Mech Ideas "Demolition Crue"

[Luke Jaconetti]

https://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=MEC10001&mode=retail

 

There is a whole market of "3rd Party" or "Aftermarket" Transformers toys which fill in the classic characters in modern design styles and playability.  There have been some amazing stuff out there (the upcoming "Herclues" combiner, which recreates the classic Constructicons for the modern line including their combined form, is a sight to behold), but I really dug these two -- updates of the G1 Jumpstarters Topspin and Twin Twist.

 

The Jumpstarters are among the most common G1 TFs, and even non-TF fans seemed to have them.  Their gimmick was that when you pulled them back, they would roll, and then trip a switch, unlatching their spring-loaded legs and flipping up onto their feet, transforming.  Hasbro revisited this gimmick with some of their Avengers and Amazing Spider-Man toys this summer. 

 

These new ones don't have the springs, but look fantastic anyway!  Topspin and Twin Twist are both long-standing members of the Wreckers, an Autobot commando team who does the dirty work which the regular 'Bots cannot touch,  They are also "spark brothers," and share an empathic mental connection. 

 

I still have my original Topsin and am very tempted to pick up this new version.  Pretty neat huh?