Thrilling 30 Jetfire

 

Robot Mode: Jetfire is a Leader-class robot, meaning pretty big (though the Leader-class isn’t as big as it once was). His basic appearance is mostly patterned after the G1 cartoon character Skyfire, though some elements of the original G1 Jetfire toy are also present, mostly in terms of add-on parts. He is mostly white with some black and red highlights, plus the blue ‘cockpit’ on his chest. This is where the design differs from both G1 cartoon character and toy, as the actual jet cockpit and nose are on the back of the figure, the chest ending up on the belly of the jet in alternate mode. Some purists might be put off by this change in design, but it’s nicely implemented here and not really a call for complaint.

Detailing is good, though a few more paint apps would have brought it out more. In terms of articulation there is no cause for complaint, Jetfire is as bendy as you expect from a current-day Transformers figure. He comes with a big rocket booster rucksack to put on his back, a helmet to cover up his face (turning cartoon Skyfire into toy Jetfire) and no less than five weapons. A missile launcher to hold in his hand, two guns for his forearms, two guns for his legs. All five weapons plus the helmet can also combine into a single large weapon which... well, let’s say that it’s fun that they can combine, but that doesn’t mean they should. Also, you should probably leave the arm cannons attached to Jetfire at all times, because without them his forearms are open to one side, showing a lot of hollow space. The thighs have the same problem, but it’s not as noticeable there.

Except for the helmet all of Jetfire’s add-on parts are chromed red, which doesn’t look bad, but probably isn’t good for their longevity, as this kind of paint tends to flake after a few years. The prototype pics on the back of Jetfire’s package feature the weapons in black and red, no chrome, which I would have preferred. Again, not really a flaw, but something that could have been handled a bit better.

Bottom line: a pretty good robot mode. Some things could have been improved such as the chromed paint and the hollow forearms and thighs, but overall, nicely done.

Alternate Mode: Almost no trace to be found here of the bulky space cruiser cartoon Skyfire became, here we have a very close approximation of the modified F-14A Tomcat – moving wings and all - that the G1 Jetfire toy transformed into. A very sleek and dangerous looking jet, it does have a bit of an underbelly, but no more than G1 Jetfire had (where it was fully intentional due to the Veritech’s transformation ability). Again, a few more paint apps to break up the mostly-white jet frame would have been appreciated, but apart from that there is no complaining here in terms of looks.

The jet can, of course, be enhanced with Jetfire’s add-on parts as well. You can add the big red turbo-boosters on top, plus all five guns, though attaching the big one under the nose interferes with the landing gear. And speaking of the landing gear, it seems to be a trend currently – after having a proper landing gear on nearly all jet-Transformers this past decade or so – to just have a front wheel that unfolds, while the two rear wheels are static. Not really hurting the jet mode here, but a trend I don’t particularly care for.

Not much else I can write here. A good-looking, sleek jet mode. Nicely done.

Remarks : Let us not go into the long and complicated history of Jetfire/Skyfire and Hasbro’s rather colorful relationship with Robotech owners Harmony Gold. Instead let’s look at the character himself, who has been in just about every incarnation of Generation 1 in some shape or form, as well as most other versions of the Transformers. In fact his profile text is actually a near-copy of that of Revenge of the Fallen Jetfire (the only other Leader-class Jetfire), only adding his G1 scientist background. Not sure if that is a marketing thing. Do they really want to remind people of the Revenge of the Fallen movie? Anyway, Jetfire is a very common name in the Transformers franchise and oftentimes he is a scientist-type who’s not that much into fighting, but is still one of the most heavily-armed and biggest Transformers. Not sure that makes sense, but it’s who he is (most of the times).

Overall Jetfire is a good toy, no doubt about it. A few more paint apps, a bit less red chrome maybe, but otherwise he’s quite good. That said, though, the only thing he has over the Classics Jetfire / Henkey! Skyfire mold is his size. In just about all other aspects the eight-year-older Voyager-sized figure is either just as good or better, in my opinion. Again, that isn’t meant to put Leader-class Jetfire down in any way, it’s just that he doesn’t score that well in the direct comparison. Overall I do recommend Generations Jetfire, with the slight reservation that owners of Classics Jetfire / Henkei! Skyfire really should think twice before buying him, as he doesn’t really offer them anything new. Everyone else, though: you’re buying a good figure here.

Rating : B+