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Transformers Toy Review Archive (older series, 1984 to date)
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Detective Barricade's review: Skywarp

Name: Skywarp
Function: Seeker, thug, warrior
Sub-Group: Universe Masterpiece class
Motto: “Strike when the enemy isn’t looking.”

Skywarp appears once again, reproduced in near-perfect detail. He is a cheap and dirty thug who takes simple joy in catching friend and foe alike unaware. Though he’s too lazy to be an effective warrior without direct supervision, he puts immeasurable effort into planning the pranks he pulls on whichever unfortunate target wanders into his sensor net. He’d rather lounge around on the airstrip than fight, but he’s always ready to slash a few tires.

I honestly never intended to buy MP Skywarp. But seeing him on the shelf at Wal-Mart, that quickly changed. The price didn’t hurt either. As this is my first Masterpiece figure, I can’t speak for any of the others yet. However, just going by Skywarp, I like what I’m seeing!

Alternate mode:

As this is a repaint of Masterpiece Starscream, Skywarp’s alternate mode is naturally a F-15 Eagle fighter jet. He of course has G1 Skywarp’s colors of black, silver, and purple. With the exception of the Decepticon insignias on his wings and the trim on said wings, virtually every other color has a matte finish similar to the Transformers Animated figures. All of the details on him are painted on as opposed to using stickers.

What’s really nice is the amount of ‘undercarriage junk’ on him, or rather lack thereof. For his size, it makes the Classics Seekers seem positively bulky by comparison! Granted, there are a few robot parts showing underneath, but it isn’t obvious if you don’t know what you’re looking at. For accessories, he comes with the display stand, (which has ‘Skywarp’ painted on the front) a clip to hold the Megatron pistol that comes with MP Optimus Prime, and an entirely black Dr. Arkeville ‘pilot’. The stand can hold the clip as well as either his arm cannons or the pairs of Sidewinder missiles. (Or whatever they’re called) The nose can pull out to reveal the jet’s radar dish, and the brake flaps can be deployed.

Robot mode:

Transforming Skywarp can be tricky, and it’s a good idea to look at the instructions the first time you transform him. But the robot mode does look great. It’s a nicely stylized version of his character model, with the wings angling upwards behind his shoulders, and the sides of the fuselage coming off as hip guards. I’m not sure why Hasbro went with yellow eyes instead of red, but it’s not a big deal. The stand plugs onto his butt and lets him appear to be floating in mid air, and while definitely top-heavy enough to make standing him on his own a challenge, (perhaps due to a lack of a significant heel) it’s not impossible. He features a lot of double and ratchet joints, although the waist can barely move. I find his thumbs have a tendency to pop off often when moved. His pectorals can open to reveal hidden missile pods, and he has an alternate face. However, the alternate face is Starscream’s smirk as opposed to the TakaraTomy version’s snarl. It still fits him perfectly, as though planning his next prank. Overall, this is one excellent display piece that can still be fiddled with now and again.

Marks out of ten for the following:

Transformation: 9/10 Very intricate and well done.
Durability: 9/10 Surprisingly durable for something this intricate!
Fun: 9/10 Though more of a display piece, Skywarp can be rather hard to put down for very long...
Price: 10/10 He cost me about $60. Considering the breathtaking amount of detail and engineering that goes into these, plus the cost to import the TakaraTomy version, this price is a STEAL.
Overall: 8/10 A cheaper alternative to TakaraTomy’s MP Skywarp. However, if you dislike the Masterpiece Seeker mold itself, this won't sell you on it.
 
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