Faces Of Apes

Ever find yourself needlessly comparing things? I was doing that earlier today. My Siege Apeface had sat unopened for a good week until this morning when I finally dug into him. Since I really liked the Titanmaster Apeface toy, I took the time to needlessly compare a $30 toy to a $5 toy. Remember when they used to refer to the internet as the information super highway? Posts like this are one of the reasons they stopped doing that.

While the jet modes have the same basic shape, they actually look a lot different. I've always thought the Titanmaster (TM for now on) toy looked like the GIJOE Conquest while the Siege toy is clearly based on the original toy. Which is pretty cool that even at vastly different prices and a release difference of 3 years they're visually different toys.

The robot forms of the head modes are pretty different. While the Siege toy has more colors, the TM is sculpted better. The Siege version is supposed to be Spasma and he looks pretty close to the cartoon model. The TM toy is a teeny tiny version of Apeface. While Titans Return was full of homages, they still took a lot of creative liberties, which I dig. The Siege toy is 100% meant to be an updated version of the original and I dig that too. See, you can be of both minds.

In ape mode, once again we've got two completely distinct toys based on the same character. The TM toy is a cool mech for the main bot to pilot, while Siege once again is the classic toy updated. I didn't care for transforming the Siege toy into this mode. I found it pretty fiddly and probably ended up doing several things wrong. Though this is literally apples to oranges and not really a comparison. It's just a small gripe in an otherwise great figure.

The most distinct difference though is the most obvious comparison point. Head on! Both toys use the same connector system and the TM toy was a much looser fit.  While both are made to look like the original Apeface, the Siege toy once again is clearly based on the original toy while the TM toy is more stylized and visually invoking the Decepticon symbol. Both look really good on the toy... but considering just how much the toy is supposed to be an update, the Siege head looks much more at home.

A Grand Time

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.

Bios- Apeface

Obnoxiousness is not a problem, it is an art.

Thoroughly obnoxious -- pounds loudly on his chest plates, insults everyone he talks to, knocks over anyone in his way, never changes his lubricant so he smells like a grease-encrusted turboworm, and spits fuel in public. Binary-bonded to the nervous, insecure Nebulan Spasma. In jet Mode, maximum speed: 3250mph, emits powerful jamming frequencies. In ape Mode, has super-agility. In robot Mode, carries electro-shield and semi-automatic sonic boomer gun.

Pouring one out for Titan Masters

I'm loving Siege and were it's going with Earthrise, don't get me wrong. I love the Micromaster interaction and all the great things going on. Just man, I really miss Titans Return. I just loved them damn Titanmasters so freaking much.

Siege... then what?

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.

Micromaster Transports

I love small Transformers, you know this. Often I find myself wishing for more play sets to go with the current crop of Tiny TF on shelves. Titan Masters had the benefit of larger TF's having a base mode for them with their partners acting as vehicles (as well as the larger TF's). That was great. Now with Siege bringing me outright Mircomasters, I'd really love to have more to go with them.

The transports of the G1 Micromasters were wonderful and probably some of my favorite Micromasters related things. I've always liked when Optimus's trailer became a play set, with the transports, you had several 'trailers' with that functionality. It's a little silly to see a truck hop into it's trailer and fly around... but at this point we've already accepted so much that this seems completely normal.

Battle Titans

It's funny the way things work out. I was thinking earlier that I hadn't done a Battle Beast post in a while and out of nowhere, the newest Legends Web Comic went online today. As you may know, the web manga/ comics are Battle Beast heavy. This issue was an absolute treat to skim over (it's not in English, so I have to get what I can out of it) as there was a little surprise in the panels.

That sure looks like a Kabuto Mushi in the mix, because it kinda is. The designs were in the Laser Beast Japanese book, but The Godbeast did make a set. That's super dooper cool man. I mean like, sooper dooper. I've made my love for Titans Return and Battle Beasts far known here and have really appreciated the many Battle Beasts worked into Titans Return as Titanmasters. One neat thing about Battle Beasts is the fact that there is constantly new ones coming out. Be it newer lines like Titans Returns, Beast Saga and in the Minimates assortments, or unofficial figures in other lines (Imaginext has all but out heat rub stickers on theirs), there's usually some form of Battle Beast available.

Looking back, it wasn't until I was older and had internet access until I discovered that Battle Beasts were part of Transformers. Both were toy lines I had always loved, but their association never occurred to me and then it was all so obvious. Seeing the continued use of Battle Beasts in Transformers is something I just freaking find awesome. Not just that they're constantly still used, but generally used well and in a way that I enjoy quite a lot.

GiG Diaclone Powerdashers

Like others, I often compare Diaclone to Titans Return as they're super similar. Which has led me down the path of wondering why the Powerdashers didn't make an appearance in Titans Return. Sure, they were hardly a footnote in Transformers, but they played the same role in Diaclone as a Titanmaster partner or even how the Titans Returns incarnation of the Clones worked in the line. The more I think about it, they're pretty similar in construction to an Energon Igniter figure. If I could be so bold to hope for another line with Titanmasters/Primemasters style play gimmicks, maybe I could be just a touch more bold and hope for Powerdasher type figures.

Damn, I loved Titans Return.

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.

Who dat

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).

EDIT ONE ETERNITY LATER: Mystery was solved. Well, that's neat.

Battle Beast Former Saga

I don't make my fondness for Battle Beasts a mystery. Even of they weren't related to Transformers, I'd still love them dearly. What's not to love? Little animal dudes with cybernetic armor fighting it out using basic elemental powers in an eternal struggle of roshambo. It also doesn't hurt that they're great toys either. Thankfully for us Beastformer fans, Takara's latest Transformers Legends web comic includes the little fuzzy dudes beating the crap out of each other in good form.

Headmaster of the class

I just really dig the intro music for Headmasters. I've always liked the show quite a bit, but man that intro song is just great. Yeah, yeah... insert guy who put's himself in front of everything at every chance telling me how bad Headmasters is... and just like every other fandom zealot, I ignore them completely (too many folks want to make everything about them). I actually quite like the Japanese series despite how different they are from the American produced ones. Admittedly, I really like Transformers and have a hard time not enjoying Transformers, so go figure I'd like Transformers.

When I first learned of the new seasons made for Japan I was instantly keyed in on finding out as much as I could about them. Here I was in my late teens, Beast Wars was showing in syndication and the internet was becoming available to me. First something at school, then shortly after at home. All I wanted to do was consume all the stuff I didn't know about all the stuff I liked. Suddenly those weird cheap robot toys at Big Lots made a bunch of sense, turns out they were knock offs of Transformers from Japan and other parts of the world!

As much as I enjoyed the Rebirth, I always felt cheated as it was a rushed ending. Sure, I loved season 5, G2, and all the other ways reruns were packaged... but I wanted more. So of course more seasons was just the ticket. Headmasters ignores The Rebirth and acts as a more complete season 4. After that the series kinda follows a more traditional Japanese super robot cartoon format, which is ok by me as I like super robot cartoons as well as variety. I really enjoyed the way Headmasters work better in Japanese fiction than American. It's just more logical too me. The way Titanmasters work fictionally makes better sense to me than US Headmasters as well.

In Japan, the Headmaster is the character and is a tiny dude using the body to make himself bigger. That makes sense. In the US version, it's another guy sharing a body. When the head is disconnected, the actual Transformer is just a car. It's allegedly a play on 'two heads are better than one', but it was always kinda clunky to me. Sure, for a Targetmaster it makes all the sense in the world. The gun aims itself and acts as a partner. A Headmaster? Well great, now this guy has two personalities and one is just a car. A Titanmaster gives the TF it's partnered with special abilities, so now it makes sense as to why somebody would willingly give up their head to share a body with. It's an upgrade of sorts, to me anyway.

So uh... I like the song...

Pillow Fort Max

He almost looked like this

I've always really liked Fortress Maximus. Just have. Just really dig his look. I wish there was more of him available at a smaller size. I have the Kabaya kit, it's love. I'd like to get the TF JR version, and hope to find that tiny K.O of him someday at a Tuesday Morning. Just to have more Max and also so I'm not wrestling with a toy the size of a toddler like when I play with my G1 or Titans Return versions. In fact, the first night I was playing with my G1 Fort Max I hurt myself a few times due to his size. There I was, a broke community college student who finally gotten his own Fortress Maximus after wanting one for so long. I was in my bedroom in the apartment I had at the time. It was pretty late at night and I had just finally got some time to myself after another shift at the crappy Office Max I worked at and the hordes of people that always find a way to your place when you're young finally left.

I was sitting on my bed, cross legged, in a pair of basketball shorts and a t shirt. Just chillaxing and playing my finally acquired treasure. My large, stiff hinge jointed treasure that required to be put into wrestling holds to transform. Then it happened, I closed a part and with a loud kachunk... I pinched a good couple of inches of skin in the hinge and while gasping in pain pulled my arm from the trap trying not to curse too loud (roommate was asleep). There was a long red line forming on my arm and swelling.

I had given myself a 4 inch long blood blister with Fort Max. 

Ow. 

Wiping the tears from my eyes, I carefully put him back into robot mode... from a  slight distance. I held my robot joy up in the air to look upon him, sitting cross legged... and man he's kinda heavy...

He slipped and fell right into my man parts.

DAMMIT

So, needless to say I put him away for the night.

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...

Mail call!

Today came the mail and with it awesome stuff. First was my Grotusque whom my wife ordered for me and came in a bonafide contraption like Arcee did. I kinda like these contraptions and wish more toys came in them.

Also my friend John, knowing my love of Kinder Surprise Eggs and blind bagged toys set me a care package of Kinder copy cats that I'm really excited to open. I plan to do that this weekend and make a post here of it. I'm pretty excited (hear that music starting up, told y'all, thug life). Also he sent a cheese ball that's a tradition of his heritage which I think I find more awesome than the eggs. I'm going to share that with the wife this weekend. Paired with a great Star Wars card, this made for a great high five to start my day!

Mail Call Heroics!

My hero Shawn saved the Ramhorn day!

Nothing says Christmas like Battle Beasts!

Having a super fun Christmas full of robots, rangers, and games. Hope everyone out there in Zone Base Land is having a happy holiday!

Power of the Primes Dreadwind

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.

Multi Master

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?

Man, that'd be neat.

Insert Coins

Takara is just baiting me at this point.