As a fan that has been collecting Transformers Armada / Micron Legend since the beginning and as one who appreciates that era of Transformers more than anything else, I find it odd that I always find myself scratching my head in confusion when Armada Anniversary Figures are announced. This hasn't always been the case. Before Classics Hot Shot was released, I was so adamant about how all of my favorite Armada characters should get redone in Masterpiece like fashion. It is only now that I realize just how flawed that opinion is.
Case #1 - Hot Shot
Armada Hot Shot isn't the best figure. Honestly, I'd have to say that many think that the figure is a turd. Fair enough. So when Classics Hot Shot was about to be released in 2008, I think the reoccurring theme in every collector's mind is that, wow this figure is going to be awesome. Sadly, much like his wave partner, the Classics rendition of Beast Wars Dinobot, the figure sort of ended up being a letdown. If we look at the Classics figure, it is obviously flawed without the guns and missiles that are included in the sister Henkei version. Classics or Henkei, there are two questions I start to ask myself when it comes to new figures that are supposed to be updated renditions of old characters;
- Is this going to replace my old figure of this character?
- If not, can this character fit in other continuity collections?
I feel like these questions are important for these Armada homages, because outside of what G1 -> Classics (aka neo-G1) has, there isn't some neo-Armada, neo-RID, or neo-Energon collection that exists yet. As much as I would like it, by the time we'd get a big roster of neo-Armada figures, something like Classics Hot Shot would be outdated technology-wise. As a collector, I really have to ask myself whether a figure fits somewhere, especially if it is smaller figures like Hot Shot.
As much as I like what was done for the C/H Hot Shot, personally I don't feel that it replaces Armada Hot Shot within my Armada collection. It doesn't have the axel rocket. The C/H figure is flimsy in robot mode and it is not fun to transform. It sticks out in a collection of rather blocky figures. However, atleast for me, Hot Shot does fit within the 'Classics' part of my collection, so the figure's existence is still justified. Personally, I could see this rendition of Hot Shot going either way of replacing or not replacing Armada Hot Shot in someone else's Armada collection. Plus, Classics Jolt is still a cool guy.
Verdict:Pass
Case #2 - Starscream
I look at the two questions I presented and apply them to this new rendition of Armada Starscream. Both questions end up in disappointment. I do not see this Generations Starscream replacing Armada Starscream in anyone's Armada collection. Points that come to mind are;
- Toy height
- His wings aren't his swords
- Where's Swindle?
Starscream should atleast be a Voyager if this were to be part of an Armada collection. The wing turning into a sword is Starscream's trademark.. and Armada's main theme was mini-cons, so where is an updated version of Swindle? Worst part is that there is powerlink points and the figure doesn't even come with mini-cons! Even if this figure was repainted into Thundercracker and Skywarp (although it probably will happen), I still can't justify it.
If we move on to the second question, and we try to find a new home for Generations Starsacream outside of his Armada upbringing - there is absolutely no justification of this figure fitting in CHUG or Gen or whatever people call it! Starscream already exists and he damn well exists in every continuity too. No thanks.
Verdict: Fail
Case #3: (The potential) Masterpiece Optimus Prime
Although Star Saber is likely going to win Takara's fan choice vote, it is apparent that Armada Optimus Prime will be sometime in the future too. If MP Armada Optimus Prime wants to replace his leader class predecessor, it needs to go above the Hot Shot and Starscream attempts. It needs to do exactly what the original Armada figure did (transform from regular to super mode), and go beyond (better articulation, powerlink points that actually do something). It really needs to aim to replace LC Armada Optimus Prime, or else I just don't see it being much of a sell at all for anyone.
Verdict:TBD
Ultimately, as a fan I do appreciate the nods to the fact that Armada was a series, and it did exist. But if the homages are going to be done, then its go big or go home. Unless the ~20 or so Armada characters are done proper (which, if it ever does happen, won't be for another two decades), I just don't see any of the original figures being replaced in my collection. Of all the characters, Starscream really didn't need something new, unlike Megatron, Side Swipe or Scavenger. I really think Hasbro should just continue Generations for G1 characters, and just complete the darn roster before third parties do everything. Or focus more heavily on Beast Wars or RID before you tackle Armada. But alas, I probably shouldn't be complaining. I'll just stick with my pure 2002-2003 era Armada/ML collection and talk about those 'good old days'
-Fin.