The best Transformers of 2021

 Another dreadful year of higher up control. But let's recap this year of my favorite Kingdom, 86 Studio series, and whatever figures I opened up this year. This year was a little different due to the fact Kingdom consisted mainly of Beast wars figures (I'm not into BW), so to make a top 5 out of that category was going to be fairly slim and difficult. Same for the 86 line since I didn't get everyone. I do have a Sharkticon 86 review but he will have to settle for a 2022 post and possibly a re-edit "best of" post if the character warrants such a change. 

Transformers Kingdom

Inferno

The mold was made for him. Colors are vibrant. He looks good and plays well overall. An improvement over Grapple. 

86 Studio Series

Grimlock

Sweep

Grimlock is a 86 masterpiece done well plus Sweep whose lighter colors doesn't detract any value from the original Scourge figure. In fact, the wings are tightened and not loose as in comparison to Scourge. Despite being a repaint of Scourge, Sweep is still a pretty good figure. 

Legends and Netflix

Topspin and Twintwist

Octane

Megatron

Soundwave

I started to open up some of my figures late. Topspin and Twintwist were simply amazing figures. Lots of replay value for Octane thanks to the ghost Starscream gimmick. Megatron with his nicely painted scheme is a robust looking figure (thanks to Darkonen for supplying me this bad boy). Lastly, Soundwave, immaculate as always stands out in this category as the true last years release (my version is the Japanese NF released that year). 

Honorable mentions: Improved outlook







Sunstreaker who is arguably the blandest looking character in the ER line from 2020 had the most improved look thanks to the upgrades Nonnef supplied. Not to mention, he also supplied Smokescreen's shoulder canon stacks making the figure more G1 looking accurate. 

Thank you folks. 2021 turned out pretty well. Most of the figures were great. Don't get me wrong but these were the ones that stood out to me. Anyhow, thank you once again and I'll see you next time. 

Update: 5/5/22

Kingdom Rodimus Prime

Despite the fact I opened him up earlier this year, he was released back in 2021 so I'll give him that much. Although I feel he is overpriced due to his trailer, he is made with high quality plastic. Fun to play with overall. 

Transformers Generations War for Cybertron: Kingdom Voyager WFC-K19 Inferno Review!

 

You are responsible for your own health. So no, we are not in this together.

You know the fire drill folks, let's get this started!

What's in the box?

Wow, this is the first for me! It came in an Ebay box. 

The contents

I got Optimus Prime for the card! For an odd reason, I didn't notice this at first but the clear packaging (the transparent display) has water spots if you zoom into it. Anyhow, Inferno was coming out so no big deal but man it was so great to have Optimus for the trading card once again!

Inferno

Inferno to the rescue! Inevitably, he was going to become the retool and remold use of Grapple. Inferno, is without a doubt, a thing of beauty and loads of fun to play with in comparison to Grapple. You can fold either of his hands inward so that way you can you use the nozzle. Which side you want it is up to you. I love his silver painted face, it looks fantastic on him. Definitely love the head wings and head cannon which the latter is detachable. While shooting this segment, I had issues extending his ladder. It was seriously jammed in at the time. I thought I had another defective TF again. Inferno also comes with fire hoses that can be pegged wherever there is a 5mm port. It's a novelty and it looks great wherever you place them.... for the most part. He also receives the same blaster as Grapple. 

Alt mode

Dog gone it, the darn ladder just finally decided to extend. It was tough still, but after some pulling, it slided out finally. You can pretty much place the weapons anywhere you want but I think the official configuration usually have the fire hoses on the side of the truck. His head cannon is pegged on towards the end of the ladder. On the left side though only (right side if you going by Inferno's point of view). If you are familiar with Grapple, then this transformation is identical. What makes this alt mode even better besides being a cool looking fire truck is that Hastak fixed the peg issue where the head placement (on the back wheel area) no longer gets jammed if the pegs are placed in the sockets deeply. This was a huge issue on Grapple. Yippie!

With Grapple

My favorite shot: Grapple and Inferno running to save lives

So I didn't peg the head area all the way in for Grapple. Anyhow, here are your comparisons. They can pretty much use each other's weapons, well, except for the head cannon which is exclusive to Inferno. I forgot to mention this on the alt mode section, but as you can see, you can level the ladders and cannons into whatever degree you want it to be. They move to the sides as well. Have fun, really.

With Red Alert

His buddy Red Alert and scale. I did the iconic IDW cover pose again. Too lazy to do the photoshop edit comparison so here is the reference from a site.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/252060910365938609/

Conclusion

Inferno is simply amazing. The mold really works better for him. The fireman gimmick always is a nice touch. The alt mode fix is greatly appreciated. The paint job is really nice. He looks great overall. Get him now I say.