THE GALLERY
Of Super-Rare Transformers Variants

(Last Updated 11/02/09)

For most intents and purposes, we call them bootlegs. They're non-official versions of existing Transformers toys, often released exclusively in foreign countries. Usually, we associate "bootlegs" with lower quality toys. But some bootlegs are just as good as the originals and, in a few exceptions, a bootleg can even be superior to the original Transformer (better colors, larger scale, superior quality, etc). Since bootlegs are released in much smaller numbers than actual Transformers and are often released through unconventonal channels, these items are exceptionally difficult to locate twenty years after they've been produced. As a result, the truly superior bootlegs are among the rarest items a Transformer fan could ever hope to collect. You won't find these guys on ebay.

I've devoted a tremendous amount of time and money to tracking down some of the best Transformers bootlegs ever released around the world and have displayed them here.

 

OVER-SIZED G1 / G2 OPTIMUS PRIME

The original Optimus Prime mold blown up to enormous scale with a trailer that exceeds a foot in length. This Hasbro-licensed Korean version comes in an awesome new color scheme, includes new accessories, and has a quality identical to the original toy. The ultimate G1 display piece!

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BLACK G1 OPTIMUS PRIME

The original Optimus Prime mold in gorgious jet black! Box, accessories, paperwork, details, and quality all match the G1 original perfectly.

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CLEAR G1 OPTIMUS PRIME

A crystal clear version of the G1 Optimus Prime mold that looks even better than the black one!

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OVER-SIZED G1 BRUTICUS GIFTSET

The original combaticon giftset blown up to over 13" in height with each individual member standing at approximately 5" in height (Onslaught stands at nearly 11"). This Asian version includes all weapons and accessories to build an enormously over-sized Bruticus, and features some brilliant silver chrome finishes and extra-detailed accessories far superior to that of the g1 original.

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SUPER OVER-SIZED TAKARA BRAVE FIRE DAGWON

This absurdly huge version of the Brave Fire Dagwon is approximately 1.5 feet tall at its highest point and has lost no quality nor detail in the translation. Second only to Fortress Maximus in size, this version of Fire Dagwon is an exceptionally unique centerpiece for any Transformers collection!

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OVER-SIZED G1 SIXBUILDER GIFTSET

The original micromaster giftset blown up to 13" in height with the exact same level of detail and quality as the original. With the exception of the Over-Sized Fire Dagwon, this is one of the largest foreign variants of a Transformer that I've seen yet. You need to see the pictures to believe it!

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OVER-SIZED G1 SUPERION GIFTSET

The original Superion giftset blown up to approximately 12.5" in height and given a new head, new color scheme, and a generous amount of silver chrome. Whether or not your a Generation One purist, the pictures are worth seeing!

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CLEAR G1 FRENZY AND LASERBEAK

An exceptionally rare recolor of the G1 originals, complete on a perfect replica of the G1 original card.

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CLEAR BLUE G1 FRENZY AND LASERBEAK

An exceptionally rare recolor of the G1 originals, complete on a perfect replica of the G1 original card.

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CLEAR RED G1 FRENZY AND LASERBEAK

An exceptionally rare recolor of the G1 originals, complete on a perfect replica of the G1 original card.

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DEVASTATOR-COLORED DIACLONE GATS BLOCKER GIFTSET

A rare foreign variant of the Diaclone Gats Blocker merge team produced to resemble a G1 Devastator with quality identical to the original. If Gats Blocker had been one of the Diaclone toys recycled into Transformers G1, the toy and box would have looked EXACTLY like this!

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AUTOBOT-COLORED MENASOR GIFTSET

The original Stunticon giftset in Autobot colors with Motormaster resembling Optimus Prime in trailer mode. I've only confirmed the existance of one other Autobot-Colored Menasor in seven years of looking. Made in Taiwan. Manufacturer unknown. Quality is equal to the original and all accessories are included. No box and a slight chip on the bottom right foot (manufacturing error).

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JOINTED DIE-CAST DIACLONE DRIVERS

A rare foreign variant set of Diaclone Drivers that have been retooled and improved upon to feature poseable leg joints! These guys have been quietly circulating for years and are one of the best kept secrets of Diaclone collectors!

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POWERMASTER ULTRA MAGNUS

The original Powermaster Optimus Prime in new colors. The quality of this Asian version is actually made of a superior plastic than the original and includes tinted transparent windows. Comes complete with box and accessories, but includes a different trailer than the one pictured.

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POWERMASTER ULTRA MAGNUS 2

Yet another color scheme for the original Powermaster Optimus Prime mould. The quality of this Asian version is actually made of a superior plastic than the original and features tinted transparent windows. Also includes a second unknown Transformer in the set. Comes complete with box and accessories, but includes a different trailer than the one pictured.

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ALTERNATE COLOR KICKBACK

The original insecticon in a cool new color scheme. This Asian version is made of a slightly inferior plastic, most noticable in the cockpit hatch, which does not stay on well. This is a beautiful piece to display, but will not hold up well with children.

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OVER-SIZED G1 BLUESTREAK

The G1 Bluestreak/Smokescreen mould blown up to twice the size and retooled to become a Nissan Sonata. The construction is solid, but the level of detail is a bit disappointing.

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OVER-SIZED ONSLAUGHT

The original combaticon leader blown up to nearly 11" in height and over a foot long in vehicle mode. This Asian version is made of heavier, higher quality plastic than the original, includes all weapons and accessories to build an enormously over-sized Bruticus, and features some brilliant silver chrome finishes and extra-detailed accessories far superior to that of the g1 original. Does not have box.

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OVER-SIZED BLAST-OFF and BRAWL SET

One third of the Bruticus team enlarged to approximately 5" in height. This Asian version is made of heavier, higher quality plastic than the original, includes all weapons and accessories to build an enormously over-sized Bruticus, and features some brilliant silver chrome finishes and extra-detailed accessories far superior to that of the g1 original. Comes in Korean box with beautiful artwork.

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OVER-SIZED SWINDLE and VORTEX SET

The final third of the Bruticus team enlarged to approximately 5" in height. This Asian version is made of heavier, higher quality plastic than the original, includes all weapons and accessories to build an enormously over-sized Bruticus, and features some brilliant silver chrome finishes and extra-detailed accessories far superior to that of the g1 original. Comes in Korean box with beautiful artwork.

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