United Megatron

 

Prelude: Transformers United is the Japanese version of the current Generations and Reveal the Shield toy lines, but includes some new versions of figures from previous series as well. Case in point, Megatron, who is a reissue of Classics Megatron, or more accurately of Henkei! Henkei! Megatron, who used the same mold, but with a very different paint job. Now I did a review for Classics Megs over four years ago, but considering the time that’s passed and the differences, this guy here gets a full review of his own.

Robot Mode: This version of Megatron pays homage to the original G1 Megatron in both look and color. The gunmetal grey and black paintjob, along with some red highlights, is very close to the original (cartoon) look of the Decepticon leader. The look is very similar, too, at least when it comes to the head, the big cannon on his forearm, and the legs. The figure is a lot leaner than G1 Megatron ever was, but it suits him just fine. What’s new when compared to older Megatrons are the wings on his back, really the outer shell of his alternate mode. Now I know some people don’t like them, but in my opinion they don’t hurt his look either, though.

Posability of this figure is quite awesome with but very few restrictions. The wings can fold away, so they don’t interfere with the arms. The head can swivel and nod, you have the full range of joints. Not really a posability problem, just something I’m not a hundred percent down with, is the big gun on his arm. It’s actually on the underside of his forearm. Meaning that he can only do Megatron’s classic “Blow-them-all-away” pose by twisting his arm fully around, causing his fist to point downward. It’s not a big thing, but it bothers me a little.

Other than that, there is very little to complain about here. To me one of the best and most faithful Megatron robot modes out there.

Alternate Mode: Megatron transforms into a futuristic-looking handgun or blaster, something that wouldn’t be amiss on the set of a Science Fiction B-Picture. As most readers will know, modern-day toy safety laws forbid Hasbro from making Transformers that transform into realistic-looking weapons, so this is as close to a ‘real’ gun as Megatron can be these days. All in all I’d call it a success, as it’s clearly a gun, but also quite clearly not a real one.

The blaster is a bit small for an adult’s hand, but still feasible. The trigger works, so running around, pointing at things, and going “Bang! Bang!” is quite easily accomplished. Whether you like the look of the weapon or, in fact, a handgun as an alternate mode in general, is of course entirely up to you. Me, I like it. Little more I can say here.

Remarks: When Classics Megatron came out in 2006 many fans were delighted to once again have a Megatron that transformed into a gun, but his somewhat colorful paint job turned quite a few of them away. Most looked with favor upon the Henkei! Henkei! version, the same figure but with a much more G1-accurate paint job. Now that figure is back for the Transformers United series and while it’s still not as cheap as Classics Megatron was, it’s quite a bit more affordable than a Henkei Megs is these days. So the bottom line is, my Classics Megs will go into my for-sale box, while TF United Megs takes his place on my shelves. ‘Nuff said!

Rating: B+