G1 Predacons

Robot Modes: The Predacon robots share a similar colour scheme, all coming in yellow, black, red, and orange. They are all five the same size, which differentiates them from most of the other G1 combiner teams where the leader was usually at least twice the size of the other four. Their posability is average for Transformers of that generation, usually able to move the arms and legs, maybe with some knees and elbows involbed. The worst of the lot here is Razorclaw, whose arms are way too short. All in all, though, all five make decent robots. They are armed with swords and guns, making them lethal both in close quarter and long range combat.

Beast Modes: The Predacons transform into five different animals. Razorclaw becomes a lion, Divebomb a falcon, Headstrong a rhino, Rampage a tiger, and Tantrum a buffallo. Of course, strictly speaking, only three of those five are predators, but they all look like impressive wild animals. Divebomb may be the worst here, seeing as his falcon mode is little more than his robot mode with the legs folded in. Still, all five of them manage to look very impressive. Razorclaw and Rampage are the best of the lot here, seeing as they are the most detailed (tails and movable jaws).

Combiner Mode: The Predacons combine into the largest of the G1 gestalts, Predaking. Standing half again taller than all other combiner robots, Predaking is an impressive figure, massive, powerful, and surprisingly posable. In addition to the usual shoulder and leg movement he can bend his elbows, swivel his hip, and his fists are such that he can twist them freely. Quite impresive for a G1 gestalt. Since his torso, formed by Razorclaw, is the same size as the arms and legs he almost looks like an overly muscled body builder. And whoever got the idea of detaching Divebomb's wings and putting them on Predaking's back deserves a raise. It makes him look even cooler. To sum it up, Predaking is easily the best and most impressive of all G1 gestalts.

Missing Parts: Headstrong is missing his sword, Divebomb and Tantrum are each missing one of their guns. Apart from that the Predacons are complete.

Remarks: It took me forever to get all five of these beauties together. Not only are the Predacons rare, they are also expensive. A Predaking head goes for twenty dollars or more at some ebay auctions. Of course it was barely a week after I got all the parts together that Takara announced that they'd be reissuing Predaking. Isn't that just Prime? Anyway, I finally got all five of them together and they were well worth the time and money spent.

Rating: A-