Monday, July 16, 2007

Autobots Soldier : Ultra Magnus

[ Ultra Magnus : Mighty Fine Soldier ]
Written by Kal-El

A commander could want no finer a soldier than Ultra Magnus. Despite his incredible fighting skills, courage and unmatched talent for improvisation on the battlefield, Ultra Magnus is most comfortable when carrying out orders, and is naturally uncomfortable if the mantle of leadership should ever find itself placed upon him.


In Ultra Magnus's mind, he is a follower, not a commander, and his reluctance to change that will see to it that he expends all options before accepting the idea that he is required to lead. And when that time comes about, there is no question that he is resolute, fair and courageous, ever-ready to sacrifice himself for the greater good of his companions and mission, and unyielding in preparation for protection of those under his command.

[Robot Mode: Ultra Magnus stands tall]

Although not interested in overall command, Ultra Magnus was the City Commander for Autobot City in Transformers The Movie, and his toy also featured him in the role of City Commander (a title also held by his original opposite number, the Decepticon leader Galvatron), which indicates that he at least is willing to accept a leadership role in a smaller capacity rather than as supreme commander, a role filled by both Optimus Prime and later Rodimus Prime.

[Takes Autobots Hot-Rod and Cup for a ride]

Ultra Magnus is armed with missile launchers capable of hitting a target 30 miles away, and transforms into a car carrier able to transport his fellow Autobot troops. Ultra Magnus' toy consists of a smaller robot, identical to Optimus Prime but with a mostly white colouration, which acts as the cab of the car carrier and combines with the trailer to form the familiar Ultra Magnus as depicted in the cartoon and comics. The white "inner robot" would not appear in official fiction until the publication of the Dreamwave comics.

[Ultra Magnus : Hasbro , 1986]

Although i never had this action figure, i sure had wished i had him, biggest mistake was not to buy it when i vividly still remember seeing it in front of my eyes, back 20 years ago in the old Hua Ho in Kg. Lambak (which is now replaced by Milimewah). If only we had all the money back when we were young, and of course the attitude to keep your toys in mint condish. Teach your kids to preserve their toys, they might have a value when they grow up (Check out GL's post on Ultra Magnus being sold at Big Bad Toys).