Wheelie has always been one of the black sheep of the Transformers family. Introduced in 1986 as the new kid-friendly character, Wheelie’s constant rhyming grated on people’s nerves, and the fact that his toy was as basic as basic got back then didn’t help matters. He’s had several new toys since, and this latest one is his largest one yet. So, should you get it, or should you forget it? Don’t worry; that’ll be the only rhyme. If you want more rhyming, check out his awesome TF Wiki profile.
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Reviews!
Toy Review – BotCon 2010 Turbomaster (a/k/a Scorch)
BotCon 2010’s theme was “Generation 2: Redux”, a reimagining and extention of the nearly 20-year old (at the time) toy line. One of the souvenirs was “Turbomaster”, which was a new version of the toy once known as “Scorch”. A redeco of the Classics/Universe Hound mold, Turbomaster is yellow, orange and grey and comes with the nicest transforming jaguar you’ll ever meet. But how good is Turbomaster? Read on!
Continue readingToy Review – Transformers – Sergeant Kup
Sergeant Kup is the somewhat modern take on the character who first debuted in The Transformers: The Movie, over 25 years ago. (Don’t you feel old? I know I do.) Back then, he was a futuristic pickup truck from the far-off future of 2005. Yyyyeah, that’s not exactly how car design evolved, is it? Now, he’s a nigh-modern/retro pickup with one advantage over the old design – a working tailgate. (Tip of the hat to TFWiki.net for that bit of info.) So, how does this new version fare in the review department? Read on!
Continue readingToy Review – Transformers Club Scourge
The original SCOURGE from the “Robots in Disguise” line was released in 2002 (or 2000, if you count the Japanese version), itself a redeco of the Laser Optimus Prime toy initially released in 1995. This means one thing: I’m old. No, seriously, it means that this character has been around for over a decade, spawning numerous versions of the black and silver evil Optimus Prime entity in multiple toylines and continuities. When Hasbro released a new version of Laser Optimus a few years ago, we knew a Scourge would happen sooner or later. Surprisingly, it was the Transformers Club, not
Continue readingToy Review – Twinstrike
Twinstrike is an update of the old Generation 1 Transformer “Sinnertwin”. (Gee, wonder why they changed that name?) The original toy was a yellow and teal two-headed dragon beast, and this one is no exception. How good is the new one? Read on!
Continue readingToy Review – Transformers Huffer
Huffer is the Autobot Tech Specialist and Construction Engineer that may be average in speed and courage, but he makes up for it in intelligence, strength and skill. Armed with a Roadshark Missle Launcher, he’s busy making sure the Autobots can withstand Predacon Dragonfire! Huffer is a redeco of Trailcutter (who was a retool of Ironhide (who was a redeco — wait, no, sorry)), an SUV with some serious firepower. Two hood-mounted missles and his detachable Roadshark Missile Launcher mean you don’t want to mess with him (although a Fireblast of only 5 means you probably could). Add his front
Continue readingComic Quick Look – Transformers: Robots In Disguise #20
Yeah, I know this book came out last week. Wizard World kept me busy. “Three Monologues” is a great character study by John Barber into the psyche of Starscream, and more specifically, Starscream as leader. What he had wanted for millennia has finally come to pass, and he’s the leader of Iacon. What he didn’t realize is how hard it would be to get the civilians on his side. This issue is interesting, though, is that we learn about Starscream not through his own words. No, this is a character study based on his actions and other character’s reactions to
Continue readingToy Review – Transformers Swerve (Chevy Aveo)
Swerve is by far the Transformer with the weirdest production history in the nearly 30 years of the brand. It’s an exclusive toy, but for a long time, nobody was 100% sure who he was exclusive to. Was he a Chevrolet exclusive in certain European markets? Was he a worldwide Chevy online exclusive? Did you have to buy a real Chevy Aveo to get him, or just test drive? Does he like gladiator movies? (Okay, strike that last one.) For the full story, hit the TF Wiki entry. This review will concentrate on pure facts. Wait, it’s a review, it can’t
Continue readingFunko Pop! Vinyl SDCC Ned Stark Figure
[Spoilers for season 1 of Game of Thrones and the novel A Game of Thrones] This was one of the surprise exclusives. While we here at ASM knew about the Dark Horse Stark Shield Plaque, it wasn’t until Thursday night of Comic-Con that we found out that Funko had made an exclusive Ned Stark figure. With several of their “Game of Thrones” figures adoring one of our tables, we were debating whether or not to get this one. Then we saw the pictures. And then we saw the special feature. And then our minds melted, we shouted with joy, and we went to HBO Shop
Continue readingFollow Up Into Darkness
Or, “Where Some People Take Phil To Task” Last week, I posted my review of Star Trek Into Darkness, and then I shared it on my personal Facebook account. That started a whole discussion in the comments, with people agreeing with me and others saying I was completely wrong. Never let it be said that I won’t listen to criticism. I will quote some comments with permission and summarize others. (Again, FULL SPOILERS after the jump.)
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