Transformers G1 Headmasters: Shuffler

QUICK INFO:

Name: Shuffler
Line: Transformers / Headmasters (Takara)
Year: 1987


I've got a special review in store for you readers today. I'm going to take a look at one of the elusive Japanese exclusive Headmaster Warriors, Shuffler! After discovering the internet (what year was that?!) and finding out more about my beloved childhood toys, Transformers, I came across 6 unique Headmaster heads only sold in Japan. I soon discovered that these little toys commanded a very high price on the secondary market so I wrote them off as a toy that I would never own. Well thanks to some very crafty (Chinese?) people there are now way less expensive reproductions available. While I obviously don't have the original Shuffler to compare this too, people in the Transformers collecting community that I know have said they match up really well. Enough talk though, on to the review!

As you can see Shuffler's alt mode is an elephant. The limbs & ears are made of a purple gray plastic while the rest of the body is cast in a darker purple. The only paint applications in this form are on the eyes which are painted blue. He measures just over 2 inches long from the tip of his trunk to the back of the legs. There is a good bit of detail molded on the plastic which kind of surprised me. There are some ridges on the forehead in between the eyes and on the top of the trunk's tip. Even the big ears have some good detail. The tusks are independent from the trunk which is a nice touch. This is really evident when transformed into the head module.

Here is Shuffler next to Chromedome's Headmaster, Stylor. Size wise Shuffler is a tad larger, but that would be expected since his alt form is that of an animal versus a robot.

Finally a close up of Shuffler while in head module form. Before I go further I wanted to mention that in the Resources section of TFW2005.com that I help contribute to, they have Shuffler photographed slightly different in this form. They have the the rear legs standing straight up. I'm not sure what the "official" transformation is, but the way TFW2005 depicts it makes the head look even larger. To me it gives a Ultra Magnus vibe. I prefer the head as I photographed...its a much more compact, cleaner look in my opinion. As with the elephant form there is only one paint app used in this form. Obviously that would be the robot's eyes as they are painted in a beautiful red shade. This stands out very well. As with many other Transformers, the lower half of the face is basically a mouth guard or shield. The elephant's ears form the sides of the head and give it some much needed thickness. The elephant's truck and tusks form the top portion of the head and gives it an almost crown or royal appearance. I really like the overall look of the head.

Now let's take a look at how Shuffler compares in head module form with other Generation 1 Headmaster heads. First off you should notice the head is rather large when compared to the others. Not only is it larger, but there is more depth to it as well. It doesn't appear too large however and below you'll see how Shuffler looks attached to a G1 Headmaster Transformer.

Depicted from L to R (top row): Shuffler, Arcana (Brainstorm, Stylor (Chromedome), Duros (Hardhead), Gort (Highbrow) and Plasma (Brave Maximus) | (2nd row): Grax (Skullcruncher), Krunk (Snapdragon) and Monzo (Weirdwolf)

Top and bottom views of elephant mode.

Shuffler attaches to any Generation 1 Headmaster Transformer just as any other Headmaster figure would. With most of the other Headmaster figures the tiny robot head acts as the connecting post and allows the figure to be plugged into the larger Transformer body. Since Shuffler doesn't have a robotic head he features a small square post. This is similar to the square posts that can be folded out of the chests of the Aerialbots. Behind this square post is a small piece of plastic that is notched out to give a new power rating once plugged into a larger Transformer.

Here Shuffler is attached to Hardhead's body. If you take a look at the chest you'll notice that Shuffler has increased Hardhead's ratings. Normally Hardhead's speed, strength and intelligence would register respectively as 4, 10 & 5. Shuffler augments the ratings and increases them to 4, 10 & 9. That lets you know right away that Shuffler is rather strong and tough despite is small stature.

In closing I have to say that I am very impressed by this toy. As I mentioned earlier this toy can easily command $250+ for the authentic piece on the secondary market. It doesn't matter how awesome a toy is...I can't justify spending that much money on a simple toy. That is why I was thrilled to hear the news of a reproduction hitting the market. I'm sure there are plenty that were angered by this news. I've heard that the easiest way you can tell the real deal from this reproduction is by looking at the rivets. The originals seem to be much more smooth. Mine don't look bad, but one of them does appear to look rushed during the manufacturing stage. The plastic quality appears to be very good. It's a good hard plastic and not rubbery as some TF KO's can be made of. The few paint apps are done well and the joints are very stiff. Overall I would highly recommend anyone buying one of these reproduction Headmaster Warriors. I want to mention there are no copyright markings of year or of Takara anywhere on the toy. Not only are the real toys super expensive, but they are hard to find. If you can find a dealer selling these don't hesitate. I have no idea how many of these have been made or will be made, but as popular as these Japanese exclusive Headmaster Warriors are I'm sure the available stock will go fast.

DiaRobo: Dustral DR-0011

It's time we got back to looking at some transforming robots!  Last year when I discovered the DiaRobo line of toys from Japan I instantly fell in love.  Even though I've only previously reviewed one toy, I've bought just about every single release.

These Hot Wheels sized toys started off simple, but then expanded to transformations other than just robots.  With the newest wave from the land of the Rising Sun there are 3 different Toyota Dyna vehicles.  Agatsuma has done a good job of taking one model and re-shelling it to make different vehicles and giving the alt mode a new head to really differentiate them from one another.

From what I can tell, DR-0011's name is Dustral and he is modeled after a real life Toyota Dyna vehicle - a garbage truck in this case.  While I'm not familiar with this model of Toyota, it looks authentic and really nice.

  

I like licensed toys such as these.  Due to licensing and fees it doesn't seem that Americans get this sort of detail anymore.  The back of the garbage truck is a separate piece of molded plastic.  It's a rather light feeling plastic, but it doesn't feel cheap.  The back end is basically hollow as it's needed for the transformation.

Here is a quick comparison with DR-0013 Diart.  Same truck - just with a different back end.  Diart will eventually get his own post.  Let's take a look at Dustral's robot mode next.

While I really like the vehicle mode, the robot mode just doesn't do anything for me.  First off just look at him.  His proportions are way off.  I even double checked the instruction sheet to make sure I folded the legs the proper way.  Short stubby arms, long legs...yeah, no thank you.  At least he's got a nice looking head sculpt.

Articulation isn't as good as Roidcop's, but it's not horrible.  The limbs are all attached via ball and socket joints.  This gives free range of motion, but don't expect any dynamic poses here.

If the robot's proportions weren't enough to turn you off just take a look of the robot from the side.  Talk about backpack kibble!  I don't mind the cab top flipping back, but the garbage portion just hangs there.  I thought from looking at the seam in the plastic across the top this piece would split into two...but nope.  This piece does sit on a swivel joint so you could flip it upside down or even possibly remove it all together.  At least the feet have heels so the figure can stand up on his own despite the huge backpack.

**UPDATE**  It's been pointed out that the official transformation of the "backpack" looks something like this.  I knew I didn't do it right, but I didn't realize from the instructions that the cab's top hides up underneath the back of the garbage truck.  Now I'm starting to like this guy even more!

Dustral isn't my favorite release and neither are the re-shells, but since they only cost a few bucks each I figured why not.  I might as well go completionist on this line!  Great vehicle, horrible robot.  Only recommended if you like transforming garbage trucks or just want to own all the DiaRobo toys.

Machine Robo Rescue: TMR-02SG Siren Garry

One of the highlights of Bandai's Machine Robo Rescue series were the large vehicle transports for the teams. The Blue Siren team was given their own transport - Siren Garry. A large armored tractor trailer of sorts, Siren Garry could transport either the Police Robo or Gyro Robo teams. As with the other Machine Robo Rescue transports, Siren Garry can convert into a large robot.

While I love Wing Liner, I think Siren Garry has the best looking vehicle mode. The toy is large and bulky, but sleek looking at the same time. The cab is detachable from the trailer and each section opens up to store Blue Siren's team members.

I really, really love the look of Siren Garry's cab. From the aerodynamic look to how the wheels are reversed from a traditional tractor trailer cab, this thing is so cool. I even like the way the cab opens up for the team's leader - complete with retractable ramp.

The top of the rear portion of the trailer opens up and folds out to form two ramps leading into the trailer. Because the this portion also forms the legs of the robot there are two separate compartments. Each section here will store two drones.

Transformation is rather easy. Remove the cab and fold it in half. Rotate the light bar around to reveal the robot head. Set it aside. The front half of the trailer folds down to form the arms. On the top of the trailer are two flat gray pieces - fold them over to cover the hollow end of the arms. Fold out the fingers on each hand.

The rear of the trailer slightly slides apart to form the legs. The "spoiler" pieces on the top slide down to form the feet. On the hips are two white panels that flip down to cover the hollow legs. Grab the cab and slide it into the upper section to complete Siren Garry Robo's conversion.

The robot head is a great sculpt, but my main problem with it is that it is way too small. I love the large stocky look of the robot, but the small head really holds the figure back.

From the look of the red light bar you would think they light up, but being a toy from 2003 and not 2013, electronic lights and sound weren't as common place as they are now.

I was also disappointed when I pulled this toy off the shelf to notice that some of the white plastic had started to yellow in places. I believe this is the first white toy that I've owned that has suffered this fate. It's not to the place where the yellowing is horrible and completely ruins the toy, but it's sad none the less to see it.

Siren Garry may be smaller than Wing Liner, but he's just as equally awesome. If I could only choose one of the two it'd be a tough choice, but I think I'd have to lean towards Siren Garry as he was my first MRR transport I acquired.

The League of Extraordinary Bloggers: Spies

It's been awhile since I've participated in the League of Extraordinary Bloggers...not because I don't like chiming in on the weekly topics, but because I have so many stinking toys I want to share!  Seriously, I have a good 6 month + backlog of toys that I've acquired that I haven't even opened because I want to first share them on my blog.

This week's topic was given to us in one word, "spies".  With this being a toy blog with a heavy emphasis on Transformers I'm sure many of you can guess which character will get the spotlight here.

courtesy of botchthecrab.com

The Transformers Generation One double spy, Punch-Counterpunch!  Yeah baby!  By the time this awesome toy had been released in 1987 I had moved on from Transformers and toys in general...thanks in part to Nintendo.  However when I saw this week's topic this guy immediately popped into my head.

 Punch, the Autobot, transforms into Counterpunch, the Decepticon, to infiltrate enemy installations. Cool-headed, a robot of few words, reveals little of his true self to either side. Maximum car mode speed: 160 mph. Uses twin mortar launcher in Autobot mode, photon cannon in Decepticon mode. 

By the time 1987 had rolled around and introduced the Autobot Double Spy, the fans had already been introduced to triple changers such as Astrotrain and Blitzwing.  Having 3 modes wasn't anything new, but going from car to robot to robot?!  Punch as shown above is an Autobot that transforms from a blue Pontiac Fiero.  Anyone old enough to remember those cars?  As an Autobot he wields a yellow double blaster.

Instead of having an alternate vehicle form, Punch can transform into a secondary robot disguised as a Decepticon.  It's a fairly ingenious design they came up with.  Instead of merely turning the robot around, there are parts that fold out to give the Decepticon a whole new look.  Except the yellow bits that show through on the arms, it's had to tell that Counterpunch is Punch...or vice versa.

The official Transformers Collector's Club gave him an upgrade last year, but I still prefer the G1 version of the character.  I'm still lacking his guns, but that's only because I don't want to pay $20 a pop on eBay!

Sadly Punch didn't get a lot of appearances in the old G1 cartoon, but he did get some cool animation in this toy commercial as well an a brief entry in the Rebirth mini-series.

Check out some of my other fellow League member's take on this week's topic:

- Rediscover the 80's - Spy vs Spy
- That Figures - Spies (including Microman!)
- Infinite Hollywood - Captain Action

Machine Robo Rescue: TMR-01WL Wing Liner

In the early 2000's Bandai created a new television and toy series called Machine Robo Rescue. Immediately a lot of fans noticed the homages to the old Machine Robo brand. Releases such as MR-01L Jet Robo was a dead ringer for Machine Robo's Fitor.

picture courtesy of SGCollect.com

Each rescue team was comprised of a robot with 4 drones. Each team could merge together to form a larger robot. In 2003 Bandai also released larger transports themed after the various teams. The Red Wings team (comprised of Jet Robo and Fire Robo teams) was given the largest (and best, IMO) transport - Wing Liner.

You'll have to forgive me for not measuring the length of the train, but this thing is big. In typical Japanese fashion the train is modeled after a bullet style train. Each section is permanently attached, but the connector allows each section a good amount of movement. Each section has 4 small free rolling wheels on the bottom to allow the train to roll along smooth, hard surfaces.

The center section of the train acts as a command module. On each side you have the large Machine Robo Rescue 'MRR' logo along with the team logo.

Lift up the side panel of the command module and then open the side door to reveal a storage compartment for one of the team's leader figures. The ramp is also extendable.

The two center sections also open up from the top to allow one of the team's drones to be stored/ride inside.

The nose of the end sections lift up to yet again allow more storage of for the various team drones. The train can effectively carry one team with the leader in the middle and a drone in each of the 4 sections.

I bought this toy secondhand from Yahoo! Japan auctions 10 years ago so mine isn't in flawless condition. You can see the chrome on the nose of the train here has some wear along with a few nicks to the white paint.

I was surprised that the train has as much flexibility as it does. The center piece is large and bulky and doesn't really move, but you can bend the other sections quite well. This really is a fun toy and quite impressive in both modes.

To convert Wing Liner to Wing Liner Robo you simply fold the 4 sections in with the 2 middle pieces becoming the lower torso. Twist the end sections around and flip up the ends to become the legs / feet. The center section will be the upper torso. Flip up and unhinge the side panels and rotate them around - unfold to form the arms. Slide the white sloped piece forward and down onto the chest to reveal the robot's head.

My first hands on impression years ago when I acquired this piece was this looked like something you'd see in an episode of Power Rangers. Yes the toy does have some old MR influence, but I didn't catch that initially. Wing Liner Robo is by far the tallest of the 3 transports in robot mode. You might expect a large figure like this to lack articulation, but he actually has a few points - mostly from the transformation however. His hands are claws and are on springs. There is a tab in the top of each hand you can squeeze to open and close each claw. The claws can rotate a full 360 degrees. The arms themselves can rotate at the shoulder and has limited movement in the elbow. The "knees" do allow the lower leg portion to move, but you really can't strike much of a pose thanks to the size and weight of the figure.

The head is interesting. The eye visor is actually three pieces! I love the sci-fi look of the head, complete with the head antenna!

I really wish I still owned the Jet or Fire Robo sets so I could've included them in the pictures, but thanks to my ever growing Transformers collection most of my MRR toys fell casualty to the issue that plagues all of us collectors - space! Unless you can find a local seller that has this toy for sale I have a hard time recommend importing him from Japan. He isn't all that pricey, but due to his size overseas shipping could get expensive.

Masters of the Universe Classics: Moss Man

Moss Man.  The air freshener of the Masters of the Universe.  My first real exposure to this character (like many other MOTU characters) was in the Mike Young Productions (MYP) cartoon.  I knew of him prior to watching the MYP series, but what really impressed me was his evil nemesis, Evilseed.  Sadly Evilseed has yet to be given the proper action figure treatment.  Moss Man did get a 200X action figure, but he was exclusive to the old Toy Fare magazine as the series was cancelled before a mass release figure could be made.

I had an issue with this figure for many reasons, but mostly due to it not at all looking like Moss Man as depicted in the MYP series.  If you can't tell - this is is a green, flocked Beast Man with Mekanek's mace.  While I do still have this figure in my collection, it's not one of my favorites.  I was so relieved when I saw that Mattel was going to include him in the new Masters of the Universe Classics line.

Moss Man came in two varieties, flock and non-flocked ears.  I got the non-flocked ears.  That whole thing still confuses me.  Anyhow, unlike the 200X figure, Moss Man isn't exactly a green, flocked Beast Man this time around.  Out of the package this is the figure you have in your hands...

You guessed it - a green, flocked Beast Man head.  Blah.  Moss Man to my knowledge has never been portrayed as this burly, aggressive type of character so I don't understand the whole Beast Man head.  I know the inclusion of the head is a nice throw back to the vintage line or even the 200X line, but this head just doesn't cut it for me.  Thankfully however I don't have to display my air freshener action figure with this look.

 

Ah, now this is better!  The Four Horsemen undoubtedly modeled this new head sculpt based on his MYP look...and how awesome does it look.  It looks a little Planet of the Apes-ish, but I'm OK with that.  Gone is the big green exposed forehead, the gnarly teeth and the evil looking eyes.  These features are replaced with a more docile look that better captures his MYP portrayal.  Even the fuzzy green flocking looks nice on this new head sculpt.

Mattel did a good job with the flocking on this figure.  As you can see not all of the figure has been covered - the arm joints were left exposed as the back of the knees.  This allows the modern articulation to not be hindered by the new covering.  And if you are missed my comments about the pine scent - it's strong.  I couldn't believe how strong of a pine smell the figure had when I originally opened the figure.  It's been over a year since he's been on display and he still retains most of his pine smell...thankfully however it's not as potent now.

  

What makes this figure work, in my opinion are the new accessories.  In addition to the two different heads, Moss Man also gets a new vine sash and wooden mace.  The the sash has a little bag and knife sheath sculpted on the right side.  A removable knife is also included.  The mace looks great.  I especially like the smaller vines that are wrapped around it.

Moss Man is one of those figures that may not wow everyone, but with the new head attached it's a simple, great looking figure that equally blends in well no matter which camp you're in.  As a bonus your room will never smell better!