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Top 5 Best Transformers Minicon Partners

Date: Saturday, November 12th 2022 7:49pm CST
Categories: Site Articles, Editorials, Top Lists
Posted by: rikkomba

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Hello everybody! Welcome back for the second part of this series focused on minicons.
You can find part 1, focused on minicon teams, here.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of what has been one of the most influential Transformers toylines ever created, whose wild success eventually opened the door to investing in the Bayverse.
Armada introduced us to minicons as the “third faction”. Spawn of Unicron and pokemon of the week, these tiny robots were hunted down by both Autobots and Decepticons as “power ups” for larger Transformers.

Minicon toys came in two flavours: teams, sold, in 3-packs, and partner minicons sold together with their bigger partner. Today we’ll focus on the latter.

Minicons have been defined as “feature-activating micromasters”. Partner minicons are meant to integrate with their “bulk” best buddy, unlocking secret powerups and otherwise unaccessible features. This is important: the partner minicon should provide a significant upgrade.

In ranking these teams, 1-10 scores were given for:
Integration in alt mode: how well does the minicon integrate in the bulk’s alt mode?
Integration in robot mode: same, for the robot mode.
Powerlinx gimmicks: how well does the minicon play into the main gimmick?
Engineering: how well was this toy built?
Transformation: how original and well executed is the transformation?

We also add a note on the best repaint out of several available, and we ask the question: which minicons were truly essential for its partner? Not as many as you think…

The list includes all 34 partner minicon molds: 20 from Armada, 4 from Cybertron, 1 from Universe 2.0 and 9 from Power Core Combiners.

It might be strange to see Armada and PCC minicons together, but the underlying concept is really one and the same. How well did PCC execute that concept… we’ll see.
Let’s get started!

#5 Comettor (with Armada Jetfire) (39/50)
Integration, alt mode: 10, Comettor, like Rollout, is an essential part of Jetfire’s alt mode.
Integration, robot mode: 7, Comettor looks the part on top of Jetfire’s blaster, but nothing more.
Powerlinx gimmick: 7, the pop-out wings look awesome, even if other minicons could be used as well.
Engineering: 7, considering the complexity of the transformation, the result is as great as it could have been.
Transformation: 8, original and not trivial.
Versions: 4
Best version: Armada Powerlinx.
Essential? Yes.

#4 Rollout (with Armada Overload) (41/50)
Integration, alt mode: 8, differently from Comettor, Rollout is not an option for Overload’s alt mode.
Integration, robot mode: 7, the “breastmaster + headmaster” gimmick is fun, but minicons are meant to be optional partners, and Rollout is not an option as it carries Overload’s head. Compare with Sideways, which comes with its own independent head.
Powerlinx gimmick: 8, that G1 transformation sounds still plays after 20 years.
Engineering: 9, the four modes don’t require much effort, but that’s no guarantee for success, see Universe Jolt.
Transformation: 9, simple but effective, across all four modes. The gun mode is just smart.
Versions: 7
Best version: Energon CostCo.
Essential? Yes.

#3 Stripmine (with Cybertron Quickmix) (42/50)
Integration, alt mode: 10, at this stage of the Unicron Trilogy nobody expected such a level of minicon interaction, but Stripmine delivered, almost turning Quickmix into a playset. The combination of Cyber Key gimmick and minicon is unique.
Integration, robot mode: 8, just like Leader-1, Stripmine can turn into a handheld gun.
Powerlinx gimmick: 7, while the main gimmick depends on a Cyber Key, Stripmine takes the whole toy to the next level.
Engineering: 9, it all works flawlessly.
Transformation: 8, not trivial, and solid.
Versions: 2
Best version: Cybertron.
Essential? Yes.

#2 Rook and Crosswise (with Armada Sideways) (43/50)
Integration, alt mode: 10, these two minicons can’t really be separated, and their combined Kamen Rider mode is pure genius.
Integration, robot mode: 10, the revival of the Headmasters gimmick, which also involved Overload, started here. A homage to Punch/Counterpunch, Kamen Rider, headmasters AND Unicron, all in one? Mind-blowing.
Powerlinx gimmick: 10, activating a different faction symbol per head is still lots of fun. Remember, the first run of Armada Sideways had the gimmick inverted.
Engineering: 7, it’s all functional, but many things could have been better.
Transformation: 6, this is primarily one humanoid figure whose alt mode is two minicons.
Versions: 4
Best version: Armada (second run).
Essential? Yes.

#1 Leader-1 (with Armada Megatron) (46/50)
Integration, alt mode: 7, Leader-1 unlocking extra missile launchers while doubling up as a gun pod always puts a smile on my face. The activation of “rat-tat-tat” sounds has the opposite effect.
Integration, robot mode: 10, Leader-1 can turn into a handheld gun, connect to a shoulder as a missile pod or enter a “not so secret compartment” to physically integrate into Megatron’s robot mode. Awesome.
Powerlinx gimmick: 10, the alt mode gimmicks also work in robot mode, and make Leader-1 a memorable partner.
Engineering: 10, it’s possible to achieve great things even with a simple execution - something that eluded most similar efforts in the Unicron Trilogy (see Cybertron Drill Bit).
Transformation: 9, simple, effective and elegant.
Versions: 3
Best version: Armada.
Essential? Yes.

Megatron truly reigns supreme over mini-cons. With the top 5 done, let’s find out which mini-con is truly the worst partner a Transformer could ask for!

Now, we also have the rest of the rankings for those curious of who'd be the runners up and which would be the worst one.

#6 Inferno (with Armada Thrust) 1 / 0 / 0 / 2 / 5
Universe Jolt is an abomination, and a warning to all Tfans asking for modern versions of UT toys. The most iconic powerlink port of the entire Unicron Trilogy, connecting Jolt to Hot Shot’s car mode, has been removed, replaced by friction and luck. Plastic feels cheaper than most KOs, and would not pass the test for a Kinder Suprise toy. How anybody approved this is beyond human comprehension.
Versions: 3
Best version: TFCC Cop-tur, at least it’s a new character.
Essential? No.

Top 5 Best G1 Styled Megatron Transformers Toys (Update)

Date: Monday, August 16th 2021 11:09pm CDT
Categories: Site Articles, Editorials, Top Lists
Posted by: william-james88

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Views: 132,156

Every two weeks, Seibertron.com brings you a Top 5 list related to all things Transformers written by me, your fellow editor. These are my opinions (just like movie or game reviews hosted by sites are still just the opinion of one person) so what matters most is what you guys think of the topic or list, and I hope to see your own lists or comments on omissions and ranking. Let's have fun! All previous lists can be found here.

Top 5 Best G1 Megatron Toys

Megatron has had loads of toys throughout the years and unlike Optimus, they have all been very very different from one to the next. That's because his original alt mode, a realistic 1:1 gun, is not something that can be made a toy of as easily as a truck. This list is an update to the one we did regarding toys that evoke the original look of Megatron we all know and love. Unlike Optimus Prime, that look has changed throughout the years but the general theme and aesthetic was still maintained.

5. Transformers Reveal The Shield Legends Megatron

This toy HAD to be on this list, at all cost since it is much more significant than one may think. It is, to this day, Hasbro's final stab at a Megatron toy that turns into a hand gun. Sure, he is small, but that comes with its own set of advantages. For one that means you have a G1 gun Megatron to scale with larger toys like Generations Metroplex, joining other G1 styled smaller toys like Optimus and Starscream. Plus, him being so small, means you have a transforming Megatron toy that can be held by Masterpiece Starscream. In fact, in terms of cross compatibility, Megatron in his gun form can be held by Starscream in both robot mode(thanks to a peg at the handle) and jet mode (thanks to the clip underneath).

Image from Yatsuya's Reviews

4. Transformers G1 1984 Megatron (Reissue)

While G1 Megatron may look of with propotions and a trigger hear his crotch, I feel this is one of the main G1 toys everyone should experience. The transformation is very clever and it is very impressive how back in the 80s they could have a realistic gun turn into a robot. There are plenty of reissues available, so taht helps, and it turns out the reissues are even better than the original. The original Hasbro version couldn't fire pellets while the original Takara release was not silver but several reissues give you the best of both worlds by having a silver/chrome finish gun that actually fires.

3. WFC Siege Megatron Netflix (specifically the Netflix boxset)

This toy was a looooooong time coming. While we had several Classics Megatrons over the years, they were either too small or too big or a redeco of another character (like Blitzwing or Bludgeon). And finally in the Siege line, we got a G1 styled Megatron who was the right size and not someone else's mold/body. That is worth celebrating, let alone the fact that he is a fun toy. The proportions are nice, especially the size of the fusion cannon, and while the tank mode could be better the robot mode makes up for any alt mode shortcoming. I especially recommend the Netflix version since the deco is more apt, especially int terms of the weathering, and it fixes an issue with the ankles. Plus it comes with targetmasters we actually needed like a properly coloured Lionizer and pinpointer.

2. Transformers Generations Selects Super Megatron

This is a pretty awesome release. Super Megatron was a pipe dream to many. And while most fans were unaware of this G1 iteration's original source material, the look and character models were. Especially when there were intentional callbacks to that design in the now iconic Animated look. Also, it made the Titans Return Galvatron mold a worthwhile endeavor. That mold was so disappointing for getting so much right but still not enough. And here it is reworked perfectly as if there was no Galvatron toy and this is the toy designed from the start. Not true, of course, but it speaks to the fact of how well this toy works. It has a lot going on with two alt modes, and three robot modes (albeit they are simply changes in faces and chest details which is still pretty cool and rarely seen). Deep down it's a fun figure of a niche version of G1 Megatron that looks amazing.

1. Takara Transformers Masterpiece MP 36 Megatron

I will be honest, I had my doubts with this toy. The price was the highest I had ever paid for a Transformers figure and the intricacies of the transformation worried me. The previous MP Megatron was not fun to transform and this one was even more complex.
But all those worries melted away when I first transformed the figure. Well, even before even because i was amazed at how solid the robot was. This toy has great articulation and parts don't unclip, he really stays together as a full fledged action figure. And then when transforming him you see just how many parts are involved and you wonder just how it's possible that you have all these small moving piece that can disconnect and reconnect themselves in different positions to form two solid modes. The transformation, while complex, was not annoying. Every part had a place to go, it felt like a pleasant journey. I especially liked the side of his abdominal area disappearing within the body of the gun. I also like transforming the legs since there are smaller pieces used just for the robot mode to fill out the legs and since they disappear when forming the gun handle, it really gives the impression that the toy is morphing to accommodate closer proportions to what we see on the show even though initially the handle of the gun simply split into two legs.
Whether that last part was clear or not doesn't matter, what I want to get across is that I felt I had a great toy and a great experience and that it was money well spent. I do not know if this is the best Masterpiece toy of all time but it is easily the best G1 Megatron toy by a country mile.

Honourable Mention: 3. Transformers United Megatron

For over a decade, this was the best G1 styled Megatron toy. The design is still great and very smart. I especially love how the legs become different parts of the gun's alt mode and yet are identical. While the Hasbro deco was a bit off, with some purple and neon green, the Takara versions and the recent Platinum release have some very nice paint schemes. And while there have been better toys to represent G1 Megatron on a shelf since then, this is still one of the best designed and original Transformers toy to ever come out.

Top 5 Best G1 Styled Megatron Transformers Toys

Date: Sunday, May 10th 2020 2:26pm CDT
Categories: Site Articles, Editorials, Top Lists
Posted by: william-james88

Discuss This Topic · Permanent Link
Views: 106,914

Every two weeks, Seibertron.com brings you a Top 5 list related to all things Transformers written by me, your fellow editor. These are my opinions (just like movie or game reviews hosted by sites are still just the opinion of one person) so what matters most is what you guys think of the topic or list, and I hope to see your own lists or comments on omissions and ranking. Let's have fun! All previous lists can be found here.

Top 5 Best G1 Styled Megatron Toys

Megatron has had loads of toys throughout the years and unlike Optimus, they have all been very very different from one to the next. That's because his original alt mode, a realistic 1:1 gun, is not something that can be made a toy of as easily as a truck. We already made a list of the best toys to sport the Megatron name but with such varied toys representing his G1 self alone, we thought it could be fun to look at just those. This refers to toys that evoke the original look of Megatron we all know and love. Unlike Optimus Prime, that look has changed throughout the years since Megatron toys released in the US could not turn into realistic life sized guns, but the general theme and aesthetic was still maintained.

5. Transformers Reveal The Shield Legends Megatron

This toy HAD to be on this list, at all cost since it is much more significant than one may think. It is, to this day, Hasbro's final stab at a Megatron toy that turns into a hand gun. Sure, he is small, but that comes with its own set of advantages. For one that means you have a G1 gun Megatron to scale with larger toys like Generations Metroplex, joining other G1 styled smaller toys like Optimus and Starscream. Plus, him being so small, means you have a transforming Megatron toy that can be held by Masterpiece Starscream. In fact, in terms of cross compatibility, Megatron in his gun form can be held by Starscream in both robot mode(thanks to a peg at the handle) and jet mode (thanks to the clip underneath).

Image from Yatsuya Reviews

4. Transformers G1 1984 Megatron (Reissue)

While G1 Megatron may look of with propotions and a trigger hear his crotch, I feel this is one of the main G1 toys everyone should experience. The transformation is very clever and it is very impressive how back in the 80s they could have a realistic gun turn into a robot. There are plenty of reissues available, so taht helps, and it turns out the reissues are even better than the original. The original Hasbro version couldn't fire pellets while the original Takara release was not silver but several reissues give you the best of both worlds by having a silver/chrome finish gun that actually fires.

3. Transformers United Megatron

For over a decade, this was the best G1 styled Megatron toy. The design is still great and very smart. I espeially love how the legs become different parts of the gun's alt mode and yet are identical. While the Hasbro deco was a bit off, with some purple and neon green, the Takara versions and the recent Platinum release have some very nice paint schemes.

2. WFC Siege Megatron Netflix (specifically the Netflix boxset)

This toy was a looooooong time coming. While we had several Classics Megatrons over the years, they were either too small or too big or a redeco of another character (like Blitzwing or Bludgeon). And finally in the Siege line, we got a G1 styled Megatron who was the right size and not someone else's mold/body. That is worth celebrating, let alone the fact that he is a fun toy. The proportions are nice, especially the size of the fusion cannon, and while the tank mode could be better the robot mode makes up for any alt mode shortcoming. I especially recommend the Netflix version since the deco is more apt, especially int terms of the weathering, and it fixes an issue with the ankles. Plus it comes with targetmasters we actually needed like a properly coloured Lionizer and pinpointer.

1. Takara Transformers Masterpiece MP 36 Megatron

I will be honest, I had my doubts with this toy. The price was the highest I had ever paid for a Transformers figure and the intricacies of the transformation worried me. The previous MP Megatron was not fun to transform and this one was even more complex.
But all those worries melted away when I first transformed the figure. Well, even before even because i was amazed at how solid the robot was. This toy has great articulation and parts don't unclip, he really stays together as a full fledged action figure. And then when transforming him you see just how many parts are involved and you wonder just how it's possible that you have all these small moving piece that can disconnect and reconnect themselves in different positions to form two solid modes. The transformation, while complex, was not annoying. Every part had a place to go, it felt like a pleasant journey. I especially liked the side of his abdominal area disappearing within the body of the gun. I also like transforming the legs since there are smaller pieces used just for the robot mode to fill out the legs and since they disappear when forming the gun handle, it really gives the impression that the toy is morphing to accommodate closer proportions to what we see on the show even though initially the handle of the gun simply split into two legs.
Whether that last part was clear or not doesn't matter, what I want to get across is that I felt I had a great toy and a great experience and that it was money well spent. I do not know if this is the best Masterpiece toy of all time but it is easily the best G1 Megatron toy by a country mile.

Honourable Mention: The Combiner Wars leader class Megatron is an ok toy, and looks the part, especially the headsculpt. But unlike any of the figures above, it just didn't break any new ground. It was also a very basic toy for the leader price point and it started the now aborted budget MP scale which I still have a tough time remedying within my collection (and eventually sold).

Top 5 Best Jetfire / Skyfire Transformers Toys

Date: Saturday, February 29th 2020 11:38pm CST
Categories: Site Articles, Editorials, Top Lists
Posted by: william-james88

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Views: 93,844

Every two weeks, Seibertron.com brings you a Top 5 list related to all things Transformers written by me, your fellow editor. These are our opinions so what matters most is what you guys think of the topic or list, and I hope to see your own lists or comments on omissions and ranking. Let's have fun! All previous lists can be found here.

Top 5 Best Jetfire Transformers Toys

Jetfire has had a rather consistent presence on the shelves throughout generations, even more so than Bumblebee since he was one of the main G1 bots still present in the Unicron Trilogy. And as for the now decade spanning CHUG lines, he kept getting toys released which always gave us a new interpretation of the duality of this character. You see, while the G1 Jetfire toy and the G1 Skyfire character are both supposed to represent the same thing, the fact that the original toy comes from Bandai's Macross/Robotech line means there are some rather distinctive visual qualities that are not shared by the character model in both robot mode and alt mode. The alt modes themselves are not even the same type of vehicle where one is a sleek jet while the other is a chunky space craft. All to say, whenever Hasbro gives us updates to the original toy they try to homage the widely different sources of the character's design, so what we get is always interesting. Now let's get to this list.

5. Transformers Generations Thrilling 30 Jetfire

I always found this toy to be rather underrated. What Hasbro gave us here is a budget Macross toy, which is pretty awesome when you think about it. Both modes look super sleek, I just LOVE the macross type mask we can put over the G1 cartoon headsculpt. It just looks incredible. Plus Hasbro took a note from the Takara United playbook and gave us some chromed weapons, and lots of them. This was the first leader class toy in the Generations line (and all CHUG lines) and this was the perfect character to bring out for such an occasion. While the previous effort in the Classics line was very nice and is also a good toy, it was lacking in size, which this one definitely makes up for. Little did we know there would be even more room to grow from here.

4. Transformers Studio Series SS35 Jetfire

As mentioned in the intro, Jetfire is covered in almost every generation of the Transformers line and that most definitely includes the films. While most characters are just reused G1 names that are ever so slightly linked to their G1 namesakes, Jetfire was one of the few movie characters which truly was a reinterpretation of the G1 character and storyline. He too had the backstory of being a dormant Decepticon turned good. So that always made him stand out a bit more. Plus that SR-71 Blackbird alt mode was amazing. The original toy while impressive in size (for the alt mode especially) was not that fun to transform. The new Studio Series fixes that problem and gives us the definitive movie Jetfire. It really impresses me how the design team found a totally new way to give us the same alt mode and robot mode, and also giving us the option to take him apart to equip the Studio Series Optimus Prime to recreate what happens in the film.

3. Transformers Cybertron Jetfire (Dreadrock)

Cybertron will always be one of the best Transformers toylines of all time. All great new designs and transformations but still invoking that G1 feel, especially the idea of the robot being made up of the alt mode parts, just reconfigured. And Jetfire, who was also present at every step of the Unicron trilogy, is one of the best toys from this line, making him a must own for anyone wanting to collect awesome Transformers figures. And that headsculpt is just so good!

2. Siege Jetfire

So yeah, we had our leader Jetfire, the biggest size class in the Generations line at the time and he looked fine on the shelf, but Hasbro was not done yet. They decided to go all out and give us a toy to scale with the other bots in the G1 cartoon. Being leader sized just didn't cut it, so we got a totally new class made just for him, the Commander class. This is the first Jetfire toy that also went all out to look as close as possible to the cartoon Skyfire model. So not only in proportions and scale but also with the alt mode which is closer to the space craft than the sleek macross jet. But, there was still something for the fans of the original toy with Hasbro giving us some armour parts that include a visor mask.

1. Transformers G1 1985 Jetfire (Skyfire)

I wanted to put Siege Jetfire at number 1, I really did, but the truth is it would not reflect what I truly feel. While it's a cool toy, I just still prefer the G1 version. I really like the craft of that toy. I think it was awesome of Hasbro to incorporate several different 80s Asian toy brands together into one new Transformers brand and this introduced kids in the west to different styles of Transforming robots. The armour components are fun, both modes are nice and sleek and he has this great weight to him. Usually a G1 toy will lose out to the updates since they are more complex, and sleeker, have no partsforming, or closer to the show model, but in this case the original toy was its own design that simply couldn't be portrayed on screen for legal reasons, and it's as complex and sleek as any update, as you can see below.

Honourable Mention: There are many good and fun Jetfire toys out there. Many do not share that name, but we all know are Jetfires and really nice ones at that. The one I wanted to most mention here was Armada Jetfire. While not as good as the toys on this list, he has a really nice design with the space shuttle and makes a great pair of pants for Armada Prime.

Transformers Armada Jetfire Gallery

Top 5 Transformers Toys with Mythological Alt Modes

Date: Saturday, July 28th 2018 11:33am CDT
Categories: Site Articles, Editorials, Top Lists
Posted by: william-james88

Discuss This Topic · Permanent Link
Views: 38,412

Every two weeks, Seibertron.com brings you a Top 5 list related to all things Transformers written by me, your fellow editor. These are my opinions (just like movie or game reviews hosted by sites are still just the opinion of one person) so what matters most is what you guys think of the topic or list, and I hope to see your own lists or comments on omissions and ranking. Let's have fun! All previous lists can be found here.

Top 5 Transformers Toys with Mythological Alt Modes

Just to precise, this is not a list about the top 5 mythological alt modes, but instead of certain amazing toys which turn into mythological creatures. This means that there can be more than one dragon on this list (tee hee), one of the most awesome alt modes in the Transformers brand.

5. Transformers Beast Wars Transmetal 2 Tigerhawk (Tigerfalcon) as a Winged Tiger

A common theme among mythological creatures is the idea of hybrids, like the centaur or sphinx. When it comes to Transformers, this becomes the ideal occasion to give a beast mode a flight ability. You can never go wrong with wings, they will make any animal look more majestic. I realize that most toys on this list end up with wings. What makes this toy extra special is that the hybrid idea of the winged Tiger is plot specific to Beast Wars and symbolizes the union of Tigertron and Airazor in the same body. It was special to see them return to the show and united in a way that felt unprecedented for any kid's show. The toy takes it up a notch by giving an added eagle motif with the optional battle mask that you can add over the tiger. The robot mode is also absolutely gorgeous, even though it can appear rather busy. Both the tiger and eagle beast mode parts are showcased in the robot mode giving him the look of a regal warrior.

4. Transformers Robots In Disguise Megatron (Gigatron) as a two headed Dragon

The second best Dragon Megatron out there, but still an incredible toy. I love the wings and colour scheme adding to the regal nature of this toy. Part of the lore is that Dragons love treasure so all the chrome and him being ornamented in what seems to be a jeweled body fits well. Plus it's quite crazy that this mythological form is only one of his many many modes and he pulls it off as well as if it was his only alt mode.

3. Transformers Beast Wars Silverbolt as a Winged Wolf aka Pterolykos

Aside from possibly some better sculpting, I fail to see just how much a modern day interpretation of this design could improve so much on the original toy. It helps that the show model is so close to the toy, making this toy quite show accurate. He has an excellent wing mechanic with launching missiles (this is back when you could expect missiles from a deluxe class toy) which work well as clubs and conceal themselves perfectly as wings. I really like how this toy really is a hybrid rather than simply a wold with wings with the talons which work so well as the robot mode feet.

2. Transformers Beast Wars Transmetal 2 Megatron (Dragon Megatron)

I just love the dragon mode which screams Tolkien. Plus you have the poseable neck (which you can puppeteer yourself), flapping wings and fire missiles shooting from his mouth. Everything you want from a dragon transformer is there with the added Transmetal finish (once again invoking Smaug's gold encrusted body). The transformation is one of my favourites with the y axis becoming the x axis and the wings becoming so imposing in robot mode (due to the height lowering). This is the regal look Beast Wars Megatron was born to have, yesss.

1. Transformers Cybertron Scourge (Flame Convoy) as a Hydra

While dragon alt modes are probably the alt modes I will get most excited for, I couldn't help but fall in love with Scourge's design in Transformers Cybertron. I like how he keeps his great stature for both modes and just how broad and imposing the robot mode is, making him truly merit his Convoy title in Japan. The weapon also kicks major ass by being this war hammer and sickle hybrid. The Hydra mode is also a very smart integration of the cyber key gimmick with two more dragon heads appearing when activated giving us a very unique alt mode. Him being part of the Cybertron line means he gets all the bonuses that legendary line was known for. Which includes a screen accurate toy, that solid plastic which never felt the same since, and an excellent face sculpt that also invokes some beasts elements like the under-bite fangs. And as I said before, wings just add so much elegance to a look and he has it here too with the beast mode shoulders flaring out to give a majestic effect. I see no faults with this toy.

Honourable Mentions: I really want to take a look back here at the incredible mythologically themed alt modes we have gotten in this brand so far. These may not have been the best but the sheer fact that we have these is incredible and adds to the cultural richness and diversity of our beloved brand.

Moon is a Transformer based on the Moon Rabbit which is a creature the Asian culture believes to be in the moon (and we can even see its shape).

Transformers Beast Wars II Moon Gallery

A Yeti. That's right, we do have an actual Transformers toy that does transform from a (working) drill ski bike into an abominable snowman. Everyone, meet Windchill the Yeti-Bot!

Grimwing turns into an Ursagryph which is half bear half eagle and so unknown that this very toy is the most prominent example of this mythological creature.

Transformers Prime Beast Hunters Grimwing Gallery

If you like Dragons, the Beast Hunters line was filled to the brim with them, which was pretty awesome. Definitely the best dragon from the Prime Beast Hunters line was Ripclaw. It had the most complex transformation with a lot for playability for a deluxe class toy, thanks to the segmented dragon tail. The dragon mode looks the part and gives a robot mode that plays against type for female robots.

Transformers Prime Beast Hunters Ripclaw Gallery

Heinlad is a tanuki but this toy isn't based on the actual animal but on the mythological interpretation since it comes with sake and has a great big pair of balls which the mythic animal is infamous for. I still can't believe that made it through but I am glad it did.

To know more, just click the image below to be taken to his gallery which is filled with more information.

Transformers Beast Wars Neo Heinlad (Heinrad) Gallery

Top 5 Transformers Toys whose Takara version was Better than Hasbro's

Date: Saturday, April 7th 2018 11:11pm CDT
Categories: Site Articles, Editorials, Top Lists
Posted by: william-james88

Discuss This Topic · Permanent Link
Views: 58,690

Every two weeks, Seibertron.com brings you a Top 5 list related to all things Transformers written by me, your fellow editor. These are my opinions (just like movie or game reviews hosted by sites are still just the opinion of one person) so what matters most is what you guys think of the topic or list, and I hope to see your own lists or comments on omissions and ranking. Let's have fun! All previous lists can be found here.

Top 5 Transformers Toys whose Takara version was better than Hasbro's

Last time, we checked the times when the Hasbro was better than the Takara version. Now, we will do the flip side, where we check the times Takara outdid Hasbro. Many fans often expect that to be the case, but with us now being in a new age of brand unification where the same toy gets released in both markets, it is a good time to look back at the times when it was really worth getting the Takara version over Hasbro's. I am well aware there are a lot of examples that can apply out there so I welcome people to let me know which toys they feel the Takara version is really worth seeking out. Also, they had to all be good toys rather than simply mediocre toys with a good paint job.

5. Transformers Legends Gelshark (Sky-Byte) vs Generations Sky-Byte

This is an extremely underrated toy which came and went with few caring. And that is a shame. Not only was this the representative of the Robots in Disguise 2001 / Car Robots line in the thrilling 30, he was also one hell of an update. He was still a shell former like his previous Beast Wars mold roots but unlike his original toy, the shell was very compact and made for elegant wings in robot mode which did not take any attention away from the robot mode. Also, and I can never stress this enough, Takara outdid themselves on the engineering of the chest. The original toy was a shark who transformed into a robot who had a shark-like face on his chest that was a different colour on each side (giving a hint to his states of mind). Of course, the real shark head was still somewhere on the toy (part of his massive shell) so the chest was more of a reference that he was a shark and not supposed to be the shark head. This update however had the shark head actually be the chest as well. No fake parts this time, reducing the shell considerably and making the robot far more sleek. There was even a nice panel flip on the shark's nose to give the chest new robot mode detail and to further look like the original cartoon model. As you recall, the whole theme of that chest is that it had a different colour on each side, showing how he was this unstable killer. So now that Hasbro has this opportunity of having the actual shark head be the chest how do they colour it? Just all light blue. Not even one of the shades that should be there. You might think that it is for it to work better as a shark head in shark mode, but no, that shade of blue isn't found anywhere else. Takara however jumped on the opportunity of this update to give him the split colour deco on his shark head so that when it transforms into robot mode, it gets the signature look. These same colours are also made to match the shark's body which make for a better looking shark mode. Takara has often outdone Hasbro in the deco area, just look at the entire Beast Wars Returns (Beast Machines in Japan) line. However, with Gelshark the improved deco goes a long way, longer than any other improved deco, turning a toy many dismissed into, what I consider, a must have. I am a huge fan of when the deco honours the wit of the engineering and this guy does that in spades.

4. Transformers Binaltech Override vs Alternators Windcharger

Right off the bat, I think the name is better in the Takara release. Windcharger was a minibot while Override was a sleek sports car. If the Binaltech line was about giving new classic version of G1 characters, Overdrive would suit it much better since they are all the same size and any hope of semblance of scale with Windcharger would be lost (if that even matters). More than that, just look at the head. The toy issued by both companies has a visor and that is totally Overdrive's deal more so than Windcharger (and you DO NOT want to see what a Windcharger head on this guy would look like).

I mean between this

and this

Which one would this guy be representing?

The name isn't even the biggest deal with the release, far from it. Hasbro's was made of molded plastic while Takara had a nice die cast body which was painted red. This was the case for all Binaltech (Takara) versions of the of Alternators line. You really felt you had your money's worth with these guys (when you forgot how you disliked transforming them). But that is not all, oh no, that is not all. What makes this release far ore noteworthy than the rest of the line though is the weapon. You see, licensing agreements are handled by each company separately in their home country. Honda Japan was totally cool with Overdrive having a nice long barreled gun but Honda America didnt like their brand associated to violent toys and Hasbro had to literally circumcise neuter the gun and turn it into a non violent scanner. Yay.

3. Transformers Henkei Megatron vs Classics Megatron

Another big difference between Takara/Japan and Hasbro/USA are the laws they have to deal with. Japan is not as severe when it comes to toy guns (G1 Megatron came from them afterall) but the states is a different matter. For Megatron to be a gun again, they had to give him a Super Soaker deco. Takara, on the other hand, gave him an appropriate deco for a character who finally had a semblance of his original alt mode back. He had two appropriate decos actually, one being silver (United) and the other having more orange highlights (Henkei) which I think works even better.

2. Transformers Unite Warriors Devastator vs Generations Combiner Wars Devastator

In most cases, the reason to get the Takara version over the Hasbro one (or vice versa) is if you prefer the differences in deco. With Devastator's case, the deco was a side note. Sure, there were a few differences here and there (with the Unite Warriors version being a bit more accurate to the cartoon) but the real deal here is that your Constructicons had improved articulation in their individual robot modes. They all had functional elbows for one and some had better knees, and they all had individual weapons. There are pegs and specific sculpting details found on the alt modes which are for the sole purpose of holding/storing the robot's weapon in that mode and what is saddening about the Hasbro version is that those details and holes are still there but you don't get the weapons. Along with the extra joints, this just adds to what Takara has confirmed that Hasbro's Devastator is a result of taking a Takara design and build and removing parts from it. There isn't just that, the combined robot has a new head which had an optional visor and ratchets on his shoulders. It's not so much that the Takara version is better than Hasbro but instead that it is THE toy Hasbro had signed on for initially. This is the Devastator we should all have had, while the deco would have been the main difference. Instead you get the actual Titan Devastator toy from Takara and a shadow of it from Hasbro.

1. Transformers Galaxy Force Cybertron Starscream vs Cybertron Starscream(s)

Yup, while a Starscream toy was the best time Hasbro had the upper hand over Takara, this character pops up again when we flip the conversation around. This case is practically a travesty all around and while at its core it's about the deco there is more to it. Looking at the mold alone, which is an excellent toy, Takara had him in perfect show accurate deco while the release of this Voyager Starscream toy by Hasbro was in a near random red colour. It was to the point where a fellow board member was talking about him to me and referring to him as Thrust since he truly believed that it was a redeco of Starscream into Thrust. Sadly, no it's not, that red thing is Starscream. Also, if you wanted him in the states, you could only get him in a two pack with Vector Prime who you probably already had, goody! So we established why the Takara release is the better one, but the reason behind the "failed attempt" for Hasbro to give fans this toy was because Hasbro was pushing another Starscream toy: Supreme Starscream, a toy which is all kinds of suck. It's just a giant Starscream which isn't even its own mold (even the craptacular Supreme Cheetor has that over him). It's just an upscaled version of the voyager, slightly retooled for the gimmicks. So all the fine details you would see on the voyager end up looking like broad strokes on the supreme class version. And while Starscream did become that big in the series, it wasn't for very long and much after this toy was released. There is a great air of disgust over this toy and a big part of it is the sacrifice of Hasbro never releasing a cartoon accurate version of the best Starscream figure of the Unicron Triogy, Cybertron Voyager Starscream, which is exactly what Takara provided.

Honourable mentions: There is a bunch of G1 stuff that was far superior when released in Japan by Takara than by Hasbro. However, I did not find it as fair since they were technically rereleases of the earlier toys from the Microchange and Diaclone lines and not specifically reworkings of a Hasbro version. Soundwave is a great example of a toy who's Japan release is awesome since it had firing missiles (something that was taken away from may Hasbro releases) as well as Headphones and a mic. However, this was all holdovers from the original release of the toy in the Microchange line which Hasbro changed for the Transformers. So it's more of a case of the Original pre Transformers version being better and not necessarily the Takara version of the Transformers toy. A very fine line, I admit, but I felt it would work better as an other list than to muddy this one.

Speaking of G1, Powermaster Prime was far superior in Japan, but since he wasn't the same character and release, I didn't really find it fair. The recent Legends line output from Takara has several deluxes coming with an extra Target Master while the Hasbro versions don't so they do offer you more, but at the same time you are paying an extra 10$ for that Target Master even before you add the import fees (plus you don't get the Hasbro weapons). So I don't know if paying more to get more counts as a fair comparison, they aren't even the same price points. However, this all deserves mentioning, and that's why you find them here.

Top 5 Transformers Toys where Hasbro version better than Takara's

Date: Friday, March 23rd 2018 10:55pm CDT
Categories: Site Articles, Editorials, Top Lists
Posted by: william-james88

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Views: 57,515

Every two weeks, Seibertron.com brings you a Top 5 list related to all things Transformers written by me, your fellow editor. These are my opinions (just like movie or game reviews hosted by sites are still just the opinion of one person) so what matters most is what you guys think of the topic or list, and I hope to see your own lists or comments on omissions and ranking. Let's have fun! All previous lists can be found here.

Top 5 Transformers Toys where Hasbro version better than Takara's

With the new trend for Takara and Hasbro to release the very same toys, I am looking back on the times in the past when the toys were quite different from one another. The reason the unified designs have alarmed several fans is because Takara has been known to have better paint applications and offer a better looking toy. Well, to show that it is not always the case and that Hasbro can definitely deliver on some good looking toys, I have written this list showing five instances where the Hasbro version was the one to get. Come back in two weeks for a list looking at the flip side!

5. Transformers Generations Wheeljack vs United Wheeljack

This is everyone's go to whipping boy and he certainly deserves to be here. For some reason, Takara decided from the mid 2000s to 2010 that their decos would be shinier than Hasbro's. While that worked wonders on some (I LOVE the use of chrome on the seekers for instance), it kind of played against them when fans wanted show accurate colours (like the Animated line). Their version of Generations Wheeljack is that backfire. Sure, more paint apps and a nice shine is great but it should compliment the mold and not take anything away. By going all sparkly the show accurate green became a more of the shiny pine green you would expect to see on toothpaste or breath mint packages. The toy is still fine but it just doesn't look like the Wheeljack we know anymore. You would expect Takara to be the more screen accurate deco and for such a beloved original character, it just doesn't resemble him as we'd expect, definitely not compared to Hasbro's version.

Transformers News: Top 5 Transformers Toys who's Hasbro version was better than Takara's

4. Transformers Generations Skrapnel
and Bombshell vs Transformers Adventures Shrapnel and Bombshell

This one is easy to explain. Yes, from a glance Takara might seem better due to more paint apps, especially on Shrapnel's antennas and Bombshell's legs. But then you look at the torso and notice a giant white sticker on there. It's for a mobile app in Japan. Hasbro did this as well on some toys, but only the ones related to the Robots in Disguise show/app, not toys that are supposed to be updates of toys of old like the insecticons. Sure, you could take that sticker off, but then you see the horror: to have the sticker applied, Takara had to remold the chest to give a circular indentation to hold the sticker. So yes, either you keep that sticker there or you are reminded that it is supposed to be there, every time you look at them.

3. Transformers Prime: Robots In Disguise Wheeljack vs Arms Micron Wheeljack

You know, if Takara had not given us the beauty that is Masterpiece Wheeljack, I would have thought they had it in for this guy. How else would you explain how they keep messing up this character's releases. First it was a sparkly minty fresh deco that didn't reference anything and strayed from show accuracy, and now its no paint at all. That's right, the company who we pair with the hope of better paint apps had a whole line where their toys had way less paint apps than Hasbro. Waaaaay less. It's not to say there was no colour. Instead of paint, the toys came with stickers, like old times (yay?). That means that the toys looked as good as your dexterity permitted. The stickers themselves didn't work as well as the paint apps anyway because it was very obvious what was paint and what was a sticker and the stickers had a metallic finish that clashed with the remaining paint apps and the coloured plastic. They looked far more like little kid toys that way. But that was the whole line, so why does Wheeljack get the blunt of it again? Well, the Takara's counterpart came with a little model kit that you would detach from sprues and connect to make a little transformer targetmaster companion. That too needed stickers (and they were very very small). And for vehicle mode interaction, they remolded Wheeljack's vehicle mode to have a bunch of protruding 5 mm holes across what would have been sexy smoother areas. So it looked like your wheeljack had been shot up a bunch.

Who are you and what did you do to Takara?

And let's say you don't want to put the stickers, well...

Here is the Hasbro version with no stickers needed

2. Transformers Voyager Animated Bulkhead vs Takara Animated Ironhide (Bulkhead)

While more paint apps are usually appreciated, it has to make some sense. Takara's voyager Bulkhead (who they call Ironhide) is covered in paint but looks NOTHING like he does in the show. Takara's fuller and shiny paint jobs were hit and miss on this line (Armorhide looks great, for instance) but none had it as bad as Bulkhead/Ironhide. He looks like an egyptian scarab.

1. Hasbro Transformers Masterpiece Starscream Gallery vs Takara Transformers Masterpiece MP-03 Starscream

This is such an easy number 1 pick and I doubt anyone would argue. Let me paint a picture of the situation all those years ago. Fans had finally gotten a Masterpiece Optimus Prime, who was incredible for the time. He was the most show accurate transformable Optimus back then and really looked like he just jumped off the screen. Then you had Ultra Magnus who was just a white prime repaint. He didn't hurt anybody since it was just a redeco of an incredible mold and it did reference a big part of the toy lore, where the Ultra Magnus toy is at the core a white Prime inside an armoured body. And then you had the second original Masterpiece mold and it was to be used for Starscream, one of the most iconic characters of the brand ever. And it looked like this:

Really, that is what Starscream looks like? What show did you watch?! I can give merit to wanting to make the most accurate jet made mode ever, where at least you could call the alt mode a masterpeice, but the colour scheme references nothing. It sure doesn't even resemble the actual colour of the jet it's based on (which ironically, is more in line with the grey traditionally seen on Starscream). So what is this?! Anyways, I will make it short. The mold was released by Hasbro, who gave it deco far closer to his look in the cartoon and the figure sold like hotcakes at Walmart (who had him exclusively). He sold so well that Walmart stocked up big time on the following seeker redeco (only to eventually sell it at a deep discount since they didn't realize that Starscream is a far more popular character).

Honourable mentons: MP Soundwave and MP 10 Optimus Prime

These are very subjective and not as obvious as the other above, and would never make this list, but still important to mention for you to see that Hasbro does have some solid offerings sometimes, even for the Masterpiece line. For Soundwave, what was really great about the Hasbro version wasn't the deco (he didn't have the show accurate eyes) but instead the fact that he came with all his cassettes (issued at the time) and they weren't sold separately, which was the case with Takara. It was a phenomenal deal when it came out. As for Optimus, while I prefer how Takara paints the inside of the trailer, I much prefer his sky blue eyes and the red on the chest of the Hasbro version. It was Hasbro who was more cartoon accurate, but then again, the Hasbro Roller was blue and not grey so it's a mishmash really and a toss up as to which version is preferred by people.

Top 5 Best Transformers Troop Builders

Date: Sunday, November 19th 2017 12:29am CST
Categories: Site Articles, Editorials, Top Lists
Posted by: william-james88

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Views: 56,308

Every two weeks, Seibertron.com brings you a Top 5 list related to all things Transformers written by me, your fellow editor. These are my opinions (just like movie or game reviews hosted by sites are still just the opinion of one person) so what matters most is what you guys think of the topic or list, and I hope to see your own lists or comments on omissions and ranking. Let's have fun! All previous lists can be found here.

Top 5 Best Transformers Troop Builders

Ah the infamous troop builder. I will be honest, it was a concept I was not familiar with when I got back into collecting in my adult life. As a kid I got toys on my birthday and Chritmas so you bet your ass that I was gonna ask for a different toy and not the same one again just because there was more than one of the same character model on the screen sometimes. But of course, I get it now. With more disposable income, we can now indulge in recreating scenes and armies from the shows we love. And to build those armies in your display, you are gonna need troops. The Transformers brand has had a lot of toys to build troops with over the years and we will look over the best ones right now. Enjoy!

5. Transformers Titans Return Scourge

I really like the Generations Scourge toy but what makes the Titans Return version better for troop building is that you can change his face. So now, your army of Sweeps can have some different characteristics. The Ptero head for instance looks like the type of head given to his sweeps in previous releases. Takara also released a different head (shown below) just to build a sweep army. But you don't have to stop there, you can given them any heads and make them as diverse or similar as you like. It's a decent toy all around as well. Very accurate to the cartoon and both the Takara and Hasbro versions have fun features in their different decos.

4. Transformers Prime Beast Hunters Cyberverse Hardshell

This is one of the very best Commander Class toy from the Cyberverse line, if not the best, and it also happens to be a troop builder. The size works well for a Cyberverse scale army and an affordable one at that since he was at a lower price point than deluxes. Intricate transformation, well detailed and show accurate, what more would you want? Well aside from a voyager scale one for a much pricier army.

3. Titans Return Sharkticon

Yes, Titans Return have given us several troop builders, and good ones too. Sharkticon is an iconic little guy, due to his appearance in the 86 movie and this is his best toy yet. He is a fun little guy on his own, with a smooth and smart transformation, a great look and even the ability to act as a sub for little Titan Masters. But then you add more of them and you get a menacing (while also cute) army. And them being smaller figures, which is true to the scale, makes them a more affordable troop to build.

2. Transformers Prime: Robots In Disguise Vehicon

I have raved on this toy before and it's pretty crazy that an undisputed top 5 (top 3?) toy from that whole Prime line was the troop builder Vehicon toy. If only the jet versions were as readily available and affordable, we could replicate Megatron's army as seen on the show.

1. Transformers G1 1985 Insecticons

I think this is the first time a G1 toy ends up being number 1 on a list not specifically about g1. But yeah, there is no better option to me. This is the original swarm and the original troop builder and still the most impressive. These guys take the cake because of their variety of design from one another while also being uniform. This is where the generations versions of these guys fail since the colours, plastics and builds don't match. they end up being seen more as individual toys than a united swarm. While the articulation may not be optimal, the quality of these toys remains unmatched to this date with a combination of clear plastic, chrome, die cast and even functional wheels to give that extra mecha component. And the swarms are in insect mode anyway, so robot mode articulation is useless. Plus, these guys have been rereleased plenty of times that they end up being the same price point as a set of the 3 generations figures anyways, so I whole heartedly recomend anyone curious about g1 toys to check these out. They are still to this date the most faithful looking versions of the most iconic troop in Transformers history.

Honourable metions: Beast Machines Sonic Attack Jet

While Beast Machines deluxe Jetstorm was a decent toy, it lacked screen accuracy in both the deco and the sculpt. In comes a redeco that has more vibrant colours, closer to the look and feel of the show. And it happens to be an army builder for the Jetstorm drone army. So while not ideal we do get a differentiation between the leader and his goons and it is luckily the masses that have the more screen accurate deco, which I personally feel looks much better.

Top Five Rivalries in Transformers Fiction

Date: Saturday, April 22nd 2017 12:29pm CDT
Categories: Site Articles, Editorials, Top Lists
Posted by: Mindmaster

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Views: 56,424

Every two weeks, Seibertron.com brings you a Top 5 list related to all things Transformers. This list is written by Mindmaster with some help from D-Maximus Primal and Kurona and edited by Seibertron and myself.and I would like to thank him for having taken the time. These are his opinions (just like movie or game reviews hosted by sites are still just the opinion of one person) so what matters most is what you guys think of the topic or list, and I hope to see your own lists or comments on omissions and ranking. Let's have fun! All previous lists can be found here.

Top Five Rivalries in Transformers Fiction

A franchise rich with characters isn't complete if it didn't have intense rivalries. After all, who doesn't like watching two characters with an intense hatred for each other fight to the death? Mindmaster here (Seibertron staff allumni and fellow board member) and this week on our "Top Five" list, we're taking a look at the fiercest rivalries seen in the history of the brand!

5. Star Saber and Deathsaurus

For Star Saber and Deathsaurus, nothing says "bitter rivalry" like two childhood friends who swore themselves to differing factions (or at least, that's what happened in the Victory manga). Star Saber and Deathsaurus were kids with a friendship, but that changed many years later, as they became the leaders of their respective factions. While the "childhood friends" part was never explored in the anime, their rivalry was clear one. -Mindmaster

Transformers Victory Deathsaurus (Deszaras) Gallery

4. Arcee and Jhiaxus

If your robo-junk got cut off and you were forcibly experimented on to introduce gender to your species, you'd be pretty miffed yourself. Bent on gaining her vengeance, the being who would call herself Arcee devoted herself into hunting down ancient mad-scientist Jhiaxus, who was also responsible for IDW's equivalent of Micromasters and this universe's first combiner, the destructive Monstructor. This rivalry ended with Arcee finally getting the enjoyment of killing Jhiaxus (who was close enough to the Dead Universe to come back to life) again... and again... and again... and again... and again...
-Mindmaster

3. Animated Ratchet and Lockdown

Lockdown and Ratchet became rivals in the Transformers Animated Cartoon (which is also where Lockdown originates from). The way the story goes, Lockdown permanently scarred Ratchet during the war, both physically and psychologically. He also took his best medical tool, and then when they met again, Ratchet beat the scrap out of him out of Revenge, going so far as to rip the EMP right off Lockdown, along with Prime's grapplers. And then the Revenge of the Fallen line made their rivalry known in the toy bios and how weapons from one are compatible with the other, just like animated. And then Lockdown was the one to kill Ratchet in the live action movies, keeping their rivalry going into movies.
Not to mention the initial rivals were a war weary old medic against a ruthless spiky bounty hunter with no allegiance.
-D-Maximus

2. Depthcharge and Rampage

The rivalry of Depthcharge and Rampage is an intense one: after Rampage killed all save Depthcharge on Omicron Colony, Depthcharge became dangerously hellbent on tracking down the criminally insane murderer, apprehending him after killing and apparently eating Starbase Rugby's inhabitants. Fast forward (or rewind, technically speaking) to their debut in the Beast Wars cartoon, where while Rampage and Depthcharge nominally belonged Predacon and Maximal respectively, both tended to disobey their orders and go after each other. This bitter rivalry ended in the crossfire of the battle to stop Megatron from destroying the dormant Autobots, with Depthcharge piercing unstable Energon into Rampage's exposed spark, with the fiend cackling all the while, either embracing oblivion to end his tortuous life or because he was bat-s*** insane.
-Mindmaster

Transformers Beast Wars Metals Rampage Gallery

1. Optimus Prime and Megatron

Alright, you knew this was coming, and of course it would. This is not only the most iconic rivalry in Transformers lore but also one of the most iconic rivalries in pop culture. Optimus and Megatron have been at each other's throats for over thirty years since their debut in 1984, whether one was a fan of the other (Generation One's episode "War Dawn"), a librarian and a miner who shared views on the oppressive caste system (Prime's "One Shall Stand, Part One"), or even blood brothers (as established by the live-action films). This is a rivalry that will brew for many, many more years to come. -Mindmaster and William-James88

Transformers G1 1984 Megatron (Reissue) Gallery

Transformers Revenge of the Fallen Megatron Gallery

Transformers Prime: First Edition Megatron Gallery

Honorable mentions

Armada's Hot Shot and Wheeljack

The rivalry of Hot Shot and Wheeljack is similar to that of the manga version of Victory's Star Saber and Deathsaurus, but with differences: imagine having been friends for a long time, but an ill-fated mission separated the both of you. Your friend tells you that he will come back to help, but never returns. On the verge of losing hope, someone finally comes to help, but it's not your friend, but someone completely unexpected: it's your enemy faction's leader, Megatron, who convinces you that your friend abandoned you! Having been rescued by Megatron and sworn fealty to the Decepticons, Wheeljack was emotionally torn apart by Hot Shot's "betrayal" (technically not true, as Hot Shot was prevented by his senior officers from going back and helping him), and swore to hunt down the Autobot and gain vengeance. Years later, both parties met again on the battlefield on Earth, as the war for the Mini-Cons raged on. Having discovered the Hot Shot was mentoring an even younger Side Swipe, the embittered Decepticon took this personally. Thankfully, unlike the rivalries previously listed, this one took a turn to Happy Ending Avenue: after both factions united to fight Unicron, Wheeljack seemed to forgive Hot Shot for abandoning him. -Mindmaster

The Wreckers and Squadron X

Another bitter rivalry comes in the form of the Wreckers and their Decepticon counterparts, Squadron X, depicted as flashbacks in IDW's wildly-popular-to-this-day miniseries, "Last Stand of the Wreckers". During the war, Wrecker leader at-that-time Impactor became dangerously obsessed in bringing down the ruthless Decepticons, with both groups engaging in a final clash on the planet Pova. Having dealing a humiliating defeat to Squadron X, Impactor was told the unthinkable; to prevent a political incident between the Autobots and the planet's inhabitants who declared neutrality, Impactor had to free their prisoners. In response, Impactor promptly executed each member of Squadron X, earning him a cozy cell on the ill-fated penal colony of Garrus-9. Impactor would later blame his lieutenant-now-Springer, who testified against him in his court martial, for not agreeing with Squadron X'a demise. -Mindmaster

Rung vs. Froid

One of the many ways in which IDW separates itself from other series in the franchise is by having many other forms of warfare and rivalry than simply punching and firing lasers at each other; and no finer is that represented than in the rivalry between the two psychologists Rung and Froid in MTMTE. Their story coming in right before the comic's multi-part finale, ample time is devoted to their history together - including plagiarism; diverging views on psychiatry methods; and a dark spot in Rung's very long career. Very different to your typical Transformers story, but it is nonetheless a rivalry that gives way to many story paths and even sheds light on the past of a certain Theoretician. So while this list contains battlefield tales that no doubt make for some amazing action, never forget the much more subtle and down-to-Cybertron battles concerning the psychological health that is just as important as the physical. -Kurona

Top 5 Black Convoy / Optimus Prime Transformers Toys

Date: Saturday, October 29th 2016 5:14pm CDT
Categories: Site Articles, Editorials, Top Lists
Posted by: megatronus | Credit(s): megatronus

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Views: 118,614

WELCOME!

It's your friendly neighborhood megatronus here, and I'm honored to bring you a momentous, subjective, and totally non-scientific Top 5 'Black Convoy' toys list!

Before we get into the nitty gritty, a few disclaimers. First, many modern 'Black Convoy' toys are overseas or convention exclusives (or both!), and I apologize if some of my selections are inaccessible as a result. Second, the brief history below represents my own limited knowledge - if I'm wrong on the facts, I welcome your corrections. Finally, as with all Top 5 lists, this list is solely representative of the author's opinions and sensibilities. I invite you to disagree with my choices and post your own personal favorites in the thread below.

BACKGROUND

Let's dive into a brief history and taxonomy of black Optimus Prime repaints. From my amateur perspective, the platonic ideal of 'Black Convoy' draws from 3 main sources:

History Lesson 1: 2001 C-307X Nucleon Quest Optimus Prime

Released as a TRU exclusive in Japan circa 2001, this redeco of Takara's 1988 Super Ginrai was later recolored into Fire Guts Super Ginrai (2002) and Commemorative Series II Powermaster Optimus Prime (2003). Like his brethren, Nucleon Quest Optimus Prime is a good guy; his tech spec states he's merely Convoy in sexy black undergarments:

Tech Spec wrote:Abilities: In order for him to extract the super-energy "Nucleon" that exists in black holes, his entire structure is now protected by a phase modulation shield. He can now carry out activity in super-gravitic environments.

Despite remaining the same Prime we all know and love, this impressive 'Black Convoy' introduces details that would become hallmarks of 'Black Convoy' toys to come, notably the red chest and chrome/silver accents.

Nucleon Quest? Would could possibly go wrong???

History Lesson 2: 2001 Robots in Disguise Scourge

This character is a titan in the minds of many 'Black Convoy' collectors. He's not a Prime at all, however, but rather an entirely separate character in the vaulted Robots In Disguise cartoon of the early aughts. A protoform corrupted with Decepticon programming scanned Optimus Prime, and thusly the no-good copy cat doppelgänger Scourge emerged, to great fan fare.

Despite his grim if unoriginal (gasp! evil clone!) backstory and distinct character model (in other words, he's not a straight redeco of RID Optimus figure), Scourge is notable for his use of the G2 Optimus Prime mold - a figure ahead of its time. Plus, Scourge introduces prominent teals to the 'Black Convoy' equation.

Stand tall, not-quite-Prime. Stand tall.

History Lesson 3: 2003 Armada Nemesis Prime

Nemesis Prime marries the simple black redeco concept a la Nucleon Quest Convoy and the evil doppelgänger aspects of Scourge (in fact, his Japanese name is 'Scourge'). Throw in a Unicronian origin (this is Transformers Armada after all) and behold! You have the makings of an epic destroyer.

Unlike RID Scourge, Armada Nemesis Prime is entity of Unicron. But, like RID Scourge, Nemesis takes form by scanning Optimus Prime, the most respected of the Transformers, and becoming his duplicate. Plus, Nemesis can reconstruct himself - he's one bad mama jama.

Nemesis blends design cues from both Nucleon Convoy AND Scourge - we now have the teals and red chest in a single glorious repaint. Well, actually, multiple repaints; the Nemesis Prime character would see other black, red, and teal incarnations within his native Unicron Trilogy continuity (*cough* Universe Nemesis Prime *cough* (2003) *cough*), grounding the Nemesis character into the fandom's collective consciousness.

Will you be my Nemesis?

The rest... is history!

Did I say history? What I meant was complicated. The rest is complicated.

Post-Armada, a gaggle of 'Black Convoy' toys took on a muted teal and blue deco reminiscent of Scourge's infamous RID cartoon appearance. That's right, I'm looking at you, Nightwatch Optimus Prime (2008), Binaltech Nemesis Prime (2007) and SDCC Nemesis Prime (2008). Interestingly, the two Nemesis bios introduced non-Unicronian origins by way of Dr. Arkeville and Straxus, respectively, further muddling the difference between the formerly distinctive Scourge and Nemesis Prime characters.

After this blue period, out came MP1B Masterpiece Optimus Prime Black Version (2009). This figure dons the Nemesis deco, but, like Nightwatch Prime, it's not evil. It's an, err, Eldedroid. Or something.

Since MP1B, Nemesis-decoed Optimi have cropped up every now and then, including TA-01 Optimus Prime Black Ver. (2010), DOTM Jetwing Optimus Prime Black Ver. (2011), and AoE Black Knight Optimus Prime (2015). Good black Optimus Primes also occasionally assume a black, gold, and blue deco, as per ROTF Optimus Prime Black Ver. (2009) and the more recent Elite Guard Optimus Prime (from the TF:Prime first edition voyager).

Nope. Not evil.

But, yes! Even after all that mishigas, evil 'Black Convoy' toys since 2009 have generally rolled up a Scourge-type evil clone backstory in a straight Nemesis-style repaint. There are exceptions (i.e. Lawson exclusives), but black, red, and teal dominate the 'Black Convoy' scene - be it a Nemesis, Scourge, Dark Side, or even just a boring (but beautiful), run-of-the-mill black version of Optimus Prime.

THE LIST

Finally, dear readers, we arrive at the main event - the list of Top 5 'Black Convoy' toys!

Behold! That long slog did not go to waste; it makes my explanation of inclusion criteria that much simpler. You see, for the purposes of this list, I will only consider 'Black Convoys' that check the following two boxes:

***Predominantly black, teal, and red color scheme
***Wicked... looking - that is to say, they may be Autobot aligned, but I could reasonably fudge them for inclusion on a Nemesis shelf for their sheer bad-ass-ery.

To the list!

#5: AD-31B Movie Advanced Black Knight Optimus Prime

The simplified style of AOE (a conversation best left for another day) gave us an underwhelming Leader Class Optimus Prime: smaller, lighter, and less complex. Takara jumped on the opportunity, and remolded Optimus's chest, gave him articulated wrists & hands, and bequeathed him a brand new head sculpt with an interchangeable face. In so doing, Takara saved this figure in the hearts and minds of many collectors.

Then, they painted him black.

Still an Autobot, sure. But now this is an Optimus worthy of "GIVE ME YOUR FACE!" Between the Takara upgrades, sharp deco, translucent red weapons, and a mean looking face, this figure quickly became one of my favorite 'Black Convoy' toys.

#4: Universe Nemesis Prime

A lot has been written about Beast Wars Neo Big Convoy - such is the fate of kibble-tastic shell-formers. But that does not change the fact that this Big Convoy redeco is a beast! Also, he plays an important in the fiction: Nemesis Prime from Armada underwent several iterations within the Unicron Trilogy continuity, and this, boys and girls, is one of them.

Not to mention that this Nemesis Prime - one of the first - is an incredibly fun toy. Between the viking-esque horns, massive gun, and blood red matrix, this surprisingly well articulated recycle of the older Beast Wares Neo figure is the perfect vessel for a bad as bones Nemesis.

Speaking of which, he gets major points for the PG13 blood on those horns, which look evil as all heck. You don't want to be caught out alone on the icy tundra, that's for sure.

#3: Transformers GO! Hunter Nemesis Prime

When Optimus received his life-saving upgrade at the outset of Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters, I knew we'd get a big beefy toy to match Prime's new on-screen chassis. What I didn't realize at the time was how awesome a Nemesis Optimus's new beefy template would make.

In this age of 'big-bads' being physically bigger (and badder), having a brute of a Nemesis is wonderful. He looks tough, a look accentuated by his jagged chest spikes and Megatron-esque pylon shoulders. Nemesis's sword, which in his hands resembles more of a hatchet or machette, only enhances and rounds out this characterization. Then you have the great battle mask, a significant improvement over the original toy's Optimus face, which I can only describe, generously, as derpy. All together, this Nemesis just kills it, in the best way possible.

#2: Tokyo Toy Show United Black Optimus Prime

This one's a Classic. Literally.

Coming some years off the heals of the previous reigning black Classics Prime, SDCC Nemesis Prime (see Blue Period, above), this figure updates this 'Black Convoy' with the more modern, distinctly Nemesis deco. The teals and reds pop, and the greys add some dimension to Prime's black palette.

One of the reasons I selected this figure is just how well the Classics Prime mold has held up all these years. Especially in an environment where so many current lines (Combiner Wars, Titans Return) hark back to G1, the Classics sensibility of updating characters in new ways gives this 'Black Convoy' a sense of being more a Prime look-a-like than the genuine article, which suits this sinister, Decepticon-branded evil Prime just fine on my shelf.

#1: Tokyo Toy Show United Darkside Optimus Prime

Welcome to the dark side! For me, it was really no contest - I love this 'Black Convoy', a lovely and fantastically well done redeco of the War For Cybertron deluxe Optimus Prime figure.

The perennially-popular War For Cybertron design grants this Prime a uniquely organic look. From the panel lines on his battle mask, to the contours of his chest cavity, all the way down to his leg panels, this Prime exudes elegance. His flared out shoulders blend naturally with back wheel kibble that fills out his form and complements his rather graceful stature. All this, combined with a sharp-as-a-knife metallic paint job, and this Darkside 'Black Convoy' packs an out-sized punch for a relatively small deluxe figure.

And yet, with all of these wonderful design cues, we still have a mean, dark, or perhaps downright evil expression. Through the prism of his organic lines, his glare screams of a singular focus and unbridled rage. Of all of the 'Black Convoys' on my list, I consider this one to be the most dangerous. #1, all the way.

Photo Credit: ThunderCougar @ DeviantArt

Runners Up

Yes, there were several 'Black Convoy' figures that didn't make the cut - they were lean, they were mean, but the each had something that made me say,'ehhh...' They are:

-Jetwing Optimus Prime, Black Version: this mold is awesome, this figure is awesome. You know what's not awesome? His lack of battle mask. Had to deduct some badass points for that.

-RID Scourge: yes, he's a progenitor of the 'Black Convoy' genre, and he has aged well - but still, he's a tad too old school for my tastes. I know he would easily make others' lists, just not mine.

-TFCC TFSS 1.0 -OR- LG EX Scourge: the black versions of RTS Laser Prime figure are fierce, but in a scrappy way. I have a harder time finding this mold menacing, even if he checks off several boxes.

-TA01 Animated Optimus Prime, Black Version: this figure is very nearly the complete package, but his huge Autobot symbol really throws me off. His giant axe alone made this figure the hardest call.

-MP10B Black Convoy: this mold is a benchmark in design, and he even has the molded Decepticon symbol. My issue is his head sculpt; it's too neutral, too gentle. Not evil enough - my puppy dog looks meaner than MP10B.

Don't give me that look.

THANK YOU!

That's my list! I hope you enjoyed it.

Did I miss your favorite 'Black Convoy'? Share it with us below, and stay tuned to Seibertron.com for all the latest Transformers news, and the best galleries around!