Buggy Wolf

Buggy Wolf (or Buggyman) was one of the Battle Hackers, a sub line of Machine Robo (known as Gobots in the US). It’s where the Gobots got the Rock Lords, Jewel Lords, and some of those alien creatures, including the combiner Monsterous. I love the line because it is such a mashup of all different styles, but they all feel like Machine Robo.

A subset of the Battle Hackers were the Wheelemen, a series of transforming vehicles with rubber tires and pull back motors. Each had a similar aesthetic and size.

The box is classic late-80’s Bandai. The front has a die-cut window while the art is a nice mix of product photography and illustration.

Inside you get a styrofoam tray, instructions, stickers and a catalog.

The sticker sheet is interesting because it features copies of real logos.

My favorite is “Marbol”.

Although it comes packaged in robot mode, lets start with vehicle mode. It’s tradition.

Buggy Wolf has a fantastic vehicle mode. You will note that there is no cockpit. This is a sentient Dune Buggy.

The detail is amazing. So very sharp and well put together. This needs no stickers. I can’t stress enough how great the rubber wheels feel.

Robot mode is equally impressive. A simple but effective transformation.

Articulation is good considering Bandai had yet to discover ball joints. Think of how much more expressive this could have been.

The combination of the flat grey plastic and the chrome accents is awesome. This is a great color scheme.

The included catalog is great as well. It features the Battle Hackers lineup

Also, check out this prototype version of Gattai Saurer!