Hi everyone, I’ve recently bought the Headmasters and Masterforce boxsets.
I’ve been reading MetaRidleyX’s
G1 review thread and was inspired to do one for the Japanese series. It’s probable that less people have seen all the Japanese series than have seen all the American
G1 episodes, so I thought it would be a worthwhile exercise.
I’ve decided to review the episodes with the awesomely bad dubbed audio, for the laugh, and subtitles as well, so I know what’s really supposed to be happening.
I’ll be giving a brief synopsis with commentary about each episode, and giving it a rating. So I might as well start!
Episode 1 – Four Warriors From Outer Space
More people have probably seen this first episode, as it was included as a bonus on a few versions of the original cartoon and movie DVDs.
First thing I notice is that the Japanese like to have catchy cheesy pop songs as theme music, and the Headmasters tune is so catchy you’ll be humming it forever.
We are on Cybertron, it looks peaceful, but the Decepticons, led by Galvatron are looking to take over Vector Sigma. The Decepticon Headmasters are just there, without much explanation why. The dubbing is hilarious, I think I’ll have to pick a Silliest Dialogue for each episode too…
So, the ‘Cons attack Autobase on Cybertron, disturbing Spike, or Sparkle, as his new name seems to be, from drinking his tea. The autobots also have a base on Athenia (Sydnia). Where is that? Never heard of it before. This is where Optimus Prime hangs out.
Hahahah, Mindwipe can do some devious humming and send everyone to sleep.
There’s fighting on Earth too, and we get introduced to Sixshot, who seems to be some kind of ninja consultant, whatever that means. They seem to be setting a rivalry up between him and Ultra Magnus.
Oh God, Daniel and Wheelie. These guys are even more annoying than they were in the American series. They trick Trypticon into falling down a canyon whilst he makes noises that sound like a constipated wildebeest
The trainbots have turned up, they look pretty cool, shame we never got the toys in Europe or the US. Although I must say, they look bloody daft flying through the air in long train mode.
Hahahaha, why is Metroplex called Billy? I can’t see how the dubbers could have got that from the Japanese.
Prime and Jazz do some asskicking on Cybertron now. But Hot Rod and Kup think he’s putting himself in danger. Foreshadowing?
I think if a version of this series was available that completely removed Daniel and Wheelie, it would be a bestseller.
Cool, Kup has a flashback with Megatron and Starscream in it. But Spike just tells him to stop being depressing, hahahaha.
A massive space ship turns up, it’s a mystery, although I can tell who it is because it looks just like their toy, heh.
The animation quality is pretty good, the combiners fighting looks pretty mint. Oooh, brief Sunstreaker cameo.
Mindwipe’s hypnotising ability seems a bit powerful, sends everyone to sleep instantly, why doesn’t he do that all the time?
The Autobot headmasters turn up and start spouting about settling old scores with the Decepticons.
To be continued!
Score
Well, it was a pretty solid starter for a new series, slightly daft, but not bad at all.
I give it 7/10
Ridiculous Dialogue Spotlight: Ultra Magnus: Just who do you think you are? Where are you from?
Sixshot: Ah hahahah. Alright, listen up. I’m the ninja consultant for the decepticons, my name is Sixshot!
Ultra Magnus: Oh yeah?
Where did you get that ninja consultant from?
