Micronus Prime [Age of the Primes/Deluxe Class]

It's no secret — I love Mini-Cons. Mini-Cons, Micromasters, Battle Masters, Titan Masters, Prime Masters, BotBots… the damn site is named after a Micromaster Base, k? Micronus Prime is where the Mini-Cons began, after all. That's right — they are his Cybertronian descendants, and today we're looking at his most recent toy.

One of The Thirteen Primes highlighted in the current Transformers Generations: Age of the Primes line, Micronus Prime is one awesome toy that's right up my alley. You might ask yourself why such a little guy has a new toy in the Deluxe Class release. Well, that's because he comes with a really cool transforming exo-suit. It's taking a lot for me not to just type "this toy is awesome" over and over again.

Micronus Prime himself is a short, stout little Mini-Con with a good amount of articulation in a mix of translucent and opaque greens and blues. He transforms into a disk that resembles the Mini-Con storage panels from the Transformers Armada cartoon or the data disks characters like Eject and Ratbat turned into in the Fall of Cybertron toy line. These disk modes pop up all over Transformers history — and I always love them. And now that I’m thinking about it, this also feels a bit like the disk alt modes from Robots in Disguise 2015. I liked those too.

Clearly non-descript disk alt modes are my thing.

But the similarities don’t stop there. There's a lot of old toy DNA here, and this post is probably going to go down as the epitome of me comparing new toys to old toys. But that’s what you come to Zone Base for — right? (Unless you're an Amazon seller or someone looking for a firewall, in which case… sorry this keeps happening to you.)

In his disk mode, Micronus Prime fits snugly inside the chest of his exo-suit. It closes up tight, almost completely hiding the little pilot. The exo-suit itself is a pleasant mix of greens, silver, and black. The included Chimera Stone fits onto its chest or Micronus’s back. The suit is nicely detailed and articulated — I’m fond of the gun-barrel hands.

There's strong Pretender shell energy here, with a bit of Transformers Prime Apex Armor influence as well. The armor can be disassembled and connected to other Transformers figures, similar to Siege Weaponizers and their contemporaries. In a further bit of neatness, the armor also transforms into a one-wheeled bike vehicle Micronus can ride. Translucent pilot + power suit + vehicle mode = full-on Microman / Micronauts vibes. This toy’s practically a pocket history of Transformers.

This toy is truly wonderful. I’m honestly having a hard time being critical of it. The closest thing to a flaw I’ve found is that Micronus didn’t fully close into disc mode on mine — even straight out of the package. Not the end of the world, though. I'd also love just a little more paint on the exo-suit to bring out the sculpted detail. And the one-wheeled bike can’t stand up on its own. (I even tried using the Chimera Stone as a kickstand. It did not work.)

But that’s basically it. The positives absolutely outweigh the nitpicks. This thing hits so many of my collecting sweet spots at once. I’m really hoping this mold sees multiple colors and multiple characters — it deserves it. And while I was writing this, I realized the bike mode can kind of be arranged into something vaguely similar to Revenge of the Fallen Demolishor. Probably coincidence, but neat all the same.

Onyx Prime [Age of the Primes/Leader Class]

Closing out our spooky celebrations for the year is the Lord of the Beasts himself, Onyx Prime! Onyx Prime is the first Transformer with a beast mode and all other beast formed ones are his spiritual descendants. He is in tune with the creature of the natural and world and those in the spirit realm. With the power Primus granted to him with the Triptych Mask, he's able to cast his spirit across vast distance to communicate with the dreams of beings far away. Even the afterlife! Despite his inherent spookiness, Onyx Prime is very friendly and kind hearted. You can't always judge someone by their appearance, it's just that for him everyday is Halloween.

I picked up Onyx Prime a few weeks ago. Happy to see my local stores restocking in the first time in forever. However, not just happy to see something new, but happy as I've been looking forward to this particular toy. You've got to admit, he's got one neat design. In robot mode, Onyx stands tall and beastly. He's got big pointy wings that match pointy armor full of creature flavored details. If you noticed the chest armor looks like hooves, we'll get to that a little later. Speaking of hooves, check out the legs. He outright has big ole hooves with legs similar to an animal that would have hooves. Hooves. Technically that's called digitigrade, but I'll call it backwards knees. Because that's how you'd know what I'm talking about. Robot mode is pretty large and nicely articulated. You might notice his hands open up. That's both due to beast mode and goes along with his accessories.

That Triptych Mask I mentioned earlier combines with a pole to form a big spear... or staff if you so fancy. It's also a rather big arrow for a bow that's formed from his tail. With those articulated hands he can hold these weapons and draw that really big arrow. I wasn't initially aware of the bow and arrow, it just somehow escaped my attention. Remember that chest armor that looks like hooves? I talked about it last paragraph, and said hooves a million times, how could you forget? What if I told you they actually were hooves? THEY ARE! *no shit* Folding those down and some adjustments here and there will reward you with Onyx Primes first alt mode- a winged centaur! This is a pretty cool form that you wouldn't expect normally. It really fits with that bow and big ass arrow!

From here, with a few more twists and folds you'll find the third mode. A winged dragon monster type creature! This beast mode is super gnarly with six legs and those giant wings that have been prominent in every mode. I'm very fond of its head with horns and opening mouth. The colors of Onyx Prime really shine in every mode... but make for one interesting beast mode. A mixture of black, copper, brown, with silver and gold highlights creates a figure seemingly out of some old Dungeons & Dragons source book. This is one cool toy that I had a great time playing around with. His transformations and overall design really brought back memories of older Beast Era toys. Not just because of the beast mode, but the actual transformation schemes and overall design and look of the toy. If not for the newer engineering, I'd almost swear this was an older unused design Hasbro had sitting around in the vaults. He'd have made an excellent Transmythics toy!

I didn't expect to like Onyx Prime as much as I did. He's a very cool toy with a design right out of my dream journal. I've always thought of leader class figures as more nicer size class when it comes to standard retail Transformers. With this toy, that thought process feels proven. Onyx Prime is a big and ornate beastly bot with fantasy looks and modes whom is a pleasure to hold. Looking like something you'd find sculpted at a museum, he's got a mythic air to him. That's freaking neat. His dangerous looks and supernatural powers give way to a friendly robot who paved the path for animalistic Transformers that came after him. Truly one of those toys that just doesn't come around often enough.

Alchemist Prime [Age of the Primes/Deluxe Class]

To be completely honest, I had hardly any interest in Alchemist Prime before buying him. Literally, the only reason I did buy him is the desire to complete the 13 Primes from this series. Neat looking, sure, but eh. Upon opening him, however, and what a great toy! I was truly blown away by just how good of a figure this is. Alchemist Prime has dominion over the elements and legend has it he chose to walk among the mortal Transformers. No bot knows if that's actually true... but rumor has it that Maccadam, whom runs Maccadam's Old Oil House, is actually him. Of course it's silly that the legendary bartender could actually be one of The Thirteen... isn't it?

Isn't it?

Alchemist Prime is a burly hoss of a robot with glasses and a handlebar mustache and beard. He makes me think of various old world characters from TV shows. The design of his body armor even resembles a suit with a vest. He could be working that bar when not up to adventure. Considering his *ahem* magical nature, you can be assured that his stories are beyond your wildest imagination. He's seen Unicron and the Demons that live under the surface and still got that friendly smirk when you ask for another drink. 

It's a good think his figure has so much articulation and is so expressive, because you can tell he talks with his hands. His weapon is a weird one. Clamped on his forearm they make blasters or can be flipped around for energy blades. If the situation calls for it, they can even be held for a more direct attack. If you noticed that there is what appears to be lenses on them, that's because once joined together they form a magical pair of glasses that allow for vision beyond our comprehension. Though any mortal can pick out the ancient Transformers symbols, it's probably best these are left up to the more enlightened to use.

Transformation to vehicle mode is pretty easy, though getting the rear portion exactly in place can be a little fiddly if you've got clumsy fingers. Once done, he's a neat looking heavy duty vehicle of sorts. It looks like an armored Strike-X side by side ATV, and that fits such a fellow whose seen a lot of adventure. The weapons can attach on the roof to provide some vehicular firepower... I'm sure that comes in handy. It's easy to overlook Alchemist Prime with his drab green colors... but their fitting of someone like him. They match his utility vehicle well and carry over to his reserved look. Like I said, I really liked him a whole lot more once the box was opened... wand that is fitting considering how much more there is to Maccadam than meets the eye. It's almost like he's the standard bearer of that old tag line.

Megatronus The Fallen [Age of the Primes/Leader Class]

The Fallen is one of those characters that shows up in Transformers occasionally, but when he does, it means trouble. Megatronus is the Dark Warrior Prime who deals with entropy and destruction. While he originally fought against Unicron with the other Thirteen Primes, his eventual betrayal to them and joining sides with Unicron led to the name we all know him better as- The Fallen.

In addition to being big and imposing, he uses dark magic, has mystical abilities, and gravitational powers. He also carries the Requiem Blaster, Spark Fuser, an Energon Machete, and has additional weaponry mounted across his body. He doesn't understand the term overkill. This newest toy of Megatronus is heavily based on his appearance in War Within: The Dark Ages where he was introduced. His melee weaponry is mostly influenced from his various toys from Robots in Disguise 2015, which is probably my favorite version of him so it's nice to see a little of that flavor here. The barrel of the Requiem Blaster can also be used as a shoulder cannon, which is something I didn't do in the picture. It's worth nothing the Blaster can be held or forearm mounted as well.

If you've noticed the similarities in his arm cannon, or the particular way his face looks, or how similar his name sounds to another bot... there's good reason. He's the first Decepticon, his face is the inspiration for the Decepticon symbol, and the Megatron we all know named himself after Megatronus. It's probably an understatement at this point but, he's bad news. This is a cool looking toy of The Fallen and in robot mode. Big, chonky, and imposing. There's a lot of meaningful articulation and he looks great. The dark colors are highlighted by the yellow from his heat vents. That's actually UV reactive, so they'll glow a nice fiery color under a black light. You probably noticed that he's on fire... yeah... that's something he does. Included are come great flame effect pieces that bring that to life quite well and complete the look. The Spark Fuser and Energon Machete can be combined to form a spear. The melee weapons and blaster can store on the robots back in case he would rather punch someone. 

Unfortunately it's not all great, I did not care for the transformation. At all. It feels like Megatronus opens up to an almost flat shape and you wad up the edges into place. It's not a smooth transformation, parts are either too tight and can't go in easily or just don't stay put. Apparently some folks have issues with a tight thigh and inner thigh connection that cracks the plastic. I've seen various complaints online with his transformation, so it's not just me. I guess he's not just trouble fictionally. Tank mode looks fine, but mine would not stay together. There's places to store the spear and flames with the Requiem Blaster serving as the tank cannon. The tank doesn't look bad, it's just after all the trouble it's hard to appreciate. That's a bummer as I've really enjoyed the toy until then. Really though, The Fallen is a character you buy a toy for the cool looking robot. So as long as you keep him in that mode, you'll be happy.

Sentinel Prime [Galaxy Version 05-One]

We've reached the end of the Transformers One themed Blokees case with the most elaborate kit, Sentinel Prime! He's the perfect bot to end our look on this series with. If you're bummed that we've reached the end, don't worry, there's a Galaxy Version 05 volume 2 out with even more bots from the movie. I hope to get it soon, but for now let's look at this extremely amazing AMK kit.

Sentinel feels like a much more deluxe figure than the rest of the bots from this case. He's got extra parts and nicer paint. Let's talk about that paint for a second. The armor bits are nice metallic colors that really pop against the naturally flat colors of the robot parts. He's a regal one and wants you to know it.

The kit uses the new sturdier body as a base and it comes with the two sets of hands and base as you'd expect. Once the main body is assembled, there's some extra parts to put on. His wings most noticeably. Then there's the matching chest and knee ornamentation. I appreciate the double bladed sword as the standard release came with another weapon. I don't have the Studio Series toy yet, so having his movie weapon represented is nice. It's actually two swords that can be held separately if you choose. The wings pop into place with some little pegs and are decently articulated. He's very expressive, so I imagine many scenes from the movie could be replicated.

I'm very impressed with this one, everything just feels so extra. Transformers Blokees heads all assemble pretty much the same. There's the little eye color piece that the neck joint attaches to inside the head. The face piece connects through the eyes and the helmet is in two halves that fit over this. Sentinel does all this the same, but with his helmet being closed off at the bottom and not open... it just feels nicer. There's little peg holes in his forearms that you can attach those arm lasers from Death Tracker of you chose. That doesn't even need to be there and it is. It feels like the designers really chose this kit to show off a little and it certainly impressed me. Good job Blokees.

Solus Prime [Age of the Primes/Deluxe Class]

Joining the ranks of the butt heads I talked about last week is Solus Prime, another figure from Transformers Age of the Primes that I had bought and almost forgot about. Solus, like Prima Prime, is a member of The Thirteen. One of the original Transformers made by Primus. Solus Prime's role is maker and creator. With that fancy hammer you see her holding in the pic, she can make just about anything.

The Thirteen Primes are the template for the Transformer race and all female Transformers are based on her. She was also in a relationship with Megatronus Prime, which obviously didn't go as planned. Solus Prime created many of the more powerful and mystical objects in Transformers lore. Personally I think it's cool that they made her a more in depth character and didn't go down a cringe route like often happens with female characters.

Solus, like Prima, has a more fantasy themed appearance. I've always liked when robots are designed with similar cues. Egyptian, Easter Island, Mid-evil, and similar design elements make for an interesting looking character. Solus is pleasantly colored in dark purple armor with gold highlights on her grey robot parts. She's pleasantly articulated, you can even move her dress (is that a dress?) in sections to allow for leg movement. Her hammer can be held by one or both hands, though you'll have to disassemble it first. Solus Prime transforms into a Cybertronian Armored Truck, and that's unfortunately where things go south.

Transformation is not a pleasant experience at all. Honestly, it feels like the alt mode was an after thought. It looks cool, but the shape suggests they initially had something else planned. There's a few spots that feel over complicated for no particular reason. The arms, for example, form the front wheel assembly. By itself it's fine, but there's an odd flat plate in both shoulders that has to be folded into the truck body. I never noticed these panels in either mode and have no clue what purpose they serve. Fitting them into their spot in vehicle mode wasn't easy for my big fingers either.

Then there's the feet. the legs fold up into the rear section of the truck. Like the arms, that's mostly ok, but getting the feet to fold into place is pretty unclear and awkward. Even looking at the instructions, it just doesn't work until miraculously it just does. Of course you'll have to knead the toy a little to get everything to align properly after doing so. It just doesn't seem to work right. The biggest problem that's actually a problem and not subjective is various parts just kept coming off during transformation. The plastic grade on some joints isn't great and various places (like the knees on mine) pop out of place while you're folding them around. It's infuriating. Several others have complained about this online, so I can be assured it wasn't a case of clumsy fingers or QC issues specifically with mine.

Truck mode looks neat, though after the unpleasant transformation it'll take a minute to appreciate. The hammer can attach to the side. You'd think since it can be disassembled that the pieces would be distributed about the mode. That's another thing that makes me think the truck mode wasn't originally intended. She folds up into a shape and there just happens to be truck parts to put into place. The dark purple and gold highlights are dominant in the form and once again look great. It's a very neat looking toy, I just wish the less than stellar transformation didn't overshadow the positives. 

Prima Prime [Age of the Primes/Voyager Class]

Signaling the end of Legacy and beginning of a new Generations series is Transformers Age of the Primes. Like other Transformers Generations series before, it brings us updates of the different incarnations of various Transformers characters with a central theme. Age of the Primes is based around the original 13 Primes from Transformers lore. We'll be starting our look at AOTP here on Zone Base with the first Prime figure released in the series, Prima Prime.

Prima Prime has appeared throughout the years in various media, but you'd probably recognize him best from Rodimus Prime's Matrix Vision in the multipart episode 'Five Faces of Darkness'. That's the depiction this toy's mostly based on. I've always thought it looked cool, so no problem... though I've never been super fond of the name. Sounds like a pizza place.

Ever since the Aligned Continuity, the 13 Primes served a specific purpose. Prima is the very first Transformer made by Primus and is the Warrior of Light. He carries the Star Saber sword which you may notice has the Matrix of Leadership in it's hilt. Prima lead the other Primes in the fight against Unicron. He's kind of a big deal. Before we go any further, Star Saber is a character. The Star Saber sword is an item first appearing in Armada and various swords ever since have been randomly named it ever since.

One of my only complaints with Transformers is sometimes the names can get confusing, but I guess Power Sword was already taken. The Matrix can be removed and stored in Prima's chest when not needed, but it does look cool on the sword. He's decently articulated with some nicely stiff joints. You can pose him in all sorts of sword fighting poses, even holding it with both hands in front of himself stoically. Neat!

Transformation to vehicle mode isn't too hard, though there's some odd places that you'll have to get just right or it's not fitting together in the upper body that becomes the vehicles front end. I'm pretty sure I got something wrong when transforming mine, but cannot tell what. One front wheel seems to rub against the fender while the other rolls freely. No clue. Alt mode is a lunar truck that looks pretty neat and the wheels can be arranged to give it a hover mode! It's pretty cool looking and so are the colors. Actually, I really like Prima Primes colors all together. There's been some complaints that he needs more... but I really like the white and grays.

He looks like an ancient statue and the colors transfer well over to the sci fi vehicle making it look like something you'd see in space. I really like the blue used in detailing. If there was any more color added, I'd like it to be a little more of that as it contrasts nicely against the white and gray. The Star Saber sword (not the guy) can store pretty easily in alt mode forming a nicely compact vehicle. I really like this guy and enjoy the somewhat mystical theme of the Primes. Transformers has needed a little fresh air and dipping into the more fantasy elements of it's lore is a pretty good idea. With the Cybertron anniversary series at Walmart later this year and Micronauts being in stores again... it's nice to see some of the more space opera elements come back to the forefront.