#126 TRANSFORMERS – SKYDIVE and TALON (1992)

The Hasbro’s Transformers original line was cancelled in 1991. The last figures released in that 7 years period were the “Action Masters”, that had very poor sales.

Only two years later, in 1993, Hasbro re-launched the series. To tell between the Transformers from the first period from the new ones, these were named “G2” (G is for Generation), what automatically turned the old transformers in G1. This new generation would only last for 3 years, but other transformers concepts would take over the franchise.

The new G2 series consisted of many repaints of old characters and new figures. This time, they were equipped with launching weapons, light sabers, water shooting weapons or even sound. The logos were also redesigned. These repaints are very interesting, but even more interesting are the European-exclusive (also released in Canada and Australia) figures, like these two here.

In Europa, this G2 line is considered to start one year earlier, in 1992, and as you can see from the pictures, the Decepticon logo is still the one that has always been used up to that moment. This series it's often referred as G1,5.

Skydive and Talon belong to the “Predators” sub-group, that consisted of 6 robots:

• 4 of them are fighters in this same size (these tow plus Snare and Falcon)
• 1 of them is a larger fighter (Skyquake)
• 1 is a missile launcher tank (Stalker)

Both TFs are complete with their missile launcher and their 3 green missiles each. A feature of these transformers is shown in the picture above, and it is the “supersight”. Talon has the supersight of Thunder Clash, while Skydive has Boss, this should be some kind of long range scanner, in which the robot detects the presence of some Autobot enemy and reveals its weapons.

In alt-mode, the missile launcher can be inserted in the lower part of the fighter, or it could. Skydive has a slightly different casted part that does not allow to carry the launcher. The wheels of Skydive are built nearer to the supersight visor, andd therefore a knob had to be added in order to make the visor more practicable.

Printed on the box there was always a short description of the characters, as well as a series of stats from that robot, like strenght, speed or courage. I include these decriptions as a bonus:

SKYDIVE (Japan: Dark Jet -TF-06-)

• Faction: Decepticons
• Subgroup: Predators
• Function: Scientific Advisor
• Motto: “The cruelty is the highest form of art”
• Bio: Revels in the science of battle. Cold, calculating and entirely cruel. Not even understood or trusted by his fellow Predators. As plane uses the farseeing properties of Megavisor to the ultimate as a lean and hungry fighter. As robot calmly attacks with hand-held missile power.
• Tech Specs for Skydive:
  

• Strength: 8
• Intelligence: 9
• Speed: 9
• Endurance: 7
• Rank: 6
• Courage: 8
• Firepower: 8
• Skill: 10
  

TALON (Japan: Moon Jet -TF-08-)

• Faction: Decepticons
• Subgroup: Predators
• Function: Advance Fighter
• Motto: “Don´t get me mad… when I get mad, I get even”
• Bio: Incredibly strong and vicious. Mows down all in his path as a terrifying wall of attack in battle. Low intelligence combined with brute force and a vile temper -- a dangerous enemy. As plane, plummets down to wipe out targets pinpointed with heightened vision of Megavisor system. As robot attacks mercilessly with hand-held missile launcher.
• Tech Specs for Skydive:

• Strength: 10
• Intelligence: 4
• Speed: 8
• Endurance: 9
• Rank: 4
• Courage: 8
• Firepower: 8
• Skill: 5

FACTS and FIGURES:

• Name: SKYDIVE and TALON
• Toy Line: Transformers G2 (Predators)
• Year: 1992
• Company: Hasbro (U.S.A.)
• Size of the figures: Around 11 cm in robot mode