I will be calling him Runabout from now on.Usually when there's a Transformers name change it's because it isn't an official product and the company behind it fear Hasbro of suing them for all their worth. This toy is fully endorsed by Hasbro and the only reason he's not called Runabout is because at the last moment they couldn't get the trademark for that name so had to do a quick change on the packaging.

Runabout is a twin of the 'Battlechargers' back in the 80s. I actually own, but of course, both of the originals.  When they announced that Runabout and Runamuck were to be the Transformers Collectors Club (TCC) exclusive toys for this year I was SO excited! Unlike people that I've been reading on boards and posts that they weren't going to sign up this year, I did. I do every year regaurdless of what the character is going to look like and be. It's a toy that only people that join will get. I see it as a rare toy that will NEVER see mass production and I have to have it!

The box that Runabout came in has a spot that can be removed to allow Runamuck to be placed in the box alongside Runabout. Of course none of my toys will ever return to their box, but if you are one that puts them away after, it's a genius idea.

Runamuck is the 'free' figure for joining the club and is already in my possession as of last week. Both are based on the pretty much universally LOVED Classics/Universe/Reveal the Shield/Henkei/Wheeljack mold. Usually TCC exclusives are simple repaints of guys no one really cares about. Last year it was Sideburn, I have 4 of the same mold now! But this time they've taken the extra step and invested in a new head sculpt. I'm finding it difficult to find anything at all wrong with this figure. I'm extremely happy with the Battlecharger twins. They  look  fantastic!

A certain brother decided to show up at my door step today...Runamuck!! He is the free figure that you get for being a member of the Transformers Club. I got his partner in crime,  Over-Run (Runabout), on Monday. So stupid that they can keep Runamuck's originals name but not Runabout. They are battle charger brothers for crying out loud!!! The things that Hasbro come up with sometimes...
I'll have pics up of both of them ASAP.

A couple of weeks ago I was at my favorite store, The Toy Vault. They treat me SO well there. I have lists with them of transformers I've been looking for to complete 84' to 87'.
I go in there all the time just to see what they have and stumbled across a G1 Slag that I can't seem to find in good condition. The problem with him is his chrome mane, it's ALWAYS worn and black! I just couldn't find one that was remotely close to having chrome left on him.
The Toy Vault had 3 of them! I couldn't believe it!! But....only 1 was good enough for my attention. I picked him up, studied him inside and out and was very happy with his appearance. He was missing a couple of his extra missiles and no stickers on him at all! I then go on Ebay to complete him and find out that he had the wrong gun and missiles! His sword was a little beat up but nothing major.
Long story short...here he is all cleaned up!

MP-11: G1 accurate Starscream aka 'Coronation Starscream' was released last week. Finally got a chance to take pics of him in robot mode. I guess a vast majority of collectors' mind, is "Why should I get yet another seeker mold?" I already have MP-03: Starscream, who is a green/blueish color, MP-06: Skywarp and MP-07: Thundercracker. That's 4 of the same mold - do I need another? Of course I do!  Why? Because MP-11 is molded completely different. Its done away with the silly hip-fins (WTF?). The poorly designed feet drove me insane. I just couldn't get them to balance on the ground. It took so many poses to to get one right!  The kibble in robot mode that hangs off the jet air-intakes are also removed. The best part is that they FINALLY gave Starscream a new, more G1 accurate head-sculpt and color scheme. Also, the proper crown and cape is included! The 3rd party one that I bought for MP-03 was pretty cheap looking. The cloth cape was alright because it gave him that real flow look but I'd take the plastic version that came with MP-11 any day.



Overall, that makes this figure more G1 that has pushed me to get it. I actually didn't think twice when I put him on pre-order when they first announced the release. I do like this figure a lot and think it is easier to transform than the previous seeker mold.  I have a few criticisms.: (1) it does NOT include the 'short' heat seeking missiles of the previous seeker molds. TAKARA you are WAY better than that!  (2) it does not come with the stand that came with all prior seekers. Again, TAKARA why?? (3) the box is bigger than it should be. It was weird because I thought he was going to be the size of MP-01 Optimus when I first got him. Pretty sure they could have made it more compact. If the price is not an issue for you, and you want more of a G1 cartoon accurate mold/colors, I defiantly recommend this figure.

I've been on a video game kick for the past couple of months. I'd come home from the gym and go directly to playing Zelda. It's an incredible game in case any of you are fans of the long running series. Now that I am almost done with the game, I found some time yesterday to FINALLY take pics of the Prime figures that I bought!
Also, MP-11 Starscream showed up at my door last night!!! He is beautiful...The G1 colors remind me of the good ole days. I wish I had my original starscream out so I can take pics of them together. I will have pics up very soon of him!

Here is Wheeljack Prime.