Rodimus (IDW ver.) [Flame Toys Furai Model]

Flame Toys Furai Models are model kits that, once assembled, result in high-quality action figures full of detail and style. I’ve got a few, and for whatever reason, haven’t really talked about them here. My intention to feature more models over the past few years has already brought in kits from Blokees and Yolopark. Both brands I outright love. I’m pretty fond of Flame Toys as well.

Being our first post after this year’s epic Halloween season seems like the perfect time to look at one of their offerings. I’ve been sitting on this Rodimus kit for quite some time after buying it earlier this year, and spent a few Sunday nights in October building it. I’ve admittedly gotten used to Blokees’ simpler kits, as Rodimus seemingly had a million parts. I think I spent two hours one night just working on his legs.

“Intricate” is the word here, as each body part is composed of several tiny pieces joined together. Of particular note are the joints where his legs meet at the waist—holy crap, I had a hard time with those. What you see as ball shapes were actually the halves of that ball, with a joining piece in the middle. There’s a little peg that inserts into a little hole in each of those halves. That doesn’t sound too bad, but those holes were very tight, and the small parts were just the right size to not fit well in my fingertips. I’m used to a little pain after assembling a model, but those freaking joints had my thumb tips sore for a few days. *Ow, dammit*

That’s all part of the process, though—taking a bunch of parts and assembling such an ornate figure. It’s really therapeutic going through the sprues with my nippers and putting it all together piece by piece. Sore fingertips regardless.

The IDW Comics incarnation of Rodimus, as he famously appeared in the Lost Light series, is a very stylized design. Being a model kit and not a toy sharing an aisle with Paw Patrol allows for a much more accurate finished product. All those points and edges would have to be rounded off for safety purposes otherwise. Thankfully, that’s not the case here. Rodimus both looks and is very sharp.

*Also pointy. Very pointy*

Once fully assembled, our Autobot Cavalier stands just under six inches tall and features more than fifty points of articulation. All those movable joints make for one expressive robot. Adding to that are three different sets of hands: closed fists, slightly open poses that can be used in a variety of ways, and a kung-fu-grip style for holding his guns.

Those guns are a particularly clever detail. Some of you may remember the original G1 Hot Rod toy came with two pistols, while the G1 Rodimus Prime had a rifle. This gun can separate into two pistols or join together into one rifle. I don’t recall if that was something used in the comics this kit is based on, but it’s neat regardless.

His stickers took a bit of extra skill, and thankfully I had my curved-tip tweezers handy to apply them—especially those little black dots on his upper thighs. They look great, but putting them on took a lot of patience. I think the Autobot symbol came out a little crooked, but that’s okay. Sometimes they’re like that when applied in factories.

Speaking of tools, I misplaced my hobby knife, so it was absent from this project. Normally I use it to shave off that little excess of plastic left from the sprues. For the most part, I was able to trim it away with my nippers, but there are a few parts that could use the extra precision of the knife. Whenever I locate it, that’ll be a small task to revisit later.

In the end, Rodimus came out looking great. Despite all the trouble assembling him, the finished product looks amazing. I’ve got a few more Flame Toys kits in my model backlog that’ll make for great future projects.

Welcome aboard. Maybe you’re not good. But you’re sure as hell good enough.

Up to Energon

 

The Unicron Trilogy era was a pretty fun time. Transformers as a brand was huge and there was a ton of available product for fans at pretty fair prices. Didn't like Armada/Energon/Cybertron? There were reissues, Universe, Alternators, Robot Masters, etc to pick from. Armada has a lot of derision in the fan base. Well, it had a lot of derision from the loud mouths who talk over everyone else. It was fairly popular and sold gangbusters. To be fair, the cartoon had it's issues and the toys were quite different from what came before. Like I said, it sold very well. Money talks and bullshit walks.

By summer 2003, Energon was gearing up to take over and fan excitement was high. After initially being developed as Super Cross, the line as a whole was very similar to Multiforce with the combination gimmick for the Autobots. As early looks and leaks made their way out, fans eagerly gobbled up every bit of it. Rodimus was a big deal. At the time, the only Hot Rod or Rodiums Prime stuff was from the G1 version. The only new products of him would be reissues or random merchandise as well. Several (including myself) wanted a Rodimus Primal in Beast Wars or thought Sideburn should have been Hot Rod. So when Rodimus finally made a return, it was a joyous occasion. Energon was a pretty good time with some great toys. Sure the cartoon had it's issues, but once again it sold well. For a pretty good reason.

Rodimus Prime (Kingdom)

 

Rodimus Prime is one of my favorite Transformers characters. Like Galvatron, after his introduction everything changed for the better. His latest figure is a large Commander Class figure that the Mrs gave me for Christmas. She knows how much I like him and this is one impressive gift. Like the Kingdom version of Galvatron, this Rodimus Prime works as both a Generations and Studio Series version of the toy. It's also a very pleasantly chunky robot toy that I had a lot of fun with. As you'd expect, Rodimus turns into his trademark Winnebago of Doom. What you probably didn't expect was the front 'cab' portion separates into the car Rodimus changed into as Hot Rod. As a kid, this is what I wanted the original to do. In a way, it makes him more like an Optimus Prime toy when the cab separates from the trailer.

The 'trailer' portion of the alt mode converts into a battle platform similar to the original toy. Now, however, the cannon is detachable and has treads for movement. It can be used as a portable weapon as well. There's plenty of connection ports in the battle deck for various Weaponizers and other add on fun. Rodimus comes with plenty of those energy action effect thingies, they make good blast effects for the cannon. Rodimus himself is contained within the car. This leads to my only dislike about the toy. I hated transforming it. He's a pretty tall robot that unfolds out of that car in not the most graceful manner. The end results are great, but the trip from A to B was a nightmare.

Transformation aside, in robot mode Rodimus is very sharp looking and well articulated. He has some great accessories including his Photon Eliminator rifle, Sword of Primus, and a Matrix of Autobot Leadership that stores nicely in his chest. There's even one of those energy effects thingies just for it! There already has been a Masterpiece Rodimus toy, but I am WAY more impressed with this figure than that one. There's even removable smoke for the smoke stacks! This is one of those toys that feel proud to own, like it could be a showcase piece. I've been really happy with Transformers toys in general over the past few years and this definitely is a solid example as to why.

With a yellow Spoiler and red Helmet

I've always been partial to Rodimus Prime. There's something about a cocky hot shot that turns out to be the chosen one who has imposter syndrome. I think we all can relate with being suddenly thrust into an important role and plagued with self doubt. It's an analogy for growing up as a late bloomer, something I can definitely relate with. I also think he looks cool.

It's hard not to like that mixture of orange, red, and yellow. The Winnebago of Doom alt mode is pleasantly weird too. In either the aerodynamics of it's original design, or the more blocky military-esque recent looks. It's just a neat vehicle. As much as I love the original years of Transformers with it's hybrid of Diaclone and Microman designs, I do favor the space opera post movie years more. Being raised on an unhealthy diet of Star Wars will do that to you.

Shattered Glass Rodimus

To the victor go the profits.

Rodimus was once a mercenary who commanded a team of fellow mercenaries known as "The Wreckers". They plundered resources across Cybertron and preyed upon the weak. While Rodimus always believed in Optimus Prime's vision of conquest, he did not want to be a follower. During the battle of Praxus-Delta, Optimus Prime hired Rodimus' team to bolster his own forces. In the battle, the Decepticons managed to destroy every member of the Wreckers except for Rodimus. Despite the heavy losses, Rodimus wanted to fulfill his contract with Optimus, so he fought on. As a result, the Autobots were able to retreat that day without further casualties. Optimus Prime was impressed with Rodimus' fighting ability and asked him to join the Autobots. Rodimus agreed. He is determined to eventually take leadership for himself and turn the Autobot forces into the largest mercenary group the galaxy has ever seen!