TF Alternity A-04B Banzai Tron

Banzai Tron is an unforgivable name, seriously. Hailing from the Action Masters of the 1990s, a mechanical martial arts specialist and Decepticon, he got a very unlikely Alternity repaint released in 2012 as a Toy Hobby Market (now Takara Tomy Mall) exclusive. The mould is based on the Skywarp/Thundercracker 1:32 scale Alternity figure. The vehicle is Japanese manufacturer Mitsuoki Motors' Orochi sports car model from 2006. I basically missed Alternity completely despite a massive love affair with Binaltech. It coincided with some hobby down time for me, but thanks to Transformers GT, I now understand the appeal. Banzai Tron was bought immediately after I saw some good pictures of that robot mode, head sculpt and thanks to everyone's favourite factory sweeper, Lena.

Transformers GT

 

Ignored, under-appreciated, maligned, ridiculed, misunderstood. Just some of the terms you could use to describe how Transformers GT was met by the majority of the Transformers collecting community. Unfortunately the line used a mould from Transformers Alternity that had already been massively milked for repaints, increased the price to almost unacceptable levels for even those who showed an interest, and then got released during the height of Takara Tomy's Masterpiece output. Didn't stand a bloody chance.