Here is one of the real gems of the combined Transformers reissue lines so far, the 2001 release of C-78C Hot Rodimus in translucent plastic. Never before released in clear colours, the C-78C was the exclusive recolour (along with the black C-78B recolour) of the Japanese Takara reissue C-78 Hot Rodimus. This toy was made available at the Japanese Toy Festival show in early 2001 and was one of the very first of the reissue releases, let alone exclusive recolours. It was one of the first opportunities for Transformers collectors to own a long-time favourite in a completely brand new colour scheme (obviously moreseo the case for Black Rodimus than the clear one). C-78 was the original Japanese Takara designation for Hot Rodimus back in 1986 with the "C" implying he was a Cybertron (Autobot). The "C" on the end of "C-78C" relates to "Crystal" making reference to the clear plastic used in its design.

The box for C-78C, as for C-78, is pretty small and compact which is a common Takara trait for Transformers packaging. The overwhelming colour scheme for the box is light blue which signifies the toy's transparent and crystal nature. Even the normally-gold shield which commemorates the 15th anniversary of TF release in Japan is coloured to match the overall blue/white colour scheme. Looking at the box back, the collector's card has been incorporated into the actual box instead of being a separate item included with the inner contents. This is a little unfortunate as it makes it rather uncollectable, especially for those keen to display all the reissue cards together. You could cut it out, but not many collectors will choose to do that, will they? You might also notice that the artwork used actually extends beyond the rectangular boundary of the card itself.

Overall, it's a very attractive little package and the colour of the toy itself is much more striking through the box front window as a result of the almost monochromatic box colour. The two sets of colours contrast well.

One major difference that became apparent between original packaging and reissue packaging straight away back in 2000/2001 was the use of clear plastic inserts as opposed to styrofoam inserts. The original C-78 Hot Rodimus had a styrofoam insert and a cellophane window on the box as well. With this reissue, the inner packaging is now a clear tray with a lid within a cardboard tray, and the box just has an aperture cut into it with no cellophane window. What protects the toy from damage is the plastic tray lid.

Contained within the package are the instruction sheet, stickersheet and the two handguns which are unfortunately not translucent. Thankfully though, most of the toy is translucent, and what a toy it is:

The vehicle mode has a beautiful mix of translucent plastic and chrome, which works much better on the engine and exhausts than clear plastic would have. One feature I really like is that the main body of the toy is now much more red than the original Hot Rod colours which were more towards maroon. Add to that the translucent yellow wing and the mix of colours visble from most angles thanks to the translucency (along with the flame stickers of course) give a strong fire-like feel to the toy that isn't quite as apparent on a regular Hot Rod. The flame motif is made stronger by the fact that the windscreen and side windows are left colourless instead of blue as with original Hot Rod. I also believe the metal toes and solid wheels to be better choices than clear parts.

There have been a number of Hot Rodimus reissues since 2001 and the newer ones have tampographed details, but as you can see this early reissue still has a chest sticker and side stickers.

From the side, new things become apparent, such as how Hot Rod looks when the rear wheel isn't obscured by a solid maroon rear section due to the clear plastic on this release. The inner workings, rods, springs and other parts also add to the overall striking look of this toy. When held up to the light, it never fails to draw a gasp from anyone who's never seen it before.

The above pictures show the wheel sections in more detail. You can see some specks on the chrome, and as this toy was unsealed by me very recently, those are factory issues and not playwear. There is still a hint of pink in some sections of the clear plastic, but the toy almost definitely appears red.

Transforming the Clear Hot Rodimus to figure mode is an absolute treat as well. The windsheild/wing assembly is so sharp that it literally snaps into place and holds very tightly. Everything clicks and slides so smoothly, it feels so superbly made and assembled. This is the second example of this toy I have owned, and the first was precisely the same. In fact it's what I remember most about it other than the visuals, and something non-collectors even commented upon.

Having placed him in robot mode, the result is as spectacular as the vehicle mode. The fire-like appearance is still very much in evidence and despite being so clear, he has a great deal of substance.

While I think it's something of a shame and a missed opportunity that the guns are solid and not clear, I am pleased that the robot face is still solid and fully painted. I feel that particular choice was good and works superbly with the whole robot mode. I am undecided as to whether a clear chest sticker would have worked better, but the regular sticker doesn't do anything to detract from the overall appearance, so no complaints there either. In fact it brings some very nice shine to the robot mode.

The view from behind shows how the translucent parts allow the colours to meld beautifully, especially when you look through the yellow wing. This already popular and awesome Transformer loses absolutely nothing by being given the clear treatment, quite the contrary actually.

Here's a close-up of the excellent robot head:

Now for a slight detour...With Hot Rod being such a popular character both here and in Japan, almost any incarnation of the toy and character seems to be well-received. The upcoming Kiss Players Rodimus is one of my most anticipated releases of the year. Here are a few shots of the World's Smallest Hot Rodimus with the crystal reissue:

You absolutely gotta love that tiny reissue-style box and the sprued handguns. Here is a very recently released oversized bootleg of the reissue Collection #13 Targetmaster Hot Rodimus:

Note the orange parts, the larger Firebolt TM partner, the Perceptor parts (the Perceptor KO has the other Hot Rod handgun!) and the reissue artwork littered all over this bootleg's card! The bootleg's joints are pretty loose but it's a really novel piece and a nifty addition to the Hot Rod family.

Here are all three together:

Continuing with our detour, here are a whole host of Hot Rods together including a reissue test shot, a bust, the Micromaster from the original Star Convoy and the C-78B Black Rodimus reissue exclusive:

Here's the crystal Rodimus with the Shining Magnus:

And finally with another Hot Rod:

Always an immensely unique and recogniseable form, this figure has long been a favourite of many a collector. At the time of release, these repaints signified an opportunity to own a well-known and well-loved character and toy in fresh and brand new colours. The appeal of that was instant and I remember quite a few people I knew at the time scrambled to get both the crystal and black versions. They've not lost any appeal or desireability since then and sets have increased in price consistently, although it is still possible to snag an individual one at a great price.

I can't fault this piece, although some do feel that a clear recolour is unimaginative. However unimaginative it may be, the job has been executed superbly and the Clear Hot Rodimus is a real marvel that even non-collectors adore. The build quality is absolutely brilliant and the whole package is presented very well. The slight differences are enough for me to see this as something other than a standard Hot Rod just cast in precisely the same but translucent colours. It has its own nice touches and definitely its own character and appeal. Everything you'd want from an exclusive recolour, and possibly even an improvement upon the original.

Many kind thanks to Paul Hitchens for the use of his Hot Rod collection and photos and to Himawari for buying me the KO, both of rare and genuine generosity.

All the best
Maz