Transformers Classics Retrospective look! Henkei Sunstreaker! C-07

Michael Bays Transformers brought Transformers back to the big screen, but it also re-vitalized interest for some TF fans such as myself . The year was 2010 and though some of the G1 re-issue figures caught my interest, I realized Hasbro/Takara Tomy were releasing these "classic" figures by giving them a modern look as of today. The line started somewhere around 2006 and it continues on today. Some people call this the Generation 3 line. In the west, Hasbro released updated models of the G1 heroes/Villains and were branded and released as the Classics and Universe line that was eventually renamed the Generations Line. The western releases, however, left a lot to be desired because a few releases such like Megatron, Cyclonus, Starscream version 1, and Smokescreen etc..  had awkward color schemes from their G1 counterparts. Takara Tomy Japan weren't far behind as they released their version of Universe/Generations into the "Henkei Henkei" line. What made Takara's figures standout in comparison to the Hasbro line was that their figures sported a more cartoon accurate paint job with chrome guns, chrome spoilers, and chrome on different areas. Takara Tomy was often hailed as the more superior bunch though the random chrome on certain figures like Grimlock, Galvatron, and a few others had people getting the more affordable western version. So collectors often mixed up their collection with both Japanese and western releases. Be thankful that you had more options then just eating slice bread.

Front cover

back cover

 Impressions

Gone from his G1 days is the rocket boosters he had on his shoulders. However, this updated look is pretty good to look at. As you can see, the Henkei release features chrome on his: gun, spoilers, and turbo booster (jet pack if you get Sideswipe). This is very reminiscent of his original G1 toy as his figure also sported chrome spoilers and turbo booster.

Differences between the western release and Henkei Henkei. 

- Henkei version paint scheme is mustard yellow while Hasbro release is yellow.
- Aside from the spoiler, the hasbro version has grey plastic finish on his engine booster and gun.
- The Hasbro version has yellow spoilers identical to the yellow paint finish.
- The Henkei release comes with a comic book and trading card.

Here is a pic of the Hasbro version:

http://tfwiki.net/wiki/File:Sunstreakeruniverse2008toy.jpg



As you can see, the Henkei release has the G1 cartoon paint scheme and it was the preferable version to collect if you were a die-hard G1 enthusiast. Both versions were released simultaneously in 2008. Because I was a little late to the party I ended paying about $38 MISB. I heard he was roughly about $24 originally, but that's the price you pay for coming in late. Not bad since he is rare these days and people probably pay $50+ for him now on Ebay.

Un-like the actual G1 figures, these updated classic models could actually strike a pose, giving them an edge on the replay factor. Let's not forget their vehicle modes! he turns into a modified Lamborghini Gallardo. As you can see carefully, my figure had a slight paint loss on his chest plate, left of his autobot insignia. You can see it on the fourth pic below where it is plain mustard yellow when it should have overlapped streak paint on the lines.

Transform!

Paint loss by the autobot insignia (left side).

Overall, the paint detail missing was minor. Henkei Sunstreaker had very tight joints so you will have no problems doing poses with him and keeping him in that state since I heard the western versions felt very "loose" at that time. The Japanese versions didn't feel loose so that is a big plus.

Eventually, I found out that he was a remold of his TF canon brother Sideswipe. The only difference was that this mold had a different head sculpt and Sideswipe used the front hood of the car for his chest piece whereas Sunstreaker used his roof for his. 

Universe Sideswipe (Hasbro Version).

In conclusion, Henkei/Universe Sunstreaker is a must have for your classics collection. I will never forget him even if I sell this figure because he was the first of the classics line I opened and fidget around with. And I will admit that it took me one hour just to transform him because that was how meticulous I was with him. Of course, I was just getting started. After Henkei Streaker, I decided to join fellow TF fans in trying to complete the G1 classics line. Of course, Hasbro/Takara was only getting started for they had yet to release figures such as Jazz, Perceptor, Arcee, Springer etc.. at that time (they are released now). So TF fans such as myself usually jumped for joy when fan-demand figures were finally released. Laters and thank you for this retrospective look on the classics line.

*Pictures were taken back in 2010-2011 era. The article was written at the time this article was posted, however the pictures are truly old so forgive me for the lack of ideal poses. I just had fun going back looking at these pics and finally writing an impression about the figures.*

For more pics go to: https://plus.google.com/photos/101893291391798205172/albums/5575628037069898481