X-Transbot: Apollyon
Release Date: 1st quarter 2015
Masterpiece Scaled/ Styled
Based: G1 Decepticon Leader Megatron
This is review from a test shot of Xtransbot’s Apollyon figure. The figure is Masterpiece scaled –and stylized after the Generations 1 Walther P38.
My first impression of the figure when it came out of the box – was ‘Holy cow this is a lot of metal!’ No – there isn’t metal all over the figure, but the figure does have some key areas that has a lot of metal. The figure weights approximately 0.8 lbs, by itself. (No stock or extension).
The figure itself:
I’m going to break this down into key points to make it simple.
- There is a lot of weight in the legs. The weight I would say is in the feet as they are almost all metal. They’re not just a single molded piece; rather they are composed of several pieces that are hinged. Yes – the feet play a role in transformation and keep Apollyon standing firmly on whatever surface he’s on.
- The feet are hinged on the top to simulate ankles. The feet can move up or down (eg keeping your heel on the ground while lifting the rest of your foot towards your shin.) He can point his toes down. He can roll his ankles, so his feet will always be firmly flat on whatever surface he’s on.
- Apollyon does not suffer from skinny leg syndrome. He has thighs and they are ball jointed at the waist. He can show you his crotch should you wish it. Apollyon’s skirt does not hinder him from doing the side splits. However the front skirt will hinder him from bringing his knee to his chest.
- Torso does twist at the waist. You can see down the waist but I don’t see this as an issue.
- Apollyon has excellent head movement, although he cannot turn his head at a full 90-degree angle so it’s looking at his shoulder. It’s more at a 45 degree angle. At that angle, he does not look up or down.
- Chest and upper torso is consistent with ‘Megatron’. He has two secret compartments in his chest. They will be a bit difficult to pop open, as they really are hidden parts.
- Arms – the figure does have bicep swivel - tightness in the forearm extension prevented me from seeing this earlier. He can flare at the shoulders.
- His hands are extremely articulated. 15 points of articulation on each hand, meaning fingers and thumb can bend.
- Hands at the wrists can rotate. The hands also have holes -that the extra weapons can tab into.
- Fusion cannon arm – This in my opinion negates the need for a bicep swivel. The fusion cannon itself is a fairly large piece. It sits on a flap on his outer forearm. The flap can swivel on the arm to cover the top of the forearm. You now have two positions that the fusion cannon can be displayed.
- Weight of the fusion cannon would cause the arm to droop over time. A tab that can be flipped out from the shoulders corrects this negative effect. The arms lock in at the shoulder onto this tab keeping the arm from drooping.
- Gun mode seems a little fat at the handle, but then again I’ve never held a firearm before, so I don’t know if this is off or not.
Detail
The detail on Apollyon is excellent. Its not overly complicated or grotesque like the current movie transformers. It’s more complex than the original cartoon figure, but maintains clean lines and keeps the figure easily recognizable. The head sculpt gives Apollyon a cold and ruthless demeanor that you would expect from an evil tyrant. The top of the hands bears a raised patch that clearly resembles the outline of the Decepticon logo. A very nice touch, as the test shot for Transistor had similar hands, but were void of any detail.
Gun mode detail is spot on. The gun mode even boasts of a safety switch, and the little end tab that you see at the butt of the gun. It also has the small ring at the base of the gun. The fusion cannon becomes the scope, and from my understanding – does not come off. (I was also unwilling to try and pry it off.)
Transformation
I was working without instructions, using a test-shot, and have severe tendonitis in my right elbow. Transforming this was a serious issue that caused me an endless amount of grief. That being said, the legs are ingenious, the way they fold out and in. The overall transformation is very similar to the G1 figure, Megatron, but the Apollyon head folds into his chest and arms fold into the forearm cavities. It’s an involved process but I cannot see the common transformer fan having too much difficulty with it. However if certain things are off – they figure cannot be forced to fit. It will cause issues. Pegs and swivels keep the figure very tight and together. There are no huge gaps or hollowed areas – except in the top of the shoulders. Everything else is covered.
Material
Plastic quality is sturdy, and dense. There does not seem to be brittleness to the plastic anywhere except on a row of flaps on the legs that become part of the handle of the gun. They could be considered more delicate rather than brittle.
Metal is used rather liberally. The metal for the feet is well used, as it will keep the figure standing solidly. The barrel of the gun or muzzle (sorry I’m not entirely familiar with guns) is a solid metal piece. It’s attached to other bars of metal that are integral to the transformation of the figure.
Durability
At present – this being only a test-shot, the figure is amazingly sturdy. I however will admit that I have already snapped part of the section of the leg flap. I inadvertently twisted it and it got caught on something that that forced it to snap. This was more my fault than the figure. The fingers because of the small joints may pop off, and I am unsure whether or not they are similar to the Soundwave hands that are currently on the market from KFC.
Extras
- Translucent purple helmet (Sorry I don’t remember what this is from, but it fits beautifully on his head.
- Translucent purple laser pistol – resembles the cartoon movie that he shoots Optimus Prime with.
- Translucent purple sword - has detail and not over the top.
- Translucent purple ball and chain. The chain is metal and not plastic.
- Gun extension parts – decently weighted and made of sturdy plastic.
** Added
Something is quite right with my stock and extension. It does not sit in the combined form (large cannon) like the G1 version. I don’t see a method of removing the scope from the gun, so you’re not going to get the same large gun that Apollyon can use. Also there is a low angle of movement for this cannon piece. I’m hoping they will have corrected this but not sure.
*** Expected shipping date is late January 2015.
In summary, this is a bold step for X-Transbots. The plastic materials used are durable and sturdy. The detail is excellent and not over the top. The transformation is complex, yet can be simple for the more intuitive. He’s been made to have multiple poses, both action and at rest. He’s got great features such as ankles and jointed fingers. He may not have a bicep swivel, but the flap allowing the fusion cannon to move from the side of the forearm to the top of the forearm negates the lack of the swivel.
Apollyon (Megatron), is a daring figure to try and replicate. I cannot see Hasbro ever producing another gun that is realistic. No other third-party has attempted this figure, and really shouldn’t try unless it’s at a different scale or style. The figure will work well as a stand-alone figure, or fit in with other Masterpiece styled figures. The demeanor and imposing stature of the figure captures the essence of Megatron, it commands immediate obedience, and subjugation.
* Do I like Masterpiece figures?
- No
** Would I buy this for myself?
- Yes, it’s that good.
*** Will I ever transform it again?
- No.
**** Which mode is best?
- Robot.
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