That right there would be the entire lineup of Reveal the Shield, which has turned out to be the most controversial line to be released since the 2007 Botcon Set. Some more pictures ahead.
Here you can see in a bit more detail some of the absolutely classic characters that were stuck into this line. Weirdest part for me is that this was a spur off line from "Hunt for the Decepticons", which was a spur off line of "N.E.S.T. Global Alliance", which was a direct spur off line of "Revenge of the Shelfwarmers". Sorry, I meant to say "Revenge of the Bad Movie". Shit, messed up again. One more try. "Revenge of This-Movie-Gives-Me-A.D.H.D.". Eh, guess there's no making a turd smell good, is there?
Except, in this case, "Reveal the Shield" made the turd that was RotF and it's toyline
smell like a combination of sex and whatever that thing is that you really, really like. What we were told we were getting between Christmas '10 and DotM: 6 legends figures, all of them classic G1 Characters. A launch 2 pack of two deluxes, a comic, and a metal matrix, also with 2 G1 characters and a comic that added story to the GREATEST MOVIE OF ALL TIME. 5 Scouts, 2 of them classic G1 Characters and the other 3 cool repaints. 8 Deluxes, 6 of them G1 Classics, one G2 classic, and a bleh repaint. 4 Voyagers, one a G1 classic, one an Animooted fan favorite, and 2 really badass repaints.
What we got in stores was very different. In fact, except for the launch two pack I had to hunt so hard that
my balls hurt from all the chaffing of the disappointment that I found at store after store. I got Wave 1 of the Deluxes from Kohl's, and Wave 2 from Target (albeit THREE separate Targets), and that was
it. The internet rescued everything else, and even then, I had to pay
$50 for a scout (Windcharger). Because those 5 scouts we were told about? Not coming out. Ever. Except probably Rumble, who they should've left as a "Deluxe class" two pack with Frenzy.
I'll probably have the Perfect Effect versions long before Hasbro releases these.
Also, please note, I don't blame Hasbro for this (completely). Power Core Combiners, a main focus line last year, had absolutely 0 media tie-ins. No kids would want those, despite that fact that they were really kinda cool. Hunt for the Decepticons proved once more that kids like Bumblebee, but not that much. In fact, they obviously
hate Bayverse Ravage. Generations was a collector's line, and I'm sure it sold well initially, but Wave 2 should've been ready to go once Wave 1 hit stores. The Wave 1 over-buy that most retailers did was just stupid. It all added up to what was probably a horrible retailing Christmas for Transformers, which doomed RtS from seeing full fruition.
In short, Hasbro is to blame for a lack of PCC media, and HftD sucking, but that's about it. The rest came down to retailers and capitalism.
(you'll might own us, if you're lucky.)
(you'll never own us.)
That went longer than I thought. Let's see more cool stuff now!
Yes, this is Windcharger on the back of Sentinel Maximus, who is missing his battery cover. Why are these two together, you may ask? Well, these are the only two things I have ever bought from toywiz.com. I don't recommend them. They'll either overcharge you, or not send you a new toy when they're missing things like battery covers when you receive them. I bet Jin runs that place. hmm....
Windcharger, contrary to popular belief (including his own), does not have a Powerlinx mode. None. Not at all.
I went on a little bit of a Beast Wars spree. And was too lazy to rotate this picture in the meantime.
Just a small one.
Sonar is the shit that nightmares are made of. I mean, look at this guy. HE HAS FOUR ARMS. His face isn't even sort of robotic. It's terrifying. Transmetals 2 should've been called "Beast Wars: Keeping your children up at night".
On the other hand, Stampy is further evidence that Beast Wars is everything that dreams are made of. If they ever release Beast Wars Neo in the US, perhaps they should call that "Beast Wars Neo: Better than an acid trip". Actually, I have no idea whether it is or not, but all of the toys/characters that I've seen from it are amazingly unique. Penguins, giraffes, rabbits, buffalo, lizards, lizards that combine with pterodactyls and insects. YES. I should probably download this shit at some point.
Just some cool recent acquisitions.
This is the Botcon '10 version of G2's Rapido. I've had this for awhile, just lately though have I been messing with it enough to appreciate it. This is the absolute best use of this mold so far IMO, and there have been some damn fine uses of it. The colors, the head sculpt, everything, scream badassery. Please note, I'm a bit of a G2 fanboy. That may have something to do with my opinion as well.
Q: Which one is the better homage to G1 Strafe? A: Neither of these.
I recently got some upgrade parts for FP's City Commander set. I bought the I-Gear upgrade, and the TAW Godsword from Perfect Effect. The Sword is amazing. In fact, henceforth I think it should be called The Sword when referred to.
The upgrade kit is horrible. What you can't tell about that Ultra Magnus is that his face is lopsided.
That's not to say that everything in the I-Gear set was useless. In fact, the Magnus Hammer that came with it is an awesome addition to Wingblade Prime. Unfortunately, this was the only way he could hold it (since those fists are designed to be used with a peg-system). But it still looks cool as hell, and way better than the tiny little hammer that he came with. I <3 Wingblade Prime, because he is clear, and clear Transformers are just way, way too cool. Yes, I know I need the two latest e-hobby three packs, but those things are
crazy expensive. (Says the guy that buys Botcon stuff. What a double standard! [basically, I can't afford them at the given moment, so they're too expensive :P]).
Lastly, have some Bruticus today.
It had to be done sometime, why not here?
Until next time.
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