Dark of the Moon, MechTech

Here’s a blogged a shout-out to the Mech-Tech weapon gimmick (and concept from the new movie) introduced to Transformers fans by the Dark of the Moon range.

Most Transformer toys are usually equipped with a static accessory, so this time round with MechTech - the included weapon can also transform!

A firearm can now alternatively become a claw, a saw, a sword and other arsenal at the press of a switch.

For the kids out there who like to clash and bash their bots on the carpet, MechTech has introduced newer dimensions of play. The weapons can be used for close range ‘rock em, sock em’ combat or attached to alt-form for vehicular versus action.

MechTech takes the artillery beyond just guns and rifles and gives them an individual edge. It is kind of like an extra topping on a cheese & tomato pizza!

Be sure to check out in stores what Ironhide, Bumblebee, Starscream and whole cast of toy-form movie characters are now packing. The battle just got better!

REVIEW: Starscream, (Deluxe Class), Transformers DOTM

From: Hasbro

Retail: £12.99

Accessories: MechTech Armblade and Cannon, Combined 2-way Bayonet.

For the record, I’ve never properly owned the previous larger Starscream toys from the past two movie toylines. The Wal-Mart Skywarp retool is as close as I have got.

Now, movie Starscream has become available in the deluxe size class assortment of Transformers figures and it is a first. Still resembling that of a possible lovechild between Waspinator and Blot of Transformers lore, this Starscream is differently proportioned and narrower than previous offerings. Plus, he’s got all-new Mech Tech power at his disposal. It is indeed Mighty!

The most striking first-impression feature about Starscream is the packaged F22 Raptor altmode tattooed all over in cyberglyphics. This concept certainly adds more depth to look at and makes the toy look interesting.

The F22 Raptor jet is stable and appears solid. Everything holds together suitably too. Transforming from jet to robot is not a complicated transition, with a few things folding out here and there in the right areas. Kids should find this a doddle!


The transformation is also tidy, with pieces tucking in and supporting the robot mode without hassle. There is a possibility the designers of this toy took some reference or ideas from the Classics/Generations Starscream toy and used them structurally. This is the vibe I get from it anyway.

The robot mode stands firm, even though Starscream retains the chicken-legs look from the past two movie designs. The returning gangly arms are also very sturdy, and oddly enough the hands each have two thumbs moulded in. This might have been a design idea I’ve missed before. Starscream is well articulated and stands up satisfactorily with no topple down trouble at all.

My continued criticism of Movie-based Transformers toy having badly painted robot modes is less harsh with this figure. The headsculpt could do with a bit more colour, but the rest of the figure gets by, unlike the previously reviewed Roadbuster. Starscream doesn’t suffer from being one solid colour in most areas, and even with a limited palette the shades of brown, beige and grey are tactfully spread out.

The MechTech weapon for Starscream is like a duel-bladed bayonet and is almost a nod to the weapon/s carried by the Energon incarnation of the character. The bayonet is made up of two separate weapons that can be handled on either of Starscream’s forearms or tucked under the wings of his jet-mode. One half is an arm gauntlet blade and the other is a cannon with the second blade concealed. The second blade springs out for action when both arm weapons are joined together. The combined weapon appears mighty and makes Screamer look the business and ready for combat! Best yet, the Mechtech weapon does not require continuous pressing down on the trigger to stay transformed.


If Deluxe-class Transformers are in your price-range this is certainly one to pick up, especially if you also have an acquired taste for Starscream’s 'Bayformer' design.

Raphael UK Birthday Card 1990

I recentley uncovered an old TMNT (or should that be TM'H'T) card from my 13th birthday back in 1990. This card was also a wall plaque of sorts in my bedroom. I was thrilled to have found it on a recent clearout.

Click on image to enlarge.

REVIEW: Roadbuster, Transformers DOTM

From: Hasbro

Retail: £12.99

Accessories: MechTech Chainsaw/Blaster.

On a recent trip to Toys R Us with my daughter I stumbled upon a small display with some of the new Dark of the Moon Transformers line (there was either a few in stock or they were selling rapidly!). The main Transformers aisle at this point was still shelf and peg warming figures from Revenge of the Fallen (which is kind of embarrassing).

The first toy I picked up was Roadbuster, a namesake from the Wreckers group of Marvel G1 comic lore who also appears in the new Dark of the Moon Transformers film incidentally as a Wrecker! This new Roadbuster moonlights as a primarily dark green Chevrolet NASCAR stock racer decorated in sponsor labels from Amp Energy/National Guard and obviously draws no resemblance from the G1 toy.

The overall impressions of the alt mode shows that Roadbuster is culturally a very Americanised figure, which is what you’d expect from a Michael Bay driven Transformers product. The car itself is based on the actual #88 racer driven by Dale Earnhardt Jnr.

Of course, Roadbuster (joined by Topspin and Leadfoot) is one of a trio of these stock racers that also double up as mini-tanks (a fantasy idea from director Michael Bay perhaps?). Each of the Wreckers in Dark of the Moon has the capacity to mount a weapon on the roof or hood of their alt-mode for some Wacky Races action.

Roadbuster very cleverly has a push-down peghole to attach his Mech-Tech weapon into. In fact he has three of these with two located on each door panel and the third on the roof. This means that the attachable Mech-Tech weapon – a blaster that can transform into a chainsaw can be used in six different ways with three in each mode.


Since the door-panels on Roadbuster also become his arms, the chainsaw/blaster has ambidextrous usage. The roof of the stock racer becomes the back of the robot mode which means the weapon can be stored.

The chainsaw/blaster is terrific and I think it’s the first time a Transformer in the plastic has wielded a chainsaw of somekind. The only gripe I have is that the illustration on the back of the card deceptively shows that the chainsaw stays on its own. The chainsaw only stays as a chainsaw if the trigger is continually pressed down; otherwise it flips back into a gun again. There is no clip or anything that makes the chainsaw stay on its own despite what the packaging shows.

Roadbuster also has foldout static missile launchers over his robot mode shoulders, very similar to the fold out speakers featured on Reveal The Shield Jazz. A novel additional feature to the design.

Transforming Roadbuster from vehicle to robot is not very fiddly at all. In fact the robot folds out quite easily and is good for those who don’t want a Rubik’s cube level figure to change between modes all the time. Another plus-point for me is that Roadbuster can stand properly. I found a lot of the figures from the previous Movie-based Transformers series had standing issues (Sideways, Sideswipe, Dead-End, Wheelie etc) and I am hoping that issues is fixed for all the toys from Dark of the Moon.

The robot mode stands great although like with most Movie Transformers this is where the weak side of the paintjob shows. Lots of dull grey in a lot of areas that could do with a touch of silver Warhammer paint and other crooked features, but that’s a Bayformer for you!

Interestingly, the headsculpt gives an impression that Roadbuster has some sort of a truckers cap on and what looks like a flow of metallic stripped hair coming down the back. If you can think back to the geriatric Jetfire’s beard from the previous Transformers flick you’ll see what I mean. Whilst the concept of Transformers having hair of somekind is novel, it should stay that vague. Any further with the hair idea and things could delve deeper into My Little Pony territory. Can’t have that now! :D

I currently have no basis for comparison since Roadbuster is the first Dark of the Moon based figure I have in hand, but I can certainly say if you like Deluxe assortment sized Transformers Roadbuster is a good toy to start out with. Since he is one of a trio it does make me want to see what his comrades Leadfoot and Topspin are like. This toy is a great effort from Hasbro despite the misleading packaging error with the primary weapon. Also a great figure for racing enthusiasts and anyone that just loves American culture. Wreck and Rule!

ROCK LORDS: MAGMAR

The latest digi-decoupage from yours truly.

I always wanted to do something with the Rock Lords, so I acquired a Magmar figure through eBay and got to work.

As I was shooting Magmar in various modes, angles and poses I realised his rock mode in the light looked a little less rock-like. In fact Magmars mud-cube changeform resembled that of a peice of cake...

I changed the contrast on Magmar in places to reduce his chocolately tone and make him more mud like.

So, here's Magmar on his homeworld of Quartex enjoying an afternoon stretch. Enjoy.

Also posted HERE on my DeviantArt page.