G1 Hot Rod (Commemorative Series)

RODIMUS MAJOR (aka Hot Rod)

Series: G1 Reissues Commemorative Series
Allegiance: Autobot
Categories: Autobot Hero
Year: 2002 (original from 1986)

My actions speak louder than words.
Hot Rod is an all-American-boy Autobot. He's a typical adolescent who dreams of being heroic and important. He tends to not follow rules too closely. Although he means well, Hot Rod's impulsive actions often get him into trouble. He carries two photon lasers that temporarily electromagnetize an enemy robot's microcircuts. Speed: 120mph. Range: 4 miles. He can be hotheaded, but he's always a well meaning, admirable lad and a brave and honorable fighter.

Robot Mode: Hot Rod (as he's really called, but Hasbro lost the rights to the name by the time the commerative series came out, so he's referred to as Rodimus Major) sports a fiery and streamlined look that goes well with the hothead image they gave him in the movie. His arms are somewhat posable, but his legs are immobile. He carries two laser guns. In the 1987 version the two guns were replaced with the Targetmaster figure Firebolt. The re-issue is identical to the 1986 original. A great robot mode looks-wise, but with the lack of posability that is typical for figures of that time.

Alternate Mode: Hot Rod transforms into a futuristic sports car with exposed motor block, yellow spoiler, and triple exhaust stacks on each side. Either of the guns can fit onto the motor. The car looks great, definitely one of the best car modes from the 3rd-Season figures.

Remarks: Hasbro first introduced this figure to resemble the character fromt he movie, who was later transformed into Rodimus Prime, the new Autobot leader. The Rodimus figure looked pretty stupid, though. After the return of Optimus Prime he turned back into Hot Rod and became a Targetmaster, of which a separate figure was made. Hot Rod is one of the finest Transformers looks-wise, but could have been improved a lot in the posability department. Still, a good figure and almost a must for any serious G1 fan.

Rating: B