what all to look for at Toylanta this year. Admittedly I'll probably not follow up on any of my plans, but I intend to keep an eye out for the things I'm keeping in mind. If somebodies got it for a good price, yep. Well... as you all know I fall into Halloween withdrawal around the first week of November. What's a dude in a spooky mood to do? Well, I do plan to look for Gobots. I've said it before, they're a good candidate for a toy show. Dude. Monster Gobots are just the thing! I has Halloween Robots in March?

Machine Robo Battle Armor 5 is my band name

I've posted this before, but as is the nature of sharing video clips from the internet, sometimes they disappear leaving a post with a grey box where a video should be. Shit happens I guess, but it gives me another chance to share this really cool long form animated commercial for Battle Armor 5. Battle Armor 5 is what GoBots fans know as Courageous and Grungy. Or as Zone Base readers know as Our Friend Power 5.