Convertible Laser Gun

By now I’m sure you’re all aware of the Gobot nativity story: Tonka licensed the Bandai/Popy Machine Robo toys, brought them to America, and packaged them under the Gobots brand. Tonka then produced a handful of its own designs to augment the line, including the bases and a few clumsy vehicles. The story doesn’t entirely end there.

Tonka also licensed a slew of Gobot ancillary product: backpacks, lunchboxes, slot-cars, etc. Korean manufacturer Playtime contributed Gobot walkie-talkies, a radio, and the curious Convertible Laser Gun (hereafter ‘CLG’). The CLG is an oddball one-off for Playtime, an original Shockwave-esque transforming laser gun, a sharp departure from the company’s awkward novelty electronics and fake Tomy products (Playtime knocked off those cute white Tomy bots like Dingbot, Verbot, and Omnibot).

The CLG would have been a strong addition to the Super Gobot pantheon on its own merits, but was apparently shuffled off to the margins. These used to be somewhat rare, but for some reason they were all over Ebay this summer.

The CLG is packaged in a largish, TF:G1 -inspired window box.

Inside, a plain styrofoam tray. No accessories, though there’s a nook for something, most likely just the instruction booklet.

The gun mode is fantastic, well proportioned and detailed. While it certainly resembles Shockwave (original mold: Toyco’s Astro Magnum), it’s an entirely original design. I like the clear barrels. The trigger activates two laser noises and an LED threaded into one of the barrels.

The gun is large enough to kind of fit in an adult hand.

Fit and finish are tight. Nothing feels cheap. My only complain is the arbitrary application of goofy Gobot decals. I’m tempted to remove them; the piece would look way better without. Except for the one on the crotch, that one makes sense.

Transformation is easy and intuitive. You separate the handle and twist and extend the upper gun assembly. Positioning this part is a little precarious. The internal electronics can bind within and prevent easily setting the bot torso where it needs to be.

The top of the gun folds in half to become the arms.

The robot mode is solidly proportioned, with the same asymmetric setup as Shockwave. The head is a little doughy for my tastes, but that’s only a quibble. The figure is a handsome, high-quality piece. The thighs are the only diecast.

The clear electronics cover on the arm is a nice touch.

Only the shoulders are articulated, and they only swivel up and down.

The CLG is a fantastic figure. It’s a shame Tonka didn’t integrate it into the main line.