I've been a fan of 1 Step Changers/Turbochangers since they were introduced, so it's no surprise that I jumped on the new EarthSpark versions. There's a difference with this new type. Despite the extremely simple transformations, the prior ones required manual change. These new toys do not. You simply push the robot over or flip it in the air and it will self convert into alt mode. It's a super neat gimmick and fun to play with. Unfortunately, they don't have any articulation (so far). The older Turbochangers had very limited articulation, but it was still there. That's probably my only complaint about these going in.
I like Soundwave a lot and tend to get as many of his toys as I can. Given that and his super cool design in EarthSpark... this was a must have. Soundwave's design is a mixture of his Cybertron toy and Armada Thunderwing with some super robot flair. With the right colors, he'd blend right on in on a shelf with late Takara G1 or Brave toys. I like this little bot and want to get more toys of his design. I mentioned Armada Thunderwing above, which is funny as I'd really like a Tacticon version. This design just looks like it'd work well in a tiny toy. As is, Soundwave is a pleasant Flip Changer. I do wish there was arm articulation, but it's not a deal breaker in a low price gimmick toy. These make good desk bots to occasionally play with and clear out some mental fudge. Man, he looks like a 16 bit game character.
This month, Rob talks all about Transformers Beast Alliance toys. As well as discount chain Masters of the Universe figures and Earth Spark. Most importantly, he clarifies that he isn't using a solo cup but an off brand variation. It's important.
Another week has started here on Planet Zone and with it another week of fun. I spent the weekend watching 1000lbs Sisters and paranormal television. I also cleaned my bathroom, so there's that. As far as toys, the Mrs's gifted me ReAction Jet Jaguar and '54 Godzilla. Later at Walmart I picked up Earth Spark Deluxe Bumblebee and Twitch. You know, I was planning to mainly get the warriors from this line... but Mandroid is tempting. To be honest, my mind has 100% been on Rise of the Beasts. I am so excited for this... I don't think I even care if the movie sucks at this point. The toys look ssssoooooo good. It's going to be a Beast Saga Summer here on Zone Base. I'm not being silly either, between Halfway to Halloween and Halloween will be a whole summer of beast warrior fun.
But, let me tell you about this Digimon I got. So, apparently 2023 is the year of the Digivice as I have mine on me 24-7. A Digimon has a lifespan before it dies and you have to start over. My Blitzgreymon lived it's entire lifespan and died Saturday of old age, but not before one more legendary battle. I put this digital monster through some real battles during its time. Some losses, but mostly wins. However Saturday morning while waiting for my grocery pickup order, he found himself in a real war with an opponent that couldn't be beaten. Fight after fight, he lost. The last fight, he beat that monster in an epic showdown. A little later, as I slept, I was woken by my Digivice playing the somber tones of the funeral march. It just seemed like such an amazing end.
I waited until Sunday night to start over, you gotta take a break between monsters. This round I'm raising a team with hopes of combination. If you're following me on Instagram, the Digivice is the star of my stories. Speaking of stories, mine is currently watching wrestling before doing some chores. The story of this week looks to be a fun one that I hope you all enjoy reading. Thank you so much for continuing to support Zone Base. I know there's bigger and better sites out there and this is just some podunk fan blog. But hey, I never beg you for money. All I ask is that if you can, please share posts with your friends. Thanks for reading and let's get this week started!
It's not often that I like a Megatron enough to actively pursue a figure of him (outside of beast era). It's not that I dislike him, it's just that I vastly prefer other Decepticon leaders. That being said, I really enjoy the Earth Spark version of Megatron. The bad guy turned good gimmick has been used before, but I kinda like it this time. After all, most bad guys don't think they're doing bad. Earth Spark seemingly follows the G1 cartoon (thematically, it's not a super definitive relation) with Optimus Prime and a reformed Megatron (he's changed his ways... but it's still him) working with the Earth military organization named G.H.O.S.T. (whose symbol I REALLY like).
This is the deluxe class toy of Earth Spark Megatron and a pretty decent representation of his on screen character. I very much like the mixture of classic Megatron with a decidedly more heroic look. Clearly the same guy, but those hard lines are softened. It's a good look. In this version, Megatron transforms into a tiltrotor/osprey type vehicle. It's an oddly fitting alt mode for a flying vehicular form. As a weapon, Megatron is carrying a variation of his trademark Fusion Cannon. It can be held in hand or arm mounted traditionally. The cannon splits in half to be part of the tiltrotor's wings. It's pretty impressive how everything comes together uniformly.
The toy transforms pretty easily, though I did get stuck in a few places. Nothing major, just getting it right types of mistakes. Robot mode is pleasantly articulated, though some of the alt mode kibble will need to be adjusted at times. Like Cyberverse deluxe toys, Megatron comes with a build-a-figure piece. Specifically Mandroid in this case and Mandroid's left arm with this toy. I'm not sure if I'll complete this figure as my focus with Earth Spark toys will likely be warrior class and turbo changers. In case it's not obvious... I like this toy. He's perfectly satisfactory on all fronts. I'm sure others may take issues with things and that's fine. For me... he just works. This is a good toy of Megatron with a slightly different take than you expect coming in.
Happy New Year! This month, Rob talks Transformers fun he's looking forward to. How to make a french bread pizza, did you know? Now you do! Then, the bootleg Robotech models from gumball machines are discussed. It maybe a new year, but... what's even going on with this show?
I've been patiently waiting for some spark (heh) of life regarding Transformers Earth Spark. Finally a trailer for the new shop just dropped and it looks pretty great. I like the designs getting used as they're traditional but updated. What I really like is the inclusion of something new as well. We've got some new characters and a seemingly fresh story. Old and new? I have nothing to complain about. The CGI looks pretty neat too. Here's hoping it's good... I prefer things I like to be good. The toys look like fun too. There's a mix of simple and more traditional figures like Cyberverse had. I had a lot of fun with Cyberverse (as readers know), so I can't help but to be excited for these. I REALLY like the Megatron. Can't wait to binge the cartoon this fall with a bag of Popcorners. It may not be every bodies cup of tea, but I'm getting crumpets.
