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Top 5 Best Transformers Prime Characters

Date: Saturday, August 22nd 2015 1:19am CDT
Categories: Site Articles, Editorials, Top Lists
Posted by: william-james88

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Views: 81,163

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 Prime Characters

Transformers Prime was, to me, an amazing reinterpretation of the G1 story and characters for a new era. The animation was top notch and the voice work was out of this world, teaming up industry veterans, newcomers and huge stars (the first voice you hear is The Rock's). It also featured a great cast of classic Transformers characters which payed great homage to their original selves while expanding on the personalities laid down in the G1 era. Let me explain exactly what I just meant by that by starting this list of best Prime characters with...

5. Starscream

This was classic G1 Starscream but now with a sleeker body to compliment his very narcissistic personality. Of all the character on this show, he was probably the one with the least of an update to his G1 personality which gave a nice comforting sense to the series, while letting his more maniacal traits run free (ie: MURDER). Of all characters, he has by far the best introduction.



4. Dreadwing

An honourable warrior, very similar to the Dinobot character from Beast Wars and though it was less original at this point in the franchise, it was still a great role. He was smarter than most other decepticons and didn’t follow the cause blindly. The character was elevated even more with the Candyman himself (Tony Todd) giving Dreadwing a very deep and authoritative voice. It complimented this badass character perfectly.



3. Arcee

I really love how the greatest warrior the autobots had (this side of Optimus) was their smallest member. It gave a nice contrast to the role usually given to her body type. She even had that great 80s staple of the cop who had just too many partners die on him (her) and they made it work. It was great to see her balance out her anger with a softer side that she thought was probably lost.



2. Megatron

This is the best version of the Decepticon character we've ever had on a show and the second best character to own the name (yessss). I love how he had this twisted sense of ideals and his unquenshable thirst for power was a beauty to behold. I also loved how cunning (his genius plan to be able to use the Forge of Solus Prime) and ruthless (his fight against Predaking) this version of the character was. A true warrior who was fearless and would do whatever it took.



1. Soundwave

Soundwave was always awesome in G1. He was the guy who got stuff done and would never b!tch about anything. This is taken to the extreme here with an almost entirely silent role. This gives him an added creepiness factor that had never been shown to this extreme before. His loyalty to the Decepticon cause was also frightening. Calm, calculating, intelligent. As the show progresses, it becomes more and more clear that he was the Decepticon’s greatest asset in their fight vs the Autobots. Of all Decepticons, he was the one you’d want to mess with the least.




Honourable mentions: Knockout, what a fun character! The show also had an interesting take on Ultra Magnus and Wheeljack.

Top 5 best Transformers Toys with Visible Head Syndrome

Date: Saturday, August 8th 2015 11:28am CDT
Categories: Site Articles, Editorials, Top Lists
Posted by: william-james88

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Views: 80,347

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 cases of Visible Head Syndrome

Two weeks ago, we saw the worst cases of Transformers toys where their robot head was visible in alt mode. Well this week, we look at the flip side and I present a list of awesome Tansformers toys who happen to also show their heads in alt mode. The reasons for inclusions vary. Sometimes it is because the toy is made more fun because of it, and others, it's because the head being present doesn't detract at all, to the point of you now knowing it is there.

5. Transformers Robots In Disguise X-Brawn (Wildride)

The original RID toyline from 2001 was pretty damn cool since it was a mix of a molds from previous lines like G2 molds (Scourge), Beast Wars (Slapper), G1 (Ruination), as well as taking inspiration from the Brave line (Rail Racer) and, most importantly, marking the triumphant return of transforming cars and trucks featuring new Japanese designs. Three of these new car Transformers were brothers and the one I want to point out is X-Brawn for the fun notion that when transforming him in suv mode, his head ends up in the passenger seat. In reality, since Takara designed this line (another return to form after Hasbro was the main designer for Beast Wars), he should appear to be in the driver's seat, in Japan, driving himself!

Aside from this fun factoid, the difference between this toy and the other Transformers who seem to drive themselves, like ROTF deluxe Breakaway and Armada Sideswipe, is simple : This one's better. It has rubber tires, projectiles, clear plastic, chrome in the right places, and is fully painted too, while being designed by Takara. It was the heydey of Transformers.




4. Transformers Cybertron Galaxy Force Unicron

A good way to disguise a clearly visible head is by not attracting too much attention. This toy completely fails at this because your eyes go straight to the big bold red disk on top of the vehicle mode, and yet you wouldn't think it's the head. I was once witness to a transaction where someone was buying this toy and I asked if he minded that you could see the head in vehicle mode, to which the buyer replied "Why? Where is it?". He couldn't see it no mater how much he looked. You wouldn't think to find it there, when it's base becomes such an important element of the vehicle mode. Hiding in plain sight will be a recurring theme on this list.








3. Transformers G1 1985 Jetfire (Skyfire)

A visible head no distracting you from the alt mode is great but what is even better is when that head adds to toy. For G1 Jetfire, it adds FIREPOWER! While the head is perfectly visible in the jet's undercarriage, it acts as a turret and plays its role quite well.






2. Transformers Beast Machines Jetstorm/Both G1 Scourge and Generations Scourge

Speaking of adding to the alt mode, these three do something very similar. Their heads are all in the back adding a really cool detail to the alt mode. With Jetstorm, it is back fins blending in and culminating in a triangular sci fi design. With the two Scourges, it's a far more obvious alt mode detail, the Disintegrator Ray, which totally changes the look of each alt mode, making them offensive vehicles. Very fitting for a Decepticon.
While these heads are part of the alt mode, their full integration with it makes them just as disguised as if they were not visible at all. I see it less as a robot head visible on the alt mode and more as part of the vehicle visible on the robot head. But it is still more robot head than alt mode in robot mode, which is more than I can say for any Swoop mold who's head is at last 75% alt mode (hence why he isn't on this list).








1. Transformers Revenge of the Fallen Skystalker

This mold is one of the most beloved and praised molds from the movie era, and that's quite a feat considering how much the movie line is generally disliked. He doesnt just have the movie aesthetic against him, but he also has one of the biggest cases of visible head syndrome. His head is right there staring at you front and center with his cold cyclopean stare, in his alt mode. Not only is that accepted by me and fans, but it is also pretty damn cool. While it is very much his head and G1 Shockwave style eye front and centre on the plane, it acts as the plane's eye. This isn't Prime Megatron with his head sticking out of his flight mode, it is actually the head of the plane. Like the tip of a droid scouting the environment, and it totally works. The toys itself is great, one of the best Scout class toys of all time (another list for another time), but what really makes him number one is how he has a very obvious case of visible head syndrome but makes it work like no other.






Honourable Mentions: Cybertron Override but it was like a cross between Jetstorm's and X Brawn's case to be included and doesn't work as well as either of those.

Top 5 Worst Cases of Visible Head Syndrome Among Transformers Toys

Date: Friday, July 24th 2015 11:22pm CDT
Categories: Site Articles, Editorials, Top Lists
Posted by: william-james88

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Views: 100,214

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 Worst Cases of Visible Head Syndrome Among Transformers Toys

I was totally thrown the first time someone told me a transformer had "VHS". I then learnt it was an acronym for "Visible head syndrome" which is when a Transformer's robot head can be seen in alt mode. Sometimes, it isn't noticeable at first glance, but there are times when it is just bad. The worst part is usually how they try to "cover" it, which is usually quite laughable. Lets look at the worst cases of the robot head found on the alt mode.


5. Generations Fall of Cybertron Seeker mold

People seem to really like this mold and I never understood why. Sure, it's accurate to the game but that doesn't mean it is an amazing design. G1 Ironhide was accurate to his debut appearance in Marvel comics and nobody finds that awesome.
Back to these FOC seekers, the robot head is right there, literally center stage for all to see. The face is just flipped on the other side but that doesn't in any way help hide his head which is just a black square front and center. It doesn't blend in with anything and doesn't seem part of the alt mode at all. It is just a vestigial part of the robot, and it happens to be his head. There are many jet transformers where the head is just brought under the jet and we call those lazy, so what's this?




4. Transformers (2007) Megatron Gallery and Transformers Revenge of the Fallen Megatron

These are both dumb to me. I get that the movie and "aligned" universe take hints from one another and one of them is the boldness of Megatron to have his robot head be exposed in alt mode. I would assume he has optics elsewhere than his head, and this also throws the robots in disguise idea out the window but OK, he wants to be bold. He wants to stick it to the man by exposing his head, fine. So why is there this minute and poor attempt to still "hide" it? In both of these movie toys, there is this ever so small panel that is placed over his exposed face. This, to me, just adds insult to injury. Sure, the idea of a voluntarily exposed robot head is dumb to me and takes away from the robots in disguise idea where you wonder what the point of transforming is, and results in very lazy and uncreative alt modes and engineering, but at least it's justifiable in terms of the creator's intention. Trying to then hide that voluntarily exposed head and have it both ways doesn't make a lick of sense and just results in an even lazier looking alt mode and a terrible case of visible head syndrome. And we are only at number 4.






3.Transformers Beast Machines Blastcharge

This guy's visible head is just sad. Like the seekers above, the only "attempt" to hid it is by turning it around to hide his face. But it's worse than Starscream since it isn't in this neat little kibble bed, filling up the alt mode. Instead it is just an extra piece of kibble hanging off the truck's butt. It looks totally out of place and can be spotted a mile away. It's like the engineers got to a point where they had this nice alt mode but were stuck with a left over piece of robot they just couldn't fit anywhere which lead them to set it down randomly. And once again, that extra piece is the head!




2. Transformers Energon Ironhide

This guy is like those earlier mentioned Megatrons only worse due to his exposed face not being intentional (he wants to disguise himself right?). They even have his helmet tilt down ever so slightly to hide his eyes but that doesn't take anything away from having his head and face right there in front of you on top of the truck. This is laughably bad, and I can only think of one toy worse than this.




1. Transformers Beast Machines Silverbolt

How could Beast Machines Silverbolt beat Energon Ironhide? Not only is there nothing done to hide the head in any way, which is not boldly meant to be exposed, but it is placed right between his legs! He becomes a literal d%&khead. This was one of the easiest number one picks ever.



In two weeks you will get the Best cases of Visible Head Syndrome, see you then!

Honourable Mentions: He might be loved by all, and might possible be one of the best Transformer toys of the first decade of this new millennium, but Galaxy Force Optimus Prime still has a very exposed noggin. It is stark blue against a full red cab, instantly taking away any illusion. I mean come on, the G1 toy found a way around that. But hey, it’s Cybertron / Galaxy Force Prime, I couldn't put him on this list. But I will give you a picture!

Top 5 Transformer toys sold at retail but NOT in the US

Date: Sunday, July 12th 2015 6:08pm CDT
Categories: Site Articles, Editorials, Top Lists
Posted by: william-james88 | Credit(s): william-james88

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Views: 104,111

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

Top 5 Transformers toys sold at retail but NOT in the US

I live in Canada and I can say that the US is one of the best places in the world to be a Transformers fan. Transformers usually cost less there than almost anywhere else in the world. Not only that, but the US has a greater access to exclusive Hasbro Transformers such as the SDCC and Botcon sets. Even lines which were found elsewhere first, like GDO, Masterpiece and Prime First Edition, eventually find their way to US retail. However, a few figures sometimes fall in the cracks and never make their way. Either Hasbro wont pick up distribution of particular Takara products or a particular figure will simply never be spotted. Even laws can come into play. These are a handful of such cases, just to give an idea of the variety of stuff that was found elsewhere throughout the years, and I didn't want to just stick to G1. Let us know which toys you would have loved to find in stores but never did.


5. The Transformers Alternity Line

For some reason, there is a bunch of criticism over the Alternators line and I don't understand it. This was a great project from Hasbro and Takara, going back to the Diaclone roots of favoring the alt mode and making perfect model cars that can fit with other lines from different companies. Except the technology changed and you could get more articulated robot modes by then. I thought it was an incredible line and I still think so. In any case, the alternators line lost some steam in the US and when Japan came up with the follow up Alternity line featuring a 1:32 scale (rather than 1:24), Hasbro didnt pick it up. That is too bad because it had some very cool ideas, like having the seekers be cars with the car's shell forming the robot wings. Like that they keep their distinctive seeker motif while also having an alt mode that stray from tradition (which would still scale with the rest of the line). They also featured die cast parts, rubber tires and style money can't buy (check out that Megatron below!). There were only a handful of original molds but they all exuded style and are the most minute toys ever made. And they were never distributed outside Japan.





Transformers Alternity Banzai-Tron (Crystalo Black) Gallery


Transformers Alternity Optimus Prime (Vibrant Red) (Convoy (Vibrant Red)) Gallery

4. Transformers Arms Micron War Breakdown

From the beginning, the Prime line and the States were at odds. The First Edition figures were available worldwide aside from the US at first for quite a while. Instead, they had the less accurate and less detailed Robots in Disguise subline toys in stores. Sure, some were fine (like Vehicon and Arcee) but for a while, it seemed the collector oriented First Edition line would never see the light of day. Eventually though, every toy found its way to Toysrus though not every location got them and there were not too many to go around. Worse, by that time, many fans had already paid a premium to get these toys they thought they would not see at retail.

That was not the end of woes with the Prime line though. While there were a bunch of fun redecos like the seekers and Transformers Arms Micron Ironhide (who was supposed to be the original version of the Kup mold Hasbro released, just look at that head) found in the Takara line that Hasbro never distributed, none of those decisions hurt more than not distributing Breakdown. Unlike most other toys never gotten in the US, this was an actual show character. Someone who simply wanted to have the Decepticon team on his shelf just couldn't depend on retail releases. And unlike the Unicron mold that was also Japan exclusive, this was a phenomenal mold. I can't confirm that though since none of the other uses of that mold (such as Swerve and Silas Breakdown) were distributed by Hasbro either. While he leaves the biggest gap in the Prime line, there were other cool releases for the line that never came to the states, and actually were distributed by Hasbro, such as Beast Hunters Cyberverse Ultra Magnus, Unicron Megatron (both the Construct bot and the Cyberverse toy) and freaken BLUDGEON!








3. MP-5 Destron Leader Megatron (Masterpiece)

This is the only mold from the Masterpiece line that is guaranteed to NEVER EVER be released in the US, due to toy gun laws. And it happens to be Megatron, the main antagonist in all the Transformers brand. Your Walmart 20th Anniversary Optimus is thus left rivaless unless you import him. You would think that this alone would propel him to the top spot but he is held down a bit by a week design. While it is impressive that he was designed in two weeks, the thin legs and ultra fiddly transformation do give a hint at the rushed process. However, the engineering present here is utterly insane, by far one of Takara's most complex transformers ever engineered. While the toy has its faults, its take on the transformation is so smart that this has been the default guide for companies trying to make their own unofficial version years later.




2. Transformers Victory Liokaiser


G1's best combiner never came to the US. He was part of the Victory line where quite a few other molds never came (that could be a list of it's own)and he is the very first combiner to integrate the fists and feet with the components. This is something Hasbro couldn't even pull off with Titan Devastator in 2015. All you needed to keep was his combiner head. But beyond that, there is a lot to love in this toy. The design itself was totally unique at the time, with an animal themed combiner while none of the alt modes were animals. Instead, the individual robots had shamanistic helmets representing their animal link as well as a breastplate which could transform into an animal and serve as a gun. Don't be surprised if you see this guy again on a list of most needed reissues.








1. Transformers Super God Masterforce Overlord

This number one is almost by default. This is one of the bigger G1 Transformers sets, with three modes (like G1 Scorponok) and made up of a bunch of parts including two seperate alt modes. It was available in Japan, Europe and Australasia. However, unless the planets align and some miracle like an "encore" happens, it will never come out in the North America, let alone the US. Instead of feeling sad (please don't check EBay), just sit back and bask in his glory:









Honourable mentions: SO MANY. Let's see, there's G1 Thunderclash, Binaltech Arcee, the Action Masters Elite (at least those somewhat transformed), BWN Chorada, the G1 Predators, G1 Star Saber and so much more. It would be easier saying which ones we'd rather not get (like the Big Rescue Force) so let us know in the comments which ones you wished came out in the US. Or even better, let us know which ones you wished came to your country.

Top 5 Best Shellformers Transformers Toys

Date: Saturday, June 27th 2015 1:09am CDT
Categories: Site Articles, Editorials, Top Lists
Posted by: william-james88

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Views: 72,492

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 Shellformers

Shellformers get a bad rap among the community due to the loads of panels which end up clumsily gathered around the robot mode. However, they can also make for very interesting and effective transformations by helping conceal the robot element. They help add the "disguise" part of "robots in disguise" and it is a treat to see the lengths designers will go to make the shell work in robot mode. The last list was about how they could go terribly wrong, so this week we look at how a good toy can come from this design approach.

5.Transformers Generations Sky-Byte

This toy has flaws, sure (the Hasbro deco doesn’t help), but no one complains about its shell. This is a shellformer done right by using the shell to help disguise the robot and enhance the alt mode while not distracting from the robot in robot mode. It gets the top 5 spot by being a great improvement in terms of the shell over its original toy. What used to look like an amazon canopy in the back is now reduced to two small wings that can be rearranged any way that suits you making it customizable kibble. And if you add that sweet Takara deco, then that's just the icing on the cake (chocolate icing with bits of Reese and Toblerone crumbled across it).





4. Transformers Dark of the Moon Sentinel Prime

Leader Sentinel Prime makes it on this list simply because we know how horribly wrong this could have gone if poorly executed. Unlike the voyager class figure, which relies on a fake kibble chest and does nothing with the shell, the Leader version owns up to his shellformer self and wears his shell with pride and dignity. Firstly, the front of the firetruck folds away inside his chest cavity and the window front contorts to create a stylish chest. The top of the firetruck splits into several panels to circle the figure and create an intergalactic cape which does not look like just the the roof of a firetruck. It adds to the complexity of the figure, and makes this one of the most arduous transformations you will ever undertake. That complex transformation shows how much the designers and engineers wanted to integrate the shell and use it to embellish the robot mode instead of detracting from it.





3. Transformers Beast Wars Neo Big Convoy

Probably one of the biggest example of a shellformer. Yet, you can’t help yourself but marvel at the awe that is Big Convoy. This is one of the most interesting forms Prime/Convoy has ever taken. The sculpt is filled to the brim with the most amount of minute details I have ever seen (to this day). The details are asymmetrical all over the place (chest, arms, thighs, shoulder-pad missile holes) yet it all looks uniform at the same time. And he is the first Convoy to ever have a removable matrix! This amazed fellow reviewer Ben Yee so much that he was a bit let down with Fire Convoy (another amazing toy) not having one. This is a fun toy to transform and despite all that kibble, he is super poseable. The fact that he is totally covered up enhances the transformation process by uncovering one of the most imposing robot modes from the beast era and the most detailed sculpt ever made. This is what shellformers are all about, having two incredible modes that look nothing alike and uncovering different colours and aesthetics without being lazy in design. This guy knows he is a shell former and does so with great pride. Most of the shell becomes a gigantic gun, freeing up the robot mode, and the rest is worn like the total Nordic badass he is.





2. Transformers Beast Wars Megatron and Transformers Classics Megatron

Both of these deserve the number two spot because they are there for the same reason. The use of the shell in both of these is genius. They both have great alt mode integration in the form of arms and feet that stick out but the shell surrounds the contortioned robot in a way to give the complete illusion that everything is cohesive and all part of the very same object. In both cases, you can’t tell where the shell starts and ends until further scrutiny. In both cases, the shell goes onto the robot’s back giving the mode a more regal appearance. These are shellformers done right. They also happen to both be Megatrons. Yessss





1. Transformers Prime: Robots In Disguise Vehicon

This is a shellformer, think about that for a second. Isn’t that pretty amazing? The shellformer without the shell gets the easy number 1 pick. No shell was ever managed and stored this effectively and I doubt we'll be seeing anything like this again for a long time.





Honourable mentions: I was hard pressed to not be able to include Beast Wars Cybershark as he is another great example of a shellformer done right, however it results in a restrictive alt mode and both Megatrons are similar toys but more accomplished. Also, I didn’t want to include more than one shark on this list.

Top 5 Worst Shellformers Transformers Toys

Date: Saturday, June 13th 2015 10:35am CDT
Categories: Site Articles, Editorials, Top Lists
Posted by: william-james88

Discuss This Topic · Permanent Link
Views: 97,409

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 Worst Shellformers Transformers Toys


As Beast Wars fan, I grew up on shellformers. Since an animal is not metallic in nature (they soon found a way around that)it always made sense to me that part of the animal couldn't integrate completely into the robot mode. I only realized later that they got a bad rap and I understand why now: it can yield to very lazy and unattractive designs. Shelformers are a sad sight when you know it's possible for the robot to have some alt mode integration or, even worse, when the character model shows alt mode integration. In that scenario, a fake piece of kibble is made to make up for the shell kibble that they couldn't bother integrating. That's DOUBLE KIBBLE!!!! Before I pull an aneurysm, let's just get to the list...

5. Transformers Dark of the Moon Voyager Sentinel Prime

The extent of how poor a shellformer this is, is entirely due to the contrast against the leader size mold of this character that actually uses the shell in a far more interesting way. For one, this toy doesn't incorporate the shell into the figure in any way. While the leader version uses the front of the firetruck as his chest, this one resorts to leaving the front of the truck to fold on it's back and relies on a fake kibble piece to make up the chest. Also, while the leader figure uses the shell of the truck to create a stylish cape or celestial garment of sorts, the voyager just has the entire truck shell just stay unfolded in it's back making it look like a robot just skinned a truck to wear it like a tortoise shell. It also makes a horrible backpack that is placed far from the figure as if neither modes want anything to do with one another.




4. Transformers Revenge of the Fallen Human Alliance Sideswipe

What did I write above again? Oh, right: Using a shell can result in a very lazy looking and unattractive design. It is made worse when the excess shell kibble results in a massive backpack, which detracts from the sleek robot. Man, Sideswipe here must be studying for all his courses tonight because look at the big backpack he needs to carry all his books!



3. Beast Wars Neo Break

While the Beast Wars Neo line took the idea of a shellformer to a whole other level, the results were usually very intriguing, and sometimes pretty bad ass, making its use of kibble endearing to the line as a whole. But Beast Wars Neo's Break is just too much to bear. While animals disguised as robots may get more of a pass over being a shellformer, due to necessity, this guy just pushes it too far. He looks like a giant kinder surprise egg that someone smash opened to find a robot inside. Without hyperbole, this is the equivalent of a G1 Pretender who's robot mode had pieces of the outer pretender shell glued all over it. That penguin head just sitting there among the debris right in the open is the icing on this terribly tasting cake.




2. Transformers Age of Extinction: Generations First Edition Optimus Prime Amazon Exclusive

You would think that by 2014, robots entirely covered by a shell and just brought to the back would be a thing of the past. But no, they were (are) still alive and well and that year even gave us one of the biggest shellformer offenders. There are even photos all over the internet showing both the robot and truck mode of First Editions AOE Optimus side by side, WHILE USING THE SAME TOY!





1. Transformers Cybertron Thunderblast (Chromia)

This is an extremely inefficient transformer whose body length shell serves as the main disguise to a robot that doesn’t pose at all. It also has barely no alt mode integration (only her feet). The joke of having a robot surprise in a shell that is usually done to poor Break above is brought to the extreme here. The shell is so big and overwhelming that she can’t stand on her own and it limits any motion she might have. If anyone cares, this mini review was quite easy as I simply used something I had written for Beast Wars Cybershark and just wrote the opposite of every positive aspect about that figure. And Thunderblast came out 10 years after that figure! I really could not think of a better toy to show how bad shellforming could be.




Honourable mentions: I didn't want to fill this list entirely with Beast Wars Neo figures for several reasons. Firstly, as mentioned in the intro, the use of a shell for robots disguised as animals makes sense. If you went for total alt mode integration, Long Rack would look like a buffoon (more so). However, as you saw I couldn't resist but include the biggest shellformer offender that line had to offer. I would say Beast Wars Ironhide is probably the most intense shellformer ever but it works for the awesome combined form of Magnaboss and I didn't find it fair to fault him on that.

I would like to thank Cobotron for the image.
In two weeks, the BEST Shellformers. Talk to you then!

Top 5 Transformers Generations Figures not made yet

Date: Saturday, May 16th 2015 7:23am CDT
Categories: Site Articles, Editorials, Top Lists
Posted by: william-james88

Discuss This Topic · Permanent Link
Views: 88,727

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

Top 5 Transformers Generations Figures not made yet

This is a simple list, it is my opinion (and yours) of the figures that NEED to come out in the Generations line or any subsequent line based on providing modern toys of classic characters. While this list is inspired by he community's opinion, my personal basis for this top 5 was characters that either never got an update to their toy since it's original release, or never had a chance to begin with in their original toy, or never even had a toy at retail. Without further ado, lets start with...


5. Transformers Beast Machines Silverbolt

While the Best Wars Silverbolt toy is one of the best Beast Wars toys out there, and one of the few that may not require an update, the exact opposite can be said about his Beast Machines toy. While the robot mode is "ok" (and has some nice details from the animation model), the alt mode really looks like a fan mode that wasn't meant to be. It's just the robot doing a hand stand attempting a spread condor eagle. Hasbro has ventured into the Beast Machines realm for updates already so I really hope this guy gets one since I really feel he is the most in need.










4. Elita One

While it took almost 30 years for an actual toy of G1 arcee, we are still missing an actual toy of Elita 1, Cybertron's first lady. What is sad about this character is that at least arcee had a bunch of original molds in the past, even though none of them were of her G1 self. Elita 1 however, only got the leftovers, with a series of redecos and really ugly looking toys. There is very little legacy for this character in toy form and I really hope that changes soon with the release of a decent toy for this important fembot.




3. Transformers Sky Lynx

There is very little wrong with Sky Lynx' G1 toy. It is interesting, fun, original and quite show accurate. That doesn't change the fact that he never ever got any kind of update aside from the random shout out here and there. I, and many, believe that he is the most important G1 character left who hasn't gotten an updated toy. It's a good thing he at least got an Encore release which let fans finally get this cool G1 toy, which is something I can't say about ...




2. The rest of the Dinobots

The classics line gave us Grimlock and... no one else. The next Dinobot released in the year spanning classics line was ... Grimlock...again. Dont get me wrong, Generations Grimlock is actually a great update to the character and one of the best FOC toys, with a great scale for a classics collection and a fun gimmick. But that doesn't make up that we are still missing updates to the other G1 dinos. Let me explain in a few easy pics.

G1 Dinobots


Set of G1 Dinobot toys


Updated G1 Dinobots


Set of updated G1 Dinobot toys



1. Transformers Beast Wars Blackarachnia (Black Widow) and Transformers Beast Wars Terrorsaur (Terrorsaurer)

These two picks are near unanimous and for good reason since I personally cannot think of any other toys/characters which simply need to be updated for today. Blackarachnia is simply a non issue, she is just a redeco of Tarantulus which looks nothing like her animation model. The mold simply does not suit her sleek physique which is one of the main aspects of the character's design (and behaviour). She is the ultimate fembot and there just has to be a toy representing her original appearance.

At the same time, we have Terrorsaur. While I like his original toy (it is my very first Beast Wars toy), the scale just doesn't work. He was practically Megatron's second in command in season one of the Beast Wars show but the toy would make you think he's tiny, like Rattrap. And while I don't mind the simple transformation, it does result in having his hard stationary wings just sit there in robot mode, overshadowing any sleek physique his toy may have been trying to replicate. The Rattrap's original toy was simple too but actually in scale and quite accurate at the time, and even he got an update. In the end, I couldn't decide between these two Beast Wars characters which one was more in need of an update by both me and the community, so why not both.










Honourable mentions: Take your pick from this awesome thread. But for a quick answer here and now: Titan class Omega Supreme and Leader Class Sixshot. Odd how both Skylynx and Omega Supreme didn’t get new generations molds yet, and they both happen to be the two original Tomy designed toys in the Transformers franchise. Generations Overlord gets mentioned a lot too and for good reason, but I would rather they rerelease the G1 toy first and then go and update him.

Top 5 Best Guest Celebrity voice actors in Transformers History

Date: Saturday, May 2nd 2015 7:41am CDT
Categories: Site Articles, Editorials, Top Lists
Posted by: william-james88

Discuss This Topic · Permanent Link
Views: 70,845

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.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This article was written in early January 2015.

Top 5 Celebrity voice actors in Transformers

Celebrities have lent their voice to Transformers characters in the media since the G1 era. It's always a treat regardless if it's for a few shows or just a few minutes. It's especially fun when the voice fits perfectly with the character. From Monty Python's Eric Idle to Boy Meets World's Will Friedle, we will now count down the best celebrity voice actors of all Transformers history starting with...

5. Dwayne the Rock Johnson as Cliff Jumper in Transformers Prime

Oh man, it's THE ROCK! And they totally emphasise it by using the theme of his horns referring to both the the Brahma Bull and Clifjumper's badass Prime design. Of course, a mega celeb like this could only be a guest star and this is what this role truly is even though he plays a main character of the world we are being introduced to. Using The Rock was a great way for us to fall in love with this doomed character, adding to the impact. If you don't know what I am talking about, just watch the first episode of Transformers Prime titled "Darkness Rising, Part 1".



4. Weird Al Yankovic as Wreck-Gar in Transformers Animated

Can there be a more perfect casting (yes, because this is number 4) than pairing up weird Al with this Transformers nutcase. Actually the Wreck-Gar character has had some great talent voice him, like Eric Idle. However, Weird Al tops that performance in part due to the improved speech pattern he gets to play with. He definitely helped Wreck Gar be as odd, hyper, passionate and as weird as he was supposed to be, while giving him a sweet and sympathetic side that helps from the shtick getting too annoying.



3. Orson Wells as Unicron in The Transformers Movie

This is the most solemn voice you could ever hear. It evokes power and certitude in anything it whispers and it is both the voice of the most powerful threat in Transformers history as well as the voice of the greatest filmmaker that ever lived, Orson Welles (if anyone doesn't know, at age 25 he directed "Citizen Kane" which is believed by film critics to be the best film of all time). You can't help but believe everything uttered by that voice and the fact that it speaks of tearing worlds apart can't make you see anything but doom. It was used sparingly but to amazing effect.



2. Tony Todd as Dreadwing in Transformers Prime

When I first heard Dreadwing speak, I took a step back. It was both deep and steely, it could bring a chill down your spine. And of course, it had to be by one of the scariest guys ever, Tony Todd, the Candy Man himself. His deep voice also worked with adding to the characters sense of honour, pride and determination since you knew that he meant every word he spoke. And the best part is that it doesn't take anything away from the character by being invassive or distracting. It just works. This is exactly what this no nonsense character would sound like and no one could have done a better job. But number one is kind of special...



1. Leanard Nimoy as Galvatron (not sentinel Prime) in The Transformers Movie

Was this too predictable? Firstly, the use of a different voice for Galvatron was very well done. It emphasised that this was a new version of the character with a new unhinged personality (think Doctor Who), and what we were comfortable with before had just flown out the window. Galvatron was more ruthless than Megatron ever was, and far more psychotic, to the point of even doublecrossing Unicron (WHO DOES THAT!?!?!). Leanard Nimoy conveys this transition perfectly, giving a great balance of power and insanity. This works so well in setting the tone of the film, and of the character, and it's also Leanard freaken Nimoy. Way to start the new age of G1 with a bang!



Honourable mentions: My number 5 was a hard choice between my pick and George Takei as Alpha Trion. I was so amused and surprised when I heard George Takei's unmistakable voice on the show, but that's kinda the problem. His voice was so obvious that I couldn't see Alpha Trion talking to Optimus, I just heard George Takei, hence why this guest voice wasn't the one chosen. Also, the previously mentioned Eric Idle.

Top 5 Transformers figures who look most like non transforming action figures

Date: Saturday, April 18th 2015 10:20am CDT
Categories: Site Articles, Editorials, Top Lists
Posted by: william-james88

Discuss This Topic · Permanent Link
Views: 86,518

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

Top 5 Transformers Toys who look most like non transforming action figures

Ever since the G1 Action Masters, there has been this idea of having non transforming versions of Transformers sold as action figures. There have since been other products that feature non transforming Transformers aside from action figures like the Titan Hero figures, keychains, Happy Meal Toys and so on. However, countering this, there have been a few Transformers toys, throughout the brand's history that looked just like these non transforming action figures but that could actually transform. This is usually due to very smart designs and lack of extraneous kibble (a dead giveaway that a robot can change into another form), so for all intents and purposes, list could have also been called "Top 5 most kibble free Robot Modes", so count this list as two lists in one.

5. Transformers Universe - Classics 2.0 Onslaught

This onslaught is one of the very few Transformers that really sells the fact that these toys transform to robots (oh and are at war!). Usually, transformers have more humanoid features which helps give them some sort of personality. Thus even though they are "robots in disguise", the robot element is more of a biological definition as opposed to being the main aesthetic of the robot mode. However, Onslaught's robot mode has all the aesthetics usually given to the conceptions of robots outside the Transformers brand. He is very blocky with smooth surfaces and a face devoid of expression. He looks like the second to last boss in a game where you only face mechs the whole time (like Enslaved, Vanquish or Binary Domain) right before you confront the guy pulling the strings. These attributes distract from the fact that he can actually transform, even though a bunch of alt mode details are present, which is an amazing feat in design.



4. Transformers G1 1985 Omega Supreme

What I said about Onslaught truly looking like a robot is even more realized here. This guy looks like the perfect idea of a kid's (non transforming) robot toy, like the robot from Johnson and Friends. It's simple, there is no way one could even guess what this toy transforms into even if one was told that it had another form. A futuristic space ship maybe? Nope, this giant robot actually turns into a rocket launchpad base surrounded by a train track for a tank to roll across it. I don't know about you, but I cannot in any way guess that from this awesome 80s toy robot here. It of course, helps that this was one of the few Transformers toys to not be based on any Takara transforming toy, and thus has a very different aesthetic that one wouldn't attribute to the brand. He also doesn't technically transform since all his parts are made to be dismantled and rebuilt from one mode to the next.



3. Transformers Animated Lockdown

Although you see a few car parts, this tall lanky figure does not give any impression that he is more than a poseable action figure (with sculpted car parts). While this can be said about most Transformers Animated figures, I feel this one takes the cake. The stylistic chest and the other cartoon-like features, like his neck and face, along with his complete lack of any extraneous kibble really brings that idea home. He looks more like an action figure of a Sith lord from the Clone Wars show (Savage Opress type).



2. Transformers Universe - Classics 2.0 Cyclonus

Speaking of lacking any extraneous kibble, I bring you Universe Cyclonus who looks like a well articulated action figure based on his design in the Transformers Movie. The absolute lack of kibble, due in part to telescoping parts, and cybertronian nature does not hint that he can completely convert into a nice sleek cybertronian jet. Someone who doesn't know the character would not think twice that this was more than a simple and badass looking action figure.



1. Transformers Prime: Cyberverse Megatron

This is not the best toy on this list, but, he is the one that looks the least like an actual transforming toy. There is absolutely no kibble anywhere and his arms and legs don't have any seams and don't appear to be anything other than arms and legs. He looks just like one of those small non transforming Happy Meal Toys but with slightly better articulation. And of course, you guessed it, he actually transforms. I won't go bragging about how great the alt mode is but it does exist. And aside from rearranging the limbs, his chest does undergo a significant Transformation. I even find this toy better than the Voyager class version just because the marginal improvement on that toy's alt mode seen from he top does not make up for all the extra back kibble it gets. But we will talk more of that particular toy later Back to this cyberverse toy, while it may not have a great alt mode, you could never guess it actually transforms, hence why it is number one on my list.





Honourable mentions: I wrote about the G1 Action Masters series in the intro which were infamous for being the first non transforming toys of the Transformers brand. BUT, did you know that there were some not released in the US that actually did transform? That particular line was called Action Master Elite and I am using the the four Transformers that make it's entirety as my honourable mentions. After all, who could have ever guessed that these non transforming toys actually did somewhat transform.
I would also like to mention Animated Oilslick.


Transformers Animated Oil Slick Gallery

Top 5 best G1 Transformers Toy updates

Date: Saturday, April 4th 2015 8:40am CDT
Categories: Site Articles, Editorials, Top Lists
Posted by: william-james88

Discuss This Topic · Permanent Link
Views: 129,367

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 Transformers Toy updates

This concept doesn’t need much of an introduction but I will explain the thought that went behind my choices. It was in a 2 fold order. One: how much the original G1 toy needed an update. Two: How great of an update he eventually got (“he” is not a spoiler as there were no female G1 toys stateside). The best toy ever might not be first place if his original toy was pretty good, which explains the lack of some classics updates. On the flipside, a toy in bad need of an update may not be first place if the update he got wasn't as good as we can get. So without further ado, here are the top 5 best toy updates:


5. Tranformers Generations Seargent Kup



The reason he is at the back end of this list is because this doesn’t feel like the final version of this character. This toy is more of a reinterpretation of the character and not the actual comic book or G1 cartoon version come to life. He even got an update to his name. For what is probably copyright reasons, he became Sergeant Kup in this release. But none the less, Kup is one of the character’s who most needed an update. For such a legendary character, as he was one of the main characters of the 86 film, the only other toy he got since G1 was a Botcon 09 toy which didn’t work at all for the character (my opinion). But 2011 finally gave us a phenomenal update. I love the head sculpt, the alt mode is great even though it is an earth based truck instead of a Cybertronian picKUP. He still looks the part of the scrappy old timer and the color is also spot on. Then chest section is pretty great as well, recalling the cybertronian elements of the G1 toy and the transformation itself is neat, especially the feet. What really seals the deal is the long musket which stores under the truck mode disguised as a very convincing exhaust pipe.

4. Transformers Masterpiece Optimus Prime (MP-10) (Convoy)


I don’t know what to write that could give this update any justice. The figure in robot mode really looks like the G1 cartoon model just jumped off the screen, unlike the G1 toy. The G1 toy was not too bad though, hence why this isn’t number 1 on this list. Actually, the G1 toy was pretty smart since it found an effective way of combining an easy transformation which resulted in a robot which had a wide chest and a thin abdominal area, which has defined Optimus Prime ever since. This update makes that change in contour completely flawless with a smart transformation that was fine tuned from the earlier Masterpiece release of Optimus. They still didn’t fix the obvious groin area exposed in truck mode, an issue that even the G1 toy didn’t have. I do want to say that the cab is the highlight of this update. I don’t find the trailer to be much of an improvement over the G1 version, and Hasbro’s dull grey didn’t help. I was told it could be fixed with Reprolabels, and while that may be perfectly true, having to spend more money for a finished version of a product will not get you the number 1 spot (especially when your original toy was one of the best of the bunch). But number 4 is no sweat for this awesome toy.

And to give a sense of the difference in size:


3. Transformers Masterpiece Wheeljack


Oh man, what an update! They even got the spelling of sponsor “Alitalia” right this time (there are reprolabels to fix the correction though). The G1 toy, like the datsuns and other G1 cars, didn’t even have legs that could separate, so an update didn’t need much to make us happy. As a matter of fact, people were happy with simply a redeco of RTS Tracks. But this figure really knocks it out of the parc by not only being accurate but also my pick for the best new mold to come out of Hasbro/Takara in 2014. Not in a while had I marveled this much at a transformer, and on a pure toy level, he is an absolutely perfect example of a robot in disguise. He feels hefty, has flawless kibble free modes which are also both accurate to their own specific source (a cartoon model and an officially licensed car model).What I really loved about Wheeljack is how robot parts just spring out of him and are nowhere noticeable in his car mode, like his wings, which were far more evident in the original toy’s undercarriage and prone to loss. I just love how his feet are formed and look like distinct robot legs rather than a piece of his car. Unlike the Datsuns, these car pieces look more like feet than repurposed car parts, which was obviously not the case with the original G1 figure.

2. Transformers Generations Springer


Springer was not the best G1 triple changer. None of the three modes were convincing. His helicopter mode had his robot arms and hands sticking out with the excuse of it being Cybertronian in design (uurgh), the car mode was average and the robot mode was not great with odd proportions and terrible arms. He needed an update, that’s for sure, and had a bunch (starting with Energon’s Bulkhead, then Timelines, Universe and Generations GDO). But every single time, he either only turned into a car or helicopter. True triple changers are rarer than we think in the world of transformers toys, so getting an actual update of Springer as a triple changer in the Generations line was an event all on its own. It was even more wondrous to realize that this toy was an accomplishment. Unlike the G1 toy, both alt modes are very distinctive from one another. They have different dimensions and silhouettes, only sharing the color pallet. Also unlike the G1 toy, the robot mode is tall and sleek, with great proportions and one of the most poseable transformers toys at that price range. Even his sword that turns into the propeller is updated well, with a neat new transformation, and his gun has been given a serious overhaul. This would be the best update of all if it weren’t for the following number 1 pick...


1. Transformers Generations Warpath Gallery


As far as updates go, I can’t think of any other toy that needed it this much and got this good a result from it. It’s like owning a small masterpiece at the fraction of the cost. We went from a minibot with no legs, which looked locked in mid transformation into a deluxe class which oozes perfection. Unlike the G1 toy, the tank fully transforms into a robot with superb articulation, zero kibble and striking show accuracy for a non masterpiece toy. They did change his tank into an H tank, but I will take that if it means he gets legs in robot mode. It’s also worth noting that for an H tank, he doesn’t look like a robot crawling on all fours like Armada Megatron and Animated Shockwave (two toys that were NOT part of the best Tanks list). All around, I couldn’t think of a better update for a toy that so badly needed one. And for those who find the deluxe class too big for this toy, then just stick him in your masterpiece collection, he’ll fit right in.

Honourable mention: Generations Cosmos, Energon Galvatron, Masterpiece Grimlock, MP Soundwave, MP Lambor, Generations Scourge, Universe Cyclonus and the Classics seekers.