TFC Toys took Concept Art and not only put it into physical form but one of the best homages I’ve seen.
Producer: TFC Toys
Price: Approx. $240 USD
Release Date: Feb. 2022
Item Height: Approx. 10.25 in (combined mode)
Item Weight: N/A
Batteries: N/A
WHERE TO BUY: TFSource
When it comes to 3rd Party, unlicensed Transformers homages one thing that’s really interesting is that nothing is off limits including concept art. At one point artist Don Figueroa designed an Optimus Prime that transforms into the Rolling Thunder vehicle from G.I. Joe for a crossover that was never approved. Back in 2011 a company named Xovergen did unlicensed homages to this design in red and blue but the items were smaller and were reported to have q.c. issues on top of a design that most felt was lacking. In 2018 however, TFC Toys released an homage to this design in the traditional red and blue Optimus colors named Supreme Tactical Commander. They then released an homage to it in Camo colors named Supreme Tactical Commander Jungle Type. And then in 2021 there was another camo variant with a different weapon loadout called the Supreme Tactical Commander Nuclear Blast. This article is going over the re release of Nuclear Blast from February of this year. This figure honestly blew my mind with how good it is. From design to build to articulation this thing just knocks it out on every level.
Presentation: The packaging on this is really neat (see gallery.) It’s a pretty standard cardboard box with foam inserts but the throwback styled artwork on it is really killer. Everything is well-packaged within the foam insert as well.
Build: This figure is actually a diecast frame with a plastic shell which surprised me. It’s insanely hefty. Good strong ratchets and tight friction throughout it. It’s a camo design so is a painted piece but there’s 0 scratching when putting parts together and whatnot. It’s just plain well made and it’s refreshing.
Accessories:Here’s the accessories list from TFSource’s item listing:
1 x S.T.Commander Figure
1 x Blaster Rifle
1 x Large Rocket
2 x Small Rockets
4 x Missiles
18 x Armor Pieces
1 x Bonus Camo Blanket
Instructions
The accessories on the Nuclear Blast version are phenomenal and even though they don’t have the diecast of the ones that Jungle Type comes with I really like the look and functionality of them quite a bit more. It should be noted though that the 2021 reissue has a change from the original Nuclear Blast release in the ladders being replaced with pistons so some functionality like attaching the rockets to his forearms has to be done through other methods which aren’t shown in the instructions due to them being for the prior version.
Another thing that has to be said for the accessories is options. You can legitimately own four of these and have them all look different because of all of the things that you can do with the accessories.
Articulation: The articulation on Supreme Tactical Commander Nuclear Blast is just nuts. It has articulation mnuch more similar to high end mecha figures like Sentinel’s offerings than the average Transformer toy be it licensed or unlicensed. Check out the video portion to see it all in action. Extremely impressive.
Overall Score: 10.5/10 – TFC Supreme Tactical Commander Nuclear Blast manages to do so much but do it all extremely well. The newer headsculpt and added accessories from the previous iterations of the figure really make this figure the one to own in my opinion. I don’t just highly recommend it but consider it a must-have for Transformers collectors in general. Whether it’s a display centerpiece or a deskbot that you’re playing with constantly you’ll be beyond happy.
Check out the gallery below and if you’re wanting an TFC Toys Supreme Tactical Commander Nuclear Blast (2022 Reissue) for yourself, order yours at TFSource.
