General Information:
Release Date: March 2019
Price Point: $9.99 (Varies by retailer)
Retailer: General Release (Target, Walmart, Amazon etc.)
Accessories: None
*Images and text below from Amazon.com:
The war between heroic Autobots and evil Decepticons continues on the Cyberverse animated series! Discover the unique powers and skills of each Cyberverse character, and see how those powers will be used to defend Earth… or threaten it.
Experience the excitement of quick conversion with figures that change between modes in 1 easy step! Simply convert Wheeljack figure from robot to race car mode in 1 quick step. Conversion reveals the figure’s Gravity Cannon move! The move can be easily repeated.
Kids can collect other 1-Step Action Attackers figures, each sold separately, to discover the signature attack moves of favorite characters from the Cyberverse series -- one of the best ways to introduce young kids and new fans to the exciting world of Transformers! Transformers and all related characters are trademarks of Hasbro. Hasbro and all related terms are trademarks of Hasbro.
- Includes Wheeljack figure and on-box instructions
- 4.25-INCH WHEELJACK FIGURE: 4.25-inch 1-Step Changer Wheeljack Action Attackers figure inspired by the Cyberverse animated series.
- REPEATABLE ATTACK MOVE: Convert the heroic Wheeljack figure to reveal his signature Gravity Cannon move. Fun attack move can be easily repeated.
- 2-IN-1 CONVERTING TOY: Easy Transformers conversion for kids 6 years old and up! Convert Wheeljack toy from robot to race car mode in 1 easy step. Makes a great gift for kids!
- TRANSFORMERS CYBERVERSE CHARACTER: Classic white and green Wheeljack toy robot inspired by the enthusiastic Autobot inventor from the Transformers Cyberverse cartoon, as seen on Cartoon Network and YouTube.
- INSPIRED BY CARTOON NETWORK SHOW: In the G1-inspired Cyberverse series, giant Transformers robots from the planet Cybertron engage in epic battles, activating signature abilities known as Action Attacks! Kids can imagine unleashing this special power with this Action Attackers figure!
- Figure scale: 4.25 inches
- Ages 6 and up
- Warning: Choking Hazard - Small parts may be generated. Not for children under 3 years.
Early 2019 was a bit of a transition period for the "Cyberverse" line between the original release and the "Spark Armor" series. During this period, some new One-Step Changers were released. This included the first representation of Wheeljack in the "Cyberverse" toy line.
Packaging:
The "Cyberverse" 1-Step Changer packaging is very similar to the 1-Step Changer packaging from the tail end of "Robots in Disguise". Instead of sitting in a bubble on a card, the figure is attached to a plastic tray in vehicle mode. This is then glued to a card that folds around the figure. This packaging uses a striking blue and yellow combination of colors. A vertical "Transformers" logo sits on the right side with an Autobot symbol above it. The front section has a photo of the toy in robot mode and the name of the character. The background features character artwork and the "Cyberverse" logo. The back of the box features Wheeljack in both modes, featuring his transformation. It also shows his cosells from the same case: Hot Rod and Megatron.
Vehicle Mode:
Wheeljack made only a few appearances in season one of "Cyberverse", and even then we never saw him as a vehicle on Earth. That left some interpretation for this vehicle form. For inspiration, the designers went back to G1. This vehicle mode looks like a car that could be related to the Lancia Stratos that G1 Wheeljack transformed into. This includes having a front end that slopes downward, leading to panels that flare out a bit at the bottom. He also has a spoiler in back and a section on the back with overlapping, horizontal patterns calling back go G1 Wheeljack's vehicle mode.
Of course, some details differe for the sake of licensing. The design of the vehicle's sides are totally different than the Lancia Stratos and the rear lights are a different shape. Still, it is a really cool looking car.
Taking color cues from G1 Wheeljack, this version of the character is cast in white and black plastic. Green and red paint details can be found on the hood. While the pattern is similar to G1 Wheeljack, it is not exactly the same. The very front of the hood has an Autobot symbol in the middle. The windows are painted pink. These colors really pop beautifully against the white plastic. For a One-Step Changer the deco looks great.
Transformation to Robot Mode:
Lift up the top of the cabin section and swing it back. This will unfold the vehicle, revealing all the robot mode parts. Now swing the feet forward to complete the transformation.
Robot Mode:
Wheeljack's robot mode also takes design cues from G1 Wheeljack. This includes a robot head with "ears" sticking out the sides and a high crest in the middle. He has a rocket launcher mounted on his right shoulder and the chest features a panel that is meant to be part of the vehicle mode's windshield. Meanwhile, the legs have notches culpted into them and the lower legs are made up of the front of the vehicle. If you told me this was meant to be a One-Step version of G1 Wheeljack, I'd believe you.
Of course, being a One-Step Changer, this is not the most show accurate sculpt. The sides of the vehicle become wing like flaps behind the arms, there are no "wings" on the back and the head design does not have a mouthplate. Instead, he has a mouth with a mouthplate around it "Optimus Primal" style. This comes right from the animation model.
Wheeljack reveals some black plastic in this mode. You'll find it on the head, shoulder cannon and waist area. A bit of silver also shows near the head and inside the rocket launcher. The deco on the chest mimicks the green, red and pink colors from the vehicle mode. The red and green from the front of the vehicle mode carries over to the lower legs. Interestingly, the silver used on the face winds up being painted in such a way that it does not give Wheeljack the "mustache" look shown in the animated series. This has this odd effect of making him look like a young Autobot instead of the more seasoned one seen in the show. It's a shame because the "beard/mustache" design is one of the more distinctive aspects of Wheeljack's animation model in "Cyberverse".
There are two points of articulation on this figure: the arms. Each can swing up and down and you can attach 5mm peg weapons in each fist. Wheeljack's main "action feature" involves the shoulder launcher. Press the silver piece in the back and a "blast" pops out the front. You can push it back in to reset it. This is similar to the action feature on Megatron.
Final Thoughts:
One-Step Changer Wheeljack is a welcome change from the swarms of Bumblebees and Optimus Primes in this size class. The action feature is cool and the figure looks good for this size class. If you're into One-Step Changers at all, this one is recommended.
Pros:
- Good sculpt.
- Nice deco for a One-Step Changer.
- Fun action feature.
Cons:
- Limited articulation (to be expected with One-Step Changers).
