You love anything tan

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I loved the original AWE Striker. Having watched movies like Delta Force and Megaforce it was one fo the coolest vehicels around with tons of playable features before Maisto made stuff like removable engine covers and steering and shocks common.

With that said, I was dissappointed when this was shown in Atlanta. We'd seen the TRU version and before that the ARAH collector's version already. Both ended up hitting rock bottom clearance prices. I know I picked up a few extra AWEs for under $4 for a few people back then. At least with the Night Spectre we got something completley different in appearance. Even the Hiss is slightly different then the 2001 release in that it is clean and not muddied, oh and this one can actually hold a 25th figure. But the AWE is pretty much the same thing we got way back when. Ok, the seats are different but with figures in it it looks almost the same. The whole thing leaves me with a why bother feeling. It isn't like you can't get an AWE striker any time you want one.

The figure is a different story. While not the best figure this Crankcase is ok. It does the job. Sure I wish he was an all new sculpt to properly pay homeage, but failing that, this is an acceptable way to go to get the character. While I'm piling on wishes, I wish we could have gotten his rifle too.

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Overall, I have to agree with Mike. I tend to think that some figures of the 25A line are getting praise they really do not deserve. I thought the initial figures that came out were pretty bad and I still do. However, many of the follow up figures have seen marked improvements. I still really like the 25A figures, but they are not perfect. It doesn't bother me that some are praising figures I observe as deficient. Everyone has an opinion and that is all there is too it. I still don't see how anyone can be spiteful over figures. Seriously, they are just figures.

As for Crankcase himself, I mostly disagree with Mike. With the exception of the closed fist, I really like this figure. He really does represent the original quite well even while using parts pulled from other figures.

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I wished we went right from ARAH to the 25th. I didn't like the new deformed sculpts and those the remakes with the ARAH molds looked cheap. The 25th line is the modern take on Joe that I wanted. That not to say I love them all. I keep passing on Serpentor and traded my Crank Case. I like the Awe Striker. I never had one and I dig this toy.

Mike, I like ya, and I respect the heck out of ya, but to call the Crankcase figure a "complete loser" is just a bit harsh. Of the two problems you have with the figure, I only partially share one: the closed fist. But this can easily be explained away! In his filecard, CC is described as "constantly ticked off". I associate two physical traits with being ticked off: a furrowed brow, and clenched fists. Voila!
And as for the "pot belly," while the Shipwreck torso combo isn't the nicest in the 25th, the guy looks positivly anorexic if you stand him next to Crankcase '85. Now HE looks like he might have a belly...

I would, however, like to compliment you on not bashing the Breaker head for being huge, as many others have. Those who believe this to be so, TRY putting the 25th CC helmet on the '85 figure. Go ahead, I'll wait. And WHICH one is taller, and thus should have the bigger head?

Great vehicle review! I love my orginal AWE, but it needs to be retired, and this one works great! Keep up the great work!

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