Steeljaw (G1)

The name or term "Steeljaw" refers to more than one character or idea. For a list of other meanings, see Steeljaw (disambiguation).

Steeljaw is an Autobot Mini-Cassette from the Generation 1 continuity family.

Ravage may get more screentime, but Steeljaw always beats Ravage to the catnip.

Where the Decepticon cassette with a cat-mode is a master of moving about undetected, it is fitting that his Autobot counterpart is one of the best at tracking down robots who don't want to be found. Steeljaw (aka Cubbie) is a tenacious tracker of unmatched skill, whose olfactory sensors can track even the faintest scent for a range of 800 miles. All business when on the job, he can come off as cold, even rude to others, but that's just his professionalism and determination getting the better of him. Off the clock, he loves to investigate odors of all shapes and sizes, and Earth has many new and unusual smells for him to enjoy - the perfume of young women being one of his favorites. Steeljaw has a nearly unbreakable bite, from which he takes his name, and is armed with two solar-powered pellet guns. He can electromagnetize himself to stick to surfaces in cassette mode. His only real weakness is a tendency to rust.

“	My man Steeljaw can sniff out any trail — if it's hot or if it's not.	”
—Blaster, "Madman's Paradise"

Fiction

Generation 1 cartoon continuity

The Transformers cartoon

Voice actor: N/A (English, see Notes), Masashi Ebara (Japanese)

In 2005, during Megatron's attack on Autobot City, Soundwave ejected several of his cassette warriors to prevent Blaster from sending a radio transmission to Optimus Prime on Moonbase One. To fend off Soundwave's cassettes, Blaster ejected his own force, including Steeljaw. Blaster's cassettes and Soundwave's cassettes appeared to be evenly matched, and Steeljaw had no small bit of fun gnawing on Rumble. The Transformers: The Movie

Steeljaw’s involvement in these events, or events mostly similar, were also chronicled in the comic mini-series "Transformers: The Animated Movie."

Guess which band he has recorded on himself.

In the year 2006, Steeljaw was summoned by Rodimus Prime to help track down Daniel Witwicky, after he vanished from a dignitary's party on Cybertron. Steeljaw tracked the boy and Grimlock to an old abandoned corridor and a hidden chamber, where the Quintessons had once exiled their unwanteds into other dimensions. Along with Ultra Magnus, Blaster and the other cassettes, Steeljaw followed the trail into Menonia. He ultimately found Daniel trying to free a great sorcerer known as the Golden One from a tomb. With Ramhorn's help, they broke open the mouth of the cave, and the Golden One helped the Autobots defeat the Quintesson exile who had enslaved the locals. Madman's Paradise

Steeljaw also helped recover a lost Quintesson journal, The Quintesson Journal, briefly fought alongside Rodimus Prime and Ultra Magnus in Europe The Ultimate Weapon, and was chosen as a "Primitive" by Primacron's Assistant to face the threat of Tornedron. Call of the Primitives

The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 1 The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 2

Japanese cartoon continuity

Scramble City: Mobilization

Megatron sent Ratbat to find the secret location of Metroplex's construction site. Blaster ejected his own cassette troops, Steeljaw among them, to counter the Decepticon threat. His cassette army failed, allowing Ratbat to slip through and discover the location of Metroplex. Scramble City: Mobilization

The Headmasters cartoon

In this series, Steeljaw had the power to talk in normal Japanese.

Sleeping on a hard surface always makes Steeljaw's neck feel stiff. That and that fact that 85% of his upper back is a damned metal box.

Steeljaw and the Mini-Cassettes journeyed to the Arctic with Blaster to help Hot Rod in the search for the Matrix of Leadership. They confronted the Predacons and Steeljaw battled the tiger, Rampage. Tragedy struck when Blaster was killed in battle with his arch-foe, Soundwave. Steeljaw tried to recover whatever remnants of his friend that he could. The Mystery of Planet Master Steeljaw and the Cassettes mourned the loss of their friend so greatly that they couldn't even go on missions. Eventually, Rodimus Prime had Blaster rebuilt using Master technology as Twincast. Reunited, Steeljaw and Twincast infiltrated Trypticon and the planet Chaar to stop Galvatron's Madmachine from being used against the Autobots. The Great Cassette Operation Later, in a form of stealth mission usually reserved for Decepticon Cassettes, Ramhorn and Steeljaw somehow managed to reach Chaar on their own and spy on Scorponok, learning all about his plans for plasma energy. The Dormant Volcano Mysteriously Erupts

After the Decepticons abandoned the solar system to seek out more energy, Twincast, Steeljaw and the Mini-Cassettes joined Fortress' crew in hunting them down. On Paradise, Steeljaw was dispatched on a scouting mission, and learned Highbrow had been kidnapped by the Decepticons. He alerted Twincast to what he had discovered. Head Formation of Friendship

Back on Earth, Steeljaw and the Mini-Cassettes ejected to help Twincast gather information on the recent upsurge of Decepticon activity. Steeljaw and Twincast went to investigate a non-responsive outpost in Alaska, only to discover Scorponok had eliminated all the Autobots stationed there. They were spotted by Sixshot, and Twincast commanded Steeljaw to flee back to Autobot City with their report. Steeljaw remained behind, hidden by a rocky outcrop, long enough to see his commander shot down by the Ninja Commander, and vowed to return with help. True to his silent vow, Steeljaw, eventually came back with Fortress Maximus and Metroplex. Now that's a cavalry. The Emperor of Destruction Vanishes on an Iceberg When the Decepticons seemingly abandoned Earth, Steeljaw and his fellow Mini-Cassettes did some investigating to make sure they were gone. Miraculous Warriors, Targetmasters (Part 1)

In the final battle at the North Pole, Steeljaw and the Mini-Cassettes were unleashed on Mindwipe to save the Headmasters. The Final Showdown on Earth (Part 2)

15 Go! Go!

Both a noble protector and apparently rather creepy.

As Teletraan 15 recovered from her injuries at the hands (and mouth) of Galvatron, Blaster gave her a cassette tape to cheer her up, saying, "A princess like you deserves happier music." When she listened to it, she discovered that it was in fact entirely full of depressing songs. Blaster Volume

It was also apparently Steeljaw, who became her companion in her next adventure, when she visited the Generation 2 timeframe and encountered the Jetfire of that era. Steeljaw commented that the Autobot smelled "like a warrior I know" and asked if he was the same person in a new body. Steeljaw Volume Battle Convoy Volume

Steeljaw accompanied and protected Teletraan 15 on her journey as she filled his recording space with data on the Transformers whom she had been sent to study. Information Administration Teletraan 15 Go! Go! Volume 14 The observing Teletraan 10, on the other hand, was more than perturbed by Steeljaw's fondness for the smell of young women, and threatened to reveal publicly his tendency to rust. When the pair returned to the artificial satellite Nana, Teletraan 15 was suddenly possessed by the disembodied spirit of Starscream... and Steeljaw was not seen in her company again. Starscream? Volume

Legends comic

In the year 2021, Steeljaw and the other cassettes were inside Twincast when a battle caused many Autobots to be infected with "blackballs", thus saving them from the same fate. They left Twincast's body before it was destroyed by blackballs, and aided in converting him and others into Headmasters. Headmasters Chapter Prologue Steeljaw then accompanied the group to the Legends World in search of new bodies for everyone who'd been reduced to heads. Bonus Edition Vol. 21 He and the other cassettes were released from Twincast's service when he returned to being Blaster and set out to be a professional musician. Bonus Edition Vol. 27

Ask Vector Prime

In an amalgamated universe created by the machinations of Gong and Sideways, Steeljaw was one of the many cassettes deployed by Blaster against Re-Volt, Chaos, and Traitor when the Renegades tried to breach Autobot City. Echoes and Fragments

Marvel Comics continuity

Hold the Quintessons' what?

Marvel UK future timelines

In an alternate timeline of the year 2008, Steeljaw was stationed at Autobot City when it was sacked by Quintessons. He survived, hidden within Blaster's tape compartment, and was activated by Hot Rod and Arcee to help them fight off the invaders. Space Pirates!

Marvel Generation 2 comic

Steeljaw was part of a team sent by Optimus Prime to stop a Cobra-rebuilt Megatron. Steeljaw was killed rather abruptly, being the first victim of Megatron's new rail gun. Final Transformations

Classics

Steeljaw looked forward to meeting negative-polarity Ravage, but was taken aback when Ravage socked him and announced they would be enemies forever. Recordicons #13

Dreamwave Generation One continuity

The Age of Wrath ceased publication before the story could conclude. The following would have taken place in unpublished issues.

After the Decepticons had taken over Cybertron, Steeljaw accompanied Blaster as he used an ancient map of Cybertron's depths to infiltrate Megatron's slave camp, only for them to be discovered by Megatron himself. The Age of Wrath Pt.4

Steeljaw was with Blaster when Optimus rallied the splintered Autobot forces into an organized resistance movement against Shockwave's totalitarian rule of Cybertron. He participated in the final conflict against the Decepticons and the Guardian robots, bringing the planet back under Autobot control. Countdown to Extinction

The Beast Within

Steeljaw squared off against Ravage as the carnage of a savage Autobot-Decepticon battle raged around them. The Beast Within

2005 IDW continuity

• First Appearance: Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #12

In the era of Zeta Prime, Steeljaw was seen among the crowd of protesters rallying against the Autobot cop who reportedly killed an unarmed Decepticon agitator. To Walk Among the Chosen

Steeljaw joined the crew of the Lost Light on their search for the Knights of Cybertron. He and Chromedome battled Overkill on Sensensica where a group of Decepticons were practicing pink alchemy on the inhabitants. Before & After

Ask Vector Prime

Realities where Stinger, Bolts, Cubbie, and Stripes were among Blaster's cassettes often included Anibots as well. Beachcomber thought it cruel to keep them in a roboto-zoo but Vector Prime saw little alternative. Ask Vector Prime, 2015/09/24

Transformers vs. G.I. Joe

Blaster deployed Steeljaw in the final battle with the Decepticons and Cobra, during which he was ridden into battle by an unidentified G.I. Joe. Transformers vs. G.I. Joe #12

2019 IDW continuity

First appearance: Transformers #21

Alongside Tap-Out, Steeljaw volunteered to provide security for Blaster's communications hub. Tremors

Games

Transformers Legends

Steeljaw was among Blaster's team which infiltrated a human base in an attempt to prevent the Decepticons raiding the technology there. Unfortunately they discovered that Soundwave and his tapes had beaten them to it. Espionage

Angry Birds Transformers

Steeljaw appears as a wearable accessory in the game.

Angry Birds Transformers

Transformers: Earth Wars

Steeljaw - alongside Ramhorn, Eject, and Rewind - are minions released by Blaster as the larger bot's special ability.

Toys

The Transformers

• Rewind / Steeljaw (Cassette 2-pack, 1986/1987)
  • Accessories: Left & right "Solar-Powered Pellet Guns"

Steeljaw transforms from a microcassette into a robotic lion. His cassette mold can fit in the tape compartments of Blaster and Soundwave (and the many other iterations thereof). For the Hasbro line, he was only available in a two-pack with Rewind.

There is a notable variation concerning Steeljaw's add-on weapons; initial releases have gold-colored chrome, while later (and more common) versions have silver-chromed weapons. Unlike the humanoid Autobot cassettes, Steeljaw did not get tape-detailing changes later in the line's run.

It is commonly assumed that the sticker design for his details in cassette mode was originally intended to go on the other side; not only would the "sunburst" line up perfectly with the seams that way, it would also give the impression of a lion's "mane" in robot mode. The most likely reason for the reversal is the fact that it matches the orientation of Ravage's sticker details.

This mold was later used to make Nightstalker.

• More information on Steeljaw at TFU.info

• Steeljaw (Cassettebot, 1986/1987)
  • Japanese ID number: C-65, C-120
  • Accessories: Left & right "Solar-Powered Pellet Guns", cassette case (1987 only)

In Japan, Steeljaw — like most of the "Cassettebots" and "Cassettetrons" — was only (originally) available on his own single card, first released in the Japanese line's second year. He was released again in the Headmasters-themed third year, this time packaged in a small box with a new ID number, plus a small clear-plastic cassette case he could be stored in.

Both releases of Steeljaw only came with gold-chrome weapons.

• Twincast (Autobot, 1987)
  • Japanese ID number: C-116
  • Accessories: Left & right "Solar-Powered Pellet Guns"

Steeljaw was later packed in with Twincast, the "reborn" version of Blaster. Also, this version is made of two slightly different colored yellow plastics. His body is the same color as other releases, while his legs, feet, head, and tail are a shade lighter.

The Transformers Collection

• Broadcast (Autobot, 2006)
  • Japanese ID number: TFC-21
  • Accessories: Left & right "Solar-Powered Pellet Guns", cassette case

Although he had originally been packed in with Twincast in Japan, for The Transformers Collection series, Steeljaw came with plain old Blaster instead; his place in the Collector's Edition Twincast re-release taken by Flip Sides. He also came with a clear-plastic cassette case to be "stored" in, which was originally available only with the first three individual Cassettetrons: Frenzy, Laserbeak, and Ravage. This version of Steeljaw featured gold weapons, one yellow plastic color, and stickers for his tape details.

Encore

• Great Cassette Operation 2 (2009)
  • Encore number: 17
  • Accessories: Left & right "Solar-Powered Pellet Guns", cassette case

As part of the Encore Generation 1 reissue line, Steeljaw was released with Ratbat, Ramhorn, and Slugfest. His add-on weapons are gold-colored. As with the version released with the Twincast reissue, the feet, legs, and tail are a much lighter color of yellow plastic than the rest of the body. The metal on his legs are a bright silver and his stickers are now tampographs, yet the cassette details are still on the wrong side.

In 2014, this set, as well as the other two cassette four-packs, were re-released as lucky draw prizes for the Transformers Celebration 2014 event held at Ikebukuro Sunshine City store's Toys"R"Us, though this was very likely just leftover stock.

Universe (2008)

And the sunburst mane is still on the wrong end.

• Autobot Blaster (2010)
  • Series: G1 Series
  • Accessories: Left and right "Solar-Powered Pellet Guns"

Steeljaw was available in this Hasbro Toy Shop exclusive reissue of Blaster (originally available at San Diego Comic-Con 2010) alongside Ramhorn and Eject. Released as part of the Universe toyline, the packaging also has a special foil-detailed outer slip case. This release has the gold-colored weapons and consistent yellow color throughout his body, similar to the Transformers Collection release, but tampographed tape details, like the Encore release, only darker in color. The cassette details are still on the wrong side, alas.

This set was also made available at the Animation-Comic-Game Hong Kong Fair 2010.

Generations

• Autobot Intel Ops (2015)
  • Accessories: Concussion rifle, missile launcher, 3 missiles, 6 slides, slide holder

Hasbro again released Blaster in 2015 as part of the Platinum Edition toyline. He was co-packed with Perceptor, Eject, Ramhorn, and Steeljaw in a box with an opening front cover. Blaster and the cassettes appear to be identical to the previous Universe release.

In the United States, this set was officially a Target exclusive, though it was initially only ever found at a single Target store, otherwise only available via the company's website. It was later revealed that multiple Target stores had kept it in their stockroom and eventually put it out on instant clearance many months later. However, it was also stocked by US-based online retailers BigBadToyStore and TFSource, who supposedly obtained it as an import from Asia. It was available in several of Hasbro's Asian markets (namely Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore; it's currently unknown whether it was exclusive to any particular stores there or not). In Australia, it was sold at Toys"R"Us stores.

In the United Kingdom, it was both sold at Toys"R"Us stores and officially available via the UK division of Amazon, making this the first official UK release of all the toys contained within! In Spain, it was officially available via the Spanish division of Amazon. In Germany, it was originally available via Bankroft as part of a special "Fan Edition" arrangement through Hasbro Germany, with the help of several German fan sites. Due to low sales, the unsold stock was later sold to online retailer Actionfiguren24.

Transformers Trading Card Game

• Steeljaw, Tracker (2019)
  • Blaster vs. Soundwave: 35th Anniversary Edition
  • Rarity: RT
  • Card Number: T04/T08
  • Stars: 5

Steeljaw, Tracker was released in the Transformers Trading Card Game Blaster vs. Soundwave box set. The box also includes the character cards Blaster, Communications, Soundwave, Communications, Eject, Electronic Surveillance, Ramhorn, Warrior, Buzzsaw, Spy, Frenzy, Warrior, and Ravage, Saboteur, along with two ready to play 40 card battle decks themed around both Blaster and Soundwave.

In order to represent Steeljaw's size as a Mini-Cassette, the card is the same size as a battle card, about half the size of a standard character card.

The first release of this set was a 35th Anniversary Edition was initially released at San Diego Comic-Con 2019 alongside the TCG's Omnibot Convention Pack, and later available online on Hasbro Pulse. The 35th Anniversary Edition features throwback artwork, with the original G1 Steeljaw packaging art on the Bot Mode side, and original artwork matching the G1 packaging art aesthetic for Alt Mode. This original Alt Mode artwork was drawn by Marcelo Matere and colored by Brian Valeza.

• Steeljaw, Tracker (2019)
  • Blaster vs. Soundwave
  • Rarity: RT
  • Card Number: T04/T08
  • Stars: 5

This version of Steeljaw, Tracker was released as part of the general retail version of the Transformers Trading Card Game Blaster vs. Soundwave box set.

Gameplay-wise the card is identical to the 35th Anniversary Edition of the set, and features different artwork reused from the Transformers Legends mobile game.

Notes

• For the original draft of The Transformers: The Movie and several revisions, Steeljaw was going to be called "Cubbie". Between the original draft and actual product, Cubbie/Steeljaw is the only Autobot Mini-Cassette whose concept did not change.
• Where Ravage and Laserbeak had dedicated vocal performers in the Generation 1 animated series, the noises Steeljaw makes are mostly library sound effects of growling, hissing cats, and metallic "wronk wonk" sounds, with the occasional human-made sniff or snort that was probably delivered by whatever actor was handy.

Foreign names

• Japanese: Steeljaw (スチールジョー Suchīrujō)
• French: Machoire (Canada)
• Italian: Fender
• Mandarin: Gāng È (Taiwan, 鋼顎, "Steel Jaw"), Gāngqián (China, 钢钳, "Steel Clamp")
• Russian: Stal'noj (Стальной, "Made of Steel")
• Spanish: Carter (America The Headmasters)