Batman 2022 [DC Defender Version DC01 Legendary Batman Assemble]

When Robert Pattinson was announced to play Batman in 2022's The Batman, I wasn't thrilled. For the record, I've been a pretty good sport about live-action Batman movie actors, and for the most part I've enjoyed each one. Then that trailer came out and sold me on him and the moody film. So when I finally got my hands on one of the Blokees Defender Class Batman blind boxes, I was pretty happy to find that version of the Caped Crusader inside.

Admittedly, at this point Blokees can do no wrong in my eyes, I'm a huge fan of the Defender Version scale, and I gravitate toward Batman movies over comics. Basically, I genuinely like everything I'm about to talk about instead of faking it for clicks. So yeah, genuine enjoyment of the subject matter. Something alien in today's sponsored content hellscape.

Blokees' specific visual style works with Batman in a fun way. Take something so grimdark and make it a little cute.

Like kawaii metal. Defender Version amps up that idea, leaving you with something insanely adorable and badass at the same time. It's somehow an upgrade, oddly enough.

Assembly is pretty much standard Defender Version, though the back half of his upper torso was a full-body piece rather than a separate segment, as is often the case with the Transformers Defender kits. Those tend to have more accessories, however, while Batman has a cape and a batarang. Which... considering the cape covers his back, you'd think they could have gotten away with the partially covering segment anyway, since the cape would cover it regardless. To me, that's another example of Blokees' quality, while other companies might have just left it open or partially obscured. Not bad for only $5.

That batarang I mentioned is a little big for his body, which is pretty comical. At nearly the size of his arm, I can imagine Batman trying to run after a criminal across a rooftop, only for the thing hanging off his belt to trip him. Or he tries to throw it and just hits himself in the head. Knocking the batshit out of himself, holding his head, cursing, and getting pissed off.

No gravely scary Batman voice, either. Full-on temper tantrum Bruce Wayne.

Regardless of how realistic it isn't, it does look pretty cool. Just this big bat he's holding. When the insanely great Imaginext Power Rangers toys were out, I often marveled at the comically oversized weapons. There was just something so neat about seeing them against the figure. It's a visual that you either get or don't.

Another point of appreciation is the detailing. Batman often wears a black costume in the movies, and it looks great, but more modern versions have him sporting visible body armor, combat boots, and other tactical gear. It paints a more realistic portrayal of a character whose superpower is being a billionaire with issues. Of course, they add various details to the costume to keep it visually interesting, and that's definitely the case with the 2022 Batman costume. Once again, Blokees puts those details into the sculpt, something they could have literally skipped right over.

Considering the number of similarly dressed Batmen in this series, the fact that they all have mostly original parts for each kit is remarkable. I say mostly because things like thighs, upper arms, hands, and so on are reused, which is understandable.

Ultimately, this is an excellent introduction to the Batman Defender Version Blokees kits for me. I'll definitely be getting more, as I absolutely want that 1989 Michael Keaton Batman and even the Dark Knight Returns flavored Ben Affleck version. (I liked Batfleck.)

This is another series that the Defender Class lends itself to perfectly, and I'm absolutely enthralled with Blokees entirely at this point.

Happily.

*edit* the video before whatever made them stop working for this post is here.

Super Megatron [Defender Version 8- Battle Stars]

It was very hard to patiently wait for the Blokees Amazon store to stock the newest Defender Version Series 8, as they tend to stock their main online storefront first. I've ordered from there several times, but I prefer to buy from their Amazon store because I get free and much faster shipping.

Series 8 is themed after the Battlestars manga and story pages from late Japanese Generation 1, and I was pretty ecstatic when I saw the news leaked on the Thailand Blokees page I follow for news.

I guess I never expected some of the more obscure corners of G1 to make it to Blokees, but man, am I glad they did!

One of the characters featured in the set is Super Megatron, who, like Star Convoy/Star Optimus, has a whopping FOUR kits available in the series. There's his vehicle form and either a standard, Special Galaxy Type (metallic paint), or Special Armor Type (metallic paint and extra pieces that form his Megatron Omega form).

As I ordered the case, of course I was promised each figure in the wave and at least one of the special types. My case had standard Super Megatron, which I was perfectly okay with, as frankly, that's what I wanted.

We're going to be talking about the standard robot and vehicle modes today.

The vehicle kit is the one from the series that comes with a coin. I don't think I've talked about those here before. When you buy a case of Transformers Defender Version Blokees, one will come with a coin. That coin is usually one of three available.

My vehicle Super Megatron came with a silver Windblade coin, while Star Convoy and Swoop are also available in the series.

They really know how to feed into blind-box fanatics' ticks, and it works. I'll buy the occasional blind box at physical retail even if I already have the case, just in case it's got one of the random things I didn't get.

In case you're not familiar with Super Megatron, by the time Battlestars is taking place, Dark Nova shoots a beam of energy into Galvatron's tomb, resurrecting him as Megatron again. Though, of course, now he's in a new form.

Later on, Dark Nova upgrades him into Ultra Megatron before ultimately merging with him to form Star Giant, whose image will often pop up on normies' timelines, causing them to ask their more in-the-know friends just what the hell that thing is.

Super Megatron's vehicle mode is a flying-tank-type vehicle that's pretty nuts and looks like something that would be in a PC-98 game.

Being that this is a manga/story page from around 1991, that shouldn't be too surprising, as anime, manga, and games often shared creative talent and influences.

Super Megatron was designed by Masumi Kaneda, who also worked on Gundam and Ultraman print media, for example, while Ban Magami did a great deal of the manga art. Ban did a lot of the mechanical design for Danguard Ace, for example, and even worked on Galaxy Express 999.

Ban is also a super nice guy whom I've had several pleasant conversations with online. Most recently, to observe the start of autumn, he posted a drawing of foxes. I told him my wife, who loves foxes, would enjoy this.

He then asked me to give her his regards.

Not related to this topic specifically, but falling in line with the tangent.

Shōji Kawamori, who created Macross (which gave us Jetfire), also did a lot of design work on Diaclone, among other robot series. Recently, he did the mech design for Pragmata. I was already in love with that game before learning of that, and it just gave me another thing to appreciate about it.

Like I said, this flying tank definitely looks like it came from this era, and I love that about it. Also, I just dig the design in general.

The tank elements include four cannon barrels and a design that combines a traditional H-tank with something out of Wheeled Warriors, while the flying parts are mostly some tacked-on wings and boosters that just look fantastic.

I don't know how straight it could fly when those cannons fire, but it'd look awesome doing it.

The kit is a pretty good representation of the vehicle, and it assembled very easily, much to my surprise. Admittedly, after spending as much time with Blokees Wheels as I have, my mind automatically goes to their construction style.

Often, with Defender Version vehicle modes, there is some compatibility with robot-mode kits, but it looks like there are just some ports where a weapon could plug in. Either something's coming in the future to use them, or whatever can be done hasn't been discovered yet.

Or maybe there's nothing else, but let me dream.

Robot mode is a very impressive-looking Defender Version robot. Despite the smaller size and cuter designs, Defender Versions come out looking even more badass than larger kits.

That really translates well with characters like Super Megatron, whose weapon pods and flight gear form something of an ornamental armor that's imposing and slick-looking.

If you're not familiar with Battlestars but find yourself recognizing the design, in Transformers Animated, Megatron's Earth mode was designed to resemble Super Megatron, while his Cybertronian body was based somewhat on the 2007 movie design.

Neat, huh?

While I've always been partial to that badass ornamental armor I was talking about, I really enjoy the new fusion cannon, which I've always thought looks like the front of the SDF-1.

Once again, the multiple series and mediums influence each other, and that's a cannon that looks like it could have been in a variety of games.

It also looks like it'd hurt like hell if he just hit someone with it.

Super Megatron ultimately looks like a powered-up version of classic Megatron, which I guess is what he is. But it's also fitting, as Masumi Kaneda had a supervision role on Transformers: The Movie, which was the last time we'd seen the animated version of Megatron until Battlestars. The manga took place within the animated continuity.

Robot mode isn't very hard to assemble, despite all that cool ornamental armor. It really just snaps into place like a normal Defender Version kit.

As someone who appreciates how things come together, the modular design of Blokees' blind kits is very impressive, considering just how unique many of them are from one another.

If you've noticed how it's practically impossible for me to dislike a Blokees product, you'd be correct.

They clearly know my siren song.

Ultimately, this is another great set of kits by them and a great representation of Super Megatron in both vehicle and robot modes in the Defender Version scale that I clearly adore.

Both assemble pretty easily and look great.

I'm trying my best not to end this with a play on Super Megatron being super.

But seriously, if Blokees is willing to dig into the weirder corners of Japanese G1 like this, I'm all for it. There's a whole lot of Transformers history out there that deserves a little more love, and I'd be perfectly happy to see more of it show up in plastic form.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go admire my tiny flying tank.

*edit* the video before whatever caused them to stop working is here.

Godzilla (Zebra Version) [Godzilla Scramble]

We're cracking open another Toho-flavored Monster Egg this week with another look at those wonderfully decoed Godzilla Scramble toys I'm so drawn to. I mean, really, can you blame me? Absurdly artistic color variations of a Godzilla Monster Egg toy by Bandai, sold gacha style? I never had a chance.

This one is an absurdly wonderful take, with a zebra colored Godzilla looking absolutely fabulous! I'm especially fond of his silver eyes. It's such a tiny detail, but it absolutely mesmerizes me.

Speaking of Bandai and zebra themed color schemes, it's been far too long since I've talked about M.U.S.C.L.E. or Kinnikuman here on the site. I'm drawn to think about them here because, back in the day, my favorite of the intergalactic wrestlers was Zebra!

*edit* the video for the post before whatever caused them to stop working is here*

Godzilla (Astronaut Version) [Godzilla Scramble]

@robfromzonebase Godzilla (Jet Jaguar Version) [Godzilla Scramble] #zonebase #godzilla #godzillascramble #kaiju #blindbox ♬ Noroi No Syananana - SEIKIMA-II

It's time to crack open another kaiju egg from Godzilla Scramble, and ho boy, this one's pretty great!

It's Jet Jaguar!

*edit* It's not. Up until after writing this thought it was Jet Jaguar until reading the box at Target and learning it was an astronaut. So, the rest of this post was written when I thought it was supposed to be Jet Jaguar. I'm laughing at my mistake and absolutely not rewriting this as I find it hilarious now.

Well, Godzilla colored as Jet Jaguar... which looks outstanding as a slightly derivative take on the Jet Jaguar look on Godzilla.

For example, instead of being silver or grey as you'd go in expecting, Bandai used a wonderful slightly translucent silver color that's almost more of a shade of white and quite pretty.

Then they gave him blue armbands similar to the ones classic Jet Jaguar sports, along with a set of red ones around Godzilla's thighs that kinda invoke the red coloring on Jet Jaguar while still being unique, but slick-looking.

His chest features a computer readout and logo, leaving the bulk of Godzilla in that wonderful base color.

It's really pretty, and the whole deco screams art vinyl more than blind-box Egg Monster toy.

Godzilla (Ice Cream with Sprinkles) [Godzilla Scramble]

@robfromzonebase Godzilla (ice cream with sprinkles) [Godzilla Scramble] #zonebase #godzilla #godzillascramble #blindbox #kaiju ♬ Halloween - Siouxsie And The Banshees

It's well past time that I've started talking about the Godzilla Scramble toys here on the Base.

Godzilla Scramble is a cool blind-box gacha line by Bandai utilizing their Godzilla Monster Egg toys in fun color variations. Series 1 is out now, and I've gotten a few of them and want to get them all!

These are great.

The color variations remind me of art vinyl sofubi and various pop art pieces, while I just love transforming egg toys. Not to mention, Bandai.

You say Bandai, I'm in.

Today we're looking at the Ice Cream Godzilla, or as I insist on calling him, Ice Cream with Sprinkles, because he has sprinkles and I love that extra detail.

Despite not normally liking sprinkles on my ice cream.

I initially thought he was supposed to be a cupcake thanks to those sprinkles, which is probably why I focus on them so much.

I'm neurodivergent. Work with me.

The mold used is the standard Godzilla from the Egg Monsters series, and I've talked about that a few times before here, so pardon me while I focus on the spectacular deco today.

Now, it's easy to just glance at this toy and write him off as just pink with sprinkles painted on his chest.

Which, frankly, would have still been awesome.

However, there are little swirls of colors floating around that add to the look and frankly just look nice. Godzilla is basically a living nuclear reaction, so he's going to melt that ice cream, and that's what happened to some of those sprinkles.

Those little swirls of color...

We've all made that mistake of adding sprinkles to our ice cream only to regret biting into the little shards of hard asshole particles floating around. Some people like the added texture. I prefer to enjoy my food.

My point is, those sprinkles tend to leave little swirls of color in your ice cream, and those little swirls of color look fabulous on this design.

Not to be left out is the slightly darker and metallic shade of pink used on his dorsal fins. I've seen multiple kaiju fans refer to those as sploots, which kinda fits on an ice cream-themed kaiju.

It just occurred to me that egg mode looks kinda like a scoop of ice cream.

That's probably unintentional, but I'm going with it.

The other color versions in Godzilla Scramble are fun too, and I plan to go more into those in time. This is a fun little blind-box series to collect that's pretty creative with some of the color versions and right up my egg-robot-loving alley.

I do hope future series utilize more monsters from Toho's catalog. Bandai has made plenty of them into Egg Monsters, so it's probably a safe bet.

Springer (Car and Attack Helicopter) [Wheels CO2 & CO3 Wreck 'n Rule 2 & 3]

@robfromzonebase Springer (helicopter and car) [Transformers Blokees Wheels CO2 & CO3 [Wreck 'n Rule 1 & 2] #zonebase #transformers #blokees #blokeestransformers #blindbox ♬ Witching Hour - NECRONOMIDOL

When it comes to my name, people automatically assume it's a screen name or ask if I'm related to Jerry.

Ironically, I'm related to a Jerry, yeah—the guy on TV.

No, not that one. The guy who robbed a gas station.

Either way, the answer is no, and it just happens to be a slightly common name. For example, an artist on the original Transformers comic was named Frank Springer. However, Springer allegedly wasn't named after him either.

I say allegedly because the name apparently comes from his special ability to jump or his tendency to jump into battle. Transformers are more than meets the eye, and getting "Springer" from that is a pretty big leap.

I'm guessing Frank pissed someone petty off somehow.

In 1986, Springer made his big-screen debut in Transformers: The Movie. I was there opening weekend, drinking my cherry ICEE next to my Mom, who kept nudging me with a smile every time they said his name. My brother was sitting with a kid from the bus who'd apparently been there all day watching every showing.

To this day, I wonder if I know him now as an adult fan.

This past weekend, like many of you, I went to see the 40th anniversary showing at the theater. This time without the cherry ICEE, because I'm older now and that's too much sugar.

In case it isn't completely obvious, this post is my way of observing the occasion.

Springer's Wheels releases were spread between the two different cases in the Wreck 'n Rule series, with the car appearing in Part 1 and the attack helicopter in Part 2. Both also have special editions, the Hologram and Titanium versions, in addition to the standard releases.

Both of mine are the standard editions, which I'm perfectly fine with. Though those Hologram versions are mighty neat looking.

Springer's Wheels kits are based on his appearance in IDW's Last Stand of the Wreckers. The car looks a bit different from his traditional design, while the attack helicopter isn't too far removed from what we're used to seeing.

Blokees Wheels are specifically sharp-looking kits, and Springer definitely falls into that category. Both kits use that super-satisfying compound known as Solidex, and it just brings them both to another level.

Seriously, Blokees. Just make the entire thing out of the stuff. I love it.

The combination of the design, Solidex, and the smaller scale makes these completed kits feel like a high-caliber product. Blokees Wheels almost feel like a more sophisticated model kit.

Does that make sense?

I had absolutely no problem assembling the car. None.

The attack helicopter gave me some trouble, though. A lot of that had to do with my ongoing issues with reading the instructions clearly. The main body piece that everything assembles out from? I had it backwards for what felt like forever while trying to decipher what I was supposed to be doing and what I was doing wrong.

I enjoy the helicopter blades resembling swords. I don't recall if they did this in Last Stand of the Wreckers, but since the helicopter blades normally become his sword, it was a nice touch.

Another nice touch is that the Wreckers Hammer that comes with Cosmos in Wreck 'n Rule Part 1 can also be mounted on the car.

Overall, these are just neat kits, even if I had a little trouble assembling the attack helicopter. Like I've said a few times before, I'm surprised by just how much I'm enjoying these Wheels kits.

They're just really freaking neat, you know?

Gigastorm and BW Galvatron [Defender Version 07- Power of the Beast]

@robfromzonebase BW Galvatron [Transformers Blokees Defender Version 07-Power of the Beast] #zonebase #transformers #blokees #blokeestransformers #beastwars ♬ rondo - Uz:ME

Admittedly, I get pretty excited for just about every character Blokees includes in a Transformers Defender Version assortment. Of course, like the other Beast Wars characters they've released, I was ecstatic when these two were revealed. With Defender Version 07: Power of the Beast, Blokees dipped into the Japanese-exclusive Beast Wars series and included characters that have always been a really big deal to me. I was blown away to see both Galvatron and Gigastorm from Beast Wars II included. Frankly, it surprised me since there was already a version of G1 Galvatron in the assortment, and I never expected them to tackle something like Trypticon or Gigastorm in the Defender Version size class. This one still kind of blows my mind.

Galvatron serves as Lio Convoy's counterpart and the main villain of Beast Wars II. The Emperor of Destruction eventually becomes corrupted by Angolmois Energy and later falls under Unicron's influence during Beast Wars Neo. Depending on how you look at it, that technically makes his original toy the first Unicron action figure. For a long time, the original Beast Wars II Galvatron toy was considered one of the greatest Transformers toys ever made, and mine is still very special to me. I'm hoping to pick up the new version soon, but just like the other Beast Wars characters in this assortment, there's a lot of love attached to him. The kit itself does a great job capturing the character's look and even includes his signature Galva-Axe rather than a generic weapon.

In Beast Wars II, Galvatron has a younger brother named Megastorm, whose toy was a reuse of the original Generation 2 Megatron mold. Thanks to the effects of that pesky Angolmois Energy, he and several other Destrons were mutated into gnarly cyborg beast warriors. Megastorm became Gigastorm, who was created from a remold of the original Generation 1 Trypticon toy. At the time, both Megastorm and Gigastorm became affordable ways for fans to obtain molds they might have otherwise missed. Around the early 2000s, these toys seemed to sit on clearance at online retailers forever. Gigastorm was especially fun because he featured a large nose horn that somehow made an already giant dinosaur even more kaiju-like than Trypticon had been.

@robfromzonebase Gigastorm [Transformers Blokees Defender Version 07-Power of the Beast] #zonebase #transformers #blokees #blokeestransformers #blindbox ♬ 苦悩の聖人 (Saint of Suffering) - Akuma Dollz

Gigastorm is an especially impressive kit. While building him, I kept finding myself impressed by just how well Blokees adapted the design. Assembly follows a similar approach to other beast and dinosaur Defender Version kits, with a central frame surrounded by shell pieces that form the body. The limbs then plug into place around that structure. While this certainly isn't a Master Grade-style build or anything, I really enjoyed assembling the head. The horns fit through slots in the upper head section, which also houses the eyes. The lower jaw then attaches before the completed head connects to the neck and upper body. It's not especially complex, but it feels involved in a satisfying way.

I had actually built Dino Mode Sludge right before Gigastorm, whose head wasn't much simpler, yet somehow Gigastorm's assembly felt more substantial. The neck section is particularly fun, as it can be connected regardless of position but only looks correct when oriented properly. It's a small touch, but one I appreciated.

Another detail I absolutely loved was the inclusion of the tiny Gigascouter attached to his body, just like on the original toy. That's the sort of detail Blokees could have easily skipped, but they didn't. If you remove it, you'll even find a tiny molded Predacon/Destron symbol underneath. Again, they didn't have to do that, but they did. Those little extra touches are one of the reasons I enjoy these kits so much. Blokees could cut corners, but they usually don't.

Of course, seeing Gigastorm in this line immediately gets my imagination running wild. If they can do Gigastorm, then surely a Defender Version Trypticon can't be too far behind. I'd be completely on board with that. Honestly, I've always wanted a red Trypticon. Maybe they could even do a special version inspired by Starriors Cosmittor or Zoids Rex. I also hope Gigastorm's inclusion eventually leads to Megastorm, which in turn could pave the way for a proper Generation 2 Megatron.

That would be awesome.

Weekly Update 8/24/26 — Kaiju, and Dragons, and Gatcha Oh My!

It's time to start a new week of robots, monsters, and misadventures here on Zone Base! I hope everyone had a great weekend! Pumpkin Spiced Mayhem 2026 is chugging along nicely, with the fun just getting started. We still have two more months!

It's still August, which means there's plenty of fun ghost stories coming out of some Asian regions. Zone Base gets a lot of its readership from those areas, and I not only appreciate my friends from that side of the world supporting the site (thanks, guys!), but really enjoy their ghost season. As usual, I've been partaking in the various podcasts and videos from those areas and enjoying the spooky stories.

Japanese car camping videos are also a guilty pleasure of mine, and so many of them have been "Horror Camping" during the month. It's been fun watching people find themselves in scary situations while cooking ramen noodles in the back of their cars. 

Me? I've been busy getting my new place arranged. Being a graveyard-shift CNC programmer means I work some odd hours, so a lot of tasks like arranging shelves tend to wait until the weekend, and even then they have to wait until after everything else gets done. I'm setting up my new desk space inside the house while simultaneously organizing the storage space where the bulk of my toys are. Eventually it'll be nice, but right now it's just poorly organized chaos.

You know, I never think I have a lot of toys until it's time to move. Then I just stare at the boxes like I'm in that warehouse at the end of Raiders of the Lost Ark.

Transformers- It seems we're not done talking about Jada Metalfigs or blind boxes, as Jada Transformers Nano Metalfigs and Nano Rides have been spotted for sale individually in blind bags. Just when I was lamenting the glory days of individual Nano Metalfigs, they return! Hopefully they'll make an appearance at my stores soon!

Target has recently been expanding its blind box section, while Five Below, which has always been a good source for them, has started putting an even bigger emphasis on blind boxes as well. Hopefully the bags will pop up there soon, as I'd love to get some gatcha of my favorite characters!

A new Godzilla x Transformers collaboration also seems to be in the works, as listings for two figures have surfaced recently. Obviously, this is in part due to the upcoming releases of Godzilla Minus Zero and Godzilla Supernova. Part of me wonders if they're rereleases of the Takara ones from last year. Hopefully they're all new and... not a struggle to get.

A Target exclusive 30" Optimus Prime figure was shown off in conjunction with a Target end cap tied to the 40th Anniversary showing of TFTM next month. Here's hoping they don't vanish before I can get one. I'm looking forward to attending a showing of the movie and a trip to Target afterwards sounds awesome!

Blokees- The new Wheels Motormaster truck and trailer kit was shown off and I definitely want it. I would have never thought Wheels would be something I enjoy so much, but it is and I love these trailer sets.

Godzilla- Speaking of Godzilla, the new Godzilla x Hello Kitty collaboration Happy Meals have launched at McDonald's and they're pretty great! The toys are figurines of various Sanrio characters dressed as Godzilla and his fellow monsters. Kaiju fans are practically stalking their local McDonald's, just like with the Changeables from February. I'm going to spend some cheat meals with Ronald! Hopefully I get Rodan/Badtz-Maru!

Power Rangers- The MMPR Re-Ignition Dragonzord has been a hot topic lately. Like many of you, I felt his absence last year while completing the Re-Ignition Dino Megazord and was pleased, if not a little perplexed, to see Playmates offer it through a Kickstarter. I pledged right away on launch day, as I definitely need him to go along with my set. The base toy comes with a mini Green Ranger to boot, and there are plenty of add-ons and additional packages available when you pledge. Here's hoping he meets the goal!

The Re-Ignition Thunder Megazord is also now showing up on store shelves, and I'm looking forward to building it. The Thunder Megazord has always been a favorite of mine. Hopefully the blind box MMPR minis will show up soon, too. I really want those.

Man, blind boxes are all over this week's update.

The Weekend (written from my phone Monday morning)- It was a pretty low key weekend with not much going on. I hit a few McDonald's trying to get some of the Godzilla x Hello Kitty toys and got Rodan and Godzilla. Hopefully I can get more, my local stores aren't great and have some pretty terrible customer service, so these things can be tricky. A stop by Gamestop resulted in me finally getting some Godziburst figures and Godzilla Scramble eggs. I picked up 2 of each with plans to get more. I got the cupcake and Jet Jaguar Godzilla toys in the eggs. In Godziburst I picked up Plasma Space Godzilla and Formula Type 3 Kiryu. At Walmart, I grabbed 2 more Transformers Blokees Galaxy Version blind boxes from the Transformers One wave 2 case... and got Elita-1 and Starscream again... ugh. CVS sent me a great coupon for a metalic poster print that combined with rewards points was free. I've now got a great poster of the site badge (mobile readers, check out the desktop version!) and thanks to a slight scuff on the first print, got two! The scuffed one will go in the storage space as it gets organized. A little later after I originally wrote this, my mom stopped by and gave me a Wold Cup x Transformers Breakaway she had purchased on clearance. You know, I'm not a sports guy, but he's kinda neat!

I got some gaming in, dropping back into Resident Evil Requim after not playing it for too long and gave Alone in the Dark: The New Nightmare for Gameboy (via Switch Online) a try and had fun with it. Definitely putting some more time into that. Built the Mrs's new hutch this weekend and more Blokees Wheels from the backlog. Well, I guess it wasn't the most momentous weekend, but they don't always have to be. It's time to get the week started Zone Base readers. Thank you all for your support. Please don't forget to share the site with your friends and be excellent to each other.

Takeda Shingen (white) [Sembo Block X Mosho Toys Progenitor Effect]

@robfromzonebase Takeda Shingen (white) [Sembo Block X Mosho Toys] #zonebase #semboblock #moshotoys #blindbox #sembo ♬ 復讐の呪い (Curse of Vengeance) - Akuma Dollz

It's always fun discovering something new, or at least new to you. Recently, my wife went on a blind box shopping trip with a friend and picked up a few Sembo Block kits. Sembo Block is a company similar to Blokees that started out producing building block sets before moving into model kits. Like Blokees, they also offer blind box sets. I've been seeing Sembo Block kits in various robot model groups for a while now and have been curious about them, so I was pretty excited to finally get my hands on some.

Recently, I assembled the first of the kits the Mrs. got me: Takeda Shingen from a collaboration with Mosho Toys. Takeda Shingen is from the Progenitor Effect mecha series, which I know absolutely nothing about. I wish I did, though, because the designs are really neat. This particular character is normally red, but because this was a blind box, I ended up with the white version. From what I can tell, there's also another white version with some teal. All of the color variations look fantastic, though, and I'm really happy with the one I got.

The lion design on the white version immediately makes me think of Liger Zero from Zoids. Takeda Shingen's overall design is really neat, looking like an oni wearing lion-themed samurai armor. The combination of the armor and mechanical lion elements gives me plenty of Zoids vibes, while the hair sticking out from behind his helmet makes me think a little of Digimon. I definitely plan to learn more about Progenitor Effect.

He also came with two different trading cards featuring some really great artwork. I'm not sure if they're part of a game or just included as collectibles, but I love it when model kits and toys come with cards or stickers. Or both!

Assembly was pretty neat and a little more involved than I expected going in. There's a mixture of parts on sprues and loose pieces, along with a nice instruction manual that's mostly easy to understand even though it's in another language. I did have a little trouble figuring out a few of the parts, but that was mostly because I had a variant and the colors shown in the instructions were more generalized. Nothing was actually wrong with the instructions. It was more of a "Oh yeah, I have a different version" moment.

The only actual complaint I have is that the plastic quality was a little lacking on two parts. The ball joint that Takeda Shingen's head sits on is a little loose. That could either be because of the grade of plastic or because the socket in his helmet is slightly too large. It's an easy fix, so it's not a huge problem, but it's worth mentioning.

The only major problem was one of his hip armor plates, which arrived with a faulty connector. The plastic was misshapen in the box and couldn't connect properly. For now, I've got it held in place with a tiny nub of sticky tack until I can properly repair it with some wire and glue. It'll probably always be a little loose, but at least it'll be functional.

Aside from those two points, this is a very sharp-looking kit, and the finished figure has a surprising amount of articulation. It's pretty impressive! I especially enjoy the basic skeleton that needs to be assembled before the armor is added. That's not unique to Sembo Block, but it's something I can really appreciate. It reminds me of trying to make figures with Sculpey by starting with a little wire skeleton.

Sometimes I wish I'd continued with that project. I managed to make a Grimlock and Shockwave, which are probably now in pieces at the bottom of a box somewhere. I have no idea what happened to them. 

Takeda Shingen comes with open and closed hands, along with two katanas and a naginata. The katanas can also be stored on his armor. Thanks to the impressive articulation, he can wield all of them in some really neat poses.

Overall, my first experience with Sembo Block was a pleasant one. I've got a few more kits waiting for me, so I'm looking forward to seeing what they're like. Hopefully they don't have the same little issues this one did, but even with those problems, Takeda Shingen was a really fun kit to put together.

Now I just need to figure out what the hell Progenitor Effect is.

Weekly Update 8/17/26

Monday rears its ugly head once again, threatening the sanctity of peaceful vibes the weekend gave us. Don't fear, Zone Base readers! I've got another fun week of robots, monsters, and misadventure lined up for your eyeballs.

Pumpkin Spiced Mayhem is spooking right along as our annual Halloween party gets underway. You know, sometimes people wonder why I start celebrating Halloween so early, yet every year by late July everyone seems to be chomping at the bit for spooky season. I originally started doing it because it was fun, but now I honestly don't understand why more don't. Maybe it's because I'm not monetizing the site and spending all my time trying to capitalize on my readers. 

As I've mentioned before, August is ghost month in several Asian countries. Japan celebrates Obon while other regions hold Hungry Ghost Festivals, and I always enjoy the influx of spooky stories that appear around this time of year. Lately I've been watching VHS transfers of older Japanese paranormal television shows uploaded to YouTube. Back during my tape trading days, I ended up with quite a few of these through various J-Horror circles. I've always preferred the reenactment-style ghost shows, and Japan produced some really fun examples of the format. Funnily enough, many of them were hosted by either Count Takeshi or Junji Inagawa, who many of you might recognize as Vic Romano and Guy LeDouche from "Most Extreme Elimination Challenge". Junji Inagawa is actually a famous ghost storyteller in Japan as well as a television personality, but it's almost impossible for me to see him without expecting him to say something completely ridiculous. Thinking back to those tape trading days, I probably watched more than a few questionable recordings copied from questionable recordings of questionable recordings. Hopefully I didn't accidentally end up cursed.

There's something else I'd like to tell you all about from last week. Some of you probably saw the Transformers: The Movie 40th Anniversary press boxes that have been showing up on various toy and news sites. Several months ago, I was contacted by the PR agency handling them and asked if I'd like to be considered for one. Of course I said yes. Unfortunately, I didn't end up receiving one.

Now, to be fair, these things are extremely limited and the email even makes it clear that receiving one isn't guaranteed. Still, I'd be lying if I said it wasn't a little disappointing to realize I had been passed over.

The Mrs. apparently noticed.

Earlier this week, while I was at work, she messaged me and told me some package had arrived from "PR People" and that I should open it when I got home. Sure enough, sitting there was a box covered in Transformers stickers with the words "PR BOX" written across it in pink marker.

Inside were several Cyberworld Cyber Changers and the Transformers Icons Optimus Prime figure.

To this day she's maintaining that she has absolutely no idea where it came from.

I can't begin to tell you how great that surprise felt.

Know what?

I got the better PR Box.

Transformers- News has been relatively quiet this week outside of retailer solicitations. Dear news sites: affiliate links are not news. Then again, considering how overwhelming San Diego Comic-Con season can be, a slower week is honestly kind of refreshing.

One item that did catch my attention was the discovery of the new Transformers Vaultz Big Heads blind boxes at some Walmart locations. These are stylized chibi-like Transformers figures that immediately caught my eye. You all know how much I love blind boxes, so of course I'm interested. The designs remind me quite a bit of the Bikkuriman-style artwork I'm so fond of, and from what I've seen they use the Evergreen character designs, which I'm perfectly happy with.

Even better, they appear to include both a trading card and a sticker.

That combination appeases me greatly.

From what I understand there are variants as well. The news originally came from someone who pulled a glow-in-the-dark Megatron.

That.

Is.

Awesome.

I fully expect to end up with several of these, and any extras will almost certainly become desk bots at work.

Also along similar lines, Jada has shown off their new Transformers: The Movie 40th Anniversary Metalfigs assortment. These continue to use the roughly 2¾-inch scale they've stuck with for previous releases, which I'm happy about. It's a great size for the price point, and the die-cast metal gives them a satisfying heft. I've picked up quite a few of these over the years and am really looking forward to this movie-themed wave, which appears to contain mostly new characters.

Man, I really miss the days when Metalfigs Nanos were sold individually for a dollar.

Blokees- Adding to my excitement for the next Transformers Defender Version series (Battlestars MOFO!) is the news that Astral Rally Defender Version 01 and Transformers Wheels C04 are now available to order. I fully plan on picking up a case of each and adding them to the ever-growing backlog. I'm still working through Transformers Defender Version 07, Wheels C02, and Wheels C03, not to mention several other kits patiently waiting their turn on the build pile. I'll get to them eventually... probably.

The newest Wheels assortment includes a train mode Astrotrain, and that alone has me excited. Astrotrain has always been my favorite Triple Changer, so seeing his classic locomotive mode represented as a Wheels kit makes me ridiculously happy. There's just something about that original train design that I love. That said, I do hope Blokees eventually revisits the 2006 Classics version as well. I've always been fond of that design and would love to see it translated into kit form. 

The Weekend (written on my phone while I ate breakfast Monday morning)- This weekend was a good one, albeit super hot. It was that reverse hot that we opted to stay in the air conditioning and not go to the pool. We did get some weekend shopping in which included a trip to Five Below to pick through Over the Garden Wall blind boxes and looking at Halloween decor at TJ Max.  I managed to build my new new shelf for my desk, it's a great little spot for storage that will work just great by my desk. I built some Blokees and played my Atari Gamestation Go. Comiket was also this weeked  I'm enjoying the pictures from the show as their posted. That's another show I'd love to attend, definitely a Zone Base type of con. Good weekend.

As for toy pick ups, unfortunately Walmart had sold out of Mega Zarak whom I'll definitely order soon. I did pick up Nexus Prime who've I been wanting and putting off. Also another Blokees TF One part two blind, another Starscream, he's going into the custom pile. I also grabbed a Funko Mini Pops Dragonzord with tiny Green Ranger figure to pilot on clearance. I got the regular Megazord a few years ago, this will be a nice companion.

Speaking of that "PR Box" the Mrs gave me, it had Icons Optimus Prime (who I think looks great) and Cyberworld Cyber Changers Energon Surge Bull Megatron, Optimus Primal, Tank Megatron, and a Cyberworld blind bag that ended up being Skybite (woo)! In addition, I got a Five Nights at Freddy's Tiny Mights capsule that ended up a red Springtrap Freddy and a 3D printed skeleton keychain. Overall a good weekend haul.

Overlord (Plane and Tank) [Wheels CT-02: Wreck n' Rule]

@robfromzonebase Overlord (plane and tank) [Transformers Blokees Wheels CO2- Wreck 'n Rule] #zonebase #transformers #blokees #blokeestransformers ##blindbox ♬ Catcat Heaven - The Lethal Weapons

I know I talk about "back in the day" a lot around here, but I'm going to do it again for just a minute.

Overlord is one of those really big-deal Transformers characters. No matter how many toys get made of him, every new release feels like an event. That goes all the way back to his introduction in Transformers: Masterforce as one of the series' original characters and toys. Aside from a European release of the original figure, Overlord didn't really get a worldwide release until around 2003, when his Super Collection Figure PVC was released under Hasbro's Heroes of Cybertron line named Powermaster Gigatron. Even then, it was pretty much a one-off until Overlord exploded in popularity thanks to Last Stand of the Wreckers in 2010. That IDW incarnation won over a whole new generation of fans and has led to a steady stream of new toys ever since.

Today we're looking at the Plane and Tank kits from Blokees Transformers Wheels CT-02: Wreck n' Rule.

It's been a little while since I've talked about a Blokees Wheels kit here, and honestly, I've built up a bit of a backlog. Thanks to the move, I've still got most of CT-02 sitting unbuilt and CT-03 completely untouched. Like a few other things I've yet to cover here, expect the TikTok and Instagram pages to suddenly get flooded with assembled Wheels kits. I hate to be one of those guys, but if you'd like to follow me over there, I'd really appreciate it. Those pages have become an extension of Zone Base and are a fun way to share things that don't always become full blog posts.

For those unfamiliar with them, the Wheels series focuses entirely on vehicle modes. In the case of Transformers, that means building the alternate modes instead of the robots. It's a surprisingly fun twist, and while they share some similarities with the Defender Version vehicle kits, they're definitely their own thing.

The tank is a simpler build than the plane, although I did struggle with the instructions a bit. Like the Defender Version kits, Wheels uses those tiny instruction cards, and sometimes the illustrations are just a little too small to make out clearly. For the most part I did fine, but the Universal Chassis Connector, the rear tread assembly, and one tiny black piece that fits beneath the turret all had me scratching my head for a few minutes. Once everything finally clicked together, though... it just worked.

The tank also uses some of that wonderfully satisfying Solidex, which immediately made me forget any frustration I'd had. I really do appreciate that stuff.

The plane, unfortunately, doesn't use any Solidex.

Blokees...

Why?

I honestly can't even tell you exactly where it would have been useful. I just know I'd have appreciated more of that magical material. What if they made an entire kit out of Solidex?

Whoa.

The jet itself assembles fairly easily. Once again, I stumbled a little on the Universal Chassis Connector, though I have to admit that's mostly a me problem. I seem to trip over that step on almost every Wheels kit I build, so I can only blame the instructions so much. If the Universal Chassis System were made of Solidex, I'd probably get it right every time.

My only real complaint with the plane is the landing gear. It's awesome that they included working landing gear, but the pieces have a tendency to pop off pretty easily.

It's also worth mentioning that these kits represent the IDW Comics version of Overlord rather than his original G1 design. The tank isn't dramatically different, but the jet is much sleeker and honestly looks like something straight out of a 16-bit shooter.

Everyone take a shot.

I compared a toy to a non-related video game.

Of course, these kits don't combine into Overlord's robot mode or city mode.

They do, however, combine into two different super jets that I think look absolutely fantastic.

You can replace the tank's treads with the plane's wings to create one heavy duty looking fighter, or attach the treads to the jet itself before combining everything into a much larger super aircraft. Once again, my brain immediately goes to old shooter games. These things just have that aesthetic. I'm convinced they'd have starred in some long-forgotten multi-platform shooter with several sequels, brutal difficulty, and incredible music.

Naturally, the CD-ROM version would have fully animated cutscenes.

I've probably spent way too much time on that analogy, but that's honestly how strongly these designs hit that part of my brain.

Speaking of the designs, Overlord's classic black and teal color scheme looks absolutely fantastic on these kits. They're sharp-looking models, and while I understand that blind-box packaging makes special editions a little less practical, I'd still love to see alternate versions someday. Cast them in translucent plastic. Give them metallic paint. Throw some glitter in there.

The possibilities are endless.

Awesome job, Blokees.

Leo Prime/Lio Convoy (Robot and Beast) [Defender Version 07 – Power of the Beast]

@robfromzonebase Leo Prime/Lio Convoy (robot and beast) [Transformers Blokees Defender Version 07- Power of the Beast] #zonebase #transformers #blokees #blokeestransformers #beastwars ♬ Volcano Girls - Veruca Salt

I was extremely excited to see Lio Convoy (or Leo Prime, as Hasbro now him) included in the Blokees Transformers Defender Version 07: Power of the Beast assortment when it was first revealed.

Extremely.

Sure, I get excited for every Defender Version assortment, but this one was a particularly big deal for me.

During the Beast era, Lio Convoy was one of the coolest-looking Transformers on the planet. College-aged me (who was perpetually broke) couldn't afford one, so for the longest time he existed only as JPEGs I'd printed on my old HP inkjet printer and thumbtacked to the wall next to Coal Chamber posters.

Remember that terrible OfficeMax job I've mentioned before? While working in the copy center, I printed one of the Beast Wars II movie promotional images of Lio Convoy battling Galvatron as a poster.

It proudly hung on my wall for years. In fact, I still have that wonderfully pixelated poster folded up inside a tote in the garage. It spent years hanging on whatever refrigerator I happened to have.

Come to think of it...

Maybe I should turn that image into a refrigerator magnet for the current one.

At BotCon 2001, I finally picked up a pair of sofubi figures of Lio Convoy and Galvatron. Between those, a few PVC figures, and some little keshi, they were my stand-ins until I eventually tracked down the real toys.

These days you can hardly throw a rock without hitting a new toy of one of the Japanese Beast Wars leaders, but there was a time when they felt incredibly special.

Honestly...

They still do.

In this assortment, Lio Convoy is available in three different forms: his beast mode, his robot mode, and a Special Armor Type version of the robot. I'm thrilled to have the standard robot mode, but I'd really like to add the Special Armor version someday. It features chrome detailing, Energon Tonfas, a blast effect for his jet pack, and the Convoy Council cape from his later appearances.

Now that I think about it, Flame Toys even produced a Furai Model version with the cape.

I really should pick that up.

There have been all sorts of alternate color versions of Lio Convoy over the years, but part of me wishes Blokees would surprise us with an Alpha Trion version. During the old 3H era of BotCon, there were plans for an Alpha Trion toy based on Beast Machines Snarl. When Alpha Trion first appeared in that story, though, he was illustrated using Lio Convoy's silhouette instead.

That's one of those wonderful "what if?" moments that would make for an incredibly fun special edition.

Today we're looking at both the standard robot mode and beast mode kits. Like the other Defender Version releases, Blokees treats each mode as its own separate model instead of trying to engineer a transformation between them.

Personally, I love that approach.

A transforming toy always has to make compromises. By separating the two modes, both end up looking as good as they possibly can.

The lion assembles very easily. The body begins with two large halves connected by an internal frame that acts as the skeleton for the rest of the kit. The legs and feet go together quickly, while the head gets a little extra attention. The lower jaw is assembled separately before attaching to the face, which then connects to the mane. Additional mane pieces can fold upward to recreate the Lion Typhoon attack.

Once complete, the lion has a modest amount of articulation. The jaw opens, and the mane pieces can be displayed raised or lowered.

The robot builds much like a standard Defender Version kit, although it has a few fun gimmicks. The lion claw sections can be displayed forward for his claw attack or folded back to resemble the mane pieces seen on his forearms. The lion head that normally sits on his shoulder can also be swapped with the full beast-mode head, allowing you to display the Lion Typhoon in robot mode. It's a little oversized, but it looks fantastic.

Like a few of the Beast Wars Defender Version kits, the extra armor around the forearms slightly limits articulation. Personally, I don't mind, although I'm sure it probably drives somebody on the internet absolutely crazy.

Lio Convoy also includes a yellow blaster using the same mold that's been included with several Defender Version kits. I tend to think of it as this line's equivalent of the classic Optimus Prime rifle. Part of me wishes Lio Convoy had received a yellow version of that weapon instead, but this one still looks great in his hands.

Once assembled, this is an incredibly sharp-looking mini figure.

Like Cheetor before him, I can't help but compare him to the sprites from Transformers Beast Wars: Beast Warriors' Strongest Decisive Battle on the Game Boy Color. The proportions are surprisingly similar, and now I've got myself wishing Blokees would release a line of Defender Version kits painted to match those pixel-art colors.

Now that I've said it...

I want that even more.

Lio Convoy has always been a special character to me, and Blokees absolutely nailed him. This is one of those rare instances where I honestly don't have a single complaint.

I'm just ridiculously, blissfully happy with it.

I wish everything did that.

Nemesis Prime [Defender Version 07- Power of the Beast]

@robfromzonebase Nemesis Prime [Transformers Blokees Defender Version 07- Power of the Beast] #zonebase #transformers #blokees #beastwars #blokeestransformers ♬ Mind Over Matter - E.G. DAILY

I was pleasantly surprised to see that one of the special versions available in Blokees Transformers Defender Version 07: Power of the Beast was Universe Nemesis Prime, the 2004 Target-exclusive repaint of Big Convoy. I was expecting things like metallic paint or some extra fancy weaponry (which another special version of Big Convoy in this series actually has), but instead they went with one of the more obscure versions of Nemesis Prime. That's a pretty deep cut, and I love seeing Blokees do things like that.

Nemesis Prime originated in the original Transformers Universe toy line, which featured previously released molds repainted into new versions of existing characters or, in some cases, entirely new characters. Initially, Universe served as a companion line to Armada before continuing alongside later Transformers series. Store exclusives, convention exclusives, and even an ongoing comic published through the Official Transformers Collectors' Convention/Club all fell under the Universe banner. This was back during the 3H split era of BotCon.

The storyline centered around Unicron's return. He began pulling Transformers from countless alternate universes and forcing them to battle inside his body. As each Transformer fell, Unicron consumed their Spark and grew even more powerful. The Maximals from a post-Beast Machines Cybertron joined forces with the Autobots against Predacons and Decepticons loyal to Unicron... although the battle lines weren't always so clearly drawn.

Of course, there have been several different characters named Nemesis Prime over the years. This particular version originated from the corpse of one universe's Optimus Prime, who had been killed by Mega Zarak. Unicron cloned the fallen Optimus and transformed him into his own dark version of Prime, complete with the Dead Matrix, an artifact capable of killing Primus.

In the early TFCC comics, which took place on a version of Cybertron during the events of Transformers Cybertron/Galaxy Force, Nemesis Prime and Ramjet, another of Unicron's Heralds, arrived on Cybertron while it was largely abandoned. Most of the Transformers were searching for the Cyber Planet Keys and the Omega Lock in order to awaken Primus and stop the Unicron Singularity, which was busy tearing reality apart.

Because catastrophic events are just another Tuesday when you're a Transformer.

Nemesis Prime and Ramjet planned to use the Dead Matrix to kill Primus while he slept and had virtually no one left to defend him. Naturally, they were defeated, the Dead Matrix was taken away, and Nemesis Prime was imprisoned.

You'd think that would be the end of his story, but nope. This version of Nemesis Prime continued popping up during later inter-dimensional adventures. Alternity even redeemed him and turned him into one of the good guys! It just goes to show there's really no such thing as a burned bridge in a fictional universe.

Just like the original toy, this Blokees kit is a repaint of Big Convoy. While the original figure reused the Beast Wars Neo toy mold, this special Defender Version is a repaint of the Big Convoy model kit found in the blind boxes. I'd still love to get the regular Big Convoy from Series 07, but this was a pretty awesome surprise to open.

I still remember getting my original Nemesis Prime 22 years ago. I'd already owned the original Big Convoy, specifically the Korean Sonokong release, where the character was renamed "Mammolike." Getting the evil repaint afterward was incredibly exciting. One of the things that made Universe so much fun was that Hasbro would occasionally take molds American collectors had never had access to and suddenly release them as store exclusives. There were even plans to reuse molds from Brave, although those unfortunately never happened.

Years ago I remember saying online that it'd be really cool if some of those classic Universe color schemes found their way onto modern updates of those characters. It's neat to see that actually happen, especially in a format that I've clearly become a huge fan of.

Big Convoy's design works incredibly well as a Blokees Defender Version. You'd think the smaller proportions would make him look cute, but somehow he's just as badass as ever. Nemesis Prime isn't simply a black repaint either. His color layout is surprisingly sharp. The cream-colored plastic used on various parts of the robot really pops against the darker colors.

Yes... cream.

That was one of the charms of the old Universe repaints. Instead of using obvious colors like gold, they'd use champagne or other unusual shades that gave each figure its own unique personality. Some of those decos were genuinely creative.

Building Nemesis Prime felt like a premium experience, much like Magmatron did. There are so many unique parts that help separate him from the standard release. The mammoth tusks are separate pieces that attach to the beast kibble on his back, giving the whole design an even more dramatic silhouette.

The paint applications are another highlight. The red tips of the tusks and the red chest clearly draw inspiration from Robots in Disguise (2001) Scourge's windows and sword, while the teal detailing on the legs mirrors Scourge's own teal highlights. The resemblance is so obvious that, in the TFCC comic, Robots in Disguise Optimus Prime actually takes note of it. Apparently the similarity wasn't lost on the fictional characters either.

Assembly is exactly what you'd expect from a Blokees kit. Everything goes together smoothly, and there aren't any tricky spots worth warning you about. Honestly, with a design this ornate, I expected at least one frustrating step... but nope. It's another straightforward, enjoyable build.

Since this is simply a repaint of the regular Big Convoy, he comes with the standard Big Cannon. The other special version includes metallic paint along with the upgraded Matrix Buster version of the weapon. I'd honestly love to own both of the other Big Convoy variants someday—one to display alongside Magmatron, and especially that spectacular Special Armor Type version.

Having a small model of Universe Nemesis Prime wasn't something I ever expected Blokees to make, but I'm certainly glad they did. Once again, they've shown they're willing to dig deep into Transformers history instead of sticking to only the obvious choices. That's one of the reasons I've become such a fan of this line.

And honestly... he's just pretty damned impressive looking.

Magmatron [Defender Version 07 – Power of the Beast]

@robfromzonebase Magmatron (Blokees Transformers Defender Version 07- Power of the Beast) #zonebase #transformers #blokees #models #beastwars ♬ ChainsawGirl - RinRin

It's been a little too long since I've talked about a Blokees kit here on the site and, since it's Beast Summer (damn, it feels good to say that again), we're getting back into the swing of things with one of Beast Wars' standouts, Magmatron.

Magmatron is the leader of the Predacons in Beast Wars Neo, who later joins the Beast Machines Dinobots. That's actually how I acquired my original Magmatron, as the Japanese release was a little out of reach for a broke college student. However, when Hasbro made him a member of the new Dinobots, he was released as a Target exclusive that I immediately jumped on.

Magmatron is a very interesting Transformer. He's composed of three different dinosaurs—Landsaurus, Seasaurus, and Skysaurus—that combine to form his robot mode. The combination of those three distinct dinosaurs makes for one of the most unique robot designs in the franchise.

Since Blokees obviously don't transform, we don't have to worry about that here. However, it does make for a slightly more involved build than you'd normally expect from a Defender Version kit.

I definitely enjoy the different dinosaur heads on his shoulders. On the original toy, they're beast mode kibble that becomes ornamental in robot mode. Here, Blokees could have easily skipped them altogether, but they didn't. Little touches like that help Magmatron feel more premium than your average Defender Version release.

I especially appreciate Skysaurus's wings on his back. Once again, they're an important part of his design, but they really pop on this kit. Since he doesn't transform, Magmatron's robot head also isn't tied to Skysaurus's transformation and is able to articulate independently. Defender Version kits are already well-articulated once assembled, and that extra freedom really benefits a design that's usually limited by the realities of being a transforming toy.

Another really nice touch is the inclusion of his Magma Blade and Magma Shield. They're appropriately oversized compared to the smaller figure, giving him a much more imposing presence than I'm used to seeing from Magmatron. They're large weapons on the original toy as well, but at this scale they almost make him feel like a miniature fantasy warrior.

The crazy thing is that this isn't even one of the chase figures in the assortment.

It's just a standard release.

That's honestly a little mind-blowing.

This is such a nice little kit that, if I needed a single figure to sell me on the entire Defender Version line, Magmatron would probably be it.

Starscream [Galaxy Version 07-One Wave 2]

I found a little time to assemble this Starscream kit amongst the hectic nature moving has me living currently. It's a very cool Blokees Transformers Galaxy Version kit that represents his appearance in the movie Transformers One.

As I mentioned while talking about the initial wave of Transformers One Galaxy Versions, I really like the combination of the Blokees style with the specific look of the Transformers One designs.

It's a nice combination of visual aesthetics that works very well together. Not to mention, Transformers One was pretty great and I'm all in for anything from it.

One thing I can say about Blokees is that they are always tinkering with their product. You'd think the Hero 10 scale, which seems to be their most popular size, would stay consistent in its builds, but that's not the case. They're always tinkering with it and there's constant change throughout the various series while still keeping them visually similar to each other.

I think the only visual difference I ever really notice is that kits from the early waves (and repaints of those molds) have that super obvious neck, while in the mid-to-later series they've made the necks look better. I haven't gotten a full case of Series 07, instead opting to pick up a blind box or two whenever I'm at Walmart.

One thing I've been noticing is another change to the standard body frame. This one has a ball-jointed waist as opposed to the standard waist from earlier releases, or the more jointed one from more recent series. I'm not sure which one I like better, though I may be leaning toward the more jointed version.

Another change I wasn't aware of involves the joints. They've been universal up until now, but there's now a smaller version meant for the upper arms and elbows. I wasn't aware of that. I just stuck them in out of habit and kept wondering why Starscream was off balance. After I put him away, I did a little looking and... you know those moments where you just stare at absolutely nothing while you realize something? I've got to remember to go back and swap his joints out now.

Starscream has a very sharp-looking design in Transformers One and that translates really well here, making him feel like a more deluxe kit. I'm particularly fond of the metallic silver they used. Initially, I thought I had lucked into one of the special versions from the series, but no, they just made him extra nice.

He's got lasers on the wings of what would be his jet mode if he transformed, along with his trademark Null Rays on his shoulders. Aside from those joints, you've also got to pay attention to his shoulder armor during assembly. It's easy to put it on backwards and not realize it. It's not a giant issue, but if you do, you'll hide some of the painted detail.

Of course he's got the standard closed and open hands and, for some reason, I really want to give him a sword. He's just so nice-looking that it feels like one would just... look great.

Basically, this is a really nice little kit that feels more premium than it is. I wonder if they're making other Seekers from it?

Jetfire (Robot & Vehicle) [Defender Version 05-Traitor to Tyranny]

It's clearly not a secret to anyone at this point that Jetfire's original toy was a reuse of a Macross Valkyrie, which was also getting used in Robotech. This of course led to his character getting named Skyfire in the cartoon and given a different look on the show. Various toys and lawsuits later and it's still a thing.

That leads us to today's really well executed Blokees Transformers Defender Version Jetfire, who's appearing in his G1 cartoon looks and I'm pretty happy about that as I've always liked that design. In Series 05-Traitor to Tyranny, Jetfire was released in robot and vehicle forms with a Special Armor Type available if you were lucky enough to get one.

Starting with the vehicle kit, you actually get a pretty neat little approximation of Skyfire's jet mode seen in season 1. It assembles pretty easily and features wings that can fold back similar to the Valkyrie Jetfire's based on. I probably should have taken pictures of the jet's additional features... but it didn't occur to me until just now that I should have. The jet has features, and some pretty neat ones.

For starters, the top can be opened which allows for a Defender Type robot mode Transformer to ride on top of Jetfire via two pegs. In addition, there's two pegs on the jet's bottom that allow it to be used as a jetpack. On top of that, thanks to those pegs and a few other ball joints, you can take the legs and arms from a robot mode Jetfire and recreate a Macross Gerwalk mode. That's a lot of features for this little vehicle that I probably should have showed off, but honestly I was more focused on how cool I think the jet looks. To further illustrate that, in the picture I used a piece of popcorn to prop him up at an angle. Tunnel vision.

The robot mode kit is pretty special. The Skyfire design really lends itself to the Blokees look and that really shines as a Defender Version. I specifically favor Defender Versions due to their proportions and smallness (the site's named after a Micromaster base, there might be something to that). That and Defenders have a lot of really cool features like all the gimmicks in Jetfire's vehicle mode kit for example, or the various combiners.

Not only can Jetfire interact with his alt mode kit in fun ways, but he's pretty visually distinct in robot mode too. Of course he's representing his Skyfire design, but that big honking backpack contrasts so neatly with those smaller proportions that it really looks fabulous. I'm glad these are smaller, not just because I lean towards smaller toys often, but because if this was a larger figure, the design would lose a lot of its personality.

It kind of reminds me of Skyblast, who of course was patterned after Skyfire, but the proportions are similar enough that I think a clever repaint would make for a fun conversion.

Of course he's fairly well articulated. For a blind box model kit that results in a mini figure, the range of movement is pretty impressive. Frankly, it's pretty impressive overall regardless of any of those factors. Jetfire has his Photon Missile Launcher and if you got the Special Armor Version, it also came with launching missile effects and a mounted forearm sword similar to his appearance in the War for Cybertron cartoon, which the kit is colored to match.

It's honestly pretty neat how Blokees managed to reference War for Cybertron, G1, and those Macross roots. Not to mention giving the Skyfire design Macross style gimmicks is really clever.

Ultimately, it's a solid case of why Defender Versions are so damn cool.

SG Sideswipe [Wheels 02-Wreck 'N Rule]

The Shattered Glass version of Sideswipe is one of those characters that's just chock full of Transformers trivia. On the surface, he looks like a version of Sideswipe who left the Autobots and joined the Decepticons (you could say he swiped sides). I've explained it before, but let's see if I can do it in a shorter version.

Originally there was a toy in Transformers Armada named Wheeljack who looked like traditional Sideswipe and had left the Autobots to join the Decepticons. Meanwhile, there was also a character named Sideswipe... who didn't look like traditional Sideswipe. It was a weird time.

Then in the early 2000's version of Transformers Universe, there were plans to use that Armada Wheeljack mold as a new version of G2 Drench. I had always liked G2 Drench's colors and loved the Armada Wheeljack toy, so I was super excited about this at the time. Unfortunately, it was canceled. A few years later, when Shattered Glass was introduced as a BotCon exclusive, Sideswipe made from the Armada Wheeljack mold in that canceled Drench deco was released. Needless to say, I was a fast fan.

I think the only version of SG Sideswipe I don't own is the Generations Selects version that I really should get. I clearly wasn't his only fan either as Sho Utsumi from SSSS.Gridman is heavily patterned after SG Sideswipe. Actually, most of the cast in that show is modeled after Transformers characters, which is pretty neat.

This incarnation of SG Sideswipe is from Blokees Transformers Wheels Series 02-Wreck 'N Rule. A 1/64 scale model of his vehicle mode. It's pleasantly small and the Solidex is satisfyingly used for the main car body shell. Really, the colors pop as it just looks so sharp.

The kit came together well. The universal chassis all Wheels kits seem to share connects to a skid plate type piece and everything builds up from there. A Blokees driver can fit inside the car's interior nicely and probably most Inchman style figures could as well. I'm moving, so I don't have time to experiment with this currently, but I really want to stick a Micro Galaxy Squadron Storm Trooper in there.

SG Sideswipe shares a mold with the Blokees Wheels Breakdown who is in the same series. I'll definitely be talking about Breakdown a little later as I assume the Stunticons will eventually be represented fully as Wheels kits.

Ultimately, this is a very slick looking little car and another great Wheels kit.

Ironfist [Wheels 02-Wreck 'N Rule]

The first kit I assembled from the Blokees Transformers Wheels Series 02-Wreck 'N Rule was this one, Ironfist. I'm not going to act like I'm Ironfist's biggest fan, but it's hard not to like him. I've gone over some of the confusion surrounding his original toy in another post from earlier this year. It's honestly hard for me not to remember all of that whenever thinking about him.

This Ironfist is another non-transforming blind boxed model kit from Blokees, who at this point are the main focus of my Transformers buying. Wheels of course represent the alternate modes of Transformers characters, and this one is firmly based on his appearance in the IDW comics where he's most popular.

What draws me to this the most is the resemblance to a Diaclone vehicle. I just want a fleet of these piloted by Dianauts. I can imagine that's possible too, as there's a little cockpit up front intended for a Blokees driver to pilot the vehicle.

This was one of the easier to assemble Wheels kits I've come across. Even with the small instructions that I sometimes have trouble with, I was able to snap everything together within minutes. The only trouble I had was these little bits that go between the wheels. Initially, I wasn't sure which way they were meant to be positioned as it wasn't very clear in the instructions. However, it became pretty obvious when I just looked at the damn thing. That was one of those moments where I said "oh... yeah" out loud and then looked around to see if anyone saw that. Thankfully I was alone at the moment. Something like that would go on my permanent record.

A nice touch is the cannon turret moves a little when the ammo drum is turned. That whole section can also be moved around so that Ironfist can aim his gun as well. I didn't notice any Solidex pieces in his construction disappointingly, but thankfully the vehicle is nice enough to excuse its absence. Seriously, I love Solidex.

Swerve and Gears [Wheels 01–Roll Out]

Swerve and Gears are a fun pair to look at together.

Originally, Swerve was a repaint and slight retool of Gears in the original Transformers toy line. Gears himself comes from a Microman Microchange mold, which in turn traces back to an unused Mysterians concept. There’s a lot of toy history baked into these two.

Now with Blokees Wheels, things come full circle. They’re clearly built from the same base, but this time they’re released together in the same blind box series instead of one being an afterthought repaint.

Personally, I’ve always preferred Swerve’s toy, but I like Gears’ character more. That mostly comes from their appearances in the original cartoon—Swerve barely gets a personality, while Gears gets a whole episode dedicated to being a grumpy ass.

Meanwhile, Swerve went on to become a fan-favorite in the IDW comics, and it’s his Cybertronian vehicle mode that this Wheels version is based on. Gears ends up being the repaint/retool here.

Blokees really did bring it all the way back around.

Even though they share a lot of parts, there are some nice differences beyond just color.

Swerve comes with his “My First Blaster” gun, which can mount on the rear of the vehicle. I really like how that looks—it actually reminds me a bit of the Sophia from Blaster Master. If you don’t want to use the weapon, there’s an alternate rear panel that gives him a cleaner look, closer to his original G1 toy.

Gears, on the other hand, leans more rugged. He’s got a roll cage with a spare tire, which gives him a totally different silhouette. He also includes a rocket exhaust effect piece that attaches after removing the rear bumper.

It’s impressive how something as simple as alternate rear sections and color choices can make two nearly identical builds feel so distinct.

The builds themselves are very similar, of course. The Wheels line uses a universal chassis system, so once you’ve done one, you’ve basically got the foundation for all of them. It makes assembly quick and pretty satisfying.

That said, the instructions are printed on the back of the included mini trading cards, and they can be a little hard to read. I’m honestly considering picking up a small magnifying glass for my modeling kit. Maybe Daiso has something like that—I take a weird amount of pride in grabbing medeling tools from there.

One thing I really like is that parts of the rear section are made from Solidex, giving them that satisfying die-cast feel. It adds a nice bit of weight and makes them feel a little more premium than you’d expect.

Both vehicles have opening canopies, although from what I understand, the Blokees driver figures don’t actually fit inside. That’s a little odd and I haven’t tried it myself yet. Maybe something like another Inchman style figure would work better.

It’s funny—I didn’t expect to enjoy the Wheels line as much as I do. As I’m writing this, I’ve got a box of Series 2 on the way and I’m basically chomping at the bit to get into it.

Blokees has clearly cast some kind of spell on me… and I’m not even trying to resist it.

Sideswipe [Shining Version 02–Shining 1985]

Sideswipe is one of the original Autobots who’s kind of the everyday guy. In the original cartoon, he’s always there as part of the team, even if he doesn’t get a ton of spotlight.

He’s got a jet pack and pile driver arms, and while the show doesn’t always lean into it, he’s a bit reckless and not afraid to fight dirty—something that comes through more in the comics.

Alongside his brother Sunstreaker, they make up a solid duo, with Sideswipe being the more easygoing of the two.

This Shining Version kit from Blokees Transformers Blind Boxes is a really nice take on him. Like other Shining Versions, it’s an upgraded take on the Galaxy Version release, adding light-up features and some improved paint details.

Here, his eyes light up—and they look great. The LED is actually strong enough that you get a bit of light bleeding through the chest as well, which is a neat, unintended bonus.

He comes with the usual extras: open and closed hands, his laser gun, rocket launcher, display stand with symbol pegs, and an Energon Cube.

The standout here, though, is the jet pack. It’s a solid representation of the one he uses in the show, and it includes two blast effects to simulate the boosters firing as he takes off. It adds a lot to the overall look and gives you some fun posing options.

I tried to pose him like he was launching into flight in my photos… but it mostly looks like he’s about to go for a jumping high five.

I’m not what you’d call an expert photographer.