Shockwave Plugin Needed

Shockwave has gotten two really good Core Class figures last year. His Studio Series release from the Bumblebee movie was a really good figure that I didn't talk about here (and I may still do so in the future). The latest is this great Legacy figure the Mrs stuck in the pile of presents she gave me this Christmas. The "G1" Shockwave toys have followed the same formula lately with this one doing the same. Very traditional robot mode that turns into a spaceship resembling his classic ray gun alt mode. Like the Legend Class toy from Combiner Wars, this figure has a handle to allow bigger bots to hold the space ship and use it as a ray gun. Shockwave often flew in ray gun mode, so it works well.

Simply put, this is a new toy of a design that's been done a few times already at a smaller size. That's not a bad thing, Shockwave is an Evergreen character that's going to get regular new releases. They're seemingly putting the classic cast into Core Class as a secret lower cost sub-line. Considering they're size compatible with the smaller Authentics figures, it's clearly a thing Hasbro is doing. I can realistically see smaller figures with Deluxe and Voyager sized bigger bots in the future. As someone who's been on the cusp on focusing mainly on smaller Transformers toys many times, I'd be ok with that.

Shockwave pleasantly turns into the aforementioned spaceship. I've generally liked this spaceship as it's got a great classic super robot or shooter game vibe to it. As a Core Class figure, Shockwave is a little smaller than the former Commander/Legend class and a little simpler. It's a general design that's been used regularly, but feels different as a Core. I like it. I like Core Class in general, with Shockwave there's a Convertors or even Gobots energy going on. Obviously I love that. However, Core Class offers more modern engineering perks like better articulation.

Shockwave has a radar dish that mounts on the spaceship and can be held as a weapon. I like to think of it as some kind of scanner. Maybe like that thing Evil Lynn used in the MOTU movie. I vastly prefer the classic cartoon version of Shockwave and can see it as a mobile version of his detection equipment on Cybertron. Just case Megatron calls him while out checking on things. For such a simple toy mean to represent an emotionless bore... it has a lot of personality.

I'd buy those Transformers for a dollar as well

 

I was pleasantly surprised when the news of Transformers Squeezelings were announced. As readers know, I'm a big fan of blind bag toys and keshi in general. A Transformers line of that? No problem! So far the toys have only been spotted as Dollar Tree stores for $3 each. I'm not sure if they'll pop up at any other stores, but wouldn't be surprised. I stopped by and picked up 4 packages at my local stores. At the time there's no discernible code system, so it's a complete shot in the dark when buying them. I ended up with only one double, Starscream, so I can't complain too much. The figures themselves are a larger keshi figure that are pleasantly rubbery and fully colored (for the most part). 

The first series contains Bumblebee, Megatron, Starscream, and Optimus Prime. As of this writing, all I need is Optimus Prime to complete the set. Like I said above, I've only gotten one double in 4 packs. Hopefully Optimus won't be a challenge to get. The figures are in plastic bubbles inside the package, so feeling the bags won't help. The toys are located in the new 'more than $1' section of Dollar Tree. At $3 each, they're not expensive, but the price increase is still new enough to sting a little. The figures are mostly fully painted. I say mostly, because Starscream could use a little more. Speaking of the paint, it's a little sloppy. My Bumblebee has a messed up Autobot Symbol and some sloppy details. One Starscream has random paint on his face. Megatron's face paint is a little sloppy.

The paint issues aren't too bad. With the new higher prices, it does becomes more of a sticking point.  That's really my only complaint. The figures are well sculpted, non-Transforming obviously (there's always that one guy), but full of character. They're in the 'Evergreen' style of Transformers. That's really a fancy way of saying traditional Transformers characters and looks, just slightly updated. This is more for those products that will likely be on shelves longer than the current line. So when you run across a box of these and the new movie is out, they don't look like last years toys. It's a pretty good idea for a line that changes up every year or so. 

I'd like to think Squeezelings will eventually have more than just Transformers or more Transformers series. Time will tell of course, but I wouldn't mind other characters in the form factor. Hopefully a code system is adopted. I don't know exactly the details that go into implementing one and with the internal bubble, if one would be possible. It's not a big deal, but super convenient when avoiding doubles. Regardless, this is a fun new little line that so far I'm pretty happy with. I look forward to getting more.

Barricade (Authentics)

 

I've always been a fan of the lower end basic figures. There's a charm to the simplicity and sometimes the low price is just the right thing. Less can be more. As such, I was a fast fan of Authentics. I've always had a love for discount store toys and a version of Transformers intended for that market was a happy combination. Not every figure has been a Masterpiece, but there's a few stand outs in the little line. Barricade is one. The Mrs put it in my stocking Christmas morning and he's a fun little toy. Barricade is one of the smaller Authentics figures. I've been calling them the smaller ones this whole time, though I've seen web sites refer to them as either Alpha or Bravo. 

Barricade follows the precedent set by the Michael Bay movies of him being a Decepticon Police car. Originally the character was a Micromaster F-1 race car and then later the name was often reused sporadically. This version seems to be based on his TF5 and Earth Wars depictions. Not bad, I'm really fond of that look and it comes off well here. I also like Police car deco Transformers. You've probably noticed he's pretty basic in the paint department, but that's going to happen with a discount figure. It's mostly noticeable in car mode, the robot mode came out better in that aspect. 

For an inexpensive figure, Barricade has more articulation than I expected. Head, shoulders, elbows,legs, knees, and even feet move satisfyingly. A little less hollow and he could pass for a core class. The toy almost feels like it was designed for another line or project. More recent Authentics have been pretty good, but there's definitely a different vibe going on here. Being a discount figure I don't foresee more information into his development coming. I'll just be content to theorize he started out in a different direction. Barricade is a great little figure and pretty surprising considering everything. I really like him and am still surprised just how well he came out. I know Authentics aren't everyone's cup of tea, but I drink from my own cup. No backwash.

Soundwave Is A Discount Store Alpha

They call these larger 7 inch Authentics 'Alpha' class. I don't know why. They do the naming, I do the buying. Call it taco class for all I care. Recently my wife picked me up the Authentics Alpha Class Soundwave from the Dollar General near her work. Thankfully so as I've been looking for him. As far as the Authentics figures have gone, I've been getting the Alpha (7 inch) and Bravo (5 inch) class figures happily. For a low price they're just the thing. I haven't bothers with the Titan Changers or that big ass Bumblebee. I may later, just right now I don't feel compelled to. 

Like other Authentics, Soundwave uses the 'Evergreen' design. Evergreen is a newer Transformers design aesthetic used for oddball things like gift cards and random toys without being attached to a current cartoon. It's basically traditional Transformers, just a little modernized. Safe to throw on that party balloon or discount toy that may be on a shelf for a few years without looking dated. I think it's a pretty good idea. You've got generic Spider-Man, Generic Batman... why not generic Transformers? 

Soundwave as a robot isn't too bad. He's a discount store toy sold for a low price and there's some cost cutting measures in full view. He's $10 for a 7 inch toy, which is about the size of a Generations Voyager class Transformers. Those sell for $30 for perspective. Soundwave is pretty hollow. Like, know how the buildings in a movie studio are just a facade? The walls you see are the only ones they've built and that's the level of hollowness Soundwave has going on here. It doesn't bother me much. I know for the discount price there's going to be some cost cutting measures. I know a cup of ramen noodles isn't the same as an expensive steak dinner and I'm not going to kid myself about it. At the same time, I still love a good cup of ramen noodles. This cheap Soundwave? Yeah, I dig him. He's cool.

 

They don't make tape players anymore. I'm sorry, it's just a fact and those don't change unfortunately. Modern toys of Soundwave are generally tasked with working around that and a common alt mode for him is a communications truck of sorts. That's what they did here and it works pretty well. It's blocky and works with his role as communications officer. 

This particular communications truck is some kind of armored sports crossover SUV. Considering the low cost of the toy, it's a pretty solid alt mode with hardly any visible lines. You transform Soundwave by arranging his arms and legs much as you normally do car based Transformes and his backpack snaps over to create the hood. All you really have to do extra is arrange his gun and uh... sound receiver dish (?) into place on the roof of the truck. 

I'm kind of not sure what to make of the truck. It looks good, but could use a little extra color that the discount store toy budget isn't going to allow for. Thanks to it's angles I can't get Machine Wars Soundwave out of my head when I look at it. Stalker from Euro G1, Machine Wars or Universe Soundwave. That toy mold. The colors those toys came in are the ones I'd really like to see on this toy. It'll never happen, but it'd be neat. I see this truck and think there's another toy coming that'll use the mold tooling. Blaster or Sounblaster probably.

 

I mentioned his gun and communications thingy right? They can be used in a variety of ways. Either held in hands, on shoulder mounted pegs, or the roof of the truck. The communications dish thingy has a flat peg with specific flat peg holes for it's placement... but still fits just fine in round holes. The gun has a standard round peg and won't fit in the square holes. I shouldn't have to explain that, but there's always that one dude.

If you put the gun in Soundwave's shoulders like I have in the picture up top, you'll get a more classic Soundwave look. It looks right in hand ready to blast somebody too. The plastic used on the toy is different than what's used on normal retail Transformers. It's pretty hard and despite the hollowness of the toy gives it a feeling of solidness. You can probably see the stress lines on the gun in the picture. They were like that right out of the package without any visible reason why. It's not broke and there's no white in the plastic that would lead me to believe the plastic is weakened. I have no clue.

I'm pretty happy with Soundwave overall. He might be hollow, but he's a big chunky robot toy and I do love those. Without any doubt he's Soundwave and he nails the classic look. Like I said, for the low price these Authentics are just the thing and fun to buy. He's got a fair amount of articulation and I had fun playing around with him in my living room. You really can't ask for more than that. Unless you're an asshole.

Transformers: Battlegrounds Not Campgrounds

"As evil MEGATRON closes in on the Allspark, BUMBLEBEE and the Autobots need a new commander to help save Earth – you! Assemble your squad and roll out for a battle that will rage from Central City to Cybertron… and even to the local multiplayer arcade! More information to follow soon." Is how the upcoming new Transformers video game is described by Outright Games and Coatsink whom are behind it's creation and release. Not much more can be gathered from that and it's trailer, but it does look neat.

Taking a Cyberverse/Evergreen design approach, it'll be pretty traditional in it's appearance. It's looks like some sort of strategy style game. Of course, who knows really at this point? As long as it's fun, I'm down. I prefer mashing buttons to make dudes jump, shoot, and swing swords than turn based game play. Though, sometimes I can be won over with that style of game.

It's hard not to be excited for a new Transformers game, and I'm looking forward to getting a copy this October. I'll likely get it for my Switch as we have multiple TV docks set up in my house as well as the portable mode to allow me to move room to room while playing. I'd be locked to the living room on our PS4. Not to mention, those graphics scream Nintendo console, and who can ignore the screams of graphics?

Wacky Wall Crawling Transformers

The Mrs. surprised me the other day with some blind bagged goodness after a stop by the Dollar Tree. They were Transformers sticky wall walker toys blind bagged in Authetics packaging. I was aware of these prior, but all my stores ever have in these are the WWE ones, so I was happy to get my hand on these sticky little guys. She bought me five and I'm sure to get more in the future. The Dollar Tree is already a guilty pleasure of mine and this is a pretty good reason to stop by other than those Arizona nacho trays.

I got Megatron, 2 Starscreams, and 2 Barricades. Barricade is the odd man out here as I was lead to believe that he was Soundwave with the wrong name on the bag. Opening him up though reveals a modern police car based Barricade. He does have Soundwave's head however, I wonder if there's some part switching and Soundwave will pop up in another batch. Maybe even Prowl.

As you can see the toys are very basic. They're plastic upper and lower bodies in an outstretched position with a piece of rubber in between sections. Where the hands and feet would be are sticky balls. Like the wacky wall crawling octopi of the past you fling the toy at the wall and watch it flip its way down. Character depiction on these is basically printed stickers and colored plactic.

Not as cool as the bag clips and minifigures of Transformers at Dollar Tree stores this past winter, but still pretty neat. The toys are really basic and it's pretty hard to expect them not to be. The actual toy is the wall walking gimmick. Having characters on them is pretty much a plus. For a dollar, they'll be a fun blind bag item to grab on trips to the Dollar Tree. Those and those bad ass Arizona nacho trays.

New Authentics!

It feels good to be a dollar store gangster. News recently broke of more Authentics coming to stores soon! While I haven't gotten any of the Titan Changers recently sold at the stores, I've made no secret of my love for these not very expensive figures. Soundwave looks to be taking a cue from his Cyberverse incarnation... and not a bad step to follow. Ratchet looks pretty good, he'll probably be an Easter Egg shell like the Optimus, but I don't care! It's $5! Like I said, I haven't gotten any of the Titan Changers... but that Grimlock might be the gateway to those. These look like just the thing to hunt in discount stores very soon!

Authentics Grimlock (small version)

I was fortunate to find the new Grimlock Authentics toy at my local Five Below. While I already have the larger version, a smaller $5 figure has been popping up recently. Like the larger figure, this is definitely the better of the Authentics toys. Better articulation, better sculpting, just a better toy. Thanks to his beast mode, the toy's transformation works out better for such a basic discount store figure. The hollowness in his limbs are just as present, though mostly noticeable in his lower legs from transformation. From the front you can't see it, but in the back it's unavoidable. This doesn't bother me that much as it's a discount store toy, but it might bother you. The only thing that bothers me is his T-Rex arms. They are molded into the body as opposed to separate parts. It's not that bad, but I can't look over it so easily. For the most part though it's a good little toy and certainly worth the $5 I spent.

Bumblebee Overdrive

I just learned about this game. Don't know if the news just passed me by or if it just wasn't covered well. Either way, this looks like something I'd love to play. I'm registered for it whenever it releases for Android, the iOS version is out now. Hoping it pops up soon, because that looks like a lot of fun!

Bumblebee McDonald's Happy Meal commercial

These cute little toys have been on a world tour this year, appearing all over in different Transformers Happy Meals. Here in America, they're going to be matched up with the Bumblebee movie. Which is a little odd, but considering how more traditional looking the bots in the Bumblebee movie are and the 80's aesthetic... why not go with classic evergreen designs? Honestly, I'm down for a few Happy Meals. I like McDonald's.

Cyberverse first impressions

So, before I had said I planned to watch Cyberverse as it broadcasts instead of in demand and on apps... so, I totally didn't do that and watched the first 2 episodes today on my in demand menu. There's still episode 3 to watch in the morning as I enjoy my daily bagel and grapefruit. Just like every other fan who decides to post his opinions on the internet, I've decided to talk my first thoughts. Clearly it's super important that I do.

I liked it.

Now, before I go any further, I can already hear some of you saying 'you like everything'. I can see how it seems that way, but that's not true. I don't choose to spend my leisure time with things I don't enjoy and Transformers is fortunately one of the things I have a hard time not enjoying. So, if it seems that I like something that I normally like... then I guess you paid attention to the normal behaviors of an average person and his habits. I firmly believe that everyone has the right to be themselves, and that extends to me too.

So, in the first two episodes that I watched, the premise of the show was introduced. Bumblebee has lost his memories (he's even forgotten how to talk) and his friend Windblade has found him and is trying to help him remember as he's on a very important mission. The two episodes were very chronological, which I don't know if will be an ongoing thing or just for the beginning of the show. Personally I was hoping for a more episodic show, but I really don't mind this approach. Episodes are about 10 minutes long, so it wouldn't take too much to catch up if I got a little behind.

One problem I've always has with most shows is that the first few episodes usually differ from the rest of the actual show. Generally it takes a bit for the creative forces to find their groove and get everything to gel together on top of the initial introduction of characters and world building they have to do. This is more prominent in a cartoon as it usually is more concept driven than a sitcom, so with the shorter episode format of Cyberverse, I fear it might take a little longer to get the car on the interstate (so to say). Regardless, what I've seen so far has been enjoyable.

I like the big bright colorful characters. I enjoy the humor in their dialog. So far the show is a bit funny, which could change as it goes along, but it's funny right now. I like that. Sure, I enjoy a darker more mature show. Not everything has to be dark though, so a more cheerful show is just as welcome as a brooding one. I like the glimpses of Cybertron. The art direction of the show looks really sharp on Cybertron and the robots themselves. It's a simple approach that works well. I've posted the intro here before, it really fits in well. An episode does a short cold opening, into intro, and back into the show. Short, sweet, and simple. It's a nice bit sized nugget in a world of tweets. I like the theme music too. I never really liked the theme music for Robots in Disguise (2015, I loved the old shows music) while I enjoy the catchy electronic jingle here.

I plan to watch the third episode in the morning and each episode as it becomes available to me. With such a short run time, it'll be easy to watch even with as busy as life can get. I hope the show continues to be enjoyable and hope it continues to get better as it goes on. Right now it's pretty pleasant and fun, which for the introductory episodes is all you can really ask for. Hopefully it continues to be so.

Cyberverse clip- Memories of the Allspark

CN posted another teaser clip for Cyberverse and just like each preceding clip, it keeps looking better and better. My hopes for the show are getting higher based on these clips as it's went from what looked my a neat show to a fun show, to maybe a great show after all. I really hope this show turns out amazing, not only for enjoyment of something I like. But also, just to stick it to the haters who've been crapping on it since forever. Of course they'll act like they never said anything.

Cyberverse trailer

As Cyberverse's debut draws closer, of course we're getting more and more sneak peaks and I'm pretty happy for that. The show looks great. It looks to have solid writing and I do really like the big bright characters. I know the line certainly has it's share of critics, but I'm not one of them. I like the visual direction and don't mind the lines concessions (I do understand why the folks who aren't happy with it, it's not for everyone). Right now it's coming up pretty positive for me, I'm really looking forward to the show. I understand it's premiering on the 1st of September on Cartoon Network, which is a perfect fit for a holiday weekend, but I've not been able to set my DVR for it yet. So, I'm checking the listings every day for the chance to set those record options.

Cyberverse clip- The Scout Ship

This is a much better clip of the upcoming Cyberverse than the last one. Looking forward to it, though wondering when the air date is?  Fall 2018 is a wee bit vague. 

Cyberverse preview clip

Honestly, I'm getting more whoa

I was already interested in Cyberverse before, looking forward to the show, intend to get a few toys here and there. Though the past few days, I admit, I'm actually getting a little excited for it. Silly as it may be, but there's a lot of joy in this silly little line for me and I'm looking forward to enjoying it when I start finding it. Sure, I still don't plan on buying everything, but I'm leaning towards getting more now than I originally planned. I like the yellow and black packaging. I like the look of the designs. There's just a lot of life and freshness in this, despite being essentially a repackaged G1. Just a lot of energy and I freaking dig that (and flipping the bird at the same old same old negative whiny butts).

Cyberverse feels like it should be a game on my Super Nintendo made by Konami or Capcom, and that's a good thing in my book.

And this is my site, so it's kinda my book.

Transformers Authentics Latino America commercial

You know, I had such a good time hunting the first batch down earlier this year, I really hope they make some new ones and I get to repeat that. It can be fun to hunt regular toys already, but something like these intended for discount chains that don't have the best distribution for toys, it can be a challenge. Not to mention, you can go into two Family Dollars just a few miles apart and feel like you've been in two different stores. One will be nice with recent merchandise and well kept, another can be a dumpster fire with a can of Chef Boyardi from 1994 still on the shelf. If it's during a holiday time frame, that can add into the equation more.

Not to mention, I like oddball things like this. I often snatch up cheap licensed stuff regularly, so a quirky line of low rent figures is just the thing. Some new molds or repaints of existing molds are just what I want. Maybe something like red repaints of Bumblebee into Cliffjumper, white repaints of Optimus into Ultra Magnus. Random 'stealth' versions of Megatron, obvious seeker repaints. Maybe a Trypticon made from the large Grimlock. Or hell, just versions of the characters in crazy colors. Actually, that'd be neat. They're so cheap, I wouldn't think twice in buying a hot pink Optimus.

Now if news sites would stop calling them Cyberverse or Evergreen.

Transformers Cyberverse commercial

GET MORE WHOA

I kinda want these more just from that tagline.

Cyberverse this fall on Cartoon Network

News of Cyberverse's channel and release time frame just seeped out and I'm pleased. This Fall on Cartoon Network. I was kinda hoping for Nickelodeon, but Cartoon Network is fine. I already hear the cries of a bad time slot, but I'm going to DVR it anyway, so *shrug*.  Either way, it's great news for me as I really am looking forward to this show. Admittedly because I do something something Transformers and cartoons, but after the clips shown at SDCC this past weekend, I think the show looks great.

Cyberversal Appeal

All sorts of Cyberverse stuff has been hitting the internet and I won't lie, it's pretty exciting to see it all unfold. Not to mentions the toys are starting to pop up and listings for the cartoon are beginning to appear. Honesty I'm looking forward to the cartoon and hope it's going to be good. I like the premise as I've stated before and am looking forward to getting those Scout figures (with the peppering of bigger bots throughout). It just looks fun, which I know, silly me, who wants to have fun with their hobby? Man, I really look forward to more character designs. Like not just the standard gang, some really out there choices in bright colorful colors.