G1 Hot Rod/Rodimus Prime

I haven't always liked the 1986 Transformers...the 20-year jump in the storyline, faction leadership, and the change in toy design from the Diaclone/Microchange-based toys to a more simplistic style made the characters less interesting to me. However, because I've always thought Ultra Magnus is one of the coolest Transformers ever in practically any medium (remember that Magnus' toy is based off a Diaclone :), the characters that surround him have slowly grown on me. I actually really like Hot Rod's 1986 toy now, so much so that I almost bought the updated "TF Classics" version. Upon further reflection, I realized that the original toy is still very well-designed and doesn't really need an update. For those Hot Rod fans who like poseability...well, get the "Classics" version instead :)

Hot Rod must've been one of the only, if not the only G1 Transformer to get an initial release and an update in the same year. The Rodimus Prime toy is a good one, what with the battle platform reminiscent of Optimus Prime's (in function if not appearance), and the updated, older look of Hot Rod, especially in the face (sorry, but my borrowed 2.0 megapixel camera isn't showing it very well). Unfortunately, the toy is a pretty lanky and doesn't quite conjure up the image of a powerful Autobot leader; Hot Rod's original toy is better-proportioned and looks cooler overall. Fortunately, I prefer Rodimus Prime not as a new Autobot leader, but rather as his original tech spec described him: a protector of life and a vanguard of the Autobot forces - leader-like, but not specifically the leader. Somewhat contradictory, but that's what makes an interesting character :)