|
Transformer Collection Series Extended Profiles
Translated & Interpreted by Jeremy Barlow © Soundwaves Oblivion
2020
Note: These profiles are from the information pages that came packaged
within the Transformer Collection reissues. The profiles are shortened
versions of Marvel Comics Transformers Universe profiles which were
published in 1986. On the other side of the profiles page was information
and photographs of the toy, this information has also been included below.
Collection #3 Skids
Skids
○ Cybertron Skids
○ Function Warrior
○ Motto: “Deep down, we are more like than unlike humans.”
○ Profile:
A daydreamer, often bumps into things at 96 km/h mph while pondering Earth’s
ecology instead of a Decepticon attack. Considers Earth to be one vast
laboratory. His research has proven invaluable for his fellow Cybertron
warriors. "Sometimes I wonder if he knows who we're fighting," says Gears.
Sometimes Skids wonders too. Has an enormous memory storage capacity. He can
record visual information virtually instantaneously. has been known to scan
an entire university's library literature within two hours. In robot mode he
carries a Liquid Nitrogen rifle with a range of 180m and an Electron Blaster
which emits 20,000 volts that can short circuit his enemies. Even when
travelling at 80 km/h he can stop within 7.5m. His daydreaming often lands
him in dangerous situations. When he becomes distracted out of scientific
curiosity he loses interest in his surroundings and can fall into enemy
traps.
- Released February 1983 “Diaclone Car Robot” No.9.
- Western release in 1984 “The Transformers” Skids.
- Released September 1986 “Transformers” VSZ Set
- Released September 2002 “Transformers Collection 4” Skids.
In Japan, Skids was initially delayed along with the Cybertron Warrior
Sunstreaker, with both not seeing a domestic release individually they were
eventually released in a set with the Destron Buzzsaw. Additionally this
item is a retooled “Diaclone Car Robot” No.6 with new parts such as a new
robot head.
Sludge
○ Cybertron Sludge
○ Function: Jungle Warrior
○ Motto: “Stomp your enemy, crush him under your feet.”
○ Profile:
Sludge is adept at fighting in water, marshes and in jungles; likes to make
his presence known to everyone. The ground tremors when he makes a few steps
with his lumbering legs, anyone in a 5km radius will feel that Sludge is
nearby. Like the other Dinobots he is sceptical of Commander Convoy. Sludge
however acknowledges the Cybertron cause is far more important than any
personal doubts and rarely exhibits his feelings. In Dinobot form he can
exert 1.8t of pressure per 3cm2 in a single step, this is enough
pressure to crush bridges and crack mountains. Only a few fellow Dinobots
can match his strength and endurance. Naturally quiet and shy but when
rushing to the battlefield he becomes a ferocious and unstoppable force. He
is however not very clever and often falls victim to the calamities he
causes.
- Released April 1984 “Diaclone / Dinosaur Robot” No.3 Brontosaurus.
- Western release in 1985 “The Transformers” Dinobot Sludge.
- Released August 1985 “Transformers” No.27 Sludge
Sludge was released in “The Transformers” line and was near identical to the
“Diaclone” release unlike the other Dinobots. In Europe, predominantly the
United Kingdom, Sludge was reissued in 1991 under the “Transformers Classic”
line. Additionally in Japan that same year the Dinobots in the US packaging
were offered as Robot Point items and mailed to applicants.
Collection #4
Tracks
Tracks
○ Cybertron Tracks
○ Function: Warrior
○ Motto: “Looking good
is what life is all about.”
○ Profile
Some of his comrades call him a “lousy Earth lover” as he prefers exploring
Earth in his car mode rather than robot form. They tell him that he should
always be focused on fighting the Destrons but Tracks believes his friends
are only jealous of his looks. In car mode he can reach speeds of 448 km/h;
he can also take part in aerial combat at subsonic speeds using the wings
stored on the underside of his rear fender. In both car mode and robot mode
he uses a heat seeking incendiary launcher with a 96km range. Also uses a
Black Beam Gun which blinds his enemies with a beam of black light that
adheres for a few minutes after hitting its target. Tracks’ biggest enemy is
his own vanity. He can be so concerned by his own appearance that it impairs
his combat ability. He knows he should transform into robot mode in combat
situations but more often than not he stays in his vehicle form. This
however leaves him more vulnerable than he would be in robot mode.
- Released April 1984 “Diaclone / Car Robot” No.21
- Western release in 1985 “The Transformers” Tracks
- Released November 1985 “Transformers” Tracks
- Released September 2002 “Transformers Collection 3” Tracks
Tracks is a car robot whose colour changed from the red of the Diaclone
No.21 release to cobalt blue, however, in parts of Europe Tracks was
released in the original red Diaclone colour. Additionally in 1991 Tracks
was reissued in Europe under the “Transformers Classic” series (in some
regions such as Spain Tracks was categorised as a “Transformers Autobot”.
Reflector
○ Destron Reflector
○ Function: Optical
Intelligence Soldier
○ Motto: “See and you
can know, know and you can destroy.”
○ Profile
When the three Destron soldiers, Spyglass, Viewfinder and Spectro unite,
they form Reflector. Loves to observe everything from plants, buildings,
Earthen topography….and especially his comrades mistakes. Reflector is
impressed by his own surveillance abilities and exercises extortion and
intimidation against his comrades. Has highly developed infrared vision
allowing him to record and photograph images in darkness. This works the
same at great distances or through camouflage. In camera mode, can emit a
powerful flash of light leaving the enemy blind and disorientated for up to
15 seconds.
- Released February 1983 “Microman / Micro Change” MC-05 Camera Robot
- Western release in June 1985 “Transformers” Reflector (Photo)
- North America and European release in 1986 “The Transformers” Reflector
Although Reflector appeared from the beginning in the 1984 cartoon, it was
not released in Europe or the United States until 1986 where it was offered
as a Robot Points mail order item (the basic package simply stated
“Transformers Camera”).
Collection #6
Megatron
Omega Supreme
○ Cybertron Omega
Supreme
○ Function: Security
○ Motto: “Unyielding resolve has no conqueror.”
○ Profile:
Omega Supreme is the ultimate defence force. Possessing an incredible amount
of strength and firepower, Omegas left arm can crush a mountainside with one
blow and he can lift 300,000 tons with his claw. The Plasma Blaster in his
right arm can turn a high density 30cm cubed block of steel into dust. His
armoured body is impervious to non nuclear explosives and energy beam
weapons. Can simultaneously transform into two forms, a laser cannon tank
and a rocket equipped with a launch pad. His rocket is used for transporting
companions and supplies. Omega is powerful but it is his courage that truly
distinguishes him. Against overwhelming odds in battle he will continue to
fight with every last microchip of his being. Designed as the Cybertrons
last line of defence, Omega Supreme’s mission is to protect the base. Fellow
Cybertrons find him unapproachable but they also recognise the heavy burden
placed upon him.
-Released 1984 “Mechabot-1”
-Western release in 1985 “The Transformers” Omega Supreme
Omega Supreme is based on the large electronic toy, “Mechabot-1”, created by
the Japanese toy company Toybox. Mechabot-1 was moulded in dark grey and red
but when Hasbro sold the figure in The Transformers, the colour was changed
to a much warmer tone to match the Cybertron warriors. Unfortunately this
was never available in Japan in the “Transformers” line, nor has this been
made available overseas since its initial release between 1986 and 1986.
Long Haul
○ Destron Long Haul
○ Function: Transport Soldier
○ Motto: “A battle front is only as good as its supply line.”
○ Profile
Long Haul is a member of the Buidrons, a team responsible for all the
construction work. The 6 of them combine to form the giant warrior Devastar,
Long Haul himself forms the body module. Not enthusiastic and is not happy
with his role. He does however understand the importance of his job. When
not engaged in battle, along with his fellow Buildrons he helps to construct
energy recovery equipment to supply the Destrons. Has aspirations to be a
soldier on the battlefield as well as craving the glory that comes with it
but this is a secret he keeps to himself...Megatron does not entertain
grievances from his subordinates. In his dump truck form he can transport 90
tons of materials for 1900 km and can also attach a dual heat seeking
missile launcher. Long Haul is slow and sometimes his unhappiness reduces
his effectiveness. Worries about his job and fights where he is clearly
outmatched.
-Released June 1984 “Diaclone / Construction Vehicle Robo” No.5 Dump Truck
-Western release in 1985 “The Transformers” Long Haul
-Released September 1985 “Transformers” No.31 Long Haul
-Western release in 1993 “Transformers Generation 2” Long Haul
Originally entirely red as a “Diaclone / Construction Vehicle Robo”, Long
Haul was recoloured to a yellow / green colour. The included parts used to
build the large robot were also recoloured. The dark blue “Diaclone” parts
(which were changed to red with later releases) were recoloured purple. In
the “Generation 2” series in 1993, Long Haul was resold but this time
recoloured yellow (and later orange).
The 6 Buildrons were also released in Europe in 1992 without names and the
parts needed for combination were omitted.
Collection #11 Astrotrain
Powerglide
○ Cybertron
Powerglide
○ Function: Warrior
○ Motto: “To stop me, you have to catch me first.”
○ Profile:
While most of the Cybertrons have to travel about on the ground, Powerglide
can take to the skies and explore, something which he is very proud of.
Releases brief bursts of power to make up for his slow speed. In his bomber
mode his cruising speed is around 800 km/h but by increasing his output he
can dramatically accelerate to 5150 km/h. With his impressive
manoeuvrability he can complete an aerial loop perpendicular to the ground
within a radius of 480 m. Enjoys showing off his flying skills. Just like an
entertainer at a circus the one thing Powerglide wants is appreciation and
praise from his audience. He’ll accept this from anyone, friend or foe
alike. In bomber mode he carries small concussion bombs and he can fire a
short range thermal beam from his nose module. He can also use the thermal
beam in robot mode.
-Western release in 1985 “The Transformers” Powerglide
-Released January 1986 “Transformers C-62 Powerglide
Powerglide was sold in Japan as one of the second generation of Minibots.
Initially this was released on a blister type packaging similar to the
western release but this was later changed to a boxed version like the first
wave of Minibots.
Jaguar
○ Destron Jaguar
○ Function: Intelligence Destruction Soldier
○ Motto: “Today’s Cybertrons are tomorrow's scrap metal”
○ Profile:
Jaguar operates best alone. A creature of the night and will carry out his
murderous mischief at that time. One of the most cunning Destrons, quick to
devise new hostile strategies to use against the Cybertrons. Detached from
his comrades preferring his own company, Jaguars deeds however command
respect from fellow Destrons. An excellent war machine. Jaguar can render
himself invisible from enemy surveillance due to his internal
electromagnetic radiation. Walks without making a sound and can disappear
from sight. His built in nose module gives him an exceptional sense of
smell, hearing as well as full-spectrum electromagnetic wave detection.
Carries two low radiation type 1 megaton class proton bombs on his waist.
They have a range of 4.8 km or can be set off with a timer. Overly sensitive
to light and can be temporarily blinded by it.
-Released January 1983 “Microman / Micro Change” MC-02 Jaguar
-Western release in 1984 “The Transformers” Ravage
-Released June 1985 “Transformers” No.19 Jaguar
-Released March 1986 “Transformers” D-59 Jaguar
The timing decals only featured minor changes from the Micro Change version.
In the west Jaguar was sold in a set with Rumble but in Japan it was sold
individually like Condor. There was also a colour variation available in the
Microman line but this was not released in the Transformer series. In 1987
Jaguar was going to be re-released with the number designation D-104 however
this was cancelled.
Astrotrain
○ Destron Astrotrain
○ Function: Transport Commander
○ Motto: “In confusion there is opportunity.”
○ Profile:
Astrotrain transforms into a steam locomotive and a shuttle. Uses his
abilities to his full advantage; lures enemies into railroad tunnels in
locomotive form then changes to his shuttle mode to attack. This confuses
the Cybertrons making them think they are either against two enemies
ambushing them in the tunnel or just the one. That moment where his opponent
realises their mistake and falls into panic and fear is what Astrotrain
lives for. “It’s worth the effort……”. In robot mode he carries an Ionic
Displacer Rifle which breaks down the molecular bonds of metal with its
beam. His maximum range in locomotive mode is 2,700 km and has a maximum
speed of 640 km/h. His normal maximum speed in shuttle mode is 32,000 km/h
but if he carries extra fuel he can reach speeds of 80,000 km/h. Can achieve
planetary orbit and space travel under his own power. His weaknesses are his
wheel assembly in locomotive mode and his communications system in shuttle
mode.
-Western release in 1985 “The Transformers” Astrotrain
-Released November 1985 “Transformers No.48 Astrotrain
-Released October 1986 “Transformers” No.48 Astrotrain
-Western re-release in 1991 “Transformers Classic” Astrotrain
-Released December 2003 “Transformers Collection 11” Astrotrain
-Released January 2004 “Transformers Collectors Edition” Proto Colour
Version
There were two versions of Astrotrain in Japan. The first release featured a
white shuttle and a black locomotive; a year later a grey, black and purple
version was released. The latter was the version released overseas and this
version was also re-released in the west in 1991 under the “Classics” line.
An early western catalogue featured an Astrotrain with a grey and purple
body. The colours were similar to the cartoon version and this was finally
released as a special edition from e-Hobby.
Collection #12
Minibot Team
Warpath
○ Cybertron Warpath
○ Function: Warrior
○ Motto: “A good shot is worth more than a good intention.”
○ Profile:
His boisterous, loud-mouthed personality is welcomed by everyone and his
sense of humour invigorates an overwhelmingly gloomy atmosphere. Exerts
tremendous power in both tank and robot mode. In his tank mode, Warpath can
travel over the roughest of terrains at speeds of 48 km/h. Has a wide
variety of shells at his disposal such as explosive, thermal, cryogenic,
acid and sonic. Can hit a hex-nut at a distance of 2.4 km with a shell from
his barrel. No one would argue with his sharp shooting ability. Unable to
move if he is upended in tank mode or his treads are damaged, however his
firepower and toughness more than make up for this weakness. His thick
vanadium-steel armour is resistant to all but the heaviest of blows. Will
lose his mind if his barrel gets even the slightest of scratches. Warpath
takes pride in the appearance of his weapon that if it gets damaged he would
be too depressed to talk.
- Western release in 1985 “The Transformers” Warpath
- Released 1985 “Transformers” Warpath
- Released January 2004 “Transformers Collection 12” Minibot Team
After being sold in Europe and North America in 1985, Warpath was made
available in Japan as a mail away release alongside Adams through
Transformer Station (the fan club in Japan). Like Adams, Warpath was
distributed in the western packaging. The No. 87 product numbering has been
added for this new release.
Gears
○ Cybertron Gears
○ Function: Investigation
○ Motto: "Earth stinks, but Destrons stink worse."
○ Profile:
The pessimistic Gears is always complaining and tells anyone, he even tries
to find fault with himself. Convoy however knows this is all an act. His
complaining forces others to see the good out of a situation. Although his
sour personality is mostly an act, thinking of his homeworld of Seibertron
will depress him, negatively affecting his performance. Gears has tremendous
endurance and will carry his comrades so they can conserve their fuel. Able
to detect infrared wavelengths and excels at reconnaissance missions as he
is able to jump 3.2km. For a soft landing he creates a compressed air
cushion under his feet. Comrades appreciate his reconnaissance ability but
due to his poor manoeuvrability when he launches, he is an easy target for
the enemy.
- Released April 1983 “Microman / Micro Robo CAR” MC-04 04 4WD Off-Road
- Western release in 1985 “The Transformers” Gears
- Released January 2004 “Transformers Collection 12” Minibot Team
Gears was based on one of the Micro Robo CAR releases but features some
moulding colour differences. Unfortunately the Japanese release of Gears in
1985 was postponed yet he did appear in the lineup during the market test
sales of “Henshin Sentai Transformers”. Additionally there are two versions
of the “Microman” Micro Robo Car 04 packaging, one version does not include
the MC designation number.
The No. 85 product numbering has been added for this new release.
Drag
○ Cybertron Drag
○ Function: Engineer
○ Motto: “Molecular structure is the key to success.”
○ Profile:
Bumble says that Drag looks at the world “through a sludge-coloured
windscreen”. Pessimistic, says it can’t be done yet builds the most
complicated fortress. Drag is not very sociable but incredibly reliable. His
arms contain a complex system of sensors which allows him to test a variety
of materials, some used for construction allowing him to test for tensile
strength, heat resistance, elasticity etc. Even without the most basic of
tools, he could construct a suspension bridge using hairpins and glue. His
mathematical and geometrical abilities far exceed those of his peers aiding
him with his construction designs. Drag misses Seibertron and longs to
return, so much so that it would be difficult for Commander Convoy and the
Cybertrons to offer him any solace.
- Released April 1983 “Microman / Micro Robo CAR” MC-04 07 4WD American
Truck
- Western release in 1984 “The Transformers” Huffer
- Released June 1985 “Transformers” No.14 Drag
- Released January 2004 “Transformers Collection 12” Minibot Team
Drag is based on the “Micro Robo Car” MC-04 American styled truck (the
numbering was later changed to Micro Robo Car 07 on the box). When released
in the Transformers series it was almost identical apart from the chest
sticker that had to be moved due to the placement of the Cybertron insignia.
Collection #15
Stepper
Stepper
○ Cybertron Stepper
○ Function: Rapid Fire Attack
○ Motto: “Concentration doesn’t help you aim, it’s guts.”
○ Profile
Quick tempered but has a strong sense of justice. He is one of the
Cybertrons best marksmen; on Seibertron he used to compete with his friends
Streak and Fusion. As a Targetmaster Stepper is partnered with Nebulon and
the pair's backgrounds could not be more different. Unlike fellow
Targetmasters, Nebulon also attaches to Stepper’s back. After an incident on
Planet Master left Stepper’s metabolic functions critically damaged, the
engineer Nebulon volunteered to help. Now joined in symbiosis, Nebulon is
Steppers life support. His jet black coloured body functions as a
“Blackbody*” and collects energy when he is not engaged in battle and his
Nebulon Flame Cannon fires the accumulated energy. Temperatures of the
energy released can easily exceed 5000oC; however in car mode as
he travels at speeds of 700km/h he won’t use this weapon due to the air flow
and instead will switch to his two Beam Cannons.
*Blackbody, in physics, a surface that absorbs all radiant energy falling
on it. The term arises because incident visible light will be absorbed
rather than reflected, and therefore the surface will appear black.
Reference:
https://www.britannica.com/science/blackbody
-Released December 1987 “Transformers” C-109 Stepper
-Western release in 2004 “The Transformers Generation One” Ricochet
-Released August 2004 “Transformers Collection” No.15 Stepper
Stepper is a Targetmaster who was only released in Japan but in 2004 it was
finally released in the West. Originally, unlike other Targetmasters, the
gun would not fit in Steppers fist but this was changed for the 2004
release. Additionally the updated release comes with extra weapons and a
secret emblem*.
*Rub Sign
Razorclaw
○ Destron Razorclaw
○ Function: Animatron Staff Officer
○ Motto: “All good things succumb to those who wait.”
○ Profile:
Despises waste and unless he is sure of the outcome he will not spend a drop
of energy. Many would assume he is lazy and disinterested but if you look
closer his eyes never close and are constantly shifting their steely gaze.
When he judges the moment is right, Razorclaw will suddenly explode into
furious, ferocious action. Afterwards he will return to rest and wait until
the next attack, it is not uncommon that his joints would seize after long
periods of inactivity. In lion mode he can run 145km/h. He can leap as far
as a football field and his claws can tear 32cm thick steel. Uses a pair of
Concussion Blasters which fire capsules that explode on contact releasing a
volatile gas. In robot mode he wields a Sonic Sword which emits powerful
vibrations which enhances its sharpness tenfold. The sword shatters the
molecular structure of metal upon contact. Combines with the other
Animatrons to form Predaking.
-Western release in 1986 “The Transformers” Razorclaw
-Released February 1987 “Transformers” D-73 Razorclaw
-Released February 1987 “Transformers” D-78 Predaking
Strictly speaking the Animatrons were the first combiners developed for the
“Transformers” series. Unlike the other combiner teams each of the Animatron
members have an average height of 16cm. In Europe and North America the
initial releases of the Animatrons in the first half of 1986 were released
with metal parts. Specifically with Razorclaw, his waist was made out of
metal.
Collection #17
Blitzwing
Predaking
○ Destron Predaking
○ Function: Giant Combiner Warrior
○ Motto: “Destroy first, ask questions later.”
○ Profile:
Although a living machine who operates with a collection of microprocessors
and a logic centre, Predakings behaviour is driven by pure instinct. His
giant form rampages with a fierce fluidity. His optical sensors react to any
movement within 0.002 seconds regardless of size, be it a jumbo jet or an
ant. Only Destron warriors can escape this terror however they fear that
Predaking may mistake them for an enemy. Predaking is the perfect weapon
with no known weaknesses. He can lift a 500 ton object without straining a
circuit and a single punch from his fist can shatter a solid concrete block.
Generates a powerful electric field around himself which repels energy based
beam attacks and prevents other Transformers from getting within 3m of him.
As well as his X-Ray Laser cannon which is equivalent to the power of 100
tons of TNT, each foot is equipped with twin mortars. The giant warrior
Predaking is made up of the five Animatrons. Combined, Staff Officer
Razorclaw (lion) forms the body, Gunner Rampage (tiger) and Aerial Attack
Soldier Divebomb (eagle) form the arms and Fueler Tantrum (buffalo) and
Ground Assault Headstrong (Rhinoceros) form both legs. The X-Ray Cannon
mounted on his arm and Lightning Rifle are modified versions of Razorclaw’s
standard weapons and the wings on his back consist of parts from Divebomb.
-Released February 1987 “Transformers” D-78 Predaking
-Released December 2004 “Transformers Reissue” D-78 Predaking
Predaking consists of Rampage for the right arm, Divebomb for the left arm,
Tantrum for the right leg and Headstrong for the left leg. In the cartoon
the arms and legs were often swapped around. When combined, Predaking stands
30cm tall and possibly due to its size, the giftset was not sold in Europe
or America but Predakings tech spec (character profile) was printed on each
of the Animatrons instructions. The giftset was only released in Japan for
11,000 yen, the highest price point of any Transformer at this point in
time. Predaking was also the flagship product for the campaigns “Destron
Victory!” and “Destron’s Counterattack” which were launched in Japan.
Blitzwing
○ Destron / Blitzwing
○ Function: Air / Land Staff Officer
○ Motto: “Destroy first, think later.”
○ Profile
The Triple Changer Blitzwing is recognised as one of the most dangerous
Destrons because of his ability to rapidly transform between his tank and
jet forms. His preferred tactic is to dive towards his target in jet form
and transform into his tank form when he lands, crushing his target. Thinks
he has a sense of humour but what makes him laugh is being brutal and cruel
to others. Being loud mouthed and militant gives him great presence as a
warrior but is not good for those who have to be around him. One of his
drawbacks however is that his circuits sometimes get scrambled when he is in
mid-transformation. In fighter jet form he can fly a distance of 2400km at
Mach 2.7 and in his tank form his explosive shells can destroy a 5 story
building 5km away. In robot mode he carries an electronic saber that will
short-circuit any electrical device with the lightest of touches.
-Released August 1984 “Diaclone / Variable Squadron Triple Changer”
-Western release in 1985 “The Transformers” Blitzwing
-Released November 1985 “Transformers” No.43 Blitzwing
-Released January 2005 “Transformers Collection 17” Blitzwing
Blitzwing is based on the original “Diaclone / Variable Squadron”. The
“Variable Squadron” version had a dark green and grey colour scheme whose
colour was changed to purple matching that of a Destron warrior. The sand
coloured tank mode, unique for the Transformers version, was based on the
tanks seen in the Middle East during the 1980’s. The western version was
also packaged in the tank mode.
Collection #20
Future Cybertrons
Skywarp
○ Destron Skywarp
○ Function: Aerial Warrior
○ Motto: “Strike when the enemy isn’t looking.”
○ Profile
Skywarp is the sneakiest of the Destrons. You could never call him smart and
would be confused without Megatron’s command. In flight he can reach speeds
of Mach 2 to 2.4 per hour and has a unique ability enabling him to warp
(teleport) up to a distance of 4km. On his homeworld on Seibertron he was
known to bring fear and destruction upon peaceful Cybertron villages.
Skywarp will even prank fellow Destrons with his warp ability. Many of his
peers enjoy the joke apart from the one being pranked. The accuracy of his
warp ability depends on the distance travelled, if he’s not careful he may
collide into things as he reappears. Armed with heat seeking missiles
(sidewinder) and a variable machine gun.
-Western release in 1984 “THE TRANSFORMERS” Skywarp
-Released June 1985 “TRANSFORMERS” No. 23 Skywarp
-Released June 2001 “TRANSFORMERS” Collectors Edition No.23 Skywarp
-Western release in 2003 “THE TRANSFORMERS GENERATION ONE” Skywarp
Skywarp was released among the initial lineup of toys with the Destron
styled colouring of black and purple. As with Thundercracker, there are
variations with different vertical tail fins depending on the time of
release as well as differences with the shape of the canopy. Additionally
the western release “GENERATION ONE” version had newly shaped missile
accessories to comply with the latest safety standards.
Wheelie
○ Cybertron Wheelie
○ Function: Survivalist (Survivor)
○ Motto: “Only the strong survive.”
○ Profile
Wheelie is a survivor from the galactic colonies who crash landed on planet
Quintessa. A wild boy who survives tough predicaments using cunning and
fearlessness. Distinguished by talking in rhymes and will always defend
enemies of the Quintessons and Sharktrons. Wheelie will only fight to defend
himself; armed with a slingshot, three bladed knife and laser rifle. A
reliable Cybertron ally; he later developed a close friendship with the
Dinobots and rushed to aid Hot Rodimus and Chear who were battling a swarm
of Sharktrons.
-Western release in 1986 “THE TRANSFORMERS” Wheelie
-Released November 1986 “TRANSFORMERS” C-80 Wheelie
-Released August 2005 “Transformers Collection” 20 Future Cybertron
Wheelie was released in 1986 and is the only Minibot released that year who
was an entirely new mould. In the 1986 series Wheelie was categorised as a
Minibot; and Wheelie was also present in the initial 1987 catalogue for the
“Headmasters” series in Japan.
Chear
○ Cybertron Chear
○ Function: Warrior
○ Motto: “The past is the greatest teacher.”
○ Profile:
Chear is a veteran warrior who always has a story based on his one thousand
adventures. Transforms into a pickup truck with a maximum speed of 160 km/h.
Compared with the other Cybertrons, Chear’s vehicle mode is rather old
fashioned though he doesn’t seem bothered by this. Chear considers himself
as an experienced warrior with a wealth of knowledge and experience.
Although his advice is not always accepted 100%, the Dinobots always enjoy
listening to his tales (and Chear also enjoys the Dinobots company). The
brave Chear occasionally grumbles over the reckless Hot Rodimus. It is said
that Chear compares his relationship with Hot Rodimus to that of Falstaff
and Prince Hal from Shakespeare's historical play. Carries an old fashioned
laser gun that fires a corrosive hydrochloric acid.
-Western release in 1986 “THE TRANSFORMERS” Kup
-Released November 1986 “TRANSFORMERS” C-82 Chear
-Western release in 1987 “THE TRANSFORMERS” Kup (Targetmaster)
-Released August 2005 “Transformers Collection” 20 Future Cybertron
The earliest western release of Chear used die cast metal and rubber wheels,
but mid production these were changed to plastic. Even the 1987 Targetmaster
version, with partner Recoil, had plastic wheels. Although the 1986 gun did
not come with the Targetmaster version, the 2005 “Transformers Collection”
version comes with both guns for the first time and the wheels are made of
rubber and metal, the same as the initial western release. |
