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Thundercracker (G1)

2008-01-14T13:33:24Z

124.171.3.176: /* Generation 1 */

{{disambig3|Thundercracker}}

:''Thundercracker is a [[Decepticon]] from the [[Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Thundercrackerg1guido.jpg|300px|right|thumb|The blue one. No, the ''other'' [[Dirge (G1)|blue one]].]]

'''Thundercracker''' claims the skies as his arena. He looks down in contempt on those who cannot leave the ground -- he considers them lesser beings. He will often attack the flightless beings below him for no other reason than to satisfy his scorn.

His superiority in this realm is the only thing he is sure of. Thundercracker is not entirely committed to the Decepticon cause, and even has some seemingly contradictory sympathy for the [[human]]s they terrorize. Fear of retribution from [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] and the influence of his peers is usually enough to bury these doubts. Regardless, he needs constant reassurance that he's where he needs to be. Sometimes, his heart's just not in the job.

:''French-Canadian name'': '''Coup de Tonnerre'''<br>
:''Italian name'': '''Vampiro'''
:''Hungarian name'': '''Villámcsapás''' ("Lightning strike")

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
{{noteukonly}}

[[Image:Skywarpthundercrackerintroduction.jpg|left|thumb|200px|Thundercracker is the one that is not Skywarp.]]

Thundercracker was one of [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron's]] troops who attacked the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] during its mission to clear a path for [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] through an asteroid field. He was deactivated when it crashed on [[Earth]], and he lay dormant for four million years. When he and his fellow Decepticons awoke, Thundercracker was given a new [[altmode]], that of an Earth jet. {{storylink|The Transformers (comic issue)|The Transformers}} He aided the Decepticons in their building of their new base constructed of parts from [[Harrison Nuclear Power Plant]] and joined in their attack on [[Sparkplug Witwicky]]'s auto repair shop. After the successful abduction of Sparkplug Witwicky, Thundercracker, [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]], and [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] defended their base from [[Autobot]]s, though [[Gears]] and [[Spider-Man]] were able to sneak through and rescue Sparkplug. {{storylink|Prisoner of War!}}

Though Sparkplug Witwicky was able to devise a way for the Decepticons to convert Earth fuel into a usable substance, he also poisoned the result, so Thundercracker and his fellow Decepticons were immobilized at the climax of their would-be final battle with the Autobots. {{storylink|The Last Stand}} The Decepticon [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] took command of the Decepticons and the Ark shortly thereafter, and nursed Thundercracker and his comrades back to full health. Thundercracker may have helped Shockwave attempt to capture and brainwash [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] into a Decepticon, or it may have been Skywarp with red stripes. It's hard to tell. {{storylink|Plight of the Bumblebee!}}

He served the Decepticon cause up until he was deactivated while battling [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] and placed in prison stasis at Autobot headquarters.

''Like [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]], he revived early and soon quickly escaped from the Ark. He, Frenzy and [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] were then temporarily displaced to [[Limbo]] when [[Hot Rod]], [[Kup]] and [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] time-jumped from 2006.''

During a massive battle between the Autobots and Decepticons on Earth's moon, Skywarp and the other Decepticons held in stasis aboard the Ark were liberated by the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]]s and subsequently brought back on-line. {{storylink|Totalled!}} Much later, Thundercracker attacked an [[Underbase]]-powered Starscream in [[Tokyo]], but both he and Skywarp were destroyed by their former flying partner. {{storylink|Dark Star!}}

===Animated continuity===
:''Voice actor:'' [[John Stephenson]], ''[[Wally Burr]]'' (English), [[Yutaka Shimaka]] (Japanese)

[[Image:Tetrajet seekers.jpg|thumb|Cybertron alt-mode (on the right). Out of all the pre-earth alt modes, these pyramid jets seem to be the only ones anyone really cares about.]]

Thundercracker was one of [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron's]] elite warriors, participating in the attack on the [[Ark]] and joining the rest of the Earth-bound Transformers in their several-million-year nap under an inactive volcano. He awoke when the rest of the Decepticons did, and took part in their attempts to gather [[energon]] and escape the planet [[Earth]], which he loathed for being too "flat". It was he and [[Reflector]] who spotted the first "potential Autobot", when in fact they had discovered the planet's native inhabitants, two [[human]]s, in an unliving vehicle.{{storylink|More Than Meets the Eye, Part 1}}

One of the few things he seemed to loathe even more than the world he was stranded on was the attitude of his commander, [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]. Thundercracker often started fights with the [[Air Commander]], usually over whether or not Megatron's latest plan was a waste of time (Thundercracker took Megatron's side). At one point, Thundercracker's distaste for "that geeky Starscream" became so strong that he was willing to let [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] destroy one of the Decepticons' greatest weapons, just in the hopes that Starscream would get blamed for it!{{storylink|Fire on the Mountain}} Despite these brushes with treachery, however, Thundercracker just never had it in him to do anything more than complain about his fellow Decepticons.

[[Image:Thundercrackerg1.jpg|left|thumb|FLINTSTONE, YOU'RE FIRED!!!]]

Thundercracker was present for the Decepticon assault on [[Autobot City]] in 2005. After the battle, the injured Thundercracker was tossed out of [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] with the rest of the injured and weakened warriors, who were jettisoned for ballast in order to preserve fuel.

That was not, however, entirely the end of Thundercracker's story. [[Unicron]] was waiting in space for a chance like this, and when the newly reborn [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] needed some new troops to command, Thundercracker was among the corpses chosen to use as raw materials. His body was used to create [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]], and was thus given a new lease on life.{{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie (1986)}}

Later [[Octane]] would show concern when he ran into a [[Decepticon Crypt]] to hide from some attackers and found a statue of Thundercracker there. After paying his respects and apologizing for the intrusion, Octane decided it would be better to hide behind someone else's statue.{{storylink|Starscream's Ghost}}

====''Robot Masters'' online mini-comics====
{{charstub}}
{{-}}

===''Machine Wars'' toy bio===

The mysterious [[Machine Wars]] were a tumultuous time for Thundercracker. At long last he was convinced of and committed to the truth of the Decepticon cause, but Thundercracker now ironically found himself in open rebellion against Megatron's leadership of the faction. It is unknown what events lead to his reversal of heart about the Decepticons and his being branded a "Rebel Warrior."

{{note|Since no fictional backstory has ever been established for the Machine Wars line it is possible that it is set in some alternate reality where this was simply Thundercracker's nature, but given that the rest of the characters are clearly their classic G1-selves unrevealed events/character development seem more likely explanations.}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===

One of the first Decepticons recruited by Megatron. Early Megatron's scheming, Thundercracker was sent to Sector Zero-Six with Skywarp and Starscream. On the way, Starscream unintelligently leaked the plan to Grimlock. {{storylink|DW Preview Special 2002}}

Thundercracker was one of several Decepticon invaders on-board the ''[[Ark]]'' when it crashed into [[Earth]] four million years ago while the Autobot ship was clearing an asteroid in the path of Cybertron.

In 2002, he was one of several Transformers who survived the disastrous launch of the sabotaged ''Ark II'', and was later captured and reprogrammed by arms dealer [[Lazarus|Adam 'Lazarus' Rook]], who intended to rent out the services of the enslaved robots to various terrorist groups. In a demonstration of their power to a group of prospective clients, Thundercracker participated in an attack on the Arctic division of the [[Smitco]] Oil Refinery by blowing something up. {{Storylink|Prime Directive, Part 2}}

After Megatron reactivated himself, he freed his Decepticon subordinates in order to put forward his plans to infect Earth with a metallic virus of doom. To pass the time while this happened, Starscream, Thundercracker and Skywarp busied themselves by tearing apart the Autobot [[Mini Vehicle]] team. {{Storylink|Prime Directive, Part 3}}

Thundercracker later participated in Megatron's attack on San Francisco, where he followed Starscream's orders to maintain formation and drop cluster bombs on the Autobot giant [[Superion (G1)|Superion]], forcing the [[Aerialbot]]s to split into their separate component robots. {{Storylink|Prime Directive, Part 4}}

Thundercracker stood watch over the defeated Autobots while Megatron tried to persuade [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] to help the Decepticons conquer Earth. After some human firefighters distracted the Decepticons long enough for Optimus Prime to free the Autobots, Thundercracker was presumably beaten up and escaped when Superion sacrificed himself to stop a nuclear missile launched by rogue US General [[Robert Hallo]]. {{Storylink|Prime Directive, Part 6}}

After [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] had defeated Megatron and brought the Decepticons back to [[Cybertron]], Thundercracker and Skywarp spent their time relaxing and bathing, though Thundercracker was skeptical of Shockwave's new order, and compared its promised benefits to the benefits originally promised by Megatron.

Starscream eventually brought several Decepticons back to Earth and lead them in a battle against the Autobots who had stayed behind there. Thundercracker was among those captured by the Autobots, but was eventually freed in exchange for Starscream's assistance in fighting against [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]].

===Devil's Due G''.I. Joe vs Transformers'' continuity===

{{-}}
===IDW comics continuity===
Thundercracker operated as part of a Decepticon insurgent cell that had operated covertly on Earth for at least four years, working to destabilize Earth's governing organizations and create global anarchy. He, [[Runabout]] and [[Runamuck_(G1)|Runamuck]] were assigned by [[Starscream_(G1)|Starscream]] to intercept the human [[Stoker]] and retrieve his [[SM-40]] palmtop PC, containing data on their [[Nebraska]] operation. The team caught up with and killed Stoker outside Phoenix, AZ, but the SM-40 was missing. Thundercracker tracked the device to [[Hunter O'Nion]] and [[Verity Carlo]], but was driven off by [[Ratchet_(G1)|Ratchet]], who managed to temporarily lose him and the two [[Battlecharger]]s. After picking Ratchet up again, Thundercracker was later shot down by [[Prowl_(G1)|Prowl]], [[Sunstreaker]] and [[Ironhide_(G1)|Ironhide]].

{{-}}
==Toys==
===Generation 1===
* '''Thundercracker''' (Decepticon Jet, 1984/1985/1986/2001/2003)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''24'''
**''Accessories'': Left & right fists, landing gear, 2 rocket launchers, 2 rockets, 2 "Incendiary Gun" missiles

[[Image:Redeco.jpg|left|thumb|Thundercracker is the cheap and lazy redeco on the right.]]

: Originally a ''[[Diaclone]]'' "Jet Robo Acrobat-Type", Thundercracker transforms into an F-15 Eagle fighter jet, sharing his mold with his teammates [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]]. Many parts need to be removed completely from transformation from robot to jet and back, which nowadays is considered a major drawback of the toy. It is difficult to find it complete, as neither mode can hold all the pieces required. There are a few minor mold variations of this toy (common for the first two years of ''Transformers'', really), the most immediately noticeable being that early versions did not have visible "clip-tabs" on the inner face of the gauntlets.

: In 1986, he was made available as a mail-away item (as he was no longer shipping to retail shelves) in the "[[Digital Doom on the Highway to Destruction]]" flier packed with most boxed ''Transformers'' toys. He cost $10 and two [[robot point]]s.

: In 2001, Thundercracker was given a short-run re-issue by [[Takara]] as a convention-[[exclusive]] item. The toy would later be more extensively released as part of the [[Hasbro]] [[Commemorative Series]] line, though due to US [[For safety reasons|toy-safety regulations]], his missiles were made extra-long.

: This mold is also used by [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]], [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]], [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]] and [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]].

{{-}}

* '''Thundercracker (Action Master)''' (Action Master Exo-Suit, 1991)
**''Accessories'': "Solo Mission Jet Plane", 2 missiles

[[Image:Thundercrackeram.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Taste the rainbow ... Either that or he went through the black hole in 'The Killing Jar' episode ... or maybe was recoloured by a colour-blind mecha ;) ]]

: Released only in European markets, once again Thundercracker was a [[redeco]] of Starscream, a non-transforming action figure that combined elements of both the character's cartoon model and toy-form. Like all [[Action Master]]s, Thundercracker was a non-transformable action figure with a transformable accessory -- in his case, a [[Solo Mission Jet Plane]] vehicle that converted into exo-suit battle armor. However, unlike most of Thundercracker's appearances, Action Master Thundercracker is not in his traditional blue and silver colors, but rather in [[Neon|magenta, purple, blue, gold, and two shades of green]]. ''(Oy.)''
{{-}}

===Machine Wars===
* '''Thundercracker''' (Basic, 1996)
**''Accessories'': Two-part rifle
[[Image:MWThundercracker_toy.jpg|left|thumb|150px|No, seriously, this guy is Thundercracker.]]

: Sharing a mold once again with [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]], Thundercracker transforms into a green Dassault Rafale fighter jet with spring-loaded one-step transformation from jet to robot. The two halves of his rifle store in his lower legs. Like all ''Machine Wars'' toys, Thundercracker was an [[exclusive]] to Kay-Bee stores and related stores like Toy Liquidators.

: This mold was also used to make ''[[Beast Wars II]]'' [[Dirge (BWII)|Dirge]], ''[[Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Skyfire (RID)|Skyfire]], ''[[Robot Masters]]'' [[Wing Stun]], and the "[[Dawn of Future's Past]]" version of [[Waspinator]].

{{-}}
===Smallest Transformers===
* '''Thundercracker''' (Smallest Transformers, 2004)

: Part of the third wave of ''[[Smallest Transforming Transformers|Smallest Transformer]]'' product (dubbed wave "2.5" and available only at CVS stores in Japan), Thundercracker is ''again'' a redeco of Starscream. Like all toys in the line, Thundercracker is a tiny, even more simplified version of the original toy, transforming into an F-15 fighter jet. These toys were sold in "blind-packed" boxes, so you could not know which one you had until you actually opened the box. To complicate matters further, Thundercracker was a [[chase figure]], one of two in his wave (the other was a cartoon-colored version of Optimus Prime's trailer).

: The same mold is used by ''Smallest Transformer'' Skywarp and Thrust.

===Robot Masters===
* '''Skywarp & Thundercracker''' (Multi-pack, 2005)
**''Accessories'': 2 rifles, 2 missile pods
[[Image:RobotMastersThundercracker.jpg|left|thumb|180px|''Light'' blue? Totally [[neon]].]]

: ''[[Robot Masters]]'' Thundercracker is a redeco of [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] from the same series, a smaller yet more advanced version of the original toy, adding more articulation and reducing the amount of [[part-forming]] required. He was available only in a two-pack with [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]], which also came with a Decepticon sigil pin and chromed missile pods. This set was the very last product released in the ''Robot Masters'' line, and wasn't even strictly sold in a box from that series; instead, it used an e-Hobby Generation 1 reissue box, with a small "''Robot Masters''" sticker in the corner tab noting its origin from the front.

{{-}}
===Titanium Series===
* '''Thundercracker''' (6" Cybertron Heroes, 2006)
[[Image:TitaniumHeroesWWThundercracker.jpg|right|thumb|150px|I don't think I have enough little wings on my shoulders.]]

: ''Titanium'' Thundercracker is based upon his appearance in [[The War Within]]. He transforms into a cybertronic 'tetrajet', as reimagined by [[Don Figueroa]]. As with all 6-inch Titanium Cybertron Heroes, he is constructed mostly of fully painted die-cast metal.

: This mold was redecoed into ''Titanium'' [[War Within]] Starscream and Sunstorm.

: Yes. Thundercracker was here first.

===Timelines===
*'''Games of Deception!''' (Multi-pack, 2007)
**''Accessories'': Left & right launchers, 2 missiles
[[Image:Classics_Thundercracker_Toy.jpg|left|thumb|200px|You want me, but you can't have me!]]

: Thundercracker is part of the ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]''-themed [[BotCon 2007]] box set, along with [[Bugbite]], [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]], [[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]], and [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]]. Thundercracker is a [[redeco]] of the ''Classics'' Starscream toy using the modified version first seen with Skywarp.

: Classics Thundercracker is a faithful reproduction of his original toy, but with modern standards of toy engineering, transformation, sculpting detail and articulation. He transforms into an F-15 Eagle, but has the nose of an F-14 Tomcat fighter jet. His colour scheme is inspired by the original figure released in 1984, but with a shade of blue closer to that of the original [[Diaclone]] version.

: In robot mode, Thundercracker is essentially a very detailed version of his cartoon robot mode. He is armed with two (overly large) null-ray missile launchers, which are so large that they restrict his arm movement due to them bumping into his wings.

: There were only 1500 Classics Thundercracker figures produced.

==Merchandise==
[[Image:Robot_Hero_Thundercracker.jpg|right|thumb|125px|When you look this cute you can't *possibly* be evil ... ]]
===Robot Heroes===
* '''Thundercracker''' (2007)

Thundercracker is a redeco of the mold used for Starscream and Skywarp. He was available in a two-pack with [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]].

{{-}}

==Trivia==
* For some reason, the [[tech spec]] stats for the original Skywarp, Starscream and Thundercracker toys were switched around. Thundercracker was given Skywarp's numbers.

* The mold for ''Machine Wars'' Thundercracker was originally developed for ''[[Generation 2]]'', but was canceled when that line went under. It is unknown if it was intended to be a new character or a recurring one, though odds are it would have been later [[redeco]]ed into a recurring character if the former was true.

{{-}}
==External links==
*[http://www.tfu.info/1984/Decepticon/Thundercracker/thundercracker.htm Thundercracker at TFU.info]

*[http://www.ntfa.net/universe/english/index.php?act=view&char=Thundercracker Thundercracker's Universe profile at NTFA.net]

*[http://www.toybin.org/search.php?q=1984+Decepticon+Thundercracker ToyBin Thundercracker Toy Gallery]

[[Category: Action Masters]]
[[Category: Classics characters]]
[[Category: Convention exclusives]]
[[Category: Decepticons]]
[[Category: Generation 1 characters]]
[[Category: Generation 2 characters]]
[[Category: Machine Wars characters]]
[[Category: Mail order items]]
[[Category: MyClone]]
[[Category: Robot Masters characters]]
[[Category: Seekers]]
[[Category: Robot Heroes]]
[[Category: Timelines characters]]
[[Category: Titanium Series]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>

Thundercracker (G1)

2008-01-14T13:32:26Z

124.171.3.176: /* Generation 1 */

{{disambig3|Thundercracker}}

:''Thundercracker is a [[Decepticon]] from the [[Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Thundercrackerg1guido.jpg|300px|right|thumb|The blue one. No, the ''other'' [[Dirge (G1)|blue one]].]]

'''Thundercracker''' claims the skies as his arena. He looks down in contempt on those who cannot leave the ground -- he considers them lesser beings. He will often attack the flightless beings below him for no other reason than to satisfy his scorn.

His superiority in this realm is the only thing he is sure of. Thundercracker is not entirely committed to the Decepticon cause, and even has some seemingly contradictory sympathy for the [[human]]s they terrorize. Fear of retribution from [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] and the influence of his peers is usually enough to bury these doubts. Regardless, he needs constant reassurance that he's where he needs to be. Sometimes, his heart's just not in the job.

:''French-Canadian name'': '''Coup de Tonnerre'''<br>
:''Italian name'': '''Vampiro'''
:''Hungarian name'': '''Villámcsapás''' ("Lightning strike")

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
{{noteukonly}}

[[Image:Skywarpthundercrackerintroduction.jpg|left|thumb|200px|Thundercracker is the one that is not Skywarp.]]

Thundercracker was one of [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron's]] troops who attacked the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] during its mission to clear a path for [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] through an asteroid field. He was deactivated when it crashed on [[Earth]], and he lay dormant for four million years. When he and his fellow Decepticons awoke, Thundercracker was given a new [[altmode]], that of an Earth jet. {{storylink|The Transformers (comic issue)|The Transformers}} He aided the Decepticons in their building of their new base constructed of parts from [[Harrison Nuclear Power Plant]] and joined in their attack on [[Sparkplug Witwicky]]'s auto repair shop. After the successful abduction of Sparkplug Witwicky, Thundercracker, [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]], and [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] defended their base from [[Autobot]]s, though [[Gears]] and [[Spider-Man]] were able to sneak through and rescue Sparkplug. {{storylink|Prisoner of War!}}

Though Sparkplug Witwicky was able to devise a way for the Decepticons to convert Earth fuel into a usable substance, he also poisoned the result, so Thundercracker and his fellow Decepticons were immobilized at the climax of their would-be final battle with the Autobots. {{storylink|The Last Stand}} The Decepticon [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] took command of the Decepticons and the Ark shortly thereafter, and nursed Thundercracker and his comrades back to full health. Thundercracker may have helped Shockwave attempt to capture and brainwash [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] into a Decepticon, or it may have been Skywarp with red stripes. It's hard to tell. {{storylink|Plight of the Bumblebee!}}

He served the Decepticon cause up until he was deactivated while battling [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] and placed in prison stasis at Autobot headquarters.

''Like [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]], he revived early and soon quickly escaped from the Ark. He, Frenzy and [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] were then temporarily displaced to [[Limbo]] when [[Hot Rod]], [[Kup]] and [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] time-jumped from 2006.''

During a massive battle between the Autobots and Decepticons on Earth's moon, Skywarp and the other Decepticons held in stasis aboard the Ark were liberated by the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]]s and subsequently brought back on-line. {{storylink|Totalled!}} Much later, Thundercracker attacked an [[Underbase]]-powered Starscream in [[Tokyo]], but both he and Skywarp were destroyed by their former flying partner. {{storylink|Dark Star!}}

===Animated continuity===
:''Voice actor:'' [[John Stephenson]], ''[[Wally Burr]]'' (English), [[Yutaka Shimaka]] (Japanese)

[[Image:Tetrajet seekers.jpg|thumb|Cybertron alt-mode (on the right). Out of all the pre-earth alt modes, these pyramid jets seem to be the only ones anyone really cares about.]]

Thundercracker was one of [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron's]] elite warriors, participating in the attack on the [[Ark]] and joining the rest of the Earth-bound Transformers in their several-million-year nap under an inactive volcano. He awoke when the rest of the Decepticons did, and took part in their attempts to gather [[energon]] and escape the planet [[Earth]], which he loathed for being too "flat". It was he and [[Reflector]] who spotted the first "potential Autobot", when in fact they had discovered the planet's native inhabitants, two [[human]]s, in an unliving vehicle.{{storylink|More Than Meets the Eye, Part 1}}

One of the few things he seemed to loathe even more than the world he was stranded on was the attitude of his commander, [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]. Thundercracker often started fights with the [[Air Commander]], usually over whether or not Megatron's latest plan was a waste of time (Thundercracker took Megatron's side). At one point, Thundercracker's distaste for "that geeky Starscream" became so strong that he was willing to let [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] destroy one of the Decepticons' greatest weapons, just in the hopes that Starscream would get blamed for it!{{storylink|Fire on the Mountain}} Despite these brushes with treachery, however, Thundercracker just never had it in him to do anything more than complain about his fellow Decepticons.

[[Image:Thundercrackerg1.jpg|left|thumb|FLINTSTONE, YOU'RE FIRED!!!]]

Thundercracker was present for the Decepticon assault on [[Autobot City]] in 2005. After the battle, the injured Thundercracker was tossed out of [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] with the rest of the injured and weakened warriors, who were jettisoned for ballast in order to preserve fuel.

That was not, however, entirely the end of Thundercracker's story. [[Unicron]] was waiting in space for a chance like this, and when the newly reborn [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] needed some new troops to command, Thundercracker was among the corpses chosen to use as raw materials. His body was used to create [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]], and was thus given a new lease on life.{{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie (1986)}}

Later [[Octane]] would show concern when he ran into a [[Decepticon Crypt]] to hide from some attackers and found a statue of Thundercracker there. After paying his respects and apologizing for the intrusion, Octane decided it would be better to hide behind someone else's statue.{{storylink|Starscream's Ghost}}

====''Robot Masters'' online mini-comics====
{{charstub}}
{{-}}

===''Machine Wars'' toy bio===

The mysterious [[Machine Wars]] were a tumultuous time for Thundercracker. At long last he was convinced of and committed to the truth of the Decepticon cause, but Thundercracker now ironically found himself in open rebellion against Megatron's leadership of the faction. It is unknown what events lead to his reversal of heart about the Decepticons and his being branded a "Rebel Warrior."

{{note|Since no fictional backstory has ever been established for the Machine Wars line it is possible that it is set in some alternate reality where this was simply Thundercracker's nature, but given that the rest of the characters are clearly their classic G1-selves unrevealed events/character development seem more likely explanations.}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===

One of the first Decepticons recruited by Megatron. Early Megatron's scheming, Thundercracker was sent to Sector Zero-Six with Skywarp and Starscream. On the way, Starscream unintelligently leaked the plan to Grimlock. {{storylink|DW Preview Special 2002}}

Thundercracker was one of several Decepticon invaders on-board the ''[[Ark]]'' when it crashed into [[Earth]] four million years ago while the Autobot ship was clearing an asteroid in the path of Cybertron.

In 2002, he was one of several Transformers who survived the disastrous launch of the sabotaged ''Ark II'', and was later captured and reprogrammed by arms dealer [[Lazarus|Adam 'Lazarus' Rook]], who intended to rent out the services of the enslaved robots to various terrorist groups. In a demonstration of their power to a group of prospective clients, Thundercracker participated in an attack on the Arctic division of the [[Smitco]] Oil Refinery by blowing something up. {{Storylink|Prime Directive, Part 2}}

After Megatron reactivated himself, he freed his Decepticon subordinates in order to put forward his plans to infect Earth with a metallic virus of doom. To pass the time while this happened, Starscream, Thundercracker and Skywarp busied themselves by tearing apart the Autobot [[Mini Vehicle]] team. {{Storylink|Prime Directive, Part 3}}

Thundercracker later participated in Megatron's attack on San Francisco, where he followed Starscream's orders to maintain formation and drop cluster bombs on the Autobot giant [[Superion (G1)|Superion]], forcing the [[Aerialbot]]s to split into their separate component robots. {{Storylink|Prime Directive, Part 4}}

Thundercracker stood watch over the defeated Autobots while Megatron tried to persuade [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] to help the Decepticons conquer Earth. After some human firefighters distracted the Decepticons long enough for Optimus Prime to free the Autobots, Thundercracker was presumably beaten up and escaped when Superion sacrificed himself to stop a nuclear missile launched by rogue US General [[Robert Hallo]]. {{Storylink|Prime Directive, Part 6}}

After [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] had defeated Megatron and brought the Decepticons back to [[Cybertron]], Thundercracker and Skywarp spent their time relaxing and bathing, though Thundercracker was skeptical of Shockwave's new order, and compared its promised benefits to the benefits originally promised by Megatron.

Starscream eventually brought several Decepticons back to Earth and lead them in a battle against the Autobots who had stayed behind there. Thundercracker was among those captured by the Autobots, but was eventually freed in exchange for Starscream's assistance in fighting against [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]].

===Devil's Due G''.I. Joe vs Transformers'' continuity===

{{-}}
===IDW comics continuity===
Thundercracker operated as part of a Decepticon insurgent cell that had operated covertly on Earth for at least four years, working to destabilize Earth's governing organizations and create global anarchy. He, [[Runabout]] and [[Runamuck_(G1)|Runamuck]] were assigned by [[Starscream_(G1)|Starscream]] to intercept the human [[Stoker]] and retrieve his [[SM-40]] palmtop PC, containing data on their [[Nebraska]] operation. The team caught up with and killed Stoker outside Phoenix, AZ, but the SM-40 was missing. Thundercracker tracked the device to [[Hunter O'Nion]] and [[Verity Carlo]], but was driven off by [[Ratchet_(G1)|Ratchet]], who managed to temporarily lose him and the two [[Battlecharger]]s. After picking Ratchet up again, Thundercracker was later shot down by [[Prowl_(G1)|Prowl]], [[Sunstreaker]] and [[Ironhide_(G1)|Ironhide]].

{{-}}
==Toys==
===Generation 1===
* '''Thundercracker''' (Decepticon Jet, 1984/1985/1986/2001/2003)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''24'''
**''Accessories'': Left & right fists, landing gear, 2 rocket launchers, 2 rockets, 2 "Incendiary Gun" missiles

[[Image:Redeco.jpg|left|thumb|Thundercracker is the cheap and lazy redeco on the right.]]

: Originally a ''[[Diaclone]]'' "Jet Robo Acrobat-Type", Thundercracker transforms into an F-15 Eagle fighter jet, sharing his mold with his teammates [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]]. Many parts need to be removed completely from transformation from robot to jet and back, which nowadays is considered a major drawback of the toy. It is difficult to find it complete, as neither mode can hold all the pieces required. There are a few minor mold variations of this toy (common for the first two years of ''Transformers'', really), the most immediately noticeable being that early versions did not have visible "clip-tabs" on the inner face of the gauntlets.

: In 1986, he was made available as a mail-away item (as he was no longer shipping to retail shelves) in the "[[Digital Doom on the Highway to Destruction]]" flier packed with most boxed ''Transformers'' toys. He cost $10 and two [[robot point]]s.

: In 2001, Thundercracker was given a short-run re-issue by [[Takara]] as a convention-[[exclusive]] item. The toy would later be more extensively released as part of the [[Hasbro]] [[Commemorative Series]] line, though due to US [[For safety reasons|toy-safety regulations]], his missiles were made extra-long.

: This mold is also used by [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]], [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]], [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]] and [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]].

{{-}}

* '''Thundercracker (Action Master)''' (Action Master Exo-Suit, 1991)
**''Accessories'': "Solo Mission Jet Plane", 2 missiles

[[Image:Thundercrackeram.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Taste the rainbow ... Either that or he went through the black hole in 'The Killing Jar episode ... or was recoloured by a colourblind mecha ;) ]]

: Released only in European markets, once again Thundercracker was a [[redeco]] of Starscream, a non-transforming action figure that combined elements of both the character's cartoon model and toy-form. Like all [[Action Master]]s, Thundercracker was a non-transformable action figure with a transformable accessory -- in his case, a [[Solo Mission Jet Plane]] vehicle that converted into exo-suit battle armor. However, unlike most of Thundercracker's appearances, Action Master Thundercracker is not in his traditional blue and silver colors, but rather in [[Neon|magenta, purple, blue, gold, and two shades of green]]. ''(Oy.)''
{{-}}

===Machine Wars===
* '''Thundercracker''' (Basic, 1996)
**''Accessories'': Two-part rifle
[[Image:MWThundercracker_toy.jpg|left|thumb|150px|No, seriously, this guy is Thundercracker.]]

: Sharing a mold once again with [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]], Thundercracker transforms into a green Dassault Rafale fighter jet with spring-loaded one-step transformation from jet to robot. The two halves of his rifle store in his lower legs. Like all ''Machine Wars'' toys, Thundercracker was an [[exclusive]] to Kay-Bee stores and related stores like Toy Liquidators.

: This mold was also used to make ''[[Beast Wars II]]'' [[Dirge (BWII)|Dirge]], ''[[Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Skyfire (RID)|Skyfire]], ''[[Robot Masters]]'' [[Wing Stun]], and the "[[Dawn of Future's Past]]" version of [[Waspinator]].

{{-}}
===Smallest Transformers===
* '''Thundercracker''' (Smallest Transformers, 2004)

: Part of the third wave of ''[[Smallest Transforming Transformers|Smallest Transformer]]'' product (dubbed wave "2.5" and available only at CVS stores in Japan), Thundercracker is ''again'' a redeco of Starscream. Like all toys in the line, Thundercracker is a tiny, even more simplified version of the original toy, transforming into an F-15 fighter jet. These toys were sold in "blind-packed" boxes, so you could not know which one you had until you actually opened the box. To complicate matters further, Thundercracker was a [[chase figure]], one of two in his wave (the other was a cartoon-colored version of Optimus Prime's trailer).

: The same mold is used by ''Smallest Transformer'' Skywarp and Thrust.

===Robot Masters===
* '''Skywarp & Thundercracker''' (Multi-pack, 2005)
**''Accessories'': 2 rifles, 2 missile pods
[[Image:RobotMastersThundercracker.jpg|left|thumb|180px|''Light'' blue? Totally [[neon]].]]

: ''[[Robot Masters]]'' Thundercracker is a redeco of [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] from the same series, a smaller yet more advanced version of the original toy, adding more articulation and reducing the amount of [[part-forming]] required. He was available only in a two-pack with [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]], which also came with a Decepticon sigil pin and chromed missile pods. This set was the very last product released in the ''Robot Masters'' line, and wasn't even strictly sold in a box from that series; instead, it used an e-Hobby Generation 1 reissue box, with a small "''Robot Masters''" sticker in the corner tab noting its origin from the front.

{{-}}
===Titanium Series===
* '''Thundercracker''' (6" Cybertron Heroes, 2006)
[[Image:TitaniumHeroesWWThundercracker.jpg|right|thumb|150px|I don't think I have enough little wings on my shoulders.]]

: ''Titanium'' Thundercracker is based upon his appearance in [[The War Within]]. He transforms into a cybertronic 'tetrajet', as reimagined by [[Don Figueroa]]. As with all 6-inch Titanium Cybertron Heroes, he is constructed mostly of fully painted die-cast metal.

: This mold was redecoed into ''Titanium'' [[War Within]] Starscream and Sunstorm.

: Yes. Thundercracker was here first.

===Timelines===
*'''Games of Deception!''' (Multi-pack, 2007)
**''Accessories'': Left & right launchers, 2 missiles
[[Image:Classics_Thundercracker_Toy.jpg|left|thumb|200px|You want me, but you can't have me!]]

: Thundercracker is part of the ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]''-themed [[BotCon 2007]] box set, along with [[Bugbite]], [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]], [[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]], and [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]]. Thundercracker is a [[redeco]] of the ''Classics'' Starscream toy using the modified version first seen with Skywarp.

: Classics Thundercracker is a faithful reproduction of his original toy, but with modern standards of toy engineering, transformation, sculpting detail and articulation. He transforms into an F-15 Eagle, but has the nose of an F-14 Tomcat fighter jet. His colour scheme is inspired by the original figure released in 1984, but with a shade of blue closer to that of the original [[Diaclone]] version.

: In robot mode, Thundercracker is essentially a very detailed version of his cartoon robot mode. He is armed with two (overly large) null-ray missile launchers, which are so large that they restrict his arm movement due to them bumping into his wings.

: There were only 1500 Classics Thundercracker figures produced.

==Merchandise==
[[Image:Robot_Hero_Thundercracker.jpg|right|thumb|125px|When you look this cute you can't *possibly* be evil ... ]]
===Robot Heroes===
* '''Thundercracker''' (2007)

Thundercracker is a redeco of the mold used for Starscream and Skywarp. He was available in a two-pack with [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]].

{{-}}

==Trivia==
* For some reason, the [[tech spec]] stats for the original Skywarp, Starscream and Thundercracker toys were switched around. Thundercracker was given Skywarp's numbers.

* The mold for ''Machine Wars'' Thundercracker was originally developed for ''[[Generation 2]]'', but was canceled when that line went under. It is unknown if it was intended to be a new character or a recurring one, though odds are it would have been later [[redeco]]ed into a recurring character if the former was true.

{{-}}
==External links==
*[http://www.tfu.info/1984/Decepticon/Thundercracker/thundercracker.htm Thundercracker at TFU.info]

*[http://www.ntfa.net/universe/english/index.php?act=view&char=Thundercracker Thundercracker's Universe profile at NTFA.net]

*[http://www.toybin.org/search.php?q=1984+Decepticon+Thundercracker ToyBin Thundercracker Toy Gallery]

[[Category: Action Masters]]
[[Category: Classics characters]]
[[Category: Convention exclusives]]
[[Category: Decepticons]]
[[Category: Generation 1 characters]]
[[Category: Generation 2 characters]]
[[Category: Machine Wars characters]]
[[Category: Mail order items]]
[[Category: MyClone]]
[[Category: Robot Masters characters]]
[[Category: Seekers]]
[[Category: Robot Heroes]]
[[Category: Timelines characters]]
[[Category: Titanium Series]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>

Thundercracker (G1)

2008-01-14T13:29:12Z

124.171.3.176: /* Merchandise */

{{disambig3|Thundercracker}}

:''Thundercracker is a [[Decepticon]] from the [[Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Thundercrackerg1guido.jpg|300px|right|thumb|The blue one. No, the ''other'' [[Dirge (G1)|blue one]].]]

'''Thundercracker''' claims the skies as his arena. He looks down in contempt on those who cannot leave the ground -- he considers them lesser beings. He will often attack the flightless beings below him for no other reason than to satisfy his scorn.

His superiority in this realm is the only thing he is sure of. Thundercracker is not entirely committed to the Decepticon cause, and even has some seemingly contradictory sympathy for the [[human]]s they terrorize. Fear of retribution from [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] and the influence of his peers is usually enough to bury these doubts. Regardless, he needs constant reassurance that he's where he needs to be. Sometimes, his heart's just not in the job.

:''French-Canadian name'': '''Coup de Tonnerre'''<br>
:''Italian name'': '''Vampiro'''
:''Hungarian name'': '''Villámcsapás''' ("Lightning strike")

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
{{noteukonly}}

[[Image:Skywarpthundercrackerintroduction.jpg|left|thumb|200px|Thundercracker is the one that is not Skywarp.]]

Thundercracker was one of [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron's]] troops who attacked the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] during its mission to clear a path for [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] through an asteroid field. He was deactivated when it crashed on [[Earth]], and he lay dormant for four million years. When he and his fellow Decepticons awoke, Thundercracker was given a new [[altmode]], that of an Earth jet. {{storylink|The Transformers (comic issue)|The Transformers}} He aided the Decepticons in their building of their new base constructed of parts from [[Harrison Nuclear Power Plant]] and joined in their attack on [[Sparkplug Witwicky]]'s auto repair shop. After the successful abduction of Sparkplug Witwicky, Thundercracker, [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]], and [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] defended their base from [[Autobot]]s, though [[Gears]] and [[Spider-Man]] were able to sneak through and rescue Sparkplug. {{storylink|Prisoner of War!}}

Though Sparkplug Witwicky was able to devise a way for the Decepticons to convert Earth fuel into a usable substance, he also poisoned the result, so Thundercracker and his fellow Decepticons were immobilized at the climax of their would-be final battle with the Autobots. {{storylink|The Last Stand}} The Decepticon [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] took command of the Decepticons and the Ark shortly thereafter, and nursed Thundercracker and his comrades back to full health. Thundercracker may have helped Shockwave attempt to capture and brainwash [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] into a Decepticon, or it may have been Skywarp with red stripes. It's hard to tell. {{storylink|Plight of the Bumblebee!}}

He served the Decepticon cause up until he was deactivated while battling [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] and placed in prison stasis at Autobot headquarters.

''Like [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]], he revived early and soon quickly escaped from the Ark. He, Frenzy and [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] were then temporarily displaced to [[Limbo]] when [[Hot Rod]], [[Kup]] and [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] time-jumped from 2006.''

During a massive battle between the Autobots and Decepticons on Earth's moon, Skywarp and the other Decepticons held in stasis aboard the Ark were liberated by the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]]s and subsequently brought back on-line. {{storylink|Totalled!}} Much later, Thundercracker attacked an [[Underbase]]-powered Starscream in [[Tokyo]], but both he and Skywarp were destroyed by their former flying partner. {{storylink|Dark Star!}}

===Animated continuity===
:''Voice actor:'' [[John Stephenson]], ''[[Wally Burr]]'' (English), [[Yutaka Shimaka]] (Japanese)

[[Image:Tetrajet seekers.jpg|thumb|Cybertron alt-mode (on the right). Out of all the pre-earth alt modes, these pyramid jets seem to be the only ones anyone really cares about.]]

Thundercracker was one of [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron's]] elite warriors, participating in the attack on the [[Ark]] and joining the rest of the Earth-bound Transformers in their several-million-year nap under an inactive volcano. He awoke when the rest of the Decepticons did, and took part in their attempts to gather [[energon]] and escape the planet [[Earth]], which he loathed for being too "flat". It was he and [[Reflector]] who spotted the first "potential Autobot", when in fact they had discovered the planet's native inhabitants, two [[human]]s, in an unliving vehicle.{{storylink|More Than Meets the Eye, Part 1}}

One of the few things he seemed to loathe even more than the world he was stranded on was the attitude of his commander, [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]. Thundercracker often started fights with the [[Air Commander]], usually over whether or not Megatron's latest plan was a waste of time (Thundercracker took Megatron's side). At one point, Thundercracker's distaste for "that geeky Starscream" became so strong that he was willing to let [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] destroy one of the Decepticons' greatest weapons, just in the hopes that Starscream would get blamed for it!{{storylink|Fire on the Mountain}} Despite these brushes with treachery, however, Thundercracker just never had it in him to do anything more than complain about his fellow Decepticons.

[[Image:Thundercrackerg1.jpg|left|thumb|FLINTSTONE, YOU'RE FIRED!!!]]

Thundercracker was present for the Decepticon assault on [[Autobot City]] in 2005. After the battle, the injured Thundercracker was tossed out of [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] with the rest of the injured and weakened warriors, who were jettisoned for ballast in order to preserve fuel.

That was not, however, entirely the end of Thundercracker's story. [[Unicron]] was waiting in space for a chance like this, and when the newly reborn [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] needed some new troops to command, Thundercracker was among the corpses chosen to use as raw materials. His body was used to create [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]], and was thus given a new lease on life.{{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie (1986)}}

Later [[Octane]] would show concern when he ran into a [[Decepticon Crypt]] to hide from some attackers and found a statue of Thundercracker there. After paying his respects and apologizing for the intrusion, Octane decided it would be better to hide behind someone else's statue.{{storylink|Starscream's Ghost}}

====''Robot Masters'' online mini-comics====
{{charstub}}
{{-}}

===''Machine Wars'' toy bio===

The mysterious [[Machine Wars]] were a tumultuous time for Thundercracker. At long last he was convinced of and committed to the truth of the Decepticon cause, but Thundercracker now ironically found himself in open rebellion against Megatron's leadership of the faction. It is unknown what events lead to his reversal of heart about the Decepticons and his being branded a "Rebel Warrior."

{{note|Since no fictional backstory has ever been established for the Machine Wars line it is possible that it is set in some alternate reality where this was simply Thundercracker's nature, but given that the rest of the characters are clearly their classic G1-selves unrevealed events/character development seem more likely explanations.}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===

One of the first Decepticons recruited by Megatron. Early Megatron's scheming, Thundercracker was sent to Sector Zero-Six with Skywarp and Starscream. On the way, Starscream unintelligently leaked the plan to Grimlock. {{storylink|DW Preview Special 2002}}

Thundercracker was one of several Decepticon invaders on-board the ''[[Ark]]'' when it crashed into [[Earth]] four million years ago while the Autobot ship was clearing an asteroid in the path of Cybertron.

In 2002, he was one of several Transformers who survived the disastrous launch of the sabotaged ''Ark II'', and was later captured and reprogrammed by arms dealer [[Lazarus|Adam 'Lazarus' Rook]], who intended to rent out the services of the enslaved robots to various terrorist groups. In a demonstration of their power to a group of prospective clients, Thundercracker participated in an attack on the Arctic division of the [[Smitco]] Oil Refinery by blowing something up. {{Storylink|Prime Directive, Part 2}}

After Megatron reactivated himself, he freed his Decepticon subordinates in order to put forward his plans to infect Earth with a metallic virus of doom. To pass the time while this happened, Starscream, Thundercracker and Skywarp busied themselves by tearing apart the Autobot [[Mini Vehicle]] team. {{Storylink|Prime Directive, Part 3}}

Thundercracker later participated in Megatron's attack on San Francisco, where he followed Starscream's orders to maintain formation and drop cluster bombs on the Autobot giant [[Superion (G1)|Superion]], forcing the [[Aerialbot]]s to split into their separate component robots. {{Storylink|Prime Directive, Part 4}}

Thundercracker stood watch over the defeated Autobots while Megatron tried to persuade [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] to help the Decepticons conquer Earth. After some human firefighters distracted the Decepticons long enough for Optimus Prime to free the Autobots, Thundercracker was presumably beaten up and escaped when Superion sacrificed himself to stop a nuclear missile launched by rogue US General [[Robert Hallo]]. {{Storylink|Prime Directive, Part 6}}

After [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] had defeated Megatron and brought the Decepticons back to [[Cybertron]], Thundercracker and Skywarp spent their time relaxing and bathing, though Thundercracker was skeptical of Shockwave's new order, and compared its promised benefits to the benefits originally promised by Megatron.

Starscream eventually brought several Decepticons back to Earth and lead them in a battle against the Autobots who had stayed behind there. Thundercracker was among those captured by the Autobots, but was eventually freed in exchange for Starscream's assistance in fighting against [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]].

===Devil's Due G''.I. Joe vs Transformers'' continuity===

{{-}}
===IDW comics continuity===
Thundercracker operated as part of a Decepticon insurgent cell that had operated covertly on Earth for at least four years, working to destabilize Earth's governing organizations and create global anarchy. He, [[Runabout]] and [[Runamuck_(G1)|Runamuck]] were assigned by [[Starscream_(G1)|Starscream]] to intercept the human [[Stoker]] and retrieve his [[SM-40]] palmtop PC, containing data on their [[Nebraska]] operation. The team caught up with and killed Stoker outside Phoenix, AZ, but the SM-40 was missing. Thundercracker tracked the device to [[Hunter O'Nion]] and [[Verity Carlo]], but was driven off by [[Ratchet_(G1)|Ratchet]], who managed to temporarily lose him and the two [[Battlecharger]]s. After picking Ratchet up again, Thundercracker was later shot down by [[Prowl_(G1)|Prowl]], [[Sunstreaker]] and [[Ironhide_(G1)|Ironhide]].

{{-}}
==Toys==
===Generation 1===
* '''Thundercracker''' (Decepticon Jet, 1984/1985/1986/2001/2003)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''24'''
**''Accessories'': Left & right fists, landing gear, 2 rocket launchers, 2 rockets, 2 "Incendiary Gun" missiles

[[Image:Redeco.jpg|left|thumb|Thundercracker is the cheap and lazy redeco on the right.]]

: Originally a ''[[Diaclone]]'' "Jet Robo Acrobat-Type", Thundercracker transforms into an F-15 Eagle fighter jet, sharing his mold with his teammates [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]]. Many parts need to be removed completely from transformation from robot to jet and back, which nowadays is considered a major drawback of the toy. It is difficult to find it complete, as neither mode can hold all the pieces required. There are a few minor mold variations of this toy (common for the first two years of ''Transformers'', really), the most immediately noticeable being that early versions did not have visible "clip-tabs" on the inner face of the gauntlets.

: In 1986, he was made available as a mail-away item (as he was no longer shipping to retail shelves) in the "[[Digital Doom on the Highway to Destruction]]" flier packed with most boxed ''Transformers'' toys. He cost $10 and two [[robot point]]s.

: In 2001, Thundercracker was given a short-run re-issue by [[Takara]] as a convention-[[exclusive]] item. The toy would later be more extensively released as part of the [[Hasbro]] [[Commemorative Series]] line, though due to US [[For safety reasons|toy-safety regulations]], his missiles were made extra-long.

: This mold is also used by [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]], [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]], [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]] and [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]].

{{-}}

* '''Thundercracker (Action Master)''' (Action Master Exo-Suit, 1991)
**''Accessories'': "Solo Mission Jet Plane", 2 missiles

[[Image:Thundercrackeram.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Taste the rainbow.]]

: Released only in European markets, once again Thundercracker was a [[redeco]] of Starscream, a non-transforming action figure that combined elements of both the character's cartoon model and toy-form. Like all [[Action Master]]s, Thundercracker was a non-transformable action figure with a transformable accessory -- in his case, a [[Solo Mission Jet Plane]] vehicle that converted into exo-suit battle armor. However, unlike most of Thundercracker's appearances, Action Master Thundercracker is not in his traditional blue and silver colors, but rather in [[Neon|magenta, purple, blue, gold, and two shades of green]]. ''(Oy.)''
{{-}}

===Machine Wars===
* '''Thundercracker''' (Basic, 1996)
**''Accessories'': Two-part rifle
[[Image:MWThundercracker_toy.jpg|left|thumb|150px|No, seriously, this guy is Thundercracker.]]

: Sharing a mold once again with [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]], Thundercracker transforms into a green Dassault Rafale fighter jet with spring-loaded one-step transformation from jet to robot. The two halves of his rifle store in his lower legs. Like all ''Machine Wars'' toys, Thundercracker was an [[exclusive]] to Kay-Bee stores and related stores like Toy Liquidators.

: This mold was also used to make ''[[Beast Wars II]]'' [[Dirge (BWII)|Dirge]], ''[[Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Skyfire (RID)|Skyfire]], ''[[Robot Masters]]'' [[Wing Stun]], and the "[[Dawn of Future's Past]]" version of [[Waspinator]].

{{-}}
===Smallest Transformers===
* '''Thundercracker''' (Smallest Transformers, 2004)

: Part of the third wave of ''[[Smallest Transforming Transformers|Smallest Transformer]]'' product (dubbed wave "2.5" and available only at CVS stores in Japan), Thundercracker is ''again'' a redeco of Starscream. Like all toys in the line, Thundercracker is a tiny, even more simplified version of the original toy, transforming into an F-15 fighter jet. These toys were sold in "blind-packed" boxes, so you could not know which one you had until you actually opened the box. To complicate matters further, Thundercracker was a [[chase figure]], one of two in his wave (the other was a cartoon-colored version of Optimus Prime's trailer).

: The same mold is used by ''Smallest Transformer'' Skywarp and Thrust.

===Robot Masters===
* '''Skywarp & Thundercracker''' (Multi-pack, 2005)
**''Accessories'': 2 rifles, 2 missile pods
[[Image:RobotMastersThundercracker.jpg|left|thumb|180px|''Light'' blue? Totally [[neon]].]]

: ''[[Robot Masters]]'' Thundercracker is a redeco of [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] from the same series, a smaller yet more advanced version of the original toy, adding more articulation and reducing the amount of [[part-forming]] required. He was available only in a two-pack with [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]], which also came with a Decepticon sigil pin and chromed missile pods. This set was the very last product released in the ''Robot Masters'' line, and wasn't even strictly sold in a box from that series; instead, it used an e-Hobby Generation 1 reissue box, with a small "''Robot Masters''" sticker in the corner tab noting its origin from the front.

{{-}}
===Titanium Series===
* '''Thundercracker''' (6" Cybertron Heroes, 2006)
[[Image:TitaniumHeroesWWThundercracker.jpg|right|thumb|150px|I don't think I have enough little wings on my shoulders.]]

: ''Titanium'' Thundercracker is based upon his appearance in [[The War Within]]. He transforms into a cybertronic 'tetrajet', as reimagined by [[Don Figueroa]]. As with all 6-inch Titanium Cybertron Heroes, he is constructed mostly of fully painted die-cast metal.

: This mold was redecoed into ''Titanium'' [[War Within]] Starscream and Sunstorm.

: Yes. Thundercracker was here first.

===Timelines===
*'''Games of Deception!''' (Multi-pack, 2007)
**''Accessories'': Left & right launchers, 2 missiles
[[Image:Classics_Thundercracker_Toy.jpg|left|thumb|200px|You want me, but you can't have me!]]

: Thundercracker is part of the ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]''-themed [[BotCon 2007]] box set, along with [[Bugbite]], [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]], [[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]], and [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]]. Thundercracker is a [[redeco]] of the ''Classics'' Starscream toy using the modified version first seen with Skywarp.

: Classics Thundercracker is a faithful reproduction of his original toy, but with modern standards of toy engineering, transformation, sculpting detail and articulation. He transforms into an F-15 Eagle, but has the nose of an F-14 Tomcat fighter jet. His colour scheme is inspired by the original figure released in 1984, but with a shade of blue closer to that of the original [[Diaclone]] version.

: In robot mode, Thundercracker is essentially a very detailed version of his cartoon robot mode. He is armed with two (overly large) null-ray missile launchers, which are so large that they restrict his arm movement due to them bumping into his wings.

: There were only 1500 Classics Thundercracker figures produced.

==Merchandise==
[[Image:Robot_Hero_Thundercracker.jpg|right|thumb|125px|When you look this cute you can't *possibly* be evil ... ]]
===Robot Heroes===
* '''Thundercracker''' (2007)

Thundercracker is a redeco of the mold used for Starscream and Skywarp. He was available in a two-pack with [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]].

{{-}}

==Trivia==
* For some reason, the [[tech spec]] stats for the original Skywarp, Starscream and Thundercracker toys were switched around. Thundercracker was given Skywarp's numbers.

* The mold for ''Machine Wars'' Thundercracker was originally developed for ''[[Generation 2]]'', but was canceled when that line went under. It is unknown if it was intended to be a new character or a recurring one, though odds are it would have been later [[redeco]]ed into a recurring character if the former was true.

{{-}}
==External links==
*[http://www.tfu.info/1984/Decepticon/Thundercracker/thundercracker.htm Thundercracker at TFU.info]

*[http://www.ntfa.net/universe/english/index.php?act=view&char=Thundercracker Thundercracker's Universe profile at NTFA.net]

*[http://www.toybin.org/search.php?q=1984+Decepticon+Thundercracker ToyBin Thundercracker Toy Gallery]

[[Category: Action Masters]]
[[Category: Classics characters]]
[[Category: Convention exclusives]]
[[Category: Decepticons]]
[[Category: Generation 1 characters]]
[[Category: Generation 2 characters]]
[[Category: Machine Wars characters]]
[[Category: Mail order items]]
[[Category: MyClone]]
[[Category: Robot Masters characters]]
[[Category: Seekers]]
[[Category: Robot Heroes]]
[[Category: Timelines characters]]
[[Category: Titanium Series]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>

Soundwave (G1)

2008-01-14T13:24:44Z

124.171.3.176: /* ''The Transformers'' */

{{disambig3|Soundwave}}
{{picsneeded|Appearances in fiction}}

:''Soundwave is a [[Decepticon]] in the [[Generation 1]] [[continuity family]]. In the Japanese series, he later took the name '''Soundblaster'''.''

[[Image:Soundwave_mixalot.jpg|thumb|300px|Big butts: preferred. Lying: impossible.]]

'''Soundwave''' is one of [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s most reliable troops, and he has positioned himself comfortably and irreplaceably in Megatron's upper command structure. He stands at the Decepticon leader's side as a confidant. Though "only" Communications Officer, he is comparable to [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] in rank and is the only one of the three to display consistent loyalty to Megatron. Soundwave guards his place in the hierarchy fiercely. Other Decepticons (except Megatron) see him as a two-faced snake, since, as Communications Officer, Soundwave hears all and doesn't hesitate to use blackmail to keep himself high in Megatron's esteem. The other Decepticons wouldn't mind abandoning him on the battlefield{{m-}}if they thought Megatron would let them get away with it.

Soundwave commands [[Mini-Cassette|a legion of cassette troops]] to carry out tasks big and small. He has a symbiotic relationship with them, providing them transportation and a cheap, if cramped, place to live in his chest. Sometimes he lets them all out to watch impromptu gladiator games or takes them to discotheques. In return, they perform spy and recon missions for him and make sure no one calls him "unchrasimatic". 

He usually has all the personality of a stump (as evidenced by his computer-style speech). He also has no imagination, sending the aforementioned cassettes on operations with mundane names.

{{quote|As you command, Megatron.|Soundwave, eternal loyalist|''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''}}

:''Hungarian name'': '''Fülelő''' ("Listener")<br>
:''Italian name'': '''Memor''', '''Vizar''' (as Soundblaster)<br>
:''RTM dub name'': '''New Soundwave''' (as Soundblaster)<br>
:''French-Canadian name'': '''Radar''', '''Sonore''' (as Action Master)

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
{{note|Events from the UK-only comic stories are in italics.}}
[[Image:Contentedfools.jpg|left|thumb|200px|[[Ravage]], [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], and Soundwave, the first Decepticons.]]

After the Transformers' awakening on Earth, Soundwave served quietly under Megatron before Megatron was overthrown by [[Shockwave]]. Under Shockwave's command, Soundwave attacked the [[Blackrock Aerospace Plant]] and secured it for Decepticon use. {{storylink|Warrior School!}} The plant's facilities were used to create the [[Constructicons]], who built a massive radio dish that Soundwave used to beam a message back to Cybertron. {{storylink|The Next Best Thing to Being There!}} ''A short time later, during a brief period when both Megatron and Shockwave were missing in action, Soundwave assumed leadership of the Decepticons and led them against the Autobots during the "Dinobot Hunt".'' {{storylink|Dinobot Hunt!}}

When Megatron resurfaced, rendered immobile in a Wyoming coal mine due to lack of fuel, Soundwave sped to his rescue, re-energizing him. {{storylink| I, Robot Master!}} ''Using the splintered state of the Decepticon forces to his advantage, Soundwave worked both sides of the field, reporting to both Megatron and the returned Shockwave, each without the other's knowledge. When Shockwave learned that the human [[Buster Witwicky]] had begun to suffer [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]]-induced visions of the [[combiner|next leap in Transformer evolution]], Soundwave reported this to Megatron, prompting him to battle Shockwave for leadership. The Decepticons' human ally, [[Robot Master]], televised the battle, much to Soundwave's distaste, and in order to prevent the Decepticons from looking like fools, he interrupted the duel and insisted that they agree to a joint leadership.'' {{storylink|Second Generation!}}

[[Image:Laserbeakwarriorschool.jpg|right|thumb|150px|Fly, my pretties, fly!]]
''When the [[Robot-Master]] hoax the Decepticons were perpetrating was threatened by the investigative work of [[Joy Meadows]], Soundwave was instrumental in ending the conflict that ensued between the Decepticons and the Dinobots by holding the reporter hostage and destroying her footage.'' {{storylink|In the National Interest!}} ''Not long thereafter, when the deranged future Decepticon, [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], traveled back in time, Soundwave was intrigued by the fact that he was unable to scan his mind to discern the truth of his identity. Siding with Megatron when conflict erupted, Soundwave and his leader were buried under an avalanche by Galvatron and then rescued by the Autobots in the name of forming an alliance to defeat their common enemy.'' {{storylink|Target 2006}}

''It would be some time before Soundwave came back to the fore, and his return to the spotlight was an ignominious one. With Megatron having apparently died, Soundwave was now once again under Shockwave's command, and, while patrolling on the Decepticons' mobile island base, he found himself attacked and subdued by the time-traveling freelance peace-keeping agent, [[Death's Head]], and tricked into giving up information on the whereabouts of Galvatron.'' {{storylink|Hunters!}} ''Although Death's Head's attempts to track down the Decepticon met with failure, Galvatron was ultimately entombed in lava, where he was later discovered by [[Susan Hoffman]]. Soundwave observed a televised broadcast of her discovery, and he and the [[Combaticon]]s attempted to destroy Galvatron with explosives planted around the volcano in question. After a battle with the [[Throttlebot]]s, Soundwave found that he was unable to remote-detonate the explosives planted around the volcano thanks to Blaster jamming his signal.'' {{storylink|Ladies' Night}}

[[Image:Soundwave uscomics.jpg|thumb|left|G2 before it was cool.]]

When Shockwave was removed from power, Soundwave smoothly transitioned to serving under the new Decepticon leader, Ratbat, and helped to operate his [[Realvision]] playback system to decode data from Autobot tapes [[Grand Slam]] and [[Raindance]]. {{storylink|The Flames of Boltax!}} The tapes, it was discovered, contained information on the [[Underbase]], the power of which was soon claimed by [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], who immediately targeted the Earth. Soundwave co-led the defense of New York alongside [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]], but was deactivated by a blast of cosmic power from Starscream. {{storylink|Dark Star!}}

''It would be some time before Soundwave was operational again, but he was back on his feet by the time that Starscream, now a [[Pretender]], was busy doubting his self-worth.'' {{storylink|Fallen Star}} He continued to operate under the command of the new Decepticon Earth commander, [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]].

''In 2007, in the alternate future world of [[Earth-120185]], Soundwave was second-in-command of the Decepticon forces under Shockwave and succeeded him after Death's Head assassinated him on the orders of [[Unicron]].'' {{storylink|The Legacy of Unicron!}} ''In 2008, Soundwave entered into an alliance with the [[Quintesson]]s, arranging to attack the Autobots as part of a larger plan. He was, however, unaware of the aliens' true plans to take control of Cybertron and found himself double-crossed when the Quintessons ambushed the Decepticons en route to their attack on the Autobots. The Autobots, led by [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]], saved Soundwave's forces from the Quintessons, and they joined forces to repel the Quintesson invasion.'' {{storylink|Space Pirates!}} ''Finally, in 2009, Soundwave led the [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]] back in time to 1989, where they briefly participated in the "Time Wars" before returning to their own time in the midst of the conflict in order to save their own hides.'' {{storylink|Time Wars}}

====Earthforce====

''In the tangent timeline that is home to the Autobot [[Earthforce]] team, Soundwave nominally served on Megatron's side during the Decepticon Civil War, but, once again, was not above exploiting the conflict for his own ends. When an energon shipment was hijacked by Shockwave's forces thanks to information Soundwave had given them, Megatron came to suspect the presence of a traitor in his ranks, but ironically assigned Soundwave to identify the culprit. To keep his own duplicity a secret, Soundwave set up [[Wildrider]] to take the fall, and Megatron destroyed the [[Stunticon]].'' {{storylink|Secrets}}

''Approached by Starscream with a plan to make them both Decepticon leaders, Soundwave joined forces with the schemer and lured Megatron and Shockwave to an airport, tipping off the Autobots to their location. With the two leaders thus occupied, Soundwave and Starscream took control.'' {{storylink|Internal Affairs!}}'' Subsequently, Soundwave led an all-out attack on the Earthforce base as a diversion, while Starscream attempted to plunder an oil tanker. Starscream met with failure, however, leading Soundwave to withdraw his forces and consider taking leadership for himself alone.'' {{storylink|Divide and Conquer!}} ''Starscream was aware of Soundwave's goals, and when he was attacked by a group of alien assassins, he suspected that Soundwave had ordered the hit and struck back at him. Soundwave was able to convince Starscream he was not responsible and that in actuality, it was the work of Megatron and Shockwave.'' {{storylink|External Forces!}}

''Soon afterward, Soundwave learned that human reporter [[Irwin Spoon]] had secured an interview with the Autobots that could potentially resolve the public view of the Transformer war. Seeking to prevent this, he had the Stunticons capture the journalist. Although the Autobots were able to rescue him, a carefully planted [[cerebro-shell]] ensured that the story Irwin wrote was anything but accurate.'' {{storylink|End of the Road!}}

===Animated continuity===
====''The Transformers''====
:''Voice Actor:'' [[Frank Welker]] (US), [[Issei Masamune]] (Japan)

[[Image:Cybertronsoundwave.jpg|thumb||left|Before the tape recorder, he was a lamp post. It's hard to take him seriously sometimes.]]

Prior to his arrival on Earth, Soundwave had the questionably useful [[altmode]] of a space-age communications post. This allowed him to get as close to Autobot headquarters as the street leading into [[Iacon]], but thankfully, his chest-dwelling minion [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] could snoop even closer. The loyal Laserbeak overheard talk of the Autobot mission to seek new energy sources off Cybertron, which prompted the fateful Decepticon interception mission that eventually landed both teams on Earth.

Immediately after the Transformers awakened on Earth in 1984, Soundwave played an essential role in the generation of [[energon cube]]s and the formation of plans for a new space cruiser to return the Decepticons to Cybertron. He sounded really cool when he talked about these, too. Soundwave was reformatted as a portable cassette player, which allowed him to dupe a grabby and none-too-questioning [[Spike Witwicky]] into carrying his shrunken form into the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' headquarters. This sort of thing was to happen many times to the seemingly tape-deck-addicted citizens of Earth.

Later, he used his mind-reading talents to acquire an [[antimatter]] formula for the Decepticons from the brain of [[Chip Chase]].

One of Soundwave's most notable misadventures came in in 1985, when, operating a plan conceived by [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], he brainwashed humans with ultrasonic vibrations inside the Decepticon-built night club [[Dancitron]] in [[New York City]], leading to a confrontation with his Autobot Communications Officer counterpart, [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]]. This began a lasting rivalry between the two.

[[Image:Soundwaveg1.jpg|thumb|right|200px|We'll get you next time, Gadget.]]

Soundwave rarely displayed much emotion and only infrequently exhibited any cunning and self-serving traits. He came across as extremely loyal to Megatron, even going so far as to recover the mortally wounded leader, who'd been left for dead at the [[Battle of Autobot City]] in 2005. But while Soundwave was loyal, he was far from stupid, and he kept his mouth shut when Megatron was subsequently ejected into space. Although he did suggest himself as a replacement leader, he again loyally served Megatron when that being returned as [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]].

In the year 2006, although operating in a less prominent capacity for most of the time, Soundwave played a prominent role in Galvatron's attempt to learn the secret of a sonic weapon on the planet [[Eurythma]], where sound and music were the way of life, leaving Soundwave entranced by the planet's perfect melodies. Recording each piece of the harmony that formed the devastating sonic effect, Soundwave was defeated when the Eurythmans countered the harmony with white noise, and he was again pulled into a confrontation with Blaster, who erased his recordings.

=====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformer'' manga=====

While Megatron and the Decepticons engaged the Autobots in battle in Arizona, Soundwave and his cassettes were dispatched to do something unspecified (but likely ''evil'') in Tokyo. Optimus Prime dispatched a unit of Autobots led by Bumblebee and [[Kenji]] to track them down. He was ultimately defeated when Bumblebee got the drop on him with a patented "Bumble-Kick" and shattered his chest. This made it impossible for his cassette forces to return to him, leaving them to be captured as well.

{{note|The manga maintained something resembling continuity: During his appearance in the third issue of the book, Soundwave was shown to have bandages over his chest. Adorable.}}

=====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformer'' story pages=====

In the second "Anime Theater" story page, titled "Sic 'em, Hound!", the Autobots decided to keep themselves in shape by having a friendly race. Soundwave learned of the race and set up a trap within a narrow canyon. He walled up the Autobots within the canyon and began shooting them all. Luckily, [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] arrived on the scene and delivered a powerful punch to Soundwave's chest, shattering his tape door. Soundwave immediately fled.

====''Headmasters''====

Shortly after the arrival of the [[Headmaster]]s, Soundwave and Blaster engaged in their final clash in the Arctic circle as the Autobots and Decepticons were in the process of searching for the missing Autobot [[Matrix of Leadership]]. The two opponents inflicted fatal damage on each other, and Soundwave's body exploded even as Blaster collapsed, but his fragments were recovered by his cassettes. Using reconstructive technology from the planet [[Master]], [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]], the leader of the Decepticon Headmasters, successfully rebuilt and resurrected Soundwave as '''Soundblaster'''{{m-}}essentially identical to his former self, except for his predominantly black color scheme. As Soundblaster, Soundwave served the same role as he had previously under the leadership of Galvatron and later Scorponok, frequently embarking on spying missions with [[Ratbat]].

=====''Headmasters'' manga=====

After the Decepticons had been vanquished from Earth, [[Scorponok (G1)|Mega Zarak]] ordered Soundblaster to remain on Earth in secret to act as a spy for the Decepticons. Soundblaster made his presence and intentions known almost instantly (not a very good spy) by kicking [[Wheelie]] square in the face and taking the [[Spike Witwicky|Witwicky]] family hostage. Strangely enough, the Autobots considered these acts to be hostile. [[Chromedome]] was left powerless to do anything but surrender, as [[Slugfest]] and [[Overkill]] brutalized [[Spike Witwicky|Spike]] and threatened [[Carly]]. Daniel finally snapped and beat the living crap out of the two Cassette dinosaurs, leaving Soundblaster open to Chromedome's poorly named "Master-Chrome Hurricane Throw to the End of Hell!" Chromedome chucked Soundblaster over the horizon, where he landed near the rogue Decepticon [[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]].

===Kid Stuff Talking Story Books continuity===
:''Voice actor:'' Unknown

In ''[[When Continents Collide]]'', [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] calls Soundwave a "blundering, tape-filled idiot." This is notable because it is hilarious. Also, Soundwave is really, really whiny in these stories.

{{-}}
===''Beast Wars''===
[[Image:BW_Agenda_Pt3_Soundwave.jpg|thumb|left|180px|Soundwave it is, yesss.]]

Soundwave is shown among the many Transformers strewn about the interior of the ''Ark'' when the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] infiltrates the ship on his mission to destroy Optimus Prime.

In the [[3H]] ''Tales of the Beast Wars'' comics, Soundwave is one of the ancient warriors who appears from [[J'nwan]] to help battle the warlord [[Shokaract]].

{{-}}
===Dreamwave Generation 1 continuity===
Soundwave was chosen by Megatron to lead his second assassination team against the new Autobot supreme Commander, Optimus Prime. With the aid of his cassette troops, most notably Ravage, as well as [[Shrapnel]], [[Bombshell]], and [[Kickback]], it was assumed he would have no problem with a young, peace-loving Autobot. Soundwave, like many others, underestimated Prime's resolve and was quickly incapacitated. He recovered quickly enough to rescue Megatron after the latter's own battle with Prime.

In the present day, Soundwave was among the Decepticons who quickly joined Shockwave's forces upon returning to Cybertron. It seems clear, however, that Soundwave had little loyalty to Shockwave, as he readily joined up with Starscream when the [[Seeker]] decided to return to Earth and take over. Though Soundwave feigned subservience to Starscream, it was later revealed that he had been serving Megatron the entire time in secret.

{{-}}
===Devil's Due G.I.Joe vs. Transformers comics===
{{charstub}}

===IDW comics continuity===
{{ongoing}}
Long before the war began, Soundwave was the personal assistant to Senator [[Ratbat]]. When [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] caught Ratbat's eye as a champion of the illegal underground gladiatorial matches, Ratbat sent Soundwave to offer Megatron funding and weapons technology. When [[Bumper (G1)|two]] [[Fastback|Autobots]] were discovered listening in on their conversation, Soundwave dispatched Ravage, Buzzsaw, and Laserbeak to capture them. Some time later, Soundwave was assigned to find a warrior with flight capabilities. He found the [[Seeker]]s: Starscream, [[Skywarp]], and [[Thundercracker]]. During a recruitment rally in which Megatron attempted to kill [[Decimus|Senator Decimus]], a raid by the Autobots under [[Sentinel Prime]] resulted in the participants being arrested. Soundwave, however, was freed under [[Senate]] directive, something which greatly angered the Prime. Soundwave had apparently switched loyalties at this time, becoming one of Megatron's own in not only helping Starscream exterminate [[Kaon]] senators but also to the extent that he destroyed Ratbat's original body, placing his spark into a relatively weak cassette form and thus forcing him into the Decepticons. {{storylink|Megatron Origin}}

Centuries later, after [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] disappeared, Megatron assigned [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] to delve into Shockwave's research and relay all the information back to him. As the Decepticon leader did not fully trust Bludgeon, Megatron also assigned Soundwave to spy on him. Soundwave followed Bludgeon and his team as they left for Earth in 1984 and established a base within Mt. St. Helens, eventually discovering that they intended to resurrect [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]]. Though Soundwave tried to stop them, [[Iguanus]] used an experimental cannon from Shockwave's arsenal to lock him in his alt mode while they instigated a volcanic eruption. He was eventually recovered by a team of unwitting humans who sold him to a pawn shop. He remains sitting in the window to this day. {{storylink|Spotlight: Soundwave}}

{{note|In a response to his Script (W)rap blog [http://simonfurman.wordpress.com/2007/11/05/script-wrap-14/#comment-1864], Simon Furman has reported that Soundwave will make a brief appearance in ''[[Devastation issue 4|Devastation]]'' issue 4.}}

{{-}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
*'''Soundwave''' (Decepticon, 1984/1985, 2003)
:*''Japanese ID number:'' '''17''', '''TFC-10'''

[[Image:G1Soundwave_toy.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Soundwave superior. 'Nuf said.]]

: Soundwave transforms into a realistically sized microcassette recorder of indeterminate manufacture and includes weapons that turn into imitation batteries to power his nonexistent circuitry. [[Takara]]'s release of Soundwave in the ''[[Transformers]]'' line was nearly identical to the ''[[Microchange]]'' "MC-10 Cassette Man" toy on which he was based. This meant that along with being packaged with [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (previously a red "MC-01 Micross"), he came with a set of non-functioning headphones that allowed you not to listen to the silence not recorded on his non-functioning tapes with the non-functioning microphone. [[Hasbro]] packaged Soundwave with [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]] rather than Rumble and omitted the other non-functioning accessories.

: Soundwave was included in the VS-Y versus pack along with Rumble and [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]].

: For 2003, Soundwave was reissued as part of Takara's [[Transformers Collection]] "book-box" series. This iteration of Soundwave came packaged with [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]].

{{-}}
*'''Soundblaster''' (Decepticon, 1987, 2005)
:*''Japanese ID number:'' '''D-101''', '''TFC-18'''

[[Image:G1Soundblaster_toy.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Once you go black, you can never go b—]]

: As part of the Japanese ''[[Headmasters (franchise)|Headmasters]]'' series, Soundwave was [[redeco]]ed and [[retool]]ed so that he could hold two Cassettes in his chest at once. Soundblaster's tape door was cast in transparent red plastic to allow the information on the "readout" decal, unique to the ''Headmasters'' decos of the cassettes, to be seen, functioning in the same manner as the Tech Specs decoders. The readouts of the Decepticon cassettes showed the "weak points" of [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]]. Soundblaster came packaged with Buzzsaw.

: Soundblaster saw reissue in the Transformers Collection series in 2005, packaged together with Buzzsaw and [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]].

{{-}}
*'''Soundwave with Wingthing''' (Action Master, 1990)

[[Image:G1_ActionMaster_Soundwave_toy.jpg|thumb|left|150px|—uh, never mind.]]

: [[Action Master]] Soundwave is a non-transforming action figure which combines elements of his cartoon model and original toy. He is compatible with any other Action Master weapon or vehicle. He came packaged with his new partner, [[Wingthing]].

{{-}}
===Generation 2===
*'''Soundwave''' (Go-Bot, 1995)

[[Image:G2_Gobot_Soundwave_toy.jpg|thumb|right|150px|The goggles do nothing.]]

: A [[redeco]] of the [[Go-Bot (G2)|Go-Bot]] [[Gearhead]], Soundwave transforms into a Ford Thunderbird stock car with precision wheels and wire axles, compatible with "Hot Wheels" and "Matchbox" playsets and tracks (which he was properly sized to fit).

: Notably, his color scheme is very '''loud''', being bright shades of fluorescent yellow, pink and blue. This is one time fans can actually get away with describing a toy's color scheme as [[neon]].

{{-}}
===Machine Wars===
*'''Soundwave''' (Mega, 1997)

[[Image:MW_Soundwave_toy.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Not my scene, baby!]]

: ''[[Machine Wars]]'' Soundwave was a [[redeco]] of the [[Predator]] [[Stalker]] minus Stalker's handgun and its missiles and with the sighting gimmick having been removed from the missile. In this incarnation, Soundwave transforms into tracked missile carrier.

{{-}}

===Smallest Transformers===
*'''Soundwave and Ravage''' (2003)

[[Image:SmallestTF_Soundwave_toy.jpg|right|thumb|150px|Small in size. Big in taste!]]

: Like all of the ''[[Smallest Transformers]]'', this version of Soundwave is a tiny replica of his G1 form. He came with ''Smallest Transformers'' Ravage, who is probably ''the'' smallest Transformer ever.

{{-}}

===Universe===
*'''Soundwave & Space Case''' (Ultra, 2004)

[[Image:Universe_Soundwave&Space-Case_toy.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Soundwave: superior. Space Case: inferior.]]

: The ''Machine Wars'' version of Soundwave was redecoed for release in the ''[[Universe]]'' line in an Ultra-level two-pack with [[Space Case]]. Due to the lack of fiction, it is ''possible'' that this incarnation is in fact an alternate-universe version of Soundwave, or possibly a new character altogether.

{{-}}
===Titanium series===
*'''Soundwave''' (6" Cybertron Heroes, 2006)

[[Image:Titanium_CybHeroes_Soundwave_toy.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Steel Band]]

: A new representation of his G1 form, this Soundwave transforms into a slightly redesigned version of his original microcassette player mode. He also comes with a VERY tiny Laserbeak that transforms into a black rectangle vaguely resembling a microcassette and is almost (but not quite) as small as ''Smallest TF'' Ravage. He can also fit inside of Soundwave's chest. Both of Soundwave's guns resemble batteries and fit into the battery compartment on his back. Some fans have complained that oddly-shaped crotch area makes it look like Soundwave is wearing a diaper. [http://www.reprolabels.com/Misc/babywave.asp Reprolabels.com] took advantage of this realization with a custom sticker set.

: This mold was to be redecoed as Soundblaster with a new Ravage tape partner, but was not released due to the cancellation of the line.

===Classics===
*'''Soundwave''' (Commemorative Edition, 2007)

[[Image:Classics_Commemorative_Soundwave_toy.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Ravage, Laserbeak: Eject. Operation: Reissue.]]

: Despite having packaging that claims ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'' Soundwave is "identical to the original toy," this version is actually a redeco of the [[Transformers Collection]] Sound''blaster'' reissue in Soundwave's original colors. Like the Soundblaster reissue, ''Classics'' Soundwave is packaged with "Battle" Ravage, as well as Laserbeak, recolored from Soundblaster's Buzzsaw. In a move rare for a US release of this toy, the set included two [[Takara]] clear-plastic cassette cases. Exclusive to Toys 'R' Us stores, Soundwave had been intended for the [[Commemorative Series]], but after the cancellation of that line, he was added to ''Classics'', although the phrase "Commemorative Edition" is prominently displayed on the front and sides of the box.

{{note|It is interesting to note that while the actual product uses the Soundblaster mold, the package photos show Soundwave with the single-tape door mold used for Takara's TFC-10 reissue.}}

===Music Label===
*'''Soundwave Playing Audio Player''' (2007)
[[Image:Music label soundwave.jpg|right|thumb|150px|SOUNDWAVE: SUPERIOR. ALL OTHER MUSIC PLAYERS: INFERIOR.]]

: Released by [[TakaraTomy]]'s Music Label (which also puts out a not-half-as-cool Convoy iPod stand), Soundwave is an MP3 player which takes a miniSD card. The box says it can take up to 1 GB, but many claims have shown it can support up to 2 GB. The player uses 1 AAA battery. An optional accessory, sold separately, features headphones that transform into [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] and [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]]. The player also features a transformation almost entirely accurate to his G1 appearance. He also comes with two sets of hands, his shoulder cannon, and a sidearm.

{{-}}
===Attacktix===
*'''Soundwave''' (Booster, 2007)
[[Image:Attacktix_G1Soundwave_toy.jpg|thumb|left|150px|I like big blasters and I can not lie!]]
{{-}}

===Unreleased===
:In ''Generation 2'', a [[redeco]] of the [[Laser Cycle]] [[Road Pig]] was planned as Soundwave, but ultimately never released, one of many planned redecos that never made it. Some packaged samples do exist.

==Trivia==
* According to an interview in the magazine ''Otaku USA'' (issue 3, pg. 102-3), the original Microchange toy and the accompanying cassettes were at least partially designed by famed mecha designer and anime director [[Shinji Aramaki]]. He did not come up with the transformation scheme, but designed most of the outward appearance and details. He also worked on the toys that became the deluxe [[Insecticon]]s, [[Reflector]], and [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]].

* Including the ''[[Microchange]]'' "Cassette Man" version, the original Soundwave mold has sported at least four different tape doors:
** The original MC-10 version had a cassette door that had "Cassette Man" emblazoned on it and featured a hinge that was internal to the robot's body.
** For the initial ''Transformers'' release by Hasbro, the "Cassette Man" text was removed.
** When Takara's Soundwave was released, the hinge was remolded so the bottom of the door attached to the outside of the robot, on either side of the "buttons", which had also been remolded.
** The Soundblaster version had a door that retained the external hinge and added the capacity for holding a second cassette.

[[Image:Soundwavecommercial.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Say hello to my leetle friend!]]

* Though Soundwave's toy is a microcassette recorder, his fictional appearances depict him as a stereo cassette deck or Walkman. (Likewise, his microcassette tapes are depicted as regular audio cassettes.)

* Animation from early ''Transformers'' commercials featured a Soundwave model colored in very light blue, versus the dark blue used later. Also, instead of the cassettes ejecting themselves from his chest, he reached into his chest compartment with his own fingers and threw the (tiny) tapes into the air.

* Soundwave's distinctive voice proved to be one of G1's most memorable aspects. The highly processed voice began with [[Frank Welker]] basically doing his Dr. Claw voice. Whether due to variations in the performance or the processing, the final result varied quite a bit across Soundwave's three seasons on the show. Occasionally, as in the episodes "[[Roll For It]]" and "[[Webworld]]", the processing was left out and Welker's actual voice can be heard.

* The Marvel US comics chose a purple scheme for Soundwave. This could have been an error, an early look for him that was dropped in other media, or perhaps an attempt to distinguish him from the other Decepticons, who were mostly blue (especially since blacks also ended up as blues in the industry's then-limited color palette). The Marvel UK comics colored him blue like everywhere else. He was also sometimes shown without a faceplate.

[[Image:Bm soundwave.jpg|thumb|right|Soundwave gets [[slag (slang)|slagged]] by Vehicons, and Nightscream escapes. How's that for injustice? {{storylink|Forbidden Fruit}}]]

* Soundwave's computer model was used for one of the generic transformers in ''Beast Machines''. It is seen in [[Nightscream]]'s flashback being cornered by [[Vehicon]] drones just before Nightscream flees into the lower levels of Cybertron. Though the model was recolored, it was still really <span title="This may not be an actual word" style="cursor:help;">'Soundwavey,'</span> causing much confusion among fans.

* Later, Soundwave's character model showed up numerous times in various color schemes as a generic background character in [[Armada (cartoon)|Armada]].

* [[Sideways]] listened to music using a tape deck resembling Soundwave in the [[Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]] cartoon. Later, after a new [[Planet X (Cybertron)|Planet X]] was found, ''Cybertron'' [[Soundwave (Cybertron)|Soundwave]] held tape deck Soundwave in his arms.

* In the Japanese dub of the [[Generation 1 (television series)|Generation 1 cartoon]] as well as the [[manga]], all of Soundwave's cassette forces which could talk referred to him as "big brother". It should probably be noted, though, that this is a fairly common way to refer to others you admire and such in Japanese. It's also a term that gang members use toward older, more experienced members who aren't actual gang bosses. Take it as you will. Whatever it says about his relationship with them, it does give new meaning to the phrase [[Wikipedia:Big Brother (Nineteen Eighty-Four)|"Big Brother is watching over you"]].

{{-}}
==External links==
* [http://www.tfu.info/1984/Decepticon/Soundwave/soundwave.htm Soundwave at TFU.info]

* [http://www.ntfa.net/universe/english/index.php?act=view&char=Soundwave Soundwave's Universe profile at NTFA.net]

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