Top 5 Best Homages and Callbacks in Transformers Toys
Saturday, March 21st, 2015 6:04PM CDT
Categories: Site Articles, Editorials, Top ListsPosted by: william-james88 Views: 82,978
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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 Homages and Callbacks in Transformers Toys
One of the best parts of being a hardcore Transformers fan is to notice the homages and callbacks designers leave on a figure, they are always a treat. The main rules for selection in this list is that they were not updates to older toys part of the Transformers brand (let’s keep that for another Top 5 list) nor other versions of an older Transformers characters being reinterpreted for the latest new fictional universe (ie: Energon Optimus as an homage to G1 Optimus). The main thing here is that these are retail released figures featuring homages we did not see coming.
5. Transformers Generations Crosscut homaging Diacone No. 6 Honda City R
The whole figure is an homage in this case. Technically this is the first Crosscut figure ever released at retail and unlike other generations figures, it is not an update on a Transformers character from either the original G1 toys or the G1 cartoon. Instead this figure is an homage to the original pre-Transformers Diaclone version of the "Honda City R" mold (the one in silver in the image below) that was not licensed to Hasbro. Hasbro ended up using the "Honda City Turbo" model that would become Skids (the blue one on the very same picture). This robot toy also had a less human-like headsculpt than Skids and featured a mouthplate. This figure definitely gets a nod for going beyond the normal scope of an homage to reflect the origins of the Transformers brand (yes I know there was a reissue of the Honda City R introducing Crosscut to the Transformers Brand but a) it was not a retail release and b) I am looking at the bigger picture in terms of what this toy is homaging).
4. Transformers Cybertron Hot Shot (Excellion) homaging Transformers G1 1986 Hot Rod (Hot Rodimus)
The image below explains it all. What blows my mind is how I always assumed the main homage were the wing tips in the back to homage the Hot Rod animation model, but the true homage is actually the legs. They are directly lifted from the Hot Rod toy. I love how the Hot Shot toy shows how simple transformations akin to the G1 era could still give a great robot mode. The reason I chose Hot Shot over Excellion is because the Hot Rod homage goes just a bit too overboard on that toy while Hot Shot keeps some subtlety while retaining his own identity as a toy.
3. Transformers Energon Omega Supreme homaging Action Master Elite Omega Spreem.
This is the part in a rock concert when the singer goes "this is for the most hadcore fans" because this homage is astounding simply for how far out it is and for how only a select group of hardcore fans would get it. Look at the two pictures below and check how similar the head is with the visor, the breathing tubes below it as well as the design of the upper chest. Now, the one at the left is the small transformer which turns into the head of Energon Omega Supreme (it is far more obvious when you see him from the back). For those who do not know, this Omega Supreme was the second Transformers toy with that name released in North America and he was a reinterpretation of the original G1 Omega Supreme for a new show. However, there was another Omega Supreme toy released in the G1 era as part of the Action Master line. This line offered small non transforming versions of famous Transformers characters and were meant to be more like action figures then transformers. However, there were some that actually could transform slightly, but they were never sold in the US, just Europe (in terms of the west). One of them was a version of Omega Supreme that for a "some reason" was called Omega Spreem. That is who the small yellow toy on the right is. So, when the designers made the new Energon Omega Supreme, they inspired themselves from the design of the small action master G1 version for the small robot that made it's head. So, like I said, it's an amazing attention to detail that shows how passionate some of these designers are, and yet most do not know this (until now hopefully). The fact that it is so minute makes it both a great homage but not something I feel comfortable placing as number one. Also, for many, the less we remember about the action master line, the better.
2. Transformers Energon Megatron homaging Transformers G1 1986 Galvatron
Similar to the Hot Shot homage discussed earlier, Megatron exibits a bunch of characteristics from a G1 toy, this time Galvatron. This works perfectly since Galvatron is Megatron reborn and this new form of Megatron is seeping with hints at the toy he will eventually be. I am not referring tothe fiction but to the intertwined lore surrounding the characters and toys. Firstly, you have the fact that he is white, which calls back to the fact that the original Galvatron toy was made white instead of his show accurate purple. The toy is further referrenced through the barrel chest. Sculpted details keep the homage going with the designs found on the legs, the abdominal area, the crowned head and so much more. One look at the picture below and you will see this is the G1 Galvatron toy reborn.
1. Transformers Reveal The Shield Lugnuthomaging Animated Lugnut
And here is the winner that disrupts the whole pattern and throws subtlety out the door. But it's worth it to mention such an odd and wonderful figure that is an homage as much as the others, albeit far more in your face. Unlike the entire classics line which consists of updating older toys and characters with modern engineering and an updated look, this was a figure taking cues from an extremely stylized animated model, of just a few years prior, and reimagining the look into a more realistic Flying Fortress. It is bringing this character into the Transfomrers Brand proper, as if based on a G1 character that never was (which is diferent from what they did with Lockdown who was reinterpreted as a movie character for the ROTF line). That is made more obvious by his wavemates in the Reveal the Shield line which was were all updated versions of G1 characters in a line meant to represent a continuation to the classics and universe line (of note, he was the only original voyager mold of that line). The fact that he can’t fit into anyone’s collection properly (please tell me with which characters you display him with, I am really curious) and that he is a total reversal of the usual process of toys and animated models (which take cues from older toys and models, usually G1), just comes to show how amazing an homage and figure this is. I still can’t believe it exists, and the fact that it also happens to be one of the best realized plane transformers to ever come out is just icing on the cake. So in short, this figure is not an update on an older toy, and is not a reinterpretation of an older character for a new media line. This guy is truly an homage (to animated Lugnut in this case), and an incredibly odd and amazing one at that.
Honourable mentions: Deep breath.... "Target Exclusive Predacon Rising Cyberverse Beast Hunter Optimus Prime" *exhale* which is a great homage to G1 Thunderclash.
And Cybertron Downshift is a great homage to Wheeljack, and I am surprised they didn't just call him that.
Top 5 Best Homages and Callbacks in Transformers Toys
One of the best parts of being a hardcore Transformers fan is to notice the homages and callbacks designers leave on a figure, they are always a treat. The main rules for selection in this list is that they were not updates to older toys part of the Transformers brand (let’s keep that for another Top 5 list) nor other versions of an older Transformers characters being reinterpreted for the latest new fictional universe (ie: Energon Optimus as an homage to G1 Optimus). The main thing here is that these are retail released figures featuring homages we did not see coming.
5. Transformers Generations Crosscut homaging Diacone No. 6 Honda City R
The whole figure is an homage in this case. Technically this is the first Crosscut figure ever released at retail and unlike other generations figures, it is not an update on a Transformers character from either the original G1 toys or the G1 cartoon. Instead this figure is an homage to the original pre-Transformers Diaclone version of the "Honda City R" mold (the one in silver in the image below) that was not licensed to Hasbro. Hasbro ended up using the "Honda City Turbo" model that would become Skids (the blue one on the very same picture). This robot toy also had a less human-like headsculpt than Skids and featured a mouthplate. This figure definitely gets a nod for going beyond the normal scope of an homage to reflect the origins of the Transformers brand (yes I know there was a reissue of the Honda City R introducing Crosscut to the Transformers Brand but a) it was not a retail release and b) I am looking at the bigger picture in terms of what this toy is homaging).
4. Transformers Cybertron Hot Shot (Excellion) homaging Transformers G1 1986 Hot Rod (Hot Rodimus)
The image below explains it all. What blows my mind is how I always assumed the main homage were the wing tips in the back to homage the Hot Rod animation model, but the true homage is actually the legs. They are directly lifted from the Hot Rod toy. I love how the Hot Shot toy shows how simple transformations akin to the G1 era could still give a great robot mode. The reason I chose Hot Shot over Excellion is because the Hot Rod homage goes just a bit too overboard on that toy while Hot Shot keeps some subtlety while retaining his own identity as a toy.
3. Transformers Energon Omega Supreme homaging Action Master Elite Omega Spreem.
This is the part in a rock concert when the singer goes "this is for the most hadcore fans" because this homage is astounding simply for how far out it is and for how only a select group of hardcore fans would get it. Look at the two pictures below and check how similar the head is with the visor, the breathing tubes below it as well as the design of the upper chest. Now, the one at the left is the small transformer which turns into the head of Energon Omega Supreme (it is far more obvious when you see him from the back). For those who do not know, this Omega Supreme was the second Transformers toy with that name released in North America and he was a reinterpretation of the original G1 Omega Supreme for a new show. However, there was another Omega Supreme toy released in the G1 era as part of the Action Master line. This line offered small non transforming versions of famous Transformers characters and were meant to be more like action figures then transformers. However, there were some that actually could transform slightly, but they were never sold in the US, just Europe (in terms of the west). One of them was a version of Omega Supreme that for a "some reason" was called Omega Spreem. That is who the small yellow toy on the right is. So, when the designers made the new Energon Omega Supreme, they inspired themselves from the design of the small action master G1 version for the small robot that made it's head. So, like I said, it's an amazing attention to detail that shows how passionate some of these designers are, and yet most do not know this (until now hopefully). The fact that it is so minute makes it both a great homage but not something I feel comfortable placing as number one. Also, for many, the less we remember about the action master line, the better.
2. Transformers Energon Megatron homaging Transformers G1 1986 Galvatron
Similar to the Hot Shot homage discussed earlier, Megatron exibits a bunch of characteristics from a G1 toy, this time Galvatron. This works perfectly since Galvatron is Megatron reborn and this new form of Megatron is seeping with hints at the toy he will eventually be. I am not referring tothe fiction but to the intertwined lore surrounding the characters and toys. Firstly, you have the fact that he is white, which calls back to the fact that the original Galvatron toy was made white instead of his show accurate purple. The toy is further referrenced through the barrel chest. Sculpted details keep the homage going with the designs found on the legs, the abdominal area, the crowned head and so much more. One look at the picture below and you will see this is the G1 Galvatron toy reborn.
1. Transformers Reveal The Shield Lugnuthomaging Animated Lugnut
And here is the winner that disrupts the whole pattern and throws subtlety out the door. But it's worth it to mention such an odd and wonderful figure that is an homage as much as the others, albeit far more in your face. Unlike the entire classics line which consists of updating older toys and characters with modern engineering and an updated look, this was a figure taking cues from an extremely stylized animated model, of just a few years prior, and reimagining the look into a more realistic Flying Fortress. It is bringing this character into the Transfomrers Brand proper, as if based on a G1 character that never was (which is diferent from what they did with Lockdown who was reinterpreted as a movie character for the ROTF line). That is made more obvious by his wavemates in the Reveal the Shield line which was were all updated versions of G1 characters in a line meant to represent a continuation to the classics and universe line (of note, he was the only original voyager mold of that line). The fact that he can’t fit into anyone’s collection properly (please tell me with which characters you display him with, I am really curious) and that he is a total reversal of the usual process of toys and animated models (which take cues from older toys and models, usually G1), just comes to show how amazing an homage and figure this is. I still can’t believe it exists, and the fact that it also happens to be one of the best realized plane transformers to ever come out is just icing on the cake. So in short, this figure is not an update on an older toy, and is not a reinterpretation of an older character for a new media line. This guy is truly an homage (to animated Lugnut in this case), and an incredibly odd and amazing one at that.
Honourable mentions: Deep breath.... "Target Exclusive Predacon Rising Cyberverse Beast Hunter Optimus Prime" *exhale* which is a great homage to G1 Thunderclash.
And Cybertron Downshift is a great homage to Wheeljack, and I am surprised they didn't just call him that.
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Re: Top 5 Best Homages and Callbacks in Transformers Toys (1665275)
Posted by grimdragon2001 on March 21st, 2015 @ 6:40pm CDT
Posted by grimdragon2001 on March 21st, 2015 @ 6:40pm CDT
Nice one
Lugnut is actually in my classics shelves, specifically the Season 3 and beyond shelf (I need a Beyond G1 shelf)
Lugnut is actually in my classics shelves, specifically the Season 3 and beyond shelf (I need a Beyond G1 shelf)
Re: Top 5 Best Homages and Callbacks in Transformers Toys (1665279)
Posted by Tsutsukakushi on March 21st, 2015 @ 7:17pm CDT
Posted by Tsutsukakushi on March 21st, 2015 @ 7:17pm CDT
5. Energon Dreadwing. Makes a nice update toy for G1 Scourge.
4. Transformers Go Red Dragotron makes a great update toy for Beast Wars Transmetals II Megatron.
3. Energon Scorponok makes a nice update for the G1 version.
2. Energon Galvatron, Great update toy for G1 Galvatron.
1. Target Lio Prime great update for Leo Convoy.
4. Transformers Go Red Dragotron makes a great update toy for Beast Wars Transmetals II Megatron.
3. Energon Scorponok makes a nice update for the G1 version.
2. Energon Galvatron, Great update toy for G1 Galvatron.
1. Target Lio Prime great update for Leo Convoy.
Re: Top 5 Best Homages and Callbacks in Transformers Toys (1665286)
Posted by Burn on March 21st, 2015 @ 7:57pm CDT
Posted by Burn on March 21st, 2015 @ 7:57pm CDT
Yeah I'd definitely go Energon Galvatron for G1 Galvatron over Energon Megatron. Sure, EG IS just a repaint of EM, but it does a much better job of being G1 Galvatron.
Re: Top 5 Best Homages and Callbacks in Transformers Toys (1665295)
Posted by padfoo on March 21st, 2015 @ 8:39pm CDT
Posted by padfoo on March 21st, 2015 @ 8:39pm CDT
Reveal the Shield Lugnut was an amazing figure. I wish I purchased him!
Re: Top 5 Best Homages and Callbacks in Transformers Toys (1665296)
Posted by Gallifreyan Autobot on March 21st, 2015 @ 8:41pm CDT
Posted by Gallifreyan Autobot on March 21st, 2015 @ 8:41pm CDT
Age Of Extinction Hot Shot and its homage Generation 1 tracks
evasion Mode Optimus Prime makes a interesting update for G1 Prime
Armada Scavenger totally looks like a constrict-i-con
battle in a box Smoke Screen could be used for a G1 smoke-screen figure update
evasion Mode Optimus Prime makes a interesting update for G1 Prime
Armada Scavenger totally looks like a constrict-i-con
battle in a box Smoke Screen could be used for a G1 smoke-screen figure update
Re: Top 5 Best Homages and Callbacks in Transformers Toys (1665308)
Posted by Cobotron on March 21st, 2015 @ 9:35pm CDT
Posted by Cobotron on March 21st, 2015 @ 9:35pm CDT
Great article WJ88.
Lugnut is reeking havoc with the rest of his Decepticon brothers on my Classics/Gen shelf.
This seems like a good venue to through out this idea. We all know that Transformers were born from the evolution of transforming robot toys that came from Takara's Microman toy line. Maybe I am just seeing what I want to see, but the similarities are uncanny. What if Optimus Prime himself is an homage?
That of course is MP-01 standing next to Microman, Robotman. You'll notice Robotman has a Microman figure piloting him. If you take the notion that Diaclone Convoy came with a pilot that could ride in his chest, the similarities in color scheme, and really just some of the shapes in the two figures over all designs, I think this argument could have a little traction.
Photo courtesy of the Micro Heritage section of http://www.microforever.com
Lugnut is reeking havoc with the rest of his Decepticon brothers on my Classics/Gen shelf.
This seems like a good venue to through out this idea. We all know that Transformers were born from the evolution of transforming robot toys that came from Takara's Microman toy line. Maybe I am just seeing what I want to see, but the similarities are uncanny. What if Optimus Prime himself is an homage?
That of course is MP-01 standing next to Microman, Robotman. You'll notice Robotman has a Microman figure piloting him. If you take the notion that Diaclone Convoy came with a pilot that could ride in his chest, the similarities in color scheme, and really just some of the shapes in the two figures over all designs, I think this argument could have a little traction.
Photo courtesy of the Micro Heritage section of http://www.microforever.com
Re: Top 5 Best Homages and Callbacks in Transformers Toys (1665311)
Posted by william-james88 on March 21st, 2015 @ 10:04pm CDT
But then it's more of an update than an homage. That's why I preferred using Megatron.
I will have a best update list and it's more fodder for that one, for me at least. Just wanted to say why I picked one over the other.
Posted by william-james88 on March 21st, 2015 @ 10:04pm CDT
Burn wrote:Yeah I'd definitely go Energon Galvatron for G1 Galvatron over Energon Megatron. Sure, EG IS just a repaint of EM, but it does a much better job of being G1 Galvatron.
But then it's more of an update than an homage. That's why I preferred using Megatron.
I will have a best update list and it's more fodder for that one, for me at least. Just wanted to say why I picked one over the other.
Re: Top 5 Best Homages and Callbacks in Transformers Toys (1665314)
Posted by shajaki on March 21st, 2015 @ 10:24pm CDT
Posted by shajaki on March 21st, 2015 @ 10:24pm CDT
Love the list 
One of your runner-ups is one of my all time favs: Downshift.
He was the first figure before the revelation of the Classics line that me made gleefully squeal out loud "OMG ITS A G1 FIGURE". He has hardcore sharp boxy edges which pleases me in ways I would rather not mention. It really bums me out that he never got a G1 faithful repaint though. MMMMMMmmmmmmmm
One of your runner-ups is one of my all time favs: Downshift.
He was the first figure before the revelation of the Classics line that me made gleefully squeal out loud "OMG ITS A G1 FIGURE". He has hardcore sharp boxy edges which pleases me in ways I would rather not mention. It really bums me out that he never got a G1 faithful repaint though. MMMMMMmmmmmmmm
Re: Top 5 Best Homages and Callbacks in Transformers Toys (1665315)
Posted by Bumblevivisector on March 21st, 2015 @ 10:30pm CDT
Posted by Bumblevivisector on March 21st, 2015 @ 10:30pm CDT
I'm not the only one who sees Energon Megatron as an homage to Thunderwing as well, am I? Especially the appearance of his spaceship mode, which he can power up by attaching a smaller version of himself to, a (possibly coincidental) nod to the Mega Pretender gimmick? Add in the Galvy cannons jutting off both shoulders at adjustable angles (only this time they're functional in bot mode, more than you could say of Thundie's shell), and he's the best of both the Unicron-reforged Decepticon leader and the Matrix-affinity Decepticon leader!
Or maybe I'm predisposed to see him that way, since Geoff Senior made Galvy and Thundie look similarly dynamic in silhouette. Either way, I only shelled out for the $40 toy because I saw him as the Thunderwing I could never obtain, whereas the smaller mold serves as Energon/Superlink Megatron/Galvatron/General/Admission...? That is, I bought the Megatron/Deluxe Op 2 pack and Japan exclusive purple repaint with pink Dinosword, but not the Galvatron repaint of the big mold. It had too much tan anyway, a problem various Starscreams kept developing shortly thereafter.
Or maybe I'm predisposed to see him that way, since Geoff Senior made Galvy and Thundie look similarly dynamic in silhouette. Either way, I only shelled out for the $40 toy because I saw him as the Thunderwing I could never obtain, whereas the smaller mold serves as Energon/Superlink Megatron/Galvatron/General/Admission...? That is, I bought the Megatron/Deluxe Op 2 pack and Japan exclusive purple repaint with pink Dinosword, but not the Galvatron repaint of the big mold. It had too much tan anyway, a problem various Starscreams kept developing shortly thereafter.
Re: Top 5 Best Homages and Callbacks in Transformers Toys (1665317)
Posted by Nemesis Maximo on March 21st, 2015 @ 10:31pm CDT
I think it's more appropiate to call that an homage to TF:PRID Hot Shot, as he had goggles on his head. So AOE Hot Shot is in the same category as Lugnut, reimagining a character for a different aesthetic. In turn, PRID Hot Shot was an homage to Cybertron Hot Shot. So it's a full circle trianlge.
So, I display RTS Lugnut with my Decepticons. I'm only displaying the "classics" toys riht now, and I have one shelf for bots and one for cons.he may not be a classic, but he's a great character, a cool figure; and I wish they would make a proper "classics" Lockdown.
Posted by Nemesis Maximo on March 21st, 2015 @ 10:31pm CDT
Autobot tap out wrote:Age Of Extinction Hot Shot and its homage Generation 1 tracks
I think it's more appropiate to call that an homage to TF:PRID Hot Shot, as he had goggles on his head. So AOE Hot Shot is in the same category as Lugnut, reimagining a character for a different aesthetic. In turn, PRID Hot Shot was an homage to Cybertron Hot Shot. So it's a full circle trianlge.
So, I display RTS Lugnut with my Decepticons. I'm only displaying the "classics" toys riht now, and I have one shelf for bots and one for cons.he may not be a classic, but he's a great character, a cool figure; and I wish they would make a proper "classics" Lockdown.
Re: Top 5 Best Homages and Callbacks in Transformers Toys (1665332)
Posted by william-james88 on March 21st, 2015 @ 11:06pm CDT
I love that sentence!
Posted by william-james88 on March 21st, 2015 @ 11:06pm CDT
Nemesis Maximo wrote: In turn, PRID Hot Shot was an homage to Cybertron Hot Shot. So it's a full circle triangle.
I love that sentence!
Re: Top 5 Best Homages and Callbacks in Transformers Toys (1665349)
Posted by prjkt on March 21st, 2015 @ 11:50pm CDT
Posted by prjkt on March 21st, 2015 @ 11:50pm CDT
Lugnut goes with my classics guys, standing next to ROTF Lockdown and the Prime Vehicons - need to pad out the balance between 'bot and 'con.
Re: Top 5 Best Homages and Callbacks in Transformers Toys (1665358)
Posted by TimothyR on March 22nd, 2015 @ 1:24am CDT
You are definitely seeing what you want to see. The only similarity are the colors.. Otherwise, they're completely different.
Posted by TimothyR on March 22nd, 2015 @ 1:24am CDT
Cobotron wrote:Great article WJ88.
Lugnut is reeking havoc with the rest of his Decepticon brothers on my Classics/Gen shelf.
This seems like a good venue to through out this idea. We all know that Transformers were born from the evolution of transforming robot toys that came from Takara's Microman toy line. Maybe I am just seeing what I want to see, but the similarities are uncanny. What if Optimus Prime himself is an homage?
That of course is MP-01 standing next to Microman, Robotman. You'll notice Robotman has a Microman figure piloting him. If you take the notion that Diaclone Convoy came with a pilot that could ride in his chest, the similarities in color scheme, and really just some of the shapes in the two figures over all designs, I think this argument could have a little traction.
Photo courtesy of the Micro Heritage section of http://www.microforever.com
You are definitely seeing what you want to see. The only similarity are the colors.. Otherwise, they're completely different.
Re: Top 5 Best Homages and Callbacks in Transformers Toys (1665360)
Posted by Emerje on March 22nd, 2015 @ 1:41am CDT
They couldn't, there was already a Wheeljack in AEC so their G1 tribute had to be renamed (after another G1 guy...). It wasn't even the best Wheeljack-cum-Downshift figure, that was (IMO) the Energon version. Not that it stopped me from buying the Cybertron figure twice.
Incidentally, Hastak almost went really full circle and repainted Generations Wheeljack (with some Tracks parts, probably the wings and weapons) into a G1 Downshift figure but scrapped it.
I've always thought of Energon Megatron as more of a G1 Megatron tribute. It's basically a G1 Megs head with a crown. Some of the other parts that can be contributed to Galvatron can just as easily be explained as a byproduct of the Unicron incubation process. Energon Galvatron is definitely my G1 Galvatron homage, and not the ugly Takara one, gotta go with Hasbro on that.
For me a good homage is one that isn't incredibly direct (like Crosscut and Lugnut). RID Cryo Scourge is a nice homage to Cybertron Cryotek. Movie Fracture is a nice homage to GoBots Crasher. Three of the four Action Master Elites are homages themselves. You really don't have to look far to find a homage to something in Transformers.
And hey, not all Transformers homages are to other Transformers.
Howabout Megatron before he was Megatron? Maybe not a homage, but still a cool origin for a toy.
Emerje
Posted by Emerje on March 22nd, 2015 @ 1:41am CDT
william-james88 wrote:And Cybertron Downshift is a great homage to Wheeljack, and I am surprised they didn't just call him that.
They couldn't, there was already a Wheeljack in AEC so their G1 tribute had to be renamed (after another G1 guy...). It wasn't even the best Wheeljack-cum-Downshift figure, that was (IMO) the Energon version. Not that it stopped me from buying the Cybertron figure twice.
Incidentally, Hastak almost went really full circle and repainted Generations Wheeljack (with some Tracks parts, probably the wings and weapons) into a G1 Downshift figure but scrapped it.
I've always thought of Energon Megatron as more of a G1 Megatron tribute. It's basically a G1 Megs head with a crown. Some of the other parts that can be contributed to Galvatron can just as easily be explained as a byproduct of the Unicron incubation process. Energon Galvatron is definitely my G1 Galvatron homage, and not the ugly Takara one, gotta go with Hasbro on that.
For me a good homage is one that isn't incredibly direct (like Crosscut and Lugnut). RID Cryo Scourge is a nice homage to Cybertron Cryotek. Movie Fracture is a nice homage to GoBots Crasher. Three of the four Action Master Elites are homages themselves. You really don't have to look far to find a homage to something in Transformers.
And hey, not all Transformers homages are to other Transformers.
Howabout Megatron before he was Megatron? Maybe not a homage, but still a cool origin for a toy.
Emerje
Re: Top 5 Best Homages and Callbacks in Transformers Toys (1665381)
Posted by Va'al on March 22nd, 2015 @ 5:22am CDT
Posted by Va'al on March 22nd, 2015 @ 5:22am CDT
I always thought Thew's explanation for Lugnut's status was great (2:08 onwards). 
In terms of oblique references, I like to think of AoE Scorn as a post-it note of love to the Beast Wars era: hand mouth, tail hand, teeth all over the place. If you listen closely, you can hear a tiny, muffled 'yeeeesss'.
In terms of oblique references, I like to think of AoE Scorn as a post-it note of love to the Beast Wars era: hand mouth, tail hand, teeth all over the place. If you listen closely, you can hear a tiny, muffled 'yeeeesss'.
Re: Top 5 Best Homages and Callbacks in Transformers Toys (1665404)
Posted by NuclearConvoy on March 22nd, 2015 @ 8:43am CDT
Posted by NuclearConvoy on March 22nd, 2015 @ 8:43am CDT
I never got to see RTS Lugnut, or most of the entire RTS line, where I lived. I missed out on some awesome toys I really want... and that now cost a tonne...
Re: Top 5 Best Homages and Callbacks in Transformers Toys (1665408)
Posted by prjkt on March 22nd, 2015 @ 8:58am CDT
Makes sense.
He also shows up in the pack-in comic with Battle In Space Rodimus & Cyclonus, putting him there in the original movie timeframe... Oh and there's a cameo appearance in one of the prequel comic series, Monstrosity I think, also based on this design.
So yeah, officially retconned as the G1 Lugnut we never actually saw...
Posted by prjkt on March 22nd, 2015 @ 8:58am CDT
Va'al wrote:I always thought Thew's explanation for Lugnut's status was great (2:08 onwards).
Makes sense.
He also shows up in the pack-in comic with Battle In Space Rodimus & Cyclonus, putting him there in the original movie timeframe... Oh and there's a cameo appearance in one of the prequel comic series, Monstrosity I think, also based on this design.
So yeah, officially retconned as the G1 Lugnut we never actually saw...
Re: Top 5 Best Homages and Callbacks in Transformers Toys (1665417)
Posted by Nemesis Maximo on March 22nd, 2015 @ 9:24am CDT
Kinda like Alpha Bravo!
Posted by Nemesis Maximo on March 22nd, 2015 @ 9:24am CDT
prjkt wrote:Va'al wrote:I always thought Thew's explanation for Lugnut's status was great (2:08 onwards).
Makes sense.
He also shows up in the pack-in comic with Battle In Space Rodimus & Cyclonus, putting him there in the original movie timeframe... Oh and there's a cameo appearance in one of the prequel comic series, Monstrosity I think, also based on this design.
So yeah, officially retconned as the G1 Lugnut we never actually saw...
Kinda like Alpha Bravo!
Re: Top 5 Best Homages and Callbacks in Transformers Toys (1665420)
Posted by Va'al on March 22nd, 2015 @ 9:27am CDT
THE FULL TRIANGULAR CIRCLE IS SQUARED
Posted by Va'al on March 22nd, 2015 @ 9:27am CDT
Nemesis Maximo wrote:prjkt wrote:Va'al wrote:I always thought Thew's explanation for Lugnut's status was great (2:08 onwards).
Makes sense.
He also shows up in the pack-in comic with Battle In Space Rodimus & Cyclonus, putting him there in the original movie timeframe... Oh and there's a cameo appearance in one of the prequel comic series, Monstrosity I think, also based on this design.
So yeah, officially retconned as the G1 Lugnut we never actually saw...
Kinda like Alpha Bravo!
THE FULL TRIANGULAR CIRCLE IS SQUARED
Re: Top 5 Best Homages and Callbacks in Transformers Toys (1665423)
Posted by ZeroWolf on March 22nd, 2015 @ 9:36am CDT
Posted by ZeroWolf on March 22nd, 2015 @ 9:36am CDT
What about CW prime who clearly homages Energon Prime.
Re: Top 5 Best Homages and Callbacks in Transformers Toys (1665426)
Posted by shajaki on March 22nd, 2015 @ 9:39am CDT
Posted by shajaki on March 22nd, 2015 @ 9:39am CDT
Holy! That's actually kind of terrifying... like someone took all of Prime's clothes offCobotron wrote:Great article WJ88.
Lugnut is reeking havoc with the rest of his Decepticon brothers on my Classics/Gen shelf.
This seems like a good venue to through out this idea. We all know that Transformers were born from the evolution of transforming robot toys that came from Takara's Microman toy line. Maybe I am just seeing what I want to see, but the similarities are uncanny. What if Optimus Prime himself is an homage?
That of course is MP-01 standing next to Microman, Robotman. You'll notice Robotman has a Microman figure piloting him. If you take the notion that Diaclone Convoy came with a pilot that could ride in his chest, the similarities in color scheme, and really just some of the shapes in the two figures over all designs, I think this argument could have a little traction.
Photo courtesy of the Micro Heritage section of http://www.microforever.com
Re: Top 5 Best Homages and Callbacks in Transformers Toys (1665448)
Posted by Nemesis Maximo on March 22nd, 2015 @ 10:48am CDT
That would have been a cool addition, although with it beng so recent, almost everyone knows about it. I like seeing some older figures/characters in these lists!
Posted by Nemesis Maximo on March 22nd, 2015 @ 10:48am CDT
ZeroWolf wrote:What about CW prime who clearly homages Energon Prime.
That would have been a cool addition, although with it beng so recent, almost everyone knows about it. I like seeing some older figures/characters in these lists!
Re: Top 5 Best Homages and Callbacks in Transformers Toys (1665451)
Posted by Cobotron on March 22nd, 2015 @ 10:57am CDT
Posted by Cobotron on March 22nd, 2015 @ 10:57am CDT
... and he's wearing a diaper.shajaki wrote:Holy! That's actually kind of terrifying... like someone took all of Prime's clothes off
Re: Top 5 Best Homages and Callbacks in Transformers Toys (1665487)
Posted by Ironhidensh on March 22nd, 2015 @ 1:32pm CDT
Posted by Ironhidensh on March 22nd, 2015 @ 1:32pm CDT
How about Armada Hotshot being a homage to both G1 Bumblebee and Hot Rod?
Re: Top 5 Best Homages and Callbacks in Transformers Toys (1665492)
Posted by ZeroWolf on March 22nd, 2015 @ 1:50pm CDT
Posted by ZeroWolf on March 22nd, 2015 @ 1:50pm CDT
Ah also just remembered RotF Mind Wipe and Sky Stalker, their combination gimmick invoking dread wind and smokejumper from G2
Re: Top 5 Best Homages and Callbacks in Transformers Toys (1665495)
Posted by NuclearConvoy on March 22nd, 2015 @ 2:07pm CDT
Posted by NuclearConvoy on March 22nd, 2015 @ 2:07pm CDT
Why is it that the coolest toys from the movie lines have often been non-screen appearance characters?
Re: Top 5 Best Homages and Callbacks in Transformers Toys (1665501)
Posted by Cobotron on March 22nd, 2015 @ 2:21pm CDT
Posted by Cobotron on March 22nd, 2015 @ 2:21pm CDT
I have wondered this myself. Maybe because the movie esthetic was never designed to actually transform, so translating that to toy was really difficult. The ones that were solely designed as toys worked better, because they were always meant to simply be toys.NuclearConvoy wrote:Why is it that the coolest toys from the movie lines have often been non-screen appearance characters?
Re: Top 5 Best Homages and Callbacks in Transformers Toys (1665503)
Posted by NeoDarwinian on March 22nd, 2015 @ 2:24pm CDT
Posted by NeoDarwinian on March 22nd, 2015 @ 2:24pm CDT
Actually, my favorite part about Downshift was that he was also a reference to "The Cars" album "Heartbeat City": http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:The_C ... t_City.jpg
Re: Top 5 Best Homages and Callbacks in Transformers Toys (1665505)
Posted by Cobotron on March 22nd, 2015 @ 2:35pm CDT
Posted by Cobotron on March 22nd, 2015 @ 2:35pm CDT
AWESOME!NeoDarwinian wrote:Actually, my favorite part about Downshift was that he was also a reference to "The Cars" album "Heartbeat City": http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:The_C ... t_City.jpg
Re: Top 5 Best Homages and Callbacks in Transformers Toys (1665519)
Posted by TreyTable on March 22nd, 2015 @ 3:06pm CDT
Posted by TreyTable on March 22nd, 2015 @ 3:06pm CDT
I display mt RTS Lugnut with my CHUG Seekers.
Re: Top 5 Best Homages and Callbacks in Transformers Toys (1665520)
Posted by TreyTable on March 22nd, 2015 @ 3:07pm CDT
That is amazing.
Posted by TreyTable on March 22nd, 2015 @ 3:07pm CDT
Cobotron wrote:AWESOME!NeoDarwinian wrote:Actually, my favorite part about Downshift was that he was also a reference to "The Cars" album "Heartbeat City": http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:The_C ... t_City.jpg
That is amazing.
Re: Top 5 Best Homages and Callbacks in Transformers Toys (1665525)
Posted by NuclearConvoy on March 22nd, 2015 @ 3:36pm CDT
Another awesome toy I never saw in person that I need to get. The Cybertron/Galaxy Force era was a really awesome time to love transformers.
Posted by NuclearConvoy on March 22nd, 2015 @ 3:36pm CDT
Cobotron wrote:AWESOME!NeoDarwinian wrote:Actually, my favorite part about Downshift was that he was also a reference to "The Cars" album "Heartbeat City": http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:The_C ... t_City.jpg
Another awesome toy I never saw in person that I need to get. The Cybertron/Galaxy Force era was a really awesome time to love transformers.
Re: Top 5 Best Homages and Callbacks in Transformers Toys (1665590)
Posted by prjkt on March 22nd, 2015 @ 6:12pm CDT
Alpha Bravo is an entirely new character that's been created by Hasbro, and inserted into the current comic storyline with no backstory, no history, nothing to suggest he was "there, just behind the tree/hill" they way "G1" Lugnut has been portrayed.
Plus Lugnut is a very popular character from another continuity, so his toy release was based purely on his animated popularity, and added into fiction later on, rather than as a decision by Hasbro to break up the jet monotony that is the Aerialbots and set the stage for later Helicopter combiners in the way Alpha Bravo's inception came around.
Posted by prjkt on March 22nd, 2015 @ 6:12pm CDT
Ehhh close but not quite.Nemesis Maximo wrote:prjkt wrote:Va'al wrote:I always thought Thew's explanation for Lugnut's status was great (2:08 onwards).
Makes sense.
He also shows up in the pack-in comic with Battle In Space Rodimus & Cyclonus, putting him there in the original movie timeframe... Oh and there's a cameo appearance in one of the prequel comic series, Monstrosity I think, also based on this design.
So yeah, officially retconned as the G1 Lugnut we never actually saw...
Kinda like Alpha Bravo!
Alpha Bravo is an entirely new character that's been created by Hasbro, and inserted into the current comic storyline with no backstory, no history, nothing to suggest he was "there, just behind the tree/hill" they way "G1" Lugnut has been portrayed.
Plus Lugnut is a very popular character from another continuity, so his toy release was based purely on his animated popularity, and added into fiction later on, rather than as a decision by Hasbro to break up the jet monotony that is the Aerialbots and set the stage for later Helicopter combiners in the way Alpha Bravo's inception came around.
Re: Top 5 Best Homages and Callbacks in Transformers Toys (1665661)
Posted by Heckfire on March 22nd, 2015 @ 10:31pm CDT
Posted by Heckfire on March 22nd, 2015 @ 10:31pm CDT
There IS a previous G1 Crosscut figure; it was released as an eHobby exclusive, yes, but he IS a canonical G1 character...the first new one since the 90s, in fact, alongside Road Rage.
Re: Top 5 Best Homages and Callbacks in Transformers Toys (1665673)
Posted by william-james88 on March 22nd, 2015 @ 10:47pm CDT
Did you read the article? It was pointed out.
Posted by william-james88 on March 22nd, 2015 @ 10:47pm CDT
Heckfire wrote:There IS a previous G1 Crosscut figure; it was released as an eHobby exclusive, yes, but he IS a canonical G1 character...the first new one since the 90s, in fact, alongside Road Rage.
Did you read the article? It was pointed out.
Re: Top 5 Best Homages and Callbacks in Transformers Toys (1665681)
Posted by Nemesis Maximo on March 22nd, 2015 @ 11:05pm CDT
Yes, I know Alpha Bravo is a new character, that's why I said "Kinda". I was referring to this notion of "Alpha Bravo Saves G1", where people have been photoshopping him into screenshots of the G1 cartoon. I just wanted brownie points from Va'al.
Posted by Nemesis Maximo on March 22nd, 2015 @ 11:05pm CDT
prjkt wrote:Ehhh close but not quite.Nemesis Maximo wrote:prjkt wrote:Va'al wrote:I always thought Thew's explanation for Lugnut's status was great (2:08 onwards).
Makes sense.
He also shows up in the pack-in comic with Battle In Space Rodimus & Cyclonus, putting him there in the original movie timeframe... Oh and there's a cameo appearance in one of the prequel comic series, Monstrosity I think, also based on this design.
So yeah, officially retconned as the G1 Lugnut we never actually saw...
Kinda like Alpha Bravo!
Alpha Bravo is an entirely new character that's been created by Hasbro, and inserted into the current comic storyline with no backstory, no history, nothing to suggest he was "there, just behind the tree/hill" they way "G1" Lugnut has been portrayed.
Plus Lugnut is a very popular character from another continuity, so his toy release was based purely on his animated popularity, and added into fiction later on, rather than as a decision by Hasbro to break up the jet monotony that is the Aerialbots and set the stage for later Helicopter combiners in the way Alpha Bravo's inception came around.
Yes, I know Alpha Bravo is a new character, that's why I said "Kinda". I was referring to this notion of "Alpha Bravo Saves G1", where people have been photoshopping him into screenshots of the G1 cartoon. I just wanted brownie points from Va'al.
Re: Top 5 Best Homages and Callbacks in Transformers Toys (1665757)
Posted by Va'al on March 23rd, 2015 @ 5:54am CDT
Posted by Va'al on March 23rd, 2015 @ 5:54am CDT
prjkt wrote:
Alpha Bravo is an entirely new character that's been created by Hasbro, and inserted into the current comic storyline with no backstory, no history, nothing to suggest he was "there, just behind the tree/hill" they way "G1" Lugnut has been portrayed.
Re: Top 5 Best Homages and Callbacks in Transformers Toys (1665789)
Posted by noctorro on March 23rd, 2015 @ 8:36am CDT
I'm living a lie.
Posted by noctorro on March 23rd, 2015 @ 8:36am CDT
Va'al wrote:prjkt wrote:
Alpha Bravo is an entirely new character that's been created by Hasbro, and inserted into the current comic storyline with no backstory, no history, nothing to suggest he was "there, just behind the tree/hill" they way "G1" Lugnut has been portrayed.
I'm living a lie.
Re: Top 5 Best Homages and Callbacks in Transformers Toys (1665799)
Posted by grimdragon2001 on March 23rd, 2015 @ 8:52am CDT
nice work, almost looks like it was actually part of the frame, almost
Posted by grimdragon2001 on March 23rd, 2015 @ 8:52am CDT
noctorro wrote:Va'al wrote:prjkt wrote:
Alpha Bravo is an entirely new character that's been created by Hasbro, and inserted into the current comic storyline with no backstory, no history, nothing to suggest he was "there, just behind the tree/hill" they way "G1" Lugnut has been portrayed.
I'm living a lie.
nice work, almost looks like it was actually part of the frame, almost
Re: Top 5 Best Homages and Callbacks in Transformers Toys (1665800)
Posted by Va'al on March 23rd, 2015 @ 8:56am CDT
Source is here: alpha-bravo-friend-or-foe--t103319s75.php#p1662118
Posted by Va'al on March 23rd, 2015 @ 8:56am CDT
grimdragon2001 wrote:noctorro wrote:Va'al wrote:prjkt wrote:
Alpha Bravo is an entirely new character that's been created by Hasbro, and inserted into the current comic storyline with no backstory, no history, nothing to suggest he was "there, just behind the tree/hill" they way "G1" Lugnut has been portrayed.
I'm living a lie.
nice work, almost looks like it was actually part of the frame, almost
Source is here: alpha-bravo-friend-or-foe--t103319s75.php#p1662118
Re: Top 5 Best Homages and Callbacks in Transformers Toys (1665967)
Posted by Optimum Supreme on March 23rd, 2015 @ 3:50pm CDT
Neither of those toys is white, rather light gray. Also, I think it's more properly said that the show was not toy accurate!
Also, Downshift wasn't called Wheeljack because they done goofed and already named another character Wheeljack in the A/E/C continuity. *EDIT* I see that was already mentioned, whoops.
One kind of homage I liked was Skyblast, who brought to mind the cartoon model for Skyfire.
Posted by Optimum Supreme on March 23rd, 2015 @ 3:50pm CDT
Firstly, you have the fact that he is white, which calls back to the fact that the original Galvatron toy was made white instead of his show accurate purple.
Neither of those toys is white, rather light gray. Also, I think it's more properly said that the show was not toy accurate!
Also, Downshift wasn't called Wheeljack because they done goofed and already named another character Wheeljack in the A/E/C continuity. *EDIT* I see that was already mentioned, whoops.
One kind of homage I liked was Skyblast, who brought to mind the cartoon model for Skyfire.
Re: Top 5 Best Homages and Callbacks in Transformers Toys (1666430)
Posted by TK415 on March 24th, 2015 @ 3:15pm CDT
I was thinking the same thing! And I love Skyblast, fun, beautiful, and awesome little figure.
A while back, we talked (just a little) about figures that could be used as pre-Beast Mode figures.
viewtopic.php?f=4&t=92994&hilit=+beast+wars
This was cool:
http://www.seibertron.com/images/toys/f ... id-072.jpg
Additionally I thought that Beast Wars Sky Shadow had a few similarities to DOTM Air Raid.
Here are a few more:
Beast Hunters Ratchet is an homage to Dinobot.
Beast Hunters Shockwave – Beast Wars Rampage
Wait, I think that someone made a whole list of the Beast Hunters homages. Wait, now, I am just listing the ones that I can think of, not my top list. I do love the Skyblast homage and find the Darksteel and Air Raid ones to be very cool and interesting.
Posted by TK415 on March 24th, 2015 @ 3:15pm CDT
Optimum Supreme wrote:One kind of homage I liked was Skyblast, who brought to mind the cartoon model for Skyfire.
I was thinking the same thing! And I love Skyblast, fun, beautiful, and awesome little figure.
A while back, we talked (just a little) about figures that could be used as pre-Beast Mode figures.
viewtopic.php?f=4&t=92994&hilit=+beast+wars
This was cool:
STINGRAY749 wrote:Well we know that the dotm Darksteel was supposed to be a homage to Beast Wars Quickstrike. Well I think his wave mate, Airraid, was also supposed to be a homage to this guy
See what I mean. Even were the kibble goes is close. Shark head on Cybershaarks ass. plane cockpit on Airraids ass. Cybersharks fins could moved the way you wanted. Same goes to Airraids wings. Only thing off are the colors.
http://www.seibertron.com/images/toys/f ... id-072.jpg
Additionally I thought that Beast Wars Sky Shadow had a few similarities to DOTM Air Raid.
Here are a few more:
Beast Hunters Ratchet is an homage to Dinobot.
Beast Hunters Shockwave – Beast Wars Rampage
Wait, I think that someone made a whole list of the Beast Hunters homages. Wait, now, I am just listing the ones that I can think of, not my top list. I do love the Skyblast homage and find the Darksteel and Air Raid ones to be very cool and interesting.
Re: Top 5 Best Homages and Callbacks in Transformers Toys (1666471)
Posted by Noideaforaname on March 24th, 2015 @ 4:27pm CDT
Posted by Noideaforaname on March 24th, 2015 @ 4:27pm CDT
Haven't really been a fan of many of the Beast Wars homages in recent years, but I do rather like the Sky Shadow-esque green DotM Powerglide:
One day I'm going to have to slap some Con symbols on him
Coincidentally there was another A-10 called Sky Shadow... which makes you wonder why they missed the double homage and kept him Powerglide.
And personally I'd call the little touches "best homages", as opposed to 'just' a general update. Stuff like the above's nose art, RtS Lugnut's Punch Of Kill Everything, or *glances at news stories to the side* Minimus Ambus being included with Ultra Magnus.
One day I'm going to have to slap some Con symbols on him
Coincidentally there was another A-10 called Sky Shadow... which makes you wonder why they missed the double homage and kept him Powerglide.
And personally I'd call the little touches "best homages", as opposed to 'just' a general update. Stuff like the above's nose art, RtS Lugnut's Punch Of Kill Everything, or *glances at news stories to the side* Minimus Ambus being included with Ultra Magnus.
Re: Top 5 Best Homages and Callbacks in Transformers Toys (1698531)
Posted by homicide on June 14th, 2015 @ 10:06pm CDT
Reminds me a lot of the character model for Orion Pax from the War Dawn episode actually.
Posted by homicide on June 14th, 2015 @ 10:06pm CDT
Cobotron wrote:Great article WJ88.
Lugnut is reeking havoc with the rest of his Decepticon brothers on my Classics/Gen shelf.
This seems like a good venue to through out this idea. We all know that Transformers were born from the evolution of transforming robot toys that came from Takara's Microman toy line. Maybe I am just seeing what I want to see, but the similarities are uncanny. What if Optimus Prime himself is an homage?
That of course is MP-01 standing next to Microman, Robotman. You'll notice Robotman has a Microman figure piloting him. If you take the notion that Diaclone Convoy came with a pilot that could ride in his chest, the similarities in color scheme, and really just some of the shapes in the two figures over all designs, I think this argument could have a little traction.
Photo courtesy of the Micro Heritage section of http://www.microforever.com
Reminds me a lot of the character model for Orion Pax from the War Dawn episode actually.
Re: Top 5 Best Homages and Callbacks in Transformers Toys (1698855)
Posted by Optimum Supreme on June 15th, 2015 @ 4:04pm CDT
Looks at least as much like Orion as any of the official toys of him have.
Posted by Optimum Supreme on June 15th, 2015 @ 4:04pm CDT
homicide wrote:Reminds me a lot of the character model for Orion Pax from the War Dawn episode actually.
Looks at least as much like Orion as any of the official toys of him have.
Re: Top 5 Best Homages and Callbacks in Transformers Toys (1791704)
Posted by RiddlerJ on May 22nd, 2016 @ 1:12pm CDT
Posted by RiddlerJ on May 22nd, 2016 @ 1:12pm CDT
What about G1 Treadshot who homages the 357 Magnum Robo (possibly)?
http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Treadshot_%28G1%29
http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Treadshot_%28G1%29
Re: Top 5 Best Homages and Callbacks in Transformers Toys (1791705)
Posted by william-james88 on May 22nd, 2016 @ 1:17pm CDT
Thats cool, but this was about homages to other TF toys and characters. Keeping it within brand for the list. But this gives me ideas for another list
Like G1 Megatron homaging The Man From U.N.C.L.E.
Posted by william-james88 on May 22nd, 2016 @ 1:17pm CDT
RiddlerJ wrote:What about G1 Treadshot who homages the 357 Magnum Robo (possibly)?
http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Treadshot_%28G1%29
Thats cool, but this was about homages to other TF toys and characters. Keeping it within brand for the list. But this gives me ideas for another list
Like G1 Megatron homaging The Man From U.N.C.L.E.
Re: Top 5 Best Homages and Callbacks in Transformers Toys (1791875)
Posted by -Kanrabat- on May 23rd, 2016 @ 8:04am CDT
Holy crap!
I didn't know this guy existed! Man, that IS an hommage. Or a strange coincidence.
Posted by -Kanrabat- on May 23rd, 2016 @ 8:04am CDT
Cobotron wrote:Great article WJ88.
Lugnut is reeking havoc with the rest of his Decepticon brothers on my Classics/Gen shelf.
This seems like a good venue to through out this idea. We all know that Transformers were born from the evolution of transforming robot toys that came from Takara's Microman toy line. Maybe I am just seeing what I want to see, but the similarities are uncanny. What if Optimus Prime himself is an homage?
That of course is MP-01 standing next to Microman, Robotman. You'll notice Robotman has a Microman figure piloting him. If you take the notion that Diaclone Convoy came with a pilot that could ride in his chest, the similarities in color scheme, and really just some of the shapes in the two figures over all designs, I think this argument could have a little traction.
Photo courtesy of the Micro Heritage section of http://www.microforever.com
Holy crap!
I didn't know this guy existed! Man, that IS an hommage. Or a strange coincidence.
Re: Top 5 Best Homages and Callbacks in Transformers Toys (1791909)
Posted by Evil Eye on May 23rd, 2016 @ 11:42am CDT
Posted by Evil Eye on May 23rd, 2016 @ 11:42am CDT
I don't have a great deal to contribute because simply put, this list is great, but I have a few.
Botcon Chromia for Moonracer. Yes I am aware the mold was originally supposed to be Moonracer but they couldn't get the license to the name. Still a good update, and were it not for A: the hideous price of Con exclusives on the aftermarket, and B: the Energon Arcee mold's useless elbows, I'd track her down.
In the same category as Lugnut, I'd say ROTF Lockdown is a superb homage to the Animated character, and a great figure in its own right to boot (especially as, unlike Lugnut, the original Animated toy AFAIK is itself a good figure). A shame AoE Lockdown's sole collector-friendly toy was so awful, as his on-screen self was pretty badass.
As Tsu mentioned (way, WAY) earlier, the Dreadwing/Mirage mold from the Energon line is something of a homage (barely) to Scourge. Sort of. Maybe. OK, I'm just a sucker for boatformers and robots with hip-kibble.
Speaking of Energon, Insecticon makes a pretty neat Barrage for the cash-strapped collector. His brickishness kinda sucks but he is a lot of fun and cute as a button.
Cybertron Dark Scorponok is basically Black Zarak, and by god I love it. Shame mine is literally falling apart, with his ratchets giving up the ghost and some of his black plastic beginning to crack (oddly enough his gold plastic parts are as good as they were when I got him back in '06).
As for non-Transformers homages, Animated Safeguard is a pretty obvious love letter to GaoGaiGar's Symmetrical Docking combiners (note to self, watch GaoGaiGar) whilst Prime Soundwave looks frighteningly similar to an Evangelion (which makes the already sinister Soundwave even more terrifying). On a less disturbing note, Animated Soundwave has glasses that somewhat resemble Kamina's (albeit unintentionally according to the creators).
And of course, who could forget AoE Hound, AKA The Big Lebowski's Walter?
Botcon Chromia for Moonracer. Yes I am aware the mold was originally supposed to be Moonracer but they couldn't get the license to the name. Still a good update, and were it not for A: the hideous price of Con exclusives on the aftermarket, and B: the Energon Arcee mold's useless elbows, I'd track her down.
In the same category as Lugnut, I'd say ROTF Lockdown is a superb homage to the Animated character, and a great figure in its own right to boot (especially as, unlike Lugnut, the original Animated toy AFAIK is itself a good figure). A shame AoE Lockdown's sole collector-friendly toy was so awful, as his on-screen self was pretty badass.
As Tsu mentioned (way, WAY) earlier, the Dreadwing/Mirage mold from the Energon line is something of a homage (barely) to Scourge. Sort of. Maybe. OK, I'm just a sucker for boatformers and robots with hip-kibble.
Speaking of Energon, Insecticon makes a pretty neat Barrage for the cash-strapped collector. His brickishness kinda sucks but he is a lot of fun and cute as a button.
Cybertron Dark Scorponok is basically Black Zarak, and by god I love it. Shame mine is literally falling apart, with his ratchets giving up the ghost and some of his black plastic beginning to crack (oddly enough his gold plastic parts are as good as they were when I got him back in '06).
As for non-Transformers homages, Animated Safeguard is a pretty obvious love letter to GaoGaiGar's Symmetrical Docking combiners (note to self, watch GaoGaiGar) whilst Prime Soundwave looks frighteningly similar to an Evangelion (which makes the already sinister Soundwave even more terrifying). On a less disturbing note, Animated Soundwave has glasses that somewhat resemble Kamina's (albeit unintentionally according to the creators).
And of course, who could forget AoE Hound, AKA The Big Lebowski's Walter?
