Who is the most famous Triple Changer? If the answer isn’t Blitzwing, then it’s Astrotrain – but to be honest, Astrotrain is more famous for his incredible size changing rather than being a Triple Changer (remember how all the Decepticons, including Devastator, could fit in Astrotrain in the ’86 Transformers: The Movie). Blitzwing gets his most screen-accurate toy yet in the Transformers: Legacy line – where he’s a Leader Class mould.
Transformers: Legacy’s Blitzwing is his third modern incarnation, following the Titans Return version of Blitzwing (with a Titan Master head!) and first modern version of Blitzing from Transformers: Generations, all the way back in 2013.
Thanks Hasbro for sending him over! Blitzwing is in good hands (ie, my hands heh).
Size: Leader Class
Alternate Mode 1: Soviet MiG-25 fighter jet mode
Alternate Mode 2: Bradley Fighting Vehicle
Function: Ground and Air Commander
Allegiance: Decepticons
Subgroup: Triple-Changer
Accessories: 2 x blasters, 2 x Energon Fists (Energon hands/missile racks), 1 x sword
Packaging
The new Transformers: Legacy packaging no longer has the plastic window, so you can’t see the figure inside. However, the box art is huge now and allows you to better appreciate the artwork and the details that go into it. For box art aficionados, this new packaging is better.
The back now has enlarged images with reduced text, showing off Blitzwing’s features. Given that Blitzwing is a Triple Changer, he definitely has more features than the average Leader Class figure (or any Transformers, for that matter). I think this approach works well, as it gives more visual appeal to the figure.
The non-standard shape of the box remains a hallmark of Transformers packaging.
But more importantly, it’s environmentally friendly!
Blitzwing box
And I have to confess that I do like the retro look of the Transformers: Legacy logo.
Contents
The inside is just as environmentally friendly as the outside, with paper ties (thank goodness plastic ties are no more) and cardboard packaging holding him together. He comes with instructions and a disclaimer sheet.
Blitzwing comes with 5 (7, if you split up the Energon hands) accessories.
The Energon “hands” themselves are interchangeable, but the “gauntlets” are distinct.
Tank Mode
Blitzwing’s tank mode is his better alternate mode. He has a swivelling turret and rolls pretty well.
The jet mode’s engines are incorporated well into his tank mode.
Overall, he’s pretty compact as a tank – there are larger tank forms for smaller Transformers, but I like this rendition of Blitzwing.
The jet mode’s cockpit does stick out a bit, but that’s only if you look at him from very specific angles.
The tank mode is also rather solid and stable.
And he looks sweet when he’s got his Energon missile turrets and guns attached.
Plane Mode
In plane mode, Blitzwing really adheres to the cartoon and G1 toy designs. His tank kibble is very visible, and it’s clear that this is an intentional design choice.
I am 100% sure that the designers could have made his tank parts less obvious in plane mode, and I feel that this is meant to pay homage to Blitzwing’s G1 roots. I think this is a pretty cool way of doing so.
I personally would prefer his tank mode to be less obtrusive, purely for the whole “robots in disguise” aspect of the franchise. But hey, your mileage may vary!
However, the obvious tank parts are charming in their own way, and lend a sort of nostalgia to the figure.
And from certain angles, they’re almost invisible.
Adding the Energon hands/thrusters really does give a sense of motion to the whole figure, and makes his plane mode more dynamic.
Robot Mode
Robot mode is where Blitzwing truly shines. He’s a combination of cartoon accuracy and modern aesthetics.
I like the adherence to his show appearance – after all, you want a figure that seems like it leapt off the animation cels of the G1 cartoon, right?
However, he also retains a high level of detail and sophistication, marking this as a figure for adults (as well as children) (but mostly adults right) (but children can still play with them) (but adults more) (and children).
He comes adorned with peg holes for you to equip him with his bevy of accessories.
And I like how his kibble is artfully revealed but not overly done.
This is probably the most classic Blitzwing look, with his sword and blaster.
But his Energon hands also give him a more barbaric, visceral look – he’ll mow you down with his huge mitts.
And yes, he can wear everything that he comes with. Not gonna lie, this is the mode I’m gonna display him in.
Comparisons
Transformers: Legacy Blitzwing is much bigger than his G1 version.
He’s smaller, but more show accurate, than the Transformers: Titans Return version.
Conclusion
If you want a show accurate, modern Blitzwing, then the Transformers: Legacy version is your best choice. He doesn’t have the gimmicks of his Titans Return version, but that means more of his design budget goes towards homaging the original.
He’s show accurate, comes with heaps of accessories, and his tank mode is pretty sweet.
I’m glad I got him.
And so is his Triple Changer mate from three waves ago.
Thanks Hasbro, for sending him over!
Blitzwing is available at departmental stores and Toys “R” Us, as well as specialised hobby shops like Robo Robo and Hobby Ark Toy Store. He is also available on Hasbro’s official Shopee and Lazada e-commerce stalls.
More Than Meets The Eye! Calling all Transformers Fans!
Get your hands on a Limited Edition Transformer Autobot OR Decepticon metal badge with min. $30 purchase on Transformers products.
T&C applies.
18 July – 18 Sep 2022: Available at island wide Toys “R” Us stores.
1 July – 31 July 2022: Available at selected departmental stores.
Or Shop online:
– Shopee
– Lazada
This is an original article on marcusgohmarcusgoh.com.
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I’m an independent scriptwriter who’s written for popular shows like Lion Mums, Crimewatch, Police & Thief, and Incredible Tales. I’m also a Transformers enthusiast and avid pop culture scholar. You can find me on social media as Optimarcus and on my site.
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