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