They Were The Dream.....

Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon - Review

2011-06-29T21:44:00.001-04:00

I have finally had the change to watch Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon.

First of all, my thoughts, and my opinions as well, are coming from a certain mindset; that the first movie was very enjoyable, and decent, and that the secdond film, while containing a few fantastic moments, was not a good film as a whole.

Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon, had a long, long way to go, to, at least to me, redeem the Transformers movie francise from Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen.

Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon, was a fantastic film.

Where does the key difference lie?

In two parts.

The first, the story. Without a doubt, the most important component of any film, the story for Dark of the Moon, is solid, and well thought out.

The second, the characters; who this time around, are the Transformers themselves.

The Transformers take center stage, finally, after two films, and truly shine.

There are new characters, and old friends; all of them, this time, feel as if you could know them, as if you could talk with them.

It's a vast improvemnt compared to the second installment.

I'll go over the basics in this order: acting and characters, story, special effects, and over-all.

My thoughts on the acting:

The robots have some new actors as well returning friends. Sideswipe, the corvette, is given two sequences to shine, and the Wreckers, consisting of Roadbuster, Topspin, and Leadfoot, steal the show in the brief sequeneces in which they appear, as does Dino, the Ferrari.

The actors portraying the robots, were also fantastic. Peter Cullen's Optimus Prime, has remained a solitary fixture which the film surrounds. He places into Prime's portrayal a sense of dignity, and respect, that is seldom found in an action film; somehow, making it so much more.

Leonard Nimoy's Sentinel Prime, was equally astounding; it was a joy to listen everytime he spoke.

James Remar brought a sense of fun to Sideswipe, as well as a note that the Transformers do pay attenion to the cultures of Earth.

George Coe's Q was touching, despite Q's limited screentime.

Jess Harnel's Ironhide was fantastic, and Francesco Quinn's Dino was highly enjoyable.

Frank Welker did an incredible job with his duel roles of Soundwave, and Shockwave. Soundwave's menacing tones, and Shockwave's emotionless garble were both terrifying, and brought the characters to life.

Keith Szarabajka's Laserbeak was eerily creepy, and, at times, downright chilling.

Ron Bottitta and John Di Maggio as the Wreckers Roadbuster and Leadfoot, were just plain fun.

Charlie Adler's Starscream was fun, with an incredle performance to back him up.

Robert Foxworth's Ratchet provided a comforting presence amoungst the chaos of the battles.

Tom Kenny's Wheelie, and Reno Wilson's Brains, are both useful, and, surprisingly, not annoying as they can at first appear to be.

Finally, Hugo Weaving's Megatron was a fascinating portrayal, filled with varying emotions.

Now the humans.

Shia Lebouf turned in a credible performance. Lacking the dull surprise that he carried throughout Revenge of the Fallen, Sam Witwicky is an actual person in Dark of the Moon; frustrated, depressed, and determined, he runs a spectrum of emotions, and comes across as an actual human being.

Rosie Huntington-Whitely as Carly was also a pleasant surprise. For a person who has never acted before, she handled the role well, and is off to a strong start as an actress.

John Tuturro was a lot of fun as Agent Simmons, bringing a sense of warmth and fun to the role.

Tyrese Gibson and Josh Duhamel portray the soldiers Epps and Lennox well, coming across as professional, and reliable.

Patrick Dempsey does a fantastic job at making you hate his character of Dylan Gould, a fine performance.

John Malkovich was incredibly entertaining as Bruce Brazos, again, a fine performance.

Kevin Dunn and Julie White as Ron and Judy Witwicky felt very real, and beliveable.

Finally, Buzz Aldrin was a joy to see.

Now the story; writer Ehren Kruger has done a the Transformers justice at last, ensuring their screentime is equel to that of their human co-stars. The plot contains a few fantastic twists and turns, and is highly coherant, making certain that most small details are not left out. Friendship, adventure, mystery, tension, and surprise are all words that describe the various portions that are bound together to weave the story. Borowing elements from two stories from the original Transformers animated series, (specifically, Megatron's Master Plan, and, The Ultimate Doom), and mixing in the timeline of historical events, Dark of the Moon's story is a strong and surprising tale of good vs. evil, exactly as it should be.

From the sinister and disturbing Laserbeak, to the heroic Optimus Prime, the characters feel as if they have actual motivations and purposes. Without the Wreckers, the Autobots can't get to Chicago, without Carly, the final battle may end quite differently. Each character serves a purpose, has a reason for being, and this makes Dark of the Moon stand above other action films.

When it comes to special effects, Ehren Kruger's work is backed-up by the incredible talent of ILM, whose stunning work allows the Transformers to exist, and interact with the worl around them. The fluidity of their movement, the small details of gears, lights, and of course, the astonishing transformations, all play a part, in making Dark of the Moon an actual film, rather then "just a movie".

Summing up, after Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen, I was incredibly jaded about the Transformers films. This film has managed to revive the magic of the first live-action film, With an emotional, engaging story, Dark of the Moon manages to be more than just explosions and fire; in fact, I would say, that surprisingly, it's more than meets the eye.

Energon Galvatron

2008-05-07T19:24:00.002-04:00

Galvatron is the powered up form of Megatron, here, portrayed as a flying machine of death.

Galvatron is cast in a rich, royal purple. Translucent orange is used for his forward cannons, as well as the wing-mounted guns. These two colors work together very nicely. Grey is used for the giant turbines that power his vehicle form, and black and red are used for highlights. Two large Decepticon symbols are featured on his wings.

Galvatron’s attack format is attained by pulling out on his wing-mounted guns, causing his upper wing panels to elevate, and secondary guns to rotate forward and back. His tank unit can be placed on top to complete the format.

Galvatron’s tank unit comes cast in cast in grey, with black used for the highlights. Translucent purple is used for one side of the tank turret, and will light up when the trigger mounted on the tank barrel is pressed. Translucent orange is used for a flip-up targeting panel. His missile is cast in black.

Galvatron’s transformation pattern is surprisingly simple, aided along by the use of automatic spring loaded parts. These steps include his hands, knees, and feet; his shoulder assembly is rigged to have one side automatically transform at the same time as the other, requiring the manual transformation of only one.

In robot mode, his paint consists of more royal purple, and black is still used for his highlights. Metallic red is used on both his optics and chest. Also located on his chest is the Decepticon symbol. His face is done in shiny silver.

Glavatron comes equipped with full joints, and is rather stable. His tank unit can be attached to either arm by means of two flip-out panels that form a clip. He holds his fusion cannon up rather well. The tank unit can be spun around, and clipped onto his arm again. In the nosecone of Galvatron’s spaceship mode, is stored a translucent orange sword. This can be plugged into the hilt mounted on the back of the tank unit. Lights and sounds activate when the sword is connected.

Galvatron is an excellent addition to any collection, and is an impressive figure.

Note: the last few panel show Galvatron holding Doomlock’s sword, this does not come included with him.

Energon Doomlock

2008-05-07T19:22:00.001-04:00

Doomlock is a dinosaur, of an unknown type. He is a part of the Terrorcon army.

Featuring a bright group of colors such as dark red, reddish-orange, both light and dark gray, tan, and translucent orange, Doomlock has a very attention grabbing paint job.

For articulation in beast mode, Doomlock has full joints in his arms and legs, and his dinosaur mouth opens and closes. His tail can also move slightly side to side. Another nice touch is the translucent orange claws overlaid on his hands.

Doomlock’s transformation pattern is very simple, and results in a well done robot mode. Doomlock looks like a warrior, and in particular, his head has a definite samurai feel.

Doomlock’s paint job doesn’t change much. The only new color revealed in his robot mode is green for his optics. His sword and gun can be combined into an even larger blade.

All in all, Doomlock is a fun little figure, and makes a nice addition to any collection.

Fire Guts Ginrai

2008-05-07T17:56:00.002-04:00

Fire Guts Ginrai is a special limited edition version of the Powermaster Optimus Prime/ Ginrai toy produced by E-Hobby. It represents Ginrai fully powered up, and features a unique paint job.

The most basic of Ginrai's forms, his human form, is cast in orange, with black used for his lower legs, giving them the appearance of combat boots. Blue is used for his eyes, and his transformation to engine mode is very simple. In engine mode, mettalic orange is used for the top of the engine.

Ginrai's cab is cast in die-cast metal, giving it a solid heavy feel. He is painted bright orange, and features translucent orange windows, and metallic orange smokestacks. Red is used as a secondary color.

His tranformation pattern is very simple. Ginrai's engine form is atached to the front of his cab; this unlocks his powermaster system, and allows him to transform.

In robot mode, blue is used for his chest, while silver is used for his grill. An Autobot symbol is featured on his right shoulder, and his optics are blue. His joints are very limited, featuring only elbow joints; thanks to his tranformation pattern, he can be placed into a seated position. He can be armed with two rifles, both painted black.

Ginrai's trailer is nicely painted, and is rather impressive. Ginrai's rifles can be mounted on top of it, and two additional heavy gun can be attached to the front. The trailer can be turned into a base as well. It also features storage for his fully combined mode head, as well as his engine when it is not attached.

Super Ginrai, is the combination made by combining Ginrai's cab with the trailer. In reality, while quite large, it is too out of proportion to be believable.

Apex Bomber is Ginrai's partner, and turns into an additional trailer. His paint job consists of mostly red, with metallic orange for the front of his trailer mode. He can be attached to the back of Ginrai’s trailer. His transformation pattern consists of rearranging his different pieces, and reassembling him. In robot mode, he stands slightly taller than cab Ginrai, and about the same level as Super Ginrai.
For articulation, his arms can move up and down, and so can his head.

Fire Guts Ginrai’s full combined mode is created by disassembling Apex Bomber, and attaching the different parts onto Ginrai as armor. This full combined mode looks far more proportionate than Super Ginrai, and is very impressive. For articulation, he has shoulder joints, and can move his legs outward to give him a slightly more dynamic stance.

One last bonus, is the fact that his packaging can be re-used; he can easily be placed back into his box for storage.

Fire Guts Ginrai, while lacking articulation, easily makes up for any shortcomings thanks to his impressive design. He comes highly recommended, and makes an excellent, and unique, addition to any collection.

Note: This picture gallery also includes comparison images with the Power Master Optimus Prime re-issue figure. Ginrai and Optimus are not the same character, even though a version of Ginrai (pictured) was included with the Prime re-issue figure.

Shattered Glass Megatron

2008-05-07T13:46:00.003-04:00

Shattered Glass Megatron is the heroic leader of the Decepticons. Able to match the mirror Universe Optimus Prime's power in both strenght and intellience, Megatron is respected as both a scholar and a warrior.

Megatron's alternate form is that of a space battle ship, somewhat resembling a bird of prey thanks to the bent wing design. Powered forward by massive turbines, and armed with two deep, rich, translucent blue cannons, Megatron's vehicle mode is both intimiadating and impressive. For colors, Megatron uses a rather traditional flat grey. Black and red are used as secondary colors; blue is used also for highlights. Two giant red Decepticon symbols can be seen stamped upon each wing. Megatron features retractable landing gear,

Megatron has an attack format too (think of the X-Wing fighters from Star Wars). By pulling on the translucent blue guns at the end of each wing, the guns will slide outward as the upper wing panel elevates, and two more guns swing ou: one forward facing and one back. To complete the attack format, place Megatron's tank unit upon the roof of Megatron's vehicle mode.

Megatron tank unit is cast in primarily black, and red is used for the highlights. Translucent blue is used for a flip-up targeting panel, and the missle is cast in red. Silver is used on the top of the tank, and also upon a slash running down the length of its side. Two panels can be flipped out from the underside of the tank, allowing Megatron to hold his fusion cannon in his robot form.

Megatron's transformation pattern is surpisingly simple, aided by many quick springed hinges. These spring points include Megatron's knees, hands, and feet. Both of his shoulders are rigged to transform together automatically, requireing the manual transformation of only one.

This particular mold was originally based after Galvatron, the upgraded form of the original Megatron. It works surprisingly well as a robot design for Heroic Megatron. He truly does have the look of a heroic commander.He very much looks like a warrior, with the massive turbines of his vehicle mode acting as legs, and the swept back wings allowing him to cast an impressive shadow. His head helps with giving him a freindly appearance as well. Newly sculpted, Megatron's head is based on the design used in the G1 comics, as well as early test animation for the or. Black is used for the helmet, while mettalic silver is used for his face. Neon blue is used for his optics, giving them a bright appearance.

Other nice touches in his paint include the red Decepticon symbol on his chest, the black and red used as secondary colors, and the yellow used for lights on his upper torso. A spark crystal, which can accomodate any Energon Stars, is mounted upon his left shoulder.

For weaponry, the large cannons from his vehicle mode are now mounted on his shoulders. The guns on his wings are still visible as well. His tank unit can be mounted on either arm, allowing him access to his fusion cannon. Stored in the nosecone of Megatron's spaceshipe form, is a translucent blue sword. The tank unit can be flipped around, and the sword can be plugged into the hilt built into the back of the tank. This assembly can still be mounted on either arm, and the wing can be swung back allowing free range.

For articulation, Megatron has a turning neck, hips, knees, full elbow joints, and shoulders joints. The style used for his shoulder joints are slightly restrictive, but this doesn't cause any real problems.

Megatron's attack format can still be engaged, and armed with his sword, this winged Megatron has a something of a "warrior angel" appearance.

All in all, heroic Megatron is a very impressive figure, and represnts a unique, and somewhat historic design. Megatron makes an excellent addition to any collection, as well as an impressive addition to the Shattered Glass universe. Shattered Glass Megatron comes highly reccomended, and is easily one of my personal favorites.

Shattered Glass Divebomb

2008-05-06T20:18:00.003-04:00

Shattered Glass Divebomb completes the trio of mirror universe Predacons.

Still an eagle, this Mini-Con very nicely, finishes off the set. In beast mode, Divebomb has a very wide wingspan, and can be propped up on his beast mode feet. His beast form is rather impressive for such a small figure.

His paint job in excellently done, featuring a bright orange with black highlights. Divebomb’s Decepticon symbol is painted on his left wing in brown. He do have joints in this mode, the outer portion of his wings can swing in, and his legs can be brought up under his body just like a real bird.

Divebomb’s transformation to robot mode is rather delicate and complex for a Mini-Con. The end result in an amazing robot mode. He also bears the wing design of the larger heroic Decepticons, and the wings attached to his legs help assure that he does not fall over. Interesting notes include the fact that his optics are red, and that his legs have a combat boot appearance to them.

Divebomb is an excellent figure that equally impressive robot and beast modes. He makes an excellent addition to any collection as well as the other Shattered Glass figures.

Shattered Glass Rodimus

2008-05-06T20:12:00.003-04:00

Shattered Glass Rodimus is without a doubt the most mirror-universe styled toys of all the Shattered Glass figures. Why? Because of one certain detail.

Rodimus was no doubt inspired by the original Black Rodimus figure from Japan, as well as the Comic-Con exclusive Menasor figure.

In his hot rod mode, gloss black is used to incredible effect. Complementing it are purple flame graphics, the purple Autobot symbols on his hood and the car side that forms his leg, the metallic silver exhaust pipes, a flat gray spoiler, and a very deep, rich translucent red for the windows and flame. These colors work very nicely together, especially the black, purple, and translucent red.

Rodimus’s transformation pattern is nicely complex, and results in a very accurate robot mode. Rodimus is very stable in both modes, and holds poses well. Rodimus has full joints, and also includes his buzz saw from the original film mounted on his left arm. Nice touches for his paint in robot mode include the purple Autobot symbol and flames and the metallic silver engine on his chest, and the metallic silver used for his exhaust pipe blasters.

Rodimus’s helmet is black, and the helmet crests are done in purple. His face also has metallic silver, and, what makes him the epitome of the mirror-verse style, has a mustache and beard painted on! (inspired of course, by evil mirror universe Spock from Star Trek.)

His gun can be held in either hand, though his right would be preferred so as to leave access to the buzz saw, or mounted on his back for storage.

Rodimus is a great figure, and will be of interest to more than just those who like the Shattered Glass universe. He makes an excellent addition to any collection, and is highly recommended.

Shattered Glass Whisper

2008-05-06T16:43:00.001-04:00

Shattered Glass Whisper is Sideswipe’s partner. Of note is the fact that Whisper is required to transform Sideswipe.

Whisper comes cast in the same colors as his partner. His stealth jet mode is very stable, and bears a streamlined design.

Whisper’s transformation pattern is very simple, and holds up well. In robot mode, his vehicle mode paint job is carried over, and red is used for his visor and face. He has shoulder, hips, knee, and, due to his transformation, ankle joints.

Whisper is a solid steady little figure, and makes a nice piece to go with Sideswipe.

Shattered Glass Sideswipe

2008-05-06T16:40:00.003-04:00

Shattered Glass Sideswipe takes his unique paint job from two sources. The first, is the cancelled Transformers Universe Battle in a Box Drench; the second, is an unreleased Generation 2 Sideswipe, who would have been yellow and green.

Sideswipe is the closest character to being normal, in the Shattered Glass universe. An Autobot, he was betrayed, and joined the heroic Decepticons.
In car mode, he is beautifully painted in green and black. A large purple Autobot symbol is stamped upon his hood, with a diagonal silver slash running through it. Beneath this, is a red Decepticon symbol. His windshield is a metallic silver, and yellow is used on his spoiler. Red and green are used for his headlights.

Sideswipe’s transformation pattern is satisfactorily complex, and carries a classic feel to it. His partner, Shattered Glass Whisper, is necessary to his transformation, if Whisper is not available, the another Mini-Con must be used. Upon activating the connection, Sidewipe’s doors will open, gull wing style. This will allow the hidden missile in his door wings to fire, as well as reveals an additional red Decepticon symbol on his right arm.

In robot mode, Sideswipe easily has a heroic appearance. The car hood becomes his chest, with both symbols easily seen. More green is used in robot mode, and his face is metallic silver. In a nice touch, the Botcon designers remembered that Sideswipe did start out as a Shattered Glass Autobot, and therefore used red for his optics.

Sideswipe does have hip, knee, elbow, and limited shoulder joints. He sadly lacks a turning neck, and his arms are slightly limited thanks to his transformation. However, his right wrist is capable of turning, which is very nice, seeing that his missiles also double as swords. Sideswipe’s car doors wind up on his back (continuing the Decepticon design element); they can be elevated, and used to launch his missiles.

To conclude, Sideswipe is a beautifully painted figure, and is a unique and somewhat historic figure for a number of reasons. He makes a great addition to any collection, and can be used not only as himself, but as a substitute for number of other figures. Sideswipe is very highly recommended, and is also one of my personal favorites.

(Side-note: Sideswipe also has a design element shared with the other full-size Heroic Decepticons, Megatron and Starscream. He has a winged design, that, when placed alongside the other two, truly helps create a unified feel to the set.)

Shattered Glass Rampage

2008-05-06T16:38:00.000-04:00

Shattered Glass Rampage is another Predacon turned into a Mini-Con, this time, he is the same creature as the original Rampage, a panther.

Rampage is beautifully painted in red, with gold circuitry. His Decepticon symbol is painted black, and his beast mode optics are black as well.

His transformation pattern to robot mode is very simple. Here, his face is done in metallic silver, and more gold is also used. Rampage does have joints for both his shoulders and waist. His beast mode mouth can also open and close.

All in all, Rampage is certainly a nice little figure, and matches up well with his fellow Shattered Glass Predacons.

Shattered Glass Blurr

2008-05-05T20:56:00.002-04:00

Shattered Glass Blurr is still a speedy character, just like the normal version, and makes use of a very unique paint job.

Blurr’s alternate mode is an extremely areodynamic, streamlined car. Featuring a beautifully detailed paint job, Blurr is mainly gloss black, with silver used on his engines and the middle of his car hood. His windshield is cast in translucent orange plastic, along with his headlights and cyber key. Detailed over his entire form, is a pattern of electric blue lightning. These neon reminiscent colors contrast beautifully with the gloss black, providing a glowing, impressive look.

Blurr’s transformation pattern to robot mode is of a medium grade. In between the vehicle and robot modes lies a flight mode, enabling access to his weapons from a vehicle form. His cyber key in necessary to his transformation. His robot mode sadly lacks leg articulation, and features only limited arm movement. He does feature a unique new head sculpt, which is very similar to his original head, save for a damaged and patch over left optic. His right optic is red, and, located around the left optic, is red hydraulic fluid, which makes for a nice touch. His helmet is black, and a metallic silver is used for his face.

For his paint in robot mode, a deeper, rich blue appears. The lightning pattern is still visible on the outside of Blurr’s arms, and on the front of his wings. Featured on the center of his chest, is the purple Autobot symbol on a white background.

While Blurr does lack articulation, he more than makes up for it through his incredible paint job. Placed on a display case in vehicle mode, he is sure to attract attention, and Blurr makes an excellent addition to the other Shattered Glass figures.

Shattered Glass Ricochet

2008-05-05T20:51:00.003-04:00

Shattered Glass Ricochet is based on the same mold used for Shattered Glass Jazz. Classified as Jazz’s twin brother, he, like Jazz, is also a bodyguard for Optimus Prime.

Ricochet’s paint job is actually not based upon the original Ricochet, but that of Zoom-zoom, a Japanese exclusive repaint of Jazz. Feature paint details similar to his brother, Ricochet is a rich shade of red, with white for contrast. The purple Autobot symbol appears on his hood, and his windows are cast in a smoky glass colored translucent plastic. This same colored plastic is also used for his missile and cyber key. This cyber key, also bearing the purple Autobot symbol, activates the same feature that Jazz is equipped with: two flip out rocket launchers.

Like Jazz, Ricochet features the same weaponry, from the rocket launchers to the handgun to the shield. He also features the same excellent stability that allows both jazz and he to hold poses well. Depending on preference, Ricochet’s paint job is less busy than Jazz’s.

Ricochet is another excellent toy, and is sure to make a great addition to any collection!

Shattered Glass Razorclaw

2008-05-05T20:38:00.002-04:00

Razorclaw, though now smaller, and having a different beast mode, is still the commander of the Predacons in this mirror universe.

In the normal universe, an evil. proud lion, this heroic Razorclaw features the beast from of another supreme hunter. In a great (and somewhat unavoidable) move, the Botcon designers gave Razorclaw the beast mode of a wolf. Fast, sleek, and agile, Razorclaw now hunts in the moonlight alongside his fellow Predacons.

Razorclaw features a very well done paint job. Cast in a light mustard hued gold, he has red highlights on his forward shoulders and upper legs. His beast mode eyes are painted black, and a metallic silver is used for the Decepticon symbol on his left side.

His transformation pattern to robot mode is simple, and results in a nicely designed robot. Like most Mini-Cons with smaller feet, he is somewhat difficult to balance. His helmet is painted black, and metallic silver is also used again for his face, to a very nice effect.

Razorclaw is a very nice little figure, and makes a great addition to any collection. Of note is also his biography, which profiles Razorclaw as a professor!

Shattered Glass Starscream

2008-05-05T20:33:00.002-04:00

Shattered Glass Starscream is definitely a unique figure. Starscream’s character has been so well established, it is difficult to imagine him as not traitorous or backstabbing. However, this figure delivers on the concept.

Starscream is cast in the colors of Jetfire, who has traditionally been his aerial rival. His vehicle mode is based upon his War Within design (in turn based upon the “Tetrajets“ from the Generation 1 cartoon), and fits well with the theme of futuristic vehicles for the heroic Decepticons. He is armed with a firing gun, and two smaller molded guns on the sides of the cockpit area. Two red Decepticon symbols can be located on his wings, and Starscream’s canopy is cast in a smoky glass colored translucent plastic.

His tranformation pattern to robot mode is simple and straightforward. When completed, the result is a very well designed robot mode.

Starscream’s paint is reminiscent of a flight suit, and matches his design well. The darkness of the black makes an excellent contrast with the cheery red and white paint. His optics feature blue paint, reminding everyone of his status as a heroic Decepticon. His cyber key is cast in translucent red, with a bright white border, and when activated, make two spring-loaded blades flip out of their holsters. The swords are cast in the same smoky plastic as his canopy and missile.

Starscream is a stable figure, able to hold poses well. His arms are slightly short, but this does not hinder his blades. The swords are attached to the side of his arms, and, along with the turbines on his shoulders, and the width of his wingspan, help grant him a very impressive appearance.

Starscream makes an excellent addition to any collection, fitting in quite nicely with both normal line and Shattered Glass figures.

(Side-note: Starscream also has a design element shared with the other full-size Heroic Decepticons, Megatron and Sideswipe. He has a winged design, that, when placed alongside the other two, truly helps create a unified feel to the set.)

Shattered Glass Goldbug

2008-05-05T19:40:00.002-04:00

Shattered Glass Goldbug, is an evil version of the normally cute and friendly Bumblebee. He is portrayed here as a sleek and aerodynamic sports car, which strikes a very nice balance between what is expected of a more classic styled Transformers figure, and his new Movie design.

Goldbug’s car mode is very impressive, designed with a translucent blue windshield, and a very stealthy paint job that is highly reminiscent of move Stealth Bumblebee. The purple Autobot symbol has been placed at the front of the car, as a hood ornament, and the stripes on the sides of the car, and the sharp angles and curves in the yellow paint emphasize the atmosphere of speed that surrounds Goldbug.

Able to be mounted on top of Goldbug in this form, is his blaster. Somewhat compact, attached to his roof, it looks like a futuristic cannon. Goldbug’s cyber key comes made in translucent orange plastic, with metallic gold used for the symbol.

In robot mode, Goldbug is no less impressive. Sturdy and stable, Goldbug has a very streamlined, powerful feel. Molded onto his left shoulder is the purple Autobot symbol, and his newly designed head is very much that of Goldbug. He comes with full joints, and is stable, allowing him to hold poses well. His paint job is excellently done, and gives him a very shadowy look. In a touch of brilliance, the paint on his chest is designed to appear like an insects mandibles. As in vehicle mode, his cyber key will activate his Translucent blue wings, which reinforce the insect feel.

Goldbug is an excellently made figure, and would an excellent addition to any collection.

Shattered Glass Grimlock

2008-05-05T19:36:00.002-04:00

Shattered Glass Grimlock is rather straightforward. In this mirror universe, he has been given the paint job of Trypticon, a normal universe Decepticon.

Due to the darker color scheme, he now seems to have a somewhat stealthy look to him. Viewing him in subdued light, it is easy to imagine him hunting under the cover of night.

His transformation pattern is satisfactorily complex, involving a few more twists than would be expected.

Grimlock is, sadly, slightly less stable in robot mode than in beast mode. While his appearance is highly accurate, his feet, formed from the T-rex head, do not grip the ground very well. His arms are also slightly short, this does not hinder his appearance, but does make it slightly more difficult to pose him well. He does have full joints.

Grimlock’s robot mode paint job is very well done. Teal paint stands in sharp contrast against the flat metal gray, while orange and purple provide a complimentary back-up. This is especially true when the purple Autobot symbols come into the picture. The orange crystal on the purple background also matches up nicely to his orange visor.

Grimlock comes armed with his bayonet-equipped blaster, and a heavy whip formed from his beast mode tail. When fully armed, Grimlock portrays an intimidating figure, and fits in very well amongst his fellow mirror verse toys. If not, he can still be easily substituted for Trypticon as well.

Shattered Glass Jazz

2008-05-03T14:34:00.002-04:00

Shattered Glass Jazz walks on a tightrope; balancing between a Classics-styled toy, and an actual Shattered Glass influence. Judging by his paint job alone, Jazz seems to lean slightly more towards the Classics side.

Done in a pattern matching up to his original G1 colors, Jazz gives an indication of his evil nature through the battle slogans printed on his vehicle mode. “Kill to Win” is stamped upon his paint and Massacre has replaced Martini on his windshield.

Jazz has excellent posability, and his heels and feet can be adjusted to ensure his stability. All of his joints are of the ball-and-socket type, granting him excellent range.

For firepower, Jazz has his handgun, two flip out rocket launchers, two long rifles (or electric rods, depending on preference), and a shield on his left arm to protect himself.

Finally, as a Botcon toy, Jazz received a newly molded head. This truly does make him look like a Jazz! All in all, he is an excellent addition to any collection, if not a somewhat unique figure as well!

Shattered Glass Optimus Prime

2008-05-02T22:32:00.002-04:00

In this switched universe, Optimus Prime is evil. Rather than simply turning him into another version of Nemesis Prime, the Botcon designers chose to go with a rather Decepticon inspired purple paint job. Carrying a battered, weathered paint job filled with battle scars, war damage, and scratches, Optimus’s paint is beautifully detailed.

His windshield is cracked, and coated with grime, and his headlights glow an eerie green which casts a strange contrast against his purple paint. The battle slogan, “Till All Are Gone!” is written atop his weather vane, and the Mirrorverse purple Autobot symbol is stamped diagonally onto the sides of his cab mode. In robot mode, these symbols appear on his arm shields, and his optics are now red, while his helmet crest is gold.

The Classics Optimus mold has not suffered from any mold failings, and is as posable and steady as it has always been. The battle slogan was ingeniously placed on the weather vane, allowing it to wind up on his Ion Cannon.

Heavily armed, and wonderfully detailed, Evil Optimus Prime is an odd, and excellent addition to any collection, if one can wrap their head around the idea of an evil Optimus! (Yes, it is very difficult to do!)

They Were The Dream.......

2008-05-02T21:56:00.006-04:00

Greetings one and all, and welcome, to the first of my reviews! I’ll be starting out with the exclusive line from Botcon 2008: Shattered Glass!

This set of reviews and will cover the following toys:

Shattered Glass-Box Set
- Evil Optimus Prime
- Evil Goldbug
- Evil Jazz
- Evil Grimlock
- Heroic Starscream
- Heroic Razorclaw

Shattered Glass-Three Pack
- Evil Rodimus
- Heroic Megatron
- Heroic Divebomb

Shattered Glass-Four Pack
- Evil Blurr
- Heroic Sideswipe
- Heroic Whisper
- Heroic Rampage

Shattered Glass Attendance Figure
- Evil Ricochet

I hope everyone enjoys them!