Nightstrike's Reviews - Legacy Tarantulus

While I work away on my next projects, I figured I'd show off what is possibly my favorite figure from the current Transformers line!

Legacy Tarantulus (Yes, I'm spelling it that way because that's how I learned it!) has been widely appreciated, as something of a contender for the best figure of the line. While he isn't perfect, he's the first proper update to everyone's favorite mad scientist, with previous non-spider incarnations being a motorcycle and a SWAT transport. Finally returning to his eight-legged form, he has an impressive degree of expressiveness, and this is only his Season 1 appearance!

Bot Mode

Definitely where Tara seems to shine the most, he's got a wide range of articulation, with double-joints in his knees, swivels in his arms, a ball-jointed neck, multi-jointed ankles, and hinges in his shoulders. Among his accessories are a crossbow, and a buzzsaw in reference to his reformatted form, a la Cheetor's tail-whip. A few joints are a little loose, but take care with his spider legs, as those tend to be a little prone to popping out at some angles. That being said, he can hold a pose nicely, and stands in stark contrast with some of the other figures of the line, making them seem almost static and lifeless. Even though his face(mask?) remains generic, he somehow maintains this positively evil look.

On his legs, there are sculpted details, though they do remain unpainted, but don't impact how well he works. Also rather subtle is a Predacon insignia essentially hiding on his thigh. Many of the pieces are painted with a metallic coat, creating a cool fade effect that can only truly be appreciated in person.

I know some people (cough cough Verno cough cough) will nitpick about the modern Beast Wars updates we've gotten, but all in all, these are miles better than the originals.

Beast Mode

Yeah . . . you might wanna' not get this figure if spiders aren't your thing. Like Blackarachnia, he's got a realistic sculpt, with Kingdom's signature surface detailing creating a disturbingly organic appearance. The color scheme, to top it all off, definitely implies danger!

His weapons mount on his underside, with the crossbow mounting like a spinneret in a similar manner to the original, and the buzzsaw loosely plugging in on the bottom. Take care with it, though, as I do mean loose! It stays in well enough if it's perfectly straight. Additionally, when adjusting his spider legs for a pose or some such, try to shift them all at once, as they are slightly loose, but do support his weight decently.

Transformation

I know this one might concern some people, as there are sections where it feels worrisome, but the plastic used for Tara is solid and VERY durable. Some tabs are very tight, including the spider abdomen which may require putting strain backwards at the base of it to get clearance for the tab, while others require just the right angle to work, like the arms as the pedipalps.

Overall

By far one of my favorite recent figures, we've been well-fed these past few years when it comes to releases. Tara holds up well, has a beautiful, positively wicked color scheme and sculpt that puts MP figures in their place. I can't recommend this figure enough. If you're not familiar with the character, I'd suggest catching up on some Beast Wars, because regardless, he's fun in every sense!

Final Rating: 10/10