Transformers: Walmart Exclusive Vintage G1 Reissue Minicars Wave 1 (Bumblebee, Outback, Swerve, Tailgate)
Bumblebee
This is the first USA release of Bumblebee with the awesome G1 cartoon head sculpt from Japan. This is a must have toy. Like the original he has actual rubber tires.
Outback
The thing that always bugged me about Outback was that he had the cannon on his roof, but could not hold it in robot mode. Outback only made a few appearances in the G1 cartoon, but did have one of my favorite lines.
“Our charts don’t show any planets in that sector; no, wait. Here it is. I thought it was a smudge on the screen.” – Rodimus Prime, The Transformers, “The Five Faces of Darkness Part 1”
“Yeah, that fits their description of Chaar.” – Outback, The Transformers, “The Five Faces of Darkness Part 1”
Swerve
Swerve only made a couple of appearances in the G1 cartoon. While I love the G1 comic, I didn’t read that until the 1990s. For me the G1 cartoon was the Transformers fiction back in the day. Consequently, other than loving the toy, I have no feelings on Swerve one way or the other. Would have preferred Gears or another first series Minicar.
Tailgate
Tailgate has only one G1 cartoon appearance. I would have preferred Windcharger, but he is a great looking toy.
Overall: I complain about Hasbro a lot, but I also give them credit when they get something right. We need more G1 reissues on the pegs. The character selection in this wave is odd. Bumblebee is a no brainer, especially with the new G1 face from the Japanese reissue. I just don’t get choosing three other minor characters. Gears, Windcharger, and Brawn would have made a lot more sense. Windcharger and Brawn were available as key chains, but the last release of those was over ten years ago (I believe). Gears has not had a USA release since G1, but he is scheduled for Wave 2, which is out if you can find it. Hopefully we’ll get all the Minicars reissued, but I won’t hold my breath. Hasbro has a habit of starting good things and not following through on them, like Combiner Wars. (Where is G2 Defensor, Piranacon, Guard City, Battle Gaea, and Monstructor? I’m still waiting.)
Thanks for reading!
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