Initiating Turbomasters #1: Rotorstorm

Generally, Generation 1 line of Transformers figures were endowed with unique gimmicks through the years. Pretenders (transforming robots shelled within animals, human or vehicles) were introduced, and later the Micromasters (minituare robots, some with large platforms or bases) and Action Masters (robot decoy with vehicles). Hasbro/Takara then came up with a new series of toy, which almost spelled out the end of Generations 1: The Turbomasters & Predators

Making their market presence only in Europe, these new series boast firing gimmicks, which are somehow banned in the US due to it's non-compliance to toy safety. While Turbomasters are a group tag name worn by the Autobots, their counterparts Predators easily befits the Decepticons label.

Shown in these two pictures is a member from the Turbomasters, named Rotorstorm. Much of Turbomasters main trait is how the thrusters from the vehicle mode is used as weapon for robots mode. Rotorstorm here is seen with his double thrusters a.k.a big guns, which packs quite a blow (literally, which is how I finally understand US's regulation towards the toys after a hit to the nose).

"The Warrior, And His Armada.."

..and it was so that the giant planet robot Unicron announced his final yet newly crafted robot which originated from a group of malfunctioned robots (as in the 1986 Transformers: The Movie). So conveniently done, the incident that led to the creation of these robots was of a brief yet significant one, so to say.

After the epic duel between Megatron and Optimus Prime had left both severely injured, the Decepticons decided to leave the battle scene and head back to Cybertron alongside their fallen comrades. On their way to their home planet, the shuttle bot that was carrying them, named Astrotrain, demanded that few of the loads on board were to be jettisoned in view of the low energy level and to reach Cybertron in time. Interestingly, Decepticon's second-in-command opted to throw out their dying leader Megatron with few other bots into the outer space for that purpose, and for his own agenda. Later on, in the dark uncharted space, these dying robots encountered Unicron whom had them 'reformatted' into new forms that would enable them to destroy the Autobots.

I can choose to go for a more lengthy synopsis and go astray with it, or keep it short and proceed to the main point, which is to introduce this mysterious character named Cyclonus (by the looks of it, I had already done the former. Gasp..oh well). A loyal follower of Galvatron (previously Megatron), his courage and air superiority in battle is only matched by his unshaken will in completing Galvatron's quest. In the picture here, he is armed with a Targetmaster companion meant to increase his firepower.

A Whole Different Kind of 'Convoy'

It is generally known that the name 'Convoy' points to a certain few bots which demands respect. Convoy, or its American name Optimus Prime is a name to behold and puts kids into frenzy.

Now over the years, this 'surname' (as I would clumsily put it) was also applied to a few other different Transformers characters of a much different calibre from the Convoy we know of. The Galaxy Force series, or Cybertron as termed in USA, had come up with a few other Convoys which are unique in their own way. A perfect example of this would be the behemoth Megalo Convoy, a bot originated in from the Giant Planet as narated in the Galaxy Force series. Megalo Convoy transforms into a modern looking drilling rig, already existed in our part of the world mind you. Another name for this giant would be Metroplex, taken from the famous Generation 1 characters which bodes a different alternate mode altogether. In this photo, Megalo Convoy is attached with an additional 4 mini-cons aside from his own mini-con Drillbit.

V is, ultimately, for Victory

A lot of things can represent the word 'Victory' but no other can do it so well like the combination of the two prominent Transformers in the Japanese realm. Victory Leo is the case of a legendary hero in the previous series being 'reborn' into a new hero of a different chariasma - a raging one, to be exact. The hatred he bore during his years as God Ginrai was translated well in his individuality as Victory Leo.

As for Star Saber - he is your typical yet lovable concept of a space jet, looking handsome with its blue, red and white persona. Blue & red has always been known to be associated with the colours of valor & heroism - try and ask a Superman fan and he'll agree with you.






Together, these top heroes in the Transformers Victory series merge into Victory Saber, a super robot exuding unchallenged aura of power & strength. Well, at least that is what I imagined when an Autobot super space jet merges itself with the robust form of a lion robot. Cheesy lines, I know..

Hail Lord Zarak, And The Headmaster Commander!

A breed of Transformers are known for their partnership with humanoids, which is seen as a way to perfect and bolster up the combat capability & efficiency..and these excitingly advanced robots are generally known as the Headmasters. One very notorious & feared Decepticons Headmaster comes in the form of a giant scorpion, named Scorponok.

Being the Decepticons Headmaster Commander certainly placed Scorponok in the much higher rank, and a deserving level of respect, even from his enemies. The star of the day is however his binary bonded partner Lord Zarak, a vicious ruler Nebulos which commands Scorponok at his own will. While this is how G1 cartoon storyline depicted Lord Zarak as the individual whom converted his city the Hives into Scorponok, the comic series however carries the plot which depicted that it was Scorponok himself who blackmailed Lord Zarak into submitting himself to him as his headmaster partner.

As a figure, he stands over a foot tall, seemingly menacing with purple & dark green colour scheme. But seriously, he doesn't seem to be head-to-head, literally, with Fortress Maximus. We all know how huge Fort Max is as a figure and it is surprising that Scorponok doesn't match him in terms of height, given the sort of hierarchy Scorponok stands as a Headmaster Commander (comparison as seen in pictures in the internet, that is. I don't own Fort Max, sadly..) Anyway, as much as I wish he is taller, I feel that Scorponok's menacing & sturdy looks alone does him some justice anyhow.

Powerglide Gets Mean

I suppose one would easily recall a character in the Transformers Generation 1 cartoon episode, which goes with the name of Powerglide. Lovable guy, a red coloured plane with an attitude. Heck, even a girl fell for him. I can't possibly imagine a happier robot other than this guy..Anyway, the above picture is not that 1980s Powerglide. This is however a much sophisticated version of him, so to say.

Well, Hasbro (or Takara, not sure which one really, could be both) has decided to 'reborn' this legendary mini plane into a much more massive & handsome version through the Classics Universe Powerglide. Came as an Ultra class figure, this bot exudes a different kind of greatness in comparison with figures in his class. Every sculpt and edge oo this figure speaks of greatness. I'll be going into the habit of repeating the word 'greatness' quite often here, so bear with me..







Powerglide's alternate mode is a A10 Warthog plane, which is used extensively by the US Airforce to engage in air-to-surface combat. Deemed as a ground attack aircraft, it is loaded with Gatling gun and has the ability to swoop in at low levels. In short, this machine poses a threat to the enemies tanks & armoured vehicles. So tanks, beware of this machine..ratatata...

Dinobots Go Flashy

The emergence of 5 dinosaur mode robots in the early 80s has sparked great interest in youngsters during that era, and it has never ceased since. Dinobots, comprised of Grimlock, Sludge, Slag, Snarl & Swoop are quick to became these youngsters' favourite characters & figures alike in Transformers world. Unfortunately I was not one of the lucky ones that manage to grab the figures those days (sob2..)

In the early & mid 90s however, Hasbro has once again brought joy to Dinobots lovers. Only this time, 3 of the 5 Dinobots are marketed as the Generation 2 Dinobots. These new figure series (Generation 2) are marked by their colourful presence, with each figure dons in different colour spectrum of plastic mould.