Ricochet (Headmasters): Difference between revisions

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{{disambig3|Ricochet}}
{{factions|autobot|wreckersidw}}
{{disambigm|Ricochet (disambiguation)|Stepper (disambiguation)}}
:''Ricochet is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (franchise)#Headmasters|Headmasters]] portion of the [[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''
[[File:Ricochetdoesnthavemuchart.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|[[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]] gets pimped.]]


:''Ricochet is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Headmasters]] portion of the [[Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''
The job of '''Ricochet''', aka '''Stepper''' (ステッパー ''Suteppā''), is Rapid-Fire Attack, and he's well suited to it. He is the most accurate marksman the Autobots have and a [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmaster]] as well, further augmenting his incredible skill. Unfortunately he's also quick-tempered and very easily provoked. This leads to him having a hard time maintaining friendly relations or even conversations with his teammates. In his favor, Ricochet has an uncommonly strong sense of justice (exactly twice as strong as the ordinary Autobot).


[[Image:Ricochetdoesnthavemuchart.jpg||thumb|right|300px|[[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] gets pimped.]]
His Targetmaster partner is [[Nebulon (Headmasters)|Nebulon]].


'''Ricochet's''' function is Rapid-Fire Attack, and he's well suited to it. He is the most accurate marksman the Autobots have and a [[Targetmaster]] as well, further augmenting his incredible skill. Unfortunately he's also quick-tempered and very easily provoked. This leads to him having a hard time maintaining friendly relations or even conversations with his teammates. In his favor, Ricochet has an uncommonly strong sense of justice (exactly twice as strong as the ordinary Autobot<ref>[[Talk:Ricochet (G1 Autobot)#Explanation for Targetmasterness|Ricochet's T/F Collection reissue bio]]</ref>).
==Fiction==
===''The Headmasters'' comic===
[[File:Manga-Stepper.jpg|thumb|Here comes the hot Stepper ''(murderer)''<br>
I'm the lyrical gangster ''(murderer)'']]


His Targetmaster partner is [[Nightstick (Ricochet)|Nightstick]].
Ricochet accompanied [[Artfire]], [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]], and [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel Witwicky]] in responding to a building fire. While the Autobots attempted to rescue people and put out the flames, the [[Decepticon]] Targetmasters attacked. However, the arrival of [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]], who dropped [[fire-retardant foam]] on the buildings in starship mode, gave the two Autobot Targetmasters the chance they needed to combine with their gun-partners and send the Decepticons flying away uncontrollably. {{storylink|The Headmasters issue 7|The Headmasters #7}}


===Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''Transformers Collection'' bio====
On [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], Ricochet often had marksmanship contests with his friends [[Fusion (Marvel)|Fusion]] and [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]].


:''Japanese name'': '''Stepper'''
At some point after [[2011]], Ricochet's metabolic functions were damaged in an incident. Nebulon, an engineer on the planet [[Master (planet)|Master]], volunteered to help him by undergoing a unique form of [[binary bonding]]. While ostensibly becoming a Targetmaster, Nightstick's gun mode wasn't merely hand-held. He instead plugged into Ricochet's [[robot mode]] back, serving as a life-support system.


====''Legends'' comic====
In the late 1980s, Ricochet was among the Autobots who fought to protect the [[Transform Super Cog]] from being stolen by the [[Decepticon]]s, but the [[Battlecharger]]s were able get past their defenses. {{Storylink|Slugslinger's Ambition}}


==Fiction==
====''Generations Selects Special Comic''====
===''The Headmasters'' manga===
During the [[Selector]] rebellion of [[2050]], Ricochet was present when [[Angolmois Energy]] on the planet Earth went wild, erupting out of the ground. {{storylink|Abominus comic 1}}
{{--}}
 
===Dreamwave ''Generation One'' continuity===
[[File:NightoftheCombaticons-MagnificusSoundblasterRicochet.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.66|Apparently, this is how post-1985 [[redeco]]es are made.]]
Ricochet was one of several clones created by [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] in the same program that produced [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]]. While in a tube, he was discovered by the [[Battlecharger]]s, who released Sunstorm. The laboratory the clones were stored in was soon destroyed by Sunstorm. {{storylink|Night of the Combaticons}}
 
===2005 IDW continuity===
When [[Nova Prime|Nemesis Prime]] broke into the [[Garrus-9]] penitentiary, Ricochet was among the [[Autobot]] guards who tried to hold him back in vain. {{Storylink|Spotlight: Doubledealer}}
{{--}}
 
===''United''===
[[File:FierceFightingOnPlanetNebulos-Stepper.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|"Ricochet, you're in charge, because the colorblind Decepticons might think you're Jazz, who's much cooler."]]
A devastating [[nano-virus]] plagued the Earthbound Autobots, a plague that Headmasters or Targetmasters like Ricochet were mysteriously immune from. [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] charged Ricochet with leading a team of unafflicted Autobots to [[Nebulos]], where the supreme scientist [[Zella]] had crafted an antidote. Ricochet worried aloud that their departure would leave Autobot City vulnerable, but Perceptor assured him that it would be [[Drift (G1)|properly guarded]].
 
As Ricochet's team arrived on Nebulos, [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] warned him he was having a bad feeling about all this. And sure enough, Kup's intuitions were correct, as an army of Decepticons led by [[Straxus (G1)|Straxus]] appeared via an inter-dimensional portal. The nano-virus was part of a larger plot to draw out the Headmasters and Targetmasters so that their Nebulan partners could be collected. As the Autobots concentrated their attacks on Straxus, Ricochet slipped through the battle to pick up Zella's antidote, blasting his way through [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] and [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] in the process. By the time he returned with a cart full of the stuff, his Autobots had defeated the Decepticons.
 
The antidote was successful, and [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] personally thanked Ricochet for his brave efforts. {{storylink|The Fierce Fighting on Planet Nebulos}}
{{--}}


Ricochet accompanied [[Artfire]], [[Chromedome]] and [[Daniel Witwicky]] in responding to a building fire. While the Autobots attempted to rescue people and put out the flames, the [[Decepticon]] Targetmasters attacked. However, the arrival of [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]], who dropped [[fire-retardant foam]] on the buildings in starship mode, gave the two Autobot Targetmasters the chance they needed to combine with their gun-partners and send the Decepticons flying away uncontrollably.
===''Beast Wars: Uprising''===
Stepper was one of the Autobots present on the disastrous campaign on [[Nebulos]]. He was partners with the Targetmaster Nightstick, until Nightstick, along with [[Fracas]], defected to the Decepticons. {{storylink|A Brush With Infamy–Prologue}}


===T/F Collection reissue bio===
===2019 IDW continuity===
[[File:Tread&Circuits1 RicochetHotShotStunt.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|]]
Ricochet was a member of the [[Wreckers]], a covert operations team disguised as a traveling stunt show. They were active among and between the Cybertronian colonies after the [[War of the Threefold Spark]]. Ricochet and his partner [[Hot Shot (G1)|Hot Shot]] were the main talent in the act and they shared a competitive dynamic over which one was faster and better (both on and off camera). One of the Wreckers' broadcasts was interrupted by dissidents on [[Velocitron]] called [[Mayhem Attack Squad|Mayhem]], who objected to the position of First Senator being picked by the outcome of the [[Speedia 500]] race, and promised to disrupt it. Wreckers leader [[Thunder Clash|Thunderclash]] brought the stunt show to Velocitron after that and entered the team in the race as a show of support for Velocitron (and to get close to the action to stop Mayhem). {{storylink|Tread & Circuits Part 1}}


On [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], Ricochet often had marksmanship contests with his friends [[Fusion]] and [[Bluestreak]].  (It's anyone's guess how the hot-tempered Ricochet, who couldn't maintain friendly conversations with other Autobots, could be pals with the chatterbox Bluestreak.)
Before the race, the Wreckers did recon of the other competitors, suspicious that Mayhem may have an inside 'bot at the Speedia. Ricochet observed the reclusive biker [[Sideways (RM)|Sideways]], but was unable to get a read on him. Their recon was interrupted when the Wreckers' chronicler [[Circuit (G1)|Circuit]] spotted Mayhem in the city, but was sniped and critically injured. [[Minerva (G1 robot)|Minerva]] took to watching over Circuit as the other Wreckers gathered at the starting line and the Speedia 500 began. {{storylink|Tread & Circuits Part 2}}


Ricochet's metabolic functions were damaged in an unspecified "incident."  Nightstick, an engineer on the planet [[Master]], volunteered to help him by undergoing a unique form of [[binary bonding|binary bondage]]. While ostensibly becoming a Targetmaster, Nightstick's gun mode wasn't merely hand-held. He instead plugged into Ricochet's robot-mode back, serving as a life-support system.
[[File:Tread&Circuits3 HotShotDragStripRicochet.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|]]
Thunderclash gave Ricochet and Hot Shot permission to go all out in the race. They found themselves neck-and-neck with the dirty trickster called [[Drag Strip (G1)|Drag Strip]]. Mayhem attacked the race course, causing an avalanche which Drag Strip negotiated around. Hot Shot gave Ricochet a boost over the rubble, but they were targeted by Mayhem's [[Thunderblast (G1)|Thunderblast]] and [[Slugslinger (G1)|Slugslinger]] from the air. Hot Shot took a hit, but the rest of the racers caught up, leading to an all-out melee. The remaining racers dragged themselves across the finish line, but even the arrival of [[Security Operations]] didn't stop Mayhem from escaping. {{storylink|Tread & Circuits Part 3}}


===Dreamwave comics continuity===
Days later, the racers gathered at the Velocitronian Senate as the winner Knock Out was sworn in as the new First Senator. Mayhem made another strike at the ceremony, and Ricochet and Hot Shot got a rematch with Thunderblast and Slugslinger. They tag-teamed the terrorists and knocked them out, but Minerva ended up being arrested under suspicion of attacking the First Senator. With Minerva incarcerated and Circuit passing away from his injuries, the Wreckers questioned whether they should go on. Although their stunt show went on hiatus, Thunderclash tried to boost his troops' spirits by suggesting a recruitment drive for the future. {{storylink|Tread & Circuits Part 4}}


Though he was never activated, Ricochet was apparently one of several [[clone|clones]] created by [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] in the same program that produced [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]]. {{storylink|Night of the Combaticons}}
==Games==
===''Angry Birds Transformers''===
{{main|Bubbles#As Ricochet}}
Ricochet appears as a character unlockable in Challenge Events. He is portrayed by Bubbles. {{storylink|Angry Birds Transformers (mobile game)|Angry Birds Transformers}}


{{note|This origin is at odds with what little else we know about Ricochet.  Of course, [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]] wasn't a clone in most stories either...}}
===''Transformers: Battle Tactics''===
[[File:Battle-Tactics-Ricochet-(G1).jpg|thumb|He shoots without Nightstick in vehicle mode!]]
Ricochet (G1) participated in battles against a variety of opponents, both Autobots and Decepticons. Sometimes there were many of him! He was an Epic character available to 100 leagues in the "Disaster: Code Blue" event. {{storylink|Transformers: Battle Tactics}}
{{--}}


==Toys==
==Toys==
===Generation 1===
===''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers''===
*'''Stepper''' (Targetmaster, 1987)
{{anchor|The Headmasters}}
: ''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-109'''
[[File:G1-toy Stepper.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Former holy grail.]]
:''Accessories'': "Nebulon" Targetmaster partner, gun mount backpack
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Stepper''' (''Targetmaster'', [[1987]])}}</ul>
:*''ID number'': '''C-109'''
:*''Accessories'': "Nebulon" Targetmaster partner, gun mount backpack
 
: A [[retool]] and [[redeco]] of the [[Jazz (G1)/toys#Toys|original Jazz toy]], ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)#Headmasters|Targetmaster]]'' Stepper transforms into a 1976 Porsche 935 race car. As a [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmaster]], he came with a smaller partner robot named [[Nebulon (Headmasters)#Toys|Nebulon]]. In gun mode, Nebulon could peg into Stepper's retooled car mode spoiler, or could attach to a separate bracket that mounted over his robot mode shoulder. Stepper did not come with any of Jazz's accessories.
 
: As a late addition to the Japanese ''Headmasters'' series (he was a tail-ender release and was unlikely to have been on shelves for very long as stores would reset for the new [[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)#Masterforce|''Super-God Masterforce'' toyline]]) and one of the earliest Japanese-only Transformers, though Stepper was not ''particularly'' rare, he was perceived as such in the West. As such, for several years Stepper commanded top dollar on the secondary market... until the reissue (see below) pretty much iced that.
 
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1987/Cybertron/Stepper/stepper.htm More information on Ricochet at TFU.info]''
{{G1JazzMold}}
{{--}}


[[Image:G1Stepper_toy.jpg|thumb|left|Former holy grail.]]
===''The Transformers Collection''===
[[File:G1 Stepper reissue.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Former FORMER holy grail.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Stepper''' ([[2004]])}}</ul>
:*''ID number'': '''15'''
:*''Accessories'': "Nebulon" Targetmaster partner, gun mount backpack, Laser Rifle, Missile Launcher backpack, 3 missiles


: A [[retool]] and [[redeco]] of the 1984 Autobot [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]], Stepper transforms into a Porsche 935 Turbo "Moby Dick" race car. As a [[Targetmaster]], he came with a smaller partner robot named [[Nebulon (Autobot)|Nebulon]]. In gun mode, Nebulon could peg into Stepper's car mode spoiler, or could attach to a separate bracket that mounted over his robot-mode shoulder. Stepper did not come with any of Jazz's accessories.
: Stepper was reissued as part of Takara's ''[[The Transformers Collection|Transformers Collection]]'' series, and almost simultaneously by Hasbro in their ''[[The Transformers: Generation One Commemorative Series|Commemorative Series]]'' (see below). This version of the figure features a bolstered arsenal that now includes golden-chromed versions of Jazz's weapons; additionally, Nebulon was retooled with a slender peg extension to allow Stepper to actually hold him in his hand.


: As a late addition to the Japanse ''Headmasters'' series (he was a tail-ender release and was unlikely to have been on shelves for very long as stores would reset for the new ''[[Masterforce]]'' series) and one of the earliest Japanese-only Transformers, though Stepper was not ''particularly'' rare, he was perceived as such in the west. As such, for several years Stepper commanded top dollar on the secondary market... until the reissue (see below) pretty much iced that.
: The reissue also features some small structural remolding, with the easily-broken plastic clasp that held Stepper's legs in being altered to a more sturdy pin and solid plastic holder combination. Also, the [[mold]] degradation that had plagued Jazz's head sculpt since the days of the [[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|''Generation 2'' toyline]]—which had reduced his face to a distorted grimace—was finally amended, restoring the figure's original appearance. This restored tooling was subsequently used for the ''[[Transformers Encore]]'' reissue of Jazz.


: Unlike every other [[Generation 1 reissues|Generation 1 reissue]] up to that point, Stepper was initiated by Hasbro, to be released alongside their ''Commemorative Series'' release (see below). Even the sticker sheet uses Hasbro's ''Transformers'' logo.
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Autobot/Ricochet/ricochet.htm Transformers Collection Stepper at TFU.info]''
{{G1JazzMold}}
{{-}}
{{-}}
*'''Ricochet w/ Nightstick''' (Targetmaster, 2003)
: ''Japanese ID number:'' '''TFC-15'''
:''Accessories'': "Nightstick/Nebulon" Targetmaster partner, gun mount backpack, rifle, missile launcher backpack, 3 missiles


[[Image:G1_Stepper_reissue.jpg|thumb|right|Modern heavily-discounted shelfwarmer.]]
===''Commemorative Series''===
[[File:G1-toy RicochetCommSeries.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|thunmb|Modern heavily discounted shelfwarmer.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Ricochet with Nightstick''' (2004)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories:'' "Nightstick" Targetmaster partner, gun mount backpack, rifle, missile launcher backpack, 3 missiles


: Announced first by [[Hasbro]] but released almost simultaneously by both Hasbro and [[Takara]], Stepper (now called Ricochet for his US debut) was released through Toys "R" Us in the US in [[Commemorative Series]] IX, and as part of Takara's [[Transformers Collection|T/F Collection]] reissue series. His arsenal was bolstered by the addition of Jazz's weapons, chromed gold where they had been silver for the Takara version, and solid black plastic for the Hasbro release. Additionally, Nightstick was retooled with a slender peg extension to allow Ricochet to actually hold him in his hand.
: [[Hasbro]] actually announced their reissue of Stepper prior to [[TakaraTomy|Takara]], finally christening him with the new English name of "Ricochet" seventeen years after his creation. Released as part of the ninth and final wave of [[Toys"R"Us]] [[exclusive]] ''[[The Transformers: Generation One Commemorative Series|Commemorative Series]]'' reissues, Ricochet shared all the modifications made to Takara's reissue, except that—as had previously been the case with Hasbro's [[Jazz (G1)/toys#Commemorative Series|''Commemorative Series'' reissue of Jazz]]—his rifle and missiles were un-chromed black plastic, and both the missiles and launcher were elongated to standard [[for safety reasons|safety-regulation]] length in order to retail actual missile-launching functionality (the only "Autobot car" releases in the line to have working launchers).


: Amusingly enough, neither version sold all that well, and in the US was eventually sent to the "closeout" chain Tuesday Morning, where he could be purchased for $8 (original TRU price: $35). Japan saw similar clearance sales on the piece.
: Ricochet was initially listed as "[[Sunstreaker (G1)/toys|Sunstreaker]]" in Canadian and Australian Toys"R"Us computers, leading to some confusion among fans. What's worse, the public Canadian Toys"R"Us website even illustrated their listing with a non-[[stock photography|official photo]] of the Generation 1 Sunstreaker toy lifted straight off a [http://www.ggaub.com/tf/toy.html fan's website], complete with watermark!


: Amusingly enough, after years of demand by the fandom, Ricochet didn't sell particularly well at all. He was eventually sent to the "closeout" chain Tuesday Morning, where he could be purchased for $8 (original TRU price: $35). Japan saw similar clearance sales on its version.
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Autobot/Ricochet/ricochet.htm Commemorative Series Ricochet at TFU.info]''
{{G1JazzMold}}
{{--}}
===''Alternators''===
[[File:Alt-toy Ricochet.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Sadly, Ricochet's brilliant plan to score with ladies by becoming a lifeguard failed miserably.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Subaru Impreza WRX Ricochet''' (Alternator, [[2006]])}}</ul>
:*''ID number'': '''20'''
:*''Accessories'': Intercooler/gun
{{toydesigner|[[Steve Bono]] (Hasbro)|[[Marcelo Matere]] (packaging artist)}}
: Part of the ''[[Transformers: Alternators|Alternators]]'' line's second, relaunched assortment, Ricochet is a [[redeco]] of ''Alternators'' [[Bluestreak (G1)/toys#Alternators/Binaltech|Silverstreak]], who was himself retooled into [[Smokescreen (G1)/toys#Alternators/Binaltech|Smokescreen]] (who in turn was released first for marketing reasons). Like Silverstreak, Ricochet's alternate mode is a [[licensed vehicle alternate modes|licensed]] Subaru Impreza WRX featuring opening doors, hood and trunk and a detailed interior. The intercooler becomes a hand-held (non-firing) weapon.
: Ricochet was among the first ''Alternators'' figures to feature a state-specific [[license plate]]; Ricochet is registered in [[New Jersey (Earth)|New Jersey]]. With his attitude, he'll fit right in.
: Though early official Hasbro [[stock photography|stock photos]] (including those printed on the underside of the packaging) depict Ricochet with a fully-gold face, the final product's nose is white for unknown reasons. Contrary to popular belief, it was not left unpainted, as his head is made out of black plastic.
: This sculpt was also retooled to make [[Red Alert (G1)/toys#Binaltech Asterisk|Red Alert]].
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Autobot/AltRicochet/ricochet.htm More information on ''Alternators'' Ricochet at TFU.info]''
{{AlternatorsSmokescreenMold}}
{{-}}
{{-}}


===Alternators===
===''United''===
*'''Ricochet''' (Alternator, 2006)
[[File:Unitedtoy-Stepper.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|SWEET! Now where does the Targetmaster store?]]
:''Alternator ID number:'' '''20'''
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Stepper''' (Deluxe mail-away, [[2011]])}}</ul>
:*''Release date'': [[December 27]], 2011
:*''Accessories'': Blaster, left & right speakers, "Nebulon" Targetmaster


[[Image:Alternators_Ricochet_toy.jpg|left|thumb|200px|Sadly, Ricochet's brilliant plan to score fembots by becoming a lifeguard failed miserably.]]
: Available only as a mail-away exclusive offered through ''[[Transformers Generations 2011 Volume 1]]'', ''[[Transformers United|United]]'' Stepper is a redeco of ''[[Transformers (2010 toyline)#RTS|Reveal the Shield]]'' Deluxe Class [[Jazz (G1)/toys#Transformers (2010)|Special Ops Jazz]], transforming into a "street rally" sports car that looks like his original Porsche front-end wearing [[Jazz (Movie)|Pontiac Solstice]] headlights for a hat. Stepper has deployable speakers in both robot and vehicle mode, which can combine with his rifle via 3 mm clips to form a super rifle or be used on any other [[C joint|clip-compatible]] ''Transformers'' toy.


: A late-run [[Alternator]], Ricochet is a [[redeco]] of the Subaru Impreza WRX mold used to make [[Bluestreak|Silverstreak]]. He features opening doors, hood and trunk, has a detailed interior, and his intercooler becomes a hand-held (non-firing) weapon. He is one of the few Alternators with a state-specific license plate; Ricochet is registered in New Jersey.  With his attitude, he'll fit right in.
: He once again comes with [[Nebulon (Headmasters)#United|Nebulon]], now (and naturally) a redeco of ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Nightstick (G1)#Universe (2008)|Nightstick]]. However, Stepper lacks any new tooling that allows his vehicle mode to use Nebulon's gun mode in any way.  


: Though publicity photography give Ricochet a fully-gold face, for unknown reasons the final product's nose was white. Contrary to popular belief, it was not left unpainted, as his head is made out of black plastic.
: Stepper and Nebulon are the only ''United'' figures to retain their original Japanese names rather than being sold under their Hasbro-market names.


: This mold was retooled to make [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] and [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]].
: This sculpt was also used to make ''[[Transformers: Shattered Glass (toyline)|Shattered Glass]]'' [[Longarm (SG)#Toys|Longarm]] and [[Stepper (SG)#Toys|Stepper]], and the mold's alternate head was used to make [[Treadshot (SG)#Toys|Treadshot]]. It was also retooled to make ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' [[Wheelie (G1)#Generations|Wheelie]] and ''[[Transformers Timelines (toyline)|Timelines]]'' [[Kick-Off (G1)#Timelines|Kick-Over]].
{{2010JazzMold}}
{{--}}


===''Generations Selects''===
[[File:Selects-Deluxe-Ricochet.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|[[Carlos Alazraqui|LUCHARAAAAAAANNNN!!!]]]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Ricochet''' (Deluxe Class, [[2019]])}}
:*''Series'': '''''Power of the Primes'''''
:*''Accessories'': Blaster, Prime Armor/combiner hand, Prime Master gap filler/gun
{{toydesigner|[[AJ Piejko-Brown]] (packaging)}}
: A ''[[Generations Selects (toyline)|Generations Selects]]'' accompaniment to ''[[Power of the Primes (toyline)|Power of the Primes]]'', Ricochet is a redeco of ''Power of the Primes'' [[Jazz (G1)/toys#Power of the Primes|Jazz]] (which reuses the wheels and combiner peg of ''[[Combiner Wars (toyline)|Combiner Wars]]'' [[Drag Strip (G1)#Generations|Dragstrip]]), transforming into a Le Mans-like racing car [[Porsche#Porsche 962|subtly inspired by a Porsche 962]]. Curiously, Ricochet's engineering includes wrist swivels, but the panels molded underneath his forearms render them largely worthless. Ricochet can also form an arm or leg for any ''Combiner Wars''-style combiner (or become one of [[Godbomber#Legends|''Legends'' Godbomber]]'s legs).
: It is currently unknown if Ricochet suffers the same breakage problems with his translucent plastic as his mold-mate. So far, seems good.
: Ricochet comes with a "Prime Armor" accessory with a socket for a [[Prime Master]], [[Titan Master]], [[Enigma of Combination]], or [[Matrix of Leadership/toys#Power of the Primes|Matrix core]], which can also transform into a hand for a combiner robot. He also comes with a piece that can fill the gap in the Prime Armor or be held as a gun. To connect the armor, the grill portion of Ricochet's chest has two indents that fit the tabs on the "thumbs" when inserted at a slight angle. This Prime Armor mold was also used for [[Moonracer (G1)#Generations|Moonracer]], [[Firestar (G1)#Generations|Novastar]], and [[Punch (G1)#Power of the Primes|Punch-Counterpunch]].
{{--}}
==Merchandise==
===Transformers - Mini Bust===
* '''Ricochet''' (<s>Diamond Select, 2008/2009</s> unreleased)
[[File: XL-Shop advert for Diamond Direct Ricochet exclusive.jpg|right|thumb|There was no bounce back for this Ricochet]]
:In 2008, xl-shop, a Malaysian-based online hobby store, solicited an exclusive mini-bust of Ricochet, as a repaint of the earlier released [[Jazz_(G1)/toys#Transformers_-_Mini_Bust|Jazz]]. Like similar solicitations for battle-damaged Ultra Magnus and a toy-colored Galvatron, this solicitation was advertised with an artistic rendering of the redeco only, before quietly being cancelled.
{{canceledtoy}}
{{-}}
{{-}}


==Trivia==
*Stepper and Artfire's Targetmaster partners' names were switched from their [[Nightstick (Decepticon)|English-language]] [[Fracas|counterparts]].  There has been some speculation among fans that "Stepper" and "Artfire" maybe have been switched as well; this is fueled by the fact that the ''[[Robots in Disguise]]'' Ricochet homage [[Hot_Shot (RID)|Hot Shot's]] Japanese name was Artfire, not Stepper.


==References==
<references/>


===''Robot Heroes''===
[[File:Robotheroesricochetpredaking.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Finally, someone to redeco every Jazz into.]]
*'''Ricochet & Predaking''' (Two-pack, [[2009]])
{{toydesigner|[[Bill Rawley]] (Hasbro)|[[Marcelo Matere]] (concept artist)}}
:A redeco of ''[[Robot Heroes (toyline)|Robot Heroes]]'' [[Jazz (G1)/toys#Robot Heroes|Autobot Jazz]], Ricochet is a small [[super deformed]] figurine with articulated shoulders. He was only available in a two-pack with [[Predaking (G1)#Robot Heroes|Predaking]].
:The United States release of this two-pack was canceled, but it was released in other markets such as Singapore, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Germany.
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Autobot/RHRicochet/ricochet.htm More information on Robot Heroes Ricochet at TFU.info]''
{{--}}
===''ReAction''===
[[File:Transformers_ReAction_Stepper_Figure.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|A Hasbro licensee acknowledges his one true name.]]
*'''Stepper''' (2020)
**''Accessories'': Photon rifle
:Released as a special wave of black redecos for [[Black Friday (event)|Black Friday]] for Super7's line of multi-property 3.75 inch action figures, ''ReAction'' Stepper is a non-converting action figure with 5 points of articulation and is a redeco of [[Jazz (G1)/toys#ReAction|Jazz]] from the same series. He comes with a blaster which can only be held in his right hand. As with all releases in the ''ReAction'' toyline, Stepper comes packaged in a small cardback that emulates the nostalgic packaging style of [[Kenner]] ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' action figures of the late 1970s.
{{--}}
===''Transformers Character Card''===
[[File:Transformers Character Card Artfire and Ricochet.jpg|upright=1.3|thumb|]]
*'''Stepper & Artfire Set''' ([[June]], [[2024]])
**''ID number:'' '''89 & 90'''
:Released as part of the twelfth wave of the [[e-HOBBY]] exclusive ''[[Transformers Character Card]]'' series, this pair of holographic trading cards depict super-deformed art of Stepper (with [[Nebulon (Headmasters)|Nebulon]]) and [[Artfire]] (with [[Nightstick (Headmasters)|Nightstick]]) along with [[bio|character profiles]] and [[Tech Spec|tech specs]].
::*''[[Source:Transformers Character Card#91|Translation of Stepper's Transformers Character Card]]''
{{--}}
===Auldey===
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Ricochet''' (Alpha Action Elite, 2025)}}</ul>
:*''Series:'' '''The Demon Star Approaches'''
:*''ID Number'': '''AAE-026'''
:*''Accessories:'': "Nebulon" Targetmaster gun, 3 hand pairs (splayed, pointing, and closed with port)
{{toydesigner|[[Lam Ahtek]]}}
:Sold as part of the third wave of [[Auldey]]'s "Alpha Action Elite (AAE)" series of blindboxes, this Ricochet is a 5-inch non-transforming but highly articulated action figure. As expected, he is a retool of [[Jazz_(G1)/toys#Auldey|Jazz]] with toy-accurate door wings and wheel kibble behind his shoulders. Aside from the usual hand pair pieces, Ricochet comes with his "Nebulon" Targetmaster gun who can be disassembled and rebuilt back into robot mode. The door wings come detached in package.
{{comingsoontoy}}
{{--}}
==Notes==
*The "Stepper/Ricochet" name situation is a bit of a rare one in ''Transformers'': while it ''was'' very common for toy characters to get name changes when making the jump from Takara to Hasbro markets and vice-versa up through the mid-2000s, there's usually not a lot of time between the character's creation and said jump, rarely more than a year in the majority of cases. In this one, the character was exclusively "Stepper" for nearly ''twenty years'' before Hasbro brought him over as "Ricochet". (Nowadays, with both companies working so close together, characters making the cross-company jump typically keep their original name, or a close-enough-to-pass-legal version thereof.) As is TFWiki's policy, we use his English-market name throughout this article, though we do admit that it can sometimes feel a little... dishonest? ...given how long he was just "Stepper". We no longer do the same for [[Nebulon (Headmasters)|his partner]] due to the unique complications with that matter.
*Stepper and Artfire's Targetmaster partners' names were switched from their [[Nightstick (G1)|English-language]] [[Fracas|counterparts]]. There has been some speculation among fans that "Stepper" and "Artfire" may have been switched as well, given that Artfire is the one with a ladder to step on and Stepper is the one with art of fire on him. This is fueled by the fact that [[Hot Shot (RID)|Hot Shot]], the Ricochet homage in the [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 franchise)|2001 ''Robots in Disguise'' franchise]], was named Art Fire in Japan (albeit with a different pronunciation than the Targetmaster), not Stepper.
*Hasbro designer [[Aaron Archer]] picked the name Ricochet, as the reissue meant that "the character was ''coming back''", and as he'd enjoyed the [[1991]] movie ''{{w|Ricochet (1991 film)|Ricochet}}''.<ref>{{citesocial|quote=We couldn't use the name Stepper for some reason. I named him Ricochet for no really good reason other than the character was coming back—you know, like, ''ricochet''—and it was also a movie that I kind of enjoyed, a weird movie, at one time... so I just thought it was an interesting name.|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwZF8BdltK4&t=2039s|name=Aaron Archer|site=The Toy Armada|title="Toy Armada Friday Night LIVE - Armada Hot Shot and more!"|year=2023|month=11|day=10}}</ref>
*Ricochet is one of the few Generation 1 characters to have more than one ''[[Transformers: Shattered Glass (franchise)|Shattered Glass]]'' doppelgänger, receiving both "[[Ricochet (SG)|Ricochet]]" in [[2008]] and "[[Stepper (SG)|Stepper]]" in [[2015]].
*Ricochet's ''Selects'' toy was "leaked" months prior to its announcement via [[:File:Elita-Infin1te.jpg|Elita Infin1te's package art]], with a black-colored Jazz visible as the right leg. Given that line artist [[Robby Musso]] stated he was instructed to draw specific toys,<ref>https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10157930304367266&set=a.10156303508002266 Facebook post by Robby Musso, 4 October 2020</ref> it would seem that plans for Ricochet's release venue shifted around at Hasbro.


==External links==
===Foreign names===
* [http://www.tfu.info/1987/Cybertron/Stepper/stepper.htm Ricochet at TFU.info]
*''Mandarin'': '''Wǔzhě''' (舞者, "Dancer")
* [http://www.tfarchive.com/comics/japanese/trans296.php Headmasters #7 translated in English]


==References==
{{reflist}}


[[Category: Alternators]]
[[Category:Alternators Autobots]]
[[Category: Autobots]]
[[Category:Beast Wars: Uprising Autobots]]
[[Category: Headmasters characters]]
[[Category:Clones]]
[[Category: Targetmasters]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>
[[Category:Combiners]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Generations Selects Autobots]]
[[Category:Generations Selects toy Autobots]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Autobots]]
[[Category:IDW (2019) Autobots]]
[[Category:Japanese-original Transformers]]
[[Category:Legends Autobots]]
[[Category:Mail order exclusives]]
[[Category:Power of the Primes Autobots]]
[[Category:Robot Heroes]]
[[Category:Second Cybertron Alliance]]
[[Category:Targetmasters]]
[[Category:The Headmasters Autobots]]
[[Category:Transformers Character Card Autobots]]
[[Category:United Autobots]]
[[Category:Wreckers]]

Latest revision as of 02:16, 24 April 2026

This subject of this article goes by multiple names that apply to other articles as well. See Ricochet (disambiguation), Stepper (disambiguation).
Ricochet is an Autobot from the Headmasters portion of the Generation 1 continuity family.
Jazz gets pimped.

The job of Ricochet, aka Stepper (ステッパー Suteppā), is Rapid-Fire Attack, and he's well suited to it. He is the most accurate marksman the Autobots have and a Targetmaster as well, further augmenting his incredible skill. Unfortunately he's also quick-tempered and very easily provoked. This leads to him having a hard time maintaining friendly relations or even conversations with his teammates. In his favor, Ricochet has an uncommonly strong sense of justice (exactly twice as strong as the ordinary Autobot).

His Targetmaster partner is Nebulon.

Fiction

[edit]

The Headmasters comic

[edit]
Here comes the hot Stepper (murderer)
I'm the lyrical gangster (murderer)

Ricochet accompanied Artfire, Chromedome, and Daniel Witwicky in responding to a building fire. While the Autobots attempted to rescue people and put out the flames, the Decepticon Targetmasters attacked. However, the arrival of Fortress Maximus, who dropped fire-retardant foam on the buildings in starship mode, gave the two Autobot Targetmasters the chance they needed to combine with their gun-partners and send the Decepticons flying away uncontrollably. The Headmasters #7

Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity

[edit]

Transformers Collection bio

[edit]

On Cybertron, Ricochet often had marksmanship contests with his friends Fusion and Bluestreak.

At some point after 2011, Ricochet's metabolic functions were damaged in an incident. Nebulon, an engineer on the planet Master, volunteered to help him by undergoing a unique form of binary bonding. While ostensibly becoming a Targetmaster, Nightstick's gun mode wasn't merely hand-held. He instead plugged into Ricochet's robot mode back, serving as a life-support system.

Legends comic

[edit]

In the late 1980s, Ricochet was among the Autobots who fought to protect the Transform Super Cog from being stolen by the Decepticons, but the Battlechargers were able get past their defenses. Slugslinger's Ambition

Generations Selects Special Comic

[edit]

During the Selector rebellion of 2050, Ricochet was present when Angolmois Energy on the planet Earth went wild, erupting out of the ground. Abominus comic 1

Dreamwave Generation One continuity

[edit]
Apparently, this is how post-1985 redecoes are made.

Ricochet was one of several clones created by Shockwave in the same program that produced Sunstorm. While in a tube, he was discovered by the Battlechargers, who released Sunstorm. The laboratory the clones were stored in was soon destroyed by Sunstorm. Night of the Combaticons

2005 IDW continuity

[edit]

When Nemesis Prime broke into the Garrus-9 penitentiary, Ricochet was among the Autobot guards who tried to hold him back in vain. Spotlight: Doubledealer

United

[edit]
"Ricochet, you're in charge, because the colorblind Decepticons might think you're Jazz, who's much cooler."

A devastating nano-virus plagued the Earthbound Autobots, a plague that Headmasters or Targetmasters like Ricochet were mysteriously immune from. Perceptor charged Ricochet with leading a team of unafflicted Autobots to Nebulos, where the supreme scientist Zella had crafted an antidote. Ricochet worried aloud that their departure would leave Autobot City vulnerable, but Perceptor assured him that it would be properly guarded.

As Ricochet's team arrived on Nebulos, Kup warned him he was having a bad feeling about all this. And sure enough, Kup's intuitions were correct, as an army of Decepticons led by Straxus appeared via an inter-dimensional portal. The nano-virus was part of a larger plot to draw out the Headmasters and Targetmasters so that their Nebulan partners could be collected. As the Autobots concentrated their attacks on Straxus, Ricochet slipped through the battle to pick up Zella's antidote, blasting his way through Rumble and Frenzy in the process. By the time he returned with a cart full of the stuff, his Autobots had defeated the Decepticons.

The antidote was successful, and Optimus Prime personally thanked Ricochet for his brave efforts. The Fierce Fighting on Planet Nebulos

Beast Wars: Uprising

[edit]

Stepper was one of the Autobots present on the disastrous campaign on Nebulos. He was partners with the Targetmaster Nightstick, until Nightstick, along with Fracas, defected to the Decepticons. A Brush With Infamy–Prologue

2019 IDW continuity

[edit]

Ricochet was a member of the Wreckers, a covert operations team disguised as a traveling stunt show. They were active among and between the Cybertronian colonies after the War of the Threefold Spark. Ricochet and his partner Hot Shot were the main talent in the act and they shared a competitive dynamic over which one was faster and better (both on and off camera). One of the Wreckers' broadcasts was interrupted by dissidents on Velocitron called Mayhem, who objected to the position of First Senator being picked by the outcome of the Speedia 500 race, and promised to disrupt it. Wreckers leader Thunderclash brought the stunt show to Velocitron after that and entered the team in the race as a show of support for Velocitron (and to get close to the action to stop Mayhem). Tread & Circuits Part 1

Before the race, the Wreckers did recon of the other competitors, suspicious that Mayhem may have an inside 'bot at the Speedia. Ricochet observed the reclusive biker Sideways, but was unable to get a read on him. Their recon was interrupted when the Wreckers' chronicler Circuit spotted Mayhem in the city, but was sniped and critically injured. Minerva took to watching over Circuit as the other Wreckers gathered at the starting line and the Speedia 500 began. Tread & Circuits Part 2

Thunderclash gave Ricochet and Hot Shot permission to go all out in the race. They found themselves neck-and-neck with the dirty trickster called Drag Strip. Mayhem attacked the race course, causing an avalanche which Drag Strip negotiated around. Hot Shot gave Ricochet a boost over the rubble, but they were targeted by Mayhem's Thunderblast and Slugslinger from the air. Hot Shot took a hit, but the rest of the racers caught up, leading to an all-out melee. The remaining racers dragged themselves across the finish line, but even the arrival of Security Operations didn't stop Mayhem from escaping. Tread & Circuits Part 3

Days later, the racers gathered at the Velocitronian Senate as the winner Knock Out was sworn in as the new First Senator. Mayhem made another strike at the ceremony, and Ricochet and Hot Shot got a rematch with Thunderblast and Slugslinger. They tag-teamed the terrorists and knocked them out, but Minerva ended up being arrested under suspicion of attacking the First Senator. With Minerva incarcerated and Circuit passing away from his injuries, the Wreckers questioned whether they should go on. Although their stunt show went on hiatus, Thunderclash tried to boost his troops' spirits by suggesting a recruitment drive for the future. Tread & Circuits Part 4

Games

[edit]

Angry Birds Transformers

[edit]
Main article: Bubbles#As Ricochet

Ricochet appears as a character unlockable in Challenge Events. He is portrayed by Bubbles. Angry Birds Transformers

Transformers: Battle Tactics

[edit]
He shoots without Nightstick in vehicle mode!

Ricochet (G1) participated in battles against a variety of opponents, both Autobots and Decepticons. Sometimes there were many of him! He was an Epic character available to 100 leagues in the "Disaster: Code Blue" event. Transformers: Battle Tactics

Toys

[edit]

Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers

[edit]

Former holy grail.
  • Stepper (Targetmaster, 1987)
  • ID number: C-109
  • Accessories: "Nebulon" Targetmaster partner, gun mount backpack
A retool and redeco of the original Jazz toy, Targetmaster Stepper transforms into a 1976 Porsche 935 race car. As a Targetmaster, he came with a smaller partner robot named Nebulon. In gun mode, Nebulon could peg into Stepper's retooled car mode spoiler, or could attach to a separate bracket that mounted over his robot mode shoulder. Stepper did not come with any of Jazz's accessories.
As a late addition to the Japanese Headmasters series (he was a tail-ender release and was unlikely to have been on shelves for very long as stores would reset for the new Super-God Masterforce toyline) and one of the earliest Japanese-only Transformers, though Stepper was not particularly rare, he was perceived as such in the West. As such, for several years Stepper commanded top dollar on the secondary market... until the reissue (see below) pretty much iced that.
The Transformers mold: Jazz

Version 1 (Jazz):

  • Takara/TakaraTomy: Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers 06 Meister
  • The Transformers Collection 1 Meister


Version 2 (Stepper):

  • Takara: Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers C-109 Stepper
  • The Transformers Collection 15 Stepper
  • Hasbro: Commemorative Series Ricochet

Kōjin Ōno

The Transformers Collection

[edit]
Former FORMER holy grail.
  • ID number: 15
  • Accessories: "Nebulon" Targetmaster partner, gun mount backpack, Laser Rifle, Missile Launcher backpack, 3 missiles
Stepper was reissued as part of Takara's Transformers Collection series, and almost simultaneously by Hasbro in their Commemorative Series (see below). This version of the figure features a bolstered arsenal that now includes golden-chromed versions of Jazz's weapons; additionally, Nebulon was retooled with a slender peg extension to allow Stepper to actually hold him in his hand.
The reissue also features some small structural remolding, with the easily-broken plastic clasp that held Stepper's legs in being altered to a more sturdy pin and solid plastic holder combination. Also, the mold degradation that had plagued Jazz's head sculpt since the days of the Generation 2 toyline—which had reduced his face to a distorted grimace—was finally amended, restoring the figure's original appearance. This restored tooling was subsequently used for the Transformers Encore reissue of Jazz.
Unlike every other Generation 1 reissue up to that point, Stepper was initiated by Hasbro, to be released alongside their Commemorative Series release (see below). Even the sticker sheet uses Hasbro's Transformers logo.
The Transformers mold: Jazz

Version 1 (Jazz):

  • Takara/TakaraTomy: Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers 06 Meister
  • The Transformers Collection 1 Meister


Version 2 (Stepper):

  • Takara: Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers C-109 Stepper
  • The Transformers Collection 15 Stepper
  • Hasbro: Commemorative Series Ricochet

Kōjin Ōno


Commemorative Series

[edit]
Modern heavily discounted shelfwarmer.
  • Ricochet with Nightstick (2004)
  • Accessories: "Nightstick" Targetmaster partner, gun mount backpack, rifle, missile launcher backpack, 3 missiles
Hasbro actually announced their reissue of Stepper prior to Takara, finally christening him with the new English name of "Ricochet" seventeen years after his creation. Released as part of the ninth and final wave of Toys"R"Us exclusive Commemorative Series reissues, Ricochet shared all the modifications made to Takara's reissue, except that—as had previously been the case with Hasbro's Commemorative Series reissue of Jazz—his rifle and missiles were un-chromed black plastic, and both the missiles and launcher were elongated to standard safety-regulation length in order to retail actual missile-launching functionality (the only "Autobot car" releases in the line to have working launchers).
Ricochet was initially listed as "Sunstreaker" in Canadian and Australian Toys"R"Us computers, leading to some confusion among fans. What's worse, the public Canadian Toys"R"Us website even illustrated their listing with a non-official photo of the Generation 1 Sunstreaker toy lifted straight off a fan's website, complete with watermark!
Amusingly enough, after years of demand by the fandom, Ricochet didn't sell particularly well at all. He was eventually sent to the "closeout" chain Tuesday Morning, where he could be purchased for $8 (original TRU price: $35). Japan saw similar clearance sales on its version.
The Transformers mold: Jazz

Version 1 (Jazz):

  • Takara/TakaraTomy: Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers 06 Meister
  • The Transformers Collection 1 Meister


Version 2 (Stepper):

  • Takara: Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers C-109 Stepper
  • The Transformers Collection 15 Stepper
  • Hasbro: Commemorative Series Ricochet

Kōjin Ōno

Alternators

[edit]
Sadly, Ricochet's brilliant plan to score with ladies by becoming a lifeguard failed miserably.
  • Subaru Impreza WRX Ricochet (Alternator, 2006)
Part of the Alternators line's second, relaunched assortment, Ricochet is a redeco of Alternators Silverstreak, who was himself retooled into Smokescreen (who in turn was released first for marketing reasons). Like Silverstreak, Ricochet's alternate mode is a licensed Subaru Impreza WRX featuring opening doors, hood and trunk and a detailed interior. The intercooler becomes a hand-held (non-firing) weapon.
Ricochet was among the first Alternators figures to feature a state-specific license plate; Ricochet is registered in New Jersey. With his attitude, he'll fit right in.
Though early official Hasbro stock photos (including those printed on the underside of the packaging) depict Ricochet with a fully-gold face, the final product's nose is white for unknown reasons. Contrary to popular belief, it was not left unpainted, as his head is made out of black plastic.
This sculpt was also retooled to make Red Alert.
Alternators mold: Smokescreen
  • Hasbro:
  • Takara:
  • Binaltech Asterisk BTA-01 Alert


United

[edit]
SWEET! Now where does the Targetmaster store?
  • Stepper (Deluxe mail-away, 2011)
  • Release date: December 27, 2011
  • Accessories: Blaster, left & right speakers, "Nebulon" Targetmaster
Available only as a mail-away exclusive offered through Transformers Generations 2011 Volume 1, United Stepper is a redeco of Reveal the Shield Deluxe Class Special Ops Jazz, transforming into a "street rally" sports car that looks like his original Porsche front-end wearing Pontiac Solstice headlights for a hat. Stepper has deployable speakers in both robot and vehicle mode, which can combine with his rifle via 3 mm clips to form a super rifle or be used on any other clip-compatible Transformers toy.
He once again comes with Nebulon, now (and naturally) a redeco of Universe Nightstick. However, Stepper lacks any new tooling that allows his vehicle mode to use Nebulon's gun mode in any way.
Stepper and Nebulon are the only United figures to retain their original Japanese names rather than being sold under their Hasbro-market names.
This sculpt was also used to make Shattered Glass Longarm and Stepper, and the mold's alternate head was used to make Treadshot. It was also retooled to make Generations Wheelie and Timelines Kick-Over.
Transformers (2010) mold: Jazz
  • Hasbro:
  • Fun Publications:
  • TakaraTomy:
  • Million Publishing:

Generations Selects

[edit]
LUCHARAAAAAAANNNN!!!
  • Ricochet (Deluxe Class, 2019)
    • Series: Power of the Primes
    • Accessories: Blaster, Prime Armor/combiner hand, Prime Master gap filler/gun
    • Known designers: AJ Piejko-Brown (packaging)
    A Generations Selects accompaniment to Power of the Primes, Ricochet is a redeco of Power of the Primes Jazz (which reuses the wheels and combiner peg of Combiner Wars Dragstrip), transforming into a Le Mans-like racing car subtly inspired by a Porsche 962. Curiously, Ricochet's engineering includes wrist swivels, but the panels molded underneath his forearms render them largely worthless. Ricochet can also form an arm or leg for any Combiner Wars-style combiner (or become one of Legends Godbomber's legs).
    It is currently unknown if Ricochet suffers the same breakage problems with his translucent plastic as his mold-mate. So far, seems good.
    Ricochet comes with a "Prime Armor" accessory with a socket for a Prime Master, Titan Master, Enigma of Combination, or Matrix core, which can also transform into a hand for a combiner robot. He also comes with a piece that can fill the gap in the Prime Armor or be held as a gun. To connect the armor, the grill portion of Ricochet's chest has two indents that fit the tabs on the "thumbs" when inserted at a slight angle. This Prime Armor mold was also used for Moonracer, Novastar, and Punch-Counterpunch.

    Merchandise

    [edit]

    Transformers - Mini Bust

    [edit]
    • Ricochet (Diamond Select, 2008/2009 unreleased)
    There was no bounce back for this Ricochet
    In 2008, xl-shop, a Malaysian-based online hobby store, solicited an exclusive mini-bust of Ricochet, as a repaint of the earlier released Jazz. Like similar solicitations for battle-damaged Ultra Magnus and a toy-colored Galvatron, this solicitation was advertised with an artistic rendering of the redeco only, before quietly being cancelled.
    Your bargaining posture is highly dubious.
    Your bargaining posture is highly dubious.

    Proceed on your way to oblivion.
    This item has been canceled, with no current plans for release.



    Robot Heroes

    [edit]
    Finally, someone to redeco every Jazz into.
    • Ricochet & Predaking (Two-pack, 2009)
    A redeco of Robot Heroes Autobot Jazz, Ricochet is a small super deformed figurine with articulated shoulders. He was only available in a two-pack with Predaking.
    The United States release of this two-pack was canceled, but it was released in other markets such as Singapore, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Germany.

    ReAction

    [edit]
    A Hasbro licensee acknowledges his one true name.
    • Stepper (2020)
      • Accessories: Photon rifle
    Released as a special wave of black redecos for Black Friday for Super7's line of multi-property 3.75 inch action figures, ReAction Stepper is a non-converting action figure with 5 points of articulation and is a redeco of Jazz from the same series. He comes with a blaster which can only be held in his right hand. As with all releases in the ReAction toyline, Stepper comes packaged in a small cardback that emulates the nostalgic packaging style of Kenner Star Wars action figures of the late 1970s.

    Transformers Character Card

    [edit]
    • Stepper & Artfire Set (June, 2024)
      • ID number: 89 & 90
    Released as part of the twelfth wave of the e-HOBBY exclusive Transformers Character Card series, this pair of holographic trading cards depict super-deformed art of Stepper (with Nebulon) and Artfire (with Nightstick) along with character profiles and tech specs.

    Auldey

    [edit]
    • Ricochet (Alpha Action Elite, 2025)
    • Series: The Demon Star Approaches
    • ID Number: AAE-026
    • Accessories:: "Nebulon" Targetmaster gun, 3 hand pairs (splayed, pointing, and closed with port)
    • Known designers: Lam Ahtek
    Sold as part of the third wave of Auldey's "Alpha Action Elite (AAE)" series of blindboxes, this Ricochet is a 5-inch non-transforming but highly articulated action figure. As expected, he is a retool of Jazz with toy-accurate door wings and wheel kibble behind his shoulders. Aside from the usual hand pair pieces, Ricochet comes with his "Nebulon" Targetmaster gun who can be disassembled and rebuilt back into robot mode. The door wings come detached in package.
    Or you could pick... WHAT'S IN THE BOX.
    Or you could pick... WHAT'S IN THE BOX.

    This item is currently scheduled for release, but is not yet available at mass retail.

    Notes

    [edit]
    • The "Stepper/Ricochet" name situation is a bit of a rare one in Transformers: while it was very common for toy characters to get name changes when making the jump from Takara to Hasbro markets and vice-versa up through the mid-2000s, there's usually not a lot of time between the character's creation and said jump, rarely more than a year in the majority of cases. In this one, the character was exclusively "Stepper" for nearly twenty years before Hasbro brought him over as "Ricochet". (Nowadays, with both companies working so close together, characters making the cross-company jump typically keep their original name, or a close-enough-to-pass-legal version thereof.) As is TFWiki's policy, we use his English-market name throughout this article, though we do admit that it can sometimes feel a little... dishonest? ...given how long he was just "Stepper". We no longer do the same for his partner due to the unique complications with that matter.
    • Stepper and Artfire's Targetmaster partners' names were switched from their English-language counterparts. There has been some speculation among fans that "Stepper" and "Artfire" may have been switched as well, given that Artfire is the one with a ladder to step on and Stepper is the one with art of fire on him. This is fueled by the fact that Hot Shot, the Ricochet homage in the 2001 Robots in Disguise franchise, was named Art Fire in Japan (albeit with a different pronunciation than the Targetmaster), not Stepper.
    • Hasbro designer Aaron Archer picked the name Ricochet, as the reissue meant that "the character was coming back", and as he'd enjoyed the 1991 movie Ricochet.[1]
    • Ricochet is one of the few Generation 1 characters to have more than one Shattered Glass doppelgänger, receiving both "Ricochet" in 2008 and "Stepper" in 2015.
    • Ricochet's Selects toy was "leaked" months prior to its announcement via Elita Infin1te's package art, with a black-colored Jazz visible as the right leg. Given that line artist Robby Musso stated he was instructed to draw specific toys,[2] it would seem that plans for Ricochet's release venue shifted around at Hasbro.

    Foreign names

    [edit]
    • Mandarin: Wǔzhě (舞者, "Dancer")

    References

    [edit]
    1. ↑ "We couldn't use the name Stepper for some reason. I named him Ricochet for no really good reason other than the character was coming back—you know, like, ricochet—and it was also a movie that I kind of enjoyed, a weird movie, at one time... so I just thought it was an interesting name."—Aaron Archer, The Toy Armada, ""Toy Armada Friday Night LIVE - Armada Hot Shot and more!"", 2023/11/10
    2. ↑ https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10157930304367266&set=a.10156303508002266 Facebook post by Robby Musso, 4 October 2020
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