Transformers Review: Sideswipe (Henkei Deluxe)

Intro:

            Well, to be honest, I’m not exactly a huge Sideswipe (Lambor to Japanese fans) fan. He wasn’t a major character in the comics, and he only played a bit-part roll in the animated series, most memorably in the episode “Roll for It”, where he took it to the air, as well as the episode where he masqueraded as a Stunticon.

            So when Sideswipe was first announced, I can’t really say that I was too thrill about it. However, as time goes, the lure of the vibrant red Lamborghini Countach began to take over, and I ended up giving him a go.

            And that was way back circa 2008/ 2009. So after four to five years, here we are finally with the review.  

Alternate Mode:

            Sideswipe transforms into a vibrantly red-colored Lamborghini Countach, similar to his yellow-colored brother Sunstreaker and Red Alert. 

            The car is so very slick and smooth that it’s very easy to fall in love with the little car. The tailfin is deliciously painted in chrome, which is always a welcome.

            The back of the car is also very nicely done – very detailed, along with the name Lambor on it.

            The bottom of the car is really a pleasure to watch, especially with so minimal kibbles and very cleanly done, complete with exhaust pipes.

            I have to say, I am very pleased with this car mode.

Robot Mode:

            The result looks very good, if I should say so myself. The overall look and feel, as well as the head sculpt are really based on the actual G1 character. 

            The chromed exhaust pipe can now be wielded either as a normal blaster or a shoulder blaster. 

            Articulation-wise: the head, shoulders, hips and ankles are all on ball joints; double-jointed elbows; the wrists rotate; the arms rotate slightly above the elbows; the waist rotates; and finally, the knees rotate and bend.

            So yeah, the articulations are almost there and you can really put this guy into various poses that you want. 

            My only complaint would be the dangling door panel. I wish there was some other way to do without them getting in the way of the poses.

            Still, the overall finishing of the robot is very clean indeed.

Overall:

            Sideswipe has truly been a revelation, at least for me it is. He is a small little figure, which has so far managed to convince me that it’s worth to give action figures of smaller characters a shot as well.

            Highly recommended.

            Final verdict: 9.5/10.