So, I some how stumbled onto Robots In Disguise Warrior Class Wave 9. I found them at a Walmart in suburban Omaha. This wave includes the two new releases Ratchet and Bisk. It also reprises Scorponok, Power Surge Optimus Prime, Drift, and the repaint of Quillfire as Scatterspike.
I picked up Ratchet and Bisk, as well as Scorponok because to the best of my knowledge, Wave 8 has not shown up in my area.
Let's have a look at Ratchet, yeah?
His bot mode is outstanding! This is a great representation of this old stand by. With no knowledge of how he will be portrayed in the show, there is no doubt who he is supposed to be. From the classic windshield chest, to the iconic color scheme and head crest, to the grumpy old expression of his displeased turned down frown. Yup! That's Ratchet!
His articulation is good. Joints are all tight, and his stability is good due to his feet having an enormous surface area. He is as solid as his mold allows him to be. The inclusion of his two pistols is a cool nod to the past while being a really nice modern update in character design.
Hang in there Swipe. You're gonna make it.
His head sculpt is awesome. It hits all those old classic design ques, but keeps up with the current look of the new RID. And HOLY SMOKES! Look at those eyes!
Of course we all know by now that Ratchet is a retool of the Strongarm mold. And a HEAVY one at that.
I would say about 40% of their parts are shared, but at least 85% of those parts have been re-sculpted with new detail. Even the hands and forearms (which are mostly hidden) have been re-detailed.
I should note that I have added some paint to my Strongarm, which is why she differs from the normal Hasbro release.
The only shame in this retooling is that they have done away with those nice posable feet of Strongarm's.
Alt mode
The alt mode is were the lack of paint is most apparent, but the mode itself is fantastic for the old gurney bot. Sure I want to see Ratchet as a van type vehicle, but this truck will do just fine. The retooling has altered the transformation a bit. Mostly in the legs / rear of the truck. The panels forming the front end have some gaps, but everything pegs together nicely.
Decent weapons storage in the under carriage.
All in all he is a really fun update to this classic old bot. I've heard some excitement about this toy working as a good MTMTE Ratchet. Sure! Heck he could even make for a good Classics Ratchet. The cool thing about using the ol' imagination noodle, is anything's possible!
Now for the mold I think people are most excited for.
Bisk
This is another one of those RID Warrior class figures that just nails it. He captures the funky posture and gesture of this wild character perfectly. His articulation is great. I'm not sure why or where he would need any more paint. The claws work out really well, and although seemingly a tad after thoughty, the way he holds those cool little blasters works just fine.
A face only a mother could love.
His head is molded out of a soft rubbery plastic so it can kind of contort into it's place in alt mode with no risk of breaking.
Bisk's alt mode is all the dope with a spackling of totally RAD!
His transformation is FANTASTIC! Right on par with Thunderhoof and Fracture. I'm sure he will be considered as one of the best of the year from the RID line.
Alt mode weapon integration
Bisk is a great Transformers toy that I highly recommend. Even if your not a Robots In Disguise fan. Who wouldn't want to ad this freaky beast faced bot to their Decepticon ranks?
There is an old Decepticon adage that states: It's better to have lobsters on your piano, than crabs on your organ. They're talking about Bisk.
Toys are fun! Toys FOREVER!
