Top 5 Best Hot Rod / Rodimus Transformers toys
Saturday, June 1st, 2019 12:07PM CDT
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Top 5 Hot Rod / Rodimus Transformers toys
Even though he was the autobot leader, Hot Rod/Rodimus often had the short end of the stick when it came to toys in the past. It's all due to his design that, while really cool and sleek looking, didn't have enough shared elements between both his modes. He transforms at least three different ways in the original film and, unless I am very wrong about this, it seems the entire dome of his car mode shrinks into becoming his crotch. So not an easy design to have a toy imitate. There were attempts, of course, but as time went on we definitely got some gems. His evolved form, Rodimus Prime, also had a rocky start with the G1 toy but we eventually go something better, as you will soon see.
5. Transformers The last Knight Hot Rod
Ok so this will look like the odd duck in this list, but he is still a version of Hot Rod and a pretty good toy at that. A pretty awesome toy actually. I know people will be turned off by his looks but the alt mode is gorgeous (and to me the most appropriate real life alt mode he would have if futuristic cars are not an option), the transformation is smart, especially for the arms, and he has very nice alt mode integration, reminiscent of his G1 self with the front of the sports car becoming his torso and folding vertically the same way (as opposed to it sticking out ala Datsuns). I find him really fun to mess with and I think he looks kick ass in both his modes. Easily one of the best deluxes from the Transformers: The Last Knight toyline. - William-James88
4. Power of the Prime Rodimus Prime with Hot Rod
It's first and foremost a great toy with a lot of playability options. Secondarily, it can be good display piece and offer a lot of different display options, though some are better than others.
It's nice to finally have that form of Rodimus Prime in a big, chunky toy for the first time in the "Classics" era of Transformers. It looks pretty good, all told. He really looks like a viable Autobot leader. I love the face sculpt, which conveys the increase in experience, wisdom, and confidence that Rodimus Prime cultivated during his tenure as "Prime." Much of the "super armor" to form Rodimus Prime is in a darker, more maroon leaning shade of red, contrasting the brighter "cherry red" that dominates more of his "unevolved" self in both robot and alternate modes. Again, this gives a nice sense of maturity in the evolution of the character and calls back to details from the original cartoon as well. - Wolfman Jake
3. Transformers Masterpiece Hot Rod (Hot Rodimus)
He. Might be. My... FAVORITE Masterpiece yet. And I do NOT say that lightly.
Out of the box, he's in car mode. And I'm not even kidding, I just starred at it for a good 10 minutes. It's just so friggin sleek! I couldn't take my eyes off that engine block or the rear end, he looked EXACTLY like he did in the movie. I got tingles.
Transformation flows naturally and is a joy. The backpack doesn't look like anything out of the ordinary to me and neither does the chest.
What do I love? Posability is a dream. Arm cannon thingies are somehow more satisfying than MP09. Head sculpt and shades are perfect. The hood panels that become the shoulders, just fill him out and give him a real organic look.
I %^&*#$@ing LOVE this figure. And I'm almost positive I'm buying a second one just to have in car mode. - Shajaki
2. Titans Return Hot Rod
Yeah, this is a better toy than the MP, especially when you look at cost to value ratio. When I look at this toy and how compact and streamlined the transformation is, I can't help but wonder how making a sleek MP with a minimal backpack could be so hard. This toy also has a better silhouette at every angle, with his magnificent spoiler, he has his own car mode detail at the bottom of the car which doesn't look like a robot hiding, and I am much less scared of breaking him when transforming. The fact that he is a headmaster greatly helps and works in this case because of all characters, Hot Rod is the one where the alt mode's cockpit area begs for use in car mode since it totally dissapears in robot mode, like several headmasters. So its a perfect fit to have someone make use of that cockpit and add functionality to it. Plus, him being a headmaster means there is one less part to hide in vehicle mode, helping the sleek transformation and resulting robot.
I fear this is a toy that does everything so right without doing anything overly special that it may not get the spotlight it deserves and hopefully this entry cements the achievement of this toy. - William-James88
1. Transformers Animated Rodimus Minor (Rodimus)
To me, this is still the Rodimus/ Hot Rod toy to beat when it comes to engineering/price point ratio and overal style. Everything is just so elegant in every mode. Everything you want from a Hot Rod toy is there and done expertly while also adding a few details that are specific to this rendition, setting him apart. The sleek alt mode even goes one step beyond the usual idea of the futuristic car by giving him back windows as well. The front wheels hide like a charm and the effect of the continuing exhaust pipes in alt mode will never grow old. Plus we have the most minimal backpack on any Hot Rod toy. He is one of the transformer toys I enjoy transforming the most and I recommend him every chance I get. - William-James88
Honourable Mention: I realize this list only has newer Hot Rod/Rodimus toys but that is because his design is so tricky (due to having minimal alt mode integration) that only more recent engineering has been able to pull it off effectively. The other way to do a good version was to totally change his alt mode, which they did in the Energon line. I have to admit, the design is pretty awesome and the alt mode is cool. I also like how the feet are front and center in vehicle mode but work perfectly as being part of the truck. He can't pose very well though and ends up having a truncated torso due to being able to form both the pants and shirt of a two part combiner. Easily the best of the Autobot Deluxes from the Energon line, but to be honest that isn't saying much.
Transformers Energon Rodimus (Rodimus Convoy) Gallery
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Posted by Flashwave on June 1st, 2019 @ 12:34pm CDT
Energon Rodimus Major feels like a perfect CHUG take on Rodimus Prime, still a truck but as a dragster semi, fully un line with the roots of his character. For anyobe not wanting to go with the POTP Leader of RP, its still a good figure.
Posted by Nathaniel Prime on June 1st, 2019 @ 12:48pm CDT
If it weren't for the breaking issue of the first MP Rodimus, I would have liked that one alot more, since it looks great in all 4 modes.
Now, what do you think of the G1 figure? Would it have been worthy enough for an honorable mention?
Posted by frogbat on June 1st, 2019 @ 12:50pm CDT
Think the original hot rod was pretty cool, obviously has the burden of being of its day. Of the recent releases, the tr version is my current favourite... had to get used to his proportions but was fun. The mp figure is great but for heavens sake... the chrome was fading within a week.
The original classic hot rod was a very good and fun figure, one of the better releases back then.
My g1 Rodimus is a fun toy.... he’s so crap in many ways but I reckon it was his little mobile base that made him a more enjoyable figure.
Posted by Ultra Markus on June 1st, 2019 @ 2:07pm CDT
the last night version shouldnt even be on the list
Posted by Stargrave on June 1st, 2019 @ 2:27pm CDT
Posted by AllNewSuperRobot on June 1st, 2019 @ 2:31pm CDT
Hot Rodimus being the only non-Beast Wars MP I own, that I actually wanted (other than Galvatron.. someday, HasTak eh?) and although mine is the MP-40 with the "dreaded" alternate palette, I love it just the same. I'd agree with pretty much all your list. Now, number one looks like a very impressive figure, but that face... Being the issue I had with Animated toys.
Maybe Takara might give us a real Rodimus Prime MP figure someday too. One without gimmicks...
Posted by Wireless_Phantom on June 1st, 2019 @ 3:06pm CDT
Posted by Wireless_Phantom on June 1st, 2019 @ 3:09pm CDT
Ultra Markus wrote:classics hot rod should be were the last night hot rod is
the last night version shouldnt even be on the list
If we are trying to be objective here, TLK Hotrod is way better as a figure. Better articulation and better engineering place it as fairly superior. Classics Hotrod probably should've at least been an honorable mention though.
Posted by Optimutt on June 1st, 2019 @ 3:22pm CDT
I'm happy that TR Hot / Rodimus was on it. Since I got that toy, it has been on nearly permanent display in one of its various forms.
Additionally, I'm sadly pleased to see that the abomination of MP-09 was not on the list anywhere. A beauty it may be, but it's fragile, explosive, and frustrating to no end.
I wish I could get behind the Animated aesthetic. I wish I could see your love for that Rod, WJ. Sadly, I just can't get behind the designs of the characters. The toys - brilliant; utterly brilliant - but I don't want to look at them. Not a fan of the style.
Posted by Ultra Markus on June 1st, 2019 @ 5:49pm CDT
Wireless_Phantom wrote:Ultra Markus wrote:classics hot rod should be were the last night hot rod is
the last night version shouldnt even be on the list
If we are trying to be objective here, TLK Hotrod is way better as a figure. Better articulation and better engineering place it as fairly superior. Classics Hotrod probably should've at least been an honorable mention though.
Maybe so but but we shouldn't consider that a hotrod worthy of the others on the list he's not remotely close to any in character design he only shares a name and that's not enough
Posted by hausjam on June 1st, 2019 @ 6:08pm CDT
MP28 looks decent in alt mode. That’s all I got.
For my money MP9 is the best hot rod/Rodimus. If he didn’t have crumbling joints, he would be the greatest masterpiece ever.
Posted by Glarryg on June 1st, 2019 @ 6:14pm CDT
Last Knight Hot Rod was a pleasant surprise to me, given that movie figures had become rather hit-or-miss at the time in my opinion. My only beef was that being a mostly black vehicle didn't seem very "Hot Rod"-esque; I know his traditional alternate mode always been more of a sports car than a true hot rod, but there's always been an ostentatious element of style to it. At least put more color on him than that tiny strip of orange/red along the bottom.
Glarryg
Posted by Stargrave on June 1st, 2019 @ 8:37pm CDT
In a critical sense, although I personally like Classics Hot Rod, and personally like G1 Hot Rod, both are clunky. G1 Hot Rod has two joints in robot mode. That's it. And its elbows for god's sake, not even shoulders. Classics Hot Rod is technically full of joints, but have fun posing him in too many meaningful poses with all his panel kibble. Yes he's got a flip out sawblade, but does he? Really? Is that what you'd call that? Both could win heavy on their great car modes don't get me wrong I love each of these for so many different reasons.
*You know I don't want to digress too much here but only because it's being mentioned a few times - if anyone wants to, I posted a pretty low key custom for your PotP Rodimus that completely changes the profile and playability of the figure. If you shelled out $50 for him and were a little disappointed with that kibble, go check it out in the Transtopia thread you might be surprised how easy it is to get more out of your purchase.
**Also of note while we're talking about Classics Hot Rod - everyone remember that crotch piece slides forward in robot mode making him stand way better. It was forever before I realized that.
Posted by Wolfman Jake on June 1st, 2019 @ 11:05pm CDT
Posted by ausbot on June 2nd, 2019 @ 2:38am CDT
Posted by steve2275 on June 2nd, 2019 @ 3:06am CDT
Posted by ThunderThruster on June 2nd, 2019 @ 9:56am CDT
Posted by Gauntlet101010 on June 2nd, 2019 @ 11:34am CDT
PotP was a fine idea, but the execution was sorely lacking. The backpack in both modes is just about irredeemable! The proportions on "Hot Rod" more are all off and that backpack site far too low to be excusable. Both classics and Titans version of that mode are better, which is a disappointment. And that combined vehicle mode is alright, but suffers from his hands being completely obvious. And the size of the super mode ... he's too tall to fit in anywhere. I mean he's an alright toy all on his own, but I can't say he's a "top five" sort of toy. I guess the smaller robot is the best official Rodimus figure for Classics, but that feels more like a fail on Hasbro's part than a win.
Energon Roddy was a good idea, but the execution is all off. If we want to choose an honorable mention, what about Excellion? Sure, he isn't labelled "Hot Rod", but he's a clear homage. He does everything a modern Hot Rod toy does and does it in style with nothing sacrificed for the sake of his gimmick. Unlike the Rodumus toy which is completely compromised in favor of turning into pants.
I still like Alternators Roddy. He's articulated, his vehicle mode fits him to a "t", he has his "glasses" from the movie ... for a long time I didn't really want for a Hot Rod in that scale. Sure he's a repaint, but he's a good one!
Posted by Flashwave on June 2nd, 2019 @ 12:48pm CDT
Gauntlet101010 wrote:Ooo, I disagree with this list a bit.
PotP was a fine idea, but the execution was sorely lacking. The backpack in both modes is just about irredeemable! The proportions on "Hot Rod" more are all off and that backpack site far too low to be excusable. Both classics and Titans version of that mode are better, which is a disappointment. And that combined vehicle mode is alright, but suffers from his hands being completely obvious. And the size of the super mode ... he's too tall to fit in anywhere. I mean he's an alright toy all on his own, but I can't say he's a "top five" sort of toy. I guess the smaller robot is the best official Rodimus figure for Classics, but that feels more like a fail on Hasbro's part than a win.
Energon Roddy was a good idea, but the execution is all off. If we want to choose an honorable mention, what about Excellion? Sure, he isn't labelled "Hot Rod", but he's a clear homage. He does everything a modern Hot Rod toy does and does it in style with nothing sacrificed for the sake of his gimmick. Unlike the Rodumus toy which is completely compromised in favor of turning into pants.
I still like Alternators Roddy. He's articulated, his vehicle mode fits him to a "t", he has his "glasses" from the movie ... for a long time I didn't really want for a Hot Rod in that scale. Sure he's a repaint, but he's a good one!
I forgot about Alternators Rod, is that the Mirage redeco
Posted by william-james88 on June 2nd, 2019 @ 2:49pm CDT
Gauntlet101010 wrote:Energon Roddy was a good idea, but the execution is all off. If we want to choose an honorable mention, what about Excellion? Sure, he isn't labelled "Hot Rod", but he's a clear homage. He does everything a modern Hot Rod toy does and does it in style with nothing sacrificed for the sake of his gimmick. Unlike the Rodumus toy which is completely compromised in favor of turning into pants.
I still like Alternators Roddy. He's articulated, his vehicle mode fits him to a "t", he has his "glasses" from the movie ... for a long time I didn't really want for a Hot Rod in that scale. Sure he's a repaint, but he's a good one!
Alternators Roddy would be in a top 10 for sure, but for my top 5 I didn't like the idea of having a repaint (and yes, it is a Mirage repaint). It's not just that, I am also not a fan of the transformation nor the overall look of the figure in robot mode, especially in the way the arms and legs connect to his body, it doen't look good to me.
As for Excellion, I thought of it, but to keep things less complicated I went with the more black and white approach of just going by name. It's a great toy which already got a lot of mentions on lists in the past (and will get more) but in the end its an homage and not the character himself being evoked. It wouldnt be fair to skip over a mention of an actual hot rod toy, I wanted to show as many hot rod toys as possible within a top 5.
In the end, this just shows that unlike Optimus, Bumblebee, Shockwave, Megatron or even Ravage, Hot Rod / Rodimus doesn't have that many good toys out there.
Wolfman Jake wrote:Wow, I'm honored to see my little blurb about PotP Rodimus Prime used to describe his place on this top 5 list. I think I must have written than almost a year and a half ago. William-James88 dug deep for that one, lol!
I wrote this list a year ago back when your quote was fresh. It just takes time to get to lists sometimes, only 2 come out per month. Thanks for having contributed.
ausbot wrote:The titanium Rodimus would be great if it were made from all plastic, the metal parts and its weight spoil it.
Would he really? I feel he would need more reworking than that. The design is really cool and it could be a great jumping off point for a good toy some day.
Ultra Markus wrote:Maybe so but but we shouldn't consider that a hotrod worthy of the others on the list he's not remotely close to any in character design he only shares a name and that's not enough
The same could be said for any movie character, including Bumblebee. And it goes for most Megatrons in the 15 years after G1. If we can count RID Megatron in a top 5 Megatron list, then this Hot Rod counts just as much. And it's a pretty good toy, I recomend him over another other Hot Rod toy that didn't make the list. I wouldn't want people to miss out on a good Hot Rod toy.
Nathaniel Prime wrote:Now, what do you think of the G1 figure? Would it have been worthy enough for an honorable mention?
If I include anymore figures, then it becomes a ranking rather than concentrating on the best. And while the G1 toy is ok, he was never seen as a great toy. For many (including Hasbro), he is the herald of a drop in quality, especially compared to other G1 figures. I don't mind him personally, I like having him in my collection, I just don't think its a great toy.
As for comments asking about Classics Hot Rod, it's all opinions but I don't know why anyone would go to bat for that figure. It's basically the G1 figure without the charm of it being a G1 figure. It wasn't good at the time (compare to other classics like Prime, Megatron, Sideswipe, Cyclonus or Hound) and it has only aged worse since.
Posted by ZeldaTheSwordsman on June 2nd, 2019 @ 3:27pm CDT
Gauntlet101010 wrote:Ooo, I disagree with this list a bit.
PotP was a fine idea, but the execution was sorely lacking. The backpack in both modes is just about irredeemable! The proportions on "Hot Rod" more are all off and that backpack site far too low to be excusable. Both classics and Titans version of that mode are better, which is a disappointment. And that combined vehicle mode is alright, but suffers from his hands being completely obvious. And the size of the super mode ... he's too tall to fit in anywhere. I mean he's an alright toy all on his own, but I can't say he's a "top five" sort of toy. I guess the smaller robot is the best official Rodimus figure for Classics, but that feels more like a fail on Hasbro's part than a win.
As somebody who owns and is very fond of PotP Roddy, I don't find the Rodimus Prime mode's backpack to be that obtrusive (and if you like, you can split it into a couple of coattails to get it clear of the thighs for poses). Now, the Hot Rod mode's backpack, that is a problem. But not really because of your stated reason - after all, the Cybertron Hot Shot mold from which Excellion springs has a backpack that hangs down even lower:
No, I think the true issue is that on PotP Hot Rod the canopy can't bend backwards, and thus neither can the legs. As for the proportions, I think they're just fine and he doesn't have TR Hot Rod's rather high shoulders. Although I do think TR Hot Rod is a better individual Hot Rod.
As for where the evolved mode fits in size-wise, I can think of three places: As a "powered up" version to explain the size, among Masterpieces as a stand-in Rodimus Prime, and with other awkwardly large Leaders like PotP Optimus, the CW Leaders, and the original Galvatron mold:
Gauntlet101010 wrote:Energon Roddy was a good idea, but the execution is all off. If we want to choose an honorable mention, what about Excellion? Sure, he isn't labelled "Hot Rod", but he's a clear homage. He does everything a modern Hot Rod toy does and does it in style with nothing sacrificed for the sake of his gimmick. Unlike the Rodumus toy which is completely compromised in favor of turning into pants.
I agree that Excellion is worth a mention. The Cybertron Hot Shot mold is a HUGE homage to Hot Rod: It takes most of its transformation from Hot Rod's original toy, it has the triple blasters on the forearms, and the Cyber Key gimmick is a spoiler to complete the homage. Excellion takes it even further with his deco.
Ultra Markus wrote:Wireless_Phantom wrote:Ultra Markus wrote:classics hot rod should be were the last night hot rod is
the last night version shouldnt even be on the list
If we are trying to be objective here, TLK Hotrod is way better as a figure. Better articulation and better engineering place it as fairly superior. Classics Hotrod probably should've at least been an honorable mention though.
Maybe so but but we shouldn't consider that a hotrod worthy of the others on the list he's not remotely close to any in character design he only shares a name and that's not enough
First off, the shared name is enough to make him that universe's take on Hot Rod. Second, his design actually does (at least to me) have some airs of WFC Roddy.
Glarryg wrote:My only beef was that being a mostly black vehicle didn't seem very "Hot Rod"-esque; I know his traditional alternate mode always been more of a sports car than a true hot rod, but there's always been an ostentatious element of style to it. At least put more color on him than that tiny strip of orange/red along the bottom.
Glarryg
Perhaps so. Although black does fit the theme of heat/fire if you think about it.
hausjam wrote:I can’t believe POTP Rodimus is on here. He is a pile of kibble and turd.
MP28 looks decent in alt mode. That’s all I got.
For my money MP9 is the best hot rod/Rodimus. If he didn’t have crumbling joints, he would be the greatest masterpiece ever.
I strongly disagree with you about PotP Roddy. And the only other G1 Rodimus [b]Prime[/i] toy we've had since the eighties aside from him and the MP was Titrod, so...
Those crumbling joints are what kept MP9 off the list. Along with the other frail spots, the rolling issues, and so on. They have kept
However, I do think MP9 deserves an honorable mention for the ambition of the design.
Posted by thesiege_2005 on June 2nd, 2019 @ 4:06pm CDT
00Stargrave00 wrote:**Also of note while we're talking about Classics Hot Rod - everyone remember that crotch piece slides forward in robot mode making him stand way better. It was forever before I realized that.
OMG, I didn't know that! Just went and pulled my classics Rodimus from storage and low and behold there is a new thing I didn't not know about before. Makes me appreciate the mold a little more. Though I wish the waist swiveled too.
Not sure I understand why some people like Titans Return Rodimus better than the Classics one. I see how the Classics mold could have used an update but I don't personally think TR or even POTP really did it that much better. They just both look cheap and unfinished to me.
I too like the Animated mold more than I expected, but echo the others who just didn't care for the Animated aesthetic enough to care. Along with Animated Arcee they are the only Animated figures I own, and are also in storage because they don't really fit anywhere next to anyone else. So I'm not sure I'd put it at #1.
MP-28 isn't 100% perfect but comes darn close in my mind, so I'd have put it at the top. MP-9 seemed cool when it came out but I do hope we one day get a proper MP Rodimus Prime that doesn't have to also be a powered up Hot Rod.
I also wish more U.S. releases of Hot Rod were magenta instead of maroon/red. I'm still hoping for a G1 reissue in magenta to match the sticker on the side. Surprised e-hobby never did this back in the day. The Animated toy got it a little better but the plastic color of Animated Arcee would have been more perfect for Roddy.
Posted by Flashwave on June 2nd, 2019 @ 4:20pm CDT
thesiege_2005 wrote:00Stargrave00 wrote:**Also of note while we're talking about Classics Hot Rod - everyone remember that crotch piece slides forward in robot mode making him stand way better. It was forever before I realized that.
OMG, I didn't know that! Just went and pulled my classics Rodimus from storage and low and behold there is a new thing I didn't not know about before. Makes me appreciate the mold a little more. Though I wish the waist swiveled too.
Not sure I understand why some people like Titans Return Rodimus better than the Classics one. I see how the Classics mold could have used an update but I don't personally think TR or even POTP really did it that much better. They just both look cheap and unfinished to me.
I too like the Animated mold more than I expected, but echo the others who just didn't care for the Animated aesthetic enough to care. Along with Animated Arcee they are the only Animated figures I own, and are also in storage because they don't really fit anywhere next to anyone else. So I'm not sure I'd put it at #1
For me, the big hang on Classics Roddy is proportions. Pimple sized head, and a hody that is both broad shoulder but also rail thin and so tightly compact that he looks like he shouldnt be as posable as he is. I love the car mode, the jetpack, the driving turret mode (flipvthe booster over in car mode) but that bot mode id just too stiff and rigid. I am using that mold for TFCC Side Burn because we'll never see another Side Burn. The plastic on TR Hot Rod is too shiny and toylike, but the body is lankier and feels loose and free spirited. The POTP is also stiff too but not as clunky.
Did not know that about the hips moving, and I even broke one of mine and didnt see it.
I still love the Animated Arcee. It doesnt really match anything, but it was the best Arcee we had for a ehile. The Generations mold is tiny compared to the blocky counterparts and the Headmaster mold, while a fun toy, is missing some Arcee vibes
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on June 2nd, 2019 @ 4:33pm CDT
I don't own Animated Roddy, so I cannot say anything about him, but I have yet to hear a bad thing about him that isn't something I can see and disagree with immediately.
Of the figures I have, I would rank them:
1) PotP Rodimus Unicronus - He is my favorite Hot Rod / Rodimus toy of any type. He is fantastic in mold, really nice colors and head sculpt, and just gorgeous.
2) TR Hot Rod - this is a pretty dang good mold, and I really enjoy him. I love the alt mode too, it's perfection.
3) PotP Rodimus Prime - same as Rod-Cron, but he's the vanilla one, so he's behind TR.
4) TLK deluxe Hot Rod - he's pretty dang good, and that alt mode is sexy AF. He's really not that bad, though I would argue we need another version of him to get his robot mode closer to the movie.
5) Cybertron Excellion - I own the Breakaway version of this mold, but it's a pretty good one too. Love the detailing and again a great alt mode. He needed proper forearms though.
6) CW Rodimus - Love the alt mode, but that robot mode doesn't really work. But he makes a good chest and also a companion to the upcoming Star Convoy.
7) TR Rodimus Prime Titan Master - I love the colors and diecast. He rides in the TR Hot Rod guns while Hot Rod wields Siege Firedrive.
8.) MP-40 Hot Rodimus - I love the colors, but that's about it. The mold ended up being so lame and such a boring figure that he stands with Artfire on the MP shelf but Artfire and the other G1 MPs I have (Wheeljack, Sideswipe, and Prime in his SG form) vastly outdo him in every way. I won't get rid of him cause I am collecting MP Targetmasters, but he's definitely my most disappointing Rodimus and MP figure.
Posted by AcademyofDrX on June 2nd, 2019 @ 5:04pm CDT
Posted by AcademyofDrX on June 2nd, 2019 @ 5:09pm CDT
I usually don't get non-transforming toys, but I'm going to seek out the Revoltech.
Posted by Jeddostotle7 on June 2nd, 2019 @ 5:55pm CDT
Posted by ZeldaTheSwordsman on June 2nd, 2019 @ 7:39pm CDT
thesiege_2005 wrote:Not sure I understand why some people like Titans Return Rodimus better than the Classics one. I see how the Classics mold could have used an update but I don't personally think TR or even POTP really did it that much better. They just both look cheap and unfinished to me.
Well, let's see: Titans Return Hot Rod's face doesn't have the out-of-place Rodimus Prime jowls that Classics Roddy does, his car mode looks more like the G1 car mode instead of being arbitrarily changed to a DOME Zero, he actually has all three sets of external exhaust pipes and they aren't minimized like on the Classics figure, he's a little taller, he does a cool trick to deal with his car mode's rear wheels and fenders, he actually has 5mm compatible hands, he can mount his guns to his engine for a vehicle attack mode like the original toy had (instead of having to flip the spoiler over to achieve one), he has better proportions..
Posted by Prime Target on June 2nd, 2019 @ 9:29pm CDT
And Classics and Cloud Rodimus Should've had a place in the honourable mentions and somewhere in the list respectively. For its time despite its restricted articulation and the Flame effect missile that only really worked Aesthetically in alt mode he's still a solid,meaty figure with a great transformation
Posted by -Kanrabat- on June 2nd, 2019 @ 10:01pm CDT
For shame.
I'd kick out Movie Hot Rod from the list and put the classic/Henkei one at least at #5 or 4.
Unless the official name must absolutely be "Hot Rod" that is.
Posted by william-james88 on June 2nd, 2019 @ 10:33pm CDT
ZeldaTheSwordsman wrote:Glarryg wrote:My only beef was that being a mostly black vehicle didn't seem very "Hot Rod"-esque; I know his traditional alternate mode always been more of a sports car than a true hot rod, but there's always been an ostentatious element of style to it. At least put more color on him than that tiny strip of orange/red along the bottom.
Glarryg
Perhaps so. Although black does fit the theme of heat/fire if you think about it.
I do think MP9 deserves an honorable mention for the ambition of the design.
The movie verse is well known for changing colour schemes around, like Drift, Ironhide, Sideswipe, Jazz, Jetfire and Ratchet. So going that route with Hot Rod just felt par for the course in terms of movie verse. And the alt mode and colour looked super sleek and sexy so I thought it fit the character enough as far as movie verse goes.
And I cant mention everyone, but I know MP9 is on everyone's mind so thats why I made him the thumbnail (along with the G1 figure)
D-Maximal_Primal wrote:Nice list.
I don't own Animated Roddy, so I cannot say anything about him, but I have yet to hear a bad thing about him that isn't something I can see and disagree with immediately.
8.) MP-40 Hot Rodimus - I love the colors, but that's about it. The mold ended up being so lame and such a boring figure that he stands with Artfire on the MP shelf but Artfire and the other G1 MPs I have (Wheeljack, Sideswipe, and Prime in his SG form) vastly outdo him in every way. I won't get rid of him cause I am collecting MP Targetmasters, but he's definitely my most disappointing Rodimus and MP figure.
Thanks for the kind words (thanks all around to everyone). Yeah the only thing people have against Animated Hot Rod is the aesthetic. But its no different to discounting a movie prime toy due to it having a mouth (or First Edition Bulkhead not having a nose). Knowing your taste, I am pretty sure it would be your nummber 1 as well, especially since you like interesting transformations and sleek figures with a lot of presence.
I did not know you thought so little of the MP figure. Though aside from Shajaki I dont think many would argue that every MP figure you mentioned is better. I definitely think so too.
AcademyofDrX wrote:I had a wish list to make a Hot Rod shrine, and this feature convinced me to act on it. I thank you @william-james88, but be warned, my wallet had made you its enemy.
Haha, thanks and no worries I am ready for any wallet that may take arms against me. Especially yours since it wont be very heavy
Prime Target wrote:The Legends Hot Rod I feel would have a better place at #2. He has the streamlined design , Great transformation, but with the more toon accurate and striking paint job, Firebolt Targetmaster, the neat flipping chest trick with the additional port and the new face sculpt and Well painted Headmaster/Titan Master.
I feel the Hasbro version is sleeker due to the chest having that extra transformation bit where we see his abs. It makes him stand out more against other Hot Rod toys and makes him ever slightly more complex, and showing more exclusive robot mode detail.
But hey to each their own, they are similar enough that whoever preffers the Legends one can just replace one for the other on their list. In our case, it would remain in the same spot.
Posted by cruizerdave on June 2nd, 2019 @ 10:42pm CDT
Posted by Gauntlet101010 on June 2nd, 2019 @ 11:15pm CDT
ZeldaTheSwordsman wrote:As somebody who owns and is very fond of PotP Roddy, I don't find the Rodimus Prime mode's backpack to be that obtrusive (and if you like, you can split it into a couple of coattails to get it clear of the thighs for poses). Now, the Hot Rod mode's backpack, that is a problem. But not really because of your stated reason - after all, the Cybertron Hot Shot mold from which Excellion springs has a backpack that hangs down even lower:
While it does hang lower, it doesn't bother me nearly as much since it's just a better figure overall. Maybe I need to break out Prime Roddy and Excelleon both and really compare, but while Excelleon blew me away Prime just dissapointed. And a lot of that comes from the just-off-enough look Priems has.
Another disappointing thing about the backpack is that every Hot Rod toy has done it better since Classics. I mean except Cyberverse, which has to be the worst Hot Rod.
william-james88 wrote:Alternators Roddy would be in a top 10 for sure, but for my top 5 I didn't like the idea of having a repaint (and yes, it is a Mirage repaint). It's not just that, I am also not a fan of the transformation nor the overall look of the figure in robot mode, especially in the way the arms and legs connect to his body, it doen't look good to me.
As for Excellion, I thought of it, but to keep things less complicated I went with the more black and white approach of just going by name. It's a great toy which already got a lot of mentions on lists in the past (and will get more) but in the end its an homage and not the character himself being evoked. It wouldnt be fair to skip over a mention of an actual hot rod toy, I wanted to show as many hot rod toys as possible within a top 5.
In the end, this just shows that unlike Optimus, Bumblebee, Shockwave, Megatron or even Ravage, Hot Rod / Rodimus doesn't have that many good toys out there.
Wouldn't the same logic that goes against Alternators Hot Rod also go against Shockwave? Being a repaint, I mean, not that you just don't like it. If Alternators Shockwave can make a list, and the BB repaint get so high on the Cliffjumper list, I don't see why Alternators Hot Rod would get knocked for being a repaint.
I still feel like Energon Rodimus could be beat out by other toys. Sure, the alt. mode was a great idea. But that's like ... it. That's all it has, just a better alt mode idea than G1.
But if Excellion if off the table wouldn't Hot Shot (Hot Rod in Japan) still be fine? The homage is lessened because of the colours, but he's still a better toy than Energon Roddy. I mean is Energon Roddy really a better toy overall than Classics, Alternators, Cybertron, or even Cloud?
Posted by william-james88 on June 2nd, 2019 @ 11:31pm CDT
Gauntlet101010 wrote:Wouldn't the same logic that goes against Alternators Hot Rod also go against Shockwave? Being a repaint, I mean, not that you just don't like it. If Alternators Shockwave can make a list, and the BB repaint get so high on the Cliffjumper list, I don't see why Alternators Hot Rod would get knocked for being a repaint.
I still feel like Energon Rodimus could be beat out by other toys. Sure, the alt. mode was a great idea. But that's like ... it. That's all it has, just a better alt mode idea than G1.
But if Excellion if off the table wouldn't Hot Shot (Hot Rod in Japan) still be fine? The homage is lessened because of the colours, but he's still a better toy than Energon Roddy. I mean is Energon Roddy really a better toy overall than Classics, Alternators, Cybertron, or even Cloud?
Firstly, Alternators not being there is not just becuase he is a repaint, I wrote as such. And the logic stays the same since as I said, I would include him in a top 10, as I did in the shockwave list, but this isnt a top 10.
And energon roddy didnt make the list, he isn't good enough for a top 5, so I dont really understand the issue here.
Posted by blackeyedprime on June 3rd, 2019 @ 6:40am CDT
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on June 3rd, 2019 @ 6:17pm CDT
william-james88 wrote:I did not know you thought so little of the MP figure. Though aside from Shajaki I dont think many would argue that every MP figure you mentioned is better. I definitely think so too.
That mold is just so weak. The entire car is the torso pretty much, and he functions almost the same as a Combiner Wars Aerialbot with some extra steps. It's really lame for a Masterpiece, especially seeing as how creative and more fun the others turn out to be.
And his plastic seems to be of a different quality too. Those legs feel flimsier than an Aerialbot, and that shouldn't be a thing
Posted by Rodimus Prime on June 4th, 2019 @ 1:27am CDT
5. Energon Rodimus. - I like this figure because I think it has a unique look among Roddy figures in vehicle mode. I mean, no other Rodimus looks like him, right? They're all mostly cars and a few RVs. And I like the combiner gimmick. I used to own 2 of the figure and combined them to 1) get a bigger Rodimus and 2) give him 2 guns. In my head canon they were Duobots.
4. Titans Return Hot Rod. - This figure is nice, but next to most of the others, it looks like a cheap toy. I was never a fan of the lighter shades of red and yellow. But his poseability and weapon integration give him some pluses.
3. Animated Rodimus. - I agree with pretty much everything Willy J said about this figure, it's just not enough for me to put him at the top. I do own the BotCon Breakdown and Sideswipe versions as well, I like both the vehicle and robot modes, even if the transformation still aggravates me a little.
2. MP-09 Rodimus Convoy. - Yes, I realize that I'm in the extreme minority with this, but I love this figure. I own both versions and haven't had any problems with either. I guess I'm just lucky.
1. MP-28 Hot Rodimus. - A damn near perfect representation of a character, IMO. I don't own the Targetmaster version, because I found it unnecessary, and he can hold the G1 Firebolt figure perfectly, but this figure is all kinds of awesome in both modes. Definitely a home run on Takara's part.
Honorable mention #1: Classics Rodimus. - I like the colors and the transformation, but it just doesn't scream 'Rodimus' to me. It's like it's trying to copy Rodimus and doesn't quite get it right. Still a solid vehicle mode and a fairly posable robot mode.
Honorable mention #2: DX-9 Carry. - Yes, I know it's a 3P figure, but it does represent the character of Rodimus and I think the fact that the robot body turns into the entire RV is just genius. My only single complaint is that the spoiler is a bit too large in robot mode, but that was the only way to integrate the entire RV into the robot, so it gets a pass. And I think the Targetmaster weapon is also genius.
Posted by ZeldaTheSwordsman on June 7th, 2019 @ 1:42pm CDT
Posted by william-james88 on November 24th, 2021 @ 10:00pm CST
Posted by -Kanrabat- on November 24th, 2021 @ 10:10pm CST
william-james88 wrote:Ooouuuu boy, this list is now super outdated. But since we are getting an SS Hot Rod next year, I think I'd wait till then to do an update. Not sure if I should split between Hot Rod and Rodimus. Problem with that is if I do, I don't know where the animated toy ends up.
Another SS Hotrod? Unless it's the TLK one who will finally have his own mold?
Also, I'd call a list with Hotrod and Rodimus Prime on the same list. For now, the contest would be pretty intense between SS86 Hotrod and Kingdom Commander Rodimus. Both are masterful mini MP on their own. Heck, both MPs don't deserves to be on the list at all.
Posted by RK_Striker_JK_5 on November 24th, 2021 @ 10:45pm CST
-Kanrabat- wrote:
Another SS Hotrod? Unless it's the TLK one who will finally have his own mold?
Also, I'd call a list with Hotrod and Rodimus Prime on the same list. For now, the contest would be pretty intense between SS86 Hotrod and Kingdom Commander Rodimus. Both are masterful mini MP on their own. Heck, both MPs don't deserves to be on the list at all.
The MP Hot Rod I might be able to make an argument for, but not the Rodims Prime one. Especially not since one of his arms just went and fell off on its own!
Posted by Nemesis Primal on November 25th, 2021 @ 12:25am CST
There's supposed to be both an SS86 Hot Rod repaint and a TLK Hot Rod in SS next year, based off the listings we have.-Kanrabat- wrote:william-james88 wrote:Ooouuuu boy, this list is now super outdated. But since we are getting an SS Hot Rod next year, I think I'd wait till then to do an update. Not sure if I should split between Hot Rod and Rodimus. Problem with that is if I do, I don't know where the animated toy ends up.
Another SS Hotrod? Unless it's the TLK one who will finally have his own mold?
Posted by RK_Striker_JK_5 on November 25th, 2021 @ 1:24am CST
Nemesis Primal wrote:There's supposed to be both an SS86 Hot Rod repaint and a TLK Hot Rod in SS next year, based off the listings we have.-Kanrabat- wrote:william-james88 wrote:Ooouuuu boy, this list is now super outdated. But since we are getting an SS Hot Rod next year, I think I'd wait till then to do an update. Not sure if I should split between Hot Rod and Rodimus. Problem with that is if I do, I don't know where the animated toy ends up.
Another SS Hotrod? Unless it's the TLK one who will finally have his own mold?
Oh, thank you for that. The repaint I'll pass on, but I want the TLK Hot Rod!
Posted by Rodimus Prime on November 25th, 2021 @ 1:31am CST
And Willy J, as for your TFA Rodimus dilemma, if you were to split this list into Hot Rod and Rodimus lists (which IMO should be done), I think he should go on the Rodimus list, since that's his name.
Posted by Nemesis Primal on November 25th, 2021 @ 1:40am CST
The listing just calls it "Hot Rod Variant", so I'm expecting SS86 Hot Rod but magenta this time.Rodimus Prime wrote:A SS86 repaint? Into whom? Or just a "premium" version, like Arcee?
Posted by -Kanrabat- on November 25th, 2021 @ 4:39am CST
RK_Striker_JK_5 wrote:-Kanrabat- wrote:
Another SS Hotrod? Unless it's the TLK one who will finally have his own mold?
Also, I'd call a list with Hotrod and Rodimus Prime on the same list. For now, the contest would be pretty intense between SS86 Hotrod and Kingdom Commander Rodimus. Both are masterful mini MP on their own. Heck, both MPs don't deserves to be on the list at all.
The MP Hot Rod I might be able to make an argument for, but not the Rodims Prime one. Especially not since one of his arms just went and fell off on its own!
You mean the very first Rodimus MP?
Hell... I once owned it and that thing was horrendous. Glad I sold it for the same price I paid years ago.
Posted by Gauntlet101010 on November 25th, 2021 @ 7:18am CST
william-james88 wrote:Ooouuuu boy, this list is now super outdated. But since we are getting an SS Hot Rod next year, I think I'd wait till then to do an update. Not sure if I should split between Hot Rod and Rodimus. Problem with that is if I do, I don't know where the animated toy ends up.
That's a tough one. He has Rodimus in the name, but he's clearly based on Hot Rod.
But you might squeak by on a technicality since the American toy name is Rodimus Major. The Japanese Hot Rod was always Hot Rodimus anyway and Japan's Animated's isn't Rodimus Convoy, so just the Rodimus name alone may not be enough to make him a true Rodimus Prime.
I guess there's enough Roddys to make a top 5 list. Even if it's more of just a list. There's just Studio, Primes, Titanium, G1, MP, and Energon and, maybe, Animated. It's less of a "best of" and more of a "least worst". The only one worth writing home about is the Studio one. MP breaks too easily.
Posted by Overcracker on November 25th, 2021 @ 9:33am CST
Gauntlet101010 wrote:william-james88 wrote:Ooouuuu boy, this list is now super outdated. But since we are getting an SS Hot Rod next year, I think I'd wait till then to do an update. Not sure if I should split between Hot Rod and Rodimus. Problem with that is if I do, I don't know where the animated toy ends up.
That's a tough one. He has Rodimus in the name, but he's clearly based on Hot Rod.
But you might squeak by on a technicality since the American toy name is Rodimus Major. The Japanese Hot Rod was always Hot Rodimus anyway and Japan's Animated's isn't Rodimus Convoy, so just the Rodimus name alone may not be enough to make him a true Rodimus Prime.
I guess there's enough Roddys to make a top 5 list. Even if it's more of just a list. There's just Studio, Primes, Titanium, G1, MP, and Energon and, maybe, Animated. It's less of a "best of" and more of a "least worst". The only one worth writing home about is the Studio one. MP breaks too easily.
Technically there's less Hot Rods than Rodimuses... err...Rodimii?
Everything up until Titans Return was called Rodimus or Hot Rodimus even Classics was Rodimus even though he is clearly Hot Rod.
If the issue is the name, then the Hod Rod list is only G1, MP-28, Titans Return, PotP smaller Robot and SS-86 and Movie Hot Rod.
Barely enough for a top 5 with an honorable mention.
If you are going by the alt mode, then Rodimus Prime only has G1, MP-09, Titanium, PotP and Kingdom.
A middle ground would be a Top Hot Rod / Rodimus list with the #1 spot going to the best representation of both characters. So Top 7? or Top 8?
Posted by Gauntlet101010 on November 25th, 2021 @ 10:08am CST
Plus there was a long time where Hot Rod, as a name, wasn't used. If you're really strict on the name then even a list of Hot Rods (not the leader, but before then) becomes a headache. I mean where does that leave Armada Hot Rod and Energon Rodimus? They're different characters, but based on the same G1 character. i guess they both get listed?
I feel like a list would probably include both Rodimus and Hot Rod since it's easer to define. But, as a fan, they occupy two different spaces that don't overlap. Hot Rod isn't Rodimus Prime, the leader of the Autobots. And Rodimus Prime isn't the turbo revvin' young punk Hot Rod. A complete movie toy collection would include both states because they're so different.
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on November 25th, 2021 @ 10:31am CST
Also, don't forget Core Hot Rod next year too