Finally opened

I've got Masterpiece Sunstreaker. I bought Sideswipe in the hope that his brother would get a release so thought it was finally time to open him as well!

I really really wish that he came with a toy accurate head. Not sure what it is but with both Classics and Masterpiece I want toy accurate (I can make exceptions for the likes of Megatron and Ironhide, but generally).

Sideswipe is amazing, everything I could possibly want. I had the G1 as a kid so very fond of the character. Sunstreaker was one that I always wanted, he is also an amazing toy, but in a different way. The legs are amazing, as are all of the features they've packed in. I reluctantly accept the panels and the fake chest. Though cartoon accurate, I think with a (more) silver gun and a proper head he could still fit. I don't think it would have been possible to make a properly toy accurate figure. Much like Ironhide, I don't think we would actually want one. Shame he and Sideswipe don't match. I'm not so worried I'm going to buy the new cartoon Sideswipe though!

I have seen Last Jedi! Suddenly had a free Saturday night so jumped at the chance to go. Great escapism as always. I very much enjoyed it, the Jedi suddenly seemed to have a few new powers we've never seen before, but I like the way it finished and set up the third film. There were a few bits which seemed quite random (casino scene?), but overall very good.

Power of the primes has finally arrived in the UK, well Legends have. Picked up Slash and Beacomber, what a start to the line! I looked at Windcharger, he really doesn't photograph well, but in person I rather like him. Might have to go back for him! I also opened Seaspray and Wheelie. Oh and Cosmos and Brawn....

Seaspray is just better than iGear version, I wasn't sure before I looked at the iGear effort again, but yep, easy winner. Wheelie...... I just don't like Wheelies I think. The new version is probably better, but there's not much in it, I'm not particularly fond of either! Cosmos is my second try with the new mold. I like the colour better and that was the deal breaker last time, it still fell apart on me, but the fact he has elbows just about swings it. The overwhelming argument for me for all the Minibots though is I want them  at the same size. The best Warpath is a deluxe so I'm ignoring him, but going with these new legends, it's just iGear Huffer and Pipes clinging on in there at the old scale, with Windcharger a bit bigger. I think I will pick up the new one and give it a try though. Oh yeah, Brawn? He's great, no questions asked, bring on Outback!

I picked up Astrotrain finally but have only just got round to opening him, Blitzwing and Octane (spot a pattern?). Shame they're headmasters, but overall very happy with them. Astrotrain I think could be my favourite, but I'm not so keen on the Cybertron based altmodes. Blitzwing is a definite improvement on the 30th version, the tank mode in particular is a bit more solid, but not quite the coherent tank I really want. The only thing better about the old version is the turret is the right colour and thickness. Octane, I think is the best. I was quite fond of the deluxe figure, but I like all of the modes of this figure. Blitzwing and Octane both inevitably make use of panels, and so are somewhat hard to fit together properly (Octane was actually slightly incorrectly assembled, luckily the offending piece could be popped out quite easily), but considering what they are trying to do succeed nicely. Overall, I really like them and it is nice to have all the triple changers at the same size point.

************

Disney have bought Fox!!! OMG. Fantastic 4 and the X-men can join the MCU! Actually, I still think that the X-men are fine outside of the MCU, but I think it would really benefit it to have the FF to join. I'd like it if they have them be active in the 60s (linking up with Howard Stark and Hank Pym perhaps), but then somehow got trapped in time. So many great options, but on top of that, the prospect of having their villains involved is very exciting - Doom and Galactus done properly!

It is worth remembering though that Disney becoming even bigger is not a good thing and outside of Marvel, only serves to give less variety, but I am still very excited.

Power of the Primes seems to be Combiner Wars part 2. Despite it being a trilogy, I think Prime Wars needs a fourth part. Titan's Return part 2. Scorponok as a titan (though I think I'd actually have him and Fortress Maximus as leaders). Star Saber, Deszaras, Dai Atlas and Thunderwing as leaders. Shockwave, Apeface and Snapdragon as voyagers. The three Autobot Targetmasters, two remaining Autobot Powermasters and all of the Headmaster juniors as deluxes, plus Nightbeat. I reckon they could do a neat thing where Siren comes with both police and fire stickers so he could be turned into Go-Shooter should you wish. The remaining Throttlebots as legends! Plenty of space for some new updates of classic 84/85/86 figures.

You've got an enemy on your tail!

I finally caved and bought the World of Nintendo Falco for well over the odds (about three times over). The collector in me loves the fact I've got the Starfox set now though, it's just unfortunate that most of the reviews don't say much good about the figure! I think it's fine, I'm not sure what else you would want from it.

I've finally seen Thor Ragnorok! I thoroughly enjoyed it, I liked the change of style (I enjoyed What We Do in the Shadows), I liked the characters, I enjoyed the moments the characters have and the set pieces were great fun. I also liked the variety of villains. It is slightly unfortunate I think that being so aware of the upcoming Avengers film, that in some ways, it felt like a set up for that film. Overall though, it tied everything together nicely but was brilliant in its own right. All hail King Thor!

(Also, really looking forward to Star Wars and Black Panther!)

(Also, really really looking forward to Infinity War after seeing the trailer!!)

Was hoping that Power of the Primes would see a UK release before Xmas, but doesn't look like it's going to happen. Great to see some pictures, although I really wish the Dinobots were voyager, the deluxes look great. I'm also excited about the Prime Masters, mostly because I'm a fan of Masterforce. Part of me is still a bit sad that we never got homages to those characters from Play with this too though.

Picked up a combiner wars Sunstreaker from a discount store for a good price, holding on to it for a potential Victory Laster custom if Takara (or even Hasbro I suppose) doesn't do it.

December seems to be flying by, waiting for POTP, looking forward to Masterpiece Sunstreaker and Dinobot. Time to be a bit reflective about 2017! What a year! It's been extremely difficult at times, but I have personally achieved many things I want. I feel like I've got many things I want. Thinking about film we finally got Spider-Man in the MCU and finally Dinobots in Classics form. Oh yeah!

Dinobots

Masterpiece Dinobot looks incredible, but what a price! I had an idea with the MP line that I would pick up those characters that appeared in the first season of the cartoon, with a few of my favourites thrown in (like Tracks, Blaster and Dinobot), but at these prices something has to give. I've already passed on Thundercracker and Skywarp.

I really want Jazz and Sunstreaker, I'd like Trailbreaker, Hound and Mirage, but I might pass on the other Minibots if they ever do them. It depends on the price point I think, if they're comparable to Bumblebee then fine, but if they're getting towards £100 it's got to be a pass. For some reason I'm not as keen on those other Minibots, perhaps because they were mostly a bit grumpy in the cartoon, perhaps because they weren't pretty sports cars.

If they do a toy coloured Shockwave then I'm on board, but other than Blaster, I think I'd pass on almost any other character that they'd reasonably do. Maybe, Reflector, I do quite like the random nature of some of the original Decepticons' altmodes. I assume G1 Dinobots are off the table, but would love to be proven wrong given the deluxe nature of the new Power of the Primes figures.

Thinking back to Titans Return, I've picked up a few more of the figures I was after - Seaspray, Wheelie and Slugslinger. I haven't opend the Minibots yet, but managed to find them in person. Slugslinger is fantastic, the colour and altmode is spot on, not quite sure about the head bring cartoon accurate (much like Triggerhappy and Slugslinger), but what a trio. I'm one step closer to completing the headmasters lineup. Bring on the Autobot Targetmasters!

I've picked up a few other random bits, action master Rad to complete my Lost Light action master line up and Henkei ghost Starscream for my beast wars display. Having him also means I can do quite a cool pre and post G1 Movie display. Also picked up 3.75" Jessica Jones, I'm not quite sure about her yet as although I haven't seen her Netflix series yet, I might prefer her MCU look (having not ever read a comic with her in). One of my collection rules is not to display characters unless I've seen something with them, so it's a moot point at the moment, but I buy the figures anyway just in case (to avoid potentially paying more at a later date!). The Agent 13 figure from the Civil War set might be a good base figure though.

Here's a random thought; somewhat inspired by a question to a podcast I listen to (WTF@TFW), what human characters would I want toys of? I'd like 3.75" posable figures of the entire Masterforce cartoon - the pretenders, the headmaster juniors and godmasters! Possibly not the Decepticon pretenders as I think they were larger than human size (though 6" scale might work for them), but Metalhawk, Shooter, Ginrai, Giga and Mega would all be great.

Have just seen that Vitruvian Hacks are doing a Kickstarter for a 3.75" scaled horse. Sweet! They've shown concepts for Pegasus and even a centaur, love me some mythical creatures! I believe it starts in March so will have to keep an eye on that.

Have been looking at Storm Collectibles Mortal Kombat figures (again). They look utterly incredible, high price for a 6" figure but the detail and accessories are amazing. The fact they've gone for MKI/II pulls me straight in. I feel that Sub-Zero and Scorpion would have to be bought as a pair, but perhaps Reptile by himself would be cool. I think he has the best accessories - acid dripping, force ball and animal head. Even a long tongue for replicating one of his fatalities. Goro and Shao Kahn look great as well, I've forgotten how much I love Mortal Kombat!

Have just watched a few festive episodes of Thomas the tank engine, as you do. Feeling ready for Christmas now!

Two's company, three's a crowd

Well, the Terrorcons look amazing. Did I mention what an amazing line I think Power of the Primes is going to be? I do have a bit of a dilemma though, I generally like toy accuracy rather than cartoon, but I really like the way Abominus is coloured in the cartoon. However, I prefer toy Hun-Gurr to cartoon. I think I will default to Hasbro as hopefully I can buy them more easily and cheaply. Hopefully there will be an upgrade option for a cartoon Abominus.

I had Triggerhappy as a child, and a few years ago I had the trio of G1 Decepticon Targetmasters so I have a fondness for them. Again, I would prefer toy accuracy but happy to make do. Triggerhappy and Slugslinger (I haven't got him yet) look fine, but Misfire looks off. I think it's that he just looks generic; it might be the IDW influence but he just looks like a purple/pink seeker. Luckily, being a headmaster and all it's quite easy to change the head. I think the Perceptor head is a better fit so picked one up and painted some of the details. I went IDW rather than pure G1, so red eyes and a little black goatee. I gave him Percetor's gun as well so there's a bit less purple going on. Am pretty happy! (Apart from the increasing costs of deluxes when you just want a head.

Thinking again about the gaps in my classics collection, there are several leader characters I need (I'd throw Thunderwing in as well), after that there are a few Headmaster, Targetmaster and Powermaster gaps, then a few missing combiners but really, seem to be getting close now. The Monsterbots are favourites of mine, because of the monster altmodes, plus the fact they only turned up in the Japanese cartoon makes them a bit more exciting. With the NYCC exclusive Grotusque I've now got, they are complete. I'm strangely okay with Repugnus being a Titanmaster with no (deluxe) body. I've got the G1 figure, so maybe that's why, but him just being a head seems okay, much like the Decepticon headmaster juniors perhaps he can borrow one of the others' body for special occasions. Scorponok on the other hand, despite actually being a headmaster, really needs a transector. Preferably leader sized!

Coming back to the toy versus cartoon accuracy thing, Astrotrain is a character where I went anime in Henkei (mind you, when the Hasbro option was white there wasn't really a choice), but am thinking of going toy accurate. I've made the decision to upgrade my Decepticon triple changers to voyager, and so have got Titans Blitzwing and Octane, and need to make a decision for Astrotrain.

I need Astrotrain, Slugslinger, Seaspray and Wheelie then I'm done with Titans return. Kinda kicking myself on two of those as they have previously been available at a good price. Seaspray will potentially replace the iGear version I have.

I think the era of third party is well and truly over for me now, I sold off my Mastemind Creations Predacons as soon as I could after the leak of Titan Predaking came out, which leaves me with no unofficial figures larger than legends in my collection. I do have Perfect Effect Warden, but he is arguably an accessory to G1 Fortress Maximus. It's been quite a journey, from upgrade kits to full on combiners, but I'm done with them. It's been expensive, but I bear them no ill will. I think at some point I will review all the figures I have owned and their effect on me.

I've accidentally bought another Groot! He's a bit smaller than I expected, but I like the face sculpt. I think at some point I will have to try and decide which one should be my main representation of the character. I've also bought a World of Nintendo 3.75" Starfox Slippy to go with the Peppy I got previously (can't remember if I mentioned that). Falco is ridiculously expensive on the second hand market, but there is something compulsive about having the whole team from a game I wasn't particularly fond of. I do have some happy memories of 4 player Starfox in the N64 though so perhaps that's it.

I think Power of the Primes will be here soon, looking forward to the Dinobots, just hope they don't seem too small!

What a line!

I opened Trypticon, wow, Hasbro really didn't take any risks with this one. It's a scaled up version of the G1 with articulation added, exactly what I wanted. It's so G1 that I'm not sure there's any point keeping the original! This thing scales beautifully with my WST Dinobots to recreate some Call of the Primatives scenes. Just have to decide between G1 and combiner wars Sky Lynx!

There is of course the small issue of the hip joints which is extremely disappointing, it really takes the edge off knowing you've got to mess around with taking the legs apart to deal with the springs. I've just removed them for the time being before deciding which fix I should go for.

I finally got round to combining Ginrai with God Bomber. I think this figure looks incredible, but bugger me if the balancing issues don't almost completely ruin the figure. Did they even test it before putting it out?!

Just a few days later I got Overlord. I waited for pictures of the Takara figure first as I figured that might look best along side God Ginrai, but really for me, Hasbro is the way to go as the Takara colours weren't quite working. Would have been great to have Giga and Mega though. Overlord is great, smaller than G1 but with articulation.

Trypticon, God Ginrai and Overlord in one year! Wow, what a line. Throw in the 'classic' headmasters and Titans Return has been amazing. Overall, I'd say the Prime Trilogy is shaping up to be one of my favourite iterations ever. Classics, Universe and Generations really did the ground work of the well known characters, but the Prime trilogy is giving me my favourites.

Combined with the leaks from last month, what a line. My collection is going to look great. Generally I don't worry about size too much, FOC Shockwave I can live with, but I think the Dinobots being deluxe troubles me. Particularly with the Constructicons and Predacons all being voyagers. I need to swap the Dinobots and Constructicons around! If someone upscales the Dinobots it will be very hard to pass on.

With Hascon confirming the dinobots and Terrorcons, it does really come down to needing Scorponok. And Deszaras, and Star Saber and Victory Leo, okay and Thunderclash. I feel like one of those at least seems likely, probably Star Saber, but Scorponok is definitely top of the want list. I think the other toys I want are more about completion than the actual character in question.

I've slowly been re-watching A:EMH, and have slowly been adding figures to my list of customs to make - particularly those who are appearing in the MCU. Back to eBay I go! I started looking the episode descriptions and hit on Graviton, previously I hadn't given him a second thought, but then it occurred to me he's in the MCU (Agents of Shield at least). Then I thought I need more characters with big beards and I was sold! Hela and Surtur being in Thor Ragnorok has also inspired me, who to use for the base figures?!

There's not been much Masterpiece news for a while, but I must just raise one thing that annoys me. I lean towards toy accuracy over toon accuracy, but I'm fine with the recent changes to the line, but would it kill them to include a toy accurate face rather than all these different expressions? I'm not too worried about Megatron, but I would appreciate a slightly more toy accurate face for Sunstreaker. Grumpiness over, Trypticon and Overlord are fantastic, what a month!

Rumours Incoming!

Another disappointing SDCC for toys! After last year I told myself not to get my hopes up, but I just had a feeling there was going to be some exciting stuff. We already knew about the Enchantress/Executioner 375" set so nothing exciting there. Transformers wise, I'm glad we're getting Rodimus Prime, Darkwing and Dreadwing, but when you're hoping for Deszaras, Apeface, Snapdragon, Crosshairs, some Throttlebots and maybe a sneak preview of the next Titan it really doesn't measure up! Could be some big reveals at Hascon I suppose.

It looks like Rodimus Prime could have an easy remold into Thunderclash at least, which would be awesome (IDW Rodimus would love that). It's funny, I can't seem to stop liking any character which is described as 'fan-favourite'.

In other smaller scale news, I'm still going with my Konami Thunderbirds models. This time Thunderbirds 4 and 5. These models are great, something about them is very pleasing, similar perhaps to the diaclone based G1 figures, they make me appreciate toys in general. The models are beautifully painted, TB4 has a little weathering and even a little Gordon visible. TB5 is something of a milestone for me, I had the Matchbox die-cast figures in the 90s, but I've never had a TB5 model before. Very happy to have them both in my collection.

I'm on holiday at the moment and there's a white tiger statue, makes me think how much I would like a Masterpiece Tigatron!

**********

Rumours!!! Predacons, Dinobots, Terrorcons and Pretenders!!! Oh, yeah. The Dinobots are deluxes, possibly a combiner. Don't care about the combining, but I feel they should be the same size as the Titan class Predacons, though if I keep Predaking combined then I think that's fine. I think that leaves Scorponok as my one figure I really really want (I think he's becoming the Transformers equivalent of Kingpin in 3.75" form).

I think I'll have to go Takara for Abominus - he (along with Astrotrain for some reason), is one that I need anime colours on.

The other reveals (Pretenders), leave my Masterforce lineup looking pretty good, Seacons don't seem so crazy for a future wave, so along with Darkwing and Dreadwind, it's pretty much there (Minerva and a couple of Autobot Powermasters shy). The Headmasters lineup also has a few gaps still, but I'm optimistic we'll see the Autobot Targetmasters and Throttlebots eventually.

We could even see some of the Victory combiners out of the new molds which have been created. I don't think any of them would be first choice uses of a mold, but they could be clever uses a bit like Lio Kaiser was (would like Takara to have a crack at him with Leozack as the central robot). For Road Caesar, a yellow Lamborghini limb already exists, just need a couple of extra members. Landcross and Dinoking equally could be done with a bit of change to the formula (5 rather than 6 members, or use a legend as the sixth).

Seeing these leaks in this format, specifically where the later waves are holding pictures makes me think back to the Titans Return leak, and that the leaks for the later waves were also likely holder pictures. That would explain why almost of the rumours came true, but the ones that didn't were the later wave ones which were still under consideration (which kinda explains why Hasbro didn't make them public!). Several of the 'unreleased' figures are those that could easily be repaints of figures we did see (the Throttlebots for instance).

**********

I think 2018 is going to be an incredible year for all the geeky things I love - Black Panther, Avengers Infinity war (I can understand actually having listening to descriptions of the trailer shown why they are holding off a release until November after Thor 3), Ant-Man and the Wasp and the above Transformers releases.

Not sure if I've mentioned this before, but I'm a bit of an Avengers EMH fan, so to see more of Black Panther and the introduction of Wasp will be brilliant.

I think in some ways it will be the pinnacle, yes there will be more MCU films, but Infinity War will be the culmination of ten years. I've invested a lot into these films, it's been absolutely amazing, but at some point the actors will leave. Some might be replaced, but RDJ will always be my Iron Man, Chris Evans and Hemsworth will always be Cap and Thor, in the same way that 90s cartoon X-men will always be my X-men. It coincided with a particular point of my life, I've not quite grown up with it but I have moved into the next phase of my life during it.

Similarly with Transformers, there are still loads of characters for them to do, but with the Dinobots, Predacons and Terrorcons they will have done all of my favourite characters. They'll be more, they'll redo some of the older figures, but I think Classics/Generations for me will wind down a little. It will be about filling gaps rather than a wholesale, I need every figure they're releasing because I haven't got a toy of that character (incidentally, that's where I think 3.75" Marvel figures are for me now - there are gaps, but it's pretty damn close to everything I want).

I could probably pick a reason why most years were significant, but 2008 was significant for me because I got into the 2006 Classics line late, but I was into the 2008 Universe line from the beginning - that's when my collecting really changed - I started collecting a mainstream line and so followed anything related to it.

I think this viewpoint could be setting myself up for disappointment, what if it's not as exciting as I hope? What about 2019? Things can't keep getting bigger and more exciting. Everything has to end eventually and I'm fine with that, it's been one hell of a ride. Toys and films are an important part of my life, that won't change.

************

I've spent the last few days mulling over Victory combiners! Lio Kaiser is basically already there, guess you have to miss Jaraguar out, but replace Deszaras with Leozack, so either the Silverbolt mold or the new Starscream if it really has combiner ports. Could add Deathcobra is as well for fun. Landcross would also be easy to do, probably miss Waver out and make Wing the torso (again with Silverbolt or Starscream). Road Caesar's legs are easily done (see above) not quite sure about Blacker, the Hot Spot/Onslaught mold I guess. Dinoking from the new Dinobots and Terrorcons, probably missing Rairyu out. Done!

***********

Having just missed out on Trypticon last month I saw he was available again. I had the option of going to get him straight away, but thought better of it as I needed to get home early. A few days later I had the time and so went and got him, there he was sitting on the shelf waiting. In the event it made no difference, but I feel quite proud of for putting other people ahead of myself. I've got TRYPTICON now though, mwa ha ha ha!!! I was so excited when he got announced, Call of the Primatives is one of the episodes I had as a kid so to get a little bit closer to a modern complete version of that lineup is incredible. I'm waiting until next week to open so will let you know what I think!

Good times, bad times

I grew up watching X-Men, Spider-Man and Batman. As the cinematic universes have been built up around those franchises, it's Marvel, and specifically the MCU who have come out on top for me. I passed on Batman v Superman and Suicide Squad, but I was talked into going to see Wonder Woman. I didn't really know anything about the character so it was all new to me. I really quite enjoyed it! I'm glad they changed her origin to be based around WWI rather than WW2, I guess it was partially to avoid copying Captain America, but I was glad not to have a film featuring Nazis for a change. I know BvS didn't get the best reviews, but I might have to check it out now.

Having said that, Marvel has really got me excited right now; trailers for Thor, Black Panther, Inhumans and the Defenders. All awesome, all different, on the back of an excellent Guardians film. Oh, and Spider Man looks pretty good as well, if a bit more traditional in the superhero film stakes! I'm hoping Inhumans finds a home in the UK, reminds me though that I need Crystal and Gorgon figures.

I saw Premium LK Grimlock in store today; I had thought I might upgrade my AOE orange figure to a more accurate metallic deco, but really, these prices are really starting to hit me. Part of it, I think, is that I'm no longer just buying things online without question and am instead waiting to see if they turn up in store. Buying individually, in person, really makes you think more about the money. I think my sense of the value of money is stuck in time and although I can afford the price increases, I'm increasingly finding it hard to stomach. I'm starting to take more of a relaxed approach to buying, I used to plan what I would get, now I wait and see if I see it, and then if I don't and I actually still really want it then I'll get it. Case in point, the W2 TR legends, I wouldn't mind having them, but at the moment I refuse to pay the online markup.

Masterpiece Sunstreaker looks awesome!!! With the interview came with him, Trailbreaker and Hoist were very strongly hinted at (they also want to make them different), I would definitely be in the market for a Trailbreaker. News has also just come out of a cassette based set with a Steeljaw recolour - very strongly hinting at Blaster. This all makes me very happy, after Megatron and Sunstreaker, Blaster was up there as one of my most wanted. I think this leaves Jazz, Galvatron and Beast Wars Megatron as the most glaring omissions from the line (and possibly some of the later leaders such as Fort Max and Scorponok, but they seem highly unlikely to me). Really hope that Takara can sort out the licensing for Jazz.

I think it's time for a new top 5 most wanted Masterpieces: Jazz, Mirage, Runabout and Runamuck (if they got the licenses for those two it would be amazing), and a toy accurate Shockwave (surely at least Hasbro Asia might do this?) would top my list. Happy if they finished off 1984 lineup though.

************

Had some good luck and some bad luck; I wanted to get the TRU Black Panther Agent 13 set, but it's always been too expensive. By chance, I googled "Iron Man 3.75", and spotted a picture of the four figures (BP, A13, Cap and Iron Man) and upon clicking on it realised it was an eBay auction from Hong Kong selling the figures at a reasonable price. Yay!

I saw that 1 Trypticon was available at my nearest Smyths, so chipped off work early and headed there. Just as I was walking into the store I saw someone coming out carrying him. Ridiculous! If I'd been there 5 minutes earlier it would have been mine. I think I took it quite well though, I'd rather buy it in person than online but I might not get a choice.

Went to see Spider-Man! By the time I got there I was pretty excited, I think it delivered. Michael Keaton was brilliant, one of the best villains we've had. The high school element was absolutely pivotal and they didn't use Tony Stark too much. What felt really central to the plot was that he had choices at every stage, things didn't just happen to him. It also tied nicely to the rest of the MCU.