Leobreaker

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Leobreaker
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Leobreaker

Leobreaker is fictional character in the Transformers Cybertron cartoon series. In Galaxy Force, he is referred to as Jackshot and Liger Jack. Overhaul is the character's original identity, and he is later up-graded into Leobreaker. In both forms, he is an Autobot.

In the English version, Overhaul's voice is provided by Paul Dobson, while Beast Wars veteran Blu Mankuma plays Leobreaker. In Galaxy Force, he is played by Hisao Egawa.

On Jungle Planet, Overhaul quickly befriended Backstop and Snarl. However, they were at odds with his violent nature and his inclination to solve problems with fighting. What's more, Overhaul would find that he hated what he saw of himself in the planet's dictator, Scourge. He confronted Scourge in an effort to acquire Jungle Planet's Cyber Planet Key.

Overhaul becomes Leobreaker
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Overhaul becomes Leobreaker

The battle proved disastrous, and Overhaul found himself jumping to the defense of Snarl, who had been pulled into the fight. As he was pummeled by Scourge, Overhaul invoked the power of the Cyber Planet Key and was transformed into Leobreaker. Later, in another battle, he found that he now had the ability to combine with Optimus into the powerful Savage Claw Mode (Liger Convoy in Galaxy Force).

As the battle on Jungle Planet continued, Leobreaker sought a confrontation with Scourge, and was also manipulated by the shady manipulator, Sideways. It was only through re-learning how to find strength in his place on a team, and the fact that his companions trusted him, that he was able to rise above Scourge and finally come to terms with himself. Nevertheless, he again faced a period of self doubt, which Megatron would exploit to create Nemesis Breaker, who was a dark clone of Leobreaker.

On Giant Planet, he confronted Scourge along with Snarl, in an attempt to convince the tyrant to rethink his position among the Decepticons and help them save their homeworld. They succeeded, and would later join up with Scourge to evacuate the populous of Jungle Planet to Cybetron, when they were unable to prevent the former from being sucked into the Black Hole (although it was later restored, after the Black Hole was destroyed).

In the final episode of Transformers: Cybertron a wrestling match is held to decide the new leader of the Jungle Planet. Scourge defeats Snarl, then Leobreaker in fair combat and is declared the king of the Jungle Planet by Backstop. Scourge decalres hhe will lead the Jungle Planet into a new era of peace thanks to the example of Optimus Prime and the Autobots. Optimus Prime (Galaxy Convoy) proposed a new Space Bridge project using the power of the four Cyber Planet Keys and the four great Cybertronian ships. Many Autobots and former Decepticons joined in the project. Leaving Jetfire (Dreadrock) in charge of Cybertron, Optimus Prime lead the Atlantis with the Earth Cyber Planet Key, joined by Red Alert (First Gunner), Safeguard (Roots), Scattorshot (Backgild), Leobreaker (Ligerjack), Menasor (Mole Dive) and Heavy Load. Override lead the Ogygia (Mu) and Velocitron Cyber Planet Key with Brakedown, Quickmix and Stripmine. Evac (Live Convoy) lead the Hyperborea (Pangea) and Jungle Planet (Animatros) Cyber Planet Key with Backstop and Lugnutz (Road Storm). Metroplex (Megalo Convoy) lead the Lemuria and Gigantia Cyber Planet Key with Drillbit, Undermine (Dinoshout) and Brimstone.

As Overhaul, he transformed into an offroad SUV. As Leobreaker, he transforms into a transmetal lion (or liger in Japan). When he was Overhaul, his Cyber Key activated a pile-driving missile (Slam Attack/Anchor Shot), and as Leobreaker, it deployed his forearm claws (Platinum Claw).

Originally, Overhaul's name was intended to be Trailbreaker, after a character from the original Transformers series. This would have made the transition to "Leobreaker" much smoother. Another name considered for Leobreaker was "Megalion."

Overhaul is often considered to be a Transformer-themed pastiche of the X-Men character Wolverine, due to (in both forms) his rough-and-tumble nature, forearm claws, and the structure of his helmet, which slightly resembles Wolverine's mask. Some also believe his Leobreaker form mirrors Wolverine's nemesis, Sabertooth.

In the toy-line, Overhaul has a cousin, a Decepticon botanist named Brushguard. Brushguard is a recolor of Overhaul, and is a US exclusive character, so he did not appear in the Japanese produced television series.

Thunderblast the Mini-Con
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Thunderblast the Mini-Con

The toy of Leobreaker was sold in the larger "Voyager" size and in a smaller "Micro" class. The Voyager sized toy was initially sold by itself, and later sold at Target stores with the Mini-Cons Sky Lynx and Thunderblast attached as a promotion.

Although the Micro sized Leobreaker was not meant to combine with the Micro sized Optimus Prime, fan-made alternate modes have made this possible, although it's not a perfect fit.

Voyager sized Leobreaker was repainted as Nemesis Breaker. Micro sized Leobreaker was repainted as Leo Prime.