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Of all of the new Classics, the Autobot Rodimus was the one I wanted the most.  I really like the overall design and style of Hot Rod/Rodimus Prime.  The whole red flame motif is all around slick and it’s generally not done as much as you’d think.  Sure we seem to get a Hot Rod wanna be each line from Super Sideburn to the various Hot Shot upgrades but this one is the spitting image of old Hot Rod in both robot and vehicle modes.

Truth be told, Rodimus is a bit of an odd choice to be part o the Classics line.  Granted he has a huge role as the star of the Transformers movie but that’s pretty much the extent of his resume.  It’s all Rodimus Prime from that point on.  Still I can see a flaming futuristic sports car being a better seller than a flaming futuristic RV sot he choice makes some sense on that level.

Also the Transformers movie is being re-released very soon so I imagine Hasbro wants to cash in on that recognition.

As mentioned previously, the resemblance o Hot Rod, especially in vehicle mode is remarkably well done.  There is no mistaking who this is meant to be despite the name change (don’t we all love trademarks?).  The colors are a lot more subdued on this toy than the original version, the bright yellows and oranges become toned down gold and bronze shades.

Not only does this Classics figure update an old favorite in look but also in technique.  The transformation is very similar with a few additional complexities thrown in to help with poseability.  The front of the car rolls down to become the chest, the legs are formed from the rear of the car, and the back rotates around to put the spoiler up top, all very similar to the original Hot Rod.

Unfortunately this figure falters a bit in robot mode.  I mentioned in Bulbebee’s review that his head seemed a bit too large.  In retrospect I’m going to have to say Rodimus’ head is a bit too small.  Comparing him to other figures from other lines his head is closer to being the size appropriate for a Basic toy as opposed to the deluxe that he is.

His arms are another generally negative aspect on this figure.  The elbows are only hinges, no ball joints.  The shoulders are highly restricted due to both the backpack and their long length.  His gun’s handle is positioned somewhat awkwardly as well preventing him from holding it in any real meaningful way.  His “tailpipe guns” may as well be non existent as stubby as they are.

Not all is bad though.  He still looks pretty nice on his own.  The legs transform in a particularly interesting way to create “hip armor”.  There is a little flip out buzz saw as seen in the movie on one arm too.  The saw is completely bonus fan service on every level.

All in all, Rodimus isn’t a bad toy; he’s just not as good as I had hoped.  This was the one I was anticipating the most too which doesn’t help him any.  He’s not the weakest of the four initial figures, he just has too many flaws to be the best.