The Energon Pub

[Ironhidensh]

Its not cartoon accurate and yet no one revolted.

Again, I'll have to say that I don't find this very fair. We're trying to compare simplified animation to real life. There will always be nitpicks like these to back up one's own opinions.

So are you saying that people should revolt about Hot Rod because of the back pack?

I'm very confused by the last couple of posts. It's basically "This guy is fantastic, he's awesome!! But he's not a real masterpiece and he sucks."

I'd argue he is a Masterpiece because he falls under the Masterpiece line. Yes, some are better than others, but throwing around words like "unforgivable" and "ridiculously inexcusable" is pretty extreme.

I'm sorry, but simply slapping a masterpiece label on a figure does not make it a masterpiece. There is a clear standard set by the other figures in the line, and Hot Rod falls short of it. You could say that's a matter if ipiniin, but when you line Masterpiece figures up, Hot Rod's flaws shine bright. For a regular transformer, they are perfectly acceptable, but for a $50+ figure, they are not.

As for the designers "not getting credit", well this is their job. They make toys for the consumer. If the consumer doesn't like or want it, they failed. End of discussion.

[fenrir72]

Could MP Hotrodimus "pack" be any smaller without compromising the design?

Didnt the animated toy prove that you could get a great Hot Rod design with no backpack?

That isn't exactly fair, is it? The animated Rodimus Minor had about half the length of exhaust pipe, and in a bit of a different location in alt mode.

Apples and oranges w88.

TF1986 had a VERY DIFFERENT structural design over the simplified skinny noseless TFA one. And the vehicle mode just homaged the original 1986 Movie style of the car.

If TT didn't follow the 1986 Movie design to the letter, there'd be torches and pitchforks demanding the designer's head.

[fenrir72]

Its not cartoon accurate and yet no one revolted.

Again, I'll have to say that I don't find this very fair. We're trying to compare simplified animation to real life. There will always be nitpicks like these to back up one's own opinions.

So are you saying that people should revolt about Hot Rod because of the back pack?

I'm very confused by the last couple of posts. It's basically "This guy is fantastic, he's awesome!! But he's not a real masterpiece and he sucks."

I'd argue he is a Masterpiece because he falls under the Masterpiece line. Yes, some are better than others, but throwing around words like "unforgivable" and "ridiculously inexcusable" is pretty extreme.

This is simply MP IH part deux. A few posters, albeit very noisy posters looking for a speck where there should be none.

Now we have a dig at Wheeljack. The Lancia is a real type vehicle while Hotrod is a concept style futuristic Nissan design. Not cartoon accurate? It's based on a real car! So is the MP design based on the real car? Maybe 90% as some compromises are NEEDED because of the transforming parts that would get in the way of the final robot form.

MP09 is a turd. No denying that. Design wise, TT wanted to cram every feature in him. Materials wise, also a turd as never in my life have I found on ebay KO replacement parts for all of his joints.So all the criticsm it gets is well deserved.

So the critics are spot on to mention this on MP09. But on Hotrodimus? Okay, clearance issues on his bottom. Valid. Matrix Chamber? Personal taste on the homage. Even if TT ditched it, I'm sure TT would have cost cut on the platics aand kept it hollow. The backpack? Again, I'm no engineer but based on the anime style on those exhaust pipes on his sides, If TT homage the original toy and left those on his shins, there will be a howl of protest. Heck, TT hid them on his back.....you still get this obsession with the back pack (similar to MP Ironhide butt wheels and hip panels)

You just can't get no......SATISFACTION

I want to bet once Shockwave gets released (iirc , there are already complaints with the backpack...again the back pack) we'll get another round of nitpicking.

[Hellscream9999]

Its not cartoon accurate and yet no one revolted.

Again, I'll have to say that I don't find this very fair. We're trying to compare simplified animation to real life. There will always be nitpicks like these to back up one's own opinions.

So are you saying that people should revolt about Hot Rod because of the back pack?

I'm very confused by the last couple of posts. It's basically "This guy is fantastic, he's awesome!! But he's not a real masterpiece and he sucks."

I'd argue he is a Masterpiece because he falls under the Masterpiece line. Yes, some are better than others, but throwing around words like "unforgivable" and "ridiculously inexcusable" is pretty extreme.

This is simply MP IH part deux. A few posters, albeit very noisy posters looking for a speck where there should be none.

Now we have a dig at Wheeljack. The Lancia is a real type vehicle while Hotrod is a concept style futuristic Nissan design. Not cartoon accurate? It's based on a real car! So is the MP design based on the real car? Maybe 90% as some compromises are NEEDED because of the transforming parts that would get in the way of the final robot form.

MP09 is a turd. No denying that. Design wise, TT wanted to cram every feature in him. Materials wise, also a turd as never in my life have I found on ebay KO replacement parts for all of his joints.So all the criticsm it gets is well deserved.

So the critics are spot on to mention this on MP09. But on Hotrodimus? Okay, clearance issues on his bottom. Valid. Matrix Chamber? Personal taste on the homage. Even if TT ditched it, I'm sure TT would have cost cut on the platics aand kept it hollow. The backpack? Again, I'm no engineer but based on the anime style on those exhaust pipes on his sides, If TT homage the original toy and left those on his shins, there will be a howl of protest. Heck, TT hid them on his back.....you still get this obsession with the back pack (similar to MP Ironhide butt wheels and hip panels)

You just can't get no......SATISFACTION

I want to bet once Shockwave gets released (iirc , there are already complaints with the backpack...again the back pack) we'll get another round of nitpicking.

Hey, you can keep defending him, I'm happy for you, but it's been shown that it can be done, and I even offered an engineering solution as to where to put some of the kibble.

The fact remains that he has a lot of 'dead space', like the back of his legs, so on, that could have been better utilized, but because they wanted to perfectly mirror sloppily drawn animations, they designed themselves into a corner, it's their own fault, and to simply not criticize them because 'they tried' is not good enough

[Agamemnon]

Oh, I think criticism is warranted. Indeed, I agree that they, maybe, could have done better. But they are in a very difficult spot of trying to get the right balance between bot and alt modes.

It's the use of hyperbole, like "unforgivable" and "ridiculously inexcusable" as pointed out by RodimusConvoy13, that I think goes over the top. I don't think the designers should be criticized to this level.

But, as is always the case, it is my opinion on the criticism too. Ultimately we all can vote with our wallets, right?

[MelRains]

I love this guy. And I love Ironhide. I think these figures are excellent.

[fenrir72]

Oh, I think criticism is warranted. Indeed, I agree that they, maybe, could have done better. But they are in a very difficult spot of trying to get the right balance between bot and alt modes.

It's the use of hyperbole, like "unforgivable" and "ridiculously inexcusable" as pointed out by RodimusConvoy13, that I think goes over the top. I don't think the designers should be criticized to this level.

But, as is always the case, it is my opinion on the criticism too. Ultimately we all can vote with our wallets, right?

What you said Agster. Criticism is bordering OT. My posts acknowledged the mold had "issues", did I deny their existence? But what Agster said............to this level?

Also, I feel the issue here is more on semantics and adjectives. To consider any item a "masterpiece", well it boils down to personal taste and you can vote by means of our bleeding wallets. But if you want to be technical, all these TT products are "Masterpiece" because they all belong to the Masterpiece line. If not, they'd be released as Legends, TAV etc.

In analogy to MP-09, I don't own one (regretted it) but given how the unanimous feedback on him and the fact that there are numerous online replacement parts by 3rd party suppliers means that there really is something wrong with him has given me the satisfaction of not buying MP09. For that, I am very much thankful for the warranted criticism on that particular mold).

[Ironhidensh]

Oh, I think criticism is warranted. Indeed, I agree that they, maybe, could have done better. But they are in a very difficult spot of trying to get the right balance between bot and alt modes.

It's the use of hyperbole, like "unforgivable" and "ridiculously inexcusable" as pointed out by RodimusConvoy13, that I think goes over the top. I don't think the designers should be criticized to this level.

But, as is always the case, it is my opinion on the criticism too. Ultimately we all can vote with our wallets, right?

What you said Agster. Criticism is bordering OT. My posts acknowledged the mold had "issues", did I deny their existence? But what Agster said............to this level?

Also, I feel the issue here is more on semantics and adjectives. To consider any item a "masterpiece", well it boils down to personal taste and you can vote by means of our bleeding wallets. But if you want to be technical, all these TT products are "Masterpiece" because they all belong to the Masterpiece line. If not, they'd be released as Legends, TAV etc.

In analogy to MP-09, I don't own one (regretted it) but given how the unanimous feedback on him and the fact that there are numerous online replacement parts by 3rd party suppliers means that there really is something wrong with him has given me the satisfaction of not buying MP09. For that, I am very much thankful for the warranted criticism on that particular mold).

Look at it this way. As ridiculous and unwarranted as you find my complaints, I find your praise.

[LOST Cybertronian]

I love this guy. And I love Ironhide. I think these figures are excellent.

Absolutely, the backpack on Hot Rodimus pegs in nice and tight and doesn't look half as bad in person. The flat chest does look strange but only from the side.

[Fox Thiagarajan]

I love this guy. And I love Ironhide. I think these figures are excellent.

Absolutely, the backpack on Hot Rodimus pegs in nice and tight and doesn't look half as bad in person. The flat chest does look strange but only from the side.

I love IH a lot as well. Just got Rodimus this weekend and he is superb. Zero complaints here.

[galvatron00]

My Hot Rodimus and Ultra Magnus arrived yesterday. I'm pleased with them both!

[fenrir72]

My Hot Rodimus and Ultra Magnus arrived yesterday. I'm pleased with them both!

image.jpeg

[galvatron00]

My Hot Rodimus and Ultra Magnus arrived yesterday. I'm pleased with them both!

Thanks fenrir I'd say his posability is close to Wheeljack, and everything tabs together better in alt and bot mode better than Sideswipe and Road Rage.

Man I love Wheeljack.

[Rodimus Prime]

FINALLY my MP-28 arrived yesterday, after languishing in customs for 10 days. He got here in vehicle mode, and looks so damn good I haven't been able to bring myself to transform him yet. Downside of the small packaging (I bought him loose) is that the fishing pole is almost bent in half. Doesn't matter, I don't care for his accessories.

[galvatron00]

FINALLY my MP-28 arrived yesterday, after languishing in customs for 10 days. He got here in vehicle mode, and looks so damn good I haven't been able to bring myself to transform him yet. Downside of the small packaging (I bought him loose) is that the fishing pole is almost bent in half. Doesn't matter, I don't care for his accessories.

Awesome!! He's a lot of fun to transform once you get all the tabs lined up

[MightyMagnus78]

Not without his issues but a very nice MP and so much easier to transform than MP9.

[fenrir72]

Rodmeister just arrived today.

Trying not to be an "apologist" to defend this "turd" but to tell you all the truth? This is one out of MP. Just like Ironhide. The glaring defect that will stick out is the undercarriage clearance.

In my sample, the right leg just wouldn't level in like the left hence leading to clearance issues. As for the crotch, just push it in. The clearance indeed will annoy you if you do a vroom vroom, woosh woosh on a solid surface.

The backpack issue? No better than CW/UW Devastar back pack. UW Longhaul's backpack. Silverbolt's backpack or Jetfire's backpack (only his can be removed).

Rodmeister's fault is that the backpack fills up his back shoulders all the way down the torso plus that yellow spoiler makes it more prominent.

Is it enough to break the bank and not buy him? Nope. Unless he's gonna be plagued with the snap, pop and crackle material syndrome like MP-09.

So people, don't let the negatives dissuade you........ get him now.

[Cyberpath]

Got Hot Rod a couple of days ago. Only transformed him from car to robot once so far; but I gotta say that the back and shoulders transformation are kind of ingenious.

Robot mode is svelte and sleek like in the movie. He looks even better in hand than in the official images. The proportions are good, as I expected.

Articulation is insane, maybe even more so than the standard MP.

MP-28 captures his character really well. And he fits right in with the other MP Autobots on the shelf.

[fenrir72]

but I gotta say that the back and shoulders transformation are kind of ingenious.

Robot mode is svelte and sleek like in the movie. He looks even better in hand than in the official images. The proportions are good, as I expected.

This statement people. Don't judge Hotrod by the image on the box. The angle makes the proportions look off but Hotrod in hand is a site to behold. As if he jumped off the TF1986 movie. Undercarriage clearance issues not withstanding.

[Ironhidensh]

but I gotta say that the back and shoulders transformation are kind of ingenious.

Robot mode is svelte and sleek like in the movie. He looks even better in hand than in the official images. The proportions are good, as I expected.

This statement people. Don't judge Hotrod by the image on the box. The angle makes the proportions look off but Hotrod in hand is a site to behold. As if he jumped off the TF1986 movie. Undercarriage clearance issues not withstanding.

Sure, as long as you don't look at him from any angle other than dead on.

[DedicatedGhostArt]

but I gotta say that the back and shoulders transformation are kind of ingenious.

Robot mode is svelte and sleek like in the movie. He looks even better in hand than in the official images. The proportions are good, as I expected.

This statement people. Don't judge Hotrod by the image on the box. The angle makes the proportions look off but Hotrod in hand is a site to behold. As if he jumped off the TF1986 movie. Undercarriage clearance issues not withstanding.

Maybe someone has already mentioned this, but the undercarriage on MP-28 seems to fit the under-kibble on the g1 toy. I don't think it is a condescendence.




Transformers G1 1987 Hot Rod (Hot Rodimus) Gallery

Also, even though I know this is meant to be Hot Rod, I think he'd work perfectly for Rodimus Prime next to CW UM, Gen Arcee, and Gen Springer. That's what I want to do.

[fenrir72]

but I gotta say that the back and shoulders transformation are kind of ingenious.

Robot mode is svelte and sleek like in the movie. He looks even better in hand than in the official images. The proportions are good, as I expected.

This statement people. Don't judge Hotrod by the image on the box. The angle makes the proportions look off but Hotrod in hand is a site to behold. As if he jumped off the TF1986 movie. Undercarriage clearance issues not withstanding.

Sure, as long as you don't look at him from any angle other than dead on.

Most people prejudged the figure based on the "stoopid" angle of the box image.Same with the so called back pack. Though I get what you are positing about Hotrodimus' "petanko" proportions.

Again. Compare G1 Hotrod to the MP. Chest is just as petanko with the latter more bulkier because of those side exhaust pipes being folded up there too. If by any chance it was made more curved (the chest/hood), it would then changed the hood aesthetic of the car mode to look like that of the anime. If there was a feature to have slide the torso a little forward to align/get rid of the optical illusion of the backpack would have been an amazing feat but I don't think that would be possible.

[fenrir72]

but I gotta say that the back and shoulders transformation are kind of ingenious.

Robot mode is svelte and sleek like in the movie. He looks even better in hand than in the official images. The proportions are good, as I expected.

This statement people. Don't judge Hotrod by the image on the box. The angle makes the proportions look off but Hotrod in hand is a site to behold. As if he jumped off the TF1986 movie. Undercarriage clearance issues not withstanding.

Maybe someone has already mentioned this, but the undercarriage on MP-28 seems to fit the under-kibble on the g1 toy. I don't think it is a condescendence.




Transformers G1 1987 Hot Rod (Hot Rodimus) Gallery

Also, even though I know this is meant to be Hot Rod, I think he'd work perfectly for Rodimus Prime next to CW UM, Gen Arcee, and Gen Springer. That's what I want to do.

Yup. You pulled the answer right off my post. If indeed we are comparing apples and oranges and use MP Lambor as comparison, The original toy has the same chest proportion as the the MP. The back too. Same too with G1 Hotrod. it's much smaller of course for the the G1 version because thos dang exhaust pipes styaed on his shins and not folded to his back. But if TT implemented that, the exhaust pipes being on his shins in the MP versions, fans would have rioted due to the "accuracy" being dumped.

So SS, if you do get the chance, try getting this too.

Let me repeat, the figure has atrocious under chassis issues (most would be on the knee guards) and his ankles are a bit loose. Also, the joint on his roof that folds is a very obvious possible breakage point so be careful. Those are all the issues I can see. Not enough to NOT BUY.

[DedicatedGhostArt]

Yup. You pulled the answer right off my post. If indeed we are comparing apples and oranges and use MP Lambor as comparison, The original toy has the same chest proportion as the the MP. The back too. Same too with G1 Hotrod. it's much smaller of course for the the G1 version because thos dang exhaust pipes styaed on his shins and not folded to his back. But if TT implemented that, the exhaust pipes being on his shins in the MP versions, fans would have rioted due to the "accuracy" being dumped.

So SS, if you do get the chance, try getting this too.

Let me repeat, the figure has atrocious under chassis issues (most would be on the knee guards) and his ankles are a bit loose. Also, the joint on his roof that folds is a very obvious possible breakage point so be careful. Those are all the issues I can see. Not enough to NOT BUY.

Not that it would change my opinion, but do you think MP-28 would look good as Rodimus Prime next to Gen Springer, CW UM, and Gen Arcee? Since he's also voyager sized, he'd probably go well with Titans Return Galvatron and CW Cyclonus too. I am super stoked about them releasing so many season 3 guys, even in different lines.

[fenrir72]

Compare the old and new and henkei (flat as a pan cake with a big @zz backpack except the original)







Compare to Sideswipe






Not very far off from the original inspiration

P.S.

Yup. You pulled the answer right off my post. If indeed we are comparing apples and oranges and use MP Lambor as comparison, The original toy has the same chest proportion as the the MP. The back too. Same too with G1 Hotrod. it's much smaller of course for the the G1 version because thos dang exhaust pipes styaed on his shins and not folded to his back. But if TT implemented that, the exhaust pipes being on his shins in the MP versions, fans would have rioted due to the "accuracy" being dumped.

So SS, if you do get the chance, try getting this too.

Let me repeat, the figure has atrocious under chassis issues (most would be on the knee guards) and his ankles are a bit loose. Also, the joint on his roof that folds is a very obvious possible breakage point so be careful. Those are all the issues I can see. Not enough to NOT BUY.

Not that it would change my opinion, but do you think MP-28 would look good as Rodimus Prime next to Gen Springer, CW UM, and Gen Arcee? Since he's also voyager sized, he'd probably go well with Titans Return Galvatron and CW Cyclonus too. I am super stoked about them releasing so many season 3 guys, even in different lines.

SS, yeah. The do blend together good.