M'Kyuun

counter-clockwise for me, no matter whether I look at her head or her feet.

SilverStreak and Sideswipe look good, but then they're repaints of molds I already like. I wish Sideswipe had a different head and leg transformation to set him apart even more than just the chest. Ironhide looks cool, very G-1ish in bot mode. His truck mode looks like a Chinese puzzle box with all the seams. I don't care, though..he'll be mine. :)Silverbolt...well, he looks like his G1 inspiration. He's a typical slightly-folded-robot-under-an-airplane-fuselage design..utterly craptastic and lazy. Whilst I don't care for Powerglide's new incarnation, at least he has a decent transformation scheme. TFA Ultra Magnus & Sentinal Prime look great. SP's toy looks better than his cartoon version IMHO, more T-formerish with the wider lower legs. From the cartoon, I thought his legs would tuck up in the truck mode YF-21 style and not be a part of the vehicle. Glad I was wrong. Swoop looks good in both modes, but his wings are pretty darn small for a pterodactyl. BB repaint is OK, but I think I'll just get his all-yellow version out of pure shameless nostalgia.

I've been collecting LEGO since I was about 4, which is approx 32 years now. But I really started building up my collection around '99 when LEGO acquired the Star Wars license and now I collect across alot of themes. Speaking of SW, I've been collecting the odd fig, vehicle since '95. I also have quite a few T-formers, some SOC and Kaiyodo Evas, abt 11 Yammies, a Chunky Monkey, an original Jetfire, and a Bandai VF-17 and VF-19. There are other odd figs in there too, but the bulk of my collecting is LEGO and T-formers, with one of each new Yammie Valk (b/c they're so darned pricey)

QFT The Gobot line featured alot of different aircraft from different time periods, and the jet/plane modes were generally very well done. Although I veered more towards the Transformers, I did have have a handful of Gobots or Gobot knockoffs, and I remember thinking they were pretty cool..smaller than T-formers, but the vehicle modes were pretty detailed. The submarine guy was cool..still have him around here somewhere. It's almost a shame that Hasbro acquired the line and license, as I wouldn't have minded seeing an updated line to todays articulation standards in the same scale. Something about small, intricate toys, esp transforming toys, that I really find fascinating.

The enlarged legs look better to me, too, Canuck, but i imagine the fighter would would suffer serious fatass syndrome with the bigger bell bottoms. I can live with the scrawny legs, if only, unlike T-formers which are robots that transform into stuff, these are fighters which transform into robots, the emphasis mostly on the fighter. On this note, isn't it odd that Has-Tak can make some pretty darned good land vehicles that transform into some pretty good robots(esp over the last 3 or 4 years), but just cannot make a sleek fighter, MP Starscream( SK's design) and the Robot Masters Seeker designs being the mere few exceptions. The Classics Seeker design was OK, but the entire forward fuselage, much like almost every T-former jet to date, is too small when compared to the rest of the jet. Massive undercarriage seems to curse the rest of the T-former jets...maybe it's glandular. As much as i loath the fugly F-22 ( yes, i think it's a boxy, diamond shaped turd with vectored thrust, esp when compared to the sleek and beautiful YF-23), i thought, given the attention to detail on the licensed Movie toys, that Movie Starscream would be on par with Kawamori-san's Starscream in terms of the jet's accuracy. As we all know, it was not to be, although every other licensed vehicle, including Blackout, are very accurate in their vehicle forms. The kicker is, Takara is a Japanese company who have even worked with SK over the years, no doubt have heard of a little thing called the Macross Saga and have seen the plethora of toys and models, and yet cannot take a few hints from Kawamori's How to Make a Sleek, Realistic Fighter and Shed that Unwanted Energon Belly While Enlarging Your Embarrassingly Small Cockpit handbook. One can only shrug incredulously and, perhaps, shake the head, wondering what coulda been.

I have 2 1/48 VF-1 Valks that I bought and shelved without transforming, but I also have one that I keep out at the ready on my Valk shelf in the living room. The 1/48 is the only Yammie of which I've ever bought copies.

That's cool, but I don't know how you can just put it on a shelf unmolested...they are so much finger crack to me. I swear my YF-19 whimpers in the night if I don't pay it some attention after a few days.

I'm looking forward to getting mine from HLJ..got the spot cleared and ready next to my YF-19. Although I like the YF-19 better, the 21's resemblance to the YF-23 earns huge cool points with me. I never cared for the 21's battroid as much, although it's still a really cool design considering its intentional Zentraedi Armor aesthetic. The belly plates seem like so much kibble that I wonder why SK didn't just make the legs fit flush into shaped holes along the ventral surface in fighter mode. If they flushed up, they'd be non-obtrusive and the guns could attach directly to the outside lower legs or at the knee, rotating 180 deg in Battroid for a "gunslinger" look. The lower bell-bottom of the leg could be slightly more emphasized, looking more like flared nacelles on the fighter. Just my random thoughts. I fear the glaring eyes of the Disciples of His Utmost Froatiness may fall harshly upon me for my blatant blasphemies. I'm also curious why some of you pay the $200+ for a Yammie, transform it once, and shelf it forever in the mode of choice, esp those who really vehemently dislike one mode or the other. For example, if I really hated the battroid of the YF-21, or Yamato's take on it, I'd be more willing to spend that money on a model of the fighter and commission a skilled modeler, or try my own hand if I had skilz. Is it just the coolness of Knowing you can transform it if so desired, or you're a completist, or Yamato is the shiz, or just b/c it's really the only toy of its kind right now and that gives it value now and in the future? For my part, I shell my hard-earned ducats for these b/c I love transformable mecha, esp with realistic alt modes and high articulation, and SK's variable aircraft are still at the top of my list in terms of realism, aesthetics, and engineering. And Yamato, IMHO, have set the bar high, the many past flaws and self detaching limbs and backpacks notwithstanding. Anyway, i thought I'd ask after having read various posts over the years of people buying these and seldom or never transforming them...like a handjob from Jenna Jameson, seems like your paying full price for half the pleasure. My $.02 -M'Kyuun

Given the sleekness of the fighter mode, I think Yamato did well capturing the look of the 21's B-mode without compromising one or the other too much. The legs look skinny in the pics, but I'll be happier to judge proportions when I can turn it this way and that and stand it next to my 19. For what it's worth, it's a pretty damned good looking toy as is, and I can overlook the slim legs for what it contributes to the fighter. I just hope the joints are solid and it balances well enough to pose a bit.

I saw Robotech for the first time back iin the late 90's and thought it was pretty good(the Macross section, it sucked after that), but what really got me was seeing early pics of the then unreleased 1/72 YF-19 and some other pics of the Plus Valks in a Japanese hobby magazine in a comic book store. I bought the Macross Plus OVA on VHS and I was an instant convert.

However, I'm glad, as I know you are, that they have given the fans an unprecedented amount of influence over the direction of their products over the last decade, and perhaps that has worked in their favor. BTW, belated congrats on being selected to design the new Factory Space sets, a very neat approach by TLC to renew the Space theme. The only thing I lament is that Factory's pallette is still very limited, although I can understand why from TLC's POV. Still, the Space theme will definitely enhance the existing pallette..I look forward to the next upgrade on LDD, and my thanks to you ,Admiral, and Mr. Sandlin, for taking part in making that happen.

I heartily agree. I've never followed the story at all. Kids might follow the story, but ultimately, I think it's what's on the box that sells the kit. While a few 2007 sets were ok, there were some real letdowns, ie the big battle wagon( I forget the actual name). Too, the 2006 line benefitted from the addition of really well made alternate models that sometimes looked better than the primary, as well as mecha created from the combination of 2 specific sets, all with online instructions. In other words, the first line was about building and possibilities with the sets themselves, backed by a story. The 2007 line did away with alternates, much like the whole of LEGO sets now, and replaced a good gimmick with code pieces that one must look up on the LEGO website. The codes, as I understand it, implied additional storyline abilities of the mecha, rather than contributing to the building process. So, by abandoning the very essence of what LEGO produces and promotes, a promising line failed. The 2008 sets are much improved, but too late to save the line.

Actually, the 2008 line is pretty decent. The 2007 line didn't do well, spelling its doom.

Just imagine what Kawamori-san could have done for the line, though. Vostok 7 I do, and then I go to my dark 'Why God?' corner and cry silently.

As you mentioned Vostok 7, I think LEGO would have definitely done themselves a service by contracting Kawamori to design the 2007 EF line, or a different line of transforming mecha. As Grand Admiral can tell you, LEGO puts new concept sets through some rigorous testing before release, so some of his ideas may not have been compatible, but surely he could have produced some impressive models nonetheless. If nothing else, a UCS mini-fig scale transforming plane (maybe a cargo plane, as LEGO might frown on a fighter) would be uber-groovy. Regarding the VAN-Force, no special pieces were used or created apart from those in the official Exo-Force sets. More's the pity, as I'd love to see some smaller ratcheting joints made. The friction technic pins work to a point, but can't bear much weight. The current ball joints are likewise. Yeah, I'm a LEGO geek.

C'mon, has to be that way for the American ADD Starbucks crowd. Nuance and subtlety would do well in European and Eastern markets, but not so much in the US. This will most likely be a PG-13 story tied to an action figure line, replete with inane one-liners, explosions, too-pretty to be real 20-somethings, and a reimagined storyline to "fit" with the modern world..i.e. the usual thoughtless drek targeting the teen demographic. I hope I'm wrong and the director chooses to make it in the same vein as 300 and Sin City, very true to the original graphic novels.

I'm just glad that the 1/60 scale are being produced for the Soul of Chogokin line. (off topic, sorta) I bought the SoC Eva figs a few years back and they were really well done. Been thinking about getting one of the new Rebuild figs...much improved articulation, and the armor comes off revealing the Eva's true form. (on topic) SoC is their premier collector's line, and I hope they bring all their experience and craftsmanship to the Frontier toys. Granted, I'd like to see Yamato's take as well, since they've proven their dedication to the Macross line. In the end, i hope both companies make excellent versions of the VF-25...competition is good for the wallet.

I want a motoslave, but this thing in no way looks like a $70 toy. Makes me wish that Takara would get the license and produce it in their Microman line. Takara has a little experience making transforming toys, so I think they'd do an admirable job at a much, much more reasonable price. And, it wouldn't hurt for Yamato to have some friendly competition. To their credit, it's a good business strategy...make toys of somewhat obscure older anime, thereby monopolizing that particular market wherein any price can be affixed free of competition. Takara, if you're reading this, please give this project to Alex Kubalsky...I'd love to see his version of the various Motoslaves. So, are they better off selling this at a high price through limited distributors with little to no advertising, or lowering the price to a level that is attractive to retailers such as Target, Walmart, etc., bolstered by an advertising campaign, such as releasing the series on DVD with the usual updates, or creating commercials with new animation or CG action scenes? I'm just a dumb aircraft mechanic, but it seems to me the latter would net greater sales, awareness of product and product inspiration(whereby the animation distributor gets a boost in the market too), and a more global reputation for making affordable , well-executed toys based on older shows that enjoyed a fair bit of popularity back in their day, and are cult faves today.

Which paint job..bot or dino? Maybe it's the lighting, but the dino pic looks a little too dayglo; the dark colors on the bot pic are perfect IMHO. Jazz will definitely take his place among my top favorite T-formers of all time. His alt does look alot like the Mach 5, but still keeps the Porche look too. It's an awesome design, and the big mirrors just give it more character, along with the "eyelids" over the headlights. But where this fig shines is how smooth and kibble free the bot mode is. The hips are nearly on par with the Revoltech figs. Oil Slick was a nice surprise..i like how grasshopperish his bot mode looks, and his chopper mode is cool. He looks like a loner bot of the green plains and open roads. Cheesy, yes, but fitting. Rant: So why is it that Hasbro/Tak-Tomy even in this line with this toony aesthetic, can't seem to make an aircraft TF as smooth and kibblefree as many of the car bots in this line? Macross proves that it can be done, and done to an extremely realistic, well proportioned level. They tried with SS, but he still has a lot of gaps and his jet nose is just fugly. And as much as I want to love earth mode Megs, his copter fom seems unimaginitive and kibbled. Love his bot form, though, as well as his Cybertron bot mode. Cybertron Megs' alt mode just makes me wanna turn it every which way and quit with a WTF shrug.

Excellent job so far. Looking at the original, the paint seems much flatter. Are you planning on leaving it glossy, or applying a dullcoat? Either way, it looks phenomenal. Can't wait to see it finished!

I didn't like the Classics version of Jetfire..it looked ok in bot mode, but it's jet mode was lacking, and lazy. I would have liked to see a faithful rendition of Skyfire from the show...Classics Jetfire tried too hard to be a VF-1 and a futuristic jet, and just came off looking blech. Classics Galvatron looks pretty good. They picked a suitable alt, and carried out both modes very well, IMHO. I'm psyched about Prowl(he was my first TF back in '84; still love his "look") and Sunstreaker. I'm anxious to see how much Sideswipe looks like the SDCC art. The other '08 Classics haven't really thrilled me. On a side note, Hasbro/Takara-Tomy must really like Alt Mirage's leg transformation. Sunstreaker/Sideswipe, Prowl, and TFA jazz all share the same leg transformation, although their original G1 designs were different. TFA just seems to get better. Jazz, in particular, is just pure plastic awesomeness. Leader Megs looks pretty good; I like his earth alt mode, but he looks more kibbled in bot mode than most of the other Animated figs. Soundwave looks interesting, but I think something better could have been done with Laserbeak than making him some weird spoiler on top of SW's van form. It would have been much cooler had he folded up and secreted away in SW's chest in alt mode, then popped out to become his guitar or condor. Blackarachnia looks great except for her hands in spider mode. It would have looked alot better had they made her arms similar to TFA Prowl's, where the spider leg attachment on her arm is a hollow sheath that can swivel over and cover her hands in spider mode. The way it is now, those hands stick out, well, like a big pair of purple hands. I'll still get her though. I was hoping to see the TF:A Dinobots, but I haven't found any pics from ToyFair. The Marvel TFs actually look decent. Iron man looks pretty smooth in jet form..doesn't look like he suffers the typical massive undercarriage syndrome suffered by so many legions of Transformer jets in the past. Hulk looks good in bot and tank forms. I'll prob pass on these, just the same. TFA and a couple Classics will be filling my shelves this year. Funny, despite hearing that Hasbro's already gearing up to make more movie figs for TF2, I'm not in the least interested. I've found my happy place amongst the Classics and Animated figs.

I wish they'd put his engines on his back in bot mode. His fiery man-boobs just ruin the fig for me. On the other hand, his legs look cool in bot mode, but disrupt the smoothness of the alt's forward fuselage.

Two other things I liked: the liquid metal was called Destronium, paying homage to the Japanese name for Decepticons, i.e. Destrons; and Sari sulking; it's not explicitly stated that he separated them, but seeing her watch BB unhappily from Prime's cab, after Prime made him remove his jets, was golden.

It's definitely worth it if the toys give you a sense of awe, or pride, or happiness, and you have the spare ducats lying around to throw at a collector's toy. I have and always will love transformable mecha, and the new Yamato 1/60 line and the 1/48 VF-1 series are, to me, some the best ever produced, and IMHO, the best Macross variable toys produced to date, so to me, they are worth every penny, little flaws notwithstanding. Choosing just one is tough, but there are plenty of us here that own these toys and will gladly give you the pros and cons. If I had to choose just one, ultimately I'd hold out for the upcoming 1/60 VF-1. The 1/48 is damn near perfect, The VF-0 gave Yamato an opportunity to take the basic VF-1 design and innovate, and the new 1/60 looks to be a smaller, more refined version of the 1/48. And, the VF-1 is the quintessential variable fighter in all of Macross. hope this helps. -M'Kyuun

I like both complex and easy transformations, but articulation really sells me. Classics Mirage is my favorite of the Classics line, and maybe my favorite Transformer of all. His alt mode looks great, and his robot form is pure love...easy transformation, great aesthetics(I like skinny bots), prob the best articulation of any T-former to date, and virtually no kibble(the front wheel assembly detracts mildly- would have been cooler if Alex Kubalsky(sp?) had designed them to hinge down to lay under the chest/intakes.) I hope AK is involved more with the second wave of Classics, as he really has an incredible talent for incorporting a high level of articulation while maintaining the vehicle aesthetic. His Movie BB and Classics BB both illustrate the point as well. Can't say I care too much for this new Sunstreaker..looks like a kitbashed Alt Mirage to me, and I didn't like the leg design on him. I hope they make him, or at least Sideswipe, look just like the art shown at SDCC, i.e just like G1, only poseable with a, IMHO, better looking Lambourghini-esque car mode. While seemingly needlessly complex, Alt Grimlock is still my favorite, with the RX-8 molds(Jazz/Meister and Shockwave) second, and Skids my third. Most of my collection are Binaltech, so the metal content makes them heavier and harder on the joints, so I tend not to play with them. Actually, I don't really play with any of my toys, except Classics Mirage, who is just straight-up excellent. Payload is prob my favorite Movie/game toy..his alt mode looks good, he's very well articulated, and looks fierce in robot mode. The Alt RX-8 design really was a step up from the Suburu- the way the legs form the back seat is just awesome, and its poseability is much improved. I never liked the wheels touching the ground on these and the original G-1 designs' feet, and I wish they'd made them fold flat against the bottom of the feet, but still a great toy, and probably the most playable of the Alt/Binaltechs, IMHO. G1 Prowl was my first T-former, and I've been partial to his "look" ever since. I'm really looking forward to the Animated toys. If you can get past the cartoony aesthetic, they're superbly designed, capturing the cartoon look very well, and still managing to have remarkably poseable and kibble-less to nearly kibble-less robot modes. I can't wait to see the Earth-alt Megatron prototype. I like the Osprey, and it's a new direction to go with Megs. I'm more excited for these toys than I was for the Movie.. I still don't care for the Movie designs that much, although some of the toys were unique, and well articulated for the most part. Su's work is more to my liking..very G1, but with very detailed joints, hydraulics and such, making them look more realistic.