TRANSFORMERS TOYS AND MERCHANDISE SECTION

Robot Mode:
Alternate Mode:
Additional Image:
Additional Image:
Box Art:
Technical Specifications:
STR
INT
SPD
END
RNK
CRG
FPR
SKL

Detective Barricade's review: Henkei Dinobot

Name: Dinobot
Function: Warrior
Sub-Group: Cybertron (Autobot/Maximal)

“The question that has haunted my being has been answered: the future is not fixed. My choices are my own. And yet, how ironic, for I now find I have no choice at all! I am a warrior... let the battle be joined.” - Dinobot, "Code of Hero".

Within the chassis of Dinobot beats the spark of a warrior. Victory won with honor is the highest aim to which he has ever aspired. It is an aim that seems more and more remote, the longer he spends under the command of Megatron. Duplicity is the warrior’s way. As the battle on this strange, primitive planet rages, it seems to Dinobot that true honor may come only through the Maximal way. (bio from Universe Dinobot, as I can't read Japanese)

Dinobot. Easily one of the most recognizable characters in Beast Wars, one of my favorite Transformers series to date. He originally was one of Megatron’s Predacons aboard the Darksyde when they fought the Axalon. After both ships crashed and scanning a beast mode, he abandoned Megatron after failing to overthrow him, and joined the Maximals. He would later go on to sacrifice himself for the salvation of all Humanity. So, naturally, he was a shoe-in for the 25th anniversary series sub-line of the Universe line, and get a more “show accurate” deco in the Henkei lineup. This review is of course on the later.

Beast mode:

Dinobot is a Dinosaur in this mode, a Velociraptor to be more precise. He’s based on his Beast Wars appearance, so there’s extensive leathery details all over. The claws and teeth appear very sharp thanks to silver paint detail on them. The eyes have molded in pupil slits to further the look. And, unlike the original toy, he does sport a wicked pair of scythe like claws on his feet for hooking into the prey. Stripes run along the sides of his body and thighs, which stick out a bit too far. The robot arms are barely hidden, but it’s still far sleeker than the original toy. I really like how the tail has a natural curve to it, as opposed to the original toy’s very stiff tail.

Robot mode:

Transforming Dinobot is about as hard as transforming Universe Starscream. In short, a piece of cake. An important note though would be that you need to hold the panel that covers the robot head back as the beast head is folded down until it’s in place. Otherwise, that little panel won’t let the head fold down correctly.

Dinobot’s robot mode bears a very striking resemblance to the show model while still being different at the same time. The tail opens up into a missile launcher that closely resembles the original’s “Cyber-slash tail weapon” thingy. The missile is shaped like his signature sword, and features the only chrome used on the entire figure. He can swap between proper fists, or more show accurate claws. He can hold his sword/missile either way, but he can only wield the launcher with a proper fist, preferably his right. If you don’t want to use it, the trigger does have a hook to store the launcher on his back. A panel on his chest can switch between Maximal or Predacon symbols, or blank for beast mode, which is a nice option. The head detailing is spot on Dinobot, with a copper helmet and black outlines, metallic blue face, and crisp red light-piped eyes. He can strike a good few poses, too!

Marks out of ten for the following:

Transformation: 3 Piece of cake.
Durability: 8 As long as you don’t force anything too much, he’ll be fine.
Fun: 8 He has a good few options to go along with his namesake.
Price: 10 I got mine for about $20, which is a steal. However, expect to pay a bit more from BBTS and the like.
Overall: 8 If you like the Beast Wars character, this is a must-have. If not, this might not be for you.