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Wheelie (ROTF)

2011-06-26T11:47:45Z

124.106.134.246: /* Revenge of the Fallen */

{{factions|decepticonfilm|autobotfilm}}
{{disambig3|Wheelie}}
:''Wheelie is an Autobot and a Decepticon from the [[Revenge of the Fallen (franchise)|Revenge of the Fallen]] portion of the [[live-action film series|live-action film]] [[continuity family]]. He is sometimes known as '''Wheels'''.''
[[Image:ROTFWheelie.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Whaddaya lookin' at, [[Bonecrusher (dog)|slobberpuss]]?!]]
'''Wheelie''' is a sneaky little salvage and [[scrap drone]]<ref>Hasbro's online [http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/en_US/discover/TRANSFORMERS-Glossary.cfm Transformers glossary].</ref>, always underfoot when you least expect it. As a reconnaissance specialist, he's equipped to the teeth with mid-range surveillance equipment. But his real asset is stealth, tooling along unseen and unsuspected while he accomplishes his mission. Unfortunately for his mission, he often bites off more than he can chew—and ends up being the one chewed on!

Although he does seem to have a bit of a "mouth" on him, Wheelie isn't really a ''bad'' sort: a loving home and a little strict discipline could whip him into shape. Allow disgruntlement with the Autobots to grow, however, and he may get ''mean''...

{{quote|Easy, [[Mikaela Banes|Warrior Goddess]], I'm just a little salvage scrap drone.|Wheelie, shortly after earning the nickname "Blinky"|''[[Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]''}}

==Fiction==
===Pre-''Revenge of the Fallen'' Titan Magazines===

[[Image:Titan5_Wheeliparatrooper.jpg|thumb|left|150px|"Are you sure this'll take my ''weeeiiiggggh-'' '''*KRNCH*''']]

During the Decepticon plot to frame [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]] and [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]], Wheelie was parachuted onto their prison convoy by [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]]. Once there, he swiftly freed the twins and offered them a place in the Decepticons before he made good his escape.

Also, he totally [[:Image:Titan5_Wheeliethemurderer.jpg|murdered two people]]. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.6|Outlaw Blues}}

{{Note|The following is in Law and Disorder letters page continuity.}}

Ironhide really, really, ''really'' dislikes Wheelie. Optimus Prime stopped him using the guy as a 'target marker' {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.15|#15's Law and Disorder}} and he's asked the Decepticons to come collect (and torture) him. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.10|#10's Law and Disorder}}

{{-}}

===''Revenge of the Fallen'' film===
:Voice actor: [[Tom Kenny]] (English), [[Naoki Tatsuta]] (Japanese), [[Rainer Fritzsche]] (German), [[Luca Dal Fabbro]] (Italian), [[Sérgio Stern]] (Portuguese), [[Carlo Vázquez]] (Latin American-Spanish)
[[Image:Wheelie ROTF movie trailer.jpg|thumb|right|300px|No disassemble!]]

Disguised as a remote-controlled monster truck toy, Wheelie was ordered by [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] to steal the [[AllSpark]] fragment that belonged to [[Mikaela Banes]]. Wheelie attempted to unlock the safe in her garage containing the fragment, but the noise he made in trying to avoid the various dangerous objects on the floor alerted her to his presence, so she picked him up with tongs and burnt out his left eye with a blowtorch. Mikaela then demanded to know what he was doing there, and Wheelie explained that he needed to bring the AllSpark shard to the Decepticons, or he'd be terminated, begging mercy of Mikaela, who he dubbed "Warrior Goddess". Despite his protests, Mikaela locked him inside a box, which she took to [[Princeton University]] when [[Sam Witwicky]] told her he had been having visions and breakdowns induced by the fragment. Although [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] later bisected Mikaela's car, Wheelie's box was undamaged and she retrieved and stored it in [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]]'s boot.

Wheelie was let out of the box at [[Seymour Simmons]]'s deli in [[New York City]]. Mikaela held him with a chain, but promised she would not hurt him if he promised to explain the [[Cyberglyphics]] Sam had been hallucinating about. Wheelie identified the symbols as the Language of the [[Dynasty of Primes|Primes]], and said that he couldn't read it. When he noticed the pictures of suspected Transformers, he identified them as the [[Seeker (ROTF)|Seekers]], saying they could read the language and he could tell them where to find them. Wheelie did, and he accompanied Mikaela, Sam, Simmons, [[Leo Spitz]], Bumblebee, [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]] to find [[Jetfire (ROTF)|Jetfire]] at the Smithsonian. Wheelie told the humans that Jetfire was a living legend, like "chairman of the board" type, and instructed Sam to point the shard at the Blackbird.

[[Image:ROTF-Wheeliedryhumpsaleg.jpg|left|thumb|300px|This is the culmination of 25 years of Transformers fiction. You've come a long way, baby.]]
The surge of energon sent through Jetfire awoke the ancient Seeker, who was irritable and cantankerous, and Wheelie noted that Jetfire had not aged very well. As the larger Decepticon made his way outside, he inquired on the state of the civil war, and informed the group that he had defected years earlier. Wheelie was shocked by Jetfire's discussion of how he defected from the Decepticons to the Autobots, a thought which had never occurred to him, and decided he too would defect to Warrior Goddess, humping Mikaela's leg in joy. Sam objected, but Mikaela noted Wheelie was faithful, [[Alice|unlike]] her boyfriend. That did not stop Sam from punting Wheelie.

Wheelie was taken by Jetfire's [[space bridge]] to [[Jordan]], and from there he travelled with the humans and Autobots to the [[Pyramid]]s of [[Egypt]]. He was present in when Bumblebee was stopped by the Egyptian checkpoint officers. They arrived in Cairo, where he presumably decided to stay safely while everyone else searched for the [[Tomb of the Primes]]. {{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen}}

{{Note|Wheelie is never seen again after entering the run-down building in Cairo with the human characters.}}

===''Revenge of the Fallen'' novelization===
In Egypt, Wheels stopped a police car by jumping onto its windscreen and smashing it, before Bumblebee and the Twins scared off the officers. After that he ripped off a wiper as a trophy, ran back to Mikaela and buried his face in her cleavage. Later, when the good guys had beaten the decepticons, Wheelie spun around Sam and Mikaela happily in vehicle mode. {{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (novel)|Revenge of the Fallen}}
{{--}}

===Coloring books===
[[Image:Wheels rotfcoloringbook.jpg|thumb|Oh '''SNAP!''']]
{{-}}
{{charstubfiction}}

===Post-''Revenge of the Fallen'' Titan Magazines===

[[Image:Titan20_WheelieIronhide.jpg|thumb|left|150px|The answer was "on page 4".]]

It had been a year and a half since his defection, and the Autobots ''still'' didn't trust Wheelie (Ironhide in particular making no secret of his contempt) and he knew it. When he volunteered to help hit a Decepticon command hub and was rebuffed, Wheelie tore into the Autobots for how they would never trust him and how they were still waiting for him to backstab them. Bitter and angry, Wheelie went off... to backstab them, warning [[Bludgeon (ROTF)|Bludgeon]] of the Autobot/NEST strike team so they could be ambushed.

But Bludgeon was being backstabbed too, as Wheelie disabled the command hub's security features and summoned in [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] to Earth. Megatron welcomed him back into the fold {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.20|Divided Loyalties}} and Wheelie knew that, with the true leader back, he could come back in from the cold. Yes, it had all gone well for Wheelie... until [[Dead End (ROTF)|Dead End]], half dead and crazed for "SPARE... PARTS!", came into the command hub. The Autobots would turn up later and finds ''bits'' of Wheelie, sending them to Ratchet to see if there was anything he could do...{{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.21|A Short, Sharp Lesson!}}

{{-}}

===IDW ''Dark of the Moon'' comics===
Sam, Bumblebee and Wheelie took [[Brains]] to his college. But then the decepticons attacked. {{storylink|Rising Storm issue 2}} In the battle that folowed, Wheelie alerted Sam that Brains was missing. This eventually let them to rescue Brains from [[Space Case (DOTM)|Space Case]]. {{storylink|Rising Storm issue 3}} Wheelie then welcomed Brains to the autobots, causing Brains to cry. after the battle he and Brains moved to [[Washington D.C]] with Sam. {{storylink|Rising Storm issue 4}}

===''Dark of the Moon'' film===
:Voice actor: Tom Kenny (English)
{{comingsoon}}

==Toys==
===Revenge of the Fallen===
[[Image:Wheelie ROTF deluxe toy.jpg|thumb|right|300px|[http://www13.atpages.jp/pcwr/top15/log213.htm WHEEL•E]]]
*'''Autobot Wheelie''' (Deluxe, 2009)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''RA-09'''

: Wheelie transforms into a pretty generic "remote controlled" 4 wheel drive truck with oversized tires. his chest features a flip-around panel that shifts his allegiance from Decepticon to Autobot (and back). His eyes are on independent rotating swivels, giving him the ability to have somewhat different expressions. Each eye is also sculpted differently, with his left eye having less details than the right, a reference to when Mikaela blow-torched his eye.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Autobot/Wheelie/wheelie.htm More information on Wheelie at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Legends}}
[[Image:ROTF-toy Wheelie.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Now a toy that actually matches my size.]]
*'''Autobot Wheelie''' (Legends, 2009)

: Part of the fifth wave of [[Legends Class]] figures, Wheelie transforms into a generic "remote controlled" 4 wheel drive pickup truck with oversized tires.You can see his eyes in vehicle mode, right where his rear window should be, yeah.

{{--}}

==Notes==
[[Image:ROTFWheelieprop.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Sadly, you can't buy the big one in stores.]]
*The physical prop for Wheelie's vehicle mode used for the [[Revenge of the Fallen (film)|movie]]<ref name="udvarhazy">[http://www.flickr.com/photos/curlrup Various ROTF props and toys on display at the Udvar-Hazy Center], July/August 2009</ref> is a modified monster truck version of a Ford F-350 pick-up truck, specifically a customized Tamiya F-350 High Lift RC toy including a grille guard<ref name="highlift">[http://www.tamiyausa.com/product/item.php?product-id=58372 Tamiya USA's page for the F-350 High Lift]</ref>, with the body slightly shortened and mounted on an HPI Wheely King chassis<ref name="wheely">[http://www.hpieurope.com/kit-info.php?partNo=10831&lang=en HPI's page for the Wheely King]</ref>. Other modifications include the use of Integy Alloy TVP chassis plates<ref name="alloy">[http://www.integy.com/st_prod.html?p_prodid=4943&p_catid=114 Team Integrity's page for the Alloy TVP chassis plates.]</ref>, HPI Spike Truck Wheels<ref name="hpispike">[http://www.hpiracing.com/products/en/3082/ HPI page for the Spike Truck Wheels]</ref> and (possibly scratch-built) fender add-ons for the truck body itself. A prop for one of Wheelie's feet, complete with an attached tire, was also made.<ref name="udvarhazy"/>

* Wheelie was a bit different in earlier drafts of the ''Revenge of the Fallen'' script. Originally, he was named "Wheels", and was a much more primitive little creature, speaking in a broken, simplistic dialogue—source of the "Warrior Goddess" epithet that seems fairly out of place with the fast-talking Italian accent he ultimately wound up with in the finished film. This version of the character appeared in the film [[Revenge of the Fallen (novel)|novelization]] in the [[IDW Publishing|IDW]] [[Revenge of the Fallen (comic series)|comic adaptation]], since they were both based on the script; furthermore, [[Simon Furman]] rather oddly kept using this portrayal of the character in [[Titan Books|Titan]]'s [[Transformers (Titan Magazine)|UK comic]] several months after the film had come out before knocking it off about a year-and-a-half later.

*In their audio commentary on the ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' DVD and Blu-ray release, screenwriters [[Roberto Orci]] and [[Alex Kurtzman]] refer to Wheelie by his early working name, "Wheels". [[Michael Bay]], meanwhile, calls him by his toys' name.

*Seeing Mikaela for the first time, Wheelie describes her as "hot" but "not too bright." Interesting that a sentient machine would find a human [[Transformer romance|sexually attractive]]. He, in fact, humps her leg later in the movie.

*Nelson confirmed that Wheelie will be back in ''[[Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon]]''. [[Titan Books|Titan Magazines]] and [[Hasbro UK]] may not have known this, since Wheelie defected back to the Decepticons - in a way that left an Autobot dead - in one issue and then had him eaten in the next! The Autobots are unaware he betrayed them and talk like Ratchet can patch him up, but that seems a last-minute "oh whoops" patch-up.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Wheelie''' (ホィーリー ''Hīrī'')
*''German:'' '''Wheeler''' (''Revenge of the Fallen'' dub)

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Dark of the Moon Autobots]]
[[Category:Drones]]
[[Category:Revenge of the Fallen Autobots]]
[[Category:Revenge of the Fallen Decepticons]]
[[Category:Spies]]
[[Category:Turncoats]]

Knockoff

2011-06-26T11:36:43Z

124.106.134.246:

[[Image:Bootleg.jpg|right|273px|thumb|Super Combination Robot B/O 17-in-1. One just sold for $350 on Ebay. Feel free to throw up in your mouth a little.]]
A '''knockoff''' is a product similar or identical to a product of one company, but made by another without the authorization of the original maker. In the ''Transformers'' fandom, the term is commonly abbreviated '''KO'''. The term '''bootleg''' is also sometimes used as a synonym.

==What's a knockoff?==
Not all transforming robots from makers other than [[Hasbro]], [[TakaraTomy]], [[Bandai]], or other major toy makers are knockoffs, but those toys which wholly or partly duplicate pre-existing designs are well-qualified for the term. The term is also applied by fans, however, to some robots whose design was entirely original with the manufacturer, if said manufacturer is commonly associated with knockoffs, or if this maker's products are often sold in company with knockoffs.

Whether an original design, modified, or slavishly copied, knockoffs are often cheaper than the products of major toymakers. However, the quality of knockoffs is often poorer than that of the originals, including bad plastic quality, bad sticker application, and bad paint applications. Odd colors, excess chrome, resizings, and modifications are common. The world of knockoffs is a strange land of gigantic chromed swords, Gundam/[[Brave (franchise)|Brave]] card art, and wacky packaging translations.

==Legal analysis of knockoffs==
Despite myths to the contrary, most ''Transformers'' knockoffs are illegal. In HASBRO BRADLEY, INC. v. SPARKLE TOYS, INC., 780 F.2d 189 (2nd Cir. 1985), the Second Circuit granted an injunction on Sparkle Toys' Jumpstarter knockoffs, where Hasbro showed a likelihood of success for infringement of their copyright in the Jumpstarters toys.<ref>[http://www.law.cornell.edu/copyright/cases/780_F2d_189.htm http://www.law.cornell.edu/copyright/cases/780_F2d_189.htm]</ref> For those not law literate, this basically means that (A) Hasbro held a valid copyright in the Jumpstarters, and (B) Hasbro had a strong enough case that this would have gone to a jury, which would ultimately decide whether there was infringement.

Although Hasbro and Takara's design patents on ''Transformers'' toys expire after 14 years from issuance, their copyright in ''Transformers'' toys lasts for 95 years from publication, i.e., sale to the public. Thus, while the design patents on some ''Transformers'' toys have expired, the copyright protection on all ''Transformers'' toys is still in effect. For useful articles, such as a reconfigurable toy, copyright protects only those expressive elements that are separable from the function. While a transformation is probably not protectable because it is functional, the overall look of the robot or alternate mode is protectable. Thus, while a heavily remolded knockoff that only retains the transformation of the original toy may avoid infringement, a toy that is only resized or is only painted in different colors would infringe Hasbro and Takara's copyright regardless of the slight modification.

==Availability of knockoffs==
Knockoffs were a real problem in the mid-1980's. As the majority of the line came from [[Diaclone]] and [[Micro Change]] toys that had been released in Japan a year or two earlier, Hong Kong bootleggers had plenty of time to copy the molds. Because of this, there were bootlegs on the shelf at the same time as their legitimate Hasbro counterparts. Some bootlegs even preceded their Transformers counterparts like [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]]. To combat this, the [[rubsign]] was developed, made with a patented technology that was difficult (at that time) to forge. There was also an accompanying TV ad campaign is which Optimus Prime and Megatron stress brand loyalty by stating, "We are the only ones that have the right to wear [ [[Autobot]] & [[Decepticon]] symbols ]."

Through most of the 1990s, knockoffs were relatively difficult to find in the West. Many fans had luck finding them at flea markets, hole-in-the-wall non-chain toy stores, or discount stores like [[wikipedia: Big! Lots|Big Lots]]. Some knockoff transforming robot toys did show up in chain toy stores, such as the Convert-A-Bots [[Sky Garry (ROC)|Sky Garry]] and Tek Toys ''Voltron'' I—both widely available at Toys R Us—but they were few and far between.

In the 2000s, knockoffs became more accessible. The Kidi Toys gestalt knockoffs were widely available at Family Dollar and [[Kay Bee]] Toy Liquidator stores, and saturated [[eBay]]. Happy Well knockoffs took up shelf space next to Transformers Armada toys at [[Wal-Mart]]. And of course, the realistic counterfeit G1 toys were also widely available on eBay from any number of different sellers. More recently, high end counterfeits have been harder to find on Ebay and can only be found on sites like ioffer or kotoys.com.

==Hasbro's intervention (or lack thereof)==
To date, Hasbro apparently has taken few actions against knockoff manufacturers. Only a couple of cases exist from the 1980s in which Hasbro shut down a ''Transformers'' knockoff operation, and no such cases exist from the 1990s onward. Hasbro's ''Transformers'' design director [[Aaron Archer]] was once quoted as making a comment at [[BotCon]] implying that Hasbro was unconcerned with knockoffs.{{fact}} Strangely, Hasbro recently contacted small online toy store AgesThreeAndUp and told them to take down their knockoff listings. At [[BotCon 2008]], [[Greg Lombardo]] read an official Hasbro policy discouraging fans from purchasing knockoffs — even in the main dealer room just a few yards away — and vaguely threatening future legal action against their producers. In May 2008, eBay began taking down auctions for knockoff Transformers (the high end counterfeits in particular), but it's unclear whether this was Hasbro's doing or not.<ref>http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/other-news-20/knockoff-transformers-auctions-being-pulled-from-ebay-165004/</ref>

==Knockoff companies==
Certain knockoff companies have become notable over the years for one reason or another:

* Four Star - Known during the 1980s for taking any number of ''[[Diaclone]]''-descendant [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] molds and making massive [[Retool|retools]] of them, usually changing 75% of the mold or more. They are especially known for "Mr. Hardhat", a [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] bootleg that is made up of six entirely changed [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] that combine in an entirely different way. The fully combined form uses [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]]'s head. Despite only being known to exist during the '80s, previously unknown Four Star bootlegs seem to appear every few years, bringing into question exactly how many figures they retooled and how these figures were distributed to stay hidden for so long.

* Tek Toys - A North American company that appeared in the early to mid-1990s and did business almost exclusively through Toys "R" Us. They pioneered the combination card/windowless box design used by many, many bootlegs to this day. Tek Toys also used a distinctively plain graphics style on their packaging, eschewing the usual random ''Gundam'' and ''Generation 1'' graphics for new airbrushed art or, surprising for a knockoff company, CGI models, almost always against a plain white background. Tek Toys also worked in extremes, either having recolored copies of existing figures or all new original figures that may or may not have been procured from smaller Asian companies (often times Leader Shine). In a bold move, Tek Toys had their office address printed on later boxes. Their new box graphics are still recycled by other knockoff companies to this day.

[[Image:JBootleg.jpg|right|180px|thumb|On your knees, Jumpstarters! Kneel before your living GOD!]]
* Leader Shine (AKA Champion Crown) - Known during the 1990s for bootlegging the living hell out of the [[Jumpstarter]] molds, producing clones, minor retools, major retools, and almost unrecognizable retools. They also produce "original" toys whose transformation schemes are derived from either ''Transformers'', the ''Brave'' series, or ''Power Rangers''. They still release new and varied Jumpstarters to this day. Leader Shine is also responsible for the very ''[[Godzilla]]''-themed knockoff of [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] that reappears every few years. They also have an amusing habit of putting "Pat. P." (Patent Pending) on almost all of their packages in spite of whether their product is a direct copy or completely changed. However under the trade names "Leader Shine" and "Champion Crown" there are no patents held.

* Happy Well - One of the most prominent knockoff companies from the mid-2000's, Happy Well was bold enough to strike a contract with Wal*Mart, CVS Pharmacies, and Walgreen's, making them possibly the first company to have a knockoff "name brand", namely the "Galaxy Defender" series. Happy Well uses relatively high-quality materials, and most of their products are boxed. Some even come with sticker sheets and [[die-cast]] parts. They have since created their own properties and shy away from bootlegs, their "Roadbots" line was the only direct competitor to the ''[[Alternators]]'' line of licensed scale transforming cars.

* Zhong Jin, aka Playcenter<ref>Zhong Jin/Playcenter was first identified as the manufacturer of the knockoffs in September 2007, when fans noticed pictures of most of the current counterfeit G1 knockoffs on their [http://china.alibaba.com/company/detail/playcenter.html Alibaba supplier website], including then-upcoming counterfeits like Warpath. Apparently aware of this, Zhong Jin took down images of all their counterfeit Transformers from the website in October or November.</ref> - The first and primary manufacturer of the high-quality counterfeit ''Generation 1'' knockoffs. Zhong Jin has been making their counterfeit Transformers since 2005, starting with Beachcomber, but in 2007 began greatly increasing their range of counterfeit ''Generation 1'' knockoffs, which now includes at least 47 different G1 Transformers, filling in many of the gaps left by the official reissues. They have also done many plastic/paint variants of their knockoffs, including many clear plastic versions.

* Kidi Toys<ref>[http://www.toysghost.cn Kidi Toys' web site]</ref> - Perhaps best known as the manufacturer of the many low-quality ''Generation 1'' gestalt gift sets. Following Zhong Jin's lead, they briefly produced a couple realistic counterfeit ''Generation 1'' knockoffs ([[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]], [[Metrotitan (Zone)|Metrotitan]], and [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]]. Among their other notable knockoffs are [[Alternator]] figures with new or copied paint schemes of reasonable quality. They are the knockoff company responsible for the infamous fake Metroplex Encore Reissues, which deceived major online Transformers stores.<ref>http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-toy-discussion/199973-what-heck-encore-12-metroplex-i-got-tfsource-fake.html</ref>

* Citi Toys - Based in Thailand, the same company that was producing toys for McDonald's Happy Meals was also producing knockoffs of transforming robots in the late 1990's, albeit mostly ''Brave'' and ''Power Rangers''. After news leaked out that they used child labor, new knockoffs with their "CT" logo stopped appearing, which suggests that the child labor scandal caused them to shut down.

* Agglo is a Hong Kong based company that has produced numerous Transformers knockoffs over the years. Their products have ranged from knockoffs of ''Generation 1'' figures, to ''Beast Wars'' and Japanese Beast Wars characters and even ''Robot Masters'' and ''Generation 2'' Cyberjets. They are notable for giving their lines rather long names, one of their Beast Wars KO lines being "Space Warriors Transformable Beast Tech Fighter". They are one of the primary suppliers to the American ''Big Lots!'' stores and generally use their toy molds until they are virtually destroyed, as evidenced by their bootlegs of a number of Leader Shine products which have been retooled to have fewer and fewer parts as time goes by.

* iGear produces down-sized and remolded knockoffs of Masterpiece Transformers toys.

==Countries that produce or once produced knockoffs==
Most knockoffs originate outside of North America and Europe. Although most knockoff-producing countries have joined the Berne Convention and have thus obligated themselves to protect the copyrights of other countries, lax enforcement has allowed manufacturers in many foreign countries, such as China, to continue to produce knockoffs. However, manufacturers in other countries like South Korea, which was once a huge source of knockoff ''Transformers'', have in the last decade made efforts to legitimize themselves by buying the rights to produce official Korean versions of the toys they had long been copying.

[[Image:SENDTHEBOOKS.jpg|right|180px|thumb|SEND THE BOOKS!]]
* [[China]] — The main source of the world's Transformers knockoffs and notorious for their use of gigantic blister cards. Although they are typically low quality, such as the combiner gift sets produced by Kidi Toys, it is also the home of Playcenter, the high quality counterfeit ''Generation 1'' toy manufacturer. China has signed the Berne Convention obligating them to protect foreign copyrights, and has enacted legislation to do so, but their enforcement remains at a pitifully weak level. China is currently the main source of the world's Transformers knockoffs.

* [[South Korea]] — Was once a hotbed of Transformers knockoff activity. It was not uncommon in South Korea for there to even be animated series, like ''[[Inferno (G1)|Phoenix King]]'', that incorporated multiple knocked-off properties, such as [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] fighting a Gundam or any other number of famous characters. Hilariously, "Gundam" was so embedded in the South Korean public psyche as a synonym for "giant robot" via these different bootleg outlets that the ''Gundam'' property owner Sunrise's attempts to trademark the word were entirely rejected by the courts<ref>[http://www.comipress.com/article/2006/10/28/938 http://www.comipress.com/article/2006/10/28/938] Gundam and Giant Robots in South Korea</ref>. Some Korean knockoff manufacturers took great liberties with Transformers molds, such as significantly increasing their size[http://www.pleasesavemerobots.com/scrambledcity/skorbia/skorbydestrong.html], and/or retooling their alt modes to resemble completely different vehicles.[http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=17850203&uid=5138952] South Korea is known for such knockoffs as oversized Combaticons, Overlord with Starsaber's face, multiple Power Master Optimus cab knockoffs, and the white Oversized ''Generation 2'' Optimus Prime (the legitimacy of which has been debated). Since the mid-/late-1990s, South Korea has begun enforcing foreign copyrights and is no longer a major source of knockoff Transformers toys.

* Taiwan — Known for knockoffs with a lot of English text on them and higher quality than Chinese knockoffs. Many Taiwanese knockoffs found their way into Italy in the 1980s and 1990s and can often be spotted on Italian eBay. Gig, the official ''Transformers'' licensee in Italy, even imported a Taiwanese knockoff [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]. Like South Korea, Taiwan is no longer a major source of knockoffs.

==Transitional companies==
[[Image:AlphaBaseRobot.jpg|left|180px|thumb|Oh, hi. I cost more than a [[Mint in sealed box|MISB]] ''G1'' Overlord. Want to touch me?]]
[[Image:TrendmastersMasterbotix.jpg|right|180px|thumb|AND I'LL FORM THE HE—oh, wait.]]
Although remarkably rare, some knockoff companies eventually venture into legitimate toy design territory. One such example is Trendmasters, which started out (arguably) as a knockoff manufacturer before eventually legally securing the [[wikipedia:Voltron|''Voltron'']] license. Happy Well has also shifted its focus from knockoffs to original Transforming robots in their Roadbots, X-Bot and V-Create lines.

Another such company was Korean knockoff manufacturer Academy. Academy is known for releasing the Overlord knockoff with Star Saber's head as well as the huge, up-sized ''Gundam'' Cloth MK-II. In the world of plastic scale models, they were also known for producing low-quality knockoffs of Japanese manufacturer Tamiya's kits with copied box art. Academy has since gone legit, legally acquiring such licenses as ''Gundam'', ''Naruto'', ''Tom and Jerry'', and ''Zoids''.<ref>[http://www.academy.co.kr/character/index.html http://www.academy.co.kr/character/index.html]</ref>

==High quality ''Generation 1'' counterfeits==
Starting around 2005, high quality ''Generation 1'' knockoffs began to appear on eBay. Originating from a company called Zhong Jin in China, both the packaging and toy of the knockoffs look nearly identical to the original. Unlike normal knockoffs, these sell for remarkably high prices. Since 2005, many counterfeit ''Generation 1'' products have surfaced from Zhong Jin, including Optimus Prime, Minibots, Cassettes, Autobot cars, Devastator, Dinobots, and Gnaw. Zhong Jin also has produced many color and plastic variants of their knockoffs, such as translucent versions, which were never previously released (and some of which that were, like Jafcon Black Optimus Prime). A second knockoff company, Kidi Toys, briefly produced high end G1 knockoffs as well.

The counterfeit ''Generation 1'' toys remain extremely controversial because they are virtually indistinguishable from the originals. This situation raises concerns about unscrupulous dealers selling bootlegs as genuine articles and scrupulous ones unknowingly doing the same. It's also a further infringement on Hasbro's intellectual property rights, since these fakes infringe not only the copyrights on the toys, but also the trademarks on the packaging.

Counterfeit ''Generation 1'' parts, stickers, and boxes have appeared from Zhong Jin as well, including many that have not had a corresponding whole knockoff released, including [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] boxes and [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] sticker sheets.

The counterfeit ''Generation 1'' toys are often confused with the legitimate [[Generation 1 (Chinese toyline)|Hasbro-made re-releases for the Chinese market produced from 1989 through 1995]]. (See below.)

==Myths about knockoffs==
Over the years, there have been a lot of widespread myths about knockoffs. Perhaps the most preposterous myth is that knockoffs are legal. See the Legal Analysis section above for why this theory is incorrect. Although few proponents of this theory exist, those that do claim vigorously that the presence of knockoffs on Family Dollar or Wal-Mart's shelves means that those products must be legitimate. The flaw in the reasoning here is that it assumes big chain stores would never do anything ignorantly or illegally, which is certainly [http://www.google.com/search?q=walmart+lawsuit not the case].

One long-held myth among fans (due to a general lack of information), is that the ''Generation 1'' ''Transformers'' with Chinese stickers in the corner are high-quality counterfeits. After all, they look just like the original ''Generation 1'' releases, but with some very small differences and oftentimes slightly inferior plastic quality. Recently, though, it's come out that these were, in fact, [[Generation 1 (Chinese toyline)|re-releases for the Chinese market produced from 1989 through 1995]], not unlike their Chinese ''[[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]]'' counterparts from around the same period. Ironically, high-quality counterfeit ''Generation 1'' toys from China would eventually come out, but it wouldn't be until 2005, a decade later.

==Recent knockoffs==
Since the release of the [[Transformers (2007)|2007 ''Transformers'' movie]], a flood of bootlegged figures has entered the market, with some movie line figure knockoffs appearing within a month of the official product's debut. The figures range from high-quality clones to ''very'' low-quality copies and strange variations, such as random Generation 1 figures being redone in movie paint decos (usually [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]'s flame scheme or [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee's]] yellow with black stripes).

[[Image:TFA Prime KO.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Hey I'm not the KO, [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|He]] is!]]

One notable release was a knockoff of ''[[Transformers Animated (toyline)|Transformers Animated]]'' Voyager Earth-mode [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]], which came out several weeks ''before'' the release of the original! The reason this occurred is that Hasbro shelved their already-manufactured ''Animated'' toys for several months in order to extend selling their popular movie line. Thus, finished ''Animated'' toys were able to leak out of factories and into hands of bootleggers long before they were to finally be released.

With the release of the 2009 [[Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|''Revenge of the Fallen'' movie line]] various knockoff toys have also emerged. These include oversized versions of the new Scout class molds, redecos of new Deluxe molds and molds from other lines redecoed to more closely resemble new characters (for instance the ''Animated'' Deluxe [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]] mold repainted to look like [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]], complete with door detailing).

The most recent twist in the knockoff toys saga are companies creating high quality knockoffs of recent toys aimed at collectors. These include the "KOLD" knockoffs, sold through kotoys.com, which attempt to imitate [[Lucky Draw]] and other rare Transformers. Also, there have been high quality knockoffs of Henkei Starscream and the seekers (including Sunstorm and the Generic Air Warriors, who have yet to get an official Classics-verse release), as well as Henkei/Classics Mirage in several of his rarer color schemes.

==External links==
*[http://highendtfs.com/?q=node/17 HighEndTFs' ID Guide for high quality counterfeit Generation 1 Transformers]

*[http://www.actionfigurechecklist.com/Images/Album/index.php?v=list&i=0&p=Transformers_KnockOff_KO Action Figure Checklist's Transformer Knock-Off Photo Album]

*[http://www.reocities.com/TelevisionCity/3230/tfother.html All Things Transformers - Other Transforming Toys]

*[http://www.mykooltoyz.com/bootleg-tf.html BOOTLEG TRANSFORMERS]

*[http://cybertronphils.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=toyreview&action=print&thread=4183 Bootleg Center]

*[http://www22.pos.to/~butto/ttot.html Butto's Other Transforming Toys (Japanese)]

*[http://www.netlaputa.ne.jp/~m-akao/GALLERY/fakehp.html Fake Toy Gallery (Japanese)]

*[http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=6&uid=5138952 Hatch's Bootleg Transformers]

*[http://replay.waybackmachine.org/20091026164943/http://www.geocities.com/kidk0rrupt/ Kid K0rrupt's Bootleg Gallery]

*[http://www.builtstlouis.net/tf/mmkos/index.html Rob's Pile of Transformers: Micromaster Knockoffs]

*[http://www.tfarchive.com/toys/bootlegs/ TFArchive.com's Bootleg Gallery]

*[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-toy-discussion/191817-knock-off-transformers-thread.html TFW2005 Ongoing Knock-Off Transformers Thread]

*[http://www.toyarchive.com/Transformers/Knockoffs/Genertaion1KnockOffs.html Toyarchive.com's Gallery of Generation 1 Knockoffs]

*[http://zobovor.20megsfree.com/knockoffs_archive.html Zobovor's Knockoff Toys Archive (text)]

*[http://www.reocities.com/scrambledcity/skorbia/index.html SKORBIA-Crazysteve's South Korean Bootleg Information Archive]

==Footnotes==
<references />

[[Category:Toys]]

Sideswipe (Movie)

2011-06-26T09:18:31Z

124.106.134.246: /* Deluxe Class toys */

{{factions|autobot|NEST}}
{{disambig3|Sideswipe}}
:''Sideswipe is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Live-action film series|live-action film]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Revenge of the Fallen Sideswipe.jpg|thumb|300px|Also known as ''"Stabby McWheelfeet"''.]]

'''Sideswipe''' is true to his function of Warrior. Though proficient with guns, he prefers melee combat to ranged weapons, and will employ any maneuver it takes to get close enough to the enemy to use his arm-mounted [[Cybertanium]] swords. His agile, wheel-legged form more than allows for this. His tactics are merciless and he's utterly unapologetic about this—war, after all, is ''messy''.

Oh, and he's also not vain at ''all'': those alt modes of his are chosen for speed only. It's a ''total coincidence'' that the fastest one just ''happens'' to be a sleek, sexy, concept model that's better than ''your'' car, honest! <ref>[[Revenge of the Fallen: The Movie Universe|Transformers: The Movie Universe]]</ref>

{{quote2|Damn, I'm good.|Sideswipe|[[Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]}}

==Fiction==
===IDW ''Transformers'' movie comics===
{{ongoing}}
When Sideswipe joined the Autobots he trained under the veteran warrior [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]], learning the arts of war. After his training was complete, he went on to become the protector of a settlement of displaced Autobots. This settlement was found by the pitiless [[Demolishor (ROTF)|Demolishor]], who slaughtered them nearly to a bot. Sideswipe was ashamed, not only over having failed to protect his charges, but also because he had lived to tell the tale.{{storylink|Tales of the Fallen issue 2}}

[[Image:Talesofthe Fallen2- Sideswipetraffic.jpg|left|thumb|250px|Phew, lucky the artist didn't put anyone in those cars or Sidewipe would be a bit of a git here!]]

After [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]'s Autobots left [[Mission City]], they left a homing beacon in a junk yard near the metropolis to attract any Autobots who might have heard Prime's rallying call to [[Earth]]. {{Storylink|Alliance issue 3}} Sideswipe was among those few that answered the beacon and had hidden themselves in the junk yard. Once discovered, they were brought to [[Diego Garcia]] to train with the other Autobots and [[William Lennox|Major Lennox]]'s soldiers in defense of their new home. {{Storylink|Alliance issue 4}} However, Sideswipe proved a loose cannon as he continued his vendetta against Demolishor when the Decepticon turned up in [[Montevideo]], [[Uruguay]]. Showing little regard for humans in pursuing his quarry, Sideswipe's actions prompted Ironhide to arrive on the scene to rein him in. The younger Autobot was openly insubordinate towards Ironhide, warning him not to get in the way. Ultimately all the old veteran could do was to serve as damage control during Sideswipe's singleminded pursuit. Ultimately more reinforcements from [[NEST]] arrived, and Demolishor fled the scene. In the aftermath, Sideswipe saw the fear and mistrust the humans regarded him with because of his violent actions. Understanding this, he was forced to admit that Ironhide's admonishment of him was correct. {{storylink|Tales of the Fallen issue 2}}

Sideswipe didn't have long to wait for another shot at his nemesis. Soon enough, Demolishor had been sighted in [[Shanghai]], [[China]]. {{Storylink|Alliance issue 4}}
{{-}}

===Titan Magazines ROTF comic===

{{bigquote|''Skids? Mudflap? Hhh.'' What have I ever done to deserve ''this''?|Sideswipe on his training position, [[Transformers Comic issue 2.5|Reversal of Fortune]]}}

[[Image:Titan4_Sideswipe.jpg|right|thumb|250px|"Look, you guys are the Jar Jar Binks of this franchise. There's ''always'' room for improvement."]]

Unlike most Autobots, Sideswipe—part of a younger generation built during wartime—was made to fight. He was born during the war and with full knowledge of the Cybertronian battlefield, designed solely for killing. He's master of the quick-change transformation! {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.2|Sideswipe's profile}}

Sideswipe served as a combat instructor at NEST's Scottish base, and had to put [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]] back through basic training—something he was fed up of. As far as he was concerned, they should've been put on charge for causing [[Grindor (ROTF)|Grindor]] to escape and he should have better things to do. He dealt with this by putting the twins through simulated combat after simulated combat, finally cracking it up to maximum setting, before [[Ravage (ROTF)|someone knocked him out]].

When he came to, the twins were babbling about how a mysterious and long-vanished Decepticon working for [[Soundwave (ROTF)|another mysterious Decepticon]] had done it and tried to kill them! Sideswipe was having none of it, viewing this as implausible and believing the twins knocked him out in revenge for training and were covering themselves. Between this and Grindor, he was becoming suspicious of them... {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.4|New Tricks}}

Following the training, poor Sideswipe took them to [[Diego Garcia]] and continued to be pestered by them for a meeting with Prime. Not trusting them and ignoring their babble about some "[[the Fallen|dude]]", he tried to discourage them, only for the two to sneak off behind his back. Sighing, he went in pursuit... and saw them distract Prime before a [[Scorponok (Movie)|Decepticon attacked]],
Skids tripped over Prime before he could take charge, and Mudflap handed a weapon to [[Sideways (ROTF)|an escaping prisoner]]! When Optimus remarked that someone must've compromised security, Sideswipe fingered the twins: their actions clearly showed they were turncoats! {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.5|Reversal of Fortune}}

Sideswipe would be part of the team tracking down the twins {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.5|Outlaw Blues}}, and would later be surprised when they were tracked down to [[North Carolina]]... and were ''fighting'' two Decepticons? Why, if he didn't know better, he'd think they were fighting the two 'cons they'd helped! {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.7|Turnabout}}

After the Autobots tracked the twins to the Decepticon's base, it became clear they ''weren't'' traitors after all and ''had'' been framed. Did Sideswipe apologise? Hell no, he instead had a scary amount of fun slaughtering [[Purple generic drones|drones]] and had to be told off by Ironhide for excessive bloodlust. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.8|Back-to-Back}}

[[Image:Titan11_cleaningupHoist.jpg|left|300px|thumb|The Autobots, after some time in Glasgow. ]]

Later, after [[Revenge of the Fallen (film)|the twins turned out to have told the truth about this "Fallen" guy]], Sideswipe was with Ironhide cleaning up the remaining Decepticons on Earth, (rather worryingly) including ''[[Hoist (Movie)|Hoist!]].'' {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.11|Spare Parts!}}

{{-}}

===''Revenge of the Fallen'' movie===
:''Voice actor:'' [[André Sogliuzzo]] (English), [[Akio Ohtsuka]] (Japanese), [[Salvador Reyes]] (Latin American-Spanish)

[[Image:Sideswipe-ROTFdamnImgood.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Damn, he's good... at killing [[Sideways (ROTF)|fleeing cowards]].]]

Sideswipe was one of the Autobots sent to [[Shanghai]] when Decepticon energy signatures were detected, but he was initially held in reserve. As [[Sideways (ROTF)|Sideways]] managed to flee from [[Arcee (Movie)|Arcee]] and [[Skids (ROTF)|the]] [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Twins]] in vehicle mode, [[William Lennox|Major Lennox]] ordered Sideswipe deployed. Sideswipe immediately sped in and quickly changed to robot mode. Catching up with Sideways by dexterously skating on his wheel-feet, Sideswipe somersaulted over the Decepticon, threw his right blade in the Decepticon's hood, and then dragged the blade in the opposite direction, tearing Sideways apart. Sideswipe took a moment to reflect on the success of his kill.

Afterwards, he returned with the other Autobots to [[NEST]]'s base in Diego Garcia, where he witnessed Director [[Theodore Galloway]] air the [[Barack Obama|President's]] concerns over the recent spate of Decepticon activity, and how the Autobots remaining on Earth might be the cause of it.

After the [[AllSpark (Movie)|All Spark shard]] was stolen by [[Ravage (ROTF)|Ravage]] from NEST's secured bunker and Decepticons were detected heading towards [[Sam Witwicky]] at [[Princeton University]], Sideswipe and the other Autobots were deployed to intercept, but arrived too late: [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] had died protecting the human boy from the resurrected [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]], [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] and [[Grindor (ROTF)|Grindor]].

[[Image:ROTF Sideswipe in Egypt.jpg|thumb|right|300px|The "Where's Sideswipe?" series of books never really caught on.]]
The Autobots and NEST arrived at a [[United States of America|United States]] air base to discover that they were no longer welcome, following renewed Decepticon aggression after Prime's death, and that they were ordered to return to Diego Garcia. The emotionally overwhelmed Autobots nearly came to blows with their former allies but finally agreed to stand down and remain on Earth. When Major Lennox learned Witwicky had come up with a way to possibly resurrect Optimus Prime, NEST travelled to [[Egypt]] instead. Sideswipe, who had been covered in a cargo net while being transported in vehicle mode, relished the chance to cut through his bonds when deployed from the air. He fought off many Decepticons during [[Operation: Firestorm]], and bore witness to Sam resurrecting Optimus Prime with the [[Matrix of Leadership]], and the death of [[The Fallen]]. {{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen}}
{{-}}

===Toy bios===

Before the war, Sideswipe was a major competitor in the [[gladiatorial combat|gladiatorial games]]. Years of training made him a master at fencing, something he viewed as an art to be celebrated through battle. When war broke out, he was sickened by the Decepticon's slaughter and vowed to use his fencing skills to defend the innocent. {{storylink|#Robot Replicas|Robot Replica Sideswipe}} Before he enlisted with the Autobots, Sideswipe traveled the galaxy in search of the most proficient warriors and devastating martial arts he could find, leading to him becoming an Autobot combat instructor.<ref>[http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/en_US/discover/Battle-Bios.cfm Hasbro Sideswipe Battle Bio]</ref> He's such a hardcore master of [[Metallikato]], he dismisses [[Bludgeon (ROTF)|Bludgeon]] as a master because of his reliance on guns. <ref>Bludgeon's Battle Bio</ref>

He's also a raw, untrained guy! Used to battling alone, he was given over to [[Robert Epps]] to be trained as a team player. The two have become good friends, and Sideswipe is now more dangerous than ever. {{storylink|#Human Alliance|Sideswipe / Tech. Sergeant Epps}}

When the [[Hooligan (G2)|hooligan]] [[Fearswoop (ROTF)|Fearswoop]] gained new powers and threatened Earth, Sideswipe was dispatched with Mudflap to take the giant Decepticon down. {{storylink|The Fury of Fearswoop}}

[[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] has recently convinced him to use guns again. As it turns out, they'll be perfect against his enemy [[Axor|Axor]]. (Gonna apologise to Bludgeon now, Sideswipe?) {{storylink|#Transformers (2010)|Sidearm Sideswipe}}

He also prides himself as a good driver, but he admits that he's not as good as [[Mikaela Banes|Mikaela]]. Her instinctive driving ability is so silky smooth that it allows Sideswipe to focus purely on his blades. {{storylink|#Human Alliance 2|Sideswipe / Mikaela Banes}}

===Cyber Missions===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Bronco D. Jackson]] (English), [[Milton Wolch]] (Latin American-Spanish)

[[Image:Sideswipe_twin-pistols.JPG‎|thumb|right|300px|Trading swords for guns? He's Bizzaro-[[Drift (G1)|Drift]]!]]
Tracking Megatron to a disused factory with Optimus, Sideswipe complained about the dust until Optimus told him to be quiet. Optimus's scans turned up nothing, but Megatron soon revealed himself, batting Sideswipe aside. The young Autobot quickly recovered and joined Megatron in sword combat, even stabbing the Decepticon leader in the foot mid-sentence. Megatron subsequently brought the roof down on the two Autobots and escaped, though neither Autobot was harmed. {{storylink|Cyber Missions 4}}

Later, Sideswipe was pursuing [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] and [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]] in [[Scramble City (city)|Scramble City]], and took a turn to let the Decepticons think they had lost him, in truth following them to the facility they were heading for. After crumpling Frenzy into a ball and batting him back at Barricade, Sideswipe engaged the larger Decepticon, but was stopped with fire suppression equipment that froze him to the databanks. As the Decepticons were able to escape, Sideswipe broke free and learned that they had stolen NEST's defense deactivation codes. {{storylink|Cyber Missions 6}}

Soon after, he was able to discover a wounded Ratchet back in [[Mission City]] and took him back to [[Diego Garcia]] to be repaired. While Ratchet was getting fixed up, Sideswipe traded in his shattered blades for new blasters. While they did that, [[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]] arrived and threatened Sideswipe during target practice. Apparently, he had enough- he was able to shoot the [[EMP]] blaster off of Lockdown's wrist and back to Ratchet, who was fully operational. Lockdown, now without a blaster weapon, pushed Sideswipe aside and fled, much to Sideswipe's dismay, but Ratchet assured him that he was headed straight for the medical bay. There, he saw an out-cold Lockdown laying on an operating table, all the while stating he couldn't look. {{storylink|Cyber Missions 7}}

Sideswipe and Ratchet were transporting some energon to a secure location when they were attacked by [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] and [[Mindwipe (ROTF)|Mindwipe]]. Mindwipe assaulted them with his hypnotic powers, but at Ratchet's suggestion, Sideswipe used his satellite radio to play some loud music, breaking Mindwipe's concentration. The Autobot turned on Starscream, yelling at Ratchet to secure the energon, but as Ratchet pointed out, Starscream was a bit more formidable than Sideswipe had counted on. As Starscream was on the verge of dismantling Sideswipe, Ratchet threw the energon trailer from the nearest cliff, and Starscream broke off his attack. In the aftermath, Ratchet and Sideswipe went to find somewhere safe to hide from the enraged Decepticon. {{storylink|Cyber Missions 10}}

Optimus later requested backup to help fight Megatron and Starscream in the Arctic Circle. Sideswipe, Ratchet, Ironhide,and Bumblebee arrived to help their leader, and all four fought Starscream. The Decepticon was swiftly defeated by the Autobots, but Optimus allowed Megatron and Starscream to flee.
{{storylink|Cyber Missions 12}}

Optimus later laid a trap for a final confrontation against Megatron, and had a hologram of the imprisoned Soundwave as bait. Megatron tried to retrieve his soldier, but the image shifted to a hologram of Sideswipe. Sideswipe calmly taunted the Decepticon leader as he swiped at the illusion, but Sideswipe did not take part in the ensuing battle.
{{storylink|Decepticons Attack}}

===IDW post ''Revenge of the Fallen'' comics===
When [[Alice]] stole an RV and went on a rampage, Sideswipe was part of the NEST team sent to stop her. She attempted to ram the NEST roadblock, but Sideswipe decided to ram her first, and impaled her through the front windscreen. He was later seen carrying the RV over his head. He observed [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] examining Alice's corpse, and wondered why any Cybertronian would stoop to taking on the appearance of a [[human|lesser life form]]. {{storylink|Nefarious issue 1|Nefarious #1}} He was sent with Ironhide to stop a Decepticon trio. Ironhide warned him not to get cocky, but Sideswipe merely responded that he really ''was'' that good, before chopping [[Brakedown (ROTF)|Brakedown]] in half. He was ready to finish off the apparently-surrendering [[Dirt Boss (ROTF)|Dirt Boss]] as well, but the surrender was just a ruse to allow [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] time to attack, and Sideswipe was caught in the explosion. He survived to see [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] swoop in and capture Soundwave. {{storylink|Nefarious issue 2|Nefarious #2}}

Sideswipe helped prepare a nuclear shelter in [[Odessa]], [[Texas]] to house Soundwave. {{storylink|Nefarious issue 3|Nefarious #3}} When Soundwave led them to the location of the [[Initiative base]] and it wasn't there, Sideswipe wondered why Optimus continued to trust the Decepticon. Soundwave traced the [[Initiative]] to [[Oregon]], and the Autobots went there to launch an attack. Ratchet suggested Sideswipe stay behind him to avoid damage, but Sideswipe scoffed at the very idea. However the Autobots found themselves facing brainwashed Transformers, and Sideswipe even recognized one as [[Armorhide (Movie)|Armorhide]]. {{storylink|Nefarious issue 5|Nefarious #5}} Optimus sent Sideswipe, [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]] to help [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]]'s team. They briefly found themselves under a new kind of attack when [[Carter Newell]] tried to use a duplicate [[AllSpark]] to destroy Cybertronian life. The Autobots ultimately triumphed. {{storylink|Nefarious issue 6|Nefarious #6}}

===Transformers Annual 2011===
When Decepticon activity was detected in [[Tokyo]], Sideswipe headed there with Optimus, Ironhide and Ratchet. He was the first to spot [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] and wrestled with the Decepticon until Optimus intervened. The arrival of [[Grindor (ROTF)|Grindor]] sent Sideswipe scrambling for cover, but he and Ratchet subsequently covered Optimus, as their leader took Grindor down. {{storylink|Sam in Danger}}

===''Dark of the Moon'' film===
{{coming soon|unreleased|when=July 29, 2011}}

==Games==
===Transformers: The Game (PSP)===
[[Image:Sideswipe movie psp.jpg|right|170px|thumb|]]
:''Voice actor:'' [[Fred Tatasciore]]

Sideswipe arrived on [[Earth]] some time after [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] and his team, apparently at the same time as [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Wheeljack]] and [[Hoist (Movie)|Hoist]]. He accompanied the other Autobots on their mission to [[Hoover Dam]], and was seen escaping the complex when the [[Decepticon]]s attacked. {{storylink|Transformers The Game (PSP)}}

{{-}}

===''Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen'' - The Game===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Nolan North]] (English)
[[Image:ROTF_360PS3PC_Sideswipe_DLC.jpg|thumb|250px|Silver or red, yer dead.]]
====Xbox 360/Sony PS3/PC====

{{Note|Sideswipe was absent from the released game, but on [[August 27]], [[2009]], was made available as a playable character (for multiplayer games) as optional downloadable content for Xbox 360 and Sony Playstation 3 owners. The pack also included a red alternate colour scheme for Sideswipe, as a homage to his [[Generation 1]] [[Sideswipe (G1)|counterpart]].}}
{{-}}

====PSP====

{{note| Sideswipe is one of several Autobots that can be played with during the campaign mode of the game, and thus has no real story of his own apart from the events mentioned below.}}

=====Autobot campaign=====

: Sideswipe managed to get ambushed by the Decepticon forces during the battle in Shanghai, and the Autobots had to move out to save their comrade, leaving the All Spark fragment in the Decepticons' hands.

{{Storylink|Revenge of the Fallen: Autobots/Decepticons}}

{{charstubfiction}}

===''Transformers: Dark of the Moon - The Game''===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Fred Tatasciore]]

====(Xbox 360/PS3)====

==Toys==
===''Revenge of the Fallen''===
====Legends Class toys====
[[Image:ROTF-toy_SideswipeLegends.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Hey! I have real feet now!]]
*'''Sideswipe''' (Legends, 2009)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''EZ-06'''

: [[Legends Class]] Sideswipe transforms into a tiny Corvette Stingray concept car. As a Legends toy, he features a simplified transformation sequence that results in swords that consist entirely of door [[kibble]] and barely-noticeable reliefs of his wheel-feet.

:This toy was [[redeco]]ed into ''Revenge of the Fallen'' [[Swerve (Movie)|Swerve]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Autobot/LegSideswipe/sideswipe.htm More information on Sideswipe at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Fearswoop}}
[[Image:ROTF-toy_SideswipeFoF.jpg|thumb|300px|[[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]] as his partner... Screwed, or not screwed?]]
*'''The Fury of Fearswoop''' (Figure multi-pack, 2009)

:A "battle damaged" deco version of Legends Sideswipe was available in the [[Walmart]]-exclusive "[[The Fury of Fearswoop]]" 3-pack together with a similarly "battle damaged" version of Legends [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]] and Deluxe class [[Fearswoop (ROTF)|Fearswoop]]. That the set uses a pair of Legends-class cars and a Deluxe-class jet means the toys are in a roughly-correct scale to each other... which is borked by the story, in which Fearswoop is supposedly much huger than normal thanks to some unnamed mystic artifact.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Autobot/WMLegSideswipe/sideswipe.htm More information on "Fury of Fearswoop" Sideswipe at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Bluesteel}}
[[Image:ROTF-toy_Legends_BluesteelSideswipe.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Was the painter sleeping at the controls?!]]
*'''Bluesteel Sideswipe''' (Legends, 2010)

:"Bluesteel" Sideswipe is a metallic blue redeco of Legends Sideswipe, also featuring some minor detail changes, including finally painting his fake wheel-feet to make them stand out.

{{-}}

====Deluxe Class toys====
[[Image:ROTFSideswipe 2009 Deluxe.jpg|right|300px|thumb|His heroes are [[Tigatron]] and [[wikipedia:Edward Scissorhands|Edward Scissorhands]].]]
*'''Sideswipe''' (Deluxe, 2009)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''RA-04'''

:Sideswipe transforms into a silver Corvette Stingray concept car. In this mode, he sits so low that it's difficult to roll him without scraping his undercarriage, unless you perform some careful shaping after transforming him. Sideswipe's [[Mech Alive]] gimmick is in his knees—bending his legs causes the blue armor plates on his knees to extend. He does have wheels in his feet like his character model, but the toy's feet have been designed in such a way that it can stand alone. Rounding out his robot-mode awesomeness, his hips have an "invisible joint" and moving pistons, while his "blades" are geared to spin out in unison. He is ''totally awesome''.

:Sideswipe's instructions aren't clear as to how his torso is supposed to connect with his chest in robot mode. The torso piece has a square peg on top of it and there is a corresponding square hole between the two screws holding the front of his chest together. Getting his torso section in front of his arm struts can be a somewhat snug fit.

:This mold was [[retool]]ed into ''Revenge of the Fallen'' [[Swerve (Movie)|Swerve]].

:During part of 2010, [http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/en_US/discover/transformers-toy-giveaway.cfm Hasbro did a promotion] wherein US fans could receive three free Deluxes in exchange for receipts showing the purchase of $25 or more of select Transformers product. As noted in [http://www.allspark.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=69645&st=0 this thread over at Allspark.com], and later confirmed by [http://www.entertainmentearth.com/prodinfo.asp?number=HT83971G3 this listing here], Sideswipe was one of a pool of eight figures (all from the same wave) from which the free Deluxes were drawn, with several people having noted receiving him.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Autobot/Sideswipe/sideswipe.htm More information on Sideswipe at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|StrikeMission}}
[[Image:ROTF_Deluxe_StrikeMissionSideswipe.jpg|thumb|300px|"Well basically, I just copied the Sideswipe we have now. And this racing stripe here I feel is pretty sharp."]]
*'''Strike Mission Sideswipe''' (Deluxe, 2010)

:This redeco of Sideswipe features red translucent windows, a large black racing stripe running down the center of the car and fading black stripes on the doors. Like many Autobots in the NEST Global Alliance ''Revenge of the Fallen'' toyline refresh, he features a version of the NEST logo [[tampograph]]ed on him.

:This deco is also the basis for the [[Gravity Bot]]s [[#GravityNitro|"Nitro" Sideswipe toy]].
{{-}}

====Human Alliance====
[[Image:ROTF_HumanAlliance_Sideswipe_Epps.jpg|thumb|300px|Training with Sergeant Epps really beefed him up!]]
*'''Sideswipe / Tech. Sergeant Epps''' (Human Alliance, 2009)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''RA-22'''
**''Accessories:'' Missile

:Like all [[Human Alliance]] figures, Sideswipe is designed to allow his accompanying human figure, in this case [[Robert Epps]], to ride inside.

:While in many ways simply a larger version of the Deluxe toy, it has several changes. The wheeled feet may now fold out into a stand system, allowing Sideswipe to stand without having to balance on the wheels, or be left as is to retain a more rounded look, and his blades are now rubberized to prevent injury and damage, as the blades lay flat underneath in vehicle mode. The sword-hands can also be slotted into a gear system connected to the front wheels, which causes them to spin as the wheels are turned. The passenger's seat may either be used as a seat for Epps, or turned into a missile launcher slung over Sideswipe's left shoulder.

:Like the Deluxe figure, the HA Sideswipe is something of a [[shellformer]] and suffers from an excessive amount of [[kibble]], as nearly the entire top of the vehicle mode is folded up into a backpack, with only the rear bumper being incorporated as Sideswipe's chest. Partly as the reason, it is also quite hard for him to be able to stand up, as his thigh joints are tight and the rubber tubing on his thighs can get quite tense during posing, constantly wanting to reset his torso to tilt back up and as well as wanting his legs to be straight, thus overbalancing him and making him fall on his backpack.

:A great deal goes unmentioned in the instructions: in addition to the seats behind Sideswipe's shoulders, there are pegs on both forearms that a Human Alliance human figure can stand on or have plugged into their back, but neither are accomplished very well; the pegs also interfere with free rolling in vehicle mode, scraping on the ground. There is a fold-out handle under the swiveling rear window section, which seems to serve no purpose; it's possible to fold this section over Sideswipe's head (and, by extension, any human figure sitting behind his right shoulder), but the handle is only reached if the human figure has its left arm raised straight up and the seat is in just the right position. There are also small tabs that fold out of Sideswipe's waist to make him more movie-accurate. The small turret on his right shoulder can be slid upwards slightly, allowing it to clear the shoulder much better. Sideswipe also has an extra hinge near either thigh swivel that is completely hindered by the rubber tubing on his legs. Finally, Sideswipe has a battle mask; or rather, his normal head '''is''' his battle mask. A thin sliver in the middle of his face flips back to reveal his "real" face. It looks... odd. It's probably best to leave the thing down and never speak of this feature.

====Fast Action Battlers====
[[Image:Sideswipe ROTF FAB toy.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Has anyone seen my proportions?]]
*'''Battle Blade Sideswipe''' (Fast Action Battler, 2009)
: This roughly Deluxe-sized version of Sideswipe is a kid-friendly version with a simpler transformation, transforming from a Corvette Stingray car to a simplified version of his robot mode presented in the ''Revenge of the Fallen'' movie. His main [[gimmick]] is his spring-loaded arm-blades which automatically swing down when pulled upward.

{{-}}
*'''Night Blades Sideswipe''' (Fast Action Battler, 2010)
[[Image:ROTF-toy_FAB_NightBladesSideswipe.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Haven't found my proportions yet, but look at this cool deco I found!]]

: This [[redeco]] of Battle Blade Sideswipe colors his car mode dark gray and light green. His robot-mode bits remain silver.

{{-}}

====Battle Chargers====
[[Image:ROTFSideswipe BattleChargers 2009.jpg|right|300px|thumb|He secretly envies the original [[Battlecharger]]s for having better feet.]]
*'''Sideswipe''' (Battle Charger, 2009)

:Part of the [[Robot Powered Machines]] subline, Battle Charger Sideswipe is a cutesified Corvette Stingray with a [[pull-back motor]]. When pulled back and let go, his roof flips open and his robot mode pops out.

{{-}}

*'''Hyper Speed Sideswipe''' (Battle Charger, 2009)

:Hyper Speed Sideswipe is a white redeco of Battle Charger Sideswipe with black details here and there.
{{-}}
{{picsneeded}}

====Gravity Bots====
[[Image:ROTF-toy SideswipeGravity.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Before he joined the army, Sideswipe was picked on a lot for his "mass problem".]]
*'''Sideswipe''' (Gravity Bot, 2009)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''GB-04'''

: Part of the second wave of [[Gravity Bot]]s, Sideswipe uses gravity-activated [[autotransformation]] to turn into a [[super deformed]] Corvette Stingray when laid on his back. When the car is stood back up, it transforms back into its boxy robot mode.

: The toy features no [[articulation]] whatsoever, but that doesn't matter because he's awesome.

{{-}}{{anchor|GravityNitro}}
[[Image:ROTF-toy_GravityBots_NitroSideswipe.jpg|thumb|right|300px|They were all "he trans''fats'' and ''rolls'' out!" this, "''pie''swipe!" that...]]
*'''Nitro Sideswipe''' (Gravity Bot, 2010)

: A [[redeco]] of regular Gravity Bot Sideswipe, Nitro Sideswipe features maroon windows and black stripes and wheels, very similar to the [[size class|Deluxe Class]] [[#StrikeMission|"Strike Mission" Sideswipe toy]]. He of course retains the same awesome play feature.

{{-}}

====Robot Replicas====
[[Image:ROTF-toy_RobotReplicas_Sideswipe.jpg|thumb|right|200px|I haven't sliced anyone up in awhile, I gots the Blue Blades!]]
*'''Sideswipe''' (Robot Replicas, 2009)
:Robot Replicas Sideswipe is a non- transforming, but highly detailed and articulated interpretation of his robot mode from the movie. He features highly posable legs, arms, feet, head, waist, neck and shoulders, making him both an awesome kid's toy and display piece.
:Funnily enough, despite the Robot Replica promise of total movie-accuracy, his arm-blades are [[For safety reasons|considerably shortened]] and are a weird metallic blue colour, rather than the silver/gray you might expect.

{{-}}

====Power Bots====
[[Image:ROTF-toy_PowerBots_Sideswipe.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Crikey!]]
*'''Sideswipe''' (Power Bots, 2009)

: [[Power Bots]] Sideswipe is a bulky, non-transforming toy for younger children. He features limited articulation in his limbs and head, two very blunt swords, and various playing sound clips and flashing lights. He has an North Americanised [[Australia]]n accent!

{{-}}

===Transformers (2010)===
====Deluxe Class toys====
[[Image:TF2010_Deluxe_SidearmSideswipe_toy.jpg|thumb|300px|Sideswipe just after [[Tales of the Fallen issue 2|that incident in Buenos Aires]]]]
*'''Sidearm Sideswipe''' (Deluxe, 2010)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''AA-06'''
**''Accessories:'' Two flare launchers

:This new sculpt of Sideswipe is designed for greater robot mode accuracy compared to his original Deluxe class mold, and replaces his swords with twin hand-held flare launcher pistols (which were briefly used during the Egypt battle in ''Revenge of the Fallen''). Additionally, the guns can be attached to flip-up panels in vehicle mode and can swivel back to store in vehicle mode. Sideswipe has toe and heel spurs so that he can balance on a flat surface without falling over, a problem that the previous Deluxe Sideswipe suffered. Both the black and silver molded "springs" on his lower legs are compatible with any weaponry using 3mm clips.

[[Image:AutobotAlliance_Deluxe_SidearmSideswipe.jpg|thumb|left|300px|]]

:Hasbro added a red deco design to the front of the car and red windows in an effort to differentiate him from the previous Sideswipe molds. The Japanese [[TakaraTomy]] release of Sidearm Sideswipe drops the less accurate red vehicle mode decos in favour of keeping the silver paint on his wheels, which Hasbro dropped due to budgetary reasons. This release also changed the windows from red to a dark purple.

:His head's [[light-piping]] is sculpted out of the same red plastic as his windows, but his eyes are painted blue. Oddly, Hasbro's [[stock photography|stock photos]] show him with only one eye painted.

:Sidearm Sideswipe was also on the receiving end of a late retool, closing off the tops of the hip balljoint sockets, severely limiting his outward leg motion. There is a perfect outline where the change was made which one can use as a cutting guide if so inclined. This change was likely made to reduce stress on the rubber tubing connected to his thighs.

{{-}}

[[Image:HFTD huntersrumble sideswipe.jpg|thumb|300px|Damn cat walked on my hood again...]]
*'''Hunters Rumble''' (Target Figure 2-pack, 2010)

:This [[Target]]-exclusive bundle includes redecos of ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Deluxe-class Sideswipe and a [[Movie (toyline)|''Transformers'' (2007)]] Deluxe-class [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]]. This may be a reference to their meeting in [[Cyber Missions 6]].

{{-}}

====Human Alliance====
[[Image:TF2010 Human Alliance Sideswipe.jpg|thumb|right|300px|"We're totally buddies who worked together in the film!"<br>"We certainly are, Sideways!"]]
*'''Shadow Blade Sideswipe w/ Mikaela Banes''' (Human Alliance, 2010)
**''Accessories:'' Missile

:''Shadow Blade Sideswipe'' is a redeco of the first Human Alliance Sideswipe in black, with silver stripes, tan robot details and deep blue windows. His human partner is a new mold of [[Mikaela Banes]].
{{-}}

===Dark of the Moon===
====Cyberverse====
[[Image:DOTM_Cyberverse_Sideswipe_toy.jpg|thumb|300px|BEEFCAAAAAAAAKE.]]
*'''Sideswipe''' (Cyberverse Legion, 2011)
**''Series:'' '''1'''
**''Number:'' '''006'''
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''CV09'''

:''[[Dark of the Moon (toyline)|Dark of the Moon]]'' [[Cyberverse]] Sideswipe is a new mold based on his open-top Stingray concept vehicle. He is more [[show-accuracy|screen accurate]] in basic robot mode proportions than the ''Revenge of the Fallen'' [[Legends Class]] Sideswipe. The plastic between his head and the [[Autobot]] insignia is darker than in the [[stock photography]].

{{-}}

====Deluxe Class toys====
[[Image:DOTM_MechTechDeluxe_Sideswipe.jpg|thumb|300px|No floorboards; I'm a Flintstones car!]]
*'''Sideswipe''' (MechTech Deluxe, 2011)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''DA08'''
**''Accessories:'' MechTech Blaster/[[Cybertanium]] Sword

:Part of the second wave of ''[[Dark of the Moon (toyline)|Dark of the Moon]]'' ''[[MechTech]]'' Deluxe Class toys, this version of Sideswipe is an all new tooling, with a different transformation scheme compared to the previous Deluxe versions of the character. Sideswipe changes into a Corvette Stingray concept convertible in a light grey/beige color scheme and open top. The interior is highly detailed, with seats, dashboard and steering wheel all molded into the compartment, though it's missing its floorboards. The box art and the instructions can't seem to agree which way the tail lights (which are his toe/heel spurs) are supposed to point in robot mode - the stock photo used on the card and main instruction image show them pointing forward, while the instructions themselves indicate they should point backward, implying it is probably the correct way. His arm blades are now a single piece, rather than the two piece blades from previous molds.

:Underneath the front hood (which ends up on his back) is some sculpted, unpainted faux-[[kibble]] in the form of four circles in a row, which are meant to represent the four exhaust pipes on the back of the vehicle, which usually end up on his back in robot mode. The ''actual'' pipes still end up on his back. They're just near his waist.

:Sideswipe's MechTech weapon, a large blaster, can convert to a runed Cybertanium sword with the press of a button. The weapon can be stored in any of the three MechTech ports in either mode, all of which include the spring-loaded filler piece to hide them when not in use. While the box art shows the blade of the flip-out sword painted blue with white [[Cybertronix]] runes, the final version opts for bare gunmetal plastic instead.

{{-}}

{{anchor|ScanSeries}}
[[Image:DOTM_Deluxe_Scan_Sideswipe_toy.jpg|thumb|300px|"How can I stab things if my blades keep disappearing like that!?"]]
*'''Sideswipe''' (Deluxe, 2011)

:This redeco of Deluxe class ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Sideswipe is [[exclusive]] to [[Toys"R"Us]]' Mission Earth: The Scan Series, to represent him [[Trans-scan|trans-scanning]] his vehicle mode. As such, the rear half of his vehicle (and thus, part of his robot mode) is cast in translucent plastic.
{{-}}

{{anchor|WalmartRace}}
[[Image:DOTM_Deluxe_Walmart_Sideswipe_toy.jpg|thumb|300px|After much consideration, Sideswipe finally decided to join the X-Men.]]
*'''Sideswipe''' (Deluxe, 2011)
**''Accessories:'' Two flare launchers

: This version of Sideswipe is a [[Walmart]]-exclusive redeco of Sidearm Sideswipe. Featuring a new racing-themed deco, he is one of the most fanwank-filled mass released toys ever, featuring a small [[Transcendent Technomorph|TransTech]] [[:Image:Transtech Autobot symbol.png|Autobot symbol]] on the rear fenders, an endorsement of "[[Lithone (planet)|Lithonian Drivetrain]]" on the front fenders, another for "[[Maccadam's Old Oil House|Maccadam's]]" on his trunk, one further logo that for "[[Sunstreaker (disambiguation)|Sun bro]]", another ad for "[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]] [[Rattrap|Rattraps]]" (with the slogan "Safe. Humane. Yeah, right!" underneath), and finally the number 04, a nod to [[Sideswipe (G1)|the original Sideswipe's]] [[Japanese ID number list|Japanese ID number]]. Oh, and he's particularly [[Sideswipe (G1)#Toys|blue and yellow]].

: Sideswipe's stock photos are slightly different from the final product, rendering his 04 in a different, non-italicized font and the front portion of the car mode having a strange faint checkerboard pattern painted on.

: He also looks not unlike ''[[Speed Stars]]'' [[Bluestreak (Speed Stars)|Bluestreak]].
{{-}}

====Human Alliance====
{{anchor|Flash}}
[[Image:DOTM_FlashFreezeAssault_toys.jpg|thumb|300px|"Right, here's the plan, buddy: I'll go fight the giant killer alien robot, and you... what ''do'' you do, anyway?"]]
*'''Flash Freeze Assault''' (Human Alliance multi-pack, 2011)

{{comingsoontoy}}
{{-}}

====Robo Power====
=====Go-Bots=====
[[Image:DOTM_Go-Bots_Sideswipe.jpg|thumb|300px|wen i grow up i wanna be a astwonaut!!!]]
*'''Sideswipe''' (2011)

{{comingsoontoy}}
{{-}}

==Merchandise==
====RPMs - Robot Powered Machines====
[[Image:ROTF-toy_RPM_Sideswipe.jpg|thumb|right|300px|He's got such an ego, he gets a tattoo of ''himself''!]]
*'''Sideswipe''' (2009)
**''Series:'' '''Speed Series'''
**''Number:'' '''04 of 04'''

:''[[Robot Powered Machines]]'' Sideswipe is a small, non-transforming car with his robot mode sculpted underneath. Said robot mode has his swords colored red, for some reason. The car's wheels feature through-axle construction for speedy racing on flat surfaces.

[[Image:RPM_Sideswipe_leakedproto.jpg|thumb|left|200px|]]

:Although leaked images of a [[prototype]] that surfaced in 2008<ref name="rpmproto">[http://jalopnik.com/5047177/leaked-transformers-corvette-centennial-concept-toy-possibly-reveals-robot-mode Mirrored photos of early R.P.M. Sideswipetoy at Jalopnik.com]</ref> was pretty accurate to the Corvette Stingray car from the movie, the actual RPM Sideswipe toy has been severely altered and looks more like an Aston Martin. Unfortunately, Mattel was able to secure exclusive rights for releasing a Concept Stingray model car at a 1:64 scale for their ''Hot Wheels'' line (the toy was released as part of the "2010 New Models" lineup).

:Even worse, the Mattel toy drops a Transformers reference in its packaging blurb.

:This mold was also used to make ''[[Speed Stars]]'' [[Bluestreak (Speed Stars)|Bluestreak]].

{{-}}
*'''Sideswipe vs. Wreckloose''' (2010)
**''Series:'' '''Battle Series 2'''
**''Number:'' '''01 of 06'''

:A redeco of RPM Sideswipe with red stripes and a large Autobot insignia on his roof. It was only available in a two-pack with [[Wreckloose (ROTF)|Wreckloose]].

: As part of the final wave of RPMs, Battle Series 2 did not get released through normal retail outlets in the United States, instead showing up for sale first in Canada, Asia and Europe. Later, though, it would show up in the US though [[Toys"R"Us|ToysЯUs Express]] mall stores and discount chains like Ross and TJ Maxx.

{{-}}

===Robot Heroes===
[[Image:Robotheroessideswipesideways.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Still needs training wheels.]]
*'''Sideswipe and Sideways''' (2009)
: Sideswipe is part of the first wave of ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' ''[[Robot Heroes (toyline)|Robot Heroes]]'' figures and is packaged versus [[Sideways (ROTF)|Sideways]]. He has rotational articulation at both shoulders, but his head is molded into his torso. In order to stand up, the figurine must rest its weight on one of his arms.
{{-}}
[[Image:Robotheroestwinswidewaysprimedemolishorsideswipe.jpg|right|thumb|300px|"Damn, I'm cute."]]
*'''Shanghai Shootout''' (Multi-pack, 2009)
:Shanghai Shootout replicates the opening action scene from ''Revenge of the Fallen'', featuring figurines of [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]]/[[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] (ice cream truck), [[Sideways (ROTF)|Sideways]] (vehicle mode), [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]], [[Demolishor (ROTF)|Demolishor]], and Sideswipe (vehicle mode). Demolishor is a slightly-oversized figure and the centerpiece of the box set.

{{-}}
===Speed Stars===
====Mini-Vehicles====
*'''Sideswipe vs. Wreckloose''' (2010)
**''Series:'' '''Battle Series 2'''
**''Number:'' '''01 of 06'''

: Part of the first wave of ''[[Speed Stars]]'' Mini-Vehicle versus packs, this Sideswipe is a more widely released version of the RPM Battle Series 2 toy. It has fewer [[paint application]]s than the previous release, though.
{{-}}
{{picsneeded}}
[[Image:SpeedStars_RobotRiders_Sideswipe.jpg|thumb|right|200px|]]
*'''Sideswipe''' (2010)
**''Series:'' '''Robot Riders'''
**''Number:'' '''01 of 03'''

: Unlike other ''Speed Stars'' toys, "Robot Riders" Sideswipe is sculpted in robot mode, "skating" on his wheel feet.

{{-}}
[[Image:SpeedStars_MetalHeroes_Sideswipe.jpg|thumb|right|300px|]]
*'''Sideswipe''' (2010)
**''Series:'' '''Metal Heroes'''
**''Number:'' '''07 of 08'''

: "Metal Heroes" Sideswipe is a redeco of the RPM mold with black patterns on his doors and an Autobot insignia on his roof. He lacks the sculpted insignia on his underside.

: During the period between 26 December 2010 and 31 January 2011, Hasbro ran their "Supercharge Your Holidays" promotion: for every $20 spent on Hasbro-branded product, customers could receive a free, random product from a list provided by Hasbro. Among the items on the list were "Transformers Combiners and Speed Star Mini-Vehicle" and "Transformers Activator and Speed Star Mini-Vehicle." According to [http://www.allspark.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=75487 this discussion thread on Allspark.com], Speed Stars Metal Heroes Sideswipe was one of the figures distributed.

{{-}}

====Stealth Force====
=====Mini Changers=====
[[Image:SpeedStars_StealthForce_MiniChangers_SideswipeVsStarscream.jpg|thumb|300px|]]
*'''Stealth Force Sideswipe Vs. Starscream''' (2011)

{{charstubtoys}}
{{-}}

[[Image:SpeedStars_StealthForce_MiniChangers_Sideswipe&SentinelPrime.jpg|thumb|300px|]]
*'''Stealth Force Sideswipe & Sentinel Prime''' (2011)

{{charstubtoys}}
{{-}}

==Notes==
[[Image:ROTF Sideswipe concept art.jpeg|thumb|right|300px|There was a time he would have had feet.]]
* On June 11, 2008, blurry camera phone photos from the set of ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' offered the first look at Sideswipe's vehicle mode, which was believed to be a 2009 Chevrolet Corvette XR1 at that time.<ref name="fairmont">[http://transformerslive.blogspot.com/2008/06/new-concept-car-at-fairmont-park-base.html Blurry set photos from Fairmont Park]</ref> Ten days later, leaked photos offered a better look at the car being painted by Saleen, which was now revealed to be a never-seen-before Corvette model.<ref name="corvettesaleen">[http://jalopnik.com/396734/transformers-corvette-concept-z28-bumblebee-get-a-close+up Photo of the Corvette being painted by Saleen at Jalopnik]</ref> On August 7, 2008, Jalopnik claimed having received information that the car was a so-called "Corvette Centennial Concept".<ref name"centennial">[http://jalopnik.com/5034285/exclusive-the-transformers-mystery-car-is-the-corvette-centennial-design-concept Jalopnik's story on the "Corvette Centennial Concept"]</ref> [[General Motors]] finally admitted the car's existence at the Chicago Auto Show in February of 2009, now confirming that it was, in fact, a new Corvette Stingray concept.

* Rumored names for Sideswipe in the early days of the movie shooting were "Hot Rod"<ref name="upclose">[http://jalopnik.com/398892/up+close-photos-of-mystery-corvette-concept-from-new-transformers-movie More shots of the Corvette at Jalopnik], July 2009</ref> (which might have been a case of fans simply suggesting a random name and other fans subsequently treating it as gospel) and "Stinger". The latter originated with a (real) call sheet leaked in June 2008, which suggests that "Stinger" was an actual working name.<ref name="bethcall">[http://transformerslive.blogspot.com/2008/06/bethlehem-call-sheet-cast-tf-and-next.html Leaked call sheet at the Transformers Live Action Movie Blog], July 2008</ref>

* According to [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] in [[Transformers (Titan Magazine)|Titan Magazine]]'s "[[Transformers Comic issue 2.13|Law and Disorder]]" letters section, Sideswipe has a relative named [[Sunstreaker (ROTF)|Sunstreaker]].

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Sideswipe''' (サイドスワイプ ''Saidosuwaipu'')

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Cyber Missions characters]]
[[Category:Dark of the Moon Autobots]]
[[Category:Gladiators]]
[[Category:Human Alliance]]
[[Category:Martial artists]]
[[Category:Movie Autobots]]
[[Category:NEST]]
[[Category:Revenge of the Fallen Autobots]]
[[Category:Robot Heroes]]
[[Category:Cyberverse]]
[[Category:Target exclusives]]
[[Category:Transformers (2010) Autobots]]
[[Category:Wal-Mart exclusives]]
[[Category:Toys "R" Us exclusives]]
[[Category:Kmart exclusives]]