Review – Spider-Man Flip & Attack Spider Racer

Okay, I posted about the Marvel Flip & Attack toys way back after New York Toy Fair (mentioned here) and I was sold on the idea of modern Transformers Jumpstarters (see the TFWiki) and I’ve now finally found some of them. What’s odd is how I knew there were Marvel Universe toys but had somehow missed the Spider-Man series. Well, I grabbed one of these the instant I saw it at Wal-Mart . . . and now it’s time to share the fun.

Transform!

Below you can see the Spider Racer in its vehicle form. This is a completely different mold than the original Jumpstarters from 1985, but the design is basically the same with one difference: the switch on the back of the Jumpstarters that was used to adjust the landing of the toy when it transformed is gone. And that’s fine, because the switch never really did all that much to help the toy actually land on its feet. Anyway, the Spider Racer’s vehicle mode is kinda dull. It’s fine, but it’s not all that exciting. Man, I should have grabbed the Spider Jet instead of the Spider Racer.

Robot Mode

Spider-Man Flip & Attack Spider Racer is articulated at the shoulders — the arms swing up — and that’s it. The giant hinge at the waist is only there for the transformation . . . but you don’t buy a modern Transformers Jumpstarter for the articulation. No, you buy one of these so that you can pull it back on the floor and watch as it races across the floor and then jumps up and automatically transforms.

The sculpt is clean and simple, looking like a streamlined and stylized Spider-Man robot that has giant feet. It’s very simple fun and not really designed for collectors but is instead designed for kids . . . which makes since because it is a toy. And let’s face it, kids love things about toys that adult collectors don’t and not all toys are made for all people. Personally, I find the entire concept of Marvel Jumpstarters goofy and fun and can see why kids would enjoy these . . . hell, I’m enjoying it even though it’s really dumb.

Closing Thoughts

Will I buy more of these? No, probably not. Well, not unless they go on clearance and I can grab them for under $5/each. The toy is okay and probably great for kids, but it’s not quite as neat as I was expecting from this line. Hmmmmm. And having said that I have to admit that if I ever see the Iron Man Flip & Attack toy in stores I will grab it. Yeah, I know that doesn’t make any sense at all. I blame being tired from long days at work and I blame my random, insane brain.

Philip Reed is tired and is afraid that it shows in his latest reviews. He blames his busted brain for any stupidity that you spot near him.