The Energon Pub

News Credits: 273 · Fri Feb 24, 2012 4:00 pm

I've always been proud to say that I was there when Transformers all began. I still remember watching the first mini-series and getting the toys as they first hit the shelves. The thing is, shortly after the (1986) movie, I didn't get many new figures. I can't remember the reason any more, if it was the lack of new cartoons that dwindled my interest in new characters or that people stopped buying me as many or whatnot. I also didn't read many of the comics from that era on until much later.

So, as an adult collector, I have picked up pieces here and there and do really enjoy some of them. I'll admit even some of the quirkier ones such as Flamefeather have impressed me. However, some of that stuff from that era, especially some of the Targetmaster/Headmaster stuff seems pretty pricey so I definitely don't feel like I need to be anywhere near a completionist (also known as a Razorclaw0000) with this stuff.

The question I pose to you, is what figures are "must-haves" from the last part of the G1 era?

News Credits: 241 · Fri Feb 24, 2012 4:10 pm

Powermaster Optimus Prime, most definitely. :lol:

News Credits: 7 · Fri Feb 24, 2012 4:32 pm

Overlord and Brainstorm.

News Credits: 1 · Fri Feb 24, 2012 4:42 pm

Overlord, Double Dealer, PM Prime even Micromaster Countdown is pretty cool.

News Credits: 1 · Fri Feb 24, 2012 4:45 pm

...forgot Black Zarak =P~

Fri Feb 24, 2012 4:53 pm

MISFIRE with AIMLESS!

... Well, that's the only one from that era I want right now...

News Credits: 4 · Fri Feb 24, 2012 6:50 pm

Snapdragon, and I always liked the Triggercons and Triggerbots.

News Credits: 60 · Fri Feb 24, 2012 6:58 pm

If I could turn back time, I'd have gotten hold of:

Target masters (Autobot/Decepticon) 'cause I already own TFC Hotrodimus and Char

Scorponok

Skystalker

Abominus and Computron

Headmaster Jr 'cons

In the process of acquiring Siren

Pretender 'cons (1st and 2nd release)

Overlord(?)

Fri Feb 24, 2012 7:24 pm

Most of the Headmasters were awesome, especially Scorponok. Also loved the Terrorcons, Technobots, Seacons, Predacons, Trypticon, Rodimus Prime, Kup, and Galvatron.

News Credits: 14 · Fri Feb 24, 2012 7:27 pm

Piranacon.. Hey I totally love the pink teal, and gray guy.

Scroponok...

Ground Shaker and Skyhopper... those micromaster bases were awesome.

If Japanese figures count, Victory Saber and Victory Leo

News Credits: 1 · Fri Feb 24, 2012 7:59 pm

I gotta say Headmasters.

I stopped paying attention to Transformers sometime right after the '86 movie. The last TFs I remember having are Divebomb and Rampage (Predacons), so I totally missed out Headmasters as a kid.

So as an adult, a buddy sold me a MINT, complete Brainstorm and then I saw the first episode of the Headmasters cartoon - and I thought they were great, especially the Decepticon Headmasters. Cool alt modes like Bats, Wolves, Crocodiles, and Apes? Hell yeah!

Plus, from my perspective, TFs were riiiiiight at their peak (maybe a touch past it) and hadn't crapped out yet, lol. So Headmasters to me were the last hurrah for G1. I have come to love Pretenders, though...

Fri Feb 24, 2012 9:56 pm

Yeah....the Headmasters are the way to go. I'm pretty fond of my Skullcruncher. I've got a lot of the early ones like Mindwipe, Weirdwolf and Scorponok. The decepticons, IMO, had the cooler TF's in regards to HM's. I had Snapdragon as a kid and he never left my side.
I am pretty fond of Chromedome though. Still need to get him.

But HOLY CRAP are they really expensive on Ebay. If you start getting em i'd suggest paying the 100 bucks plus for a complete HM. Cause piecing those bastards together is ridiculous!! financially .

But the first wave of HM's are a must have in my opinion. DoubleDealer is most DEFINITELY a must have. That bird mode is fantastic. It just blows my mind how they pulled off three distinctly different modes so well.

News Credits: 97 · Sat Feb 25, 2012 12:29 am

Powermaster Prime
Powermaster Getaway
Powermaster Dreadwind
Powermaster Darkwing
Micromaster Countdown
Micromaster Erector

If you like Pretenders...
Autobot Pretender Pincher
Decepticon Pretender Submarauder (this guy served as my 'con leader as a child before the release of Actionmaster Megatron)

Speaking of Actionmasters, Prime and Megatron were both pretty good. The fun is in their bases, obviously.

Seacons
Predacons
Technobots
Sky Lynx
Dogfight
Sixshot

That's enough for now

News Credits: 22 · Sat Feb 25, 2012 1:16 am

Well, everyone said Headmasters already, but I'm gonna pick just one: Fortress Maximus.

Outside of Headmasters, Masterforce Overlord and Powermaster Prime.

News Credits: 9 · Sat Feb 25, 2012 5:56 am

I think the horrorcons were excellent for the day, especially Snapdragon because he has a recognisable jet mode and the other two modes are recognisable for what they're supposed to be. Apeface's ape mode is... unconvincing.

News Credits: 101 · Sat Feb 25, 2012 12:25 pm

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:Powermaster Optimus Prime, most definitely.

Not exactly. GOD GINRAI is the way to go. The "Optimus Prime" have chrome and clear windows. The trailer for the super mode have his fists fixed. Plus, you have GodBomber for the ULTIMATE MODE.

I said it often and I say it again, this TF is my favorite ever. Beside, it have been re-issued a couple of times and the reissues are 100% accurate to the original. So, getting a reissue for under 100$ shipped is possible.

You have a moral duty to have this in your collection.

Another one that I really love is Doubledealer. It's a TRIPLECHANGER that come with TWO powermasters. You can have the main body for quite cheap. But 100$ will go for a complete Doubledealer with all of his accessories. Trust me, he's worth it. But only if you bought a God Ginrai first.

News Credits: 7 · Sat Feb 25, 2012 2:00 pm

I am so glad to see that although I do not have the 1987-1990 TF's complete by a long shot, I evidently own most of the coolest ones like Doubledealer, the Horrorcons, the 'Con Headmasters (including Scorponok) and even an original release God Ginrai giftset. Personally, Scorponok is my favorite TF EVER, but I'd also recommend Quake, Bludgeon, Thunderwing and even Pretender Bumblebee.

Sat Feb 25, 2012 8:14 pm

I am in the minority by the way. With the exception of Fort Max, I do NOT like Headmasters or Powermasters - lose the head, and all you have is a headless robot. Lose the engine, and you have a hunk of non-transforming plastic unless you stick something in the gap.

Targetmasters, however, those I liked.

News Credits: 273 · Mon Feb 27, 2012 1:13 pm

Valandar wrote:I am in the minority by the way. With the exception of Fort Max, I do NOT like Headmasters or Powermasters - lose the head, and all you have is a headless robot. Lose the engine, and you have a hunk of non-transforming plastic unless you stick something in the gap.

Targetmasters, however, those I liked.

Lose the head and pay $30 for a new one...

News Credits: 1 · Mon Feb 27, 2012 5:25 pm

As a Masterforce collector I'm gonna say... PRRRRETENDAAAAAAAAS! And, derp, Ginrai. Firecons also have a special place in my hart, alongside the see-see-Seacons.

Yeah, I love 1988.

News Credits: 241 · Mon Feb 27, 2012 5:49 pm

O, how could I forget Piranacon aka King Poseidon? #-o

News Credits: 101 · Mon Feb 27, 2012 6:35 pm

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:O, how could I forget Piranacon aka King Poseidon?

Reissue now available for peanuts at BBTS!

Tue Feb 28, 2012 10:00 pm

Mykltron wrote:I think the horrorcons were excellent for the day, especially Snapdragon because he has a recognisable jet mode and the other two modes are recognisable for what they're supposed to be. Apeface's ape mode is... unconvincing.

Yes. The Horrorcons are really great figures, but Snapdragon is the better of the two.
I'd say along with those two, the combiners (almost a given, really) and the Decepticon Headmasters/Headmaster Jrs. The Decepticon Targetmasters are great as well, and I really like the Con dual Targetmasters. Triggerbots/Cons as well.

News Credits: 1 · Wed Feb 29, 2012 3:55 am

Dagon wrote:
Mykltron wrote:I think the horrorcons were excellent for the day, especially Snapdragon because he has a recognisable jet mode and the other two modes are recognisable for what they're supposed to be. Apeface's ape mode is... unconvincing.

Yes. The Horrorcons are really great figures, but Snapdragon is the better of the two.
I'd say along with those two, the combiners (almost a given, really) and the Decepticon Headmasters/Headmaster Jrs. The Decepticon Targetmasters are great as well, and I really like the Con dual Targetmasters. Triggerbots/Cons as well.

Getting a decent Needlenose of a good price is a b*tch, though. Even one without his partners.

News Credits: 1 · Wed Feb 29, 2012 5:51 am

Mykltron wrote:I think the horrorcons were excellent for the day, especially Snapdragon because he has a recognisable jet mode and the other two modes are recognisable for what they're supposed to be. Apeface's ape mode is... unconvincing.

Personally I think they're awful. Yes I agree Snapdragon's jet mode is decent but that's about it! In all other modes there is just far to much kibble spoiling their aesthetics, which is sad because the concept itself was good. Unfortunately the Horrorcons are more like Kibble-cons IMO.