So Revoltech became a hit, and now has more than 100 figures in the line, expanding from the initial 4 sub-lines and securing various Hollywood movie licenses like Batman and Aliens. They recently revamped the line to include even more accessories in the box. Unfortunately, they only came out with 4 Transformers figures.
Too bad really. Optimus Prime and Megatron were excellent figures and deserve more company than Starscream and Hot Rodimus. Those are Revoltech figures #46 and #47 respectively.
I bought these figures at last year’ December Toy Con, a scaled down version of our summer Toy Con that caters more to Christmas shoppers rather than the hordes of fan boys that descend on the SM trade hall in June. Since my main reason of going to toy conventions is to fill a few holes in my collection, I prefer the less stressful atmospher of the December Toy Con. I don’t have to deal with long lines and force myself through a gaggle of people to get to the vendor tables.
Just like #19 and #25, Starscream and Hot Rod come in plain square boxes that are the standard for the series. Again, they have the same black plastic tray that holds the figure and accessories, with a clear plastic cover that can be slid in and out of the provided paperboard box.
The box has some nice photos in the back that displays the toys in poses that really whet your curiosity. If you saw either of these in the toy store, you’d definintely pause to look at the box.
It’s too bad that they’re only made in Japan. If you want them, and you don’t live in Southeast Asia, you’re best bet would be one of the online stores. Filipinos thankfully can find them in Greenhills, and they’re fairly available around Singapore and Hong Kong I hear.
LIke the first two, these figures are sculpted in a forced perspective and look best when seen from below. The feet are big, while the head is tiny. It sounds odd, but it works remarkably well.
The articulation is just as excellent as the first two. After the issue with Prime’s elbow joint, Kaiyodo fixed the problem. Although you can still see the nub of the Revolver poking out, it’s cast in the same color as the toys now, so it’s less obvious. The joints really shine when you’re displaying your figures in dynamic poses as opposed to having them just stand on a shelf.
Hot Rod comes with several accessories.
First he has a couple of extra pairs of hands. One of them is a thumbs up, which is all kind of cool. He also has a set of hands that allows him to hold his two photo laser pistols, which look unbelievably awsome in his hands. His final accessory is the extra head which has a visor over his eyes. You know, ’cause his “future’s so bright, he’s got to wear shades.” I’ve got a month old Chocnut for anyone who can name where that that obscure pop reference came from.
Starscream is just as awesome as the rash Autobot Commander.
Again, he has the same excellent articulation as the other 3 figures, though it is slightly hampered by his wings. Understandable, but it might have paid off if Kaiyodo had made the wings articulated as well. If they were able to fold back, it woudl have added a nice little gift to toy collectors.
Still, with the included stand that comes with these two figures, at least you can have him float above the other 3 figures in the set.
He has the requisite extra hands, just like everyone else, but instead of an extra head, Screamer gets his little friend, Megatron, in his gun form. The gun fits in an extra hand. The way it’s built is kind of weird, with the shoulder stock bent downwards, but that’s probably a limitation of the fact that these are blocky robots and now soft round humanoids.
Paint wise, these two are a little more mettalic looking than their predecessors. The finish reminds me a lot of the new Iron Man 2 figures. I could have done without it, but it was a nice addition.
I got these two for only Php 700 each at the WasabiToys stall at the Toy Fair. I’m fairly certain that they’ve sold out, but I see Revoltech toys for sale all the time on the PinoyToyKolektor forums and I’m sure that the Anime-oriented forums around will have them as well. They’re liable to be more expensive now, but if you can find them for about Php 1000 I’d count yourself lucky.
If you can find both, you can have desktop battles like the one below:
All comments are moderated. Your comments will not appear here unless approved by the blog owner. Thank you.
If you're looking for biased, one-sided views of toys and other assorted geekery, then you're in the right place. If you want objective, you'll need a blog written by someone who isn't an obsessive geek.
These are my views on various toys, movies, places, and things, along with assorted pictures and the the occasional link to stuff I find sufficiently geeky.
Enjoy your stay and leave a comment.
Slangards
I may give you a half-way serious answer.
