Astrotrain!!!

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 Universe VS Henkei - Cyclonus

Cyclonus made his debut in the 86' animated "Transformers - The Movie". Cyclonus is one half of Galvatron's most trusted D-Cons in the post movie 3rd season of the US TF cartoon series. Reformatted from the damaged form of Insecticons, "Bombshell". Just like Scourge... I'm gonna assume that the one in the foreground is the actual Cyclonus and not the one in the background who was Skywarp and was "Supposedly" - "Cyclonus and his Armada" hehehe which is quite lame actually since his armada only consist of one other clone LOL.

And Cyclonus being a complete "Attention Whore" that he is ended up being the only character figure of his kind.. completely ditching his 1 other armada unlike Scourge and his Sweeps who seems to have an endless supply of sweeps considering a few of em got blown to bits in the movie but there was only two other sweeps when Unicron reformatted the damged D-Cons LOL.. I love the 80's.. they can just be oblivious with their mistakes on cartoons LOL

TF Universe - Cyclonus

When I first saw rough images of TF Universe - Cyclonus at www.Tformers.com taken from Botcon 08'... I was positively stoked LOL. There it was, CYCLONUS in all his glory. To top it off... he comes with his Targetmaster - Nightstick!!! To say that this toy is an updated version of it's G1 vintage counterpart is an UNDERSTATEMENT!!! ;P



The redesign of this figure/toy is sheer genius. It looked so much alike to it's cartoon counterpart in both alt and robot mode and the posability of this figure allow it to be posed in a heck lot more dynamic pose. The pic above was actually a fluke shot, but Cyclonus looks positively wicked in this shot and It only make this figure all that much more awesome to me!!! Hehehehe ;p

Personally.. I like this color on Cyclonus as oppose to the Henkei version. This dark purple color scheme makes Cyclonus look a heck lot more wicked. It also pays homage to it's G1 vintage Cyclonus counterpart with this dark color scheme. My only complain of this figure is the weird "Two Tone" color of the plastics that forms it's thighs. Wonder why Hasbro make such an irritating decision on such an awesome figure. This figure would have scored a clear 100% perfection if it wasn't for that and perhaps giving this figure waist articulation.

TF Henkei - Cyclonus

The Henkei version came out around March or April this year.. not sure.. can't remember... But what's important is... this figure was sold out instantly and is currently one of the highest priced Henkei figure on ebay and the secondary market. Perhaps the most expensive of the lot aside for Henkei Hound and Ravage.



Figure wise... it's generally the same aside for the somewhat pastel purple color on Cyclonus. Although it is "Supposedly" anime accurate in color. It just somewhat "Sissified" this character/figure. It's wings are also purple in color and chromed as well thus making it irresistible to "Chromephiles" - Collectors who just can't say NO to chromed figures :p Alas it doesn't have the same irritating problem with it's thighs as the Universe version.

Final Verdict:

No one should pass up on this figure if they ever come across one. In fact this is one figure that u should get multiples of if u see em and if u have lots of cash to burn LOL. If anything at all... u owe it to Cyclonus to finally have a proper armada of his own n they are affordable too!!! Well.. at least at their original retail price anyways LOL

I manage to snag 3 pcs of Universe Cyclonus and only 1 pc of Henkei Cyclonus. That had always been my plan from the moment I saw pics of this figure online. Using Universe Cyclonus as his Armada while the Henkei version as the actual Cyclonus. Talk about being bias huh? LOL

Evil Twins

Triple Threat...

Cyclonus and his Armada!!!

Finally... Cyclonus have a proper "Armada"... but I don't think he's too happy with me for finally giving him that LOL


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

TF Universe VS Henkei - Galvatron

Greetings Transformers Fans... I's been quite some time since I last promised the visitors of my former TF blog dedicated to my own TF Collections that I will be redoing my blog with better taken pics instead of the rather bad ones in my old existing blog. I've finally set up my amateur "Photo Studio" and have started taking "Proper" pics of my collection. So, to kick start it all.. I will start with my favorite TF line of the moment - "Transformers Universe and Henkei" line.

Perhaps and arguably the most anticipated TF toy line to date ... at least for me... Is the Universe and Henkei line. It's a veritable love fest for all G1 fans who had wished for the past 25 yrs or so that their G1 toys are more articulated and looked more Anime like LOL.

So... to get this blog going... the one figure I've chosen to kick start my new n somewhat improved blog is - Universe and Henkei- GALVATRON!!!

To simply put it in one word to describe this figure i would say "Awesome" LOL!!! But then again anything that's G1 related is awesome for me. But yeah, this is indeed the closest thing we ever had to a homage to G1 Galvatron.



I mean... sure we had the G1 Galvy that's pretty much a brick and the Energon version which was our first taste to a Galvatron who actually looked like Galvatron.

The Universe and Henkei line is perhaps the first line aside from the G1 vintage to give both Megatron and Galvatron their own individual figure/mold and not an endless incessant repaint party!!!

TF Universe - Galvatron

Ok... so first let's talk about what's awesome about this figure.... I love the dark purple paint job or rather, plastic use for this figure. It brings out the "Menacing" factor of this toy and the character. It's unmistakably Galvatron.. aside from his earth tank alt mode. But I guess a "Tank" would make more sense nowadays instead of having him as a Cybertronian flying cannon... Although I wouldn't mind getting him in that mode too LOL!!! A little querky detail on Galvatron's cannon weilding arm are the words "Galv- 25". Celebrating 25 yrs of Transformers :P

Articulation wise it's fairly satisfactory as it does allow u some dynamic posses.. but whether or not u can stand it after u posed it.. that's a completely different issue ;p

Now for what's bothering me with this figure... the legs r a bitch to pose/stand... especially it's "High Heels" like feet. The back part of the leg where it's suppose to snap into the post don't work at all and this makes it uber hard to pose Galvy in a more dynamic pose.

I truly hate the back pack thingy on it's back too but i guess that's forgivable as it doesn't hinder the look of Galvatron in the front at all.

There r some production mishaps with this figure too as I had friends who bought this figure and complained that the non cannon weilding arm had an inverted fist. But that's easily rectified, but still.. u do get pissed when u have to fix a toy u bought and it didn't come proper as it should be ... heheheh.

TF Henkei - Galvatron

After owning Hasbro's Universe Galvy for a few mths.. the Japs released their version - Henkei Galvatron!!! Like all TF fanbois who "Supposedly" love their TF's with chrome parts.. aka "Bling".

This figure is like very shiny as the main cannon arm weapon for Galvy is pretty much covered in chrome aside from the tank's turret. It also come in a more pastel purple... supposedly more Anime accurately colored.

The problem with the legs is still pretty much the same with the Hasbro Universe version. But my biggest beef with this much sought after Henkei version is... the damn chrome gets scratched and scuffled damn easily n like no body's business!!! Upon Transforming him from tank to bot mode.. the section that holds the chrome part of the tank is uber tight and when i try to used controlled force to pry it open... the chrome at that section flaked!!! Luckily I was able to fix that with a silver chrome marker..

I'm having issues with other Henkei chrome parts too and i must say..i'm starting to really dislike it ... Gggrrrrrr!!!

Final Verdict:

I much prefer the Universe version over the Henkei version purely on the look of the figure and it's color. Plus i don't have to worry about irritating chrome scratches!!!

But sadly... Henkei trumps Universe in terms of collectability and monetary worth hehehe so it's not a bad thing to have both :P

It would also be nice if this figure is a tad bit bigger and in scale... he looks short next to Cyclonus n even smaller next to Prime.

Team Universe

Main cast of the Decepticons Featuring TF Universe - Galvatron, Cyclonus and Scourge - from the now defunct 6" Titanium series.

Team Henkei

Main cast of the Decepticons Featuring TF Henkei- Galvatron, Cyclonus and Scourge - from the now defunct 6" Titanium series.

Ok... that's all folks... Hope u guys enjoyed the post as much as I have posting it :P

Cheers!!!
N_M