G1 Pointblank

Robot Mode: Pointblank is a robot of about Deluxe-class size and if you didn’t know he was an Autobot, his choice of colors pretty firmly puts him into that category. Lots of red, pale blue and white. Once again it’s that exact shade of red that doesn’t photograph well at all, but that’s another topic. Overall the colors look very good on pointblank and the general build of the figure looks pretty nice as well.

In terms of posability Pointblank, like many figures from that time, is a mixed blessing. From the waist down he’s a statue. Oh, he can bend his knees, but only both of them together as part of his transformation, which doesn’t lend itself to any poses. From the waist up, though, he’s almost a contortionist by G1 standards. He can twist his hip and both arms are almost fully articulate, including twisting wrists. Sadly he can’t turn his head, but for a G1 figure he bends pretty well.

For a weapon Pointblank carries his Targetmaster gun (more on that below), which looks a lot less bulky on him than other TM weapons do. Additionally he carries the spoiler of his car mode, which you can interpret as either a shield of an additional gun. So all in all Pointblank is a good, solid Autobot from that age with no real flaws.

Alternate Mode: By 1987 most of the Transformers had abandoned realistic alternate modes in favor of more futuristic ones, befitting the more science fiction style adventures of the Transformers seen in seasons 3 and 4 of the cartoon series. Pointblank is no exception. His alternate mode is a red sports car, but with a definite futuristic touch to it.

There isn’t a whole lot I can write here. The car looks good, no robot bits are visible, and the Targetmaster gun can be mounted on the roof to provide firepower. Sadly the Targetmaster figure can’t ride inside the car, but that’s something all Targetmasters share. So all in all a good, solid car mode. No complaints.

Partner / Add-On: As a Targetmaster Pointblank’s weapon is actually a separate figure, the Nebulan Peacemaker. Now let’s leave aside the question why a member of an alien race would be named after an Earth-made pistol. Peacemaker is a pretty standard Targetmaster figure, little more than a statue that folds in half to become a weapon. He’s a more streamlined weapon than most other TM figures, less bulky, but that’s pretty much the only outstanding thing about him. Better to leave him in weapon mode.

Remarks: Pointblank was one of the many characters introduced in the final 3-part episode of the Transformers cartoon series, “Rebirth”. Like most of the new guys, he didn’t say or do much, his appearance little more than marketing. His role in the comic books from Marvel wasn’t much bigger, so Pointblank is still waiting for some kind of defining in-media appearance.

To me Pointblank completes my trio of Autobot Targetmasters (along with Sureshot and Crosshairs) from 1987 that were not re-issues of previous figures. Despite his lack of character, he’s a good toy without any real flaws and looks great. Not a must-have, but nevertheless recommended to all G1 fans.

Rating: B