Frankenstein Robot

Toy Number: M11

I’ve felt a little cranky and unsatisfied with a few toy purchases lately, but the Magic Robo makes it all better.

This is a cheapo drugstore transformer whose alt-mode is Frankenstein’s head. These were originally made by Marca in the mid-eighties as Change Robo. The series also included a Dracula head, a Skull, and a King Kong head.

The box is beautifully illustrated. Dig that head!

MR 03 box front

MR 03 box back

And the sides feature more loopy goodness.

MR 03 box sides

Magic Robo comes in a simple styrofoam tray.

MR 03 box inside

The robot mode is dead simple. The arms fold out from the face shell/wing panels. I love the metallic decals. The paint apps are crummy, and the plastic has yellowed, but this thing has a certain brute charm.

MR 03 bot front

MR 03 bot front 2

MR 03 bot back

To transform, you fold his arms and head down, and fold the wing pieces in.

MR 03 transformj

I prefer this intermediate mode to the final head. Frank’s head sits together tighter and I like the appearance of a neck and robotic shoulder pedestal.

MR 03 Head 1

The head collapses down for the proper alt-mode. As you can see, his facial panels don’t close very well.

MR 03 Head 2

MR 03 Head 3

There are wheels and a pull-back motor on the base.

MR 03 Head 4

A goofy, charming piece. I want them all, though I’m not holding my breath. This is the only one I’ve ever seen.