Review: #356
Name: Weirdwolf
Brand: Transformers
Allegiance: Decepticon
Line: Legends
Year of Release: 2016
Size Class: Deluxe with Vehicle
Mold Status: new
PACKAGING AND CONTENTS:
Weirdwolf comes in wolf mode in a nice compact box, showcasing the Headmaster and also the vehicle.
Unlike the Hasbro version Weirdwolf gets to keep his G1 name.
The foldout instructions also includes two pages of comics, of course, it is in Japanese.
"MONZO":
Like the other Headmasters within the Legends line, Monzo isn't explicitly named as such. Nevertheless, we'll call him Monzo all the same as that is who he is homaging.
The head is in full view from the back. The two contrasting colors help make the Headmaster less bland the others, the painted red face helps as well.
The head is on a balljoint, and he has limited articulation for his balljointed shoulders as well. The facial details are hard to make out since he is so small.
RARIGO:
Weirdwolf comes with a mini-vehicle, in this case, a repaint of the one that came with Apeface. One of its alternate modes is a robotic ape.
This is actually a decent ape mode, and the beast mode is in theme with Weirdwolf.
These vehicles are approximately the size of Legion toys, above is a comparison against RiD Springload.
Monzo can stand on the back of Rarigo. There are two pegs on his back that correspond to the bottom of Monzo's feet, which allows him to stand very securely.
With all being said, the ape mode looks kind of weird in yellow though.
The ape mode is also very restricted in articulation, only able to swing his arms forward.
The second alternate mode of Rarigo is the jet mode, which is very simple to convert from ape. You simply lie the ape down, fold the cockpit over, and swivel his arms.
One of the neat things is that you can incorporate Monzo into this mode, but plugging him into the back you get to fill the gap in the fuselage.
Alternatively, you may also place Monzo on top although it looks grossly out of scale.
Size-wise, he is again approximately the size of a Legion toy.
The color scheme works better as a plane, with plenty of paint.
Considering how simplistic the transformation is and how different the two modes are, Rarigo does a good job of looking properly like a jet even if the wings are a little bit too small.
WOLF MODE:
Weirdwolf transforms into a robotic wolf that has the perfect blend of robotic and organic elements, such that he can pass for either.
The overall shape is fantastic and he holds together well. Having a solid torso helps a lot in this aspect.
Weirdwolf is in the Deluxe class and having a beast mode means he has the benefit of looking bigger than he is. Above is a comparison shot against BotCon Bitstream.
A cool feature is the articulation the head allows. You can open his mouth to reveal silver painted teeth (and a red tongue!) and you're also able to rotate at the neck.
You can attach the robot gun on his back as a type of weapon.
Monzo can also sit in the gap within the gun.
Further interactivity include the cockpit within the torso of the figure. It actually reveals a huge amount of space as it is required for transformation.
Weirdwolf can use a variety of transformation and robot joints to be posed in a lot of neat ways.
The color scheme isn't too much different from the Hasbro version, the biggest differences are the slightly more vibrant shade of yellow and the solid silver for the claws.
Weirdwolf has a fantastic wolf mode that looks great and has plenty of interactivity with the Headmaster.
TRANSFORMATION:
Weirdwolf's transformation to robot mode doesn't do anything ambitious but it is very solid and works wonders. The torso collapses within itself to compact for the robot. The rear legs of the wolf also has more than a few pieces that are required to be manipulated which was a nice surprise.
ROBOT MODE:
Weirdwolf's robot mode is every bit as good as the wolf mode. He has nice proportions and the color scheme works well.
He has a bit of kibble on his back, being the wolf's head and the cockpit roof. Otherwise, it isn't too bad and doesn't get in the way at all.
The headsculpt is the major point of difference compared to the Hasbro version. Here, it is based off the Headmasters cartoon and has a single red visor.
He is quite tall in robot mode and it is nice that the head isn't too big to give him a bobble-head effect.
Poseability is excellent. While his ankles have balljoints, they are locked in via transformation.
The shoulders are also fairly big and means that the shoulders can get in the way. However, the detailing on them more than makes up for this.
Weirdwolf has two weapons, the first is a sword made from the wolf's tail and the other is a huge gun.
The sword actually looks quite good considering that it doubles as the wolf's tail. It's more curved than a traditional sword but pulls it off.
Weirdwolf lacks wrist swivels though so he isn't able to wield the sword as effectively as some other Transformers.
The gun is big even for Weirdwolf. The gap for the Headmaster is on the bottom so it hides the hollowness. Annoyingly, the handle is sculpted in such a way that it doesn't peg straight when pushed fully into Weirdwolf's fists.
Naturally, Weirdwolf can hold both weapons at the same time.
He has the wolf's paws dangling underneath his forearms.
Rarigo has a third mode and that is its weapon mode. This is basically the jet mode but with the wings flipped forward to show two more barrels.
It is not the best looking weapon but not the worse either. Weirdwolf has several ports on his body that allows you to peg the other weapons when not in use.
A fantastic robot mode with plenty of weapon options, good stability and looks great.
OVERALL:
Weirdwolf is another winner within the Generations Titans Return line (of which a significant portion of the Legends line is based from). He is great colors but more importantly, two almost perfect modes and plenty of play value between them. Weirdwolf is highly recommended, whether you get the Hasbro or TakaraTomy version.
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