Transmetal 2 Blackarachnia has shipped, and Brian Kilby reviews her in the very first Radio Free Cybertron. This October 15, 1999 debut also covers rumors of a Cartoon Network anime and action channel and Rhino’s VHS re-release of Transformers: The Movie. Brian introduces himself and explains the idea behind RFC: a richer multimedia venue for Transformers fans than chat and newsgroups.
News
Transmetal 2 Blackarachnia Ships
Transmetal 2 Blackarachnia has been popping up in stores across the country. Brian found one early in the week at the Wilkesboro Walmart, and his review follows the news. He thanks Danby for finding the news. [Source: IGN]
Cartoon Network Considers an Anime and Action Channel
Cartoon Network is considering an all-anime and action channel similar to its weekday Toonami block. Fans speculate that Transformers could appear on it. Brian stresses that this is only speculation, and Transformers does not look likely for Cartoon Network or its spinoff channels any time soon. [Source: not found]
Rhino Re-Releases Transformers: The Movie on VHS
Rhino has re-released Transformers: The Movie on VHS. For the first time, American fans can see the Star Wars-style scrolling intro, previously only in the UK version. Rhino has also said it is interested in a DVD release, possibly as early as late next year. Brian calls it good news for anyone still watching a 13-year-old tape. [Source: not found]
Toy Review: Transmetal 2 Blackarachnia
At first glance, Brian took Blackarachnia for a repainted Transmetal Scavenger, but he finds her much nicer. Her spider mode is highly detailed and beautifully painted, though he calls it a bit bland apart from the abdomen. He likes that she can switch between a Maximal and a Predacon spark.
Transformation to robot mode is fairly easy, and the instructions give good visual cues. He calls her defense mode worthless, existing only to justify her big shoulder pads. Robot mode is what makes her worth buying. She looks elegant and well detailed, and the look makes up for her flaws.
Those flaws are real. She is very top-heavy, her high heels make her unstable, and her hands are basically peg holes. He likes her swivel-waist spin kick, which reminds him of Masters of the Universe. Changing her back to spider mode is “an exercise in futility,” with her legs hard to fit into the abdomen. Her web shooter grapple rarely catches anything, but the retracting hook is fun. Brian says she hardly fits the Transmetal 2 line, “being that she’s actually a rather nice toy,” and gives her 8.5 out of 10. He hopes to review Tigerhawk next week.
About Radio Free Cybertron
Brian introduces himself as a 20-year-old college student in northwestern North Carolina who DJs at AM station WWWC. Listeners may know him from alt.toys.transformers or IRC. He calls this an abridged episode, since only part of the plan was ready for the unveiling. Listeners can email or send voicemail, and anyone who wants to be interviewed on the show can email with “interview” in the subject line. He hopes to air next week at 7 p.m. Eastern.