Quick Review - Animated Rodimus Minor

Today I picked up the Toys R Us exclusive Transformers Animated Rodimus Minor figure. I thought I'd give it a quick review, so here we go!

Rodimus Minor comes in the standard Animated Deluxe package, the character picture on the front is pretty dynamic focusing on the double arrow bow.

The picture on the back is a bit blurred (they must have been using my camera). The bio and Galactic Abilities read as such read as such:

RODIMUS MINOR is one of the most promising young robots ever to graduate from the Academy. His trainers were so impressed with him that he was given command of a small unit right after graduation. During the short time he has commanded his troops, he has molded them into a tight-knit force to be reckoned with. Everyone expects him to one day rise to the rank of Magnus, and command AUTOBOT forces across the galaxy.

Galactic Abilities
• Called "chosen one" by his teachers and peers.
• Youngest ever honored with the Valor's Flame.
• Designed his energy bow himself.

Alternate Mode

So lets start with alt mode.

Two things that struck me right off the bat is that you can see the robot head clearly through the windshield. You can even go as far to lift the windshield and pop it up a bit very reminiscent of the Go-Bots who'd half transform to talk with each other.

Amusing as that is, the second issue isn't as fun. Rodimus does have a case of "Blurr Butt" in alt mode leaving a very unsightly open space.

I have to say it is very nice and fits in perfectly with the idea of what Hot Rod should look like.

A very nice highlight is that robot feet notch cleanly into the front bumper. That's all I'm getting into about the transformation as I tend to skip part of most reviews.

Robot Mode

So lets get right to the robot

I'm gonna begin with the pros.

The figure is not as disproportionate as most pics have made him out to be.

There is no shortage of articulation.

Everything is set on a combination of balljoints, swivels, and hinges.

Near everything is multijointed making for great posability.

He's also terrifically balanced, and has no issues holding his weapon.

Another positive is the light piped eyes. Similar to animated Swindle, they do have tinted pupils. The windshield on his back only adds to the effect. It's pretty awesome.

Now the cons.

The balljoints are fairly loose. The legs have a tendency to spread out on their own while posing.

The arms have jumped off the balljoints a couple times already, and the bulkiness of the chest and shoulders can limit posing, but it's rather minor.

The spoiler on the back is also fairly loose.

Otherwise, he is pretty good. It's impressive how that small car becomes such a large robot.

Now, just to be clear, yes he can do the one thing you want a Hot Rod/Rodimus to do...

Definitely a nice note for Animated to go out on.