Carlo "Dash" Bonagua Reviews the Transformers Animated Roll Out Command Supreme Class Optimus Prime! A First Seen In Transformers Philippines!

Fresh from the hectic but excitingly outrageous 7th Philippine Toy Convention the word is out. There's Animated toys being sold by selling exhibitors around the area.

From the cutesy activators to the most sought after Voyager Class Optimus Prime. Lose or boxed there's a lot to go around there, where rumors claim that Hasbro does not allow selling or display?

Those rumor mills where buried alive along those, who think they can own the fandom when they just merely can't live without there toys. Or was it that some of the so-called Rumor Mongers (no relation to Iron Man's nemesis Iron Monger) just want to make sure nobody puts a display, which was in a private collection of one fan? Whatever it is there was a dust ball rolling, and silent cricket in some barren desert long forgotten. 

Well I guess the true fans wont allow that to happen. Not only it was first seen in this year's acclaimed to fame Asia's largest convention. It was bombarded with camera flashes along with everyone in between.

Last day is today get a chance to see the glimpse of the almost complete line of Animated toys at the Transformers Philippines display area. Get a chance to play with the Supreme Class Optimus Prime... Uhh which is Azrael currently molesting.

Gotta go now.... See you all there!

For the past six years Transformers Philippines have kept its limelight for the fans. Not limiting our reach for those who have grown up and watch the cartoons. Some people may have all the toys in the world, but the question is would that make you a true fan?

Where not hardcore for the toy collectors only group. Because we are fans and some might think that the meaning of a fan is all about toy collecting.

Being a fan is not about the plastic hardware that's in your display or you have a comic book in your collection. That's not necessary you becoming a fan claiming since then, when you just recently jump in the bandwagon and saw the live action movie last year.

Being a fan is the kid in the corner who had just watched the animated but never had any toy or collection. But knows every story of each character in that cartoon by heart, that he/she shares because you love just watching it. We don't talk about the toys primarily and neither don't make toys part of our life. When you look at the images of countless gatherings, and meet-ups we have every month do you think that we are as much as a community as what others self-proclaims them to be?

We've been here for the past six years and growing strong, and to think where running out of ideas others copied and said that it was theres? If you add the "unofficial years" Transformers Philippines has been around for the past 22 years.

Originally was a group of kids in a local suburban town in Manila, who just hangs out on weekends. Founded by VJ Platon and Mark Cerbo in the summer of 1986 two guys, who got into watching the cartoons inviting neighborhood friends. When VJ out grew the hobby Mark was a fan from the start, but he also lost interest when G.I. Joe, Centurions, Sky Commanders, Mask, and countless toy properties came in until the the late 80s with there own cartoons.

But interest came back in the mid 90s when then known Star TV started showing Japanese Transformers series Headmasters, God Masterrforce, and Victory dubbed by the Chinese in kung-fu accent speaking english on weekdays early in the morning. Beast Wars came and the passion for the fandom have grown.

A student graduate from Ateneo had put up a personal website tribute about the Japanese Transformers back in 1999. Actually he might be The First Filipino to put up a Filipino Transformers website, who had recorded all the Star TV episodes and began selling them in the states. So far that particular website has been out of limbo.

One of the sites that inspired this group to be founded on JUNE 6TH, 2002 officially by Azrael Coladilla and Mark Cerbo, which started in the yahoogroup mailing list. The rest as they say history that continues up to now.

When you mention Transformers Philippines IT IS A TRANSFORMERS GROUP.

But we don't bank on the group's name because we most primarily put the importance with the enjoyment amongst fans. The casual ones who just loved seeing the old cartoons, and who grew up but never get the chance to have anything Transformers.

Transformers Philippines is about friendships, camaraderie, and just having fun among fans who share a common interest. So basically we are not a corporation that gets tied up to anyone,  we are fans and we have unlimited imagination.

And we thank you for being part of the drive that makes this group even more fun for the past six years.

I'm sure we will be around just drop by our regularly monthly meet-ups you don't need to be Optimus Prime or Megatron. Or pass by the Transformer Philippines display area and get to play the upcoming animated toys in the upcoming Toy Convention (which we've been  participating since 2003).

Because this is for the REAL TRANSFAN IN YOU.

ROCK & ROLL OUT!

Name: Grimlock
Series: Transformers Henkei
Faction: Cybertron
Size: Deluxe Class
Packaging: Carded
Release: March 2008
Manufactured By: TakaraTomy
Variations: TF Classics Grimlock (Hasbro), Shattered Glass Grimlock (Botcon 2008)
Accessories: Sword like gun w/ a firing projectile, Dino tail can also be use as weapon, Skill Card, TF Henkei manual & a Transformation Instruction

Toy Review by: JayCee




Introduction:

Grimlock is first seen in Transformers Generation 1 back in 1985. Known as Leader of the Dinobots and famous for his caveman speech w/c makes others think that he not intelligent. Grimlock is one of the strongest Autobots ever created; He can probably match up to Optimus Prime.

Dino Mode:


Dino mode possess good pose ability,

w/ a right amount of articulation you can make him crush any Decepticons present.

Figure also has munching action, so you could feed him whatever you want.


Dino mode carries his sword like gun for long range action.

Transformation:

His transformation gave me sometime to figure out w/o looking in the manual. I liked how they come up with new techniques to transform him, though I am not really comfortable having his Dino head for his feet. Some twist and turns are needed to make his Dino feet become his arms

Robot Mode:


Grimlock pretty much resembles his G1 counterpart

but this time his much more pose able and can kick more Decepticon Butt.


For toy gimmicks, he can use his tail as a whip and he can also carry the sword like gun from his Dino Mode for serious Decepticon punishing.

I have a hard time making him stand when carrying his weapons at back. Due to Dino mode’s long torso section its hard to see his knee joints in Robot Mode. Arms are loose and I’m having a hard time how to lock them, it seems mine has an arm lock problem because his arm lock (located in his neck) doesn't fit on the lock. I dunno if its just mine or all molds has this problem (must read instruction manual again).

Comments:

This is my first Grimlock Figure and I’m probably satisfied by the articulation of the toy. I liked the G1 paint job and the chrome parts w/c made him way cooler than the Classics line. Some poses are also hard to acquire due to the bulkiness of the toy.


And for that ME GIVE GRIMLOCK! 8 Robot Points

Name: Ramjet
Faction: Decepticons
Sub Group: Seekers
Series: Transformers Classics
Packaging: Carded
Release: 2006
Manufactured By: Hasbro
Variations: Retooled version of Starscream
Accessories: Two Missiles, Two Launchers, Manual
Notes: None


Introduction:

Ramjet's get less attention being a mediocre minicon or just small jet from Beast Wars 2 that doesn't look like him. But this time around he returns as as one of the cone head 'seeker' that we are familiar with. Don't think that he's repaint like the previous likes of Starscream & Skywarp he's different.


Vehicle Mode:





Ramjet shares parts of of Starscream & Skywarp. However there are parts you'll notice about difference between the the two seekers like...

The nose of the plane is shorter, that allows for the 'cone head' transformation. But there's one issue though that you might over looked, which is a throwback to the vintage figure. You'll see his head in the bottom part of the plane's nose. Another difference you'll notice is the design of the wing obviously. The boosters and tail wings are stationary compared to the previous ones which doesn't flip over.




But you can pivot the wings vertically and you can flip the wings to the back. Though interestingly enough that it doesn't show the use of it. The color scheme is white with red and gold towards the rear.


Transformation:

Transformation is the same with exceptions in two areas. First, the wings doesn't get flip over. Though, the leading edge of the wings can be folded back. Lastly, the nosecone turns to reveal Ramjet's head.


Robot Mode:





Though Ramjet is 90% based on Starscream, but retooled you'll see there's the difference in the figure. The face is very different from Starscream's and looks more like the vintage G1 Ramjet. All the red colors are gone replaced by more gray schemes.




The last difference with Ramjet are the missiles. They are noticeably 'fat' than what the other 2 seekers have been given with. With Ramjet, the seeker collection is almost complete.


Comments:




Overall jet mode is outlandish in contrast to Starscream and Skywarp. So far my favorite in all aspect of the design. Though color white is not for me this one is the modern representation of the Ramjet now. Hasbro could have released Thrust in the regular line, but Ramjet will do justice being the sole cone head that differs them from the other two. Ramjet gets a score of NINE ROBOT POINTS!

Start:	Jun 14, '08 10:00a
End:	Jun 15, '08 09:00a
Location:	SM Megatrade Hall 2 & 3, The Promenade SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City

:

Name: Skywarp
Faction: Decepticons
Sub Group: Seekers
Series: Transformers Classics
Packaging: Box Type with Ultra Magnus
Release: 2006
Manufactured By: Hasbro
Variations: Starcream (Hasbro), Starscream (Takara Tomy), Thundercracker (Botcon 2007 Exclusive)
Accessories: Two Missiles, Two Launchers, Manual
Notes: Target Exclusive 2006

Toy Review by: Magnusjam


Introduction:

From the moment Teletran-1 wasactivated in the very first episode of The Transformers in 1984 the first was to be awaken was Skywarp. Over the years he was not the spotlight until coming back as part of the Transformers Classics toy line that was packaged as a store exclusive with Ultra Magnus.

Skywarp is the only known seeker jet (that's what they call Starscream & Tundercracker along with him) to have teleportation abilities. Quite one of the trusted Decepticons by Megatron. This black jest is coming back and everyone is warming up for this Decepticon.


Vehicle Mode:





Just like Starscream his alt mode is the F-15 Eagle painted in black with silver & purple stripes. Selected parts of Skywarp is painted in purple colors like the nozzle & thrusters. Missles are painted in black.





What's nostalgic with Skywarp compare with Starscream is he retaines the stripes and I like the black colors.


Transformation:

Same as Starscream nothing too complicated. Compare it to the vintage ones, that you need to dismantle the wings and the weapons. This one you just fold and pull out some parts, but no need to remove anything.


Robot Mode:





The robot mode reflects a slight opposite when it comes to color with Skywarp. He has better colors like silver paint on his entire face. Purple forearms and toes. Silver part in the robot's chest and how cool was it to see it being represented in modern times.




Though in robot mode it has still limited articulations and all but when you see Skywarp side by side with Starscream this one stands out. Black is good on this repaint.


Comments:




Overall I liked the new representation of Skywarp in the Transformers Classics toy line. Everything was almost too perfect with this character. Just that limited articulation has hampered this figure, but all in all he gets NINE ROBOT POINTS!

Check out this link..Edible Smoke Recess' Transformers rendition

http://www.tristancafe.com/music/flash/transformers.html

:-) Its a rock and roll out stuff!!

Check Out the Band

http://www.myspace.com/smokerecess

http://www.friendster.com/ediblesmokerecess

http://foodon.multiply.com

Name: Optimus Prime
Series: Masterpiece
Packaging: Window/Boxed
Release: 2003 & 2006
Manufactured By: Conversion Metals Cars (same company that made the Binaltech replicas)
Variations: 20th Anniversary (2003), MP-01 (2003), 20th Anniversary Movie DVD, & MP-04 (with trailer)
Accessories: Energon axe, Megatron Gun, & Ion Blaster
Notes: The Bootleg version of the exact copy from the original


Introduction:

The Masterpiece series was released in December 2003 by Takara & was released in the US for the 20th Anniversary of Transformers (1984-2004). It was released again in 2006 to celebrate the anniversary of the original animated movie (1986-2006). It was released in the Masterpiece series for the second time with the famous trailer. Variations is noticeable in the four versions that was released. This time around we take a look on the bootleg version... Which basically the exact copy of the 20th Anniversary Animated DVD Movie.


Vehicle Mode:





From the ground up you'll notice that this is the exact copy of the original down to its materials used to build this bootleg. It has diecast parts in the cab part and the part where it transforms into its legs.





But slight color variations if your going to based it in the 2006 Edition (20th Anniversary Animated DVD Movie). The grill and bumper comes more brighter chrome which is nearly blinding if you looked at it. The tail lights are painted orange and there gray parts that you'll notice in robot mode too.





But as you looked to compare it with MP-04 (The only reference that we have here) its exact size, material, and design are close enough to say it can pass as the real thing wit the exception of plastic quality and color of course. The only thing that's missing is the Autobot symbol located in the left side of the cab, and the smoke stack remains short.





So far the truck mode looks the same and its compatible with the MP-04 trailer. The peg though is slightly smaller, that you need to push the trailer down so the pegs can lock together. Unlike the real version where the peg fit in exactly.





The suspensions from the the front and rear are working independently just like the real Masterpiece or the 20th Anniversary Editions. Tires are rubber but no "Formula Desert Dog" engraved in them.


Transformation:

Just like the real thing complexities are the same. You need a little bit of strength to pull out his legs since has more tight joints than the first time opening the the MP-04 Edition. It took more minutes to sweat it out when it was in vehicle conversion unlike to robot mode.


Robot Mode:






The head sculpt is the same with a few noticeable colors that are not in the originals. The mouth piece is chrome silver close enough for your face to show in the reflection. The mechanism to have the mouth piece move does not work. The eyes are colored in flat blue as to the originals it has shinier eyes compared to this.





The body retains all the aspects of the original. Namely the diecast parts that was described earlier. Same colors from the 25th Anniversary Animated Movie DVD, which is colored in light tomato red. You'll notice that the Autobot insignia located in the left side of the truck cab is not present in robot mode.





One thing that you'll see also is his communicators on both arms. In the original release you see Megatron & Grimlock. But in this one you see both Megatron on his screen. It must be agonizing seeing his arch enemy calling him.





You'll notice also if the truck grills still is the brightest around that you'll notice immediately. The leg part still carries the same diecast material like from the original. But the toes and hands would stay colored in gray just like have a pair of shoes with gloves.





The smoke stack is short since as mentioned before its based on the US released Optimus Primes, where they has castrated to follow US standard child safety laws. Side by side with the MP-04 it mirrors everything exception with quality as the Matrix of Leadership keeps falling off. It also lights up unfortunately I don't have batteries with me to show you.












The weapons like the ion blaster, the energon axe, and Megatron gun are the same with a few nit picking like the color variations.













Namely the axe is a bit pinkish and the there's no Decepticon symbol in the Megatron gun. The ion blaster has slight same color as the original 20th Anniversary Animated Movie DVD Edition.


Packaging:











The same shape design of the box was based from the US released 20th Anniversary Animated DVD Movie packaging. Window type but with disturbing text printed in the box. Although this is not the original it appears to be close enough copy of the original.













Comments:

Overall its a rare find that you'll see a bootleg such as this. I thought the bootleg Binaltechs that came out sometime in 2005 was the best. But the same company that made them had to come out and release this bootleg. It would be great for a custom of... Black Convoy perhaps?






Totally this one is difficult to find unless you have to get 2200 points to win it in a video game arcade, but this is surely going to make Hasbro & Takara Tomy noticing this.

The Score: Perfect 10 Robot Points

Special thanks to...

Mach Diesel of SMU Toys for spotting it and Victor Hideo aka Sixshot or Transformers Philippines forums for lending this awesome toy for this review.