Black redeco
Black repaint is a fan-coined term referring to a mostly dark-colored redeco of a toy, usually featuring black as its primary color. The term is usually inaccurate, as the toys are almost never actually repaints, but the name has stuck.
Black repaints are a comparatively common type of redeco; in particular, almost (but not quite) every Optimus Prime toy has been produced in a black repaint color scheme at least once. As with most aspects of Transformers, fandom opinion on black repaints is split: some like them, some denounce them as bland and/or uncreative, and some don't think of them as being any different from other redecoes.
A black repaint does not necessarily have to be literally mostly black. Armada Nemesis Prime, for instance, is technically dark blue.
Though not exclusive to these kinds of redecos, black repaints are most commonly the standard method of releasing an "evil counterpart" to an existing Transformer. "Stealth mode" versions of characters are somewhat common as well.
Some particularly well-known black repaints include:
- Skywarp, the first black repaint in Transformers, notable for not having any particular connection to the other versions of the mold and for being homaged in many lines since.
- Soundblaster, the rebuilt form of Soundwave, which has also been homaged in many lines since.
- Robots in Disguise Scourge, one of the few black repaints that represent a main show character, also the inspiration for many Optimus Prime based black repaints.
- Alternators Nemesis Prime, infamous for starting out as a nearly unobtainable exclusive surrounded by various problems with Hasbro Toy Shop, then seeing a wide release in Australia.
