Transformers Masterpiece MPG-18 Hauler

If you've followed Kool Kollectibles for a while, you'll know that I'm a sucker for Transformers Masterpiece repaints. I love the Inferno/Grapple mold, so this Hauler was a given that I'd buy it. It's a little sad that he he reminds me Takara still need to do a proper Constructicon gang in the Masterpiece series, but at least the figure is a decent repaint.

Click through below to check out my full video review over on the Kool Kollectibles YouTube channel.

The figure comes with a standard set of accessories very similar to Inferno and Grapple. The biggest ledown for me is the sticker sheet. At this price range for the Masterpiece series, the paint application should use tampography techniques, not bloody stupid stickers! This is one area that Takara has gotten lazy over the past few years, especially when you compare it to the previous Artfire repaint!

The bright green is a decent tint, and I really hope it's a hint from Takara that the Constructicons are coming.

Artfire is still the superior repaint, especially with all the fantastic tamped on details that it has. But as I said, I'm a sucker for repaints. This mold is still incredible, and I love how the crane part collapses into the chest cavity in bot mode. It's that sort of engineering that I love in this series.

Here's to hoping Takara announce some new G1 molds in the Masterpiece series soon. Jazz and Mirage are still sorely missing!

Storm Collectibles T.Hawk from Ultra Street Fighter 2

Storm Collectibles has taken the 1/12th to 1/10th scale action figure genre by the throat and made it their own. There figures are superior to those that have come before, from the likes of Bandai S.H.Figuarts, Super7, Hasbro, Mattel, and Mezco.

This Ultra Street Fighter 2 series has gone from strength to strength, and this T.Hawk is no different. I was glad to finally receive mine, since my direct Storm order for M.Bison never arrived (thanks to my bank for refunding me in full!). Apart from their shit customer service, at least Storm are still making some amazing figures.

See my full video review below over on the Kool Kollectibles YouTube channel. More pics are below too!

This T.Hawk release is stacked with accessories. Love the box that appeared in various stage backgrounds, and how it can be displayed in full or broken. Not sure I'll be using it in my display, but it's nice for photo opps.

As per all USF2 releases, this comes with a swag of swap out headsculpts and hands to cover all his icons looks from the game.

The scale of the figure itself is pretty spot on, based on character descriptions on height and bulk. As shown below, it's a pretty massive figure. The body proportions are fantastic, and shows how Storm have improved over time. The Ryu and Ken figures in this series have not aged well and definitely need an update with the new body types.

Poseability is pretty decent too, and he can get into most of his iconic poses and moves. Storm really have their tech down pat with the plastics and paint applications that come together seamlessly.

Either in dynamic or static poses, this T.Hawk has definite presence on display. For those old fans of the classic arcade game, this will be a welcome addition to the collection! I just wish Storm would release more characters more often!