Hook Bio:
With precision of a fine jeweler, performs his job with skill unequalled among The Transformers, whether reconnecting a damaged microchip or setting a two ton girder into place. Snobbish, supercilious, unpopular perfectionist. Lifts 20 tons. As shoulders and head module, combines with fellow Constructicons to form giant robot “Devastator”.
Introduction:
Aesthetically speaking, I have always been drawn to Hook’s alt mode more than other ‘Cons and because of that he’s been one of my most desired Decepticons during my collecting of G1 figures. I’ve been very excited to get my hands on Hook and see what he’s all about – so far I haven’t been disappointed. He’s a very important part of the powerful Devastator, but for the time being I have no issues with focusing on his individual traits. Let’s get started!
Alt Mode:
Hook’s alt mode, a construction truck crane, as I mentioned is very aesthetically pleasing for me; it just seems to be right. The proportions are all there balancing so well between the cab windows, his 6 wheels, and even the crane and hook itself. This alt mode, like Bonecrusher’s, is practical and functional. Hook’s crane is fully extendable up to about 6.5 inches; that’s nearly twice as long as the vehicle itself! Even more cool is how the base of the crane is a fully rotatable 360 degrees – downright functional and awesome. I can surely see Hook being a popular toy among kids because you are getting so much “bang for your buck” with this figure.
Beyond the functionality of the toy, the dominant green color is complimented so well with the hazard stickers and purple/black windows. Nothing is forced, nothing is out of place. Let me not forget the absolute gorgeous die-cast thrown in there too! His middle section is full on die-cast giving Hook a very heavy and sturdy feel to him. And although his hook isn’t die-cast as well, it still has a great chromed look to it which makes the main tool of this Transformer just POP! I love this alt mode for its functionality and aesthetic features. Without moving forward to robot mode I would be satisfied with this purchase, but where’s the fun in that? Hook – TRANSFORM!
Transformation:
The transformation for Hook is less than stellar really. It’s not a disappointment, but compared to the excitement of the alt mode there’s just not a lot going on. Besides a pretty cool midsection collapse, the transformation to alt mode is a flip of the legs, pull out of the arms, and flip his head up. You’re done. It’s not a fun transformation nor is it disappointing. It serves it’s purpose from point A to point B. I have a feeling though, that the real fun will come with this “triple changer” come final combining time …
Robot mode:
Despite a less than exciting transformation, Hook has a great robot mode that carries a lot of aesthetically pleasing features over from his alt mode. I’ll start with the perfect blend of colors on Hook – just look at ’em! The green is mostly taken over by a dominant purple chest that looks fantastic with the Cybertronian tech sticker placed on it. The die-cast middle piece that worked so well in the crane alt mode also has a presence for Hook’s legs, although it is a little harder on the eyes with the die-cast “U” hanging between his legs (really, there’s not a joke there). Articulation is limited to his arms moving up and down, just enough to strike a static gun pose. I guess if you wanted to you can do something with his crane tool because it does still rotate, although balance will become an issue really quick. Overall, robot mode for Hook is a decent win. Not too much to play with, but a pleasure to display.
Combined Mode:
As part of the 6 member team that forms Devastator, Hook has a very specific role in the combination: Devastator’s chest and shoulders. Let’s not spoil it all in this post though … more to come!
Evolution:
Keeping with the theme of using the TFC Hercules bots as a Classics comparison – just imagine G1 Hook as a bigger, blockier, and more articulated figure (not by much though) and you have the TFC Dr. Crank figure. As you can see in the pictures, the TFC Dr. Crank figure is a decent evolution from the G1 Hook, but he lacks some serious detail that I love about Hook. For one, the blend of purple with the green doesn’t seem as vibrant as the G1 goodness. Hook pulled this off so well with the windows in alt mode and the chest in robot mode; Dr. Crank just doesn’t stack up with the dominant green deco and somewhat bland purple. Interesting enough though, both alt modes are where the fun is at. Dr. Crank does a fantastic job of capturing what was so nice about the G1 figure: the crane! I apologize for not having a picture of the crane fully extended … it’s because it wouldn’t fit in my lightbox! Regardless of my nitpicking, Dr. Crank is a solid evolution from G1 Hook.
Alt mode comparison:
Robot mode comparison:
Overall rating 8/10:
Hook manages to beat out one of his partners in crime, Bonecrusher, by the narrowest of margins. What Hook lacks is a less than exciting transformation with a robot mode that doesn’t have a ton of play value, but he more than makes up for that with an alt mode that is PACKED with fun and a blend of colors that make Hook stand out on any display shelf. I have a feeling I’m going to appreciate this figure even more when his full transformation is revealed with his other 6 team members. For now though, Hook is a solid 8/10.
