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LG-11 Chromia and LG-12 Windblade Review!


Most of you are probably aware that the US recently released 3 Autobot girls in the Generations line; all 3 deluxe-sized and at nearly the same time...Windblade; the first of them, and later Arcee and Chromia together. Well, in Japan, they got a later release.

Released together as part of a Valentine's Day promotion in Japan (Feb. 14th), all 3 of the Autobot girls were released together! Unfortunately for me, Arcee sold out right away (although I didn't have much interest in that particular version of her anyway), so this review will be the other two girls: Chromia and Windblade:

As I already have done reviews on Chromia (here: http://bdeinonychusden.runboard.com/t18475 ) and Windblade (here: http://bdeinonychusden.runboard.com/t18437 ); this will just be a comparison review.

Chromia:

In Package:

Image

Chromia, Arcee and Windblade all share the same style of packaging. The box is more like traditional Transformers more-so than the newer Generations and other TF series.

Probably one of the more interesting points on this is that they gave Chromia new artwork, different from the US version. This is good because it doesn't reflect the inaccurate two-gun version of the US's artwork.

Back of the package:

Image

The back of the box shows off both alternate modes, similar to the US style; but also shows a little insert preview of a special comic that each of the 3 Valentine's Day girls come with.

Instructions, outside:

Image

The interesting thing about Chromia's instructions is not the instructions themselves (which look very similar to the US version), but the outside of it, which features a full version of the front of the box's artwork as well as a complete bio and tech spec on Chromia.

Of course it's in Japanese, so I can't read it.

Comic Book:

Image

Oddly enough, there is a comic book included with this. It's not really much of a 'book' though, just two pages on the other side of the instructions.

This comic is designed to look more 'moe'/cute, with Chromia's obvious female features being exploited (like her 'torso plate'/breasts and even motorboating.

The neat thing about the comic is that it shows off pretty much every other female Transformer ever (excluding the 3 from this set outside of Chromia herself); including BM Stryka, SG Sari, Animated Slipstream and Nightbird, just to name a few (there are lots more, btw).

Vehicle Mode:

Image

Since Chromia starts off in vehicle mode, we'll start the review with that.

Unlike US figures of recent, the Japanese version of Chromia comes packaged in vehicle mode. Her mode is identical to the US version, however...it is a TRON-style futuristic motorcycle.

Image

Like the US version, there is an alternate pose for her motorcycle form with the wheels extended out. She has the same stability in vehicle mode as the US version, but the joints are sturdier (i.e. the wheels, the extension bar, the kickstand, etc.). Also the gun can be placed on either side of the vehicle mode.

Compared to the US version:

Image

However, the real selling point on this is the much better paint apps. The color scheme is much better with the Japanese version, especially with the addition of purple accents. The bright blue chrome-style paint looks amazing too.

Also, there is now the added benefit of having two Chromia's...

Image

...which means that she now has two guns; which looks much more symmetrical and also better reflects the otherwise inaccurate US artwork.

Robot Mode:

Image

Chromia also reflects the better paint apps in her robot mode. While still retaining all of the same posability and movement of the US version; she gets a much better paint app upgrade with this release.

Compared to the US version:

Image

When seen side-by-side, the difference is clear. Chromia's Japanese release has much more dynamic colors, and she also has a much better face:

Image

While the initial online photos left much to be desired in terms of detail; the real deal looks really good! I wasn't sure about how they would handle her lips, but they are painted with the precision and skill you'd expect from a Japanese figure.


((To be continued in Part 2))

Last edited by MetalSamamon, 2/22/2015, 3:06 am


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Re: LG-11 Chromia and LG-12 Windblade Review!


((Continued from Part 1))

Windblade

In package:

Image

Windblade is the other figure of this review, as I do not have Arcee.

Windblade's box is identical to the other two in terms of design, but of course features Windblade's artwork and name on the front.

Back of the box:

Image

Windblade also has the same back of the box style as the other two; featuring the same artwork as the front in the background; her two modes and the little comic preview.

Instructions, outside:

Image

Windblade's instructions are just as impressive as Chromia's, since they feature her artwork (based upon the toy and her US comic book appearance), as well as a complete bio and tech spec.

Comic Book:

Image

For me, one of the real selling points of Windblade's Japanese release is this comic book. It's really adorable and well made! It showcases her Japanese stylings well; with her using her fan accessory in a proper manner as well as wearing a kimono.

In this comic, you can notice chibi version of Waspinator, Rattrap, Optimus Primal and Megatron from Beast Wars (Rattrap and Optimus are both wearing ties, strangely...). Also they did try for the 'moe' aspect with Windblade too, showing her sitting down with her finger to her lips in one panel.

Vehicle Mode:

Image

Windblade's vehicle mode is identical to the US release, as one would expect. The transformation is exactly the same, and the mode has the same features as the US release like the tilting VTOL's and under-vehicle storage of her sword.

Image

Compared to the US release:

Image

However, just like Chromia, the real selling point of this one is the much better paint scheme. Honestly, the US version is put to shame by this release!

The extra addition of red over most of the jet makes the robot mode legs blend in really well; unlike the US version's which stuck out like a sore thumb. Plus the cockpit is painted to look like a face of sorts; a much better look than the bland US version.

Robot Mode:

Image

Transformation is the same as the US release, with the same range of motion and articulation. However, just like Chromia, her joints are sturdier than the US version's.

Compared to the US version:

Image

I know I keep saying it, but once again, the major selling point on the Japanese version is the better paint apps. While the plastic is nearly identical to the US version (outside of minor color variations like the color of her sword), the paint is done exponentially better than the US versions!

The red doesn't hinder the robot mode at all; but instead adds a layer of contrast to the otherwise bland black color of the US Windblade. But the biggest selling point is the face:

Image

The face is so well done; probably the closest they can get to the comic book appearance of her with a mass produced figure. The face looks so much more accurate than the US versions...there's no comparison!

Overall:

Image

LG-11 Chromia and LG-12 Windblade are both pretty easy to find in the US now; but honestly...it is worth importing these two versions of them! While I can't really say the same for LG-10 Arcee (yes, the Japanese version does look more G1-accurate...but the US version looks just as good IMHO); these two are head-and-shoulders above the US versions. They easily look better in every aspect; in both robot and vehicle modes. And having two of each gives additional benefits like a 2nd gun for Chromia or a 2nd sword set for Windblade.

All in all; I'd recommend the two Japanese versions of these two ladies, if you can get them.

 emoticon emoticon emoticon emoticon out of 5 emoticon 's for both.

Last edited by MetalSamamon, 2/21/2015, 8:43 pm


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Re: LG-11 Chromia and LG-12 Windblade Review!


With Chromia, I can honestly go either or. The US or the Japanese release both look equally good to me. I do like the usage of lavender, as it's not a heavily used color in Transformers these days, unless it's some sort of retro-late G1 thing. But really, I'm good with both of them. I guess the only reason I side with the US version is that it looks more like the comic version.

That same reasoning though is why I really like the Japanese version of Windblade. I'm quite happy with the US version, but I would be lying if I said I wouldn't have preferred the Japanese release. I really LIKE the US release, but it DOES look better and more accurate to Sarah Stone's depiction.

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Re: LG-11 Chromia and LG-12 Windblade Review!


I'm mixed on Chromia. Both the Hasbro and Takara each have nice touches. I'm not really a fan of the lavender but I do love the metallic blue paint and how the canopy is partially painted. Like Mach, I could go either way.

Windblade on the other hand, the Takara version looks so much better. I like that she has more red in jet mode and the red on the wings is a nice touch in robot mode but I love how much better the face looks on the Takara one and I'll agree with Mach again that it fits not only the look of the character but also matches the personality. The Hasbro face looks like a kabuki ready to kick ass. Not a bad thing mind you but the Hasbro face screams less an original fan built character and more like Nijika from the G1 season 3 episode.

Last edited by iacon45, 2/22/2015, 1:50 am
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Re: LG-11 Chromia and LG-12 Windblade Review!


quote:

MachSabre wrote:

With Chromia, I can honestly go either or. The US or the Japanese release both look equally good to me. I do like the usage of lavender, as it's not a heavily used color in Transformers these days, unless it's some sort of retro-late G1 thing. But really, I'm good with both of them. I guess the only reason I side with the US version is that it looks more like the comic version.

That same reasoning though is why I really like the Japanese version of Windblade. I'm quite happy with the US version, but I would be lying if I said I wouldn't have preferred the Japanese release. I really LIKE the US release, but it DOES look better and more accurate to Sarah Stone's depiction.




To be honest, I never read any of the IDW comics. So, I suppose in that aspect, my review is a bit uninformed and biased towards the actual look of the toys themselves. emoticon If I read the comics, I might have the same opinion as you on this, Mach.


quote:

iacon45 wrote:

I'm mixed on Chromia. Both the Hasbro and Takara each have nice touches. I'm not really a fan of the lavender but I do love the metallic blue paint and how the canopy is partially painted. Like Mach, I could go either way.

Windblade on the other hand, the Takara version looks so much better. I like that she has more red in jet mode and the red on the wings is a nice touch in robot mode but I love how much better the face looks on the Takara one and I'll agree with Mach again that it fits not only the look of the character but also matches the personality. The Hasbro face looks like a kabuki ready to kick ass. Not a bad thing mind you but the Hasbro face screams less an original fan built character and more like Nijika from the G1 season 3 episode.



The US Chromia isn't bad, by any means...don't get me wrong. I just prefer the Japanese version based on looks alone (as I just said, I didn't read the comics at all). :beat

As for Windblade; there's really no comparison. While I haven't read the comics; I have seen plenty of comic art of Windblade thanks to the 'fan-made figure' promotion and online art from it. So, I am familiar with how she is supposed to look and the Japanese version is the best representation of it, IMHO.

Of course, my opinion is just that: An opinion. I don't expect everyone to agree with me; I just present the facts and make a decision based upon that. :lol

Thanks for the replies, iacon and Mach! I appreciate it! :D :D :D

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Re: LG-11 Chromia and LG-12 Windblade Review!


Japanese Windblade figure, with US Windblade's sword...

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Re: LG-11 Chromia and LG-12 Windblade Review!


I'm mixed on Windblade -- the Japanese version's robot mode is MUCH better (I especially love the Kabuki style paint apps on her face), but her jet mode looks, well, honestly, she just looks like another version of Thrust. The black jet with red detailing looks better there.

But given most of my figs wind up primarily in robot mode, i'd probably lean towards the TT version.

Interestingly I too don't follow the comics at all and have to agree with Metal... there's no contest for me there, the Jp Chromia blows the US version out of the water. So maybe there's something to that. :lol
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Re: LG-11 Chromia and LG-12 Windblade Review!


quote:

MetalSamamon wrote:

Comic Book:

Image




I just took another look at the review on Windblade and specifically the comic. That's almost confirmation that Windblade IS a homage to Nijika from the G1 season 3 episode Face of Nijika.
http://transformers.wikia.com/wiki/The_Face_of_the_Nijika

Last edited by iacon45, 2/28/2015, 4:34 pm
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