Lionizer (G1)

This article is about the Generation 1 character. For the Animated character, see Lionizer (Animated).

Lionizer is an Autobot Action Master partner from the Generation 1 continuity family.

G'waaaaan, put up your duuuuukes.

Lionizer is the Targetmaster partner of the Autobot Action Master Rad. Where his partner is cool and capable, Lionizer is a loud, angry, violent knot of overheated circuitry just looking for an excuse to go off. Considering he transforms from a robotic lion into an atom-smashing blaster his temper is something Rad has to constantly keep on top of, or Lionizer is likely to get them both into bigger trouble than either firepower or skill alone can get them out of.

Toys

The Transformers

I AM SO AWESOME! I HAVE DONE ALL THE COOL THINGS! THAT'S RIGHT, I'M LIONIZING MYSELF!

• Rad with Lionizer (Action Master, 1990)

Part of the first wave of "basic" carded Action Masters, The Transformers Lionizer transforms from a robotic lion to a non-firing "Atom Smashing Blaster" cannon via spring-loaded transformation. In cannon mode, he can be held by any Action Master figure. Lionizer's cannon barrel can also be extended by attaching any Action Master rifle to it. In lion mode, his flanks have peg-holes to mount Action Master rifles.

Unlike many other Action Master partners, Lionizer has a double-post, allowing him 5 mm compatibility.

He was only available with his larger partner Rad.

• More information on Lionizer at TFU.info

Generations

War for Cybertron: Siege

Hinting at the mighty return of Action Masters!

• Lionizer (Battle Master, 2018)
  • ID number: WFC-S2
  • Japanese ID number: SG-02
  • Japanese release date: February 23, 2019
  • Accessories: Slashing "Fire Blast" effect

Part of the first wave of Siege Battle Masters, Lionizer is a new mold (in distinctly non-Lionizer colors, perhaps resulting from the torso and limbs being molded in the same unpaintable plastic) that transforms from robotic lion with a back-mounted blaster cannon to an "RS Firesteel Saber". The cannon can also fold down and act as a much bigger tail. As a part of the C.O.M.B.A.T. System, his weapon mode can be attached to any toy with a 5 mm post-hole. Thanks to the handle being on a swivel-joint, his weapon mode can also be mounted perpendicularly, such as on a robot's forearm or on the side/top of a vehicle mode, without sticking straight out and looking ridiculous. Thanks to the C.O.M.B.A.T. System, the back of the blade has a 3 mm post where the "Fire Blast" piece would attach, and can be used as a handle for Generation 1 Rad, allowing him to use this Lionizer, or his blade section, as a gun or sword.

He includes a "Fire Blast" effect piece to simulate a slashing attack, clipping onto the back side of the blade or the handle in beast mode, simulating a pounce effect. The effect piece can also attach to Siege Springer's swords.

Due to how the 3mm handle is molded, Lionizer's sword mode cannot be wielded by some figures, such as Earthrise Optimus Prime's hands.

Lionizer is the only Siege Battlemaster with a section designed to be removed and used as a separate weapon, yet has only one method of connecting to Lionizer. Lionizer's separated blade weapon can attach blast effects to the handle, and the reverse edge, but not the gun barrel.

He was repainted into Dazzlestrike, with a new Fire Blast, and redecoed into the below War for Cybertron Trilogy Captive Lionizer.

War for Cybertron Trilogy

See! Complaining that toys are of the wrong color DOES work! But why didn’t we get these colors released first...?

• Decepticon Megatron (Voyager Class, 2020)

Promoting the Netflix-original War for Cybertron Trilogy cartoon, this version of Megatron comes with "Captive Lionizer", a redeco in both opaque and translucent orange with silver paint to closely resemble the original Action Master accessory above.

The stock render shows Lionizer's "cheeks" painted, though this was obviously omitted from the final release due to that part being molded in unpaintable plastic.

As with other Netflix-based figures, this release was exclusive to Walmart in the U.S. and Canada.

Merchandise

Transformers Trading Card Game

• Private Lionizer//Ground Command•Artillery (2019)
  • Wave 3: War for Cybertron: Siege I
  • Rarity: UT
  • Card Number: T15/T48
  • Stars: 7

Notes

• Lionizer's name seems to be a pun on the word "ionize(r)", given his transformation into an "atom smashing" cannon. Ionizing Lion. Geddit? Hilarious.
• It's also possibly a play on the word "lionize(r)", which means to treat someone like a celebrity. Given Rad's enormous popularity among his teammates, he's certainly earned the status.
• Or it's a double pun in one with a lionizing ionizer!
• The Action Master partner robots were given the "Targetmaster" classification retroactively by Dreamwave's More than Meets the Eye profile series.

Foreign names

• Japanese: Lionizer (ライオナイザー Raionaizā)
• Italian: Lince ("Lynx")