The Energon Pub

So, I finally got a Battle in Space 2-pack (b-day present from my wife) and have spent some time now transforming and posing the figures. Overall, I'm quite happy with the set, and really liked the Matrix accessory, even if there really isn't any place to put it. My observations:

Cyclonus/Nightstick:

Great figure(s). Both modes are top-notch, barring the awkward alignment of the legs for the fighter mode. Granted, I knew what I was getting as I already had the Universe version, but I really like the BiS paint apps: the cartoon accurate colours, the silver face, etc. really make this stand out as the ultimate version of G1 Cyclonus. Or it will, once I replace the rubsign with a proper Deception Sigil from Reprolabels. Soooo tempted to pick up another Uni-Cy now so he can have two wingmen (i.e. an armada).

Hot Rod:

In a word, "meh". I've never been a huge fan of Hot Rod/Rodimus, but I've never disliked him either. That being said, I'm happy to have him represented in my collection as an iconic character. His Bot mode, while a touch simplistic, is a good representation, and the colours are nice, but he too will be getting a new symbol from reprolabels. What bothers me about this figure is the car mode. It just screams "TOY!" in a way that few other figures do. The "brick-y-ness", the painted windows, and the boring monotone colour just don't do Roddy justice. I'm particularly disappointed in the lack of additional flame markings, and the missing contrast to the hood ones, that could have added some much needed detail. In short, I'll be keeping him mostly in robot mode, where he looks the most presentable.

Overall, I'd say that in the battle of Rodimus vs Cyclonus, Cy is the victor in this set regardless of what the comic says...

I have the original classics Cyclonus, the Henkai Cyclonus and the one from the 2 pack. IMHO the best looking one is the one from the 2 pack. The other two are his wingmen for me.

Hot Rod is as "meh" as his original release..
My oldest daughter wanted him so she now has the 2 pack one.

Anyone who says BiS is BS, they are wrong. The majority of the pack (Comic, Cyclonus, Nightstick, Matrix) is epic. It's just the Rodimus that annoys me so. His paint's horrible and his left arm snaps off easily. Classics Version = much better

Cyclonus is win. I got the Challenge At Cybertron versions of these guys, but barring a rub-sign, they're the same. Cyclonus is a great version of the character, and is definitely my favourite version of the paintjob, even as basic as it is.

Rodimus? Well, it was a cheap way for me to get the filling for my FP Protector, shame the colours don't match. Honestly though, as Hot Rod, he's ok. There's a definite feeling of cheapness about him when compared to pics of the original and Henkei releases, but as a direct comparison I prefer the flame designs and the brighter red on the newer one. Wish they'd kept the translucent windows, and the all grey shins are a bit annoying. Worst part is that they improved the design of the flame pattern on his chest, then painted it in colours that make it near invisible. Definitely needs more contrast there. Other than that, and not matching Protector, I like it better than the Classics one.

The problem with Classics Rodimus (in any colour scheme you choose) is that he's got quite basic articulation (think of a missing link between the end of G1/2 and Beast Wars), his arms are very spindly and he has a tiny head.

edit: it's not a terrible figure, but I could see a lot better job being done nowadays.

I recently got this set myself and I love Cyclonus bot mode. His jet mode is disappointing though when I compare him to my G1 Cyclonus who'll be 25 this Christmas.

My only problem with Hot Rod is his size. I'd prefer him smaller, Scout size, so I could pose him with G1 Prowl and Springer. Pity they didn't repaint Clocker as Hot Rod for this set.

The comic is a fun read, and a nice deleted scene from TF:TM though the art is atrocious. Not a patch on the Armada, Energon or Robotmasters comics from years ago.

Anyone else notice the little indent on the Matrix fits perfectly on the protrusion between the seats in G1 Prime's cab/chest? Looks really good through the windscreen in bot mode, fills up that space nicely.

Windsweeper wrote:Anyone else notice the little indent on the Matrix fits perfectly on the protrusion between the seats in G1 Prime's cab/chest? Looks really good through the windscreen in bot mode, fills up that space nicely.

That's because it was made for G1 Prime in the first place. It first came with the New Year's reissue.

For me the Hot Rod figure looks so garish and cheesy that it's almost awesome again. It's like it's G2 Hot Rod or something. Especially with his cheesy opaque blue flame.

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:

Windsweeper wrote:Anyone else notice the little indent on the Matrix fits perfectly on the protrusion between the seats in G1 Prime's cab/chest? Looks really good through the windscreen in bot mode, fills up that space nicely.

That's because it was made for G1 Prime in the first place. It first came with the New Year's reissue.

Oh sweet! Thanks for pointing this out... looks like my reissue Ultra Magnus is getting himself a Matrix!

Now if I can only find a different place to store his fists...

I've just been browsing reprolabels to have a look at some faction sigils for Hot Rod and Cyclonus, and I see this set:

http://www.reprolabels.com/Classics/Cla ... hotrod.jpg

I know it's meant for the Classics Rodimus, but how would it look on BiS Rodimus? I'm particularily concerned with the decals for the side panels, as the red background might not match up.

However, even if those particular decals are NFG for the BiS figure, the hood decal alone makes the flames more visible and includes the autobot insignia. The extra "hood" flames that go on the sides of the hood look to have a bit of the Classics red but I'm assuming I could trim that off before applying.

What do you guys think, would that set be worth it for BiS Rodimus, even if I can't use all the decals?

EDIT: I'm also wondering which Decepticon logo sheet would be best to dress up BiS Cyclonus and both Nightsticks, not to mention Generations Dirge's wing bottoms. I'm thinking that the Silver-backed ones would be best, but I also notice that you get a sheet of free silver-backed logos in various sizes (both 'bot and 'con) for each $10 you spend. So if I buy Roddy some decals and I also get a set for RTS Jazz (who, btw, needs it) then I'll get two sets of silver-backed symbols for free and save myself a few bucks, so that's a big factor...

i think these guys look great mixed in with the rest of my rts generations hftd shelf rodimus is fine when u consider what a classics off ebay costs and cyclonus is perfect in robot mode if u are a collector and u don't have this set then u aren't much of a collector theres a lot here for 20 bucks.these guys classics are 100 bucks loose together on most online stores. i've seen this set on sale for 13 bucks. you can't beat the price.and a 2 pack without optimus bb or megatron or starscream is almost unheard of.matrix/nightstick/comic too what a deal!any g1 fan needs a matrix

So I finally got some Reprolabels and...

Rodimus looks awesome!

I applied the Classics Rodimus kit, and it really brought RTS Roddy to life. Even though the red of the door panels and front quarter-panels doesn't quite match, it adds so much colour and life to the figure that it's well worth it. If you have been sitting on the fence about getting this set for your RTS Rodimus, then do it!

This isn't my video, but it helped me make the decision:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdEDgkGxtxU

As a bonus, I got a sheet of faction logos, which I used to great effect on both Cyclonus and Nightstick.

So yeah, these two figures (well, three) are once again at the front of my shelf!

Meh, if you have the original classics rodimus and uni cyclonus, you would do fine without the BiS

The only real problem I have is Hot Rod's garish paint colors. Cyclonus is still win, and Hot Rod was a decent Classics toy mold-wise. And i got a Matrix for my Classics Prime, to boot!

gavinfuzzy wrote:Meh, if you have the original classics rodimus and uni cyclonus, you would do fine without the BiS

Perhaps, but BiS Cyclonus looks far more 'toon-accurate than the Uni version did.

And either Rodimus looks better with the Reprolabels applied. I can't stand Classics Roddy's chest flames - bleh.

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:

Windsweeper wrote:Anyone else notice the little indent on the Matrix fits perfectly on the protrusion between the seats in G1 Prime's cab/chest? Looks really good through the windscreen in bot mode, fills up that space nicely.

That's because it was made for G1 Prime in the first place. It first came with the New Year's reissue.

While I knew that abou the origin of the diecast Matrix, it never occured to me until now to use it for that! Now my G1 Prime will have his matrix, most excellent.

Diem wrote:For me the Hot Rod figure looks so garish and cheesy that it's almost awesome again. It's like it's G2 Hot Rod or something. Especially with his cheesy opaque blue flame.

I think I agree! To be honest the only thing I don't like is the blue painted windows. But otherwise, he's pretty cool. I even like the fact that his bot mode deco is more cartoon accurate. I'm just happy I didn't pay much for him, because he's a little too garish to spend a pile on. He gets to be Hot Rod in my collection while the original classics release wears the Protector armor full time.

kirbenvost wrote:I think I agree! To be honest the only thing I don't like is the blue painted windows. But otherwise, he's pretty cool. I even like the fact that his bot mode deco is more cartoon accurate. I'm just happy I didn't pay much for him, because he's a little too garish to spend a pile on. He gets to be Hot Rod in my collection while the original classics release wears the Protector armor full time.

I've found that, despite the reds not matching exactly, having the Reprolabels set on him makes the blue windows much more tolerable, since the colours are a bit more broken up. Thus, I actually transform him into car mode from time to time, instead of leaving him permanently in bot mode.

I found the set in a German supermarket, a very pleasant surprise since I was really looking for Hotrod and needless to say, I very happy with it.

That matrix fits in Thunderwing's hands quite nicely, BTW.

If you havent got either figure its AWSOME to be honest the only people who can REALY complain about Rodimus is those that have Classics Rodimus if you dont you got him for like £/$10 instead of paying 40-60 for him MISB.

Cyclonus kicks **** out off the Universe 2.0 so what its got a rub sign take it off get some reprolables the other one is too dark to me it looks awful standing next to BIS Cyclonus + Matrix and a... meh comic,

Again truely a must have for those who dont have them.