Vaults of Iacon

Some rare material here, catalogue scans from the Argos Catalogue. These scans cover the years from 1984 to 1986, as you will no doubt note some are mis-transformed. Also of note is the US/Asia issue of Ultra Magnus (clearly identified by the paint application to the face plate and rubber tyres).

*Also worth a note are the Blackstar figures, these were produced by Galoob and were released along side Masters of the Universe figures between 1983 and 1985, in a bid to cash in on the others success. Filmation did a 13 part cartoon series in 1981, this pre dating Masters of the Universe but again to cash in on its success it was aired again in 1983, with little success and plans for a second series were dropped along with the toyline.

Below are a selection of Instruction Sheets for various Transformers figures.

To open please click on the link (will open a new window)

Transformers 20th Anniversary Optimus Prime

Transformers Masterpiece Optimus Prime Version 2

Transformers Masterpiece Grimlock

Transformers Masterpiece Rodimus Prime

Transformers G1 Optimus Prime

Transformers G1 Powermaster Optimus Prime

Transformers G2 Optimus Prime

Transformers Universe 25th Anniversary Optimus Prime

Transformers Masterpiece Starscream

Transformers Masterpiece Thundercracker

New purchases to gather dust on the shelf, Transformers Prime : Wheeljack, Cliffjumper and Bumblebee.
I will save you the detail of a review (there are plenty of those elsewhere).

Wheeljack is the best of the 3 in my opinion, he is very reminiscent of his G1 counterpart. A cool addition is the twin swords, I always felt more of the Transformers should have swords.

Cliffjumper is a close runner up to Wheeljack. He has some inspirations from G1 but they are quite diluted. Transformation is good and looks well in both bot and car mode.

Bumblebee sorry to say but this is my least favourite of the 3, looks and feels cheap, drawing its inspiration more from the movieverse as opposed to G1. Very simple transformation with a poor looking alt mode.

Decided to take a run up to Toy’s R Us @ Birstall today at lunchtime and was very surprised when I was welcomed by a shelf full of Grimlock. Safe in the knowledge I had just received a healthy tax rebate I decided to have one, on the way back to work feeling a bit chuffed to say the least (my favourite character after all).

Sitting here now typing this “review” I am still happy with my purchase but is dulled slightly by Hasbro’s cost cutting.

1. The plastic is inferior to the Takara Version
2. The joint’s feel looser, will remedy shortly
3. Rounded off claws and teeth (some child safety law thing)

It’s not all a lost cause

1. Paint detailing is better that the Takara version – in line with the G1 toy
2. Window display box
3. Not bogged down with the useless apron, tray and brain transfer thingy bob

Closing, as I am not going over old ground with transformation detail and deeper critique (this has been done elsewhere) if you have a spare £59.99 and are close to a Toy’s R us then bag one. It is worth it, well, just !