Cybertron Jetfire (Ultra)

Prelude: Our worlds are in danger! To save them and the galaxy we must... well, you know the score. And here to aid our valiant heroes in finding the four Cyber Planet Keys before the Decepticons can use them for evil is the Bot from Down Under, the Aussie Avenger, the Autobot with the most pronounced Australian accent ever, Jetfire. Way back in 2007 I already reviewed his repaint Sky Shadow, but now, thanks to a loan from Fuchs Geronimo, I can finally review the original. Let’s say go!

Robot Mode: Jetfire is a robot from the Ultra-Class, meaning he is quite big and massive. His huge wings give him a huge shoulder span and then there is, of course, his truly gigantic backpack. Despite this, though, he is a surprisingly well-articulated figure and has a stable stance in most poses (just don’t lean him too far back). His arm movement is a big hampered by the big wings, but they can move along with the arms, so it’s not much of an impediment. Just be a bit careful when moving the wings, as they are quick to pop out. Also, Jetfire has twisting wrists, a feature only very few figures had at the time.

In terms of weapons Jetfire carries two missile launchers, which he can also mount under his wings, as well as two non-firing missile launchers that pop out of his torso during transformation. He also has a Cyberkey gimmick, of course, which involves flipping forward his backpack. Now he has two light-up laser cannons with electronic sound effects. Sadly he needs to squat in a somewhat undignified pose in order to properly aim them at someone. Overall the Cyberkey gimmick is okay, if short of spectacular.

Overall Jetfire’s robot mode is pretty good. His massive proportions and huge backpack are probably not for everyone, but otherwise there is nothing to complain about. Thumbs up for the robot mode.

Alternate Mode: Jetfire transforms into a massive green cargo plane, somewhat resembling the Antonov AN-225. The plane is big, yet still looks very aerodynamic, and has a nice, heavy feel to it. There is a landing gear and unlike many jet Transformers, the plane’s underbelly is fully in-character here, as we’re talking about a cargo plane, not a fighter. The missile launchers go under the wings again, giving the plane ample fire power, too.

The Cyberkey gimmick works in this mode, too, though it involves flipping forward the plane’s entire rear assembly. Say goodbye to any and all aerodynamics here. So best to reserve that feature for the robot mode, I’d say. Overall Jetfire’s vehicle mode is very nicely done, the plane looking much sleeker than the robot, and while it does have some futuristic-looking detailing, it might just the most realistic-looking vehicle mode in the Cybertron line. So once again, thumbs up.

Remarks: Jetfire was one of the few Autobots to be present in all three iterations of the Unicron Trilogy (Armada, Energon, Cybertron), though one must say that his Cybertron incarnation had little in common with his previous two versions. The reason for that is, of course, that Galaxy Force Dreadrock (his Takara name) was meant to be an entirely different character. Jetfire was mostly Earth-bound during the events of Cybertron, battling Decepticons such as Starscream and Thundercracker and searching for the Cyber Planet Key of Earth.

As a toy Jetfire is a figure I would classify as good, but nothing more than that. Apart from his huge backpack in robot mode he does not have any flaws, but neither does he have much to make him stand out (except, you know, being quite big). Also, green is not really the color I associate with Jetfire. So bottom line: a good toy, worth getting for Cybertron fans.

Rating: B-

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