Optimus Prime Collection

It's spring cleaning here in the Dungeon, and I have to ask: "Do I have too many Optimus Primes?" 

If you like us on Facebook and can name ALL the Optimus Primes presented here I will give you an Optimus Prime voice changer helmet.

CLUES:

• NOT ALL OF THEM ARE OPTIMUS PRIMES
• One of the Primes is combined with another Prime
• The Star Sabre that in the shelf does not count. 
• Yes there's a Prime in the armor

Happy New Year!!!!

Chuck Norris Split

Following the mind-blowing truck split of Jean Claude Van Damme, a lot of people started asking "What would Chuck Norris do?" Well here's what he would do!!!! Van Damme who? Chuck Norris is a god!!!!!

Merry Christmas from Chuck Norris and the Dark Lord Dungeon!!!! :D

STAR WARS Yoda & Kybuck

Presenting Yoda and his Kybuck from the STAR WARS 30th Anniversary Coin Collection.

This is not the first time that Yoda and his trusty steed appeared in the Dungeon. Yoda and his Kybuck were featured as the 32nd coin in my STAR WARS 30th Anniversary Coin Collection.  

Yoda's Kybuck was a gift from a princess from Woolwarricca the prairie district of Kashyyyk (one of 33 that he revcieved over the years). None of Yoda's Kybucks had names because Jedi do not believe in possessions and therefore Yoda did not believe that he was their master - he was their friend. As a result Yoda would call his Kybucks via the Force. It was the Kybuck's option to follow.

Marvel Universe Aurora

Presenting Aurora from the final Marvel Universe series.

Born the mutant Jeanne-Marie Beaubier, she developed a split personality thanks to a strict religious upbringing that condemned her mutant flight/speed powers as demonic.

As a result, the fun loving, flirty adventurer personality that called herself Aurora came to exist and the two personalities: Aurora and the meek-as-a-mouse conservative personality of Jeanne Marie would clash and conflict over the years that she served as a member of Alpha Flight - part of why a lot of people - including myself - loved that series.

Eventually the Aurora personality would win out though she picked up several more personalities along the way.

Originally, Aurora would require physical contact with her twin Brother Northstar to generate light, but during a mission where she was critically injured, she was genetically modified and started being able to manifest light on her own. As a result of that surgery, she also should lose her powers upon contact with Northstar, but that's evolved and now physical contact with her brother allows them to generate light AND heat.

Star Wars Republic Scout Speeder

Presenting the STAR WARS Clone Wars Republic Scout Speeder.

I'm not quite sure if this qualifies as a STAR WARS Mini-rig, but like most mini-rigs, the Republic Scout Speeder is currently non-canonical to the STAR WARS Universe.

In a nutshell the Republic Scout Speeder is the smaller cousin of the Infantry Support Platform/Republic Swamp Speeder.

Whereas the Clone Infantry Support Platform was designed to literally be a floating platform for various purposes including the transport of infantry, the Scout Speeder is a gunship.

Both vehicles are repulsorlift vehicles propelled by fan blades, but the Republic Scout Speeder fits only two and is surprisingly more heavily armed. Think of it as a fast moving, harasser capable of entering tight spots and literally running circles around the enemy.

Christmas in the Dungeon

Christmas is, literally around the corner. Here's what the Christmas tree in the Dungeon looks like, this year invaded by Autobots and one Decepticon.

Marvel Universe Black Knight

Presenting the Black Knight from what is supposedly the last Marvel Universe series Toyline.

Here's the thing about this figure, this particular incarnation of the Black Knight is credited as being Sir Percy of Scandia - the original (Though he later claims not to be the first) Black Knight from the time of King Arthur - and not Dane Whitman, the Modern 616 Universe Black Knight - despite bearing the appearance of Dane Whitman.

This particular Marvel Universe Black Knight doesn't even bother to give the Black Knight an Ebony Blade. The sword he bears is a dull gray one. It's possible that this could be a nod to the "Sword of Light" that Dane Whitman was granted by the Lady of the Lake, but then as mentioned, this is not Dane Whitman.

Transformers Prime Ultra Magnus - Commander Class

Presenting the Transformers Prime Commander Class Ultra Magnus.

I love Ultra Magnus though I've always felt a bit sorry for him. Not only does Ultra Magnus bear baby-blue, he'll always be second-fiddle to Optimus Prime. He never seems to match up.

I mean he gets the Matrix of Leadership from Prime in the Transformers Movie and what happens? He gets blown up.

He leads a charge against Megatron in Transformers Prime, gets his ass kicked, and gets rescued by Optimus Prime.

Ultra Magnus leads another battle against Predaking, gets his ass handed to him again, rescued by Optimus Prime AGAIN, and this time loses not just his hammer, but his right hand as well.

Face it, Ultra Magnus has future villain written all over him.

Maybe that's why he wields a hammer to begin with and leads a team called the "Wreckers." He has a lot of pent up issues.

Bumblebee Mobile Battle Bunker

Presenting the Transformers Dark of the Moon Bumblebee Mobile Battle Bunker.

Admittedly this is a late purchase. Years late. It was on sale. I think this is the third year that it went on sale. I have no idea where they store these prior to the Christmas season and I have no idea where they sourced these. They just keep popping up around this time.

So I thought "What the hell, might as well." and here we are.

In a nutshell, what we have here is a non-canonical military looking vehicle hauler that can carry up to two Legion Class Transformer figures. The Hauler itself defined as the APC mode; a "launcher" stand that can be used as a base to launch cars with a little boost or as a launch pad for Bumblebee (As a part of the Battle Bunker becomes a jetwing) called the "Battle Base" mode, and; what you see here, a Mobile Battle Bunker - though it's not really a Bunker when you think about it, and it's defined as the "Assault Vehicle Mode"  - that allows Bumblebee to gun away while the Hauler drives backwards.

So it's not really a Bunker.

Captain DIY

Presenting Captain DIY - or Captain America - in a Chinese KO Megablock form.

I've long seen these Chinese Knock-off proliferating the alleyways and streets of the more seedy parts and sections of the Metro, and I have to admit a certain level of attraction. I've long wanted to buy one of them, but I never have - citing the fact that I have to stick to what I collect as what I should be buying.

So when a dear friend finally gave me one I leaped with joy at the chance to play with it.

Although I'm pretty sure that I've once again brought myself under the possibility of suffering from Lead poisoning. After his construction, my fingers had that same "coated" feeling that I got after constructing that KO Chinese Optimus Prime.

Still really cool.

Blackest Day by Aaron James Payumo

*At this point I'd like to give room to a friend of mine who survived typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan). This is a first person account. He's a survivor, but he lost both his parents in this tragedy. We hope that the kind readers of this blog would find it in their hearts to help him rebuild.


Blackest Day

by Aaron James Payumo
November 8, 2013 will be the day forever etched in the minds of people.
November 7, 2013. After lunch.
We were happy. We felt safe. My mom and I made sure everything they would need for the next two or three days were sufficient. We had snacks, we watched TV, I taught my mom how to use Facebook so she could while away the time looking at pictures and chatting with friends and family. When I went home around 2PM to check on our house, Mommy also sent me to get her blanket and extra pillow because Daddy took all of theirs. He loved being wrapped in bed sheets and blankets until only his face was exposed.

Around 3PM, I went back to the hotel, and checked on them again. Daddy and Binang were happy watching TV while Mommy was busy figuring out how to see the pictures of our friends. I left around 5PM and told them I’ll be picking them up tomorrow. Mommy even went out of their room to see me off.

November 7, 2013. Around 7PM.
Time flew so fast, my friend Luisito and his family, his wife Kim, 2-month old baby Adam and 4-year old boy Luis was staying with us that night. The winds were eerily calm and we were waiting. I didn’t know what time my brother, Marlo, in Australia called but I kept telling him to call Mommy.

We were already planning Mommy and Daddy’s migration to Australia and when will they return to the Philippines for vacation.

Time passed. We slept.

November 8, 2013. Around 3AM.
My girlfriend Daisy and I prepared coffee since we really couldn’t sleep. Checking on Luisito, who was already awake, he said that all is well.

STAR WARS: Darth Malgus Vintage Edition

Presenting Darth Malgus the False Emperor from the Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic Vintage Edition toy series.

Darth Malgus was the guy who made black armor and respirators cool before Darth Vader and Bane did.

Darth Malgus is one of the finer examples of how the use of Dark Side of the Force taxes the physical limitations of the user. The respirator is the result of injuries that he received in a surprise Sith attack on the planet Alderaan where he encountered and was forced to retreat by she who would become Jedi Grand Master Satelle Shan - a direct descendant of the great Revan and wife Jedi Bastila Shan.

Darth Malgus is also the only bad-ass I know to wear not ONE!!!! But TWO!!!! CAPES - despite the recommendation "No Capes!"

Silk Spectre II (Modern)

Presenting DC Direct's Silk Spectre II (Modern).

This is what happens when you have long weekends, you start to break out the DVDs and watch classic superhero films.

The 2009 Watchmen movie may have gained mixed reviews in the box office, it did indeed spark a cult following. I suppose I belong to that following on the simple basis that I'm a die-hard fan of Malin Ackerman's portrayal of Laurie Juspeczyk AKA Silk Spectre II or Silk Spectre Modern.

I'm a fan not only because she's "Used to going out at 3AM and doing something stupid", and how dangerous a hand-to-hand combatant she is, but because she's probably the only super-heroine I know that has nipples on her costume - either that or her nipples are hard enough to push through thick latex.

MOTU Classics Temple of Darkness Sorceress

Presenting the Temple of Darkness Sorceress from the He-Man & Masters of the Universe (MOTU) Classics toy-line.

Okay I have to admit that when I got this I thought that she was really hot and sexy and all that which is why I got her to begin with.

Then I realized that I had purchased one of the nicest drag queen action figures ever made for the toy market.

Not only does the Temple of Darkness Sorceress come with a Cher inspired headdress, she also comes with a cape that spreads open when she raises her arms and is all shining, shimmering, splendid when shot in a reflective white photo-box with indirect white light.

The Sorceress had me singing Lady Gaga's Edge of Glory before the shoot was over.

Human Alliance Bumblebee

Presenting the Transformers Human Alliance Bumblebee.

It actually did take me a while to get this particular Transformer that's been out in the market for quite a while now - I think two years. While I admired the design and heard great things about it, I was a) Not a Bumblebee collector, and; b) Severely turned off by the price - it was being sold locally for something like PhP 3,200 (Roughly US$ 73), which was waaaay too pricy for another Bumblebee - especially since it included a Sam Witwicky figure.

I hate Sam Witwicky. All he does in the movie is run around, screaming like a little girl and yell out "Optimus!!!" everytime Optimus Prime makes an appearance - like his herald - despite the fact that everyone can already see the big lug barreling down the road - or soaring across the sky.

But when the price dropped.... BAM!!!!

Toy Kingdom Toy Warehouse Sale Year 7

It's the Toy Kingdom Toy Warehouse Sale Year 7! And it's happening this November 1, 2 & 3 at the Megatrade Hall 1 & 2 of SM Megamall!

If you're a toy collector, you know that you ABSOLUTELY have to go to this event lest you miss out on potential bargains on those drool worthy items that you've always coveted.

Come early because we expect a deluge of shoppers coming over to beat the Holiday rush.

Get up to 70% off on branded toys, gadgets and games during this event.  For more information, like Toy Kingdom a on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram  or call their hotline at 638-TOYK (638-8695).

See you there!!!!

Optimus Prime Lego KO

Presenting a KO version of Optimus Prime.

This is BingTianWang of the Hundred Changes Jin Gang. I have no idea what that means. All I know is that THAT is a Michael Bay Transformers Movie designed Optimus Prime.

I came across this Chinese KO in a store called UNO - that I wanted to actually bring up on trademark violations - that sells cheap stuff in Waltermart here in the South of Metro Manila in a place called Bicutan.

We were looking for cheap Christmas decor when we came across a few rows of Legos, and there he was, a single box just sitting there.

Now I positively abhor Lego and he's a cheap knock-off but hey! How can you beat the grand price of PhP 439 (Roughly US$ 9.99)?

So here he is.

Transformers Optimus Prime FWI-3 Jet Power Upgrade Kit

Presenting the Transformers Optimus Prime FW-3 Jet Power Upgrade Kit.

For the uninitiated, in the Transformer Revenge of the Fallen movie, the recently brought back from the dead Optimus Prime gets his ass handed to him by the Fallen. A mortally wounded aging Jetfire starts throwing his parts at Optimus Prime declaring that his parts will help Prime defeat the Fallen. The Autobots Rachet and Jolt provide an electrical conduit that magnetically combines Prime with the parts of Jetfire resulting in a really cool incarnation of Optimus Prime that he sadly just shrugs off after he beats the crap out of the Fallen - then again Jetfire's parts by that time were really beat up.

Though he does get to say "Let's Roll!!!" before leaping up into the sky.

Arcee Upgrade Dr Wu TP07 Courageous

Presenting TP 07 Courageous, the unofficial third party Transformers Prime Arcee's upgrade from Dr Wu.

I really, really love the First Editon Transformers Prime Arcee. Not just because it's a robot with chimichangas, but because she really is a wonder of engineering. Here we have a transformers that is solid, possesses incredible articulation (Relatively if you forgive the limitations of her shoulder pauldrons), and looks really good - kinda hot actually.

So when I saw that Dr Wu - a 3rd party (read as: illegal or frowned upon by Hasbro) Transformers accessories creator had an upgrade for her - the TP-07 Courageous, I just had to get the upgrade - even if Arcee isn't a primary collection item in the Dungeon.

STAR WARS INT-4 Interceptor Mini-Rig

Presenting the Star Wars Empire Strikes Back INT-4 Interceptor. This is was originally a non-canon vehicle that was released waaaay back in 1984.

A sweet dear friend of mine actually had the audacity to mention that she wasn't born when this particular toy was released. It was a fine reminder though that I've been a "toy-collector" (In the sense that my parents bought me toys) for over thirty years.



Anyway, this particular vehicle is quite dear to me because it was the first ever vehicle that my mom bought for me all those years ago. My original one was lost to up-trading ages ago, so you have no idea how much being reunited with one just like it in near mint condition means to me - almost brought me to tears actually. (Long sigh).

I miss my mom.

Anyway, this is no-longer a non-canon vehicle, unlike most of the Star Wars Mini-Rings are,  having finally made an appearance in the book "Lando Calrissian and the Starcave of ThonBoka"

UFO Replacement Hands for Optimus Prime

Presenting Replacement Hands for Optimus Prime from UFO (Unknown Factory Originals).

Sigh. I've modified my DOTM DA-28 Striker Optimus Prime so many times it's no longer a Striker Prime. Why'd I even bother spending so much to get one? I should have just gotten a regular one off the shelves if I was going to ditch the shield and blasters in favor of the UFO War Axe and Shield. And now I've replaced his hands!

But I suppose it's all worth it. I first espied the replacement hands from Unknown Factory Originals (UFO) around a month back and said "Wow! Think of the possibilities that having that kind of articulation will give your Optimus Prime!"

And I have to admit that premonition was right. This was one of the most fun shoots I've ever had.

Transformers Prime Beast Hunters Arcee

Presenting Arcee from the Transformers Prime Beast Hunters series.

I really liked the Transformer Prime First Edition Arcee so I was tempted when this particular version of Arcee came out. Sure there have been at least two (?) Transformer Prime versions that followed the First Edition version counting the Legion Class version, but something about this particular Arcee caught my eye.

Must be because it's hard to imagine why a race of mechanical beings would even bother having a gender. Or in layman's terms: "Why does Arcee have boobs?"

But that will actually stir up a hornets nest from Transformers fans who will actually cite the fact that Transformers can reproduce sexually (But again since they're machines, they still don't need genders when you think about it), and which will probably end up in a discussion involving the Matrix, a female Oracle and a male Colonel Sanders.

So let's just enjoy that Arcee has boobs.

Cyclops Marvel Legends Wolverine Series

Presenting, Cyclops from the Marvel Legends Wolverine Series.

Finally Marvel releases the modern uniform of Cyclops just when he changes uniforms.

I'm not a Cyclops fan. I haven't been a Cyclops fan since the schism; I haven't been a Cyclops fan since AvX, and I'm certainly not a Cyclops fan now that he goes around crossing his arms in an X (So juvenile).

Why shouldn't I like the rebel leader of a splinter group of X-Men? Because Rogue is right: Cyclops has replaced his former insecurities with leadership with the inability to accept the possibility that he is wrong.

He's not only killed Xavier, he spits on Xavier's dream everyday and I'm just waiting for someone to give him a good spanking - as of this writing, it looks like Legion is about to do it (fingers crossed).

DC Elseworld's Finest Supergirl

Presenting Supergirl from the DC Elseworld's Finest one-shot.

To the uninitiated, Supergirl is Kara Zor-El. This is of course an alternate universe separate from the main-stream DC universe (Elseworld, duh) where she is the last survivor not of Krypton, but of the destroyed Argo City. Sent to Earth.

In this reality, Kryptonians were actually aware of Earth's heroes and Supergirl grew up dreaming of joining their ranks. It is not disclosed what destroyed Krypton and, later, Argo City, but she is sent to Earth as a teenager and is welcomed into the ranks of the Justice Society of America and rises to become it's greatest and most popular hero just like her mainstream counterpart.

In this Elseworld however, Batman doesn't exist. Instead Barbara Gordon defends Gotham as Batgirl and has successfully seceded Gotham City from the rest of the United States to the point that no-metahuman can enter Gotham, where they are banned, without suffering dire consequences. Even the mighty Justice Society of America led by Wonder Woman cannot enter Gotham unless it's under Batgirl's terms.

Metroplex and Me.

Presenting my only son Metroplex. I'm not a fan of selfies, but I've been having so much fun with Metroplex and my AT-AT that I thought that I'd take the family out for a walk. Enjoy!!!!

Marvel Legends Wolverine - Wolverine Series

Presenting Wolverine from the Marvel Legends Wolverine Series.

Wolverine: James "Logan" Howlett, rider of Bamfs, current co-headmaster of the Jean Grey School of Gifted Youngsters, current member of the Avengers (Assuming Steve Rogers ever forgives him for his role in X-Force), and current squeeze of the former Queen of Wakanda, Ororo Munroe AKA Storm.

The good side to this is that Wolverine is actually down in the number of comic books - teams - that he's in. Aside from a multitude of solo comics, Wolverine is currently only with the Uncanny Avengers, Avengers, Wolverine and the X-Men, and the Astonishing X-Men -though he did guest recently in Storm's X-Men mag - speaking of which, after they kissed in Wolverine and the X-Men while he was giving Storm a haircut with his claws, Marvel seems to have dumped the idea.

Battleground Teela

Presenting the Battleground Teela from the Masters of the Universe Classics line.

Teela is the first and only Masters of the Universe Classics figure in my collection. I chanced upon her at quite a low price on Ebay and because I thought that this version of Teela that I first saw in a comic-book over twenty years ago was hot, I just had to get her.

I mean what's not to like about the Battleground Teela? She practically looks like a female version of He-Man (Which means she is practically naked.)!

And for those who are thinking about it, yes, you can actually cajole that brassiere off of Battleground Teela's torso.

The bad news is she's anatomically ill-prepared. Feel free to modify her though should you wish.

Fall of Cybertron Optimus Prime Cold Weapons Sword and Shield

Presenting the Fall of Cybertron Optimus Prime Sword and Shield from Cold Weapons.

Now it's actually the FOC/WFC Sword and Shield, but Optimus Prime never manifested a Sword nor a Shield in the War for Cybertron video-game, just a battleaxe - we've actually featured two versions of that Battle-Axe: The Dream Maker Warriors from Cyborgtron Optimus Prime upgrade and the Eternal Warfare Weapons of Destruction CV-001 War Axe (Not to be confused with the UFO War Axe and Shield for the Transformers Dark of the Moon Optimus Prime).

In the Fall of Cybetron video game, Optimus Prime abandons his traditional battleaxe and manifests instead a sword and shield identical to the one used by Megatron.

Black Widow - Avengers Assemble Series

Presenting the Black Widow from the Marvel Universe Avengers Assemble Series - AKA the Inferno Cannon Black Widow.

No the Avengers Assemble 3.5"  Black Widow does NOT come with that rifle. That's courtesy of a GI Joe Retaliation Crimson Guard figure that's waiting for its photoshoot - it just looks cool in her arms.

Natalia "Natasha" Alianovna Romanova is the soviet super-spy turned Avenger, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D, lover of Daredevil, Winter Soldier and, get this, Hercules (never really saw that coming), the Black Widow.

This version of the Black Widow is off the Avengers Assemble cartoon that features a team consisting of the Hulk, Iron Man, Hawkeye, Captain America, the Falcon, & the Black Widow.

Marvel Legends Emma Frost - Wolverine Series

Presenting Emma Frost from the Marvel Legends Wolverine Series Puck BAF.

The Wolverine Puck BAF series includes not just Emma Frost, the Utopia Cyclops, Sabretooth and the modern day Wolverine. It was also initially announced to include the Phoenix variant of Cyclops, and the modern version of Rogue - who I was really looking forward to because her Rangoons here hanging out (By the way, here's a website for 262 Names for Boobs).

Sadly, Marvel in its infinite wisdom decided to cancel Rogue >:( in the same way that Danielle Moonstar, the Sentry, Iron Fist & Bulldozer were cancelled - which is a real shame because of Rogue's popularity. I was really looking forward to an action figure with her Rib Cushions.

Transformers Generations Trailcutter

Presenting the Trailcutter from the Transformers Generations toy-line.

Now to the confused, Trailcutter is also known as the Autobot Trailbreaker who is also known as the Autobot Trailblazer. The three names have been used to describe one single black hued Autobot that transforms into an SUV and is known for projecting Force Fields.

I also have to point out that the Transformers Generations Trailcutter design is based upon Alex Milne's "More than meets the eye" comic book series which is why you may be confused as to who this guy is given that he deviates from the original look of Trailbreaker - which was bulky, top heavy and had a cannon for a left. The only traits the two share in common is the black and orange color scheme and the sensor projection at his back.

I think you'll find the design to be better conformed to the overall look of the Transformers Generations line.

Orion Pax

Presenting Orion Pax from the Transformers Generations toy series. 

There are actually two origin stories as to what Optimus Prime was before the war between the Autobots and the Decepticons began. It really depends upon which continuity you are following. One has him as a librarian, but the most common tale has him as a dock worker who actually idolized Megatron and was heavily damaged by an attack by the Decepticons when they came for the Energon stored in the docks. Orion Pax were taken along with his two friends Dion and Ariel to Alpha Trion where they are rebuilt.

Orion Pax becomes Optimus Prime, Ariel becomes Elita One. No one is sure what happened to Dion, but fan speculation suggests that Dion becomes Ultra Magnus. 

Ultimate Storm Shadow

Presenting the Ultimate Storm Shadow from the GI Joe Retaliation line.

Now off-hand that's really a big packaging boast - to go claim that it's "the Ultimate." Reminds me of the much celebrated POC Snake-Eyes Ninja Commando which had so much gear and stuff. Snake Eyes was near perfect... ultimate... then I just had to comment: "Where's Timber?" I'm pretty sure that somewhere out there, a Hasbro Toy maker started building a voodoo doll of me.

And let's face it, other than the new hand-grips and foot articulation (Which we've seen before thanks to the Retaliation Ninja Showdown Set), what could Hasbro possibly give Storm Shadow that would be an improvement over the previous Storm Shadows? Especially with the presence of the Desert Battle Storm Shadow which I absolutely love and is nigh perfect!

So yeah: Ultimate Storm Shadow? Let's see.

Brett White on the DC versus Marvel War

DC/WB is all like "Wonder Woman's too confusing for a movie!" and Marvel/Disney is all like "Here's a raccoon with a machine gun"
— Brett White (@brettwhite) August 12, 2013

 He makes a very valid point

Toy on a Budget: Perfect Effect Scouting Force X (Reflector) KO

Presenting a Knock-Off (KO) version of Perfect Effect's Scouting Force X AKA Reflector.

I have to admit that I really, really loved Perfect Effect's take on Reflector - PE 11 SFX Scouting Force X. It's just that Decepticons like Reflector and his ilk are not really a core part of my collection. So while I've considered getting him, but there are other priorities.

But I really wanted him.

So I did a double take when while doing the groceries one day that I saw what looked exactly like a miscolored Reflector set staring back at me. I thought "Nah! No freakin way would someone do a knock-off of an unauthorized 3rd party Transformer." So I left it. But it kept nagging me so I went back and realized that I was wrong. Someone had created a knock-off of an unauthorized 3rd Party Transformer.

Happily labeled in English, I give you: "The Deformation Camera Fit!"

I know. That makes no sense.

And you have to buy all three of them to make the camera. Alone, Deformation Camera Fit robots turn into... blocks.

Speaking of cameras, I need a better one. Forgive the photography.

STAR WARS Black Series R2-D2

Presenting R2-D2 from the Star Wars Black Series.

Now note that this is supposed to be a part of Hasbro's new 6 inch series, but R2-D2 is still to scale so he's about 3 inches tall instead.

Even his box is smaller.

So you might feel that you're being cheated out of buying a smaller figure in what it supposed to be a 6" series of toys.... and it does feel a bit that way... but can you imagine what you would be scrambling for if they decide one day to release an X-Wing fighter big enough for the Black Series Luke Skywalker to sit in?

I guarantee you'll be scrambling then for a Black Series R2-D2.

And if they never bother....well.... R2-D2 makes for a nice paperweight.

Star Wars Black Series Darth Maul

Presenting the Star Wars Black Series Darth Maul.

Now again before you jump out of your chair to buy one NO THE BLACK SERIES DOES NOT INCLUDE A LIGHT-UP LIGHTSABER - that's Photoshop (because I think it's cool).

Without a doubt, this is the gem of the First Wave of Black Series figures to hit the market. Not that I don't appreciate the Black Series Luke Skywalker. Speaking of Luke Skywalker, you should know that the Black Series Darth Maul is juuuussssttt a tad bit taller than little-old Luke.

Now if you thought that the Star Wars Vintage Darth Maul was the bomb, just wait till you see what the Black Series Darth Maul can do!

Nickelodeon's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Presenting Nickelodeon's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!

From left to right, Clockwise: Michelangelo, Leonardo, Donatello & Raphael.

To the uninitiated, these lyrics are all you need to know: 

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Heroes in a half-shell

Turtle power! 

They're the world's most fearsome fighting team (We're really hip!)

They're heroes in a half-shell and they're green (Hey - get a grip!)

When the evil Shredder attacks

These Turtle boys don't cut him no slack! 

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 

Splinter taught them to be ninja teens (He's a radical rat!)

Leonardo leads, Donatello does machines (That's a fact, Jack!)

Raphael is cool but crude (Gimme a break!)

Michaelangelo is a party dude (Party!) 

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Heroes in a half shell

Turtle power!

Star Wars Black Series Luke Skywalker

Presenting Luke Skywalker from the Star Wars Black Series.

Now before you go balistic NO THE BLACK SERIES DOES NOT INCLUDE A LIGHT-UP LIGHTSABER - that's Photoshop (because I think it's cool).

Anyway, this is Hasbro's most recent and quite interesting venture involving the release of 6-inch tall figures to accompany their regular new 3.5" figure line. Luke Skywalker Rebel Pilot is one of four figures involved in series 1 of the Black Series line that includes R2-D2, Darth Maul and an Imperial Sand Trooper (Troop builders start drooling, they Sand Troopers look awesome).

Anyway, as I understand it, Series 1 has yet to reach International Distribution levels (But they're already available in HongKong and the Philippines), and there is much debate as to whether we should embrace Hasbro's move to the larger format or curse them to the high heavens, so here's a peak at the Black Series Luke Skywalker.

Transformers Prime: Thundertron

Presenting Thundertron from the Transformers Prime Robots In Disguise Toyline.

Okay: Shoulder pads, what appears to be coat-tails, a beard, a peg-leg and a saber.

Hmmmmmm. All we're missing is a hat and we we'd have one bondafide Transformers Pirate (Get this, he transforms into a Lion who has what looks like an earring pierced into his left ear).

Thundertron is, for the lack of better words, yes, a pirate. He bears neither the Autobot nor the Decepticon sigil. He has his own sigil  (Head - skull? - over swords) that you can see on one of his coat-tails or on the packaging. So you could say that he fights for himself.

Thundertron was released as a part of the Transformers Prime toy-line, but he actually has yet to make an appearance in the cartoon. Despite his visage, he hasn't made an appearance in the Beast Hunters series either, but it does hint on him becoming a character for the series, especially sine Thundertron bears no love for anything Cybertronian - weird I know.

Gipsy Danger Action Figure

Presenting a Gipsy Danger Action figure from NECA.

Spoiler Alert: Yes I will be discussing the movie along with the review, so if you haven't watched it yet, it's off my conscience. 

To the uninitiated, Gipsy Danger is a Mark-3 Jaeger (Deutsche for "Hunter") from the United States. - one of an undetermined number of colossal robots built by the Pan Pacific Defense Force to combat the Kaiju (Think cousins of Godzilla spewing forth from a dimensional vortex in the middle of the Pacific Ocean).

At first all goes well for the Jaegers in their battle against the Kaiju - hell you've got a 260ft tall, 2000 ton robot to defend you so it should go well right? Except that the Kaiju keep getting stronger and deadlier. One by one, more and more Jaegers fall in combat and the entire Jaeger program is shelved in favor instead of the construction of a gigantic wall around the Pacific to keep the Kaiju out.

Except the wall doesn't work (well worked like tissue paper) and the world is down to four Jaegers including the rebulit Gipsy Danger (mothballed after one of its two pilots is killed off the coast of Alaska while fighting a really nasty Kaiju).

So the world is coming to an end.

Kinda like Robox Jox (There's even a small salute to Robot Jox in the film as the Jaegers seem to like to fist-bump) meets Godzilla.

EvieEvangelion Cosplay

Presenting EvieEvangelion Cosplay.

Evie is a 22 year old Cosplayer out of the Southern Part of Ontario Canada. She describes herself as "A Big nerd (Video Games, Anime, Comic Book, etc.) and Cosplay.... and... a big Evangelion fan, and i love Berserk too, resently got in to Puella Magi Modoka Magica, and i'm rather open to most things <3"

Hence the name EvieEvangelion.

But what actually piqued my interest in this self-proclaimed "Maiden of Many Faces" cosplayer is that she is one of the few women who agreed to pose in body paint instead of costumes for photographer Jim McAvoy.

And I have to say that Evie Evangelion's Cortana is hands-down the best cosplay of Cortana that I've seen to-date - Cortana is after all technically naked.

In fact the only things lacking from Evie Evangelion depiction of Cortana are the inability to see through her, the "datastreams" that flow up and down Cortana's body, and
Cortana's holographic projector base.

Transformers Generations Sandstorm - Triple Changer

Presenting the Transformers Generations Triple Changer, Sandstorm.

Sandstorm has an interesting history. In the Marvel Comic Books where he originally appeared, Sandstorm was a member of the Wreckers who had the distinct privilege of having "beaten the crap out of Optimus Prime" and "Terrorizing the crap out of humans" in his resume (In another continuity, he actually is rumored to have killed an Autobot).

But in the main cartoon, he's the only member of planet full of Pacifists willing to fight the Decepticons. He eventually convinces his people to fight, but they end up blowing up the planet to win.

Transformers Generation Sandstorm - the Triple Changer, is not to be confused with the Human Alliance DOTM Sandstorm that we featured over a year ago. He was also a triple-changer.

Marvel Universe Rogue

Presenting the Marvel Universe Rogue from the Marvel Universe Uncanny X-Men Boxed Set.

This is the costume that Jim Lee gave Rogue when he took over the X-Men all the way, waaaay, back in 1991 when the X-Men comic book was launched and she became a member of Cyclops'covert  "Blue Team" alongside Wolverine, Psylocke, Gambit, Beast and Jubilee. I've been reading comic books since 1986 and this is actually my second favorite Rogue outfit following the green bathing suit on black. I'm not a real fan of the "hoodie" wearing Rogue of today.

Those were the good-old days when Xavier's dream seemed so close to realization and the X-Men were a force to be reckoned with that was not militarized. Jim Lee's vision also produced the best - in my opinion - Banshee (So glad and excited that he's back!) and Forge (Not so glad that he's crazy now) outfits as well as the best kick-ass uniforms and vehicles courtesy of the Genoshan military.

STAR WARS ATTACK OF THE CLONES: JANGO FETT'S SLAVE 1

Presenting Jango Fett's Slave 1 from the Star Wars Attack of the Clones franchise.

This is not to be confused with Boba Fett's Slave 1 which is more beat-up than this.

Slave 1 is actually unique in the Galaxy. It was one of six prototype Firespray 31 Attack and Patrol craft developed by Kuat Systems Engineering to serve as police vehicles for the asteroid prison Oovo IV.  Only six of them were made.

On a mission with Zam Wesell, Jango's ship, Jaster's Legacy, was destroyed. Acting on a tip, Jango found the six prototypes and stole one. On his way out of the hanger, he destroyed the other five.

He would later name the ship Slave 1 - rumor has it that the ship was named Slave 1 because.... well he stole it, so it was kinda like his first "Slave".

Like all Firesprays, Slave 1 lands on it's flat back and flies upright with the pilot standing. Boba would later modify the cockpit so that the pilot would always be upright regardless of the craft's orientation.

Since Jango's death, Slave 1 has been stolen, re-stolen, recovered, destroyed and even replaced. Slave 1 has been modified so much that even with the eventually release of Kuat's Firespray design into the market, it can hardly be called a Firespray anymore.

Beast Hunters Ultra Magnus

Presenting the Transformers Prime Beast Hunters Ultra Magnus.

He is not to be confused with the Transformers Prime Ultra Magnus which we reviewed back in October of last year - seems just like yesterday, oh how time flies.

Ultra Magnus: The hammer wielding leader of the Wreckers is back this time literally with a Hammer and his trademark huge shoulder pauldrons (Pads :) ).  Alpha Trion in the Ultra Magnus wiki describes him as: "Daring, strategically ingenious, and courageous to the point of recklessness, Ultra Magnus hammers back the Decepticon forces — literally"

In Transformers Prime, Ultra Magnus both commands and demands respect (the Autobots have to call him "Sir") and he is the second-in-command of Optimus Prime. He takes over leadership of the Autobots when Prime is "killed" following the destruction of the Omega Lock - which we talked about when we blogged about Dr. Wu's Sky Breaker / Star Saber. He leads the Autobots in a charge on Darkmount and nearly gets all of them killed as his ass is handed to him by Megatron. The timely revival and reconstruction of Optimus Prime through the efforts of Smokescreen saves them all.

After that, Ultra Magnus returns command of the Autobots to Optimus Prime and decides to takes the now defunct Forge of Solus Prime Hammer as his primary weapon declaring that the hammer should be put to "practical use".  Though even with the mighty Hammer, Ultra Magnus fails to take down Predaking.