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Top 5 Best Samurai Themed Transformers Toys

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Samurai Themed Transformers Toys
Date: Saturday, December 30th 2017 2:07pm CST
Categories: Site Articles, Editorials, Top Lists
Posted by: william-james88

Discuss This Topic · Permanent Link
Views: 120,250

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 Best Samurai Transformers Toys

I realized that I lost track of time at some point (having a new baby will do that to you) and on week was skipped in December. So to remedy that, you are getting this new list just one week after the previous one about the best Ravage toys (where most people surprisingly agreed that the Masterpiece version was not the best). But enough of older lists, on with the new. 2018 will be giving us a new take on the the most popular Pretender figure of all time, Bludgeon, and in light of this I chose to look back on the best Samurai themed toys (since a list of just Bludgeon would not leave us with much).

With the Transformer toys originating from Japan, it only makes sense that the toy designs would emulate certain archetypes from the motherland even when designed by western designers (which is the case for every one of these top 5 toys). The Samurai armor is legendary and many designers have had fun throughout the year to integrate it into a Transformer's design regardless of how much sense that would make for alien robots. It is a fun and recognizable theme and here are the top 5 toys that make it work best.

5. Transformers Age of Extinction: Generations Drift

While the initial Drift character design was more subtle when it first appeared in the comics, the Michael Bay version takes it to a whole other level. The robot mode doesnt take cues from the samurai look, it is the samurai look, probably the most out of all this list. You have the leather armour complete with Haidate and Sode (thigh armour and shoulder pads). I love how efficient and smart the design is. The Sode are done by folding the car doors outward which replaces alt mode detail with brand new detail for the robot mode. The robot's chest is still the front of the car, thus retaining the Bugatti logo at the front, but peeled to reveal a samurai armour chest. He also has weapons storage for his 4 swords. The goal of the Takara designers when thinking of the engineering was to make him have as much robot specific detail as possible without it being overly complicated to transform and I think it's a mission they accomplished and even better than the retool that came out for Transformers: The Last Knight.

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Samurai Themed Transformer Toys


4. Transformers Generations Drift

While movie Drift is fun, I still find the initial Drift release to be a better toy. The Samurai theme is present but more subdued with more of a look at what a samurai warrior would look like on Cybertron, made up of more car details. I especially like the big shoulders and the sword sheets that along with the car doors acting as the Haidate (armoured skirt). He also has the best sword found on this entire list.

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Samurai Themed Transformer Toys

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Samurai Themed Transformer Toys


3. Transformers Animated Samurai Prowl

This guy is a whole storm of Japanese themes. He is a motorcycle that turns into a ninja Transformer. The articulation even permits you to give him some amazing sneaking poses since you have have him stand on his toes. The best part though is that a later release of the toy came with a side car for the motorcycle and this side car could unfold into samurai armour. It just works so well as a toy. Everything fits perfectly turning a ninja into a samurai (at the cost of articulation). While the base toy is awesome and was already number 1 on a previous list, it is his samurai mode that is the focus here and the fact that it removes more than 60% of his initial phenomenal articulation is definitely a point against him.

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Samurai Themed Transformer Toys


2. Transformers: Robots In Disguise (2015) Drift

This to me is the best of both worlds in terms of a Drift Transformer. While the AOE seemed to be wearing a human's samurai costume, the IDW Drift was more taking cues from the general look. This guy though fuses the themes to give you a very distinctive samurai look while also using most of his car parts. He is by far the most fun to transform of the three Drifts and the flipping car panel to reveal the robot chest is brilliant and efficient. I also love how well his giant shoulders are the same pieces found at the front of the car and don't seem out of place in either mode. He also has a fun headsculpt I prefer to the AOE mask, complete with a phenomenal mustache (which Hasbro forgot to paint, but that's why we have Takara, or sharpies). His alt mode is also sublime and super sleek, by far the best Drift alt mode so far.

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Samurai Themed Transformer Toys

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Samurai Themed Transformer Toys

1. Transformers Revenge of the Fallen Bludgeon

I realize this list has a lot of Drift, as opposed to Bludgeon who is (or was?) the main Samurai themed bot in the brand. But that is because with Drift being less of a classic character, his look and personality was readily altered depending on the medium with Bludgeon usually staying more true to his original looks. Plus it doesnt help that his most recent toys (Prime, RID) have all been redecos/retools of previous toys. But the Revenge of the Fallen toy was Bludgeon through and through. This was a no-brainer for the number 1 spot, what a perfect toy. The idea was to homage a robot who turned into a tank which hid inside the shell of a non transforming toy which looked like an undead samurai. So what they did was have the alt mode be the tank and have the robot mode be the samurai, repurposing some alt mode detail. They knock that part out of the park by having the tank threads become the samurai armour on his legs and arms along with other piece of the tank, making this samurai armour near impenetrable. The tank cannon is where the longer sword is stored and the tank's turret can open up to reveal a sheath containing a shorter sword. These are all design masterstrokes, and it is hard to believe that this was released as part of the movie line. The homage being perfectly executed and using the alt mode to the robot mode's advantage earns this figure the rightful spot at the top.

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Samurai Themed Transformer Toys


Honourable mentions:

It would be hard not to mention the very first full on samurai ransformers toy, Transformers G1 1989 Bludgeon Gallery. Now you can look at the pictures above and see just how well the challenge was executed.

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Samurai Themed Transformer Toys

Banzaitron was also a robot who had an Asian theme about him and though the Asian look was further emphazised when he was redeco'd from ROTF Bludgeon, it was fun to see that carry through in the Alternity line. That line actually gave a samurai look to Megatron as well and I think it worked well for both of them:

Transformers Alternity Banzai-Tron (Crystalo Black) and Megatron

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Samurai Themed Transformer Toys

Top 5 Ravage Transformers Toys

Transformers News: Top 5 Ravage Transformers Toys
Date: Saturday, December 23rd 2017 12:30pm CST
Categories: Site Articles, Editorials, Top Lists
Posted by: william-james88

Discuss This Topic · Permanent Link
Views: 55,767

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. Thanks to fellow Seibertronians Black Hat and Insurgent for helping out with this list.


Top 5 Ravage Toys

While Ravage is not always at the forefront of the Transformers Brand (not on mugs, or Christmas ornaments), he has been present and integral at almost every point of the brand (Animated would be the only major incarnation where he isn't present as a toy). And as any major character, he has a new toy every few years, and has thus amassed a significant amount of representations. He becomes a top candidate for singling out his top toys which I now present to you:


5. Alternators Jaguar XK Ravage

It is pretty nuts to think that this original casette bot was part of a line consisting exclusively of bots turning into 1:24-scale accurate representations of real cars from automobile manufacturers around the globe, and even more unbelievable that he had 2 distinct toys in that same line. But it happened and it was quite cool too. Sure, the idea of Ravage converting into a car may be odd, but wouldn't it be perfect if the car he turned into was an actual Jaguar? Sure it's corny, but it's also perfect (or is that purrrrfect) and a great result too. It's also a perfect example of just how different Ravage has been to the rest of characters in both toys and fiction, and yet just as deserving of respect. He really pushes designers and this is easily one of the most ambitious Ravage toys we ever got.

Transformers News: Top 5 Ravage Transformers Toys

Transformers News: Top 5 Ravage Transformers Toys


4. Transformers Energon Battle Ravage (Command Jaguar)

Energon was the line that really brought Scouts/Basics into their own, and whilst he isn't the greatest scout of the line (that would be Divebomb) Battle Ravage is still a great toy, and a great Ravage. His Jaguar mode has all the poseability you could want out of a jaguar, with full limb articulation, a ball joint at the base of the tail (which is tipped with a spiky ball!) and even some torso crunch if you use the "automorph". On top of that it looks absolutely sublime, with a neat colour palette that takes classic Ravage and injects a bit of warm grey, Decepticon purple and vivid translucent green, and killer sculptwork (I particularly adore the head and the asymmetrical shoulders). Whilst he doesn't have Ravage's hip rockets, he does have shoulder cannons, with a missile launching rifle and a mini fusion cannon!
He isn't going to fit in Soundwave's chest any time soon, but he works pretty well alongside him as a kind of attack cat. He's just the right size to look dangerous without being huge in comparison to any Soundwave you might have. - BlackHat

Transformers News: Top 5 Ravage Transformers Toys

Transformers News: Top 5 Ravage Transformers Toys

Transformers News: Top 5 Ravage Transformers Toys


3. Transformers G1 1984 Ravage (Jaguar)

I just really like how even over 30 years later, this toy does the job and does it well. They achieved a really cool looking beast mode from a casette tape and the simplicity in design makes any overcomplicated version of it feel redundant and uneccesary in a way. The playability is still fun. For almost every other character, the original toy is lacking in some way but here instead we have a design that can test the sands of time to the point where designers made sure the Masterpiece Soundwave would still be compatible with this lean mean killing machine.

Transformers News: Top 5 Ravage Transformers Toys

Transformers News: Top 5 Ravage Transformers Toys

Transformers News: Top 5 Ravage Transformers Toys


2. Transformers Beast Wars Metals Ravage (Jaguar)

Best Ravage to me is X-9. Takara's Beast Wars Ravage. Yes, he's a remould of TM Cheetor, but dang he's so good. Dual pistols, that double as hip missiles in beast mode, great proportions in both modes, poseable and shiney black plastic. Mmmmm.... such a great cat. - Insurgent

This also happens to be a pretty good interpretation of the Ravage we saw on the show, which in itself is one of the most intriguing and fun versions of Ravage in all of fiction.

Transformers News: Top 5 Ravage Transformers Toys

Transformers News: Top 5 Ravage Transformers Toys

Transformers News: Top 5 Ravage Transformers Toys


1. Transformers Device Label Ravage (Jaguar)

I feel the only Ravage that matches the G1 version in terms of elegance would be the Device Label Ravage. It is as brilliant an update as I could imagine since, with him transforming into the new technology we now use to share information, the thumb drive. Like with a micro cassette, this alt mode, lets us have a lean mean killing machine but the designers even found a way to give him a bit more mass. While the G1 versions ends up being a tad flat due to the design and alt mode, here we get a better proportioned mechanical jaguar that we come to expect from beast Transformers. He gets a nice wider stance that helps posing him and making him stand. Basically, to me, he ends up looking more the part of what I would want for Ravage within my collection while still keeping a similar theme or style in both modes.

Transformers News: Top 5 Ravage Transformers Toys

Transformers News: Top 5 Ravage Transformers Toys

Transformers News: Top 5 Ravage Transformers Toys

Transformers News: Top 5 Ravage Transformers Toys

Transformers News: Top 5 Ravage Transformers Toys


Honourable mentions: Transformers Masterpiece Ravage (Jaguar)

Surprisingly, I don't have much to say. I don't have any problems with him but in the end, he doesn't stand out that much. He isn't much of an update to the original G1 ravage who still does the job quite well and doesn't reinvent enough, unlike the Device Label one, to stand out either. Of course, that's because he must be as close to the cartoon as possible, but even then he ends up not looking anymore cartoon accurate than the G1 version with his odd kibble in the front legs and awkward looking hips. But regardless, still worth a mention.

Transformers News: Top 5 Ravage Transformers Toys

5 Good Things About All Hail Megatron

Transformers News: 5 Good Things About All Hail Megatron
Date: Friday, December 1st 2017 11:34pm CST
Categories: Site Articles, Editorials, Top Lists
Posted by: Kurona

Discuss This Topic · Permanent Link
Views: 48,236

Every two weeks, Seibertron.com brings you a Top 5 list related to all things Transformers written by a Seibertron staff member. 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.

5 Good Things about All Hail Megatron

10 years. It's been 10 years since IDW's All Hail Megatron started, and it's amazing to think it was that long ago - it seems like only yesterday people were deriding it for taking away from a unique story, having very bad and basic writing; and in general being one of if not the worst thing to come out of the continuity so far. Yes, it wouldn't be a stretch to say a sizeable amount of IDW Transformers fans don't like this story. But we all know the criticisms - we all know why it garners such hatred, whatever your opinion on the story. So as the story reaches such a milestone this year, how about we look at the positives? It is my personal philosophy that no matter how bad a story, no matter how bad the writing or the characters or anything else is; you can find something decent in there. It may be a very worn out needle in an enormous mound of haystacks, but everything has some good points. Which is why today, to coincide with the recently released trade paper back, I'm counting down the top 5 good things to come out of All Hail Megatron!

5. These panels.

Transformers News: 5 Good Things About All Hail Megatron

They're funny. I really have nothing else to say; while I don't usually enjoy the direction of making Decepticons evil for the sake of evil, I just really like these panels and think they're hilarious. ... onto number 4!

4. Deluge

I did say something about a very worn out needle, right? Yes, this isn't an amazing thing or anything that will really save the story; but when the comic focuses so much on characters from Season 1 or 2 of the cartoon, it's very refreshing to see someone this bizarrely obscure show up.

Transformers News: 5 Good Things About All Hail Megatron

You'd think the comic would have gone with Shockwave or a Cassette or even an oddly intelligent Thrust for the role of Mad Decepticon Scientist, but instead we get someone dredged up from the Generation 2 toyline who was had never been used in official fiction before; far before writers like Roberts and Barber started using the likes of Tailgate, Skyfall or Roulette. Not too much to comment on, just an awesome little cameo.

3. Frenzy

Let's leave aside the arguments of which one is Rumble and which one is Frenzy - the comic calls the blue one Frenzy, so I'm calling the blue one Frenzy for this article. Though there is a reason the arguments over which one is which is so prominent for them; that being that not a lot else stands out about Soundwave's twin cassettes. They're generally just little grunts that do some chip damage and crack some jokes; and occasionally one of them pulls out some piledrivers - though the second one isn't seen doing much of anything most the time. For a few pages, this comic changed that.

Transformers News: 5 Good Things About All Hail Megatron

When the order is given, the tiny Decepticon lets loose a shrill cry that brings everyone in the area of effect into an insanity-inducing nightmare - including himself. So for a couple images we get these rather frightening images of Frenzy going on a bloodlust-induced rampage against helpless soldiers. Not bad for the little sometimes-blue sometimes-red assistant of Soundwave.

2. The Covers

I will be the first to admit that I am not the greatest art critique in the world. I'm a story and characters person; when it comes to the actual lineart and colours of a comic the best I can say half the time is "this doesn't look good" or "this is friggin' awesome". But you know what? These covers are friggin' awesome.

From Communist-esque propaganda to Megatron standing triumphant with Prime's head on a pike to a homage to the well-revered Batman comic The Killing Joke; All Hail Megatron went out of its way to give you some damn good art before you even opened up an issue and they all managed to convey a single message - Megatron and the Decepticons here, they have won, oh ****. Nothing much else to say aside from asking you to look at the examples below and urging you to search around the net for more of AHM's covers because they're really, really good.

Transformers News: 5 Good Things About All Hail Megatron

Transformers News: 5 Good Things About All Hail Megatron

Transformers News: 5 Good Things About All Hail Megatron

Transformers News: 5 Good Things About All Hail Megatron

1. Thundercracker

Modern IDW readers know Thundercracker as a former Decepticon who has grown used to living on Earth; having possibly the closest relationship with humans of any of the Transformers and wanting to stay out of the war as much as possible - though sometimes helping out the Autobots when he feels he must - to focus on of all things writing screenplays and looking after his dog. He's a wonderful person, and it's fantastic to see him be such a unique and fun character in the franchise once later writers got a hold of him. So it might surprise some people that this is the story the seed of that characterisation was planted.

Transformers News: 5 Good Things About All Hail Megatron

Before All Hail Megatron, Simon Furman - rather ironically - wrote Thundercracker among other Decepticons much as he was in the Generation 1 cartoon. A personality-less mook who done the grunt work for Starscream and Megatron; no character traits to speak of, nothing really worth remarking on. All Hail Megatron surprisingly changed this. At a few points in the story we see him very dissatisfied with how Megatron is handling things; how extreme his methods are - the creation of the Insecticons, and the dishonour in slaughtering humanity. And at the very end of the comic, when Megatron's forces retreat and prepare to drop a nuclear bomb on America; Thundercracker throws his faction off and catches the nuke, flies it into space and detonates it - before Skywarp shoots him down for his betrayal. It would take some time for him to develop into the dog-loving dorky scriptwriter we know now, but it was wonderful to for once see this character get any sort of characterisation and for it to go in such a heroic direction without him completely becoming an Autobot. This easily makes him the best part - and the best character - of All Hail Megatron.

Top 5 Best Transformers Troop Builders

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Troop Builders
Date: Sunday, November 19th 2017 12:29am CST
Categories: Site Articles, Editorials, Top Lists
Posted by: william-james88

Discuss This Topic · Permanent Link
Views: 56,066

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 Best Transformers Troop Builders

Ah the infamous troop builder. I will be honest, it was a concept I was not familiar with when I got back into collecting in my adult life. As a kid I got toys on my birthday and Chritmas so you bet your ass that I was gonna ask for a different toy and not the same one again just because there was more than one of the same character model on the screen sometimes. But of course, I get it now. With more disposable income, we can now indulge in recreating scenes and armies from the shows we love. And to build those armies in your display, you are gonna need troops. The Transformers brand has had a lot of toys to build troops with over the years and we will look over the best ones right now. Enjoy!


5. Transformers Titans Return Scourge

I really like the Generations Scourge toy but what makes the Titans Return version better for troop building is that you can change his face. So now, your army of Sweeps can have some different characteristics. The Ptero head for instance looks like the type of head given to his sweeps in previous releases. Takara also released a different head (shown below) just to build a sweep army. But you don't have to stop there, you can given them any heads and make them as diverse or similar as you like. It's a decent toy all around as well. Very accurate to the cartoon and both the Takara and Hasbro versions have fun features in their different decos.

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Troop Builders

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Troop Builders

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Troop Builders

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Troop Builders

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Troop Builders

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Troop Builders

4. Transformers Prime Beast Hunters Cyberverse Hardshell

This is one of the very best Commander Class toy from the Cyberverse line, if not the best, and it also happens to be a troop builder. The size works well for a Cyberverse scale army and an affordable one at that since he was at a lower price point than deluxes. Intricate transformation, well detailed and show accurate, what more would you want? Well aside from a voyager scale one for a much pricier army.

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Troop Builders

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Troop Builders

3. Titans Return Sharkticon

Yes, Titans Return have given us several troop builders, and good ones too. Sharkticon is an iconic little guy, due to his appearance in the 86 movie and this is his best toy yet. He is a fun little guy on his own, with a smooth and smart transformation, a great look and even the ability to act as a sub for little Titan Masters. But then you add more of them and you get a menacing (while also cute) army. And them being smaller figures, which is true to the scale, makes them a more affordable troop to build.

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Troop Builders

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Troop Builders

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Troop Builders

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Troop Builders

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Troop Builders


2. Transformers Prime: Robots In Disguise Vehicon

I have raved on this toy before and it's pretty crazy that an undisputed top 5 (top 3?) toy from that whole Prime line was the troop builder Vehicon toy. If only the jet versions were as readily available and affordable, we could replicate Megatron's army as seen on the show.

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Troop Builders

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Troop Builders

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Troop Builders

1. Transformers G1 1985 Insecticons

I think this is the first time a G1 toy ends up being number 1 on a list not specifically about g1. But yeah, there is no better option to me. This is the original swarm and the original troop builder and still the most impressive. These guys take the cake because of their variety of design from one another while also being uniform. This is where the generations versions of these guys fail since the colours, plastics and builds don't match. they end up being seen more as individual toys than a united swarm. While the articulation may not be optimal, the quality of these toys remains unmatched to this date with a combination of clear plastic, chrome, die cast and even functional wheels to give that extra mecha component. And the swarms are in insect mode anyway, so robot mode articulation is useless. Plus, these guys have been rereleased plenty of times that they end up being the same price point as a set of the 3 generations figures anyways, so I whole heartedly recomend anyone curious about g1 toys to check these out. They are still to this date the most faithful looking versions of the most iconic troop in Transformers history.

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Troop Builders

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Troop Builders

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Troop Builders

Honourable metions: Beast Machines Sonic Attack Jet

While Beast Machines deluxe Jetstorm was a decent toy, it lacked screen accuracy in both the deco and the sculpt. In comes a redeco that has more vibrant colours, closer to the look and feel of the show. And it happens to be an army builder for the Jetstorm drone army. So while not ideal we do get a differentiation between the leader and his goons and it is luckily the masses that have the more screen accurate deco, which I personally feel looks much better.

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Troop Builders

Top 5 Best Jet Transformers Toys

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Jet Transformers Toys
Date: Saturday, November 4th 2017 11:58pm CDT
Categories: Site Articles, Editorials, Top Lists
Posted by: william-james88

Discuss This Topic · Permanent Link
Views: 74,733

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 Best Jet Transformers Toys

This list will be very light on words since all these toys are on this list for very similar reasons. They all distinguish themselves in either their accuracy, engineering or design. And most of all, these jets look amazing in robot mode and have a very tight alt mode, which is crucial in a jet transformer (all these are based on real jets too). No crazy undercarriage here. Also, I am using the word "Jet" to encompass sleek modern aircraft which use jet engines. So no cargo planes or Concords.


5. Transformers Hunt For The Decepticons Terradive who transforms into a forward-swept wing fighter jet based on the Sukhoi Su-47.

This one is here for design. It's pretty cool that this was a new jet design made for the toy and not basing itself on the film aside from a general aesthetic that is combined with a more traditional Transformer look. I really love the originality of having his wings on his legs. It clears his back to give a far sleeker appearance which is perfect for the alt mode.

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Jet Transformers Toys

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Jet Transformers Toys

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Jet Transformers Toys


4. Transformers Prime: First Edition Starscream who transforms into a jet resembling a General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon.

I love this design. It is impressive how the toy designers found a way to convey the very thin character design and yet still have him transform perfectly.

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Jet Transformers Toys

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Jet Transformers Toys

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Jet Transformers Toys


3. Transformers Classics Seeker mold which transform into an F-15 Eagle jet.

This mold is legendary and for good reason. Everything about it is spot on to the G1 show form head to feet. I especially like the coneheads since they end up with no jet kibble behind their heads.

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Jet Transformers Toys

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Jet Transformers Toys

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Jet Transformers Toys


2. Transformers Revenge of the Fallen Mindwipe who transforms into a stealth bomber jet similar to a F-117 Nighthawk.

Now THAT is some toy! He (and his buddy Skystalker) are the reasons why I cannot say nothing good came from the ROTF movie. That toy line was insane. We had Voyager Bludgeon, the legendary Optimus Leader figure (which keeps getting reissued one way or another) and Mindwipe. The alt mode is dead on and translates really well into a robot modernizing the G1 Bat Transformer. There is no excess alt mode kibble in robot mode, no shell, and there are smooth panels. If it weren't for the slight chicken legs, you wouldn't think this has anything to do with the film. So much so that this mold was used for "Classics" Strafe.

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Jet Transformers Toys

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Jet Transformers Toys

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Jet Transformers Toys


1. Transformers Hunt For The Decepticons Leader Starscream who transforms into an officially licensed Lockheed-Martin F-22 Raptor fighter jet.

While movie toys are not my favourite, I can't ignore the good ones. There are quite a few and they are so good that they made three of the five entries on this list, including number 1. Leader Starscream made me a believer. I didn't like the wider look Starscream got in the films and I didn't like any of the toys. His hands were either non existent or seen easily in both modes. But this toy converted me. Firstly, the engineers found the perfect way to hide away and integrate his robot legs and arms within the alt mode. Hiding the hands is especially well done. You also get a near perfect jet (which is a very important part of this list) that is almost on the same level as the Masterpiece 03 alt mode (and in Japan, this mold did get a Masterpiece treatment). Unlike the Masterpiece though, the robot mode doesn't seem at odds with the more realistic jet. It is a perfect representation of the movie look come to life and it makes me appreciate it far more by seeing the intricacies of the model and how a robot could indeed be formed from a real life jet.

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Jet Transformers Toys

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Jet Transformers Toys

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Jet Transformers Toys

Honourable Mentions: Of course I won't ignore the Masterpiece Seeker mold. I do prefer how all these toys mentioned accomplish so much with so much less (especially their handling of jet kibble) and at an initially cheaper price point (especially #1, that value was incredible) but I won't deny how beautiful the jet mode is on the masterpiece figures. These toys are also a great example to show the challenge of jet Transformers. If you want a truly perfect alt mode, the robot mode will suffer, as the first batch of Masterpiece seekers revealed. The second had more obvious robot kibble (especially when viewed on the sides) but a much more show accurate robot mode.

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Jet Transformers Toys

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Jet Transformers Toys
Transformers Masterpiece Starscream (MP-11) Gallery

Top 5 Marvel Comics Transformers G1 Decepticon Leaders

Transformers News: Top 5 Marvel Comics Transformers G1 Decepticon Leaders
Date: Saturday, October 21st 2017 3:40pm CDT
Categories: Site Articles, Editorials, Top Lists
Posted by: Kurona

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Views: 68,716

Every two weeks, Seibertron.com brings you a Top 5 list related to all things Transformers, written by a fellow Seibertronian. These are our personal 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 Marvel Comics Decepticon Leaders

When it comes to Transformers, leadership is usually fairly straightforward. Optimus Prime leads the Autobots, and Megatron leads the Decepticons. On rare ocassions someone might have to temporarily fill the role for them like Ultra Magnus or Starscream; and back in the 80s cartoon Rodimus Prime and Galvatron got a very long run of it. But in the original Transformers comics by Marvel, straightforward is the last word you could use to describe the seat of command -- deaths, power struggles and plotting behind the scenes were aplenty in both factions; leading to a much more varied and ever-changing selection of faction Leaders for avid fans of the comic. And so today, we're going to count down the Top 5 Leaders of the Decepticons in the Marvel comics. Focusing on the US side of things with only a tinge of UK material, let's dig right in and see on whose shoulder Laserbeak deserves to sit most.


5. Bludgeon

Transformers News: Top 5 Marvel Comics Decepticon Leaders


Bludgeon, admittedly, doesn't get a lot of time in the driver's seat. With the post of Decepticon Leader left an open vacancy after the thrilling epic Edge of Extinction, the new leader only has a handful of issues to prove his worth before the comic's unfortunate end at Issue 80 -- and it's impressive to see how easily Bludgeon throws himself into the role. Immediately appointing a second-in-command and usurping the Autobots' attempts at peace before sneakily taking all the working shuttles off-world, he successfully leads an invasion of an innocent planet and personally chopping down a handful of Grimlock-led Autobots himself. His limited panel-time as leader is what lands him so low on the list, but what he does with that time still impresses me enough to give him a spot.

4. Ratbat

It's very difficult to leave this guy off the table when talking about unique Decepticon Leaders. While usually we see a powerhouse like Straxus or Galvatron take control, it's certainly different to see a small Cassette take command of the main Decepticon forces. Not content with just being unique in stature, Ratbat sees fit to employ a unique command structure as well; focusing all his efforts on saving and conserving energy after deeming the earth-bound Decepticons' fuel consumption to be inefficient. While he usually had to share the role with Shockwave or Scorponok and only got the spotlight to himself for a short time, he nevertheless struck an impact with his unique approach and his characterisation would prove to be inspiring enough to get echoed in the likes of IDW and the Aligned continuity.

Transformers News: Top 5 Marvel Comics Decepticon Leaders


3. Thunderwing

Marvel saw fit to go all-out when it came to unique styles of leadership. From Grimlock's ruthlessness to Ratbat's fuel conservation... to Thunderwing's addiction. While he only steals a small squad of Decepticons rather than assuming control of the entire faction, Thunderwing still proved to be probably the most terrifying Decepticon leader in the comics since Galvatron. Driven by his obsession for the Autobots' sacred Creation Matrix, having the power to back it up and not caring a jot for the units under his command other than a means to an end, the Mega Pretender fought as a one-man army against everyone in his way and winning every time - and actually succeeded where Megatron continually fails in obtaining his coveted Creation Matrix. How better can it be put than the High Councillors who named him leader in the UK comic -- "You exhibited single-mindedness, ruthlessness and fighting prowess! The perfect qualities for leadership!"

Transformers News: Top 5 Marvel Comics Decepticon Leaders


2. Scorponok

On the face of things, Scorponok might seem fairly basic for a Decepticon leader. He's big, he's powerful, he's mean, he's shouty; everything you'd expect from your standard 'con in control. And, in fact, he does start off like that when we first see him on Cybertron - but then we introduce the human factor.

Transformers News: Top 5 Marvel Comics Decepticon Leaders


The Headmaster gimmick is something that is always criticised as being very confusing in both toys and the G1 cartoon, but I will always applaud how the Marvel comics handled it; clearly showing a distinct bond and melding of minds that when focused upon can make for some truly compelling characterisation, especially when Marvel was so good at characterising its humans. And it is Zarak - Scorponok's Headmaster - that really makes this Decepticon Leader work. As the comics go on, we keep seeing subtle little hints that Scorponok's bloodthirstiness is being quelled and reined in by Zarak's more calm and intellectual mind. Forging truces; eventually coming round to seeing Optimus Prime's concerns about Unicron -- and even, finally, making the ultimate sacrifice near the end of the comic. Scorponok is an entertaining Decepticon Leader on his own, but it's the binary bonding that truly lands him a spot so high on this list.

1. Megatron

Megatron, much like Scorponok, seems like just your standard Decepticon leader at first sight. Much like early Scorponok, all the bullet points are there -- he's a lot more ruthless and intelligent than his cartoon counterpart to be sure, but that doesn't necessarily mean he's an incredible character on its own.

So what makes this one stand out from the rest? What nets Megatron the Number 1 spot? His burgeoning insanity. It's clear right from the start, but with each issue we see more and more of Megatron's sick, twisted mind and every major loss and event drives him further and further into a pit of despair. Constant power struggles with Shockwave and blows to his dignity and power in battles with the Autobots contribute to a shattered psyche that finally culminates when his eternal foe, Optimus Prime; dies -- and not at his hands. In Gone But Not Forgotten - a story this user considers to be one of the best of Marvel's Transformers stories - we see the end result of this madness as a space bridge catastrophe orchestrated by Shockwave finally brings death to the babbling madman, brought about by his own crippling insanity.

Transformers News: Top 5 Marvel Comics Decepticon Leaders


Honourable mentions:

Shockwave is usually the one that most minds drift to when someone thinks of alternate Decepticon Leaders in the Marvel comics, so his not being on the list may be surprising. It is, quite simply, because this reader found the 5 on the list to be more entertaining characters -- but that's not to say Shockwave doesn't deserve a mention, far from it. When he takes over from Megatron it turns the Decepticons into a very intimidating and formidable fighting force; a logical, well-oiled and efficient machine committed purely to expanding their forces and their fuel resources before moving on to domination. While later issues wouldn't portray him as solidly, Shockwave's original Decepticon Leadership was still pretty damn impressive.

Transformers News: Top 5 Marvel Comics Decepticon Leaders


Soundwave is a very interesting character when it concerns Decepticon leadership, though moreso when he's pulling the strings and mediating between power struggles rather than assuming full command. He's a constant presence all throughout the comic; always somehow surviving and always taking up a main role among the Decepticons. And, rest assured, he does get his own run of the place in a few UK future timeline stories -- which are absolutely glorious. Soundwave superior!

Transformers News: Top 5 Marvel Comics Decepticon Leaders

Top 5 Best Transformers Beast Wars Characters

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Beast Wars Characters
Date: Friday, October 6th 2017 10:35pm CDT
Categories: Cartoon News, Site Articles, Editorials, Top Lists
Posted by: william-james88

Discuss This Topic · Permanent Link
Views: 65,823

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 Best Beast Wars Characters

I don't know if I will ever have a list of the "Top 5 Transformers TV Shows" because there isn't that much competition and to me the only real discussion point would be why Beast Wars is better than the G1 Sunbow show. That's because if I were to write that list (which I don't plan to at the moment) Beast Wars would trump G1, for sure. So I will cut to the discussion right away and tell you why: the characters. Beast Wars has the best Transformers characters we will ever see on TV and I want to give a breakdown of the ones I like best, so here it goes!


5. DepthCharge/Rampage

I for the two rivals duking it out until their death. I also love the Batman/Joker rivalry and this it is the most prominent and legendary rivalry in all of fiction (anyone dare go against that?) and the Deptcharge/Rampage rivalry seems to take direct inspiration of that. The temperaments of the characters involved in both rivalries is very similar too with an obsessed lone wolf badass hunting down an agent of chaos. It's a fun dynamic and very fun archetypes and I am glad that they were part of Beast Wars.

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Beast Wars Characters


4. Rhinox

Part of me wanted to put Rhinox at number 1 just to make a statement. He is by far the best maximal character with all the best attributes you can think of. He is the smartest on the team, while also having brute strength and insane firepower. He has all that it takes to be second in command, which he technically is, and yet we don't think of him that was due to his humility and much gentler side (which is an amazing contrast to his arsenal and size). He is the ultimate support to the team and from beginning to end (especially end). I don't know how much is just coincidence or good planned out writing, but Rhinox also ends up being the only character in the entire show to retain his organic beast mode until the end. It shows how that character was quick to accept this new organic life (a lot like Tigertron) and kept exploring it and welcoming all that it had to bring.

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Beast Wars Characters


3. Blackarachnia

As mentioned in the best female characters of all time in the Transformers franchise, she is one of the characters with the most depth in any Transformers fiction. The reason why she is still only third place on this list is because she lacks a certain gravitas that number 1 and 2 have. But please remember that Beast Wars has the best written characters we will ever be given on a screen so being top 3 is just as good as being number 1.

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Beast Wars Characters


2. Megatron

It is impossible to express the joy of watching this villain on the screen. He reminds me of Hans Gruber and other villains which just reek of charisma. He knows he is bad and is loving every second of it and that is so infectious to the viewer. I love his assurance too, its very seductive, just ask Ravage. We almost want to see him succeed in his plans and that is the marking of a perfect villain.

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Beast Wars Characters


1. Dinobot

Unlike almost every other Transformers character, Dinobot doesn't seem to have a predetermined personality based on his allegiance. That is also what makes Beast Wars such a smart show. We see around the end of the second season that the Predacons are not a simple analogue to the Decepticons. They are another clan with different values and ideals. While Megatron has ambitions similar to the previous bearer of that name, it only makes sense that his lietenants share similar aspirations. However, Dinobot shows us that evil is not a hardcoded trait in this world anymore. I love how he never chooses to be a maximal but simply
Dinobot, to me, is not just the best Beast Wars character, he is the very best character to come out of Transformers.

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Beast Wars Characters

Honourable mentions: All of them, with the exception of maybe Scorponok and Tigerhawk who didn't really do much for me as a kid and even less so now.

Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era
Date: Sunday, September 24th 2017 8:15pm CDT
Categories: Site Articles, Editorials, Top Lists
Posted by: william-james88

Discuss This Topic · Permanent Link
Views: 73,440

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 Best G1 Combiners


Continuing the lists spotlighting combiners, while awaiting their return in Power of the Primes, we now look at G1. It is still very much the golden age of Combiners, when looking at the sheer number alone. They came in all shapes and sizes, some could scramble, some couldn't, some came to the west and some remained in the east. Let's do this! You can view the 2 previous combiner related lists here and here.


5. Transformers G1 1987 Raiden

While Devastator may be far more iconic, Raiden has been by his side in the Diaclone line before the Transformers toyline even existed and it is a real pity we never got this in the west as I personally belive he is just as good as Devastator with a cool train motif. All the trains connecting together, which later train combiners like Six Train fail to do, is a really nice touch too. We often don't get to see the individual bots when speaking of Raiden so I will take the time to show them below. You will see that while they are simplisitc as all G1 combiner components are, they are diverse in their looks, mirroring the diversity of the train cars.

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era
Transformers G1 1987 Getsuei Gallery

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era
Transformers G1 1987 Getsuei Gallery

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era
Transformers G1 1987 Kaen Gallery

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era
Transformers G1 1987 Kaen Gallery

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era
Transformers G1 1987 Shouki Gallery

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era
Transformers G1 1987 Shouki Gallery

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era
Transformers G1 1987 Yukikaze Gallery

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era
Transformers G1 1987 Yukikaze Gallery

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era
Transformers G1 1987 Seizan Gallery

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era
Transformers G1 1987 Seizan Gallery

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era
Transformers G1 1987 Suiken Gallery

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era
Transformers G1 1987 Suiken Gallery

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era


4. Transformers G1 1985 Devastator (Devastar)

I don’t think I need to say much about this iconic combiner. He was the first afterall. I really like how uniform he is with the green colour and the construction vehicle theme. The only set back this toy has is the large amount of kibble (here meant as the extra pieces) needed to complete the combiner mode, such as the breastplate, the head, the forearms arms and hands, and the hips. What’s fun though is that some of these parts can fit on the construction vehicles for added firepower.
Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era


3. Transformers G1 1986 Defensor (Guardian)

The Scramble City combiner were quite the revolution. While the combiner madness started with Devastator, these guys took it up a notch so that any smaller robot could be either an arm or a leg. Not only that, but they were interchangeable from different sets. Which meant that what served as an arm for Superion could be a leg for Abominus. Kids were encouraged to make their own combination, which is awesome. There were less extra pieces than with Devastator, but you still had to add (and not lose) hands and feet as well as breastplates and the bigger head. While this pic represents the Scramble City concept, Defensor is the better one simply because he had his combiner head was integrated with the larger robot forming the torso (Hotspot). So you wouldn’t lose the most important part of your combiner. Also, I love how Defensor illustrates the goofy and fun concept of these combiners by having a bunch of vehicles from different scales combining together. You have a motorcycle, a helicopter, a police car and an ambulance. And while they looked to be a different size from one another on the show, their robot modes were all the same size and they got even bigger when the combined. We paid it no mind and had fun with it instead by being able to play with an array of different vehicles without having to scramble.
Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era


2. Transformers Victory Liokaiser

As you might see, the trend on this list is to show how combiners evolved through this era having less extra parts every time. The culmination to this was with the late era combiner Liokaiser, who had only one piece of extraneous kibble you needed to keep: his helmet. The hands and feet were all integrated. This toy also had a really interesting theme. Instead of it being based on the alt modes, it was based on the robot modes which all had animal themed heads/helmets. Sadly, this toy never came out in the west, here’s hoping it gets reissued someday.
Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era


1. Transformers G1 Predaking

F%#K YEAH PREDAKING! Don’t you just hear the heavy metal pounding through your brain at the sight of this guy? This was the biggest combiner of the entire era, as you can see below with him standing next to Devastator. Also, he was made up of robotic versions of beasts found on earth, giving us some of our first (or is it THE first?) Transformers with mammal alt modes. They were really well done too. What I find amazing about these beast modes is that many of them do not reuse their animal limbs for their robot modes, which plagued the Beast Wars line (especially for mammals). These beast modes look amazing too, very solid, and even better than their robot modes (except for Rampage). Using the combiner feet as Tantrum and Headstrong's back-mounted cannons is a great effect and totally works, to the point where this looks to be the accessorie’s primary purpose. The unified and yet varied colours works well together and I just love the extra touch of being able to unclip the eagle wings from Divebomb and attach them to the back of the combined form. It gives him that extra edge, making him look like an avenging angel from hell. Get the reissue while you still can at affordable prices!

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era


Honourable Mentions:

Hasbro has never released Landross while Takara has done so twice (the last time was well over a decade ago) and I feel it is about time the west gets a taste of this beauty. While he is now considered a micromaster , Landcross is a bit more special than the rest. For those who don't know, Landross is a G1 combiner made up of 6 vehicle members. However what makes Landcross so special is that each member can combine with another member to make up to 30 different smaller combiners (check ou all the possible combinations on the back of the box below). It is very similar to what the Energon Powerlinx deluxes and voyagers could do but aside from combining two together for a larger robot, you could also combine all six.
Oh, and the six robot guns can be combined into a large weapon, always a fun bonus.

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era

Top 5 Best Transformers Combiners Toys Post G1

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiners Toys Post G1
Date: Monday, September 11th 2017 9:35am CDT
Categories: Site Articles, Editorials, Top Lists
Posted by: william-james88

Discuss This Topic · Permanent Link
Views: 71,012

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 Best Transformers Combiners Post G1

With Hascon taking place during the week-end, we preffered waiting to post a new list after the excitement. The main reveal at the show was indeed combiner related with an new Abominus coming along with a Dinobot combiner and in theme with all this combiner talk, I give you a new list featuring the best combiners we have had so far after G1. Enjoy!

5. Transformers Robots In Disguise Rail Racer (JRX)

The turn of the century Robots in Disguise line brought brought combiners into the new millennia in a big way with two combiners in that line: Landfill and Railracer. While Landfill has his charm, I don’t find him very solid nor fun to play with. That is totally not the case with Rail Racer though who is a stellar design and a fun combiner. He is like the new age Raiden with modern trains that become individual robots along with having a combined form. But you wouldn’t know that from just looking at the trains which look like toy models, with nice detail and smooth surfaces (the Takara version has the bodies fully painted since they are all made in clear plastic to have clear windows, making the paneling even more subtle). You really wouldn’t think these could transform, let alone combine. And he is a sleek combiner too. Not big of course, since it is only three, and the middle bot does not contribute too much, hence why this toy only makes it to 5th place. But the fresh design just overshadows thee complaints. I especially love the combiner head and chest, along with how strong all the connections are. The guns combine as well, which is always a fun feature to show another layer of connectivity among the bots.

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiners Toys Post G1
Transformers Robots In Disguise Railspike (J-5) Gallery

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiners Toys Post G1
Transformers Robots In Disguise Rapid Run (J-7) Gallery

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiners Toys Post G1
Transformers Robots In Disguise Midnight Express (J-4) Gallery

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiners Toys Post G1
Transformers Robots In Disguise Railspike (J-5) Gallery

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiners Toys Post G1
Transformers Robots In Disguise Rapid Run (J-7) Gallery

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiners Toys Post G1
Transformers Robots In Disguise Midnight Express (J-4) Gallery

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiners Toys Post G1
Transformers Robots In Disguise Railspike (J-5) Gallery

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiners Toys Post G1
Transformers Robots In Disguise Rail Racer (JRX) Gallery

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiners Toys Post G1

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiners Toys Post G1


4. Transformers Club Exclusive Nexus Prime (Nexus Maximus)

I rarely, if ever, put figures from license holders on lists. It’s because they are usually redecos of toys that are more readily available and that we probably had more experience with. Basically, you guys get to know what I am talking about and share your experience. But I am making an exception with Nexus Prime for a few reasons. Firstly, this is the only toy of the first Transformers Combiner in fiction, one of the 13 Primes. Plus, I wanted to highlight the Energon combiners on this list but there were none that I liked due to all the mold repeats they had. Nexus Prime not only has a stellar deco but also doesn’t repeat molds, showing the variety of all the combining components in the Energon line, which were pretty good for their time. He’s pretty much a “best of” Energon combiner.

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiners Toys Post G1
Transformers Club Exclusives Topspin Gallery

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiners Toys Post G1
Transformers Club Exclusives Topspin Gallery

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiners Toys Post G1
Transformers Club Exclusives Landquake Gallery

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiners Toys Post G1
Transformers Club Exclusives Landquake Gallery

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiners Toys Post G1
Transformers Club Exclusives Breakaway Gallery

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiners Toys Post G1
Transformers Club Exclusives Breakaway Gallery

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiners Toys Post G1
Transformers Club Exclusives Heatwave Gallery

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiners Toys Post G1
Transformers Club Exclusives Heatwave Gallery

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiners Toys Post G1
Transformers Club Exclusives Skyfall Gallery

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiners Toys Post G1
Transformers Club Exclusives Skyfall Gallery

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiners Toys Post G1
Transformers Convention & Club Exclusives Nexus Prime (Nexus Maximus) Gallery

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiners Toys Post G1
Transformers Convention & Club Exclusives Nexus Prime (Nexus Maximus) Gallery


3. Combiner Wars / Unite Warriors Devastator

This was a dream come true for many, including me and he has incredible presence due to his immense stature. Devastator will always be the most iconic combiner so it is great to finally get a toy that represents his raw power. My only beef with him, and why he ends up in the middle of this list, is because while the Constructicons are as big as voyager, they don’t feel like voyagers and give you more the feel of those upscaled toys we get sometimes. Like they were deluxes and someone made everything bigger, except for the plastic which is very thin. Plus there is a lack of elbows on the Hasbro version which does make a significant difference (to anyone who thinks it doesn't matter that much, tell me, is Scrapper your favourite in the set?). It’s fun to have a giant combiner, but I feel we could have gotten a higher quality, or at least better feeling toy, if everything was made a tad bit smaller. Still awesome though and forever imposing. He is a real joy to build as well.

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiners Toys Post G1

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiners Toys Post G1

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiners Toys Post G1

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiners Toys Post G1

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiners Toys Post G1

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiners Toys Post G1

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiners Toys Post G1


2. Transformers Beast Wars Tripredacus

Yes, I truly believe that Tripedicus is a better toy than the Devastator we got 20 years later. Of practically any combiner ever, I really feel this is the one that has absolutely nothing hindered by the fact that he combines. What I mean is you have great looking diverse beast modes that share the same complexity as any of the other non-combining Beast Wars deluxe when converting to robot mode. And then… they also combine! Unlike his Maximal counterpart Magnaboss (and our previous entry, Railracer), each robot contributes as much to the combiner with one being the legs, the other the chest and the other the arms. And no partsforming. This makes for a well balanced and solid combiner that isn’t back heavy and has a nice colour variation that works really well. The combiner looks complete and like he is a unique form as opposed of being made up of various bits. It’s quite impressive. And the engineering still holds up.

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiners Toys Post G1

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiners Toys Post G1

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiners Toys Post G1

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiners Toys Post G1

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiners Toys Post G1


1. Unite Warriors Grand Galvatron and Combiner Wars/Unite Warriors Computron

Of course Combiner Wars was going to be the top pick. Those toys brought back the hay day of combiners for a whole new generation and are without a doubt the very best combiners we have ever had (although revisiting that Tripredicus above did give them a run for their money, at least for me). They improved over G1 in terms of their size, poseablity, integrated combiner head, transformations, and port technology which means they can finally have differently shaped heads. Now most of these were not sold together in the Hasbro line and there was ths whole idea of official configurations from Hasbro being different from the configurations from g1 since they were adding new characters and all sorts of stuff. So Combiner Wars is the number 1 pick, but what from it? So to make this number 1 pick comply with the others, I went for Combiners that had a clear idea of which components made up the combiner and I picked the ones that I feel are truly the best examples of what this line had to offer. Computron will go down in history as one of the most different offerings between Hasbro and Takara. Usually, between the two versions, you could get some differences in the paintjob or even the molding. But here, it was practically two different toys where only one of the 5 was the same mold. Takara went completely in one direction and Hasbro in the other. And you know what? I think we all win with that. Either way you go you have something the other side doesn't have. Both had unique molds and distinctive decos. Takara might have had new heads but Hasbro's had new feet and hands as well as more accompanying toys. And both were made up of a variety of molds, giving you a very good look at the breadth of the line, while also being unified in theme and deco (to an extent).

And while Computron is hard to beat, there was another offering that just keeps amazing me: Grand Galvatron. This one was only from Takara but all of the molds (except for some of the heads) are available from Hasbro in one way or another so the new mixture of molds can be recreated. And that's the whole idea behind this combiner, that he is completely random (aside from being made up of zombies, mostly). He is something completely new, made up of characters that never combined before, from different fictions, using a few molds that on the Hasbro side of things were for new characters. He really encompasses the play value of the line perfectly. And he looks incredible. Easily the combiner with the best deco in either line, bar none.

For fans of combiners, we are truly living in its golden age.

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiners Toys Post G1

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiners Toys Post G1

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiners Toys Post G1

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiners Toys Post G1

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiners Toys Post G1

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiners Toys Post G1

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiners Toys Post G1

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiners Toys Post G1

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiners Toys Post G1

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiners Toys Post G1

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiners Toys Post G1

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiners Toys Post G1


Honourable Mentions: PCC Grimstone

Grimstone came out the best he possibly could given what the Power Core Combiner line was all about. He pulls off the automorph drone combination better than any other toy due to how good he looks in both his individual Dinosaur modes and his combined mode, which has a very unified look thanks to the colour scheme.

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiners Toys Post G1

Top 5 Best Combiner Components (Limbs / Torsos) from Transformers Combiner Wars and Unite Warriors

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Combiner Components (Limbs / Torsos) from Transformers Combiner Wars and Unite Warriors
Date: Friday, August 25th 2017 10:43pm CDT
Categories: Site Articles, Editorials, Top Lists
Posted by: william-james88

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Views: 80,898

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 Best Combiner Components (Limbs / Torsos) from Combiner Wars and Unite Warriors

Let's face it, Combiner Wars brought in a new golden era for Transformers fans. The G1 combiners were brought back in a bold new way with toys that were stylish, well articulated and had fun conversions. It kept the nice G1 tradition of Scramble City where you had bigger bots which became torsos (this time with the Combiner head being integrated within the toy rather than an add on) and the smaller bots could become either an arm or a leg to fit to the torso. And you could mix and match them as you please. Not only did we get several of the original G1 combiners but we also got some new characters (hello Alpha Bravo) and new versions of classic characters which could now also combine. With Power of the Primes right around the corner and bringing back the combiner concept and compatibility, I wanted to have a quick look back on the combiner components (limbs and torsos) we got under the Combiner Wars and Unite Warriors line (that latter one is the Takara line where these same toys were released). The way I did it is I broke it down to the different molds used in the lines and separated them by their idiosyncratic body molds. So pretty much I looked at all the different molds, not counting the head, and these are my top 5.


5. Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Dragstrip Gallery/Mirage

This was the first Combiner component I held in this line and I knew then and there that this line would kick ass. It had a similar engineering and quality to one of my favourite toys of all time, Cybertron Hotshot. It's an efficient design that maximizes distinction between vehicle and robot mode while reusing the same parts to thus has no extraneous kibble. With the 10 plus years since Hot Shot the engineering advancements mean we get that smart transformation with the added bonus that the figure combines. As a combining component, this mold has the cool ability to alter it's length so you could give your combiner longer legs if you would like. It's also awesome that this time around it is Dragstip who is the main use of the mold with Mirage being secondary (unlike the previous classics rendition of these characters). And I just really love Hasbro's take on Dragstrip's face.

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Combiner Components (Limbs / Torsos) from Transformers Combiner Wars and Unite Warriors
Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Dragstrip (Drag Strip) Gallery

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Combiner Components (Limbs / Torsos) from Transformers Combiner Wars and Unite Warriors
Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Mirage Gallery

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Combiner Components (Limbs / Torsos) from Transformers Combiner Wars and Unite Warriors
Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Dragstrip (Drag Strip) Gallery

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Combiner Components (Limbs / Torsos) from Transformers Combiner Wars and Unite Warriors
Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Dragstrip (Drag Strip) Gallery

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Combiner Components (Limbs / Torsos) from Transformers Combiner Wars and Unite Warriors
Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Menasor Gallery


4. Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Onslaught

This toys had a lot going against it. The character already had a wonderful classics toy (which still holds up) and it was based the Hotpsot mold with seemingly not enough retooling since it still had the emergency lights. And I had really found Hot Spot to feel cheap with that squishy plastic and pieces popping off. But man, this Onslaught answered the call and gave us an incredible new rendition of the character, faithful to his G1 self, with a sleeker physique than the previous Universe toy, but with some new additions such as a better looking military truck mode than his very long and flat G1 self. The torso transformation is just as good and inventive as Hot Spot's but he feels far more solid. You also have the choice of how to finalize the torso transformation to give it different looks and I personally really love the colour Hasbro chose for the Bruticus head.

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Combiner Components (Limbs / Torsos) from Transformers Combiner Wars and Unite Warriors
Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Onslaught Gallery

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Combiner Components (Limbs / Torsos) from Transformers Combiner Wars and Unite Warriors

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Combiner Components (Limbs / Torsos) from Transformers Combiner Wars and Unite Warriors

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Combiner Components (Limbs / Torsos) from Transformers Combiner Wars and Unite Warriors
Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Bruticus Gallery


3. Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Air Raid/Unite Warriors Curse Armada Thrust/Guy Hawk

In a very G1 fashion, all the combiner jets transform pretty much the same way (and the same way as Offroad and First Aid). But the Air Raid mold mixes things up by having the wings swing around. This small extra brings a lot since it adds to the ways you can distinguish this limb from others depending on the combination you want. It also adds a step to the transformation and makes for a cooler looking backpack. And I don't know if it's this mold that makes the characters that use it look so good or vice versa but the best looking combiner components end up using it. Like Guy hawk in Liokaiser, easily the best individual Liokaiser figure, and Armada thrust, a toy which the Takara designers and whoever chooses the deco poured their hearts into. That deco is incredible and the headsculpts on both Guy Hawk and Thrust are some of the best in a line filled with awesome headsculpts.

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Combiner Components (Limbs / Torsos) from Transformers Combiner Wars and Unite Warriors
Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Air Raid Gallery

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Combiner Components (Limbs / Torsos) from Transformers Combiner Wars and Unite Warriors
Transformers Unite Warriors Curse Armada Thrust Gallery

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Combiner Components (Limbs / Torsos) from Transformers Combiner Wars and Unite Warriors
Transformers Unite Warriors Curse Armada Thrust Gallery

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Combiner Components (Limbs / Torsos) from Transformers Combiner Wars and Unite Warriors


2. Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Swindle/Hound

The Rook mold was good and I feel the Swindle/Hound retool just takes it up a notch. It ends up with a more manageable backpack which means these end up looking better as arms than the initial mold (and they still look great as legs). I love the sculpting work too, which is more minute than one may assume. They even sculpt in a steering wheel. Plus, we finally have standard hands to go with this fun mold, so we can get all the standard posing with weapons. I also really love how this works so well for both Swindle and Hound and it allows you to add a shoulder mounted gun to further distinguish Hound from Swindle, aside from the terrific headsculpts of course. This was always a solid mold and now we get two awesome G1 characters with it in a great jeep alt mode.

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Combiner Components (Limbs / Torsos) from Transformers Combiner Wars and Unite Warriors
Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Swindle Gallery

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Combiner Components (Limbs / Torsos) from Transformers Combiner Wars and Unite Warriors
Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Hound Gallery

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Combiner Components (Limbs / Torsos) from Transformers Combiner Wars and Unite Warriors
Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Swindle Gallery

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Combiner Components (Limbs / Torsos) from Transformers Combiner Wars and Unite Warriors
Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Hound Gallery

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Combiner Components (Limbs / Torsos) from Transformers Combiner Wars and Unite Warriors
Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Hound Gallery


1. Transformers Generations Combiner Wars/Unite Warriors Cyclonus

I will admit, I did not pick this mold up at first. I had Silverbolt and while it was an amazing torso, I didn't care for a retool, especially one that wasn't originally a scramble city combiner. But then things changed. Firstly, I really got into the goal of this line which was to bring back a G1 concept but for a new audience. There were no restrictions (not that there ever were) and the point was to have fun. So this was a torso which begged for you to have fun and come up with your own combinations. What really sold me was when Takara, who was usually very G1 oriented, used this torso as an opportunity to show just how much fun one could have and gave us the most bat shit crazy combiner yet, Grand Galvatron (a Galvatron II combiner made from Zombies and Roller ?!). When I finally picked him up, I fell in love. Cyclonus, in both version (which I own) is a thing of beauty. His alt mode is the closest we have ever gotten to his spaceship mode and does look better than the previous Universe one. The alt mode just has so much style, it oozes sexy! He feels super sturdy too. I love the detachable wing tips that become daggers and while the whole robot under a jet didn't look great for Silverbolt, I didn't mind it as much for a cybertronian vehicle where the robot wasn't trying to conceal itself. And we also finally got a voyager Cylonus which works great in anyone's Lost Light or G1 Season 3, or Movie collection. And might I remind you, this is based on the best Combiner Wars torso mold. The combined mode looks amazing with a great headsculpt (better looking than the next Galvatron we got) and a fun transformation. All around a great use of the best torso mold inspiring us all to find our inner child and have fun with combiners. I can't ask for more.

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Combiner Components (Limbs / Torsos) from Transformers Combiner Wars and Unite Warriors
Transformers Unite Warriors Tactician Cyclonus Gallery

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Combiner Components (Limbs / Torsos) from Transformers Combiner Wars and Unite Warriors
Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Cyclonus Gallery

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Combiner Components (Limbs / Torsos) from Transformers Combiner Wars and Unite Warriors
Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Cyclonus Gallery


Transformers News: Top 5 Best Combiner Components (Limbs / Torsos) from Transformers Combiner Wars and Unite Warriors
Transformers Unite Warriors Tactician Cyclonus Gallery

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Combiner Components (Limbs / Torsos) from Transformers Combiner Wars and Unite Warriors
Transformers Unite Warriors Grand Galvatron Gallery

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