The Energon Pub

[william-james88]

I'm just glad MP-28 is nice and magenta like Hot Rod should be. I remember when we first got the DVD of Transformers the movie from Sony, I was adverse to the magenta Hot Rod. But more and more I really like it. It's more interesting than the burgundy of the G1 toy and most Hot Rod/Rodimus toys.

I like the magenta as well. And blurple on my Galvatron

What about lilac on your shockwave?

[RodimusConvoy13]

I'm just glad MP-28 is nice and magenta like Hot Rod should be. I remember when we first got the DVD of Transformers the movie from Sony, I was adverse to the magenta Hot Rod. But more and more I really like it. It's more interesting than the burgundy of the G1 toy and most Hot Rod/Rodimus toys.

I like the magenta as well. And blurple on my Galvatron

What about lilac on your shockwave?

I'm okay with blurple on Galvatron and Lilac on Shockwave. Saw a video of my buddy's collection room last night and he has Quakewave. Way too dark of a purple on that guy. Looked really strange. could have been the lighting too though.

[galvatron00]

I'm just glad MP-28 is nice and magenta like Hot Rod should be. I remember when we first got the DVD of Transformers the movie from Sony, I was adverse to the magenta Hot Rod. But more and more I really like it. It's more interesting than the burgundy of the G1 toy and most Hot Rod/Rodimus toys.

I like the magenta as well. And blurple on my Galvatron

What about lilac on your shockwave?

I'm okay with blurple on Galvatron and Lilac on Shockwave. Saw a video of my buddy's collection room last night and he has Quakewave. Way too dark of a purple on that guy. Looked really strange. could have been the lighting too though.

Pardon the delay!! I agree with RC13, WJ88

[Ironhidensh]

How long does something stay in US customs on average? My Hot Rodimus is in customs in Chicago. It's been there since yesterday. I know I'm just being impatient.

It actually varies a lot. In a former job, we'd get stuff from over seas. Sometimes things would release from customs in a day or two. Once, it took more than two weeks...

Yeah, it's crazy. Tuesday, my Hotrod hit customs at 930, and was out by 1130, and should be delivered today.

Meanwhile, I've had another Masterpiece car stuck in customs since the 27th.

[RodimusConvoy13]

I got him! He's awesome!

And I couldn't help myself.

[galvatron00]

I got him! He's awesome!

And I couldn't help myself.

[Ironhidensh]

Well, Hot Rod is here and in hand. I've had some time to fiddle and feel ready to share some thoughts. Fair warning: you Hasbro/Takara apologists will not like them.

This is a fantastic Transforming toy, and a great representation of Hot Rod, but it is no Masterpiece. Now hear me out, because I actually kind of like this figure. He has a lot of pluses, in fact he has more positives than negatives. Those negatives, however, are big ones.

The biggest strike is, of course, the backpack. Its freaking huge, to the point it can even cause minor balance issues. The second one is the flat chest. It just doesn't look right, and really distracts from what other wise (looking head on) is a great robot mode. Really, those two are about it. Up he does have a rather simple (for a Masterpiece) transformation, but I can let that slide. Also, he is extremely light. Feels like you are holding a deluxe from RiD. The counter to that is that Hot Rod is very solid. No floppy joints, and in no way does he feel flimsy. Easily as solid as a leader class figure. He could also use better ground clearance in alt mode, but that's rather nit picky, even for me.

On the plus side, he looks like Hot Rod amongst the other MPs. Well, next to Ironhide and Grimlock. All my other MPs are in temporary storage while I try to clean out and organize my toyroom. His articulation might just be the best of all the MPs so far. Aside from the backpack and chest. The detail is very well done. The visor gimmick is simple and spot on, kudos there. The colors are perfect, the head sculpt fabulous.

Hot Rod is a Birthday gift from my wife, therefore I'll be treasuring this figure. That said, if I had paid for him, I would feel disappointed. Like I said at the start, this is a great figure, but not a Masterpiece. It just doesn't live up to the standard set before it. I simply can't say he is worth full price. My advise is to wait for a significant sale.

It's kinda sad, really. It all comes down to that backpack in the end. It feels lazy, almost like a cop out. I truly believe they could have spent more time and found a better way.

[Hellscream9999]

Fellow Seibertronians, hot on the heels of our new gallery of MP Hot Rodimus, fellow user chuckdawg1999 has brought to us a video review of the figure. So check out the video and the gallery, and see what Chuck has to say. And don't forget to leave your thoughts on him in the comments below.

Much like Ironhide Hot Rod suffers from bad photography. Unfortunately having the figure in hand doesn't redeem the looks that much, but it's still a fantastic figure. This is light years better than the old MP-09 Rodimus, and is closer to its classic animated look. Overall Hot Rodimus is a fantastic addition to the Masterpiece line.

[Hellscream9999]

Well, Hot Rod is here and in hand. I've had some time to fiddle and feel ready to share some thoughts. Fair warning: you Hasbro/Takara apologists will not like them.

This is a fantastic Transforming toy, and a great representation of Hot Rod, but it is no Masterpiece. Now hear me out, because I actually kind of like this figure. He has a lot of pluses, in fact he has more positives than negatives. Those negatives, however, are big ones.

The biggest strike is, of course, the backpack. Its freaking huge, to the point it can even cause minor balance issues. The second one is the flat chest. It just doesn't look right, and really distracts from what other wise (looking head on) is a great robot mode. Really, those two are about it. Up he does have a rather simple (for a Masterpiece) transformation, but I can let that slide. Also, he is extremely light. Feels like you are holding a deluxe from RiD. The counter to that is that Hot Rod is very solid. No floppy joints, and in no way does he feel flimsy. Easily as solid as a leader class figure. He could also use better ground clearance in alt mode, but that's rather nit picky, even for me.

On the plus side, he looks like Hot Rod amongst the other MPs. Well, next to Ironhide and Grimlock. All my other MPs are in temporary storage while I try to clean out and organize my toyroom. His articulation might just be the best of all the MPs so far. Aside from the backpack and chest. The detail is very well done. The visor gimmick is simple and spot on, kudos there. The colors are perfect, the head sculpt fabulous.

Hot Rod is a Birthday gift from my wife, therefore I'll be treasuring this figure. That said, if I had paid for him, I would feel disappointed. Like I said at the start, this is a great figure, but not a Masterpiece. It just doesn't live up to the standard set before it. I simply can't say he is worth full price. My advise is to wait for a significant sale.

It's kinda sad, really. It all comes down to that backpack in the end. It feels lazy, almost like a cop out. I truly believe they could have spent more time and found a better way.

I would have much rather a re-release of animated hot rod instead

[RodimusConvoy13]

Well, Hot Rod is here and in hand. I've had some time to fiddle and feel ready to share some thoughts. Fair warning: you Hasbro/Takara apologists will not like them.

This is a fantastic Transforming toy, and a great representation of Hot Rod, but it is no Masterpiece. Now hear me out, because I actually kind of like this figure. He has a lot of pluses, in fact he has more positives than negatives. Those negatives, however, are big ones.

The biggest strike is, of course, the backpack. Its freaking huge, to the point it can even cause minor balance issues. The second one is the flat chest. It just doesn't look right, and really distracts from what other wise (looking head on) is a great robot mode. Really, those two are about it. Up he does have a rather simple (for a Masterpiece) transformation, but I can let that slide. Also, he is extremely light. Feels like you are holding a deluxe from RiD. The counter to that is that Hot Rod is very solid. No floppy joints, and in no way does he feel flimsy. Easily as solid as a leader class figure. He could also use better ground clearance in alt mode, but that's rather nit picky, even for me.

On the plus side, he looks like Hot Rod amongst the other MPs. Well, next to Ironhide and Grimlock. All my other MPs are in temporary storage while I try to clean out and organize my toyroom. His articulation might just be the best of all the MPs so far. Aside from the backpack and chest. The detail is very well done. The visor gimmick is simple and spot on, kudos there. The colors are perfect, the head sculpt fabulous.

Hot Rod is a Birthday gift from my wife, therefore I'll be treasuring this figure. That said, if I had paid for him, I would feel disappointed. Like I said at the start, this is a great figure, but not a Masterpiece. It just doesn't live up to the standard set before it. I simply can't say he is worth full price. My advise is to wait for a significant sale.

It's kinda sad, really. It all comes down to that backpack in the end. It feels lazy, almost like a cop out. I truly believe they could have spent more time and found a better way.

I would have much rather a re-release of animated hot rod instead

You're in luck. You can get him on eBay for $25 sealed. No rerelease required.

[fenrir72]

Well, Hot Rod is here and in hand. I've had some time to fiddle and feel ready to share some thoughts. Fair warning: you Hasbro/Takara apologists will not like them.

This is a fantastic Transforming toy, and a great representation of Hot Rod, but it is no Masterpiece. Now hear me out, because I actually kind of like this figure. He has a lot of pluses, in fact he has more positives than negatives. Those negatives, however, are big ones.

The biggest strike is, of course, the backpack. Its freaking huge, to the point it can even cause minor balance issues. The second one is the flat chest. It just doesn't look right, and really distracts from what other wise (looking head on) is a great robot mode. Really, those two are about it. Up he does have a rather simple (for a Masterpiece) transformation, but I can let that slide. Also, he is extremely light. Feels like you are holding a deluxe from RiD. The counter to that is that Hot Rod is very solid. No floppy joints, and in no way does he feel flimsy. Easily as solid as a leader class figure. He could also use better ground clearance in alt mode, but that's rather nit picky, even for me.

On the plus side, he looks like Hot Rod amongst the other MPs. Well, next to Ironhide and Grimlock. All my other MPs are in temporary storage while I try to clean out and organize my toyroom. His articulation might just be the best of all the MPs so far. Aside from the backpack and chest. The detail is very well done. The visor gimmick is simple and spot on, kudos there. The colors are perfect, the head sculpt fabulous.

Hot Rod is a Birthday gift from my wife, therefore I'll be treasuring this figure. That said, if I had paid for him, I would feel disappointed. Like I said at the start, this is a great figure, but not a Masterpiece. It just doesn't live up to the standard set before it. I simply can't say he is worth full price. My advise is to wait for a significant sale.

It's kinda sad, really. It all comes down to that backpack in the end. It feels lazy, almost like a cop out. I truly believe they could have spent more time and found a better way.

I would have much rather a re-release of animated hot rod instead

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

Aside from the recolored TFA Lockdown released for the TAV line, I don't see any reason to re-release another TFA figure, Rodimus especially from wanking the 1986 Movie nostalgia.

[Hellscream9999]

I would have much rather a re-release of animated hot rod instead

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

Actually, I reckon it could be, pack some stuff behind the legs, fold some stuff into the forearms, alter the shape of the chest, and remove the chest gimmicks and utilize that space

[fenrir72]

I would have much rather a re-release of animated hot rod instead

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

Actually, I reckon it could be, pack some stuff behind the legs, fold some stuff into the forearms, alter the shape of the chest, and remove the chest gimmicks and utilize that space

But it's already done. 2 years worth of effort already in our sweaty grimy hands. Maybe better luck next time for a new Rodimus Convoy? Wait, he's gonna get another Matrix chamber too (if TT greenlight's another)

Even if we do remove the Matrix chamber, the backpack would still exist as those side thingies with the exhaust pipes on the rear of the car would still need to be hidden 'cause in the movie/anime, Hotrodimus' legs didn't have them on the sides as the shins were just plain and no pipes unlike the G1 figure.

[william-james88]

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?

[Agamemnon]

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.

[Ironhidensh]

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.

Fair or not, the backpack on this figure is ridiculously inexcusable

Another thing I'm noticing as I fiddle with it, is the alt mode. They really nailed the show accuracy in it, but I would have preceded some better "car like" proportions.

[william-james88]

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.

But at the same time, they were as witty and smart to have the tailpipes be 2 parts that gave the ilusion of it starting from under the car and going up. I just fin this mold so innovative.


Transformers Rodimus Minor Gallery

I understand that him having different tailpipes wold not be G1 accurate but then again neither is him having a huge backpack. So either way you end up with a non accurate toy.

[Agamemnon]

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.

But at the same time, they were as witty and smart to have the tailpipes be 2 parts that gave the ilusion of it starting from under the car and going up. I just fin this mold so innovative.


Transformers Rodimus Minor Gallery

I understand that him having different tailpipes wold not be G1 accurate but then again neither is him having a huge backpack. So either way you end up with a non accurate toy.

Oh, I definitely agree with the idea that Animated Rodimus Minor is very innovative. However, given the general intents of the Masterpiece line, and the near impossibility of accurately portraying both the bot and alt modes, there will always be compromises made. One could argue if they had hidden the extra exhaust pipes within the legs, but gave him huge boots, that some in the fandom would have complained about that.

I'm not saying that there weren't any possibilities to do this better. I'm just saying that no matter what they try, there are going to be compromises. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ In my opinion, it's easy to complain about whatever the compromises are, and I think the designers deserve more credit than some of the harshest comments seen here.

[william-james88]

I'm not saying that there weren't any possibilities to do this better. I'm just saying that no matter what they try, there are going to be compromises. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ In my opinion, it's easy to complain about whatever the compromises are, and I think the designers deserve more credit than some of the harshest comments seen here.

I agree 100%. However, if you dont mind, I do have a tad bit more to say. While nothing will ever be perfect, there are some choices the fan community has been more OK with than others. For instance, 2 that actually baffle me for fans thinking they are near flawless are MP 10 and MP 11. Both are flawed and for the same reason: they are based on previous existing toys. Optimus' critch is still seen in Cab mode (like MP01) and Starscream's chest nosecone still tapers the wrong way (along with not having accurate triangular feet). But people seemed ok with these sacrifices. Wheeljack does not have his G1 alt mode. Now, you would think that is sacriledge but somehow everyone, including me, was just so impressed at the finished product that him not having the same alt mode was ok. I am blown away by both modes and I just LOOOOOOOOVE that nice sticker on the box that has the Lancia license, telling you its official lancia merchandise (now that is COOL!).

So I feel that sacrifices to the alt mode would have been accepted if the end result didnt have the problem with the flat chest and backpack. People would complain regardless, no doubt, but from past instances I feel they would have complained less.

In short, and i realize this is what I was saying all along, if a sacrifice is mad for the robot mode then it's usually not disliked as much. Like how Wheeljack is hailed as so much better than Tracks which actually sacrifices the robot mode for the car mode (decisions on that toy still baffle me).

[RodimusConvoy13]

I'm not saying that there weren't any possibilities to do this better. I'm just saying that no matter what they try, there are going to be compromises. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ In my opinion, it's easy to complain about whatever the compromises are, and I think the designers deserve more credit than some of the harshest comments seen here.

I agree 100%. However, if you dont mind, I do have a tad bit more to say. While nothing will ever be perfect, there are some choices the fan community has been more OK with than others. For instance, 2 that actually baffle me for fans thinking they are near flawless are MP 10 and MP 11. Both are flawed and for the same reason: they are based on previous existing toys. Optimus' critch is still seen in Cab mode (like MP01) and Starscream's chest nosecone still tapers the wrong way (along with not having accurate triangular feet). But people seemed ok with these sacrifices. Wheeljack does not have his G1 alt mode. Now, you would think that is sacriledge but somehow everyone, including me, was just so impressed at the finished product that him not having the same alt mode was ok. I am blown away by both modes and I just LOOOOOOOOVE that nice sticker on the box that has the Lancia license, telling you its official lancia merchandise (now that is COOL!).

So I feel that sacrifices to the alt mode would have been accepted if the end result didnt have the problem with the flat chest and backpack. People would complain regardless, no doubt, but from past instances I feel they would have complained less.

In short, and i realize this is what I was saying all along, if a sacrifice is mad for the robot mode then it's usually not disliked as much. Like how Wheeljack is hailed as so much better than Tracks which actually sacrifices the robot mode for the car mode (decisions on that toy still baffle me).

I don't have Wheeljack. How is his alt mode not correct? Is it the wrong car? Looking at galleries of the G1 toy and the MP, they look pretty close. Other than the MP has more accurate proportions.

[william-james88]

I don't have Wheeljack. How is his alt mode not correct? Is it the wrong car? Looking at galleries of the G1 toy and the MP, they look pretty close. Other than the MP has more accurate proportions.

Its the "same" car but not an interpratation of its animation model but of the real car instead. Its esier if I show it to you. Here is the animation model, notice the lack of mirrors and most especially the deco in the front:



Now here is the real life car:



Here is the MP, it takes from the real life car instead of the cartoon model of the car. Thats what I meant by basing it off the wrong alt mode. I udnerstand how that wasnt very clear though.




Its not cartoon accurate and yet no one revolted.

[Agamemnon]

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.

[RodimusConvoy13]

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.

[Rodimus Prime]

IMO it's more a case of animation error where the animators didn't copy the real car correctly. It's just a few small details. I don't own the Wheeljack MP, but if I did, I would rather it be correctly designed after the real vehicle the faulty animation was based on. If the MP designers wanted to challenge themselves, they should have made a MP of Wheeljack's Cybertronian mode. I would love to see MPs of the characters' Cybertronian modes, the 1s that were shown.

[Agamemnon]

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 agree with you, and this was basically what I was trying to get at too.

IMO it's more a case of animation error where the animators didn't copy the real car correctly. It's just a few small details. I don't own the Wheeljack MP, but if I did, I would rather it be correctly designed after the real vehicle the faulty animation was based on. If the MP designers wanted to challenge themselves, they should have made a MP of Wheeljack's Cybertronian mode. I would love to see MPs of the characters' Cybertronian modes, the 1s that were shown.

I think this is exactly the case, and the focus of the MP engineers: produce the corresponding real world car, but try to get as close as possible to the animation bot models.