Transformers DOTM Powerglide

Presenting the Commander Class Powerglide from the Transformers Dark of the Moon (DOTM) Cyberverse - Collect the World Series. Wow that's a long name.

I have to say that I'm not really a big big fan of the smaller class of Transformers. But I am a fan of Transformers that come close or pay homage to their animated roots. And the DOTM Powerglide is pretty close to that in my opinion - save for the fact that the wings should be at his shoulders and not on his arms when he transforms.

Anyway, he was on sale so I got him.

The arrogant Powerglide will forever go down in Autobot history as being one of the only (?) Transformers to fall in love with a human. I'm sure more than one of us shed a tear when - upon realizing that he had no future with socialite Astoria Carlton Ritz (Now THAT's a name) - whom he single-handedly saves from the Decepticons - he opens up his chest in private and reveals that his circuits are lit up in the shape of a heart.




DOTM Powerglide's blister card reads: "Human pilots have traveled thousands of miles just to study the moves Powerglide executes in midair. His acrobatic aerial accomplishments impress all who see them - friend and enemy alike. His skill is the only thing that has kept him alive, since his light armor makes him a soft target for his Decepticon foes."


The funny part about this is that I don't think anyone can call the Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt - more popularly known as the Warthog - an "acrobatic flyer". It's primary role is close-air support and it's known for it's maneuverability at low-speeds (half the speed of sound at around 439mph) - thanks to it's wide wings. It's also heavily armored and was built to survive anti-aircraft fire. So DOTM Powerglide is an anomaly. He shouldn't be rated for speed at 9, but he is, and he shouldn't have a Fireblast of 3 (What with the Avenger Gatling Cannon and, count them: 11 hard-points for missiles and bombs) and Endurance of 4 since a Warthog is basically a flying tank. But the Courage and Skill rankings of 10 are just about right.

What's to like about DOTM Powerglide? 

Well as mentioned, DOTM Powerglide does pay homage to his cartoon origins which I do appreciate. I understand that there is a pale green variant of him out there which I am definitely not interested in. I do also appreciate the secondary silver striping that adorns Powerglide's body.

DOTM Powerglide's articulation is quite good and he's easy to balance thanks to his wide feet. He cannot however twist his torso like most Transformers.

As you can see his entire hard-point payload transforms into a quite unique hand-held rocket-launcher (So a Fireblast of 3? Really?). This payload attaches nicely to his hard-points on his wings - though you will notice that, when attached, it doesn't look like his payload is complete. I have to say I also love his transformation into a Warthog. It is quite detailed and accurate.

What's NOT to like about DOTM Powerglide? 

Well there are some issues in term of articulation thanks to his wings. When DOTM Powerglide is in robot mode his wings become just like shields on both arms so - as you may notice - they tend to get in the way of everything. However they do swivel around so if they do get in the way just turn them. 

Another problem is his feet. Yes, they do keep him stable, but they're also really really big. You can imagine him running around with what appears to be over-sized boots - throwing each leg forward while holding a cantaloupe between his thighs. 

And last is... well he transforms into an A-10 Warthog. I built a model of an A-10 Warthog once and it required me to insert a weight in the nosecone of the A-10. Otherwise, the A-10 Warthog is back heavy - that's where it's engines are - and so as with my model without a weight in the nosecone, DOTM Powerglide will literally sit on his ass when transformed and placed on his landing gear. The photos of Powerglide in his A-10 Warthog mode is supported by a peg.  

The Commander Class Powerglide from the Transformers Dark of the Moon (DOTM) Cyberverse - Collect the World Series was purchased for PhP 350 in Toys R'Us Philippines (Roughly US$ 8). He's available on Amazon for US$ 10.99 (Roughly PhP 472.57 plus shipping).