 Gears
Toy Head
Transformers Retro G1 Deluxe Walmart/Hasbro Pulse Exclusive
Item No.: No. G1094
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Includes: Blaster, chest
Action Feature: Converts from vehicle legally distinct from Jeep
Retail: $24.96
Availability: March 2025
Other: Second Gears and third toy from this mold
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I had Gears (Retro G1 cardback) and Bumblebee on pre-order at Walamrt, saw them in stores before they shipped, and waited, and waited, and just canceled them. At the end of 2025 I picked them up on clearance, not a huge markdown but it was more or less worth doing because these are different enough to be worth a look. I already had the very good Legacy United Gears [FOTD #2,744] from 2024, so it was kind of a bit question as to if it's worth buying again. It turned out the different head was something I couldn't shake, and the color changes (and Mysterians markings) were enough to get me to say "fine, I'll track this down." Supposedly TJ Maxx has been getting them in early 2026, but I didn't see any.
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The 2024 version was a mix of cartoon, comic, and toy design elements. This one focuses more on toy-specific changes where possible, so the face plate was swapped out with a blue visor and no mouth. The chest now has a yellow "sticker" painted on it. His back (and car hood) has a black panel and a big "M" on it. The blue is lighter, and the red is more or less the same. Hasbro also painted a blue back on the head, plus a silver grille on top. These changes don't make it a 1:1 match with the toy, but it's closer. I would have liked to see the vestigial shoulder wheels painted black, but odds are that's not in the budget.
The robot itself is small, but excellent. The articulation is incredible, with double-jointed elbows and knees. Gears is one of few toys to have shoulders which can roll forward, so you have a lot more posing options than other deluxe toys. The hips move nicely, and the ankles tilt to the side. He's even got hip swivels. I almost forgot how good this figure was, as it's an excellent action figure without even considering the transformation gimmick. The joints even seem better and stronger than the 2024 version.
I forgot just how easy transformation was, and kudos on Hasbro for not overcomplicated a remake of a minicar. The legs fold over and become the back of the truck. The chest unfurls and becomes the undercarriage and the back of the truck. The back becomes the front and top of the truck. The arms tuck inside. And if you're good, you can see Gears' internals under his chest flap as a treat. In another era, Hasbro could probably have done this guy as a middling $7 Scout, so as a $25 Deluxe it is nice to see them having put in extra effort in terms of piece count and simplicity.
The fancy off-road vehicle has painted wheel caps, a nicely decorated roof, and a revised shade of blue that seems to better match the 1980s toy which I do not own. So don't quote me on that. It's a good match for the original toy, even though it lacks the sculpted "M" in the hood. The colors are nice, the paint is executed well, and there are lots of places to mount extra accessories. It would be nice if it did more, but Hasbro put a lot of budget into parts and joints - so I have no real complaints. His windows are black (as opposed to light blue on the previous version) so it does pop nicely.
I never saw them side by side until I opened this, which is why I dragged my feet paying full price for this guy. I'd say he was worth it. It doesn't redefine what a Deluxe can be, but it's one of the very best. It would be hard to find a way to improve this within the budget, so I'd say get this one (or the other one) if you stumble on it for a fair price. I think I prefer this one with the masked toy face, but the nose/eyes/mouth face is nice too.
--Adam Pawlus
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