STatiSTICs!

Toy Review: Jay-Bird (ジェイバード) Japan BotCon exclusive 2000; previously Beast Wars Europe release (as Reiven/レイヴン) 1998

Reiven was intended for the third season of the original Beast Wars series. Although progressing as far as the storyboard stage, the relevent CGI episodes and characters were never completed due to time constraints and issues with continuity. The Japanese created the toy, however, and he has had cameo roles in various comics there. Being an androgynous character, the Japanese referred to him as Reiven, while the American series was to call 'her' Nightbird. Both characters were nonspeaking, classic ninja-types, intended to supplement the Predacons after Blackarachnia switched sides.
Most of the Reiven toys were released in Europe and the UK (a familar tale to collectors of G2 no doubt), although a few have made their way to Mexico. While Hasbro opted to bypass the character entirely in the States, Takara created a convention-only release for Japan's BotCon 2000. Named 'Jay-Bird' to avoid confusion with the female ninja character, this version is more colourful with a definite female form.

Color Scheme:
Pink and white with black/white/blue wing details.
Beast Mode:
Repaint of the crow mode for Japanese Reiven toy, gives a heavy look to what is meant to be a light-frame bird, but not bad. Feather detail on tail and wings is very nice, identical to Reiven. Socket for acid rifle on back of bird is too shallow - gun keeps falling out unless you stick it in with BluTack.
Robot Mode:
A nice surprise, a seperate female mold, not a Reiven repaint. Definate hips and 'girly' features, limbs are quite slender, etc. Hands are too small to hold the rifle alone but the hole in the wrist is too shallow to take the gun properly. I had to use BluTack to stick it into the hole. Claw-bust armour detail is nice. Spark symbol inside left side of head case/shoulderpad. Plenty of joints give this toy nice posability.

Transformation:
Bird body turns inside out, basically, as with Reiven, robot mode exposed, surplus bird bits tuck away round the back. Head fiddly to transform out and can come away, but goes back on easily, like the feet. Bird-head shoulderpads are a little stiff and fiddly, take care when transforming them into position. Bird legs are robot mode legs reversed and folded. Feet prone to detaching, but snap back on easily.
Gimmicks:
Wing flapping action on bird mode by pulling on tail, reminiscent of Fuzor Silverbolt's Beast mode.
Overall:
8/10 Rather fiddly for a so-called intermediate toy, but a nice female addition to the ranks and a must-have for the dedicated collector.

Full Designation: "Jay-Bird" JB-15480

Faction: Maximal.

Sub/Former Factions, Known Allegiances:
Vilnacron Irregulars (Cybertron), Junkions (Junk).

Current Rank/Function: Cadet, Research Assistant, Ariel Reconnaissance.

Former/Other Rank/Function: None, adventurer and thief.

Age (if known): 8 vorns (1 Vorn = 80 years).

Primary Configuration: Humanoid.

Height: 5 ft 7 ins.

Secondary Configuration(s): Avian.

Former Altmode: Corax UAV

Optic Colouration: Sapphire.

Typical Catchphases: "Wotcha!"
                                  "I in't bovvered!"

History: The illegal activities of the Quintessons are well known. Finding the bases of such operations is far trickier.
Quintesson slave robot factories use stolen technologies gained from their era of dominance on Cybertron. But the parameters of Jay-Bird's spark were deemed too unpredictable to make good slave material. Sparks, once created, are difficult to destroy without leaving energy residues that other Transformers can detect. So the Quintessons gave the spark a basic protoform body, then secretly dumped it on a likely planet.
Activated in the backstreets of the Cybertron city of Vilnacron, outside Autobot circles, Jay-Bird was lucky enough to become part of a friendly gang, the Vilnacron Irregulars, and not instant spare parts. Lead by Fagin, an aged Junkion, they lived on the streets, stealing, foraging, swindling and gambling to survive. Jay-B had a flight altmode and so became the gang's lookout and scout.
Jay-Bird followed many routes in her search for resources. One fateful night her curiosity lead her to an Autobot hangar and a spacecraft in the process of being loaded ready for interstellar flight. Her efforts to stay concealed also trapped her in the cargo bay and when the ship took off, she was thrown against a crate and knocked unconscious. The rest, as they say, is history.

Profile: Described by Rattrap as "Oh joy, another pain in the aft to baby-sit!" Jay-Bird is a cockney tomboy with a heart of gold, a talent for theft and a healthy mischievous streak. While adventurous like her 'cousin' Cheetor, she has no real ambitions for fame or greatness, as status and publicity trap a person, removing the freedom to pursue one's own whims or desires. However, she understands the value of co-operation - most of the time! - and enjoys the company of the other Maximals.

Being transplanted from the urban jungle to the wilds of Urf hasn't hindered Jay-B particularly. Her personality and Irregulars background have served to increase her repertoire of skills and abilities; in addition, her Maximal form gives her more flexibility than ever and she actively enjoys using either mode to explore the world around her. Her wings don't just get used for flight; she'll use them in either mode to climb, hook a branch, or as extra arms. Both Jay-Bird and Cheetor learn from the older Maximals by observation and example, lessons in stealth, martial arts, climbing, swimming, electronics and basic repairs, as well as official military and exploration disciplines.
Whilst undergoing cadet training as a true Maximal, Jay-B is also discovering how to flirt and use it to advantage. Her aunt Blackarachnia sees this as progress and encourages it, her guardian Silverbolt and the other mechs have differing opinions. Her skills at theft and mimicry are also cause for concern, particularly when Rattrap is around to influence her behaviour!
Aside from her dialect, her biggest trademark is her love of 'Yumin' culture, in particular British punk, ska and various types of rock music. The louder it is, the more she likes it - even Cheetor covers his ears when Jay-B is in full session. Thankfully, she appreciates quiet moments too.
Like everyone else, Jay-Bird wishes to see Cybertron again, but overall this primitive world isn't so bad. With Predacon exceptions, that is.

Weaknesses: A tendency for brazenness, excitability, impulsiveness. Some of this is due to youth, some due to her altmode's inherent traits. Not the quietest of individuals. Attracted to shiny things - some due to gender, some due to avian altmode.

Trademark Weaponry: Bird-claw battle talons and minor electro-discharge in wings.

Feature Weaponry: Custom acid rifle and high powered electro-discharge from wings.

Other Defences: Wing-mounted tranquiliser darts, quarterstaff, dagger, stolen weapons, own ingenuity.

Combat Notes: Cadet level trainee. Overall strength approximately 15 times that of a regular humanoid organic (male), but safety regulators keep this to five. Uses distraction as primary defence. Wings deliver a strong punch - use in close combat gives some advantage over novice foes. Electro ability variable - can pop corn at a minor level, kill an organic or stun a fellow mechanical at full power. This skill still developing. Acid rifle fires capsules over distance. Ranged inaccuracy due to inexperience. Capsules can be used grenade style, but risks harming herself or team-mates with splashes. Electro discharge abilities in either form.