Which version goes on your Classics shelf?
Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2011 9:36 amYes, it's another one of these topics. Please, hear me out first, though. I'm not interested in picking apart the finer differences in "Classics" figures between Hasbro and TakaraTomy releases, or even in the case of Fun Publication's BotCon exclusives with the seekers. I'm solely interested in what mass market, US retail options for certain characters fans prefer in the Classics/Universe 2.0/Generations/Reveal the Shield lines of Transformers. We've got quite a few alternatives to choose from now.
Classics Bumblebee vs. RTS Bumblebee
I got with the 2006 Classics release myself. The lighter yellow and while stripes update Bumblebee's G1 look without being overbearing. There is also a fair amount of detailing in the paint job, which I always appreciate. As for the RTS release, it isn't bad. I can appreciate the attempt to synchronize Bumblebee's G1 appearance and his live action movie paint job, but when you have both versions side by side, the Classics version wins handily in my eyes. I like the lighter yellow, and the RTS version is missing some detailing paint apps here and there that the Classics version covers.
Classics Starscream vs. Universe 2.0 Starscream
This is a tough call for me. I was very happy with the original Classics release of Starscream. Even though the paint apps took liberties with the strict G1 character model, they still were very recognizable as Starscream. The Classics version also has lots of nice detailing in the paint job, which I really like. They don't detract from the look of Starscream at all, as far as I'm concerned. However, the Universe 2.0 figure is gorgeous as a G1 update of the character. The colors are spot on with Starscream's animation model. The white is very vibrant and striking. His face looks terrific painted in dark grey. The only thing missing is some detailing of the sculpt with paint apps, but I understand they were likely skipped to create a look as close to the animation model as possible. Universe 2.0 Starscream is on my shelf most of the time, but occasionally, I swap it out for Classics Starscream.
Classics Rodimus vs. RTS Rodimus
I understand that this is a tough call for a lot of collectors, but no so much for me personally. The Classics release is just far and away superior to me. I think the color choices and layout are perfectly evocative of the G1 character without aping the animation model exactly. The deep red of the car body looks really nice, and the orange spoiler, while still garish, isn't an assault on the eyes. The look of the Classics figure is the perfect example of the "Classics" mission statement, to bring G1 characters into the present with modern updates to their alt modes. Now, the RTS Rodimus does a great job of homaging the original animation model, but the result is just as poignant an example of why the 80's should stay in the 80's. The colors clash rather horribly. Beyond that, though, is the matter of the opaque windows on the RTS version. Why are they painted over in blue? The Transparent windows on the Classics release show off the faux interior of the car. It's got a steering column and everything. Why throw away that nice touch in the sculpt of the figure? I also find it bothersome that the contrast between the orange of the hood and the yellow of the flame decal is so low. From a distance, it's hard to even tell that the flames are there on the hood, unless you know to look for them.
Universe 2.0 Powerglide (mass retail) vs. Universe 2.0 Powerglide (Wal-mart Exclusive):
This one is easy. Although the mass retail version, with its largely light gray paint job with red highlights is more "realistic" and modern looking, going with the "Classics" ideal of updating G1 characters for the present, the Wal-Mart version with its G1 paint scheme (red all over) still looks very sharp, and is that much better an homage to the G1 character. Hasbro definitely got it right the second time around.
Universe 2.0 Cyclonus vs. RTS Cyclonus
This is another tough one for me. The new Cyclonus sculpt is so terrific, it almost doesn’t matter how it’s painted. With that said, though, here are my thoughts between the two options. The Universe 2.0 version more directly homages the G1 toy. I like the dark purple basis. It makes for a more menacing character, in my opinion. I also like how the grey breaks up the purple sections, making the look very dynamic, but still coherent. There is also a lot of nice attention to sculpting detail with additional paint apps. This version was an instant win for me. However, the RTS version is another terrific G1 character model homage, like Universe 2.0 Starscream. Where RTS Rodimus falls flat, RTS Cyclonus makes it work. Unfortunately, though, the dedication to the original animation model means far less paint detailing to bring out the subtleties in the sculpt. Also, the differences in hue between the light purples and lavenders of the figure are hard to discern in certain lighting conditions, or if viewing the figure from too far away. This time, the scales just barely tip the other way, and I choose the Universe 2.0 G1 toy color scheme to represent Cyclonus on my Classics shelf.
So, tell me what you think on each of these alternatives, and feel free to add any more comparisons that I might have overlooked. I’ll give my opinions on those as well. Please remember to limit the comparisons to what’s been widely available at North American retail.
Classics Bumblebee vs. RTS Bumblebee
I got with the 2006 Classics release myself. The lighter yellow and while stripes update Bumblebee's G1 look without being overbearing. There is also a fair amount of detailing in the paint job, which I always appreciate. As for the RTS release, it isn't bad. I can appreciate the attempt to synchronize Bumblebee's G1 appearance and his live action movie paint job, but when you have both versions side by side, the Classics version wins handily in my eyes. I like the lighter yellow, and the RTS version is missing some detailing paint apps here and there that the Classics version covers.
Classics Starscream vs. Universe 2.0 Starscream
This is a tough call for me. I was very happy with the original Classics release of Starscream. Even though the paint apps took liberties with the strict G1 character model, they still were very recognizable as Starscream. The Classics version also has lots of nice detailing in the paint job, which I really like. They don't detract from the look of Starscream at all, as far as I'm concerned. However, the Universe 2.0 figure is gorgeous as a G1 update of the character. The colors are spot on with Starscream's animation model. The white is very vibrant and striking. His face looks terrific painted in dark grey. The only thing missing is some detailing of the sculpt with paint apps, but I understand they were likely skipped to create a look as close to the animation model as possible. Universe 2.0 Starscream is on my shelf most of the time, but occasionally, I swap it out for Classics Starscream.
Classics Rodimus vs. RTS Rodimus
I understand that this is a tough call for a lot of collectors, but no so much for me personally. The Classics release is just far and away superior to me. I think the color choices and layout are perfectly evocative of the G1 character without aping the animation model exactly. The deep red of the car body looks really nice, and the orange spoiler, while still garish, isn't an assault on the eyes. The look of the Classics figure is the perfect example of the "Classics" mission statement, to bring G1 characters into the present with modern updates to their alt modes. Now, the RTS Rodimus does a great job of homaging the original animation model, but the result is just as poignant an example of why the 80's should stay in the 80's. The colors clash rather horribly. Beyond that, though, is the matter of the opaque windows on the RTS version. Why are they painted over in blue? The Transparent windows on the Classics release show off the faux interior of the car. It's got a steering column and everything. Why throw away that nice touch in the sculpt of the figure? I also find it bothersome that the contrast between the orange of the hood and the yellow of the flame decal is so low. From a distance, it's hard to even tell that the flames are there on the hood, unless you know to look for them.
Universe 2.0 Powerglide (mass retail) vs. Universe 2.0 Powerglide (Wal-mart Exclusive):
This one is easy. Although the mass retail version, with its largely light gray paint job with red highlights is more "realistic" and modern looking, going with the "Classics" ideal of updating G1 characters for the present, the Wal-Mart version with its G1 paint scheme (red all over) still looks very sharp, and is that much better an homage to the G1 character. Hasbro definitely got it right the second time around.
Universe 2.0 Cyclonus vs. RTS Cyclonus
This is another tough one for me. The new Cyclonus sculpt is so terrific, it almost doesn’t matter how it’s painted. With that said, though, here are my thoughts between the two options. The Universe 2.0 version more directly homages the G1 toy. I like the dark purple basis. It makes for a more menacing character, in my opinion. I also like how the grey breaks up the purple sections, making the look very dynamic, but still coherent. There is also a lot of nice attention to sculpting detail with additional paint apps. This version was an instant win for me. However, the RTS version is another terrific G1 character model homage, like Universe 2.0 Starscream. Where RTS Rodimus falls flat, RTS Cyclonus makes it work. Unfortunately, though, the dedication to the original animation model means far less paint detailing to bring out the subtleties in the sculpt. Also, the differences in hue between the light purples and lavenders of the figure are hard to discern in certain lighting conditions, or if viewing the figure from too far away. This time, the scales just barely tip the other way, and I choose the Universe 2.0 G1 toy color scheme to represent Cyclonus on my Classics shelf.
So, tell me what you think on each of these alternatives, and feel free to add any more comparisons that I might have overlooked. I’ll give my opinions on those as well. Please remember to limit the comparisons to what’s been widely available at North American retail.
