This page contains affiliate links. We may earn commissions when readers interact with or purchase items through these links. For more information, see our affiliate disclosures here.

Early Design Concept Sketches of Fan Built Bot Windblade

Transformers News: Early Design Concept Sketches of Fan Built Bot Windblade

Sunday, October 19th, 2014 9:44PM CDT

Category: Toy News
Posted by: mooncake623   Views: 25,412

Topic Options: View Discussion · Sign in or Join to reply

Thanks to the Offical Transformers Facebook page we get a look at some early design and concept sketches of the Fan Built Bot Windblade! Windblade has since been released (you can check out her galleries here) and has been given her own comic series by IDW which has ended but she still plays an important role in the ongoing Transformers comics. Check out the images we've mirrored below and remember keep your optics tuned to Seibertron.com for the latest in news and updates, plus the best galleries around!


Transformers News: Early Design Concept Sketches of Fan Built Bot Windblade

Transformers News: Early Design Concept Sketches of Fan Built Bot Windblade

Transformers News: Early Design Concept Sketches of Fan Built Bot Windblade

Transformers News: Early Design Concept Sketches of Fan Built Bot Windblade

Transformers News: Early Design Concept Sketches of Fan Built Bot Windblade

Transformers News: Early Design Concept Sketches of Fan Built Bot Windblade

Transformers News: Early Design Concept Sketches of Fan Built Bot Windblade

Transformers News: Early Design Concept Sketches of Fan Built Bot Windblade

Transformers News: Early Design Concept Sketches of Fan Built Bot Windblade

Transformers News: Early Design Concept Sketches of Fan Built Bot Windblade
Credit(s): Transformers Facebook page

News Search

Got Transformers News? Let us know here!

Most Popular Transformers News

Most Recent Transformers News

Re: Early Design Concept Sketches of Fan Built Bot Windblade (1615177)
Posted by Bumblevivisector on October 19th, 2014 @ 10:07pm CDT
Sabrblade wrote:She has a mustache in one of these pics.
Which one, the mohawk? Could just be her upper lip being a little too defined, but regardless, yeah that one just doesn't look right. That's a tough look for male bots to pull off too, unless you make it more of a head-fin or part of a helmet, which this clearly isn't since you can see too many fiddly workings in her outer cranium. The effect is just silly, because instead of making her look tough, it makes her head look too vulnerable to getting bashed in from the side.

As interesting as those unused designs are, seeing them all laid out in sequence does make the geisha look the soundest choice. No complaints about the final result from me.
Re: Early Design Concept Sketches of Fan Built Bot Windblade (1615181)
Posted by Lockdownhunter on October 19th, 2014 @ 11:03pm CDT
Ok,not bad
Re: Early Design Concept Sketches of Fan Built Bot Windblade (1615195)
Posted by Heckfire on October 20th, 2014 @ 12:49am CDT
No offense intended to the artists, really, but if these are professional quality TF design sketches, I suddenly feel a lot better about MY art skills...
Re: Early Design Concept Sketches of Fan Built Bot Windblade (1615199)
Posted by Fires_Of_Inferno on October 20th, 2014 @ 1:08am CDT
I SERIOUSLY would have preferred that knight head design to the gesha one.
Re: Early Design Concept Sketches of Fan Built Bot Windblade (1615213)
Posted by Peridot on October 20th, 2014 @ 2:55am CDT
Fires_Of_Inferno wrote:I SERIOUSLY would have preferred that knight head design to the geisha one.

It's a kabuki mask. Why do people keep insisting Windblade is a geisha?
Re: Early Design Concept Sketches of Fan Built Bot Windblade (1615219)
Posted by fenrir72 on October 20th, 2014 @ 3:42am CDT
Metro Prime wrote:
Fires_Of_Inferno wrote:I SERIOUSLY would have preferred that knight head design to the geisha one.

It's a kabuki mask. Why do people keep insisting Windblade is a geisha?


Ignorance?
Re: Early Design Concept Sketches of Fan Built Bot Windblade (1615221)
Posted by RhA on October 20th, 2014 @ 5:02am CDT
Nope, nope and nope again. This concept needed more nopes.
Re: Early Design Concept Sketches of Fan Built Bot Windblade (1615225)
Posted by Cyberpath on October 20th, 2014 @ 6:31am CDT
The Fan Built Autobot kind of looks like a Decepticon.

Image
Re: Early Design Concept Sketches of Fan Built Bot Windblade (1615231)
Posted by Sabrblade on October 20th, 2014 @ 7:33am CDT
fenrir72 wrote:
Metro Prime wrote:
Fires_Of_Inferno wrote:I SERIOUSLY would have preferred that knight head design to the geisha one.

It's a kabuki mask. Why do people keep insisting Windblade is a geisha?


Ignorance?
Also doesn't help that Takara's mistaken her for one. :roll:
Re: Early Design Concept Sketches of Fan Built Bot Windblade (1615235)
Posted by Jelze Bunnycat on October 20th, 2014 @ 8:02am CDT
Sabrblade wrote:
fenrir72 wrote:
Metro Prime wrote:
Fires_Of_Inferno wrote:I SERIOUSLY would have preferred that knight head design to the geisha one.

It's a kabuki mask. Why do people keep insisting Windblade is a geisha?


Ignorance?
Also doesn't help that Takara's mistaken her for one. :roll:


Plus, anybody remember Season 3's The Face of the Nijika:

Image
Re: Early Design Concept Sketches of Fan Built Bot Windblade (1615241)
Posted by shockblast2 on October 20th, 2014 @ 8:32am CDT
Don't blame that abomination on the fans. They voted for the attributes, not aesthetics.
Re: Early Design Concept Sketches of Fan Built Bot Windblade (1615243)
Posted by dragons on October 20th, 2014 @ 8:42am CDT
JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:
Sabrblade wrote:
fenrir72 wrote:
Metro Prime wrote:
Fires_Of_Inferno wrote:I SERIOUSLY would have preferred that knight head design to the geisha one.

It's a kabuki mask. Why do people keep insisting Windblade is a geisha?


Ignorance?
Also doesn't help that Takara's mistaken her for one. :roll:


Plus, anybody remember Season 3's The Face of the Nijika:

Image


Its almost funny alien intelligent beings from another planet try to look more human than robotic pictures should clear up confusion of geisha kabuki style
Kabuki mask
Image

Geisha mackeup

Image
Re: Early Design Concept Sketches of Fan Built Bot Windblade (1615244)
Posted by Peridot on October 20th, 2014 @ 8:43am CDT
shockblast2 wrote:Don't blame that abomination on the fans. They voted for the attributes, not aesthetics.

Nobody was being blamed for Windblade's design, which you (and only you) feel the need to complain about as always. I just have a problem with so many gosh-darn people :BOOM: misidentifying the basic aesthetics behind it.
Re: Early Design Concept Sketches of Fan Built Bot Windblade (1615246)
Posted by shockblast2 on October 20th, 2014 @ 8:45am CDT
Metro Prime wrote:
Fires_Of_Inferno wrote:I SERIOUSLY would have preferred that knight head design to the geisha one.

It's a kabuki mask. Why do people keep insisting Windblade is a geisha?



Why do people keep insisting that a damn alien robot could be A)a female or B) would even assimilate the look of something it has never even seen.

I know why. Because the publishers of Transformers comics assembled an all woman team to make her comic. And in doing so they have made themselves sexists, just to try to attract fem nazis to their book.

The whole concept of fembots is just ridiculous. Aliens robots have no genitals nor do they give birth. So, why would it have boobs or curves? Robots are not male or female. The idea of gender in Transformers is one of the stupidest subjects in fiction. And that is saying something, because there are some really odd ideologies in the realm of science fiction.
Re: Early Design Concept Sketches of Fan Built Bot Windblade (1615247)
Posted by shockblast2 on October 20th, 2014 @ 8:47am CDT
Metro Prime wrote:
shockblast2 wrote:Don't blame that abomination on the fans. They voted for the attributes, not aesthetics.

Nobody was being blamed for Windblade's design, which you (and only you) feel the need to complain about as always. I just have a problem with so many gosh-darn people :BOOM: misidentifying the basic aesthetics behind it.



No, I don't think I am the only one. As a matter of fact, I think most people who like Transformers hate Windblade. Even its wiki page tries to apologize and discharge the fans from blame for its Japanese geisha look.

"Windblade is the first "officially fan-created" Transformer ever, the culmination of Hasbro's "Fan-Built Bot" initiative program. Two polls on Hasbro's official website allowed fans to determine her character and physical traits (well, most of her traits - her Japanese motifs weren't an option in the poll and seem to be the work of the design team)."
Re: Early Design Concept Sketches of Fan Built Bot Windblade (1615248)
Posted by shajaki on October 20th, 2014 @ 8:49am CDT
sweet! shockblast is back!
Re: Early Design Concept Sketches of Fan Built Bot Windblade (1615250)
Posted by shockblast2 on October 20th, 2014 @ 9:01am CDT
shajaki wrote:sweet! shockblast is back!


Thanks for the warm welcome(whether it be sarcastic or not :D)!

Seibertron is my go to on Transformers news. Mainly because I like the nice pics and I like the staff. And even though I do not see eye to eye with most of the regulars here, I do like to converse with them as well. I frequent the site quite regularly, I just don't comment most of the time.

With that said, back to the stories!
Re: Early Design Concept Sketches of Fan Built Bot Windblade (1615251)
Posted by Agamemnon on October 20th, 2014 @ 9:02am CDT
Generalizations are, generally, not the best idea. It's fine to express one's own opinion. I would be careful to associate that opinion with "most people" without conducting some sort of poll or something...
Re: Early Design Concept Sketches of Fan Built Bot Windblade (1615255)
Posted by shockblast2 on October 20th, 2014 @ 9:18am CDT
Agamemnon wrote:Generalizations are, generally, not the best idea. It's fine to express one's own opinion. I would be careful to associate that opinion with "most people" without conducting some sort of poll or something...


Generalizations and what most people think of Windblade are two very different things. And I do not have to take a poll. I just read the comments on the site over the last few months. Most seem to hate Windblade. The only thing I don't like about it is the face. It and Drift from AOE share the same problem. But, at least Drift in AOE actually had contact with humanity, so it somewhat made sense. With Windblade, it is just stupid. And the whole fembot thing...well you already know what I think about that.
Re: Early Design Concept Sketches of Fan Built Bot Windblade (1615258)
Posted by Peridot on October 20th, 2014 @ 9:33am CDT
shockblast2 wrote:
Metro Prime wrote:
Fires_Of_Inferno wrote:I SERIOUSLY would have preferred that knight head design to the geisha one.

It's a kabuki mask. Why do people keep insisting Windblade is a geisha?



Why do people keep insisting that a damn alien robot could be A)a female or B) would even assimilate the look of something it has never even seen.

I know why. Because the publishers of Transformers comics assembled an all woman team to make her comic. And in doing so they have made themselves sexists, just to try to attract fem nazis to their book.

The whole concept of fembots is just ridiculous. Aliens robots have no genitals nor do they give birth. So, why would it have boobs or curves? Robots are not male or female. The idea of gender in Transformers is one of the stupidest subjects in fiction. And that is saying something, because there are some really odd ideologies in the realm of science fiction.

They have masculine builds, voices, pronouns, and (occasionally) facial hair. And fembots have been around since the second season of G1. Don't tell me they don't have genders.
And how are the people at IDW feminazis? Because they tried to write a decent female character who isn't Arcee?
Also, I'm a guy. Just so you know.
Re: Early Design Concept Sketches of Fan Built Bot Windblade (1615259)
Posted by gothsaurus on October 20th, 2014 @ 9:37am CDT
Have to say, the comic made me love Windblade. Great stuff. Amazing art. Good story. Highly recommended.
Re: Early Design Concept Sketches of Fan Built Bot Windblade (1615263)
Posted by william-james88 on October 20th, 2014 @ 10:00am CDT
The set of figures containing Wingblade has yet to be sighted in Canada and it's too bad because I am really looking forward to this figure. I think it looks great and I love the style and personality given to it. I am simply talking about the characteristics found on the toy (I have not read the comics) and the design which I find quite interesting. There have been several Samurai Transformers in the past (of which I have a collection http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/will88888888/20141012_204141.jpg) so it is fun to finally get a female embodiment of that traditional culture.

I never for one moment wondered why the Transformers had sexes, why they had noses (do they breathe?), if Optimus has a mouth under that plate in the original cartoon, or even how they are living machines. They are a fun idea to sell the best kind of toys ever (2 toys for the price of one). I don't understand the need to add "logic" to certain things when the subject matter was never intended for that. Before wondering the assumptions of alien sentient robots taking on traits from human cultures, you have to wonder the assumptions of there being sentient transforming alien robots in the first place. Let's not fall into this infernal spyral and simply enjoy these great toys.
Re: Early Design Concept Sketches of Fan Built Bot Windblade (1615276)
Posted by shockblast2 on October 20th, 2014 @ 10:44am CDT
Metro Prime wrote:
shockblast2 wrote:
Metro Prime wrote:
Fires_Of_Inferno wrote:I SERIOUSLY would have preferred that knight head design to the geisha one.

It's a kabuki mask. Why do people keep insisting Windblade is a geisha?



Why do people keep insisting that a damn alien robot could be A)a female or B) would even assimilate the look of something it has never even seen.

I know why. Because the publishers of Transformers comics assembled an all woman team to make her comic. And in doing so they have made themselves sexists, just to try to attract fem nazis to their book.

The whole concept of fembots is just ridiculous. Aliens robots have no genitals nor do they give birth. So, why would it have boobs or curves? Robots are not male or female. The idea of gender in Transformers is one of the stupidest subjects in fiction. And that is saying something, because there are some really odd ideologies in the realm of science fiction.

They have masculine builds, voices, pronouns, and (occasionally) facial hair. And fembots have been around since the second season of G1. Don't tell me they don't have genders.
And how are the people at IDW feminazis? Because they tried to write a decent female character who isn't Arcee?
Also, I'm a guy. Just so you know.


Yes, and I thought it was dumb then too. Giving a robot a feminine voice is fine. Giving a robot boobs and curves is stupid. They don't have genders. They do not reproduce via sexual intercourse, so why would they have a gender?

I didn't say the people at IDW are femnazis. I said that is the only type of people you would attract when you use the fact that they allowed only females to work on the Windblade story arc as a marketing tool.
Re: Early Design Concept Sketches of Fan Built Bot Windblade (1615278)
Posted by Evil Eye on October 20th, 2014 @ 10:44am CDT
The knight design was pretty cool, but honestly I'm glad they went with the Japanese look. I think it makes her really unique.

Also, to settle the whole debate, here's actual kabuki makeup:

Image

Which is much closer to Windblade's face than geisha makeup, which doesn't have the stripes (The hair is very geisha-esque though).
Re: Early Design Concept Sketches of Fan Built Bot Windblade (1615280)
Posted by shockblast2 on October 20th, 2014 @ 10:49am CDT
william-james88 wrote:The set of figures containing Wingblade has yet to be sighted in Canada and it's too bad because I am really looking forward to this figure. I think it looks great and I love the style and personality given to it. I am simply talking about the characteristics found on the toy (I have not read the comics) and the design which I find quite interesting. There have been several Samurai Transformers in the past (of which I have a collection http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/will88888888/20141012_204141.jpg) so it is fun to finally get a female embodiment of that traditional culture.

I never for one moment wondered why the Transformers had sexes, why they had noses (do they breathe?), if Optimus has a mouth under that plate in the original cartoon, or even how they are living machines. They are a fun idea to sell the best kind of toys ever (2 toys for the price of one). I don't understand the need to add "logic" to certain things when the subject matter was never intended for that. Before wondering the assumptions of alien sentient robots taking on traits from human cultures, you have to wonder the assumptions of there being sentient transforming alien robots in the first place. Let's not fall into this infernal spyral and simply enjoy these great toys.


The problem is Windblade has never been to earth. So, why would it take on the form of something that it has never seen? I never wondered why there were fembots. I know why. For the same reason that comic artists draw big boobs on their female characters. The artists do not get out much. Their sexual frustration is conveyed in their work. :lol:
In all seriousness, I always look at the logical side, even in fiction. Must be why I like Shockwave so much. :D
I actually like Arcee and I liked its design. But to call it a "fembot" is just silly. It is a transformer, no different than any other transformer.
Re: Early Design Concept Sketches of Fan Built Bot Windblade (1615285)
Posted by shockblast2 on October 20th, 2014 @ 10:57am CDT
Delta Magnus wrote:The knight design was pretty cool, but honestly I'm glad they went with the Japanese look. I think it makes her really unique.

Also, to settle the whole debate, here's actual kabuki makeup:

Image

Which is much closer to Windblade's face than geisha makeup, which doesn't have the stripes (The hair is very geisha-esque though).



It is not unique. AOE Drift has the same type of Japanese look.

Geisha or Kabuki? If you are into that kind of thing then I guess it is important. To me they are the same. As in I could care less. I just think having a transformer look like a human painting their face is kinda stupid. Especially when said transformer has never even seen a Kabuki/Geisha person.

Maybe I am being too logical, but it doesn't make sense to me. Furthermore, for Hasbro to say this thing represents the fans choices is depressing. I personally liked the name Wraith and it could have worked for a Transformer that uses invisibility, kinda like Mirage. Not some silly looking thing who brings a sword to a gun fight. I think one of the designers must have a Jaopanese Geisha girl fetish. I mean, why would you do that?
Re: Early Design Concept Sketches of Fan Built Bot Windblade (1615291)
Posted by Evil Eye on October 20th, 2014 @ 11:12am CDT
shockblast2 wrote:
Delta Magnus wrote:The knight design was pretty cool, but honestly I'm glad they went with the Japanese look. I think it makes her really unique.

Also, to settle the whole debate, here's actual kabuki makeup:

Image

Which is much closer to Windblade's face than geisha makeup, which doesn't have the stripes (The hair is very geisha-esque though).



It is not unique. AOE Drift has the same type of Japanese look.


...Who came after Windblade. In any case the point is moot as the 2 look totally different. Drift had a samurai look whilst Windblade has a kabuki performer style.

Geisha or Kabuki? If you are into that kind of thing then I guess it is important. To me they are the same. As in I could care less. I just think having a transformer look like a human painting their face is kinda stupid. Especially when said transformer has never even seen a Kabuki/Geisha person.


Kabuki and Geisha are completely different things. Kabuki is an ancient style of Japanese theatre known for energetic performance styles and dramatic costumes/makeup. Geisha are female entertainers who attend high-class events and sing songs, play music and make conversation.

And by your logic, Bumblebee can't be called that because the Transformers have never encountered bumblebees yet. For that matter, none of them should have humanoid faces- they should all just have Shockwave-style cameras.

Maybe I am being too logical, but it doesn't make sense to me. Furthermore, for Hasbro to say this thing represents the fans choices is depressing.


Hasbro gave out a multiple-choice survey on what the fans wanted in a new TF. Windblade incorporates all the elements the fans wanted. So yeah, it does incorporate the fan's choices.

I personally liked the name Wraith and it could have worked for a Transformer that uses invisibility, kinda like Mirage. Not some silly looking thing who brings a sword to a gun fight.


Well I guess Grimlock better retire seeing as he's best known for using a sword. I haven't read the comics, but IIRC Windblae's choice not to use a gun is actually a big part of her character.

I think one of the designers must have a Jaopanese Geisha girl fetish. I mean, why would you do that?


Because maybe they wanted to do a design that wasn't a generic robot? You don't have to have a "fetish" to incorporate something new into a design. Honestly you're bing kinda racist.
Re: Early Design Concept Sketches of Fan Built Bot Windblade (1615296)
Posted by ScottyP on October 20th, 2014 @ 11:19am CDT
shockblast2 wrote:Maybe I am being too logical, but it doesn't make sense to me.


I don't want to go over my opinion on gender and Transformers for the 80th time. So instead, I've gone the Occam's Razor route to point out that you've answered your worry, in the above quote, all on your own :) Don't overthink it and try to just have fun.
Re: Early Design Concept Sketches of Fan Built Bot Windblade (1615299)
Posted by shockblast2 on October 20th, 2014 @ 11:22am CDT
Delta Magnus wrote:
shockblast2 wrote:
Delta Magnus wrote:The knight design was pretty cool, but honestly I'm glad they went with the Japanese look. I think it makes her really unique.

Also, to settle the whole debate, here's actual kabuki makeup:

Image

Which is much closer to Windblade's face than geisha makeup, which doesn't have the stripes (The hair is very geisha-esque though).



It is not unique. AOE Drift has the same type of Japanese look.


...Who came after Windblade. In any case the point is moot as the 2 look totally different. Drift had a samurai look whilst Windblade has a kabuki performer style.

Geisha or Kabuki? If you are into that kind of thing then I guess it is important. To me they are the same. As in I could care less. I just think having a transformer look like a human painting their face is kinda stupid. Especially when said transformer has never even seen a Kabuki/Geisha person.


Kabuki and Geisha are completely different things. Kabuki is an ancient style of Japanese theatre known for energetic performance styles and dramatic costumes/makeup. Geisha are female entertainers who attend high-class events and sing songs, play music and make conversation.

And by your logic, Bumblebee can't be called that because the Transformers have never encountered bumblebees yet. For that matter, none of them should have humanoid faces- they should all just have Shockwave-style cameras.

Maybe I am being too logical, but it doesn't make sense to me. Furthermore, for Hasbro to say this thing represents the fans choices is depressing.


Hasbro gave out a multiple-choice survey on what the fans wanted in a new TF. Windblade incorporates all the elements the fans wanted. So yeah, it does incorporate the fan's choices.

I personally liked the name Wraith and it could have worked for a Transformer that uses invisibility, kinda like Mirage. Not some silly looking thing who brings a sword to a gun fight.


Well I guess Grimlock better retire seeing as he's best known for using a sword. I haven't read the comics, but IIRC Windblae's choice not to use a gun is actually a big part of her character.

I think one of the designers must have a Jaopanese Geisha girl fetish. I mean, why would you do that?


Because maybe they wanted to do a design that wasn't a generic robot? You don't have to have a "fetish" to incorporate something new into a design. Honestly you're bing kinda racist.



LOL...where do start with you?

First of all, Bumblebee scanned his automobile when he came to earth. If you mean his name only, then that is silly. His name in his native language is something different. In our language it is Bumblebee. As for the look comment that is silly. I never said they should all look like Shockwave. You did.

I tell you that I could care less about the differences between Kabuki and Geisha, and then you drone on about the differences. I told you I don't care. I could find out just as simply as you did, but again, I didn't care. Its all Japanese culture stuff that I do not get into. If you do, that's cool. I just don't.

AOE Drift was designed at least a year before Windblade was thrown together back in May, so that is not true.

As far as your comment about Grimlock goes, Grimlock is a 45 ft dinosaur with razor sharp teeth and an a laser proof hide. Windblade is a fragile, rail thin robot that transforms into a plane. Now, which one do you think needs a gun and which do you think could make due with a sword, assuming it was not in dino form, stomping the life out of anything stupid enough to shoot it?

And to say I am being racist is just stupidity. But, this is the internet, so no surprise. There is always someone throwing the random race card. Congrats, today it is you!
Re: Early Design Concept Sketches of Fan Built Bot Windblade (1615300)
Posted by shockblast2 on October 20th, 2014 @ 11:29am CDT
ScottyP wrote:
shockblast2 wrote:Maybe I am being too logical, but it doesn't make sense to me.


I don't want to go over my opinion on gender and Transformers for the 80th time. So instead, I've gone the Occam's Razor route to point out that you've answered your worry, in the above quote, all on your own :) Don't overthink it and try to just have fun.



Well, the gender thing is really simple. There are male and female transformers because without identity similar to ours, the transformers line would be doing as well as the MARS knockoffs right next to them at Walmart. When creating something to sell in the entertainment business you must get people to identify with your characters. Thus there are fembots because we have the female gender. It is simply to draw in female fans (and more importantly, their wallets) to an otherwise male dominated fanbase.

It doesn't take logic to understand the logic behind the decisions to do so. But, that does not mean I don't think it is silly. :D
Re: Early Design Concept Sketches of Fan Built Bot Windblade (1615315)
Posted by Sabrblade on October 20th, 2014 @ 12:22pm CDT
Genders =/= sexes.

Super robot lifeforms (or autonomous robotic organisms) don't have sexes, but they do have genders.
Re: Early Design Concept Sketches of Fan Built Bot Windblade (1615357)
Posted by shockblast2 on October 20th, 2014 @ 2:07pm CDT
Sabrblade wrote:Genders =/= sexes.

Super robot lifeforms (or autonomous robotic organisms) don't have sexes, but they do have genders.



O.......k......

You want to explain the difference? I must have been ditching class the day they explained it in sex ed. :D
Re: Early Design Concept Sketches of Fan Built Bot Windblade (1615358)
Posted by shockblast2 on October 20th, 2014 @ 2:07pm CDT
Sabrblade wrote:Genders =/= sexes.

Super robot lifeforms (or autonomous robotic organisms) don't have sexes, but they do have genders.



O.......k......

You want to explain the difference? I must have been ditching class the day they explained it in sex ed. :D
Re: Early Design Concept Sketches of Fan Built Bot Windblade (1615364)
Posted by gothsaurus on October 20th, 2014 @ 2:20pm CDT
I'm guessing he's getting at the notion these bots can visibly look like a girl/guy without actually having reproductive parts.

As for me, I think this is one topic to just smile and accept, knowing this all started with a kids' cartoon. Trying to pick this one apart is like unmasking Vader to find a pubescent whiny kid. Best to leave this one to mystery. =; :KREMZEEK:
Re: Early Design Concept Sketches of Fan Built Bot Windblade (1615365)
Posted by Fires_Of_Inferno on October 20th, 2014 @ 2:21pm CDT
So uh, yeah I don't know a thing about Japanese culture. So saying that I'm ignorant because of that, well it's mostly true! I'm ignorant to the majority of Japanese culture so I have no idea what a Kabuki is. The only reason I know what a Gesha is is because my sister wouldn't shut up about Memoirs of a Geisha for about two years. The only other thing I know is some of the anime that has robots in it, and Akira.

I was more interested in Scandinavian and Native American culture. The only reason I see for the decision to make Windblade look like... THAT, is because it's Japanese-ish, and kids love Japanese things these days.
Re: Early Design Concept Sketches of Fan Built Bot Windblade (1615367)
Posted by shockblast2 on October 20th, 2014 @ 2:28pm CDT
gothsaurus wrote:I'm guessing he's getting at the notion these bots can visibly look like a girl/guy without actually having reproductive parts.

As for me, I think this is one topic to just smile and accept, knowing this all started with a kids' cartoon. Trying to pick this one apart is like unmasking Vader to find a pubescent whiny kid. Best to leave this one to mystery. =; :KREMZEEK:


Unless it is Bay's Devastator, right? :D

Sure, ultimately the reason for "fembots" is what I said before. I just find it comical that a robot can be called a boy or girl. But of course our basis of comparison is what we know, and we as humans are either male or female.
Re: Early Design Concept Sketches of Fan Built Bot Windblade (1615368)
Posted by Peridot on October 20th, 2014 @ 2:30pm CDT
Fires_Of_Inferno wrote:So uh, yeah I don't know a thing about Japanese culture. So saying that I'm ignorant because of that, well it's mostly true! I'm ignorant to the majority of Japanese culture so I have no idea what a Kabuki is. The only reason I know what a Gesha is is because my sister wouldn't shut up about Memoirs of a Geisha for about two years. The only other thing I know is some of the anime that has robots in it, and Akira.

I was more interested in Scandinavian and Native American culture. The only reason I see for the decision to make Windblade look like... THAT, is because it's Japanese-ish, and kids love Japanese things these days.

At least you're honest. And a Scandinavian Transformer would be THE BEST THING EVER.
The only plausible rationale I could find behind Windblade being Japanese is the whole "fan" thing she has going on. As the TFWiki puts it:
Her name works on many levels: "Wind Blade" is a real variety of industrial fan blade; she turns into a jet with VTOL turbofans; Hasbro designers had said they envisioned her coursing more energy into her sword blade through a spinning turbine fan in the hilt; She has a tessen, or iron fan; and, of course, she was the fans' choice character.
Re: Early Design Concept Sketches of Fan Built Bot Windblade (1615370)
Posted by shockblast2 on October 20th, 2014 @ 2:34pm CDT
Fires_Of_Inferno wrote:So uh, yeah I don't know a thing about Japanese culture. So saying that I'm ignorant because of that, well it's mostly true! I'm ignorant to the majority of Japanese culture so I have no idea what a Kabuki is. The only reason I know what a Gesha is is because my sister wouldn't shut up about Memoirs of a Geisha for about two years. The only other thing I know is some of the anime that has robots in it, and Akira.

I was more interested in Scandinavian and Native American culture. The only reason I see for the decision to make Windblade look like... THAT, is because it's Japanese-ish, and kids love Japanese things these days.



I would say the designer is Japanese culture bias, because this option was never voted on and seems to be the reason why people do not like it. Honestly, if it had a different face I would think the figure was pretty cool. As far as children liking it, mine don't. They think it is weird. Because to them it is. They are not Japanese. Only Japanese people would appreciate it, which is why it seems out of place in our toy market. Conversely, the Ninja Turtles have a lot of Asian references in their shows, but I have yet to find a ninja turtle figure that dresses like a geisha girl.
As far as the differences between geisha and kabuki, they seem the same to me. Even by the other guy's description. The only difference is that it appears there are only female geisha's while kabuki's can be both.
Re: Early Design Concept Sketches of Fan Built Bot Windblade (1615373)
Posted by gothsaurus on October 20th, 2014 @ 2:36pm CDT
I'm kinda glad the knight version didn't happen. We got a barrage of knight-headed dinobots with the last series of Bay-formers. The face and detail are so well realized. I think it might be the best detail and most refined deco we've gotten on a head.... maybe ever. Bravo for that.
Re: Early Design Concept Sketches of Fan Built Bot Windblade (1615374)
Posted by Sabrblade on October 20th, 2014 @ 2:38pm CDT
shockblast2 wrote:
Sabrblade wrote:Genders =/= sexes.

Super robot lifeforms (or autonomous robotic organisms) don't have sexes, but they do have genders.



O.......k......

You want to explain the difference? I must have been ditching class the day they explained it in sex ed. :D
Sex is a biological attribute, while gender is a cultural attribute. The two are related but are not 100% synonymous.

In the case of the Transformers, in the broadest, most generalizing manner speaking (as there are specifics that may very well contradict what I'm about to say, but I wish to point out that I'm not speaking of all cases and only of the most unspecific viewpoint there is), the Transformers do not have sexes, but do have genders.

Think of it this way, Barbie and Ken dolls are not biologically female and male (being artificially made inanimate objects), and thus have no sexes. BUT, they are culturally viewed as representing the female and male sexes, and thus are considered to have genders of their own (even in all their plastic glory).
Re: Early Design Concept Sketches of Fan Built Bot Windblade (1615375)
Posted by william-james88 on October 20th, 2014 @ 2:38pm CDT
shockblast2 wrote:
Sabrblade wrote:Genders =/= sexes.

Super robot lifeforms (or autonomous robotic organisms) don't have sexes, but they do have genders.



O.......k......

You want to explain the difference? I must have been ditching class the day they explained it in sex ed. :D


I get it, he means that sex referrs specifically to the reroductive organs, while Gender is how one distinguishes themselves and identifies themselves as (just like there are men out there that see themselves as being of a different gender even if they don't have the same sex organs as that gender).

It's just like there are transformers who are sleeker or broader, or have more masculine traits or less.

And as for having sword, it's to each their own. Dinobot and Depthcharge preferred sword fighting, and Batman is known for not carrying a gun into battle. The Jedi always use their Light Sabres over laser guns. Windblade, Drift and Beast Machines Cheetor preffer swords over guns, fine, to each their own.
Re: Early Design Concept Sketches of Fan Built Bot Windblade (1615376)
Posted by gothsaurus on October 20th, 2014 @ 2:42pm CDT
Okay, one is a stage actor... one is a high-class escort girl.

I hate that we know so little about other cultures, history...well, and current affairs, too. I have to redouble my efforts to get a decent look around.
Re: Early Design Concept Sketches of Fan Built Bot Windblade (1615377)
Posted by Fires_Of_Inferno on October 20th, 2014 @ 2:45pm CDT
gothsaurus wrote:Okay, one is a stage actor... one is a high-class escort girl.

I hate that we know so little about other cultures, history...well, and current affairs, too. I have to redouble my efforts to get a decent look around.



Eh, don't let it bother you. There's only so much information a human being can accumulate in their lifetime.
Re: Early Design Concept Sketches of Fan Built Bot Windblade (1615378)
Posted by Jelze Bunnycat on October 20th, 2014 @ 2:45pm CDT
gothsaurus wrote:Okay, one is a stage actor... one is a high-class escort girl.


If you want to be really technical, Kabuki actors are almost exclusively male, and so were Geisha's way, way back in the day :lol:
Re: Early Design Concept Sketches of Fan Built Bot Windblade (1615379)
Posted by william-james88 on October 20th, 2014 @ 2:47pm CDT
Fires_Of_Inferno wrote:So uh, yeah I don't know a thing about Japanese culture. So saying that I'm ignorant because of that, well it's mostly true! I'm ignorant to the majority of Japanese culture so I have no idea what a Kabuki is. The only reason I know what a Gesha is is because my sister wouldn't shut up about Memoirs of a Geisha for about two years. The only other thing I know is some of the anime that has robots in it, and Akira.

I was more interested in Scandinavian and Native American culture. The only reason I see for the decision to make Windblade look like... THAT, is because it's Japanese-ish, and kids love Japanese things these days.


If you like Native American culture, I know a TF that is right up your alley:

Sabreback! Image
Re: Early Design Concept Sketches of Fan Built Bot Windblade (1615381)
Posted by Evil Eye on October 20th, 2014 @ 2:49pm CDT
Ah, Sabreback. Owner of the oh-so-wonderful Triffid Mode.
Re: Early Design Concept Sketches of Fan Built Bot Windblade (1615382)
Posted by Fires_Of_Inferno on October 20th, 2014 @ 2:51pm CDT
william-james88 wrote:
Fires_Of_Inferno wrote:So uh, yeah I don't know a thing about Japanese culture. So saying that I'm ignorant because of that, well it's mostly true! I'm ignorant to the majority of Japanese culture so I have no idea what a Kabuki is. The only reason I know what a Gesha is is because my sister wouldn't shut up about Memoirs of a Geisha for about two years. The only other thing I know is some of the anime that has robots in it, and Akira.

I was more interested in Scandinavian and Native American culture. The only reason I see for the decision to make Windblade look like... THAT, is because it's Japanese-ish, and kids love Japanese things these days.


If you like Native American culture, I know a TF that is right up your alley:

Sabreback! Image



He's already been on my want list for a while! XD
Re: Early Design Concept Sketches of Fan Built Bot Windblade (1615384)
Posted by william-james88 on October 20th, 2014 @ 2:54pm CDT
Delta Magnus wrote:Ah, Sabreback. Owner of the oh-so-wonderful Triffid Mode.


Care to illuminate the matter?
Re: Early Design Concept Sketches of Fan Built Bot Windblade (1615385)
Posted by gothsaurus on October 20th, 2014 @ 2:54pm CDT
HA! Forgot about him. That head sculpt wasn't a favorite, but I DID really love most of those mold... they were asymmetrical and had loads of neat weaponry details... plus the Takara versions were in really odd colors.
Re: Early Design Concept Sketches of Fan Built Bot Windblade (1615386)
Posted by Fires_Of_Inferno on October 20th, 2014 @ 3:04pm CDT
william-james88 wrote:
Delta Magnus wrote:Ah, Sabreback. Owner of the oh-so-wonderful Triffid Mode.


Care to illuminate the matter?


Plant monsters from a book called The Day of the Triffids.

This is the "Triffid mode"

Image

Image

and THIS is a Triffid

Image

Transformers and More @ The Seibertron Store

Visit our store on eBay
These are affiliate links. We may earn commissions when you purchase items or services through these links.
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "SHRAPNEL (Blue) Transformers Super7 Keshi Surprise Decepticon Series Decoys"
SHRAPNEL (Blue) Tr ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "TARN + NICKEL Transformers Super7 Ultimates 7" action figure 2023 New"
TARN + NICKEL Tran ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "CHEETOR Transformers Beast Wars Super7 Reaction Retro Figure 2023 New"
CHEETOR Transforme ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "BLACKARACHNIA Transformers Beast Wars Super7 Reaction Retro Figure 2023 New"
BLACKARACHNIA Tran ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "BUMBLEBEE Transformers Super7 Reaction Retro Action Figure Series 1 2020 New"
BUMBLEBEE Transfor ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "HALLOWEEN OPTIMUS PRIME Transformers Super7 ReAction Orange 2023 New"
HALLOWEEN OPTIMUS ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "GHOST OF STARSCREAM Transformers Super7 Ultimates 7" action figure WV1 2022 New"
GHOST OF STARSCREA ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "HYPER STEEL OPTIMUS PRIMAL Transformers Beast Wars Super7 Reaction Retro Figure"
HYPER STEEL OPTIMU ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "SHRAPNEL (Orange) Transformers Super7 Keshi Surprise Decepticon Series Decoys"
SHRAPNEL (Orange) ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "Funko Pop! Transformers BUMBLEBEE Vinyl Figure #23 Retro Toys 2020 New"
Funko Pop! Transfo ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "FALLEN STARSCREAM Transformers Super7 Ultimates 7" Dead action figure WV5 2024"
FALLEN STARSCREAM ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "DINOBOT Transformers Beast Wars Super7 Reaction Retro Figure 2023 New"
DINOBOT Transforme ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "G2 MEGATRON Transformers Super7 Ultimates 7" action figure 2023 New"
G2 MEGATRON Transf ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "GRIMLOCK + WHEELIE Transformers Super7 Ultimates 7" dino figure WV2 figure 2023"
GRIMLOCK + WHEELIE ...
* Price and quantities subject to change. Shipping costs, taxes and other fees not included in cost shown. Refer to listing for current price and availability.
Find the items above and thousands more at the Seibertron Store on eBay
Transformers Podcast: Twincast / Podcast #351 - Ask Your Dad
Twincast / Podcast #351:
"Ask Your Dad"
MP3 · iTunes · RSS · View · Discuss · Ask
Posted: Saturday, June 1st, 2024

Featured Products on Amazon.com

These are affiliate links. We may earn commissions when you purchase items or services through these links.
Buy "Transformers Authentics Starscream" on AMAZON
Buy "Transformers Attacker 15 Bania Action Figure" on AMAZON
Buy "Transformers MPM04 Optimus Prime" on AMAZON
Buy "Transformers Power of the Primes Punch-Counterpunch and Prima Prime" on AMAZON
Buy "Transformers: Generations Power of The Primes Legends Class Cindersaur" on AMAZON
Buy "Transformers Generations Power of The Primes Deluxe Class Dinobot Snarl" on AMAZON
Buy "Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Computron Collection Pack" on AMAZON
Buy "Masterpiece MPM-7 Bumblebee" on AMAZON
Buy "Transformers Attacker 15 Costanza Action Figure" on AMAZON
Buy "Transformers Generations Titans Return Darkmoon and Astrotrain" on AMAZON
Buy "Transformers Platinum Edition Predaking Figure [Amazon Exclusive](Discontinued by manufacturer)" on AMAZON
Buy "Transformers Robots in Disguise Warrior Class Bumblebee Figure" on AMAZON