Shou Arms Micron Promo Figure - Some Assembly Required
Transformers Go! Promotional Micron Figure
Item No.: No. n/a Manufacturer:Takara-Tomy Includes:Instructions, parts on a sprue Action Feature:Changes from mantis to blade weapon Retail:Free with 3,000 yen purchase at Edion, Yamada Denki, and Yodobashi Camera stores Availability: November 2013 Other: Recolor of Magi
I probably wouldn't have bought Shou had it not come in an eBay lot with a few other figures I did want. I got a white version of this mold with the bagged 2015 BotCon set, and I didn't care for it all that much. After assembling it from a clear orange frame, popping out the parts one by one, I appreciate it a little bit more. I don't love it - it's weak - but I like it better than I did when I was just handed one.
The clear orange plastic of Shou is gorgeous - it's really wonderful in person. I'd love to see it used for other weapons, be it a Mini-Con or an axe or some other fun accessory. I handed it to Transformers: Robots in Disguise Optimus Prime (warrior class) and it fits well - he comes with an orange axe, so the coloring fits nicely. The double-bladed weapon looks less like a weapon than the modes of Geki or Go or Sen, but it's nice. The visible Autobot symbol on the hilt looks great, and the two orange swords seem stabby enough to be threatening, if ridiculous. I'm quite fond of melee weapons for robots, mostly because it seems sort of ridiculous in an era of railguns and lasers. It's also not immediately obvious that this is a cybernetic toy mantis.
Transformation from weapon to creature is easy - the torso folds up, the arms fold out, and four teeny legs unfold from under the torso. It's simple and painless, and pretty cute. The one-eyed two-pronged walking orange optic stabber has a big posterior and is positively covered in 5mm pegs and holes. It's amazing - these things were clearly developed to connect to other toys, and you can make some pretty gnarly contraptions with it. The jumbo sword Gojogekidoho is pretty hideous, but at least the creature rocks. He has 4 5mm pegs, 3 5mm holes, and a couple of joints per arm give you a certain level of choice when it comes to posing and customizing these things. I like the frill around the head and the simple sculpting. It's not overdesigned, there aren't tons of textures or wires that serve no purpose, it's a simple little creation that just plain works. I'm not saying it's terribly fun compared to the ones that become guns, but it's probably the only bright orange toy mantis you'll buy in the coming years.
I like this little guy, but I don't love it. I couldn't stop playing with the shark gun, but this one - once assembled - quickly went into Optimus' fist and stayed there. I have a blast with the others, but this one is merely good. I think it's more interesting than other recent Mini-Cons that turn into a projectile, and I'd even go as far as to say it's better than some of the Gashapon Prime Arms Micron sets I've picked up before. The color is good, the creature mode is good, but I'm not bonkers for the sword mode - those seeking more weapons will find it interesting enough to be useful.
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