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Transformers Alternators
Skids

We have a new guest reviewer tonight, Randy Herkowitz, lover of all things that transform.  Check out his website, and check out the review!

Alternators are what I’ve always wanted from Transformers. A line of highly detailed realistic earth vehicles that turn into robots with plenty of articulation. Alternators are arguably the best series of Transformers ever! Recently, Hasbro has been releasing a whole bunch of repaints and retools just to keep the fans from raging lunacy. Now, they have finally released a completely new mold to hopefully calm the nerves of “Transfans” everywhere.






Packaging - *1/2
The Alternators are now on their third package incarnation since it’s beginning only a few short years ago. The first two designs were collector friendly boxes making it easy for collectors to remove and return the toy from the package. This time around, the package must be completely destroyed in order to get the toy out. On top of this, the new packaging is just plain ugly. However, it does display the vehicle well and perhaps is more durable then the boxes of old but it does not stand out on the store shelves. You could put this in the die-cast car isle, and you’d never know it was a Transformer. 

Sculpting - ***1/2
Whether you like the Scion XB or not, it makes for one hell of a robot! The overall design is stunning! The head sculpt is beautiful. If you are a Generation One purist, you will certainly be happy. Skids is a wonderful homage to the original character from the 1980’s cartoon. 

My only complaint is there seems to be an excess amount of car parts hanging off his back. It is a bit distracting but understandable. After all, this is a Transformer. 

Paint - ***
This was a tough call for me because the paint applications were well done. There wasn’t a lot of slop, if any. However, I question some of Hasbro’s graphic choices. For instance, the Scion flame logo looks incredibly corny on the vehicle. It doesn’t look quite as bad in robot mode but I would have preferred the toy without it altogether. Hasbro seems to be moving more and more away from the original concept of realistic road-ready automobiles. Another example of that would be the frosted windows. Many could argue that these are optional features for such a vehicle and that may be true but that doesn’t change my view that it looks better without (see Japanese Binaltech Skids). 

Articulation - ***1/2
Transformers have really come a long way with articulation since the days of Generation One and Skids is a perfect example of that. He is fully articulated and can be put into almost any pose. However, I had to take a half star off for the lack of a waist joint. Another note: he is slightly top-heavy so some poses may be difficult to maintain when trying to stand him. 

Accessories - *1/2
Skids is only armed with a tiny gun. I guess if you were a 25-foot robot, what else would you need? However, I miss shoulder mounted missile launchers and huge laser rifles. Perhaps, that’s just the kid in me. 

Fun Factor - ****
This is a vehicle that turns into a robot! Is there anything more fun? The transformation on Skids is challenging yet not tough enough to raise your blood pressure. I have had him for a couple days now and he is still being played with. You can’t really say that about your typical 3-¾ inch Star Wars figure, can you? 

Value - ****
Here, you get a toy car, a toy robot and a puzzle all in one! There’s tons of detail and an overall brilliant sculpt. And, if you find Skids at retail, you can get him for about twenty bucks! Compared to your average action figure that will cost you close to ten bucks, Skids is a great value!

Things To Watch Out For – 
This is a fairly durable toy. However, keep in mind there are lots of moving parts. Therefore, you may want to be somewhat gentle when pulling and prodding. 

Overall - ***1/2
Perhaps there were some shortcomings with Alternators Skids but mostly due to packaging and design choices. If you put those details aside, this is a great addition to the Alternators Universe. If you are already an Alternators collector then you don’t need me to tell you why this is a series far greater than the rest. If you are not, take my word for it. Skids is a great piece to start your robot addiction!

Packaging - *1/2
Sculpt - *** 1/2
Paint - ***
Articulation - ***1/2
Accessories - *1/2
Fun Factor - ****
Value - ****
Overall - ***1/2

Where to buy
So far, Skids has been showing up at Wal-Marts and Target stores. He is sure to be everywhere soon. 


Figure from the collection of Randy Herkowitz.

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