The hotter things get, the better he likes it, and this goes for fires AND fights! Inferno can do anything Earth fire trucks can in vehicular mode, but is often distracted from his job to engage in combat. His great strength is thanks to his ceramic-plated armored skin that can withstand 8000 degrees Celcius. He also has an extinguisher rifle that shoots flame-suppressing foam, an energy dampening beam to counter other beams and forearms that shoot missiles. Unfortunately, he doesn't follow orders well and isn't very mobile as a robot.
First/Last Comic Appearance (UK) - Issue 30, October 12th 1985 / Issue 282, August 11th 1990
First/Last Cartoon Appearance - Episode 29 (Season 2 #13), October 9th 1985 / Episode 64 (Season 2 #48), December 16th 1985
Figure Details
Manufacturer - Hasbro
Toyline - Universe
Additions/Mods:
- Added the ladder and weapon from the TFC 'Gear of War' set
- Added an Autobot symbol to the cab (covering the smaller tampographed one)
- Added an Autobot symbol to what becomes the back of his shoulder
- Added various Reprolabels
Review
Inferno was one of the first figures I had as a child and since I have always had a deal of affection for the character. Fire engines are awesome, robots are awesome, so here we had a match made in heaven. His fictional appearances were slightly disappointing though, particularly in the cartoon. In the comic, the most memorable story he had any direct involvement in was 'shut up', a classic Simon Furman black-and-white short, where
Bludgeon and his fellow
pretenders conspired to give Inferno the creeps, before Bludgeon's telekinesis-powered katana did the rest. Inferno was also blown up during The Legacy of
Unicron. Despite his dearth of appearances, I was really excited when the new Inferno figure was announced, and thanks to TFC Toys, I wasn't too disappointed.
Appearance (Robot Mode) 9/10
First, I need to point out that the figure I am reviewing has some Reprolabels in place, as well as the ladder and rocket launcher which came with TFC's 'Gear of War' set. In truth, I mainly bought the set for Inferno as it improves the character so much. The original figure came without a ladder, and a stupid water gun in its place. I place the ladder on his back, it fits loosely and the proper placement is supposed to be clipped to the forearm in one of 2 ways. The chromed launcher fits loosely over either fist but I think it looks very effective. The standalone figure was lacking any of the G1 touches so this upgrade helps immensely. Inferno is a chunky and substantial voyager class figure, and the paint apps in place are decent. My only gripe (now that I have addressed the lack of a ladder) is that the red colour is a bit dull, I would have preferred a more vibrant hue. The head scupt is probably my favourite of any figure in this size class, it is well-sculpted, with clean lines and tremendous light-piping.
Appearance (Alternate Mode) 8/10
The truck mode is very decent, and is only marred by the fact that looking down at the back of it reveals the arms, there is no 'shell' to cover the robot kibble which is a shame. This is partially obscured by the ladder, which is articulated and telescopic. This adds somewhat to the playability of the figure, and from the front there is little to suggest this is a Transformer. There is also a wealth of sculpted detail, and some nice paint apps whcih I have augmented with a few choice Reprolabels. The TFC ladder massively improves the otherwise disappointing water cannon. I'm not entirely convinced about the 'fire rescue' lettering though!
Transformation 7/10
There are lots of 'shell' parts to this figure but they collapse nicely so are not very evident in robot mode. The panels either side of the cabin windows fold onto themselves and then the 2 parts of the cabin separate and form the upper arms. The lower arms are separated from the bottom of the rear, and the legs are then formed. The front wheels tuck in to allow the hips to move up into position, and the head reveal is spring-loaded. The lags are then rotated by swiveling the thighs and the feet are unfolded. Then you are done! There is an additional step which
Grapple does not have, which is that the forearm panels can be rotated, giving better access to the fists.
Poseability 6/10
For me, this is where both Grapple and Inferno fall down, and quite literally in this case. You may think that the mark is harsh but it is an absolute nightmare trying to pose these guys. Both of these were bought brand new and both are incredibly loose around the hip and shoulder joints, which are the most important for poseability imo. They literally flop all over the place, so buyer beware. Articulation wise, they aren't too bad though, with head swivel, lateral and side-to-side movement in the shoulder, bicep swivel and elbow joints. There is also no hip swivel but there is (too much) movement in the hips, and elbow joints. The 'toes' can be tilted up and down slightly. The ladder can also be posed facing forwards or behind. Unlike Grapple, Inferno does have articulation in his wrist, so hence he scores a bit higher!
Quality 6/10
On this mould, arms tend to pop out at the bicep during transformation. The bigger problem is the aforementioned loose joints which are already terrible, so Primus only knows how bad these will get!
Overall - 36/50
This figure would be a great addition were it not for the overly-weak joints in key areas. If ever there was a case for ratchet joints being used then this is it. I would definitely recommend that you purchase the TFC 'Gear of War' set as the additional Inferno accessories really make this figure. Couple this with an amazing head sculpt and you have a fantastic display piece. Just don't move him around too much!
