Exclusive Review of KM-01 Knight Morpher Commander
Wednesday, February 10th, 2010 10:21pm CST
Categories: Toy News, Reviews, Site Articles, Unlicensed Products NewsPosted by: Mach Views: 66,979
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This is the first time that I am doing a toy review of any form, of either an official or 3rd party product. When I received the toy, I had mixed feelings. The reason is I knew in advance that I needed to conduct a toy review, which gave me a certain amount of pressure. However, I have come through and would like to present to you: Knight Morpher Commander!
The dilemma I am facing is how should I treat this toy and give an objective view. Do I compare it with an official product? How about I compare it with a 3rd Party product? Not much to compare it to though, as there are not many to compare with in terms of 3rd party figures. FansProject? Nope, not until they release a full figure. So far FP’s products are mainly add-ons, thus it is not fair to do a straight comparison.
Anyway, as we are considering this as part of our collection, I will review it with my personal opinions and preferences. You may find that your views may differ from mine.
Rating: 5 ★s is full marks
Colour & Material: ★★★★
The main colors of the robot are dark red and dark blue. The rear cabin of the train is mainly grey and dark blue. I do not wish to comment on color choice as sometimes color is more of a personal preference, however the quality of paint applications on the figure aare reasonably well done.
Material used for the figure is ABS plastic and it feels solid. The joints and rotating parts of the figure are acceptable, however, I still believe MMC can further improve on some of the connections and joints.
Train Mode: ★★★★
The alternate mode of Knight Morpher Commander (KMC) is a locomotive train. The length of the toy is about 9 inches long making it about as long as a Generation 1 Optimus Prime trailer.
The train is formed by 2 parts. The front part of the train transforms into the robot, and the rear part can become KMC's battle station, just like his G1 counterpart.
Both parts of the train are connected by two slots as shown, and it holds on firmly. The train also rolls on it's wheels pretty well.
In the back of the train, there is a connector that enables it to tow another train, if one should be available.
There are no accessories such as weapons that need to be stored separately. All can be kept within the train mode, which I like. I love figures with this provision, such as Beast Wars Optimus Primal.
Transformation: ★★★
The transformation from train to robot or vice versa, is rather simple. The transformation difficulty level is probably about the same as Classics/Henkei Optimus Prime. The front cabin of the train transforms into the robot, with the smoke stack turn into his hand gun. The rear cabin can be transformed into a battle station.
Robot Mode: ★★★★
The robot mode of KMC is pretty comic accurate.
KMC is a bit taller than Classic/Henkei Optimus Prime.
The head sculpt can rotate 360 degree and comes with light piping, which is a nice touch. The shoulders can rotate 360 degree upwards or downwards. The upper arm can move inwards or outwards and at the elbow to connect with lower arms. The waist is capable of rotating 360 degree. The upper thighs can move forward, backward, and outwards. The knee and lower legs also able to rotate forward, backward and rotate 360 degree. In another words, this figure has plenty of articulation and can do some crazy moves.
The chest of KMC is able to open up and inside shows an object resembles the Matrix of Leadership. Unfortunately, there is no articulation on KMC’s hands, so he is unable to hold onto the matrix.
KMC's fists are able to interchange with normal a straight fist or slanted fist. The reason for this is mainly for holding his weapons, especially the sword as it will look better with the slanted fist. The image shows that the fists are light blue, however I've been informed that the mass produced versions will have dark blue fists instead.
The rear cabin can be open up, ala G1 trailer, and a huge canon can be used by KMC. KMC’s sword is stored within the canon. The canon can be pushed forward or backward, and rotated 360 degrees. One side of the cabin door can form his shield in robot mode.
My only complaint is the connection of the canon parts is a bit loose for my liking.
Conclusion: As an Optimus Prime collector, I warmly welcome KMC into my Prime lineup. As a 3rd party company, I think MMC did fairly well on their first attempt.
KMC is a fun figure to play with, however, I personally still prefer a Galaxy Convoy/Fire Convoy type of figure rather than G1 Optimus Prime type of figure as I always feel its more fun to have Prime in “Super Mode” by combining the robot mode with his trailer rather than having a seperate battle station.
Finally, below are some of the creative ways of playing this figure:
Stay tuned to Seibertron.com, your Ultimate Resource for Transformers!
The dilemma I am facing is how should I treat this toy and give an objective view. Do I compare it with an official product? How about I compare it with a 3rd Party product? Not much to compare it to though, as there are not many to compare with in terms of 3rd party figures. FansProject? Nope, not until they release a full figure. So far FP’s products are mainly add-ons, thus it is not fair to do a straight comparison.
Anyway, as we are considering this as part of our collection, I will review it with my personal opinions and preferences. You may find that your views may differ from mine.
Rating: 5 ★s is full marks
Colour & Material: ★★★★
The main colors of the robot are dark red and dark blue. The rear cabin of the train is mainly grey and dark blue. I do not wish to comment on color choice as sometimes color is more of a personal preference, however the quality of paint applications on the figure aare reasonably well done.
Material used for the figure is ABS plastic and it feels solid. The joints and rotating parts of the figure are acceptable, however, I still believe MMC can further improve on some of the connections and joints.
Train Mode: ★★★★
The alternate mode of Knight Morpher Commander (KMC) is a locomotive train. The length of the toy is about 9 inches long making it about as long as a Generation 1 Optimus Prime trailer.
The train is formed by 2 parts. The front part of the train transforms into the robot, and the rear part can become KMC's battle station, just like his G1 counterpart.
Both parts of the train are connected by two slots as shown, and it holds on firmly. The train also rolls on it's wheels pretty well.
In the back of the train, there is a connector that enables it to tow another train, if one should be available.
There are no accessories such as weapons that need to be stored separately. All can be kept within the train mode, which I like. I love figures with this provision, such as Beast Wars Optimus Primal.
Transformation: ★★★
The transformation from train to robot or vice versa, is rather simple. The transformation difficulty level is probably about the same as Classics/Henkei Optimus Prime. The front cabin of the train transforms into the robot, with the smoke stack turn into his hand gun. The rear cabin can be transformed into a battle station.
Robot Mode: ★★★★
The robot mode of KMC is pretty comic accurate.
KMC is a bit taller than Classic/Henkei Optimus Prime.
The head sculpt can rotate 360 degree and comes with light piping, which is a nice touch. The shoulders can rotate 360 degree upwards or downwards. The upper arm can move inwards or outwards and at the elbow to connect with lower arms. The waist is capable of rotating 360 degree. The upper thighs can move forward, backward, and outwards. The knee and lower legs also able to rotate forward, backward and rotate 360 degree. In another words, this figure has plenty of articulation and can do some crazy moves.
The chest of KMC is able to open up and inside shows an object resembles the Matrix of Leadership. Unfortunately, there is no articulation on KMC’s hands, so he is unable to hold onto the matrix.
KMC's fists are able to interchange with normal a straight fist or slanted fist. The reason for this is mainly for holding his weapons, especially the sword as it will look better with the slanted fist. The image shows that the fists are light blue, however I've been informed that the mass produced versions will have dark blue fists instead.
The rear cabin can be open up, ala G1 trailer, and a huge canon can be used by KMC. KMC’s sword is stored within the canon. The canon can be pushed forward or backward, and rotated 360 degrees. One side of the cabin door can form his shield in robot mode.
My only complaint is the connection of the canon parts is a bit loose for my liking.
Conclusion: As an Optimus Prime collector, I warmly welcome KMC into my Prime lineup. As a 3rd party company, I think MMC did fairly well on their first attempt.
KMC is a fun figure to play with, however, I personally still prefer a Galaxy Convoy/Fire Convoy type of figure rather than G1 Optimus Prime type of figure as I always feel its more fun to have Prime in “Super Mode” by combining the robot mode with his trailer rather than having a seperate battle station.
Finally, below are some of the creative ways of playing this figure:
Stay tuned to Seibertron.com, your Ultimate Resource for Transformers!
Credit(s): Real Devastator
This article was last modified on Thursday, February 11th, 2010 12:08am CST
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Re: Exclusive Review of KM-01 Knight Morpher Commander (1046096)
Posted by UltraPrimal on February 10th, 2010 @ 10:51pm CST
Posted by UltraPrimal on February 10th, 2010 @ 10:51pm CST
Definite pass for me.
Re: Exclusive Review of KM-01 Knight Morpher Commander (1046098)
Posted by Kibble on February 10th, 2010 @ 10:54pm CST
Posted by Kibble on February 10th, 2010 @ 10:54pm CST
Nice review, RD. Would you put it on par with City Commander from a materials and quality standpoint, or not quite? Is it worth $85 USD in your opinion? Thanks!
PS, still think this thing looks great...except in that first action pose.![:lol:]( "Laughing")
PS, still think this thing looks great...except in that first action pose.
Re: Exclusive Review of KM-01 Knight Morpher Commander (1046099)
Posted by Doctor McGrath on February 10th, 2010 @ 10:57pm CST
Posted by Doctor McGrath on February 10th, 2010 @ 10:57pm CST
This looks like a pretty solid figure. I didn't realize you could do so much with the figure and the "trailer." The only things keeping me from adding this prime to my collection is the huge shoulder armor and the dinky upper arms. Just doesn't look right to me.
I may change my mind later though![:-?]( "Confused")
Good review.
I may change my mind later though
Good review.
Re: Exclusive Review of KM-01 Knight Morpher Commander (1046101)
Posted by Mach on February 10th, 2010 @ 11:00pm CST
Material wise is on par.... Quality wise, in terms of parts connection slightly behind FP. However, as i said before, FP hasnt do a full figure yet, not mass release yet... So is a bit unfair to compare...
Posted by Mach on February 10th, 2010 @ 11:00pm CST
Kibble wrote:Nice review, RD. Would you put it on par with City Commander from a materials and quality standpoint, or not quite? Is it worth $85 USD in your opinion? Thanks!
PS, still think this thing looks great...except in that first action pose.
Material wise is on par.... Quality wise, in terms of parts connection slightly behind FP. However, as i said before, FP hasnt do a full figure yet, not mass release yet... So is a bit unfair to compare...
Re: Exclusive Review of KM-01 Knight Morpher Commander (1046103)
Posted by Mkall on February 10th, 2010 @ 11:08pm CST
Posted by Mkall on February 10th, 2010 @ 11:08pm CST
Nice review Dev. I think I'll be getting this guy, although I don't know where I'll be putting him on my shelves yet
Re: Exclusive Review of KM-01 Knight Morpher Commander (1046107)
Posted by Solrac333 on February 10th, 2010 @ 11:38pm CST
Posted by Solrac333 on February 10th, 2010 @ 11:38pm CST
Wow. ![:shock:]( "Shocked")
Re: Exclusive Review of KM-01 Knight Morpher Commander (1046110)
Posted by ang3l3s on February 10th, 2010 @ 11:51pm CST
Posted by ang3l3s on February 10th, 2010 @ 11:51pm CST
Nice review, for their 1st fig not bad.
Re: Exclusive Review of KM-01 Knight Morpher Commander (1046113)
Posted by Blurrz on February 11th, 2010 @ 12:12am CST
Posted by Blurrz on February 11th, 2010 @ 12:12am CST
This figure is Legen...wait for it.. wait for it... you better not be lactose intolerant.... dary.
Re: Exclusive Review of KM-01 Knight Morpher Commander (1046114)
Posted by DavidT on February 11th, 2010 @ 12:13am CST
Posted by DavidT on February 11th, 2010 @ 12:13am CST
Damn! That piece on top of his chest plate is blocking Primes mouth...
.
.
Re: Exclusive Review of KM-01 Knight Morpher Commander (1046129)
Posted by alldarker on February 11th, 2010 @ 1:58am CST
Posted by alldarker on February 11th, 2010 @ 1:58am CST
ReDev, thanks for the review and the pictures! Looks like the preliminary pictures weren't too far off the (almost) finished mass produced Knight Morpher.
I'm glad to hear the materials used and the paint applications are good. And I really like the versatility of the figures articulation.
I'm mostly wondering how the connections hold up. the pictures show he can hold poses OK. Anyhow, for me this will only ever be a display model: I won't be giving the joints much chance to become loose.
And I personally like the loose battlestation / trailer: it's a great tribute to G1 Prime. Last of all, MMC was of course mostly working with the HoS design that was available to them: in this regard they made a practically perfect product. You can't really fault them for the seperate trailer or for the easy transformation.
I'm glad to hear the materials used and the paint applications are good. And I really like the versatility of the figures articulation.
I'm mostly wondering how the connections hold up. the pictures show he can hold poses OK. Anyhow, for me this will only ever be a display model: I won't be giving the joints much chance to become loose.
And I personally like the loose battlestation / trailer: it's a great tribute to G1 Prime. Last of all, MMC was of course mostly working with the HoS design that was available to them: in this regard they made a practically perfect product. You can't really fault them for the seperate trailer or for the easy transformation.
Re: Exclusive Review of KM-01 Knight Morpher Commander (1046130)
Posted by Mach on February 11th, 2010 @ 2:11am CST
Connection wise is fairly ok.... But some of the joints of the robot have to handle with care (esp shoulder and upper arm part), so not to snap it....
I also mentioned about the canon as it can separate to few pieces and the sword is store within, this is a piece that the connection a bit poor....
Other than that, this figure is doing fine, quality wise.
Posted by Mach on February 11th, 2010 @ 2:11am CST
alldarker wrote:ReDev, thanks for the review and the pictures! Looks like the preliminary pictures weren't too far off the (almost) finished mass produced Knight Morpher.
I'm glad to hear the materials used and the paint applications are good. And I really like the versatility of the figures articulation.
I'm mostly wondering how the connections hold up. the pictures show he can hold poses OK. Anyhow, for me this will only ever be a display model: I won't be giving the joints much chance to become loose.
And I personally like the loose battlestation / trailer: it's a great tribute to G1 Prime. Last of all, MMC was of course mostly working with the HoS design that was available to them: in this regard they made a practically perfect product. You can't really fault them for the seperate trailer or for the easy transformation.
Connection wise is fairly ok.... But some of the joints of the robot have to handle with care (esp shoulder and upper arm part), so not to snap it....
I also mentioned about the canon as it can separate to few pieces and the sword is store within, this is a piece that the connection a bit poor....
Other than that, this figure is doing fine, quality wise.
Re: Exclusive Review of KM-01 Knight Morpher Commander (1046132)
Posted by Ravage XK on February 11th, 2010 @ 3:39am CST
Posted by Ravage XK on February 11th, 2010 @ 3:39am CST
Trailer is a bit bland, I wonder if Reprolabels could come up with a set to enhance this figure?
Overall, I would say that I like the look of the figure but I would have preferred a more metallic look.
As it stands its a pass for me but if Hasbro had produced it at a lower price then I would snap one up. £60 is a bit steep I think.
Overall, I would say that I like the look of the figure but I would have preferred a more metallic look.
As it stands its a pass for me but if Hasbro had produced it at a lower price then I would snap one up. £60 is a bit steep I think.
Re: Exclusive Review of KM-01 Knight Morpher Commander (1046133)
Posted by Dead Metal on February 11th, 2010 @ 3:49am CST
Posted by Dead Metal on February 11th, 2010 @ 3:49am CST
Wow the arms suck.
But I still think this is pretty cool, I won't be buying it but still pretty cool none the less.
RD, did you get like 3 trailers with this?
But I still think this is pretty cool, I won't be buying it but still pretty cool none the less.
RD, did you get like 3 trailers with this?
Re: Exclusive Review of KM-01 Knight Morpher Commander (1046134)
Posted by Mkall on February 11th, 2010 @ 3:53am CST
Nah, the shots that are obviously taken in a light-box are more promo images from Mastermind.
Real Dev's are those with the home-environment (and different watermak font)
Posted by Mkall on February 11th, 2010 @ 3:53am CST
Dead Metal wrote:RD, did you get like 3 trailers with this?
Nah, the shots that are obviously taken in a light-box are more promo images from Mastermind.
Real Dev's are those with the home-environment (and different watermak font)
Re: Exclusive Review of KM-01 Knight Morpher Commander (1046135)
Posted by Dead Metal on February 11th, 2010 @ 3:56am CST
Oh so that's why the combination of two trailers suddenly turned black.![8-}]( "Silly")
Lol I should have noticed.
Posted by Dead Metal on February 11th, 2010 @ 3:56am CST
Mkall wrote:Dead Metal wrote:RD, did you get like 3 trailers with this?
Nah, the shots that are obviously taken in a light-box are more promo images from Mastermind.
Real Dev's are those with the home-environment (and different watermak font)
Oh so that's why the combination of two trailers suddenly turned black.
Lol I should have noticed.
Re: Exclusive Review of KM-01 Knight Morpher Commander (1046136)
Posted by JRFitzpatrick7 on February 11th, 2010 @ 4:07am CST
My God...
the font is different...
ordered 2 of these, and recently purchased a black version on ebay, looking forward to putting that together
Posted by JRFitzpatrick7 on February 11th, 2010 @ 4:07am CST
Dead Metal wrote:Mkall wrote:Dead Metal wrote:RD, did you get like 3 trailers with this?
Nah, the shots that are obviously taken in a light-box are more promo images from Mastermind.
Real Dev's are those with the home-environment (and different watermak font)
Oh so that's why the combination of two trailers suddenly turned black.![8-}]( "Silly")
Lol I should have noticed.
My God...
the font is different...
ordered 2 of these, and recently purchased a black version on ebay, looking forward to putting that together
Re: Exclusive Review of KM-01 Knight Morpher Commander (1046155)
Posted by GEEWUN on February 11th, 2010 @ 8:00am CST
Posted by GEEWUN on February 11th, 2010 @ 8:00am CST
It is a lance... not a sword, but he was very creative showing what else the figure could do. ![:CON:]( "Decepticon")
Re: Exclusive Review of KM-01 Knight Morpher Commander (1046156)
Posted by Forgotten on February 11th, 2010 @ 8:03am CST
Posted by Forgotten on February 11th, 2010 @ 8:03am CST
That picture with Black Convoy looks like he's thinking about doing bad, bad things. ![:-$]( "Shhh ... !!!")
Figure looks good, HOS was an awesome series and I loved the retro-styling, darkly detailed designs from it. This figure is a pass for me, because I haven't really started Convoy collecting yet(still working on Megatron, Galvatron,& Starscream{if anybody can help me find a few i'd be eternally grateful and return the favor}). If MMC does Starscream, Octane, Scourge or Shockwave they WILL have my money and my respect for their duration though. ![:CON:]( "Decepticon")
![:KREMZEEK:]( "Kremzeek")
I LOVE THE KREMZEEK!!
and great review RD, you answered all the questions the fans had, laid out straight opinions and kept them neutral. AWESOME JOB
Figure looks good, HOS was an awesome series and I loved the retro-styling, darkly detailed designs from it. This figure is a pass for me, because I haven't really started Convoy collecting yet(still working on Megatron, Galvatron,& Starscream{if anybody can help me find a few i'd be eternally grateful and return the favor}). If MMC does Starscream, Octane, Scourge or Shockwave they WILL have my money and my respect for their duration though. 
I LOVE THE KREMZEEK!!and great review RD, you answered all the questions the fans had, laid out straight opinions and kept them neutral. AWESOME JOB
Re: Exclusive Review of KM-01 Knight Morpher Commander (1046159)
Posted by Counterpunch on February 11th, 2010 @ 8:25am CST
Posted by Counterpunch on February 11th, 2010 @ 8:25am CST
Awesome.
This toy looks great. I hope this company does more figures in the future.
This toy looks great. I hope this company does more figures in the future.
Re: Exclusive Review of KM-01 Knight Morpher Commander (1046174)
Posted by mechabooks on February 11th, 2010 @ 10:04am CST
Posted by mechabooks on February 11th, 2010 @ 10:04am CST
I'm glad I preordered one! It looks fantastic. I'll give it a second look on my blog when I get mine in. It'll be my first 3rd party item, so I have nothing to go by. ![:APPLAUSE:]( "Applause")
" on AMAZON](/images/products/tmb/76ce8e24b09a30c8158cbde7d36bb274.jpg)
