TRANSFORMERS TOYS AND MERCHANDISE SECTION

Robot Mode:
Alternate Mode:
Box Art:
Technical Specifications:
STR
INT
SPD
END
RNK
CRG
FPR
SKL

Numbat's review of: World's Smallest Prowl

Name: WST GTF-09 Prowl
Allegiance: Autobot / Cybertron
Function: Military Strategist


Quote: "Logic is the ultimate weapon."


Prowl will keep at a task for as long as it takes. Strives to find reason and logic in everything. A listener, not a talker. Has most sophisticated logic center of all Autobots. Able to analyze and advise on complex combat situations almost instantaneously. Fires wire-guided missiles and high-corrosive acid pellets. The unexpected can often scramble his circuits.

The World's Smallest Transformers (2004) series aimed to reproduce G1 Transformers perfectly at a miniature scale. And, Takara were successful. Overall. Still, there were a few that did not quite work out as well as could have been hoped by their designers... (and in Prowl's case, it is just the transformation.)


Alternate Mode:

As we all are likely to know, Prowl hides himself as a police car. Whilst in patrol car mode, he measures a tiny 2” (5.5cm) bonnet to boot. The detailing is absolutely phenomenal, with a tiny sheriff's shield. Police text, Autobot symbol... really, the list does go on! Paint, and molded detail-wise, there is nothing that can be faulted here.

The only problem is the fact that the wheels are solid molded to the chassis. This is just a shame, given the level of detail applied to this figure, and others in the line.

Still, WST Prowl presents an excellently realised alternate mode! Great for display (if not for play)!


Robot Mode:

The transformation is just as awkward as the original – if not more so. There is a slightly reduced articulation, and a much reduced size, which does result in a more difficult transformation process – however true to the original.

Still, what about the end result? After all, the car was cool!

Well, Prowl stands slightly shorter than the car was long (5cm – roughly 2” still). Proportions are rather good (at least as good as the G1 version), and the detailing is very nice. The head sculpt is superb (and he does wear a suitably sour expression - rather similar to the point before fire blows out his mouth in Transformers: the Movie), and even the legs look great!

Also, the tiny 'POLICE' printed on the registration plate really stands out, and is impressive!

The only problems arise when considering articulation and poseability. Frankly, there are few poses you can work this guy in to (and the arm poseability contributes to difficult transformability!). But, even so, he is a miniature spitting image of the original cartoon and toy character!

I suppose at the end of the day, there is little even I can fault about the execution of this toy!

Marks out of ten for the following:

Transformation: 10 – It is tricky – thanks to the size and lack of articulation in the arms.
Durability: 7 – He's fairly sturdy, as WSTs tend to be, but parts will pop off – particularly when transforming the legs.
Fun: 6 – He's pretty fun in car mode, but would benefit from turning wheels!
Price: 9 – He often is cheaper than a bag of chips! Really, you should be paying under £5 ($9.85) for the foreseeable future! (And you ought to get him for less – bargain!)
Overall: 6 – I suppose it depends on your love of G1! But, Prowl is not a bad WST, and is inexpensive, so...