COUNTDOWN: 5 gorgeous CHUG repaints

We’ve recently been sharing the love for some top-class Transformers repaints, including examples from both the Unicron Trilogy and Beast Wars.

There’s just something about seeing an already familiar toy design rehashed in a bold new colour scheme that never fails to get the motor running. There’s often no better way to fully appreciate a particular mould than to admire it with a different look.

Well, now we’re back with some more, and this time, we’re looking at some stunning CHUG ‘bots! Yep, that includes Classics, Henkei!, Universe and Generations, in case you needed clarification. Here are five terrific CHUG repaints for your consideration.

#5: Generations Protectobot Hot Spot (2012)

The idea of Hot Spot being a blue fire truck is nothing new. In fact, it’s been a Transformers staple since 1986, meaning the Protectobot leader can typically be relied on to give a bit of colour variation to your emergency service ranks! However, in this case, he’s also a repaint of the already well-established and celebrated Universe Inferno mould, which just so happens to be an absolute banger. The new hue adds a very different look and feel to the proceedings, ably complemented by the addition of a newly-moulded head for good measure. This design is so inherently great that, honestly, any version of it is worth a look. It just so happens that Hot Spot is extra hot stuff.

#4: Gentei! Gentei! Stuntron Wildrider (2008)

I’ll admit I’m a relatively recent convert to Classics and the like, having only been turned onto the era of toys after a lengthy Triple Takeover chat on the subject. Still, the Hot Rod design became an instant favourite of mine, easily catapulting itself to the same esteem as other timeless takes on the character from over the years. Perhaps it’s no great surprise that I’ve swiftly acquired four different versions of it then, including this absolutely breathtaking specimen. ‘Black Hot Rod’ isn’t a new concept by any means, but in this case, the toy mixes things up a touch by representing the Stunticon Wildrider instead. Really though, whatever name is on the box, you can’t argue with how stunning it is to look at!

#3: Henkei! Henkei! Megatron (2008)

This Megatron design was one that always fascinated me over the years. Despite sitting on the sidelines of what I was collecting at the time, the original Classics release was nothing shy of intriguing in how it aped a Nerf gun, which always felt like a real sidestep from the usual array of tanks and jets the Decepticon leader typically commanded for an alternate mode around that time. What I didn’t appreciate back then was how much fun it is to handle, with one of the most hands-down creative transformations I have ever seen on any toy in the franchise. The Japanese Henkei! release is more traditional in many ways, eschewing the flashy stylings of its Western mould-mate in favour of a more recognisably Megatron style, but in many ways, that simply allows you to have your cake and eat it. They are, after all, just as beautiful as each other.

#2: Gentei! Gentei! Dark Skyfire (2010)

How is ‘Dark Skyfire’ not an idea that has caught on more often? Seriously, there are some simply amazing toys of the character (including those known as Jetfire, of course), but for inexplicable reasons, the concept of a black repaint is all too often left on the shelf. Well, here’s where it all began, giving this exceptionally enjoyable design of the Autobot air guardian a sexy and stylish sombre makeover for the ages. This has been one of my most enjoyed toy designs since picking up a few CHUG figures of late, but it’s arguably even better in black.

#1: Legends Magna Convoy (2017)

Like black Skyfire, blue Optimus Prime is another incredibly underutilised repaint idea. True, this one dates back quite a bit further, with a cobalt-coloured take on the original G1 figure having been part of the pre-Transformers Ultra Magnus figure before it was later inducted to the franchise under several different guises, including “Movie Preview” Magnus and, recently, Shattered Glass Magnus. Sandwiched somewhere between those was this guy, who is not Magnus at all but Magna Convoy, and he’s bloomin’ awesome. Take an already fan-favourite figure in Classics Optimus Prime, apply an astounding new palette, and equip it with some extremely cool new accessories. What more could you want? It’s magnificent.

So that’s our list! What are some of your favourite CHUG repaints?

TTFN