I have a grudge against
RA5, resulting from my experience of assembling Interlink Spawn. Not
only did a truly mangle him – snapping off an arm and breaking off one
of TS2’s securing pegs in RA5’s back – I also nearly choked to
death on his mask. The reason for the near choking is partly my fault
– okay, it’s entirely my fault, but the story is too involved to get
into for this review.
The coolest part of RA5
is his left hand, which is made of two chainsaws. The teeth on the saws
are actually quite jagged and sharp. Not
"Oops-there-goes-my-finger" sharp but they are very pointed.
The overall detail is very good. As expected, RA5 fits right into the
Interlink series with its demonic robot charm. Actually, RA5 reminds me
more of an over-padded football player without a neck, than a straight
robot. And like the rest of the Interlink figures, he’s fairly
articulated. (And differs in that his tubes aren’t easily snapped.) To
aid in keeping him standing are wing-like pieces located at his ankles.
There are a few pieces that are more prone to breaking, but the left arm
is extremely hard to wrench from its socket. I know this because I
bruised the bone in my thumb pulling the arm out during Interlink Spawn
assembly – then I realized the arm wasn’t supposed to be able to
come out. Several pieces of RA5 come off for the assembly of Interlink
Spawn, and if precautions are not taken they can become lost rather
easily. (This includes his right arm with the chainsaw hand.) RA5 comes
with a mask that fits easily over his disgusting but very detailed head.
If you’re so inclined (or your kids get nightmares from looking at
RA5), the mask can be permanently secured by way of some kind of
adhesive. This also ensures you won’t choke on the mask yourself –
unless you try to eat the figure.
The most obvious use for
RA5 is in school diorama projects depicting the forest industry, but
since he fits in with the other Interlink figures he can be used in
action battles. However, under rough play – hitting walls, being
buried in the garden, etc. – pieces will dislodge and break off.
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He’s not the toughest of the Interlink figures, but he does look
pretty good on display. His distinctly gold coloring makes him stand
out. The paint itself has been applied with a steady hand and lacks any
oversplash.
On a personal note, when
it says "choking hazard" on the card it really means choking
hazard! "Small parts. Not for children under 3 years," should
be followed by, "Don’t be dumb enough to think that because
you’re over 3 you won’t choke! Keep small parts out of your
mouth!"