Review: #187
Name: Wheeljack
Brand: Transformers
Allegiance: Autobot
Line: Masterpiece
Year of Release: 2014
Size Class: Masterpiece (MP-20)
Variations: retooled into MP-23 Exhaust
PACKAGING AND CONTENTS:
Wheeljack comes packaged in your usual fancy Masterpiece box, proudly showing both modes and the Lancia logo.
The back contains a lot of text and various pictures displaying the different gimmicks and how he's in scale with MP-10.
Apart from that, Wheeljack also comes with a collector's card. The picture is a cartoon version of the toy.
There are tech specs and probably what is a bio on the back, along with photos of the actual figure.
In the package are also Wheeljack's guns, he comes with his trademark shoulder cannon and also a pistol.
The shoulder cannon is two pieces, the missile is removable although there is no point as it does not launch or anything.
Further, the Amazon exclusive gift this time around is a toolbox (painted in beautiful metallic blue) which was based upon the hypno-chip disabling device in the G1 episode "The Ultimate Doom, Part 3".
Lastly, if you purchased it through an Asian source (excluding Japan), it comes with a collector's coin, which is a nice extra.
Unfortunately, an embarrassing typo slipped through and it says "Weeljack". At least he engraving on the actual coin itself spells it right. The coin is very hefty and is made of some type of metal (I don't know what it is exactly, could be die-cast?).
VEHICLE MODE:
Wheeljack transforms into a licensed Lancia-Stratos. Needless to say, this is an amazingly faithful replica of the actual vehicle.
The detailing is exquisite and looks fantastic. One of Wheeljack's guns plug underneath to act as some sort of oversized exhaust, you can leave that out if you wanted to.
The figure retains Wheeljack's familiar stripe pattern and looks really nice here. Note that the white plastic is unpainted, therefore losing the premium feel of other similar sized Masterpieces like Streak and Tigertrack (and variations of that mold).
There are tampographs everywhere, with "Lancia litalia" right above the grill. An interesting thing is that you have to attach Wheeljack's side mirrors yourself. They come still attached to their sprues in the packaging and even more surprisingly, you get two sets.
The are sculpted details all over the body, including windshield wipers. The wraparound windshield also looks great.
The rims are painted a nice shade of red. Obviously, Wheeljack rolls.
A comparison with a Deluxe sized figure. The photo is deceptive as MP Wheeljack does feel like he is roughly Voyager sized. He has some heft but also feels lighter than you would prefer as Wheeljack is all plastic, there is not a piece of die-cast anywhere (whether for the purpose of gimmicks or stability).
A comparison with a Voyager classed figure. One thing to note is that Wheeljack is packed tightly, if you turn him around, there are no hollow areas to make the vehicle appear bigger than it actually is. All his limbs and robot pieces are packed right next to each other with no gaps at all.
Another comparison, but this time with the previous toy representation of the character. The MP version has better paint apps and of course, the more accurate vehicle.
The gun can be plugged on top via a slot. There is a spring loaded piece that flips up to fill in the gap when nothing is plugged in (similar to the DOTM MechTech figures).
The gun can be angled upwards for an anti-aircraft look.
The vehicle holds together solidly. All pieces peg in where they are supposed to and there aren't any obvious transformation seams.
A fantastic vehicle overall, to the standard you would expect from this line. He will look amazing on your shelf in this mode but the best is still yet to come...
TRANSFORMATION:
To be honest, I had higher expectations, especially after the pleasant surprise that was MP Sideswipe and MP Prowl. Not that Wheeljack's transformation is bad or anything, it just felt it was lacking something magical and ingenious. The good thing is that it is easy and intuitive, although there are some parts where you fear you're going to break the piece off since the joints can be tight. The way the feet formed was probably the best part of the transformation.
ROBOT MODE:
This is an amazingly clean and cartoon accurate robot mode. It is unbelievable that this figure can look so good yet still be transformable, especially considering that there are no cheats (i.e. no false kibble to make it cartoon accurate).
There is barely any excessive kibble as it is. The rear of of the car rests on his back, while the spoilers are behind each forearm.
The only disappointing thing here is the kibble attached to the outside of each hand. This is the rear lights of the car and it would have been nice if the designer could somehow put it somewhere else. Being white on black, it sticks out a lot.
The head sculpt is very rounded but is instantly recognizable as Wheeljack. Some people took the head apart and found an Animated-ish looking head sculpt inside, which was interesting.
Wheeljack is actually the tallest so far out of all the other smaller scaled MP figures.
A comparison with the Generations figure. MP Wheeljack wins hands down in terms of aesthetic and overall awesomeness (even though the Generations figure is a fine toy too).
Wheeljack's "wings", so to speak, are transparent plastic with some sculpted wiring details.
Despite initial promo pictures making it seem as if Wheeljack is standing on "thin air", the feet are solidly formed. They peg together tightly and allows heaps of movement: side to side pivoting as well as hinging up and down.
The shoulder cannon can plug into a slot on either side of his head, although the default is on his right shoulder.
Wheeljack is extremely poseable. He has the full range of joints, including waist and wrist swivels.
With large and adjustable feet, Wheeljack is perfect for many poses. He rarely falls down due to lack of balance, he's pretty much perfect in this aspect. It's very impressive.
The pistol can peg into a slot in either hand, although it is very tight and can be tricky to put on.
The missile launcher can also be adjusted to angle up but only by a small margin, it makes a world of difference though.
His fingers are all jointed as one, which can open and close, mainly such that he can hold his weapon.
The Amazon exclusive toolbox can also be held in either hand. It doesn't peg in like the gun but Wheeljack still grasps is quite tightly. Other than looking good, the toolbox is static. It actually would be have very cool if it opened up to reveal machinery or something.
The head can turn side to side and tilt up and down.
Once again, this mode is solid in it's construction apart from one area. The back of the car resting on his back can often come loose, even though it is supposed to stay tabbed on. It is also attached to a spring, which might be why this is the case.
Apart from the poseability and accessories, there are no other gimmicks to speak of. The are plenty of good sculpted details although some have commented that the sculpting that faces the back (such as the back of his hips) have more details.
The proportions might not be for everyone, being rounded and can look lanky. It does grow on you though.
A fantastic robot mode that doesn't disappoint. He is cartoon accurate and has great poseability making it a fun robot to fiddle around with and admire at.
OVERALL:
I know that this will sound cliche, but MP Wheeljack is the best smaller scaled MP figure yet. Yes, he surpasses the Sideswipe mold and the Prowl mold. The excellent build, proportions and paint applications makes Wheeljack an awesome figure. The transformation is a little bit bland but otherwise, this is pretty much a perfect figure and the definitive toy representation of the character.
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