Hasbro has created a number of iconic Transformer crossovers with other properties in the past few years including ECTO-1 from Ghostbusters, the Back to the Future DeLorean, and an upcoming Jurassic Park 2-pack. The crossover series has now reached the Marvel Universe with the release of Ultimate X-Spanse, a Transformer crossover with the X-Men Universe.
Hasbro UK's PR team kindly send us X-Spanse free of charge to photograph and review.
Ultimate X-Spanse arrives in vehicle mode in the box, specifically the X-Men Blackbird X-Jet as seen in the comics and the 1990 TV series. It is cast in blue plastic with silver and black panel inserts as well as bright yellow on the engine intakes and red detailing above the cockpit and on the X-Men logos on the rear tail fins.
The Blackbird also features landing gear, with a front central strut and two smaller rear struts under the main engine bay. These can be folded away if you want to display the piece in vehicle mode but in flight.
Like a number of the other cross-over pieces, Hasbro has given us a couple of small static figures to display with our X-Jet. While the choice of who to include is extensive considering the X-Men roster the choice has been made to include Wolverine and his nemesis Sabertooth again in their classic 1990 comic book styling.
Each figurine stands about an inch and a half tall with both sculpted in a pose ready for battle with Wolverine stooped with his claws out and ready. These are quite limited in their detail and paint and the rear images of these on the box is not reflective of what you actually get. Both figurines stand well enough with their feet pushed a little beyond a standard proportion to give them good balance. You can also power up the figures with one of the included effects pieces. The smaller of the included translucent pink pieces wrap the figurines waist for a powered-up effect.
Transforming X-Spanse is a 34 step process supported by the usual included visual step-by-step guide. While the guidance is not overly clear in places considering the steps are often in very small images in a red and greyscale - I transformed X-Spanse reasonably quickly and without any major issues.
In Robot Mode, X-Spanse stands over 9.5 inches tall with the shape of the X-Jet itself disguised well round the back of the figure with the body of the jet spread as wings behind the head and shoulders. X-Spanse features more yellow sections than the Jet, particularly the X-shaped chest piece which itself is inset with a red and black X-Men logo.
Articulation includes the head, arms, legs, and a joint at the waist section. Each joint is secure and works well within the overall bulk of the figure - the waist for example moves as much as the rear parts of the folded X-Jet can allow it.
The head is modelled after Cyclops with a yellow and red visor that is also articulated and can be lifted to reveal the full Transformers Cybertronian head beneath.
Like the smaller figurines included, X-Spanse in Robot Mode also has two translucent pink effects pieces to enhance the display. each fit using a circular plug that goes into a socket just above the hand. The pieces are interchangeable and fit on either hand. The first is a blast effect, with the other a recreation of one of Wolverine's claws.
The Hasbro Transformers X-Men Ultimate X-Spanse figure is out now in the UK and globally and can be purchased via Amazon, Zavvi, Smyths and your local independent Transformers stockist.
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About Me : As a child of the 70's and 80's I grew up in a golden age for action figures and in my youth bought and sold myself through collections of Star Wars, G.I. Joe (Action Force) and M.A.S.K. while also dabbling in He-Man, Transformers and Ghostbusters. Roll forward and I am now reliving that Youth with the action figures of today and am a collector and fan of the larger 6-8 inch figures from my favourite movie and TV licences - including the ones mentioned above, but also the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Doctor Who and the Aliens. I launched The Mephitsu Archives in 2015 with a view of creating a UK focused site or these figures where fans can pick up the latest action figure news, read reviews and get information on where to buy their figures and what is currently on store shelves. I hope I am delivering that to you guys...