The CounterPunch Articles: Why I like Transformers: Armada

Seibertron's own Counterpunch has started a series of articles on how we, Transformers fans "have it good".
This series of articles will focus on what was good about certain toy lines of figures, focusing on the positive, rather than the negative.
In his second article, Counterpunch discusses all that was good and right with the Micron Legend/Armada series.
The title alone brings with it a tide of discontent, disappointment, and overall dislike. Arguing for the high points in this line is like playing Devil’s Advocate. Childish, lacking articulation, and gimmick heavy, Armada is the whipping boy of modern Transformers lines. I have to admit, after being taken in by RiD, I was certainly taken back by Armada. Many of my early purchases of this line were actually due to boredom or just to buy something ‘fun’ (I was working a miserable, exhausting job as nighttime security for my University…). Needless to say, my first take on the toys, like many people who see them today for the first time, was not necessarily positive.
Interestingly enough, the line started to sell really well. Not only that, but there was a lot of hype and excitement around the series, much like Animated is causing today. There were people who were unhappy with this new series, but for the most part, those folks were able to get by on the new and exciting reissue G1 toys that were appearing from Takara. Hard to believe in a way, but Armada got less popular with collectors as time went by, where as most series toys seem to see a slow but steady gain in popularity.
Why take another look at this series? Do we really dislike these toys to the degree that popular opinion would suggest? I don’t think so... We all know the bad, I’m going to review some things which might just change your mind, well, that or have to justify to your girlfriend and/or wife why you are spending $40 on a Mini-con.
To read the rest of Counterpunch's article, please click here.
Please feel free to add your comments and thoughts on the topic in Counterpunch's original thread. Please remember that we are trying to keep these discussions positive, in relation to the articles.
This series of articles will focus on what was good about certain toy lines of figures, focusing on the positive, rather than the negative.
In his second article, Counterpunch discusses all that was good and right with the Micron Legend/Armada series.
The title alone brings with it a tide of discontent, disappointment, and overall dislike. Arguing for the high points in this line is like playing Devil’s Advocate. Childish, lacking articulation, and gimmick heavy, Armada is the whipping boy of modern Transformers lines. I have to admit, after being taken in by RiD, I was certainly taken back by Armada. Many of my early purchases of this line were actually due to boredom or just to buy something ‘fun’ (I was working a miserable, exhausting job as nighttime security for my University…). Needless to say, my first take on the toys, like many people who see them today for the first time, was not necessarily positive.
Interestingly enough, the line started to sell really well. Not only that, but there was a lot of hype and excitement around the series, much like Animated is causing today. There were people who were unhappy with this new series, but for the most part, those folks were able to get by on the new and exciting reissue G1 toys that were appearing from Takara. Hard to believe in a way, but Armada got less popular with collectors as time went by, where as most series toys seem to see a slow but steady gain in popularity.
Why take another look at this series? Do we really dislike these toys to the degree that popular opinion would suggest? I don’t think so... We all know the bad, I’m going to review some things which might just change your mind, well, that or have to justify to your girlfriend and/or wife why you are spending $40 on a Mini-con.
To read the rest of Counterpunch's article, please click here.
Please feel free to add your comments and thoughts on the topic in Counterpunch's original thread. Please remember that we are trying to keep these discussions positive, in relation to the articles.