Maz's Articles & Reviews [Archive] - Page 2 - Ozformers Transformers Club of Australia (otca.com.au)

Maz

6th April 2016, 08:03 AM

It�s very common now for Transformers discussion taking place on online forums or social media to be centred around Masterpiece or 3rd Party Masterpiece figures, with a ton of other excellent lines, initiatives, aesthetics or size classes receiving less attention or taking a back seat in people�s buying or interest. I myself wrote recently about how important it is to be even more focused than ever, and the article was primarily about the above two categories. This week, I let a few collectors remind us of the benefits and appeal of looking beyond Masterpiece and 3rd Party Masterpiece figures. Having covered Generation 1, Animated and Movie toys myself in the not-too-distant past, our contributors look at City bot-scale TFs, Unicron Trilogy era toys, Legends-class 3rd Party figures and current mainline series figures.

A Gentle Reminder | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/a-gentle-reminder/) <- CLICK TO READ

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All the best
Maz

Maz

13th April 2016, 06:59 AM

TakaraTomy have just announced their latest Masterpiece Transformers addition, MP-14+ Alert Anime Color Edition. Instead of a straight up reissue of Masterpiece Red Alert, TakaraTomy have repainted MP-14 to closer match its on-screen representation in what has been a quite divisive strategy. While some are pleased to be able to get Masterpiece Alert at what they hope will be less than second hand market prices, others are concerned about the implications of this new Anime colour initiative by TakaraTomy.

Plus Implications | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/plus-implications/) <- CLICK TO READ

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All the best
Maz

Ralph Wiggum

13th April 2016, 02:11 PM

Another spot-on commentary. I'm passing on Red Alert + and will wait and see where the Masterpiece line is heading. The reception over the + series seems to be lukewarm at best.

MayzaPrime

13th April 2016, 04:37 PM

I will admit that I have preordered MP-14+ mostly out of curiosity. I am very interested in looking at the side by side comparison with MP-14. I honestly think that a Deep Cover release would have been a better use.

aching878

13th April 2016, 04:51 PM

Nice article, I feel the + line is getting more hate then it deserves given end of the day it is really directed at the japan domestic market, esp when you see the color scheme / shades are from the JP series which is dramatically more saturated and lighter in tone compared to the western release.

What the + line does is giving people more options which is good for collectors.

Maz

20th April 2016, 07:48 AM

One of the dangers of becoming very involved in a hobby or pastime, for those who invest in it more than just casually and dedicate a lot of their free (or not!) time to such a pursuit, is burnout. The source of such feelings can vary from financial constraints to over-indulgence, or from letting lines of reality become blurred. Someone who collects, discusses, participates and enjoys Transformers is every bit as susceptible to these feelings as a stamp collector or car enthusiast. For me personally, such feelings can arise from all of the above circumstances combined, or any single one in isolation. The result can be an extended period of time away from the hobby, disenchantment with the hobby and the fan community or re-assessment of priorities and time spent indulging in what should have always been an exercise in leisure.

Burnout | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/burnout/) <- CLICK TO READ

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All the best
Maz

aching878

20th April 2016, 02:04 PM

One of the dangers of becoming very involved in a hobby or pastime, for those who invest in it more than just casually and dedicate a lot of their free (or not!) time to such a pursuit, is burnout. The source of such feelings can vary from financial constraints to over-indulgence, or from letting lines of reality become blurred. Someone who collects, discusses, participates and enjoys Transformers is every bit as susceptible to these feelings as a stamp collector or car enthusiast. For me personally, such feelings can arise from all of the above circumstances combined, or any single one in isolation. The result can be an extended period of time away from the hobby, disenchantment with the hobby and the fan community or re-assessment of priorities and time spent indulging in what should have always been an exercise in leisure.

Burnout | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/burnout/) <- CLICK TO READ
All the best
Maz

imo when / if it becomes a chore and the joy of toy is diminish then its time to take a break, many tend to get overly sensitive and sometimes can forget these are toys, have fun, enjoy and be happy

Maz

27th April 2016, 06:44 AM

In 1986, the writers of the animated Transformers movie might have slaughtered a gallery of fan favourite characters, but they also introduced the likes of Hot Rod, Springer, Arcee, Ultra Magnus, Galvatron, Cyclonus, Scourge and Unicron who have all become extremely popular. In fact, one could argue that Hot Rod, Cyclonus and Scourge � along with Blurr and Kup � were so popular that Hasbro felt the need to re-release those Generation 1 figures again in 1987 as Targetmasters. So, they are in a way the first Transformers reissues. Having already looked at the new-for-87 characters that became Targetmasters (Autobots and Decepticons), this week we look at Targetmaster Hot Rod, Kup and Blurr, the 1987 Autobot Movie Targetmasters.

1987 Autobot Movie Targetmasters | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/1987-autobot-movie-targetmasters/) <- CLICK TO READ

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All the best
Maz

Maz

4th May 2016, 08:53 AM

Masterpiece Laserwave, Ramjet and Ratchet are here (mostly). The line has obviously evolved not just from where it started in 2003 with MP-1, the ultimate expression of a G1 Optimus Prime, but also since the reboot of MP-10 Convoy. Different designers from the same team have been allowed to make their mark on the flagship Transformers toy series, and the MP offerings in 2016 have pleased some more than others. We�ve already looked at MP-27 Ironhide and MP-28 Hot Rodimus in detail on this blog, so this week allows us a brief look at Ramjet, Ratchet and Laserwave, examining some pros and cons of each figure.

Masterpiece 2016 � Flawed Beauties? | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/flawed-beauties/) <- CLICK TO READ

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All the best
Maz

Maz

7th May 2016, 07:42 AM

I knew Sean Meece as the Beast Wars guy, or the outdoor Transformers photo guy. With a seemingly endless array of incredible outdoor locations, both natural and man-made at his disposal, Sean has rapidly become known online for sharing great photos of his vast and varied collection whilst on his travels. I first became aware of Sean thanks to his excellent Beast era Transformers collection that he showcased on TFW2005, and have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know him better over the last year, at the same time appreciating the depth and passion he has in his collecting. A huge supporter of my own work and an genuine Transformers fan, I now know Sean as that excellent photographer guy whose passion and admirable attitude towards the hobby is something we could all aspire to.

Collector Interview 47 � Sean Meece | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/collector-interview-47-sean-meece/) <- CLICK TO READ

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All the best
Maz

Maz

11th May 2016, 07:40 AM

Remember back when if you wanted a character in the Transformers universe as a toy in your collection, chances were that you had a single choice for that toy? You either made do with what you were given for Broadside, or you went without. Or you made your own. Nowadays, with multiple aesthetics, scales and companies in the mix, one can be decidedly more picky about which representation of a Transformers character they settle on for their collection. Even if there�s nothing presently on the horizon, the current state of the scene encourages patience. Or does it? We ask our contributors this week if due to the increased amount of Transformers product, are they much happier to pass on something that isn�t perfect compared to the past? Is �good enough� not good enough any more?

Good Enough | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/good-enough/) <- CLICK TO READ

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All the best
Maz

Maz

21st May 2016, 05:46 AM

For some time now I�ve wanted to introduce more diversity into our collector interviews, but of course that depends on the responses we get, and seeing the many high end vintage collections in our features so far can deter some from contributing. Not so Marian Hilditch. It�s with great pleasure that this month we feature someone whose path into the hobby does not follow the oft-described vintage route. Although Marian has a relationship with G1 Transformers, it was IDW�s Transformers comics that gave her access to Transformers toy collecting. In addition to being a phenomenal photographer and regular podcast contributor, Marian has a very specific theme for her TF collection based on her interests. Marian�s passion for IDW-based comic characters shines through in her exploits online, her excellence behind the lens and her words below.

Collector Interview 48 � Marian Hilditch | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/collector-interview-48-marian-hilditch/) <- CLICK TO READ

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All the best
Maz

Maz

4th June 2016, 07:07 AM

I�ve been looking forward to this ever since he agreed, I know you have too. So here it is, Thew�s Awesome TFSource Collector Interview (interthew?)!! Matthew Adams has become well loved and well known in the Transformers community thanks to his unique, entertaining and justifiably-named �awesome� YouTube reviews. In this interview, Thew�s responses channel that same infectious energy, positivity and delirious love he has for Transformers that you�ve come to expect from him on YT. From an epic Skywarp shelf to a gallery of gifted beauties, Thew takes us through his eclectic mix of lines and styles.

Collector Interview 49 � Matthew �Thew� Adams | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/collector-interview-49-matthew-adams/) <- CLICK TO READ

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All the best
Maz

Maz

8th June 2016, 09:23 AM

Diaclone was launched in Japan by Takara in 1980, the same year I was born. And that�s where my childhood association with Diaclone ends, as growing up in the UK it was primarily Transformers that had my attention. Trickles of Diaclone-based figures did reach the UK but in London I saw neither sight nor sound of them. In addition to Japan and Asia, countries like France, Italy, Holland, Germany and some Scandinavian territories had Diaclone toys on shelves. Like many current Diaclone fans outside of Asia, my access to it came via Transformers and the exploration of their origins (and ancestral variants) within Diaclone and other such pre-Transformers toy lines. With the 30th anniversary of the line passing seemingly without a sound, it was a wonderful and unexpected surprise to see TakaraTomy announce a reboot of Diaclone in 2015, and the first figure from that line has just seen release. This is the magnificent DA-01 Dia-Battles V2 and its co-release, the more limited DA-01EX Dia-Battles V2 Prototype.

The Return Of Diaclone � Dia-Battles V2 | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/diabattles/) <- CLICK TO READ

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All the best
Maz

Maz

15th June 2016, 08:05 AM

Masterpiece Transformers, Diaclone V2, 3rd Party Masterpiece-style figures, 3rd Party IDW-style figures, Generations figures, Titans Return, Robots In Disguise, Transformers Adventure. There is no shortage of Transformers-related toys coming out right now, and that�s just the brand new shiny, nevermind older figures that one may wish to seek out and add. Very few have the budget to manage all of their collection needs and wants in the face of such a product onslaught as official and unofficial sources vie for our attention. Inevitably, collectors are forced to sell toys in order to fund newer purchases. This week we asked our contributors to look at why it can be so difficult to sell our Transformers.

Selling Toys Is Hard | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/selling-toys-is-hard/) <- CLICK TO READ

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All the best
Maz

Maz

29th June 2016, 08:26 AM

Halfway through 2016 and it�s looking like that old chestnut �best year for Transformers and 3rd Party toys� is once again being bandied about. Rightfully so, I can�t quite believe the quality of product we have enjoyed thus far, and that�s just up to June with Titans Return about to hit worldwide. I have had more difficulty maintaining a provisional top 5 purchases list for the year than ever before. So much so that I may go for an end of year top 10 purchases instead, or a separate list for official and unofficial figures. Do keep in mind that my end of year lists are only ever made up of figures I have been fortunate enough to receive samples of or purchase myself. If I don�t collect a particular line, then don�t expect to see it appear on my list(s) as I�ve not had the opportunity to give it a fair whack. Combiner Wars, Generations, the many 3rd party Constructicons � all fall under that category unfortunately. So, if you can suspend your outrage that this article will focus purely on my own purchases (and therefore preferences), here�s what I think has shone the brightest so far in 2016.

Half Term Report | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/half-term/) <- CLICK TO READ

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All the best
Maz

Maz

6th July 2016, 05:52 AM

The Titans have indeed returned. And by that I mean Headmasters, generally. Hasbro and TakaraTomy have moved from battling 3rd parties on the combiners front to challenging them on the 1987/88 Headmasters front, with even traditionally non-HM characters getting the �Titan Master� treatment. Wave 1 consists of deluxe class Hardhead, Blurr, Scourge and Skullsmasher (Skullcruncher), leader class Blaster and Powermaster Optimus Prime, voyager class Galvatron and Sentinel Prime, titan class Fortress Maximus, legends class Rewind, Stripes and Wheelie as well as Titan Masters Crashbash (Squeezeplay head), Terri-Bull (Horri-Bull head), Loudmouth (Siren head) and Nightbeat�s head. I�ll be focusing on my purchases from wave 1, how my initial excitement turned to disappointment and instant sales, which then became seller�s remorse and a change of heart.

Change Of Heart (Titans Return) | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/titans-return/) <- CLICK TO READ

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All the best
Maz

Maz

10th July 2016, 05:24 AM

Flying under the radar as if on a special ops mission, Jason "Logik" L's incredible vintage Transformers collection mimicks the function of his beloved Autobot Agent Jazz. Having spent a great deal of his youth working hard to create the veritable museum that he now curates, Jason has employed a large amount of focus to achieve his dream collection. Jason has also applied his specific display and collecting philosophy to the Japanese G1 era as well as G2 and European G1. A very well-liked and positive member of the Transformers online community, it's my pleasure to present Jason L as our fiftieth featured collector!

Collector Interview 50 � Jason �Logik� L | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/collector-interview-50-jason-logik-l/) <- CLICK TO READ

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All the best
Maz

Ultra Mackness

10th July 2016, 05:53 AM

That collection - just WOW!

Thanks for that Maz.

TAAUBlaster

10th July 2016, 12:15 PM

The amount of effort that must've went into that collection... (not to mention his car :eek: ) I could plonk a chair down in front of those cabinets and just sit contently for hours :p

Maz

13th July 2016, 09:34 AM

Once upon a time there was a Diaclone, not just exclusive in colour and country, but also retailer. Its existence was questioned by all and sundry until proven beyond a reasonable doubt. A legendary Japanese collector teased enthusiasts across many lands with wordless images and scattered hints. The truth did surface, the world did learn, but a mere four specimens have ever been found boxed. Few they may be, but fully documented they have been. The 1984 Takara Diaclone Corvette Stingray was released in black and grey colours only in Finland as an R-Kioski retailer exclusive for a short time. While the 2002 Takara reissue lucky draw Black Tracks loosely referenced that Diaclone, it wasn�t until 2016 and the Tokyo Toy Show exclusive Masterpiece MP-25L Destron Sonic Sapper Loudpedal that Finland�s legendary gem was paid proper official tribute. This could be the best Masterpiece toy homage we�ve ever had.

MP-25L Loudpedal � Best Toy Homage | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/loudpedal/) <- CLICK TO READ

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All the best
Maz

Maz

20th July 2016, 07:48 AM

What could be better than owning a wonderful Transformers toy? That�s right, multiples of that toy! Of course not everybody subscribes to that philosophy, in fact a majority are probably happy to own one version of each toy. A great deal of collectors won�t even bother with variants of a mould, let alone precise duplicates. There are even those who will not touch repaints/retools of a mould, one specimen satisfying their desire to experience a given toy sculpt. But what of those who do find pleasure in buying multiples of the same figure, when the reason is not a particular variation in moulding, appearance, packaging or accessories?

Multiples | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/multiples/) <- CLICK TO READ

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All the best
Maz

Skullcruncher

20th July 2016, 12:57 PM

Must collect variants and duplicates of everything, in case of emergency throw decoys :D:o:o

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Maz

27th July 2016, 06:54 AM

Transformers from Cybertron, binary bonded to Nebulans of Nebulos! In 1988 the �Masters continued to come thick and fast with smaller Headmasters, smaller Targetmasters and the introduction of the Powermasters. Hasbro decided to integrate the �Masters gimmick even further into the Transformers concept by making the Nebulan activate the transformation of the bigger figure via the Powermaster �engine�. In addition to Hasbro�s 3 Powermaster cars and the return of Optimus Prime as a Powermaster, the Decepticons got 2 jets that combined (Darkwing and Dreadwind), as well as a double Powermaster in Doubledealer. This week we take a look at Powermaster Optimus Prime, Slapdash, Joyride and Getaway, the 1988 Autobot Powermasters.

1988 Autobot Powermasters | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/1988-autobot-powermasters/) <- CLICK TO READ

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All the best
Maz

Maz

3rd August 2016, 05:02 AM

A head sculpt can make or break a figure. Some of the nicest overall Transformers figures I have are occasionally let down by a weak head sculpt that is either too vague in its features, unrepresentative of the character it is supposed to be or just plain unpleasant. On the other hand, certain figures of an average nature can be elevated by a superb head sculpt which scores highly on the aforementioned criteria and exudes charm and character. This week I asked a few of my esteemed Transformers collecting peers to contribute their favourite official Transformers head sculpt across any era or sub-line, and explain why they chose it above the rest.

Headsculpts | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/headsculpts/) <- CLICK TO READ

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All the best
Maz

doublespy

3rd August 2016, 08:52 PM

Very interesting article.

Since Hasui went to the overseas team, we've seen some absolutely amazing head sculpts, from Combiner Wars to the recent Titans Return.

Maz

17th August 2016, 08:37 AM

I would like to think that all of us can point to at least one example of how the Transformers toy line, shows or comics have improved our lives. Whether it has been through the happiness of meeting like-minded enthusiasts or the ownership of excellent toys, the enjoyment of well-written comics or admiration of tremendous artwork, surely we can all point to some aspect of the brand and hobby which brings us happiness. I would like to think if you�re reading this, it�s because of a choice you have made to give part of your time to the hobby.

I think it�s fair to say that over the course of the last 5 years, most of the above has been discussed either by myself or by our contributors, and the joy of Transformers is not an uncommon topic on forums or social media either. I myself have made reference to the wonderful UK pub gatherings that came to be about 3 years ago and have brought a valuable extra dimension of enjoyment to the hobby for me. My enthusiasm for the toys and the brand generally should be evidenced in many years of online articles and participation in the Transformers fan community. I certainly cannot count myself as unique when it comes to the great friends I have made as a result of the hobby, either, so what�s this article all about, then?

What Have Transformers Done For Me? | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/what-have-tfs-done-for-me/) <- CLICK TO READ

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All the best
Maz

janda the red

19th August 2016, 03:39 PM

Megatran

19th August 2016, 06:38 PM

That was a nice read. Though I must admit my first impression of the title reminded me of Janet Jackson.

Maz

23rd August 2016, 08:55 AM

congrats on the new job Maz!

I find it funny that you've been criticized for being too positive? :rolleyes:
The whiners and complainers in this hobby kill me, I for one like the fact that you're positive.... keep being you mate!

if you get a transfer to Oz, we'll catch up for that beer :)

That would be awesome, I shall hold you to that!

That was a nice read. Though I must admit my first impression of the title reminded me of Janet Jackson.

I must admit it was on my mind too when I came up with the title :) I even considered "What have you done for me lately?" as the article title haha!

All the best
Maz

Maz

24th August 2016, 07:03 AM

I recently bought and uploaded to social media images of Perfect Effect Warden, a very successful 3rd party figure from 3 years ago that I had missed out on for some time but finally found for a great price. While there is still a fair amount of affection for this toy about the place, I received a comment about the image and its content that got me thinking. The collector involved, quite innocently, asked �Is that figure still relevant?�. While I admit my first reaction was to defend this fine specimen of a IDW-based comic homage and its well put together features, it did lead to a more significant question. Is there such a thing as a relevant collection?

The Relevant Collection | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/the-relevant-collection/) <- CLICK TO READ

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All the best
Maz

Maz

7th September 2016, 07:27 AM

As a toy collector with treasured, vivid childhood memories of receiving a large amount of Transformers on special days, re-living that experience as an adult can be thrilling. Alternatively, not having had that opportunity as a child can sometimes lead to us fulfilling those feelings as adult collectors. Haul photos after toy shows, mail days after bumper purchases, there�s always an element of having something to look forward to in the Transformers collecting culture. Occasionally some of us can overdo it, creating a situation where freshly arrived toys for the collection are not appreciated as much as they could have been had the purchases been more spread out.

Too Much Too Soon | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/toomuchtoosoon/) <- CLICK TO READ

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All the best
Maz

Maz

14th September 2016, 05:17 AM

Reinforcements from Cybertron! From the history of Transformers, from Diaclone, from the Marvel UK comics, from a 1986 TF:TM movie trailer, from the pages of More Than Meets The Eye. Just last week I was complaining about the volume of Transformers toys I�d picked up, and not one day after that article was published, I had a number of boxes delivered together. Add to that a trip to Toys R Us fuelled by pub-meet enablement and here we are with the above motley crew. My local group of Transformers collectors have a lot to answer for, actually�

Reinforcements | Source Blog ('http://tfsource.com/blog/reinforcements/') <- CLICK TO READ

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All the best
Maz

Maz

17th September 2016, 07:39 AM

Transformers collectors and online community contributors don�t come much more recognisable and respected than Benjamin Dolle AKA Peaugh. His video reviews have been a staple of the online fandom for some years now, his considerable body of work covering everything from vintage G1 to modern day 3rd party and mainline Transformers releases. Ben�s interests are not limited to Transformers, and for someone with such a high profile and held in such high regard by so many, his accessibility and continued enthusiasm for the hobby are a real asset and example to Transformers fans everywhere.

Collector Interview 51 � Benjamin �Peaugh� Dolle | Source Blog (http://tfsource.com/blog/collector-interview-51-benjamin-peaugh-dolle/) <- CLICK TO READ

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All the best
Maz

Facepunches

17th September 2016, 10:50 AM

Thanks again for the article(s) Maz! Keep up the good work!

reillyd

17th September 2016, 11:25 PM

I've watched his visit does for years, but never actually seen a photo of him before. Nice to put a face to the name

Maz

21st September 2016, 06:40 AM

First impressions are everything, or so the saying goes. Is it different for Transformers toys? We can occasionally find ourselves the victims of hype, influence and enabling. The enthusiasm of a friend, a group or the fandom generally can rub off on us and we may buy things we initially didn�t want to. So, it helps to see Transformers toys in hand, in the flesh, before making a decision. As part of an active and ever-growing group of local Transformers enthusiasts in London, we bring new Transformers to pub meets and fascinate/horrify the other patrons with our tables full of robots. This is a great way for collectors to experience figures and make more informed buying decisions. However, occasionally the experience of exploring a new toy while in a large group of people, in dimly lit surroundings and in a social environment may result in an inaccurate assessment. Sometimes, just coming back to a toy after a period of time, or after some modifications, can make a big difference. This week I look at my experience with a select group of Transformers where the second time around has yielded a much more favourable response.

Second Time Around | Source Blog ('http://tfsource.com/blog/second-time-around/') <- CLICK TO READ

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All the best
Maz

Maz

5th October 2016, 06:25 AM

Our collecting mentality is unique to us, and it�s hard not to apply the same approach to all areas of toy buying. One could argue that the collecting strategy of a vintage G1 Transformers variant collector is not the same as that of a fan who collects mainline Transformers exclusively. The common perception is that vintage collecting is a more costly exercise than mainline collecting, and for the most part I think we can agree on that. However, when a traditionally vintage and variant collector like myself moves onto more modern toy lines, the condition � if I may call it that � can �jump species�. It happened when I collected MTMTE comic cover variants, it happened to some degree with my Robots In Disguise collecting and only limited funds allied to low availability of certain exclusives managed to curtail the same behaviour in my Masterpiece buying.

Jump Species | Source Blog ('http://tfsource.com/blog/jump-species/') <- CLICK TO READ

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All the best
Maz

Maz

12th October 2016, 10:25 AM

Is it possible to apply a pre-agreed set of criteria to any Transformers toy in order to decide if it is worthy of being called great? Is it possible to apply a very aggressive agenda to such a question and twist the words of your contributors in such a way as to make a toy of your choosing qualify as great under those conditions? The answer to both of those questions, this week, is yes! Obviously this will not be an exhaustive analysis of what qualifies a Transformers toy to be heralded as great, but it does allow us to split the topic into a few categories where our contributors tell us what it is about specific aspects of a figure that makes a Transformer stand out to them.

What Makes A Transformers Toy Great? | Source Blog ('http://tfsource.com/blog/great/') <- CLICK TO READ

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All the best
Maz

Maz

19th October 2016, 06:37 AM

Creativity has been part of the Transformers collecting scene for as long as I can remember, whether it�s been fan fiction, fan art or photography, but that creativity is not limited to words and images. Transformers toys have that signature selling point of changing between (hopefully) recognisable modes, and so unlike many toys, Transformers allow the imagination to take physical form in un-documented configurations, otherwise known as fan modes. Combiner Wars and Titans Return have been particularly good for fans who like to come up with their own alternate modes, since play value has seemingly been placed at the centre of the design philosophy instead of accuracy, simplicity or aesthetics. This week we explore the reasons why some collectors are so drawn to creating their own fan modes for Transformers toys.

Rise Of The Fan Modes | Source Blog ('https://tfsource.com/blog/fan-modes/') <- CLICK TO READ

https://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/FanPROMO.jpg

All the best
Maz

Maz

26th October 2016, 06:16 AM

Occasionally we stumble across a Transformers toy that ticks all the right boxes, strikes a chord, presses the right buttons etc, and yet leaves a majority of others cold. There are plenty of unpopular figures in the Transformers toy universe, both official and otherwise. Some figures, however, were supposed to be game changers and all time greats that for some reason don�t fulfil their promise in the eyes of the majority. Even if the criticism is justified and I understand the hatred for certain Transformers toys, on a handful of occasions I have not had my own appreciation or enjoyment of them dampened. In each case, however, there have been mitigating circumstances.

I Love It, You Hate It | Source Blog ('https://tfsource.com/blog/love-hate/') <- CLICK TO READ

https://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/PROMO.jpg

All the best
Maz

Maz

18th November 2016, 09:56 AM

Can it really be called Transformers collecting when we were children and someone was buying the toys for us? Isn�t that just having toys as opposed to a conscious dedication to the collecting of a particular brand or toy line? These interesting questions were posed by a forum member recently and it instantly made me think of the distinctive aspects of collecting versus having and receiving.

When Is It Collecting? | Source Blog ('https://tfsource.com/blog/collecting/') <- CLICK TO READ

https://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/CollectingPROMO.jpg

All the best
Maz

Maz

30th November 2016, 10:12 AM

Some countries and locations are well associated with the finding, purchasing and collecting of Transformers or 3rd party products. North America, parts of mainland Europe, UK, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore and Australia are examples that come to mind. This could be down to large online retailers, local communities and large chain stores. Having just left the UK and moved to Iceland at the height of my Titans Return collecting, just before the release of four big Masterpiece items, wave 3 of Titans Return and a slew of significant 3rd party releases and product samples, I summarise the challenges involved in transporting my hobby to what is, by TF standards, an isolated location.

How Do I Collect Here? | Source Blog ('https://tfsource.com/blog/how-do-i-collect-here/') <- CLICK TO READ

https://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/PROMO.jpg

All the best
Maz

Maz

28th December 2016, 12:04 PM

It�s that time of year again where we tend to list our favourite Transformers-related toy purchases. Quite often I�ve been very clear on which bots will populate the top of the list and 2016 is no different. What has really surprised me, though, is that for the third year running, I feel the overall quality of official and unofficial toys we�ve been getting has improved drastically. I usually do a top five, but this year I had to extend it to a top ten over two weeks because there was no way a single article could do justice to the incredible year we�re having for new toys. I still can�t quite believe the figures I�ve had to leave out. Please keep in mind that this list is based entirely on my own preferences, opinions and purchases, and I did not buy everything this year, therefore if a figure you love is missing you can put it down to that. So without further ado, and one prays no more adieus, here are numbers ten to six of 2016.

Top 10 of 2016 � Part 1 | Source Blog ('https://tfsource.com/blog/top-10-of-2016-part-1/') <- CLICK TO READ

https://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Top10a.jpg

https://tfsource.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Top10b.jpg

All the best
Maz

MayzaPrime

28th December 2016, 04:06 PM

What a list... then I read that it was only the 6-10... looking forward to 1-5

philby

9th January 2017, 02:14 PM

very interesting read about the move, hope things work out in iceland! :)

Ode to a Grasshopper

2nd March 2017, 12:10 PM

Can I maybe make a suggestion @Maz?

The header on the new-look TFSource blog/report takes up a lot of screen space. It actually makes the reviews/articles pretty hard to read, especially on a tablet PC.
Maybe the site should think about cutting down on that a bit, or making it collapsible/pull-down or something. :)