So I was out shopping and I always tend to google the toy section, because that’s what 29 year old guys who live with mum and dad do. I always like to see how the remake of my childhood toys get butchered, or sometimes get cool remakes. I ran across a toyline I could not afford as a kid, but held very deeply to my heart, Transformers. More than meets the eye, more than my wallet could afford.
At quick glance, a huge hunk of shit caught my eye…
I could not help but to look, in this rare instant, disgust quickly turned into admiration. I started noticing things that distinguished a talented character designer’s work above the norm. For starters, the silhouette is very strong, then I noticed the face. The face told me who he was, strong but not aggressive. I went on and noticed that the colors were strong and well coordinated. He read sort of like a medieval dwarf! And that was so fitting for the triceratop’s luggy design.
Then I glanced over next to him and I saw another hunk of SH– wait! If Snarl was already serenading to my lust and love for strong design, then lets give this smaller piece of SH-ugh figure a good look.
Once again I studied the design carefully and was in admiration. Bamn! The silhouette read strong again with this design. The long and slender design reads and resonates well, right down to his facial expression. I looked at them side by side and saw contrast that I have never seen before in this level when it came to Transformers. I was like wow! and picked up both packages and looked at the backs to see what else was released and what I have missed.
I was disappointed with there Prime I must say. I think it needs more refinement. His outline was strong but didn’t cater much of that of a Viking leader, but more of a slender hero. Prime always had this tough, buff look to him. This look did not cater to that or the fact that he is a freight truck, where as the other two Dinobots are designed respectfully to their dino forms. Sadly I was not also fond of Megatron either.
So I went back to Starbucks after this lil trip, because….that’s what 29 year old guys who live at home with mum and dad do when there out gogglin at toys. I met up with my good buddies and had this nice lil feeling from what I saw. I tried explaining to them and one of them is a purest and just hated what he had seen on the new look, somewhere. As me and my other buddy started designing, my “design high” and hunger for good design shot up and thought about how those figures were only $7 a piece O_O, Wait, $7 a piece?? Last time I checked most Transformers that size were like $9 and up easily. So I ran back and decided I must have ’em. I bought them and came home and did some googlin on my PC for Grimlock and others in the same toy line.
Grimlock was what I expected and looked great, but among that, I ran across this thing and knew I had to have it.
O_O
His name is Bulkhead. I have quite a collection of toys in my room and this one has got the most compliments in the shortest time. This big motherfucker is really uniquely defined, and I do love that head a lot! That Gutsman jaw (underbite) he has is awesome and adds a lot of character to who he is.
Now I love the old original ones and they will always have a nice lil fuzzy place in my heart. They were great for there time and still worth collecting but I really do appreciate the new ones a lot more after looking at the old ones. They look great, but they really all do look alike at a glance when you look at their faces . Not bad designs at all, but also not as strong as they could be.
Transformers were built more for a functional purpose over stylization, many don’t realize this. Now style is starting to sink in and its looking great….well for some anyway.
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Mongoose
Oct 24, 2008 -
These guys look cool, especially if you weather them.
Reboot
Oct 24, 2008 -
There ok, i dont think they measure up to the classic transformers, and i dont uderstand the show at all(the new one) but there cool.
John Spartan
Oct 24, 2008 -
Yeah, they sure do have a unique style. It’s cool, but not for Transformers.
I just want to say that these shows new direction, like X-Men Evolution, Teen Titans, and The Batman is too kiddy.
I know it’s for kids, but when I was a kid, we were treated like adults with cartoons like Gargoyles, Batman the Animated Series, and the 90’s X-men cartoon. If you guys know any new cartoons like this, please point them my way.
vix
Oct 24, 2008 -
I dont know jack about the series..all I know is I like the design a lot. I will be covering the Prowl I picked up as well.
Jambo
Oct 24, 2008 -
Great review… I agree that the remake definitely carries more CHARACTER… a design is successful when it can clearly communicate (in this case Visually) the idea for the character.. Love the design of the new Dinobots and Bulkhead.. really strong visual read… and yes, it’s has a more cartoon look than the original, but look past the linework, and you’ll realize how well thought out the shapes and design choices were… and i also agree that Optimus Prime could have been a better design as well… but then again, maybe it was deliberate to design the new optimus prime with more “kid” like proportions.. since kids are mostly going to watch this show.. and everyone one and their mom wants to be optimus prime.. anyway,enough rant..
Reboot
Oct 24, 2008 -
I do notice that about cartoons of my childhood and cartoons now. We were treated like adults with our cartoons, i feel like optimus prime is gonna attack with teddy bears and is rainbow blaster.
This reminds me of Roughneck: Starship Troopers, kids show, it was brutal…awesome show. Closest thing to that today is…well nothing…, nothing i can think of right now..its all to soft, even batman, one of the darkest hero’s now has a rosy feel to him now.
vic
Oct 25, 2008 -
@Reboot
Wait you mean to tell me”jim jolly jimickers batman” from the early 80s cartoon show is darker then todays Dark Kight series?
vic
Oct 25, 2008 -
Knight**>
Reboot
Oct 25, 2008 -
@vic
lol, not “jim jolly jimickers batman” but there was a batman(without robin) think its early 90’s that focused more on batman and Joker that was really good, then they started making crap like batman beyond.
But if you think “jim jolly jimickers batman” is weak, you should watch the Batman from 1942, lol, he was just a guy in a costume who flee’d to the police and told them were crime was, lol.
vic
Oct 25, 2008 -
@reboot
You know what>? I so thought batman beyond was crap, till I saw what a good writer can do. I don’t like the idea of a small punk being batman, but it was well written and very entertaining. I think the same writers went on to do justice league unlimited, which caters to a lot of the not well known justice league characters and I must say its one of the best series I have seen on American television in a long time.
But yeah, that 90s Batman was kick ass and still holds up well. If you ever get the chance and check out the special features on the DVD to the 1st season. you will be amazed at how much work went in to it.