As far as his transformation from robot to hovercraft, it’s a pretty straight forward process. The backpack extends to form the boat’s platform, the propellers at the back. Then, the arms fold up so the shoulders cover the face and the arms form the sides of the boat. Finally the legs fold up and flip under the torso to form the bow. There are a few places where the panels, particularly on the hull, have to be snapped together and it can be a tight squeeze. It was easy enough to do though.
On that note, the instructions show that the scooped edges of the propellers should face forward like the picture above, but I’m not always good with directions. I like them better reversed as they are in the picture below.
Even though I prefer him in robot mode, his hovercraft alt mode is nicely done. The colors look great in this mode and the cockpit doesn’t have any pieces folding up into it so that area is pretty clear. The head is visible from the rear under the shoulder canopy, but at least he’s not looking at us from back there. Also, the propellers have separate fans that can be turned by small knobs on the front side and the missile launchers can pivot on their pegs to face a variety of angles. And, just like the original ‘spray, this alt mode features four wheels to help him roll along on the dry surfaces he’s most likely to find himself on.
A great feature of his alt mode is the last segment of his deck folds down into a ramp and the area is big enough to hold one scout class vehicle. Currently, I only have Ejector which works out if you want a picture of Seaspray carrying around a giant Toaster. The story associated with the various promotional materials suggests that Seaspray should be carrying around the scout class Breacher, a S.W.A.T. vehicle being released later this year, but I plan to pick up the Wal-Mart 2pk of Beachcomber and Deadlift so that I can place Beachcomber with Seaspray. They’re both ’85 mini vehicles and the blue color schemes should match up nicely.
I wanted a lot out of Seaspray and he didn’t disappoint. I’m not sure if serious Transformers fans will love his diver motif, but I do. It is appropriate to the character. While I like some of the homage designs in the new Transformers, the lack of G1 influence doesn’t matter here. While his colors are reminiscent of the G1 figure, I do wish they were a little closer as I think the colors where a major part of why I liked the original so much, but I still like the paint scheme chosen for this version too. His transformation is simple and right up my alley as far as Transformers go, I like them to have some difficulty, but to avoid being frustrating. Overall, I really like this version of Seaspray, and perhaps most importantly, I didn’t have to get any shots to get him.
Decent review but he’s not old school enough for my tastes. I’m hoping that the stuff mentioned at Botcon is more in line with what I want to see from Hasbro. This new G1 stuff sounds promising.
Wes linked to it down below, but there’s a custom Seaspray done in G1 colors that looks pretty swanky. I’m excited for more Classics, though that means I may have to go back and pick up some older items…
First off, I’m sorry you lost Seaspray in that flood, which is really kinda ironic. Beautiful stuff in regards to your parents and their part in your collecting. That is really cool. And how awesome are water-based figures? That’s four of my favorites up there in that great last pic. I loved Seaspray’s gurgling voice as a kid, too. He’s a cute little ‘Bot.
His new form is pretty neat. The blue/white colors and goggles remind me of the ’85 Cobra Snow Serpent from G.I. Joe. Maybe the designers are paying homage to both lines somehow. Seaspray does look different in robot mode, but not enough to separate him from the vintage line upgrades. I liked seeing him team up with Beachcomber since their motifs have always complimented each other. I’m definitely going to pick Seaspray up next time I hit the store aisles.
The “great flood” that took most of my toys happened back in ’89 so I’ve had time to acclimate, but thank you. 😀
The water based stuff is a ton of fun. I had a hard time picking stuff ouf for the shot. 😀
I agree on Seaspray, he’s definitely a good universe/classics update to the old one despite the changes they made to him.
I really love this guy. Great way to kick off new TFs.
Yep. I’m really looking forward to the stuff we heard about at Botcon because of him.
An underwater Batman would make that last pic priceless.
Seaspray seems le a good buy. I can see why they’re packaging him in robot mode though. There’s not much to that alt mode.
I don’t think I have any underwater Batman. Silly I know. 😀
I like the bot mode packaging, makes you feel better about your $20 and you can check the paint on the important areas.
He seems like a cool bot and he’s finally on par with other autobots in terms of scale. I might have to look for one when these start showing up at other stores.
He’s all growed up! Sniff…
I like the diving gear. It gives him some personality.
Absolutely!
I am so excited about this figure, he looks like a wonderful update to the original. And if the colors aren’t your bag, check out this custom by FrogDNA on the TFW2005 boards (if it’s okay to post):
http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/radicons-customs/310356-cartoon-style-g1-voyager-seaspray.html
I wouldn’t be surprised if Wal-Mart doesn’t end up with a G1 exclusive similar to this like they did with Powerglide. Either way, I think he’s a marvelous toy and I can’t wait to find him.
I saw that the other day – it’s awesome work and it’s almost tempting, but I like the udpated golds and dark blues.
And you’re right, I didn’t even think about them doing another Seaspray like they did Powerglide (I still have just the gray one).
Ah yes, with this, the feature in Toy Run section and ‘Vault’s Lockdown review, the Transformer presence on IAT is spreading like the Black Plague. HAHAHA…ahem.
Anyway, I particular enjoy the small anecdotes indicating your connections to old school characters. Would you guys consider a segment just for such stories? I’m sure everyone has at least a handful.
This guy’s on the way to me. I’m happy that he got a nice, bulked-up update, but more happy that one of the lovable Mini-Bot characters has returned in modern standards. To answer your speculation about modern TF articulation, expectations vary widely, just as they do in other action figure lines. Seaspray here’s a good example.
I know Cosmos already got a bang-up re-release as a scout, but I’d love to see this design come out as a voyager or deluxe:
http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Image:Classics_cosmos_concept.gif
Warpath, if anyone, deserves a bulky size-up. But I’d be happy with both Seaspray and Cosmos getting love, I was always a supporter of those happy-go-lucky, quirky Autobots.
The real question is, “does he float”? Time for IAT to “take it to the bathtub”.
I love Seaspray… he was one of my favorite mini-cons as a kid. I will def be getting this update, though, I may wait to see if they do a repaint. That G1 custom is awesome!!!!
Seaspray looks awesome. I’m more psyched to know I’m not alone in my love for the original seaspray figure!