Review: #468
Name: Thundercracker
Brand: Transformers
Allegiance: Decepticon
Line: Generations - Studio Series
Year of Release: 2018
Size Class: Voyager
Mold Status: retool of The Last Knight Nitro
JET MODE:
Thundercracker transforms into a blue and black jet with red and silver highlights on the wings.
This is a great looking jet although it has a bulky undercarriage. When looking from above, you can see the robot legs between the wings and tailfins which is a bit distracting.
In terms of size, this is one of the larger Voyagers we have had in a while. Thundercracker feels great and hefty in your hands. Above is a comparison against Studio Series Starscream.
Thundercracker is a retool of The Last Knight Nitro, but there are no differences in jet mode. However, the rich deep blue looks amazing in person.
The cockpit opens up and is able to fit a Titan Master in there if you have one handy.
This is a really awesome jet mode with a wicked color scheme.
TRANSFORMATION:
Getting Thundercracker into robot mode isn't too hard, although it is a bit counter-intuitive at times. This is because the arms are formed from the front and back of the jet, and there are various joints which are used in order to position them around the legs and into their proper places. When transforming into jet mode, there is an annoying trick to getting the legs to clip into the wings where you have to insert it at an angle.
ROBOT MODE:
Thundercracker's robot mode is big and bulky, looking very imposing.
There's a fair bit of kibble but the iconic element of the design is how the wings fold up onto his back to act as thrusters/shoulder cannons.
The aforementioned retool is the head. It is reminiscent of Starscream's head but much more alien with multiple eyes. It actually looks really cool in person.
Again, a size comparison against Starscream and Thundercracker has some bulk to him.
Compared to Nitro, the deep blue makes the figure look much less bland and cheap. It actually looks premium now as the plastic used is quite glossy.
As part of the Studio Series line, it comes with a cardboard stand, apparently with a scene from Dark of the Moon.
However, this version looks nothing like the Dark of the Moon Thundercracker, which used the same design as Starscream.
The cockpit of the plane splits open to make a sort of bladed weapon. It is permanently attached to the arm.
On his left hand is a cannon that extended from his forearm.
Furthermore, if that wasn't enough, then the backpack can tilt forward to form shoulder cannons.
There are no complaints with articulation, particularly since he has ankle hinges as well to keep him stable.
A fantastic robot mode that looks great and has a ton of play value in the form of his varied weapons.
OVERALL:
Sadly, Thundercracker was the last exclusive before Toys r Us closed down. However, this is a fantastic figure, even if you already have Nitro. Not only is the mold a great toy, but the color scheme is a clear winner. The deep blue of the plastic really helps make the figure pop and gives it a premium feel.
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