First Look: MP-20 Wheeljack

I got my MP-20 Masterpiece Wheeljack! Here's a first photo of the box, exclusive coin and anti-hypnosis device as seen in the G1 episode "The Ultimate Doom Part 3"



More photos will come later!
  

Transformers Jetfire (Leader-class)

When I was young, one of my favourite Transformers is Autobot Jetfire. Not because of the cartoon or comics, but because the G1 toy was a Macross VF-1S Valkyrie fighter/mecha. Yes, I was a fan of Macross even before Transformers. ;)

Of course, Hasbro was never able to reissue Jetfire based on that design due to licence issue. But this Generations Leader-class Jetfire comes pretty darn close, down to the rocket boosters!

Toys loot - Tokyo April 2014

Wife and I went for an impromptu holiday to Tokyo... yes, again! Wife has never seen the sakura cherry blossoms in full bloom, so we decided to take this chance. Besides cherry blossom viewing and hanami, of course we also plan for toy shopping! We didn't buy as much as our previous trips, but we're happy with our purchases.

Firstly, our Yotsuba & Danboard loot! We came across this Yotsuba & Danboard exhibition being held at Sunshine 60 observatory in Ikebukuro, and were pleasantly surprised to find some great stuff there. We bought the Ts because of the Danbo peeping out from the pocket. Even the shirt label is a Danbo face, too cute!

Transformers: Age of Extinction trailer

Just released today: first trailer for the new Transformers: Age of Extinction movie. We have our first good look at Mark Wahlberg... erm, the Autobots and Decepticons with their new designs.



 
My first impression is not much difference from the previous Bayformers designs. The bot that caught my eye is the one that Optimus Prime rides on. It should be Grimlock, but looks more like a dragon than a dinosaur/T-rex.


Here's my G1 interpretation of the above scene. "C'mon Grimlock! Just like in the trailer!"


Which Transformer are you most looking forward to in the movie?
  

Toys loot - Tokyo December 2013

Wife and I went for our almost-annual pilgrimage (hee!) holiday to Tokyo. As usual, we took the chance to stock up on toys!

To start off, my Transformers loot!

MMC Feral Rex: R-03 Bovis

Third-party company Mastermind Creations has a good rep for production high-quality products. So I was excited when they announced they will produce their first combiner based on none other than Predaking!

Of course, they cannot use the actual names because of copyright. So they have named their combiner Feral Rex. And after a long wait the first member - Bovis - is here!

Review: MP-17 Masterpiece Prowl

The Masterpiece series continues with the next Autobot car - MP-17 Prowl   G1 Prowl transforms into a Nissan Fairlady 280Z-T police car, and MP-17's alt mode is an excellent replica.

First Look: MP-17 Prowl

I got my Masterpiece MP-17 Prowl today! Here's a first photo of the box contents, except the coin which is Asia exclusive.



I'll post more photos and my review later. Watch for it!
  

Review: Toyworld TW-H02 Brainwave (part 1)

TW-H02 Brainwave is the second Headmaster released by Toyworld after TW-H01 Hardbone.  It is obviously homage to G1 Headmaster Brainstorm.
 

Tansformers Generations Metroplex

Fans of huge Transformers base toys have lots to be excited about recently. First, Fortress Maximus - the biggest toy in G1 series - was reissued in TakaraTomy's Encore line late last year. Then in February 2013, Hasbro upped the ante when they showed off the new Titan-class Generations Metroplex!

Painting Hasbro Metroplex's face

One thing I don't like about Hasbro's Metroplex is his white face. So I knew I wanted to paint mine silver as soon as I got him. Fortunately, this is a very simple mod that improves Hasbro's Metroplex for me.

Step 1: Remove his black 'helmet' by lifting it forward, then gently unhinge the bottom from the pegs on both sides of his face.

Step 2: Unscrew the 2 screws at the back of his head and open up the head. The red visor can also be removed.

Step 3: Remove the face for painting.

Below photos show the original white face (left) and after painting it silver (right). I just used a silver marker bought at an art shop.

Brave Gohkin Mugen Calibur

Back in th 80's when Transformers was fast gaining popularity and Hasbro was running out of Takara molds to use, they obtained licences to use the molds of other companies' robot toys.

From the anime Special Armored Battalion Dorvack (特装機兵ドルバック) two of their mechas were used for G1 Deluxe Autobots - VH-64 MR Oberon Gazzette for G1 Whirl, and VV-54 AR Mugen Calibur for G1 Roadbuster.

VH-64 MR Oberon Gazzette

Everytime I'm on business trip in Tokyo, I try to find time to do a little toy hunting. :) During my last trip in March 2013, I manage to find this vintage VH-64 MR Oberon Gazzette from the old anime Special Armored Battalion Dorvack (特装機兵ドルバック)

Optimus Prime T from Qwertee

I bought this Optimus Prime T-shirt from Qwertee. It caught my attention because it has two toy series that I love - Transformers and Lego!

MP-10 checking it out. I think he approves?

Masterpiece MP-12T Tigertrack

When Masterpiece Lambor / Sideswipe was announced, every TF fan was certain the same mold would be used as all the various G1 recolours. Sure enough, MP-14 Alert was announced soon after.

The next recolour after that is yellow. Thankfully, it is not Sunstreaker, but Tigertrack instead.

Review: Toyworld Hardbone

Photo review of TW-H01 Hardbone from 3rd-party company Toyworld. This is obviously homage to G1 Headmaster Hardhead.

Toys loot - Tokyo March 2013

Wow, so fast and it's April 1st already! I didn't post anything in March 2013 because I've been on business trips. Good thing for me is the last destination of my trip was Tokyo. In between all the meetings and trainings, I managed to squeeze in some shopping time.  ;)

My Transformers loot bought during this trip!

TFC Uranos: F-4 Phantom and F-15 Eagle

After giving fans the awesome Hercules/Devastator gestalt, the next TFC combiner group is another favourite of mine: the Aerialbots! TFC has named the gestalt Uranos. But we all know him as Superion!

As of this post, only 2 members have ben released: F-4 Phantom (Fireflight) and F-15 Eagle (Air Raid)

Review: MP-13 Masterpiece Soundwave

When Takara Tomy announced MP-13 in their Masterpiece line is gonna be Soundwave, there was excitement among the Transformers fandom. Finally, everyone's favourite Communications Commander is getting the Masterpiece treatment. After a long wait (well, those few months felt long) he is finally released!

The box contents, except the coin and 2 extra energon cubes which are separate. The coin is Asia exclusive, and the extra energon cubes are Amazon.jp exclusive.

FansProject Warbot Assaulter: Carrier Mode

After reviewing Warbot Assaulter's bot and plane modes, I was supposed to touch on Assaulter's carrier mode but completely forgot! D'OH!

G1 Broadside is a triple-changer. Besides the bot and plane modes, his other mode is an aircraft carrier. Likewise, FP Assaulter also has a carrier mode.