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Stock #24375 |
CB's Die Cast Review: October 8, 2000 |
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2000 First Editions #20
The multimedia exploitation
continues with this latest First Editions release.
Sony Pictures and Mattel developed the Max Steel phenomenon for both television and the toy stores.
According to Sony's Max Steel website, Max Steel is a sobriquet for John McGrath, a college student
whose hobbies include competing in extreme sports competitions. He grew up an orphan, and one
fateful night was transformed into an international secret agent, due to the result of a bio-technical
accident. He was infused with nano-technology that gave him super-human abilities. Max
Steel is dedicated to protecting the world against DREAD, a dangerous international organization.
If you like television and movie tie-ins, then you will like this car. Personally, the only
thing I like about it is the fact that it is all-metal. This car looks like a Madza Miata on
steroids. I prefer all-out concepts, or models based on existing cars.
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Max Steel has a number of tools he uses in his crusade. One of them is a vehicle designated
as MX48 Turbo. Naturally, since Mattel is involved in this project, a replica of the vehicle
has been introduced into the Hot Wheels line. I haven't been able to determine what real car the MX48
is based on, but the First Editions offering appears to compare well to photographs, artwork and larger
models of the MX48. The example I have features a die cast body painted metallic blue sitting
on a die cast chassis painted metallic silver. There have been additional variations released
simultaneously, featuring zinc plated chassis and bodies painted metallic purple. The intricate
side rocker panels are part of the chassis. The body includes good relief, including the quad
headlights and the side intake vents. There is some detail on the trunk, although there is no
indication that the automated rocket launchers of the prototype are housed underneath.
The light gray plastic interior consists of the much-favored fold up dashboard and sides, resulting
in a solid floor and a more accurate component. The center console has good detail, but the
dashboard is lacking in this area. The solid steering wheel has at least some relief. The
Batmobile-style windshield is tinted blue plastic. The hood carries a Max Steel herald tamped
in black and fluorescent lime.
The model has been released with multiple wheel configurations. My example rides on the new
five-spoke star wheels. The jury is still out on these wheels, but I don't particularly care
for them. While I will admit that they do look good on the First Editions Muscle Tone, they
look terrible on Shoe Box and other vehicles. I'm not a fan of the thin tire wheels as it is,
so that doesn't help. As with the Greased Lightnin', this car also has this year as the
copyright date. It currently is manufactured in Malaysia.
