Sideswipe is nearly the equal of his twin brother, Sunstreaker, in the combat arts, but less cold blooded. Relishes a fight to the finish with an opponent. Uses underhanded tactics when absolutely necessary. Arms act as powerful pile drivers. Flies for up to 2 minutes with rocket backpack. Fires flares visible for 18 miles. Rash actions often lead to injuries to himself. Takes them all in stride.
First/Last Comic Appearance (US) - Issue 1, September 1984 / Issue 50, March 1989
First/Last Comic Appearance (UK) - Issue 13, March 9th 1985 / Issue 50, March 1st 1986
First/Last Cartoon Appearance - Episode 1 (Season 1 #1), September 17th 1984 / Episode 64 (Season 2 #48), December 16th 1985
Figure Details
Manufacturer - Hasbro
Toyline - Universe
Additions/Mods:
- Added an Autobot symbol to the rear spoiler
- Added an Autobot symbol to the chest, covering the smaller tampographed one
- Added various Reprolabels
- Added the Beelzeboss 'Growing Pains' upgrade kit (New gun and rocket launcher)
Review
One of the first attractions I had to Transformers was the initial range of Autobot sports cars. I grew up thinking the Lamborghini Countach was the best car ever, so naturally I made a beeline for Sideswipe, as he even had the red paintwork to match my early 'fantasy' car. Unfortunately, the robot mode didn't match up to the standards of the vehicle, and I was silently disappointed when I got my hands on him. Year later, I was excited by the prospect of a new Sideswipe figure, and only slightly underwhelmed by the weapons at his disposal, that is, until
Beelzeboss stepped in...
Appearance (Robot Mode) 9/10
The mould used to make Sideswipe is not far from being perfect, and is only really let down by the lower legs, which for me don't look quite right. If you're not careful with the poses, he looks like he has 'fat guy' legs (where the legs bend in at the knees) The gun is like a pea shooter although the ability to conceal the weapon in alt mode (as with most of the 'classicsverse' figures) is welcome. Thankfully the weaponry shortfall has been addressed, as thanks to Beelzeboss, Sideswipe now sports a rifle and rocket launcher very reminiscent of the G1 original. He also comes with piledriver hand attachments, which I think were in a cartoon once. I don't care for these so they remain in the box. The red plastic used on this figure is very pretty, with a glistening shine running through it.
Appearance (Alternate Mode) 9/10
Wow, this thing is nice. Looking like a few different Lamborghinis rolled into one, this is my second-favourite car sculpt in the entire line. The paintwork is just excellent. The plastic used for Sideswipe has a flecked metallic look to it, and even the supercharger is finished in metallic paint instead of the dull grey common with his mouldmates. I decided to apply a Reprolabel to the roof though as I was not a big fan of the ridged look, and I also leave the supercharger off (which I have donated to
Sunstreaker) seeing as the original vehicle did not have one.
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 - 42/50
Sideswipe had been done justice with this figure and then some. His alt mode looks particularly awesome, which, considering the car he is supposed to be is about right. I did have a couple of minor niggles with this figure, which I addressed thanks to Beelzeboss and Reprolabels respectively. But, even without these little refinements, Sideswipe is superb. Buy him! But, I wonder if one day we will see a Jetpack accessory for this guy too...
