Post by OptiMack Prime on Jun 8, 2008 17:10:40 GMT 7
Stillness... then Strike!
i love ninjas, and i love robots. but do i love robot ninjas?
YES!
from the new Cartoon Network Produced series: Transformers Animated comes this sweet new deluxe figure, TFA's Prowl.
Introduction:
some info on this guy, like his G1 counterpart he transforms into a police use vehicle. in this case a patrol motorcycle, and like his namesake, he is a warrior who's attitude towards combat is cool and logical. one defining factor that makes this Prowl a bot of his own is this:he can fly. and he's a ninja, who prefers stealth, agility, and a cool head get him through dire situations, he's one zen bot, fighting alongside fellow martial artist autobot Jazz, and sometimes with and against his equal the decepticon mercenary known as Lockdown. overall this autobot is one very cool character, and his toy evokes that.
the Toy Review proper:
in robot mode, prowl is one well articulated piece of plastic with a ball jointed neck, a combination of hinge, swivel and ball joints on the shoulders, ball jointed elbows, swiveling torso, ball jointed thighs, double jointed knees and balljointed toes.
i think he likes to do yoga.
but all this articulation actually helps in his complex transformation that aids in nearing the toy accuracy to the animation model. you can thank TakaraTomy engineers for that.
that and a ninja needs to be flexible.
but one problem with all this is his feet,
they are too short and do not balance very well, especially on smooth surfaces... so much for being light on your feet.
in vehicle mode though his stand fairs no better, it'll take a lot of effort to get it standing right, or unless you will display him in a slanted surface. but that is expected with a two-wheeled transformer.
Accessories-
prowl teaches the basics of traffic safety, after pounding the heck out of you with it.
the traffic weapon really does not strike me as a very good one. though he does have great grip with it it looks more like street debris. so unless the decepticons play by the rules of red light-green light it's pretty awkward. but these on the other hand...
2 bladed mecha stars
awesome.
they become the more primary and more appropriate weaponry for someone like prowl, and can be stored in his altmode as his wheel hubs.
Overall reccomendation:
a fan of the series will be VERY happy with the quality of this figure (show accuracy and all),
but the downside of not standing up without help of accomplishing it flimsily may only be a minor deterrent. bike collectors may also enjoy him due to being in 1/18 scale. ditto goes for transformers/GI-joe crossover fans.
some may also want to hold out until the new prowl comes around, complete with sidecar/samurai armor, still a deluxe figure.
the only downside i can see is the current price: 950.
ow... my wallet.
two thumbs up! go get it!
Parting shot:
NinjasversusPirates