This week, thanks to my friends at Megalopolis Toys, I get to take a look at the first two of four Deluxe Transformers Siege figures. If you’re a sucker for good fun Transformers toys, go no further. Or don’t blame me if you start buying em, I warned ya.
I’ll give you a mild spoiler here; I got all four, and I’m going to recommend all four without hesitation. The assortment includes two classic Autobot cars, A Fort Max accessory-bot, and a Decepticon DuoCon. If you were worried about the character selection of this line, I think you’re in the clear.
Let’s start with the sleeper of this pair, Decepticon SkyTread, or if you’re old like me, you may remember him as Flywheels.
In his original G1 DuoCon configuration, FlyTread was a F-4 Phantom that paired with a Self-Propelled Howitzer to snap into a robot mode. He was released back in 1988, and I still remember getting him for Christmas at my Grandma’s, tear-assing around that weird blue/grey carpet. While the alt-modes are more cybertronian now than terran, the look and even function is still very much there. He has two gun pieces, one that can make up the Howitzer cannon and the other that can mount under the jet’s nose. Even transformation is pretty similar, with both halves ready to combine to robot mode in a few steps- the G1 figures where spring-activated.
The bot mode is fantastic. I haven’t thought about this figure or character in years, and I recognized him instantly. Like any good figure will do, he actually better matched my memory of the original than reality did. SkyTread has the standard articulation set, and it all works very well with good range. He has a little bit of weathering from the tank mode that carries over to his legs, and some nice paint detail picking to show off the sculpted detail work. I had actually forgotten he had appeared in James Robert’s IDW run until just barely, so that might have punched up his billing a little, but for a DuoCon, it sure feels like somebody loves ol’ SkyTread at Hasbro.
Moving on to the Autobot we all seem to love but just aren’t sure why– our boy Sideswipe. An original 1984 carbot, Sideswipe has been in essentially every G1 based line since. But, I’m always down for another. If I may say so, this is probably my favorite alt mode next to the Lamborghini- as a child of the 80s, I am obligated to always rank the Countach as one of my favorite cars ever. It maintains a very supercar aesthetic, but does so while drawing on that Tron/WFC vibe this line lives in. Somewhat appropriately, this mode isn’t bogged down with weapons or weapons ports- just 3 on car mode- but there is room to mount his combined cannon on the roof. Transformation is pretty familiar, as carbots tend to have some constants, but satisfying nonetheless.
In botmode, Sideswipe is unmistakable. He maintains that somewhat boxy physique his toys usually leave him with, broad shouldered and a little stocky, but he is very unencumbered by vehicle parts. I admit, he doesn’t quite have the same “wow” as some of the other botmodes, but the trade is a familiar and instantly recognizable robot that has solid articulation and looks good with the other Autobots.
Sideswipe has a blaster pistol and shoulder launcher that combine into a cannon, as I mentioned. The launcher can plug into either side, or be weilded by hand, I just think it needs a projectile to finish the look. But, as with all the other weapons in this line, it is 5mm compatible, so its just a matter of time and looking to get one, either from existing figures, or in a future pack.
The headsculpt is a clean G1 model, and while it might have been cool to see a little grin or something, I’m fine with saving that for some of his friends. The paint is also very clean, with a great matched red across the car body parts, and just a hint of weathering on his shin panels.
Just like Prime and Megatron, these both feel like a step up from recent lines in terms of design and solidity. Both figures have nice filled in panels and detailing, and there is a minimum of hollow pieces in either of their modes. The paint detailing is really something that’s grown on me, and though these two have a minimum of the “battle wear” paint, I have come to dig it- helps give this line a little more of an individual identity.
If you need these right away, you’re in luck, Megalopolistoys has them on hand and in wave sets. They should start popping up first of the year with the voyagers most other places.
