New Combiner Wars toys revealed at Botcon

[MayzaPrime]

FunPub gets so close to giving us this team as a subscription Combiner Wars set but for some reason reuses Onslaught to give us Bludgeon, instead of retooling Cyclonus into Thunderwing.

I thought the same thing... the Cyclonus mold is a perfect candidate to be retooled into Thunderwing, and a better option than the deluxe version.

Some really great figures.

Sky Lynx... An interesting choice... I was hoping for a leader sized figure, while the voyager figure looks great I can't help but be disappointed that we won't be getting a bigger Sky Lynx, having said that I will be totally buying him.

Blast Off... Is a massive let down

[Megatran]

Was looking forward to Bruticus, my favourite of the gestalts. Having seen the Bruticus pics, its put me right off the Combiner Wars / Unite Warriors gestalts line.

Blast Off... Is a massive let down

Houston. We have a problem.

[Starscream77]

I suppose somebody had to be *that* guy, but i'm really not impressed. Sure, there are some stand out figures like Sky Lynx and Brawl, but the rest are just lazy, half arsed attempts at padding a line out until the movie hits in 2017.

I am that guy as well, I think the existing CHUG figures of these guys are far superior.

Sky Lynx is the bomb though !

[optimus1]

Sky Lynx!!!!
- But not really interested in his limbs or any of Optimus Maximus....

Bruticus! - Much better than FOC version and I don't mind Blast Off as a jet.
Makes sense compared to the Space Shuttle mode.
I'm a G1 fan but can live with this compared with new limb members.

Really interested in Shockwave! (alt mode is space gun isn't it?)

Hopefully Australia receives stock....

[GoktimusPrime]

Sky Lynx & the Combaticons interest me. Characters that have already released already in Classicsverse (Sunstreaker etc...) don't catch my attention at all.

Same here.

I also quite like the idea of Blast Off as a regular jet fighter, because it means that he's now FINALLY a military vehicle like the rest of his fellow Combaticons! A space shuttle was a civilian spacecraft. Which was never brown. And it also means that Blast Off is not longer quite as out of scale as he used to be. So yeah, I'm perfectly fine w/ Blast Off being a fighter jet.

[griffin]

For those wondering about the reasoning behind the white Optimus...
The new head is supposed to homage Star Convoy (from Japan), and then you have the Legends Rodimus as a pairing, like with Star Convoy having a Micromaster Hot Rodimus.

I thought the same thing... the Cyclonus mold is a perfect candidate to be retooled into Thunderwing, and a better option than the deluxe version.

It's worth noting that often when FunPub doesn't do something obvious, it is because Hasbro has plans and told them it was unavailable.
I'm not saying that it is coming, but Hasbro is likely to milk the moulds for the next five years... or maybe FunPub preferred Bludgeon for some reason.

[prjkt]

Long post incoming:

Well, there’s certainly a lot of figures to comment on, so I’ll break it down by wave

2015 Wave 4

Optimus Maximus: Nope. Not Thunderclashy enough in colours for me (Leg’s need to be maroon) and I don’t get the head sculpt. Who is this actually supposed to represent? Can’t justify it atm.

Sunstreaker: Redeco of Breakdown. Alt mode suits perfectly, bot mode can even simulate the engine behind the head” that the G1 & Universe versions achieve.

Compared to Classics-verse version: Universe version wins me over on bot mode design. Hard to have Sunstreaker not having the Windshield chest (a recurring “issue” with this line.)

Ironhide: Redeco of Off-Road. Alt mode matches movie-verse character more than the boxy van traditionally representing this version of the character. Head sculpt is a perfect match, but like Sunstreaker, I feel he needs the Windshield chest.

Compared to Classics-verse version: Universe/Generations GDO Ironhide bot mode sucks, but still has the classic Windshield chest and van alt mode. On character accuracy I still have to go with the pre-existing version, though this one does add much better articulation.

Prowl: Redeco of Streetwise. Surprisingly different compared to Streetwise considering the lack of retooling. Lacking the bonnet-chest and door/wings the character traditionally has, but is still very recognisable due to the colour scheme and head sculpt.

Compared to Classics-verse version: Tough. Universe version is still more character accurate, but the bot mode is a little awkward at best - sure it’s a little more articulated (has actual feet) but the Streetwise mould is pretty solid. I think I’m still going to give this one, but a small margin, to the Universe release for pure accuracy to the original design.

Mirage: Redeco of Dragstrip. Not much to be said here, head sculpt and colour scheme is a dead match to the character. Alt mode might actually be a little more G1 accurate than the Universe/Generations GDO release due to the slimmer spoiler and open cockpit.

Compared to Classics-verse version: Alt-mode is 50/50 - both the Dragstrip mould and original Universe Mirage F1 cars are spectacular in design, I’m giving this one to the Universe mould solely due to the fact that the front of the car ends up on Mirage’s chest, not back.

Recommendation: Unless you either don’t have (or don’t like) the earlier Classics-verse versions, or want to combine these guys, I’d say pass. And if you do want to combine, use the 2015 W1 Optimus for fiction accuracy. This white guy I don’t know…

2016 Wave 1

Onslaught: Retool of Hot Spot. Well that was expected. And also unexpected in that Hotspot’s rear end is now Onslaught’s vehicle mode front end. Sufficient amount of retooling to significantly differentiate all modes, especially the chest-plate in torso mode. Head sculpt is a perfect match to the character, as are the back-mounted canons.

Compared to Classics-verse version: Never owned the mould, but the Universe Ultra Onslaught does look pretty solid, but is a SWAT assault vehicle, not a long, flat truck with heavy weaponry. So CW Onslaught wins in my book. Don’t get me started about the FOC version….

Vortex: Let’s get this out of the way, obligatory Alpha Bravo repaint, probably the character the mould was designed for. Colours seem a little bright in comparison to the rest of the team, but that’s the G1 accuracy in there., and pulls it off quite well.

Compared to Classics-verse version: There is no proper G1 Vortex in the classics verse, at least to me. The Energon repaint doesn’t count, neither does the FOC version.

Blastoff: Redeco of Firefly/Quick Slinger. Disappointedly not a space shuttle, but more in “scale” and combat vehicle appropriate here. Colour scheme is sweet.

Compared to Classics-verse version: See Vortex’ entry.

Brawl: New mould. Sweet new mould. Looks basically like an update from of the G1 version in both bot and tank mode.

Compared to Classics-verse version: See Vortex’ entry

Swindle: Retool of Rook. Most surprising of the wave (to me at least) - I figured he’d be an Off-Road repaint, but this retool basically take his G1 form and updates it (like Brawl) and I like it. Alt-mode gun is a little smaller (more in scale now) and the bot mode chest is a little different (pseudo vehicle mode bits) to make him a little more interesting, but that headsculpt is spot on, and make him look less like the Brain in a body suit.

Compared to Classics-verse version: See Vortex’ Entry

Bruticus: This is the combiner I’ve been waiting for since Combiner Wars started. Maybe because he’s the only combiner in the FOC game, and that’s what triggered my adult collecting, but I digress. As a whole, I am not disappointed. I would have liked Blastoff to be a shuttle, maybe a heavy retool of the A/B mould, but I’m glad he’s still part of the team.

Compared to Classics-verse version: Ok, now I’ll talk about the FOC version, who currently stands with my other CW releases. Based on the height of Defensor, this guy will be a centimetre or so taller than the FOC Bruticus, but much sturdier and more solid. Plus the colours are more G1 accurate - now I’m not too fussed if I get the brown cartoon accurate version, or the grey toy accurate version, I’ll probably just get whichever one comes out first. (Brown probably looks better.) I am looking forward to this.

Recommendation: for me, it’s a must buy. For G1 Classics-verse collectors, also, a must buy. For those only collecting new moulds, or retooled versions, it’s 3/5 must buy. Or even just character fans, it’s Swindle. After how much trouble he’s gotten into in the IDW-verse I’ve needed a representation of him for a while.

2016 Wave 2.

Skylynx: New mould. What the f*ck? The most ridiculous toy/character from G1 reborn, minus one parts-forming, split-personality gimmick, but replacing it with another parts-forming, multiple-personality gimmick. It’s a shuttle with a weird box underneath that turns into a freakin’ robotic dinosaur thing with a very high opinion of itself. How can I not buy this? On a more serious note, I like how even though there’s no longer separate “bird” and “lynx” modes, the “lynx” head is still present in combined form.

Compared to Classics-verse version: There is none.

Wheeljack: Retool of Breakdown. Probably the most G1 accurate of the eight “Autobots that weren’t combiners but now are for some reason” due to the retooling involved, just need a little black paint or some Reprolabels on that chest to fill in the “window” sculpting and the paint job on the legs does a good job of pretending to be the bonnet of the alt mode. Still lacks the signature wings and shoulder cannon, but still a surprisingly good figure. Alt-mode is spot on.

Compared to Classics-verse version: Less “stocky” than the Generations version, still has a bit of a backpack, but while it’s a little slimmer, it’s not as well fitted into the design. Painting the inside of the upper arms to simulate his wings doesn’t work as well as it should, but the effort is appreciated, however the winner is still the original Generations release.

Smokescreen: Redeco of Streetwise/Prowl. Most of what I said about Prowl relates to Smokescreen as well, except that Smokescreen’s alt mode bonnet looks a little “boring” in solid red, and he’s still got the light-bar moulded in (but painted all in red.)

Compared to Classics-verse version: As for Prowl, the Universe Smokescreen still wins here, but by a slightly larger margin than Prowl.

Trailbreaker/cutter/whatever: Redeco of Off-road. Makes me think of Botcon’s Machine Wars Hoist for some reason. Colours invoke Trailbreaker, as does the pipe/weapon for one hand, but without the bonnet for a chest and the searchlights over the head, it just does’t seem like him.

Compared to Classics-verse version: Generations Trailcutter is probably the best representation of the character, especially for MTMTE fans in recent times, if only a little small (10% bigger or so would have been great) and with another release of the character is such a short time, there hasn’t really been any improvement - it just looks like Trailbreaker’s head and colours on another bot’s body. T30 Trailcutter wins here in my books.

Hound: Redeco of Swindle. I suppose the mould had to be reused for someone, and I guess Hound is as good a bot as any for a military style off-road Jeep, though I can see a potential Beachcomber here. Now I can see why Swindle has the pseudo vehicle bits on his chest, so Hound could more closely emulate his G1/classic design, and like Wheeljack, does a pretty good job of it. Alt mode is not Hound’s traditional form, but it’s not too far from it either.

Compared to Classics-verse version: Probably the second closest to tough after Wheeljack, the Universe/Generations GDO version does such a good job at recreating the G1 version of the character that this one is just a little superfluous. Owing to a slightly less accurate alt mode, CW Hound comes off a little short compared to the original Classics-verse release(s.)

Recommendations: Same for 2015 Wave 4. Except Skylynx. He’s a must buy.

Leaders:

Starscream & Skywarp: Obligatory redecos of Thundercracker, being a remould of Jetfire. Unnecessary for my collection, but still great representations of the characters. Starscream has his crown as an official accessory which is pretty cool.

Legends:

Rodimus: Why? That is all I can say about this one.

Skyward: Another Skywarp in a smaller size class? It’s Thundercracker all over again?! In all seriousness, it’s a pretty sweet mould for the size class, one of the better since the Legends class rebooted in 2013, so while he’s not required for my collection (I have the DLX Classics Seekerama) I have no problem recommending him.

Buzzsaw: What? Pretty cool idea for the character, hopefully it signifies a pending Laserbeak and Soundwave, along with the other minions.

Chop Shop: Redeco of Skrapnel/Shrapnel. Not a surprising reduce, but works pretty well. Tempted to track down Legends Megatron to give Chop Shop himself as a weapon, but I’m strange like that.

Pipes: After Huffer, we knew it was coming. Too bad there are no actual pipes, but it’s good to have the character nonetheless. We’re slowly getting to the point where there are no more S1/2 characters remaining, and that’s pretty cool/scary.

Shockwave: YES. Time to recreate Bruticus’ rampage across Cybertron! Or just give FOC Shockwave himself as a weapon. Yes I think I have a weird complex, as I’ve given Botcon Spinister his Targetmaster version from Nemesis Prime as well, but that’s another topic. Probably the first time we’ve had Shockwave turn into a weapon since G1, and while he’s a smaller size class, that’s still pretty cool. Translucent plastic is also a nice addition, it’s been sorely missed by me in the CW line… I miss my light-piping.

Wreck-gar: Had to repaint Groove into someone I guess, colours and head sculpt are good enough match, if a little too orangey, but won’t replace my DLX version of the character.


Overall: I might have sounded a little negative, especially on the Autobot repaints, with good reason I believe, as I’ve already got every one of them as previous releases, most of which are pretty damn good, BUT releasing said characters in this line is a GREAT way for newer collectors to pick up classic and popular characters at an affordable price, and the combining gimmick is just icing on the cake, so I’m all for it, even if I don’t buy them all myself. (Who am I kidding, if I can afford to, I probably will.)

For those wondering about the reasoning behind the white Optimus...
The new head is supposed to homage Star Convoy (from Japan), and then you have the Legends Rodimus as a pairing, like with Star Convoy having a Micromaster Hot Rodimus.

Ok, so that explains Rodimus & White Prime, still not for me I don't think (but I may change my mind)

[QUOTE=griffin;477515]
It's worth noting that often when FunPub doesn't do something obvious, it is because Hasbro has plans and told them it was unavailable.
I'm not saying that it is coming, but Hasbro is likely to milk the moulds for the next five years... or maybe FunPub preferred Bludgeon for some reason.[QUOTE=griffin;477515]
Also, FunPub probably don't have the budget/ability to do that level of retooling to a figure. A new head, or outsourced pretender shell seems to be about the best they can manage.

[Bladestorm]

Sky Lynx looks cool, but he'll be a lot smaller than the Encore version right? (That's the one I have) Really hard to tell from the pictures.

Not a huge fan of him being a combiner... given he's kind of one already in his own right but I will probably get the limbs because they'll give my son a whole pile of the G1 characters he loves in a form he can actually play with.

I'm not interested in white Optimus but like others I'll be getting the limbs to put with the first wave CW Optimus.

Honestly there is so much to take in right now I'm overwhelmed (in a good way)... the wallet is sure going to take a hammering between this and what Tak Tomy has coming!

[Ode to a Grasshopper]

I just realised...all these redone G1 S1 and S2 Autobots, in a Combiner-themed line, with a central Optimus body available, and...
We're still short like half of the fake Menasor team from Masquerade.

[Handsprime]

Since I'm a sucker for buying Transformers, I know I'm gonna end with with all the combiner war toys in the end.
Now all we need is some Decepticons to add to Cyclonus.