Masters of the Universe Origins: Stratos

 

I don't recall the time period in 2021 that Stratos was released in the Masters of the Universe Origins series, but he was another of the "core" characters from the MOTU world that I remember as a kid. It wasn't until the Mike Young Productions cartoon series and accompanying 200X toy line that I came to really appreciate the character.

Like with all of the Origins releases thus far, he comes packaged on the iconic MOTU card with the exploding red rocks in the back ground. He comes packaged with the "Sneak Attack" mini comic that all the figures in his wave had. The back of the card has some beautiful artwork across the top, while the rest of the back showcases the features of the toy along with a cross sell for additional figures.

The Origins line seems to be performing well at retail for Mattel so I wonder if any of the other Bird People will ever see action figure form as depicted in the beautiful card art?

Stratos, the winged warrior, sports the original color scheme from the 80's. There is a comic version that has since been released that sports a different color, but I just haven't been compelled to pick up that version since this is the one I'm more familiar with. The original toy used the Beast Man body, but I'm not sure if that carried over to the Origins figure. Regardless, Stratos still has his hairy chest he's known for. His removable red jet pack makes a return and looks nice. I wish the engines on his back had some paint detail. His blue wings come unattached in the package, but easily attach to his wrists. If you prefer red wings, you can swap them out from the Masters of the WWE Universe Rey Mysterio figure.

Articulation is standard and the limbs and head are removable which is par for the course for the Origins series. If you are fan of MOTU or Stratos in general, I can see no reason why you wouldn't enjoy this modern update of the character.

Machine Robo Unitroborn Unitrobo: Bulldozerburger

When I first saw the solicitations for this new line of transforming/combining toys from Bandai I wasn't sure what to think. Then I heard they were in the Machine Robo universe I was a little more intrigued. All of the designs in the first wave were wild...a combining taxi and Christmas tree, a beetle and a locomotive? Well the combiner bulldozer and hamburger was enough to pique my curiosity so I sought it out and ordered it. 

Once it arrived from Japan I was a little surprised that the packaging was basically a large blister card. In typical Japanese fashion, the blister wraps around the cardboard backing, allowing the card back to be slid up and out of the plastic once cutting the tape that holds it all together. I do like this type of packaging as it allows you to re-package the figure after opening.

The card art is a little crazy and busy. There is a music vibe that carries through the line which plays into the art. Both the burger and the bulldozer toys are easy to see from all angles. Flip the package over and there is a 3 step transformation/combination sequence. If you're a old school Transformers an as I am, these are reminiscent of the Decepticon Duocons in that you have two pieces that combine to form the robot, complete with spring loaded assistance.

The bulldozer is larger than I thought it would be, falling somewhere in between the size of a current deluxe and voyager size Transformer. The only paint apps on the dozer are around the canopy and the front grill, both featuring black paint. I would have been nice to see some paint apps on the treads and other places, however the molded detail will suffice. There are four small brown wheels on the bottom of the treads that allow the bulldozer to roll freely on a smooth surface. On the top of the dozer you'll find a small peg and tab where the burger combines. The Transformers fan in me wouldn't mind seeing this piece repainted in Constructicon green!

At first glance the hamburger looks like a beefed up (no pun intended) McDonald's McChangeable toy...however this burger doesn't have a mode of it's own. The top bun as some small sesame seeds while along the edges you can see what appears to be a tomato slice on top of a slice a cheese, all sitting on top of the hamburger patty.

On the underside of the hamburger you'll find the same two type of connection pegs that are on top of the bulldozer's canopy. These are basically a male and female connection that once lined up and pushed down/together will activate the transformation/combination.

Yeah, I know, it looks silly. Once you have the two pieces in place, push down on the burger and it'll activate the spring loaded transformation. Be ready though as it will spring out of your hands, literally!

The sides and the back half of the bulldozer will spring forward giving you a better glimpse of the robot mode. The robot's head pops out of the burger which is now firmly attached to the robot's chest. To complete the transformation you just simply fold down the arms and fold out the legs.

Once you unfold the arms and legs you have your completed robot form. The arms, crotch and thighs are molded in a light brown which matches the darker brown of the burger. These shades of brown blend well with yellow of the bulldozer. 

On each shoulder are stickers of a small audio equalizer bar, which goes with the musical theme of the line. This is even carried over to the eyes of the robot. Look carefully and you'll see the eyes are actually two music notes! It looks as if he is wearing a pair of metallic lilac shades.

To go back to bulldozer and burger forms, simply pull the burger from the robot and flip the head back in. Fold up the arms on the dozer and flip the legs back over until everything tabs in together firmly.

This has to be one of the more zany toys I've purchased form Japan in some time and I love it. I'll be honest when I say I wasn't sure what to expect, but once I got my hands on this set I went back and forth combining the set multiple times. I'm not completely sure how Bulldozerburger will look in my Machine Robo display, but perhaps I'll give them their own display as I definitely look forward to purchasing more from this line.

WWE Beast Mode (Series 2) Blind Box: Becky Lynch

Back in February of 2021 we took a look at the new WWE product, Beast Mode. These blind packaged figures come in a box with a perforated strip around the sides that looks like a chain. The idea of this release is that the wrestler's "beast mode" is caged inside the box. Part of the draw here is being able to "uncage" the mystery creature inside. While series 1 came in red boxes, series 2 came in blue boxes. I only found them at my local Walmart on one occasion, then they seemed to dry up until I started seeing them show up at Ollie's discount stores.

Series 2 seems to have some hold overs from the previous series (but with a different colored beast shell), but does introduce new figures such as Becky Lynch, Bray Wyatt and all three members of the New Day.

Each package contains one small WWE wrestler figure along with a plastic animal shell that can house the figure. The included insert refers to Becky's beast mode as "Straight Fire Phoenix" and to be honest I'm not sure what to think of it. It's a cool mold, but how does it tie to Becky? Wouldn't a Beth Phoenix figure made more sense? Becky moves more merch so I get why she was chosen, but I think Mattel may have tried a little too hard with this paring.

The beast mode shell is cast in a translucent orange plastic. The details in the plastic don't really come out on camera and have to be held in hand to appreciate the overall look. The small figure of Becky is based on her days when she was known as "the Man". It does a decent job at capturing her likeness. I believe most wrestling fans will know who this figure is mean to be.

The figure stands at about 1 inch or so tall and is non-articulated. The paint apps are decent and Becky has way more paint than the Rock did that I pulled from the first series. 

Overall these are fun little toys to unbox, but not something that I'd seek out or really want to buy many more of. I was tempted to grab another when I saw them at Ollie's as I wanted at least one member of the New Day, but that is for another day

Hot Wheels - '55 Chevy (Chevy Bel Air #1)

While the '55 Chevy was before my time, my late dad and grandfather (Papa) knew their cars, especially Chevys and passed on their appreciation of certain models to me. A car this beautiful doesn't need too many words, so I'll just let the pictures do the talking instead.

Since this blue version was released, a new red version has come out. This model is also part of a series of Chevy's from the 50's that I've picked up. Perhaps in the near future I'll create a post for the entire Chevy Bel Air series.