GMfan |
09-29-2010 11:36 PM |
Takara Animated Ultra Magnus review
Ah yes...my first review...who's surprised at the choice? No one? Good. Let's do this thang...
Robot Mode
http://i54.tinypic.com/2a6ry15.jpg
Ok so most of us who collected TF: Animated may already have this mold in their collection, but how does the Japanese version compare? Well...like most of the TFA Takara releases...more or less the same...but shiny. So let's do a comparison shall we?
http://i53.tinypic.com/2d1obxs.jpg
You can see here that the paint app locations are the exact same between the 2 figures with the exception the shiny light blue paint added on the cab and replacing the white paint on the abs & thighs, the shiny darker blue paint added on the chest and helmet, and shiny red paint on the Elite Guard Autobot ensignia.
http://i52.tinypic.com/ie17xf.jpg
What I would like to point out here is that the blue used on the Takara version is also much bright and seems to have a metallic feel too it, akin to the red used on Universe Sideswipe (a nice domestic example if you got one).
Vehicle Mode
http://i52.tinypic.com/2ztbxo2.jpg
http://i55.tinypic.com/20j4az8.jpg
http://i56.tinypic.com/2j11yxz.jpg
http://i52.tinypic.com/2cboco.jpg
Still the same armored military vehicle but seems even less military with all the added glitz and glam. Though whats funny to note here is that the Taraka version DOES have one piece that's the same blue plastic as the Hasbro version and that's the liiiittle flap that curls behind the cab, at the side. Why it's the only piece is beyond me.
Final Thoughts
Well...as most of the Takara Animated line, I'm not blown away. He's less accurate then his on screen appearance (darker blue, white cab), and sure the Hasbro version isn't perfect either (having a powderish blue instead of white plastic) but all the Takara version did was take that inaccuracy, blow it up, and throw it in your face.
Don't get me wrong though, the metallic blue plastic and the shiny dark blue paint I like quite well though, so if this figure has any saving grace it's those. It's still a great mold but considering the Hasbro version you can probably get as low as $30 and this one will run you closer to $80 I'd stick to the American version for TFA Ultra Magnus.
....nice display piece but really only a must get if you're an insane Ultra Magnus completionist but I doubt there's many more out there.
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