Jump to content

M'Kyuun

Members
 View Profile  See their activity

  • Posts

    4771

  • Joined

  • Last visited

 Content Type 

Everything posted by M'Kyuun

  1. M'Kyuun
    I believe it's an internal design book at Takara. A member at TFW2005 calling him/herself Cheem the Rup provided the scans.
  2. M'Kyuun
    Nifty. Looks like a pretty involved transformation. Wish that whole upper torso matched the CAD better. That CAD is lovely.
  3. M'Kyuun
    I never thought of it as a beret, so much as weird simulated robo-hair. Anyway, that's not the figure I was thinking of when I made my criticism; I'd forgotten about her, to be honest, even though I used to have her standing guard on my desk. The figure I was thinking of was this: http://www.seibertron.com/transformers-toys/gallery/revenge-of-the-fallen/arcee/1834/1/ That thing was pure atrocity.
  4. M'Kyuun

    Bandai Sv-262 DX valk

    M'Kyuun replied to seti88's topic in Toys

    Ditto. I like to see new designs and transformation systems. I've actually never cared for the Saab Draken, preferring the look of the Viggen, but I can set my bias aside due to how well Kawamori was able to translate it into a valk. I'm also hoping that the VF-54 will come to fruition (that's the 104ish design, IIRC), and that it will have a different transformation, too. No such thing as too many valk designs.
  5. M'Kyuun
    Recently ran across RiD Windblade at the Wally down the road from my house, the first and only time I've seen the toy anywhere in my area (Spokane, WA). I've seen the reviews, mostly negative, but out of impulse or curiosity, I got her. I'll say up front that I've personally liked the overall aesthetic of her bot mode over the Generations toy ever since pics of her emerged (Toyfair or BotCon, I don't recall). Out of the package, I stand by my initial opinion; she has a nice Animated look about her that I really like, and she's just a fun little figure to pose and play around with. Her jet mode leaves a lot to be desired, primarily b/c they just don't do anything with her arms-they just lay along the jet's fuselage looking every bit like...arms. It's a lazy design that seems to have become a bit of a trend with jet TFs, but at least some of the other toys retract the hands and maybe recess the arms a little into the jet mode. Not Windblade. For some strange reason, they gave her a small set of canted flight controls which sit just before her primary horizontal stabs(mounted to two separate panels which fold in the center and serve to cover the gap between her legs in jet mode). The small set just seem superfluous to me. The biggest irritation, though, is the giant scabbard, which is fine in bot mode, but on a small jet, there's nowhere this enormous thing is going to integrate, and so it's just tabbed centerline onto the bottom of the plane, which only has retracting nose gear that subsequently can't extend b/c the scabbard is in the way. It's just a sh!tty design, and it makes me wonder why they can't find ways to integrate arms and weapons( and add retractable main landing gear to aircraft alts). They were doing a pretty good job of it several years ago with the Generations figures, but lazy design seems to prevail of late. RiD Starscream, while he makes an nice looking jet, depending on the viewing angle, again makes me wonder why they don't try to integrate arms. With SS, he has these enormous pauldrons that would have worked sublimely as intakes and served to cover most of the figure's arms in jet mode just by adding an additional hinge to each pauldron, but no. As such, the pauldrons stick out away from the fuselage directly under the wing leading edge, which kills the sleekness, and the arms just peg in on the sides. At least the hands fold out of sight on this figure, and the weapons are small enough to look complimentary in both modes. The RiD line has been a mixed bag- the toys are simpler and targeted at a younger audience, but some of the characters and even some of the transformations are fun and interesting. Bisk stands out to me as being pretty unique (anthropomorphic lobster dude into a sporty car), as well as Thunderhoof, who becomes a farm tractor. In all my 30+ years of collecting TFs, I can't recall ever seeing another figure who transforms into that alt, and the Takara paintob looks lovely on him. I haven't watched the show, but many of the toys catch my attention for one reason or another.
  6. M'Kyuun

    Bandai Sv-262 DX valk

    M'Kyuun replied to seti88's topic in Toys

    Going OT, but I'll agree that the X-32 has a lovely silhouette from directly above, her only flattering angle. From any other view, it's an eyesore. I'm not sure what they had in mind for changes, but in my mind it was always going to look like a fat legless bullfrog about to swallow an insect. IMO, the YF-23 was the far more aggressive looking aircraft with its flat, thin profile, and Northrop was really pushing unconventional design with the wing shaping and use of an all-moving V-tail in lieu of a conventional vertical and horizontal stab configuration. The YF-22 was chosen because pilots favored the more conventional setup, despite the fact that the YF-23 exceeded the YF-22 in the accomplishment of the Air Force's two primary goals: supercruise speed and stealth. In other words, the YF-23 was what the AF wanted performance-wise, but they chose the inferior design for its conventionality. Of course, this is an oversimplification, and many other factors were involved, but from everything I've read/heard, the flight control configuration won them over. OT, I'm surprised AmiAmi are still posting POs for this thing this far out. Is anyone else? Just curious; I managed to get one through AmiAmi on one of their earlier PO reopenings, so I'm happy. I'm just wondering if there's more stock to be had this time around, perhaps b/c Delta wasn't as popular as previous Macross installments and sales are reflecting that. Anyway, I'm glad, and hope that everyone who wants one manages to get one. I wish every Bandai Macross release had this many opportunities for POs.
  7. M'Kyuun
    The whole Animated line was great- both the cartoon and the subsequent toyline. I also had serious reservations when the preliminary pics were shown, but it turned out to be one of my all time favorite toylines, and most of my collection is on permanent display. I can't hang with you on the Bayformer Arcee design- it was abysmal at best, IMHO. But, the world would be a dreadfully dull place if everyone felt as I do, and I'm glad you get some value from the design. Coming back to 3P, I was hoping Toy World's Arcee announcement would have opened the floodgates to at least one or two more MP styled figures by now (b/c it seems like these guys all decide to tackle the same character simultaneously, or they have the designs worked out well ahead of time and just wait for one party to throw down-then character deluge!).
  8. M'Kyuun
    Not so much a poorly designed character, per se (I think Sue Blu did a great job giving her a voice and personality), but indeed a very poorly designed Transformer. There was far too much emphasis on making her anthropomorphically proportionate to a slender human female rather than adding on those bits and pieces requisite to actually becoming a car. Animation magic was employed liberally with her character, and I can certainly understand and sympathize with anyone attempting to make a figure that's faithful to both of her G1 modes. As I said, I think the Generations figure was well done, and the car kibble on her back a necessary sacrifice to get as close as possible in that scale to both of her G1 modes. In a MP scaled figure, I think it's possible, with a little imagination and a lot of plastic origami, to get her closer to both modes and still maintain a decent G1 aesthetic. I'm surprised that Toy World even released that pic, as I would think that a WIP shot. Anyway, the gauntlet is thrown, and I hope other 3P folks bring their experience to the table, as I'd love to own a G1 Arcee that lives up to the MP name. I think Derrick Wyatt's Arcee design for Animated was a nice re-imagining of the G1 character design, and the toy, while not perfect (wish those shins had been filled out better to match the animation), it translated far better from ink to plastic than the original. I also like TF:Prime's Arcee design, although I was a bit bummed that they changed her alt mode to a motorcycle. Still, I have both figures from the line, and both are pretty well done toys that do a good job matching her animated appearance, mostly. Neither is perfect, and don't even mention scale; however, just comparing her toys to the animation, IMHO, Has/Tak did a good job.
  9. M'Kyuun
    Toyworld's trying their hand at a MP styled Arcee: http://tformers.com/toyworld-tw-m06-leia-unofficial-masterpiece-scale-g1-arcee-painted-prototype-images/30560/news.html IMHO, they nailed her bot mode, but after they got the look of the front of her car mode right, they stopped trying on the rear. I'd have expected more effort, esp on a MP styled figure. The Generations figure sill stands as the best looking G1 Arcee toy to me, even with all her back kibble.
  10. M'Kyuun
    The only thing I see on Downbeat that I don't like is the lack of mechanical detail on the silver part below his chest. Even the Generations figure from a few years ago has it. I love that they included his arm winch; I just wish it didn't snap over his hand, but that his hand could retract and the winch attach flush. Minor nitpick on what is otherwise shaping up to be a really nice unofficial Jazz. I like how they designed him to have his wings out or stowed. As noted, this is shaping up to be the Jazz to beat. Hopefully a preview from Chosen Prime is forthcoming soon. I appreciate the early look, even if they are only working with test figs. It gives a good idea of what the final will be like, enough, IMHO, to justify a PO. Edit: posted right after David's comment. If that is the way the rear of the car transforms, it makes this thing like 99% spot on, but that gap is hard to ignore.
  11. M'Kyuun
    Oh, that's nice. In a way, I kinda miss the front wheels perched above the shoulders like the G1 toy- it made his transformation distinctive from the Fairlady bros. Given the popularity of Jazz, I'm really surprised that TT didn't follow up with him after Prowl. Ah well, fertile territory for the 3P folks 'til an official version is announced. BTW, what's with all the "ab crunch" fervor these days. I guess it's cool that they can do it, but really, I have no need of a robot that can do a Michael Jackson pelvic thrust.
  12. M'Kyuun
    Interesting that you mention that; I'd never really given much thought to aircraft, more specifically fighters, as requiring licenses. The F-14 and F-15 are nigh ubiquitous throughout many toy and model lines, as well as many other aircraft. These are, of course, proprietary designs to their respective manufacturers, but it seems as though their likenesses have been used for decades with impunity. I wasn't aware that Lockheed required licensing for the use of the F-22's, and most likely the F-35's, likeness. It makes sense, esp when film-makers want to use them, and the films are going to generate merchandise based on those designs- it's a nice double-dip for Lockheed. However, this is the first I've heard of an aircraft manufacturer seeking fees for licensing a design; I've only heard of car manufacturers requiring licensing, and having some hand in approving final designs, at least with TFs. This conversation brings to mind the recent Action Toys Machine Robo figures of Eagle and Blackbird, the latter of which I've been, ah, testing flight parameters tonight while watching tv. Bet neither of those guys have licensing.
  13. M'Kyuun
    MP Inferno showed up today. Beefy fig with some nice ratchet joints throughout. I actually thought there might be a little die cast in him when pulling the plastic tray out of the box, such was the heft, but no. Just a lot of red plastic. It's a point of pride for me (I lead an extraordinarily dull and fruitless life) to transform my transforming toys without instructions, but I got a little hung up trying to determine how to peg the arms in, and consulted directions. The Sunbow love is readily apparent in the instruction manual, as there are several stills from the old cartoon to illustrate various accessories and features. Anyway, with the arms successfully tabbed, and the figure fully transformed, I had a nice bulky chunk of red robot in front of me, looking somewhat plain, but still kinda cool. Inferno was never really a character that stood out to me, but, having no Inferno toys in my collection, I figured this was the one to get. His plainness owing to TT's slavish devotion to the Sunbow animation is well-known and discussed often, so I won't comment on it further except to point out that his alt mode is a real world fire truck. As such, I would think that tail lights are kinda important on an emergency response vehicle, and that those details would be required as per licensing. Guess not, to the detriment of the alt mode. Some other flaws I noticed on mine were paint not matching in some areas, and the left forearm on mine doesn't want to close flush very well, leaving a quite noticeable little gap. It's a first world problem to which I can adapt and overcome. The good: he's big, beefy, with really nice solid ratchets, a lot of accessories and some nice features lifted straight from the cartoon. Lack of tail-lights and aft bumper aside, he makes a nice looking fire truck with a short extending ladder and extendable outriggers(nice realistic touch). The folding ladder design is pretty slick, and the final bot is very clean. Overall, I'm pretty happy with him. In the back of my mind, though, I think MMC's Backdraft scores more points overall for what I'd like to see in a MP figure. As with all these toys, however, YMMV.
  14. M'Kyuun
    Or just sub it. Even easier.
  15. M'Kyuun

    Bandai Sv-262 DX valk

    M'Kyuun replied to seti88's topic in Toys

    I watched Delta, but it was pretty meh. But I usually buy toys on their own merits regardless of what show they're in, or by how or by whom the toy's animated incarnation was used. I've never understood people's dislike/disinterest of a toy or figure based on their bias from watching a show or reading a manga/comic. A cool toy is a cool toy to me, and I needn't any background to determine if I want it. I will check reviews, however. Also a fan of the YF-23, which remains my favorite fighter aircraft. Every time I see the F-22, I feel like we as a country got robbed.
  16. M'Kyuun
    Looked at some other vid reviews of Terraegis, and none of them seem to have the color contrast. Hoping it's just a one-off, bad angle, or otherwise. I'll find out when I get my copy.
  17. M'Kyuun
    "I've got something cool in my hand; take a look. Promise I won't punch you in the head." I'm still a bit surprised, and perhaps a trifle dismayed, that TT went with a non-G1 transformation system. It's cool that you can swap the chest plate to give him his thrashed Movie look, but it really compromises the look of his upper torso, which is very iconic to Megs. Even non-gun Megatron figures often have their upper body shaped like the pistol slide, and yet this MP figure is lacking it. In all other regards, however, I think TT really cptured the animation aesthetic. Gotta admit, though, he would have looked cooler if he'd been silver, and had a bit of red in those inner legs. My Apollyon does the job in all these respects, so I'll enjoy both for their individual merits.
  18. M'Kyuun
    Y'know, I'm aware of the upcoming Broadside, but didn't even think that he and AT were a shared, albeit modified, mold. They did a good job of differentiating them- normally I pick up on mold reuses, but this one went right past my radar. Thanks for pointing it out. 2017 is a mixed bag for me. I think my biggest disappointments are the triple changer molds for Broadside (carrier is cool, jet mode abysmal), and the eventual Octane mold (both alts are compromised, neither one really looking very good to me.) I'm especially sad about the Octane mold, as I passed on the 2007 Classics toy, as he didn't really look that good to me either. After ten years, I'd have thought they'd do a better job. I'm also sad about the TM Astrotrain mold, as that thing is a trainwreck ( pun sorta unintended), and I was hoping for a well done G1 homage along the lines of Devilstar. It's odd how some of these TM figs are so close to their G1 toy/animation models, and others are just so very far off the mark, at least IMO. I think they missed a good opportunity to give us some nice updated cassette bots with the Blaster/Soundwave figs. I get that cassettes are an anachronism, but having those guys stored in the chests of their respective musical device bots and sent out as scouts is still an awesome play gimmick, and one that would make sense to the younger generation after a little explanation from mom or dad. Fortunately, I think HasTak hit it out of the park with the majority of deluxe and legion class figs.
  19. M'Kyuun
    I wish TT had designed MP-10's rear wheels to fold in like that center pic. That's pretty much an improved MP-10- looks good, except for the silver areas where Autobot symbols are meant to be. Those would have looked far better, IMHO, had they just left them red.
  20. M'Kyuun
    Heh, I'm just a poor muggle. LEGO can still be difficult to separate at times, even with the new narrow orange separator. The minifig crowbar comes in handy, but usually I end up mangling my fingernails trying to get them apart (no more tooth marks on my LEGO). I had an appointment this morning near a Walmart that I know usually stocks new merch as soon as it comes out. Anyway, they had two copies of TM Alpha Trion, which is a character I've never owned in any of the previous TF lines (have they ever made him before?). Anyway, his bot mode looks pretty good, and both his uni-lion and spaceship modes look decent, so I picked him up. Out of the box, I like his bot mode best, which is how I display all my TFs, so that's good. His lion mode would have been better had his back legs been given some articulation. His front legs can be posed from the elbow down, so the front legs/paws can be adjusted for a number of poses. The back legs are pretty much stationary, although I made an attempt to adjust the robot thigh a little to try and give the back leg the appearance of posing, but it looks awkward and just doesn't really work, unfortunately. Uni-lion mode is pretty much a big purple and pink statue. His spaceship mode is reminiscent of an aircraft carrier; I'm not sure if that's what the designers were going for, but that's what it looks like to me, at least the forward fuselage. As with most of these TM figs, he comes with a weapon that's also a seat for the TM when he's not being a head. I think it would have served Alpha Trion's ship mode well had they made that weapon appear more like a small ship in its own right, which could park on and launch from AT's flight deck. Playability, Takara! Anyway, those nitpicks aside, he has a lot of nice paint apps, and he's possessed of all the standard articulation usually seen on voyager class figs, in bot mode. The only real QC issue I found was in his lion mode, the TM figs cockpit, which sits above the front shoulders has two prongs which look like they are meant to slide into corresponding grooves in AT's crotch shield, which covers the robot thighs and forms the lion's lower back(the sword also slides into two grooves at the aft end to form the tail). I tried several times to get those prongs to lock into the grooves on that crotch shield, but they wouldn't do it on my copy. I believe they're intended to help hold the lion mode together, as there's a bit of linkage to swing the bot's waist to lock in front of the robot chest to form the lion torso. As is, it clicks, but it's not a real strong lock, and I can only assume that those parts on his back would help solidify the lion mode. Overall, I think he's a decent figure, good but not great. I really had no interest in getting him based on previous pics; it was more an impulse buy, and a desire to add an Alpha Trion figure to the collection. My only familiarity with AT is from the 80's cartoon, and I don't recall his ever transforming, or even having the ability, so I'm hazarding a guess that this fig's alts are based on IDW or some other interpretation of the character. I'm too lazy to research. My feeling after messing with him for a bit was that my money most assuredly would have been better spent on one of the LEGO Batman Movie sets. Hindsight... Edit: Followup to Alpha Trion- I finally got the TM cockpit and the crotch shield to connect in lion mode. It's a firm connection, and indeed, does hold the lion mode together very solidly. I'm thinking I had my mouth in the wrong configuration the first time around- holding your mouth right makes all the difference.
  21. M'Kyuun
    That does look cool, like a transforming Zoid. Great use of color, and all that tampo.
  22. M'Kyuun
    The Combiner Wars combining figures would have been good Transformer starting toys as well- most were pretty simple. The smaller legion class toys are pretty simple as well, but there's also the hazard of smaller parts, in the event your son likes to taste his toys before ordering them into combat. I say this thinking of myself around four or five using my teeth as brick separators for LEGO, regular LEGO (I never had Duplo). I chewed the crap out of some of those parts, but, fortunately, never inhaled nor swallowed any of them.
  23. M'Kyuun
    Me too. Big opportunities lost for us fans, and for LEGO. Stefan Edlinger, AKA Brickmasta, built a lovely version of the Batwing from the LEGO Movie. Worth checking out: https://www.flickr.com/photos/brickmasta/
  24. M'Kyuun
    No, but years ago I watched Postcards from the Edge, based on one of Fisher's novels. The only things I remember from the movie were Meryl Streep singing, and a scene where her character, an actress, was being filmed in a scene made to look like she's hanging from a balcony. She's holding a conversation with someone off stage and makes a resigned gesture with her hands, which looks comical given the audience's POV. My understanding is that she's a talented writer, with an acerbic wit. She's had a longer career as an author than as an actress, so I imagine she's mastered her craft.
  25. M'Kyuun
    Phoenix is sharp. I wish TT would make an official version- Generations Jetfire is cool, but he's not this. Looking forward to seeing a review of this figure.
×
×
  • Create New...