Disney Label: Mickey Mouse Review
Disney Label: Mickey Mouse Transformer Review:
Of all the crossovers to happen, this one was unexpected. Sure we had Star Wars Crossovers with some success and Marvel Crossovers with perhaps less success in convincing a lot of us as viable figures in the Transformers line. Disney Label Transformers gives us Mickey Mouse in the guise of Optimus Prime and challenges our collection consciousness.
ROBOT MODE:
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/k...otmodepose.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/k...Prime-head.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/k...me-botback.jpg
The robot mode resembles a combination of Mickey Mouse and Optimus Prime. The shape of the sculpt is of Mickey Mouse but the detail and features are definitely of Optimus Prime. From the trademark forehead crest, the windshield chest to the colours. On the other hand, the big ears and proportions are of Mickey Mouse. One major surprise of note is the size of this figure. It is halfway between the size of a basic/scout and a deluxe. As tall as an Animated Activator (as shown below) but it's stout nature makes it as dense as a deluxe.
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/k...mparison-1.jpg
The first thing you notice about the figure after getting it out of its beautifully, no twist-ties, straps or tape packaging, is the premium-like metal finish of the paint on the red and silver portions of the figure. It has a beautiful matte shine and definitely luxurious in feel. The sculpt is well proportioned for Mickey Mouse and the detailing harken to Mickey Mouse cosplaying Optimus Prime. The paint apps are mostly uniform with the exception of the forehead crest silver, black nose, chest windshield, the yellow on the waist, silver circles on the tip of the feet and of course the crossover insignia. Superb application in general with just a few flaws in the paint-apps if you really look for it.
As a robot figure, unfortunately, it is pretty static. The arms swing forward and back on one articulation point on the shoulder and swing outwards on a very limited angle that is pushed by a little spring stub from the torso. The legs are completely static, with the only articulation point on the waist area that is only there to accommodate for the conversion and not at all for posing as both legs moves together simultaneously. So this is strictly a display piece, although a very pretty one to look at. The clear blue plastic used for the eyes, the movable visor and a small Mickey Mouse sitting atop the head makes for a striking display piece. The back isn't too pretty with the trailer kibble hanging behind the figure quite noticeably. It can pass as a cape but it would have been nice if it folded up behind him. You can fold it towards his sides to hide it but a side view will show a giant box. Cringe-worthy crossover and kibble aside this is a very pretty figure all up.
CONVERSION:
Conversion is pretty simple but quite elegant and fun, perhaps a bit too shellformer for some. The small Mickey Figure on the head is on a spring powered flip gimmick that makes the tiny Mickey appear on the top of the head during a particular phase int he conversion. Linked below is a few key conversion processes:
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
VEHICLE MODE:
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/k...yPrime-alt.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/k...e-altfront.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/k...me-altside.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/k...me-altback.jpg
The alt mode is a severely cute and "super-deformed" version of Optimus Prime's truck mode with the trailer. All the details are present in a very cute cartoon proportion. With large smokestacks, the same paint detailing on the trailer and a fairly detailed truck cab right down to the roof light and horns, door handles, gas canisters and even rear view mirrors, all painted. Clear windshields show a small Mickey driving the cab. This mickey also disappears/appears via a conversion triggered gimmick. You can also open the doors at the back of the trailer, but this is moreso for the conversion. All six wheels are present with only the front and very back wheels able to spin while the middle one is static and is part of the mold. A very impressive and irresistibly cute alt mode that I personally absolutely go into fits of joy whenever I see it. A few comparison shots with Classics Voyager Prime:
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/k...risonfront.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/k...parisontop.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/k...arisonside.jpg
The only flaws perhaps are the visible hinges for the trailer doors, the hinges that connects the cab and trailer on the roof and the visible arms. Otherwise this tiny little petit Prime Truck is adorable.
CONCLUSION:
Overall, as a Mickey Mouse figure, this honours the source well. As an Optimus Prime figure, it honours the source well too. As a crossover, well this is for each individual to decide. If you think it is blasphemy to merge two iconic characters together for a figure, then nothing will change your mind. As a transformer this figure is worth it for the sheer quality of it alone. As a toy for playing, this is where it is let down. The gimmicks are specific to conversion and this is strictly a display figure. Either way this is a very surprising figure in both concept and execution that should really please those with an open approach to their collection.
