There is a curious assortment of Transformers Generations figures shipping to Toys R Us stores right now that were originally intended to be exclusive to the Asian market, which is something that frustrated many Transformers fans outside of the region, but fortunately for us in the US, Toys R Us has brought them over as their own store exclusives. It’s being called the “GDO” series, but nobody can seem to agree on what, exactly, “GDO” means. “Global Development Organization”? Sure, why not!
They’re an odd group because they’re all repaints, which, admittedly, is very common for Transformers, but they’re repaints that don’t necessarily make a whole lot of sense (Wheelie on Jazz’s body?), but still carry a certain amount of charm. I had initially decided to pass on all of them, but after actually seeing some of them in person, I couldn’t help but pick up a few, like G2 Megatron here.
I am a big fan of this mold, but not necessarily for Megatron. What sold me on the figure is the new head sculpt and the ultra-bright colors. We’ve already seen a G2 — or “tank” — Megatron released in the Classics line, which makes this release strange for another reason. I passed on that Megatron, which is probably a better representation of the character, but I ended up grabbing this one. We first saw this mold released in the Revenge of the Fallen line as Bludgeon, and it definitely suits that character more than it does Megatron. Despite the new paint scheme, too much of the bot mode still suggests “skeletal samurai warrior,” especially the hyper-skinny, skeletal arms, so it is a bit of a stretch for it to work as Megatron, but your mileage may vary here.
What I like most is the new head sculpt, and I really do think this is the best Megatron head sculpt we’ve seen in the Classics/Generations line so far. It’s the smirk. I like Megatron best when he’s cocky and condescending, and that is all I see when I look at this mug. Again, your mileage may vary here, but I think it works.
Aside from the head sculpt and the color scheme, there is nothing new about this figure, so if you already own Bludgeon or Banzaitron, then you know what to expect. He comes with two swords, one long and one short, that can be stored in his “hidden” sheaths on his back. Megatron with swords is not an idea I’m opposed to, but Megatron is normally depicted as carrying a very powerful weapon, like his classic arm-mounted cannon or the G2’s shoulder cannon, but this figure lacks this token feature of the character. He’s just got the two swords.
He can pose fairly well thanks to a decent range of motion on his arms and legs, but he is a bit top heavy, so anything really dramatic will require some finesse.
The tank mode is really the only thing that sells this figure as “Megatron.” It’s a garishly-colored green tank with some day-glo orange highlights and purple accents — perfect for blending in seamlessly with the surrounding environments. G2 was certainly not known for its use of subtle earth tones, so as an homage to the G2 figure, this definitely fits the bill. The bright green is a bit of a detriment, however, because the unpainted details do come across as rather “plastic,” especially in tank mode, so the figure would definitely benefit from some detail work in the paint department. Of all the Transformers continuities, G2 usually ranks near the bottom in terms of my usual preferences, but I am starting to understand its charm and its appeal. Megatron here really stands out in a display populated with lots of greys, blues, and blacks (especially among the Decepticons), so I actually find this version to be somewhat refreshing.
In the end, I don’t think this Megatron is for everybody. The body is not the best choice, he lacks a token “Megatron-esque” weapon, and he just barely skates by on the merits of a new head sculpt and a paint job. Despite all that, he has really grown on me a lot. I didn’t want to like this figure, but I find that I actually do. I’m honestly glad I picked him up. And now my Reveal the Shield G2 Prime Won’t be so lonely on the shelf.
Remember — this guy is a Toys R Us exclusive, and given the fickle availability of Toys R Us exclusives, it may take some work to hunt him down.
Megatron is the founder of the Decepticon uprising and their most feared leader. Bob Budiansky, the writer for the Marvel Comics series, stated that originally Hasbro took issue with the name, saying it sounded too frightening. Budiansky responded that as the lead villain, that was the point. Hasbro later agreed with his reasoning, and approved the name “Megatron”.,:`^
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When I first saw this Megatron I immediately became a fan of it. While I knew it was supposed to be a G2 homage, it more said to me pre-G1 story lines. The face looked like a younger cockier Megs, one that might be trying to find himself in the gladiator arenas of Kaeon, before he adapted the more serious arm cannon (G1). Then as an homage to himself millions of years later, he adapts the bright green colors once again (in the G2 continuity), I love War Dawn, and Golden Age figures which is why I’m excited about the Orion Pax coming out. This is teenager Megatron for me. So skinny arms, less refined armored silhouette, obscure sword weapons… it is perfect for this version of him.
Megatron killed Bludgeon and took his body. Easy justification!
That is a good point, Faugh. That does give further justification to this figure’s development. Truth be told, however, I never really “got” that Megatron either.
Well, Alternity Megatron was already established as a samurai in Asia, I suppose.
You know what? I didn’t even realize this year is G2’s 20th anniversary. In 1992 I was off to college and was pursuing other interests, so I totally missed the boat on G2. That explains why there are so many G2 figures coming, though. Cool!
I agree that this isn’t a Megatron meant for everybody, especially when due to the reused Bludgeon body, it lacks the gun arm feature Megatron is known for ( not to mention the skeletal frame). Still, its a decent recycle attempt for a G2 20th anniversary-style figure, the head looks well made, and that bright colored plastic looks vibrant (and make small kids give it chew marks). Hopefully, at least kitbashers will modify it as a more proper Megatron figure.