Post by CkRtech on Dec 10, 2004 1:26:29 GMT -5
![](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v518/tfreviews1/Prowl1.jpg)
Just your friendly neighborhood patrolman.
Once again, another 1984 Autobot adds to the magic created in that first year. This time, it is Prowl. Michael Bell made Prowl one of the most friendly, inquisitive, and caring Transformers in the first season. Prowl had thoughts to share in regards to the current situation the Autobots were working with, and he shared them with dignity and sincerity. When you think of Prowl, you think of “role model.” It’s funny – I figure that if Prowl had a theme song, it would be that ambient guitar intro to “Pride” by U2. He just carries that positive mood. He has his fans, but yet is not one of the first Transformers to come to mind when people start naming favorites. I think his character is underrated.
![](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v518/tfreviews1/Prowl2.jpg)
The Datsun Brothers came from a great mold which was based on the Datsun Fairlady Z (280 ZX). Prowl’s version of the 280ZX is one which represents elegance. The black and white along with the red horns, blue headlights, and police shield emblems just immediately bolsters his appearance right up to the top of the ranks. The connection between cartoon and toy is just awesome, and Prowl just “fits in” with everyone.
I never had a Prowl when I was young. Looking back, I realize that as a kid I would base what Transformers I wanted on how they looked and what their job was. Now I can appreciate a lot of them because of the personality they were given in the show. Not that I didn’t take that into account at all when I was a kid, but nowadays I acknowledge them has having a good influence in the wonderful world of eighties cartoons. Prowl is no exception.
Toy Facts:
The 280Z uses a relatively simple Transformation which was very successful for creating an adequate-looking alt mode as well as a fabulous robot mode. One major part of this is the twist of the waist which essentially causes every part of the car to be used in the front of the robot mode.
Prowl is accented with chromed weapons (missiles and gun) which, in my opinion, work very well with his particular color scheme. It is absolutely amazing what a difference the “opened door” look makes when he is in robot mode. I think the 280Zs have great balance and symmetry across the front with those doors open in robot mode. Another thing which assists his look is the Autobot symbol. Every Autobot wears that symbol, but it looks like it was made for a police car.
Prowl’s hood and rear (back and side) are made of metal. This large percentage of metal across his body creates a very solid Transformer in both modes. He actually has somewhat of a designer paint scheme across the metal areas – a fine contrast to later G1 and G2 Transformers which contain practically no paint apps at all and completely lack die cast metal.
Disappointments:
Sadly, The 280Z mold is filled with its share of disappointments. Most notably is the tendency for the windshield to snap at the point where it connects to the hood. Why oh why did they design a toy so well and make this sort of mistake? In robot mode, the windshield is left on the back of the robot and is in a prime area which will be gripped by the kid doing anything from recreating the boarding of the Arc on Cybertron to the shuttle massacre years upon years later. The entire thing is made of plastic – thin plastic – and easily snaps clean off Prowl or any of the other Datsun brothers. The good thing about a clean break is that it can be re-glued…but the damage is done. Suddenly, the automobile mode doesn’t have that magic elegance anymore.
The clear plastic back window halves were also easily broken. I believe that this causes a little more of an awkward look for robot mode than it does for car mode. Regardless, the windshield is clearly this modes greatest fault and could quite possibly rank as one of the worst design mistakes in Transformer history.
![](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v518/tfreviews1/Prowl4.jpg)
![](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v518/tfreviews1/Prowl5.jpg)
![](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v518/tfreviews1/Prowl3.jpg)
Collecting Prowl:
Prowl is white, so you immediately know that he is susceptible to yellowing. The good news is that you only have to worry about the plastic pieces yellowing. Since there is a great deal of die cast metal in Prowl, the possibility you end up with a bananamobile is highly unlikely. Check the windshield, doors, and arms for yellowing.
You’re gonna have to get Prowl up in your face. While the Datsun brothers are easy to break, they are also easy to repair. Check for any stress marks or glued areas at the major breakpoints – where the windshield connects to the plastic part of the hood & all edges and sides of the back “half windows” of the car.
Check the doors and make sure they haven’t fallen victim to sticker peeling. Peeling of stickers can easily turn into sticker “curling” with him – check him all over. Take your time and transform him. You want to be very careful you don’t slam part of that windshield into the main body when you turn the waist 180 degrees.
Those chrome weapons should be checked for chrome wear. Check and see if the missile launchers fit well with his head.
There is no G2 version of Prowl.
Prowl’s copyright is located on his feet with Takara’s on the left and Hasbro’s on the right. The rubsign is located on the front of the hood on the driver’s side.
In case you haven't gathered my opinion on Prowl by this point, let me say it - Prowl is a must own.
![](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v518/tfreviews1/Prowl6.jpg)