Vault Review: Transformers Prime Hot Shot

Vault

While hunting the Vehicon from Prime/Robots in Disguise’ third wave, I happened upon this Hot Shot figure at Walmart.  I hadn’t planned on buying this figure.  But when faced with a new toy during a run, sometimes the urge to bring something back is too strong.

I’m not really a fan of Bumblebee. I don’t hate the character, but if I had my choice I definitely wouldn’t see him pop up as such a crucial player in every single Transformers venture.  That said, I think Bee and non-Bee fans alike can agree that there’s definitely a torrent of Bumblebee figures on store shelves currently.  I know Bee appeals to the kiddies, but there comes a point where enough is enough.  (Expertly proven by this fantastic website!)

My plan for the third wave of Prime figures was just buy the Vehicon and possibly Knockout.  News of a Bumblebee repaint didn’t catch my attention until recently when reviews started showing up online.  People were really excited about this figure, and I had no idea why until I took a look at the pictures.  This was more than just a mere repaint.  The overall tone of the figure had now changed thanks to his paint job and new head.  So when faced with him in the toy aisle, I easily caved to his temptation.

I’m starting off the review with this figures strongest new asset, his brand new head.  The sculpt on this thing is damned near perfect.  I don’t really know much about Hot Shot’s character, but by his expression I can tell he’s a determined scrapper who’s looking to win a fight.  But even brawlers need to think of safety, and Hot Shot appears to be wearing a helmet, complete with chin strap and goggles.

That’s right, this robot has articulated goggles that can slide down over his eyes or rest on his forehead.  I’m still a novice when it comes to Transformers trivia, but the only other character I know that wears goggles is Highbrow.  What makes these goggles better is that they shine a luminous aqua-blue color thanks to the excellent light-piping to his eyes.

The rest of Hot Shot’s sculpt is directly reused from Bee, but his paint job really goes a long way in differentiating him from his yellow counterpart.  The dark blue goes a long way in giving him more of a serious look, while the bright red highlights and fiery decals make him look tough.  Kind of like a short tattooed bouncer who’s ready to bust some heads when things get out of hand.  No matter how big his opponents are.  Continue to page 2…

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17 thoughts on “Vault Review: Transformers Prime Hot Shot”

  1. I’ve run into Vehicon at retail, I’ve run into Knockout at retail too, but this damned Hot Shot figure still eludes me. I really want one! This review only further cemented my love of this repaint!

    Repaint love, that’s not something that happens often. Though I guess I should be calling this a remold, huh?

    Excellent review.

    2. Thanks Josh. I was pretty surprised by how much I like this repaint/mold.

      Also, I agree that you must live in some odd alternate universe. 🙂

  2. While I agree that this paint scheme and the new head go a long way to really make Hotshot standout on his own, I just haven’t been able to pull the trigger on him. I guess since he’s not on the show (yet?). I’ll probably grab him when I find a good BOGO sale, though.

    BTW, PRID Vehicon is awesome! I’ve only been able to find one so far, but plan to get at least one more. Knockout isn’t bad either, he just needs a little paintwork.

    1. I’m not sure if he’ll ever be on the show. It seems like they want to keep the Autobots at an outnumbered disadvantage. But you never know, Wheeljack did pop up for a very brief appearance.

      I have a Takara Knockout and Vehicon coming since I can’t get enough minicons, but I think I may pick up a Hasbro Vehicon too. He seems like a great army builder.

  3. Great review, excellent pics, as always. Looks like a very good re-use of Bumblebee that looks different enough to be distinctive. Still not gonna buy this guy, though. If I ever see him in the shops. Which I probably won’t. Because Wessex sucks for toy shopping.

    1. Thanks Beedo! Sorry to hear you have a hard time finding things though. If you’re having no luck finding something, drop me an email. I may be able to middleman it to you.

  4. Very nice review. Looks like a case of “good” mold reuse where it both looks compelling and sufficiently different to be a new character!

    Did you notice that Prime Hot Shot’s head is closely based on Armada Hot Shot’s original toy (and animation model) or maybe the Animated Hot Shot version of it? Heck, even that helmet with the goggles is the same!

    1. Thanks Sandman.

      I had no idea his head was based on an Armada figure. I’m still learning my way through the various Transformers lines, so I definitely appreciate the assist on those Easter egg bits.

      1. As I understand it:
        Hot Shot was supposed to be Armada’s amalgamation of Hot Rod and Bumblebee, in that he serves as the “younger” ‘bot that kids would identify with, but older fans knew he was to eventually take the Prime role in the future. He also had the combined yellow/red color scheme of both characters, primarily yellow in vehicle mode, and more red in ‘bot mode.

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