Maketoys MTCM-04C VULCAN Review

At long last, the last member of Guardia, MTCM-04C Vulcan is here. 
First and foremost, i would like to express my sincere gratitude the the fine people behind Victory Toys, for sending this Vulcan sample for me to take a look and to transform him (along with other 4 robots) as Guardia. 
Victory Toys is Maketoys representative and distributor for their product for Indonesia market. 
Apparently, Maketoys did send similar Vulcan sample to other country and territory as well for pre-release review and hands-on. I'm very fortunate and privileged to be able to get a hold on one of the sample. Shortly after this review i will be releasing another review, dedicated just for Guardia in combined form.
But for now, let's take a look at Vulcan.
Packaging
As i mentioned above, this is the pre-release sample that Maketoys sent out to their representatives all over the world. Neither did it come with official box packaging nor the standard instruction manual.

But i suppose the release version (which should be release shortly) will come with a standard sturdy box packaging, just like the previous 4 robots and for sure it will come with standard instruction manual as well.
When i receive Vulcan, it already transformed into its alt-mode which is blue fire truck.   

Presentation
The alt mode is very sturdy and solid. It does roll nicely and the fire ladder can be extended out just like he real fire engine ladder. 
The fire truck is packed with detailed and it doesnt feel empty at all. The blue color of the truck is a muted light blue, which is very-very good. 
The paints applications is top notch as always, with lots of paints detailing and break up. We got majority light blue color mixed with red, black, light gray, yellow, dark grey, and silver.
Just like before, i'm posting a comparison photo for Vulcan fire track mode with TFC Hydrant and Takara Unite Warriors Hot Spot. 
  

Transformation
Vulcan's transformation from fire track to a robot mode is remind me of the way Fans Project Intimidator (Menasor) series, especially for the torso part, which is called FP Causality CA-13 Diesel (based on Motormaster).
Maketoys Guardia is a part-forming combiner robot, and just like the FP Intimidator, we have combiner hands and feets, and also Guardia's chest piece packed together into Vulcan fire truck mode. 
The 2 guns (with different mold) for robot mode is also tucked in securely in the fire truck mode.

 
Vulcan transformation to Robot mode is very satisfying yet simple and intuitive. I can say that among the other member's transformation, Vulcan is my favorite to transform. We have slight clearance issue during transformation but nothing serious and is very minor issue.

Being a robot, Vulcan profile and presence is very imposing. And all i can say that among other Hot Spot, Vulcan clearly is the winner in my book. The design is very modern and stylized. The level of detail and the sturdiness of the figure is outstanding.  

Articulation
During my earlier review, i mentioned that that the make or brake of any combiners toys is on how strong the torso limb can support the weight of the other figures when combined. 
During my play time, i can say that Vulcan will have no problem supporting the weight of the other 4 robots during combined mode.
This is due to several strong ratchet joints throughout the figure, such as in the waist and hip joints and knee joints.
With the strong ratchet and solid joints throughout Vulcan, he can be easily pose without problem. 

Throughout my review process and as i pose Vulcan for photos, i can help but to think that Vulcan plays just like an action figure (in robot form). The articulation is clearly a head of the class and all the joints is very strong and stiff.

My Thoughts
I love Vulcan. He is easily my best and favorite Guardia's member. I see no reason for you not to pick up Vulcan, especially if you already committed to the whole Guardia series.
Overall experience with Vulcan is also excellent. The weight of the toys, the superb articulations of the robot, the coolness design and aesthetic making Vulcan one of the best 3rd party product and transforming toys in the market today. 
Vulcan, with his 4 brothers in arms does look fantastic together .....
As we finally have all Guardia members, let us pause here for a moment and admire on how good the whole series has been for us before we proceed next to the combined mode of Guardia.

Cheers.
eToys