I’ve done it. I bought my first Transformers toy.
My parents could not really afford to spend a lot on toys so I’ve only ever had the entry-level models.
Last week I got my hands on a modern-day Transformers toy, Bulkhead from the Transformers Prime animated series.
Here’s a photo of Bulkhead inside the box.
Before I go on further, I can just hear you asking questions so here are my reasons:
- When I was a boy I dreamed of buying any Transformers I wanted when I grew up and started earning a salary. After working for 12 years, I think it’s time to fulfill this childhood dream.
- In the 1980s, Transformers cost less than RM20. Nowadays the cheapest are above RM50. That’s a 250% price increase. So I’m buying now as a form of ‘investment’ for my sons (lame excuse)
Anyway I was at Toys R Us pretending to buy toys for my children but was deciding between Arcee, Bumblebee or Bulkhead. I chose Bulkhead because he transforms into a cool SUV (and he’s big).
Whenever anyone passed by I would say, “Hmm which one would my SON Daryl like?”
Then Poey Chin will get impatient and say, “Just choose what you like la.”
*shy*
The two older kids were spending the night at my parents house, so I secretly took out the box after Caleb went to sleep.
Poey Chin asked me how I was going to play with my Transformers toy. I denied and told her I wasn’t going to play with it.
I’m just going to… umm… practice on it so I could teach the boys next time.
Inside the box is the Bulkhead action figure and a “display stand” that’s actually just a cardboard box.
Full length photo of Bulkhead Transformers Prime action figure.
There’s also an instruction booklet.
Ages 5+. Yup that’s me. Not for children under 3 years. Check. Level: 2 Intermediate. Bring on level 3!!
I spoke too soon because I unfolded the piece of paper and there were 25 steps to transform from robot to vehicle!
The Transformers toys I had when I was young only needed 4 or 5 steps.
Transforming back to robot mode was another 27 steps.
I started at step 1, being very gentle and careful because I didn’t want to break anything.
Half an hour later…
Okay I admit I’m a bit rusty. Kids can probably transform with their eyes closed in a matter of seconds.
The experience was a mix between eating a crab, solving a Rubik’s cube puzzle and assembling Ikea furniture.
It took me another half hour to transform back to a robot, but I enjoyed it.
Here’s how the box looks like in front.
And the back.
Maybe I can save some money to buy some more.
I visited a collectible toys store and saw some classic Transformers, and some were even made of metal. I believe the manufacturer is Takara or something, and they cost more than RM300. Sigh maybe some day.
For now, my Transformer goes into hiding to keep it safe from toddler hands.
Did I say my Transformers? I meant my sons’ Transformers.
lol i gotta agree with you. i wanted to have a G1 collection but couldn’t because parents thought this is a waste of money. But now, i can buy as many transformers action figures as i want with my own earnings. Anyway, you gave us a good look at bulkhead thnx for that.
Adino: I wonder how much those G1 toys would cost today. Probably a lot more!