Sky High (Transformers)
Sky High is the name of two fictional characters from the Transformers series. The first Sky High was an Autobot Pretender released in 1988, while the second was an Autobot Micromaster released in 1990. Sky High is the first instance of two different Transformers characters sharing the same name.
Contents
Transformers: Generation 1 (1988)
The original Sky High was an Autobot Pretender introduced in 1988 who turned into a helicopter. He is called Rotor in Italy.
Fictional biography
Sky High is so large and powerful that many don't ever guess that his massive bulk hides an equally large intellect. Sky High's erratic behavior convinces many that he's composed entirely of brawn with no hint of brains, but he's actually just a bit of an eccentric. He's constantly creating imaginary situations for himself to escape the harsh and unforgiving reality of war, forging a fantasy world where he's a great hero. Unlike fellow Pretender Landmine, who also dreams of high adventure, Sky High becomes so immersed in his fantasies that he adapts everything that's really happening into them. Even when he's eagerly following orders and stomping through a row of Decepticons, he's mentally working his daydreams around it. Subject has above-average strength, speed and endurance as well as great intelligence. His outer Pretender shell amplifies his strength considerably, making him very powerful. In this mode he wields a sonic scythe capable of smashing molecular bonds. Leg-mounted energy beams on the shell can target and burn out optical sensors, and subject's multi-function utility belt also has plutonium-powered rocket boosters for flight capabilites. In robot mode, he wields a cerebro circuit scrambling stun gun that also jams radio frequencies; this weapon is also useable in his long-range helicopter and Pretender shell modes. Subject blatantly ignores reality, although he usually can incorporate following orders into his fantasy life.
Comics
Marvel Comics
Although not seen or mentioned directly, Sky High was among the Autobots who joined Fortress Maximus in leaving Cybertron on the Steelhaven for the planet Nebulos (Transformers: Headmasters #1). Unfortunately, they were followed to Nebulos by the Decepticons under Scorponok, leading war to break out once more. Fortress Maximus's band left Nebulos for the planet Earth, with the Decepticons in close pursuit. (Transformers: Headmasters #4).
When Brainstorm needed subjects to duplicate a Decepticon Pretender experiment, Sky High and five other Autobots volunteered and became the Autobot Pretenders. They fought the Decepticon Pretenders with the help of Optimus Prime and Goldbug [1]. They soundly defeated their Decepticon Pretender rivals.
Dreamwave Productions
Sky High did not appear in any fiction from Dreamwave Productions, but did get a two-page biography in their Trasformer: More Than Meets The Eye series.
Transformers: Mosaic
Sky High appeared in the Transformers: Mosaic story "History Repeats" by Franco Villa. In this story he and two other Autobot Pretenders battled three Decepticon Pretenders on the planet Nebulos.[2]
Toys
- Generation 1 Pretender Sky High (1988)
Transformers: Generation 1 (1990)
The second Sky High was an Autobot Micromaster introduced in 1990 who turned into a jet. He is called Phantom in Italy. He was later renamed Airmaster in Japan and Flanker in the US.
Fictional biography
An elite corps of top-notch fliers. Considered the best aerial fighters to ever take to the skies. Revered by their fellow Autobots for their ability to neutralize enemy encampments without destroying the surrounding area. Fast, fierce, efficient fighters. Able to emit circular force field that's impervious to most armaments when flying in a "V" formation. Also armed with high intensity heat lasers and long-range communications systems. All equipped with sub-orbital travel capabilities. Usually commissioned for the Autobot's most dangerous special air missions.
Comics
Dreamwave Productions
Sky High did not appear in any fiction from Dreamwave Productions, but did get a biography in their Trasformer: More Than Meets The Eye series.
IDW Publishing
Sky High was among the Micromasters who appeared in Transformers Spotlight: Hardhead who attacked Nightbeat and Hardhead on the planet Gorlam Prime.
Toys
- Hasbro Transformers Micromaster Air Patrol (1988)
- The Air Patrol came with Blaze Master, Eagle Eye, Sky High and Treadbolt.
- Takara Transformers United EX Dozermaster vs Airmaster (2012)
- Hasbro Transformers: Generations Swerve and Flanker (2014)
- A double-pack of figures; later recolored into the components of Oilmaster and retooled into Optimus Prime and Hi-Q.
References
- ↑ Transformers #40 (1988)
- ↑ http://transformers-mosaic.deviantart.com/art/quot-History-Repeats-quot-141850293
- ↑ Alvarez, J.E. (2001). The Unofficial Guide to Transformers 1980s Through 1990s Revised & Expanded 2nd Edition. Schiffer Publishing Ltd.. p. 74. ISBN 0764313649.
- ↑ Jon & Carl Hartman (February 1996). "The Transformers: 1988 - Part 2". Lee's Action Figure News & Toy Review 1 (40): 68–69.
