ToyLanta 2026!

It’s time once again for ToyLanta!

I’ll be attending the convention all weekend and, as usual, doing a daily report right here! I’ll also be hosting the annual Transformers panel with Dusty — if you’re at the show, please come by and join in! The panel will be Sunday at 2pm!

Be sure to check out my Instagram for photos from the show, and don’t forget to check back here daily for updates as the weekend unfolds!

Friday – I got a late start heading to the show for the first day thanks to traffic (ug, driving through Atlanta) arriving just before 7pm. This left me a little time to check in (Hi Brett!) and and check out the Friday preview. ToyLanta has really grown to a HUGE show, so I hardly had time to check out around 1/4th of the lower show floor before it was time to leave. Fortunately I made the most of that time and enjoyed myself greatly.

There were many cool toy companies on hand and I found myself having some great conversations. While checking out things, I ran into Jerry. Jerry is a great guy and it's always good to see him. We chatted some about Transformers Cybertron before heading about to check out more of the show. I look forward to seeing him more later. I also made a new friend Garry who was setting up one really awesome booth. He had a ton of Transformers including a plentiful amount of Blokees and a great Unicron display. Speaking of Blokees, there was SO MANY! I was in heaven... will be buying so many.

One thing that absolutely floored me was the amount of people enjoying my stickers. The Mrs had gotten me a thermal printer at Christmas and I designed a new sticker to hand out for Zone Base. Well, I brought a little over 60 (in multiple colors) in my Shin-Chan pouch to hand out and... they were gone in minutes! I saw people sticking them on their bags, their phones, everywhere! Talk about flattering.

After roaming around after the dealer preview closed for a little bit I headed home for the night. I had stopped by Kroger to pick the Mrs up a few things before heading home and parked next to an SUV completely full of trash. Well, it looked like trash. Tons of crap.. and boxes of pho. Weird. After heading home I enjoyed some pizza and TV with the Mrs before printing out more stickers for Saturday.

I printed out 120-130 more (in various colors) while the Mrs cut them out. The Shin-Chan pouch is full again! Well, it's late as I'm writing this on my phone in bed with MXC on in the background. Time to get some sleep, there's a whole weekend of Toylanta ahead of me... and I'm excited.

My haul for Friday is was a Servo from Super Human Samurai Cyber Squad/Gridman and a purle keshi of the Last Seeker that comes with a mini-comic. It was originally a BotCon 2022 exclusive, so that's neat to own. The Last Seeker had a booth with the main toy available in multiple colors. I'm deciding which one to get as it's pretty tempting in each option. Also Warlords of Wor have an excellent booth (as usual) and I've got my work cut out for me picking what I want. Decisions, decisions.

Saturday – I got to the show around 12pm starting my day not terribly long after the show's start. I ran into Mike and Judy in the parking garage as we were taking pictures of our parking locations to remember for later. The day is actually something of a blurr, so I'll just give highlights.

David Faustino was a con guest for Saturday only, leading to Bud Bundy delivering many of the convention announcements. I stuck around to see his autograph session begin with a guy dressed as Al Bundy who brought a replica of the Bundy couch for the two to sit on for a picture. Later after I had went to put my hoodie in my car, I saw the guy carrying the couch out of the convention center. Dude just brought a couch with him.

Speaking of guests, Daniel Pesnia and Anthony Marquez who were in the original Mortal Kombat games were guests at the show (among other esteemed folks). By chance I was wearing a cool Mortal Kombat t-shirt the Mrs had given me. As I walked past them, Daniel Pesnia stepped to me to tell me he liked my shirt and introduce himself. We totally shook hands and exchanged pleasantries for a bit. Johnny Cage is a very nice guy. 

I ran into Jerry again who had friends in tow whoms names I can't currently remember (sorry guys, it was cool talking with you). I also ran into Matt whom I befriended at the 2024 show and never saw last year. I'm looking forward to catching up with him tomorrow! I also chatted some with 2M3D Prints whom I had bought some cool dragons for the Mrs from in 2023.

I also met Team No Sleep 3D and bought some cute stuff for the Mrs. That was a real treat as they work in special effects for movies and TV. It was cool talking with them, especially as that was something I wanted to do as a kid. Speaking of new friends, I met Rise of the Nexus a husband and wife duo whom were showcasing their new action figure/table top game system. Really cool people whom I enjoyed speaking with.

Of course I made time to chat with Gary some more whom I met Friday. Seriously cool dude. I also enjoyed chatting with others whom were working with him at their booth, an all around great group of people. Of course I made a point to say hi to Brett, the organizer of Toylanta whenever I saw him. He's doing an excellent job with the show and has taken it to all new heights. It's really impressive just how big this convention has gotten.

As for toys I bought today, first I picked up one of the full Last Seeker in Euro G2 colors. It looks fabulous and had a hard time not getting the black version... but me and G2, it's a vibe. I also picked up a great Zombie Sci Fi guy set from Warlords of Wor with plans on getting a few more kits from him before the end of the show. Skeletron had a booth and I picked up the new Red Shadows figure that they debuted at the show.

I picked up a Blokees Shining Edition  blind box from Gary's table. I opened it with some of the cool people at the table and got a Ratchet! I'll definitely pick up a few more from him tomorrow (and open them with my new friends). Speaking of Blokees, there was SO MANY at the show.

Some dealers even selling loose assembled figures, in which I picked up a Bombshell whom I've been looking to get. That completes the Insecticons, leading to a post Ive been wanting to write here for the site. Please look forward to that soon. I also picked up a Gobots Psycho for $15 in decent shape. I've been wanting a Psycho for sometime, so this was exciting. 

I headed home shortly after the dealer room closed for the evening very, very tired. According to my Galaxy Watch I've walked almost 8,000 steps today (cons are WORK). The Mrs had a sandwich from Subway waiting for me as well as a birthday cake and presents! Monday is my birthday and she made a point to celebrate with me today as a way of making the con even more special.

I won't go every gift, but there was Transformers and He-Man toys. A new pair of ramen noodle sandals, a new pair of Hey Dudes (my favorite shoes), a case for my Atari Gamestation Go, a Godzilla sticker, some awesome Jada Godzilla figures, Zoids, and another box of color sticker paper for my sticker printer.

Those stickers were just as popular today and people were proudly representing Zone Base. That's so flattering and amazing for me personally. I don't have the biggest social media presence, but I take notice of the sites views. Several thousands of you come out each week and read my site and it's so flattering and awesome. However actually seeing people happily taking my stickers and proudly displaying them is something I never imagined. Seriously, thank you everyone. Your support means so much to me.

We've got just one more day of Toylanta 2026 left and I'm both excited for another day and sad there's just one day left. This has definitely been one for the history books. I've actually been extremely overwhelmed latley and this weekend being pure exhilaration has been amazing. Just a heads up, the Sunday report may not be published until Monday morning. The Mrs and my Mom will be having my birthday dinner Sunday evening for me when I get home from the show. Seriously, best weekend ever.

There's a guy who looks like Adam the Woo (RIP) whom I keep seeing, I'm probably creeping him out.

Sunday – Sunday started out at home with the Mrs making us breakfast before me heading out to the show. Getting there just before noon, I decided that I wanted to get selfies with friends and the various awesome people at the show. I got to work on that right away and handed put more stickers. Speaking of, if you're new to Zone Base, thanks for checking it out! I bought a Big Bad Beetleborgs Titanium Silver figure that was taped to a jet? The jet connects to the kabuto toy from the same line, so if I ever find that.

I also picked up a Geodraxus Stealth MK IV from the Warlords of Wor booth. I've been wanting a Geodraxus for some time and they tend to sell out fast. Actually, there was a pleasant amount of Glyos on the sales floor and I kind of wish I would have gotten more. There was one Zeiram figure made from Glyos I was sooo close to buying, but was a little too pricey for comfort. I also grabbed two more Shining Edition Blokees from Gary's table. I got Grimlock and Sideswipe! I'm definitely getting more Shining Edition kits in the future, though Wheels Series 02 and Defender Version series 7 are next on my Blokees buying radar. 

I did my rounds getting selfies and talking with awesome people before Dusty showed up. We chatted a while before heading to start the annual Transformers Panel. While there Dusty gifted me the new Generations Seaspray figure! Thanks Dusty! While we were preparing to start the panel, Dusty set out more repro label faction sticker sheets for guests as well as a print of Gears he had drawn that the art had been pirated for a third party toy. While we waited, Greg Berger walked in and joined us! That's right, Grimlock himself. Which made for the second time I got a Grimlock suprise that day. While Sunday panels tend to have lighter attendance, we had a great group and the panel was a great time.

Heading out, I took the Gears picture with intentions to frame it. It looks like the Mrs and I will be moving soon and I can't wait to put it on the wall of my new toy room. The con was wrapping up and I said my goodbyes to everyone. It's always sad to see it end. Fortunately Brett has recently taken over Ranger Stop and asked me to host a Transformers panel there this summer. After checking with the Mrs (we're moving this summer, so making sure it was an option was really important) I can gladly say I'll be there! 

Traffic on the way home was interesting. The opposite side of the interstate at one point had been shut down. It looked like something serious had happened, but I'm not sure what. Wow. I got home just in time for the Mrs to have my birthday dinner ready for us to eat. Mom joined us and gave me two Masters of the Universe Masterverse toys! We enjoyed dinner with birthday cake before I ended the night playing Doom before watching the 70's Tales from the Darkside movie. 

Today though, we're back to normal. It's actually my birthday today, and I plan on spending it relaxing and getting a nap or two in before work tonight. Of course there's pics for upcoming posts to take and a few household chores to do. Our first big event of the year may be over, but as always it's always robots, monsters, and misadventure here on Zone Base! Thank you all for reading. Please don't forget to share with your friends and be excellent to each other!

Mobilize, it's Monday!

We've arrived at the beginning of Toylanta week Zone Base readers, the big toy show is here and I am excited! Of course that's this weekend and we've got a fun week ahead of us until then! It's a bonus sized week of robots, monsters, and misadventure! Please don't forget to share with the site with your friends, especially the big weekend long convention report! Thank you for reading Zone Base, and as always, be excellent to one another!

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 60- Get your own Future

LISTEN NOW!

Wild King and Cyberworld are on Rob’s mind as he prepares for ToyLanta. The news of upcoming new M.A.S.K toys have brought up memories of other toy lines similar to M.A.S.K… and that sounds like a great idea for a topic on this month's episode of Transform Squadron.

Consume Monday

Monday has somehow returned. But fear not Zone Base readers, this isn't just any ordinary week, it's Toylanta Week! I'm gearing up for the great toy show and looking forward to having a great time! This weekend isn't just Toylanta, but my birthday as well! I'm looking forward to having some fun and celebrating getting older! This past weekend was pretty good, though I admittedly didn't feel very well. The Mrs and I did a little weakly shopping, but for the most part I kinda just rested. The extra business of the past few weeks cumulated in my crashing out Saturday. I was pretty tired and had all around body aches. So some much needed R&R took place. I intended to organize some toys... but got plenty of rest instead. 

As in the past few weeks, I didn't buy myself anything toy related, but did finally find something new. Walmart had Swapticons! These are a new lower priced Transformers series consisting of smaller robots that combine with a partner to form an alt mode. They're fairly silly and feel like a spiritual successor to Botbots. Of course I love them and I think the birthday fairy took notice. If this were a Facebook post, that would have been followed up with a winking emoji. I intended to play some Double Dragon this weekend, but was literally feeling too poopy for my beloved Switch. The Mrs and I took in a lot of Halloween cartoons and Mom came over for a very filling Sunday Olive Garden dinner. They deliver now, so I forsee lots of marinara flavored foods in my future. There's also a recently opened Fazoli's near, so clearly Italian food is on my menu. 

I've got a fun week in store for you all. This week is a con week and the first special event on the site of the year. The regular posting schedule will be off, but it's going to be pretty busy over the weekend. Please check back daily during the weekend for daily updates. Thank you all for reading. Please share the site with your friends and Mutual High Fives everyone!

Transform Squadron 52- Mr Bleah Sky

Listen Now!

Rob talks about Toylanta, Transformers One, and Meteorbs!

ToyLanta 2024

It's ToyLanta time once again! My annual trek to the best damn toy convention is going on this weekend! I'll be updating this space daily with my adventures, so be sure to check back to see what all happened. I'll also be hosting the annual Transformers panel Sunday at 12PM if you're in attendance. Speaking of, come up and say hi! Be sure to check out my Instagram throughout the weekend as I'll be updating it frequently. 

Friday: I got to the convention MUCH later than I wanted to thanks to a mixture of rain and traffic turning a 1 hour drive to 2. Once there, I walked in and man... I really like the location. It's the same one as last year and it's great (just wish it was closer). Though I soon found out registration was closed, which was no problem as I've gotten in later before and usually have no problem getting my badge. However, this year Buddy (show organizer) was absent due to illness. Speaking of, get well soon cards for Buddy were being brought around and I made a point to sign one. Since registration was closed, I was just told to wait until the morning to get my badge and just walk around anyway. That was unexpected, but I did just that and took a look around the dealers room as it was being set up. I was very tempted to buy some M.U.S.C.L.E figures, but as it was all shutting down, held off until later.

Friday night at the convention is the popular lobby swap party and of course room trading. I ran into Jacob and chatted for a minute. I then looked around the lobby swap before taking a picture of the room trading board. The room numbers had details on what each offered and I roamed the halls taking in each set up. I found myself in various conversations during this time as I'd cross paths with others doing the same. It became like a fun scavenger hunt for the best room and we'd tell each other in passing. One particular door stunk to high hell, there wasn't a room swap in it, but everyone seemed to have encountered it at some point. I met some cool people like Matthew and Cody. Great conversations and good fun with like minded people. What a convention is all about. 

My Friday toy haul included a Convertors Nofka, which is a scaled down SDF-1. I bought one a few years ago at a prior Toylanta, this one is in much better shape. Both still are missing the back wings/towers though. I then found a Bug Bots Bee Bot in black and yellow! Bug Bots are one of the things I'm specifically looking for this year, finding one so early was a real treat. I got it and a Stranglehold inner robot for a total of $5! Here's hoping I can find more Bug Bots and a Stranglehold Pretender shell this weekend. Last, but not least, a still in box, vintage bootleg Convertors Zardak! A renamed Orguss was such a random find. The dealer had another in alternative colors. I held off incase Shawn wants it. (*Saturday Edit* he got it!) 

I headed home soon after as it was getting late. Thankfully the drive home was a breeze, despite the rain. I'm hoping the rest of the weekend goes well and this year follows the prior years conversations in being the best one yet. This con never gets old and each year feels like an individual experience. I love that. Some more Shawn, Joey, and Brian should be there tomorrow. It'll be great to see them. Hopefully I'll find some Rock Lords and Monster Gobots. Battle for the Rock Lords was released March 21st 1986, it's only appropriate to aquire some so close to it's anniversary. The Mrs had dinner waiting for me. A veggie burger with these seasoned carrots intended to be fry substitutes Birdseye makes. Delicious, I was starving. 

Saturday: Thanks to traffic I didn't get to the convention until 12pm. Not too bad, but I hoped to be there earlier. I got my badge right away and set out to find Shawn, Brian, and Joey. During the search I purchased a Rock Lords Boulder. I eventually found Shawn and Joey and led Shawn to Matthew's table where Shawn bought the Convertors toy. We were twining Convertors. We walked around the dealers area and chatted. One dealer had boxed Microman and even a Devil Satan 6 box set. Dang! 

My Mom had came with me and spent most of the day doing her own thing. However we met up for lunch in the hotel restaurant. On my way to meeting her, I got a Generations Selects Diaclone version Twin Twist. While we waited for our food, Shawn and Joey joined us. Brian joined us not much later and after some food we all roamed the areas and generally had a great time. I picked up multiple Gobots, McDonald's Food Changeables, Zombots, and something else I can't remember right now. Fun fact, apparently Joey's Mom and mine were friends in High School. Small world!

Around 4:30 Shawn and Joey headed home and Brian went to his room. I roamed the areas for a bit. Talked Godzilla with a dealer. Bought a Ultraman Tiga figure, some more Gobots, and a Robotron car. I think it's a Robotron car. Maybe. As the dealers room shut down for the day, I found Mom and Brian with family in tow came down to say goodbye. They'll be headed home in the morning before I get back to the show. The Mrs ordered us Longhorn Steakhouse for dinner when I got home. I was starving. The flatbread I had for lunch was good, but it was time for serious nourishment. There's one more day of the great toy show which includes my panel. Man I hate how it's going by so fast. It's been a great con this year.How many times have I typed I in this post?

Sunday: Well, a day later and I'm updating for Sunday. I got to the convention around 11:20 am after a mostly easy drive, though I was stuck behind what was apparently the President's motorcade. I think so anyway, apparently he was in town. I met up with Dusty right away and we chatted about Transformers up until the panel started. As the room filled up, a gentleman from the botvscon YouTube channel came in and was an absolute pleasure. The room went from half full to mostly full during the panel as usual and Dusty and I had a great chat with each other and those in attendance. We actually ran over time.

Dusty left for the day after the panel and I roamed around for a bit. I bought some M.U.S.C.L.E figures and another McDonald's Food Changeables toy. I spent a few hours just looking and taking in everything. The con was wrapping up as dealers were packing up. I did find another Bug Bot... but it was the same one I got Friday for 20 bucks. Yikes! The same guy had a  very dirty Boulder for 40. All things considered, I made out like a bandit on the ones I got. However, the guy also clearly didn't have many sales so... maybe I just made out decently and he was a bandit. I was getting hungry and debated getting a fruit bowl from the snack stand but decided to just head home.

The con was over and everyone was starting to leave out. I saw Matthew on the way. It was great meeting him and seeing Brian, Shawn, Joey, and Dusty. Good con this year. Actually, I've never had a bad Toylanta. Each year is my favorite until the next one. It's great how after a decade of attending it, I've never had a bad one. Every year is it's own story and experience. I stopped by the grocery store on the way home to pick up some juice left off our grocery order and got home to take a nap and enjoy a great home cooked dinner.

Thank you all for reading Zone Base. This concludes our first special event of the year! The site will get back to normal for now, but Halfway to Halloween is coming up in a few weeks! I've got a lot of fun planned until then. Please share the site with your friends and don't forget... Mutal high fives everyone!

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Frozen Monday

Light 'em up, a new week is starting up! Not just any week, the first special event week of the year on Zone Base! Toylanta is this week and with it comes my annual con report MEGA-POST! Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire also comes out in the US this weekend. Of course I'll be waiting to see it until next weekend with Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire on my birthday Empire of Old double feature. I'm excited, two big weekends in a row!

I'm going to be exhausted.

This was a fun weekend. I got some rest and enjoyed some great food. My cheat meal for the week was some pizza on Saturday and the wife made low sodium tacos Sunday! Speaking of Saturday and Godzilla X Kong, I stopped by Circle K with hopes to find their GxK tie in stuffs! The breakfast sandwich was sold out and the candy bar was nowhere to be found. However they did have the slushies! No special cups either, but I went in with low expectations from a gas station movie tie in. Godzilla Blast is a cherry slush, while Kong Crush was blue raspberry. It was a delightful experience drinking the two, even if the store under delivered on product. I drank the two with straws crossed in an X. Because they're teaming up.

That was a lot of sugar.

I did get a few things. As it's been the past few weeks, Toylanta and my birthday are coming up. So I didn't want to buy myself much. However, I did pick up the GxK Suko and Doug 2 pack. The set has been tricky to get as everyone wants a Doug, and so did I! Not to be outdone, my Mom stopped by for dinner Sunday bringing gifts. Some odd TMNT figures she found at a thrift store. As well as MOTU Origins Mossman, Earthspark Spin Changers Bumblebee, and some Transformers Classic Hero team figures that she had picked up on clearance. I've already got a Mossman, but don't mind having another. I wasn't counting on buying that Bumblebee, but am suprised with how fun he is. Delightfully Super Robot for a modern toy. The Classic Heros? Delightful.

Well, time to finish my coffee and this episode of AEW Collision on my DVR. I've got some chores to do as well as get ready for the convention. The con bag needs to be prepared and I've got to find a way to survive the short week before Toylanta! It's only a 4 day work week, but will feel like FOREVER. Speaking of fun, have you tried the new Cold Foam Creamer from International Delight? Wonderful. Making lattes at home has never been easier. Well, we've got one heck of a week in store. These special events on the site are a blast. Thank you so much for reading Zone Base. This would be a great week to share the site with your friends, I mean dude... Toylanta! Mutal high fives everyone!

Prepare for Week

Welcome to another new week here on Zone Base! I hope everyone had a great weekend! I spent mine doing a mix of housework Saturday and struggling with allergies Sunday! I managed to get some early Easter shopping done and enjoyed my weekly bubble milk tea while watching paranormal videos! With my birthday and Toylanta coming in the next few weeks, I've been holding off buying very much stuff. I did order Demon Dart BB-32 for some Beastbox fun however. I'm hoping to get a new episode of Transform Squadron out within the next few weeks. Between wanting to set up a new recording setup and mentally stretched out... it just hasn't happened yet. I haven't abandoned it, promise! After some annual routine medical testing this week, I'm hoping my mental space will be open enough to get some recording done. Thank you all for continuing to read Zone Base. I'll be renewing the domain soon and that'll mean this is fully the 8th year of the site! Well, officially. It was in 'under construction' status for a little longe. If you like what I'm doing, thanks! Please share the site with your friends and mutal high fives all around!

Monday's are Impossible

Oh dammit, it's already Monday. This weekend flew by just as I was getting used to it. I don't have much to report other than some weekly shopping and house work. Well, we watched 1000lbs Sisters. Not sure how many episodes this season has left, but it's been a doozy. Started watching MOTU Revolution as well, love it. I'll be sure to finish it up soon. I was initially apprehensive about a Kevin Smith He-Man cartoon, but he actually made a good show! There's also a new Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire trailer out today, let's take a look!

Man it looks great! My viewing will be delayed though. The movie actually comes out Toylanta weekend. HOWEVER, the following weekend is my birthday and the release of Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire. I'm going celebrate the Empire of old by watching both! 

Man, it's gonna be one hell of a week. Toylanta, Ghostbusters, Godzilla and Kong, and my birthday! Getting old is exciting! Not to mention Easter is the following Sunday! Dang! While I didn't get any Transformers this weekend, I did bring home toys related to this post! I picked up Vintage Collection Fright Features Winston (Target seems to just have one at a time) and Frozen Empire Fright Features Gary! The Mrs suprised me with a Jada Metalfig Godzilla from the new movie and I picked up Shimu from the same line later. These are mini figures similar to the Transformers or TMNT ones sold at Five Below. I really like them. Not to be outdone was a vs 2 pack of Evolution Godzilla vs Shimu which I think is Walmart exclusive. Speaking of TMNT, my Mom suprised me with a plush Leonardo!

January is almost over and Transform Squadron is running a little behind. It was actually a little busy this month and I'm also experimenting with a new recording set up. So, sorry for the delay, but it's coming eventually! I may not have a new podcast this week, but I do have a fun week planned. Thanks to everyone for reading Zone Base. If you like what I'm doing, thanks! Please share the site with your friends and let's all have great week! Mutual High Fives everyone!

Tombstone (Rock Lords)

Behind the old house is a cemetery, filled with those whom once lived and their gravestones.

There's nothing quite like Tombstone from Rock Lords. He's this big green rock that sort of looks like a gravestone who transforms into a reptilian robot carrying a weapon called 'The Reaper', that looks like a radiator. I suppose it's supposed to be some sort of laser? On the mini-comic from his packaging, 'The Reaper' is depicted as a sickle. You know, like you'd associate with it's name. In Ganseki Chojin his name is Geigerrock, which is a pretty fitting name for that weird reptilian appearance. I suppose there's some Aliens influence in the design, or at least some similarities. Both Tombstone and Geigerrock are pretty great names. That's one thing I like about Machine Robo, they don't shy away from more harder sounding names and themes for the villains. For someone who enjoys scary things like I do, it's pretty fun.

Tombstone is a big green rock with lighter green robot parts. If you have Geigerrock, those robot parts are red. 'The Reaper' is black for both toys, but in Robo Machine and Machine Men, it's brown. He's still known as Tombstone in Machine Men and Robo Machine and pretty much looks the same. However all the versions aside from the US Rock Lords figure have a pearlescent sheen on the outer green rock bits. I'm not sure why the US skipped it, but they did. The Tombstone pictures here is mine. I got him at Toylanta this past year in great condition, though missing 'The Reaper'. Missing weapons are hardly a surprise when buying loose old toys. I think he was around $15 - $20. A pretty good price for an older toy in great shape. His joints are nice and tight, if not for little specs of dust in odd places... you'd think he was new.

I fortunately don't pay much for Rock Lords when they're found, not sure how much longer that's going to last with Armorizers on the way. Tombstone doesn't have much articulation, not completely surprising considering transforming robot toys of his era generally didn't. Though Rock Lords tend to have a fairly decent amount. It's not a lack of articulation, but a lack of useful articulation. His legs and knees move nicely, but his arms and elbows move inward/outward due to transformation. I guess 'The Reaper' is useful as he can aim it within the limited range of movement. It's not a deal breaker, just something to point out. When buying toys from this era, it's best to understand and accept the limitations. It's going to have them regardless. Aside from the weird arm articulation, Tombstone is a fun little figure. Like all Evil Rock Warriors, he's this weird rock monster robot that's a little hard to describe without getting side eyed looks from others. I guess that's part of the Rock Lord experience. Still a cool toy.

Graveyard Geekz (series 1&2)

I love monsters, especially older kooky ones. I was pleased to find a dealer selling these wonderful Graveyard Geekz figures at Toylanta this year, . That's one great thing (among a million great things) about Toylanta, the embrace of indie toys. I sure do love them and the chance to find some newly discovered ones is great. Graveyard Geekz is a collaboration between White Elephant Toyz and Bentz Dolz whom both create some awesome figures in the style of Mego and other similar toys. They're super awesome and I really regret not grabbing some more stuff from their table at the show.

The Graveyard Geekz figures is a very cool set of monster mini figures cast in either green or orange. Series 1 is the orange Wolfman and Mummy while series 2 is the green Phantom of the Opera and White Elephant mascot. The Wolfman, Mummy, and Phantom are recreations of Tomland Mini Monsters originally released in the 70's. The White Elephant is a homage. It's really cool to see something like a old rack toy recreated so lovingly, the same guys have also done the dolls amazingly. White Elephant is one of the groups I see at Toylanta selling recreations of classic toy accessories and brand new ones in the same vein. That's really awesome. I've been holding off talking about the groovy ghoulies here since buying them in March. Obviously they're spooky season perfect.

Hagen no Zista? I hardly know you

One of the more pleasant discoveries while I was at Toylanta was that of a small gatcha/gashapon line of figures (and trading cards) by Bandai called Hagen no Zista. I knew nothing of this line before the convention and at the time of this writing still know very little. To be fair, the amount of this type of thing that completely escapes my attention is not uncommon. It's a much bigger thing than a single person can keep up. That being said, this is a cool little series that completely passed me by a few years ago and seems to be over... though I seem to be able to track down some of the stuff still. 

Hagen no Zista is a neat little line of robot mini figures with fun designs in mostly translucent plastic designed by Bandai. There's probably an accompanying fiction, but at this time I haven't learned of it. Knowing these kind of things, it's a typical good vs evil formula. There is some sort of card inside the boxed ones I bought, not sure if that's for a game or just a cool bio card (there seems to be associated trading cards). I generally appreciate when mini figures and keshi come with that sort of thing.

The blind boxed/gathca style figures are seemingly candy toys that regularly came with a chocolate. The ones I got had some apple gum inside that my wife convinced me to try. It was a pretty tasty apple flavored gum that I hope hadn't gone bad. I didn't get sick, so guess not. The Gashapon capsule I got seemed to be the same style of figure as the boxed on, just delivered differently. The figures are pleasant, articulated little robots in colorful translucent plastic. They have that Bandai look, but also look like they should have been from a video game. I could definitely see some of these in a LCD game like Digimon or an RPG.

The line has ended, sadly so because I'd love for these to still be readily available. That's the kicker when you discover something after it's over. There was an apparent successor named Robot Concerto. I can't tell if Robot Concerto is still going, but honestly, Bandai makes so many of this type of thing... there's always something else similar. The boxes for Robot Concerto look like Mobile Suit Gundam Ensemble boxes, so it's possible the team moved onto that. I'm partially stoked about Hagen no Zista as it's something that's clearly my type of thing. But also because, it's neat to discover something at a con. It's been a while since that's happened for me and I'm happy for it.

Hagen no Zista TV Magazine scans

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.

Transform Squadron 42- Con Leche

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This month, as Rob prepares for Toylanta, he talks about various convention experiences.

Toylanta Week is here!

It's not just the beginning of a new week here on Planet Zone, but the start of Toylanta week here on Planet Zone! That right, the great toy show is here and I'm hella excited. This week will be a little different. I'll be updating all weekend after each day at the show. Just to give me a little break before the show, we're going to have an all bios week. Since it's such a special con week, we'll focus on some special toys. 

Transformers Action Masters Elites were a set of Action Masters that transformed unlike the rest of their ilk. Toylanta gives us a chance to really appreciate the more special side of our hobbies. So I don't see a better time to appreciate a special little set of toys. Check back each day leading up to the great toy show and my ongoing reports. Thank you for continuing to read Zone Base and please share with your friends!

Toylanta is nearing

Toylanta is coming up and it's weighing pretty heavily on my mind. I'm really looking forward to going... and also having a little break. Work has been hard lately so some fun is more than welcome. I am a little antsy about the new venue. The show just keeps growing, which is awesome, but that necessitates the need for bigger locations. I was just getting used to the former "new" location the show has been at since 2020 (obviously that year got canceled), though I still vastly prefer the old location. Even though it was getting really cramped, I liked that place. Not to mention the new new location is much further away, meaning a longer trip to and from each day. Regardless, I'm really looking forward to the show.

Each year as the convention gets closer I make up a mental list of things to look for... and don't follow it well at the show. Partially because things change when you get there and see what's available. Honestly, sometimes you just change your mind. One thing I'm definitely looking for is Gobots and Rock Lords. You guys know I love them and for some reason... I just like buying them specifically at Toylanta. I don't know why, but there is something REALLY satisfying about buying them there. It's super proper, it has to be done. I'll throw other robot toys into that idea as well, because I'll likely get some... but it's really about the Gobots and Rock Lords at Toylanta.

I'll be hosting the Transformers panel, but I don't buy a whole lot of them there. Often dealers will have ones I already have or plan on buying soon. When they have something I don't... it's for a price I don't want to pay. Speaking of prices I don't want to pay, Battle Beasts. They're few and far between these days and generally cost more than I'd want to pay. I straight up walked away from a dealer when he quoted me twenty bucks a piece for some a few years ago. For the record they were very beaten and and one was missing an arm. There's some scummy dealers out there and I just don't tolerate their antics. One guy a few years ago wanted $200 for a ReAction Merman, I passed, and got the same one (with weapon... unlike the other) for $5 last year. It pays to be smart.... and with the cost of everything else these days... you need to be.

Another toy I'd like to find is of Demolition Man. I've forgotten the characters actual name... but the Sylvester Stallone guy. Some of (if not all) of that movies toys were made of New Adventures of He-Man figure molds. The main character is a repaint of He-Man... and I'd like to get one within reason. There's also those Micro TMNT play sets that use old Diaclone molds. Those would be great. That's the cool thing about a con like this, there's a little bit of everything and a lot of surprises. Not much drama either... thank god. I generally have a great time and each year is it's own story. Each year is a different experience, and that's awesome.

Terror of a New Week

Hope everyone is looking forward to a new week! Me... I'm a little sleepy. Daylight Savings time happened over the weekend and it always throws me off for a few days. The weekend was good, though I can't say alot happened. New episodes of The Mandelorian and 1000 lbs Sisters was watched. We had a nice dinner with Mom at Olive Garden Sunday. Gargoyle's Quest was played... it was cold and rainy. 

As far as toys go, I finally found Shadowstrip at Walmart completing the Velocitron Speedia 500 collection (unless they release any more). This little set of exclusives meant a whole lot to me for some reason and now I'm ecstatic to have them all. I almost bought a few more EarthSpark flip changers, but held off. With Toylanta coming and my birthday at the end of the month... I kinda feel guilty indulging too much. 

I did grab a set of the Dollar Tree Power Rangers figures. I was hoping to find more Final Faction, but sadly they haven't restocked. The Rangers though are a nice little set of mini figures. It's the MMPR team, sadly without the Yellow Ranger. I found it ironic as I passed out while watching Zyuranger Saturday night before finding these Sunday. I love Pluto Tv, speaking of which, they're doing a Beast Wars/Beast Machines thing today. There's a cool re-airing of Beast Wars happening in Japan thanks to Rise of the Beasts... so I like to think this is our equivalent here in the states. 

Despite being very sleepy, I've got a fun week in mind for you all. Thanks for reading Zone Base. It means so much to me that you all support this little fan blog. If you could share it with your friends, that be awesome. Well, I've got some chores to do between watching Beast Wars on Pluto Tv. We've got a new bird bath that could use some adjustment. 

Ultra Week

It's a new week here on Planet Zone! I wish I could sound more excited saying that, but a little more sleep would have been great. The weekend was pretty laid back. New episodes of The Mandelorian, 1000lbs Sisters, and Earthspark were watched. I got some new toys, Hot Shot and Needlenose from Transformers Legacy Evolution.

It's cool to get a new Hot Shot, I loved Armada. Admittedly though, I wish they'd revisit other characters from the series. It's usually Hot Shot and Starscream... who are getting new toys. Optimus is getting a new toy this time, hopefully I can get it. The larger Commander Class figures can be harder to find for some reason.

I've got a fun week in mind for all of you. With Toylanta approaching, my mind is on attending and having some fun. As usual I intend to get some Gobots. It's in a new location again and I'm a little anxious about that. Thank you for reading Zone Base. If you like what I'm doing, please share posts with your friends. That'd be awesome! Alright folks, let's get this week started!

Decepticon Occultist StarViper!

 

ToyLanta has come and gone until next year. With it a new set of memories and experiences. This year I did something different, this is StarViper. StarViper is the first of what I hope to be a ongoing series of custom Zone Base exclusive toys. There's only two. Shawn has one and I the other. If you follow me on various social media, I've mentioned buying Siege Caliburts for a project. Hand painting them into an original character was fun. Sure, it's pretty basic and others could have done better. I'm still proud of him.

I came up with the name with wanting it to sound like a ridiculous old video game character. I liked it so much that I've been using it as a display name in places. Personality wise, StarViper is a Decepticon Occultist that lives on Planet Zone. StarViper is a member of a secret organization formed by some of the Cyberdroids that first came to Planet Micro. His alt mode is a blaster that can be used by larger Transformers. While used this way, StarViper has some mind control of the larger robot. The blaster can also act as a short range flight mode.