A little bit on Non-Transformers news today. Back in 2012 we got word that famed Transformers artist Don Figueroa was involved with a new project called Armarauders. An all original story featuring a comic book and toys based on it was the plan. Don was doing the mecha designs and drawing the books, both things that he excels at.
The comics are now hitting issue 6, and the first figure is set to go up for pre-orders in March. Mecha Workshop is the company producing it, and they’ve sent out early copies of the figure for review. We’ve done up a full set of over 140 pics showing the Armarauders Bellerophon in action at our sister site Toyark.com. We hope you’ll check it out and see what one of the best Transformers artists to grace our comics and packages is up to now.
Enjoy!
Fort Max
No worries, there's some other stuff coming up as well but those are the highlights, check out their facebook page (Armarauders) for the latest.
einhazard
Very much that. It looks fantastic and everyone raves about it, but there's a lot of TF's I could buy for that $200. It's just too unknown and a little bit to vanilla for me to do that, though I do think it looks great.
Jordland
Yeah, Armarauders Bellerophon, as far as I understand it, is an original creation just for some (seemingly) crappy web comic and a high-end action figure. I personally don't even love the design of the robot. I think it's a really solid looking but mostly uninteresting design. It's the quality/features/articulation/configurability/accessories/etc that push it so close to the top of my collection.
If I had some emotional attachment to the character I'd probably be stark raving mad for it but as is, for me, it still stands alongside my favorite figures in my collection and one of my easiest recommendations for collectors of action figures.
Since I'm thinking about it, I'll list my favorite figures just for fun:
1) Transformers Masterpiece: MP-17 – Prowl
2) Transformers Masterpiece: MP-10 – Convoy
3) SH Figuarts – Mario
4) Super Robot Chogokin – Gurren Lagan
5) Transformers Masterpiece: MP-12 – Lambor
6) Sentinel – Tatsunoko Heroes Fighting Gear – Hurricane Polymar
7) Sentinel x T-Rex – Black Getter
8) Sentinel Armarauders: Bellerophon
9) Nendoroid #413: Link (Wind Waker)
10) Transformers Masterpiece: MP-22 – Ultra Magnus
11) ES Gokin: Optimus Prime
12) Transformers Masterpiece: MP-27 – Ironhide
13) Mastermind Creations – Reformatted R-13 – Spartan
I was intending to stop at 10… oops!
Faelon
HLJ also had it at a good price during their Summer Sale a few weeks ago. I think sub $180.
The problem is while a stunning figure, it's a strange unknown IP that isn't going to inspire enough of the high end adult collectors market to buy into it. I mean am I wrong in thinking the Armarauders IP itself is essentially crowd sourced fan fiction? Is there some other underlying property there that I am unaware of?
And while there are niche markets in which this sort of thing will thrive, $200+ collectors die cast robot action figure is not one of them. Add to this that the "Real Robot" type collectors tend not to be as high into that price and materials point as the "Classic Super Robot" collectors are. And where the Real Robot guys do wander to that high a dollar point it tends to be exclusively Gundam or Macross. Which are pretty much genres and collector communities unto themselves. The buy anything high price/quality guys look at it and say "too modern". The modern guys look at it and say "not my specific kink".
Jordland
That's fantastic news, thanks for sharing!
Fort Max
They are continuing it's just a very slow process. They have a number of products in development including a repaint, a transforming add on wing pack/done and some smaller pilot packs which are another pilot figure and a small transforming drone accessory.
dCon
The problem is it didn't sell well as far as I can tell everyone still has it in stock, plus it took a longer then it was supposed to to come out so that probably didn't help, but I'm afraid bc of the low sales they won't continue the line. Please tell me if you (or anybody else) knows different.
I agree though the figure looks fantastic! And had great QC even know the ankles can get a little loose from whay I've been told
Jordland
I did a search on this figure and didn't see a more active thread than this one which is unfortunately in the Transformers boards instead of OT.
Anyway, just a PSA that TFSource has this on "clearance"/at its original price ($200 USD) as opposed to BBTS which is still selling it at a mark up of $255.
I can not recommend this figure enough. Check video reviews from popular reviewers like RPA, Shartimus, Vangelus, Kuma Style, and Meades if you need proof of this figure's quality.
The articulation is fantastic, the build quality as is good as anything in my collection (Transformers or not), then there's the configurability/accessories/play value.. all nearly unparalleled. It's Sentinel after all, and they're no stranger to amazing figures. If you have any interest in mecha and dig the look of this guy then trust me and the reviewers above when I say this is worth every bit of the $200 asking price and then some.
wingheaven7
Just unboxed mine and wow, what an amazing first outing. The fit/finish, everything from the packaging to the little figure is perfect.
This thing is pure hand/display candy. A bit lighter than I expected, but the heft it does have is acceptable. Everything is very high quality.
I can not wait for the jet pack/air droid thing, and the heavy quad leg version. These are the perfect mechs for people who love detail, and have even the slightest interest in armored core, battletech/mechwarrior, Exosquad, votoms, gundam, and any other big robot figure that had a pilot.
Finally, a pilot that does more than just sit fix posed in the cockpit. The hands are amazing. The articulation gets a tad hindered when fully loaded up, and it comes off a bit top heavy, but it has no trouble staying upright in various poses.
Really hope they stay in business. Truly remarkable. Can't wait for more. This would make one hell of a mecha video game if handled right.
MnemonicSyntax
LMAO. Nice.
Dachande
Six months later, and I'm still not overly interested. Granted, Don's designs have always been an inspiration and it's awesome seeing his creation come to fruition, but there's nothing really separating this from any other 'big mech' line.
Well, at least he isn't ripping off Pretenders…
grimeyingo
Mine came in today, box is massive, what a fun toy!
wingheaven7
Bbts just sent me an email.
10 days till this is finally in stock!
Can not wait to hit that ship loot button!
Xaxis
At first I thought this looked simple and somewhat unappealing, then I watched a few video reviews and quickly changed my mind. All of the details, the build quality, and the features – especially the cockpit – are just the kind of thing that appeals to me in a mech design. Don's talent shines through and he's found perfect partners for producing a toy of his design.
I was very happy to find this for preorder at HLJ and just signed up for one.
Now to save up for that purchase!
Fort Max
This is a special edition package as it's the first product they'll be releasing. The next release will be the same mech but on it's own with just the pilot figure and most of the weapons/armour from this set in a nice gunmetal grey colour.
The stand will then be sold separately in a more neutral grey.
protostar8
Wow, I like Don's style and the figure is cool…but the price is ridiculous. I was thinking of getting a full set of the little guys and picking this up too, but there are SOOOOOO many other better products for that price.
NemesisAngel
Hahahaha
At $200 I was almost considering buying this, at $255? This 'aint no SoC Gaogaigar.
Nemesis251
When will the black version be put up for pre-order?
wingheaven7
just happened to come across this at BBTS. I put in a pre-order, not sure if it will be offered for less elsewhere…
Bellerophon Deluxe Figure – Armarauders – The Last Battalion! Figures