General Information:
Release Date: Q4 2017
Price Point: $9.99 (depending on retailer)
Retailer: General (Toys R Us, Target, Wal-Mart etc.)
Accessories: None
Official images and text below in italics are from Amazon:
The Autobots and Decepticons use Prime Masters to wield the incredible powers of the legendary bots who shaped the universe: the Primes. Prime Masters carry the spark of a Prime, allowing them to share a Prime's godlike ability with other bots. How will the merciless Insecticon Skrapnel wield this epic power power? Anything is possible and everything is at stake when the Power of the Primes is unleashed!
Transformers Generations Power of the Primes Legends Class figures are 3.75-inch-scale figures. This Legends Class Skrapnel figure converts from robot to stag beetle in 10 steps.
Figure Specs:
Legends Class Insecticon Skrapnel
Modes: robot, beetle
Converts in 10 steps
Transformers and all related characters are trademarks of Hasbro.
Not too long ago, Legends Class figures came with a small Micromaster/Mini-Con sized figure as a partner. During this era, a new sculpt was released for Skrapnel with Reflector. This sculpt would later see release as "Combiner Wars" Chop Shop (with a new head and sans any type of partner figure). After a release in the Takara Tomy "Adventure" line, Skrapnel returns to "Generations" as a release in "Power of the Primes". Check out my original review for a detailed look at the figure. This review will focus on the changes made to the figure for this release.
Packaging:
Skrapnel is packaged in a blister set against a rectangular backing card. The card features a large segment of his package art in the front with a black bar and the modern "Transformers" logo over the black bar. This release of Skrapnel features all new box art. Not only is the artwork used on the card, but it is also on the collector's card included with the figure. Any of the "Power of the Primes" figures that include collector cards have the potential to include twelve variations on the cards, one for each Prime. Fellow fan Colbey Hopper maintains the Transformers Bio Card Database where he has been accumulating the variations for fans to see so it's worth checking out as he gathers scans. The back features multiple languages and a brief bio of the character with photos of the toy in both modes. The photography is set against a light colored grid background, evoking Generation One packaging. The bottom features several legal notices and an "Authentic Transformers" symbol.
Robot Mode:
For the most part, Hasbro did not go hog wild with this redeco. The plastic colors on this are almost all the same shades of silver, black and purple used on the previous Hasbro release. That said, some fans have seen differences in the shades of purple between the two. I held the two overlapping under sunlight and it looked the same, but I am open to other interpretations. I looked for differences in the sculpt, perhaps with the trademark information (sculpted into inside of the torso panel) but even that is the same (with a copyright date of 2013). Where there is a difference is in (what I presume to be) some type of batch number on the inside of the right leg. On my 2014 version of this figure that number is 42191. On this version of the figure the number is 72211. That said, this does not really have any particular effect on the figure as a whole.
The big difference (and I'm being generous using that word) is the yellow paint used on the torso and legs. The yellow on both sections is much more intense and bright than the previous version. It is also a flat yellow color instead of the more pearlescent yellow used on the 2014 version. Also, the Decepticon symbol on his chest uses a lighter shade of purple than the one on this version.
The joints on both of my Skrapnel figures are equally tight. Unlike the previous "Generations" release this one has no "partner figure" to become his weapon.
Transformation to Beast Mode:
- Point the feet down.
- Swing the side panels on the lower legs to cover the front of the lower legs.
- Swing the torso panel forward, then pull it up and flatten it.
- Swing the robot arms back, and attach the lower arms to the tabs on the other insect leg sections.
- Push the legs together and swing them forward.
- Push the mandibles together.
Beast Mode:
There are pretty much no surprises in this mode. You do get to see the yellow color more front and center and a bit more purple plastic appears in the middle. There you will find a 5mm port. It was originally intended for Reflector to attach to in weapon mode. Now you can pretty much just pick any weapon with a 5mm peg to attach.
Final Thoughts:
Without a doubt the original "Generations" release of this figure was superior since it came with an extra mini-figure. However, if you missed out on the first release and still want it, the figure could set you back about $36 on Amazon. If you just want to spend $10-12 USD, then this is the perfect alternative. It's a great representation of the original character. I like the idea of "reissuing" some of the Legends Class figures from the past to fill out waves now and then. Recommended if you missed the previous releases or if you want to use it as a troop builder.
Pros:
- Sculpt represents the original character very well.
- Colors are inspired by the G1 version of the character.
- Joints are still tight even after three uses of this sculpt.
Cons:
- Does not come with a mini-figure/weapon like the original release.
- Those looking for a significant redeco of the original figure will be disappointed.
