| Finally
you say…finally a new Alternator has come out, and this time
- it's a Decepticon! That's right, the former Stunticon of
G1 has returned this time as a repaint and retool of Sideswipe's
Dodge Viper body. This repaint and retool looks cooler than
its original incarnation, and the paint job really stands
out. But is it a cool toy still…
The simple answer is a resounding yes! While SideSwipe was
an amazing car/robot, Dead End shows what a more dynamic paint
job alone can do for a car. The black with silver stripes
makes him stand out among the other Alternators, and the hood
adds some depth to the car itself. Add to that the overall
details still included - engine block that is the gun, the
doors that open and close, the detailed dashboard - this car
screams evil and maniacal, and I love every curve and style
of it.
So how is the robot mode? Still lacking some poseability like
his Autobot counterpart, Dead End still has great motion in
his arms and head. And even with limited leg articulation
(due in part to the hood being right behind them) he is still
poseable in many dynamic poses. The real difference other
than color is the new menacing looking head. Unfortunately,
with his head you can see a future repaint of SideSwipe's
Autobot brother, Sunstreaker. Will we see that? Only the future
can tell…
The only issue I had with this Alternator is the top hood.
Yes, I mentioned before how it adds more depth, but it gets
in the way in robot mode a little. I think a better option
rather than leaving it stuck on the robot is to have it detach
and become a shield, maybe snap on to the forearm or something.
Otherwise, I think this 'bot is near flawless.
Bottom Line
Overall, I really like this Alternator. And while this former
Gestalt team member no longer has his pals to combine with
and form Menasor, he is strong character unto himself. With
a sleek, sexy paint job, and a mean attitude, Dead End will
make the Autobots on my Alternator shelf shake their shocks
when he comes down the road. At $19.99 in most retailers,
he is well worth the investment.
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