Transformers Review: Tow-Line (Energon Deluxe Knockoff)

Intro:

            When I first started collecting Transformers seriously back in 2004, the majority of my collections consisted of Energon/ Superlink figures – albeit knockoff figures – as the franchise began to make its way back to the mainstream market. Since the end of the Beast Machine TV series, it would take several more years before another original series would make it to national TV in Malaysia – Energon/Superlink.

            2003 – 2006 were probably the pinnacle years for knockoff figures. Most knockoff figures (which I would literally call as the original 3^rd Parties) released during these times were very commendable. Some are so good that they are virtually indistinguishable from the original, save only for the trademark engravings and the Transformers insignia.

            Of course, some of these knockoffs have inferior qualities compared to the originals – what do you expect when you compare a RM14-action figure, and an RM 56- action figure?

            Tow-Line was one of those that I have bought in 2005, thanks to a friend of mine – Hocus Pocus – who sent it to me all the way from Kuching, Sarawak. It isn’t a popular character, in fact in never even appeared in the animated series, but I already knew of its existence through various fan page. This was a character that would rely on his intellect, rather than relying on physicality to solve problems.

So when Hocus Pocus told me of its availability in Sarawak, I knew I had to get him.

Alternate Mode:

            Tow-Line’s alternate mode is a van with no specific models, but I would imagine it to be a van that is most likely to be used by reporters or for spying missions, due to the satellite thingy on top.

            Tow-Line is overall 2 shades of blue, red in front and a red stripe running from front to back.

            The van itself is pretty detailed and the kibbles are minimal, with most robot parts are well hidden from view.

Robot Mode:

            Through out the years, I’ve been wary of Van-formers. Until then, most Van-formers, no matter how good or bad the vehicle mode was, the robot mode was guaranteed to be horrible.

            Just take a look at G1 Ironhide and Ratchet; they are definitely the Top-2 contenders for the ugliest Transformers on the 80’s.

            Tow-Line, however, fared way better, and even far exceeded my expectations if I have to say so myself. The van splits into 2 components: the robot itself and a battle platform.

            The battle platform isn’t exactly stellar, but despite being a knockoff figure, he is surprisingly detailed. The paintjob may be a bit sloppy, but the carved details are all there!

            The antenna device that was previously mounted on top of the van can now be wielded as some sort of cannon that can be mounted onto the platform.

            The top half on the van now transforms into the robot itself. The robot mode is perfectly proportioned and I really do love the detailing exhibited here.

Tow-Line and Reveal the Shield Wreck-Gar

            His face looks kind of serious and unlike most knockoff figures out there, this guy literally has some heft to it.

            Articulation-wise: the head rotates, but the movements are heavily restricted; the shoulders consist of a ball joint and a hinge; the elbows and hips are on ball joints as well; the knees bend as if they are double-jointed; and finally, the foot pieces tilt forward, but mostly due to transformation.

            The robot mode is good and there is also a slot on his left shoulder pad for him to mount his Energon Star.

            Overall, Tow-Line’s robot mode is absolutely fantastic.  

Overall:

            Tow-Line’s mold is very good – so good that it would later be reused for Transformers Timeline Ironhide and Ratchet.

            For a knockoff, he is absolutely fantastic, and for most cases, it is indistinguishable from its original version.

            Based on its characterization, it’s sad that the character was not used in the animated series itself.

            Highly Recommended.

            Final verdict: 9.5/10 

Transformers Review: Sludge (Knockoff)

Intro:

            Let’s be honest, shall we? Who doesn’t like dinosaurs?

            Everyone love dinosaurs, right?

            So when the good people behind the creations of the Transformers franchise back in the 80’s knew that they had to capitalize on that fact, and hence, they introduced the Dinobots.

            Dinobots were cool, in every single way. They were the Autobot’s heavy-hitters. The Decepticons run scared whenever the Dinobots show up. Despite not being able to combine into a gestalt robot, which I have always wished that they could, they were the regular sparring partner for Devastator, and they have time and again emerged on top. They were almost impervious to harm and Grimlock, in most cases were as strong, if not stronger than even Optimus Prime himself.

            Anyways, the point is that I love the Dinobots and when I started collecting back in 2004, I wanted a Dinobot real bad. I looked for Grimlock, but he ain’t anywhere to be found. So I came across a knockoff version of G1 Sludge one day, albeit one with a totally different coloring. So I thought, why not, right? It’s better this than nothing.

            So I whacked him. I bought this guy probably sometime in 2005, and now finally, he’ll get some screen time on New Planet Cybertron.

Alternate Mode:

            Sludge transforms into a Brontosaurus.

            Predominantly blue and silver in color, he does have patches of gold here and there.

            Sludge isn’t exactly a total brick; he does have a little bit of articulations in this mode. For one, the mouth opens and closes. The neck tilts up and down.

The shorter front feet can move just slightly since it is hindered by the robot’s arms.

            The longer hind legs are articulated, and the ankles swing back and forth.

            Overall, it’s a very good alternate mode, by G1 standards.

Robot Mode:

            One thing that is easily noticeable from his robot mode – he’s got huge feet!

            Sludge is about the size of your ordinary Deluxe-class figure. He is suitably-proportioned, although the arms can be a little bit too short.

            Articulations-wise, he is pretty good for a G1 figure: the head rotates; the shoulders rotate and the elbows bend towards his chest; there is also a waist joint; the hips are on a two separate joints, which results in all around motions; and finally the knees bend as if they are double-jointed.

From Left: FOC Kickback and Sludge

            The figure also comes with his signature sword and blaster.

            For those who are good at customization, you guys could probably repaint Sludge into his traditional colors, and you probably going to end up with a perfect G1 Sludge figure.

Overall:

            I have to say, for a knockoff figure, he’s good. I’ve said it before, and I will say it again now, the art of making good knockoff figures is a lost art. Gone are the days when knockoff figures were still good.

            I doubt you could still find this guy anywhere else, but if you do, I’d suggest that you go for it.

            Recommended.

            Final verdict: 8.5/10. 

Transformers Review: Combaticons (G1 Knockoff)

Intro:

            I’ve been waiting for ages to do this particular review. This is the one Transformers figure that is the closest to my heart. Read the details, here.

            Anyways, based on the original G1 animated series continuity, the Combaticons were created by Starscream, out of his frustrations to lead his own army, using the sparks of several rogue Decepticons and wreckage of old World War 2 vehicles, hence the name. 

            Bruticus – the super robot that the Combaticons transforms into – is one of the strongest Decepticon gestalts at the time, and it gave both the Autobots and the Decepticons a lot of problems.

            As we go on with this review, please take note that some of these figures are already broken and thus I am unable to depict some of the modes mentioned.

            So without further ado, let’s get down with the review.

Vortex:

            Vortex is the Combaticons’ resident nutcase and is their interrogator extraordinaire. He transforms into a helicopter and based on the info I’ve gathered, he actually transforms into a Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk. I may not be a heli-fanatic, but I do know that this is one of the most commonly-used helicopter by the United States Air Force… well, TV plays a huge part of that.

            The copter mode looks fairly realistic.

            The set also comes with a small gun that can be mounted in front of the helicopter, specifically at the orange-color portion in front of the cockpit. Unfortunately, I can’t show you that because I’ve somehow lost the gun.

            Transformation is kinda simple, but a knockoff being a knockoff, the quality of the plastic isn’t exactly satisfying. Over time, the plastic has gotten brittle, and the first thing to give in was the ball-joint stick on the shoulders. Both on mine had broken off, and now, they are only held on to the main body with super glue.

Blast Off:

            Blast Off transforms into a space shuttle. He is the Combaticons’ resident loner, and being stationed high up in space away from everyone else just doesn’t quite help with his social difficulties.

            The space shuttle mode is kinda neat and it really looks realistic enough to pass as a NASA shuttle replica.

            Again, as with Vortex, Blast Off isn’t really that durable. The cockpit, which splits up into his arms have really brittle shoulders. Just as with Vortex, the shoulder joints gave in as well on mine.

Swindle:

            Swindle is probably the most business-savvy of all the Combaticons, or even Decepticons at that. He sees everything in terms of opportunity to make profit. 

            Transforming officially into a FMC XR311 military vehicle (looks more like a jeep to me), he is my favourite of all 4 of the smaller Combaticons. 

            The vehicles supposed to come with a blaster that can me mounted on top of the vehicle, but unfortunately I’ve lost that piece.

            Transformation is kinda simple and the robot mode is probably one of the better ones among the 4 smaller Combaticons.

            It is definitely one of the more durable of all the Combaticons.

Brawl:

            Brawl, the bot with some real anger-management issues. He transforms into a Leopard Tank.

            He is definitely the most solid and durable of all the Combaticons. The turret turns 360°.

            The robot mode isn’t exactly good. The sheer blockiness of the mode really restricts an already-limited range of articulations of this figure.

Onslaught:

           The leader of the group and their very own master strategist – he is the most powerful of all the Combaticons. He prefers to devise tactics and strategies rather than get himself dirty in a fight, but when his plans do fail, he has no qualms to get involved himself and unleash his ultimate fury.

            Onslaught transforms into an anti-aircraft truck. Physically, he may be the biggest, but compared side-by-side with the rest of the Combaticons, they’re definitely not in scale with one another. 

            His robot mode itself is the biggest amongst the Combaticons, and rightly so since he is the main body and torso of Bruticus. As such, he is also the most articulated of all five.

Bruticus:

            The combined mode, a.k.a. Bruticus stands close to about the height of a Voyager-class figure.

            He’s tough and blocky, and if I were an Autobot, I would definitely hate to be facing him in a fistfight. 

            Bruticus wields his signature Sonic Blaster, as well as a shield, formed by the ramp on Onslaught’s trailer. 

            Overall, I really like how Bruticus looks.

Overall:

Like I said, Bruticus has a special place in my heart, despite being only knockoffs. The Family literally began with him.

Knockoffs being knockoffs, they are definitely not perfect, but I will say this – it is knockoff figures like this that will produced more future TransFans. Let’s face it, with the prices of Transformers figures increasing rapidly over the years, parents may want to resort to knockoffs like this in order to expose their children to this awesome franchise – at least until these kids know how to take care of their toys better. I mean, Transformers are expensive toys, no doubt about that, and most parents may be quite reluctant to allow their kids to destroy these figures in a matter of minutes – tamper tantrums or not.

Anyways, what better a first for kids than a knockoff gestalt.

I love Bruticus.

Highly recommended.

            Final verdict: 9.5/10 (from the heart); 4/10 (overall quality-wise).

Transformers Review: Skywarp (Armada Knockoff)

Intro:

            Ever since I did that review of the knockoff Overlord, I’m been wanting to do a review for another good knockoff figure. Seeing as how that The Family started from knockoffs, it was only logical.

            After I subsequently did a review on Knockoff Quickswitch and Doubledealer, I figured I had to review something that was closer to the heart – something that meant a lot to me. So it was only logical for me to go back into time, to the point where my history of collecting began. So, I think it is about time that I review my first two Transformers figures that had kick-started everything to what it is today. The first of these, which also happens to be the second figure that I got to kick-start The Family, is Armada Skywarp.

            Prior to the Armada series, the hype of Transformers in these parts of the world seemed to be at an all time low. Although Japan had only recently concluded the Car Robots/ Robots in Disguise TV series, we here in Malaysia didn’t get anything.

            Then came Armada, called Micron Legend in Japan. Armada never came to our airwave, but there were a lot of video stores that were selling Transformers animated VCDs. For a lot of fans, we knew that they were Transformers, but we couldn’t know for certain due to the “radical” designs to the various robots in the front cover. Eventually we got to know that on some VCD covers, there was Optimus Prime, while others had Megatron.

            For those who have read the article I wrote (The Family – How It Began), you’ll know how I came across Skywarp, so I am not going to repeat it here.

            Unlike in the old G1 series where there were 3 original Seekers, only 1 made his appearance in the Armada series, which is the Air Commander himself. The characterization of Starscream was kind of outrageous for the Starscream that we used to know. Yes, he started off as his normal scheming self, but as the series progresses, you can’t help but feel sorry for him. In fact, some of us even began to have that sympathy for Starscream. He was a Decepticon out of place. He had something the rest of the Decepticons didn’t – conscience. He was actually a good guy trying to initiate a change amongst the Decepticons, and it was because of his sacrifice that led to the unification of the Autobot-Decepticon faction that lead to the early events of the Energon/ Superlink series.

            Anyways, the other two Seekers didn’t actually make it into the animated series. Thundercracker did somehow appear in the show, but rather as himself, he was rather the reformatted Starscream looking eerily like Thundercracker. Skywarp didn’t make it to the show at all, but various comic depictions did portray him to look like this mysterious shadowy warrior – deadly at best.

            So after 8 years, finally, we will be reviewing Skywarp – one of the forefathers (& founding-fathers) of The Family.

Alternate Mode:

            Skywarp transforms into this wicked-looking black and deep-blue looking slick jet. Being fellow mold brothers, his overall look doesn’t differ much from that of Skywarp and Starscream.

            Skywarp also comes with a Minicon partner called Thunderclash. Now I do have him lurking somewhere in my stash of Transformers boxes, and since he’s really not that integral to the entire getup, I ain’t gonna go through all the hassle to dig him out. 

            Basically in this mode, you can attach Thunderclash either to the bottom of the cockpit or to the Minicon port at the back of the jet in order to release the two cannons. The two spring-loaded projectiles look like some sort of a harpoon.

            The colors are typical of Skywarp, and I’ve always liked this sort of color scheme on a Seeker (ever since G1, I’ve always thought Skywarp as the best looking of the trio). For a supposedly knockoff figure, Skywarp is incredibly detailed. There are various outlining on the entire body depicting lines and components. There are also VTOL-thrusters-looking thingy carved into the small back wings. Colored in gold, they look perfect. 

            Pressing the cockpit will also trigger a laser-shooting sound. Neat electronics for a knockoff figure.

            He is huge, incredibly detailed, and he looks absolutely fantastic.

Robot Mode:

            Skywarp transforms into this awesome-looking robot. The figure stands about slightly over 7-inches tall; 8-inches in you include the horn on top of his head.

            From one tip of the wing to the other, Skywarp is about slightly over 8-inches wide. 

            The figure itself looks really fearsome, and as if it really does mean business. The head sculpt is particularly good, which kinda reminds me of Titanium Fallen, don’t you think? 

            Articulation-wise: no head articulation; upper shoulders rotate; lower shoulders swivel; the elbow are on double-joints; the hips are on ratcheting joints; knees rotate and are also on ratcheting joints. 

            For weapons, Skywarp’s left wing is detachable and by extending it, Skywarp can wield it as his sword or saber. It’s not much, but it’s okay.

            Overall, like most Armada figure, there’s not much to be expected from its articulations, but it sure made it up with its cool looks.

Overall:

            What can I say, I love this figure. I would rank this figure as one of the best Knockoffs out there. Really, they don’t make knockoffs like they used to anymore. I remember how knockoffs produced were as good as the original, but at a much cheaper price, though the plastic quality may be a little bit inferior. But heck, they had all the features that came with the originals.

            I really missed those days. I doubt that you can still get this guy now, be it the originals, or this knockoff, but if somehow you do, go get it.

            Highly recommended.

            Final verdict: 9/10.