chuckdawg1999

Trashmaster is the best of the Evolution Junkions. There's a beef and solid hand feel that defies the smaller stature of Trashmaster. While the figure doesn't disassemble as deeply as the deluxe Junkions, I appreciate that Trashmaster is easier to transform and doesn't come apart in my hands. This is a solid purchase and a good addition to any collection.

I must admit, at first, I thought Scrapheap was a waste of space, did we need ANOTHER Junkion retool of Wreck-Gar? Scrapheap is not only a solid figure but also the best Junkion we've gotten in the SS86 line. I can't single out what makes this version of the mold better, it's just fun to transform and pose. If you're going to buy one of the Junkions Wreck-Gar is the one to buy but if you have space for two, Scrapheap is a solid purchase.

Bebop and Rocksteady are nice throwback figures to days gone by. The transformation has a few neat tricks that were groundbreaking back in the day. I can imagine that these were a kid's first Bebop and Rocksteady back then. I'm excited to see if Playmates will continue the Mutatin' line.

Out of the four figures across the two Reactivate sets Optimus Prime is the best. That's not to say the others are bad, but Prime delivers on all points. Robot and Vehicle mode takes the Evergreen design and beefs it up while the transformation is involved but not overly complex. This is one of the better Prime figures we've gotten in a while and it makes the set with Soundwave the one to buy.

With the release of Studio Series Mohawk, I think Hasbro has finally captured the best "Softtail" Motorcycle design and transformation, a lot is going on in this little package. Articulation in robot mode is fantastic, I appreciate the articulated jaw. Transformation is simple and fun, I appreciate how everything pegs together solidly. My only real complaint is the hidden feature of removing the head, obviously to replicate a scene from "The Last Knight." I can see collectors getting the figure as I did with the head rolling loose in the packaging or worse, missing entirely. Hasbro should've waited to release Mohawk in a later wave when the windows were returned to the packaging. That issue aside, Mohawk is a fantastic figure and something you'll enjoy.

Soundwave is a great modern take on the classic character. The armored truck is a nice interpretation of the "Evergreen" design that we've seen in such lines as Authentics, RID, and Cyberverse. If I had to choose between Soundwave and Bumblebee as to who is the better Reactivate deluxe, I'd have to pick Soundwave.

Tigerhawk is the result of merging a Tiger and some type of bird that's not a Hawk. Beast mode is interesting but I find the rear Hawk legs to be a little too weak to support the mass. The transformation has some fun steps, my favorite being how the front legs of Beast mode become the Robot mode legs. I'm impressed with how both modes feel solid with everything pegging in place that needs to. Being an obscure character I can see Tigerhawk appealing to die-hard Beast Wars fans or fans of the original toy.

When first revealed WFC Starscream was met with some disappointment over the color pallet and design, I had some concerns over the length of the wings. Having the figure in hand I can tell you it is better than early looks, but it's generally not as solid as the original deluxe release. The colors are muted which I assume is accurate to the game while vehicle mode is more of a shuttle than a jet like the original toy. Transformation is ok, but I feel that there are many half steps and at first, I found myself asking "That's it?" Overall, fans of the WFC game will probably enjoy this version of Starscream but most can safely pass on this without regret.

With this release, we get our first possible look at how Bumblebee and Starscream will appear in the Reactivate video game. Starscream has an interesting jet mode that gives me slight Armada vibes with a neo-classic robot mode. Bumblebee has an overall darker pallet that gives me Goldbug vibes with a vehicle and robot mode that is more mature than the G1 look. Transformation for both is more complex than you would expect with Bumblebee coming off as more fiddly than fun. While the price might be prohibitive to most Generations collectors, there's something here for those looking for designs outside of the norm.

Thankfully I didn't have to wait as long as I thought to experience Core Class Energon Megatron. It's a good figure but nothing groundbreaking or radically different. I do find it funny that the upgrade to Armada Megatron is three size classes smaller. Transformation is simple, joints are tight, and Megs looks just like it did during the run of the Energon cartoon. Like I said, nothing bad but nothing surprising.

If it continues the Cyber-Combiner subline might produce some of the best toys of 2024. The Cyber-Combiners are the best parts of Crash Combiners, and the Energon Powerlinx system, enhanced for 2024. Twitch and Robby make for a great pair but having both sets in I feel that the best combinations are between each human mech and each Autobot. I recommend the line and look forward to what's to come.

Once again another early Christmas present in the form of the Cyber-Combiner two packs showed up from Amazon. The Bumble and Mo Malto set is fun and takes the Crash Combiner concept to a new level. The increase in size allows for more articulation for each figure and the combined mode. Yes, there are some hollow bits on both figures and the combined modes but they all feel solid with some heft. Bumblebee and Mo Malto are fun figures for big and small hands alike.

If there's one word to describe United Animated Bumblebee it's small. The robot mode is small and the vehicle is even smaller, all accurate to the original character design. Transformation is fairly simple, I like how the legs transform and the robot mode is very articulated. Fans of Animated should be pleased with this version of Bumblebee.

I'm not that familiar with Tasmania Kid, either the toy or the character. I know it comes from the Japanese Beast Wars II cartoon but that's about it. The figure we have here is nice, but I find parts of the transformation fiddly, there will be some lines as is the case with some beast figures. While not the best Core Class figure in United Wave 01, it's not the worst and I know fans of Tasmania Kid will be happy.

With every new version of Windblade, Hasbro improves upon the figure design. With Legacy United, we have the best version of Windblade to date. The jet mode is excellent, while the transformation is smooth and fun, resulting in a fantastic robot mode that can fit in your Cyberverse or Generations display. It's hard to believe that it's going to be 10 years since the release of the original Windblade toy and Hasbro has released a figure worthy of celebrating.

Legacy United has to have one of the strongest Wave 01 releases in a long time. Core Class Bouldercrash is our first look at the smaller Armorizers that I believe become weapons for the larger robots. Bouldercrash has a very nice clay red color that's accented by some bright red lines across the figure. Transformation is simple but fun, the weapon mode works best with Voyager or Leader figures, anything larger and the sword might become a dagger, but experiment and see what you like. I look forward to the other Core Class Armorizers and what they'll be able to do.

Is it a Rock Lord? Is it from that planet from Headmasters? It's a little bit of both. Coming from the Infernac Universe Magneous is the first of the Weaponizer/Fossilizer gimmick for the United line. Building off the perfect transformation of Evolutions Junkions, Magneous feels more solid than previous releases in this style. Transformation is fun and I didn't experience limbs popping off as I did with the Junkions. I find it fascinating that unlike the Weaponizers, Fossilizers, and Junkions; Magneous doesn't have any marking aligning it with the Autobots or Decepticons. Magneous is a great figure and leaves me excited to see the rest of the rock offerings in this line.

It's great to see how deep Hasbro is willing to go for the Legacy United line by including Chase from Rescue Bots. The basic colors of blue and white pop and I appreciate the inclusion of Chase's handcuff weapon. Transformation is fun with the way the legs collapse on themselves a highlight. While some might pass due to the Rescue Bots connection, Chase is a fun figure all around.

Thundertron is a unique addition to the Legacy line and shows how deep Hasbro is willing to pull. Transformation is fairly simple but I am concerned about the strain on the mushroom pegs all the twisting will cause over time. The Lion and robot modes feature a striking blue-and-white color scheme that I quite enjoy. I appreciate that the designers could include the best-remembered feature of Thundertron, his peg leg. While Thundertron might not be for everyone, it's nice to see this character from the Prime toy line included.

So much for giving our wallets a breather! In the waning days of 2023, Hasbro is starting to trickle out their 2024 line Legacy United. The first figure for most of us is Animated Optimus Prime. While I was never a fan of the cartoon, I did respect the toys and how they captured the style of said cartoon. This Voyager interpretation while giving the design some fresh angles, remains faithful to the original look. I think Animated and all Transformers fans will find something to like about this version of Optimus Prime.

Armada Optimus Prime is the crown jewel of the Legacy Evolution line and a fantastic figure. I'll admit I miss some of the gimmicks like having a proper base mode, but the modern updates like articulation and an overall solid feel are an even trade. If you can find this figure at retail or even on sale I'd jump on it as prices are starting to fluctuate.

Takara has returned to form with their release of the Earthspark line. For many years Takara was known for having a more premium paint deco on their releases, even doing some retooling and adding accessories. That ended after the Titans Return line with a few odd releases here and there. Optimus Prime looks much better than the Hasbro release, with better symbols and what I feel is a better use of silver paint. Starscream is much improved from the original Cyberverse release and has a more metallic look from what I've seen of the Hasbro renders. These Takara releases make a great gift for collectors who might already have these figures but would appreciate the refreshed decos.

If there's one word to describe Studio Series Rhinox it's thick. Robot mode is solid with a few interesting tricks in the torso and legs. Rhino mode has a slight gap in the middle but overall it's very chunky too. If you're looking for a movie design that leans more toward the classic Beast Wars look, you might find the mainline figure more enjoyable, but this release fits the bill for a figure that captures the movie look.

Once again we're taking a look at some figures from the Star Wars Mission Fleet line. The Bad Batch became popular after appearing in the Clone Wars TV show and now are featured in their own cartoon. Each figure features a good amount of articulation for the size and character-specific accessories. I was impressed by how the designers were able to work in weapon storage on such a small scale. If you can find these on sale or clearance they're definitely worth the purchase.

Full disclosure, I haven't seen an episode of Stranger Things yet so if there's a detail or Easter Egg I miss now you know why. With that out of the way Code Red is an enjoyable figure, the transformation is very intuitive and I found it easy to do by memory after using the instructions initially. The accessories are fun and I appreciate the included blast effect, which is made from a harder plastic so my fear of it melting or damaging plastic is lessened. Hasbro has been producing some excellent Crossover figures lately and Code Red is no exception.