Thundercracker (G1)/toys
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Thundercracker has always looked and will always look a lot like Starscream. There are many toys of Starscream and where there is a Starscream toy, a Thundercracker toy soon follows.
Toys
Generation 1
- Thundercracker (Decepticon Jet, 1984/1985/1986/2001/2003/2008)
- Japanese ID number: 24
- Accessories: Left & right fists, landing gear, 2 rocket launchers, 2 rockets, 2 "Incendiary Gun" missiles
- For some reason, the stats on Skywarp's, Starscream's and Thundercracker's tech specs were switched around. Thundercracker was given Skywarp's numbers.
- Originally a Diaclone "Jet Robo Acrobat-Type", Thundercracker transforms into an F-15 Eagle fighter jet, sharing his mold with his teammates Starscream and Skywarp. Many parts need to be removed completely from transformation from robot to jet and back, which nowadays is considered a major drawback of the toy. It is difficult to find it complete, as neither mode can hold all the pieces required. There are a few minor mold variations of this toy (common for the first two years of Transformers, really), the most immediately noticeable being that early versions did not have visible "clip-tabs" on the inner face of the gauntlets.
- In 1986, he was made available as a mail-away item (as he was no longer shipping to retail shelves) in the "Digital Doom on the Highway to Destruction" flier packed with most boxed Transformers toys. He cost $10 and two robot points.
- In 2001, Thundercracker was given a short-run re-issue by Takara as a convention-exclusive item. The toy would later be more extensively released as part of the Hasbro Commemorative Series line, though due to US toy-safety regulations, his missiles were made extra-long.
- In August, 2008, Thundercracker was reissued with Skywarp as number 11 in Takara's Transformers Encore line. This version used a slightly different shade of blue and had painted stripes and symbols instead of using stickers.
- Thundercracker (Action Master) (Action Master Exo-suit, 1991)
- Accessories: "Solo Mission Jet Plane", 2 missiles
- Released only in European and Australasian markets, once again Thundercracker was a redeco of Starscream, a non-transforming action figure that combined elements of both the character's cartoon model and toy-form. Like all Action Masters, Thundercracker was a non-transformable action figure with a transformable accessory — in his case, a Solo Mission Jet Plane vehicle that converted into Exo-suit battle armor. However, unlike most of Thundercracker's appearances, Action Master Thundercracker is not in his traditional blue and silver colors, but rather in magenta, purple, blue, gold, and two shades of green. (Oy.)
Machine Wars
- Thundercracker (Basic, 1996)
- Accessories: Two-part rifle
- Sharing a mold once again with Skywarp, Thundercracker transforms into a green Dassault Rafale fighter jet with spring-loaded one-step transformation from jet to robot. The two halves of his rifle store in his lower legs. Like all Machine Wars toys, Thundercracker was an exclusive to Kay-Bee stores and related stores like Toy Liquidators.
- This mold was also used to make Beast Wars II Dirge, Robots in Disguise Skyfire, Robot Masters Wingstun, and the "Dawn of Future's Past" version of Waspinator.
Smallest Transforming Transformers
- Thundercracker (2004)
- Part of the third wave of Smallest Transforming Transformers product (dubbed wave "2.5" and available only at CVS stores in Japan), Thundercracker is again a redeco of Starscream. Like all toys in the line, Thundercracker is a tiny, even more simplified version of the original toy, transforming into an F-15 fighter jet. These toys were sold in "blind-packed" boxes, so you could not know which one you had until you actually opened the box. To complicate matters further, Thundercracker was a chase figure, one of two in his wave (the other was a cartoon-colored version of Optimus Prime's trailer).
- The same mold is used by Smallest Transforming Transformers Skywarp and Thrust.
Robot Masters
- Skywarp & Thundercracker (Multi-pack, 2005)
- Accessories: 2 rifles, 2 missile pods
- Robot Masters Thundercracker is a redeco of Starscream from the same series, a smaller yet more advanced version of the original toy, adding more articulation and reducing the amount of part-forming required. He was available only in a two-pack with Skywarp, which also came with a Decepticon sigil pin and chromed missile pods. This set was the very last product released in the Robot Masters line, and wasn't even strictly sold in a box from that series; instead, it used an e-Hobby Generation 1 reissue box, with a small "Robot Masters" sticker in the corner tab noting its origin from the front.
Titanium Series
- Thundercracker (6" Cybertron Heroes, 2006)
- Titanium Series Thundercracker is based upon his appearance in Dreamwave's The War Within. He transforms into a Cybertronian 'tetrajet', as reimagined by Don Figueroa. As with all 6-inch Titanium Cybertron Heroes, he is constructed mostly of fully painted die-cast metal.
- This mold was redecoed into War Within Starscream, Sunstorm, Skywarp and Thrust.
- Yes. Thundercracker was here first.
Timelines
- Games of Deception! (Multi-pack, 2007)
- Accessories: Left & right launchers, 2 missiles
- Thundercracker is part of the Classics-themed BotCon 2007 box set, along with Bugbite, Dirge, Dreadwind, and Thrust. Thundercracker is a redeco of the Classics Starscream toy using the modified version first seen with Skywarp.
- Classics Thundercracker is a faithful reproduction of his original toy, but with modern standards of toy engineering, transformation, sculpting detail and articulation. He transforms into an F-15 Eagle, but has the nose of an F-14 Tomcat fighter jet. His color scheme is inspired by the original figure released in 1984, but with a shade of blue closer to that of the original Diaclone version.
- In robot mode, Thundercracker is essentially a very detailed version of his cartoon robot mode. He is armed with two null-ray missile launchers which are so large that they restrict his arm movement due to them bumping into his wings.
- There were only 1500 Classics Thundercracker figures produced.
- This mold was used for Henkei! Henkei! Thundercracker.
- Galvatron / Thundercracker (BotCon 2011 souvenir set)
- Accessories: Left & right launchers, 2 missiles
- Thundercracker and Galvatron were an add-on souvenir set available exclusively at BotCon 2011. Like previous versions of the Classics Thundercracker toy, Shattered Glass Thundercracker is a faithful reproduction of his original 1984 toy, but with modern standards of toy engineering, transformation, sculpting detail and articulation. He transforms into an F-15 Eagle, but has the nose of an F-14 Tomcat fighter jet. Unlike previous versions of the Classics Thundercracker toy, Shattered Glass Thundercracker is a buffet of colors, a visual homage to the Action Master Thundercracker action figure.
- A G2 Action Master bio was written to be included with this release, along side the included bio, effectively dual purposing this figure as both Shattered Glass and G2 Action Master Thundercracker. The bio was later published in the Official Collectors' Club magazine.
- There were only 1800 Shattered Glass Thundercracker figures produced. This mold was also used for a buttload of other Seekers.
Henkei! Henkei!
- Thundercracker (Deluxe, 2008)
- Accessories: 2 missile launchers (left and right), 2 missiles
- Henkei! Henkei! Thundercracker is a Genbo store exclusive redeco of Henkei! Henkei! Starscream. He features a metallic flake blue version of his cartoon color scheme, rather than his darker blue Generation 1 toy colour scheme. Henkei Thundercracker and his fellow Seeker Skywarp were opened for pre-order on May 22nd through June 20, and mailed out in September 2008.
- Soon after release, there were numerous complaints from both Japanese and Western collectors about the poor quality control for both Thundercracker and Skywarp. Thundercracker in particular suffered from a widespread issue where his missile launchers did not fit into the holes in his shoulders, due to the holes being too big. Some reported both toys suffering misassembly issues such as having two left or two right thighs.
- Several minor changes were made to this mold for this release. The holes for his missile launchers in his arms were widened, but not the launcher's insertion pegs. The wing's missile launcher insertion points were lengthened and are now curved at the end. The last rectangle on his air intakes, was further modified from the Classics version this time the bottom most rectangle goes completely across the air intake's surface rather than just the center. Henkei! Henkei! Skywarp and Universe Starscream also saw most of these changes.
Masterpiece
- Thundercracker (2008)
- Japanese ID number: MP-7
- Accessories: 2 "Machine Guns", 2 AIM missile racks, Doctor Arkeville pilot, Megatron Gun clasp, display stand
- A redeco of Masterpiece Starscream, Masterpiece Thundercracker was released in Japan in November 2008. He comes with all the accessories of the previous Seekers including the display stand, Doctor Arkeville (cast with blue skin), stickers and the clip to hold gun-mode Megatron that came with Masterpiece Convoy while in jet-mode. Also like Starscream and Skywarp, Thundercracker features two swappable faces; the normal emotionless face which is retooled from Starscream's original one, and a new growling one which appears to be an attempt to make him seem very angry... very angry indeed. Unfortunately the effect leaves him looking like he's on a trip to the dentist. He is covered with a glossy finish just like Skywarp.
- SOME Masterpiece Thundercrackers feature an assembly error: His left and right pectorals are flipped. This misassembly does not affect transformation at all, and is most noticeable when compared to prior Masterpiece Seekers. The 2008 pressing of Masterpiece Skywarp also features this part swap.
- It is a common misconception that the stoic face on Takara's Masterpiece Starscream, Skywarp, and Thundercracker are the same, when all of them are in fact different sculpts.
Alternity
- Thundercracker Sonic Blue (2010)
- Japanese ID number: A-04
- Thundercracker is a redeco of Alternity Skywarp, transforming into a licensed 1:32 scale Mitsuoka Orochi. Thundercracker replaces Skywarp's purple, flat black, light purple, and metallic gray for metallic blue, glossy black, light blue, and silver. Like the other toys in the line, he features die-cast metal parts and rubber tires, as well as an opening hood, trunk and doors. In car mode, small wings can be flipped out from under Thundercracker's rear wheels, giving him the appearance of a flying car.
- The original version of this mold was used by Alternity Starscream.
Generations
- Thundercracker (Deluxe, 2011)
- Accessories: Left & right launchers, 2 missiles
- Generations Thundercracker is a third redeco of the Classics Starscream mold, and the first one to be released to mass retail.
- This version of Thundercracker features a darker blue than the greenish-blue of the BotCon release and the blue of the Henkei! Henkei! release. He also features a new deco layout and different striping from any of the previous versions. In the stock photo provided, he is slightly mis-transformed at the ankles.
Chronicle
- Thundercracker (EZ Collection, 2011)
- Chronicle Thundercracker is a redeco of the 2010 Transformers line Legends Class Starscream toy. He transforms into an F-15 with many fuselage details borrowed from the Masterpiece version. This is the first Seeker mold in many years to attempt an entirely new transformation, with the arms now forming the rear of the jet and the legs folding under the wings. Thundercracker is available only in Japan, and like many Japanese "EZ Collection" toys, is blindpacked.
Merchandise
Decoy
- Thundercracker (1986)
- Decoy ID number: 34
- Decoy Thundercracker is a tiny rubber figure randomly packed with Throttlebots, Stunticons, Combaticons, Terrorcons in 1986. As the figure is one solid color (purple or red, with the red versions only being available for a short while and only with Throttlebots), Thundercracker is only differentiated from Starscream and Skywarp by holding his right arm up in the air.
Super Collection Figure
- Thundercracker (2001)
- Super Collection Figure Thundercracker is a non-transforming three-inch tall figure, and a redeco of SCF Starscream. He was released in the fourth wave of the series, and came with the left leg of that wave's "Build-A-Figure", Metroplex.
- This mold was also used to make Skywarp, Sunstorm and the Air Warriors in the Heroes of Cybertron line (see below).
Heroes of Cybertron
- Thundercracker (2003)
- Heroes of Cybertron was the Western release of Super Collection Figures, and differ in that they were given a light-piping gimmick due to being molded entirely from translucent red or blue plastic and leaving the eyes and back of the head unpainted. Thundercracker was part of the second wave of HOCs. The pectorals are painted gray (instead of white on the SCF) and his hands black (instead of gray).
- Decepticon (2003)
- Thundercracker was also available in a six-pack with Starscream, Skywarp and three Air Warriors. This set was offered by 3H at OTFCC 2003 and elsewhere.
MyClone
- Thundercracker (2003)
- A redeco of MyClone Starscream, Thundercracker a small super deformed figure who, due to a generic base body, can be easily disassembled and have his parts swapped with other MyClones. Thundercracker was a chase figure in the second wave of Transformers MyClones, along with Lava Galvatron.
Titanium Series
- Thundercracker (3" Robot Masters, 2006)
- Accessories: Display stand
- A redeco of "Robot Masters" Starscream, Thundercracker is a small, non-transforming die-cast metal figurine based on his cartoon character model. He is sculpted holding a gun in his left hand and stretching out his right arm, while using his feet-jets to fly up.
Robot Heroes
- Jazz Vs Thundercracker (2007)
- A redeco of Robot Heroes Starscream, Thundercracker is a two inch high figure sculpted in a super deformed style and articulated at the shoulders. He was available in a two-pack with Jazz. This mold was later redecoed as Skywarp in the "Decepticon Sneak Attack" set.
Palisades
- Thundercracker (Palisades, 2005)
- A Palisades Direct-exclusive redeco of the Starscream statue, Thundercracker is a six inch tall polystone statue with articulated head and arms. He can stand normally or use a stand to take on a "hovering" pose. Thundercracker was limited to 300 pieces, and sculpted by 3L Creation Group from a design by George Tremarco.
Transformers - Mini Bust
- Thundercracker (Diamond Select, 2008)
- Released by Diamond Select Toys in 2008, Thundercracker was first exclusive to the New York Comic Con and later on offered by online retailer Big Bad Toy Store. He was sculpted by Mark Wong of Art Asylum and limited to 400 pieces.
Notes
- The mold for Machine Wars Thundercracker was originally developed for Generation 2, but was canceled when that line went under. It is unknown if it was intended to be a new character or a recurring one, though odds are it would have been later redecoed into a recurring character if the former was true.
- A redeco of the Classics Seeker mold as Action Master Thundercracker was originally going to be the attendee freebie figure for BotCon 2010, but the mold was being used for Generations Thrust by Hasbro at the time and thus unavailable. So Fun Publications opted to produce Slice instead. The redeco was released one year later at BotCon 2011 instead, though characterized as "Shattered Glass" Thundercracker.
External links
Categories:
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- Action Masters
- Alternity Decepticons
- Classics Decepticons
- Convention exclusives
- Decoys
- KB Toys exclusives
- Generation 1 Decepticons
- Generations
- Henkei! Henkei! Decepticons
- Machine Wars Decepticons
- Mail order items
- Masterpiece
- MyClone
- Robot Masters Decepticons
- Robot Heroes
- Timelines characters
- Titanium Series
