Post by iTransfan on Sept 25, 2009 20:17:28 GMT
BotCon 2007 saw Cybertron repaints used for more classic characters to return. Earlier, we had seen that year, we saw the release of Ultra Magnus in two seperate packs, with Optimus Prime and with the more desirable Skywarp. However, we saw other characters make a comeback, Dreadwind(or was it Darkwing?), Weirdwold, Alpha Trion(later used in this form in the Nexus saga), Bugbyte, Huffer and Springer. Here, I present to you, Huffer and Springer. In the BotCon comic, both are under the command of Ultra Magnus set after the Nexus bots and Cliffjumper's disappearance.
HUFFER
As ever the grouch, Huffer is less than enthusiastic when returning to Earth and was more than happy to stay behind on the ship than go to that "mudball". Huffer is based off a small tow cab with a crane that was also used for Cybertron Armorhide. If I had to choose a repaint for Huffer, this would be it, short, stocky and a face that has a bad attitude. His tow hook doubles as Huffer's rifle and plug the Cyber Planet key into his back to reveal a rocket battery in his chest.
My only gripe is you need the key in his back all the time if you want the battery open. However, when attached, it does very little to destabilize his postures. Ball joints are the name of the game at the elbows, hips and shoulders with hinges at the knees. Not much of his colour changes between his two modes, which is faithful to the original. The only added detail is the "CYbertron Wrecker Service" label on the side which is a cool touch considering he might be a Wrecker in this little story.
Also, the Cyber Planet Key can be used in vehicle mode too. Great and faithful paint job and fun to pose. 5/5
SPRINGER
Springer is based off the Cybertron Defence/Vanguard Team Hotshot/Exgeyser. His vehicle mode is mostly greybroken up by the green cannons on the top and the green pop out machine guns at the front. This opens out in robot mode sporting blue circles on the chest and pelvis and a red panel in the center of the chest with a little gold on the hands and shoulder panels.
To be honest, as much as we love Springer here, I feel it makes a better Hardhead than Springer. The shoulder panels can be flipped down to reveal rocket batteries along with turning the gas cans on his shins and by inserting the Cyber Planet Key into the turret.
And finally, he comes with a knife that can be inserted into his wrist or can be held normally and is stored at the side of the right shin in vehicle mode. Posing is decent enough, full 360 rotation of the shoulders, 90 degree joints at the knees and elbows, however, if the turrets are over the shoulders, shoulder manipulation is extremely limited and much of the arm movement comes from there. Still a good figure, good paint job but wrong character. 4/5
Sometimes, these exclusives are worth saving for and rewarding for those who do. I would say if you can get rare exclusives, all the power to you. I did and got some rewarding value even with the steep price. But do remember, the older the exclusive, the more it's worth. I saw Flare-Up from 2006 worth over $300 and Ratchet for over $400 on eBay . For a basic or a deluxe, that is steep but somebody will pay that.
HUFFER
As ever the grouch, Huffer is less than enthusiastic when returning to Earth and was more than happy to stay behind on the ship than go to that "mudball". Huffer is based off a small tow cab with a crane that was also used for Cybertron Armorhide. If I had to choose a repaint for Huffer, this would be it, short, stocky and a face that has a bad attitude. His tow hook doubles as Huffer's rifle and plug the Cyber Planet key into his back to reveal a rocket battery in his chest.
My only gripe is you need the key in his back all the time if you want the battery open. However, when attached, it does very little to destabilize his postures. Ball joints are the name of the game at the elbows, hips and shoulders with hinges at the knees. Not much of his colour changes between his two modes, which is faithful to the original. The only added detail is the "CYbertron Wrecker Service" label on the side which is a cool touch considering he might be a Wrecker in this little story.
Also, the Cyber Planet Key can be used in vehicle mode too. Great and faithful paint job and fun to pose. 5/5
SPRINGER
Springer is based off the Cybertron Defence/Vanguard Team Hotshot/Exgeyser. His vehicle mode is mostly greybroken up by the green cannons on the top and the green pop out machine guns at the front. This opens out in robot mode sporting blue circles on the chest and pelvis and a red panel in the center of the chest with a little gold on the hands and shoulder panels.
To be honest, as much as we love Springer here, I feel it makes a better Hardhead than Springer. The shoulder panels can be flipped down to reveal rocket batteries along with turning the gas cans on his shins and by inserting the Cyber Planet Key into the turret.
And finally, he comes with a knife that can be inserted into his wrist or can be held normally and is stored at the side of the right shin in vehicle mode. Posing is decent enough, full 360 rotation of the shoulders, 90 degree joints at the knees and elbows, however, if the turrets are over the shoulders, shoulder manipulation is extremely limited and much of the arm movement comes from there. Still a good figure, good paint job but wrong character. 4/5
Sometimes, these exclusives are worth saving for and rewarding for those who do. I would say if you can get rare exclusives, all the power to you. I did and got some rewarding value even with the steep price. But do remember, the older the exclusive, the more it's worth. I saw Flare-Up from 2006 worth over $300 and Ratchet for over $400 on eBay . For a basic or a deluxe, that is steep but somebody will pay that.