Slag (robot mode) [Galaxy Version 03 The Autobot Run]

In robot mode, Slag is one fancy looking Blokees figure. He's got quite a bit of custom parts to stand out among the other Galaxy Version AMK kits. Considering how rebellious Slag is, it's kinda appropriate. He's got a bad attitude and likes to fight a little too much. You know, it's be fun if they made a Horn Geist based on this kit. I've always enjoyed the Space Pirate Geisters and considering all the reworks of modern Transformers toys these days, it's surprising some of the Brave characters haven't been explored.

Not to mention... I think it'd look great in the signature Blokees style. Slag of course comes with the typical robot mode parts you'd expect in a Blokees Galaxy Version kit. The two sets of hands, a base and symbols. However, he's also got some really great custom parts that just make this kit stand out. Most notably is is dino mode head kibble. This is of course all part of Slag's look, but it makes him look so extra here. The parts are the same from the dino mode kit, but that doesn't diminish their visual impact whatsoever. In fact it creates a great synergy between the two kits that I appreciate. Topping everything off nicely is his Energo Sword. Super robots with swords just look cool and that's the same case with Slag. Just great.

Slag (dino mode) [Galaxy Version 03 The Autobot Run]

You know, I've gotten pretty used to the standard Blokees body formula. Then this newest batch I've received throws me a curve ball. An alt mode. Blokees are non-transforming AMK model kits and the Transformers characters are usually in robot mode. Well, starting in series 2 (which I don't have any of yet), they started putting out characters in alt mode. That's neat.

They don't transform, but when you have a character like Slag who spends a great deal of screen time in alt mode... it feels absolutely necessary. This also keeps things fresh as after working my way through a case, aside from unique parts... everything pretty much assembles the same. So a little variety is fun. Sometimes the way something is made or works can be very interesting. Slag, despite being a triceratops, uses some robot mode parts. At the core of his body is the main torso section from a standard Blokees kit. The body and head connect much how the custom chest parts for a character would. There's a different waist piece, which allows the rear legs to plug in as the front connect much like arms. It's pretty clever!

A few of the pieces are also used in the robot mode Slag figure that we'll be looking at a little later. I almost thought mine was missing a horn initially. Make sure you check inside the folds of the bags inside your blind box. Smaller parts can get stuck in them. Once assembled, Slag is very expressive and full of fun. His limbs and tail articulate as does his head and jaw. I'm so used to smaller beast modes being mostly static that the overall thing was pretty impressive. Blokees are really fun as is, but in instances like Slag, they can be extra surprising.

Dinobot Slug (Legacy Evolution/Core Class)

Around 2009, someone at Hasbro discovered Slag wasn't a friendly term everywhere in the world and started using alternates with Slug being the most often used. At this point there's more Slag toys named something completely else than Slag... but it's still an elephant in the room in some corners of the Transformers world. I'll be calling him Slag, but the name on the box says Slug for those reasons. Slag is another member of this Core Class Dinobots set and a classic Dinobot as well. As a Core Class, he is pretty small. though apparently is one of the larger toys in the class. Slag, like Snarl, could almost pass for a regular toy as his combiner limb nature isn't completely evident. If not for his dino tail weapon containing Volcanicus's head, it'd be pretty easy to hide.

Well that and the assorted pegs visible in robot mode. Slag looks fairly accurate to his classic character here with obvious omissions for size and paint. He's a good looking figure. Transformation from robot to Triceratops is fairly easy. He's another one of those toys where everything looks like where it would go. The dino tail forms a 'blaster' in robot mode. It also is storage for Volcanicu's head and forms part of the combiners abdomen. Snarl forms the main torso of Volcanicus and mirrors Kakuryu in Dinoking... which is obviously another use of the mold set coming at some point. As a Triceratops, Slag has a fair amount of articulation considering his small size. All four legs can move and his mouth can open. Opening his mouth would of course expose the robot mode head... but that was the case on his original toy as well. This is a perfectly serviceable little figure of Slag. Like the other Dinobots in this set, I like him a lot. In fact, I like this set and am honestly enjoying it more than the full size Volcanicus from Power of the Primes. Not disparaging that version at all (I like it quite a bit), but the more compact design benefits the combiner overall. Everything is just sturdier. Not to mention, I really enjoy the blocky old school nature of this set of toys. We've got one more Dinobot to go until Volcanicus awakens! 

Slug/Slag (Cyberverse)

 

Not going to lie, this is one of the most impressive figures I've seen in a while. Slug is just oozing personality and damn near impossible not to like. This is the Cyberverse Deluxe version of Slug (formerly Slag) and a real stand out. I love Dinobots (still need to find Snarl) and was all too happy to see him underneath the tree on Christmas (thanks to the Mrs!). If Cyberverse isn't your thing, then you're probably unaware just how much they nail the classic characters with a touch of stylized flair. I'm normally a big fan of the warrior class. Warrior class is a more simple figure, but in that simplicity is an accidental throwback to older robot figures. Still, I've gotten some of the Deluxes (need to get Hot Rod and Bumblebee still) as they're quite nice. As of right now, I think Slug is the best one they've done.

Slug turns into his trademark triceratops and looks 100% like classic Slag in both forms. HOWEVER, in that stylized flair I talked about above is some extra charm. They've added spikes and a facial expression that makes him look as if he walked off the pages of a Generation 2 comic. If they ever repaint this mold, I really hope it's in green or red. It's one of those things I just can't un-see. 

As a figure on his own, Slug is pretty great. Make no mistakes, I'm outright gushing. I was completely blown away by how good this figure is. If I have anything that resembles a complaint about him, it's that I had a little trouble transforming him. The robot mode legs make up the rear section of the dinosaur and arranging them didn't go so smoothly. I haven't seen any other complaints about this, so that very well could just be me being clumsy. Outside of that, Slug is well articulated and decently so in dino mode as well. Instead of a sword, he's packing a hatchet and the gun you normally see him use. The two can be combined which makes for a great cannon for the triceratops. There's also one of those action effect blast thingies included to plug onto the guns barrels. I normally don't care much for those, but in this case I actually like it. This toy is so good it sold me on something I normally don't like!