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Dirge (G1)

2011-07-10T12:11:45Z

151.65.7.47: /* Foreign names */

{{faction|decepticon|decepticong2|unicron}}
{{disambig3|Dirge}}
:''Dirge is a [[Decepticon]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:G1Dirge MTMTE.jpg|right|250px|thumb|"Death comes to he who— wait, no, death comes to ME. I've been saying that wrong this whole time."]]

'''Dirge''' is a master of using fear as a weapon. Mournful, morose, and silent, his behavior gives even close comrades like [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] the creeps. Dirge actively cultivates this atmosphere; his engines are even tuned to generate fear in all who hear them. Few realize, however, that this need to instill fear is part of an overwhelming need for control over his own situation. Should things spiral out of control, Dirge falls victim to paralyzing fear himself and his usefulness as a warrior vanishes.

True to his name, he tends to die. A lot.

{{bigquote|Death comes to he who crosses me.|A confused Dirge|"[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1]]"}}

==Fiction==
===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
:''Voice actor'': [[Bud Davis]] (English), [[Keiichi Nanba]] (Japanese), [[Héctor Vieyra]] (Latin American)

[[Image:DinobotIslandPt2-Dirge.jpg|left|200px|thumb|This one's just a warning. From now on, you won't get off so easily.]]

Dirge appeared without explanation on [[Earth]] under [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]]'s command a year or two after the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]]-borne Transformers awoke. His first notable activity was joining in a raid on [[Dinobot Island (G1)|Dinobot Island]], where he was eventually chewed on and thrown bodily by a time-lost Tyrannosaurus rex. {{storylink|Dinobot Island, Part 2}}

Dirge served as part of Megatron's personal guard when the Decepticons confronted the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] about their dubious loyalties. {{storylink|The Master Builders}} He was also briefly involved in an aborted air strike to seize the [[Negavator]], and was present for the next raid on the Negavator's holding pen. Once [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] rigged the Negavator to explode, however, Dirge led his fellow [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]] in retreat, against Megatron's direct orders. Guess he didn't feel like dying that day. {{storylink|Auto Berserk}}

When a new solar energy facility opened up in [[Central City (Earth)|Central City]], [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] led Dirge, [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] and [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] to steal its power. The facility proved to be a trap, however, set by [[Shawn Berger]] to elevate himself in the public eye by taking down the Decepticons with his private militia. Berger's operatives failed, but the Autobots soon arrived to engage the Decepticons as well. [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] took to the air and zapped Dirge with his blackout beam. Luckily for Dirge, Ramjet managed to pull off a loopity-loop and ram the flying Autobot into the ground. Megatron then "requested" the pleasure of Shawn Berger's presence, not to punish him, but to play a subtler game. He attempted to convince the industrialist that the Decepticons were good, and the Autobots evil. He had Dirge escort Berger home so that the human could think about his proposal of alliance against the "Evil Autobots". Dirge was also one of the key players in Megatron's staged videos to tarnish the Autobots' reputation. {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1}} Later, after the Autobots were successfully villified in the public eye and exiled to deep space, the Seekers turned on the people of Central City, opening fire in the middle of the streets. Although Dirge and the Seekers fared well against an attack by the Air Force, the eventual return of the Autobots proved to be more than the Decepticons could handle. {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 2}}

When the Decepticons uncovered a pool of [[electrum]], a strange element that rendered them totally invincible to harm, they thoroughly enjoyed taunting the Autobots with their superiority. Dirge, unfortunately, drew the short straw and was left to guard the pool with [[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]], right up until the Constructicon abandoned him to go fight the battle as well. Dirge was in the middle of...*ahem* exhorting Long Haul's virtues when [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] and [[Seaspray (G1)|Seaspray]] jumped him from behind, giving the Autobots a chance to use the electrum pool as well. The supply was quickly exhausted with both armies using it, however, reducing the war back to stage one. {{storylink|The Golden Lagoon}} Dirge was also part of Megatron's team working with the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]], producing energon cubes from the insects' feasting. They were eventually defeated by the Autobots and a grove of robotic space plants called [[Morphobot]]s. {{storylink|Quest for Survival}}

Later on, Dirge, Ramjet and [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] came to [[Monacus]] to look after Megatron's interests in [[Sheol]], and his less than reputable partner, Lord [[Gyconi]]. They were putting the squeeze on Gyconi when a program caught Dirge's optic, inviting one-and-all to see the Autobots in pit battle against Gyconi's [[animalien]]s. They decided to take in a show while on Monacus, but quickly realized what was going on when [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] flooded the arena with smoke to stop the games and save his friends. Dirge and Ramjet set off after the Autobot in jet mode, and very nearly destroyed him before the bounty hunting Autobot named [[Devcon (G1)|Devcon]] stepped in to blast them out of the air. There's nothing a Decepticon fears more than a fair fight, and the two Seekers skidadled as soon as they were able to get back in the sky. They retreated back to Astrotrain with their share of Gyconi's energon, and eventually fled the planet, with Devcon chasing their smoke trail. {{storylink|The Gambler}}

On another occasion, Dirge accompanied Megatron to help their ally [[Deceptitran]] against the [[Tlalakan]] rebels. After the Decepticons captured [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] (who was aiding the rebels), Dirge was eager to try out his mind probe on the little Autobot, but was interrupted by a rebel attack before he could really get into it. {{storylink|Sea Change}}

When the [[Triple Changer]]s temporarily disposed of Megatron and Starscream, Decepticon leadership became a free-for-all. Instead of chosing sides like the Constructicons, Ramjet and the Seekers were mostly content just to watch the hilarity ensue, like [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]]'s football antics and Astrotrain's army of idiot trains. He even actually ''avoided'' death for a change and was seen successfully escaping from a train tunnel flooded by Astrotrain's [[Astroforce]]. That must have made his day.{{storylink|Triple Takeover}}

Megatron said Dirge and the other two [[Conehead|Coneheads]] were "supposed to be the most powerful jets in the galaxy." {{storylink|The Girl Who Loved Powerglide}} But if Megatron was serious, then they certainly didn't do much to live up to that reputation. They were loyal enough troopers, participating in all the usual Decepticon mischief, but not much more than that. Dirge was once ordered to transport an unknown invention stolen from [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]]'s lab on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] to their home base, and ended up crashing in a swamp and temporarily deactivating due to its weight, prompting the other coneheads to save him. {{storylink|Hoist Goes Hollywood}} In fact, the general incompetence of Dirge and the Seekers in the air was one of the reasons Megatron chose to try fighting the Autobots on the roads with the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]]. {{storylink|The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 1}}

[[Image:Dirge DeathUnicron.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Turns out Unicron didn't have a secret weak spot in his mouth. Thanks for trying, though!]]

Dirge and Ramjet were briefly seen using Megatron's [[Lightning Bug]] in defense of the Decepticons' undersea base. {{storylink|Cosmic Rust (episode)|Cosmic Rust}} The two were later captured by Starscream and the renegade [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]], and pilfered for their energy absorbers. {{storylink|Starscream's Brigade}} Still, Dirge was repaired rather quickly, and was seen helping Megatron and the Insecticons in another joint scheme soon thereafter. He and Ramjet were commissioned to find the Insecticons when [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]] stole a vital part of the [[Space Bridge]] machinery. {{storylink|The Revenge of Bruticus}} During a Decepticon mission in the Middle East, Dirge inexplicably showed up with the Combaticons just long enough to get shot down by the Autobots. {{storylink|Aerial Assault}}

Dirge's first apparent death was during [[Unicron]]'s attack on Cybertron in 2005. All three coneheads (or Seekers who looked like them) were seen flying into Unicron's mouth and exploding. {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie}} However, Dirge soon turned up again in [[Socialist Democratic Federated Republic of Carbombya|Carbombya]], hiding with Ramjet amongst [[Abdul Fakkadi (G1)|President Fakkadi]]'s air force. Fakkadi denied their presence to the Autobots, but [[Outback (G1)|Outback]] psyched the two Decepticons out by walking around the airfield with what he claimed was a "[[Decepticon detector]]." When the coneheads tried to escape, Outback used a smoke grenade to make them crash, then tore the location of [[Chaar]] out of them with his steely gaze. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1}}

[[Image:Dirge toondeath.jpg|right|175px|thumb|Maybe he shouldn't take his nitroglycerin collection everywhere with him.]]

The two hapless Decepticons somehow escaped Autobot captivity, though. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 3}} They later participated in a full-scale assault on Cybertron and chose to strafe [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]]—who dispatched them both with well-timed punches that sent them careening into buildings. They exploded quite spectacularly (even Ramjet, who you'd think would be used to it). {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5}}

Later, after some much needed repairs, Dirge and Thrust accompanied Galvatron's lieutenants in pursuing [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Rodimus Prime]] and the Autobots through space. Once they reached the Autobot funeral barge, however, the Seekers did not enter the vessel after the Autobots. A very wise decision, as it turned out. {{storylink|Dark Awakening}} Sometime afterwards, Dirge came to [[Socialist Democratic Federated Republic of Carbombya|Carbombya]] with Galvatron in search of [[Octane]] and [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]]. The Decepticons briefly seized control of the country and its oil supplies, but were driven off by the Autobots. {{storylink|Thief in the Night}}

[[Image:Dirge AlmostDeath.jpg|left|150px|thumb|Uncharacteristically AVOIDING death somehow.]]

And yet they later appeared again on Chaar, failing to defend [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] against the ghost of Starscream. In fact, [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] tried to execute the coneheads and the [[Battlecharger]]s for their inability to stop the wraith. But they were saved when Starscream possessed Trypticon himself and launched into space, Dirge and the others onboard. When they saw that Starscream was using Trypticon to connect Unicron's head to Cybertron, they sabotaged the dinosaur from within. {{storylink|Ghost in the Machine}}

{{-}}
====''The Headmasters'' cartoon====
Dirge and Thrust stood guard outside the Decepticon headquarters on Earth when [[Blaster (G1)|Twincast]] was ordered to infiltrate it. The two Seekers got into a firefight with the Autobot and [[Autobot Mini-Cassette|his Mini-Cassettes]] and were too distracted to notice [[Rewind]] sneaking past them and into the base. {{storylink|Explosion on Mars!! MegaZarak Appears}}

===Marvel Comics continuity===
{{noteukonly}}
Dirge was on Cybertron serving under [[Straxus (G1)|Straxus]] when contact was first made with the long-lost Earthbound Decepticons. {{storylink|The Smelting Pool!}} ''He was one of the Decepticons' greatest killers, with [[Macabre]] desperately wanting acknowledgement from him. After [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]] received some information about a major meeting of the Autobot resistance chiefs, Dirge led his fellow elite killers to the meeting, hoping to capture the infamous [[Emirate]] [[Xaaron]] and siphon some information from his old cranial cavity. Mere yards from their goal, however, the Decepticons were halted by a communique from [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]], demanding they return to [[Polyhex]] at once and ready the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]] for an Earth-bound mission. Pissed about missing their chance, but not foolish enough to disobey Megatron, Dirge turned the troops around, little realizing how close they came to being ambushed by the [[Wrecker]]s. {{storylink|Target: 2006}}''

[[Image:Dirge DeathSerpentor.jpg|left|200px|thumb|He couldn't even kill [[Duke (G.I. Joe)|Duke]], but he wasted ''you?'']]

Dirge, his fellow "coneheads", and the Insecticons dutifully travelled to Earth via the [[space bridge]]. Megatron had instructed that [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]] be altered to resemble "Terran craft". Their mission was to defend a giant drill that would bore through [[Hoover Dam]] and siphon the Colorado River through the space bridge to the waterless Cybertron, where Decepticon turbines would generate "enough energy to power Cybertron for years." But just as the drill began its work, the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]] intervened. Dirge found his fear-inducing ability was particularly effective against the acrophobic [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]], but the other Decepticons fared poorly enough that a retreat was eventually called. {{storylink|Aerialbots over America!}}

When the Decepticons later allied with [[Cobra]], Dirge was assigned to be an emissary among the humans. This would be unfortunate for the luckless Seeker. When [[Serpentor]] realized the Decepticons were going to destroy the Earth, he needed a token of conciliation to show the [[Autobot]]s. So in the middle of a battle against [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]], Serpentor goaded Dirge into attacking the giant with everything he had. Serpentor then pressed a button in the cockpit of his own jet, "jamming" Dirge's "frequencies", which caused the Seeker's weapons to lock up and explode when he tried to fire.

The explosion tore Dirge apart, and he wouldn't be seen again for years. {{storylink|Ashes, Ashes...}}

{{note|The [[G.I. Joe and the Transformers]] series is the only US story that was ignored in the UK comic. Consequently Dirge was not dead in the UK continuity.}}

''Dirge was one of the Decepticons who took part in the operation to recover Megatron from the River Thames. {{storylink|Salvage!}}''

====Earthforce====
{{earthforcefiction}}
With [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] in command, Dirge joined a massive Decepticon offensive against the Autobot Earthbase. Their goal was to kill some Autobots while also distracting them as Starscream looted a human oil tanker in the [[Gulf of Mexico]]. Both goals proved fruitless, and the Decepticons were driven off. {{storylink|Divide and Conquer!}}

{{note|First depicted rather late in the series, it is unknown whether Dirge served Megatron or [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] before the coup merged the Decepticon factions.}}

====Marvel ''The Movie'' comic====
Dirge was one of the Decepticons seriously wounded at the [[Battle of Autobot City]] and subsequently thrown out of [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] to be recreated as [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]], [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]], [[Cyclonus's Armada]] and the [[Sweep]]s. {{storylink|The Planet-Eater!}} As none of the new Decepticons bar Galvatron ever demonstrates any awareness of a past life, this could be considered another Dirge death.

====Marvel UK future timelines====
''In 2008, Dirge was serving Soundwave while on Cybertron. He went into battle alongside [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] and the other flyers, fighting the [[Quintesson]] [[Trident]] assault craft. {{storylink|Space Pirates!}}''

====Marvel ''Generation 2'' comic====
[[Image:Dirge DeathSwarm.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Death by [[Furmanism]].]]

Dirge reappeared among the Decepticon forces just long enough to sacrifice himself futilely against the [[Swarm (G2)|Swarm]], self-destructing alongside [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]]. Moments later, Megatron showed up with the [[rheanimum]] that could have saved him. {{storylink|A Rage in Heaven!}}

{{-}}
====''Classics'' comic====
[[Image:Dirge DeathTimelines.jpg|left|150px|thumb|You only get so many do-overs, pal.]]

While the war seemingly ended with [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]]'s defeat at [[Klo]], Megatron was quietly gathering the remains of forgotten Earthbound casualties and rebuilding them. Dirge was among his resurrections, but the Seeker chose to follow the exiled Bludgeon instead. {{storylink|Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker's ''Timelines'' bio}} This would prove an unfortunate choice, as Dirge soon ended up in the [[cerebro-shell]]ed thrall of [[Bug Bite (G1)|Bug Bite]].

When Bug Bite decided to try and subvert Megatron himself, Dirge was on the team accompanying him to Earth. As Bug Bite and Megatron confronted each other, the Autobots ambushed them, freeing many of Bug Bite's troops with a cerebro-shell jammer. It's unclear whether Dirge's shell was disabled, but the point is somewhat moot; [[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]] shot him in the chest, leaving him lying on the floor with extinguished optics. {{storylink|Games of Deception}}

Dirge was eventually revived and compelled into serving Megatron again. He attacked a human city on Earth with his old wingmen, Ramjet and Thrust. {{storylink|At Fight's End}}

===Find Your Fate Junior ''The Transformers'' books===
{{note|This is a [[multipath adventure]] with no fixed outcome.}}

Dirge was the Decepticon defending the [[anti-gravity base]], striking fear in the Autobots. In one outcome, he succeeded in destroying [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], only to be destroyed himself by the Autobot leader's final shot. In the end, Prime's sacrifice spurred the Autobots to fight on to victory!

Dirge was the most overpowering Decepticon present, but he could be defeated by a surprise attack. Alternately, if both Ramjet and Thrust were defeated, Dirge would retreat. {{storylink|Desert Flight}}

===Dreamwave ''Generation One'' comics===
Dirge participated in Shockwave's offensive against [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]] shortly after Optronix took the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]]. During the Dark Ages, he joined up with Starscream's [[Predacon (War Within)|Predacon]] faction and attempted to disrupt the peace treaty at [[Tyger Pax]]... only to have the combined forces of the Autobots, Decepticons, and [[Ultracon]]s brought against him. Guess death comes to he who has no common sense. {{storylink|The Age of Wrath issue 1|The Age of Wrath #1}}

After the [[Great Shutdown]] was over, Dirge became one of Shockwave's top agents and traveled to Earth to help collect the former crews of the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' and ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]''. Back on Cybertron, he helped defend Shockwave's empire when the Autobots finally rose up against him, but he was defeated along with the rest of the Decepticons. Somehow he escaped detention and joined up with Shockwave and his remaining flunkies in the [[Wastelands]], hidden in an underground bunker while planning their next move. When Megatron arrived with his new [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]], though, Dirge quickly assessed his priorities and agreed to serve under the old Decepticon commander for the duration. {{storylink|The Route of All Evil}}

{{note|Somewhat ironically, Dirge's survival was guaranteed by Dreamwave's own death as a publisher.}}

===Dreamwave ''Armada'' comics===
[[Image:Dirge_DeathArmada.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Even in a new continuity, he can't get a break.]]

Dirge was one of [[Herald of Unicron|Unicron's Heralds]], along with [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]], [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]], [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]], and Galvatron. He was blown up when [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] detonated [[Decepticon Command Headquarters]] that they had taken over. {{storylink|Worlds Collide, Part 4 of 4}}

{{-}}
===''G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers''===
Dirge was based on Cybertron, serving as one of [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]'s bodyguards. Along with Ramjet and [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]], he tried to stop a group of Autobots from stealing a load of [[energon cube]]s from the Decepticons, and almost managed to shoot [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]]. Shockwave later led Dirge and the others to capture [[Teletran 3]], but they were stopped when [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] set up a force field around the computer. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II issue 1|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II #1}} The field eventually went down, and the Decepticons attacked, capturing the Autobots. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II issue 3|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II #3}}

When the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] attacked, several of Shockwave's forces were killed. The remainder withdrew to Shockwave's command tower, where they were destroyed when [[Cobra Commander]] detonated explosives hidden on [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]. So one way or another, Dirge died again. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II issue 4|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II #4}}

===IDW ''The Transformers'' comics===
Dirge and [[Deluge (G2)|Deluge]] escorted defeated Autobots to exile on Cybertron via a space bridge. But when Optimus Prime sabotaged the bridge on his way through, the two Decepticons found themselves trapped on Cybertron with their "prisoners." {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 7|All Hail Megatron #7}} They have not been seen since.<ref>Writer [[Shane McCarthy]] [[authorial intent|claims]] the two Decepticons are still alive somewhere ("Think Castaway meets Thelma and Louise...")—[http://forum.idwpublishing.com/viewtopic.php?p=137730#137730 Shane McCarthy interview thread on the IDW forums]—but in [[The Transformers: Ironhide|later issues]], it is said that there are no unaccounted-for life signs on Cybertron. So if they ''did'' survive, they apparently got off-planet somehow.</ref>

==Games==
===''The Transformers'' (PS2)===
{{Note|Dirge is a non-playable character. He appears among the legion of Decepticon duplicates in the Autobot campaign.}}
{{storylink|The Transformers (PS2)|The Transformers}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[Image:G1Dirge toy.jpg|300px|thumb|Closet [[Conehead]]]]
*'''Dirge'''( Decepticon Jet, 1985/2001/2004)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''97'''
**''Accessories'': Left & right fists, front landing gear, 2 "concussion missiles"

: A [[retool]] of the [[Starscream (G1)/toys|Starscream mold]], Dirge transforms into a modified F-15 fighter jet with a delta wing and front canard. The spring-loaded missile launchers were replaced with simplified non-firing... rifle barrels?

[[Image:Commemorativeseriesdirge.jpg|left|150px|thumb|WYLD STALLYNS! deedleedleedleedleet]]

: Dirge never had a full release in Japan, where he was only available as a mail-away in 1986 (for 1980 yen and 4 [[Robot Point]]s), and at the 20th Century Toy Museum in 2001. He was also re-released in the US as part of the Toys "R" Us [[Commemorative Series]].

: This mold was also used to make [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]], [[Skywarp (G1)/toys|Skywarp]], [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]], [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]], and [[Thundercracker (G1)/toys|Thundercracker]].

::*''[http://tfu.info/1985/Decepticon/Dirge/dirge.htm More information on Dirge at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

===Timelines===
[[Image:Classics Dirge Toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Conehead uncloseted.]]

*'''Games of Deception''' (Multi-pack, 2007)
**''Accessories'': Left & right missile launchers, 2 missiles

: Dirge is part of the ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]''-themed [[BotCon 2007]] box set, along with [[Bug Bite (G1)|Bugbite]], [[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]], [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] and [[Thundercracker (G1)/toys|Thundercracker]]. He is a [[redeco]] of the ''Classics'' Ramjet toy, transforming into a made up fighter based upon the F-15. He also comes with two spring-loaded missile launchers that can mount on his biceps, under his wings, or be used as hand-held weapons.

:As with most ''Classics'' toys, he features a heat-sensitive [[rubsign]].

: There were 1500 ''Timelines'' Dirge figures produced.

::*''[http://tfu.info/2007/Decepticon/BCDirge/dirge.htm More information on Timelines Dirge at TFU.info]''
{{-}}
===Universe (2008)===
[[Image:Universe 2008 Dirge toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Wait... if Dirge dies in the past, doesn't that create a [[Paul Eiding|time paradox]]?]]

*'''Autobot Ambush''' (Voyager Deluxe Comic 2-Pack, 2008)
**''Series:'' G1 Series
**''Accessories:'' Launcher, missile, Cyber Key

:A Target-exclusive redeco of ''Galaxy Force'' [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]], Dirge transforms into a Cybertronic starfighter. In both modes, plugging a [[Cyber Planet Key]] into his back end flips out a spring-loaded blade from each arm. His spring-loaded missile launcher can be used as either a hand-held weapon, or mounted under his jet-mode nosecone.

:He is packed with [[Roadbuster (G1)|Roadbuster]] (a redeco of the Deluxe-class ''Cybertron'' [[Hot Shot (Armada)/toys|Cybertron Defense Hot Shot]]) and a reprint of "[[Target: 2006]]" parts 5 & 6 (although the Canadian version had no comic included). Initial releases of the set have the wrong comic, using the ''[[War Within: The Dark Ages]]'' issue "[[Escalation (Dreamwave)|Escalation]]" meant for the [[Springer (G1)|Springer]]/[[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] two-pack instead.

:His dark purple Cyber Planet Key features a movie-style Decepticon sigil.

:This mold was also used for the [[BotCon 2008]]-exclusive ''[[Shattered Glass (toyline)|Shattered Glass]]'' [[Starscream (SG)|Starscream]].

::*''[http://tfu.info/2008/Decepticon/TFUDirge/dirge.htm More information on Universe Dirge at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

===Gentei! Gentei!===
[[Image:Henkei Dirge toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|AHA! Undeniable proof that Takara does things better than Hasbro! <small>(Sometimes.)</small>]]
*'''Dirge''' (Deluxe, 2009)
**''Accessories:'' Left & right missile launchers, 2 missiles

:''[[Henkei! Henkei! (toyline)|Gentei! Gentei!]]'' Dirge is a [[Toy Hobby Market]] exclusive retool of ''Classics'' Ramjet. Unlike his [[BotCon 2007]] ''Timelines'' version, he has newly tooled wings based upon the wings from his original toy, uses the smaller gun missiles from Starscream, and, unusually for ''Henkei! Henkei!'', features an all-new, colorful [[Hasbro]] ''Classics''-style deco for his new wings. Like all ''Henkei! Henkei!'' toys, he features [[Vacuum metallizing|vacuum metallized]] parts, specifically the barrels of his missile launchers, his engine nozzles and his cockpit interior.

: Dirge was available for pre-order from [[November 13]]th through [[December 10]]th 2008, and shipped in late March of 2009.
{{-}}

===Generations===
[[Image:Generations-toy_Dirge.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Death by mold degradation.]]
*'''Dirge''' (Deluxe, 2010)
**''Accessories:'' Left & right missile launchers, 2 missiles
: ''[[Generations (toyline)| Generations]]'' Dirge is a [[redeco]] of ''[[Henkei! Henkei! (toyline)|Gentei! Gentei!]]'' Dirge.

:Like [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Henkei! Henkei!|Ghost Starscream]] and ''Generations'' [[Thrust (G1)#Generations|Thrust]], Dirge uses the older version of the ''Classics'' Seeker mold used from ''Classics'' [[Skywarp (G1)/toys|Skywarp]] to [[Acid Storm]], rather than the newer version used for the majority of the Henkei figures and [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Generation 1 Series|Universe Starscream]], right down to the 2006 copyright rather than 2008 featured on Gentei Dirge.

:Initial batches of Dirge lacked the white center of the head crest in for all three [[tampograph]]ed Decepticon [[insignia|faction symbols]]. This was [[quality control|fixed]] by a [[variant|running change]].

::*''[http://tfu.info/2010/Decepticon/GenerationsDirge/dirge.htm More information on Generations Dirge at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

==Merchandise==
===Super Collection Figure===
[[Image:HOC_Dirge.jpg|thumb|200px|right| My head's not pointy enough! Someone fix this before I start busting YOUR nice, flat heads.]]
*'''Dirge''' (2002)

: A retool of the ''[[Super Collection Figure]]'' [[Starscream (G1)/toys|Starscream]] mold, Dirge is a three-inch tall non-transforming figure. He was released as a [[chase figure]] in the sixth wave of the line.

: This mold was further retooled into [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] and [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]].

===Heroes of Cybertron===
*'''Dirge''' (2003)

: ''[[Heroes of Cybertron]]'' Dirge is redeco of ''Super Collection Figure'' Dirge, cast in translucent red plastic and painted over to allow for a [[light-piping]] gimmick. His cone was also rounded off [[for safety reasons]]. The Hasbro release of Dirge was much easier to find than his Japanese counterpart, as he was a normal release in wave four, and packed on a blister card rather than in a [[Blindpacking|blindpacked]] box.

: Dirge came with the torso to the [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] Build-A-Figure.

{{-}}

===MyClone===
*'''Dirge''' (MyClone, 2003)

: Dirge was a chase figure in the third wave of ''[[MyClone]]'' figures. He's a cute, [[super-deformed]] figure who can be disassembled to switch his components with other MyClones. Dirge shares many, but not all, of his component molds with ''MyClone'' [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] and [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]].

===Transformers - Mini Bust===
[[Image:Dirge statue.jpg|right|175px|thumb|Worst case of petrification he's ever had.]]

* '''Dirge''' (Diamond Select, 2008)

: Dirge was released by [[Diamond Select Toys]] in 2008 and exclusive to online retailer Big Bad Toy Store. He was sculpted by [[Mark Wong]] of [[Art Asylum]] and limited to 250 pieces. The sculpt features Dirge's distinctive wings.
{{--}}

==Notes==
* [[Simon Furman]] originally planned for Dirge and the other "coneheads" to appear and defend the ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]'' in the [[Nemesis Part 2|conclusion]] to ''[[Beast Wars (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'', but this plot point was dropped due to time and budget constraints. Furman was so disappointed at his missed chance to use Dirge (whom he appreciated because he has "...a cool doom-laden name") that he chose the character to be one of [[Herald of Unicron|Unicron's Heralds]] in the ''[[Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'' comic's "[[Worlds Collide]]" arc.
* Colorist [[Drew Eiden]] stated at the [[Transformers Collectors' Club|Collector's Club]] panel at [[BotCon 2007]] that the day after final colors were applied to the ''Timelines'' comic where Dirge apparently falls dead, he found this article and noted to editor [[Pete Sinclair]] how ironic it was. Whether the comic was actually ''intended'' to continue Dirge's death-trend is unknown.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Dirge''' (ダージ ''Dāji'')
*''French:'' '''Funébro''' (Canada)
*''Italian:'' '''Sparviero''' ("Sparrowhawk")
*''Portuguese:'' '''Funebre''' (Portugal comic), '''Dirgo''' (Brazil comic), '''Funeral''' (Brazil comic)
*''Russian:'' '''Smert''' (Смерть, "Death"), '''Tupik''' (Тупик, "Deadlock")

==References==
<references />

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

[[Category:Armada Decepticons]]
[[Category:Classics Decepticons]]
[[Category:Dimension hoppers]]
[[Category:Convention exclusives]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Predacons]]
[[Category:Generation 2 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generations]]
[[Category:Henkei! Henkei! Decepticons]]
[[Category:Mail order exclusives]]
[[Category:MyClone]]
[[Category:Seekers]]
[[Category:Target exclusives]]
[[Category:The Headmasters Decepticons]]
[[Category:Timelines characters]]
[[Category:Unicron-related characters]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]

Ramjet (G1)

2011-07-10T12:10:30Z

151.65.7.47: /* Foreign names */

{{factions|decepticon|decepticong2}}
{{disambig3|Ramjet}}
:''Ramjet is a [[Decepticon]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''
[[Image:RamjetG1.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Ramjet likes toast.]]
What can really be said about someone whose only idea of strategy is to smash into things with his head? In '''Ramjet'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s defense he's specifically built to survive such midair collisions and his prey most definitely is not. The strategy can be frighteningly effective, since no one expects a fighter jet to ram them. Ramjet has a tendency to regard the sky as belonging only to him, and will frequently ram even neutral or friendly targets. Though he is built to take such hits frequent collisions and crashes can still take their toll on his internal mechanisms.

==Fiction==
===''The Transformers'' cartoon===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Jack Angel]] (English), [[Toshio Ishii]] (Japanese), [[Juan Carralero]] (Latin American)
Curiously enough, Ramjet often seemed to act as de facto leader of the [[Conehead]] [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]]. Though only borderline competent, he was a serious enough warrior that it often fell on him to keep the two whiners [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] and [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] in line.

[[Image:DinobotIsland2 Ramjet Thrust with cubes.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Shut up, they're not THAT heavy.]]
Ramjet was first seen on Earth when [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] and his ilk raided [[Dinobot Island (G1)|Dinobot Island]] for its energy resources. He and his fellow Decepticons went to work filling their energon cubes to maximum capacity. {{storylink|Dinobot Island, Part 1}} They were eventually opposed by the Autobots, however, and engaged in a heavy metal war for control of the island. Eventually, the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] turned their fellow dinosaurs against the Decepticons. Ramjet and Thrust were run down by a stampeding herd of dinosaurs before Megatron finally called it quits. {{storylink|Dinobot Island, Part 2}}

[[Image:AutoBerserk Megatron and Ramjet watching surveillance.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]
Later, Ramjet was sent into battle by Megatron to intercept the Autobots' sole aerial ace, [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]], before he interfered with [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] guarding the solar power tower that Megatron had rightfully stolen. Ramjet tried to ram Powerglide out of the sky, but flew too close to his massive comrade, and was swatted down by Devastator himself. {{storylink|The Master Builders}} When [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] and his Cassettes failed to steal the [[Negavator]], [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] and Ramjet led the Seekers in an aerial raid. Once [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] triggered an avalanche to trap the Autobots in a box canyon, it should have been easy pickings. Unfortunately, [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] unleashed his magnetic clouds and then electro-disrupted the jets' radar, leaving them completely blind-flying and Yoda-talking. Ramjet tried to make his crash count by landing on an Autobot, but comically managed to land right on top of Megatron, just after the Decepticon leader had secured the all-powerful Negavator machine for himself.'' "I've got morons on my team!",'' Megatron screamed, and it was hard to disagree. {{storylink|Auto Berserk}}

[[Image:MMP1 Ramjet rams Tracks.jpg|thumb|left|200px|That's either a tiny jet or a big-ass car!]]
When a new solar energy facility opened up in [[Central City (Earth)|Central City]], Starscream led Dirge, Ramjet and Thrust to steal its power. The facility proved to be a trap, however, set by Shawn Berger to elevate himself in the public eye by taking down the Decepticons with his private militia. Berger's operatives failed, but the Autobots soon arrived to engage the Decepticons as well. [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] took to the air and zapped Dirge with his blackout beam. Luckily for Dirge, Ramjet managed to pull off a loopity-loop and ram the flying Autobot into the ground. Megatron then "requested" the pleasure of Shawn Berger's presence, not to punish him, but to play a subtler game. He attempted to convince the industrialist that the Decepticons were good, and the Autobots evil. Ramjet was one of the key players in Megatron's staged videos to tarnish the Autobots' reputation. {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1}} Later, after the Autobots were successfully vilified in the public eye and exiled to deep space, the Seekers turned on the people of Central City, opening fire in the middle of the streets. Ramjet in particular expressed his frustrations over having to act "good", even for a little while, by flying straight ''through'' a building, bringing the whole mess down. Although the Seekers fared well against an attack by the Air Force, the eventual return of the Autobots proved to be more than the Decepticons could handle. {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 2}}

After Megatron took over Earth's airwaves from the moon, Ramjet and [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] did their bit to speed the chaos along, attacking the Autobots during their various rescue missions. Ramjet even got a chance to pay back Powerglide for an old injury, shooting down the Autobot flier over the airport. Very nearly got rid of two [[Carly|annoying]] [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|humans]], too. {{storylink|Blaster Blues}}

[[Image:Ramjetinpast.gif|right|200px|thumb|Ramjet could have been a great soccer player.]]
Once, Ramjet was working with Starscream, Rumble and [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] in the United Kingdom, when they got low on energon fighting the Autobots. Sensing energy inside the mysterious [[Dragon Mound]], the Decepticons accidentally activated a timewarp and were transported back to the days of Camelot. Running across a pair of errant knights, Ramjet found that lasers could not function in the Dark Ages, so he merely headbutted his opponent into submission. After a brief exchange, Starscream realized the situation and made a pact with the knight, [[Wigend du Blackthorne|Sir Wigend]], to aid him against his enemies. At a pre-arranged tournament the next afternoon, Rumble and Ramjet acted as knight and steed in Sir Wigend's stead, against the [[Aetheling the Red|Red Knight]]. The Decepticons' coup was cut short, however, due to the arrival of the Red Knight's champions, [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] and [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]]. With Warpath serving as the Red Knight's steed, Ramjet ended up ruining his nose in the joust. Although the Decepticons tried to build their own kingdom after that by inventing gunpowder and the electric dynamo before their time, they were eventually defeated, and all the Transformers returned to the 20th century through the Dragon Mound. {{storylink|A Decepticon Raider in King Arthur's Court}}

On one occasion, Ramjet and Thrust joined [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] in an air strike on an Autobot geological survey near the rocky coastline. Ramjet attempted to engage [[Seaspray (G1)|Seaspray]] over the open seas, and was trading firepower pretty well until his instincts got the best of him and he tried to ram the Autobot hovercraft. Seaspray easily dodged the knuckleheaded Decepticon, who plummeted into the briny deep. During this exchange, though, Thrust discovered a pool of [[electrum]], and soon all the Decepticons were rendered completely invulnerable. Ramjet and the others relished in their invincibility for a time, but soon the Autobots discovered the pool as well, and the supply of electrum was quickly exhausted by both factions. {{storylink|The Golden Lagoon}} Ramjet was involved in the strike on the [[Morphobot]]s, but was driven off by the Autobots after the [[robotic insecticide]] was destroyed. {{storylink|Quest for Survival}}

[[Image:Gambler Gyconi Ramjet and Dirge.jpg|thumb|left|200px]]
Later on, Dirge, Ramjet and [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] came to [[Monacus]] to look after Megatron's interests in [[Sheol]], and his less than reputable partner, Lord [[Gyconi]]. They were putting the squeeze on Gyconi when a program caught Dirge's optic, inviting one-and-all to see the Autobots in pit battle against Gyconi's [[animalien]]s. They decided to take in a show while on Monacus, but quickly realized what was going on when Smokescreen flooded the arena with smoke to stop the games and save his friends. Dirge and Ramjet set off after the Autobot in jet mode, and very nearly destroyed him before the bounty hunting Autobot named [[Devcon (G1)|Devcon]] stepped in to blast them out of the air. There's nothing a Decepticon fears more than a fair fight, and the two Seekers skedaddled as soon as they were able to get back in the sky. They retreated back to Astrotrain with their share of Gyconi's energon, and eventually fled the planet, with Devcon chasing their smoke trail. {{storylink|The Gambler}}

When the [[Triple Changer]]s temporarily disposed of Megatron and Starscream, Decepticon leadership became a free-for-all. Instead of choosing sides like the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]]s, Ramjet and the Seekers were mostly content just to watch the hilarity ensue, like Blitzwing's football antics and Astrotrain's army of idiot trains. {{storylink|Triple Takeover}}

[[Image:SearchForAlphaTrion Ramjet and Shockwave cower.jpg|thumb|right|200px| [[Starscream (Movie)| Sometimes, cowards who block their faces, survive!]]]]
One day, [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] found himself under siege from a lost tribe of [[Female Autobots]] on Cybertron, and so Megatron sent Ramjet and a small group of Decepticons via the [[Space Bridge]] to assist him. He tried to take down the team leader [[Elita One]] with a missile, only to have her grab it in mid-flight and hurl it back at him. Ramjet survived that, only to have a tower dropped on him later by [[Moonracer]]'s sharpshooting skills. {{storylink|The Search for Alpha Trion}}

Ramjet and his buddies tried to kidnap [[Astoria Carlton-Ritz]], CEO of [[Hybrid Technologies]] but failed, miserably and repeatedly. Although they eventually captured her, it's hard to call anyone who ended up with Astoria the "winner". {{storylink|The Girl Who Loved Powerglide}} They proved to be just as hapless when Megatron sent them on an ultra-secret mission to recover a mysterious cargo when even he didn't know what it was. {{storylink|Hoist Goes Hollywood}} In the latest in a long series of ineptitudes, Ramjet and his flying partners were outmaneuvered by the Autobots on the ground while trying to steal an experimental superfuel. Dirge and Thrust were taken out of action when Prime and the others tricked them into flying into the side of a mountain above the road. Ramjet was too quick for them but, when the Autobots pulled the exact same maneuver moments later, he ran into the mountain just as hard as his buddies did. {{storylink|The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 1}}

[[Image:AerialAssault Ramjet crashed.jpg|thumb|left|200px|It's just the time to think…]]
Dirge and Ramjet were briefly seen using Megatron's [[Lightning Bug]] in defense of the Decepticons' undersea base. {{storylink|Cosmic Rust (episode)|Cosmic Rust}} The two were later captured by Starscream and the renegade [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]], and pilfered for their energy absorbers. {{storylink|Starscream's Brigade}} Still, Ramjet was repaired rather quickly, and was seen helping Megatron and the Insecticons in another joint scheme soon thereafter. He and Dirge were commissioned to find the Insecticons when [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]] stole a vital part of the Space Bridge machinery. {{storylink|The Revenge of Bruticus}} During a Decepticon mission in the Middle East, Ramjet helped the Decepticons create an army of drone jets out of stolen parts, commanding them as his own personal flight wing against the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbot]]s. Even with back-up, however, Ramjet was tossed out of the sky by [[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]]. {{storylink|Aerial Assault}} He was briefly seen as part of Megatron's scheme to throw the moon out of orbit. {{storylink|B.O.T. (episode)|B.O.T.}}

Ramjet later participated in the [[Battle of Autobot City]], where he was shot by a high-jumping [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]]. Luckily he wasn't damaged enough by the blast to be tossed into space for being dead weight later on, and was present at [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream's]] crowning as the new Decepticon leader. Ramjet, or a random Decepticon jet with his color scheme, later flew into [[Unicron|Unicron's]] mouth and exploded. {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie}}

[[Image:FFOD1 Dirge and Ramjet shot down.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Here are two great grey-faced trackers: Big Blue Fathead and Big White Fathead… ]]
Ramjet and Dirge were later hiding in [[Socialist Democratic Federated Republic of Carbombya|Carbombya]], but were found out by [[Outback (G1)|Outback]] and his "[[Decepticon detector]]", and the two Seekers were interrogated to reveal the location of [[Chaar]]. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1}} Ramjet was able to rendezvous with the other Decepticons on Chaar, before the [[Quintesson]]s arrived to bribe them all with energon cubes and take them to attack a group of Autobots on the planet [[Goo]]. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 3}} The attack was halted when [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] arrived an reclaimed his army. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 4}} Ramjet took part in the assault on Cybertron, and was totally blownuptified when [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]] decided to deal with him by chucking the conehead into a wall. Dude. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5}}

Somehow still alive and well, Ramjet was among the group of Decepticons who Galvatron lead to Carbombya to find [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] and [[Octane]], only to discover that the country's oil supply produced high quality energon. When [[Abdul Fakkadi (G1)|Abdul Fakkadi]] tried to send a warning to the Autobots, Ramjet lead him away and locked him up. Ramjet survived the inevitable battle, and was seen retreating with the other Decepticons. {{storylink|Thief in the Night}}

===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Generation 1====
{{noteukonly}}
Until [[Straxus (G1)|Straxus]] was assassinated, Ramjet worked under the Decepticon overlord on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. {{storylink|The Bridge to Nowhere!}} ''He was one of the most feared and deadly killers on Cybertron, and would have been a key target in [[Operation: Volcano]] if he hadn't been abruptly ordered to Earth by [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]], along with [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] and [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]].'' {{storylink|Target: 2006}}

[[Image:Thetorquerifle.jpg|left|250px|thumb|I HATE it when I get my Schwartz twisted!]]
They were given Earth jet forms specified by Megatron and provided air support when the Decepticons attempted to exploit [[Hoover Dam]] for energy. The [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]] arrived to deal with them, but Ramjet scored first blood for the Decepticons by ramming [[Slingshot (G1)|Slingshot]] right out of the sky. His early victory didn't help Ramjet in his fight with [[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]], however, as the Autobot's torque rifle twisted his beautiful nosecone all out of shape. As the Aerialbots successfully reorganized, Ramjet led the Decepticon jets in a swift tactical advance to the rear. {{storylink|Aerialbots over America!}}

Ramjet was shuffled into the background as a series of revolving leaders left the Decepticon forces in constant chaos. Honestly, it was like they had to be nice to everyone, because you never knew who would decide to take over command next.

Ramjet was seen to be shot down in flames during battle against the combined forces of [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] and [[Cobra]]. {{storylink|...All Fall Down!}} ''Later, he was among the Decepticons present when [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] attacked their [[Club Con|new underwater headquarters]], and appeared none-too-impressed with how [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] handled the matter.'' {{storylink|Enemy Action!}} Under [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]], he was put to work transporting humans to the Decepticon's holiday resort for humans. {{storylink|Club Con!}}

{{note|Ramjet isn't seen after this, but ''Classics'' later claimed that he was deactivated by Starscream during the [[Underbase Saga]].}}

=====Marvel UK future timelines=====
''In 2008, Ramjet was seen among the Decepticon fliers being led into battle by [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] and his flagship, [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]].'' {{storylink|Space Pirates!}}

====Generation 2====
[[Image:Ramjetg2comics.jpg|left|150px|thumb|Shouldn't he be teal now?]]

=====US comics=====
When [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] returned and overthrew [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]]'s command, Ramjet was aggravated that Megatron brought a revived [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] with him. Starscream was arrogant, loud, and would never shut up, so why didn't Megatron leave him dead? Seriously, what was Megatron's problem? {{storylink|The Gathering Darkness}}

Ramjet was among the Decepticons killed in the [[Swarm (G2)|Swarm]]'s final attack on [[Autobase]]. {{storylink|A Rage in Heaven!}}

=====UK comics=====
Ramjet was sporting a new paintjob and an odd lack of cone when he joined Bludgeon's forces in attacking Earth. He was shot down in battle by [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]]. {{storylink|War Without End (issue)|War Without End}}

====Classics====
{{note|The ''Classics'' stories take place after the end of the original Marvel Comic, but in a [[splinter timeline]] that does not include the events of the Marvel UK-exclusive stories or Generation 2.}}

He left Starscream at [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]]'s mercy to claim the [[Rarified Energon]]. Was blasted by a [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] bomb for his troubles. {{storylink|Crossing Over: Part 6}}

He recovered very quickly. And was [[cerebro-shell]]ed by [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] for his troubles. {{storylink|Games of Deception}}
{{--}}
===Dreamwave comics continuity===
{{notekeepers}}
[[Image:DWvol2 BrothersBurden Ramjet.jpg|left|250px|thumb|YOU'RE DOING IT WRONG.]]
''In the early days of the Decepticon offensive, Ramjet participated in the annihilation of the city-state known as [[Praxus]] and its inhabitants. At [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s behest, Ramjet shielded an unwitting Autobot named [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] from harm during the devastation, ensuring that one living survivor would live to tell the tale of the fall of Praxus... and the might of Megatron.'' {{storylink|Hardwired}}

Ramjet was under the command of [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] in his assault on the Autobot stronghold in [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]] shortly after the death of [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]] and the rise of Optimus Prime. {{storylink|The War Within issue 3|The War Within #3}} After Megatron disappeared in a [[space bridge]] accident with Optimus Prime, Ramjet came to serve under Shockwave. {{storylink|War Within: The Dark Ages}}

After the [[Great Shutdown]], he continued working for Shockwave as one of his top agents, and joined his expedition to Earth to forcibly collect the crews of the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] and ''Nemesis''. {{storylink|New World Order}} After Ultra Magnus arrived to take command of the team attempting to arrest the Optimus Prime's Autobots, Ramjet disobeyed orders and made a foolhardy dash for the Ark, only to be cut down in a hail of [[autogun]] fire. {{storylink|Brothers' Burden}}

After Shockwave was dethroned, Ramjet escaped capture by Autobot authorities and met with Shockwave's remaining troops in the [[Wastelands]]. They remained there until the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]] overthrew Shockwave in the name of Megatron, and Ramjet and the [[Conehead]]s returned to his control. {{storylink|Lost and Found (issue)|Lost and Found}}
{{--}}
===Devil's Due ''G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers'' comics===
Along with [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] and [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]], Ramjet was one of [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]'s personal bodyguards. After a failed attempt to stop [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] and [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] from stealing [[energon cube]]s from them, the Decepticons tried to take control of [[Teletran 3]], but were stopped by [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]]. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II issue 1|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II #1}}

Eventually Magnus's force field around Teletran 3 went down, and Ramjet helped capture the Autobots and shoot [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] in the back. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II issue 3|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II #3}} He later attacked the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] in his Cybertronian jet mode, but how he fared in the battle is unknown. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II issue 4|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II #4}}

===IDW comics continuity===
[[Image:Ramjet ManAndMachine.jpg|right|thumb|150px|Okay, who looked at the actual toy!?]]
Four million years ago, Ramjet was assigned as scout and guard to an energon convoy bringing supplies to [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]. He was too busy complaining about Megatron's orders to stay on the ground to notice the approach of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]]. He noticed the butt of Prime's [[ion blaster]], though. Briefly. Painfully. Before blacking out. {{storylink|The Iron Age}}

Ramjet joined Megatron's unit on Earth as it was going into [[mirror response mode]] in [[Latveria]]. Due to his late arrival, Megatron didn't trust him yet, and thus refused to power him up using [[Spider-Man]]'s blood. Instead, Ramjet was assigned to guard the [[Psycho-Prism]]. {{storylink|Man and Machine, Part Two}} Disgruntled that Megatron didn't respect him, he seemingly ignored his duties and let [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] pass by on his way to the prism... and into [[Doctor Doom]]'s trap. {{storylink|Man and Machine, Part Three}} However, Doom soon betrayed the Decepticons and led [[Wolverine (superhero)|Wolverine]] and some more Autobots to the Psycho-Prism. This time, Ramjet abandoned his duties for real and left without a fight, telling the heroes that causing Megatron's plans to fail was great, since it'd bring ''him'' one step closer to becoming [[Decepticon leader]]. {{storylink|Man and Machine, Part Four}}

Ramjet had aspirations to rule the universe and began to carry out a very ambitious plan to achieve this. With the help of duped humans, a [[Harrison|sub-par facsimile]], and his [[Mini-Constructicon]] units, he planned to acquire an [[Energon (fuel)|Energon]] substitute, kill Megatron, destroy the United States, track and enslave all Cybertronians, mind-control the entire human race, and use a superstring [[space bridge]] to dominate the galaxy. Unfortunately, Megatron had a simpler plan: beat Ramjet to death, tear out his spark, scatter his dismembered corpse across the world, and keep his severed head as a trophy. {{storylink|Spotlight: Ramjet}}
{{--}}

===''Henkei! Henkei!'' pack-in comic===
{{charstubfiction}}
{{storylink|Henkei! Henkei! volume 4|Henkei! Henkei! #4}} {{storylink|Henkei! Henkei! volume 5|Henkei! Henkei! #5}}

===''Henkei! Henkei!'' Bun Bun manga===
{{charstubfiction}}
{{storylink|Enter! The Transformers}} {{storylink|The Emperor of Destruction Appears!}} {{storylink|The Enemy from the Arctic}} {{storylink|Wataru's Power}} {{storylink|Time of Resurrection}}
{{--}}
==Games==
===''Transformers: Mystery of Convoy''===
Ramjet was one of the many [[Decepticon]]s who menaced [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] on his journey. {{storylink|Transformers: Mystery of Convoy}}

===3D Battle-Card Game===
Ramjet serves under [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] as one of his Decepticon soldiers, battling [[Optimus Primal]]'s many Autobot allies in what might possibly have been an inter-universe battle. {{storylink|3D Battle-Card Game#Energon Wars expansion|Energon Wars Expansion Set}}

===''The Transformers'' (PS2)===
{{charstubfiction}}
{{storylink|The Transformers (PS2)}}
{{--}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[Image:G1Ramjet toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|'Conehead' or 'Not Conehead']]
* '''Ramjet''' (1985, 1986, 2001)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''D-56'''
**''Accessories:'' 2 "Cluster Bombs", 2 fists (left & right), 2 wings (left & right), 2 tail fins (left & right), front landing gear

: The original Ramjet toy was a [[retool]] of the ''[[Diaclone]]'' "Jet Robo Acrobat-Type" F-15 Eagle that was used for [[Starscream (G1)/toys|Starscream]], [[Thundercracker (G1)/toys|Thundercracker]] and [[Skywarp (G1)/toys|Skywarp]], with new wings that seem to be inspired by the prototype [[wikipedia:F-16XL|F-16XL]], and new "Cluster Bombs". He is otherwise identical to the other Decepticon jets aside from color.

: In robot mode his official instructions have the user pulling down his nose cone to complete his head transformation, like Starscream. However, Ramjet, as well as Thrust and Dirge's television incarnations depict them as having their heads untransformed, leaving a distinctive "conehead" shape to their appearance. This has led many owners to do the same thing, to differentiate the three later Decepticon jets from the three earlier ones.

::*''[http://tfu.info/1985/Decepticon/Ramjet/ramjet.htm Ramjet at TFU.info]''
{{--}}
===Generation 2===
[[Image:G2 Ramjet toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|'90s fashion victim.]]
* '''Ramjet''' (1993, 1994)
**''Accessories:'' 2 missile launchers, 2 missiles, 2 fists (left & right), 2 wings (left & right), 2 tail fins, front landing gear, sound effects box

: For the ''[[Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' toyline, Ramjet was [[redeco]]ed with the purple replacing white, black replacing burgundy and sky blue replacing the original black, leaving him to appear as if he were Skeletor's personal aircraft. Still, he features new firing missile launchers and a sound effects box which is mounted above his engines. These parts were also used on the ''Generation 2'' release of Starscream.

: Of note is the fact that his sky blue parts are extremely prone to [[Photodegradation|''yellowing'']], or in this case ''greening''. Many ''Generation 2'' Ramjets can be found with their blue parts in a teal color.

: This version of the mold would also have been used to make ''Generation 2'' [[Sandstorm (G2)|Sandstorm]].

::*''[http://tfu.info/1993/Decepticon/Ramjet/ramjet.htm G2 Ramjet at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

===Classics===
[[Image:Classics Ramjet toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|The flared pants craze strikes again]]
* '''Ramjet''' (Deluxe, 2007)
**''Accessories:'' 2 missile launchers (left & right), 2 missiles

: ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'' Ramjet transforms into a modified fighter jet based off the hull of an F-15 Eagle. Like his original Generation 1 toy, he is a retool of Starscream, with a new nose cone/head, new F-16XL inspired wings and new projectiles for his missile launchers. Unlike Starscream, his shoulder movement is unimpeded due to a lack of wings behind his shoulders.

:As with most ''Classics'' toys, he features a heat-sensitive [[rubsign]].

:Ramjet's instructions neglect a couple of features on his toy; the wings can swivel back and forth and up and down in robot mode, to better balance the figure, and the circular air intakes on his chest can swivel out in either mode. The latter is used to form landing gear in his vehicle mode, as it was in both Starscream and Skywarp.

:Ramjet was redecoed into [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] and retooled into [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] for the ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]''-themed [[BotCon 2007]]-exclusive ''[[Games of Deception]]'' box set.
::*''[http://tfu.info/2007/Decepticon/ClassicsRamjet/ramjet.htm Classics Ramjet at TFU.info]''
{{--}}
===Henkei! Henkei!===
[[Image:Henkei Ramjet toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Beware the man in white]]
*'''Ramjet''' (Deluxe, 2008)
**''Japanese ID Number:'' '''D-04'''
**''Accessories:'' 2 missile launchers (left & right), 2 missiles

:''[[Henkei! Henkei! (toyline)|Henkei! Henkei!]] Transformers'' Ramjet is a redeco of ''Classics'' Ramjet. He features a significantly altered colour scheme, generally to make the toy even more closely resemble his appearance in the ''Generation 1'' cartoon. His wings are molded in bright red plastic instead of gray plastic with red paint. His hands and feet are molded in white plastic instead of gray, to match more closely the cartoon model. Despite the figure's appearance, ''Henkei!'' Ramjet features no gray plastic at all, only white or red plastic painted gray. Ramjet, like the other figures in the line features vacuum-metalized parts, his jet boosters and vertical stabilizers on his wings and his cockpit seat are chrome plated. Since ''Henkei!'' toys do not feature a heat-sensitive rubsign, ''Henkei'' Ramjet has five Decepticon sigils tampographed total, one each on the top side and under side of his two wings and one in front of his canopy.

:Ramjet was retooled into ''Gentei! Gentei!'' Thrust and Dirge.
{{--}}

===Universe (2008)===
====Classic Series====
{{picsneeded}}
*'''Aerial Rivals''' (multi-pack, 2008)

: A redeco of the ''[[Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] ''[[Legends Class|Legends of Cybertron]]'' figure, Ramjet was only available in a set with [[Blades (G1)|Blades]], [[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]], [[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]], and [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]]. He transforms into a Cybertronic starfighter, and has flip-out weapons (one sword, one non-firing blaster).

: This mold was used to make ''Legends of Cybertron'' [[Ramjet (Universe)|Ramjet]], [[Skywarp (Armada)|Skywarp]] and [[Sunstorm (LOC)|Sunstorm]], ''[[Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'' [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] and ''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron|War for Cybertron]]'' [[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]].
::*''[http://tfu.info/2008/Decepticon/TFURamjet/ramjet.htm Universe (2008) Ramjet at TFU.info]
{{--}}

===Timelines===
[[Image:Timelines-toy_G2Ramjet.jpg|thumb|right|300px|The Joker has a jet now?]]
*'''Ramjet''' (Deluxe, 2011)
**''Accessories:'' 2 missile launchers (left & right), 2 missiles

:Ramjet is one of the 2011 [[Transformers Collectors Club]] exclusive figures. He is a [[retool]] of ''Classics'' Ramjet in the colors of his ''Generation 2'' toy, including replicating most of the sticker details. Most of the sticker details were recreated with paint, but the detail on the insides of his shoulder intakes and on the top of his feet were once again stickers, presumably because it was rough getting tampographs put in there. Ramjet also now has a rubber nosecone, presumably [[for safety reasons]]. Ramjet (and [[Cheetor (Animated)|Cheetor]]) went up for preorder on [[April 27]], [[2011]]. Ramjet was sold out by [[April 29]], 2011.
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==Merchandise==
===Super Collection Figure===
* '''Ramjet''' (2003)

[[Image:SCFRamjet.jpg|right|111px|thumb|But he wasn't really the Pope, just an alien robot with a funny hat.]]
: During Act 6 of [[Takara|Takara's]] ''[[Super Collection Figure]]'' line, Ramjet was released as a limited articulation PVC figurine not actually based upon his cartoon model, as he is a retool of Starscream with new wings and a new head. He also came with one of the parts to for a Build-a-Figure PVC figurine of [[Grand Maximus]].
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===MyClone===
[[Image:MyCloneRamjet.jpg|right|80px|thumb|Ever been headbutted by a chibi? It HURTS!]]
* '''Ramjet''' (2003)
** ''Japanese ID number:'' '''MTF016'''

: ''[[MyClone]]'' Ramjet was released in the fifth series of the ''MyClone'' trading figure line, which was third and final series to feature ''Transformers'' characters. Following the ''MyClone'' aesthetic, he is a cutesy representation of Ramjet's animation model in super-deformed proportions. He features articulation in his head, shoulders, elbows, waist, hips and knees, all of the parts capable of being removed, then mixed and matched with any other ''MyClone'' figure.
{{--}}
===3D Battle-Card Game===
[[Image:3DBattleCard_Ramjet.jpg|thumb|right|250px|]]
*'''Ramjet''' (2007)

: A 34-point "common" character in the [[3D Battle-Card Game|3D Battle-Card Game's]] "Energon Wars" expansion, Ramjet "transforms" into a white and red jet, generally following his ''Classics'' deco scheme. He uses the same parts layout as [[Transformers (2007)|Movie]] [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]], [[Dreadwing (Movie)|Dreadwing]], [[Thundercracker (Movie)|Thundercracker]] and [[Jetfire (Movie)|Jetfire]], and Generation 1 [[Starscream (G1)/toys|Starscream]] and [[Skywarp (G1)/toys|Skywarp]].
{{--}}

===Transformers - Mini Bust===
[[Image:Ramjet statue.jpg|right|175px|thumb|More fragile than his tech spec would have you believe.]]
* '''Ramjet''' (Diamond Select, 2008)

: Ramjet was released by [[Diamond Select Toys]] in 2008 and exclusive to online retailer Big Bad Toy Store. He was sculpted by [[Mark Wong]] of [[Art Asylum]] and limited to 250 pieces. The sculpt features Ramjet's distinctive wings. Strangely enough his motto on the box is "The skies are my castle, and I like to live alone" as found *in* his tech spec as opposed to "If it flies, crash it" as it was in both his tech spec and [[Transformers Universe (Marvel comic)|''Transformers Universe'' profile]].

{{--}}
==Notes==
* Ramjet's name makes sense for the character, as he's a jet that rams into things. However, real-world [[Wikipedia:Ramjet|ramjets]] are a specialized kind of jet engine with no moving parts. They have nothing to do with jets ramming into each other. And F-15s don't have 'em. (Although, the secondary engines on his non-F-15 wings ''could'' possibly be ramjets.) His French-Canadian name is a [[wikipedia:fr:Stator%C3%A9acteur|reference to this kind of engine]] and totally misses the English pun.
* ''Generation 2'' concept art revealed in the ''Transformers: Vault'' book shows an unreleased tanish variant on the Ramjet version of the original G1 Seeker toy (sans conehead configuration) that would have been named "Sandstorm."
* Another hand-painted mock-up, this one of his original toy, in a sky blue deco is also known too exist. Whether it was ever meant to be taken into production and whether it was meant to be Ramjet or a new character is unknown.<ref>[http://www.toyarchive.com/Transformers/Prototypes/Generation2/RamjetRecolor1.html Blue Ramjet at Toyarchive.com]</ref>
* Ramjet was supposed to appear in the [[Beast Wars (cartoon)|''Beast Wars'' episode]] "[[Nemesis Part 2]]", alongside [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] and [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]], and have a kickass mid-air fight scene with the [[Maximal]]s, but this didn't happen due to budget constraints.
*IDW Ramjet was robbed of his conehead in "[[New Avengers / Transformers|Man and Machine]]". However, this proved to just be a mistake of the artist, as "[[Spotlight: Ramjet]]" depicted him in a form closely resembling his ''Classics'' toy.
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] once called Ramjet "'''RJ'''". {{storylink|Spotlight: Ramjet}}

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Ramjet''' (ラムジェット ''Ramujetto'')
*''French:'' '''Statoréacto''' (Canada)
*''Italian:'' '''Nibbio''' (Kite bird)
*''Portuguese:'' '''Motor''' (Portugal comics), '''Rajada''' (Brazil comics)
*''Russian:'' '''Revun''' (Ревун, "Roarer")

==References==
{{reflist}}

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

[[Category:3D Battle-Cards]]
[[Category:Classics Decepticons]]
[[Category:Fan Club exclusives]]
[[Category:Target exclusives]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 2 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Henkei! Henkei! Decepticons]]
[[Category:MyClone]]
[[Category:Seekers]]
[[Category:Super-God Masterforce Decepticons]]
[[Category:Timelines characters]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]

Seeker (body-type)

2011-07-10T12:05:32Z

151.65.7.47: /* Notes */

{{factions|decepticon}}
{{featured}}
{{disambig3|Seeker}}

[[Image:Seekers.png|right|300px|thumb|Well, they keep the toy-repainting fans off the streets, at least. (Generic Seekers from, clockwise: 1) MtMtE Part 3, 2) sticker sheet, 3-6) Five Faces of Darkness)]]

The term '''Seeker''' refers to [[Decepticon]] jet troopers who share [[Starscream (disambiguation)|Starscream]]'s [[body-type]] but with different colors or minor variations in wing and head shapes. This is most clearly and commonly known from ''[[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]]'', but any franchise with a Starscream is almost [[To sell toys|inevitably]] going to feature a similar "family" of [[redeco]]ed jet-formers.

The word "Seeker" hovered a long time in a strange gray area between official and fan-coined terms. It seems to have originated in ''extremely'' obscure official or semi-official writing, but somehow became widely used among fans. ''(See [[#Origin of the term|below]].)'' In 2002, the term appeared in dialog from the first issue of ''[[The War Within]]'' from [[Dreamwave Productions]], [[Canonizing|making it truly official]] after years of controversy. It has subsequently appeared in many other places such as on toy packaging, books, and in other stories.

==Generation 1 Seekers==
===Originals===
[[Image:MainSeekers.gif|300px|thumb|right|The original Seekers]]
In Generation 1, there were six Seekers originally given names and characterization: [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]], [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]], [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]], [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]], and [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]]. The first three, the season one Seekers, had animation designs done primarily by [[Shōhei Kohara]].
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===Coneheads===
[[Image:ConeheadsGenerations1.jpg|200px|thumb|right|The Coneheads.]]
The last three Generation 1 Seekers are usually designated as "[[Conehead]]" Seekers by fans for their distinctive transformation that leaves the jet nosecone pointing up. The animation models for the Conehead Seekers were designed by [[Floro Dery]].
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===Skyraiders===
[[Image:WingsofHonor-Skyraiders.jpg|right|thumb|250px|New guys, same ol' body-type.]]
The term "Skyraiders" (see [[#Alternate terms|alternate terms]]) was assigned to the prototypical Starscream-like air warriors that [[Skyquake (G1)|Skyquake]] developed at the very beginning of the war. The ranks of the Skyraiders did not seem to include any of the usual Seekers, but instead comprised other flying Decepticon characters. In addition to Skyquake himself, the Skyraiders were [[Leozack]], [[Hellbat]], [[Hooligan (G2)|Hooligan]], and [[Guyhawk]].
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===And all the rest===
[[Image:MTMTEGenerics-OilField.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Aw, not "[[When Continents Collide]]" again...]]
In the Generation 1 cartoon there were large numbers of [[generic]], unnamed Seekers in addition to the named characters. They came in a wide variety of colors, from extra duplicates of Starscream or one of the other named guys, to original and distinct looks all their own. They seem to have formed the bulk of the Decepticon forces on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], as well as among [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s initial troops on [[Earth]]. They gradually became less common, perhaps as a result of casualties... or the cartoon's production team becoming more careful, or more-likely having more "actual" Decepticons to work with as the toy line expanded. (Extra [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] units and alternate color cassettes were also used along with these Seekers, early on, to fill out the comparatively thin Decepticon ranks.)

These unsung Seekers would be recognized years later in ''[[Heroes of Cybertron]]'' toy form as the [[Air Warrior]]s (all using the common lavender/white color scheme). Soon afterward, the [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]] ''Generation One'' comic series introduced an army of similarly-colored Seeker drones.

[[Image:AirWarriors MTMtE.jpg|right|200px|thumb|You talking to me? Or him? Or the other one?]]

Around the same time, another background Seeker was also given a new life through toys and Dreamwave comics: [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]]. This yellow-orange Seeker was a nameless background character in the first episode of the ''Transformers'' cartoon, until [[e-Hobby]] turned him into an [[exclusive]] toy (available with an [[Autobot]] also based on a [[Hauler|first-episode cameo]]). Now [[Hasbro]] [[Sunstorm (disambiguation)|can't get enough of him]]. Another generic Seeker was given attention: [[Acid Storm]]. Like Sunstorm before him, he was based on one of the background Seekers from the original cartoon, in this case the episode "Divide and Conquer" (see below).
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Unnamed Seekers with their own distinct color schemes appear in the following episodes as noted below:

[[Image:Sunstorm Cartoon.jpg|250px|thumb|One for all, and all for one. Sunstorm and co. attack.]]
* "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]"
:In the "return to [[Iacon (city-state)|Iacon]]" scene on Cybertron, five to seven Seekers appear (wide shots depict a group of five, but the close-ups give us seven distinct color schemes.) The first three are (as far as colors are concerned) Skywarp, Starscream (with a deeper voice), and Thundercracker. In a following shot, we see a lavender Seeker with a flamethrower pack, a medium-blue Seeker with white trim, holding his arm gun like a rifle, a yellow/orange Seeker who would become Sunstorm... and lurking in the back, a very dark-blue Seeker with white trim barely visible, but there if you look.

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[[Image:MmteSeekers2.gif|250px|thumb|Lots of generic Seekers from this one.]]
* "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 2]]" and "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 3|Part 3]]"
:The mother lode of unnamed Seekers. Especially if you like variations of blue and lavender. Crowds of them appear at the start of the final battle. At least six different Seekers of various shades and decos of blue and at least four of various shades and decos of lavender (two with black tail fins in jet mode, two with white). Also, a blue variant (seen in the picture above) missing his wings and shoulder vents appears in "Part 3".

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[[Image:DivideandCon.gif|300px|thumb|Divide and Conquer Seekers]]
* "[[Divide and Conquer]]"
: Avert your eyes! One deep blue, one eye-burning bright green, and one garishly bright yellow. This trio is often referred to by fans as "the [[Rainmakers]]" because they started an [[acid rain]] shower to irritate a group of [[Autobot|Autobots]]. The green jet in this grouping was made into the ''[[Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'' [[Acid Storm]] character, whose name was initially supposed to be "Rainmaker", then "Acid Rain".

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[[Image:UltimateDoom.gif|300px|thumb|Ultimate Doom Seekers]]
* "[[The Ultimate Doom, Part 3]]"
: Two blue variants and one really nice looking pine-green Seeker appear as part of Shockwave's forces trying to prevent the rescue of [[Sparkplug Witwicky|Sparkplug]] on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]].

{{-}}
* "[[Five Faces of Darkness]]"
: One all-gray Seeker, one with [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]]'s coloration, and one with [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]]'s. There's also an interesting Conehead variant. (All of which appear in the main image above.)

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[[Image:NotDirge.gif|200px|thumb|Dark Awakening Seeker]]
* "[[The Transformers: The Movie]]" & "[[Dark Awakening]]"
: One season 1-style [[:Image:DirgeseekerTFMovie.jpg|Seeker]] with Dirge's colors appears in jet mode in the attack on Autobot City in the movie, and next to the actual Dirge in the episode.

{{-}}
* Puffy stickers
: A sheet of Transformer puffy stickers featured a rare generic with a Starscream-based color scheme. He is pictured above as well.

{{-}}
[[Image:Returntocybertron-seeker.jpg|200px|thumb|Return to Cybertron Seeker.]]
* "[[Return to Cybertron]]"
: This relatively obscure [[Sticker Adventures]] tale gives us a brief glimpse of a Seeker with a Thundercracker/Skywarp mix; blue body, purple tailfins and wing stripes. You can't tell much more about him, given that he is A: partially obscured and B: exploding.

===IDW comics continuity===

Seekers are elite officers in the Decepticon army, and are expected to fulfill a leadership role on the battlefield in commanding other Decepticon troops. Seekers are expected to show absolute loyalty to the Decepticon cause. {{storylink|Seasons in Flight}} {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 12|All Hail Megatron #12}}

The seekers all take on the same body type out of respect to their commander, Starscream, and hold a position of prestige within the Decepticon ranks {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 6|All Hail Megatron #6}}

[[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] and [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] are Seekers, although they may be using a different definition of the term. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 14|All Hail Megatron #14}}

==UK Generation 2 comic==
An unnamed seeker with a light blue body with white face, light red helmet and thighs, and yellow cockpit cover was hanging around when Megatron boarded the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]]. {{storylink|War Without End (issue)|War Without End}}

==Unicron Trilogy Seekers==
According to one minor source in ''[[Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'', when any Transformer converts to a jet, he is called a "seeker"<ref>''[[Transformers Armada: The Awakening]]'' DK Readers book.</ref>. But the closest specific characters to the Generation 1 Seekers are this universe's own [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]]/[[Thundercracker (Armada)|Thundercracker]]/[[Skywarp (Armada)|Skywarp]] trio. All three even used the same toy mold in their first release, although Skywarp was heavily [[Retool|retooled]] from the others (including getting an entirely new-mold [[Mini-Con]] partner). While new Decepticon-allied jet characters named [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] and [[Ramjet (Armada)|Ramjet]] were released in ''Armada'', they each had their own unique molds. However, whereas Ramjet was simply the Mini-Con partner of [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]], Thrust was a [[bulk]] who even had a VTOL engine in jet mode, a conehead and vertically-oriented wings in robot mode. Although Thrust's original toy was green, redecos looked a bit more like his G1 incarnation. It was also redecoed into ''[[Universe (2003 franchise)|Universe]]'' [[Sunstorm (Universe)|Sunstorm]].

Though only Starscream appeared in the follow-up franchise, ''[[Energon (franchise)|Energon]]'', several Seekers appeared in the final portion of the Unicron Trilogy, ''[[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]''. Starscream was back in a form heavily inspired by ''[[The War Within]]'' Starscream design (itself based on the "tetrajet" (see below)), while Thundercracker received a completely different body. A Skywarp was also released as a redeco of Thundercracker.

Further, the ''[[Legends Class|Legends of Cybertron]]'' Starscream toy, a tiny, simplified version of his main toy, was redecoed three more times: [[Skywarp (Armada)|Skywarp]] as a giveaway at [[ComicCon 2005]], [[Ramjet (Universe)|Ramjet]] as a giveaway at [[BotCon 2005]], and [[Sunstorm (LOC)|Sunstorm]] as part of the last wave of the LOC line at retail.

==Live-action movie franchise Seekers==

In the letters page for [[Transformers (Titan Magazine)|Titan's tie-in comic]], the movie versions of [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]], [[Thundercracker (Movie)|Thundercracker]], and [[Ramjet (Movie)|Ramjet]] were first referred to as Seekers—by Starscream himself, no less. [[Dreadwing (Movie)|Dreadwing]] was noticeably absent from Starscream's list, despite also being a jet and Thundercracker also being the name/body for a line of drones. This left it unclear what a Seeker ''is''. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 9|#9's Star Screams}}

The term was used twice in IDW movie comics, meaning different things—[[Seeker (Movie)|Starscream's crack unit]], and [[Seeker (ROTF)|ancient spacefaring Transformers]].

In the [[Revenge of the Fallen (film)|movie sequel]], Jetfire describes himself as a Seeker. One of the early categories of Transformers, they were created to seek out stars which could be harvested for energon. {{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen}}

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==Shattered Glass==
The term is taken to refer to [[Seeker (SG)|a group of evil Autobots with car alternate modes who share the same color of black]].

==Aligned continuity==
The Seekers were a pre-existing group long before the formation of the Decepticons. There is some indication that the Seekers are an elite group of the best of the best fliers, although what (if anything) distinguishes a Seeker from any other flying Transformer is open to question. They tend to mostly, though not always, share a common design.

In an effort to placate the eternally fueding cities of [[Vos]] and [[Tarn]] each was given something of value. Vos thus became the home of the [[Air Commander|Cybertronian Air Command]] home base of the Seekers. [[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] was one of their leaders before the war, and [[Autobot High Council|High Councilor]] [[Contrail]] seems to have been another. The Seekers were employed in ancient times to guard the secret of [[Dark Energon]] hidden aboard [[Trypticon Station]]. They kept this charge even when Starscream allied with the Decepticons, though for the most part they remained largely independent in the civil war.

[[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]], apparently upset at being pulled away from the [[Crystal City]], manuvered Vos and Tarn into destroying each other, wiping out most of the Air Commanders that formed the basis of Starscream's power and bolstering his own position as Second-in-command.

In the aftermath of this betrayal many of the surviving Seekers from Vos joined the Autobots, becoming the [[Aerialbot (WFC)|Aerialbot]]s. [[Jetfire (WFC)|Jetfire]] was one notable Seeker who defected from the Decepticons to the Autobots, helping them exploit their own flight skills further.

As part of his power play with Starscream Megatron sent gladiators to kill many of the Air Command's scientists when finally taking control of Trypticon away from the Seekers.''{{storylink|Transformers: Exodus}}''

'''Known Seekers:'''
*Starscream
*[[Skywarp (WFC)|Skywarp]]
*[[Thundercracker (WFC)|Thundercracker]]
*Jetfire
*Contrail
*[[Bitstream]]
*[[Hotlink]]
*[[Nacelle]]

{{note|[[Slipstream (WFC)|Slipstream]]'s body is a female variation on the Seeker form, but she has not been explicitly said to be one.}}

==Origin of the term==
Although "Seeker" is the most well-known name for these Decepticons, the reason for its wide use is a bit of a mystery.

[[Image:Seekers ad text.jpg|left|197px|thumb|No, you fool, we're following orders: We were told to scour the countryside, so we're scouring it.]]

There are only two known official uses of the term in 20th century, both of them in department-store advertisements from the [[1984]] holiday season. The J.C. Penney catalog (sometimes called a "wishbook") featured a page dedicated to ''[[Transformers brand|Transformers]]'' that included this statement in its description of Starscream: "Airplane with sensational F-15 styling scours the countryside searching for Autobots. When they're found, the Seekers set out to destroy them." It also said [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] "sends out messages to the Seekers and other Decepticons".<ref>J.C. Penney 1984 wishbook [[:Image:Seekers ad.jpg|(full-page scan)]]</ref> Additionally, the now-defunct discount retail chain Zayre put out an ad in November 1984 listing Starscream and either Thundercracker or Skywarp as "Decepticon Seeker".<ref name="savead">Zayre 1984 ad [http://pleasesavemerobots.com/vstp/vstptf84.html (scan at The Vintage Space Toaster Palace)]</ref>

Some fans interpret those two seemingly-unrelated instances to mean that the capitalized term "Seeker" was handed down by [[Hasbro]] in promotional materials, and those retailers happened to run with it. It's impossible to know one way or the other with any certainty, but the most curious aspect is that the online ''Transformers'' fan community was already using the word in the early '90s, when the [[fandom]] was just getting on its feet. Were those obscure toy ads strong enough in the fandom's collective memory to determine common parlance almost ten years after the fact? Or were there more official usages that have since disappeared?

Even the '90s-era fandom didn't know where the term had come from, as evidenced by confused conversations from that time on [[alt.toys.transformers]].<ref>[http://groups.google.com/group/alt.toys.transformers/browse_frm/thread/e885ffdf4355e933/13eeeeae7e2483b7?tvc=17 alt.toys.transformers thread from 1996 about the origin of "Seeker"]</ref> While no one cited those toy ads, there were plenty of ''wrong'' answers, which may explain the term's staying power. The strongest of those erroneous explanations was that it had come from the phrase "[[Ferak|hunter-seeker skyship]]" used in [[The Smelting Pool!|issue 17]] of the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel US comic]]. However, the Decepticons it is applied to are shown only in their flight modes, which look nothing like the jets in question. In fact, the Coneheads make their first appearance in the same issue, and their Cybertronian flight modes appear very similar to their [[Earth]] jet forms (if not completely identical), and completely ''different'' from the craft which are referred to as hunter-seekers. The only real connection between the hunter-seekers we were shown and the "Seekers" is that there's more than one of them and they fly.

During this phase of questionable canonicity, fans flirted with other terms such as "Skyraider" ''(see [[#Alternate terms|below]])'', but in 2002 [[Simon Furman]] used "Seeker" in a Dreamwave comic script, which sealed the deal of officiality and set the tone not just for the fandom, but for the ''Transformers'' fiction that came afterwards as well.

==Alternate terms==
[[Image:86Planes.jpg|thumb|left|200px|I don't know what to call you, [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]], but I know "plane" isn't it.]]

The most obvious alternate name for these Transformers—and the one generally used by toy [[Pack-in material|pack-in]] [[catalog]]s—is '''[[Decepticon Planes]]'''. While usually clear enough from context, this term has the weakness that there are many Decepticon planes who do not share this body-type. Also, the term is rarely, if ever, used outside of toy-specific contexts. The first [[United Kingdom|UK]] toy pack-in catalog referred to the group as '''strike planes'''.<ref>First UK toy catalog [http://www.transformertoys.co.uk/img/toysheets/g1/uksheet01/1.jpg (scan at Transformers @ The Moon)]</ref> In Japan, they were called '''Jetrons'''.

Within the fiction, the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|cartoon]] episode "[[Atlantis, Arise!]]" features [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] calling Thundercracker a '''Deceptijet'''. And the 1985 audio book "[[Sun Raid]]" has Megatron ordering the '''Deceptiplanes''' (Starscream, Skywarp and Thundercracker) to break off an attack.

[[Image:Tetrajet seekers.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Did you ever wonder why we had to run for shelter...]]

For a long time, it has been common among fans to refer to the Seekers' cartoon Cybertronian forms (from the episode "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]" among others) as '''tetrajets''' because their shape resembles a [[wikipedia:tetrahedron|tetrahedron]], a pyramid with a triangular base.

If there was ever an official term that could've given "Seeker" a run for its money, it was the one used on the [[Europe]]an ''[[Generation 2 (franchise)|Generation 2]]'' packaging of Starscream and Ramjet: '''Skyraiders'''.<ref>Starscream and Ramjet's European ''Generation 2'' packaging [http://www.cobraislandtoys.com/tf/1992/starscreamg2boxfront.jpg (photo at Cobra Island Toys)]</ref> That term also appeared in those characters' profiles in the [[Generation 2 (Fleetway comic)|UK ''Generation 2'' comic]]. When the modern fandom dug this information up, "Seeker" was still considered a fan-generated term, so there was a push to supplant it with "Skyraider". But Furman's use of "Seeker" in the then-current Dreamwave comics, coupled with the rediscovery of the J.C. Penney wishbook, put a damper on that movement. Some years later, the term "Skyraider" was officially resurrected to describe the jet warriors in the [[BotCon 2009]] set "[[Wings of Honor]]" (based on the [[Starscream_(Armada)#Energon|''Energon'' Starscream mold]]). [[Skyquake (G1)|Skyquake]] was indicated as the body-type's developer.

==Games==
===''Transformers: Mystery of Convoy''===
{{storylink|Transformers: Mystery of Convoy}}
{{charstubfiction}}

===Transformers: Cybertron Adventures===
{{charstubfiction}}
{{storylink|Transformers: Cybertron Adventures}}

==Toys==
{{note|Because of the bodytype-sharing nature of the Seekers, this section includes only molds that have been decorated as two or more Seeker characters, omitting a large number of molds unique to a single character.}}
===Generation 1===
[[Image:Redeco.jpg|right|250px|thumb|The original Seekers.]]
* '''[[Decepticon Planes]]''' (1984)
{{collist|3|
:* [[Skywarp (G1)/toys|Skywarp]]
:* [[Starscream (G1)/toys|Starscream]]
:* [[Thundercracker (G1)/toys|Thundercracker]]
}}

* '''Decepticon Planes''' (1985)
{{collist|3|
:* [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]]
:* [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]]
:* [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]]
}}

:The original Seeker mold was the [[Popular Earth vehicle alternate modes#F-15 Eagle|F-15]] ''[[Diaclone]]'' design, noted for its detailed jet mode, extremely limited robot-mode articulation, and the need to remove/add many parts during transformation.

:The mold was initially decorated as Starscream, Skywarp and Thundercracker. In 1985, Ramjet, Dirge and Thrust were created out of this mold, each with unique new wing toolings and color schemes. Redecorated [[retool]]s of the mold also appeared in ''[[Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' as Starscream and Ramjet, featuring new accessory [[soundbox]]es.

:This mold subsequently has been extensively reissued and redecorated; see [[Starscream (G1)/toys|Starscream (G1) toys]] for a ridiculously long list of examples. The reissues have included the original six characters as well as the retro-Generation-1 character [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]].

* '''[[Action Master]]s''' (1990)

:This non-transforming action figure mold was sold as Starscream, and later redecorated as Thundercracker for the European market.

===''Machine Wars''===
[[Image:MWSkywarp.jpg|right|200px|thumb|''Machine Wars'' Skywarp]]
* '''Basic''' (1997)

:A small [[Flipchanger|flipchanger]] mold, originally intended for ''[[Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'', was issued as Thundercracker and Skywarp.

===''Armada''===
* '''Max-Con''' (2002)

:An all-new mold sold at the $20 price point was originally issued as ''Armada'' [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]], redecorated as ''Armada'' [[Thundercracker (Armada)|Thundercracker]], and retooled as ''Armada'' [[Skywarp (Armada)|Skywarp]]. The retooled version was later issued as the new character [[Ramjet (Universe)|Ramjet]] in the first ''Universe'' toy line.

===''Smallest Transforming Transformers''===
[[Image:STFStarscream toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|''Smallest Transforming Transformers'' Starscream]]
:The ''Smallest'' line, issued in Japan in 2003, featured a reduced-scale version of the original Generation 1 Seeker mold.

:It was issued as Starscream, Skywarp and Thundercracker, and retooled as Thrust.

===''Robot Masters''===
:A new Seeker mold was created for Japan's ''[[Robot Masters (franchise)|Robot Masters]]'' subline. It is based on the original toy, but redesigned at a smaller size and with enhanced articulation.

:It was issued as Starscream, Skywarp and Thundercracker.

===''Titanium''===
[[Image:TitaniumHeroesWWThundercracker.jpg|right|200px|thumb|''Titanium'' Thundercracker]]
:A new Seeker mold created for the ''[[Titanium Series]]'' subline features a Cybertronian-based alternate mode, derived from the characters' appearance in ''[[The War Within]]'' (itself loosely based on the original pyramid jets seen in "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]".) This mold has been issued as Thundercracker, Starscream, Skywarp (a convention exclusive), Sunstorm, and Thrust (a Target Exclusive).

===''Cybertron''===
* '''Voyager''' (2006)

:This mold, based on G1 Starscream's ''[[The War Within]]'' appearance, was issued as ''Armada'' Starscream, and later redecorated as Generation 1 Dirge.

* '''Deluxe''' (2006)
: Though Thundercracker wasn't the same mold as Starscream in this series, his deluxe toy was redecoed as Skywarp.

* '''Legends of Cybertron''' (2006)

:A tiny version of the Voyager mold, issued as ''Armada'' Starscream, and redecorated as ''Universe'' [[Ramjet (Universe)|Ramjet]], ''Armada'' [[Skywarp (Armada)#LOC|Skywarp]] and [[Sunstorm (LOC)|Sunstorm]], and Generation 1 [[Ramjet (G1)#Universe_.282008.29|Ramjet]] and [[Thrust (G1)#Universe_.282008.29|Thrust]]

===''Classics''===
[[Image:Henkei Thundercracker toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|''Henkei! Henkei!'' Thundercracker]]
* '''Deluxe''' (2006)

:An all-new mold at the $10 price point, the ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'' Seeker design retains the F-15 alternate mode, but with a new transformation scheme and modern articulation.

:Like the original, this mold has been redecorated numerous times. In addition to the original six Seekers (some of which were BotCon-exclusive retools), it has also been issued as the character [[Acid Storm]]. The mold was sold in Japan under the ''Henkei! Henkei!'' line.

===''Masterpiece''===
:A larger-scaled, highly complex mold. Issued as Starscream in 2005, with later retools as Skywarp, Thundercracker and most recently Ghost Starscream, with transparent parts.

===Movie (2007)===
* '''Voyager'''

[[Image:Movie Voyager Starscream toy.jpg|right|250px|thumb|''2007 Live Action Movie'' Starscream]]
:The mold used for the the [[Transformers (2007)|''Transformers'' live-action movie]] [[Voyager]] class [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] figure was remolded and repainted into [[Thundercracker (Movie)|Thundercracker]] (as well as a G1 recolor of Starscream.) For the ''[[Revenge of the Fallen]]'' line of toys, the mold was recolored again as [[Skywarp (ROTF)|Skywarp]] and [[Ramjet (Movie)|Ramjet]] respectively.

* '''Fast Action Battler'''

:The [[Fast Action Battler]] version of Starscream was recolored into Ramjet in 2007.
{{-}}

===''Animated''===
* '''Voyager'''

[[Image:Animated Skywarp Voyager.jpg|right|200px|thumb|''Animated'' Skywarp]]
:The [[Voyager]] class [[Starscream (Animated)|Starscream]] from [[Transformers Animated (toyline)|Animated]] was recolored into two of his [[Starscream clone (Animated)|clones]], [[Skywarp (Animated)|Skywarp]] and [[Sunstorm (Animated)|Sunstorm]], with a third one, [[Thundercracker (Animated)|Thundercracker]], going unreleased.

* '''Activators'''

: Starscream's [[Activators]] mold, a smaller, auto-transforming design based on the larger toy, was recolored into Thundercracker, [[Dirge (Animated)|Dirge]], Skywarp and [[Ramjet (Animated)|Ramjet]], also based on the clones from the cartoon.

* '''Legends'''

: The tiny [[Legends Class]] Starscream mold was recolored into clear versions of Thundercracker, Skywarp, Sunstorm, Ramjet and [[Starscream Clone Black Version|a black clone]].

==Merchandise==
[[Image:HoC 3H Seeker Set.jpg|right|250px|thumb|[[Starscream (G1)|I]] am [[Thundercracker (G1)|he]] as [[Skywarp (G1)|you]] are he as you are me and [[Air Warrior|we]] are all together.]]
===''Super Collection Figure''===
:A small, PVC plastic figure based on the Seekers' animation model design. It was imported from Takara in the 2002 ''Heroes of Cybertron'' line.

:It was issued as Starscream, Thundercracker, Skywarp, Sunstorm, and as a six-pack of the three original seekers and three generic light purple [[Air Warrior|Air Warriors]]. It was retooled and redecorated as Ramjet, Thrust and Dirge.

{{-}}

===Titanium Series===
[[Image:TitaniumRM Starscream.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Stop, in the name of love...]]

: A small, non-transforming die-cast metal figurine, based upon the Generation 1 cartoon appearance of the Seekers was available decoed as either Starscream or Thundercracker.
{{-}}

===''Myclone''===
[[Image:MyCloneRamjet.jpg|right|100px|thumb|''Myclone'' Ramjet]]
:A super-adorable figurine mold of Starscream was issued for this line, and redecorated as the [[chase figure]] Thundercracker. A Coneheads mold was also available, issued as Ramjet and chase figure Dirge, and retooled as Thrust.
{{-}}

===''Robot Heroes''===
[[Image:Robot Hero Skywarp.jpg|right|120px|thumb|Robot Heroes Skywarp]]
:Another super-adorable figurine of Starscream, this time launching himself into the air. Redecorated as Skywarp and Thundercracker. A Thrust mold from the same line has yet to be redecorated.
{{-}}

==Notes==
*''Generation 2'' concept art revealed in the ''[[Transformers Vault]]'' book shows an unreleased tanish variant on the Ramjet toy (previously seen in toy mock-up form) that would have been named [[Sandstorm (G2)|Sandstorm]].

*A mostly black and grey mock-up of ''Generation 2'' Starscream was also seen from the same source as the Sandstorm mock-up. This toy has "Black Death" written on the nosecone and may perhaps have also been intended as a new character of that name.

*Another mock-up deco variant of the Starscream toy in jungle colors is also known to exist. As with "Black Death" Starscream and previously desert camo Ramjet, this may have been intended to be a new character.

*Lastly, ''another'' mock-up deco variant of the Ramjet toy in sky colors is also known to exist. As with all the above mock-up decoes, this may have been intended to be a new character.

*In the Italian adaptation of the characters names, all the three coneheads featured names of birds of prey or related to.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Jetron''' (ジェットロン ''Jettoron'')

==References==
<references />

[[Category:Decepticon subgroups]]
[[Category:Fandom]]
[[Category:Generation 1 subgroups]]
[[Category:Seekers| Seeker (body-type)]]
[[Category:Mass-produced Transformers]]

Snarl (BW)

2011-07-10T10:17:32Z

151.65.7.47: /* Notes */

{{Factions|maximal}}
{{disambig3|Snarl}}
:''Snarl is a [[Maximal]] from the [[Beast Wars (franchise)|Beast Wars]] portion of the [[Generation 1 continuity family]]''.

[[Image:IDW Snarl.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Just what the ''hell'' do I turn into?]]
'''Snarl''' is an expert at surprise attack. Using a cloaking field, similar to the one employed by [[Beast Era]] [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], he can vanish at will and infiltrate [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] strongholds. Snarl enjoys reappearing in a dramatic fashion to startle foe or friend alike. He is a cool and confident warrior, sure of his own abilities and with an independent streak a sector wide.

Snarl is also young and a little impatient. Even when working as part of a group he has the tendency to cloak himself and wander off to pursue their goals in his own fashion. This occasionally annoys his comrades, but usually his impressive results speak for themselves.

==Fiction==
===IDW ''Beast Wars'' comics===
[[Image:BWTheAscending4_Snarl_savestheday.jpg|thumb|left|250px|At least we no longer have to care who the hell [[Prowl II| he]] is.]]

Snarl was one of the protoforms left behind by the crew of the ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]'' on prehistoric [[Earth]]. He was activated and put in [[chronal phase]] by [[Razorbeast]] at [[Magmatron]]'s request, but was protected from Magmatron's Predacon shell-program by a viral code Razorbeast inserted. Coming online in a swampy area, he was one of the first Maximals to hear and respond to Razorbeast's signal.

During the search for the [[Transwarp]] Amplifier in [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]]'s crashed ship, he used his stealth ability to save [[Optimus Minor]] from [[Drill Bit (BW)|Drill Bit]]. {{storylink|The Gathering issue 2}}

Hyperactive he may be, but Snarl is also a technical wizard. He put together a communications device using the amplifier and reverse-engineered technology from [[Ark (G1)|the Ark]] {{storylink|The Gathering issue 3}} and managed to send off a brief distress call to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] - he bravely did this last part even when under heavy fire from the Predacons. {{storylink|The Gathering issue 4}}

He served as a distraction, allowing Razorbeast to get the upper hand on Ravage when the cat tried to steal the chronal-phase facilitator. {{storylink|The Ascending issue 1}}

And Snarl totally saved the day in the battle against [[Shokaract]], his invisibility powers allowing him and [[Prowl II]] to reach the monster and place a chronal phase facilitator on him. {{storylink|The Ascending issue 4}}
{{-}}

==Toys==
===Beast Wars===
*'''Snarl''' (Basic, 1997)

: Snarl transforms into a large "tasmanian devil" (the resemblance to the real thing being vague at best). By holding the toy by its tail in beast mode and pulling the trigger, his body leaps forward in a spring-loaded lunging attack. Or at least, it's supposed to — the spring is so weak that on any surface other than a smooth table or counter-top, you're lucky if the figure even clears the end of the launcher. In robot mode, the tail becomes an arm-mounted (non-firing) blaster cannon.

: A virtually identical version of the toy was sold by [[Takara]] as ''[[Beast Wars II (toyline)|Beast Wars II]]'' [[Tasmania Kid]]. This mold is also used by ''[[Robot Masters (franchise)|Robot Masters]]'' [[Bound Rogue]].
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1997/Maximal/Snarl/snarl.htm More information on Snarl at TFU.info]''

==Notes==
*As alluded to in other parts of this entry, Snarl does not actually closely resemble a Tasmanian devil. In fact there is some fan speculation that he is actually based on the Tasmanian spotted quoll, sharing as he does their bushy tail and brown colouration. The quoll is the world's second-largest marsupial predator after the Tassie devil. But in the end, he does not resemble the quoll either.
*In [[Germany]] Snarl's toy was released under a special promotion of Hasbro products; each of Hasbro's toy lines had a toy only available under this promotion for the bargain price of 5 Deutsche Mark (half of what a basic cost back then). Unsurprisingly, he flew off the shelves.

===Foreign names===
*''French:'' '''Grondeur''' (Canada, "Growler")
*''Italian:'' '''Diablo'''<ref>This name only seems to have been used on the cross-sell for the English/Spanish/Italian "video-pack" release of [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]]. The name is not used on Snarl's own cardback.</ref>
*''Spanish:'' '''Gruñón'''

==References==
<references />

[[Category:Beast Wars Maximals]]