I'll start with Commetor, which, while I wasn't able to keep the Jetfire, this is the Powerlinx deco. Why do I bring it up, it's because one thing that often happened when it came to the Powerlinx decos for repaints is that the colours would flip. The main colours of the Mini-Con would become the main colours of the main toy, and vice versa. Why do I bring this up? Because if you do a switch and give Powerlinx Comettor to Original Deco Jetfire, the two compliment each other very well. But it also means that Comettor blends in a bit too much. The deco on Powerlinx Comettor is very basic, with about as much detail on it as some Legion Class toys now. What also doesn't help Comettor is that it's held down by gimmicks, though they are quite ingenious. The alt mode is a little Luna Rover-like vehicle, and while the alt mode's got as much movement as the next time Hasbro would try to combine Optimus and Jetfire (spoilers, Jetfire has a Pants Mode), Comettor can connect to a port in Jetfire's Space Shuttle Mode and act as the front landing gear. Is it necessary like Overload and Rollout? Nope, but it is a great way to integrate the Mini-Con into the alt mode, albeit a tedious one to work. While I prefer how Tidal Wave and Ramjet integrate (maybe someday), this is still one of the best cross-functionality between main bot and Mini-Con.
As for Jetfire himself in Space Shuttle mode, I won't lie, this is a great looking Space Shuttle. There are some creative liberties taken, mainly around the boosters for the sake of Robot mode legs along with the paintwork, but this does pull off the shape of a Space Shuttle really well. It also has a feature that a lot of Transformers nowadays struggle with, or just outright ignore, Integrated Weapon Storage. The gun is the third Booster engine, and a Shield Jetfire has become the rear landing gear. The gun is also where all the electronics for the figure are held, which does mean that the common figure killer is contained to something easily worked around. While the cargo doors are somewhat useless (unless you want to break up the look of the shuttle), the three other visible Mini-Con ports do have functionality other than just a place to plug Mini-Cons on. It can change the sound effects the Gun plays, and two missiles can be dropped from the wings when plugging them on. There's a feeling of refinement in this toy, like the designers wanted a strong alt mode that wasn't held back by the gimmicks, and to me at least, they did succeed, even if the alt mode isn't something as interesting (in terms of being turned into a toy) like a tank or a helicopter.
The tighter focus does continue into robot mode, though not as gracefully. Proportions and minor cracks in the illusion are big problems for Jetfire in Robot mode, thanks to his small arms (the gun is bigger than his arms), and the way the legs connect to the body. Pudgy is also a word that can be used to describe his robot mode. Not fat per se, but definitely on the plus side in terms of weight. However, unlike Optimus and Overload, this guy can actually move around and is surprisingly poseable for a bot in this line (or at least what I've been exposed too, which is sad when you think about it). Head swivel, ratcheted shoulders, friction ratchet in the elbows, nothing at the hips, but he does have knee ratchets, knee swivels and ankle tilts. Not ideal possibility, but workable, and the lightweight, but the sturdy feeling plastic makes it great for kids to play around with. Alas though, there is one major flaw with Jetfire, and that comes down to his third mode.
I'll say it upfront here and now, Jetfire's Combined Mode feels forced, like a last minute inclusion because aside from the clips needed to connect to Prime, the parts needed to make it work aren't there, it doesn't improve Prime at all. This is no more poseable then the trailer's legs are, the only difference is that one is a locked A-frame stance, the other can also stand straight and is a little taller, you're still not going to get Prime to walk, something you'd think either one of these would consider making a priority. it is possible to get Prime, Overload and Jetfire to connect together, though it's not a solid connection. You do have to move one part of Jetfire pretty far out of the way to make the connection work, and it never feels pleasant to do. Like I said during the Overload review, I feel sorry for those who have to connect to Optimus Prime, though at least Jetfire gets away with it to the best that he can.
While many older fans might think I'm crazy by saying this, I'm glad that this was my first introduction to Transformers. It's not flawless and is certainly not the best that Armada has to offer, but it is one of the better toys in the Armada line. The gimmicks are controlled, the alt mode looks great, and while the robot mode suffers a little bit, it's due to the limitations of the time rather than the combined mode. When I say that there are gems in the Armada line, this is one of the examples I point to, because while it might not be a flawless gem, it certainly has its charm. Next week will return to some more recent figures, for the Dinobots return to the site. It is time, for Volcanicus to rise!... look, distribution for Power of the Primes has been awful here in Australia ok? The delay was really because I only got them a few days ago (at time of writing).
