G1 Sideswipe (TF Collection)

LAMBOR (aka Sideswipe)

Series: Generation 1 Transformers Collection
Allegiance: Cybertron
Categories: Autobot Car
Year: 2001 (original from 1984)

I don't break rules I bend them - a lot.
Sideswipe is nearly the equal of his twin brother, Sunstreaker, in the combat arts, but less cold-blooded. Relishes a fight to the finish with an opponent. Uses underhanded tactics when absolutely neccessary. Arms act as powerful pile drivers. Flies for up to 2 minutes with rocket backpack. Fires flares visible for 18 miles. Rash actions often lead to injuries to himself. Takes them all in his stride.

Robot Mode: As a robot Sideswipe is on the smaller side of things, but still manages to looks sleek and powerful. Like most G1 toys, especially the early ones, he isn't very posable (only his arms move at the shoulders and elbows). With his missile launcher and rifle-like gun he looks ready for battle. Also like many early Transformers toys he is partially metal, which gives him an extra edge in terms of bulk and power.

Alternate Mode: Sideswipe transforms into a Lamborghini sportscar and manages to look almost like a die-cast collector's item doing it. If you just saw the car, you'd never guess that it could transform into a robot as well. With its metal canopy and real-rubber tires you could probably fool any model car collector into taking it.

Remarks: Sideswipe (or Lambor, as he is called in Japan), while never given much character development in the cartoon, was one of the more interesting Autobots in my opinion. He and his brother Sunstreaker were pretty much the only Autobots who approached the battle against the Decepticons with something like glee, looking forward to combat instead of wishing for peace. Who could forget their short but memorable sky battle against the Seekers in the episode "Roll For It"?

As a toy Sideswipe leaves something to be desired due to lack of posability, but as a collector's item he really shines. Not just because of the great robot, but also because of the kick-ass collector's box with great cover art and plenty of inserts (most of them in Japanese, unfortunately). All in all, a great find for all collectors.

Rating: B+