Sky Lynx
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Sky Lynx is the name of two different characters in the fictional Transformers universes.
Contents |
[edit] Transformers: Generation 1
| Transformers character | |
 Generation 1 Sky Lynx vs. Cybertron Sky Lynx |
|
| Sky Lynx | |
|---|---|
| Affiliation | Autobot  |
| Rank | 9 |
| Function | Lieutenant Commander |
| Motto | "The best achievements are worth repeating." |
| Alternate Modes | Space Shuttle with cargo pod |
| Series | Transformers: Generation 1 |
| English voice actor | Aron Kincaid |
Sky Lynx consisted of two parts: a space shuttle that can transform into a bird-like creature (dubbed a "dino-bird" in his instruction sheet and the Transformers Universe published through Marvel Comics), and the shuttle's ground transport transformed into a lynx. The two parts can combine with each other either in vehicle or in animal modes, creating either a space shuttle launching vehicle or a draconic hybrid animal. The Sky Lynx toy is one of the largest Generation 1 Transformers, almost as big as Metroplex or Trypticon. Unusually for a toy of its size, Sky Lynx does not come with any accessories whatsoever.
The portrayal of Sky Lynx's transformations bears some similarities across the various media in which they are presented, that is perhaps contrary to the toy's initial intent. In both the cartoon and comic, Sky Lynx is seen as a kind of cargo shuttle, with the transport module always attached to the shuttle's underside in flight, not used as a ground carrier. Also, Sky Lynx is seen to not always split into two forms, but often transforms from shuttle or draconic mode to a lone dino-bird or linx module, and even directly between dino-bird and lynx modes as if they are single alternate forms. It should be noted he is also seen to split into the two forms at once. Thus, in the media, Sky Lynx is presented as having five opperational modes:
- Draconic root mode -- this seems to be treated as Sky Lynx's dominant mode, replacing the humanoid form of most other Transformers.
- Dino-bird -- the lighter two-legged flying beast mode.
- Lynx -- the mostly blue feline beast mode.
- Cargo Shuttle -- the shuttle craft with large under-side cargo pod.
- Split mode -- the Dino-bird and Lynx as two co-existing modules.
In the comic's interpretation, Sky Lynx's Dino-bird and Draconic modes seem to be redundant, and he is seen to fly intra-atmosphericaly in both forms. However, in the cartoon, he is only seen to fly in Draconic mode while in space, and in Dino-bird mode while in the atmosphere of a planet. There is even a scene in one episode where Sky Lynx is standing in Draconic mode and transforms into his lone Dino-bird mode to take to the skies. While it may never be known if such logic was the intention of the animators, the footage at least has the coincidental appearance of indicating that Sky Lynx's larger root mode is too heavy for flight within the gravity of a planet, thereby giving a suitable use for his Dino-bird mode.
[edit] 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 emnity with the Decepticon sub-group the Predacons, especially in their combined form of Predaking.
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. Sky Lynx scoffed at the idea, stating Quintessons were in hiding at the far end of the galaxy. Puzzled as to why Rodimus needed a Quintesson, Rodimus informed him he needed one to rebuild Optimus Prime. Without hesitation Sky Lynx flew at top speed out of the system, boldly proclaiming "I will not rest until I find a Quintesson!"
After searching the galaxy and skillfully avoiding infection, Sky Lynx discovered a lone Quintesson fleeing from Plague infected Sharkticons on a remote outpost. In exchange for escape from the plague, the Autobot had the Quintesson promise to restore Optimus Prime to life. Returning to Earth they found virtually the entire planet's population infected, including Rodimus Prime himself. Holing themselves up in the deactivated Metroplex Sky Lynx and the Quintesson begin the unfathomable task of returning Optimus Prime's body to life.
After numerous physical repairs and setbacks, the Quintesson (whose name, if any, is unknown) inquired to Sky Lynx as to what he was going to do about the disease. Sky Lynx replied: "Optimus will know what to do! ...I hope." The Quintesson made a final attempt to revive Optimus through the use of a conduit linked straight to the Autobot Matrix of Leadership. As the stunned pair looked on, Optimus Prime was returned to life.
With Optimus back and other Autobots repaired (thanks to the Quintesson) Sky Lynx became their transport. Their first stop was the Decepticon homeworld of Charr. It was there, after a shaky truce with an uninfected Galvatron, that they located a special metal that was stolen by the Decepticons. The metal, if used to coat Optimus Prime, would make him immune to the Plague and able to retake the Matrix from the infected Rodimus Prime. However, although Optimus and Sky Lynx were able to retreat back to Earth with the metal, they were the only members of the team not infected. Galvatron, the repaired Autobots, and one of the metal's creators (the human Jessica Morgan) were infected by plague carrying Decepticons.
Returning to Earth, the Quintesson transformed the metal to a spray form and coated Optimus' entire surface area. There was not enough to coat Sky Lynx or anyone else. Hunting down Rodimus Prime with help from the uninfected Autobot Steeljaw, Optimus and Sky Lynx confronted him. In assisting in the battle between the two Autobot leaders, Sky Lynx became infected by Rodimus. Optimus had lost his only form of off-world transport.
Luckily, Optimus did defeat the crazed Rodimus and retook the Autobot Matrix of Leadership. Shortly after this Optimus Prime journeyed into the Matrix and released it's energies from within, curing the plague and saving the universe.
[edit] 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.
[edit] 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.
[edit] Transformers: Cybertron (2006)
| Transformers character | |
Generation 1 Sky Lynx vs. Cybertron Sky Lynx |
|
| Sky Lynx | |
|---|---|
| Affiliation | Decepticon  |
| Sub-Group | Mini-Con |
| Alternate Modes | Jet/Blaster |
| Series | Transformers: Cybertron |
The name reassigned to a Mini-Con, this Sky Lynx is a part of the Decepticon Sky Attack Team. Part of the 'versus' Mini-Con packs; this toy comes packaged with the Autobot Mini-Con Thunderblast. As seen in the instructions, Sky Lynx can combine with Buzzsaw. 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.
