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And now for something completely different. Shinkalion is an extremely popular line in Japan made by Takara Tomy so, in a way, it's like a step-sibling to Transformers. The new series Z features the cross-combining that's a staple of the line with a new power-up element. In the case of the E5, it's a new pair of arms and a bigger sword. If you're looking for something different in the way of transforming robots give this line a look, you just might find something you like.

Oof, this is not a fun figure to transform. It's not that difficult really but the tightness of the joints really makes things harder than they need to be. It's a cool-looking jet and a fun robot but definitely, I can only recommend this to a more mature collector.

Another big, chunky Optimus Prime figure to drive parents nuts. That in a nutshell describes this Commander Class figure from the Battle Call subline, of the Bumblebee Cyberverse Adventures subline of Cyberverse. Transformation is fairly easy but clearances and joints make it a bit fiddly. The gimmick works but grows old fast, thankfully the batteries are removable. If you can find it on sale it'll make a great gift.

Inferno is a fine repaint and retool of Grapple. Heck, I kinda like Inferno a little bit more. One thing that's really good and makes this figure a must-buy is that Hasbro fixed the pegs that go into the bottom of the feet in fire truck mode. Really just a stand-out mold and figure.

B-127 is a repaint with a new head of Cybertronian Cliffjumper, who was a heavy retool of Off-Road Bumblebee; so basically we have a Bumblebee that's a repaint of a Retool of ANOTHER Bumblebee. It's actually a solid figure that's kinda fun to handle. If you're a fan of the movie it's a solid pick-up.

Starscream is a fine Voyager and an interesting take on the Cybertronian Tetrajet, definitely looks like a ship I flew in some 80's space shooter video game. Transformation is interesting but relies too much on friction to hold parts in place. Overall, if you're a movie fan this is a good addition to your collection.

It seems like with every other week comes the release of another version of the Siege Sideswipe mold. The Walmart exclusive WFC Netflix line brings us our second version of the previously Japanese exclusive Deep Cover character, forgoing its usual black and blue look for a navy blue deco splotched with battle damage. Surprisingly, this is the most solid version of the mold I've handled, your mileage may vary though. There's not a lot new to recommend here so buy the figure if you're really, really into the mold.

Blitzwing really isn't a bad figure, it just suffers from one flaw in the torso that once you figure out a workaround doesn't impede the articulation. One has to appreciate Hasbro's desire to work some play gimmicks in too with the interchangeable hand and the articulated hand.

Starscream is the best smaller scale Transformer I've handled in a very long time, I look forward to buying this mold several times over in a rainbow of colors. Megatron is actually better than I thought, I just thought the silver would be a little brighter but the gunmetal coloring is still cool. Both figures would make great additions to your collection.

After a few false starts, Hasbro brings us a great update to the classic micro-cassette mode for Soundwave. A heavy retool of the Siege Soundwave figure this version, from the WFC Netflix line, is a great Masterpiece stand-in. Transformation is smooth and the updated Ravage and Laserbeak are nice touches. Unfortunately, this figure is hard to find due to being a Walmart exclusive so the best hope is other retailers get an opportunity to pick it up for sale.

Thrust is a good figure, like the other Seekers, but it's not worth the high mark-ups that you're finding on the secondary market. Then again, if you're a collector you kinda need it to complete the team.

Besides being useful to scare family members, Blackarachnia is actually a solid figure, better than the Masterpiece some say. Transformation at first looks a little complicated but everything comes together well and after a few go-arounds is rather easy. If you're a fan of Beast Wars then this figure is definitely worth the pick-up.

While I'm happy that Beast Wars fans are getting updates to some of their favorite characters, Optimus Primal feels like a lot of work for very little in return. Some steps of the transformation are needlessly complex and fiddly, a simple leg fold would've worked better than a double knee. Playing with the figure really makes me appreciate just how great the original Primal toy was, and I recommend picking that one up if you've never experienced it.

This is an interesting set as it really shows how far designs have come in almost four years. P/CP is a great figure and sells the set if you missed out on the POTP release. Barricade like the Siege release looks really good and might just be the best use of the mold. The shades of black and even dark brown used really make the figure stand out. If you're debating on buying the set I recommend going for it because there's a chance once it's gone, it's gone.

Scourge is a fantastic figure and would definitely fit in the Masterpiece buster category if there was a Masterpiece Scourge. Sure the figure is a shell-former, but it works since the shell is an integral part of the robot mode look. You have to have Scourge to complete your 86 update shelf.