General Information
Release Date: April 2026
Price Point: $27.99 (depending on retailer)
Retailer: General Release (Amazon, BigBadToyStore, Entertainment Earth, Target, Walmart etc.) - Preceding links are sponsor/affiliate links
Accessories: Blaster, Alien Mask
Official images and text in italics are from Hasbro Pulse:
- This collectible Transformers Age of the Primes Autobot Powerglide figure is 4.5 inches (11 cm) in robot mode and features deco and details inspired by the Transformers universe.
- Convert between robot and jet mode in 20 steps.
- Open Autobot Powerglide’s chest to reveal a heart, just like in the show. Also includes alien face mask accessory to recreate more scenes.
- Comes with a blaster accessory that attaches in both modes.
- Age of the Primes Transformers figures feature articulation for display-worthy poses.
Before the war, even before the Autobots and Decepticons, there were The Thirteen Primes. Every bot, battle, and power in the Transformers universe can be traced back to them. The Age of the Primes line celebrates their epic legacy with a far-reaching collection that touches nearly every corner of the lore. Build your lineup to create a display that is - More Than Meets the Eye.
Background:
In 1985 the Transformers toy line was one of the hottest sellers on the market. The 1984 line up had largely been toys from various toy lines cobbled together into one banner, and 1985 continued that trend. Unlike previous Mini-Bots, Powerglide was a brand new sculpt released exclusively for the Transformers toy line. Transformerland suggests the figure may have been originally designed for the Microman: Microchange line but not released since the line was cancelled by this time. Either way, Powerglide has become a staple character in Transformers fiction. Over the years he has received the action figure treatment multiple times including:
For many years, the Generations toy line used its "Legends" scale as the default scale for figures based on the G1 Mini-Bots. However, starting in 2020 they decided to standardize the use of the Deluxe Class for Mini-Bot characters starting with Cliffjumper. Yes, Classics Bumblebee was ahead by many years, but that predates the War for Cybertron size standardization in Generations. Now another Mini-Bot has joined the ranks of Deluxe Class figures: Powerglide!
Packaging:
Unlike the unique packaging design of Legacy, the Age of the Primes packaging is more aligned with the look of the Studio Series line. The boxes are now rectangular with a flap on top to hang on pegs. The background color is a flat black. The front features a new series of icons giving information about the figure. This is set to the left and is colored gold featuring a faction logo, calling out how many steps are in the transformation (20 in this case) and the age recommendation (8+ on this box). To the right is artwork featuring Powerglide holding his blaster. Under that is an illustration of him in vehicle mode. In between is the figure with a window cut away with the return of a plastic window! These had been removed the last few years but Hasbro heard the fan outcry (and probably got sick of figures getting damaged in box by vandals) so they're back and I'm really glad about that. Below the artwork is the "Transformers" logo now set horizontally for the first time in about a decade. Under that is the "Age of the Primes" line looking a lot less stylized than the Legacy logos of years past. The bottom features his name as "Autobot Powerglide" with Autobot symbol next to it.
The back of the box features the figure in both modes calling out the 20 step transformation. The bottom half features legal information in multiple languages and an "Authentic Transformers" logo. There is also a callout for Powerglide's ability to wear a mask (more on that below). The box is definitely going for a premium appearance and it aligns the look more with Studio Series but it definitely does not feel as special or unique compared to previous years.
Accessories:
Powerglide includes two accessories: a blaster and a mask. The blaster is pretty standard, but the mask was a pleasant surprise. Here's a rundown:
Blaster:
The blaster included with this figure is one of the generic blasters often used by characters in the G1 cartoon. You can see him holding a version of this blaster at about 20:22 in "The Search for Alpha Trion" (embedded below). It is relatively small (more like a pistol) and features several angled designs leading to a cone shaped barrel. The blaster is silver with no other colors. It features a 5mm peg on the bottom and the front allows you to attach Blast Effects, but it is kind of wide so you may have to flex the Blast Effects a bit to get them to fit. The top features a thin strip that allows you to attach the "Alien Mask" accessory.
Alien Mask:
In the G1 episode "Hoist Goes Hollywood" a group of Autobots try their hand at acting in a movie. Their "costumes" consist of a goofy looking alien mask (you can see them starting at 11:46 in the embed below). The sculpt is fantastic, featuring the Alien Mask's distinctive antennae, round eyes and elongated face. This piece is made of grey plastic and painted light blue-green with red eyes. The back features a slot that allows you to attach it to Powerglide's weapon or his head (more on that below). Including this piece is a stroke of brilliance and something I would expect from a Masterpiece toy. Of course, given Powerglide's relatively small size compared to other Deluxes, the extra accessory really matters.Powerglide ha
Robot Mode:
Powerglide has one of the more unique robot modes among the G1 Autobots from the 80's. This figure uses the G1 cartoon/comic book model as its foundation and it looks great. Among the G1 inspired design elements we have:
- The head is formed from the cockpit section of the vehicle mode, so it has a cone shape with Powerglide's distinct face on the bottom. His face features two eyes, a nose and a mouth plate with a flat plate in the middle. The top of his head features a weapon barrel and there is a circle right above his head.
- His arms feature horizontal cylinders at the top leading to curved, wide forearms that give him a real powerful appearance. They do differ a bit from the animation model in that there are raised sections on the sides near the wrists, but it's not a huge deal. The sides of the forearms also have triangular details which come right from the animation model. The arms themselves are attached to the underside of the wings which flank his head and torso.
- The torso is slightly curved in front featuring a distinct panel in the middle with lines dividing it from the sides (there's more on this below).
- The Waist/hip section features a distinct set of vertical designs including a raised rectangle and a circle underneath. This detail has its origins in the original G1 action figure, which featured a distinctive sticker with these details. This was then carried over to the animation and comic book models. Now this figure has these details sculpted into this area and I really appreciate the designers including this set of details!
- Each of the legs feature his vehicle mode turbines on the sides and triangular shaped feet.
Overall Powerglide's sculpt is excellent and really nods to the cartoon model. Indeed, the designers took things one more step. The chest panel can swing open to reveal the mechanical details inside and a heart! These details come right from the G1 episode "The Girl Who Loved Powerglide". At about 21:57 in the embed below you can see Powerglide open up his chest panel (in the same way as this action figure) and reveal mechanical details inside his chest and a glowing heart! Now, the animators drew a pretty complex set of details inside his chest, but the sculptors of this figure did manage to replicate a couple of the details in the chest while making up others that pay homage to the spirit of the scene. This is a fun and wonderful character detail. Like the Alien Mask, this is an added detail that helps justify a Mini-Bot being a Deluxe Class figure. Normally, you'd need a larger figure (such as the Universe 2.0 version of Powerglide) or a Masterpiece figure to get details like this!
This figure is mostly made up of red and silver plastic. Paint details include silver, blue, light blue, yellow, grey and red colors. The face and the vertical details on the waist area are where most of this paint winds up. I was very happy to see the designers painted the mouth plate a different color than the rest of the face as it makes the face look more interesting. I'm also happy to see the details on his waist painted in a way that nods to the animated series. The finishing touch is a large Autobot symbol on the torso which is outlined in silver.
There are twenty points of articulation on this figure including eight on each arm and five on each leg. Each fist features a 5mm port and there are additional ports on the wings (flanking his head) and one on the back for weapon storage.
Transformation to Vehicle Mode:
- Detach the accessories and set them aside for now.
- Straighten out the arms and legs.
- Pull the blaster on the top of the head up, then spin the face around. Push the blaster back down.
- Push the head down a bit (this "locks" it into place).
- Swing each fist back into the forearms.
- Swing the forearms up and push them into the sides.
- On the sides of the legs, swing out the turbines.*
- Swing the top of the feet down (these are the pieces which angle upward against the lower legs).
- Turn the feet out to the sides.
- Swing the feet forward.
- Push the lower legs together.
- Rotate the foot pieces so they point back and then swing the end sections down.
- Swing the wings out to the sides.
- Swing the back panel out and back, clipping it against the lower legs.
- Rotate the wings and rotate them, lining up the tabs on the wings to the slots on the sides of the back panel.
- The weapon can be attached to the back for storage.
*This particular step is the biggest flaw in the figure. If you pull to hard to extend the turbines, the pieces can come off. They snap right back on, but I'm not a fan of parts that can detach so easily. You can transform this particular piece without pulling them off, but you have to do so very carefully, so be warned.
Vehicle Mode:
Powerglide is a completely out-of-scale A-10 Thunderbolt II. Like the real life vehicle, he features a blaster on the underside of the cockpit section, wings with distinctive oval shaped designs on them, turbines mounted on the sides in the back and distinct horizontal and vertical stabilizers in the back. The animation model largely used the same design as the original action figure and now this version does the same. The only reservation I have about the design are the turbines on the sides. On this figure, these pieces are set horizontally , with the wings right in front of them whereas on the original figure and cartoon model these were angled up so they were above the wings height-wise. I really wish this piece had been put on a hinge so we could swing them up and down as needed.
This mode shows off a lot of red plastic with silver under the wings. Paint details are largely done in silver and black colors. Perhaps the most fun detail is towards the back where a sculpted non-working "heat sensitive rub symbol" is found. This section features a square with a silver outline around the black "rub symbol" section. Sure it doesn't actually work (which is fine given the rear section splits) but it looks great and is a wonderful nod to the roots of this character in toy form. The wings each feature a silver and red Autobot symbol and the cockpit windows are painted silver. Each wing features an Autobot symbol outlines in silver. The deco on this mode is great and the faux "rub symbol" is a fantastic touch.
Each wing features a 5mm port to attach extra accessories and there is one on top towards the back which serves as a good weapon storage spot.
Final Thoughts:
I really dig this figure. A lot of love went into planning this out. Not only is the figure cartoon/comic book accurate but it looks great on its own and it's fun to play with. Add in the Alien Mask and Heart design and I really have a deep affection for this figure. Unfortunately the issues with the turbine pieces wind up knocking this figure down from a highly recommended figure to just a "strongly recommended". It wouldn't have taken much. Just put the turbines on a hinge and design them not to so easily pop off and that would have done the job.
Pros:
- Excellent sculpt featuring many of the character's iconic design elements.
- The Alien Mask is a funny and appreciated touch.
- The chest panel opening is a wonderful nod to the G1 cartoon and helps make this figure extra special.
- Good articulation.
- Good deco (especially the faux "rub symbol").
Cons:
- The turbine issues are really a downer.
