Transformers 3rd Party: Impossible Toys - Animated Humans

One of the earliest 3rd party companies to make unofficial Transformers products was Impossible Toys. They were also one of the first 3rd party companies to go out of business. Before they did however, they released a set of PVC figurines of 3 human characters from Transformers Animated...Professor Sumdac, Captain Fanzone and Sair.

These figures were not articulated, but solid pieces of plastic. The paint apps for the most part were OK, but from what I've seen of this set there were some that were horrendous. I actually acquired this set for free at TFCon Charlotte in 2015 courtesy of Captured Prey. They pretty much left a bucket of these sets out near the registration table to people to take. Yeah, they sold that well!

Professor Sumdac

Captain Fanzone

Sari

I long have since sold my Animated collection so I really can't say if these scaled well with the actual Animated toys. I would think not as these figures were about 3 inches tall (maybe?). While I loved the Animated television show, I didn't care enough about the toys to keep them. I guess for some people/collectors this set would "complete" their Animated collection, but I ended up passing this set on to someone who actually wanted the toys.

Transformers Animated: Activators Skywarp

In 2010 in Japan Takara Tomy held a lottery of sorts in conjunction with a store called Family Mart. There were all sorts of prizes made available to the winners and Skywarp was basically the 3rd place prize (or the C prize). This is the Activators mold that features the spring loaded transformation gimmick - a repaint of Starscream.

I'm not sure how many of this toy were made or even how many made it to the secondary market, but I don't recall seeing it readily available within the U.S.. When I had a chance to add this little figure to my Animated collection needless to say I didn't hesitate.

In typical Takara fashion Skywarp's packaging was done up in purple monochrome. This I like. It stands out and lets you know that Skywarp wasn't a mass released figure.

When the spring loaded transformation gimmick was first introduced in the Machine Wars series I was hooked. I loved the basic Beast Wars figures that featured this as well. Perhaps this is one reason I adore the Activators as such. While the jet does feature a little robot kibble, it's a faithful representation of the larger voyager class mold. I wonder why there aren't any Decepticon/Destron symbols on the wings?

My only gripe with the robot mode is the color of purple used on Skywarp's head. It's just too light when compared to the purple used on the rest of the figure. Other than that this is a great repaint of the mold.

I already had Thundercracker so I guess I owe it to myself to get Starscream to complete the trio. I'm also on the lookout for Dirge. Thrust was also made using this same mold and like Skywarp was part of the Family Mart lottery. I believe he was the 2nd place prize.

Transformers Animated Kirakira Trading Collection

Transformers and trading cards.  A match made in heaven...well at least for me!

After I finished opening the rest of the packs it appears I have one full set of 30 cards and I think all of the "power up" cards.  I haven't collated my stack of doubles yet, but I'm pretty sure I have at least one more full set.  They'll be up for sale or trade if you are interested.  Stay tuned for a more in depth look soon (I hope).

Transformers Animated: Microbots Collection

Japan loves to cram things into vending machines - underwear, cigarettes, candy and toys...or more specifically Transformers. I was recently sent 3 of these new Transformers Animated Microbot PVC figures and I wanted to take a second to share them with everyone.

These figures come packaged in small egg shaped capsules along with a little brochure. There are 6 figures in the set. Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Grimlock, Megatron, Blackarachnia & Starscream. I'm not sure how much they retail for in Japan, but they can be found for rather cheap online.

Each figure reminds me of Takara's past Myclone figures...only these don't have near the articulation. These stand at about 1 inch tall. Like a lot of things from the land of the rising sun these feature enlarged heads on top of a smaller body. Prime here doesn't really have any moving parts, but I love the sculpt.

Megatron here is my favorite of the 3 I have. The head sculpt is fantastic and dead on to the animation. Both of his arms are slightly articulated allowing some minor poses.

Blackarachnia like the others looks fantastic. I love these little things and I'll probably track down the other 3 figures now. If you like PVC figures or just want something a little different then hunt these little critters down.