E-Hobby Laser Ultra Magnus Review

U.S. Name: LASER ULTRA MAGNUS (E-Hobby) Jap. Name: SAME

Cartoon First Appearance: N/A

Marvel Comic First Appearance: N/A

Dreamwave Comic First Appearance: N/A

Toy Catalog Number: E-023

A quick comment: Back to Review A-III Back to Ultra Magnus Homepage

Although I had always like the G2 Prime mold, I didn't really purchase Laser Ultra Magnus when it first came out. For starter, I got the RID Scourge repaint of this mold already so I know what it's like. As my Ultra Magnus character collection began to expand, I now find myself in need of purchasing the E-Hobby Laser Ultra Magnus or anything that is associated with this name. As a result, I ended up paying more than it when first came out. Anyhow, I got him for $LXXIX.XCIX on Oct. Xiii. Mmvi from JRS toyworld.

R-0 Original E-Hobby - Laser Ultra Magnus's motto and tech specifications:

Affiliate: Autobots | Subgroup: none | Function: battle commander | Alt. Mode: tanker truck |

| STR 10 | INTL 10 | SPD 9 | ENDN 10 | RNK 9 | CRG 10 | FRPW 10 | SKL 10 |

Original E-hobby Online Laser Ultra Magnus Motto:

"Consistency is victory."

Original E-hobby Online Laser Ultra Magnus Bio in short version [see R-10 for Long Version]:

Profile: Ultra Magnus once lost his life in a Decepticon attack. When he did, as he had briefly been the bearer of the Matrix, his soul was invited to join those guardians of wisdom beyond that of the present world, but it did not seem to him that he truly belonged there. Now, aware of Galvatron II putting the galaxy in crisis by commanding a fearsome mobile battle fortress, he has used Optimus Prime's "Matrix of Reconfiguration" and achieved his own resurrection!
Abilities: Programmed with a new combat structure, Ultra Magnus normal form now possesses power rivaling his original large robot mode, on top of which he has complete control over a battle station equipped with a diverse array of armaments. He can also feed energy from his laser core into the gun and longsword that are his personal weapons, providing them enormous destructive power.

All these images were all photographed and scanned by me. If you're a Transformers fan, this will definitely bring back some reminiscences.

NOTE: Images are clearer when viewed with Internet Explorer browser.

- Click on the Thumbnails to view them at a Larger Scale -

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R-1 E-Hobby - Laser Ultra Magnus in its Original condition:

1 - Scourge in its brand new condition from the box.

2 - Here's how the content looks once the box was removed.

3 - These are all the contents that were included in the box/ package/ card: "1" cab, "1" oil tank trailer, "10" missiles, "5" disk missiles, "2" rocket missiles, "1" laser cannon, "1" clear sword, "1" sticker sheet, "1" trading card (G2 Prime), and "1" instruction sheet w/ battle scene pics.

NOTE-1: Laser Ultra Magnus is sold as an exclusive from E-Hobby store at Japan in 2006. This figure is a straight repaint of the 1995 G2 Laser Rod Optimus Prime, see R-10 for more.

R-2 Pre-Applied Decals/ Stickers:

There are 6 Pre-Applied Stickers and 3 Pre-Applied Paints that had been applied onto Laser Ultra Magnus. The stickers can be found 2 on the chest, 1 on either shoulder, and 1 on either knee. The painted decal is a G2 Autobot Logo that located 1 on either side of the cab and 1 on the front of the trailer.

Sticker Sheet:

There are 21 registered numbering of stickers on the sticker sheet. But in reality it's actually 24 stickers since some of the repeat stickers are labeled as one instead of two. These registering numberings do not include the Pre-applied stickers.

R-3 E-Hobby - Laser Ultra Magnus in Cab Mode

Laser Ultra Magnus is sold as an Exclusive in 2006 from a store called E-Hobby which located in Japan. It is basically a repaint of the original mold from the 1995 G2 Laser Rod Optimus Prime and in 2001 was repainted into Scourge, see R-10. Laser Ultra Magnus in truck mode is a Western Star 4964EX Constellation Cab who measurement is approximately 8 1/2 x 3 x 3 1/4 (LxWxH inch). And just like the previous mold, he does not feature any die cast metal.

R-4 E-Hobby - Laser Ultra Magnus w/ Oil Tank Trailer:

Laser Ultra Magnus comes with an Oil Tanker Trailer whose total measurement including the cab is approximately 15 1/8 x 3 6/16 5 1/2 (LxWxH inch). In this mode, he is more than an Oil Tank truck because on the top of his trailer, there is a missile launcher pad that fires a missile disc. All 5 missile discs can be loaded insides the launcher pad and when you are ready to fire, just turn the knob and the rest is history. Inside the trailer, there is only just enough room to store all of his accessories which included 10 missiles, 5 missile discs, 2 rockets, and 1 gun, see R-5 for detail.

NOTE-2: Sticker #17, #18, #19 of R-2 were not applied onto the side of the trailer and license plate because it still retained Laser Optimus Prime name on it. I don't think these stickers were meant to apply onto Laser Ultra Magnus.

R-5 E-Hobby - Laser Ultra Magnus Oil Tanker Trailer in Battled Station Mode:

The oil tanker trailer can be transformed into a battled station and feature many gimmicks! The 10 little missiles can be inserted into a white missile launcher pad that can be load 5 missiles at a time. The large red rocket tip can be fired out by using the air-bellow launcher (the blue cube). If your "Laser Ultra Magnus" rocket doesn't fire out or in short distance, make sure your rocket is inserted all the way down. The laser cannon can either be used as a gun for Laser Ultra Magnus or attached onto the trailer tower. The 5 disc missiles can also be used in this format as well.

R-6 E-Hobby - Laser Ultra Magnus in Robot Mode:

In robot mode, Laser Ultra Magnus is very beautiful and his many articulations (see R-7 & R-12), make him even more loveable. Overall, Laser Ultra Magnus has no major negative drawback. My only minor complaint is that due to the extra weight on his shoulder, his arm tend to fall down rather than staying up. To solve this minor glitch, try to position the extra ledger (the panel that's opposite the shoulder wheel) on Laser Ultra Magnus shoulder and hang it over his chest instead of align evenly. The back of Laser Ultra Magnus head has a transparent plastic so if you beam a light into his head, it will make his eye glow.

R-7 Articulation Showing Off:

Here is Laser Ultra Magnus showing off his many articulations movement from running to sidekick. I'll just let the picture do the talking as there's an expression, a picture is worth a thousand word so click on the left image. For the actual detail on articulation, see R-12 on Articulation.

NOTE-3: I didn't see any difference in the shoulder articulation between Laser Ultra Magnus and RID Scourge due to the electronic wire in Laser Ultra Magnus shoulder while RID Scourge has none.

R-8 E-Hobby - Laser Ultra Magnus Electronic Feature:

Unlike the 2001 RID Scourge (Black Convoy in Japan) which has none, Laser Ultra Magnus does come with an electronic feature just like the 1995 Laser Rod Optimus Prime. When the little square on his roof cab is pressed down, it activates a lighted feature on the cab headlight and in the right hand of the robot mode. The purpose of the light in the right hand is to make the sword or the gun handle glow as though there is power from the weapons. The left hand does not any light.

R-9 Storing Accessories:

All of Laser Ultra Magnus accessories can be stored inside his trailer and cab if do it right so here are the steps. Place the first rocket inside the rocket chamber, see image 1. Second, put the first 5 of 10 little red missile onto the racket space reserved for them, see image 2. Third, Laser Ultra Magnus sword is designed to be placed underneath his cab so be sure that his feet is tightly together otherwise you'll have a hard time inserting the sword. Lastly, close the oil tank trailer and begin putting the second rocket, the other 5 little missiles, the gun cannon, and then put the 5 missiles disc, see image 3. Now gently, close the lit of the trailer.

NOTE-4: If you have a hard time attaching the sword into the cab, you need to exam the sword very clearly. Take a look at the bottom of the sword next to the hilt carefully, one side is flush while the one has an extra bump. The flush side should be faced down to the ground while the bump side face the the cab.

R-10 Laser Rod Optimus Prime Vs. RID Scourge Vs. E-Hobby Laser Ultra Magnus:

As time passed by, we are now witnessing that the G2 Laser Rod Optimus Prime mold has been repainted 3 times. Some may said it 4 times if you include the Japanese Black Convoy, see NOTE-5 of this section. R-10 of this section will try to list some of their differences and you a rough idea as to what they are featuring.

Laser Rod Optimus Prime	Scourge	Laser Ultra Magnus

Year and Line:

Laser Rod Optimus Prime: 1995 - Generation 2 (G2).

Scourge: 2001 - Robot In Disguise (RID).

Laser Ultra Magnus: 2006 - Line is Not Applicable because it's a 2006 New Year Exclusive from E-Hobby store in Japan.

Cartoon or Comic Appearance:

Laser Rod Optimus Prime: This line was not supported by the cartoon or comic.

Scourge: "Transformers: Robot In Disguise" cartoon series. There is a one summer issue released by Dreamwave Comic.

Laser Ultra Magnus: Not Applicable.

Electronic Feature:

Laser Rod Optimus Prime: Lighted up cab headlight and right hand.

Scourge: Does not have one.

Laser Ultra Magnus: Lighted up cab headlight and right hand.

Sticker Sheet & About the Sticker:

Laser Rod Optimus Prime: Yes (see R-2). Prime and Magnus share the same sticker sheet. However, there are some differences. In robot mode, Prime chest sticker has his name on it. The shoulder sticker has no Autobot logo and is design different from Magnus. In vehicle mode, on the cab door, the sticker say Optimus Prime.

Scourge: No. Scourge doesn't come with a sticker sheet. So with that, his vehicle mode features almost no sticker at all. Only the trailer back license plate has sticker while the inside trailer has none compare to either Laser Rod Optimus Prime or Magnus. With limited stickers, Scourge does have a painted Deception logo on the cab door. In robot mode, he only have sticker on the shoulder and chest. There is no knee sticker on him like Laser Rod Optimus Prime or Magnus.

Laser Ultra Magnus: Yes (see R-2). In robot mode, Magnus chest sticker has an image of the Matrix. On the shoulder, the sticker has an additional design of the G2 Autobot logo compare to blank in Prime. In vehicle mode, there is painted G2 Autobot logo on the cab door and in the front of the trailer. And as mentioned in NOTE-2, it is a shame that Laser Magnus sticker on the side trailer and on the license plate still retain the name Prime and not his own.

The Sword:

Laser Rod Optimus Prime: The tip of the sword is pointy and sharp.

Scourge: Due to the U.S. safety law, the tip of Scourge sword was modified to be more round, and less pointy like Laser Optimus Prime.

Laser Ultra Magnus: Surprisingly, Laser Ultra Magnus sword is the same as Scourge even though it was released in Japan and no child safety law apply over there.

The 5 Circle Missile Discs:

Laser Rod Optimus Prime: The 5 Circle Missile Discs each has a G2 Autobot logo engrave on it.

Scourge: No engrave, the face of each disk is blank.

Laser Ultra Magnus: No engrave, the face of each disk is blank.

The Trailer:

Laser Rod Optimus Prime: Trailer is gray with black and has an artwork that was done by British TF Comic artist Geoff Senior. No chrome part.

Scourge: Trailer has a large chrome plate on the side and black for the rest. There no artwork on him.

Laser Ultra Magnus: Trailer is teal with white and has no chrome part. As for artwork, it is the same as Laser Rod Optimus Prime. Again, I don't think this sticker is meant to apply onto Laser Ultra Magnus since it has Prime name on it.

NOTE-5: For those that are curious as to what are the differences between RID Scourge and Black Convoy:

(Despites of having the same character and looks, there are still some minor differences between these two toys):

1 - Black Convoy is a Japanese release and the Transformers cartoon series over there is called "TF: Car Robot" in 2000. In 2001, the series was imported into the U.S. and renamed "TF: Robot In Disguise." In the U.S., the character Black Convoy was renamed into Scourge.

2 - Black Convoy eye, window shield, and sword are pink, while RID Scourge are all red.

3 - Black Convoy missile discs still retained the G2 Autobots logo from Laser Prime, while RID Scourge missiles discs are all blank.

4 - The tip of the sword on Black Convoy is more sharp and angular, while RID Scourge sword is more rounded up due to child safety law.

5 - Black Convoy license plate is written "Black Convoy D-012", while RID Scourge is "Scourge D-012."

6 - Black Convoy shoulder sticker has the upside down Autobot G2 logo, while RID Scourge has the regular Decepticon logo.

7 - The gray on Black Convoy is more metallic, while RID Scourge is just a regular gray.

8 - Black Convoy door cab has no logo, while RID Scourge door cab has a painted Decepticon logo.

R-11 E-Hobby - Laser Ultra Magnus Bio - Full Version:

E-Hobby not only released their own Laser Ultra Magnus but they also created their own unique profile for him. This bio (translated by Douglas W. Dlin) was only available from E-Hobby website in short and long version which I mirrored into this section. Some how they didn't transfer the bio to the trading card or the back of the box. Instead they just used the G2 Prime box and description with Laser Ultra Magnus figure inside which made it looked very cheap.

ALLEGIANCE: AUTOBOT
FUNCTION: BATTLE COMMANDER

"Consistency is victory!"

Profile: A natural soldier, Ultra Magnus feels he is better as a follower than a leader. When entrusted with missions by his great commander, he displays his magnificent fighting skills, courage, and gift for battlefied improvisation. Though he finds the role of leadership oppressive, when it is clear he has no choice, once he has prepared himself, he makes a magnificent commander to guide his companions, resolute and courageous beyond reproach. He is ever-ready to sacrifice himself for those he must protect, and indeed, once when he was savagely assaulted by the Decepticons, that resolution finally became a reality. After his heroic death in battle, as he had briefly been the bearer of the Matrix, his soul was accepted among those guardians of wisdom beyond that of the present world, but he never felt that he truly belonged in that peaceful realm. Shortly afterward, with the cosmic awareness that came with being part of the Matrix, he learned that Galvatron II was putting the galaxy in crisis by commanding a fearsome mobile battle fortress. Magnus made contact with Commander Optimus Prime's consciousness, and using the power of Prime's "Reconfiguration Matrix," achieved his own resurrection. Once revived, Ultra Magnus immediately assembled a strike force and made firm preparations to bring down Galvatron II. Now there is no room for doubt on the path he must take.

Abilities: Thanks to the structural conversion abilities of the Reconfiguration Matrix, Ultra Magnus is now able to transform into various modes, including his original body, but this "laser rig" mode, created based on the structural formula for Laser Optimus Prime, is particularly outstanding for its comprehensive offensive capabilities. His body consists of two independent modules. The truck cab becomes a robot which is imbued with sentience--this is the part normally recognized as Ultra Magnus. In this mode, his normal form by itself now exhibits power rivaling his original large robot mode, and his quicker mobility gives him full command over a wide variety of hand-to-hand combat techniques. He also has four launchers, which carry a total of 16 rounds, built into his shoulders, from which he can fire short-range missiles with an effective range of 100 km. The tanker trailer section transforms into his battle station module, making a variety of weaponry available to him, including a ripple-fire missile blaster, armor-piercing discs, and a laser-targeting rocket launcher. He primarily remote-controls this equipment via a mind link, but it can also use defense programming to attack automatically, or his fellow Autobots can deploy themselves about it and operate it manually. In vehicle mode, he is armed with a rotatable armor-piercing disc launcher, and he can project powerful energy rams from his headlights that can pulverize their way through obstacles on the road or protective barriers on enemy strongholds. He can also feed energy from his laser core, the nucleus of his life force, into the light saber weapon and laser cannon that are his personal weapons, phenomenally increasing their destructive power.

Weaknesses: Ultra Magnus must take even greater care than normal in order to master the multiple functions of his new combat configuration. Sometimes he makes errors in function selection, causing instances of disruption in weapon control. Aside from this point, he has no known weaknesses.

R-12 Rémy's E-Hobby - Laser Ultra Magnus action figure review:

Manufacturer - E-Hobby/ Takara.

Series or Wave or Line: E-hobby Exclusive - New Year Special 2006.

Year Issue: [Mar. 2006]

Made: [China]

Box or Card Dimension In Inches: [LxWxD] - 18 5/16 X 9 1/2 X 4 5/16 - Box.

Packaging Method: Mint In Seal Box. Contents were packed with the following procedure:

Taped down with wire and sandwiched between two clear plastic trays are: "1" cab, "1" trailer, and "1" clear sword, "1" gun. Also in the same location, a taped bag contains "10" missiles, "5" disk missiles, and "2" rocket missiles.

On the back of the card board and not inside the clear plastic tray, a taped down bag which contained: "1" sticker sheet, "1" instruction sheet w/ battled scene pics, and "1" trading card (G2 Prime).

Box Special Note: Front Box Appearance: RID Scourge actual toy art. Back Box Appearance: RID Scourge Tech & Spec card. You have to cut it off from the box.

Box Point or Robot Point: [6] - This number can be found on the left side flap of the box. You have to open the box to see it. It contains number and either Autobots or Decepticons insginia depending on which faction you are getting.

Approximately Dimension In Inches: Height Up To The Head: -- Maximum Height: -- (top of wind vane) Width from shoulder to shoulder: -- Maximum Width: -- (arm shield to arm shield) Dept: 4 1/2.

Toy Stamp/ Fine Print Location: - Can be found in both side of Laser Ultra Magnus feet (Right side is for Hasbro and left side is for Takara). Also, the underside of Laser Ultra Magnus railer has it too.

Transformation Of Difficulty: [Medium] - I think he's pretty much easy to transformed. If you have problem in locking the tank trailer back into vehicle position, try to press in the mid section of the trailer because that's where the main snap of the tab took place.

Material Durability: [-A] - Be careful with his tank trailer, don't transform too much because it used spring to lock to hold the piece as one.

Toy Materials: Die Cast Metal: None. Chrome Metal: None. Rubber: None, plastic wheel. Plastic: Main material. Clear Plastic Window: Front and side of the cab.

Stability: [A] - Robot mode can only stand on flat surface.

Fun Toy: [A] - Definitely a fun toy due to many functions, challenging, and a cool design.

Negative Drawback - Shoulder joint tend to fall down easily due to the heavy weight that his shoulder has to support.

Articulations: Head: Can be rotated at a 360 degree. Shoulder: Can be swung at a 90 degree forward and backward. Also a 90 degree side way. Arm/ Elbow: Can be bent at a 90 degree angle. The lower portion of the arm can also be rotate at a 180 degree sideway. Wrist/ Hand: Cannot be rotated. Hands cannot be hidden. Hip/Waist: Cannot be rotated. Leg: Can be swung 90 degree forward, backward, and made a split. Knee: Can be bent at a 90 degree angle. Ankle/ Feet: No sideway movement. Feet can bent downward.

Rub Sign Logo: [N/A] - Not applicable.

Robot's Cartoon looks alike: [N/A] - Pretty much the same.

Vehicle's Cartoon looks alike: [N/A] - Pretty much the same.

Special Notes: Here are "5" special notes which I thought you should know:

1 - Laser Ultra Magnus has a lighted up headlight as well as in the right hand just like the 1995 G2 Prime. Make sure your is in working condition.

2 - Laser Ultra Magnus 10 little missile launcher come with spring, so missiles can be fired out.

3 - The 5 disc missiles launcher doesn't use spring, but the missile discs can still be fired out so make sure it works.

4 - The rocket launcher uses air-bellow to launch the rocket, make sure the rocket is inserted all the way down before pumping out the rocket. Otherwise, the rocket will not be fired out and if it does, it will travel in short distance.

5 - Due to the heavy weight on the upper body and the style of transformation, Laser Ultra Magnus will suffer the compression leg syndrome over the long run. In other word, Laser Ultra Magnus leg will shrink down and bury into his feet which will make him look shorter. If you want to avoid the problem, then leave Laser Ultra Magnus in vehicle mode.

6 - When purchasing for the first time, be sure to check for the Missile Launching Pad for the 10 missiles. It is usually located inside the trailer.

Overall Grade: [A] - This guy is beautiful and definitely fun.

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