Sergeant Kup: Transformers Generations

Presenting Sergeant Kup from Transformers Generations. This is the Transformers Generations version of Sergeant Kup, not the Japanese Transformers United version - which I personally think - given the metallic paint job and chrome finish - is worth buying more than the Transformers Generations version. I purchased Sergeant Kup from Victoyoyoys on e-bay Philippines for PhP 790 including shipping. It currently retails on E-Bay Philippines for around PhP 700. The Japanese Transformer United version retails on the Philippine black market for twice the price - around PhP 1,500

This is the most modern release of Sergeant Kup since his original release in 1986. While he is definitely a much more traditional representation than his 2009 Botcon box-set release (Where he was a repainted version of Transformers Cybertron Red Alert), purists of Sergeant Kup may end up disappointed in the fact that Sergeant Kup is not as true to his original look despite being in Transformers Generations - a line that has been trying to give a modern but relatively true to original  re-boot to the old Transformers toys - with a few exceptions (I suppose this is one of them). Conversely, some people will grow to appreciate this upgraded/modern look provided by Transformers Generations for Sergeant Kup.



 Transformers Generations Sergeant Kup's card reads: "Sergeant Kup is the oldest soldier any of the Autobots know. Even before the war he was a career military 'bot, dedicated to defending Cybertron against all threats. His long service has supplied him with an endless array of war stories, which he never hesitates to share with his comrades no matter what else is going on." Because he's one of the oldest Autobots on the block, someone thought that it was about time that Sergeant Kup receive an upgrade in Transformers Generations.

The most obvious difference between the 1986 or Transformers cartoon Sergeant Kup and the Transformers Generations Sergeant Kup is the fact that he's no longer a Cybertronian Pick-up, he's an earth pick-up. There have been those who have described Sergeant Kup from Transformers Generations as being an old-school pick-up, but quite frankly? With that wide and high bulky front? He's more of a modern pick-up than an old-school pick-up. And he's lowered - as can be seen from the pictures (He scapes the ground a lot when presented with inclines)

Transformers Generations Sergeant Kup comes armed with a Laser Musket - his standard weapon since his release in 1986 (It even became a Transformers Targemaster named Recoil in his 1987 release). Transformers Generations gave the musket a more "Muskety" feel i.e. very long barrel (Almost ridiculously long) but they modernized it by giving it a more modern grip (versus the barrel grip of muskets). The Musket becomes a secondary exhaust pipe for Transformers Generations Sergeant Kup's pick-up mode.

The Laser Musket can also be removed and mounted on the roof of Transformers Generations Sergeant Kup, but unlike Wreck-Gar who can ride other Wreck-Gars, no allowances are made for other Transformers Generations Autobots to ride behind and shoot as if Transformers Generations Sergeant Kup were a gun-truck. Mounted, the Laser Musket looks like a single-fire gauss rifle because of the length of the barrel.

Sergeant Kup from Transformer's Generations pick-up truck mode leaves much to be desired. The breaks in the sides are fairly obvious - maintaining that seamless transformed look is tedious and difficult even with instructions. Plus the lack of any color other than what looks like faded green (or some really poor primer) reduces his over-all likeability.

Now let's move on to robot mode: Here we have the original Sergeant Kup as he first appeared in Transformers the movie courtesy of www.tfwiki.net and his modern Transformers Generations composition.

Pro for the modern Transformers Generation look is the bulky legs, cylindrical arms, forward jutting plate, rear "back-pack" and the wonderful facial sculpt which pays direct homage to the original. Sergeant Kup from Transformers Generations even has the same "belt" as the original Kup. But is it enough to balance out the poor paint scheme? The choice of gray tends to blend with the light green so that at first glance, it appears that Sergeant Kup from Transformers Generations only has one color. If I could, I know exactly which parts of the Transformers Generations Sergeant Kup I'd repaint.  

Transformers Generations Sergeant Kup's articulation is also so-so. Transformers Generations Sergeant Kup cannot twist at the hip and what you see below is the extent of the leg bending. Transformers Generations Sergeant Kup can hold his Laser Musket in both arms, but he cannot aim it, he can only hip-fire it as shown. 

Further, those forearm plates keep getting in the way and reduce the articulation of the arms and hands. They are too small to be shields and Sergeant Kup is not known for having forearm shields. 

A nice twist/bonus that Transformers Generations Sergeant Kup has is the ability to store his Laser Musket at his back. Transformers Generations Sergeant Kup can even reach for the weapon as needed. 

So. Despite the hype and the rarity, my recommendation is for collectors is that, if you really want a Sergeant Kup, to save up and buy the Japanese Transformers United Sergeant Kup instead. The metallic paint job is sure to add a better contrast to the otherwise dull colors of Transformers Generations Sergeant Kup. However you may still find yourself to not be overall happy with the Transformer and you may find yourself criticizing what could definitely be a better figure.