Backfire (TF 2010)

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

Backfire is an Autobot from the live-action film series continuity family.

Grrrrrr.

While some may see ordinary civilian traffic as an obstacle, the speedy Backfire has mastered the art of using it to his advantage. Moving vehicles are no different from stationary ones to him as he scours the roads for the elusive Oil Pan.

These days he hangs out with Spike Witwicky, whoever the hell that is.

Toys

Transformers (2010)

Isn't there a white knight who becomes a fiery steed?

• Backfire (Scout Class, 2010)

Backfire is a redeco of Revenge of the Fallen Knock Out, transforming into a red and white Derbi GPR 125 racing motorcycle. In robot mode, he has a non-firing cannon for a right hand. The vehicle side panels, which become leg kibble in robot mode, are held in place by unbolted pegs and tend to pop off during conversion. The shade of white which makes up most of the figure's plastic is more of an off-white cream colour than stock photography shows.

This mold was also used to make Revenge of the Fallen Reverb and Trenchmouth.

• More information on Backfire at TFU.info

Dark of the Moon

• Spike Witwicky / Backfire (MechTech Human Alliance Basic, 2011)
  • Japanese ID number: DA21
  • Accessories: 2 C joint machineguns

Part of the first wave of Basic-class Dark of the Moon Human Alliance toys, Backfire now transforms into a Can-Am Spyder of the sort used by N.E.S.T. soldiers in the opening of Revenge of the Fallen. He has multiple C joint bars for mounting weapons, including his own twin machineguns. He has a third "hoverbike" mode with a large (non-firing) energy cannon sticking out of the front; thanks to the placement of a 5mm post in this configuration, he can also serve as a Targetmaster-style handheld cannon for larger figures. While the instructions show his driver as awkwardly straddling the top of the energy cannon/engine in hoverbike mode, there is actually a rather convenient seat in back formed by the shift of the chest and the front bumper, including handholds for the figure on either side of him. Backfire is also on the receiving end of two small mold changes compared to his promo photos, one being the energy cannon losing some recessed details and his head no longer sliding completely into the chest, both due to structural reinforcement of said parts.

Whether by design or accident, Backfire’s somewhat awkwardly molded open hands are actually sized perfectly to squeeze in the clip part of his own, as well as some of the other figure’s (though not Icepick’s), clip on weapons. His pinky in particular keeps the weapons held in place quite securely. This makes those weird hands look more like he is actually holding the weapons, and less noticeable as gimpy motorcycle bumper chunks hanging off his elbows.

He comes with his human partner Spike Witwicky.

• More information on Dark of the Moon Backfire at TFU.info

• Autobot Daredevil Squad (Multi-pack, 2011)
  • Accessories: 2 C joint machineguns

This redeco of the basic Human Alliance Backfire is primarily black with silver. This time around he comes in a multi-pack (exclusive to Kmart stores in the USA and to Canadian Tire stores in Canada) with Sam Witwicky and a redecoed Bumblebee, with the packaging putting emphasis on Backfire's "handheld cannon" mode, which that particular Bumblebee isn't really designed to hold. The pack also comes with an Autobot Alliance patch.

• More information on Autobot Daredevil Squad Backfire at TFU.info

Notes

• Human Alliance Backfire's energy cannon mode seems to be rather heavily based on a concept design from artist collective Massive Black for an unused shoulder mounted cannon for Dark of the Moon Optimus Prime, seen here.