Astrotrain!!!

TF Classics / Henkei Bumblebee

Bumblebees Buzzing!!!

TF Classics Bumblebee

TF Henkei Bumblebee

Transformers Generations 2009 Volume 02 - Exclusive Henkei - Ghost Starscream

Ghost Starscream is the second exclusive figure released together with the "Transformers Generations Vol 2" magazine. The first one being the clear stealth "Rijie" aka "Mirage". It's supposedly only obtainable by cutting out the order form from the magazine. Somehow the local toy shops r getting em in by the cartons :P How they do that is beyond me :p


Screamer's Ghost is a figure that no Screamer fans can do without :P Henkei did a great job making this figure available, although being an exclusive translucent figure means it's the price of roughly 4 to 5 normal issue Henkei figures. It is well worth getting it as it's truly awesome :P


Screamer's ghost first made it's debut in a couple of G1 season 3 episodes - "Starscream's Ghost" and "Ghost in the Machine".

Starscream is indeed a huge thorn in Galvatron's side... even in death, old Screamer is still trying to usurp his position as leader of the Decepticons.

Starscream ghost first appeared in the episode aptly entitled "Starscream's Ghost" to the Decepticon Triplechanger "Octane". Octane who was hiding from Cyclonus and Scourge and the Sweeps inside the Decepticons crypt. Forcing Octane to help him trapping and possessing Cyclonus in an attempt to take revenge on Galvatron for destroying his body. Galvatron soon figure out who it was who had possessed Cyclonus body and blast Cyclonus with his arm cannon in an attempt to purge Screamer from Cyclonus body. But that was all for naught as at the end of that episode... Screamer had possessed the body of Scourge... or one of the Sweeps.

The second time Screamer's ghost appear, he had partially possessed Scourge and force him to help him to regain his body by going to the now severed Unicron's head orbiting Cybertron ominously. Unicron agrees to give Screamer back his physical body if he would do 3 tasks for him. One being to get both Metroplex's eyes. But one eye was damaged so they went n stole one eye from Trypticon instead. Possessing Astrotrain in the process because he's got more cargo space for storing the stolen eyes compare to Scourge. Only to find out that the second task was to bring Trypticon to him, Starscream then possess Trypticon and bring him to Unicron so that Trypticon's "Transformation Cog" can be installed into Unicron's head. The third task was to attach Unicron's head to Cybertron so that he may have a body again...

Scourge who broke away from his unholy alliance with Screamer's ghost told the Autobots about Unicron's plan to use Cybertron as his new body. The Autobots organize a strike party to blast Unicron's head off Cybertron. The possessed Trypticon regained it's consciousness thanks to a Decepticon strike team consist of "Dirge, Thrust, Runnabout and Runnamuck". Starscream insist that Unicron give him back his body now or he would not be able to complete the task Unicron ask of him. But in true Starscream nature... as soon as he got his body back, he refused to complete the task but was blown off Cybertron along with Unicron's head by the explosives planted by the Autobots. Tumbling out of control through space... Screamer came in contact with Galvatron and the Decepticons who proceeded in blasting at him as he continues drifting through space. Read more about it Here - http://transformers.wikia.com/wiki/Starscream%27s_Ghost







Screamer's ghost also made a cameo appearance in the Beast wars series where he possessed "Waspinator's" body. The episode is posted above for your viewing pleasure... enjoy :P If I've not mistaken... this was also the first indication that the Beast Wars story line was in direct relation to the vintage G1 series.

For Beasties Haters... SHAME ON YOU... without the Beasties... The Transformers brand would have been dead ages ago!!! :P

Final Verdict:

In general this is a figure with the generic Universe/Henkei Screamer's mold with almost 90% of it being translucent colored plastic giving it a ghost like effect. Nothing much to say aside for the fact that u need to kick yourself in the head if u miss out on this figure because you will most definitely pay through your nose for it in the future. Scalpers have already started to hoard and stock up on this figure for future scalping.

This is the second official "Starscream's Ghost" figure to be made. The first being a G1 version released back in 2001 along with a black and gold version. Kingtoys, a third party company did release a set of miniature G1 Seekers and among the figures is a clear Starscream's ghost figure as well. But since it's not an official product of Haskara... it stands on it's own as an unofficial novelty item that's equally as sought after by fans and collectors... well, at least for me anyways LOL.

Scene Reannactment of the G1 episodes.

"Starscream's Ghost"

The Haunting of Octane

The Possession of Cyclonus

"Ghost in the Machine"

The Possession of Scourge

The Hijacking of Astrotrain

The Taunting of Galvatron

The Betrayal of Unicron

Ok then... hope u guys enjoyed the pics as much as I enjoyed taking em :)

Cheers!!!
N_M

Customized - Universe - The Rainmakers

Presenting... THE RAINMAKERS!!!

The Rainmakers are a trio of many obscure Dcepticon seekers who made cameo appearance in the US G1 animated series. The Rainmakers made their debut in the G1 US animated series entitled "Divide and Conquer" where the already injured Optimus Prime was badly damaged by Lazerbeak's lazer fire inside the Autobot's volcano base. The only way to repair Prime was to journey back to Cybertron to Wheeljack's lab to retrieve a spare part called a "Cosmotron" hehehehe sounds like Prime is a pioneer in the "Metrosexual Movement" heheh he reads Cosmo LOL

Megatron ordered 3 obscure seekers to attack the team of Autobots who volunteered to retrieve the Cosmotron in Wheeljack's lab in Cybertron via the Decepticon's Space Bridge. The team consists of the disabled human "Chip" (Whatever happened to him anyhow... He just disappeared from the series suddenly) along with the Autobots Bumblebee, Bluestreak, Ironhide and Trailbreaker.

The Rainmakers subdued the Autobots momentarily by creating "Acid rain". But like all G1 episodes... the Autobots manage to triumph and brought the Cosmotron back in time for Wheeljack and Ratchet to fix Prime up and defeat the Decepticons :P

Presenting... Acidstorm!!!

Source - www.Tformers.com

Acidstorm is the only one of "The Rainmakers" officially produced under the Hasbro "Transformers Universe" line and wasn't available in the Henkei line. He's the second official member of "The Rainmakers" to be given a name connecting it to the scene of the 3 obscure seekers from the episode "Divide and Conquer".

Needless to say.... being a complete "Seekers" fan, this was a much anticipated piece that I was literally itching to add to my fleet of TF Universe/Henkei seekers squad. The official release of "Acidstorm"also offers the opportunity for TF customizers to get their hands on this Starscream's clone mold to be used as spare parts, Because for customizers. actually finding and using a TF - Classics/Universe/Henkei Strascream after the scalping of the figure in the secondary market.. would be MADNESS ;p

However, The camo paint job on the actual original "Acidstorm" doesn't quite sit well for me. Maybe it's becoz I'm not a fan of "Military" themed paint jobs :P Go figure... I'm anti-war yet I love my war planes seekers... hehehe I'm an enigma huh? ;p

Acidstorm!!!

I had my friend and local TF customizer "Jicco" do me a set of 3 customized Rainmakers. Giving em a flat camo-less uniform paint job. Originally my pal and I was wondering if we should give Acidstorm a more bright neon green paint job. But after much consideration... we've decided not to go with that but instead go with a more "Emerald Green" color instead.

I must say... I really much prefer this color scheme on my customized Acidstorm compared to the original version. He looks much more uniform in color and a heck lot more menacing. Aside from removing the camo from Acidstorm's original paint detail. The customized version retained the basic color palette of Black, 2 shades of Green, Yellow and the mos distinguishable feature to set "The Rainmakers" apart is the steel Grey paint job applied on their heads.

Comparing both original and customized Acidstorm together in their alternate seekers mold, I should say that I really much prefer the customized version as the colors really pop... compared to the original one that in my opinion is one hot mess LOL.

However, I must say that individually... I consider them both as "Acidstorm". The original version does tend to stand out more compared to the customized version. Maybe it's because the original version have got more color variation n details to break up the over all look and making it more noticeable compared to the customized version which mainly consists of straight off Emerald Green... although it consists of 2 shades of green to set it apart from the torso and the rest of the body. But looking at em individually in reality... u would really be able to appreciate the differences between the two.

Sunstorm!!!

Sunstorm though not an official mass produced figure in the TF Universe/Henkei line... He was given a legitimate existence and name in the 2001 "Dreamwave" Transformers comics series.

A result of "Shockwaves" experiments to fit a solar-powered fusion reactor into cloned Decepticon warriors reached their fruition in Sunstorm, a clone of the treacherous Starscream, Sunstorm's structure has been augmented to endure the enormous stresses involved. He was the perfect soldier; he possessed the ability to manipulate electromagnetic energy, enhanced regenerative capabilities, and a blank slate of a mind waiting to be written according to Shockwave's design. Read Here for more details regarding SUNSTORM

Choosing to go with this paint job that is more comic book accurate, I find that this paint job best personifies the name and character that is "SUNSTORM"!!! His color scheme seems to be the one that really makes him stand out among the three Rainmakers and was actually the very first of the 3 rainmakers I commissioned by good pal Jicco. According to him... Sunstorm was the most difficult to make among the three as the yellow base coat was a real pain in the kaboost to apply. But Nonetheless... this is one fine looking specimen.. Good job Jicco!!! :P

Hailstorm!!!

Presenting... Hailstorm!!! The third and final member of "The Rainmakers" is the un-named member of the 3 seekers. Most would just refer to him as the "Blue Seeker" in the Rainmakers team. However some fans have already unofficially dubbed him as "Hydrostorm".

However... I do not feel that the name "Hydrostorm" suits him well. That is why I personally dubbed him as "HAILSTORM"!!! No offense, but I find this name suits him better. I mean...you've heard of Acid rain... therefore Acidstorm makes sense. Same goes for Sunstorm as Sun rain does occur. But to call him Hydrostorm is like calling him "Water Rain"... LOL ;p That's just plain silly... Hahahaha. Since there's actually a weather phenomenon called raining "Hail Stones". Why not just name him "Hailstorm" instead?? Hehehe besides...it would be so cool to see a member of the seekers uisng Ice inducing/projecting powers or weapons :p

Final Verdict:

The verdict is very simple... If u happen to have extras of either Classics/Universe/Henkei Starscream's or Acidstorm's and u happen to know or have any TF customizers friend. Commission em to do this set for u. No true seekers fan could resist the idea of owning this set, nor can any true seekers fan not own this set :p So watcha waitin for??? Go get em made!!! :P

The Rainmakers!!!

Cheers!!!
N_M

TF Classics 1.0 VS Henkei - Hot Rod

Autobot Cavalier "Hot Rod" is the quintessential example of a free spirited youth in all aspect of the word. He made his debut in the annuls of Transformers history in the 86" animated "Transformers - The Movie". I remember how incredibly excited I was the first time I saw this new and cool looking Autobot. Not only does he look good in robot form... his vehicle form is pretty sweet too. He is portrayed as a cocky young Autobot whose over confidence in himself is put to the test all throughout the movie.

But the introduction of Hot Rod could have backfired badly with fans throughout the world. Especially when he was the one indirectly responsible for the death of Optimus Prime in Megatron's hand. To top it off.. he intercepted the passing of the "Autobot Matrix of Leadership" that had fallen from the dying grasp of Optimus Prime, which was originally intended for Ultra Magnus... Poor Ultra Magnus, he just can't catch a break LOL.

He was basically the heart and soul of the entire movie as it is more of a journey for him to discover his potential for something far greater... His appearance as Hot Rod was pretty much almost a one time deal as he was no longer Hot Rod by the end of the movie and didn't revert back to Hot Rod until almost the end of the Season 4 three part series "The Rebirth" in the US animated series as a Targetmaster.

Ok.. enuf of the TF history lessons ;p Now let us talk about my experience with the toy itself. :P

TF Classics 1.0 - Hot Rod

"Transformers Classics" and later renamed "Transformers Universe" was perhaps the best line of TF toys to date... featuring revamped toys of G1 characters. One of such character/toy that was released under this line is the fan fav character - HOT ROD!!!

It was released back in 2006 under the "Transformers Classics" line and was named "Rodimus" instead of "Hot Rod"... I guess Hasbro must no longer own the trademark to that name since the 80's.



This figure is everything it's G1 counterpart isn't... It looked a heck lot better and a lot more posable too, plus it doesn't have the chrome problems it's G1 counterpart had too.. Pardon me.. but I have developed an aversion to figures with chrome parts as they just get tarnished way too easily!!! Grrr...

Ok... adversity aside... there's simply nothing that would make u not love this toy as it's just so darn cool looking and it's fairly posable due to it's multiple articulated joints. However.. I would have loved it better if he was given a more G1 style weapon. His big ass exhaust pipe/gun kinda looked a little too bulky for him. But I'm not complaining much. I still love this figure and would probably choose him if I was asked to take just 1 toy with me in a cataclysmic situation... hahaha yeah... like a toy is the most important thing to bring along if such a situation arises LOL!!!

TF Henkei - Hot Rod

Hasbro and TakaraTomy revamped the TF Classics line and called it "Transformers Universe" in 2008 and Takara called their version - "Henkei Series" and basically reissued the 06' Classics figures as well as the current 08' Universe figures, among the figures reissued was "Hot Rod".



Generally the Henkei version is the same as the Classics version as it is produced from the same mold. Aside from the use of chrome and a slightly different shade of maroon and minor difference in detailing. Playability n posbability are pretty much the same. However, bcoz of the chrome parts, the Henkei version is very sought after.. but IMO.. it truly is over rated!!! I'm not loving the chrome... first it looks too darn garish and secondly, it gets tarnished way too easily!!!

Final Verdict:

It is an awesome toy to have and own, especially if u r a die hard fan of Hot Rod... but if u ask me which one is better to play with and have a more G1 feel to it. I would choose the Hasbro Classics version. I am more attracted to playing with it more than the Henkei version... u can tell by how bias I am when I took these pics LOL... I'm more inspired with the poses when it comes to the Classics version :p

Henkei lovers... pls don't hate me LOL!!!

Twins Effect

It is always fun to have both versions of the same figs n pose em together hehehe I love the whole "Twins effect" :p

Growing Up Prematurely...

The moral of the story here is.. enjoy your youth and don't rush yourself into growing up...or u r gonna end up like Rodimus prime... a crappy and uninspiring leader LOL!!!

Adversaries...

First Prime... then Ultra Magnus and now you...

... It's a pity you Autobots die so easily...
or I might have a sense of satisfaction now...

Cheers!!!
N_M