(NOTE: Because this is a repaint, this is not a full-blown review. This mainly covers any changes made to the mold and the color scheme, and merely compares it to Universe 2.0 Ultra Silverbolt. For a review on the mold itself, read the review of Universe 2.0 Ultra Silverbolt here.)

    Like most other Universe 2.0 figures, Darkwind here is an homage to the G1 figure of the same name, and it's a pretty ingenious redeco if you compare this redeco Darkwind's G1 self (named Darkwing, but changed slightly for this version of the character given that "Darkwing" is so closely associated with the '90s duck cartoon instead now). In plane mode it's not quite as good of a match, but in robot mode the figure is almost spot-on the same design compared to the G1 toy-- and the coloring reflects this. Dark gray is one of the main colors, with a bit of light gray for contrast, but the main "light" contrast color is a nice icy blue (it's not nearly as bright as it appears in the above pictures), which really pops against the gray and the other main color-- purple. Adding in a few other colors like a duller, darker blue and some nice metallic gold and silver paint apps realy just make the whole toy look rather pretty-- even when compared to the G1 toy, which had more light gray than dark gray and overloaded the "light" end of the color spectrum because of it. Darkwind also has the same gold lightning bolt deco jobs on his wings in jet mode that he had on his G1 self-- another nice throwback, and along with the gold trim on the wings, keeps his jet mode from looking too boring like Silverbolt's did. There are two small complaints I have about his color scheme, though. First, the silver really doesn't contrast well with the light icy blue in the few areas where they meet on the figure. Second, the icy blue on the face looks weird.
    No mold changes have been made to Universe 2.0 Darkwind, though the electronic lights have all been changed to a red color for this toy, despite the transparent purple plastic used for the toy.
    Universe 2.0 Darkwind is a great redeco, with lots of thought put into it and certainly a fitting update for the character. He's also got quite the original & eye-catching color scheme, and some nice paint apps in both modes. It's a shame the mold is so utterly simplistic and boring for its size class, otherwise I'd wholeheartedly recommend him. (Though even, he makes a great companion piece if you have Botcon 2007 Dreadwind!)

Review by Beastbot

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