Switchblade Coming to Ramen Toy MAKINA Line
As someone who grew up completely obsessed with M.A.S.K., this kind of news instantly grabs my attention, because Ramen Toy has once again shown they truly understand what made this line so special in the first place, announcing that Switchblade is officially in development for their MAKINA line, and yes, my inner kid immediately went into overdrive when I saw their social media post confirming it. Hearing them describe it as Kenner scale but new and improved, with a philosophy similar to what Takara is doing with the Transformers Missing Link line, really tells you where their head is at here, honoring the original while refining it for modern collectors without losing that unmistakable vintage soul. Ramen Toy has consistently proven they approach M.A.S.K. with a level of respect, attention, and passion that feels incredibly rare in today’s toy landscape, and Switchblade is one of those iconic vehicles that absolutely deserves this kind of treatment, from its sleek jet mode to the transformation potential that made it unforgettable back in the day. I love that this announcement is still light on specifics, because it keeps the conversation buzzing and the imagination running wild, even though there is currently no word on pricing, release timing, or final features. Still, knowing Ramen Toy’s track record, it is hard not to feel confident that this will end up being a must-add piece for longtime fans and serious M.A.S.K. collectors alike, and I will definitely be keeping a close eye on this one as more details eventually surface.
The Vintage Switch Blade
The M.A.S.K. (Mobile Armored Strike Kommand) Switchblade is a vintage toy vehicle from the M.A.S.K. franchise, which was released in the mid-1980s and was a transforming helicopter. The Switchblade is notable for its ability to transform from a sleek motorcycle into a helicopter. In its motorcycle form, the Switchblade has a sporty aesthetic typical of 1980s design, with vibrant colors and decals. When transformed into helicopter mode, it features rotor blades that can spin, enhancing the play experience. M.A.S.K. was both a toy line created by Kenner and an animated television series, featuring a team of heroes and villains who utilized transforming vehicles and masks with special abilities.
Released in 1985 as part of the first wave of the M.A.S.K. toy line, Switchblade was piloted by Miles Mayhem, the leader of VENOM (Vicious Evil Network of Mayhem), who wore the Viper mask. The vehicle transformed from a basic helicopter into a fighter jet with just a flip of the tail.
This was one of my favorite toys as a kid. It was just such a cool toy with awesome play features—the way the wings popped out when you flipped the tail was incredibly satisfying. It was so much fun flying it around the room, launching attacks on the M.A.S.K. agents from above.
Miles Mayhem was the main antagonist in M.A.S.K., serving as both an oil baron and a terrorist. He came packed with the Viper mask and his outfit resembled more a business suit.
