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Pictorial Review of Generations 3.0 Laserbeak -Scout Class

PostPosted: Fri Aug 31, 2012 7:04 pm
by Jones
Hey all,

I've been a lurker around here for a while. Wanted to jump in with a collection of pics of a figure that there isn't much info about right now: Generations 3.0 Scout Class Laserbeak!

Just picked this guy up on eBay from EPToy.com, as he's an Asia exclusive and not available (sadly) in Canada. I'm a big fan of the Generations line, having grown up with the G1 cartoon & movie, as well as all the new stuff like the live movies & the new Prime TV series.

Here's a pic of the packaging from EPToy's website:
Image

It's a repaint of the ROTF Skystalker figure, and it really caught my eye with it's G1 inspired colors and the drone alt-mode that is very reminiscent of how Laserbeak appeared while on Cybertron in the very first episode of the G1 series.

For those who need a reminder, here's what I'm talking about:
Image

His drone mode is really well done. Everything is nice and clean on the top, and the stuff on the bottom tucks in nicely. And with the G1 colors on this mold, the drone mode looks fantastic.
Image
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In addition, there's a simple way to display him in drone mode that pays homage to the original Laserbeak, and that's to fold his feet out instead of using the front wheel.
Image

In my opinion, this looks pretty neat as a way of displaying him in drone mode.

Next, while I personally don't care much for the Macross-esque look, you can also extent the legs more fully to have a hybrid drone/robot mode that is referred to in the instructions as his 'attack mode'.
Image

Now the really interesting part! Some purists may shun the fact that Laserbeak has been given a humanoid robot mode, but for me it really works as a reinvention of the character. He's still small, and looks very 'vulture'-like when in robot mode. The beak-like face, talon-like feet and wings on his back give the impression that if Laserbeak did turn in to a robot, this is what he'd look like.
Image
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He of course comes with the same battle-hooks that Skystalker came with, so he has those removable weapons that tuck nicely in to his wings. Quite frankly I'd rather he come with some type of laser weapons to match his name a bit better, but I guess we can pretend he shoots a laser from his eye or something. A minor gripe, but it would have been nice for Laserbeak to have lasers.
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No light piping on his head, but it still looks cool with the shiny gold paint app on the top.
Image

And finally, here's a shot for size reference next to his good buddy Soundwave. I must admit that I was really disappointed with the DOTM interpretation of Laserbeak (way too chickeny for my taste). Had he been presented in the movie like THIS, it would have been amazing. Think about it: a human-sized assassin/interrogator Transformer that turns in to a small stealth drone? That's cool.
Image

Hope you all like these pics! Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear any comments! Cheers!

Re: Pictorial Review of Generations 3.0 Laserbeak -Scout Class

PostPosted: Fri Aug 31, 2012 7:46 pm
by El Duque
Seibertron.com member Jones dropped by the Energon Pub with a pictorial review of Generations GDO Scout Class Laserbeak, a repaint of ROTF Skystalker. Check out the review below..


Hey all,

I've been a lurker around here for a while. Wanted to jump in with a collection of pics of a figure that there isn't much info about right now: Generations 3.0 Scout Class Laserbeak!

Just picked this guy up on eBay from EPToy.com, as he's an Asia exclusive and not available (sadly) in Canada. I'm a big fan of the Generations line, having grown up with the G1 cartoon & movie, as well as all the new stuff like the live movies & the new Prime TV series.

Here's a pic of the packaging from EPToy's website:
Image


It's a repaint of the ROTF Skystalker figure, and it really caught my eye with it's G1 inspired colors and the drone alt-mode that is very reminiscent of how Laserbeak appeared while on Cybertron in the very first episode of the G1 series.

For those who need a reminder, here's what I'm talking about:
Image


His drone mode is really well done. Everything is nice and clean on the top, and the stuff on the bottom tucks in nicely. And with the G1 colors on this mold, the drone mode looks fantastic.
Image

Image


In addition, there's a simple way to display him in drone mode that pays homage to the original Laserbeak, and that's to fold his feet out instead of using the front wheel.
Image


In my opinion, this looks pretty neat as a way of displaying him in drone mode.

Next, while I personally don't care much for the Macross-esque look, you can also extent the legs more fully to have a hybrid drone/robot mode that is referred to in the instructions as his 'attack mode'.
Image


Now the really interesting part! Some purists may shun the fact that Laserbeak has been given a humanoid robot mode, but for me it really works as a reinvention of the character. He's still small, and looks very 'vulture'-like when in robot mode. The beak-like face, talon-like feet and wings on his back give the impression that if Laserbeak did turn in to a robot, this is what he'd look like.
Image

Image


He of course comes with the same battle-hooks that Skystalker came with, so he has those removable weapons that tuck nicely in to his wings. Quite frankly I'd rather he come with some type of laser weapons to match his name a bit better, but I guess we can pretend he shoots a laser from his eye or something. A minor gripe, but it would have been nice for Laserbeak to have lasers.
Image

Image

Image


No light piping on his head, but it still looks cool with the shiny gold paint app on the top.
Image


And finally, here's a shot for size reference next to his good buddy Soundwave. I must admit that I was really disappointed with the DOTM interpretation of Laserbeak (way too chickeny for my taste). Had he been presented in the movie like THIS, it would have been amazing. Think about it: a human-sized assassin/interrogator Transformer that turns in to a small stealth drone? That's cool.
Image


Hope you all like these pics! Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear any comments! Cheers!

Re: Pictorial Review of Generations 3.0 Laserbeak -Scout Class

PostPosted: Fri Aug 31, 2012 7:51 pm
by BeastProwl
It's sad that I was never able to obtain any version of this mold. Oh well, Lonely Mindwipe will stay Lonely

Re: Pictorial Review of Generations 3.0 Laserbeak -Scout Class

PostPosted: Fri Aug 31, 2012 7:51 pm
by Doubledealer93
might have to get this. i love this mold and the paint looks awesome. not sure where he would fit because i use the real gear 2007 movie booster x for classics laser beak

Re: Pictorial Review of Generations 3.0 Laserbeak -Scout Class

PostPosted: Fri Aug 31, 2012 7:52 pm
by -Kanrabat-
Look cool, but not 50$ cool.

Re: Pictorial Review of Generations 3.0 Laserbeak -Scout Class

PostPosted: Fri Aug 31, 2012 7:58 pm
by SW's SilverHammer
Oh my god, that looks wonderful. God damnit, if only it weren't so expensive.

Re: Pictorial Review of Generations 3.0 Laserbeak -Scout Class

PostPosted: Fri Aug 31, 2012 8:04 pm
by Jones
I guess I got a smoking good deal on it, because I got it for a mere $12 plus shipping.

I definitely wouldn't have taken the bait at $50. That's way too high for this figure.

Re: Pictorial Review of Generations 3.0 Laserbeak -Scout Class

PostPosted: Fri Aug 31, 2012 8:19 pm
by Noideaforaname
Love the mold, but I think I'll pass on Laserbeak. He's a bit too similar to Skystalker with the black.

If I did get LB, I'd totally pose him like this in bot mode:
Image

Re: Pictorial Review of Generations 3.0 Laserbeak -Scout Class

PostPosted: Fri Aug 31, 2012 8:20 pm
by RAcast
I don't suppose this will be one of the TRU exclusives will it? Or is that limited to the deluxes? :( I really need a version of this mold, it's so good! Also, lonely Mindwipe is also lonely.

Re: Pictorial Review of Generations 3.0 Laserbeak -Scout Class

PostPosted: Fri Aug 31, 2012 8:26 pm
by xyl360
-Kanrabat- wrote:Look cool, but not 50$ cool.

ToyArena has him for $19.99+shipping (just got one myself :) ).

Re: Pictorial Review of Generations 3.0 Laserbeak -Scout Class

PostPosted: Fri Aug 31, 2012 9:06 pm
by kirbenvost
Are the scouts not getting released in NA?

Anyway, coolness level just shot up 50% now that I've seen the resemblance to his original G1 alt mode. :D. And the paint job is really great.

Re: Pictorial Review of Generations 3.0 Laserbeak -Scout Class

PostPosted: Fri Aug 31, 2012 9:16 pm
by MINDVVIPE
Noideaforaname wrote:If I did get LB, I'd totally pose him like this in bot mode:
Image

That would look so much better with Laserbeak colours.
BeastProwl wrote:It's sad that I was never able to obtain any version of this mold. Oh well, Lonely Mindwipe will stay Lonely

You need to get this scout mould. It's my favourite, and what I consider the best scout ever (at least the Skystalker version).

Re: Pictorial Review of Generations 3.0 Laserbeak -Scout Class

PostPosted: Fri Aug 31, 2012 9:16 pm
by SW's SilverHammer
kirbenvost wrote:Are the scouts not getting released in NA?


I'm not sure if there was official conformation of them being released in North America. However, what I do know is that they were at SDCC, and that they look really cool; I want them.

Re: Pictorial Review of Generations 3.0 Laserbeak -Scout Class

PostPosted: Fri Aug 31, 2012 10:56 pm
by Bumblevivisector
Okay, this had better be one of the TRU imports.

Great homage to his War Within likeness, and Laserbeak apparently DID have a robot mode in the Find Your Fate book 'Decepticon Poison' (the author also seemed to think Frenzy had a jet mode, leading to an amusing picture of him being shot down).

You know what other mold should be repainted into pre-Earth Laserbeak? Raindance, the Autobot cassette plane; he's a cassette, and that would look at least as much like War Within Laserbeak as that Targetmaster Kup repaint looked like Orion Pax. He'd be released with a purple and blue Grand Slam representing the War Within Autoscout, and they'd combine into powered-up Laserbeak, another possible interpretation of his unseen robot mode. I thought my hopes of actually seeing this happen died in the KOTOYS crackdown last year, but those new Shattered Glass cassettes just gave me hope that if Takara insists on doing infinite cassette repaints, this could just happen someday!

Re: Pictorial Review of Generations 3.0 Laserbeak -Scout Class

PostPosted: Sat Sep 01, 2012 8:47 am
by Nemesis Destron
This is one of my favorite scout molds! I was lucky to get Skystalker and Sunspot so this is a total win. But I will look to try to score a better deal on one cuz it is a bit pricey indeed. I would love to get my hands on a Smokescreen with that awesome G2 homage, it's just an awesome mold...'nuff said! ;)^ :VEHI:

Re: Pictorial Review of Generations 3.0 Laserbeak -Scout Class

PostPosted: Sat Sep 01, 2012 8:55 am
by Jelze Bunnycat
SW's SilverHammer wrote:
kirbenvost wrote:Are the scouts not getting released in NA?


I'm not sure if there was official conformation of them being released in North America. However, what I do know is that they were at SDCC, and that they look really cool; I want them.


There was, all will be at TRU except for Brawn. You may thank FE Bulkhead for that.

Re: Pictorial Review of Generations 3.0 Laserbeak -Scout Class

PostPosted: Sat Sep 01, 2012 11:39 am
by Flashwave
JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:
SW's SilverHammer wrote:
kirbenvost wrote:Are the scouts not getting released in NA?


I'm not sure if there was official conformation of them being released in North America. However, what I do know is that they were at SDCC, and that they look really cool; I want them.


There was, all will be at TRU except for Brawn. You may thank FE Bulkhead for that.


No love lost on the brawn head, but why are we getting a reheaded Cliffy then?

Re: Pictorial Review of Generations 3.0 Laserbeak -Scout Class

PostPosted: Sat Sep 01, 2012 11:48 am
by Jelze Bunnycat
Flashwave wrote:
JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:
SW's SilverHammer wrote:
kirbenvost wrote:Are the scouts not getting released in NA?


I'm not sure if there was official conformation of them being released in North America. However, what I do know is that they were at SDCC, and that they look really cool; I want them.


There was, all will be at TRU except for Brawn. You may thank FE Bulkhead for that.


No love lost on the brawn head, but why are we getting a reheaded Cliffy then?


Don't know, don't care. :lol: The US Terrorcon Cliffjumper looks meh, the G1-headed one is interesting though.

Re: Pictorial Review of Generations 3.0 Laserbeak -Scout Class

PostPosted: Sat Sep 01, 2012 12:14 pm
by kirbenvost
I just found out that ToysRUs.ca opened preorders for these scouts, so I don't think anyone has to worry about being able to find Laserbeak. :D

Re: Pictorial Review of Generations 3.0 Laserbeak -Scout Class

PostPosted: Sat Sep 01, 2012 10:29 pm
by Blasphemous Prime
looks like a great figure, but other than the color scheme it doesn't remind me of Laserbeak at all. If he has to be humanoid, at least give him a birdlike head.

Re: Pictorial Review of Generations 3.0 Laserbeak -Scout Class

PostPosted: Wed Sep 05, 2012 9:21 am
by Jelze Bunnycat
I just realised this: the weapons Generations Laserbeak has are similar to those of BotCon 2006 Laserbeak, a repaint of Energon Divebomb:

Image