Acid Rain has been putting out high end military figures and vehicles for a bit now, working in the 3.75 scale for the most part. Their most recent release was the Raptor Speeder MK I, and we were able to run it through a nice photo shoot. HISSTANK Admin Sergeant Major rocked the words, and showed off the Raptor in action out in the field. I’ve done up some studio shots. Check it all out after the break! Review by Sergeant Major
Acid Rain Raptor Speeder Mk IThe Acid Rain Raptor Speeder Mk I is the most recent addition to the Acid Rain line of collectibles. The Raptor includes a pilot who we’ll discuss a bit later.
As with all Acid Rain offerings, the Raptor comes in a sturdy two toned brown box with the Acid Rain logo “spray painted” on the box. The “Feel it” feature is present here as it was on the Stronghold ST-1 Marine Quad Eyes and the Speeder Mk II. What’s different this time around is the feature is present to allow you to view what version of the Raptor you have received. Versions, you ask? Yes! Raptors come with one of two different logos on their roof – either a Skull or Claw Marks. That could either be a blessing or a curse, depending on how much troop building you’re in to.
A quick opening of the box reveals the inner Styrofoam Cocoon that houses the Raptor. SPEEDER MK I is imprinted on Styrofoam. I’ve really enjoyed the packaging that’s been offered up to this point and that says a lot, coming from someone who immediately tosses packaging the minute my new acquisition has been freed from its prison.
The Raptor includes a one page instruction sheet. Along the top of the sheet you’ll find the typical product branding you’d come to expect. The instructions show you how to convert your Raptor from Quad mode to, well, walking Quad Raptor Mode. That may be a bit confusing, so let’s take a look at the official press release for the piece:
Raptor is the nickname given to the Speeder Mk I by the Marine Soldiers. The production of the Raptor originated from the defects and inadequacies of the ST-1 Stronghold. Since the time that the Stronghold was mass produced, several severe problems were identified. Although Stronghold’s firepower is particularly strong, its speed and defensive ability have become its fatal flaw. To cope with the anti-tank soldiers and the above problems, the strategy of the Marines must be adjusted. As such, an easy to control, flexible, fast and with a certain standard of firepower machine guard came to exist.
With the development of Speeder Mk. II has become mature, the Raptor has become less active on the battlefield. Given its still reliable nature, it can be found on many battlefields, although it is not the main combat platform used.
….Pretty cool, huh? Now that you’re up to speed, back to the instruction sheet. The flip side of the instruction sheet gives you a color poster of the Raptor and its Pilot in all their glory. The Raptor is raised in attack position, with its Pilot ready to strike Soil Ghosts* on the horizon.
*Soil Ghosts not included.
The Raptor is an amazingly fun piece of hand kibble. I have yet to put it down since taking it out of its packaging. Its primary mode is a Quad. It has rubberized wheels that rotate and is roughly the size of a Cobra Ferret. Its transformation sequence is easy to learn:
- Pull rear tires outwards
- Flip back wheel down
- Extend front wheel forward
- Lower leg support
And just like that, your Raptor is in attack mode! If you’ve checked out our other reviews or have seen all the amazing images posted in the Acid Rain Facebook Group, then you’re familiar with the high quality that Acid Rain line offers consumers. The Raptor is definitely no different. Although small in stature, the detailing on this piece is amazing. The piece measures 4×3.5×3.5 in Quad Mode, and stands at about 6 inches (this can vary, depending on how you position the legs). As the Raptor is part of the 303 Marine division, it shares the same color scheme as the Marine Stronghold – Green, Brown, Tan and of course that classic “acid worn” paint wash adorns the entire vehicle. It’s armed with a 3 barreled Gatling gun that rotates. There’s a permanently attached ammo belt that feeds from the vehicle to the gun (nice little touch). It’s solitary headlight is encased in a circular position, giving it a real retro feel and fitting in to the backstory that these are antiquated devices within the Marine Ranks.
The Pilot is positioned in a “Speed bike” style stance when riding. For those of you wondering, Joes are a tough/tight fight. I was able to fit Pilot Scarlett and Baroness without issue, but larger/broader figures were a no go. Regardless, I thought that this piece was a perfect chariot for Kwinn.
Each vehicle released so far has its own unique play feature – The Stronghold has working lights, the Speeder Mk II has a removable pick ax and shovel and the Raptor comes equipped with a soft goods blanket rolled up on the back of the vehicle. Whether it’s to give comfort to your Raptor Pilot or to cloak your vehicle in preparation for a sneak attack, it’s another fun feature packed on a small vehicle.
From the Hand Guards to the Foot Peddles, you could spend plenty of time holding your Raptor in hand and examining its amazing features and details. If you’ve been on the fence about the Acid Rain line due to price, then this would be the perfect piece to test the waters with. It’s small, fun and includes a Pilot. For about $90, you definitely get what you pay for.
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The Raptor Pilot has quickly become my favorite figure out of the 3 Acid Rain figures released so far. As it shares the same body as the Acid Rain Sol Commander, we won’t get in to a full review on its articulation (ridiculous, by the way). The Raptor Pilot sports a new helmetm vest and a dark color scheme. The gas mask necessary in the Acid Rain world is painted with a white skull that really pops on the dark mask. It complements the skull found on the Raptor perfectly and really makes both Pilot and Vehicle feel like one unified piece. Sadly, the Pilot doesn’t come with a weapon…but who needs one when you’re on a Raptor?
This review can’t do the same justice that holding this piece in hand will, so do yourself a favor, go and get one! It’s a small toy with a lot of playability!
Quick notes from Tony_Bacala
- Very impressed over all
- Paint and detailing is top notch
- It does feel light, but, it didn’t feel brittle
- All moveable parts move, are tight, and hold a pose
- The figure has great articulation
- Figure joints, also tight, holds poses awesomely
Bottom line, really dig this whole setup. A nice alternative to G.I. Joe while Hasbro figures out what to do with it. Little pricey, but you get what you pay for!
Tony_Bacala says
Words by Sergeant Major, Studio shots by me.
Really nice piece, glad I was able to run it thru a session.
Acid Rain Raptor Speeder Mk I Review and Photo Shoot - GI Joe News
C.I.A.D. says
It's such a fun piece of hand kibble. Anyone that's been on the fence due to price should definitely consider this piece. I'm afraid that I'm going to need more than 4 now. =/ damn you troop building tendencies!
Noga87 says
Fantastic!
Laser Viper says
These look promising
Dragasses says
tony, I'm gonna be honest here, I've got a real love/hate thing going on with your photography skills. every time I see your photos I open a new tab, head on over to bbts, and place another order.
a pox on your house for your amazing work! a pox I say!
TEAM Z says
cool
saltymarine says
Yes, these are fantastic, so well made and painted !!!!!
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