Transformers G1: Octopunch (Pretender)

QUICK INFO:
Name: Octopunch

Line: Transformers - Generation One (Hasbro)

Subgroup: Pretenders
Function: Salvage
Motto: "Anything that can sink is worth sinking."
Year: 1989
Price: $14.99 (approximately)

Bio:
The terror of the deep. If he's not stealing sunken treasure or ancient artifacts, he amuses himself by smashing holes in submarines and cruise ships. Electrically-charged, razor-tipped harpoon gun momentarily short-circuits on contact. Also armed with vice-like tentacles that stick to any surface. So strong underwater, he can wrestle a whale to a standstill. Inner robot converts to metal-rending, deep-sea radar and acetylene torch gun.

What? Two reviews in the same day? Well I had so much fun reviewing Bludgeon that I decided why stop? Why not review one of his toy assortment cohorts? This time around we will take a look at probably my favorite of the 3 smaller Decepticon Pretenders, Octopunch.

Octopunch comes with the outer Pretender shell, diving helmet, white harpoon gun, pair of purple crab legs, small maroon gun and inner robot.

Now I can see why Octopunch wears a diving helmet...that is one ugly mug he's sporting! On the right side of the head is a large metal plate that has been welded together. It's a shame this piece was not painted as it is easy to overlook. I'm not sure what a octopus would look like if it had a humanoid head, but I'm guessing this is pretty close. Just like Bludgeon a lot of care and detail was put into the design of Octopunch's head.

 

If you flip the back shell portion over you'll see there is a set of small round holes that allow you to clip on the purple crab legs...almost making a back pack if you will. The inner robot fits inside the shell very similar to the larger Pretenders. There is plenty of room in either leg to fit the smaller gun as well. I have to hand it to the designers for making all of the accessories self contained on the toy. The crab legs and gun are rather small and I can see how these pieces are easily lost. The ability to store all the parts on or inside the shell is a very nice feature.

Like just about all of the Pretenders Octopunch has very little articulation. Both arms can rotate a full 360 degrees. It would have been nice if the tentacles on the arms had some sort of articulation, but as they are they are in a fixed position. The plastic is a little softer however so they are slightly bendable. If you are a video gamer as myself you can't help but to think of a Big Daddy from the game BioShock. I love the whole diving suit and the helmet. The large unpainted skull on the belt buckle is a nice feature. I should also mention that Octopunch has a slightly hunched stance.

Octopunch's inner robot stands about 2 1/2 inches tall. As part of the beast mode design, the robot arms are in a fixed bent position. The arms still rotate a full 360 degrees though. On the sides of the arms is a small hole that allows the robot to wield the small maroon gun. There are no peg holes in the robot's fists. I find it rather interesting that Octopunch's inner robot shares the same basic color scheme as Bludgeon. Coincidence? Transformation from robot to crab is rather easy. Slide the lever on the chest down to hide the robot head. Fold the arms down by the robot's side. Flip the figure over and attach the crab legs to the peg holes on the side of each arm. Pose the legs/pinchers as you wish. You can open and close the pinchers by pulling on the small tabs on the side.

I love the crab mode. It's small and rather simple, but different and fun to play with. The only paint apps on the figure is the red used for the crabs eyes. There is also a small hole on the top of the crab so it can wield the small maroon gun.

Of all 3 smaller Decepticon Pretenders, Octopunch stands out as my favorite. I can't say that he's my favorite because I never had him in my childhood (I didn't have any of the Pretenders). There is just this unique charm about the toy that sets it apart from other Transformers. This is an easy toy for me to recommend, but like Bludgeon and many of the other smaller 1989 Pretenders he doesn't come cheap. I don't actively track G1 prices, but expect to pay $65.00 plus for a loose complete toy.