Linkfest - Christmas Time Is Here

Hopefully just in time for Christmas wish lists and gift giving (to fellow TF fans or yourself), here is a ton of reveals on Hasbro's Combiner Wars figures, Takara Masterpiece figures and a bunch of 3rd party figures with the year long emphasis on combiners. The 3rd party output remains painfully high for wallets with the combiners contining unabated (and most looking amazing) but now there is a more heathly mix of other, often Masterpiece scaled, figures. In addition to the reviews there are galleries to upcoming 3rd party toys, licensed statues, and action figures. To start though is some fan-art including a custom paint job, transforming Lego, and more. On a side note for Transformers: Robots in Disguise fans it has been confirmed the second season is also the final season with only 16 episodes and will end with a "movie" that is equal to 3 episodes. Exactly when it will start airing has not been revealed. On to the info dump.

Fan Art
Custom IDW Optimus Prime and Shockwave - Sadly this version of Optimus Prime and Shockwave isn't available. This custom paint job from LEK Custom Toys was inspired by the artwook from Transformers: Devastation IDW comic book from a few years ago that added a shiny sheen to all the TFs as a kind of hybrid of metal and cartoon look. The result is pretty fantastic looking. Even more images can be found at their Facebook page.

Linkfest - Combiner Wars Continue

The Combiner Wars continue for Hasbro with an upcoming release of the Protectobots and for most of the 3rd party companies who have released either completed around four or five combiners this year with another 5 or so set to finish by year end. It is an embarassment of riches for fans but also quite wallet draining if trying to keep up, especially if trying to get all the combiners. That is before you include the 6 or so Dinobot lines that also in works from these companies.

Much like how combiners wars are a nod to the past so too are some of the links below with a look at potential Action Master designs using combiners as action figures, some behind the scenes info from Transformers: The Movie and 35+ year old commercials from Japan that feature many of your favorite G1 Transformers before they became Transformers. There are also links to galleries to the first 3rd party Grimlock, Prime 1 Studios Age of Extinction statue line, and a stop motion video.

As for reviews, the links include Hasbro's Combiner releases of Cyclonus, the Protectobots, Stunticons, along with Robots in Disguise Jazz & Drift, Playstation Optimus Prime and Masterpiece Star Saber. For third party releases there are a ton of reviews to go with their now overkill output. Iron Factory and 3DX has three releases of their legend scale lines. ToyWorld completes their not Throttlebot combiner after over a year of nothing on that front while also releasing a solid take on not Astrotrain. The number of not Dinobots in the works has reached at least six lines that I can think of including two of them being combiners. Probably need to develop a cheat sheet to keep up at this point. Warbotron has completed their not Bruticus combiner that looks spectacular while Unique Toys reaches the halfway point on their not Terrocons. Those are just some of the many reviews linked below.

Linkfest - Dinobots and Combiners Oh My

It has been a months since did my last linkfest and its shows with an epic ton of video reviews for upcoming figures from Hasbro's Combiner Wars line and all the third party figures. Below are a bunch of reviews for the first wave for the Combiner Wars with an occasional look at an incomplete combiner as Hasbro chose to swap a Stunticon with an Arialbot for each wave to emphasize their ability to swap to create "new" combined robots. Also a look at the first wave of Robots in Disguise toys along with Masterpiece Ultra Magnus and Bumblebee.

For third party reviews the theme is the Dinobots with four lines coming this year. Two of them are Masterpiece scaled figures from Fanstoys while Planet X's are based on War for Cyberton, and one is regular scaled release (from Fansproject) while last is a combiner (from Toyworld). Hopefully the reviews below will help in deciding which of the four to commit to. The 3rd party pattern remains combiners. Other than the Dinobots there are currently takes on the Terrorcons, Combaticons, Technobots and Protectobots. Before the reviews here are links to some upcoming releases, two 80s Transformers videos, and an update on Transformers: Robots in Disguise cartoon series.

Update: Added this reveal of Combiner Wars Devastator. No real deal details except that he may follow the G1 version with six characters merging and come complete as a collection rather than sold individually. Hopefully more will be revealed at the New York Toy Fair that starts Feb 2.

Linkfest - Combiner Wars

The news on the Transformers 5 front remains dead and probably will for a while but that doesn't mean the toys stop coming. In a few cons Hasbro and 3rd party vendors teased about the next six months or so of releases. For Hasbro that means Angry Birds, Combiner Wars and Robots in Disguise toys.

For third party companies, the theme remains combiners with upcoming releases of combiners but it seems the theme for 2015 is Dinbots with at least three separate sets coming one of which will be an actual combiner. Other galleries include a look at Optimus Prime turning into a Playstation 1 console, a look at Ultimetel Prime, and more. On the video review front we have looks at the next wave of Generations Deluxe and Voyager toys, look at two versions of Swoop, reviews of the not Technobots, more Masterpiece figures including Wheeljack, and bunch more.

Linkfest - Dinobots and More

If last few years seemed like 3rd parties focused heavily on combiners, it seems this year has become about the Dinobots as at least three or so companies are prepping their own Dinobot homages. In that realm we have galleries for not Computron, not Swindle, not Sky-Byte, and early look at the not Throttlebots combiner. On the official products front, Takara is working on their take of the Sega Genesis Transformer and a new paint job for Evasion Mode Prime. Hasbro has released images of some of their Angry Birds Transformers line and a look at some TF4 exclusives. In the licensed products realm, Hot Toys is releasing their take on Optimus Prime while Prime 1 Studio has movie inspired busts in the works along with a large and expensive Starscream statue, and Kubrick is releasing their own Bearbrick Transformers. In addition have a look at apartments that kind of transform through creative use of space. On the review front, a look at 28+ toys that have been released or about too. A few favorites include a look at Generations Jetfire, iGears new design of the Seekers, not Skullcruncher, Guardian, not Sludge and a Dinobot combiner.

Video Review of Transformers 4 Toys Lockdown

Below is a video review of Transformers: Age of Extinction deluxe Lockdown which I am have yet to see on store shelves. One of the interesting aspects is the head gun gimmick. Sadly his head doesn't transform into a gun but instead of hand gun fits over his head so can re-create those moments from the trailers and TV spots.

Linkfest - Masterpiece Kre-O

Botcon is this weekend so figured better push this out as has been a while. As usual 3rd party releases dominate as they are constantly announcing something including two different versions of not Computron, a take on G1 Jetfire, Metroplex, repaints, and more. Takara has revealed their repaint of Evasion Mode Prime, a look at Masterpiece Bumblebee, Wheeljack, MP Ultra Magnus and yet another repaint of MP-10 Optimus Prime. Hasbro also is planning to release their own official take of Jetfire for the Generations line. On the cartoon front, no news on the new series but Shout Factory is planning something for Botcon along with the release of Transformers Animated and Beast Machines box sets. As usual, lots of video reviews including generations toys, not Cy-Kill, not Blaster, a $2000 statue and more. To start though is this cool Kre-O take on the classic Generations One line.

Video Reviews of Transformers 4 Dinobots and Dispensor

Below are five video reviews from the Transformers: Age of Extinction toy line. Three of them are for the deluxe sized Dinobots Slash, Strafe, and Slug. Over all they are solid additions that have some problems due to the simplified transformation sequence but manage to have solid robot and alt modes. The last video is a review of Dispensor, which is currently a Japan only release. It is sorta based on the first Transformers soda machine that became a robot due to the Allspark only the alt mode is a soda truck. It has a rather odd gimmick that took what would have been an overall great mold and made it not worth whatever the import price probably is.

Transformers 4 Hound and Galvatron Video Reviews

Two more video reviews for those looking start their Transformers: Age of Extinction toy line collection. The first review is for Voyager Hound that might just be the first toy in the line that I might consider getting with a two great modes despite the simplified transformation. In the second review Voyager Galvatron looks good in truck mode but the robot mode is meh. Might be more interested depending on how the repaint looks (and there is always a repaint, just a matter of when).

Transformers 4 Officially Released Online, Two Video Reviews (Updated)

The wait is over as "Cybertron Monday" (as christened by Hasbro) has essentially marked the official launch of the Transformers: Age of Extinction toyline for online stores including HasbroToyShop.com. However it seems once you add shipping costs and the average 5-10 days to get it, might be better off waiting until May 15th (17th I forget which) for the store side release date. Still keep an eye out at your local favorite toy store as I would be surprised if most stores stick to the official date considering Hasbro is essentially giving online competition the illusion of an advance release (once add shipping times not really).

On a related note, below are video reviews to two of the leader class figures from the line with Optimus Prime and Grimlock. For me I intend to skip the entire line and just stick with Generation releases as really have seen nothing that grabs my interest. Update: Added Hasbro's press release announcing Cybertron Monday.

Video Reviews for Age of Extinction One Step Grimlock and Optimus

Below are video reviews of two Transformers: Age of Extinction toys. These are the one-step changers that really is the very definition of simply that Hasbro is shooting for with the new line. These are really designed for younger kids to make Transformers as simple and easy to play with as possible. The result is a work in progress that isn't worth buying. The first video is for Flip and Change Grimlock, the other is Smash and Change Optimus Prime.

Linkfest - not Everything

Just realized allowed the toy side of news to stack up. Guess was distracted by the Age of Extinction reviews. Still while AoE has been a bit underwhelming, that doesn't mean upcoming 3rd Party plans have slacked in their awesomeness with versions of not Metroplex, not Cy-Kill (yep the GoBot) and not Ultra Magnus. This isn't to say that Takara and Hasbro are not up to some none Extinction plans. Takara has revealed their 30th Anniversary plans that includes a new truck alt mode for Optimus, a look at Masterpiece Wheeljack, and agreements for a slew of products including statues, play sets and ties. In the not quite toy news department we have a look at G1 cartoon concept art and news that the entire "Unicron trilogy" is getting a DVD release. Of course no link fest is complete without a ton of reviews. The highlights include the wave 1 Generation deluxes, Masterpiece Ratbat, not Sharkticons, not Ultra Magnus, not Masterpiece Slag, first figure of a not Bruticus combiner, not Blaster and more. Basically a series of budget busting awesome. As always hit the links for more details and pictures.

Video Review of Transformers 4 Deluxe High Octane Bumblebee

Below is the video review of deluxe High Octane Bumblebee (the 1967 Chevy Camaro SS alt mode). He is the 4th figure from the wave one deluxes for Transformers: Age of Extinction toy line coming in about a month or so. Really, like all previous movie Bumblebee deluxes, once you have one you basically have all of them. Other maybe because like the alt mode color, it doesn't seem different enough from previous versions to be worth buying.

Video Review of Transformers 4 Deluxe Crosshairs

Here is another toy review from the Transformers: Age of Extinction toy line coming in mid-May. This one gives us a look at deluxe class Crosshairs. The character is a very simple transformation that reminds me of the legion class figures (or G1 for that matter). The end result is a character that I suspect will be a future peg warmer.

Video Review of Transformers 4 Deluxe Slug

Another Dinobot toy video review is up. Before it was Scorn, now its Slug. In the G1 days the character was called Slag but it turns out in the UK that Slag = slut hence the name change. Again this one has not been confirmed if in the movie (but I assume he is) and if he is as colorful as the toy is. Very simple but surprisingly effective transformation.

Video Review of Transformers 4 Deluxe Scorn

Yep another video review of a Transformers: Age of Extinction toy. This one is for the Dinobot Scorn which I assume will be in the movie but that hasn't been really confirmed. Maybe in a future trailer. The deluxe sized figure looks pretty solid over all with a good transformations sequence.

Transformers 4 Evasion Mode Optimus Prime Toy Review

Another review for a Transformers: Age of Extinction toy that will be released around mid-May. This one is for voyager class Evasion Mode Optimus Prime. The robot mode is the old dirty truck mode seen in the trailer for Prime only with his Generation One color scheme. The robot mode sorta matches his movie look but of course without the extensive detailing that CGI brings to the table. While not sure if like the robot look, it seems like it demonstrates the difficult dance between satisfying transformation sequence that isn't too easy but not too complex either.

Video Review of Transformers 4 First Edition Optimus Prime

Normally I save video reviews for various linkfests, but this provides a first real look at the simplified transformation sequences that is being introduced with the Transformers: Age of Extinction toy line. We have seen it a touch with Beast Hunters and Generations but not at the Leader class scale. The result is a surprising good looking vehicle mode and not all that bad robot mode. The previous leader class transformations were often very complex and time consuming to transform. Basically not all ages could enjoy them. I agree with the reviewer's take. For collector's its "meh" but since it is aimed at kids then Hasbro can consider it mission accomplished. I am curious to see how it works line wide. The toy is available now at Amazon.com.

Transformers: Age of Extinction First Edition Optimus Prime Available Now

Turns out that you do not have to wait until May to get one of the first toys from Transformers 4. Amazon has First Edition Optimus Prime available now for $59.99. The new design, officially revealed at the London Toy Fair, is Hasbro's new attempt at simplifying the transformation sequence to make the toys more enjoyable to play. A worthy goal, but does the final result retain its articulation and detail? According to a bunch of pictures and text review, it just might. Pics here, review here. Order now here. Press release from Hasbro below.

Linkfest - Introducing the Transformers

Time to play catch-up on Transformers non-movie news. A few treats this month with the main one being a great video that from the 1983 Tokyo Toy Fair that introduces to the world what would become the Transformers. On the upcoming third party front, the theme this year is once again combiners with various companies doing their own take on the Protectobots, Combaticons, and another Predaking. Hasbro and Takara have their own non-TF4 news with MP Wheeljack tease, MP Prowl coming stateside, and new Rescue Bots inspired Transformers cartoon coming. In G1 news there is an interview with the guy that killed Optimus Prime, toy design art, official release of Transformers: The Movie score and a new TF book. Finally on the review front lots of great new toys with Warden (IDW Fortrest Maximus), Year of the Horse Prime, Mania King (Galvatron), Bii and Intimidator being on my to buy list. Hit the links and vids to learn more.

1983 Tokyo Toy Fair Video - A substantial piece of Transformers history is now available on YouTube with an old video that shows off the Generation One Transformers for the very first time. Taken at the 1983 Tokyo Toy Show, this was when Hasbro saw the concept and introduced it in 1984 to US audiences. So basically this show and a simple booth launched multi-billion dollar franchise.