Devastator [Defender Version]

Today we’ll be looking at the Blokees Defender Version of Devastator, which was a bit of a project to take on. The vehicle mode Constructicons were released across Defender Version series 01–03. These are blind boxes, so that could be a challenge unless you buy the entire case — which is what I try to do. Then you’re required to buy the combining parts kit to merge the vehicles into Devastator. That doesn’t sound like a lot here as I’m typing it, but explaining it can be confusing for some folks.

People get hung up on the whole Defender Version vs Galaxy Version thing, too. The devil’s in the details, and somewhere somebody’s so confused they’re trying to buy hot dogs at Arby’s and getting really pissed off in the process.

One thing to be mindful of when buying the parts kit is that it’s only $4.99 from Blokees themselves. I’ve seen shady dealers trying to pass it off for a lot more — in some cases around $50. I’ve also seen various sources claiming Blokees isn’t allowed to sell it in America or other countries. That isn’t true for the U.S. anymore, as I easily bought it. Just be careful out there and make good decisions. Some of these assholes are trying to rip you off. 

Once you have all the needed parts, you can assemble the MIGHTY DEVASTATOR!

Before we do that, let’s take a quick look at the individual Constructicons themselves. Some of the characters are available in robot mode as either Defender or Galaxy Versions. They’re really neat, but I feel like the vehicles are pretty great too. They’re about the size of a Mini-Con in alt mode, and there’s just something undeniably charming about a set of six little construction vehicles. They’re fun to push around all on their own. I’m particularly fond of Mixmaster’s tiny mixing drum.

The parts kit comes with an instruction manual that I ended up using more than I thought I would. Some parts need to be removed and will not get reused in the final product, so make sure you store them somewhere safe for later. For the most part, the arm guys (Bonecrusher and Scavenger) plug right into place with the lower arms attaching. Scrapper and Mixmaster form the lower legs and it’s not super difficult. Scrapper’s combined mode is fairly reminiscent of the G1 toy, which I liked. You’ll have to remove Mixmaster’s front wheels for Devastator’s stability — you can leave them on, but it creates an uneven foot.

The thighs plug into the leg guys and then into the hips. Devastator’s torso is formed from Hook and Long Haul… really the whole process is very similar to combining the G1 toy. You’ll have to assemble Devastator’s Solar Energy Beam Rifle. Transformers fans of a certain age probably see this weapon when their eyes are closed. I’m glad it was included — sometimes these older weapons get replaced with a generic blaster, and this one is an unmistakable shape.

When assembling Devastator’s head, you get two choices: a static toy-style face or an angry RAWR face. I went with the latter, but you can swap them out as you please. Once assembled, Devastator is AWESOME. He forms a much larger kit than you’d assume given the smaller components — around Voyager-size — and has plenty of articulation. It’s pretty impressive just how expressive he is… especially with the angry face. Normally combiners are a mixed bag when it comes to movement. Classic ones were pretty basic due to their construction. Newer ones have a decent range of motion, but stability tends to negate that. This version, however, is basically an action figure that can hit all sorts of poses. Neat!

I doubt I’ll ever stop singing the praises of Blokees, and considering they’ve got a team of Combaticons coming next… the music is probably never ending. I’m really impressed by this set, and completing it feels like an achievement. Feels good man.

Constructicon Long Haul [Studio Series 86/Commander Class]

Following Hook in the Transformers Studio Series Two Pack of Torso Terror is Long Haul, whom forms Devastators lower torso. Long Haul, being a dump truck is well suited for carrying the extra parts required for assembling Devastator. Not in the bed of his truck, nope, they actually combine to form a trailer! Long Haul can (wait for it) haul the extra parts! I'm a lot more impressed with this trailer than I am the battle deck/jet add on parts for Superion. Probably because I didn't expect it... and thanks to the wings, it reminds me a little of God Bomber in his trailer mode.

I've always liked the way Long Haul looked. He's this big chonky robot (it's a vibe) made from a good old dump truck. Maybe it's just growing up with Tonka trucks in the back yard... hey come to think about it, the ones we had was a crane and dump truck! This set was pre destined! *ahem* There's just something satisfyingly pleasant about him, you know? The Devastator set Hasbro put out in Combiner Wars a decade ago was pretty good, but there was some reinvention going on. Long Haul ended up being VERY LARGE in that set. Frankly, I liked it, but we're going for screen accuracy this time. Like the others, Long Haul is a nice mix of original design and cartoon appearance. A big difference in this design, however, is that Long Haul doesn't form Devastators thighs. Some of those extra parts in the trailer do that.

Long Haul has his pistol that has a removable barrel. I don't see any point in that as of this moment, but it sure does separate. He's pleasantly articulated and very expressive. It's really neat that his head can move around. Obviously most heads on toys do that, but articulation with his head on a panel is pretty neat. Transformation is pretty easy and aside from a few steps is mostly muscle memory from the original toy. Some Transformers you can just look at and your hands know what to do. The trailer doesn't connect traditionally. Instead you'll have to fit the connector pieces between the rear ends haves as they connect. Rolling him along with his trailer is pretty pleasant, there's a certain charm to it that I can't quite describe. It's kinda cute. Out of this two pack, I like Long Haul the best. Once I get the rest of the gang, I'll show off Devastator. For right now though, I'm enjoying the dump truck guy.

Constructicon Hook [Studio Series 86/Commander Class]

I've talked before about how sometimes Transformers naming systems can be too wordy or confusing, this is one of those times. Hook is a Voyager Class figure that comes from a 2 pack of Voyager Class figures sold as a Commander Class. The full name on this box is Transformers Studio Series Constructicon Hook/Constructicon Long Haul. Don't forget that Studio Series is under the Transformers Generations sub-line, so the entire name is Transformers Generations Transformers Studio Series Commander Class Constructicon Hook/Constructicon Long Haul.

It's a two-pack of Constructicons for the current Devastator set that comes with a bunch of extra combiner parts sold as a Commander Class. I spent almost a paragraph talking about how many titles the box has to get that out of the way, because it's a bit absurd. Hook is one of those two toys in the box. Hook is one of those Constructicons that's always in every group shot, but tends to blend into the crowd. He's a highly skilled craftsman and has one giant ego to match it, which fits into early Constructicon appearances where they were often working on a project. As a member of the team, he forms the upper torso of Devastator and turns into a crane.

Hence the name.

My brother is a professional crane operator, so I can appreciate this alt mode more now as an adult. One thing I really appreciate about these Studio Series 86 Constructicons is how much they're a combination of the original toys designs and the on screen models. The designers really did a good job making this set feel like an upgrade of that original Diaclone design while making them show accurate. This set is meant to match their looks from the 1986 movie, which itself was a higher quality version of how they appeared in the regular cartoon series.

As someone who always liked the cartoon better, I appreciate the concept behind Studio Series 86 a whole lot. Hook is well articulated. To allow for some of this articulation, the sort of cape his vehicle kibble forms over his shoulders features the ability to be moved out of the way. That's a nice meeting of screen accuracy and real world engineering. The original toy it wasn't a big deal, it had limited possibility naturally. Past updates would reinvent the wheel a little on the characters looks. This one of course must be faithful... so some improvisation was needed.

He's got his laser pistol. It's a good approximation of the one he originally came with and later used to mow down the Autobots while Instruments of Destruction played. In vehicle mode, it can connect the the crane arm for storage. Transformation to that vehicle mode is pretty easy. Once again he's essentially an updated version of the original, so some of those steps it took back in the day are the same today. Vehicle mode is nice, looks right, rolls along well. The little crane arm disconnects, so it can be removed for transformation to either hand off his back or in place properly.

Before anyone points it out, the robot hands are meant to remain folded out in vehicle mode to properly connect the front and back sections. I realized I did that part wrong now that I see my pictures. Years of modern toys make me fold them away on autopilot. Later this week we'll look at Hooks partner in the set Long Haul. Considering the two form Devastators torso when combined, I wish they would have named the box set something witty and torso related. Then again... I suppose that's harder than it sounds.

Constructicon Scrapper [Studio Series/Voyager Class]

The Constructicons are one of those eternally cool teams in Transformers. I don't know if it's because they were the first combiner team or what... but I love them too. Being the leader of the group, it's only appropriate that Scrapper be the first one of the new Studio Series 86 set to be released. He was among the group of toys I bought a while back that had been completely forgotten about and it's good to get around to them. I'm hoping to not have any trouble completing the set as there's just something special about Devastator.

Scrapper is a Voyager Class like the rest of the team (I think), though he's about the size of a Deluxe. The Voyager designation was due to the extra jointing in Combiner limb mode. So basically, Devastator will be extra poseable compared to other Combiners who tend to just stand there and maybe have a raised arm. Admittedly being charged more for extra joints feels a little fishy, especially thinking of old Beast Wars or Robots in Disguise 2001 toys that were much more articulated at a much lower cost. Times are different I guess... and a little poopy.

I often see some folks complaining that Generations toys (Studio Series is part of Generations too) are basically the G1 toys with more joints. That's a good thing in my eyes, so I don't see the problem. Not to mention, the same people with that complaint love Missing Link. Maybe they're just stupid. While Studio Series 86 is supposed to be more show accurate, that's not an issue with the Constructicons whose individual members were pretty toy accurate on the show. This toy is a happy middle ground of that as Scrapper manages to look both like his TV appearance and original toy. That's awesome, there's just something about those old blocky designs I love. With Scrapper you've got this well articulated chonky boi who looks like he did in the original Transformers movie. What's not to love? Scrapper comes with his laser pistol as well as Devastator's Solar Energy Beam Rifle. Devastator's gun can be broken up into two smaller guns that can be held by Scrapper. His pistol even fits into one. When you're using guns that big, might as well be flippant with a little flair.

Transformation to bulldozer mode is easy. Everything just goes into place without any fuss. This is one of those toys you can transform just by looking at it. Awesome. The two halves of the Solar Energy Rifle can attach to his sides in vehicle mode. The wings from Devastator's breastplate can fit on Scrappers sides as well if you want to recreate the look of the original toy. I always liked the way it looked when the combiner parts were connected to the alt modes back then. Scrapper is the only member of this set I have as of this writing, so I can't judge his combiner mode form at this time fairly. As a stand alone toy however, I really like him. Both modes are solid. He looks both like he did on TV and in original toy form. There's plenty of articulation and so much satisfying chonky robot fun. Scrapper, you're alright.

Scavenger [Galaxy Version 03 The Autobot Run]

I can relate to Scavenger a little. I've had my share of self esteem issues over time and know what a bummer they can be. When I was a kid, I wanted to fit in with others to usually no avail. Leading me to either make a fool of myself or just not say anything to anyone. Where do I belong? Who knows, but Scavenger is that guy too. Of course the Decepticons are jerks, so no matter what, they think he's a loser. Wow, just like the other kids at school!

However, Scavenger has a useful skill that they actually need. Scavenger turns into an excavator and his shovel can detect useful materials. Man, if only he had some sense of self worth and knew his value. But just like society, they keep putting him down. It's all about being controlled by jerks who just want you to do something for them. Don't worry Scavenger, one day you'll stand tall. I believe in you. Know what Scavenger? You've got one impressive Blokees. Those bright Constructicon greens and purples look great and your looks go super well with that signature Blokees style. Your way cool shovel isn't just one piece hanging off your back, it actually features a few points of articulation. That's a nice little extra they didn't have to do.

You've got your trusty Laser Pistol for fighting others battles and of course the standard Blokees set of hands, symbols, and display stand. See Scavenger, you're just like everyone else... except that special shovel. Megatron needs someone to hold him in gun mode, think about that. Scavenger, I also really like how your face came out. Blokees heads assemble uniquely by combining the helmet parts around the eyes and face components. Thanks to this and that Blokees style, your head came out a little extra distinct looking to me. Scavenger, one day I hope that you see that you're something special. Because like your Blokees shows, you are!

McDevastator

 

Recently I had a dream. Not a particularly deep dream. Not one where I questioned if I was re-living a past life or glimpsing into an alternate timeline. Just a dream, but it was weird. Often when I dream, I'm driving. Somewhere, not sure where, but driving. This time I was driving down some rural road. I have no clue where. I was technically working, so must have been a work trip. I had stopped for some food at a McDonald's and this is where the reason I'm posting  resides. Apparently, in my dream, McDonald's had a Transformers promotion. An exclusive Devastator.

Like how when McDonald's was a well run place of business and you could actually get what you ordered. Back then they'd have things like movies, glasses, and odd toys that you could buy as well as your food. Ronald was on TV and on the walls. It's not just nostalgia, it really used to be a place people liked and was generally well run. In this dream where McDonald's is a competent business again, they had an exclusive Devastator. From what I could tell, it was the same box set that Walmart had a few years ago. However now it came with an upgrade set! A set of new heads for Devastator to match his appearance in various cartoon episodes. It was truly amazing!

So I stopped and of course they were sold out. It was the fist day of availability and they were already sold out. Maybe it really was an alternate reality. I went to another and they too were out. It was there I saw a co-worker carrying 6 McDevastators and a copy of the Cybertronian Field Guide out the door. I had no clue this entire time we both shared a common interest. Then miffed that they were all sold out. The guy behind the counter had a spare Devastator head that fell out of the box and gave it to me. So I had that at least, I guess.

Power Plans: Devastator

Centrifical Capacitor: Bullshit, that's just his helmet.

Inductive Proximity Switch: The use for one of these switches is for detecting metal. Which is kind of pointless since all the Transformers are made of metal as is. Then again, Devastator isn't know for critical thinking.

Mental Image Intensifier: That's a nice was of saying Devastator thinks wearing this makes him look cool. If you look good, you feel good.

Energy Storage Reactor: This is a nice way of saying Devastator's power source. Near this should be the Relay Microprocessor and Sub-Elector Cooling... but no.

Wide Scope Processor: I know it may look like his tummy, but it's actually... it's just his tummy. He had beans.

Relay Microprocessor: This is an important part of most electrical systems, so of course it's on his ankle. Because Decepticons.

Sub-Electro Cooling: This keeps Devestator from overheating. If you ever wonder why the Decepticons usually lose, it's because they put things like this in the knee of a giant robot.

Bios- Action Master Devastator

Thinking and winning do not mix.

Awesome and terrifying! Programmed for the sole purpose of crushing everything in his path. He is the embodiment of a life form which takes full advantage of his enemies' weaknesses and uses them for their destruction. His ferocious partner, Scorpulator, conducts attacks without reason and warning, ripping his victims to scrap metal with his razor sharp claws. Scorpulator's tail shoots twin pulse laser beams. Changes into an acid spray gun.

Devastating at Target

Whomever cleaned up this image at the TFWIKI is a hero

In Transformers, repaints are inevitable. You either deal with it or complain about it endlessly (and generally have your comments muted by everyone else in the thread). Another inevitability is a team of combining construction vehicles will be Devastator at some point. It's going to happen. Fortunately this isn't as boring as some make it out to be (unless a Hasbro rep is around). In the case of the Target exclusive Devastator, it actually resulted in a neat looking toy.

A repaint of the Build Team from Robots in Disguise/Car Robots, Devastator was available at Target in 2006 in two different boxes with two different team members in each. As with the Build Team, this version of the Constructions was a four member team and the three different limb components could be used in whatever configuration with the main body/head component staying the same. I normally used Hightower for the upper body/arms as I felt it made for a more bulky looking robot.

I had already been a fan of the Build Team, so buying this set was a no brainer back then. Not to mention the classic Devastator colors looked great on the toys. A few years earlier a yellow version had been released in a gift set exclusive to Walmart, which served as a G2 version for some fans. The toy hasn't been in any fiction unfortunately. Being the toy was sold in the Universe line, but clearly had the Robots in Disguise logo on the package lead to the 'Ask Vector Prime' page to describe the team as the Build Team from RID that had been reformatted into bad guys. For a short run series like the original RID, little story bits like that are really fun and neat.

Construction Vehicle Robo

London Comic Con Reveals

Transformers – MCM London Comic Con Reveals 2018 – Product Copy

Reach past the big screen and build the ultimate TRANSFORMERS collection with Studio Series figures. Each figure in the Studio Series lineup is inspired by an iconic movie scene and designed with specs and details to reflect the TRANSFORMERS movie universe.

What the heck did I do this weekend?

 

Enjoyed another peaceful weekend. Friday morning before coming home from work, I stopped by Walmart and scored Devastator leaving only the G1 reissue Minibots left to acquire. Kinda hoping they do more later, but at the same time don't look forward to trying to buy them before they sell out. Saturday I stopped to get groceries and breakfast on the way home as later that night the Mrs and me went to see The Nun at a later evening showing.

Before leaving and after some sleep, I caught up with my DVR. Cyberverse was excellent this week. I really enjoy this show and it's getting better each week. Usually a cartoons first episodes are the worst and the first episodes weren't bad! At this rate I wonder if the series end will be amazing. I enjoyed seeing Shockwaves little drones, making me wonder if the toy's eventual repaint will be a troop builder of those. Makes me think of that old BotCon idea of using the Megabolt Megatron mold as a bug like army for Cryotec.

Ninja Steel was decent, the 'lesson' of this weeks show was decent, just felt like it needed a little more something. Basically, Calvin gets a job as a mechanic and quits school. Decides to go back to school after helping fix the Lion Fire Megazord with Mick, with Mick showing him what to do. Though the message is solid and boy I liked this weeks monster, it felt a little uneven on the lesson part.

The Nun was great. We enjoy the Conjuring movies as a whole and this one was pretty top notch. Maybe not perfect, but pretty close. I really liked the setting, pretty much what I wish Universal would have done with Dark Universe. Here we had basically an updated 'old timey' spooky movie in a castle that had substance AND style. Action packed with scares, this was a great movie. I like The Conjuring moves as a whole, but I didn't like the Annabelle moves as much as the main movies while I feel this one might actually be better than the main movies. Just an overall good horror movie.

Afterwards we went to the nearby Walmart to check out it's Halloween section and I picked up the rest of the Bumblebee Speed/Legion series wave 1. It's funny, these toys are $5 again while the Last Knight ones jumped up to 8-9$ last year. Weird. We got some Steak and Shake and came home. Great night. Sunday was spent similar to last weeks, more work in my toy room and just a nice day at home. I learned of a new smaller Authentics Grimlock being found, so this morning I looked without luck for one this morning while doing some errands. One day little Grimlock... one day.

Action Master Devastator

Thinking and winning do not mix.

Awesome and terrifying! Programmed for the sole purpose of crushing everything in his path. He is the embodiment of a life form which takes full advantage of his enemies' weaknesses and uses them for their destruction. His ferocious partner, Scorpulator, conducts attacks without reason and warning, ripping his victims to scrap metal with his razor sharp claws. Scorpulator's tail shoots twin pulse laser beams. Changes into an acid spray gun.

Sam's Choice BotCon

Adding to the G1 Hot Rod reissue exclusive to Walmart, it looks like even more G1 reissues are headed to Walmart exclusivity. This is pretty random and pretty neat. Starscream has the Megatron gun from the cartoon colors version from around 02-03 and I wonder if Devastator will have the new head from the latest edition. I figure it's part of a 35th anniversary campaign, which is kinda great.

Form ratchet Devastator!

It occurred to me that many of you might have assembled your Constructicons from various thrift stores, loose seller boxes, or random bootleg toy sets. Assemble those mofo's into Devastator! Actually, if you've got a bunch of mismatched parts, even better! Know what? If you've got some Frankenstein creation of a Devastator, send me a pic (include a link or something for the pic) with some details and I'll highlight it here on Zone Base. I don't know just how many of those K.O set Devastators I have, but man there's a million! I've seen folks mix and match parts just to form a Devastator and it's usually great! I still regret not building that Walgreen's multicolored set from around 2003 (that joker was diecast!).

Galaxy Defender

Sometimes I wonder, just how jarring it would be for a more casual Transformers fan to take in Diaclone uses of the mold. This awesome image, for example, has Construction Robo taking on a swarm of Waruder Insect Robo. In 2015, when BotCon did a number of Diaclone homages in that years exclusive set, I noticed a lot of scoffing from folks regarding some of the choices with no insight to whom these choices were. Then I remember the number of random colored Devastator knock offs available at most discount stores.

My point is, I wonder if you showed this picture to some folks, how many would think it was a bunch of bootlegs?