The Masterpiece Transformers line has been on a very consistent roll, to the point where reviewing a Masterpiece is becoming an expected “blah blah definitive version blah blah.” That’s nothing to complain about, though, because a trusted track record is a welcome thing in this day and age. I really feel that when I’m purchasing a Masterpiece version, I won’t need another version unless they decide to go with non-transforming versions.
Wheeljack is another of the original Ark crew, a key G1 character who was responsible for the creation of several of his fellow Autobots, both in the cartoon and comic media. A dedicated tinkerer, Wheeljack was noteworthy for his many inventions, some of which actually worked.
Wheeljack has always had a very unique appearance. His expressionless, mouthless face sets him slightly apart from the rest of his fellow G1 automobile Autobots.
His vehicle mode is a faithful translation of the Lancia Stratos, with official Alitalia airline markings, something that was not possible on his original toy. It’s sleek and stylish, and, despite being able to see his parts through his windshield, looks great. His wheels are free-rolling so you can scoot him around and make motor noises as much as you want. Masterpiece makes me want to buy two versions of every figure to have one in robot mode an done in alt mode, but I’m not going to be doing that. Because I’m not crazy. Or, at least, not that crazy.
He comes with separate side mirrors that have to be attached, so be sure to check out the little baggie that holds his collectible card for them. He comes with two sprue-mounted sets, so if you lose a set you’ve got a backup.
His transformation was pretty simple, without a lot of convoluted twisting and turning that can go on with some transformations. It wasn’t long before the car turned into Wheeljack. I only got hung up a little on the back due to a little fiddliness, but that quickly resolved itself and there he was.
Wheeljack’s robot mode lives up to the high standard set by the line. With his big wide feet he’s exceptionally well balanced, and he features all the requisite articulation we’ve come to expect, including:
- Shoulder swivels
- Shoulder discs
- Bicep swivels
- Single-jointed elbows
- Wrist swivel
- Waist swivel
- Swivel hips
- Single knees
- Some ankle tilt
With all of that articulation there’s very few poses you’ll be unable to put him in — provided you take into account the nature of his general body shape. As an articulation nut, I’m loving these fully articulated Transformers because, as I’ve probably mentioned, the limitations of the TF’s of my childhood sometimes drove me just a little bit insane.
Wheeljack comes with a separate shoulder-mounted cannon and his pistol, both of which seat snugly onto shoulder and into a groove in his palm.
Overall, Wheeljack lived up to the initial images and ended up being everything I’d want from him. The original onslaught of car-based Autobots is growing, and this is one more very nice addition to that initial Ark crew that started it all in both comic and cartoon form.
Video review by canonball:
