Review: #385
Name: Dirge
Brand: Transformers
Allegiance: Decepticon
Line: United
Year of Release: 2012
Size Class: Deluxe
Mold Status: repaint of Henkei Dirge (which is a retool of the Classics Starscream mold)
PACKAGING:
As an Asia exclusive of the United line (the Japanese equivalent of Generations), Dirge came in a boxset named "Seekers: Elite".
The pack includes the three Coneheads, being Thrust, Ramjet and Dirge.
The set carried a premium price tag to accompany the premium packaging, it contains a flap that opens to reveal the window showcasing the three figures.
JET MODE:
Dirge transforms into a deep blue modified F-15 Eagle fighter jet.
Dirge's distinctive feature is the larger rear wings, and small front winglets. It gives him a unique look.
Above is a comparison against Unite Warriors Hepter. Dirge is a Deluxe sized figure.
Dirge looks great with the set. He has spring loaded missile launchers underneath each wing..
A fantastic jet mode, the color scheme is spot on.
TRANSFORMATION:
Simple by today's standards but considering the mold was first released in 2006, it's pretty decent. This at least allows Ramjet to transform between the molds easily and quickly. No changes are made to the transformation even with the remold, although the rear wing assembly remains on a swivel, which it does not use in either mode.
ROBOT MODE:
In robot mode, Dirge has great proportions although the rear wings on the outside of his legs makes his profile somewhat wide.
He doesn't have too much kibble. The figure is also quite show accurate.
The headsculpt is great. Note that as it is formed by the nose of the jet, this caused the jet mode's nose to be shorter and that you can also see the robot face from the underside.
Dirge is your standard height for a Deluxe, this mold is pretty much the standard you'd use to determine the size and mass of a toy in this class.
Poseability is where the mold shows its age as it lacks elbow swivels. Otherwise, he has joints for shoulders, elbows, hips and knees.
The slight negative is that his heelspurs aren't great for keeping him stable in action poses. This version of the figure also contains some subtle metallic paint applications on his knees, feet and shoulders, as well as a slight shine on his grey parts.
A solid repaint of the figure and probably the definitive version of this mold.
OVERALL:
This version of Dirge has an excellent color scheme and he looks amazing in person. The only drawback is the high price of the set but otherwise, if you can afford it and you don't have this character yet, then go ahead and get him.
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