In-Hand Images - Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Deluxe Air Raid

Thursday, February 19th, 2015 9:32AM CST

Category: Toy News
Posted by: Va'al Views: 22,112

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Thanks to a tip from fellow Seibertronian Autobot Genocide, we can share some in-hand images of the second wave of Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Air Raid - the final Aerialbot and missing limb of Superion! Check out some of the mirrored photos from Genetic of the TFND.net boards below, showing off jet mode, robot mode, articulation and combined form with other team members Alpha Bravo, Silverbolt, Skydive and Firefly.

Credit(s): TFND Genetic

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Re: In-Hand Images - Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Deluxe Air Raid (1653196)
Posted by shajaki on February 19th, 2015 @ 9:43am CST

its sad to see that the gold trim on the chest is absent... but! superion completed! :DANCE:

Re: In-Hand Images - Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Deluxe Air Raid (1653197)
Posted by peaces on February 19th, 2015 @ 9:46am CST

i'll add my own gold trim. way too plain without it.

Re: In-Hand Images - Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Deluxe Air Raid (1653199)
Posted by Jelze Bunnycat on February 19th, 2015 @ 9:47am CST

Any comparisons with his supposed pretool partner Skydive? I can see the tail and legs match.

Re: In-Hand Images - Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Deluxe Air Raid (1653202)
Posted by Rated X on February 19th, 2015 @ 9:54am CST

shajaki wrote:its sad to see that the gold trim on the chest is absent... but! superion completed!

Superion is not complete. 4 down, 1 more to go. Alpha Bravo doesnt count. He goes in the padded cell for impersonating an Aerialbot.

Re: In-Hand Images - Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Deluxe Air Raid (1653217)
Posted by Moody magpie on February 19th, 2015 @ 10:12am CST

Oh no he comes with a comic, the chances of him coming to UK has decreased! :sad:

Re: In-Hand Images - Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Deluxe Air Raid (1653218)
Posted by Cobotron on February 19th, 2015 @ 10:14am CST

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:Any comparisons with his supposed pretool partner Skydive? I can see the tail and legs match.

Looks like his forearms too.
Man! He looks cool. That head sculpt is great.

Re: In-Hand Images - Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Deluxe Air Raid (1653220)
Posted by Evil Eye on February 19th, 2015 @ 10:16am CST

Rated X wrote:
shajaki wrote:its sad to see that the gold trim on the chest is absent... but! superion completed!

Superion is not complete. 4 down, 1 more to go. Alpha Bravo doesnt count. He goes in the padded cell for impersonating an Aerialbot.

Alpha Bravo is an Aerialbot, and he definitely counts. He's just not the one you want. If it bothers you that much then buy the Takara version with the Firefly redeco.

Re: In-Hand Images - Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Deluxe Air Raid (1653222)
Posted by Agamemnon on February 19th, 2015 @ 10:19am CST

Ironhidensh wrote:
Genericon #378 wrote:
Ironhidensh wrote:So, granted I may have missed it somewhere in the 150 damn pages of this thread, but am I going to have to import from Takara to get a complete superion? All due respect to Va'al, but a helicopter does NOT belong amongst the Airialbots.

Planes and whirlybirds are like the bloods and crips, they just shouldn't mix.

Uh, why doesn't a helicopter belong among the Aerialbots? They're the Aerialbots, not the Jeticons! Anything that flies makes sense.

Because the Aerialbots have an established history of being jets. There was never a member named Alpha Bravo. At least before IDW showed up. I don't like the change. Plus, how the hell does a helicopter keep up with three fighter jets and a Concorde?

Also, I'm a bit of a geewunner at heart.

#ChildOfTheEighties

Re: In-Hand Images - Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Deluxe Air Raid (1653229)
Posted by Rodimus Prime on February 19th, 2015 @ 10:39am CST

Delta Magnus wrote:If it bothers you that much then buy the Takara version with the Firefly redeco.

I will be doing exactly that. The Aerialbots are Silverbolt, Skydive, Air Raid, Fireflight, and Slingshot. Alpha Bravo would go well in place of Blades for Defensor, but not with a group of jets. Makes no sense. >:oP

Re: In-Hand Images - Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Deluxe Air Raid (1653232)
Posted by Jelze Bunnycat on February 19th, 2015 @ 10:42am CST

Delta Magnus wrote:
Rated X wrote:
shajaki wrote:its sad to see that the gold trim on the chest is absent... but! superion completed!

Superion is not complete. 4 down, 1 more to go. Alpha Bravo doesnt count. He goes in the padded cell for impersonating an Aerialbot.

Alpha Bravo is an Aerialbot, and he definitely counts. He's just not the one you want. If it bothers you that much then buy the Takara version with the Firefly redeco.

Or at the very least wait for the Hasbro Slingshot rumor to ring true,

Re: In-Hand Images - Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Deluxe Air Raid (1653236)
Posted by Sabrblade on February 19th, 2015 @ 10:47am CST

Rodimus Prime wrote:
Delta Magnus wrote:If it bothers you that much then buy the Takara version with the Firefly redeco.
I will be doing exactly that. The Aerialbots are Silverbolt, Skydive, Air Raid, Fireflight, and Slingshot. Alpha Bravo would go well in place of Blades for Defensor, but not with a group of jets. Makes no sense.

Makes more sense than a large delivery tractor trailer being part of a group called the "Stunticons". Or two non-predatory herbivores (a buffalo and a rhino) being part of a group called the "Predacons". At least a helicopter is still aerial.

Re: In-Hand Images - Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Deluxe Air Raid (1653239)
Posted by gothsaurus on February 19th, 2015 @ 10:51am CST

He's the big rig that carries all those stunt cars tho the next stunt show ;-)

Re: In-Hand Images - Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Deluxe Air Raid (1653241)
Posted by peaces on February 19th, 2015 @ 10:54am CST

how does g1 bumblebee keep up with g1 sideswipe?

Re: In-Hand Images - Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Deluxe Air Raid (1653245)
Posted by Autobot N on February 19th, 2015 @ 11:14am CST

Rated X wrote:
shajaki wrote:its sad to see that the gold trim on the chest is absent... but! superion completed!

Superion is not complete. 4 down, 1 more to go. Alpha Bravo doesnt count. He goes in the padded cell for impersonating an Aerialbot.

Don't be a jerk to Alpha Bravo. Just because he is a helicopter doesn't mean he can't be an Aerialbot. And besides, he is a really good figure. In fact (I can't judge Air Raid yet until I own him), Bravo is actually my favorite figure from the line so far.

Re: In-Hand Images - Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Deluxe Air Raid (1653249)
Posted by Cyberpath on February 19th, 2015 @ 11:35am CST

Va'al wrote:

Kind of a shame that none of them form a small "plane" on their backs. I always thought it was clever and fun on the original toys.

AirRaidBack.jpg

Re: In-Hand Images - Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Deluxe Air Raid (1653253)
Posted by william-james88 on February 19th, 2015 @ 11:45am CST

KnightAero wrote:
Cobotron wrote:
KnightAero wrote:*Sigh* missing Starscream & Thundercracker...
MP? Me too.
peaces wrote:it's a cheap alternative to mp
Been my plan all along.

Of course there may be that instance were Shockwave zaps 'em with a Giganto Ray so they can go toe to toe with Superion and the likes. Who knows what adventure lays ahead?
(I liketh to play wif my toys)

I am finding that "waiting" on certain Transformers is a bad idea... Which I waited to get MP Starscream & Thundercracker (I had seen them at Walmart too!!) Now I am kicking myself as they go for any where from $140-$200+

I do plan on using TC as a "in between" while I wait to get MP TC...

Good news, the MP Starscream is being reissued by TRU later this year, so you might be able to get him for cheaper.

Re: In-Hand Images - Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Deluxe Air Raid (1653255)
Posted by Flashpoint_82 on February 19th, 2015 @ 11:48am CST

Has anyone noticed that Silverbolts nose can turn down, like a real Concorde ???

Re: In-Hand Images - Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Deluxe Air Raid (1653258)
Posted by Rodimus Prime on February 19th, 2015 @ 11:52am CST

Sabrblade wrote:
Rodimus Prime wrote:
Delta Magnus wrote:If it bothers you that much then buy the Takara version with the Firefly redeco.
I will be doing exactly that. The Aerialbots are Silverbolt, Skydive, Air Raid, Fireflight, and Slingshot. Alpha Bravo would go well in place of Blades for Defensor, but not with a group of jets. Makes no sense.
Makes more sense than a large delivery tractor trailer being part of a group called the "Stunticons". Or two non-predatory herbivores (a buffalo and a rhino) being part of a group called the "Predacons". At least a helicopter is still aerial.

But nowhere near with the capabilities of a jet. So makes NO SENSE. I do agree about the Predacons and perhaps even Motormaster. Yeah, he has about as much to do with stunt vehicles as a helicopter does with jets. I always thought a monster truck alternate mode for Motormaster made more sense, both purpose (stunt) and scale wise.

Re: In-Hand Images - Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Deluxe Air Raid (1653259)
Posted by Evil Eye on February 19th, 2015 @ 11:54am CST

Well Silverbolt was an "odd-man-out", being a civilian craft alongside military planes. Surely something like an SR-71 or an F-111 would have made more sense?

Re: In-Hand Images - Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Deluxe Air Raid (1653263)
Posted by william-james88 on February 19th, 2015 @ 12:00pm CST

gothsaurus wrote:He's the big rig that carries all those stunt cars tho the next stunt show

You might be joking, but thats an awesome and fun explanation.

Re: In-Hand Images - Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Deluxe Air Raid (1653267)
Posted by kirbenvost on February 19th, 2015 @ 12:04pm CST

Good looking bot! I like how his shoulder design hides the arms a little better in alt mode too. Looking forward to completing my currently one-armed Superion!

Re: In-Hand Images - Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Deluxe Air Raid (1653268)
Posted by william-james88 on February 19th, 2015 @ 12:07pm CST

As to why Alpha Bravo is part of the set, here is the reasoning given by Hasbro TF head Jery Jivoin:

What was the thought process behind introducing new Combiner characters such as Offroad and Alpha Bravo instead of just sticking with new interpretations of classic characters?
We wanted to introduce some new characters. There is also names and which we have, which is trademarked and what we're allowed to release. You've seen that in the past where we've had to change the names of some characters. Also we wanted to make sure the scales of everything were what needed to be. Sometimes scales were a bit funky in the original releases, you have a motorcycle that's the same size as a helicopter. Some of those decisions came into play. We wanted to create the essence of what the original characters were originally with the colors and type of characters you can make in the big Combiner character.

I really like the product line. It turned out really fantastic and I think from what I want to keep pushing the brand is that Generations isn't just about looking in the past. It's also about creating new stories, new characters as we go forward. I tell this story to the design and marketing team, when we were kids, when I first came out and was playing with this brand, somebody was in our seat, in our job and they were creating new stories and new toys for us. That's our job, you know? And that's what makes this fun. There's a 5, 6, 7...10 year old kid out there, whatever age they are who's getting into this and they're experiencing Transformers for the first time. So it's our responsibility and what we get to give back now is that we are creating the next generation of fans with this new product line whether it's Generations product line, whether it's Robots in Disguise whether it's Rescue Bots. We're creating this new fun way to play.

The Combiner Wars gives us you know, a great way not only to look back with the characters that everyone loves but also say "What's new?". We have our fan app right now and you can go vote, we're letting the fans create the next Combiner from the Autobot or Decepticon allegiance, the colors, the limbs, everything even down to...we're going to let them choose the gender. For the first time ever, there could be a female Combiner, which would be amazing! You know, we've never seen that before! I love seeing what's new. I love the past. I grew up on G1, but I want to keep adding new. The stories we tell with IDW, the new characters they're creating. Let's keep pushing it and pushing the story forward.

Also, just for those who think that comics might influence what Hasbro decides to make as toys... um no, its always the other way around:

We saw the success of the Combaticons with Bruticus, then the story started...we wanted to celebrate the 30th anniversary in '14. We talked about putting Combiners in there, then this idea came out of the Combiner Wars. So I said let's save that for after the 30th anniversary, we start with Combiner Wars. We worked on the storyline with IDW and obviously the toys that we have and that's where it came from.

I love how he uses the word "obviously" as if everyone knows that at the end of the day, its all about the toys. That's what Hasbro (as a toy company) cares about, selling new toys to both new and old fans, and finding ways to promote them in the media. And there's nothing really wrong with that.

Re: In-Hand Images - Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Deluxe Air Raid (1653270)
Posted by william-james88 on February 19th, 2015 @ 12:10pm CST

SW's SilverHammer wrote:
Sabrblade wrote:
Agamemnon wrote:
Sabrblade wrote:
SW's SilverHammer wrote:
Sabrblade wrote:Boy, that sure isn't a vague, nondescriptive bio, no siree bob!

The only way it could get more generic is by saying: "Megatron is the leader of the Decepticons. He is evil. The decipticons are evil. Thus the autobots are good.
"Autobots rage their battle to destroy the evil forces of the Decepticons."

I thought it was that the Autobots waged their battle.... Huh.....
I've heard people say it both ways, but definitely not in a past tense.

"Rage" just makes more sense when battle is concerned, since it's not like the Autobots are always gambling their fights.

Dosen't that make it sound like the autobots are the assholes in this? Aren't the Decepticons the aggressors in all of this. So wouldn't the Decepticons be raging war, while the autobots wage the war, considering they're continuing and reciprocating. After all the definition of wage in this context is to carry on.

Another fun point that always seemed to hint at this is how the fractions are called in Japanese. Decepticons are Destron and Autobots are Cybertron, which really labels the autobots as the chosen people of cybertron and the decepticons as outsiders, when they are both from the same planet.

Re: In-Hand Images - Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Deluxe Air Raid (1653275)
Posted by Jelze Bunnycat on February 19th, 2015 @ 12:24pm CST

william-james88 wrote:Another fun point that always seemed to hint at this is how the fractions are called in Japanese. Decepticons are Destron and Autobots are Cybertron, which really labels the autobots as the chosen people of cybertron and the decepticons as outsiders, when they are both from the same planet.

Actually no. The planet and the faction do come from the same root but they're spelled differently in Japanese:

Faction: サイバトロン Saibatoron: Cybertron
Planet: セイバートロン Seibātoron: "Seibertron"

"Seibertron" is a pun, combining "Cybertron" and "sei", meaning "star" and used for basically any celestial body, including planets, meteors and comets.

Re: In-Hand Images - Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Deluxe Air Raid (1653278)
Posted by RhA on February 19th, 2015 @ 12:39pm CST

Looks better than I expected. Can't wait to get my preorder filled.

Re: In-Hand Images - Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Deluxe Air Raid (1653281)
Posted by Agamemnon on February 19th, 2015 @ 12:45pm CST

Flashpoint_82 wrote:Has anyone noticed that Silverbolts nose can turn down, like a real Concorde ???

(I cannot wait to get home and check this out...)

Re: In-Hand Images - Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Deluxe Air Raid (1653289)
Posted by Cobotron on February 19th, 2015 @ 1:02pm CST

Neat factoid, Jelz. Didn't know that. Thanks. ;)^

Re: In-Hand Images - Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Deluxe Air Raid (1653294)
Posted by G1OPT1MU5PR1M3 on February 19th, 2015 @ 1:06pm CST

Most of these people on this thread saying alpha bravo is ok with the Aerialbots and literally being completely argumentative as if YOU have an alpha bravo limb to stand on can just please sit down and have a seat. You guys are millennials, born in the late 80's or 90's and to an extent (especially the 90's millennials) can't even remember G1, so if you are one of them, then you pretty much follow the IDW series and that's fine and all, but do know that before IDW took over, DREAMWAVE was the BEST iteration of the G1 transformers franchise before IDW came along with these wack replacements of characters. But also know this, as much as these millennials can sit here and dispute things they can't even remember, do know that the reason you are even posting your love for transformers is BECAUSE of G1 and in case you are wondering, this G1 fan was born in 1977. It's not much you can tell me (let alone dispute with me) anything concerning transformers. G1 ALL DAY... till all are one

Re: In-Hand Images - Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Deluxe Air Raid (1653299)
Posted by Evil Eye on February 19th, 2015 @ 1:15pm CST

Alright, who left the doors unlocked on the crazy train?

Re: In-Hand Images - Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Deluxe Air Raid (1653304)
Posted by MrBlack on February 19th, 2015 @ 1:23pm CST

G1OPT1MU5PR1M3 wrote:Most of these people on this thread saying alpha bravo is ok with the Aerialbots and literally being completely argumentative as if YOU have an alpha bravo limb to stand on can just please sit down and have a seat. You guys are millennials, born in the late 80's or 90's and to an extent (especially the 90's millennials) can't even remember G1, so if you are one of them, then you pretty much follow the IDW series and that's fine and all, but do know that before IDW took over, DREAMWAVE was the BEST iteration of the G1 transformers franchise before IDW came along with these wack replacements of characters. But also know this, as much as these millennials can sit here and dispute things they can't even remember, do know that the reason you are even posting your love for transformers is BECAUSE of G1 and in case you are wondering, this G1 fan was born in 1977. It's not much you can tell me (let alone dispute with me) anything concerning transformers. G1 ALL DAY... till all are one

That's just, like, you're opinion man...

Seriously, we all feel differently about this sort of thing, and it's all okay. Nobody has an opinion that is right or wrong. I'm around the same age as you. I grew up with G1 cartoon and the Marvel comics. G1 has a special place in my heart, but I love most Transformers fiction. I think the recent IDW stuff blows almost everything else out of the water, and I think Animated was easily the best Transformers tv series. Different strokes, you know.

Alpha Bravo may be the new guy, but he's easily the coolest figure among the Deluxe Aerialbots. I'd love to see Slingshot in the US (he was the only Aerialbot I had as a kid), but he is available overseas to those who want to go to the trouble to have him.

Re: In-Hand Images - Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Deluxe Air Raid (1653306)
Posted by Syn_13 on February 19th, 2015 @ 1:25pm CST

Saving the best Aerialbot 'til last, in my opinion. He looks fantastic.

Re: In-Hand Images - Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Deluxe Air Raid (1653307)
Posted by RiddlerJ on February 19th, 2015 @ 1:26pm CST

Can his wings swing back and forth? I thought they were fixed, but I see a hinge now.

Re: In-Hand Images - Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Deluxe Air Raid (1653313)
Posted by Cobotron on February 19th, 2015 @ 1:33pm CST

To the angry G1 fan,
I was born in '75. I think Alpha Bravo KICKS ASS! Change is good. Accept it.

Re: In-Hand Images - Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Deluxe Air Raid (1653314)
Posted by SimianProphet on February 19th, 2015 @ 1:33pm CST

I would not go so far as to start pointing at millennials, as I have a couple years on you, and absolutely love the IDW TF book. I would say they are the best iteration of the franchise yet, with great stories and great characters.

Now saying this, even as a child of 10-12, I pretty much face-palmed my way through the G1 cartoon series. I watched every episode, and was usually entertained even though I felt like my intelligence was being insulted.

The G1 toys, for their time, were pretty cool, but started getting less cool by the year, it seemed. I got pulled back into collecting with the Transmetals Beast Wars line, and these figures just blew me away. And most of the new toys have continued that trend (with a few ups and downs in quality)

I am enjoying the hell out of Combiner Wars, and none of the changes made to characters have bothered me in the slightest. the only mark against it in my opinion is it's heavy reliance on repaints/retools. I generally don't go for either, so I am on the fence for how heavy I will buy into this series in the long run. (Can't wait for Devistator though!)

Anyways, those are my thoughts. I have to go now; those damn kids are on my lawn again!

Re: In-Hand Images - Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Deluxe Air Raid (1653315)
Posted by Cyberpath on February 19th, 2015 @ 1:33pm CST

Motormaster was the perfect fit for the Stunticons because they were like evil Autobots, led by an evil Optimus Prime.

semitrailertrucks.jpg

'sides, it's not like he didn't live up to the name. ;)

motormaster.jpg

The Aerialbots may be "aerial" bots, but thematically they're a jets team.
However, it was reported a while back that TRU will also sell Slingshot, so fans get to choose the character that they prefer -- win-win.

Re: In-Hand Images - Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Deluxe Air Raid (1653318)
Posted by william-james88 on February 19th, 2015 @ 1:44pm CST

MrBlack wrote:
G1OPT1MU5PR1M3 wrote:Most of these people on this thread saying alpha bravo is ok with the Aerialbots and literally being completely argumentative as if YOU have an alpha bravo limb to stand on can just please sit down and have a seat. You guys are millennials, born in the late 80's or 90's and to an extent (especially the 90's millennials) can't even remember G1, so if you are one of them, then you pretty much follow the IDW series and that's fine and all, but do know that before IDW took over, DREAMWAVE was the BEST iteration of the G1 transformers franchise before IDW came along with these wack replacements of characters. But also know this, as much as these millennials can sit here and dispute things they can't even remember, do know that the reason you are even posting your love for transformers is BECAUSE of G1 and in case you are wondering, this G1 fan was born in 1977. It's not much you can tell me (let alone dispute with me) anything concerning transformers. G1 ALL DAY... till all are one

That's just, like, you're opinion man...

Seriously, we all feel differently about this sort of thing, and it's all okay. Nobody has an opinion that is right or wrong. I'm around the same age as you. I grew up with G1 cartoon and the Marvel comics. G1 has a special place in my heart, but I love most Transformers fiction. I think the recent IDW stuff blows almost everything else out of the water, and I think Animated was easily the best Transformers tv series. Different strokes, you know.

Alpha Bravo may be the new guy, but he's easily the coolest figure among the Deluxe Aerialbots. I'd love to see Slingshot in the US (he was the only Aerialbot I had as a kid), but he is available overseas to those who want to go to the trouble to have him.

Also I would add that Hasbro is not interested in catering exclusively to G1 purists, thats a losing man's strategy. They like being inspired by the past but also need the brand to evolve and stay fresh. The Beast Wars line was a complete change to the brand and if it wasnt for that, we would have no transformers today. It would be as dead as the Rock Lords or any other 80s toyline. Those who like G1 only will always have those G1 toys, no one can take them away from you. But Combiner Wars is not a shot for shot remake of G1, it is an homage and a new life in the scramble city concept for a whole new generation while making sure that older fans are not completely alienated.

Re: In-Hand Images - Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Deluxe Air Raid (1653321)
Posted by Flashwave on February 19th, 2015 @ 1:48pm CST

As a child of the early 90s, I am so very much hoping that the slingshot rumor is true. I love AB as a figure, (could use a MUCH better name) but Slingshot was my favorite of the G1 airelbots because Harrier. I really don't see the Harrier in the Sling/Fireflightmold, it's in the wings and tail but the body kills it for me, but his absense is noted because of it. AB will prbably get a blue stripe down the road and become Flyup or something, and remain on the Airlbots as a backup and/or medic.

Personally, I like that Hasbro is supposedly going to make use of the Scramble City side, and simultaneously introduce NEW characters such as Bravo and Offroad for the new generations and then double back and release figures for the Collector crowd as well. Best of both worlds, and I like it. (But then, I'm also the guy who went out and repainted a half-dozen extra limbs for BH Abominus) And they got Groove in with Defensor without jeopardizing scale and still got a new character for Defensor too. Although I like my Rooks as silver Tailgate repaints, but eh

Re: In-Hand Images - Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Deluxe Air Raid (1653331)
Posted by gothsaurus on February 19th, 2015 @ 1:58pm CST

Yeah, it's actually a stroke of brilliance to add a 6th character to each CW team. That actually creates a whole new way to scramble, instead of just swapping limbs around. You can trade out an entire character.

Bottom line, we get a new character ... and the play pattern is expanded and improved. It satisfies the G1 purist and the new fan. Nice.

That was the fun of Headmasters, actually. I never understood why the USA cartoon never explored the swapping feature. Also, that's currently where they fell short with the Classics Brainstorm release. There's no one to swap with. The notion of being able to swap a smart team member for a mission, etc. makes for some rich stories and exciting play. I hope they find a way to work in a full line of Headmasters. It's my favorite gimmick from the past 30 years.

Re: In-Hand Images - Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Deluxe Air Raid (1653333)
Posted by ZeroWolf on February 19th, 2015 @ 2:03pm CST

Why must someone separate the fan base based on age? Alpha Bravo is a brilliant figure, that's why people like him. When people come into this franchise they tend to do their research. Not everything has to play out like it did 30 years ago. We are transformers fans United no matter age, or anything.

Re: In-Hand Images - Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Deluxe Air Raid (1653339)
Posted by peaces on February 19th, 2015 @ 2:23pm CST

i grew up with g1 and i love alpha bravo, rook, and offroad

Re: In-Hand Images - Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Deluxe Air Raid (1653346)
Posted by prjkt on February 19th, 2015 @ 2:39pm CST

I willing to be someone (Vaal) will repaint a G1 Blades or Vortex in Alpha Bravo's colours one of these days...

Oh and, until recently, outside of the movies, the original cartoon was my only exposure to TF fiction. I still have zero problems with a new member of the Aerialbots.

Re: In-Hand Images - Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Deluxe Air Raid (1653347)
Posted by Agamemnon on February 19th, 2015 @ 2:41pm CST

I don't think Va'al is a millennial... I know I'm not. I'm almost older than dirt. I loved the original Aerialbots with Slingshot being my first as a kid. (I never got Silverbolt and Fireflight, so I never got to combine them as a kid. Needless to say, I was giddy when I had the money and G2 came out. Too bad my Slingshot is now crumbling.) So, I was immensely bummed initially learning that AB is replacing Slingshot. (I am happy that it appears we will still be able to get him, even if he is a repaint of Firefly...) All that said, Alpha Bravo is my favorite CW figure at this time. I love the alt mode. I love the transformation. I love him as an option in combining to form Superion. He rocks!

(It sure would be nice to avoid generalizations in either blaming a group of people or using a group of people to supposedly validate our own opinions. Our opinions should stand on their own with sound reasoning. But, then again, this is the Internets I am talking about, isn't it...?)

Re: In-Hand Images - Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Deluxe Air Raid (1653348)
Posted by Sabrblade on February 19th, 2015 @ 2:42pm CST

To G1OPT1MU5PR1M3's post, I will only respond to the following points:

G1OPT1MU5PR1M3 wrote:but do know that before IDW took over, DREAMWAVE was the BEST iteration of the G1 transformers franchise before IDW came along with these wack replacements of characters.

Dreamwave SUUUUUUUUCKED...!

The best thing they did was their Armada comics.

G1OPT1MU5PR1M3 wrote:But also know this, as much as these millennials can sit here and dispute things they can't even remember, do know that the reason you are even posting your love for transformers is BECAUSE of G1

G1 definitely ain't the root of my love for Transformers. Beast Wars was, having seen it, Beast Machines, and RID 2001 before I ever saw the G1 cartoon. Wouldn't get to see G1 until 2002. And wouldn't read the G1 Marvel Comics until 2010.

And frankly, between the Sunbow cartoon and the Marvel Comics, the comics were superior, especially the UK comics (pre-February 1990).

Re: In-Hand Images - Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Deluxe Air Raid (1653349)
Posted by william-james88 on February 19th, 2015 @ 2:44pm CST

Sabrblade wrote:
Dreamwave SUUUUUUUUCKED...!

Linkara agrees (this is a great video review of that era (seen through 2 comics) if anyone is itnerested)

Re: In-Hand Images - Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Deluxe Air Raid (1653351)
Posted by Rodimus Prime on February 19th, 2015 @ 2:46pm CST

Sabrblade wrote:To G1OPT1MU5PR1M3's post, I will only respond to the following points:

G1OPT1MU5PR1M3 wrote:but do know that before IDW took over, DREAMWAVE was the BEST iteration of the G1 transformers franchise before IDW came along with these wack replacements of characters.

Dreamwave SUUUUUUUUCKED...!

The best thing they did was their Armada comics.

G1OPT1MU5PR1M3 wrote:But also know this, as much as these millennials can sit here and dispute things they can't even remember, do know that the reason you are even posting your love for transformers is BECAUSE of G1

G1 definitely ain't the root of my love for Transformers. Beast Wars was, having seen it, Beast Machines, and RID 2001 before I ever saw the G1 cartoon. Wouldn't get to see G1 until 2002. And wouldn't read the G1 Marvel Comics until 2010.

And frankly, between the Sunbow cartoon and the Marvel Comics, the comics were superior, especially the UK comics (pre-February 1990).

...and these are your opinions. Please stop stating them as if they were facts.

Re: In-Hand Images - Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Deluxe Air Raid (1653353)
Posted by shajaki on February 19th, 2015 @ 2:50pm CST

*liked dreamwave*

*runs away*

Re: In-Hand Images - Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Deluxe Air Raid (1653355)
Posted by gothsaurus on February 19th, 2015 @ 3:00pm CST

I'm not understanding the Dreamwave hate. It wasn't perfect, but there were a few things I think they did right.

They stayed in basic G1 cartoon continuity, which was a really easy jumping-on point for fans. They didn't go drastically changing the look of characters, either. (I hate it when every artist has to put their own stamp on a character and completely redesign their transformation in to some non-existant-toy amorphous mess.)

They did a lot to develop unused characters, like the Micromasters and UK exclusives. The War Within was amazing, as were the GI Joe crossovers. I also agree Armada was a high point.

BUT of course, a lot of this IDW is also doing right. They're doing some great character development for new-fan-favs like Swerve, Whirl, etc. I think my biggest gripe with them is how they seemingly-without-regard change roles for various characters. Megatron, poof he's an Autobot. Bee and Starscream, poof they're leaders. Give young little bumblebee a cane.... he's old now. (huh?) Some of those changes made me feel like the writers of the tv show Lost were running the show. Really random changes... don't sit well with long-time fans.

But I digress. It's all very subjective. I'm enjoying IDW, especially MTMTE and the mini-series runs like Windblade. Looking forward to.... Combiner Wars. (You see how I got it back on topic, there? Smooth, huh?.)

Re: In-Hand Images - Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Deluxe Air Raid (1653361)
Posted by ZeroWolf on February 19th, 2015 @ 3:15pm CST

Bee wasn't a leader for long plus he had development in the previous ongoing. Megatron varied between outright evil or believing that he was doing the right thing and that he's a freedom fighter. Besides Galvatron is leading the Decepticons now? Who needs evil Megatron

Re: In-Hand Images - Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Deluxe Air Raid (1653362)
Posted by william-james88 on February 19th, 2015 @ 3:21pm CST

ZeroWolf wrote:Bee wasn't a leader for long plus he had development in the previous ongoing. Megatron varied between outright evil or believing that he was doing the right thing and that he's a freedom fighter. Besides Galvatron is leading the Decepticons now? Who needs evil Megatron

Woah, they are no longer the same person?!

Also, speaking of Megatron...

Re: In-Hand Images - Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Deluxe Air Raid (1653369)
Posted by MrBlack on February 19th, 2015 @ 3:31pm CST

ZeroWolf wrote:Bee wasn't a leader for long plus he had development in the previous ongoing. Megatron varied between outright evil or believing that he was doing the right thing and that he's a freedom fighter. Besides Galvatron is leading the Decepticons now? Who needs evil Megatron

James Roberts has been doing quite a bit to flesh out Megatron's character in flashbacks, and John Barber managed to add a lot to the character by showing how others react to him. All of this goes back to the Chaos/Chaos Theory story arcs from the end of the first ongoing, so it's not as if Megatron's turn to being an Autobot came out of the blue.

His friendship with Bumblebee on the other hand...

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