The Legion Class are often viewed as cheapo simplified versions of more complicated and interesting toys. Well, that is exactly what they are! But in my eyes, no less fun then the larger classes.
As a kid my minis (Bummblebee, Windcharger, Gears, etc.) went everywhere with me. In my backpack to school, the grocery store with Mom, the back seat of Dad's Oldsmobile, and off to Grama and Grampa's house we go.
Legions, Legends, and all the smaller classes of past and present have become just as important a part of my collection as the bigger bots. So much so that they have earned their own shelf. Which I have dubbed Micronopolis.
This size class has had many names over the last 30 years. When asked to work on this list, WilliamJames made a wise choice in narrowing it down to Legends class, which started in 2005 until 2010 and then changed its name to Legion class. We covered the
Scouts/Legends last time and this list differs from that one since it limits it to only molds which are made to represent a smaller scale of larger figures and found in the current Legion Class (which was once called Legends class). It made the job a little less daunting, but also made for a little more diversity, as I may have been tempted to just list all the G2 Gobots and their Car Robots/R.I.D. repaints.
Whether populating your pocket, or your Trypticons and Metroplexs, they may be small in stature, but these guys are BIG on fun!
Let's dig in.
10. Transformers Reveal the Shield Legends Class Optimus Prime Dare I say, this Prime's transformation is the original toys done a little better? For such a little toy he has great detailing and his proportions are more fitting to what we've come to expect from our favorite fearless leader. It was a nice touch to include that ankle tilted stance with out any articulation, and it doesn't hinder the transformation at all. It is also always a nice thing whenever a Prime toy's truck windshield becomes his actual robot chest, and on such a small scale too. He has great arm articulation. Could he have used some knees? Sure! But, we're talking about Legends here.
9. Transformers Cybertron Legends Class Hot ShotThe thing I love about all the Cybertron Legends, is that the larger toys had such nicely simplified transformations, that they even translate well when shrunk down to pocket size. Hot Shot may not be the most articulated figure but he is a fantastic representation of his larger self. They even included his Cyber Key gimmick of flip up wings/spoiler. Of course without the key.
8. Transformers: Robots In disguise Legion Class StrongarmLet's give the new guys a shout! Strongarm has quickly become one of my new favorite characters. Her Legion toy does a few things better than her warrior toy. Most notable, you can see her hands. This is achieved by deviating a tad from her show appearance, but she makes up for that with elbows and knees! She has a nice little color layout for such a petite thing. She sports a great sculpt and enough detail to take nothing away from this fantastic new character, and toughest little rookie on the force.
7. Transformers Cybertron Legends Class Vector PrimeBecause I'll take my favorite dimension hopping Cybertronian mystic knight in any size! He's cast in a nice metallic swirl white, and his color layout is just enough to keep him interesting. Again the transformation is just a micron version of his great Voyager toy. What I like best is that, even when scaled down, he retains all the sculpted clockwork detailing that makes this character so cool to look at. Especially in his alt mode.
6. Robots In Disguise Legion Class ThunderhoofAnother new comer that has really captured my imagination lately and seems to have become a fan favorite out of the R.I.D. Decepticons is Thunderhoof. The longer this lil buck hangs out on my desk the more I come to enjoy him. He has really prodded me to rethink this list a bit. His transformation is ultra simple, but really gets the point across with a great little alt mode. But, robot mode is where he really shines. Although his elbows are fixed in a 90 degree bend, it barely hinders the pose-ability and expressiveness you can get out of him. You don't often see head swivel on a Legions toy, but when you cock his head just a little off center it really adds some 'tude to this dude. He also has a fantastic paint job with just enough in the right places, that he may even out shine his Warrior class counter part in this department.
5. Transformers Cyberverse Legion Class EvacI'm not a huge fan of the Movie aesthetic, but I am a huge fan of a fun toy. I love it when a Movie era toy catches my fancy. Evac is a great example where a Movie design can be unique but still hit all the classical design marks. Hood chest, shoulder wheels, silver face, but in a really neat futuristic Cybertronian look. He has a great intuitive transformation and some decent articulation for his class. It also helps that his alt mode looks like my Honda Fit... if it were from outer space... and had a turbine propulsion system... and guns.
4. Transformers Generations (or GDO) Legends Class BluestreakI'm usually pretty loud about my affection for the Datsun Brothers, so darn tootin' one is going to end up on my list. I had originally put Prowl in this spot, but after a trip to this year's BotCon, I was finally able to land a Bluestreak, whom I had been chasing for a good while now. This Legends toy does a great job of capturing the visual cues of the OG toy in a nicely updated design. The engineering also pulls a lot of good things from the transformations of previous Datsun toys. Ending up with a nice little design that's a hoot to play with. What makes this version of the mold even more special, is that he was retooled with gripping hands, in which he can hold the awesomely G1 styled blaster that was added to the figure. It's too bad Smokescreen didn't get this mold to complete the trio. I'm looking at you Hasbro! (wink, wink)
3. Transformers Prime Cyberverse Legion Class WheeljackWhere to start? One of the best articulated Legions toys on the planet. An absolute joy to pose. Especially wielding those Energon Scimitars! He has a nice detailed deco, and who doesn't love that alt mode? His transformation is fun, with his legs almost more G1 Jack than Prime. With those big wide feet he is one of the most stable and versatile Legion size action figures out there.
2. Transformers Reveal the Shield Legends Class MegatronThe best updated G1 gun Megatron we've ever gotten? A lofty claim, but he is an amazing toy. He has a transformation that is completely unique to him alone. Again aesthetically, a fresh update to the classic look, with a great head sculpt and a menacing little maw. He can hold some impressive poses with his great leg articulation. The gun barrel folding down is a neat solution to the arm cannon. The safety orange is a tad off putting, but laws is laws. William-James would have my head if I didn't mention the fact that this Megatron can be wielded by the MP-11 Seeker mold. A pretty great bit of fore site in design, but on my shelves you're more apt find him in the grip of Armada Unicron!
This toy was made to rule from atop a G1 Trypticon, and with an iron fist no less.
1. Transformers Prime: Cyberverse Cliffjumper/TailgateI think many Legion/Legends aficionados would agree that this mold takes the cake. A bitchin' muscle car alt mode, a mind blowing transformation, and the best articulated robot mode there is in this size class. The way the arms fold up into the hood, using the arms points of articulation is a stroke of micro-engineering genius. Then there are the feet. Not only do they have forward and back rocking motion, but the have ANKLE TILT! If this figure had hip and head swivel the world of Transformers might just implode on itself. He comes with my personal favorite Cyberverse energon weapon, and looks absolutely bad ass wielding that sword in front of those viking horns. This figure should be the measuring stick for all Legions to come.
As great as the Cliff version is, I personally prefer the Tailgate repaint a little more. The flames just give him a little extra heat. The fact that those flames end up as his tribal forearm tats is too cool.
