 |
| CDC... always making up rules as time goes by. |
Finally decided to step out of the current line and review some older figures. I kept seeing this guy pop up in my instagram feed so I decided to open this guy up. How does he do? Let's find out and let's get started!
That is your boxing and content which also appears with a Manga that explains his origin as the character Overcharge. This storyline actually ties in with the G1 continuity of Five faces of Darkness episode where Blitzwing had vague memories of the Quintessons and their treachery. It's laughed off here by Astrotrain and Big Fight however. The LG comics are usually done in a comical fashion. And despite some seriousness here, it's still feels like a joke here for poor Blitzwing. Here is the story for those who are interested.
*Note: Apparently, like Slugslinger, the instruction manual has him listed as a "Desepticon."
Takara vs Hasbro
Fighter Jet mode (with Headmaster and Big Fight Targetmaster)
I decided to break tradition just this once. Usually figures come in robot mode and I showcase them in robot mode first. As you you can see that BW came in his fighter jet format. I toggled with this mode first prior transforming him to tank mode and then robot mode. This mode is very easy to transform back to for those who are wondering. I did go to tank transformation and then I flipped BW back to this mode. I do like this fighter jet mode. It handles and looks nice. My only gripe is that I wish the turret wasn't his underbelly. There are a few places where you can peg his weapons. Use your imagination as usual. The funny thing is that you have to open the bottom of the cockpit to place the headmaster. I found this really peculiar.
Tank mode
This mode was actually easy to get to though it did take me a bit to finalize the transformation simply because BW's knees kept hitting the floor disallowing my wheels to traverse the floor. The Headmaster I felt is utilized much better here. It looks cool that he is commandeering the turret; the turret can rotate as well. There are pegs on the side of his wheels where you can place his weapons. I didn't take a pic of it though. On the last pic of this category, the edge of the turret has some chip marks. Kinda sucks but it is what it is. Can't get a replacement now. This mode looks alright.
Headmaster, Robot mode, and Big Fight Targetmaster
These 2 pics show how awkward his arm configurations can be. I found this amusing on how his arms can look and play in an unreal manner.
Then who can forget those weird pop up tabs that LG/TR Astrotrain had. This limits his head swivel mobility and you need to pop back both tabs down individually whereas both of AT's tabs sink in providing you just push one tab. BW's tab controller is located inside his cavity chest.
With LG Astrotrain
Honestly, this is the better scale imo then the current Siege/ER/Kingdom line. However Siege/ER AT has the definitive G1 look. I did an off-screen comparison with BW and ER Thrust. Both are Voyagers but BW is about an inch taller. Prior to Siege, I really forgot how big these figures can be. I kinda miss it. Remember here that LG AT is also a headmaster so they both can switch heads.
Conclusion:
Unless if Hasbro constructs and scales a new BW. LG BW is a force to reckon with. Both his alt modes can be transformed into fairly easy. The look for both modes do leave some room for improvement. His G1 lavender color stands out here. He is pretty pricey to obtain now but if you do get him under $40, he will sit well with your collection. Have a nice day.
