Bah Monday

Good Morning Zone Base readers and welcome back for another week of robots, monsters, and misadventure! Christmas time is in full swing here on Planet Zone and there's plenty of Rock Lording around the Christmas tree going on! The weekend went by way to fast for my liking, but I can still say it was a pretty good and productive one. I hope you all had a great weekend as well, but let me tell you about mine. Saturday the Mrs and I did our weekly shopping. For whatever reason, the grocery order at our local stores has been terrible so we did that in person again. I'd love to get back on our normal routine, but these are things that are out of my hands. I've been saying for years now that our most local store needs new management, so hopefully this will lead to some improvements. It's so bad that stores in other towns are being affected negatively and I'm sure that's causing some uproar behind the scenes. Christmas just isn't the time for retail to drop the ball!

I got some Christmas shopping done and I'm feeling pretty positive about this holiday season. Normally it's a more stressful time, but this year has thankfully been a breeze. It's nice to just enjoy Christmas without the black cloud hanging over my head. Sunday, I finally got my yard decorated. I know it's still early in the month, but seeing as this task is usually done Thanksgiving weekend, it was really bothering me. I got started early and really feel like I did a great job. It's a lot of work, but you can really stand back and admire the prettiness of it all once done. We've got a pretty cozy theme with our decorations and I love it. 

Mom came over for Sunday dinner and the Mrs made an excellent spaghetti meal! It was pretty cold outside, so after spending most of the day stapling lights to my house as well as some car maintenance, the warm meal tasted extra great! We watched the second episode of Stranger Things season 5 with Mom who is very concerned about Dustin. Rewatching it after the initial binge watch on release is great. I'm definitely enjoying the chance to digest it fully before the new episodes. After she left, the Mrs and I watched Home Alone while she played a game and I started work on building a BeastDrive. I've got a big backlog and it's fun to spend a little time building a kit on the weekend. I probably could have finished it, but took my time. I was a little tired after the busy day. Maybe next weekend it'll get completed, there's no rush.

Being Christmas time, I didn't buy myself anything, but didn't come away empty handed! I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I had won a Yolopark giveaway on Threads and am looking forward to receiving a randomly selected kit in the mail! It's been far too long since I've looked at Yolopark's products here on the site, and there's no way this won't be a future post! There was also a few fan events in Japan that I greatly enjoyed looking at pictures from. Most notably, a Diaclone meetup that featured some hand made items that looked so great! I found myself really liking the custom pilots created. It's really funny, while not a lot of pictures were taken at the event (a sign everyone was having a great time), plenty were taken afterwards at various convenience stores. It's impossible not to love toy pictures while someone is enjoying a quick snack! 

Well, I've got a fun week planned for you Zone Base readers. Thank you all for reading and supporting the site. I really appreciate it and am so humbled and honored to see so many people take time out of their day to read my posts. Please don't forget to share the site with your friends and be excellent to one another. It's time to do some household chores and take toy pictures for upcoming updates. The normal Monday morning for me, but I should really watch the new Earthspark movies on Paramount Plus. I'm really surprised they made additional content for the series and am looking forward to Hot Rod and Liege Maximo! Mutal High Fives everyone, let's get this week started!

Transform Squadron 53- Age Prescripted

LISTEN NOW!

Rob talks about the Transformers 40th Anniversary Theatrical Event and looks back at various Transformers anniversaries while doing so!

Wheeljack (EarthSpark/Tacticons)

For whatever reason, it's hard to deny the charm of Tacticons. Tiny little finger puppet incarnations of Transformers characters from EarthSpark (so far) that are inexpensive and fun to play around with. They may not be for everybody, but for a bunch of us, they're a lot of fun. I picked up Wheeljack around Christmas and haven't seen once since. As you can tell by the backdrop being my tablet sleeve and not the project display board... I also took this picture around then. But now that it's a few months later we'll take a look at this tiny little oddball. Wheeljack makes up the third wave of Tacticons. I assume others from prior waves fills out the rest of the shipping case as the lack of this figure that I've seen on the shelves leads me to think there wasn't a lot of this wave ordered or stocked. It could just be my local stores though.

So... Wheeljack is just a repaint of Bumblebee.

Yep.

Literally, it could have been anyone else as it doesn't exactly look like Wheeljack either. Maybe similar colors, but nothing screams Wheeljack about this toy. Thing is... it does look pretty good. Like, I wish they would have just random name assigned this toy as it's pretty decent all on it's own. A non-show character, yeah, who cares? In a oddball line like Tacticons, a rando character would be perfect. Weird recolors are part of what made little Transformers like Mini-Cons fun. Hell, it could have been a rally car version of Bumblebee. While it doesn't look like the character it's supposed to be, it's still a good looking toy. Like all Tacticons, Wheeljack transforms by sticking your fingertip into the opening in the rear of the vehicle. All giggling aside, the vehicle then auto converts (why aren't these considered Turbo Changers or 1 Steps?) into a non-articulated robot mode. I do wish the arms moved, but alas. You can then have the mightiest of finger puppet battles or transform Wheeljack back to vehicle by closing up the vehicle shell. This is a simple but likable little toy. Wheeljack is just right to keep in your bag and occasionally take out to play with. Perfect for stress relief or annoying your co-workers, who likely caused the stress to begin with.

Optimus Prime (EarthSpark/Deluxe Class)

At some point I got over my initial irritability over price points in EarthSpark and decided to get the Deluxe Class figures. As of this writing, I just need Starscream to have all the Mandroid build-a-figure parts. Neat! This figure of Optimus is a very good representation of Optimus Prime as he appears on the EarthSpark cartoon. Thankfully, however, his face plate is up. Interestingly, this Optimus figure is a heavy remolded version of the Cyberverse Deluxe Class Optimus Prime figure. Sharing essentially the same 'skeleton' , but with new robot and truck parts. I never got that Optimus, so I can't compare the two in person. If this information wasn't made known to me, I'd never been able to tell. Optimus transforms into a semi-truck as you'd expect.

Optimus transforms fairly easily. Aside from getting his legs in just the right spot, I practically did it purely from muscle memory of other Optimus Prime toys. This is generally a pretty standard toy of him. Thankfully, it's also a pleasant toy of him. Featuring a fair amount of articulation and a very traditional looking rifle and energy axe, Optimus is ready to fight! The rifle and axe store away very conveniently in truck mode, which is something I just love. Honestly this is a pretty predictable Optimus Prime figure. It's pretty much what you expect. However, it's a good figure of Optimus Prime as he appears in the EarthSpark cartoon. So I can't complain. The Hasbro release comes with a Mandroid part, though I'm hearing newer found copies don't now. I'll need to find that Starscream sooner than later. Like other EarthSpark toys, the Takara version doesn't have the Mandroid part, but a more show accurate deco. 

Breakdown (EarthSpark/1-Step Flip Changer)

Getting back to our ongoing look at the EarthSpark 1-Step Flip Changer toys (and realizing I've skipped over Megatron and Twitch) is Breakdown. Breakdown is a rather odd entry in the figures as you can see that he's a straight repaint of the Wheeljack 1-Step Flip Changer toy. Of course this doesn't leave us with a very screen accurate depiction of the character... but you know what? It looks really good in these colors. Like, this didn't have to be Breakdown. They could have used these colors and called the toy Wheeljack GT or something. I legitimately want a regular Wheeljack toy in Breakdown colors now. Aside from how nice the toy looks... it's still the same toy mold as Wheeljack (whom I've talked about before).

So there's nothing new here. Fortunately it's a good figure (if you like Flip Changers like I do) and man that Gobots comparison I've made with these guys rings through even more so with Breakdown. Wheeljack already reminded me of Major Mo, this one does as well... but with these colors I can't help but to compare it to the white version of Crasher. Part of me wishes they'd outright make Gobots characters in these molds. That'd be neat.

Terran Twitch (EarthSpark/ Deluxe Class)

While I don't cover every toy I get on here, I did intend to talk about Twitch whom I bought almost a year ago. This particular toy of Twitch is a Deluxe Class figure from the EarthSpark toy line. Like other Deluxe figures, she comes with a part of Mandroid for build-a-figure fun. Something I think I'll make a point to complete. I've got almost all of them, so why not? Twitch is one of the Terrans introduced on the EarthSpark TV show. Terrans are a new group of Transformers born on Earth. While the concept has been done before, this is one of the more noteworthy times as it's on a mainstream show as opposed to media aimed at the fan crowd. It's great to see new characters in Transformers. 

Twitch is one of the first Terrans introduced early in the show. She transforms into a very bird-like drone. Thanks to some clever articulation, the drones wings can be moved around quite a bit. This makes me compare it to a bird even more. I can't help wondering if she shares engineering with an Airazor or other similar shaped figure. Probably not, but it's very similar. Twitch is very articulated in robot mode and heavily armed. There's the laser gun in drone mode as well as the flip out one on her arm. The stabilizing fins from the drone can be removed and held as swords. For character that's just a kid, Twitch is ready for a fight. I do not like the transformation from robot to vehicle. I can't quite place it, but I felt myself getting quite annoyed while maneuvering the parts around. Once in either mode though, no problems. Just that transformation though... dang. 

Twitch is a pleasant toy of a likeable character on an enjoyable show. Her colors are nice too. The reds and blacks look sharp while the yellows and blueish greys pop. The translucent yellows accent against the opaque body really well. I often compare newer toys with older ones and Twitch is a definite Microman/Micronaught homage. I'm not sure if it's intentional, but she looks A LOT like Space Glider. I'd like to see repaints of this toy that play more into that. That's a neat little extra in a already fun figure. Like the other EarthSpark toys, the Takara Tomy version has a more show accurate paint job. I don't find it super noticeable though, just small details that do make for a nicer looking toy overall... but not deal breaking for this version that I got locally. 

Optimus Prime (EarthSpark/1-Step Flipchanger)

Continuing our look at the 1-Step Flip Changers from EarthSpark is Optimus Prime.  You've probably noticed from the pics that he's pretty similar to Swindle. The two share engineering and transformation schemes, but have individual molded parts. This isn't uncommon for these smaller gimmick toys. Optimus did come before Swindle in the series 1st wave while Swindle was in wave 2. I'm obviously not covering these in any particular order. Think of it as a playlist set on random. Optimus turns from robot to semi truck by flipping in the air or pushing over face first in robot mode.

While simple, it's a pretty satisfying process. Like the other Flip Changers, he isn't articulated unfortunately. However he could hold a 5mm weapon if desired. I'd like to see this toy in Machine Wars colors holding that particular version of Optimus Prime's gun. I wish there was more to say, but Optimus looks like Optimus. The EarthSpark version of Optimus, of course, but it's still Optimus Prime tried and true. His colors are simple like the others, and the Takara Tomy version has a better paint deco like others. These Flip Changers are a fun and simple way to collect the characters from EarthSpark and you need Optimus Prime!

Terran Nightshade (EarthSpark/Deluxe Class)

Nightshade is a unique figure as they don't specifically transform into an owl, but a statue of one. This ties into the show where the various Terrans took their time to pick an alt mode and went with one that they felt fit them. As a long time fan of this sort of thing, that's funt. It gives a different look into the characterization of Transformers. Normally we'd just accept that Bumblebee was a car or Starscream a jet. Nightshade chose an owl statue from a book series they liked. Not to mention, the statue was in a cemetery. Nightshade's colors match that really well. Spooky Season may be over, but Christmas time is for scary ghost stories and it's fun to think Ebeneezer was right around the corner in that cemetery.

Nighshade is a pretty well done figure that closely matched their appearance on the show. I say closely as you'd have to remove the beast mode wings to really nail is and due to the plastic quality of them... that's not super recommended. They'd break after a few times. Fortunately I really like the winged look in robot mode. It works well overall with the statue flavoring of the toy... and the wings just look cool. In addition, Nightshade comes with a neat pair of knives and a Mandroid part. Initially I wasn't planning to complete Mandroid... but I've changed my mind. I've got a good bit of him now and it'd be fun. I don't think the Takara Tomy versions of these come with the Mandroid parts, but they have slightly different decos. Nightshade is more show accurate in the Takara Tomy release, but it's not that different from the Hasbro version in my opinion. 

Transformation was very easy for me. Everything just folded away and Nightshade turned into a statue of an owl. Those cool knives fit into the owl's wings neatly and everything just works well. As a robot, Nightshade is fairly articulated and the same could be said for the owl form. That cool green looks great in both modes and brings out some well done sculpting. This is certainly a toy full of character. Part of me wishes to see a repaint as Hoot from Convertors, but that'd never happen. Like Twitch (who I just realized hasn't been covered here yet... dang it), Nightshade's robot mode gives me strong Microman/Micronaught vibes. That's neat, I like the similarities even if they're probably unintentional. Nightshade is a really cool toy. I think my only complaint is their hands. They too small. That's probably a necessity, but I'd like them a little heftier. If a minor nitpick is my only complaint, then there's nothing to really complain about. Neat toy.

Bumblebee (EarthSpark/1-Step Flipchanger)

It's not secret around here that I'm a Bumblebee fan. So obviously I've got a high opinion on his 1-Step Flipchanger figure. Real Talk- If you don't like these, you're not going to like this. He's got the same amount of articulation (none), the same simple color palate, and the same gimmick as the others. I'm taking a look at these as a fun and simple way to look at EarthSpark characters and to give spotlight to some figures that are probably not getting a lot of attention. Not to mention, they kinda remind me of Gobots for some reason. Mostly for the similar overall look as Gobots have articulation (a decent amount all things considered) and generally involved transformations. You know, I could see these coming in a little box with individual numbers for each toy. That'd be great.

Bumblebee is Bumblebee and he looks as he should. Of course this is the EarthSpark version of the character, so there's that. Despite the simplicity of the toy, it has a pretty decent sculpt. The Tomy Takara version does have a better paint deco and that brings out the toys looks a bit better. You know, this toy would look great in translucent plastic. It looks like these figures do have the ability to hold 5mm accessories. While the lack of articulation obviously wouldn't allow for any dynamic poses, a gun or two would add some visual flair. I can see Bumblebee packing some heat. Bee transforms via the 'switchblade' configuration most common in 1 step style toys. I've yet to tire of it personally. Of course being a Flipchanger, you either flip him in the air on just push him over in robot mode and Bumbleee is now a cool sports car! I really like the EarthSpark design for BB, it just looks cool. If these toys aren't your thing, Bumblebee won't be either. If they are... he will be. I should have made all those be's a pun.

Swindle (EarthSpark/1- Step Flip Changers)

Swindle is a fun addition to the EarthSpark series. Not just because Swindle is a generally fun character, but they homage an often forgotten about version of him. In Cybertron, Swindle and Hardtop were toys that shared a mold. Taking note of this, the characters were brothers. In EarthSpark, both characters are brothers again. I'd like to think that was an intentional homage. While the characters aren't twins, they've got similar colors to their Cybertron selves. Not to mention... I'm pretty sure they'd repaint this toy for a future Hardtop judging by other incidents. Not going to lie, this  toy would look great in those colors. Another neat thing about Swindle is, in the EarthSpark Expedition video game, the generic Mercenary enemy uses his CGI model. I'm also hoping for another repaint as that.

I should talk about this toy though, huh? It's a pretty good little figure of Swindle in Flipchanger form. Swindle transforms from robot to armored truck mode in a simple one step. Just push him forward and he'll spring loaded convert quickly. Or you can flip him in the air as the name would suggest. It's a simple toy meant for simple fun. Like other Flipchangers, Swindle has no articulation. The toy itself is it's gimmick. I like EarthSpark, but so far my plan for it's toy line has been to buy all the Flipchangers and Tacticons with the occasional Warrior or Deluxe Class. Legacy and Studio Series is the bulk of the Transformers toys where my attention is mainly focused currently. This is a good way to get the characters from EarthSpark and also feed into my love of these types of toys. I like Swindle's stockiness and colors (though the Takara version is more show accurate). This is just a neat little figure in a neat little sub-line from a neat little show. Neat little things are neat.

Today's Special, tomorrow's Halloween!

Tomorrow may be the spookiest day of the year, but today is the most evil day of the week. Monday! I hope everyone had a fun Halloweekend, I sure did. We carved pumpkins, had spooky spaghetti, and watched creepy TV including the new Five Nights at Freddy's movie. It's hard to believe the spooky season is almost over, but let's end it with a bang! 

I found some fun stuff while doing our weekly shopping. I went to Ross hoping to luck up on some of the Transformers finds folks have been having. While no Generations were there I needed, there was some Autobots Unite packs! I'd hoped to find these and got Bumblebee, Megatron, and Battletrap. Hopefully I can find the rest. Long time readers know how much fun I had with the Energon Igniters toys from the Bumblebee movie and these are those same molds!

Not to be outdone by returning favorites is another bit of older Zone Base favorites! I got some Botbots! Clearly Ross had some fun in store for me! Hopefully future visits will provide more of that fun. Still no Troop Builder box set at Target, but I did find a One Step Flipchanger Twitch. Now the Flipchanger ranks are complete until a new wave is unleashed upon the world and my wallet. I also grabbed The Bandai Ultimate Legends HD Zenitsu figure. I needed him to complete my set of Demon Slayer figures from that line.

Did everyone enjoy the new episode of Transform Squadron? Monster Gobots seemed like a fun way to round out the spooky season! There's a little more Pumpkin Spiced Mayhem in store before it's all over. Thanks for coming back for another new week and be sure to share with your friends. There's plenty of Zone Base Halloween to go around!

Transform Squadron 49- Devil Invaders Crush

 

LISTEN NOW!

It's the spookiest time of the year! McBoo Buckets, Transformers EarthSpark Expedition, and an a look at the Monster Gobots are on the menu for this year's Halloween edition of Transform Squadron!

Wheeljack (1 Step Flip Changers/EarthSpark)

Getting back to the 1 Step Flip Changers from EarthSpark (because I like them) is today's look at Wheeljack. While I've always I enjoyed 1 Step Transformers for various reasons, it's taken me a minute to figure out what it is about these newer Flip Changer versions that I like. I think for the most part, it's because they remind me of Gobots in a way. Certainly not all of them, but a good bit of them have similar proportions. Obviously Gobots had articulation and had to be manually transformed, this is just a slight similarity. With Wheeljack, I'm reminded of the Machine Robo version of Major Mo a little. Similar car, similar robot (the head obviously isn't the same).

Wheeljack of course transforms automatically, however does so with the "butterfly knife" transformation so many 1 Step Transformers use. It's been almost 10 years of this and I've yet to tire of this simple transformation. Wheeljack, like the other Flip Changers doesn't have any articulation (boo), is pretty pleasant regardless. He's just a likable little toy. I will say some more colors would be great as the little bit looks nice on the mostly all white toy... but also the mostly all white could use some more. I understand that these are inexpensive toys and there's some budgetary trimming... but that's bullshit. Core Class costs the same and are fully functional and colored. These should be cheaper. Aside from that, Wheeljack is a very pleasant little robot. I see that a recolor of this mold as Breakdown is on the way and... while it doesn't look like Breakdown, I do find it pleasant looking. Maybe a Major Mo version could come along just to make me happy.

Jawbreaker (EarthSpark/Warrior Class)

I liked Jawbreaker almost immediately when he first appeared on the show. Of course when his toy came out, I jumped right on it. Jawbreaker is a Warrior Class figure, like others in the class in EarthSpark, he's not too much different than a Deluxe Class toy. Only paired down for price and difficulty. Just right for the younger audience they're aiming for. I guess the adult nerd crowd is a given. I really like his colors. The orange looks good against the black and silver. It's plesant looking.

Jawbreaker transforms into a dinosaur, specifically a Stygimoloch. According to the TF Wiki, this may not be an actual species. That's ok, living alien robots from outer space that turn into things aren't either. It's an easy transformation, which is to be expected. Simplicity aside, Jawbreaker is a pretty neat toy. There's a little hollowness that's mostly easy to ignore, but a surprising amount of articulation. Jawbreaker also has a flip out blaster. I like these little self contained weapons some EarthSpark toys have. While not wanted all the time, it can be fun when used right. Jawbreaker almost feels like he's from another toy line other than Transformers, but I can't quite place where exactly. Maybe Masterbotix. He's a neat little figure for the lower price a Warrior Class costs. A little simple, but not in a bad way. I'd like to see it in other colors. I could just see a weird colored pack of these dinosaurs running together.

Skywarp (EarthSpark/Warrior Class)

The Cyberverse Seeker mold has seen it's fair share of repaints as Seeker molds generally do. It's a likeable toy that's unfortunately a little too simple. I've grown to appreciate it over the past few years. I haven't gotten every instance of it, and strongly prefer the Vic Viper flavored version better (really regret not getting that box set of recolors), I've still gotten quite a few. The mold, like other Cyberverse toys, has gotten re-released in EarthSpark as Skywarp. I got her a little while back as her colors are just great. Skywarp is a female character in EarthSpark following Cyberverse's female version of the character. This makes for a little fun variety since EarthSpark follows a kinda nebulous version of the events in the G1 days (it's not exactly a follow up, but the flashbacks are specifically flavored as so).

I made a point to get this toy as I like the colors quite a bit. Skywarp has always been one of my favorite seekers, partially due to that. Skywarp has her traditional colors in the cartoon, however they got a little creative with this new toy. The black and purple is swapped out for a metallic blue and black. It's very pretty looking and kinda reminds me of old Diaclone art. Aside from that, Skywarp is the same toy I've talked about here a before. I like it, but wish for some leg articulation. Skywarp easily converts to jet mode and features a spinning waste gimmick that I'm sure is entertaining for the children it was intended for. I bought Skywarp for the colors and general like of the character. I guess there's just something to a fresh coat of paint. Skywarp can hold most 5mm weapons and accessories, I can imagine some BattleMasters would liven up the toy quite a lot. 

Tacticons Wave 2 (EarthSpark)

I enjoyed the first wave of Tacticons so much, that the surprise of seeing Wave 2 at Target a little while back was a very welcome one. Honestly, I wasn't aware that they'd be happening as I couldn't remember anybody saying anything. Of course not being from the more popular size classes that's to be expected. Wave 2 features Arcee, Hashtag, and a repeat of Bumblebee. Of course I already have Bumblebee, so I snatched up the two new figures. Like the ones before, these are simple and small 1 step transforming figures that can fit on your finger tip like a finger puppet. As silly as the premise sounds (and is) they're really satisfying little toys. If you're a fan of smaller Transformers like I am, these mentally fall into the category that Micromasters, Mini-Cons, World's Smallest, and Botbots fall into. They're not articulated unfortunately... but it's ok. They just are what they are.

Of the two, Hashtag is my favorite. I don't know how well it shows up in the amazing cell phone photography I do, but there's a great glitter sparkle in her purple colors. It looks really nice in person and I like her communication truck alt mode. Arcee turns into a 50's type car in EarthSpark and I do like it, but for some reason this toy makes me think of Galaxy High (for some reason) and I like that better. It's a neat alt mode. Thanks to their size and Arcee's silver helmet, I'm reminded of Diaclone drivers a little. They're a little bigger than a Micro Machine, but could work well in one of those play sets. You could make a neat little scene and post the picture to your Instagram. I'm sure it'd get plenty of likes. Hopefully there's more of these Tiny TF's on the way. They're just right to stick in a hoodie pocket and carry around with all day. Not everything needs a million points of articulation or a specific shelf to be displayed on. I keep my smaller ones in a plastic shoe box.

Bumblebee (EarthSpark/Deluxe)

EarthSpark is a generally pleasant Transformers series that I have hardly anything to complain about. Of course Bumblebee is one of the stars of the series, so he's getting plenty of toys. Fortunately I'm a Bumblebee fan and enjoy his design in EarthSpark, so you'll hear no complaints from me. Today we'll be looking at his deluxe class toy from the toy line. I said I like his design, and I do. The yellow doesn't match on his various parts. I suspect that has to do with the yellow on different plastics used on the toy. It's not a deal breaker for me, just an inconvenience.

Another thing I don't like is that I find his robot mode arms just a little too short. The car fenders look really cool as shoulder pads... but I could have used a little extra arm length. Once again, not a deal breaker. I get accused some times of being too positive, so i thought I'd lead with the things I don't like about the toy. Honestly they're just some minor quibbles as I actually like this toy a lot. It's really cool looking. His gun/stinger turns into a car thingy that fits on the car roof. I'd like to think it's Tupperware that was forgotten up there. Grandma sent some lasagna home and somehow it just didn't fall off.

Bumblebee is very well articulated and his transformation is pleasant. I really like the car mode. While I prefer Bumblebee to be his traditional Volkswagen form or a sporty small car when they have to go another route... I don't mind his sports car forms. In EarthSpark they actually give an in story reason for it and it works pretty well in story. Seeing as that episode was pretty recent, I won't spoil, but found it pretty sensible. This time they got a little more creative with his sports car and it's a pretty sharp ride. I'd like to see this mold repainted into other characters (maybe with a different head) and I keep picturing this car in black. It'd make a great Drench.

Terror of a New Week

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

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

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

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

Ultra Week

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

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

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

Optimus Prime (warrior class, EarthSpark)

At this point it feels like I own 9 million Optimus Prime figures. A new Optimus Prime toy used to be a special occasion, however, these days the main characters tend to get the most figures. When a character gets multiple figures in multiple price points, it's fair to think the different classes are a sign of quality. This newest warrior class figure of Optimus from EarthSpark though... It could have been a deluxe in prior toy lines. It could be the same thing going on with Rise of the Beasts toys, in which the mainline figures are giving the Studio Series ones a run for their money. I don't have a deluxe Optimus from EarthSpark yet... but kinda not seeing a reason for one after getting the warrior class toy.

What I'm saying is that this is a really pleasant Optimus Prime toy for a lower price than you'd pay for a deluxe, voyager, or leader class figure. I got him at Walmart for $14.99 and considering the rising cost of everything... am struggling to find a reason to buy another, more expensive toy. I guess more articulation, or gimmicks could be a reason... but this one is decently articulated for my liking... and like I said... could have been a deluxe in a prior line. This is a really satisfying Optimus Prime toy. I kept him near me all day and would fiddle with him on and off constantly. I like this toy. Optimus as an attached energy axe that can flip out. It's a neat weapon that won't get lost. That's neat.

I'm not saying he's perfect, there are a few things I don't like. His face for one... EarthSpark has some ugly faces. Not all of the characters have this problem, but it's impossible to ignore on the ones that do. The problem is that it's too long. The head itself is actually quite nice looking... but that long face is bad. IF it was shorted, closer to a normal Prime face, that'd be pretty great. I actually like Optimus's design in EarthSpark... just that face is a sticking point. The other thing I don't like is hard to describe. He was hard to transform... and I don't mean as in a complex transformation. Optimus transforms just as you'd think by looking at him. Just he didn't really fit together for some reason. I messed with him for a while trying to get everything to go into place... and for some reason something would always not go in exactly. Maybe mine has some quality control issues? Maybe I did something wrong? Maybe somethings just not perfectly executed? I don't know, but good grief I couldn't get around it.

Aside from the personal gripes... this is a pretty good figure that could give the more expensive figures some competition. This is something that I'm seeing going forward ... and that's a good thing. While I should expect a more expensive figure to be a nicer, the less costly one doesn't need to be obviously a lower model. Like I said... this is a satisfying toy and I'm struggling to find a reason to buy a more expensive toy. The cost of everything keeps going up, including Transformers. I don't get these things for free and real life comes before hobbies. This Optimus is a positive sign of things to come. Hopefully others follow suit.