Code Red [Strangers Things x Transformers]

When Code Red was announced last year, I was quick to pre-order one. Stranger Things is one of my favorite TV shows and a collaboration with Transformers is just a fun idea. Of course he's perfect for Halloweek. Code Red is a unique toy as usually these types of Transformers reuses the engineering from a prior release. I think he uses Studio Series 86 Ironhide's engineering, but he feels completely different. If it is based on that toy, the remolding is so extensive that it practically feels like a brand new design. When he was announced, there was confusion as to why his name was Code Red. In season 2 Dustin often calls the guys over their radios claiming they have a 'Code Red'. I don't know if you can see it well in my pictures, but Code Red is wearing Dustin's headset. It's a fun bit of synergy between the show and the toy. Dustin's my favorite character from the show, so I probably enjoyed it a little more because of that.

Dustin isn't the only character referenced here. It's pretty obvious that Code Red transforms into Argyle's Surfer Boy Pizza delivery van. The van is a licensed VW  Vanagon that's pretty small considering the larger robot it's from from. Transformation is pretty easy and I didn't fumble with any part clearances. Everything just worked fine. Robot mode is fairly well articulated and features some great accessories. Most notably is the Surfer Boy Pizza sign converts into a shoulder cannon. There's a pizza box and flame effect that compliments this pretty well. Then he has an axe and spiked baseball bat similar to Joyce and Steve's weapons. Hopefully any Demogorgon isn't big enough for him to need them... but the Mindflayer was pretty big in season 3. All the weapons store in vehicle mode. In addition to the show's homages on the toy, there's quite a bit in the Surfer Boy Pizza box that Code Red comes with. Too many to mention here, but they're very clever. That's probably the best descriptor for this toy, it's clever. There's a lot of fan love in this crossovers figure.