Sky Lynx
Encyclopedia
Sky Lynx is the name of several different characters in the fictional Transformers universes
.
profile), and a ground transport vehicle, which transforms into a lynx
. The two parts can combine with each other in either mode, allowing one to mount the shuttle on the transporter, or merge the bird and lynx into one large, griffin
-like robot form (referred to as his "Dinoblast" mode in scripts for the animated series). It is this mode for which he is most famous, because it acts as his dominant robot mode in both cartoon and comic, replacing the humanoid form employed by most Transformers.
Sky Lynx's unusual transformation has led to a few inconsistencies in the manner in which it is depicted in other media. The Marvel comic series erroneously (but consistently) portrayed him as not separating into bird and lynx modes, but instead transforming between the two, like a Triple Changer
, despite establishing that he was supposed to separate in the Transformers: Universe
handbook. Conversely, the animated series adhered to the character's intended transformation method of splitting into two forms, save for an animation error in "Surprise Party", which saw an unusually small Sky Lynx transform directly from shuttle mode to lynx mode and in "The Quintesson Journal" when Sky Lynx transforms from lynx mode to shuttle mode.
The Sky Lynx toy is one of the largest Generation 1 Transformers, almost as big as Metroplex
or Trypticon
, but (unusually for a toy of its size) does not come with any accessories whatsoever.
He was picked as the 4th worst Transformer of all time by X-Entertrainment.http://www.x-entertainment.com/messages/547.html
). He speaks with a British
accent. Sky Lynx played an important part in "The Return of Optimus Prime
" by bringing a Quintesson
to Earth
to revive the deceased Optimus Prime
, and in "Call of the Primitives" where he led the primitive animal-themed Transformers. He has an enmity with the Decepticon
sub-group the Predacons, especially in their combined form of Predaking.
Sky Lynx appeared in episode 89, "Grimlock's New Brain". Returning from a deep space mission fighting Decepticons with Cosmos, the pair of Autobots suddenly found themselves unable to fly and crashed into Cybertron at Power Platform Alpha. It was discovered that sabotage in the generator was creating a disruptive effect on Transformers. Cosmos and Sky Lynx were sent to repair by Perceptor.
His most important role was in "The Return of Optimus Prime
". After the initial phase of the Hate Plague had infected the Earth and the surrounding star systems Sky Lynx was perhaps the only uninfected transformer still capable of spaceflight. He was contacted by Rodimus Prime while en route to Earth to combat the plague and evacuate survivors. Rodimus ordered him to find a Quintesson
and bring him to Earth without delay. He does so once learning a Quintesson is needed to restore Optimus Prime to life. Sky Lynx rescues one from Plague-infected Sharkticon
s in return for the entity's help with Prime. The pair manage to revive Optimus while hiding in the deactivated Metroplex
. Sky Lynx transports Optimus and several other Autobots to the Decepticon
homeworld of Chaar. Forming an alliance with the uninfected Galvatron
, the plague-proof metal is acquired. Due to circumstance, Sky Lynx and Prime make it back to Earth as the only alliance members uninfected. By this time, Rodimus Prime, holding the Matrix, had become infected. Prime is coated with the small quantity of the special metal they had and with the assistance of the uninfected Steeljaw
, confronts Rodimus. Sky Lynx is infected during this. Rodimus is soon defeated and the Matrix cures the Plague.
had taken up leadership of the Autobots after Optimus Prime
's death. He sided with the "rebel" Autobots Blaster
and Bumblebee
who Grimlock
, leader of the Autobots at the time, thought were criminals.
Meanwhile, on Earth, four human children (three boys and a girl) accidentally witnessed a battle between the Protectobot
s and the Combaticons
. The Protectobots won, with help from Blaster, and the children became so excited that they wanted to join in. The Autobots agreed, removing the modification lock Grimlock had placed on Blaster and putting it on the Combaticon Blast Off instead. Inside Blast Off, Blaster and the children were able to go to space.
Sky Lynx's first job was to escort the children safely off from Blast Off, who was seen as an enemy by Grimlock's forces. This worked, but Sky Lynx and the children later got into trouble on a cosmic carnival ship where Berko put them on public display.
After escaping the carnival ship, Sky Lynx brought the children safely back home to Earth. However, when he revealed he was a Transformer, the crowd got scared and angry, and drove him and Berko back to space. They later ended up at Central Point Space Station, where they were in danger of being eaten by Mecannibals. Autobot Pretenders
Landmine
and Cloudburst
saved them.
's space ports when a group of Decepticon
s led by Starscream
steals him. After Sky Lynx launched into space, he transforms into bird mode and regains control of himself.
It was later shown that the Decepticons were able to overpower Sky Lynx and forced him into fighting the Combaticons
in their combined form of Bruticus for combat training on Earth. He was presumably liberated when Megatron and the Predacons arrived to force Starscream and the Combaticons into submission.
, this time, part of the Decepticon Sky Attack Team.
.
Sky Lynx was once a humble Lieutenant Commander on Cybertron in charge of the 9th Omega Sentinel Brigade who was defeated and humiliated by the great barbarian lord Wheelie. He was later recruited by Alpha Trion and hopes to redeem himself by helping bring overlord Alpha Trion to power.
. This character is one of Optimus Prime's evil Autobots, but secretly loyal to Alpha Trion. He captures the Decepticon scout Breakdown and gives him to his master. Later, Sky Lynx helps Alpha Trion in attempting to kill Optimus Prime.
Transformers universes
is an entertainment franchise. It began with the Hasbro Transformers toy line, centered on two factions of warring alien robots which are called the Autobots and the Decepticons...
.
Transformers: Generation 1
Sky Lynx consists of two separate components: a space shuttle that can transform into a bird-like creature (variously dubbed a "prehistoric bird" by his instruction sheet, and a "dino-bird" by his Transformers: UniverseTransformers: Universe
Transformers: Universe is a line of toys that consists of re-painted and re-released toys from various Transformers lines of toys. For the comic book series see Transformers Universe .- Toy line :...
profile), and a ground transport vehicle, which transforms into a lynx
Lynx
A lynx is any of the four Lynx genus species of medium-sized wildcats. The name "lynx" originated in Middle English via Latin from Greek word "λύγξ", derived from the Indo-European root "*leuk-", meaning "light, brightness", in reference to the luminescence of its reflective eyes...
. The two parts can combine with each other in either mode, allowing one to mount the shuttle on the transporter, or merge the bird and lynx into one large, griffin
Griffin
The griffin, griffon, or gryphon is a legendary creature with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle...
-like robot form (referred to as his "Dinoblast" mode in scripts for the animated series). It is this mode for which he is most famous, because it acts as his dominant robot mode in both cartoon and comic, replacing the humanoid form employed by most Transformers.
Sky Lynx's unusual transformation has led to a few inconsistencies in the manner in which it is depicted in other media. The Marvel comic series erroneously (but consistently) portrayed him as not separating into bird and lynx modes, but instead transforming between the two, like a Triple Changer
Triple Changer
Triple Changers are Transformers that can transform from robot into two different alternative modes.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
, despite establishing that he was supposed to separate in the Transformers: Universe
Transformers: Universe
Transformers: Universe is a line of toys that consists of re-painted and re-released toys from various Transformers lines of toys. For the comic book series see Transformers Universe .- Toy line :...
handbook. Conversely, the animated series adhered to the character's intended transformation method of splitting into two forms, save for an animation error in "Surprise Party", which saw an unusually small Sky Lynx transform directly from shuttle mode to lynx mode and in "The Quintesson Journal" when Sky Lynx transforms from lynx mode to shuttle mode.
The Sky Lynx toy is one of the largest Generation 1 Transformers, almost as big as Metroplex
Metroplex (Transformers)
Metroplex is the name of several fictional characters in the various Transformers series.-Transformers: Generation 1:Metroplex is capable of transforming into a battle station or a giant robot...
or Trypticon
Trypticon
Trypticon is a fictional character in the Transformers toyline.-Transformers: Generation 1:Trypticon is the Decepticons' principal command base. He has three modes: a city, a mobile battle station, and a Tyrannosaurus rex. In each mode, he has a variety of weapons...
, but (unusually for a toy of its size) does not come with any accessories whatsoever.
Reception
Sky Lynx was named to have the "shittiest" Transformers disguise by Cracked magazine.He was picked as the 4th worst Transformer of all time by X-Entertrainment.http://www.x-entertainment.com/messages/547.html
Animated series
Sky Lynx only appeared in the third season. True to his tech specs, he appears very intellectual and somewhat snobbish (he resented being lumped into the same category as the DinobotsDinobots
Dinobots is the name of several teams of characters in the fictional Transformers Universe. The groups are made up of several robots, each of whose transformed mode is that of a dinosaur or similar prehistoric animal. They are called Dinotrons in the Japanese version; and ' in the Japanese dub of...
). He speaks with a British
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
accent. Sky Lynx played an important part in "The Return of Optimus Prime
The Return of Optimus Prime
The Return of Optimus Prime is the two-part season finale of season three on the animated TV series The Transformers. Part 1 aired February 24, 1987, Part 2 aired the next day.- Part 1 :...
" by bringing a Quintesson
Quintesson
Quintessons are fictional aliens from the Transformers universe. Within the TV series, they are the creators of the Transformers, although in most other fictional universes featuring the Transformers, they have no such status...
to Earth
Earth
Earth is the third planet from the Sun, and the densest and fifth-largest of the eight planets in the Solar System. It is also the largest of the Solar System's four terrestrial planets...
to revive the deceased Optimus Prime
Optimus Prime
Optimus Prime is a fictional character from the Transformers franchise. Prime is the leader of the autobots, a faction of transforming robots from the planet Cybertron. The autobots are constantly waging war against a rival faction of transforming robots called Decepticons...
, and in "Call of the Primitives" where he led the primitive animal-themed Transformers. He has an enmity with the Decepticon
Decepticon
The Decepticons are usually depicted as the antagonists in the fictional universes of the Transformers stoyline and related comics and cartoons, and the enemies of the Autobots and the University of California Davis Aggies...
sub-group the Predacons, especially in their combined form of Predaking.
Sky Lynx appeared in episode 89, "Grimlock's New Brain". Returning from a deep space mission fighting Decepticons with Cosmos, the pair of Autobots suddenly found themselves unable to fly and crashed into Cybertron at Power Platform Alpha. It was discovered that sabotage in the generator was creating a disruptive effect on Transformers. Cosmos and Sky Lynx were sent to repair by Perceptor.
His most important role was in "The Return of Optimus Prime
The Return of Optimus Prime
The Return of Optimus Prime is the two-part season finale of season three on the animated TV series The Transformers. Part 1 aired February 24, 1987, Part 2 aired the next day.- Part 1 :...
". After the initial phase of the Hate Plague had infected the Earth and the surrounding star systems Sky Lynx was perhaps the only uninfected transformer still capable of spaceflight. He was contacted by Rodimus Prime while en route to Earth to combat the plague and evacuate survivors. Rodimus ordered him to find a Quintesson
Quintesson
Quintessons are fictional aliens from the Transformers universe. Within the TV series, they are the creators of the Transformers, although in most other fictional universes featuring the Transformers, they have no such status...
and bring him to Earth without delay. He does so once learning a Quintesson is needed to restore Optimus Prime to life. Sky Lynx rescues one from Plague-infected Sharkticon
Sharkticon
-Transformers: Generation One:The ravenous Sharkticons, the most famous and deadly of the Quintessons' slaves, are rotund robots capable of transforming into ferocious, amphibious creatures...
s in return for the entity's help with Prime. The pair manage to revive Optimus while hiding in the deactivated Metroplex
Metroplex (Transformers)
Metroplex is the name of several fictional characters in the various Transformers series.-Transformers: Generation 1:Metroplex is capable of transforming into a battle station or a giant robot...
. Sky Lynx transports Optimus and several other Autobots to the Decepticon
Decepticon
The Decepticons are usually depicted as the antagonists in the fictional universes of the Transformers stoyline and related comics and cartoons, and the enemies of the Autobots and the University of California Davis Aggies...
homeworld of Chaar. Forming an alliance with the uninfected Galvatron
Galvatron
Galvatron is the name of several fictional Transformers, most often the recreated version of Megatron, the Decepticon leader. He was voiced by Leonard Nimoy in the 1986 Transformers movie, and then by Frank Welker in season 3 and 4 of the animated television series. Since then, other Transformers...
, the plague-proof metal is acquired. Due to circumstance, Sky Lynx and Prime make it back to Earth as the only alliance members uninfected. By this time, Rodimus Prime, holding the Matrix, had become infected. Prime is coated with the small quantity of the special metal they had and with the assistance of the uninfected Steeljaw
Steeljaw
Steeljaw is the name of several characters from the Transformers toy line and television series.-Transformers: Generation 1:He is an Autobot and part of the mini-cassette team. He takes the form of a lion...
, confronts Rodimus. Sky Lynx is infected during this. Rodimus is soon defeated and the Matrix cures the Plague.
Marvel Comics
Sky Lynx first appeared after GrimlockGrimlock
Grimlock is the name of several fictional characters in the Transformers universes. He is usually portrayed as a tough leader who turns into a mechanical dinosaur...
had taken up leadership of the Autobots after Optimus Prime
Optimus Prime
Optimus Prime is a fictional character from the Transformers franchise. Prime is the leader of the autobots, a faction of transforming robots from the planet Cybertron. The autobots are constantly waging war against a rival faction of transforming robots called Decepticons...
's death. He sided with the "rebel" Autobots Blaster
Blaster (Transformers)
Blaster is the name of several fictional characters in the Transformers television and comic series based on the popular toy line produced by Takara Tomy and Hasbro. Due to trademark reasons, he is sometimes called Autobot Blaster...
and Bumblebee
Bumblebee (Transformers)
Bumblebee is the name of several fictional characters from the various Transformers universes. In most incarnations, Bumblebee is a small, yellow Autobot with the altmode of a compact car.- Transformers: Generation 1 :...
who Grimlock
Grimlock
Grimlock is the name of several fictional characters in the Transformers universes. He is usually portrayed as a tough leader who turns into a mechanical dinosaur...
, leader of the Autobots at the time, thought were criminals.
Meanwhile, on Earth, four human children (three boys and a girl) accidentally witnessed a battle between the Protectobot
Protectobot
The Protectobots are a fictional emergency, search and rescue team of five Autobots in the Transformers toyline. They transform into civilian service and emergency vehicles and combine to form the combiner Defensor...
s and the Combaticons
Combaticons
The Combaticons are a group of Decepticon military vehicles in the assorted fictional universes of the Transformers.- Transformers: Generation 1 :...
. The Protectobots won, with help from Blaster, and the children became so excited that they wanted to join in. The Autobots agreed, removing the modification lock Grimlock had placed on Blaster and putting it on the Combaticon Blast Off instead. Inside Blast Off, Blaster and the children were able to go to space.
Sky Lynx's first job was to escort the children safely off from Blast Off, who was seen as an enemy by Grimlock's forces. This worked, but Sky Lynx and the children later got into trouble on a cosmic carnival ship where Berko put them on public display.
Pretenders (Transformers)
Pretenders is a subline within the Transformers toy line, introduced in 1988. The concept behind the toy was that the Transformers were capable of disguising their robotic forms through the use of synthetic organic outer shells.-Cloudburst:...
Landmine
Landmine (Transformers)
Landmine is the name to several fictional characters in the various Transformers universes. He shouldn't be confused with Lander.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
and Cloudburst
Cloudburst (Transformers)
Cloudburst is a fictional character from the Transformers series. He turns into a jet and has a shell that looked like an armored human. He shouldn't be confused with Phoenix, a Japanese Transformer who shares the same toy.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
saved them.
Dreamwave Productions
Sky Lynx had only a minor role in the Dreamwave comics. He was parked on one of CybertronCybertron
Cybertron is a fictional planet, the homeworld of the Transformers in the various fictional incarnations of the metaseries and toyline by Hasbro. In the Japanese series, the planet is referred to as "Cybertron" pronounced as セイバートロン Seibātoron...
's space ports when a group of Decepticon
Decepticon
The Decepticons are usually depicted as the antagonists in the fictional universes of the Transformers stoyline and related comics and cartoons, and the enemies of the Autobots and the University of California Davis Aggies...
s led by Starscream
Starscream (Transformers)
Starscream is a fictional character in the Transformers franchise. He is one of the most prolific characters in the Transformers fictional work, appearing in almost all incarnations of the story. Starscream is usually portrayed with the same characterization...
steals him. After Sky Lynx launched into space, he transforms into bird mode and regains control of himself.
It was later shown that the Decepticons were able to overpower Sky Lynx and forced him into fighting the Combaticons
Combaticons
The Combaticons are a group of Decepticon military vehicles in the assorted fictional universes of the Transformers.- Transformers: Generation 1 :...
in their combined form of Bruticus for combat training on Earth. He was presumably liberated when Megatron and the Predacons arrived to force Starscream and the Combaticons into submission.
Other Appearances
Sky Lynx can be seen briefly in Powwow Highway, a 1989 film about an aboriginal tribe which is battling greedy land developers for the rights to strip mine their land. One of Bonnie Red Bow's children is playing with the toy in the front seat of the car when she is pulled over and arrested by the local police. The Autobot symbol, as well as the trademark underside of the shuttle component of Sky Lynx is present in this shot.Toys
- Generation 1 Sky Lynx (1987)
- Based on a transforming toy manufactured by ToyBox, Sky Lynx has a motorized system that enables him to roll in vehicle mode and walk in lynx mode. Due to licensing issues, this toy was not released in Japan as a Transformers toy until 2008.
- Generation 1 Encore Sky Lynx (2008)
- When TakaraTakaraTakara Co., Ltd. was a Japanese toy company founded in 1955, that merged with another prominent Japanese toy company, Tomy Co., Ltd., on March 1, 2006 to form Takara Tomy, also known in English as TOMY Company Ltd....
and TomyTOMYis a Japanese toy, children's merchandise and entertainment company created from the March 2006 merger of two companies: Tomy and long-time rival, Takara...
merged to form Takara TomyTakara Tomyis a Japanese toy, children's merchandise and entertainment company created from the March 2006 merger of two companies: Tomy and long-time rival, Takara...
in 2006, it was revealed that Tomy held the licenses to the toys used to make characters such as Omega Supreme and Sky Lynx, which were not part of the original Japanese G1 toy line. As a result, Sky Lynx was reissued by Takara Tomy as part of the G1 Encore line - marking the first time he was marketed in Japan as a Transformers toy.
Transformers: Cybertron
The name Sky Lynx was reassigned to a Mini-ConMini-Con
Mini-Cons are a human-sized race and faction of power-enhancing transforming robots in the Transformers: Armada universe and its sequels, one of the assorted universes in Transformers fiction...
, this time, part of the Decepticon Sky Attack Team.
Fun Publications
Sky Lynx appeared among the Mini-Cons allied under Thrust with the Decepticons in Balancing Act by Fun PublicationsFun Publications
Fun Publications is a publishing company that runs the Transformers Collectors Club and G.I. Joe Collectors Club under licensefrom Hasbro. Besides releasing comics, Fun Publications releases exclusive toys and runs conventions for their clubs....
.
Toys
- Cybertron Sky Lynx (2006)
- Part of the 'versus' Mini-Con packs; this toy comes packaged with the Autobot Mini-Con Thunderblast. Sky Lynx is repainted from the Armada toy Gunbarrel.
- The Voyager-sized LeobreakerLeobreakerLeobreaker is fictional character in the Transformers Cybertron cartoon series. In Galaxy Force, he is referred to as Liger Jack.-Transformers: Cybertron:...
toy was initially sold by itself, and later sold at Target stores with the Mini-Cons Sky Lynx and Thunderblast attached as a promotion.
Transformers: Timelines
This Sky Lynx is depicted as looking similar to the Generation 1 character, but with a lynx head and reptile feet in his combined mode. He also has very low self-worth, the opposite of his Generation 1 counterpart.Sky Lynx was once a humble Lieutenant Commander on Cybertron in charge of the 9th Omega Sentinel Brigade who was defeated and humiliated by the great barbarian lord Wheelie. He was later recruited by Alpha Trion and hopes to redeem himself by helping bring overlord Alpha Trion to power.
Fun Publications
In 2009 a character named Sky Lynx appears in the story Reunification by Fun PublicationsFun Publications
Fun Publications is a publishing company that runs the Transformers Collectors Club and G.I. Joe Collectors Club under licensefrom Hasbro. Besides releasing comics, Fun Publications releases exclusive toys and runs conventions for their clubs....
. This character is one of Optimus Prime's evil Autobots, but secretly loyal to Alpha Trion. He captures the Decepticon scout Breakdown and gives him to his master. Later, Sky Lynx helps Alpha Trion in attempting to kill Optimus Prime.