Transformers Action Masters Prowl with Turbo Cycle 1990

Professor blog: 000005 Subject: Prowl with Turbo Cycle Brand of product: Action Masters Original Release year: 1990

From everything I have experienced, I feel confident enough to say that most collectors consider Action Masters the death of the Transformers original toy line. They came late to the game and were basically Transformers that did not transform. Because of this reasoning, most collectors won’t even buy the toys. It is sad to see such great looking toys go to waste.

Now, all the Action Masters had a little gimmick. Prowl’s gimmick is that he comes with a cool bike that transforms! I would have shown pictures of this transformation but the plastic on the bike is brittle with age. Luckily for all of us, we have the pictures of the box to give the idea. The bike turns into a gun turret. It actually looks pretty cool. I do not suggest for you to attempt it unless your toy is in a semi-non brittle state. Prowl comes with his bike, two missiles, a gun turret on the bike, his instructions and a sticker sheet.

Now the only thing Prowl can do is stand there. His only articulation is his shoulders, his head and his knees. His legs can spread a little but nothing to really brag about. Some genius at Hasbro thought it was funny to give him square thigh joints to his crotch. This makes it to where he can’t even sit down. Well the good thing is that, even if your joints are loose and floppy, Prowl will still stand strong!

The art work on his box is beautiful. It screams Generation one with pure nostalgia. It shows various other Action Masters and gives a little bio for Prowl and explains why they can’t transform. It pretty much states that they gave up their abilities for more power. Then they gave those abilities to cars, etc. Odd story but clearly different. This was probably the first truly hated concept in Transformers history. Fans have kept that hatred strong with each new branch of the franchise. It has spread from Beast Wars to Michael Bay’s movies but these were the original hated guys. It always pays to be the original!

Background of the toy: This particular Action Masters Prowl came opened, complete with even the box, instructions and in great shape. I acquired him off a gentleman from Craigslist. He arrived into my collection in September of 2013. He has no breaks or chips. His weapons are all accounted for. He is the proper color and comes with his original stickers still attached.