COUNTDOWN: Even more gorgeous Unicron Trilogy repaints

I may have mentioned this, but I’m a huge repaint fan.

There’s just something about seeing an already familiar toy design rehashed in a bold new colour scheme that really gets the motor running. There’s often no better way to fully appreciate a particular mould than to admire it with a different look.

Having recently showcased examples from Beast Wars, CHUG, Beast Machines, RID 2001, Animated, Binaltech, Masterpiece and even Generation 1, we’re back at it again for a third round of Unicron Trilogy! Simply put, here are five gorgeous repaints for your consideration!

#5: Superlink Skyfire Sonic (2004)

The Unicron Trilogy is surely one of the most prolific veins of killer repaints in Transformers history, and a large part of that is the line-wide introduction of robots receiving all-new colour schemes (and new toys!) whenever they power up in any way. Even better, many of these updated releases often outdid the originals in terms of palette and presentation (an opinion that will only be reinforced later on the list!). In this case, we have a superbly sleek makeover for Superlink Skyfire, which eschews the main release’s rather drab white, grey and brown tones and opts for a hot mix of dark blue, gold and blazing orange instead! The result is undeniably lush and even better on this Takara release, now including a clear plastic spear first found on the smaller Airglide figure. The toy may have been repurposed as a new character under Hasbro, known as Energon Overcast, but whatever the case, it’s pure fire.

#4: Micron Legend Hot Rod Super Mode (2003)

If there was any further evidence needed for the assertion that the so-called Powerlinx repaint releases were often superior to the originals, look no further than this upgrade of the Unicron Trilogy’s original poster boy, Hot Shot, here shown under the Takara release of Hot Rod. Sure, it retains all the quirk of the initial figure, with weird arms and slightly cumbersome legs. Still, it’s presented in a way which not only feels more palatable but genuinely exciting, all thanks to that outrageous red colour scheme. The vehicle form even brings in a superb bonnet flame motif for the ultimate Hot Rod homage, although the pièce de résistance is undoubtedly the remoulded robot mode face, which so vastly surpasses the 2002 design that it’s barely worth making the comparison. The original Hot Shot will always remain a divisive toy in the eyes of many, but there’s little denying this is a worthy makeover for it.

#3: Energon Quickstrike (2004)

For our third entry, we have another red twist on an already established mould but presented as an entirely new character in this case. Quickstrike may look like an Energon-era take on a classic Protoectobot of sorts, but he’s just a very natty alternative colour spin on the scandalously great Bulkhead design, swapping out the previous green, grey and orange ensemble for something a little more defence-themed. That’s exemplified by the kanji along his vehicle mode tail, identifying him as an ‘aerial defence officer’, alongside a generous helping of other detailed paint applications and a gorgeous finish overall. Perhaps the real brilliance on offer there, though, is how this release feels so entirely separate from Bulkhead. That’s true in terms of the colour scheme and presentation, yes, but also because, free from needing to associate Quickstrike with any cartoon portrayal, your imagination is allowed to fill in the blanks somehow. Sometimes an awesome-looking toy is all you need.

#2: Galaxy Force Soundblaster (2006)

It’s a crime that more Soundwave toys aren’t automatically gifted a sleek Soundblaster repaint, especially considering the pedigree. After all, the idea has been a concrete part of the franchise since 1987, but beyond that, it’s just bleedin’ obvious, isn’t it? Black repaints are never not cool, and especially when applied to already eye-catching robot designs, such as the Decepticon communications expert typically boasts. As if you needed convincing of all that, here’s this Japanese-only release from the tail end of Galaxy Force, released as a rather random but exceptionally welcome toy’s Dream Project exclusive. It was later repurposed under the name ‘Logos Prime’ thanks to some Ask Vector Prime shenanigans, but regardless, this is just sultry, seductive black goodness on an already stylish design. What’s not to love?

#1: Botcon Timelines Double Punch (2010)

Striking yet again with a Botcon repaint, but one which I’m sure you have to agree is a justifiable shoo-in for a list such as this! After all, the Energon Scorponok design is an all-timer anyway – the kind of updated take on a classic legacy character that manages to pay respectful homage whilst still being entirely its own thing – and would look simply marvellous no matter what colour scheme you deemed worthy for it. Yet when you go in swinging with a heady mix of black, teal, orange, translucent blue and hot, hot pink? Assuming your eyes haven’t seared shut in the process, there’s surely no denying its charms. This mould has had more than its fair share of noteworthy repaints over the years, yet Double Punch hits different.

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

TTFN