Transformers: Dinobot Slug- Power of the Primes Review
The collector-oriented line for Transformers in 2018 is “Power of the Primes,” and is the third installment of what is called the “Prime Wars Trilogy.” Like its two predecessors, Power of the Primes merges the designs and gimmicks of the vintage characters with modern toy engineering, creating new fan-oriented toy experiences. Two figures of the line’s first assortment feature members of the highly anticipated, and much loved by fans, Dinobots including the subject of this review, Slug.
Slug, who may be more familiar to fans by a name that is less appropriate in European markets, is the bruiser triceratops member of the Dinobots. The Power of the Primes iteration of the character maintains his classic 80s boxy look but with all of the detail expected of modern action figures.
Slug shares the same packaging as his fellow Power of the Primes linemates, complete with thick card stock, gorgeous art of his dino mode, and plastic sculpted Cybertronian Runes on the side of the card bubble representing the original Primes title “Power of the Primes” refers to. The card art is a huge draw for collectors, thanks to the linework provided by Marcelo Matere that is brought to life by the stunning colors of Sara Pitre-Durocher and Volta Studio.
Taken out of the package the detailed sculpt of the figure is on full display, along with all of his varied points of articulation. In robot mode, this includes universal ball-joint shoulders, universal hips, 360 waist swivel, 180 elbow bend in either direction, bicep swivel, thigh swivel, knee bend, and a very limited head swivel. Due to the nature of Slug’s design, his robot head becomes boxed inside of his triceratops head. So while movement is possible, it is very hard to achieve due to not being able to properly grasp the robot head. There is also some movement on his wrist and heel, but they are more meant for transformation purposes, not technically true parts of his articulation.
Speaking of, Slug is able to transform into his stocky triceratops mode. This mode is full of so much personality and is completely accurate to his original 80s design. He still has some articulation in this mode able to move his jaw, the universal shoulders of his robot mode functioning as front legs in dino mode, front leg biceps, full 360 rotation hip swivel in his back legs, knee bend in all four legs, and fully articulated horns that have a decent range of swivel in either direction.
The sculpt is great, full of mechanical details with appropriate paint applications. One of the best-painted details is how the figure replicates the original 80s retro robotic design by having gold paint behind clear translucent plastic. There is a slight issue when it comes to scaling, as Slug might be a smaller figure than some fans would want. This is due to him being a figure in the Deluxe Class assortment, an intermediary price point between more cost-effective Legends Class figures and the much more pricier Voyagers and Leaders Classes, as well as a necessity to accommodate a new gimmick he now shares with all Power of the Primes Deluxe figures.
In addition to their two traditional modes, the Power of the Prime Dinobots features a new functionality to coincide with other Prime Wars figures. All of the Deluxe class Dinobots can now turn into limbs to form giant Combiner Transformers. These modes can be used with all other Power of the Prime Deluxe limbs and Voyager torso figures, as well as work as limbs and torsos from earlier Combiner Wars figures. Slug makes for a decent leg or arm and will look very cool in conjunction with the other Dinobots.
Articulation in these modes includes a ratchet peg joint that allows the limb to be moved up and down in arm mode and side to side in leg mode. And an additional ratchet joint that goes inward and outward in arm mode, but functions as a knee bend in leg mode. The arm mode also includes a 360 bicep swivel, and an elbow bend.
Accessory wise Slug includes a blaster rifle, hand for his combiner functionality that doubles as a piece of armor (more on that later), and a unique trading card featuring the art of his packaging and a Prime faction symbol explaining which original Prime Slug is a descendant from. Reportedly, there are 12 possible variants per Power of the Prime figure that each feature a different Prime faction card. This means buyers should be wary when ordering online, as there’s no guarantee if a figure will come with specifically desired faction card.
Dinobot purists are sure to miss Slug’s G1 sword, which was no doubt budgeted out to accommodate his hand. As stated earlier, Slug’s hand can double as a piece of Prime Armor which means it can integrate with various ports on Slug’s body, and the much smaller Prime Master figures that, in story canon, are endowed with the legendary powers of the Primes. Due to the Prime Masters being similar in design to Titan’s Return Titan Masters, this also means you can have fun connecting their figures to the armor instead.
The cost of a Deluxe range from 14.99-19.99, depending on the retailer. That might seem like a steep price point for what is considered an entry level figure, but when Slug’s functionality with the other figures and level of detail are considered, its value as a higher priced figure begins to be more warranted.
Pros: Multiple points of articulation, beautiful paint apps, great sculpt, a faithful recreation of classic 80s design, fun functionality with other figures in the series.
Cons: Hindered head articulation, lack of accessories, small due to size class, price point steep for discerning buyers.
Overall, Slug is a great addition to the Power of the Primes line. A serviceable figure that jumps to impressive when interacting with the other Dinobots/PoTP figures. An easy buy for Dinobot fans, fans of the character, or collectors of the Power of the Primes subline.
