Blokees Transformers Defender Version

Blokees Defender Version takes the Transformers cast and shrinks it down to pocket size. These officially licensed, non-transforming model kits are built from snap-fit parts, require no glue or tools, and combine a surprisingly useful amount of articulation with a footprint of only about 5.5 cm (2.2 inches).

The line is sold primarily in blind-box assortments, with each numbered version introducing a new group of robot characters, vehicle modes, alternate-universe designs and chase variants.

Defender Version is cheaper and considerably smaller than Blokees Galaxy Version, but it has developed into a surprisingly deep Transformers line in its own right.

What Is Defender Version?

Most Defender Version figures use approximately 14 points of articulation and are assembled from a relatively small number of pre-colored parts. Despite their size, they are fully poseable model kits rather than static miniatures.

They do not transform. Instead, Blokees sometimes releases separate robot- and vehicle-mode versions of the same character.

The line has also increasingly used compatible connection points between figures, vehicles and accessories. Later releases expanded that idea with components that can be combined into larger characters such as Devastator and Bruticus.

Individual blind boxes may contain:

Standard robot figures
Vehicle-mode kits
Brilliant, Glittering and Shattered Glass variants
Special Galaxy Type chase figures
Special Armor Type chase figures
Collector cards
Commemorative coins

The exact assortment and bonus items vary by wave.

Chase Figures and Special Types

Defender Version makes heavier use of chase variants than Galaxy Version.

Two recurring chase categories are:

Special Galaxy Type — metallic-finish versions with additional paint and finish changes.

Special Armor Type — considerably rarer variants featuring additional armor, weapons or other upgraded parts.

On many waves, Special Galaxy Type figures have appeared at approximately 5/144, while Special Armor Type figures have appeared at approximately 1/144. Exact odds can vary by release, so the individual wave should always be checked when hunting a particular figure.

Defender Version Releases

Defender Version 01 — Shattered Alliance

The first Defender assortment established the basic formula: tiny articulated robot kits mixed with vehicle modes, unusual redecos and chase variants.

The lineup includes Optimus Prime, Megatron, Prowl, Thundercracker, Scavenger, Shattered Glass Sideswipe, Brilliant Bumblebee and Glittering Ironhide, along with several vehicle-mode releases.

Special Galaxy Type Optimus Prime and Megatron were among the headline chase figures.

Defender Version 02 — The Overthrow

The second assortment expanded the cast with Starscream, Bumblebee, Wheeljack, Inferno, Bonecrusher and Dreamwave-inspired Ultra Magnus.

It also continued the unusual variant selection with Brilliant Soundwave and Shattered Glass Ironhide, plus Bumblebee, Bonecrusher, Inferno and Hook vehicle kits.

Special Galaxy Type Starscream and Shattered Glass Bumblebee were included among the chase releases.

Defender Version 03 — Heavy Metal War

Heavy Metal War pushed the metallic presentation of the line further while retaining the familiar 12-model assortment format.

It also continued the Special Galaxy Type and ultra-rare Special Armor Type system and expanded the commemorative coin program.

Defender Version 04 — Tyrants Fury

Tyrants Fury brought Rodimus Prime and Grimlock into the line alongside Shockwave, Scourge, Rumble and Blitzwing.

The assortment also includes Shattered Glass Megatron, Brilliant Hound and several vehicle-mode kits, including Rodimus Prime, Brawl, Starscream and Wheeljack.

Special Galaxy Type versions of Rodimus Prime and Grimlock were produced as chase releases.

Defender Version 05 — Traitor to Tyranny

Version 05 introduced Jetfire, Galvatron, Sideswipe, Sunstreaker, Cyclonus and Viewfinder, together with Shattered Glass Soundwave and Brilliant Optimus Prime.

Vehicle releases include Jetfire, Onslaught and Swindle, while Optimus Prime’s Trailer and Roller add another interactive vehicle component to the growing Defender system.

Special Galaxy Type Galvatron and Shattered Glass Jetfire joined the chase lineup.

Defender Version 06 — Brutal Fang

Brutal Fang continued the line’s increasing emphasis on compatible vehicles and combination play.

Most notably, Defender Versions 04 through 06 supplied the Combaticon vehicles needed for Blokees’ separately released Bruticus Combining Accessory, allowing Brawl, Onslaught, Swindle, Vortex and Blast Off to be assembled into a larger Bruticus display.

A separate combining accessory was also released for Devastator.

Defender Version 07 — Power of the Beast

Power of the Beast shifted much of the spotlight toward Beast Wars and other beast-themed characters.

The assortment includes Leo Prime, Big Convoy, Magmatron, Beast Wars Galvatron, Gigastorm and Leo Prime Beast Mode, alongside Ratchet, Cliffjumper, Shattered Glass Grimlock and Sludge in dinosaur mode.

Special Galaxy Type Nemesis Leo Prime and Nemesis Prime serve as the major chase variants.

Defender Version 08 — Battle Stars

Battle Stars expands Defender Version into some considerably deeper Transformers territory.

Star Optimus Prime and Super Megatron headline the assortment alongside Sky Garry, Tarn, Windblade, Arcee, Drift, Swoop in pterosaur mode, Shattered Glass Goldbug and Glittering Smokescreen.

Star Optimus Prime’s trailer and Super Megatron’s vehicle mode are also included.

Special Galaxy Type Star Optimus Prime and Super Megatron continue the chase system, while the Super Megatron vehicle release can include one of several commemorative coins.

Why Defender Version Is Different

Defender Version has gradually become much more than simply a smaller version of Blokees’ larger kits.

Its appeal is the strange breadth of the collection. Mainstream G1 characters sit beside Shattered Glass releases, obscure Japanese characters, Beast Wars designs, vehicle modes and unusual redecos. The compatible connection system also gives Blokees room to create combination sets and accessories that span multiple waves.

And because the figures take up almost no shelf space, assembling a fairly absurd Cybertronian army is remarkably easy.

For collectors, that’s probably the entire point.

G1 Universe Defender Version Resources

G1 Universe is building an archive of individual Defender Version figures, wave information, photographs and collector resources.

Use our Blokees Transformers Defender Version Checklist to track the figures you own, chase variants, commemorative coins and other releases from the line.

Individual figure profiles and photo galleries will continue to be added as the archive grows.