Transformers Review – God Ginrai/ Powermaster Optimus Prime

Intro:

            Back in the G1 era, the legendary Optimus Prime has met his maker more than once, and each time he died, he’d eventually be reborn into one form or the other.  In the Masterforce series, which took place after the events of Headmasters, and before the Victory Series, Optimus Prime met his maker yet again, and a temporary body was made to house his spark, but eventually fell into the hands of a human named Ginrai, who in turn wielded the power of the mighty robot.

            Throughout the 3 series, we have been introduced to the various technologies, all nicknamed “Masters”. The 1^st of these was called Headmasters, in which humans (or humanoid beings) would wear robotic outfits or suits, which enables them to transform into the head of a larger robots. There were also Brainmasters, which allows humanoid robots to enter the body of the giant robots via the chest & provides their face; Breast force (breast or chest plates transforming into various animals); and finally, Powermaster (humans who transform into the engine blocks bigger robots). According to definition, the Powermaster technology is one of the ways for the Transformers race to better utilize or conserve energy efficiently. The engine block or the Powermaster provides better energy or power regulations to areas that needed them, while minimizing power consumptions over other robotic processes. In other words, these new breed of Transformers have more power at their expense when needed.

            Ever since I’ve started collecting Transformers figures, I’ve never had any Powermaster figures – the closest being the knockoff versions of Doubledealer (which was fairly accurate to its original counterpart, down to even its colors) & Ginrai (which incidentally doesn’t even have the small Hi-Q figure). My most favorite of these were obviously Powermaster Optimus Prime or Ginrai. The Japanese animation series depict Ginrai as a very powerful warrior, and constantly been able to upgrade & regenerate himself, and finally being able to combine with Godbomber (also known as Apex Bomber in the West).

            Since I never thought I’d be able to have one due to the cease of production of Powermaster figures some 20 years ago, you can imagine my surprise when the people at Robot Master called me to inform me of its availability. Last I check, this figure could fetch up to RM 1000 due to its unavailability. So, I knew instantly that I could never pass up this opportunity to own one of the most iconic G1 era figures.

            So, keep on reading for the review...

Ginrai (Powermaster Optimus Prime)

Powermaster Ginrai:

            Nothing much to mention about the little powermaster save that it transform into an engine block that serve as a catalyst to the transformation of Ginrai’s main robot mode.

Alternate Mode:

            Just like the G1 figure, Powermaster Optimus Prime or Ginrai transform into the traditional but heavily armed flat-surface semi truck with trailer, which looks eerily similar to the original version (befitting because it was supposed to be a replacement body for the dead Optimus Prime). As far as the concept of “robots in disguise” is concerned, Ginrai is definitely not a good disguise. The truck mode is so heavily armed that it would make the famed Tiger tanks looked like fancied trucks. There are not many features in this mode safe probably the ability to connect with Godbomber’s vehicle mode. If you are wondering, the Ginrai’s cab mode is slightly bigger than the original Optimus Prime figure.

Super Ginrai and Masterpiece Grimlock

Robot Mode:

            The robot mode is less than stellar. The original G1 Optimus Prime outshines Ginrai in every way: in terms of articulation & stature. The only bright point of this figure is the size, which is approximately a full inch taller than his G1 predecessor. One thing that irritates me to no end is the connector between both feet. I think the designers could have easily revised the designs of the legs to make it better.

Ginrai and Masterpiece Grimlock

Base Mode:

            The base mode is actually one of the highlights of the package. Personally, I love the designs & its appearance. It is both simple & elegant. I’ll bet that it’d make a more convincing base if you pair it up with other Minibots or Minicons, but with Ginrai, it looks more similar to a battle platform. Probably the idea is to have it serve as a battle platform for Ginrai & other headmasters. Overall, I think it more than makes up for a very weak robot mode.

Super Ginrai Mode:

            Super Ginrai is literally the cream of Powermaster Optimus Prime setup. Yes, it may be nothing more than an oversize brick with very little articulations. Still, at 10 inch tall, the figure itself looked awesome & imposing. 

Super Ginrai and Godbomber

Godbomber (Apex Bomber)

Alternate Mode:

            I literally do not know what to make of the alternate mode of Godbomber. Although it’s supposed to be a trailer extension to Ginrai’s truck mode, Godbomber makes a more convincing alternate mode on its own, even though I have no idea what it’s supposed to be on its own. 

            The only way I could make of it is that it could probably be a heavily modified battle-ready van. For its size, Godbomber is incredibly light, mostly due to its hollow interior.  

Robot Mode:

            Transforming Godbomber into robot mode is itself unique. In term of transformation, I would relate Godbomber to Omega Supreme, in the sense that you literally have to completely disassemble the alternate mode apart, and re-assemble the parts back together. If Super Ginrai mode was bad in terms of articulation, Godbomber is even worse, since it contain no articulation at all save the shoulders, which turns around 360 degrees. Apart from that, Godbomber is a total brick. Size-wise, it’s slightly shorter than Super Ginrai.

God Ginrai

            The combination mode looks very imposing. The combined mode doesn’t reduce or increase the number of articulation points to the figure, it merely adds to the bulk as body shields and armors. Standing at 12 inches tall he is 2 inch shorter than Cybertron Primus, but almost similar in bulk. Looking at really reminds me why I liked the Powermaster idea in the first place.

Overall:

From Left: Godbomber, Super Ginrai and Masterpiece Grimlock

            Overall, I am very happy with the action figure. Yes, despite its numerous shortcomings, you have to keep in mind that this was a figure designed and made in 1988, and it would be grossly unfair to compare it to the aesthetics of any modern Transformers figures. Keep in mind also that this version is actually a re-release set in the year 2000, and roughly underwent minimal changes from its original designs. The same however cannot be said for Godbomber. If you observe carefully, the parts such as the arms & wings were joined together with screws, rather than having to dismantle them during transformations. Along with the designs of Ginrai cab-robot, those are probably the only eligible gripes that should be addressed. 

Clockwise from left: Masterpiece Grimlock, God Ginrai, Big Convoy and G1 Optimus

            It’s a beautiful figure worth adding to any collections, especially to those looking to add to their Optimus Prime collections. God Ginrai is literally one of the most difficult to find figures, and its purchase value could easily reach RM 800 to RM 1000 marks and at approximately RM400, it’s worth every single cents. 
           Highly Recommended. 

            Final verdict: 9/ 10.

Transformers Review – Doubledealer (Masterforce Knockoff)

Intro:

            Just the other day, I’ve had this conversation with a friend of mine, regarding the quality of knockoff figures nowadays. Probably due copyright reasons or something else, the quality of knockoff figures have dwindled severely over the years.

            When I started collecting Transformers, I didn’t have the cash to purchase any of the original Transformers figures, which I wished I did, so I had to resort to knockoffs figure to fulfill my childhood desires. Why should I? Voyager-sized knockoffs would only cost me at probably RM 10, or maybe at most, RM30, compared to the standard Voyager price of RM90 at the time. That was a huge difference!!! Of course, the plastic quality wasn’t as good, some of the stickers were shoddy at best, but at the time, I don’t care! However, not all knockoffs were bad; there were some gems amidst them, for instance, the Knockoff Overlord that I’ve reviewed last year, now he was an absolutely fantastic Knockoff Overlord figure that even had the gimmicks that the original had come with. In fact, a lot of the knockoffs back then were fantastic. Some may even look exactly like the original, although they may lack the heft.

            The figure in review right now, is one of the knockoffs gems from the yesteryears (read 2005), that looked damn awesome, almost a spitting image of the original.

            Doubledealer, a Powermaster was a successor to the ever so popular Punch/Counterpunch. However, unlike Punch/Counterpunch who was an Autobot that infiltrated the Decepticons as one of them, Doubledealer was in essence a Decepticon doing the same thing for the Autobots. Although Doubledealer never really made in onto the original animated series, as the series was cancelled before he was released, Doubledealer appear in some of the Transformers commercials back then. Even then, he was popular among the fans. Mark Bellemo, the author of Transformers Identification and Price Guide, back in 2007 went as far as to call him as one of the most fascinating toys of the 20^th century (quoted from Wikipedia).  

            Although as mentioned earlier that Doubledealer didn’t appear in the original G1 series, a redeco of the original figure, rechristened Doubleclouder, did appear in the Japanese series Masterforce, who is also essentially a Decepticon infiltrating the Autobot, although he would eventually switched allegiances to the Autobots.

            With the hype surrounding the character, it was only natural that Doubledealer became one of the most sought after figures. Since being unable to obtain the original figure, I had to resort to knockoffs, and so here I am with this review.

Powermaster Robots (Knok and Skar):

            What I like about this set is that despite the fact that it’s a knockoff, the gimmicks that the original figure had is still prevalent here. There are still two Powermaster robots available and the Powermaster activation gimmick is available.

Knok

            The first of the Powermaster figures is Knok, who is supposedly an Autobot, and the other is called Skar, a Decepticon. So here’s a little bit of history on Knok and Skar.

Knok's Engine Block Mode

            Based on the original characterization, Knok and Skar are used by Doubledealer depending on which sides he wanted to infiltrate. If he wants to blend in with the Autobots, he’ll combined with Knok, and with Skar, vice-versa.

            In Dreamwave comics, it was implied that both Knok and Skar didn’t know of each other’s existence, which in my opinion is kinda funny since both of them requires the same Transector body to transform into their respective bigger form. 

Skar

            In the Masterforce series, both Knok and Skar is the same person, called Clouder. The name Knok and Skar themselves were never used.  

Skar's Engine Block Mode

            Knok transforms into a normal humanoid robot, while Skar transforms into a bat-like creature. When in engine block mode, each activates a different unlocking mechanism that would initiate either the Autobot or Decepticon transformation.

             

Vehicle Mode (Missile Trailer):

            The missile trailer mode is basically the alternate mode of both the Decepticon and Autobot forms. This mode looks absolutely bad@$$ and I can only imagine how intimidating it could be in real life.

 

            Despite appearing a little bluish in the photos here, the colors are actually deep green in real life. Maybe it’s just my camera…

            Anyways, the truck is just so slick.

            Surprisingly, the kibbles are actually almost well hidden, except for the folded wings underneath it, but all things considered, it’s a really good design.

Robot Mode (Decepticon Falcon):

            When you plug in Skar’s engine block mode into the empty slot on the Missile Trailer truck, it will unlock the back wheels and release the bird legs.

 

            This mode is officially called the Decepticon Falcon mode and it’s kinda a unspoken theme for the Masterforce series; where the Decepticons tend to have robot modes that consisted of monsters, creatures, animals and dinosaurs; while the Autobots had humanoid robot modes. 

 

            Due to its age, the bird legs on my Doubledealer have since loosened that it can never stand on its two legs anymore. Parts of the trailer mode that still be seen, and overall, it’s a believable transformation.

            I absolutely love the head sculpt and the wings. The mouth opens and closes and the wings have feathered details on them. The feather details can also be seen and the back of the bird and part of the legs. The feet have scaled designs. 

            Articulation-wise: beak opens and closes; the head rotates 360°; wings flap up and down; the outer wings moves in and out; the “hips” swings in and out, with also ratcheting joints to move front and back; and finally the chicken knees bend up and down.

            I’m quite amazed to find such details from a G1 Masterforce figure, and even more so from a Knockoff figure!

            Overall, it’s a very convincing Decepticon mode.

Robot Mode (Autobot Robot):

            Say you want Doubledealer to infiltrate the Autobots, all you need to do is to transform Doubledealer back into his trailer mode, replace Skar with Knok, and through some lock releasing mechanism, you will get Doubledealer into his humanoid robot mode – officially called the Autobot Robot mode. 

 

            Standing at about 8 ¼-inches tall, Doubledealer is about the size of an Ultra-class figure. Although it is proportionately designed, you can’t help but noticed that the legs bend a bit inward.

            As far as the head sculpt goes, you may or may not like it. The details are there, but the huge circular pieces on the head may make it look like a variation of Mickey Mouse’s head. 

            Anyways, articulation-wise: the head does nothing; the shoulders can move awkwardly inward, although it’s mainly due to transformation; the elbows bend; hips move outward; knees rotate 360° and bend impossibly inward (due to transformation). 

From Left: ROTF Leader Optimus Prime & Doubledealer

            The one major thing that wins me for this particular figure is how well it hides the Decepticon mode, and vice-versa. There’s not a single Falcon parts exposed, and that’s just darn amazing.

Overall:

            I just love this darn figure, and to think that this is supposed to be a knockoff made it even sweeter. Doubledealer, Punch/ Counterpunch and Animated Shockwave/ Longarm Prime are arguably the best espionage expert in Transformers history, and I do rate these 3 on par with one another.

            As mentioned earlier, I do believe that the art of making good knockoffs are the things of the past. One thing about knockoffs is that it provides parents or anybody else for that matter, a viable cheaper option for kids to play them, and possibly breaking them – something that you wouldn’t dare with original Transformers figures. The trend nowadays, rather than making knockoffs, Third Party Entities prefer to compete with the Big Two and produce their very own Transformers figures, but at a much higher price.

            If only there are better knockoffs out there, probably kids would be able to enjoy their Transformers without parents having to worry about breaking their banks.

            Final verdict, 9/10.

Transformers Review – Masterforce Knockoff Overlord

Intro:           

            Now, first of all, let me get this out of the way first. For the first time ever, in the history of Planet Cybertron blogs – all the way back since the Friendster days – Planet Cybertron will be reviewing the first ever knockoff figure. As far as knockoffs goes, there’s probably no one better to review, than one of the most iconic characters in the Japanese G1 era Transformers – Overlord.

            I have to admit, Overlord have been one of the Holy Grails of my collection. Unfortunately for me, and most other collectors in this region, Overlord was not, and still not readily available. From the information that I’ve gathered, Overlord was sold only within Japan, and for a time, it was also an European exclusive. So the rest of the world can only watch in admiration as Japan and the European continent get to enjoy that luxury.

            Overlord has yet again proven elusive and there wasn’t even a knockoff version anywhere in this region. So for a time, I abandoned my hope, until the day I met a friend of mine, Big Daddy. He was looking for a buyer for his 20-something year old knockoff Overlord, which he had gotten from Hong Kong. I’ve actually heard of it before that a good knockoff version of Overlord did exist up there in Hong Kong, which was pretty much show accurate. Well needless to say, when Big Daddy laid to me the news, my eyes twinkled like the Northern Star.

            As mentioned, Overlord was a Decepticon general during the events of Transformers: Masterforce. Overlord had two powermaster partners, a husband and wife team of Giga & Mega… I know, the name sucks, but oh well, not my problem. Overlord was formed by 2 vehicles – a jet and a tank. He has proven time and again to be a constant tough-rival-to-beat for God Ginrai.

            So here we are, on a momentous day, for which Planet Cybertron will be reviewing its first ever knockoff figure – Overlord. History will be made.

Base mode:

 

The base mode looks awesome. It’s so massive that it’s even a bigger base than Metroplex. There are repair bays, satellite antennas, weapon attachments, a platform-of-sort, and a really convincingly good-looking tower, which is formed by the jet’s cockpit. While the base looks massive, it does have one major drawback. The base itself consists of 3 separate parts – and the problem is that nothing is holding them together. The ramps provided only serve as a bridge. So you can’t pick the entire base up like you would with Metroplex. And if you notice from the photos, I don’t have the front ramp for my set, which is a bit of a shame. But nonetheless, it’s an issue too small to be dealt with.

The base has a lot of play value to it, and I can imagine kids having so much fun playing with it. Collectors too will have a lotta fun displaying the base along with various Minibots and Minicons.

Alternate mode:

            Now as far as memory serves, Giga (the guy) is supposed to be the pilot of the tank, while Mega (the girl) is supposed to be the pilot of the jet. 

            The jet itself is so doggone huge!!! It’s even bigger than Metroplex’s base mode, and that alone is saying it a lot. The jet is predominantly black and white in color, with a little bit of purple here and there. The cockpit and the compartment below, where you would be able to stash Mega in are made from translucent orange (or yellow to some) plastic. My only complaint with the jet, is the obviously pointless front landing gear, which is literally too short to reach the floor. This point I have looked up the internet, and found that it was also an issue with the original – obviously a flawed design issue. 

Flawed Design

            The tank itself is literally half the size of the jet, and is predominantly white and blue in color, also with an orange translucent compartment cover to house Giga in it. The turret doesn’t really turn here, due to the transformation, with only the gun being able to tilt upward and back down. The wheels don’t really wanna turn on mine, probably due to old age.

           

Robot Mode:

 

            Overlord is simply gargantuan.  Standing at about 13-inch tall, he easily dwarves all other G1 figures out there. Being a G1 figure, Overlord is generally a brick. His head turns left and right. As far as the arms go, he only has a rotatable shoulder joints, and finally, the hips can only go back and forth. 

Overlord with Built-in Weapons Deployed

            Now, regardless of the articulations, this is still an awesome figure. The two Powermasters – Giga and Mega can be inserted into the two compartments in the chest cavities to reveal even more weaponry. Being a knockoff figure, the quality of the material used may have suffered as one of the Powermasters – not sure whether it’s Giga or Mega – have actually broken off.

            The cockpit of the jet, which would normally form the shield in robot mode can’t really be detached easily from the main body. It can be done so, I think, but I’m just not confident enough to force the cockpit off. I’ve already seen some crack marks appearing on the cockpit’s plastic, and I am really not ready to take that risk. 

            As far as my figure goes, all of the Powermaster gimmick mechanism still functions, which is always good. Due to the condition of Giga and Mega themselves, I tend to activate these function just by pressing the buttons in the Powermaster slots by hand. 

Built-in Weapons Deployed

Overall:

            Even though that the version of Overlord that I got is only a knockoff, I have to say, it is very, very close to the real thing. And for most of us in these parts, this is probably the best Overlord figure available to us. It’s a very massive figure,

            Final verdict, 8/10.