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kurdt_the_goat
14th July 2008, 01:33 AM
Thought i would do a review of Venom as well this week, since it looks like i'm the only person on the forums interested in the Marvel Crossovers! Truth be told, i'll probably be stopping at Venom, only because the others don't appeal to me for various reasons.

As a disclaimer of sorts, i haven't had any experience with SWTF's other than seeing them in store and reading Dirge's reviews, so i won't be comparing to that line of (soon to be) Crossovers.

http://mirror.cliffbee.com/venom/640/P1020077.jpg

Head

http://mirror.cliffbee.com/venom/200/P1020066.jpg (http://mirror.cliffbee.com/venom/640/P1020066.jpg) http://mirror.cliffbee.com/venom/200/P1020067.jpg (http://mirror.cliffbee.com/venom/640/P1020067.jpg)

I know there's some opposition to Crossovers in general - the very nature of the concept and particularly human(like) creatures being represented as robots. Whatever your opinion on the concept, i think it's undeniable that this figure has an awesome looking head sculpt. The mouth/teeth/tongue and eyes are what defines this Mech as Venom, but the robotic detailing is incredibly convincing. A combination of wires, cabling, indentations and panels are painted with enough detail to be surprising for a Transformer toy. The black paint is a nice glossy one that looks very solid and impressive. In terms of faults, the head is on quite a large neck, which coupled the bonnet forming his chest, limits articulation to side-to-side, less than even 90 degrees. While unfortunate, I think the detail on the neck/head makes up for the lack of articulation, and if it were smaller, it would look too small.

Muscle Car

http://mirror.cliffbee.com/venom/200/P1020082.jpg (http://mirror.cliffbee.com/venom/640/P1020082.jpg) http://mirror.cliffbee.com/venom/200/P1020083.jpg (http://mirror.cliffbee.com/venom/640/P1020083.jpg) http://mirror.cliffbee.com/venom/200/P1020086.jpg (http://mirror.cliffbee.com/venom/640/P1020086.jpg) http://mirror.cliffbee.com/venom/200/P1020087.jpg (http://mirror.cliffbee.com/venom/640/P1020087.jpg) http://mirror.cliffbee.com/venom/200/P1020088.jpg (http://mirror.cliffbee.com/venom/640/P1020088.jpg) http://mirror.cliffbee.com/venom/200/P1020089.jpg (http://mirror.cliffbee.com/venom/640/P1020089.jpg)

A few people have noted the size of this line as surprising. I guess, considering the price point and relation to SWTF's, it shouldn't be, but i couldn't help but be surprised too (especially the Hulk!). Anyway, as the comparison shows, Venom is about the size of a typical Alternator/Binaltech, and makes for a nice change from typical deluxes. He's predominantly black with well painted (apart from a splotch of silver above his left front wheel) metallic purple flames that put to shame most recent flame jobs, excepting Movie Leader Prime i'd say. The Venom logo adorns the hood and there's a moulded air intake. The overall sculpt is very well done, looking very realistic to the point of being impressive even to someone who dislikes this style of car (me!). Compared to an Alternator, it's missing transparent windows, painted wing mirrors, internal details and working front wheels. Overall though, it remains convincingly realistic and impressive for the price point.

I think the painted windows are a nice effect, you'd imagine a car as evil as this would definitely be tinted! It has a well applied coat of paint over the head/tail lights and pointy/spiked silver bumpers at both ends. The front is especially menacing with additional painted teeth. The wheels are great too, looking like blades or ninja-stars, again painted in a nice silver. The tread on the wheels is serrated like a knife edge which also helps to convince that this car is a perfect match to Venom's personality. I forgot to take a photo of the underside, but it is especially impressive for having virtually no robot parts visible; only the bullets which store underneath could count as kibble. Thankfully, all his parts clip together very nicely and the car is solid to play with at all times.

Transformation
A fresh change from the Animated toys of late, Venom's transformation is not as simple and generally well done. His legs are the sour point, being a simple foldover and stow - i think a lot more could have been done to reduce the bulk appearance in the mech mode. His stomach is impressively complex - you align it by about 4 panels attached by pins, and thanks to some incredibly vague instructions, it can be tough finding the right position to lock his chest in place the first few times. When you get it though, everything fits and clips together solidly, which after playing with Animated Blitzwing, is very much appreciated!


Mech

http://mirror.cliffbee.com/venom/200/P1020070.jpg (http://mirror.cliffbee.com/venom/640/P1020070.jpg) http://mirror.cliffbee.com/venom/200/P1020072.jpg (http://mirror.cliffbee.com/venom/640/P1020072.jpg) http://mirror.cliffbee.com/venom/200/P1020079.jpg (http://mirror.cliffbee.com/venom/640/P1020079.jpg)

I had every intention of taking photos that made Venom's mech mode NOT look stumpy, but it seems i failed miserably. Especially when compared to Movie Ironhide, he looks remarkably out of propertion. However, in person he just doesn't look anywhere near as stumpy as he does in the photos. Looking at them now, i should have taken some from above, because when you view him from a higher angle, he takes on a brooding, menacing appearance that suits Venom very well. As mentioned, his leg transformation is pretty simple, leading to back-loaded knee/calf area, that looks oversized. His posing ability isn't affected too much by their size, thanks to some decent, stable feet. The arms though are unfortunately hindered by the wheels on his shoulders, stopping him from being able to hold a 90 degree bent arm. Other than that, their movement is generally good, and the joints hold poses well. His bullets can load just above his hands and fire with a small button on his forearm. I read elsewhere this was a homage to Venom firing above his hands in comic, but this small touch is unfortunately lost on a Marvel noob like myself! His waist is able to rotate as part of the transformation, but if you want to clip his chest in place, you'll lose that ability.

http://mirror.cliffbee.com/venom/200/P1020073.jpg (http://mirror.cliffbee.com/venom/640/P1020073.jpg) http://mirror.cliffbee.com/venom/200/P1020074.jpg (http://mirror.cliffbee.com/venom/640/P1020074.jpg) http://mirror.cliffbee.com/venom/200/P1020071.jpg (http://mirror.cliffbee.com/venom/640/P1020071.jpg)

Where the mech mode really shines, is in the details. Like the head, his hands, thighs, knees and feet are all intensely detailed with robotic moulding that looks awesome. The paint application on the knees in particular is very nice - they have a purple wash over the detailing, a bit like battle damage on other toys, but it looks great here.

Conclusion

http://mirror.cliffbee.com/venom/640/P1020069.jpg

Overall, certainly not a toy without faults, but one i find very enjoyable none the less. Perhaps the dearth of detailing on Animated toys has left me craving some finely moulded plastic, but i can't help but be impressed by Venom's robotic detailing. He displays great in both modes (the realism in vehicle mode also a nice change from Animated), looking suitably menacing the whole time. If you're interested enough to try the Marvel Crossovers line, i recommend Venom as a good starting point.

TheDirtyDigger
14th July 2008, 06:20 AM
Thanks kurdt. Good review. I'm going to get him!:)

1orion2many
14th July 2008, 08:24 AM
:eek:AAAHHHH crossovers, these belong in the same place as the Star Wars crossovers, BANISHED to hell never to be seen again:D. Good review anyway Kurdt, pity about the subject but if we all liked the same things it would be a pretty boring world to live in;).

STL
14th July 2008, 08:56 AM
If didn't need any convincing to get them but now I'm very excited about seeing them hit the stores. My original intention was that I'd just want them cos I'm a Marvel fan but those pics and your review definitely make him out to be a very desirable toy.

I was hoping to use these as cannon fodder for customs but looks like that's not going to happen now either with the disparity in size between deluxe figures and Marvel X-overs but I'm not complaining. :)

i_amtrunks
14th July 2008, 09:58 AM
Paints apps on Venom look spectacular.

Venom and Hulk are the two I am interested in, even more so now that I have seen how good Venom looks.

Pulse
14th July 2008, 10:03 AM
I don't know...

The proportions on him just don't look "right" to me... :confused:

iceburn
14th July 2008, 10:04 AM
stop tempting me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *haha*
this is BAD

Gutsman Heavy
14th July 2008, 11:24 AM
I like, but I 'd have to get some faction symbols and sign these guys up to the fight!

Paulbot
14th July 2008, 04:16 PM
I'm interested in these because in part of my Marvel fandom, and because these look like good Transformers if you excuse the head moulds. Venom and Iron Man in particular are high on my list, and Hulk looks alright too. Will try to get them on sale though.

kurdt_the_goat
14th July 2008, 04:19 PM
I might pick up a Hulk on sale, i like his robot mode from pics i've seen.. but seeing his tank mode in person, it looked like a huge square of green plastic. That said, his tread has some nice detailing and paint work.

Lord_Zed
14th July 2008, 04:58 PM
Probably the only Marvel TF I would consider thus far. For me these crossover TF's are just like Animated. Somehow TF's but somehow not. If I can find him cheaply perhaps I will get him as a sample from the line, much like my 2 Starwars TF's and single Animated toy.

Stompy
14th July 2008, 05:50 PM
Excellent pictures. Definately a purchase as soon as I spot them on the shelves. The legs aren't that chunky. I think the image of the non-robot Venom is just running on our minds. But thats a great looking alt mode and decent bot mode. Great review!

kup
17th July 2008, 01:32 PM
Yeah, I don't like this line for the same reason that I didn't like Star Wars Transformers.

Some molds may turn out to be rather good but the core concept puts me off.

ChlorHex
19th July 2008, 11:37 PM
Awesome review there, Andrew.
Not too keen on the crossover series but I'm a Venom fan so I may make an exception for this if it goes on sale.

Gutsman Heavy
19th July 2008, 11:42 PM
saw them in store today, they really are quite large. liking them except Spider-man, but I think the black repaint will win me over!

ChlorHex
19th July 2008, 11:47 PM
How much are they going for btw?

Pulse
20th July 2008, 12:24 AM
How much are they going for btw?

I saw them this week for $30? I think...

SilverDragon
20th July 2008, 10:07 AM
I'm only really interested in Iron Man, thanks to the movie making me a fan of him.

Gutsman Heavy
20th July 2008, 01:54 PM
$35 at toyworld, but then they also have Cyb defence Red Alert for $65!

Pipesqueak
20th July 2008, 03:19 PM
The car mode is a thing of beauty and the robot mode looks pretty good, but lacks in articulation. Unfortunately the transformation is really awkward. Think movie ironhide but even worse in the mid-section.

STL
21st July 2008, 04:11 PM
I saw this guy in person today and he is a massive muscle car. All of them are quite large! I have to say of the ones of the shelves, he was the one who jumped out at me the most.

Iron Man really disappointed. It looked way too childish. The nose cone is way too fat and curvy and reminds me more of a Fisher Paykel/Tonka toy

Stompy
14th August 2008, 10:24 PM
I can't figure out the torsotransofrmation. there's that folding panel that just gets in the way. I've been at it for an hour. Those instructions are useless.

EDIT: Nevermind... figured it out. One of the pinned hinges just needed a lot of force to be positioned properly. It just didn't feel like it was supposed to bend in that direction. Remind me a bit of Ironhide's torso and that stud that needed a LOT of force to lock in.

kurdt_the_goat
14th August 2008, 10:52 PM
Here's a pic of how my torso is transformed; where it seems like the rest (bonnet/shoulders etc) clips in as it should:

http://www.australian-postcodes.com/venom-torso.jpg

Stompy
14th August 2008, 11:09 PM
Thanks kurdt. I figured it out eventually. But thanks for the pic and I'm sure I won't be the last to wonder how the heck all those folding panels is meant to sandwich together. The key is that Lowest panel on the 3rd pin from the bottom. It folds out with some force.

EDIT: corrected kurdt's name. Apologies kind sir.

Saintly
15th August 2008, 09:42 AM
first time reading this...

me like! though i have to agree with Pulse that the body doesn't look proportional

GoktimusPrime
15th August 2008, 01:00 PM
I'm only really interested in Iron Man, thanks to the movie making me a fan of him.
I picked up Iron Man last night as my first Marvel Crossover TF. My decision was influenced by The New Avengers Vs Transformers. ;)

I can't wait to realise this cover in toy form! :D
http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/marveldatabase/images/thumb/e/e8/New_Avengers_Transformers_Vol_1_3.jpg/300px-New_Avengers_Transformers_Vol_1_3.jpg

If you kinda imagine the Crossover as a sequel to Avengers Vs TFs... as the toy package says, Reed Richards and Tony Stark acquired Cybertronian technology and created these mecha... or in Stark's case, improved on his mecha (i.e.: can now transform into a fighter jet, giving him a better edge when fighting Decepticon jets) *geekout* :)

Stompy
15th August 2008, 07:29 PM
Iron Man's conversion was excellent. I was really surprised how they turned a wide and flat jet into a thin bot mode. Very impressed.

As for the Venom's botmode... I really love the engineering and conversion but I wasn't too happy with the gigantick lower leg and the rather loose ankle hinge. Still looks nice and beefy though. And certainly gives Movie Ironhide (quite similar) a good run for his money. Hulk is still my favorite bot mode followed by Iron Man. For the alt mode, Venom wins hands down.

These figures surprised me, since their quality is well above SWTF standards, which were just horrible.

GoktimusPrime
15th August 2008, 08:27 PM
Mmm... I dunno. I'm not really finding Iron Man to be substantially better than most SWTFs. I think that SWTFs are a lot more ambitious because they were aiming for movie-accuracy with the vehicle modes whereas the Marvel TFs aren't. Having much more freedom with the vehicle modes gives them far more freedom with the overall tank design. A lot of SWTFs are kinda shellformery because of the intention of their design. For example, Commander Cody has to transform from a metallic grayish Turbo Tank to a white robot with prominent orange accents. Given that mandate I think the toy was reasonably well designed. None of the Marvel TFs' vehicle modes are based on real vehicles (and in the context of Star Wars their alt modes are "realistic"). So it's a different level of accomplishment.

Now if they were to make say Cyclops transform into the X-Jet - where the vehicle mode had to be accurate and the robot mode needed to resemble Cyclops... it'd be difficult to engineer that without making it a shellformer to some degree. Ditto Captain America/Quinjet. ;)
http://www.fantastic-plastic.com/X-JetThumbnail.jpghttp://www.avatarimage.net/gallery/albums/Marvel/thumb_movie_x-men_cyclops_2.jpg
http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/marveldatabase/images/thumb/0/0b/Avengers_Quinjet.jpg/200px-Avengers_Quinjet.jpghttp://perspectives.com/forums/images/avatars/3789.jpg

I like SWTFs and Marvel TFs for different reasons. Neither of them suck nearly as bad as Transformers Animorphs (which IMO is the single worst TF crossover concept ever). ;)

Stompy
15th August 2008, 09:58 PM
I understand what you mena in having something to base the alt modes on with SWTF. The Marvel crossovers I guess don't really have that going for it as the robot modes aren't that realistic to the source. The shellformer quality of SWTF is understandable due to the source material needing to be faithful and just shoving a forced robot mode. I see the Marvel Crossovers having more freeform design for the engineers. Which in the end, for me anyway, catered for the engineering aspects I like.

No one is really right, its all down to personal matter. Personally I'm in it for the engineering and complicated but graceful conversions. So far the Marvel Crossovers have fulfilled those for me so far. Although wave 2's colours really hurt the alt modes.
As for SWTF I love them but only about half of them can stand up in bot mode. Death Star and Mill Falc is awesome-sauce though.

I like the idea of the Xmen Jet turning into cyclops. I'd rather it turn into Prof Xavier on the wheelchair ;).

GoktimusPrime
16th August 2008, 08:23 AM
I personally dislike how the SWTFs robot modes all attempt to resemble the pilots. I think that was a conceptual mistake. Had they given designers more freedom with the robot modes then I think the execution of those toys would've been better. When you look at SWTFs, most people lavish praise on the alt modes but are more reserved on the robot modes - and it's really the robot modes where a lot of their shortcomings crop up.

But having said that, it's clear that the pilot-like robot modes is an established core concept with SWTFs (for better or worse) so when appreciating these toys and comparing them with other Transformers I think it's only fair that one keeps that concept in mind.


As for SWTF I love them but only about half of them can stand up in bot mode.
Most Star Wars action figures can barely stand up! I really wish Hasbro would include stands as a standard accessory with all Star Wars figures. Actually, most action figures don't stand well... the human body frame is just very prone to falling (and humans are the only species that stands fully erect). Transformers stand better than most other action figures because they're not human - compared to human proportions they have far more base-heavy proportions which helps to balance them in a fully erect stance.

Because SWTFs' robot modes are based on their more human-proportioned pilots they also share the same basic flaw of humanoids in terms of balance. The fact that a lot of them are shellformers to some degree exacerbates the problem by adding more weight, usually on the upper part of the body making an already thin frame more top-heavy.


Death Star and Mill Falc is awesome-sauce though.
I don't much like Darth Vader/Death Star as a Transformer toy. It's got to be the mother of all shellformers - which essentially makes it a Pretender. (-_-) But then again, it can't really be helped considering the intended alt and robot modes.