MP-09 Rodimus Convoy (Cybertron Protector)

Takara Tomy’s newest Masterpiece Transformers is just that, a masterpiece. Rodimus Convoy, known to most of us as Rodimus Prime, is two Transformers in one. You get the pre-matrix Hot Rod version and Rodimus, the young leader of the Autobots who takes over after Optimus.

Full of cool features and accessories and featuring nice articulation and detail, this new Transformers toy doesn’t disappoint. With Hot Rod, you get the young cocky Autobot with two blasters and the ability to transform one hand to a saw blade and the other into a welding torch - both features seen in the Transformers Animated Movie. He also has a telescopic visor that can pop down over his eyes for spotting Decepticons.

Other features include a place in his chest to hold the Matrix Of Leadership which he inherits from Optimus Prime. The toy does come with its own Matrix, but it is much smaller than the one that comes with MP Optimus and does not open. Articulated wrist blasters also double as exhaust pipes in vehicle mode.

In car mode, the toy features all the decals already and has a roof that opens up to reveal seats, the steering wheel and such.

Articulation is pretty standard for the MP line. He has articulated fingers, but the fingers are not individually articulated (except the thumb) - when you move one finger you have to move them all. The holes in the hands designed to fit weapons don’t work very well which is one of the downsides of the toy.

As Rodimus, the figure comes with a older looking face that can pop out from behind the Hot Rod face. Other than that, there really isn’t much difference from the Hot Rod figure to the Rodimus figure. You can fit the two individual blasters together to make Rodimus’ larger blaster rifle. Unfortunately, the figure as Rodimus is no taller than Hot Rod which I suppose is understandable since it would be pretty difficult to change the size using the same figure and still have it look realistic.

Where Rodimus and Hot Rod differ the most is in vehicle mode. As Rodimus, you can attach the trailer which also acts as a mobile headquarters. You can open the trailer which features a big cannon and also allows you to attach Rodimus’ gun to for extra fire power. There is also a place for you to store the figure’s welding torch and saw blade if you want.

The details and features remain very true to the G1 counterpart, but the biggest drawback (as with all MP) the hassle of Transforming them. The directions are written in Chinese since it’s an imported toy, so at least for me it took some time to figure out how to Transform him the first time. Still it’s understandable that with a toy as detailed as this, the Transformation process is more difficult than with a regular Transformers toy. I for one will take the detail over simple transformations.

There are no electronics associated with this toy and he’s not as big as Optimus or Megatron; the scale is just right for Hot Rod. I have to say I really love this toy. I never owned an original G1 Hot Rod or Rodimus, so I am glad to add this one to my collection. The only real drawback is now I need a MP Galvatron to go along with it.

Check out our GALLERY of images for this set below.

Appearance 10/10
Features 10/10
Playability 7/10
Articulation 8/10
Final Judgment 35/40