METALHAWK
Series - Generations
Sub-line - Legacy
Size/class - Voyager
New/remould/redeco - Retool of Kingdom Cyclonus
Wave - 5
Released here - April 2023
Approximate Retail Price - $57
Approximate Size - 17cm
Allegiance - Autobot
Sub-Group - Pretender
Alt-mode - Jet fighter
Main Features/Gimmicks - Not a Pretender
Main Colours - yellow, navy blue, red, light grey
Main Accessories - x2 jet rifles, x1 titanium sabre







HasTak have done just an outstandingly impressive job in retooling Cyclonus as Metalhawk. Based on his G1 cartoon model rather than the original toy, it's amazing how well the KD Cyclonus core mould has translated into being Metalhawk. The head, chest, wings, forearms and torso are entirely new mould parts. The lower legs are heavily retooled. Only the upper arms, fists, upper legs, feet and parts of the lower legs are carried over from Cyclonus' mould. When comparing this toy with Metalhawk's cartoon mode, the likeness is uncanny. And IMO, many of the differences are an improvement over the G1 cartoon model. Gone are the stick-thin body proportions with noodlely appendanges, replaced with a stockier body that looks more like a Transformer. The jet mode does evoke the G1 form well enough, especially with the new nosecone/cockpit section, body, wings and vertical stabiliser fins. The arms don't rest on the back like on G1 Metalhawk, but in the same position as Cyclonus' arms. The canopy is still heavily blue to emulate the colours that the arms would bring, plus the gap in the aft of the fuselage is filled in. In all, it is a relatively more realistic looking jet compared to the flying phallus that is G1 Metalhawk.

The guns are neat in that they can form rear tailfins, as some Pretenders do; but with vertlcal stabiliser fins already added to the aft, they're not as essential. The sword is also a good emulation of the G1 design, although with a stockier and broader blade. It doesn't look quite like a fencing rapier as the G1 sword does, but still looks like a decent enough sword (weird blade edges aside, but that's a carry over from the G1 design). Oddly enough, neither the G1 nor Legacy weapon are true sabres, despite the G1 toy calling this sword a "Titanium Sabre," as sabres have curved blades.

Overall: this feels like a low-cost Masterpiece Metalhawk. And I love how it's purely based on the inner robot, not the Pretender shell. Because it's the inner robot that is the proper Transformer! I wish more^all CHUG Pretenders would do this.