Bone Shaker [Hot Wheels X Transformers]

Hot Wheels collectors often get talked down on by other toy collectors for no real good reason. Sure, I’ve made jokes too… but I’ve seen (and smelled) some interesting characters in every fandom. Neatly enough, Mattel and Hasbro have been collaborating in recent times, creating some really cool stuff. This week we’ll be looking at the Hot Wheels X Transformers Collaborative line, released right at the end of 2025. I got the set in the mountain of presents from the Mrs. at Christmas and have been dying to talk about them here on the site, as they’re really freaking cool!

First up is Bone Shaker, whose slightly spooky skull design feels just right in observance of Setsubun. Bone Shaker is based on a Hot Wheels car of the same name, originally released in 2006. It’s a cool hot rod with flame deco and a giant chrome skull on the grille. That car has been faithfully recreated here as a Transformer that’s roughly Deluxe Class sized. Neatly enough, he features a mace weapon made from the car’s stick shift. The weapon fits into the shift column inside the car, but sticks out of the roof similar to the cars you’d see Rat Fink drive. This thing is pure old-school rockabilly hot rod culture, and I really dig it.

Of note, the top of that mace weapon — which is the shifter’s knob — is emblazoned with an Autobot symbol on crossbones. G2 Hero Megatron had a Decepticon symbol on crossbones, and I’ve always loved that aesthetic. The car also draws mental comparisons to the G2 Laser Rods and Micromaster Hot Rod Patrol toys, which were really cool.

Transformation from hot rod to rad robot is pretty easy, all things considered. You’d think it would be more complex, considering how well done the car mode is. Things fold out in pretty standard car-bot fashion. The hood becomes his chest, with the arms and head folded underneath, while the rear end becomes his legs and feet. The car’s seats actually become his feet when folded up properly.

Of course, that mace can be held in either hand to crack some skulls open with. In robot mode, Bone Shaker looks great, channeling that G2 Laser Rod influence while still being his own bot. That skull custom grille is now his way-cool chest, while the exhaust pipes form a popped, cool daddy-o collar behind his head. Speaking of his head, it has neat exhaust pipe–style detailing, while his red visor suggests a cool pair of shades.

Come to think of it, the cool black colors paired with the flame deco and chrome parts almost look like a leather jacket. Literally a rockabilly robot through and through, and I’m here for it. He’s decently articulated, adding to an all-around great figure. It’s probably easy to tell that I really like this guy. I like both of them, but Bone Shaker is definitely my favorite of the two. It’s just such a neat original design that harkens back to a style that’s often forgotten in today’s toy landscape.

Frankentron [Universal Monsters x Transformers]

Like Draculus before, I was super excited when Frankentron was announced and pre-ordered one right away. The Universal Monsters have been a life long fandom of mine and having them Crossover with Transformers is just pure bliss. If you would have told the small child version of myself always toting his Remco Frankenstein Monster around that one day there would be a Transformers version of it... well, you'd have one happy little boy. Frankentron is a pretty heavy remold of the Siege Impactor toy with several new parts. I really liked Impactor and think it was a good choice for a base mold. His blocky yet well articulated design really lends itself to the classic Frankenstein Monster look. Let's talk about the new parts. Frankentron has open palm hands perfect for classic lumbering poses. Then there's his new chest that looks like a bare chested monster.

Of course there's the new head with that signature flat top. It's really a great robotic take on the classic Jack Pierce design. Last, but certainly not least is the new Tesla Coil weapon with electricity effect. This serves as the monsters tank cannon, or a weapon in robot mode. It has a cool burst of purple energy that can be attached for an attack effect. I like to pose it upwards in robot mode with the intention of generation energy for the creature to use in a rampage. Transformation is pretty easy. Aside from folding a few parts here and there, Frankentron basically folds over in a 'touch your toes' position. Those few parts I mentioned fold into place and with that Tesla Coil weapon inserted you've got one wild Cybertronian Tank that shoots electricity. It's as though Dr. Frankenstin developed a Maser Tank. After Draculus I wasn't expecting another Universal Monster to get the Transformers treatment and they made a really great figure. I hope the rest of the monsters find their way to Cybertron. Happy Halloween!

Code Red [Strangers Things x Transformers]

When Code Red was announced last year, I was quick to pre-order one. Stranger Things is one of my favorite TV shows and a collaboration with Transformers is just a fun idea. Of course he's perfect for Halloweek. Code Red is a unique toy as usually these types of Transformers reuses the engineering from a prior release. I think he uses Studio Series 86 Ironhide's engineering, but he feels completely different. If it is based on that toy, the remolding is so extensive that it practically feels like a brand new design. When he was announced, there was confusion as to why his name was Code Red. In season 2 Dustin often calls the guys over their radios claiming they have a 'Code Red'. I don't know if you can see it well in my pictures, but Code Red is wearing Dustin's headset. It's a fun bit of synergy between the show and the toy. Dustin's my favorite character from the show, so I probably enjoyed it a little more because of that.

Dustin isn't the only character referenced here. It's pretty obvious that Code Red transforms into Argyle's Surfer Boy Pizza delivery van. The van is a licensed VW  Vanagon that's pretty small considering the larger robot it's from from. Transformation is pretty easy and I didn't fumble with any part clearances. Everything just worked fine. Robot mode is fairly well articulated and features some great accessories. Most notably is the Surfer Boy Pizza sign converts into a shoulder cannon. There's a pizza box and flame effect that compliments this pretty well. Then he has an axe and spiked baseball bat similar to Joyce and Steve's weapons. Hopefully any Demogorgon isn't big enough for him to need them... but the Mindflayer was pretty big in season 3. All the weapons store in vehicle mode. In addition to the show's homages on the toy, there's quite a bit in the Surfer Boy Pizza box that Code Red comes with. Too many to mention here, but they're very clever. That's probably the best descriptor for this toy, it's clever. There's a lot of fan love in this crossovers figure. 

Stranger Things x Transformers

That's no moon...bot

While I've been looking forward to the Star Wars Micro Galaxy Squadron toys (only seen Boba Fett in stores, waiting for the smaller sets first), I was reminded of another cool Star Wars line from the past. Star Wars Transformers debuted in late 2005 and were pretty neat. I still recall when the news first hit of the crossover line, most fans anticipated things like Jetfire turning into an X-Wing. However the line ultimately ended up being something different. The toys were classic Star Wars vehicles that turned into robots based on a classic character piloted by a little figure of said character. It wasn't what I expected initially, but I was sold on the idea instantly. Similar to Animorphs before it, these were Transformers branded toys not connected to the greater TF fiction. Of course this ruffled some feathers... but what doesn't?

The toys themselves were pretty neat. Not only did they feature the inch man style pilots that I so love (I wonder if those will fit in the Micro Galaxy Squadron?), but they also featured some genuinely cool designs. One particular thing I've always liked was how lightsabers were used. Of course the robot would use them as a weapon, but in vehicle mode they'd be firing missiles. Think about how a laser looks in Star Wars when it's being show (pew pew) and then think about a lightsaber. That's pretty dang clever! 

My favorite of the toys was the Darth Vader Death Star. The figure was large and the Death Star could contain those tiny pilot figures. A cool extra touch was the inclusion of small Tie Fighters that had simple robot modes themselves. They were pretty basic, but made for some cool drones to assist the giant Vader in battle. Probably the coolest extra was a cloth cape. Darth Vader has a cape, we all know this. However a giant robot that turns into a moon sized planet destroying space station with a cape? BADASS. This was a seriously cool figure that was all toy. Star Wars Transformers was a really great line that ran for years. I'd liked a cartoon, a game, or some kind of other fiction. However Star Wars isn't exactly hurting for fiction or games, so I can understand why there was none. Still wish there was a Darth Vader that transformed into a scorpion.

Bios- Captain America

Sometimes world-class threats require world-class power. That's when Captain America steps into his specially-built mech suit. Fast, made of same indestructible Vibranium alloy as his shield, and attuned to his perfect reflexes, only a Super Soldier like Captain America could control the awesome power of this battle suit. Plus, the vehicle mode is rugged and stealthy, giving him the drop on evildoers!

Great Scott! Transformers X Back To The Future Gigawatt Will Make You Go Back In Time

GREAT SCOTT! TRANSFORMERS-BACK TO THE FUTURE COLLABORATION INTRODUCES ‘GIGAWATT’ CHARACTER – AVAILABLE TO PRE-ORDER NOW!

‘More than Meets the Eye’ Collides with Time Travel

For 35^th Anniversary of Iconic Back to the Future Franchise

An IDW Comic Book is Also Being Created for Back to the Future and Transformers Fans

PAWTUCKET, RI – July 2, 2020 – Great Scott! Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ:HAS), Universal Brand Development and Amblin Entertainment today revealed the first-ever TRANSFORMERS-Back to the Future Collaboration, starring the all new character GIGAWATT. This new time-traveling TRANSFORMERS AUTOBOT commemorates 35 years since the groundbreaking adventure film, Back to the Future, took audiences back in time.

When fans of the iconic Back to the Future Time Machine look a little closer at this nostalgic interpretation of the car, they will be treated to a new “robot in disguise” named GIGAWATT, a converting time machine robot. The figure stands at 5.5 inches in Robot mode and can convert to Time Machine mode in 17 steps, plus it includes a blaster and whip antennae accessories, and features movie-inspired details from the film, including Doc Brown-style goggles, a flux capacitor chest piece, and time circuits. In time machine mode, the gullwing doors open and wheels rotate from vertical to horizontal to produce a hovering effect as seen at the end of the film.

In addition to the collectible figure, from IDW comes Transformers / Back to the Future – the four-part, comic book series. The first issue cover is being revealed today, along with the story synopsis: Marty McFly has just returned to his home sweet home, Hill Valley 1985, and everything's looking up... that is, until Marty and his friend Doc Brown's time machine attracts the attention of the Decepticons! With one small mistake, Marty finds himself thrust into adventure to stop the Decepticon plot in the past, present, and future... all with the help of a new time machine: the Autobot, Gigawatt!

TRANSFORMERS robots have always been more than meets the eye, but now, through the TRANSFORMERS Collaborative, fans can experience these larger than life characters as they team-up, mash-up, and meet up with other characters, teams and people who share this same special quality. It is a world of constant change where things are not what they seem.

The GIGAWATT figure is available now for pre-order at Walmart.com with only 1,985 pieces available that feature an exclusive, limited edition numbered package in honor of the 35^th anniversary of the first film’s release – July 3, 1985. A second variant release of the figure will be available starting October 1, 2020 via HasbroPulse.com and select retailers around the world; part one of the comic book also will be available October 1, wherever comic books are sold.

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About Back to the Future
From the Academy Award-winning filmmakers Steven Spielberg and Robert Zemeckis comes Back to the Future - the original, groundbreaking adventure that sparked one of the most successful trilogies ever! When teenager Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) is blasted to 1955 in the DeLorean time machine created by the eccentric Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd), he finds himself mixed up in a time-shattering chain reaction that could vaporize his future – and leave him trapped in the past. Powered by innovative special effects, unforgettable songs and non-stop action, Back to the Future is an unrivaled adventure that stands the test of time.

About Hasbro

Hasbro (NASDAQ: HAS) is a global play and entertainment company committed to Creating the World's Best Play and Entertainment Experiences. From toys, games and consumer products to television, movies, digital gaming, live action, music, and virtual reality experiences, Hasbro connects to global audiences by bringing to life great innovations, stories and brands across established and inventive platforms.  Hasbro’s iconic brands include NERF, MAGIC: THE GATHERING, MY LITTLE PONY, TRANSFORMERS, PLAY-DOH, MONOPOLY, BABY ALIVE, POWER RANGERS, PEPPA PIG and PJ MASKS, as well as premier partner brands. Through its global entertainment studio, eOne, Hasbro is building its brands globally through great storytelling and content on all screens. Hasbro is committed to making the world a better place for all children and all families through corporate social responsibility and philanthropy. Hasbro ranked among the 2020 100 Best Corporate Citizens by 3BL Media and has been named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by Ethisphere Institute for the past nine years. We routinely share important business and brand updates on our Investor Relations website, Newsroom and social channels (@Hasbro on Twitter and Instagram.)

About Universal Brand Development
Universal Brand Development globally drives expansion of the company's intellectual properties, franchises, characters and stories through innovative physical and digital products, content, and consumer experiences. Along with franchise brand management, Universal Brand Development's core businesses include Consumer Products and Games and Digital Platforms based on the company's extensive portfolio of intellectual properties created by Universal Pictures, Illumination, DreamWorks Animation and NBCUniversal cable and television. Universal Brand Development is part of NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation. www.universalbranddevelopment.com.


Thanks to Rogers & Cowan for providing Zone Base readers with this news!