Leo Prime/Lio Convoy (Robot and Beast) [Defender Version 07 – Power of the Beast]

@robfromzonebase Leo Prime/Lio Convoy (robot and beast) [Transformers Blokees Defender Version 07- Power of the Beast] #zonebase #transformers #blokees #blokeestransformers #beastwars ♬ Volcano Girls - Veruca Salt

I was extremely excited to see Lio Convoy (or Leo Prime, as Hasbro now him) included in the Blokees Transformers Defender Version 07: Power of the Beast assortment when it was first revealed.

Extremely.

Sure, I get excited for every Defender Version assortment, but this one was a particularly big deal for me.

During the Beast era, Lio Convoy was one of the coolest-looking Transformers on the planet. College-aged me (who was perpetually broke) couldn't afford one, so for the longest time he existed only as JPEGs I'd printed on my old HP inkjet printer and thumbtacked to the wall next to Coal Chamber posters.

Remember that terrible OfficeMax job I've mentioned before? While working in the copy center, I printed one of the Beast Wars II movie promotional images of Lio Convoy battling Galvatron as a poster.

It proudly hung on my wall for years. In fact, I still have that wonderfully pixelated poster folded up inside a tote in the garage. It spent years hanging on whatever refrigerator I happened to have.

Come to think of it...

Maybe I should turn that image into a refrigerator magnet for the current one.

At BotCon 2001, I finally picked up a pair of sofubi figures of Lio Convoy and Galvatron. Between those, a few PVC figures, and some little keshi, they were my stand-ins until I eventually tracked down the real toys.

These days you can hardly throw a rock without hitting a new toy of one of the Japanese Beast Wars leaders, but there was a time when they felt incredibly special.

Honestly...

They still do.

In this assortment, Lio Convoy is available in three different forms: his beast mode, his robot mode, and a Special Armor Type version of the robot. I'm thrilled to have the standard robot mode, but I'd really like to add the Special Armor version someday. It features chrome detailing, Energon Tonfas, a blast effect for his jet pack, and the Convoy Council cape from his later appearances.

Now that I think about it, Flame Toys even produced a Furai Model version with the cape.

I really should pick that up.

There have been all sorts of alternate color versions of Lio Convoy over the years, but part of me wishes Blokees would surprise us with an Alpha Trion version. During the old 3H era of BotCon, there were plans for an Alpha Trion toy based on Beast Machines Snarl. When Alpha Trion first appeared in that story, though, he was illustrated using Lio Convoy's silhouette instead.

That's one of those wonderful "what if?" moments that would make for an incredibly fun special edition.

Today we're looking at both the standard robot mode and beast mode kits. Like the other Defender Version releases, Blokees treats each mode as its own separate model instead of trying to engineer a transformation between them.

Personally, I love that approach.

A transforming toy always has to make compromises. By separating the two modes, both end up looking as good as they possibly can.

The lion assembles very easily. The body begins with two large halves connected by an internal frame that acts as the skeleton for the rest of the kit. The legs and feet go together quickly, while the head gets a little extra attention. The lower jaw is assembled separately before attaching to the face, which then connects to the mane. Additional mane pieces can fold upward to recreate the Lion Typhoon attack.

Once complete, the lion has a modest amount of articulation. The jaw opens, and the mane pieces can be displayed raised or lowered.

The robot builds much like a standard Defender Version kit, although it has a few fun gimmicks. The lion claw sections can be displayed forward for his claw attack or folded back to resemble the mane pieces seen on his forearms. The lion head that normally sits on his shoulder can also be swapped with the full beast-mode head, allowing you to display the Lion Typhoon in robot mode. It's a little oversized, but it looks fantastic.

Like a few of the Beast Wars Defender Version kits, the extra armor around the forearms slightly limits articulation. Personally, I don't mind, although I'm sure it probably drives somebody on the internet absolutely crazy.

Lio Convoy also includes a yellow blaster using the same mold that's been included with several Defender Version kits. I tend to think of it as this line's equivalent of the classic Optimus Prime rifle. Part of me wishes Lio Convoy had received a yellow version of that weapon instead, but this one still looks great in his hands.

Once assembled, this is an incredibly sharp-looking mini figure.

Like Cheetor before him, I can't help but compare him to the sprites from Transformers Beast Wars: Beast Warriors' Strongest Decisive Battle on the Game Boy Color. The proportions are surprisingly similar, and now I've got myself wishing Blokees would release a line of Defender Version kits painted to match those pixel-art colors.

Now that I've said it...

I want that even more.

Lio Convoy has always been a special character to me, and Blokees absolutely nailed him. This is one of those rare instances where I honestly don't have a single complaint.

I'm just ridiculously, blissfully happy with it.

I wish everything did that.

Nemesis Prime [Defender Version 07- Power of the Beast]

@robfromzonebase Nemesis Prime [Transformers Blokees Defender Version 07- Power of the Beast] #zonebase #transformers #blokees #beastwars #blokeestransformers ♬ Mind Over Matter - E.G. DAILY

I was pleasantly surprised to see that one of the special versions available in Blokees Transformers Defender Version 07: Power of the Beast was Universe Nemesis Prime, the 2004 Target-exclusive repaint of Big Convoy. I was expecting things like metallic paint or some extra fancy weaponry (which another special version of Big Convoy in this series actually has), but instead they went with one of the more obscure versions of Nemesis Prime. That's a pretty deep cut, and I love seeing Blokees do things like that.

Nemesis Prime originated in the original Transformers Universe toy line, which featured previously released molds repainted into new versions of existing characters or, in some cases, entirely new characters. Initially, Universe served as a companion line to Armada before continuing alongside later Transformers series. Store exclusives, convention exclusives, and even an ongoing comic published through the Official Transformers Collectors' Convention/Club all fell under the Universe banner. This was back during the 3H split era of BotCon.

The storyline centered around Unicron's return. He began pulling Transformers from countless alternate universes and forcing them to battle inside his body. As each Transformer fell, Unicron consumed their Spark and grew even more powerful. The Maximals from a post-Beast Machines Cybertron joined forces with the Autobots against Predacons and Decepticons loyal to Unicron... although the battle lines weren't always so clearly drawn.

Of course, there have been several different characters named Nemesis Prime over the years. This particular version originated from the corpse of one universe's Optimus Prime, who had been killed by Mega Zarak. Unicron cloned the fallen Optimus and transformed him into his own dark version of Prime, complete with the Dead Matrix, an artifact capable of killing Primus.

In the early TFCC comics, which took place on a version of Cybertron during the events of Transformers Cybertron/Galaxy Force, Nemesis Prime and Ramjet, another of Unicron's Heralds, arrived on Cybertron while it was largely abandoned. Most of the Transformers were searching for the Cyber Planet Keys and the Omega Lock in order to awaken Primus and stop the Unicron Singularity, which was busy tearing reality apart.

Because catastrophic events are just another Tuesday when you're a Transformer.

Nemesis Prime and Ramjet planned to use the Dead Matrix to kill Primus while he slept and had virtually no one left to defend him. Naturally, they were defeated, the Dead Matrix was taken away, and Nemesis Prime was imprisoned.

You'd think that would be the end of his story, but nope. This version of Nemesis Prime continued popping up during later inter-dimensional adventures. Alternity even redeemed him and turned him into one of the good guys! It just goes to show there's really no such thing as a burned bridge in a fictional universe.

Just like the original toy, this Blokees kit is a repaint of Big Convoy. While the original figure reused the Beast Wars Neo toy mold, this special Defender Version is a repaint of the Big Convoy model kit found in the blind boxes. I'd still love to get the regular Big Convoy from Series 07, but this was a pretty awesome surprise to open.

I still remember getting my original Nemesis Prime 22 years ago. I'd already owned the original Big Convoy, specifically the Korean Sonokong release, where the character was renamed "Mammolike." Getting the evil repaint afterward was incredibly exciting. One of the things that made Universe so much fun was that Hasbro would occasionally take molds American collectors had never had access to and suddenly release them as store exclusives. There were even plans to reuse molds from Brave, although those unfortunately never happened.

Years ago I remember saying online that it'd be really cool if some of those classic Universe color schemes found their way onto modern updates of those characters. It's neat to see that actually happen, especially in a format that I've clearly become a huge fan of.

Big Convoy's design works incredibly well as a Blokees Defender Version. You'd think the smaller proportions would make him look cute, but somehow he's just as badass as ever. Nemesis Prime isn't simply a black repaint either. His color layout is surprisingly sharp. The cream-colored plastic used on various parts of the robot really pops against the darker colors.

Yes... cream.

That was one of the charms of the old Universe repaints. Instead of using obvious colors like gold, they'd use champagne or other unusual shades that gave each figure its own unique personality. Some of those decos were genuinely creative.

Building Nemesis Prime felt like a premium experience, much like Magmatron did. There are so many unique parts that help separate him from the standard release. The mammoth tusks are separate pieces that attach to the beast kibble on his back, giving the whole design an even more dramatic silhouette.

The paint applications are another highlight. The red tips of the tusks and the red chest clearly draw inspiration from Robots in Disguise (2001) Scourge's windows and sword, while the teal detailing on the legs mirrors Scourge's own teal highlights. The resemblance is so obvious that, in the TFCC comic, Robots in Disguise Optimus Prime actually takes note of it. Apparently the similarity wasn't lost on the fictional characters either.

Assembly is exactly what you'd expect from a Blokees kit. Everything goes together smoothly, and there aren't any tricky spots worth warning you about. Honestly, with a design this ornate, I expected at least one frustrating step... but nope. It's another straightforward, enjoyable build.

Since this is simply a repaint of the regular Big Convoy, he comes with the standard Big Cannon. The other special version includes metallic paint along with the upgraded Matrix Buster version of the weapon. I'd honestly love to own both of the other Big Convoy variants someday—one to display alongside Magmatron, and especially that spectacular Special Armor Type version.

Having a small model of Universe Nemesis Prime wasn't something I ever expected Blokees to make, but I'm certainly glad they did. Once again, they've shown they're willing to dig deep into Transformers history instead of sticking to only the obvious choices. That's one of the reasons I've become such a fan of this line.

And honestly... he's just pretty damned impressive looking.

Magmatron [Defender Version 07 – Power of the Beast]

@robfromzonebase Magmatron (Blokees Transformers Defender Version 07- Power of the Beast) #zonebase #transformers #blokees #models #beastwars ♬ ChainsawGirl - RinRin

It's been a little too long since I've talked about a Blokees kit here on the site and, since it's Beast Summer (damn, it feels good to say that again), we're getting back into the swing of things with one of Beast Wars' standouts, Magmatron.

Magmatron is the leader of the Predacons in Beast Wars Neo, who later joins the Beast Machines Dinobots. That's actually how I acquired my original Magmatron, as the Japanese release was a little out of reach for a broke college student. However, when Hasbro made him a member of the new Dinobots, he was released as a Target exclusive that I immediately jumped on.

Magmatron is a very interesting Transformer. He's composed of three different dinosaurs—Landsaurus, Seasaurus, and Skysaurus—that combine to form his robot mode. The combination of those three distinct dinosaurs makes for one of the most unique robot designs in the franchise.

Since Blokees obviously don't transform, we don't have to worry about that here. However, it does make for a slightly more involved build than you'd normally expect from a Defender Version kit.

I definitely enjoy the different dinosaur heads on his shoulders. On the original toy, they're beast mode kibble that becomes ornamental in robot mode. Here, Blokees could have easily skipped them altogether, but they didn't. Little touches like that help Magmatron feel more premium than your average Defender Version release.

I especially appreciate Skysaurus's wings on his back. Once again, they're an important part of his design, but they really pop on this kit. Since he doesn't transform, Magmatron's robot head also isn't tied to Skysaurus's transformation and is able to articulate independently. Defender Version kits are already well-articulated once assembled, and that extra freedom really benefits a design that's usually limited by the realities of being a transforming toy.

Another really nice touch is the inclusion of his Magma Blade and Magma Shield. They're appropriately oversized compared to the smaller figure, giving him a much more imposing presence than I'm used to seeing from Magmatron. They're large weapons on the original toy as well, but at this scale they almost make him feel like a miniature fantasy warrior.

The crazy thing is that this isn't even one of the chase figures in the assortment.

It's just a standard release.

That's honestly a little mind-blowing.

This is such a nice little kit that, if I needed a single figure to sell me on the entire Defender Version line, Magmatron would probably be it.

Starscream [Galaxy Version 07-One Wave 2]

I found a little time to assemble this Starscream kit amongst the hectic nature moving has me living currently. It's a very cool Blokees Transformers Galaxy Version kit that represents his appearance in the movie Transformers One.

As I mentioned while talking about the initial wave of Transformers One Galaxy Versions, I really like the combination of the Blokees style with the specific look of the Transformers One designs.

It's a nice combination of visual aesthetics that works very well together. Not to mention, Transformers One was pretty great and I'm all in for anything from it.

One thing I can say about Blokees is that they are always tinkering with their product. You'd think the Hero 10 scale, which seems to be their most popular size, would stay consistent in its builds, but that's not the case. They're always tinkering with it and there's constant change throughout the various series while still keeping them visually similar to each other.

I think the only visual difference I ever really notice is that kits from the early waves (and repaints of those molds) have that super obvious neck, while in the mid-to-later series they've made the necks look better. I haven't gotten a full case of Series 07, instead opting to pick up a blind box or two whenever I'm at Walmart.

One thing I've been noticing is another change to the standard body frame. This one has a ball-jointed waist as opposed to the standard waist from earlier releases, or the more jointed one from more recent series. I'm not sure which one I like better, though I may be leaning toward the more jointed version.

Another change I wasn't aware of involves the joints. They've been universal up until now, but there's now a smaller version meant for the upper arms and elbows. I wasn't aware of that. I just stuck them in out of habit and kept wondering why Starscream was off balance. After I put him away, I did a little looking and... you know those moments where you just stare at absolutely nothing while you realize something? I've got to remember to go back and swap his joints out now.

Starscream has a very sharp-looking design in Transformers One and that translates really well here, making him feel like a more deluxe kit. I'm particularly fond of the metallic silver they used. Initially, I thought I had lucked into one of the special versions from the series, but no, they just made him extra nice.

He's got lasers on the wings of what would be his jet mode if he transformed, along with his trademark Null Rays on his shoulders. Aside from those joints, you've also got to pay attention to his shoulder armor during assembly. It's easy to put it on backwards and not realize it. It's not a giant issue, but if you do, you'll hide some of the painted detail.

Of course he's got the standard closed and open hands and, for some reason, I really want to give him a sword. He's just so nice-looking that it feels like one would just... look great.

Basically, this is a really nice little kit that feels more premium than it is. I wonder if they're making other Seekers from it?

Jetfire (Robot & Vehicle) [Defender Version 05-Traitor to Tyranny]

It's clearly not a secret to anyone at this point that Jetfire's original toy was a reuse of a Macross Valkyrie, which was also getting used in Robotech. This of course led to his character getting named Skyfire in the cartoon and given a different look on the show. Various toys and lawsuits later and it's still a thing.

That leads us to today's really well executed Blokees Transformers Defender Version Jetfire, who's appearing in his G1 cartoon looks and I'm pretty happy about that as I've always liked that design. In Series 05-Traitor to Tyranny, Jetfire was released in robot and vehicle forms with a Special Armor Type available if you were lucky enough to get one.

Starting with the vehicle kit, you actually get a pretty neat little approximation of Skyfire's jet mode seen in season 1. It assembles pretty easily and features wings that can fold back similar to the Valkyrie Jetfire's based on. I probably should have taken pictures of the jet's additional features... but it didn't occur to me until just now that I should have. The jet has features, and some pretty neat ones.

For starters, the top can be opened which allows for a Defender Type robot mode Transformer to ride on top of Jetfire via two pegs. In addition, there's two pegs on the jet's bottom that allow it to be used as a jetpack. On top of that, thanks to those pegs and a few other ball joints, you can take the legs and arms from a robot mode Jetfire and recreate a Macross Gerwalk mode. That's a lot of features for this little vehicle that I probably should have showed off, but honestly I was more focused on how cool I think the jet looks. To further illustrate that, in the picture I used a piece of popcorn to prop him up at an angle. Tunnel vision.

The robot mode kit is pretty special. The Skyfire design really lends itself to the Blokees look and that really shines as a Defender Version. I specifically favor Defender Versions due to their proportions and smallness (the site's named after a Micromaster base, there might be something to that). That and Defenders have a lot of really cool features like all the gimmicks in Jetfire's vehicle mode kit for example, or the various combiners.

Not only can Jetfire interact with his alt mode kit in fun ways, but he's pretty visually distinct in robot mode too. Of course he's representing his Skyfire design, but that big honking backpack contrasts so neatly with those smaller proportions that it really looks fabulous. I'm glad these are smaller, not just because I lean towards smaller toys often, but because if this was a larger figure, the design would lose a lot of its personality.

It kind of reminds me of Skyblast, who of course was patterned after Skyfire, but the proportions are similar enough that I think a clever repaint would make for a fun conversion.

Of course he's fairly well articulated. For a blind box model kit that results in a mini figure, the range of movement is pretty impressive. Frankly, it's pretty impressive overall regardless of any of those factors. Jetfire has his Photon Missile Launcher and if you got the Special Armor Version, it also came with launching missile effects and a mounted forearm sword similar to his appearance in the War for Cybertron cartoon, which the kit is colored to match.

It's honestly pretty neat how Blokees managed to reference War for Cybertron, G1, and those Macross roots. Not to mention giving the Skyfire design Macross style gimmicks is really clever.

Ultimately, it's a solid case of why Defender Versions are so damn cool.

SG Sideswipe [Wheels 02-Wreck 'N Rule]

The Shattered Glass version of Sideswipe is one of those characters that's just chock full of Transformers trivia. On the surface, he looks like a version of Sideswipe who left the Autobots and joined the Decepticons (you could say he swiped sides). I've explained it before, but let's see if I can do it in a shorter version.

Originally there was a toy in Transformers Armada named Wheeljack who looked like traditional Sideswipe and had left the Autobots to join the Decepticons. Meanwhile, there was also a character named Sideswipe... who didn't look like traditional Sideswipe. It was a weird time.

Then in the early 2000's version of Transformers Universe, there were plans to use that Armada Wheeljack mold as a new version of G2 Drench. I had always liked G2 Drench's colors and loved the Armada Wheeljack toy, so I was super excited about this at the time. Unfortunately, it was canceled. A few years later, when Shattered Glass was introduced as a BotCon exclusive, Sideswipe made from the Armada Wheeljack mold in that canceled Drench deco was released. Needless to say, I was a fast fan.

I think the only version of SG Sideswipe I don't own is the Generations Selects version that I really should get. I clearly wasn't his only fan either as Sho Utsumi from SSSS.Gridman is heavily patterned after SG Sideswipe. Actually, most of the cast in that show is modeled after Transformers characters, which is pretty neat.

This incarnation of SG Sideswipe is from Blokees Transformers Wheels Series 02-Wreck 'N Rule. A 1/64 scale model of his vehicle mode. It's pleasantly small and the Solidex is satisfyingly used for the main car body shell. Really, the colors pop as it just looks so sharp.

The kit came together well. The universal chassis all Wheels kits seem to share connects to a skid plate type piece and everything builds up from there. A Blokees driver can fit inside the car's interior nicely and probably most Inchman style figures could as well. I'm moving, so I don't have time to experiment with this currently, but I really want to stick a Micro Galaxy Squadron Storm Trooper in there.

SG Sideswipe shares a mold with the Blokees Wheels Breakdown who is in the same series. I'll definitely be talking about Breakdown a little later as I assume the Stunticons will eventually be represented fully as Wheels kits.

Ultimately, this is a very slick looking little car and another great Wheels kit.

BW Megatron (Special Galaxy Type & Tyrannosaurus Rex) [Defender Version 06-Brutal Fang]

Ah yes, Beast Wars Megatron. A character you can't talk about without either quoting him or hearing his voice in your head. Absolutely my favorite of the Megatrons, he started out as a lowly criminal before taking the namesake of Megatron for himself and beginning his quest of stealing the Golden Disks and traveling back in time to Earth to rewrite history in the Decepticons' favor.

Then later, he completely dominated Cybertron and ruled it with his new Vehicon army. Other Megatrons may be a threat, but this one actually succeeds, and he's charming as hell while doing it. His death actually caused the reformation of Cybertron, and whenever he pops back up... it's kind of a big deal. And he has a rubber ducky.

Needless to say, I was ecstatic when Blokees started working Beast Wars characters into their awesome Transformers Defender Version blind box model kits. In Series 06-Brutal Fang, there are four different Megatron kits available: a standard robot mode, beast mode, Special Galaxy Type, and Special Armor Type. I was fortunate enough to get Special Galaxy Type for my robot mode representation. The difference between it and the standard is that Special Galaxy Type has metallic colors and extra painted detailing on the Tyrannosaurus bits. It's really sharp looking and feels more show-accurate, while the standard resembles the original toy more. Special Armor Type has even more metallic coloring and paint detailing, along with a blast effect and the rifle he carried in the episode Call of the Wild.

Robot mode assembles mostly like a standard Defender kit, but there are some differences, mostly in his arm construction. His arms are composed of the T-Rex's tail and head. So instead of the standard forearm and fist construction, his right arm has a dinosaur head in place (the same mold the beast mode kit uses), while his left arm gets a tail piece that connects at the elbow, with a fist that fits inside it at an angle. Some of the arm articulation you'd expect from a Defender is compromised, but it looks fantastic.

The Tyrannosaurus Rex kit is a fun little build that results in a neat little representation of his infamous beast mode. He was colored purple as a bit of a jab at Barney the Dinosaur, which in turn has led to some folks thinking that calling him Barney is somehow a way to insult Beast Wars fans. Me? As a teen during the time Barney was huge, I appreciated the joke. Not to mention, I always thought he resembled Tyrantisaurus Rex from Masters of the Universe, and I've always liked the Grayskull era of MOTU.

Assembly is pretty easy. Really, the body comes together almost like a shell, with the limbs connecting afterward. There's a fun fire blast effect that plugs into his mouth (which opens) and can also be used with the robot mode kit, as the head is the same molded piece. I've seen some complaints from folks sticking the flame effect in too hard and breaking teeth... and I have no clue how they manage that.

This little dino also reminds me of the Predacon Mini-Con Gnashteeth from around 2008. I jumped all over that Micron Booster series he hails from, and it was so much fun. Ultimately, this is a great little set of models that results in solid mini figures of a classic character I clearly love. I really appreciated the variety in their builds, as the beast element brought some welcome variety and made for a newer experience. Really good time.

Ironfist [Wheels 02-Wreck 'N Rule]

The first kit I assembled from the Blokees Transformers Wheels Series 02-Wreck 'N Rule was this one, Ironfist. I'm not going to act like I'm Ironfist's biggest fan, but it's hard not to like him. I've gone over some of the confusion surrounding his original toy in another post from earlier this year. It's honestly hard for me not to remember all of that whenever thinking about him.

This Ironfist is another non-transforming blind boxed model kit from Blokees, who at this point are the main focus of my Transformers buying. Wheels of course represent the alternate modes of Transformers characters, and this one is firmly based on his appearance in the IDW comics where he's most popular.

What draws me to this the most is the resemblance to a Diaclone vehicle. I just want a fleet of these piloted by Dianauts. I can imagine that's possible too, as there's a little cockpit up front intended for a Blokees driver to pilot the vehicle.

This was one of the easier to assemble Wheels kits I've come across. Even with the small instructions that I sometimes have trouble with, I was able to snap everything together within minutes. The only trouble I had was these little bits that go between the wheels. Initially, I wasn't sure which way they were meant to be positioned as it wasn't very clear in the instructions. However, it became pretty obvious when I just looked at the damn thing. That was one of those moments where I said "oh... yeah" out loud and then looked around to see if anyone saw that. Thankfully I was alone at the moment. Something like that would go on my permanent record.

A nice touch is the cannon turret moves a little when the ammo drum is turned. That whole section can also be moved around so that Ironfist can aim his gun as well. I didn't notice any Solidex pieces in his construction disappointingly, but thankfully the vehicle is nice enough to excuse its absence. Seriously, I love Solidex.

Swerve and Gears [Wheels 01–Roll Out]

Swerve and Gears are a fun pair to look at together.

Originally, Swerve was a repaint and slight retool of Gears in the original Transformers toy line. Gears himself comes from a Microman Microchange mold, which in turn traces back to an unused Mysterians concept. There’s a lot of toy history baked into these two.

Now with Blokees Wheels, things come full circle. They’re clearly built from the same base, but this time they’re released together in the same blind box series instead of one being an afterthought repaint.

Personally, I’ve always preferred Swerve’s toy, but I like Gears’ character more. That mostly comes from their appearances in the original cartoon—Swerve barely gets a personality, while Gears gets a whole episode dedicated to being a grumpy ass.

Meanwhile, Swerve went on to become a fan-favorite in the IDW comics, and it’s his Cybertronian vehicle mode that this Wheels version is based on. Gears ends up being the repaint/retool here.

Blokees really did bring it all the way back around.

Even though they share a lot of parts, there are some nice differences beyond just color.

Swerve comes with his “My First Blaster” gun, which can mount on the rear of the vehicle. I really like how that looks—it actually reminds me a bit of the Sophia from Blaster Master. If you don’t want to use the weapon, there’s an alternate rear panel that gives him a cleaner look, closer to his original G1 toy.

Gears, on the other hand, leans more rugged. He’s got a roll cage with a spare tire, which gives him a totally different silhouette. He also includes a rocket exhaust effect piece that attaches after removing the rear bumper.

It’s impressive how something as simple as alternate rear sections and color choices can make two nearly identical builds feel so distinct.

The builds themselves are very similar, of course. The Wheels line uses a universal chassis system, so once you’ve done one, you’ve basically got the foundation for all of them. It makes assembly quick and pretty satisfying.

That said, the instructions are printed on the back of the included mini trading cards, and they can be a little hard to read. I’m honestly considering picking up a small magnifying glass for my modeling kit. Maybe Daiso has something like that—I take a weird amount of pride in grabbing medeling tools from there.

One thing I really like is that parts of the rear section are made from Solidex, giving them that satisfying die-cast feel. It adds a nice bit of weight and makes them feel a little more premium than you’d expect.

Both vehicles have opening canopies, although from what I understand, the Blokees driver figures don’t actually fit inside. That’s a little odd and I haven’t tried it myself yet. Maybe something like another Inchman style figure would work better.

It’s funny—I didn’t expect to enjoy the Wheels line as much as I do. As I’m writing this, I’ve got a box of Series 2 on the way and I’m basically chomping at the bit to get into it.

Blokees has clearly cast some kind of spell on me… and I’m not even trying to resist it.

Grimlock (Robot Mode) [Shining Version 02–Shining 1985]

These Blokees Transformers Blind Boxes kits don’t transform—which isn’t a big deal—but it is kind of funny considering the brand is built around that very gimmick.

I bring that up here because often when Grimlock shows up in these kits, he’s usually in dino mode. This time, we’re getting his robot mode, and I’m pretty happy about that. I’ve always liked the Dinobots’ robot modes, and Grimlock’s has a great look to it.

This is the Shining Version 02 release, a reworking of the Galaxy Version 02 kit. That’s called synergy.

Unfortunately, as you can probably tell from my photos, the light-up feature didn’t work on mine. At this point I’ve got about a 50% success rate with these things. If it did work, his eyes and chest would look spectacular. One day I’m going to take one of those wild CVS Pharmacy coupons and buy a pile of the batteries these use and attempt a full-on rescue operation.

Or I’ll just use the coupon to finally pay something close to normal price for a Coke Zero.

You can switch Grimlock’s eye color between red and blue, which is a really cool feature.

Maybe one day I’ll get to see it.

The ball’s in your court, CVS.

Grimlock himself looks great. Normally I roll my eyes when people hear “non-transforming Transformers” and immediately say “Action Masters,” but in this case… yeah, he actually does resemble the 1990 Transformers Action Masters Grimlock quite a bit. This honestly feels like a modern upgrade of that idea.

The build process is about what you’d expect from a Galaxy Version kit, but there are some nice touches. His wings include articulated dino-mode kibble, which is a detail they easily could have skipped, but I’m glad they didn’t.

He comes with the usual open and closed hands, the Shining Version display base with symbol pegs, and—thankfully—an Energon Cube. At this point, just include those with everything. I don’t care what the toy is.

He’s also got Grimlock’s classic Energo Sword and double-barrel blaster. The blaster didn’t fit securely in my copy’s hand—no idea if that’s just mine or a wider issue—but it’s an easy fix. A tiny bit of toilet paper in the fist, push the weapon in, tear off the excess, and you’ve got a snug fit.

COVID’s over. You can be wasteful with toilet paper again. Go nuts.

I like this kit. Go figure—I tend to focus on things I like here. It’s a hobby. Spending your free time on things you don’t like seems pretty stupid.

Even with the ongoing light-up issues (which is really my only consistent complaint with Blokees) and the loose weapon, this is a really fun take on Grimlock. It looks great, builds nicely, and has a strong presence.

He’s no bozo, indeed.

Sideswipe [Shining Version 02–Shining 1985]

Sideswipe is one of the original Autobots who’s kind of the everyday guy. In the original cartoon, he’s always there as part of the team, even if he doesn’t get a ton of spotlight.

He’s got a jet pack and pile driver arms, and while the show doesn’t always lean into it, he’s a bit reckless and not afraid to fight dirty—something that comes through more in the comics.

Alongside his brother Sunstreaker, they make up a solid duo, with Sideswipe being the more easygoing of the two.

This Shining Version kit from Blokees Transformers Blind Boxes is a really nice take on him. Like other Shining Versions, it’s an upgraded take on the Galaxy Version release, adding light-up features and some improved paint details.

Here, his eyes light up—and they look great. The LED is actually strong enough that you get a bit of light bleeding through the chest as well, which is a neat, unintended bonus.

He comes with the usual extras: open and closed hands, his laser gun, rocket launcher, display stand with symbol pegs, and an Energon Cube.

The standout here, though, is the jet pack. It’s a solid representation of the one he uses in the show, and it includes two blast effects to simulate the boosters firing as he takes off. It adds a lot to the overall look and gives you some fun posing options.

I tried to pose him like he was launching into flight in my photos… but it mostly looks like he’s about to go for a jumping high five.

I’m not what you’d call an expert photographer.

Ratchet [Shining Version 01–Shining Roll Out]

Despite the mountain of Blokees Transformers Blind Boxes kits I own, I’d never picked up any Shining Version blind boxes… until recently. I grabbed a few at Toylanta from my friends at Polaris Bros, and Ratchet here was one of them.

Shining Version kits are essentially upgraded Galaxy Version releases with light-up features. This Ratchet is based on his Galaxy Version 01 kit, which I never actually owned—though I do have the Shattered Glass version. That led to a brief moment of confusion where I could’ve sworn I’d built this before. Of course, Ratchet shares a lot of parts with Ironhide, which I have covered, so that probably didn’t help either.

Rather than retread familiar ground, I want to focus more on what makes the Shining Version different.

Ratchet is largely based on his original cartoon appearance, which I prefer as a cartoon guy. That said, it’s a little hypocritical on my part—my attachment to Ratchet actually comes more from his role in the early comics. It's complicated.

The standout feature is, of course, the light-up elements. His eyes and chest both illuminate, and it looks fantastic. The real highlight is the chest, which is formed from the windshield of his ambulance mode and features a readout on the surface. When lit up, it looks incredible. I keep finding myself imagining a little animated screen in there.

The eyes look great too, but the chest is absolutely the star of the show.

He doesn’t include the snap-on “pew pew” effect parts that came with the original kit (and with Ironhide), but he does come with an Energon Cube—one I somehow forgot to include in my photos. It’s the same cube included with several other kits, and I’m actually pretty fond of that accessory, so I’m a little annoyed with myself for leaving it out.

Another thing I did intentionally leave out is the display stand. I’ve gotten so used to newer Galaxy Version kits not including stands that I almost forgot they used to be standard. The Shining Version stands are a bit larger than the older Galaxy ones, which is a nice touch, and they include plug-in Autobots and Decepticon symbols still.

Overall, this is a really fun variation on the standard Galaxy Version kit. The added light-up feature gives it just enough extra presence—and, that chest readout really makes it all special.

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.

Optimus Prime (2007 Movie Version) [Classic Class]

Lately, a documentary about the live-action Transformers films has been making the rounds, and honestly, the random behind-the-scenes insanity has been pretty funny. It also got me thinking about those movies again—which, despite how much people complain about them, always seem to be playing on some FAST channel. Funny how that works.

As I’ve said before, flaws and all, I have fun with the movies. It felt like a good excuse to dig into my ever-growing backlog and finally build this Blokees Transformers Classic Class kit of Optimus Prime as he appeared in the 2007 film.

This one was a Christmas gift from the Mrs and works as a nice counterpart to the 2007 Megatron kit I covered earlier this year.

 I still remember when early images of this design started circulating around 2006. People lost their minds—mostly because the leak was of the truck mode. Instead of the classic flat-nosed cab, we got a long-nose truck with blue and red flames, and for some reason a lot of folks expected a straight G1 adaptation. Personally, I was kind of hoping he'd be for something closer to the G2 Laser Rod Optimus Prime design due to the truck… and, hey, he did end up with glowing swords.

At that point, after 20-something years of Transformers, I was already used to redesigns. I thought the movie designs looked cool—leaning more into something alien—and I was always ready for something new.

This kit ended up being a really pleasant surprise. Not just because I like Transformers or Blokees, but because the build itself was more involved than I expected. Most Blokees kits are quick, but this one took some time. All those layered details in the movie design? They’re layered here too.

I assumed parts like the chest might be larger, single molded pieces—but no, it’s built up from multiple components, which gives the figure a lot of depth. There’s also a solid amount of paint detail on things like the flame deco. It looks great—likely tampographed, which I’m totally fine with.

One thing that I've always noticed with this design is just how long and skinny his legs are. It never fully clicked until I was putting him together, but they honestly look like a pair of flared jeans with flame airbrushing—like something you’d find at Hot Topic in the late ’90s or early 2000s. I have no idea if that was intentional, but I can’t unsee it now.

Once assembled, Optimus is nicely articulated and can pull off a wide range of poses. He comes with his blaster, both swords, and multiple hands to make the most of it. Like other movie Blokees kits, he also has a light-up feature… and like my robot mode Optimus Primal kit from Rise of the Beasts, the battery was dead out of the box. Awesome.

My only real complaint with the build is that some parts require a very specific touch to get seated properly. I’ve got big fingers, so that didn’t help, but a few pieces definitely tested my patience. The sides of his head, in particular, kept popping off even when they seemed secure. After a few attempts—and some wiener voiced cursing—I ended up disassembling and rebuilding that section entirely. No idea what I did differently the second time, but it worked.

Also worth noting: to equip the swords, you’ll need to partially disassemble the forearms. It’s not a huge deal, but something to be aware of.

Despite a few frustrations, this was a really fun build. I enjoyed the layered construction, and the final result looks fantastic. There’s also an “EX” version with metallic parts and upgraded paint, paired with an “Iceman” Megatron in a two-pack. Based on how good this standard release turned out, I imagine those look incredible.

On its own, though, this Optimus already feels like one of the more premium Classic Class kits—and it looks the part.

SG Rodimus Prime [Defender Version 06 – Brutal Fang]

There’s just something special about Shattered Glass. Sure, mirror universes aren’t anything new, but for some reason it hits a little different with Transformers.

For me, a lot of that comes down to the colors. When they did Rodimus Prime in Shattered Glass, it felt like a perfect mix of those black special edition toys and Skywarp’s color scheme.

It’s a striking look that really pops, and once you add the evil mirror-universe goatee, it’s just a winner.

It’s always reminded me of the BotCon 2002 program guide, too, where Prowl is colored like Skywarp on the cover. Funny how that kind of thing sticks with you.

The original SG Rodimus Prime toy even used the Classics Rodimus mold as a base, which also ties into the Transformers Collectors’ Club Side Burn. It’s one of those weird little lineage connections that makes him more interesting.

One day I’ll probably do a deeper dive into the Blokees Transformers Defender Version Rodimus kits, but for now I just wanted to take a look at this Shattered Glass release.

Like most SG figures, it’s a straightforward recolor of the standard Defender Version Rodimus from Series 04 Tyrant’s Fury. Aside from the deco, he comes with a recolored version of Blitzwing’s gun. It’s a small change, but it works with the sharper angles to match Rodimus’s overall design really well.

These Defender Version kits have a very specific look that I love. They’re a little cute, sure—but at the same time, they still come across as pretty badass. It’s a weird balance, but it works.

Assembly is simple, as expected. Everything snaps together easily, though the instructions—printed on the back of the included card—are pretty small, so take your time.

Speaking of those cards, earlier series included larger collector cards when you bought a full box. Since Series 05, they’ve phased those out, which is a bit of a bummer. I’ve been putting together a binder for all the cards and instructions, and those larger inserts were perfect for breaking things up between sections. Oh well.

One last thing worth mentioning is the shiny paint on Rodimus’s purple parts. It looks fantastic next to the black and silver—just a really clean, eye-catching combination.

This is a really sharp-looking little Rodimus Prime… have I said that yet?

Cheetor [Defender Version Series 06 – Brutal Fang]

When Blokees Transformers Blind Boxes first started introducing Beast Wars characters in their Defender Version series, I was beyond excited. Of course they included Cheetor in the initial lineup—he’s one of the main bots, after all.

Cheetor also happens to be one of my all-time favorite Transformers, so getting a favorite character in a format I already enjoy?

Yeah, I’m a happy camper.

Cheetor really comes alive in this Defender Version style, and honestly, that goes for the Beast Wars characters in general. Their designs translate really well into this format. That said, I can’t help but think of Duel Fight Transformers Beast Wars: Beast Warriors' Strongest Decisive Battles—specifically how the character sprites there have a similar chunky, stylized look. I played that game non-stop for a while, often as Cheetor, so this hits that same part of my brain. Double dose of giddy.

Cheetor comes with his Quasar Rifle—or, as most of us called it back in the day, the “gut gun.” It’s the weapon you usually saw him using in the show, as opposed to the extra gun formed from his tail on the original toy. It’s such a distinct look that it just feels right to include it here.

I’m also really into the metallic paint used on his blue parts. It pops nicely against the yellow and gives the whole figure a striking look. Cheetor has always had a strong design, and that carries over perfectly into this style. It just feels natural.

Score one for this cool cat.

Starscream [BMK Series 1]

Ending out Yolopark’s first series of BMK simple model kits is Starscream, everyone’s favorite Seeker.

Starscream might also be the most complex figure in the series, with a larger part count than the others. Like the rest, though, he’s built around a main torso piece that includes the legs down to the knees. The rest of the legs attach below that, adding some extra ankle articulation.

The arms come together separately and are fairly well articulated, as is the head. The remaining parts are his wings, which attach to the back, and the null rays that connect to the arms.

Once assembled, you get a solid representation of Starscream. Like the other BMK kits, articulation is limited, but it still looks pretty good on display.

I’ve been seeing people customizing him into the other Seekers, which is predictable—but I’ll wait for Yolopark to get around to those. There’s also been some detailing work and repainting, especially giving him the more familiar gray face. I get it—most fans are used to that look—but his original toy (and often in the comics) had a black face. That never bothered me. If anything, it brings back memories.

When I was in kindergarten, that first Transformers commercial aired one afternoon after I’d come inside from playing. The Seekers had black faces in it. The next day at school, during some kind of standardized testing, I found myself daydreaming about what I’d just seen. For whatever reason, I’d decided those “jet guys” were basically monsters. Looking back now, part of me wonders how much of those early animation models were still pulling from the original idea of the Decepticons as electronic life-forms.

Anyway, this is a great little simple model that’ll look good on my future display—something that’s now shifted from “end of a long organization project” to more of a “when I get moved in” kind of thing.

Bumblebee [BMK Series 1]

If it’s not completely obvious, Yolopark started their BMK range with the old standbys — classic Transformers characters recognizable to everyone. While I know it’s uber cool to pretend to only like deep cuts… I like the main guys too. I’m also not cool, and I’m cool with that. Not to mention, I love classic Bumblebee.

Spending a little time with him in this BMK kit is exactly what I needed after a hectic few weeks.

BMK stands for Beginner Model Kit, and that’s very obvious when assembling one. Ideally, these are for a younger audience, but as I’ve said before, they’re just right for a future display I have in mind. They’re solid representations of classic characters at a pleasant size — exactly what I’m looking for.

So far, all the BMK kits I’ve assembled have followed the same general format. You’ve got a torso piece that includes the character’s waist and legs down to the knees. The lower legs, arms, and head are separate pieces that snap into place to complete the build. It’s done in seconds — maybe minutes if you’ve got some tight joints or distractions, like an insane cat going nuts while you’re trying to do something.

That was me. Her name is Miso, and she’s a tiny force of nature.

Cat chaos aside, Bumblebee looks great once assembled. His arms and head have a decent range of motion, and while the legs are mostly static, there’s a swivel at the knee and an ankle joint that give his stance a little life.

Bumblebee comes with his pistol — something you might catch him using if you flip across the Transformers channel. It’s an iconic look for him, even though his original toy never had a weapon.

Completed, it’s a nice, satisfying Bumblebee that looks like he just stepped off the screen. I’m really liking this BMK display idea of mine… now I just need to make some more progress on that room organization.

Build Saga- Zoids Command Wolf RMZ-003 Mission Complete! [Realize Model]

Picking up after last week’s beginning, this is the conclusion of assembling RMZ-003 Command Wolf from the Realize Model Zoids range. I did notice on the box that the full designation is RMZ-003 RZ-009 Command Wolf… but I think you get the picture.

Today’s post, we’ve completed the kit and now have the full wolf-type Zoid to enjoy.

The bulk of my work finishing the kit was assembling the legs, which wasn’t difficult, but was time-consuming. Since I usually reserve Sunday evenings for building, I actually had to finish up Monday morning after getting a late start. We’d watched Dracula: A Love Story while enjoying some Olive Garden takeout. Good movie, if a little silly in spots, but I like my Dracula a little absurd.

Like the other body parts, there were some grommet pieces to work into the insides of the legs, made of a pleasantly rubbery material that I admittedly enjoyed bending on the sprue a little too much. A couple of them were a bit tricky to fit into place, though. There was also an ankle joint on each leg that took a little extra effort to assemble. A rod from one piece had to fit through a tight opening in another that connects to the wolf’s foot. It was a snug fit, and by the last one, I was pretty much over it.

Thankfully, the white armor pieces didn’t require much cleanup, but the grey parts did. One rear leg shoulder area, in particular, separated from the sprue in a weird way, leaving a mark I couldn’t completely shave down. I think some sanding is in my future. Without decals, the Command Wolf would definitely benefit from some panel lining as well — something I may tackle later, which would also be a good time to fix that sprue scar.

There were polycaps used in the leg construction, which did my heart good. However, as I mentioned in the first post, they’re not made of that classic, satisfying polycap material. It makes sense for the construction, but man, I just wanted to squeeze them.

Once the legs were assembled, it was just a matter of attaching everything to the torso. This part was pretty straightforward, though some joints were tighter than others. That tightness does pay off, though, as it allows Command Wolf to hold just about any dramatic pose you’d want.

All that was left was attaching some hoses to the sides and placing the tiny pilots into their cockpits. The hoses will attach backward if you’re not paying attention — something I realized after they didn’t look quite right and I double-checked the instructions. The pilots are incredibly small, and each cockpit has a specific one. I ended up using a pair of bent tweezers to get them into place. Thankfully, there’s a connection point to keep them from rattling around, which is something I’ve grown used to with older Zoids.

Once fully assembled, Command Wolf is awesome. It’s packed with articulation and ready for action. The detailing is great, and I’m definitely planning to do some additional work on it in the future. This is my first Realize Model Zoid, and it definitely won’t be my last.

Cliffjumper [AMK Mini Series 2]

There's one more Transformers AMK Mini from the Series 2 case I ordered that hasn't been talked about here yet — Cliffjumper, the brash Minibot who'll run headfirst into any situation ready to kick whoever's ass he needs to... no matter how much bigger they might be... which is usually 3/4 of the time.

Cliffjumper's original toy shares a skeleton with the original Bumblebee, making for two very similar-looking characters. In more recent years, Cliffjumper toys are generally direct repaints of Bumblebee toys. Funnily enough, this kit is completely original and doesn't reuse parts from the Mini Bumblebee from Series 1. All things considered, it would have been fair for them to do so... but that's how committed Yolopark seems to be to the improved articulation in Series 2.

Despite the two being so similar, efforts have been made over the years to differentiate their shape in some media. This Cliffjumper has a slightly different torso, for example. The improved articulation really shows here thanks to his admittedly simpler design (compared to the others in the series). He almost feels like an articulation demo, really putting it on display.

I've always liked Cliffjumper's red colors and can't help but enjoy this one quite a bit. He's got his big-ass bazooka that was introduced in the first episode of the original Transformers series — the one he seemingly just pulls out of his ass. All jokes aside, this is a great representation of Cliffjumper from Yolopark's extremely solid line of models.