Nothing escapes his notice, no matter how small. When his sensors are activated, thinks trouble is coming. Edgy... unpopular with comrades, but appreciated. Can trigger alarms in other Autobots. Excellent sensory perception. Fast in vehicular mode. Carries 25 mile range rocket launcher and particle beam rifle. Prone to rash judgements which can lead to injury to himself and comrades.
First/Last Comic Appearance (UK) - Issue 15, April 6th 1985 / Issue 254, January 27th 1990
First/Last Cartoon Appearance - Episode 30 (Season 2 #14), September 25th 1985 / Episode 63 (Season 2 #47), January 8th 1986
Figure Details
Manufacturer - Hasbro
Toyline - Generations
Additions/Mods:
- Added an Autobot symbol to the rear spoiler
- Added the Beelzeboss 'Growing Pains' upgrade kit (New head, gun and rocket launcher)
Review
Red Alert was not seen much in either the cartoon or comics, but he certainly made an impact in his main cartoon appearance where he was revealed to be somewhat of a lunatic. Unfortunately the figure was a bit of a disappointment as the
Generations version just looked like
Sideswipe dressed as Red Alert. This was because the headsculpt was the same as sideswipes, but luckily
Beelzeboss have stepped in with a new head and some extra accessories to boot. So, does this new headsculpt invoke the latent madness behind Red Alert's eyes?
Appearance (Robot Mode) 8/10
The new headsculpt, weapon, shoulder pieces and missile launcher really make a difference to this figure, and it now screams Red Alert. The red head is a great colour match for the existing red plastics and paint. However, the headsculpt is not without its problems. The face is too small and has a slightly disturbed look to it, which is perhaps appropriate for a robot with Red Alert's troubled history. Elsewhere, the base figure is really nice, with decent paint apps and tampographs. The inside lower legs are hollow which is a bit off-putting, but other than this the robot mode is great.
Appearance (Alternate Mode) 9/10
Looking like a few different Lamborghinis rolled into one, this is my second-favourite car sculpt in the entire line. The paint apps are brilliant, and the tampographs on the doors and bonnet are very well-applied. I prefer to dislay the car without the supercharger, which should really only be used with the
Sunstreaker version of this mould. The lack of Supercharger also makes the lines of the car nicer, which are already interrupted somewhat by the lightbar.
Transformation 8/10
The legs are formed by splitting and unfolding the rear of the car, and the arms are stowed underneath the bonnet and middle of the car. The bonnet is then pulled out and folded over the reveal the chest. I particularly like the automorph feature whereby the cabin is spun around to reveal the head.
Poseability 8/10
This mould sports decent articulation, with a ball-jointed head and waist swivel. It also has ball-jointed shoulders and hips, bicep and thigh swivel. There are double joints in the elbows and wrist swivel. In addition to this there are jointed knees with an added side joint used in the transformation sequence, and the feet also have 2 joints. The lack of a heel means that there can be some balance issues, and also the legs can look strangely splayed.
Quality 8/10
This mould feels well thought out and put together. It locks together exquisitely in car mode, although some stress is needed to initially move the panels apart to change into robot. My only concern is the automorph feature, as I worry that it may fail one day.
Overall - 41/50
This mould is a real favourite of mine, because it supports 2 distinct robot configurations, and the alt mode is just so damn nice. Beelzeboss have really assisted in giving this mould a very distinct 'Red Alert' feel, upgrading the existing pea-shooterish weapons with some much needed firepower. Well played.
