SDCC 2014: Enter the Combiner Wars

So the third event of the year that keeps me glued to my phone is currently under way and no it is not the NFL Draft. Rather it is SDCC, and much like Toyfair and Botcon this is the time when Hasbro finds out how much of my wallet they can claim... which I must say they have done an amazing job this year. We were given a small sneak peek at Botcon this year, but being that I was not in attendance all I got to hear was the speculation from those who were lucky enough to be there. Hasbro was not allowed to give us the new theme, however they were able to give us silhouettes, and that is where the speculation began. Luckily for the fans next year the them for the Generations line will be Combiner Wars.

To start off I chose Superion. He was the silhouette that was shown at Botcon and everyone chose correctly. I have to say that I am incredibly pumped up for him to come out. Firstly I will address the alternative choices available. Fans Project did an amazing job of retrofitting the Energon combiner into a great G1 homage. TFC then released their new version of Superion, however, unlike Hercules I feel that it did not work. This is great in my mind for the classic fist Autobot Combiner. He looks great, and is exactly what I was looking for.

The first of the Aerialbots that I am going to address is the elephant in the room. Alot of people have been complaining that this doesn't fit. There never was a helicopter in the crew. I have to say I welcome the change. Firstly, it is nice that there is a new idea entering the crew. It is not a bad thing to change, and I like that it will change Superions look a little bit, just enough to make him look fresh, and I didn't even notice when I looked the first time. If you really have an issue with this just buy another deluxe. Luckily Hasbro has made them Scramble-Citified so you can implement any limb anywhere, hell buy another jet and customize it or pay someone to complete your more perfected set. Or I am sure that Takara will opt out of the helicopter.
The main reason this figure gets me excited is that Botcon promised numbers that tallied up to be about 4 combiners. Dividing that down a Helicopter Aerialbot could easily be a sing of things to come, i.e. a Blades and a Vortex utilizing this mold again. This would be a dead give away that we were getting Defensor and an earth mode Bruticus to replace the FOC Bruticus that everybody hated and bought multiple copies of. see its the little things.

I am pretty sure that these guys should be incredibly close to each other much like their G1 counterparts. I am really digging these designs as well. Hasbro has really done a great job bringing back the original feel. It even looks like the G1 figures, which I always thought looked like they were just wearing the jets on their backs. I am also really excited that these figures are in the deluxe scale, continuing what I have loved about classics.

And again we have a new Silverbolt figure. I am excited to see how the new torso figures look and interact with the limbs. Hasbro announced that the joint connections are a new design so it has peaked my curiosity.

Then Hasbro introduces a new addition to the crew. Powerglide has been added to the crew. His legion figure will be an addition the Superion and supply additional fire power. I love that Hasbro has made this move to link the two lines and I feel that it was a good move to jump in on the fist level with Bumblebee and Optimus.

I am incredibly happy about this announcement, mostly because I was planning on how I was going to convince my wife that I needed a 300$ combiner. I have heard some talk about "nice try Hasblow..." but seriously, what is really wrong with this guy. So the Fan's Project looks incredible, however this Menasor will cost roughly how much your Dragstrip cost you. Also that Fans Project version will not interact with any of your other combiners will it? This is a home run and great to see that Menasor is coming back into the picture.

The Stuticons individually are all amazing. I just keep looking at them and trying to decipher who are they going to become for extra combiners.
Continuing the trend with the new combniers, Menasor, has an unnamed Legion sports car that as far as I can tell helps create the chest piece, which is a great throw back to the original release.
Hasbro has hit a home run with me. The movie figures have left me with a lackluster taste in my mouth, and yet they have provided me some great figures to look forward to at both Botcon and SDCC. I cannot wait to turn over my hard earned money for these great figures. I am incredibly excited to see what Hasbro can do, I just hope it is a repeat or what Springer did to Warbot Defender.

Towline

Late in the Transformers Energon line, Towline was released. I remember finding it and hoping that he would make an appearance in the show, however that never happened. Also sadly Dreamwave had went under so we never really got to see Towline in any fiction. This is sad because he is one of my favorite figures from the Energon line, and I feel he really stands out.

Towline’s vehicle mode is somewhat unassuming. He transforms into a van (hell a creeper van), but it is nicely populated with 5mm ports in order to weaponize him. He rolls nicely, but really there is not much going on here.

Transformation is where Towline really shines. I am going to start with his “battle mode.” In this mode the figure really shows up. His lower body is a basic transformation of the van. A pair of splitting treads forms what looks like his legs, and are further supported by the front two van wheels in order to add stability. Also there is a set of 2 guns that are formed from his robot legs that come over his head for additional fire power. Like all the Energon figures, Towline is provided with his own Energon weapon for defense. This mode really shows how great this figure could be, however there is more than meets the eye to Towline.

Towline utilized the Energon theme of Autobot Combination amazingly, and I feel he did it better than any figure in the line. He is the only figure that can form both the bottom half and top half of the combined robots at once. This aspect gave an amazing homage to the original Ironhide and Ratchet figures from 1984. Since the two halves of the body split, it really reflected how these original G1 figures had the basic bot mode and a traveling battle station. In 2005 with Fun Pub used this mold to provide us with a classic Ironhide and Ratchet they successfully created the first and best representation of the classic characters. This is part of what created a great battle mode, but I feel that the figure is amazing in a standard robot mode.

The bottom half of his combination mode is a battle platform. There is a 5mm port hole added for a gun port, and the platform has some additional weaponry molded on. It is somewhat boring on its own but adds some great play features. It also provides a nice rolling base for any bot that you really cannot stand the bottom half of their robot mode without sacrificing Towline’s robot mode.

Towline’s robot mode is amazingly simple yet incredibly impressive. He is stacked with articulation, yet has just the basics present. I have to say the Transformation scheme is very reminiscent of Ironhide and Ratchet as addressed above, however the characterization that we received about Towline as well as his head mold are very reminiscent of Kup. I have always looked at Towline as the Kup of the Energon series. The robot mode is very to the point but I feel that it works perfectly. In the Energon timeline this is one figure that I am constantly trying to find a place for in my Classics collection.

The only thing that I would recommend watching out for on Towline is his weapon. Towline has an amazing sniper rifle/transforming gun that can be somewhat rearranged to serve whatever purpose that you want, however remember that like the rest of the Energon line it is molded in translucent plastic. This was done to reflect that the weaponry was Energy based, however I have ran into issues with Towline’s many ball joints on his gun. I actually have two Towline figure in my collection because the outer most ball joint socket decided to crack. If you are looking for a complete Towline please inspect the figure for any excessive wear and weak points here. Also keep a close eye on how you store Towline.

Towline is probably my favorite figure from the Energon toyline. He gave an amazing sense of nostalgia in a time where Classics were only a wet dream. I am surprised this mold has not been utilized more, however I am happy that it has been kept to a select few uses. I would highly recommend that anyone who is thinking about picking him up do so, you will not be disappointed!

Transforming Toys into new toys...

So it seems like the bane of many Transformers fans' existence is the constant influx of repaints that we seem to get.  I remember when I first got into the hobby that I was a little bit disheartened when I found myself buying the third, fourth, and even fifth repaint of that RID Prowl or Beast Machines Jetstorm mold.  I didn't know why Hasbro kept trying to sell me the same stuff, but I kept buying it all.  Then it finally came to me.  This is the way that Hasbro can keep our fandom alive.  Unlike the Masters of the Universe, G.I. Joe, or many other basic action figure lines, Transformers do not lend themselves to the ability to take a leg from guy a and head from guy b, and basically rebuild a new figure from what already exists.  Instead we get basic repaints, sometimes with new heads, sometimes not, but its how they fill our line.  Now, I recognize that fact, and have backed off my anti-repaint mindset.

Firstly there are always those repaints that we not only want but demand.  Each and every time we see a new Starscream mold, we start yelling for two if not five to seven different paints of this bad boy.  I find it funny that even in a group that gets upset over the amount of repaints instead of new product, we completely turn a 180 each and ever seeker mold that happens to be released.  Also I find myself salvating over the possibility to complete my set each time. 

Not only do the seekers provoke that coveting collector nature but also there is always the whole Optimus Prime release.  I don't care which Prime mold is released I always seem to be a sucker for the white Ultra Magnus repaint, and definitely jump whenever I can get my hands on a Nemesis Prime or Scourge they can throw at me.  I even add extra points whenever the basic white repaints gain their exo-suit, I just can't get enough of these.

I even remember when the record seemed to be broken with common themes and tropes in the Transformers cartoons.  Each story was more of the same when RID started.  Megatron starts off as the big baddie, then the ends up being "destroyed" only to return in the next couple of episodes he arrives now reformatted as Galvatron.  When RID did it, I was happy for the bit of nostalgia.  However then in Armada the same string of events took place... leading that Megatron to find himself reformatted into his purple Galvatron namesake.  When Enegon began, again with a Megatron I was a little bit perturbed about the foreshadow of him once again reformatting, until I saw the toy.  I remember being so excited to get my Energon Megatron, complete from Wal*Mart with the nice code for the online Energon game.  However the mold was screaming Galvatron... not just any Galvatron, but G1 Galvatron.  I was chomping at the bit.  When the reformatting finally happened on the show I was relieved, knowing that my repaint was in the works... and I would soon have a great Galvatron for my shelf..  One that seemed to do the G1 character more justice that even his G1 mold... especially from the original, no reissue color scheme.

Recently the Beast Hunters has kept me away from most of the line.  I have purchased one of each of the new dragon molds, however I have very much strayed away from the partial remolds and Beast Hunter versions the Bots and Cons.  However there was one repaint that completely sucker punched me into action.  I remember the first time that I read about the possibility for the Sharticon Megatron and was strangely intrigued.  I actually decided against buying this bad boy... and then I went to my cousin's house and saw his sitting outside of the package.  Its strange.  I feel like this figure really doesn't photograph well, however I feel that it is a strangely beautiful rendition of the mold.  The teeth around the neck stick out so amazingly and is gives great homage to the Sharkticon, while keeping one of the stand outs of the early Prime mold.

 

The Beast Hunters mold seemed like they kind of dropped the ball for a perfect rendition for a character.  They wanted a Beast Hunters Dreadwing, and even though he was already a hard to find voyager, they decided to go for the deluxe treatment.  I saw the figure a couple of times in retail, but have still not picked up a copy for the collection.  The only reason that I would purchase this bad boy is for a personal repaint custom.... taking Dreadwing into a Jhaixus.  I believe that I saw this custom on TFW, so sadly it is not an original idea.  However I feel that this could be a perfect repaint, and even dropped into the Generations line for a reuse of this incredibly nice looking mold!

 

Robots in Disguise Prime Bumblebee

Firstly sorry about the naked post without pictures but I really couldn't come to do it for this post (yet).  My wife and I went to the local TRU today (because Target refuses to sell me product), and I was looking forward to getting a new Prime figure.  Since last weekend I have been on a Prime high... and couldn't wait to get some more of the Prime cast.  Wheeljack is still an amazing figure.  I rationalize that because I still find myself tinkering and transforming Wheeljack each time I pass him.  I enjoy him even more that I did the two First Editions that I purchased.
I had heard warnings that Bumblebee was subpar, however I didn't believe it.  Well TRU only offered me a Bumblebee for purchase to feed my plastic crack addiction, so here I am.
This figure is surreal.  the car mode looks so so, but the plastics are completely mismatched.  They took bumblebee to a two tone paint scheme like Bee had a door replaced with a better clear coat.  Additionally Bee is a let down in his bot mode.
Needless to say I am going to still be on the hunt for a First Edition Bumblebee.  Please let me know if one of them seems to surface.

Prime RID Wheeljack

Its that time again.  A new Transformers line has been released and now its the mad rush to get your first wave.  Even after the First Editions cancellation fiasco that just happened when I heard that the first wave of Robots in Disguise was in stock I was on my mission.  I have been trying to sweet talk Target personnel to no avail, and then this weekend there they were.  Hanging on the pegs at my local Toys R' Us was the first wave of Prime RID figures (minus the Soundwave).  I immediately snatched Wheeljack and went on my merry way. 

 

Wheeljack is one of my favorite G1 characters.  Firstly he is an engineer by trade, so that is a plus in my book.  In Transformers:  Prime Wheeljack is a survivor of the Wreckers crew, and one of Bulkhead's best friends.  To add to his amazing resume, he is a total badass as far a combat is concerned.  All these things are why he has been the figure I have been looking for since they have been showing up.

Wheeljack's mold is perfect.  His head mold is a great nod to the original Wheeljack. Additionally the transformation is seamless.  It all snaps into place and presents a perfect figure in every way.  Wheeljack is incredibly articulated and stable in most circumstances.  His accessories are dual swords that when in car mode either store under the carriage or stick out from the head light portions for a ram and stab effect.

Again the vehicle mode is a great nod to the original down to the pin striping.  I love how this figure turned out.  Even with the new trend of an alternate mode that seems a bit dwarfed by previous lines, this figure really unfurls out and becomes incredibly impressive. 

Wheeljack has given me hope for the remainder of the Prime RID line.  I have not been able to put him down since I released him from his blister prison.  I highly recommend that anyone pick him up.  He is one of my favorite figures that I have gotten from the main line in quite a while!

War For Cybertron Bruticus

This weekend is a huge weekend for any toy collector.  Toyfair is in the air... and I would personally like to thank Game Informer for giving us a taste of what is going to be consuming our wallets for the next twelve months.

There have been a few previews of things to come from the UK Toyfair but no great pics or information.  There is the large scale Cyberverse playset that we have seen blurry images of as well as small scans of the upcoming Cyberverse line but no real looks... that my friends will start on Saturday so stay tuned to your computers.

Enough about what we don't know about lets talk about what we DO know. Game Informer has released pictures of the new Combaticons for the War for Cybertron videogame due out in December of 2012.  When I heard about them being released I was excited.  I have always loved gestalts, and have about four copies of  Bruticus alone.  I know that I have yet to review a single combiner, but I am just saving that until I know that I can do them right.  I have to warn you that any combiner will have a rave review from this guy because Gestalts are my favorite part of the lines. 

Well I had seen individual pics of Swindle, Brawl, and Onslaught.  Just as I have come to expect they have Cybertroninan modes that resemble an earthen counter part.  They look great.  I just recently saw that they released pictures of Vortex and Blastoff.  Again they are Cybertronian makeovers of their earthen counterparts.  The one thing that grabs me though is a Cybertronian helicopter... that one caught me but it looks awesome.  These figures are all Deluxe class from what I have heard.  They look AMAZING in each form.

Now onto the exciting part.  The most recent picture that has been released I have shown above.  Finally after waiting so long (well since Energon) we are getting a new combiner.  To make it better its a Cybertronian mode combiner and it definitely hearkens to his G1 counterpart.  As I said I LOVE combiners and if this has anything related to this years releases I can't wait!  Just stock the shelves and cut me loose!

Junkheap

Junkheap

Recently I have been happily searching for Junkheaps for my collection.  I have something in story for them for the upcoming display, but that will have to wait until my unveiling.  Junkheap's bio on the card informs that he was built on the Planet of Junk, and became the resident medic.  When the Autobots met up with the Junkions, Junkheap continued his training under the supervision of Ratchet.  So that is what the bio says, but lets be honest... Junkheap is nothing more than a nameless Junkion for troop building, and that is most assuredly not a bad thing, but rather a quite amazing thing.

Junkheap is a remold of the Wrek-Gar with a new head mold.  I feel that the mold works perfectly for the Junkions.  I feel that it really works.  The head is just different enough from the Wrek-Gar mold that he really makes a statement.  I love the way the mold looks and the dynamics of the transformation is perfect. 

The alt mode is a great looking motorcycle with an amalgamated dirt bike/sports bike.  The mold hides most of the robotic elements quite well,  I really enjoy the way the bike gives the feel of the Junkion look. 

The articulation on the figure is superb as well.  As you can see he can actually double wield his axe.  Also the mold is stable enough to support a variety of poses without any help. 

My favorite part of this figure is its "action feature."  The engineering on this figure is great in that the vehicle mode is perfectly scaled so that the deluxe Junkions can ride it.  The bike seat has two peg holes that are made so that the crotch of the other Junkions can snap into them and be held on the bike with ease.  Its a bit difficult to have both hands on the handlegrips, but it is great for the poses as shown above.  Junkheap looks great on himself (sounds dirty doesn't it?), but he also gives an amazing contrast with Wrek-Gar on the controls. 

This is one figure that I have been happy to pick up, time and time again.  I feel a bit of dejavu from my 25th Anniversary Joe collecting with the troop building.   I am happy that this wave is a bit more prominent than the Wrek-Gar mold was, because I am stuck with 2 lonely Wrek-Gars. 

The only reason I would tell you to not pick up Junkheap is entirely selfish... because I want to add them to my collection!  I can't wait to update this entry when I finally setup what I have i mind, but until then, good luck getting to this guy before I do!

Mickimouse Prime

Mickimouse Prime (AKA Disney Label  Mickey M.O.U.S.E and you know you sang it)

Okay so when I first saw pictures and heard about this figure coming out I want exactly excited or cared too much... boy was I wrong.  The thing that made me second guess my rash decisions on this amazing figure was a Transformers: Mosaic, and when I saw the one featuring him forced my hand. 

I find it ironic that I have never picked up a single Star Wars Transformer or Marvel Transformer.  I just never got into the crossovers... they never appealed to me.  Somehow though I have both the Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck Disney Label figures.  I think the reason that I picked both of these guys up (and passed on the Buzz Lightyear) is that they are a culmination of Formers and Disney, not just a robotic version of Aniken or Hulk as some partsformer.

 This figure looks amazing.  It is a perfect combination of Optimus and Mickey.  They even added a small mickey climbing on top of he head that flips out during transformation.  Additionally the clear visor is hinged so you can flip it up for Mickimouse can see see clearly. Also there may not be much articulation but really how much is needed for this figure.  You never really display it in some ginormous battle, but still it holds its own if for the simple reason of hearing people say... is that Mickey Mouse!?! Who doesn't love a surprise on the collection shelves.   

The other nice thing about this figure is that the transformation is simple and to the point.  Also it does a great job of concealing the robot hidden within.  I love the way this completely captures G1 Prime in a manner that really reflects how he would look like if he were drawn by the Disney people. 

He even has a little trailer that becomes his cape in robot mode.  When I look at this figure, I just always think about how great it would be to see a mini series of Disney Label..

No detail was left out.  Even when you transform into truck mode here is your buddy Mickey again.  I was completely blown away at the amount of detail they included and left no stones unturned. 

I love how they even updated the Autobot logo and Mousified it.  I completely love how this figure came together and hope that the Disney Label will return with more beloved characters.  I am just trying to figure out who else could be Transformed.  If you haven't gotten your own Disney Label Prime I highly recommend that you do.  It is well worth it and you won't regret!

Runamuck and Runabout

I was looking through my old posts... and I noticed that I have really blasted Fun Publications for what they have done with the Transformers Collectors Club and Botcon.  Its not that I don't enjoy my membership but often it seems like they just do things that to this fan do not make sense.  However I am happy to report that I am incredibly excited for a TF Club upcoming Release!

Runamuck and Runabout are going to be amazing.  I cannot wait.  They utilize a minor remold off the Wheeljack/Tracks Classics mold and both sport a new head mold.  One of my minor complaints about the Cybertron line was the release of Runamuck without his counter part... TFC has not made this mistake.  I absolute love how they have captured the characters.  They even have a club shirt that is recreating their infamous grafitti on the Statue of Liberty from the vintage comic. 

I am incredibly stoked and cannot wait to review these two and add them to my classics collection.  The rumor is that Runabout will be available for ordering early next week so be sure to be ready with credit card in hand.  All I hope is that the club is ready for this set.  Unlike the Punch/Counterpuch I hope that I will be able to reserve my set.  I am even excited for the SG Drift... sorry but this reviewer is a Drift fan.

TFC.... keep doing stuff like this for the fans... and you will keep my club status in tact!

EDIT!!  OK so I haven't gotten my order in yet... I finally saw the email telling me they were available right after I saw the email telling me they closed the ordering... glad to see I am not the only one excited for this year.  However some pictures were released for the set that is amazing... and I hate to say this but the packaging.  Runabout is packaged in convention style with the artwork box as well as a nice foam packaging for storage when not on display but this one has changed it up a little bit.  Runabout has an open spot with another foam insert with a cutout for non other than Runamuck!  Finally there is a way to keep club figs safe and sound!  Again I am blown away by this set... I just hope I can get my greedy paws on a set to review for the site ASAP.

Botcon 2012: Shattered Dreams

To be completely honest, every year, some how I find myself looking forward to Botcon.  Also every year I find myself becoming more and more disappointed.  I felt that this year held more possibilities than ever... especially considering their trailer... and the possibility of Scourge, instead we get this... so lets get into the meat!

 Gigatron (AKA Overlord)
First off... this is a collectors convention... can't we just let him have his name back?  Do we get Overlord stateside? NO! We get Gigatron.  I know that this is a play off of the fact that Overlord was a dual Powermaster... with Giga and Mega.... but seriously?  I want an Overlord... I have wanted an Overlord for years... and this is given after Overlord... complete disappointment for me.  I understand that there was some inspiration from from the fact that Giga was a samurai... but still I don't think this was a good mold choice for Overlord.  This is for two reasons... 1) Overlord is a major overwhelming villain... HUGE... he fought Grand Max.... hes not some tiny voyager... I know botcon cannot make a ginormous behemoth, but still.  2) The new head mold destroyed the look for me... Overlord does not smirk like that... I understand you took the look from last stand of the Wreckers, but still  for me and EPIC FAIL.

Metalhawk

Metalhawk was the Cybertron leader in Masterforce.  To tell you the truth I feel that this is the solitary shining light from this set.  I have wanted a Metalhawk figure since I first watched Masterforce, and seeing that he is a Japanese exclusive his price tag has always haltered me.  I feel that the choice for using Thunderwing was perfect and I am really looking forward to this figure.  I think it does a good job of capturing Metalhawk's human appearance, however I would have rather seen him in robotic form to have him blend in a bit better with my classics shelf.

Shattered Glass Soundwave

Again... EPIC FAIL here.  I can't believe that they used this mold for a SG Soundwave.  The look is horrible.  I can't believe how the face basically fades into nothingness.  I can't believe they just didn't use a War for Cybertron Soundwave... at least the head would be PERFECT instead of a let down.  Also why did they choose a mold that is so temper mental.  I mean I am half tempted to use my Botcon 04 Ironhide and Ratchet... at least they can look straight.  I was happy to see the nod to Cold Slither but other than that... this figure is a pass in my book.

Shattered Glass Tracks

This is one of the exclusives that I am not craving, yet it really doesn't inspire me to purchase a set.  SG Tracks is a nod to his original deco in Diaclone.  I appreciate this, but really its not something that I HAVE to have... rather just something I have no real feelings one way or the other.

 Shattered Glass Treadobolt
OK... so again another figure that I could take or leave.  I understand that everything cannot be a home run, but Seriously Fun Pub?  Treadobolt here is a nod not to a G1 counter part, but rather an Armada/Universe repaint from the Battle in a Box days... yup a figure that I bought during a new figure draught and just so I could have an Armada Ultra Magnus!

Shattered Glass Ultra Magnus

This is probably the Ugliest Botcon figure I have EVER seen.  I am actually happy that I am not going to be getting this one.  For me the head mold makes or breaks a figure... and SG Ultra Magnus DOESNT HAVE ONE!  What were they doing?  The head mold looks like they just shoved some extra light piping in backwards and hoped for the best.  I like the nod to Diaclone colors again... but so much more is left to be desired.  If I had this figure I would but a Battle Tankor deco just to hide his ugly mug.  And ironically again he is packaged with Treadobolt... amazing.

Shattered Glass Octopunch

SG Octopunch here is a leaked image of the rumored attendee exclusive.  Again this is a figure that i am not bothered about not adding to my collection.  I am going to have some fun here.... Ductopuch here has an affinity for the Flying V.... just stare into his chest and tell me you don't see two ducks.  To be honest, I will keep my Donald Duck/Bumblebee as my only Quackster. 

I really wonder what they were thinking this year for the con exclusives.  I loved the Shattered Glass in Cincy... its actually one of my favorite sets.  Even last year I was crushed to find out that I missed more to my SG universe... but this year I couldn't give a Sharkticon tooth.  SG was great in a shorth burst or one shot.  I mean look at Star Trek... if they had continued to give us Mirror Mirror we would have been sick of it by now.  Fun Pub basically use SG as a safety net, but this time its not working... you should have just let me be with my mustached Roddy...



PE-11: Scouting Force X-- Not-Reflector

Right now I am in process of finally setting up my office "Man Cave" so I am not really able to take pictures, but I honestly HAD to post a review of this awesome set, so for the time being I have borrowed a picture from BBTS.com.

I know that they have been out for a while now but one of my best Christmas presents was an Amazon gift card that I used to order my PE11 Scouting Force X (Not Reflector) set.  Typically I shy away from third party figures, except for those that add to my Classics, but this time I just had to jump at it.  I had seen a YouTube Review and knew that I had to have it.  Firstly these guys capture the look perfectly.  The also let you decide how to display either stripped down (looking like a perfect G1 Reflector) or all armored up! I love the look either way.

Not only is it a looks winner, but also the articulation is insane for these little guys.  They are able to hold about any pose.  They even articulated the feet so that you can spread their legs out but still have them standing flat footed.

Another amazing feat of engineering is that this set is accessory packed, but as much as there is, three rifles, one sniper rifle, Gatling gun, shield, and three daggers are all self contained in both modes.  I was afraid of losing accessories, but I was incredibly elated that everything had its own little place for storage. 

I have to say that this set was more than worth the money that I paid to it.  I am incredibly happy that I purchased this amazing set and can't wait to see what else Perfect Effect has in store!