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Tankor (BM)

2010-08-22T13:06:37Z

12.174.70.16: Undo revision 492271 by Detour (Talk)

{{factions|vehicon|decepticon|unicron}}
{{disambig3|Tankor}}
:''Tankor is a [[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicon]] from the [[Beast Machines (franchise)|Beast Machines]] portion of the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Tankor flames.jpg|right|300px|thumb|You either die a [[Rhinox|hero]] or live long enough to see yourself become the [[Vehicon|villain]].]]
'''Tankor''' SMAAAAAASHHH! Tankor PULLLVERIZZZZEEE! Tankor SLAG [[Maximal|BEAST BOTS]]! Tankor is the brute force part of [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]'s first trio of [[Vehicon general]]s and commander of the powerful [[Tank Drone]]s. He's slow, simple-minded and immensely powerful. Lovably dim, his limited intelligence can be a drawback; he can easily be confused, misled, or even turned against Megatron, though temporarily. However, this is balanced out by his natural state of blind frustration and destructive rage, which makes getting him to listen to any cajoling a less than simple task.

Tankor is in actuality a programmed [[Shell program|shell personality]] given life by the spark of the [[Maximal]] [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]].

An alternate-universe incarnation of Tankor is also a [[Minion of Unicron]] in a vast, [[multiverse]]-spanning [[Universe war|conflict]]. He may or may not be a mindwiped Maximal.
His command code is "pulverize".

==Fiction==
===''Beast Machines'' cartoon===
:''Voice actor'': [[Paul Dobson]], [[Richard Newman]] (as [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]], later Tankor) (English), [[Daiki Nakamura]] (Japanese), [[Maurício Berger]] (Portuguese)

[[Image:TankorRhinox Spark.jpg|left|150px|thumb|Don't make me pull this spark over.]]
When the Maximals returning to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] from the Beast Wars were infected with Megatron's [[Transformation virus|virus]], Rhinox was not as lucky as most of his comrades. While the [[Transmetal|Transmetals]] were able to stay mobile for a time, Rhinox was immediately paralyzed and overtaken by Tank Drones. His spark was forcibly removed and stored in a canister in Megatron's citadel.{{storylink|Revelations Part III: Apocalypse}}

When Megatron found that he needed underlings to properly control his Vehicon armies in battle, he used Rhinox's spark to power his tank general Tankor. He reasoned that if the Maximals discovered their new enemy had once been their close friend, they would be less willing to fight him. Unfortunately for Megatron, Tankor was only marginally more intelligent than the mindless drones he was created to lead. Meanwhile, Rhinox's spark/consciousness remained intact inside Tankor, albeit unable to act.{{storylink|Fires of the Past}}

True to Megatron's expectations, the Maximals did attempt to reach Tankor's spark, and they discovered his true nature. They woke his spark, but the Rhinox they got was not the Rhinox they expected. Tainted and embittered by his time inside Tankor, Rhinox rejected the Maximals and embraced Megatron's plan for a "peaceful", technologically-pure Cybertron, only with ''himself'' at its head instead of Megatron.{{storylink|Revelations Part III: Apocalypse}}

Tankor-Rhinox immediately began plotting against both Megatron and the Maximals. He caught and reprogrammed one of Megatron's [[Diagnostic Drone|Diagnostic Drones]], forcing it to work for him.{{storylink|Survivor}} He found the [[Oracle]] and, using the Diagnostic Drone, retrieved the [[Key to Vector Sigma]] from within. He then faked his own death, seeking to remove himself from both factions' suspicions. {{storylink|The Key}}. Manipulating events from behind the scenes, Tankor tricked Rattrap into activating an organic rapid-growth catalyst that would make the organics appear much more powerful and out of control, thus inspiring Megatron to take more radical measures to contain them.{{storylink|The Catalyst}} His escalating arms race gambit worked in manipulating Megatron into firing the key on a planetary scale--which would have killed all the organics, including the Maximals and Megatron, leaving Tankor to rule a pure mechanical world. Tankor's manipulations failed when he tried to attack Megatron, and a provision against doing so, hard-wired into his programming, shut him down. Due to Tankor's manipulations, however, Primal opened the [[Plasma Energy Chamber]] and Megatron fired the Key. The ensuing clash of energies destroyed Tankor's body, and his spark joined the Matrix.{{storylink|End of the Line}}

Primal met Rhinox's spark one last time within the Matrix, where Rhinox expressed regret over his recent actions.{{storylink|Fallout}}

{{note|The ''Beast Machines'' story editors [[authorial intent|intended]] Rhinox to have been totally free when he chose evil, his own mental processes being corrupted and warped by the shell program even after it was erased. Some fans judge this to be out-of-character for Rhinox and [[Ruined FOREVER|highly unsatisfying]], and note that Tankor-Rhinox behaved much like the temporary Predacon-ized version of Rhinox seen in ''Beast Wars''. They thus [[fanon|speculate]] that it may be similarly the result of awakening Rhinox's spark without shutting down the Tankor shell program. Both interpretations are consistent with the in-show imagery of Rhinox and Tankor fused at the waist into one spark, apparently struggling and in pain.}}

===''Universe'' CD-ROM===
[[Image:UnivCDROM TractorBeam.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"TANKOR RAAAAAAAAAPTURED."]]
On an alternate Cybertron, Tankor fought alongside the [[Decepticon|Decepticons]] [[Obsidian (BM)|Obsidian]], [[Razorclaw (Universe)|Razorclaw]], [[Reptilion]], and [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] against [[Optimus Primal]] and his Autobots. One of these battles - the most violent of that year - was interrupted by a mysterious ship that sucked those Decepticons up on beams of light and sped away. None of the combatants realized that it was taking its captives to Unicron for use in a massive army. {{storylink|Universe CD-ROM}}

{{Note|This comic shows no signs of being intended to mesh with other ''Universe'' fiction. There are inconsistencies in many of its elements, but given that ''Universe'' is entirely ABOUT alternate dimensions, it could still be a side note to the [[Universe war|greater storyline]]. Tankor is one of the [[Obsidian (BM)|few]] [[Razorclaw (Universe)|characters]] who could conceivably be the same ones who show up in the [[Universe (2003 comic)|main ''Universe'' comic'']]'', but it is up to the reader to decide if that's the case.}}

===3H ''Universe'' comic===
In a parallel universe, the Predacon Megatron "decimated" Cybertron's population by capturing their [[Spark|sparks]].<ref>Obsidian's [[bio]] in [[Escape (issue)|''Transformers Universe'' #2]]</ref> (It is unknown whether this literally means he only got one-tenth of the Cybertronians.) Tankor served under him, a veneer of dumb, brutish loyalty secretly concealing his actual dumb, brutish loyalty to [[Obsidian (BM)|Obsidian]]. It was at the latter's bidding that Tankor terminated Megatron, allowing Obsidian to supplant the Predacon's rule with an iron-fisted tyranny of his own. Tankor became the enforcer of this new regime, knowing no purpose but the destruction of all that stood before his master. The pair put down uprisings and held the planet in fear... until Unicron decided that such a mindset would serve his own purposes, and he pulled them out of their universe entirely.<ref name=tankorbio>Tankor's [[bio]] in [[Escape (issue)|''Transformers Universe'' #2]]</ref>

[[Image:Cauldron-SmokescreenSmokescreen.jpg|thumb|left|200px| Because that's what friends do.]]
Unicron, his ruined form trapped between dimensions, sought to revitalize himself by pitting abducted [[Transformer|Transformers]] against each other within his own body, absorbing their [[energon radiation]] and, eventually, sparks. But Tankor was spared this fate, instead overseeing the [[Cauldron|deathmatch arena]] along with Obsidian, Razorclaw, Reptilion, and [[Striker]]. [[Silverbolt (BW)|Silverbolt]], one of the intended victims, recognized Tankor. Obsidian confirmed the familiarity, but noted that in his and Tankor's own timeline, Silverbolt had "died screaming". {{storylink|Abduction}}

For all his accomplishments, Tankor still did a pretty crappy job of keeping [[Optimus Primal]] from freeing Silverbolt and dozens of other captives. {{storylink|Escape (issue)|Escape}} Notably, by this time Tankor's allegiance was "Decepticon"<ref name="tankorbio"/> though it's unclear if this had always been the case, or for how long. In fact, there is no particular sign that he shared his alternate incarnation's Maximal past at all.

{{-}}

===Fun Publications ''Cybertron'' comic===
[[Image:Tankorrhinoxrevelations.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Stop hitting yourself! Stop hitting yourself!]]
In the final battle of the Universe war, Rhinox defeated this Tankor, presumably redeeming his actions as his own universe's Tankor. {{storylink|Revelations Part 2}}
{{-}}

==Toys==
===Beast Machines===
[[Image:BM_Mega_Tankor_toy.jpg|thumb|300px|Tankor SMASH!, Tankor CRUSH puny hum... erm Maximal!]]
*'''Tankor''' (Mega, 1999)
**''Accessories:'' Projectile

: Part of the first wave of ''[[Beast Machines (toyline)|Beast Machines]]'' product, Tankor transforms into a large Cybertronic tank. Aside from a spring-loaded missile launcher, he also features a light-piped "scanner eye" on his turret, and twin sawblades that spin via gear-wheel system when his tank mode is pushed along. In robot mode, all of these gimmicks are retained, though the "scanner eye" is this time in his robot head.

: For reasons unknown, his name was misspelled as "Tankorr" on his instructions.

: This toy was [[redeco]]ed into ''[[Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[#Universe (2003)|incarnation of Tankor]]. The toy's likeness was also [[Repurposing|repurposed]] as the non-toy [[Beast Era]] incarnation of [[Quake (G1)|Quake]] and his drones.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2000/Vehicon/Tankor/tankor.htm More information on Tankor at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|McD}}
[[Image:Rr-tankor.jpg|right|300px|thumb|These are awesome. There should be Tank Drone redecos in these colors. (Upper-left is the normal McDonald's version, the other three are Red Rooster versions.)]]
*'''Tankor''' (Happy Meal Toy, 2000)

: One of nine ''Beast Machines'' Happy Meal toys from McDonald's restaurants, Tankor transforms into a small Cybertronic tank based a bit more on the show's CGI model. This toy features a fair bit of articulation (about 8 points in robot mode), though some points are more useful than others. His head articulation, for example, is quite nice. The toy also has lightpiping through the spark and missile rack on his belly.

{{anchor|RedRooster}}
*'''Tankor''' (Little Red Rooster Meal, 2000)

: The Happy Meal toy was retooled and redecoed for release in Australia, through the Red Rooster fast food chain. Aside from the original coloration, this mold was also cast in the colors of the other three molds used by Red Rooster: [[Jetstorm (BM)|Jetstorm]], [[Megatron (BW)/toys|Megatron]] and [[Rattrap]]. The retooling involved removing (and plugging up) Tankor's light piping, meaning that his neck is no longer translucent plastic. Due to the softer plastic used to construct him it can be difficult to get Red Rooster Tankor's arms to come out.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2000/Vehicon/McTankor/tankor.htm More information on McDonald's/Red Rooster Tankor at TFU.info]''

{{-}}
===Universe===
[[Image:Universe2003toy-TankorObsidian.jpg|right|thumb|300px|We never actually met before, but here we are!]]
*'''Tankor & Obsidian''' (Ultra, 2003)
**''Accessories:'' Projectile

:Part of the first wave of ''Universe'' Ultra sets, Tankor is a redeco of the original Mega toy in an olive-green and mustard-yellow coloration with "energon surge" paint on various parts. He retains all of the [[gimmick]]ry of the original toy. He was only available in an Ultra-level two-pack with [[Obsidian (BM)#Universe (2003)|Obsidian]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Decepticon/Tankor/tankor.htm More information on Universe Tankor at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Beast Wars Returns===
*'''Tankor''' (Basic, 2005)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''BR-06'''
**''Accessories:'' Projectile

: Released in the second wave of the Japanese Toys "R" Us [[exclusive]] ''Beast Wars Returns'' line (the Japanese name for ''Beast Machines''), Tankor is a [[redeco]] of the Basic [[Tank Drone]], transforming into a Cybertronic four-tracked tank. Pressing the [[spark crystal]] on his cannon connects a gear-wheel system on the underside of his tank mode, spinning his barrel as he is pushed along, eventually firing a spring-loaded "energy blast" missile.

: It is highly (in fact, almost perfectly) [[Show-accuracy|show-accurate]], although [[Scale|woefully out of scale]] with the other ''Beast Machines'' toys. Like the rest of the line, actually...

: This mold was also used to make [[Stockade (Universe 2003)|Stockade]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Vehicon/Tankor/tankor.htm More information on Beast Wars Returns Tankor at TFU.info]''

==Merchandise==
===Robot Heroes===
* '''Cheetor vs. Tankor''' (2009)

[[Image:RobotHeroes Cheetor VS Tankor.jpg|right|200px|thumb|An adorable little fascist!]]
: Tankor is part of the fourth wave of ''[[Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]] [[Robot Heroes (toyline)|Robot Heroes]]'' and is designated as from the "Beast Machines Series," along with his packmate [[Cheetor (BW)/toys|Cheetor]]. His sculpt is derived from his television show appearance, but his colorscheme is taken from the [[Tank Drone]] toy. Tankor has articulation at the neck and shoulders, though his left arm doesn't have good clearance with his hip.

:Rather than using the ''Beast Machines'' Maximal and Vehicon symbols, the embossed faction logos on the top of the Cheetor/Tankor packaging are the pre-existing ''Beast Wars'' Maximal and Predacon symbols found on ''Beast Wars''-themed ''Universe'' Robot Heroes packs.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Vehicon/Tankor/tankor.htm More information on Robot Heroes Tankor at TFU.info]

==Notes==
* According to ''Beast Machines'' DVD commentary by Story Editor [[Bob Skir]], Tankor is influenced by the [[Hulk]].

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Beast Machines characters]]
[[Category:Minions of Unicron]]
[[Category:Fast food exclusives]]
[[Category:Robot Heroes]]
[[Category:Rulers of Cybertron]]
[[Category:Universe characters]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]
[[Category:Vehicons]]
[[Category:Decepticons]]

Tankor (BM)

2010-08-22T00:07:02Z

12.174.70.16: