Pictorial Reviews: Transformers Prime Beast Hunters Deluxe Wave 2 Bulkhead and Smokescreen

god he seems so happy all the time. he must have snapped or something.

Ya know...I'm inclined to agree with him on Smokescreen.

I have him, in hand, and I have to say he's not terrible, but he's not great either.
I give him a C/C- at most. His transformation is needlessly complex in the arms because they have to swivel one way, then back the other. (Really annoying and the shoulder ball joints keep popping the arms off.) He's incredibly thin in robot mode, whereas in the show, he's rather bulky. His shoulders DO suck and he has Voyager syndrome. (Fake shoulder caps) The arm kibble isn't nearly as bad as the pictures show, but it's still there and is ugly in the end. His "accessories" (and I use that term loosely) are pure rubbish. Rubber rubbish. (I'd laugh at the terrible terribleness of that statement, only if it weren't true.)

See, I'm a bit spoiled, here...

For kids, this is the first real Smokescreen toy and they'll be impressed. It works for kids and collectors who don't know about the Arms Micron (Knock Out mold) figure.

However, I have the Arms Micron version and there are so many things it gets right, where the Beast Hunters version doesn't. No kibble, the proportions are more realistic, the headsculpt is amazing.

On the flipside, the Arms Micron has stickers, whereas the Beast Hunters version has tampographed paint apps, so that's a plus in Hasbro's favor.

The Arms Micron is of course not perfect, like the shoulder pieces need replaced, the arms and hips need a different colored plastic to be more show accurate, but overall, it looks like Smokescreen just enough to be passable, but it could be damn near perfect.

The better figure? Arms Micron. The more show accurate look? Beast Hunters.

With a bit of work, the Arms Micron could really beat the crap out of the Beast Hunters version.

bulkhead looks like from that cartoon movie, the 'iron giant' haha :p

Arms Micron Smokespleen the better figure? As Prowl maybe, but as Smokescreen? Are you insane or just overly tired?

Manterax Prime wrote:Arms Micron Smokespleen the better figure? As Prowl maybe, but as Smokescreen? Are you insane or just overly tired?

You're disrespecting the opinion of a staff member, are you trying to push your luck?

Don't be offensive. Respect the opinions of others.

Autobot032 wrote:

Manterax Prime wrote:Arms Micron Smokespleen the better figure? As Prowl maybe, but as Smokescreen? Are you insane or just overly tired?

You're disrespecting the opinion of a staff member, are you trying to push your luck?

Don't be offensive. Respect the opinions of others.

I'm not disrespecting your opinion. I'm just asking in a different way how the AM version is the better figure.

And I'm not trying to be offensive.... sheesh, some people just can't tell when people are joking.

I had much the same reaction as Autobot032, though I only have Knockout, so I cannot compare to AM Smokescreen. I love the show accurate vehicle mode. However, I am more disappointed in the bot mode than either Autobot032 or the Kapow reviewer. I miss the days when vehicle kibble actually became part of the bot. The hood and headlights end up on the arms with a fake chest piece. This bugs me (though I understand why they do it, trying to match the complex transformations of the show to a toy. Can I blame Powermaster Optimus as being one of the first in this trend?) PRID Cliffjumper also bugged me, especially when First Edition was able to do it right. Maybe the next cartoon and toys will do better.

As far as Bulkhead, my son loves him. And he can have him. Again, I'll stick with First Edition. I don't like that the hands are so visible as under kibble and the front wheels and codpiece are going to break off on my son.

Manterax Prime wrote:

Autobot032 wrote:

Manterax Prime wrote:Arms Micron Smokespleen the better figure? As Prowl maybe, but as Smokescreen? Are you insane or just overly tired?

You're disrespecting the opinion of a staff member, are you trying to push your luck?

Don't be offensive. Respect the opinions of others.

I'm not disrespecting your opinion. I'm just asking in a different way how the AM version is the better figure.

And I'm not trying to be offensive.... sheesh, some people just can't tell when people are joking.

First.. I cannot wait to get my hands on Beast Hunters Smokescreen. Of course, as a regular ole TF Fan I have to wait till it hits the stores. Bulkhead is cool for what he is, but he isn't Bulkhead to me.

That being said, I am going to play Devil's Advocate for a moment because something bugged me tonight...

I have been on Seibertron for YEARS and log on SEVERAL times a day. It is a place of common interests, but it is also FILLED to the brim with sarcasm, differing opinions and, I think above all, a common degree of twisted sense of humor. I have seen it get nasty a few times, but mostly it's all in fun. I think MOST of us see that, know that and embrace it.

That being said, taking ALL that into consideration, since when can we NOT disagree or say something contrary to what a "staff member" said?? Manterax Prime wasn't being nasty, vulgar or anything wildly off the reservation... Doesn't "respect the opinions of others," go both ways? To me a "staff member" of a fan site where opinions vary and some people are very passionate about their hobby, telling someone they are "pushing their luck," seems kinda heavy handed and offensive to me as a member of this site... It comes off as, "We the mighty Staff Members will banish you forever if you offend us or dont agree with us."

This is supposed to be fun, and reading statements of that tone from a "staff member" kinda takes the fun out of it. We all have ways of expressing ourselves, and as long as it's within the realm of normalcy and decency...I don't see the problem. Let's keep it FUN and keep the threats and bullying to a minimum shall we??

That being said... I am going Hasbro all the way on this one...I will complain about QC when I get it.

Pah, Am Smokey is still a cop-out, and BH Smokey still looks AMAZING.

As for the "loose shoulders", are you sure you pegged them in properly? I recall from Peaugh's review that he made sure to mention that they were good and solid once you did. It's right at 5:00 if you want to go check for yourself.

Manterax Prime wrote:

Autobot032 wrote:

Manterax Prime wrote:Arms Micron Smokespleen the better figure? As Prowl maybe, but as Smokescreen? Are you insane or just overly tired?

You're disrespecting the opinion of a staff member, are you trying to push your luck?

Don't be offensive. Respect the opinions of others.

I'm not disrespecting your opinion. I'm just asking in a different way how the AM version is the better figure.

And I'm not trying to be offensive.... sheesh, some people just can't tell when people are joking.

"Are you insane or just overly tired?"

First part could be considered offensive. I've seen people report and been reported for less. The second part is just ridiculous.

Simply asking "Are you serious?" would've sufficed. And I would've answered to the best of my abilities.

zatara1701 wrote:

Manterax Prime wrote:

Autobot032 wrote:

Manterax Prime wrote:Arms Micron Smokespleen the better figure? As Prowl maybe, but as Smokescreen? Are you insane or just overly tired?

You're disrespecting the opinion of a staff member, are you trying to push your luck?

Don't be offensive. Respect the opinions of others.

I'm not disrespecting your opinion. I'm just asking in a different way how the AM version is the better figure.

And I'm not trying to be offensive.... sheesh, some people just can't tell when people are joking.

That being said, I am going to play Devil's Advocate for a moment because something bugged me tonight...

I have been on Seibertron for YEARS and log on SEVERAL times a day. It is a place of common interests, but it is also FILLED to the brim with sarcasm, differing opinions and, I think above all, a common degree of twisted sense of humor. I have seen it get nasty a few times, but mostly it's all in fun. I think MOST of us see that, know that and embrace it.

That being said, taking ALL that into consideration, since when can we NOT disagree or say something contrary to what a "staff member" said?? Manterax Prime wasn't being nasty, vulgar or anything wildly off the reservation... Doesn't "respect the opinions of others," go both ways? To me a "staff member" of a fan site where opinions vary and some people are very passionate about their hobby, telling someone they are "pushing their luck," seems kinda heavy handed and offensive to me as a member of this site... It comes off as, "We the mighty Staff Members will banish you forever if you offend us or dont agree with us."

This is supposed to be fun, and reading statements of that tone from a "staff member" kinda takes the fun out of it. We all have ways of expressing ourselves, and as long as it's within the realm of normalcy and decency...I don't see the problem. Let's keep it FUN and keep the threats and bullying to a minimum shall we??

First of all, no one was threatened or bullied from my end or the staff's. Not once.
Second of all, no one said people can't be contrary to staff members. What he said is offensive, to anyone, especially staff members. "Are you insane?" is rude, no matter who it's being said to. If I were to say that to someone of the staff, on any board, I'd be receiving a PM. In no way were powers abused, or anything threatened by pointing out such a thing. There was nothing normal or decent in his comment. If you can't see that, then I don't know what else to say.

RAcast wrote:Pah, Am Smokey is still a cop-out, and BH Smokey still looks AMAZING.

As for the "loose shoulders", are you sure you pegged them in properly? I recall from Peaugh's review that he made sure to mention that they were good and solid once you did. It's right at 5:00 if you want to go check for yourself.

Trust me, I watched that video. Peaugh (and Baltmatrix) is just about the only reviewer I'm willing to watch on YouTube. He's good about finding all the ins and outs of a figure or accessory, that's pretty much the reason he's my go to reviewer. I followed that, all of it and he's still loose. Peaugh was right about the ball joints on it, too. They're quite loose but he'll hold a pose. (I do fear he'll be as limp as a rag doll once they lose their grip.)

Autobot032 wrote:

Manterax Prime wrote:

Autobot032 wrote:

Manterax Prime wrote:Arms Micron Smokespleen the better figure? As Prowl maybe, but as Smokescreen? Are you insane or just overly tired?

You're disrespecting the opinion of a staff member, are you trying to push your luck?

Don't be offensive. Respect the opinions of others.

I'm not disrespecting your opinion. I'm just asking in a different way how the AM version is the better figure.

And I'm not trying to be offensive.... sheesh, some people just can't tell when people are joking.

"Are you insane or just overly tired?"

First part could be considered offensive. I've seen people report and been reported for less. The second part is just ridiculous.

Simply asking "Are you serious?" would've sufficed. And I would've answered to the best of my abilities.

zatara1701 wrote:

Manterax Prime wrote:

Autobot032 wrote:

Manterax Prime wrote:Arms Micron Smokespleen the better figure? As Prowl maybe, but as Smokescreen? Are you insane or just overly tired?

You're disrespecting the opinion of a staff member, are you trying to push your luck?

Don't be offensive. Respect the opinions of others.

I'm not disrespecting your opinion. I'm just asking in a different way how the AM version is the better figure.

And I'm not trying to be offensive.... sheesh, some people just can't tell when people are joking.

That being said, I am going to play Devil's Advocate for a moment because something bugged me tonight...

I have been on Seibertron for YEARS and log on SEVERAL times a day. It is a place of common interests, but it is also FILLED to the brim with sarcasm, differing opinions and, I think above all, a common degree of twisted sense of humor. I have seen it get nasty a few times, but mostly it's all in fun. I think MOST of us see that, know that and embrace it.

That being said, taking ALL that into consideration, since when can we NOT disagree or say something contrary to what a "staff member" said?? Manterax Prime wasn't being nasty, vulgar or anything wildly off the reservation... Doesn't "respect the opinions of others," go both ways? To me a "staff member" of a fan site where opinions vary and some people are very passionate about their hobby, telling someone they are "pushing their luck," seems kinda heavy handed and offensive to me as a member of this site... It comes off as, "We the mighty Staff Members will banish you forever if you offend us or dont agree with us."

This is supposed to be fun, and reading statements of that tone from a "staff member" kinda takes the fun out of it. We all have ways of expressing ourselves, and as long as it's within the realm of normalcy and decency...I don't see the problem. Let's keep it FUN and keep the threats and bullying to a minimum shall we??

First of all, no one was threatened or bullied from my end or the staff's. Not once.
Second of all, no one said people can't be contrary to staff members. What he said is offensive, to anyone, especially staff members. "Are you insane?" is rude, no matter who it's being said to. If I were to say that to someone of the staff, on any board, I'd be receiving a PM. In no way were powers abused, or anything threatened by pointing out such a thing. There was nothing normal or decent in his comment. If you can't see that, then I don't know what else to say.

RAcast wrote:Pah, Am Smokey is still a cop-out, and BH Smokey still looks AMAZING.

As for the "loose shoulders", are you sure you pegged them in properly? I recall from Peaugh's review that he made sure to mention that they were good and solid once you did. It's right at 5:00 if you want to go check for yourself.

Trust me, I watched that video. Peaugh (and Baltmatrix) is just about the only reviewer I'm willing to watch on YouTube. He's good about finding all the ins and outs of a figure or accessory, that's pretty much the reason he's my go to reviewer. I followed that, all of it and he's still loose. Peaugh was right about the ball joints on it, too. They're quite loose but he'll hold a pose. (I do fear he'll be as limp as a rag doll once they lose their grip.)

If I wanted to be rude and offend you I would've just said "you're insane" but I didn't. And yes, pulling the "staff member" card is threatening. And you've kinda ticked me off in the process.

Looks like someone stared to design Smokescreen great but then gave up halfway and half-assed the rest of the design process. I may pick him up and throw away that rubber crap.

Manterax wrote:If I wanted to be rude and offend you I would've just said "you're insane" but I didn't. And yes, pulling the "staff member" card is threatening. And you've kinda ticked me off in the process.

*sighs* No one's threatened anyone.

Manterax Prime wrote:If I wanted to be rude and offend you I would've just said "you're insane" but I didn't. And yes, pulling the "staff member" card is threatening. And you've kinda ticked me off in the process.

Thank you for not being rude or offensive.

At this point I want both parties to step back, if anyone feels the need to continue the discussion, please pm each other so we don't ruin this thread any further.

Thanks.

As for my two cents, I think this Bulkhead mold looks like crud. Poor panel fits, annoying (to me) swirly plastic, completely obvious body parts visible, and the head looks nothing like him. They might as well have called him by a different name, because only the basic proportions of his vehicle mode suggest it's Bulkhead.

Smokescreen is okay. I'll get him to complete the cast (and paint his head more accurately red), but I'm not fond of the arm kibble or the "armor" in robot mode. It covers NOTHING!! How is that supposed to protect him. Anyhoo..

And Burn? My apologies for dragging this out...I was writing my post before I saw yours... my bad.

You can always edit your post...

Warnings are issued from this point onwards.

Is it just me, or does Bulkhead look like a transformers/TMNT crossover? Awesome.

Burn wrote:You can always edit your post...

Warnings are issued from this point onwards.

Oh yeah....hehe. I'm not that brilliant when it comes to editing stuff. I'm surprised I can figure out how to turn my computer on sometimes. Anyway, done.



Does anyone else agree that they should have just given the Deluxe BUlkhead a different name?

Roadbuster would be the obvious choice, as the deco homages him, but I wonder if that would have conflicted with the upcoming Roadbuster remold/repaint of FOC Swindle. Making a figure of a dead character isn't unprecedented in this line (e.g. the repaint of Legion Cliffjumper as Tailgate). Then again, the Beast Hunters treatment and his inclusion in the line wouldn't have made sense if he's supposed to be dead..

Stormcry wrote:Is it just me, or does Bulkhead look like a transformers/TMNT crossover? Awesome.

Lol now that you mentioned it i can totally see it, that's funny.

Smokescreen's forearms and feet are awful but I still need to add him to the collection.

Definitely getting Bulky, if only to add a Neo-G1 Roadbuster to my collection. Smokescreen looks good to me, too.

njb902 wrote:

Stormcry wrote:Is it just me, or does Bulkhead look like a transformers/TMNT crossover? Awesome.

Lol now that you mentioned it i can totally see it, that's funny.

What is seen can never be unseen! So he's an overly happy Bulkhead with a Turtle Van altmode? I pity the fool that messes with that van!

Oddly, if they'd have used the normal head, viking head, or Roadbuster head... I'd have gotten it. But this one is too simple — and not very Bulkhead invoking. Probably going to pass.

RAcast wrote:I pity the foot that messes with that van!

Fixed.

Autobot032 wrote:

RAcast wrote:I pity the foot that messes with that van!

Fixed.

I'm keen on SS. I passed on Takara's White Out (I always thought of him as Prowl). It isn't a must have for me, but that might change when I see him in hand.
Bulkhead? No, Thank You

For the record, my comments are about the mold in general, not the specific figure. At least not until we know more about what Takara has planned for Beast Hunters.

I'm completely sold on Smokescreen. Of course I am. It's Smokescreen, not sun-bleached Knockout. Yeah it's got its problems, but it's still Smokescreen.

Bulkhead I'm still unsure about. It's a nice looking figure, but my inner scale Nazi is probably going to get his way in the end. And it looks a little dainty in vehicle mode, like it's standing on tip-toes.