SG Optimus Prime [Wheels CT02]

@robfromzonebase SG Optimus Prime [Transformers Blokees Wheels CT02] He comes with smoke stacks or a spoiler for the truck cab. #zonebase #transformers #blokees #blokeestransformers #shatteredglass ♬ Song 3 - BABYMETAL & Slaughter To Prevail

I've been meaning to assemble the newest Blokees Wheels CT kit for a few weeks now. For one reason or another, the more involved kits have been getting pushed to the side. Well, now that a little more time is finally loosening up, I'm slowly getting some of that precious hobby time back. I found myself adding CT02 to my Sunday build schedule instead of just sticking with quick-build kits.

CT02 is the Shattered Glass version of the standard Optimus Prime truck and trailer set, which was CT01. Obviously, it's a straight repaint, but that's kind of what's fun about this kit.

Evil versions of Optimus Prime are nothing new. There's Black Convoy or Nemesis Prime, Scourge from Robots in Disguise 2001, or even Clone Convoy and Gilthor, who go all the way back to the '80s. Evil versions of the hero are a pretty well-worn trope. The same goes for mirror universes. Almost every fictional universe has one.

One of the things that makes Shattered Glass stand out, however, is the alternate colors the characters received, and they are pretty fabulous. Optimus is a wonderful combination of black and purple, which any goth kid can tell you looks fabulous.

Now, to be fair, Optimus's trailer was black in G2. And that's part of what's fun about these color schemes. A lot of them are based on prior decos. For example, SG Starscream resembles the traditional Skyfire/Jetfire colors.

Optimus fortunately has an alt mode that looks great in almost any color, but purple really works for him. You don't see many purple tractor-trailers on the road, so it feels a little alien. Not to mention, the original Shattered Glass Optimus used the 2006 Classics Optimus Prime toy as its base, which was a slightly sleeker take on the classic cab-over-engine design of G1 Optimus.

The standard Blokees Wheels version of Optimus tends to be more in line with that 2006 toy, while the CT01 truck and trailer set allows for a more traditional-looking truck, with the spoiler being optional. The same is true with this version, though I went with the spoiler on my build because I honestly really like that Classics toy. In purple, paired with the black trailer, it just looks fabulous.

A nice difference between SG Optimus and your standard Prime is the placement of his Autobot symbols and other graphics. In late G1, through G2, and even into Machine Wars, you'd see things like enormous symbols on alt modes, various logos like "AUTOBOTS," symbols on windshields, and random sayings like "BIG STICK."

Various bits that, honestly, you'd see on cars around that same time frame.

I still remember a kid in high school with a white truck featuring matching purple splashes down the sides and the words "SPLASH AT YA!" across the windshield.

Which somehow was cooler than my beat-up Escort with mismatched fenders and band stickers.

Even though Shattered Glass isn't specifically G2, some of these decos have that same non-traditional energy, and these little wild touches really add to the overall look.

One thing I found very fun with CT01 was the ability to connect the Combat Deck robot to Roller. However, while I thought that was neat, I wasn't as inspired to do it because traditional G1 Optimus Prime didn't really use them that way.

HOWEVER, it's definitely something I could see Shattered Glass Optimus Prime doing.

Regular Optimus would send Roller to help find kids trapped in a mine. This Prime would send Roller to cave it in on them.

Not to mention, sending the Combat Deck robot on a mission just sounds so rad, doesn't it? Normally, it just sits around inside the trailer. I imagine it'd like something to do, and being paired up with Roller on little missions is just the way to get it out of the trailer and make it feel more productive.

I'd also like to think the two wouldn't get along.

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.

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?

SG-Sideswipe [Defender Version 01- Galaxy Shining]

When I first saw that the Transformers Shattered Glass version of Sideswipe would be represented as a Defender Version Blokees, I was sold on the spot. Admittedly I'm pretty much instantly sold on anything Blokees at this point, especially Defender Version Blokees, but this was a cool one for them to do. Long time readers may remember me talking about his colors and what makes it so cool.

So I won't go into super detail about that here as that's one of my longer posts and hey... feel free to check that out if you're interested. It's literally one of those times several things are referenced and branch off from. Kinda neat. Shattered Glass Sideswipe toys are usually made from Armada Wheeljack toys. Because they look A LOT like Sideswipe and that particular Wheeljack has a backstory that the name Sideswipe really fits.*sigh* Obviously this SG- Sideswipe is made from an upcoming standard Sideswipe Defender kit and gives me hopes that all the different recolors made from Sideswipe toys get represented.

Because they're cool.

Considering SG-Sideswipe is very similar to Armada Wheeljack's backstory, the more eagle eyes ones of you out there probably noticed the lack of chest would scratching out the Autobot symbol and new Decepticon symbol underneath it. That leads one to think this kit represents a pre-turn version of Sideswipe. Which is also pretty cool. I'm also appreciating the colors unmarred by the scar as not only is it a really nice color scheme, but I love G2 Drench's colors. If I had an extra one of these, I'd definitely make a project out of bringing a Defender version of him to life.

Of course these Defender kits assemble super fast and result in a very pose able mini figure. Sideswipe has the standard Defender laser, which kinda resembles classic Sideswipes laser gun. He also has the rocket launcher G1 Sideswipe has... and it really looks great. I've always been a fan of Diaclone shoulder rockets and they really translate to the Defender Version style very well. This is one of those times where a lot of things I like are combined into one thing I like. I really like that sort of thing.

SG Optimus Prime robot & vehicle [Defender Type 03- Heavy Metal War]

Shattered Glass is a fun Transformers mirror universe setting. Evil Autobots vs Good Decepticons with plenty of role reversals and neat paint decos inspired by other characters. It's fun. Personally, I've mainly enjoyed the concept and the look of the characters over the actual fiction used. That's not a slam, just a take. I like to view the alternate universe more as a Cybertronian version of the Upside Down. Several of the Autobots mare made to be a little scary... so it's fitting.

Defender Type series 03 features kits of SG Optimus Prime as a robot and vehicle and it's nice to have the matching set. They are repaints of the Optimus Prime robot and vehicle from Defender Type series 01. I've only talked about the vehicle kit here so far, so let's focus on the robot mode more. The vehicle is pretty much a match for the robot mode as you can see, but man I do love the way it looks with the Combat Deck Auto-Launcher attached. Gives me Blaster Master vibes.

I've got a few different versions of the Defender Type Optimus Prime mold and it's pretty spectacular. The unique look these Blokees kits have really make for one adorably hardcore looking robot. This Optimus is about to kick Megatron's ass and walk a oil puddle through it. Despite his small size, he's well articulated and has one beefy version of the trademark Ion Cannon. It looks out of Metal Slug and that pairs so well with the overall look of the figure.

Like I've said, I really like the look of Shattered Glass Transformers and the purple and black on Optimus is just great. Black versions of Optimus have always looked cool, but the purple is just so very much better. The black parts contrast with it in a way really pops. SG Autobots usually have busted windshields (because it's ShAtTeReD gLaSs), which both of the Optimus kits we're looking at have. It's a good contrast against the slick purple and black colors. It works with my Upside Down take on the universe as well. SG Optimus's voice is supposed to sound like Venger... but Vecna works too. Dang, just imagine if one of Vecna's visions were the SG equivalent of a Matrix Vision? That's be more than five faces of darkness.

Decepticon Slicer (Shattered Glass/Deluxe Class)

Since we've talked about Exo-Suit earlier, it seems like a good time to talk about Slicer, the toy it came with. Slicer is an update of a European exclusive Action Master figure that has enjoyed a solid fan following. Slicer also serves as two characters, like the BotCon 2010 version, this toy can either be Slicer OR Shattered Glass Wheeljack. The latter's look was based on Slicer, which would be why this toy comes in the Shattered Glass packaging. The toy can represent whichever you prefer. For simplicity sake, I'll be referring to him a Slicer though.

The way fiction will repurpose toys into two different characters can be confusing, so I'll try to keep this simple. I don't have an original Slicer, but do have the BotCon 2010 one mentioned above. I like how this update homages it with the dual red guns. The 2010 toy had them as a holdover from it's origins from the Energon Downshift toy mold. Making it the one Slicer not made from a Wheeljack toy, technically. 

This is a great toy. Using the Earthrise Wheeljack mold as a base, Slicer is a straight repaint improving an excellently designed toy with vibrant colors. Sometimes all you need is a fresh coat of paint. Slicer is well articulated and transforms into his race car alt mode fairly easily. For weapons he has the two red guns I spoke of earlier. They can be mounted to his vehicle mode thanks to some hinges. Slicer also has Wheeljack's rocket launcher. That can be held as a gun or mounted on his shoulder in classic Transformers style. You can add Exo-Suit to Slicer (or any other similar gimmick toy) in a variety of ways as weapons or armor. Get creative! For purposes of this post, I tried to mimic the 'official' armor mode (with some liberties). I'm currently on one of my off and on Spiral Zone kicks and found it similar. Though I hate using the work kick in that way. Ugh.

Slicer with Exo-Suit is an awesome set of toys. The variety of ways they can be used is really neat and their bright colors really pop. Exo-Suit is fun to work into a variety of uses while Slicer is a good old fashioned Transformer (they've been around 40 years for a reason). This was one of the gifts my wife gave me for Christmas and a really awesome one at that. For fans of the Shattered Glass universe, it's a new toy in a series that gets updates at random intervals. This is probably a set of toys a more hardcore fan would appreciate for the character and the history, but a casual fan would find just as much fun with the neatness of the toys. I wish more Weaponizer type figures came packaged with regular figures like this.Just seems natural.

Exo-Suit (Shattered Glass/Deluxe Class)

Exo-Suit is a unique toy. Coming in a 2-Pack with Slicer (I'll get to him soon), Exo-Suit is an update of an Action Master vehicle as a Weaponizer. Using the Weaponizer gimmick means Exo-Suit can somewhat become an Exo-Suit for Slicer. It's vehicle mode doesn't really look like the original's... but it's still neat. As I understand, you can technically create a ride-able buggy for Slicer with this toy... but I didn't try it myself. The toy itself is a repaint of Black Roritchi (don't look at me, I didn't name it), which is a repaint and remold of Fasttrack. This toy has a lot of upfront explanation, but it's still a good regardless. I don't know if Exo-Suit is meant to be a drone or an individual character. Until some sort of characterization is given, I'm taking it as a drone. 

Exo-Suit is a very pretty toy in it's colors. A mixture of pink and red with some gray and black creates a very interesting robot mode. I like it!  My wife said it was a Valentines Day robot, and that works! (The set was a Christmas present from her) A lot of folks would call the deco G2, but it's really the colors the original toy had. Which was G1. The tail end of G1 in Europe (where Slicer hailed from) was converted into G2, so there's a lot of bleeding of one idea into another. The colors were really just a sign of the times. Exo-Suit is a Weaponizer as I said above. Meaning it can be pulled apart and made into armor or weapons for other Transformers figures. Even neater, the parts can be combined with other Weaponizers or similar gimmick figures to create something really unique. The gimmick is very similar to Mugenbine, which is ironic as Exo-Suit gives me strong Machine Robo vibes.

Exo-Suit is a cool toy. The Weaponizer gimmick is fun and works well with this figure. I can see some complaining about the parts forming needed to make the toy work and that'd be a fair complaint. Others like myself don't mind it, so it's really up to personal preferences. I REALLY like the colors. It gives Exo-Suit a distinct look and well... they're cool! There's two pistols that can be attached in other places and a neat little sword included. The little sword is very similar to the ones that would come with older Transformers. It's a neat little bit of flair. Vehicle mode is fun and makes me think of video games. For a figure that's basically a fancy accessory for Slicer, it's pretty great. Speaking of Slicer, we'll be looking at him in a few days.

These Blind Boxes are Way Cool

You all know I love blind boxes and the newer movie designs (and something about Transformers too). These are super awesome and I LOVE the alternate Shattered Glass versions. Hope I can score some in the future. REALLY like that Goldbug.

Shattering Prime's Glass

 

Sticking with the concepts that never became a reality subject, Hayato Sakamoto also pitched a pretty simple, fun idea around the same time as Bravemasters. Transformers Prime: Shattered Glass was exactly what it sounded like, a Shattered Glass version of Transformers Prime. It makes perfect sense for an exclusive to E-Hobby line as the Prime toys were winding down around this time. Prime itself was a very popular series.

Providing Prime fans another outlet was a no brainer, not to mention, Shattered Glass itself has been pretty popular. So much that it's found it's influenced other properties. Personally, I really liked the Prime toys and would have enjoyed the new decos on the toys. While the concept of a mirror universe is fun, the cool colors have been my favorite part of Shattered Glass. Seeing that idea on Prime toys would have been pretty great.

Bios: Ricochet

 

"Shoot first, why bother with questions."

Function: Bodyguard

Ricochet, the twin brother of Autobot Jazz, is the result of Prime's experiment in splitting an Ember in two and joining each with a new body. Though Ricochet and Jazz were activated seconds apart, the two couldn't be more different. Trained by Prime to serve as one of his elite bodyguards, Ricochet is known for his wild attitude, acting first and asking questions later. Many times this leaves the Autobots without a hostage or serves to eliminate anyone who plans to usurp Ricochet and take his position by Prime's side. Ricochet works extra hard to betray others first, believing that those around him are out to sabotage him. Much to his annoyance, his twin brother Jazz has always been Prime's favorite. Though Ricochet only "acts" crazy from time to time, some fear that this knowledge will lead to it no longer being an act.

Bios- Shattered Glass Megatron

Peace will come for all Cybertronians.

As a young mathematician, Megatron lectured at one of Cybertron's most prestigious universities. During the course of his own studies, he had developed a set of equations that could predict social trends in a given society. He was alarmed when these trends pointed to a civil war on Cybertron. His colleagues dismissed his work as the paranoid ranting of a lunatic. He saw them as simply misguided and he retreated underground to prepare for the coming war. When Optimus Prime began his march across Cybertron, Megatron was ready. He had developed the art of transformation, refashioning his own body into one capable of converting to an aerial vehicle of tremendous power. While Optimus spread the gospel of destruction and conquest, Megatron championed compassion, courage and freedom. His charisma and humor in the face of a war helped him form a united front against the Autobots. Though Megatron is a pacifist at heart, he has the soul of a warrior as many have discovered time and again.

OxT [UNION] (SSSS. Gridman intro music)

Two more episodes to go, what a crazy ride!

Good Ideas

You just can't keep a good idea down. Drench from Transformers Generation 2 has just a great look. That green striped into black, the yellow spoiler with that 'TURBO' graphic. It's just a super sharp deco that makes for a really good looking toy. So good looking that...

It was planned for a Universe update around 2004, made from the Armada Wheeljack mold, which was a really good figure with a pretty similar car mode. Sadly the toy was never made, but you just can't keep a good idea down.

As you can tell from the test shot, and might remember from the time, Wheeljack wasn't the best name for the mold as Sideswipe would have been a better choice. It looks like Sideswipe and the name would better suit the 'traitor' character. Such an obvious oversight that...

In 2008, Shattered Glass Sideswipe was inspired by the idea. Shattered Glass being a mirror universe with evil Autobots and heroic Decepticons. Characters had different colors and looks than they traditionally had, with Sideswipe jumping to the Decepticons, it just worked. Making for a great looking toy, with a great deco that payed homage to past Transformers. Perfect for a Transformers convention exclusive. I mean look at that car mode. It's a perfect homage to G2 Drench, a nod to the unreleased toy, and a good use of the mold.

But we're not done here. Nope, not at all. Surprisingly 10 years later, in the anime SSSS. Gridman, the deco popped back up. Many of the human characters were designed to pay homage to various Transformers (not to mention other random homages) and...

Well... you just can't keep a good idea down.

Shattered Glass Rodimus

To the victor go the profits.

Rodimus was once a mercenary who commanded a team of fellow mercenaries known as "The Wreckers". They plundered resources across Cybertron and preyed upon the weak. While Rodimus always believed in Optimus Prime's vision of conquest, he did not want to be a follower. During the battle of Praxus-Delta, Optimus Prime hired Rodimus' team to bolster his own forces. In the battle, the Decepticons managed to destroy every member of the Wreckers except for Rodimus. Despite the heavy losses, Rodimus wanted to fulfill his contract with Optimus, so he fought on. As a result, the Autobots were able to retreat that day without further casualties. Optimus Prime was impressed with Rodimus' fighting ability and asked him to join the Autobots. Rodimus agreed. He is determined to eventually take leadership for himself and turn the Autobot forces into the largest mercenary group the galaxy has ever seen!

Shattered Glass Sideswipe

There is only one rule now; revenge

Once part of Prime's elite Seeker unit, Sideswipe was feared as the most ruthless of the trio. Drench, the team's leader, believed that there should be a balance between a stern hand and compassion. Though there was a difference in philosophy between the two, there was also a mutual respect. However, for Optimus, these were not traits he found appealing in his sub-commander and when the opportunity arose, he had Drench killed. Sideswipe, though ruthless, was loyal and did not agree with the fate that had been dealt to his fallen leader. Sensing a conflict in Sideswipe's "loyalties," Prime let Sideswipe walk into a staged ambush in which he and a fellow Autobot were left to die. Though the companion, who had been there by mistake, was killed, Sideswipe survived and ended up being accepted into the ranks of the Decepticons. While Sideswipe fights for different reasons than his new comrades, he fights nonetheless. As a tribute to his former commander, Sideswipe has taken the colors Drench once bore as a constant reminder to Prime that vengeance is coming

Spooky Spotlight: Shattered Glass Ricochet

Shoot first, why bother with questions.

Ricochet, the twin brother of Autobot Jazz, is the result of Prime's experiment in splitting an Ember in two and joining each with a new body. Though Ricochet and Jazz were activated seconds apart, the two couldn't be more different. Trained by Prime to serve as one of his elite bodyguards, Ricochet is known for his wild attitude, acting first and asking questions later. Many times this leaves the Autobots without a hostage or serves to eliminate anyone who plans to usurp Ricochet and take his position by Prime's side. Ricochet works extra hard to betray others first, believing that those around him are out to sabotage him. Much to his annoyance, his twin brother Jazz has always been Prime's favorite. Though Ricochet only "acts" crazy from time to time, some fear that this knowledge will lead to it no longer being an act.

Spooky Spotlight: Shattered Glass Ultra Magnus

Everything turns to tedium eventually. Everything save power.

Ultra Magnus shouldn't be happy. He lost his face and freedom due to a failed attempt to replace his brother Optimus Prime as leader of the Autobots. His co-conspirators in the coup betrayed him. His old rival, Treadshot, seeks his death with ceaseless vigor. Magnus shouldn't be happy... and yet he is. Things are finally going to be exciting again. After centuries of quietly manipulating events from his exile on Paradron, everything is falling into place. Now he has everything he needs: an army, the legendary Terminus Blade, a copy of his brother's newly augmented body and the means to make everyone pay.

An unrepentant hedonist and libertine, Magnus eternally seeks greater thrills and excesses from life. Now jaded and bored, he finds his distractions where he can, whether it be in Treadshot's assassination attempts, in the humiliation of his brother, or in simple universal conquest.

Weekly Spotlight: Shattered Glass Goldbug

The least likely is always the most dangerous.

Goldbug was once a young Cybertronian drifter known as Bumblebee. He survived on the streets of Polyhex with no real purpose. Over time, he became skilled at sneaking around, stealing, eavesdropping and blackmailing. When he heard of a new cause being led by Optimus Prime, he eagerly joined the Autobots in hopes of finding a place to belong and where his unsavory activities would be tolerated. When the war began, Bumblebee showed extreme bravery in battle and often sought ways to be noticed by command. In time, he worked his way up the ranks of the Autobots and when the Autobot Seeker Drench was destroyed, Bumblebee was offered an upgraded form and a new identity as Goldbug, to take his place. Although he holds a high position in the Autobot hierarchy, he is paranoid that someone will one day try to betray him and take his place as he has done to so many others in the past.

Weekly Spotlight: Shattered Glass Blurr

The smarter I am, the faster you die.

Before he was recruited by Prime, Blurr was an eloquent and well-groomed lecturer. Though his demeanor hasn't changed, Blurr looks more like a battle hardened warrior rather than the soft spoken robot he is. Yet, Prime uses Blurr as an information hub first, and a soldier second. Constantly on the move, Blurr is well equipped to intercept messages from enemy couriers such as his heroic renegade cousin, Crasher. Though no longer on the lecture circuit, Blurr now finds himself trading information and unreleased protoform images with other archivists, desperate to get an upper hand on his opponents. He often seeks to add any vital information to his data banks in order to provide eloquent strategic infiltration plans to his Autobot comrades. In vehicle mode, he can travel faster than most Decepticons, speeding past them to the point where their microcircuits fuse together, leaving them helpless. Once disabled, Blurr meticulously disassembles their processors, slowly explaining the entire process in excruciating detail to each victim.

Alternative Symbols

Shattered Glass Autobot Secret Police

We've all seen the classic Autobot and Decepticon symbols (and their G2 versions) everywhere. They've stood the test of time and have become pop culture icons. From time to time, however, other symbols have been used. Sometimes a series had a new faction, sometimes a sub team needed additional flair, or sometimes it just would be fun. I'd like to take the time to highlight a few of these symbols that stood out in what I plan to be the first part of a recurring series of posts.

As 2016 is the 20th anniversary of Beast Wars and also is a personal favorite of mine. So I thought I'd start off with some symbols featured on Transformers during the beast era!

Blendtron/Herald of Unicron

During Beast Wars Neo, Unicron unleashed a team of powerful bots to wreak havoc named 'Blendtrons'. Later on after the beast era, this symbol was used to mark Heralds of Unicron.

Beast Machines Dinobots

Speaking of powerful bots, a new team of Dinobots were introduced in the Beast Machines with an all new symbol. Looking like a cave drawing, this symbol adorned the spark crystals of all the new Dinobots except for a late team edition, former Predacon Commander Magmatron!

Beast Wars Mutants

As the popular Beast Wars toy line was ending and the follow up series Beast Machines was filling up store shelves, Hasbro introduced a new faction to the Cyberjungle. Made from unused Animorphs (that's a story for a different time) molds with some new tooling. Beast Wars Mutants were Fuzors who had been infected by a virus created by Megatron. Trapped in their beast mode, they could change from one beast to another!

The Wreckers

Long before The Wreckers were starring in fan favorite IDW comics, the team was introduced all the way back in UK issues of the original G1 Transformers comics. During the 3H BotCon run, the team had a starring role in the conventions yearly comic! Available at each years convention, the team heavily featured the conventions exclusive figures.

That's all for now, special thanks goes out the the incredible TF Wiki for the great images of these symbols.