TF United: Stepper

Discussion in 'Transformers Feedback & Reviews' started by zephon, Jan 16, 2012.

  1. zephon

    zephon Well-Known Member

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    Didn't find a review of this one yet so I'm reposting one I made in Cybertron Philippines.

    Stepper is a deluxe class Transformer released as a Million Publishing exclusive under the United line in Japan. So you basically get a Japan-only release of a Japanese publisher...or something to that tune.

    Consistent with all other TF: United exclusives from Takara, Stepper is packaged in a black box with monochrome print. The box front shows the actual toy.
    [​IMG]


    The back of the box contains Japanese text which I would say is a background blurb on Stepper. No translation is provided as this is meant to be a Japan exclusive.
    [​IMG]


    Inner packaging is very...Spartan -- it's mostly cardboard with the toys in plastic bags. Yes, it's still possible to return the toy back in MIB condition. Included with the toy is a bag containing instructions and other papers related to the toy.
    [​IMG]
    Noteworthy is that the instruction sheet for Stepper is unchanged from the mold's original owner, Jazz.


    With the toy out of the box, here's Stepper's vehicle mode. Stepper is a direct repaint of TF:United Jazz. He's got painted rims, grill and trim. This early on, this guy is nominated to receive a layer of wipe 'n shine to provide a first line of defense against paint chips.
    [​IMG]


    The rear view of the car shows the painted rear break lights and rear window. No license plate on this toy. Car mold holds very solidly with parts pegging into or clipping onto other parts.
    [​IMG]


    Similar to all other toys under the "Reveal the Shield" or "United", Stepper's vehicle mode does not have any Mech Tech ports or Minicon pegs. Play is limited to opening and closing the doors in vehicle mode.
    [​IMG]


    If there is one this United's Stepper has over the G1 version, it's that he can store his gun under the hood.
    [​IMG]


    Here are C-clip mounts on the windows. These reveal clip-on speakers which were part of the original mold's owner's character.
    [​IMG]
    Beyond those speakers, Stepper is just another Autobot car that rolls on 4 wheels.


    Transformation can be described as a modern take on his original G1 transformation. There's a little challenge on how his lower legs go. There's also an "automorph" where the head goes up as the chest panel is lowered. Just like the original mold, the chest does not lock on to anything.
    [​IMG]


    The head retains the same mold as United Jazz but in a new paint scheme. That's orange/gold clear plastic used as the visor for Stepper.
    [​IMG]


    The handgun's grip is a standard Mech Tech size peg. It can be folded and returned in its storage under the car's hood even with Stepper in robot mode. There is a very good range of movement per arm -- ball joint shoulders, wrists, swivel on the biceps and double joints on the elbows. Unfortunately, the chest gets in the way of a weaver stance.
    [​IMG]
    Legs have a good range of movement as well -- ball joints on the hips, thigh swivel, double hinged knees. Feet are wide enough to support dynamic posing. Waist can twist.


    The defining feature of Stepper which is used to distinguish him from Jazz is that Stepper is a Targetmaster. Hence, aside from his side-arm, he's also got a side-kick!
    [​IMG]


    The 1987 Stepper's gun wasn't really named (as opposed to the 2004 reissue Ricochet who came with Nightstick). So keeping true with bringing G1 'bots to the modern age, United: Stepper's sidekick is named "Nebulon".
    [​IMG]


    Nebulon is the same weapon that comes with the modern-era Cyclonus. His range of movement is limited to shoulders and elbows.
    [​IMG]


    Here's Nebulon along with other transforming weapons of his class.
    [​IMG]


    Nebulon comes with a standard Mech Tech peg which goes seamlessly in Steppers hands.
    [​IMG]
    The instruction sheet also documents an alternative form of the original weapon which integrates the speakers with the gun.


    Well, the speakers are on clip joints which are on ball and socket joints which tend to pop-off so I'd rather leave them on the doors and just keep the original gun in original form. That way, transformation won't be much of a hassle.
    [​IMG]


    For those looking to give Stepper a double-barreled weapon, FansProject has a good weapon to go with him.
    [​IMG]


    Jazz was the original owner of this mold so it isn't surprising that it gets repainted to Stepper. It shares the same shortcoming of the mold like the non-locking chest; It also shares the same strengths like good range of movement on the limbs and solid vehicle mode. Jazz's gun can already be kept under the hood so it's quite unfortunate that there's no where to keep Nebulon in Stepper's vehicle mode. It's a beautiful paint job with blacks, whites, reds and most of all, gold. Unless Hasbro releases their take on Stepper States-side, then classics collectors are left to hunting for Stepper Japan-side. For the colors alone, he's a must-buy!
    [​IMG]
    *****
     
  2. xanthax

    xanthax choppaface

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    Man, that looks fantastic. I didn't realize they threw in a Nightstick to go along with Stepper. The paint looks great too. Stepper keeps getting higher and higher on my list of things to buy as I see more photos of him.
     
  3. iron maniac

    iron maniac Help Uncle Sixshot, Help!

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    Nice. I've seen pics on Seibertron.com where Nebulon attaches to the spoiler in vehicle mode. How does it attach?
     
  4. Tirade

    Tirade Hate Plague Autobot

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    I don't think it does attach. I believe the pictures you are seeing on Seibertron show Nebulon resting on the spoiler. That's it. No real attachment.
     
  5. zephon

    zephon Well-Known Member

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    Nebulon comes with the standard mechtech peg. Unfortunately, RTS and Generations/United toys didn't bother have any mechtech ports on them.
     
  6. 46+2

    46+2 Well-Known Member

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    Man that is one fiiiiiiine lookin figure.
     
  7. TCracker

    TCracker R.I.P., 5/2019 Veteran

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    So hell EFFING want.
     
  8. Angelwave

    Angelwave Physical Maintenance.....

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    Really a gorgeous looking figure. Absolutely love the reflective look of the visor. Hopefully Hasbro does release this guy over here as well, as I just couldn't justify the cost of this one.
     
  9. dragon516

    dragon516 Well-Known Member

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    This one is definitely better than any of the Botcon offering this year. Loving it the moment I opened it and probably better buying this then wasting money on the Botcon set this year.
     
  10. ang3l3s

    ang3l3s Sixshot

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    Love it but with not devy's price tag and the after x-mas recovery i gotta pass for now. Really SWEET though.
     
  11. T16skyhopp

    T16skyhopp Well-Known Member

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    Yeah, not worth the international exclusive price tag, but if this was under $50 I wouldn't hesitate.
     
  12. megatroptimus

    megatroptimus Untitled

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    Looks good, but since the TM can't go anywhere in alt mode... fail.
     
  13. UnicronFTW

    UnicronFTW Don't blink.

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    That looks gorgeous... but its way to expensive for my taste.
     
  14. Tirade

    Tirade Hate Plague Autobot

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    I hear ya there. Kind of kills the homage if the TM cannot mount onto the vehicle.
     
  15. iron maniac

    iron maniac Help Uncle Sixshot, Help!

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    Now THAT is very good point! :thumbs2: 
     
  16. brr-icy

    brr-icy MP Collector

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    if i see one for a decent price at tfcon, i'll grab it
     
  17. Stepper

    Stepper Well-Known Member

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    Stepper sure rock with the gold & black blending of colours on this Jazz mold
     
  18. cappeca

    cappeca wtf is this?

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    Crap, this is too good. I'll have to reconsider buying him.
     
  19. LeTigre

    LeTigre Meat popsicle

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    I like the way he looks...but, between the price and no way to plug in the Targetmaster in alt mode, I doubt I will miss not picking him up.
     
  20. iron maniac

    iron maniac Help Uncle Sixshot, Help!

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    Took the plunge and bought one from BBTS, should have it soon! woohoo