Intro:
As
a collector, it’s not so often you’d come across a vintage piece, or a Holy
Grail-level figure in the open market. On one of my latest TF hunts, I’ve
managed to do just that – I managed to dig up a classic G1 figure that I have
always wanted.
It
was a classic TF hunt, which kind of reminded me of the TV series, Toy Hunter,
where its host Jordan Hembrough would go to a location and try to rummage
through a pile of old toys to dig up a gem among them. That was exactly the
experience that I got.
The
location was at Toy Garden, Sungei Wang Plaza. I was with another friend of
mine, who was supposed to be looking for some Transformers figures as well,
until he decided to drop the ball (again). Anyways, he bagged a lot of stuffs,
whereas I had none. It took me probably one and a half hour rummaging through
their piles of unorganized stuffs, while waiting for my friends to sort up his
treasures, for me to manage to dig up this gem.
And
the best part is, even the store owner himself wasn’t aware of the availability
of this figure, or rather should I say, couldn’t remember that they still had
this figure. That itself was a priceless moment for me. I bet that was the exact
same feeling that Jordan had, whenever he managed to uncover these sorts of
hidden gems, every time.
I
have always wanted a G1 Galvatron figure. Just like how Megatron would always
be associated with that iconic Walther P38 handgun; Galvatron will always be
associated with that futuristic cannon that disintegrated the scheming
Decepticon Aerial Commander Starscream, during his short-lived coronation.
The
closest to a G1 Galvatron that I ever had was the Henkei G1 Galvatron that
transformed into a tank rather than a cannon.
So
after spending about one and a half hour rummaging, I finally found my poison –
that oomph factor – G1 Galvatron, and to make that even sweeter – an eHobby
exclusive, also nicknamed Galvatron 2.
This
particular figure was released at about the same time as another more
anime-accurate version of Galvatron (known as Galvatron 1) and was only
available from online retailer eHobby.
So
yeah, I am kind of excited about this, so without further ado, let’s get on
with this review.
Handgun
Mode:
This
mode was never shown in the animated series, but it was featured in the UK
comic series. The gun mode is humongous!
The
original G1 Megatron, as well as his Classics/ Henkei counterpart were
life-sized & life-liked, which means when you hold them in your hands, they
felt just nice. For G1 Galvatron however, you can’t help it but feel that it’s
just a little too big, and definitely non-conventional.
There is a
trigger on the handle, which we will be delving more into it shortly.
Overall, I just
love this mode and it really does end up looking more menacing and deadly as
compared to the Walther P38.
Cannon
Mode:
Now
this is probably the mode that we’re most familiar with. This mode is probably
most memorable for its disintegration of Starscream, during the events of the
1986 movie.
The
cannon mode is just humongous. Some may even contest whether or not this is
actual cannon, because clearly there are tank threads on wheels for the front
stands, as well as a wheel at the back. So yeah, this mode does roll.
Robot
Mode:
Bot
mode, and this is what it’s all about. I wouldn’t say that this is absolutely
anime-accurate, but like most G1 action figures in its time, close similarities
are the only thing that you could wish for.
Being
a reformatted version of Megatron, Galvatron still feature some characteristics
that are predominant on the original Emperor of Destruction. The most notable
of all is the fusion cannon – a futuristic and a semi-transparent one at that.
The
head sculpt, instead looking like a bucket head, looks more like a head with a
crown on top.
Articulation-wise:
the shoulders are on soft-ratcheting universal joints that enable the arms to
rotate and swing outward; the elbows ratchet as well; there is also waist
articulation, although it seems that it was mostly for transformation purposes,
but it’s there; the knees ratchet; and finally the toe pieces bend up and down –
so you can really pose Galvy in a walking posture.
All
in all, Galvatron is definitely a huge improvement from the original G1
Megatron figure – it is more proportionate but the arms are still a bit too
small for my liking. Still, those are only minor complaints.
 |
| G1 Galvatron & Prime Deluxe-class Optimus Prime (First Edition) |
There
figure is considerably huge and bulky, and he definitely does not look out of
place standing next to G1 Sixshot & Ultra Magnus. The paint application on
this figure, which is predominantly grey were meant to mimic his look from the
pages of Marvel Comics. There are also some really shiny and reflective
paint-apps, namely the collar, the four-square abs and the knee caps.
 |
| From left: G1 Ultra Magnus, G1 Galvatron & G1 Sixshot |
This
figure just looks absolutely great, but wait, we’re not done yet, there’s more…
Gimmicks
and Accessories:
This
set comes with a bunch of accessories. Just like any G1 figures, Galvatron
comes with stickers to make him look even more like himself. Plus, he also
comes with a exclusive set of stickers – supposedly of small electrical bolt
decals, which can be applied to the figure.
Galvy
also comes with a gun – not that I really think that he ever needs it anyway,
cuz he already got a friggin’ blaster on his right arm (!!!) – and most
importantly of all, the Matrix of Leadership. As far as I am concerned, that is
one detailed (and hefty) looking piece of Matrix they got there, despite the
fact that it is green instead of his traditional colors, supposedly to mimic
the colors of the Matrix, as shown in the Marvel Comics.
Attached to a
chain, the Matrix can be placed around Galvatron’s neck to mimic his appearance
in the climax of the 1986 Movie.
As with his
original 1980’s version, Galvatron comes with some good ol’ sound and lighting
effects. Unlike that version, which is powered by a 9V battery, this version is
powered by 2 AAA batteries.
 |
| Button and Trigger to control the Sound and Light Effects |
There are
basically 3 types of sound effects that you are going to get out of him, and
all 3 of them are determined by a switch at the back of the robot and activated
either by the button on his crotch or the trigger on the gun handle.
The first sound
is that of the cannon/ gun blasting; the second sound is the iconic
transformation sound; and the third is a compilation of various sound clips in
Japanese, not that I understand any of those anyway.
Each of these
sound effects is followed by light effect on its head. In robot mode, the eyes
would light up red, whereas in cannon/ gun mode, the tip of the cannon/ gun
would light up. For a figure from the 80’s, that is awesome in my book.
Overall:
Honestly,
I can’t tell you enough how much I love this figure. This has been in my
most-wanted list for a very long time, and to be able to find him now, not to
mentioned in an actual shop, as well as being an eHobby exclusive, it is just
surreal.
I
love Galvatron, and this was one of the very few times that Galvatron actually
has his own molds rather than just a mere repaint of a Megatron figure.
By
being a supposedly upgraded version of Megatron, Galvatron definitely looks
very, very menacing, and his sheer size is just so suhweeet…
Highly
recommended. If you can find him, don’t ever think twice.
Final
verdict: 10/10
No comments:
Post a Comment