Finally, I managed to snatch one of these!
Doubledealer bootleg! Since I first saw Doubledealer in a TF catalog back in the 80s, I've dreamed of getting one!
First, he's a powermaster with 2 engines! The missile truck mode looks badass, and the robot mode is awesome! The falcon/vulture mode also looks evil! My first impressions then were "another autobot-decepticon spy?" "punch-counterpunch's counterpart?" "schizo robot?"
Reading Doubledealer's profile over the internet, and reading his backstory in some IDW comicbook made me want the character even more!
Now, was the wait worth it?
PACKAGING
As you can see, doubledealer was packaged in mid-transformation.
The back of the card shows the instructions. The good news is that the directions were legible, since it was lifted from the manual.
The engines were also included, and after a bit of urging, they transform!
I gotta say that I really love the SKAR engine. First time I've seen a Powermaster figure that's not humanoid. He actually reminds me more of Ratbat.
Now, an interesting note here is that while the engines were also included in the KO package, the powermaster features of the toy has been disabled. You can transform KO Doubledealer without the engines attached.
MISSILE TRUCK MODE
Love this mode.
The plastic used is of typical bootleg quality, but less brittle. Still the mold is dirty and rough. A bit of sanding and trimming will benefit this bootleg toy. Some parts are also loose and some are tight. Exercise caution and apply a bit of force on some parts.
Stickers are also copied from the original, but applied randomly in some places.
The wheels wiggle a bit when rolled, but overall, this mode is pretty stable and solid enough for playing.
FALCON/VULTURE MODE
Exercise caution when folding the wings. The bootleg plastic needs to be trimmed to enable easy folding. The feet were also a bit loose, so this mode will have a bit of trouble standing up.
The head sculpt of the creature was done good, the beak even opens!
Some funny stuff here - the falcon mode is an autobot! The sticker has since been relocated to the robot mode's shoulders.
And of course, the bird's phallic weapon...
ROBOT MODE
One thing i noticed about this mode is that the head is huge!
No, i didn't mean that the head was upsized. The design itself of the original toy had a big head. Check out these proportions...
The chestplate won't attach properly because of dirty casting. The legs gave me trouble and they would snap/crack loudly everytime I transform Doubledealer into robot mode. The knees also tend to bend forwards.
Both engines can attach themselves to the port on Doubledealer's abs, but again, you have to apply some force to make 'em attach properly.
Overall, the plastic quality is average, build is on the stable, solid side. Surprisingly, the wings of the bird mode aren't that flimsy!
ROBOT, BIRD, OR MISSILE TRUCK MODE?
Missile truck mode FTW! With all 8 wheels on the ground, this is the most stable mode for displaying. Plus, the toy was designed in such a way that the missile would always point upwards, which looks cool!
Robot mode looks average, and the falcon mode looks a bit clunky.
PROS:
- overall, the toy is solid and stable
- surprisingly not flimsy in bird mode
- colors and stickers are close to G1
- both powermaster engines included
- all modes are good
CONS:
- needs to be trimmed and sanded in some areas
- some parts need to be moved with caution
- wiggly wheels
- random loose and tight joints
RECOMMENDATION:
If you see one of these, dont hesitate to get one, unless you don't like bootlegs and G1 stuff. The bootleg powermaster engines are a nice tough. Makes me wonder if they ever have plans to make copies of old headmasters...
RATING:
3.5 out of 5
A good bootleg of a very good toy. I'd really want to get another one to repaint...
