Transformers Review – G1 Ultra Magnus (Kabaya)

Intro:

            The Kabaya Transformers series, as mentioned in one of my previous reviews, are generally based on G1 and Classic/ Henkei figures. However, the subject of our review – Ultra Magnus – is an exception in the entire line. Although it is obviously based on how the character looked in the original series, the way how the figure transforms is based on the now-defunct Titanium line.

            The Ultra Magnus figure in the Titanium is arguably one of the best in the series, whose transformations resembles more to its animated counterpart rather than the original G1 figure.

            So having said that, it means that this set will contain no Optimus Prime repaint as the small inner robot, thus the trailer and the cab are inseparable from one another.

Alternate Mode:

            I really like the alternate mode, and I regard Ultra Magnus as one of the more unique mould in the line. The truck mode is a dead ringer to his Titanium counterpart.

 

 

            The best part of this mode, I think, is that the ramp is open-able.

 

            The stickers can be a bit of an @$$ to stick, but you’ll make it through.

Robot Mode:

            I love the robot mode. I would actually rank this figure as the best in Wave 2, just as how Star Saber was the best in Wave 1. The blue color of the plastic is so vibrant that it actually made the figure feel more expensive than it is. The combination of base blue, and red and white stickers really enhanced the look of this figure.

            At some point, I think that this figure is even more well proportioned compared to its Titanium counterpart. While the hands may still be slightly long, it isn’t as long as that of the Titanium’s, where it made him to look to having ape-hands. In fact, it’s almost seemed unnoticeable, if you ask me.

 

            Anyways, Ultra Magnus’s robot mode rocks.

Summary:

            What can I say, I love this figure. The original G1 Ultra Magnus has remained as one of my Holy Grails of Transformers collecting, thus it’s no coincidence that I have a soft spot for this figure right.

            The best figure in the Wave 2 series, I highly recommend him to TransFans, as well as the Kabaya Transformers fans.

Verdict: 9/10

Transformers Review –Classic Optimus Prime (Kabaya)

Intro:

            The Kabaya Transformers series so far has based their figures on the original G1 series (inclusive of the subsequent Japanese series) and also the Classics/ Henkei/ Universe line (except for Ultra Magnus, which is based on the Titanium series). Having already released the original G1 Optimus Prime character earlier, it was surprising that the Classics Optimus Prime likeness was also released. 

            It’s kinda strange that Wave 1 would have two Optimus Prime figures in the same Wave.Just for the record, Ginrai was an exception, because technically, Ginrai or Powermaster Optimus Prime are not the same character fiction-wise.

Alternate Mode:

            There’s nothing much to say about the truck mode except that it’s very similar to its Classics/ Henkei designs. 

 

 

Robot Mode:

            Classics Optimus Prime is a part-former at best. In order to transform him into robot mode, a lot of parts would have to be detached and rearranged. Although the construction is slightly more complicated than that of the previously released G1 Optimus, there’s nothing that you can’t handle. The instructions are very clear and accurate. 

 

            In this mode, Optimus only wields a double barrel gun, unlike the Classics version where the air vent on top of the truck could become the robot mode’s backpack, as well as transforming into a blaster. 

            The mould itself is very good, but with one slight problem – the head can’t really stay put as it keeps on tilting backward into the body, mainly due to the lack of physical support of the head aperture. So that’s a bit frustrating in an otherwise great set.

Summary:

            Classics Optimus Prime is a good addition to the lineup, but honestly I do not see him as a must-have in the line. I find that it makes no sense to have two variants of the Optimus Primes in the lineup, even more so in the same Wave, when they could’ve opt for a G1 Megatron instead.

Verdict: 7/10

Transformers Review – G1 Optimus Prime (Kabaya)

Intro:

            This character needs no introduction. He is undoubtedly the most iconic & famous Transformers of all time; the Face of the Franchise; the legendary leader – Optimus Prime.

            Throughout the long history of the franchise, Optimus Prime has arguably the most reincarnations in various series – one of the only 2 constants in the entire franchise, along with Megatron.

            Due to the sheer magnitude of the character, it is inevitable that Optimus would receive the honor of being the first release in the Wave 1 Kabaya. So let’s get on with the review.

Alternate Mode:

            I’d know that flat truck anywhere – unmistakably Optimus Prime. Unfortunately the truck doesn’t come with a trailer – it would’ve been possible for Kabaya to squeeze in a few more bits of plastics into the set I reckoned, which unfortunately they didn’t. 

 

 

Robot Mode:

            The robot mode is a dead ringer to the original G1 figure – the resemblance is almost uncanny. 

 

            The articulations are typical of Kabaya Transformers, except that the legs can swing backward and back instead of splitting awkwardly outward. So at least you can pose Optimus Prime walking. 

            In this mode, Optimus is armed with his iconic Ionic blaster.

Summary:

            I guess that if you’re a Transformers collector, Optimus Prime is always a must, and is definitely a good addition to your Kabaya Transformers collection. Now, if only Kabaya would release a G1 Megatron assembler kit, that would be awesome. Just in case in the good people from Kabaya are listening, maybe you guys could consider G1 Megatron, Soundwave and Shockwave in the Wave 5 lineup.

            Now wouldn’t that be nice…

Verdict: 8/10

Transformers Review – Victory Star Saber (Kabaya)

Intro:

 

            I guess by now, most of you guys out there might already know how the list of my Transformers-collecting Holy Grail is like. The list contains some of the big names in Transformers Universe that stretched from the original G1 series such as Trypticon, Fortress Maximus and Sixshot, all the way to the more recent Star Wars Crossover Death Star Darth Vader, RiD Omega Prime, Armada Jetfire and Transformers Cybertron/ Galaxy Force Override (Nitro Convoy in Japanese) and Evac (Live Convoy). Somewhere in that list, you’ll find the name Star Saber in it.

            When I say Star Saber, I do not mean the Minicon Star Saber, where 3 Minicons: Sonar, Runway and Jetstorm, combine together to form one of the Armada-verse most power weapons – the Star Saber Sword. I have the Energon version of these figures, and come to think of it, I might just do a review of these guys soon. 

            Anyways, despite the awesome might of the weapon, I felt that this has been a disgrace to the name to put the name of once-a-legendary Autobot leader to a mere weapon. Anyways, to those not in the know, Star Saber was the Autobot Commander on Earth during the events of Transformers: Victory, as the successor of Ginrai (during the events of Transformers: Masterforce).

            Unfortunately, I still do not have this figure, but what I do have is the Kabaya version of the legendary character. I know it’s a bad substitute, but one has to make do with what he has, right? Maybe someday, I’ll be able to get him, and you guys will definitely be the first to know about it.

            Anyway, Kabaya Star Saber is one of the 3 Wave 1 Kabaya Transformers assembler kit available, along with G1 Optimus Prime and the Classic version of the G1 Optimus Prime.

Alternate Mode:

 

            Anyways, as depicted in the late 80’s Japanese animated series, Star Saber transforms into a jet. Being a Kabaya model kit, it’s no surprise that he does not have the mini-jet mode that was available in the original set. The original figure would have the smaller robot (not the tiny Brainmaster robot) transforms into a smaller jet, before combining with a trailer-esque jet to become a larger jet.

 

            To its credit, it’s quite show accurate.

 

Robot Mode:

            The robot mode is quite good and he’s probably my favorite of the three kits available in Wave 1. The robot mode is a dead-ringer to his animated version. If you look closely, Star Saber’s face really looks like Optimus Prime’s face, but with different color scheme and a longer set of antennae. 

           The articulations are typical for a standard Kabaya Transformers: the head turns; shoulders turn; elbow bends; hips split outward; and that’s about it.

 

            The articulation sucks (as usual), but I really love how this tiny figure looks.

Summary:

            If you’re looking to get only 1 set of Kabaya Wave 1 Transformers, or even to get only one set out of the entire line, I would highly recommend this guy right here. If you’re a fan of the character, and of course if you’re a sucker for Transformers assembler kit, then this figure is definitely for you.

Verdict: 9/10

Transformers Review – G1 Starscream (Kabaya)

Intro:

            A few months ago, I did a review on the Kabaya Super Ginrai & God Bomber set. Kabaya is of course a Japanese confectionary company, who apparently received permission to reproduce various Transformers assembler kit, sold with a chewing gum. 

            So far, 4 Waves have been released and I am proud to say that I have managed to obtain all figures from all Waves so far, except for G1 Jetfire/ Skyfire. Starscream, along with Super Ginrai and God Bomber are all a part of the Wave 3.

Alternate Mode:

            Starscream’s alternate mode is literally a dead ringer to his original G1 figure. He is very show accurate.

Robot Mode:

 

            Starscream has a very accurate robot mode with very limited articulations. It is also advisable that you always have a toothpick, tweezers or a very tiny small screwdriver in order to stick on the stickers. 

 

Summary:

            For the price, I think the figure is quite worth it. It’s literally a part-former, and if you’re like me, you’ll definitely enjoy the brief construction process. But do be wary, due to price, the plastics used are quite fragile and do be very, very careful when constructing or transforming these figures.

Verdict: 8/10

Transformers Review – Starscream (Prime Deluxe)

Intro:

            Following the successes of the movie franchise, the end of the Transformers: Animated series, and also the overwhelming success of the War of Cybertron video games, Hasbro eventually decides to move on with the new series called Transformers: Prime.

            A first glance at the new animated series, it is already notable that the designs of the various robots in the new line are hugely influenced by the 3 previously mentioned entities. Optimus Prime and Bumblebee, for instance are clearly inspired by the movies, while Megatron is obviously inspired by its Transformers: Animated designs.  

            Starscream too, clearly has his design inspirations from the movies as well as his Animated counterpart.

Alternate mode:

            Starscream obviously transforms into a jet, which is typical for most reincarnation of the name, save for the Alternity version (even then the robot mode is jet-inspired). I have no idea on the model or make used for his alternate mode designs. 

            Unlike most Jet-formers that we’ve got, Starscream doesn’t come with any landing gears. Instead, there are 3 notches: 1 in front and 2 at the back that acts as the gears. 

            Due to the Toy Regulations in the US (man, I hate using that T-word), the nose cone, the two missiles and the pieces in front of what would be the legs, are made from soft bendable plastics.

            Apart from looking the part, the jet mode offers no more features or playability.

Robot Mode:

            One thing that has to be said about Starscream’s robot mode – he’s skinny. He’s very slim, but at the same time, he’s tall, thus making him a bit imposing. Standing at almost 6-inches to tip of his head, and with his wings protruding about 1 ½- inches more, he looks menacing and deadly. The figure may look as if he’s a bit of a hunchback, but that only succeeds in him looking way taller and at the same time, bending down.

 

 

            I also love his head sculpt, which has that hint of a smirk, so typical of scheming Starscream. As mentioned earlier, his leg spikes are made from soft rubbery plastic, as with the frontal tip of his head. 

            Articulation-wise: his head is on a ball joint, as well as his shoulders and hips; the arms rotate slightly below the elbow joints and the elbows bend; the wrists only flips and back; there is also a waist joint, with a locking mechanism that ensures the waist always faces front (or back); the knees bend; and finally the toe and feet flaps swings inward and out.

            The articulations of this figure is very delicious and the overall sculpt is really detailed. The set also comes with a paper Transformers: Prime stand.

Oh, but of course, My Lord Megatron...

Summary:

            The box says that this is the First Edition Series, so that means that there will definitely be more repaints or retooling of this particular sculpt. Overall, I think this is a very good figure, and is a good sign of the rest of the figures to come in the series. I’ve already watched a couple episodes in the new series, and so far, it has gotten hyped up.

            If you’re a fan of the series, and even more so if you are a fan of Starscream, do get this guy, unless of course if you wanna be picky and wait for a possible retooling of the sculpt in the future.

           

            Highly recommended.

            Final verdict: 9/ 10

*Please leave constructive ideas, valuable thoughts and more at the Comments section.