The first in a new series of Super Collection Figures from Takara, Mega-SCF Cybertron Commander Convoy is a very nice representation of the beloved character. One might think this was a US-released toy since there is no Japanese on any side of the package except for the lower inch and a half of the rear panel. Even the choking hazard warning is in English.

From the front, the Mega-SCF packaging stands out from Takara's other Transformers products released of late. The box is a white background and colors that jump out at the consumer from the CG art of Convoy's head to the Transformers logo near the top. Through the front window, you can clearly see Metallic Convoy and the various accessories he comes with. Behind him, a backdrop of Teletraan-One graces the interior of the package. The back of the box has the Transformers logo with the phrase "The Truth Who the Eyes Met Before!" underneath. It also shows the anime version of Convoy to the right, holding his rifle and in front of a city diorama. A smaller picture of the same version is to the left and under the logo showing Convoy with his energy-axe weapon and the Matrix in the background. The final toy photo shows the metallic version against a nighttime city scene, wielding Megatron in gun mode. There are two "movie reels" on the back as well, depicting scenes from the animated series and the movie. Orion Pax can be seen quite prominently near the Transformers logo.

A nice feature to the packaging is that once opened, the Teletraan-One backdrop is removable, This can be used, thanks to folds, for a nice diorama. The tray is a standard two-tiered style with the top holding the parts in place. Convoy himself is secured fairly well within the tray.

Convoy stands just shy of 4 ½" tall and is articulated at the heck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, waist, hips, and knees. While impressive even by action figure standards, he does not have a full range of motion. The hips only turn and are on a ball-socket joint that, if turned far enough in either direction, will cause the entire leg to pop right off. Thankfully for the ball-socket joint, it is just as easily replaced.

Convoy also comes equipped with various hands to add to the variety of poses he can be put in. There is a set of fists, a set of open hands, a right hand with his laser rifle, and a right hand holding Megatron in gun mode. Caution should be exercised when removing the hands as they held into the forearms be a tab 1/8" long that has a notch at the end to secure it i nto the arm. One should gently pull on the hand, rather than giving it a twist to loosen it up. My right fist is broken at the tab since I twisted when I should have pulled. And the hands are not easy to get back in either. I had to apply great force to plug in any of the remaining useable hands.

The metallic color scheme used on Convoy complements this toy very nicely. The darker red and blue harkens back to the original transforming toy. The Autobot insignia on his left shoulder is well done. While the face is not a perfect match for either the anime or the toy models, it's not a bad interpretation. The Megatron gun, however, is not accurate in that the stock is shown coming out from the bottom of the grip, not the back. This is probably meant to accommodate the figure holding it. The only other thing Megatron is lacking is a Decepticon insignia. Otherwise, it looks like a normal gun.

Overall, the inaugural figure of the Mega-SCF line is a fine toy and highly recommended. Outside of a few, minor details and some care to be taken with the accessories, Convoy is a wonderful addition to the growing Transformers merchandise universe.

Check out CosmicRust.com to see more pictures of Optimus Prime Metallic.

Reviewer	ViceGripX
Date	March 24th 2002
Score	(8 out of 10)
Reads	5185
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