Transformers Animated Toy Review: Voyager Class Lugnut

Segueing from the Transformers movie toy line, Hasbro releases its Transformers Animated toy line into retail shelves to coincide with the hit cartoon series on Cartoon Network. Classic characters from the original 1984 cartoon series and beyond are re-imagined and reformatted into new characters for the Animated series. This means new toys. New toy technology brings forth improved transformations and gimmicks to make these toys more enjoyable for children and collectors. The first toy I picked up from the Animated toy line was Lugnut. In the cartoon, Lugnut is an evil Decepticon noted for his large size and equally large devotion to his leader Megatron. Like all Voyager Class Transformers Toys, Lugnut costs $19.99 and is available at most fine retail toy stores.

Alternate Mode: Lugnut comes packaged in his alternate mode: a futuristic bomber jet that somewhat resembles a Flying Fortress. The jet is primarily dark purple with turquoise accents on the wings, cockpit, engine, and bombs. The oversized bombs remind me of Easter eggs. A detailed grid serves as the cockpit. Other features of this jet include retractable landing gear, and three posable turrets (two on the nose, one on the roof). The bombs can be opened to convert into giant lasers.

I like this mode. Most Transformers toys have a flaw where either parts of the alternate mode stick out of the robot or parts of the robot mode stick out of the alternate mode. But it appears that the Transformers Animated toy line has developed transformation techniques for convincing transformations. I look forward to the rest of the toys. Lugnut's jet form resembles a large bomber plane with smooth lines and well-hidden transformation portions. Only the toes of his feet are exposed. The purple and turquoise pastels may not appeal to some people, but since Lugnut has those colors in the cartoon, it's a faithful reproduction.

Transformation: Transforming Lugnut from bomber to robot is simple. First, flip up the wing tips. Slide both bomb fins forward to reveal Lugnut's pincer claws from the bombs. Detach the bombs/hands from the wing mounts. Hinges keep the hands from detaching. Flip up all landing gear on the bottom and open all hatches near the rear of the plane, exposing the legs. Lower and rotate the legs forward before locking in place. Adjust legs and arms into desired standing position. Now lower the portion housing the engines and stabilizers. An automorph feature flips up the head and springs the cockpit open, revealing his chest. Now remove the engine and stabilizers, unfold it, and place it in one of Lugnut's hands to form his mace weapon. While Lugnut is holding his mace, tap the bottom of the mace on a solid surface to open up and expand the mace. Transformation complete.

Robot Mode: In alternate mode, Lugnut can pass as a large jet. Standing alone in robot mode, Lugnut can pass as the bulky, intimidating robot as he is in the cartoon. But among other Transformers toys, Lugnut is a tiny robot among giants. This discrepancy in scale is a little disheartening. Hasbro does have larger toy classes that could make Lugnut closer in scale among his fellow toys. But that would cost more money for an evil character that most of the audience may not like; a bet Hasbro is not likely to make.

Nevertheless, Lugnut's robot mode is intimidating. His back and shoulders are obviously leftovers from his plane mode, but it's not too obvious. His head is sculpted well with its Cyclops-type eye. His head does not turn. His mace weapon is a nice way to hide most of his plane mode in plain sight. To make up for his smaller scale, I'd suggest pairing him with Legends class Transformers. Those toys are even smaller.

All in all, Lugnut is not a perfect toy in terms of his short robot mode, but his bomber plane mode is fun and looks great. I would like to hold my breath for a larger version of this character, but for now he will take his spot on my shelf of Decepticon toys. I'm liking where this Transformers Animated toy line is going and look forward to toys of Bumblebee, Prowl, Starscream, Megatron, and the rest of the cast.