With the re-issue of Sky Lynx from TakaraTomy, the vintage versions seem to be getting some renewed interest, according to end prices of some recent eBay auctions of the original figure. Note: There is a Mini-Con from the "Transformers: Cybertron" line of the same name. This article only covers the Generation 1-era figure and does not make any references except this one to the more current figure.

According to "Transformers Identification and Price Guide" by Mark Bellomo (Krause Publications [April 25, 2007]), the prices of the figure are the following: $45, complete but loose without working electronics; $75 for a loose complete; $80-$120 for a mint in box (MIB); and all the way to $350 for a mint in sealed box (MISB) figure. Recently complete eBay as of this writing is on par with these prices, if not higher. In fact, a MIB figure recently sold for $114 on the auction site.

Sky Lynx is what one would consider a behemoth with a lot of playability. Size comparisons put the figure at the height of the Metroplex and Trypticon figures. Sky Lynx consists of two pieces: “a space shuttle that can transform into a bird-like creature, and the shuttle's ground transport transformed into a lynx. The two parts can combine with each other either in vehicle or in animal modes, creating either a space shuttle launching vehicle or a draconic hybrid animal� (Wikipedia). The figure does not come with any accessories.

In various media for the figure (cartoon and comics), Sky Lynx is shown as having five separate modes: Draconic root mode, Dino-bird, Lynx, Cargo Shuttle, and the Dino-bird and Lynx being shown as co-existing modes (Wikipedia).

The figure’s mold did not come from Takara or Hasbro internally, but rather was licensed from another Japanese toy company by the name of Toybox. The company was also responsible for other notable toy molds including Shockwave and Omega Supreme ("The Formidable Transformers FAQ").

A thought that may prove to be unbelievable for non-Generation 1-era fans, the knowledge of this purchased mold is quite common. Hasbro and Takara both participated in this practice and borrowed mainly from non-popular fiction stories, therefore the molds are less associated with the former toy line and more with Transformers ("The Formidable Transformers FAQ").

Sky Lynx debuted and appeared in only the third season of the Generation 1 cartoon “The Transformers.� Sky Lynx was quite intellectual and spoke with a British accent. He was a somewhat snobbish character. Sky Lynx played his most important part in “The Return of Optimus Prime.� The character plays a role in the Marvel Comics continuity and a minor role in the Dreamwave Productions continuity. For more in-depth information about his characterizations in each of these continuities, read the Wikipedia entry.

The technical specifications bio of Sky Lynx holds quite close to how he is characterized in the aforementioned media:

A powerful fighter. Self-centered and boastful. Fearless, daring, believes himself to be superior to many of his fellow Autobots. Shell-resistant and steel-reinforced hull can withstand enemy bombardment and extreme temperature variations. Possesses solar powered auxiliary engines. Acetylene blaster inside cockpit shoots 3000 degree Celsius flames. As space shuttle, has interplanetary travel capabilities -- maximum speed 30,000 mph, range 40,000,000 miles (TFU.info).

Rumors for the figure being re-issued first came up when Sky Lynx was shown at the C3X Hobby Expo Japan 2007. The news of the figure being re-issued happened two months later. Sky Lynx is now pre-orderable through various online retailers. The figure is slated for a February 2008 release in Japan for ¥8,000.

Image courtesy of Botch The Crab.