Hightower (Transformers)

Hightower is the name of several fictional characters in the Transformers universes.

Transformers: Robots in Disguise

Transformers character
name =Hightower
japanname =Build Cyclone


caption =
affiliation =Autobot
subgroup =Build Team
Deluxe Vehicles
rank =7
function =Autobot Crane
Deluxe Vehicles
partner =Grimlock
Heavy Load
Wedge
motto ="Stay alert; danger is everywhere."
alternatemodes =Construction Crane
series =
voiceby =Joe Ochman (English)
Masami Iwasaki (Japanese)Hightower is the name of a member of the Build Team and transforms into a crane. He is able to combine with his team and become either leg or the arms to the giant robot Landfill. His Japanese equivalent in "CarRobots" is called Build Cyclone.

Hightower is an excellent marksman, storming into battle with a cannon in one fist and a magnum in the other. He likes to make things hot for Megatron with fire weapons and flame throwers. He is very alert to dangerous situations and often guards the Construction Team leader, as well as providing the solid support and advice of a seasoned warrior.

In addition to their use of elemental-based attacks, each "adult" member of the Build Team provides a specific style of attack which each member bring to his specific version (based on who becomes the arms) of Landfill. Hightower/Build Cyclone's strength is powerful offensive attacks. Heavy Load/Build Typhoon brings martial arts and strong defenses, while Grimlock/Build Hurricane provides an even mix of offense and defense.

Animated series

Hightower first appeared in episode #18 "Wedge's Short Fuse" and last appeared in episode #38 "The Final Battle Part 2."

3H Enterprises

Robots in Disguise Hightower (in Wal-Mart yellow repaint colors) appeared in the 2004 BotCon voice actor play.

"Play Synopsis": Rhinox has built a device to deflect Unicron's attempts to pull victims from other dimensions with his tractor beam. The Autobots deflect two attempts and the victims end up on a frozen planetoid instead of with Unicron. Maximals Rattrap and Silverbolt and the Predacon Waspinator are sent to help the victims, but Reptilion, Sunstorm, Ruination and "Universe" Perceptor are sent to get them for Unicron. As a side effect of the device Rhinox built, a vortex opens which sucks in an Autobot shuttle from the past piloted by Bumblebee, Tracks and Cosmos. Thrust attacks the Maximal ship, but they are saved by being transported to the Autobot shuttle. The Autobots and Maximals then go to the planet where they save the victims from the Decepticons. On the planet are two groups of Autobots. One is from the "Robots in Disguise" story, with Landfill (Walmart recolor), "Universe" Side Burn and "Universe" Prowl. The other is from another parallel world with Spy Changer Optimus Prime, Ultra Magnus, Prowl and Ironhide. They all fight off the Decepticons. The Autobot shuttle is sent back to its own time.

Toys

*Car Robots Build Cyclone (2000):Hightower's first toy is actually Japan's Build Cyclone, part of its "Transformers: Car Robots" line in 2000.

*Robots in Disguise Hightower (2001):When Hightower (the American equivalent) was released in 2001, mold and paint colors were slightly altered. The most noticeable differences are the lack of metallic elements used on the Build Team's American bodies, and the tampographing of Autobot insignias on each Build Team member. (Previously, only Build Boy/Wedge carried an insignia.)

*Robots in Disguise Hightower Redeco (2003):Hightower was later recolored in yellow by Hasbro in 2003 for an Wal*Mart store exclusive and was packaged with his team. Although packages as part of "Robots in Disguise" many fans consider it to be an unofficial part of the "" toyline by being released during the Universe time period. It is the last released toy of the RiD series before it was changed to Universe. This version of the Build Team appeared in the Transformers: Universe storyline presented at the BotCon 2005 voice actor play.

Transformers: Universe Micromaster Hightower

Transformers character
name =Hightower


japanname =Iron Lift
caption =
affiliation =Decepticon
subgroup =Micromaster
rank =
function =
partner =
motto =
alternatemodes =Construction Crane
series =
voiceby =Two different Decepticon toys with the name Hightower were released in the Universe toyline and both lacked official tech specs and storylines - it is not known if either are the original character. In both cases Hightower was used in place of the Generation 1 name Hook due to trademark restrictions.

The name Hightower was used as a replacement for Hook when the Constructicons reappeared as Micromasters; the name Hook not being able to be used. Hightower was once again a crane repainted the typical green and purple color scheme from a Japanese only toy named Iron Lift, originally released in 1992. He is able to become the left arm to the team's combined robot form - Devastator. Many fans just refer to the toy as Hook, preferring the original 1985 character more.

Toys

*Transformers: Universe Micromaster Hightower (2004)

Transformers: Universe Deluxe Hightower

Transformers character
name =Hightower


caption =Universe Deluxe Hightower toy
affiliation =Decepticon
subgroup =Deluxe Vehicles
rank =
function =
partner =Long Haul
motto =
alternatemodes =Construction Crane
series =
voiceby =The name Hightower returned to his original toy, this time as a Constructicon now with the typical green and purple color scheme and is able to become either a leg or the arms of Devastator. It is unknown is this character is supposed to be some new form of the original Hook, an evil version of "Robots in Disguise" Hightower, or some new character.

Toys

*Transformers: Universe Hightower (2006):Hightower was sold exclusively in Target stores with Long Haul at the Ultra price range.

Transformers: Classics

Transformers character
name =Hightower
caption =
affiliation =Decepticon
subgroup =Constructions
rank =
function =
partner =
motto =
alternatemodes =Crane
series =
engvoice =
japanvoice =Once again, Hightower is part of the Constructicon team and is still able to become a limb to their combined form - the giant robot Devastator. Hightower is described to be a chemistry lab on wheels whose passion for poisons and explosives is surpassed only by the dislike of his teammates and that when in his combined form, he competes with the others for full control of the massive body; limiting their effectiveness.

Fun Publications

According to officials at the Transformers Collectors Club site Hightower is neither Hook nor Mixmaster, but a new Constructicon.

Toys

*Classics Hightower (2007):He is now recolored from the basic-sized crane toys Wideload and Duststorm; retaining their claw weapon which can be used in either mode and energon star. Hightower's twin in the Classics Constructicon team is Long Haul. Whereas Long Haul is in the classic Constructicon color scheme, Hightower has a black and purple color scheme.

Links

Toy [http://www.bwtf.com/cr/toys/reviews/buildking/index.shtml#cyclone Review] for RiD Hightower (Build Cyclone)

Toy [http://www.bwtf.com/tfrid/toys/reviews/landfill/ Review] of Hightower recolor

Toy [http://www.seibertron.com/toys/gallery.php?id=345&size=0&start=0 Gallery] for Universe Hightower

ee also

Hightower is also the name of several other fictional characters:
* Moses Hightower, a character in Police Academy
* A character in one episode of Jay Jay the Jet Plane
* A House in the Song of Ice and Fire saga by George R. R. Martin