In the original version of Hasbro’s Transformers, the Decepticons tended to rule the skies while the Autobots protected the roads. One group subverted that concept entirely, and now, two new toys are reimagining members of that Combiner faction.
H37 Wraith & H39 Death Race are new versions of two of the Stunticons, with the figures being produced by Newage Toys. Highly accurate to their animation models while featuring modern mechanics and articulation, these are among the best renditions of the classic Decepticon soldiers. Still in the prototype stage, they’re just fractions of a whole, set to truly dominate the streets and roads, not to mention fans’ collections.
Transformers Goes Full Throttle With New Dragstrip-Inspired Toys
H37 Wraith & H39 Death Race are two toys based on the Stunticons Wildrider and Dragstrip, who made their debut decades ago in the original Generation 1 continuity. This version of Wildrider turns into a non-licensed version of a Ferrari 308 GTB, with its and most of its robot mode body cast in a black/dark grey color scheme.
He wields a rifle in robot mode, with this form being highly accurate to how he looked in The Transformers, especially compared to the classic toy. There’s also much more articulation this time around, making this a premier iteration for fans to showcase on their shelves. He’s joined by a version of Dragstrip, who turns into a version of a Tyrrell P34 Six-Wheeler, hence the name.
Also armed with a blaster, he and his fellow Stunticon maintain their classic transformations, even if these new toys are far more sophisticated. Dragstrip’s alternate mode can even be driven by smaller Decepticon toys, be they official Transformers from Hasbro and Takara or those from Newage Toys.
The images of these new figures come from the third-party company’s official Facebook account, and although they’re colored, they’re still technically in the prototype phase. Sadly, there aren’t any images of the other Stunticons or their combined form, Menasor. Thus, it’s unknown if the limbs of this combined form can be rearranged (as in the original toys) to become any limb when united with the Stunticon leader, Motormaster.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Stunticons’ original 1986 figures, which were released in Japan by Takara before being brought over to the West by Hasbro. As with the other initial Generation 1 Combiners, they were initially designed for the Diaclone franchise by Takara until that brand was temporarily halted in favor of the Robots in Disguise.
Menasor was one of the four “Scramble City” Combiners who could rotate their limbs, with an arm unit able to also become a leg, and vice versa. The Stunticons were unique in G1 in that, unlike other Decepticons, who largely turned into jets, devices or outright weapons, they had automotive alternate modes. Likewise, their Autobot rivals, the Aerialbots, were among the few Autobots who could fly or had air-based vehicle modes.