Transformers Generations Windblade Review

Windblade is possibly one of, if not the most highly anticipated release from the 10th wave of Generations Deluxe toys. This character's gender, allegiance, alternate mode, color theme, signature weapon, and personality was created by fan output on Hasbro's online polls last year. The outcome, and Hasbro's added influence to Windblade's design, led to the figure seen here.


Jet Mode

Windblade's alternate mode is a black and red VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft. A really cool idea, but the final result comes off as mediocre.


On a positive note, Windblade does have some cool features on her. The sculpted body, panel lines, rivets, wings, cockpit, and tail is mostly eye appealing, and the amount of black, red, and silver components are certainly harmonizing.

Windblade is also equipped with a landing gear that folds down from underneath the cockpit, fans that are able to spin manually, and articulated joints rigged inside the wings, which will angle the jets in all quadrants.

The problem is this plane doesn't really snap that well together. Both wings are secured by little tabs that latch on to the aircraft's body and tail, but they can pop off a few times when handling them. Furthermore, the tail end of the plane has a gap due to Windblade's legs, and her hands (underneath) aren't concealed at all.

The plane's weapon storage option is even more confusing. Windblade's unsheathed weapon pegs underneath the aircraft, but that prevents the wheels from touching the ground.

Robot Mode

The overall impression of Windblade’s robot mode is pretty mixed. Hasbro did a fine job in mimicking the toy from the character sketches and other concept designs. Windblade’s intricate, layered armor, face sculpt, and color choices that are heavily influenced by Japanese culture is outstanding. The added feature of having Windblade’s hair clip also becoming a fan accessory for her to hold is brilliant.

Windblade’s Kabuki style face paint doesn’t seem to follow Sarah Stone’s cover art (The Transformers: Windblade #1 & 2), which is kind of disappointing. However, the final product does a pretty good job following the illustrations of IDW’s mini comic provided with this toy.

The main issue, though, lies in Windblade’s joints. The hinged heel joints are a tad loose, and when they accidentally fold in while changing Windblade’s stance, she is prone to fall backwards. Also, due to Windblade's slim figure, the joints that hold her wings and arms together is a tad thin and flexible. Therefore, using some care when moving those joints around is strongly recommended.

There are other, smaller problems to note as well. Windblade comes with a few kibble to take in. Her jet mode's landing gears, thrusters, cockpit, and wings still remain, but they really don't take away from all of the positive points considered. However, the added weight from Windblade's wings and nosecone, also make her really back heavy, and capable to fall backwards.

Weapon

Windblade’s sword design is one of the biggest perks to owning this figure. The curved blade is molded out of translucent plastic that fades into a clear tip. Even the handle sports a turbine fan engraving on the handle, like a trademark emblem.


The sheath not only fits like a glove, but it has a unique characteristic too. The exterior has a consistent pattern of panel lines all over, and the tabs on, both sides, allow this accessory to peg on either side of Windblade’s outer thighs.

Articulation

Windblade's articulation had a lot of potential, but ended up with a few shortcomings unfortunately. Despite the universal joint provided in Windblade's hip, she can't get a lot of leg movement out of the swivelling joint due to her armor, that would otherwise allow her to utilize other creative stances.

Size Comparison

After looking at some drawings that were provided in the IDW comic book, Windblade appear to be a little short among some other characters. Based on that resource alone, Windblade doesn't look out of scale with other Deluxe figures.

Conclusion

Admist the good and bad aspects, Windblade is still an okay entry for this wave, and I could see this figure appealing to both genders. I totally support the Japanese theme used for this character, color choices, alternate mode, and weapon accessory. However, Windblade's jet mode is flimsy in quality, and the robot mode is under utilized in articulated potential.