by Duke of Luns » Thu Feb 05, 2015 12:00 pm
Bump bump bump it up!
Ok, not necro-bumping, cause I have something to discuss: new R.I.D. legends! I just picked up Strongarm and Steeljaw(wasn't interested in Prime or Bee). And right off, they're smaller.
Let's start with Strongarm. She's not that much smaller in vehicle mode, and doesn't look too out of place. The width is about the same, length is a smidge shorter, height varies between vehicle to vehicle.
Robot mode, she's about a head shorter than most figures(though taller than the Breakdown/Fallback mold). This could work for the character though, because(please don't flame me) females are generally a tad smaller than males. And she is about half a head smaller than Arcee/Flamewar, and a full head shorter than Airachnid, and a head and a half shorter than Shadow Striker?(the Target exclusive red and black Wheelie repaint). But she's pretty wide as well, and with her name being Strongarm she's probably similar to G1 Brawn.
Oh, for articulation, she's pretty good. Due to transformation she has knees and elbows, and shoulders and hips are ball jointed. And I really like the battle mask face, something most Legion's seem to be sporting. Overall, not bad.
Now for Steeljaw. Vehicle mode, he's about as wide as most others, varies in height, but length just feels shorter, even though it's about the same as Strongarm's. It's probably due to the large spoiler and tailfins bridging the length.
Now for robot mode, Steeljaw, up to his head, is short! Shorter than a Spychanger even! I guess this could be due to the character, as he is pretty wide, but man. Yes, his spoiler technically does raise his height to a more respectable level, but there is no Legion class figure he can look in the eye, or even come up to their chin.
But is he bad? No, but not as good as Strongarm. Articulation is par, ball jointed hips and shoulders, and while there are knees, the design is a bit bulky and the range is limited. He does have a very nifty tail though...that gets in the way of leg movement. The sculpt and paintwork is good though(likewise for Strongarm).
Oh, and something I find odd: On both figures, their wheels are pinned through on the front tires, but not the back, and though the front and back tires are different sizes on each, it gives a weird look. Kinda like the front has a faux hubcap but not the back.
So overall, I do like the figures, but I'm wondering if Prime and Bee also share the height issues. And for what it's worth, they were $7.99 (Toys R' Us, who generally are higher), so I'm not sure if it means these guys are going to be more expensive or not when they hit Target and Wal-Mart.