Let's quickly look at Katana for now
Packaging
Same packaging and same plastic clampshell as before. It comes with instruction manual, a pair of new guns (uzi-type guns), and a helicopter rotor blade (which can be formed as a sword).
The box also shows that the complexity of Katana is 3 out of 5, which is the same like Himed.
Presentation
Katana is the tallest among Axle, Himed, and Rover. Being a helicopter robot, one should expect and understand that you will have kibble and Katana is no exception. The helicopter rotor and tail is clearly visible. But the way the helicopter blade transform to a sword is a clever and unique touch, which i love it. I think this is how Katana's got his name. Because he has a big sword as a weapon and his chest piece somehow resembles the traditional japanese samurai armor type. I also like on how you can store the sword, which is plug in to the side of Katana's left waist, just like a samurai.
Sadly though, somehow the plastic quality of the rotor blade/sword is cheap. It doesnt have the same material like the robot has.
Good news is, Maketoys will replace it with the better quality piece, which will be included with Vulcan.
The paint application is as good as ever and again you have lots of color break up with Katana. You have white, red, gold, black, silver and gray all over Katana.
What's wrong with Maketoys? we still have the hollow upper leg thigh just like Rover and Himed when you look Katana from the back :(. It is unfortunate, but i still do not like it at all. Luckily, i will be displaying as Guardia, so the hollowness may not be to apparent in combined mode.
The shoulder joints is the same mechanics like Himed and i say it again that it feels awkward and weird. But thats more to personal preference.
Transformation
Katana transforms to a helicopter. The transformation is smooth and intuitive. The transformation is more complex than Himed but not as extensive as Axle and Rover.
The helicopter mode looks and feels terrific and i consider it at par with TFC Verti Aid. Yes, TFC Verti Aid was good :).
Here's the comparison with TFC Verti Aid and Takara Unite Warriors Blades
Articulation
Katana has a ratchet knee joint, just like Rover and Himed. The waist swivel also on ratchet joins like Himed. I still do not like the shoulder arms joints. It still suffers the same problem like Himed, whereby the piece that the shoulder joint attached to is easilly popped off.
But for most part, articulation is good, and you can still do decent poses with Katana.
My Thoughts
In terms of overall enjoyment, i feel that Katana is at par with Himed. It doesnt feel as solid as Axle and Rover. But then again, i suspect the lightness of the figure will help for the combined mode.
I'm waiting patiently for Vulcan. I have seen the final production photos of Guardia and it looks very good. I believe, when its all said and done, this Guardia series is another winner for Maketoys.
Vulcan can not come soon enough, but all 4 other members is ready to welcome the big brother to join the rank.
Cheers,
Epen
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