Pricepoint/Vintage: Voyager Class,
2011.
Transformation Style: Unique bomber
with dramatic head reveal.
Play Patterns: Robot and Bomber.
C-joint accessories, spring loaded weapons, firing missile.
Points of Interest: G1/realistic reinterpretation of the Animated character of the same name.
Points of Interest: G1/realistic reinterpretation of the Animated character of the same name.
The Good
Lugnut is impressive to look at, and impressive by the numbers. The robot mode captures the character perfectly, and has a startling 35 points of articulation to offset his bulk. Including fingers, waist, toes and mouth. This means pugilism poses are easy, and the famously memetic Punch Of Kill Everything is presented by spring-loaded extending fists. He's also got two pivoting guns on his chest, a missile launcher in the tail, in another startling number, rungs for 21 clip accessories. The Bomber inherits a majority of these strengths, with the spring loaded bits becoming decorative missile launchers. Its an interesting mix of WW2 and jet design elements, with massive engines, a tail gunner, shark teeth and a nice glass nose. It looks great, and the transformation to achieve it is unique.
The Bad
While novel, the transformation results in kibble issues for both modes. The robot form has a free floating cockpit piece behind the head and a hunch back, meaning the light piped eyes are a non-starter. Bomber mode easily betrays the hands and there are places where robot mode plastic colours spoil the flying fortress effect. This is a shame, because the undercarriage is very nearly there, largely concealing the robot bits. The decorative missile launchers in bomber mode meanwhile are unpainted, so I didn't know they existed until writing this review.
The Mediocre
Lugnut's missile launcher is an almost superfluous addition to the design, having questionable use in both modes, and the trigger seems loose in my example. The jaw only works if the head is facing directly forwards. There's also the use of a rubbery plastic in places, a long term concern, but seems okay at the 4 year mark.
The
Alternatives
Given that this mould was never re-used, the obvious substitutes are from the Animated line, or the Japanese version. The latter has a more purple colour scheme, a minor retool affecting the cockpit piece mentioned above, but has problems with its springs. If all you want is a big Decepticon that drops bombs, look into the venerated G2 Dreadwing mould. If you merely are looking for a comparable voyager, consider Sea Spray of 2010.
Given that this mould was never re-used, the obvious substitutes are from the Animated line, or the Japanese version. The latter has a more purple colour scheme, a minor retool affecting the cockpit piece mentioned above, but has problems with its springs. If all you want is a big Decepticon that drops bombs, look into the venerated G2 Dreadwing mould. If you merely are looking for a comparable voyager, consider Sea Spray of 2010.
The
Verdict
Lugnut makes the transition to mainstream Transformers extremely well, and short of a Masterpiece treatment, is ideal. Yeah, its not a 1-to-1 adaptation with the colours and altmode, but this is one of those toys which will not be bettered for years. That missile launcher is unneeded, and he's unrefined in places, but this is on everybody's “Best of 2011” list for a reason. Almost Generations Springer level good. Pick him up if you can, but he rightfully commands a big price on eBay.
Lugnut makes the transition to mainstream Transformers extremely well, and short of a Masterpiece treatment, is ideal. Yeah, its not a 1-to-1 adaptation with the colours and altmode, but this is one of those toys which will not be bettered for years. That missile launcher is unneeded, and he's unrefined in places, but this is on everybody's “Best of 2011” list for a reason. Almost Generations Springer level good. Pick him up if you can, but he rightfully commands a big price on eBay.
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