Hero (G2)

This article is about the Generation 2 subgroup. For the Cybertron cartoon episode, see Hero (episode).

The Heroes are a subgroup from the Generation 2 portion of the Generation 1 continuity family.

The Heroes are a cross-factional subgroup of Transformers. Their defining characteristic is their "air-powered" rocket weaponry.

Autobot Heroes:

• Optimus Prime
• Sureshot

Decepticon Heroes:

• Megatron
• Archforce

The two Autobot Heroes look identical to each other, except that Optimus helpfully has his name written across his chest. The Decepticons are likewise doppelgangers, with Megatron bearing his own name-label.

Fiction

Marvel Generation 2 comics

When the Swarm consumed Optimus Prime and the Matrix of Leadership with him, the sacred artifact turned the ravenous Swarm into a force for creation. It immediately stopped devouring the Transformers on Earth and reconstituted Optimus in a new body which was recognizable as his Hero form, though never called out as such. A Rage in Heaven!

Toys

Generation 2

• Heroes (North America, 1994)
  • Optimus Prime
  • Megatron

Each Hero toy is armed with a large missile launcher which can fire a rubber-tipped rocket by means of a bellows which you slam your fist down on to produce a puff of air. The launcher is accessible in both modes, and the bellows is attached via a rubber hose that cannot be disconnected. The bellows stores on the figure when not in use, as do the rockets. A similar air-launching system with identical missiles was used by Laser Optimus Prime the following year.

These molds were also used to create the KB Toys-exclusive Robots in Disguise Destructicons and Robot Masters Reverse Convoy.

• Heroes (Europe, 1994)
  • Sureshot
  • Archforce

The European Hero toys are identical to the North American ones except that due to their identities being changed, their "OPTIMUS PRIME" and "MEGATRON RULES!" stickers were redesigned to have no text at all.

• Combat Heroes (unreleased)
  • Optimus Prime
  • Megatron

Recolored versions of the Hero Optimus and Megatron toys were solicited to numerous retailers, but they ended up a part of the great many Generation 2 toys to never see the light of day. Precious few samples of these toys exist.

At BotCon 1996, a donated Combat Hero Optimus and Megatron were sold in the charity auction along with several other canceled Generation 2 toys.

Notes

• It appears that Hasbro's name for this subgroup was in some amount of flux before "Heroes" won out: A television commercial for the North American toys called them "Combat Optimus Prime" and "Combat Megatron", and a magazine article said they were "Combat Hero Optimus Prime" and "Combat Hero Megatron". It also appears that Hasbro was planning on using the term "Combat Heroes" later, as that is the name of the assortment that the unreleased versions of the toys would have been sold under.