Review: #364
Name: Gnaw
Brand: Transformers
Allegiance: Decepticon
Line: Generations - Titans Return
Year of Release: 2016
Size Class: Legends (Wave 3)
Mold Status: new
ALTERNATE MODE:
After many years, we've finally received a much needed update to the Sharkticons and of course, Gnaw himself.
Tranforming into a small shark-like monster, this is a faithful representation of the one that appeared in the original G1 movie.
This is his stronger mode and apart from the exposed robot fists on its legs, this is otherwise perfect. Gnaw himself is fairly small though, above is a comparison against Reveal the Shield Windcharger.
As with all figures in the line, Gnaw comes with a card showcasing a piece of artwork and interestingly enough, it is depicting the alternate mode instead of the robot mode. It makes sense since the beast mode is more iconic and recognisable.
Gnaw can interact with Titan Masters but in his case, you can fit one into the mouth (there are pegs to slot the Titan Master's legs in).
Poseability in alternate mode is okay, the arms can tilt up and down, the mouth can open (but can never close fully) and the legs are semi-decent.
This is a fantastic beast mode and to be fair, is probably the one that most people would buy it for.
TRANSFORMATION:
While simple, it is clever and elegant. The top half of the alternate mode becomes the robot mode's legs, and then it's just a case of straightening the arms and rotating the robot head.
ROBOT MODE:
Robot mode is a little bit weaker but still pretty good. It's instantly recognisable even though it deviates a bit from the cartoon.
The major piece of kibble are the beast mode's mouth behind his legs but they are very effective as heelspurs. A lot of people notice the empty gap behind his torso but it isn't that horrible in hand since the figure is small and the fin serves to help cover it up somewhat.
The headsculpt is good and the size of it is proportionally bigger than normal but works for the squat robot.
He is short in this mode which suits the character.
Being such a small size there are a few compromises. The first is that his legs are permanently bent, you cannot straighten them completely. The second is that the shape of his elbows also makes it permanently bent (this is more for lowering parts count than a necessity of transformation).
His sole weapon is a mace/flail which was the beast mode's tail.
He can hold the weapon in either hand and it looks fantastic. The head can rotate from side to side and most of his joints are balljoints.
A good solid robot mode but is it hampered by a few flaws.
OVERALL:
Gnaw is a good toy. While he has flaws in robot mode, the figure itself is so charming and the beast mode is so strong that you can overlook those flaws. While the Legends class isn't exactly the best value for money, Gnaw is a worthwhile purchase and is recommended. Grab him while you can as people will probably be snapping him up for army-building.
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