Seibertron.com Energon Pub Forums

[william-james88]

Every two weeks, Seibertron.com brings you a Top 5 list related to all things Transformers written by me, your fellow editor. These are my opinions (just like movie or game reviews hosted by sites are still just the opinion of one person) so what matters most is what you guys think of the topic or list, and I hope to see your own lists or comments on omissions and ranking. Let's have fun! All previous lists can be found here.


Top 5 Transformers Toys with Mythological Alt Modes

Just to precise, this is not a list about the top 5 mythological alt modes, but instead of certain amazing toys which turn into mythological creatures. This means that there can be more than one dragon on this list (tee hee), one of the most awesome alt modes in the Transformers brand.

5. Transformers Beast Wars Transmetal 2 Tigerhawk (Tigerfalcon) as a Winged Tiger

A common theme among mythological creatures is the idea of hybrids, like the centaur or sphinx. When it comes to Transformers, this becomes the ideal occasion to give a beast mode a flight ability. You can never go wrong with wings, they will make any animal look more majestic. I realize that most toys on this list end up with wings. What makes this toy extra special is that the hybrid idea of the winged Tiger is plot specific to Beast Wars and symbolizes the union of Tigertron and Airazor in the same body. It was special to see them return to the show and united in a way that felt unprecedented for any kid's show. The toy takes it up a notch by giving an added eagle motif with the optional battle mask that you can add over the tiger. The robot mode is also absolutely gorgeous, even though it can appear rather busy. Both the tiger and eagle beast mode parts are showcased in the robot mode giving him the look of a regal warrior.




4. Transformers Robots In Disguise Megatron (Gigatron) as a two headed Dragon

The second best Dragon Megatron out there, but still an incredible toy. I love the wings and colour scheme adding to the regal nature of this toy. Part of the lore is that Dragons love treasure so all the chrome and him being ornamented in what seems to be a jeweled body fits well. Plus it's quite crazy that this mythological form is only one of his many many modes and he pulls it off as well as if it was his only alt mode.




3. Transformers Beast Wars Silverbolt as a Winged Wolf aka Pterolykos

Aside from possibly some better sculpting, I fail to see just how much a modern day interpretation of this design could improve so much on the original toy. It helps that the show model is so close to the toy, making this toy quite show accurate. He has an excellent wing mechanic with launching missiles (this is back when you could expect missiles from a deluxe class toy) which work well as clubs and conceal themselves perfectly as wings. I really like how this toy really is a hybrid rather than simply a wold with wings with the talons which work so well as the robot mode feet.




2. Transformers Beast Wars Transmetal 2 Megatron (Dragon Megatron)

I just love the dragon mode which screams Tolkien. Plus you have the poseable neck (which you can puppeteer yourself), flapping wings and fire missiles shooting from his mouth. Everything you want from a dragon transformer is there with the added Transmetal finish (once again invoking Smaug's gold encrusted body). The transformation is one of my favourites with the y axis becoming the x axis and the wings becoming so imposing in robot mode (due to the height lowering). This is the regal look Beast Wars Megatron was born to have, yesss.




1. Transformers Cybertron Scourge (Flame Convoy) as a Hydra

While dragon alt modes are probably the alt modes I will get most excited for, I couldn't help but fall in love with Scourge's design in Transformers Cybertron. I like how he keeps his great stature for both modes and just how broad and imposing the robot mode is, making him truly merit his Convoy title in Japan. The weapon also kicks major ass by being this war hammer and sickle hybrid. The Hydra mode is also a very smart integration of the cyber key gimmick with two more dragon heads appearing when activated giving us a very unique alt mode. Him being part of the Cybertron line means he gets all the bonuses that legendary line was known for. Which includes a screen accurate toy, that solid plastic which never felt the same since, and an excellent face sculpt that also invokes some beasts elements like the under-bite fangs. And as I said before, wings just add so much elegance to a look and he has it here too with the beast mode shoulders flaring out to give a majestic effect. I see no faults with this toy.








Honourable Mentions: I really want to take a look back here at the incredible mythologically themed alt modes we have gotten in this brand so far. These may not have been the best but the sheer fact that we have these is incredible and adds to the cultural richness and diversity of our beloved brand.

Moon is a Transformer based on the Moon Rabbit which is a creature the Asian culture believes to be in the moon (and we can even see its shape).


Transformers Beast Wars II Moon Gallery

A Yeti. That's right, we do have an actual Transformers toy that does transform from a (working) drill ski bike into an abominable snowman. Everyone, meet Windchill the Yeti-Bot!



Grimwing turns into an Ursagryph which is half bear half eagle and so unknown that this very toy is the most prominent example of this mythological creature.


Transformers Prime Beast Hunters Grimwing Gallery

If you like Dragons, the Beast Hunters line was filled to the bri with them, which was pretty awesome. Definitely the best dragon from the Prime Beast Hunters line was Ripclaw. It had the most complex transformation with a lot for playability for a deluxe class toy, thanks to the segmented dragon tail. The dragon mode looks the part and gives a robot mode that plays against type for female robots.


Transformers Prime Beast Hunters Ripclaw Gallery

Heinlad is a tanuki but this toy isn't based on the actual animal but on the mythological interpretation since it comes with sake and has a great big pair of balls which the mythic animal is infamous for. I still can't believe that made it through but I am glad it did.

To know more, just click the image below to be taken to his gallery which is filled with more information.


Transformers Beast Wars Neo Heinlad (Heinrad) Gallery

[Carnivius_Prime]

I had that RID Megatron in the early 2000's from finding it at a car boot sale. I didn't really like any of it's modes at all (bat was kinda fun i guess) as it was just too goofy looking for me but I did find the articulation and shaping kinda interesting at the time as a reminder that Transformers didn't need to be bricky anymore.

[ZeroWolf]

Awesome list here, and as someone who loves folklore and myths from all corners of the world, I do like the added info you put next to the entries. You're also correct, you can never have too many dragons...or wolves...has anyone made a half dragon half wolf yet?

Back on track, this list is making want to track down the jungle planet figures from Cybertron as there was some fun stuff in there (well it was a fantastic line in of itself) but at the same time, I want the rest of the beast hunters stuff.

[Sarahthecutevixen]

Awesome list here, and as someone who loves folklore and myths from all corners of the world, I do like the added info you put next to the entries. You're also correct, you can never have too many dragons...or wolves...has anyone made a half dragon half wolf yet?

Back on track, this list is making want to track down the jungle planet figures from Cybertron as there was some fun stuff in there (well it was a fantastic line in of itself) but at the same time, I want the rest of the beast hunters stuff.

Savage/Noble?

[Randomhero]

-scrolls down- come one Heinlad come on Heinlad

THERE HE IS!

[D-Maximal_Primal]

Great list Will!

Mine would go as:

5) RiD Devil Gigatron
4) Darksteel AKA Grimwing (should have got the Grimwing version)
3) Grotusque
2) Silverbolt
1) Tigerhawk

Those are what I have, so my list may be a bit short of some of yours!

[Throttlebotsrevenge]

What . . . no love for Battle Unicorn?

[Sabrblade]

RiD Galvatron/CR Devil Gigatron has one more mythological-based mode of note.



While not as impressive as his two-headed dragon mode, this form (dubbed "Devilsaurer" in Car Robots) was made out to be his most powerful "Final Form" of the series, and when brought over from Japan to the West, this form was renamed by Hasbro as Galvatron's "Griffin" Mode.

And, for bonus points, this was the form in which Devil Gigatron finally confessed his true reasons for wanting to take over the Earth, which were surprisingly much deeper, more philosophical (if a bit anime-ish too), and far less "Saturday morning cartoon villain-esque" than Galvatron's motivations in the English dub:

Devilsaurer: "We Transformers have eternal life. However, that also means our past selves continue on forever."

God Fire Convoy: "What?"

Devilsaurer: "Have you noticed the children of this planet? The power of their pure hearts can change the future."

God Fire Convoy: "Yes. We Cybertrons are trying to protect the power of those pure hearts!"

Devilsaurer: "And I am trying to use it. In order to change the future of the universe, and to change MY own future."

God Fire Convoy: *aghast reaction*

Devilsaurer: "For us, there is no glorious future. In exchange for eternity, both our past and our future were stolen from us! However, if I use the power of the children, I can control my own future. This will allow me to experience that possibility!"

[Dude Gatsby]

It may be from all the Persona I have been playing, but I would love a line dedicated to mythological alt modes. Imagine crazy creatures like Genbu
Or Anzu.

[kurthy]

Now, I need a Heinlad. Where's the nogitsune?

[Emerje]

Grotusque remains my favorite. Even though he isn't based on any discernible mythological origin, I like the theory that he's supposed to be a gargoyle.

Emerje

[william-james88]

Grotusque remains my favorite. Even though he isn't based on any discernible mythological origin, I like the theory that he's supposed to be a gargoyle.

Emerje

Yeah, thats why I steered clear of him. Someone on facebook mentionned skylynx, I would have never thought it could be interpreted as mythological.

John Warden reads my lists too and this is what he had to say:

Hienrad only gets Honorable Mention? Really!?!?

I just didnt want this whole discussion to be all about giant testes

[Emerje]

I just didnt want this whole discussion to be all about giant testes

Well how else is he supposed to fly?


Now look at what you started.
Emerje

[RacerCheetor]

I do not agree with the 1st place. ¬3¬

Between Megatron TM2 and Tigerhawk they earned it.

[ZeroWolf]

But who do you think should be no 1 then?

Wonder how much I would have to bribe TT to do an encore devil gigatron (I know I could get rid megs/Galvatron but it would be simpler to get a release online)

[megamanfan]

Grotusque remains my favorite. Even though he isn't based on any discernible mythological origin, I like the theory that he's supposed to be a gargoyle.

Emerje

actually, grotusque is! he's based off the grotesque, or what we refer to today as gargoyles. the name gargoyle was originally just the name of things that spouted out of castle walls to help run the rain water off of them, but eventually they made these protrusions look like gnarly beasts known as grotesques, which was actually the name of the ugly statues that sat atop buildings that we call gargoyles today. from there, the word gargoyle/grotesque became almost interchangable.

[RK_Striker_JK_5]

Great list, here. So glad to see Silverbolt on it. And you're right. It'd be nigh-impossible to really 'update' the guy.

[Emerje]

Grotusque remains my favorite. Even though he isn't based on any discernible mythological origin, I like the theory that he's supposed to be a gargoyle.

Emerje

actually, grotusque is! he's based off the grotesque, or what we refer to today as gargoyles. the name gargoyle was originally just the name of things that spouted out of castle walls to help run the rain water off of them, but eventually they made these protrusions look like gnarly beasts known as grotesques, which was actually the name of the ugly statues that sat atop buildings that we call gargoyles today. from there, the word gargoyle/grotesque became almost interchangable.

Makes sense and explains why so much of his head is flat gray.

Emerje

[Overcracker]

What . . . no love for Battle Unicorn?

Unicorns are real, so it doesn't count for this list... Wait...

[william-james88]

What . . . no love for Battle Unicorn?

There would be IF I owned him. That is the ONE toy I want most of all that I do not have yet. I am simply not willing to pay the crazy e-bay prices for him, especially not when he was available a plenty for $10 MISB.

Great list, here. So glad to see Silverbolt on it. And you're right. It'd be nigh-impossible to really 'update' the guy.

Thanks man!

Grotusque remains my favorite. Even though he isn't based on any discernible mythological origin, I like the theory that he's supposed to be a gargoyle.

Emerje

actually, grotusque is! he's based off the grotesque, or what we refer to today as gargoyles. the name gargoyle was originally just the name of things that spouted out of castle walls to help run the rain water off of them, but eventually they made these protrusions look like gnarly beasts known as grotesques, which was actually the name of the ugly statues that sat atop buildings that we call gargoyles today. from there, the word gargoyle/grotesque became almost interchangable.

From what I had read Gargoyles are the ones shaped as monsters that have water running out of them while Grotesques are the protrusions that do not have anything to do with water. So they are not really interchangeable since one is purely decorative while the other is functional but ornamented. Also, if anyone cares, they are called Gargouille in french because that is the same word as gargle in english, which is that sound you do with water in your mouth.

Anyways, with this list I made sure to go with straight forward stuff (ex: dragons, winged beasts). Gargoyles are more like monsters and demons. I wasnt sure if monsters held the same title as mythological creatures and when it came to demons, that incorporates christian mythology and I did not want to get into religous debates.

But yeah Grotusque is cool and totally based on something. Unlike, say, Bristleback.

[ZeroWolf]

What . . . no love for Battle Unicorn?

There would be IF I owned him. That is the ONE toy I want most of all that I do not have yet. I am simply not willing to pay the crazy e-bay prices for him, especially not when he was available a plenty for $10 MISB.

Great list, here. So glad to see Silverbolt on it. And you're right. It'd be nigh-impossible to really 'update' the guy.

Thanks man!

Grotusque remains my favorite. Even though he isn't based on any discernible mythological origin, I like the theory that he's supposed to be a gargoyle.

Emerje

actually, grotusque is! he's based off the grotesque, or what we refer to today as gargoyles. the name gargoyle was originally just the name of things that spouted out of castle walls to help run the rain water off of them, but eventually they made these protrusions look like gnarly beasts known as grotesques, which was actually the name of the ugly statues that sat atop buildings that we call gargoyles today. from there, the word gargoyle/grotesque became almost interchangable.

From what I had read Gargoyles are the ones shaped as monsters that have water running out of them while Grotesques are the protrusions that do not have anything to do with water. So they are not really interchangeable since one is purely decorative while the other is functional but ornamented. Also, if anyone cares, they are called Gargouille in french because that is the same word as gargle in english, which is that sound you do with water in your mouth.

Anyways, with this list I made sure to go with straight forward stuff (ex: dragons, winged beasts). Gargoyles are more like monsters and demons. I wasnt sure if monsters held the same title as mythological creatures and when it came to demons, that incorporates christian mythology and I did not want to get into religous debates.

But yeah Grotusque is cool and totally based on something. Unlike, say, Bristleback.

I love learning the origin of words like this, especially when they are to do with creatures of folklore

[Va'al]

[Kyleor]

What . . . no love for Battle Unicorn?

That's actually a pretty fun figure though.

[RK_Striker_JK_5]

It may be from all the Persona I have been playing, but I would love a line dedicated to mythological alt modes. Imagine crazy creatures like Genbu
Or Anzu.

I'd buy those in a heartbeat. There's so many alt modes, mythological or otherwise, that Transformers should tackle.