Shop for Collectibles Online

Transformers Review – Blackout (2007 Voyager-Class)


Intro:
            Ah… Blackout – a Transformer character that will always have a special place in the hearts of millions, and millions of TransFans all around the world. Not just because of the fact that he is one bad@$$ Decepticon, or the fact that he was marked as the largest Decepticons in the movie, he means more than that. Blackout represents the end of a very long, long wait. The fact that he was the first ever Transformers to transform in live-action, made him a legend. I remember watching that first part of the movie when Blackout transformed and destroyed the entire SOCCENT base like it was a children’s playground. I can still hear that transformation sound playing for the first time ever, and two things occurred to me that day: it was definitely worthwhile to be a TransFan, and of course, Blackout was definitely at the very top of my Movie to-get list.
            Apparently, I wasn’t the only who had that idea in mind, as Blackout proved to be one of the most difficult to get figures in these parts of the world. I, however, was one of the lucky few to have managed to get him, and by God (!), I was like a kid with a candy when I got him. So, here it is, the long-overdue review of 2007 Movie Voyager Blackout.
           
Alternate Mode:
            The first thing that you would definitely notice the moment you take Blackout out of the box, you’d noticed how beautiful the alternate mode is, which is a Sikorsky MH-53 Pave Low helicopter. Predominantly bluish-grey in color, Blackout’s alternate mode looks very convincing. As far as the looks may go, the main attraction of this particular figure, in my book would be the rotating helicopter blade, activated by repeatedly pressing the stick-trigger right below the tail fin. The effects are just simple, and yet amazing. I could imagine kids playing with it, reenacting the first scene of the movie where Blackout is first seen, flying to the SOCCENT base. That’s not all, just so happen if you have a Movie Scorponok figure, or even a ROTF redeco of Scorponok, you can attached him to the underside of Blackout, and by pressing the same stick-trigger, you can operate both the rotor blades and Scorponok’s drill-claws – awesome concept!!! 
Stick Trigger Below the Tailfin
Pegs and Holes Underneath the Helicopter for Combination with Scorponok
Blackout-Scorponok Combined Mode
            However, there are several slight issues with the Blackout-Scorponok combination that I’ve found on mine, which then again, might due to the fact that my Scorponok is a redeco. First is that Scorponok doesn’t seem to lock in very well to Blackout’s underside. The holes on top of Scorponok just seem too big of the pegs underneath of Blackout to peg in, so the former must be held in place at all times when fiddling with the combined mode. 
 
 
            Secondly, since the trigger has to activate both the rotor and the drill-claws, it will feel kinda heavy. While the trigger may turn the drill-claws smoothly, the rotor blades however will be unaligned at some point, and you may have to realign them constantly. I honestly don’t know whether or not these issues will be prevalent when Blackout is paired with the original movie Scorponok, I would appreciate if anyone could confirm it with me.
            Anyways, apart from the issues with the combination mode, there is also another QC issue that I have found with mine, and I do not quite know if it’s just mine or is it prevalent because of the mould design, the robot legs which form the main cabin of the helicopter are attached quite loosely to the craft’s spine, so you might need to hold the figure from the bottom, rather than holding it just by the tailfin. 
Scorponok Figurine inside a Cage with Trigger
            The rotor blades on the tailfins are also rotatable, but not with a trigger. And also, just in case if you do not have a Scorponok of your own, Blackout also comes along with a little Scorponok figurine which is more in scale in terms of size and is kept in a small cage-like contraption near to the tail end of the helicopter. There is also a trigger near the cage and pressing it will cause the cage to open and little Scorponok is released to wreak havoc at SOCCENT base in Qatar. 
Anyways, despite the issues and flaws, I still find this figure to be very exciting. In fact, I haven’t had so much fun with a helicopter Transformer since, well, the Combaticon’s Vortex and Protectobot’s Blades, and that’s saying it lot!

Robot Mode:
 
            Blackout’s robot mode, despite of being billed as the largest individual in the Decepticon armada, he is ironically the smallest robot in the entire Voyager line (as pictured with ROTF Voyager Optimus Prime & ROTF Deluxe Scorponok below). Having said that, Blackout looks absolutely bad@$$! 
 
            As for the head sculpt itself, you either like it or you don’t – it is very alien-ish, that also has red-colored light piping, which is not that obvious really.  
Blackout vs Scorponok
Blackout vs ROTF Optimus
            Articulation-wise: the head rotates limitedly; the shoulders rotate and there are another set of joints that allow the main arms to move up and down, and also rotate; the elbows bend and the wrists can only bend in and out – mostly due to the transformations; hips are on clicky universal joints; tight clicky knees with a rotation joints above them; and finally the toes move up and down. It is quite unfortunate that Blackout has no waist movements and the design of the robots itself hinders a lot of the posing options. 
 
            One thing that has to be said is the massive contraption at the back of the robot. Obviously if it was left to dangle there, it would’ve made Blackout extremely back-heavy, and HasTak actually provided us with two methods to overcome this problem.
 
            First, when you put the robot in a perfect stand position, you will see that the rotor stick-trigger below the tailfin would provide the “third” leg to the robot, which in turn would hinder a lot of possible pose-abilities. 
 
            Or secondly, you can just detach the humongous contraption and let Blackout wield it as an awkwardly designed and outwardly huge mother-of-a-gun. Due to the designs of the hands though, Blackout would have no way of holding the darn weapon, except to have it pegged to its shoulders.
            The side panels of the helicopter, that is supposed to lock the arms and the main body in place can also be a bit loose. 
            The robot itself may look extremely menacing on its own, but when displayed with the rest of his comrades, he will look a bit out of place.

Overall:
            Blackout is definitely one of those hot figures that people would always love, but could not get hold of. I remember back in 2007, Voyager Blackout only cost about RM90 (US$25 – by conversion), but now, the price of an MISB Blackout can go up to as high as RM450 (US$115) – which is almost five times of the original price. Despite of the several issues and gripes that plagued this figure, as far as visuals are concerned, he looks awesome. Coupled with the fact that he was the first ever live-action Transformers that we saw endeared him even more to the TransFans.
            To me, he is just so fun to fiddle around with, and although may be a bit limited in terms of articulations, I would still recommend him to any Transformers fans out there.
Recommended.

            Final verdict: 8.5/10.

Transformers Review – Topspin (DOTM Deluxe-Class)


Intro:
            Alright my fellow Cybertronians, for today’s review, we will review the second member of the DOTM Wreckers crew – Topspin. Now as far as I could recall, I’ve never seen Topspin in the G1 animated series continuity before, but he was indeed featured in the Marvel UK comics as part of the Wreckers. 
            So far, as far as I know, the name Topspin is normally synonymous with characters that transforms into helicopters as the name itself would suggest.  However this time around, in Dark of the Moon, Topspin is depicted again as a part of the Wreckers, but this time, he would transform into a car instead.
           
Alternate Mode:
            Being a part of the Wreckers, he would naturally transform into a stylized NASCAR racecar, just as Leadfoot and Roadbuster do – a Lowe’s Chevrolet Impala by Hendrick Motorsports, driven by Jimmie Johnson. While Roadbuster’s alternate mode provides the better disguise befitting the traditional Transformers slogan, Topspin transforms into a highly weapons-loaded version of the car, as depicted in the later parts of the movie. While I normally would dislike such radical alternate modes, I do have to admit that I’ve grown quite fond of this mode, and I would even go as far as to say that it has a better and a more exciting vehicle mode than that of Roadbuster’s. 
 
 
            There are 5 detachable weapons that come along with the set, with one of it comes with the actual Mech-Tech gimmicks. While the Mech-Tech weapon is normally placed on the front hood, the placement of the other four weapons is interchangeable. 
NASCAR Sprint Logo
            Just like Roadbuster’s alternate mode, Topspin comes with racing decals as well, with Lowe’s logo, the number 48 and the small NASCAR Sprint logo on the sides of the car. On the spoilers, there is also a small Autobot logo, which obviously depicts his allegiance. 
Decals
            As for the Mech-Tech weapon, it looks more like a bow-shaped blaster. By activating the Mech-Tech gimmick, it transforms into a claw-like device, which unfortunately do not lock in. 
 
 
            Still, overall, I really like this car mode and he definitely looks more menacing and exciting compared to the blander Roadbuster.
Robot Mode:
           Topspin has quite an interesting robot mode, and having a good set of standout color coordination helps a lot. Similar to Roadbuster, Topspin too has a backpack/ shoulder weapons that he could deploy.
 
            Articulation-wise: Topspin has ball-jointed head; the arms swivels in and out between the shoulders and the chest; the shoulders themselves are on ball joints; the arms rotate slightly below the shoulders and bend at the elbows; each arms also comes with a set of claws that open and close; waist articulation is available; ball-jointed hips; double-jointed knees (which is always a welcome) and finally, ball-jointed ankles. 
 
            I would rate Topspin as having a way better robot mode as compared to Roadbuster. The movements of the limbs are not hindered whatsoever by any vehicle kibbles, as predominant on Roadbuster. Unlike Roadbuster, the back of Topspin is much neater, and doesn’t have the whole car roof on the back. 
 
            There is also blue light-piping on the head sculpt, which is very nice. The Mech-Tech weapon can be mounted on the ports on either arm.
            Again, personally I think Topspin has a way better robot mode as compared to Roadbuster.

Overall:
            I like Topspin. He’s such a wonderful figure, and definitely a figure that Roadbuster should have been. The standout colors and minimal kibbles help the figure a lot. Now that I have 2/3 of the Wreckers down, I only have Leadfoot to look forward to. Until then, do get your very own Topspin for your fiddling pleasure.

            Final verdict: 8.5/10. 

Transformers Vault: The Complete Transformers Universe

Hi there Cybertronians!!!

If you guys are indeed a professed TransFanatic just like me, then you definitely to get this wonderful and comprehensive book, published by Abrams. It features numerous rare collectibles and memorabilia such as the 1986 movie poster, 3D G1 Tech-Specs and many more.

I've just gotten my own copy, and I have to admit, this will definitely go down as one of my most significant Transformers-related purchases, and I am very, very pleased with it.

Take a look of this following video preview from Abrams Books.


.:PEACE:.

Transformers Review – Metroplex (Cybertron Leader-class) -- 10,000 Views Special Edition


Intro:
            10,000 views are such a momentous landmark to achieve. I am grateful that all of you do enjoy my reviews and we do look forward to provide you with even more reviews, news and articles. Thus, to celebrate this momentous milestone, we shall review one of the most unique figures from the Galaxy Force/ Cybertron series – Metroplex, a.k.a. Megalo Convoy
Metroplex – a name that will bring a smile to most Transformers fan, especially for those who grew up in the G1-era. He was the hulking robot that transformed into a whole friggin’ city and made all other gestalts looked like toys (pun not intended). After his G1 appearances, the character went into dormancy.
            After decades in the doldrums, the name is brought back as the gigantic leader of Giant Planet/ Gigantion, or Gigalonia (in the Japanese’s Galaxy Force). He was one of the more powerful characters in the show that he could actually beat Megatron up on his own!!! Most definitely way stronger than Vector Prime.
            The Japanese series depicts Megalo Convoy (his name in the Japanese series) as a caring leader and did not wish to return to his previous warring ways, implying that the character used to be a fearsome and ferocious warrior. He is easily the biggest Transformers in the show, dwarfing even his own fellow Gigalonians. Based on observations, the character would naturally be as big, if not bigger than the conventional gestalts, although there is no way to prove that since there were no gestalts in the show. I’d like to think of Megalo Convoy as the descendent of the original Metroplex, being bigger than most other robots, although still a lot smaller than his ancestor.
            Also it is worth to note that this Metroplex action figure has proven to be one of the most elusive figures in the entire country. Many local dealers didn’t even manage to get supplies, thus it has given rise to the impression that it is released in Malaysia in limited quantity. So, without further ado, let’s roll on with the review.

Alternate Mode:
 
            Now, to be honest with you, I’m not entirely sure what’s this mode supposed to be. According to the description given, it is supposed to be some sort of a construction vehicle-ish, but honestly, it looks nothing of the sort. Yes, there is a hint of a shovel and a pair of bulldozer-ish shovels up in front and that about it. In actuality, this mode kinda reminds me of a certain vehicle from the animated series, Jayce and the Wheeled Warriors, and to some extent, something from the Robotix show. 
 
            The alternate mode is kind of like a mixed baggage. It offers no such disguise capability whatsoever because it looks absolutely out of this world, but then again, that’s the point, his vehicle mode doesn’t have to be confined to the norms of our world, so if you look at it from that angle, then the alternate mode probably works. The alternate mode is uncreative at best, because it looks exactly like his robot mode sitting on the ground, with his hands swing back awkwardly. 
 
            The shovel is huge, and it really does add dimensions to the alternate mode. The shovel should be facing the front while the circular saw should face the back. The whole length of the shovel-saw contraption bends at two places, although the shovel portion can bend as well. The circular saw rotates and it does clicks as you rotate them, which is very nice. Also, just so you know, the Cyber Planet Key gimmick still works in this mode as well (more on that later on).
 

Robot (Work) Mode:
 
            It is important to note that there are two ways to have this figure; i.e. the official way and the unofficial way. The photo above depicts the official way, which I am not really fond of, partly due to the exposed screws. Somehow, in the photo below, which depicts the unofficial way looks much better. 
 
Articulations for the Official Work Mode
            The features and articulations for both methods are literally the same except for the knees. The knees for the official method bend as if they are double-jointed, which is nice, but as far as the unofficial method goes, it is kind of limited in the degree of bending. 
Okay, now that we got that out of the way, it is a pity that we never get to see this on the actual show, because this mode would literally make some of us old-time fans smile. Why, you might ask? Because the Work mode is literally an homage to his G1 namesake. Coincidentally, they are both of the same size, and so are the overall colors and shape. 
I also like the head sculpt – an obvious homage to the previous Metroplex’s figure, and it also comes with red light piping. 
 
            Articulation-wise: the head only rotates, although it would’ve been great if it was somehow on a ball-joint; the whole shoulder pads rotate (clicky) and the arms swings up and down (clicky) – both on click-joints; the arms rotate slightly above the bendable elbows and there are no wrist joints; all fingers (minus the fixed thumbs) open and close in tandem; his waist joint is available, which is always a good thing; the hips are on clicky universal joints that provides all around movements; bendable knees (clicky) and finally, a pair ankle joints that swings upward and down (clicky).  I have had this figure for almost 7 years now, and the click-joints still work fine, which is a huge bonus.
            The feet are quite huge, thus the entire figure itself is quite stable, so you can pose him in various poses, and the entire thing still won’t topple over.
            He is still able to wield his gigantic weapon – the Sparkdrinker – in this mode, albeit awkwardly. The weapon kinda looks a bit too big for him. 
            Even though as mentioned earlier, this mode did not appear in the series, it was shown briefly during his transformation sequence. He would transform into his Work mode, before proceeding to transform to his much larger robot mode.
From Left: Unicron, Metroplex (Work Mode) & Primus
            Anyways, although this itself is already a fabulous robot mode, we are further spoilt with another mode.
From Left: Metroplex (Work Mode) & Galaxy Convoy (Super Mode)
Robot (Combat) Mode:
 
             Although he wasn’t specified as such officially, I’d still prefer to call this mode his Combat mode. His Combat mode is very streamlined and looks very well-proportioned. He might look extremely thin from the sides, but he does look quite majestic and has an aura of a powerful leader to him. I love the broad shoulders and how streamlined the torso is. 
 
 
            Articulation-wise, it is overall similar to that of his Work mode, even though the legs have been lengthened for this mode. However, the main difference is that he could better wield the Sparkdrinker in this mode, even though there is still no way for him to wield the darn thing with both of his hands. I still think that the lack of a ball-jointed head somewhat hurt the figure a bit – I could think of many poses to do with him, if you only he had come along with that ball joint. Anyways, can’t do anything about it now. 
            He also comes with several Minicon ports, numbering at 14 (1 at each shoulders; 1 on each hands; 2 on the chest; 2 near the waist; 1 on each thighs; 1 on each ankles; and 1 on each heels). 
            Obviously the guy is HUGE!!! You always have fun with HUGE things, don’t you? Both the Cybertron figures Primus and Optimus Prime/ Galaxy Convoy are completely dwarfed by Metroplex in terms of height, although he’s very, very thin. Not quite as tall as Unicron, but definitely not out of place.  
From left: Unicron, Metroplex (Combat Mode) & Primus
            Suffice to say, I love this mode despite some of the minor shortcomings.

Gimmicks and Accessories:
            As far as gimmicks and accessories go, Metroplex comes with loads of them. First of which is Drillbit, Metroplex’s little Minicon companion. Drillbit is described as a robot that complements Metroplex. Where the latter’s prowess in construction is legendary, he still requires Drillbit’s much-needed assistance to conduct delicate works which he couldn’t perform due to his size, such as accessing confined areas and doing minute and detailed tasks. 
 
            Drillbit transforms into a double-drill driller. Drillbit’s robot mode has standard Minicon articulations – no elbows or neck articulations, but come with a swinging hips and bendable knees. Drillbit himself also doubles up as a weapon where it can be mounted on the shovel and acts as a blaster in Metroplex’s alternate mode; or be mounted on Metroplex’s arm in either robot modes as an arm blaster. Neato…
 
 
 
            Another significant accessory is the legendary weapon – the Sparkdrinker, and I do think that it’s a friggin’ cool name for a weapon. As mentioned earlier, Sparkdrinker doubles up as a shovel attachment in Metroplex’s alternate mode. In his robot mode, it becomes a wieldable weapon roughly the height of Metroplex himself. Sparkdrinker also carries the Cyber Planet Key gimmick on it. 
 
 
            The Cyber Planet Key itself purple and gold in color, fit for a leader-level figure such as Metroplex. Inserting the Cyber Planet Key into the slot given slot, Sparkdrinker would emit some sort of a laser blast sound, splits the circular saw into two, thus turning Sparkdrinker into a gigantic axe, and the red LED will flash three times. 
 
 
            Even though in the animated series itself, Galaxy Convoy/ Optimus Prime has been shown to be able to wield Sparkdrinker, I find it a bit ridiculous since the weapon is obviously too big for him to hold. 
            Another think to note, although it was never mentioned officially anywhere, you can actually split the shovel apart and turn him into a base of sort in order to enable Sparkdrinker to stand on its own, turning it into some sort of a staff. Also, if you like, you could have Metroplex carry Sparkdrinker on his back by pegging the weapon onto a couple of holes behind the chest.

Overall:
            I am very impressed with this figure, and is definitely one of the best figures from the Cybertron/ Galaxy Force line, along with Primus and Galaxy Convoy/ Optimus Prime. The size alone is impressive enough and it really makes him a superimposing character amongst your collections.
            Metroplex is categorized as a Leader-class figure, but you really do get a Supreme-class figure for a Leader-class price. And due to its limited in quantity in Malaysia, Metroplex does fetch quite a value – as high as RM450, compared to a purchase price of RM180 back in 2005/06. On eBay, a Cybertron Metroplex figure can cost you between US$60 to US$125, depending on condition. Mint-in-sealed-Box Metroplex can up to as high as US$255, which is about RM900!!!
            All this do indicate that this figure really does worth investing in (if you can still find it), and I couldn’t agree with it more – it’s an absolutely brilliant figure.

Superbly and Highly Recommended to Everyone!

            Final verdict: 10/10.