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!

Allspark Almanac I/II

Transformers:  The Allspark Almanac (I/II)

When Transformers Animated was announced it really split the fandom.  The style of the show and toys was such a departure from where the line had been headed that you either hated, or loved what was going to be coming up next.  I can vividly remember arguing with my cousin about the ascetics.  I would always argue that this is what we always wanted.  The toys were perfect in each form.  My cousin's argument was stead fast... "yeah that's great and all but Bulkhead looks like a damned Duplo truck... I want real vehicles."  The show then hit airwaves and blew us off our feet.  We finally both agreed that these toys were the Transformers we had been waiting on.  We even reached an agreement when the leader class Bulkhead was released and Josh finally opened and displayed the jolly green giant.

Its funny to see how Animated evolved from a scary thing to such a loved show.  Granted to this day it still segregates the fans.  Some love it, others hate it.  For those who loved it it ended too soon.  As you watch the show there is so much hidden in the backgrounds and foregrounds.  So many episodes give a nod to the G-Onner in each of us... as well as the Beast Wars fan, and Beast Machines Fan, hell even the Bayformers fans have a bit of surprises.  Some require some study, such as noticing Grandus, but others are completely out there like a brown haired man and blonde woman in Ratchet with the woman giving birth in Garbage in Garbage out.

I know this looks line a review for Tranformers Animated! but the blog is about the Allspark Almanacs.  That is because the Almanacs are basically a print version of the Tranformers Animated show bibles.  Jim Sorenson and Bill Forster do an amazing job capturing all the bits and pieces for the show.  I have to say that typically when I buy a book like this I flip the pages and read this or that, but when I got these I didn't put them down.  I read them cover to cover, and then went back to the beginning to make sure that I didn't miss anything. 

The books are filled with information.  Firstly they give the basic character designs and personalitys, basically a show tech spec reference.  They don't stop there though!  They also include all of the additional human cast as well as designs and bios for background characters that were inspired by all the different Former universes.  They then go into summarizing each episode in the series and not just in a basic Megatron did this or that.  They took a rather unique view and wrote many of the show synopsis in diary form from the decapitated Megatron head or another character.  They even include character designs for background machines from Sumdac Systems, and a map of the solar system. 

These books made me a bigger fan of Tranformers Animated.  They make me revisit the series and notice more of what was going on.  These two books are perfect for any Transfan, and I think the price of Allspark Almanac II shows for itself its wealth of knowledge (with a price of over $200 on Amazon right now).  These books made me see just how much the Animated series was geared toward fans, and i am happy that so many people have noticed this themselves.  If you don't have these books or haven't perused them in person yet please do! I promise you won't regret it.  

(Author), Bill Forster (Author

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!

Transformers Infestation 2 Number 1

The first time that I learned about Infestation I was really excited.  I have never been a huge zombie freak but I do enjoy a different angle.  The first run of Infestation tied Transformers, Ghostbusters, G.I.Joe and Star Trek.  To make the task even more difficult they announced that to understand the story all you need to read is your perspective titles i.e. since I read Transformers the story will be self contained in the the Transformers 2 zombified issues.  Needless to say I was skeptical.  I ended up really enjoying the issues without having to read everything else. 
The first Infestation for Transformers took advantage of the books that were already written with the inclusion of the Heart of Darkness and Galvatron's master plan.  The story line really came together including the use of the story in the main line.
Infestaion 2 has started and unlike Infestation This however is a different story.  Instead of continuing a G1 universe, they decided to infest the Alternate Universe of Hearts of Steel.  I personally did not enjoy the Hearts of Steel story line.  Hearts of Steel is a TF universe that takes place in the 1800's.  The original story placed Bumbleebee in the assistance of John Henry as the railways paved into the west.  This was one story line that I struggled through and hoped would be left at the miniseries.  The only real part that I found interesting was the character designs taking alternate forms of steam engines or blimps.  I really enjoyed the designs and was happy to see the care it took to keep the alt modes and robot modes feasible.  For example the 3rd party Knight Morpher Prime was based off of the Optimus Prime of this timeline and it looked quite interesting.
This story takes up where the last ended.  Bumbleebee has stayed in touch with his human friends.  Additionally the Autobots are fighting all of the Decepticons in 1800's designs.  Long story short, the infestation begins, and the Autobots are forced to seek their only hope... Optimus Prime who sadly has been deactivated.  They need enough energy to activate his circuits and in 1800's so they turn to Thomas Edison.  When Edison says that it is crazy to say that you need a million Watts, luckily Nicholle Tesla shows up out of the wood work.  This is one reason that I don't find the Hearts of Steel timeline... its just a ploy to name drop 1800's celebrities.  Well Tesla says that he can create a great amount of electrical energy using his design and off they go to the body of Prime to build this magnificent device and save the day.
My bet is that in the next issue Prime is reactivated and once again uses the Matrix to stop the threat.  I just see this story line being and exact same as the previous Transformers Infestation. 
There really weren't any surprises in this issue.  I feel like this is once again the same story that I have read.  I will pick up the second issue, but I feel that this story will fall flat for me just like to original Hearts of Steel story, sadly.

Transformers Autocracy #2

Transformers Autocracy #2

SPOILER WARNING.  I am going to explain what happened, if you want to be surprised... please check out another one of myblogs... I would hate to ruin anything for you!

Today marked the release of the second issue for Transformers Autocracy.  I have to say that this series is starting to shape up.  This issue's main focus happens in the Autobot governmental chambers as the Zeta Prime and the leaders discuss how the Decepticon threat should be dealt with.  Zeta Prime has developed a "vampiric" braid that is used to control and eventually eliminate the spark of the upstarts, with the expense of much energon.  The story continues as Zeta shows the power of his weapon and eliminates Swindle.  Zeta then reveals that he has a large scale version of his weapon and suggests that they should use it to eliminate the uprising.  This continues with talks from the coucil (including a late arrival Starscream) about how it would be impossible to even acquire that much energon in this time of need.  Zeta assures the group that he has already began to siphon the energon from needy cities and they have no clue it is happening. 

On a second front, they return to the story of Orion Pax, who is training with his crew and Ultra Magnus.  They continue to explore Orion's thoughts and motivations as he explores his options. 

The issue finishes as Starscream notices a spy in the inner chamber and Soundwave is seen running over Pax to a possible escape.  Luckily Soundwave has escaped with the needed information of the council stealing energon from the citizens and will give Megatron the needed ammo to increase his numbers for his Decepticon cause.

I really like how the series is starting to come together.  I have always enjoyed the Cybertronian pre-war comics.  I loved the Orgin of Megatron, and couldn't wait for any new issues of War Within (sadly still waiting for the finale of the third installment).  I think this series has been great in showing another side of the story.  Like the Megatron Origin story this is showing another very little told story.

This series is really setting up Robots in Disguise.  It is giving an amazing amount of insight as to why there may be NAILs in the society after the war.  It also gives insight into why some chose to allign themselves on the Decepticon cause, or why some just up and left unaligned entirely. 

I like how they are setting up Megatron to be the hero that he was to Orion Pax.  Additionally it would be nice to see a Decepticon uprising as being heroic or righteous, and not in a Shattered Glass manner.  This series is fleshing out the sides.  It really makes you start to rethink whatever faction you feel you most support. 

I like to see how the Autobots were not necessarily in the right at all times.  It may just be a sign of growing up (NO NEVER), but I am enjoying both the political and the backgrounds that are being introduced. 

I will be picking up my final new issues for this month so check  back this weekend for my thoughts on Infestation II #1. 

I can’t believe that I am saying this after the Mike Costa series but I am really looking forward to and enjoying the the ongoing Transformers serieS!

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!

20th Anniversary Transformers Lithograph

This was one of the last releases of Transformers swag from Dreamwave before they went bottoms up, and I have to say I am incredibly happy this got released.  This is the 20th Anniversary Lithograph drawn by Don Figuoera.  I have this lito hanging in my office and have had this litho hanging since I brought it home.  I have to say that I still find myself losing myself in the image.  It seems like every time I look at the picture I see something else, or another great image enters my mind.

Don really outdid himself in this epic piece of art.  It is by far the most populated Transformers artwork that has ever been attempted.  There is no real scale between the bots but it reallly doesn't need one.  Instead each and every Generation one bot is present and accounted for (no exceptions have been found yet).  But there is probabally Devastator, but that means that Screapper and Mixmaster are only present in limbs right?  INCORRECT.  Every gestalt in present in combined form, and still redrawn in bot mode to complete the image.  But what about Moonracer and the Fembots... or even a more important character with no toy love Elita -1.  Yup they are all there... every Fembot, and definately Elita-1.  I am a HUGE Devcon fan... but he isnt't there... yes he is!  There isn't a possibilty that Nightbird in present... she wasn't ever an Transfomer just  a background character... Sorry to disappoint... Nightbird is there.  Even eveyone's favorite Energetic electro charged buddy Kremzeek is there. 

I have purchaed a whole bunch of posters and lithos throught all of my years collecting, but this by far has been the most rewarding.  If you ever get a chance to own a copy I highly recommend it... it will bring hours of daydreaming and inspection.  You'll find yourself inspcting it as I had... forever tryting to figure out who Don forgot to draw... and as always being satisfyingly wrong when he beats your time and time again. 

Thanks for the great work Don... This is why you are and will always be my favorite Transformers Artist!