RotF Nightbeat

Wark!

A repaint of the red and black Dead End, a Scout/Basic figure from the Revenge of the Fallen toyline.

My first experience with Nightbeat was not with the comics where he was some Autobot space noir detective, but as a prepubescent blond girl who was half French, half Japanese and half space zombie robot. Nightbeat in the Masterforce series was a girl who was rescued by the Autobot Pretenders when her father was targeted by the Destron Pretenders. She would also go on to become the Headmaster for a Red Alert redeco of Nightbeat. However, unlike in the short lived 4th season of the original Transformers, the bodies of the Headmasters were lifeless robots known as Transectors, which became alive only when Binary Bonded to their Headmasters. Hence the Zombie Robot tag.

…oh by the way, this toy and review is obvious based on the comic version. So once again, you’ve read a pointless bit of bio on an obscure character. Bravo.

Onto the toy, Nightbeat here is a sporty little concept car. Believe it or not, there’s actually a car that looks pretty much like this guy. Freaky.

While the blue and yellow is meant to invoke the non-Masterforce Nightbeat, the deco on the sides reminds me more of Subaru Smokescreen from the Alternators/Binaltech line.

In robot mode, this is where Nightbeat shines. The moment I saw this toy displayed in robot mode, I grabbed ’em on the spot. While the original Dead End is arguably the better vehicle mode, there’s no denying that Nightbeat here is far more striking than his red predecessor in robot mode. The striking and standout-ish nature of this toy was literally telling me to buy him. And I’m glad I did.

This is a truly wonderful toy, simply because of how utterly freaky it is. With the head in the regular, neutral position, its avian-like head is reminiscent of Beast Wars Airazor. But lift the head up to reveal his teeth, and this guy is totally freaky. Those big blue eyes suddenly take on an insane quality. I love that aspect.

I love how totally feral this guy looks in robot mode, and as such, I prefer having him on all fours rather than standing erect when in robot mode. Nightbeat is totally batshit, and that’s a good thing.

Oh yeah, and he’s articulated blah blah blah thumbs up blah blah.

His hands like to pop off though, especially during transformation. Once you know how to do it right, it shouldn’t pop off very much, but the predilection is still there. So that’s a point against.

Overall
I’ve wavered on whether or not to get the original Dead End version of this mold, but there was no such hesitation with Nightbeat here, and I’m glad that I got him. Nightbeat is choked full of personality in any mode, and he’s got all the technical aspects, such as paint apps and articulation, down as well. A recommended buy.

Pros: Lots of personality. Good articulation. Cute vehicle mode.
Cons: Hands like to pop off.

3.5 out of 4.0

———————————–
0.0 – 0.0 = I’d pay to get rid of it
0.1 – 0.5 = I’d give it away
0.6 – 1.0 = I wouldn’t take it for free
1.1 – 1.5 = Very Bad
1.6 – 2.0 = Bad
2.1 – 2.5 = Average
2.6 – 3.0 = Good
3.1 – 3.5 = Very Good
3.6 – 4.0 = Excellent