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Metalhawk (G1)

2012-05-28T20:38:26Z

109.148.177.34:

{{factions|autobot|eliteguard}}
{{disambig3|Hawk}}
:''Metalhawk is an [[Autobot]] [[Pretender]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''
[[Image:Metalhawk boxart.jpg|right|330px|thumb|"Why does that fat guy insist on cosplaying as ME?!"]]

'''Metalhawk''' (メタルホーク ''Metaruhōku'') is the leader of the [[Autobot]] [[Pretender]]s. Like all great Autobot leaders, he's a warm, noble being with a great love of life, liberty and all of that, and like all those other great leaders, he also got his crew stranded on [[Earth]] when they pursued a group of [[Decepticon]]s there during the Stone Age. Metalhawk was deeply moved by the burgeoning humanity: at first seeing only frail beings that needed defending, he soon came to realize their amazing potential for love, compassion and courage, and was so struck by them that he, and his fellow Autobots, used their Pretender powers to transform themselves into human beings. With the aid of these disguises, they defended early man against the Decepticon Pretenders, who had taken the forms of monsters. They eventually defeated and sealed away the villains, inspiring a few legends themselves in the process, and then went on to help guide the evolution of Earth's society and culture.

By the early 21st century, Metalhawk had adopted the simple human alias of '''Hawk''', and now works as an astrophysicist at the observatory run by [[Professor Gō]]. He is close friends with both the professor, with whom he has entrusted the secret of his true identity, and with the professor's son [[Shūta Gō|Shūta]], who looks up to him and aspires to be like him when he grows up.

Metalhawk transforms into a jet so fast that it can travel from Earth to the [[Moon (moon)|moon]] and back in only fifteen minutes. In robot mode, he has remarkable short-range leaping abilities, and is armed with the mighty Titanium Saber. His ultimate attack technique is the "Shining Arrow", which sees him leap into the air and charge his body with energy which he then rains down on his opponent in a hail of powerful bolts.

==Fiction==
===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''Super-God Masterforce'' cartoon====
''Voice actor:'' [[Katsuji Mori]] (Japan), [[Marco Balzarotti]] (Italian)

[[Image:Metalhawk human and robot.jpg|left|220px|thumb|Pretenders HIDE the Transformer INSIDE... wait, what?]]
Having lived among humankind on Earth for epochs, Metalhawk was the natural choice to serve as protector of the planet when the Autobot forces operating in outer space received word of renewed Decepticon activity brewing on the planet from the former Decepticon, [[Sixshot]]. Unable to spare any troops to bolster Metalhawk's forces on Earth, the Autobots in space sent a cargo ship carrying six [[Transtector]]s to the planet instead, to which human beings could bond to become new Transformers themselves. Although three of the Transtectors were stolen en route by the Decepticons, Metalhawk safely received the rest, and stored them in the [[Autobot Base|fortified base]] that Professor Gō had arranged the construction of. {{storylink|Birth! Headmaster Jrs}}

[[Image:Metalhawk suiton.jpg|right|180px|thumb|"It's Morphin' Time!"]]
Some time later, Metalhawk was returning to the observatory after attending one of Shūta's soccer games with Professor Gō when he received a communiqué from fellow Autobot [[Diver (Masterforce)|Diver]] informing him of a Decepticon attack on a cruise ship. Realizing that the villains had escaped their imprisonment at last, Metalhawk knew that the time had come to fight once again. Concerned for Shūta's safety, he elected to at last reveal his true identity to the boy, and told him the full story of the Pretenders' history on Earth. The next day, news of another Decepticon attack on a city reached Metalhawk, and he at last dropped his Pretender disguise, transforming back into his robotic form again and flying to the scene in jet mode. The [[Tentakil (Masterforce)|Tentakil]] [[Seacon (Masterforce)|Seacons]] which confronted him were not particularly impressive opponents, but things took a turn for the worse when Shūta, who had followed Metalhawk to the battlefield, was captured by one of the creatures. Metalhawk was able to destroy one of the drones with his Titanium Saber, but as he moved on the second, the Decepticon Pretenders entered the fray and attacked the outnumbered Autobot. Luckily, the other Autobot Pretenders arrived to save Metalhawk, allow him to rescue Shūta and destroy the Seacon, prompting the Decepticons to flee. {{storylink|Rise Up!! Pretenders}}

While investigating Decepticon activity in the [[Karin Islands]], Metalhawk battled [[Dauros]] and a swarm of [[Lobclaw]] Seacons. The fight, however, was witnessed by the islands' prince, [[Cab]], who fled from the Autobot, and was followed by Shūta, who hoped to explain the situation. Calmed by Shūta, Cab tracked the Decepticons to the nearby "Isle of the Gods," and Metalhawk and the Autobots followed him there and successfully dispatched the Decepticons. Unfortunately, during their absence, [[Blood]] had attacked Professor Gō's observatory, and Metalhawk's team returned too late to save the professor's life. With his last breath, the professor handed the key to the base he had created to Shūta, and the Autobots took up residence there. {{storylink|Terror! The Decepticons' Manhunt}}

Seeking to capture [[Blanieux|Professor Blanieux]], the prize-winning biologist from the Republic of [[Mont Porte]], the Decepticons attacked a jumbo jet, which crashed in Corsica. Metalhawk headed out with the Autobots to investigate, and posed as a government investigator in order to question [[Minerva (Masterforce)|Minerva]], daughter of Mont Porte's ambassador to Japan. After learning what they could from her, Metalhawk and the Autobots sped to Rome to quell an attack by the Decepticons' [[Destroid]]s there, and then accompanied Minerva's family and Professor Blanieux on the last leg of their trip to Japan. Metalhawk's suspicions proved right, as Blood and some [[Overbite (Masterforce)|Overbite]] Seacons attacked the craft, and he and [[Phoenix]] engaged them in battle and defeated them. The true threat, however, was a Destroid [[stewardess]] planted aboard the plane, which was bested by Cab and Shūta, but not before it sent the jet into a nosedive. Metalhawk and Phoenix saved the jet by lifting it to safety on their own backs. The Autobots apologized for lying to Minerva, and she decided to attend the [[International School]] alongside Cab and Shūta. {{storylink|Kidnapping!? The Targeted Jumbo Jet}}

[[Image:Metalhawk pretender.jpg|left|180px|thumb|Awl beh bawk.]]
Seeing Shūta, Cab and Minerva's determination to aid the Autobot cause and battle the Decepticons, Metalhawk made them an offer to become true Autobot warriors. The three kids accepted and were bonded to the Transtectors sent by the space-faring Autobots, becoming [[Headmaster Junior]]s. Alas, the Decepticons had created their own Headmaster Juniors with the Transtectors they had stolen, and Metalhawk had to teach the Autobot Juniors to put rescuing humans before fighting their villainous counterparts. Shūta, in particular, had some trouble living up to the promise when all three Decepticon Juniors ganged up on him when he was attempting to save a baby from a burning building, but Metalhawk arrived to dispatch the three punks. {{storylink|Birth! Headmaster Jrs|Birth! Headmaster Jrs}} To prepare the Juniors for combat situations, Metalhawk then sent them to America to train with Diver, {{storylink|Rage!! Little Devils with No Need for Rules}} and when they returned, he led them and the other Autobots in defending Africa's wildlife against another Decepticon plot. {{storylink|Panic! Protect the Wild Animals!!}}

[[Image:Metalhawk puretendaaaaa.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Ooooh, so shiny!]]
When two new Decepticons, the [[Godmaster]] brothers [[Hydra (Masterforce)|Hydra]] and [[Buster (Masterforce)|Buster]], attacked the [[Mt Fuji Foothills Hang Gliding Competition Tournament]] in which the Autobot Headmaster Juniors were participating, Metalhawk and [[Lander]] raced to aid their young team-mates, but took a severe beating from the powerful new warriors. After the villains withdrew upon the arrival of Phoenix, {{storylink|Super Warriors - The Godmaster Brothers|Super Warriors - The Godmaster Brothers}} Metalhawk examined videotaped footage of the battle and realized that the two Decepticons had incredible, instantaneous healing powers, proving his suspicion that they were neither Transformer nor human, but some new kind of lifeform. This information didn't offer the Autobots much of an advantage in their next battle with the Godmasters in the Karin Islands, but during that fight, Metalhawk was able to use his Shining Arrow attack to distract Buster, allowing Diver to lodge his Sea Axe in the Decepticon's arm, forcing the brothers to retreat. {{storylink|A Fierce Battle!! The Autobots Are in Trouble}}

When Diver recruited the first Autobot Godmaster, a trucker named [[Ginrai]], in America, Metalhawk invited him to the Autobots' base in Japan where they studied the three sets of [[Master-Brace]]s Ginrai had found in his [[Transtector]]. {{storylink|A Strange Friendship: Cancer and Minerva|A Strange Friendship: Cancer and Minerva}} After helping Minerva to reconcile her differences with Ginrai after she had an argument with him, Metalhawk joined in another battle against Hydra and Buster at Mount Yatsugatake {{storylink|Friend or Foe!? The True Form of the Monster!!}} and helped the other Autobots rescue a group of captive children from the Decepticons' clutches. {{storylink|Heroism!! The Birth of Super Ginrai}}

As summer settled in, Metalhawk permitted the Headmaster Juniors to take a vacation from their duties, but the two objectives soon dovetailed with the discovery of the next Autobot Godmaster, [[Lightfoot]]. {{storylink|Lightfoot: A Dramatic Encounter}} Metalhawk and the Juniors, together with Lander, Ginrai and Lightfoot went on a camping expedition into the Rocky Mountains to search for leads on the next Godmaster, ultimately discovering that he was a forest patrolman named [[Ranger]]. {{storylink|An Enemy? The Third Godmaster, Ranger}} Metalhawk thought the final Godmaster had been found when he misinterpreted a news report on [[Sixknight]] {{storylink|A Powerful Foe!! Sixknight the Wanderer}} but the true Godmaster, [[Road King]], was soon found, at which point Metalhawk decided to step down as Autobot leader, and appointed Ginrai to command in his place. {{storylink|The Autobot Warrior, Sixknight?!}}

Soon thereafter, word came from the Autobots in space that the Decepticon super-weapon, [[Scorponok (G1)|BlackZarak]], was headed for Earth. Metalhawk, Diver and Lander met with their old comrade [[Grand Maximus]] atop a mountain, and were given the plans and materials necessary to construct "[[Godbomber]]", a drone that would merge with Ginrai, endowing him with the ability to fly and fight in space, allowing him to best BlackZarak before he reached the Earth. {{storylink|Life? Death? The Desperate Lightfoot}} Metalhawk elected to keep the construction of Godbomber secret from the Headmaster Juniors at first, but once this "Bomber Project" began in a [[British Motors]] factory donated by Lightfoot's father, he soon summoned them to the facility and told them the whole story. {{storylink|Super Ginrai Gets Blown Away in the Desert!?}} The course of the Bomber Project did not run smoothly, as the Decepticons badly injured Ginrai and attacked the facility, but through it all, Metalhawk remained at the forefront of construction, speeding the project to completion while his fellow Autobots handled the Decepticon threat. {{storylink|Will the Bomber Project Be Destroyed!?}} Although Godbomber was soon successfully completed, Metalhawk was unwilling to let the injured Ginrai combine with the drone, telling him that he could not save the Earth on his own. The support of the Pretenders and Headmaster Juniors drowned Metalhawk out, however, and Ginrai fused with Godbomber, speeding into space to battle BlackZarak and [[Overlord (Masterforce)|Overlord]]. {{storylink|God Ginrai - Into the Sky!!}} Like the other Autobots, Metalhawk was helpless to do anything but wait for updates on the battle down on Earth, but with the aid of Grand Maximus, Ginrai was able to triumph. {{storylink|God Ginrai - Showdown on the Surface of the Moon}}

[[Image:Metalhawk robot.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Buns of die-cast.]]
Subsequently, Metalhawk and his fellow took something of a back seat as Ginrai and the other Autobots battled the Decepticons across the Earth, but his wits were not dulled by this period of inactivity, and he was quick to suspect [[Clouder]], the newly-discovered final Autobot Godmaster, when he discovered that the main computer in the Autobot base had been tampered with. Although Minerva took the blame, Metalhawk could tell she was covering for her new friend, and his suspicions were soon proved correct when he caught Clouder handing over information on the base to the Decepticon Headmaster Juniors. Unfortunately, exposing Clouder's true nature as a Decepticon spy did not prevent the information he had stolen from making its way into the hands of the Decepticons, who soon launched a full-scale assault on the Autobot base. {{storylink|Secret Orders! Destroy the Autobot Base!!}} A missile strike on the base's control room knocked Metalhawk unconscious, leaving the Headmaster Juniors alone in the base. After hooking Metalhawk up to some medical equipment, Minerva advocated abandoning the base, and ultimately, the Autobots were forced to do just that, as the Decepticons' attack destroyed their headquarters. {{storylink|Disaster! The Autobot Base Explodes}}

In the wake of this disaster, things only got worse for the Autobots, as BlackZarak returned and successfully landed on Earth. Metalhawk arrived too late to save [[New York City|New York]] from the villain's wrath, and soon received word from Diver of an attack on [[Paris]] by Overlord, relaying news of the devastation to Lightfoot. {{storylink|BlackZarak - Destroyer from Space}} The battle that ensued carried the Godmasters and Headmaster Juniors into space, where BlackZarak unleashed the unholy [[Death Para-Machine]] upon the Earth. Metalhawk was stationed in a human observatory at the time, where the staff quickly deduced that the evil device had drastically eroded Earth's ozone layer. Thankfully, Ginrai was able to destroy the Death Para-Machine before any further damage could be done. {{storylink|Crisis! The Day of Human Extinction}}

Following a battle with the Decepticon Pretenders in Latin America, {{storylink|God Ginrai - Save Cancer!?}} Metalhawk got a bit more proactive, positioning sonar probes across the world in hopes of locating the Decepticon base. Unfortunately, while on a mission to recover one of the probes, Shūta was kidnapped by the Decepticons, and Metalhawk had to triangulate the location of the Decepticon base in order for Ginrai to rescue him. {{storylink|God Ginrai: Showdown at the Decepticon Base}} With the location of the Decepticons' base now known to the Autobots, Metalhawk and the Pretenders hung back while the rest of their allies initiated an all-out attack on the villains' headquarters, which concluded with the base's destruction. {{storylink|The Ultimate Combination!! BlackZarak, the New Lifeform}}

With their headquarters destroyed, the Decepticons relocated to the Alps, and the Autobots pursued, splitting into teams to search for the villains. Metalhawk and the Headmaster Juniors were quickly attacked by [[King Poseidon]], and Metalhawk was badly wounded saving Minerva from the Seacon combiner's blasts. Ginrai soon arrived to save them, but the injured quartet was forced to remain behind as Ginrai scaled the mountain to confront BlackZarak in final battle. {{storylink|Malevolent and Inhuman! The True Form of Devil Z}} After his wounds were tended to by Minerva, Metalhawk was insistent that he be allowed to accompany Grand Maximus and Shūta as they went to observe Ginrai's battle, but Grand talked him down and left him to recuperate. Ginrai's fight, meanwhile, culminated with the destruction of BlackZarak and the Decepticon emperor, [[Devil Z]]. The death of Devil Z caused the humans to become separated from their Transtectors, while the Transtectors themselves were brought to life as true super-robot lifeforms. The new-born Transformers all promptly departed the Earth to rejoin their respective factions in space, but Metalhawk elected to remain on Earth and continue his life there. {{storylink|A Battle... and Then...}}
{{--}}

====''Zone'' cartoon====
Metalhawk was seen among the Autobots standing on stage when the injured [[Star Saber (Victory)|Victory Saber]] passed the mantle of [[Supreme Commander]] on to [[Dai Atlas (Zone)|Dai Atlas]]. {{storylink|Enter the New Supreme Commander, Dai Atlas!}}

===Generation 1 manga continuity===
====''Super-God Masterforce'' manga====
[[Image:Metalhawk manga.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Spaaaaace Ghooooost!]]
After escaping their imprisonment, the Decepticon Pretenders made their first attack on the modern world by laying siege to the Karin Islands. Metalhawk and Shūta responded to the attack, and Metalhawk stunned the assembled islanders by transforming from human form to robot mode. Easily evading Blood's "Bloody Moon" attack, Metalhawk dispatched the Decepticons with his Shining Arrow, and island elder [[Donq]] proceeded to lead the islanders in praising Metalhawk, recognizing him as a god from Karin Island mythology. Metalhawk attempted to explain that he wasn't a god, merely a Pretender, but the islanders continued to chant "Pretender" despite his protests. {{storylink|Gods? Devils? The Pretenders}}

Metalhawk and Shūta were accompanied back to Japan by the islands' prince, Cab, and the two boys, along with their schoolmate Minerva, all requested that Metalhawk allow them to become formal members of the Autobots. Metalhawk eventually capitulated, and after a tough training regimen, transformed the three youngsters into Headmaster Juniors. Their first battle, against a Lobclaw, did not go so well, and Metalhawk had to arrive to bail them out, admonishing them for a lack of teamwork. {{storylink|Headmaster Jrs Are Born}}

Responding to an attack by Blood on [[Tokyo]], Metalhawk called on the Headmaster Juniors to perform rescue operations in the surrounding area. Unfortunately, Metalhawk did not realize that this was a trap laid by the Decepticons, and his young charges ran afoul of the Decepticon Headmaster Juniors. Thankfully, they were able to defeat them, and Metalhawk arrived in time to see the punks fleeing the scene. As the sun began to rise, Shūta and Cab groaned that it would soon be time for school, but Metalhawk calmed them down by pointing out it was Sunday. {{storylink|Destined Confrontation: The Children of Good and Evil}}

News of the discovery of the first Autobot Godmaster, [[Ginrai]], in America soon reached Metalhawk, and he and the Headmaster Juniors gathered at Harumi Wharf to greet their new comrade when he arrived. Concerned by Ginrai's late arrival, Metalhawk contacted Diver, but was assured that everything would be fine, because Ginrai resembled a "hero". The four Autobots were soon attacked by the Decepticon Godmasters Hydra and Buster and Metalhawk was quickly taken down, but at that moment, Ginrai arrived, and Metalhawk understood Diver's words—for Ginrai was the very image of the legendary [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]. After Ginrai sent Hydra and Buster packing, Metalhawk wondered if Ginrai could be Prime's reincarnation, but Ginrai dismissed the notion, explaining that he had chosen to do this specifically because he had only one life to live, and wanted to use it in service of the forces of good. {{storylink|Enter on the Stage! The Name of the Savior Is Ginrai!}}

[[Image:Metalhawk shell manga.jpg|right|210px|thumb|Metalhawk wants YOU!]]
Later, Metalhawk joined with the other Autobots in charging out to investigate a mysterious Decepticon plot, only to be stunned by the sight of [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] and a legion of legendary Decepticons barring their way. Metalhawk could immediately tell that something was off, since he knew that Galvatron was supposed to be dead, but after a battle with King Poseidon, it was soon revealed that they had been duped with holographic images. {{storylink|Burn, Super Soul! The New Commander Super Ginrai!}}

Metalhawk and the Pretenders dropped off the radar after this battle, appearing only briefly to monitor a two-pronged attack by the Decepticons against Earth. {{storylink|God Ginrai's Amazing Super-God Combination!}} Fortunately for all concerned, they returned to the front lines during Ginrai's final battle with the Decepticons, during which the Decepticon emperor, Devil Z, turned on his subordinates, and attempted to absorb their [[Chōkon Power|Jinchōkon]] in order to transform himself into the ultimate lifeform. Metalhawk and the Pretenders hurled themselves into the path of the villain's Jinchōkon-absorbing beam, saving Ginrai and the Decepticons from its effects, and remaining unharmed themselves, since, as true robots, they possessed no Jinchōkon of their own. Metalhawk subsequently joined with all the other Autobots and Decepticons in combining their energies into the "Perfect Transform Attack", which destroyed Devil Z once and for all. With the alien's death, the humans were separated from their Transtectors, and the Transtectors themselves were brought to life as true super-robot lifeforms. While the new-born Transformers departed Earth to rejoin their respective factions in space, Metalhawk elected to remain on Earth and continue his life there. {{storylink|The Birth of the Super Lifeforms}}
{{--}}
====''Victory'' manga====
[[Image:Metalhawk meets jean.jpg|left|120px|thumb|This isn't what it looks like.]]
When Shūta and Cab befriended [[Jean Minakaze]], the adopted human son of the new Autobot Supreme Commander [[Star Saber (Victory)|Star Saber]], they introduced him to Metalhawk as well.<ref>[[TV Magazine]] artwork, reprinted in [[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: The Comics]].</ref>
{{--}}

===Marvel comics continuity===
====Marvel UK comics====
[[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]] had never heard of Metalhawk. {{storylink|End of the Road! (UK)#Notes|Dread Tidings}}
====Classics====
[[Image:Invasion-cannotwillnot.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Never lead a bunch of guys with newer toys into battle.]]

Metalhawk's calmness and adherence to formality earned him the leadership of the Pretenders and the rank of Skyhammer Commander. From the Autobots' [[Skyhammer]] base, he keeps vigil over the nation of [[Japan]]. Frequently he clashes with [[Overlord (Masterforce)|Gigatron]] and his Decepticons, particularly during Gigatron's search in [[Kitakyushu]] for [[Musashi]]'s sword. But more recently, Gigatron had been attempting to steal the cache of [[Rarified Energon]] guarded within [[Ironworks]]. Thankfully, Metalhawk and his troops have thus far impeded his efforts. {{storylink|Invasion Prologue}}

It was during the reconstruction following one of these raids that a portal opened up above Ironworks and strange, evil Autobots from another dimension appeared. Metalhawk was on hand, and he took a squad with him to counter this attack. Unfortunately, nearly all of this squad was wiped out by an evil [[Ultra Magnus (SG)|Ultra Magnus]] and his [[Terminus Blade]]. Metalhawk and his remaining soldier, [[Scoop (G1)|Scoop]], were rescued from certain doom by another raiding party from another dimension, this time heroic Decepticons. Via [[Autobot Regulation R71-B]], Metalhawk demanded to know what was going on, and their rescuers were content to oblige.

[[Image:Invasion-whatistha.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Metalhawk and Gigatron working together, mass hysteria.]]

The evil Ultra Magnus intended to use the Rarified Energon and his Terminus Blade to bring Earth to his dimension's Cybertron. Metalhawk, his Autobots, and the Heroic Decepticons battled the evil Autobots at all costs to prevent this. Even Gigatron's Decepticons fell in against the invaders, and Metalhawk and his frequent foe teamed up against Ultra Magnus, dealing him a devastating blow. But, ultimately, Magnus succeeded... mostly. Though a heroic [[Sir Soundwave|Soundwave]] was able to save Earth itself, Magnus managed to destroy the rest of the entire universe! With Earth now in a new dimension near the invaders' [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], Magnus and his remaining troops fled.

Metalhawk despaired for the fate of his home universe, giving in to sorrow, so a heroic [[Straxus (SG)|Straxus]] recited a hopeful poem. {{storylink|Invasion (issue)|Invasion}}
{{-}}

===''Wings Universe''===
Before the War, Metalhawk served aboard a cargo vessel known as the ''[[Starduster]]''. Hearing about the newly-formed [[Cybertron Elite Guard|Elite Guard]], Metalhawk resigned his commission and entered the [[Autobot Military Academy]], eager to serve his planet. Thanks in part to his impressive knowledge of alien martial arts techniques, 'Hawk rose quickly through the ranks and, in just under two cycles, became the faster recruit to advance to command status. He also underwent the flying upgrade process, taking to the air with natural ease. Metalhawk's friendly demeanor and skills earned him the respect and admiration of his men and fellow command officers, even the normally unapproachable [[Halonix Maximus]]. {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 34|Metalhawk's "Wings of Honor" profile}}

[[Image:Metalhawk TheComingStorm2.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Sometimes he wears a helmet over his helmet.]]

Metalhawk received command of the 201st division, the Strike Team. During one of the Guard's battles, Metalhawk's squad found themselves facing a horde of [[Virulent Clone]]s along with [[Thunder Clash]]'s squad. He was just a little peeved when his subordinate [[Ironfist (G1)|Ironfist]]'s explosives nearly took them out along with the Clones. When it turned out that the Clones could also ''fly'', Metalhawk ordered another squadmate, [[Over-Run (G1)|Over-Run]], to provide them with some aerial support.

[[Landshark]] hoped to see the two "upgrades" show off their new flying abilities, but Over-Run took out the Clones with his personal remotely-controlled helicopter instead. The two squads then relaxed for a moment, with Metalhawk removing his helmet and chest armor while chit-chatting with Thunder Clash.

Their chit-chat was soon interrupted, however, by a call from [[Magnum]] ordering Metalhawk to escort Thunder Clash's squad to [[Space Port Bravo]]. After giving Thunder Clash a bit of friendly teasing, the two squads loaded up their gear onto the ''[[Hawk's Claw]]'' and disembarked. Once they arrived at the spaceport, the two squads' leaders bid their goodbyes to each other, and Thunder Clash's squad headed inside.

Upon being asked by Over-Run what he thought their next assignment would be, Metalhawk expressed a hope for something quiet. He was amused by Dion's teasing about how ''he'' would be happy to beat up some Decepticons, but was displeased by Over-Run's snide question about whether Dion had ever seen a Decepticon up-close, and troubled by Dion stalking off in response.

They eventually headed over to Elite Guard HQ. There they were greeted by Magnum, who noted that he thought Metalhawk's squad was performing above expectations, and sometimes even better than Thunder Clash's squad at that—which Metalhawk was all too happy to note for his and Thunder Clash's "boasting contest". Magnum then explained that, as a result, he was sending Metalhawk's squad on a special mission—one that would involve a [[Combaticon (G1)|new special ops group]] Magnum had formed. {{storylink|The Coming Storm: Part 2}}

This mission was supposed to be an oilcake-walk, a gesture of good will towards the civilian guilds to keep them from interfering too seriously in Elite Guard operations. An archeological dig in [[Median]] had uncovered a number of relics from Cybertron's forgotten history and, according to their civilian guest [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]], some expertise with explosives and demolition was needed to help clear out the dig site. Hardly enthused with the assignment, Metalhawk nonetheless did Magnum proud and very diplomatically told Alpha Trion they would be honored to assist his team of scientists, in the name of Cybertron and the Elite Guard.

Lending aid to Median turned out to be less simple than they expected. The team led by [[Glyph (G1)|Glyph]] and [[Flip Sides (G1)|Flipsides]] had unearthed a powerful artifact called the [[Heart of the Dragon]], and were expecting to be attacked by Decepticon raiders within a few solar cycles. Thank [[The One|the One]] for good intel. Metalhawk and the Combaticon leader [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]] quickly began working to fortify Median, alongside the dig team's security chief, [[Strika (BM)|Strika]]. They arranged several traps and pitfalls for the [[Stormtrooper (G1)|Stormtrooper]]s and their advance guard, and set up to greet their inevitable foes.

The groups separated for the assault, with Metalhawk and most of his team with [[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]] and [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] as Squad B, while Ironfist joined Strika, Onslaught and the Combaticons. After Squad A dealt with the Stormtroopers' "hitter", [[Roadgrabber]], they fell back for Metalhawk's group to oppose the next wave. Metalhawk used their scientist recruit [[Lancer]] as a decoy, drawing [[Rage]] and his Stormtroopers into a snare. Unfortunately, he then made several mistakes in a row. Firstly, he gave the Decepticons an honest chance at surrender. Secondly, he didn't take Rage's chemical cannon seriously. And thirdly, he didn't anticipate that the fuzzy...the fuzzy p-petro-rabbits tasted like...yellow...grishy boushy vroom vroom...

[[Image:ComingStorm3-Metalhawk.jpg|left|thumb|250px|Autobots can't fly!]]

By the time Metalhawk recovered from the chemically-induced stasis lock, the battle was basically over and the Decepticons had successfully stolen the Heart of the Dragon. The Elite Guard began pursuit, and tracked the Stormtroopers back to their mobile fortress, the [[Metrotitan (Zone)|Metrotitan]]. They made their way past the boastful bash brothers, [[Terror-Tread]] and [[Cement-Head]], the menacing [[Minotoron]]s, and the bombastic [[Brimstone (G1)|Brimstone]], empowered by the Heart of the Dragon itself. The Heart proved to be too much for his tiny frame, however, unleashing an explosion of such indescribable power that the Elite Guard, the Metrotitan, and everything in a 50 hic radius was consumed in a fiery inferno and consigned to the Pit.

...or so Metalhawk's incident report read. In fact, the Elite Guard survived and made their way to safety with a new recruit, the former Stormtrooper [[Drench (G1)|Drench]]. Artistic license aside, Magnum congratulated Metalhawk and Onslaught on a job well done. The two teams were almost immediately reassigned to another mission in [[Praxium]]. {{storylink|Flames of Yesterday}}

As time passed, Metalhawk's team and the Combaticons continued to work in close proximity with each other, developing a strong bond. Metalhawk and Onslaught even got into a habit of exchanging war stories, like the one about [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]]'s failed grenade, or the amusing fate of [[Blue Bacchus]]. They separated after a mission against [[Shadowcaster]], as Metalhawk's strike team reported back to Magnum while the Combaticons remained in the field. {{storylink|The Coming Storm: Part 3}}

[[Image:ComingStorm5-Metalhawkjet.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Autobots can't fl-- dammit, Metalhawk, cut that out!]]

When the Combaticons never returned from the field, they were listed as MIA and potential casualties. Magnum reassigned Metalhawk and the 201st away from the front lines, fearing emotion over the loss of his comrades might cloud his judgement. {{storylink|A Team Effort}} While on a tedious search for possible Decepticon activity in the wastelands, Metalhawk and the Strike Team received an SOS from Elite Guard Headquarters — Sentinel Major was under attack! They raced back to base but found the rest of the Elite Guard had succeeded in disabling most of the attackers. Surprisingly, the ''Combaticons'' were among the Decepticon warriors left standing. They apparently chose to switch sides after being captured, and worse, were altered by [[Deathsaurus (Victory)|Deathsaurus]]'s technology. As Metalhawk watched aghast over [[Ricochet (Timelines)|Ricochet]]'s holo-imager, the Combaticons merged to form [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]], destroying Sentinel Major with one fist as the battle began anew. {{storylink|The Coming Storm: Part 5}}

[[Image:ComingStorm6-isthatso.jpg|left|thumb|300px|The helmet wasn't lonely. He had all this other armor, too. Look how well it served him.]]

Racing to the side of their fellow Guardsmen, Metalhawk's team arrived at a scene of carnage, as Bruticus obliterated all opposition in his path. Over-Run and Ironfist fell in battle alongside the rest of the Guard. The crazed giant was only halted when Dion boosted into Bruticus's face and blew out his optics. Dion was swatted away from the battlefield, but the damage was enough to force the Combaticons to revert to their individual forms. As Onslaught and his comrades prepared to return to Deathsaurus for repairs before heading out after Magnum and the Council, Metalhawk placed himself in his former friends' path, bravely ordering them to stand down. Metalhawk got into trouble at Median for giving his foes an honorable chance to surrender, and this was no different. After a moment's hesitation, Onslaught drew on his friend and fellow soldier, gunning Metalhawk down in cold blood. {{storylink|The Coming Storm: Part 6}}
{{-}}

===IDW Generation 1 comics===
[[Image:Drift1-Metalhawk.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Wonder why he left.]]
Metalhawk and [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] were two survivors of the Autobots' battle with [[Drift (G1)|Deadlock]]'s forces. {{storylink|Drift issue 1|Drift #1}}

[[Image:DoOP Optimus Metalhawk.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Metalhawk has spent the last <strike>4 million years</strike> however-long-ago-''Transformers:Drift''-was on a hunger strike.]]

Sick of the [[Great War (G1)|war]], Metalhawk was inspired by the [[Circle of Light]] and left [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] with many others. He felt that, although the Senate was corrupt, the Autobots and Decepticons' war was no better. {{storylink|Transformers: The Death of Optimus Prime|The Death of Optimus Prime}} His group settled in a region that allowed them to use [[Shanix]] as currency. {{storylink|Stick Together}} In the aftermath of the [[D-Void]]'s attack on the planet, he returned as part of the first wave of NAILs, and served as their defacto representative in negotiations with Autobot high command. When [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] returned after his short disappearance following the battle with the [[D-Void]], Metalhawk had some choice words for the "hero". Behind the scenes, Metalhawk admitted to [[Zetca (G1)|Zetca]] that he understood how the Autobots felt, but he still wished to maneuver them into a situation he felt was better for the future of Cybertron.

Soon, the returning NAILs grew frustrated with the Autobots' "occupation" of Cybertron, and they began rioting outside their headquarters. When the Autobots let the imprisoned Decepticons loose to enforce crowd control, Metalhawk was hit in the crossfire. Optimus Prime ordered [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] to bring him inside. As tempers flared amongst the Autobots, with Metalhawk's presence inflaming things even further, Optimus Prime decided that (as a living symbol of the war) he should leave Cybertron. {{storylink|Transformers: The Death of Optimus Prime|The Death of Optimus Prime}} Metalhawk and Bumblebee later greeted some NAILS who arrived on Cybertron. A green tank NAIL stated that the planet attacked them and Metalhawk took this as an advantage to convince them the Autobots weren't trustworthy. Metalhawk later talked about Tappet's release and the Lost Light memorial. {{storylink|The Autonomy Lesson}} Metalhawk and Bumblebee later discussed the Horri-Bull incident and said he will not endorse Bumblebee if he harmed another Cybertronian no matter what kind. He is interrupted by the arrival of Starscream. Later, during the Lost Light memorial, Metalhawk pledges his devotion to a new Cybertron.{{storylink|The World & Everything in It}} When mysterious explosions issued from all around Cybertron, Metalhawk rebuked Prowl's blaming of the Decepticons and vouched for allowing Starscream to take part in the interim government. {{storylink|Stick Together}}
{{spoiler|Devisive|May 24, 2012}}
Bumblebee, Metalhawk, and Starscream did a speech on their government though Starscream did most of the talking much to Bumblebee's disagreement on most of his statements. {{storylink|Devisive}}

==Toys==
===Super-God Masterforce===
[[Image:MF-toy Metalhawk.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Who needs feet when you can stand on sticks?]]
* '''Metalhawk''' (Pretender, 1988)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-201'''
**''Accessories'': 2-piece Pretender shell, helmet, "Titanium Saber", "Jet Rifle," left & right "Rifle Wings"

: Available [[exclusive]]ly in Japan, Metalhawk is the only Pretender made from [[die-cast]] metal (a lost art, nowadays). The figure transforms into a blue, gold, red and gray Cybertronic jet (something like a souped up F-15 Eagle), the gray tailfins of which double as two hand-held "Rifle Wing" blasters for his robot mode.

: Metalhawk's outer Pretender shell resembles a human in a red, white and blue armoured space suit, distinguished from other 1988 Pretenders by the presence of a full human face, unobscured by armor like the other Autobots of the year, as well as the lack of a belt accessory. The shell's helmet is removable and is used to help "lock" the two shell-halves together. The shell is armed with the Titanium Saber and Jet Rifle; the Rifle Wings can also plug into the sides of the Jet Rifle when the robot is stored within the shell, transforming it into the "Wing Blaster".

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1988/Cybertron/Metalhawk/metalhawk.htm More information on Metalhawk at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

===Timelines===
[[Image:Timelinestoy-BC2012Metalhawk.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Metalhawk, in the flesh!]]
*'''Invasion''' ([[BotCon 2012]] box set)
**''Accessories'': 2 missile launchers, 2 missiles, recon drone

:A [[retool]] of [[Transformers: Generations|''Generations'']] [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]], Metalhawk is a blue and red fighter jet loosely based on an [[United States Air Force#F-22 Raptor|F-22 Raptor]], with different wings but retaining the F-22's characteristic zigzag patterns sculpted on the hull. In addition to a new fleshy head, the nose of the jet can detach and become a separate aerial drone, while the two missile launchers can detach from the wings and become handheld weapons or clip together into one massive gun. The middle section of the sculpted missiles on the sides of the guns are also compatible with [[C joint]] accessories. Metalhawk's colors are based on the original toy's Pretender shell rather than the inner robot, much like other recent new toys of Pretender characters. Metalhawk was released in a box set with [[Sir Soundwave|Soundwave]], [[Tracks (SG)|Tracks]], [[Treadshot (SG)|Treadshot]], [[Overlord (Masterforce)|Gigatron]], and [[Ultra Magnus (SG)|Ultra Magnus]].

:This sculpt was also retooled to make ''Generations'' [[Black Shadow (Victory)|Sky Shadow]].
{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===Transformers Gum===
[[Image:TFgum_metalhawk.jpg|right|thumb]]
*'''Metalhawk''' (1988)
**''Accessories:'' 2-piece Pretender shell, 2 shell arms, helmet, "Titanium Saber", "Jet Rifle," left & right "Rifle Wings"

:Released in the eighth wave of [[Kabaya]]'s ''[[Transformers Gum]]'' line of snap-together "[[candy toy]]" model kits, this version of Metalhawk stands at about four inches tall in robot mode, and is cast in red, white and blue plastic. He includes all the accessories and features of his larger figure, save one difference: the arms of his Pretender shell are removable, and used to hold the shell closed. As a ''Transformers Gum'' kit, he featured no paint applications, but came with stickers for detail, and a piece of terrible gum.

::*''[http://bowbowdaijin.blog96.fc2.com/blog-entry-36.html More information on Transformer Gum Metalhawk at a Japanese fansite]''
{{--}}
===Super Collection Figure===
[[Image:Metalhawk scf pvc.jpg|right|thumb|Hold it right there!]]
*'''Metalhawk and Minerva''' (2001)

:A PVC figurine of Metalhawk, in his Pretender armor, was available in the fifth, ''Masterforce''-centric act of [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]'s [[Super Collection Figure]] line. He came packaged with a figurine of Minerva in her human form; the pair were available in both full color and metallic silver "pewter" versions, at a ratio of one per each case of twelve [[blindpacking|blindpacked]] figures. In eight out of every ten cases, the pewter version of the figures came with the right arm of the wave's collectable BlackZarak "Build-A-Figure".
{{--}}

==Notes==
* In the [[Transformers: Wings Universe|''Wings Universe'' continuity]], though he's not a Pretender, Metalhawk still has removable armor reminiscent of the armor his Pretender shell sports.

===Foreign names===
*''Italian:'' '''Optor'''
*''Russian:'' '''Kogot'''' (Коготь, "Claw")
*''Spanish:'' '''Hook''' (America)

==References==
<references />

[[Category:Autobot leaders]]
[[Category:Classics Autobots]]
[[Category:Convention exclusives]]
[[Category:Elite Guard]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Japanese-original Transformers]]
[[Category:Neutrals]]
[[Category:Pretenders]]
[[Category:Super-God Masterforce Autobots]]
[[Category:Timelines characters]]
[[Category:Victory Autobots]]
[[Category:Wings Universe Autobots]]
[[Category:Zone Autobots]]

Sky-Byte (G2)

2012-05-28T20:37:08Z

109.148.177.34:

{{faction|predacon|quintesson}}
{{disambig3|Sky-Byte}}
:''Sky-Byte is a [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''
[[Image:SkyByteTimelines-boxart.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Put your best knee forward.]]

Created as an agent of the [[Quintesson]]s, '''Sky-Byte''' is the commander of the new generation of [[Sharkticon (G1)|Sharkticon]]s. Unlike his dim-witted troops, Sky-Byte exhibits a scientific and creative nature, whether it be by making new advances in technology or writing haiku to express himself during tense and exciting moments.

He's a wild card, but will Sky-Byte truly be the "greatest shark around", as he's so fond of claiming?

==Fiction==
===''Wings Universe''===
In 2010, Sky-Byte was sent to Earth by the Quintessons as part of an alliance with the Decepticon outlaw [[Clench (G1)|Clench]]. His army of next-generation Sharkticons successfully empowered Clench’s Decepticon Syndicate, and they were able to take control of the Large Hadron Collider in [[Switzerland]].

There, Sky-Byte worked with Clench to realize the potential of the low-grade fuel [[forestonite]]. He determined that bombarding the forestonite with high-energy particles allowed it to alter Transformers, granting them extraordinary power. Pyro teased Clench for hanging around with Quintesson flunkies, and Sky-Byte responded with pride about how his new forestonite fuel would tip the balance of power. Sky-Byte may have oversold the stuff, however, as Clench impulsively fed some to [[Cindersaur]]—''and it wasn't meant to be taken orally!''—and then insisted that Sky-Byte himself be one of the next round of test subjects.

When the Autobots burst into the facility in an attempt to rescue [[Pyro (G1)|Spark]], Sky-Byte taunted them with a haiku and, when that was poorly received, then tried to zap them all with his "[[Tsunami Blaster]]", a new and deadly ability bestowed upon him by the forestonite. The battle was ultimately decided when a nervous Breakdown shot the canisters of forestonite, thinking they would explode. Instead, the chemical spread out in gaseous form all over the remaining Transformers, equaling the balance of power for the Autobots. [[Rapido]] gained the power to outrun Sky-Byte's shark missile attack, and soon the Decepticons were thoroughly routed. At this point, Sky-Byte fled the scene with his Sharkticons and a sample of forestonite. Without his additional muscle, Clench was forced to retreat as well.

And, yes, even while running for his life, Sky-Byte had the frame of mind to write a pretty haiku. {{storylink|Generation 2: Redux}}
{{--}}

===IDW comics continuity===
Sky-Byte returned to Cybertron as a [[NAIL]] after the planet's rebirth.{{storylink|The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|Robots in Disguise #5}}<ref>http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=38547</ref>

==Toys==
===Timelines===
[[Image:Timelinestoy-SkyByteG2Redux.jpg|right|thumb|300px|This mold's not for [[Wings of Honor|Scourge]]? At the time we were confused. Now we understand.]]
*'''Generation 2: Redux''' (BotCon 2010 box set)
**''Accessories'': 2 missiles

:Sky-Byte is a [[retool]] of ''[[Transformers: Energon (franchise)|Energon]]'' [[Sharkticon (Energon)#Energon|Sharkticon]] with a new head, transforming into a Cybertronic submarine/battleship with dimly animalistic styling. His colors and head sculpt are heavily based on ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (franchise)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]]. His small gun turrets are movable, plus his side panels can extend outward to reveal spring-loaded missile launchers. The area where Sharkticon's spark crystal once resided is now considered Sky-Byte's "Tsunami Blaster".

:Sky-Byte is part of the [[BotCon 2010]] boxed set, alongside [[Breakdown (G1)#Timelines|Breakdown]], [[Pyro (G1)#Timelines|Spark]], [[Streetwise (G1)#Timelines|Streetstar]] and [[Clench (G1)#Timelines|Clench]].

:The original version of this mold was also used to make Sky-Byte's fellow BotCon 2010 exclusives, the [[Sharkticon (G1)#Timelines|Sharkticons]], as well as ''[[Transformers United|United]]'' [[Axalon (BW)#United 2|Axalon]].

::*''[http://tfu.info/2010/Predacon/Sky-Byte/sky-byte.htm More information on Sky-Byte at TFU.info]''

==Notes==
* The identity of Sky-Byte was the subject of the "Who is the Wildcard?" contest held by [[Fun Publications]] on their [[Transformers Collectors' Club]] forums, with ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' Voyager [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] and [[Breakaway (ROTF)|Breakaway]] as prizes to who guessed the character first. Other than the "wildcard" hint, the only other hint given was that the character was "never seen in Generation 2". TCC board member EmeraldBeacon guessed Sky-Byte soon thereafter, ending the contest, but whose among all the guesses that day was the correct guess was not known until the [[BotCon 2010]] brochure went online.

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Convention exclusives]]
[[Category:Convention-original characters]]
[[Category:Generation 2 characters]]
[[Category:Neutrals]]
[[Category:Predacons]]
[[Category:Quintessons]]
[[Category:Timelines characters]]
[[Category:Wings Universe characters]]

Wheezel (G1)

2012-05-28T20:07:00Z

109.148.177.34:

:''Wheezel is an [[Empties|Empty]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Wheezel scrounge yay.jpg|right|250px|thumb|A scrounger scrounging from Scrounge]]
'''Wheezel''' is one of [[Scrounge (G1)|Scrounge]]'s contacts in [[Dead End (place)|Dead End]].

Though his body is in ill repair, this [[Empties|Empty's]] eyes and ears are fully functional; if it happened in Dead End, Wheezel probably knows. He's happy to tell ''you'' about it too... if you can spare some fuel to "re-energize his memory circuits."

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
After a little bit of fuel had greased the wheels, Wheezel provided the Autobot Scrounge information that [[Spanner (G1)|Spanner]], a neutral scientist who'd been kidnapped by the Decepticons, had been taken to [[Darkmount]]. A little while later, Scrounge was exiting Darkmount with some important information of his own and Wheezel tried to hit him up for some more fuel. It was about this time that [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]] showed up and, ignoring Wheezel as if he were no one, grabbed Scrounge to take him back to Darkmount.

When [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] and his friends came to the Dead End looking for Scrounge, Wheezel put his information to use. Suggesting he might need some fuel to remember clearly (which was duly provided by [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]]) Wheezel told them about Scrounge's abduction. {{storylink|The Smelting Pool!}}

===IDW comics continuity===
[[Image:Wheezel.jpg|left|180px|thumb|There's probably a Heffalump not too far away.]]
A derelict resembling Wheezel was hanging out in an unspecified, downtrodden area of Cybertron, under concealed observation by [[Bumper (G1)|Bumper]] and [[Fastback (G1)|Fastback]] as part of the [[Panorama]] anti-Gladiatorial security sweep. They saw one of [[Telus and Rotorbolt's buddy|Wheezel's friends]] checking on him.

The [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] arrived to fabricate a gladiatorial arena on-site using local materials... including Wheezel. Like the scrap around him, he was melted down to make raw materials. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 2}}

{{-}}

==External links==
* [http://s90690880.onlinehome.us/jhiaxus/uscomics/wheezel.htm Wheezel on the Obscure Transformers Website]

[[Category:Comic-only Transformers]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Transformers]]
[[Category:Neutrals]]

Aspects of Evil!

2011-11-23T00:32:03Z

109.148.180.170: /* Unicron */

{{disambig2|the original Marvel UK comics|the Titan Books trade paperback|Transformers: Aspects of Evil}}
{{comicstory|seriesissue=[[The Transformers (Marvel comic)#Marvel UK|''The Transformers'' (UK)]] #223–227
|prev=Survivors!
|next=(Double) Deal of the Century!
|title="Aspects of Evil!"
|image=Issue227.jpg
|caption=Tony Blair has really let himself go!
|publisher=[[Marvel Comics]]
|coverdate=[[June 24|24th June]] - [[July 22|22nd July]] [[1989]]
|writer=[[Simon Furman]]
|pencils=[[Art Wetherell]] (#224) [[Simon Coleby]] (#227)
|inks=Simon Coleby (#224) [[Cam Smith]] (#227)
|art=[[Jeff Anderson]] (#223) [[Andrew Wildman|Andy Wildman]] (#225) [[Lee Sullivan]] (#226)
|letterer=[[Helen Stone]] (#223) [[Gary Gilbert|Glib]] (#224-225, #227) [[Nick Abadzis]] (#226)
|continuity=[[Marvel Comics continuity]]
}}

'''An aged Rodimus remembers the evils of the Decepticon leaders, and a terrifying revelation is made.'''

==Synopsis==
In the year [[2356]], in a medbay on [[Autobot City|Autobot City: Earth]], a decrepit and sickly [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]] is visited by an [[Autobot]] [[student]] who is researching the nature of evil.

Rodimus recalls...

===Scorponok===
[[Image:MarvelUK-223.jpg|left|150px|thumb|]]
In the year [[1991]], the [[Decepticon]] civil war was nearly over, and a wounded, defeated [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] rampaged through a [[human]] town with the [[Air Strike Patrol]] pursuing with intent to kill. This turned out to be deliberate: It drew Hot Rod and his team to Scorponok, at which point he surrendered. Hot Rod was now forced by Autobot law to protect Scorponok from being killed. Since he also couldn't fight the Air Strike Patrol in a human settlement, he had to settle for leading them into the countryside, which meant Scorponok was left unguarded and was free to walk away to plot anew.
{{-}}
===Galvatron===
[[Image:MarvelUK-224.jpg|right|150px|thumb|"No, Prime! Parents will ''never'' buy a comic with ''this'' on the cover!"]]
When Rodimus Prime's Autobots returned to [[2009]] following the [[Time Wars (event)|Time Wars]], they found the timeline had healed, revising history. Now [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] [[Fallen Angel|hadn't fled to 1987 Earth]], and because of this, the Decepticons had conquered [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. Galvatron attacked Rodimus, taunting him with his defeat and with the revelation he'd murdered [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]]. His intention was to goad Rodimus into a fury, corrupting the [[Matrix of Leadership|Creation Matrix]] with his baser instincts so that Galvatron could control it. The other Autobots were able to pull Rodimus back from the brink, but in the process, Galvatron had awakened [[Unicron]], trapped in the Matrix since [[The Legacy of Unicron!|his last defeat]]...

{{note|This segment of the story is continued in "[[The Void! (UK)|The Void!]]".}}
{{-}}
===Shockwave===
[[Image:MarvelUK-225.jpg|left|150px|thumb|]]
Autobot City was officially opened in [[2004]], attended by various [[Earth]] heads of state. [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] attacked with a small army, logically working out that the Autobots would try to protect the humans before fighting back, that they would be slaughtered before they realised they had to fight back, that the death of human leaders would destroy Autobot/Earth relations, and that this act would lead to him taking command of the Decepticons again. His logic was undone by Hot Rod illogically attacking him directly, which caused the attack to break off and strengthened relations with Earth.
{{-}}
===Megatron===
[[Image:MarvelUK-226.jpg|right|150px|thumb|]]
On Cybertron in [[1990]], Hot Rod, [[Kup (G1)|Kup]], and [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] were freed from Decepticon captivity by an Autobot deep-cover agent named [[Warmonger]]. Recaptured, Hot Rod was forced to watch as [[Straxus (G1)|Megatron]] accused [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] of being the traitor responsible. Bludgeon demanded to prove his innocence through a traditional trial-by-combat against the other Decepticons, which is what Megatron had hoped for; Warmonger revealed himself as an Autobot when he couldn't bring himself to murder Bludgeon, and so Megatron killed him. Megatron showed casual disregard for the idea Bludgeon could have died first and mused it would have been simpler just to kill everyone.

Throughout this, the student gets more and more eager to learn of Unicron, leading to Rodimus to recall:
{{-}}
===Unicron===
With his body rebuilt, Unicron's third coming was in [[2010]]. He devastated Cybertron and almost wiped out everyone before Rodimus Prime drew his spirit back into the tainted Matrix. But when Kup and [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] found him, they realised Rodimus — screaming at them to stay back: "It's not safe!" — had been possessed by Unicron again...

The student sneers at this as a work of fiction, rips off his Autobrand and storms out, declaring he'll find Unicron himself and prove to Rodimus Prime what evil is. Rodimus realises he's unleashed the student's evil side and that Unicron is taking control again...

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Landfill (G1)|Landfill]] (6)
* [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod/Rodimus Prime]] (7)
* [[Quickmix (G1)|Quickmix]] (8)
* [[Student]] (9)
* [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] (11)
* [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] (12)
* [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] (16)
* [[Flak (G1)|Flak]] (17)
* [[Sunrunner]] (18)
* [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] (19)
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] (22)
* [[Warmonger]] (28)
|c2=
* [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] (1)
* [[Whisper (G1)|Whisper]] (2)
* [[Tailwind (G1)|Tailwind]] (3)
* [[Nightflight (G1)|Nightflight]] (4)
* [[Storm Cloud]] (5)
* [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] (10)
* [[Windsweeper]] (13)
* [[Ruckus (G1)|Ruckus]] (14)
* [[Crankcase (G1)|Crankcase]] (15)
* [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] (20)
* [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] (21)
* [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] (23)
* [[Straxus (G1)|Straxus]]-[[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] (24)
* [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] (25)
* [[Octopunch]] (27)
* [[Stranglehold]] (26)
|c4=
* [[Unicron]] (29)
}}

==Notes==
*In the US reprints, eventually a subplot will develop of Shockwave preparing to declare a Decepticon civil war against Scorponok, with the [[...All This and Civil War 2|resulting story]] being reprinted in 1991. This would hint Furman had the Decepticon civil war idea planned this far back but went on to change the details of it considerably.
*In describing Shockwave, Rodimus repeatedly uses the term "inhuman" as an insult. Talk about being unclear on some core concepts!
*The same format of flashback-based character vignettes with a framing story will be used again in "[[Perchance to Dream]]".
*All of the post-movie stories have been wiped from existence after the Time Wars, with a new revised history in place. The full effects of this—i.e. are dead characters still alive, did Cyclonus and Scourge go back in time (if they didn't, Death's Head would still be around too)—are never explored. However, Rodimus refers to "The Legacy of Unicron!" as still having happened.
*The "Autobot law" Scorponok uses against Hot Rod could be the [[Autobot Code]], though neither of them refers to it as such.
* The student is never seen again.

===Errors===
* In part 2, Flak and Sunrunner are depicted as being the same size as their non-[[Micromaster]] comrades.

===Continuity===
It's 'round about this time UK continuity gets iffy:
* The Galvatron segment and the Rodimus Prime framing story follow on from both "[[Time Wars]]" and "[[The Legacy of Unicron!]]". Both are continued in [[The Void! (UK)|#251]] to [[White Fire|#254]].
* Scorponok and Megatron's segments don't fit "present-day" continuity at all, though. While it could be assumed that Rodimus's timeline diverges from the regular Marvel one around 1989 (due to [[Primal Scream|the earlier arrival of Unicron]]), that would still mean Megatron was blasted into dimensional space and merged with [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]]. While it's possible Megatron could be back in time for 1991, 1990 is pushing it a bit. More annoyingly, his story could fit after "[[The Fall and Rise of the Decepticon Empire.]]" ''if'' it was set in different year. Maybe Rodimus is getting his dates mixed up? However, if events diverged at "[[Skin Deep]]" or earlier so Megatron was defeated by other means, it would all fit, though what would cause that divergence is unknown. (Viewing these stories as apocryphal could be the easiest solution, but where's the fun in ''that''?)
*The Aspects Galvatron would appear to be a Galvatron formed from a post-Time Wars [[Straxus (G1)|Megatron clone]], who knows in advance he'll be transformed; it'd make sense that he deliberately take different actions to the original Galvatron.
* The Decepticon civil war turns up in "[[Trigger-Happy!]]" in the [[Transformers Annual 1990]], released around the same time.
* Chronologically, the Shockwave portion is the third to feature the post-movie cast; it is preceded by "[[Ark Duty]]" and followed by "[[Target: 2006]]" (or [[The Transformers: The Movie|the Movie itself]], technically).
* The framing portion of this story is the next-to-last post-movie tale, chronologically. "[[Peace]]" is set some two hundred years after this story, though it is unclear if it is meant to be in continuity with this tale. The reader never sees how or if Unicron is driven out of the Matrix.
* It's not explicitly stated that it's his time-jump to 1987 that Galvatron didn't do, but the narration refers to him as not having "fled to Earth": something that fits better for "[[Fallen Angel]]" than "[[Target: 2006]]".

===Covers===
* '''Issue #223 cover:''' [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] waves at the [[Air Strike Patrol]] by [[Geoff Senior]].
* '''Issue #224 cover:''' Rodimus really gets on top of Galvatron by Geoff Senior.
* '''Issue #225 cover:''' Your puny Earth bunting is no match for [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] by [[Jeff Anderson]].
* '''Issue #226 cover:''' Megatron dominates Bludgeon in the ring by Jeff Anderson.
* '''Issue #227 cover:''' Unicron chows down on Cybertron (again) by Geoff Senior.

===Reprints===
*2005 — ''[[Transformers: Aspects of Evil]]''
*2010 — ''[[The Transformers: Best of Megatron]]''

[[Category:Marvel UK issues]]

The Master Builders (episode)

2011-08-22T08:05:11Z

109.148.191.31: /* Synopsis */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=32
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=20
|prev2=Dinobot Island, Part 2
|next2=The Insecticon Syndrome
|series3=''[[Generation 2 (cartoon)|The Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=10
|prev3=Dinobot Island, Part 2
|next3=A Decepticon Raider in King Arthur's Court
|image=MasterBuilders Scrapper Grapple plans.jpg
|caption="Nigel gave me a drawing that said 18 inches. Now, whether or not he knows the difference between feet and inches is not my problem. I do what I'm told." "But you're not as confused as him, are you. I mean, it's not your job to be as confused as Nigel."
|title="The Master Builders" "The Master Builder"
|production code=#700-31
|airdate=[[October 8]], 1985
|written by=[[David N. Gottlieb]] [[Herb Engelhardt]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''Grapple and Hoist ally themselves with the Constructicons.'''

:''Japanese title:'' マスタービルダー (''Master Builder'')
:''German ''Generation 2'' title:'' "'''Der Energieturm'''" ("The Energy Tower")
:''Russian title:'' '''Горе-строители''' (''Gore-Stroyiteli'', "The Sorry Builders")
:''Italian title, dub 1:'' '''Il grande progetto''' ("The great project")
:''Italian title, dub 2:'' '''I costruttori''' ("The builders")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Master builders2.jpg|left|200px|thumb|I think you'll need to join Weight Watchers.]]

[[Grapple]] shows [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] a working model of a [[Solar Power Tower]] he wants to build and the two of them take it to [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]]. Optimus is occupied at the moment because [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] is teaching him how to play [[basketball]]. Optimus likes Grapple's concept, but rejects the plan because it would be difficult to defend the tower against attack.

The conversation is cut short when [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] alerts them that [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] has been shot down by [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] and [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]]. Hoist and Grapple leave to repair the [[Autobot]] plane. After repairs are finished, they start back, with Grapple attempting to convince Hoist to build the tower with him, regardless of Prime's orders, but Hoist points out they can't do it alone

Their conversation is cut short when they are trapped by the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]. [[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] says they've left the [[Decepticon]]s and proposes a joint project. Grapple, enamored with his solar tower idea, agrees, but wants proof of their partnership. They promise to bring proof back and fly off.

[[Image:Master builders prime basketball.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Chillin' out, maxin', relaxin', all cool/and shootin' some b-ball outside of the school...]]

On their return to Decepticon headquarters, the Constructions are confronted with several weapons pointed at them and an enraged [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]], who confronts them with video tape of their conversation with Grapple. They all swear loyalty to Megatron, and insist they plan to betray the Autobots. Satisfied with their explanation, Megatron lets them go with a present. They return to Grapple and Hoist with "proof", an entire truckload of [[Energon (fuel)|energon]]. Convinced that they are working in good faith, Grapple and Hoist agree to the partnership. The Constructicons are soon stealing construction materials from the humans for the project.

Meantime, Optimus is playing basketball with [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]], [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] and [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]]. After he shuts Tracks down during a drive to the net, Prime notices that Tracks needs maintenance, but no one knows where Hoist is. The Autobot leader sends Powerglide out to find the missing Autobots. Powerglide finds the solar tower and reports back.

[[Image:MasterBuilders Devastator finishing touch.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Look, up in the sky! 
Is it a bird? 
Is it a plane? 
No, it's a sun-focusing sphere. 
Well, that's disappointing...]]

Grapple is in his element, directing the Constructicons as the tower is built, and blissfully unaware of their deception. The Constructicons merge to form [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] in order to place the sun-focusing sphere at the top of the tower. With the last piece in place, the tables turn. Megatron attacks Grapple and Hoist and claims the tower as his own. The Decepticons get to work collecting the energy.

[[Image:MasterBuilders Grapple sunset.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Dammit, I've ruined another garage kit.]]

The Autobots arrive and attack, quickly overwhelming the Decepticons, who retreat behind the tower. The Autobots follow, to find that the Constructicons have formed Devastator and he's not so easy to defeat. Prime tricks Devastator into trying to kick Smokescreen but he kicks the tower instead. A few more rounds of laser fire send Devastator crashing into the tower, demolishing it. Megatron and the Constructicons retreat.

The Autobots dig in the debris to try and find Grapple and Hoist. [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] discovers them encased in a sheet of metal and punches it apart. Grapple and Hoist apologize for the trouble they've caused. Prime is in a forgiving mood, but says they have to clean up the mess themselves. As the others drive off, Grapple and Hoist fondly remember the tower.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] (1)
*[[Grapple]] (4)
*[[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (5)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (6)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (7)
*[[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] (9)
*[[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] (20)
*[[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] (21)
*[[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] (22)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (24)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (25)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (26)
*[[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] (27)

|c2=
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (2)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (3)
*[[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]
*[[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] (10)
*[[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (11)
*[[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] (12)
*[[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] (13)
*[[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] (14)
*[[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] (15)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (16)
*[[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] (17)
*[[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] (18)
*[[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] (23)

|c3=
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (8)
*[[Construction Foreman]] (19)
}}

==Quotes==
"Move over, blue skies. Here comes old Powerglide, king of the cloud chasers, sultan of the stratosphere, ace of the air."
:—'''Powerglide''', king of self-esteem.

"Well, if he's not impressed, I'll... be ''de''pressed."
:—'''Grapple''' worries about whether Optimus Prime will agree on his proposal for a Solar Tower.

"Am I 'drooling' correctly?" 
"The word is 'dribbling', Optimus!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Spike''' play basketball.

'''Bonecrusher''': We'll just help ourselves if you don't mind. 
'''Long Haul''': Or even if you do! 
'''Construction foreman:''' Who me? M-mind? Why should I! hehe... he. [''tears up his blueprints'']
:—The Constructicons rob a hapless building site.

"As soon as my Power Tower is finished, I must find a place to sign my name... in very large letters."
:—'''Grapple''' as the Solar Power Tower is approaching completion.

"Watch out Spike! I'm driving for a layoff!" 
"It's called a layup, Prime! And watch out for Tracks!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' gets basketball lessons from '''Spike'''.

"'Get this.' 'Bring that.' I thought I was finally gonna ''build'' somethin'!"
:—'''Long Haul''' after being told to bring another solar panel.

"Man, look at that! That's so tall, the top is in a different time zone than the bottom!"
:—Observing the Solar Power Tower, '''Spike''' demonstrates that you don't need to understand geography if your best friends are giant robots.

"There'll be other towers to design and build, Grapple." 
"It ''was'' magnificent... for a little while, wasn't it, Hoist?" 
"Incredible. Absolutely incredible."
:—'''Hoist''' and '''Grapple''', amid the ruins of the Solar Power Tower.

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
* One gun, many lasers:
** Skywarp only has two weapons to fire, yet about a dozen different laser beams are shown streaking past Powerglide.
* Skywarp's under-wing insignia are missing throughout the opening sequence.
* As Wheeljack gives Grapple his thumbs-up, the glow effect of his flashing "ears" is misaligned from the ears themselves at the start and end of the shot.
* Teletraan I gets the radio-muffle on its voice as it announces that Powerglide has been shot down.
* Improbable viewpoints:
** As Scrapper treaties with the Autobots, a random rock opens up, and out pops a video camera. While this does explain how Megatron and Starscream can watch the conversation from Decepticon Headquarters, it begs the question of just how many random rocks the Decepticons had to load up with cameras to ensure that they'd actually catch something.
** The camera's angle changes during Scrapper's speech, even though it's clearly fixed in place.
** The camera's angle has changed ''again'' when Megatron shows it to the Constructicons.
** The view of Grapple and Hoist that Powerglide relays back to Autobot Headquarters is clearly not taken from a moving airplane.
* Scrapper's eyeband turns gray as he points toward Long Haul approaching with the energon cubes.
* As he welds alongside Hoist, Grapple's butt changes from gray to orange.
* Flying Autobots:
** Prime leaps toward the basket with a flight sound effect.
* Tracks is supposed to be emitting some kind of malfunctioning-type of noise as Prime helps him to his feet, but it's barely audible as such.
* Tracks is missing one of his missile launchers as Spike runs up to join the group on the basketball court.
* Scavenger's face is almost entirely dark gray as he discusses his welding troubles with Grapple.
* In a bizarre stylistic decision, the Constructicons' second combination sequence does not feature the transforming sound. Instead, as they convert to their combined forms, they get a sound effect normally reserved for energy effects. Each one glows blue after transforming, accompanied by an even more bizarre tinkling noise.
* As usual, the apportionment of Devastator's components is off; Long Haul forms about 90% of the torso, with Hook forming the remainder (it should be split almost evenly between them.) Everyone else is correct, which puts this episode ahead of most of its contemporaries.
* Not that Devastator isn't [[Scale|out of whack]] in every episode, but when the Autobots first approach them, Scrapper's shovel alone is several times taller than the Autobots. When Devastator is about to kick Smokescreen, one of [[Scrapper (G1)|Devastator's legs]] is roughly three times the size of the Autobot.
* [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] appears for a single shot during the battle, standing alongside Optimus as they rock in the breeze from Devastator's hand-swipe. Though he was playing basketball earlier in the episode, he's completely absent from the battle group before and after this single shot. Best guess is that it should have been Ironhide.
* Devastator's back, ie Long Haul's cargo bed, is purple throughout the episode. It should be green.
* As he and the others fire on Devastator, one of Powerglide's laser blasts doesn't quite line up with the corresponding sound effect.
* Prime is missing the horizontal lines on his tummy grille as the Autobots cheer.
* After Brawn finds the ruined model of the [[Solar Power Tower]], Cliffjumper steps into the frame, colored yellow like Bumblebee.
* As Hoist and Grapple first face Prime, Grapple's front bumper is bent in the middle. This may be meant to signify damage from his captivity... but the damage disappears after this one shot.
* As Prime accepts the pair's apologies, Hoist's right arm is missing, as is the top of Grapple's left arm.
* When Grapple picks up the ruined model, one of its solar panels is gray instead of gold.

===Continuity errors===
* The solar panels seem to be the only essential component of the tower. Why do they need to be up on this huge cumbersome tower?
* In robot mode, Grapple and Hoist could ''easily'' have leaped over the boulder that first blocks their path. We'll give them a pass and say they were just panicked.
* Scrapper leaps ''down'' onto the boulder after the first commercial break... but he already leapt downward off the boulder when dodging the Autobots' fire.
* A giant paper blueprint? Really? The super-advanced space robots haven't switched over to a paperless office yet?
* Optimus's "Battle formation! Roll!" order is kind of strange, since the Autobots already appear to have both items covered.

===Continuity notes===
* Scrapper claims that the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] admired Grapple's work back on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. This contradicts the earlier statement in "[[Heavy Metal War]]" that the Constructicons were built recently on Earth, but fits with the later accounts of their history given in "[[The Secret of Omega Supreme]]" and "[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 4]]".
[[Image:MasterBuilders Megatron chest compartment.jpg|thumb|right|230px|"Two can play at this game, Soundwave..."]]
* Gadgets and powers:
** Powerglide has a video camera that extends from his nosecone, right in front of his canopy.
** The Autobots can shoot lasers out of their headlights when they drive into battle. The idea never crossed their minds in "[[The Autobot Run]]". One is tempted to fanwank the error away by saying that the events of that episode inspired them to install these extra armaments.
** Tracks has twin missile launchers in his car-mode hood.
** Devastator uses his [[optic weaponry|eye beams]] yet again. He [[The Autobot Run|loves]] [[The Core|those]] things!
** Cliffjumper's [[glass gas]] resembles a snowball or comet, and can be repelled by a strong wind (possibly a call-back to his bio weakness, which says that he must remain upwind of it or fall victim to its effects.)
** Megatron has a compartment in his chest that holds a pair of binoculars.

===Real-world references===
* "Here Comes the Sun!" Grapple says, completing his Solar Power Tower model and quoting the title of a Beatles tune.
* The Autobots make their [[Atlantis, Arise!|second foray into the sports world]], as Spike teaches Optimus Prime about basketball. Prime learns to <s>drool</s> dribble the ball, spins the ball on one finger, and orders Spike to "Compute, quickly!" as he passes the ball to him. Later, Prime quotes the stereotypical sportscaster ("He shoots, he scores!") while driving for a <s>layoff</s> lay up. Later still, he rolls the basketball across his arms and shoulders.
* ''Star Wars'' sound effects:
** When Prime leaps toward the basketball goal, he gets the Death Star firing/Alderaan exploding sound effect sequence.
** Megatron takes off from the ruined power tower with the same sound effect. The Constructicons follow him with the rest of that sound effect, along with some X-Wing Fighter diving sounds.

===Trivia===
[[Image:Masterbuilder.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The Master Bait—uh, Builders]]
* When remastered for DVD by [[Kid Rhino|Rhino Entertainment]], the re-created title card for the episode was incorrectly rendered as "The Master Builder". This title appeared on all associated material included with the DVD set, and can be seen in the screen shot at right. Oddly enough, while the same incorrect title card appears in the 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" edition by Shout! Factory, the correct title appears on the DVD menu and the box set's episode guide.
* The Autobots have a color-coded alert system. When Teletraan I discovered that Powerglide was shot down he called for "condition magenta". When Optimus Prime discovered Grapple and Hoist were working with the Constructions, he called for "disaster code blue" and ordered a strike force to assemble.
* Megatron gave the Constructicons his energon because he says that it's his most precious possession. Was anyone else expecting the [[fusion cannon]]?
* Seriously, can you imagine the [[Scale|size]] of the ball that the Autobots need to play basketball?

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1994 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Convoy Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1998 — ''The Transformers'' — Autobot Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 1 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1: Vol. 3 (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 2: Series 2.1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 04: Stagione Due Parte Seconda ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season Two: Part One (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume One: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory)

==External links==
*[http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/the_master_builders.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicle]
*[http://imdb.com/title/tt0808858/ IMDb's page for this episode]
*[http://teletran93.deepspace93.com/tf2/ep32/ Teletran93's page for this episode]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Master Builders}}
[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]

The Master Builders (episode)

2011-08-22T08:04:40Z

109.148.191.31: /* Synopsis */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=32
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=20
|prev2=Dinobot Island, Part 2
|next2=The Insecticon Syndrome
|series3=''[[Generation 2 (cartoon)|The Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=10
|prev3=Dinobot Island, Part 2
|next3=A Decepticon Raider in King Arthur's Court
|image=MasterBuilders Scrapper Grapple plans.jpg
|caption="Nigel gave me a drawing that said 18 inches. Now, whether or not he knows the difference between feet and inches is not my problem. I do what I'm told." "But you're not as confused as him, are you. I mean, it's not your job to be as confused as Nigel."
|title="The Master Builders" "The Master Builder"
|production code=#700-31
|airdate=[[October 8]], 1985
|written by=[[David N. Gottlieb]] [[Herb Engelhardt]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''Grapple and Hoist ally themselves with the Constructicons.'''

:''Japanese title:'' マスタービルダー (''Master Builder'')
:''German ''Generation 2'' title:'' "'''Der Energieturm'''" ("The Energy Tower")
:''Russian title:'' '''Горе-строители''' (''Gore-Stroyiteli'', "The Sorry Builders")
:''Italian title, dub 1:'' '''Il grande progetto''' ("The great project")
:''Italian title, dub 2:'' '''I costruttori''' ("The builders")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Master builders2.jpg|left|200px|thumb|I think you'll need to join Weight Watchers.]]

[[Grapple]] shows [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] a working model of a [[Solar Power Tower]] he wants to build and the two of them take it to [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]]. Optimus is occupied at the moment because [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] is teaching him how to play [[basketball]]. Optimus likes Grapple's concept, but rejects the plan because it would be difficult to defend the tower against attack.

The conversation is cut short when [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] alerts them that [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] has been shot down by [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] and [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]]. Hoist and Grapple leave to repair the [[Autobot]] plane. After repairs are finished, they start back, with Grapple attempting to convince Hoist to build the tower with him, regardless of Prime's orders, but Hoist points out they can't do it alone

Their conversation is cut short when they are trapped by the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]. [[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] says they've left the [[Decepticon]]s and proposes a joint project. Grapple, enamored with his solar tower idea, agrees, but wants proof of their partnership. They promise to bring proof back and fly off.

[[Image:Master builders prime basketball.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Chillin' out, maxin', relaxin', all cool/and shootin' some b-ball outside of the school...]]

On their return to Decepticon headquarters, the constructions are confronted with several weapons pointed at them and an enraged [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]], who confronts them with video tape of their conversation with Grapple. They all swear loyalty to Megatron, and insist they plan to betray the Autobots. Satisfied with their explanation, Megatron lets them go with a present. They return to Grapple and Hoist with "proof", an entire truckload of [[Energon (fuel)|energon]]. Convinced that they are working in good faith, Grapple and Hoist agree to the partnership. The Constructicons are soon stealing construction materials from the humans for the project.

Meantime, Optimus is playing basketball with [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]], [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] and [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]]. After he shuts Tracks down during a drive to the net, Prime notices that Tracks needs maintenance, but no one knows where Hoist is. The Autobot leader sends Powerglide out to find the missing Autobots. Powerglide finds the solar tower and reports back.

[[Image:MasterBuilders Devastator finishing touch.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Look, up in the sky! 
Is it a bird? 
Is it a plane? 
No, it's a sun-focusing sphere. 
Well, that's disappointing...]]

Grapple is in his element, directing the Constructicons as the tower is built, and blissfully unaware of their deception. The Constructicons merge to form [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] in order to place the sun-focusing sphere at the top of the tower. With the last piece in place, the tables turn. Megatron attacks Grapple and Hoist and claims the tower as his own. The Decepticons get to work collecting the energy.

[[Image:MasterBuilders Grapple sunset.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Dammit, I've ruined another garage kit.]]

The Autobots arrive and attack, quickly overwhelming the Decepticons, who retreat behind the tower. The Autobots follow, to find that the Constructicons have formed Devastator and he's not so easy to defeat. Prime tricks Devastator into trying to kick Smokescreen but he kicks the tower instead. A few more rounds of laser fire send Devastator crashing into the tower, demolishing it. Megatron and the Constructicons retreat.

The Autobots dig in the debris to try and find Grapple and Hoist. [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] discovers them encased in a sheet of metal and punches it apart. Grapple and Hoist apologize for the trouble they've caused. Prime is in a forgiving mood, but says they have to clean up the mess themselves. As the others drive off, Grapple and Hoist fondly remember the tower.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] (1)
*[[Grapple]] (4)
*[[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (5)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (6)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (7)
*[[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] (9)
*[[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] (20)
*[[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] (21)
*[[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] (22)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (24)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (25)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (26)
*[[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] (27)

|c2=
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (2)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (3)
*[[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]
*[[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] (10)
*[[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (11)
*[[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] (12)
*[[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] (13)
*[[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] (14)
*[[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] (15)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (16)
*[[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] (17)
*[[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] (18)
*[[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] (23)

|c3=
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (8)
*[[Construction Foreman]] (19)
}}

==Quotes==
"Move over, blue skies. Here comes old Powerglide, king of the cloud chasers, sultan of the stratosphere, ace of the air."
:—'''Powerglide''', king of self-esteem.

"Well, if he's not impressed, I'll... be ''de''pressed."
:—'''Grapple''' worries about whether Optimus Prime will agree on his proposal for a Solar Tower.

"Am I 'drooling' correctly?" 
"The word is 'dribbling', Optimus!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Spike''' play basketball.

'''Bonecrusher''': We'll just help ourselves if you don't mind. 
'''Long Haul''': Or even if you do! 
'''Construction foreman:''' Who me? M-mind? Why should I! hehe... he. [''tears up his blueprints'']
:—The Constructicons rob a hapless building site.

"As soon as my Power Tower is finished, I must find a place to sign my name... in very large letters."
:—'''Grapple''' as the Solar Power Tower is approaching completion.

"Watch out Spike! I'm driving for a layoff!" 
"It's called a layup, Prime! And watch out for Tracks!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' gets basketball lessons from '''Spike'''.

"'Get this.' 'Bring that.' I thought I was finally gonna ''build'' somethin'!"
:—'''Long Haul''' after being told to bring another solar panel.

"Man, look at that! That's so tall, the top is in a different time zone than the bottom!"
:—Observing the Solar Power Tower, '''Spike''' demonstrates that you don't need to understand geography if your best friends are giant robots.

"There'll be other towers to design and build, Grapple." 
"It ''was'' magnificent... for a little while, wasn't it, Hoist?" 
"Incredible. Absolutely incredible."
:—'''Hoist''' and '''Grapple''', amid the ruins of the Solar Power Tower.

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
* One gun, many lasers:
** Skywarp only has two weapons to fire, yet about a dozen different laser beams are shown streaking past Powerglide.
* Skywarp's under-wing insignia are missing throughout the opening sequence.
* As Wheeljack gives Grapple his thumbs-up, the glow effect of his flashing "ears" is misaligned from the ears themselves at the start and end of the shot.
* Teletraan I gets the radio-muffle on its voice as it announces that Powerglide has been shot down.
* Improbable viewpoints:
** As Scrapper treaties with the Autobots, a random rock opens up, and out pops a video camera. While this does explain how Megatron and Starscream can watch the conversation from Decepticon Headquarters, it begs the question of just how many random rocks the Decepticons had to load up with cameras to ensure that they'd actually catch something.
** The camera's angle changes during Scrapper's speech, even though it's clearly fixed in place.
** The camera's angle has changed ''again'' when Megatron shows it to the Constructicons.
** The view of Grapple and Hoist that Powerglide relays back to Autobot Headquarters is clearly not taken from a moving airplane.
* Scrapper's eyeband turns gray as he points toward Long Haul approaching with the energon cubes.
* As he welds alongside Hoist, Grapple's butt changes from gray to orange.
* Flying Autobots:
** Prime leaps toward the basket with a flight sound effect.
* Tracks is supposed to be emitting some kind of malfunctioning-type of noise as Prime helps him to his feet, but it's barely audible as such.
* Tracks is missing one of his missile launchers as Spike runs up to join the group on the basketball court.
* Scavenger's face is almost entirely dark gray as he discusses his welding troubles with Grapple.
* In a bizarre stylistic decision, the Constructicons' second combination sequence does not feature the transforming sound. Instead, as they convert to their combined forms, they get a sound effect normally reserved for energy effects. Each one glows blue after transforming, accompanied by an even more bizarre tinkling noise.
* As usual, the apportionment of Devastator's components is off; Long Haul forms about 90% of the torso, with Hook forming the remainder (it should be split almost evenly between them.) Everyone else is correct, which puts this episode ahead of most of its contemporaries.
* Not that Devastator isn't [[Scale|out of whack]] in every episode, but when the Autobots first approach them, Scrapper's shovel alone is several times taller than the Autobots. When Devastator is about to kick Smokescreen, one of [[Scrapper (G1)|Devastator's legs]] is roughly three times the size of the Autobot.
* [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] appears for a single shot during the battle, standing alongside Optimus as they rock in the breeze from Devastator's hand-swipe. Though he was playing basketball earlier in the episode, he's completely absent from the battle group before and after this single shot. Best guess is that it should have been Ironhide.
* Devastator's back, ie Long Haul's cargo bed, is purple throughout the episode. It should be green.
* As he and the others fire on Devastator, one of Powerglide's laser blasts doesn't quite line up with the corresponding sound effect.
* Prime is missing the horizontal lines on his tummy grille as the Autobots cheer.
* After Brawn finds the ruined model of the [[Solar Power Tower]], Cliffjumper steps into the frame, colored yellow like Bumblebee.
* As Hoist and Grapple first face Prime, Grapple's front bumper is bent in the middle. This may be meant to signify damage from his captivity... but the damage disappears after this one shot.
* As Prime accepts the pair's apologies, Hoist's right arm is missing, as is the top of Grapple's left arm.
* When Grapple picks up the ruined model, one of its solar panels is gray instead of gold.

===Continuity errors===
* The solar panels seem to be the only essential component of the tower. Why do they need to be up on this huge cumbersome tower?
* In robot mode, Grapple and Hoist could ''easily'' have leaped over the boulder that first blocks their path. We'll give them a pass and say they were just panicked.
* Scrapper leaps ''down'' onto the boulder after the first commercial break... but he already leapt downward off the boulder when dodging the Autobots' fire.
* A giant paper blueprint? Really? The super-advanced space robots haven't switched over to a paperless office yet?
* Optimus's "Battle formation! Roll!" order is kind of strange, since the Autobots already appear to have both items covered.

===Continuity notes===
* Scrapper claims that the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] admired Grapple's work back on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. This contradicts the earlier statement in "[[Heavy Metal War]]" that the Constructicons were built recently on Earth, but fits with the later accounts of their history given in "[[The Secret of Omega Supreme]]" and "[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 4]]".
[[Image:MasterBuilders Megatron chest compartment.jpg|thumb|right|230px|"Two can play at this game, Soundwave..."]]
* Gadgets and powers:
** Powerglide has a video camera that extends from his nosecone, right in front of his canopy.
** The Autobots can shoot lasers out of their headlights when they drive into battle. The idea never crossed their minds in "[[The Autobot Run]]". One is tempted to fanwank the error away by saying that the events of that episode inspired them to install these extra armaments.
** Tracks has twin missile launchers in his car-mode hood.
** Devastator uses his [[optic weaponry|eye beams]] yet again. He [[The Autobot Run|loves]] [[The Core|those]] things!
** Cliffjumper's [[glass gas]] resembles a snowball or comet, and can be repelled by a strong wind (possibly a call-back to his bio weakness, which says that he must remain upwind of it or fall victim to its effects.)
** Megatron has a compartment in his chest that holds a pair of binoculars.

===Real-world references===
* "Here Comes the Sun!" Grapple says, completing his Solar Power Tower model and quoting the title of a Beatles tune.
* The Autobots make their [[Atlantis, Arise!|second foray into the sports world]], as Spike teaches Optimus Prime about basketball. Prime learns to <s>drool</s> dribble the ball, spins the ball on one finger, and orders Spike to "Compute, quickly!" as he passes the ball to him. Later, Prime quotes the stereotypical sportscaster ("He shoots, he scores!") while driving for a <s>layoff</s> lay up. Later still, he rolls the basketball across his arms and shoulders.
* ''Star Wars'' sound effects:
** When Prime leaps toward the basketball goal, he gets the Death Star firing/Alderaan exploding sound effect sequence.
** Megatron takes off from the ruined power tower with the same sound effect. The Constructicons follow him with the rest of that sound effect, along with some X-Wing Fighter diving sounds.

===Trivia===
[[Image:Masterbuilder.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The Master Bait—uh, Builders]]
* When remastered for DVD by [[Kid Rhino|Rhino Entertainment]], the re-created title card for the episode was incorrectly rendered as "The Master Builder". This title appeared on all associated material included with the DVD set, and can be seen in the screen shot at right. Oddly enough, while the same incorrect title card appears in the 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" edition by Shout! Factory, the correct title appears on the DVD menu and the box set's episode guide.
* The Autobots have a color-coded alert system. When Teletraan I discovered that Powerglide was shot down he called for "condition magenta". When Optimus Prime discovered Grapple and Hoist were working with the Constructions, he called for "disaster code blue" and ordered a strike force to assemble.
* Megatron gave the Constructicons his energon because he says that it's his most precious possession. Was anyone else expecting the [[fusion cannon]]?
* Seriously, can you imagine the [[Scale|size]] of the ball that the Autobots need to play basketball?

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1994 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Convoy Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1998 — ''The Transformers'' — Autobot Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 1 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1: Vol. 3 (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 2: Series 2.1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 04: Stagione Due Parte Seconda ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season Two: Part One (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume One: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory)

==External links==
*[http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/the_master_builders.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicle]
*[http://imdb.com/title/tt0808858/ IMDb's page for this episode]
*[http://teletran93.deepspace93.com/tf2/ep32/ Teletran93's page for this episode]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Master Builders}}
[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]

A Team Effort

2011-07-08T18:58:58Z

109.148.178.134: /* Synopsis */

{{Comicstory|
|seriesissue=[[Timelines (fiction)|''Transformers: Timelines'']]
|prev=Generation 2: Redux
|next=Moving Violations
|seriesissue2=''[[Wings of Honor continuity|Wings of Honor]]''
|prev2=The Coming Storm: Part 4
|next2=The Coming Storm: Part 5
|title="A Team Effort"
|publisher=[[Transformers Collectors' Club]] (online exclusive)
|date=[[September 23]], [[2010]]
|written by=[[Jesse Wittenrich]]
|illustrations by=[[Casey Coller]]
|pagecount=42pp
|continuity=[[Wings of Honor continuity|Wings of Honor]]
}}
'''A strange meteorite approaches Cybertron as the Decepticon Warlords struggle for power.'''

==Synopsis==
In a [[Decepticon]] bunker, three of [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s men, [[Abacus]], [[Datamine]], and [[Deadbolt]] are hunkered down. While Abacus goes off on a religious rant about how great their leader is, the other two aren't so sure, particularly as Megatron seems to be ignoring their requests for backup. While they're still arguing, the Autobots blow up the bunker.

The explosion is relayed to the Decepticon War Council, who discuss how the [[Cybertron Elite Guard|Elite Guard]] is seeking to wipe them out, and also discuss ways to destroy the Autobots first.

Elsewhere, Stealth Team member [[Sprocket (G1)|Sprocket]] has an imaginary conversation with Councilor [[Halogen (Timelines)|Halogen]], much to the annoyance of [[Rumbler (G1)|Rumbler]].

The Decepticon Warlord [[Gutcruncher (G1)|Gutcruncher]] returns to his base from the War Council meeting and talks to [[Charger]], who thinks he's pinpointed the location of a particular celestial object. He has already sent [[Take-Off]] to secure transport. Unfortunately Take-Off is an idiot.

[[Tap-Out (G1)|Tap-Out]], Rumbler and Sprocket join their leader [[Powerflash]], who informs them that they have a new mission and presents them with a recording of [[Sentinel Major]] to explain.

In a neutral bar, Take-Off attempts to secure the help of [[Axer]]'s ship. Unfortunately his ceaseless blabbing about the asteroid they're looking for and how great Gutcruncher is annoys Axer, who points out that there's an Elite Guard Autobot across the room listening to them. Needless to say, Take-Off doesn't secure Axer's services or ship, and the Elite Guardsman gets clean away.

The Guardsman in question is [[Delta Seeker]], whose report is included in Sentinel Major's message to Powerflash's team. Sprocket thinks its a trap, but Powerflash has devised a plan, for which they'll need some [[electronic paint job|electronic paint]].

Sentinel Major meets with [[Magnum]] to report he's given the mission to Powerflash's Stealth Team. Magnum is pleased at the Elite Guard's progress in taking down the Decepticon Warlords, but not the recent loss of the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticon]]s. Sentinel is annoyed that Magnum wants to take [[Metalhawk]]'s Strike Team off the front lines, leaving Sentinel with only the Fast Attack Team in reserve. After Magnum leaves Sentinel's office, Sentinel literally runs into [[Ricochet (Timelines)|Ricochet]], and finds that one of the datapads Ricochet is carrying is a acquisition request from Powerflash for a spaceship, with Sentinel's forged signature on it.

In preparation for their mission, Tap-Out and Powerflash are repainted, while Sprocket rambles about how he was taught to paint by Sensei [[Yoketron (Timelines)|Yoketron]], despite Rumbler pointing out the flaws in his story. The repainting done, Powerflash and Tap-Out decide on their new identities as two [[neutral]]s, Bad Boy and Dealbreaker respectively.

Take-Off admits to Gutcruncher and Charger that he failed to get hold of Axer's ship, but claims to have a lead on another ship. He subsequently confides to [[Roadgrabber]] that he doesn't, and ropes Roadgrabber into helping him track down a ship.

Rumbler admires the ''[[Darklon (Timelines)|Darklon]]'', the ship Powerflash bought, while Sprocket claims to have made friends with the ship's computer. The pair take their hiding places in a fake chest in the ship's cargo bay. "Dealbreaker", meanwhile, meets with Take-Off to offer him the ship's services. When Take-Off starts blabbing again, Roadgrabber keeps him quiet and the two Decepticons take up Dealbreaker's offer. They head to the ''Darklon'' where the two Decepticons meet "Bad Boy". The disguised Autobots convince Take-Off of their veracity, and he and Roadgrabber report back to Gutcruncher. Charger is unimpressed that Take-Off didn't more thoroughly check it out, but all Gutcruncher is interested in is whether they can use it to get to the asteroid.

Gutcruncher turns out to be more than impressed with the ship once they lift off. Take-Off, however, reports that he may have momentarily detected two Autobot signatures in the hold. Gutcruncher orders him to get Charger to track down the signatures while he talks with the two neutrals. He proceeds to the bridge to find the two chairs empty and the auto-pilot on. "Bad Boy" quickly gets the drop on the Decepticon and reveals he's an Autobot before slapping a pair of [[stasis cuffs]] on Gutcruncher. While Tap-Out takes the prisoner to a cell, Powerflash heads down to release Rumbler and Sprocket. In the cargo hold, he attempts to bluff the three searching Decepticons long enough to get the drop on them, but blows his cover. He does manage to release Rumbler and Sprocket, however, and Rumbler's repeater sees the three Decepticons flee for their lives.

As the Decepticons run down corridors, Roadgrabber keeps firing behind them as "covering fire". Charge becomes so incensed that he mentally snaps, knocking Take-Off out and attempting to throttle Roadgrabber. When Rumbler and Sprocket arrive, he attacks them as well and is laid out by a punch from Rumbler.

The four Decepticons, all in the same cell, are thought to be neutralized, however Charger's wild mental break seems to have made him immune to the stasis cuff's submissive effect. He shorts out both Gutcruncher's cuffs and the energy bars imprisoning them.

The ''Darklon'' arrives at the asteroid, and the Autobots establish that it does, as the Decepticons had suspected, contain a power source of immense proportions that is emitting dangerous radiation levels. Powerflash instructs Tap-Out to fetch Charger to help check the power source out. Charger, Take-Off and Roadgrabber are making their way to the ship's exit however, and Tap-Out finds the cell empty. He doesn't have time to alert the other Autobots before Gutcruncher renders him unconscious and rigs up an explosive that will destroy the ship.

Powerflash and Rumbler disembark from the ''Darklon'' and are ambushed by Charger's group who has availed themselves of weapons from the armory. Sprocket emerges a short time later with the tracking equipment to find his comrades at gunpoint, but confides to them that he neglected to recharge the weapons after their last battle. Gutcruncher announces over the ship's intercom that the Decepticons now hold all the cards. While Roadgrabber stays on the ship, the other Decepticons and the Autobots track down the source of the energy, a crystalline monolith in a crater. Gutcruncher is transfixed by the sight of it, and places his hands on it. Suddenly it begins glowing and emitting rays of light which zaps everyone present.

Gutcruncher recovers first, and the other soon after, but when he orders them to transform so they can drive back to the ship, no one is able to. They instead walk back to the ship, where Roadgrabber has Tap-Out tied up. The Decepticons board the ship, but the three following Autobots are able to stop the door from closing and force it open. Gutcruncher heads to the bridge to activate the ship's autodefences, leaving the other three Decepticons to fight the Autobots, but with four against three, and some strange additional strength bestowed on them by the crystal's power, the Autobots triumph. Powerflash confronts Gutcruncher on the bridge, however the Warlord reveals he's planted a bomb on the ship and attempts to detonate it. The ship isn't destroyed, much to his surprise, and Rumbler punches out Gutcruncher.

Back on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], [[Rest-Q]] checks over Powerflash and says he'll be able to transform again when the effects of the radiation wear off. Whenever that is. Sentinel Major congratulates the team on a job well done. Tap-Out reveals that he had relocated Gutcruncher's bomb from the ship and it had instead destroyed the crystal monolith. Sentinel tells them that the asteroid was actually a piece of [[Hydrus Four]], and they're now on the lookout in case any of the pieces of the asteroid survived to plummet to Cybertron.

Elsewhere, [[Deathsaurus (Victory)|Deathsaurus]] observes the latest Decepticon War Council meeting, now with less Warlords thanks to Gutcruncher's capture and several of the others joining Megatron's growing army. As Deathsaurus watches, his lieutenant, [[Falcon (G1)|Falcon]] detonates a bomb, killing the remaining council members. This done, Deathsaurus meets with [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and promotes him to lieutenant.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Halonix Maximus]] (4)
*[[Sprocket (G1)|Sprocket]] (14)
*[[Rumbler (G1)|Rumbler]] (15)
*[[Tap-Out (G1)|Tap-Out]] (18)
*[[Powerflash]] (19)
*[[Sentinel Major]] (20)
*[[Delta Seeker|Delta-Seeker]] (23)
*[[Magnum]] (24)
*[[Ricochet (Timelines)|Ricochet]] (25)
*[[R-Third]] (26)
*[[Rest-Q]] (28)
*[[Crosscut (Autobot)|Crosscut]] (29)
|c2=
*[[Abacus]] (1)
*[[Datamine]] (2)
*[[Deadbolt]] (3)
*[[Trannis]] (5)
*[[Straxus (G1)|Straxus]] (6)
*[[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] (7)
*[[Zardak]] (8)
*[[Cannonball (Timelines)|Cannonball]] (9)
*[[Preditron]] (10)
*[[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (11)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (12)
*[[Falcon (G1)|Falcon]] (13)
*[[Gutcruncher (G1)|Gutcruncher]] (16)
*[[Charger]] (17)
*[[Take-Off]] (21)
*[[Axer]] (22)
*[[Roadgrabber]] (27)
*[[Deathsaurus (Victory)|Deathsaurus]] (30)
*[[Lyzack]] (31)
*[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (32)
}}

==Quotes==
*TBA

==Notes==
*A poll was held on the Official Transformers Collectors Club' forums to choose which Elite Guard team would be the subject of the next prose story. The Stealth Team won with nearly half the overall votes, beating the Recon Team, Artillery Team, and Fast Attack Teams.
*It was presumably [[Padlock (Timelines)|Padlock]], the Artillery Team's sighter, who laser-painted Datamine before Halo bombed the improper fractions outta him.
*Fourteen [[Decepticon Warlord]]s are identified in this story. [[Legonis]], [[Octus (G1)|Octus]] and the previously mentioned [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]] and [[Blue Bacchus]] have already been dealt with. Hook and Reflector are absorbed into [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s forces. Gutcruncher, Preditron, Straxus, Zardak, Cannonball and Trannis are dealt with during the story, leaving only Megatron and Deathsaurus as rivals for power.
*Several details about the make-up of the Elite Guard are mentioned for the first time outside of the OTFCC panel at [[BotCon 2010]].
**Seven Elite Guard squads exist, including the missing [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]].
**The Combaticons are also known as the Special Ops Team, in addition to [[Metalhawk]]'s Strike Team, Powerflash's Stealth Team, and the Fast Attack Team.
**[[Roadfire]] and [[Halonix Maximus]] command two other squads which go unnamed in this story, although they were revealed at BotCon 2010 as the Recon Team and Heavy Artillery Team.
*The proper military designation for several squads is also revealed: the Strike Team (201st), Stealth Team (45th), Roadfire's squad (349th) and Halo's squad (116th).
*[[Thunder Clash|Thunderclash]]'s Alpha Team is not mentioned in Sentinel's deployment. Possibly they're still on the space mission assigned them in ''[[The Coming Storm: Part 2]]''.
*Sprocket's imaginary friends include Councilor [[Halogen (Timelines)|Halogen]], [[Grandus (ROC)|Grandus]], and Sensei [[Yoketron (Timelines)|Yoketron]].

==Real World References==
*The story's title is a reference to [[Wikipedia:The A-Team|The A-Team]], a popular action show from the 1980's. The Stealth Team's make-up mirrors the A-Team itself, including a leader who uses unorthodox plans, a mechanic with an attitude, a pilot who is legitimately crazy, and a disguise expert.

==External links==
* [http://www.transformersclub.com/members/fiction.cfm Transformers Collectors' Club exclusive fiction] (must be a logged-in member to access)

{{DEFAULTSORT:Team Effort}}
[[Category:Generation 1 issues]]
[[Category:Text stories]]

A Team Effort

2011-07-08T18:55:16Z

109.148.178.134: /* Synopsis */

{{Comicstory|
|seriesissue=[[Timelines (fiction)|''Transformers: Timelines'']]
|prev=Generation 2: Redux
|next=Moving Violations
|seriesissue2=''[[Wings of Honor continuity|Wings of Honor]]''
|prev2=The Coming Storm: Part 4
|next2=The Coming Storm: Part 5
|title="A Team Effort"
|publisher=[[Transformers Collectors' Club]] (online exclusive)
|date=[[September 23]], [[2010]]
|written by=[[Jesse Wittenrich]]
|illustrations by=[[Casey Coller]]
|pagecount=42pp
|continuity=[[Wings of Honor continuity|Wings of Honor]]
}}
'''A strange meteorite approaches Cybertron as the Decepticon Warlords struggle for power.'''

==Synopsis==
In a [[Decepticon]] bunker, three of [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s men, [[Abacus]], [[Datamine]], and [[Deadbolt]] are hunkered down. While Abacus goes off on a religious rant about how great their leader is, the other two aren't so sure, particularly as Megatron seems to be ignoring their requests for backup. While they're still arguing, the Autobots blow up the bunker.

The explosion is relayed to the Decepticon War Council, who discuss how the [[Cybertron Elite Guard|Elite Guard]] is seeking to wipe them out, and also discuss ways to destroy the Autobots first.

Elsewhere, Stealth Team member [[Sprocket (G1)|Sprocket]] has an imaginary conversation with Councilor [[Halogen (Timelines)|Halogen]], much to the annoyance of [[Rumbler (G1)|Rumbler]].

The Decepticon Warlord [[Gutcruncher (G1)|Gutcruncher]] returns to his base from the War Council meeting and talks to [[Charger]], who thinks he's pinpointed the location of a particular celestial object. He has already sent [[Take-Off]] to secure transport. Unfortunately Take-Off is an idiot.

[[Tap-Out (G1)|Tap-Out]], Rumbler and Sprocket join their leader [[Powerflash]], who informs them that they have a new mission and presents them with a recording of [[Sentinel Major]] to explain.

In a neutral bar, Take-Off attempts to secure the help of [[Axer]]'s ship. Unfortunately his ceaseless blabbing about the asteroid they're looking for and how great Gutcruncher is annoys Axer, who points out that there's an Elite Guard Autobot across the room listening to them. Needless to say, Take-Off doesn't secure Axer's services or ship, and the Elite Guardsman gets clean away.

The Guardsman in question is [[Delta Seeker]], whose report is included in Sentinel Major's message to Powerflash's team. Sprocket thinks its a trap, but Powerflash has devised a plan, for which they'll need some [[electronic paint job|electronic paint]].

Sentinel Major meets with [[Magnum]] to report he's given the mission to Powerflash's Stealth Team. Magnum is pleased at the Elite Guard's progress in taking down the Decepticon Warlords, but not the recent loss of the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticon]]s. Sentinel is annoyed that Magnum wants to take [[Metalhawk]]'s Strike Team off the front lines, leaving Sentinel with only the Fast Attack Team in reserve. After Magnum leaves Sentinel's office, Sentinel literally runs into [[Ricochet (Timelines)|Ricochet]], and finds that one of the datapads Ricochet is carrying is a acquisition request from Powerflash for a spaceship, with Sentinel's forged signature on it.

In preparation for their mission, Tap-Out and Powerflash are repainted, while Sprocket rambles about how he was taught to paint by Sensei [[Yoketron (Timelines)|Yoketron]], despite Rumbler pointing out the flaws in his story. The repainting done, Powerflash and Tap-Out decide on their new identities as two [[neutral]]s, Bad Boy and Dealbreaker respectively.

Take-Off admits to Gutcruncher and Charger that he failed to get hold of Axer's ship, but claims to have a lead on another ship. He subsequently confides to [[Roadgrabber]] that he doesn't, and ropes Roadgrabber into helping him track down a ship.

Rumbler admires the ''[[Darklon (Timelines)|Darklon]]'', the ship Powerflash bought, while Sprocket claims to have made friends with the ship's computer. The pair take their hiding places in a fake chest in the ship's cargo bay. "Dealbreaker", meanwhile, meets with Take-Off to offer him the ship's services. When Take-Off starts blabbing again, Roadgrabber keeps him quiet and the two Decepticons take up Dealbreaker's offer. They head to the ''Darklon'' where the two Decepticons meet "Bad Boy". The disguised Autobots convince Take-Off of their veracity, and he and Roadgrabber report back to Gutcruncher. Charger is unimpressed that Take-Off didn't more thoroughly check it out, but all Gutcruncher is interested in is whether they can use it to get to the asteroid.

Gutcruncher turns out to be more than impressed with the ship once they lift off. Take-Off, however, reports that he may have momentarily detected two Autobot signatures in the hold. Gutcruncher orders him to get Charger to track down the signatures while he talks with the two neutrals. He proceeds to the bridge to find the two chairs empty and the auto-pilot on. "Bad Boy" quickly gets the drop on the Decepticon and reveals he's an Autobot before slapping a pair of [[stasis cuffs]] on Gutcruncher. While Tap-Out takes the prisoner to a cell, Powerflash heads down to release Rumbler and Sprocket. In the cargo hold, he attempts to bluff the three searching Decepticons long enough to get the drop on them, but blows his cover. He does manage to release Rumbler and Sprocket, however, and Rumbler's repeater sees the three Decepticons flee for their lives.

As the Decepticons run down corridors, Roadgrabber keeps firing behind them as "covering fire". Charge becomes so incensed that he mentally snaps, knocking Take-Off out and attempting to throttle Roadgrabber. When Rumbler and Sprocket arrive, he attacks them as well and is laid out by a punch from Rumbler.

The four Decepticons, all in the same cell, are thought to be neutralized, however Charger's wild mental break seems to have made him immune to the stasis cuff's submissive effect. He shorts out both Gutcruncher's cuffs and the energy bars imprisoning them.

The ''Darklon'' arrives at the asteroid, and the Autobots establish that it does, as the Decepticons had suspected, it contains a power source of immense proportions that is emitting dangerous radiation levels. Powerflash instructs Tap-Out to fetch Charger to help check the power source out. Charger, Take-Off and Roadgrabber are making their way to the ship's exit however, and Tap-Out finds the cell empty. He doesn't have time to alert the other Autobots before Gutcruncher renders him unconscious and rigs up an explosive that will destroy the ship.

Powerflash and Rumbler disembark from the ''Darklon'' and are ambushed by Charger's group who has availed themselves of weapons from the armory. Sprocket emerges a short time later with the tracking equipment to find his comrades at gunpoint, but confides to them that he neglected to recharge the weapons after their last battle. Gutcruncher announces over the ship's intercom that the Decepticons now hold all the cards. While Roadgrabber stays on the ship, the other Decepticons and the Autobots track down the source of the energy, a crystalline monolith in a crater. Gutcruncher is transfixed by the sight of it, and places his hands on it. Suddenly it begins glowing and emitting rays of light which zaps everyone present.

Gutcruncher recovers first, and the other soon after, but when he orders them to transform so they can drive back to the ship, no one is able to. They instead walk back to the ship, where Roadgrabber has Tap-Out tied up. The Decepticons board the ship, but the three following Autobots are able to stop the door from closing and force it open. Gutcruncher heads to the bridge to activate the ship's autodefences, leaving the other three Decepticons to fight the Autobots, but with four against three, and some strange additional strength bestowed on them by the crystal's power, the Autobots triumph. Powerflash confronts Gutcruncher on the bridge, however the Warlord reveals he's planted a bomb on the ship and attempts to detonate it. The ship isn't destroyed, much to his surprise, and Rumbler punches out Gutcruncher.

Back on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], [[Rest-Q]] checks over Powerflash and says he'll be able to transform again when the effects of the radiation wear off. Whenever that is. Sentinel Major congratulates the team on a job well done. Tap-Out reveals that he had relocated Gutcruncher's bomb from the ship and it had instead destroyed the crystal monolith. Sentinel tells them that the asteroid was actually a piece of [[Hydrus Four]], and they're now on the lookout in case any of the pieces of the asteroid survived to plummet to Cybertron.

Elsewhere, [[Deathsaurus (Victory)|Deathsaurus]] observes the latest Decepticon War Council meeting, now with less Warlords thanks to Gutcruncher's capture and several of the others joining Megatron's growing army. As Deathsaurus watches, his lieutenant, [[Falcon (G1)|Falcon]] detonates a bomb, killing the remaining council members. This done, Deathsaurus meets with [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and promotes him to lieutenant.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Halonix Maximus]] (4)
*[[Sprocket (G1)|Sprocket]] (14)
*[[Rumbler (G1)|Rumbler]] (15)
*[[Tap-Out (G1)|Tap-Out]] (18)
*[[Powerflash]] (19)
*[[Sentinel Major]] (20)
*[[Delta Seeker|Delta-Seeker]] (23)
*[[Magnum]] (24)
*[[Ricochet (Timelines)|Ricochet]] (25)
*[[R-Third]] (26)
*[[Rest-Q]] (28)
*[[Crosscut (Autobot)|Crosscut]] (29)
|c2=
*[[Abacus]] (1)
*[[Datamine]] (2)
*[[Deadbolt]] (3)
*[[Trannis]] (5)
*[[Straxus (G1)|Straxus]] (6)
*[[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] (7)
*[[Zardak]] (8)
*[[Cannonball (Timelines)|Cannonball]] (9)
*[[Preditron]] (10)
*[[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (11)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (12)
*[[Falcon (G1)|Falcon]] (13)
*[[Gutcruncher (G1)|Gutcruncher]] (16)
*[[Charger]] (17)
*[[Take-Off]] (21)
*[[Axer]] (22)
*[[Roadgrabber]] (27)
*[[Deathsaurus (Victory)|Deathsaurus]] (30)
*[[Lyzack]] (31)
*[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (32)
}}

==Quotes==
*TBA

==Notes==
*A poll was held on the Official Transformers Collectors Club' forums to choose which Elite Guard team would be the subject of the next prose story. The Stealth Team won with nearly half the overall votes, beating the Recon Team, Artillery Team, and Fast Attack Teams.
*It was presumably [[Padlock (Timelines)|Padlock]], the Artillery Team's sighter, who laser-painted Datamine before Halo bombed the improper fractions outta him.
*Fourteen [[Decepticon Warlord]]s are identified in this story. [[Legonis]], [[Octus (G1)|Octus]] and the previously mentioned [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]] and [[Blue Bacchus]] have already been dealt with. Hook and Reflector are absorbed into [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s forces. Gutcruncher, Preditron, Straxus, Zardak, Cannonball and Trannis are dealt with during the story, leaving only Megatron and Deathsaurus as rivals for power.
*Several details about the make-up of the Elite Guard are mentioned for the first time outside of the OTFCC panel at [[BotCon 2010]].
**Seven Elite Guard squads exist, including the missing [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]].
**The Combaticons are also known as the Special Ops Team, in addition to [[Metalhawk]]'s Strike Team, Powerflash's Stealth Team, and the Fast Attack Team.
**[[Roadfire]] and [[Halonix Maximus]] command two other squads which go unnamed in this story, although they were revealed at BotCon 2010 as the Recon Team and Heavy Artillery Team.
*The proper military designation for several squads is also revealed: the Strike Team (201st), Stealth Team (45th), Roadfire's squad (349th) and Halo's squad (116th).
*[[Thunder Clash|Thunderclash]]'s Alpha Team is not mentioned in Sentinel's deployment. Possibly they're still on the space mission assigned them in ''[[The Coming Storm: Part 2]]''.
*Sprocket's imaginary friends include Councilor [[Halogen (Timelines)|Halogen]], [[Grandus (ROC)|Grandus]], and Sensei [[Yoketron (Timelines)|Yoketron]].

==Real World References==
*The story's title is a reference to [[Wikipedia:The A-Team|The A-Team]], a popular action show from the 1980's. The Stealth Team's make-up mirrors the A-Team itself, including a leader who uses unorthodox plans, a mechanic with an attitude, a pilot who is legitimately crazy, and a disguise expert.

==External links==
* [http://www.transformersclub.com/members/fiction.cfm Transformers Collectors' Club exclusive fiction] (must be a logged-in member to access)

{{DEFAULTSORT:Team Effort}}
[[Category:Generation 1 issues]]
[[Category:Text stories]]

Transformers: War for Cybertron (franchise)

2011-07-08T16:00:30Z

109.148.178.134: /* Franchise elements */

{{nav-wfc}}

'''''Transformers: War for Cybertron''''' was launched in mid-2010 as the first [[franchise]] in the [[Aligned continuity family]]. Set in the ancient days of the [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]ian war, its scope ranges from the onset of war until the [[Dark Energon]] contamination of Cybertron that caused the [[Great Exodus]].

==Franchise elements==
*[[Transformers: War for Cybertron (games)|Video games]]
*[[Transformers: Exodus|A novel]]
*[[Transformers: War for Cybertron (comic)|A comic]]
*A toyline (sort of... [[#Toys|see below]].)

[[Hasbro]] has published a timeline online summarizing many events from the above media.<ref>[http://www2.hasbro.com/transformers/en_US/play/details.cfm?guid=7fd5ecd9-19b9-f369-1041-a7635be83172 ''War For Cybertron'' Timeline on Hasbro.com]</ref>

===Toys===
The only official ''War for Cybertron''-branded toy was a [[Starscream (Prime)#War for Cybertron|Legends-class Starscream]] that came free with the purchase of a ''War for Cybertron'' video game from [[United Kingdom|UK]] retailer [http://shopto.net ShopTo.net.] It was a [[redeco]] of [[Starscream (Armada)#Cybertron|a ''Cybertron'' Starscream toy]].

Hasbro did produce a handful of new toys based directly on designs from the video games, but for some reason they were sold in ''[[Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' packaging with no mention of ''War for Cybertron'' (save for a sticker announcing the game, that was placed on the initial release of some of these figures). Despite this omission, the release of the first wave was timed within days of the games and novel,<ref>[http://www.allspark.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=69812 Allspark.com toy-sighting forum reports]</ref> and their on-package [[bio]]s were basically in sync with that fiction:

* [[Bumblebee (Prime)|Cybertronian Bumblebee]]
* [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Cybertronian Optimus Prime]]
* [[Megatron (Prime)|Cybertronian Megatron]]
* [[Soundwave (Prime)|Cybertronian Soundwave]]
* [[Cliffjumper (Prime)|Cliffjumper]] (retool/redeco of Cybertronian Bumblebee)

Those toys later appeared in [[TakaraTomy]]'s ''[[Transformers United|United]]'' line, representing their ''[[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]]'' counterparts.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EejvhYAGCzE&feature=player_embedded#at=131 ''United'' commercial] showing the "Cybertronian" toys [[trans-scan]]ning into ''Generation-1''-style modern [[Earth]] forms</ref>

===Apocrypha===
The author of the ''Exodus'' novel shared his [[pseudocanon|unofficial]] short story "[[Bumblebee at Tyger Pax]]" online.

==Continuity==
While all elements of ''War for Cybertron'' fiction are based on the Aligned [[production bible]], the creators of the various media products diverged from each other in many details. The events of the video games overlap with much of ''Exodus'', and [[Transformers: War for Cybertron (360/PS3/PC)#Synopsis|the results mesh poorly]]. However, Hasbro has consistently described as a single [[continuity]] not just the games and novel, but the [[Transformers: Prime (franchise)|''Prime'']] fiction as well.<ref>[[Hasbro Q&A/September 2010: Answers|TFWiki.net Hasbro Q&A, Sept. 2010]]</ref> This brings up issues such as the fact that [[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] and [[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] are very ''[[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]]''-inspired in ''War for Cybertron'' and can speak words, but they're portrayed in the [[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|''Prime'' cartoon]] as quasi-mute. Cartoon Bumblebee in particular is very much like [[Bumblebee (Movie)|his live-action movie incarnation]], speaking in [[R2-D2|electronic beeps and squawks]]. The aforementioned "Bumblebee at Tyger Pax" story attempts to explain this change, but the [[retcon]] occurs ''before'' the game events, so the contradiction remains.

When asked about the contradictions, Hasbro VP of Intellectual Property Development [[Aaron Archer]] replied, "reasons for the confusion will be revealed".<ref>[[Hasbro Q&A/January 2011: Answers|TFWiki.net Hasbro Q&A, Jan. 2011]]</ref> In at least one small case, Hasbro ''has'' taken a stab at reconciliation, declaring [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]]'s predecessor in the games, "Zeta Prime", and the one in the novel, "Sentinel Prime", to be the same individual, "[[Sentinel Zeta Prime]]".

==References==
<references />

{{DEFAULTSORT:War for Cybertron (franchise)}}
[[Category: Franchises]]
[[Category: War for Cybertron| ]]

Lugnut (Animated)

2011-05-06T16:16:29Z

109.148.57.252: /* Animated cartoon */

{{factions|decepticon}}
{{disambigr|Lugnut|other characters called Lugnut|Lugnut (disambiguation)}}

:''Lugnut is a glorious [[Decepticon]] from the [[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Transformers Animated]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:LugnutPromoModel.jpg|right|300px|thumb|The secret (GLORIOUS!) love child of Shockwave and Omega Supreme.]]
If mighty [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]] were to command '''Lugnut''' to jump, the powerful Decepticon would be in the upper atmosphere long before his master could specify how high. In Lugnut's optics, bold, heroic Megatron embodies the Decepticon cause, and his devotion is total. It's easy to misinterpret Lugnut’s blind zeal for a lack of overall processing power, but this is not the case. Although he isn't much of a thinker or planner, Lugnut does not care, for wise Megatron is brilliant enough for a thousand Decepticons. His master makes the plans, and Lugnut carries them out. However, that blind loyalty is his weakness. Although innovative on the battle field, he does little thinking about anything else.

Besides his compulsion to serve Megatron, the only other driving force in his programming is to destroy the Autobots. Renowned throughout Cybertron as one of the most destructive fighters for the Decepticon cause, Lugnut has no time or patience for contemplation or strategy when he could just as easily level an entire Autobot battalion with a single [[Punch of Kill Everything|explosive punch]]. He knows that his unparalleled strength, endurance, and seemingly limitless missile payload is enough to serve glorious, bold, fresh-scented, bright and shiny MEGATRON! Autobots that know him know the only way to survive a fight with him is to stay clear of his path.

He will only keep company with Decepticons who are as loyal to the grand and imperious Megatron as he is. Traitors and disgraces such as [[Starscream (Animated)|Starscream]] and [[Lockdown (Animated)|Lockdown]] are not worthy of mention, let alone being in the presence of the glorious Megatron. Granted, even magnanimous Megatron himself can get a little tired of Lugnut's praises, but he keeps it to himself, lest Lugnut should lose faith in mighty Megatron.

He is also [[Strika (Animated)|Strika's]] "consort", whatever that means.
{{bigquote|I believe only two things: The Decepticons will rule Cybertron, and Megatron will rule the Decepticons!|Lugnut, Megatron loyalist|"[[Lost and Found (episode)|Lost and Found]]"}}

==Fiction==
===''Animated'' cartoon===
{{Idw-tfa}}
:''Voice actor:'' [[David Kaye]] (English), [[Kentarō Itō]] (Japanese), [[Uwe Jellinek]] (German), [[Pietro Ubaldi]] (Italian), [[Antônio Moreno]] (Portuguese, only one episode), [[Carlos Campanile]] (Portuguese), [[Marco Antonio Espina]] (Latin American Spanish)

[[Image:LugnutsPrayer LostandFound.jpg|left|225px|thumb|In the name of Megatron and of Megatron and of the glorious Megatron, Amen!]]
At some point in the past, Lugnut got a call from [[Shockwave (Animated)|Shockwave]], who had infiltrated [[Autobot boot camp]], and allowed him to report to Megatron. {{storylink|Autoboot Camp}} Many, many years later, Lugnut was on board the [[Nemesis (Animated)|''Nemesis'']] with [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]], [[Starscream (Animated)|Starscream]], [[Blitzwing (Animated)|Blitzwing]] and [[Blackarachnia (Animated)|Blackarachnia]] when they discovered the [[AllSpark (Animated)|AllSpark]]. Doubting that it was near, Starscream insulted Megatron (out of the latter's presence, of course) as a fool who was chasing a ghost. Furious, Lugnut leapt in and roared at the "traitor" about how Megatron would lead the Decepticons to a new age. Blackarachnia mocked him, asking if the speech was memorized or just hardwired into his one-track processor. Blitzwing indirectly defended Lugnut by insulting Blackarachnia, but soon burst into song, prompting all the Decepticons to argue until the entry of Megatron silenced them. Later, when it became clear the ''Nemesis'' was going to crash into an exploding space bridge, Lugnut showed uncharacteristic intelligence by fleeing in an escape pod. {{storylink|Transform and Roll Out}}

''Lugnut and Blitzwing, upon leaving the warship, returned to [[New Kaon]]. Lugnut, refusing to believe that Megatron was offline, destroyed a statue Blitzwing had made in memory of their fallen leader. Blitzwing was not pleased.'' {{storylink|Dispatches}}

''After finding out Blitzwing had made arrangements with a [[Lockdown (Animated)|bounty hunter]] in order to locate and exact revenge on the Autobots, Lugnut was furious. His fury (along with Blitzwing's responding fury) were taken advantage of by an [[Swindle (Animated)|unscrupulous arms dealer]] seeking to make a profit off the two in a never-ending escalating arms race. Things ended poorly for said arms dealer, however, once Lugnut and Blitzwing caught on to the fact they were both being played. {{storylink|Everything Must Go}} (Although odds are, if Lugnut had known just [[Punch of Kill Everything|what Blitzwing had offered Lockdown]], he may not have been so forgiving).'' {{storylink|A Few Loose Strands}}

''When the Allspark gave off the radiation burst during Prime and Starscream's battle, the signal served as a beacon, the Decepticons on New Kaon picking up the signal. Lugnut took this as evidence his leader was still online.'' {{storylink|Dispatches|The Arrival issue 1}}

[[Image:Lugnutfist.JPG|right|175px|thumb|FALCON PUNCH!]]
After arriving on [[Earth|Earth's]] [[Moon (moon)|Moon]], Lugnut and Blitzwing discovered the ''Nemesis'', near where Blitzwing mentioned that [[Lockdown (Animated)|Lockdown]] had last reported. Lugnut did not care for the bounty hunter or his mission, for he still believed that Megatron was alive. Heading to Earth, the two crash landed at a construction site, where Lugnut interrogated a crane on Megatron's whereabouts with little success. After randomly destroying everything in sight, Lugnut and Blitzwing had a battle with the Autobots. Utilizing his back-mounted missile arsenal, Lugnut easily outgunned the Autobots himself, and was able to throw [[Bulkhead (Animated)|Bulkhead]] around like he was nothing. When he demanded to know where Megatron was, [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]] mentioned that he was reduced to a "fireball somewhere over Cleveland". Screaming "Megatron lives", Lugnut knocked out the Autobots with his [[Punch of Kill Everything]] (at which Blitzwing said he had told Lugnut "a thousand times" to warn him before using), which convinced Megatron that Lugnut could be trusted. He contacted only Lugnut, who, in his eagerness, dragged a confused Blitzwing away from the fight. Blitzwing thought that Lugnut had finally overheated his motherboard and headbutted him, who responded in kind and sent Blitzwing plummeting straight smack dab in the middle of a military base. When they heard police cars approaching, Blitzwing suggested that they lay low to determine their strengths, but Lugnut planned to slaughter them ''en masse''. Annoyed Megatron told him to shut up and get a disguise.

That evening Megatron contacted Lugnut, uploading a sample of the [[AllSpark Key]]'s energy signature, and instructed him to use it to find the AllSpark itself, which would restore Megatron. Heading for [[Lake Erie]], the two Decepticons tracked down the [[Teletran-1|Autobots' ship]]. Once they'd followed the Autobots below its surface, Lugnut showed remarkable intelligence by being reluctant to enter the underwater smokescreen [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]] had created, although he still entered to follow Blitzwing. Obscured by kicked-up dust, his targeting systems still found a body in the haze. Pleased that his targeting sensors had not failed him, he fired – on Blitzwing. The Autobots seemed to have the upper hand when Lugnut again displayed unexpected smarts by transforming and using his jet thrusters to blow away the obscuring dirt. Unfortunately for him and Blitzwing, just as they were going destroy the Autobots, [[Ratchet (Animated)|Ratchet]] and [[Sari Sumdac]] brought the weapon systems of the Autobots' ship online. The two Decepticons were blasted to the shores of Lake Erie in several pieces, severing Megatron's radio link with Lugnut and thus leaving the poor lunk to believe that his master had forsaken him. The next morning, Starscream appeared and promised to repair them – if they swore loyalty to him. {{storylink|Lost and Found (episode)|Lost and Found}}

[[Image:Megatron Rising Starscream on Lugnut.JPG|left|175px|thumb|Keep trying, Lugnut. Keep trying.]]
For reasons beyond understanding, Lugnut agreed to Starscream's request, or at least paid lip service to him, but was quick to remind the upstart that they served him not by choice. However, when Megatron contacted him, Lugnut immediately repledged himself to Megatron. The Decepticon leader told Lugnut to locate the AllSpark Key and bring it to him. Taking it from Ratchet, they flew to [[Sumdac Tower]], where Lugnut blabbed the whole Decepticon thing to [[Isaac Sumdac]], forcing him to kneel to Megatron. Now that he knew Lugnut wasn't totally bonkers (like him), Blitzwing used the Key to help Megatron repair his body and restore him. {{storylink|Megatron Rising - Part 1}}

[[Image:TFA Megatron Rising Lugnut boom.JPG|right|200px|thumb|Looks like Team Decepticon is blasting off again!]]
As Megatron proceeded to beat up the Autobots, Blitzwing and Lugnut decided not to intervene, but to keep an eye on Professor Sumdac. When Megatron called his loyal troops to him, Lugnut prostrated himself before his master, where he briefly found himself humiliated by Starscream, but then got to look on as Megatron made an example of the schemer. The Decepticons took to the air, locating and attacking the Autobots' ship as it travelled from the lake to the Tower, then from the Tower to [[Dinobot Island (Animated)|Dinobot Island]], where it was shot down. Bulkhead leapt into the air and onto Lugnut, and the two landed in the forest. Although Lugnut was the physically stronger of the pair and tossed Bulkhead around like a beach ball, his zeal let him down. He prepared to use his explosive punch...and Bulkhead slammed the ignition point with his wrecking ball, causing a powerful explosion that defeated the brute. {{storylink|Megatron Rising - Part 2}}

After the battle with Bulkhead, Lugnut helped the Decepticons set up a base in a mine, even though his left arm kept falling off. Not realizing that the mine's carbon deposits shielded their energy signatures from Autobot detection, Lugnut did not understand why they had to hide. He was even more confused by Megatron's plan to conquer Cybertron, but this didn't prevent him from hitting a doubting Blitzwing. Things became clearer to Lugnut when Megatron said that they would use [[space bridge]] technology, one of the two reasons they lost the Great War, to reach and conquer Cybertron. First, they needed Isaac Sumdac, who had been captured by Megatron, in order to reverse-engineer the missing pieces of the space bridge data Megatron had copied. When a servant-bot in Sumdac's enclosure malfunctioned, Lugnut accused the professor of sabotaging Megatron's plans. However, he backed down at the behest of Megatron, who learned the servant-bot had acted as it did because it had a fragment of the AllSpark in its circuits. {{storylink|The Elite Guard}}
[[Image:Lugnutkick.JPG|left|200px|thumb|The dancing lessons weren't going that well!]]
Lugnut and Blitzwing were sent by Megatron to steal a tachyon generator from the [[Cybertron Elite Guard|Elite Guard]]'s ship. Lugnut was able to acquire the generator, when Starscream appeared and tried to destroy Megatron. After the Decepticon leader offlined him, Lugnut confirmed that Starscream was dead. After all, there was no spark in his spark chamber, so he had to be dead. Despite this, Starscream kept coming back and trying to kill Megatron, and Lugnut spent the rest of the night repeatedly throwing his corpse into a river. {{storylink|Mission Accomplished}}

[[Image:GarbageInGarbageOut-Wreck-GarandLugnutwithaxe.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Stop! Hammertime!]]
When Lugnut later detected an AllSpark fragment, Megatron sent him to retrieve it, partially to be rid of his sycophantic subject for a while. Discovering it in a garbage truck, Lugnut believed it was being transported by a human. He was thus surprised when the truck transformed into a robot named [[Wreck-Gar (Animated)|Wreck-Gar]]. The simple-minded robot soon confused poor Lugnut with his habit of mirroring what was being said to him, so Lugnut came to believe that Wreck-Gar was a Decepticon like him. Pleased that the new Transformer was a Decepticon, Lugnut celebrated the discovery with a resounding cry of "All hail Megatron!" Wreck-Gar followed suit...then asked who Megatron was.

When the Autobots arrived and verbally accosted Wreck-Gar, Lugnut came out of hiding and prepared to use his bomb punch on Ratchet. Wreck-Gar then responded to the threatened use of the Punch of Kill Everything with the [[universal greeting]]...and a high-five. Despite the premature detonation, Lugnut was left unharmed, but grew increasingly impatient with Wreck-Gar's lack of comprehension. Attempting to attack the Autobots, he took off in plane mode with Wreck-Gar still on his back. However, when Wreck-Gar caused his tail/mace to become infected with matter-eating microbots, Lugnut panicked and demanded that Wreck-Gar get the microbots off him. The obliging robot responded by simply unscrewing Lugnut's tail assembly, leaving Lugnut rather unsteady in the air. {{storylink|Garbage In, Garbage Out}}

Later on, Lugnut was sent with Blitzwing to recover parts for Megatron's new space bridge, and the two began stealing caches of construction materials. During one such raid, the Autobots became involved, and Lugnut's singlemindedness meant that he practically ignored Bumblebee's stinger attack, not even slowing down until a pipe fell in his path and sent him falling. He then departed in his bomber mode to unload the material. Sometime later, he and Blitzwing began moving two huge containers of heavy supplies, and Lugnut was most offended when Blitzwing noted how Megatron was curiously absent when they were moving such heavy equipment. Soon afterward, they encountered the [[Constructicon (Animated)|Constructicons]]. Lugnut was suspicious of these newly created machines, but Blitzwing convinced him to allow them to do the heavy lifting until they reached base, at which point they would eliminate the two newcomers. At base, Blitzwing kept them distracted so Lugnut could activate his rocket punch, but at the last second, Megatron told him to stop. Unfortunately, this caused poor Lugnut to lose balance, fall into a cave and detonate his weapon in his own face. Ever the trooper, he tersely acknowledged he was still all right. {{storylink|Rise of the Constructicons}}

Soon after the space bridge was near completion, the Autobots found the Decepticons' hideout and attempted to stop them. Lugnut and Blitzwing attacked the Autobots invading their underground base, but they ended up getting stasis-cuffed by [[Blurr (Animated)|Blurr]]. {{storylink|A Bridge Too Close, Part I}}

Lugnut was soon freed by the Constructicons and cheered when Megatron announced they'd be invading Cybertron via space bridge, but was interrupted by the invading Autobot ship. When given the task of stopping [[Omega Supreme (Animated)|Omega Supreme]], Lugnut remarked that the large Autobot's size was no match for their leader's glory. This inspired [[Slipstream (Animated)|Slipstream]] to attack Omega's legs. Lugnut attempted to stop Omega Supreme by firing his entire missile supply at the enormous Autobot. Instead, he was blown away by Omega's lasers. {{storylink|A Bridge Too Close, Part II}}

[[Image:Three'saCrowdLugnutPrime.jpg|right|thumb|200px|[[wikipedia:I've fallen and I can't get up!|I've fallen and I can't get up!]]]]
Lugnut survived the battle, and later was found by the Autobots after Professor Sumdac disabled the Decepticon signal dampers. He attacked, demanding the whereabouts of Megatron and creating the world's biggest pothole in the road. After a brief battle, the Autobots managed to [[Stasis cuff|cuff]] him, but found he was too heavy for them to pull out. When Bulkhead sent a distress call, Prime decided Lugnut wasn't going anywhere and went to rescue Bulkhead. Upon returning, however, they found the pit empty and Lugnut out of scanner range. He had been freed by the [[Ramjet (Animated)|honest-as-the-day-is-long Starscream clone]], who wholeheartedly promised Lugnut he'd never reveal his humiliating defeat to Megatron. What a guy. {{storylink|Three's a Crowd}}

Later, Lugnut was captured by Lockdown and given to [[Sentinel Prime (Animated)|Sentinel Prime]] in exchange for energon and parts, along with Blitzwing, [[Swindle (Animated)|Swindle]] and the [[Ramjet (Animated)|lying]] and [[Sunstorm (Animated)|sycophantic]] Starscream clones.{{storylink|Five Servos of Doom}}

[[Image:TFAni Decepticon Air Lugnut Megatron.jpg|thumb|left|200px|It is an honor to serve as mighty Megatron's [[Wikipedia:Garfield|Garfield]] window sticker. Inside or outside of the ship.]]
Their capture did not last long, however, as Sentinel Prime steered the Elite Guard's ship into a stormy nebula, creating a chain reaction which freed Swindle from his transformation lock. When Lugnut ordered him to release the others in the name of the glorious Megatron, Swindle was happy to oblige on behalf of his best customer. The freed Decepticons then made short work of the "Elite" Autobots, but not before Sentinel had sent an SOS to Optimus Prime.

When Optimus arrived, he led the Decepticons on a run-around, eventually freeing the captured Autobots. Their attempt to escape led Lugnut to [[Punch of Kill Everything|POKE]] a hole in the ship, venting everyone in the room into space, where the Autobots were more limited than the flying Decepticons. Lugnut ordered his comrades to Transform and Rise Up, and they attacked, but ultimately Lugnut was thrown clear of the battle when Optimus used Sentinel as a bludgeon to knock him away...leading to Lugnut being picked up by the glorious Megatron in Omega Supreme. {{storylink|Decepticon Air}}

[[Image:TFA-ThisIsWhyIHateMachines-LugnutRagesStarscreamPlots.jpg|thumb|200px|Let the butt-kissing contest begin!]]
Brought inside Omega Supreme, Lugnut recovered a transwarp cell, allowing Megatron to regain control of the ship. Lugnut was quick to point Megatron's numerous achievements to a moaning Starscream, explaining how they now both had the freedom to come and go as they pleased and had regained the ability to transform Omega. However, Lugnut was annoyed when Shockwave joined their crew, which wasn't helped by Megatron referring to Shockwave as "my most loyal servant". Lugnut's inner rage was noted by an amused Starscream. {{storylink|This Is Why I Hate Machines}}

As Shockwave tried to recover the Omega activation codes from Arcee, Starscream egged Lugnut about Shockwave being Megatron's new lapdog. Lugnut easily fell for it, starting an epic butt-kissing, ego-pissing contest between the two purple giants while Starscream sneaked back to the ''Nemesis''. Megatron eventually got the two separated and sent them to start building three [[Lugnut Supreme|clones of Omega Supreme]]. Shockwave later tore the activation codes from Arcee, and when Starscream tried to interfere again, Lugnut loyally leapt to his master's aid—just as Megatron was planning. Lugnut became the template for the three new Decepticon war machines and almost wagged his tail at being chosen for such an honor. Shockwave then discovered that there was a missing security patch, requiring Lugnut to be wired into Omega Supreme for the "Lugnuts Supreme" to be operational, so Lugnut had to remain on the Moon while the purple ships themselves flew to Earth with Megatron aboard. {{storylink|Endgame, Part I}}

Lugnut guided the Omega Supreme clones to Earth, where he continued to congratulate his great and glorious leader. Megatron was a little...impatient...with this and asked Shockwave if there was a way the Supremes could be controlled without Lugnut's worshipping. Shockwave took great pleasure in informing his commander there was no other way (showing that he still held his little rivalry with Luggy). After taking a pounding from Prime (armed with the Magnus Hammer), the Lugnut Supremes crash-landed on Dinobot Island. Megatron ordered Lugnut to return them back to the Moon, but Lugnut regretfully informed him the clones were too damaged to fly. The Autobots eventually managed to regain control of Omega Supreme, who then chucked Lugnut off his control chair and out the back of the giant robot, causing him to go bouncing away along the Moon's surface. The Autobots then captured Lugnut and took him back to Cybertron alongside Megatron and Shockwave so they could face justice for their crimes.
{{storylink| Endgame, Part II}}

===''Animated'' shorts===
As [[Starscream (Animated)|Starscream]] heckled [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]] during a rousing speech, Lugnut looked on in utter horror until Megatron eventually dispatched Starscream straight through a wall. The sight of such brutality caused Lugnut to wince. {{storylink|Starscream Heckles Megatron}}

Later, Lugnut used his [[Punch of Kill Everything|Punch of Kill Everything]] to create gigantic craters in a forest. As it turns out, he was helping [[Blitzwing (Animated)|Blitzwing]] build a new Decepticon swimming pool, but the lunatic couldn't settle on where it should be located, forcing Lugnut to explode things over and over ''and over''. {{storylink|Explosive Fist}}

===Titan Magazines===
[[Image:Lugnut_stick.JPG|right|150px|thumb|A stick?! What happened to your mace?!]]

Lugnut was part of Megatron's assault on the Autobot base and got beaten very quickly off panel. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 24|Megatron's Revenge}}

He later went along with [[Blackarachnia (Animated)|Blackarachnia]]'s plan of isolating and terminating a lone Autobot. He was ''very'' eager to be the one who got to break the captive, including ''ripping a stalactite off a cave roof'' so he could use it as a stick to [[Prowl (Animated)|Prowl]]'s pinata. (He did wonder if it was too small a stick, though.) Unfortunately for Lugnut, the tracer used to track [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]] was whacked onto his "robo-butt" (no, really, Lugnut said that) and this, along with him mega-bombing a cave roof, led to the Decepticon's defeat.

[[Image:Lugnut robobutt.jpg|left|150px|thumb|Sometimes the captions write themselves.]]

Lugnut also admitted to Blitzwing that he's scared of the dark. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 25|The Race}}

{{--}}

===''The Cool'' comic===

Lugnut joined [[Soundwave (Animated)|Soundwave]] in an assault on [[Dinobot Island (Animated)|Dinobot Island]] for nefarious purposes unknown. As Soundwave kept the Autobots occupied with his sonic attacks, Lugnut dropped a payload of bombs on them, remarking that all who crawl beneath him are his inferiors. Suddenly, he was knocked out of the sky by a blow from [[Swoop (Animated)|Swoop]], who continued to battle him on the ground. As the rest of the [[Dinobot (Animated)|Dinobot]]s showed up, Lugnut realized they were outnumbered and ordered a retreat. {{storylink|The Cool issue 3|The Cool #3}}

[[Image:TheCoolSwoopFightsLugnut01.jpg|thumb|200px|right|]]

Later, in [[Detroit]], as [[Blackout (Animated)|Blackout]] found himself on the losing end of a battle with [[Safeguard (Animated)|Safeguard]], Lugnut ordered [[Blackarachnia (Animated)|Blackarachnia]] to retreat, as getting captured would negatively impact their mission for their glorious [[Emperor of Destruction]]. Lugnut then took off, leaving Blackout to his fate. {{storylink|The Cool issue 4|The Cool #4}}

Lugnut was present at [[Sumdac Systems]] headquarters for the revival of Megatron. When [[Blitzwing (Animated)|Blitzwing]] offered to destroy the Autobots, Lugnut berated him for attempting to horn in on Megatron's good time. Then [[Starscream (Animated)|Starscream]] swooped in and landed on his head. {{storylink|The Cool issue 5|The Cool #5}}

Lugnut later joined the other Decepticons in intercepting the rogue Starscream from the bounty hunter [[Lockdown (Animated)|Lockdown]]. When the "Starscream" they were given turned out to be a bomb, Lugnut and the other Decepticons fled into the sky, only to be caught in the explosion ''anyway'' after [[Prowl (Animated)|Prowl]] launched the clones at them with his rocket packs. {{storylink|The Cool issue 6|The Cool #6}}

During the battle for the Decepticon [[Space Bridge]], Lugnut attempted to keep [[Blurr (Animated)|Blurr]] and [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]] from interfering with Megatron's battle against Optimus Prime. The speedsters proved too much for him, however, and after confusing him with their dashing about and interrupting his [[Punch of Kill Everything]], they slapped a pair of stasis cuffs on him. {{storylink|The Cool issue 7|The Cool #7}}
{{-}}

==Games==
===Transformers Animated: The Game===
:''Voice actor:'' [[David Kaye]] (English)
[[Image:TFAnimated Game Lugnut.jpg|thumb|left|111px]]
When [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]] was preparing to have his men attack Cybertron, Lugnut contacted his leader to report that the Decepticon forces were standing ready to invade the planet on his command, thanks to his "infinite wisdom and magnificent leadership". {{storylink|Transformers Animated: The Game}}
{{--}}

==Toys==
===Animated===
[[Image:Lugnut animated toy.JPG|right|300px|thumb|Made tiny in name of the glorious Hasbro toy race!]]
[[Image:Takara Lugnut animated toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Gloriously shiny!]]
*'''Lugnut''' (Voyager, 2008)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''TA-15'''
**''Accessories'': Tail assembly/power mace

: Part of the third wave of ''Animated'' Voyager-class toys, Luggy transforms into a big ol' retro-futuristic bomber plane that includes features from many historic designs, including the [[wikipedia:B-25 Mitchell|B-25 Mitchell]] and the [[wikipedia:Heinkel He 111|Heinkel He 111]]. He also suffers from [[Bulkhead (Animated)|Bulkhead]] syndrome, as his robot mode is '''tiny''' compared to most Voyagers. A good portion of his vehicle mode transforms into his big-ass "power mace", almost as big as Lugnut himself. He features three [[Autotransformation|Autotransform]] [[gimmick]]s in his head, mace, and hands. The mace connects with a special tab into Lugnut's hand and activates its gimmick: tapping the bottom of the mace on the ground while he holds it causes the engine pods to pop open. Pushing down the area on his back where the mace is stored flips his head up and splits his cockpit halves to the sides of his chest. The small purple tabs on his lower arms open and close his claws in unison. Pushing the mace into one of the hands causes it to close around the mace.

: The mace can also be activated with any Mini-Con figure.

: The figure's paint deco shown in promotional photography and the boxart depicts Lugnut's teal areas with highly metallic, almost silver coloration and a slightly lighter shade of purple. The final figure, however, has a darker purple with an much more show-accurate flat teal with no trace of the metallic coloring.

: There have been reports of his cockpit halves not closing properly in vehicle mode due to an overly tightened screw inside his torso. It cannot be corrected without dismantling the figure. The head automorph area also tends to flop slightly, not staying in place in vehicle mode. It is unknown if future releases will remedy this.

:[[TakaraTomy]]'s release of Lugnut was [[redeco]]ed with most of the flat purple replaced by a shinier metallic purple. His red eye appears to be brighter as well. Also, the ''Animated'' gold sigils were replaced by G1 ones, as on all Japanese ''Animated'' toys.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Decepticon/Lugnut/lugnut.htm More information on Lugnut at TFU.info]''

{{-}}
[[Image:Ani-toy LugnutMcD.jpg|right|300px|thumb|He stands up straight to look good for his master.]]
*'''Lugnut''' (McDonald's Happy Meal Toy)
**''McNumber'': '''6'''

:A simple version of Lugnut with a very simple transformation sequence. You transform him by flipping his back to reveal the head, bringing down the missiles/arms and flipping the tail to reveal his legs. This makes him stand ''very'' tall. Like most of the McDonald's ''Animated'' toys, he gave up a show-accurate robot mode for a show-accurate vehicle mode.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Decepticon/McLugnut/lugnut.htm More information on McDonald's Lugnut at TFU.info]''

{{-}}
[[Image:Atomiclugnutvoyager.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Yeah, this'll come off real well in Japan.]]
*'''Atomic Lugnut''' (Voyager class, 2009)
**''Accessories'': Tail assembly/power mace

: Part of the sixth wave of ''Animated'' Voyagers, Atomic Lugnut is a [[Redeco]] of the Voyager-class Lugnut in a color scheme inspired by World War II era B-29s. He gonna bomb you. He retains all of his previous [[gimmick]]ry.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Decepticon/AtomicLugnut/lugnut.htm More information on Atomic Lugnut at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

==Notes==
* Lugnut's name derives from an earlier stage in his development; at one point he was going to be more Frankenstein's Monster-esque, with giant bolts (or "nuts") sticking out from his neck. While this concept was effectively discarded, the character kept "Lugnut" for his final name... but it works well enough on its own, as he ''is'' a big lug and a bit of a nut.
* Of the five main ''Animated'' Decepticons, Lugnut is the only one without a "counterpart" from a prior series.
* According to the Decepticon character descriptions sent out in the initial [[Cartoon Network]] press release for ''Transformers Animated'', Lugnut "carries a payload of mega-bombs and can spew liquid napalm with laser-like accuracy". Alas, his napalm-spewing ability hasn't shown up anywhere. The bio on the Latin America [[McDonald's]] website used this character description as well when promoting his toy.
* [[Derrick J. Wyatt|Derrick Wyatt]] and [[Marty Isenberg]] admitted at [[BotCon 2008]] that they didn't know that Lugnut's toy had the battle mace, as it was a [[Hasbro]] creation. Once they learned of its existence, they slipped it into season 2, and it makes its only appearance in "[[Garbage In, Garbage Out]]".
* At Botcon 2008, Marty Isenberg took a liking to the term [[Punch of Kill Everything]] used in the fandom to refer to Lugnut's attack, and said he would find a way to work it in. Sure enough, in the the comic [[The Arrival issue 4|''The Arrival'' #4]] penned by Isenberg, Lugnut's attack was named as such.
* The four small red dots (two to either side) on Lugnut's head, according to the series' creators, are secondary optics. This means Lugnut actually has ''five'' eyes, rather than the one he appears to have at a casual glance.
* According to his on-package bio, Lugnut is known as the '[[Kaon]] Krusher'.
* In the Japanese dub of ''Animated'', Lugnut has a [http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/VerbalTic verbal tic] where he adds the syllable "ttsu" (ッツ) to the ends of most of his sentences. In the intro voiceover for "[[Three's a Crowd]]", he explains that he simply does this "because [I'm] Lugnut", as in Japanese, his name is pronounced "raguna'''ttsu'''".

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Lugnut''' (ラグナッツ ''Ragunattsu'')

[[Category:Animated Decepticons]]
[[Category:Fast food exclusives]]
[[Category:Gladiators]]