Smokescreen (45) was released in
Japan in December, 2002 and sold for ¥3,000. It is the
fifth re-issue figure
(#5) released in this new stylized packaging.
The box is made of corrugated cardboard with a front flap that is
secured by two strips of velcro. The box
is mostly White with Green trim and measures
8.75"Hx6.75"Wx2.375"D. The
"Transformers" lettering is embossed on the front
along with the anime Smokescreen created by Dreamwave Productions.
The writing on the ends of the
box (front & sides) allow it to be displayed on a
shelf in different ways, horizontally &
vertically. The top & bottom is mostly printed in English
and each side panel can be displayed vertically or horizontally.
The horizontal panel is mostly in English whereas the
vertical is mostly in Japanese characters.
Opening the flap reveals several things--a
nice layout with parts secured in a
molded plastic container and data cards attached to the backside of the
front flap. The cellophane cover is framed nicely with an
Autobot symbol on the front/top and "Smokescreen" printed on the
front/bottom.
The backdrop is Yellow-Green
with Smokescreen's name above the toy and Collection
5 below it.
At the very bottom of the backdrop is "Transformers". Each
accessory/weapon has a label either above or below the part.
The card catalog is almost entirely in Japanese with
most of the page titles in English. The index page is glued to the
front cover of the box and outlines the contents of the card catalog.
This catalog can be removed from the box due to the perforated edge
and can be stored in a 6-ring binder.
The following items were
included with this release:
1.
Smokescreen (Vehicle Mode)
2. Missile Launcher (x2)
3. Missiles (x3)
4. Disruptor Rifle
5. Character Card
6. Sticker Sheet
7. Booklet
The following information is contained in the
booklet:
- Transformers
Season-1 Ep.Guide (37-45)
- Fold-out
Dreamwave Poster
- Fold-out
Catalog of Season-1 Cybertrons
(Foreign/Mail-Order)
- 40 Kickback Data File
- Smokescreen Data File
Smokescreen Weapons
WEAPONS:
Smokescreen's weapons are identified
as Disruptor Rifle, Missile Launchers & Missiles with
the rifle and missiles chrome-painted. The launchers connect
to the peg holes on either side of Smokescreen's head and the rifle slips
into the peg hole on either
fist in Robot Mode.
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VEHICLE MODE:
Smokescreen is a Fairlady-Z vehicle with a Red, White
& Blue color scheme and comprised of both plastic and die-cast metal
(hood & rear wheel panels). The tires are made of rubber and
attached to the chrome-painted wheel hubs. Smokescreen rolls
freely and smoothly on any surface.
There are a few stickers pre-applied at the factory
which is identified in all of my photos on this page. A Blue, White &
Black strip is placed on the front bumper/fairing and three stickers
with the number "38" (Black with White background) applied to the front
hood and doors. The rear of the vehicle has two stickers divided down
the center with Red & Yellow taillights. Smokescreen has
Pinkish-tinted windows on the front & rear and there aren't any windows
on either side. As with Prowl, Smokescreen is a nice looking car and I
don't have any complaints since it's put together quite well. The major
difference between Prowl and Smokescreen, besides the colors, is the
addition of a front plastic fairing. Smokescreen rub-sign is centered on
his
roof and the overall measurements are 4.75"Lx1.75"Wx1.5"H
in vehicle mode.
VEHICLE MODE
ROBOT MODE: To transform
Smokescreen into robot mode,
separate the rear-half of the vehicle to expose his legs. Flip the car
over and separate the robots fists from the pegs connected to the front
axle. Rotate the arms upward at the joint closest to the wheels so that
they are extended. Next, rotate the shoulder sections (front wheel
panels) outward 90°--should be able to partially see Smokescreen's head
and arms extended forming the letter "T". Flip the car over once again
and fold down the front of the vehicle 90°--Smokescreen's head is
clearly visible. Tilt Smokescreen's head slightly, then lift the Black
tab at his pelvic region then rotate the lower-half of the robot 180°,
and replace the pelvic tab into place. Tilt down the roof to set
Smokescreen's head back into place. Next, fold down the lower part of
the vehicle to create his feet. As with Prowl, separate the feet to
provide a stable base when in Robot Mode. Rotate the shoulders 90° so
that the wheels are at the back. Fold down the arms at the shoulder and
adjust the doors/wings outward. The last thing to do is attach his
weapons. Insert the missiles into each Missile Launcher and to release the
projectile, press on the White buttons. Smokescreen stands at
4.25"Hx3.75"Wx2.25"D.
ROBOT MODE
Smokescreen
has a Blue helmet with Silver paint applied to his face and Gold to his
"horns". The paint applications and details to his head are quite
nice even though his eyes aren't painted.
Articulation is very limited with this figure--his arms bend at the
elbow and shoulder. Even with his limited articulation, I still think he's an excellent
figure to add to your collection!
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