Sky Lynx

Sky Lynx is the name of two different characters in the fictional Transformers universes.

Transformers: Generation 1

Transformers character
name =Sky Lynx


caption =Generation 1 Sky Lynx vs. Cybertron Sky Lynx
affiliation =Autobot
japanname =
katakana =
romaji =
subgroup =
rank =9
function =Lieutenant Commander
partner =
motto ="The best achievements are worth repeating."
alternatemodes =Space Shuttle with cargo pod
series =
engvoice =Aron Kincaid
japanvoice =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 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 "" 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.

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.

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 Dinobots). 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 Sharkticons in return for the entity's help with Prime. The pair manage to revive Optimus while hiding in the deactivated Metroplex and using the Autobot Matrix of Leadership. Sky Lynx transports an Autobot to the Decepticon homeworld of Charr. Forming an alliance with the uninfected Galvatron, a 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 little 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.

Marvel Comics

Sky Lynx first appeared after Grimlock 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 Protectobots 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.

Dreamwave Productions

Sky Lynx had only a minor role in the Dreamwave comics. He was parked on one of Cybertron's space ports when a group of Decepticons led by Starscream stole him. After Sky Lynx had launched off to space, he transformed into bird mode and took control over 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.

Toys

In the fall of 2007 is was announced that Takara was reissuing Sky Lynx in 2008. [ [http://www.jrstoyworld.com/product_info.php?cPath=95_32&products_id=1421 JRS Toyworld - Transformers Encore 07 G1 Sky Lynx Reissue ] ]

Other Appearances

Sky Lynx can be seen briefly in the film Powwow Highway, a 1989 movie about a 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.

Transformers: Cybertron

Transformers character
name =Sky Lynx


caption =Generation 1 Sky Lynx vs. Cybertron Sky Lynx
affiliation =Decepticon
japanname =
katakana =
romaji =
subgroup =Mini-Con
rank =
function =
partner =
motto =
alternatemodes =Jet/Blaster
series =
engvoice =
japanvoice =The name Sky Lynx was reassigned to a Mini-Con, this time, part of the Decepticon Sky Attack Team.

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 Leobreaker toy was initially sold by itself, and later sold at Target stores with the Mini-Cons Sky Lynx and Thunderblast attached as a promotion.

References