chuckdawg1999

While it's impressive how Wheeljack's vehicle mode compresses into robot mode, the resulting figure is too small for my tastes to be called a Voyager Class.

The trend of smaller Beast Machine Cheetors being good figures continues as this is the best of the lot thus far!

Shockwave is a figure that's way better than it needs to be. Tank mode is solid and robot mode is a lot of fun.

Sideswipe is a little fiddly in certain steps of the transformation but it's the best deluxe of the Gamer Edition subline.

A solid figure that feels incomplete without its wave mate Twitch. I'd wait and buy Bumblebee and Twitch together.

Sandstorm is one of the late G1 triple changers that had an interesting story ark in Season 3 of the cartoon. The figure balances the toon and toy aesthetics right down to the toy accurate head. The transformation between the three forms is the smoothest I've experienced from the recent triple updates but the chest in robot mode has an issue locking into place on my copy. You could gamble waiting for a release with the animation-accurate head but no guarantee it will see the light of day. Sandstorm is a good figure in a wave with some great releases.

Sunstreaker is another fantastic figure that is released during a period when Hasbro is releasing many great figures. Transformation is smooth, intuitive, and easy. While Concept Art figures might not be your style, this is just a great transforming toy.

Yet another figure of the year candidate, simply amazing.

Shard is one of the more anticipated figures of wave 2 and I quite like it. Transformation is fun and I enjoy the modular weapon play, but the real joy is how the colors blend and work with the textured molding. Besides Gears, I think this is the best deluxe of the wave.

We have our first early contender for the figure of the year 2024, that's all.

You might be wondering why a review of MOTUC Rokkon is here, Rokkon was released at a time that other toy companies including Mattel were trying to get a slice of that sweet transforming pie, so I find it interesting to look at how other design teams tackled the concept of conversion. Rokkon hits my nostalgia hard as it was one of the last Masters of the Universe figures I ever got. While I remember rock mode being more solid, the added articulation is a nice touch and something I think collectors enjoy more. While I would've preferred this figure to be released with Stonedar, I can understand the solo shot and eagerly anticipate Rokkon's partner's release.

By this point, most collectors should have at least one G1 Soundwave in their collection. While many could see this 40th-anniversary release as another reissue, the animation-accurate colors and detailing should give it a special place alongside all the other Soundwave reissues, if not becoming THE reissue to have.

The Missing Link line attempts to answer the question, "What would Generation One toys look and feel like with modern articulation?" With Convoy/Optimus Prime, the answer is fantastic. C-01 and C-02 feel like the original toy, with diecast metal, and rubber tires, it's nearly impossible to see any differences from the original toy. It's the transformation and robot mode that reveals all the new work, articulated hands and wrists, hips and feet. while I find the waist articulation limited and the ab crunch rather useless, it's impressive that they were included. The 40th anniversary of the Transformers brand is off to an excellent start.

Concept Art Megatron is a good figure, it has the cleanest robot mode I've seen. I have to add my voice to the choir who feel that this is the design Megatron should've had in the films. of the two alternate modes, it's the jet that suffers, I still think I'm missing something that makes that form more enjoyable. Also, like other leader figures, Megatron comes up rather small, I feel if it was just a little bigger the alternate modes would be a little more enjoyable to handle. From now on this will be my movie Megatron.

Scorponok is another great Studio Series figure from the Rise of the Beasts movie. Transformation is rather simple but has some interesting bits regarding the arm and leg transformation. I have a few small issues with the lack of a waist joint and the permanent curve to the scorpion tail but those shouldn't deter a purchase. Scorponok is a fantastic addition to your ROTB Predacon ranks.

With Flip Changers you know what you're getting. How inventing the transformation is and how well it works is what's important. Skullcruncher takes the butterfly-style transformation and puts a unique spin on it by transforming backward and having the tail flip out. The figure closes up tightly and quickly although I did notice some hesitation when using a softer surface. Elita-1 uses a new transformation I haven't seen before with the roof sliding back to transform to robot mode. Once or twice the joints would stick going to car mode but it's not something I'm overly worried about. Between the two I enjoy Skullcruncher more but both make for fun desk toys.

The Deluxe line from Earthspark doesn't have a theme to which characters will get Deluxe figures. Thrash is nice, but is it better or different enough from the Warrior Class figure? Transformation is interesting but borrows quite a bit from the Warrior figure, and I miss the sidecar. Ultimately, which version of Thrash is better will be up to you.

With the 40th anniversary of the Transformers brand being here, many products are coming out from all over the place. Bloks, or Buluke have released these great blind box figure kits of some of the more popular characters from the brand's early days. Building them is very easy and what you end up with are surprisingly well-articulated mini action figures. Think of these as Action Masters with more joints. Since these are blind boxed I recommend buying a whole case to give yourself a good chance of getting a complete set.

Well, it could be worse. ROTB Wheeljack has a lot of good points, the vehicle mode is nice, the robot mode isn't bad, and in theory, there are some interesting steps to the transformation. Unfortunately, it's the transformation that makes Wheeljack undesirable. If there's one word to describe my issues with the transformation, it is clearance. There just isn't enough room to allow parts to pass easily. A good transformation should leave you feeling satisfied, this one makes you feel relieved it's over. I'd wait for a sale or clearance to pick this figure up.

Here's a quick how-to on building one of the Transformers Bloks kits!

Here's a look at what figures are in the first wave of these new kits made by Bloks!

The Cyber Series was our first look at the Evergreen designs put into effect. The figures have stayed in production through the years with deco changes here and there. Amazon sells two packs of some of the core characters, Optimus Prime and Megatron are one of those sets. I believe that Prime features a more metallic paint job while Megatron's deco now features a bit more brown. Transformation is simple for both but that's not necessarily a bad thing. These make for great introductions to the Transformers brand and the sets make a great gift.

While being very, very small, even the Core Class box had a lot of space left over, Rumble is an interesting figure. While I wish Rumble was released closer to Soundwave's original release date, Rumble can interact with the larger figure by fitting in its chest and the back weapons form a small blaster. Transformation is simple and I like how the back weapons are integrated into the alternate mode. I can only recommend the figure for those who are big fans of the Bumblebee movie, or Soundwave completionists.

I'm not going to spoil it here, you'll have to watch!