General Information
Release Date: January 2024
Price Point: $5.99 (depending on retailer)
Retailer: Alternative Channels in the US (Aldi, Dollar General, Family Dollar etc.)
Accessories: Fusion Cannon
Official images and text in italics are from Hasbro.com
Transformers Authentics Bravo Megatron is an easy Transformers toy with 2 modes of play! This Megatron figure converts from robot to toy tank in 5 steps, with simple conversion perfect for Transformers fans age 6 and up. Authentics Bravo Transformers toy figures (each sold separately, subject to availability) feature popular Transformers characters like Optimus Prime and Bumblebee at a 4.5-inch scale and are a great way to start a Transformers collection. Interactive toys like these small action figures make cool gifts for boys and girls ages 6 and up. Transformers and all related characters are trademarks of Hasbro.
- 2-IN-1 CONVERTING TRANSFORMERS TOY: This Transformers Megatron toy converts from robot to tank mode for awesome 2-in-1 play
- CONVERTS BETWEEN MODES IN 5 STEPS: This Transformers action figure can change from a robot toy into a tank toy in 5 simple steps. Kids who love fidget toys and puzzles will love the satisfying conversion!
- 4.5-INCH ROBOT ACTION FIGURE: In robot mode, Megatron action figure is 4.5 inches (11 cm) tall
- BATTLE TANK MODE: Imagine epic battle scenes with Megatron in tank mode! Rolling wheels offer storytelling power. Great for kids who love toy cars and toy trucks
- MEGATRON TOYS FOR KIDS: Inspired by Megatron, the evil Decepticon leader. Transformers toys like this Megatron figure make a great gift for boys and girls who love robot toys
- TRANSFORMERS ACTION FIGURES FOR BOYS AND GIRLS 6 AND UP: Look for more Transformers figures (each sold separately, subject to availability) to build your collection
- Ages 6 and up
- WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD - Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.
- Includes figure.
Background:
The Authentics line of Transformers figures began in 2017 as a set of figures intended for the discount market. In the United States these figures were mainly distributed to stores like Dollar General and Family Dollar, offering a cheaper alternative to the "mainline" toys such as Generations. This also meant these figures were simplified, often featuring less complex transformations and less articulation than their "mainline" counterparts. Outside the United States these figures were treated more like regular releases, often being found alongside figures from Studio Series, Generations and Rescue Bots. In general, Authentics figures are broken up into larger "Alpha" Class figures and smaller "Bravo" Class figures. There was a "Bravo" Class Megatron released back in 2018 for the Authentics line. This figure is a whole new sculpt and note a re-release of the 2018 figure.
Packaging:
Previous Bravo Class figures were on bubble cards. However with Hasbro's efforts to move towards sustainable packaging, the Bravo Class figures are now packaged in rectangular cardboard boxes. The box features a small window to see the figure inside and a flap on top to hang it on pegs in store. The "Transformers" logo is set vertically to the right while on the left an angled box has Megatron's name. Much of the front is covered by artwork featuring Megatron's "Evergreen" artwork. The top flap shows the figure in robot mode. The back of the box shows the figure in both modes calling out a 5 step transformation and referring to Megatron as "Evil Decepticon Leader". The lower part of the box back features legal information in multiple languages.
Accessories:
Megatron includes his iconic Fusion Cannon. The front of the cannon is very G1 with a cylindrical shape that then leads to a more angled middle and back section. There are many layers of mechanical details on the middle and back areas and it looks very cool. While the shapes are not exactly the same, the more angled sections of this cannon remind me of G2 Megatron's shoulder cannon. This piece is made of black plastic with no paint applications. The cannon attaches to Megatron's right forearm using a small peg (not 5mm).
Robot Mode:
Megatron's robot mode uses his classic G1 design as its foundation, but then it makes some tweaks here and there to modernize the design. The G1 inspired details include:
- Head: The head sculpt features Megatron's classic face shape with the angled brow, narrow eyes and chin piece. The helmet meanwhile is shaped like G1 Megatron's head with parts that curve on the sides and run parallel to his cheeks and jaw.
- Torso: The torso features a rectangular chest reminiscent of G1 Megatron. The middle of the body features what looks like a small computer console in the middle flanked by sections with vent-like lines.
- Legs: The lower legs technically form tank treads for the vehicle mode, not gun handles but their shape is still inspired by the shape of G1 Megatron's legs complete with distinctive knee armor that angles forward.
All that said, there are some new details. The waist/hip area is more curved and layered with mechanical details than G1 Megatron. His arms are a bit thinner than G1 Megatron's and he has rocket launcher pods on the sides of his legs. The tank turret also forms a "hood" over his head and runs down his back (in my imagination, I can almost see this being like a mechanical hood and cloak). I appreciate how these new details riff off older ones from G1 Megatron.
Much to my surprise, there are only two meaningful points of articulation on this figure His arms can move up and down thanks to ball joints at the shoulders. The hips and knees also have ball joints, but they cannot move in a meaningful way. The hip/waist area has panels that get in the way of movement. The knees are designed in such a way that the ball joints there are only good for transformation. This is very disappointing especially if you consider how well articulated the original Bravo Class Megatron was.
The Fusion Cannon attaches to Megatron's right arm and he can hold it either fist. If the articulation on this figure was better this would be more meaningful, but for simple play I guess it works.
Transformation to Vehicle Mode:
- Detach the weapon and set it aside for now.
- Straighten out the arms and legs.
- Swing each fist into the forearms.
- Raise the arms up.
- Rotate the lower legs around, then swing them up over the thighs.
- Attach the cannon to the top of the tank.
Vehicle Mode:
In vehicle mode Megatron is a tank and honestly, a very cool looking one at that. I like the way his arms form "H tread" style treads in front while the back is more like a traditional tank. The Fusion Cannon looks great on top. The way it rises up from the turret looks very menacing. On either side of the turret are additional blasters pointing forward and I like the way there are various armor plates sculpted in front and towards the middle that look like they are overlapping. He even has tiny details such as a series of boxes with an "X" in them towards the back. Megatron as a tank is hardly new, so making a good looking one is an achievement nowadays, especially with a lower cost figure like this one.
This mode is mostly silver and black plastic. The only deco on him is a Decepticon symbol on the turret and the red paint on the rocket pods from the robot legs. This is not unexpected given the class of figure, but additional deco would have really helped the details on this intricate sculpt pop.
Functionally this mode does not offer much. There are no wheels on the treads and the turret cannot move, so much of the play value in this form is going to come from one's imagination.
Final Thoughts:
This new Bravo Class Megatron is really a step down from the original. My guess would be that even at this low price point budgets have been cut, limiting how many parts could be used to create this figure. The worst part of this figure is its extremely limited articulation. I can see this being fun for much younger fans (think of it as a step up from a Rescue Bot). If you want a Bravo Class Megatron I'd say you can seek out the original Bravo Class figure online for a fairly reasonable price.
Pros:
- Very nice sculpt that pays homage to G1 Megatron while adding in many modern touches.
- Easy transformation.
- Deco looks good in robot mode.
Cons:
- Extremely limited articulation.
- Lower legs pop off easily during transformation.
- No action features in vehicle mode (wheels etc.).
