Transformers Unlicensed Products News on Seibertron.com

TFsource 3-26 SourceNews!

Date: Sunday, March 25th 2012 10:41pm CDT
Categories: Toy News, Sponsor News, Unlicensed Products News
Posted by: LOST Cybertronian | Credit(s): zoltaire

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Views: 57,106

Greetings SourceFans!
This week we've started our Spring Cleaning Sale! Over 75 items up to 75% off! Many new and popular items added to the sale, as well as deep discounts taken on older items. For one week only, we're also offering free domestic shipping on all instock orders over $150, and reduced shipping for international orders! Great news! 3/29 is the official release date for MP-11 Coronation Starscream, as well as Japanese Transfomrers Prime: Arms Micron AM-01 to AM-06 (Skywarp) as well as EZ-01 - EZ-07! Lots of great Japanese pieces to be released this week, that means our stock will be in early next week (barring any delays)!Headrobots Centurion Upgrade Kit is now instock, along with many new recruits including Heroes of Cybertron figures! Revoltech Sci-Fi DOTM Bumblebee is up for preorder as well. A new Source Article, Source Review, and much much more... in this week's SourceNews!

In this issue of SourceNews:
1. TFsource's Spring Cleaning Sale!
2. TFsource Spring Cleaning Featured Items: Reissue Rodimus Prime & Sideswipe!
3. Japanese Transformers Prime Figures Due to be released 3/29!
4. Now instock: Headrobots Centurion Upgrade Kit!
5. TFSource New Recruits!
6. Now up for preorder: Revoltech Sci-Fi DOTM Bumblebee!
7. New Source Article!
8. New TFsource Review: Blood the Dark Warrior!
9. Now instock: Transformers Prime Deluxe Series 02!
10. Now up for Preorder: Transformers Prime RID Series 03!
11. Now instock: Encore #21 Soundblaster & #22 Twincast!
12. Now up for preorder: TFC-007 Rage of Hercules set!
13. Now instock: iGear W-01 Kup & Perceptor Upgrade Kit!
14. Mastermind Creations Knight Morpher Update!
15. Now up for preorder - BTS-05 Wave 2: Nightfang and Salvage!
16. Newest Instock items at TFsource
17. Newest Preorder items at TFsource

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1. TFsource Spring Cleaning Sale!



Over 75 items up to 75% off! Many new and popular items added to the sale, as well as deep discounts taken on older items. Lots of Crazy Devy items, Transformers United & Generations and for one week only get free domestic shipping on all instock orders over $150, reduced shipping for international orders! http://tfsource.com/category/view/category_id/238/page_id/1/


TFsource - Your Source for BIG Savings this Spring!

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2. TFsource Spring Cleaning Featured Items: Reissue Rodimus Prime & Sideswipe!

These two figures were recently re-released and are great reissues of the vintage G1 figures. If you haven't picked them up yet they're now part of TFsource's Spring Cleaning Sale! Also for one week only get free shipping on instock orders over $150 (domestic only, international orders reduced). Happy Shopping!


TFsource - Your Source for BIG Savings this Spring!

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3. Japanese Transformers Prime Figures Due to be released 3/29!

Great news! 3/29 is not only the official release date for MP-11 Coronation Starscream, as well as Japanese Transfomrers Prime: Arms Micron AM-01 to AM-06 (Skywarp) as well as EZ-01 - EZ-07! Lots of great Japanese pieces to be released this week, that means our stock will be in early next week (barring any delays)!


TFsource - Your Source for Japanese Transformers Prime Figures!

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4. Now instock: Headrobots Centurion Upgrade Kit!

This great upgrade kit features Centurion, a pair of transforming heads and mini sword that can upgrade your Fortress Maximus or Grand Maximus figure! Instock now and if you preordered we have started processing and shipping out preorders!


Headrobots - Centurion - Upgrade Kit

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5. TFSource New Recruits!

TFsource New Recruits: G1 MOSC & MISB Transformers, G2 rarities, e-hobby, reissues and more! We've been busy listing almost 70 new recruits on the site today! We got in a great vintage MISB/MOSC G1 Transformers collection, as well as listed dozens of assorted other figures, so be sure to scroll through all the pages and check them out! It's not often we get in G1 figures like this and with the Spring Cleaning sale instock orders over $150 get free shipping!


TFsource New Recruits - MOSC & MISB G1 Transformers, G2 rarities, e-hobby, reissues and more!

TFsource New Recruits: From Encore to Commemorative Reissues, to Beast Wars, Botcon Exclusives and more! Just make sure to scroll through the pages http://tfsource.com/search/view/status/2/page_id/7/


TFSource New Recruits - Commemorative Edition, Encore Series, Book Style Reissues and more!

TFSource New Recruits: Heroes of Cybertron! Remember these miniature PVC based figures, that feature many legendary Transformers? TFsource has listed many of these popular figures in today's new recruits! Optimus, Megatron, Bumblebee, Grimlock and dozens more - all instock now!


New Recruits: LOTS of Heroes of Cybertron

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6. Now up for preorder: Revoltech Sci-Fi DOTM Bumblebee!

Following on the popularity of the Optimus Prime Revoltech, this great new addition will add a whole new level of articulation and detail to Bumblebee! Set for a June release, preorders up now!


Revoltech - Sci-Fi #038 - Transformers DOTM Bumblebee

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7. New Source Article!

How do those who live with our toy collecting see us? We interview 3 collectors' wives to find out! http://tfsource.com/blog/how-the-other-half-live/


How The Other Half Live | TF Source News

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8. New TFsource Review: Blood the Dark Warrior!

Philip gives a great review on the lowdown on this popular add-on kit from headrobots. Upgrade your bot today, and Blood the Dark Warrior was recently restocked and instock now at TFsource here: http://tfsource.com/blog/tf-source-review-blood-the-dark-warrior/


TF Source Review – Blood: The Dark Warrior | TF Source News

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9. Now instock: Transformers Prime Deluxe Series 02!

This great new series that includes Ratchet and Arcee in addition to the wave 1 figures, has just hit our warehouse. We are busy processing preorders, but have a limited amount of stock remaining of both factory sealed cases as well as sets of select figures!


TFsource - Your Source for Transformers Prime Figures!

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10. Now up for Preorder: Transformers Prime RID Series 03!

Included in this case assortment are three new bots: Vehicon, Hot Shot and Knockout plus it includes both Arcee and Autobot Ratchet! Plus just one bumblebee in the case! This popular series will be out in April, preorder yours here: http://tfsource.com/category/view/category_id/233/sort_by/newest


TFsource - Your Source for Transformers Prime Figures!

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11. Now instock: Encore #21 Soundblaster & #22 Twincast!

Barring any issues with the weather we are already processing preorders and preparing shipments, and don't forget if you have yours in order stacking and want them to ship now to log in and have them ship out! Didn't preorder yet? Limited stock remaining here: TFsource.com - Your source for Encore Transformers!


Encore #22 - Twincast


Encore #21 - Soundblaster

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12. Now up for preorder: TFC-007 Rage of Hercules set!

This great add-on kit includes a newly designed head sculpt with "Rage" face, different arms, cannon, visor and more! Lots of great add on parts, set for a June release!


TFC Toys - TFC-007 - Rage of Hercules Add-on Kit

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13. Now instock: iGear W-01 Kup & Perceptor Upgrade Kit!

This great arsenal of new weaponry for your RTS/Generations Kup & Perceptor includes a carrying case with all new weaponry for these two popular bots! Preorders are being processed and shipping out now, limited stock remaining!


iGear - W-01 - Kup & Perceptor Upgrade Kit

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14. Mastermind Creations Knight Morpher Series Update!

KM-03 Knight Morpher Cyclops now up for Preorder!

Preorders now up at TFsource: KM-03 Knight Morpher Cyclops


KM-03 Knight Morpher Cyclops

Mastermind Creations Knight Morpher Series Restock!

We've just got a restock of the popular Knight Morpther series by Mastermind Creations - who now has their own subcategory on TFsource so check it out! KM-01 Knight Morpher Commander, KM-02 Annihilator and KM-01X Limited Edition are all instock. While there don't forget to preorder the upcoming KM-03 Cyclops!


http://tfsource.com/category/view/category_id/237/

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15. Now up for preorder - BTS-05 Wave 2: Nightfang and Salvage!

These fully transformable G1 inspired cassettes are set for an April release, and also feature a combination mode with the prior released BTS-05 Tremor and Frequency! We'll be posting photos shortly of the combination mode, stay tuned and preorder yours here: BTS-05 Wave 2 - Nightfang and Savage


BTS-05 Wave 2 - Nightfang and Savage

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16. Newest Instock items at TFsource


Headrobots - Centurion - Upgrade Kit


United Bumblebee - Growing Pains - Custom Kit


iGear - W-01 - Kup & Perceptor Upgrade Kit


Encore #22 - Twincast


Encore #21 - Soundblaster


Make Toys - Giant - Set A - Bulldozer & Exgavator - Yellow Version


DOTM - Transformers - DA-34 Leadfoot


JB-07 - Power of Destruction - Upgrade Kit


Custom - War Axe Accessory - Carnage Axe


KM-01X Knight Morpher Commander-X - Limited Edition


Warbot Defender - by Fansproject


Classics Shadow Commander Trailer Set


Make Toys - Battle Tanker - Add On Kit


XP-01 - Add-on Kit for Encore #20 Devastator


BTS-05 Tremor & Frequency

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17. Newest Preorder items at TFsource


Revoltech - Sci-Fi #038 - Transformers DOTM Bumblebee


Goto Kura Figure Collection 49 - Transformers Masterforce - Minerva Minelba


MP-11 - Masterpiece Starscream - Coronation Set


TFC Toys - TFC-007 - Rage of Hercules Add-on Kit


BTS-05 Wave 2 - Nightfang and Savage


KM-03 Knight Morpher Cyclops


Make Toys - Giant - Set B - Crane & Dump Truck - Yellow Version


Make Toys - Giant - Set C - Front End Loader & Mixer - Yellow Version


XP-01 - Add-on Kit for Encore #20 Devastator - Silver Version


CDMW-29 Hercules Power Parts - Purple Mixing Barrel


CDMW-28 Hercules Power Parts - Resculpted LED Head w Visor


Japanese Transformers Prime - Arms Micron - Set of 4 Weapons


MGT-06 Nightbird


PE-DX-01 RC - Perfect Effect - RC Motorcycle - Pink Version


PE-DX-01B RC - Perfect Effect - RC Motorcycle - Blue Version

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Become a fan of TFsource on Facebook! We've spent years building TFsource into an online resource for TF fans, and now we have created a page on facebook for our fans. We'll keep you updated on new releases and TF info, as well as any contests or promo's we run, some of which will be exclusively through facebook.

Also we want to hear from you, what do you like about TFsource and what can we improve. So log into facebook and become a fan of TFsource today!


Why go to the store when you can go to the SOURCE!


Now you can also follow us on Twitter!

3rd Party Ban at Botcon 2012?

Date: Friday, March 16th 2012 10:01pm CDT
Categories: Toy News, Event News, Unlicensed Products News, Collector's Club News
Posted by: GetRightRobot | Credit(s): TFCC

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Views: 59,971

The 3rd party movement has grown dramatically over the past few years. From small accessory upgrades, to massive and costly combiners. In years past, 3rd party toy manufacturers have held significant presence at the annual Official Transformers Convention, Botcon. Not this year. It has been officially stated that dealers are not to sell any unlicensed Transformers related product in Dallas TX this year. From the dealer contract:

Promoter and its designees, including Hasbro, Inc., each reserves the right to ban or deny display of any item for any reason. Promoter and its designees, including Hasbro, Inc., each reserves the right to confiscate any items that violates these rules and regulations. Exhibitor agrees to permit such confiscation without incident and agrees that all confiscated items shall become the property of Promoter or its designee and may be turned over to the appropriate authorities. Exhibitor herby [sic] waives and all claims against the Promotor [sic] or Hasbro, Inc. with respect to any removal of person or confiscation of items.

TFCC:

From our understanding, just want to reiterate what you have gotten in email responses from us...

As long as it is official Hasbro OR TakaraTomy product then they are official products. They can also sell officially Licensed TF goods from Hasbro or TT.

If it's either made by Hasbro or TakaraTomy it is officially licensed by Hasbro or TakaraTomy, anything else is a knock off or an unofficially licenced good.

So. To be 100% clear... Licensed Transformers either from Hasbro or Takara Tomy are fine. Licensed Sci-Fi related toys from other companies is fine as well. However, again, anything that violates Hasbro IP should not be brought to BotCon.

I am afraid that details will not be provided. There are SO many 3rd party items, no one is going to provide a list of what is acceptable "unlicensed" toys.

If it is unlicensed, assume it is unacceptable. Just about every 3rd party piece somehow draws on Hasbro IP, so, if you think it may in any way infringe on Hasbro's IP odds are they DO consider it an infringement.

The language they provided for our contract is the warning. Just don't bring the stuff to the show.

BotCon has had amazing Exhibitor Halls for almost 20 years, MANY of those LONG before all of these IP infringing items hit the market. I am sure it will still be an amazing Hall this year and for many years to come!

We were also advised to expect an official statement on this matter soon.

If you have any questions regarding the sale of item you should contact Fun Publications at info@funpubinc.com or click here to view the Information provided by Botcon.com by clicking here.

We will continue to update you on this development as more information becomes available.

Beezleboss Teases Throttlebots for 2012

Date: Tuesday, March 6th 2012 6:58am CST
Categories: Toy News, Unlicensed Products News
Posted by: El Duque | Credit(s): Beezleboss

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Views: 38,994

Third-party accessory maker Beezleboss have updated their blog with a teaser image of their next project, Throttlebots! The teaser image below reveals concept art for Chase and Searchlight. Like their previous "Devil Horns" upgrade for Classics Cliffjumper and their forthcoming "Growing Pains" upgrade for United Bumblebee, these kits appear to be designed around the Classics Bumblebee mold. However, the only figures that come molded in the correct colors are Classics Cliffjumper and BotCon Bugbite.

TFsource 2-6 SourceNews!

Date: Sunday, February 5th 2012 10:52pm CST
Categories: Cartoon News, Movie Related News, Toy News, Sponsor News, Collectables, Unlicensed Products News
Posted by: El Duque | Credit(s): zoltaire

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Views: 124,092

Greetings SourceFans!
This week we have many new and restocked items on the site! First off, the final stock of the first edition Make Toys Battle Tanker is back instock! We've also restocked a few poplular figures from Fansproject, including Warbot Defender, and CA-03 Thundershred, CA-04 Stormbomb and CA-05 Backfiery! KM-01X Knight Morpher Commander X is now instock, as well as Madblender from TFC Toys. We have new Japanese Transformers Prime, Perfect Effect and Shooter's Masters preorders too! New Source Arcticle, new Source Review and much more... in this week's SourceNews!

In this issue of SourceNews:
1. Now back instock: Make Toys Battle Tanker!
2. New Transformers Prime Japanese Preorder Figures!
3. Fansproject Restock!
4. New Source Review Up: Corbot V Carnage Axe!
5. New Recruits!
6. Now instock: Transformers United!
7. New PE-DX-01 RC - Motorcycle from Perfect Effect - Preorder up!
8. Now instock: TFC Toys Madblender!
9. Now instock: KM-01X Knight Morpher Commander X - Limited Edition with Renderform Axe!
10. Now up for preorder: Shooter Master's Animated Robots Set of 3, Core Assortment Set of 4, and Deceptive Constructs set of 3!
11. Perfect Effect Restock!
12. New Source Article!
13. Newest Instock items at TFsource
14. Newest Preorder items at TFsource

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1. Now back instock: Make Toys Battle Tanker!

This is our final stock of this first edition piece, with many presold already. This first edition has the limited edition Drift sword, pick it up now before our stock is gone!


TFsource - Your Source for MakeToys Custom Transformers!

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2. New Transformers Prime Japanese Preorder Figures!

Be sure to check out all of the newest Transformers Prime Japanese Preorder Figs here! New Skywarp look, Soundwave and Wheeljack with Spaceship as well, plus the AM line looks like it will include mini targetmaster-like mini warriors as well! Order yours here: http://tfsource.com/category/view/category_id/228/sort_by/newest


TFsource - Your Source for Japanese Transformers Prime Figures!

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3. Fansproject Restock!

Now back instock: Warbot Defender, and CA-03 Thundershred, CA-04 Stormbomb and CA-05 Backfiery! This will be the final stock of these guys, and we don't have many left, so if you're holding out now is the time to pick these popular Fansproject customs up!


TFsource.com - Your Source for Fansproject Custom Figures and Add-ons!

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4. New Source Review Up: Corbot V Carnage Axe!

Welcome to a new section of the Source Blog - called Source Reviews. Giving great photos and write ups on hot new and upcoming Transformers releases! This week Phillip reviews the Carnage Axe, this hot new 3rd party product will be instock any day now, as well as a restock on the original custom axe piece! Click the link and read on!


TF Source Review – Corbot V Carnage Axe | TF Source News

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5. New Recruits!

Check out all of the G1 New Recruits!


Check out the facebook album here!

We've also go lots of Great New Recruits from various botcon years up here:
http://tfsource.com/category/view/category_id/90/



Or check out the facebook album here!
TFsource New Recruits - 2/3/2012

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6. Now instock: Transformers United!

Now instock: Transformers United UN-23 Rodimus, UN-24 Warpath, UN-25 Thunder Megatron, UN-26 Thunderwing, UN-27 Windcharger & Wipeout set! These great new United figures feature unique paint applications, and United series packaging. Pick up the new wave of Transformers United today!


TFSource.com - Your Source for Transformers United!

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7. New PE-DX-01 RC - Motorcycle from Perfect Effect - Preorder up!

Available in both blue and pink colors, order yours here: http://tfsource.com/products/view/product_id/3591/
Set for an April release!


PE-DX-01 RC - Perfect Effect - RC Motorcycle - Pink Version

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8. Now instock: TFC Toys Madblender!

Another 5 star review for Madblender, this time from Eric P! Lots of great input on this guy and the mighty Hercules, additionally we set Structor and Dr. Crank back to preorder! We've documented everyone's orders, so if you have yours in order stack and want it shipped out just email our first in class customer care team and they can still "push" out your structor or Dr. Crank. And if you have't picked up Neckbreaker or Madblender...they're still instock as well as limited quantities of Exgraver & Heavy Labor!


TFC Toys - Hercules - Madblender!

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9. Now instock: KM-01X Knight Morpher Commander X - Limited Edition with Renderform Axe!

The great convention exclusive is limited to 500 pieces worldwide, and takes the KM to a whole new level with the shattered glass inspired colors, order yours now!


KM-01X Knight Morpher Commander-X - Limited Edition

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10. Now up for preorder: Shooter Master's Animated Robots Set of 3, Core Assortment Set of 4, and Deceptive Constructs set of 3!

These great custom transforming weaponry add a whole new G1 inspired style of arsenal to add to your bots. Due out 2nd Quarter of 2012, preorder yours now!


Shooter Master - 3 Pack - Animated Robots Set of 3

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11. Perfect Effect Restock!

We received a small restock of a handful of popular Perfect Effect figures! PX-11 Scouting Force Set, PE-02 Shadow Demolition Set (been out of stock for a while) and PX-03 PX-04 Ultimate Form set! Order yours today!


TFsource.com - Your source for Perfect Effect Custom Figures!

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12. New Source Article!

New Source Article Up! Maz reflects on the last 4 missed years of collecting and gives thanks to those that have helped him. Showcasing the importance of networking in this hobby..while showcasing many great rarities as well!


Intermission ~ 4 years away | TF Source News

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13. Newest Instock items at TFsource


KM-01X Knight Morpher Commander-X - Limited Edition


Warbot Defender - by Fansproject


Classics Shadow Commander Trailer Set


Make Toys - Battle Tanker - Add On Kit


TFC Toys - Hercules - Madblender!


TFC Toys - Hercules - Neck Breaker!


TFC Toys - Hercules - Exgraver


TFC Toys - Hercules - Heavylabor


XP-01 - Add-on Kit for Encore #20 Devastator


BTS-05 Tremor & Frequency


Transformers Generations - 2011 Million Publishing Exclusive - Stepper


Japanese Transformers Chronicles - EZ Collection Volume 02 - Box of 12


DOTM - Transformers - DA-15 Jetwing Optimus Prime - Exclusive Dark Nightwatch Version


DOTM - Ultimate Optimus Prime - Year of the Dragon Asia Exclusive


Encore #20 - Constructicons Devastator

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14. Newest Preorder items at TFsource


PE-DX-01 RC - Perfect Effect - RC Motorcycle - Pink Version


PE-DX-01B RC - Perfect Effect - RC Motorcycle - Blue Version


Shooter Master - 3 Pack - Animated Robots Set of 3


JB-07 - Power of Destruction - Upgrade Kit


Alpha Trion figure - by Impossible Toys


Kranix figure - by Impossible Toys


Arblis figure - by Impossible Toys


Headrobots - Centurion - Upgrade Kit

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Become a fan of TFsource on Facebook! We've spent years building TFsource into an online resource for TF fans, and now we have created a page on facebook for our fans. We'll keep you updated on new releases and TF info, as well as any contests or promo's we run, some of which will be exclusively through facebook.

Also we want to hear from you, what do you like about TFsource and what can we improve. So log into facebook and become a fan of TFsource today!


Why go to the store when you can go to the SOURCE!


Now you can also follow us on Twitter!

MasterShooter Collectibles Exclusives: Nit-Picker & Firebrand, Pinnacle & Firebox

Date: Thursday, January 19th 2012 5:57pm CST
Categories: Toy News, Unlicensed Products News
Posted by: El Duque | Credit(s): Captured Prey

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Views: 36,247

Online retailer Captured Prey has listed a pre-order for MasterShooter Collectible's first wave of Shooter Masters, which includes:

• Bolt Action, "The Hot Steel Rod"
• BrOOMstick, "The Sweeper"
• Minute Bot, "The Quick Shot"
• Shot Piece, "The Old Timer"

MasterShooter is back with their second product, dubbed the Shooter Masters! These figures are the perfect complement to your Classics collection, and would fit perfectly when displayed with Scourge, Kup, Hot Rod, and Blurr! Designed to evoke a certain collection of classic companion figures, the Shooter Masters transform from gun to robot and are colored to fit their inspirations. Each Shooter Master figure has a stepped handle, capable of fitting any figure with a 4mm or 5mm peg hole, and each also includes a 3mm clip adapter, making them compatible with any figure that uses the clip system to mount weapons!

• 9 points of ball-jointed articulation! Neck, shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees!
• Perfect as replacement weapons for Targetmaster figures that who have lost their companions!
• 4mm or 5mm peg-hole compatible, works with almost every official Transformers figure!
• 3mm clip weapon system compatible, with included adapters, for even more compatibility with modern figures!
• Includes an additional adapter to convert any 5mm peg, 5mm peg hole, or Mini-Con port to a 3mm clip system point!

In addition Captured Prey has listed pre-orders for two sets of store exclusive Shooter Masters based on the G1 Double Targetmasters for Spinister and Quake. You may remember the list of rumored BotCon exclusive figures included a Spinister repaint of HFTD Deluxe Tomahawk that these guys might work well with.

• Nit-Picker, "The Splitter of Hairs"
• Firebrand, "The Steel That Singes"

• Pinnacle, "The Tip-Top Target Tracker"
• Firebox, "The Heiney Heater"

iGear Octopunch On The Way?

Date: Monday, January 9th 2012 7:18am CST
Categories: Toy News, Rumors, Unlicensed Products News
Posted by: El Duque | Credit(s): FMH

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Views: 97,463

It looks like third-party toy group iGear may be following BotCon's lead and repainting/remolding their Seaspray homage, Spray, into Octopunch. Full Metal Hero has received a digibash of Spray with G1 Octopunch's Pretender shell head and colors. Chock it up as rumor for the moment. Image mirrored below.

Seibertron.com's Finest of 2011

Date: Sunday, January 1st 2012 10:41pm CST
Categories: Cartoon News, Movie Related News, Toy News, Site Articles, Unlicensed Products News
Posted by: Blurrz

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Views: 442,637

We wish you a Happy New Year! With hindsight, 2011 was a very eventful year for our beloved franchise.

Hasbro was finishing up their touches on summarizing our Generations, while Takara thought we could all get a little United. We were then treated to a blissful BotCon in Pasadena, where we all got a little Animated. With nearly half a year in the books, we were then treated to some eye-catching Michael Bay explosions. Dark Of The Moon was the climax of the much disputatious movie trilogy, and with it came waves and waves of new movie figures. While Transformers: Prime continued throughout the year on the HUB, it was only in the dwindling months in which we were pleased to welcome its toyline into our collections.

Now here I am today along with my fellow colleagues, to reflect on the occurrences of the past twelve months, and to share with you what our favorite things (mostly toys) of 2011 were. Before we get into the meat of the story, let me introduce to you who we are;

• I'm Blurrz - my taste of Transformers is as eclectic as it gets, but please don't call me a hipster!
• From the land down under comes Burn, our succinct, disgruntled and fashionably unfashionable HMW moderator.
• Counterpunch is the revered host of our Twincast/Podcast, and he's into the serious business of having fun.
• Laying the administration law down is Cyber Bishop, so make sure you're a saint (but not in the New Orleans Saints division!)
• The man with the quickest trigger finger in the galaxy, let me introduce our speedy news administrator El Duque
• He's a little bit lost, so please point our News Crew member Lost Cybertronian in the right direction!
• With a pile of loot that's always bigger than yours, say hello to staff member Mkall.
• The completionist ideal is never easy, just ask our News Crew and Twincast/Podcast member Razorclaw0000.

Now that you know a little bit about the men behind the usernames, we are going to share our thoughts on 2011 by explaining our choice in the following categories.

Transformers Figure of the Year
Favorite Transformers Toyline of 2011
Favorite 2011 Generations/Reveal The Shield/United Figure
Favorite 2011 Movie Figure
Favorite 2011 Transformers: Prime Figure
Favorite 2011 BotCon Exclusive Figure
Favorite 2011 Non-BotCon Exclusive Figure
Favorite 2011 Third Party Product
Your Favorite 2011 Transformers Moment
What you're looking forward to in 2012 for Transformers

Enjoy the read, and feel free to emulate us by responding to this topic!




Masterpiece MP-10 Optimus Prime

El Duque: Optimus Prime has always been my favorite character, and I was a G1 kid so this was an easy choice. This is the best representation of G1 Optimus Prime to date, and I never was that big of a fan of MP-01. I was always bothered by the weird shaped truck cab in vehicle mode. MP-10 greatly improved upon his vehicle mode, and alt modes are a big deal for me. Now to wait a few years for MP-20 Convoy Version 3.0!

Transformers Prime - Voyager Prime

Blurrz: Oh, just another Optimus Prime. Can't be that great right? WRONG! Taking this sucker out of the First Edition packaging was the best thing since making turtle burgers. You'll find exceptional articulation, beautiful detailing, a fun transformation, and just a solid toy all around. While it may have the aesthetics of Prime's predecessors 'Animated', and the 'Movieverse', Voyager Prime takes from them and simply leaves them behind. To me, it is the best Voyager Prime of all time. Even if you're not a fan of the series, this figure is designed extremely well. It is hopefully the cornerstone for Transformers toys in 2013 and beyond.

Reveal the Shield Lugnut

Mkall: Probably coming out of left field on this one, however I love the colours on the figure and the homage to the WWII bomber plane. I find that he has a lot of posability and a fairly straight forward transformation. He also came with the Punch of Kill Everything which wasn’t a necessary bonus, but one that many of us appreciate having.

Transformers Prime - Deluxe Starscream

Razorclaw0000: Coming out of left field right at the close of the year, Starscream is a near perfect replica of his on-screen persona. He has a smooth and intriguing transformation, drips charisma, and has as much articulation as some high end Japanese figures, whose main selling points are articulation! My only complaint is the soft rubber, but that's a losing battle to fight.

Generations Warpath

Cyber Bishop: For me, it has to be Generations Warpath. I love this toy, it's transformation is simple yet to the point. Excellent posability and size. Kup runs a close second.

Disappoint

Counterpunch: Probably one of the TF Prime voyagers, but I don't have either one of them yet. Due to this, I am abstaining from answering this question in protest of Hasbro not having these available alongside the show.



Generations/Reveal The Shield

Mkall: Yes they’re two seperate toylines, but we all know that it was a guise to get us more figures for the Classicverse line. With long-awaited characters like Blurr, Kup and Perceptor and even some surprises like Skullgrin and Thunderwing, this line is a G1er’s wet dream.

Counterpunch: This line is the best in my opinion for a few reasons. It provided us with a wide selection of classic characters. In more than a few instances, they are better than their Japanese counterparts (I'm looking at you Wheeljack. Scourge is debatable too). What's really great about the line is its ability to put characters that really define "obscurity" back on the shelves (Thunderwing, Skullgrin, Straxus, Black Shadow). It's astounding that these toys exist at all.

Lost Cybertronian: Generations was the line to make you proud to be a collector this year. The wide range of established characters as well as the obscure characters made this line a collectors dream. The first time I saw the prototype for Warpath, I nearly wet myself.

El Duque: Despite the line's unfortunate distribution issues it's still my favorite line of 2011. Wreck-Gar, Special Ops Jazz, Tracks, Lugnut all great figures. The rub signs are a little cheesy, but being a G1 kid they were a great nostalgia kick.

Cyber Bishop: It gave us superb reimaginings of Generation One figures such as Kup, Tracks, Wheeljack, and Warpath.

United

Blurrz: I just can't resist the shiny. With some fantastic molds decked out in bright shiny paint, and Power Core Combiner mini-cons being converted to Targetmasters, this line is just the best that was offered this year for me. Figures like Jazz, Tracks, Blurr and Frenzy/Rumble feel like musts for anyone buying into the Classics-verse.

Power Core Combiners

Razorclaw0000: Get your pitchforks and torches ready folks. Power Core Combiners ended in a good way, showing us exactly what the line could have been if we got passed the non-starter first Wave in a timely fashion. Heavytread makes a better Guzzle than DOTM Guzzle, while Skyhammer has one of the most distinctive jet modes in years. Finally, the sublime Undertow gives us a double homage to Waverider and Octopunch, and kicks rightful ass on his own. The final, controversial five pack, SpasticOverrun, does a great Stunticon vibe without tarnishing the names of the originals.

Kabaya Transformers Gum Box

Burn: As far as favorite Toyline for the year goes, there's no real one that stood out for me. I could easily pick figures from each line. But, like last year, the fun continued. So again, if I have to choose one, then Kabaya, I choose you!



United Tracks

Counterpunch: Holy Moly. No figure released in this line, this year better personifies its character. Not only is the shiny paint a step up over the domestic release, but it's so in-tune with who Tracks is as a narcissistic jerk that I love it all the more. Seeing the OG logo on the hood was just a bonus.

Generations Scourge

Razorclaw0000: Not the United version, whose strange blues diminish the elegance of the toy, the Generations version is an excellent update to an overlooked, but still iconic, figure. Doing away with the ridiculous flying space boat mode, Gen Scourge adopts a sleek orbital bomber configuration, managing to fit a complicated robot into a very compact alt-mode. In-wing weapon storage caps off an already great figure.

Generations Wheeljack

El Duque: Always been a fan of Wheeljack, and he was due for the Classic universe makeover. My Energon Downshift can finally go back into my Energon collection. Love the mold, and look forward to TFCC Runamuck and Runabout repaints!

Mkall: It was long overdue on this figure and Habro has certainly knocked it out of the park on this figure. The lines are sharp, the figure maintains the stocky-ness of the ogiginal character, and hasbro gave us a shoulder weapon that doubled as a wrench! That's something that I never expected to see.

United Blurr

Blurrz: While it might be the obvious choice for someone named Blurrz, it's more to it than that. While the mold is fantastic, and the Hasbro colors are solid, United just takes it to a whole different level. Many may complain about the very pale teals of United Blurr, as well as his shinyness, but it's a great homage to the Generation One toy that was plastered in teal and baby blue.

Generations Warpath

Lost Cybertronian: Tank alt modes for Transformers seem to be a dime a dozen now a days. However Warpath was a G1 update that was needed in the worst way. The Universe legends figure was great but the deluxe just blows it away. He was my favorite mini bot in the G1 days and his Generations figures doesn't dissapoint.

Burn: One figure stood out in this line for me. I love tank Transformers and Warpath has always been a rather unique character. This modern day update for him takes a G1 minibot and turns him into a well articulated figure.



Human Alliance Roadbuster

Counterpunch: This toy really marks for me what a movie toy needs to do. It's big enough to show off all the detail in the design and engineered well enough with tabs and slots to connect together that I actually enjoy handling it. The only flaw I'd mention isn't even something this toy did wrong, it's that all the HA Wreckers aren't in Guns-a-blazing mode.

Mkall: I don’t collect movie figures, but if I did, I suspect that Human Alliance Roadbuster would take this category. He looks to be in a league all his own in the line, with weapons out the wazoo and poseability too! From what I hear, his Transformation isn’t too bad either.

Cyber Bishop: I only have a couple so I will have to say Roadbuster.

Leader Sentinel Prime

El Duque: A complex figure that had me scratching my head several times during the initial transformation, but a great payoff when it's all said and done. Great alt mode, and weapons, big fan of the sword and shield.

Voyager Skyhammer

Burn: This is simple for me. Helicopter TFs i've found are more often miss than hit. Skyhammer not only hits, he blows the target away. Great design in both robot and alt mode. Highly poseable and Hasbro added a great feature with the rotator blades folding back behind him rather than becoming some useless weapon. Had they folded a second time to completely wrap around his body he would have been perfect.

Ultimate Optimus Prime

Lost Cybertronian: I know this is not the most popular choice but he is a very underrated figure that needs some love. Not only do you get Optimus Prime with trailer, it transforms into this imposing battle armor with a BFG. Since I grew up in the G1 era, I don't mind his overall brickness.

Half Track

Razorclaw0000: A cooler repaint to the excellent Sandstorm, Half Track edges out with his "moon buggy" deco. Super posable, with a buttery smooth transformation and cool gimmicks, this figure wins for the sheer fact he can nonchalantly hold his shotgun over his shoulder, ready to slag anything that moves.



NYCC Arcee/Arcee

Blurrz: Disregarding the very superior Voyager Prime figure, Arcee is also quite fun. It seems that as time progresses, the designs for Transformers get slimmer, and the plastic that's being used isn't getting any better. With Arcee's design, I just didn't think her figure would be pulled off well. But alas, I was wrong. Some say the pink and white just doesn't mesh well with the Prime aesthetics. Well you can't spell homage without OMG. Whether it's gaudy, tacky, or lipstick on a pig, it's still signalling back to the 80's, and there's nothing better than that.

Cyber Bishop: So far all I have is BB and Arcee and I really dig Arcee


Mkall: I really love the Arcee figure, it's probably one of the better bikerbots produced IMO. Extremely posable and matching up to her cartoon image perfectly. The only sad thing is that the human figure of Jack cannot ride her.

Starscream

Counterpunch: I'll eventually buy the Voyager Starscream for my display, but this toy is so good that I picked one up just to display/take pictures of with my other non-TF toys. There's more character in this design than in the entire Dark of the Moon Line.

Cliffjumper/Zombie Cliffjumper

Lost Cybertronian: How many opportunities do you get to own an official zombie version of a Transformer? Nuff said.

El Duque: Muscle car alt mode with Boss Hog style bull horns! Plus he's not a Bumblebee repaint. Shame he didn't last longer on the show. Bring on the zombie version! Also didn't hurt that his character was voice by the Rock.



Shattered Glass Thundercracker

Mkall: This figure is the definition of niche, which makes him al the cooler in my eyes. He’s either an add on to a three-years-past Botcon set, OR he’s a near-ringer to Action Master Thundercracker. His colours are *ahem* eye-catching, and the logo was done so that one doesn’t even need reprolabels to re-cast the figure. I love him!

Razorclaw0000: Barring the long in the tooth Shattered Glass concept, G2 Thundercracker is fan-wank incarnate. Stuffing six eye-searing colors into one familiar package, Fun Pub managed to transcend awful, and wrap all the way around to amazing. While the mold is as tired as the SG concept, the execution still brings a smile to my eye.

Toxitron

Lost Cybertronian: This catagory was the hardest one for me to decide. This is the first year that I bought into botcon toys because I love Transformers Animated. The Stunticon Job boxset was a pure genius idea, so my favorite figure is their unofficial member Toxitron. He is an obscure character and an awesome repaint of the Optimus Prime mold and I love the Bizarro type personality he was given in the Stunticon Job comic.

Wildrider

El Duque: Can't get enough of this mold, or Tranformers Animated for that matter. Such a great figure in both modes and the new head mold was just icing on the cake. This guy really looks wild.

G2 Sideswipe

Blurrz: Certainly not as fortunate as Razorclaw0000 last year (yes, I'm jelly) when he got a seat in the customization class for the Classics G2 Sideswipe. So getting the Animated version in G2 Sideswipe colors was the next best thing, sort of. Well it's still not as cool. *Shakes fist at Razorclaw0000*. The Rodimus mold is one of my favorites from the Animated toyline, and the Breakdown head sculpt adds to the figure's flair. Racing stripes are a nice addition, and nothing like colorless clear plastic =3.

Autotrooper

Counterpunch: This is the true calling for this mold. The white is crisp and actually...you know, white. (Hasbro, take notice) The details are sharp and the clear blue plastic on these really makes the deco. Well worth picking up a set of three (and a KP Auto Trooper so that you have a little Atari to go with them).



e-Hobby United Autobot Set (Hot Rod, Scrapheap, Kup)

El Duque: I'm cheating but they came in a three-pack so I'm listing all three. I was mainly buying this set to get Scapheap, but upon having them in hand I realized how much more G1 accurate Kup was, and the weird greenish blue translucent Hot Rod ain't bad either. I almost passed up on the set since I initially only wanted Scrapheap, but other two were a pleasant surprise.

Counterpunch: The thing is, they just got Kup right. He's the original toy color, which is really fun and the way in which the damage is detailed onto him is really befitting for Kup. I use this as my original Kup in my Classics display and United Kup as my Targetmaster Kup.

Amazon Unicron

Razorclaw0000: Hasbro found a way for me to like the fat face Takara developed for 2010 Unicron, in a remarkable way. Perfectly capturing Unicron's Movie appearance, Amazonacron stays second only to the near unobtainable Shining Unicron as my favorite treatment of that mold. The light blues and rich oranges pop.

e-Hobby United Decepticon Set (Galvatron, Scourge, Cyclonus)

Razorclaw0000: Speaking of the '86 Movie, the E-Hobby Decepticon set, still comparatively unpopular, captures the scant few seconds during the movie when Unicron reformats the broken husks of Decepticons into his new heralds. Crystal purple so delicious it's almost lickable, the set captures, to me, exactly what an exclusive should be: balls-deep crazy.

Million Publishing United Stepper

Lost Cybertronian: I know I don't own this figure (I will) but I have two versions of the mold. This repaint is the next logical step of the Reveal The Shield Jazz mold. The pictures that we have been treated to are just sublime and the paint job does the character justice. Plus, he comes with a Targetmaster.

Dark WFC Prime and Megatron

Mkall: This set is completely underappreciated. Not only do you get two solid figures from the Generations line, you get some of their best colourings to date! Prime in Black is always pleasing, and this time he even has Decepticon Symbols! Megatron on the other hand steals the show. I can’t stop looking at the awesomeness that is his paint job. My only question is when are we going to see a Good Guy Megs repaint?

Takara Exclusive United Micron Haywire

Blurrz: Out of all the exclusives, this is simply my favorite. The Power Core Combiners mini-cons were really sloppy in my opinion, so when Takara decided to go out and turn them into Targetmasters for a handful of their United figures, I was ecstatic. He has a bit of a problem staying in Blurr's hand, but the additional firepower is much appreciated. Certainly a must for any hardcore Blurr fans! (Just me, right?)




FansProject Stormbomb

Counterpunch: Three Insecticons...all of which are great fun, but in my opinion, Stormbomb aka Bombshell is the best. His insect mode lacks the issues that the other two have (Thundershred having odd tolerances and Backfiery's wings being immobile for the most part). The weapons grant the figure a lot of versatility in how the figure is posed and displayed..

SFX Scouting Force X

Razorclaw0000: I was tempted to be a dick and say the Night Ops version, but the regular is a great homage from Perfect Effect to the cartoon versions of Spectro, Spyglass, and Viewfinder. Now, however, they're tired of being the little guys come loaded with weapons and ready to take down the likes of Omega Supreme. A crazy amount of accessories, which all neatly and perfectly combine into a somewhat absurd purple camera, this set is tons of fun with tons of character.

Mkall: These little guys are the perfect example of what 3rd parties should be doing for the fandom. Let Hasbro work with the bread and butter of the hobby and let 3rd parties only make the figures that the general public wouldn't care for. These guys take a really poorly thought-out and portrayed character(s) from G1 and allow them to stand as equals on collectors' shelves. They are similar enough to be recognizable, and yet portrayed with a new bad-ass role.

TFC Toys Hercules Figures

El Duque: G1 Devastator/Constructicons is my favorite combiner hands down, and to finally have a properly updated version of these guys is a dream come true. Sure they've hit some snags along the way concerning QC, but they've been quick to address them and take steps to correct. I cannot wait to complete this guy. In fact I'm so pumped I'm getting two sets!

FansProject's CA-02 Flameblast

Blurrz:I'm a big fan of space shuttle Transformers, so when you take FansProject's brilliant Explorer figure, and repaint into the colors of an actual space shuttle, I'm game. Dual pistols and a sword are also why I'm drawn to this being my favorite third party figure of the year.

i-Gear MP Coneheads

Lost Cybertronian: I couldn't pick just one conehead as my favorite because they look better in a group. Igear took the MP seeker mold and improved on it with great quality. They gave us MP figures that Hastak may or may not ever get to. They really help fill in the MP seeker ranks.

XTransbots Glider

Cyber Bishop: This is what PG could have been if imagined and executed correctly by Hasbro, not that joke of a PG fig they released with the movie like.



Dark of the Moon

Razorclaw0000: Say what you will about Michael Bay, but he really solidified the Transformers Movie brand with Dark of the Moon. Epic in many ways, and two and half hours of non-stop fun, the movie did a great job of reminding us to not take the franchise so seriously, and lighten up. Also, Alan Tudyk stole ever single scene he was in.

Counterpunch: I don't give a gawddamn what anyone else has to say on the matter. It was a fun movie to watch and I got to do so with ten or so of my closest TF buddies. Those opportunities don't come along every day.

Cyber Bishop: I really enjoyed DOTM.. It was a great summer popcorn action flick that had giant transforming robots blowing each other to hell.. What more could you ask for?

Transformers: Fall of Cybertron VGA Trailer

El Duque: This may seem like a minor event is a year with so much other big Transformers news, but this did it for me. Something about seeing Optimus Prime carrying an injured Bumblebee, Bruticus combine, and Grimlock's transformation with The Humbling River playing in the background sent chills down my spine.

Transformers Prime

Lost Cybertronian: After that tease we got with Darkness Rising last year, the cartoon went full steam ahead this year. While the episodes were hit and miss sometimes, this season sets up what will turn out to be a worthy series.

Victoria Toy Fair 2011

Blurrz: Meeting great people, meeting the masterminds behind the third party scene, and being able to cover all of that for this wonderful site. Certainly a great event hosted by Cherry Bomb Toys, and a taste of even greater times to be had in the upcoming years

Botcon 2011 Hall of Fame: Erector

Mkall: Right from the outset I knew that the campaign to get Erector into the Hall of Fame would fail. Call it intuition, logical thinking, psychic ability, whatever; I knew that the campaign to get him in would not work. What I did not expect was the extent Hasbro would go to to at least make it fail with flare. I still want to see the Erector concept art they came up with during the video they showed. Finally I laughed a lot when Aaron Archer came out on stage and basically said “We all had our fun, but this isn’t going to happen again.” To me that showed how seriously Hasbro holds the TF brand – they’re willing to have a bunch of fun with it, but they know when to say that’s enough.

The Unpacking

Burn: This one is strictly personal, but for me, it was getting my own home and finally being able to unpack my boxes and boxes of TF's and get them on display.



More Transformers Prime Toys

Mkall: It’s going to rock, plain and simple. I don’t know if the Prime characters were designed with toys in mind, or if Hasbro had to get creative in coming up with the likenesses, but each figure is an uncannily accurate version of the show, and there’s human figures (whether you like them or not). There is very little I can find in any of the figures previewed that makes me not want them more! 2012 may be the end of the world, but at least I’ll die a happy collector!*

Razorclaw0000: I'm very excited for the rest of the First Edition figures to make their way to retail in the US. (Damn you Canada!) With three figures in my hand, and a few exclusives already sealed away, I'm giddy at what more we will get. Bulkhead and Prime look to be standup figures, and some of the prototypes we've seen at SDCC have me excited for a full size line.

Burn: The only thing interest me currently is getting Prime figures into Australian stores.

Cyber Bishop: Seeing the new Prime toys and whatever generations surprises they pop out @ Toyfair and Botcon

Finishing TFCToys Hercules

Counterpunch: It'll be a long time coming, but when that bad-boy is all together, shelf space will be cleared. Autobots will cower in fear. Devastation will have come
home...

El Duque: This has been a long and costly endeavour, but I think the end result will be worth it. To finally have a proper six figure Devastator figure on my Classics shelf is something I've dreamed about since the first Classics figures debuted.

Mastermind Creations Sixshot

Blurrz: Seeing this prototype in person blew my mind. I never grasped the thought of it being of such size, but it's a freaking behemoth. I simply can't wait to get this when it's released! A leader class figure, with a multitude of weapons and a plethora of different modes, it's just simply amazing.

G1 Uppers Menasor Combiner

Lost Cybertronian: I love combiners and I love the Botcon Stunticon Job boxset. They are two great tastes that taste great together and I have high hopes that these guys can turn the Animated Stunticons into the lovely Menasor they deserve to be.


There you have it. Once again, Happy 2012!

~Blurrz
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