Landshark (Botcon 2009 Exclusive)
Vehicle ModeRobot Mode w/ Battle StationCombined Brute Robot Mode
Allegiance: Autobot
Size: Ultra (comes in a 5-pack with Flak, Kup, Scourge, and Thunderclash)
Difficulty of Transformation: Hard
Color Scheme: Dull jungle green, black, light milky sparkly gray, and some metallic gunmetal gray, dull metallic orange, metallic copper, light red, and transparent dark blue
Rating: 9.1

(NOTE: Because this is a repaint, this is not a full-blown review. This mainly covers any changes made to the mold and the color scheme, and merely compares it to Energon Landmine. For a review on the mold itself, read the review of Energon Landmine here.)

    Unlike most Botcon exclusives, Landshark isn't based on any previous TF character, he's brand-new. In many pictures his orange parts look too close to Energon Landmine's, but thankfull in person they're not-- they're actually a bit duller, more coppery-orange with some metallic flakes in it. His main color, besides black, is a similarly metallic-flaked dark green, which is an interesting color that makes Landshark look rather military-esque-- certainly fitting, given the "Elite Guard" theme of the year. He also has some rather dull light gray that's already way too common and boring-looking on mainline TF, so I really don't like it on an expensive Botcon toy. There's some metallic flake in there to spice it up a little, but it still looks rather blah. Overall the colors go together fairly well-- it's not spectacular or anything, but it certainly not bland or clashy. Honestly, compared to some other toys in the set, he's just honestly forgettable, given that he's not an homage to anyone or really stands out in anyway. I DO really like the metallic gunmetal gray "teeth" paint apps on the back end of his vehicle mode/claws of his "Brute" robot mode, though they should've been a lighter silver to contrast better with the dark green. The metallic copper coloring around the windows is also really nice-looking, and the adding the Elite Guard "wings" around the molded Autobot symbol there was very creative.
    No mold changes have been made to Landshark, though like many large Botcon toys he has had his electronics removed.
    Landshark isn't a bad repaint, though he's not a good one either. He's just kind of "meh" in almost every respect, which honestly isn't something I like in uber-expensive Botcon toys. The metallic copper and gunmetal gray paint apps look nice, but that's all of the really "cool" stuff he's got going for him. Solely based on colors, I'd recommend him over Landmine, but below Landquake-- but given the price, I'd only get this guy if you're a completist or are buying the whole boxset anyway so you have the whole Elite Guard team.



Landshark Bio:
FUNCTION: Tough Guy
MOTTO: "Dude... Flak totally stole my motto!"
Landshark doesn't know where he got his name from, and he doesn't really care. Some 'bots tend to confuse it with "Landmine," but once Landshark pulls his fist from their abdomen, they don't seem to get it wrong anymore. Always the practical jokester and seen by his peers as a wiseguy, he often makes light of even the most dramatic situations. Once, he had one of his power claws ripped off his body by a blood thirsty Narliphant. Landshark didn't fret about the situation; he simply turned to Flak and asked, "Can you give me a hand?" ...Flak was not amused. Able to transform his auxiliary battle platform into a hydraulic booster pack, he has the strength to wield two massive power claws capable of ripping open an enemy's armor plating. This feature also gives him the ability to cling onto or climb up almost any structure. While in vehicle mode, Landshark enjoys intimidating, then and plowing down, anyone that stands in his way.
Strength: 10.0
Intelligence: 6.0
Speed: 5.0
Endurance: 10.0
Rank: 6.0
Courage: 8.0
Fireblast: 7.0
Skill: 7.0

Review by Beastbot

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