Category Archives: Fan Interviews & Art

Interviews with Trev & Transformer Fans alike, along with a nice dose of Fan Art sent in to tickle your artistic sensibilities.

Fan Interviews & Art, Transformatorium

Trev interviewed on ABC RN about the ‘Kidult’ Trend

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I was recently approachedby ABC Radio National and asked if I would be a guest on the show Life Matters, hosted by  Jacinta Parsons.   They were doing a story on Kidults – adults who still enjoy the passions they had as a child.   They were familiar with the extent of my Transformers Collection and the Transformatorium from my appearance earlier this year on Channel 10’s The Project and thought I would be perfect for their show.

Video: Trev & The Transformatorium on National TV!

The other guest on the show was to be Dr Katriina Heljakka, a researcher in the toyification of culture, toy design and the hybrid and transgenerational dimensions of ludic practices.

Despite being on the radio weekly on The Big DJ Trev Show, I was a little nervous about going on National Radio live on air across the country, especially since I was battling a headcold and didn’t want to sound sick.  However my family assures me I did ok  😉

Click on the link or the image below to visit the ABC Radio National Website to listen and enjoy!

https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/lifematters/are-you-an-adult-who-still-loves-toys/104577990

Hope you enjoyed my latest interview about my collecting.  Are you an adult who collects something from childhood?  Tell us about it in the comments section below!

The Transformatorium Makes Front Page News!

 

Fan Interviews & Art, Transformatorium

Transformers Fan Interview – Bobby Allen

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It’s time for another Transformer Fan Interview, and once again this one comes from overseas, the good ol’ US of A.  Bobby has some of the most awesome looking Transformers displays I have seen, and he’s sharing photos of it, as well sharing the history of his hobby, with us today.

Name and/or nicknames:
            Hi everyone, my name is Bobby and I’m a Transformers addict
        ***waits for the applause to stop at the TFs Anonymous meeting*** 
I’m Bobby Allen on Facebook and Turbine027 on TFW2005.com … those are the main places I interact with other nerds 🙂
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Family?
            Married, 2 dogs, and some awesome nephews!  Took them both to see the new Transformers One movie the other day!  Recently, one of them has been showing particular interest in Transformers and has been asking lots of questions every time he comes over… He was quizzing me to see if I “actually” had every vintage figure!  Maybe if he learns all their names he can be put in the will!
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Career? 
            High school mathematics teacher.
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Website/Fan-pages?
            I’m really active on TFW2005 and I’m an admin for the Facebook group “Transformers Displays.”  Back in the early days of the internet I had a website called “Make Your Own Transformers” … as a kid I had no budget for toys so I used to make Transformers out of paper… and not just drawing them on a sheet and cutting them out, like full on (designed in MS Paint) pieces that were folded and strategically put together so that they could transform! Based on how young I was, they objectively started out pretty awful… but over time I got really good and would have people emailing me their requests.  I remember staring at the catalogs for hours and admiring figures I didn’t own and trying to figure out how they would have transformed so I could design them.
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How would you rate yourself on a C scale, C10 being MISB Mint perfection, to the lowest C1 ‘junker not worth it even for parts’?
Compared to /most/ other collectors I see out in the wild? Lol  I don’t think people would automatically assume I live in a basement and collect toys or anything haha so I’d say maybe a C7.5  All my parts are there, a few joints are a little loose or stiff, and I’ve had some of my stickers replaced with Reprolabels!  Thankfully no GPS!
Fan/Collector since (year)?
My very first toys (the Technobots) were gifted to me back in November of 1988 and I haven’t stopped since!  In fact, I recently built a shadowbox to showcase the ones that started it all and commissioned Dan Khanna to create a HUGE piece featuring the Technobots for over the couch in my display room.
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Transformers Allegiance, if you had one?
I feel like the Decepticons are cooler overall, but I think I would have been an Autobot.
Your Techspec motto if you had one?
“YAAAAAAAS” or anything else with a gay undertone that could be shouted while playing loud music with the convertible top down.
What existing, official Transformers character best describes you?
Probably Tracks or Sunstreaker.  A cool sporty car that’s a little obsessed with being pretty sounds about right 😉
Which special ability of any Transformers character would you want to have for yourself? 
Hmmm, can’t say that I’ve ever thought about this … The ability to fly seems pretty cool but honestly I’d have to say the ability to combine!  Maybe that’s something subconscious from my very first figure being Computron, but either way I imagine being bullied by a bigger robot then all of a sudden “my friends show up” lol
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What drew you to Transformers, making you become a fan/collector?
I was born in 1984, so I grew up mostly with G2 and Beast Wars, living my G1 dreams through 1987-90 catalogs and syndicated reruns. I’ve always been a huge fan of puzzles, everything from jigsaw to Rubik’s cubes, so my affinity for Transformers has always stemmed from the engineering and transformations. I think that’s why they survived all my other interests (GI Joe, Ninja Turtles, Power Rangers, girls … wait, what?).
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Do you think you will collect Transformers until you die?
At this point I’ve got a very specific vision for when I’ll consider my collection “done” but I think I’ll always be present in the community.  I’m a vintage collector at heart, and I display MPs and 3PMPs side by side the vintage toys, so there’s only so many more I need to be considered finished.  I’m a few accessories away from a complete vintage collection (I won’t lie though, many figures are reissues and a few of them are actually customs (like my Artfire) or high quality KOs (the 6 headmaster heads, the dino cassettes etc) and I don’t plan on swapping them out).  So “complete” is kinda relative here…  but complete for me!
As far as MPs, I’m looking for the rest of the Head/Targetmasters and main combiners to be made so I still have several more years to go!  When I did my room overhaul last year, I made sure to plan and create space for all the future MP figures I want to exist, so it’s both cool and frustrating to see the obvious gaps on the shelves.  It does help me stay focused and not just buy stuff to buy it and it helps my husband and friends who see the room understand my end game.  Being asked “are you done” is pretty common when someone comes over and being able to point to the obvious gaps helps them see what’s missing!
During “The Great Purge of November 2023” I completely redesigned my room layout from scratch and forced myself to admit that I would never be able to properly display all the lines I had collected over the years.  I streamlined my focus to G1 Vintage and MPs, but I still wanted to honor my personal journey with the other lines I used to collect.  I sold my entire CHUG collection, all my Alternators, and paired down everything from the Beast Era, AEC, Animated, Prime, 2007 movie, etc down to about 5-6 figures per faction.
I found that being able to display a curated sample of the lines gave me enough nostalgia to work with.  I don’t regret buying all the figures originally… even though they’re sold now for a loss (mostly) I certainly enjoyed the ride.  I remember the watch parties for new episodes and all the discussions surrounding the figure reveals so seeing a mini display still brings back those memories and for me that makes it all worth it!
So will I be collecting new toy lines until I die?  Probably not, but I’m gonna finish out my personal goal and then admire from the sidelines!
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Do people outside of the hobby know you collect TFs (like at work/school)?
I feel like everyone knows hahaha  My students and coworkers know, and every friend (online or in person) has seen photos or physically visited the space at some point.  It also means that every time a TF meme makes the rounds in the “regular part of the internet” that I get tagged in it by people lol
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Were your family/parents supportive of collecting toys or did you have to hide your passion from them and friends?
Always supportive.  Even as a kid I was obsessed with G1 figures that were clearly long out of print.  My parents would help me hunt down figures for my birthdays, xmas etc.   I remember when eBay first started and you could search “Transformers” and find 253 results. The forums were predated by alt.toys.transformers newsgroups that you had to access through your email. I was too young to buy/sell at that time with “mysterious strangers on the internet” but I remember finding websites like Snarl’s Homepage (Todd) and Robozone (Gerry Bunker) to give my parents places to shop!
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What does your partner think of your hobby?
My husband will also always ask me for a preorder link for the holidays so he can support my addiction haha  He’s not specifically into Transformers the way I am, but he does appreciate the way I have curated my display over the years and how passionate I am toward the hobby.  He’s also super into cars so for a brief while there we had a shared interest in the Binaltech/Alternators line!  The great compromise when we built our home was that I got the windowless media room for my display and he got to take over the garage as his chill spot.
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Have you attended any fan-meets, Fairs, Conventions, Special Events?
Not as often as you would think for someone as active in the collecting world as I am and with a collection my size… but I’ve been to a few.  I remember going to OTFCC the first year the name changed.  It was the very first time being in a place specifically for Transformers and I remember being in total awe of the dealer room area.  This January I went to a Fans Expo convention and splurged on a private Meet and Greet with both Peter Cullen and Frank Welker!  We each got about 5 minutes alone with them (and their handlers) to just talk, ask questions etc.  I was able to briefly show them my display, get a few autographs, photos … and then they each did a voice recording for me as Prime and Megatron.  It was truly an amazing experience and the items I got signed will be cherished forever!
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Any creative endeavours with Transformers (drawing, writing, customising, etc)? 
            I would say the Make Your Own Transformers website was my main creative outlet as a teenager, but I’ve done a few customs like my Artfire over the years.  Most I’ve slowly replaced with vintage pieces though.
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Favourite series/era/year, and why?
            Gosh, that has to be vintage… it’s the one thing that always feels special to me.  Even the parts of the line that don’t get a lot of love like the Pretenders, Action Masters, etc all have a certain charm to them.  I have to say that the catalogs from G1 have the biggest nostalgic pull for me, and it’s the reason I display the way that I do… There’s just something about seeing the best representation of the robot form I fell in love with from the cartoon (MP) side by side with the alt mode (vintage) that just reminds me of those old catalogs and it makes my inner child smile!
Even though I don’t collect modern lines (by my own restrictions) there is still a lot of cool stuff out there for fans!  I love the Studio Series 86 line even if I don’t own many and I will say I’ve been breaking my own rules with Missing Link 🙂
I gave Prime and Megatron their own specific G1 shelves so it’s also been a place for me to dabble in Blokees, Legends scale, etc!
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Collect any comics?
Up until very recently, no not really.  I had a few random Marvel TF comics that I came across at a young age… As far as modern comics I always felt like I became aware of them too far in and I was too lazy to go back and try to catch up.  I always enjoy the discussions that go along with new episodes and new issues, so when SkyBound started the Energon Universe I finally jumped at the chance to actually follow along from issue #1.  I’ve fallen in love with the series and even made little setups to represent the first 6 titles.
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Favourite Comic issue/story, and why?
            Can’t say that I have an absolute favorite yet.  I feel like I would just pick something cliché…  I did very much enjoy the end of the first arc of the Energon Universe when Prime starts kicking butt with the whole “You Know The Song” in the background!
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Favourite Cartoon episode/story, and why?
I always enjoyed the episodes that dove into the origins of the characters like War Dawn and the flashbacks in Five Faces of Darkness.
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Favourite Character, and why?
            As a kid, I was OBSESSED with Hot Rodlol  Such a cool car mode and the main character in that VHS movie I kept renting!  So when asked, that’s still probably my instinctual “go to.”  Soundwave is also a personal favorite.
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Sexiest Transformers (robot) Character?
            I can’t say that I’ve ever actually thought about this… but I guess I’ll say Springer lol  But if he and Hotrod want to fight over me, I’ll be glad to marry one and see the other on the side!
Which Transformers character would you want to exist for real?
            If it was like a personal best friend and side kick, then Hot Rod all the way!  Sexy ride and seemed to enjoy hanging out with humans.
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Approx TFs toy collection count (or give a range like 200s, 300s, 2000s etc): 
            After MASSIVELY downsizing last year during the room refresh, I still have over 1,000 but I want to say I sold off 600 or so to make the display exactly how I wanted… Part of it was admitting that I would never have the space to properly showcase them all so I went with a “less is more” approach if you can call 1000+ toys “less” lol
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Sealed collector or out-of-packaging collector?
            Out of box for sure!  If I were to ever run into a vintage figure, I wouldn’t open it… but I collected loose complete since the boxes had no value for me.  I am often impressed with vintage boxed collections but modern stuff… meh … recycle that!  I think Transformers are one of the few collectables where having access to fiddling with them makes the most sense.  I do have sealed reissue Megatron and Optimus Prime figures but that’s just because I go a little more crazy with those two!  I personally do not collect as an investment and I’d rather give it all away when I’m older.
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How much do you think you’ve spent on your collecting habit?
            We do NOT ask this question lol
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Any rare/expensive figures in your collection? 
            Probably all my vintage Japanese G1.  Things like Grandus, Battle Gaia, Grand Maximus etc would be considered grails for a lot of vintage collectors.  Haslab Unicron is probably one of the most impressive pieces just for its sheer size!  I love having him as a centerpiece in the room and having a little Skywarp is Cyclonus controversy front and center makes me happy!
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What interesting Licensed Merchandise items do you have?
            I mostly just collect figures, but I did grab the Prime and Megatron helmets to be signed and think that those make really cool display pieces.
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First Transformers toy?
            The Technobots.
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One toy you most want?
  Unicron Prototype (come on Missing Link, I’m counting on you!).
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The centrepiece/favourite toy in your collection at the moment (and why)?
            Favorite toy is hard to say, but I’ve always been a huge fan of Powermaster Optimus Prime!  The 2 visual centerpieces of the room though are the Unicron coffee table and Skybound Comics display over the couch.
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Favourite toy in your early years of collecting?
            Astrotrain!  I picked up a junker at a garage sale and always thought it was so cool to show off.  “Look at this robot… you can clearly tell he turns into a space shuttle ChhhChrrrgChrrrChrrrChhh … which he does!  But then ChhhChrrrgChrrrChrrrChhh … this train just comes out of nowhere!”
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Worst toy(s) ever in your opinion?
 God, it has to be one of the firecons lol.
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Toy(s) that were most disappointing when you got them?
   Probably all the foreign recolors of the firecons lol  I already hated them, but then I had to spend like $100 a pop to finish the collection just to have the same terrible toys in green, red, and translucent haha.
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Thoughts on gimmick and non-convertible Transformers toys?
 I thoroughly enjoyed the various “Master” gimmicks.  Generally, I don’t think toys “need” them but when the play pattern feels intuitive then it works great!  I mostly stay away from non-transforming figures, even when I hardly transform my MPs as it is … I still need to know that they CAN transform lol.  But clearly I own a bunch of Action Masters and I did pick up the Yolopark G1 Prime and Megatron to add to my Skybound Display.
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Which single TFs toy should every fan own?
 Vintage G1 Optimus mold… it can be a reissue or the amazing Missing Link figure… but I think everyone should own one!
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Which Transformers toy/product would you give as a wedding present?
 Unless someone was a super fan, I don’t know why that would happen lol.  However, as a kid my sister used to steal my G2 Beachcomber and hide it in her room. So at one point as an adult I found a MOSC G2 Beachcomber and bought it as part of her Christmas gift that year!
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Do you collect other toys?
 Not really… but I did get into vintage Joes while curating the Skybound displays and it was fun messing with a franchise I had never collected before.  It was also really interesting to experience how media (comics in this case) give figures life.  Until this year I couldn’t tell you anything about a single Joe figure outside of Cobra Commander and now I’ve started wanting to add new characters as they show up in each series!
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What is your favourite TF themed post on this website?
Well now, I can’t lie!  I found this website through interactions over at Transformers Displays and following your own interviewsand video showcases!  But it seems like as a good a time as ever to dive into all the content!  I also always enjoyed reading the Collector Interviews that Maz used to do, so going back and reading some of the other interviews here has been fun.  Especially when I recognize a name!
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Thanks so much to Bobby for his in depth and thoughtful answers to our questions, and the photos are simply amazing!  You can also see his collection in the following video:

Do you have any more questions for Bobby about his collection?  Then pop them in the comments section below!
Fan Interviews & Art, Transformatorium

Video: Trev & The Transformatorium on National TV!

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Over the years I’ve been interviewed a number of times about my collecting, mainly on YouTube channels and in newspapers.

The Transformatorium Makes Front Page News!

However my collections leap to the small screen has now officially been made!  On Sunday night myself and my Transformatorium were featured on Channel 10’s The Project, a nationaly aired television program here in Australia.

They interviewed me about my years of collecting Transformers and some of my various figures.  They also featured my wife who looked beautiful on camera and my son who was an absolute star!

As well as airing it on Television, The Project also uploaded the video to their YouTube Channel. So check out Trev & The Transformatorium below!

Shelf Lighting by Aguirre Electrical

Trev’s hair by Mick of Cutthroat Barbers

Makeup Mentoring by Sherie

 

Disappointingly all the footage with my daughter was cut, so I feel compelled to put a photo here of my darling daughter Acacia who deserved to be in the spotlight too, and who is more special to me than all the Transformers in the world.

Thank you so much to all the people on social media that gave a truly staggering amount of  positive feedback after the show aired!  If you would like to see more of The Transformatorium, head over to my personal YouTube Channel, or check out the link below.

Video: THE TRANSFORMATORIUM!

Got anything to ask about my collecting or The Transformatorium?  Pop it in the comments section below!

Fan Interviews & Art, Transformatorium, Videos

Fan Screening of Transformers One: Sydney fans reactions

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Please note: Due to signing NDA’s, there are no reviews of Transformers One in this post.  The following discusses the Sydney showing in general terms and fans reactions. NO SPOILERS are contained in this piece, nor in the YouTube video at the bottom of this page.

Along with the US, UK and Mexico, some lucky Australian fans were treated to a Special Fan Screening of Transformers One, a full two months before the movie is set for general release.

It would break the laws of the universe to have a Transformers movie that did not contain Bumblebee

The Australian showing was at the Hoyts Entertainment Quarter in Sydney, the same place where Hasbro and Paramount held the Rise of the Beasts Preview Screening in 2023.

Transformers: Rise of the Beasts – Special Preview Screening Event!

It was a fun and festive atmosphere, especially with so many children in attendance.  There were large Transformer One displays, statues of the main characters and even the latest Robosen figures were on show.

“I admire strong women. So what are you doing after the show?”

Attendee’s were given gift bags containing popcorn, water, an Orion Pax toy and a couple of posters.  Also all attendee’s were naturally required to sign Non-Disclosure agreements, as well as having their phones cloaked, in order for no spoilers to be leaked that could ruin the viewing experience for others when the movie goes to general cinema release in September.

However we are allowed to share fans general impressions of the movie, and many of those in attendance were kind enough to share their feelings with bigangrytrev.com

 

Below are the reactions of fans who viewed the film at the Sydney event.  Note that neither Paramount or Hasbro has tried to dictate the positivity or negativity of the following.  There is no information contained in the following about the plot of the movie that was not already known by the general public from the public trailers and press releases.  Note we have also included a link to peoples reactions on our YouTube channel at the bottom of this page.

Fan Reactions

Big Angry Trev

How fantastic to see Transformers movies return to the world of animation, something we haven’t seen since the beloved 1986 film!  I enjoyed this movie on so many levels, as did my wife and children.  Look forward to bringing you all a full review in September!

Trent M

Objectively, this is the best Transformers movie we’ve gotten to date. Hands down the best Megatron origin story. Finally, a Transformers movie that my wife genuinely enjoyed as much as I did. I’ll pay to see it again. And for me, that’s saying something.

Jason G

Far and away the best Transformers movie (not including the ’86 movie) released to date. Cant wait to see it again!

Dallas R

I want a CD of the movie score, Brian Tyler crushed it! The visuals were so good that there were a couple scenes where I got sweaty palms from the heights. I think this is the transformers movie that a lot of fans have been waiting for, it didn’t feel as long as it was.

Bobby P

The only thing that sucks about this movie is that I have to wait another 2 months until I can watch it again.

David Q

It’s an action filled blockbuster that honestly is the best Transformers film ever to grace the big screen! We all love the 86’ film, but without the lens of nostalgia, it’s far from perfect. Whereas this is a literal roller coaster ride of DEEP TF lore, likeable characters and extraordinarily layered and nuanced writing. It’s really really REALLY bloody good!

Sarah H

I enjoyed it!

Michael V

Transformers One is a movie I wasn’t expecting to like as much as I did, but it is quite easily the best written Transformer movie ever. The comedy parts were done well and I laughed out loud quite a bit. There were also a lot of “oh wow” moments but I can’t say more than that until the general release. I can’t wait to see it again!

 Ben K

Great Movie, great Character development. An Origin story that portrays the franchise fantastically. Finally a modern film that does the franchise justice!.

 Mikey S

I believe this is the best transformers movie yet as there is actual character development, the film has depth and makes you feel for the each of the main characters and the story is fresh and engages you from minute one.

Video: Interviews at Transformers Rise of the Beasts Preview Screening

Jason M

Had a wonderful time seeing the movie with a room full of enthusiastic Transformers fans, and we weren’t disappointed!

Lisamaree C

A whirlwind of fun, nostalgia and action giving Transformers fans young and old a story to enjoy. A new take on the origin story fans have always wanted with some clever nods to all that came before while forging its own direction. It exceeded my expectations and was able to offer some of the best character development we have seen in a Transformers movie. I can’t wait to watch it again.

M.K Griffin

Transformers One was a fun, fresh, colourful new beginning to a new era of Transformers that I am looking forward to seeing more of.

Craig M

Transformers One is fantastic. No notes. It’s what I want a Transformers movie to be. It’s what all Transformers fans want it to be. Go see it.

Nathan A
Tyson R
Could say number ONE movie of the year

 

Of course we can’t forget the kids who were in attendance, lets get their thoughts too!

Acacia H

It was entertaining

Arty M

It was just all-round great

Zoe & Ethan R

BADASSATRON!

Will G

I thought it was really cool and great how realistic it looked.

Alex G

It was so exciting!

Josh P

Complete and utter perfection

Amelia M

As a semi Transformers fan, I think the movie is great, especially for new people

Orion H

I thought it was really good, even better than the live action movies!

Transformers One will be released internationally this September, exclusive to cinemas!

 

Fan Interviews & Art, Transformatorium

Transformer Fan Interview – Chris Bishop

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It’s time for another Transformer Fan Interview, and once again this one comes from overseas, the good ol’ US of A.  Chris has some of the most brilliant looking Transformers displays I have ever seen, and he’s sharing photos of it as well sharing the history of his hobby with us today.

 

Name and/or nicknames:

Chris Bishop.  I used to go by makoaspire as a customizer, but not so much anymore.

Family?

Married man, nearly 20 years this go round. Two teenage daughters.

Career?

I own and operate my own full service sign company. I do the little stuff  – like banners and such, and the big stuff – like shopping center monuments. As well as all the stuff in between. Having the equipment and the background I do from the sign business has helped incalculably in creating the collection display space that I have now.

 Website/Fan-pages?

Well I basically live on Facebook, so all of my content is there.  You can see my customs work, which includes exhaustive photos of my collection as well at: https://www.facebook.com/LNOWcustoms. 

I’m going to be starting up a side venture selling my background prints and creating dio pieces for anyone who wants them. I’m sluggish on the start, but hope to get that running soon.

How would you rate yourself on a C scale, C10 being MISB Mint perfection, to the lowest C1 ‘junker not worth it even for parts’?

I’m a 50 year old man. I’ve got more dents and dings in my packaging than I care to admit, but you see, the inside’s gone to pot as well.  I’m not a total loss though, so I’ll give myself a C5+

Fan/Collector since (year)?

September 17, 1984. The day the G1 cartoon premiered in the US.  A week earlier, a kid in my class had the first TF toy I had ever seen, a Buzzsaw cassette.  Up until that point Star Wars was the top dog in my toy arsenal. Then I see this thing, that’s TWO things.  And one was a robot bird! I was intrigued.  Then he told me a cartoon was coming out for these toys and it was gonna start the following week. I was hooked.

Transformers Allegiance, if you had one?

Decepticon. I have a tattoo of the symbol on my shoulder, a badge on the front of my truck, Devastator adorns my shop’s garage door.

I’m not all good. I’ve done some untoward stuff in my life. I love dark humor. The darker the better. I cannot suffer fools easily or at least without making my disdain known. I complain a lot, but I love cats, am exceedingly helpful and don’t want to cause any unnecessary pain.

Your Techspec motto if you had one?

Be nice, until it’s time to not be nice.

What existing, official Transformers character best describes you?

Blitzwing.  Has leadership goals, has a few sides to him, can avoid a hit when necessary, has his own mind, but is ultimately loyal and honorable in the end.

Which special ability of any Transformers character would you want to have for yourself? 

I’m a Skywarp fan and hate long car trips so, teleportation would be great.

Do you think you will collect Transformers until you die?

Difficult to see.  Always in motion, is the future. Just as you have with your Transformatorium, I have spent an inordinate amount of time and effort, as well as money and other intangibles to create the setup I have, so I’m definitely “pot committed” to use a poker term. AFTER I die, well, that’s my survivor’s problem.  But I have all the boxes in the attic for them to pack everything into to sell.

Do people outside of the hobby know you collect TFs (like at work/school)?

Yes. Several do, but I am of a generation where being a nerd was not something that you ever wanted to be labeled. So I still find myself low key ashamed to be into this sort of thing, especially at my age. I don’t broadcast it beyond the “community”. However, you make allowances for always loving what you grew up with and I love these things.

Were your family/parents supportive of collecting toys or did you have to hide your passion from them and friends?

I would say in retrospect, that I was spoiled with toys as a child. I was a good kid, definitely not a Veruca Salt, but I had a lot of stuff.  I was the first kid, first grandchild, so a lot of gifts at birthdays and holidays.  Not the rest of the year.  We were lower middle working class, but somehow my family provided plenty. Though there was always that one figure, or playset, or whatever, that I didn’t have or wanted, but didn’t get.

What does your partner think of your hobby?

She supports me, whatever.  She’s not into the hobby by any means. But she appreciates the effort and the artistry that I bring to it, because for me, it’s not just about the collecting, it’s about creating things and marrying the two.

Have you attended any fan-meets, Fairs, Conventions, Special Events?

I’ve been to many local cons, as well as a few TFCons.  Next up is TFCON Baltimore in November.

Favourite series/era/year, and why?

Geee-Wunnnnn!  Because it was the right time, I was the right age, it was made for me, crafted to manipulate me into loving these characters, watching their cartoon exploits, reading their comics (and shrugging off the differing from the cartoon storylines). And ultimately BUYING (or being gifted or stealing) the toys.

I know it wasn’t the best written thing. I cringe at AKOM episodes, or laugh at all the animation errors. But it was FOR me…at the time. And generationally as a whole,  Xers and Early Millenials are so entangled in their own pop culture nostalgia. Moreso than any previous or subsequent generation. Perfect storm, man.

Collect any comics?

None beyond the original TF ones, but I’ve read everything that’s come down the pike about the G1 characters. Dreamwave, IDW, Image.

Favourite Comic issue/story, and why?

I realize that when it comes to the original G1 comics continuity we have Marvel US and UK titles.  As an American, I’m always talking about the US title.  The comic stories didn’t really move me in any particular way, but Issue #9 with Circuit Breaker stands out, as well as the cover for issue #5. And of course the abomination in issue 70.

Favourite Cartoon episode/story, and why?

Don’t have a favorite, but I have ones that I don’t really like. Most of those are in Season 3 or by AKOM studios. Lol.

Favourite Character, and why?

If you could combine Shockwave, Skywarp and Motormaster into one badass hombre, then that’s my guy!

Which Transformers character would you want to exist for real?

Huffer or Gears.  He can help me work and complain all day with me.

Approx TFs toy collection count (or give a range like 200s, 300s, 2000s etc): 

Including items not on display I’d estimate in the 300-400 range.

Sealed collector or out-of-packaging collector?

I have done both.  But mainly out and displayed. The current Mainline/Studio Series 86 bots all remain MISB and packed away in the attic.

How much do you think you’ve spent on your collecting habit?

Including the lumber, supplies, lighting, toys and all the display redos since the Ikea Detolf days of 2014 – roughly $25 – $30K

Any rare/expensive figures in your collection? 

I have a few exclusives.  The most recent pickup was the Yolopark Clear Purple Megatron.

What interesting Licensed Merchandise items do you have?

I stay away from non-figure purchases.  I used to heavily collect Star Wars stuff in my 20s.  Had a display space similar to what I have for the TFs without all the dios and backgrounds, though.  I bought EVERY. THING. Star Wars branded and it had to stay MISB.  Of course I had ALL of the figures and playsets. But then I started buying scented markers, collectors plates, store displays, Bags of chips and Pepsi products, bookmarks.  It became untenable. It swallowed my time and was a small, but contributing factor to the disintegration of my first marriage.

First Transformers toy?

G1 Trailbreaker was the first one I unwrapped that Xmas.

One toy you most want?

I don’t have a grail. I’ve bought everything I want…so far.

The centrepiece/favourite toy in your collection at the moment (and why)?

It’s quite literally the entire centerpiece of my display. In 2020 during the pandemic time off I built a Legends scale G1 cartoon centerpiece display unit for the space.  It is comprised of 4 sides, each with 3-4 shelves that have dios of G1 cartoon scenes populated with legends figures. I intentionally built it with differing composition angles that force you to keep looking and moving around the unit. I feel it’s the finest work I will ever do. And I already did it… So I’m done, I guess. Lol.

Side 1: The Ark & Sherman Dam

Side 2: The Oil Rig and the Decepticon Underwater Base

 Side 3: The 86 Movie

Side 4: Cybertron, the Space Bridge and Season 4

Favourite toy in your early years of collecting?

Soundwave was always a banger to have on hand.

Worst toy(s) ever in your opinion?

Dino-Riders. Shout out to my buddy Gort. Lol.  But I assume you meant worst TF toy.  I personally dislike the pretenders, especially the mega super pretenders or whatever they called them. I was out of TFs by that point, trying to catch the ladies.

Toy(s) that were most disappointing when you got them?

All of the G1 toys, really.  Even then I held the toys up and compared them to the toon, and found them lacking.  Don’t get me wrong, I loved they toys then, but I was keenly aware they didn’t match the characters on the show.  I mean Where TF are Ironhide & Ratchet’s heads??  It started me on the road to customization.  Not knowing any different I would regularly repaint my figures with house paints or even one time I glued lego bits to Blaster to make him combine with the Throttlebots.

Thoughts on gimmick and non-convertible Transformers toys?

A gimmick is only cool if it doesn’t take anything away from the figure. I couldn’t care less about opening doors and hoods, or steering wheels on car robots. When you start making sacrifices to include a gimmick, that’s when the toy IS the gimmick and not the character. As far as non-converting – that’s a case by case basis, but I don’t prefer it unless it is a definitive representation of the character.  I’m slavish to G1 toon accuracy if you haven’t come to that conclusion yet. However you still have to straddle the line sometimes when it comes to Devastator.

Which single TFs toy should every fan own?

A Prime. For better or worse, he’s the sigil of the franchise.

Which Transformers toy/product would you give as a wedding present?

I can’t imagine that being a possible scenario in my life. LOL. My TF collecting friends already have everything.

Do you collect other toys? 

Minimally.  I have small collections or single shelves of various 80’s pop-culture properties.  Back to The Future, They Live, Aliens, Ghostbusters, Jaws (70s) Flash Gordon and others.

I also have 3 shelves of Indiana Jones.  Artifacts from the films and the recent 6” figure line. I had to make custom figures of several of the characters that Hasbro left out.  All the shelves have some sort of backgrounds or dioramas. I can’t help myself 😉

­­

How did you find out about www.bigangrytrev.com?

I’ve seen your Transformatorium photos in the groups before, and just watched your video.  It’s a massively, impressive collection you’ve amassed. Now it’s got it’s own orbit with people sending you stuff all the time to add to it. But to also be able to share it with your kids is golden, and best of all. I’m sure you’re supremely proud of it all, and you SHOULD be!

Thanks for requesting the interview. I’m quite proud of what I’ve done and like to show it off. I guess it’s the equivalent to gearheads and their rides and car shows or burning donuts. Except our collections can’t go anywhere to show off, we just get to post cool pics.

 Additional photos

Thank you so much to Chris for sharing his AMAZING Transformer displays with us!  If there is anything else you’d like to know about Chris and his hobby, pop it in the comments section below!

Fan Interviews & Art, Transformatorium

Video: Trev interviewed on the Frostbite channel

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Today I was very happy, after many delays on my end, to be interviewed by Leeny for his youtube channel Frostbite’s GI Joe Repro.  However instead of discussing GI Joe’s, we discussed Transformers – evrything from how my hobby began to my most beloved figures to how I now share the hobby with my son.

So tune in and enjoy Big Angry Trev interviewed on Frostbite.

And dont forget to subscribe and check out some of the other great interviews on the Frostbite’s GI Joe Repro channel!

 

Video: Interviews at Transformers Rise of the Beasts Preview Screening

Video: Interviews at More than Meets the Eye Exhibition

 

Fan Interviews & Art, Transformatorium

Transformer Fan Interview – James

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For several years we have been doing Transformer Fan interviews with different Aussie collectors.

Well as the Big Angry Trev Blog grows, the borders of our great brown land are no longer big enough to contain it!  So it’s time to travel across the watery ditch to a country where my girlfriend convinced me to throw myself off a bridge (no not relationship problems, went bungy-jumping). So coming all the way from New Zealand, we have Transformer Collector James, giving us the low down on his favorite hobby.

 

Name and/or nicknames:

James Nomansson, James Anderson (current legal name, pending change to the former), PSPS, TheAlderbunny, NoGravitasHere

 

Family?

One sister and her family unit. The rest of my relations are total writeoffs.

 

Career?

Professional nerd-plastic shill! I sell Lego Bionicle parts and sets. I’m actually the biggest seller for the theme in the Southern Hemisphere!

 

Website/Fan-pages?

PSPS Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/PrettySickPartsandSets/
PSPS BrickLink:
https://store.bricklink.com/NoGravitasHere
PSPS Parts Guide:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1il79aXX13p4A3a1bcMh_loPsPNGxQ0nXfJ8EFvAV1iI/edit#heading=h.4vxlko62bgr9

PSPS Social Club:
https://discord.gg/S783q7hudJ

 

How would you rate yourself on a C scale, C10 being MISB Mint perfection, to the lowest C1 ‘junker not worth it even for parts’? 

I guess no lower than C7? I have a real stick up my ass about quality, but there’s a limit y’know?

 

Fan/Collector since (year)?

I was a 90s kid, so I grew up with Beast Wars, the Unicron trilogy, and Bayverse. The only one of those that really stuck with me was Bayverse of all things. I don’t count myself as a collector until like, 2020-2021 when I started actively seeking new figures. Blame Transformers: Prime and my friend Koda for that.

 

Transformers Allegiance, if you had one?

Ex-Decepticon turned Autobot, for sure. I uhh… Wasn’t a great person in the past.

 

Your Techspec motto if you had one?

What is better – to be born good, or to overcome your evil nature through great effort?

 

What existing, official Transformers character best describes you?

Probably Bayverse Jetfire. I’m only 30, but I feel like a cantankerous, eccentric old man.

 

Which special ability of any Transformers character would you want to have for yourself?

Teleportation, hands down. It’s just awesome, even if it’s limited to just line-of-sight.

 

What drew you to Transformers, making you become a fan/collector?

Transformers: Prime was my adult gateway drug. I was bored during the pandemic, and started watching TF:P on a whim. I fell in love with Soundwave’s design in particular, and my friend Koda was kind enough to help me navigate the fandom as a complete novice.

 

Do you think you will collect Transformers until you die?

As long as they keep making stuff I want, absolutely! My tastes are pretty niche, limited almost entirely to live action and TF:P.

 

Do people outside of the hobby know you collect TFs (like at work/school)?

Yep! Collection pics occasionally leak over into promo posts for PSPS, and my mates all know I’m a sucker for the big shiny robots.

 

Were your family/parents supportive of collecting toys or did you have to hide your passion from them and friends?
As a kid, yes.

 

What does your partner think of your hobby?

Well, it’s just me, along with my cat, Floof. He doesn’t seem to mind.

 

Have you attended any fan-meets, Fairs, Conventions, Special Events?

Nah, not really my shtick.

 

Any creative endeavours with Transformers (drawing, writing, customising, etc)?

I commission the odd bit of custom work (paint or printed parts), but aside from that, no.

 

Favourite series/era/year, and why?

It’s a tie between Bayverse and TF:P. Both have some pretty glaring flaws, but it’s easy to love something that’s perfect. Bot designs, and toy engineering, are where my enthusiasm for the hobby lies. The fact that some of these big, shiny Bayverse bots look so good, and are still able to transform, will never cease to amaze me. They just keep getting better too! I made the leap to unlicensed bots pretty early on, and never looked back.

Movie Review – Transformers: The Last Knight

 

Collect any comics?

Nope, not my shtick. Wouldn’t have anywhere to put them either, jeez… Space is at a premium here!


Favourite Comic issue/story, and why?

Unknown due to lack of exposure.

 

Favourite Cartoon episode/story, and why?

TF:P S01E05 – Darkness Rising. Purely for what might be the most savage burn in Transformers history.

Starscream – ‘Surely, Lord, Megatron, the Autobots are… Up to something.’
Megatron (with the most sarcasm ever) – ‘Reeeally, Starscream?’
 

Favourite Character, and why?

Optimus Prime. Either as space–dad, or grumpy war-crime machine. As an aside, the live action films are kind of a fun wee slide into Nemesis Prime if you squint a bit.

Toys Review – POTP Optimus & Rodimus Prime

 

Sexiest Transformers (robot) Character?

Unknown, not my thing. The concept baffles me a bit, to be honest.

 

Which Transformers character would you want to exist for real?

Probably TF:P Arcee? Not for sexy reasons haha, I just love 2 wheeled transport. I never enjoyed driving cars, and Arcee’s characterisation in Prime is surprisingly complex. The PTSD element, which she works through as the show progresses, really adds a more mature sorta vibe to her as a character. She’s not just like, the token female y’know?

 

Approx TFs toy collection count (or give a range like 200s, 300s, 2000s etc):

54, and a pile of Scraplets.

 

Sealed collector or out-of-packaging collector?

FREE THEM! Let them breathe! Out of packaging, for sure. Can’t transform them in a box!

 

How much do you think you’ve spent on your collecting habit?

Nope, not answering that. That’s the Forbidden Math question hahahaha. I know they’re insured for like $8000NZD though.

 

Any rare/expensive figures in your collection?

A couple, yeah! The most expensive would be MM01 v2 Bumblebee Movie Optimus Prime, and his upgrade kit. As for the most rare… Possibly the TF:P Vehicon Flyer General?

 

What interesting Licensed Merchandise items do you have?

None whatsoever!

 

 First Transformers toy? 

I think it was Beast Machines Obsidian?


One toy you most want?

Toy that exists? Go! Smokescreen, from TF:P. It’s got much more accurate paint than the other decos, but it’s a total fart to find.

Toy that doesn’t exist? A decent TF:P Knockout, or an MPM/MPM+ scale DOTM Jetwing Prime.

 

The centrepiece/favourite toy in your collection at the moment (and why)?

God I hate this question.

For the big live action stuff, it’d be MM01 BBM Optimus, or Black Apple Thunder Leader ‘07 Optimus.

For my smaller stuff, probably APC Attack Prime v2? The chrome just makes the figure pop, and he’s absolutely gorgeous in hand. Huge pain in the ass to find in the right paint though.

 

Favourite toy in your early years of collecting?

TF:P RID Soundwave. I love that weird lanky dude, so much.

 

Worst toy(s) ever in your opinion?

SS WW2 Hot Rod. That mould and figure are abysmal. It was a stain on my early SS collection. I gave it to a friend who ended up selling it. More power to him, I couldn’t justify asking money for that pile of crap.

 

Toy(s) that were most disappointing when you got them?

MPM Starscream’s mould. The lack of bicep rotation was a huge disappointment. Thankfully, one of my friends modified his arms.

 

Thoughts on gimmick and non-convertible Transformers toys?

Not for me personally, with the odd exception. I have some ‘accessory’ figures that don’t transform, like the Scraplets, or Lockdown’s Steeljaws, or Igor. My personal collection ‘rule’ is that if a Transformer doesn’t transform, it’s usually not for me. No hate to people who go in for the Threezero/YoloPark/whatever non-transforming stuff though, each to their own!

 

Which single TFs toy should every fan own?

TF:P RID Vehicon. Steve is just a funky little dude. Any version of that mould is just an absolute delight to handle.

 


Which Transformers toy/product would you give as a wedding present?

Probably none? I’d much rather give the happy couple something they can both enjoy at the same time. Transformers are a bit hard to co-op transform.

 

Do you collect other toys?

God yes. I have a disgustingly expensive collection of Bionicle masks, as well as a bunch of system sets I repurpose for D&D. And some pretty UCS/UCS equivalent space sets, mostly Star Wars. Again, my tastes are very niche, but if I see something I like, it’s coming home.

 

What is your favourite TF themed post on this website?

Transformers Collection – Prime

Pretty boring of me, but I loved seeing Trev’s collection of TF:P bots! I covet his Go! Smokescreen fiercely. If it’s ever on the market, I call dibs.

 

How did you find out about www.bigangrytrev.com?

Trev and I bumped into each other in Botposting, and struck up a conversation about Vehicons. It all went downhill from there hahaha.

 

Thank you James for sharing your hobby with us!  If you’ve got any questions for James, pop them in the comments section below.

Fan Interviews & Art, Random Rants

Matilda Poole live on The Big DJ Trev 3rd anniversary show!

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Many’s the star who can attribute the moment their career really took flight to being a guest on The Big DJ Trev Show on Krr.fm.  Whether it be Bernie Pogston, Flannel Devine or the Splooten Triplets – all those household names you adore can attribute their success to being given the Big DJ Trev boost.  Even as recently as October this year, we were very happy to bring you an Aussie Radio first by playing the newest album by Cybertronic Spree.

Album Review – Respect The Prime 1986 Revisited

Also, as regular listeners would know, we always have some entertaining guests and do something a bit special for our anniversary shows. And never more than what we have planned for this year for The Big DJ Trev 3rd Anniversary Show!

This Thursday the 21st of December, we are very excited to be able to bring you an extremely talented young woman, an up-and-comer who has all the qualities to make it big – Ms Matilda Poole.

Photo’s provided by Matilda’s publicist Petrina

Here are a few words from the artist:

My name is Matilda Poole, I’m a local singer-songwriter and live music performer in the mid-west region, and I’ve just recently won the Mid-West Music Quest.

Most of my weekends consist of performing multiple gigs around Mudgee, Rylstone, Gulgong, and Dubbo, and sharing my love of music with everyone I can.

I’m 17 years old, and I have been singing since before I could talk, however my solo musical career performing and playing gigs began almost 5 years ago, when I auditioned for “Vocal Stars” and received the Gold Package.

Within the last six months, I’ve performed over 30 gigs, and to thousands of people, and I can’t wait to share my music with the KRR.fm listeners on The Big DJ Trev Show!

 Not only is Matilda a talented singer, she is also a talented actor & dancer and one of the nicest young people I have had the pleasure of directing upon the stage.  Tilda recently played a starring role in the latest Kandos production of ABBA: The Musical, acquitting herself superbly to the delight of the enraptured audience.

Did I teach her everything she knows? Probably. Did I teach her everything I know? Of course not – that would make her too dangerous to live!

So tune in from 6pm this Thursday to hear Matilda Poole singing live on The Big DJ Trev 3rd Anniversary show on KRR.fm.

Ask Trev – What’s it like being a Radio Star?

 

Fan Interviews & Art, Transformatorium

Transformer Fan Interview – David Lee

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For several years we have been doing Transformer Fan interviews with different Aussie collectors.

Well as the Big Angry Trev Blog grows, the borders of our great brown land are no longer big enough to contain it!  So with our first international interview, coming all the way from Malaysia, we have Transformer Collector David Lee, giving us the low down on his favorite hobby.

Name and/or nicknames:

David Lee / Sifu-David

Family:

Divorced, Mom, Dad and Sister all intact

Career:

Once an Accounts person but now a full time tertiary educator and the Head of Academic of a local Malaysian private University College.

How would you rate yourself on a C scale, C10 being MISB Mint perfection, to the lowest C1 ‘junker not worth it even for parts’?

I’d rate myself a solid C7, not too shabby, not too shambled.

Fan/Collector since (year)?:

1987 or 1987 when I was a kid, my late grandmother introduced me to Powermaster Optimus Prime and here I am with my collection.

Transformers Allegiance, if you had one?

I feel the Autobot cause is more for me as I always felt Freedom is the Right of all Sentient Beings.

Your Techspec motto if you had one?

“Between Logic and Emotions, nothing in between exists”

What existing, official Transformers character best describes you?

I would say it be Hot Rodimus / Rodimus Prime. As a leader at work, I always feel the doubt of my own abilities to lead and to bring a better future to the team.

Which special ability of any Transformers character would you want to have for yourself? 

I would personally like the ability to teleport/warp like Skywarp as there are places I need to reach which I can’t sometimes.

What drew you to Transformers, making you become a fan/collector?

My late grandmother did. She introduced me to something which is for boys and said these robots seem to be a very good fit for a little boy at my age of 3 to 4.

Do you think you will collect Transformers until you die?

Collect and keep them yes. But keep on buying, maybe not. I just have a specific wishlist to complete. Once it’s up, it’s done.

Do people outside of the hobby know you collect TFs (like at work/school)?

Yes, people do know and they do have very much negative things to say about it.

Were your family/parents supportive of collecting toys or did you have to hide your passion from them and friends?

All my friends and family know about my collecting toys. At first my parents were kind of against it as it eats up space but as I got my own place, I got to do what I like, stock up more toys.

What does your partner think of your hobby?

My ex-wife was kind of on the fence on this. It made me famous in the local toy scene so she was riding along that fame, else, she did not like the toys clogging the house.

Have you attended any fan-meets, Fairs, Conventions, Special Events?

Many but not many Transformers related. Recently I participated to display some cool Armada Era Transformers at a local RoboCon.

Any creative endeavours with Transformers (drawing, writing, customising, etc)? 

I did have a story board in my head on a specific Transformers story culminating all Transformers series from G1 to Cybertron (my favourite list) and how ONE story can connect TILL ALL.

Favourite series/era/year, and why?

Super God Masterforce 1988. The first series that I was introduced on TV when the infamous Star TV dub came on air. I was mesmerised by how powerful Powermaster Optimus Prime (God Ginrai) was and how he single handedly defeated Black Zarak.

Collect any comics?

Nope, none.

Favourite Comic issue/story, and why?

I never really read them but I did the 1991 or 1992 Transformers Annual which was a hard cover compilation. I like the story on how Carnivac actually turned against the Decepticons and not liking the cause.

Favourite Cartoon episode/story, and why?

If I were to choose, I will go for Super God Masterforce’s Ep 15 The Birth of Super Ginrai. That was the episode that first saw Ginrai becoming a Super Robot, something that not many Transformers could do at that time.

Favourite Character, and why?

Ginrai. The human + the robot. Although he lacks in leadership and judgement, he covers up with compassion and care towards his subordinates like how he risked his life saving Go Shuta when he was lured into the Decepticon sea base.

Sexiest Transformers (robot) Character?

I’d say Arcee. The only robot that is definitely sexy.

Which Transformers character would you want to exist for real?

I’d like to see a Star Saber in real life and see how a plane of such mass can work.

Approx TFs toy collection count (or give a range like 200s, 300s, 2000s etc): 

Probably close to 300s I think.

Sealed collector or out-of-packaging collector?

PLAYER. I’d like to pose my Transformers out of their plastic / cardboard graves.

How much do you think you’ve spent on your collecting habit?

Probably close to US$5,000?

Any rare/expensive figures in your collection? 

I have a G1 Refurbished Complete Black Zarak. That is the rarest and most expensive piece in my collection.

What interesting Licensed Merchandise items do you have?

I do have a Bumbleebee pillow from Universal Studios Singapore.

First Transformers toy?

G1 Powermaster Optimus Prime which is still around this day.

One toy you most want?

Takara Micron Legends Convoy Final Battle version set aka the Japanese version of the Powerlinx Optimus Prime from Armada.

The centrepiece/favourite toy in your collection at the moment (and why)?

LG custom repainted Fire Guts God Ginrai done up in pure Orangey goodness.

Favourite toy in your early years of collecting?

It will have to be the Energon Prime with Energon Omega Supreme.

Worst toy(s) ever in your opinion?

I would have to say the G1 Duocons. They look funny, so off proportions and they don’t really have arms.

Toy(s) that were most disappointing when you got them?

LG35 Super Ginrai. My first official Transformers after a long hiatus of not buying Transformers and my God, it sucks. The legs are wobbly, some joints are loose, so many problems. I don’t know where criticisms should start.

Legends ‘LG35 Super Ginrai’ vs Titans Return ‘Powermaster Optimus Prime’

Thoughts on gimmick and non-convertible Transformers toys?

I’d say some gimmicky stuffs like Minicons from Armada are pretty nice and the Cyber Keys from Cybertron are very neat. However, I do stand my point on non-transforming Transformers being not Transformers at all.

Which single TFs toy should every fan own?

A WFC / Earthrise Optimus Prime. That is the closest to a G1 Optimus Prime you can get.

Which Transformers toy/product would you give as a wedding present?

POTP Optimus Prime. To signify the young lad (Orion Pax) will now slowly evolve into a full grown man (Optimus Prime).

Toys Review – POTP Optimus & Rodimus Prime

Do you collect other toys? 

I collect Tokusatsu stuffs from Japan mainly Sentai, Kamen Rider and Ultraman.

What is your favourite TF themed post on this website?

The Transformatorium.

Video: THE TRANSFORMATORIUM!

How did you find out about www.bigangrytrev.com?

Facebook

 

Many thanks to David for sharing his hobby with us.  Got any follow up questions for him and his fantastic Transformers collection?  Pop it in the comments section below!

Fan Interviews & Art, Transformatorium

Transformer Fan Interview – Michael Vella

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It’s been over two years since the last installment, but we have another entry in the ever popular Transformer Fan Interviews!  In this latest interview with Aussie TF collectors we are talking to Michael Vella, a young bloke who in recent years has become well known to many fans  of Transformers down under.

Name and/or nicknames:

Michael Vella but I also go by Tha_Phantom online.

Family?

Married to my hobby:

What a breathtaking life partner he has!

Career? 

I rearrange things out of order they happened so that they make sense.  What I’m trying to say is that I do video editing for a living.

Website/Fan-pages?

I help admin a Facebook group called Transformers Down Under with fellow collectors Ben Keenan, Adam Templeton and Justin Masaru.

How would you rate yourself on a C scale, C10 being MISB Mint perfection, to the lowest C1 ‘junker not worth it even for parts’?  

Probably a C6. Acceptable at a glance, but definitely some many issues present…

Do you accept into your life Big Angry Trev as your toy collecting savior and the Alpha (Trion) & Omega (Supreme) of all things?

Yes.

The admiration is palphable

Fan/Collector since (year)?

I started getting into collecting and watching Transformers around 1999. I know I was aware of Transformers earlier than that, though. They’ve sort of always been around because of my older brother being a fan. If memory serves correctly, 2005 is the only year since 1999 that I didn’t purchase at least one Transformer. I’ve taken a step back from collecting at certain times here and there, but ever since Combiner Wars I’ve been constantly buying and haven’t slowed down.

Transformers Allegiance, if you had one?

Maximal, because who doesn’t want to yell “maximise” as they transform?

Your Techspec motto if you had one?

“Prime’s death was an inside job.”

What existing, official Transformers character best describes you?

Probably Starscream. Always ambitious, but never getting there.

Which special ability of any Transformers character would you want to have for yourself? 

Skywarp’s teleporting sure would come in handy.

What drew you to Transformers, making you become a fan/collector?

I think it’s the obvious aspect that you get two (or sometimes more) toys in one. I love that each toy is a unique experience and they have covered so many different alt modes now – especially since Bot Bots! I quite often will buy a figure based on the alt mode if I don’t already have a connection to the character and quite often the alt mode is why I will pay attention to a character. 

Do you think you will collect Transformers until you die? 

Yes, definitely. There’s always something to add or replace in the display. It’s never finished.

Do people outside of the hobby know you collect TFs (like at work/school)?

Most people I interact with do know I collect. I don’t try to hide it but I also don’t go out of my way to bring it up unless it’s somehow relevant.

Were your family/parents supportive of collecting toys or did you have to hide your passion from them and friends?

There was a bit of disapproval in my teenage years but now everyone in my family has accepted that’s what I do. I think they also like seeing that I’ve made a lot of new friends because of it since joining the online fandom.

Have you attended any fan-meets, Fairs, Conventions, Special Events?

Yes, I’ve not only attended but organised plenty of Sydney and even Melbourne fan meets over the years and helped run Transformer-related stands at a couple of Supernovas. As far as special events go, I was there for the POTP reveal at Hasbro Australia headquarters in 2017. I also contributed some of my own figures to the More Than Meets The Eye exhibition at Kings Comics earlier this year and I most recently was at the Sydney premiere of the Rise Of The Beasts film thanks to Hasbro Australia!

Transformers: Rise of the Beasts – Special Preview Screening Event!

Any creative endeavours with Transformers (drawing, writing, customising, etc)? 

I’ve mildly dabbled with customisation, but nothing worth showing off. I usually get someone else to do it.

Favourite series/era/year, and why?

G1 era for sure. Those characters and designs always stuck with me from watching the cartoon, even though I grew up at a time when Beast Machines, RID and Armada toys were on shelves. As a kid I would often pretend that the current toys of the time were those G1 characters if they vaguely resembled them in some way! The vintage G1 toys have a such unique charm to them as well, despite the lack of articulation. So I’m thankful to be a part of online communities where I can back-collect them and learn more about the different variants and such.

Favourite Cartoon episode/story, and why?

My favourite cartoon episode is War Dawn from G1.I felt it had a good message and it was really cool to see the origin of Optimus Prime.

Favourite Character, and why?

Gee, that one’s a mystery:

That’s a lotta Bumblebee’s!

Sexiest Transformers (robot) Character?

Blackarachnia, easily.

Man, that original toy of Black Arachnia had a rack on her eh!

Which Transformers character would you want to exist for real?

G1 Jazz.

Approx TFs toy collection count (or give a range like 200s, 300s, 2000s etc): 

Currently at around 1200.

Sealed collector or out-of-packaging collector?

Out of packaging for the most part. I am the type of person who has to transform everything at least once. I do have some sealed items, but in most cases those are doubles or variants of loose figures I have, because curiosity would get the better of me otherwise.

How much do you think you’ve spent on your collecting habit?

I wouldn’t be able to guess, but it’d be an insane amount.

Any rare/expensive figures in your collection? 

Yeah, I’ve always had a focus on the rarer items so I won’t go through them all. Some highlights would be a set of MOSC G2 Stunticon limbs, G1 Battle Gaia, a couple of test shots/prototypes etc.

What interesting Licensed Merchandise items do you have?

An employee-only Happy Holidays RPM Bumblebee and 5/6 colour variants of the 1985 McDonalds Bumblebee toys (these toys were released only in a test market in the US).

First Transformers toy?  

The first Transformers I ever bought were Beast Wars Scarem and Air Hammer at the same time with some confirmation money.

One toy you most want?

A Powered Convoy DX set, but realistically that’s never going to happen and it’s not technically a Transformer anyway. My current Transformer grail is a lucky draw Armada Prime, which I mostly want for the Sparkplug as I have all of his other colour variants. Sparkplug was a very special toy to me as a kid because of the obvious similarities to Bumblebee.

The centrepiece/favourite toy in your collection at the moment (and why)?

Probably my proudest acquisition would be my Diaclone red Mirage, but again that’s not technically a Transformer. So let’s go with my 1991 reissue Bumblebee as it was the first Bumblebee I ever got and I will never part with it even if I got out of collecting.

Favourite toy in your early years of collecting?

I can remember being so over the moon when I got Beast Machines Jetstorm and that is a big part of why I got so into collecting Transformers as a kid despite the lack of G1 on the shelves at the time. The metallic deco and overall aesthetic just grabbed me.

Worst toy(s) ever in your opinion?

Not that I owned them, but I got to mess with a few of the first year Cyberverse toys and they were pretty bad especially for the price. Thankfully the line improved after that.

Ask Trev – Your worst figure, why should I still buy it?

Toy(s) that were most disappointing when you got them?

It’s not something I tend to think about a lot, but Earthrise Bluestreak disappointed me so much so that I reverted back to the Siege version. Titanium War Within Optimus didn’t impress me much either because of the poorly thought out use of die cast. 

Thoughts on gimmick and non-convertible Transformers toys?

I think that we as fans (but more so Hasbro) often forget that the most important gimmick for a Transformer should be that it converts from one thing to another, so generally I don’t care for other gimmicks that get in the way of that. I also have very little time for non-converting toys for that reason too, since that downgrades Transformers to being just like any other toyline. All that said, I do have exceptions to this rule. Especially from the 1987 G1 year as a few of those gimmicks were pretty cool.

Which single TFs toy should every fan own?

G1 Bumblebee! Such a timeless conversion that I’ll never get tired of and it’s easy to carry around with no accessories to lose. I may be a tad biased there, though.

Which Transformers toy/product would you give as a wedding present?

Probably some Transformer themed cufflinks or a watch.

Do you collect other toys? 

I do have interests in other toylines and collectables, but none come close to the extent of my Transformers collecting. My non-Transformer interests are Digimon cards and tamagotchis, Beyblades, McDonalds toys, Power Rangers, Star Wars, Tazos and DBZ anime cels.

What is your favourite TF themed post on this website?

Since you mention Transformers in it, I’m going with your 12 days of Xmas song! 

How did you find out about www.bigangrytrev.com?

I remember seeing your posts on TCCA when I was fairly new to the online community. Because of that, I already knew who you were when we met in person for the first time at the POTP reveal.

 

Many thanks to Michael for his excellent interview.  Got any more questions for Mr. Vella?  Pop them into the comments section below!