Herugrim

First transformers haul in ages. Marvel Crossover Ironman: I waited for the black 'Warmachine' repaint to get this guy. I always like that color scheme better and I thought it would look good with Venom and Black Spider-man. Overall I thought the mold was decent, admittedly better then it looks in pictures. Still a bit miffed about the lack of poseablility in the arms. You can move them, yeah, but not in the right positions. Any attempt results in something terribly awkward looking. Thor: I was half-and-half about this guy at first. His robot mode looks great but that vehicle mode is terrible. Besides the fact that model of plane has been severely overused in transformers as of late, it doesn't have any detail. The paint job makes it look like a preschool toy. But that robot mode is slick. The 'cape' is awesome, much better then the old Tie-fighter Vader transformer. My only complaint about the robot mode is the hammer. It's too small and he doesn't hold it firmly. Otherwise transformation mechanics are great. Animated Ultra Magnus: Original Magnus molds are one in a million. The titanium figure, which was G1 accurate, also stunk. It was just way to small to make a respectable Magnus. I was looking forward to this guy when I saw his design sketches way back when. He's one of the few (or rather the only one) animated figures that can 'blend' into the mainline toys. He's just proportionate enough to pull it off. What's more, he's armed to the teeth. The only points I'd take off would be for the overused vehicle mode. I don't think Ultra Magnus has to be a semi or anything, but another blasted APC? Between all the CD Hotshot repaints and Onslaught, I'm quickly getting tired of this vehicle. As least the design of it has been tweaked enough to make it look different, unlight Onslaught. The cancellation of the animated line only worries me because there were some new figures I was looking forward to. I thought the Alpha Trion and even Wreck Gar figures would be a nice addition, and I still haven't tracked down an Animated Shockwave in any of my local stores. I may have to buy him online. Took me this long to snag an Ultra Magnus. I might grab Safeguard, too. I hope the new movie line is better then what little I've seen so far, otherwise I may not be buying many transformers during the next year.

I won't bother with pics but, here's my latest haul from wal-mart, all animated Bumblebee - I got this figure for one specific purpose, an idea for a web comic. I'm going to start putting it together tonight. Figure's ugly as Hell in both forms, but I'll give it props for a unique transformation design. Too bad sometimes it seems easier to transform him then others, and I haven't been able to figure out why just yet. Cybertronian Optimus Prime - The figure looks better then the on-screen version, I'll give him that. That battle axe/shield combo design works pretty well and he's actually bulky enough to make him look fairly tough, and he doesn't look too bad against classics Prime. Transformation mechanics are adequate, and while it's nice to have a place to tuck the axe away and out-of-sight, it's a bit difficult to set all those peices in at once. Nothing to bad, thought. I actually like him. Battle Begins two pack: Earth Mode Optimus Prime - I kept forgetting about the 'battle damage'. Could've done without that, but it doesn't take too much from him. His axe isn't as dynamic as the one for his cybertronian version, nor does it tuck away as well in his vehicle mode. Well, I suppose that's better then getting the same exact weapon again. His robot mode looks good despite the angle the designers went with (which is one I don't like, obviously) and his vehicle mode is solid. I'd take a point off for transformation mechanics, though. Not because they are the same as his cybertronian model, but because it's very difficult to detach the windshield section when transforming him from vehicle to robot mode. Fingernails alone aren't enough. It's a minor problem, but noteable. Cybertronian Megatron - The movie inspired design doesn't look quite as good as his animated counterpart (Megatron so far is the only animated character I actually like the looks of) but he isn't too bad. A bit slimmer then prime, and he lacks his sword. His vehicle mode doesn't look much like his animated counterpart either, but I'm sure that would've proved quite challenging. His transformation is pretty basic, and you have to detach his cannon to do it. Granted, it's the only part you need to detach and it's held firmly in both forms, but still, I always take off a point for dissassembling being required for transformation. Overall - the Battle Begins two pack is well worth it for the pricetag. $20 for two deluxes and a DVD containing the pilot episode (only, the second would've been nice to round it out), all of which are easily better then the Ultimate Battle two-pack we got not that long ago. Well, I'm really happy with the two Prime's and Megatron, and I already know I'm going to like Earth Mode Megatron (can't wait to get my nerdy hands on him) and considering how much I dislike these animated designs, that says something. I'll have to get one more Autobot and a could decepticons though, just for balance. I'm thinking Grimlock, Blitzwing, um...Lugnut? One look at Bulkhead and Prowl and I want to kill babies, or kittens, or babies with kittens, while puppies watch, and then I'll kill the puppies, you get the idea. Just my tastes, I hate this style they used for animated. Can't wait till the new classics/universe figures hit the shelves, and some of those Marvelformers look very nice (especially venom).