Jetfire (Classics line)

Possibly The Perfect Toy

Hasbro’s Transformers Classic series, 2006

　

A jet that transforms into a robot, Jetfire is a recurring character in the long-running Transformers series. His defection to the Autobots from the Decepticons is usually an integral part of his character identity. This particular toy is a re-imagining of the original transformable jet issued in 1985.

Background

To celebrate Habro’s Twentieth Anniversary, they began their Transformers Classics toy line as a way to connect the original line of toys with modern audiences. This meant that all the classic characters were going to receive facelifts and even a few full-scale overhauls. The Transformers had already gone through several incarnations since the close of the original toy line (colloquially referred to as Generation One, or G-1), but the Classics line was meant as both a re-imagining of, and a tribute to, the original series.

Jetfire has been a fan favorite in the Transformers since the first incarnation in 1985. Redrawn and named Skyfire in the animated series (allegedly due to unconfirmed legal issues stemming from use of a Valkryie toy mold from Robotech – a rival cartoon at that time), his tale is one that usually brings a little bit more reality to the story of transforming alien robots. He was saved in the original series by an old friend and Decepticon named Starscream. He joined with their group but quickly found his beliefs conflicting with their goals of conquest. By the end of the episode, he defected to the Autobots. This tale of defection in order to preserve one’s morals is echoed in most of his later incarnations, up to the 2009 live-action film Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.

　

Appearance – 5 out of 5

This toy is simply beautiful. It does a fantastic job of harkening back to the original 1985 toy, while at the same time being its own original work. It’s so detailed that even rubbing your fingers over it reveals every crevice and jut, but not in a manner that is visually distracting. What’s especially noteworthy is just how fantastic this toy looks and feels like the original Jetfire toy. It even transforms in a fashion similar to the original toy – evoking a sense of tactile nostalgia – but at the same, the transformation is different enough to preserve its sense of uniqueness.

Construction – 4 out of 5

Habro has a deserved reputation for making quality toys and Jetfire is no exception. The plastic used feels solid and sturdy, but not overly heavy. The joints don’t feel taxed under the weight of the limbs, but there is still some heft to this toy. All the detachable pieces come off with ease, but don’t fall off and when a limb is moved in any direction, it stays there.

Movement – 5 out of 5

The original Transformers, for all their accolades, were not the best toys ever. Many of the figures couldn’t actually move all that much beyond the transformation from vehicle to robot and back. Anything above the ability to move the arms was actually pretty remarkable. The correction of this problem in the Classics toy line is easily one of the biggest selling points. Jetfire is incredibly easy to pose in a wide variety of positions. Each joint is very flexible and easy to move, yet still sturdy so that the toy doesn’t fall under its own weight. The body moves very easily and it can flow from jet mode to human mode without any trouble.

Extras – 4 out of 5

The toy comes with a detachable backpack, two detachable arm rockets, a laser weapon (that separates into two for dual-wielding), and even a detachable helmet (allowing the toy to resemble both the character from the animated series AND the original toy at the same time). The arm rockets fire missiles (with about two or three feet range, making them strong enough to fly nicely but not strong enough to put out somebody’s eye) and the backpack has spring-mounted gunpods that can be angled in the robot mode. This means the already fun-to-play-with jet has a plethora of additions that provides a whole new level of playability.

Packaging – 3 out of 5

The packaging that Jetfire comes in is pretty average. There’s no built-in diorama, though the packaging graphics are pretty nice. There’s a brief character bio that includes the usual Transformers statistics (ranking things like speed, power, and rank, on a scale of one through ten), but there’s little else of note. Inside, you’re treated to a rather frustrating maze of twisty-ties that keep the toy securely in place, and instructions on transformation. In other words, the usual fare.

　

Overall – 5 out of 5

This really is an excellent toy, one of the best I’ve ever seen. It’s well-made and sturdy, it’s easy to play with and comes with a lot of little extras, it’s very detailed, and it invokes the memory of its earlier incarnations while still being unique in its own right. Classics Jetfire is probably one of the best toys Hasbro has ever made, and that is really saying something.