Awesome Toy Blog » Transformers

New Transformers Images

MattG — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 02:03:22 +0000

Hasbro has sent out the latest batch of official press pictures. Click here to head to the August 11th Transformers gallery! Check out the official pictures of Power Core Combiners, Hunt for Decepticons, Generations, etc.

Masterpiece Rodimus Prime in color – Hot Rod too!

MattG — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 14:01:11 +0000

On display at the C3X Hobby show is the Masterpiece Rodimus Prime; this time in color. Also on display is the toy in a Hot Rod mode, confirming the rumor that this Masterpiece Transformer would be both Rodimus Prime and Hot Rod. The toy looks fantastic in color and I’m impressed by the multi-mode Transformation; I can’t wait to get a closer look to figure out how they did it. You can check out some images from the show here. In Japan, Rodimus Prime is slated for a late 2010 / early 2011 release. No US release information is available at this point.

Figure Spotlight: Bombshock with Combaticons

MattG — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 00:59:25 +0000

Bombshell with Combaticons

Series: Transformers: Power Core Combiners

Release Date: 7/2010

Power Core Combiners is one of the new themes running through Transformers which borrows heavily on past “gimmicks”. Take a bit of ‘Scramble City’ combiners, a bit of Micromasters, a bit of Energon Optimus Prime and a bit of minicons and you get Power Core Combiners. You have one central Transformer (in this case) Bombshock and 4 vehicle drones which can combine to form a larger robot; Bombshock as the core and the drones as the limbs. The system is very interchangeable with the ability to swap out the core robot or use drones from different sets. Its a great concept with a ton of flexibility and opportunities for fun. Keep reading for my detailed thoughts and some pictures!

Packaging: Lets first look at packaging…my first impression upon opening the box is great; the paper ties are continuing. I encountered them with Cybertronian Optimus Prime and thought they were great; so I’m thrilled to see them continuing to be used. The packaging is well laid out with the drones surrounding Bombshock. An additional packaging detail…the plastic bubble for the drones is blue; while Bombshock’s is clear…it is subtle, but a great way to draw your eye into Bombshock.

Bombshock: Bombshock himself is a nice little Transformer. Not particularly complicated…but its a few steps to complete the Transformation. The sculpt is well detailed and the paint job is nice. He’s up to par with the other Power Core Combiners being sold on the pegs. His vehicle mode is a tank like vehicle.

Combaticons: There isn’t much to go into with the drones. They are well scuplted and painted, not much more one could ask for. Being Combaticons they are a set of military vehicles.

Combined Mode: The process of transforming into the combined mode is actually pretty fun. You press the drones onto the 4 pegs and they self-transform into the limb; which is pretty nifty. The resulting robot is pretty well sized; standing at about 8 inches. The combined robot mode is pretty thin and lank, but its an aesthetic that works. Visually the robot looks cohesive and he’s quite well armed. Articulation is pretty good with quite a few joints and poseability at the knees, hips, shoulders, waist and head.

Summary: Power Core Combiners are the latest twist on a the old theme of combining smaller robots to make a bigger one. Fortunately it still feels fresh and for $20 you get quite a value. Bombshock is a solid Transformer in his own right; add in the combination with the Combaticons and you’ve got a pretty great toy. Thanks to Hasbro and the folks at Hunter PR for providing AwesomeToyBlog.com with this product.

New Masterpiece Rodimus Prime images

MattG — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 04:31:19 +0000

The Japanese toy magazine Dengeki Hobby includes a spread on the new Masterpiece Rodimus Prime. This figure is expected towards the end of the year with release in Japan. You can check out the new pictures here. Images of the painted prototype are expected closer to the end of the month.

New Kabaya candy Transformers

MattG — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 04:23:47 +0000

A second set of G1 inspired Kabaya candy toys have been announced for release in Japan. This set features a small Ultra Magnus, Prowl, and Jetfire. A picture of the trio is after the jump. These figures are slated for a September 29th release.

If you’re not familiar with Kabaya candy toys; they are simplified snap-together kits of Transformers that come packaged with a very poor tasting stick of gum (similar to the gum included with baseball cards). These figures are typically quite small, but not Worlds-Smallest-Transformers small.

New Hasbro Transformers pictures

MattG — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 01:09:50 +0000

New pictures of “Challenge at Cybertron” 3-pack

MattG — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 23:44:59 +0000

Transformers website HK-TF has posted a new set of images of the “Challenge at Cybertron” 3-pack featuring G1 inspired decos of Transformers Universe Rodimus; Galvatron and Cyclonus. This set is believed to be a Target exclusive, however this has not yet been verified. You can see all the images here; or look after the jump for a picture comparing the previous Rodiums release to this newest deco. Its chock-full of G1 goodness.

Masterpiece Grimlock now arriving in stores

MattG — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 04:50:02 +0000

Hasbro’s Masterpiece Grimlock has been found in a Texas Toys R Us store. He was priced at $69.99, in line with the price charged at San Diego Comic-con. Interestingly, Grimlock’s page is no longer at Toys R Us and individuals who have ordered him while he was available have been informed that the item was delayed and, past a certain date, orders could be canceled. These Grimlocks were ordered at the $59.99 price, with some people applying a $10 coupon making him $49.99. It will be interesting to see how this plays out, but in the mean time keep your eyes on the aisle. If you did order on-line, it still may be wise to pick one up in store…you can always return it later.

Update: I’m pleased (and somewhat surprised) to say that my on-line order is now being processed and looks like it will be in my hands in a week.

2011 Transformers revealed at Cybertron Con

MattG — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 20:57:11 +0000

Rodimus Prime doesn’t get a whole lot of respect, does he? While Transformers fandom was just starting to pour over the images of the Masterpiece Rodimus Prime toy; a new batch of images arrived from Cybertron Con showing many of the 2011 Transformers debuted at Botcon. You can check out the images over at TFW2005, they include Transformers Generations Jazz, Perceptor, Scourge and Tracks. Also pictured are several G1 inspired Legends toys (Legends Gold Bumblebee, Legends G1 Megatron, Legends G1 Optimus Prime, Legends G1 Starscream). There are some really great toys in this batch; can’t wait to see more pics of Jazz and Tracks.

Masterpiece Rodimus Prime unveiled

MattG — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 20:45:01 +0000

At the Cybertron Con the Masterpiece Rodimus Prime toy was unveiled. The gray prototype has resulted in a huge amount of fan speculation. It seems that Masterpiece Rodimus Prime may also has a robot and vehicle modes for Hot Rod. There are several images at TFW2005.com, one of which clearly shows Rodimus’ gun; a conversion to Hot Rod’s weapon is apparent. It also looks as if the figure features a dual head, similar to those on the Masterpiece seekers. Check out the images at TFW2005.com or after the jump. A painted prototype will be unveiled in August.