DIRGE Allegiance: Decepticons Toyline: Universe - G1 Series Subline: Voyager Year: 2008

As war continues to rage across a ruined Cybertron, the Autobots plan an elaborate trap for the Decepticons. Enlisting the elite Autobot combat unit - The Wreckers - they set their trap and lay in wait for a group of Decepticons led by Dirge. Autobot Roadbuster, the Wreckers' heavy gunner, can't wait to lay his crosshairs of Dirge. As the time to spring the trap approaches, Autobot Roadbuster grows restless, for he can hear the low voice of his target approaching, and he longs to explode into action!


Prelude: Dirge was available exklusively in the "Autobot Ambush" two-pack together with Universe Roadbuster.

Remarks: Dirge is a repaint of Cybertron Starscream, so look for the full review there. Just some words on the differences here. Dirge comes in his traditional blue, black and brown colors, which look pretty spiffy on this figure. It keeps amazing me that this strange color combination works so well, but it does. Sadly the blue is of such a hue that it doesn't photograph well at all, but it looks pretty great when looked at with the old Mark I eyeball.

While he does lack his classic conehead, Universe Dirge still holds quite a bit of resemblance to his G1 incarnation. I'm not a hundred percent happy with the all-black face. Some color in the eyes would have been nice, at least. Same goes for the swords. Transparent black plastic... maybe a dark red or pale blue would have served better here. Still, the figure mold itself is top notch and the colors look great for the most part with the above-mentioned exceptions.

There is little more I can write here. Dirge never got that much characterization, either in cartoon or comic. He did appear (somewhat) in the story arc this double pack with Roadbuster pays homage to, though the ambush hinted at in the profile text never actually took place. Anyway, a nice repaint of a very good figure. Not quite as good as the original, but close.

Rating: B+