Swoop
TRANSFORMERS REVIEW
Omitted from the "Dinobot" sub-group here in the UK and
given one of the more interesting characterisations in
the Marvel comic series, the anticipation to ever own
this frequent flyer was positively atmospheric.
Naturally, Swoop was always going to be a
disappointment.
Of the five Dinobots, Swoop is the smallest, the most modest and the most fragile. Perhaps, then, such a Transformer might take a dramatic nosedive compared to his peers. Or perhaps, instead, Swoop really is above it all.
Taking the form of a type of Pterosaur, Swoop's alternate mode with its shimmering chrome silver wingspan is as graceful as it is detailed. Wingtips and beak are, for safety reasons, rounded off, unlike the original Diaclone mould from which Swoop is based. Affixed under each wing are two missile launchers. But, again, for safety reasons, propulsion in the launchers is weak; if at all.
Unlike the other Dinobots, Swoop's dinosaur mode has wheels. The chest can be split open to reveal a small working wheel to be used, as the instruction sheet recommends "for special landings." Now was it the Jurassic or Cretaceous period that saw the first landing strips on prehistoric Earth? Of course, it does beg the question to ask if the Dinobots' dinosaur modes are functioning robotic animals or merely vehicles in the shapes of dinosaurs.
One particular problem with all these "special landings" is that the paint on the die-cast metal chest will gradually wear, especially if it's a rough one.
Swoop's transformation sequence is simple and logical with clever touches such as the pterosaur's crest become the robot's crest. However the mechanism for sliding the shoulders out does eventually wear loose, resulting in a distinct lack of torque in the shoulders and an inability to raise the arms whilst holding weapons.
Swoop, sadly, looks quite paltry when stood among his fellow Dinobots. With thin arms and legs and lean torso, Swoop suffers from an incredibly feeble robot mode.
Swoop shares the same red/silver/chrome colour scheme as the likes of Grimlock, Snarl and the other Dinobots. Transformers sub-groups with uniform colour schemes (like the Constructicons and Insecticons) make for decidedly intimate mini collections. Also in common with his peers, Swoop's main weapon in robot mode is a thermal sword. Cast in red plastic, it's a disappointment compared to the chrome gold weaponry depicted on the box.
I always thought Swoop would be my favourite Dinobot, as it happens, he's not; but a close second for sure. The grace and polish of his dinosaur mode more than makes up for his inadequate robot mode. Swoop is neither pterrible nor pterrific, but a worthy addition to the collection of any Dinobot fan.
Diecast/plastic dinosaur-like vehicle transforms to robot with weaponry and spring-loaded missile launchers.
Swoop was released in 1985 as part of the original Transformers line.
Of the five Dinobots, Swoop is the smallest, the most modest and the most fragile. Perhaps, then, such a Transformer might take a dramatic nosedive compared to his peers. Or perhaps, instead, Swoop really is above it all.
Taking the form of a type of Pterosaur, Swoop's alternate mode with its shimmering chrome silver wingspan is as graceful as it is detailed. Wingtips and beak are, for safety reasons, rounded off, unlike the original Diaclone mould from which Swoop is based. Affixed under each wing are two missile launchers. But, again, for safety reasons, propulsion in the launchers is weak; if at all.
Unlike the other Dinobots, Swoop's dinosaur mode has wheels. The chest can be split open to reveal a small working wheel to be used, as the instruction sheet recommends "for special landings." Now was it the Jurassic or Cretaceous period that saw the first landing strips on prehistoric Earth? Of course, it does beg the question to ask if the Dinobots' dinosaur modes are functioning robotic animals or merely vehicles in the shapes of dinosaurs.
One particular problem with all these "special landings" is that the paint on the die-cast metal chest will gradually wear, especially if it's a rough one.
Swoop's transformation sequence is simple and logical with clever touches such as the pterosaur's crest become the robot's crest. However the mechanism for sliding the shoulders out does eventually wear loose, resulting in a distinct lack of torque in the shoulders and an inability to raise the arms whilst holding weapons.
Swoop, sadly, looks quite paltry when stood among his fellow Dinobots. With thin arms and legs and lean torso, Swoop suffers from an incredibly feeble robot mode.
Swoop shares the same red/silver/chrome colour scheme as the likes of Grimlock, Snarl and the other Dinobots. Transformers sub-groups with uniform colour schemes (like the Constructicons and Insecticons) make for decidedly intimate mini collections. Also in common with his peers, Swoop's main weapon in robot mode is a thermal sword. Cast in red plastic, it's a disappointment compared to the chrome gold weaponry depicted on the box.
I always thought Swoop would be my favourite Dinobot, as it happens, he's not; but a close second for sure. The grace and polish of his dinosaur mode more than makes up for his inadequate robot mode. Swoop is neither pterrible nor pterrific, but a worthy addition to the collection of any Dinobot fan.
VERDICT:
Diecast/plastic dinosaur-like vehicle transforms to robot with weaponry and spring-loaded missile launchers.
Swoop was released in 1985 as part of the original Transformers line.