The Insecticons [Galaxy Version–06,08,09]

This is a post I’ve been wanting to write for a while. Longtime readers know about my affinity for insect-based robots, and that absolutely includes the Insecticons.

They’ve always been this creepy subgroup of the Decepticons that tend to follow their own path. Wherever they go, they consume everything around them, leaving nothing but wasteland behind. You’d think that wouldn’t be such a big deal—there are only three of them, at least in the cartoon—but that’s never really been the case. They can clone themselves, creating an entire swarm.

The Insecticons originally began as the Waruders in Diaclone. While I’ve got various G1 versions of the characters, I’ve never been lucky enough to own the original Waruders themselves. Thankfully, in 2005, E-Hobby released an exclusive recolor set in those Waruder colors. Within Transformers fiction, they were meant to represent the clones—so in a way, they finally brought the Waruders back into the fold. I jumped on that set immediately.

These days, Blokees Transformers Blind Boxes kits (and similar model lines) have become a big part of how I enjoy Transformers. Starting with Galaxy Version Series 06, they began releasing the Insecticons, and I knew I had to complete the trio. Each one even comes with a tiny insect-mode partner, which is absolutely my thing. I’ve always had a soft spot for partner figures, so this set was basically designed to hook me. 

Let’s take a look at each one.

Kickback – My personal favorite of the group. Between the wings and antenna, he’s just a great-looking design. As a grasshopper, it makes sense that his specialty is jumping long distances. He’s probably the Insecticon most people associate with the team. Released in Series 06 Parallel Universe, he comes with a tiny Shrapnel and his Electrothermic Blast Tube.

Shrapnel – The leader of the group. My older brother had one when we were kids, and I’ll never forget thinking his pincers looked like horns. They’re used for his electrical attacks, which always looked great on screen. He comes with a tiny Bombshell and his Grenade Launcher. Released in Series 08 One Shall Fall.

Bombshell – Arguably the most dangerous of the three. His Cerebro-Shells let him control other beings, launched from that dramatic rhinoceros beetle horn over his head. I’ve always had a thing for rhino beetles, so he’s hard not to like. He comes with a tiny Kickback and his Twin Ion Impulse Blaster. Released in Series 09 Darkest Hour.

Each figure comes in a blind box and is fairly easy to assemble. The included insect-mode partners are fun little builds too, and I really hope Blokees continues doing things like that.

As expected, they all include open and closed hands for posing. Kickback, being from an earlier wave, uses the older body style—slightly less articulation and a higher resting head. Shrapnel and Bombshell use the updated construction, which allows for more dynamic posing. It doesn’t make Kickback look bad by any means, but the difference is noticeable when you’ve got all three together.

Even so, there’s a strong sense of cohesion across the set, which is important for a team like this. My only real gripe is that Shrapnel’s Grenade Launcher is purple while the others weapons are gray. It’s not a big deal—likely just a result of mold tree layout—but I do wish it matched the others.

Overall, I’m really happy to have completed this trio. I’ve been picking up more Galaxy Version kits individually lately, so finally assembling the full Insecticon team felt like an accomplishment.

I don’t even like real bugs… but I go crazy for robot ones.

It’s weird. I know.

Venin/Venom [Age of the Primes/Deluxe Class]

I’m double-dipping into things I love with today’s toy. Both an Insecticon and an Armored Insect Corps Beetras update, Transformers Age of the Primes Venin is a treat for me. Of course, the name Venin is an alternate name for his real name, Venom. Despite the Insecticon Venom pre-dating the extremely more popular Marvel character… he’s only had three toys total. And there was a 29 year gap between the first toy and the second.

During those 29 years the trademark lapsed and Eddie Brock got the symbiote suit… and a ton of toys. Actually, that second toy and now this new toy are both named Venin, so it’s not too hard to adjust. However, venin isn’t just a made-up word — it’s the toxic component of snake venom and literally means “venom” in French. So it works, even if it doesn’t exactly make for the best character name. Much like the rest of the original batch of G1 Transformers, Venom was made from a pre-existing toy mold. The Deluxe Insecticons came from the Armored Insect Corps Beetras toy line. These weren’t from Takara, so they didn’t show up in the original cartoon. Venom was made from the Beet-Zeguna mold, though with very different colors. Interestingly, the Deluxe Insecticons do appear in their Beetras colors on the 1985 Transformers box art. Always found that neat.

Unlike his second toy which I love, this new Venin is a direct update of his G1 figure. The modern engineering gives us one well-articulated bug robot. His bright colors look as great as always. The Insecticons usually stick to darker palettes, so Venom having this bright green and orange with light gray robot parts really makes him stand out. Not just visually, but as a personality among them. It just looks great. His colors and helmet have always reminded me of Samus Aran — same era, so there was probably some shared visual inspiration floating around. Ironically, it occurred to me that one of the core reasons I like Insecticons and insect-themed robots is likely tied to my appreciation of bio-horror. Metroid itself is heavy bio-horror. And yeah, I am really looking forward to Metroid Prime 4.

Venin has recreations of his original toy’s electric-blaster gun and battle axe. I honestly forgot about the axe entirely since my G1 toy was bought loose and missing it. I really like it — it’s not your standard He-Man style axe. Both weapons store on the sides in beast mode. Speaking of, Venin transforms into a cicada. Being from the American South, I’m used to hearing these guys all summer. It’s generally pleasant… unless one gets on your window. Then it’s maddening. I once had one trapped under some porch furniture that screamed non-stop. When I tried to scoop it up, IT GOT LOUDER. I never thought flinging a bug across my yard would be so satisfying. Little bastard.

Transformation to bug mode is pretty easy. His arms fold into the upper torso while the legs fold into themselves. Then it’s just arranging bug bits into a pleasantly blocky robot cicada with the most adorable face. In beast mode, his wings and legs have decent articulation, and the weapons can store on the sides for added firepower. If there’s anything to complain about, his wings can get in the way in robot mode, and folding his arms into place during transformation feels like the toy is about to break. Some sturdier plastic would have helped. But it’s not enough to ruin the toy. I’m admittedly biased when it comes to insect robots and am loving this one unabashedly. It is a good toy outside of my affections, and it’s just great to see a new Venom figure. I wouldn’t mind finding this cicada on my porch. Well… assuming he isn’t loud.

Chop Shop [Cyberworld/ Armored Cyber Changers]

When Cyberworld started getting leaks and previews, Chop Shop really caught my attention. Being a Beast Wars fan, I couldn't ignore the similarities to bots like Insecticon and Powerpinch. Not just that... but I love some insect based robots. Thanks to the uniformity present in Cyberworld toys... he really feels like one of those old Beast Wars basic class figures. Well, aside from the lack of elbow articulation.

It's really neat how this line of simple figures has so much older robot toy DNA. The name Chop Shop itself hearkens back to G1 as one of the Deluxe Insecticons whose source molds were from Armored Insect Corps Beetras. This Chop Shop, though, is likely a new character. Transformers Cyberworld isn't seemingly linked to a prior series, just in that generic Transformers setting things like Authentics reside in. After 41 years, I'm perfectly ok with a generic setting and am a fan of the video game world they're stuck in for Cyberworld. 

You've probably noticed those big mandibles jutting out of his chest, that's a fun bit of insect mode kibble in addition to the little bug legs hanging from his arms and legs. The mandibles are a separate piece that can be used as a weapon. I kept mine in as I like the weirdness. It's impossible to ignore the Armored up bit that makes him an Armored Cyber Changer... and frankly I'd be ok if they were just regular Cyber Changers. Chop Shop's Armored Up part is a huge claw weapon that can form a giant melee weapon when the claws are unfolded. A blade pops up as the weapon can be held as a gun or a ... club? I could only get the 'gun' mode to be held in insect mode, so it's probably meant to be the club type weapon for robot mode. Judging by the size of it, Chop Shop must be pretty strong.

You can also store the big weapon on his back in robot mode... which seems more reasonable. Transformation to insect mode is an easy flipping out of the chest and adjusting everything into place. There's a plethora of ports in insect mode where the Armored Up piece can be plugged in and once again makes me wonder what else is in store for this line or was once planned. Cyberworld definitely feels like the spiritual follow up the the Beast Alliance toys from Rise of the Beasts. It makes me hope for partner figures like Battle Masters. I really like Chop Shop. He's a solid figure in a fun line and I really appreciate his classic Beast Wars inspired looks. This is a toy mold I'd love to see in a million colors... but preferably as a regular Cyber Changer.

Shrapnel [Transformers Retro]

I was fortunate to find The Retro Collection version of Shrapnel at a local Ross while Christmas shopping. These types of store are generally a haven for oddball liquidation toys during the holidays and like others, I try to take advantage of it. It's jokingly called RossCon by many people online, which I find funny as I've been calling the reissues and exclusives at Walmart Great Value BotCon for years. Thankfully, I made out with some great finds this year. Shrapnel is another member of the Insecticons (and you all know I love bug robots), and painted in a cartoon accurate deco like the other recent reissues. I can't say enough good things about these cartoon accurate reissues, they look amazing and it's always good to get vintage toy molds.

When it comes to Shrapnel, aside from the variety of his toy's I've accumulated over the years, my biggest memory of Shrapnel is the one my older brother owned. He's a few years older than me and was slowly phasing out from toys. However a few managed to always stick around. Right next to his Clawtron and Zoltek was a Shrapnel and Cop-Tur on a bookshelf with a Journey carnival mirror in the background. I guess they were badass enough for an early teenage to display while listening to Cinderella. Shrapnel is decidedly badass looking, as are the Insecticons in general. The mostly black robot with purple and silver colors looks dark and plays well off each other. So much so that the yellow cockpit that makes up his chest practically glows. His insect mode is a stag beetle, which is one gnarly and threatening looking bug.

The insects  pincers display nicely behind his head creating large horns and giving Shrapnel his signature look. Included is 6 Energon Cubes and the signature Gamma Ray Detonator. You can store a cube in his chest compartment. This compartment is originally the cockpit where a pilot figure would sit in  the Waruder Insecter Robo Kuwagatrer from Diaclone, which is the original use of the toy. There is a set of Insecticons based on their original Waruder coloration who are meant to represent the Insecticon clones often seen in the original cartoon. It's a neat thing to own. Transformation from robot to stag beetle is easy, parts really just fold up and the robot is laid on his back. There's wheels on the legs to roll the insect around, another holdover from Diaclone that's a pretty fun play gimmick. It's sort of an insect tank.  Shrapnel is a really good looking toy, and especially so in these show accurate colors. For a toy of his era, there's a decent amount of articulation that I find admirable. I'm sure my admiration for Insecticons is overshadowing any objectiveness, but this is just a wonderful toy.

Bombshell [Transformers Retro/Bomshell and Ramhorn 2-Pack]

Earlier this week, we looked at Ramhorn. That means it's a fine time to talk abut the Bombshell he came packaged with. Ramhorn is a Rhino, so have him packaged versus a Rhinoceros Beetle is a fun bit of synergy. Not every multi-pack has to match, but similar worded names is good enough for me. Like other G1 reissues being released recently, Bombshell uses his original toy mold and is painted in a cartoon accurate paint scheme. Also like the others, it looks great. Bombshell's mold was one of the Diaclone toys that got used in the early years of Transformers. Insecter Robo Kabutron was a robot of the Waruders, the main villains of Diaclone. I've made my fondness for robot insect toys known here many times and that extends to Waruders. There's just something about them that I find awesome. Being a Diaclone mold, Bombshell has a cockpit that a pilot figure can sit in. However, being a Transformers toy, Bombshell doesn't have a pilot. Like other recent Insection reissues have included Energon cubes accessories (awesome) and you can fit one in his cockpit. It's a silly bit of fun and pretty great. He comes with 6, and that makes for a great bit of scenery to put around your toys.

In addition to the Energon Cubes, Bombshell has his Twin Ion Impulse Blaster. I think it's a pretty trademark rifle for him, but when it comes to Bombshell, everyone focuses on that beetle horn. It's been famously used for launching his signature Cerebro-Shells into the heads of enemies and making them his slaves. It's not just a cool special ability, but also looks neat. A bit of nice ornamentation on a somewhat creepy looking toy. Bombshell has some pretty decent articulation for a toy of his era. Arms move at the shoulders and legs at the hips. Thanks to his transformation, his hip can swivel and there's some movement at the knees... though you can mostly make him kick forward comically. Sure, he doesn't have anything on today's super articulated wonders, but it's a pretty good amount for the toys of that time. Transformation to beetle mode is easy and looks just as great as ever. My love for insect robots definitely flavors my opinion here. I can't help it, those designs are full of charm. There's little wheels on the insect legs to roll it around on and I just love that. Despite the older engineering, this is really a nice little toy. The cartoon accurate colors really pop and breathe new life into a 40+ year old design. The older I get, the more my appreciation for the original toys grows. The die cast is just so satisfying as is the overall product. So, so very good.

Insecticon Bombshell (Legacy: Evolution/Deluxe Class)

I'm quite fond of robot bugs... it's no secret around here. I have no clue as to why either, I HATE real bugs. So of course fate would wind up with me loving their robot toy counterparts. I dunno. Bombshell here was another Christmas gift from the Mrs and the newest Legacy update of an Insecticon. This leave me to find Shrapnel (who has eluded me) to complete the trio. Bombshell is an extensive retooling of Shrapnel (who I'm mildly annoyed at not being able to find) and my first experience with the mold which seems to be quite different from the first instance of it's engineering (that I don't own yet, kinda peeved). I must say, I like it! It's a pleasant robot toy that turns into a wonderfully blocky rhinoceros beetle. As an old school fan of robot toys, this is absolutely delightful. Bombshell is an update of a classic design that still feels like an older toy.

As a robot, he's pleasantly articulated and packing his signature Twin Ion Impulse Blaster weapon and two small blasters that can be placed at varying points on his body. I chose the forearms to keep a resemblance to his original toy. Transformation to insect mode is fairly easy and results in a beetle that looks fairly close to the original toy. The rear portion is a bit bigger, but not in a bad way. It's a big black box with a red stripe that brought back memories of older toys like Micro Trailers in such a way that I'm just too biased to hate. Those small twin blasters I mentioned earlier can either mount alongside the Twin Ion Impulse Blaster on the top of that rather boxy rear end or be worked into rear legs for the beetle.

Bombshell was always a cool villain thanks to the mind controlling Cerebro-Shells that he fired from the horn of his beetle mode or knight like helmet as a robot. The Insecticons were always creepy and mind control is a classic bad guy attack. Bombshell is a pretty close approximation of how he appeared in the original cartoon and this new figure is a really satisfying new toy of a classic villain. I'd love to see a Kabutron version at some point. I've been really happy with Legacy as a whole and Bombshell is a good reason as to why. Sure, updates of classic Transformers characters are nothing new and have been going on longer than G1 actually ran... but who cares? These are classic characters that maintain an ongoing presence. Having new versions of them that improve upon the older versions is great and I never see anyone complain about the countless Superman figures that come out. Once again, I love a good robot bug toy and this is a really good one. There's plenty of old school flavor improved with modern engineering. This is just all around my cup of tea.

Ransack (Creatures Collide/Deluxe Class)

The ravenous sounds of the locust signify wrath and misery. Perhaps it is him who stripped the house of all the life it once held.

I've mentioned my admiration for the Beetras molds here before, as well as my overall fandom for insect based robots in general. The Creatures Collide box set from last year provided me with plenty of really cool new creepy crawler insect bots. Ransack here is another solid bit of coolness from the set. Originally, Ransack was one of the Deluxe Insecticons made from the Beeteras toys while the standard Insecticons were made from Diaclone toys. This new Legacy Ransack, somehow is a repaint of an update of one of those Diaclone Insecticons (Kickback) and delivers a pretty good homage to the old Beetras toy. Surprisingly so as it's literally just a recolor using an alternate head. The toy does come with the Kickback head as well in case you'd prefer it to be one of his clones.

Ransack transforms into a mechanical locust or a grasshopper depending if you assemble his locust abdomen from the energon blades. This was a pretty creative way to get a locust out of the mold without the need for new parts. I've had the Kickback for some time before getting Ransack and never noticed that it could be done. Neat. Ransack has a descent amount of articulation and transforms fairly easily. Considering the mold was originally a "G1 with knees" update to Kickback, it should. Despite being so simple... it feels right, like just the right amount of work is needed to be done. His gun is a straightforward reissue of Kickback's in black plastic. Thanks to the similarity between the two, it makes for a decent version of his High-Intensity Concussion Blaster. A little different looking, but close enough. The energon blades can be held or form a shield. I prefer to place them on his arms for bight robot pokey bits. 

Bios: Barrage

"Nothing left standing means nothing left to change."

Function: Gunner

Winning is not enough -- this Insecticon's attack continues until the ground is scorched and leveled. Merciless, cruel... believes kindness only stirs hope among the vanquished. Disliked by fellow Decepticons. In insect Mode, can shoot non-stop explosive charges from gun mounts, high energy photons from antenna. Flies 15mph with 400 mile range. Has powerful sonic rifle in robot Mode.

Strength: 3 Intelligence: 8 Speed: 3 Endurance: 7
Rank: 5 Courage: 10 Firepower: 9 Skill: 8

A day with Shockwave

 

About 2 weeks ago as you're reading this, I finally bought a Turbo Changer Shockwave. I'd been wanting this figure since it came out in Cyberverse and for some reason never got it until recently under it's re release as a Buzzworthy Bumblebee figure. I've made my love for these simple figures know often here, so I'll spare you the details, but he's a pleasantly old school vibe robot toy. A week later after buying him, and a week before you'll read this, I opened him. I've got a pretty good backlog of unopened toys and the bulk of posts here are written in advance. I'm sure I've explained that one here as well, but thought I'd repeat it in case that wasn't clear. 

I've spent all the day with this Shockwave by my side. I work at night (I'm also sure I've said that before), and it was a Monday. I woke up early to see my wife off to work and spent the day doing odd tasks between goofing off and napping. Monday's for night shift folks are like Friday evenings for day shift folks. Shockwave got transformed a million times. If you look at the delightfully buggy alt mode, you'll see those rear legs. Squeeze them to auto-transform him into bot mode, pull them apart to go back. What kind of insect is he supposed to be? Maybe one of those flat grey ones I always see on my porch?

I spent a good deal of time playing Dig Dug 2 on my Switch. By my chair was a TV tray (the one from my Instagram). Shockwave stood there next to my Galaxy Tablet. When I wasn't playing, the pro controller would sit there with the two. I really wish this toy would get re released in different colors as someone else, just so it could get a little more out there. He really feels like a lost Beetras/Deluxe Insecticon. Maybe with a new head or in different colors he could be a new one.

He was by my side as I finished the current (and sadly last) season of Pacific Rim: The Black. Overlooked the making of my lunch that consisted of some tortilla pizzas and grapes. What's a tortilla pizza? It's a little pizza you make on a tortilla instead of a crust. I'm on a low sodium diet. With the right sauce, cheese, and tortillas, a pretty easy lunch that's tasty and also nothing to worry about. He found it logical to add some Mrs Dash prior to cooking. I thought it was a pretty good idea myself. 

During another round of Dig Dug 2... have you played it? It's really fun, I like it a lot better than regular Dig Dug. But anyways, while playing I found myself thinking Shockwave would be at home in an old 8 or 16-bit video game. Probably as a bad guy in some space shooter, his design would make for an excellent general soldier. I can really see him on the cover in that old school painted art style. If this really was an old toy, he might have actually popped up in one. Unofficially of course, but there he'd be. 

I'm at work now as I write this. Just sitting at my desk working, typing out a few lines here and there between working. Sipping on my water flavored with orange-vanilla Mio. About to eat my little Ziploc baggy full of low salt Ritz crackers that I'll dip into a cup of peanut butter. It's the simple kid, not much sodium. Kind of wish I'd have brought Shockwave with me. Not sure why I didn't, there's been plenty a work night with a Bumblebee nearby. I'm not sure if you're interested in getting this Shokwave toy, but he's good company.

Bios: Chop Shop

 

"I take no prisoners, just spare parts."

Function: Thief

Sneakiest of the Insecticons... if it's not bolted to the floor, it's not safe from his greedy grasp. No challenge is too great; the more difficult something is to steal, the more he wants to steal it. As insect, flies 30mph with two small jets on his back. Pincer-like antennae can slice through 2-inch thick steel. Has twin pinpoint lasers on mouth; can carry 30 tons. As robot has photon cannon.

Bios- Insecticon

Sonar-sensitive antennae locate and track enemy Maximals infiltrating Predacon battle perimeters. Internal radar beacon emits low-frequency signal to alert others. When hungry for battle himself, this insidious insect uses his crossbow to cripple enemies then drags 'em to their doom with his monstrous mandibles!

I'm your Tubro Beetle

It's been so long since I've talked about robot bugs that I feel like I owe it too myself as much as I owe it to you all to talk about robot bugs. Not to mention it's been awhile since I've pointed out the whole 'today's more simple toys are throwbacks to older toys' thing I never seem to shut up about. Up above this paragraph is a picture of Beetras, I've made a few posts before about Beetras (follow the tags below to see) and man don't they look great? Just great old school robots from a time that seems forgotten despite it being homaged so much with various high end and regular retail releases. As the Deluxe Insecticons, Convertors, odd bootleg toys, or even in their original release, Beetras are just awesome robot toys. I really wish there was a new Beetras style figure so I wasn't continually living in the past and had something new... wait..

Look at that glorious robotic sci fi beetle. LOOK AT IT. One again the 'simple' sub lines aimed more at younger children comes through with an extremely old school super robot toy. This is the new Cyberverse Shockwave Turbo Changer/ One Step Changer toy. Inexpensive and quick to transform, Shockwave's weird insect alt mode when reduced to a mode simple form looks like a Takatoku toy lost in time. It's not just limited to alt mode either.

Look at that angry cyloptic menace to the galaxy! Sure it's not exactly a reproduction of the old Beetras, but it's pretty darn close. I wish he came in multiple colors. I can see it in red or green or grey. I want to put a chrome weapon in his hand. Seeings has one hand is already a blaster, maybe a sword. Part of me wants to chrome some of those parts up, but seeing the nature of a Turbo Changers transformation involves lots of folding up... it could scratch off. The similarities are probably coincidental, but I'll take it!

Creepy Bug Freaks

I've made mention before of my fondness for insect based toys. I have no clue why I like them as much as I do, but I do. Maybe it's the way the insect parts resemble armor or work out in the design. Who knows? If I think too hard about it, I'll still get nowhere but bore everybody who'd rather me just get to the point. So for clarification, bug based toy/characters are good. Bugs in real life, I'm probably going to pummel with a flip flop while yelling to the heavens. Looking at the newest series of Kabuto Mushi toys has gotten me thinking about the creepy crawlies and that's a fun thing.

 

The Insecticons always come to mind when thinking about bug folks, and while I've focused on their Diaclone and Beetras roots, the various insect Transformers that came since were pretty damn great also. Beast Wars had some great bug bots (particularly fond of Transmetal 2 Scarem). Insecticon from Energon was also a really good bug bot. It's hard not to like an insect robot from space.

Earlier I was thinking about Baxter Stockman from TMNT. Despite the weird changes they made to his appearance at the time, the 80's/90's cartoon version remains my favorite. That mad scientist changed into a fly monster is awesome. It's classic horror in a cartoon, good design for a toy, and solid boss character in a game.

Insects just work in sci fi and fantasy. There's not really denying that. They can be gross or high tech. In a swarm or as an individual. Bugs are great... unless one is on my car. Then I'll have to buy another one.

Beetras don't bug me

Zone Base readers know of my affinity towards insect based robots. Which is funny, since I don't like real bugs that much, I mean they look kinda neat, but gross. Regardless, you make that bad boy a robot and there I am. With Halloween around the corner (I'm not sure if you've noticed, I kinda like the holiday) nothing seems more appropriate than bugs... ok, I'll talk about insect robots whenever but... so...

Beetras are a robot line of particular note for me. Most Transformers fans recognize the use of the molds as the Deluxe Insecticons, maybe in Convertors, or even odd discount store bootlegs. The toys are just good looking. My favorite is Beet-Gugal/Chop Shop. Just a sharp robot who looks super tough. Even his newer toys manage to capture the essence of the original (but now with knees!) proving you just can't beat a good design.

Beetras was originally a line by Takatoku, who previously had made some pretty successful robot lines, but by the time Beetras was coming out, they were pretty much on the way out closing the business soon after. Mark had made some budget versions of Beetras, those are the molds used in Convertors and probably most bootlegs. Bandai eventually bought out Takatoku and Hasbro licensed the molds for the Deluxe Insecticons. Sometimes you'll see odd budget insect robots that kinda work alongside whatever Beetras uses you may own, but sadly there wasn't anymore new molds. I think Hasbro's use of them are the most famous, as most folks instantly recognize them.

Waruders ready, Waruder ready

Takara uploaded a new video about the upcoming Waruder suits for the current Diaclone line. Man... man... mmmmmmmmaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaannnnnnnnnnnnnnnn. I want these, at least one. These are awesome. I was wondering how they'd go about Waruders in current Diaclone as they've stayed away from the Transformers stuff and it's hard to do robot insects without instant Insecticon comparisons, so this new twist on the mech suits is just great. You know, I really need to get both Diaclone and Waruder pilots. Just a bunch. I got all sorts of crap that could use a driver.

New Waruders are coming, so you better watch your back, IT'S A SPACE BUG ATTACK

The title was my best attempt at a G2 commercial

This morning I was delighted to find out that Takara finally has new Waruders coming for the current Diaclone line. This is awesome, while I don't know if they'll ever do any sort of new Insect-Robo toy as so far they've been keeping what was used in Transformers out of the new Diaclone line (though a new Warudaros would be AMAZING). These are updates to the classic Waruder mech suits that look simply outrageous with several multiple modes of awesome. Being that today was my birthday, this was a most welcome and happy surprise for me personally. It was like a greeting card from Takara before my wife spoiled me with an amazing lunch from Taco Bell (one of my favorite places to eat), birthday cake, and a butt load of awesome gifts (it's Easter weekend, so getting around to a big old post to show off all the greatness of the gifts might take a minute... or days).

The Waruders are planned for an August release, which will be plenty of time for me to sell the kidney to afford them. I really want to get stuff from the new Diaclone, but sadly haven't yet. Though I must get one of these.

The new Diaclone is kinda expensive.

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?

Another if i ran the club post

I'd totally make a Big Bad Beetleborg set of Insecticons if I ran the fan club. If something like this happens, somebodies been reading Zone Base.

Insecticons 1985 commercial

I've always been drawn to the Insecticons. Just a cool concept that I've always dug. Think about it. Alien bugs from outer space. In Diaclone, the bad guys were the Waruders, a race of alien bug people whose mecha was giant robot bugs. The deluxe Insecticons were Beetras toys and didn't get used on the cartoon. The main three that we all know and love were reuses of Diaclone Insect Robo, which were the main soldiers of the Waruder army. Once I learned more of Diaclone and Waruders, I was amazed by how similar the Insecticons were portrayed on the cartoon to their Diaclone forefathers.

Spooky Spotlight: Virulent Clones

Profile: The Insecticon Virulent Clones were the result of Deathsaurus' resurrection of the latent Insecticon cloning capability. Extracted from the Cybertronian genetic codes of Buzzclaw and Dirge, the Insecticon clones were created to act as a self-replicating source of warriors for the Decepticon army. Each has a very rudimentary intelligence with no personality of its own. This makes them ideal for swarming enemies, with little regard for their own safety. The Clones listen to the Insecticon masters, Buzzclaw and Dirge, and will follow their orders to the letter at all times.

Abilities: The claws and mandibles of each clone secrete acid, which helps them tear into enemy armor. The Clones are capable of comsuming almost any material to convert into energy to sustain their systems. In robot mode, each Clone carries that can absorb energy from an enemy's attack and redirect it back at them. They can use their wrist mounted claws as slashing weapons, and each has a basic level of hand-to-hand combat knowledge based on memory implants from Buzzclaw.

Weakness: The exo-structure of the Clones are not as strong as those of Buzzclaw and Dirge. Thus the Clones are easily destroyed. It is their massive number, which serves as their greatest advantage.