chuckdawg1999

Who doesn't love a surprise? Well to be honest I don't, I really don't, I get violent. Anyway, even though Exhaust had been rumored for awhile it wasn't until late last week that we got any in-hand imagery. It's a cool figure that's a completely legal update on that classic Diaclone deco. If you have problems with Wheeljack, you're probably not going to enjoy Exhaust; but if you really dig the Wheeljack mold Exhaust might just be up your alley.

Thunderhowl is a really cool figure. Articulation is good, better than most Ultra Class figures and the transformation is surprisingly involved for a kid friendly figure. I really like the play between the sword, wolf head, and tail. Definitely recommended if you are looking for something different.

Thundercracker and Skywarp complete the classic Seeker trio for the Earthrise line. Both Thundercracker and Skywarp feature new faces that are different from Starscream. I'm pleased that the duo came early in the line and will be relatively easy to get. Highly recommended.

Ramjet and Dead End are fun little Scout Class figures from the Cyberverse line that most people are going to pass over because they're not proper Transformers. It's a shame most collectors ignore the Scout Class because the toys are nice little figurines that often are the only representation of certain characters in the line. As always I recommend them, but most of you are just going to ignore my words.

A box of cassettes/data tablets/engines is a good value but really doesn't fill the need that collectors have right now. Frenzy and Wingthing are repaints of Rumble and Ratbat, late wave Siege releases that have been very hard for collectors to find. Knok and Skar are also repaints of the aforementioned Siege figures, but they feature new heads to resemble the Powermasters that came with Doubledealer. If you like the molds then I would recommend this set especially if you're going to pick up the forthcoming Doubledealer figure.

For a One-Step changer Whirl is a little more involved than the norm which makes for a fun figure. Transformation is smooth and the resulting robot mode is very close to the animation model. Overall, I recommend giving Whirl a whirl!

There are some figures that rise above their gimmicks, then there are others that are all about the gimmick. Optimus Prime and Shockwave are definitely all about the gimmick. Articulation is virtually non existent since all moving parts are for the transformation. The armor looks cool and the weapons are nice but ultimately these are two Ultimate Class figures you can probably skip.

Now this listing says they're available at most major retailers so that's good. Now for Amazon US to get listings up.

Kinda weird then that Amazon has info on them. Really stinks these are Walmart exclusives, the shows over so interest is going to be low to begin with.

Are these Amazon or Walmart exclusives?

Does the figure transform?

Joining us for the second time in the Cyberverse line is Wheeljack now in the Scout Class. The figure is actually kinda cool looking although very under detailed compared to the package pics. Transformation is simple and like other Scout Class figures results in some bot/vehicle hybrid. I dig the figure and think it would look great on any desk or small space you can think of.

Gulf or Skalor if you prefer is a Piranha-Monster hybrid, somebody back in the day liked their 50s Sci-Fi films. Transformation is smooth and is altered from the other uses of the mold, which is nice and shows that effort was put into the figure. Other than that, there's really nothing earth shattering new or good about Gulf, you'll have to buy it if you want a complete Seacon team.

Ratchet is a fun little figure and the perfect introduction to the character. Transformation is interesting with a sliding gimmick that adds quite a bit of heft to the figure namely in the legs. Definitely worth a pick-up to add to your Authentics collection.

This is a tough question to answer since as a reviewer I'm keeping my eyes forward with for new product that might not be coming. I really don't shop in brick and mortar stores anymore so most of my purchases come from eBay and Amazon. I noticed recently that most of my pre-orders on Amazon have gone from May-Aug/Sept. to September-November. I think that's a generous estimate at best since we don't know what was made before factories shut down. I hate to say it but the only people I see doing well are the ones buying and selling the lunchtime specials. As it is my focus is on a few Gundam kits I'd like to get as those seem to be coming on time.