Review: #101
Name: Dreadwing
Brand: Transformers
Allegiance: Decepticon
Line: Prime
Year of Release: 2012
Size Class: Commander (Wave 2)
Variations: repainted into Skyquake
Note: technically this is the Japanese version, but there are no differences to the Hasbro version
JET MODE:
Dreadwing transforms into a modified Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fighter jet. Sleek for the most part but for the slightly fat side bits the winglets are on (they're the shoulder armour for robot mode). Under each wing is a weapon (a sword and a gun) of different size, unbalancing the look.
The rear of the jet is a bit messy where you can see the feet and arms. There's also a spot of transparent yellow plastic in the middle of the fuselage. Interestingly, he features the same Decepticon style insignia as ROTF Mindwipe and Skystalker.
Looking at the underside, you can pretty much guess the transformation. Being such a small figure though, the obvious arms and legs can be forgiven.
He only has one landing gear underneath the nose, which seems odd. It's also a very thick jet, basically a robot with a plane on top..
Dreadwing's even smaller (albeit slightly) than the previous Commander jet we've seen, Hatchet, *sigh*.
Still a great little jet that looks great and is fun to play with.
TRANSFORMATION:
A disappointing one, basically just unfold the legs, fold down the cockpit and you're done. The most interesting part is how the pieces with the winglets on either side of the nose form his upper chest and shoulder armour. Too simple, and too bland, you would've expected a bit more.
ROBOT MODE:
Surprisingly a very screen accurate robot mode. For such a tiny figure, this is amazing. A lot of silver/grey appears in robot mode, contrasting the yellow and blue nicely.
He wears most of the plane (the only thing he's not wearing is the nose) on his back, but it sits close to the body, and doesn't cause any balance issues.
The head sculpt is detailed for it's size but it's static. It cannot move at all, which, frankly, sucks.
There's a lot of paint on the figure. Since the shoulder pieces are on a separate hinge, they can look odd from certain angles.
As mentioned, Dreadwing has two (awesome) weapons, a big gun and a sword. Each has extra handles and holes so you can combine multiple weapons into one big one (but whether it'll look good is another matter).
Obviously, Dreadwing can wield them, and he's pretty articulate, featuring all of the standard joints bar any head and waist joints. The shoulders are limited somewhat by the shoulder armour (but you can move that out of the way).
You can combine the two weapons to for a sort of bayonet type weapon (or gunblade) that looks menacing.
You can also store the weapon onto the peg on his back.
They really don't make Scouts/Commanders like they used to, Dreadwing does not only look tiny, he feels tiny. It's really sad when the figure looks like a stick in your hand.
A great looking robot mode, the two weapons are a perfect match for him.
OVERALL:
This is undoubtedly one of the better Commander figures out there. Two great modes, but as per usual, the robot mode wins. It's amazing how close this little figure looks to the character model, and he just oozes awesomeness. Still, I wouldn't pay over RRP for him since he's no engineering marvel.
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