The Energon Pub

".......prepare for extermination......!"

Remember that booming voice in Transformers: the Movie?
Well, I finally got my self a near honest to goodness copy of the original.

I just recently was sold on the set(based on the USA gift set so long ago) that I couldn't resist.

Pics to follow but I'll give the interested parties a low down on what to expect.

Box: G1 art style complete with oh so environmentally friendly styrofoam

A lot of spelling errors(intentional?) in the box(mostly in the instruction manual)

Contents:

6 "Contructicons"
1 tech spec decoder
Accessories(fists, drills,missiles,guns,etc)
2 big label sheets + 1 mini-me label
6 rub signs
1 big instruction manual
Description:
Mold:
a near perfect copy of the original, smooth and not cruddy compared the G2 re-issue which was a pack of sh#t mold wise.

In fact, I believe the manufacturers used the "Diaclone" mold for Longhaul(Okay all are essentially Diaclones but among the first releases..........). Why you may ask?, Checked the numerous pics and held an orig G1 version, the front fender has a rectangular hole which should have supported his "V" wing chest guard.

Colors are a cool "avocado" green, though certain parts (Scavenger's steam shovel, Scrapper's and Bonecrusher's roof, Hook's hook and Longhaul's hip guard and "missiles") are a tad bit lighter avocado yellow.

His purple is neat (comparing Mixmaster's chest though, my orig japanese version had his chest painted over with a glossy purple ), this version, all are just molded purple.

Die-cast: Yes(!) for Hook and Scavenger

Chrome: smooth and shiny( unlike the G2 re-isse which was again a POS!)

Accesories:

Everything fits right. Though his missile/fist holders tend to fire a lot.

Now the negatives:

Scavenger's left foot is loose.....as in very. Not sure if it's just in my version

Label sheet a mix bag.

Let me elaborate, the original Transformers, some labels are already applied, this one...................nada!

So it is provided separately and printed on a metallic like label, trouble is, not all are printed on this label.

Two pieces (one on Hook and Longhaul) are printed on uber cheapo paper label

The label sheet for each individual 'cons are also printed on this cruddy label(the originals are printed on a metallic type sheet.)
Why the company didn't print it on the same type of paper is beyond me...........

Paint apps:

Spot on and very neat, no smudging on his face.

Trademark:

The made in Japan/Takara stamp are non existent, only the "Hasbro" prints.

Overall, should we buy it? A knock-off?

The quality is really good, if you aren't familiar with this unit, you'd be hard pressed to tell the difference (besides the box which has a different print quality)

The molds are really neat, not like the KO's found in the Malls

Price? A C9 Devastator would cost around $150+ (you're not event sure if the quality of the plastic which might break due to aging) so this is the next best thing to the real one (so long as you don't pull a fast one and sell it as an original)

Overall(labels aside ) satisfaction 4/5. Get one if you don't have one or at least until Takara decides to release one.

(Reference picture only this by no means I have any commercial connection with the ad)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 0049513257

This is my actual unit.

Based on my initial reference pics, I am giving you a shot of the D man himself............

Front view:



Back view:



Right view:



Left view:



Close up:

This is the ver. K alright! Nice no? Blasphemy!

this may be a KO, but it almost emulates the original quality wise.

Nice, but the link you provided is a dead link, and you didn't tell us where you got it or how WE can get it!

PMed you.

Looks sweet... by far the best Devistator KO I've ever seen. Can you tell me where I can get one???

I recently purchased one, and although it is bar far the best quality KO Devastator available, it is still a KO and in my opinion, it is still poor quality when compared to the original.

The joints on mine were nice and tight yes, but in my opinion the joints were just too stiff and it felt like I had to force the transformation, especially when combining the individual Constructicon's to form Devastator.

As for the quality, well it all looks good, but looks can be deceptive. Somewhat disappointingly after only a handful of transformers Mixmaster's arm broke off, and at that point the rest went in the bin!

Overall I was not impressed with this item, however I did keep the box, the instructions and the Styrofoam, primarily to display my original 'loose' G1 Constructicon's, the rest ended up in the skip.

I my view you should always avoid KO's, you should save your money and buy originals, or at least wait for an official reissue!