I’ve always been fascinated with Jhiaxus – I first read about him in the Generation 2 comic, in the issue where he beat up Optimus Prime. He was the big bad for the G2 run (I still have hopes that we will see the Liege Maximo one day as a toy) (yes, the Liega Maximo exists as a Prime Master, but I’d still like to see a larger, hopefully Leader Class version of him) so he seemed like a villain who was larger than life – possibly more so than Unicron! We’ve had three toys of him – the 2001 Transformers: Robots in Disguise version and the 2014 Transformers: Generations version, but they were both redecos/retools of existing moulds. This Transformers: Legacy version is a brand new, original mould – and to make things even more awesome, he’s also incredibly comics accurate!
As every fan knows, Jhiaxus’ name has slightly… bitter origins. It’s a pun on “gee, axe us”, since Simon Furman, who wrote the Transformers: Generation 2 comic, was sure that the comic would be cancelled. While yes, the comic did get cancelled (after it managed to tell the first arc of Furman’s story), it’s a little ironic that Jhiaxus would end up getting his own toy – the complete opposite of getting axed! Also, I like the “Jhia” spelling – it makes Jhiaxus seem all that more foreign and mysterious. Plus, he also has a second name – the Liege Centuro – so I liked how Jhiaxus adhered to a different hierarchy and structure than the other Transformers.
Thanks Hasbro for sending him over! Some Generation 2 pics are coming up on my Instagram soon!
Size: Voyager Class
Alternate Mode: Cybertronian jet
Function: Conquerer
Allegiance: Decepticons/Cybertronian Empire
Subgroup: Liege (title)
Accessories: 1 Energon Blaster (red rifle), 1 black pistol, (his shoulder missile has a removable portion that can attach to the red rifle)
Packaging
Jhiaxus comes in the new windowless packaging that shows you what he looks like. The front-facing box art is that of his alternate mode, since you can see his robot mode in the box.
His pack comes with the QR code that’s on all the Transformers: Legacy figures, allowing you to read up more about him on their website.
I am quite sure some designer would have homaged “Liege Centuro” on the packaging but I can’t quite find it.
His robot mode artwork is quite dynamic, and thanks to the poseability of modern figures – you can pose him like this.
If you want to store him for long periods, remember to flip the box upside down to prevent dust from collecting!
Contents
As you might have noticed, Jhiaxus doesn’t come with any Energon weapons – which sets him apart from the other Transformers. I think this is a great design to emphasise his foreignness in the Transformers universe!
Thankfully, he comes packaged with his green “wings” folded back.
His Energon Blaster is clearly the main weapon.
Alternate Mode
His alternate mode is a Cybertronian jet – and a pretty colourful one at that! Attaching his Energon Blaster in the prescribed mode makes him even longer, and feels like a more streamlined military jet.
His parts fold together quite neatly in alternate mode.
The red around his engines’ exhaust is a nice touch that makes him look like he’s a high octane vehicle.
The exposed wiring was in his original G2 appearance, and is recreated here in this figure.
Underneath, he has several bottom facing pegs that could help with posing him on stands for flight mode.
Overall, his design is recognisably that of a spacecraft, yet still distinct enough that you know it’s not like the other Transformers.
Robot Mode
The prescribed robot mode has him with his wings folded back, and it matches his Generation 2 appearances when his wings are barely wider than his shoulders.
His squarish face sculpt is also in line with his original appearance, where he has a slight bulldog-ish look.
Being a Voyager also means he has the height advantage on most Transformers, and therefore scales well with the rest of the War for Cybertron and Legacy line.
His shoulder missile rack can be popped off – but only half of it pops off. If you see the seam down the centre, that’s where the part separates. I don’t recommend it though – that piece is likely to get lost if you play with him a lot.
The little bat wings on his feet are adorable.
Overall, I have to say I like the bat motif going on in Jhiaxus, although it does mean that he’s a green bat.
Comparisons
I much prefer Transformers: Legacy Jhiaxus to the Transformers: Generations version, mainly because he’s larger and more comics accurate.
Conclusion
Jhiaxus finally gets the G2 toy that he deserves – a figure that looks exactly like him from the comics, almost 30 years ago! The Transformers: Generation 2 comic came out in 1993. So if you want a taste of nostalgia, Jhiaxus is just the figure for you.
Me, I’m going to be displaying him with wings unfurled. I know it’s not the prescribed robot mode, but I think he looks more imposing this way.
Thanks Hasbro, for sending him over!
Jhiaxus is available at departmental stores and Toys “R” Us, as well as specialised hobby shops like Robo Robo and Hobby Ark Toy Store. He is also available on Hasbro’s official Shopee and Lazada e-commerce stalls.
More Than Meets The Eye! Calling all Transformers Fans!
Get your hands on a Limited Edition Transformer Autobot OR Decepticon metal badge with min. $30 purchase on Transformers products.
T&C applies.
18 July – 18 Sep 2022: Available at island wide Toys “R” Us stores.
1 July – 31 July 2022: Available at selected departmental stores.
Or Shop online:
– Shopee
– Lazada
This is an original article on marcusgohmarcusgoh.com.
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I’m an independent scriptwriter who’s written for popular shows like Lion Mums, Crimewatch, Police & Thief, and Incredible Tales. I’m also a Transformers enthusiast and avid pop culture scholar. You can find me on social media as Optimarcus and on my site.
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