#transformers timelines

Finally went to GameStop to get the first transformers toys I bought in a while and I found some toys from a toyline called "Transformers Timelines".

The box art looked really cool and since it was a double-feature, they made the inner packaging look like a fancy Japanese box!

Transformers Timelines Samurai Edition Optimus Prime and Starscream

While I am slightly disappointed that we didn't continue to do other characters in the Hearts of Steel style, the Optimus Prime here alone is so intriguing that it sold me on the idea of visiting multiple timelines and doing these four characters over and over. And if you've ever seen my collections of RX-78-2s or Dino Megazords, then the idea of doing extremely different versions of the same character is right up my alley. Heck yeah.

Optimus the Ox: What a fantastic transformation. The fact that the torso alone is the bull, and the the arms and legs form its cart, by description alone, should tell you how interesting this transformation gets. They also have a great level of posability. I frequently tend to put them in a Kabuki-style pose with their naginata behind them, because the wrists have an interesting level of range. This is the figure that sold me on this set.

Starscream the Falcon: At least I think they're a falcon. They might be a hawk... Anyway, a surprisingly better figure than you'd expect. He looks very simple on the surface, but there's a ton of slots and grooves that align the legs, lock the arms, etc, that lead to a very fun transformation. The wings also have just enough joints to allow for a ton of emoting as both an animal or robot. Just because Optimus sells the set doesn't mean Starscream skimps out at all.

I love Megatron's BDSM leather daddy look in the steampunk Hearts of Steel series.

And here is the rest of the Pride Parade!

My thoughts... I tried to buy these before the prices potentially increased lol. Each figure is gorgeously detailed and looks almost exactly like the art, however like most of the transforming figures, they feel fragile and have a lightweight-plasticky appearance and weight. They do have some mobility but not the best range of motion in each joint, I tried recreating their box art poses and I didn't get a high level of similarity. At least they can stand on their own despite their top-heaviness, I was a little worried. I feel like they could have bumped up the metallic sheen especially on Starscream who has no metallic accents at all compared to Bee who at least has a bit of gold and silver here and there. Or gone full steampunk with a bit of weathering or dirt or battle damage, but idk if companies ever do battle damage paint though, I think that just comes naturally from handling the figures over time lol.

Anyway, love this series even though I feel like Bee also being a train engine like Optimus is a bit meh, it would have been cuter if he was maybe a passenger coach car, but I get why he's also an engine. Starscream is so beautiful and diva as a bat bi-plane, he only needs a better paint job. Optimus Prime is peak as usual (I'm biased) and Megatron also great but not as peak.

The plane and choo choo are very good. I love the aesthetic of these designs so much, I’m glad they finally got toys.

Also Screamer is stim approved

Age of Samurai Oxitron