Article Number

RV0031

Author

Gerry

Toy Line

Transformers

Manufacturer

Takara

Ah, perhaps one of the most sought-after gestalts in the Transformers line. Predaking is perhaps the coolest of all the Transformers gestalts. Why? Well, because he's bigger than most and sure is bulky.

Who is Predaking?
That's simple, Predaking is made up of five predatory animals. Their faction in the Transformers Universe was for the Decepticons. Individually, their names are Divebomb - an eagle, Headstrong - a rhinosaurus, Rampage - a tiger, Tantrum - a buffalo and Razorclaw - a lion. Each individual character could transform from animal mode to individual robots then be merged together to form Predaking. Once assembled, Predaking stood over twelve inches tall.

The Original Release.

Two versions of this toy were originally released back in the mid 80's. One was of better quality than the other. One was made almost entirely of plastic and one was made of more substantial stuff, that being of diecast metal. Everyone sought the latter of the two because it was a more substantial and heftier toy. In the United States the gestalt was only available in five individual boxes. Purchase all five seperately and you could merge them together as Predaking.

In Japan, the toy was released in nice quality individual boxes and you could also get them in giftset form. All 5 came in one briefcase-style box, with each individual robot set into one giant styrofoam tray. An original version in today's market fetched anywhere from $500.00 to $700.00 (US) for an unplayed with specimen.

The Re-release.

When Takara announced a Predaking GiftSet re-issue a few months ago, anticipation of it's release had mixed results. What would happen to the value of the original version? Would the toys be made entirely of plastic or would it be of the more sturdier diecast metal? I'm happy to report that I can answer those questions because Santa (by way of my fiance and Digital Toys) was nice enough to leave one under the tree for Christmas this year.

The Packaging

As in the original version, the Predaking Giftset box looks almost identical to the original, from the outside. It's on the inside that all similarities stop. With todays improved cost saving packaging technologies has redured the inside totally different. In the original version as stated above all individual Predacons came inserted into a nice snug-fitting styrofoam trey. Now they are packaged in a form-fitting plastic trey and uses those horrendous plastic-coated wires used to anchor the toy inside the box.

I did anticipate the plastic guns and swords to come on sprues but I am happy to report that they all came nicely inserted into their own plastic trey. Also included was a plastic baggie filled with sticker sheets for each individual Predacon along with trading cards, instructions and a huge laminated card depicting all the transformers reissues up to the release of Predaking along with all the releases for Transformers Binaltech (or Alternators if you are in the US) line.

I am also happy to report that yes indeedy, these Predacons are made up of the more substantial metal stuff! This was a great surprise to me and makes this toy that much more satisfying! I'll describe them individually below.

Divebomb

The Eagle. Comes with two rifles, a sword, left fist for Predaking and comes with a huge pair of wings. The metal in this robot is the waste joint that joins the legs with the upper torso. Divebomb also becomes the left arm of Predaking. In robot mode, the figure can rotate at the torso to give it a more realistic pose.

Headstrong

The Rinosaurus. Comes with two rifles, a sword and a cannon that converts to Predaking's left foot. Three quarters of Headstrong's back in animal mode is made up entirely of metal making it the heaviest of all the Predacons. Headstrong also becomes the left foot of Predaking.

Rampage

The Tiger. Though it's more like a saber-toothed tiger, this toy comes with 2 rifles, a sword and a right fist for Predaking. The waste joint is completely metal. Rampage has a similar transformation to Headstrong and also becomes the right arm of Predaking.

Tantrum

The Buffalo (thought it looks more like a bull to me). Tantrum also comes with two rifles, a sword and cannon that converts to Predaking's right foot. Tantrum is also significantly diecast with metal parts in the forward and hind quarters and part of the back being mostly metal. Tantrum becomes the right leg of Predaking.

Razorclaw

The Lion. This robot comes with a giant cannon, a sword and the head for Predaking. This version of Razorclaw comes with a metal waste. This robot forms the torso for Predaking and the remaining for robots connect to this one.

What I like about this toy is the fact that it already comes with some stickers applied so it doesn't look too plain. I like the gold-foil stickers on the wings which adds a nice touch to the overall figure's appearance without messing up the figure by adding more stickers.

I like to keep my toys in as original condition as possible. This means that I don't apply the stickers on the sticker sheet and use the toy only for display. With it's unique red, organge yellow and black coloring (besides reminding me of Halloween) it also shows up nice in my crowded display case of robot toys.

Conclusions

This toy is every bit as cool as the original. From what I can tell, it is an exact duplicate without the high cost. Will it affect the value of the original? Probably yes but that will only be temporary as it is this writer's opinion that once the new stock of the re-issues start to dry up, they too will start to climb in price. If you are a nostalgia buff like me and can't afford an original, this one makes a very satisfying subsitute. You can find these anywhere online at a cost of $150.00 to $175.00 before shipping. I would suggest you pick one up today.

Gerry