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Maz

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Maz last won the day on June 30 2014

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  1. I would like to think that all of us can point to at least one example of how the Transformers toy line, shows or comics have improved our lives. Whether it has been through the happiness of meeting like-minded enthusiasts or the ownership of excellent toys, the enjoyment of well-written comics or admiration of tremendous artwork, surely we can all point to some aspect of the brand and hobby which brings us happiness. I would like to think if you’re reading this, it’s because of a choice you have made to give part of your time to the hobby. I think it’s fair to say that over the course of the last 5 years, most of the above has been discussed either by myself or by our contributors, and the joy of Transformers is not an uncommon topic on forums or social media either. I myself have made reference to the wonderful UK pub gatherings that came to be about 3 years ago and have brought a valuable extra dimension of enjoyment to the hobby for me. My enthusiasm for the toys and the brand generally should be evidenced in many years of online articles and participation in the Transformers fan community. I certainly cannot count myself as unique when it comes to the great friends I have made as a result of the hobby, either, so what’s this article all about, then? What Have Transformers Done For Me? | Source Blog <- CLICK TO READ All the best Maz
  2. Last week we discussed some of the finest official Hasbro and Takara Transformers toy headsculpts with the help of fellow collectors. This week we look at some of the standout headsculpts from unofficial 3rd party Transformers toys. While there may not be as much to choose from, and arguably 3P companies often fail to scale the heights official figures do when it comes to headsculpts, some companies really know how to nail a character. PLEASE keep in mind that only 5 members of the entire global Transformers community have contributed to this article, it is not meant to be a top 5 of the best 3P headsculpts, just 5 people's opinions, a tiny cross section. Just something to read and think about, and hopefully enjoy. This in no way invalidates your own opinion or requires a "how does this article not include XYZ". Just sayin' :) Headsculpts – 3rd Party | Source Blog <- CLICK TO READ Huge thanks to Jetbolt, Sixo, HQT and Hardreturn for contributions. All the best Maz
  3. A head sculpt can make or break a figure. Some of the nicest overall Transformers figures I have are occasionally let down by a weak head sculpt that is either too vague in its features, unrepresentative of the character it is supposed to be or just plain unpleasant. On the other hand, certain figures of an average nature can be elevated by a superb head sculpt which scores highly on the aforementioned criteria and exudes charm and character. This week I asked a few of my esteemed Transformers collecting peers to contribute their favourite official Transformers head sculpt across any era or sub-line, and explain why they chose it above the rest. Headsculpts | Source Blog <- CLICK TO READ All the best Maz
  4. Transformers from Cybertron, binary bonded to Nebulans of Nebulos! In 1988 the ‘Masters continued to come thick and fast with smaller Headmasters, smaller Targetmasters and the introduction of the Powermasters. Hasbro decided to integrate the ‘Masters gimmick even further into the Transformers concept by making the Nebulan activate the transformation of the bigger figure via the Powermaster ‘engine’. In addition to Hasbro’s 3 Powermaster cars and the return of Optimus Prime as a Powermaster, the Decepticons got 2 jets that combined (Darkwing and Dreadwind), as well as a double Powermaster in Doubledealer. This week we take a look at Powermaster Optimus Prime, Slapdash, Joyride and Getaway, the 1988 Autobot Powermasters. 1988 Autobot Powermasters | Source Blog <- CLICK TO READ All the best Maz
  5. What could be better than owning a wonderful Transformers toy? That’s right, multiples of that toy! Of course not everybody subscribes to that philosophy, in fact a majority are probably happy to own one version of each toy. A great deal of collectors won’t even bother with variants of a mould, let alone precise duplicates. There are even those who will not touch repaints/retools of a mould, one specimen satisfying their desire to experience a given toy sculpt. But what of those who do find pleasure in buying multiples of the same figure, when the reason is not a particular variation in moulding, appearance, packaging or accessories? Multiples | Source Blog <- CLICK TO READ All the best Maz
  6. Once upon a time there was a Diaclone, not just exclusive in colour and country, but also retailer. Its existence was questioned by all and sundry until proven beyond a reasonable doubt. A legendary Japanese collector teased enthusiasts across many lands with wordless images and scattered hints. The truth did surface, the world did learn, but a mere four specimens have ever been found boxed. Few they may be, but fully documented they have been. The 1984 Takara Diaclone Corvette Stingray was released in black and grey colours only in Finland as an R-Kioski retailer exclusive for a short time. While the 2002 Takara reissue lucky draw Black Tracks loosely referenced that Diaclone, it wasn’t until 2016 and the Tokyo Toy Show exclusive Masterpiece MP-25L Destron Sonic Sapper Loudpedal that Finland’s legendary gem was paid proper official tribute. This could be the best Masterpiece toy homage we’ve ever had. MP-25L Loudpedal – Best Toy Homage | Source Blog <- CLICK TO READ All the best Maz
  7. Flying under the radar as if on a special ops mission, Jason "Logik" L's incredible vintage Transformers collection mimicks the function of his beloved Autobot Agent Jazz. Having spent a great deal of his youth working hard to create the veritable museum that he now curates, Jason has employed a large amount of focus to achieve his dream collection. Jason has also applied his specific display and collecting philosophy to the Japanese G1 era as well as G2 and European G1. A very well-liked and positive member of the Transformers online community, it's my pleasure to present Jason L as our fiftieth featured collector! Collector Interview 50 – Jason “Logik” L | Source Blog <- CLICK TO READ All the best Maz
  8. The Titans have indeed returned. And by that I mean Headmasters, generally. Hasbro and TakaraTomy have moved from battling 3rd parties on the combiners front to challenging them on the 1987/88 Headmasters front, with even traditionally non-HM characters getting the ”Titan Master” treatment. Wave 1 consists of deluxe class Hardhead, Blurr, Scourge and Skullsmasher (Skullcruncher), leader class Blaster and Powermaster Optimus Prime, voyager class Galvatron and Sentinel Prime, titan class Fortress Maximus, legends class Rewind, Stripes and Wheelie as well as Titan Masters Crashbash (Squeezeplay head), Terri-Bull (Horri-Bull head), Loudmouth (Siren head) and Nightbeat’s head. I’ll be focusing on my purchases from wave 1, how my initial excitement turned to disappointment and instant sales, which then became seller’s remorse and a change of heart. Change Of Heart (Titans Return) | Source Blog <- CLICK TO READ All the best Maz
  9. Halfway through 2016 and it’s looking like that old chestnut ”best year for Transformers and 3rd Party toys” is once again being bandied about. Rightfully so, I can’t quite believe the quality of product we have enjoyed thus far, and that’s just up to June with Titans Return about to hit worldwide. I have had more difficulty maintaining a provisional top 5 purchases list for the year than ever before. So much so that I may go for an end of year top 10 purchases instead, or a separate list for official and unofficial figures. Do keep in mind that my end of year lists are only ever made up of figures I have been fortunate enough to receive samples of or purchase myself. If I don’t collect a particular line, then don’t expect to see it appear on my list(s) as I’ve not had the opportunity to give it a fair whack. Combiner Wars, Generations, the many 3rd party Constructicons – all fall under that category unfortunately. So, if you can suspend your outrage that this article will focus purely on my own purchases (and therefore preferences), here’s what I think has shone the brightest so far in 2016. Half Term Report | Source Blog <- CLICK TO READ All the best Maz
  10. Ocular Max have had a very successful start to life as a Mastermind Creations sub-brand. The Masterpiece-style Perfection Series and the Remix line have been well received with figures PS-01 Sphinx and RMX-01 Jaguar taking plaudits for quality, design and aesthetics. While not everyone agrees with the apparent melding of cartoon, toy and Studio Ox vision that Ocular Max are going for, it’s fair to say they’re on a roll. The newest mould aimed at filling a (short-lived) Masterpiece gap is PS-03 Backdraft, based on the original heroic transforming fire truck. With competition already established in the form of MakeToys MTRM Hellfire, together with upcoming releases from TakaraTomy Transformers Masterpiece and KFC/XTB Dante, Backdraft’s got a lot of work to do in convincing people to go unofficial – specifically Ocular Max – with a confirmed official release on the horizon. Ocular Max PS-03 Backdraft | Source Blog <- CLICK TO READ All the best Maz
  11. Masterpiece Transformers, Diaclone V2, 3rd Party Masterpiece-style figures, 3rd Party IDW-style figures, Generations figures, Titans Return, Robots In Disguise, Transformers Adventure. There is no shortage of Transformers-related toys coming out right now, and that’s just the brand new shiny, nevermind older figures that one may wish to seek out and add. Very few have the budget to manage all of their collection needs and wants in the face of such a product onslaught as official and unofficial sources vie for our attention. Inevitably, collectors are forced to sell toys in order to fund newer purchases. This week we asked our contributors to look at why it can be so difficult to sell our Transformers. Selling Toys Is Hard | Source Blog <- CLICK TO READ All the best Maz
  12. Diaclone was launched in Japan by Takara in 1980, the same year I was born. And that’s where my childhood association with Diaclone ends, as growing up in the UK it was primarily Transformers that had my attention. Trickles of Diaclone-based figures did reach the UK but in London I saw neither sight nor sound of them. In addition to Japan and Asia, countries like France, Italy, Holland, Germany and some Scandinavian territories had Diaclone toys on shelves. Like many current Diaclone fans outside of Asia, my access to it came via Transformers and the exploration of their origins (and ancestral variants) within Diaclone and other such pre-Transformers toy lines. With the 30th anniversary of the line passing seemingly without a sound, it was a wonderful and unexpected surprise to see TakaraTomy announce a reboot of Diaclone in 2015, and the first figure from that line has just seen release. This is the magnificent DA-01 Dia-Battles V2 and its co-release, the more limited DA-01EX Dia-Battles V2 Prototype. The Return Of Diaclone – Dia-Battles V2 | Source Blog <- CLICK TO READ All the best Maz
  13. I’ve been looking forward to this ever since he agreed, I know you have too. So here it is, Thew’s Awesome TFSource Collector Interview (interthew?)!! Matthew Adams has become well loved and well known in the Transformers community thanks to his unique, entertaining and justifiably-named ”awesome” YouTube reviews. In this interview, Thew’s responses channel that same infectious energy, positivity and delirious love he has for Transformers that you’ve come to expect from him on YT. From an epic Skywarp shelf to a gallery of gifted beauties, Thew takes us through his eclectic mix of lines and styles. Collector Interview 49 – Matthew “Thew” Adams | Source Blog <- CLICK TO READ All the best Maz
  14. Unique Toys and their alter ego DX9 are developing a solid reputation for getting triplechanging transforming characters right for the most part. While they don’t always nail all modes, chances are you’ll get a very high quality, enjoyable figure which displays beautifully in at least 2 modes out of 3. Their Provider, Chigurh and Gewalt are all superb figures that we have reviewed here and thoroughly enjoyed. Now they’ve taken a shot at one of the heroic variety, with Y-03 Sworder representing the 1986 triplechanger hero whose orange, yellow and black colours have become his identity. Unique Toys Y-03 Sworder | Source Blog <- CLICK TO READ All the best Maz
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