I’m one of those “in and out” Transformers fans who only ever knew about Ratchet as the Autobot ambulance, though as I’ve read recent issues of the IDW comics, I’ve started to learn more about and appreciate First Aid as a character. Even with my fascination with combiners as a kid, I only had Superion and Menasor, and didn’t follow the toyline enough to get invested in the Protectobots (though the childhood G.I. Joe fan in me loved the Combaticons). Back in those days, if you did’t buy all the toys and didn’t follow the media religiously, characters just didn’t exist.
One of the things I love about the Combiner Wars is that they’ve made me appreciate certain characters that I never even knew about previously, and in seeking out some backstory, I’ve learned to love some of the more obscure members of Transformers history.
Purely from a toy perspective, First Aid is pretty great. He’s a reshelling of the Stunticon Off Road, which is a great thing, because I’m a big fan of that figure, even if he’s become somewhat of an outcast due to the recent release of Brake Neck. In fact, I’m happy that a main release Combiner uses his parts, because I can enjoy the basics of the figure without having a “sixth wheel” so to speak.
In vehicle model, First Aid is a great looking ambulance which manages to look realistic as well as have the appropriate Autobot “edge” to him. It’s amazing how Transformers have evolved over the years, and while they still use alt modes to maintain a sense of disguise, they have begun looking less and less like real vehicles you might see driving around. At least I’ve never seen an ambulance that looks like this, but I don’t really care, the vehicle is a lot of fun. It manages to take the best elements of Off Road, yet add so many new pieces that the end result is still fresh and fun.
The transformation works really nicely, with the different panels snapping together to form the outer shell of the vehicle, leaving pretty much no robot parts visible. I had some issues snapping the roof together, but finally managed to get the tabs to line up properly. Like the other vehicles, there are holes for weapons to attach, and I must admit I find it a bit funny that an Autobot medic comes with a pretty brutal looking battle axe. It’s the same weapon that came with Off Road, so the carry forward makes sense, but I always have some challenges rationalizing “rescue” vehicles that are equipped with massive weapons of destruction.
In robot mode, First Aid is great, with a fantastic new head that has some great semi-metallic blue paint and a ton of character. His articulation is spectacular, as most of the Combiner Wars figures are, with great elbow joints, really poseable knee joints and ball joints in the hips, shoulders, and neck. He has a nice swivel waist, too, which enables him to match pretty much any pose you can think of. Like Off Road, he does have a pretty sizable chunk of kibble that hangs off his back, but it’s far from a deal breaker.
First Aid is a lot of fun. Just getting this figure has made me appreciate him much more than just a Ratchet follow up, and again, this has been what I’ve loved most about Combiner Wars. Characters who were just robots to me previously have started to become actual characters, and it almost feels like I’m getting introduced to large chunks of the Transformers universe for the first time.
Combiner Wars First Aid
Character
Articulation
Vehicle
Robot Mode
Transformation
3.9
Summary
No longer just a half-baked Ratchet rehash (at least to me in my younger years), First Aid has evolved into a great character who plays a key role in the Transformers mythology. This Combiner Wars toy does the character proud, using just enough Off Road parts mixed with just enough new covering to create a fantastic and fun new piece of the Protectobots team!
One nice thing about the fact that I have yet to review the Aerialbots is that this particular review doesn’t feel as repetitive as it might otherwise. After all, Blades is essentially the same exact figure as Alpha Bravo, but with a new head. Being a fan of G.I. Joe like I am, I’ve grown accustomed to this formula for bringing new characters to the table, and it works well here. I think it also helps that I’m not so attached to the vintage Transformers world that seeing several characters with the same Alt mode bugs me at all.
Like Alpha Bravo, Blades is a great looking helicopter in his alternate vehicle mode, an aircraft that in reality is a lot larger than his vehicular brothers, but considering the scale challenges that have existed in Transformers since the beginning, I suspect most of us are over issues like this by now.
The color scheme is great, a very nice red and white combination that is striking and makes great sense for a rescue craft. The blades spin freely on top of the helicopter, and the sleek design manages to conceal the majority of robot parts nicely.
Most, but not all. The missile pods on the side are essentially Blades’ arms tacked into each side, and it looks like it. For that matter, one must wonder why a rescue helicopter might have racks of missiles anyway, but again, these are Transformers, and are meant to represent Earth vehicles in their most basic elements. They still need to be armed to fight the Decepticons in both modes, I suppose. Speaking of which, the accessories Blades comes with can plug into various places in vehicle mode and robot mode both, adding some nice armament to the character.
Transformation from vehicle to robot is relatively straight forward, with the front fuselage breaking apart into legs, the arms separating and the helicopter tail coming up and back against the figure’s spine. Blades, like his Aerialbot brother, manages both modes very nicely, and has a considerable amount of great articulation in figure mode. Ball joint hips, shoulders and neck add some great range of motion, and he has very flexible knee and elbow joints to boot. A swivel waist is nicely concealed and very functional as well.
Blades’ new head sculpt is a terrific representation of the character, and the color breaks look really nice in both modes.
Yes, Blades is just a repaint of Alpha Bravo with a new head, but as I said, this doesn’t bother me. Heck, the upcoming Vortex from the Combaticons doesn’t even get a new head (though Alpha Bravo’s head is obviously a Vortex inspired one anyway). I think it’s kind of cool to actually have these Combiner characters who bare resemblance to each other, and when the toy itself is fun, that certainly helps.
Combiner Wars Blades
Character
Articulation
Vehicle
Robot Mode
Transformation
3.3
Summary
A fast response rescue copter and sleek warrior robot, Blades provides the critical air support for his Protectobots brothers! Whether unleashing rockets from his vehicle mode, or taking down Decepticons in robot mode, Blades is a very fun figure, even as a repaint of Alpha Bravo.
It’s been a little while, but the WOJM are back with a new episode featuring all of the latest news and G.I. Joe intel… from like a month ago. Oops.
In all seriousness, it’s not like G.I. Joe news has been hot and heavy these past few weeks, and we touch on some great topics, even broaching the hot-button issue of G.I. Joe Shattered Glass! We also talk about 50th Anniversary releases, the Kre-O Terror Drome and many other great topics.
As always check out the latest episode embedded below or at our Podbean Page.
SHOW NOTES
Not exactly a timely episode, but hey, not a lot is going on. No worries, #98 is right around the corner. You may be wishing for it after you hear Chuck ramble in the opening segment. We basically catch up on some old news, discuss COIL Con V and have a small roundtable on the Club wanting to experiment with Shattered Glass and more TF/Joe Crossovers…which make Gary very grumpy. Enjoy the funk!
No, you didn’t accidentally hit the wrong toy website this morning, I really am talking about a Transformers book.
Why? Well, first and foremost the authors Jim Sorenson and Bill Forster have also worked quite a bit in the G.I. Joe realm with the Field Manual books, and I consider Jim a good friend, so I’m happy to send some traffic his way.
But this is a bit self serving, too… I think we’ve all been clamoring for a package art book for G.I. Joe for a long time, and while much of that art may have unfortunately been lost to the sands of time, I think strong sales for a book like this on the Transformers side might convince some folks that more G.I. Joe artwork themed books would be in demand as well.
So, check out their book, consider buying it…after all, even for Joe fans, you can’t argue the cultural and historical significance of some of the art in this book and it would make a fantastic conversation piece. Click the banner below to buy it up.
It’s a two for one sale this Wednesday at your local comic shop as IDW releases two new G.I. Joe themed comics this week!
Transformers and G.I. Joe #3 hits on the same day as the exciting new issue of Real American Hero. Check out previews for both issues below.
G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #207
Larry Hama (w) • S L Gallant (a & c)
Crimson Guard members have been infiltrating the nation for months now… and Cobra Commander prepares to spring his plan on an unsuspecting G.I. JOE!
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Bullet points:
Variant Cover by LarryHama!
Transformers VS G.I. JOE #3
Tom Scioli & John Barber (w) • Scioli (a & c)
CYBERTRON INFESTED! The Transformers’ homeworld is crawling with tiny green invaders from the planet Earth—the G.I. JOE team! Also this issue—Funeral for a Friend. Many AUTOBOTS and G.I. JOE soldiers have fallen in the line of duty—but you’ve never seen a send-off like this!
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Bullet points:
WAKE THE DEAD!!! In 3-D!!!
Not actually in 3-D—but you will not believe your eyes! Guaranteed!
We’re back to three ongoing G.I. Joe themed titles during the month and all is right with the world. IDW Publishing has also released their solicitations for December, 2014, and you can check out the covers and short descriptions below. I am absolutely in love with that Gallant G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #209 cover. It’s a beaut!
Click the “Continue Reading” link to check out the full solicitation list.
, consider buying it…after all, even for Joe fans, you can’t argue the cultural and historical significance of some of the art in this book and it would make a fantastic conversation piece. Click the banner below to buy it up.