My Top 10 Favorites from 2015

I'm pretty easy to please so narrowing a list of favorites down to 10 figures is pretty difficult. This was a very good year for collecting, with so many great figures being released. There are plenty more figures that didn’t make it onto this list that I would have been upset to miss out on. 2015 was a huge year for collectors. Here’s hoping 2016 will wind up being just as difficult to choose 10 favorites.

10. X-Transbots Andras

Although I was a little disappointed with Apollyon, Andras surprised me with how great he looks and how much better his quality seems to be. I don't seem to suffer the headaches others experience with the feet so transformation is very easy and satisfying. I'm looking forward to X-Transbots' rendition of Cyclonus and the Autobot minibots.

9. FansProject Volar

Volar is an interesting take on one of my favorite characters. He seems to have corrected a lot of the issues I had with the previous two figures in the line, which gives me hope that the remaining members will be very good. This Target Master line of Dinobots is a refreshing change of pace from the other G1 inspired lines. Providing two different colored torsos in the same box for buyers to choose from is something I wish other companies did as well.

8. Badcube Brawny
This is a solid little figure. I especially love the transformation mechanic of the torso. Of all the Badcube Autobots, Brawny is my favorite so far. I remember getting Brawn when I was a kid and thinking, “What is this thing?” But Brawny nails the look perfectly. I hope Badcube remakes Huffer and does not forget about all the other Autobot minibots.

7. Takara Masterpiece Tracks
Despite some nitpicky dislikes about the backpack, Tracks continues Takara's ability to scratch that G1 itch for me in their Masterpiece collection. Plus, the Corvette mode is absolutely gorgeous with its metallic blue paint. Although other companies have stepped in to fill gaps in the line-up, I would probably double dip into characters I already own if Takara continues to keep up the design aesthetic and quality of this line.

6. Mastermind Creations Sphinx

I was already a fan of MMC for all their IDW inspired figures. Sphinx just reinforces my desire to continue purchasing from this company. This is a great start to their Masterpiece line.

5. FansToys Grenadier

Grenadier is the figure that made me want to track down all FansToys' previous releases. I was surprised by how hefty this guy feels. His transformation is fun and satisfying. Even the backpack of legs doesn’t really bother me. I can’t wait to get the rest of the team.

4. Generations Toy Scraper and Mixer

I would be disappointed if this company didn't complete Devastator, but I would at least have two great individual figures. They are not slavishly devoted to G1, but that’s okay. It’s nice to have different takes on the same characters. Plus, it's always great to find a new company worth buying from.

3. GigaPower Gutter
Towering over MP-10 Optimus Prime, Gutter makes me so excited to complete this set of Dinobots for my Masterpiece shelf. The paint application and engineering quality is superb. My only complaint is the long wait to get the whole team.

2. DX9 Carry and Tyrant

These two figures surprised me by how much I love playing with them. They look great and have satisfying transformations. They don’t feel fragile at all. I’ll be displaying these guys on my CHUG shelf since I already have MP-09 and FansToys or X-Transbots will fill in for Masterpiece Galvatron. Choices!

1. Planet X Vulcun and Quirinus
The sense of satisfaction from being able to complete this set is hard to describe. Vulcun corrects so much that is wrong with the Hasbro version of Grimlock. Quirinus is an amazing figure. Although Summanus has issues, this group is the pride of my collection. As robots or dinosaurs, they look absolutely fantastic.