Firebolt (Transformers)
Firebolt is a fictional character in the Transformers series. He is an Autobot allied Nebulan Targetmaster, and partner to the Autobot Hot Rod. In the US Marvel Comics The Transformers series he was known by the name Sparks. In the 2011 Masterpiece toy he was called Offshoot. In 2011 FansProject released a third party Transformer homage to Firebolt called Sidearm. Shapeways designer Drawn-Steel Hero designed a homage to Firebolt called Sparks and toy company MasterShooter Collectibles announced a third party Transformer homage to Firebolt called Bolt-Action.
Contents
Transformers: Generation 1
Firebolt is an electrostatic discharger rifle, who led a quiet scholarly life as Nebulos' top atomic physics scientist until he became a thrill-seeking. As Hot Rod's partner, Firebolt is excited, but nervous, about the prospect.
In the Marvel Comics Transformers stories Nebulans are depicted as human-looking aliens, while in the animated series they are green-skinned aliens. In the Ladybird Books stories the Nebulans are human-sized robots.
Marvel Comics
Sparks (as he is called here) first appeared in issue #4 of the Marvel Comics Headmasters comic in a story called "Brothers in Armor!!" where he volunteered to be binary bonded to Hot Rod as his Targetmaster partner. The Autobots then fled Nebulos for Earth in an attempt to lure away the Decepticons.[1]
Although Sparks is not depicted, in issue #38 of The Transformers the Autobots and Decepticons from Nebulos arrive on Earth.
In issue #39 Spike Witwicky introduces Fortress Maximus and the Autobot Targetmasters to his father Sparkplug.
In the Marvel UK Transformers comic story "Headhunt" Firebolt is depicted as being killed in battle with the Decepticons.
Animated series
Firebolt first appeared in the Transformers episode "The Rebirth, Part 1" as a sharpshooter among the rebel Nebulan group lead by Gort. In part 2 the Autobots copy Targetmaster technology from the Decepticons and Firebolt is converted into the gun used by Hot Rod. In part 3 the Autobots and their Nebulans travel to Cybertron for the final showdown with the Decepticons. He then returns to Nebulos to rid the planet of the Hive's machines.
Books
Sparks (named as in the Marvel Comics) was a featured character in the 1988 Ladybird Books story Decepticons at the Pole.[2]
Dreamwave Productions
In Dreamwave Productions Transformers: The War Within issue #4 Optimus Prime saw a vision of the future, and in it Hot Rod had become a Targetmaster with Firebolt as his partner.
Hot Rod and Firebolt had a single page biography printed in issue #7 of Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye comic series.
Fun Publications
The biography printed for Classic Rodimus in issue #15 of the Transformers Collectors Club Magazine mentioned that Rodimus no longer uses his partner Sparks. Rodimus carries a handgun based on Sparks, but less powerful and accurate.
Toys
- Generation 1 Targetmaster Hot Rod with Firebolt (1987)
- A remold of the original Hot Rod toy with an added Targetmaster partner Firebolt and new holes to mount him in vehicle mode.
- Shapeways Drawn-Steel Hero Sparks (2011)
- A 3D printed design done as a homage to Firebolt.[3]
- FansProject TFX-05 Sidearm (2011)
- A third party Transformer done as a homage to Firebolt produced in FansProject. This toy was recolored into Blesser.[4]
- Transformers Masterpiece Rodimus Prime with Offshoot (2011)
- A larger sized set that is a homage to Targetmaster Hot Rod and Firebolt. A Toys R Us store exclusive.
- MasterShooter Collectibles Shooter Master Bolt-Action (not released yet)
- An original third party toy done as a homage to Firebolt and meant to work with the Classic Rodimus toy.[5]
References
- ↑ Bob Budiansky (w), Frank Springer (p), Ian Akin & Brian Garvey (i). "Headmasters" Brothers in Armor!! 4 (January 1988), Marvel Comics
- ↑ Grant, John (1988). Decepticons at the Pole. Ladybird Books. ISBN 0721410685.
- ↑ http://www.shapeways.com/model/221735/_sparks__gunslinger_figure.html?gid=sg43978
- ↑ http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=FPJ10017&mode=retail
- ↑ http://forums.tformers.com/talk/index.php?showtopic=133930
