Tribots MIS-L

Tomy in the 80’s possessed a marvelous unity of vision across all of its toys. The ZOIDS, Starriors, ‘Tomics and the like were all cut from the same cloth. All were modern, angular machines with little jewel-like cockpits filled with chrome pilots. While I certainly enjoyed the ZOIDS well enough as a child, I craved proper transforming Tomy robots, and the middling Starriors just weren’t enough. I didn’t know about the Tribots, Tomy’s forgotten foray into transforming robots. Indeed, few did, or do. The Tribots are exceedingly rare.

The series consisted of three molds, two repaints apiece, of triple-changing robot-ship-animal configurations. They looked, of course, like scaled-up transforming Starriors.

In my estimation, MIS-L is the weakest colorway of the weakest mold, though it’s still attractive enough.

MIS-L’s package is an undistinguished but respectable window-box. I like the product photos, but the poor logo design makes it look cheap.

Inside, a styrofoam tray with a sprue of chrome weapons, a foil decal sheet, and instruction booklet. I couldn’t resist applying the decals, and I’m glad I did. They really elevate the plain base figure.

The robot is a solid, handsome block of quality ABS. Tomy really made some quality, sturdy toys, and this is no exception. The hand-feel of the piece is satisfying, heavy with solid clicky joints.

I’m also glad I took the accessory weapons off the sprue. The chrome accents really pop against the base colors.

Posing isn’t spectacular, but I didn’t expect it to be. Movement is better than par for the time.

Let’s transform from Robot to Animal, shall we?

This animal. It’s not identified anywhere, but I think of it as a dog I guess? Or an anteater? Whatever. Not the most compelling alt-mode but goofy in a uniquely Tomy way.

And now to vehicle mode. The vehicle is a sleek spaceship.

Ultimately I really enjoy the idea of MISL more than the fact of it. A proper triple-changing Tomy transformer should be terrific. The figure is competent, well-built and designed, but not inspired.