To tell you the truth, I was never a big fan of Galvatron. I got out of Transformers just before the Transformers Movie hit, so I missed out on all the designs that were not based on actual things, like cars, stereos and guns.

As a dealer, I had a few vintage Galvatrons come through my hands, and I was always curious as to why Galvatron didn’t look a thing like his movie counterpart.

Well, Takara remedied that with the re-release of Galvatron, this time making him in anime accurate colors. But that’s not all they changed; they re-did the head sculpt, added metallic stickers, and even included a metal Matrix of Leadership on a chain! That’s right, Galvatron got Bling.

I totally dig this toy now.

Takara is known for quality, and that was evident from the moment I opened the box from Betatoys – The shiny box had nice retro art just like it came out of the original lineup. The toy comes packed in a clear plastic tray, with a small package for instructions and stickers.

First thing I did of course was attach the stickers. There are only a few, and the instructions clearly indicate where they go.

Galvatron comes packaged in Tank Mode. Three wheels allow Galvatron to roll across smooth surfaces.

Move a few parts around and you have Gun Mode. When batteries are installed, pulling the trigger will make a laser sound and lights flash in the barrel.

It’s in the robot mode that Galvatron really shines. He’s tall and heavy, thanks to the metal in the hips and the added weight of two batteries (not included). He has a solid feel that you don’t often find in toys, nevermind transformers. All the joints are tight, and everything has a satisfying “click" when you move it.

The orange cannon can be mounted to the arm, while his gun can fit in the other hand. The arms are reasonably poseable, if not a little stubby.

With batteries inserted, Galvatron makes 5 sounds – 2 Sound effects, and three phrases (in Japanese). Click below to hear the sounds and see the lights (mov format):

• Sound Effect 1
• Sound Effect 2
• Voice Effects (by original voice actor Katou Seizo)

The thing that really sold me on this Galvatron was the heavy metal Matrix of Leadership. This thing is solid metal and gold-chrome plated. It includes a chain so you can hang it around Galvatron’s neck. The chain is secured with two clasps – it is really solid. The addition of this is worth the purchase price alone.

This is such a great toy. I have to go back and take a look at Takara’s other reissues now.

You can pick up your Galvatron at Betatoys.com