The leader of the opposition (aka G1 Megatron) has joined the Legendary Heroes line!
The Box
The box is based on the packaging of the original release of the “Megatron” mold: Microman Gun Robo P38.
No, NA hasn’t announced Constructicons yet. “Competing” products often feature in their promotional photos.
Inside the box you’ll find more accessories than in any previous release:
Sight/Fusion Cannon (attached)
2x pointing hands
2x open hands
Smiling face
Silencer
Stock stem
Stock base
Key to Vector Sigma
Energy mace
Movie pistol
Pistol mode effects adapter
You’ll note that it comes with an orange plug in the barrel. No worries though, the plug is easily removable.
The Robot
The robot is straight out of the original cartoon!
There have been some complaints about the hips since the joints are below the pelvis, but it doesn’t really bother me.
The odd jointing will, however, be obvious in certain poses – including sitting in their upcoming Core Scenery throne set.
That’s totally natural.
The Accessories
Since there are so many accessories I wanted to give a few of them a closer look.
Put on a happy face!
It’s hard to see from the photo but the pistol grip is painted black.
“No your Honor, I’ve never seen that weapon before in my life”“Finders Keepers”
the mace is one solid piece that can be held, it does not replace the hand like in the cartoon
Like the original toy, the extra pistol parts can be assembled into a weapon platform.
The Initial Premium
New with Agamenmnon is an “Initial Premium” pack that will only be included with the first release of the figure. The pack contains five effects parts:
1x large blast
1x small blast
3x long blasts
Sadly, the small blast effect doesn’t really fit onto the 1986 movie pistol. The barrel is the right size but the sight prevents it from being connected securely. Since the effect parts are made of soft plastic, I’m sure you could force it over the sight, but I haven’t tried.
It does, however, attach to weapons included with other releases, Abadon for example.
The Pistol Mode
The pistol mode looks great, just remember to lock everything in place to minimize gaps.
The adapter looks a little odd when attached (perhaps it doubles as a “grenade”) but does allow you to connect the effect pieces.
You can also trick it out with all of the accessories
Transformation Highlights
One step of he transformation that was a pleasant surprise was that of the left arm into pistol mode. Despite the two arms looking the same, the left forearm splits and extends out to form the side of the pistol and cover the neck gap from robot mode.
The entire right side of the pistol mode is composed of the robot’s left arm …… here’s the arm moved away from the pistol body …… and the opposite side where you can see all of the parts tucked away …… the top folds up to make the shoulder and the fist is on a post which the entire forearm rotates around …… and done.
The Conclusion
This is a fantastic version of Megatron, it has an amazing transformation that is both complex and fun.
According to New Age Toys, there is a “mystery accessory” for Agamenmnon that will be given to people who pre-order all three of their upcoming 1984 Seekers.
New Age Toys put together a new set of legs to go with their original Agemenmnon which was included with Leviathan for those who pre-ordered all three Stormtroopers.
Inside the box you get the standard instructions, two sets of extra hands, “liquid nitrogen” nozzle and rifle.
The Robot
Sharp-eyed readers might notice the blue eyes instead of the red shown on the box and in all of the promotional photography. New Age Toys is aware of the issue and will be producing replacement heads which will be shipped out to dealers.
New Age Toys has released a statement (translated by NOCV on TFW2005) about a factory error with Riddick. The eyes were supposed to be red but some were painted blue and some black. They will be sending dealers properly painted replacement heads. On the plus side, now you can mix and match to give McCoy some color contrast if you got the blue-eyed version or make your own Zombie Ironhide with the black-eyed version.
The Vannette
The nannette looks good in black.
The Name
Following their pattern, the name presumably comes from Riddick (2013).
Inside the box you get a rifle, two sets of spare hands, a liquid nitrogen dispenser and sheet of instructions.
The Robot
Like Miller, the robot mode is a great representation of the animation model.
One thing that you might have noticed in the box contents photo above is that the extra posed hands are all molded in black where the fists are grey.
The Vannette
Also like Miller, the vehicle mode is spot on.
The Name
I feel that the name comes from the Hatfield–McCoy feud. However, but there is a strong argument by Autobrat Leader, TFW2005 boards that it refers to the McCoy Miller company which explains both van names.
New Age Toy’s first G1-styled not-Decepticons have arrived!
The Box
Abadon, Berial and Asmodeus are bundled together in a box reminiscent of the original G1 packaging featuring the slogan “Psychic ready. My Command is your wish!”
Bugs not sold separately!
The top and side of the box labels them as “Psi Commando” Abadon, Berial and Asmodeus.
Inside the box are the three bugs, each with a weapon and an Energon cube, and a large instruction sheet.
Unfortunately, possibly due to the plastic being used, every Energon Cube has a large flaw along one side.
H10 Abadon
Abadaon, was always most likely to be my favorite from this set. Kickback was the only Insecticon that I owned the first time around so it holds a special place for me. However, even if that wasn’t the case, this would still be my favorite Psi Commando!
Like the G1 version, Abadon’s chest opens
Unlike the G1 version, Abadon’s insect fore-legs are stored within the chest cavity.
One of my favorite parts of the transformation is how the shoulders lock into the wings for robot mode.
The robot arms form an abdomen for a more accurate grasshopper mode.
H11 Berial
Berial, aka Shrapnel, is my second favorite from this set, the biggest “flaw” is that the insect legs stick out of the robot back. I’m happy to overlook that considering how great the rest of the figure is.
Like the G1 version, Berial’s chest opens.
When transforming to stag beetle mode, the fists lock into the legs for stabilization.
H11 Asmodeus
Asmodeus, aka Bombshell, has one flaw in robot mode, no ankle tilt like the rest of the set. This is necessitated by the transformation mechanics and it’s certainly not a fatal flaw.
Bombshell’s “Twin Ion Impulse Blaster” from G1 is absent, replaced by a larger version of the rhinoceros beetle horn which makes his insect mode toy accurate and his robot mode anime accurate.
Like the G1 version, Asmodeus’s chest opens but, due to the transformation mechanics, the head is attached so it has a very different effect.
When transforming to rhinoceros beetle mode, the fists lock into the legs for better stabilization.
The Comparisons
I was never fully satisfied with the Legend Class Insecticons. Being released in three separate lines the colors don’t match.
The only Legend Class Insecticon that almost fits with these is Chop Shop who, as a Deluxe Insecticon stands a little taller.
The Conclusion
I can’t recommend this set enough, the figures are super fun and, despite their size, come very close to Manero, their best figure to date.
And they’re not done yet! There are at least two more versions of the Psi Commandos on the way (anime repaints and the translucent version) with rumors of a Diaclone repaint to follow.
New Age Toy’s Miller (aka Gi Ratchet) has arrived. They’ve released so many figures in such a short amount of time it’s been hard keeping up! McCoy and the Insecticons are already in the mail with Riddick and the anime-Insecticons ready to ship.
The robot mode looks pretty good but it’s not without issues.
For many people, the visible pins in the legs will be enough to ruin the figure. For me I don’t mind too much although I do with they had been capped or painted, perhaps they will be in an H8EX release.
The big issue for me is the fact that the chest and shoulders do not lock into place. The shoulders tend to wander a bit whenever you move the arms.
I didn’t expect to like the Marvel Comics head but it makes a nice contrast to the all-white robot mode and I plan to keep it installed.
The Vannette
The vehicle mode is very true to the source however you do need to be careful to keep the panels properly aligned to minimize gaps.
The hyper-detailed Martini Manero from New Age Toys has arrived at JunkionHQ!
The Box
Originally announced as H2EX, Martini Manero’s packaging is labeled 02M. Like with G2 Manero, I’m sticking with the original numbering for this post and my unofficial catalog.
Inside the box you get all the same accessories that came with the original version.
The Robot
Like the original release, the robot mode is clever and fun, the best we’ve seen in this line so far, now with beautiful details.
They even painted the tiny little details on Manero’s chest.
The Porsche
Here’s where the new details really shine, it truly looks like a shrunken down version of the original toy.
(Autobot symbol sold separately)
The Comparisons
Here are all four Maneros side by side:
The Conclusion
The Legendary Heroes line is occasionally referred to as “mini-Masterpieces” and, for me, this release fits that description perfectly. My perfect Masterpiece is an accurate real-world vehicle mode, like Diaclone, paired with a robot mode that strikes a balance between the cartoon and the original toy.
The first of the new Maneros (Manerii?) has arrived at JunkionHQ!
The Box
Originally announced as H2V, G2 Manero’s packaging is labeled 02G, which was already used for Capoeira. Because of this, I’m sticking with the original numbering for this post and my unofficial catalog.
Inside the box, you find the expected Manero accessories as well as two of the missile launcher from Harry in G2-inspired blue and green.
The Robot
The first thing that you’ll notice about the robot mode is that it doesn’t look like the box art. On the box we can see the entire musical note from the hood on the robot’s chest. On the toy, we can only see the bottom of the note which is rather odd. I thought at first that they were trying to replicate the exact layout found on G2 Jazz, it’s further forward on the hood there, more like the box art.
I don’t think Harry’s missile launchers really work here since the hollow “bottom” is exposed when mounted on Manero’s shoulder. It also doesn’t look anything like the launcher that came with G1 toy or even the G1 version.
The Porsche
I’m still surprised that they included the “Jazz” details on the windshield and spoiler. I’m guessing that, since Hasbro no longer owns the trademark (they have to use “Autobot Jazz” now themselves), they felt safe enough. The result, however, is a fantastic and complete tribute to the G2 toy.
The Comparisons
In robot mode the G2 version, paradoxically, comes off as pretty plain.
Vehicle mode is where the G2 markings become obvious and this release starts to stand on its own.
Here’s a shot of the missile launchers beside Harry’s, no changes except for the paint job.
The Conclusion
A nice release, especially for those of us who remember the G2 toy line, but it’s certainly not for everyone. For now it will be displayed with the other odd-ball releases from this line.
Translucent Multiverse Cyclops has arrived at JunkionHQ!
The Box
Another G1-inspired grid, this time with an artist’s rendition of the figure inside.
Just like the previous Cyclops, all you get inside the box is the figure and instructions sheet.
New Age originally solicited this release as H02PT Vizla, but the name was dropped for the official release. This is doubly odd when you consider that the translucent Manero announced at the same time retained it’s dedicated Kagemusha naming.
The Robot
No surprises here except that, with the translucent plastic the color darkens to a deeper purple that is a better fit for the character.
The Porsche
Unlike Kagemusha, the vehicle mode doesn’t suffer quite as bad from the visible panel lines and hinges. Again, the deeper purple has improved the look.
The Comparisons
With the original Cyclops:
The Conclusion
The color alone might be enough to convince some to pick this up over the original release.
There’s an after-image in the image we’re receiving…
The torrent continues: another New Age release has arrived!
The Box
The box is similar to the G1-inspired boxes but with an all-black background.
Inside the box you get the standard instructions, a rifle and two missile launchers.
The Robot
No changes from Murphy here except for the silver paint job which is limited to just the external body panels of the vehicle mode.
The Datsun
Again, no changes here besides the, very nice, shiny new paint job. Looking at this makes me long for a re-release of Gremlin with a proper gold paint-job.
The Comparisons
Here’s Maverick, Black Rain and Kitt side-by-side:
The Name
The name appears to come from the movie Black Rain released in 1989.
The Conclusion
For G1 fans, this is your toy-inspired Bluestreak!
