Transformers Chronicles: Book One / Hirofumi Ichikawa

In my years of being involved in the Transformers community there are a few times when I run across something that I haven't seen before. Usually if I don't know much about my recent finding I can always go to other Transformers fans or the internet and find what I'm looking for or have my questions answered. Today's topic however hasn't been so easy to research.

I'm a comic fan, but not really a Transformers comic fan. I've got all of the current IDW Transformers hardcover collections and I've read the first 5 or 6 volumes to date. I've even only read a handful of the Marvel Comics run of Transformers. Blasphemy to some fans, I know. The comics just haven't been able to hold my attention like Spider-Man has. Anyhow being a fan of comics in general my brother and I picked up this small softcover trade at an early Botcon, circa 2000 I believe. I had largely forgot that I even owned the book much less could remember it's story. Earlier this week I sat down to read it and I thought I'd share this book with the hopes that you the reader would find it entertaining.

Written and drawn by Hirofumi Ichikawa, this thing is a work of beauty. Translated by Doug Dlin (from Antarctic Press) this story appears to be a part of a larger story as this book is labeled Book One. I have no idea if it was ever finished and I'm kind of hoping someone can let me know and better yet supply me with a lead to pick up Book Two. From what I can gather this book kind of bridges the gap between Generation One and Generation Two.

I'm not the best at reviewing or re-telling stories so I ask that you bear with me here. You can click on the scanned pages for a larger, more detailed look at the fantastic art. The story opens up with Headmaster Chromedome investigation a luminous phenomenon on the planet Cybertron before some sort of energy surge I image comes down like lightning from the heavens. The story then shifts to Earth with G1 Smokescreen , the Axelerators and Aerialbots from G2 are expecting at any moment a space bridge of sorts to open up that the Decepticons have been using.

The Autobots calculations were correct because out of the portal comes Skyquake and the Decepticon Sky Scorchers (and eventually the Predators too) from G2. The Aerialbots quickly merge to form Superion to take on the threat of Skyquake. On the previous page you can see the Aerialbots take off from G1 Broadside's aircraft carrier mode w/ Silverbolt sitting in the water in his base mode with G2 Seaspray docked beside.

I find this fight scene particularly fascinating as it depicts Skyquake as being roughly the same size as a G1 combiner. We all know the old G1 animated cartoon had it's fair share of scale issues, so does this story suffer the same fate? While you could say that since the Aerialbots were just sitting on Broadside on the previous page, but you could also say that these two characters have been drawn based on their toys. The G1 Skyquake toy is a rather large beast of a plane. A lot of readers may be familiar with this mold as it was also used as Starscream in the Machine Wars series. This toy is roughly the same size as a G1 (or G2) combiner team. Anyhow right off the bat I was drawn into this story which as I pointed out earlier doesn't always happen for me w/ Transformers comics.

During this battle the G1 Powermasters Dreadwing and Darkwing show up and ambush Smokescreen. Knowing that their Autobot friend was in danger, Superion jettisons G2 Air Raid to help his friend and eventually vanishes as he follows the fleeing Decepticons through their portal.

It appears that the human alliance with the Autobots on planet Earth isn't on the same firm ground as it has been. There is a scene containing television news clips of a public hearing in Washington, DC regarding if immigrant citizenship laws should apply towards Autobot refugees that have come to America seeking asylum. In these scenes we see Chip Chase being questioned in DC. Spike and Sparkplug Witwicky are shown somewhere else (I'm guessing at Spike's home) reacting to the news on TV. There is a female shown as well, but not named. I'm assuming this is Carly.

The story shifts again back to Cybertron with a group of human (or are they Nebulan?) scientists showing off the Autobots current power source, Nucleon. Now let me pause a second and react. I know that the story of Nucleon is that its a power source so potent that if a Transformer "ingests" it raw that one of the side effects is that their transformation essentially locks up, however the robot gains new abilities and skills. Not since I bought the Japanese Nucleon Quest Convoy have I heard this power source mentioned so I got a little excited here. I also immediately wondered if any Action Masters would show up in the pages of this story.

The aforementioned scientists are showing Hot Rod and the others a new set of troops that were being built, the G2 Laser Rods. Interesting enough all 4 are shown here as they are just robots. They go on to explain that while they can build new troops, only the power of the Creation Matrix can grant them life. Big Daddy from the G1 Hot Rod Patrol is also shown here specifically for the author to introduce another new technology called Matter Reduction, as Big Daddy's size increases as he transforms from vehicle to robot mode. All the sudden there is a huge jolt by some unknown energy source and immediately the Laser Rods seem to becoming to life?

Meanwhile the store shifts to the Decepticon side of things were we see the G1 Ultra Pretender, Roadblock, alongside G2 Starscream! I'm really loving seeing all of these characters depicted in the store and Hirofumi's art is top notch. This same unknown energy source that seemingly gave life to the Laser Rods over at the Autobots base of operations has also struck the Decepticons base and has given life to their new recruits as well. These troops are shown to be G2 Aquaspeeders and Stormtroopers.

Combat Hero Optimus Prime is then shown letting everyone know (Autobots Action Master Mainframe, Perceptor, Chromedome and the Technobot Lightspeed are shown) that he nor the Creation Matrix were responsible for giving life to the new robots and that there was only one other power that could do that...none other than Vector Sigma!

At the Decepticon body plant, Starscream makes his case to his fellow Decepticons and to the robots that have just been brought online that everyone should serve under his command. Even though the G2 version of Starscream is depicted here, this is your classic character as Starscream remains sneaky and cocky as ever before. In these scenes you can also see the G2 Cyberjets, Gobots and Laser Cycles, some of which question Starscream and ultimately get a shot of null ray through the face!

It doesn't take long before the Decepticon forces attack the Autobots. Just before this splash page introducing the Action Master Banzai-Tron, you see his companion Razor Sharp cutting through the door of the Autobots base. G1 Red Alert and the Omnibot Downshift are shown here as Razor Sharp prepares the way for his master to enter and combat the Autobots. It appears that the Targetmaster Pointblank is shown as Banzai-Tron's first casualty.

I remember reading Banzai-Tron's old toy tech spec and remember reading that he was a master of a fighting style called Crystalocution. He takes it hard to the Autobots that choose to stand up against him. Ironhide is the first to try to go toe to toe with the Decepticon Action Master and just like in the 1986 animated movie, Ironhide faces his demise. Interesting how they chose to depict Ironhide's robot mode based on his original toy.

Optimus Prime eventually confronts and defeats Banzai-Tron all while the Decepticon forces are starting to question of they want to follow Starscream. Then out of the sudden Starscream hails for one of his newest allies, G2 Dreadwing and Smokescreen! Optimus Prime is confused and startled by the appearance of Smokescreen, so confused that he doesn't have time to react Smokescreen turning fire onto his former leader. Yes, in this story the G1 Autobot Smokescreen was rebuilt as the G2 Decepticon of the same name. Now there is a little disclaimer at the end of the story that this is solely part of the author's discretion and that Hasbro or Takara have ever said or claimed that these two characters are one in the same.

The story ends with the focus shifting back to Earth, specifically the Decepticon's control bloc. Enter G2 Megatron...and he doesn't appear to be all that happy with Starscream.

I really wish I knew more about this book. The last page's credits show that the book was released by One-Time Assembly, printed on June 18th, 1998. I love the selection of characters and how Autobots and Decepticons are used from both generations. While many of the characters have limited lines and are largely used in the background, it's great to see so many characters have an appearance that are often overlooked or just not used in comics. Even if I never find the 2nd part of this store (if it even exists) I'm so glad to have this as a part of my Transformers media collection.

If anyone reading this has any additional background information on this book or it's supposed follow-up, please, please comment and let me know or reach out to me directly.

New eBay Store!

A few weeks ago I went to an old co-worker's house to look at toys from her son's and nephew's past.  I had no idea how much they had, I just knew the boxes contained Transformers, G.I. Joe and more.  I was eager to see what kind of Transformers they had as the nephew was about the same age as my wife (early 30's).

Well in my excitement I forgot to take pictures so you'll have to use your imagination!  When I got to their house I was greeted with one of those large 15 gallon plastic totes, full of toys.  Then she told me she had 7 more on the back porch!  Looking back at me in those containers were G1 and G2 Transformers, G.I. Joe A Real American Hero figures (and parts of figures), TMNT, Star Wars and so, so, so much more.  We quickly agreed upon a deal and then I proceeded to load up my car to head home.

It took me a week just to sort through everything.  To this moment I am still in shock of some of the things I found.  The downside to all of this is the way these toys were stored.  Outside, in a storage shed.  The heat and humidity didn't treat some of the toys kindly.  I pulled out several toys that were badly discolored...and not just white plastic.  I don't have a count of the G1 figures I pulled out, but it had to exceed 75 at least.  Some of which were in better shape than some I had in my own collection (Sandstorm, Huffer) and a few I didn't even own (Blitzwing).  The real treat however was all the little loose parts floating around the bottom of the containers.  I found a Spike Headmaster, Vroom's small gun, Fasttrack's small orange gun, several Trypticon parts, two Megatron Action Master missiles I lacked and more.

I still haven't even touched the other containers save for sorting them.  I have so much I couldn't begin to figure out the best way to try and move them.  I thought about using some of the toy forums or some Facebook groups, but ultimately I decided to re-open my eBay store I had years ago.  This is a time consuming process, and time isn't something I have an abundance of.  However I will be slowly adding these toys and parts to the store over the next few weeks / months.  If you see something you want, send me a message letting me know that you follow this blog, or have 'Liked' my Facebook page and I'll pass along a small discount.  I'm not trying to get rich here, but all of this actually comes at a time when my family could use some extra money to help pay down some debt and pay some unexpected bills.

Random Toy Reviews eBay Store

While I'm not buying right now, I am leaving the option of trading open.  I lack just under 20 G1 figures now from completing the line and there are still several parts I need to complete various figures.  That said if you see something in the store you are interested in, let me know and we'll if we can work out some kind of deal.  If by chance anyone has any complete M.A.S.K. toys also let me know as I'd be interested in trading for those as well.

Transformers - What Could've Been (Canceled G1 & G2 toys)

While digging around in my laptop's hard drive this evening I ran across a file folder that I thought I had previously deleted. Back in '07 I attempted to build a Transformer toy database for every toy released. Yeah. Not sure why other than I like to take large amounts of information and organize it.

Anyhow I had since taken the site down and I thought I had deleted all of the associated content until tonight. Buried within this folder are a few pictures I had lifted off the 'net some years ago of G1 and G2 test shots and canceled prototypes. I can't give proper credit for the pics unfortunately, but I still wanted to share these just in case someone has seen them before.

Let's start with Generation 1. I loved the Pretender toys. The big ones or the smaller ones - it didn't matter to me as I loved the idea and gimmick of the TFs hiding inside organic shells. Needless to say not everyone in the fandom embraced the Pretender concept such as I and the last few toys got the axe before they were released. I believe this guy was part of the new Double Pretender idea where two robots hid inside the same shell. There was also a large gorilla Double Pretender that had been planned. Of note these shells didn't separate in half like the majority of Pretenders, but the robot(s) would be removed from the back via a removable panel (similar to the Monster Pretenders / Dinoforce). These prototype figures were brought to Botcon 1996 for display purposes by Hasbro.

I also was a huge fan of the G1 Micromasters...then again I also loved Galoob's Micro Machines so it seems fitting. I found this picture online in the early 90's and didn't know anything more about it. According to TFWiki though I learned that Hasbro had planned on releasing this Micromaster Carrier Base to interact with the various Patrols and Squads, but I'm guessing that the popularity of the brand was continuing to decrease at a rate where it just didn't made sense to release a larger scaled playset...although the Micromaster base, Countdown was released in 1990. This resin piece was brought by Hasbro to display at Botcon 1996.

Several toys never made it past the planning stages in the Generation 2 line as well including packaged samples of 4 of the 5 Protectobots and Stunticons.

While most TF collectors are aware of the canceled G2 Protectobots and Stunticons how many have seen them in their G2 packaging (minus the Botcon exclusive Breakdown)?

Another toy that didn't quite make it was a Laser Cycle version of Soundwave. This mold was eventually released as the Decepticon Road Pig. The Autobot equivalent Laser Cycle was planned to be released as Jazz, but eventually saw release as Road Rocket.

Before these toys were known as Dreadwing & Smokescreen this duo was planned to Megatron & Starscream. How Megatron would have gone from his previously released day glow green and purple camouflage tank to a ATB is beyond me. This color scheme would eventually be released by Takara as part of their Beast Wars II line in Japan as Starscream and BB.

Now these pictures perhaps are my favorite of all the unreleased G2 stuff. I don't know anything about this and I don't recall reading much about this toy anywhere else. I've searched TFWiki and the boards at TFW2005 for information and my searches come up empty. I really wish this had been released as it looks like a great designed toy.

Transformers G2: Meanstreak (Power Master)

Only sold in parts of Europe in 1995 Hasbro released 4 Power Masters. They didn't have transforming engines and that's not a typo - I meant to put a space between the two words. The gimmick behind Power Masters was that they had pull back friction motors. When their weapons were placed in certain holes they would unlock the engine and allow it to power forward. Not the best gimmick if you ask me, but still a unique piece of Transformers history.

Function: Street Fighter
Motto: "I'm a fuel injected firestorm screaming through the streets!"

Meanstreak would rather drag race than fight, but he's never shirked his duty when called upon for combat. A blur in battle because of his speed, Decepticon targeting sensors incapable of locking onto him. Due to body structure and ground clearance, rough terrain reduces performance levels. But on smooth city streets, he's a devastating destroyer of Decepticons!

Strength: 7  Speed:  10  Rank:  5  Firepower:  7

Intelligence:  7  Endurance:  6  Courage:  9  Skill:  5

Meanstreak eluded my grasp for so many years.  I was able to acquire Ironhide, Staxx and Bulletbike years ago and rather easily.  I bought all of them MOSC for I'm sure less than $20.00 each.  Fast forward to today when Transformers is a much more popular brand and finding these isn't so easy.  When you do find them they are usually on eBay with inflated prices.  Thankfully I didn't have to go that route as this one was acquired via Amazon.uk with the help of a very generous TFW2005 member.

I don't recall my other Power Masters coming on multi-lingual cards such as Meanstreak. Good thing TFW2005 had his translated tech specs!

Meanstreak has a great alt mode. I don't recall any other Transformer being a dragster. Plenty of race cars of all sorts, but no dragsters come to mind. I love the airbrushed white on the nose as it gives the appearance of the dragster tearing up the streets.

 

The alt mode isn't perfect though. Since the toy hails from the Generation 2 era it has the requisite pink windows. The yellow doesn't bother me as much. Like other G2 toys the faction symbol and name is stamped on the toy, this time on the front window.

The only stickers on the toy are on the side doors. At least they aren't as garish as the sticker on the front of G2 Megatron!

Meanstreak features an easy transformation. You basically stand up the front portion of the car and separate the nose into the arms. That's about it. If the head looks a little funny it's because those are the front wheels on the side of the head. Too bad they were molded in black plastic as that would have looked better in my opinion.

I didn't think I'd like this toy that much going in, but since I had the other 3 Power Masters I figured why not go ahead and complete the set. While all the robot modes on these toys are very simplistic I think Meanstreak has one of the better looking robot forms.

 

Of all the early simplistic Transformers (Battle Chargers, Jumpstarters, Throttlebots) it's at least nice to see the idea of friction powered Transformers evolve a bit.

Transformers Generation 2 "Decepticon Danger" Coloring & Activity Book

What kid didn't enjoy sitting down with a new coloring book a pack of fresh crayons? I loved it when my grandmother would buy me a new coloring book...especially as I got old and more anal about staying between the lines. I can't say I remember this particular coloring book as a kid or even when/where I acquired this book, but I recently found it again during the move of my man cave/toy room.

The book has a 1993 copyright of Honey Bear Books and is entitled Decepticon Danger. As you can see it features the Construction Scrapper on the front. It has a price of $1.29 pre-printed in the upper right corner. Have you seen what coloring books cost now? $5.00 or more!

The back features the original box art for G1 Dinobot Grimlock. Modern Publishing is listed on the back so I'm not sure who the publisher is...but who cares. What's important are the blank pages ready to be colored...right?

The illustrations are by Tony and Tony Tallarico.  Apparently he has a multiple personalities...or a brother.  Not sure.  Written by Lara Bergen.  What a minute.  Since when did coloring books have writers?!

If it wasn't for Sideswipe's name being on the spoiler and the huge 'SS' on the side of the car you might think that was Red Alert rushing to put out the fire with Inferno. Then again this is a coloring book so who says you have to color in Sideswipe in his G2 (or G1) colors. Why not color him red and white?

Look. Even a drawing of the G2 Optimus Prime toy has the cab ever so slightly angled. That large sound box that attaches to the front of his trailer makes it impossible for the Optimus to ever drive in a straight line!

G2 Starscream and Ramjet. I always wondered why they chose Ramjet for inclusion in G2. Why not Thundercracker or Dirge?  Why does Ramjet not have the traditional cone head?

When you ready the quote on this page can't you just hear Peter Cullen's iconic voice? I know I can.

Growing up my coloring books didn't really make me think. These days (and even in the early 90s) they started to mix in puzzles, mazes and word searches into coloring books. I'm not against learning or anything, but as a kid I would've skipped over these pages. At least they threw in some smaller drawings on this word search page to color.

This is about as much action as you'll get in this book.  Look at the great writing here by Lara.  Great work!

I had to include a scan of this page since it featured Constructicon Bonecrusher and one of the Skyscorcher jets.

Overall this is a pretty good coloring book. It only contains 15 total pages, but it still makes for a nice Transformers collectible. If you enjoyed this review let me know as I have another coloring book to share on down the road.