Firebolt (G1)
| The name or term "Firebolt" refers to more than one character or idea. For a list of other meanings, see Firebolt (disambiguation). |
Firebolt is a Nebulan Targetmaster partnered with the Autobot Hot Rod.
Firebolt was once a quiet scholar on the pacifistic planet of Nebulos, where he was reknowned as one of its top atomic physicists. Beneath his meek and reserved exterior, however, young Firebolt yearned for a life of action and excitement. His dreams of adventure might never have come true, if not for the intervention of the Decepticons. When the call went out for Nebulans who would be willing to take up arms in defense of their planet, Firebolt was amongst the first to volunteer. Undergoing the extensive and painful procedure known as Binary bonding, Firebolt was given a special suit of black and grey armour and granted the power to transform himself into a powerful double-barrelled weapon called an "electrostatic discharge rifle".
Although eager for the chance to make a difference and have some fun, Firebolt soon found that his own exuberance paled in comparison to his Targetmaster partner: a young Autobot named Hot Rod. Firebolt's opinion of this situation is what could be described as 'cautiously optimistic' - he is excited by all the action and adventure of being a Targetmaster, but he is also very nervous at some of the risks that Hot Rod insists on taking at times.
Fiction
Marvel Comics Continuity
It should be noted that in the Marvel Comics' version of the Headmaster saga, Hot Rod's Targetmaster partner is repeatedly referred to by the name "Sparks". While this could be taken to mean that Hot Rod has simply had two different partners, there are many times when Sparks is also referred to as "Firebolt" (usually within the UK stories). This may be evidence that Firebolt is actually some kind of pseudonym or alter-ego, and that his real name is in fact Sparks. Given that the controversial "Master" program was not popular with most Nebulans, and that Sparks was a scientist of some repute, he may have joined under an assumed name to protect his reputation. This is the only universe where Firebolt has any such confusion over his name: in all other worlds, he is known simply as "Firebolt".
Leaving his home planet in search of adventure, Firebolt travelled with Hot Rod for many years and fought the Decepticons at every oppurtunity. Sadly, at some point before Hot Rod became Rodimus Prime, Firebolt was killed in battle with their Decepticon foes. This marks Firebolt as one of only two Nebulan "masters" to be killed in action, the other being Galen, the first partner of Fortress Maximus.
Animated Continuity
Voice actors: Dick Gautier; ? (Japan)
When Hot Rod travels to Nebulos with the rest of the Autobots and undergoes the Targetmaster process, he is partnered with Firebolt. Firebolt is one of the several Nebulans who greet Optimus Prime on his arrival to their planet, proudly demonstrating his abilities and introducing Prime to the Targetmasters. He is still partnered with Hot Rod during their battles with the Hive, and participates in the battle against Scorponok which eventually earns Cybertron a new lease on life.
Dreamwave Comics Continuity
During the War Within story arc, a young Optimus Prime and Megatron are shown several glimpses into a number of potential futures. Amongst the many possible timelines viewed is one in which Optimus sees Hot Rod battling the Decepticons, with Firebolt fighting proudly by his side (or in his hand, as the case may be).
Toys
Generation 1
- 'Hot Rod with Firebolt (Targetmaster, 1987/2004)
- Japanese ID number: TFC-13
- Firebolt was first released in 1987, boxed with the Targetmaster version of Hot Rod. Like most Targetmaster weapons, his transformation is simple: simply fold his legs up and the barrels of his gun form are revealed. Firebolt could be placed in either of Hot Rod's hands or on top of his engine mount in vehicle mode. This resulted in a noticeable difference between Hot Rod's Targetmaster mold and his earlier release: both his hands and his engine needed to be retooled to have the pegholes made larger to accomodate Firebolt.
- Firebolt was later re-released in 2004 along with Targetmaster Hot Rod by Takara as part of an "ultimate" version of the toy. This was the first time the Targetmaster version of Hot Rod and Firebolt had been normally available in Japan.
