TRANSFORMERS TOYS AND MERCHANDISE SECTION

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Blackjack's review: Ransack

Name: Ransack
Allegiance: Decepticon
Sub-Group: Seeker
Function: Seeking

"Today we settle things. Just you and me." — Ransack, Revenge of the Fallen (novelization)

I love Ransack. Most versions of him, anyway... There's too many of him. In Generation 1 he was a Deluxe Insecticon, who transforms into a locust/grasshopper thing. G2 Ransack is a separate character, a Rotor Force Decepticon, and he transforms into a WWII Corsair plane. In Armada he's a Mini-Con who transforms into a dune buggy. In Universe, another Ransack is a Decepticon steam shovel, a repaint of Hoist. In Cybertron, Ransack is a luckless cannon-fodder Decepticon who transforms into a motorcycle. In ROTF, Ransack is a Decepticon that transforms into a biplane.

I like G1, G2 and Cybertron Ransack, though this Ransack may well work his way up to be my favourite.

Fact — the only WWI and WWII era planes are all named Ransack. ROTF and G2 Ransack, respectively.

The re-birth of the Scouts class toys in the ROTF toyline is a great success. Better than all those Real Gear Robots, and it's very refreshing to see Scouts class toys that don't have Cyber Keys or Energon weapons. For once they transform into stuff, and their alternate modes are simply beautiful. A futuristic sports car (Dead End), a forklift truck (Dirt Boss), a Red Bull-ish truck (Rollbar), a microscope (Scalpel), a warship (Depth Charge) and Ransack. Ransack transforms into a WWI era biplane, most likely a reference to G2 Ransack.

Oh, and Ransack actually appeared in fiction. Yeah. Specifically in the Revenge of the Fallen movie novelization. He appeared right after Jetfire transported our heroes to Egypt. After exchanging harsh words with the old Blackbird, Ransack tried to shoot Jets. Problem is, Ransack's weaponry are out of ammo. Jetfire stomped Ransack real good. Ransack is one of the Seekers. While he isn't named, he is described as a WWI biplane. ROTF Ransack is the only transformer that transforms into a biplane, so identification is positive.

Simon Furman says that Ransack would feature a big role in the Titans magazines.

ROBOT MODE

Ransack's robot mode, like fellow Seeker Jetfire, is modeled to make him look old. The Decepticon's head has a silver helmet with what looks like a lamp in the center, giving him a miner's look, so to speak. Ransack's face has lots of creases, giving him an aged impression. Ransack's arms are thin and long, ending in four-clawed hands. The right hand has two gun-barrels on the wrist, while the other hand has some kind of torpedoes. His sides have wings folded up, giving him a Powerglide-esque look.

Ransack's poseability is very good, especially his hands and legs. His knees are double-jointed, and his ankles could be angled in any direction, thus making him very stable. His foot is flat, helping this as well.

Ransack's supposed to be a Seeker that is one of the best and most feared fliers in his day, although he is past his prime. Looking at him from a distance does give the impression of an old has-been, but still having a punch or two left in him, kinda like G1 Kup. Basically, he is a very charming little Decepticon, with a multitude of poses and fun crammed into a Scouts class figure.

BATTLE MODE

Basically the robot mode with the propeller up and the upper wings extended in flight mode. Nothing much, but at least they didn't claim he's a triple changer. A nice bonus.

VEHICLE MODE

His vehicle mode is modeled after a WWI biplane, specifically the Albratos D.III. Again, like most movie molds, Ransack tries to get as much detail you can cram into a Scout class figure, and from pictures of the real biplane, I am impressed. There's a little seat with a molded chair, wings, ridges... They even molded the grooves in the wings that give it the characteristic 'papery' look. The rotor spins, but unlike his G2 namesake, it doesn't launch.

No robot kibble can be seen, as everything slides beautifully into the biplane mode. The entire lower body transform into the back part of the biplane. The head (and helmet) slid down into the engine. The hands fold up to resemble some sort of supporting metal beams, and the fingers are the only robot parts that could be seen.

His colouration translates beautifully into his vehicle mode, and he stands nicely on the two wheels. The hands fold under the lower wings, and the shotguns and missiles point forward. Two gigantic black Decepticon insignias with slight decoration adorn his upper wing, proclaiming his allegiance for all to see. The biplane, while looking old, still has a bad ass feel to it. Seriously, go get him. He's that good.

Marks out of ten for the following:

Transformation 6/10 Ransack's easy enough, but then, he's a Scout class. You do need to glance at the instructions at his first transformation.
Durability 8/10 Ransack's rather durable, but there are some parts that are easily broken off. The shoulder ball joints seem loose, and the pegs at his sides worry me. Still, he's a durable little toy.
Price 10/10 Ransack's worth every penny for a Scouts Class.
Fun 10/10 A Seeker, a very interesting alternate mode, and a nice personality... Ransack's damn fun, even if you get him as a troop builder.
Overall 10/10 Go get him. He's that awesome. The Scouts class toys are pure wins, and Ransack is one of the best among the best class in the ROTF toy line.