When Less Space Means More Fun
Big collections need big shelves. Lots of room. Careful arrangement.
But what if you could build an entire Transformers army in the space where one regular model sits?
That’s the Defender Version idea. Pocket-sized warriors. 5.5cm tall. Small enough to carry. Detailed enough to display.
Here’s why going small opens big possibilities.
What Is Defender Version?
Think of them as mini building kits. About 2 inches tall. 14 moving joints. Officially licensed.
Each series contains 12 different characters. Mix of robots and vehicles. Some combine together for bonus play.
Five series available:
Defender 01 – Shattered Alliance: Classic lineup with Optimus Prime, Megatron, Jazz, Ironhide, and more
Defender 02 – The Overthrow: Features Ultra Magnus, Coronation Starscream, Soundwave, Wheeljack
Defender 03 – Heavy War: G1 favorites including Grimlock, Prowl, Blitzwing
Defender 04 – Tyrants Fury: Rodimus Prime, Galvatron, Hot Rod, Arcee
Defender 05 – Traitor to Tyranny: Latest series with new character selections
All five series: $35.88 per complete set. That’s 12 characters per box. About $3 each.
Why Size Matters
Space savings: One regular building kit takes up 4-6 inches of shelf. One Defender takes 2 inches. You can fit 20+ Defenders where 5 regular models go.
Portability: Pocket-sized means actually fits in pockets. Take them anywhere. Display at work. Desk decoration. Travel companions.
Affordability: $35.88 for 12 characters. Regular building kits cost $12-40 each. More characters, less money.
Collection completion: Easier to complete full sets. 12 characters per series feels achievable. 50+ regular models feels overwhelming.
Why this matters:
- Feels premium despite small size
- Weight gives them substance
- Doesn’t feel cheap or flimsy
Pick up a plastic toy and a Defender side by side. Weight difference is noticeable. Quality difference is obvious.
14 Points of Movement
For something 5.5cm tall, 14 moving joints is impressive.
What moves:
- Head rotates 360°
- Arms lift and bend at elbow
- Legs move forward/backward 170°
- Hips swivel 170°
- Knees bend 90°
- Legs lift 90°
More movement than many larger building kits. Enough for action poses. Enough for personality.
The Vehicle Factor
Each series includes vehicles. Not just robot characters.
Why vehicles matter:
- Add variety to displays
- Some attach to characters
- Create battle scenes
- Storage for weapons
Example: Optimus Prime’s trailer opens. Weapons store inside. Roller vehicle sits in the trailer. Everything connects.
This combining play makes Defenders more than just small versions. They interact. They connect. They play together.
Chase Versions Explained
Each set of 12 includes regular characters plus chance for special versions.
Special Galaxy Type (10 in 144 chance): Enhanced paint. Shinier than regular.
Special Armor Type (2 in 144 chance): Extra armor pieces. Different configuration. Much rarer.
What you get: Set of 12 = all 12 regular characters guaranteed + at least one special version
No duplicates in set boxes. Every character different.
Display Strategies
The Army Formation: Line them all up by faction. Autobots on left, Decepticons on right. Small size means 60 characters fit on one shelf.
The Diorama: Use vehicles as centerpieces. Characters positioned around them. Creates mini battle scenes in 6 inches of space.
The Grid: Arrange in rows and columns. Organized, clean look. Shows complete collection at a glance.
The Height Variation: Stack books or risers. Different levels for different series. Adds depth despite small size.
Which Series to Start With
Defender Version 01 – Best for beginners: Classic characters everyone knows. Optimus, Megatron, Jazz. Easy to decide if you like the format.
Defender Version 02 – Best for variety: Unique character selections. Coronation Starscream and Ultra Magnus variants you won’t find elsewhere.
Defender Version 03 – Best for G1 fans: Pure Generation 1 lineup. Grimlock, Prowl, classic designs. Nostalgia factor high.
Defender Version 04 – Best for 1986: Hot Rod, Rodimus Prime, Galvatron. If you love the animated, this series delivers.
Defender Version 05 – Best for completionists: Newest series. Completes the full Defender collection. Latest character selections.
Pick based on which characters you want. All five series work the same way.
The Math
One series: $35.88 for 12 characters All five series: $179.40 for 60 characters Per character: About $3 each
Compare to regular building kits at $12-40 each. You get more characters for less money.
The Blokees Transformers offers both sizes. Defenders for quantity, regular for detail. Choose based on goals.
Combining Features
Vehicles aren’t decoration. They connect to characters and each other.
Example combinations:
- Trailer opens to store weapons
- Vehicles mount on larger platforms
- Characters ride in/on vehicles
- Weapons swap between characters
This modular system means endless arrangements. No single “correct” way to display.
Real Talk About Size
Some people see 5.5cm and think “too small.”
Fair concern. They are small. Very small.
But consider:
- Details still visible despite size
- 14 joints means good posing
- Price per character unbeatable
- Space efficiency unmatched
Size is feature, not bug. You’re choosing quantity and portability over individual impact.
Collector Cards and Coins
Each set includes bonus items:
Collector cards: Random character card per set Commemorative coins: Included with specific vehicles
These add collectibility beyond the characters themselves. Some people collect just for the coins.
Age Range Reality
Labeled ages 8+. Younger than most Transformers building kits.
Why 8+ works:
- Simpler assembly than larger kits
- Fewer pieces means less frustration
- Sturdier than expected
- Size easier for small hands
Adults collect them too. Don’t let age range fool you. Quality appeals to all ages.
Storage Solutions
60 characters across five series needs organization.
Simple options:
- Tackle boxes (fishing section at stores)
- Jewelry organizers (compartments perfect size)
- Display cases (acrylic cube boxes)
- Original packaging (if you keep it)
Small size means standard organizers work. No special storage needed.
Photography Tips
Defenders photograph better than expected.
Best practices:
- Get close (phone cameras struggle with small subjects)
- Use macro mode if available
- Natural light works better than flash
- White background makes details pop
- Group photos show scale
Post photos and people ask “What are those?” The size creates curiosity.
Building All Five Series
Completing all five series creates impressive collection.
60 total characters:
- Mix of heroes and villains
- Vehicles included
- Different eras represented
- Complete mini universe
Display all 60 together and it looks like Cybertron’s entire population showed up.
The Portability Angle
Pocket-sized means actually portable.
Where people take them:
- Desk at work
- Backpack for travel
- Hotel rooms
- Friend’s house
- Anywhere regular models won’t fit
One set in a small bag. Instant display wherever you go.
Why Defenders Work
Most collections face space limits. Shelves fill up. Rooms run out of space. Collections stop growing.
Defenders solve this. You can keep collecting without running out of room.
60 characters in the space where 10 regular models sit. That’s the advantage.
Final Thought
Big isn’t always better.
Defenders prove that pocket-sized warriors and 14 joints create impressive displays without dominating space.
$35.88 gets you 12 characters. Five series gets you 60. An entire Transformers universe fits on one shelf.
Small size. Big possibilities.
Explore all five Defender series at Blokees and discover why going small means collecting more.