TF: THE MOVIE

JUNKIONS AND AUTOBOTS

Synopsis:  

Let's face it, the Junkions RULED the second half of the Transformers movie. They were cool, indestructible and even got referenced in the hard-to-get pilot episodes of Robotech II: The Sentinels.

The interesting thing about the movie is that it didn't just have 'one generic design' for the non-Wreck Gar Junkions. In nearly every shot of Junkions there is a new design, or an old one with significant variations. Arms and limbs are mis-matched (even heads are) to create all-new Junkion forms. This is something that makes these guys really, really stand out for me as Generic Armies go in Transformers.

These were not the Junkions we saw later in the show. These Junkions were rough-and-tumble, savage warriors. They had a silly side, but their sinister side balanced it almost perfectly. When they were introduced in the cartoon they were turned from sinister tribal warriors into 'those silly motorbike Autobots'.

(Incidentally, a similar watering down occurred for the Quintessons when they were introduced to the cartoon.)

Gallery:

Junkions:

In this set of images the Junkions are seen bursting up from the ground. This is a classic 'Junkion' image, and sadly one that was rarely used again. There's a surprising range of variation in the Junkions in these images.

Image One

The number and variety of the Junkions is incredible. In this picture alone we have three completely different varieties. Admittedly, one of them IS Wreck Gar.

Image Two

This is a continuation of the action from the previous shot, with the same Junkions. One's standing now, and you can see him more clearly.

Image Three

One of the Junks in this shot (you can only see his arm) appears to be holding a Wreck-Gar style axe. It probably IS Wreck Gar, oh well.

Image Four

I just love the way these guys 'burst out'. It's so cool.

Image Five

Check out all the little Junkions in the background of this picture, as well as the huge foreground guys.

This is a set of images of Junkions in battle; or more specifically, Junkions riding other Junkions.

Image One

One of the classic 'Junkions riding Junkions' shots. You can see a second bike in the background (just) showing that even with the vehicle modes there was variety.

Image Two

Another 'host of Junkions' shot. Again, these are 'all new' Junkions. But notice that two of the guys have basically the same head (the colours are different) though their entire bodies are completely different.

Image Three

Another 'on motorcycle' shot, with (again) a new motorcycle, and a new Junkion weapon.

Image Two

The guy standing next to Wreck Gar is yet another style of Junkion (at least his body is) that we've yet to see in this gallery!

Dancing Junkions! Several times I've heard the dancing scenes used as a reason why Transformers the Movie is terrible. In truth, lack of plot, inconsistent animation and lack of characterisation 

Image One

Skinny faced Junkion. (And friends.)

Image Two

Skinny faced Junkion, take 2. (And friends.)

Image Three

More junky robots.

Image Four

This guy's face plate is utterly weird. It really does look like he just picked it up and plonked it on. (Though I'm not sure the artist intended that...)

Image Five

Check it out... Samurai Junkion!

Image Six

This is an image you ALL probably know; the Junkions from above while they're dancing. But take a look closely. There are many Junkions here who appear to have distinctly feminine forms. We know for a fact there are female Junkions (one shows up in The Big Broadcast of 2006) but could this be their first appearance?

Image Seven

Another fat ole Junkion.

Another familiar shot. This is taken from inside the Junkions' space ship, while it's being damaged and buffeted by Unicron's 'evil breath'.

Autobots:

Image One

This one is a little harder to see, and can only be seen now thanks to DVD clarity; note the little yellow guy in the corner. This is neither Hubcap, nor Bumblebee. It's not an incorrectly coloured Cliffjumper, either. I suppose there is one minibot it could be... but... nah.

Image Two

In this picture the mystery minibot gains a little chest insignia. Cool. (Bumblejumper? There! I said the name! Now let us not mention this again!)

Seeing as I've gone and said the name, I think I'll make a little comment about it here. Bumblejumper, or Bumper? These are the two names that fans have come up with to name the stray Microchange mould released in both Bumblebee and Cliffjumper packaging. Both names are simply combinations of Cliffjumper and Bumblebee's names. So which one do I like best?

That's a funny kind of question, and the answer is kinda complex. Basically, I prefer the name Bumblejumper because it sounds more like a fan-made name. It's clearly a made-up name, not a 'real' name. (This is why all the names I use for generics sound so made up.) Now if Hasbro or Takara were to confirm or give this character a name I would much prefer Bumper. It sounds more like a real Transformer name, and would probably suit better than 'Bumblejumper'. But as long as we're just talking about a TF unacknowledged by anyone but fans Bumblejumper will do just fine.

[THE ARCHIVE] [MAIN PAGE]