Toy Review - DotM Commander Blackout

[griffin]

Toy Review - DotM Commander Blackout

(Please post photos, comments or even a fully comprehensive review - these are just brief details)

Toy Review - Blackout (with Scoroponok)
Series - Dark of the Moon
Sub-line - Cyberverse
Size/class - Commander
New/remould/redeco - New
Wave - 2
Released here - May 2011
Approximate Retail Price - $16-20
Approximate Size - 10cm
Allegiance - Decepticon
Alt-mode - Military Helicopter
Main Features/Gimmicks - none
Main Colours - Blue, grey
Main Accessories - Scorponok (scorpion/blaster)

[Paulbot]

I wrote a review 48 days ago but just noticed I never posted it

I never liked the original Blackout figure. As an early movieverse figure they hadn't got the bugs pf converting movie characters to toys worked out and he ended up being a pain to transform. I purchased the FAB version so I'd have an easier toy that wasn't legends class.

Most of the first movie characters have had new toys since but Blackout (and his twin Grindor) has only been released again as repaints. This new figure changes that and while it's not the Leader class toy I would most desire, it's to date the best Blackout toy.

This toy is more in the Activator size class. It's bigger than legends/legion class but shares some the flaws of them and the Activators: odd limbs, limited poseability, kibble that has no where to go.

But unlike the Legends and Activators, this figure is impressively detailed in both modes. Extra paint apps for the windows, door and other panels, detailed engine inputs and more details in robot mode. The detailing on Blackout has really impressed me and if the others are similar I'd be interested in getting more.

Conversion is not that complex, but it does some nice things with the legs and arms. The vehicle mode ends up rather kibble free except for some protruding figures. The robot mode is nice but the rear rotor ends up in an awkward position making the right arm hard to pose.

The Scorponok accessory isn't very good. It's nicely detailed but the rubbery plastic tail and otherwise non articulated figure don't make it a substitue for Legends Scorponok. It's better than some random big weapon thrown in.

Overall, if this toy was upscaled to a Scout size it would have been able to add a few extra moving parts that would have made it wonderful, but well worth getting.

[SkyWarp91]

I like how this figure has a simple transformation yet retains a much less-blocky appearance than its Voyager incarnations. A fun toy to play with, but shame it's just a tad bit too small.

[GoktimusPrime]

I'm not personally interested in this figure, but I voted "Only if (something else)" - with the something else being if you don't already own the Voyager or if you're seriously disappointed with the Voyager.

I'm satisfied enough with the Voyager.

[Mr Ed]

I got this figure and found it immensely fun to play with.

I am a bit biased as Blackout was one of my favorite Movie 2007 toys

[Autocon]

Big feet. As in someone with flippers lol. Overall buy it.

[UltraMarginal]

I bought this the other day. I think it's a better transformation than the voyager . I definitely agree that it would have made a great scout or deluxe class with a bit more complexity. I say bring on the leader or HA class version. It doesn't help that I'm massively biased towards aircraft alt modes either. I recommend especially if you like blackout or chopper alt modes

[griffin]

I like the detailing on this figure. It almost makes up for the deformed/distorted design of the robot mode - with lots of kibble getting in the way on the back and right arm. And the lower legs are a bit fat.
The size limits what could have been done with it, and looks nicer than the Legend version from the previous movies. Plus it comes with a Scorponok.
Just be careful with the rotors, as they need a bit of force to move around and have to be pinned back in robot mode.