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Bluestreak (G1)

2010-12-25T20:34:32Z

190.20.173.129: /* The Transformers cartoon */

{{factions|autobot}}
{{disambig2|the Generation 1 Autobot|the live-action movie series Autobot|Bluestreak (Speed Stars)}}
:''Bluestreak is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]]. He is also known as '''Silverstreak'''.''

[[Image:G1 Bluestreak boxart.jpg|right|300px|thumb|I'm f***ing PONDEROUS, man. PONDEROUS, f***in' PONDEROUS.]]
'''Bluestreak''' is a talker. He talks a lot. Any subject, any time of the day, his lips are flapping while his Autobot comrades are rolling their eyes. Could be about things on Earth, could be about things on Cybertron, could be about just about anything, but the point is, y'know, he's talking. Words are coming out of his mouth in a near constant prattling stream. Some think he's vapid, that his mouth just moves a billion times faster than his brain, if his brain is moving at all. Or they imagine that he's a fool who doesn't know when to shut up, that he drones on and on and on and on because maybe he just likes to hear himself speak or something.

His friends realize, however, that his jabbering hides a deeper pain. At the beginning of the [[Great War (G1)|war]], Bluestreak's [[Praxus|home city]] was totally destroyed by [[Decepticon]]s. He was the only survivor. It's as if by talking he tries to drown out his own fears and memories somehow. "There's some demons runnin' loose inside that boy," says [[Hound (G1)|Hound]], "and sometimes I think they grab hold of him and won't let him go." He hated war, he still does, but ever since, he's hated Decepticons even more. It is odd to see a bot of peace so willingly take up arms, but Bluestreak's got a score to settle.

Talk may be cheap, but it keeps him sane.

:''Japanese name'': '''Streak'''
:''French-Canadian name'': '''Jaseur''' ("Chatty")
:''Hungarian name:'' '''Kékvillám''' ("Blue Lightning")
:''Italian name:'' '''Ariete''' ("Ram")
:''Portuguese name (Brazil comic):'' '''Raio''' ("Ray")
:''Portuguese name (Portugal comic):'' '''Raio Azul''' ("Blue Ray")
:''Russian name:'' '''Molniyevik''' (''Молниевик'', "Lightning-Maker")

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
{{noteukonly}}
[[Image:Bluestreakandthereshallcome.jpg|left|150px|thumb|"The War Within" forgot about this design... thankfully!]]
''Millions of years ago on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], Bluestreak was escorted by [[Fusion (Autobot)|Fusion]] on a mission to deliver shatter bombs to the Autobot military commander [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]]. Fusion was focused on picking off the Decepticon jets which were hounding his partner when a blast from one of these Decepticons killed Fusion. Bluestreak was able to complete the mission thanks to his friend's efforts, but he swore revenge. {{storylink|And There Shall Come...a Leader!}}''

[[Image:Miragebluestreakfirst.jpg|right|250px|thumb|You can taste his sarcasm. To be fair, nobody likes Mirage.]]
Bluestreak arrived on [[Earth]] with his fellow Autobots four million years ago and remained inactive until 1984. Along with [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] and [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]], Bluestreak was one of the less sympathetic of the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'s crew when it came to humans. {{storylink|The Transformers (issue)|The Transformers}} In an early mission in the [[United Kingdom]], he provided covering fire for an Autobot convoy, using his sharpshooting skills to knock [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] out of the sky with '''one shot'''. Don't mess. {{storylink|Man of Iron (story)| Man of Iron}}

He suggested repairing the Ark and simply abandoning Earth's people to the Decepticons after learning that [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] had allegedly provided their foes with a fuel conversion process while he was their prisoner. Despite their conflicting views, Optimus Prime still recognized Bluestreak's skill as a sharpshooter and chose him to be one of the five Autobots recharged in the [[Chambers of Transference]], in the hopes that at least some Autobots would be at full capacity when the inevitable Decepticon attack came. When it did, Bluestreak was brazen enough to attack [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] himself, head-on. Despite their temporary victory, the battle-weary Autobots were blindsided by the returning Decepticon [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]], who knocked them all down with a single blast. {{storylink|The Last Stand}}

Bluestreak was next seen being hung from the ceiling of the Ark, prepared by Shockwave to be used as spare parts for the next generation of Decepticons. {{storylink|The New Order}} [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]], the only surviving Autobot, managed to re-secure the Ark, and Bluestreak was subsequently rebuilt. {{storylink|DIS-Integrated Circuits!}}

[[Image:Bumblebeebluestreakbrainstorm.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Will talk without end for forever about nothing at all, yet doesn't mention that Prowl is speaking from Ratchet's body.]] Ratchet was able to rebuild Bluestreak and the others after he retook the Ark, with help from the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]]. {{storylink|DIS-Integrated Circuits!}} During a mission to stop [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] from broadcasting a transmission to their Decepticon brethren back on Cybertron, Bluestreak was one of the first Autobots to confront the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]. This effort almost ended badly when the Constructicons revealed they could merge into the mighty [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]], but Bluestreak and the others were saved by Huffer and the human trucker [[Bomber Bill]]. {{storylink|The Next Best Thing to Being There!}} It soon became apparent to the Autobots that [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]]'s life was in danger so long as he carried the [[Matrix of Leadership|Creation Matrix]] while the Decepticons kept hostage the head of Optimus Prime, so Bluestreak and [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] were assigned to guard him. Bluestreak's embarrassing line of questioning about what [[Kiss|kissing]] entailed was interrupted when he and Bumblebee were assaulted by the Decepticon prototype warrior [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]]. After he suffered heavy wounds, his life was saved once again by a human; Buster Witwicky used the power of the Creation Matrix to disassemble Jetfire before their eyes. {{storylink|Brainstorm!}}

[[Image:Newyorkunderbase.jpg|right|150px|thumb|And the rest... is silence.]]
While Bluestreak and Bumblebee were helping Buster, Optimus Prime had been restored, but not without cost to the Autobot ranks. To help offset this, Bluestreak and [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] assisted with the [[Rite of the Autobrand]] on Jetfire, whom Optimus Prime had recently given life. {{storylink|Rock and Roll-Out!}}

''During the Dinobot Hunt, Bluestreak was sent with [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] and [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] to [[Doonstown]] to capture the berserk [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]], but they were surprised to find Grimlock locked in battle with [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]]. Bluestreak was the first member of the team down, deactivated by the crazed Dinobots before he had a chance to react. {{storylink|Dinobot Hunt!}}''

During Grimlock's command, Bluestreak watched Grimlock fight [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] on Earth's [[Moon (moon)|moon]] for Autobot leadership. Bluestreak left the Ark to cheer beside the other Autobots. {{storylink|Totaled!}} He battled the [[Underbase]]-empowered [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] in [[New York City]], but not before some choice words. Starscream noted that Bluestreak spoke "freely, but foolishly," and ended his life, and others', with little effort. {{storylink|Dark Star (issue)|Dark Star}}
{{-}}

===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
:''Voice Actor:'' [[Casey Kasem]] (English), [[Kōki Kataoka]] (Japanese) [[Katsumi Suzuki]] ("Attack of the Autobots" and "Day of the Machines" only), Juan Cuadra (Latin American)

[[Image:MTMTE3 Bluestreak rescues Ironhide.jpg|thumb|right|240px]]
Bluestreak was one of the original crew members of the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] when it set off from Cybertron in search of new sources of fuel and energy. Attacked en route by the Decepticon flagship ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]'', the Ark crashed into a volcano, and the Autobots lay dormant for millions of years. When the volcano erupted and activated [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] in 1984, Bluestreak was reformatted into a Datsun 280Z. Shortly after Hound and [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] discovered Megatron's plans, Bluestreak was part of the Autobot battle group dispatched to follow Megatron's raid on an off-shore oil rig, despite not having been ordered to do so. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 1}}

After rescuing the humans, he was also among the Autobots who responded to the Decepticon attack on [[Sherman Dam]] and the [[Ruby Crystal Mines of Burma]]. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 2}}. Then, when the Decepticons managed to extricate themselves from the mine explosion, Bluestreak and [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] took to the air and engaged in a dogfight with [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]]. He avoided injury, but abandoned the chase when Ironhide was shot down and managed to drag his friend to safety after a water landing. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 3}}

[[Image:G1 Prowl Bluestreak Rollforit.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Prowl always dreads the family reunions.]]
After Megatron was seemingly lost forever inside the [[space bridge]], the Autobots thwarted an ill-planned Decepticon attack on yet another hydroelectric power plant under the command of [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]]. Chasing after the escaping Decepticons, Bluestreak managed to damage both Starscream and Thundercracker significantly with a single blast from his shoulder cannons. He and [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] followed the fleeing villains to a human aircraft hangar, from which the Decepticons were scavenging parts. Bluestreak accused Starscream of having a [[manifold]] for a mouth. It was hilarious, but both Autobots were outnumbered when Soundwave unleashed Ravage. Fortunately, their human friend [[Chip Chase]] took control of Prowl's systems and sent the Decepticons packing. {{storylink|Roll for It}}

Bluestreak accompanied Ironhide, [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], and [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] to Cybertron to get a [[cosmitron]] for the dying [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]]. He was attacked by the [[Rainmaker]]s' [[acid rain]] just outside of [[Wheeljack's workshop]] and was nearly deactivated. Once given a pep talk by [[Chip Chase]], he shot down the Rainmakers, enabling the Autobots to get the cosmitron. {{storylink|Divide and Conquer}} Bluestreak was present during the unveiling of the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] and responded in awe. Later on, he was with the Autobots during the Decepticon ambush at the [[Great Falls]]. He shot at [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]], but was unable to hit him. Defeated, the Autobots were all tied up by the Decepticons. [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] used Bluestreak's bolt gun to give the Autobots an instant recharge {{storylink|S.O.S. Dinobots}} Bluestreak was in the Autobot group who flew with [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] to [[Peru]]. He fried Laserbeak during one of the skirmishes, and used his lights so Skyfire could see Wheeljack. {{storylink|Fire on the Mountain}} When the New Dinobots were created, Bluestreak was one of the Autobots selected for a mock battle against [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] and [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]]. He was defeated along with the rest of the group and jokingly commented on the battle saying they would have won if it was real... Maybe. {{storylink|War of the Dinobots}}

[[Image:UltimateDoom2 Bluestreak and Windcharger.jpg|thumb|right|260px]]
Bluestreak's skill as a gunner was frequently employed in combat. On one occasion, [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] was trying to fly off with [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]], and Bluestreak was able to target and shoot one of the tin turkey's legs without hitting Spike to free him. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 2}} When the Autobots surfed towards the Decepticons, he was the first to notice the tidal wave about to engulf the group. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 3}} He was present with the rest of Autobots during the staged battle between Optimus Prime and [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]. {{storylink|Heavy Metal War}}

Some of Bluestreak's spare parts were used on Sparkplug's [[Autobot X]], including one of the door-wings. Later Bluestreak was one of the Autobots that went to go help Autobot Spike during his confusion. {{storylink|Autobot Spike}} Bluestreak was one of the Autobots that reacted to a Decepticon attack at a mining colony and also present at the Ark when Megatron's solar needle caused an avalanche. He had to run away from a boulder to avoid being crushed by it. {{storylink|Changing Gears}} Bluestreak accompanied Optimus Prime to [[New York City]] to stop Megatron from converting the city into his base. He was the first to notice Prime's missing arm on top of the [[Empire State Building]] and later blasted a subway car piloted by Frenzy. {{storylink|City of Steel}}

[[Image:Bluestreakg1.jpg|left|240px|thumb|You get the feeling Blurr trained under this guy at some point.]]
Bluestreak was a victim of Megatron's [[personality destabilizer device]] that was placed in the Autobots' recharging chambers. Once under Decepticon control, Bluestreak attacked Bumblebee and tried to make him recharge, but was disabled by [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]]. After regaining consciousness, he was the first to be brought back using Sparkplug's new invention, the [[attitude exchanger]]. Afterward, he accompanied Jazz and Sparkplug to return the other Autobots to normal. When they needed to get Skyfire's attention, Bluestreak fired at him with the results they wanted. {{storylink|Attack of the Autobots}}

Bluestreak was present in the Ark when Cliffjumper first accused Mirage of being a traitor and also present later when Mirage was being repaired and Cliffjumper was accusing him again. {{storylink|Traitor}} Bluestreak was the second Autobot to be hit by the Immobilizer when the Autobots went to retrieve it. {{storylink|The Immobilizer}}

[[Image:Immobilizer Bluestreak immobilized.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]
Bluestreak participated in the Autobot race for charity. He was hit by the [[Transfixatron]], rendering him unable to transform. Then [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] and [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] disabled him. He was later one of the first to be restored by the [[anti-transfixation grenade]]. {{storylink|The Autobot Run}} Bluestreak assisted with the Autobot attempt to recapture the irreplaceable robot ninja [[Nightbird (G1)|Nightbird]] for the famous scientist [[Doctor Fujiyama the Famous Scientist|Doctor Fujiyama]] after the Decepticons turned her against humanity. Optimus Prime was insistent the Autobots not shoot or harm Nightbird, but Bluestreak saved Prime anyway from the attacking ninja by cleanly shooting Nightbird's laser sword out of her hands. {{storylink|Enter the Nightbird}}

Bluestreak was around when the Autobots were confused about who was the real Optimus Prime when Megatron's clone infiltrated the Autobot base. {{storylink|A Prime Problem}} He was part of the attack against the Decepticons to try to get [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] on the Autobot side. He succeeded in knocking all three seeker jets out of the sky with a missile barrage, but was later kicked down by Devastator. {{storylink|The Core}} Bluestreak suddenly appeared in the group of Autobots that attacked the Decepticons in South America. {{storylink|Microbots}} Bluestreak was present when Optimus Prime thanked Spike, Carly, and the Dinobots for what they did for the Autobots. {{storylink|Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 2}}

Bluestreak was in the group of Autobots that responded to the distress call from the [[Haley Observatory]]. They were late and Megatron got away with the [[Voltronic Galaxer]]. {{storylink|Blaster Blues}} Bluestreak was part of the second Autobot group that tried to attack the electrum-covered Decepticons, but was defeated. He was later present in the battle at the golden lagoon, which ended in victory for the Autobots {{storylink|The Golden Lagoon}} When [[Kremzeek]] attacked Bluestreak was one of the many Autobots deactivated before [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] was able to coat a few with insulating foam. {{storylink|Kremzeek!}}

Bluestreak entered [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]]'s zone defense around the football stadium, but was severely damaged and built into a throne by [[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]]. {{storylink|Triple Takeover}} When the Decepticons took control of the [[Key to Vector Sigma]], Bluestreak left the base when the Autobots left to attack them. {{storylink|The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 2}}

[[Image:TransEuropeExpress riding Wildrider.jpg|thumb|left|240px]]
Along with several fellow Autobots, Bluestreak participated in the [[Europa 2000]], an international charity race stretching from Paris to Istanbul. When the arrogant racing driver [[Auggie Cahnay (G1)|Auggie Cahnay]] cut across [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], an indignant Bluestreak helped his understandably angry friend catch up to the American and attempt to teach him some manners. Later, after running afoul of the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]], Bluestreak learned of [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s plan for the [[Pearl of Bahoudin]] from [[Professor Teranova]] and deduced that the missing Autobots must have been disabled by the Stunticons. After Cahnay's car was stolen by the Decepticons to use as raw materials for a weather control machine, Bluestreak allowed the hotshot driver to race him to victory at the finish line. Together, Bluestreak, [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] and Bumblebee headed out to confront the Decepticons, but when the Pearl was lost in a tornado, Megatron unleashed [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] onto the Autobots. Ironically, it was Cahnay who defeated Menasor by sacrificing his car, much to the Bluestreak's surprise. {{storylink|Trans-Europe Express}} Bluestreak was at the Autobot base after the Stunticons were captured by the other Autobots. {{storylink|Masquerade}}

In the year 2005, Bluestreak helped [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] move a roadblock on [[Lookout Mountain]], just before [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] and [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel Witwicky]] crashed through it. His subsequent fate is unknown, as he and Huffer were never seen making it back to [[Autobot City]]. {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie}} Seeing as Huffer was confirmed dead later on, it is possible Bluestreak died too. {{storylink|Dark Awakening}}

{{note|The noticeable lack of shoulder cannons means the [[Character model|animation model]] used for Bluestreak's brief appearance in ''The Transformers: The Movie'' was actually Prowl's.}}

====''Story of Binaltech''====
[[Image:BinaltechStreakBoxArt.jpg|thumb|250px|Doors of silver, nerves of steel.]]
Suffering from the [[Cosmic Rust (disease)|Cosmic Rust]] virus, Bluestreak was one of the first Autobots reconstructed using [[Binaltech]] technology. Alongside [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]], [[Hound (G1)|Hound]], [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]], and [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]], he helped [[Earth Defense Command]] drive the Decepticons off of Earth. Bluestreak continued serving on Earth at Autobot City, under [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]]'s overall command. {{storylink|Binaltech Is...}}

As the conflict raged on, thanks to the time- and space-warping actions of both [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] and a mysterious entity known as [[Optimus Primal|The Protector]], the events of the Binaltech conflict were branched off to become their own, distinct parallel universe (the "BT World") separate from the "mainstream" timeline {{storylink|Binal Time}}

{{Note|At this point, the original timeline was retroactively restored and the events of the ''Story of Binaltech'' diverged into a parallel universe. Exactly how many (if any) of the events related in this section, even prior to the divergence, occurred in the original unaltered timeline are unknown.}}

When the spark of Prowl from the "BT World" was lost in interdimensional [[subspace]], it re-emerged in the mainstream timeline, and was discovered by Bluestreak and the other Autobots. Soon after, a strange energy surge came across the dimensions from the "BT World" and made contact with Prowl's spark, driving into a dangerously unstable state. To save the life of this Prowl he had never even known, Bluestreak tracked the energy back across the dimensions and traveled to the "BT World", meeting up with the local versions of [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] and "[[Prowl II]]" (a duplicate Prowl housing the consciousness of [[Chip Chase]]). The pair brought him back to the Autobots' headquarters, where he explained the situation to [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]]. {{storylink|Binaltech|Unfinished Business, Part 1}}

Jazz used the data Bluestreak had brought with him to pinpoint the source of the energy surge. During the subsequent raid, Bluestreak and the Autobots discovered that the surge was the work of [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] and the [[Concurrence]], who were using a subspace node to drain energy from Prowl's spark, which they then used to power a giant robot made of synthetic [[electrum]]. Once Jazz had taken out the node, Bluestreak took down the robot with some well-placed shots. They were then contacted by [[Overdrive]] from Bluestreak's dimension, who reported that Prowl's spark had stabilized, but that it would be too dangerous to send it back through subspace unshielded. Instead, Chip's consciousness was removed from the "Prowl II" body and returned to his human frame, and the Binaltech shell was then taken back across the dimensions by Bluestreak so Prowl's spark could be implanted in it. {{storylink|Binaltech|Unfinished Business, Part 2}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
{{notekeepers}}
When the Autobot/Decepticon war first erupted over 8.7 million years ago, Bluestreak's home city-state of [[Praxus]] was utterly destroyed. ''The entire population of Praxus was killed, with Bluestreak being the sole exception. This was a deliberate action on Megatron's part, as he wanted a sole survivor to bear witness to his power, and spread his message of terror. {{storylink|Hardwired}}'' Originally a merchant, Bluestreak then joined the Autobot army. 500,000 years later, he related [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]]'s death to [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optronix]], {{storylink|The War Within issue 1}} and later served in the last-ditch attempt to defend [[Iacon (city-state)|Iacon]] from [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]'s forces. {{storylink|The War Within}}

7.4 million years ago, Bluestreak remained with the Autobot faction after the apparent death of Optimus Prime. He and [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] remained at [[Autobase (G1)|Autobase]] while [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] led a task force against [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]]. While there, they met [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] and apprised him of the current situation on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. {{storylink|War Within: The Dark Ages}} 1.4 million years later, Bluestreak and an Autobot/Decepticon/[[Ultracon]] force helped defend a peace ceremony at [[Tyger Pax]] from the [[Predacon (War Within)|Predacons]]. They were successful against the Predacons, but soon fell before the return of Megatron, and his [[Aerospace Extermination Squadron]], ushering in the Age of Internment. {{storylink|War Within: The Age of Wrath}}

Bluestreak was among the crew of the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' when it crashed on [[Earth]] 4 million years ago, and awoke in 1984 to battle the Decepticons. After years of fighting, Bluestreak and the other Autobots took part in [[Operation Liberation]] in 1998, a joint human/Autobot operation that defeated and captured the Earth-bound Decepticons. However, the ''[[Ark II]]'', which was meant to convey the Autobots, the captured Decepticons, and a number of humans back to Cybertron, was sabotaged by General [[Robert Hallo]], sending Bluestreak and his comrades to the bottom of the [[Arctic Ocean]].

Bluestreak was later recovered by the sinister [[Lazarus]], and his deactivated form was used to power [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron's]] deadly metal virus weapon, after the Decepticons broke free of Lazarus's control. By the time he was rescued by Optimus Prime, Bluestreak's energy had been almost fatally depleted. {{storylink|Prime Directive}}

''Bluestreak recovered, however, and rejoined his newly active comrades. He was with Optimus Prime and [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] in Tokyo, Japan, trying to rebuild their rep with the humans when Megatron attacked. During the battle, a lattice of red and blue energy struck down from the heavens, scooping up the four Transformers and over 200 humans in the immediate area, blasting them back out into space. Their hosts were a group of enigmatic beings known as the [[Keeper (species)|Keepers]], who were transporting them through deep space to their base of operations, the [[Labyrinth]]. During their travels, Bluestreak was forced to experience a full-sensory recreation of Praxus, and its last hours before Megatron destroyed it. The Keepers also showed Bluestreak, for the first time, how Megatron used him as a messenger of doom. Horrified at the part he unwittingly played in the Decepticon war engine, Bluestreak swore to destroy Megatron.''

''In the Labyrinth, the Keepers forced the Transformers to participate in battledome combat, fighting alien opponents and each other, with their lives and the lives of the humans taken with them hanging in the balance. Bluestreak and Jazz were forced to fight each other to the death amidst a random assortment of humans, held in place around the battledome by the Keepers' power. Failure to continue the battle resulted in a "penalty", where the Keepers would callously murder the humans to keep the Autobots fighting, but the fighting itself was just as potentially dangerous for the civilians in the arena. The battle only ended when Bluestreak deliberately took a critical blast from Jazz's [[photon rifle]] in order to save one of the humans from certain death. The Keepers forced Jazz to finish the job, executing his friend at point blank range to avoid any additional deaths. Bluestreak died consoling Jazz that he had done the right thing.'''

''But he did not die for long. After the Keepers were revealed as vast techno-organic lifeforms, Optimus Prime was able to manipulate the [[Matrix]] to help bring him, Megatron, Jazz and the surviving humans back home. Unfortunately, the Keepers came too, having assembled a menagerie of host bodies for themselves in order to more directly interact with other beings. One of those host bodies was Bluestreak's animated corpse. {{storylink|Hardwired}}''

When Shockwave came to Earth and announced that the Autobot/Decepticon wars were over and that the two factions had been united, Bluestreak was more than skeptical, suggesting it was a trick. The memory of his destroyed home-city still haunted him, and he would not believe the same beings who killed innocents could change their ways. His views clashed those of with [[Gears (G1)|Gears]], who did not see the point in fighting wars that had been ended. {{storylink|New World Order}} Despite his objections, Bluestreak was among the Autobots who joined Optimus Prime in surrendering to Shockwave's lieutenant, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]]. {{storylink|Brothers' Burden}} Ferried back to Cybertron by [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]], Bluestreak and the others were imprisoned and scheduled for execution, but were freed by [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] and taken to an underground hideout. {{storylink|Cold War}} He fought in the battle to retake Iacon and witnessed Shockwave activating the [[Matrix of Leadership]]. Victorious, Bluestreak and his comrades began to rebuild their planet. {{storylink|Revelation (War and Peace)|Revelation}}

Shortly after Ultra Magnus recovered from injuries he suffered when the Autobots overthrew Shockwave, Bluestreak and the rest of the Ark's crew were approached by Prowl about returning to Earth. {{storylink|Original Sin}} Prowl wanted to establish a more permanent Autobot presence on Earth, due in part to some curious data he had come across while researching the clone entity known as [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]]. Bluestreak was by far the most talkative of the Autobots at the meeting, weighing in on both sides of the discussion as the debate over returning raged back and forth. Unfortunately for Bluestreak, no one was listening to a word he said. {{storylink|Atonement}} Prowl eventually convinced all of the Ark's crew to return with him and begin construction of [[Autobot City]] on Earth, and they departed from Cybertron shortly thereafter. {{storylink|Lost and Found (issue)|Lost and Found}}

===Devil's Due ''G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers'' comics===
[[Image:GIJoevsTF5_Autobots.jpg|thumb|right|200px|]]
Bluestreak was among the deactivated Transformers found, rebuilt and reprogrammed by [[Cobra]], who proceeded to use the alien robots for their plan to conquer the world. Along with Prowl, Bluestreak now transformed into a Cobra [[Firebat]] jet, but was eventually freed from the humans' control by [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack's]] tampering. Joining Prowl, [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] and [[Gears (G1)|Gears]], he confronted [[Cobra Commander]] and fought against his [[S.N.A.K.E.]] guards. Bluestreak was horrified when [[Storm Shadow]] killed Trailbreaker during the fight, but the shock quickly turned to anger, and he and his comrades attacked the human and ripped his mech apart. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 5|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #5}} Bluestreak was later seen fighting Decepticon [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]] in the sky when the [[SPS Satellite]] went out of control and started firing at [[Cobra Island]] randomly. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 6|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #6}}

{{-}}
===IDW ''Hearts of Steel'' comics===
Bluestreak was among the Autobot forces who fought the Decepticons on Earth in the distant past until an incoming ice age threatened to deactivate all the Transformers. Both sides went into hiding underground until the danger had passed, remaining in stasis until the mid-19th century. When they woke up, the war against the Decepticons started anew, though Bluestreak was not seen partaking in any of the action. {{storylink|Hearts of Steel issue 1}}

=== IDW comics continuity ===
Early in the Cybertronian civil war, Bluestreak was part of an extraction team led by [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] that retrieved a damaged Jazz and Tracks from their skirmishing with the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacon]]s. Bluestreak's sharpshooting skills took out [[Razorclaw (G1)|Razorclaw]] just in time to keep Jazz on-line. {{storylink|Spotlight: Jazz}}

Silverstreak would become the longest-standing patient of Autobot psycho-analyst [[Rung]], presumably due to his survivor's guilt over the destruction of [[Praxus]]. {{storylink|Bullets}}

Four million years ago, <strike>Bluestreak</strike> <strike>Silverstreak</strike> good ol' Streak was present at a victory celebration after the Autobots successfully prevented a supply of energon from reaching the enemy camp. He was too busy getting drunk on energon to really heed [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]]'s security concerns about a [[Axer|suspicious-looking Autobot]] at the party. {{storylink|The Iron Age}}

Roughly 500 years ago, Bluestreak was on Blaster's orbital array during the Decepticons' post-[[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]] advance, shortly before the planet was abandoned, and fought against their final big push. {{storylink|Spotlight: Blaster}}

Much later, Bluestreak was in command of the Autobot tactical response unit, seen briefly on the Autobots' orbital command hub. {{storylink|Stormbringer issue 1}} On [[Varas Centralus]], in the Kol system, Bluestreak's unit was joined by the [[Wrecker]]s during Phase Six. The Wreckers assaulted the Decepticon [[Infiltration protocol|siege mode armature]], but Bluestreak kept his own squad out of the fighting, citing the planet as a lost cause. [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] attempted to talk Bluestreak into attacking the Decepticons with the Wreckers, before Springer's crew were pulled from Varas Centralus to deal with the crisis created by the revival of [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]]. The final fate of Varas Centralus is unknown, but probably could be categorized as "not good". {{storylink|Stormbringer issue 2}}

Bluestreak later returned to [[Autobot Orbital Command Hub]] in order to greet [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] personally upon his revival. Because he had been present on the orbital array when Blaster was first attacked and went missing centuries ago, however, Bluestreak was one of the Autobots (along with [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]], [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] and Mirage) suspected of trying to assassinate Blaster. {{storylink|Spotlight: Blaster}}

[[Image:IdwBluestreakSilverstreak.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Oh, come on!]]

At some point, Bluestreak changed his name to "Silverstreak" and ended up on Earth. He was among the Autobots who grew sick of hiding on the planet and joined [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] when he defected. {{storylink|New Arrivals, Old Encounters}} Despite this, he was seen with the Autobots who stayed behind, cheering for [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] when he was chosen to lead them. {{storylink|The Hanging Sword}} Silverstreak helped with the construction of the space cruiser alongside Hot Rod and [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]]'s united faction. {{storylink|Seasons in Flight}}

{{note|Bluestreak's appearance in [[The Transformers: Bumblebee]] may simply be an error. Another possibility, though less likely, is that Bluestreak and Silverstreak are two different characters in IDW, much like Bumblebee and [[Goldbug (IDW)|Goldbug]] or [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] and [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]].}}

Like many Autobots, Silverstreak had some difficulties working with the Decepticons. He got suspicious when Swindle and the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]] spent so much time working to repair [[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]], the latest Decepticon they had rescued from [[Skywatch]]. Hot Rod told him to let the old mistrust between the factions go, but Silverstreak proved to have good instincts—Swindle had installed combiner technology in the Stunticons, creating the menace of [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] which he turned against their new Autobot "comrades". {{storylink|Enemies of the System}} After Menasor was defeated, Silverstreak chastized Rodimus for failing to predict someone named "Swindle" might be less than trustworthy. As Rodimus fled Earth in Ultra Magnus's shuttle, Silverstreak, [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] and the rest of the splinter faction apparently rejoined Bumblebee and the rest of the Autobots. {{storylink|Earthworks}}

After the Autobot factions reunited, they formed an alliance with Skywatch. When the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] were causing trouble in [[South Korea]], several Autobots were sent to fight them while Silverstreak was left behind in a Skywatch hangar, where he was forced to listen to [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] complain about not being picked. He decided to give his "unpleasant" comrade some constructive criticism, telling him that nobody likes angry and moping whiners. On the other hand, everybody loves optimists, like for example Silverstreak! Somehow, this didn't improve Brawn's mood any, so Silverstreak went back to drinking with [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]]. {{storylink|International Incident Part 3: "Hawk Among the Sparrows"}} When the Autobots in Korea were faced with the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]], Silverstreak was horrified that he couldn't help them, and asked [[Pennington]] what a "nightmare" was so that he could properly compare the situation to one. The battle was eventually won, though it led to the secret Autobot-Skywatch alliance getting revealed to the world. Silverstreak and Brawn stood by Bumblebee as he tried to calm the human crowds, but failed to protect him from a human assassin with an energy gun. {{storylink|International Incident Part 4: "All My Sins Remembered"}}

===''Henkei! Henkei!'' pack-in comic===
{{charstubfiction}}
{{storylink|Henkei! Henkei! volume 6|Henkei! Henkei! #6}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[Image:G1 bluestreak toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|I know I don't wear much blue, but if you know your history, it really does make perfect sense.]]
*'''Bluestreak''' (Autobot Car, 1984/1985)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''08'''
**''Accessories:'' Beam Rifle, left & right missile launchers, 3 missiles

: The original Bluestreak toy was based on the ''[[Diaclone]]'' "Fairlady Z" toy and transforms into an accurate replica of a [[wikipedia:Nissan_280ZX|Datsun Fairlady Z]]. The all-silver deco for the mold was unique to its ''Transformers'' release, not a carry-over from ''Diaclone'' <ref>[http://diaclone.net/orid/dia042/index.html Fairlady Z at diaclone.net] (Japanese)</ref> though it was heavily based on the second version of his ''Diaclone toy''. Reused photography and artwork of Bluestreak's Diaclone incarnation led to considerable confusion in that it retained a blue and gray paint scheme not seen in the American toyline. The doors can open in car mode, but the vehicle mode lacks any kind of automotive interior. As with most Generation 1 toys of the time, he was constructed partially of die-cast metal and had rubber tires.

: In robot mode, Bluestreak has the classic "car hood-chest" design also featured on fellow Autobots like [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]], and is armed with a vacuum-metalized laser rifle and two shoulder-mounted rocket launchers that can each fire one of the three included projectiles.

: This mold was retooled to make [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]], and again for [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1984/Autobot/Bluestreak/bluestreak.htm More information on Bluestreak at TFU.info]''

{{-}}
{{anchor|Anime}}
* '''Streak (anime version)''' (2002)
**''Accessories:'' Beam Rifle, left & right missile launchers, 3 missiles

: An [[exclusive]] to [[Takara]]'s [[e-Hobby]] shop, this version of Bluestreak was sold bundled in a set, though not packaged together, with a gold-plated version of [[Jazz (G1)|Meister]]. Often called "Anime Streak" by fans and collectors, this toy used the color scheme from the second version of his ''Diaclone'' toy (which was used as the basis for his cartoon and comic character model), with a black roof and hood instead of the original Transformer toy's silver.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2002/Cybertron/Bluestreak/bluestreak.htm More information on Anime Streak at TFU.info]''

{{anchor|Chrome}}
[[Image:G1Chromestreak toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|I come in every color except blue.]]
* '''Streak (silver plated version)''' (2003)
**''Accessories:'' Beam Rifle, left & right missile launchers, 3 x missiles

: Also an e-Hobby-exclusive, this version of Bluestreak was almost entirely vacuum-metalized, much like the gold-plated Jazz, but in silver. Like the gold Jazz, the Chrome Streak emulated a "campaign car" prize item from the original ''Diaclone'' line. <ref>[http://www.tf-1.com/articles/reissue_frame.php?art=Chromestreak Article Chromestreak at TF-1.com]</ref>

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Cybertron/ChromeBluestreak/bluestreak.htm More information on Chrome Streak at TFU.info]''

{{-}}
{{anchor|TRUComm}}
* '''Silverstreak''' (2004)
**''Accessories:'' Beam Rifle, left & right missile launchers, 3 missiles

: Released as part of [[Hasbro]]'s Toys "R" Us-[[exclusive]] [[Commemorative Series]] III reissues in the same colours as his original 1980s release, although his packaging pictures depict Takara's "Anime Streak" version. For this release, he was redubbed "Silverstreak" due to Hasbro's apparent inability to secure the [[trademark]] for the name "Bluestreak". Due to [[For safety reasons|safety reasons]], the springs in his rocket launchers were removed, and because of changes in the plastics used, his laser rifle and projectiles were not vacuum-metalized, instead being cast in more durable matte-black plastic.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Autobot/Silverstreak/silverstreak.htm More information on Commemorative Series Silverstreak at TFU.info]''

===Alternators===
[[Image:AlternatorsSilverstreak toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Why did the [[Smokescreen (G1)|other guy]] get to be blue?]]
*'''Silverstreak''' (Alternator, 2004)
**''Alternator ID number:'' '''4'''
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''BT-03'''
**''Accessories:'' Intercooler/beam rifle

: The second Subaru Impreza toy released in the ''[[Alternators]]'' line was actually the first to be developed, but due to marketing suggestions, the more eye-catching Smokescreen was released first. Silverstreak transforms into a very accurate and fully-licensed silver 2003 [[wikipedia:Subaru_Impreza_WRX|Subaru Impreza WRX]], with opening hood, trunk, and all four doors as well as a detailed interior. He also features working steering (not connected to the steering wheel, though) and rubber tires.

: His robot mode is based upon his original toy as well as his cartoon model, but with changes made to reflect modern standards of Transformers toys, as well as his new vehicle mode. He is armed with a laser rifle formed from his turbo intercooler and has the capacity to mount two spring-loaded rocket launchers on either side of his shoulders, though these were only included with the [[retool]] of ''Binaltech'' Smokescreen.

: Unusual for an ''Alternators'' release, Silverstreak was fully painted silver, similar to his ''Binaltech'' release. The silver paint on Silverstreak is more flat compared to the sparkled paint of the Binaltech version.

: The first shipment of the Alternator version used the right-side steering like the Japanese release. Soon afterwards, a modified version was released with the steering wheel on the left side of the vehicle.

: This mold was also used to make [[Ricochet (Headmasters)|Ricochet]] and ''[[Binaltech Asterisk]]'' [[Red Alert (G1)|Alert]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Autobot/AltSilverstreak/silverstreak.htm More information on ''Alternators'' Silverstreak at TFU.info]''
{{-}}
{{anchor|BinaltechBlue}}
[[Image:Bluestreak BT19.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Finally! I became blue at last. [[:Image:Titanium RM Smokescreen.jpg|Wait a minute]].]]
*'''Bluestreak''' (Binaltech, 2008)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''BT-19'''
**''Accessories:'' Intercooler/beam rifle

: One of the initial releases of the reborn ''Binaltech'' line, Bluestreak is a redeco of ''Binaltech'' Silverstreak, using the "civilian" model of Subaru. As his name suggests, Bluestreak's body is almost completely blue... making him look suspiciously like a de-sponsored Smokescreen.

{{-}}

===Universe===
[[Image:UniverseSilverstreakSpy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|New name, old colors]]
*'''Silverstreak''' (Spy Changer, 2004)
**''Accessories:'' Beam Rifle

: A redeco of ''[[Robots in Disguise (toyline)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Side Swipe (RID)|Side Swipe]], ''[[Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' Silverstreak is based upon his pre-G1 release "blue" color scheme, with a silver hood. He is armed with a small gun that is disguised as a tailpipe in vehicle mode.

: The original release of this toy (and the others in the assortment), [[exclusive]] to Kay-Bee stores, came on cards that lacked a sub-line designation. Later releases that were also available through chains like Dollar General were put on ''Universe'' cards.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Autobot/SpySilverstreak/silverstreak.htm More information on ''Universe'' Silverstreak at TFU.info]''
{{-}}
===Smallest Transforming Transformers===
[[Image:STFStreak toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Not even the tiniest bit of blue]]
*'''Streak''' (2004)
**''Japanese ID Number:'' '''GTF X-3'''

: A retool of ''[[Smallest Transforming Transformers]]'' Prowl, STF Streak is a much simplified, much smaller replica of his original toy. Although resembling his original Generation 1 form, he has less articulation and his wheels do not roll. Streak was one of two [[chase figure]]s in the second wave of the line.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Cybertron/SmallestBluestreak/bluestreak.htm More information on "Smallest" Streak at TFU.info]''
{{-}}
===Universe (2008)===
====Classic Series====
[[Image:Universe2008 Silverstreak toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Are you sure you're not [[Camshaft (G1)|Camshaft]]?]]
*'''Silverstreak''' (Deluxe, 2008)
**''Accessories:'' "Volt Beam Blaster"

:Part of the third wave of [[Universe (2008 franchise)|2008 ''Universe'']] Deluxes, Silverstreak is a retool and redeco of the [[Prowl (G1)|2008 ''Universe'' Prowl]], transforming into a modified [[wikipedia:Nissan_350Z|Nissan 350Z]]. He features twin non-removable and non-firing "rocket launchers" that can swing over his robot-mode shoulders. His fold-out "Volt Beam Blaster" stores in the car mode's undersides.

:As with several recent ''Transformers'' vehicles with a metallic silver body colour, ''Universe'' Silverstreak's silver car body panels are painted metallic silver rather than being left as bare silver plastic.

: This mold was also used to make ''Universe'' [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] and ''[[Timelines (toyline)|Timelines]]'' [[Rapido#Timelines|Rapido]], while the original Prowl mold was used for ''[[Timelines (franchise)|Timelines]]'' [[Streetwise (G1)|Streetwise]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Autobot/TFUSilverstreak/silverstreak.htm More information on ''Universe'' Silverstreak at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Henkei! Henkei!===
[[Image:Henkei Streak toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Silver paint ''and'' silver chrome? Damn.]]
*'''Streak''' (Deluxe, 2008)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-10'''
**''Accessories:'' "Volt Beam Blaster"

:The Japanese ''[[Henkei! Henkei! (toyline)|Henkei! Henkei!]]'' release of ''Universe'' Silverstreak is a redeco of the original, swapping the black plastic on his hood and paint applications on his roof with dark gray, the maroon plastic to bright red, changing the red on the wheels to dark gray, as well as adding [[Vacuum metallizing|vacuum-metallized]] silver on his Volt Beam Blaster, his shoulder rocker launchers and his spoiler. His face was also changed from white to silver, the blue on his waist to silver, and the Autobot symbol on his chest is smaller on the Henkei release. In some versions of this toy, the windows have a more transparent clarity and consistency than the somewhat foggy application used for the Universe version, although some have both foggy and transparent variants.

{{-}}

===SpeedStars===
[[Image:StealthForce_Silverstreak_toy.jpg|thumb|right|250px|oh god, someone's mutilated him!]]
*'''Silverstreak''' (Basic, 2010)

:''[[SpeedStars]]'' Silverstreak is part of the "Stealth Force" subline, consisting of vehicles without robot modes, but with plenty of flip-out panels with hidden weapons. The toy is a silver sports car similar to ''Universe'' Silverstreak's modified Nissan 350Z altmode, and features non-firing weapons in its hood, trunk and doors.
{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===Transformers - Mini Bust===
[[Image:Bluestreak statue.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Stop! or my mouth will shoot...off.]]
* '''Bluestreak''' (Diamond Select, 2009)

Released by Diamond Select Toys in 2009, Bluestreak was sculpted by [[Mark Wong|Mark Wong]] of [[Art Asylum]] and limited to 250 pieces. Bluestreak, along with his "brothers" [[Prowl (G1)/toys|Prowl]] and [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]], is exclusive to online retailer Toyrocket.com. The bust features Bluestreak's beam rifle and twin missile launchers. The missile launchers can be attached via magnets on either side of his head. The missile launchers given to Bluestreak closely match Smokescreen's animation model rather than his own. It is unknown if this change was intentional or a mistake.
{{-}}

==Notes==
[[Image:Bluebluestreak.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Sadly, we can't just put this note in the "Does not exist" category.]]
* One of the longest-running [[Misconceptions and urban legends about Transformers|myths about Transformers]] is the existence of the "blue-sided Bluestreak". This misconception has its origins in Bluestreak's [[Package art|box art]] and [[Instructions|instruction sheet]], as well as the original 1984 [[Catalog|toy catalogs]],<ref>[http://tfarchive.com/toys/catalogues/generationone_catalogue/84a_catalog.jpg Transformers catalog, circa 1984 (Autobots)]</ref> all of which used the blue-sided ''[[Diaclone|Diaclone]]'' variant of the Fairlady mold. No sealed samples of the blue-sided Bluestreak in a ''Transformers'' box have ''ever'' been found. Oddly enough, numerous other Transformers toys from that era were depicted in both catalogues and packaging art with colors they were never released in —[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]], [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]], the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]], for example— yet Bluestreak is the only one to be (mis)remembered in this manner, perhaps because his name is Bluestreak, so he had to have been blue, right?

* Compounding the confusion, a second Diaclone variant exists, with a black hood and silver sides. Oddly, it does not seem as sought after as the blue side variant, despiting being less common ''and'' the basis for Bluestreak's animation model (and thus more screen accurate).

* In recent years, toys based on the Bluestreak character were renamed "Silverstreak" for [[trademark]] reasons, because a company named Gendron held the trademark for "Toledo 'Blue Streak'" in the "toys" category until 2009. While Hasbro regained the trademark and released a ''[[SpeedStars]]'' [[Bluestreak (Speed Stars)|Bluestreak]] toy in 2010, the "Stealth Force" toy of Generation 1 Bluestreak released around the same time remained "Silverstreak".

* [[Aaron Archer]], as [[Orson]], when asked about the ''[[Commemorative Series]]'' Silverstreak's deco, said the figure was based on the 1984 version of the figure rather than the 2002 [[e-Hobby]] "Streak" release due to his desire to give collectors a version closer to the one released in 1984. While this is most likely true, it may also have to do with [[Hasbro]]'s inability or desire not to release figures too similar to e-Hobby exclusives, thus a required change for Silverstreak from e-Hobby Streak.

* The deco for Hasbro's retool of the ''[[Alternators]]'' Acura RSX mold was originally designed with Bluestreak in mind, specifically the original Diaclone deco mentioned above. Early leaked packaging samples even sported an abbreviated form of the name "Bluestreak" on their license plates. Ultimately, however, Hasbro decided to rename the toy and release it as "[[Camshaft (G1)|Autobot Camshaft]]" instead, possibly because they already had a representation of the Bluestreak character in the ''Alternators'' line (Silverstreak).

{{-}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.toybin.org/search.php?q=1984+Autobot+Bluestreak ToyBin Bluestreak Toy Gallery]
* [http://www.tfu.info/1984/Autobot/Bluestreak/bluestreak.htm Bluestreak at TFU.info]
* [http://www.ntfa.net/universe/english/index.php?act=view&char=Bluestreak Bluestreak's Universe profile at NTFA.net]

[[Category:Alternators Autobots]]
[[Category:Classics Autobots]]
[[Category:E-Hobby]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Gunners]]
[[Category:Henkei! Henkei! Autobots]]
[[Category:Merchants]]
[[Category:Spy Changers]]
[[Category:Toys "R" Us exclusives]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]
[[Category:Universe Autobots]]

Cliffjumper (G1)

2010-12-25T20:34:12Z

190.20.173.129: /* The Transformers cartoon */

{{picsneeded|fiction, toys}}
{{factions|autobot|sgDecepticon|protector}}
{{disambig3|Cliffjumper}}
:''Cliffjumper is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Cliffjumperg1.jpg|right|300px|thumb|He's got a piece of paper that he claims contains a list of 200 known traitors.]]
Within '''Cliffjumper''' burns the [[spark]] of a hero and a dedicated Autobot. On the outside is a paranoid, trigger-happy jerk with serious impulse-control problems. Cliffjumper utterly hates the [[Decepticon]]s. He also hates traitors. And anybody could be a traitor. Therefore, Cliffjumper hates everybody. It's unclear if he hates traitors more than he hates Decepticons, but it's at least a neck-and-neck thing.

He makes a habit of pulling [[Scale|ridiculously huge]] guns out of [[Exhaust port|nowhere]] and attacking impulsively despite orders or sanity. Somehow, this gets him neither killed nor demoted.

Cliffjumper's special weapon is his [[glass gas]], which embrittles metals on contact so that they shatter like glass. He is not immune to its effects, so its use requires careful consideration of wind direction. Actually, this may explain why he prefers the big guns. He doesn't seem like the calculating type.

{{quote|Look at Megatron. I'm gonna blast that smile off his faceplate.|Cliffjumper, raring to go|"[[The Ultimate Doom, Part 3]]"}}

:''Preliminary name:'' '''Blow-Out'''<ref name="marvelage">[http://www.electric-escape.net/node/590 Article from Marvel Age #17.]</ref>
:''Japanese name:'' '''Cliff'''
:''French-Canadian name:'' '''Matamore''' / '''Rapido'''
:''Hungarian name:'' '''Sziklaugró''' (exact translation)
:''Hungarian movie name, first dub only'': '''Ugró''' (Jumper)
:''Italian name:'' '''Grillo''' ("Cricket")
:''Portuguese name (Portugal comics):'' '''Salta-Penhascos'''
:''Portuguese name (Brazil comics):'' '''Saltador'''<ref>Coincidentally, this was also the name given to [[Springer (G1)|Springer]]</ref>
:''South American name:'' '''Carrera'''
:''Chinese name (Taiwan):'' '''Tìau Yái''' (跳崖, "Cliff Jumping")
:''Chinese name (China):'' '''Fei Guo Shan''' (飛過山, "Flying across a Mountain")
:''Russian name'': '''Скалолаз''' ("Rock-climber")

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Generation 1====
{{noteukonly}}
[[Image:Cliffjumperuk.jpg|left|180px|thumb|Don't ask, don't tell, don't laugh.]]
Cliffjumper was a part of the crew on board the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] when it crashed into [[Earth]] four million years ago while clearing an asteroid field in the path of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron.]] Upon reviving in 1984, Cliffjumper was chosen as part of the first field expedition into the world under [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl's]] command. Their simple recon mission to a drive-in movie theatre quickly turned into a battle when the Decepticons arrived. Cliffjumper acquitted himself well in combat, single-handedly driving off [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] with his glass gas. {{storylink|The Transformers (issue)|The Transformers}}

Later, he joined [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] on the mission to rescue their human friend [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] from the Decepticons. Unfortunately, the human military got in the way, distracting Cliffjumper and [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] long enough for [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]]'s earthquakes to throw them for a loop. {{storylink|Prisoner of War!}} Whether because of this or just a general lack of fuel, Cliffjumper was unable to stand up and fight against the Decepticons in the battle at the Ark. {{storylink|The Last Stand}} He was deactivated for a while during [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave's]] occupation of the Ark, but was repaired without incident when [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] reclaimed it for the crew. However, the head of Optimus Prime was still missing, and during an attempt to retrieve it, an impostor head took control of Prime's body, firing on Cliffjumper. {{storylink|Prime Time!}}

''Presumably repaired, he later participated in the Dinobot Hunt, along with [[Gears (G1)|Gears]] and [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]]. Although they found [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]], immediately thereafter all three were captured by the Decepticons. They were rescued by [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]. {{storylink|Dinobot Hunt!}}''

He was one of the observers to [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] and [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]]'s battle on the [[Moon (moon)|moon]]. How he fared in the following [[Decepticon]] attack is unknown, but he was never seen again. {{storylink|Totaled!}}

=====Marvel UK future timelines=====
''After surviving the destruction of [[Moonbase One]], Cliffjumper returned to the Autobot combat movement on Cybertron by 2007. He joined [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] in a concerted effort to surprise a [[Airborne hunter squad|group of Decepticon skyraiders]], using [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]] as bait to draw them in close for a crossfire. {{storylink|Wanted: Galvatron — Dead or Alive!}}''
{{-}}

====''Classics''/''Shattered Glass''====
{{ongoing}}
After Cliffjumper was nearly killed by an [[Underbase]]-powered [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], the Autobots, lacking the resources on Earth to repair him, shipped his body to Cybertron, where he languished on life support for fifteen years. After the war, newly-freed resources allowed techs to revive him once again, though when he first woke up he immediately flatlined again when they told him the war was over. Consoled by the idea that some Decepticons were still left in the universe, Cliffjumper was sadly too late to join [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock's]] crew on the ''[[Graviton (Classics)|Graviton]]'', so when reports of [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s return reached Cybertron, Cliffjumper was the first to join Optimus Prime in returning to Earth to vanquish him. {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 17|Cliffjumper's ''Classics'' profile}}

Cliffjumper and the Autobots encountered the dimension-hopping [[Velocitron|Velocitronian]] known as [[Skyfall (Cybertron)|Skyfall]] shortly after he and the Decepticon [[Landquake (Timelines)|Landquake]] crash-materialized in their universe. They traveled to the Southern Hemisphere to locate the source of a mysterious energy signature that resonated on the same wavelength as Skyfall's own emanations. The fact that Skyfall was traveling with a Decepticon, however inadvertantly, set Cliffjumper's "traitor sense" a'tingling, setting them at odds with one another. Unfortunately for CJ, Prime assigned him to explore the energy site alone with Skyfall, away from the battle with the arriving Decepticons. They were the only two small enough to fit through the crevice the energy signals were coming from. Cliffjumper reluctantly agreed to keep an eye on Skyfall. With the battle raging overhead, a cave-in caused by [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]]'s stomping around sent Landquake toppling into the caverns below. Eager for the chance to scrap a Decepticon, Cliffjumper gleefully leveled his pistol at Landquake as Skyfall tried to stop him. {{storylink|Crossing Over: Part 3}}

Protecting a 'Con was all the proof Cliffjumper needed to turn on Skyfall too, but another cave-in sent the robots tumbling deeper underground before anyone could get shot. Cliffjumper's leg was crushed under a falling boulder, but that didn't stop him from trying to blast the other two from where he lay on the ground. His shot disturbed the pool of Rarified Energon they landed next to, and awakened a curiously-similar robot known as [[Breakaway (Classics)|Breakaway]]. Using his own unique abilities, the pacifistic Breakaway healed Cliffjumper's leg in moments just by laying hands on him. As the Decepticon Cassettes arrived in search of the energon, Cliffjumper and the others drove them back while retreating further into the caverns. {{storylink|Crossing Over: Part 4}}

Allowing a temporary cease fire due to the strangeness of the situation, Cliffjumper started looking for a way to protect the [[Rarified Energon]] from the robots he KNEW were evil. Skyfall accidentally triggered a secret passage, though, and he, Landquake and Breakaway felt compelled to respond to the voice of the "[[Caretaker]]" emanating from the passage, who claimed to speak for [[Primus]] himself. Cliffjumper felt the "purity" of the place as well, but his basic nature still warned him it could all be a trap. Skyfall pleaded with CJ to see the grandeur of their situation however and, after checking his WWOPD? bracelet, Cliffjumper agreed to follow them down the passage...once he "set something up" first. {{storylink|Crossing Over: Part 5}} The Caretaker spoke to Skyfall, Landquake and Breakaway about the greater destiny that awaited them on other worlds, and beckoned them to pass through the dimensional barriers to the next leg of their journey. Skyfall balked at the idea more than the others, but ultimately he and Cliffjumper passed through the dimensional space bridge together. Meanwhile, [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] arrived at the Rarified Energon pool and set off the laser-trip wire Cliffjumper had left behind, detonating the entrance and burying the chambers behind them. {{storylink|Crossing Over: Part 6}}

[[Image:SGOptimusShootsCliffjumper ShatteredGlass.jpg|right|thumb|300px|]]

Cliffjumper was diverted away from his fellow travellers, and ended up in the "Shattered Glass" universe, where he was found by [[Ruckus (SG)|Ruckus]] and [[Rodimus (SG)|Rodimus]]. They were surprised to see him, as [[Cliffjumper (SG)|the native Cliffjumper]] had been thought dead for years. Rodimus took Cliffjumper to see [[Optimus Prime (SG)|Optimus Prime]], who was pleased to see him and had him witness [[Rumble (SG)|Rumble's]] execution. Cliffjumper was shocked and protested against the execution, which surprised and angered Optimus, as the native Cliffjumper had enjoyed killing prisoners. Prime blew several holes in Cliffjumper as punishment and had him dumped in the [[Rad Zone]], where he was discovered by [[Cyclonus (SG)|Cyclonus]], [[Scrapper (SG)|Scrapper]] and [[Long Haul (SG)|Long Haul]] and taken to the Decepticon base. There [[Scrapper (SG)|Scrapper]] and [[Hook (SG)|Hook]] repaired him and found he had numerous anomalies, thus discovering he was not this universe's Cliffjumper.

Towards the end of the repairs, Cliffjumper woke up and shoved the medics aside to escape, only to run into [[Megatron (SG)|Megatron]] and [[Sideswipe (SG)|Sideswipe]]. Sideswipe explained how the war started, what happened to this universe's Cliffjumper, and finally why Sideswipe had become a Decepticon.

Later, [[Starscream (SG)|Starscream]] and Megatron were discussing the [[Ark (SG)|''Ark''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s]] status, when Cliffjumper and Sideswipe walked into the room. Megatron informed Cliffjumper that Prime planned to use the ''Ark'' to conquer other worlds, and Cliffjumper exclaimed "By [[Primus]], he can't be allowed to do that!", leaving everyone confused. Cliffjumper then provided a highly condensed version of the Transformers' origins. Megatron thought that being created by a benevolent god was a comforting idea, but everyone else was amused by Cliffjumper's strange beliefs.

Starscream came up with a plan to use Cliffjumper's [[glass gas]] to weaken the ''Ark''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s launch platform, making it vulnerable to normal weapons. Cliffjumper agreed to help Starscream duplicate the formula as Megatron and the others planned the attack.

After [[Razorclaw (SG)|Razorclaw]] and [[Rampage (SG)|Rampage]] dispatched the Autobot guards, and Starscream, [[Divebomb (SG)|Divebomb]] and [[Whisper (SG)|Whisper]] dropped the "glass gas bombs" on the ''Ark'', Cliffjumper and the others attacked the launch platform. However, their weapons failed to destroy the platform, resulting in an all-out brawl between the two sides. When Optimus spotted Cliffjumper, he attempted to destroy the "traitor", but Megatron took the hit instead. This spurred Cliffjumper into destroying the launch platform. The Decepticons retreated, and Cliffjumper decided to go with them. {{storylink|Shattered Glass (issue)|Shattered Glass}}

Cliffjumper helped the Decepticons battle the Autobots for control of the [[Arch-Ayr]] fuel dump by firing large amounts of both artillery and insults at Optimus Prime, with his enthusiasm disturbing Starscream and Megatron. When [[Soundwave (SG)|Soundwave]] called in the [[Mayhem Suppression Squad]], Cliffjumper helped the Squad succeed in forcing the Autobots to fall back.

Just then the ground started trembling and sent Cliffjumper sprawling. He accused [[Crasher (SG)|Crasher]] of doing it, but it was actually [[Wheeljack (SG)|Wheeljack]] and his army of [[Dinobot (SG)|Dinobots]], which Cliffjumper recognized.
[[Image:Cliffjumper&SGGoryu Dungeons&Dinobots.jpg|left|thumb|200px|There's always a bigger fish...]]
The Dinobots eventually turned on each other and scattered, and Cliffjumper was among those ordered by Megatron to capture some of them for reprogramming. He and Sideswipe located and subdued [[Slugfest (SG)|Slugfest]], only for the hulking [[Goryu (SG)|Goryu]] to come to Slugfest's aid. Cliffjumper jumped onto and rode Goryu as he chased after Sideswipe, eventually managing to trick Goryu into knocking himself out.

The two then noticed [[Huffer (SG)|Huffer]] on the horizon and cornered him. Sideswipe "convinced" Huffer to admit what he was up to by warning that Cliffjumper was insane because he believed in Primus. Huffer offered to talk if they gave him three [[energon cube|energon rods]], but Cliffjumper threatened him down to one. Huffer admitted he had been tracking Grimlock and where, then escaped from the two.

Sideswipe and Cliffjumper used the information to track Grimlock to an old bunker. Sideswipe was hesitant, since the area was where he had been ambushed and his universe's Cliffjumper had died, but Cliffjumper wasn't fazed by Sideswipe's guilt nor by possibly seeing his double's corpse.

While the two examined hieroglyphics just inside the bunker's entrance, [[Omega Terminus|a booming voice]] ordered them to get out. The two were more than willing to comply, but found they couldn't, as the tunnels around them had changed. They continued on their journey instead, and encountered several traps, one of which injured Cliffjumper's leg.

Later, the two met up with Rodimus and [[Blurr (SG)|Blurr]]. Cliffjumper and Rodimus tumbled into a hidden passage, activating yet another trap. Rodimus deactivated the trap before it could crush them by yanking out and using the spear that had become embedded in Cliffjumper's leg earlier. They were ejected into a room full of debris. Rodimus recognized they were in the Omega Terminus chambers, and told Cliffjumper they could use it to create their own army to take down Prime, but Cliffjumper wasn't interested. Rodimus then found a vial of [[scraplet]]s and offered to have Cliffjumper drink some. Cliffjumper was horrified, until Rodimus explained how scraplets worked as a healing potion, and took a swig to prove it. Cliffjumper reluctantly accepted some to heal his leg, and they escaped out a hatch.

They met back up with Blurr and Sideswipe on a narrow bridge overlooking a deep chasm. Rodimus tried again to recruit the others into a new team of [[Wrecker]]s, but was interrupted by the arrival of Grimlock, who explained he'd been guided there by a strange voice that didn't want the others there.

Omega Terminus started spinning and shot a bolt of energy at Grimlock, giving him an [[spark|ember]] and the ability to [[transformation|transform]]. After doing so, he started to explain their situation, but Cliffjumper grew impatient and challenged him. As a response, additional lights came from the Omega Terminus and reanimated four corpses, including [[Drench (SG)|Drench]] and the native Cliffjumper. Grimlock further explained the Omega Terminus' powers, and a battle ensued.

The corpses put up a fight, but the living Cliffjumper eventually destroyed his double's corpse by throwing scraplets at it. Rodimus then rammed the Cliffjumper corpse into another of the corpses, while Cliffjumper ripped off his dead twin's arm and used it to "infect" the Drench corpse. All of the corpses were quickly devoured by the scraplets and reduced to dust.

Grimlock then swept the four off a ledge, where they hung on for dear life. Blurr managed to distract Grimlock enough for Cliffjumper and Sideswipe to knock him off the cliff. They all pulled themselves back up, and the Terminus told them to leave, which they promptly did. {{storylink|Dungeons & Dinobots}}
[[Image:SGDemolishorHeatwaveCliffjumper DoOver.jpg|right|275px|thumb|Are you my "second Ego"? What a nasty sight!]]
A short time later, Megatron asked Sideswipe and Cliffjumper if the Dinocons' recently discovered transformation ability had something to do with their recent adventure, but they found they couldn't recall exactly what had happened.

The Decepticons then gathered to discuss Optimus Prime's latest plan: rebuilding the ''Ark'' for a second launch. This caused Cliffjumper to get upset, thinking all of his hard work had been for nothing. Megatron reassured him that, on the contrary, it had been valuable, and had given them enough time to build the ''[[Nemesis (SG)|Nemesis]]'' as a counter to the ''Ark''. When Sideswipe asked why he was so bothered, Cliffjumper explained that he was used to the enemy leader always thinking up ''new'' plans.

Megatron appointed Cliffjumper as the mech for all ''Nemesis'' crew volunteers to report to, as he was already familiar with [[Earth]]. Among the troops he interviewed was [[Demolishor (SG)|Demolishor]], who gave him pause, since he'd never seen the Decepticon before. Demolishor retorted that Cliffjumper might not have known ''everyone'' on his home planet. After hearing that Demolishor wanted to bust up Autobots and figured Earth must be better than Cybertron, Cliffjumper let him through. But when he found himself dealing next with [[Heatwave]], another Decepticon he'd never heard of before, Cliffjumper gave up and waved him on without an interview.

Later, when the Decepticons received word of [[Ricochet (SG)|Ricochet]] kidnapping Megatron, Starscream wanted to mount a full raid. Cliffjumper told him that, while it felt weird being responsible instead of running off himself, they needed to instead send a small task force, as prepping and launching the ''Nemesis'' was top priority. Starscream reluctantly agreed.

Cliffjumper was onboard the ''Nemesis'' when it eventually followed the ''Ark'' to Earth, and aided in the resulting firefight. When they were hit by a nuke from the [[human]]s, Cliffjumper was amazed by Heatwave's ability to "talk" to their damaged ship afterwards. He then volunteered to remain with with Starscream while everyone else escaped, in order to steer the crash-landing ship away from any major population centers. {{storylink|Do Over}}

Cliffjumper and Starscream survived the crash intact, and were found by Heatwave, Soundwave, [[Frenzy (SG)|Frenzy]], [[Ravage (SG)|Ravage]], and [[Professor Arkeville|some]] [[Will Hayes|humans]] [[Rick Ottman|who had discovered]] [[Sephie Beller|the ''Nemesis'']]. As they all discussed their current situation, Cliffjumper was suspicious of the humans—especially Arkeville, who bothered him for some reason he couldn't place. He was also confused by the absence of [[California]], which caused Arkeville to be fascinated by learning Cliffjumper hailed from another universe, and explain about the hard times his own universe had been through.

When Starscream figured that the Autobots had bought it and they should concentrate on going home, Cliffjumper was skeptical and wanted to be absolutely sure. Starscream decided he was right, and then sent Cliffjumper out with the others to look for their crewmembers. When Cliffjumper found [[Crasher (SG)|Crasher]]'s [[stasis pod]] in a junkyard, he booted her back online, and became very flustered when part of their conversation afterwards involved him trying to explain his unfamiliarity with [[Female Transformer|fembots]].

After Rodimus broadcast a message saying he was holding the Earth hostage with their own [[Global Orbital Defense Satellite|defense satellite]], Cliffjumper helped with the mission to liberate the [[Burpleson Air Force Base|hijacked base]] and satellite. He mediated the brainstorming about the information from the initial scouting mission, then set everyone to their respective parts of the resulting plan, remaining with the group outside as others infiltrated the base.

When the base was evacuated and destroyed due to Heatwave turning the satellite on it, Cliffjumper comforted the larger mech, who was mournful that he had to also destroy the transmitter. {{storylink|Eye in the Sky}}

After rescuing [[Blitzwing (SG)|Blitzwing]] from the Autobots and their new [[Stellar Spanner]], Cliffjumper wondered why Blitzwing hadn't been captured or killed after they incapacitated him. Blitzwing revealed that he had fused with an [[oPod]] and disrupted them with its signal, and Cliffjumper found Arkeville's comparison to human bodies being able to make bone out of coral to be creepy.

As Blitzwing's new disruptive signal ability eventually spread from the Autobots' emergency frequency to the Decepticons', Cliffjumper was irritated that his normal-universe Autobot emergency frequency just happened to be the same as the Decepticons' in this universe. When Starscream suggested everyone but Soundwave (who was unaffected) going into emergency [[stasis lock]] to protect them from being damaged by the signal, and the humans protecting them until Soundwave could find Blitzwing and cure his broadcasting, Cliffjumper was paranoid about both ideas, but his concerns were overruled.

When Soundwave was successful and everything was back to normal, Cliffjumper was also glad that they could now build their own [[space bridge|space brid]]... er... Stellar Spanner, with the schematics Blitzwing had stolen. {{storylink|Blitzwing Bop}}

Months later, Cliffjumper was present at the Decepticon base when Landquake, Breakaway, [[Topspin (Classics)|Topspin]] and [[Aquarius (SG)|Aquarius]] arrived with Skyfall's corpse. He said that, though he never thought he'd say such to a Decepticon, he was glad to see Landquake, and the feeling seemed to be mutual. {{storylink|Reunification: Part 4}}

After Landquake and his gestalt members were reborn into [[Nexus Prime]], Nexus offered to take Cliffjumper along on the next leg of his interdimensional journey, but Cliffjumper decided to stay and continue fighting the evil Optimus Prime instead. He bid the Landquake and Skyfall parts of Nexus Prime goodbye as the gestalt stepped through the Decepticons' Stellar Spanner. {{storylink|Reunification: Part 6}}
{{--}}

===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Casey Kasem]] (English), [[Takurō Kitagawa]] (Japanese), Juan Cuadra (Latin American)

Cliffjumper was a part of the crew onboard the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] when it crashed into [[Earth]] four million years ago during a search for new energy sources. His [[alternate mode]] was reformatted into an oddly proportioned Porsche 924 Turbo.

[[Image:Cliffgun.JPG|right|250px|thumb|"Where do you keep that giant cannon, Cliffjumper?!" "None of your damn business, Hound."]]
When the Autobots awakened from their four million-year slumber, Cliffjumper was eager for action. He volunteered to tag along on [[Hound (G1)|Hound]]'s recon mission to scout out Decepticons because he was itching to "boot some Decepticon right in his [[turbocharger]]". Though [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]]'s orders were only to find the Decepticons, Cliffjumper brashly tried to engage the enemy once Hound sniffed them out.

Cliffjumper missed his shot, and the Decepticons dispatched [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] to chase off the Autobot eavesdroppers. Hound got pasted by Laserbeak's laser blasts and ended up requiring extensive repair from Autobot medic [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] after being pulled out of a ditch by [[Hauler]]. It worked out in the end, though, since Cliffjumper was remorseful for having acted without thinking, and Hound didn't hold a grudge anyway. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 1}}

[[Image:Hufferg1animated.jpg|thumb|left|200px| The three Must-Beat-Theres]]
Cliffjumper was among the Autobots that stormed [[Sherman Dam]] to fight off the Decepticons. During the siege, Cliffjumper charged at [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] and [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] and was easily overpowered until [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] came to his aid. Cliffjumper complimented his pacifist friend on his fighting skills.{{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 2}} Later, when Optimus Prime was injured in an explosion at the [[Ruby Crystal Mines of Burma]], Cliffjumper cheered his leader on as Prime tried to recover from his injuries. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 3}}

Cliffjumper mistook a rock formation for a Decepticon and fired at it, nearly smooshing [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] and Optimus Prime in the resulting avalanche. Embarrassed, the little hothead admitted his mistake and apologized, while Ironhide scoffed at the notion that the Decepticons were still on Earth. But the Decepticons ''were'' still on Earth, and they took over a human power station. Alerted to the attack by a city-wide blackout, Cliffjumper and the Autobots responded. Cliffjumper immediately confronted [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] and declared he’d “take care” of the Decepticon leader. Megatron swatted him away like a fly. Cliffjumper obviously didn’t learn his lesson, since he took on [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] only moments later, with similar results. {{storylink|Transport to Oblivion}}

[[Image:FireintheSky Cliffjumper vs Ravage.jpg|thumb|right|240px|Ravage heartily disapproves of Cliffjumper's operatic solo.]]
During a mission to the Arctic to stop the Decepticons, Cliffjumper was the first to hear [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] and [[Sparkplug Witwicky|Sparkplug]] calling for help after the father-and-son team were trapped on an ice floe. Before the Autobots could get to them, the humans were scooped up by [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]], who was a bit confused about which faction was good or evil. When Cliffjumper and Ironhide made moves to rescue the pair, Optimus Prime stopped them, fearing the humans would be hurt. Opting for an underground rescue, Cliffjumper joined Prime, Jazz, and Bumblebee in an ice cave and was the first to discover the humans in an icy prison. After, as the Autobots tried to find Ironhide’s team, Cliffjumper pointedly defied Prime’s order to stick to a search pattern and ran on ahead. He was promptly tackled by [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], and Optimus had to rescue him. The Autobots regrouped while Ratchet tried to repair Skyfire after an attack by Starscream. When Cliffjumper questioned the wisdom of repairing the large Decepticon, Hound and Ratchet explained that Skyfire had tried to help them. {{storylink|Fire in the Sky}}

[[Image:TUD1 Cliffjumper depth gauge.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Are you picking up a signal, or just happy to see me?]]
After the construction of the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]]s, Cliffjumper was present for the unveiling, and found himself being battered by the new creations as they ran wild. {{storylink|S.O.S. Dinobots}} He also took part in the mission in [[Peru]] to stop Megatron from using the [[Crystal of Power]] as an energy source for a cannon. {{storylink|Fire on the Mountain}} After Sparkplug was kidnapped by Laserbeak, Cliffjumper, [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] and [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] burrowed under Decepticon HQ. Cliffjumper used his glass gas to make a hole in the underside of the base, so the three Autobots could retrieve Sparkplug and hightail it back to Autobot Headquarters. Unfortunately the Decepticons had already planted a [[hypno-chip]] on Sparkplug, and during the next Decepticon attack, Cliffjumper and the other Autobots discovered that their weapons had been sabotaged. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 1}}

[[Image:TUD3 bloodthirsty Cliffjumper.jpg|thumb|right|220px]]
When the Autobots caught up with Megatron, who was preparing to take energy back to Cybertron — energy collected as a result of Cybertron being pulled into Earth's orbit by the [[space bridge]] — Cliffjumper was raring to exact some payback, but Optimus restrained him as they couldn't risk injuring the hypno-chipped humans. Once the humans were safely out of the way, the Autobots attacked, though Ironhide had to remind Cliffjumper to conserve some ammo for later in the fight. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 3}} Some time later, Cliffjumper congratulated [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] for getting [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] repaired (again!), only for the computer to detect the Decepticons on the move. The Autobots started the pursuit and, after a brief stop in a quicksand trap, reached [[Doctor Arkeville]]'s secret lab, where Starscream had rigged the [[Exponential Generator]] to explode. {{storylink|Countdown to Extinction (episode)|Countdown to Extinction}}

[[Image:ChangingGears Cliffjumper hits forcefield.jpg|thumb|230px|left]]
When Ironhide detected Megatron inbound to Autobot Headquarters, Cliffjumper blasted the Decepticon with glass gas, but Megatron merely shrugged it off. Megatron challenged Prime to one-on-one combat and, despite Cliffjumper's misgivings, Prime accepted. Cliffjumper turned out with the rest of the Autobots to spectate, and was horrified when Optimus lost. When they returned to Headquarters, a quick scan by Teletraan I revealed the truth — Megatron had cheated. The Autobots subsequently blasted the Decepticons into a lava-filled crevasse. {{storylink|Heavy Metal War}} After the Decepticons began using a [[Solar Needle]] to tap into the Sun, the Earth became unstable. Cliffjumper was saved from a falling boulder by Ironhide. The Autobots drove to [[Africa]] where they discovered that the needle was protected by an energy field. Despite the others' protests, Cliffjumper flung himself into the force field, shorting it out. He recovered a short time later in the jungle nearby, and rejoined the fight which eventually resulted in the destruction of the Solar Needle and rescue of [[Gears (G1)|Gears]]. {{storylink|Changing Gears}}

[[Image:Traitorcjaccusesmirage.jpg|right|270px|thumb|"J'accuse!"]]
Soon afterward, Cliffjumper made a very public display of his paranoia by accusing fellow Autobot and reluctant soldier [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] of being a traitor on some very flimsy evidence, much to the (correct) disbelief of the other Autobots. He kept up his rhetoric even after Optimus Prime ordered him to can it. So determined was he to prove his theory true that he followed Mirage when the latter returned to the Decepticon power station to sow seeds of discontent within the Decepticon ranks. Fortunately, in the end, it was proven that Mirage was a loyal Autobot all along, and Cliffjumper fell across Mirage's body, asking Ratchet to fix him for not trusting a comrade. This prompted a rather awkward laugh from the other Autobots present. {{storylink|Traitor}}

Cliffjumper was the first to ask what the [[Wheeljack Instant Immobilizer|Immobilizer]] did as Wheeljack prepared a demonstration. Unfortunately the test was aborted when Ironhide mistook the holographic Laserbeak for the real thing. The second demonstration didn't go much better, resulting in Wheeljack himself being immobilizer, and the Decepticons stealing the device. Gears and Cliffjumper loaded Wheeljack into Ratchet for the return trip to Headquarters, and were both among the Autobots who later attempted to get the Immobilizer back. {{storylink|The Immobilizer}} Cliffjumper took part in an Autobot charity event, racing and participating in stunts. The Decepticons took the opportunity to test out their [[Transfixatron]] on the Autobots, locking them all in their vehicle modes before forcing them to drive to a ghost town. A small group of Autobots along with [[Chip Chase]] and Spike, came to the rescue, using a grenade to undo the transformation lock. Though the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]]s formed [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]], Cliffjumper immediately attacked the Combiner, and was tossed into a nearby building. He and Wheeljack teamed up to seize the Transfixatron and use it on Devastator, resulting in the Constructicons splitting apart and sending the Decepticons into a retreat. {{storylink|The Autobot Run}}

[[Image:EntertheNightbird Cliffjumper glass gas.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]
While the other Autobots were constructing [[detection plate]]s, Cliffjumper ran up to Optimus with the news there was an incoming call from [[Doctor Fujiyama the Famous Scientist]]. The Autobots ended up guarding [[Nightbird (G1)|Nightbird]], the ninja robot that the doctor had built. During the inevitable Decepticon attack, Cliffjumper lost no time in blasting [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] once all of the humans were safely out of the way. Nightbird was still stolen and sometime later, the reprogrammed ninja broke into Autobot HQ to steal the [[World Energy Chip]]. The Autobots pursued, though Optimus had to restrain Cliffjumper from merely blasting Nightbird, as they'd promised to return her safely to her inventor. Also, Cliffjumper proved the only Autobot who failed to jump up a particular cliff. When they eventually cornered the ninja, Cliffjumper attempted to use his glass gas on her, only for her to plug the nozzle. They eventually did manage to capture her and return her to Dr Fujiyama. {{storylink|Enter the Nightbird}}

[[Image:DinobotIsland2 Cliffjumper firing.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]
When the Autobots found a crevasse filled with [[korlonium crystal|glowing crystals]], Cliffjumper was prepared to jump straight in, but Prime cautioned him to take readings first. As it happened, the Decepticons picked that time to attack. The Autobots returned to base following a seemingly victorious battle, but soon discovered a conundrum — they had two identical Optimus Primes. Cliffjumper had the bright idea to decide which one was the real Optimus by holding a race, which unsurprisingly proved inconclusive. {{storylink|A Prime Problem}} The discovery of [[Dinobot Island (G1)|an island full of dinosaurs]] by Bumblebee and [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] led Cliffjumper to exclaim that they already had enough problems with Dino''bots''. Wheeljack claimed he'd been teaching Grimlock some finesse, and attempted to prove Cliffjumper wrong by getting [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] to show off. When this turned into the usual Dinobot chaos, Cliffjumper was all too ready to fight them, but Optimus got things under control. {{storylink|Dinobot Island, Part 1}} The Decepticons found Dinobot Island and began draining its energy, which caused freak time portals to open up across the world. A pirate ship that passed through one such portal menaced a small pleasure ship, until Cliffjumper, [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] and [[Seaspray (G1)|Seaspray]] arrived. Cliffjumper disarmed the pirates before they shoved the ship back through the time portal. {{storylink|Dinobot Island, Part 2}}

[[Image:MasterBuilders Cliffjumper glass gas gun.jpg|thumb|left|240px|Now it's a different color and comes out of a gun. So? It's sparkly!]]
During a battle with Devastator after the Constructions helped [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] and [[Grapple]] build the [[Solar Power Tower]], Cliffjumper fired his glass gas gun at the giant. Devastator merely swept his arm, causing a wind which dissipated the burst of gas. After the battle, Cliffjumper helped dig Grapple and Hoist out of the pile of rubble that their tower had become. {{storylink|The Master Builders}} He later took part in an excursion to [[South America]], where Megatron had found the [[Heart of Cybertron]]. Unfortunately they arrived too late — Megatron had installed the crystal in himself. Though Cliffjumper initiated a charge, the Autobots were no match for the powered-up Decepticon leader. They retreated under a smokescreen and limped back to Headquarters. {{storylink|Microbots}}

Cliffjumper took part in an [[Autobot Day]] parade organised by the humans in [[Central City (G1)|Central City]], paying a visit to city hall. Things quickly turned sour when a video recording of the Autobots apparently raiding an oil field was played, and the humans turned hostile. The Autobots returned to Headquarters, but while they were still trying to work out what was going on, the mayor turned up to arrest them. Though Cliffjumper was ready to fight, Optimus insisted they comply with the humans' demands. Taken to a sports stadium, the Autobots were put on impromptu trial, which concluded with them being found guilty and sentenced to exile from Earth. They were duly shot into space in a spaceship supplied by [[Shawn Berger]]. {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1}} On further reflection, Optimus decided he'd made a hasty decision, and Cliffjumper tried to turn the ship around, only to find it was locked on course for the Sun. They escaped the ship in the nick of time, using Trailbreaker's forcefields linked to [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] so they could return to Earth and exact some revenge on the Decepticons. {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 2}}

[[Image:StarscreamsBrigade Jazz Cliffjumper chained.jpg|thumb|right|220px]]
All of the Autobots, including Cliffjumper, were rendered inoperative by [[Cybertonium]] depletion, until Spike, [[Carly]] and the Dinobots retrieved a fresh supply from Cybertron. {{storylink|Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 2}} Cliffjumper's audio receptors took a pounding when [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] decided to retransmit a rock concert over Autobot frequencies. {{storylink|Blaster Blues}} He was also present when the Autobots discovered that Optimus was heading to Cybertron [[Female Autobots|for some reason]], but opted not to join Ironhide's pursuit. {{storylink|The Search for Alpha Trion}}

Cliffjumper and Jazz attended the opening of an [[Optimus Prime memorial]], resulting in Cliffjumper getting his name mangled by the news reporter covering the event. The memorial was attacked by Starscream and his newly minted [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticon]]s. As they overwhelmed the two Autobots, Cliffjumper suggested radioing for help, but too late, as they were both captured. Stripped of their [[energy absorber]]s to provide parts for the Combaticons, Jazz and Cliffjumper were chained up at the [[Amalgamated Water and Power Plant]]. The Autobots later rescued them while the Combaticons were occupied fighting [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] and the rest of Megatron's forces. {{storylink|Starscream's Brigade}}

[[Image:TFTM Cliffjumper countdown.jpg|thumb|left|240px|Such are Jazz's hidden political passion…]]
By 2005, the Decepticons had retaken Cybertron, and the Autobots had set up secret bases on Cybertron's moons. Cliffjumper was stationed on [[Moonbase One]] under Optimus Prime's command. He and Jazz stayed behind while Optimus took the Dinobots to reinforce [[Autobot City]], and they were first to spot the approach of [[Unicron]]. Unicron began to devour the moon and, after a hasty communique to Autobot City, the pair tried to escape in a ship. The attempt proved futile, and the ship was dragged back into Unicron's maw. Jazz and Cliffjumper somehow ended up on a conveyor headed for a vat of acid, along with Spike and Bumblebee, but all four of them were saved by Spike's son [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel]]. As Unicron began to break apart under the energies released from the [[Matrix of Leadership]], the newly risen Autobot leader, [[Rodimus Prime (G1)|Rodimus Prime]], led the Autobots on an escape through the massive Transformer's eye. Cliffjumper survived the adventure and Rodimus's subsequent speech, but for [[Casey Kasem#Notes|some reason]] was never seen again. {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie}}

{{--}}

====Japanese cartoon continuity====
=====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' comic=====
[[Image:Fsrlf cliffy and ironhide.jpg|right|thumb|Comic Sans? Really? Is that really the best they could come up with?]]
While the majority of the Autobots were occupied dealing with a Decepticon attack upon Autobot Headquarters, Cliffjumper was part of a small team searching [[Japan]] for [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] and his [[Decepticon Mini-Cassette|cassettes]], who were conspicuous by their absence from the assault. [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] and [[Kenji]] found the Decepticon communicator first, but Bumblebee was able to get the drop on him and shattered his chest door with a "Bumble Kick". Cliffjumper and [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] then arrived to take care of the cassettes, who cut their losses and tried to take refuge in Soundwave's chest compartment, only to find that they couldn't get in through the broken door. Cliffjumper snatched them up, and being the big jerk that he is, pulled out their tape spools and wrapped them around his fingers. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 2|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #2}}

=====''Full Throttle Scramble Power!'' comic=====

After the Decepticons' latest plan, involving their [[Omega Whip]] cannon, was foiled, Cliffjumper was among the massive Autobot platoon that arrived at the villains base with [[Metroplex (G1)|Scramble City]] to give them a well-deserved pummelling. {{storylink|Full Throttle Scramble Power!}}

=====''The Stargate Battles'' comic=====

Cliffjumper was part of the Autobot batallion who battled the Decepticons in space for control of the interstellar teleportation system known as the "[[Warp Gate|Trigger]]". During the battle, [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] fused with the Trigger, transforming into a massive, monstrous robot form determined to wipe out Autobots and Decepticons. A combination of Optimus Prime and Megatron's power defeated the treacherous Decepticon, but all the Transformers were caught in the backwash of the colossal explosion that resulted, and were left injured and inactive for many months. {{storylink|The Stargate Battles (issue)|The Stargate Battles}}
{{-}}

=====''Alternity''=====

[[Image:Alternity_cliffjumper_boxart.jpg|left|thumb|220px]]

In 2005, thanks to the actions of a space-and-time-traveling being known as [[Optimus Primal|the Protector]], a parallel universe was created that branched out of this timeline. In this parallel world, dubbed [[universal stream]] Primax 903.0 Beta, technological advancements eventually caused the Autobots to evolve into the cross-dimensional super-race known as the [[Alternity (species)|Alternity]]. Cliffjumper, however, declined the offer to become a member of the Alternity, as he could not be bothered dealing the troublesome complexities of hyperdimensional life. Instead, Cliffjumper joined the ranks of the Alternity's elite force of Protectors, taking on a new body of the same model used by Bumblebee's [[auto-avatar]]. Cliffjumper was assigned the task of aiding in the suppression of the Alternity's arch-enemy, the time-eating god-beast [[Hytherion]], in the distant past, in regions of time beyond the reach of the Alternity themselves.

Learning that Hytherion's next goal was to consume a galaxy at the moment of its birth 2.4 billion years in the past, Cliffjumper was dispatched back in time to safeguard the lives of all the beings that would be erased from time if the galaxy was destroyed. Arriving before Hytherion, Cliffjumper did not have long to wait before the beast materialized before him. Overcoming his fear at the terrifying sight of the giant creature by remembering that Hytherion's strength was not determined by his size, Cliffjumper used his wave-functional pointer-guns to mark Hytherion's location with markers that transmitted co-ordinates back through time to the Alternity in the future. Using these signal pointers, the Alternity targeted an incredible space-time weapon on the beast, which they triggered at Cliffjumper's signal. The lights and gases of space coalesced into a breathtaking "sword of the heavens" that slashed into Hytherion and then wrapped around it, dispelling the beast from that time period. Although elated over the victory, Cliffjumper remarked to himself that the Alternity were still full of it, but if he could pull the trigger on a weapon like that, he'd probably be full of it too.

Some time later, the revived Megatron was able to shackle the Hytherion's power and confer abilities like those of the Alternity upon himself. The idea that the Alternity's war might be shifting back to the traditional "Autobot vs. Decepticon" status quo was considered great news by Cliffjumper. {{storylink|Ace of Swords}}
{{-}}

===Marvel Books Big Looker Storybook continuity===
[[Image:KidsCliff1.jpg|right|180px|thumb|The Adventures of Scary Eyes and Awesome Car!]]
One day, a bunch of [[human]]s held a rally race for which first prize would be a year's supply of oil and gasoline. Rather than follow their usual tack, attempting to cheat their way to the fuel, the Decepticons decided to sneak into the race simply for the sake of giving the Autobots a thrashing. Cliffjumper was one of the Autobots driving in the rally, and he was unaware that the scary black Cadillac was actually being driven by Megatron until he tried to pass it. Megatron dogged the Minibot for quite a while, until a telephone pole-wielding Optimus Prime swatted the Decepticon leader out of the race. Cliffjumper won the race and everybody smiled, even Optimus Prime. {{storylink|The Great Car Rally}}

{{-}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
{{notekeepers}}
Cliffjumper was active during the Dark Ages on Cybertron, when Optimus Prime and Megatron were missing and the two armies had split up into multiple smaller factions. He was working primarily with [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl's]] contingent of soldiers. {{storylink|War Within: The Dark Ages}}

Cliffjumper was a part of the crew on-board the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' when it crashed into [[Earth]] four million years ago while clearing an asteroid in the path of Cybertron. He was one of many Transformers captured and reprogrammed by arms dealer [[Lazarus|Adam 'Lazarus' Rook]] for lease to terrorist organizations and shady governments requiring brutal military might. Fortunately, Autobots under the command of Optimus Prime repaired and re-reprogrammed Cliffjumper and the remaining captive Autobots. Immediately, they were put to work on fighting Megatron's metallic virus, which had spread deep into [[Canada|Canadian]] territory, using their own internal power as the anti-virus. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 5}}

As Cliffjumper collapsed into the snow out of exhaustion, the Canadian military arrived. Unfortunately, due to the recent attacks by both enslaved Autobots and Decepticons under the command of Rook, the Canadians attempted to stop the Autobots doing what they perceived to be an attack on their soil. Knowing that the virus fed upon weapons fire, Cliffjumper tried to stop a tank crew from causing further harm by bending the tank's main gun. The commander panicked, thinking Cliffjumper was attacking, and fired, destroying himself and seriously damaging the Autobot. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 6}}

''When the U.S. military attacked the Autobots and Decepticons at a staged ambush in the Nevada desert, Cliffjumper was among the soldiers present. He took semi-critical damage from the [[deconstructionite]] attack, losing a great deal of available processing power to the weaponized nanites employed by the armed forces, and had to be carted away to safety inside Prime's trailer. {{storylink|Fusion (novel)|Fusion}}''

Sometime later, the unified Cybertronian army arrived on Earth and demanded the surrender of all active Autobots and Decepticons. After the initial encounter left several Autobots damaged, Optimus Prime brought most of his crew back to the ''Ark'' for repairs while Prowl organized a small detachment for reconnaissance purposes. Cliffjumper and Mirage were teamed together for the recon assignment, but were captured by [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] and his contingent of soldiers. Mirage gave up without a fight, eager to return home to Cybertron, which led Cliffjumper to declare him a traitor to the Autobot cause (deja vu... rising...). {{storylink|Brothers' Burden}}

Still, they settled their differences once Mirage saved him from [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] during the uprising on Cybertron. {{storylink|Revelation (War and Peace)|Revelation}}

Following the Autobot takeover of Cybertron, Cliffjumper was assigned to the shuttle ''[[Orion (ship)|Orion]]'' under [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]'s command, bringing supplies back to [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] and his troops on Earth. Their routine mission was almost immediately interrupted by one of [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]'s rogue creations, the super-clone known as [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]] who was engaging Autobot and Decepticon alike on Earth. {{storylink|Night of the Combaticons}} Cliffjumper worked loyally under Bumblebee's command during this endeavor, participating in [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] and [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]]'s plans to disable the solar-powered Decepticon, but missed out on the final battle because he was attending to the injured [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]]. {{storylink|Atonement}}

===IDW ''Hearts of Steel'' comics===
Cliffjumper, who appeared to transform into some sort of ankylosaurid, was seen by [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]'s side as the Autobots waged battle against the Decepticons on prehistoric Earth. When an approaching ice age came close to deactivating both sides, further combat was deemed unwise, and the Autobots went into hiding deep underground. They remained in stasis until the mid-19th century, at which point the battles with the Decepticons flared up again, though Cliffjumper was not seen partaking in any of the action. {{storylink|Hearts of Steel issue 1}}

===Devil's Due ''G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers'' comics===
Cliffjumper was aboard the ''Ark'' when it crashed on Earth in the past, and lay dormant when it was discovered by [[Cobra]] in the present. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 1}} The terrorist organization subsequently reprogrammed the Transformers to serve them, [[reformatting]] Cliffjumper into a Cobra vehicle in the process. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 2}} Luckily, [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] eventually undid the reprogramming, freeing Autobot and Decepticon alike. As the factions continued their war on [[Cobra Island]], Cliffjumper helped [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] and [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] fight [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] and [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]]. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 5}}

Years later, having returned to Cybertron, Cliffjumper was part of an Autobot team led by [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]], waiting for a chance to beat up [[Serpent O.R.]] and his Decepticon army. {{storylink|The Art of War issue 4}} When that chance came, the team fought the Decepticons alongside [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]], eventually defeating them. {{storylink|The Art of War issue 5}}

===''Transformers Legends'' anthology===
Cliffjumper was assigned with Ironhide to be Starscream's escorts, after the Decepticon became amnesiac and fell in with the Autobots. He got the opportunity to use his glass-gas gun against Megatron and the Decepticons who turned up to reclaim Starscream. Later on, Starscream regained his memory and rejoined the Decepticons, prompting Cliffjumper to assert that you can't trust a Decepticon. {{storylink|Redemption Center}}

===IDW comics continuity===
Cliffjumper was seen mourning [[Bumper (G1)|Bumper]] and [[Fastback (G1)|Fastback]] at the Security Services HQ in [[Kaon]]. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 3|Megatron Origin #3}}

[[Image:SpotlightCliffjumper_introductions.jpg|thumb|200px|]]

As the war spread across Cybertron, Cliffjumper embraced the path of a warrior as few other Autobots did. He became a weapons expert, skilled in both ranged and melee combat. His skills earned him a dubious role as an assassin, but it was a job he took to easily. On one occasion, he broke into a Decepticon outpost and executed the ranking commander, along with five other warriors who got in his way. As his ship was damaged during his escape, Cliffjumper was forced down on an undeveloped world to hide out and wait for back-up.

While securing his position, Cliffjumper met a young innocent farm girl named [[Kita]], and her little brother [[Coll]]. Kita marveled at the metal man she had discovered, and Cliffjumper was quite taken with her as well. He told her he was one of the good guys, but had to gloss over the details of his job when she said "there is no greater evil" than to hurt another being. With nothing else to do while waiting for transport home, Cliffjumper helped out around the farm, and grew quite close with Kita and Coll. The Decepticons eventually found him, however, and Cliffjumper was forced to resume his role as a warrior. He killed three 'Cons before they even knew he was there, but had to reveal himself when the lead Decepticon took Kita and Coll hostage. Despite Cliffjumper's willing surrender, the Decepticon still struck down Kita, and Cliffjumper rushed Coll and the dying Kita to temporary safety in the barn as the Decepticons' reinforcements arrived. With Kita dead and Coll secured...Cliffjumper no longer had any reason to hold back. He killed at least seven Decepticons before hijacking their ship. Before he left, Cliffjumper brought Coll to a new family and buried Kita, leaving flowers on her grave and banging her tombstone into place with the severed head of one of his enemies. {{storylink|Spotlight: Cliffjumper}}

After the [[Expansion]] battles, Cliffjumper came to Earth with several other Autobots as reinforcements for Optimus Prime and the crew of the ''Ark-19'' who had been stationed there. Acting on intelligence reports, they entered a deep canyon and were ambushed by the Decepticons. Cliffjumper was one of the bots to rally against the Decepticons and start turning the tide—until [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] turned up and slagged them all. The defeated Autobots were banished to Cybertron through a one-way space bridge after the battle. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 7}} The Autobots were trapped on their home planet afterwards, watching over the critically wounded Optimus Prime while desperately searching for some traces of energon to keep him and themselves alive. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 1}} They had little to occupy themselves with during downtime, and often resorted to telling old war stories to keep up the faith. {{storylink|Spotlight: Jazz}}

[[Image:AHM4CliffjumperConsole.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Ha-ppi-ness, ha-ppi-ness...]]

Cliffjumper proved just how desperate he was for a good rumble when he spent hours staring at a screen on the off chance of an emergency, then got excited over a signal that lasted 1/100th of a second! Taking a ticked off Ironhide along for the ride, he found the suspected threat... which turned out to be Hot Rod. Neither Cliffjumper or Ironhide realized this before the big guy decked Roddy. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 4}} Joining up with Hot Rod and the crew of the ''Trion'', Cliffjumper and the others began to trek towards the fallen ship and its energon supply. When fleeing from [[Insecticon swarm|the Swarm]], he helped hold them off while riding Hound, who was in his jeep mode. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 8}} The convoy eventually made it to the barracks where Kup and the ''Trion'' crew had been squatting. While Mirage talked of giving up, Cliffjumper just expressed his satisfaction at having weapons again. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 9}} Cliffjumper fought the raging Swarm when they got over the other bridge (that had not been bombed by the late Sunstreaker), and was close to losing until the ''very'' timely intervention of [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]]. He went with the other Autobots to Earth. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 10}} Then, on Earth, when the Autobots retreated from the Decepticon attack, he corrected a deluded [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] by saying that they weren't running away, that they were making room—making room for Omega, who promptly slagged Devastator. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 11}} He survived the great battle. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 12}}

[[Image:NewArrivalsOldEncounters_Cliffjumper.jpg|thumb|250px|]]

Two years later, the Autobots were left in disarray when Optimus Prime surrendered himself to [[Skywatch]], leaving them leaderless. When the Autobots decided to hold nominations for the new leader, Cliffjumper stated that he planned to nominate himself. Despite what was surely a vigorous campaign that lasted all of five minutes, Cliffjumper was one-upped by Bumblebee, who was surprisingly elected the new Autobot leader by a majority of the voters. {{storylink|New Arrivals, Old Encounters}} He was among the troops who lined up when [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] dropped by to investigate Prime's surrender, and had to remind Bumblebee that he was supposed be in charge. {{storylink|A Rude Awakening}} After Bumblebee organized an alliance with [[Gordon Horiuchi]], a rogue Skywatch officer, Cliffjumper helped captured [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] for the humans. However, when Horiuchi revealed that their next target was [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]], he got ticked off and made it perfectly clear that they weren't capturing any of their fellow Autobots for Skywatch. In response, Horiuchi used the Skywatch badge given to Cliffjumper to temporarily trap him in vehicle mode until he calmed down. {{storylink|The Hanging Sword}}

The Autobots were none too pleased with Skywatch's ability to incapacitate any of them at any given time, and thought up a plan to deactivate the badges once Bumblebee's malfunctioned. Cliffjumper almost ruined it, however, when he cheered for Bumblebee's rousing "We Shall Overcome" speech even though they were being monitored. {{storylink|The Impossible Knot}} He had learned his lesson a while later, and used internal text messages to speak to his comrades instead. {{storylink|The Gift Horse}} As the Autobots continued to covertly monitor Bumblebee's progress, however, Cliffjumper could no longer restrain himself and yelled out a warning when Bumblebee bravely but foolishly threw himself into battle with the elite Decepticon, [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]]. {{storylink|Wings of Wax}}

After the Horiuchi incident concluded and the badges were destroyed, Cliffjumper was present when Ultra Magnus returned, looking for deputies to bring in Hot Rod for colluding with the Decepticons. {{storylink|Enemies of the System}} Cliffjumper fought alongside Bumblebee and Hot Rod's teams against the new Decepticon gestalt, [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]]. {{storylink|Earthworks}}

After Bumblebee made arrangements to ally the Autobots with Skywatch full time under [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]]'s authority, the Autobots moved into the humans' bunkers. In an attempt to smooth relations and promote cultural exchange, [[Campologno]] introduced Cliffjumper and the other Autobots to his DVD collection. {{storylink|International Incident Part 2: "Ranks of Bronze"}} CJ was undergoing some repairs with Ratchet in the med-bay when Spike alerted them to the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticon]] presence along the demilitarized zone in Korea. {{storylink|International Incident Part 1: "The Land Ironclads"}}

Cliffjumper was one of the Autobots deployed to South Korea as part of Skywatch's clandestine operation to counter-attack the Combaticons without contradicting the [[President of the United States]]' decree that Cybertronians were considered to be weapons of mass destruction. As the Autobots were unpacked from shipping containers, Cliffjumper overheard Spike's sarcastic remark about Optimus Prime being Patton, and wondered aloud if he was referring to [[Patton Oswalt]], eliciting a laugh from Campologno. During the subsequent battle against the Combaticons, Cliffjumper assisted Smokescreen in trying to prevent [[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]] from getting airborne, but was slashed by the Decepticon's rotor blade for his trouble. In the aftermath, while he waited for repairs, he wondered why Bumblebee wasn't out on the field with the Autobots he was supposed to be in command of. {{storylink|International Incident Part 2: "Ranks of Bronze"}} Cliffjumper then participated in the second assault on the Combaticons, though he and the others unexpectedly ended up fighting the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]] as well. They were ultimately victorious (or rather, the Predacons fled after the humans attempted to nuke all combatants). {{storylink|International Incident Part 4: "All My Sins Remembered"}}
{{-}}

===''Henkei! Henkei!'' pack-in comic===
One day, the Minibot Attack Team (Cliffjumper, [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] and [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]]) and the Minibot Spy Team ([[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]], [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] and [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]]) found an offline [[Hot Rod (Henkei!)|Hot Rod]] buried underground. Cliffjumper suggested they report their discovery back to base, but before they had a chance to, Cosmos found [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] also laying unconscious in the area. Assuming his [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] insignia to be a Decepticon one, the Minibots fought him until Hot Rod awoke and convinced the dinosaur to join the Autobots. {{storylink|Henkei! Henkei! volume 11}}

{{-}}
==Games==
===The Transformers: Battle to Save the Earth===
[[Image:C64Cliffjumper.jpg|thumb|250px|:\]]

Along with his fellow Autobots, Cliffjumper protected Earth from the menace of the Decepticons. He was ostensibly under the command of [[Rodimus Prime (G1)|Rodimus Prime]]. {{storylink|The Transformers: Battle to Save the Earth}}

{{-}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[Image:G1 Cliffjumper toy.jpg|right|180px|thumb|This is the only toy that isn't a Bumblebee redeco.]]
[[Image:Yellow_G1_Cliffjumper.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Or is it?]]
*'''Cliffjumper''' (Mini-Vehicle, 1984)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''13'''

: Cliffjumper was part of the initial series of 1984 Autobots. His mold was originally used to make a ''[[Micro Change|Microchange]]'' "MC-04 #01 [[Wikipedia:Porsche 924|Porsche 924 Turbo]]", a cutesified, "[[Choro-Q|Penny Racer]]"-style representation of the real car. In the original Japanese release, this figure was available in red, yellow, and blue. For the first series ''Transformers'' release, there were common instances of the yellow version of Cliffjumper and the red version of Bumblebee being sold at US retail. This led to some confusion about the two characters, especially if the toys were found without their packaging.

: Like the other first series [[Mini Vehicle|Minibots]], Cliffjumper was released in many different color schemes by the companies who licensed ''Transformers'' for South American countries.<ref>[http://www.tf-1.com/articles/mini_frame.php?art=goldcliff Brazilian Gold Carrera (Cliffjumper) at TF-1.com]</ref><ref>[http://www.tf-1.com/articles/mini_frame.php?art=bluecliff Brazilian Blue Carrera (Cliffjumper) at TF-1.com]</ref>

:This mold was also used to make [[Carrera (G1)|Carrera]], and was [[retool]]ed to make [[Hubcap (G1)|Hubcap]].

: A yellow version of the [[Microchange]] "MC-04 Mini CAR Robo 02 Familia 1500XG" mold was also available packaged on Cliffjumper cards. This toy was not regarded as a valid variant of Cliffjumper, but rather a separate character among fans, despite being packaged on Cliffjumper cards. See [[Bumper (G1)|Bumper]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1984/Autobot/Cliffjumper/cliffjumper.htm More information on Cliffjumper at TFU.info]''

*'''Cliffjumper''' (McDonald's Happy Meal toy, 1984)

:One of the four toys given out during a 1984 [[List of Transformers restaurant promotions|McDonald's Happy Meal promotion]], Cliffjumper came in four different colors: red, yellow, blue and green. The toy was a statue in robot mode, only given out for a short time in St. Louis as a test run.

*'''Cliffjumper''' (Listen 'n Fun, 1985)

: A yellow version of Cliffjumper was packaged with an audio cassette featuring the story "[[Sun Raid]]" as part of Hasbro's multi-brand [[Listen 'n Fun]] subline. As the other known Listen 'n Fun releases—including [[Tripwire]] for ''[[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]]'' and "Ember" for ''[[My Little Pony]]''—had ''intentional'' deco changes from their original releases, it is likely that Cliffjumper becoming yellow was intentional as well.
{{-}}

*'''Carrera''' (Robocar, 1985)

:Released in Brazil by [[Estrela]] in 1985, [[Robocar]] Carrera was available in two color schemes: red and black (Cliffjumper's original colors) and gold and black. Whether or not Robocar Carrera is the same character as the [[Optimus (faction)|Optimus]] [[Carrera (G1)|Carrera]] is unknown.
{{-}}

[[Image:AntexCarerra.jpg|thumb|300px|]]

*'''Carrera''' (Robocar, 19??)
:Released in Argentina by [[Antex]] in 19??, Robocar Carrera was available in two color schemes: white and black and green and black.

:While Carrera's cardback depicted a gold version, it is suspected that this was merely photography of an Estrela toy, and that the gold version was never sold in Argentina.
{{-}}

*'''Cliffjumper''' (Keychain Mini-Vehicle, 2001/2003/2007)

: Released in the US by [[Fun4All]] at the same time as a "keychain" Bumblebee, this was a slight retooling of the first Cliffjumper toy which added a loop to the back bumper for a keychain attachment. In 2003, Takara released all four of the keychain Minibots (Cliffjumper, Bumblebee, [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]], and [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]]) for the Japanese market in both their original decos and in [[exclusive]] all-black coloration. Early in 2007, [[Hasbro]] re-released the "keychain" Mini-Vehicles for the US under the "[[Heroes of Cybertron]]" sub-line, which popped up in stores like Wal-Mart as well as smaller chains like the original releases.

: This mold was [[redeco]]ed into [[Tap-Out (G1)|Tap-Out]].

===Alternators===
*'''Cliffjumper'''
[[Image:AlternatorsCliffjumperDesign.jpg|thumb|200px|]]
: One of the earliest proposals in the ''[[Alternators|Alternators/Binaltech]]'' line was for Bumblebee as a Volkswagen New Beetle, with Cliffjumper as the redeco. Unfortunately, VW evidently did not want to be associated with "war toys", and therefore the design never made it past the control drawing stage. Control drawings for both Bumblebee and Cliffjumper have been published in the Japanese ''[[The Transformers: Binaltech & TF Collection Complete Guide]]'' book.

{{-}}
{{canceledtoy}}

===Titaniums===
[[Image:Titanium_bumblebee.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Floating-head Cliffjumper]]
*''' ''War Within'' Bumblebee''' (Cybertron Hero, unreleased)
**''Accessories:'' Unknown, likely display stand

:Prior to the line's cancellation, a 6-inch resin copy depicting a transformable Bumblebee was seen at [[BotCon 2006]]. His alternate mode was the saucer-like car seen the Dreamwave's ''[[The War Within]]'' (which was itself based on the first cartoon appearance of Bumblebee). An alternate head of Cliffjumper was seen as well, indicating a retool. Unfortunately these never made it into production.
 
{{canceledtoy}}
{{-}}

===Classics===
*'''Cliffjumper''' (Deluxe, 2006/2007)
**''Accessories'': "Wave Crusher" trailer
[[Image:Classics Cliffjumper toy.jpg|right|250px|thumb|[[:Image:Bumblebeeheads.jpg|What goes around...]]]]
:''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'' Cliffjumper is a red, silver, gray and black [[redeco]] of the ''Classics'' Bumblebee toy, transforming into a small sports coupe of made-up model and towing a small trailer with a non-removable jet-ski. This "[[Wave Crusher]]" trailer/jet-ski transforms into a flight-pack that clips onto Cliffjumper's back.

: This mold was also used to make Classics [[Bug Bite (G1)|Bug Bite]] included in the [[BotCon]] exclusive "[[Games of Deception]]" figure set.

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===Henkei! Henkei!===
*'''Minibot Attack Team''' (Multi-pack, 2009)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-18'''

:''[[Henkei! Henkei! (toyline)|Henkei! Henkei!]]'' Cliffjumper is a redeco of ''[[Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'' (2008) Legends class [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys|Bumblebee]], transforming into a modern hatchback. He comes in a set with [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] and the inappropriately-included [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]].
{{-}}

===Alternity===
[[Image:Alternity Cliffjumper toy.jpg|thumb|right|250px]]
*'''Cliff''' (2009)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''A-03'''
**''Accessories:'' 2 "wave-functional pointer guns"
:Avoiding the straight redeco theme for once, ''[[Alternity (toyline)|Alternity]]'' Cliffjumper is a [[retool]] of Bumblebee with a new head, transforming into a 1:32 scale Suzuki Swift, featuring die-cast metal parts and rubber tires, as well as an opening hood, trunk and doors. In robot mode, the figure can hold twin pistols that are normally stored in the legs, and features light-piped eyes.
{{-}}

===United===
*'''Cliffjumper Cybertron Mode''' (Deluxe, 2010)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''UN03'''
**''Accessories'': Pistol

: Part of the first wave of ''[[United (toyline)|United]]'' product, Cliffjumper is a [[redeco]] of the [[Cliffjumper (Prime)#Toys|''War for Cybertron'' Cliffjumper toy]], transforming into a round "Cybertronian courier mode." He comes with a handgun and features two wrist-mounted flip-out blades (pink on this version as opposed to the original's yellow). The handgun can be stored inside his rear bumper in either robot or vehicle mode.

: This mold was [[retool]]ed from [[Bumblebee (Prime)#Toys|''War for Cybertron'' Bumblebee]], which was redecoed to be [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#United|''United'' Bumblebee Cybertron Mode]].

{{comingsoontoy}}

==Merchandise==
===Decoy===
*'''Cliffjumper Decoy''' (1987)

: A tiny, unpainted, red rubber figurine of Cliffjumper was packed randomly among the other 51 Decoys in the packages of 1987 Transformers toys. It is notable for being the first Cliffjumper figure to be based on his character model.

{{-}}
===Titanium===
[[Image:Titanium-toy RMCliffjumper.JPG|right|150px|thumb|]]
*'''Cliffjumper''' (Robot Master, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' Gun, display stand

:''[[Titanium Series]]'' Cliffjumper was to be a redeco of "Robot Masters" Bumblebee, a 3-inch mostly-die-cast-metal statue. He would have had joints at the waist, neck and shoulders, plus a removable pistol and an Autobot-sigil display stand. Due to the cancelation of the ''Titanium'' line, this product never saw release.

{{-}}
{{canceledtoy}}

===Robot Heroes===
[[Image:Robot Hero Cliffjumper.jpg|right|120px|thumb|Cutest bloodthirsty traitor-tracker EVER.]]
*'''Decepticon Sneak Attack''' (Figure Multi-pack, 2007)

:Cliffjumper is a red, gray and black redeco of the ''Robot Heroes'' Bumblebee toy. He was only available in the Wal-Mart [[exclusive]] "Decepticon Sneak Attack" five-pack along with "[[Supermetal]]" versions of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], a clear-plastic [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]], and [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]].

{{-}}
===Mini-Bust===
[[Image:Cliffjumper statue.jpg|right|150px|thumb|War...It's FAN-tastic!]]
* '''Cliffjumper Mini Bust''' (Diamond Select, 2008)

:Released by [[Diamond Select Toys]] in 2008, Cliffjumper was sculpted by Mark Wong of Art Asylum and limited to 1,000 pieces. The sculpt features Cliffjumper holding the gun he was seen using in "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]". However, this version omits the stabilizing struts that were present in the episode. This bust is also notable for being the first new mold G1 Cliffjumper has received since his Decoy in 1987, a period of over twenty years!

{{-}}
==Notes==
*Cliffjumper's pre-production name '''Blow-Out''' was mentioned in a Marvel Age article announcing the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel comic series]] in 1984<ref name="marvelage">[http://www.electric-escape.net/node/590 Article from Marvel Age #17.]</ref>, and also appeared at one point in ''[[The Great Car Rally]]''. The second instance is particularly peculiar considering he's referred to as Cliffjumper throughout the rest of the book.
*Cliffjumper is yellow like his toy variant in his only appearance in the [[Ladybird Books]]. {{storylink|Laserbeak's Fury}}
*[[Sideswipe (SG)|Sideswipe]] once referred to Cliffjumper as '''CJ'''. {{storylink|Shattered Glass (issue)|Shattered Glass}}
*Though often a straight redeco of Bumblebee in non-Japanese countries, there has yet to be a Cliffjumper produced by TakaraTomy that is a straight redeco of the same line's Bumblebee.

==References==
{{reflist}}

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

[[Category:Alternity Autobots]]
[[Category:Classics Autobots]]
[[Category:Dimension hoppers]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Henkei! Henkei! Autobots]]
[[Category:Mini Vehicles]]
[[Category:Robot Heroes]]
[[Category:Shattered Glass Decepticons]]
[[Category:Titanium Series]]
[[Category:United Autobots]]

Gears (G1)

2010-12-25T20:32:12Z

190.20.173.129: /* The Transformers cartoon */

{{factions|autobot}}
{{picsneeded|Fictional appearances}}
{{disambig2|the Generation 1 Autobot|the ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Autobot|Gears (ROTF)}}
:''Gears is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''
[[Image:Gearsg1.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Gears, ironically, hates [[Neon|bright colors]].]]
'''Gears''' hates [[Earth]], a lush, green planet practically as unlike his cozy, gray, metallic [[Cybertron (planet)|homeworld]] as possible. He grumbles and complains about being shipwrecked on it—complains and grumbles to a ridiculous extent, until he becomes a source of amusement, rather than negativity. This is usually his intent—unlike his fellow [[Mini Vehicle]] [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]], Gears has a desire to help his fellow Autobots see good in a bad situation. Still, he does get depressed from time to time.

Gears is strong and tough, not so much in lifting but in endurance, and carrying heavy loads with little effort, be they energon cubes, disabled Autobots, or potatoes for the farmers' market. He is fitted with infrared vision sensors.

In robot mode, Gears can release controlled bursts of compressed air from his feet, launching himself to altitudes over 100,000 feet, and floating back down. In doing so, he must be careful not to lose air pressure before coming close enough to the ground for a safe landing.

:''Nicknames:'' '''Ox''', '''Sourball'''<ref>Nicknames found in early ''[[Transformers Universe (Marvel comic)|Universe]]''-style profiles published in [[The Transformers Comic Magazine]]</ref>
:''Portuguese name (Brazil comics):'' '''Engrenagem'''
:''Hungarian name:'' '''Fuvaros''' (meaning Hauler)
:''Portuguese name (Portugal comics):'' '''Mecano'''
:''Italian name:'' '''Mulo'''
:''South American name:'' '''Pick-Up'''
:''French-Canadian name:'' '''Rollo'''
:''Russian name'': '''Привод''' ("Drive")

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
{{noteukonly}}
[[Image:Gearsg1firstappearance.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Wish we saw more of the design on the right. Yikes!]]
{{quote|The only thing '''Gears''' wants to learn about this planet is how to get off it. I hate this place already. I just know you're going to use me as a mobile transport unit again, once we have to set up. Nuts. Let's go home.|The worst words out of his mouth.}}

Gears was one of Cybertron's great warriors, and was chosen to join the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] mission to save Cybertron from an asteroid belt—a mission that saw him stranded on [[Earth]] for four million years. Once he woke up in 1984 and was rebuilt as an Earth truck, he immediately began complaining. {{storylink|The Transformers (issue)|The Transformers}}

[[Image:Spider-man.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Spider-Man's amazing friend.]]
Shortly after arriving on Earth, Gears teamed up with [[Spider-Man]], using his ability to launch himself upward using compressed air and fly alongside the superhero in an attempt to reach the mountaintop [[Decepticon]] fortress. When Gears ran low on power, he began to fall before Spidey caught him in webbing. Although Spider-Man's webbing is extremely strong, the Autobot's weight threatened to break it, and Spider-Man completed Gears' ascent using the webbing for assistance. After a fight with the Decepticons, [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] caused Gears (and human [[Sparkplug Witwicky]]) to fall through a hole in the fortress. Although Spidey was able to rescue Sparkplug, and attempted to catch Gears as he had done before, the added momentum of the fall proved too much strain on the webbing, and Gears crashed to the ground. Gears was quickly patched up enough to tell the Autobots that Megatron had gotten what he wanted (a fuel conversion process) from Sparkplug. His complete restoration was seemingly interrupted when, following recriminations, [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] needed to drive Sparkplug to the hospital to treat his sudden heart attack. {{storylink|Prisoner of War!}}

[[Image:Buzzsawyikes2.jpg|left|100px|thumb|Ow ow ow.]]
When the Autobots overheard Shockwave's plans to drop the captured head of their leader, [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], in a nearby swamp, Gears was among the Autobots who traveled to the swamp with Prime's body. However, the head was actually a decoy head, which, when attached to the body, caused it to go on a murderous rampage. [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]] shot Gears right in the face! {{storylink|Prime Time!}}

''Gears was eventually restored, however, and joined [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] and [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] in searching for [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] during the Dinobot Hunt. Their mission was suddenly cut short by the arrival of [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] and the Decepticons, who shot the Minibots in the back and took them prisoner. [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] soon rescued his disabled comrades from the Decepticon cruiser, but they were too badly injured and remained inactive for some time thereafter. {{storylink|Dinobot Hunt!}}''

[[Image:Newyorkunderbase.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Barely snuck into the margins during his own death scene.]]
Gears was repaired in time to witness a battle between [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] and [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] for Autobot leadership on [[Earth]]'s [[Moon (moon)|moon]]. While Autobots around him cheered vehemently for either combatant, Gears seemingly didn't really care, choosing to watch in stoic silence. {{storylink|Totaled!}}

Gears was among the Autobots who answered [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]]'s distress call from just outside the Decepticons' [[Club Con|headquarters]] in the Arctic. Shortly thereafter, when an [[Underbase]]-powered Starscream announced that he would "destroy the cities of [[New York City|New York]], [[Tokyo]], and [[Buenos Aires]]", Gears was among the allied Autobot/Decepticon teams sent ahead to New York City. As Starscream approached, [[Goldbug (G1)|Goldbug]] led a team of Autobots which included Gears, and the entire team was destroyed with a "single wave of <strike>[[To sell toys|a market executive's]]</strike> Starscream's hand"! Oops. {{storylink|Dark Star (issue)|Dark Star}}

Gears's torso, head, and right arm were shown in the midst of attempted repairs while Optimus Prime explained the bleak condition of their fallen to [[Cloudburst]] and [[Landmine (G1)|Landmine]]. {{storylink|Guess Who the Mecannibals Are Having for Dinner?}}

===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Don Messick]] (English), [[Toshio Ishii]] (Japanese), Roberto Alexander (Latin American)
[[Image:Hufferg1animated.jpg|left|240px|thumb|A competition of who complains the most!]]

Gears was one of the original crew of Autobots on the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] spaceship when it crash-landed on Earth millions of years ago. When he awoke in 1984, he was reformatted by [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] so that his alt-mode was an Earth-based pickup truck. Not a true combatant by nature, he didn't participate in many of the Autobots' more famous battles against the Decepticons, but he did his part despite his complaints. Gears first saw action on Earth at an off-shore oil rig, fighting one of the Seekers with his partner, [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]]. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 1}} Gears' infrared sensors were useful in capturing [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] when the Decepticon was caught trespassing at the Autobot headquarters. By modifying his searchlight wavelength, Gears could illuminate Ravage's heat traces and neutralize the jaguar's ability to hide in shadows. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 2}} When Prime was injured in an explosion outside the [[Ruby Crystal Mines of Burma]], Gears discarded the complaining facade he often wore, in order to encourage Optimus to push himself into returning to robot mode. He later donned a lab coat to help sell [[Hound (G1)|Hound]]'s holographic rocket base idea, although it didn't do much good. In the final battle to stop the launch of the Decepticon space cruiser, Gears and [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] were engaged in battling [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] until Megatron called for a retreat. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 3}}

Gears assembled for battle when the Decepticons returned to attack a solar power plant, and chastised [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] for missing roll call. At the plant, Gears and [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] attempted to stop the Seekers from taking off with the energon cubes, but [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] knocked them aside with a concussion blast. Later, after Bumblebee led the Autobots to the supposed site of the new [[Space Bridge]], only to find a deserted cave, Gears offered to electrocute the 'Bee in order to juice up his memory circuits. {{storylink|Transport to Oblivion}} When Optimus Prime was heavily damaged in battle, Gears returned from patrol with [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] and Windcharger to check on his condition. None of them, however, was sharp-eyed enough to spot [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] swoop down and land on Brawn's shoulder as they entered the base. {{storylink|Divide and Conquer}}

[[Image:FireintheSky Gears crashes through ice.jpg|thumb|right|250px]]
After it started snowing, in July, in the middle of the desert, Optimus Prime got suspicious and consulted Teletraan I for a weather report. Gears, who was performing reconnaissance scans on the now-frozen tropical region of the planet, concurred with Teletraan I's conclusions, that Megatron and the Decepticons must somehow be draining heat energy right out of the Earth's core. In the Arctic, as the Autobots prepared to enter the Decepticons' cavernous base of operations, Gears stalled outside the entrance on the sneaking suspicion the Autobots were falling into a trap. Talk about a self-fulfilling prophecy—by lingering too long on the ice, the combined weight of Gears, Hound, [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] and [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] caused the tunnel to collapse beneath them. Gears and his buddies were briefly captured by the Decepticons, but escaped thanks to Hound's holograms. {{storylink|Fire in the Sky}}

[[Image:SOSDinobots Soundwave shoots Gears.jpg|thumb|left|200px|"Hey! Being shot in the face plays havoc with my sinuses."]]
Gears attended the unveiling of [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]]'s latest science project, the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]]s, and managed to stay out of the way after they ran amok. He joined Optimus Prime and the other Autobots on a mission to the [[Great Falls]]. Being one of the few Autobots who can fly (usually), Gears took to the air to fight [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] face-to-face, but was quickly shot down by the more experienced Decepticon. {{storylink|S.O.S. Dinobots}} On one mission, Gears travelled to Peru to help the Autobots remove the [[Crystal of Power]] from Megatron's control. {{storylink|Fire on the Mountain}} He was also involved in the dino-design project that created [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] and [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]]. {{storylink|War of the Dinobots}}

Following a Decepticon attack on the Ark, Gears was briefly seen cleaning up the deadly fire extinguisher foam which drove them away. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 1}} In the aftermath of Cybertron's orbit around Earth, Gears worked on the massive repairs necessary to rebuild human society. He also participated in the raid on [[Doctor Arkeville]]'s laboratory. {{storylink|Countdown to Extinction (episode)|Countdown to Extinction}}

[[Image:ChangingGears Gears Bee acrobatics.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Bumblebee and Gears - [[Powerlinx]]!!]]
During an Autobot Alert(!!!), the Ark's crew all leapt into action at high speed...well, except for Gears. The alarm interrupted his plan to "lube his cables", making the cranky Gears slow to respond to the call of duty. He might have trudged even slower if he knew the entire alert was a ruse by Megatron, designed solely for the purpose of capturing Gears. It seemed that Megatron's newest toy, the [[Solar Needle]], required a specific circuit board in order to be properly completed, and Gears contained just such a circuit board in his chest. A curious side effect of removing the circuit board was that it negated Gears' inclination towards squawking and complaining. He was now a compulsively good-natured people-pleaser, unable to refuse requests by anyone, even Megatron. With the solar needle activated, the Decepticons put Gears to work harvesting energon cubes, filled by the sun's mighty power.

Despite the alterations to his personality, Gears tried to remain true to himself. Even while helping Megatron's energy pilfering, he still managed to toss an insult or two at the Decepticon leader. In a good-natured way, of course. And, after the Autobots arrived to destroy the solar needle and drew the Decepticons' attention, Gears made a break for the control panel to retrieve his circuit board and restore his real personality. He was interrupted by [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], who had been looking for an excuse to blast Gears all day, but Bumblebee knocked the Seeker aside before he could eliminate the tiny Autobot. Also, when Megatron hurled Prime out of control into the solar needle's incinerating energy grid, Gears used the holdout blaster in his sleeve to disrupt the grid and save Optimus. Still, once Megatron got the drop on the Autobots, he was able to exploit Gears' new personality glitch to make him repair the solar needle while the Decepticons held his teammates at gunpoint. Megatron gloated too much about the nature of Gears' problem, though, allowing Optimus Prime to circumvent his control over Gears. Tricking Megatron into agreeing to honor his last request "as a condemned mechanism", Prime turned the tables on Megatron by asking Gears for a favor of his own. Gears was all too happy to oblige...and destroy the solar needle for Optimus.

[[Image:ChangingGears got a bang out of that.jpg|thumb|left|280px]]
With the fight back on, Gears happily got in on the action and tossed Starscream for a loop. The Decepticons abandoned the field of battle, leaving the Autobots behind to clean up the mess caused by their solar needle. As the needle was being dismantled, Prime was ready to return Gears' circuit board to him when [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] stepped in. Seems the Autobots took a vote, and they would rather not restore Gears' talent for complaining, and whining, and hypochondria, and...well. After a quick joke, though, they did return the circuit board, and Gears showed his gratitude by going "whine, whine, whine" all the way home. {{storylink|Changing Gears}}

Gears was seen awaiting his turn at the [[recharging chamber]]s, but did not appear later on rampaging with the other Autobots afflicted by the [[personality destabilizer device]]. {{storylink|Attack of the Autobots}} He attended Wheeljack's demonstration of the [[Wheeljack Instant Immobilizer|Immobilizer]]. When the Decepticons got their metal mitts on the device, Gears was trapped in mid-transformation by the device's rays. He was restored to normal after [[Carly]] fiddled with the controls to reverse its effects. {{storylink|The Immobilizer}}

[[Image:AutobotRun Gears lifts ground.jpg|thumb|right|230px]]
Like most of the Autobots, Gears was temporarily trapped in vehicle mode after Megatron unleashed his [[Transfixatron]] on them during a car rally for charity. Wheeljack came up with an [[anti-transfixation grenade]] to reverse the process (even his cures explode!), but that only revived the Autobots in time to deal with Plan B: [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]]. While he isn't in Brawn or Prime's class, Gears is still one strong little Autobot, and demonstrated his strength by ripping out huge chunks of rock to hurl at the massive Decepticon. {{storylink|The Autobot Run}} Sometime later, Gears helped install [[detection plate]]s around the Ark as an early warning system against any intruders. {{storylink|Enter the Nightbird}} He was also briefly seen gawking at the two Optimus Primes who showed up in the dirt. After a sharpshooting contest and car race failed to uncover the imposter, the Autobots rode into battle anyway with both Primes at their side. Gears didn't have much fun in the following melee: first he got sent face-first into the dirt by one of the opening salvos, and was later overmatched in single combat against [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]]. He was saved only by the continuation of Megatron and Starscream's cockeyed, overly-elaborate scheme of clones killing clones. {{storylink|A Prime Problem}}

Gears was on patrol with the team when they suddenly came across an empty riverbed. After a quick mud massage from Jazz's spinning tires, Gears and the others decided to follow the river's trail to see where it had been diverted. What they found was trouble: [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]]s. The Autobots barely escaped battle with Devastator to report on Megatron's activities to Prime. {{storylink|The Core}}

[[Image:MMP2 Seaspray and Gears shooting.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]
Gears attended Wheeljack's demonstration of how he had taught Grimlock "finesse". The resulting chaos and destruction was predictable, but memorable. {{storylink|Dinobot Island, Part 1}} Despite not being seen in the battle at all, Gears was injured fighting Megatron and the [[Heart of Cybertron]] in South America. All the repairs and none of the glory. Boy, he must have been ''craaaanky''...{{storylink|Microbots}}

Gears and many of his fellow Autobots showed up in [[Central City (G1)|Central City]] for the Autobot Day parade and celebration. {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1}} The city soon turned on the Autobots, thanks to Megatron's machinations, but they returned to help drive the Decepticons away once the humans were temporarily enslaved. Gears was seen among the horde of Autobots that overwhelmed the Decepticon slave-drivers. {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 2}} He was also one of the Autobots cheering for the Dinobots when they returned from Cybertron with a fresh supply of [[cybertonium]]. {{storylink|Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 2}} Gears was part of the third wave of Autobots to confront the invulnerable Decepticons, but fared no better than his predecessors against their [[electrum]] coating. {{storylink|The Golden Lagoon}} Gears stood by as [[Chip Chase]] and Teletraan I tried to locate the Autobots lost aboard the Space Bridge. {{storylink|Child's Play (episode)|Child's Play}} He was also seen applying [[Corrostop]] to the Statue of Liberty. {{storylink|Cosmic Rust (episode)|Cosmic Rust}}

[[Image:BOT wet Gears.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]
When Megatron and the Decepticons attacked the Ark looking for the [[Combaticon (G1)|renegade Decepticons]], Gears joined Optimus Prime in fending off their assault. Megatron soon retreated once he realized Prime had no slaggin' idea what he was talking about. {{storylink|Starscream's Brigade}}

Gears, Ironhide and Bumblebee responded to an S.O.S. from [[Benjamin Franklin Pierce High School]] and found themselves chasing [[B.O.T. (robot)|B.O.T.]] around the city. They were beaten to it by [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]], who needed to get back [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]]'s personality component, and Gears later found himself defending Autobot Headquarters from [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]]. {{storylink|B.O.T. (episode)|B.O.T.}}

In 2005, Gears was stationed on [[Moonbase One]] under Optimus Prime's command. It is unknown whether he left for Earth with Prime and the Dinobots to repel Megatron's attack on [[Autobot City]], or if he remained behind. If he did, his chances aren't that good, as only [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] and Cliffjumper were seen escaping from [[Unicron]]'s smelting pits. {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie}}

=====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' comic=====

Gears was amongst the Autobots who defended [[Ark (G1)|Autobot headquarters]] in [[Arizona]] from a Decepticon attack. Although the Autobots won the day, the attack was actually just a distraction so that [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] could go do evil in Japan or something unspecified. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 2}}

===Coloring books===
[[Image:G1 GearsPotatoes AutobotSmasher.jpg|right|170px|thumb|Steve Ditko is noted for his superb use of shading, his handling of facial expressions, and his ability to do cosmic vistas of mystery. Here he was asked to do a line drawing of a truck carrying potatoes.]]
Gears was hauling a load of potatoes, with plans to sell them for oil and gas money. (Really.) He was tricked by the Decepticons into taking a detour, which led him to their "[[Autobot Rest Stop]]"—a car crusher disguised with pillows and a set of curtains. Gears rolled into the Rest Stop and was enjoying himself when [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] activated the machine, crushing Gears flat.

Gears was later restored by [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]], with no ill effects. {{storylink|The Autobot Smasher!}}

{{note|This coloring book was illustrated by [[Steve Ditko]], co-creator of none other than... the amazing [[Spider-Man]]! Coincidence? Probably.}}
{{-}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
When [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] vanished in a space bridge during the war on Cybertron, their respective factions were split into several smaller groups. Gears remained in the main Autobot faction, now under the command of [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]]. {{storylink|Fragmentation}} He was part of a team who scouted out [[Nova Cronum]] in search of the Decepticons' new mobile command base. Unfortunately, it was a bit [[Trypticon (G1)|''too'' mobile]] for them to handle. {{storylink|Devastation (Dreamwave)|Devastation}} Even assistance from the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dynobots]] helped against the giant Decepticon, but in the end, their target just left. {{storylink|Revelation (The Dark Ages)|Revelation}} Later, when [[The Fallen]] broke into [[Autobase]], Gears was eager to get out there and do something about it. Prowl opted for trying to contain the villain instead, but he turned out to be unstoppable anyway. {{storylink|Confrontation (issue)|Confrontation}}

Gears was part of the Ark's original crew, crash-landing on Earth four million years ago and awakening in 1984. Like all the Transformers of Earth, he was believed dead for many years after the mid-air explosion of the ''[[Ark II]]''. In fact, Gears was one of many robots who were salvaged by the mercenary known as [[Lazarus]], who began the time-consuming process of installing remote control programming into his inert Cybertronian captives. Lazarus was doomed to failure, however, for Megatron regained control of his own body shortly after the human reactivated him. With the Decepticons back in action thanks to Megatron, Gears and the other Autobots held captive by Lazarus were left at their mercy. Although a small group of Autobots were free under Optimus Prime's command to combat the Decepticons, most of the 'bots recovered by Lazarus (including Gears) were too badly damaged to be reactivated for that first battle. {{storylink|Prime Directive}}

Gears and the other deactivated Autobots were recovered, though, and were back to full functionality by the time [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] and [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] arrived from Cybertron. {{storylink|New World Order}} As the Autobot forces split in two, Gears went with Optimus Prime and his contingent back to Cybertron aboard [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]]. {{storylink|Brothers' Burden}} Back on his home planet, Gears participated in the insurrection by Autobot dissidents against the rule of Shockwave. {{storylink|Revelation (War and Peace)|Revelation}}

Much to his dismay, Gears was soon put in the position of having to return to Earth. With Prime temporarily out of action due to injuries, [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] had assumed command of the Ark's crew on Cybertron, and made the decision that a new base of operations needed to be constructed on Earth, to fortify Autobot interests there. Gears reluctantly left his beloved homeworld behind to return to Earth, and begin work on the construction of [[Autobot City]]. {{storylink|The Route of All Evil}}

===Devil's Due ''G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers'' comics===
[[Image:GIJoevsTF4_Gears_Brawn_FlightPods.jpg|thumb|right|200px|]]
Gears was among the dormant Transformers found by the terrorist organization [[Cobra]] and reprogrammed to be under the humans' control. In the process, he and [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] were rebuilt to transform into Cobra [[Flight Pod]]s. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 4|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #4}} The two may have participated in an attack on the [[SPS Research Facility]], or it may have just been two regular Flight Pods. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 3|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #3}} When [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] hacked Cobra's computers and undid his comrades' reprogramming, Gears and Brawn hunted down [[Cobra Commander]] and blew up the ship he was going to escape from [[Cobra Island]] with. However, before the Autobots could capture the commander, they were taken out by [[Storm Shadow]]'s [[S.N.A.K.E.]] mech. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 4|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #4}}

Gears didn't give up so easily, however, as he joined several other Autobots and located Cobra Commander and his S.N.A.K.E. guards again. Storm Shadow fought back and killed [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]], sending Gears and the others into a berserker rage as they ripped his S.N.A.K.E. apart. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 5|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #5}}

{{-}}

===IDW ''Generation 1'' comics continuity===
Millions of years ago, Gears was one of several mourners seen at the funeral of [[Bumper (G1)|Bumper]] and [[Fastback (G1)|Fastback]], after Megatron killed them. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 3|Megatron Origin #3}}

In the modern era, Gears was seen reacting to the return of [[Blaster (G1)|"The Voice"]]. {{storylink|Spotlight: Blaster}}

At some point, Gears made it to Earth, where he was captured by [[Skywatch]], along with [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] and later, [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]]. {{storylink|...For All Mankind}}

===IDW ''Hearts of Steel'' continuity===
Gears and his fellow Autobots battled the Decepticons in Earth's distant past, until an ice age came around and forced them to go underground and wait it out. {{storylink|Hearts of Steel issue 1}} They eventually woke up in the mid-19th century, and learned that the Decepticons were up and going as well. {{storylink|Hearts of Steel issue 2}} In order to pursue the [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]], Gears took on the form of what appeared to be a boxcar and linked up with his friends to form an Autobot train. During the chase, much of the train was trapped when the Decepticons collapsed a tunnel on it, although Gears made it out safe and sound. He was hammered by Decepticon fire as he helped clear away rubble, but survived and went back to sleep underground after the Decepticons were defeated. {{storylink|Hearts of Steel issue 4}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[Image:G1Gears toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Grumble... I suppose they want me to supply my own penny..."]]
* '''Gears''' (Mini Vehicle, 1984/1985)

: Part of the first assortment of Autobot [[Mini Vehicle|Mini Vehicles]], Gears transforms into a blue and red "penny racer"-proportioned pickup truck of indeterminable model. The Gears toy was originally from [[Takara]]'s ''[[Micro Change|Microchange]]'' line, in the same basic coloration but with a darker blue, as the "Micro Robot 04 4WD Off-Road". This is the source of the "M" on his truck-mode hood.

: For reasons unknown, he was the only Mini Vehicle not made available as part of [[Takara]]'s original retail line in any capacity (while [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] and [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] were not available at normal retail, both were offered as mail-away toys).

: There were a few variations of Gears south of the border, where he was known as "Pick-Up". Initial releases had the same plastic colors but retained the sticker designs from his original Micro Change release, while later toys had the plastic colors changed to make him a red truck with orange robot parts (pre-Malignus). In Mexico, and subsequently also found in some European markets, a maroon and white version was released, possibly to bring the character of [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] over without the use of a new mold.

: This mold was used to make the [[Malignus]] [[Pick-Up (Malignus)|Pick-Up]], the Autobot [[Small Foot]] and was [[Retool|retooled]] to make Swerve.

*'''Minibots Team''' (Multi-pack, 2004)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''TFC-12'''

: Gears was ''finally'' put out at Japanese retail in 2004, as part of the [[Transformers Collection]] "Minibot" set, containing Gears, a retooled [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys|Bumblebee]], Cosmos, [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]], [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] and Warpath. This set was later [[Redeco|redecoed]] to make the [[e-Hobby]] [[exclusive]] [[G1 GoBots]] team.

==Notes==
* In his first Marvel Comics appearance, Gears sported a more humanoid [[character model]] that looked less like his toy than his final animation model. He would also use this model in the UK annual story "[[And There Shall Come...a Leader!]]", while ''[[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]]'' was inexplicably drawn with this model in the earlier UK story "[[The Enemy Within!]]".

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.tfu.info/1984/Autobot/Gears/gears.htm Gears at TFU.info]
* [http://www.ntfa.net/universe/english/index.php?act=view&char=Gears Gears' Universe entry at NTFA.net]

[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Mini Vehicles]]
[[Category:Reconnaissance specialists]]

Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity

2010-12-25T20:30:05Z

190.20.173.129: /* The Transformers cartoon */

{{suite}}
[[Image:BumblebeelovesNY.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
He's [[Kid-appeal character|kid-friendly]] with a capital B!
{{TOCclear}}
==''The Transformers'' cartoon==
:''Voice actor:'' [[Dan Gilvezan]] (English), [[Yoku Shioya]] (Japanese), [[Eiji Yanagisawa]] (Japanese, "The Rebirth") [[Sandro Sardone]] (Italian, first dub), [[Francis Lax]] (French), [[Paulo Pinheiro]] (Brazil), [[Germano Basile]] (Italian, second dub), Roberto Alexander (Latin American)

[[Image:Bumblebee-CyberToon.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Bumblebee's Cybertronian form could give [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] a run for his money.]]
Four million years ago on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], Bumblebee was part of the Autobot army, stationed out of the city-state of Iacon. The war effort was marked by dwindling energy resources on both sides, and the Autobots routinely sent out patrols to search for untapped sources of energy. On one such mission, Bumblebee and [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] managed to scrounge up some [[conductor|energy conductors]], but not even enough to last a quartex. Bumblebee's sunny disposition kept Wheeljack from getting too maudlin about their long-term survival, and the duo began rolling back to Iacon. They were interrupted by a group of Seekers and got into a firefight that turned literal when one Decepticon fired a ring of flame around their position. Wheeljack managed to blow a path through the opposition, but Bumblebee caught some stray fire in his rear axle and had to pull inside Wheeljack before he spun completely out of control. Still, they managed to reach the underground tunnels in time, which deterred their pursuers from following any further.

Despite Bumblebee and Wheeljack's success in procuring more energy for the Autobots, [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] determined that it was time to take the Autobots' search to other planets. Bumblebee was among the Autobots who boarded the [[Ark (G1)|spacecraft]] for this mission, but it was attacked in mid-flight by the Decepticons and crash-landed on prehistoric [[Earth]]. All the Transformers aboard were knocked offline by the crash and lay dormant until 1984, when the ship's computer, [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]], was jarred back to life as the volcano into which the ship had crashed erupted. Bumblebee was rebuilt to transform into a Volkswagen Beetle. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 1}} After befriending the humans [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] and his father [[Sparkplug Witwicky|Sparkplug]] following a Decepticon attack on an oil rig, Bumblebee was part of the team of Autobots sent to stop [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] and the Decepticons from overpowering [[Sherman Dam]]. Bumblebee helped Ironhide carve out a new riverbed for the raging waters, saving a nearby neighborhood from being flooded. Such acts were some of the earliest that helped endear the Autobots to the humans.

[[Image:MTMTE3 Bumblebee labcoat.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The first attempts at "Robots in Disguise" were halfhearted, at best.]]
On their next mission, which was to the [[Ruby Crystal Mines of Burma]], Bumblebee and Sparkplug volunteered to sneak inside and plant Wheeljack's explosive device. On their way out after setting the explosive, they were stumbled upon by [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] and [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]], and so were still inside when the explosive went off. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 2}} The pair fortunately survived the explosion and were retrieved from the rubble by the other Autobots. Bumblebee would later take part in a ploy to try and trick the Decepticons with a fake rocket base, dressing up in an oversized lab coat to pose as a human scientist. This was less than successful, and he and the other Autobots were forced to try and stop the Decepticons from taking off in their [[Victory (G1)|space cruiser]]. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 3}}

[[Image:TransporttoOblivion Bumblebee rescues Spike.jpg|thumb|left|200px]]
During the Decepticon development of their [[space bridge]] program, Bumblebee and Spike were spying on the enemy for Optimus Prime. They accidentally tumbled into the ravine where Megatron was launching his test flights for the bridge, and they were almost forced to act as test pilots before the window of operation closed. The two heroes briefly escaped but were recaptured, and Megatron altered a bank of Bumblebee's memory circuits to lure the Autobots into a trap. Bumblebee was injured during the Decepticon ambush, giving Ratchet a chance to examine his circuits and discover the altered portion of his memory. Bumblebee recovered in time to alert the Autobots to the true location of the Space Bridge and rescue Spike before he was sent on a one-way trip to Cybertron. {{storylink|Transport to Oblivion}}

Having bonded after their adventure with the space bridge, Bumblebee and Spike were virtually inseparable for the next 20-odd years. Bumblebee escorted Spike and his boy-genius friend [[Chip Chase]] to the laboratory where Chip was assisting [[Doctor Alcazar]] in developing his antimatter formula. On their way back, they were attacked by [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]], alerting them to the fact that the Decepticons were after the antimatter formula on which Chip had been working. After Chip was captured by the Decepticons, Bumblebee and Spike mounted a rescue with the help of [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] and [[Hound (G1)|Hound]]. {{storylink|Roll for It}}

After Optimus Prime was dramatically injured by an explosion, Bumblebee volunteered with [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]], [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] and [[Bluestreak]] to take the Decepticon space bridge to Cybertron to retrieve a new [[cosmitron]]. Though they gained entrance to [[Wheeljack's workshop]] with Chip's help and retrieved the required component, the group was debilitated by the [[Rainmaker]]s' acid rain. After a pep talk from Chip, they were able to return to Earth through the space bridge, and Bumblebee rushed the cosmitron back to headquarters. {{storylink|Divide and Conquer}}

[[Image:FireInTheSky Bumblebee in cave.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]
A freak snowfall saw the Autobots enjoying a snowball fight, and Bumblebee managed to take out a whole group when a snowball he threw ended up growing to a huge size. Investigations of what was causing the freak weather took the Autobots to the Arctic Circle, where Spike and Sparkplug were captured by a new Decepticon, [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]]. Bumblebee was part of the team who rescued the pair, and he caused a cave-in to prevent [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] from following them during their escape. {{storylink|Fire in the Sky}}

When the newly built [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]]s ran amok in headquarters, Bumblebee tried unsuccessfully to prevent [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] from wrecking [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]]. Subsequently, an attack on the [[Great Falls]] went unreported until Hound detected it, and Bumblebee was left back at base while the rest of the Autobots went to investigate. Luckily, he disobeyed Prime's orders and was able to pick up Spike after Megatron managed to defeat Optimus's group. Back at HQ, Wheeljack decided to reactivate the Dinobots, despite Bumblebee's protests. As it happened, the plan worked, and by the time Bumblebee, [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] and Spike arrived at the falls, the Decepticons had already been defeated. {{storylink|S.O.S. Dinobots}}

[[Image:FireOnTheMountain Bumblebee fights Ravage.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Biting the arm that feeds him.]]
Bumblebee was part of the team of Autobots who flew to [[Peru]] in the reactivated Skyfire to investigate Decepticon activity, helping Spike to rescue a native girl named [[Luisa]] during a pitched battle. The trio were able to locate Skyfire, who'd been captured by the Decepticons, and Bumblebee wrestled with Ravage while Spike struggled to reactivate the fallen warrior. After the expected defeat of the Decepticons, Luisa suggested they could introduce Bumblebee to her brother's convertible. {{storylink|Fire on the Mountain}}

Bumblebee was present at Autobot Headquarters when Sparkplug was kidnapped by Laserbeak, but was unable to stop the Decepticon. He later tried to comfort Spike and took part in a diversionary attack on the Decepticon base while a team broke Sparkplug out. They were all taken by surprise when Sparkplug subsequently let the Decepticons into HQ and went with them when they retreated, unaware he was under the influence of [[Doctor Arkeville]]'s [[hypno-chip]]. The Autobots attempted unsuccessfully to prevent Megatron's latest plan, and Cybertron was brought into close proximity to Earth. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 1}} During the retreat through harsh conditions, Bumblebee was hampered by a flat tire, which Spike soon changed. The pair were caught in an earthquake before they could get underway, and with Spike snatched by Laserbeak, Bumblebee tumbled into an opening chasm. He was later fished out by [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]], after Spike had been rescued and alerted the other Autobots to 'Bee's predicament.

[[Image:Ultimate Doom 3 Bumblebee Tarzan.JPG|thumb|right|200px|If George Lucas produced the ''Transformers'' movie instead of Spielberg, we would've had this scene.]]
Back at HQ, Bumblebee volunteered to be part of an expedition to Cybertron to try to save Sparkplug. There they learned about the hypno-chips, but were discovered by Sparkplug, who raised the alarm. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 2}} The group escaped to Wheeljack's shop. There Wheeljack created a counter-device for the hypno-chips, subsequently allowing them to rescue Sparkplug and take him back to Earth. During the inevitable battle, Bumblebee employed a Tarzan technique to avoid [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]]'s pile drivers. He was disappointed when the wave created by Megatron's exploding spaceship dissipated before he could try out his boogie board. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 3}}

[[Image:PlagueOfInsecticons Bumblebee and Spike hide.jpg|thumb|left|200px]]
During the aftermath of the chaos Cybertron had wreaked, Bumblebee and the rest of the Autobots were caught up in foiling [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]'s plan to destroy Earth using an [[Exponential Generator|exponential generator]]. {{storylink|Countdown to Extinction (episode)|Countdown to Extinction}} Bumblebee, Windcharger and [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] traveled on Skyfire to [[Bali]] to investigate reports of giant, mechanical insects and found themselves tangling with the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticon]]s. Once the rest of the Autobots caught up, the Insecticons and Decepticons retreated to a nearby oil refinery, pursued by the Autobot forces. When [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]] unleashed his ability to control lightning, Spike suggested Bumblebee transform to vehicle mode, as his rubber tires would insulate him from the lightning bolts. {{storylink|A Plague of Insecticons}}

During one Decepticon plot, Megatron challenged Optimus Prime to a one-on-one contest, and all of the Autobots were on hand to cheer him on. Though Optimus lost, it turned out that Megatron had cheated, so the Autobots were free to blast the Decepticons into an open crevasse full of lava. {{storylink|Heavy Metal War}}

Bumblebee and Spike were on hand to watch the activation of Sparkplug's experiment, [[Autobot X]], and its total failure. When the pair were subsequently injured during a Decepticon attack on a rocket base, Spike's life-threatening injuries resulted in another experiment: transferring his mind into Autobot X. The process damaged Spike's psyche, and the boy fled headquarters. Bumblebee forwent further repairs on himself to go looking for Spike, and he found him...being conned by Megatron into joining the Decepticons. The diminutive Autobot sped back to find Optimus Prime, and the Autobots were able to talk Spike around. His mind was subsequently returned to his regular body. {{storylink|Autobot Spike}}

[[Image:ChangingGears Gears Bee acrobatics.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Acrobots, Unite!]]
While the Autobots were gathering for another mission, Bumblebee teased [[Gears (G1)|Gears]] about the latter's grumpy demeanor. Despite this, when Gears was captured by the Decepticons, Bumblebee was as concerned as anyone for the Autobot's safety. Certain subtle clues led the Autobots to a Decepticon installation in [[Africa]], where they attempted to stop Megatron from destabilizing the sun. Bumblebee saved Gears's life during the battle by ramming Starscream from behind, and he ended up struggling with Ravage. When everything was wrapped up, Bumblebee and the others were keen to keep Gears's less abrasive personality, but Gears's wishes prevailed. {{storylink|Changing Gears}}

[[Image:BumblebeelovesNY.jpg|thumb|left|200px]]
Investigating reports that the Decepticons had made the [[Empire State Building]] disappear, Bumblebee was part of the contingent of Autobots who went to the city. He carried Spike on his shoulders as he, Mirage, Hound and Ratchet ventured into New York's scenic sewer system and were pursued by an [[alligatorcon]]. As it turned out, the creature was build from Optimus Prime's parts, as the Decepticons had captured and disassembled him. After fighting [[battle taxi]]s, Bumblebee and Spike broke into the Decepticon control center and tricked Megatron into destroying the control device for Optimus Prime's arm, which had been attached to the top of a tower as a gun emplacement. Later, Bumblebee was seen sporting an "I &hearts; NY" license plate. {{storylink|City of Steel}}

A new Decepticon plan involved turning the Autobots evil by installing a [[personality destabilizer device]] in the Autobot [[recharging chamber]]. Luckily for Bumblebee, he was out messing around with [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]], Spike and Sparkplug, and so was spared the treatment. When he returned to base, Bluestreak tried to force him into the recharging chamber, but Jazz intervened in time. While Sparkplug worked on a solution, Bumblebee tried to reason with the evilified Optimus Prime, only to be batted aside. Fortunately, Sparkplug's [[attitude exchanger]]s worked, and Bumblebee himself was able to bring Optimus back from the dark side, earning himself a hug. {{storylink|Attack of the Autobots}}

[[Image:Arcade Hahaha.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]
Spike and Bumblebee volunteered to go into town to get a new [[polarizer]] for Wheeljack's latest experiment, the [[Wheeljack Instant Immobilizer|Immobilizer]]. While stopping off in a [[Robots Video Arcade|video arcade]], they encountered [[Carly]], who expressed her interest in the Autobot. Continuing on, they were attacked by Ravage, who planted a [[micro-bug]] on Bumblebee, allowing the Decepticons to spy on Wheeljack's demonstration and eventually steal the Immobilizer. Carly was also kidnapped by the Decepticons when she attempted to check out their base, and Spike and Bumblebee helped Ironhide mount a rescue mission. {{storylink|The Immobilizer}}

When Megatron's [[Transfixatron]] was used to lock the Autobots in their vehicle modes during a charity event, Bumblebee was the only one there not to be affected. He returned to base with Spike and Chip to raise the alarm, and once Ratchet and Wheeljack had come up with a device to counter the Transfixatron's effects, took part in the rescue mission. {{storylink|The Autobot Run}}

[[Image:AtlantisArise Bumblebee spygear.jpg|thumb|left|200px]]
Bumblebee took his life in his hands by joining the other Autobots in playing football against the Dinobots. Their match was interrupted by an alert which led them to find the Decepticons helping to raise the underwater city of [[Sub-Atlantica]]. The city moved to the coast off Washington, D.C. so the Sub-Atlanticans and Decepticons could invade America's capital. Bumblebee and Spike entered Sub-Atlantica to free Wheeljack, who'd been captured, and returned to Washington to help fight off the enemy forces. The trio tried to stop [[Nergill]] from destroying Sub-Atlantica, but failed and were only snatched away from certain destruction at the last moment by Optimus. {{storylink|Atlantis, Arise!}}

Much like the other Autobots, Bumblebee was surprised when soon after one battle, a second Optimus Prime turned up at headquarters. He asked Teletraan I to scan both Optimuses, but the computer was unable to work out which was the real thing. Both Optimuses subsequently led the Autobot forces into battle against the Decepticons, but it was Bumblebee's query about Spike, disregarded by the fake, which finally proved which was which. {{storylink|A Prime Problem}}

Checking out strange reports of chewed redwoods, Bumblebee, Hound, Beachcomber and Spike found the source of the problem: the Insecticons. Having avoided certain death in the form of a rolling log, the Autobots overheard the Insecticons discussing their plans with the Decepticons, and they radioed HQ. They joined the other Autobots at the [[Nova Power Plant]] a short time later, but were unable to prevent the Insecticons from devouring the power core. After discovering that the Insecticons were going to explode due to the energy they'd eaten, the Autobots traveled to [[Iron Mountain]], which the Decepticons were attacking, to try and prevent the disaster. {{storylink|The Insecticon Syndrome}}

[[Image:DinobotIsland1 jetpack Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]
Teamed up with Powerglide, Bumblebee used a jet pack to keep up with his flighty comrade. The pair investigated some strange energy readings and discovered [[Dinobot Island (G1)|an island full of dinosaurs]]. After a close call with some hostile saurians, they retreated back to Headquarters to report on what they'd found and were in time to watch a demonstration of the Dinobots' skills go horribly wrong. Spike and Bumblebee visited a local library to check out some [[Ere Cenozoique Periode Tertiaire|dino-related books]], but were attacked by barbarians on mammoths, who knocked a building over on them. {{storylink|Dinobot Island, Part 1}} Fortunately, they were both OK, and the rest of the Autobots dug them out before dealing with the mammoths. {{storylink|Dinobot Island, Part 2}}

Strolling into the laboratory one day, Bumblebee was surprised to find Brawn badmouthing [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]], and he defended the scientist. The altercation was interrupted by a mission to [[South America]], where the Autobots failed to stop Megatron retrieving the [[Heart of Cybertron]] and powering himself up to ridiculous levels. Perceptor came up with a cunning plan: He, Brawn and Bumblebee were miniaturized and inserted into Megatron, then managed to retrieve the Heart of Cybertron from inside him. {{storylink|Microbots}}

[[Image:MMP2 scorched Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Bumblebee, you're supposed to wash after you wipe!]]
After having helped foil an attack on a solar energy plant, Bumblebee took part in the [[Autobot Day]] parade, but things soon turned sour when Megatron's latest plan framed the Autobots. The humans turned against them, and the Autobots were soon all shot into space. {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1}} They almost crashed into the Sun, but made it back to Earth safely and kicked the Decepticons back to their undersea base. {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 2}}

On their way to pick up Sparkplug from the airport, Bumblebee, Spike and Carly stopped off at the [[Fun A Rama Park]], where Bumblebee couldn't see the point of the teacups ride until Carly disabled his [[equilibrium chip|equilibrium circuit]]. While at the airport, they spotted [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] and [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]], and the Dinobots were duly called in. Unfortunately, just as it seemed they'd won, Megatron triggered a huge explosion. Bumblebee shielded the humans, but the Dinobots were badly damaged.

Following repairs, the Dinobots stormed off, and the Autobots were subsequently left in the lurch when [[Cybertonium]] depletion disabled them. {{storylink|Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 1}} Spike, Carly and the Dinobots were able to bring more Cybertonium back from Cybertron in time to repair all of the Autobots, including Bumblebee. {{storylink|Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 2}}

Bumblebee was among the Autobots who went to [[Haley Observatory]] but arrived too late to prevent the Decepticons from stealing the [[Voltronic Galaxer]]. {{storylink|Blaster Blues}} He was also among the Autobots who coated themselves in [[electrum]] to battle the Decepticons, {{storylink|The Golden Lagoon}} and he battled drones in New York during a Decepticon plan to convert stolen cars into troops. {{storylink|Make Tracks}}

[[Image:ChildsPlay Bumblebee thumbsup.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Cookies and Cream is my favorite!]]
A space bridge malfunction hurled Bumblebee, along with Optimus, Inferno, Perceptor, [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] and a group of Decepticons, across the galaxy to a planet where the local life forms were huge in comparison with the Transformers. After befriending a [[Aron|young boy]] and having a series of misadventures, the Autobots were ready to return home. However, the Decepticons took Bumblebee as a hostage, forcing Perceptor to use up the energon sending them home. Luckily, Perceptor's alternate plan to modify a toy rocket for space flight also worked. {{storylink|Child's Play (episode)|Child's Play}} On the way back to Earth, the Autobots were intercepted by the bounty hunter [[Bosch]], and all of the Autobots bar Smokescreen were liberated of their free will and sold as slaves. Smokescreen was fortunately able to free them before they came to harm. {{storylink|The Gambler}}

Returning from a mission in [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] to [[Floron III]] to find [[robotic insecticide]] for use against the Insecticon army, Bumblebee and Spike discovered that they had unexpected fellow passengers in the form of [[Morphobot]]s. Cosmos was overcome by the creatures and crashed on Earth, but not before ejecting his friends, who returned to Autobot HQ to get help. There, Bumblebee discovered that several of the Morphobots had attached themselves to his back, providing Perceptor with a sample to study. After being decontaminated, Bumblebee joined the expedition back to the crash site to retrieve Cosmos. A battle with the Decepticons destroyed the insecticide, and it looked like their mission had been rendered a failure until the Morphobots solved the Insecticon problem by eating the whole clone army. {{storylink|Quest for Survival}}

One of Megatron's wilder schemes involved inflicting a small energyvore named [[Kremzeek]] on the Autobots. Luckily for Bumblebee, he was one of the few Autobots to be protected by Sparkplug's insulating compound. After a chase in [[Japan]] which resulted in Kremzeek growing to giant size, the Autobots found a way to inflict him back on Megatron. Human scientist [[Sōji Yoshikawa|Doctor Yoshikawa]] came up with a way, much to Bumblebee's discomfort, to disperse the critter's energy. {{storylink|Kremzeek!}}

[[Image:SeaChange Bumblebee wipeout.jpg|thumb|left|200px]]
After indulging in a spot of water skiing and stargazing with [[Seaspray (G1)|Seaspray]], Bumblebee and his comrade accompanied Perceptor and Cosmos to the far-off world of the [[Tlalakan]]s to investigate a distress signal. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a ''Decepticon'' distress signal, and Bumblebee was captured while trying to escape from Megatron's forces, who had also turned up to answer it. With the help of the shape-shifting Tlalakans, the other Autobots mounted a rescue, and Bumblebee was pressed into service defending the natives' city while they overthrew their Decepticon overlords. {{storylink|Sea Change}}

Bumblebee was once again abducted, this time by [[Lord Chumley]] while out on the town with [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]]. Placed in specially constructed devices of torture along with other captured Autobots, Bumblebee was forced to transform back and forth continously to avoid swinging axes. He was able to use his radio long enough to contact Optimus, but this was what Chumley wanted, as the big game hunter aimed to lure the Autobot leader to his compound and indulge in some sport. Optimus, of course, won and freed Bumblebee and his fellow captives. {{storylink|Prime Target}}

Despite being around in Autobot HQ when Ironhide gave the order to roll out for Cybertron, Bumblebee didn't go with him, possibly because he didn't have a girlfriend back on his home world. {{storylink|The Search for Alpha Trion}} He was one of the Autobots who entered the [[Europa 2000]] after rumours that the Decepticons were after [[Auggie Cahnay (G1)|Auggie Cahnay]]'s super car. Augie's impolite driving habits at one point drove Bumblebee to yank the human from his car for a stern scolding.

[[Image:BumblebeePearl.JPG|thumb|right|200px|He's got the touch, he's got the...well you know the rest...]]
As it turned out, Megatron was after the [[Pearl of Bahoudin]], an ancient Cybertronian weather control power core in a containing shell. Bumblebee snatched the pearl from him, breaking it open and creating a huge vortex when he found the Autobots were outnumbered. To destroy it, he was forced to throw himself into the tornado, riding it until he was able to get a clear shot and blast the power core. {{storylink|Trans-Europe Express}}

After Perceptor used [[corrostop]] to cure a [[Cosmic Rust (disease)|cosmic rust]] brought to Earth by Megatron, the Autobots were able to defend the [[Statue of Liberty]] successfully from the Decepticons, a fact Bumblebee was particularly pleased with. {{storylink|Cosmic Rust (episode)|Cosmic Rust}} After a bizarre attack on Autobot HQ which led to the Decepticons turning tail as soon as they'd arrived, Bumblebee wondered what the heck was going on. As it turned out, Starscream had built the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticon]]s to try to usurp Megatron's leadership, and Bumblebee and the other Autobots used the battle between the two factions to rescue Jazz and [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]]. {{storylink|Starscream's Brigade}}

The [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]] began stealing components for Megatron's latest super weapon, and the Autobots set out to stop them. Bumblebee, Spike and Blaster spectated as Optimus took down [[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]] himself. They put a counter-plan into effect, wherein the Stunticons would be held captive, while five Autobots would pose as them. However, Spike and Bumblebee discovered that the Decepticon group had escaped. After picking up their trampled comrades, they went to provide reinforcements for Optimus's group and arrived just in the nick of time. {{storylink|Masquerade}}

Sent with Ironhide and Gears to investigate an SOS from [[Benjamin Franklin Pierce High School]], Bumblebee met [[Martin and Roland|Martin, Roland]] and [[Elise Presser|Elise]] and chased around the [[B.O.T. (robot)|robot]] they'd built from [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]]'s brain until [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] snatched it from under their noses. With [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] repaired, the Decepticons took their latest superweapon to Autobot headquarters. The obligatory battle ended with Elise using B.O.T. to destroy the cannon, leading Bumblebee to apologize for the loss of their robot. {{storylink|B.O.T. (episode)|B.O.T.}}

[[Image:Spike ospit.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Spike is about to corrupt Bumblebee's audio receptors forever...]]
By 2005, the Decepticons had retaken Cybertron. Spike and Bumblebee were stationed on [[Moonbase Two]] on one of the planet's moons when the huge, planet-devouring [[Unicron]] appeared and made short work of the first moon. The pair rigged the second moon to explode and began to make their escape...but the explosion barely scratched Unicron, and their ship was sucked into his maw. Luckily, Unicron takes some time to digest things, and the two (as well as Jazz and Cliffjumper) were spared an acid-bath in Unicron's guts by the timely arrival of Spike's son, [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel Witwicky]]. As Unicron began to explode, they were led to safety by new leader [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]]. {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie}}

For a short time after, peace reigned, and Bumblebee was stationed on Earth at [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]], apparently under Blaster's command. He and [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] watched the broadcast of Rodimus opening the [[Galactic Olympics]], {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1}} and he was later seen running for battle stations as Blaster sounded an alert. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 3}} Bumblebee was part of a squad of Autobots who failed to defend Autobot headquarters against the giant Decepticon [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]]. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5}}

{{note|An animation error meant Bumblebee could also be seen on Cybertron, defending the planet against the Decepticons.}}

As chronal forces ripped across the galaxy, causing havoc, Bumblebee became trapped in a time loop while racing with Jazz and [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]]. {{storylink|Forever Is a Long Time Coming}}

He was present in Autobot City when [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] and [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream's ghost]] came to attempt to steal the giant's eyes for Unicron. When the Decepticons' invasion set the city on red alert, Bumblebee and Spike teamed up to search the complex for the attackers, just like old times. Running across Scourge in Metroplex's brain, they managed a drive-by ramming that knocked the tracker off balance, but ended up crashing and locking themselves inside Metroplex's voice control room. Guess they were really out of practice with their teamwork. {{storylink|Ghost in the Machine}}

He was stationed on Cybertron when the energy creature [[Tornedron]] attacked the planet. {{storylink|Call of the Primitives}}

[[Image:Goldbugtroop1.jpg|left|thumb|135px|See? He still looks sorta friendly.]]

When the body of Optimus Prime was retrieved by [[Gregory Swofford]] and [[Jessica Morgan]], Rodimus Prime led a team that included Bumblebee to investigate. However, Bumblebee and his teammates were attacked by a [[Hate Plague]]-infested [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] and heavily damaged. {{storylink|The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 1}} After Optimus Prime was rebuilt by the [[Quintesson|Quintessons]], so too was Bumblebee into a more powerful but similar form. Bumblebee remarked that he now looked like a "gold bug". Optimus Prime decided this would be his new name.

[[Image:Goldbugtroop2.jpg|right|thumb|Eeeyeeaaggh!]]

Goldbug journeyed with Optimus Prime and the other survivors to [[Chaar]] in search of a heat-resistant alloy that could insulate Prime from the Hate Plague. However, infected Decepticon forces attacked and contaminated Goldbug as well. Goldbug and all other contaminated beings were restored when Optimus Prime retrieved the Matrix and unleashed the remainder of its energy. {{storylink|The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 2}}

While discussing the marked absence of the Decepticons over the last few months, Goldbug, [[Strafe (G1)|Strafe]] and [[Lightspeed (G1 Technobot)|Lightspeed]] were alerted to an incoming incursion by their enemies. The [[Throttlebot]]s attempted to defend the city alongside the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobot]]s, but failed to prevent the Decepticons from getting away with the key to the [[plasma energy|Plasma Energy Chamber]]. {{storylink|The Rebirth, Part 1}} Goldbug was among the cheering crowds after the Plasma Energy Chamber ushered in a new Golden Age of Cybertron. {{storylink|The Rebirth, Part 3}}
{{note|In an animation error, Bumblebee was ''also'' among the cheering crowds. Oops.}}

==Japanese cartoon continuity==
{{note|The events of the Generation 1 cartoon occur in Japanese animated continuity as described above, except that the events of "The Rebirth" do not occur. Additionally, this continuity moves the events of 2006 forward to 2010, and inserts several additional events into the newly-created intervening years.}}

===Fight! Super Robot Lifeform comic===

[[Image:Bumblebee_and_kenji.jpg|left|thumb|135px]]

In the late 1980s, the Autobots' and Decepticons' conflict expanded to include regular skirmishes in Japan. When the Decepticons staged a major attack on [[Ark (G1)|Autobot Headquarters]], the absence of Soundwave and his cassette minions made Optimus Prime suspicious, and he dispatched a unit including Bumblebee to search for them in Japan. While searching with [[Kenji]], the Autobots' newest human ally, Bumblebee was stopped by the police, who believed Kenji was driving while underage. After Bumblebee transformed for the officers, everyone had a good laugh at the misconception. After resuming their patrol, the human and Autobot were attacked by Ravage. Kenji told Bumblebee to transform, but 'Bee gently informed his passenger that Kenji wouldn't survive the process if he did. Luckily, Powerglide swooped in just in time to whisk Kenji to safety, but he also left Bumblebee behind to face Soundwave and his cassettes alone. Bumblebee had no fear, though—he unleashed the awesome and terrifying [[Bumble Kick]], destroying Soundwave's chest compartment. After the cassettes fruitlessly (and hilariously) bounced off Soundwave's chest while trying to hide from the arriving Autobot reinforcements, Bumblebee was congratulated for his victory. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 2}}

Bumblebee was also present when Optimus Prime gave Kenji a tour of the Autobots' Japanese base. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 4}}

When Powerglide was trying to stop the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] from murdering a [[murdered puppy|dog]] that had been experimented upon by the Decepticons, Bumblebee and the Minibots arrived to back him up. By harnessing the amazing cyber-powers of the super-advanced puppy, the Minibots gained Scramble Combination Power and power-drilled straight through [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]]. The puppy died, but, man—what a rush! {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 8}}
{{-}}
===Scramble City===
[[Image:Scramblecity_spike_and_bee.jpg|right|thumb]]
:''Voice actor:'' [[Yoku Shioya]]

Bumblebee took part in the secret Scramble City project to construct Metroplex. His building efforts appeared to consist of lugging equipment around and suggesting to Spike that they should slack off. {{storylink|Scramble City: Mobilization}}

===Full Throttle Scramble Power===
When the Decepticons threatened the world with the power of their [[Omega Whip]], Bumblebee and the entire Autobot army joined [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] in attacking their base to stop them. {{storylink|Full Throttle Scramble Power!}}
{{-}}

===''The Stargate Battles''===
[[Image:Bumblebee stargatebattles peace.jpg|left|125px|thumb|Anything for the ladies!]]

In the 1990s, Bumblebee was part of a delegation of Autobots who attended a press conference to announce the creation of the interstellar teleportation system known as "[[Warp Gate|The Trigger]]" to the world. As Optimus Prime delivered his speech to the assembled masses, Bumblebee encouraged Jazz to lighten up and posed for his legions of swooning fangirls in the audience. A few days later, when the Decepticons attacked the Trigger in an attempt to take control of it, Bumblebee was among the Autobots who helped repel their assault. {{storylink|First Contact}}

[[Image:Angry sgb bumblebee.jpg|right|135px|thumb|I Am Furious (Yellow)]]

Three months later, Bumblebee joined Optimus Prime, Wheeljack and Bluestreak at a military testing site, where Prime was to help the human scientist [[Professor Adle]] test-drive his new invention, the drone [[C-X]]. The site, however, was besieged by protesters who objected to the presence of the Autobots and their war on Earth, and Bumblebee was particularly annoyed by the hateful slogans they shouted. Bumblebee had little to contribute once the test of C-X began, and when the robot ran amok during the trial, he was injured by its rampage. Prime was able to subdue the violent drone, but this display only added fuel to the protesters' fire, and Bumblebee was ready to snap until Bluestreak reined him in. {{storylink|Divided Views}}

Some time later, when the Decepticons staged another attack on the Trigger, Bumblebee again tried to defend the installation. During the attack, Starscream fused himself with the Trigger, transforming it into a massive, misshapen robot form for himself, and it took the combination of Optimus Prime and Megatron's power to destroy it. The backwash of the explosion was so great, however, that Bumblebee and the other Autobots and Decepticons were all caught in it and sent plummeting to Earth in free fall, burning up as they went. The Transformers were all badly injured and not seen on Earth for months. {{storylink|The Stargate Battles (issue)|The Stargate Battles}}
{{-}}

===''Alternity''===

In the year 2005, thanks to the efforts of the time- and space-bending entity known as the [[Optimus Primal|Protector]], a parallel universe was created that branched off from this one, creating a separate timeline in which Bumblebee never became Goldbug. Instead, this alternate world saw Bumblebee undergo a much more amazing transformation.

{{note|Skip to "[[#Kiss Players|Kiss Players]]" below to continue reading about the original timeline.}}

Through the incredible technological advancements the Autobots made under the Protector's direction, the Autobots evolved into the incredible cross-dimensional race of hyper-beings known as the "[[Alternity (species)|Alternity]]". After 900,000 years of hard work, Bumblebee underwent this evolution with great pride, although some of his fellow Autobots felt that the majestic powers this transformation conveyed were too much for such a little guy. Ever the cheerful prankster, Bumblebee became regarded by the species of numerous lower dimensions as the most easily-befriend-able member of the Alternity.

[[Image:Worldisflat_alternity_bumblebee.jpg|left|thumb]]

When Megatron gained similar powers to the Alternity and began attacking numerous different parallel universes, the Autobots soon realized that his raids were centered on the year 2009. Investigating the same time period in various universes for clues to what the Decepticon might be up to, Bumblebee and [[Arcee (Energon)|Elita Seven]] came to the conclusion that some new type of dimensional flux was going to occur, and that Megatron sought the technology for his own ends. While the pair were searching in [[Binaltech Asterisk|universal stream Primax 905.0 Beta]], the flux suddenly hit, producing a bizarre effect: printed works of art all across the world began to warp and distort. Bumblebee and Elita quickly tracked down the effect to a mysterious tablet in the Otsuka Museum of Art, which was in the process of being stolen by [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]]. Bumblebee easily overpowered the trio, snatching the tablet from them and using his powers to transform them into two-dimensional beings that immediately crumpled. From somewhere across reality, Megatron witnessed this display and attacked with his tesseractal swords, destroying the building and the tablet and wounding Bumblebee. By the time Bumblebee came to, Reflector had vanished, but Bumblebee had deduced the truth of what had happened: the tablet had been invented by beings from the two-dimensional universe known as [[Flatworld]], and had transformed two-dimensional artworks into gateways through which the "Flatworlders" would have been able to pass. With the knowledge that ever lower dimensions were making technological leaps similar to those of the Alternity, Bumblebee resolved to be ready for the next invasion...but not before Elita made sure they had repaired all the damage done to the world they were in first. {{storylink|The World Is Flat!}}
{{-}}

===''Kiss Players''===
[[Image:KPPrimeGoldbug.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Sometimes, toy-accuracy is a strange, strange thing.]]
In the year 2011, after the resurrection of Optimus Prime and Bumblebee's transformation into Goldbug, the two Autobots traveled to the planet [[Quintessa]] and rescued the [[Kiss Players (singing group)|Kiss Players]] and their partner [[Sparkbot|Sparkbots]] from the [[Sharkticon (G1)|Sharkticons]] pit, also freeing their [[Fortress Maximus (RID)|spaceship]] from the Quintessons' trap. {{storylink|Kiss_Players_(radio_drama)#Tokyo_Toy_Festival_live_performance|Kiss Players live performance}}

===''The Headmasters'' cartoon===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Michitaka Kobayashi]] (Japanese)

Later in 2011, Goldbug and the Throttlebots were on Cybertron when [[Vector Sigma]] began to destabilize as a consequence of Optimus Prime releasing the Matrix's energy to cure the Hate Plague the previous year. The Decepticons soon invaded the planet in an attempt to take control of the computer, and Goldbug and the Throttlebots joined [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] and [[Slag (G1)|Slag]] in holding the line against them. Unfortunately, they were knocked unconscious by the hypnotic power of the new Decepticon [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]] [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]], but they had managed to delay the Decepticons long enough for the Autobot Headmasters to arrive and take up the fight. {{storylink|Four Warriors Come out of the Sky}}

[[Image:Hmep4_throttlebots.jpg|left|thumb|225px]]

Later, when the Decepticon Headmasters unleashed the [[Madmachine]] upon Cybertron, Goldbug and the Throttlebots helped the Autobot Headmasters battle the villains. Hit by a blast of the evil device's electromagnetic beams, the Throttlebots were left in convlusions, opening them up to an attack by the Decepticons. [[Wide Load]] and [[Rollbar (G1)|Rollbar]] were again affected by Mindwipe's hypnotism and were instructed to fight each other, but Goldbug was able to get between them and snap them out of it. Goldbug proceeded to get his team organized, and he and Rollbar took on Mindwipe, clinging on to him and preventing him from flying away as they beat him up. {{storylink|The Great Cassette Operation}}

Goldbug and the Throttlebots went up against the Decepticon Headmasters yet again in a later battle on Earth, but pretended to lose so that they would be left free to investigate the Decepticons' newest weapon: a [[Metamorpho|metal-warping]] meteror currently on collision course with [[Athenia]]. Disregarding [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]]'s instructions to keep their distance, the Throttlebots believed they would be heroes if they could stop the meteror, but no sooner had they got within range of the space-rock than its gravity boosters began twisting and warping their ship and their bodies. {{storylink|Approach of the Demon Meteorite}}

The Throttlebots disappeared after this encounter, suggesting they might have been destroyed, but they eventually resurfaced months later as the Decepticons were carrying out their final plan to destroy the Earth. Goldbug and the Throttlebots teamed up with [[Fastlane]] and [[Cloudraker (G1)|Cloudraker]] to investigate the emergence of a "[[Crysmag metal|Death Tower]]" in Santiago, Chile, only to find [[Predaking]] there waiting for them. Naturally, the small 'bots were no match for the powerful combiner, but they fought bravely, clinging onto his limbs before being hurled aside. Luckily, the Autobot [[Targetmaster]]s arrived in time to bail them out and take Predaking down. {{storylink|The Final Showdown on Earth (Part 1)}}

===Hero Set===

By the year 2025, Goldbug had returned to being Bumblebee. Together with his comrades Grimlock and Jazz, he battled Starscream in the far reaches of space. <ref>Packaging blurb for the Japanese-exclusive "Hero Set" release of the [[Pretender Classic]] versions of Bumblebee, Jazz, Grimlock and Starscream, confirmed to be part of cartoon continuity by Takara's [[Generation 1 cartoon timeline (Japan)|2007 timeline]].</ref>

===E-Hobby storyline===

Bumblebee joined [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] and several other Autobots at Autobot Headquarters for a briefing by [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] regarding several missing [[Socialist Democratic Federated Republic of Carbombya|Carbombian]] freight transports. {{storylink|MP-1B Cybertron Commander / Convoy Black Ver.}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]

Cliffjumper (G1)

2010-12-25T20:29:37Z

190.20.173.129: /* The Transformers cartoon */

{{picsneeded|fiction, toys}}
{{factions|autobot|sgDecepticon|protector}}
{{disambig3|Cliffjumper}}
:''Cliffjumper is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Cliffjumperg1.jpg|right|300px|thumb|He's got a piece of paper that he claims contains a list of 200 known traitors.]]
Within '''Cliffjumper''' burns the [[spark]] of a hero and a dedicated Autobot. On the outside is a paranoid, trigger-happy jerk with serious impulse-control problems. Cliffjumper utterly hates the [[Decepticon]]s. He also hates traitors. And anybody could be a traitor. Therefore, Cliffjumper hates everybody. It's unclear if he hates traitors more than he hates Decepticons, but it's at least a neck-and-neck thing.

He makes a habit of pulling [[Scale|ridiculously huge]] guns out of [[Exhaust port|nowhere]] and attacking impulsively despite orders or sanity. Somehow, this gets him neither killed nor demoted.

Cliffjumper's special weapon is his [[glass gas]], which embrittles metals on contact so that they shatter like glass. He is not immune to its effects, so its use requires careful consideration of wind direction. Actually, this may explain why he prefers the big guns. He doesn't seem like the calculating type.

{{quote|Look at Megatron. I'm gonna blast that smile off his faceplate.|Cliffjumper, raring to go|"[[The Ultimate Doom, Part 3]]"}}

:''Preliminary name:'' '''Blow-Out'''<ref name="marvelage">[http://www.electric-escape.net/node/590 Article from Marvel Age #17.]</ref>
:''Japanese name:'' '''Cliff'''
:''French-Canadian name:'' '''Matamore''' / '''Rapido'''
:''Hungarian name:'' '''Sziklaugró''' (exact translation)
:''Hungarian movie name, first dub only'': '''Ugró''' (Jumper)
:''Italian name:'' '''Grillo''' ("Cricket")
:''Portuguese name (Portugal comics):'' '''Salta-Penhascos'''
:''Portuguese name (Brazil comics):'' '''Saltador'''<ref>Coincidentally, this was also the name given to [[Springer (G1)|Springer]]</ref>
:''South American name:'' '''Carrera'''
:''Chinese name (Taiwan):'' '''Tìau Yái''' (跳崖, "Cliff Jumping")
:''Chinese name (China):'' '''Fei Guo Shan''' (飛過山, "Flying across a Mountain")
:''Russian name'': '''Скалолаз''' ("Rock-climber")

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Generation 1====
{{noteukonly}}
[[Image:Cliffjumperuk.jpg|left|180px|thumb|Don't ask, don't tell, don't laugh.]]
Cliffjumper was a part of the crew on board the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] when it crashed into [[Earth]] four million years ago while clearing an asteroid field in the path of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron.]] Upon reviving in 1984, Cliffjumper was chosen as part of the first field expedition into the world under [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl's]] command. Their simple recon mission to a drive-in movie theatre quickly turned into a battle when the Decepticons arrived. Cliffjumper acquitted himself well in combat, single-handedly driving off [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] with his glass gas. {{storylink|The Transformers (issue)|The Transformers}}

Later, he joined [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] on the mission to rescue their human friend [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] from the Decepticons. Unfortunately, the human military got in the way, distracting Cliffjumper and [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] long enough for [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]]'s earthquakes to throw them for a loop. {{storylink|Prisoner of War!}} Whether because of this or just a general lack of fuel, Cliffjumper was unable to stand up and fight against the Decepticons in the battle at the Ark. {{storylink|The Last Stand}} He was deactivated for a while during [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave's]] occupation of the Ark, but was repaired without incident when [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] reclaimed it for the crew. However, the head of Optimus Prime was still missing, and during an attempt to retrieve it, an impostor head took control of Prime's body, firing on Cliffjumper. {{storylink|Prime Time!}}

''Presumably repaired, he later participated in the Dinobot Hunt, along with [[Gears (G1)|Gears]] and [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]]. Although they found [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]], immediately thereafter all three were captured by the Decepticons. They were rescued by [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]. {{storylink|Dinobot Hunt!}}''

He was one of the observers to [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] and [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]]'s battle on the [[Moon (moon)|moon]]. How he fared in the following [[Decepticon]] attack is unknown, but he was never seen again. {{storylink|Totaled!}}

=====Marvel UK future timelines=====
''After surviving the destruction of [[Moonbase One]], Cliffjumper returned to the Autobot combat movement on Cybertron by 2007. He joined [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] in a concerted effort to surprise a [[Airborne hunter squad|group of Decepticon skyraiders]], using [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]] as bait to draw them in close for a crossfire. {{storylink|Wanted: Galvatron — Dead or Alive!}}''
{{-}}

====''Classics''/''Shattered Glass''====
{{ongoing}}
After Cliffjumper was nearly killed by an [[Underbase]]-powered [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], the Autobots, lacking the resources on Earth to repair him, shipped his body to Cybertron, where he languished on life support for fifteen years. After the war, newly-freed resources allowed techs to revive him once again, though when he first woke up he immediately flatlined again when they told him the war was over. Consoled by the idea that some Decepticons were still left in the universe, Cliffjumper was sadly too late to join [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock's]] crew on the ''[[Graviton (Classics)|Graviton]]'', so when reports of [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s return reached Cybertron, Cliffjumper was the first to join Optimus Prime in returning to Earth to vanquish him. {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 17|Cliffjumper's ''Classics'' profile}}

Cliffjumper and the Autobots encountered the dimension-hopping [[Velocitron|Velocitronian]] known as [[Skyfall (Cybertron)|Skyfall]] shortly after he and the Decepticon [[Landquake (Timelines)|Landquake]] crash-materialized in their universe. They traveled to the Southern Hemisphere to locate the source of a mysterious energy signature that resonated on the same wavelength as Skyfall's own emanations. The fact that Skyfall was traveling with a Decepticon, however inadvertantly, set Cliffjumper's "traitor sense" a'tingling, setting them at odds with one another. Unfortunately for CJ, Prime assigned him to explore the energy site alone with Skyfall, away from the battle with the arriving Decepticons. They were the only two small enough to fit through the crevice the energy signals were coming from. Cliffjumper reluctantly agreed to keep an eye on Skyfall. With the battle raging overhead, a cave-in caused by [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]]'s stomping around sent Landquake toppling into the caverns below. Eager for the chance to scrap a Decepticon, Cliffjumper gleefully leveled his pistol at Landquake as Skyfall tried to stop him. {{storylink|Crossing Over: Part 3}}

Protecting a 'Con was all the proof Cliffjumper needed to turn on Skyfall too, but another cave-in sent the robots tumbling deeper underground before anyone could get shot. Cliffjumper's leg was crushed under a falling boulder, but that didn't stop him from trying to blast the other two from where he lay on the ground. His shot disturbed the pool of Rarified Energon they landed next to, and awakened a curiously-similar robot known as [[Breakaway (Classics)|Breakaway]]. Using his own unique abilities, the pacifistic Breakaway healed Cliffjumper's leg in moments just by laying hands on him. As the Decepticon Cassettes arrived in search of the energon, Cliffjumper and the others drove them back while retreating further into the caverns. {{storylink|Crossing Over: Part 4}}

Allowing a temporary cease fire due to the strangeness of the situation, Cliffjumper started looking for a way to protect the [[Rarified Energon]] from the robots he KNEW were evil. Skyfall accidentally triggered a secret passage, though, and he, Landquake and Breakaway felt compelled to respond to the voice of the "[[Caretaker]]" emanating from the passage, who claimed to speak for [[Primus]] himself. Cliffjumper felt the "purity" of the place as well, but his basic nature still warned him it could all be a trap. Skyfall pleaded with CJ to see the grandeur of their situation however and, after checking his WWOPD? bracelet, Cliffjumper agreed to follow them down the passage...once he "set something up" first. {{storylink|Crossing Over: Part 5}} The Caretaker spoke to Skyfall, Landquake and Breakaway about the greater destiny that awaited them on other worlds, and beckoned them to pass through the dimensional barriers to the next leg of their journey. Skyfall balked at the idea more than the others, but ultimately he and Cliffjumper passed through the dimensional space bridge together. Meanwhile, [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] arrived at the Rarified Energon pool and set off the laser-trip wire Cliffjumper had left behind, detonating the entrance and burying the chambers behind them. {{storylink|Crossing Over: Part 6}}

[[Image:SGOptimusShootsCliffjumper ShatteredGlass.jpg|right|thumb|300px|]]

Cliffjumper was diverted away from his fellow travellers, and ended up in the "Shattered Glass" universe, where he was found by [[Ruckus (SG)|Ruckus]] and [[Rodimus (SG)|Rodimus]]. They were surprised to see him, as [[Cliffjumper (SG)|the native Cliffjumper]] had been thought dead for years. Rodimus took Cliffjumper to see [[Optimus Prime (SG)|Optimus Prime]], who was pleased to see him and had him witness [[Rumble (SG)|Rumble's]] execution. Cliffjumper was shocked and protested against the execution, which surprised and angered Optimus, as the native Cliffjumper had enjoyed killing prisoners. Prime blew several holes in Cliffjumper as punishment and had him dumped in the [[Rad Zone]], where he was discovered by [[Cyclonus (SG)|Cyclonus]], [[Scrapper (SG)|Scrapper]] and [[Long Haul (SG)|Long Haul]] and taken to the Decepticon base. There [[Scrapper (SG)|Scrapper]] and [[Hook (SG)|Hook]] repaired him and found he had numerous anomalies, thus discovering he was not this universe's Cliffjumper.

Towards the end of the repairs, Cliffjumper woke up and shoved the medics aside to escape, only to run into [[Megatron (SG)|Megatron]] and [[Sideswipe (SG)|Sideswipe]]. Sideswipe explained how the war started, what happened to this universe's Cliffjumper, and finally why Sideswipe had become a Decepticon.

Later, [[Starscream (SG)|Starscream]] and Megatron were discussing the [[Ark (SG)|''Ark''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s]] status, when Cliffjumper and Sideswipe walked into the room. Megatron informed Cliffjumper that Prime planned to use the ''Ark'' to conquer other worlds, and Cliffjumper exclaimed "By [[Primus]], he can't be allowed to do that!", leaving everyone confused. Cliffjumper then provided a highly condensed version of the Transformers' origins. Megatron thought that being created by a benevolent god was a comforting idea, but everyone else was amused by Cliffjumper's strange beliefs.

Starscream came up with a plan to use Cliffjumper's [[glass gas]] to weaken the ''Ark''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s launch platform, making it vulnerable to normal weapons. Cliffjumper agreed to help Starscream duplicate the formula as Megatron and the others planned the attack.

After [[Razorclaw (SG)|Razorclaw]] and [[Rampage (SG)|Rampage]] dispatched the Autobot guards, and Starscream, [[Divebomb (SG)|Divebomb]] and [[Whisper (SG)|Whisper]] dropped the "glass gas bombs" on the ''Ark'', Cliffjumper and the others attacked the launch platform. However, their weapons failed to destroy the platform, resulting in an all-out brawl between the two sides. When Optimus spotted Cliffjumper, he attempted to destroy the "traitor", but Megatron took the hit instead. This spurred Cliffjumper into destroying the launch platform. The Decepticons retreated, and Cliffjumper decided to go with them. {{storylink|Shattered Glass (issue)|Shattered Glass}}

Cliffjumper helped the Decepticons battle the Autobots for control of the [[Arch-Ayr]] fuel dump by firing large amounts of both artillery and insults at Optimus Prime, with his enthusiasm disturbing Starscream and Megatron. When [[Soundwave (SG)|Soundwave]] called in the [[Mayhem Suppression Squad]], Cliffjumper helped the Squad succeed in forcing the Autobots to fall back.

Just then the ground started trembling and sent Cliffjumper sprawling. He accused [[Crasher (SG)|Crasher]] of doing it, but it was actually [[Wheeljack (SG)|Wheeljack]] and his army of [[Dinobot (SG)|Dinobots]], which Cliffjumper recognized.
[[Image:Cliffjumper&SGGoryu Dungeons&Dinobots.jpg|left|thumb|200px|There's always a bigger fish...]]
The Dinobots eventually turned on each other and scattered, and Cliffjumper was among those ordered by Megatron to capture some of them for reprogramming. He and Sideswipe located and subdued [[Slugfest (SG)|Slugfest]], only for the hulking [[Goryu (SG)|Goryu]] to come to Slugfest's aid. Cliffjumper jumped onto and rode Goryu as he chased after Sideswipe, eventually managing to trick Goryu into knocking himself out.

The two then noticed [[Huffer (SG)|Huffer]] on the horizon and cornered him. Sideswipe "convinced" Huffer to admit what he was up to by warning that Cliffjumper was insane because he believed in Primus. Huffer offered to talk if they gave him three [[energon cube|energon rods]], but Cliffjumper threatened him down to one. Huffer admitted he had been tracking Grimlock and where, then escaped from the two.

Sideswipe and Cliffjumper used the information to track Grimlock to an old bunker. Sideswipe was hesitant, since the area was where he had been ambushed and his universe's Cliffjumper had died, but Cliffjumper wasn't fazed by Sideswipe's guilt nor by possibly seeing his double's corpse.

While the two examined hieroglyphics just inside the bunker's entrance, [[Omega Terminus|a booming voice]] ordered them to get out. The two were more than willing to comply, but found they couldn't, as the tunnels around them had changed. They continued on their journey instead, and encountered several traps, one of which injured Cliffjumper's leg.

Later, the two met up with Rodimus and [[Blurr (SG)|Blurr]]. Cliffjumper and Rodimus tumbled into a hidden passage, activating yet another trap. Rodimus deactivated the trap before it could crush them by yanking out and using the spear that had become embedded in Cliffjumper's leg earlier. They were ejected into a room full of debris. Rodimus recognized they were in the Omega Terminus chambers, and told Cliffjumper they could use it to create their own army to take down Prime, but Cliffjumper wasn't interested. Rodimus then found a vial of [[scraplet]]s and offered to have Cliffjumper drink some. Cliffjumper was horrified, until Rodimus explained how scraplets worked as a healing potion, and took a swig to prove it. Cliffjumper reluctantly accepted some to heal his leg, and they escaped out a hatch.

They met back up with Blurr and Sideswipe on a narrow bridge overlooking a deep chasm. Rodimus tried again to recruit the others into a new team of [[Wrecker]]s, but was interrupted by the arrival of Grimlock, who explained he'd been guided there by a strange voice that didn't want the others there.

Omega Terminus started spinning and shot a bolt of energy at Grimlock, giving him an [[spark|ember]] and the ability to [[transformation|transform]]. After doing so, he started to explain their situation, but Cliffjumper grew impatient and challenged him. As a response, additional lights came from the Omega Terminus and reanimated four corpses, including [[Drench (SG)|Drench]] and the native Cliffjumper. Grimlock further explained the Omega Terminus' powers, and a battle ensued.

The corpses put up a fight, but the living Cliffjumper eventually destroyed his double's corpse by throwing scraplets at it. Rodimus then rammed the Cliffjumper corpse into another of the corpses, while Cliffjumper ripped off his dead twin's arm and used it to "infect" the Drench corpse. All of the corpses were quickly devoured by the scraplets and reduced to dust.

Grimlock then swept the four off a ledge, where they hung on for dear life. Blurr managed to distract Grimlock enough for Cliffjumper and Sideswipe to knock him off the cliff. They all pulled themselves back up, and the Terminus told them to leave, which they promptly did. {{storylink|Dungeons & Dinobots}}
[[Image:SGDemolishorHeatwaveCliffjumper DoOver.jpg|right|275px|thumb|Are you my "second Ego"? What a nasty sight!]]
A short time later, Megatron asked Sideswipe and Cliffjumper if the Dinocons' recently discovered transformation ability had something to do with their recent adventure, but they found they couldn't recall exactly what had happened.

The Decepticons then gathered to discuss Optimus Prime's latest plan: rebuilding the ''Ark'' for a second launch. This caused Cliffjumper to get upset, thinking all of his hard work had been for nothing. Megatron reassured him that, on the contrary, it had been valuable, and had given them enough time to build the ''[[Nemesis (SG)|Nemesis]]'' as a counter to the ''Ark''. When Sideswipe asked why he was so bothered, Cliffjumper explained that he was used to the enemy leader always thinking up ''new'' plans.

Megatron appointed Cliffjumper as the mech for all ''Nemesis'' crew volunteers to report to, as he was already familiar with [[Earth]]. Among the troops he interviewed was [[Demolishor (SG)|Demolishor]], who gave him pause, since he'd never seen the Decepticon before. Demolishor retorted that Cliffjumper might not have known ''everyone'' on his home planet. After hearing that Demolishor wanted to bust up Autobots and figured Earth must be better than Cybertron, Cliffjumper let him through. But when he found himself dealing next with [[Heatwave]], another Decepticon he'd never heard of before, Cliffjumper gave up and waved him on without an interview.

Later, when the Decepticons received word of [[Ricochet (SG)|Ricochet]] kidnapping Megatron, Starscream wanted to mount a full raid. Cliffjumper told him that, while it felt weird being responsible instead of running off himself, they needed to instead send a small task force, as prepping and launching the ''Nemesis'' was top priority. Starscream reluctantly agreed.

Cliffjumper was onboard the ''Nemesis'' when it eventually followed the ''Ark'' to Earth, and aided in the resulting firefight. When they were hit by a nuke from the [[human]]s, Cliffjumper was amazed by Heatwave's ability to "talk" to their damaged ship afterwards. He then volunteered to remain with with Starscream while everyone else escaped, in order to steer the crash-landing ship away from any major population centers. {{storylink|Do Over}}

Cliffjumper and Starscream survived the crash intact, and were found by Heatwave, Soundwave, [[Frenzy (SG)|Frenzy]], [[Ravage (SG)|Ravage]], and [[Professor Arkeville|some]] [[Will Hayes|humans]] [[Rick Ottman|who had discovered]] [[Sephie Beller|the ''Nemesis'']]. As they all discussed their current situation, Cliffjumper was suspicious of the humans—especially Arkeville, who bothered him for some reason he couldn't place. He was also confused by the absence of [[California]], which caused Arkeville to be fascinated by learning Cliffjumper hailed from another universe, and explain about the hard times his own universe had been through.

When Starscream figured that the Autobots had bought it and they should concentrate on going home, Cliffjumper was skeptical and wanted to be absolutely sure. Starscream decided he was right, and then sent Cliffjumper out with the others to look for their crewmembers. When Cliffjumper found [[Crasher (SG)|Crasher]]'s [[stasis pod]] in a junkyard, he booted her back online, and became very flustered when part of their conversation afterwards involved him trying to explain his unfamiliarity with [[Female Transformer|fembots]].

After Rodimus broadcast a message saying he was holding the Earth hostage with their own [[Global Orbital Defense Satellite|defense satellite]], Cliffjumper helped with the mission to liberate the [[Burpleson Air Force Base|hijacked base]] and satellite. He mediated the brainstorming about the information from the initial scouting mission, then set everyone to their respective parts of the resulting plan, remaining with the group outside as others infiltrated the base.

When the base was evacuated and destroyed due to Heatwave turning the satellite on it, Cliffjumper comforted the larger mech, who was mournful that he had to also destroy the transmitter. {{storylink|Eye in the Sky}}

After rescuing [[Blitzwing (SG)|Blitzwing]] from the Autobots and their new [[Stellar Spanner]], Cliffjumper wondered why Blitzwing hadn't been captured or killed after they incapacitated him. Blitzwing revealed that he had fused with an [[oPod]] and disrupted them with its signal, and Cliffjumper found Arkeville's comparison to human bodies being able to make bone out of coral to be creepy.

As Blitzwing's new disruptive signal ability eventually spread from the Autobots' emergency frequency to the Decepticons', Cliffjumper was irritated that his normal-universe Autobot emergency frequency just happened to be the same as the Decepticons' in this universe. When Starscream suggested everyone but Soundwave (who was unaffected) going into emergency [[stasis lock]] to protect them from being damaged by the signal, and the humans protecting them until Soundwave could find Blitzwing and cure his broadcasting, Cliffjumper was paranoid about both ideas, but his concerns were overruled.

When Soundwave was successful and everything was back to normal, Cliffjumper was also glad that they could now build their own [[space bridge|space brid]]... er... Stellar Spanner, with the schematics Blitzwing had stolen. {{storylink|Blitzwing Bop}}

Months later, Cliffjumper was present at the Decepticon base when Landquake, Breakaway, [[Topspin (Classics)|Topspin]] and [[Aquarius (SG)|Aquarius]] arrived with Skyfall's corpse. He said that, though he never thought he'd say such to a Decepticon, he was glad to see Landquake, and the feeling seemed to be mutual. {{storylink|Reunification: Part 4}}

After Landquake and his gestalt members were reborn into [[Nexus Prime]], Nexus offered to take Cliffjumper along on the next leg of his interdimensional journey, but Cliffjumper decided to stay and continue fighting the evil Optimus Prime instead. He bid the Landquake and Skyfall parts of Nexus Prime goodbye as the gestalt stepped through the Decepticons' Stellar Spanner. {{storylink|Reunification: Part 6}}
{{--}}

===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Casey Kasem]] (English), [[Takurō Kitagawa]] (Japanese), Carlos Nieto (Latin American)

Cliffjumper was a part of the crew onboard the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] when it crashed into [[Earth]] four million years ago during a search for new energy sources. His [[alternate mode]] was reformatted into an oddly proportioned Porsche 924 Turbo.

[[Image:Cliffgun.JPG|right|250px|thumb|"Where do you keep that giant cannon, Cliffjumper?!" "None of your damn business, Hound."]]
When the Autobots awakened from their four million-year slumber, Cliffjumper was eager for action. He volunteered to tag along on [[Hound (G1)|Hound]]'s recon mission to scout out Decepticons because he was itching to "boot some Decepticon right in his [[turbocharger]]". Though [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]]'s orders were only to find the Decepticons, Cliffjumper brashly tried to engage the enemy once Hound sniffed them out.

Cliffjumper missed his shot, and the Decepticons dispatched [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] to chase off the Autobot eavesdroppers. Hound got pasted by Laserbeak's laser blasts and ended up requiring extensive repair from Autobot medic [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] after being pulled out of a ditch by [[Hauler]]. It worked out in the end, though, since Cliffjumper was remorseful for having acted without thinking, and Hound didn't hold a grudge anyway. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 1}}

[[Image:Hufferg1animated.jpg|thumb|left|200px| The three Must-Beat-Theres]]
Cliffjumper was among the Autobots that stormed [[Sherman Dam]] to fight off the Decepticons. During the siege, Cliffjumper charged at [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] and [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] and was easily overpowered until [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] came to his aid. Cliffjumper complimented his pacifist friend on his fighting skills.{{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 2}} Later, when Optimus Prime was injured in an explosion at the [[Ruby Crystal Mines of Burma]], Cliffjumper cheered his leader on as Prime tried to recover from his injuries. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 3}}

Cliffjumper mistook a rock formation for a Decepticon and fired at it, nearly smooshing [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] and Optimus Prime in the resulting avalanche. Embarrassed, the little hothead admitted his mistake and apologized, while Ironhide scoffed at the notion that the Decepticons were still on Earth. But the Decepticons ''were'' still on Earth, and they took over a human power station. Alerted to the attack by a city-wide blackout, Cliffjumper and the Autobots responded. Cliffjumper immediately confronted [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] and declared he’d “take care” of the Decepticon leader. Megatron swatted him away like a fly. Cliffjumper obviously didn’t learn his lesson, since he took on [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] only moments later, with similar results. {{storylink|Transport to Oblivion}}

[[Image:FireintheSky Cliffjumper vs Ravage.jpg|thumb|right|240px|Ravage heartily disapproves of Cliffjumper's operatic solo.]]
During a mission to the Arctic to stop the Decepticons, Cliffjumper was the first to hear [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] and [[Sparkplug Witwicky|Sparkplug]] calling for help after the father-and-son team were trapped on an ice floe. Before the Autobots could get to them, the humans were scooped up by [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]], who was a bit confused about which faction was good or evil. When Cliffjumper and Ironhide made moves to rescue the pair, Optimus Prime stopped them, fearing the humans would be hurt. Opting for an underground rescue, Cliffjumper joined Prime, Jazz, and Bumblebee in an ice cave and was the first to discover the humans in an icy prison. After, as the Autobots tried to find Ironhide’s team, Cliffjumper pointedly defied Prime’s order to stick to a search pattern and ran on ahead. He was promptly tackled by [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], and Optimus had to rescue him. The Autobots regrouped while Ratchet tried to repair Skyfire after an attack by Starscream. When Cliffjumper questioned the wisdom of repairing the large Decepticon, Hound and Ratchet explained that Skyfire had tried to help them. {{storylink|Fire in the Sky}}

[[Image:TUD1 Cliffjumper depth gauge.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Are you picking up a signal, or just happy to see me?]]
After the construction of the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]]s, Cliffjumper was present for the unveiling, and found himself being battered by the new creations as they ran wild. {{storylink|S.O.S. Dinobots}} He also took part in the mission in [[Peru]] to stop Megatron from using the [[Crystal of Power]] as an energy source for a cannon. {{storylink|Fire on the Mountain}} After Sparkplug was kidnapped by Laserbeak, Cliffjumper, [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] and [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] burrowed under Decepticon HQ. Cliffjumper used his glass gas to make a hole in the underside of the base, so the three Autobots could retrieve Sparkplug and hightail it back to Autobot Headquarters. Unfortunately the Decepticons had already planted a [[hypno-chip]] on Sparkplug, and during the next Decepticon attack, Cliffjumper and the other Autobots discovered that their weapons had been sabotaged. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 1}}

[[Image:TUD3 bloodthirsty Cliffjumper.jpg|thumb|right|220px]]
When the Autobots caught up with Megatron, who was preparing to take energy back to Cybertron — energy collected as a result of Cybertron being pulled into Earth's orbit by the [[space bridge]] — Cliffjumper was raring to exact some payback, but Optimus restrained him as they couldn't risk injuring the hypno-chipped humans. Once the humans were safely out of the way, the Autobots attacked, though Ironhide had to remind Cliffjumper to conserve some ammo for later in the fight. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 3}} Some time later, Cliffjumper congratulated [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] for getting [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] repaired (again!), only for the computer to detect the Decepticons on the move. The Autobots started the pursuit and, after a brief stop in a quicksand trap, reached [[Doctor Arkeville]]'s secret lab, where Starscream had rigged the [[Exponential Generator]] to explode. {{storylink|Countdown to Extinction (episode)|Countdown to Extinction}}

[[Image:ChangingGears Cliffjumper hits forcefield.jpg|thumb|230px|left]]
When Ironhide detected Megatron inbound to Autobot Headquarters, Cliffjumper blasted the Decepticon with glass gas, but Megatron merely shrugged it off. Megatron challenged Prime to one-on-one combat and, despite Cliffjumper's misgivings, Prime accepted. Cliffjumper turned out with the rest of the Autobots to spectate, and was horrified when Optimus lost. When they returned to Headquarters, a quick scan by Teletraan I revealed the truth — Megatron had cheated. The Autobots subsequently blasted the Decepticons into a lava-filled crevasse. {{storylink|Heavy Metal War}} After the Decepticons began using a [[Solar Needle]] to tap into the Sun, the Earth became unstable. Cliffjumper was saved from a falling boulder by Ironhide. The Autobots drove to [[Africa]] where they discovered that the needle was protected by an energy field. Despite the others' protests, Cliffjumper flung himself into the force field, shorting it out. He recovered a short time later in the jungle nearby, and rejoined the fight which eventually resulted in the destruction of the Solar Needle and rescue of [[Gears (G1)|Gears]]. {{storylink|Changing Gears}}

[[Image:Traitorcjaccusesmirage.jpg|right|270px|thumb|"J'accuse!"]]
Soon afterward, Cliffjumper made a very public display of his paranoia by accusing fellow Autobot and reluctant soldier [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] of being a traitor on some very flimsy evidence, much to the (correct) disbelief of the other Autobots. He kept up his rhetoric even after Optimus Prime ordered him to can it. So determined was he to prove his theory true that he followed Mirage when the latter returned to the Decepticon power station to sow seeds of discontent within the Decepticon ranks. Fortunately, in the end, it was proven that Mirage was a loyal Autobot all along, and Cliffjumper fell across Mirage's body, asking Ratchet to fix him for not trusting a comrade. This prompted a rather awkward laugh from the other Autobots present. {{storylink|Traitor}}

Cliffjumper was the first to ask what the [[Wheeljack Instant Immobilizer|Immobilizer]] did as Wheeljack prepared a demonstration. Unfortunately the test was aborted when Ironhide mistook the holographic Laserbeak for the real thing. The second demonstration didn't go much better, resulting in Wheeljack himself being immobilizer, and the Decepticons stealing the device. Gears and Cliffjumper loaded Wheeljack into Ratchet for the return trip to Headquarters, and were both among the Autobots who later attempted to get the Immobilizer back. {{storylink|The Immobilizer}} Cliffjumper took part in an Autobot charity event, racing and participating in stunts. The Decepticons took the opportunity to test out their [[Transfixatron]] on the Autobots, locking them all in their vehicle modes before forcing them to drive to a ghost town. A small group of Autobots along with [[Chip Chase]] and Spike, came to the rescue, using a grenade to undo the transformation lock. Though the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]]s formed [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]], Cliffjumper immediately attacked the Combiner, and was tossed into a nearby building. He and Wheeljack teamed up to seize the Transfixatron and use it on Devastator, resulting in the Constructicons splitting apart and sending the Decepticons into a retreat. {{storylink|The Autobot Run}}

[[Image:EntertheNightbird Cliffjumper glass gas.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]
While the other Autobots were constructing [[detection plate]]s, Cliffjumper ran up to Optimus with the news there was an incoming call from [[Doctor Fujiyama the Famous Scientist]]. The Autobots ended up guarding [[Nightbird (G1)|Nightbird]], the ninja robot that the doctor had built. During the inevitable Decepticon attack, Cliffjumper lost no time in blasting [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] once all of the humans were safely out of the way. Nightbird was still stolen and sometime later, the reprogrammed ninja broke into Autobot HQ to steal the [[World Energy Chip]]. The Autobots pursued, though Optimus had to restrain Cliffjumper from merely blasting Nightbird, as they'd promised to return her safely to her inventor. Also, Cliffjumper proved the only Autobot who failed to jump up a particular cliff. When they eventually cornered the ninja, Cliffjumper attempted to use his glass gas on her, only for her to plug the nozzle. They eventually did manage to capture her and return her to Dr Fujiyama. {{storylink|Enter the Nightbird}}

[[Image:DinobotIsland2 Cliffjumper firing.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]
When the Autobots found a crevasse filled with [[korlonium crystal|glowing crystals]], Cliffjumper was prepared to jump straight in, but Prime cautioned him to take readings first. As it happened, the Decepticons picked that time to attack. The Autobots returned to base following a seemingly victorious battle, but soon discovered a conundrum — they had two identical Optimus Primes. Cliffjumper had the bright idea to decide which one was the real Optimus by holding a race, which unsurprisingly proved inconclusive. {{storylink|A Prime Problem}} The discovery of [[Dinobot Island (G1)|an island full of dinosaurs]] by Bumblebee and [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] led Cliffjumper to exclaim that they already had enough problems with Dino''bots''. Wheeljack claimed he'd been teaching Grimlock some finesse, and attempted to prove Cliffjumper wrong by getting [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] to show off. When this turned into the usual Dinobot chaos, Cliffjumper was all too ready to fight them, but Optimus got things under control. {{storylink|Dinobot Island, Part 1}} The Decepticons found Dinobot Island and began draining its energy, which caused freak time portals to open up across the world. A pirate ship that passed through one such portal menaced a small pleasure ship, until Cliffjumper, [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] and [[Seaspray (G1)|Seaspray]] arrived. Cliffjumper disarmed the pirates before they shoved the ship back through the time portal. {{storylink|Dinobot Island, Part 2}}

[[Image:MasterBuilders Cliffjumper glass gas gun.jpg|thumb|left|240px|Now it's a different color and comes out of a gun. So? It's sparkly!]]
During a battle with Devastator after the Constructions helped [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] and [[Grapple]] build the [[Solar Power Tower]], Cliffjumper fired his glass gas gun at the giant. Devastator merely swept his arm, causing a wind which dissipated the burst of gas. After the battle, Cliffjumper helped dig Grapple and Hoist out of the pile of rubble that their tower had become. {{storylink|The Master Builders}} He later took part in an excursion to [[South America]], where Megatron had found the [[Heart of Cybertron]]. Unfortunately they arrived too late — Megatron had installed the crystal in himself. Though Cliffjumper initiated a charge, the Autobots were no match for the powered-up Decepticon leader. They retreated under a smokescreen and limped back to Headquarters. {{storylink|Microbots}}

Cliffjumper took part in an [[Autobot Day]] parade organised by the humans in [[Central City (G1)|Central City]], paying a visit to city hall. Things quickly turned sour when a video recording of the Autobots apparently raiding an oil field was played, and the humans turned hostile. The Autobots returned to Headquarters, but while they were still trying to work out what was going on, the mayor turned up to arrest them. Though Cliffjumper was ready to fight, Optimus insisted they comply with the humans' demands. Taken to a sports stadium, the Autobots were put on impromptu trial, which concluded with them being found guilty and sentenced to exile from Earth. They were duly shot into space in a spaceship supplied by [[Shawn Berger]]. {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1}} On further reflection, Optimus decided he'd made a hasty decision, and Cliffjumper tried to turn the ship around, only to find it was locked on course for the Sun. They escaped the ship in the nick of time, using Trailbreaker's forcefields linked to [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] so they could return to Earth and exact some revenge on the Decepticons. {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 2}}

[[Image:StarscreamsBrigade Jazz Cliffjumper chained.jpg|thumb|right|220px]]
All of the Autobots, including Cliffjumper, were rendered inoperative by [[Cybertonium]] depletion, until Spike, [[Carly]] and the Dinobots retrieved a fresh supply from Cybertron. {{storylink|Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 2}} Cliffjumper's audio receptors took a pounding when [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] decided to retransmit a rock concert over Autobot frequencies. {{storylink|Blaster Blues}} He was also present when the Autobots discovered that Optimus was heading to Cybertron [[Female Autobots|for some reason]], but opted not to join Ironhide's pursuit. {{storylink|The Search for Alpha Trion}}

Cliffjumper and Jazz attended the opening of an [[Optimus Prime memorial]], resulting in Cliffjumper getting his name mangled by the news reporter covering the event. The memorial was attacked by Starscream and his newly minted [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticon]]s. As they overwhelmed the two Autobots, Cliffjumper suggested radioing for help, but too late, as they were both captured. Stripped of their [[energy absorber]]s to provide parts for the Combaticons, Jazz and Cliffjumper were chained up at the [[Amalgamated Water and Power Plant]]. The Autobots later rescued them while the Combaticons were occupied fighting [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] and the rest of Megatron's forces. {{storylink|Starscream's Brigade}}

[[Image:TFTM Cliffjumper countdown.jpg|thumb|left|240px|Such are Jazz's hidden political passion…]]
By 2005, the Decepticons had retaken Cybertron, and the Autobots had set up secret bases on Cybertron's moons. Cliffjumper was stationed on [[Moonbase One]] under Optimus Prime's command. He and Jazz stayed behind while Optimus took the Dinobots to reinforce [[Autobot City]], and they were first to spot the approach of [[Unicron]]. Unicron began to devour the moon and, after a hasty communique to Autobot City, the pair tried to escape in a ship. The attempt proved futile, and the ship was dragged back into Unicron's maw. Jazz and Cliffjumper somehow ended up on a conveyor headed for a vat of acid, along with Spike and Bumblebee, but all four of them were saved by Spike's son [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel]]. As Unicron began to break apart under the energies released from the [[Matrix of Leadership]], the newly risen Autobot leader, [[Rodimus Prime (G1)|Rodimus Prime]], led the Autobots on an escape through the massive Transformer's eye. Cliffjumper survived the adventure and Rodimus's subsequent speech, but for [[Casey Kasem#Notes|some reason]] was never seen again. {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie}}

{{--}}

====Japanese cartoon continuity====
=====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' comic=====
[[Image:Fsrlf cliffy and ironhide.jpg|right|thumb|Comic Sans? Really? Is that really the best they could come up with?]]
While the majority of the Autobots were occupied dealing with a Decepticon attack upon Autobot Headquarters, Cliffjumper was part of a small team searching [[Japan]] for [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] and his [[Decepticon Mini-Cassette|cassettes]], who were conspicuous by their absence from the assault. [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] and [[Kenji]] found the Decepticon communicator first, but Bumblebee was able to get the drop on him and shattered his chest door with a "Bumble Kick". Cliffjumper and [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] then arrived to take care of the cassettes, who cut their losses and tried to take refuge in Soundwave's chest compartment, only to find that they couldn't get in through the broken door. Cliffjumper snatched them up, and being the big jerk that he is, pulled out their tape spools and wrapped them around his fingers. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 2|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #2}}

=====''Full Throttle Scramble Power!'' comic=====

After the Decepticons' latest plan, involving their [[Omega Whip]] cannon, was foiled, Cliffjumper was among the massive Autobot platoon that arrived at the villains base with [[Metroplex (G1)|Scramble City]] to give them a well-deserved pummelling. {{storylink|Full Throttle Scramble Power!}}

=====''The Stargate Battles'' comic=====

Cliffjumper was part of the Autobot batallion who battled the Decepticons in space for control of the interstellar teleportation system known as the "[[Warp Gate|Trigger]]". During the battle, [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] fused with the Trigger, transforming into a massive, monstrous robot form determined to wipe out Autobots and Decepticons. A combination of Optimus Prime and Megatron's power defeated the treacherous Decepticon, but all the Transformers were caught in the backwash of the colossal explosion that resulted, and were left injured and inactive for many months. {{storylink|The Stargate Battles (issue)|The Stargate Battles}}
{{-}}

=====''Alternity''=====

[[Image:Alternity_cliffjumper_boxart.jpg|left|thumb|220px]]

In 2005, thanks to the actions of a space-and-time-traveling being known as [[Optimus Primal|the Protector]], a parallel universe was created that branched out of this timeline. In this parallel world, dubbed [[universal stream]] Primax 903.0 Beta, technological advancements eventually caused the Autobots to evolve into the cross-dimensional super-race known as the [[Alternity (species)|Alternity]]. Cliffjumper, however, declined the offer to become a member of the Alternity, as he could not be bothered dealing the troublesome complexities of hyperdimensional life. Instead, Cliffjumper joined the ranks of the Alternity's elite force of Protectors, taking on a new body of the same model used by Bumblebee's [[auto-avatar]]. Cliffjumper was assigned the task of aiding in the suppression of the Alternity's arch-enemy, the time-eating god-beast [[Hytherion]], in the distant past, in regions of time beyond the reach of the Alternity themselves.

Learning that Hytherion's next goal was to consume a galaxy at the moment of its birth 2.4 billion years in the past, Cliffjumper was dispatched back in time to safeguard the lives of all the beings that would be erased from time if the galaxy was destroyed. Arriving before Hytherion, Cliffjumper did not have long to wait before the beast materialized before him. Overcoming his fear at the terrifying sight of the giant creature by remembering that Hytherion's strength was not determined by his size, Cliffjumper used his wave-functional pointer-guns to mark Hytherion's location with markers that transmitted co-ordinates back through time to the Alternity in the future. Using these signal pointers, the Alternity targeted an incredible space-time weapon on the beast, which they triggered at Cliffjumper's signal. The lights and gases of space coalesced into a breathtaking "sword of the heavens" that slashed into Hytherion and then wrapped around it, dispelling the beast from that time period. Although elated over the victory, Cliffjumper remarked to himself that the Alternity were still full of it, but if he could pull the trigger on a weapon like that, he'd probably be full of it too.

Some time later, the revived Megatron was able to shackle the Hytherion's power and confer abilities like those of the Alternity upon himself. The idea that the Alternity's war might be shifting back to the traditional "Autobot vs. Decepticon" status quo was considered great news by Cliffjumper. {{storylink|Ace of Swords}}
{{-}}

===Marvel Books Big Looker Storybook continuity===
[[Image:KidsCliff1.jpg|right|180px|thumb|The Adventures of Scary Eyes and Awesome Car!]]
One day, a bunch of [[human]]s held a rally race for which first prize would be a year's supply of oil and gasoline. Rather than follow their usual tack, attempting to cheat their way to the fuel, the Decepticons decided to sneak into the race simply for the sake of giving the Autobots a thrashing. Cliffjumper was one of the Autobots driving in the rally, and he was unaware that the scary black Cadillac was actually being driven by Megatron until he tried to pass it. Megatron dogged the Minibot for quite a while, until a telephone pole-wielding Optimus Prime swatted the Decepticon leader out of the race. Cliffjumper won the race and everybody smiled, even Optimus Prime. {{storylink|The Great Car Rally}}

{{-}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
{{notekeepers}}
Cliffjumper was active during the Dark Ages on Cybertron, when Optimus Prime and Megatron were missing and the two armies had split up into multiple smaller factions. He was working primarily with [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl's]] contingent of soldiers. {{storylink|War Within: The Dark Ages}}

Cliffjumper was a part of the crew on-board the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' when it crashed into [[Earth]] four million years ago while clearing an asteroid in the path of Cybertron. He was one of many Transformers captured and reprogrammed by arms dealer [[Lazarus|Adam 'Lazarus' Rook]] for lease to terrorist organizations and shady governments requiring brutal military might. Fortunately, Autobots under the command of Optimus Prime repaired and re-reprogrammed Cliffjumper and the remaining captive Autobots. Immediately, they were put to work on fighting Megatron's metallic virus, which had spread deep into [[Canada|Canadian]] territory, using their own internal power as the anti-virus. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 5}}

As Cliffjumper collapsed into the snow out of exhaustion, the Canadian military arrived. Unfortunately, due to the recent attacks by both enslaved Autobots and Decepticons under the command of Rook, the Canadians attempted to stop the Autobots doing what they perceived to be an attack on their soil. Knowing that the virus fed upon weapons fire, Cliffjumper tried to stop a tank crew from causing further harm by bending the tank's main gun. The commander panicked, thinking Cliffjumper was attacking, and fired, destroying himself and seriously damaging the Autobot. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 6}}

''When the U.S. military attacked the Autobots and Decepticons at a staged ambush in the Nevada desert, Cliffjumper was among the soldiers present. He took semi-critical damage from the [[deconstructionite]] attack, losing a great deal of available processing power to the weaponized nanites employed by the armed forces, and had to be carted away to safety inside Prime's trailer. {{storylink|Fusion (novel)|Fusion}}''

Sometime later, the unified Cybertronian army arrived on Earth and demanded the surrender of all active Autobots and Decepticons. After the initial encounter left several Autobots damaged, Optimus Prime brought most of his crew back to the ''Ark'' for repairs while Prowl organized a small detachment for reconnaissance purposes. Cliffjumper and Mirage were teamed together for the recon assignment, but were captured by [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] and his contingent of soldiers. Mirage gave up without a fight, eager to return home to Cybertron, which led Cliffjumper to declare him a traitor to the Autobot cause (deja vu... rising...). {{storylink|Brothers' Burden}}

Still, they settled their differences once Mirage saved him from [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] during the uprising on Cybertron. {{storylink|Revelation (War and Peace)|Revelation}}

Following the Autobot takeover of Cybertron, Cliffjumper was assigned to the shuttle ''[[Orion (ship)|Orion]]'' under [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]'s command, bringing supplies back to [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] and his troops on Earth. Their routine mission was almost immediately interrupted by one of [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]'s rogue creations, the super-clone known as [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]] who was engaging Autobot and Decepticon alike on Earth. {{storylink|Night of the Combaticons}} Cliffjumper worked loyally under Bumblebee's command during this endeavor, participating in [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] and [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]]'s plans to disable the solar-powered Decepticon, but missed out on the final battle because he was attending to the injured [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]]. {{storylink|Atonement}}

===IDW ''Hearts of Steel'' comics===
Cliffjumper, who appeared to transform into some sort of ankylosaurid, was seen by [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]'s side as the Autobots waged battle against the Decepticons on prehistoric Earth. When an approaching ice age came close to deactivating both sides, further combat was deemed unwise, and the Autobots went into hiding deep underground. They remained in stasis until the mid-19th century, at which point the battles with the Decepticons flared up again, though Cliffjumper was not seen partaking in any of the action. {{storylink|Hearts of Steel issue 1}}

===Devil's Due ''G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers'' comics===
Cliffjumper was aboard the ''Ark'' when it crashed on Earth in the past, and lay dormant when it was discovered by [[Cobra]] in the present. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 1}} The terrorist organization subsequently reprogrammed the Transformers to serve them, [[reformatting]] Cliffjumper into a Cobra vehicle in the process. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 2}} Luckily, [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] eventually undid the reprogramming, freeing Autobot and Decepticon alike. As the factions continued their war on [[Cobra Island]], Cliffjumper helped [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] and [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] fight [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] and [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]]. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 5}}

Years later, having returned to Cybertron, Cliffjumper was part of an Autobot team led by [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]], waiting for a chance to beat up [[Serpent O.R.]] and his Decepticon army. {{storylink|The Art of War issue 4}} When that chance came, the team fought the Decepticons alongside [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]], eventually defeating them. {{storylink|The Art of War issue 5}}

===''Transformers Legends'' anthology===
Cliffjumper was assigned with Ironhide to be Starscream's escorts, after the Decepticon became amnesiac and fell in with the Autobots. He got the opportunity to use his glass-gas gun against Megatron and the Decepticons who turned up to reclaim Starscream. Later on, Starscream regained his memory and rejoined the Decepticons, prompting Cliffjumper to assert that you can't trust a Decepticon. {{storylink|Redemption Center}}

===IDW comics continuity===
Cliffjumper was seen mourning [[Bumper (G1)|Bumper]] and [[Fastback (G1)|Fastback]] at the Security Services HQ in [[Kaon]]. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 3|Megatron Origin #3}}

[[Image:SpotlightCliffjumper_introductions.jpg|thumb|200px|]]

As the war spread across Cybertron, Cliffjumper embraced the path of a warrior as few other Autobots did. He became a weapons expert, skilled in both ranged and melee combat. His skills earned him a dubious role as an assassin, but it was a job he took to easily. On one occasion, he broke into a Decepticon outpost and executed the ranking commander, along with five other warriors who got in his way. As his ship was damaged during his escape, Cliffjumper was forced down on an undeveloped world to hide out and wait for back-up.

While securing his position, Cliffjumper met a young innocent farm girl named [[Kita]], and her little brother [[Coll]]. Kita marveled at the metal man she had discovered, and Cliffjumper was quite taken with her as well. He told her he was one of the good guys, but had to gloss over the details of his job when she said "there is no greater evil" than to hurt another being. With nothing else to do while waiting for transport home, Cliffjumper helped out around the farm, and grew quite close with Kita and Coll. The Decepticons eventually found him, however, and Cliffjumper was forced to resume his role as a warrior. He killed three 'Cons before they even knew he was there, but had to reveal himself when the lead Decepticon took Kita and Coll hostage. Despite Cliffjumper's willing surrender, the Decepticon still struck down Kita, and Cliffjumper rushed Coll and the dying Kita to temporary safety in the barn as the Decepticons' reinforcements arrived. With Kita dead and Coll secured...Cliffjumper no longer had any reason to hold back. He killed at least seven Decepticons before hijacking their ship. Before he left, Cliffjumper brought Coll to a new family and buried Kita, leaving flowers on her grave and banging her tombstone into place with the severed head of one of his enemies. {{storylink|Spotlight: Cliffjumper}}

After the [[Expansion]] battles, Cliffjumper came to Earth with several other Autobots as reinforcements for Optimus Prime and the crew of the ''Ark-19'' who had been stationed there. Acting on intelligence reports, they entered a deep canyon and were ambushed by the Decepticons. Cliffjumper was one of the bots to rally against the Decepticons and start turning the tide—until [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] turned up and slagged them all. The defeated Autobots were banished to Cybertron through a one-way space bridge after the battle. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 7}} The Autobots were trapped on their home planet afterwards, watching over the critically wounded Optimus Prime while desperately searching for some traces of energon to keep him and themselves alive. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 1}} They had little to occupy themselves with during downtime, and often resorted to telling old war stories to keep up the faith. {{storylink|Spotlight: Jazz}}

[[Image:AHM4CliffjumperConsole.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Ha-ppi-ness, ha-ppi-ness...]]

Cliffjumper proved just how desperate he was for a good rumble when he spent hours staring at a screen on the off chance of an emergency, then got excited over a signal that lasted 1/100th of a second! Taking a ticked off Ironhide along for the ride, he found the suspected threat... which turned out to be Hot Rod. Neither Cliffjumper or Ironhide realized this before the big guy decked Roddy. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 4}} Joining up with Hot Rod and the crew of the ''Trion'', Cliffjumper and the others began to trek towards the fallen ship and its energon supply. When fleeing from [[Insecticon swarm|the Swarm]], he helped hold them off while riding Hound, who was in his jeep mode. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 8}} The convoy eventually made it to the barracks where Kup and the ''Trion'' crew had been squatting. While Mirage talked of giving up, Cliffjumper just expressed his satisfaction at having weapons again. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 9}} Cliffjumper fought the raging Swarm when they got over the other bridge (that had not been bombed by the late Sunstreaker), and was close to losing until the ''very'' timely intervention of [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]]. He went with the other Autobots to Earth. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 10}} Then, on Earth, when the Autobots retreated from the Decepticon attack, he corrected a deluded [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] by saying that they weren't running away, that they were making room—making room for Omega, who promptly slagged Devastator. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 11}} He survived the great battle. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 12}}

[[Image:NewArrivalsOldEncounters_Cliffjumper.jpg|thumb|250px|]]

Two years later, the Autobots were left in disarray when Optimus Prime surrendered himself to [[Skywatch]], leaving them leaderless. When the Autobots decided to hold nominations for the new leader, Cliffjumper stated that he planned to nominate himself. Despite what was surely a vigorous campaign that lasted all of five minutes, Cliffjumper was one-upped by Bumblebee, who was surprisingly elected the new Autobot leader by a majority of the voters. {{storylink|New Arrivals, Old Encounters}} He was among the troops who lined up when [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] dropped by to investigate Prime's surrender, and had to remind Bumblebee that he was supposed be in charge. {{storylink|A Rude Awakening}} After Bumblebee organized an alliance with [[Gordon Horiuchi]], a rogue Skywatch officer, Cliffjumper helped captured [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] for the humans. However, when Horiuchi revealed that their next target was [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]], he got ticked off and made it perfectly clear that they weren't capturing any of their fellow Autobots for Skywatch. In response, Horiuchi used the Skywatch badge given to Cliffjumper to temporarily trap him in vehicle mode until he calmed down. {{storylink|The Hanging Sword}}

The Autobots were none too pleased with Skywatch's ability to incapacitate any of them at any given time, and thought up a plan to deactivate the badges once Bumblebee's malfunctioned. Cliffjumper almost ruined it, however, when he cheered for Bumblebee's rousing "We Shall Overcome" speech even though they were being monitored. {{storylink|The Impossible Knot}} He had learned his lesson a while later, and used internal text messages to speak to his comrades instead. {{storylink|The Gift Horse}} As the Autobots continued to covertly monitor Bumblebee's progress, however, Cliffjumper could no longer restrain himself and yelled out a warning when Bumblebee bravely but foolishly threw himself into battle with the elite Decepticon, [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]]. {{storylink|Wings of Wax}}

After the Horiuchi incident concluded and the badges were destroyed, Cliffjumper was present when Ultra Magnus returned, looking for deputies to bring in Hot Rod for colluding with the Decepticons. {{storylink|Enemies of the System}} Cliffjumper fought alongside Bumblebee and Hot Rod's teams against the new Decepticon gestalt, [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]]. {{storylink|Earthworks}}

After Bumblebee made arrangements to ally the Autobots with Skywatch full time under [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]]'s authority, the Autobots moved into the humans' bunkers. In an attempt to smooth relations and promote cultural exchange, [[Campologno]] introduced Cliffjumper and the other Autobots to his DVD collection. {{storylink|International Incident Part 2: "Ranks of Bronze"}} CJ was undergoing some repairs with Ratchet in the med-bay when Spike alerted them to the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticon]] presence along the demilitarized zone in Korea. {{storylink|International Incident Part 1: "The Land Ironclads"}}

Cliffjumper was one of the Autobots deployed to South Korea as part of Skywatch's clandestine operation to counter-attack the Combaticons without contradicting the [[President of the United States]]' decree that Cybertronians were considered to be weapons of mass destruction. As the Autobots were unpacked from shipping containers, Cliffjumper overheard Spike's sarcastic remark about Optimus Prime being Patton, and wondered aloud if he was referring to [[Patton Oswalt]], eliciting a laugh from Campologno. During the subsequent battle against the Combaticons, Cliffjumper assisted Smokescreen in trying to prevent [[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]] from getting airborne, but was slashed by the Decepticon's rotor blade for his trouble. In the aftermath, while he waited for repairs, he wondered why Bumblebee wasn't out on the field with the Autobots he was supposed to be in command of. {{storylink|International Incident Part 2: "Ranks of Bronze"}} Cliffjumper then participated in the second assault on the Combaticons, though he and the others unexpectedly ended up fighting the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]] as well. They were ultimately victorious (or rather, the Predacons fled after the humans attempted to nuke all combatants). {{storylink|International Incident Part 4: "All My Sins Remembered"}}
{{-}}

===''Henkei! Henkei!'' pack-in comic===
One day, the Minibot Attack Team (Cliffjumper, [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] and [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]]) and the Minibot Spy Team ([[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]], [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] and [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]]) found an offline [[Hot Rod (Henkei!)|Hot Rod]] buried underground. Cliffjumper suggested they report their discovery back to base, but before they had a chance to, Cosmos found [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] also laying unconscious in the area. Assuming his [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] insignia to be a Decepticon one, the Minibots fought him until Hot Rod awoke and convinced the dinosaur to join the Autobots. {{storylink|Henkei! Henkei! volume 11}}

{{-}}
==Games==
===The Transformers: Battle to Save the Earth===
[[Image:C64Cliffjumper.jpg|thumb|250px|:\]]

Along with his fellow Autobots, Cliffjumper protected Earth from the menace of the Decepticons. He was ostensibly under the command of [[Rodimus Prime (G1)|Rodimus Prime]]. {{storylink|The Transformers: Battle to Save the Earth}}

{{-}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[Image:G1 Cliffjumper toy.jpg|right|180px|thumb|This is the only toy that isn't a Bumblebee redeco.]]
[[Image:Yellow_G1_Cliffjumper.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Or is it?]]
*'''Cliffjumper''' (Mini-Vehicle, 1984)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''13'''

: Cliffjumper was part of the initial series of 1984 Autobots. His mold was originally used to make a ''[[Micro Change|Microchange]]'' "MC-04 #01 [[Wikipedia:Porsche 924|Porsche 924 Turbo]]", a cutesified, "[[Choro-Q|Penny Racer]]"-style representation of the real car. In the original Japanese release, this figure was available in red, yellow, and blue. For the first series ''Transformers'' release, there were common instances of the yellow version of Cliffjumper and the red version of Bumblebee being sold at US retail. This led to some confusion about the two characters, especially if the toys were found without their packaging.

: Like the other first series [[Mini Vehicle|Minibots]], Cliffjumper was released in many different color schemes by the companies who licensed ''Transformers'' for South American countries.<ref>[http://www.tf-1.com/articles/mini_frame.php?art=goldcliff Brazilian Gold Carrera (Cliffjumper) at TF-1.com]</ref><ref>[http://www.tf-1.com/articles/mini_frame.php?art=bluecliff Brazilian Blue Carrera (Cliffjumper) at TF-1.com]</ref>

:This mold was also used to make [[Carrera (G1)|Carrera]], and was [[retool]]ed to make [[Hubcap (G1)|Hubcap]].

: A yellow version of the [[Microchange]] "MC-04 Mini CAR Robo 02 Familia 1500XG" mold was also available packaged on Cliffjumper cards. This toy was not regarded as a valid variant of Cliffjumper, but rather a separate character among fans, despite being packaged on Cliffjumper cards. See [[Bumper (G1)|Bumper]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1984/Autobot/Cliffjumper/cliffjumper.htm More information on Cliffjumper at TFU.info]''

*'''Cliffjumper''' (McDonald's Happy Meal toy, 1984)

:One of the four toys given out during a 1984 [[List of Transformers restaurant promotions|McDonald's Happy Meal promotion]], Cliffjumper came in four different colors: red, yellow, blue and green. The toy was a statue in robot mode, only given out for a short time in St. Louis as a test run.

*'''Cliffjumper''' (Listen 'n Fun, 1985)

: A yellow version of Cliffjumper was packaged with an audio cassette featuring the story "[[Sun Raid]]" as part of Hasbro's multi-brand [[Listen 'n Fun]] subline. As the other known Listen 'n Fun releases—including [[Tripwire]] for ''[[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]]'' and "Ember" for ''[[My Little Pony]]''—had ''intentional'' deco changes from their original releases, it is likely that Cliffjumper becoming yellow was intentional as well.
{{-}}

*'''Carrera''' (Robocar, 1985)

:Released in Brazil by [[Estrela]] in 1985, [[Robocar]] Carrera was available in two color schemes: red and black (Cliffjumper's original colors) and gold and black. Whether or not Robocar Carrera is the same character as the [[Optimus (faction)|Optimus]] [[Carrera (G1)|Carrera]] is unknown.
{{-}}

[[Image:AntexCarerra.jpg|thumb|300px|]]

*'''Carrera''' (Robocar, 19??)
:Released in Argentina by [[Antex]] in 19??, Robocar Carrera was available in two color schemes: white and black and green and black.

:While Carrera's cardback depicted a gold version, it is suspected that this was merely photography of an Estrela toy, and that the gold version was never sold in Argentina.
{{-}}

*'''Cliffjumper''' (Keychain Mini-Vehicle, 2001/2003/2007)

: Released in the US by [[Fun4All]] at the same time as a "keychain" Bumblebee, this was a slight retooling of the first Cliffjumper toy which added a loop to the back bumper for a keychain attachment. In 2003, Takara released all four of the keychain Minibots (Cliffjumper, Bumblebee, [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]], and [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]]) for the Japanese market in both their original decos and in [[exclusive]] all-black coloration. Early in 2007, [[Hasbro]] re-released the "keychain" Mini-Vehicles for the US under the "[[Heroes of Cybertron]]" sub-line, which popped up in stores like Wal-Mart as well as smaller chains like the original releases.

: This mold was [[redeco]]ed into [[Tap-Out (G1)|Tap-Out]].

===Alternators===
*'''Cliffjumper'''
[[Image:AlternatorsCliffjumperDesign.jpg|thumb|200px|]]
: One of the earliest proposals in the ''[[Alternators|Alternators/Binaltech]]'' line was for Bumblebee as a Volkswagen New Beetle, with Cliffjumper as the redeco. Unfortunately, VW evidently did not want to be associated with "war toys", and therefore the design never made it past the control drawing stage. Control drawings for both Bumblebee and Cliffjumper have been published in the Japanese ''[[The Transformers: Binaltech & TF Collection Complete Guide]]'' book.

{{-}}
{{canceledtoy}}

===Titaniums===
[[Image:Titanium_bumblebee.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Floating-head Cliffjumper]]
*''' ''War Within'' Bumblebee''' (Cybertron Hero, unreleased)
**''Accessories:'' Unknown, likely display stand

:Prior to the line's cancellation, a 6-inch resin copy depicting a transformable Bumblebee was seen at [[BotCon 2006]]. His alternate mode was the saucer-like car seen the Dreamwave's ''[[The War Within]]'' (which was itself based on the first cartoon appearance of Bumblebee). An alternate head of Cliffjumper was seen as well, indicating a retool. Unfortunately these never made it into production.
 
{{canceledtoy}}
{{-}}

===Classics===
*'''Cliffjumper''' (Deluxe, 2006/2007)
**''Accessories'': "Wave Crusher" trailer
[[Image:Classics Cliffjumper toy.jpg|right|250px|thumb|[[:Image:Bumblebeeheads.jpg|What goes around...]]]]
:''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'' Cliffjumper is a red, silver, gray and black [[redeco]] of the ''Classics'' Bumblebee toy, transforming into a small sports coupe of made-up model and towing a small trailer with a non-removable jet-ski. This "[[Wave Crusher]]" trailer/jet-ski transforms into a flight-pack that clips onto Cliffjumper's back.

: This mold was also used to make Classics [[Bug Bite (G1)|Bug Bite]] included in the [[BotCon]] exclusive "[[Games of Deception]]" figure set.

{{-}}
===Henkei! Henkei!===
*'''Minibot Attack Team''' (Multi-pack, 2009)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-18'''

:''[[Henkei! Henkei! (toyline)|Henkei! Henkei!]]'' Cliffjumper is a redeco of ''[[Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'' (2008) Legends class [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys|Bumblebee]], transforming into a modern hatchback. He comes in a set with [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] and the inappropriately-included [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]].
{{-}}

===Alternity===
[[Image:Alternity Cliffjumper toy.jpg|thumb|right|250px]]
*'''Cliff''' (2009)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''A-03'''
**''Accessories:'' 2 "wave-functional pointer guns"
:Avoiding the straight redeco theme for once, ''[[Alternity (toyline)|Alternity]]'' Cliffjumper is a [[retool]] of Bumblebee with a new head, transforming into a 1:32 scale Suzuki Swift, featuring die-cast metal parts and rubber tires, as well as an opening hood, trunk and doors. In robot mode, the figure can hold twin pistols that are normally stored in the legs, and features light-piped eyes.
{{-}}

===United===
*'''Cliffjumper Cybertron Mode''' (Deluxe, 2010)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''UN03'''
**''Accessories'': Pistol

: Part of the first wave of ''[[United (toyline)|United]]'' product, Cliffjumper is a [[redeco]] of the [[Cliffjumper (Prime)#Toys|''War for Cybertron'' Cliffjumper toy]], transforming into a round "Cybertronian courier mode." He comes with a handgun and features two wrist-mounted flip-out blades (pink on this version as opposed to the original's yellow). The handgun can be stored inside his rear bumper in either robot or vehicle mode.

: This mold was [[retool]]ed from [[Bumblebee (Prime)#Toys|''War for Cybertron'' Bumblebee]], which was redecoed to be [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#United|''United'' Bumblebee Cybertron Mode]].

{{comingsoontoy}}

==Merchandise==
===Decoy===
*'''Cliffjumper Decoy''' (1987)

: A tiny, unpainted, red rubber figurine of Cliffjumper was packed randomly among the other 51 Decoys in the packages of 1987 Transformers toys. It is notable for being the first Cliffjumper figure to be based on his character model.

{{-}}
===Titanium===
[[Image:Titanium-toy RMCliffjumper.JPG|right|150px|thumb|]]
*'''Cliffjumper''' (Robot Master, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' Gun, display stand

:''[[Titanium Series]]'' Cliffjumper was to be a redeco of "Robot Masters" Bumblebee, a 3-inch mostly-die-cast-metal statue. He would have had joints at the waist, neck and shoulders, plus a removable pistol and an Autobot-sigil display stand. Due to the cancelation of the ''Titanium'' line, this product never saw release.

{{-}}
{{canceledtoy}}

===Robot Heroes===
[[Image:Robot Hero Cliffjumper.jpg|right|120px|thumb|Cutest bloodthirsty traitor-tracker EVER.]]
*'''Decepticon Sneak Attack''' (Figure Multi-pack, 2007)

:Cliffjumper is a red, gray and black redeco of the ''Robot Heroes'' Bumblebee toy. He was only available in the Wal-Mart [[exclusive]] "Decepticon Sneak Attack" five-pack along with "[[Supermetal]]" versions of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], a clear-plastic [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]], and [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]].

{{-}}
===Mini-Bust===
[[Image:Cliffjumper statue.jpg|right|150px|thumb|War...It's FAN-tastic!]]
* '''Cliffjumper Mini Bust''' (Diamond Select, 2008)

:Released by [[Diamond Select Toys]] in 2008, Cliffjumper was sculpted by Mark Wong of Art Asylum and limited to 1,000 pieces. The sculpt features Cliffjumper holding the gun he was seen using in "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]". However, this version omits the stabilizing struts that were present in the episode. This bust is also notable for being the first new mold G1 Cliffjumper has received since his Decoy in 1987, a period of over twenty years!

{{-}}
==Notes==
*Cliffjumper's pre-production name '''Blow-Out''' was mentioned in a Marvel Age article announcing the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel comic series]] in 1984<ref name="marvelage">[http://www.electric-escape.net/node/590 Article from Marvel Age #17.]</ref>, and also appeared at one point in ''[[The Great Car Rally]]''. The second instance is particularly peculiar considering he's referred to as Cliffjumper throughout the rest of the book.
*Cliffjumper is yellow like his toy variant in his only appearance in the [[Ladybird Books]]. {{storylink|Laserbeak's Fury}}
*[[Sideswipe (SG)|Sideswipe]] once referred to Cliffjumper as '''CJ'''. {{storylink|Shattered Glass (issue)|Shattered Glass}}
*Though often a straight redeco of Bumblebee in non-Japanese countries, there has yet to be a Cliffjumper produced by TakaraTomy that is a straight redeco of the same line's Bumblebee.

==References==
{{reflist}}

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

[[Category:Alternity Autobots]]
[[Category:Classics Autobots]]
[[Category:Dimension hoppers]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Henkei! Henkei! Autobots]]
[[Category:Mini Vehicles]]
[[Category:Robot Heroes]]
[[Category:Shattered Glass Decepticons]]
[[Category:Titanium Series]]
[[Category:United Autobots]]

Bluestreak (G1)

2010-12-25T20:29:15Z

190.20.173.129: /* The Transformers cartoon */

{{factions|autobot}}
{{disambig2|the Generation 1 Autobot|the live-action movie series Autobot|Bluestreak (Speed Stars)}}
:''Bluestreak is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]]. He is also known as '''Silverstreak'''.''

[[Image:G1 Bluestreak boxart.jpg|right|300px|thumb|I'm f***ing PONDEROUS, man. PONDEROUS, f***in' PONDEROUS.]]
'''Bluestreak''' is a talker. He talks a lot. Any subject, any time of the day, his lips are flapping while his Autobot comrades are rolling their eyes. Could be about things on Earth, could be about things on Cybertron, could be about just about anything, but the point is, y'know, he's talking. Words are coming out of his mouth in a near constant prattling stream. Some think he's vapid, that his mouth just moves a billion times faster than his brain, if his brain is moving at all. Or they imagine that he's a fool who doesn't know when to shut up, that he drones on and on and on and on because maybe he just likes to hear himself speak or something.

His friends realize, however, that his jabbering hides a deeper pain. At the beginning of the [[Great War (G1)|war]], Bluestreak's [[Praxus|home city]] was totally destroyed by [[Decepticon]]s. He was the only survivor. It's as if by talking he tries to drown out his own fears and memories somehow. "There's some demons runnin' loose inside that boy," says [[Hound (G1)|Hound]], "and sometimes I think they grab hold of him and won't let him go." He hated war, he still does, but ever since, he's hated Decepticons even more. It is odd to see a bot of peace so willingly take up arms, but Bluestreak's got a score to settle.

Talk may be cheap, but it keeps him sane.

:''Japanese name'': '''Streak'''
:''French-Canadian name'': '''Jaseur''' ("Chatty")
:''Hungarian name:'' '''Kékvillám''' ("Blue Lightning")
:''Italian name:'' '''Ariete''' ("Ram")
:''Portuguese name (Brazil comic):'' '''Raio''' ("Ray")
:''Portuguese name (Portugal comic):'' '''Raio Azul''' ("Blue Ray")
:''Russian name:'' '''Molniyevik''' (''Молниевик'', "Lightning-Maker")

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
{{noteukonly}}
[[Image:Bluestreakandthereshallcome.jpg|left|150px|thumb|"The War Within" forgot about this design... thankfully!]]
''Millions of years ago on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], Bluestreak was escorted by [[Fusion (Autobot)|Fusion]] on a mission to deliver shatter bombs to the Autobot military commander [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]]. Fusion was focused on picking off the Decepticon jets which were hounding his partner when a blast from one of these Decepticons killed Fusion. Bluestreak was able to complete the mission thanks to his friend's efforts, but he swore revenge. {{storylink|And There Shall Come...a Leader!}}''

[[Image:Miragebluestreakfirst.jpg|right|250px|thumb|You can taste his sarcasm. To be fair, nobody likes Mirage.]]
Bluestreak arrived on [[Earth]] with his fellow Autobots four million years ago and remained inactive until 1984. Along with [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] and [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]], Bluestreak was one of the less sympathetic of the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'s crew when it came to humans. {{storylink|The Transformers (issue)|The Transformers}} In an early mission in the [[United Kingdom]], he provided covering fire for an Autobot convoy, using his sharpshooting skills to knock [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] out of the sky with '''one shot'''. Don't mess. {{storylink|Man of Iron (story)| Man of Iron}}

He suggested repairing the Ark and simply abandoning Earth's people to the Decepticons after learning that [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] had allegedly provided their foes with a fuel conversion process while he was their prisoner. Despite their conflicting views, Optimus Prime still recognized Bluestreak's skill as a sharpshooter and chose him to be one of the five Autobots recharged in the [[Chambers of Transference]], in the hopes that at least some Autobots would be at full capacity when the inevitable Decepticon attack came. When it did, Bluestreak was brazen enough to attack [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] himself, head-on. Despite their temporary victory, the battle-weary Autobots were blindsided by the returning Decepticon [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]], who knocked them all down with a single blast. {{storylink|The Last Stand}}

Bluestreak was next seen being hung from the ceiling of the Ark, prepared by Shockwave to be used as spare parts for the next generation of Decepticons. {{storylink|The New Order}} [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]], the only surviving Autobot, managed to re-secure the Ark, and Bluestreak was subsequently rebuilt. {{storylink|DIS-Integrated Circuits!}}

[[Image:Bumblebeebluestreakbrainstorm.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Will talk without end for forever about nothing at all, yet doesn't mention that Prowl is speaking from Ratchet's body.]] Ratchet was able to rebuild Bluestreak and the others after he retook the Ark, with help from the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]]. {{storylink|DIS-Integrated Circuits!}} During a mission to stop [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] from broadcasting a transmission to their Decepticon brethren back on Cybertron, Bluestreak was one of the first Autobots to confront the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]. This effort almost ended badly when the Constructicons revealed they could merge into the mighty [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]], but Bluestreak and the others were saved by Huffer and the human trucker [[Bomber Bill]]. {{storylink|The Next Best Thing to Being There!}} It soon became apparent to the Autobots that [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]]'s life was in danger so long as he carried the [[Matrix of Leadership|Creation Matrix]] while the Decepticons kept hostage the head of Optimus Prime, so Bluestreak and [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] were assigned to guard him. Bluestreak's embarrassing line of questioning about what [[Kiss|kissing]] entailed was interrupted when he and Bumblebee were assaulted by the Decepticon prototype warrior [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]]. After he suffered heavy wounds, his life was saved once again by a human; Buster Witwicky used the power of the Creation Matrix to disassemble Jetfire before their eyes. {{storylink|Brainstorm!}}

[[Image:Newyorkunderbase.jpg|right|150px|thumb|And the rest... is silence.]]
While Bluestreak and Bumblebee were helping Buster, Optimus Prime had been restored, but not without cost to the Autobot ranks. To help offset this, Bluestreak and [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] assisted with the [[Rite of the Autobrand]] on Jetfire, whom Optimus Prime had recently given life. {{storylink|Rock and Roll-Out!}}

''During the Dinobot Hunt, Bluestreak was sent with [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] and [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] to [[Doonstown]] to capture the berserk [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]], but they were surprised to find Grimlock locked in battle with [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]]. Bluestreak was the first member of the team down, deactivated by the crazed Dinobots before he had a chance to react. {{storylink|Dinobot Hunt!}}''

During Grimlock's command, Bluestreak watched Grimlock fight [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] on Earth's [[Moon (moon)|moon]] for Autobot leadership. Bluestreak left the Ark to cheer beside the other Autobots. {{storylink|Totaled!}} He battled the [[Underbase]]-empowered [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] in [[New York City]], but not before some choice words. Starscream noted that Bluestreak spoke "freely, but foolishly," and ended his life, and others', with little effort. {{storylink|Dark Star (issue)|Dark Star}}
{{-}}

===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
:''Voice Actor:'' [[Casey Kasem]] (English), [[Kōki Kataoka]] (Japanese) [[Katsumi Suzuki]] ("Attack of the Autobots" and "Day of the Machines" only), Carlos Nieto (Latin American)

[[Image:MTMTE3 Bluestreak rescues Ironhide.jpg|thumb|right|240px]]
Bluestreak was one of the original crew members of the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] when it set off from Cybertron in search of new sources of fuel and energy. Attacked en route by the Decepticon flagship ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]'', the Ark crashed into a volcano, and the Autobots lay dormant for millions of years. When the volcano erupted and activated [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] in 1984, Bluestreak was reformatted into a Datsun 280Z. Shortly after Hound and [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] discovered Megatron's plans, Bluestreak was part of the Autobot battle group dispatched to follow Megatron's raid on an off-shore oil rig, despite not having been ordered to do so. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 1}}

After rescuing the humans, he was also among the Autobots who responded to the Decepticon attack on [[Sherman Dam]] and the [[Ruby Crystal Mines of Burma]]. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 2}}. Then, when the Decepticons managed to extricate themselves from the mine explosion, Bluestreak and [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] took to the air and engaged in a dogfight with [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]]. He avoided injury, but abandoned the chase when Ironhide was shot down and managed to drag his friend to safety after a water landing. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 3}}

[[Image:G1 Prowl Bluestreak Rollforit.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Prowl always dreads the family reunions.]]
After Megatron was seemingly lost forever inside the [[space bridge]], the Autobots thwarted an ill-planned Decepticon attack on yet another hydroelectric power plant under the command of [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]]. Chasing after the escaping Decepticons, Bluestreak managed to damage both Starscream and Thundercracker significantly with a single blast from his shoulder cannons. He and [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] followed the fleeing villains to a human aircraft hangar, from which the Decepticons were scavenging parts. Bluestreak accused Starscream of having a [[manifold]] for a mouth. It was hilarious, but both Autobots were outnumbered when Soundwave unleashed Ravage. Fortunately, their human friend [[Chip Chase]] took control of Prowl's systems and sent the Decepticons packing. {{storylink|Roll for It}}

Bluestreak accompanied Ironhide, [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], and [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] to Cybertron to get a [[cosmitron]] for the dying [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]]. He was attacked by the [[Rainmaker]]s' [[acid rain]] just outside of [[Wheeljack's workshop]] and was nearly deactivated. Once given a pep talk by [[Chip Chase]], he shot down the Rainmakers, enabling the Autobots to get the cosmitron. {{storylink|Divide and Conquer}} Bluestreak was present during the unveiling of the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] and responded in awe. Later on, he was with the Autobots during the Decepticon ambush at the [[Great Falls]]. He shot at [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]], but was unable to hit him. Defeated, the Autobots were all tied up by the Decepticons. [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] used Bluestreak's bolt gun to give the Autobots an instant recharge {{storylink|S.O.S. Dinobots}} Bluestreak was in the Autobot group who flew with [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] to [[Peru]]. He fried Laserbeak during one of the skirmishes, and used his lights so Skyfire could see Wheeljack. {{storylink|Fire on the Mountain}} When the New Dinobots were created, Bluestreak was one of the Autobots selected for a mock battle against [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] and [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]]. He was defeated along with the rest of the group and jokingly commented on the battle saying they would have won if it was real... Maybe. {{storylink|War of the Dinobots}}

[[Image:UltimateDoom2 Bluestreak and Windcharger.jpg|thumb|right|260px]]
Bluestreak's skill as a gunner was frequently employed in combat. On one occasion, [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] was trying to fly off with [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]], and Bluestreak was able to target and shoot one of the tin turkey's legs without hitting Spike to free him. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 2}} When the Autobots surfed towards the Decepticons, he was the first to notice the tidal wave about to engulf the group. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 3}} He was present with the rest of Autobots during the staged battle between Optimus Prime and [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]. {{storylink|Heavy Metal War}}

Some of Bluestreak's spare parts were used on Sparkplug's [[Autobot X]], including one of the door-wings. Later Bluestreak was one of the Autobots that went to go help Autobot Spike during his confusion. {{storylink|Autobot Spike}} Bluestreak was one of the Autobots that reacted to a Decepticon attack at a mining colony and also present at the Ark when Megatron's solar needle caused an avalanche. He had to run away from a boulder to avoid being crushed by it. {{storylink|Changing Gears}} Bluestreak accompanied Optimus Prime to [[New York City]] to stop Megatron from converting the city into his base. He was the first to notice Prime's missing arm on top of the [[Empire State Building]] and later blasted a subway car piloted by Frenzy. {{storylink|City of Steel}}

[[Image:Bluestreakg1.jpg|left|240px|thumb|You get the feeling Blurr trained under this guy at some point.]]
Bluestreak was a victim of Megatron's [[personality destabilizer device]] that was placed in the Autobots' recharging chambers. Once under Decepticon control, Bluestreak attacked Bumblebee and tried to make him recharge, but was disabled by [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]]. After regaining consciousness, he was the first to be brought back using Sparkplug's new invention, the [[attitude exchanger]]. Afterward, he accompanied Jazz and Sparkplug to return the other Autobots to normal. When they needed to get Skyfire's attention, Bluestreak fired at him with the results they wanted. {{storylink|Attack of the Autobots}}

Bluestreak was present in the Ark when Cliffjumper first accused Mirage of being a traitor and also present later when Mirage was being repaired and Cliffjumper was accusing him again. {{storylink|Traitor}} Bluestreak was the second Autobot to be hit by the Immobilizer when the Autobots went to retrieve it. {{storylink|The Immobilizer}}

[[Image:Immobilizer Bluestreak immobilized.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]
Bluestreak participated in the Autobot race for charity. He was hit by the [[Transfixatron]], rendering him unable to transform. Then [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] and [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] disabled him. He was later one of the first to be restored by the [[anti-transfixation grenade]]. {{storylink|The Autobot Run}} Bluestreak assisted with the Autobot attempt to recapture the irreplaceable robot ninja [[Nightbird (G1)|Nightbird]] for the famous scientist [[Doctor Fujiyama the Famous Scientist|Doctor Fujiyama]] after the Decepticons turned her against humanity. Optimus Prime was insistent the Autobots not shoot or harm Nightbird, but Bluestreak saved Prime anyway from the attacking ninja by cleanly shooting Nightbird's laser sword out of her hands. {{storylink|Enter the Nightbird}}

Bluestreak was around when the Autobots were confused about who was the real Optimus Prime when Megatron's clone infiltrated the Autobot base. {{storylink|A Prime Problem}} He was part of the attack against the Decepticons to try to get [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] on the Autobot side. He succeeded in knocking all three seeker jets out of the sky with a missile barrage, but was later kicked down by Devastator. {{storylink|The Core}} Bluestreak suddenly appeared in the group of Autobots that attacked the Decepticons in South America. {{storylink|Microbots}} Bluestreak was present when Optimus Prime thanked Spike, Carly, and the Dinobots for what they did for the Autobots. {{storylink|Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 2}}

Bluestreak was in the group of Autobots that responded to the distress call from the [[Haley Observatory]]. They were late and Megatron got away with the [[Voltronic Galaxer]]. {{storylink|Blaster Blues}} Bluestreak was part of the second Autobot group that tried to attack the electrum-covered Decepticons, but was defeated. He was later present in the battle at the golden lagoon, which ended in victory for the Autobots {{storylink|The Golden Lagoon}} When [[Kremzeek]] attacked Bluestreak was one of the many Autobots deactivated before [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] was able to coat a few with insulating foam. {{storylink|Kremzeek!}}

Bluestreak entered [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]]'s zone defense around the football stadium, but was severely damaged and built into a throne by [[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]]. {{storylink|Triple Takeover}} When the Decepticons took control of the [[Key to Vector Sigma]], Bluestreak left the base when the Autobots left to attack them. {{storylink|The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 2}}

[[Image:TransEuropeExpress riding Wildrider.jpg|thumb|left|240px]]
Along with several fellow Autobots, Bluestreak participated in the [[Europa 2000]], an international charity race stretching from Paris to Istanbul. When the arrogant racing driver [[Auggie Cahnay (G1)|Auggie Cahnay]] cut across [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], an indignant Bluestreak helped his understandably angry friend catch up to the American and attempt to teach him some manners. Later, after running afoul of the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]], Bluestreak learned of [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s plan for the [[Pearl of Bahoudin]] from [[Professor Teranova]] and deduced that the missing Autobots must have been disabled by the Stunticons. After Cahnay's car was stolen by the Decepticons to use as raw materials for a weather control machine, Bluestreak allowed the hotshot driver to race him to victory at the finish line. Together, Bluestreak, [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] and Bumblebee headed out to confront the Decepticons, but when the Pearl was lost in a tornado, Megatron unleashed [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] onto the Autobots. Ironically, it was Cahnay who defeated Menasor by sacrificing his car, much to the Bluestreak's surprise. {{storylink|Trans-Europe Express}} Bluestreak was at the Autobot base after the Stunticons were captured by the other Autobots. {{storylink|Masquerade}}

In the year 2005, Bluestreak helped [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] move a roadblock on [[Lookout Mountain]], just before [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] and [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel Witwicky]] crashed through it. His subsequent fate is unknown, as he and Huffer were never seen making it back to [[Autobot City]]. {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie}} Seeing as Huffer was confirmed dead later on, it is possible Bluestreak died too. {{storylink|Dark Awakening}}

{{note|The noticeable lack of shoulder cannons means the [[Character model|animation model]] used for Bluestreak's brief appearance in ''The Transformers: The Movie'' was actually Prowl's.}}

====''Story of Binaltech''====
[[Image:BinaltechStreakBoxArt.jpg|thumb|250px|Doors of silver, nerves of steel.]]
Suffering from the [[Cosmic Rust (disease)|Cosmic Rust]] virus, Bluestreak was one of the first Autobots reconstructed using [[Binaltech]] technology. Alongside [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]], [[Hound (G1)|Hound]], [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]], and [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]], he helped [[Earth Defense Command]] drive the Decepticons off of Earth. Bluestreak continued serving on Earth at Autobot City, under [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]]'s overall command. {{storylink|Binaltech Is...}}

As the conflict raged on, thanks to the time- and space-warping actions of both [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] and a mysterious entity known as [[Optimus Primal|The Protector]], the events of the Binaltech conflict were branched off to become their own, distinct parallel universe (the "BT World") separate from the "mainstream" timeline {{storylink|Binal Time}}

{{Note|At this point, the original timeline was retroactively restored and the events of the ''Story of Binaltech'' diverged into a parallel universe. Exactly how many (if any) of the events related in this section, even prior to the divergence, occurred in the original unaltered timeline are unknown.}}

When the spark of Prowl from the "BT World" was lost in interdimensional [[subspace]], it re-emerged in the mainstream timeline, and was discovered by Bluestreak and the other Autobots. Soon after, a strange energy surge came across the dimensions from the "BT World" and made contact with Prowl's spark, driving into a dangerously unstable state. To save the life of this Prowl he had never even known, Bluestreak tracked the energy back across the dimensions and traveled to the "BT World", meeting up with the local versions of [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] and "[[Prowl II]]" (a duplicate Prowl housing the consciousness of [[Chip Chase]]). The pair brought him back to the Autobots' headquarters, where he explained the situation to [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]]. {{storylink|Binaltech|Unfinished Business, Part 1}}

Jazz used the data Bluestreak had brought with him to pinpoint the source of the energy surge. During the subsequent raid, Bluestreak and the Autobots discovered that the surge was the work of [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] and the [[Concurrence]], who were using a subspace node to drain energy from Prowl's spark, which they then used to power a giant robot made of synthetic [[electrum]]. Once Jazz had taken out the node, Bluestreak took down the robot with some well-placed shots. They were then contacted by [[Overdrive]] from Bluestreak's dimension, who reported that Prowl's spark had stabilized, but that it would be too dangerous to send it back through subspace unshielded. Instead, Chip's consciousness was removed from the "Prowl II" body and returned to his human frame, and the Binaltech shell was then taken back across the dimensions by Bluestreak so Prowl's spark could be implanted in it. {{storylink|Binaltech|Unfinished Business, Part 2}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
{{notekeepers}}
When the Autobot/Decepticon war first erupted over 8.7 million years ago, Bluestreak's home city-state of [[Praxus]] was utterly destroyed. ''The entire population of Praxus was killed, with Bluestreak being the sole exception. This was a deliberate action on Megatron's part, as he wanted a sole survivor to bear witness to his power, and spread his message of terror. {{storylink|Hardwired}}'' Originally a merchant, Bluestreak then joined the Autobot army. 500,000 years later, he related [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]]'s death to [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optronix]], {{storylink|The War Within issue 1}} and later served in the last-ditch attempt to defend [[Iacon (city-state)|Iacon]] from [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]'s forces. {{storylink|The War Within}}

7.4 million years ago, Bluestreak remained with the Autobot faction after the apparent death of Optimus Prime. He and [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] remained at [[Autobase (G1)|Autobase]] while [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] led a task force against [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]]. While there, they met [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] and apprised him of the current situation on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. {{storylink|War Within: The Dark Ages}} 1.4 million years later, Bluestreak and an Autobot/Decepticon/[[Ultracon]] force helped defend a peace ceremony at [[Tyger Pax]] from the [[Predacon (War Within)|Predacons]]. They were successful against the Predacons, but soon fell before the return of Megatron, and his [[Aerospace Extermination Squadron]], ushering in the Age of Internment. {{storylink|War Within: The Age of Wrath}}

Bluestreak was among the crew of the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' when it crashed on [[Earth]] 4 million years ago, and awoke in 1984 to battle the Decepticons. After years of fighting, Bluestreak and the other Autobots took part in [[Operation Liberation]] in 1998, a joint human/Autobot operation that defeated and captured the Earth-bound Decepticons. However, the ''[[Ark II]]'', which was meant to convey the Autobots, the captured Decepticons, and a number of humans back to Cybertron, was sabotaged by General [[Robert Hallo]], sending Bluestreak and his comrades to the bottom of the [[Arctic Ocean]].

Bluestreak was later recovered by the sinister [[Lazarus]], and his deactivated form was used to power [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron's]] deadly metal virus weapon, after the Decepticons broke free of Lazarus's control. By the time he was rescued by Optimus Prime, Bluestreak's energy had been almost fatally depleted. {{storylink|Prime Directive}}

''Bluestreak recovered, however, and rejoined his newly active comrades. He was with Optimus Prime and [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] in Tokyo, Japan, trying to rebuild their rep with the humans when Megatron attacked. During the battle, a lattice of red and blue energy struck down from the heavens, scooping up the four Transformers and over 200 humans in the immediate area, blasting them back out into space. Their hosts were a group of enigmatic beings known as the [[Keeper (species)|Keepers]], who were transporting them through deep space to their base of operations, the [[Labyrinth]]. During their travels, Bluestreak was forced to experience a full-sensory recreation of Praxus, and its last hours before Megatron destroyed it. The Keepers also showed Bluestreak, for the first time, how Megatron used him as a messenger of doom. Horrified at the part he unwittingly played in the Decepticon war engine, Bluestreak swore to destroy Megatron.''

''In the Labyrinth, the Keepers forced the Transformers to participate in battledome combat, fighting alien opponents and each other, with their lives and the lives of the humans taken with them hanging in the balance. Bluestreak and Jazz were forced to fight each other to the death amidst a random assortment of humans, held in place around the battledome by the Keepers' power. Failure to continue the battle resulted in a "penalty", where the Keepers would callously murder the humans to keep the Autobots fighting, but the fighting itself was just as potentially dangerous for the civilians in the arena. The battle only ended when Bluestreak deliberately took a critical blast from Jazz's [[photon rifle]] in order to save one of the humans from certain death. The Keepers forced Jazz to finish the job, executing his friend at point blank range to avoid any additional deaths. Bluestreak died consoling Jazz that he had done the right thing.'''

''But he did not die for long. After the Keepers were revealed as vast techno-organic lifeforms, Optimus Prime was able to manipulate the [[Matrix]] to help bring him, Megatron, Jazz and the surviving humans back home. Unfortunately, the Keepers came too, having assembled a menagerie of host bodies for themselves in order to more directly interact with other beings. One of those host bodies was Bluestreak's animated corpse. {{storylink|Hardwired}}''

When Shockwave came to Earth and announced that the Autobot/Decepticon wars were over and that the two factions had been united, Bluestreak was more than skeptical, suggesting it was a trick. The memory of his destroyed home-city still haunted him, and he would not believe the same beings who killed innocents could change their ways. His views clashed those of with [[Gears (G1)|Gears]], who did not see the point in fighting wars that had been ended. {{storylink|New World Order}} Despite his objections, Bluestreak was among the Autobots who joined Optimus Prime in surrendering to Shockwave's lieutenant, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]]. {{storylink|Brothers' Burden}} Ferried back to Cybertron by [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]], Bluestreak and the others were imprisoned and scheduled for execution, but were freed by [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] and taken to an underground hideout. {{storylink|Cold War}} He fought in the battle to retake Iacon and witnessed Shockwave activating the [[Matrix of Leadership]]. Victorious, Bluestreak and his comrades began to rebuild their planet. {{storylink|Revelation (War and Peace)|Revelation}}

Shortly after Ultra Magnus recovered from injuries he suffered when the Autobots overthrew Shockwave, Bluestreak and the rest of the Ark's crew were approached by Prowl about returning to Earth. {{storylink|Original Sin}} Prowl wanted to establish a more permanent Autobot presence on Earth, due in part to some curious data he had come across while researching the clone entity known as [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]]. Bluestreak was by far the most talkative of the Autobots at the meeting, weighing in on both sides of the discussion as the debate over returning raged back and forth. Unfortunately for Bluestreak, no one was listening to a word he said. {{storylink|Atonement}} Prowl eventually convinced all of the Ark's crew to return with him and begin construction of [[Autobot City]] on Earth, and they departed from Cybertron shortly thereafter. {{storylink|Lost and Found (issue)|Lost and Found}}

===Devil's Due ''G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers'' comics===
[[Image:GIJoevsTF5_Autobots.jpg|thumb|right|200px|]]
Bluestreak was among the deactivated Transformers found, rebuilt and reprogrammed by [[Cobra]], who proceeded to use the alien robots for their plan to conquer the world. Along with Prowl, Bluestreak now transformed into a Cobra [[Firebat]] jet, but was eventually freed from the humans' control by [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack's]] tampering. Joining Prowl, [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] and [[Gears (G1)|Gears]], he confronted [[Cobra Commander]] and fought against his [[S.N.A.K.E.]] guards. Bluestreak was horrified when [[Storm Shadow]] killed Trailbreaker during the fight, but the shock quickly turned to anger, and he and his comrades attacked the human and ripped his mech apart. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 5|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #5}} Bluestreak was later seen fighting Decepticon [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]] in the sky when the [[SPS Satellite]] went out of control and started firing at [[Cobra Island]] randomly. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 6|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #6}}

{{-}}
===IDW ''Hearts of Steel'' comics===
Bluestreak was among the Autobot forces who fought the Decepticons on Earth in the distant past until an incoming ice age threatened to deactivate all the Transformers. Both sides went into hiding underground until the danger had passed, remaining in stasis until the mid-19th century. When they woke up, the war against the Decepticons started anew, though Bluestreak was not seen partaking in any of the action. {{storylink|Hearts of Steel issue 1}}

=== IDW comics continuity ===
Early in the Cybertronian civil war, Bluestreak was part of an extraction team led by [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] that retrieved a damaged Jazz and Tracks from their skirmishing with the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacon]]s. Bluestreak's sharpshooting skills took out [[Razorclaw (G1)|Razorclaw]] just in time to keep Jazz on-line. {{storylink|Spotlight: Jazz}}

Silverstreak would become the longest-standing patient of Autobot psycho-analyst [[Rung]], presumably due to his survivor's guilt over the destruction of [[Praxus]]. {{storylink|Bullets}}

Four million years ago, <strike>Bluestreak</strike> <strike>Silverstreak</strike> good ol' Streak was present at a victory celebration after the Autobots successfully prevented a supply of energon from reaching the enemy camp. He was too busy getting drunk on energon to really heed [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]]'s security concerns about a [[Axer|suspicious-looking Autobot]] at the party. {{storylink|The Iron Age}}

Roughly 500 years ago, Bluestreak was on Blaster's orbital array during the Decepticons' post-[[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]] advance, shortly before the planet was abandoned, and fought against their final big push. {{storylink|Spotlight: Blaster}}

Much later, Bluestreak was in command of the Autobot tactical response unit, seen briefly on the Autobots' orbital command hub. {{storylink|Stormbringer issue 1}} On [[Varas Centralus]], in the Kol system, Bluestreak's unit was joined by the [[Wrecker]]s during Phase Six. The Wreckers assaulted the Decepticon [[Infiltration protocol|siege mode armature]], but Bluestreak kept his own squad out of the fighting, citing the planet as a lost cause. [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] attempted to talk Bluestreak into attacking the Decepticons with the Wreckers, before Springer's crew were pulled from Varas Centralus to deal with the crisis created by the revival of [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]]. The final fate of Varas Centralus is unknown, but probably could be categorized as "not good". {{storylink|Stormbringer issue 2}}

Bluestreak later returned to [[Autobot Orbital Command Hub]] in order to greet [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] personally upon his revival. Because he had been present on the orbital array when Blaster was first attacked and went missing centuries ago, however, Bluestreak was one of the Autobots (along with [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]], [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] and Mirage) suspected of trying to assassinate Blaster. {{storylink|Spotlight: Blaster}}

[[Image:IdwBluestreakSilverstreak.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Oh, come on!]]

At some point, Bluestreak changed his name to "Silverstreak" and ended up on Earth. He was among the Autobots who grew sick of hiding on the planet and joined [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] when he defected. {{storylink|New Arrivals, Old Encounters}} Despite this, he was seen with the Autobots who stayed behind, cheering for [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] when he was chosen to lead them. {{storylink|The Hanging Sword}} Silverstreak helped with the construction of the space cruiser alongside Hot Rod and [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]]'s united faction. {{storylink|Seasons in Flight}}

{{note|Bluestreak's appearance in [[The Transformers: Bumblebee]] may simply be an error. Another possibility, though less likely, is that Bluestreak and Silverstreak are two different characters in IDW, much like Bumblebee and [[Goldbug (IDW)|Goldbug]] or [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] and [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]].}}

Like many Autobots, Silverstreak had some difficulties working with the Decepticons. He got suspicious when Swindle and the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]] spent so much time working to repair [[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]], the latest Decepticon they had rescued from [[Skywatch]]. Hot Rod told him to let the old mistrust between the factions go, but Silverstreak proved to have good instincts—Swindle had installed combiner technology in the Stunticons, creating the menace of [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] which he turned against their new Autobot "comrades". {{storylink|Enemies of the System}} After Menasor was defeated, Silverstreak chastized Rodimus for failing to predict someone named "Swindle" might be less than trustworthy. As Rodimus fled Earth in Ultra Magnus's shuttle, Silverstreak, [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] and the rest of the splinter faction apparently rejoined Bumblebee and the rest of the Autobots. {{storylink|Earthworks}}

After the Autobot factions reunited, they formed an alliance with Skywatch. When the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] were causing trouble in [[South Korea]], several Autobots were sent to fight them while Silverstreak was left behind in a Skywatch hangar, where he was forced to listen to [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] complain about not being picked. He decided to give his "unpleasant" comrade some constructive criticism, telling him that nobody likes angry and moping whiners. On the other hand, everybody loves optimists, like for example Silverstreak! Somehow, this didn't improve Brawn's mood any, so Silverstreak went back to drinking with [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]]. {{storylink|International Incident Part 3: "Hawk Among the Sparrows"}} When the Autobots in Korea were faced with the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]], Silverstreak was horrified that he couldn't help them, and asked [[Pennington]] what a "nightmare" was so that he could properly compare the situation to one. The battle was eventually won, though it led to the secret Autobot-Skywatch alliance getting revealed to the world. Silverstreak and Brawn stood by Bumblebee as he tried to calm the human crowds, but failed to protect him from a human assassin with an energy gun. {{storylink|International Incident Part 4: "All My Sins Remembered"}}

===''Henkei! Henkei!'' pack-in comic===
{{charstubfiction}}
{{storylink|Henkei! Henkei! volume 6|Henkei! Henkei! #6}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[Image:G1 bluestreak toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|I know I don't wear much blue, but if you know your history, it really does make perfect sense.]]
*'''Bluestreak''' (Autobot Car, 1984/1985)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''08'''
**''Accessories:'' Beam Rifle, left & right missile launchers, 3 missiles

: The original Bluestreak toy was based on the ''[[Diaclone]]'' "Fairlady Z" toy and transforms into an accurate replica of a [[wikipedia:Nissan_280ZX|Datsun Fairlady Z]]. The all-silver deco for the mold was unique to its ''Transformers'' release, not a carry-over from ''Diaclone'' <ref>[http://diaclone.net/orid/dia042/index.html Fairlady Z at diaclone.net] (Japanese)</ref> though it was heavily based on the second version of his ''Diaclone toy''. Reused photography and artwork of Bluestreak's Diaclone incarnation led to considerable confusion in that it retained a blue and gray paint scheme not seen in the American toyline. The doors can open in car mode, but the vehicle mode lacks any kind of automotive interior. As with most Generation 1 toys of the time, he was constructed partially of die-cast metal and had rubber tires.

: In robot mode, Bluestreak has the classic "car hood-chest" design also featured on fellow Autobots like [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]], and is armed with a vacuum-metalized laser rifle and two shoulder-mounted rocket launchers that can each fire one of the three included projectiles.

: This mold was retooled to make [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]], and again for [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1984/Autobot/Bluestreak/bluestreak.htm More information on Bluestreak at TFU.info]''

{{-}}
{{anchor|Anime}}
* '''Streak (anime version)''' (2002)
**''Accessories:'' Beam Rifle, left & right missile launchers, 3 missiles

: An [[exclusive]] to [[Takara]]'s [[e-Hobby]] shop, this version of Bluestreak was sold bundled in a set, though not packaged together, with a gold-plated version of [[Jazz (G1)|Meister]]. Often called "Anime Streak" by fans and collectors, this toy used the color scheme from the second version of his ''Diaclone'' toy (which was used as the basis for his cartoon and comic character model), with a black roof and hood instead of the original Transformer toy's silver.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2002/Cybertron/Bluestreak/bluestreak.htm More information on Anime Streak at TFU.info]''

{{anchor|Chrome}}
[[Image:G1Chromestreak toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|I come in every color except blue.]]
* '''Streak (silver plated version)''' (2003)
**''Accessories:'' Beam Rifle, left & right missile launchers, 3 x missiles

: Also an e-Hobby-exclusive, this version of Bluestreak was almost entirely vacuum-metalized, much like the gold-plated Jazz, but in silver. Like the gold Jazz, the Chrome Streak emulated a "campaign car" prize item from the original ''Diaclone'' line. <ref>[http://www.tf-1.com/articles/reissue_frame.php?art=Chromestreak Article Chromestreak at TF-1.com]</ref>

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Cybertron/ChromeBluestreak/bluestreak.htm More information on Chrome Streak at TFU.info]''

{{-}}
{{anchor|TRUComm}}
* '''Silverstreak''' (2004)
**''Accessories:'' Beam Rifle, left & right missile launchers, 3 missiles

: Released as part of [[Hasbro]]'s Toys "R" Us-[[exclusive]] [[Commemorative Series]] III reissues in the same colours as his original 1980s release, although his packaging pictures depict Takara's "Anime Streak" version. For this release, he was redubbed "Silverstreak" due to Hasbro's apparent inability to secure the [[trademark]] for the name "Bluestreak". Due to [[For safety reasons|safety reasons]], the springs in his rocket launchers were removed, and because of changes in the plastics used, his laser rifle and projectiles were not vacuum-metalized, instead being cast in more durable matte-black plastic.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Autobot/Silverstreak/silverstreak.htm More information on Commemorative Series Silverstreak at TFU.info]''

===Alternators===
[[Image:AlternatorsSilverstreak toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Why did the [[Smokescreen (G1)|other guy]] get to be blue?]]
*'''Silverstreak''' (Alternator, 2004)
**''Alternator ID number:'' '''4'''
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''BT-03'''
**''Accessories:'' Intercooler/beam rifle

: The second Subaru Impreza toy released in the ''[[Alternators]]'' line was actually the first to be developed, but due to marketing suggestions, the more eye-catching Smokescreen was released first. Silverstreak transforms into a very accurate and fully-licensed silver 2003 [[wikipedia:Subaru_Impreza_WRX|Subaru Impreza WRX]], with opening hood, trunk, and all four doors as well as a detailed interior. He also features working steering (not connected to the steering wheel, though) and rubber tires.

: His robot mode is based upon his original toy as well as his cartoon model, but with changes made to reflect modern standards of Transformers toys, as well as his new vehicle mode. He is armed with a laser rifle formed from his turbo intercooler and has the capacity to mount two spring-loaded rocket launchers on either side of his shoulders, though these were only included with the [[retool]] of ''Binaltech'' Smokescreen.

: Unusual for an ''Alternators'' release, Silverstreak was fully painted silver, similar to his ''Binaltech'' release. The silver paint on Silverstreak is more flat compared to the sparkled paint of the Binaltech version.

: The first shipment of the Alternator version used the right-side steering like the Japanese release. Soon afterwards, a modified version was released with the steering wheel on the left side of the vehicle.

: This mold was also used to make [[Ricochet (Headmasters)|Ricochet]] and ''[[Binaltech Asterisk]]'' [[Red Alert (G1)|Alert]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Autobot/AltSilverstreak/silverstreak.htm More information on ''Alternators'' Silverstreak at TFU.info]''
{{-}}
{{anchor|BinaltechBlue}}
[[Image:Bluestreak BT19.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Finally! I became blue at last. [[:Image:Titanium RM Smokescreen.jpg|Wait a minute]].]]
*'''Bluestreak''' (Binaltech, 2008)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''BT-19'''
**''Accessories:'' Intercooler/beam rifle

: One of the initial releases of the reborn ''Binaltech'' line, Bluestreak is a redeco of ''Binaltech'' Silverstreak, using the "civilian" model of Subaru. As his name suggests, Bluestreak's body is almost completely blue... making him look suspiciously like a de-sponsored Smokescreen.

{{-}}

===Universe===
[[Image:UniverseSilverstreakSpy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|New name, old colors]]
*'''Silverstreak''' (Spy Changer, 2004)
**''Accessories:'' Beam Rifle

: A redeco of ''[[Robots in Disguise (toyline)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Side Swipe (RID)|Side Swipe]], ''[[Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' Silverstreak is based upon his pre-G1 release "blue" color scheme, with a silver hood. He is armed with a small gun that is disguised as a tailpipe in vehicle mode.

: The original release of this toy (and the others in the assortment), [[exclusive]] to Kay-Bee stores, came on cards that lacked a sub-line designation. Later releases that were also available through chains like Dollar General were put on ''Universe'' cards.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Autobot/SpySilverstreak/silverstreak.htm More information on ''Universe'' Silverstreak at TFU.info]''
{{-}}
===Smallest Transforming Transformers===
[[Image:STFStreak toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Not even the tiniest bit of blue]]
*'''Streak''' (2004)
**''Japanese ID Number:'' '''GTF X-3'''

: A retool of ''[[Smallest Transforming Transformers]]'' Prowl, STF Streak is a much simplified, much smaller replica of his original toy. Although resembling his original Generation 1 form, he has less articulation and his wheels do not roll. Streak was one of two [[chase figure]]s in the second wave of the line.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Cybertron/SmallestBluestreak/bluestreak.htm More information on "Smallest" Streak at TFU.info]''
{{-}}
===Universe (2008)===
====Classic Series====
[[Image:Universe2008 Silverstreak toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Are you sure you're not [[Camshaft (G1)|Camshaft]]?]]
*'''Silverstreak''' (Deluxe, 2008)
**''Accessories:'' "Volt Beam Blaster"

:Part of the third wave of [[Universe (2008 franchise)|2008 ''Universe'']] Deluxes, Silverstreak is a retool and redeco of the [[Prowl (G1)|2008 ''Universe'' Prowl]], transforming into a modified [[wikipedia:Nissan_350Z|Nissan 350Z]]. He features twin non-removable and non-firing "rocket launchers" that can swing over his robot-mode shoulders. His fold-out "Volt Beam Blaster" stores in the car mode's undersides.

:As with several recent ''Transformers'' vehicles with a metallic silver body colour, ''Universe'' Silverstreak's silver car body panels are painted metallic silver rather than being left as bare silver plastic.

: This mold was also used to make ''Universe'' [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] and ''[[Timelines (toyline)|Timelines]]'' [[Rapido#Timelines|Rapido]], while the original Prowl mold was used for ''[[Timelines (franchise)|Timelines]]'' [[Streetwise (G1)|Streetwise]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Autobot/TFUSilverstreak/silverstreak.htm More information on ''Universe'' Silverstreak at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Henkei! Henkei!===
[[Image:Henkei Streak toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Silver paint ''and'' silver chrome? Damn.]]
*'''Streak''' (Deluxe, 2008)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-10'''
**''Accessories:'' "Volt Beam Blaster"

:The Japanese ''[[Henkei! Henkei! (toyline)|Henkei! Henkei!]]'' release of ''Universe'' Silverstreak is a redeco of the original, swapping the black plastic on his hood and paint applications on his roof with dark gray, the maroon plastic to bright red, changing the red on the wheels to dark gray, as well as adding [[Vacuum metallizing|vacuum-metallized]] silver on his Volt Beam Blaster, his shoulder rocker launchers and his spoiler. His face was also changed from white to silver, the blue on his waist to silver, and the Autobot symbol on his chest is smaller on the Henkei release. In some versions of this toy, the windows have a more transparent clarity and consistency than the somewhat foggy application used for the Universe version, although some have both foggy and transparent variants.

{{-}}

===SpeedStars===
[[Image:StealthForce_Silverstreak_toy.jpg|thumb|right|250px|oh god, someone's mutilated him!]]
*'''Silverstreak''' (Basic, 2010)

:''[[SpeedStars]]'' Silverstreak is part of the "Stealth Force" subline, consisting of vehicles without robot modes, but with plenty of flip-out panels with hidden weapons. The toy is a silver sports car similar to ''Universe'' Silverstreak's modified Nissan 350Z altmode, and features non-firing weapons in its hood, trunk and doors.
{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===Transformers - Mini Bust===
[[Image:Bluestreak statue.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Stop! or my mouth will shoot...off.]]
* '''Bluestreak''' (Diamond Select, 2009)

Released by Diamond Select Toys in 2009, Bluestreak was sculpted by [[Mark Wong|Mark Wong]] of [[Art Asylum]] and limited to 250 pieces. Bluestreak, along with his "brothers" [[Prowl (G1)/toys|Prowl]] and [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]], is exclusive to online retailer Toyrocket.com. The bust features Bluestreak's beam rifle and twin missile launchers. The missile launchers can be attached via magnets on either side of his head. The missile launchers given to Bluestreak closely match Smokescreen's animation model rather than his own. It is unknown if this change was intentional or a mistake.
{{-}}

==Notes==
[[Image:Bluebluestreak.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Sadly, we can't just put this note in the "Does not exist" category.]]
* One of the longest-running [[Misconceptions and urban legends about Transformers|myths about Transformers]] is the existence of the "blue-sided Bluestreak". This misconception has its origins in Bluestreak's [[Package art|box art]] and [[Instructions|instruction sheet]], as well as the original 1984 [[Catalog|toy catalogs]],<ref>[http://tfarchive.com/toys/catalogues/generationone_catalogue/84a_catalog.jpg Transformers catalog, circa 1984 (Autobots)]</ref> all of which used the blue-sided ''[[Diaclone|Diaclone]]'' variant of the Fairlady mold. No sealed samples of the blue-sided Bluestreak in a ''Transformers'' box have ''ever'' been found. Oddly enough, numerous other Transformers toys from that era were depicted in both catalogues and packaging art with colors they were never released in —[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]], [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]], the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]], for example— yet Bluestreak is the only one to be (mis)remembered in this manner, perhaps because his name is Bluestreak, so he had to have been blue, right?

* Compounding the confusion, a second Diaclone variant exists, with a black hood and silver sides. Oddly, it does not seem as sought after as the blue side variant, despiting being less common ''and'' the basis for Bluestreak's animation model (and thus more screen accurate).

* In recent years, toys based on the Bluestreak character were renamed "Silverstreak" for [[trademark]] reasons, because a company named Gendron held the trademark for "Toledo 'Blue Streak'" in the "toys" category until 2009. While Hasbro regained the trademark and released a ''[[SpeedStars]]'' [[Bluestreak (Speed Stars)|Bluestreak]] toy in 2010, the "Stealth Force" toy of Generation 1 Bluestreak released around the same time remained "Silverstreak".

* [[Aaron Archer]], as [[Orson]], when asked about the ''[[Commemorative Series]]'' Silverstreak's deco, said the figure was based on the 1984 version of the figure rather than the 2002 [[e-Hobby]] "Streak" release due to his desire to give collectors a version closer to the one released in 1984. While this is most likely true, it may also have to do with [[Hasbro]]'s inability or desire not to release figures too similar to e-Hobby exclusives, thus a required change for Silverstreak from e-Hobby Streak.

* The deco for Hasbro's retool of the ''[[Alternators]]'' Acura RSX mold was originally designed with Bluestreak in mind, specifically the original Diaclone deco mentioned above. Early leaked packaging samples even sported an abbreviated form of the name "Bluestreak" on their license plates. Ultimately, however, Hasbro decided to rename the toy and release it as "[[Camshaft (G1)|Autobot Camshaft]]" instead, possibly because they already had a representation of the Bluestreak character in the ''Alternators'' line (Silverstreak).

{{-}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.toybin.org/search.php?q=1984+Autobot+Bluestreak ToyBin Bluestreak Toy Gallery]
* [http://www.tfu.info/1984/Autobot/Bluestreak/bluestreak.htm Bluestreak at TFU.info]
* [http://www.ntfa.net/universe/english/index.php?act=view&char=Bluestreak Bluestreak's Universe profile at NTFA.net]

[[Category:Alternators Autobots]]
[[Category:Classics Autobots]]
[[Category:E-Hobby]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Gunners]]
[[Category:Henkei! Henkei! Autobots]]
[[Category:Merchants]]
[[Category:Spy Changers]]
[[Category:Toys "R" Us exclusives]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]
[[Category:Universe Autobots]]

Brawn (G1)

2010-12-25T20:28:12Z

190.20.173.129: /* The Transformers cartoon */

{{factions|autobot|autobotg2}}
{{disambig3|Brawn}}
:''Brawn is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:G1Brawn MarvelTFU.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Optimus said "One shall stand, one shall fall". I do both.]]
'''Brawn''', the Autobots' demolitions expert, is amazingly strong for his size. Due to his small stature, he often attempts to overcompensate by playing up his macho personality. He loves a challenge, be it rugged off-roading or charging headlong at foes several times his size. He has a lot of ''chutzpah'', and a somewhat sarcastic sense of humor ever at the ready. Due to his ''machisimo'', he sometimes looks down on noncombatant Autobots.

In addition to his great strength, Brawn is also so tough as to be almost indestructible. [[Personal canon|''Almost'']].

:''Nickname'': '''Muscles'''<ref>According to [[Jim Sorenson]], Brawn had this listed as his nickname in [[Bob Budiansky]]'s personal Transformers comic bible. Nicknames for other characters could be found in early ''[[Transformers Universe (Marvel comic)|Universe]]''-style profiles published in [[The Transformers Comic Magazine]].</ref>
:''Japanese name:'' '''Gong''' (ゴング ''Gongu'')
:''French name (Canada):'' '''Bruto'''
:''Hungarian name:'' '''Izmos''' ("Hefty")
:''Italian name:'' '''Cammello'''
:''South American name:'' '''Jipe''' (pronounced "''hee-pay''")
:''Portuguese name (Brazil comic):'' '''Brigão'''
:''Portuguese name (Portugal comic):'' '''Músculos'''
:''Chinese name (Taiwan):'' '''Brown''' (布朗 ''Bù Lǎng'')
:''Chinese name (China):'' '''Da Han''' (大汉 ''Big Man'')
:''Russian name:'' '''Силач''' (''Strong guy'')

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Generation 1====
{{noteukonly}}
[[Image:Brawnmarvel1.jpg|left|150px|thumb|Gee, ya think? You think that maybe I should use these clamps, that I use every day, at every opportunity? You're a freakin' genius, ya idiot!]]
After the Autobots re-awoke on modern-day Earth, Brawn was one of five Autobots sent out to reconnoiter their new world. When their patrol came under attack from a squadron of Decepticons, Brawn advised the others to stay behind him, as he could absorb the incoming jets' firepower. With one swing of his powerful fist, he clocked [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]]. However, the Autobots were forced to withdraw, though Brawn wondered where [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] had disappeared. {{storylink|The Transformers (issue)|The Transformers}} Bumblebee, damaged, had snuck off to [[S. Witwicky Auto Repairs]], and after he disclosed his location, the Autobots traveled to meet him there. But the Decepticons had their eye on [[Sparkplug Witwicky]], the [[human]] owner of the repair shop, and the Autobots met them there in battle. Brawn knocked [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] aside after he had overwhelmed [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]], but ultimately the Decepticons were successful, and returned to their [[Fortress Sinister|headquarters]] with Sparkplug. {{storylink|Power Play!}} Brawn and the Autobots returned to the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] with Sparkplug's son, [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]].

[[Image:Nonecancahllengethemightofbrawn.jpg|right|200px|thumb|I am your new leader!]]
When the Autobots staged a diversionary attack on the Decepticons' headquarters, Brawn's strength enabled him to storm through [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]]'s localized earthquake, and punch out the little punk. Unfortunately, the little punk had a brother. [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]]'s high-frequency sonic attack knocked Brawn out. When Brawn recovered, the body of [[Gears (G1)|Gears]] lay crumpled at his feet, having helped to rescue Sparkplug, but at great risk to his own life. Sparkplug returned to the Ark with the Autobots, {{storylink|Prisoner of War!}} and Brawn shared their shock and disgust when Sparkplug admitted he had helped the Decepticons learn to convert Earth fuel for their evil purposes! {{storylink|The Last Stand}}

''A malfunction caused Brawn to go mad, rampaging in a small town because he thought the cars were being enslaved by humans (and then "killed" the cars when they showed no gratitude). After a destructive chase, the Autobots finally managed to recapture and repair him. To regain his honour, he agreed to be [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]'s opponent in a trial by combat; [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] had [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] fake Brawn's death to end the battle. {{storylink|The Enemy Within!}}''

Having regained their full strength with Sparkplug Witwicky's assistance, the Decepticons staged a final attack on the Autobots. The Autobots, meanwhile, were still very weak, so Brawn was among the Autobots who donated fuel to re-energize five chosen Autobot warriors, in preparation for their last stand against the Decepticons. That gambit failed when [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] was unearthed and deactivated the Autobots with a single shot. {{storylink|The Last Stand}} Subsequently, Brawn's offline body was dragged by [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] and [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] to be used for spare parts for a new Decepticon army. {{storylink|The New Order}} Eventually, the Ark was retaken, and Brawn was reactivated by [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] along with the others. {{storylink|DIS-Integrated Circuits!}}

In the rush that followed to catch up with the Decepticons' gains, Brawn and [[Bluestreak]] were charged with the repair of the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'s [[ionic fusion drive]]. {{storylink|The Next Best Thing to Being There!}} When the Autobots overheard Shockwave's plans to drop the captured head of their leader, Optimus Prime, in a nearby swamp, Brawn was among the Autobots who traveled to the swamp with Prime's body. However, the head was actually a decoy head, which, when attached to the body, caused it to go on a murderous rampage. Brawn was one of those wounded before Prime's proper head was returned. {{storylink|Prime Time!}}

''After Prime was restored as commander of the Autobots, [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]]'s mind was hijacked by [[Professor Morris]], and Brawn was one of the Autobots who tried to hold the rampaging [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]] down. {{storylink|The Icarus Theory}} After Swoop was subdued, Prime turned his attentions towards the other missing Dinobots, and Brawn was part of a team sent to bring in a demented Snarl. He, Mirage, and [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] found him in [[Nevada]]'s deserts, terrorizing the American military. Snarl proved too much for them until he was stopped by a prototype military weapon. {{storylink|Dinobot Hunt!}}''

[[Image:Brawntarget2006.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Scourge, being from the future, knows Brawn's secret weakpoint.]]
''Brawn, [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]], [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]], and [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] were called to guard Buster Witwicky from the Decepticons when [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] swore revenge for a previous humilation at the human's hands. While they were at a demolition derby, [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] and the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] struck. After the Constructicons combined to form [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]], Buster was lost in the crowd, much to Brawn's dismay. Buster's life was spared when Soundwave detected [[Special Teams|crucial information]] within Buster's mind, and the shot Soundwave intended for the human was fired at Brawn instead. {{storylink|Devastation Derby!}}''

[[Image:Newyorkunderbase.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Zapped in the shoulder, no doubt.]]
''When strange Decepticons traveled back in time from the future, Brawn was easily defeated by [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]]. This coincided with the arrival of [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] from [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. Brawn was part of a group that interrupted a fight between Magnus and [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] in order to save his life. {{storylink|Target: 2006}} The Autobots several failures during the Galvatron incident convinced Optimus Prime to fake his own death in order to teach the Autobots how to survive without him. Brawn was among the Autobots who witnessed his "funeral." But before the funeral could end, Optimus Prime returned to them, and Brawn and the others were stunned, but welcomed him back. {{storylink|Resurrection!}}''

Brawn was witness to a battle between [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] and [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] for Autobot leadership on [[Earth]]'s [[Moon (moon)|moon]]. After the scene was attacked by [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]]'s Decepticons, Brawn soon lost a fight with [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]], who dismissed the Autobot as having a "bright future as ''spare parts!''" {{storylink|Totaled!}}

When an [[Underbase]]-powered Starscream announced that he would "destroy the cities of [[New York City|New York]], [[Tokyo]], and [[Buenos Aires]]," Brawn was among the allied Autobot/Decepticon teams sent ahead to New York City. As Starscream approached, [[Goldbug (G1)|Goldbug]] led a team of Autobots which included Brawn, and the entire team was destroyed with a "single wave of Starscream's hand"! Oops. {{storylink|Dark Star (issue)|Dark Star}}

=====Earthforce=====
{{earthforcefiction}}
''[[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] briefly considered reviving Brawn as one of his new minions, but the Autobot was not psychologically suitable. {{storylink|Perchance to Dream}}''

====Generation 2====
[[Image:Brawnfinaltransformations.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Here's hoping he can't implode neutrons!]]
Brawn was part of a team led by [[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]], and including [[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]], [[Steeljaw (G1)|Steeljaw]], [[Override (G1)|Override]], and [[Chase (G1)|Chase]], sent to answer the distress call sent out by their [[human]] allies [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]]. They arrived in [[Milleville]], just in time to save [[Scarlett]] from a recently revived and [[Cobra]]-upgraded [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]].

Brawn and the other Autobots quickly learned that Megatron's strength and weaponry had been vastly improved. First Steeljaw fell, then Chase. Finally, it fell to Brawn to keep Megatron from reaching the [[Ark (G1)|Autobots' ship]]. Though Brawn fought Megatron bravely, he was vaporized when Megatron revealed that he could implode neutrons. The resulting explosion was seen from across town. {{storylink|Final Transformations}}
{{note|This Brawn, or one from a marginally variant universe, was abducted by [[Unicron]] shortly before his death to fight in the [[Cauldron]]. See below.}}
{{-}}

===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
:''Voice Actor:'' [[Corey Burton]] (English), [[Yū Shimaka|Yutaka Shimaka]], [[Minoru Inaba]] ([[The Transformers: The Movie|The Movie]] only) (Japanese), [[Henry Djanik]] (French), Juan Cuadra (Latin American)

[[Image:MTMTE2 Brawn saves Huffer.jpg|thumb|left|240px|"Scream if I set you alight."]]
Brawn was one of the Autobots on board the crashed [[Ark (G1)|Autobot ship]] who awoke in 1984, reformatted by [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] to have an Earth-based alt-mode of a Jeep-like vehicle. He was frequently involved in combat engagements against the Decepticons in the early years of the Earth-based war, including the battle that saw the Decepticons destroy an offshore oil rig. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 1}} In the flaming chaos that followed, Brawn helped save his fellow Autobot [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] who was trapped in the wreckage by cutting him loose with a blowtorch contained in his right arm. When [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] and [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] were discovered at Autobot Headquarters, he and [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] tried tackling Ravage, only for the Decepticon to slip through their fingers. Brawn took part in the ill-fated [[Sherman Dam]] mission, {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 2}} and dressed in a lab coat for the similarly disastrous missile base deception. He and the other Autobots attempted to assault the Decepticon [[Victory (G1)|space cruiser]] to prevent its launch, but it was only through the actions of [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] that the ship crashed. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 3}} Brawn was one of a number of Autobots who a memory-altered Bumblebee lured to a cave to be attacked by the Decepticons. {{storylink|Transport to Oblivion}}

[[Image:RollForIt Brawn chucks Optimus.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Crowning moment of awesome.]]
Brawn, [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]], [[Bluestreak]] and [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] arrived at the power generator where [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] and [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] were attacking. Hotheaded Cliffjumper charged at Thundercracker, only to be smashed backwards by a steel pillar. Cliffjumper crashed directly into Brawn's stomach, but Brawn was completely unharmed thanks to his thick hide. Starscream wanted to smash them in, but Optimus criticized this decision, telling him to "pick on somebody his own size". Later, he came with the Autobots to [[Doctor Alcazar|Dr. Alcazar]]'s lab, but he didn't do much of anything. Brawn retreated to home base with the other Autobots, and the Decepticons attacked the next morning. Starscream held gun-mode [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] in his hand, hoping to kill Optimus Prime with it. Brawn hid in a tear in the ground directly in front of Starscream and gave Optimus the boost to knock Megatron out of Starscream's hands. {{storylink|Roll for It}}

[[Image:DivideandConquer LaserbeakonBrawns shoulder.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Crowning moment of duuurrrrrr.]]
After Optimus was injured in a Decepticon attack, Brawn, [[Gears (G1)|Gears]] and [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] walked into Headquarters to see how repairs were going. Brawn somehow completely missed the fact that [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] had hitched a ride on his shoulder, allowing the Decepticon to infiltrate the base and inflict even more damage on Prime. He later helped defend Headquarters against a Decepticon attack, while a team retrieved a replacement [[Cosmitron]] for Prime. {{storylink|Divide and Conquer}} Brawn was among the Autobots who discovered a cave full of dinosaur fossils in the volcano in which Headquarters was embedded, and subsequently took part in the building of robotic versions of the dinosaurs. At the grand unveiling, the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]]s ran wild, and Brawn and [[Bluestreak]] were bashed aside by [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]]'s tail. Despite this, the Dinobots later proved successful in fighting the Decepticons when Brawn and many of the other Autobots were captured at the [[Great Falls]]. {{storylink|S.O.S. Dinobots}}

[[Image:Brawnfusioncannon.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Don't get too cocky. This thing kills you later.]]
Another important mission for Brawn involved a super-weapon being built in [[Peru]], where it was he (and his ally [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]]) who first discovered the Decepticons' plot and informed the other Autobots. He and Windcharger utilized [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire's]] transport capabilities and found that the Decepticons were, indeed, in Peru. After flying Soundwave into the side of a cliff, Brawn survived a direct hit from Megatron's [[fusion cannon]] and played dodge the Decepticon until Skyfire picked him and Windcharger up again. Having picked up the rest of the Autobots, they returned to the mining town near the ancient pyramid that the Decepticons were using as a firing platform. During the ensuing battle, Brawn got his hands on Megatron's fusion cannon, returning the earlier favor by blasting Megatron in the chest with it. After defending the town against a rock slide, the Autobots attacked the pyramid itself. During the battle, Brawn raced to the top and tackled Starscream and Megatron on his own, distracting them and ultimately resulting in the destruction of the Decepticon cannon. {{storylink|Fire on the Mountain}}

[[Image:TUD1 Brawn drilling.jpg|left|260px|Crowning violation of the laws of physics.|thumb]]
When two more Dinobots were to be constructed, Brawn again took part. {{storylink|War of the Dinobots}} After Sparkplug was kidnapped by the Decepticons, Brawn led a small team, using his drill to burrow under the Decepticon base so they could successfully rescue Spike's father. Unfortunately Sparkplug was under the influence of [[Doctor Arkeville]]'s [[hypno-chip]] and sabotaged the Autobot defences, allowing the Decepticons to attack. Brawn was stuck with the cleanup in the aftermath. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 1}} Later, the Decepticons succeeded in using a massive space bridge to bring Cybertron into Earth's orbit. Unsuccessful at foiling their plan, Brawn and the Autobots returned to base. News that Sparkplug had been taken to Cybertron led to Brawn volunteering for the mission to his home world in Skyfire. Spike and Bumblebee accidentally triggered a trapdoor, and Brawn gamely jumped in after them. The trio stumbled on the secret plans to the hypno-chips. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 2}} Following an altercation with some Decepticons, during which Brawn got the better of Soundwave yet again, the Autobots escaped to [[Wheeljack's workshop]]. There [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] whipped up a counter device for the hypno-chips, and the team returned to Earth in time to join the last desperate battle. After Megatron's ship was destroyed and Cybertron flung out of orbit, Brawn commiserated with Bumblebee after the latter expressed disappointment at not being able to try out his boogie board. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 3}}

[[Image:PlagueofInsecticons Brawn riding Shrapnel.jpg|right|220px|thumb|Yeeeehaw!]]
During the post-Cybertron clean up, Brawn and Gears were repairing a building together when Huffer started yelling at them. After the Decepticons were detected enroute somewhere, Brawn and the other Autobots began tailing them. Brawn was forced to dig Bumblebee out when Megatron blasted some rocks down on them. After a brief stop in some quicksand, the Autobots caught up with their quarry at Arkeville's secret laboratory. {{storylink|Countdown to Extinction (episode)|Countdown to Extinction}} Brawn, Windcharger, Bumblebee, Spike and Skyfire went to [[Bali]] to investigate reports of giant robot insects, only to encounter the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticon]]s. Brawn was unimpressed with this new foe, and when they created an army of clones, theorized that the army was just a holographic illusion. He recanted his theory moments later after being blasted on his tailpipe. Luckily the rest of the Autobots arrived before the situation could get too out of control. During the pursuit of the Decepticons, Brawn asked Optimus to toss him into the air, so he could administer a good old-fashioned beating to [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]]. His ride on the Insecticon lasted a few moments, as he was kicked off by [[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]], and only saved from smashing into the ground by Skyfire. He and Ironhide later had Optimus ride on their backs so he would be insulated against the Insecticons' lightning. {{storylink|A Plague of Insecticons}}

[[Image:AutobotSpike Brawn's almighty foot.jpg|left|220px|thumb|Off-hours, Brawn's favorite pasttime is cossack dancing.]]
Brawn and all the other Autobots turned out to watch the Optimus/Megatron bout to decide which faction could stay on Earth. Megatron, unfortunately, won, but the Autobots soon discovered that he had cheated, and sent the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]]s to disable [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] to hide it, nullifying the outcome. {{storylink|Heavy Metal War}} During a battle at a rocket base, Brawn kicked Soundwave in the backside so hard that the Decepticon flew into the side of a rocket, causing a chain reaction that devastated the base. Great going! During the same battle, Spike was injured, and the Autobots downloaded his mind into [[Autobot X]] while his body was operated on. He became unstable and fled the base, leading Brawn and the other Autobots to follow him so they could stop him falling under Megatron's influence. {{storylink|Autobot Spike}}

Brawn took part in a mission to come to the aid of some gold miners, but it was an ambush — Megatron energised some boulders, disposing of the Autobots long enough to kidnap Gears. {{storylink|Changing Gears}} Brawn defended Headquarters against yet another Decepticon attack, only for Soundwave to retreat before Brawn could present him with a "nickel knuckle sandwich". The attack had been a diversion while Megatron sabotaged the Autobot [[recharging chamber]]s, and Brawn and the other Autobots were rendered evil by the planted [[personality destabilizer device]]. Brawn went to the nearest airforce base and began merrily destroying jets, until [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] restored his goodness with an [[attitude exchanger]]. {{storylink|Attack of the Autobots}}

[[Image:Immobilizer Brawn punches water.jpg|right|230px|Lou Scheimer, Executive Producer.|thumb]]
Brawn came to see the proper testing of [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]]'s [[Wheeljack Instant Immobilizer|latest invention]]. When it stopped the water in a river from flowing, Brawn claimed that the now-solid water wouldn't be immune to his hydraulic knuckles. He took it back soon after. Later, when the Decepticons took the Immobilizer and began using it to stop Autobots in their tracks, Brawn helped tunnel underground for [[Carly]] so she could get to the Immobilizer and reroute it. {{storylink|The Immobilizer}} While most of the Autobots participated in a charity event, Brawn stayed at Headquarters with Huffer, which he probably regretted. When Bumblebee reported that the Autobots had been zapped with the [[Transfixatron]] and captured by the Decepticons, Huffer's complaining resulted in Brawn physically picking up his companion and telling him to shut up. [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] and Wheeljack were able to rig up a cure, and the four Autobots, plus Spike and [[Chip Chase]], rescued the rest of the team. {{storylink|The Autobot Run}}

[[Image:AtlantisArise Brawn ropes Thundercracker.jpg|left|260px|thumb]]
He, along with [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] and Wheeljack, volunteered to check out an energy flare in the Atlantic. Upon discovering the underwater city of [[Sub-Atlantica]], the squad was ambushed by the Decepticons' new ally [[Nergill]]. They were overwhelmed by Decepticon forces and had to escape, with Wheeljack being captured by their enemies. Optimus Prime took the Autobots, Brawn included, to Washington D.C., where the Decepticons were headed. Brawn held Thundercracker in place with his lasso, allowing Optimus to fire at him. However, Nergill arrived and turned the tables by using a disruptor to hold Brawn and the other Autobots in place. Bumblebee and Spike rescued Wheeljack, who called the Dinobots for reinforcements. Grimlock snapped Nergill's disruptor in half, freeing Brawn and the others. Following that, Brawn came with his comrades to sink Nergill's city once again, shooting a few blasts at the city while hiding behind some rubble. When Sub-Atlantica began sinking, Optimus Prime ordered his team to evacuate. {{storylink|Atlantis, Arise!}} Brawn assisted in defending [[Nightbird (G1)|a primitive Earth robot]] at [[Doctor Fujiyama the Famous Scientist|Dr. Fujiyama]]'s request. Decepticons soon burst in, with Soundwave destroying the platform Brawn was standing on. [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] came and covered Brawn's back. The fall had such a toll on Brawn, he couldn't transform. Though he said he could walk home, Mirage and Ratchet insisted that he go back to Autobot base to be repaired. {{storylink|Enter the Nightbird}}

[[Image:MasterBuilders Brawn finds builders.jpg|right|240px|thumb| Brawn gives Omega Supreme a colonoscopy.]]
Brawn was present at Headquarters when the Dinobots went on another of those rampages. He jumped out of the way as [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] and [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] sped past to deal with a fire. {{storylink|Dinobot Island, Part 1}} After [[Grapple]] and [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] fell in with the wrong crowd so they could build their [[Solar Power Tower]], Brawn and the rest of the Autobots went to investigate and ended up facing Devastator. The day won, the Autobots searched through the rubble of the tower. Brawn unearthed Grapple's scale model of the tower, and then Grapple and Hoist themselves, welded into a sheet of metal. {{storylink|The Master Builders}}

When a [[Nemesis (G1)|Decepticon starship]] was uncovered in an archaeological dig (and Megatron subsequently retrieved the awesome power of the [[Heart of Cybertron]]), Brawn was angered that fellow Autobot [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] did not participate in battles, not understanding that Perceptor's scientific and technical skills necessitated his exclusion from combat missions. To the irritation of [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] and [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]], Brawn decided it was his job to bully the Autobot scientist, insinuating that Perceptor was a coward not prepared to do his duty alongside the other Autobots.

[[Image:Microbots Brawn and heroic Perceptor.jpg|left|260px|thumb|The next day, Brawn found Brawn/Perceptor slash on [[alt.toys.transformers]].]]
As Megatron prepared to attack the Autobot base, Perceptor came up with a plan. He, Brawn and Bumblebee were shrunk to microscopic size and infiltrated Megatron's body. Though Brawn was keen to do as much damage as possible while they were in there, he discovered that Perceptor's more intellectual approach was much more effective in getting their mission completed. Perceptor's bravery in disconnecting the Heart while under fire caused Brawn to change his earlier tune. Once they escaped Megatron, Brawn threw the Heart of Cybertron into the sky, where Perceptor blasted it. The ordeal over, Brawn declared Perceptor a hero, though it is uncertain whether he was big enough to apologize to Perceptor for his earlier boorish behavior. {{storylink|Microbots}}

Brawn took part in the [[Autobot Day]] parade, during which footage was screened incriminating the Autobots in energy theft. When the human authorities turned up to arrest them all, Brawn complied with Optimus's wishes to comply peacefully, however after a brief trial, the Autobots found themselves being expelled from Earth. Brawn ended up being stuck sitting next to Huffer and Gears, which probably didn't make him any happier. {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1}} The spacecraft they were on was locked on course for the [[Sun]], forcing them to use [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] and one of Trailbreaker's force fields to escape it. They returned to Earth, where they lost no time in overthrowing the oppressive regime the Decepticons had set up. {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 2}} Like the other Autobots, Brawn was crippled by [[Cybertonium]] depletion until Spike, [[Carly]] and the Dinobots obtained more of the substance. {{storylink|Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 2}}

[[Image:TFTM Brawn dies.jpg|right|300px|thumb|'Tis only a flesh wound!]]
When the Decepticons discovered a lake of [[electrum]], Brawn was among the second wave of Autobots to go up against them unsuccessfully. {{storylink|The Golden Lagoon}} During another battle in a baseball stadium, Brawn picked up Soundwave and hurled him bodily at Starscream. A short time later, the space bridge in the middle of the pitch sent a number of the Autobots and Decepticons present to a random destination, but luckily Brawn wasn't one of them. {{storylink|Child's Play (episode)|Child's Play}} He was later at Headquarters when Optimus sent [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] out to look for Starscream. {{storylink|Starscream's Brigade}}

By 2005, the Decepticons had retaken Cybertron, while the Autobots set up secret bases on the planet's moons. Brawn was stationed on [[Moonbase One]], and volunteered to be part of a shuttle mission to [[Autobot City]] on Earth to fetch more energon. The shuttle was attacked enroute by the Decepticons, and as Brawn ran towards the boarders, Starscream shot him down with Megatron's gun mode, killing him. {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie}}
{{-}}

=====Brawn lives?=====
[[Image:DeceptiBrawn1.jpg|right|210px|thumb|"Hey guys, I'm back! And I found [[Hauler]]!"]]
While nowhere near as prevalent as discussion of "[[Cyclonus (G1)|Who is Cyclonus?]]", there is recurring debate among [[Fandom|Transformers fans]] regarding Brawn's death in the shuttle attack mentioned above. Generally taken up in partial jest, proponents of Brawn's survival focus on Brawn's well-established toughness and the fact that he had repeatedly survived more serious shots from Megatron than the [[shoulder]] wound he received on the shuttle. For example, being shot in the ''head'', '''''twice''''', in "[[Fire on the Mountain]]" and being perfectly okay.

Additionally, Brawn appears in "[[Carnage in C-Minor]]" (an episode which takes place well after the time of his supposed death). However, due to the generally low quality of the animation in that episode, Brawn's appearance is usually dismissed as an [[animation error]]. Brawn was ''not'' mentioned as one of the interred Autobots in "[[Dark Awakening]]"... but [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]], who appeared alongside Brawn in "Carnage", ''was'' (even though Huffer's death was not portrayed in the film... in fact, he was barely in the movie at all, only being seen for about a second when [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] crashes though the barrier [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] was setting up.)

The Marvel UK comic also incorporated the events of the Movie into its future timeline and in one story set after it ([[Space Pirates!]]), Brawn is seen, albeit wounded in a Quintesson attack. However also shown is Wheeljack, who is clearly shown dead in the animated version of the Movie, and [[The Transformers: The Movie|there are several differences between the animated version and the information given in the comics]] which may make this inadmissable evidence in the matter.
{{-}}

====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' comic====

Brawn was amongst the Autobots defending [[Ark (G1)|Autobot headquarters]] in [[Arizona]] from a massive Decepticon onslaught. As the battle raged on, Brawn watched in slack-jawed horror as [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] got bombed in midair by a passing [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]]. The Autobots eventually won, however. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 2}}

====e-Hobby comics====

During another Decepticon attack on [[Ark (G1)|Autobot headquarters]], Brawn was busy defending the base from the encroaching Decepticons. Beating one to a pulp, he asked for a situation update from [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] who unfortunately had to inform him that Megatron had just been upgraded into an invincible [[Transmetal]]! {{storylink|Decepticon Leader Megatron Black Ver.}}

===''Universe''===
[[Image:Wheeliebrawntapoutescape.jpg|left|300px|thumb|That's right. Brawn lives.]]
In the future, [[Unicron]] was left in such a state of disrepair that he barely functioned. With the last vestiges of his power, he summoned Transformers from all across the tapestry of the [[multiverse]] to battle within him, so that he could harvest the energy of the losers' [[Spark|sparks]]. To this end, Brawn was [[Retcon|abducted]] by Unicron just before he was atomized by the Cobra-tanked Megatron, and sent to the [[Cauldron]] with countless other abductees. Thankfully, [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] and [[Silverbolt (BW)|Silverbolt]] soon engineered a mass escape, during which Brawn, [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] and [[Tap-Out (G1)|Tap-Out]] subdued the rage-afflicted [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] and [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] to keep them from killing each other.

Brawn then escaped Unicron thanks to a portal created by [[Optimus Primal]] and [[Snarl (BM)|Snarl]]. He arrived with many of the others on Primal's technorganic Cybertron. Having cheated death, he fistbumped with Trailbreaker. {{storylink|Escape (issue)|Escape}}
{{-}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
{{notekeepers}}
[[Image:Brawnageofwrath.jpg|300px|thumb|Brawn, you're the worst slave ever.]]

Brawn's early activities in the war were largely unchronicled. He was first seen loading for the planetary evacuation shortly after Optronix rose to become Optimus Prime. {{storylink|The War Within issue 2}} More than a million years later, during the Age of Internment, Brawn was seen in [[Internment Camp Pi]], in the remains of [[Praxus]], among the Autobots being forced to drill to Cybertron's core by Megatron and the Decepticons. When Cliffjumper fell in the prisoner line, [[Octane]] and [[Barrage (Insecticon)|Barrage]] took it as an excuse to beat on the helpless Autobot. Brawn snapped into action, fighting back against the Decepticon oppressors, until the clone forces of Megatron's [[Aerospace Extermination Squadron]] shot him down with little effort. {{storylink|The Age of Wrath issue 2}}

After crashing on Earth with the Ark, Brawn and the Autobots remained inactive until reviving in 1984. The Autobots allied with humankind and were eventually able to defeat the Decepticons at the turn of the century. Following the ''[[Ark II]]'' tragedy, Brawn became one of the many Transformers recovered and reprogrammed by [[Lazarus]]. He was later rescued by Optimus Prime and rebuilt by [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]]’s unit. He was part of a small task force, led by Jazz, assigned to stop the spread of Megatron’s deadly metal virus in the [[Canada|Canadian]] Northwest Territories and would later remain behind on Earth when [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] demanded the Autobots return to Cybertron as war criminals. {{storylink|Prime Directive}}

''When the [[President of the United States]] wanted to eliminate the Transformers in a desert ambush, the Autobots were forced to join forces with the Decepticons against the U.S. military. Brawn was one of the Autobots chosen for the mission by Optimus Prime. During the fight, the Americans unleashed weaponized nanite chips known as [[deconstructionite]]s, designed to drain away processing power from Cybertronian computer systems. Brawn was one of the first to fall to the attack, and had to be ferried to safety inside Prime's trailer. {{storylink|Fusion (novel)|Fusion}}''

[[Image:Brawnvsbruticus.jpg|left|300px|thumb|Excuse me while I put on my face.]]
Brawn stayed behind on Earth under Jazz's command after Prime and the other Autobots were taken back to Cybertron by Ultra Magnus. {{storylink|Brothers' Burden}} After the end of [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]'s despotic rule over Cybertron, though, Starscream and several Decepticons returned to Earth to make trouble for the Autobots. After Jazz went missing in the Decepticon assault on the Ark, Brawn became a subordinate to the much-less-impressive Bumblebee, who had returned from Cybertron. {{storylink|Night of the Combaticons}} The chance to pound the everloving scrap out of [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]]' ruined form probably made up for this, even if the combiner was later revived as part of Starscream's deal in response to [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]]. He and the other Mini Vehicles were part of an attempt to stop Sunstorm by attaching Ratchet's energy siphon. Brawn was last seen among Bumblebee's unit when they returned from the assault to the ''[[Orion (ship)|Orion]]'' and discovered that they had been (wait for it...) betrayed by Starscream. {{storylink|Skyfire (issue)|Skyfire}}

{{-}}

===Devil's Due ''G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers'' comics===
[[Image:GIJoevsTF4_Gears_Brawn_FlightPods.jpg|thumb|right|200px|]]
Alongside several other Transformers, the dormant Brawn was found aboard the crashed ''Ark'' by the human terrorist organization [[Cobra]]. The humans reprogrammed their findings for their own needs, rebuilding Brawn and [[Gears (G1)|Gears]] into Cobra [[Flight Pod]]s in the process. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 4|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #4}} Two Flight Pods were later seen during the Cobra attack on the [[SPS Research Facility]], but they didn't transform, so it's unclear whether or not they were Brawn and Gears. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 3|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #3}} The reprogramming was eventually undone by [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]], and Brawn and Gears quickly located their former captor, [[Cobra Commander]]. Destroying the human's escape route, Brawn made it clear that he was not interested in negotiating and that he'd rather have laid to rot aboard the ''Ark'' forever than be used as Cobra's servant. Unfortunately, [[Storm Shadow]] came to Cobra Commander's rescue with a [[S.N.A.K.E.]] mech and knocked the Autobots out before they could capture him. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 4|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #4}} Brawn was later shocked when he heard that the [[United States military]] were nuking [[Cobra Island]]. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 5|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #5}}

{{-}}
===IDW comics continuity===
Brawn was present at the funeral for [[Bumper (G1)|Bumper]] and [[Fastback (G1)|Fastback]], along with [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]] and the rest of [[Kaon]] Security Services. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 3|Megatron Origin #3}}

[[Image:NewArrivalsOldEncounters_Brawn_HotRod.jpg|thumb|200px|left|Angry little bot.]]
As the war raged on, Brawn helped med-evac [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] and Jazz after they were injured battling the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacon]]s. {{storylink|Spotlight: Jazz}} Sometime later, he was seen chatting with his comrades [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] and [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] during a victory celebration. {{storylink|The Iron Age}}

In modern times, Brawn eventually traveled to [[Earth]] after the galaxy-wide assault broke the Autobot war machine. Years later, after Optimus Prime's resignation from command, Hot Rod decided to leave Earth and take anyone who'd come with him. Brawn attempted to stop him, but backed off when Bumblebee told him to just let Hot Rod go. {{storylink|New Arrivals, Old Encounters}}

Later on, he was deputized by Ultra Magnus after the duly appointed enforcer of the [[Tyrest Accord]] discovered Hot Rod working with a group of Decepticons to escape Earth. They attempted to stop Hot Rod, only to be confronted by [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] and his newly-minted combiner, [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]]. {{storylink|Enemies of the System}}

When Bumblebee and Optimus Prime drafted a strike force to go after the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticon]]s in North Korea, Brawn was less thrilled at being left behind. He kept griping to Silverstreak and [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] until they finally told him to suck it up and be quiet. {{storylink|International Incident Part 3: "Hawk Among the Sparrows"}} After the secret mission to North Korea became not-so-secret, the Autobots were forced to defend their presence in America to the general public. Brawn and Silverstreak accompanied Bumblebee as he exited the Skywatch base and gave an impassioned speech about the values of freedom and uniting their two peoples, a speech easily worth of Abraham Lincoln.

Well, we all know what happened to Lincoln. (What? Too soon?) {{storylink|International Incident Part 4: "All My Sins Remembered"}}

{{spoiler|Revenge of the Decepticons Part 1: "The Demolished Man"}}

Brawn was incensed after the assassination attempt on Bumblebee, even more so once they uncovered the shooter's weapon...an exact replica of Megatron's old alternate mode. Brawn bellowed boisterously at the Skywatch staff to do something -- save Bumblebee, destroy "Megatron", interrogate the human -- until Ultra Magnus finally gave the tiny 'bot an ultimatum: shut up and be productive, or you're going in the brig. {{storylink|Revenge of the Decepticons Part 1: "The Demolished Man"}}

{{-}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[Image:G1-toy Brawn.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Oh no, he's a Cylon!]]
* '''Brawn''' (Mini-Vehicle, 1984/1985/1986)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''15'''

: Brawn was part of the original assortment of Autobot [[Mini Vehicle|Mini Vehicles]] released in 1984. The mold was originally developed for the ''[[Microman]] Microchange'', a line meant to depict robots who transformed into toy cars, which is why Brawn's car proportions are a bit exaggerated. He transforms into a (somewhat altered) Toyota Land Cruiser, although the front grille is based on a Willy's Jeep, with a non-removable spare tire on the roof.

: The original Microchange toy had a different brown-ish shade of green, which was changed before his release as a Transformer. Brown = Brawn, hmm? This brown Microchange Brawn can even be seen in the 1984 catalog and on his instructions<ref>http://www.ntfa.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=4529</ref>. [[Bluestreak]], anyone?

: There are a couple different variations of the toy. The initial versions have the [[mouthplate|faceplate]] and upper corners of the helmet as a part of the back vehicle piece, poking through holes in the robot part, while later runs have the faceplate as part of the robot-part facade. Both versions can be found in the 1984 pre-[[rubsign]] releases of the toy, while only the "full face front" version is available in the 1985 be-rubsigned release. There are also multiple copyright notice configurations on the back end of the vehicle mode if you care about that kind of thing.

: There are a fair few [[redeco]]s of Brawn from south of the border. In Brazil, a version in gold with sand-colored robot parts was released. Peru got a light tan Jeep with dark turquoise robot parts, a light-blue painted helmet and no chrome. Mexico got another sand-colored Jeep in 1986, but with maroon robot parts.

: The Brawn mold was later used to create the [[Malignus]] [[Jipe (Malignus)|Jipe]] and [[Outback]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1984/Autobot/Brawn/brawn.htm More information on G1 Brawn at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|keychain}}
*'''Brawn''' (Keychain, 2003)

: The Brawn mold was [[retool]]ed by [[Hasbro]] licensee [[Fun4All]] and made as part of the second wave of ''Transformers'' keychains alongside [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]]. A small plastic ring was added to the front bumper, which the metal key chain attaches to. The keychains came on pretty close reproductions of their original cardbacks from 1984. These were originally sold in chains like Hot Topic and video game stores, but over the course of several years, found their way even to the racks of Wal-Mart.

: In Japan, the four Mini Vehicles were sold in small boxes. Each one was also available in a solid-black variation.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Cybertron/BlackBrawn/brawn.htm More information on black keychain Brawn at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

===Universe (2003)===
[[Image:Brawnotfccunreleased.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Now we'll never get a new Brawn toy!]]
*'''Autobot Brawn'''
**''Accessories'': Crane/cannon, 2-part spare tire/blades, energon star, energon gauntlet

: A retool of ''[[Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' [[Strongarm (Energon)|Strongarm]] as Brawn was part of [[3H Productions]]' proposal for an [[The Official Transformers Collectors Convention|OTFCC 2005]] convention exclusive set. However, with the financial collapse of 3H Productions in late 2004 and the subsequent transfer of the ''Transformers'' convention license to [[Fun Publications]], all plans for this toy were scrapped. It would have featured a new head and new snap-on [[Energon weapon]] fists.

{{canceledtoy}}
{{-}}

===Universe (2008)===
====G1 Series====
[[Image:Universe2008 Legends AutobotBrawn.jpg|right|300px|thumb|...whoops, scratch that.]]
*'''Brawn''' (Legends, 2008)

: Released in the fourth wave of ''[[Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'' [[Legends Class|Legends-class]] toys, Brawn is a new-mold toy of the original Brawn inspired by his [[character model]], transforming into a Hummer SUV-like vehicle. His spare tire, mounted on his back end in vehicle mode, is actually a free-spinning wheel just like the normal four, and the same size as the front wheels... meaning that, in theory, it could be used as an ''actual'' spare tire.

:Amusingly enough, his robot-mode arms are upside-down inside the packaging, with his shoulders somewhere around hip-level.

: Pre-release samples and images of the toy showed him to have green-plastic tires. These were ultimately painted black for the actual retail release.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Autobot/TFUBrawn/brawn.htm More information on Legends Brawn at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

===Henkei! Henkei!===
{{picsneeded}}
*'''Minibot Attack Team''' (Multi-pack, 2009)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-18'''

:The ''[[Henkei! Henkei! (toyline)|Henkei! Henkei!]]'' release of ''Universe'' Brawn uses a much more desaturated olive-green base plastic, with brighter yellow chest paint, yet keeps the black face paint due to having the same paint layout as the Universe version. This is apparently meant more as an homage to his Micro Change roots than "just" TakTomy wanting to do something different than Hasbro<ref>http://www.ntfa.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=4529</ref>. He comes in a set with [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] and [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]].
{{-}}

==Merchandise==
[[Image:G1-toy DecoyBrawn.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Toy-accurate in one hand, show-accurate in the other.]]
{{anchor|TakaraDecoy}}
* '''Cybertron Hero Collection 22''' (Decoy multi-pack, 1985)

: In Japan, a red rubber mini-figure of "Gong" was available in part of a [[Decoy|massive multi-pack of similar mini-figurines]]. The number etched into his back is the sum total of his [[tech spec]] ratings, as these figurines were used as game pieces for a variety of ''Transformers'' board games in which this number had some meaning to how the game was played or something. Brawn mixes the [[character model|cartoon model]] with elements from the original toy (most notably giving him a claw for a right hand).

{{anchor|HasbroDecoy}}
*'''Brawn''' (Decoy, 1987)
**''Decoy number'': '''24'''

: The [[Hasbro]] [[Decoy]] release of the Brawn game piece is almost identical to the Japanese version, except the number on his back is a simple "checklist" number. Like all Autobot Decoys, he was a randomly-chosen pack-in available with the carded [[Throttlebot]]s, [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]], [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] and [[Technobot (G1)|Technobot]]s.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1986/Autobot/Decoys/Brawn/brawn.htm More information on Decoy Brawn at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

==References==
<references/>
==External Links==
* [http://www.toybin.org/search.php?q=1984+Autobot+Brawn ToyBin Brawn Toy Gallery]
* [http://ntfa.net/universe/english/index.php?act=view&char=Brawn Brawn's Universe profile at NTFA.net]

[[Category:Children of Primus]]
[[Category:Classics Autobots]]
[[Category:Decoys]]
[[Category:Demolitions specialists]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 2 Autobots]]
[[Category:Henkei! Henkei! Autobots]]
[[Category:Legends of Cybertron]]
[[Category:Mini Vehicles]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]
[[Category:Universe Autobots]]

Wheeljack (G1)

2010-12-25T20:27:36Z

190.20.173.129: /* The Transformers cartoon */

{{factions|autobot|autobotg2}}
{{disambig3|Wheeljack}}{{suite}}
:''Wheeljack is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Wheeljackg1.jpg|right|350px|thumb|[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]! I built a machine that builds machines that build catapults! Come see! Yeah, we can wait for Ratchet...]]
'''Wheeljack''' is his own worst enemy. Something of a crackpot inventor, a good half of his creations blow up in his face, and that's just if he's lucky. He's simultaneously one of the Autobots' greatest assets and problems; for every successful gadget he builds, there's one which requires [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] or [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] to put him (and his lab) back together. But once in a while he strikes gold, which has won him respect from even the Decepticons.

He is, however, not a ''complete'' nerd. As good as he is in the lab, Wheeljack is just as amazing on the road: there are few stunts he can't pull off, and he loves to show off his driving skills as much as he does his inventions. He is, however, a little less confident when it comes to [[flight|flying]], which he accomplishes using solid-fuel rocket jets in his forearms.

{{bigquote|It sure is nice when one of my inventions actually works!|Wheeljack on his track record|"[[Fire on the Mountain]]"}}

:''French-Canadian name:'' '''Invento''', '''Cric''' ("Jack", Action Master)
:''Hungarian name:'' '''Kerék''' ("Wheel"), sometimes '''Kormányos Jack''' ("Steering-wheel Jack", Yoho!)
:''Italian name:'' '''Saetta''' ("Bolt")
:''Portuguese name:'' '''Auto-Roda''' ("Auto-Motor", Portuguese comic), '''Motriz''' ("Wheel", Brazilian comic)
:''Russian name:'' '''Gonsheek''' ("Racer", cartoon dub)

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Generation 1====
{{noteukonly}}
[[Image:TheTransformers-Wheeljack.jpg|left|thumb|150px|They thought I was crazy, absolutely mad.]]
Wheeljack was one of the select Autobots chosen by [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] to travel aboard the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]], and ended up in stasis lock for four million years at the base of [[Mount St. Hilary]] with the rest of the crew. Once the volcano exploded and the Transformers reactivated, Wheeljack was rebuilt to transform into a race car. As the Autobots counted their ranks, he apologized to [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] for being "the guy you've had to patch up most." {{storylink|The Transformers (issue)|The Transformers}}

Later, he observed as their human friend [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] suffered a heart attack, requiring Ratchet to drive him and his son to the hospital. {{storylink|The Last Stand}} After a battle with the Decepticons, the Autobots were defeated by [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]], who took over the Ark and hung the bodies of Wheeljack and his defeated peers from the ceiling. {{storylink|The New Order}}

''Ratchet was able to reclaim the Ark and began to reactivate the fallen warriors. Wheeljack was the second Autobot after [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] to be brought back on-line, so that he could aid Ratchet with his technical skills. He saved the Autobots from total destruction by remote-controlling Optimus Prime's deactivated body and using it to intervene in [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]]'s attempted execution of [[Guardian (Marvel)|Guardian]], who had been booby-trapped with a nuclear bomb.'' {{storylink|The Wrath of Guardian!}}

[[Image:Wheeljack-disintegratedcircuits02.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Don't worry! As long as you hit the wire with the connecting hook at precisely eighty-eight miles per hour, the instant the lightning strikes the tower... everything will be fine!]]

Wheeljack accompanied [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] on a mission to secure a fuel supply for the Autobots. He stayed in the background while Jazz forged an alliance with the human [[G.B. Blackrock]]. But when Starscream and Frenzy showed up at the unveiling of Blackrock's new anti-robot cannon, Wheeljack couldn't just sit around. He transformed and blasted Frenzy with magnetic powder, which buried the Decepticon in an avalanche of ferrous materials. Wheeljack was saved from an attack by Starscream when [[Circuit Breaker]] brought the Decepticon crashing to the ground. The save was unintentional, however; when Wheeljack thanked the human for her help, she turned her fury on him, blasting him into unconsciousness. {{storylink|DIS-Integrated Circuits!}}

To help boost the Autobots' fallen forces, Wheeljack installed the minds of [[Grapple]], [[Skids (G1)|Skids]], [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]], [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]], and [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] into bodies that were created by the Ark. The minds were stored on the Ark for such an occasion. {{storylink|Rock and Roll-Out!}}

''Wheeljack was later an early casualty of a disastrous attack on [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] led by acting Autobot Commander [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]], though he was not seriously damaged.'' {{storylink|Target: 2006}}

To give the Autobots some air (and [[combiner]]) power, Wheeljack designed the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]], though all but [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]]'s minds were incomplete and they almost killed a human. {{storylink|Aerialbots over America!}} Wheeljack later had to erase their minds and unfortunately, by this time, [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] had implanted a [[cerebro-shell]] in Optimus that, while not controlling him, allowed the Decepticons to tap into the [[Matrix of Leadership|Creation Matrix]] to create the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]]. {{storylink|Heavy Traffic!}} It was not directly referenced, but it is assumed that he helped build the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] as well (which allowed [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] to create the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]]).

''Later, he aided Optimus Prime in a plan to temporarily fake his own death, in order to teach the Earth-bound Autobots to learn to cope without him. Wheeljack was the only Autobot Prime told of his plan, probably since Prime needed him to build a [[facsimile construct]] in his likeness to be destroyed. When Megatron did destroy the facsimile, even Wheeljack mistakenly believed Prime had been killed.'' {{storylink|Prey!}}

[[Image:Wheeljack-mechanicaldifficulties.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Throw open the switches on the sonic oscillator, and step up the reactor power THREE—MORE—TRIANGLES!]]

After Optimus Prime died, the Autobots chose Grimlock as their new leader. Like Prime before him, Grimlock relied heavily on Wheeljack's skills. Wheeljack tracked down the missing [[Power Booster Rod]], {{storylink|Mechanical Difficulties!}} and supervised the construction of the [[Geothermal Generator]]. By the time the device was complete, Wheeljack was beginning to have serious doubts about Grimlock's leadership, noting to himself that their leader wasn't the brightest bulb in the box. {{storylink|Used Autobots}} By the time the Ark was repaired and ready for launching, Wheeljack was wondering if he shouldn't be helping Blaster out, rather than assisting Grimlock's efforts to capture him. {{storylink|Child's Play (issue)|Child's Play}}

These doubts soon grew into a covert rebellion, as he called in his old friend [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]] to help deal with the situation. Wheeljack acted as the Ark's pilot, once it was spaceborne. He enabled the craft to overtake and capture the Decepticon [[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]], who was under Blaster's control. When Blast-Off's passengers turned out to be nothing more than four human children, he advised the other Autobots that they could probably lower their weapons.

[[Image:Wheeljack-spacehikers02.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Welcome to my secret lair on Skullcrusher Mountain. I hope you've enjoyed your stay so far.]]

Wheeljack did his best to make the four humans welcome and comfortable, fitting them with customized space suits, but soon ran up against Grimlock's monomaniacal quest to bring Blaster to "justice". When Grimlock ordered the humans cast into space in hopes of drawing out Blaster, Wheeljack had Skylynx save them. Though the humans were safe, Grimlock captured Blaster anyway, and Wheeljack's attempt at subversion ultimately failed. {{storylink|Spacehikers!}}

Wheeljack was among the dozens of Autobots who gathered on the moon to watch Blaster and Grimlock battle for Autobot leadership, and subsequently came under Decepticon attack. {{storylink|Totaled!}}

Although it wasn't depicted, he was assumed destroyed by the [[Underbase]]-powered [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]; like most of his compatriots, he was not seen in action until the battle with Unicron. {{storylink|Dark Star (issue)|Dark Star}}

[[Image:Wheeljack-stilllife.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Alive.... ALIVE... ''IT'S ALIIIIIIVE!!!'']]

Grimlock eventually revived him with [[Nucleon]], along with the rest of the Autobots' deactivated roster. Wheeljack questioned Grimlock on the wisdom of ramming Unicron with the Ark and of charging into battle so soon after being reactivated, but Grimlock just told him to be quiet and fight, before shoving him out the airlock. {{storylink|On the Edge of Extinction!}}

After the defeat of [[Unicron]], Wheeljack was with a handful of Transformers who found Optimus Prime's dessicated remains. He theorized that the Matrix energy unleashed by Unicron's destruction was somehow, just barely, keeping him alive. He mourned Prime's death alongside Prowl, Kup and others. {{storylink|Still Life!}}

[[Image:Wheeljack-endoftheroad.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Mein Führer! ''I can walk!!'']]

Wheeljack had a short altercation with Quake, which was symptomatic of the growing unrest between the two factions. He subsequently discovered the betrayal of the Decepticons, who had sabotaged the Autobot spacecraft before leaving the dying Cybertron. {{storylink|Exodus!}}

Grimlock saved the day again though, providing some stolen Decepticon cruisers. However, when they followed the Decepticons to [[Klo]], the Autobots were ambushed and nearly wiped out. [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] was about to dismember the crippled Wheeljack when he was saved by the timely arrival of the reborn Optimus Prime and the [[Neo-Knights]]. {{storylink|End of the Road! (US)|End of the Road!}}
{{-}}

=====Marvel UK future timelines=====
''Wheeljack survived the battle of [[Autobot City]] in this timeline, but was later strung up by [[Quintesson|Quintessons]] there in 2008, anyway. He wasn't seen after that, though [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] survived the same treatment, so Wheeljack may have survived.'' {{storylink|Space Pirates!}}
{{--}}

=====Earthforce=====
{{earthforcefiction}}
''When [[Galvatron II|Galvatron]] infiltrated the Ark to brainwash some new troops, Wheeljack was one of the deactivated Autobots he attempted to control. Wheeljack and the others turned the tables on Galvatron, subjecting him to his own [[mind bug]] technology.'' {{storylink|Perchance to Dream}} ''Back in action, Wheeljack felt somewhat out of place among the various [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]], [[Targetmaster|Targetmasters]] and [[Powermaster|Powermasters]] wandering around the Ark now. On a scouting mission, he and Prowl grumbled to one another about how they just wanted some good ol' fashioned Decepticons to beat up on. Obligingly, the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] [[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] and [[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] showed up right then to stop the Autobots from finding out about their evil plans. Thrilled about fighting bad guys who weren't "MicroHeadTargetmasters with a Pretender shell", Wheeljack and Prowl tracked down the Constructicons' leader, Megatron, nearby, and learned of his plans to destroy Earth's atmosphere.'' {{storylink|Starting Over!}} ''While Wheeljack distracted [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] and the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]], Prowl leapt aboard the "atmo rocket" and knocked it off course, saving the planet.'' {{storylink|Desert Island Risks!}}

''Fresh from their adventure with old, familiar enemies, Wheeljack and Prowl both joined the new Earthforce team Optimus Prime set up under Grimlock's command. Operating out of a shuttle in the Canadian wilderness, the Autobots began constructing a larger Earthbase on site. Although the location of their base was unknown, the construction-in-progress was open to attack, and so a 24-hour guard watch was arranged. One dark and stormy night, Wheeljack was trying to keep warm on guard duty using a thermo-heating unit from the ship, but it overheated and started smoking on him. He knocked over a table and lamp while trying to shut off the device and attracted the attention of a polar bear, which ended up chasing him back towards the shuttle. To top it all off, he was jumped from behind by [[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]], who had seen all the mess and mistaken Wheeljack for [[Fantasy Predacon|an attacking Decepticon]]. It was not Wheeljack's best night ever.'' {{storylink|Mystery!}}

[[Image:Wheeljack-thelivingnightlights.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Bah. Warm, fuzzy nice-nice! What good is science if nobody gets hurt!?]]

''When a new thought-activated set of nightlights called [[Sleepfast]] was released to human buyers, Wheeljack got suspicious and tested the little items. He found not only the presence of Cybertronian technology in the devices, but also evidence that the thought-sensitive nightlights would eventually turn on their owners, allowing them to manipulate the humans' minds as well as read them. Wheeljack took [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] to investigate the Sleepfast warehouse, and they ran into the mastermind behind the scheme, [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]]. The Autobots used the thought-activation effect of the Sleepfasts to will all several hundred nightlights on at once, temporarily blinding Mindwipe.'' {{storylink|The Living Nightlights!}}

[[Image:Wheeljack-housethatwheeljack.jpg|thumb|right|250px|"Zhose are ze largest trousers in ze vorld!"]]

''Finally, Autobot Earthbase was completed, and Wheeljack called the entire team outside to witness his defense grid in action. Prowl was dubious at the lack of obvious protection, and so Wheeljack handed him the activation remote. Once Prowl hit the button, Wheeljack tossed a rock towards the base, where it was instantly obliterated by the retractable laser cannons. When Prowl expressed concern that someone could knock the defense system offline, Wheeljack assured him that once the defense system was activated, it could only be deactivated from a console inside the base. Prowl paused for a minute, took a head count, then turned hesitantly to Wheeljack and asked, "So who's inside with the console NOW...?" ''

''The response? "Oh..."''

''While Prowl and the other Autobots braved the defenses in order to reach the console and turn off the security system, Grimlock grabbed Wheeljack by the ankle and shook him out upside-down over the snow for good measure.'' {{storylink|The House that Wheeljack Built!}}

[[Image:Wheeljack-makintracks.jpg|thumb|left|300px|From the tempest's fury, the spark ignites—to sire new life! Transmet—wait, we're getting a bit too meta here, aren't we.]]

''When Optimus Prime returned to Earth for an inspection of the new operation, he also brought back [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]]'s body for Wheeljack to reactivate in his Bodyshop. Grimlock was hardly impressed with the idea of bringing the vain and complaining Tracks back to life, and he tried to derail the process. Despite his efforts, though, Wheeljack not only revived Tracks, but Optimus Prime decreed that Tracks would remain with Earthforce instead of going back on the Ark with him.'' {{storylink|Makin' Tracks!}} ''Later, Wheeljack diagnosed Snarl with [[Corrodia Gravis]], prompting the Autobots to seek out the only compatible Transformer who could give him a systems boost: Starscream.'' {{storylink|Assassins}}

''Wheeljack was last seen during the Autobot chase of [[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]], who had kidnapped their ally, [[Irwin Spoon (G1)|Irwin Spoon]]. He abandoned the chase to check on Prowl after Motormaster ran him off the highway.'' {{storylink|End of the Road! (UK)|End of the Road!}}

{{-}}
====''Generation 2''====
While investigating an apparent planet-wide genocide on [[J'asik]], Wheeljack joined [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] and [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] on a science team in attempting to find out just what had destroyed all life on the planet so utterly. Their findings were so surprising, the team double-checked 50 times before confirming the results: A Cybertronian biological by-product had somehow achieved quasi-sentience and motivation, and was prowling the galaxy as the entity known as the [[Swarm (G2)|Swarm]]. The full impact of their discovery was cut short, however, by the arriving armada of [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]] and his second generation [[Cybertronian (faction)|Cybertronians]], the accidental harbingers of the Swarm. {{storylink|Swarm (issue)|Swarm}} The battle with Jhiaxus kept the Transformers occupied long enough for the Swarm to find them on Earth. Presenting a united front, the Autobots and Decepticons desperately attempted to drive back the creature. Wheeljack cooked up a method of dramatically augmenting [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]]'s sonic powers, but while the Decepticon was consumed by the excess power pumping through his system, it seemed to do little good against the Swarm. Wheeljack's fate is unknown. {{storylink|A Rage in Heaven!}}
{{-}}

===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Chris Latta]] (English), [[Osamu Saka]] (Japanese), [[Katsumi Suzuki]] (Japanese, "[[Attack of the Autobots]]" and "[[Day of the Machines]]" only), [[Alberto Bognanni]] (Italian, second dub), [[Albert Augier]] (French), Isidro Olace (Latin American)

[[Image:Cybertronwheeljack.jpg|left|thumb|Boxy but safe.]]

Four million years ago, on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], Wheeljack was sent on a mission with [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] to search for any available energy that could be found on the drained planet. The pair located some energy [[conductor]]s, and Wheeljack transformed into his boxy vehicle mode so that Bumblebee could load them up, even though he didn't believe they would last a [[Units of time|quartex]]. On the return trip to [[Iacon (city-state)|Iacon]], the pair were attacked by a team of [[Decepticon]]s, but Wheeljack was able to break through their barricade of fire using his bumper-mounted cutting blades and then eluded their pursuers by heading underground. Despite their successful return with the conductors, [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] decided to expand the search for energy to other planets. Wheeljack was among the Autobots selected to embark on this mission, but in mid-flight, the Autobots' [[Ark (G1)|spacecraft]] was attacked by the Decepticons and crashed on prehistoric [[Earth]], entombing all aboard in stasis.

[[Image:Mtmte2_fiftyninepointninetynine.jpg|right|thumb|220px|With this, I shall give my creature life!]]

When the Transformers were reactivated by a volcanic eruption in 1984, Wheeljack was reformatted by [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] with the alternate mode of a Lancia Stratos Turbo custom racing car. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 1}} Soon after their awakening, Wheeljack was part of the battle unit organized by [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] to defend a [[human]] oil rig against an attack by the Decepticons, and used a fire-extinguishing mechanism installed in his forearm to douse the inferno that resulted from the conflict. Wheeljack next helped attempt to stop the Decepticon plot to overload [[Sherman Dam]], and then journeyed with the other Autobots in pursuing their foes to [[Burma]]. There, he gave Bumblebee and the Autobots' new human ally [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] a bomb that would collapse the mine the Decepticons were current raiding, trapping the villainous robots for good. Alas, Wheeljack overestimated his skills, as the Decepticons were able to escape the collapsed mountain with ease. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 2}} Wheeljack later participated in the battle to stop the Decepticons from escaping Earth aboard their [[Victory (G1)|new space cruiser]]. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 3}}

[[Image:Divideandconquer wheeljack cosmotron.jpg|left|thumb|220px|Ah you know what it's like Ironhide, there's always a few extra bits at the bottom of the box.]]

Some months later, when an [[antimatter]]-powered [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] attacked [[Ark (G1)#Autobot Headquarters|Autobot Headquarters]], Wheeljack had just the invention to save the day: a remote control unit that would put Teletraan I in control of a Decepticons' body. Through the bravery of [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] and [[Chip Chase]], the unit was planted on [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]], and the Autobots used him to foil the Decepticons' plan. {{storylink|Roll for It}}

Wheeljack's mechanical expertise was put to the ultimate test when Optimus Prime was critically wounded by a Decepticon attack. With [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]]'s help, Wheeljack struggled to keep his leader alive, discovering that his vital [[cosmitron]] component had been damaged and needed replacing. A team of Autobots were dispatched through the Decepticons' [[space bridge]] to Cybertron, where they located [[Wheeljack's workshop|Wheeljack's old laboratory]] and recovered a replacement cosmitron to save Prime's life. {{storylink|Divide and Conquer}}

[[Image:SOSDinobots_buildingSludge.jpg|right|thumb|220px|What's he ''building'' in there? We've got a right to know.]]

Upon discovery of [[dinosaur]] bones in caverns within the Ark's volcano, Wheeljack and Ratchet were inspired to construct robotic version of dinosaurs, resulting in the creation of the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]]. Upon activation, the behemoths promptly ran out of control and badly damaged Autobot Headquarters, until Wheeljack brought them under control with his [[magnetic inducer]]. Optimus Prime deemed the Dinobots too dangerous to continue functioning and commanded that the project be abandoned, but Wheeljack secretly persisted, developing memory components that would increase the Dinobots' intelligence. This bout of insubordination proved fortunate when almost all of the Autobots were captured by the Decepticons at the [[Great Falls]], prompting Wheeljack to activate the upgraded Dinobots and take them into battle to save the day. Wheeljack was willing to accept any punishment Prime would hand down for his disobedience, but Prime accepted his judgement had been hasty, and allowed the Dinobots to remain among the Autobot ranks. {{storylink|S.O.S. Dinobots}}

Learning of Decepticon activity in [[Peru]], Optimus Prime had Wheeljack and [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] head for the [[Arctic|Arctic Circle]] to unearth the frozen Autobot [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]], so he could carry the Autobot forces to South America. Once the Decepticons' plan to use the [[Crystal of Power]] as a weapon had been stopped, Wheeljack invented a device to cap the geyser of energy that had resulted from the crystal's destruction. Spike was a little concerned over whether or not the device would function, but it went off without a hitch, even surprising Wheeljack himself a little. {{storylink|Fire on the Mountain}}

[[Image:Wotd wheeljack meteorite.jpg|left|thumb|220px|Surprisingly, the ominously glowing turd had little scientific value.]]

Wheeljack had his work cut out for him when the Autobots faced two simultaneous threats: a [[Meteorini Chipperoni|mysterious meteorite]] crashed on Earth, and when the Dinobots were left to guard it, they were tricked by Megatron into allying with the Decepticons. Analyzing a fragment of the meteorite, Wheeljack discovered it was wildly unstable and poised to explode at any moment. Working with Ratchet, Spike and [[Chip Chase]], Wheeljack developed two new Dinobots, [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] and [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]], and sent them in to defeat their forebears. The meteorite exploded harmlessly, and the Dinobots, convinced of their mistake, returned to the Autobot side. {{storylink|War of the Dinobots}}

When the Decepticons attacked a solar power plant on the coast of [[India]], Wheeljack outfitted the Autobots with hydrofoils so they could approach the plant from over the water. The attack was discovered to be a distraction when Wheeljack received a report from Autobot Headquarters that the Decepticons had struck there and kidnapped Sparkplug. Wheeljack was part of the Autobot team that raided [[Decepticon Headquarters]] and recovered Sparkplug, but he and Spike soon realized that there was something wrong. Sparkplug had, in fact, been made a mind-controlled Decepticon slave thanks to a [[hypno-chip]], as part of a plan to transport Cybertron itself into Earth orbit. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 1}}

[[Image:Tud3_wheeljack_little_present.jpg|right|thumb|220px|Green Lantern's light!]]

The villains soon accomplish their terrifying goal, and the Autobots found themselves battling the natural disasters that the presence of the planet caused. Wheeljack called upon the Dinobots to aid them in their struggle, though first he had to convince them that it was worth their while to help. Seeking information about the Decepticons' hypno-chips, Wheeljack was part of an Autobot team who travelled to the orbiting Cybertron, though no sooner had they arrived on the planet than the smaller members of their party (Spike, Bumblebee and [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]]), fell through a trap door. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 2}} Wheeljack and the others were unable to follow directly due to their size, but soon tracked their friends down to the Decepticons' headquarters and rescued them from an attack. The team took cover in Wheeljack's old lab, where Wheeljack analyzed a computer disk containing information on the hypno-chips that Bumblebee had stolen and developed a device to negate the chips' effect. The Autobots' test-drove the device on Sparkplug, and when it proved successful, they quickly returned to Earth and Wheeljack used it to liberate all of Megatron's slaves. Finally, the world was saved when the Autobots blew up Megatron's stockpile of [[energon cube]]s, blasting Cybertorn out of orbit. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 3}} Wheeljack then helped repair the damage caused to Earth, directing the Dinobots as they performed some heavy lifting. {{storylink|Countdown to Extinction (episode)|Countdown to Extinction}}

Wheeljack was part of the Autobot unit dispatched to [[Bali]] to investigate reports of robot insects, where they faced the threat of the Decepticons' newest allies, the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]]. Wheeljack aided Skyfire by fixing his malfunctioning transform mechanism, and unsteadily taking to the air to back him up in an Insecticon dogfight. When Spike deduced that the Autobots' rubber tyres would protect them from the Insecticons' lightning attacks, Wheeljack rode atop [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] and Sideswipe to help send the critters packing. To reward Spike for his bravery, Wheeljack offered to make a him a "true Autobot" by designing a motorcycle transformation for him, but Spike decided he'd better wait until he was at least old enough to drive. {{storylink|A Plague of Insecticons}}

[[Image:Shockblastcannon.jpg|left|thumb|300px|I'm okay.]]

The sudden appearance of Megatron in the airspace of Autobot Headquarters was cause enough for Wheeljack to try testing his new [[shock blast cannon]], but the weapon simply blew up in his hands. As luck would have it, Megatron had not arrived to fight, but to challenge Optimus Prime to a one-on-one duel in accordance with Cybertron law. Wheeljack spoke out in favour of Prime accepting the challenge, as it would end the Transformers' war, but none of the Autobots expected the eventual result of the fight: Optimus lost! Wheeljack could not understand how Megatron had claimed victory, but Teletraan I soon provided the answer-Megatron had taken on the powers of all the other Decepticons, breaking the rules of the fight and invalidating its outcome. {{storylink|Heavy Metal War}}

When Spike was badly injured by Megatron and needed life-saving surgery, Wheeljack developed cybernetic attachments that allowed Spike's mind to be transferred into "[[Autobot X]]", a makeshift body constructed from spare Autobot parts by Sparkplug. {{storylink|Autobot Spike}} A little later, Wheeljack disagreed with Ratchet over which wire needed to be pulled to deactivate the Decepticons' [[Solar Needle]] device, but Optimus Prime put an end to the argument by yanking both of them. {{storylink|Changing Gears}}

[[Image:Immobilizer_wheeljack_immobilized.jpg|right|thumb|220px|Wheeljack: Master of the ancient art of Notmoveoo.]]

Wheeljack was among the Autobots who travelled to [[New York City]] to defend it against an attempted Decepticon takeover. The sight of [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] climbing the [[Empire State Building]] reminded Wheeljack of ''[[King Kong]]'', and he took a leaf out of the movie's book by sending remote-controlled helicopters against the [[combiner]]. Devastator easily swatted the craft out of the air, and [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] consoled Wheeljack with the fact that Devastator had probably seen the movie too. {{storylink|City of Steel}}

The first tests of Wheeljack's newest invention, the paralytic "[[Wheeljack Instant Immobilizer]]", did not go very well: first, the device's [[polarizer]] was damaged by an over-enthusiastic [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]], and once it was replaced, Spike accidentally stepped on the Immobilizer's remote, immobilizing Wheeljack himself! Luckily the effects of the device proved temporary, and Wheeljack soon returned to normal. {{storylink|The Immobilizer}} His next invention, an [[anti-transfixation grenade]] developed to restore the other Autobots when they were frozen in their vehicle modes by the Decepticons' new [[Transfixatron]], proved much more successful. {{storylink|The Autobot Run}}

[[Image:Atlantisarise wheeljack and nergill.jpg|left|thumb|220px|From that day on, Dr. Wheel Jack was cursed to transform into a monster during moments of stress.]]

When Wheeljack was captured by the Decepticons' new sea-dwelling [[Sub-Atlantica]]n allies, their treacherous king, [[Nergill]], studied his systems and developed [[magnetic dysfunction ray]] that could disable Transformers based on them. When [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] was blasted with the ray, he tried to use energy from Wheeljack's systems to restore himself, but was caught in the act and stopped by Bumblebee and Spike. The duo proceeded to repair Wheeljack, who then called in the Dinobots to sent the Sub-Atlanticans packing. {{storylink|Atlantis, Arise!}}

After helping to free [[Quantum Laboratories]] from the control of [[TORQ III]], {{storylink|Day of the Machines}} Wheeljack attended the unveiling of the human-made ninja-robot, [[Nightbird (G1)|Nightbird]]. Wheeljack did not have a high opinion of the comparatively primitive robot, but once the Decepticons stole and reprogrammed it to serve them, Nightbird made Wheeljack eat crow by outsmarting all the new security systems he had installed in Autobot Headquarters. {{storylink|Enter the Nightbird}} Later, Wheeljack was among the Autobots fooled by Megatron's [[Optimus Prime clone|clone of Optimus Prime]]. {{storylink|A Prime Problem}}

To stop the Decepticons from drilling into the Earth's core and destroying the planet, Wheeljack invented [[dominator disc]]s that the Autobots planted on the individual [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]], placing their combined form of Devastator under Wheeljack's control. The Decepticons were able to disrupt the disks, but this resulted in Devastator running amok, forcing the Decepticons to hand their device over to Wheeljack so he could combine it with his disks to restore Devatator to normal. {{storylink|The Core}} Soon after, Wheeljack and Ratchet had to work fast to develop an antidote that would negate the destructive energy of the [[Nova Power Core]], which had been consumed by the Insecticons and was threatening to cause them to explode.{{storylink|The Insecticon Syndrome}}

[[Image:Autoberserk_good_job_wheeljack.jpg|right|thumb|220px|Wheeljack's the dude.]]

Having spent some time trying to teach the Dinobots finesse, Wheeljack held a demonstration of his creations' newest abilities for the other Autobots, but unsurprisingly, it all went wrong. Optimus Prime decided that the Dinobots should train elsewhere, and they were sent to the recently-discovered "[[Dinobot Island (G1)|Dinobot Island]]". {{storylink|Dinobot Island, Part 1}} Unfortunately, the Decepticons followed the Dinobots to the time-lost island and began draining its energy, causing time warps all across the Earth that Wheeljack worked with Chip and Teletraan I to track. {{storylink|Dinobot Island, Part 2}}

Wheeljack approved of [[Grapple]]'s [[Solar Power Tower]], but sadly, Optimus Prime didn't. {{storylink|The Master Builders}} Prime ''did'' approve of Wheeljack's own next invention, the [[Negavator]], but so did the Decepticons, who made a few attempts at stealing it that ultimately required it to be destroyed. {{storylink|Auto Berserk}} Later, when a [[Heart of Cybertron]]-empowered Megatron badly injured many of the Autobots, Optimus Prime had Ratchet repair Wheeljack first, so the scientist could build a forcefield to hold Megatron off. {{storylink|Microbots}}

When the Decepticons framed the Autobots for energy thefts, they covered for their own past villainy by claiming Wheeljack had invented a device that drove them to evil. The deception fooled the people of Earth, and the Autobots were exiled from the planet, {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1}} but they soon returned to clear their names. {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 2}}

[[Image:Dotd1_sparkplug_repairs_wheeljack.jpg|left|thumb|220px|He took mah jerb!]]

Instructed by Optimus Prime to dispatch an Autobot team to deal with a Decepticon incursion at an airfield, Wheeljack again had to convince the Dinobots to lend a hand. Soon after, Wheeljack and the other Autobots began to malfunction as a result of [[cybertonium]] degradation, necessitating that Spike and [[Carly]] travel to Cybertron to get more. {{storylink|Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 1}} Wheeljack supplied them with a [[photon light]] and a two-way thumb radio and set them on course for his old laboratory. Despite some Decepticon trouble along the way, the two humans eventually succeeded in their mission with the help of the Dinobots, and Wheeljack and the Autobots were restored. {{storylink|Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 2}}

Wheeljack was among the Autobots who stood by as reports on the search for the stolen [[Voltronic Galaxer]] came in, {{storylink|Blaster Blues}}, then later temporarily received the power of an invulnerable [[electrum]] coating {{storylink|The Golden Lagoon}}. Shortly thereafter, he had to help Sparkplug, Ratchet and [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] repair and restore a fleet of cars turned into war machines by the Decepticons, {{storylink|Make Tracks}} but was powerless to do anything when a space bridge accident hurled Optimus Prime and a small group of other Autobots and Decepticons to a world of alien giants. {{storylink|Child's Play (episode)|Child's Play}} Later still, when [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] was injured attempting to protect heiress [[Astoria Carlton-Ritz]], Wheeljack and Ratchet recovered and repared him. {{storylink|The Girl Who Loved Powerglide}}

[[Image:Wardawn wheeljack fixes kronosphere.jpg|right|thumb|220px|Wheeljack, the colour of gold, is gold. That's why it's called gold. What you have created, if it has a name, is some...green.]]

When Wheeljack's lab on Cybertron was raided by the Decepticons, a mysterious piece of old technology he had kept stored there was carried back to Earth by [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]], who wound up crashing in a movie lot. The Decepticon fought hard to recover footage the movie studio took of Dirge and the device, but it turned out the joke was on them: after the battle was done, Wheeljack revealed that whatever the machine was supposed to be, it had never worked anyway! {{storylink|Hoist Goes Hollywood}}

Wheeljack was part of the Autobot team that traveled to Cybertron to stop Megatron from using the mega-computer [[Vector Sigma]] to bring his new [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]] to life, but they failed. {{storylink|The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 1}} To combat the Stunticons, Wheeljack helped [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]] rebuild some aircraft into the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]]. {{storylink|The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 2}} Only a few weeks later, Wheeljack had to returned to Cybertron to repair the damaged [[Kronosphere]] time machine and rescue the Aerialbots when the Decepticons attempted to trap them in the past. {{storylink|War Dawn}}

[[Image:Teurox wheeljack vs motormaster.jpg|left|thumb|220px]]

Learning that racing driver [[Auggie Cahnay (G1)|Auggie Cahnay]] would be test-driving a car made from a new experimental alloy in the upcoming [[Europa 2000]] race, Optimus Prime sent a contingent of Autobots, including Wheeljack, to participate in the race and protect Augie from any possible Decepticon interference. Wheeljack was thoroughly enjoying himself until the Stunticons joined the race, and he was crushed under [[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]]'s wheels in [[Turkey]]. {{storylink|Trans-Europe Express}}

When the [[Cosmic Rust (disease)|Cosmic Rust]] plague threatened the Autobots, Wheeljack proposed using the [[matter duplicator]] to create more of [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]]'s anti-corrosive [[corrostop]]. Two problems faced the scientific duo, however: the matter duplicator didn't work, and they were out of corrostop! Working tirelessly (and with a few swift kicks to the machine for good measure), the pair got the matter duplicator functioning, and the Autobots recovered some corrostop from the [[Statue of Liberty]] to duplicate and save themselves. {{storylink|Cosmic Rust (episode)|Cosmic Rust}}

[[Image:Masquerade_wheeljack_stolen_tech.jpg|right|thumb|220px|So, you ''want'' me to make it blow up this time?]]

During the Stunticons' latest rampage, Wheeljack used Teletraan I to pinpoint the location of the five Decepticons, and the Autobots quickly rounded them up. Examining the components the Stunticons had stolen, Wheeljack speculated that Megatron was making yet another super-weapon. A team of five Autobots disguised themselves as the Stunticons, and delivered a substitute ruby modified by Wheeljack to Megatron, which caused the new laser cannon it was installed within to explode. {{storylink|Masquerade}}

For his final recorded adventure in the 20th century, Wheeljack helped defend Autobot Headquarters against an attack from the Decepticons' [[orbit disruptor cannon]], using his gyro-inhibitor to prematurely detonate missiles launched by [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]]. {{storylink|B.O.T. (episode)|B.O.T.}}

[[Image:Windcharger wheeljack otp.jpg|left|220px|thumb|Inventor, uh...reinvent thyself.]]

Over the course of the next twenty years, the Decepticons turned away from Earth and focused on entirely conquering Cybertron. The Autobots were forced off the planet, and constructed [[Autobot City]] on Earth to serve as their new home. Wheeljack ultimately met his end defending this city in the year 2005, when the Decepticons launched [[Battle of Autobot City|an overwhelming attack on it]]. His body was seen lying alongside a missile launcher as [[Arcee (G1)| Arcee]] laid [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]]'s equally-lifeless shell alongside him. {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie}}

{{-}}

====Japanese cartoon continuity====
{{note|The events of the Generation 1 cartoon occur in Japanese continuity as noted above, aside from one notable alteration: Wheeljack does not die during ''The Transformers: The Movie''. The character reappears in several pieces of media that take place after the events of the movie, in important capacities that can't merely be written off as animation errors. This was not an issue to Japanese audiences originally, as the movie was not released in Japan until a few years later, after the most significant of these extra appearances (in the ''[[Victory (cartoon)|Victory]]'' cartoon), but it created something of a retroactive error that would later be addressed in passing in ''[[Alternators|Binaltech]]'' fiction. Read on for details!}}

=====e-Hobby pack-in comic=====

[[Image:Ehobbymanga_wheeljack.jpg|right|thumb]]

During a Decepticon assault on Autobot Headquarters, Wheeljack co-ordinated the Autobot counterattack from inside the base, instructing Brawn to back up Hound. When the other Decepticons were defeated, Brawn and Hound ran to back up Optimus Prime, who was battling Megatron and had just landed a powerful blow on the Decepticon leader. Wheeljack scanned Megatron's damage, and discovered that his internal balancer had gone offline...but he could never have predicted that this would result in Megatron's systems releasing a sudden [[quantum surge|surge of quantum energy]] that restored and super-charged him! {{storylink|Decepticon Leader Megatron Black Ver.}}

=====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' comic=====

[[Image:Srlf manga1 wheeljack trailbreaker sideswipe prime.jpg|left|thumb|300px|We have streaky anime lines!]]

When the Decepticons began turning their attention towards [[Japan]] in the late 1980s, Wheeljack was part of an Autobot team who traveled to [[Tokyo]] to defend it against an attack by the [[Seeker (body-type)|Decepticon jets]] and the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]]. Following the advice of a local boy that they befriended named [[Kenji]], the Autobots were able to take out the Decepticons by using a broken section of freeway as a ramp to gain height on their enemies; Wheeljack landed a good hit on [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] in the process. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 1|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #1}}

In response to the increasing number of Decepticon attacks on Japan, the Autobots set up a secondary headquarters in the country. Wheeljack was among the Autobots later seen staffing the base and welcoming Kenji on his first visit there. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 4|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #4}}
{{-}}

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

Along with his fellow Autobots who could turn into sport and race cars, Wheeljack participated in a race across the desert. Little did he know, [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] was aware of the race and ambushed the Autobots inside a narrow gorge. Wheeljack and the other race car Transformers were unable to retaliate because their vehicle modes could not brave the rough, desert terrain. Luckily for them, [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] arrived in his rugged Jeep mode and smashed Soundwave's chest window. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (story page)|Anime Theater 2: Sic 'em, Hound!}}

=====Full Throttle Scramble Power!=====
Wheeljack was stationed at [[Metroplex (G1)|Scramble City]] when the Decepticons began terrorizing the world with their [[Omega Whip]]. To make matters worse, the Stunticons began a fierce rampage, and Wheeljack was among the Autobots who advised against the Aerialbots battling them alone. Optimus Prime disagreed, and off they went. Soon after, Wheeljack joined in an attack on the Decepticons' headquarters, but was clobbered by a Decepticon jet. {{storylink|Full Throttle Scramble Power!}}

=====''The Stargate Battles''=====
[[Image:Stargatebattles wheeljack.jpg|right|thumb|220px|Wheeljack watches C-X's brutal rampage and considers both the moral and philosophical ramifications of giving it a bigger gun.]]

In the 1990s, continued interaction between the Autobots and the government of the United States led to the development of an interstellar teleportation system known as "[[Warp Gate|the Trigger]]". Wheeljack joined Optimus Prime, Ratchet, Bumblebee, Jazz and Hound in a press conference to announce the Trigger to the world, and even wrote the stirring speech that Prime delivered to the masses. Ignoring Jazz as he tried to keep them quiet during the broadcast, Wheeljack and Ratchet both agreed that the gun-like design of the Trigger reminded them entirely too much of Megatron. {{storylink|First Contact}}

A few months later, Wheeljack, [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] and Bumblebee observed as Optimus Prime helped human scientist [[Professor Adle]] test his new [[C-X]] battle drone. Wheeljack offered some technical advice on how to increase the drone's attack speed, but that only meant more trouble when C-X started to run amok thanks to Decepticon interference. Wheeljack and his comrades tried to aid Prime, but he and Bluestreak were flattened by a single kick from the huge drone. Prime proved his might by defeating C-X single-handedly, and Wheeljack helped hold up his battered leader as he limped from the battlefield. {{storylink|Divided Views}}
{{--}}
=====''Story of Binaltech''=====
[[Image:BTWheeljack art.jpg|left|250px|thumb|HEAVY METAL RULES!!!]]
When the Dinobots were turned savage by a Unleasher attack in the year 2005, the Autobots had to take them off-line. Wheeljack headed to Earth to arrange the transplantation of [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]]'s mind into a new body created from the "Binaltech" technology that had recently been developed in conjunction between the Autobots and the [[Earth Defense Command]]. {{storylink|Beast in the Machine}} On his return journey to the Autobots' moonbase, however, his shuttle was hijacked by time-tossed Decepticon [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], who had begun a plan to alter the course of history. {{storylink|Changing Lanes}} Wheeljack was shown a brief glimpse of the near future by Ravage, and bore witness to his own death, and those of many of his comrades, in the upcoming Battle of Autobot City. Wheeljack managed to escape, while Ravage himself promptly returned to Cybertron and exhumed the [[Kronosphere]], using it to tip the balance of the decisive battle occurring at that time. Whereas the outcome would have originally favored the Decepticons, leading to their total conquest of Cybertron, Ravage ensured an ''Autobot'' victory, altering history and leaving the heroes to face the looming threat of [[Unicron]] alone.

Aware that history had been altered, Wheeljack was faced with a dilemma: Should he stop Ravage's plan and restore the timestream, even though it would mean the death of many Autobots, including himself? His salvation, he hoped, lay in the [[Genetronic Translink System]], a device that allowed a singular [[spark]] to control many duplicate bodies simultaneously—if history could be set to rights and his "death" were to come to pass, he could still live on in another body using the GT System. Dubbing his original body the "Alpha Unit," he constructed the "Beta Unit" based on Grimlock's Ford Mustang body, as well as the mysterious third "Omega Unit," whose capabilities were kept a closely guarded secret. {{storylink|Project Bodyshop}}

The subsequent arrival of Unicron prompted the Autobots to initiate "Operation: Distant Thunder," which saw [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] use the chronal warp on Dinobot Island to send Wheeljack's memory data back in time, in hopes of alerting the Autobots in the past and preventing alteration to the timestream. {{storylink|Darkest Hour}} The plan didn't go as expected, and reality started to go into a severe state of whack, until a mysterious [[Nemesis Prime (G1)|black Optimus Prime]] appeared and sealed the time portals that had been created. Operation: Distant Thunder had succeeded in preventing the mainline timestream's alteration, but the Binaltech timeline, first destined to be replaced and erased, had been saved by the newcomer and was now its own distinct, divergent universe. {{storylink|Binal Time}}

{{Note|At this point, the original timeline was retroactively restored and the events of the ''Story of Binaltech'' diverged into a parallel universe. Skip to the next section to continue reading about the original timeline. Exactly how many of the preceding events related in this section, even prior to the divergence, occurred in the original unaltered timeline are unknown, but presumably, the data sent back in time by Wheeljack must have included information on his own approaching death and the GT System, which would explain how he was able to survive and live on to appear in subsequent pieces of fiction.}}

In this new universe, Wheeljack and the Binaltech warriors began facing new threats as the Binaltech project was declassified, and derivative technlogy began showing up around the globe. The Autobots battled the human criminal organization called the [[Concurrence]] and the Binaltech Decepticon named [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]], who had created a living [[electrum]] giant. {{storylink|Unfinished Business, Part 2}} Soon, Wheeljack helped bring an end to the Binaltech wars by unleashing his Omega Unit. The BT-14 Omega Unit functioned by connecting the laser-core of Wheeljack's spark to the power network of the entire globe, linking him to the living datastream of information running the planet. Through this link, Wheeljack tracked down all the splinter projects misusing Binaltech data, allowing Prowl and [[Earth Defense Command]] to seek them out and terminate the research programs. {{storylink|Unfinished Business, Part 4}}

=====''The Headmasters'' cartoon=====
[[Image:JHeadmasters01VariousGuys.jpg|thumb|200px|He's that grey blob on the right. ]]
Some time before the Transformers' war left Cybertron, Wheeljack engaged the Decepticons in battle with his comrades. Later, on Earth, Wheeljack was present for a confrontation with the Decepticons that resulted in the death of Optimus Prime. {{storylink|Four Warriors Come out of the Sky}}

{{note|Wheeljack's flashback battle on Earth depicts Optimus Prime's death in a scene that doesn't match up to his ''actual'' death in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''. This was a continuity patch-job by the ''Headmasters'' production staff, as the movie hadn't been released in Japan yet.}}

=====''Victory'' cartoon=====

:''Voice actor:'' [[Shinobu Satouchi]] (Japanese)
[[Image:WheeljackVictory1.jpg|left|thumb|220px|Um, that was my brother Jackwheel .]]

In the year 2025, Wheeljack, Perceptor and [[Minerva]] were summoned to Earth by the new Autobot [[Supreme Commander]] [[Star Saber (Victory)|Star Saber]] to save the life of the fallen [[Ginrai|God Ginrai]]. Despite their best efforts, there was nothing they could do to save Ginrai's body, but it ''would'' be possible to transplant all his internal systems into a new body. As he would no longer truly be the same being, Ginrai turned down their offer, but then Wheeljack accidentally blurted out that there was a pre-existing design that they could use, piquing Ginrai's curiosity. The design was a combination power-up created by Star Saber, and Ginrai insisted on being reborn in this new body. {{storylink|Ginrai Dies!!}} Perceptor, Wheeljack and Minerva brought Ginrai's life functions to an end, and resurrected him in his new body as [[Victory Leo]]. As Victory Leo cut his teeth in battle, Wheeljack and Perceptor put their technical skills to use tending to Star Saber's own wounds. {{storylink|Fight!! Victory Leo}} and then installed a combination circuit in Star Saber's body. {{storylink|Awaken! Victory Leo}} This circuit allowed him to combine with Victory Leo to form Victory Saber. {{storylink|The Tide is Turned! The Ultimate Weapon, the Victory Unification}}
{{-}}

=====''Generation 2'' story pages=====
[[Image:G2StoryPageWheeljackPerceptor1.jpg|right|thumb|Umm... would you believe it was my identical cousin?]]
Wheeljack, along with Perceptor and Jetfire, discovered [[Reconfiguration Matrix|new properties]] of the Matrix which allowed Optimus Prime to revive himself as "[[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Generation 2|Battle Convoy]]" after a crushing defeat by Megatron. {{storylink|G-2 (story page)|G-2 Part 4}}

=====eHobby ''Generation 2'' storyline=====
To combat the Decepticons' increasingly aggressive energy raids, Wheeljack and [[Ga'mede]] worked together to examine Optimus Prime's new "blackbody" form, and duplicated it to create twenty-one new battle droids cast in the Autobot leader's image. These [[Eldedroid]]s were placed under the remote control of [[Flip Sides (G1)|Flip Sides]] and sent out onto the battlefield.
{{storylink|MP-1B Cybertron Commander / Convoy Black Ver.}}
{{-}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
{{notekeepers}}

[[Image:Skidswheeljackgrimlockkupironhidetww.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Box!]]

Wheeljack suffers from a mild form of [[mode attachment]], feeling more comfortable in his vehicle mode than robot mode. As a consequence he does his best thinking in vehicle mode, often while attempting something insanely dangerous. {{storylink|Transformers: The Ultimate Guide}}

Wheeljack was part of Grimlock's unit, along with [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] and [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]], at the time when [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]] died and Optimus Prime rose to command the Autobots. When the Decepticons placed [[Iacon (city-state)|Iacon]] under siege, Grimlock took his group to [[Kaon]] to look for Optimus Prime, who had gone seeking Megatron. While there, they discovered [[Planetary engine turbine|planetary engine turbines]] that were providing power to a mechaforming process that was destroying Iacon. Arriving, Prime instructed Wheeljack to shut down the engines in a... creative way (it blowed up real good). Wheeljack grumbled a bit that all his education and mechanical engineering skill had led up to just blowing things up. The group managed to return to Iacon, where Prime halted his order to abandon the planet. {{storylink|The War Within}}

When Prime and Megatron disappeared during a [[space bridge]] explosion, Grimlock broke off from the Autobot army and formed the [[Lightning Strike Coalition]], taking his former squad members with him. While Kup and the Dynobots attacked the [[Predacon (War Within)|Predacons]], Wheeljack and Ironhide hijacked some shuttles carrying raw [[Energon (fuel)|Energon]], making Starscream very angry. That's always a plus. {{storylink|War Within: The Dark Ages}}

Wheeljack was one of the engineers that designed and constructed the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'', and part of the ship's original crew. In 1986, Ironhide and [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] discovered Wheeljack in pieces but functional after an explosion while bug-testing his neutron detonator shell. {{storylink|More Than Meets The Eye (G1)|Wheeljack's ''More Than Meets The Eye'' profile}} ''At an unconfirmed point in time, he was also responsible for temporarily transferring the consciousness of Spike Witwicky into a Cybertronian body, though the full story remains untold. {{storylink|Hardwired}}''

Wheeljack was among the Transformers involved in the ''[[Ark II]]'' disaster. He survived the explosion of their spacecraft, crashing back to Earth where he and several others lay deactivated and frozen within an iceberg until awakened by [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] in 2002. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 2|Prime Directive #2}}

[[Image:Wheeljack dw6.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Wheeljack calms a group of panicked humans by charging at them while brandishing a weapon.]]

Wheeljack participated in the assault on [[Lazarus]]'s Canadian headquarters. When [[Robert Hallo|General Hallo]]'s attempt to bomb the Autobots and the Decepticons out of existence instead caused a violent expansion of [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s [[cyber-virus]], Wheeljack and [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] were the first Autobots to free themselves. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 4|Prime Directive #4}} While Prime took some of the Autobots after Megatron, Wheeljack diagnosed the nature of the cyber-virus, and created a set of anti-viral blasters that used the Autobots' energy to return the converted matter to normal. The intervention of Canada's military force scuttled that plan when they fired into the virus, expanding it beyond the point the Autobots could contain. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 5|Prime Directive #5}} In response, Wheeljack converted a nearby satellite dish into a giant anti-viral weapon, channeling all of his remaining energy into it. He succeeded in destroying the virus, but was left in deep stasis lock as a result. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 6|Prime Directive #6}}

''Several months later, Ratchet had successfully restored Wheeljack to operating status. He was one of the first Autobots Optimus Prime met back up with after escaping the [[Keeper (species)|Keepers]]' world and [[Las Vegas]]. While on patrol of the area, Wheeljack passed [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] travelling up the road towards the Autobots' location. He buzzed the Decepticon's position, and was surprised when Soundwave asked for a parlay. He claimed Megatron wanted a favor from Prime. Bemused, Wheeljack reported back to Optimus about the bizarre encounter, only to have his amusement turn to astonishment when Optimus Prime actually responded to Megatron's "summons". The two old enemies forged an alliance against the Keepers, and united their forces for battle in Las Vegas. During the fight, Wheeljack used his solid-fuel rockets to fly with the Decepticons [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] and [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] in the skies, acting as air support for the others. He returned to Prime's side in the final battle, when the Autobot leader used the power of the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] to divert the Keepers and the power of a nuclear explosion into another dimension.'' {{storylink|Annihilation}}

Later, when [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] came to arrest the Autobots as war criminals, Wheeljack was one of the Autobots secretly left behind by Optimus Prime under Jazz's command. {{storylink|Brothers' Burden}} Like most of the rest of that group of Autobots, Wheeljack was beaten to the point of stasis lock by [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] some time later and dumped into a nearby swamp. {{storylink|Night of the Combaticons}} He was dredged out by an [[Earth Defense Command|EDC]] task force and repaired, in time to rejoin the other Autobots when they started construction of [[Autobot City]]. {{storylink|Lost and Found (issue)|Lost and Found}}
{{-}}

===''G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers''===
When the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' crashed on Earth millions of years ago, Wheeljack and [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] were sealed off from the other passengers, saving them from [[Cobra]] when they found the craft in 2003 and reprogrammed the dormant robots for their own needs. Cobra's break-in activated [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletran-One]], who in turn brought back Wheeljack and Bumblebee. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 4|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #4}}

[[Image:GIJoevsTF3_Wheeljack_rams_twins.jpg|thumb|right|250px|]]
Disguising themselves as cars, the two Autobots worked for months to find and rescue the other Autobots from Cobra. After noting several attacks on energy plants, Wheeljack figured that the humans were gathering ingredients for [[Energon (fuel)|energon]], and had an idea on where their next attack would take place. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 2|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #2}} During Cobra's subsequent assault on the [[SPS Research Facility]], the Autobots intervened directly, with Wheeljack ramming the brainwashed duo of [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] and [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (and apologizing). He then confronted [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]], but the reprogrammed Decepticon fled as soon as Cobra had stolen what they came for. Having revealed themselves to [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] during the battle, Wheeljack and Bumblebee offered an alliance with the humans, who in return showed the Autobots a mysterious image of Soundwave they had found. Wheeljack recognized the text in the picture as [[Cybertronian languages|Cybertronian]], and that it contained directions to [[Cobra Island]] as well as instructions on how to free the Transformers. It took him only a few seconds to hack into Cobra's computers and undo their primitive human reprogramming. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 3|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #3}}

Wheeljack and Bumblebee then boarded a plane to participate in G.I. Joe's attack on Cobra Island, but the humans' higher-ups disagreed, planning to nuke the island and send the two Autobots to [[Area 51]] to be disassembled and studied instead. [[Duke (G.I. Joe)|Duke]] regretfully incapacitated the robots with a magnetic pulse, but Wheeljack stayed conscious enough to overhear their plans and warn Duke that a nuclear impact on Cobra's energon stockpile would cause a chain reaction and send half the planet into a nuclear winter. With this revelation, Duke broke orders and went with the original strategy, taking Wheeljack and Bumblebee with him to Cobra Island. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 4|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #4}}

[[Image:GIJoevsTF6_Wheeljack_threatens_Mindbender.jpg|thumb|left|200px|I've got the computer virus at last!]]
Upon arriving at the island, Wheeljack witnessed Megatron using the [[SPS Satellite]] to create more energon, and was enraged when [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] killed [[Hound (G1)|Hound]]. After helping take down the giant, Wheeljack patched through a message to all Autobots that the United States had decided to nuke Cobra Island despite having their own troops located there. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 5|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #5}} Wheeljack quickly improvised a plan to avoid a nuclear holocaust; using the SPS Satellite's solar-powered energy beams to shoot down the nuclear warheads before they arrived. After menacing [[Doctor Mindbender]] into overriding the satellite controls, Wheeljack helped G.I. Joe fight off a bunch of Cobra troops led by [[Storm Shadow]]. The plan was ultimately a success, and with the Decepticons defeated in the process, the Autobots returned to Cybertron aboard a new ''Ark''. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 6|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #6}}

Two years later, Wheeljack was zapped by a malfunctioning [[Teletran 3]] and transported into a random point in Earth's timeline. He was never seen again. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II issue 1|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II #1}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers/G.I. Joe''===
Wheeljack was among the Autobots that lay buried on the [[Fera Islands]], only to be awoken in [[1939]] when [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] came to battle [[Cobra]] and the Decepticons. Along with [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] and several Joes, he rescued several chained Cobra slaves that had fallen into the ocean. [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] later reported that both Wheeljack and Hound had been killed in battle, but he was apparently mistaken, as the scientist was still around when [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] was unleashed. Upon examining the giant, Wheeljack noticed that it was some kind of hybrid of human and Cybertronian technology, and most likely wasn't really "alive". When the [[Matrix of Leadership]] was destroyed in order to kill Bruticus, Wheeljack and all other Transformers present were deactivated as well. {{storylink|The Iron Fist}}

===''Transformers Legends'' anthology===
When a badly-damaged Starscream turned up on the Autobots' doorstep, Wheeljack argued strongly for allowing himself and Ratchet to take a look at the Decepticon's logic circuits, and possibly see if there was any way to make him a little less hostile. Prime eventually agreed, and when an amnesiac Starscream awoke and acted quite benign, Wheeljack seemed vindicated. Starscream even chose staying with the Autobots over returning to the Decepticons, however when his memories returned, he immediately fled back to his old comrades. Though Wheeljack was disappointed, Prime said it proved that the Decepticons were not beyond changing their ways. {{storylink|Redemption Center}}

===IDW comics continuity===
{{ongoing}}
In the time preceding the war, Wheeljack was a mechanoid as touched by the sacrifice of others as one could expect from this kindly future Autobot. It comes as no surprise then that he was front row at the state funeral of [[Kaon]] Security Service officers [[Fastback (G1)|Fastback]] and [[Bumper (G1)|Bumper]]. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 3|Megatron Origin #3}}

After the war broke out, Wheeljack served as a mentor for a young Autobot named [[Ironfist]], who would go on to become an expert in weapons engineering. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 5|Last Stand of the Wreckers #5}}

[[Image:Escalation2 JazzWheeljack party.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Hollywood's latest spin on the buddy cop drama, Jazz & the 'Jack.]]
In 2006, Wheeljack was part of a detachment of Autobots that has operated covertly on Earth for at least four years, attempting to foil a Decepticon insurgency. In his role as technical scientist and gadgeteer for the Autobot detachment, he built a device that could interface the [[SM-40]] palmtop computer with the systems aboard the Autobots' ''[[Ark-19]]'' spacecraft. {{storylink|Infiltration issue 3|Infiltration #3}} Wheeljack, like his fellow Autobots, would come to watch the showdown between [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] and the [[Ultra-Energon|Ore-13]]-powered [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]. {{storylink|Infiltration issue 6|Infiltration #6}}

Aboard the Ark, Wheeljack briefed Optimus Prime and the Autobots about suspected Decepticon activity in the country of [[Latveria]]. The Decepticons had set up an array structure that was emitting an aggression wave. The wave was causing higher than normal level of violence amongst nearby [[Avengers|costumed humans]] and was bringing the nations of Latveria and [[Symkaria]] to the brink of war. Optimus ordered 'Jack to guard the Ark while the rest of them [[roll out|rolled out]]. {{storylink|Man and Machine, Part One}} After the Autobots completed their mission and returned, Wheeljack noted that the [[Quinjet|Avengers' jet]] looked like it may have been a Cybertronian design. {{storylink|Man and Machine, Part Four}}

Later, after [[Escalation issue 1|the incident outside Lebanon, Illinois]], he and [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] were sent to investigate a [[Springfield]] police impound lot which supposedly held [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]]'s remains. Unfortunately, members of the [[Machination]] had already arrived with the same purpose in mind, and attacked the bots wielding advanced weaponry eerily similar to their own. Wheeljack escaped mostly unharmed, probably because Jazz took a direct hit from a mortar meant for him. {{storylink|Escalation issue 2|Escalation #2}} Wheeljack would get his first taste of real damage in [[Brasnya]] facing down [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] and [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]], {{storylink|Escalation issue 4|Escalation #4}} and eventually the drained form of Megatron. {{storylink|Escalation issue 6|Escalation #6}}

Wheeljack was assigned to work with [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] in rescuing [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]], but yet again the Machination decided to interfere—this time in a confrontation with their army of experimental [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]] [[Cloning|clones]]. {{storylink|Devastation issue 2|Devastation #2}} Wheeljack's constant tinkering paid off when he was able to escape the Headmasters using a [[gyro-inhibitor shell]]. {{storylink|Devastation issue 3|Devastation #3}} The Headmasters eventually caught up with them, however, and incapacitated Wheeljack by knocking a pile of junk cars on him. {{storylink|Devastation issue 5|Devastation #5}} [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] arrived to retrieve Hot Rod and the others, blowing up a Headmaster that was attacking Hot Rod. Hot Rod refused to leave Earth though, wanting to see the Headmaster mystery to the end. Hardhead reluctantly let him go and took Wheeljack and Ironhide back with him. {{storylink|Devastation issue 6|Devastation #6}}

[[Image:AHM4BumblebeeWheeljack.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Bumblejerk.]]
A year later, Wheeljack had returned to Earth and joined [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]'s forces. After getting lured into a Decepticon trap and defeated, they were all dumped on the abandoned Cybertron to be finished off by the [[Insecticon swarm]]. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 7|All Hail Megatron #7}} When Wheeljack and [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] were sent to try and find energon, the pair discovered their Earth modes couldn't handle the terrain. Wheeljack came up with an idea for a polymer to solve the problem, but Bumblebee (rather rudely) pointed out he lacked ''any'' equipment. A moment later, Wheeljack spotted someone following them. In a desperate but sure-to-work attempt to call in back-up, Wheeljack signaled their base with a pulse that would last only 1/100th of a second. Confident help was on the way, he cautioned Bumblebee against going after the stranger on their own, but the young bot, lacking faith in Wheeljack's rather brilliant idea, ignored him. The scientist was proven right, however, when Ironhide and [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] arrived! {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 4|All Hail Megatron #4}} It turned out their follower was Hot Rod, who told Wheeljack and the others that he was part of an Autobot team that had recently crash-landed on the planet. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 5|All Hail Megatron #5}}

Wheeljack and [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] worked together to repair [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], who had been heavily injured by the Decepticons. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 9|All Hail Megatron #9}} When the Autobots were organizing a defense line against the Insecticon swarm, Wheeljack removed a cannon from the other team's [[Trion|crashed spaceship]] and modified it to be used as a mounted turret. However, since the cannon wasn't meant to be used like that, he warned [[Roadbuster]] that its power relay would probably burn out after only a few shots. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 10|All Hail Megatron #10}} After hitching a ride back to Earth on [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]], Wheeljack and the others battled Megatron's forces in [[New York City]]. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 11|All Hail Megatron #11}}

Three years after the defeat of the Decepticons, Wheeljack and the other Autobots remained on Earth, just in case the Decepticons returned. [[Skywatch]] had figured out a way to lock Transformers in vehicle mode stasis for capture, but Wheeljack devised a way to counter the inhibitors. {{storylink|...For All Mankind}} When Optimus Prime surrendered to the Skywatch following the death of Ironhide, the Autobots agreed to vote on a new leader, with Wheeljack in charge of tallying the votes. He eventually revealed that the winner was Bumblebee. {{storylink|New Arrivals, Old Encounters}} Shortly afterwards, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] arrived on Earth to investigate Optimus Prime's surrender, and Wheeljack and the others lined up to listen to him. {{storylink|A Rude Awakening}}

While Bumblebee was elected as the new Autobot leader, the little Autobot's moping over their current problems was perceived by Wheeljack to be a weakness, and thus he had little respect for Bumblebee as his leader. After being reprimanded by Ratchet, Wheeljack came across a message from rogue Skywatch Colonel [[Gordon Horiuchi]], who claimed that he wished to work with the Autobots to capture Decepticons. Without consulting Bumblebee, he initiated contact with the colonel, and when Bumblebee and Ratchet found out, he bluntly told his "commander" that if he doesn't do ''something'', more Autobots would leave their group. {{storylink|The Hanging Sword}}
{{-}}

{{charstubfiction}}
{{storylink|The Impossible Knot}} {{storylink|The Gift Horse}} {{storylink|Wings of Wax}}

Following the Autobots' second, successful alliance with Skywatch, Wheeljack was among the troops picked for the mission to fight the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] in [[North Korea]]. He was responsible for mounting giant guns on the other Autobots' vehicle modes, as they were forced to fight in disguise. {{storylink|International Incident Part 2: "Ranks of Bronze"}} Despite some unexpected trouble in the form of the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]], the Autobots were victorious, and Wheeljack listened to a short speech by Optimus Prime. {{storylink|International Incident Part 4: "All My Sins Remembered"}}

==Commercial appearances==
Wheeljack was among the Autobots gathered around [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] when Prime decided it would be a good idea to not transform anymore. {{storylink|Commercial|Action Master commercial}}

==Games==
===''The Transformers'' (PS2)===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Alex Easley]]

{{charstubfiction}}
{{storylink|The Transformers (PS2)|The Transformers}}

==Toys and merchandise==
{{main|Wheeljack (G1)/toys}}

==Notes==
* Wheeljack has the distinction of being the first Transformer to appear in the original [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon]], and thus the first one to appear in any animated story. He's also the last Autobot to die on screen before the Death of Optimus Prime.

* According to the Japanese PlayStation 2 ''[[The Transformers (PS2)|Transformers]]'' game, Wheeljack is significantly older than [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]], old enough to tell him to "respect your elders".

* Storyboards for ''The Transformers: The Movie'' show Smokescreen lying dead next to Windcharger instead of Wheeljack.

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

[[Category:Action Masters]]
[[Category:Alternators Autobots]]
[[Category:Engineers]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 2 Autobots]]
[[Category:Mail order items]]
[[Category:Scientists]]
[[Category:The Headmasters Autobots]]
[[Category:United Autobots]]
[[Category:Universe Autobots]]
[[Category:Victory Autobots]]
[[Category:Spy Changers]]

Trailbreaker (G1)

2010-12-25T20:26:14Z

190.20.173.129: /* American cartoon continuity */

{{picsneeded|appearances in fiction}}
{{factions|autobot}}
{{disambigr|Trailbreaker|the live-action movie-verse Autobot|Trailbreaker (Movie)}}

:''Trailbreaker is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]]. He is sometimes called '''Trailcutter'''.''

[[Image:Trailbreakerg1.jpg|right|240px|thumb|I may not be fast... but I'm effective and provide soothing relief.]]
It's hard not to like '''Trailbreaker'''. He's a good-humored cheerleader, always ready with a joke or comment to lighten the mood when things get dark. Sadly, Trailbreaker's joking is often a cover for his low self-esteem. His form is the most fuel-consumptive of the ''Ark'' crew, and his vehicle mode is very slow. As such, he feels like a useless drain on their limited resources. The Autobots know better, of course. Trailbreaker's good humor, bravery, and impenetrable [[force field]] are all of great use, but convincing him of that is hard, especially when he begins to mope about his handicaps.

:''Preliminary name:'' '''Guzzle'''[http://web.archive.org/web/20071230210811/http://www.allspark.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=41003]
:''French-Canadian name'': '''Glouton''' ("Glutton")
:''Hungarian name'': '''Ösvényvágó'''
:''Portuguese name (Portugal comic):'' '''Pica-Trilhos'''
:''Portuguese name (Brazil comic):'' '''Abre-alas'''
:''Italian name'': '''Tuono''' ("Thunder")
:''Chinese name (Taiwan):'' '''Kāi-lù Hsīen-fēng''' (開路先鋒, "Trailbreaker")
:''Russian name'': '''Sledopyt''' (Следопыт, "Tracker")

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
{{noteukonly}}
Trailbreaker was part of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]]'s original crew, crashing to Earth four million years ago aboard the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]''.

Trailbreaker joined a detachment of Autobots investigating robot sightings in Merry Ol' England. After making contact with a young boy named Sammy, the Autobots were caught by surprise when the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]] fire-bombed them from the sky. Trailbreaker was blasted before he could activate his force field. Like a freakin' drama queen, he went offline whimpering, "It's no good. Everything's gone... just plain ruined..." {{storylink|Man of Iron (story)|Man of Iron}}

Like many Autobots, Trailbreaker was too low on fuel to join Optimus and the others in what would've been their climactic battle with [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron's]] forces, and was taken prisoner without a fight when [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] assumed command of the Decepticons and the ''Ark''. He was revived after [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] and the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] reclaimed the ''Ark'', however. When the Autobots went to recover Optimus Prime's head and restore their leader to functionality, Trailbreaker was one of many Autobots caught off-guard by the false Prime created by Shockwave and was shot down before he could raise his force field. {{storylink|Prime Time!}}

''On another occasion, the Dinobot [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] was under the control of a human scientist and attacking the Autobots. Trailbreaker jumped in his path and tried to wrestle the pteranodon to the ground. Instead, he was lifted up and slammed into the cliffside...'cause he never turned on that force field. {{storylink|The Icarus Theory}} During the Dinobot Hunt, Trailbreaker joined [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] and [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] in hunting [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] among the sands of the Black Rock Desert. They managed to collect him virtually without a fight once Snarl wandered into a secret military base and unleashed a molecular disintegrator bomb that ended his rampage. {{storylink|Dinobot Hunt!}}''

''When [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] and his future Decepticons arrived in the present, the Autobot chain of command was crippled as Optimus Prime, [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]], and Ratchet vanished and [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] was taken prisoner. [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] attempted to rise to command, accepting support from [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] and [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]], but the Autobots were simply outclassed. Trailbreaker was part of a group of more than a half-dozen Autobots who collectively failed to bring down even one of Galvatron's lieutenants. In desperation, the Autobots turned to Megatron himself (who had quickly been disposed of by Galvatron when he first arrived) as a temporary ally and battlefield advisor. Under the Decepticon's direction, the Autobots staged a trap for the lone future Decepticon [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] in order to weaken Galvatron's power base. Unfortunately, Scourge's enhanced sensors detected the trap almost immediately, and his acid ray nailed Trailbreaker THROUGH a wall before the battle even began. (Too early to have activated that force field, huh?) Scourge was ultimately brought down, but Trailbreaker was left inactive for days until Ratchet was restored to the present and able to repair him. {{storylink|Target: 2006}}''

''Well, he was up and about soon enough, and accompanied Prowl and Jetfire on a mission to stop the Decepticons from accessing a NASA space transmission facility, only to get knocked around helplessly by [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]], and beaten to the ground long enough for the Decepticons to escape...all because he didn't turn on that slaggin' force field to protect himself. Remember, Trailbreaker? The force field? You're not built for speed or energy efficiency; you were built for power, specifically that one power that makes you ''special'' and ''unique''. Or is it "just plain ruined" these days? {{storylink|The Gift}}''

====Marvel UK future timelines====
''In 2008, Trailbreaker was one of the Autobots taken down and strung up by the [[Quintesson|Quintessons]] when they invaded [[Autobot City]]. Some of the Autobots seen deactivated like this showed up alive later, and [[Time Wars (issue)|Time Wars]] probably wiped out the reason for the Quintesson attack in the first place, so Trailbreaker probably survived one way or another. {{storylink|Space Pirates!}}''

===American cartoon continuity===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Frank Welker]] (English), [[Ken Shiroyama]] (Japanese), Roberto Alexander (Latin American)

[[Image:Mtmte2 witwickys and trailbreaker.jpg|left|thumb|250px]]
Trailbreaker was part of the bridge crew of the ''Ark'' spaceship when it blasted off from Cybertron to search for new sources of energy four million years in the past. When he was awakened in 1984, [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] reformatted him so that his alt-mode was a terrestrial Toyota 4WD camper truck. Trailbreaker accompanied his fellow Autobots on their first mission to stop the Decepticons on Earth, a mission that took him to an off-shore oil rig. The Decepticons plundered the rig for energon and destroyed it, leaving it a flaming wreck that endangered its human crew. Trailbreaker used his force field to contain the fire, while [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] used his built-in fire-suppression systems to douse the flames. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 1}}

Later, Trailbreaker served as a spy despite his stated function as defensive strategist. ([[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] was apparently busy that day.) He, along with the humans [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] and [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]], camped out near the Decepticons' headquarters and eavesdropped on their plans to raid the ruby mines of Burma. Their surveillance did not go totally unnoticed, however, as a set of [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]] spotted the Autobot making his getaway. Trailbreaker summoned the brothers [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] and [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] to fend off his pursuer and got the information safely back to Prime. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 2}}

[[Image:MTMTE3 Trailbreaker jogging.jpg|thumb|right|260px|Trailbreaker took up jogging after Sunstreaker made a crack about his weight.]]
Trailbreaker watched [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] fish [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] and [[Bluestreak]] out of a lake during the mission in [[Burma]]. He volunteered along with all of the rest of the Autobots to attempt to prevent the Decepticons from leaving Earth with the Energon they'd gathered. He fired on the Decepticons as they boarded the [[Victory (G1)|space cruiser]] they'd built. Though the ship still launched despite their efforts, [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] brought it crashing back to Earth. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 3}} Trailbreaker was part of a group of Autobots who were lured into a cave by a reprogrammed [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] and ambushed by the Decepticons. {{storylink|Transport to Oblivion}} He also took part in the assault on an antimatter laboratory when the Decepticons got their hands on an antimatter formula, and was damaged when the lab exploded during the Decepticon withdrawal. {{storylink|Roll for It}}

[[Image:SOSDinobots Trailbreaker in force field.jpg|thumb|left|230px|"I'm trapped in a Fabergé egg! Help!"]]
A team of Autobots, including Trailbreaker, rolled out to give Optimus backup at an ammunition plant, but arrived too late, and found Prime badly damaged. When Prime needed a new [[Cosmitron]], Trailbreaker volunteered for a mission to Cybertron to retrieve a replacement from [[Wheeljack's workshop]]. Megatron had his forces on that planet use [[acid rain]] on the group, but after a pep talk from [[Chip Chase]], Trailbreaker remembered he could use his force fields to protect them. They subsequently returned to Earth and, while the replacement Cosmitron was being installed, helped defend Headquarters against a Decepticon attack. {{storylink|Divide and Conquer}} When the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]]s ran amok during their unveiling, Trailbreaker protected himself from [[Slag (G1)|Slag]]'s [[fire-breath]] with a force field. Of course, this merely deflected the fire onto Sunstreaker. Some time later, Trailbreaker and most of the rest of the Autobots went to the [[Great Falls]] to try and stop the Decepticons from raiding it, and were all captured. They would have been terminated, had Wheeljack not come to the rescue with the upgraded Dinobots. {{storylink|S.O.S. Dinobots}}

Trailbreaker and [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] were going for a drive one day, only to find two [[Thundercracker (G1)|suspicious-looking]] [[Starscream (G1)|jets]]. The jets revealed themselves as Decepticons who had come to a nearby refinery to make off with its steel to build a weapon. Brawn and Trailbreaker interrupted them, but Starscream blasted missiles at them, destroying the refinery, and made his getaway. The Autobots reported the incident back to Optimus Prime. Toward the end of the ensuing battle in [[Peru]], Trailbreaker pitched in to fire at the new weapon. {{storylink|Fire on the Mountain}}

[[Image:UltimateDoom3 Trailbreaker firing.jpg|thumb|right|220px]]
When the Autobots began studying a meteorite that had fallen to Earth, Wheeljack discovered the sample fragment was highly unstable and summoned Optimus and Trailbreaker to his laboratory. On command, Trailbreaker unleashed his force field around the meteorite to contain the explosive blast. {{storylink|War of the Dinobots}} In the aftermath of a Decepticon attack on Headquarters, Trailbreaker took part in cleanup efforts. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 1}} Following Cybertron's arrival in Earth orbit, he and Jazz mocked [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] when the Seeker's was blasted by his own fire, whipped back by the strong winds. Trailbreaker volunteered for a mission to Cybertron to rescue Sparkplug, intending to use his jammer beam to mask their approach. Unfortunately he left it too late, but [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] was able to dodge the incoming missiles. The team arrived on Cybertron, but became separated, with Skyfire, Trailbreaker and Wheeljack left on the surface. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 2}}

The trio made their way down and arrived in time to rescue Spike and the smaller 'bots from the Decepticons. After a swift retreat, they reached the relative safety of Wheeljack's workshop, where the scientist worked to construct a counter for the Decepticon [[hypno-chip]]s. That done, they rescued Sparkplug, and headed back to Earth in time to liberate the enslaved humans and prevent Megatron from getting away with a shuttle full of Energon. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 3}} Trailbreaker was at headquarters when they discovered that Megatron was still operational and leading the Decepticons. {{storylink|Countdown to Extinction (episode)|Countdown to Extinction}}

[[Image:PlagueOfInsecticons Trailbreaker projecting forcefield.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]
With the emergence of the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticon]]s in [[Bali]], Trailbreaker was among the Autobots who went to investigate. They arrived in time to reinforced the smaller team who'd already found the Insecticons, and the foe, now teamed up with the Decepticons, took off. During the pursuit, [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]] used his control beam on Sunstreaker and Sideswipe, compelling the pair to try and ram their fellows, but Trailbreaker used a force field to sever the beam. They eventually reached an oil refinery, but during the battle, Shrapnel harnessed lightning from a storm that had moved in, and zapped Trailbreaker and Wheeljack. Both survived, and Trailbreaker was later able to use his force field to disable the Insecticon clones, rescuing Bumblebee and Spike. {{storylink|A Plague of Insecticons}} After Megatron challenged Optimus to a one-on-one duel, Trailbreaker and the rest of the Autobots turned out to cheer their leader on. To their horror, Optimus lost, meaning they'd have to leave Earth forever, but once they returned to headquarters, they used [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] to establish that Megatron had cheated, rendering the result void. {{storylink|Heavy Metal War}}

During Sparkplug's demonstration of his latest invention, [[Autobot X]], the creation went wild. Trailbreaker, Ironhide and [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] tried to charge it, only to be blasted on their cans. Trailbreaker's force field provided his companions with cover so they could take down the beast. {{storylink|Autobot Spike}} He was on the ill-fated mission to come to the aid of some gold miners, during which [[Gears (G1)|Gears]] was captured by the Decepticons. He subsequently joined the effort to rescue Gears and disable Megatron's [[Solar Needle]]. When they found that Megatron had temporarily reprogrammed [[Gears (G1)|Gears]] to be a happy-go-lucky kind of Autobot, Trailbreaker was the one who voiced what everyone was thinking and said maybe they should just leave him that way. {{storylink|Changing Gears}} He was also on the mission to [[New York City]] when the Decepticons started replacing buildings in an attempt to create a new Cybertron, {{storylink|City of Steel}} and was turned evil by Megatron's [[personality destabilizer device]]. {{storylink|Attack of the Autobots}}

[[Image:TheImmobilizer Trailbreaker force field.jpg|thumb|right|250px|"And the only side effect is Ratchet's mouth disappears!"]]
Trailbreaker witnessed the demonstration of the [[Wheeljack Instant Immobilizer]], and protected his comrades with a force field when the Decepticons attacked. Though they managed to steal the Immobilizer, the Decepticons fell into a river and Trailbreaker lightened the situation with a healthy joke. {{storylink|The Immobilizer}} He took part in a charity race, though he wasn't the fastest of Autobots, and still managed to outrun Ironhide. When the old timer complained about a weird jolt in his circuitry, Trailbreaker suggested he was making an excuse, but it was actually the effects of Megatron's [[Transfixatron]]. Locked in their vehicle modes, the Autobots were taken to an old ghost town, and it looked like they were going to be destroyed, until the Autobots who'd remained at base turned up to rescue them. Ironhide and Trailbreaker took great delight in smashing the Transfixatron to bits. {{storylink|The Autobot Run}} Trailbreaker took part in the defense of [[Washington, D.C.]] when the Decepticons teamed up with the residents of [[Sub-Atlantica]]. {{storylink|Atlantis, Arise!}}

[[Image:EnterNightbird flying Trailbreaker.jpg|thumb|left|260px|In an early example of [[Slogism]], here's Trailbreaker stuck to the roof of a building with a wad of cotton candy.]]
Trailbreaker was also a guard when [[Doctor Fujiyama the Famous Scientist]] revealed his [[Nightbird (G1)|Nightbird]], though when Decepticons inevitably attacked, they blasted through the door Trailbreaker was standing in front of, sending him across the room. {{storylink|Enter the Nightbird}} After an apparently successful attack on the Decepticons at a crevasse, the Autobots found that they somehow had two Optimus Primes. Trailbreaker was one of the proponents of using a series of trials to work out which was the real thing. When that was unsuccessful, the Autobots ended up going on another mission to the crevasse to investigate strange readings, and once again encountered the Decepticons. After one of the Primes apparently destroyed Starscream, Trailbreaker announced that he must be the real thing, because he offed the Decepticons' "number two varmint". As it turned out, that Prime was a phony, trying to lure them into a ravine filled with dangerous [[korlonium crystal]]s, as they discovered moments later when he disregarded a threat to Spike's life. {{storylink|A Prime Problem}}

[[Image:DinobotIsland1 Trailbreaker projects force field.jpg|thumb|right|230px]]
When the Dinobots attempted to demonstrate their newfound "finesse" to the other Autobots, [[Slag (G1)|Slag]] accidentally set fire to the Ark, threatening Teletraan I. Thinking quickly, Trailbreaker projected his force field over the Autobot supercomputer, allowing [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] time to extinguish the blaze. {{storylink|Dinobot Island, Part 1}} The Decepticon's pillaging of [[Dinobot Island (G1)|Dinobot Island]] began causing time warps to appear across the world, and Trailbreaker flew to the island by [[jet pack]] to investigate with the rest of the Autobots. After a prolonged battle, the Autobots and Dinobots succeeded in chasing the Decepticons from the island. {{storylink|Dinobot Island, Part 2}}

On another occasion, the Autobots were forced to abandon Earth by Megatron aboard a spacecraft set on a course into the sun. After the Autobots discovered they couldn't alter their course, their ship exploded. Trailbreaker cast a massive force field large enough to contain the entire Autobot force safely; from within the field, [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] towed the group back to Earth. {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 2}} Trailbreaker was incapacitated by [[Cybertonium]] depletion, as were the rest of the Autobots. They were only saved when Spike, [[Carly (G1)|Carly]] and the Dinobots brought more back from Cybertron. {{storylink|Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 2}}

[[Image:Trailbreakerdance.jpg|left|180px|thumb|Do a little dance...make a little love... get down tonight... I said get down tonight!]]
Trailbreaker was among the Autobots who arrived too late to prevent the theft of the [[Voltronic Galaxer]]. When Megatron used the device to knock out radio transmissions during a blizzard, Trailbreaker's force fields proved to be a valuable asset, protecting humans and Autobots alike from snowfall. {{storylink|Blaster Blues}} He took part in an attempt to defend an [[Electrum]] pool from the Decepticons, {{storylink|The Golden Lagoon}} and a baseball stadium incident during which Optimus and a number of other Autobots were lost through the Decepticon [[space bridge]]. {{storylink|Child's Play (episode)|Child's Play}}

After that, a Decepticon coup by [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]], [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] and [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] resulted in a city being flooded. Trailbreaker used his force field to protect himself and a small group of Autobots from a large tidal wave. {{storylink|Triple Takeover}} He rolled out with the majority of the Autobot forces to rescue [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] from the Decepticons, though it resulted in them all being infected with [[Cosmic Rust (disease)|Cosmic Rust]]. {{storylink|Cosmic Rust (episode)|Cosmic Rust}} He was also hanging around Headquarters when the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticon]]s were captured, and a group of Autobots disguised as them in an attempt to find out what Megatron was up to. {{storylink|Masquerade}}

{{note|In storyboards for the movie, Trailbreaker's dead body is seen at the end of the Autobot City battle. However, this didn't make it into the final film, leaving his status after the battle up in the air.}}

===Japanese cartoon continuity===
====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' comic====

When [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] sent [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]]s and [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] to raid [[Tokyo]] for energy, Trailbreaker accompanied [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and a unit of Autobot vehicles to defend the city. Trailbreaker didn't perform very well, cowering in fright beneath Menasor's size and taking the [[combiner]]'s humongous fist to the face. Luckily, his pummelling made the perfect distraction for Optimus Prime, [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] and [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]], who drove up a ramp and slammed Menasor and the Seekers directly in their faces, sending them into retreat. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 1}}

As a member of the [[4-Wheel-Drive Brigade]], Trailbreaker accompanied [[Kenji]] and the rest of the team to a crater in Kyushu where Decepticon activity had been discovered. Entering the crater, however, Trailbreaker and the Brigade were caught off-guard by numerous landmines that had been planted by the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]]. As they sunk toward as steaming pit of magma, the other four members of the Brigade managed to defeat the Decepticons by forming a human pyramid and using their "4-Wheel-Drive Robo Combination Scrumbuster" attack. Trailbreaker, unfortunately (or perhaps ''fortunately''), had to sit that one out because he was escorting Kenji within himself and couldn't transform to robot mode. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 3}}

====''Story of Binaltech''====
Trailbreaker was one of many Autobots who suffered from an outbreak of the [[Cosmic Rust (disease)|Cosmic Rust]] virus after the Decepticons unleashed it on Earth. He was supposed to receive a new body thanks to the [[Central City (G1)|Central City]] Institute of Technology, but the Decepticons managed to infiltrate the Binaltech Project. Through the use of [[hypno-chip]]-controlled spies and pawns, Trailbreaker's new body was hijacked and used to upgrade the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticon]] known as [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] instead. {{storylink|Expose All of Evil's Designs!}}

===Marvel Colouring Books===
{{charstubfiction}}
[[Image:Bumblebeetdr-trailbreaker.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Yikes!]]
{{-}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
{{notekeepers}}
Trailbreaker was present under the command of [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] at the battle of [[Altihex]] when the Decepticons destroyed a building full of neutral Cybertonians. Unable to save the city, the Autobots helped evacuate civilians before retreating. {{storylink|The War Within issue 1}} When Decepticon Military Operations Commander [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] led a force of Decepticons against the Autobot capitol of [[Iacon (city-state)|Iacon]], Trailbreaker was among the Autobots who defended the capital. {{storylink|The War Within}}

When Decepticon leader [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] and Autobot leader [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] disappeared in an accident with a [[space bridge]], the Autobot and Decepticon forces splintered into smaller factions. Trailbreaker stayed with the Autobots under the leadership of [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]]. He was part of the group of reinforcements that helped battle the giant [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]]. {{storylink|War Within: The Dark Ages|The War Within: The Dark Ages}}

Trailbreaker was among the Autobots who followed Optimus Prime on his mission on board the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]''. They were attacked by Megatron's ship, the ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]''. After being boarded, the ''Ark'' crash-landed on [[Earth]], where all on board were preserved in emergency stasis. In 1984, a volcanic eruption awakened the ''Ark'''s computer, Teletraan I, and it repaired all on board.

Eventually, the combined forces of the Autobots on Earth and their human allies were able to capture the Decepticons. In 1999, a ship called the ''[[Ark II]]'' was built to take the Cybertonians back to Cybertron, along with some human companions, but the ship exploded shortly after takeoff. The human allies were killed, but the Cybertonians were lost in the ocean, again in stasis lock. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 1}} Three years later, Spike Witwicky assisted the US "Defense Ministry" in reactivating Optimus Prime by placing a piece of the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] into his chest. Optimus traveled to the remote Arctic shoreline where he'd been found after the crash and used the Matrix to revive Jazz, Mirage, Sideswipe, Sunstreaker, [[Superion (G1)|Superion]], Trailbreaker and Wheeljack from where they lay under the waves. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 2}}

Shortly afterwards, the Autobots assisted the US military in rescuing the survivors of the Smitco Oil Refinery attack. When Optimus Prime learned the attackers were Autobots and Decepticons under the control of terrorist arms dealer [[Adam Rook]], he asked his Autobots to accompany him to fight for '''Great JUSTICE.''' Trailbreaker was among the Autobots who agreed to come along, stating that Prime only needed to point him in the right direction. Trailbreaker participated in the battle at Rook's destroyed base when [[General Hallo]] double-crossed them and attempted to destroy all the Transformers with a low-yield nuclear weapon. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 3}}

[[Image:DW Trailbreaker Devastatorstomp.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Devastator crush puny Autobot... and make scale joke while crushing. Har har har!]]
After the Autobots extricated themselves from the nuke-absorbing hardened virus shell, Trailbreaker helped rescue the captive Autobots Megatron was using to fuel his technovirus. After Ironhide informed the other Autobots of Megatron's imminent attack on [[San Francisco]], they flew there and engaged the Decepticons. Trailbreaker smashed Grimlock in the face with a steel girder and informed the former Dinobot commander that he'd made the wrong choice in leaving the Autobots and was now going to pay. Unfortunately, Superion was taken down by the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]] and [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]], prompting Trailbreaker to join Optimus Prime, Sideswipe and Megatron in a moment of [[dull surprise]], gaping at Devastator as if they had never seen him before. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 4}}

As Jazz and the Autobots in [[Canada]] were preparing to deal with the technovirus, Trailbreaker frantically radioed them for backup, reporting that Superion was down. As he was distracted, Devastator attempted to stomp on the Autobot. Trailbreaker caught the foot in time, but was crushed into the pavement. He was later retrieved and placed into restraint by the Decepticons as Megatron attempted to convince Optimus Prime to join his cause to wipe out the humans and rule the universe. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 5}} Once Prime managed to free the Autobots with assistance from human firefighters, Trailbreaker resumed his assault on Grimlock by sending him flying with a punch. After Superion sacrificed himself to save San Francisco from General Hallo's unauthorized nuclear strike, Trailbreaker called Optimus over when he and Sideswipe discovered the abandoned Grimlock under rubble. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 6}}

''While the [[Keeper (species)|Keepers]] were invading Earth, the Transformers also had to deal with an over-reaching American President who wanted to destroy all the Cybertronians. He offered the Autobots his help in setting up an ambush for the Decepticons, but Prime and his advisors quickly realized the President planned to eliminate all of them. Taking what seemed to be the lesser of two evils at the moment, the Autobots forged an alliance with the Decepticons before travelling to the ambush site. Trailbreaker was among the Autobot soldiers Optimus chose for the battle. He fought against the military forces and apparently survived the attack of the [[deconstructionite]]s relatively unharmed. {{storylink|Fusion (novel)|Fusion}}''

Months later, the united Cybertronian army arrived on Earth, demanding the surrender of all combatant Autobots and Decepticons. Trailbreaker suffered serious injuries battling [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] and the Seekers and had to be placed in a [[CR chamber|CR chamber]] for repairs on the flight back to Cybertron. He fought alongside the ''Ark''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s crew and the various insurgency groups on Cybertron to reclaim Iacon for the Autobots and force Shockwave out of power. {{storylink|War and Peace}} Afterwards, he joined Prowl and the rest of the ''Ark''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s old crew in returning to Earth to work on the construction of a new Autobot City.

===''Universe''===
[[Image:Rattrap legs.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Gah! Someone call an exterminator!]]
Hundreds of years later, Trailbreaker and fellow Autobots [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]], [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]], [[Roulette (Universe)|Roulette]] and [[Shadow Striker (Universe)|Shadow Striker]] arrived on the newly technorganic Cybertron roughly one year after the defeat of [[Megatron (BW)|this era's Megatron]]. They were welcomed by the surviving members of [[Optimus Primal]]'s band of [[Maximals]], including [[Rattrap]], who offered to share a vintage keg of [[Maccadam's Old Oil House|Maccadam's Old Oil]] with the Autobot veteran. Unfortunately, Trailbreaker did not have an opportunity to take Rattrap up on his offer, because immediately afterwards, he and his associates were abducted by [[Unicron]] and teleported to the [[Cauldron]]. There, they were rebuilt against their will into new bodies... except Trailbreaker, because why mess with success? {{storylink|Abduction}}

[[Image:Optimusprimaluniverseend.jpg|left|150px|thumb|You've got me? Who's got you?!]]
{{storylink|Escape (issue)|Escape}}
[[Optimus Primal]] led the [[Child of Primus|Children of Primus]], which included Trailbreaker, into a final fight with the [[Minion of Unicron|Minions of Unicron]] on the surface of Unicron himself. However, as their victory was imminent, Unicron began to dissolve beneath their very feet, and [[King Atlas]] had to carry Trailbreaker and Roulette to safety, through a transwarp portal back to their native Cybertron. {{storylink|Revelations Part 2}}

{{-}}
===Devil's Due G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers continuity===
[[Image:GIJoevsTF5_Autobots.jpg|thumb|right|200px|]]
Trailbreaker was among the Transformers discovered on Earth by [[Cobra]], and reworked into a piloted death mechanism known as a [[Stinger (Cobra)|Stinger]]. The Transformers were eventually freed, and the Autobots fought both their Decepticon enemies and their Cobra oppressors. During the battle, Trailbreaker and several other Autobots located [[Cobra Commander]] and tried to capture him, but he was protected by Cobra troops in robotic [[S.N.A.K.E.]] suits. Unfortunately, the Autobots underestimated their human opponents, and Trailbreaker was decapitated by [[Storm Shadow]] during the battle. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 5|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #5}}

This was apparently not as fatal as it seemed, however, as Trailbreaker was up and fighting again shortly afterwards. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 6|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #6}}

{{-}}

===IDW comics continuity===
{{ongoing}}
[[Image:MegsOrigin4 Trailbreaker.jpg|left|150px|thumb|I STILL SUPPORT THE RAILING SYSTEMMMMmmmmm!]]
Trailbreaker (along with nearly every other Autobot, apparently) served in the Autobot Security Forces under the command of [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]]. He participated in the battle of [[Kaon]] where the criminal known as [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] began a rampage with his army of convicts. Trailbreaker grabbed [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] as the criminal was flying away, only to be kicked off for his trouble, falling to his apparent demise... {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 4|Megatron Origin #4}}

[[Image:SpotlightKup Trailbreaker.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Mommy told me never to open the door to strangers.]]
Except he survived. Many years later, Trailbreaker was a specialist called in by [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] to extract a deranged [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] safely from the planet where he had crash-landed. The planet possessed a radiation which was dangerous to Transformers without special protective covering, causing Kup, in his delusions, to believe his rescuers were monsters trying to attack him. Trailbreaker's force fields allowed him to walk on the planet without any protective gear, and his appearance shocked Kup for long enough that he could save the old bot's spark core from meltdown. {{storylink|Spotlight: Kup}}

Later, he was one of [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]]'s old friends who took time off duty to greet the return of "The Voice". {{storylink|Spotlight: Blaster}}

A year later, Trailbreaker had joined [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]'s team of Autobots on [[Earth]]. They made a plan to drive the Decepticons off the planet once and for all, but fell into a trap and were defeated by [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]]. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 7|All Hail Megatron #7}} Trailbreaker and the rest were subsequently dumped on the ruined [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] to be finished off by the [[Insecticon swarm]]. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 1|All Hail Megatron #1}} His primary role appeared to be playing bodyguard to [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]], making sure nobody lynched the guy for being a suspected traitor. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 4|All Hail Megatron #4}} After the Autobot starship ''[[Trion]]'' crashlanded on the planet, Trailbreaker and the others listened to [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]]'s story about what happened. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 5|All Hail Megatron #5}} They proceeded to mingle with the rest of ''Trion''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> crew. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 6|All Hail Megatron #6}} Trailbreaker later oversaw the process of putting a giant cannon in place on the Autobots' temporary base. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 9|All Hail Megatron #9}}

After the [[Surge (event)|Surge]], Trailbreaker briefly left Earth to serve on the [[Ethics Committee]] meetings at the [[Kimia Facility]], alongside [[Xaaron]] and [[Animus]]. He sat in consideration of [[Ironfist]]'s new invention, cerebro-sensitive bullets that used onboard computers to ensure a killshot to the head with every pull of the trigger. Unlike his fellow committee members, Trailbreaker openly expressed his horror at such a weapon, and his disapproval of its creator. Ultimately, the bullets were banned by the committee under Protocol III of the [[Non-Conventional Weapons Act]], and use of them in future would be deemed a war crime under the [[Tyrest Accord]]. {{storylink|Bullets}}

Two years after the fall of Megatron, Trailbreaker was present when Hot Rod announced his plans to abandon Earth and what was left of the war. He chose not to join the Autobot cavalier or his followers. {{storylink|New Arrivals, Old Encounters}}

===3D Battle-Card Game===
Trailbreaker was one of [[Optimus Primal]]'s many Autobot allies in a fight against [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]'s Decepticon forces, in what might possibly have been an inter-universe battle. {{storylink|3D Battle-Card Game#Energon Wars expansion|Energon Wars Expansion Set}}
{{-}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[Image:G1Trailbreaker toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|If your vehicle mode looks like this, you might be a redneck! You also happen to be indestructible]]
* '''Trailbreaker''' (1984, 2001, 2008)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''25'''
**''Accessories:'' 2 "Twin Blasters", 2 missiles, radar scanner, 2 fists (left & right)

: Trailbreaker transforms in a Toyota 4WD Hi-Lux camper truck. In robot mode, both of his lower arms are projectile launchers, able to load and fire either his fists or his projectiles, which consist of two [[Vacuum metallizing|vacuum metallized]] silver missiles and two silver "twin blasters". The [[Hasbro]] version of the toy severely weakened the springs [[for safety reasons]].

: This mold was later [[retool]]ed to make [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]].

: In 2001, Trailbreaker was given a short-run reissue (limited to only 1,000 pieces) by Takara as a convention-exclusive item, bundled together with Hoist. Since this toy was never reissued by Hasbro, it remained one of the more elusive reissues by Takara, until his 2008 ''[[Encore]]'' reissue. While the original had a red visor, the Encore reissue was notable for having a blue visor.
{{-}}

===Transformers (2010)===
[[Image:TF2010_Legends_Trailcutter.jpg|thumb|300px|[[Jazz (G1)| A sign]] [[Hound (G1)| of a deluxe toy]] [[Red Alert (G1)| to come?]]]]
*'''Trailcutter''' (Legends class, 2011?)

:Trailbreaker is now renamed "Trailcutter" due to trademark reasons. He converts into a camper truck (ala his G1 version), but with a front section similar to that of a Cadillac Escalade.

{{comingsoontoy}}
{{-}}

===Other attempts===
There are quite a few Transformers toys that were at one point in their development supposed to be a new form for (or tribute to) Trailbreaker, but so far all of these have become other characters with other names, most likely due to [[Hasbro]]'s inability to secure the [[trademark]].

Trailbreaker's appearance in the [[3H Productions|3H]] [[Universe (2003 comic)|Universe comics]] stems from early plans to release a Trailbreaker redeco of the [[Robots in Disguise (toyline)|Robots in Disguise]] [[X-Brawn]] mold as a convention exclusive in 2003. Reportedly, Hasbro themselves also had the same idea for the mass retail Universe Deluxe assortment, but due to the aforementioned reasons, the toy was ultimately given a different deco and released as [[Ratchet (Universe)|Autobot Ratchet]] instead.

Later, a [[redeco]] of the [[Robots in Disguise (toyline)|Robots in Disguise]] [[Spy Changer]] [[Ironhide (RID)|Ironhide]] was released as a Wal*Mart exclusive under the [[Universe (2003 franchise)|Universe]] banner, a black pickup truck with the distinctive red and yellow stripes from Trailbreaker's original toy. Ultimately, this toy would be released as [[Ironhide (Universe)|Ironhide]] instead.

The next attempt was in the [[Alternators]] line, the toy that would eventually become [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] and later [[Rollbar (G1)|Rollbar]]. A [[retool]] of the [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] Jeep Wrangler toy, its head is a cross between the original Trailbreaker toy's helmet and the cartoon model's face, surprisingly similar to [[Dan Khanna]]'s rendition of the character in 3H's Universe comics. A black and white version of a proposed color guide for the unreleased Trailbreaker version of the mold was depicted in the Japanese ''[[The Transformers: Binaltech & TF Collection Complete Guide]]'' book.

Finally, the [[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]] Autobot [[Overhaul (Cybertron)|Overhaul]] was originally going to be called "Trailbreaker", and the head mold was to have more elements from the Generation 1 character's design. These plans were again scrapped, but the character's upgraded form, '''Leobreaker''', retains the "breaker" portion of the name, since "Leohaul" sounds really silly.

==Merchandise==
[[Image:MovieTrailbreaker3DCard.jpg|right|100px|thumb|Admit it. That head peeking up from the truck mode is hilarious.]]
===3D Battle-Card Game===
*'''Trailbreaker''' (2007)

: A 26-point "common" character in the [[3D Battle-Card Game|3D Battle-Card Game]]'s "Energon Wars" expansion, Trailbreaker "transforms" into a black pickup truck with a camper shell. He uses the same parts layout as [[Payload (Movie)|Payload]] and [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]].

:The Battle-Card may or may not actually represent [[Trailbreaker (Movie)|the live-action movie version of Trailbreaker]], as the design is clearly in the live-action movie aesthetic (and a version of the Trailbreaker character exists in the "movie" universe anyway). The card's listed abilities {{m-}} an Invisible Force Field and a Radio Jammer {{m-}} line up with Trailbreaker's G1 abilities, however, so who knows.

{{-}}

==Notes==
[[Image:DiacloneTrailbreaker.jpg|thumb|250px]]
* Trailbreaker's mold was originally a ''[[Diaclone]]'' "4WD Hi-Lux", available in three different colors; black, blue or yellow. The blue version was sold by [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] in North America as the ''[[Diakron]]'' "DK-3" Car/Robot in [[1983]], seemingly just a few months before the toy would be rebranded as a Transformer.

* Trailbreaker laid some serious smackdown on [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] in the [[Dreamwave Productions]] ''[[Prime Directive]]'' miniseries. He was shown laying the Dinobot commander out with a steel girder, went on to survive being stood on by Devastator, and then resumed kicking Grimlock's skid plate, knocking him off his feet with a single punch, and then leaving him buried in rubble only to be left behind by Megatron. So much for being a liability. Shockwave was incredibly lucky that he didn't face him in the next volume.

* In "[[A Prime Problem]]", [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (the ''real'' one, that is) mistakenly refers to Trailbreaker as "'''Trailblazer'''".

* Originally, ''[[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]]'' was going to be used in ''Spotlight: Kup'', but Roche put Trailbreaker in after re-looking at the guy's tech spec and thought his power and cheery personality would work better. "It's nice to use a character who gets no love." <ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIkqheta3GE Nick Roche interview with Moonbase Two]</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.tfu.info/1984/Autobot/Trailbreaker/trailbreaker.htm Trailbreaker at TFU.info]
*[http://www.ntfa.net/universe/english/index.php?act=view&char=Trailbreaker Trailbreaker's Universe profile at NTFA.net]

[[Category:3D Battle-Cards]]
[[Category:Defense specialists]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Strategists]]
[[Category:Transformers (2010) Autobots]]
[[Category:Universe Autobots]]

Sunstreaker (G1)

2010-12-25T20:25:29Z

190.20.173.129: /* The Transformers cartoon */

{{factions|autobot|unicron}}
{{disambig3|Sunstreaker}}
:''Sunstreaker is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Autobots secret weapon sunstreaker wax.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Hi. I'm better than you.]]
'''Sunstreaker''' knows to the core of his [[spark]] that he is better than any other Autobot, and he makes sure everyone else knows it, too. His sociopathic tendencies, combined with his incredible vanity and arrogance, usually result in tension between himself and the other Autobots. He is generally unwilling to help those who are having trouble keeping up, and is quite audible when it comes to complaining about the shortcomings of everyone else. The only Autobot he truly gets along with is his twin [[Relatives|brother]], [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]], and even that can seem strained at times.

The main reason [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] keeps him around is most likely Sunstreaker's effectiveness in the battlefield. Ruthless and skilled in all forms of combat, there is not much Sunstreaker cannot handle. As a front-line warrior, Sunstreaker is a great asset for the [[Autobot]] army. If a rather scary one.

:''Preliminary name:'' '''Spinout'''
:''French name (Canada):'' '''Solo'''
:''Italian name'': '''Lince''' ("Lynx")
:''Mandarin name (Taiwan):'' '''Tài-yáng wén''' (太陽紋, "Sun Streak")
:''Mandarin name (China):'' '''Fei Mao Tui''' (飛毛腿, "Scud")
:''Hungarian name:'' '''Napcsillantó''' / '''Napvillantó''' ("Sun-flasher")
:''Portuguese name (Brazil comics):'' '''Raiado''' ("Crease")
:''Portuguese name (Portugal comics):'' '''Raio Solar''' ("Sun Beam")
:''Russian name:'' '''Mertzatel''' (''Мерцатель'', "Twinkler")
==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Generation 1====
{{Noteukonly}}
[[Image:SunstreakerBlastsSkywarp.jpg|left|200px|thumb|When Sunstreaker "puts his shoulder into it"... people get slagged.]]
''Prior to the outbreak of Cybertron's planet-wide civil war, Sunstreaker was a gladiator in the games held between the city-states. He was once brutally beaten by Megatron in combat, and would have been killed if Optimus Prime had not stepped in.'' {{storylink|State Games}}

''Early into the Autobot-Decepticon war, Sunstreaker was a member of the [[Magnificent Six]]. While they were on a mission to the Stanix region of Cybertron, he made a remarkably [[Yuss|callous joke]] that convinced their allies to turn them over to the Decepticons. The entire unit was tortured for a week, and [[Stampede]] was killed. Nice.'' {{storylink|The Magnificent Six!}}

Sunstreaker was among the crew of the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] that crashed on [[Earth]] four million years ago and woke up in [[1984]]. ''In the first few days on Earth, Sunstreaker abandoned [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] and diverted an attack by [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] and [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] towards a human military camp so as to keep himself from harm.'' {{storylink|Perchance to Dream}} He engaged the Decepticons in battle at the Witwicky garage alongside his brother, Sideswipe, but ultimately failed to keep them from kidnapping [[Sparkplug Witwicky]]. {{storylink|Power Play!}} Sunstreaker was relatively low on fuel after this, and so gave up his remaining power in the transference chambers to power up Prime, [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]], [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]], [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] and [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] for combat against the Decepticons.... but then joined them for the battle anyway. {{storylink|The Last Stand}}

[[Image:SunstreakerScrapped.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Poor Sunstreaker was too sociopathic for even the comic.]]
When [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] took control over the Decepticons and possession of the Ark, he destroyed Sunstreaker's body as a demonstration and warning to the deposed [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]. {{storylink|The New Order}} Because of this, Sunstreaker's body was in disrepair for a very long time; at one point, when [[G.B. Blackrock]] asked about him in the med bay, Jazz told him that [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] wasn't even sure if Sunstreaker would ever be operational again. {{storylink|The Next Best Thing to Being There!}}

However, Sunstreaker was fully repaired in time to view the duel between [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] and [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] on the [[Moon (moon)|moon]]. {{storylink|Totaled!}} He was badly damaged again, and he wound up in stasis aboard the Ark again, to be revived by [[Nucleon]] in 1990, when he and the other newly revived Autobots joined the attack on [[Unicron]]. {{storylink|On the Edge of Extinction!}} Surprisingly, he survived ''that'' battle as he was able to attend the first meeting of the shaky Autobot-Decepticon alliance. {{storylink|Exodus!}}

=====Earthforce=====
{{earthforcefiction}}
[[Image:Sunstreakerg1uk.jpg|left|180px|thumb|I'm YELLOW, dammit!]]
''An injured Sunstreaker, along with several other Autobots, was awakened not by Nucleon, but by [[Galvatron II|Galvatron]]'s [[mind bug]]. Galvatron had studied their dreams in the aim of finding dissenting members of the Autobots that he hoped to put into his own employ, but after a short skirmish, Galvatron's device was placed on himself. Amusingly enough, Sunstreaker had been off-line so much while on Earth, he needed the others to explain who Galvatron was to him.'' {{storylink|Perchance to Dream}}

''Sunstreaker and the others would go on to join the Earthforce unit, under [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]]'s command.'' {{storylink|Break-Away!}} ''After [[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]] foolishly broadcast [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]]'s location over an open channel, [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] and Sunstreaker had to race to beat the Decepticons to the site. Prowl had just disabled an atmosphere-destroying bomb of [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s before it reached apex, but the poison on board was still a viable threat. They didn't beat the Decepticons to the landing site, but before they could jump into the fray, Prowl pulled Jazz and Sunstreaker aside. He had already cleared out the poison, so the two Decepticon factions were fighting over nothing!'' {{storylink|Life in the Slow Lane}} ''Later, Sunstreaker helped Jazz, [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] and [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] ruin the Decepticon [[Enclave]] and any chance of peace between Megatron and Shockwave.'' {{storylink|The Bad Guy's Ball!}}

''When [[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]] kidnapped the Autobots' ally, [[Irwin Spoon (G1)|Irwin Spoon]], Sunstreaker joined the other Autobot cars for an impromptu chase scene. He negotiated his way through the various [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticon]] attacks and delaying tactics, but finally hit the wall (literally) when Motormaster detached his cab segment and left his trailer jackknifed across the highway. 'Streaker hit it head-on, and wound up with a legitimate complaint about his bodywork.'' {{storylink|End of the Road! (UK)|End of the Road!}}

''Much later, Sunstreaker was sent on a new mission to the Stanix region of Cybertron with [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]], [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]], [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]], [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]], and [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] by [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]. While there, he overcame the ghosts of the past and helped defeat the mad Decepticon [[Megadeath (G1)|Megadeath]]. Of course, he was the only member of the team that didn't seem particularly haunted by those events in the first place, but the ''others'' overcame them, and wasn't that nice for them?'' {{storylink|The Magnificent Six!}}

=====''Another Time and Place''=====
Sunstreaker stormed the [[Hydrus Four]] facility with his fellow Autobots to rescue Grimlock and the Dinobots. He almost took a shot in the back from a Decepticon, but Prime took out his attacker. {{storylink|Another Time and Place}}

{{note|The Decepticon planning to shoot Sunstreaker was described as "[[Battletrap]] in tank mode". Battletrap doesn't HAVE a tank mode. This was probably meant to be [[Quake (G1)|Quake]], who was also described as present in the battle.}}

====''Classics''====
Sunstreaker and Sideswipe joined Optimus Prime's crew on Earth after Megatron resurfaced. They braved the Ark's defenses in order to break inside and recover their lost comrade, Ratchet. As an expression of his concern, Sunstreaker made no mention of the chips and tarnish of his paint job when they freed Ratchet, and together the twins carried their medic friend away to safety. {{storylink|At Fight's End}}

===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
:''Voice Actor:'' [[Corey Burton]] (English), [[Kenyū Horiuchi]] (Japanese), Guillermo Romano (Latin American)

{{bigquote|I knew the humans would turn on us some day. They're such undependable creatures. Inferior lifeforms.|Sunstreaker on humans|[[Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1]]}}

[[Image:MoreThanMeetstheEye Part3 Sunstreaker veh.jpg|right|220px|thumb|The "Super Tuning" custom job is more impressive than you might think at first glance.]]
Sunstreaker was part of the original crew of Autobots aboard the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] that crashed on [[Earth]] four million years ago. When reawakened in 1984, he and his brother Sideswipe were reformatted into Lamborghini sports cars. They were both deployed during the Autobot counter-attack on a human oil rig, but didn't really do very much. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 1}} After the Autobots' defeat at [[Sherman Dam]], Sunstreaker and Sideswipe came to the rescue of [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] and their new human allies, [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] and his father [[Sparkplug Witwicky|Sparkplug]] when they were attacked by [[Seeker (body-type)|Decepticon jets]]. One of the Decepticons managed to graze Sunstreaker and damage his new paint job, infuriating the vainer of the two Autobot brothers. After he forced the Decepticons to break off for repairs, Sunstreaker was still grousing about his scuffed paint, to which his brother suggested that nobody would notice if he just made left turns. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 2}} The Autobot brothers were among those that volunteered to attack and totally fail to stop the [[Victory (G1)|Decepticon space cruiser]]. Sunstreaker celebrated the apparent demise of the Decepticons when their ship crashed and cheered [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]]'s role in its sabotage. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 3}}

[[Image:RollForIt Sunstreaker Chip.jpg|left|250px|thumb|A more kid-friendly sociopath.]]
When [[Chip Chase]] was kidnapped by the Decepticons and brought to the recently conquered [[antimatter]] laboratory of [[Doctor Alcazar|Dr. Alcazar]], the Autobots successfully staged a rescue operation to get him back. Sunstreaker then led a second team of Autobots into the lab, declaring that they had to get the antimatter cubes before it was too late, smashing a Sunstreaker-shaped hole in the wall. Unfortunately, he and the other Autobots were damaged when Megatron threw an antimatter cube at them. After returning to the Ark, Sunstreaker was heard to complain about a 'very sensitive junction' in his elbow, but was soon repaired quickly enough to arm wrestle with Sideswipe. When the antimatter-fueled Decepticons attacked the Ark, Sideswipe and Sunstreaker took to the air to battle with the incoming Seeker jets, in a rambunctious — if ultimately ineffective — display of "[[jet judo]]." After the Decepticons were defeated, Sunstreaker congratulated Chip, declaring him a hero and gave him a ride on his shoulder. {{storylink|Roll for It}}
{{-}}
{{bigquote|Hey, not the ''face'', okay? I just had it chromed!|Sunstreaker|[[S.O.S. Dinobots]]}}

When the munitions factory was attacked by the Decepticon jets, Sunstreaker transformed to roll out with the Autobots in Autobot Headquarters, but never actually bothered showing up. Later, while watching [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] and [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] attempt to repair the severely damaged [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]], Sunstreaker and the remaining Autobots were rallied into repulsing a Decepticon attack by Spike. Sunstreaker was shot by [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] before recovering, only to be buried in a landslide by [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]]. {{storylink|Divide and Conquer}} Sunstreaker complained about Trailbreaker's force field deflecting [[Slag (G1)|Slag]] and [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]]'s flame breaths into his face when the newly-constructed [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] went haywire. {{storylink|S.O.S. Dinobots}}

[[Image:SOSDinobots Sunstreaker nottheface.jpg|right|220px|thumb|Insert flaming joke.]]
Later, when responding to a Decepticon diversionary attack on [[India]]'s coast, Sunstreaker complained about the fact his newly installed water skis clashed with his base coat, but Optimus Prime told him to redecorate himself later, as they had Decepticons to worry about. When [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] and the Decepticons escaped without taking any energy, Sunstreaker realized they had been set up. Soon after, the Autobots attacked the Decepticon undersea headquarters to rescue the captive Sparkplug, during which Sunstreaker was concerned that the salt water would damage his body enamel. After returning to base for repairs, Sunstreaker fidgeted as Ratchet attempted to repair him, worried that the medic would scorch his selenium shin guards. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 1}} When [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] was brought into Earth's orbit as part of Megatron's latest scheme, Sunstreaker retreated with the other Autobots due to audio disruptor waves generated by [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]]. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 2}}

Sunstreaker was part of an Autobot unit sent to investigate reports of [[Insecticon (G1)|giant insect monsters]] attacking Bali, Indonesia. When the road to the coordinates of the attack was blocked by a local village celebration, Sunstreaker questioned his brother's knowledge of the local area, a criticism warranted when Sideswipe led them into a dead end canyon. Sunstreaker continued to criticize Sideswipe's sense of direction as Sideswipe very slowly tunneled underneath the villagers. As the Autobots made their way to a nearby [[oil]] refinery under attack from the Decepticons, [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]] used his override waves on both Sunstreaker and Sideswipe, taking control of their driving mechanisms and forcing them to drive headfirst into the other Autobots. Sunstreaker implored the other Autobots to shoot our their tires, but fortunately, Trailbreaker was able to interrupt the override waves. During the ensuing battle at the oil refinery, Sunstreaker was more concerned about his enamel being damaged by Wheeljack during a counterattack than enemy fire. {{storylink|A Plague of Insecticons}}

[[Image:ChangingGears jungleclearing.jpg|left|230px|thumb|Hey, Jazz, let's get rid of ALL the trees, so we can build a highway.]]
After Spike was critically injured in a battle between the Autobots and Decepticons, his consciousness was transferred into the body of [[Autobot X]]. However, this process proved too stressful for his mind to take, and so he lashed out in blind anger. Sunstreaker and Sideswipe attempted to restrain him, only to be tossed aside by "Autobot Spike's" enormous strength. {{storylink|Autobot Spike}} During a Decepticon attack on a mining camp as part of an plot to capture [[Gears (G1)|Gears]], Sunstreaker was among the Autobots who rolled out to confront them. He was hit by a boulder "energized" by Megatron (instead of just being shot, or something a logical enemy would do). When it was discovered Megatron was tapping into the [[Sun]] with his [[Solar Needle]], the Autobots ''drove'' to the "geographical center of Africa", only to be hindered by the dense jungle, which Optimus Prime ordered Jazz and Sunstreaker to blast their way through. Jerks. {{storylink|Changing Gears}} Sunstreaker got to use his jet skis again when the Autobots were sent to investigate the disappearance of the Empire State Building in [[New York City]]. Sadly, the skis still clashed with his base coat. He was rather pessimistic about their chances against the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons']] remote-controlled taxi cabs. Wimp. {{storylink|City of Steel}}

{{bigquote|When they built me, they broke the mold!|Sunstreaker on how fantastic he is, not on how his toy will never be reissued|[[The Autobot Run]]}}

In the aftermath of Ironhide firing randomly at a hologram of [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] during a demonstration of Wheeljack's latest invention, the [[Wheeljack Instant Immobilizer|Immobilizer]], Sunstreaker had to help Bluestreak vacuum up the rubble. {{storylink|The Immobilizer}} When the Autobots agreed to a charity race/stunt show, Sunstreaker was sure that a large audience would appreciate his performance. During the race, Sunstreaker arrogantly shoved his way past the slower Autobots, but despite all of his bluster, he was slower than Jazz and Mirage. He didn't seem to mind too much, as he was the star of a car jump stunt over the other Autobots...until he failed to finish that, as well. However, during the race, the Autobots had unwittingly been locked into their [[Alternate mode|alternate modes]], which freaked out Sunstreaker, as he couldn't transform back into his handsome robot form. After Chip Chase and the unaffected Autobots reversed the effects via a special ''grenade'', Sunstreaker was the first to regain the ability to transform and was very pleased to see his true beauty. {{storylink|The Autobot Run}} When the Decepticons allied themselves with the underwater kingdom of [[Sub-Atlantica]], Sunstreaker was present during the battle in [[Washington, D.C.]] and on the sub-sea city itself, but didn't actually do anything. Jerk. {{storylink|Atlantis, Arise!}}

[[Image:TheCore Sunstreaker planting dominator disc.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]
Sunstreaker was present when the Autobots were confronted with the dilemma of two Optimus Primes. Though he didn't put forward any helpful suggestions, he observed the inconclusive results of the tests that the Autobots ran on the two Primes and later rolled out to investigate energy readings coming from a crevasse filled with [[korlonium crystal]]s. {{storylink|A Prime Problem}} Sunstreaker got his chance to command a team of Autobots investigating a missing river, when they stumbled on a Decepticon operation to drill into the Earth. Unfortunately, they were spotted and attacked by [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]], though they were able to defeat the giant through teamwork. Sunstreaker was part of a subsequent mission to plant [[dominator disc]]s on the Constructicons, and he managed to attach one to [[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] by hiding in a hole. During the next battle, the Autobots were able to use the discs to take control of Devastator. They used the giant to attack the Decepticon drilling operation in the caves, and during this fight, Sunstreaker had to rescue Chip Chase when the boy was caught in a cave-in. Megatron eventually regained control of Devastator, and the combiner turned on Sunstreaker and Ironhide. {{storylink|The Core}}

[[Image:DinobotIsland2 Sunstreaker carrying mammoth.jpg|thumb|left|220px]]
When the Dinobots again ran wild at Autobot Headquarters, Sunstreaker was on hand, and at least this time didn't get his paint job scorched. {{storylink|Dinobot Island, Part 1}} He and Sideswipe were part of the response team when a time warp opened near the city library, and they had to cope with barbarians on woolly mammoths. Though the unwashed primitives almost damaged his finish, they were soon contained, and he used his gun to hold the warp open long enough to return the barbarians to their own time. {{storylink|Dinobot Island, Part 2}} Sunstreaker took part in the [[Autobot Day]] parade in [[Central City (Earth)|Central City]], reflecting that he never knew that humans had "such exquisite taste". Unfortunately, things soon turned sour, as a video was played incriminating the Autobots in energy theft, and the humans turned against their former allies. Sunstreaker commented that he always knew that humans would turn on the Autobots and declared them an inferior lifeform...right as Chip, Spike, and Sparkplug Witwicky were in the control room. They probably shouldn't have been too insulted, as Sunstreaker considers everyone else an inferior lifeform.

[[Image:MMP1 Sunstreaker rails.jpg|thumb|240px|right|]]
The Autobots were put on trial and, to their dismay, found guilty and ordered to leave the planet on a spaceship supplied by [[Shawn Berger]]. {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1}} The ship was locked on a course into the Sun by Megatron, leaving the Autobots in dire peril. Utilizing Trailbreaker's force fields and [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]], not to mention some unwitting help from [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]], they were able to escape before the heat crazed Sunstreaker's body work, and they returned to Earth to depose the Decepticons from their position of power. {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 2}} Like the rest of the Autobots, Sunstreaker suffered from [[Cybertonium]] depletion, preventing him from functioning until Spike, [[Carly]] and the Dinobots were able to obtain some more. {{storylink|Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 2}}

Sunstreaker transformed to roll out and investigate the Decepticon theft of the [[Voltronic Galaxer]], but disappeared at some point before the response team reached the observatory. He later rolled out again to help humans who were experiencing difficulty as a result of Megatron jamming the world's radio signals. {{storylink|Blaster Blues}} When the first group of Autobots to face the [[electrum]]-coated Decepticons reported failure, Sunstreaker told them to let a pro handle it. Unfortunately, his weapon proved just as ineffective, and it wasn't until the Autobots found the golden lagoon and coated themselves in electrum that the Decepticons were overcome. {{storylink|The Golden Lagoon}}

[[Image:HoistGoesHollywood Sunstreaker Tracks masks.jpg|thumb|230px|left|Yet to be realised as a toy.]]
Sunstreaker was one of several Autobots who glommed onto [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]]'s job as a Hollywood extra in the hopes of becoming a movie star. After he, [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] and [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] crashed the filming, the [[Director]] employed them all as stunt vehicles, which involved Sunstreaker doing some literal crashing—into a burning building. The movie was soon reworked into ''[[Attack of the Alien Robots]]'', leading to Sunstreaker having to wear a ridiculous [[alien]] mask and spout out stilted, wooden dialog—and goose-step, for some reason. During one of the shoots, an out-of-control explosion almost wiped out the four Autobots, and they discovered that the Decepticons were working behind the scenes to cover up an operation. After everything was resolved, Sunstreaker and the others decided to stay out of the movie business. {{storylink|Hoist Goes Hollywood}}

[[Image:TFTM Sunstreaker hereandthere.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Honestly, we're surprised Ichikawa didn't try to explain this one in the Binaltech storyline.]]
Sunstreaker and Sideswipe took part in the [[Europa 2000]] in order to keep an eye on [[Auggie Cahnay (G1)|Auggie Cahnay]]'s high-tech automobile. After Sideswipe forced the pair to take a detour in [[Italy]], they were ambushed by the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticon]]s, who boxed them in so that [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] could shoot them. {{storylink|Trans-Europe Express}} They and most of the rest of the Autobots rolled out to rescue [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] from a Decepticon trap and were subsequently infected by [[Cosmic Rust (disease)|Cosmic Rust]]. Luckily, Perceptor was able to work out a way to create more [[corrostop]] and cure them all. {{storylink|Cosmic Rust (episode)|Cosmic Rust}} After the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticon]]s used the space bridge to move Earth towards the Sun, Sunstreaker was part of a combined Autobot/Decepticon team who traveled to Cybertron to prevent Earth's destruction. {{storylink|The Revenge of Bruticus}}

Before the [[Battle of Autobot City|Decepticon attack]] on [[Autobot City]] in the year 2005, Sunstreaker was helping [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] move a roadblock. He was knocked over when [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] and [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel]] drove through it.

Meanwhile, he was '''also''' on Moon Base One and helped pilot the shuttle that flew Optimus Prime and the Dinobots to Autobot City.

Seriously. He's ''THAT'' good. {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie}}

{{-}}

====Japanese cartoon continuity====
=====Full Throttle Scramble Power!=====
Following the destruction of the Decepticons' [[Omega Whip]] weapon, Sunstreaker and several other Autobot cars raced after Megatron and his troops to keep them from escaping. They caught up with the Decepticons and kept them busy until Autobot reinforcements could arrive. {{storylink|Full Throttle Scramble Power!}}

=====''The Stargate Battles''=====
When the Decepticons made their second play for control of the human-built "[[Warp Gate|Trigger]]" interstellar teleportation system in the late 1990s, Sunstreaker was among the Autobot forces who stood against them. [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] subsequently took control of the Trigger, forcing Megatron and Optimus Prime to combine their power to destroy the Trigger. Sunstreaker and all the other Transformers were caught backwash from the incredible cosmic explosion and plummeted back to Earth, not to be heard from again for several months. {{storylink|The Stargate Battles (issue)|The Stargate Battles}}
=====''Story of Binaltech''=====

In 2003, Sunstreaker was one of numerous Autobots who were rendered helpless when they were infected with [[Cosmic Rust (disease)|Cosmic Rust]] by the Decepticon, [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]]. Working with the [[Earth Defense Command]] and several Earth automotive companies, the Autobots developed "Binaltech" technology, creating new bodies into which their [[spark]]s were place so they could carry on the fight. It was intended for Sunstreaker to gain a new Dodge Viper body like his brother Sideswipe, but the Decepticons infiltrated the operation and hijacked the body for use by the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticon]] [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] instead. {{storylink|Arise! Evil Binaltechs}}

As the Binaltech conflict raged on, the timeline was eventually altered by [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]].

{{Note|At this point, the original timeline was retroactively restored and the events of the ''Story of Binaltech'' diverged into a parallel universe. Skip to the next section below to continue reading about the original timeline; exactly how many (if any) of the events related in this section, even prior to the divergence, occurred in the original unaltered timeline are unknown.}}

In this alternate timeline, Sunstreaker was present at the [[Earth Defense Command]] Antarctic base, shortly after the appearance of the [[Optimus Primal|Protector]]. {{storylink|Binal Time}}

=====''Binaltech Asterisk''=====
[[Image:SunstreakerBTA.jpg|right|120px|thumb|Dig me!]]

{{note|It's not clear if the events of ''Binaltech Asterisk'' occur in the parallel "BT World" timeline, or the mainstream universe.}}

Sunstreaker was a member of the Autobot Race Team, which may or may not have had any other [[Transformer]]s on it. He was sort of a mascot for them, and the team didn't actually use him in races. He resented that people paid more attention to him as a promotional image than as a race car.

After being drafted into the [[Interplanetary Personnel Exchange Program]] by Officer [[Clamp Down]], Sunstreaker was partnered with the human "race queen" model [[Junko Shiragami]] and acted as her car. Once, Sunstreaker got into a race with a human-driven sports car, much to Junko's dismay. He used his transformation ability to take a particularly sharp curve, destroying a road sign in the process, for which Junko chewed him out.

It was said that Sunstreaker drove faster when he smelled Junko's marigold-scented hair. Make of that what you will. {{storylink|Binaltech Asterisk (online comic)|Sunstreaker Meets Junko}}
{{--}}

=====''Headmasters'' cartoon=====
[[Image:JHeadmasters01RedAlertEtc.jpg|thumb|200px]]
Some time before the Transformers' war left Cybertron, Sunstreaker engaged the Decepticons with his comrades. Later, on Earth, Sunstreaker was present for a suspiciously similar battle with the Decepticons that resulted in the death of Optimus Prime. In 2011, [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] recalled the Cybertronian skirmish that Sunstreaker took part in—or another one very much like it. {{storylink|Four Warriors Come out of the Sky|Four Warriors Come out of the Sky}}

[[Image:FourWarriors SunstreakerBlitzwing.jpg|200px|thumb|A five-second cameo, and all I do is avoid Blitzwing? Slag it!!]]

{{note|Sunstreaker appears in two Cybertronian flashback battles within the episode, alongside the same team of Autobots, suggesting that they represent the same fight. He also appears in one further flashback battle on Earth, which depicts Optimus Prime's death in a scene that doesn't match up to his ''actual'' death in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''. This was a continuity patch-job by the ''Headmasters'' production staff, as the movie hadn't been released in Japan yet. }}

When the Decepticons launched a major attack on Cybertron in 2011, Sunstreaker appeared briefly in vehicle mode evading jet-mode [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]]'s attacks. Sunstreaker escaped into a tunnel, and Blitzwing bounced off its exterior and crashed. {{storylink|Four Warriors Come out of the Sky|Four Warriors Come out of the Sky}}

{{-}}
===3H ''Universe'' comics===
[[Image:Sunstreaker.jpg|right|180px|thumb|"I'm exclusive!"]]

After the [[Pax Cybertronia]], Sunstreaker left Cybertron with four other survivors of the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]] ([[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]], [[Roulette (Universe)|Roulette]], [[Shadow Striker (Universe)|Shadow Striker]], and [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]]). One year after Cybertron was reformatted into a technorganic planet, they returned. They were greeted by many of the [[Maximal]] and [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] inhabitants and with vast media coverage.

However, what appeared to be celebratory fireworks struck the five Autobots and also the Maximals [[Silverbolt (BW)|Silverbolt]] and [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]]. They were transported to a fiery cauldron deep within [[Unicron]], where all but Trailbreaker were rebuilt painfully into new bodies.

Seeing an arena up ahead, the seven moved towards it, only to be attacked by a swarm of shape-shifting, lava-like creatures. Sunstreaker and the others were overwhelmed and taken into the arena (or, the [[Cauldron]]), where they were caged along with a multitude of Transformers kidnapped from across the multiverse. {{storylink|Abduction|Abduction}}

The Unicron-influenced ambience of the place was slowly driving the more violent of the group mad. This, of course, included Sunstreaker. He and Sideswipe were forced into combat in the arena (each wielding spiffy [[Energon (fuel)|Energon]] weapons), but were rescued by a reborn [[Optimus Primal]]. The group, sans a corrupted Blackarachnia and Shadow Striker, fled back to Cybertron. {{storylink|Escape (issue)|Escape}}

{{-}}
===Dreamwave comics continuity===
{{notekeepers}}
{{quote|"Why, you arrogant—yow! I should rewire that smug mug of yours right here—blaw!—right now!" 
"Don't kid yourself—this face is worth more than ''you'' are."|[[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] and Sunstreaker|"[[Infestation (Dreamwave)|Infestation]]"|noquote=true}}

[[Image:DWPrimeDirective2 SunstreakerSideswipe.jpg|left|300px|thumb|A family that pelvic thrusts together, stays together.]]
Before joining the Autobot army, Sunstreaker was a successful mural artist. {{storylink|Transformers: The Ultimate Guide}} He was aboard the Ark when it crashed on Earth millions of years ago. He and the other Autobots awoke in 1984 to restart their war with the Decepticons. He was part of [[Operation Liberation]] in 1998, a joint human-Autobot effort to defeat the Earth-bound Decepticons. At the end it was a success, and the captured Decepticons, along with the Autobots and a human crew, departed Earth en route to Cybertron in the ''[[Ark II]]''. The ship, however, was sabotaged and exploded upon liftoff.

A few years later Megatron and other Transformers, including Autobots, were seen causing havoc. It was discovered that [[Lazarus]], a scientist who participated in the ''Ark II'' project, was responsible for the sabotage of the ''Ark II'' and the resurrection of several Transformers under his control via technological tampering. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 1}}

[[Robert Hallo|General Hallo]] of the [[United States military|U.S. Military]] contacted [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] to ask him if he could do something to help them reactivate Optimus Prime, whom they had recovered locked in a state of stasis. Spike managed to reactivate Optimus with a portion of the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] that Optimus had given him prior the ill-fated journey of the ''Ark II''. Optimus subsequently went to the Arctic and used the Matrix to reactivate several Transformers, including Sunstreaker and his brother Sideswipe. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 2}}

Sunstreaker accepted the new task at hand and fought alongside his brother when the Autobots faced the Decepticons at Lazarus' ruined base, before Hallo betrayed the Autobots by attempting to destroy both factions with a nuclear weapon. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 3}} The Autobots survived when Megatron's technovirus absorbed the blast, and Sunstreaker helped his comrades recover the captive Autobots imprisoned inside the base. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 4}}

[[Image:DWPrimeDirective5 SideswipeSunstreaker Devastator.jpg|right|250px|thumb|DULL HEROIC RUNNING!]]
As Jazz's unit worked on Megatron's virus, Sunstreaker followed Optimus Prime to [[San Francisco]] for the last battle against Megatron and his Decepticons. When [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] was taken down, Sunstreaker and Sideswipe heroically (though foolishly) charged at [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] rather than, say, shoot him; they were surprisingly beaten up. After Optimus Prime destroyed Devastator's head, Sunstreaker was restrained by the surviving Decepticons. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 5}} However, through human intervention, Optimus Prime freed his Autobots and the battle was rejoined. Sunstreaker tag-teamed with his brother to pummel Soundwave, though the Decepticons eventually escaped when Superion sacrificed his life to save the city from General Hallo's unauthorized nuclear missile launch. After Optimus Prime came back online, Sunstreaker and [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] discovered the traitorous [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] buried under rubble. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 6}}

''During the conflict with the [[Keeper (species)|Keepers]], Sunstreaker was one of the Autobots chosen by Optimus Prime to join the strike on occupied Las Vegas. Sunstreaker was edgy about having to work with Megatron and the Decepticons, and was ready to draw his rifle at a moment's notice during the groups' meeting. Still, he remained sensitive enough to [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]]'s feelings to comfort his human friend when he was feeling useless, letting Spike know he always did his very best. (WHAT?!) In Las Vegas, Sunstreaker and the other Autobots lent their energies to Optimus Prime for his [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]]-inspired Finishing Move against the Keepers. {{storylink|Annihilation}} Later, Sunstreaker and the Autobots battled alongside the Decepticons again, against the treacherous forces of the American military. Sunstreaker and several other Autobots fell before the processor-eating power of the President's new toy, the [[Deconstructionite|deconstructionites]].'' {{storylink|Fusion (novel)|Fusion}}

When [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] arrived on Earth to enforce [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]'s edict that the Earth-bound Autobots surrender themselves to the Cybertronian alliance, Optimus Prime ordered a portion of his troops into hiding in [[Portland]], [[Oregon]]. This group, led by [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]], included Sunstreaker, Sideswipe, [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]], [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]], [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]], and [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]]. {{storylink|Brothers' Burden}} However, [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]], and his cassettes soon escaped to Earth with [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]]. Attacking the Ark, they defeated all of Jazz's group minus Ratchet and Brawn. Sunstreaker and the others were left in a swamp, deactivated. {{storylink|Night of the Combaticons}}

[[Image:DW Extermination Sunstreaker kills Kickback.jpg|left|400px|thumb|I'm not only better than you, I'm also gay.]]
[[Orion|A ship]] crewed by [[Mini Vehicle|Minibots]] (led by [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]) arrived on Earth with supplies, and [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] and [[Bumper (G1)|Bumper]] pulled the deactivated from their would-be swampy grave. They were promptly arrested by Commander [[Marissa Faireborn]] of the [[Earth Defense Command]] and her armored troops. The damaged Autobots were repaired, and Commander Faireborn came to Sunstreaker, Sideswipe, and Jazz with a mission. The American city of [[San Desto]] was under attack by [[Insecticon (G1)|Cybertronian creatures]]. {{storylink|Infestation (Dreamwave)|Infestation}} Sunstreaker spent the entire mission either putting down [[EDC Night Force Unit|the humans]], Bumper or, when he wasn't around, Sideswipe. He didn't think any of them would make it out alive, but nevertheless tore through the Insecticon clones like they were paper! After they were captured by the real Insecticons, Sunstreaker was not too happy to be rescued by Bumper. When Bombshell activated the [[Cerebro-shell|cerebro-shelled]] human population of San Desto to attack the Autobots, Sunstreaker was also all-too-ready to kill the lot of them, until Bumper saved them all again. {{storylink|Extermination}} The ''Orion'' picked up Sunstreaker and the other Autobots from the EDC's Nevada base shortly after saving San Desto. {{storylink|Lost and Found (issue)|Lost and Found}}

{{note|In August 2006, [[Matt Moylan]] [http://tinyurl.com/2ugos3 revealed] that Sunstreaker was gay in Dreamwave continuity. This was never dealt with head-on (or meant to be) but it provided a basis for his characterization.}}

===Devil's Due ''G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers'' comics===
Sunstreaker was among the Transformers found and reprogrammed by the human terrorist organization [[Cobra]], and along with Sideswipe and [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]], he was reformatted into a Cobra [[Stinger (Cobra)|Stinger]]. He, his brother and [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] were sent to attack the [[SPS Research Facility]], but the two siblings were rammed by [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] while charging at the main entrance, and Cobra eventually retreated. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 3}} When Wheeljack freed the Autobots from Cobra's control, Sunstreaker helped Sideswipe and [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] fight against the similarly freed Decepticons [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] and [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]]. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 5}}

===IDW comics continuity===
{{ongoing}}
{{quote|"Sunstreaker—''speed limit''." 
"Oh, ''c'mon''! Bad enough I gotta share my ''upholstery'' with a species that sheds skin on a regular basis, but now I gotta super-size the experience?"|Ironhide and Sunstreaker|[[Escalation issue 1|''Escalation'' #1]]|noquote=true}}

[[Image:MegsOrigin3 Sunstreaker neverlose.jpg|right|220px|thumb|Sunstreaker shows off his humbler side.]]
Long ago, before the [[Great War (G1)|war]], Sunstreaker was a patron of illegal underground death matches in the [[Forge]], where he cheered on Megatron in his first victory there. He returned several times more, including to watch Megatron's 54th battle in the arena, this time apparently alongside Sideswipe. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 2|Megatron Origin #2}}

When Megatron, rising in power and influence, put on a recruitment call to all-comers, Sunstreaker happily answered his call. Sideswipe tried to talk him out of joining the fights, to no avail. Sunstreaker apparently thought the call was for participation in the illegal gladiatorial games, but it was actually the first recruitment call for the Decepticon army. How they took Megatron's announcement, the apparent murder of a Senator, and how they fared when Autobot security forces raided the meeting is unknown. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 3|Megatron Origin #3}} Neither he, nor any of the other Autobots-to-be that were present at the "rally", were seen again in prison or upon the Decepticons' escape and ravaging of [[Kaon]]. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 4|Megatron Origin #4}}

[[Image:Infiltration6 Sunstreaker humansout.jpg|left|150px|thumb|What, does he keep them in a kennel or something?]]

At some point during the war that followed Megatron's Decepticon rebellion, Sunstreaker was one of many Autobots trained by [[Kup (G1)|Kup]]. {{storylink|Spotlight: Kup}} He himself was Sideswipe's P-3 Training Officer and strike partner, and spent the whole time looking down on him as a subpar rookie. {{storylink|Spotlight: Sideswipe}}

Sunstreaker would later lead a unit in a battle against [[Drift (G1)|Deadlock]] in which he was forced to order a retreat. {{storylink|Drift issue 1|Drift #1}}

In the modern era, Sunstreaker was a unit commander who helped drive the Decepticons from an unidentified planet. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 14|Replay}} Immediately afterward, he was assigned to a detachment of Autobots that had operated covertly on [[Earth]] for at least four years, attempting to foil a Decepticon insurgency. Being stationed on Earth did little to alter Sunstreaker's arrogance, with him dismissing [[Verity Carlo|the]] [[Hunter O'Nion|three]] [[Jimmy Pink|humans]] which [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] saved as "noisy creatures". {{storylink|Infiltration issue 3|Infiltration #3}} Later, Sunstreaker and the other Autobots observed Megatron's brutal disciplining of the treacherous Starscream. Despite 'Streaker's high opinion of himself and his own skills, he was visibly relieved when Prowl decided to leave the Decepticons alone. After returning to the ''[[Ark-19]]'', he complained about the humans running around loose in their headquarters. {{storylink|Infiltration issue 6|Infiltration #6}}

[[Image:Escalation1 Sunstreaker videogame.jpg|right|200px|thumb|He doesn't rate the Battlechargers very highly, apparently.]]

To keep the noisy creatures occupied, he created a video game starring himself. Soon afterward, Sunstreaker, along with [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]], were assigned the task of escorting the humans back to the big wild world, [[Tulsa, Oklahoma]]. On a road in the vicinity of [[Lebanon, Missouri]], Sunstreaker and company were ambushed by the [[Machination]]. He and Hunter became separated from Ironhide and were seemingly destroyed. {{storylink|Escalation issue 1|Escalation #1}} However, it was soon revealed that it was not the case; the debris recovered by Optimus Prime was revealed by Ratchet to be an elaborate fake. {{storylink|Escalation issue 2|Escalation #2}}
Sunstreaker was painfully dismantled and treated barbarically by the employees. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 14|Replay}} After re-awakening in a [[Machination]] stronghold, Hunter was horrified to find an unidentified being, possibly Cybertronian, had been creating a series of [[Sunstreaker clone|Sunstreaker clones]]. {{storylink|Escalation issue 6|Escalation #6}}

[[Image:Devastation3 Sunstreakerhead yuh.jpg|left|150px|thumb|You still better than us now, Sunstreaker?]]

Having been able to dupe the Machination into believing that he was catatonic, Hunter went exploring in their headquarters. Eventually, he discovered Sunstreaker's own decapitated head, which was still functioning. Tortured, Sunstreaker begged the human to kill him. Meanwhile, [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] and [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] ran afoul of the Sunstreaker clones... piloted by [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]] — humans who could transform into the robots' heads. {{storylink|Devastation issue 2|Devastation #2}} It turned out all of the Headmasters were mentally connected to the original Sunstreaker and leeched knowledge from him, a process that was extremely painful. However, this had its disadvantage — Sunstreaker doesn't read Autobot memos so the Machination had less inside knowledge than they thought; Hot Rod and Wheeljack escaped by using a weapon that Sunstreaker didn't know about. Hunter, rather than kill the Autobot, asked for his help to become a Headmaster himself so he could pilot one of the Machination's spare clones. {{storylink|Devastation issue 3|Devastation #3}} After downloading the necessary information from Sunstreaker, Hunter headed to the body shop, where more clone bodies were being stored. {{storylink|Devastation issue 5|Devastation #5}} Just as a freshly-restored [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]], head of the Machination, broke through a wall to kill him, Hunter was able to transform into Sunstreaker's head and linked to the real Sunstreaker's mind. Speaking as Sunstreaker, Hunter attached himself to a clone body, but commented that everything felt slow (as a result of Machination scientists cutting all connections to the real Sunstreaker, with devastating effects for the Headmasters). Hunter transformed to vehicle mode, blasted a hole in the wall and escaped. {{storylink|Devastation issue 6|Devastation #6}}

[[Image:Sunstreaker Head-On.jpg|right|150px|thumb|I'd lose my head if it wasn't screwed on.]]

After that, the new Sunstreaker began raiding Machination front organizations across America, looking for his original head. He wanted Hunter out of his head and gone forever so he didn't have to talk to the human—not that he meant ''any'' offense by that, oh no. On one raid, he became aware that the Machination had plans involving the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dynobots]] and sped off to Dallas to get involved {{storylink|Maximum Dinobots issue 1|Maximum Dinobots #1}} The Dynobots were actually sent to ''Fallon'' but Sunstreaker carried on to Dallas anyway, reasoning that getting his old head back would offline all the Headmasters—and that whatever the Dynobots were up to was merely collateral damage. (Nice chap...) {{storylink|Maximum Dinobots issue 2|Maximum Dinobots #2}} When they arrived in Dallas, seeing that the facility was far bigger than anything they had come across before, Hunter realized they needed a plan and forced Sunstreaker to sit it out while they watched and waited, citing that he was the more level-headed of the pair and that it was nice to just be Hunter O'Nion every now and then. {{storylink|Maximum Dinobots issue 3|Maximum Dinobots #3}} When the time came, Sunstreaker reconnected with Hunter and barged into the Machination, having a short talk with Hot Rod as he blasted two of his clones. He found his original head, but Scorponok was waiting and shot a hole through his chest. Hunter escaped and, reluctantly and remorsefully, deactivated Sunstreaker's original head. This succeeded in shutting down all of the clones, at the cost of doing the same to Sunstreaker. {{storylink|Maximum Dinobots issue 4|Maximum Dinobots #4}}

[[Image:Sunstreaker recovers.jpg|left|100px|thumb|New unexplained altmode — just add water.]]

Hunter, however, stayed conscious and survived the rest of the battle. He accompanied Sunstreaker aboard the ''[[Ark-32]]'', where the comatose Autobot was put into a [[CR chamber]] for heavy repairs. Sunstreaker's original head was reattached, and his battered body was rebuilt into a [[#Universe (2008)|slightly different form]]. Ratchet claimed that "though physically separated, Sunstreaker's spark sustained him." Ratchet was able to minimize the mental link between Sunstreaker and Hunter, but he was afraid to try removing Hunter's implants, and the human was left feeling like half of himself was missing. {{storylink|Maximum Dinobots issue 5|Maximum Dinobots #5}}

Eventually Ratchet did successfully sever their link, but the Headmaster experience had left deep wounds on Sunstreaker's psyche. He turned his back on Hunter and never wanted to speak of the incident again. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 7|All Hail Megatron #7}} His pain turned into a hatred for Earth and its inhabitants; he wanted nothing more than to leave the planet forever. Starscream took advantage of this, meeting in secret with Sunstreaker to strike a deal. Starscream wanted Sunstreaker's help to both kill Megatron and ensure the Autobots' departure from Earth. Starscream claimed that after taking control of the Decepticons, he would be satisfied to confine his own empire to the one planet, so really Sunstreaker would get what he wanted on both counts. Sunstreaker agreed "on one condition": That Starscream would use his dominion to kill every single human being. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 8|All Hail Megatron #8}}

Starscream and Sunstreaker arranged false intelligence that led the Autobots into an ambush. But, whether due to Starscream's treachery or to a simple failure in the plan, only half of their goals were accomplished: The Autobots were beaten and exiled to Cybertron via the newly-created [[space bridge]], but Megatron survived the battle happily. Optimus Prime attacked and destroyed the space bridge as he went through it, but doing so left him in a critical state of shutdown. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 7|All Hail Megatron #7}}

[[Image:Sunstreaker on bridge AHM8.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Sunstreaker in [[All Hail Megatron issue 10 #Errors|''A Bridge Too Few'']].]]

If Sunstreaker had been brooding and sullen already, this outcome only intensified his angst. The other Autobots knew that they must have been betrayed, but they had no idea by whom. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 4|All Hail Megatron #4}} [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]], as the scout who had delivered the bad intelligence, was a natural suspect, and Ironhide became his chief accuser. Sunstreaker gravitated to Ironhide, encouraging the finger pointed away from himself. When Sideswipe confronted Sunstreaker about the dissension he was fostering in the ranks, Sunstreaker tried to get him to leave him alone. Sideswipe attempted sympathy, telling his brother that he could only imagine what the Headmaster experience had been like, but even that turned into an accusation for abandoning Hunter. Sunstreaker yelled back that that was in the past and was completely irrelevant, and everyone knew he never wanted to talk about it again. He stormed off, but doing so caught Ironhide's attention. When Sunstreaker told Ironhide that Sideswipe thought they were taking their accusations against Mirage too far, Ironhide decided they hadn't taken things far ''enough,'' so he promptly dragged Mirage into a corner and beat him half to death. Sunstreaker's only protest was that others might see. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 7|All Hail Megatron #7}}

[[Image:Sunstreaker sacrifice_AHM.jpg|left|150px|thumb|At least he didn't have to suffer the indignity of [[Ironhide (G1)| being]] [[Perceptor (G1)|rescued]] [[Wrecker|by]] Drift.]]

But his guilt gnawed away at him until one day he found a chance for the redemption of martyrdom. The Autobots had decided to move to a different headquarters to defend themselves from the [[Insecticon swarm]]. The new base's strength was its inaccessibility: It could only be accessed by a single bridge, and the Autobots had planted explosives on it to take it down after everyone had made it across. The Autobots did outrun the swarm, but in the process [[Perceptor (G1)|their sharpshooter]] was incapacitated, and the bombs needed to be detonated via weapons-fire. While the others debated who would be capable of the task, Sunstreaker slipped away onto the bridge to do it himself. Ironhide went out after him and tried to talk him back, but Sunstreaker spilled his guts about the entire betrayal. Ironhide was dumbfounded, and just as Sunstreaker began to apologize, the swarm attacked. [[Drift (G1)|Drift]] raced in and pulled Ironhide out of the crush, and as they sped away, Sunstreaker fired at the bomb. The bridge was destroyed in a massive fireball, and Sunstreaker appearently went with it. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 8|All Hail Megatron #8}}

Later, Bombshell taunted Sideswipe in battle, claiming to have toyed with Sunstreaker's mind and played with his fears using information gleaned from dissecting Hunter. After the battle, Sideswipe found Hunter's tortured form strung up in Bombshell's lab, horrifically intertwined with all sorts of machinery. Sideswipe turned the life-support system off, letting Hunter — and any potential surviving piece of Sunstreaker — expire. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 12|All Hail Megatron #12}}

However, Sunstreaker had survived, and the events of the past few years (though badly skewed to a certain perspective) seemed to be repeating in his badly damaged head, amongst the bodies of the swarm. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 14|Replay}}

[[Image:Ironingoutthedetails_AAAH.jpg|thumb|250px|Ironhide and Sunstreaker come to the realization that it'll take them [[Mike Costa|months]] to get out of this plotline.]]

Over the next three years, Sunstreaker lay where he fell, his brain stuck in a recursive loop of the horrors the Machination inflicted upon him and his regret over betraying his friends. The mysterious [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]] had long known of Sunstreaker's survival, but didn't attempt to rescue him, as the Autobot was not part of his plans for Cybertron's rebirth. This changed when the resurrected Ironhide went down to the ravine to rescue his fallen comrade. Sunstreaker attempted to apologise for what he did and admitted his cowardice for not speaking up when Ironhide falsely accused [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] of betraying the Autobots. However, as Ironhide had no memory of the past four million years, he didn't know what Sunstreaker was talking about. Safely inside Alpha Trion's [[Metroplex (G1)|base]], Sunstreaker freaked out when he saw the legendary Autobot, fearing that his Judgement had finally come for betraying the Autobots and selling out humanity. Trion mercifully used his powers to take Sunstreaker temporarily offline when he begged for his "dreams" to stop. {{storylink|Ironing Out the Details}}

Alpha Trion was able to bring Sunstreaker's sanity back and repair most of his body except for his legs, temporarily leaving him in a hoverchair. Interested in his "unique experiences" with the humans, Trion intended to take Sunstreaker with him on his journey, but he refused. Dead set on trying to make up for his past crimes, Sunstreaker instead chose to stay on Cybertron with Ironhide to help eliminate the swarm. Alpha Trion accepted this and left the two Autobots on the abandoned planet, where Sunstreaker would have a lot of time to fill Ironhide in on what happened in the past few million years. {{storylink|Any Old Iron}}

====Hail and Farewell====
{{Note|Due to the abrupt cancellation of several related stories and the emergence of ''[[All Hail Megatron]]'', the following events cannot occur in the mainstream timeline, if they are [[canon]] at all.}}

Two years after meeting the Autobots and becoming a Headmaster, Hunter went back to his house with Sunstreaker. As Hunter gathered a few effects, he reminisced on how much had changed and how much had happened. He had been to other planets, even another dimension. He'd fought Scorponok, allied with the Dinobots, and faced a planetary Decepticon invasion. And now he wasn't just Hunter; he had become one with Sunstreaker in both mind and body. As he converted back to Sunstreaker's head, he mused that it was true what they said about never being able to go home again. {{storylink|Hail and Farewell}}

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

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[Image:G1-toy Sunstreaker.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Yellow, I love me, let me jump in your game.]]
*'''Sunstreaker''' (Autobot, 1984/1986/1990)
**''Accessories'': Left & right fists, 2 "rocket boosters", 3 rockets

: Sunstreaker was released as part of the first year of the Transformers line in the US. He transforms into a "Super Tuning" customized Lamborghini Countach LP500S with an exposed rear-mounted engine. Each robot-mode arm has a spring-launching mechanism to fire his fists, his chrome missiles, or his "rocket boosters" (once the boosters' main body was pushed forward to lengthen the connection peg), but the springs were severely neutered or removed outright in the US [[for safety reasons]]. The boosters fit very ''very'' loosely in the holes in his rear bumper/robot shoulders, making them pretty dubious additions to either mode.

: In 1986, he was made available as a mail-away item (as he was no longer shipping to retail shelves) in several different promotions, among them a "[[Digital Doom on the Highway to Destruction]]" flier packed with most boxed ''Transformers'' toys. He cost $8 and two [[Robot Point|robot points]].

:In 1990 he was re-released in Europe as part of the "[[Classics (Europe)|Classics]]" line of reissues.

: Sunstreaker is generally considered to be one of the harder early [[The Transformers (toyline)|generation toys]] to find complete and unbroken. There also appears to be little chance of a [[Generation 1 reissues|reissue]] of the toy, as this mold has been stated by [[Hasbro]] and [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] representatives to be one of several whose original molding is either lost or in a state of disrepair too extensive to justify the cost of re-casting.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1984/Autobot/Sunstreaker/sunstreaker.htm More information on Sunstreaker at TFU.info]''

{{-}}
*'''VSZ Set''' (Multi-pack, 1985)
**''Accessories'': Left & right fists, 2 "rocket boosters", 3 rockets

: Sunstreaker's only release in Japan was in the [[VSZ]] set, along with [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]] and [[Skids (G1)|Skids]]. This sounds unfair, but then one must remember [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw is an unstoppable killing machine]].

{{-}}

*'''Transform Block'''

: Only available in Japan, this small, monochrome representation of Sunstreaker transformed by disassembling and reassembling his component parts. Hence, the name "Transform Block". The toy was first released as part of the Diaclone line alongside another toy representing the Diaclone version of Skids. The toy was simply put in new packaging for its Transformers release, which resembles that of [[Transform Jr]] toys.

===Universe (2003)===
[[Image:UniverseSunstreaker toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Sideswipe in yellow? Dear Primus, I've become Tigertrack!]]
*'''Sunstreaker''' (Deluxe, 2003)
**''Accessories'': Left & right rocket boosters, 2 flame-missiles

: A [[retool]] of the ''[[Robots in Disguise (toyline)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Prowl (RID)|Prowl]] mold, Sunstreaker transforms into a Lamborghini Diablo. Unusually for non-vintage transformers at the time, he has rubber tires. In either mode, he is armed with two pressure-launch missile launchers with two flame-shaped projectiles. These launchers are mounted upon his right arm in robot mode. In vehicle mode, they can be mounted on two pegs located on his spoiler as "rocket boosters". It is notable that the part that connects the toy's windshield to the main body uses a yellow decal rather than paint, as that part is made out of [[unpaintable plastic]]. The police lights from the original mold were removed, leaving this area bare.

: Sunstreaker was the "hotel [[exclusive]]" toy from [[OTFCC 2003]], available only to those who booked their room at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare at the convention rate, the official hotel for the convention.

: This mold is also used by [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] and [[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Autobot/Sunstreaker/sunstreaker.htm More information on BotCon Sunstreaker at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Alternators/Binaltech Asterisk===

[[Image:Btasunstreaker toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Lemony fresh new-car scent.]]
*'''Sunstreaker meets Junko''' (Autobot, 2005)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''BTA-02'''
**''Accessories'': "Junko" driver/figurine, engine-block rifle

: In 2005, Takara and Hasbro released near-simultaneous and similar, but significantly different takes on Sunstreaker. The first to the market was the ''[[Alternators#Binaltech Asterisk|Binaltech Asterisk]]'' version of the toy, including with a PVC driver figurine, a girl named [[Junko Shiragami|Junko]]. A [[redeco]] of the [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] Alternator (itself a [[retool]] of Alternator Sideswipe), Sunstreaker transforms into a 1:24-scale licensed "street performance" Dodge Viper with opening doors and hood, and an open passengers' compartment. His engine block becomes a rifle for his robot mode. Like the rest of the ''Binaltech Asterisk'' line, he was packaged in robot mode instead of vehicle.

{{-}}
[[Image:AlternatorsSunstreaker toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|When girls disappear, their cars gain racing stripes. This is SCIENTIFIC FACT.]]
*'''Sunstreaker''' (Autobot, 2005)
**''Alternator ID number:'' '''18'''
**''Accessories'': Engine-block rifle

: A few months later, the Hasbro ''[[Alternators]]'' version was released as part of the standard ''Alternators'' line, in the redesigned "bubble" packaging (the third version of ''Alternators'' packaging). Though both are yellow redecos of the mold, the detailing between the two is very different, with the Hasbro version being a direct color-swap of the paint mask previously used for Dead End, adding red to the robot-mode parts as well as a pair of black racing stripes in car mode. Drastically put, the only two details virtually identical on both versions at first sight are the [[paint operation|paint mask]] for the head and the [[tampograph]]ed license plate. (This is particularly remarkable since a stolen [[prototype|pre-production sample]] of Hasbro Sunstreaker actually sported a license plate tampograph more in style with previous ''Alternators'' license plates, whereas the final version is dead on identical to the ''Binaltech Asterisk'' toy's tampo.)

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Autobot/AltSunstreaker/sunstreaker.htm More information on Alternators/Binaltech Sunstreaker at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Universe (2008)===
====Classic Series====
[[Image:Sunstreakeruniverse2008toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|He's got Mirage's legs, and he knows how to use 'em better than Mirage does.]]
*'''Sunstreaker''' (Deluxe, 2008)
**''Accessories:'' "Electron Pulse Blaster", engine supercharger intakes

: Part of the first wave of [[Universe (2008 toyline)|2008 ''Universe'']] Deluxes, Sunstreaker transforms into a modified [[wikipedia:Lamborghini_Gallardo|Lamborghini Gallardo]]. Though the car is mostly based upon the Gallardo, to avoid legal problems, it also features modified headlights and elements taken from other cars—most of them are taken from other Lamborghini models, such as a front bumper that appears to be based on a 2004 [[wikipedia:Lamborghini Murciélago|Murciélago]] R-GT and a rear end that is basically a cross between a Murciélago and a [[wikipedia:Lamborghini_Diablo|Diablo]]; however, the split side windows and the ridges on the door vents are based on a [[wikipedia:McLaren F1|McLaren F1]]. Like the original Sunstreaker's Lamborghini Countach form, the 2008 ''[[Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'' vehicle mode features a customized engine supercharger intakes mounted just behind the roof of the car. Sunstreaker's license plate is [[Tampograph|tampographed]] "WE R 84", referring to the year the ''Transformers'' franchise was launched.

: Like many other new-mold ''Universe'' toys, Sunstreaker has a "dramatic head reveal" when transforming him to robot mode: when his chest is rotated into place, his head rises into position and his ears to spring out. In robot mode, his engine intakes attach onto his back, though in an undocumented feature, they can also fold down over the widest part of the "electron blaster" and click in place. The gun can also be attached to the holes in Sunstreaker's shoulders, though his "ears" get in the way.

: Sunstreaker shares most of his design with ''Universe'' Sideswipe, differing in headsculpt and an altered transformation sequence. Sunstreaker is considered the original toy, as Sideswipe did not appear until a later wave of the toyline.

: Though not specifically a quality control issue, the yellow paint used for Sunstreaker's roof does not precisely match the bright yellow plastic used for his car body panel parts. The dark tinted windows causes the yellow paint to take on a greenish tinge.

: The Sunstreaker/Sideswipe mold was also retooled into ''[[Timelines (toyline)|Timelines]]'' [[Punch (G1)|Punch]] and [[BotCon 2010]] [[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Autobot/TFUSunstreaker/sunstreaker.htm More information on Universe Sunstreaker at TFU.info]''

===Henkei! Henkei!===
[[Image:Henkei Sunstreaker toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Unlike others in this line, the chrome surprisingly makes him more G1-accurate.]]
*'''Sunstreaker''' (Deluxe, 2008)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-07'''
**''Accessories:'' "Electron Pulse Blaster", engine supercharger intakes

: TakaraTomy's ''[[Henkei! Henkei! (toyline)|Henkei! Henkei!]]'' version of ''Universe'' Sunstreaker is a redeco of Hasbro's release, featuring a deeper shade of yellow with a much greater consistency between the painted yellow roof and the yellow plastic than seen on ''Universe'' Sunstreaker. He also replaces some of the Universe figure's gray paint with black. The orange paint is replaced with red, and the maroon Autobot symbol is now the more standard red. As with all of the ''Henkei'' toys, he has [[Vacuum metallizing|vacuum-metallized]] silver on his Electron Pulse Blaster, his supercharger and his spoiler.
{{-}}

==Merchandise==

* '''Cybertron Hero Collection 22''' (Decoy multi-pack, 1985)

: In Japan, a red rubber mini-figure of Sunstreaker was available in part of a [[Decoy|massive multi-pack of similar mini-figurines]]. The number etched into his back is the sum total of his [[Tech Spec|tech spec]] ratings, as these figurines were used as game pieces for a variety of ''Transformers'' board games in which this number had some meaning to how the game was played or something. Sunstreaker mixes the [[Character model|cartoon model]] with elements from the original toy.


*'''Sunstreaker''' (Decoy, 1987)
**''Decoy number'': '''11'''

: The [[Hasbro]] [[Decoy]] release of the Sunstreaker game piece is almost identical to the Japanese version, except the number on his back is a simple "checklist" number. Like all Autobot Decoys, he was a randomly-chosen pack-in available with the carded [[Throttlebot|Throttlebots]], [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]], [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] and [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1986/Autobot/Decoys/Sunstreaker/sunstreaker.htm More information on Decoy Sunstreaker at TFU.info]''
{{-}}
===Titanium Series===
[[Image:Titanium-toy RMSunstreaker.JPG|right|200px|thumb|Too good to be released, apparently.]]
*'''Sunstreaker''' (Robot Master, unreleased)
**''Accessories'': Engine-blaster, display stand

:A planned redeco of ''[[Titanium Series]]'' Side Swipe, which was based on Sideswipe's ''Alternators'' toy. Sunstreaker would have been partially constructed of die cast metal with limited articulation located in his shoulders and neck. His accessories would have been a removable engine blaster and an Autobot symbol display stand.

{{canceledtoy}}
{{-}}

===Robot Heroes===
[[Image:RobotHeroes Galvatron Sunstreaker.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Hi, I'm cuter than you.]]
* '''Sunstreaker vs. Galvatron''' (2-pack, 2008)

:Part of the first wave of ''Universe'' [[Robot Heroes (toyline)|Robot Heroes]] toys, Sunstreaker is an adorably sociopathic non-transforming figure articulated at the neck and shoulders. He was available only in a two-pack with [[Galvatron (G1)/toys|Galvatron]], making this the most mentally-unbalanced Robot Heroes set ''ever''.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Autobot/RHSunstreaker/sunstreaker.htm More information on Robot Heros Sunstreaker at TFU.info]''
{{-}}
==Notes==
[[Image:Sunstreaker-diaclone.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Before he was a Transformer.]]
* According to Hasbro the pre-''Transformers'' ''Diaclone'' version of Sunstreaker was the first transforming car-to-robot toy ever designed.

* The pre-''Transformers'' ''Diaclone'' version of Sunstreaker is the Lamborghini Countach LP500S "Super Tuning" toy. The ''Diaclone'' version was originally painted only in red or police deco. This is one of several items that have led to the fan speculation that Sunstreaker and Sideswipe's coloration and [[bio]] text were swapped around before their final release (another being that, in his bio, Sunstreaker feels that Sideswipe's car-mode lines are ruined by his rear-mounted engine, when in fact Sunstreaker is the one with said engine.) The [[Tech Spec|statistics]], however, are correct. This change would also explain Sunstreaker's otherwise inexplicable red shoulders/car panel decals, which were originally used to cover up the black plastic on the red Diaclone version.
** Unlike the red and police versions of Diaclone Sunstreaker, there is little evidence of yellow Sunstreakers packaged as Transformers wearing the factory decals representing his park lights (assumed to be headlights by most).

* The red ''[[Diaclone]]'' version of Sunstreaker was sold by [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] in North America as the ''[[Diakron]]'' "DK-1" Car/Robot in 1983, seemingly just a few months before he would be rebranded as a Transformer.

* In the Transformers series [[Production bible|bible]] entry for his brother [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]], Sunstreaker is referred to by a different name, '''Spinout''' <ref>http://transformers.winterchill.com/bible/biblepage17.html</ref>. "Nearly the equal of his twin brother, Spinout, in combat, but less cold-blooded." The same name (spelled "Spin-Out") is also used in a Marvel Age article<ref>[http://www.electric-escape.net/node/590 Article from Marvel Age #17.]</ref> from 1984 that announced the Marvel comic series.

* According to a [[story page]] in the October 1985 issue of ''[[TV Magazine]]'', Sideswipe and [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] are brothers, with Sideswipe being slightly older than Red Alert. This connection may have been invented because, aside from Sideswipe and Red Alert sharing the same mold, Sunstreaker was not sold in the Japanese market outside of a special "versus" set with [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] and [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]]. However, the familial dynamic between Sideswipe and Sunstreaker was '''not''' changed in the Japanese dub of the original ''Transformers'' cartoon, leading some Japanese fans to consider the three Lamborghini characters as triplets.

*In 2003, an entry for a ''[[Commemorative Series]]'' "Sunstreaker" [[Generation 1 reissues|reissue]] was found in Canadian and Australian [[Toys"R"Us]] computers. The public Canadian Toys"R"Us website later even illustrated their listing with a non-[[stock photography|official photo]] of the ''Generation 1'' Sunstreaker toy lifted straight off a [http://www.ggaub.com/tf/toy.html fan's website], complete with watermark. Ultimately, however, the listings for "Sunstreaker" transformed into listings for ''Commemorative Series'' [[Ricochet (Headmasters)|Ricochet]], leading to some confusion among fans.

* ''Alternators'' Sunstreaker was originally planned as the ''first'' [[retool]]/[[redeco]] of the [[Sideswipe (G1)|Side Swipe]] Dodge Viper toy. Early prototypes that were leaked to the public sported a sculpted Autobot logo, and development concept art and color maps detailed in ''[[The Transformers: Binaltech & TF Collection Complete Guide]]'' show a black-decoed figure. A store listing from March 2004 stated the figure's name as "'''Blackstreaker'''"<ref name="alternatorstfa">[http://www.tfarchive.com/community/showthread.php?t=22083 TFArchive news thread about Alternators store listing from March 2004.]</ref>, suggesting that he was still intended to be Sunstreaker despite sporting different colors, possibly at the request of the car manufacturer. For reasons unknown, however, the toy was ultimately released as the [[Decepticon]] [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] instead, possibly to satisfy fan demands for Decepticons in the line, but this is mere supposition. It took a couple of years until Sunstreaker would see shelves as originally intended.

[[Image:SunstreakerSideswipeSDCC2007.jpg|thumb|250px|right|One of the cases where the end result turned out even ''better'' than the original idea. Well, except maybe for the weapon.]]
* Hasbro's early plans for ''Universe'' Sunstreaker and Sideswipe had the two as straight [[redeco]]s of each other, only differing in their head sculpts besides their colors—namely, Sunstreaker would have just been Sideswipe in yellow with a different head. It was [[TakaraTomy]] designer [[Hisashi Yuki]] who suggested an alternate transformation by turning the upper body by 180 degrees, thus providing more individual robot mode looks for the two characters that resemble their respective ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]]'' designs more.<ref name="generations2009">Interview with Hisashi Yuki in [[Transformers Generations 2009|'#Transformers Generations 2009'' vol. 1]], [http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-news-rumors/223379-takaratomy-staff-interview-generations-2009-vol-1-translation.html English translation] at TFW2005.</ref> In addition, Hasbro originally intended the [[alternate mode]]'s supercharger to split into two halves which would then become the handgun and and a spring-loaded shoulder launcher for the robot mode.

* Hilariously, early Hasbro prototypes of ''Universe'' Sunstreaker had the license plate say "WE R 8'''2'''", rather than "WE R 8'''4'''". This is seen in the [[stock photography|stock photo]] on the back of the packaging and an issue of ''Dengeki Hobby Magazine'' that compared ''Henkei'' Sunstreaker to his ''Universe'' counterpart.<ref name="wer82">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-toy-discussion/185434-classics-henkei-sunstreaker-prowl-comparison-pictures.html Images from ''Dengeki Hobby Magazine'' at TFW2005, August 2008.</ref>

* Simon Furman's reason for making Sunstreaker a Headmaster at IDW? Because he's the one character who'd ''least'' want to ''be'' a Headmaster.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIkqheta3GE Moonbase Two interview with Nick Roche, 27:58 in]</ref>
{{--}}

==References==
<references />

==External links==
*[http://www.ntfa.net/universe/english/index.php?act=view&char=Sunstreaker Sunstreaker's Universe profile at NTFA.net]
*[http://transformers.winterchill.com/bible/biblepage18.html Sunstreaker's entry in the Transformers series bible.]

[[Category:Alternators Autobots]]
[[Category:Artists]]
[[Category:Binaltech Asterisk characters]]
[[Category:Classics Autobots]]
[[Category:Convention exclusives]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Headmasters]]
[[Category:Henkei! Henkei! Autobots]]
[[Category:Mail order items]]
[[Category:Robot Heroes]]
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[[Category:Titanium Series]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]

Sideswipe (G1)

2010-12-25T20:24:59Z

190.20.173.129: /* The Transformers cartoon */

{{factions|autobot|autobotg2}}
{{disambig3|Sideswipe}}
:''Sideswipe is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[Continuity family|continuity family]]. His name is also sometimes parsed '''Side Swipe'''.''

[[Image:NYSideswipeCardart.jpg|right|300px|thumb|I've never done anything important, but people love me anyway! Sweet!]]
'''Sideswipe''' is not nearly as much of a sociopath as his [[Relatives|brother]] [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]], but he is every bit as skillful. He's more into battle for the sport of it. A bit of a jock, Sideswipe most craves a glorious fight to the finish as a test of his mettle.

There is a reckless edge to Sideswipe's tactics. He makes rash decisions that may endanger him, all in the name of possible victory. Cheating is also not out of the question. When everything is on the line, for Sideswipe, nothing is out of the question. Over time, his reckless attitude has not changed. However, his cause has; once in it solely for the glory, now he's driven by the desire to defend freedom and the innocent.

His [[Action Master partner]] is [[Vanguard]].

:''Japanese name:'' '''[[Wikipedia:Lamborghini|Lambor]]''' (ランボル ''Ranboru'')
:''French-Canadian name:'' '''Frérot''' (Bro)
:''Hungarian name'': '''Csatár''' ("Striker")
:''Italian name:'' '''Freccia''' ("Arrow")
:''Portuguese name (Portugal comic):'' '''Esgalhador'''
:''Russian name:'' '''Upper-Cut''' (Апперкот)
:''Chinese name (Taiwan):'' '''Tsè Sǎu''' (側掃, "Side Swipe")
:''Chinese name (China):'' '''Heng Pao''' (横炮, "Horizontal Cannon")
:''Cantonese name:'' '''Swipe''' (斯韋伯 ''Si Wai Baak'', literally "This Soft-leather Elder")
:''Portuguese name (Brazil comic):'' '''Surrupio'''

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Generation 1====
{{noteukonly}}

[[Image:G1SideswipeMarvelFist.jpg|thumb|left|150px|My shoulders are black because this is where my toy's wheels go!]]Sideswipe, along with his brother Sunstreaker, was part of the original crew of Optimus Prime's Ark. When the Decepticons attacked the ship, it crashed on Earth, and Sideswipe, along with the rest of the combatants, lay dormant for 4 million years. When the volcano that housed the Ark erupted, the Ark's internal mechanisms revived all Transformers, making no distinction between [[Autobot]] and [[Decepticon]]. Sideswipe was alive again. {{storylink|The Transformers (issue)|The Transformers}}

When the Autobots went to retrieve their fallen comrade [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] from [[Sparkplug Witwicky]]'s garage, they were attacked by Decepticons. Against his brother's better judgment, Sideswipe employed his energon-gobbling rocket pack to take the fight right to the Decepticon jets. The 'Cons were driven off, but without a source of fuel to recharge on, several Autobots, including Sideswipe, were left virtually empty after the battle and were sidelined. {{storylink|Power Play!}} ''One time he was man-handled by an erratic [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]].'' {{storylink|The Enemy Within!}} ''Though he could not go on missions, Sideswipe was still able to defend the Ark from invasion when the Decepticons came right to his doorstep. He was confronted by that junk-punk [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]]'s earthquake-making ability and turned the tables on him, overpowering Rumble with his pile-driver punches. {{storylink|Raiders of the Last Ark}}'' ''At some point, he helped protect a dam from some Decepticons, which Ratchet later relayed to the Dinobots.'' {{storylink|Decepticon Dam-Busters!}}

Sideswipe's inactivity continued even longer after [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] took over the Ark and deactivated all the Autobots in the ship. After [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] regained control of the Ark for the Autobots, he was able to revive Sideswipe to full functionality in short order, and their new deal for fuel with [[G.B. Blackrock]] kept them energized. {{storylink|DIS-Integrated Circuits!}}

[[Image:PrimeTime-Sideswipe.jpg|right|thumb|150px|So you've read my profile.]]

However, though Shockwave was evicted from the Ark, he still had Optimus Prime's head held captive in his [[Blackrock Aerospace Assembly Plant Number One|Blackrock Aerospace Plant]] headquarters. When the Autobots overheard that Optimus Prime's head had outlived its usefulness and would be disposed of, Sideswipe was part of the large group of Autobots who departed the Ark to rendezvous with the drop-off point. {{storylink|Brainstorm!}} Sure enough, the Decepticon drone [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] approached with the head, though Sideswipe initially proposed blowing it out of the sky. Prowl's caution at first seemed prudent, as Jetfire dropped Prime's head into the swamp in front of them, but their minds changed after they waded into the swamp, retrieved the head, and placed it on Prime's body. The head was in fact a Decepticon decoy that took control of Prime's body and attacked them. On top of that, a strike team led by [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] quickly joined them, and Sideswipe soon found himself at the mercy of [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], who began tearing out his back with his jaws. Fortunately for the Autobots, Prime's real head was returned, and Sideswipe was one of first to rise from the onslaught to witness their costly victory. {{storylink|Prime Time!}}

''During the Dinobot Hunt, Sideswipe traveled to [[Doonstown]] with [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] and [[Bluestreak]] on a mission to capture the feral [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]]. It...didn't go so well. {{storylink|Dinobot Hunt!}}''
Sideswipe was next seen in [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]]'s repair bay along with several others. Ratchet remarked to Optimus Prime that some of them might never be battle-capable again. Optimus Prime told him to do his best for Sideswipe and the others, and then promptly left to oversee the creation of their replacements. {{storylink|Rock and Roll-Out!}}

Years later, Sideswipe was seen again leaving the Ark with the rest of its crew to watch the battle between [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] and Grimlock on Earth's [[Moon (moon)|moon]]. {{storylink|Totaled!}} He also joined the Autobots in answering a distress signal sent by [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]] near the Decepticons' [[Club Con|arctic base]], resulting in an ambush. {{storylink|Dark Star (issue)|Dark Star}}

====''Generation 2''====
[[Image:WarWithoutEnd-Sideswipe.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Black is the new "I have more words in this single panel than I did in the past 80 issues."]]
The war seemingly over, Sideswipe joined Grimlock's [[Firestormers]], a group of Autobots who aimed to hunt down the last few pockets of Decepticon resistance. He, [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]], [[Hound (G1)|Hound]], [[Blades (G1)|Blades]], and the Dinobots attacked Decepticon [[Nexus Seven|Outpost B-67]], where they met great numbers but minimal resistance. He expected the liberated citizens of Nexus 7 to be more grateful, but Hound pointed out that their rescuees looked more frightened than pleased, and blamed their group's bloodthirstiness.

But the Firestormers' quest led them to the staggering discovery that these scattered Decepticon outposts were actually just the tip of the iceberg. There were just seventeen conquered and recolonized planets in that sector of space, suggesting that there was something bigger on the horizon than the remnants of [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]]'s old team. After Optimus Prime was called to hear this news from Sideswipe and the other Firestormers, they were suddenly attacked and captured by a ship in orbit. Sideswipe and the others were put in prison cells aboard the starship ''[[Twilight (G2)|Twilight]]'', which was under the command of [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]], the [[Liege Centuro]] of a forgotten race of Transformers. This revelation momentarily shook Optimus Prime's resolve, but after being brought back to his senses by Grimlock, the two Autobots freed Sideswipe and the others from their cells. They fought their way through the starship to an escape vessel and escaped without injury, though they were burdened with this new knowledge. {{storylink|War Without End!}}

Sideswipe was present when the Autobots met Jhiaxus' Decepticons in battle on a planet within the [[K'tord Nebula]]. At first, tempers merely flared, but soon both sides lost themselves in a violent, bloody rage. Before they were completely lost to their baser instincts, the source of their behavior was discovered to be tar-like emotional parasites. The parasites were removed, and both factions decided to leave peacefully. {{storylink|Primal Fear!}}

[[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]], disobeying Optimus Prime's orders, led a covert team onto the [[Cybertronian (faction)|Cybertronian Empire]] ship ''[[Twilight (G2)|Twilight]]'' to defeat [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]] and his army of "evolved Decepticons". Sideswipe was wary of their plan to steal a ship and slip on board, but Grimlock assured him that the plan was foolproof. Grimlock changed his tune when they soon learned that they were led into a trap, resulting in [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]]'s death and the Autobots' capture. Sideswipe and the others were rounded up onto a shuttle to be inspected by the [[Liege Maximo]], but managed to escape their fate with assistance from Optimus Prime. {{storylink|Devices and Desires! (Marvel)|Devices and Desires!}}

Later, while Optimus Prime and Megatron were discussing an alliance against Jhiaxus's [[Cybertronian Empire]], Sideswipe interrupted to tell them that they had received a distress signal from the planet [[Ethos]]. Sure enough, upon arrival, the Autobots found an advanced civilization in ruins. {{storylink|Escalation!}}

Finally, Jhiaxus took the full force of his Empire to [[Earth]], where the Autobot/Decepticon alliance had camped. Sideswipe joined them in shooting their attackers out of the sky as they approached. {{storylink|Total War!}}

====''Generation 2'' (UK)====
On Cybertron, Sideswipe was a member of the civil defense forces of [[Vos]]. Left for dead amongst its ruins, he vowed revenge and chose to strike at the Decepticons from behind their own lines. {{storylink|Official Transformers Generation 2 Annual|Official Transformers Generation 2 Annual bio}}

{{note|This suggests that something similar to [[State Games]] occurred in the past of the [[Fleetway]] comic, although beyond this, little was elaborated upon.}}

Years later, Sideswipe was part of [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]]'s Special Commando Unit, summoned to Earth along with Optimus Prime by [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] when [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] began open war on the humans. Prime decided to go after Bludgeon himself, and he assigned Jazz, Sideswipe and [[Skram]] to take down one Decepticon strike team at a time because the Decepticon forces were spread very thin. While still in vehicle mode, Sideswipe shot [[Flamefeather]] in the crotch, then transformed and hoped aloud that Prime would be okay in the face of Bludgeon's mysterious powers. {{storylink|War Without End (issue)|War Without End}}

When the [[Skyscorcher]]s left in the middle of battle, Jazz concluded they had another target to go after—which he and Sideswipe simultaneously realized to be Optimus Prime! The Skyscorchers had ''actually'' left to go after Bludgeon's enemy Megatron, whom Sideswipe and his comrades helped shoot at when they arrived in the middle of a fight between the one-time Decepticon leader, Prime, and the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]]. Following Megatron's retreat, Sideswipe helped secure prisoners and weapons for withdrawal to the Autobase hidden on Earth's moon. {{storylink|War Zone}}

====''Classics''====

Sunstreaker and Sideswipe joined Optimus Prime's crew on Earth after Megatron resurfaced. They braved the Ark's defenses in order to break inside and recover their lost comrade, Ratchet. Sideswipe unsealed him from the [[CR Chamber]] Megatron had left the medic in, and together the twins carried him away to safety. {{storylink|At Fight's End}}

===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Michael Bell]] (English), [[Kōki Kataoka]] (Japanese), Edgar Wald (Latin American)

[[Image:Sideswipejetpack.jpg|left|250px|thumb|"Oh, you want my rocket pack? The one that I've never had until just now?"]]
Sideswipe was part of the initial crew of Autobots aboard the [[Ark (G1)|Autobot ship]] when it crash-landed on [[Earth]] four million years ago. He awoke along with his fellow Transformers in 1984, with both he and his brother being reformatted into Lamborghini sports cars. He volunteered for an unsuccessful mission to foil a Decepticon attack on an oil rig. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 1}} After [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] and [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] were discovered snooping around headquarters, he was one of the Autobots who attempted to shoot Ravage before he could escape. He also took part in the rescue mission to [[Sherman Dam]] when the Decepticons attacked it.

He and Sunstreaker came to [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]]'s aid when the Autobot was attacked by [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]]s, and he had to console Sunstreaker after his brother's paint job was damaged. Sideswipe was part of the Autobot team which went to the [[Ruby Crystal Mines of Burma]] to foil yet another Decepticon attack, and he watched in horror as [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] was caught in an explosion. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 2}} He took part in the last-ditch effort to stop the Decepticons blasting off in [[Victory (G1)|their space cruiser]]. The Decepticons managed to blast off anyway, and Sideswipe loaned Optimus Prime the use of his rocket pack so that the Autobot leader could go after them. Though Prime failed, [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] disabled the cruiser, causing it to plunge into the sea, and the Autobots celebrated. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 3}}

[[Image:DivideandConquer Sideswipe's jetjudo.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Wheeeeee!]]
Sideswipe was among the Autobots who were trapped in a cave after [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] used [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] to lead them there. {{storylink|Transport to Oblivion}} When [[antimatter]]-fueled [[Decepticon]]s attacked the Autobots' headquarters on one occasion, Sideswipe and Sunstreaker took to the air to battle with the incoming [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]] jets in a rambunctious, if ultimately ineffective, display of "[[jet judo]]". {{storylink|Roll for It}} He also defended Autobot Headquarters against the Decepticons while Optimus Prime was out of action. {{storylink|Divide and Conquer}}

When investigating tremors that were shaking the [[Ark (G1)|Autobot base]], [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]]'s scanner found some interesting objects inside a rock wall. Sideswipe, using his piston-like arms, helped [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] remove the rock wall and found a cave full of dinosaur bones, the discovery of which would lead to the development of the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]]s. Unfortunately, at their unveiling, the Dinobots ran wild, and the Autobots had to subdue them. During a subsequent battle at the [[Great Falls]], Sideswipe and the other Autobots were taken prisoner by the Decepticons, and they were only saved from destruction by the reactivated Dinobots. {{storylink|S.O.S. Dinobots}}

[[Image:G1 FireontheMountain Sideswipe piledriving.jpg|thumb|left|200px|I can dig it!]]
Sideswipe helped [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] by recovering their frozen comrade [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] and came with the rest of the group to [[Peru]], where he assisted in shooting a rockslide into rubble. After Wheeljack capped the energy stream from a local temple with one of his new inventions, Sideswipe flashed his lights on with the other Autobots to celebrate. {{storylink|Fire on the Mountain}} Sideswipe was chosen by Wheeljack to test two new Dinobots. Though he smashed [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] out of the air, [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] was able to get in a counterattack and shoot Sideswipe down. {{storylink|War of the Dinobots}}

When Soundwave's cassettes infiltrated Autobot Headquarters, Sideswipe went to take a shot at [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]], only to be attacked by Ravage. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 1}} The presence of Cybertron in Earth's orbit caused the [[Mount St. Hilary|volcano]] in which Headquarters was located to become active, forcing Sideswipe and the rest of the Autobots to evacuate. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 2}} After Cybertron was blasted out of orbit, the Autobots tracked the Decepticons to [[Doctor Arkeville]]'s secret laboratory, where they fought to prevent the [[Exponential Generator]] from destroying Earth. {{storylink|Countdown to Extinction (episode)|Countdown to Extinction}}

[[Image:Plagueofinsecticons Sideswipe drilling.jpg|thumb|right|240px|Hallelujah! I've struck chocolate!]]
Heading to [[Bali]] to investigate reports of giant robotic insects, the Autobots found their way blocked by some sort of parade. Sideswipe led the other Autobots down a "short cut" which turned out to be a dead end. He totally meant to do that. He put his pistons and drills to work, and in no time at all, he and Sunstreaker were charging recklessly into battle against the Decepticons. Megatron picked him up and ''threw'' him at the rest of the Autobots. As they pursued the Decepticons across the island, [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]] used his override waves on Sideswipe and Sunstreaker, forcing them to try and ram their fellows. Trailbreaker disrupted the control signal, and the brothers were able to take part in the battle against the Decepticons and [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticon]]s at the oil refinery. {{storylink|A Plague of Insecticons}}

Sideswipe turned out to cheer on Optimus Prime during the Autobot leader's one-on-one fight against Megatron. To the shock of all of the Autobots, Prime lost, and they were legally obligated to vacate the planet. Once they returned to base, they discovered that Megatron had cheated, and they were legally allowed to blast the Decepticons into a crevasse filled with lava. {{storylink|Heavy Metal War}}

[[Image:CityOfSteel Sideswipe being shot at.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]
When the Autobots' human friend [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] was badly injured in a Decepticon attack and his mind was transferred into [[Autobot X]], the stress affected his psyche and he ran rampant. Sideswipe and Sunstreaker attempted unsuccessfully to subdue him and were knocked aside. Though Spike was restrained by Optimus, he later fell in with the Decepticons, and a group of Autobots including Sideswipe went to try and talk some sense into him. {{storylink|Autobot Spike}} Sideswipe, Sunstreaker and Bumblebee faced [[battle taxi]]s and [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]]s in [[New York City]] during a Decepticon plan to recreate Cybertron on Earth. As the Seekers attacked Optimus, who was scaling the Decepticon tower, Sideswipe launched himself into the air, grabbed Starscream, and managed to wrestle the Decepticon air commander into crashing into the Hudson. {{storylink|City of Steel}} Sideswipe was later one of the Autobots affected by Megatron's [[personality destabilizer device]], turning him evil. He got better. {{storylink|Attack of the Autobots}}

When Optimus Prime took the Autobots to test Wheeljack's latest invention, the Immobilizer, Sideswipe came with them. Decepticons attacked soon after, with Sideswipe leaping at Starscream in midflight and forcing the Decepticon to fire on his own comrades. When the Decepticons retreated, Sideswipe returned to Autobot headquarters with his comrades while Wheeljack recovered from his immobilization. Once Wheeljack was back to normal, Sideswipe was part of Optimus Prime's team to recover the Immobilizer. Rumble began immobilizing various Autobots, and Sideswipe decided that he was going to defeat Rumble shortly before being immobilized himself. When Spike's friend [[Carly (G1)|Carly]] was able to reroute the Immobilizer, Sideswipe and the other Autobots were freed. {{storylink|The Immobilizer}}

[[Image:DOTM Sideswipe disarmed.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Oh man! It's time to hold my fire!]]
Sideswipe took part in a charity Autobot race which was hijacked by the Decepticons when they used a Transfixatron on the racers. The Autobots were taken to a ghost town to be destroyed, but were rescued by a small group who had escaped the ray's effects. Sideswipe joined the others in lining up to be fixed by [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]]. {{storylink|The Autobot Run}} He rolled out to [[Quantum Laboratories]] to investigate a Decepticon incursion and found himself battling [[TORQ III]]-controlled machinery, at one point getting his gun shot out of his hand and being caught in a machine's robot arms. Having overcome that, Sideswipe took part in the attack on the oil refinery which the Decepticons had set up to steal the world's oil supplies. {{storylink|Day of the Machines}}

Sideswipe helped install detection panels for [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]], but he did not come with the other Autobots to help [[Doctor Fujiyama]], nor did he chase after [[Nightbird (G1)|Fujiyama's robot]] when it was reprogrammed by [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]]. {{storylink|Enter the Nightbird}} Sideswipe was present when the Autobots were confronted by the fact that they had two Optimus Primes, but didn't offer any suggestions or solutions. {{storylink|A Prime Problem}} He took part in a mission to place [[dominator disc]]s on the Constructicons. Though he didn't place any discs himself, he ended up battling Devastator until [[Chip Chase]] could activate the discs and bring the giant under control. He also took part in an attempt to destroy the drill which the Decepticons were using to reach Earth's core, and he was one of the first Autobots to be zapped by Devastator after Megatron counteracted the dominator discs. {{storylink|The Core}}

[[Image:DinobotIsland Sideswipe digging friends out.jpg|thumb|left|240px|Have we run out of digging jokes already?]]
During yet another Dinobot rampage at Headquarters, Sideswipe was ready to fight them to the end, but Optimus persuaded Grimlock to get things under control, and the Dinobots were sent to [[Dinobot Island (G1)|Dinobot Island]] for more training. {{storylink|Dinobot Island, Part 1}} Sideswipe took part in repair efforts, but was part of the team of Autobots who responded to strange time warp readings near the city library. After using his pistons to dig out Bumblebee and Spike, Sideswipe and the other Autobots found themselves tangling with barbarians on woolly mammoths. They took some rounding up, but soon the anachronisms were sent back through the time warp to their own time. {{storylink|Dinobot Island, Part 2}}

As a result of another of Megatron's plots, the Autobots were framed and forced to leave Earth in a rocket provided by [[Shawn Berger]]. {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1}} Trickery on Megatron's part further put the ship on a collision course with the [[Sun]]. Utilising the abilities of Trailbreaker and [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]], and with the unwitting help of [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]], the Autobots were able to make it back to Earth, where the Decepticons had already shown their true colors, and free the humans. {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 2}}

Disabled by [[Cybertonium]] depletion, Sideswipe was as helpless as the other Autobots until Spike, Carly and the Dinobots managed to procure some more from Cybertron. {{storylink|Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 2}} Sideswipe was part of the team that transformed to respond to a distress call when the Decepticons stole the [[Voltronic Galaxer]], but didn't actually roll out, so it's a mystery where he actually went. {{storylink|Blaster Blues}} He also coated himself with [[Electrum]], along with most of the other Autobots, in order to fight the Decepticons. {{storylink|The Golden Lagoon}}

[[Image:MakeTracks Sideswipe grabs Ravage.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Well, I see Ravage is a boy cat.]]
When [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] and [[Raoul]] were discovered spying on a Decepticon operation, Sideswipe came to their aid, grabbing Ravage mid-leap and slamming the cassette to the ground. He also took part in the battle against Decepticon [[drone]]s in downtown New York and attacked the Decepticon base in the [[Pine Barrens]]. {{storylink|Make Tracks}} After the disappearance of a group of Autobots through the [[space bridge]], Sideswipe watched Chip Chase unsuccessfully attempt to track them down using [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]]. {{storylink|Child's Play (episode)|Child's Play}}

{{Note|Sideswipe appears in "[[The Secret of Omega Supreme]]", but only in a rather blatant animation error, standing next to Megatron while the Decepticon leader communicates with [[Hook (G1)|Hook]]. Eeesh!}}

Sideswipe was one of [[Kremzeek]]'s casualties when the energy critter invaded Autobot Headquarters. {{storylink|Kremzeek!}} He and Sunstreaker took part in the [[Europa 2000]] in order to protect [[Auggie Cahnay (G1)|Auggie Cahnay]]'s car from possible Decepticon abduction. Sideswipe forced Sunstreaker to take a detour in [[Italy]], and a short time later, they were ambushed by [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticon]]s, who boxed them in so [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] could shoot them. Both brothers were knocked out of the race. {{storylink|Trans-Europe Express}}

Like [[:Image:CosmicRust-BigGroup.jpg|every other Autobot]], Sideswipe turned out to rescue [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] from the Decepticons and was subsequently infected by [[Cosmic Rust (disease)|Cosmic Rust]]. {{storylink|Cosmic Rust (episode)|Cosmic Rust}} After being cured, he and the others attempted to stop Megatron and the Insecticon army. When the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticon]]s attempted to send Earth into the Sun, Sideswipe joined in the search for the Insecticons, who had stolen the space bridge control panel. They were eventually located, allowing a combined Autobot/Decepticon force, including Sideswipe, to travel to Cybertron and defeat the Combaticons. Sideswipe was able to reverse the damage done by the Combaticons and return Earth to its proper orbit. {{storylink|The Revenge of Bruticus}}

[[Image:Sideswipe FakeBreakdown.jpg|left|150px|thumb|Maybe someday [[E-Hobby|there]] will be a Sideswipe toy [[redeco]] with [[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]]'s color scheme.]]
{{quote|We're wastin' good ammo on these creeps! I'd like to just squash a few of 'em!|Sideswipe|The Revenge of Bruticus}}

When the Stunticons stole a collection of components and were captured by the Autobots, Optimus Prime hatched a scheme to disguise some of the Autobots as the Stunticons in order to learn Megatron's latest plan. Sideswipe was sprayed with [[camouflage paint]] to make him look like [[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]], though he sincerely hoped the paint would come off. He and the other four Autobots drove to the Stunticons' destination to discover that Megatron was building yet another cannon. Menasor arrived at the construction site, having escaped Autobot containment, and Optimus and the others were forced to improvise their own version of the combiner. Luckily, the rest of their comrades arrived before things could get too out of hand. {{storylink|Masquerade}}
{{--}}

====Japanese cartoon continuity====
=====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' comic=====
[[Image:Srlf manga1 wheeljack trailbreaker sideswipe prime.jpg|right|thumb|300px|In the previous panel, Optimus made a one-liner and took off his sunglasses.]]
When [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] sent [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]]s and [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] to raid [[Tokyo]] for energy, Sideswipe accompanied [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and a unit of Autobot vehicles to defend the city. Sideswipe didn't perform very well, immediately getting slugged in the face by Menasor's humongous fist. Luckily, his pummelling made the perfect distraction for Optimus Prime, [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] and [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]], who drove up a ramp and slammed Menasor and the Seekers directly in their faces, sending them into retreat. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 1}}

Later, during an attack on [[Ark (G1)|Autobot Headquarters]] in [[Arizona]], Sideswipe yet again failed to perform very well in battle. Attempting to confront the Decepticons in the sky on his jet pack, he wound up instead getting bombed by [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] and damaged badly in the resulting explosion. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 2}}

Maintaining his image as a punching bag, Sideswipe was once again trounced in battle, this time at Yokohama against Starscream, Blitzwing and the Super Megatron Gun (Megatron in gun-mode but not shrunken down). Unable to stand up to the might of the Decepticon attack, Sideswipe was blasted many, ''many'' times before [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] arrived to save the day. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 4}}
{{--}}

=====Full Throttle Scramble Power!=====
[[Image:Scramblepower autobots say no.jpg|left|thumb|275px]]

When the Decepticons threatened the world with their new [[Omega Whip]], Sideswipe was among the Autobots seen reacting with some degree of panic to the news that [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] and their human allies, [[Jenny (G1)|Jenny]] and [[Toru]], had been captured while investigating the crisis. Soon after, he was also among those who objected to sending the wet-behind-the-ears [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbot]]s out to deal with the marauding Stunticons, though his protests went unheeded. While the Aerialbots and Stunticons went at it, Sideswipe was part of the team assembled by Prime that headed to the Decepticons' headquarters to rescue their captive allies. A huge brawl erupted, concluding with an Autobot victory when [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] and a full Autobot battalion arrived to back up Sideswipe and company. {{storylink|Full Throttle Scramble Power!}}
{{-}}

=====''Story of Binaltech''=====
[[Image:Binaltech sideswipe cardart.jpg|right|thumb|200px]]
In the year 2004, Sideswipe was one of several Autobots stationed at [[Autobot City]] on Earth who were infected by [[Cosmic Rust (disease)|Cosmic Rust]] when the deadly plague was unleashed upon them by [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]]. With a large portion of their army, including Optimus Prime himself, currently across the galaxy battling for control of Cybertron, the Autobots seemed doomed until their human allies, the [[Earth Defense Command]], introduced the [[Binaltech Project]], uniting many Earth automotive companies to build new super-powered bodies for the wounded warriors. Sideswipe's new body, a Dodge Viper, was the second Binaltech frame constructed, equipped with a [[TORQ III|TORQ 3000]] processor and powered by [[electro-cell]]s. He retains his piledrivers and his flight capabilities, the latter now enabled by way of anti-gravity panels in his legs and a booster on his back. {{storylink|Story of Binaltech, Chapter 1}} Assembled under the command of [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] alongside [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]], [[Bluestreak]], [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] and [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]], Sideswipe joined the fight to force the Decepticons off of Earth. {{storylink|Binaltech Is...}}

{{note|While Sideswipe would make no further named appearances in the ''[[Story of Binaltech]]'', the tale went on to involve some complicated time-travel and history-alteration. As a consequence, it is not entirely clear how many of the events of the storyline, including those related above, actually happened in the mainstream timeline when all was said and done.}}
{{--}}

=====''The Headmasters'' cartoon=====
[[Image:JHeadmasters01VariousGuys.jpg|thumb]]
Some time before the Transformers' war left Cybertron, Sideswipe engaged the Decepticons with his comrades. Later, on Earth, Sideswipe was present for a suspiciously similar battle with the Decepticons that resulted in the death of Optimus Prime. In 2011, [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] recalled the Cybertronian skirmish that Sideswipe took part in—or another one very much like it. {{storylink|Four Warriors Come out of the Sky|Four Warriors Come out of the Sky}}

{{note|Sideswipe appears in two Cybertronian flashback battles within the episode, alongside the same team of Autobots, suggesting that they represent the same fight. He also appears in a flashback battle on Earth, which depicts Optimus Prime's death in a scene that doesn't match up to his actual death in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''. This was a continuity patch-job by the ''Headmasters'' production staff, as the movie hadn't been released in Japan yet, hence the oddness.}}

[[Image:Hmep1_sideswipe_snipe.jpg|thumb||left|215px]]

In 2011, when the Decepticons found a way to reactivate their old [[space bridge]] on Cybertron, the Autobots found themselves under siege from within. Sideswipe was at the Autobots' secondary headquarters on the planet [[Athenia]] at the time, and he was present when [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]]'s message about the Decepticon assault reached the Autobots stationed there.

A short time later, Sideswipe was on Earth with Ultra Magnus, and he was one of the soldiers gathered to use the Autobot space bridge to reinforce their allies on Cybertron. On their way to the space bridge, however, Sideswipe and the others were attacked by a squadron of Decepticons under the command of the villains' new Earth commander, [[Sixshot]]. The [[Trainbot]]s soon arrived to join the battle, freeing up Sideswipe's team to carry on their way to Autobot City, but the Decepticons flew ahead and were able to ambush the convoy, sending Sideswipe and [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] careening. The two sides then began fighting again until [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] appeared out of the sky, driving the Decepticons off. Sideswipe then flew to the entrance of Autobot City with Ultra Magnus and Prowl and presumably traveled to Cybertron via the space bridge, though he was not actually seen fighting there. {{storylink|Four Warriors Come out of the Sky}}

{{note|Um, oops. Sideswipe being on two planets at once was likely an animation error. Maybe he was sent to Earth to gather up the troops?}}

=====e-Hobby storyline=====
Over fourteen years later, Sideswipe was dispatched to the bottom of the sea with [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]], [[Splashdown]], [[Diver (Masterforce)|Diver]] and an [[Eldedroid]] to investigate possible Decepticon involvement in a rash of attacks by "sea monsters". Finding a Decepticon base beneath the waves, the Eldedroid tore through the Constructicons standing watch and ventured deeper into the structure while Sideswipe and the others interrogated the incapacitated guards to learn more about the genetically engineered monsters the Decepticons had created. {{storylink|MP-1B Cybertron Commander / Convoy Black Ver.}}

===3H comics===
Sideswipe, Sunstreaker, [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]], [[Roulette (Universe)|Roulette]] and [[Shadow Striker (Universe)|Shadow Striker]] returned to the [[technorganic]] [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] after a prolonged journey and were welcomed by the [[Maximal]]s. [[Unicron]] abducted these newly-returned Transformers, in addition to many others from different times and universes, to start a final confrontation against [[Primus]]. Sideswipe and Sunstreaker were rebuilt into new forms, corrupted by Unicron's influence, and set against one another in the [[Cauldron]]. Before either brother could land a killing blow, however, the fight was broken up by [[Optimus Primal]]. Sideswipe then fought his way out of Unicron alongside many other Transformers rescued by Primal and returned to Cybertron. {{storylink|Abduction}} {{storylink|OTFCC Live-Action Drama}} {{storylink| Escape (issue)}} {{storylink|Homecoming (issue)}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
{{notekeepers}}
Before the war, Sideswipe was a trader who liked to con his customers. {{storylink|Transformers: The Ultimate Guide}} He was one of the few Autobots to continue operating under that title during the [[Dreamwave timeline#The Dark Ages|Dark Ages]] of Cybertron. Sideswipe was one of the elite warriors serving under [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] and as such was chosen for the mission that sent him against the newly constructed Decepticon battle station, [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]]. Of course the mission was a failure, but that isn't likely to have discouraged Sideswipe. {{storylink|War Within: The Dark Ages}}

[[Image:DWPrimeDirective2 SunstreakerSideswipe.jpg|left|300px|thumb|"This is what [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] was whining about? Pansy."]]
Sideswipe was part of Operation Liberation in 1998, a joint human-Autobot effort to defeat the Earth-bounded Decepticons. At the end it was a success, and the captured Decepticons along with the Autobots and a human crew departed Earth en route to Cybertron in the ''[[Ark II]]''. The ship, however, was sabotaged and exploded upon liftoff.

A few years later, Megatron and other Transformers, including Autobots, were seen causing havoc. It was discovered that [[Lazarus]], a scientist who participated in the ''Ark II'' project, was responsible for the sabotage of the ship and the resurrection of several Transformers under his control via technological tampering. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 1}}

[[Robert Hallo|General Hallo]] of the [[United States military|US military]] contacted [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] to ask him if he could do something to help them reactivate Optimus Prime, whom they had recovered locked in a state of stasis. Spike managed to reactivate Optimus with a portion of the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] that Optimus had given him prior the ill-fated journey of the ''Ark II''. Optimus subsequently went to the Arctic and used the Matrix to reactivate several Transformers, including Sideswipe. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 2}}

[[Image:DWPrimeDirective5 SideswipeSunstreaker Devastator.jpg|right|250px|thumb|We're trying to look dynamic, but all these [[Pat Lee|puffy proportions]] are putting a stop to that.]]
Sideswipe accepted the new task at hand and fought alongside his brother when the Autobots faced the Decepticons at Lazarus' ruined base (punching Starscream in the face for attacking Wheeljack) before Hallo betrayed the Autobots by attempting to destroy both factions with a nuclear weapon. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 3}} The Autobots survived when Megatron's technovirus absorbed the blast, and Sideswipe helped his comrades recover the captive Autobots imprisoned inside the base. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 4}}

As Jazz's unit worked on Megatron's virus, Sideswipe followed Optimus Prime to [[San Francisco]] for the last battle against Megatron and his Decepticons. When [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] was taken down, Sideswipe and Sunstreaker heroically (though foolishly) charged at [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]], and they were smashed between the giant Constructicon's palms for their trouble. After Optimus Prime brought Devastator down with a blast to the head, Sideswipe was restrained by the surviving Decepticons. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 5}} However, through [[human]] intervention, Optimus Prime freed his Autobots and the battle was rejoined. Sideswipe tag-teamed with his brother to pummel [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]], though the Decepticons eventually escaped when Superion sacrificed his life to save the city from General Hallo's unauthorized nuclear missile launch. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 6}}

''Months later, after Optimus Prime, Megatron, and an assortment of other Transformers and humans vanished in a flash of light from Tokyo, Japan, the world went on high alert. When the U.S. military detected [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] in the Nevada canyons, Sideswipe accompanied a flight of jets in confronting the Decepticon. Their battle led down a tight box canyon, and Sideswipe had some difficulty chasing Starscream while also coordinating with his military wingmen, as he tried to limit the human casualties. Eventually, Sideswipe was led straight into Devastator, who had been hiding in the canyon on Starscream's order. The combined surprise firepower of Starscream's arsenal and a near-pointblank blast from Devastator's solar energy rifle left Sideswipe in several charred pieces. {{storylink|Hardwired}}''

''Sideswipe was eventually repaired by [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]], and returned to duty just in time to fight in Nevada once more. This time, the Autobots and Decepticons had joined forces against an ambush arranged by the President of the United States, who hoped to rid his country of the Transformers. Sideswipe waded through General [[Michelle Grajkowski]]'s troops, heavily routing her Delta Team, but the [[deconstructionite]] weapons being used by the U.S. Armed Forces were too much of a surprise for the Cybertronians—they were clearly on the losing end of the battle as many of their number fell before the severity of the weaponized nanites became evident. Sideswipe and Prowl helped load the injured Autobots into Prime's trailer as they made their getaway. {{storylink|Fusion (novel)|Fusion}}''

[[Image:G1 Sideswipe Sunstreaker DWissue7.jpg|left|150px|thumb|Hi, I'm a jock.]]
When agents from the united Cybertron arrived on Earth, Optimus Prime split his forces in order to ensure Earth would not be left undefended. As Prime and many other Autobots travelled back to Cybertron with Shockwave, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] and their crew, Sideswipe and Sunstreaker remained on Earth with several other Autobots under Jazz's command. {{storylink|Brothers' Burden}} Sideswipe was deactivated in battle with [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] when Starscream and his followers returned to Earth, and was left to rust at the bottom of a lake. {{storylink|Night of the Combaticons}} [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] and [[Bumper (G1)|Bumper]] later dredged him and the others up, only to be taken into custody by [[Earth Defense Command]]. Jazz, Sideswipe, and Sunstreaker were reactivated to help [[Marissa Faireborn]] and [[EDC Night Force Unit|her team]] in investigating an outbreak of [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]] in small-town America. {{storylink|Infestation (Dreamwave)|Infestation}} After routing and capturing the Decepticons, Sideswipe and the other Autobots joined up with the returning team from Cybertron under Prowl's command, and began construction of [[Autobot City]]. {{storylink|The Route of All Evil}}

{{-}}
===Devil's Due ''G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers'' comics===
Along with several other Transformers, the dormant Sideswipe was found on the crashed ''Ark'' by [[Cobra]], a human terrorist organization who soon reprogrammed the alien robots to serve them. Sideswipe and Sunstreaker were rebuilt into Cobra [[Stinger (Cobra)|Stingers]] and sent to assault the [[SPS Research Facility]] alongside [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] and his [[Decepticon Mini-Cassette|minions]]. The two brothers didn't succeed in their mission, though, as they were rammed aside by [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] while charging at the building and were eventually ordered to retreat. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 3}} Wheeljack later freed Sideswipe and the others from Cobra's control, and he helped Sunstreaker and [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] fight back against the similarly freed Decepticons and their former captors. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 5}}

Two years later, [[Serpent O.R.]] took control of the Decepticon forces on Cybertron and captured Optimus Prime. Sideswipe joined a team of Autobots led by [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] who were planning on charging in and rescuing their leader as soon as the opportunity came up. {{storylink|The Art of War issue 4}} After reinforcements arrived in the form of [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]], the Autobots made their move and attacked Serpent O.R.'s Decepticon army, ultimately defeating it. {{storylink|The Art of War issue 5}}

Sideswipe returned to Earth a few months later, where he worked to keep Cybertronian technology from being misused by humans. During one mission to [[Cuba]], he helped stop [[Destro]] from selling [[S.N.A.K.E.]]s to one Mr. [[Calandero]], but failed to capture the arms dealer and returned to the Autobots' base, the ''[[Arc II]]''. When the ship was attacked by the [[Pretender Monster]]s, Sideswipe was the first to fall. {{storylink|Black Horizon, Part 1 of 2}} The crew later received medical attention at [[Pit (G.I. Joe)|the Pit]], where they'd eventually recover from their injures. {{storylink|Black Horizon, Part 2 of 2}}

===IDW comics continuity===
{{ongoing}}
[[Image:MegsOrigin3 Sunstreak Sideswipe glory.jpg|right|350px|thumb|Sideswipe's feeling small standing under [[Nova Prime]]'s crotch. [[Sunstreaker (G1)#Dreamwave_comics_continuity|Sunstreaker, on the other hand, seems strangely excited]].]]
[[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] was Sideswipe's P-3 Training Officer and strike partner, and constantly looked down on him as the rookie. Nothing Sideswipe did was seen as good enough, and he was left under Sunstreaker's shadow, something that left a deep mark on him. He's forever been resentful and wanting to be seen by others as a skilled, notable warrior. {{storylink|Spotlight: Sideswipe}}

Before the war, the two of them attended illegal underground arena [[Gladiatorial combat|deathmatches]] and witnessed [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s 54th victory. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 2|Megatron Origin #2}} When Sunstreaker wanted to join Megatron's underground fighting team, Sideswipe went along to try and talk him out of it. Whether they stuck around and were caught up in the Autobot security raid is unknown. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 3|Megatron Origin #3}}

Later, as war engulfed [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], Sideswipe was one of the many Autobots trained by [[Kup (G1)|Kup]]. {{storylink|Spotlight: Kup}}

In more recent times, Sideswipe was part of an Autobot squad lead by Sunstreaker, and helped liberate an unnamed planet from the Decepticons. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 14|Replay}}

[[Image:SpotlightGalvatron Sideswipe rocketfist.jpg|left|300px|thumb|This hand of mine glows with an awesome power!]]
Much to his dismay, Sideswipe was later stationed at [[Thunderhead Pass]] on Cybertron to guard [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]]'s remains. Sideswipe wanted action, something he wasn't going to get standing guard over comatose Decepticons. His desire to "bust some heads" became even stronger after Sunstreaker was apparently kidnapped during his duties on [[Earth]], and Sideswipe began actively disregarding his squadron leader, [[Hound (G1)|Hound]], to routinely contact High Command and demand a transfer; unknown to everyone else, this wasn't down to brothers-in-arms loyalty, this was down to him wanting to save Sunstreaker so his former strike partner would have to recognise his skills. {{storylink|Spotlight: Sideswipe}}

His need for action was alleviated, however, when [[Galvatron (G1)|a mysterious and powerful Transformer]] attacked Cybertron. Sideswipe blew off part of the being's head, but he recovered almost immediately and knocked Sideswipe and the rest of the Autobots offline, then stole Thunderwing away. {{storylink|Spotlight: Galvatron}}

Soon after, [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] apparently caved in to Sideswipe's pleading and put [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] in charge of Thunderhead Pass, transferring Hound's entire team, including Sideswipe, to Earth once Megatron began breaking [[Infiltration protocol]]. {{storylink|Devastation issue 1|Devastation #1}} However, once word of the break-in at [[Garrus-9]] reached his audio sensors, Prime directed his team and Hound's to head there instead of Earth. {{storylink|Devastation issue 6|Devastation #6}}

[[Image:SpotlightSideswipe_Sideswipe.jpg|right|200px|thumb|He can punch ''and'' angst at the same time!]]

Sideswipe took the reassignment pretty harshly, and had pushed Hound well to the edge of his tolerance. He got a minor diversion from worrying about Sunstreaker when another mysterious and powerful Transformer, [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] attacked their ship.

Surprisingly, he wanted to find out who Cyclonus was, but Hound felt that time was a factor and hit Cyclonus with a full volley. It was enough to slow him down, but not enough to stop him. [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]]' arrival forced a retreat, and the two Autobot ships followed. When they caught up to Cyclonus, Sideswipe goaded him into battle, and made no apologies for it. {{storylink|Spotlight: Cyclonus}}

When his unit finally reached Earth, he personally took on both [[Grindcore (G1)|Grindcore]] ''and'' [[Straxus (G1)|Straxus]] so the others could reach the Space Bridge. This earned him recognition and an apology from Hound, and the battle against superior foes gave Sideswipe the chance to prove to ''himself'' that he was better than Sunstreaker thought. This exorcised, he realised he didn't actually care if Sunstreaker was alive or dead, and turned away from his obsession without looking back. {{storylink|Spotlight: Sideswipe}}

One year later, the Decepticons ambushed the Autobots in a crippling assault, during which Skywarp ripped off Sideswipe's arm. The Autobots were subsequently tossed through a [[space bridge]] to the lifeless shell of Cybertron, where they would be finished off by the [[Insecticon swarm]]. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 7|All Hail Megatron #7}} Along with the others, Sideswipe stood around brooding about the situation, {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 1|All Hail Megatron #1}} occasionally staring at the similarly one-armed [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]]. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 4|All Hail Megatron #4}} When the crew of the ''[[Trion]]'' ended up on Cybertron, Sideswipe listened to [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] explain what had happened. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 5|All Hail Megatron #5}}

Later, Sideswipe tried to talk to Sunstreaker and tell him to stop picking on [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]], only to learn of the horrible things the [[Machination]] had done to him. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 7|All Hail Megatron #7}} Later, after Sunstreaker sacrificed himself, Sideswipe declared that all the Autobots deserved to die for carrying on the senseless war. His speech was interrupted by the return of Optimus Prime. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 9|All Hail Megatron #9}} Sideswipe later defended the Autobot base against a massive swarm attack, but the Autobots were overrun and only saved by the arrival of [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]], who took them all back to Earth. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 10|All Hail Megatron #10}}

As the Autobots confronted the Decepticons in [[New York City]], Sideswipe beat up [[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]] with a street light and was jumped by [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]], who gleefully told the Autobot how he had dissected [[Hunter O'Nion]], Sunstreaker's [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster partner]], and used his knowledge to toy with Sunstreaker's mind. Following the defeat of the Decepticons, Sideswipe found Hunter, strung up and mutilated in Bombshell's lab. Horrified at the sight, he decided to end the human's tortured existence by shutting off the machines keeping him alive. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 12|All Hail Megatron #12}}

Three years later, Sideswipe was still serving with the Autobots on Earth under Optimus Prime's command. He was present when Prime abdicated leadership of the Autobots and surrendered to [[Skywatch]]. {{storylink|...For All Mankind}} When [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] left the Autobots to form a splinter faction, Sideswipe chose to remain in the desert caverns with the majority of Autobots under [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]'s new leadership. {{storylink|New Arrivals, Old Encounters}} He was seen standing at strict attention when [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] arrived to address the Earth troops, although he was confused by Magnus's over-use of Earth idioms and "lingo". {{storylink|A Rude Awakening}}

Under Bumblebee, Sideswipe was part of the Transformer hunters clandestinely employed by [[Gordon Horiuchi]] of Skywatch. He was present when Bumblebee announced the Autobots' intention to break free from Horiuchi's unyielding directives. {{storylink|The Impossible Knot}}

===''Hearts of Steel''===
Sideswipe participated in the pursuit of [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]], and partially transformed from artillery boxcar mode to robot mode in order to shoot down [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]]. He stated, "The name is Sideswipe." {{storylink|Hearts of Steel issue 4}}

{{note|For unclear reasons, in the original comic book issue, the Autobot who shoots down Scourge identifies himself as [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]], not Sideswipe. Sideswipe only appears in the trade paperback collection.}}

===''Henkei! Henkei!'' pack-in comic===
[[Image:HenkeiVol6-lambor.jpg|thumb|160px|left|You are stupid! You are stupid! And don't forget; you are ''stupid''!]]
Sideswipe was chasing a mysterious plane that had stolen supplies of [[energon (fuel)|energon]], using his jetpack to catch up with it. But the next thing he knew, the plane was gone! The befuddled Sideswipe ran into [[Bluestreak|Silverstreak]], who was chasing a truck also charged with energon theft. Just then, the truck arrived before them, revealing itself to be the plane as well. It was the [[Triple Changer]] [[Octane]]! Though Octane tried to attack the two Autobots, Sideswipe blasted the Decepticon and knocked him to the ground. {{storylink|Henkei! Henkei! volume 6|Henkei! Henkei! #6}}

{{-}}

===Timelines: Wings of Honor continuity===
{{storylink|Generation 2: Redux}}
{{charstubfiction}}
{{-}}

==Commercial appearances==
Sideswipe appeared in the following [[commercial]]s:
* The very first Transformers animation, advertising the Marvel comic book. He drives out of a base alongside Jazz and Prowl; the three arrive at a power plant and counter-attack the Decepticons.

* Again alongside Jazz and Prowl, he transforms and takes off, on what appears to be Cybertron, in a commercial for Soundwave.

* He can be glimpsed trying to stop Astrotrain from escaping, in a 1985 commercial for the Decepticon Triple Changers.

* He is briefly visible driving alongside Jazz in a CGI ''Generation 2'' commercial for the Decepticon jets and Autobot cars.

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[Image:G1sideswipe.jpg|right|200px|thumb|He had the look before it was [[Spy Changer|trendy]].]]
*'''Sideswipe''' (Autobot Car, 1984/1985, 1991, 2001/2002/2003)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''04''', '''TFC-07'''
**''Accessories:'' "Laser gun", rocket launcher, 3 rockets

: Originally a ''[[Diaclone]]'' "New [[Popular Earth vehicle alternate modes#Lamborghini_Countach|Countach LP500S]]", Sideswipe transforms... well, into that. In robot mode he is armed with a white rifle and a missile launcher that can clip onto either of his shoulders. The launcher can fire one of three included white missiles, in theory, as the springs were weakened for the US release [[for safety reasons]]. The original 1984 US release did not have the [[rubsign]] found on later releases.

: This mold was also used to make [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]], [[Clamp Down]], [[Deep Cover]] and [[Tigertrack]].

::''[http://www.tfu.info/1984/Autobot/Sideswipe/sideswipe.htm More information on Generation 1 Sideswipe at TFU.info]''
{{-}}


[[Image:ActionmasterSideswipe toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|I have a hat!]]
*'''Sideswipe w/ Vanguard''' (Action Master, 1991)
**''Accessories:'' "Photon laser" rifle

: A non-transforming action figure that combines elements form both his original toy and his [[Character model|animation model]], [[Action Master]] Sideswipe is compatible with any other Action Master weapon or vehicle. His [[Action Master partner|partner]]-unit [[Vanguard]] forms a backpack and battle helmet, and complements Sideswipe's color scheme quite well.

:Action Master Sideswipe was only available in [[Generation 1 (European toyline)|European]] (and certain Australian) markets.

::''[http://www.tfu.info/1991/Autobot/Sideswipe/sideswipe.htm More information on Action Master Sideswipe with Vanguard at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

*'''Sideswipe''' (Classic Heroes, Europe/Australia 1991)
**''Accessories:'' "Laser gun", rocket launcher, 3 rockets

:The original ''Generation 1'' Sideswipe toy was re-released in Europe and Australia in 1991 as part of the [[Classics (Europe)|Classics]] line, with no apparent changes other than the new packaging.

===Generation 2===
[[Image:G2Sideswipe toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|He got dressed in the dark and accidentally put his colors on backwards.]]
*'''Sideswipe''' (Autobot Heroic, 1993)
**''Accessories:'' Gun, missile launcher, 1 missile

: Part of the first assortment of Autobot cars, Sideswipe's original toy had his colors re-arranged to a black car mode with red and white robot parts, plus new [[Neon|neon]] green "racing" decals were added to the mix. His original rocket launcher was removed, and replaced with a large spring-loaded launcher that could be hand-held or mounted on his [[Retool|retooled]] car-mode roof.

:His new spring-loaded missile launcher was taken from [http://www.yojoe.com/action/91/snowserpent2.shtml Snow Serpent] from the ''[[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]]'' toyline.

::''[http://www.tfu.info/1993/Autobot/Sideswipe/sideswipe.htm More information on Generation 2 Sideswipe at TFU.info]''
{{-}}


[[Image:G2GobotSideswipe.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Then he shrank and faded in the wash.]]
*'''Sideswipe''' (Go-Bot, 1995)
**''Accessories:'' Gun

: A redeco of [[Go-Bot (G2)|Go-Bot]] [[Firecracker]], Sideswipe transforms into a blue [[Popular Earth vehicle alternate modes#Lamborghini_Diablo|Lamborghini Diablo]] with through-axle construction for super-fast rolling on smooth surfaces in car mode. He is compatible with many "Hot Wheels" and "Matchbox"-brand racetrack sets.

: This mold was also used to make Go-Bot Optimus Prime and ''[[Robots in Disguise (toyline)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[R.E.V.]].

::''[http://www.tfu.info/1995/Autobot/Sideswipe/sideswipe.htm More information on Generation 2 Go-Bot Sideswipe on TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Collector's Edition===

*'''Lambor''' (World Character Convention 12 exclusive, Japan 2001)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''04'''
**''Accessories:'' "Laser gun", rocket launcher, 3 rockets

: In 2001, the ''Generation 1'' Sideswipe toy was re-released by [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] under his Japanese name "Lambor", as a set bundled with his [[mold]]-mate [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] ("Alert" in Japan), [[exclusive]] to World Character Convention 12. His license plate decal was changed from the infringing "COUNTACH" to "CAR MACHINE".

===New Year Special===

*'''Lambor''' (e-Hobby exclusive, Japan 2002)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''04'''
**''Accessories:'' "Laser gun", rocket launcher, 3 rockets

: Lambor (Sideswipe) and Alert (Red Alert) were once again re-released together in January 2002 as an [[e-Hobby]] exclusive "New Year Special" set, with several factory-applied decals replaced with [[paint operation]]s, the "CAR MACHINE" plate-decal now blank, plus an additional recolored alternate sticker sheet for each one.

===Transformers Collection===

*'''Lambor''' (Japan 2003)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''07'''
**''Accessories:'' "Laser gun", rocket launcher, 3 rockets

: The version of ''Generation 1'' Sideswipe previously released as an e-Hobby exclusive, minus the extra decal sheet, was ''again'' re-released as part of the [[Transformers Collection]] "book-box series".

===Universe (2003)===
[[Image:UniverseSideswipe toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|I should've had a [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] retool!]]
*'''Sideswipe''' (Deluxe, 2003)
**''Accessories:'' 2 launchers (left & right), 2 flame missiles

: One of several [[Exclusive|exclusives]] to [[OTFCC 2003]], ''[[Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' Side Swipe is a redeco of the ''[[Robots in Disguise (toyline)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Prowl (RID)|Prowl]] mold, once again transforming into a Lamborghini Diablo. A pair of add-on thrusters become arm-mounted launchers for robot mode; each one being a pressure-launch missile launcher.

: It is notable that the part that connects the toy's windshield to the main body uses a red decal rather than paint, as that part is made out of [[Unpaintable plastic|unpaintable plastic]]. The police lights from the original mold were removed, leaving this area bare.

: This mold was also used to make ''Universe'' [[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]] and Sunstreaker.

{{note|While the toy's name was spelled "Sideswipe" (one word) on its own packaging, the cross-sell on the packaging for the OTFCC 2003 [[Shadow Striker (Universe)|Shadow Striker]]/[[Roulette (Universe)|Roulette]] two-pack spelled it "Side Swipe" (two words) instead. See Notes for more.}}

::''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Autobot/OTFCCSideswipe/sideswipe.htm More information on Universe Sideswipe on TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Smallest Transforming Transformers===
[[Image:STFLambor.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Yet another release Sunstreaker just wasn't cool enough for.]]
*'''Lambor''' (2003)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''GTF-02'''

: ''[[Smallest Transforming Transformers]]'' Lambor is a very small-scale, extensively simplified replica of the original Sideswipe toy. He has very little articulation, he has no weapons, and his vehicle mode wheels cannot roll.

: This mold was [[Retool|retooled]] to make ''Smallest Transforming Transformers'' [[Red Alert (G1)|Alert]].

::''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Cybertron/SmallestSideswipe/sideswipe.htm More information on Smallest Transforming Lambor at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Alternators===
[[Image:AlternatorsSide Swipe toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Just think, he was [[#Notes|almost Tracks]].]]
*'''Side Swipe''' (2003, 2004)
**''Alternator ID number:'' '''2'''
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''BT-02'''
**''Accessories:'' Dodge Viper Engine/gun

: The second ''[[Alternators]]'' toy released, Side Swipe transforms into a licensed 1:24 scale [[Popular Earth vehicle alternate modes#Dodge_Viper_.28Chrysler.29|Dodge Viper]] featuring opening doors, a detailed interior, and a hood that opens to reveal an engine bay holding a replica Viper V-10 engine. The vehicle mode also features movable steering and rubber tires with vacuum-metalized wheels. His removable engine becomes a blaster.

: The main difference between the American ''Alternators'' and the Japanese ''Binaltech'' releases is that the Japanese version has die-cast metal parts for most of the car's outer body shell, with the exception of the rear end, and the entire red exterior of the car is fully painted, unlike the ''Alternator's'' flat red plastic. Furthermore, the ''Alternators'' version sports additional "blackwash" [[paint operation]]s on his chest the ''Binaltech'' version lacks.

: This mold was [[Retool|retooled]] to make [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] and [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]].

::''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Autobot/AltSideswipe/sideswipe.htm More information on Alternators Side Swipe on TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Commemorative Series===

*'''Side Swipe''' (Toys"R"Us exclusive, Australia/Canada 2004, KB Toys exclusive, 2005)
**''Series:'' '''VIII'''
**''Accessories:'' "Laser gun", rocket launcher, 3 rockets

:The version of ''Generation 1'' Sideswipe previously released as part of Takara's "Transformers Collection" series, albeit with its spring-loaded launcher de-sprung [[for safety reasons]], was reissued by [[Hasbro]] under the modified name "Side Swipe" as part of their [[Commemorative Series]] VIII, one of the last American reissues. However, because [[Toys"R"Us]], who had carried the Commemorative Series as an [[exclusive]] line up until that point, had abruptly decided to discontinue the line, he was never available at Toys"R"Us stores in the USA (despite the occasional unproven [[Misconceptions and urban legends about Transformers|rumor]] to the contrary. He''was'', however, available at Toys"R"Us stores in Australia and Canada in 2004, and was finally made available in the USA as a [[KB Toys]] exclusive in 2005, at heavy discount.

===Universe (2008)===
====Classic Series====
[[Image:Universe2008 SideSwipe toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Better red than...]]
*'''Sideswipe''' (Deluxe, 2008)
**''Accessories:'' "Flare Launcher", engine supercharger intakes

:Sideswipe is a [[Retool|retool]] of ''[[Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]]. He not only features a new head sculpt, but he has a slightly altered transformation scheme and assembly; his upper body, from the neck to the hips, is rotated 180 degrees from Sunstreaker's, giving him the "classic" hood-chest. His fists are also "backwards" from Sunstreaker's to keep them in the right places in robot mode. He transforms into a modified [[wikipedia:Lamborghini_Gallardo|Lamborghini Gallardo]]. Though the car is mostly based upon the Gallardo, to avoid legal problems, it also features modified headlights and elements taken from other cars—most of them are taken from other Lamborghini models, such as a front bumper that appears to be based on a 2004 [[wikipedia:Lamborghini Murciélago|Murciélago]] R-GT and a rear end that is basically a cross between a Murciélago and a [[wikipedia:Lamborghini_Diablo|Diablo]]; however, the split side windows and the ridges on the door vents are based on a [[wikipedia:McLaren F1|McLaren F1]]. Sideswipe also comes with the same roof-mounted engine assembly as Sunstreaker.

: His Flare Launcher (essentially just a redeco of Sunstreaker's Electron Pulse Blaster) can be combined with the removable engine assembly and mounted in either of the holes on his shoulders to simulate Sideswipe's ''Generation 1'' missile launcher. Of course, this leaves him without a hand-held weapon. The engine can also be mounted on Sideswipe's back as his jet pack.

: Sideswipe's online PDF instructions as well as the final printed instructions incorrectly give him Sunstreaker's transformation and head, despite the picture above the instructions showing him with the hood as the chest and a new head.<ref>[http://hasbro.com/common/instruct/83685.pdf Official Universe Sideswipe instructions PDF file on Hasbro.com]</ref> Unfortunately, Hasbro's own stock photography for distribution to websites retains this incorrect transformation, and throws in some additional mistakes as well. Oy.

: The Sideswipe/Sunstreaker mold was also retooled into ''[[Timelines (toyline)|Timelines]]'' [[Punch (G1)|Punch]] and [[BotCon 2010]] [[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]].

::''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Autobot/TFUSideswipe/sideswipe.htm More information on Universe (2008) Sideswipe on TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Henkei! Henkei!===
[[Image:Henkei Lambor toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Whoever does Takara's photography seriously needs to be outsourced to Hasbro.]]
*'''Lambor''' (Deluxe, 2008)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-09'''
**''Accessories:'' "Flare Launcher"

:The Japanese version of ''Universe'' Sideswipe has [[Vacuum metallizing|vacuum metallized]] silver on his flare launcher and his spoiler, but does not come with the dual-engine backpack that Henkei Sunstreaker and ''Universe'' Sunstreaker/Sideswipe included. He also has correct, personalised instructions that aren't just Sunstreaker's. Like Sunstreaker, the Japanese version's roof paint is a much closer match to the red colored plastic. The Japanese version also features a glossier black paint and the white has yellow tint compared the white plastic used for Hasbro version. His license plate says "LAMBOR" rather than "SWIPE".

{{-}}

===Timelines===
[[Image:BotCon2010-customclassSideswipe.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Folks are gonna be pisssyyyyyy.]]
*'''Sideswipe''' ([[BotCon 2010]] customization class Deluxe)
**''Accessories'': Gun/tailpipe, engine supercharger intakes

: A ''[[Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]''-style redeco of ''Universe'' Sideswipe, ''[[Timelines (toyline)|Timelines]]'' Sideswipe is pre-molded in new colors, which is unprecedented for the BotCon customization class exclusive (and apparently came as a surprise to [[Fun Publications]]). During the class, the mold is assembled, painted and stickered by those enrolled in it. Between the two classes, there were 52 participants.

: In regards to the plastic mold changes white remains white, but like the original ''Generation 2'' figure, the red and black colors are swapped. Clear green replaces the clear plastic used for the window and thighs.

: This figure uses the ''[[Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' [[Red Alert (G1)#Generations|Red Alert]] version of the mold, which includes two screw holes in the canopy (rather than one like Henkei Red Alert or none like all other versions of this mold). The samples [[Shawn D. Tessmann|Shawn Tessmann]] had on display used the original version of the mold, and lacked the screw holes. Despite the mold change, the lightbar was not included. These holes replace the slots used to mount the rocket pack in robot mode. The rocket pack can still be mounted on the gun in robot mode and in car mode though. As an unintended result of having empty screw holes over the rocket pack sockets, Sideswipe can now mount his gun inside either screw hole on the roof of his car mode.

: The unassembled figure was also given out to those who volunteered at BotCon 2010.

{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===Decoy===
*'''Sideswipe #18'''
:Sideswipe was one of the many character represented by a small plastic [[decoy]] available carded with other transformers.
::''[http://www.tfu.info/1986/Autobot/Decoys/Sideswipe/sideswipe.htm More information on Decoy Sideswipe at TFU.info]''

===Titanium Series===
[[Image:TitaniumRM Side Swipe.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Sideswipe turns small a lot.]]
*'''Side Swipe''' (Robot Master, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' Engine blaster

:''[[Titanium Series]]'' Side Swipe is based upon Sideswipe's ''Alternators'' toy. Constructed partially of die cast metal, Side Swipe has limited articulation located in his shoulders and neck. He comes with a removable engine blaster and an Autobot symbol display stand.

: This mold was going to be redecoed to be ''Titanium'' Sunstreaker, but that release was canceled.

::''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Autobot/TitSideswipe/sideswipe.htm More information on Titanium Side Swipe at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Attacktix===
*'''Sideswipe''' (2007)

: ''[[Attacktix]]'' Sideswipe was to be a missile-firing "blaster" style playing piece, presumably part of a third wave of "Booster" packs. He was revealed at the [[Star Wars]] "Celebration IV" convention alongside many other ''Attacktix'' pieces that would ultimately never see release.

{{canceledtoy}}
{{-}}

==Notes==
* Sideswipe's [[Transformers Universe (Marvel comic)|TFU]] bio text describes features of Sunstreaker's toy, leading many to believe Sideswipe's original toy was supposed to be created from Sunstreaker's mold and vice-versa, with the colors swapped between the molds. The [[Diaclone]] Sunstreaker toy was available in red<ref>[http://diaclone.net/orid/dia036/index.html "Countach-LP500S/Super Tuning" at Diaclone.net (Japanese site)]</ref> and police<ref>[http://diaclone.net/orid/dia038/index.html "Countach-LP500S/Super Tuning Policecar Type" at Diaclone.net (Japanese site)]</ref> versions, but not yellow (hence the red shoulder stickers on an otherwise yellow car). The mold used for Sideswipe, on the other hand, was released in ''Diaclone'' in police, yellow and red decos.<ref>[http://diaclone.net/orid/dia050/index.html " New Countach-LP500S" at Diaclone.net (Japanese site)]</ref>

* Sideswipe's Japanese name, "Lambor" is derived from the name of his vehicle mode, a Lamborghini. It may also be a word play on the Japanese word "Ranbō", which means "reckless, violent, rough". Wouldn't be the [[Autorooper|last]] [[Nine Great Demon Generals|time]] Takara's done such [[Romanization|word puns]]. By the way, it's ''Lambor'', not ''[[wikipedia:Rambo|Rambo]]''.

* According to a [[story page]] in the October 1985 issue of ''[[TV Magazine]]'', Sideswipe and [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] are brothers, with Sideswipe being slightly older than Red Alert. This connection may have been invented because, aside from Sideswipe and Red Alert sharing the same mold, Sunstreaker was not sold on the Japanese market outside of a special "versus" set with [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] and [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]]. However, the familial dynamic between Sideswipe and Sunstreaker was '''not''' changed in the Japanese dub of the original ''Transformers'' cartoon, leading some Japanese fans to consider the three Lamborghini characters as triplets.

* During the 1990s, another company held the "Sideswipe" trademark in the "toys" field, even though Hasbro still released two toys using that name as part of the [[Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]] line (it's unclear if this resulted in any legal repercussions for Hasbro). When Hasbro finally managed to reclaim the name for the [[Robots in Disguise (toyline)|''Robots in Disguise'' line]], the name was now parsed as "[[Side Swipe (RID)|Side Swipe]]", in two words, for whatever reason. The only two toys since then to spell "Sideswipe" as one word again were the [[OTFCC 2003]] [[Exclusive|exclusive]] and the [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Armada Super-Con]]. However, the former was referred to as "Side Swipe" when featured as a cross-sell on the packaging for the OTFCC 2003 [[Shadow Striker (Universe)|Shadow Striker]]/[[Roulette (Universe)|Roulette]] two-pack, whereas a packaging variant for the latter released as part of the "[[The Unicron Battles|Unicron Battles]]" refresh of the [[Armada (toyline)|''Armada'']] line also saw the name changed to "Side Swipe". Hasbro ''finally'' decided to re-file the name "Sideswipe" (as one word) as a trademark in 2008, presumably because a [[Sideswipe (ROTF)|character]] in the upcoming movie ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' and the accompanying [[Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|toy line]] was going to sport that name, and Hasbro were using that as an opportunity to re-introduce the spelling of the name as one word. As a result, the ''[[Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'' Deluxe Class toy was the first toy to "properly" sport the name "Sideswipe" as one word.

* The ''Alternators'' Dodge Viper mold was originally designed to be a new body for [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] after the first attempt to secure the Corvette license had fallen through. Eventually, though, Chevrolet had a change of mind and granted Hasbro and Takara the license for the Corvette design after all. As a result, the Viper mold was slightly redesigned, was given a new head sculpt and released as Sideswipe (or "Side Swipe") instead. This explains why, unlike most of the early Alternators toys, Side Swipe's robot mode bears little resemblance to his G1 self. The most noticeable redesign from the "Tracks" design was the vehicle mode's doors being moved from the "backpack" [[Kibble|kibble]] (where they would have resembled the G1 Tracks toy's wings) to the sides of the arms, thus being the most obvious visual cue taken from the G1 Sideswipe toy. The doors are, however, still splayed out to the sides in the Alternators box art and can be moved to match Tracks' wing configuration, which implies that the redesign may have been done before the switch from Tracks to Sideswipe was made.

[[Image:SunstreakerSideswipeSDCC2007.jpg|thumb|250px|Universe [[Tigertrack]]. Fortunately, this didn't happen.]]
*Sideswipe has the dubious distinction of being the only one of the European Autobot Classic Heroes range not to feature in Marvel UK's [[Earthforce]] stories, not even making a late appearance like fellow 1991 addition Tracks.

* Hasbro's early plans for ''Universe'' Sunstreaker and Sideswipe had the two as straight [[redeco]]s of each other, only differing in their head sculpts besides their colors—namely, Sunstreaker would have just been Sideswipe in yellow with a different head. It was [[TakaraTomy]] designer [[Hisashi Yuki]] who suggested an alternate transformation by turning the upper body by 180 degrees, thus providing more individual robot mode looks for the two characters that resemble their respective ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]]'' designs more.<ref name="generations2009">Interview with Hisashi Yuki in [[Transformers Generations 2009|''Transformers Generations 2009'' vol. 1]], [http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-news-rumors/223379-takaratomy-staff-interview-generations-2009-vol-1-translation.html English translation] at TFW2005.</ref> In addition, Hasbro originally intended the [[alternate mode]]'s supercharger to split into two halves which would then become the handgun and a spring-loaded shoulder launcher for the robot mode.
* Along the same vein, Takara also made the willful decision to omit the supercharger from their ''Henkei! Henkei!'' version of Lambor (Universe Sideswipe) to differentiate further between him and Sunstreaker. That's right: Takara ''deliberately omitted an optional piece of accessory'' to make the toy more "G1-accurate".<ref name="generations2009"/>
{{-}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.tfu.info/1984/Autobot/Sideswipe/sideswipe.htm Sideswipe at TFU.info]
* [http://www.ntfa.net/universe/english/index.php?act=view&char=Sideswipe Sideswipe's Universe profile at NTFA.net]

[[Category:Action Masters]]
[[Category:Alternators Autobots]]
[[Category:Attacktix]]
[[Category:Convention exclusives]]
[[Category:Customization class toys]]
[[Category:E-Hobby]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 2 Autobots]]
[[Category:Henkei! Henkei! Autobots]]
[[Category:Go-Bots]]
[[Category:MyClone]]
[[Category:The Headmasters Autobots]]
[[Category:Titanium Series]]
[[Category:Toys "R" Us exclusives]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]
[[Category:Universe Autobots]]

Ratchet (G1)

2010-12-25T20:22:28Z

190.20.173.129: /* The Transformers cartoon */

{{factions|autobot|autobotg2}}{{disambig3|Ratchet}}
{{featured}}
:''Ratchet is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Ratchetg1.jpg|right|300px|thumb|All aboard the party ambulance!]]
'''Ratchet''' is the Autobots' Chief Medical Officer. If something's broke, he can fix it. Ratchet is known for his irreverent bedside manner; he loves having a good time, and his party-loving nature has given him a dry wit. He is not a particularly mighty warrior, which sometimes leads him to believe that he is expendable. [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] has trouble convincing Ratchet that this is far from the truth.

Although he's a healer, Ratchet often finds himself on the front lines of combat and, on occasion, the last hope the Autobots have. These pressures are sometimes too much for him to handle, but Ratchet ultimately never gives up.

His vehicle mode sometimes splits into his robot and a [[Onebox component|separate component]].

:''Nicknames'': '''Cool Hand Lube''', '''Greasefinger'''<ref>Nicknames found in early ''[[Transformers Universe (Marvel comic)|Universe]]''-style profiles published in [[The Transformers Comic Magazine]].</ref>
:''Portuguese name (Portugal comics):'' '''Alavanca'''
:''Italian name:'' '''Doc'''
:''French-Canadian name:'' '''Mécano'''
:''Hungarian name:'' '''Racsni'''
:''Portuguese name (Brazil comics):'' '''Trinco''' ("Lock")
:''Czech name:'' '''Zdravotník'''
:''Russian name (TV):'' '''Храповик /Chrapovick''' ("Ratchet")

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
{{noteukonly}}
[[Image:Ratchetg1first.jpg|left|200px|thumb|This look didn't last long.]]
Ratchet was one of the select Autobots chosen by [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] to travel aboard the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]], and ended up in stasis lock for four million years at the base of [[Mount St. Hilary]] with the rest of the crew. Once the volcano exploded and the Transformers reactivated, Ratchet was rebuilt to transform into an ambulance. He responded to [[Gears (G1)|Gears]]'s complaining by telling him that at least he didn't have to fix everyone all the time! Ratchet would rather be partying. {{storylink|The Transformers (issue)|The Transformers}}

[[Image:Ratchetgetstofixgears.jpg|right|200px|thumb|What a comfortable-looking repair sled they're dragging Gears into.]]

As their war against the Decepticons continued on Earth, Ratchet joined the Autobots' debate about how to deal with their dwindling fuel resources. Thankfully, [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] had located a human, [[Sparkplug Witwicky]], who could help them convert fuel to a form usable by them, so the Ark was left in Ratchet's hands as the others left to meet with Bumblebee and his new human friends. Ratchet noted sadly that without fuel, even his considerable skills were useless. {{storylink|Power Play!}} While they were gone, Ratchet attended to the Ark. During his attempts at repairs, he uncovered something interesting in its memory databanks, but Optimus Prime cut him off before he could explain. Gears was badly damaged in the battle that followed, and his body was brought back to Ratchet for repairs. After working on him for a short period of time, Ratchet was amazed that he could already speak. Unfortunately, Gears had bad news; Sparkplug Witwicky had converted fuel for the Decepticons while he had been their prisoner! {{storylink|Prisoner of War!}}

The Autobots were outraged at this, which upset Sparkplug so much that he suffered a heart attack. Ratchet volunteered to drive Sparkplug and his son [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster]] to the [[Greater Portland Medical Center|hospital]]. {{storylink|The Last Stand}} While Buster stayed at the hospital with his ailing father, Ratchet held fast to his oath to preserve life, an oath which made no distinction between organical or mechanical life, and helped [[Gus|two]] [[Mel|paramedics]] to get to their emergency. Upon their return to the hospital, Ratchet was happy to learn that Sparkplug, now able to speak, had told Buster that he'd poisoned the Decepticons' fuel. While this conversation was taking place, his drivers, alarmed their ambulance could talk, were poking around his ambulance mode, trying to discover the tape deck tehy suspected to be there. After an angry, annoyed outburst, the humans fled.

[[Image:Ratchetfriendtrafficsignal.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Staring also works.]]

Despite Buster's good news, Ratchet felt he should return to the Ark as swiftly as possible; no one there was responding to his communications. Buster accompanied him, and en route tried to explain to Ratchet that the traffic signals were nonsentient and would not respond to his pleas. When a red light turned green, eventually, after Ratchet's attempts at persuasion, the Autobot admonished the child for his lack of communication skills. But when Ratchet and Buster arrived at the Ark, they were horrified to discover [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] and [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] standing sentry outside. Buster, who was small enough to slip in unnoticed, snuck inside to investigate. {{storylink|The New Order}} Buster later returned to Ratchet, looking like a fright, and told the Autobot that the Decepticons had taken over the Ark, and that their bodies were hung like meat from the ceiling! Even crazier still was when [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] was seen carrying the defeated body of [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] back into the Ark. Ratchet began to worry that he was the last Autobot alive. {{storylink|The Worse of Two Evils!}}

Ratchet soon discovered, to his horror, that he was the last Autobot still functional on Earth, up against the entire Decepticon army. Covertly invading the ''Ark'', he learned that even the mighty [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] had fallen. However, Prime's head, though detached, still functioned, and the Autobot Commander told Ratchet that he must rise up to meet this challenge. Ratchet did not believe he could; he was a doctor, not a warrior (damnit, Jim). {{storylink|Warrior School!}}

[[Image:Ratchetwarriorschool.jpg|right|300px|thumb|The more you know!™]]

Ratchet was no warrior, and he doubted what he could do to topple this new status quo, but still, Ratchet tried. In his weakened state, Megatron could not hope to defeat Shockwave and reclaim his leadership, but Ratchet approached him with a possible solution. Ratchet knew how Shockwave had fallen 4 million years ago (having discovered this earlier within the Ark's memory databanks), and struck a deal, sealed by the [[Rite of Oneness]]: If Ratchet could defeat Shockwave, Megatron would relinquish Decepticon control of the ''Ark'' and its wrecked Autobot inhabitants.

Ratchet journeyed to the [[Savage Land]], where the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] had fought Shockwave to a stalemate, leaving all dormant in a tar pit prison. He dug up the Dinobots and repaired them. Soon after, he met with Megatron on a snowy ski slope and announced that he had fulfilled his half of the bargain; Shockwave was defeated. Megatron, of course, went back on his part of the deal and threatened to kill Ratchet. Ratchet declared that he knew all along Megatron would not hold up his end of the bargain and admitted that he had not, in fact, defeated Shockwave. The Dinobots sprung up out of the snow surrounding Megatron and fought him, but did not succeed. Megatron now stood alone, triumphant, mocking Ratchet and his lack of a warrior's edge. With nothing to lose, Ratchet charged Megatron, but he was ineffectual. However, the charge had loosened the ground on which Megatron stood, and the Decepticon leader fell off the cliff side and disappeared. {{storylink|Repeat Performance!}}

''On their return trip to the ''Ark'', Ratchet helped educate the Dinobots about human/Autobot relations by telling them the story of a recent battle with the Decepticons at a hydroelectric dam. {{storylink|Decepticon Dam-Busters!}} When they arrived, Ratchet and the Dinobots found the ''Ark'' defended by [[Guardian (Marvel)|Guardian]], an Autobot combat drone which had been reprogrammed by Shockwave. Ratchet rescued the Dinobots from the powerful drone by remembering and exploiting one of its few weaknesses, an access port which could admit a fine laser. Ratchet then began the task of repairing the Autobots, placing priority on those whose command skills would be useful. This put him at odds with Dinobot leader [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]], who felt that the fallen Dinobot [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] should be repaired first. {{storylink|The Wrath of Grimlock!}}''

''When Prowl devised a plan to use the Matrix to create an army of monstrous Autobot warriors, debate over the plan's ethics threatened to divide the Autobots. Ratchet remained neutral and asked Optimus Prime to step in and provide guidance. {{storylink|Crisis of Command!}}''

''Ratchet and Wheeljack collaborated on a Transformer-sized robotic suit, to be used by Buster Witwicky in battle. Optimus Prime was unamused. {{storylink|Robot Buster!}}''

[[Image:Ratchetmechanic.jpg|left|180px|thumb|Such irony.]]

After the destruction of Optimus Prime, Ratchet was not able to repair him. Unable to deal with his failure, Ratchet wandered off on his own during Optimus's funeral. Ratchet decided that rather than moping, he should concern himself with the other damaged Autobots under his care, so he headed towards a junkyard to look for spare parts he could use. However, he was abducted in vehicle mode by the [[Mechanic (G1)|Mechanic]] and his accomplice [[Juan]] when the two thieves were found by the police. Ratchet revealed himself when they arrived at the Mechanic's hideout, but the Mechanic froze Ratchet with his own surgical weapons and headed for the ''Ark'', intent on finding technology that would ensure he would never be threatened by the police again. When he had unfrozen, Ratchet followed the human back to the ''Ark'', but was defeated by his own surgical tools. But using pieces he took from the junkyard, he repaired [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]], and the appearance of the police car frightened the Mechanic away. The Mechanic escaped with Ratchet's tools and the [[Power Booster Rod]]. {{storylink|Funeral for a Friend!}}

Shortly after Optimus Prime's funeral, Ratchet stood with Omega Supreme, Blaster, and the others, and an incoming fleet of aircraft piloted by the terrorist organization [[Cobra]] was detected. {{storylink|Ashes, Ashes...}} After the Autobots teamed up with the human counterterrorist organization [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]], Ratchet worked with [[Mainframe (G.I. Joe)|Mainframe]], who had already begun to rebuild Bumblebee. Ratchet was surprised to see that Bumblebee had been upgraded by Mainframe into a more-powerful body, and after the process was completed (despite [[Dr. Mindbender]]'s bickering), Bumblebee decided to rename himself Goldbug. {{storylink|...All Fall Down!}}

[[Image:Ratchetneverisnow.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Paging Dr. Smartass.]]

With Optimus Prime dead, Ratchet and a few other high-ranking Autobots assembled to nominate a new leader. Ratchet stressed that their nominee must be kind, just as Optimus Prime had been, someone who would be willing to give everything he had. After a surprise attack on the Ark by [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]], Ratchet had his answer. Ratchet's new patients, those that had suffered during the attack, had told him of Grimlock's selflessness in battle. The other Autobots agreed, and Grimlock was declared Autobot leader. {{storylink|King of the Hill!}} However, Grimlock's leadership quickly turned sour, and Ratchet became the voice of sarcasm behind Grimlock's decisions. When a second group of Autobots led by [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] met Grimlock's Earth-bound Autobots, they brought with them a [[floppy disk]] containing the mind of the dead Optimus Prime. Ratchet couldn't contain his joy, and so Grimlock struck him down and told him to shut up. Ratchet was told to shut up again when he belittled Grimlock's disbelief that Fortress Maximus was part [[human]]. Grimlock set up a battle for Autobot supremacy between him and [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (who fought in Fortress Maximus' stead), so Ratchet and all of both Autobot groups stepped out onto the surface of Earth's [[Moon (moon)|moon]] to watch the fight. Ratchet cheered relentlessly for Blaster, but the spectators were cut short by a surprise Decepticon attack. After the Decepticons had fled, Ratchet was glad to see that Blaster and Grimlock had, for the moment, set aside their differences, because they would need all the cooperation they could muster to repair the fallen and the heavily-damaged Ark. {{storylink|Totaled!}}

''When an [[Underbase]]-powered [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and a time-traveling [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] decimated the Earthbound Autobot forces, Optimus Prime no longer possessed the life-giving powers of the [[Creation Matrix]], so Ratchet was left with the monumental task of repairing them. {{storylink|Deathbringer (issue)|Deathbringer}}'' During a period of work-induced stress, he began to hallucinate visions of his patients attacking him and accusing him of being worthless. It was during this time that the Decepticon [[Sports Car Patrol]], posing as Autobots, offered to help transport Ratchet to Cybertron, where he could have access to new medical technology that had been created during his 4-million-year absence on Earth. He and three of the Sports Car Patrol took the bodies of [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]], [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]], and [[Bumblebee (G1)|Goldbug]] with him, though Ratchet was curious why [[Blackjack]] stayed behind on the ''Ark''. Ratchet's concerns were answered when, upon arrival on Cybertron, he saw standing before him the believed-to-be-deceased Megatron, who had orchestrated the entire scheme. {{storylink|Back from the Dead}}

[[Image:Ratchetbroughtthemhere.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Megatron inadvertently activated Ratchet's dormant "evil genius" gene.]]

Megatron brought Ratchet the remains of Starscream, demanding Ratchet repair the Air Commander while Blackjack held the ''Ark'' and its medical bay inhabitants hostage. Ratchet agreed, and he used [[Pretender]] technology to repair Starscream while secretly repairing Grimlock, Jazz, and Goldbug as well. After Pretender Starscream was sent to Earth, Megatron sought out Ratchet to kill him, but Ratchet had his own Pretenders ready. {{storylink|The Resurrection Gambit!}} Ratchet sprung Grimlock, Jazz, and Bumblebee (Ratchet preferred Bumblebee's original form) on Megatron, but Megatron and his Micromasters were too powerful for them. The Pretenders and Micromasters' battle wandered outside [[Megatron's base]], and Ratchet was left alone. Sacrificing his life, Ratchet warped the bombs Blackjack had put on the ''Ark'' into the Decepticon base in an attempt to kill both himself and Megatron. Megatron tried to escape through the warp portal, but Ratchet tackled him, and the base exploded. {{storylink|Skin Deep}}

[[Image:Megs ratch.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Ratchet to the left of me, Megatron to the right—Here I am, stuck in the middle with you.]]

Optimus Prime was devastated by the loss of Ratchet. {{storylink|Yesterday's Heroes!}} He assigned the detective [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] to investigate Ratchet's death, and Nightbeat hypothesized that Ratchet could possibly still be alive. There was an initial blast which could have knocked Ratchet into the portal and into [[unspace]], a netherworld between the warp portal's starting and ending points. A probe was sent to retrieve him, and it succeeded—but it also brought back Megatron, who was fused with Ratchet as a single, monstrous being. {{storylink|Eye of the Storm}} The Ratchet/Megatron creature rampaged through the ''Ark'', wounding several Autobots, but Optimus Prime would not let them harm it. This put Optimus Prime in an awkward position: Was the life of Ratchet worth the possible loss of his other troops? The creature fought his way into the engine rooms and began tearing stuff apart, and Prime's choice was made for him: The creature must be stopped. Prime fought Ratchet/Megatron to a standstill, and, alarmingly, the part that was Ratchet took control and pulled Prime's gun to his own forehead, pleading for the Autobot Commander to put him out of his misery. In an unpopular decision, Optimus Prime ordered [[Fixit (G1)|Fixit]] to separate Megatron and Ratchet, even if it meant saving Megatron. Bonded at a molecular level, neither could survive without the other, even when separated. {{storylink|The Pri¢e of Life!}}

[[Image:Ratchetjollies.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Holy crap.]]

Separated by Fixit, they remained in stasis on the ''Ark'' until Grimlock and his [[Nucleon]]-revived Dinobots found the ''Ark'' abandoned during the Transformers' battle with [[Unicron]]. They filled the entire medical bay chambers with Nucleon, not aware that Megatron lay there in storage. {{storylink|The Void! (US)|The Void!}} Shockwave and [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] stole the ''Ark'' after Unicron was defeated, in an attempt to return to Earth and conquer it. {{storylink|Still Life!}} However, just as Megatron awoke, Starscream and Shockwave were interrupted by [[Galvatron II]], who had snuck on board before launch. While Galvatron and Megatron teamed up on Shockwave, Starscream went to check on any other possible survivors in the medical bay. He found Ratchet, whose mind was still connected to Megatron's, and Starscream fought the confused Autobot easily. However, when Starscream mused that Ratchet was no fun to kill, Ratchet became enraged and defeated him in a berserker state. Determined to end what he had started, Ratchet blew up the ''Ark'' as it was approaching Earth's orbit, sending all four Decepticons and himself to a supposed death.<ref>Except all the Decepticons eventually turn up alive.</ref> {{storylink|A Savage Circle}}

====Marvel UK future timelines====
''Ratchet was present at the Ark in 2003 when [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] announced his plans for a fully-functional transforming fortress known as [[Autobot City]]. {{storylink|Ark Duty}}''

====''Generation 2''====
{{note|Megatron's molecular-level link with Ratchet was entirely ignored in ''Generation 2''. Megatron returned and was rebuilt by Cobra, while Ratchet's fate was not mentioned at all.}}
As Optimus Prime was being repaired after a catastrophic battle with Megatron, he recalled the events of the Transformer civil war thus far, including two of Megatron's encounters with Ratchet. {{storylink|Tales of Earth Part Four}}

{{-}}
====''Classics''====
{{note|The ''Classics'' comics 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''.}}
[[Image:Ratchet-AtFightsEnd.jpg|left|250px|thumb|From martyr to furniture.]]
Fifteen years after Ratchet seemingly perished with Megatron, Starscream, and Shockwave when the Ark crashed into the [[Yukon]], Megatron had returned to power. Starscream had been fully rebuilt, Shockwave's disembodied head was rigged to exist only in a tortured advisory role, and [[:Image:Ratchetgamesofdeception.jpg|Ratchet's body was stashed]], seemingly lifeless, in a dark corner of Megatron's new throne room within the Ark's remains. {{storylink|Games of Deception}}

Megatron kept Ratchet there for his own amusement, able to talk but not to move, because the Decepticon leader had begun to consider his unlikely nemesis a friend. The Decepticon leader enjoyed toying with Ratchet's doubts; he asked Ratchet why Optimus Prime hadn't come to rescue him in all these years. Megatron also enjoyed hearing Ratchet's measured responses, many of which genuinely took him by surprise, though some Megatron didn't think Ratchet truly believed.

Megatron wanted Ratchet to know the real reason why the Transformers fight. After they watched Megatron's plan to assassinate [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] (and end the Decepticon civil war) culminate in success, he told Ratchet why. It's not to win or to lose, but because of who they were. The Transformers were born to fight. Megatron picked up Ratchet's motionless body, set it inside a [[CR chamber|bubbling tank]], and left him there. As Ratchet felt his body begin to dissolve, Megatron asked him to give Prime his regards.

Later, the Autobots secured the abandoned Ark and found Ratchet inside the tank, reformatted into a new body. However, Ratchet noted that his new surgical tools looked suspiciously like weapons. He recalled Megatron's words about why the Transformers fight. Did he truly have no choice? {{storylink|At Fight's End}}

{{-}}

===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Don Messick]] (English), [[Wally Burr]] (English, "[[Masquerade]]" only), [[Masashi Ebara]] (Japanese), [[Garcia Neto]] (Brazil), Roberto Alexander (Latin American)

[[Image:Ratchetg1cartoon.jpg|right|240px|thumb|Ruh-roh. Rooby-rooby-roo!]]
Ratchet served as chief medical officer of the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' on its mission to seek out new energy sources to fuel the Autobot struggle against the Decepticons. When the ''Ark'' was boarded by the crew of the ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]'', Ratchet attempted to defend his ship by attacking [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]], but was thrown into a computer console for his trouble. Ratchet and the other Transformers were forced into emergency [[stasis lock]] when the out-of-control ''Ark'' crashed into a volcano on a [[Earth|primitive planet]]. Four million years later, the volcano erupted, activating [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] to rebuild the Autobots and Decepticons. Ratchet was rebuilt into a human-scaled ambulance. After [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] and [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper's]] failed scouting mission ended in a counterattack by [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]], Ratchet arrived with [[Hauler]] to pull the damaged Hound out of a ravine. Once he finished repairing Hound, Ratchet was part of the battlegroup sent to stop the Decepticons stealing the oil from an off-shore oil rig. However, he did not fare well in this battle. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 1}}

After the Autobots saved their new human friends, Spike and Sparkplug Witwicky, from the oil rig fire, Ratchet repaired [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]]'s damaged arm in the repair bay outside the ''Ark.'' {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 2}} When [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] was caught in the explosion of the [[Ruby Crystal Mines of Burma]], Ratchet helped the Autobot leader recover, but evidently his skills as a medic were not required, as Prime was totally fine after transforming back into robot mode. Soon afterwards, Ironhide was shot by Skywarp, so Ratchet carried the old-timer back to base for repairs. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 3}}

During an ill-fated Autobot attempt to defend the local solar power plant, [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] managed to shoot the guns out of Ratchet and Prowl's hands. Smarting from the concussion blast, Ratchet called for the Autobots to fall back. However, Ironhide once again managed to get himself damaged while saving Optimus Prime. Ironhide objected to Ratchet and Sparkplug's diagnosis of his damage, but Ratchet warned him against backtalk or the medic would short out Ironhide's mouth circuit. To prevent further argument, he shut down Ironhide, cutting off the warrior in mid-sentence. After the Autobots were led into a trap by a reprogrammed [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], Ratchet discovered the tampering done by the Decepticons and restored the little Autobot. {{storylink|Transport to Oblivion}}

[[Image:DivideandConquer Ratchet at work.jpg|thumb|left|240px|"…But I'm still alive!" — "No matter, Optimus. Doctor knows better!"]]
Ratchet patched up the Autobots quick smart after they were caught in an explosion at a hi-tech lab. Of course, he immediately afterwards had to alert them to incoming Decepticons, and probably had to put them back together again after the ensuing battle. {{storylink|Roll for It}} With Optimus critically injured after a Decepticon attack, Ratchet and Wheeljack worked to repair their leader, only for [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] to sneak into the base and inflict more damage on Optimus. Ratchet and Wheeljack continued to work, eventually succeeding in saving Prime's life using a [[Cosmitron]] retrieved from Cybertron by [[Chip Chase]] and a team of Autobots. {{storylink|Divide and Conquer}}

A group of Autobots including Ratchet enjoyed hijinks in the snow when abnormal weather conditions were caused by the Decepticons tapping a crystal in the Arctic. The Autobots went to the Arctic, where Ratchet was part of Ironhide's team, which was separated from the main Autobot force and captured by the Decepticons. After the group faked their own destruction, Ratchet repaired [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]], who had been shot by Starscream after refusing to terminate the Autobots. {{storylink|Fire in the Sky}} Inspired by the discovery of dinosaur bones, Ratchet and Wheeljack designed and built the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]]s. Unfortunately the new warriors were difficult to control, and Ratchet was soon patching up [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]]. After the rest of the Autobots fell foul of the Decepticons, Wheeljack had the idea of reactivating the Dinobots, and he and Ratchet installed new brain modules, allowing the Dinobots to be successfully used in battle. {{storylink|S.O.S. Dinobots}}

Ratchet was one of the Autobots who went to [[Peru]] when the Decepticons discovered the [[Crystal of Power]] there, and built a cannon to utilise it. {{storylink|Fire on the Mountain}} Ratchet was on hand for the impact of [[Meteorini Chipperoni]] and Optimus subsequently ordered him and Wheeljack to construct two more Dinobots to bolster the Autobots' ranks. Once [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] and [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] were constructed, Ratchet and Wheeljack held a demonstration. The two new additions quickly proved themselves and were dispatched to aid Optimus Prime, who'd run afoul of the other three Dinobots after [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] turned them against the Autobots. By the time Ratchet and the other Autobots got there, Optimus had persuaded [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] to defect back. {{storylink|War of the Dinobots}}

Following a rescue mission to retrieve Sparkplug from the Decepticon base, Ratchet was again repairing the Autobots when Sparkplug started trying to repair him, despite him being undamaged. Sparkplug then started working on Prime, despite Ratchet pointing out that Prime had already been fixed. Sparkplug was under the control of the Decepticons, and had sabotaged the Autobots weapons and Teletraan I, so the Decepticons could attack. After the attack was repelled, Ratchet repaired Teletraan I, which alerted the Autobots to the giant [[space bridge]] which the Decepticons were building. The Autobots rolled out, but were unable to prevent Cybertron being dragged into [[Earth]]'s orbit. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 1}}

[[Image:UltimateDoom2 Autobot volcano.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]
Retreating to headquarters, the Autobots sent out the Dinobots to battle the disasters caused by the nearby Cybertron. The [[Mount St. Hilary|volcano]] which the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] was embedded in became active, erupting and spewing Ratchet, [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] and [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] into the air, necessitating a rescue on the part of Skyfire. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 2}} Ratchet surfed with Optimus Prime and the others to where the Decepticons were building a generator, though they were unable to prevent the Decepticons getting away with a shuttle full of energon and saved a bunch of humans instead. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 3}}

Once Cybertron was blasted out of orbit, Ratchet and the other Autobots set about repairing the devastation it had wrought on Earth. They were subsequently occupied preventing [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]'s plan to destroy the planet using an [[Exponential Generator]]. {{storylink|Countdown to Extinction (episode)|Countdown to Extinction}} After Megatron challenged Optimus to a one-on-one duel, the Autobots watched in horror as the Autobot leader was defeated. They later discovered that Megatron had cheated, rendering the results of the contest void, and allowed them to legally blast the Decepticons into a lava-filled crevasse. {{storylink|Heavy Metal War}}

[[Image:G1 ChangingGears Ratchet karate.jpg|left|260px|thumb|Now COUGH!]]
After Spike was injured during a battle with the Decepticons, Ratchet carried their injured human friend to the metro hospital. While Spike's mind was transferred into the [[Autobot X]] experimental body Sparkplug had made earlier, Ratchet repaired the battle-damaged Bumblebee, but was forced to cut short his repairs after Spike went on a rampage in his new body. After Spike's mind was returned to his real body, Ratchet theorised that he could probably fix the problems in the mind-transfer process, but thought it was better left alone. {{storylink|Autobot Spike}} When Megatron captured [[Gears (G1)|Gears]] and unwittingly threatened the destruction of the Earth with his [[Solar Needle]], Ratchet totally fly-kicked Thundercracker. After the Decepticons retreated, Ratchet and Wheeljack argued over which wire they had to disconnect to stabilize the [[Sun]]. However, nobody seemed to notice that he and Gears sounded exactly the same. {{storylink|Changing Gears}}

Part of a mission to [[New York City]] to investigate the disappearance of the [[Empire State Building]], Ratchet joined Spike, Hound, Bumblebee and [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] in entering the city via the sewers in an attempt to recover Optimus Prime. When they finally found their leader, he had been disassembled by [[Hook (G1)|Hook]], and Ratchet had a heck of a job putting him back together again, including having to wrangle an [[alligatorcon]]. During a battle on the streets of the city, Ratchet and Ironhide ended up in the Decepticon's new skyscraper, and were again able to rescue Prime from a nasty fall. {{storylink|City of Steel}}

[[Image:AttackoftheAutobots Prime and Ratchet on rocket.jpg|thumb|right|200px|"I can see my house from here!"]]
Ratchet was one of the Autobots affected by Megatron's [[personality destabilizer device]] and was compelled to attempt to get some blueprints from [[Doctor Harding]]. After being de-evilled by one of Sparkplug's [[attitude exchanger]]s, Ratchet and Optimus jumped aboard a rocket in mid-air and Ratchet detached a solar satellite even as the rocket blasted towards space. The pair were able to get the satellite into space on Skyfire's back. Afterwards, Ratchet and Sparkplug realised they had to repair all of the jets the Autobots had trashed while under Decepticon control. {{storylink|Attack of the Autobots}} He patched up Mirage after another battle, and told the other Autobot to rest, but Mirage instead rushed off to prove he wasn't a traitor as Cliffjumper had suggested. After Mirage led the Autobots into a trap, Ratchet found one of [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]]'s [[cerebro-shell]]s on Mirage's forehead. After the inevitable battle, Ratchet patched Mirage up once more. {{storylink|Traitor}}

[[Image:Immobilizer Ratchet ambulance mode.jpg|thumb|left|200px]]
Ratchet attended the demonstration of Wheeljack's latest invention, the [[Wheeljack Instant Immobilizer|Immobilizer]]. It didn't go well, with Wheeljack being accidentally immobilized and the Decepticons stealing his device. Wheeljack was loaded into the back of Ratchet's ambulance mode, and they returned to base where Ratchet repaired Ironhide, telling him to STFU when he blamed himself for the attack. The Autobots were eventually able to get the Immobilizer back. {{storylink|The Immobilizer}} Ratchet was one of those who didn't take part in a charity race and was thus spared from being affected by the Decepticon's [[Transfixatron]] ray and captured. He and Wheeljack constructed an [[anti-transfixation grenade]] and mounted an attack with a small group to rescue the other Autobots. Afterwards, Ratcher realised that he was going to be repairing for days. {{storylink|The Autobot Run}}

He took part in the defence of [[Washington, D.C.]] against the combined forces of the Decepticons and [[Sub-Atlantica]]ns. {{storylink|Atlantis, Arise!}} Ordered to guard [[Nightbird (G1)|Nightbird]], he an Wheeljack cracked jokes at the robot's expense, until Optimus told them off. They were unable to prevent the robot's capture by the Decepticons and returned to base, where Ratchet repaired Brawn. A stealth attack by the reprogrammed ninja resulted in the loss of power to the base, and Ratchet soon discovered that the [[World Energy Chip]] had been stolen. {{storylink|Enter the Nightbird}}

[[Image:Dinobotislandratch&spark.jpg|right|thumb|250px]]
Ratchet, like the other Autobots, was taken in by Megatron's [[Optimus Prime clone]], at least until Windcharger revealed the truth. {{storylink|A Prime Problem}} He also took part in an attempt to stop one of Megatron's plans using [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]], {{storylink|The Core}} and helped Wheeljack whipped up an antidote to prevent the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticon]]s exploding after they consumed the [[Nova Power Core]]. {{storylink|The Insecticon Syndrome}} After another Dinobot rampage at Autobot Headquarters, Ratchet sighed and started the repairs once again. The Dinobots were subsequently banished to [[Dinobot Island (G1)|Dinobot Island]], no doubt to his relief. {{storylink|Dinobot Island, Part 1}} With Sparkplug's help, repairs were soon complete. When Teletraan I detected a disturbance near the library Spike was visiting, Ratchet reassured Sparkplug as the rest of the Autobots rolled out. {{storylink|Dinobot Island, Part 2}}

When Megatron found the [[Heart of Cybertron]], Ratchet was among the group of Autobots who were first to feel his wrath and had to limp back to base. While [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] put a bizarre plan into operation, Ratchet and Wheeljack set up a forcefield to hold back the Decepticon leader until Perceptor's plan could succeed. {{storylink|Microbots}} Ratchet attended the [[Autobot Day]] celebration, during which Megatron managed to frame the Autobots. The Autobots were subsequently banished from Earth. {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1}} They almost perished in the [[Sun]], but made it back to Earth in time to overthrow the Decepticons. {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 2}}

After the Dinobots were damaged in a Decepticon attack, Ratchet repaired them, only for them to desert the Autobot forces. There's gratitude for you. A short time later, the Autobots were all disabled by [[Cybertonium]] depletion. {{storylink|Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 1}} With Spike and [[Carly]]'s help, the Dinobot retrieved more Cybertonium from Cybertron, and the Autobots were able to repair themselves. {{storylink|Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 2}} Ratchet was among the Autobots who turned up too late to prevent Megatron from stealing the [[Voltronic Galaxer]]. After the Decepticons used it to jam Earth's radio signals, Ratchet helped some humans who'd become trapped in a blizzard. {{storylink|Blaster Blues}} He was also part of the group who coated themselves in [[electrum]] to defeat the Decepticons. {{storylink|The Golden Lagoon}}

[[Image:Kremzeek! Ratchet with Kremzeek.jpg|thumb|left|200px|- Are you an elf? - No, I'm delirium tremens!]]
While defending New York against Decepticons drones, Ratchet realised that the drones didn't have brains, meaning they were remote controlled. Once [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] had broadcast a jamming signal, the Autobots were able to attack the Decepticon base in the [[Pine Barrens]]. Ratchet, Wheeljack and Hoist joined Sparkplug and [[Raoul]] in turning the drones back into cars. {{storylink|Make Tracks}} After Optimus Prime's team of Autobots went missing, Ratchet and the others attempted fruitlessly to find out where they'd gone. {{storylink|Child's Play (episode)|Child's Play}} Ratchet also took part in the operation to rescue [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] from a horde of [[Morphobot]]s. {{storylink|Quest for Survival}} He was one of the first Autobots to be disabled by [[Kremzeek]], which didn't bode well for the Autobots' chances of getting repaired. {{storylink|Kremzeek!}}

After Optimus beat [[Lord Chumley]]'s death traps, Ratchet and the other Autobots provided Prime with reinforcements. {{storylink|Prime Target}} He and Wheeljack picked up [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] after the Autobot plane was defeated by the [[Conehead]]s. Ratchet started patching him up, but Powerglide refused further treatment until he could rescue [[Astoria Carlton-Ritz|Astoria]], the spunky heiress he'd been charged with protecting. Once Astoria was safe, Powerglide returned for more repairs, and Ratchet joined in mocking him for his apparent [[Transformer romance|romantic feelings]] for the girl. {{storylink|The Girl Who Loved Powerglide}}

[[Image:KeyVectorSigma1 Ratchet thoughtful.jpg|thumb|right|200px| Did I prescribe him a soporific or purgative? Or both? ]]
Although Ratchet was puzzled by Megatron's sudden interest in stealing cars, Optimus knew what the Decepticons were up to, and led a team, including Ratchet, to Cybertron. There, they found [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]] badly damaged. Once Ratchet and Wheeljack had repaired him, he explained that Megatron had taken the [[Key to Vector Sigma]], and the Autobots journeyed underground. Encountering [[Centurion droid|Centurions]] left by Megatron to guard the way, Ratchet and Wheeljack repaired Maintenance drones to send against them in battle. Unfortunately they reached [[Vector Sigma]] too late, and Optimus ordered that some shuttles be rebuilt into the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbot]]s. {{storylink|The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 1}} The Autobots returned to Earth with the new additions, and [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] promptly blew up on landing, resulting in Ratchet, Wheeljack and Sparkplug working feverishly to save the giant Autobot's life and repair his body. They ultimately succeeded. {{storylink|The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 2}}

[[Image:CosmicRust Ratchet and Blaster infected.jpg|thumb|left|260px|'Cause this is thriller, thriller night!]]
The Aerialbots, much to Ratchet's disgust, seemed to admire the Decepticon [[seeker (body-type)|seeker]]s. When the Autobot team was plunged millions of years back in time Ratchet worked with Wheeljack to repair the Decepticon time machine to get them back. They managed to, but wouldn't tell Ratchet what had happened, leaving the story telling to Optimus. {{storylink|War Dawn}} Ratchet helped apply [[corrostop]] to the [[Statue of Liberty]], and was later affected by the [[Cosmic Rust (disease)|Cosmic Rust]] that Megatron brought back from space. {{storylink|Cosmic Rust (episode)|Cosmic Rust}}

[[Image:TFTM Ratchet dies.jpg|right|190px|thumb|Seen here suffering from a unique condition known as "Dying Ratchet Syndrome".]]
After [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] and Cliffjumper were kidnapped by Starscream and the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticon]]s to provide [[energy absorber]]s, the Autobots launched an attack while the Combaticons were busy fighting Megatron's forces. Ratchet and Grapple managed to rescue the two prisoners during the distraction. {{storylink|Starscream's Brigade}} Ratchet was also a part of the team which came to the Aerialbots' aid, after they fell into a trap laid by the Combaticons. {{storylink|Aerial Assault}} During another of Megatron's plans, the Autobots captured the Stunticons, and Ratchet customised some of the Autobots using [[camouflage paint]] to disguise them as the Decepticon team. Somehow this worked, and after Megatron's plan was foiled, Ratchet and the rest of the Autobots provided reinforcements. {{storylink|Masquerade}}

In the year 2005, while piloting a secret mission to [[Autobot City]] in order to gather a stockpile of [[Energon (fuel)|energon]] from Earth, Ratchet and his allies were attacked by Megatron. Ratchet and Ironhide returned fire, but they were both shot repeatedly and left for dead on the floor of the shuttle as the Decepticons continued with their attack on Autobot City. {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie}}

Ratchet's body was evidently recovered for interment, as his grave was housed in the interstellar [[Autobot Mausoleum]]. Sadly, it was not Ratchet's fate to rest in peace; along with the mausoleum itself, Ratchet's remains were later plunged into a star as a side-effect of a [[Quintesson]] plot. {{storylink|Dark Awakening}}

====Japanese cartoon continuity====
=====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' comic=====
Amidst a massive battle against the Decepticons at the Autobot base in Arizona, Ratchet was one of the first to notice that [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] and his cassette forces were nowhere to be found. Now suspicious, [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] immediately alerted all his units in Japan to be on the lookout for the Decepticon. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 2}}

Later, as [[Kenji]] was enjoying a tour of a secret Autobot facility in Japan, Ratchet was alerted to an attack by [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] and [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] in Yokohama. The Autobots immediately rolled out to meet the threat. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 4}}
=====Full Throttle Scramble Power!=====
Ratchet was one of about a kajillion Autobots who arrived on Metroplex to provide reinforcements for Optimus Prime after the Decepticon's [[Omega Whip]] weapon was destroyed.{{storylink|Full Throttle Scramble Power!}}

=====The Stargate Battles=====

[[Image:Stargatebattles_ratchet.jpg|left|thumb|220px]]

In the 1990s, Ratchet used Cybertronian technology to save the lives of human scientist [[Professor Adle]] and his daughter [[Katua Adle|Katua]] when they were both badly injured in an explosion during a field test of one of the professor's creations. The professor's right arm was blown off and Katua lost her right leg, but Ratchet was able to fit them with cybernetic prosthetics so advanced that they were even able to experience pain and warmth through them as if they were their real limbs. This convinced Professor Adle of the Autobots' nobility, while Katua developed a fondness for Ratchet. {{storylink|Divided Views}}

About six months later, Ratchet was part of a delegation of Autobots who accompanied Optimus Prime to a press conference in America. The conference announced the construction of "[[Warp Gate|The Trigger]]", an interstellar teleportation system jointly developed between the Autobots and the United States government, and Ratchet helped Wheeljack write the speech that Prime proceeded to recite to the assembled human masses. Ignoring [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]]'s attempts to keep them quiet while the conference was going on, Ratchet and Wheeljack muttered to each other that they didn't like the Trigger's gun-shaped design, as it reminded them entirely too much of Megatron. {{storylink|First Contact}}

A little later, when human protesters gathered to object to the presence of the Autobots on Earth, Katua Adle was able to prove that they were not emotionless metal monsters by revealing her prosthetic leg to the irate crowd and explained that she could feel through it. After all, how could Ratchet have replicated those sensations if he did not know them himself? The shamed crowd relented, and Optimus Prime told Katua that he would pass her kind words on to Ratchet himself. {{storylink|Divided Views}}

=====''Binaltech''=====
Along with [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]], Ratchet helped implant [[Chip Chase]]'s consciousness into the lifeless Prowl-2 shell when Prowl's spark was lost in [[subspace]].

===Big Looker storybooks continuity===
[[Image:Ratchetgreatcarrally.jpg|left|200px|thumb|"You sure are a jerk when you repair me, Ratchet!"]]
{{quote|You sure go all to pieces when a missile hits you, Hound.}}

While [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] was taking part in a cross-country Car Rally, he was attacked by [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]]'s missiles. Ratchet raced onto the scene to repair Hound, and joked that his patient sure falls apart when a missile hits him! Also, Hound complained that Ratchet was screwing him together too tightly, causing him pain.

Ratchet is kind of a jerk. {{storylink|The Great Car Rally}}

Following a battle with the Decepticons that resulted in many Autobot injuries, Ratchet and [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] were busy trying to fix them. Optimus Prime asked them about their progress, but they both sighed. Ratchet noted that even the mighty Dinobots were out of commission, for they had suffered the heaviest losses. But suddenly, the Decepticons attacked, having repaired their warriors in record time! Optimus Prime called his remaining functional warriors to the highways while Ratchet and Huffer returned to their repairs. {{storylink|Decepticon Hijack}}
{{-}}

===''Beast Wars'' cartoon===
[[Image:Agenda3-AutobotsonArkattack.jpg|right|thumb|300px|He's fallen and he's not getting up.]]
Four million years ago, Ratchet, Optimus Prime, Prowl, Ironhide, and Jazz were on the bridge of the Ark when it was suddenly attacked by the ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]''. It crashed in a dormant volcano for untold years until it was disturbed by the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]], who had traveled from the far future. Ratchet's body was sprawled across a pile of boxes. Frozen in [[stasis lock]] as he was, Ratchet was unable to stop the Predacon from assassinating the equally comatose Optimus Prime. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part III)}} This act would have rewritten history from that moment forward, but the ensuing time storm was stopped by [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] and some time-traveling [[Maximal]]s. {{storylink|Optimal Situation}}

{{-}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
{{notekeepers}}
{{quote|"OW! I should blast you to atoms! You did that ''on purpose''!" 
"Tone down your audio amplifiers, will ya? That ''didn't'' hurt... ''much''."|Starscream and Ratchet|"[[Skyfire (issue)|Skyfire]]"|style=2}}

[[Image:Ratchettww.jpg|left|180px|thumb|The Cybertronian red cross is Pac-Man.]]
8.2 million years ago, Ratchet accompanied [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]], and [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] to the [[Border Regions|Sub-Orbital District]] of [[Iacon (city-state)|Iacon]], which had been devastated after [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] activated the planetary engines. He found no life signs in the entire blast radius. {{storylink|The War Within}} 600,000 years later, Ratchet remained with the Prowl-led Autobots after Optimus Prime disappeared in a [[space bridge]] explosion. He repaired [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] after the theoretician was damaged in a battle with [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]]. {{storylink|War Within: The Dark Ages}}

Ratchet was among the crew of the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' when it crashed on [[Earth]], and awoke in 1984 to battle the [[Decepticon]]s. After years of fighting, Ratchet and the other Autobots took part in [[Operation Liberation]] in 1998, a joint human/Autobot operation that defeated and captured the Earth-bound Decepticons. However, the ''[[Ark II]]'', which was meant to convey the Autobots, the captured Decepticons, and a number of humans back to Cybertron, was sabotaged by General [[Robert Hallo]], sending Ratchet and his comrades to the bottom of the [[Arctic Ocean]]. Years later, Ratchet was brought back by the sinister [[Lazarus]], who had recovered and reprogrammed a number of Transformers for his nefarious ends. However, when [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] broke free of Lazarus's control, he hooked up Ratchet and a number of other Autobots to a device that generated a deadly "metal virus". Soon after, [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] detached Ratchet and the others from the doomsday device, and he eventually recovered. {{storylink|Prime Directive}}

''When the alien [[Keeper (species)|Keepers]] took over [[Las Vegas]], Ratchet was among the Autobots assembled by Optimus Prime to invade the occupied area. While the others engaged in battle, Ratchet was tasked with dealing with the collateral damage, and leading the human residents of Las Vegas to safety. He returned to the protection of Optimus Prime and his [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] augmented power before a nuclear strike hit the city, and lent his skills to repairing the Autobots who had given their energon to power up Prime's "Finishing Move". {{storylink|Annihilation|Annihilation}}''

''Over the next few days, Ratchet brought all the Autobots back on-line, including [[Bluestreak]], [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] and [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]], who had each been drastically injured over the course of the preceding events. No sooner had Bluestreak been reactivated, though, that he was drawn back into the Keepers' control by their pawn, [[Franklin Townsend]]. Franklin's status as an "[[augment]]" -- a human specially engineered using Cybertronian technology -- allowed him to bypass [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]]'s security and infiltrate the ''Ark''. Ratchet blamed himself for allowed that loophole in the security system. Later, Ratchet diagnosed the effects of the [[deconstructionite]]s -- reverse-engineered nanotechnology used by the government against the Transformers to drain away their processing power. {{storylink|Fusion (novel)|Fusion}}''

Ratchet took part in a battle in the [[Canada|Canadian]] Arctic with the Decepticons over possession of a crashed spacecraft containing [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]]. As the Autobots overwhelmed their foes, [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] arrived on the planet and gave them an ultimatum: Surrender and return to a newly unified Cybertron, or be destroyed. {{storylink|New World Order}} The Autobots returned to the ''Ark'', where Optimus Prime assigned Ratchet to a [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]]-led team that was to remain on Earth. {{storylink|Brothers' Burden}} After Shockwave's lieutenant, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]], took Prime and others back to Cybertron, Ratchet and [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] remained at the ''Ark'' as Jazz, [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]], and [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] attempted to locate Scourge and his ship. {{storylink|Cold War}}

[[Image:DWSkyfire Starscream Ratchet.jpg|right|300px|thumb|My crotch is my stomach.]]
When [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and a team of Decepticons arrived on Earth, they attacked the ''Ark''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s inhabitants, wanting the starship for themselves. In the initial assault, the Autobots managed to take [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]], his cassettes, [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]], and [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] prisoner, but eventually all the Autobots but Ratchet and Brawn were defeated by the mighty [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]]. Expecting a supply ship from Cybertron later that day, Ratchet and Brawn slipped past the ''Ark''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s berserk defense systems in order to contact the ship and warn them. Unfortunately, Bruticus arrived soon after, and they were forced to destroy the ''Ark'' rather than let the Decepticons have access to [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]]. {{storylink|Night of the Combaticons}} Before the battle could escalate further, it was interrupted by the arrival of [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]], a [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]] seemingly powered by supernatural forces. An uneasy truce was formed between the small group of Autobots and Decepticons, and Ratchet begrudgingly put his medic skills to work on Starscream. {{storylink|Skyfire (issue)|Skyfire}} However, after Jetfire left the ''[[Orion (ship)|Orion]]'' to go after Sunstorm, Starscream used his [[Null-ray]] on the remaining Autobots, including Ratchet. {{storylink|The Omega Effect}}

Ratchet later aided in the construction of Autobot City. {{storylink|The Route of All Evil}}
{{-}}

===''G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers''===
[[Image:Ratchetjoetf2.jpg|left|140px|thumb|Physician, arm thyself.]]
In an alternate timeline, a newly formed [[human]] terrorist organization named [[Cobra]] uncovered the ''Ark'' buried in a dormant volcano. Finding two armies of giant, transformable robots, they repurposed these aliens for their own use, rebuilding them so they could reconfigure into various Cobra-designed vehicles. Ratchet was reprogrammed and rebuilt into a Cobra [[H.I.S.S.]] tank. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 1}} [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] was able to break free from his reprogramming and awaken the other Transformers {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 4}}, and, with the help of the human anti-terrorist task-force [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]], he defeated Megatron and Cobra. An alliance between the Autobots and the United States government was formed. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 5}}

Two years later, a malfunction in [[Teletran 3]] sent dozens of Transformers into various points in history, an act which, if not reversed, would result in a perpetual holocaust being unleashed across [[Earth]]. To retrieve one Transformer and bring him home, a team of Cobra and G.I. Joe agents were sent 15 years into an apocalyptic future where [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] and his Decepticons ruled. The remaining cyborged humans had formed a resistance which had only one Autobot warrior who stood between them and utter annihilation. The last Autobot alive, Ratchet had grown bitter and battle-hardened after years of guerrilla warfare, and he demanded the team sent to bring him back to the present day help him complete one more mission. Ratchet, the Joes, and the Cobra agents were successful in freeing a factory nearby that was manned by enslaved humans, but Ratchet refused to go home with them and abandon his calling. [[Barbecue]] returned Ratchet home against his wishes, and as Ratchet cursed the stupid little creature, the [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] of the present day shot Ratchet in the back, putting him out of commission. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II issue 3}}

Later, when [[Serpent O.R.]] took Optimus Prime prisoner, Ratchet (still in his post-apocalyptic body) was part of [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]]'s rescue team. {{storylink|The Art of War issue 4}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers/G.I. Joe''===
Ratchet was among the Autobots who were awakened by [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] in [[1939]], and joined their war on [[Cobra]] and the Decepticons. During the assault on the Cobra [[Terrordrome]], he wondered why the Decepticons were so easy to defeat ''now'', after having been such a pain in the neck back on Cybertron. Ratchet most likely perished when the [[Matrix of Leadership]] was smashed to pieces shortly afterwards. {{storylink|The Iron Fist}}

===''Transformers Legends'' anthology===
Ratchet was happy enough to repair a badly-damaged Starscream, when the latter was brought in to the Ark. He agreed with Wheeljack that they should take the opportunity to take a look at Starscream's logic circuits, and maybe see if there was anything untoward which was making him such a disagreeable fellow, and Optimus was eventually talked around. It wasn't long before Ratchet had Starscream back online, amnesiac and surprisingly benign (it didn't last). {{storylink|Redemption Center}}

While on a mission to retrieve [[Sky Spy]], Ratchet encountered [[Stitch]], a veteran army medic, and helped him save a woman trapped in a swollen creek. The woman needed emergency medical treatment, so Ratchet used Sky Spy to scan the necessary information from Stitch's mind in order to complete surgery on the woman. Sometime later, Ratchet checked on Stitch and presented him with a new cybernetic arm to replace the one he used to repair Sky Spy. {{storylink|Healers, Fighters, and Transformers}}

===''Timelines''===
[[Image:Ratchetironhidedescent.jpg|left|180px|thumb|Amazingly not dead.]]
Years after the Decepticon and Autobot Wars had ended, Ratchet and five other Autobots were sent to [[Ceti Alpha Seven]] to destroy [[Deathsaurus (Victory)|General Deathsaurus's]] Insecticon clone lab and stop his planned Decepticon uprising. After a team of four (consisting of [[Outback|Fallback]], [[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]], [[Flareup (Timelines)|Flareup]], and [[Ricochet (Descent into Evil)|Ricochet]]) failed, Ratchet and [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] followed to help. After battling swarms of [[Virulent Clones]] and [[Buzzclaw (Timelines)|Buzzclaw]], they finally met up with Deathsaurus himself. Ironhide stayed to fight the general, and Ratchet separated to find their fallen friends.

Ratchet managed to gather the victims but was captured by Deathsaurus along with Ironhide. Both were restrained inside the lab, which was set to detonate. Before this happened, Ricochet snuck in and freed them, allowing them to gather the wounded and escape as the clone lab was destroyed. {{storylink|Descent into Evil}}
{{-}}

=== IDW comics continuity ===
{{ongoing}}
[[Image:Infiltration3_Ratchet.jpg|left|350px|thumb|]]

[[Image:Ratchetholomatter.jpg|right|100px|thumb|Ratchet's holo-matter avatar has no mouth, and he must snark.]]
Before the war with the Decepticons Ratchet served with the Security Forces stationed in Kaon. He was present at the funeral of [[Bumper (G1)|Bumper]] and [[Fastback (G1)|Fastback]]. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 3}}

Ratchet was part of a detachment of Autobots that had operated covertly on Earth for at least four years, attempting to foil a Decepticon insurgency. Although a loyal warrior, Ratchet's conscience got the better of him when he intercepted a Decepticon pulsewave ordering the elimination of [[Stoker|a human being]]. While he was too late to save that human, he encountered two more—[[Verity Carlo]] and [[Hunter O'Nion]]—who had stumbled upon the Decepticon plot. {{storylink|Infiltration issue 0}} Ratchet broke cover to save their lives, subjecting himself to the wrath of [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]], who threatened disciplinary action. {{storylink|Infiltration issue 3}}

Ratchet was seemingly alone in his convictions, until [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] agreed to help him and the humans investigate an abandoned Decepticon bunker in [[Nebraska]]. [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] and [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] arrived while the humans were reconnoitering and began an aerial bombardment of the bunker, intending to destroy it. Bumblebee and Ratchet engaged the Decepticons in order to buy the humans time to escape the collapsing bunker. {{storylink|Infiltration issue 4}}

The Autobots and humans were leaving the Decepticons to finish their work when an enraged [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] burst from the buried ruins of the bunker. Thankfully for them, Megatron was more concerned with the treachery of Blitzwing and Skywarp, allowing Ratchet and the others to escape with their lives. {{storylink|Infiltration issue 5}} Unwilling to risk their safety further, Ratchet subsequently returned the humans to ''[[Ark-17]]'', where they met the newly arrived Optimus Prime. {{storylink|Infiltration issue 6}}

Ratchet went with the Autobots to investigate Decepticon activity in the country of [[Latveria]]. There they discovered a heavily shielded "array" that the Decepticons were using as a base. {{storylink|Man and Machine, Part One}} There they skirmished with the humans that were assembled outside who were under the influence of the Decepticons' mind-altering [[Psycho-Prism]]. [[Ms. Marvel]] smashed through Ratchet's window and Ratchet subdued her with his driver-side airbag. After throwing off Ms. Marvel, Ratchet was able to attach an inhibitor device to [[Captain America]] which nullified the effects of the Psycho-Prism. He gave Captain America enough devices for everyone on his team. Now calmed down, the two groups teamed up to destroy the Psycho-Prism. They began attacking the array's defenses which caused the Decepticons to attack. {{storylink|Man and Machine, Part Two}}

During the fight, [[Luke Cage]] and Ratchet discovered a weak spot in the array's defenses and went in. Prowl followed to make sure Ratchet didn't put human interests ahead of Autobot interests, but the human [[Spider-Man]] was held captive inside, so Prowl gave in and let Ratchet and Luke Cage attempt a rescue. The two were surprised by a powered-up Megatron who blasted Ratchet and took Luke Cage hostage. {{storylink|Man and Machine, Part Three}} Ratchet awoke next to Prowl to find Spider-Man had been freed by [[Doctor Doom]]. Prowl and Ratchet decided to use the Decepticons' [[mirror response mode]] equipment to boost their power with Spider-Man's superhuman abilities. [[Wolverine (superhero)|Wolverine]] arrived with Jazz and Bumblebee and suggested they use his abilities instead. They did, then [[orbital jump|orbital bounced]] with Spider-Man back to the battle outside, where their added strength helped defeat Megatron. Wolverine, Jazz, and Bumblebee stayed to destroy the Psycho-Prism. {{storylink|Man and Machine, Part Four}}

[[Image:Sixshot-devastation3a.jpg|thumb|right|200px|]]

After [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] was apparently destroyed by [[Machination|a mysterious human organisation]], Ratchet determined that the wreckage the Autobots recovered was a fake. {{storylink|Escalation issue 2}} Later, Ratchet and [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]], against orders, accompanied Verity Carlo and [[Jimmy Pink]] to find clues on the missing Sunstreaker's and Hunter's whereabouts while Optimus Prime and the other Autobots went to [[Brasnya]]. {{storylink|Escalation issue 4}} When the humans set off a trap, the Autobots saved them, though Ironhide was critically injured and Ratchet was forced to abandon him to bring the humans to safety. {{storylink|Escalation issue 6}}

When the Autobots decided to relocate the ''Ark-17'', they were attacked by [[Sixshot]], who downed the ship in mid-flight. {{storylink|Devastation issue 1}} Ratchet was ordered to take Verity and Jimmy into an escape pod while the rest of the crew piloted the ship into the ocean. {{storylink|Devastation issue 2}} Sixshot soon found Ratchet and pursued him relentlessly. Ratchet used the distraction provided by some human jet fighters to escape, hiding among an ambulance pool in [[Pensacola]], Florida. Sixshot soon flushed him out, however, and pursued him out of town, forcing Ratchet to abandon Verity and Jimmy for their own safety. When cornered at the water's edge, Ratchet prepared to make a last stand, but was saved by the timely arrival of the other Autobots. {{storylink|Devastation issue 3}}

[[Image:Devastation5 Ratchet Jazz.jpg|left|200px|thumb|CLEAR!]]

The humans made their way back to the Autobots to warn them about an air attack by the military, and Ratchet took them with him on an orbital bounce to the ''[[Ark-32]]''. Unfortunately, this killed Verity and Jimmy. {{storylink|Devastation issue 4}}

Guilt-stricken, Ratchet managed to restart their hearts after more than 5 minutes, though he feared they suffered brain damage. {{storylink|Devastation issue 5}} Some time later, however, Ratchet was present as the pair were reunited with Hunter. {{storylink|Maximum Dinobots issue 5}}

A year later, Ratchet and a number of other Autobots were led by Optimus Prime in an attempt to rid Earth of the Decepticons once and for all. Unfortunately, they fell right into a trap, and Ratchet was injured by a shot to the chest. The Autobots were then thrown into a [[space bridge]] leading to the ruins of Cybertron, where the Decepticons hoped the "[[Insecticon swarm|swarm]]" would eat them. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 7}} Whilst hiding from the swarm, Ratchet tended to the critically-damaged Optimus Prime. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 1}} After listening to [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]]'s tale about how the ''[[Trion]]'' and its crew had crashed on the planet as well {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 5}}, Ratchet mingled with him and [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]]. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 6}}

Ratchet later checked up on Sunstreaker, telling him that his separation from Hunter had been a complete success, although the human would never be "fully human" again. Their base soon came under attack from the swarm, however, so the other Autobots formed a perimeter around Ratchet and [[Roadbuster]] as they fled elsewhere. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 8}} At their new base, Ratchet managed to use a [[CR chamber]] to heal his damaged comrades, although he reported to [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] that the chamber could do nothing to improve their declining morale. In addition, he and Wheeljack were still having trouble repairing Optimus Prime, and Ratchet cursed that [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] had turned into just another "clown with a gun". Thankfully, they eventually came through and brought Prime back from the brink of death. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 9}}

Ratchet and the others finally managed to get off Cybertron thanks to [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]], and returned to Earth to continue their fight against the Decepticons. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 11}} He survived the battle in [[New York City]], and cheered with his comrades as the Decepticons fled the planet. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 12}}

Later, Ratchet was part of the rescue party that saved Bumblebee from a military attack after the yellow guy abandoned his cover to save some refugees. After repairing Bumblebee, Ratchet told the mini-bot that they found him by monitoring human radio signals. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 16|Hidden}}

Several years after the fall of Megatron, Ratchet and the Autobots were still operating on Earth. It served as a meeting point for all Autobots who had survived the great purge the Decepticons had orchestrated throughout the galaxy. {{storylink|Spotlight: Prowl}} Not all Autobots were content with the virtually directionless existence Optimus Prime had led them into, however, especially with the human organization known as [[Skywatch]] hunting them and Decepticons alike. Ratchet was present when [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] demanded Prime allow him to stage a rescue operation to recover Prowl after he was captured...and afterwards, when Ironhide came back from the mission as a corpse. He witnessed Optimus Prime abdicate his role as leader, and leave the Autobots to surrender to Skywatch. {{storylink|...For All Mankind}}

In the aftermath of Prime's decision, and the subsequent departure of a splinter faction under Hot Rod's command, Ratchet and the others were left in a state of shock. With the war effectively over and the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] missing, the line of succession was no longer clear. The Autobots decided to hold an election to see who their new leader would be. No one was more surprised than Bumblebee when HE turned out to be the new chosen leader. Ratchet quickly stepped up as Bumblebee's second, helping shepherd him into his new role. {{storylink|New Arrivals, Old Encounters}} Bumblebee's authority was challenged almost immediately by the arrival of [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]], but Ratchet did his best to support 'Bee before Magnus took off on a mission of his own. {{storylink|A Rude Awakening}}

Ratchet had his work cut out for him, though. Not only was [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] undermining Bumblebee's authority from the start, Bumblebee himself just couldn't adjust to the role quickly. Still, he supported Bumblebee's decision to form a clandestine alliance with Skywatch through Colonel [[Gordon Horiuchi]], who was acting outside his mandate in the hopes of using the Autobots to stop [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] and the other Decepticons still loose on Earth. Working in secret with Horiuchi, the Autobots hoped to prove their value and good intentions to Skywatch's higher ups by racking up an impressive number of Decepticon captures. They even began wearing specially-designed Skywatch insignia badges for communication and to mask their activities from Skywatch operatives who weren't "in the loop". After five successful bag-and-tags, however, Horiuchi threw them the first curveball. The Autobots' next target was [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]], one of their own who had left after Ultra Magnus's arrival. As Ratchet and the others refused to hunt one of their own, Horiuchi demonstrated a hidden feature of the badges -- the ability to forcibly revert the Autobots to vehicle mode at his command. {{storylink|The Hanging Sword}}

Left with no choice, Ratchet and Bumblebee led the Autobots in capturing Blurr. The whole situation was a fiasco, however, and Blurr even fired on Bumblebee during the encounter, damaging his badge. Bumblebee found the courage to defy Horiuchi and refused to turn over Blurr to Skywatch later that day. The colonel tried to mode-lock Bumblebee for his insubordination, but the shot to Bumblebee's badge had rendered it useless. Quick on the uptake, Ratchet whispered to Bumblebee to fake it so Horiuchi didn't realize he'd lost his edge over the Autobot leader. At Ratchet's prompting, the Autobots pretended the damaged badge had left Bumblebee trapped in vehicle mode permanently, despite Horiuchi's attempts to reverse the mode-lock. With Blurr's help, they recovered another Volkswagen Beetle to use as a ringer, allowing Bumblebee to leave the base and seek a solution for their predicament. Because Skywatch was constantly monitoring their vocal output using the badges, Ratchet and the others couldn't even speak a word of encouragement to 'Bee as he set off on his mission. {{storylink|The Impossible Knot}}

With Bumblebee on the loose, Ratchet continued the ruse of pretending to cooperate with Colonel Horiuchi and his staff, showing them the malfunctioning "Bumblebee" for examination. Meanwhile, he and Wheeljack kept in touch with the real Bumblebee using a text-only comm signal that wouldn't show up on Skywatch's monitoring. Ratchet was named acting leader of the Autobots while "Bumblebee" was off-line, as he and Wheeljack secretly led the real Bumblebee to [[Sanjay Bharwaney]], creator of the badges' control board. Bumblebee needed access to the board's schematics in order to free his friends, but had to manipulate [[Serena Bharwaney|Bharwaney's young daughter]] into helping him. Ratchet had to comfort Bumblebee through "using" the girl for his own purposes. {{storylink|The Gift Horse}}

Unfortunately, the rogue Decepticon Skywarp had also learned of the board, and was coming to Bharwaney's to steal it. Ratchet and the other Autobots were forced to blow their cover to rush to Bumblebee's aid. They were too late, however, and Bumblebee was forced to set off an EMP, knocking him and Skywarp off-line while disabling the control board and the badges as well. As Ratchet brought Bumblebee in for repairs, he reluctantly agreed to upgrade his new commander into a more war-like, combat ready body to fit his new duties. {{storylink|Wings of Wax}}

Soon, Ultra Magnus returned from his scouting mission to challenge Bumblebee's authority again, gathering Ratchet and several other Autobots in the name of the [[Tyrest Accord]] to arrest Hot Rod for colluding with the enemy. Hot Rod's mistake became clear when his "ally", [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]], activated a new Decepticon combiner and unleashed it on the Autobots. {{storylink|Enemies of the System}}

After several Autobots were damaged fighting [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]], Ratchet began patching them up as best he could, with the help of Skywatch personnel. He barely finished working on Ultra Magnus before the enforcer stomped off to search for [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]]. {{storylink|Earthworks}} Following this, the Autobots entered a formal alliance with Skywatch. {{storylink|The Transformers issue 7}}

Ratchet was helping a human technician repair [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] when [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] showed up and asked for the Autobots' help with defeating the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] in [[North Korea]]. They accepted, but due to pressure from the [[President of the United States]], they were going to have to do it in disguise. {{storylink|International Incident Part 1: "The Land Ironclads"}} Their initial clash with the Combaticons ended in failure, and Ratchet ended up having to repair [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] and [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]]. {{storylink|International Incident Part 2: "Ranks of Bronze"}} He took to the front lines in their next attack, during which he attempted to saw off [[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]]'s rotor blades. {{storylink|International Incident Part 3: "Hawk Among the Sparrows"}} The Combaticons were ultimately defeated, but the Autobots' cover had been blown in the process. Sitting over an unconscious Vortex, Ratchet wondered what would happen to the Autobots now that their alliance with Skywatch was public knowledge. {{storylink|International Incident Part 4: "All My Sins Remembered"}}

{{note|The events of ''Spotlight: Mirage'' possibly take place in an alternate/unknown continuity.}}
Ratchet was with the Autobots hiding out in the [[Pegasus Star Cluster]], with most of the Autobot forces having been defeated. He tended to the seriously wounded Jetfire injuries, and suggested surrender to the Decepticons to save their fellow Autobot's life. When [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (disguised as Bumblebee) and the Decepticons attacked, he attempted to reason with the Decepticon mercenary about Jetfire's condition, only to be attacked for his trouble. After the Autobots surrendered, he was furious when Mirage betrayed his word and prepared to carry out Megatron's order to execute the Autobots. {{storylink|Spotlight: Mirage}}

===''Hearts of Steel''===
With Optimus Prime in stasis lock, Ratchet and [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] appeared to be the co-leaders of the Autobots in the 19th century. {{storylink|Hearts of Steel issue 1}} Despite [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee's]] pleading, he was reluctant to interfere with the humans, but nevertheless participated in the pursuit of the [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] as it headed to [[New York City|New York]]. {{storylink|Hearts of Steel issue 4}}

His "Ice Age Wars" altmode is uncertain, but it clearly has scales and spikes. His 19th-century altmode is a medical boxcar. He may be the very first Transformer depicted with a boxcar altmode, as prior to this, all train-based Transformers were locomotives.

{{-}}

===''Henkei! Henkei!'' pack-in comic===
[[Image:RatchetHenkeiTsushima.jpg|left|150px|thumb|"Ma'am, I'm just an SUV—oh, fine."]]
Despite rescuing a girl from a burning building, she had fallen unconscious, so he offered to drive her and her mother to the hospital. Unfortunately, [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] was tailing them from above. He would have blasted Ratchet, but Inferno blocked the shot with his fire truck mode, transformed, and then knocked Starscream out of the sky with his water cannon. Thanks to Inferno's help, Ratchet was able to successfully deliver the girl to the hospital.

But Ratchet's work wasn't done, as he had taken note of Inferno's heavy injuries. {{storylink|Henkei! Henkei! volume 10|Henkei! Henkei! #10}}

{{-}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[Image:Ratchettoyg1.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Why's everything so dark in here?]]
* '''Ratchet''' (1984/1986/1990/2001/2007)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''99'''
**''Accessories'': "Static Laser Gun", gun connector, 3 missiles

: Ratchet was originally a Onebox Ambulance Type toy from [[Takara]]'s ''[[Diaclone]]'' line before [[Hasbro]] brought ''Transformers'' to North America. The toy transforms from an ambulance to a robot and [[Onebox component|gun-station]]. A [[variant]] of the toy includes red crosses on the top and sides of the vehicle. Ratchet and his [[retool]]/[[redeco]] buddy [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]], like all Diaclones, were designed to be piloted mecha, which is why he has a seat instead of a head. The Transformers version applied a face sticker to the back of the seat in lieu of a real sculpted noggin.

: In 1986, he was made available as a mail-away item (as he was no longer shipping to retail shelves) in multiple offers, including the [[Digital Doom on the Highway to Destruction]] flier packed with most boxed ''Transformers'' toys. He cost $8 and two [[Robot Point]]s.

: In Japan, Ratchet was originally only available as a [[S.T.A.R.S.]] mail-away, costing 1700 yen and 4 robot points. In 2001, he was reissued in Japan as an [[e-Hobby]] [[exclusive]], paired with Ironhide.

:[[Image:Encoretoy-Ratchetwithhead.jpg|left|thumb|100px|This looks ... better?]]

: In mid-December 2007, he was reissued again as part of Takara's Transformers Encore line. This particular version came with an illustration on one box flap depicting Ratchet's cartoon-design head and chest windshield. By punching out the image along the perforated edges, folding it just so and tucking it in behind the toy's windshield, one could give the toy a "real" head, just like in the TV series, instead of using the Diaclone-original windshield face sticker. Sort of. This version of the toy was [[retool]]ed to add a pair of "clips" to the mobile platform's gun-base, designed to keep Ratchet more securely attached when riding it. However, these clips are right where a pair of decals normally go.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1984/Autobot/Ratchet/ratchet.htm More information on Ratchet at TFU.info]''

{{-}}
{{anchor|EmergencyGreen}}

[[Image:Encoreratchetemergencygreen.jpg|right|250px|thumb|To the Mystery Machine, gang!]]
* '''Ratchet Emergency Green''' (2008)
**''Accessories'': "Static Laser Gun", gun connector, 3 missiles

: A [[redeco]] of the original toy (well, the retooled Encore version) which [[homage]]s [[Ratchet (Movie)|the live-action movie Ratchet]], Ratchet Emergency Green is a Japanese mail-away exclusive available with a purchase of the book ''[[Transformers Visualworks]]''. After the book release on December 4, 2007, purchasers could mail in a ticket from the book and purchase either one (5200yen) or two (10,000 yen) of the item. Ratchet shipped to customers in April 2008. He comes in the same packaging as the regular Encore release, including packaging images, instructions, and the same white-headed cardboard torso punch-out.

: He's totally awesome.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Cybertron/EmergencyGreenRatchet/ratchet.htm More information on Emergency Green Ratchet at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

===Timelines===
[[Image:Timelinestoy-RatchetDiE.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Maybe photographing him against a white backdrop wasn't such a great idea.]]
* '''Autobot Ratchet & Flareup''' (2005)
**''Accessories'': Lightbar/blaster

: One of two "souvenir" packages [[exclusive]] to [[BotCon 2005]], Ratchet is a retooling of the ''[[Energon (franchise)|Energon]]'' Autobot [[Tow-Line (Energon)|Tow-Line]] with a new head, transforming into a large utility van. In robot mode, his lower vehicle portion becomes a [[Onebox component|mobile battle/repair platform]]. Ratchet can fold his legs back and up over his shoulders (wow!) and re-attach to this platform for a "battle mode". In this, ahem, ''position'', Ratchet can also form the top half of a two-robot "Powerlinx combiner" with any ''Energon'' Deluxe Autobot, and any of them can also use his platform for their own combination.

: The mold's standard "receiver dish" weapon was not produced; instead, he came with a new "light bar" that pegged onto his roof in much the same manner.

: He could only be purchased in an at-show "souvenir" two-pack along with [[Flareup (Timelines)|Flareup]]. This mold was also used to make [[Ironhide (G1)/toys|Ironhide]] for the same convention.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Autobot/BCRatchet/ratchet.htm More information on BotCon Ratchet at TFU.info]''

===Henkei! Henkei!===
[[Image:Henkeitoy-Ratchet.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Surprise, I'm colored like the cartoon!]]
*'''Ratchet''' (Deluxe, 2009)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''C-14'''
**''Accessories:'' Converting Cannon

: A redeco and retooling of the [[Universe (2008 franchise)|2008 ''Universe'']] [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide toy]], ''[[Henkei! Henkei! (toyline)|Henkei! Henkei!]]'' Ratchet transforms into an "emergency" SUV. He has a red Japanese-style emergency lightbar, is cast in bright white plastic and has a deco resembling Ratchet's appearance in the original cartoon series, down to his dark gray head crest. Like all ''Henkei'' toys, he features [[Vacuum metallizing|vacuum metalized]] plastic, specifically his headlights and taillights, as well as his "Converting Cannon" weapon.

{{-}}
===Universe (2008)===
====Generation 1 Series====
[[Image:Ratchet25toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|No, not that [[Ratchet (Universe)|Universe Ratchet]].]]
*'''Autobot Ratchet''' (Deluxe, 2009)
**''Accessories:'' Medical Dispenser/Combat Blade

: Like ''Henkei'' Ratchet, ''[[Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'' Ratchet is a redeco and retooling of the ''Universe'' Ironhide toy, and transforms into an "emergency" SUV. He has a blue American-style emergency lightbar (as opposed to Henkei Ratchet's different tooled red Japanese-style emergency lightbar), is cast in pearlescent white plastic and has a rather generic "Ratchety" colour/paint scheme. His license plate also reads [[The Pri¢e of Life!|H3L PU2]].

:While similar in execution, there are a great many changes from Henkei Ratchet to Universe Ratchet. The red paint detailing on Universe Ratchet is different than that of Henkei Ratchet in color and layout. The Henkei version's stripes resemble that more of his original counterpart, while the Universe version resemble that of his ''[[Ratchet (Animated)|Animated]]'' version. Henkei Ratchet uses chrome paint on his weapon and both sets of lights while the Universe version leaves them unpainted. Gray paint covers Henkei Ratchet's gun barrel and silver on his upper chest (behind the chest window), these parts remain unpainted on Universe Ratchet. The paint used for the windows of Universe Ratchet is a light blue while Henkei Ratchet uses a deeper metallic blue paint. Universe Ratchet has black forearms and upper thighs, while the Japanese version uses a pure white (different from the white used throughout the rest of the figure). Universe Ratchet has a yellow vanity plate and red head crest while Henkei Ratchet has a blank gray plate and gray head crest. Universe Ratchet features a blue blade on his weapon, while Henkei Ratchet features a red blade. Universe Ratchet also features a lighter red plastic than the Henkei version.

:Like ''Universe'' Ironhide, the blue paint used for his opaque windows matches ''really'', '''''really''''' badly with his translucent blue plastic windows.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Autobot/TFURatchet/ratchet.htm More information on Universe Ratchet at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

==Merchandise==
{{anchor|TakaraDecoy}}
[[Image:G1-toy DecoyRatchet.jpg|right|thumb|Ratchet cosplaying as Ironhide, or Ironhide cosplaying as Ratchet? You, the viewer, decides!]]
* '''Cybertron Hero Collection 22''' (Decoy multi-pack, 1985)

: In Japan, a red rubber mini-figure of Ratchet was available in part of a [[Decoy|massive multi-pack of similar mini-figurines]]. The number etched into his back is the sum total of his [[tech spec]] ratings, as these figurines were used as game pieces for a variety of ''Transformers'' board games in which this number had some meaning to how the game was played or something.

{{anchor|HasbroDecoy}}

*'''Ratchet''' (Decoy, 1987)
**''Decoy number'': '''6'''

: The [[Hasbro]] [[Decoy]] release of the Ratchet game piece is almost identical to the Japanese version, except the number on his back is a simple "checklist" number. Like all Autobot Decoys, he was a randomly-chosen pack-in available with the carded [[Throttlebot]]s, [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]], [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] and [[Technobot (G1)|Technobot]]s.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1986/Autobot/Decoys/Ratchet/ratchet.htm More information on Decoy Ratchet at TFU.info]''

{{-}}
===Super Collection Figure===
[[Image:SCF-Act6-Ratchet.jpg|right|thumb|Super-action pose doctor!]]
*'''Ratchet''' (2002)

: A three-inch tall [[plastic|PVC]] figurine of Ratchet was available in "Act 6" of [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]'s ''[[Super Collection Figure]]'' line, a slight retooling of the Ironhide figurine with a new head and "gun"-hand (despite the fact that their two [[character model]]s are not quite identical). Like all the figures in the wave, it was available as both a standard full color figure and a metallic silver "pewter" version, one of each of which was available in a standard case of twelve [[blindpacking|blindpacked]] figures. Additionally, the pewter version of Ratchet came packaged with the left leg of the wave's [[Grand Maximus]] collectable "build-a-figure".

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

: Ratchet's ''Super Collection Figure'' PVC was released the following year by Hasbro as part of their ''[[Heroes of Cybertron]]'' line. Like all the figures in the series, Ratchet was given a [[light-piping]] gimmick by being cast entirely in translucent blue plastic then painted everywhere except on his eyes and the back of his head. Part of the fifth and final wave of ''Heroes of Cybertron'', Ratchet was, unlike the Japanese figure, sold on an indivudual blister card and came packaged with the right leg of the [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] "build-a-figure".

{{--}}
===Transformers Mini-Bust===
[[Image:Ratchet-DiamondSelectstatue.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Your choice of head! His choice of medical tools.]]
*'''Ratchet''' (2009)

: Released by [[Diamond Select Toys]] in 2009, Ratchet was sculpted by [[Mark Wong]] of [[Art Asylum]] and limited to 1000 pieces. The bust continues the tradition of giving all Ratchet merchandise (but not toys) the [[wikipedia:International_Committee_of_the_Red_Cross|red cross]] insignia on their shoulders to better match the Animation model. Ratchet's Bio credits him and Wheeljack with creating the [[Dinobot_(G1)#Cartoon_continuity|Dinobots]]; effectively making him the cartoon version but he comes packaged with two heads for do-it-yourself retconning. Comic accurate red helmet with white chevron, or the cartoon accurate white helmet with grey chevron. Fans of the Universe 2.0 version (white helmet, red chevron) will have to buy some red paint when they pick their bust up. Three tools are also included with the Bust. One slightly resembling the [[Power Booster Rod]], the other a Cybertronian version of an [[wikipedia:otoscope|otoscope]] and the third is some sort of medical gear shaft. They are not sculpted on nor do they possess a magnet and are simply lodged in his hands for display.

{{-}}
==Notes==
*[[Bob Budiansky]] has said that he named Ratchet after the less-friendly medic Nurse ''Ratched'' from ''[[wikipedia:Ratched|One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest]]''.
*Ratchet never really showed his party animal spirit in Marvel, outside of the start of "Warrior School". Budiansky gives two answers for why: "1) in the comic book stories, he always found himself in situations too serious to allow his party personality to emerge. 2) I screwed up and forgot I had written that as part of his profile. I prefer to go with answer number 1." <ref>[http://www.metalmachine.net/blog/2009/11/21/todds-take-with-bob-budiansky-the-architect-of-the-transformers/ Budiansky interview at Metal Machine]</ref>
[[Image:G1RatchetSexchange.jpg|thumb|300px|So Ratchet basically avoided becoming part of the ''Girls Gone Wild'' cast. Good on her. Er, him.]]
*In the Shout! Factory Matrix of Leadership Special Edition DVD set, an interview with Bob Budiansky features close-ups of his original character notes for several characters, Ratchet being one of them. Oddly, his handwritten notes refer to Ratchet as "her" and the Autobots' "go-to gal" for repairs. While this obviously was not the final direction the character took, it is an odd [[Ratchet (Animated)#Notes|coincidence]]... and a fact that makes the early nicknames "Cool Hand Lube" and "Greasefinger" ''even more embarrassing''.
*In later years, toys sporting the name "Ratchet" require an additional "Autobot" prefix for [[trademark]] reasons, hence making the official name "'''Autobot Ratchet'''".
* Ratchet's original toy is part of a matrix of cross-referencing [[redeco]]s:
** In 2008, the original 1984 Ratchet mold got a green redeco as "Ratchet Emergency Green" in obvious reference to [[Ratchet (Movie)|his movie counterpart]].
** Meanwhile, the movie counterpart's toys got a red and white "Rescue Ratchet" redeco... based on the original colors of the 1984 toy.
** Elsewhere, [[Ratchet (Animated)|''Animated'' Ratchet]] includes elements from both characters, including Generation 1 Ratchet's chevron crest and coloration. (''Animated'' Ratchet later got a movie-based "Rescue Ratchet" redeco, to boot.)

==References==
{{reflist}}

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

[[Category:Beast Wars Autobots]]
[[Category:Convention exclusives]]
[[Category:Multi-component Transformers]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:E-Hobby]]
[[Category:Henkei! Henkei! Autobots]]
[[Category:Letters page answerers]]
[[Category:Mail order exclusives]]
[[Category:Medics]]
[[Category:Timelines characters]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]

Prowl (G1)

2010-12-25T20:17:31Z

190.20.173.129: /* The Transformers cartoon */

{{factions|autobot|autobotg2|maximal}}
{{disambig3|Prowl}}{{suite}}
:''Prowl is an [[Autobot]] and [[Maximal]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Prowlg1.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Prick.]]
'''Prowl''' is the Autobot military strategist. As such, [[Prime (rank)|Autobot Commander]] [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] keeps Prowl near at hand for his indispensable expertise. Prowl is quiet, competent, loyal, and possessed of almost endless patience.

Prowl's dedication to logic and reason make him an excellent strategist, but not much of a socialite. He really doesn't tend to get along well with his fellow Autobots, many of whom find his strict adherence to military protocol stifling, and his uptight personality sure doesn't help matters. He does not react well to the unexpected, to the point that it can literally scramble his cerebral circuits. The [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]] commander [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]], who is disorder made manifest, ''especially'' honks Prowl off, and Grimlock feels pretty much the same way in return, only with more swear words. He's very fond of his [[Acid pellet|acid pellets]], though.

{{bigquote|Listening to you, [[Bluestreak (G1)|Blue Streak]], taxes even the endless patience of '''Prowl.''' I have little to say, but my logic center dictates the most advantageous course of action in any situation.|Prowl begins his long history of prickery|"[[The Transformers (issue)|The Transformers]]"}}

:''French-Canadian name:'' '''Cervo'''
:''French-Canadian name (Action Master):'' '''Rôdeur ''' ("Prowler")
:''Chinese name (Taiwan):'' '''Pái-húai''' (徘徊, "Prowl")
:''Chinese name (China):'' '''Jing Che''' (警車, "Police Car")
:''Hungarian name'': '''Portyázó''' ("Prowler")
:''Italian name:'' '''Pantera''' ("Panther")
:''Portuguese name (Portugal comic):'' '''Batedor'''
:''Portuguese name (Brazil comic):'' '''Espreitador'''
:''Russian name'': '''Сыщик''' ("Detective")

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Generation 1====
{{noteukonly}}
''Before Optimus became leader, Prowl was part of the self-styled [[Magnificent Six]], a team of Autobot warriors who would be tortured and humiliated by the sadistic [[Megadeath (G1)|Megadeath]].'' {{storylink|The Magnificent Six!}}

[[Image:Prowlg1marvelfirst.jpg|left|100px|thumb|Well somebody's character model was ready.]]
Prowl was one of the select Autobots chosen by [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] to travel aboard the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]], and ended up in stasis lock for four million years at the base of [[Mount St. Hilary]] with the rest of the crew. Once the volcano exploded, Optimus chose Prowl to lead the first away mission into civilization. {{storylink|The Transformers (issue)|The Transformers}} Like most of the Autobots, though, he soon ran out of energy without any option of refueling on Earth, and suffered even greater injuries when the Ark and the deactivated Autobots aboard were taken over by [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] and the Decepticons. ''He was eventually revived when [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] and the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] reclaimed control of the Ark from Shockwave's drone, [[Guardian (Marvel)|Guardian]]. ''{{storylink|The Wrath of Guardian!}}

With Optimus Prime's head still in Decepticon possession, Prowl took command of the Autobots until their true leader could be restored. At [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]]'s suggestion, he forged an alliance with human fuel magnate [[G.B. Blackrock]], arranging an exchange of free gasoline for the Autobots for their help in protecting Blackrock's facilities from the Decepticons. {{storylink|DIS-Integrated Circuits!}} The Autobots were eventually successful in recovering Prime's head, and restoring him to functionality, but Prowl suffered some injuries battling the Decepticons and a false Prime in the process. {{storylink|Prime Time!}}

[[Image:Prowlg1crisisofcommand.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Some even call me a prick! And why? Because I dared to dream of my own race of atomic monsters!]]

''Shortly thereafter, Prowl was the ringleader of a group of Autobots strongly requesting that Prime use his [[Matrix of Leadership|Creation Matrix]] to create [[Ultimate Autobot]] super-warriors to wipe out the Decepticons for them. The lethal efficiency of Prowl's stance was just as strongly opposed by another faction who saw such action as a perversion of their sacred lifeforce, and the potential for laying waste to Earth. Prime's long absence and relative weakness after his recent ordeals left Prowl and the others less deferential than normal to his will, but after he singlehandedly fought through the Decepticons to rescue [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], Prowl and the other Ultimate Autobot proponents backed down and accepted Prime's final word on the subject.'' {{storylink|Crisis of Command!}} ''When the Dinobots were driven feral by their primitive circuitry, Prowl nearly sacrificed himself crashing a shuttlecraft straight into the feuding [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] and [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]].'' {{storylink|Dinobot Hunt!}}

''Prowl was displaced to [[Limbo]] along with Optimus Prime and Ratchet when [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] and [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] time-traveled from the future.'' {{storylink|Target: 2006}} ''Joined later by [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]], [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] and [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]], they found themselves in the middle of a war between the peaceful, cat-like [[Cloran]] and evil, monkey-like invaders led by [[Zenag]].'' {{storylink|Distant Thunder!}} ''When Galvatron's group returned to their own time, Prowl was released from Limbo.''

''Prowl was next in action during the [[Battlecharger]]s' rampage, and attempted to bring them in despite the endangerment of human life.'' {{storylink|Perchance to Dream|Perchance to Dream}} Deactivated by means unknown, Ratchet did manage to briefly revive him in order to exploit Prowl's police car mode against a human thief named the [[Mechanic (G1)|Mechanic]] who had infiltrated the Ark. {{storylink|Funeral for a Friend!}} Prowl was fully revived in time for Grimlock and [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]]'s grudge match on the moon, and fought alongside the combined crews of the Ark and ''[[Steelhaven]]'' against the Decepticon party-crashers. {{storylink|Totaled!}} Unfortunately, it wasn't too long afterwards that Prowl was once again knocked off-line, this time battling the [[Underbase]]-charged [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] in New York. {{storylink|Dark Star (issue)|Dark Star}}

[[Image:Prowlg1exodus.jpg|left|200px|thumb|You'd be a prick too if Grimlock kept getting promoted over you.]]

He would remain in stasis for some time, until Grimlock acquired a large supply of super-energy known as [[Nucleon]], and pumped it into all of the Ark's stasis chambers. Prowl found himself revived just in time to engage the Chaos-Bringer known as [[Unicron]] for the sake of all Cybertron, and then bury his longterm friend and leader, Optimus Prime, who sacrificed himself to destroy Unicron. {{storylink|On the Edge of Extinction!}} At Prime's last request, Prowl reluctantly supported Grimlock as new leader of the Autobots. While Grimlock pursued his own interests, though, Prowl found himself working almost alone trying to maintain the tenuous peace between the Autobots and Decepticons. He ended up overplaying his hand, and gave Decepticon leader [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] a chance to betray the Autobots, leaving them trapped on the dying world of Cybertron, without transport, while the Decepticons fled to conquer new civilizations. Luckily for Prowl, Grimlock had anticipated the Decepticons' treachery (by Primus, how'd he manage that?!?) and had secured alternate starships. The Autobots chased their foes to the planet of [[Klo]] and, thanks to the resurrection of Optimus Prime and the arrival of the [[Last Autobot]], managed to drive off Bludgeon's forces, sending them into at least temporary exile. {{storylink|End of the Road! (US)|End of the Road!}}

In an alternate 2009, Prowl was one of only seven Autobots left alive after [[Galvatron II|Galvatron]] and his Decepticons took over America. With Cybertron destroyed by [[Unicron]] and the various Primes dead, things looked bleak. Prowl and Jazz led a last-ditch assault on the Decepticon fortress and, miraculously, managed to send a signal to the rest of the world that America was still alive and fighting. When some [[Hook, Line, and Sinker|mysterious travelers]] shang-haied Galvatron from the field of battle, Prowl joined Jazz and [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] (the last of their kind) in fighting alongside their human allies with renewed vigor. Perhaps the war could yet be won! {{storylink|Rhythms of Darkness!}}

=====Earthforce=====
{{earthforcefiction}}
[[Image:Prowllittlemen.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Prowl was GEEWUN before it was fashionable.]]
''Deactivated following his battle with the [[Underbase]]-enhanced Starscream, Prowl lay recuperating within a lifepod in the Ark for months, until the [[Galvatron II|Galvatron]] of a parallel future intervened. Using a "[[mind bug]]" device, Galvatron manipulated the baser instincts of several Autobots, attempting to revive them as pawns he could use for his own purposes. Instead they revived intent on opposing him. Prowl joined [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]], [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]], [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] and [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]] in overpowering and capturing the renegade Decepticon. Wheeljack cobbled together a device that turned Galvatron's own technology against him, and Prowl slapped it on the villain's head, leaving him trapped in his own nightmares.'' {{storylink|Perchance to Dream}}

''As the days passed, Prowl attempted to readjust to the war, despite how it had changed around him. Along with Wheeljack, he lamented about the proliferation of newer types of Transformers, claiming these newcomers gave him a headache just thinking about them. Luckily, their patrol turned up several familiar enemies, including the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] and [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]] working under [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s command. Megatron had formulated a scheme to destroy Earth's atmosphere with a deadly rocket, and reap the excess energy that would no longer be filtered out before reaching the planet's surface.'' {{storylink|Starting Over!}} ''While Wheeljack engaged the Decepticons, Prowl leaped aboard the flying rocket, knocking it off course so that its deadly poison never reached the proper altitude. ''{{storylink|Desert Island Risks!}} ''He crashed down in the backwoods of Louisiana, and befriended some locals who helped fix him up over the next few days. Prowl also neutralized the rocket's poison, and got a good chuckle out of watching the two Decepticon factions arrive days later and begin fighting over a useless cargo.'' {{storylink|Life in the Slow Lane}}

''A new team of Autobots called [[Earthforce]] had been formed, partly to help recover Prowl and the atmospheric rocket, and he quickly joined the organization once reunited with his fellow Autobots. Working under Grimlock's overall command, Prowl acted as second lieutenant, providing a voice of reason and strategy for the Dinobot Commander. On one occasion, Prowl sabotaged Megatron's attempt to alter the timeline using a [[Flashback Doorway]]. The two opponents traveled back in time to the battle with Starscream, where Megatron possessed the body of [[Snaptrap (G1)|Snaptrap]], and attempted to lead the [[Seacon (G1)|Seacons]] to safety in order to receive their services in the present. Prowl possessed his own past form and ensured the Seacons' destruction before returning to the present.'' {{storylink|Flashback!}} ''He also talked Grimlock into accepting the [[Survivors]] into Earthforce, and joined them in assaulting the island base of the [[Mayhem Attack Squad]].'' {{storylink|Where Wolf?}}

''When the Autobot Earthbase was finished, Prowl gathered with all the other Autobots outside to witness Wheeljack's handiwork. Ever cautious and critical, Prowl commented on the noticeable lack of defenses. Wheeljack then turned on the defense grid and tossed a rock towards the base, triggering a series of underground weapon systems that annihilated the projectile. Prowl still wasn't convinced, and began asking how the defenses might be knocked off-line once activated. Wheeljack assured him the defenses were so completely fool proof that NO ONE could shut them off once they had been activated unless they were sitting at the control console inside the base. Prowl then gave Wheeljack his "Everybody's dumb but me" look, and did a headcount of the ''entire'' Earthforce who had come outside for the demonstration... meaning no one was inside who could shut off the deadly defense grid. In order to get back inside their base, Prowl volunteered to brave the perils and reach the console himself. With [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]], [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] and the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]] spotting him, Prowl navigated his way through lasers, [[Heat Seeker]]s, [[Acid Bat]]s, and electrified tentacles before finally shutting off the system.'' {{storylink|The House that Wheeljack Built!}}

''Later on, [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] began suffering from a case of [[Corrodia Gravis]], and the Autobots were forced to go to Starscream in order to get a compatible systems boost to save the Dinobot's life. Not destined to be an easy mission in the best of cases, Prowl, Ironhide and the remaining Dinobots walked in on an assassination in progress and the former Decepticon leaders attempted to remove the current ones from their former thrones. As was often the case, it fell on Prowl to re-explain to Grimlock why it wasn't a good thing that Starscream's life was in danger. {{storylink|External Forces!|External Forces!}} After Megatron, Shockwave and their assassins were chased off, Prowl and Grimlock made a deal with Starscream to gain his help, in exchange for agreeing to step in if Megatron ever tried to overthrow their current Decepticon regime again.'' {{storylink|The Lesser Evil}}

''When [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] injected [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] with a [[cerebro-shell]] and caused him to go wild, Earthforce was in dire straits trying to find a means of stopping the warrior juggernaut. Prowl found a human reporter on the scene named [[Irwin Spoon (G1)|Irwin Spoon]], and made a deal with him for an exclusive interview in exchange for Irwin's help removing the shell from the inside.'' {{storylink|Inside Story!}} ''Irwin was successful and got his interview. Prowl hoped the good publicity would help the Autobots establish better relations with humanity, despite Grimlock's grumbling. It seemed the Decepticons had the same notion, and so Starscream and Soundwave sent the Stunticons to kidnap Irwin from Earthbase before he could publish his story, taking him right out from under Prowl's olfactory receptor.'' {{storylink|Front Line!}} ''Prowl tried to chase down [[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]] and recover the human, but was bashed off the side of the highway, and had to be recovered by Wheeljack.'' {{storylink|End of the Road! (UK)|End of the Road!}}

''Along with the surviving Magnificent Six and Silverbolt, Prowl once more faced Megadeath in 1990 and, encouraged by Silverbolt to overcome the past, helped beat Megadeath half to death.''

=====''Another Time and Place''=====
Several months after the incident on Klo, Prowl caught wind of Grimlock running off on his own again, this time back to [[Hydrus Four]]. Prowl alerted Optimus Prime to the situation, but was surprised when his leader harshly rebuked him for bringing it to his attention. When Prime made it clear he didn't want anything to do with Prowl's report, the Autobot strategist stormed off to consider the problem himself. After some solitary computation, Prowl decided that the threat of Decepticons following Grimlock to Hydrus Four and acquiring [[Nucleon]] was too perilous to ignore. He was rushing out of his chambers, ready to throw together a squad of Autobots regardless of what Optimus Prime thought, when he ran smack into Optimus himself. Prime apologized to Prowl for "hiding his head in the sand"—he had wanted the war to be over so badly, for his fellow Autobots' sake and not his, that he was willing to ignore an obvious threat. The two old friends shook hands and proceeded to gather their strike team.

On Hydrus Four, Prowl joined a small group of commandos including [[Springer (G1)|Springer]], [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]], [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] and [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] to scout the enemy position. They dispatched [[Fangry]] with little effort, and sent in [[Roadhandler (G1)|Roadhandler]] and some [[Micromaster|Micromasters]] to free Grimlock and the Dinobots quietly before the main offensive began. Nothing ever goes quietly with the Dinobots, though, and so once the shooting started inside, the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]] were sent in to bomb the facility and let the Decepticons know they were in for it. Prowl and his fellow Autobots assaulted the base and, in little time at all, Bludgeon and his crew were dismantled and the day was won yet again. {{storylink|Another Time and Place}}

====Generation 2====
[[Image:Prowlg2muzzle.jpg|left|100px|thumb|Prowl and Grimlock's sexual tension continues.]]
When Optimus Prime and Grimlock discovered the threat of the [[Cybertronian (faction)|Cybertronian Empire]], they called in Autobots scattered across the galaxy, including Prowl. As one of Prime's most loyal supporters, Prowl did not participate in Grimlock's ill-advised strike on the [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Liege Centuro]] and his fleet. {{storylink|Devices and Desires! (Marvel)|Devices and Desires!}} Still, Prowl would not completely ignore Grimlock's opinions: when Optimus Prime decreed that he be left alone to entreat Megatron for peace, Grimlock convinced Prowl that Prime made a bad call, and they arrived with a rescue battalion just in time to keep Megatron from destroying his old nemesis. {{storylink|The Gathering Darkness}} Prowl continued serving the Autobot cause, and was present when they attempted to stop the genocide of the planet [[Ethos]] by the Cybertronian Empire. {{storylink|Escalation!}}
{{-}}

===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Michael Bell]] (English), [[Toshio Ishii]] (Japanese), Juan Carralero (Latin American)

[[Image:G1 Prowl Bluestreak Rollforit.jpg|left|180px|thumb|It's like looking into a mirror... well, not really.]]
Prowl was part of the crew of the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'', the Autobot starship that left Cybertron looking for alternate sources of energy. Whilte enroute he monitored the [[Viewtrex]] and detected the Decepticons pursuing them. The Decepticons boarded and the ensuing conflict caused the Ark to crashland on [[Earth]]. Four million years later, the Transformers were reawakened by the eruption of the volcano the Ark had crashed in and reformatted by [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]]. Despite being situated in the United States, Prowl was reformatted as a Japanese police car. No one seemed to notice. When the Autobots first fought the Decepticons on Earth, aboard an oceanic oil refinery, Prowl teamed with [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] in shooting up the Decepticons' supply of [[energon cube]]s. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 1}}

The two Autobots worked together again when [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] invaded the Ark for information. The crafty Decepticon got away, but Prowl and Jazz managed to capture his pet, [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], in a solid energy net. Prowl joined the Autobots for their subsequent battles at [[Sherman Dam]] and the ruby crystal mines of Burma. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 2}} During the final fight at the Decepticon space cruiser, Prowl ran over [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]]'s [[null-ray]] before he could "activate" it. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 3}}

Prowl and the Autobots next battled the Decepticons at a solar power station. Prowl and [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] attempted to stop Starscream and [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] from escaping with the energon cubes, but Starscream started launching concussive blasts, knocking aside their lasers and driving them back. Later that day, Prowl zapped [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] during a cave fight, but was then clubbed from behind by Skywarp. That's snow fair. {{storylink|Transport to Oblivion}}

During an attack against the Decepticons, Prowl's battle computer was knocked offline by a particularly fierce blow. Crippled, Prowl extended his antenna to seek out an online computer that he could patch into. He found [[Chip Chase]]'s desktop terminal, and the young human ally momentarily took control of Prowl, animating the Autobot warrior with his computer. Chip and Prowl handily defeated the Decepticons, and the Autobot remarked that Chip was a human after his own central processor. {{storylink|Roll for It}} After Optimus Prime suffered some brief but severe injuries, Prowl was present with the other Autobots in defending the Ark, as the Decepticons attempted to press their advantage.{{storylink|Divide and Conquer}}

Prowl was also among the Autobots who took an unpleasant number of hits trying to calm down the rampaging [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]]s. {{storylink|S.O.S. Dinobots}} He held no grudges, though, and participated in the construction of two new Dinobots a few months later, using laser bursts to cut up raw materials for the design. Still, he showed a bit more caution than his fellow Autobots during the "play fighting" tests of [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] and [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]]. While Ironhide, [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] and [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] went in for close quarters combat with the Dinos (and subsequently got bashed around quite a bit), Prowl stuck to long-range laser fire, and managed to avoid getting his head handed to him. {{storylink|War of the Dinobots}}

After [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] was kidnapped, Prowl was shown acting as a strategist for once, constructing battle-plans using [[Hound (G1)|Hound]]'s holographic maps for reference. He coordinated a two-pronged rescue mission on the Decepticon's sunken space cruiser, from above and below. While he and the main Autobot force dropped in on the Decepticons from above and drew their fire, [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]], [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] and [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] used their special abilities to tunnel right underneath the base, breaking in and freeing Sparkplug before the Decepticons got wind of it. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 1}} He remained active with the Autobot forces as they dealt with Cybertron's newfound proximity to Earth. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 2}} Prowl later surfed into battle against the Decepticons, but the resulting tidal wave allowed Megatron to escape before the fight even started. A small contingent of Autobots eventually tracked the Decepticon energon shuttle to a tropical coast, and engaged them in battle. The fully charged Decepticons soon began to overpower the Autobots, however, driving them back to the safety of some convenient trenches. Prowl attempted to suggest a strategic regrouping, but Prime wouldn't hear of it. Luckily, [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] arrived with reinforcements from Cybertron to even the odds. As Megatron retreated, the Autobots were left to deal with a tidal wave large enough to wipe out all life on Earth. Prowl calculated they would need an explosion equivalent to 10 billion astro-liters of energy to knock Cybertron out of Earth's orbit and reverse the tidal wave. At Spike's suggestion, the Autobots took aim at Megatron's fleeing starship, igniting the energon cubes inside to expel Cybertron from orbit and save the Earth. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 3}} After the devastation, Prowl was seen helping repair human civilization, and hunting down the loose ends left by the Decepticons' schemes. {{storylink|Countdown to Extinction (episode)|Countdown to Extinction}} Prowl also bore witness to the gladiatorial combat between Megatron and Optimus Prime. {{storylink|Heavy Metal War}}

After Sparkplug Witwicky created a metallic Frankenstein called [[Autobot X]], to the abject surprise of no one it suddenly ran amok. Prowl, Ironhide and [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] stood up to the crazed creation, and Prowl used his acid pellets to incapacitate Autobot X. Later that day, Spike Witwicky was injured during a battle with the Decepticons at a rocket base. Prowl provided a "police escort" for Ratchet to get Spike to a hospital as quickly as possible. {{storylink|Autobot Spike}} As the Decepticons staged a daring raid at the Ark's front door, Prowl drove out to meet them in combat. He had to dodge and transform in mid-air to avoid [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]]'s missiles, and ended up being divebombed by Laserbeak anyhow. Prowl got back at the tinfoil turkey by strapping a wire-guided bola onto his rifle, and lassoing the Decepticon bird as he swooped by for another pass. Despite the laser blasts hurled his way, Prowl held tight to his catch until Laserbeak severed the rope and fled. {{storylink|Attack of the Autobots}}

Prowl overheard Cliffjumper's infamous accusations about [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]]'s loyalty, but neglected to participate in the retrieval of the missing [[electro-cell]]s. {{storylink|Traitor}} He also played a minor role in recovering the [[Wheeljack Instant Immobilizer|Immobilizer]] {{storylink|The Immobilizer}}, and joined his fellow Autobots in a race for charity, which Spike and Chip had arranged for them. {{storylink|The Autobot Run}} Prowl was part of the Autobot strike unit dispatched to [[Washington, D.C.]] when it came under attack by the Decepticons and [[Sub-Atlantica]]ns. He, Hound and Brawn engaged the Decepticons near the Washington Monument, until King [[Nergill]] zapped them with his paralyzing ray. Prowl remained inactive until the Dinobots joined the party, and [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] destroyed the ray, freeing the incapacitated Autobots. {{storylink|Atlantis, Arise!}}

Next, the Autobots responded to an SOS when the super-computer called [[TORQ III]] ran amok. Unfortunately, they discovered TORQ was capable of controlling other simple machines in the area, and so Prowl and the others found themselves facing a horde of angry droids. Prowl was nearly swallowed whole by a mechanical scoop, until he fired an acid pellet down its gullet and corroded its inner workings. {{storylink|Day of the Machines}} Prowl was among the Autobots who failed to prevent the Decepticons from stealing the female ninja robot called [[Nightbird (G1)|Nightbird]]. While discussing the Decepticons' possible plans for Nightbird with Spike, Prowl was unaware the ninja herself was right above them on the Ark's elevator. {{storylink|Enter the Nightbird}}

Prowl charged the Decepticon flank when the Transformers were fighting over [[korlonium crystal]]s. {{storylink|A Prime Problem}} Prowl and [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] were part of a group of Autobots patrolling a riverbed...until they discovered the riverbed wasn't there anymore. Tracing the diverted water, they came across the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]]s and a Decepticon scheme to drill down to Earth's core. Megatron sicced Devastator on Prowl's team, forcing them to retreat for reinforcements. Back at the Ark, the Autobots cooked up a plot to use [[dominator disc]]s and gain control over the Constructicons whenever they formed Devastator. As part of a commando raiding party, Prowl and the others lured the Constructicons out into the open. Under the cover of night, Prowl slipped a disk on [[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]], and soon all the Constructicons had disks planted on them. Although the Autobots temporarily gained control of Devastator, Megatron soon negated their control and retrieved his giant warrior. {{storylink|The Core}}

[[Image:DinobotIsland Pt2 Prowlacidpellets.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Prowl demonstrates his revolutionary "wee-wee gun".]]
Prowl was present in the Ark during yet another display of the Dinobots' talent for chaos. {{storylink|Dinobot Island, Part 1}} After the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] moved to a mysterious prehistoric island, time portals began opening all over North America. Prowl led [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]], [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] and [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] to deal with a portal from the wild west. Prowl defeated the cattle rustlers by melting their guns with his acid pellets. {{storylink|Dinobot Island, Part 2}} Like all the Autobots, Prowl was temporarily banished into space by the citizens of [[Central City (Earth)|Central City]], thanks to Megatron's carefully orchestrated smear campaign. {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1}} He eventually returned with the others for an all-out assault on the Decepticons and re-established the Autobots' good name. {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 2}} Prowl was also subject to [[cybertonium]] depletion, although he was ultimately revived when Spike and [[Carly]] brought a fresh supply back from Cybertron. {{storylink|Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 2}}

When Megatron used the [[Voltronic Galaxer]] to scramble Earth's communications, the humans were left in a state of confusion. Prowl took a team of Autobots on the road to help motorists who missed the message about an incoming blizzard. Unfortunately, Thundercracker and [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] got involved and nearly turned the rescue mission into a catastrophe. Prowl and the Autobots were buried in snow for a time until they could dig themselves and the humans out. {{storylink|Blaster Blues}} He was among the Autobots temporarily rendered invulnerable by [[electrum]], and fought the Decepticons for control of the golden lagoon. {{storylink|The Golden Lagoon}} He also helped stop Megatron from taking over New York City with an army of robot car drones. {{storylink|Make Tracks}} Prowl was on hand as [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] analyzed the robotic plantlife Bumblebee and [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] brought back to Earth. They determined the plants were [[Morphobot]]s, and extremely hazardous to all robot lifeforms. {{storylink|Quest for Survival}}

When the [[Triple Changer]]s overthrew Megatron and began vying for Decepticon command themselves, [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] took over a football stadium and began launching "long bombs" into the city beyond. Optimus Prime sent Prowl to investigate, alongside Bluestreak, [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] and [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]], but they were stymied by Blitzwing's "zone defense". At his command, the Constructicons had created an elaborate and confusing maze of passages outside the stadium, leaving the Autobots racing around blindly inside its tight corridors. Using his flight and tank modes for maneuverability and power, Blitzwing easily overwhelmed the Autobot invaders. Prowl and Skids plowed into each other on a blind junction, and were then mowed over by the Decepticon's massive treads. The crazed [[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] had them rebuilt into a throne for him inside the zone, until [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] and [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] rescued their comrades. {{storylink|Triple Takeover}} Although he did absolutely nothing to save the missing Autobots or stop [[Lord Chumley]]'s antics, Prowl was allowed a heroic drive into the sunset along with Optimus Prime and the rest of the Autobots. {{storylink|Prime Target}}

After the government concocted a new super-fuel, they decided to offer it to the Autobots for testing. Fearing a Decepticon attack, Prowl arranged a series of security measures to protect the cargo, and keep the Decepticons from learning about the fuel. Unfortunately, those measures failed, and Megatron attacked the tanker convoy with his Seekers. Despite the breach, the Autobots' superior driving abilities enabled them to outmaneuver the Decepticons. {{storylink|The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 1}}
[[Image:TFTM Prowl dies.jpg|left|180px|thumb|Scavenger can always be proud of this.]]

Prowl stood gawking mutely when Prime explained his plan to infiltrate the Decepticons disguised as [[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]] and the Stunticons. It's possible he didn't think the plan was strategically sound. {{storylink|Masquerade}} Prowl was also seen applying [[Corrostop]] to the [[Statue of Liberty]], and later helped rescue Perceptor from Fox Creek Canyon. {{storylink|Cosmic Rust (episode)|Cosmic Rust}}

When Jazz and Cliffjumper were kidnapped by Starscream's [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]], Prowl traveled to the Amalgamated Water & Power Plant with the other Autobots to rescue them. Wisely, the Autobots completely avoided the war between the Decepticons and Combaticons taking place immediately to their left -- they just grabbed their pals and split. {{storylink|Starscream's Brigade}} Prowl, [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]], and Sideswipe went with Optimus Prime to clear the Insecticons out of a human settlement. They were aided in evacuating the neighborhood by the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]], leaving the Autobots clear to fire at will at the Insecticon clones. This relatively routine mission turned sour, however, when Spike and Perceptor reported that Earth's orbit had been altered, sending it towards the sun. Learning the effect originated from Cybertron, Prowl and the others attempted to hijack the space bridge, but [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]] stole the bridge's control panel before they could board the transporter. The Autobots searched the area for signs of the control panel with sensor beams from their chests, but all Prowl managed to turn up was an old wrecked television. The panel was later recovered and repaired, and Prowl joined both Autobots and Decepticons alike in traveling to Cybertron to stop the Combaticons' plot. {{storylink|The Revenge of Bruticus}} Prowl also helped defend the Ark when it was later attacked by [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] and the Decepticons. {{storylink|B.O.T. (episode)|B.O.T.}}

Prowl met [[Primus|his manufacturer]] in the year 2005, alongside fellow Autobots [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]], [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] and [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]]. The four Autobots were manning a shuttle run to Earth, to collect and bring fresh energon and supplies to [[Moonbase One]] from [[Autobot City]] on Earth, in preparation for a planned assault to retake Cybertron. They were hijacked in mid-flight by Megatron and the Decepticons, who sought to sneak past Autobot City's early warning systems. Prowl very nearly shot [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]]'s head off during the raid, but was felled by a single blast from [[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]]. That blast penetrated his armor, burned his innards horribly, and left him belching fiery smoke as he fell to the floor, dead. {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie}}

Prowl's body was evidently recovered for interment, as his grave was housed in the interstellar [[Autobot Mausoleum]]. Along with the mausoleum itself, Prowl's remains were later plunged into a red sun as a side-effect of a [[Quintesson]] plot. {{storylink|Dark Awakening}}
{{-}}

====Japanese cartoon continuity====
{{note|The events of the Generation 1 cartoon occur in Japanese continuity as described above. The Japanese timeline adds many new stories and events into the chronology; in Prowl's case, some of them centre around an unexplained apparent resurrection.}}
=====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' comic=====
[[Image:Fullthrottle prowl.jpg|right|thumb|150px]]
When the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]] and [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] tried to besmirch the Autobots' good names by wearing their [[insignia]] while committing acts of evil, Prowl was among the Autobots who mobilized to stop them. Prowl carried [[Eject]] and [[Rewind]] into the battle in car mode, opening his doors to let the two cassette-bots loose on [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] and [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]]. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 7|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #7}}

=====''Full Throttle Scramble Power!'' comic=====

Prowl was among the Autobots seen reacting with panic to the news that [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] and their human allies [[Toru]] and [[Jenny (G1)|Jenny]] had been captured by the Decepticons while investigating their deadly new [[Omega Whip]] cannon. He joined Optimus Prime and a team of Autobots in going to their rescue, and the battle was won when [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] arrived to join the fight with the rest of the Autobot army. {{storylink|Full Throttle Scramble Power!}}

=====''Story of Binaltech''=====

In 2003, a plague of [[Cosmic Rust (disease)|Cosmic Rust]] unleashed upon the Autobots by the Decepticons necessitated that the infected warriors upgrade to new "[[Binaltech]]" bodies created through co-operation with the [[Earth Defense Command]]. {{storylink|Story of Binaltech, Chapter 1}} Prowl was lucky enough to avoid infection, and so refrained from upgrade. Regardless, the combined might of the new Binaltech Autobots was enough to force the Decepticons off of Earth, and into hiding in the far reaches of the [[solar system]]. {{storylink|Arise! Evil Binaltechs}}

{{note|At this point, history is altered by Ravage, creating a parallel timeline in which the continued storyline of ''Binaltech'' takes place. To continue reading about the original timeline, skip to ''[[#The Headmasters|The Headmasters]]'', below. Exactly how many events from the ''Binaltech'' story occur in the original timeline, even from ''before'' the timeline divergence, is unclear.}}

[[Image:Binaltech prowl cardart.jpg|left|thumb|250px|This ruby-quartz baton allows me to safely contain and administer focused bursts of prickery!]]

Granted a vision of the future by the time-tossed Decepticon [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] saw Prowl's looming death in the year 2005, and resolved to save his life. Prowl was equipped with the [[Genetronic Translink System]], which would allow him to relocate his [[spark]] to [[subspace]], and from there, control multiple Binaltech bodies; therefore, the vision Wheeljack saw of his friend's dead body could still come to pass, while his spark would live on. Before the first of his secondary bodies were completed, however, Prowl was sent on a mission to investigate some potential Decepticon activity in the vicinity of [[Saturn]], and came under heavy attack from the villains. He contacted Wheeljack on Earth, who was in the process of transferring memory data into Prowl's secondary Binaltech body, and Wheeljack prepared the GT System for a risky manoeuvre—the transplantation of Prowl's spark from his body, through subspace, into the Binaltech unit in Wheeljack's workshop. The transfer was initiated, but unfortunately, the unstable link collapsed mid-way through the process, and Prowl's spark was lost to the depths of subspace. Believing that the world still required the skills of Prowl, Prowl's longtime friend Chip Chase transferred his life essence into the Binaltech body, merging with the memory data already installed in it to become "[[Prowl II]]". {{storylink|Prowl & Chase}}

A few years later, Prowl's spark found its way through the infinite vastness of subspace and materialized in a different universe: the original timeline from which the Binaltech world had branched off. Prowl's spark was found by the Autobots of that world, but unfortunately, it was soon discovered that even in another universe, he was not beyond the reach of his home dimension's Decepticons. [[Doctor Arkeville]] and [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] used a neuro-net frame combined with a subspace node to locate his spark across the multiverse, and drain energy from it to power a giant monster they had made from synthetic [[electrum]]. {{storylink|Unfinished Business, Part 2}} Prowl's spark began to destabilize as a consequence, and so the Bluestreak from the original timeline voyaged across the dimensions to the Binaltech world to alert Prowl's fellow Autobots to his dire situation. {{storylink|Unfinished Business, Part 1}} With Bluestreak's aid, the Autobots tracked down the Decepticon operation and destroyed the monster, severing its connection to Prowl's spark. Though stable now, Prowl's spark was still too weak to make an interdimensional journey unguarded, requiring a body for protection. Chip Chase separated his consciousness from the "Prowl II" body so that it could be taken back to Bluestreak's timeline to finally serve as the body of the Autobot for whom it was always intended. {{storylink|Unfinished Business, Part 2}}

=====The Headmasters cartoon=====
[[Image:Prowlwubsmagnus headmasters.jpg|right|thumb|G-G-Ghost Prowl!]]

Prowl was stationed at [[Autobot City]] on Earth in 2011 when he and many other troops were summoned to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] to help repel a [[Decepticon]] invasion. {{storylink|Four Warriors Come out of the Sky}}

Later, Prowl attended a briefing at [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]], where [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] assigned several Autobot units to run interference with the Decepticons for [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]], as the young Autobot searched for the missing [[Matrix of Leadership]]. Prowl accompanied Ultra Magnus's unit, but did not appear again. {{storylink|Birth of the Fantastic Double Prime}}

{{note|Prowl's revival is one of those "WTF?" errors that happened in the Japanese series as a result of the Japanese production staff not being aware of his death in [[The Transformers: The Movie|the movie]], as it did not reach Japan for several more years. However, that's really not an excuse, because he was listed among the deceased in both the English and Japanese versions of "[[Dark Awakening]]". The ''Binaltech'' fiction tried patching this up by creating "Prowl II", so that the ''original'' Prowl could still die, and this new Prowl could therefore be the one who appears in ''The Headmasters'', but the branching off of the ''Binaltech'' story into a parallel timeline leaves it unclear if this explanation still "counts".}}

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

{{bigquote|OUR MISSILES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!}}

Prowl is Optimus Prime's over-acting right-hand man. {{storylink|When Continents Collide}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
[[Image:Prowlthewarwithin.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Who are you, and what did you do with Prowl?]]

Prowl was an Autobot from [[Praxus]]. After the death of [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]], [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] called him, [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]], and others to the ruins of Praxus, where he declared that if the new [[Prime (rank)|Prime]] was insufficient, they would take control of the Autobot military. Prowl was present at the ceremony when Optronix became Optimus Prime, and was restrained by Grimlock when Prime was attacked. {{storylink|The War Within issue 1}} Prowl became Optimus Prime's [[Second-in-command|immediate subordinate]] and advisor. When Optimus ordered a planetary evacuation, Prowl told Prime that there were many voices raised in opposition against it. When Prime asked if Prowl's own voice was raised in opposition, Prowl looked away but did not reply. The planetary turbines were activated by Megatron, and Prime left to investigate. {{storylink|The War Within issue 2}} As [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] led an assault on [[Iacon (city-state)|Iacon]], Prowl and Jazz led the defense, and Prowl sent out an order to all Autobots outside Iacon to regroup and dig in elsewhere, {{storylink|The War Within issue 3}} while those with him made a final stand. {{storylink|The War Within issue 5}} After Iacon was devastated by the mecha-forming process, Prime aborted the evacuation. {{storylink|The War Within issue 6}}

[[Image:Prowldarkagesvehicle.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Cheese it! It's the cops!]]

After Prime and Megatron disappeared in a [[space bridge]] test, the Autobots fractured, leading to the [[Lightning Strike Coalition]] and [[Wrecker|Wreckers]] leaving the main Autobot army. Prowl took over leadership of the Autobots. {{storylink|Fragmentation}} He worked with Shockwave, who had assumed command of the Decepticons, to prevent the [[The Fallen|Fallen]]'s plans from coming to fruition. He and Shockwave agreed to let the [[Well of All Sparks]] remain sealed "[['Til all are one]]," as Shockwave put it. Prowl thought the line was catchy. {{storylink|Conflagration}} Eventually, however, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] took command of the Autobots, and reunited the three factions. {{storylink|The Age of Wrath issue 1}}

While those left on Cybertron endured the [[Great Shutdown]], a group of Autobots under Optimus Prime's command left on board the Ark in search of new energy sources. Unfortunately, Megatron led an attack on the Autobot flagship from the ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]'', and both ships crash-landed on a planet called Earth. Millions of years later in the Earth year of 1984, the Autobots and Decepticons awoke and resumed the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]]. The Decepticons were eventually defeated by the Autobots and their human allies, and the Transformers were set to return home on the ''[[Ark II]]'', but it was sabotaged by General [[Robert Hallo]] and rogue government engineer-turned-arms dealer [[Lazarus|Adam Rook]].

[[Image:DWPrimeDirective2 Prowl kills.jpg|left|200px|thumb|[[Dull surprise| DULL MIND CONTROL]]! Wait...that actually kinda makes sense...]]

In the year 2002, Prowl was one of many Transformers under the control of Rook. He, along with several Autobots and Decepticons, attacked the Smitco Oil Refinery Arctic facility during Rook's sales demonstration to several terrorist organizations. Unfortunately, the invasive program that controlled Prowl killed a helpless human refinery worker escaping from the destruction. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 2}} After Megatron reactivated himself and freed the other Decepticons from Rook's slavery, he used Prowl and the Autobots as power sources for his metallic cyberforming virus. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 4}}

Sometime after the destruction of the cyberforming virus and the defeat of the Decepticons in [[San Francisco]], the Autobots were lured to the [[Alaska]]n coast by a distress beacon from an Autobot escape pod, and walked right into a Decepticon ambush. The fighting stopped when [[Scourge (G1)|a mysterious Decepticon]] appeared from the pod and declared that hostilities must cease, as Cybertron had been unified under one ruler, but before he could finish this sentence, [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] appeared and blasted him. Stating that he was the leader of Cybertron, he ordered all combatants to lay down their arms and surrender themselves to his forces. Megatron, refusing to believed this attacked, giving the Autobots the distraction they needed to recover their wounded and retreat. Once safely away, Optimus Prime ordered Prowl to escort Ratchet and the wounded back to base, but unexpectedly, his strategist refused, citing the need for to gather intelligence on the new situation and to keep Prime and his essential leadership out of potential harms way. Unfortunately for Prowl, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] found [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] first, convincing the homesick Autobot to help his Cybertronian forces round up Prowl's team so they can all go home. {{Storylink|New World Order}}

After Magnus convinced Optimus Prime and some of his Autobots in [[Oregon]] to turn themselves over, Prowl reported on the situation and Magnus' claims that they need the Autobots back home to repair the damage done to Cybertron, but stopped short of advocating blind trust in Magnus or Shockwave. Instead, he suggested they keep an open mind, believing Magnus was still an Autobot at his core. {{Storylink|Brothers' Burden}} Unbeknownst to them, Shockwave had ordered the deactivation of Optimus Prime and his Autobots, an order that outraged the "former" Autobots under his command. While [[Sandstorm (G1)|Sandstorm]] took Prime through the old slave trails to see [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]]'s rebel team, those under Prowl were taken by [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] to meet with the Autobots rebels [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] was aligned with. Unfortunately, just as they arrived, Shockwave unleashed the [[Guardian robot|Omega Sentinels]] on the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] in [[Iacon (city-state)|Iacon]], brushing aside rushing aside the trappings of peaceful coexistence and instituting marital law. {{Storylink|Passive Aggression}} However, with Optimus Prime returned, the various sub-factions of Autobot rebels were unified under his inspirational command and launched an all-out attack on Iacon. Prowl was in [[Kup (G1)|Kup]]'s team, and watched as the light from the [[Matrix of Leadership|Autobot Matrix of Leadership]] was unleashed from Shockwave's tower. {{storylink|Countdown to Extinction (issue)|Countdown to Extinction}}

Ultimately, the Autobots won the day and retook Cybertron from Shockwave and his Decepticons, and Prowl was placed in command of security of the planet. He and Ironhide watched as Autobot recruits were trounced ''again'' by training drones at the Autobase. Prowl knew these recruits were trying their best, but with the situation more volatile than ever, the Autobots needed more troops and had no choice but to accept whomever enlisted. However, he understood Ironhide's concerns that if these new Autobots didn't get themselves into gear, then they might as well not have an army at all. While checking in on Optimus Prime and Ultra Magnus, Prowl was alerted by the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] that [[Sunstorm (G1)|something]] may have trashed one of Shockwave's labs before blasting off. {{Storylink|Black Sunshine}} Though the obviously more trustworthy Autobots were now in control, the population was still reluctant to support them. Prowl attempted to address their concerns in a public forum at New Iacon's central hall, expecting a structured, supportive crowd, but was overwhelmed by the barrage of questions from concerned citizens, much to Ironhide's amusement. Fortunately, Ultra Magnus managed to salvage the embarrassing situation by stepping in to answer the questions posed to Prowl. Later, at New Iacon's Alpha Preserve, Ironhide, Prowl and Kup knocked back [[Kremzeek]]-brand refreshment, reflecting on the changes in politics on Cybertron, and pondering if old relics like themselves were need here anymore. {{storylink|Skyfire (issue)|Skyfire}}

To take his mind off post-war politics, Prowl attempted to dig into the mystery of the energy signature detected at the Decepticon laboratory the Protectobots had investigated. He tried to understand why Shockwave was harvesting clones of both Autobots and Decepticons, why energy similar to [[Vector Sigma]] was detected there, and where Shockwave had uploaded the compressed contents of the supercomputer to. Just when the exhausted Prowl was on the cusp of realizing that this all led back to [[Sunstorm (G1)|the missing clone]], Ultra Magnus contacted him, reporting that he had notified the other Autobots for the meeting the next cycle, and barring any unforeseen circumstances, preparations for the Autobots to return to Earth would begin shortly. {{Storylink|The Omega Effect}} The next cycle, as Prowl made his way to the meeting, [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] reported that the upload from Vector Sigma was intended to be downloaded into Shockwave's secret lab, but the network there was overloaded, and so it was downloaded into one of the clones in his lab, which would be far too much for any mortal Transformer. Prowl theorised for the being to remain relatively sane, it must have simplified the information it received, and that Shockwave became interested in Earth only after he began to decode data from Vector Sigma. Still, neither Prowl nor Perceptor had any idea what this all meant. Entering the meeting, Prowl reported that they had a problem and it was heading for Earth. {{Storylink|Original Sin}} Prowl reports his and Perceptor's findings on the clone, and fearing the great danger posed to Earth, announces a return to Earth, to the agreement of [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]], [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] and [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]], but to the anger of [[Gears (G1)|Gears]], [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] and [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]]. Prowl understood the reluctance to leave Cybertron so soon after returning for the first time in millions of years, but said that Cybertron was not currently in danger, but they had an obligation to their second home, Earth, and to their human friends. He asked for volunteers over Huffer's protests, but Ironhide commented that for all their complaints, the detractors knew Prowl was right. {{storylink|Atonement}} True to his word, Mirage, Huffer and Gears joined the Autobots going to Earth, though with obvious difficulty. Prowl comforted Huffer, expressing his appreciation in his fellow Autobot for joining him and bringing his invaluable skills on this mission. But at the last, Prowl too agreed that he would miss Cybertron. {{Storylink|Lost and Found (issue)|Lost and Found}}

Arriving on Earth, Prowl's team began building a new Autobot facility, far away from settlements so as to not endanger humanity should the Decepticons attack. Prowl welcomed [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]]'s team to the future site of [[Autobot City]]. {{Storylink|The Route of All Evil}}

{{Note|With [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]]'s bankruptcy, there were no further exciting adventures with Prowl in this continuity. For information on issues that would have been published after "The Route of All Evil", please see: [[Unreleased Dreamwave issues]]}}

===Devil's Due ''G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers'' comics===
[[Image:GIJoevsTF5_Autobots.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Utter prick, now in Firebat Red!]]
Among many of his fellow Autobots (and several Decepticons), Prowl was found dormant on the crashed ''Ark'' by the human terrorist organization [[Cobra]] and reprogrammed to serve them. He and [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] were rebuilt to transform into Cobra [[Firebat]] jets in the process. When the Transformers were eventually freed from the humans' control, Prowl joined a team of Autobots that hunted down [[Cobra Commander]], but failed to capture him as they were distracted by his [[S.N.A.K.E.]] guards. After taking out most of the mechs, the team witnessed [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] get decapitated by [[Storm Shadow]], and descended upon the ninja in a fit of rage. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 5|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #5}} Prowl and Bluestreak were later seen fighting two [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]] in the sky when the [[SPS Satellite]] went out of control and sent energy beams raining down on [[Cobra Island]]. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 6|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #6}}

A few years later, having returned to Cybertron, Prowl was part of a team of Autobots waiting for a chance to charge in and free Optimus Prime from [[Serpentor|Serpent O.R.]]'s clutches. {{storylink|The Art of War issue 4|The Art of War #4}} With the Decepticon army defeated, Prowl was sent back to Earth as part of a team that worked to prevent Cybertronian technology from falling into the wrong hands. After a failed attempt to capture [[Destro]] while he was illegally selling S.N.A.K.E.s in [[Cuba]], Prowl returned to the team's headquarters at the ''[[Arc II]]'' and discussed Optimus Prime's recent mission to [[Tibet]] with [[Firewall]]. The base then came under attack by the [[Pretender Monster]]s, and Prowl fought them alongside [[Eject]]. {{storylink|Black Horizon, Part 1 of 2|Black Horizon, Part 1}} He was heavily injured during the battle, but soon received medical attention at [[Pit (G.I. Joe)|the Pit]] and was set for a full recovery. {{storylink|Black Horizon, Part 2 of 2|Black Horizon, Part 2}}

===Dreamwave ''Transformers/G.I. Joe'' comics===
Prowl, along with several other Autobots, lay dormant on the [[Fera Islands]] for a long time until [[1939]], when [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] stumbled upon them whilst battling [[Cobra]]. Soon after awakening and being reformatted into a new form, Prowl told [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] not to trust the [[human]]s, as they had just opened fire on [[Ironhide (G1)|Iron Hide]] {{sic}} without provocation. In contrast, the other Autobots were happy to offer G.I. Joe help, though Prowl insisted that they needed more information before throwing themselves headlong into the humans' war. {{storylink|Transformed}} After the Autobots teamed up with the Joes anyway, Prowl mocked [[Duke (G.I. Joe)|Duke]] for thinking a rope would be enough to pull [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] up from a crumbling cliff. {{storylink|Wolves}}

As the Autobots and Joes got closer to the Cobra [[Terrordrome]], Optimus Prime started to regret interfering with the humans and their war, and contemplated withdrawing. Prowl agreed, pointing out that G.I. Joe could very well be the bad guys in the scenario, but [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] told him to shut up. {{storylink|Trenches}} Optimus Prime soon changed his mind, and Prowl participated in the attack on the Terrordrome. Along with all the other Transformers, he was killed when the life-giving [[Matrix of Leadership]] was destroyed. {{storylink|The Iron Fist}}

===Transformers Legends anthology===
When Optimus Prime accidentally killed a fellow Autobot, Prowl—who never liked [[Geosensus|the dead guy]] anyway—covered it up so the rest of the team wouldn't lose faith in their leader. He swore that if the accidental killing was ever discovered, he would take the blame. {{Storylink|Parts}}

===IDW comics continuity===
{{ongoing}}
[[Image:MegatronOrigin2 boredAutobots.jpg|left|180px|thumb|And remember to fill out those TPS reports.]]

Prowl has served the Autobots for a long time, dating back to the days of [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]], if not earlier. [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s rise as the most popular and violent pit fighter in videos of Kaon's illegal [[gladiatorial combat]] attacted Prowl's attention, and he formed a Autobot Security Services team to crack down on them, though to the chagrin of his fellow officers, he tended to blather on about his theories about how somebody was making a fortune distributing on these inexpensive to produce videos. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 2}}

After the murder of [[Bumper (G1)|Bumper]] and [[Fastback (G1)|Fastback]], Sentinel and Prowl led a security forces deployment that arrested much of Megatron's pit fighters and those that they were attempting to recruit. Prowl personally attached the [[inhibitor claw]] to Megatron once he was overwhelmed by security forces. While processing the prisoners, he delivered the galling news that due to [[Ratbat (G1)#IDW comics continuity|senate orders]], the one known as [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] was to be freed without charge. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 3}} Unfortunately, it was all part of Megatron's mad plans. He allowed himself and his men to be captured so Starscream could feign turning coat murder the senate members who questioned him. During the ensuing jail break that devastated the [[Security Services Headquarters|Security Team HQ]] and following street battle, Prowl lost his usual cool composure in the face of such onslaught and looked to Sentinel Prime for directions. When Prime left to face Megatron personally and was brutally defeated, it was Prowl who took control and ordered the evacuation of security forces from Kaon. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 4}}

The Decepticon movement soon began to spread across Cybertron, and Prowl served under Sentinel Prime, [[Zeta Prime]], and finally Optimus Prime as the Autobots struggled to find a Prime to lead them in resisting Megatron. Four million years ago, Prowl was working directly under Optimus Prime as the Autobots fought to prevent the Decepticons from bringing fresh energon supplies to the war effort. While Optims went after the energon convoy himself, Prowl held the line with [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] and the others to prevent the Decepticons from getting a hold of the latest city they had targeted. In the aftermath, Prowl congratulated Prime for capturing the convoy without having to fire a shot. {{storylink|The Iron Age}}

After the [[Garrus-9]] detention facility had been established, Prowl was among the law enforcement Autobots who to endured the trials of ''Autobot'' [[Flame (Marvel)|criminals]] who inflicted unspeakable horrors on civilians and other non-combatants. Prowl and other luminaries such as [[Tyrest (Autobot)|Chief Justice Tyrest]], [[Xaaron]] and [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] agreed that the trials would remain a secret until the final verdict was cast, then it would be full disclosure, regardless of the damage to morale and the Autobots' political standing. {{Storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 5}}

[[Image:Infiltration3 Prowl saveit.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Talk to the hand, the prick ain't listening.]]

Millions of years later, Prowl was the leader of a detachment of Autobots that operated covertly on [[Earth]] for at least four years, attempting to foil a Decepticon insurgency led by [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and blindly following the Autobot rules of counterinsurgency. He almost threw [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] in the brig for breaking cover to rescue three humans from the Decepticons, and subsequently refused to contact [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] until further evidence of enemy activities was uncovered. He did not willingly believe Ratchet when the medic told him that the Decepticons had stepped up their presence by constructing a [[Infiltration protocol|second base]]. However, [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] ended up sending a pulsewave transmission to Optimus Prime behind Prowl's back. {{storylink|Infiltration issue 3}} Prowl was forced to face reality when Megatron arrived on Earth to confront Starscream, and he finally agreed to call in Optimus Prime. Thing was, Prime had already arrived. {{storylink|Infiltration issue 6}}

When [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] ordered several Autobots on a lethal mission to rescue the damaged and deranged Kup from an alien world, Prowl evidently helped conceal Springer's efforts from Optimus. However, he still felt it was a misguided effort, asking Springer if Kup would want other Autobots killed rescuing him. {{storylink|Spotlight: Kup}}

Prowl went with the Autobots to investigate Decepticon activity in the country of [[Latveria]]. There they discovered a heavily shielded "array" that the Decepticons were using as a base. {{storylink|Man and Machine, Part One}} After a skirmish with the [[human]]s that were present there, they teamed up with them to shut down the [[Psycho-Prism]] human mind altering device the Decepticons had fortified inside the array. The Decepticons attacked. {{storylink|Man and Machine, Part Two}} During the fight, [[Luke Cage]] and Ratchet discovered a weak spot in the array's defenses and went in. Prowl followed to make sure Ratchet didn't put human interests ahead of Autobot interests, but the human [[Spider-Man]] was held captive inside, so Prowl gave in and let Ratchet and Luke Cage attempt a rescue.

Prowl found the Psycho-Prism guarded by [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] and [[Doctor Doom]]. Doctor Doom zapped him into unconsciousness. {{storylink|Man and Machine, Part Three}} He awoke next to Ratchet to find Spider-Man had been freed by Doctor Doom, who had switched sides. Prowl and Ratchet decided to use the Decepticons' [[mirror response mode]] equipment to boost their power with Spider-Man's superhuman abilities. [[Wolverine (superhero)|Wolverine]] arrived with Jazz and Bumblebee and suggested they use his abilities instead. They did, then [[orbital jump|orbital bounced]] with Spider-Man back to the battle outside, where their added strength helped defeat Megatron. Wolverine, Jazz, and Bumblebee stayed to destroy the Psycho-Prism. {{storylink|Man and Machine, Part Four}}

[[Image:Escalation6 Prowl MYTURF.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Yeah, let the irresponsible loner look after the MacGuffin. Good call.]]
After [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] was kidnapped by [[Machination|a mysterious group of humans]], {{storylink|Escalation issue 1}} Prowl was still obsessed with the rules of the counterinsurgency war and thus did not understand why Optimus Prime requested reinforcements to Earth. Prowl was furious when Ironhide dared to go around him and volunteer himself to track down clues on Sunstreaker's disappearance, and subsequently forced him to stay behind while the Autobots not on his grievance list left for [[Brasnya]] to confront the Decepticons. {{storylink|Escalation issue 3}} When everything kicked off in the former [[Russia|Soviet]] nation, Prowl led [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] and [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (and later [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] and [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]]) into battle, attempting to capture [[Georgi Koska]], a Decepticon [[Facsimile construct|facsimile]]. {{storylink|Escalation issue 4}} He clashed with Hot Rod over the capture of Korska as both of them were of equal rank, but when Optimus Prime was temporarily offline and believed dead, Prowl assumed full command and came up with a strategy for fighting Megatron (shoot him, then run away). {{storylink|Escalation issue 6}}

Under orders from Optimus, Prowl oversaw the moving of ''[[Ark-19]]'' to a more secure location. He turned to Prime rather than order the launch on his own discretion. (Prime had to order him to use his own discretion.) {{storylink|Devastation issue 1}} When [[Sixshot]] blew them out of the sky, Optimus took command of the situation until the ''Ark-19'' was destroyed. {{storylink|Devastation issue 2}}

Once on the ''[[Ark-32]]'', Prowl found that, due to injuries from the battle with Sixshot {{storylink|Devastation issue 4}} and separate missions, he and Hardhead were the only active Autobots. He was mildly annoyed that Optimus Prime and [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] were otherwise preoccupied during this crisis. He was then shocked when Optimus abruptly ordered their unit to withdraw from Earth to handle a situation at the [[Garrus-9]] secure facility. {{storylink|Devastation issue 5}}

Optimus Prime and Prowl met with [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] and [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] on Garrus-9 to discuss the prisoners' breakout and how a surviving Decepticon had been tortured. Prime left Maximus in charge and said that he and Prowl had unfinished business aboard the ''Ark-32''. When [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]] was reported guarding a cave on [[Corata-Vaz]], Optimus Prime recognized this had something to do with his [[infraspace]] encounter in [[Brasnya]]. He ordered Prowl to summon the [[Wrecker|Wreckers]] to find out what Thunderwing was guarding. {{storylink|Spotlight: Cyclonus}} He judged the subsequent battle between the Wreckers and Thunderwing as suicidal, and felt that they were wasting their time given everything seemed to be coming at them at once. {{storylink|Spotlight: Hardhead}}

[[Image:AHM15 SpringerpunchesProwl.jpg|right|200px|thumb|According to my calcula- ''OHGODMYFACE!'']]

Prowl became increasingly frustrated with the tendency of the Autobots in general and Optimus specifically to lionise and listen to charismatic warriors and mavericks. Realising nobody would listen to the more logical tactical advice that he or Perceptor gave, he had Kup sent to the [[Kimia Facility]] to be rebuilt... with some personality sub-routines added in, which would ensure that the iconic elder could be controlled and made to act as a proxy for him. Prowl didn't want attention or glory, he only wanted to do his job, and he had absolutely no ethical qualms about ensuring that "when [Kup] speaks, you won't even see my lips move"...

He ''really'' didn't like Springer either, and was annoyed that the ''Decepticons'' seem to be a more unified body than the Autobots. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 15}}

After the [[Expansion]] incident, Optimus Prime reassigned more Autobots to Earth. The Decepticons had been laying low for months, and everyone was starting to get restless. While Prowl recommended a "wait and see" approach to Optimus Prime, Ironhide's calls for action soon drowned out Prowl's reasoning. When Mirage handed them solid intelligence about a possible opportunity to wipe out Starscream and a small group of Decepticons, the Autobots acted on it. It turned out to be an ambush, and the Autobots were soundly defeated by the Decepticons with the aid of [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]]. Informed that the Decepticons were launching simultaneous attacks across the galaxy on Autobot installations and also that there was a traitor among them, the Autobots' morale was dealt a heavy blow. Through use of a space bridge portal, Megatron planned to send the Autobots to Cybertron to have them devoured by the [[Insecticon swarm|Swarm]]. Optimus Prime managed to sabotage the portal and strand the Autobots on Cybertron before the Decepticons could follow, albeit nearly at the cost of his life. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 7}}
[[Image:Ironhidepuncheseveryone.jpg|left|250px|thumb|I'm sensing a pattern emerging.]]
In this unprecedented situation, Jazz's authority superseded Prowl's, and he took overall command of the battered and demoralized Autobots. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 1}} Jazz also proved necessary to shore up Prowl's own authority, which was severely disregarded by his men. Jazz's reputation helped keep them in line, particularly the recalcitrant Ironhide, who had taken to striking superior officers, including Prowl himself. After the situation with Ironhide was defused, Prowl got Jazz to admit the energon searches he'd been sending troops out on were just to keep the men busy. Prowl worried that Prime would soon die, and about the details of their commander's condition that they had kept from the troops at large. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 4}}

In particular, what Jazz and Prowl were withholding was the fact that the [[Matrix of Leadership]] was not within Prime anymore, but had been absconded with by Megatron. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 5}}

Kup arrived on Cybertron shortly thereafter with his own team, and things took a turn for the worse, with the Swarm encroaching on their position. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 6}} Sunstreaker was revealed to be the traitor, having made a bargain with Starscream to kill Megatron. He sacrificed his life to buy the other Autobots time to put some distance between them and the Swarm.{{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 8}}
[[Image:AHM10 ProwlandJazz.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Prick ''and'' nerd.]]
Thankfully, Ratchet finally managed to repair and revive Optimus Prime, and Autobot morale went on the upswing despite their situation. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 9}} Under Prime's direction, they immediately began building a defense against the oncoming Swarm horde in a new temporary base. Once everything was nearly in place, Prowl calculated the odds of them succeeding and wound up with quite a dire forecast. Jazz urged him to keep it to himself, which Prowl quickly agreed to do. When the Swarm surged against them, the Autobots fought as hard as they could, but were eventually on the verge of being overwhelmed. Fortunately, [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] arrived to tilt the odds squarely in the Autobots' favor. Prowl asked Omega how he had survived the galaxy-wide Decepticon attack, speculating that they had probably sent an army against him. Omega simply replied, "I am Omega Supreme". {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 10}}

The Autobots eventually boarded Omega's rocket mode and headed for Earth. There, they engaged the Decepticon forces in a fierce battle which ended with Megatron's defeat and Starscream ordering a withdrawal from the planet. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 12}}

[[Image:Prowl Spotlight AdviseAgainstInvolvement.jpg|left|250px|thumb|"But Prowl, look...teddy bear."]]
Over the next three years, the Autobots remained on Earth at the insistence of Optimus Prime. Optimus believed they could not leave in good conscience while human society was still in disarray from their war and rogue Decepticons still wandered the planet. The humans were not interested in having protectors, however, and soon learned to take care of themselves. [[Skywatch]] reverse-engineered Cybertronian technology to hunt and capture Autobots AND Decepticons left on the planet.

As part of Optimus Prime's belief that the Autobots must help humanity rebuild in whatever way possible, Prowl was assigned to assist the local police whilst in disguise as one of their squad cars. Over the next eight months, Prowl saw humanity at its lowest eb. Desperate, angry people who would never forgive the Transformers for bringing their war to humanity's homeworld. He watched as some of his driver's fellow police officers set fire to the building that the Decepticon [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] was trapped in, a cold execution of what Prowl considered an enemy combatant. He protested to Optimus Prime that humanity was dangerous, they were now killing Transformers, and that there was no strategic purpose for the Autobots to be on this planet or for he to continue this masquerade of being a police car. Prime asked his officer to trust him in his belief to the value of this activity, and that all the Autobots were on a personal journey.

[[Image:Prowl Spotlight DoneTheNumbers.jpg|right|130px|thumb|]]
And so Prowl continued to patrol the streets, and while he did so, he calculated. The humans numbered in their swarming billions versus less than ten thousand Cybertronians. Humanity lived brief, petty, frantic lives of comparatively little consequence, their world and its infrastructure inefficient, ramshackle and incompetent. Prowl concluded that not a single human life was worth that of a Cybertronian. However, when he and his police officer drive was overseeing the removable of volatile Cybertronian wreckage from a building, some workers accidently triggered an abandoned weapon to fire, destroying a damaged building. Without thinking, Prowl transformed and pushed a young girl out of the way, saving her life, but in the process, was trapped under the rubble that would have crushed her. His driver expressed disbelief that the Autobot had been in disguise as his car for the past eight months, and that he had broken cover to save one girl. Prowl confessed that for eight months he had been watching, planning, but unable to do anything. There were so many times he could have assisted if he were able to break cover. He had run the numbers, made calculations on Earth and on humanity, his math was flawless, but they weren't ''right''. And when push came to shove, he couldn't rely on what he thought might happen, he had to act on instinct and do the right thing. The policeman, impressed, remarked that Prowl spoke like a true beat cop, and stated that while he was obligated to call this incident in, it wasn't an emergency and suggested that Prowl had an hour to extricate himself before Skywatch arrived. {{storylink|Spotlight: Prowl}}

[[Image:Ongoing issue 1-Prowl shot in the back.jpg|left|thumb|200px|Woman makes prick staticky. Hilarity ensues.]]

The Autobots moved west, where Prowl was joined in his undercover police work with new arrival [[Streetwise (G1)|Streetwise]]. They were present at a power installation in New Mexico, which was being ransacked by the ravenous [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticon]] [[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]]. Skywatch deployed its robot-hunting crash-suits and brought down the Decepticon before leveling lethal particle cannons at him. Despite himself, Prowl broke cover to prevent the execution of a helpless Transformer. This left his backside open to the second Skywatch team on site, who used mode lock inhibitors to capture him as well as the "bait", Breakdown.

Prowl's capture was reported back to Autobase by Streetwise, and Hot Rod assembled a strike team to infiltrate Skywatch and rescue him. These Autobots were outfitted with [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]]'s new counter-inhibitors to prevent the mode lock from working. Unfortunately, this sudden change in tactical efficiency only caused Skywatch to panic, drawing out their lethal ordnance to protect themselves. Prowl was rescued...but Ironhide died in the assault. Grieving for his friend, Optimus Prime then stepped down as Autobot leader and turned himself over to Skywatch. {{storylink|...For All Mankind}}

With Optimus gone, Hot Rod advocated abandoning his plan and this planet, and Prowl was one of the first to sign up for Hot Rod's splinter group. They failed to convince [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] to fly them off-world, but then encountered a group of Decepticons led by [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]]. After a brief scuffle, Hot Rod and Swindle entered into negotiations for a truce. Prowl was uncomfortable with the idea of collaboration, despite his earlier effort on Breakdown's behalf. Ultimately, however, he went along with it. {{storylink|New Arrivals, Old Encounters}}

[[Image:Prowl Seasons In Flight.jpg|right|thumb|230px|Prowl always narcs on the cool kids.]]
The united Autobots and Decepticons attempted to construct a space cruiser in order to leave the planet. Their efforts reached a hurdle with the arrival of [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]], duly appointed enforcer of the [[Tyrest Accord]]. Prowl had summoned Ultra Magnus to Earth as part of standard operating procedure after Ironhide's death, before Prime abdicated his leadership and the faction had split. Things became difficult as Magnus attempted to confiscate Hot Rod's "unlicensed interstellar vehicle". Prowl attempted to weigh in with legalese of his own, citing the line of procedural succession and emergency powers, but it became moot when Magnus discovered their collaboration. {{storylink|Seasons in Flight}}

Eventually, things changed, and the Autobots were able to work with Skywatch to defend Earth. Prowl himself changed. Now, instead of having to be ordered to do so by Optimus Prime, Prowl assists the police of his own free will. He now understood that math and calculations, no matter how accurate, were useless in the face of evolving threats and a brave new world. No longer believing that a single human life was not worth that of one Cybertronian, Prowl would risk his life for any human. {{storylink|Spotlight: Prowl}}

[[Image:Prowl LSOTW5 Pressure.jpg|left|thumb|100px|To prick...or ''not'' to prick...]]
Sometime after things settled down on Earth, Prowl formed a plan to recapture the [[Garrus-9]] detention facility, which had fallen during Megatron's push three years earlier. Prowl's primary objective on this mission was for the Wreckers to retrieve the data stored on Aequitas, as he feared that if the Decepticons managed to get their hands on politically-damaging information about Autobot war criminals, it would be disastrous to the Autobot cause. When selections for the new Wreckers squad were being made, Prowl learned that [[Ironfist]] (a weapons researcher at [[Kimia Facility]] who had an obsessive fascination with the Wreckers) had recently suffered a lab accident involving cerebro-centric bullets and only had months to live. Applying pressure on psy-ops specialist [[Rung]] (who had judged the researcher unfit for Wreckers duty), Prowl arranged for Ironfist to be placed in Springer's squad on the condition that he would be the one to sacrifice his life to unlock Aequitas. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 4}} After the surviving Wreckers defeated [[Overlord (Masterforce)|Overlord]] and liberated G-9, Prowl was given a data slug containing the Aequitas' data, the legacy of Ironfist, who had finally succumbed to his lab accident injury. Prowl explained to [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] how he regretted using Ironfist in this manner, and he would prefer if the information about trials were never made public, despite what he had agreed to millions of years ago, for fear of what it would do to Autobot morale. As Ultra Magnus left, Prowl started to apply pressure on the data slug... {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 5}}
{{-}}

===IDW ''[[Hearts of Steel]]'' continuity===
With Optimus Prime in stasis lock, Prowl and [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] appeared to be the co-leaders of the Autobots in the 19th century. {{storylink|Hearts of Steel issue 1}} Despite [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]'s pleading, he was reluctant to interfere with the humans, but nevertheless participated in the pursuit of [[Astrotrain (G1)|the Astrotrain]] as it headed to New York. {{storylink|Hearts of Steel issue 4}}

His "Ice Age Wars" altmode is uncertain, but it is spiky, and possibly aquatic. His 19th century altmode is a small black-and-white locomotive with a glowing red smokestack.

===IDW Beast Wars comics===
[[Image:Maximalimperium.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
Prowl was a member of the Maximal counterpart to the Tripredacus Council, the [[Maximal Imperium]], alongside former Autobot teammates Ironhide and Silverbolt. The trio sent [[Ikard]] to request a report from [[Big Convoy]], but he refused, citing his need to investigate the [[Angolmois]]-fueled murders. {{storylink|The Ascending issue 2|The Ascending #2}}

{{-}}

===Timelines===
Prowl (in his ''[[Machine Wars]]'' body) is a member of the [[Axiom Nexus Security Administration]]. He, [[Prowl (Armada)|Prowl]] and [[Prowl II|Prowl]] were part of the group investigating the discovery of [[Comet]]'s body. {{storylink|Withered Hope}}

===''Henkei! Henkei!'' pack-in comic===
Prowl was waiting on a roadside when a yellow car zoomed past. Prowl instantly pursued it and ordered the car to a halt. The car proved itself to be none other than [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]], who was protecting a boy from the Seekers that the child had spraypainted. Prowl then bolted into action and drove off the Decepticon planes. Prowl warned the child about the Decepticons but Sunstreaker congratulated him for his work. Prowl was not amused. {{storylink|Henkei! Henkei! volume 5|Henkei! Henkei! #5}}

===3D Battle-Card Game===
Prowl was one of [[Optimus Primal]]'s many allies in a fight against [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]'s own army, in what might possibly have been an inter-universe battle. {{storylink|3D Battle-Card Game#Energon Wars expansion|Energon Wars Expansion Set}}
{{-}}

==Commercial appearances==
Prowl has appeared in several [[commercial|television commercials]]:

* He features in the very first Transformers animation, a commercial for [[The Transformers (issue)|Issue #1]] of Marvel's ''[[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|The Transformers]]'' comic book. He is seen hanging around with Jazz and Sideswipe on Cybertron, where all three transformed to robot mode and flew away into the air. Later on Earth, the same three bots drive out to (from?) a power plant to defend it from Decepticon attack.

* Much later, he appears in the Action Masters commercial; he's with a band of Autobots who agree to join Optimus Prime as he gives up transformation powers to become "more alive".

* In an ad for Starscream and Prowl, [[Action Master]]-form Prowl battles Starscream aboard his [[Turbo Cycle]] on Cybertron.

==Toys==
{{main|Prowl (G1)/toys}}

==Merchandise==
:''Main article: [[Prowl (G1)/toys#Merchandise|Merchandise]]''

==Notes==
[[Image:ProwlMaybe BM.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Be too prickish, and you end up like this.]]

* The Autobot [[Insignia|faction symbol]] seems to be loosely based on Prowl's head.

[[Image:Tftm prowl blowsmoke.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Turns out he ''didn't'' know his vocalizer from his exhaust port.]]
* A very Prowlish [[Character model|computer model]] was used for one of the [[Generic|generic]] Transformers in [[Beast Machines (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]. It is seen in a [[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicon]] factory as a corpse. A similar thing happens with [[Soundwave (G1)#Notes|Soundwave]], [[:Image:Bm soundwave.jpg|too]]. {{storylink|Revelations Part I: Discovery}}

*Instead of having a normal gunshot death, Prowl is shown having orange smoke coming from his mouth as he dies. ''Hardcore.''

*Prowl is generally a stuffed shirt, but [[IDW Publishing|IDW]] let [[Nick Roche]] start to turn him into a methodically, ruthlessly practical planner who'd be engaged in... [[All Hail Megatron issue 15|''questionable'']] things for the 'greater good'. This turned out to be a very popular take, and when IDW had Prowl become a more conventional Autobot later on, a large number of fans ''protested'' and wanted him to stay morally dodgy. <ref>[http://forum.idwpublishing.com/viewtopic.php?t=7345 IDW forum thread practically begging for Prowl's new characterization to be undone.]</ref> In an editorial boo-boo, Prowl ''would'' [[Last Stand of the Wreckers|still be scheming]] at the same time [[Spotlight: Prowl|he had explicitly]] [[...For All Mankind|turned nice]].

{{-}}

==References==
<references />

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

[[Category:Action Masters]]
[[Category:Alternators Autobots]]
[[Category:Autobot leaders]]
[[Category:Beast Wars Autobots]]
[[Category:Beast Wars Maximals]]
[[Category:Classics Autobots]]
[[Category:Combiners]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 2 Autobots]]
[[Category:Henkei! Henkei! Autobots]]
[[Category:Maximal leaders]]
[[Category:Security officers]]
[[Category:Strategists]]
[[Category:The Headmasters Autobots]]

Mirage (G1)

2010-12-25T20:16:01Z

190.20.173.129: /* The Transformers cartoon */

{{picsneeded|Fiction appearances, toys}}
{{factions|autobot|autobotg2}}
{{disambig3|Mirage}}
:''Mirage is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Mirageg1.jpg|right|300px|thumb|"The ship was... full."]]

'''Mirage''' is what [[human]]s call "old money." Before the war, he was a member of affluent [[Cybertronian (disambiguation)|Cybertronian]] society, with his own large estate and high-priced [[Mirage's friends|friends]]. He enjoyed the finer things in life: vintage [[Energon (fuel)|energon]], swank evening events, and [[turbofox]] hunts on the grounds. But when the war started, he was forced to choose sides and found himself banded with a group of commoners he didn't really understand.

Some of the other Autobots don't trust Mirage. He feels the war, even after all these millions of years, is beneath him. War is not, after all, how civilized, erudite beings conduct themselves. He often questions the Autobots' violent means, and not-so-secretly hopes they and the [[Decepticon]]s can get along. Because of this, he has been labelled by a few others as a Decepticon sympathizer. Still, he sided with the Autobots for a reason, and he is there for the Autobots when they need him.

Although the details vary by continuity, Mirage has the ability to create illusions which typically either render him invisible or make him appear to be somewhere he isn't.

He sounds like [[wikipedia:Dean Martin|Dean Martin]].

:''Japanese name:'' '''Ligier''' or '''Rijie''' (リジェ ''Rije'')
:''Hungarian name:'' '''Délibáb''' ("Mirage")
:''Italian name:'' '''Mistero''' ("Mystery")
:''Portuguese name:'' '''Miragem''' ("Mirage")
:''Chinese name (Taiwan):'' '''Hǎi-shr-shèn-lóu''' (海市蜃樓, "Mirage") / '''Hàun-yǐng''' (幻影, "Phantom")

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Generation 1====
{{noteukonly}}
[[Image:Miragebluestreakfirst.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Mirage tells the story of how he got his name every five minutes.]]
Mirage was one of the Autobots on board the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] when it crashed, and was subsequently reactivated in 1984. At first, Mirage was reluctant to full-on attack his Decepticon opponents, instead trying to reason with them. However, after a battle with the relentless [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], Mirage learned that sometimes diplomacy is not an option. {{storylink|The Last Stand}}

[[Image:Mirageg1enemywithin.jpg|right|125px|thumb|Punk'd!]]
''During an accident on the Ark, [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] suffered an extreme neuro-shock, causing him to rebel and turn against his teammates. Mirage helped the Autobots hunt him down and tranquilize him. This same accident also amplified Mirage's ability to create illusions, which he later used to trick the Decepticons into believing that a duel between Brawn and [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] ended with Brawn's death. The Decepticons felt totally stupid.'' {{storylink|The Enemy Within!}}

In the wake of a disastrous mission to rescue [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]]'s captive head from the Decepticons, most of the Autobots were rendered inoperative. Mirage was one of a handful of Autobots who remained active, accompanying Optimus and various newer Autobots on several subsequent missions. {{storylink|Rock and Roll-Out!}} {{storylink|I, Robot-Master!}} {{storylink|Command Performances!}}

''Mirage lucked out during the Dinobot Hunt—he was assigned to B-Team, whose quarry, Snarl, was knocked out by the destruction of a human military base, leaving him inert and easy to capture.'' {{storylink|Dinobot Hunt!}}

Long after, he was blown to pieces by [[Octane]] during an Arctic battle arranged by [[Starscream (G1)| Starscream]]. He recovered in time to be destroyed again in [[New York City]] by Starscream himself (empowered by the [[Underbase]]). {{storylink|Dark Star (issue)|Dark Star}}

====Generation 2====
[[Image:Mirageg2die.jpg|left|120px|thumb|"Got to—" '''SPOOM!''']]
Disobeying [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]]'s orders, [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] led a covert team (which included Mirage) onto the [[Cybertronian (faction)|Cybertronian Empire]] ship ''[[Twilight (G2)|Twilight]]'' to defeat [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]] and his army of "evolved Decepticons". Grimlock's plan was an utter failure, ending in [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]]'s death and the Autobots' capture. Mirage was destroyed by enemy fire during the following prison break. {{storylink|Devices and Desires! (Marvel)|Devices and Desires!}}

{{-}}
====Classics====
{{note| The Classics comic takes place after the end of the original Marvel Comic, but in a new timeline that does not include the events of the Marvel UK-exclusive stories or Generation 2.}}
Having been revived (presumably by [[Nucleon]]), Mirage was the happiest of them all, until he saw just how badly his way of life was affected by warfare. Mirage found that ages of warfare had made him bitter. Eventually, he decided to join Optimus Prime in returning to Earth, and war with Megatron.<ref>Mirage Classics Profile, [[Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 13]]</ref>

His actions include evacuating [[Armored Robot Hunters|RUNTs]] and their pilots, holding [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] at gunpoint, and revealing that his illusion powers (in this continuity) now ''include'' invisibility. {{storylink|Crossing Over}}

He later secretly followed [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] to a meeting from his crew of the [[Graviton (Classics)|Graviton]]. Unfortunately, he tried to crash Starscream's meeting with [[Bug Bite (G1)|Bug Bite]]. [[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]]'s infra-red sensors, and [[Weirdwolf]]'s keen nose allowed the Decepticons to find him, and he was gift-wrapped for Megatron. When the Gravitron crew led by Grimlock and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] attacked the Decepticon base, Mirage was rescued by [[Strongarm (Classics)|Strongarm]], [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]], [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]], and [[Elita One]]. {{storylink|Games of Deception}}

===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Frank Welker]] (English), [[Takurō Kitagawa]] (Japanese), Juan Carralero (Latin American)
[[Image:MTMTE2 Mirage talking to Spike.jpg|right|240px|thumb| Tellin' ya all it's a sabotage!]]
Mirage was part of the bridge crew of the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] when it crash-landed on Earth four million years ago. A volcanic eruption in 1984 awakened the Ark's inhabitants, including Mirage, who was reformatted by [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] to have a terrestrial alternate mode of a Formula-1 racer. His first mission came when the Autobots rolled out to stop the Decepticons attacking an oil rig. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 1}} After the battle, he got to show off his invisibility power to [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]]. Following another failed battle at [[Sherman Dam]], he suggested they simply leave Earth to the Decepticons and return to Cybertron, a suggestion soundly rejected by [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]]. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 2}}

[[Image:MTMtE Part3 Mirage HALOjump.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Ever get the feeling Pat Lee just looked at this image and thought "By jove! This must be what perspective is!"?]]
At the [[Ruby Crystal Mines of Burma]], when Optimus was caught in an explosion, Mirage helped right him. He expressed hope that with the Decepticons perished in the explosion, they'd be able to return to Cybertron, but his optimism was quashed a few moments later when their foe emerged, functional and with more energy to fuel their [[Victory (G1)|new star cruiser]]. While guarding Ravage, Mirage gave Hound the idea to spring a trap on the Decepticons using a holographic rocket base. Unfortunately the Decepticons saw through the plan and raided the real rocket base, attaining the rest of the energy they needed. During the final Autobot operation to try and prevent the launch of the Decepticon cruiser, Mirage used his cloaking ability to sneak aboard. While the Decepticons were squabbling, he uncloaked and opened fire, blasting away at the ship's controls. He then bailed from the doomed cruiser, floating back to Earth's surface on a parasail as the Decepticons crashed into the ocean. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 3}}

After [[Chip Chase]] was kidnapped by the Decepticons who were after the antimatter formula the boy had memorised, Hound and Mirage utilised their respective powers to sneak into the antimatter laboratory. They were able to rescue Chip, but the Decepticons had managed to get the formula and use it to create Energon. Mirage subsequently helped defend Autobot Headquarters. {{storylink|Roll for It}} Mirage rolled out to protect Autobot Headerquarters while [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] and [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] worked to save Prime's life, after the Autobot leader was badly damaged in a Decepticon attack. {{storylink|Divide and Conquer}} He took part in the construction of the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]]s... and then had to try to stop them when they ran wild. He, [[Bluestreak]] and [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] sealed the three Dinobots in a cave, but were mighty grateful when, after almost all of the Autobots were captured by the Decepticons, the Dinobots were released to come to the rescue. {{storylink|S.O.S. Dinobots}}

[[Image:CountdowntoExtinction Mirage firing missile.jpg|right|210px|thumb]]
When Megatron was using [[hypno-chip]]ped humans to load Energon onto their shuttle for transport to Cybertron, Mirage used his invisibility to sneak on board and order the humans to start unloading the Energon again. He was blasted in the back a short time later by [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]]. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 3}} When the Autobots were caught in quicksand while pursuing the Decepticons, Mirage used his shoulder missile to shoot down [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]]. {{storylink|Countdown to Extinction (episode)|Countdown to Extinction}} Mirage turned out with the other Autobots to watch Optimus and Megatron engage in single combat as per Cybertronian law. To their horror, Optimus lost, but they later discovered that Megatron had cheated, so the results were nullified. {{storylink|Heavy Metal War}}

[[Image:CityOfSteel Mirage carrying alligatorcon.jpg|thumb|left|210px]]
Mirage rolled out to attack Megatron's [[Solar Needle]] and rescue [[Gears (G1)|Gears]], but didn't play much role in the battle. {{storylink|Changing Gears}} He was on Ratchet's team, entering the sewers of [[New York City]] in an attempt to rescue Optimus. After tangling with an [[Alligatorcon]], they found Prime... in pieces. The Alligatorcon had been built from Optimus's parts, and Mirage, Ratchet and Hound had to capture it so Ratchet could rebuild their leader. Once Optimus had been put back together, they proceeded to the surface and battled Decepticons, [[battle taxi]]s and Prime's own severed arm. {{storylink|City of Steel}}

[[Image:Traitor Mirage cerebro shell implant.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]
The spotlight shone on Mirage again when [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] suspected him of disloyalty. The discovery of a Decepticon installation in a sector Mirage had recently scouted caused Cliffjumper to leap the incorrect conclusion that Mirage had concealed the information and was a traitor to the Autobots. During a battle with the Decepticons at the site, Mirage was injured, but managed to rip a Decepticon [[Insignia|seal]] off [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]]. Mirage risked the trust of his comrades by sneaking away to perform a plan of his own, framing the Decepticons for stealing [[Energon cube|Energon cubes]] from the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]]. Spotted carrying the cubes by Cliffjumper, Mirage's guilt seemed all but confirmed, and before he could reveal his innocence, he was captured and brainwashed by one of [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]]'s mind-controlling [[Cerebro-shell|cerebro-shells]]. Under Bombshell's control, Mirage led the Autobots into an ambush, but at the battle’s end, the assorted manipulations were revealed and Cliffjumper apologized to Mirage. {{storylink|Traitor}}

[[Image:AutobotRun Jazz Mirage vehicle modes.jpg|thumb|left|240px]]
Mirage took part in a charity race organised by the Autobots. While they raced and performed stunts, the Autobots were affected by Megatron's latest invention, the [[Transfixatron]], which locked them in their vehicle modes. They were herded by the Decepticons to a ghost town, where the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]]s had created a machine to destroy them. It was only through an intervention of Ratchet and Wheeljack's counter invention that they were saved. {{storylink|The Autobot Run}}

[[Image:EntertheNightbird invisible Mirage.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]
Mirage came with the other Autobots when they were hired by [[Doctor Fujiyama the Famous Scientist]] to protect [[Nightbird (G1)|his latest invention]] when it was being unveiled. When Decepticons attacked, Mirage became invisible and attacked Soundwave. Megatron offered to make Mirage disappear for good, but Optimus Prime saw to it that it wouldn't come true. After the Decepticons made off with Nightbird, Mirage and Ratchet insisted that [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] stay behind at Autobot base for repairs. As Brawn and [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] were being repaired, Optimus detected an intruder. Mirage went to investigate, only to be beaten up by a Decepticon-reprogrammed Nightbird. Mirage pursued her with the other Autobots. When they caught up with her, Mirage became invisible in order to return Optimus Prime's laser rifle undetected, giving him the advantage. {{storylink|Enter the Nightbird}}

When Mirage and the other Autobots found they mysteriously had two Optimus Primes, the duo were subjected to a series of inconclusive tests. Before any further testing could be done, they had to roll out to a crevasse filled with [[korlonium crystal]]s to investigate strange readings. During the battle with the Decepticons that followed, the real Prime's identity was soon revealed. {{storylink|A Prime Problem}} Mirage was part of [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]]'s team when they stumbled on the Decepticons' drilling operation. As [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] blasted him off a cliff, Mirage became invisible so the Decepticons would "never find [his] pieces". Of course, he survived and he and Sunstreaker used his grappling hook to take down Devastator. Back at Headquarters, a plan was hatched to plant [[dominator disc]]s on the Constructicons. Mirage took part, planting two of the discs at once, and Devastator was soon under Autobot control. Alas, it didn't last long — while they were trying to stop the Decepticons drilling to the Earth's core, Megatron retook control of the combiner. {{storylink|The Core}}

Mirage was at Headquarters when [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] and [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] reported the discovery of [[Dinobot Island (G1)|Dinobot Island]]. {{storylink|Dinobot Island, Part 1}} Through a cunning plan on Megatron's part, the Autobots were found guilty of stealing energy and forced to leave Earth in a spaceship supplied by [[Shawn Berger]]. {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1}} They soon discovered that the spacecraft was locked on course to the [[Sun]]. Through the heroic efforts of Chip Chase and bungling of [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]], as well as the use of [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] and [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]]'s force fields, the Autobots returned to Earth, where the Decepticons had already revealed their true nature. {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 2}}

[[Image:DesertionDinobots1 Mirage steals fusion cannon.jpg|thumb|left|240px]]
During an attempt by the Decepticons to steal the plans to the [[Ultra Plane]], Mirage used his invisibility to steal Megatron's [[fusion cannon]] right off the Decepticon leader's arm. A brief tug-of-war ensued over the weapon, which Mirage lost, but Megatron retreated in the end anyhow. Later, as the Dinobots were being repaired after another battle, Mirage reminisced about how great Cybertron was. When [[Cybertonium]] depletion started affecting all of the Transformers, Mirage's invisibility power went on the fritz — instead of making him invisible, it merely altered his color scheme slightly. Unfortunately he didn't find this out until after he tried to sneak up on [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] and was promptly blasted into a wall. {{storylink|Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 1}} The Autobots' condition worsened, until they were unable to move. They remained this way until the Dinobots, Spike and [[Carly (G1)|Carly]] managed to retrieve more Cybertonium from Cybertron. {{storylink|Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 2}}

[[Image:GoldenLagoon Mirage reports to Autobots.jpg|thumb|right|220px]]
Mirage rolled out for [[Haley Observatory]] when Megatron stole the [[Voltronic Galaxer]], but went missing somewhere along the way, and didn't arrive with the rest of the group. {{storylink|Blaster Blues}} He was part of an Autobot team who faced [[electrum]]-plated Decepticons with little success. He had to retreat back to [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]]'s position for reinforcements. When even Omega fell before the Decepticons, Mirage returned to Headquarters to break the news, and [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] soon worked out how the Decepticons had become invincible. Soon the Autobots had found the electrum pool and, coating themselves, were able to defeat the Decepticons. {{storylink|The Golden Lagoon}} After a number of Autobots were abducted by big game hunter [[Lord Chumley]], Mirage was present at Headquarters when Cosmos finally located the missing Autobots. {{storylink|Prime Target}} He also helped coat the [[Statue of Liberty]] with [[corrostop]], Perceptor's latest invention. {{storylink|Cosmic Rust (episode)|Cosmic Rust}}

Mirage was among the team of five Autobots who disguised themselves as the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]], with Mirage's alternate mode making him the perfect choice to masquerade as [[Drag Strip]]. Penetrating the Decepticon camp, the Autobots ran into trouble when the real Stunticons arrived, trying to prove their identities by forming [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]]. With a combination of [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]]'s magnetic powers and Mirage’s illusion-creating ability, the Autobots were able to appear as Menasor too. Though the deception was soon revealed, they were still able to thwart the Decepticons’ plans. {{storylink|Masquerade}}

{{note|An unused scene from the storyboard for [[The Transformers: The Movie]] showed Mirage wounded (possibly killed) by Megatron after getting back at Bombshell for [[Traitor|jeopardizing his career]]. Given the high body count, his death is still likely.}}

====Japanese cartoon continuity====
=====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' comic=====
Mirage was among the Autobots stationed at [[Ark (G1)|Autobot headquarters]] in [[Arizona]] when [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] and the Decepticons attacked. Though the Autobots were ultimately victorious, the entire attack was actually just a distraction so that [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] could go perform ''evil'' somewhere in Japan. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 2}}

Mirage later appeared at the Autobots' newly constructed Japanese base, welcoming the small [[human]] boy, [[Kenji]]. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 4}}

=====''Full Throttle Scramble Power!''=====
{{storylink|Full Throttle Scramble Power!}}

=====''Robot Masters'' pack-in comics=====

=====''Robot Masters'' online comics=====
{{charstubfiction}}

=====''Story of Binaltech''=====
Mirage volunteered for an experimental new Binaltech upgrade that boosted the [[power chip rectifier]] in his revamped body to the Nth degree, making him permanently invisible thanks to his electro-disruptor. This proved to be key in a special mission conceived of by [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]]. Having uncovered several secrets from the files of the time-traveling [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], the Autobots learned of a mysterious [[Large switch|switch]] hidden away on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] which, when pulled, would instantaneously immobilize all Transformers throughout the universe. Having lost Cybertron to [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s tyrannical rule and facing considerable odds in the Sol System as well, Prime decided it was necessary to activate the switch in order to end the war.

With [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] and several [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] [[Genetronic Translink System|GTs]] awaiting his signal as back-up, Mirage invisibly infiltrated Decepticon-controlled Cybertron and made his way to the switch. After throwing the switch, though, Mirage was surprised to find that he was still mobile. It seemed the Binaltech warriors (both Autobot and Decepticon) were significantly different enough from regular Transformers to be unaffected by the immobilization wave. With the Autobots now vastly outnumbering the Decepticons still in operation, the tide of the war had irreparably shifted. {{storylink|Kill Switch}}

=====''The Headmasters'' cartoon=====
[[Image:JHeadmasters01VariousGuys.jpg|thumb|200px|Combined screenshot used to avoid having to put up two tiny ones. Ignore the bottom!]]
Some time before the Transformers' war left Cybertron, Mirage engaged the Decepticons in battle with his comrades. {{storylink|Four Warriors Come out of the Sky}}

{{note|For whatever reason, this pre-title screen Cybertronian skirmish was left out of both the United Kingdom and Australian DVD releases of the ''Headmasters'' series.}}

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===Dreamwave comics continuity===
{{notekeepers}}
Despite his misgiving about the war effort, Mirage's tenure with the Autobot cause dates back to the time of [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]]. When Shockwave staged a disastrous offensive against [[Iacon (city-state)|Iacon]], Mirage was there defending the [[Decagon]] alongside Prowl and the other Autobot soldiers. {{storylink|The War Within issue 5}} During the [[Dark Ages]], he continued serving under Prowl as part of the main Autobot faction at [[Virtue's Forum]], in the remains of Iacon. Alongside Jazz and [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]], he tried defending their prisoner, [[Blitzwing (G1)|Experiment D-43]], against the intruder known as [[The Fallen]], but failed miserably in the process. {{storylink|War Within: The Dark Ages}}

Four million years ago, Mirage crash-landed on the planet Earth aboard the shuttle known as the Ark, with more than two dozen of his fellow Autobots and Decepticons. They remained inactive in stasis lock at the base of a volcano until 1984, when volcanic activity shook them back on-line. The war began again, but without reinforcements or connection to Cybertron, Megatron and his Decepticons were eventually defeated and taken prisoner by the Autobots. Mirage and the rest of the Transformers were prepared to fly back to Cybertron in a new spacecraft, the ''[[Ark II]]'', when it exploded on its maiden voyage, leaving them all believed dead.

Not so. Most of the Transformers had been salvaged by a mercenary named [[Lazarus]], who spent the next few years repairing and reprogramming the Cybertronians to use as weapons of mass destruction at his command. Optimus Prime was reactivated by the United States military to oppose Lazarus, and he in turn used the power of the Matrix to revive several other Autobots who had escaped Lazarus' salvage crews, including Mirage. After rescuing some of their number from the human mercenaries, Mirage and the Autobots had to race against time putting their friends back together after the Decepticons escaped to wreak havoc. What's worse, a mechanizing virus had been released by Megatron, turning organic life into inanimate mechanical matter. Mirage exhausted a good percentage of his energon reserves fighting back the tide of the virus, but the Autobots were eventually successful. {{storylink|Prime Directive}}

''Mirage was remarkably unhelpful during the war with the [[Keeper (species)|Keepers]]. After Optimus Prime was forced to give the Matrix over to Megatron as a debt of honor, Mirage sniped about the decision worse than any of the Autobots. His criticisms only got louder after a news report from [[Washington, D.C.]] made it clear that Megatron had found one of his warriors, the already mighty [[Omega Sentinel (G1)|Omega Sentinel]], who could actually wield the power of the Matrix directly. Now that Prime had actually strengthened their enemies as well as weakening the Autobots, Mirage just wouldn't shut up about it. The final straw was when [[Franklin Townsend]], a crazed augment working for the Keepers, idly strolled into the Ark, took over control of [[Bluestreak]]'s mind, and made his getaway. Mirage was ready to brazenly disobey Prime's orders and charge right after Bluestreak, until Optimus physically slammed him into a wall and forced him to obey his commanding officer. ''

''When you're being so much of a dick that the legendary patience of Optimus Prime runs out, it's time to rein it in, Mirage. {{storylink|Fusion (novel)|Fusion}}''

When [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] came to Earth and announced that the Autobot/Decepticon wars were over and that the two factions had been united, Mirage was one of the first to fall in with the new regime. The rest of the Autobots were wary of this development, and so a few (especially [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]]) considered Mirage a traitor. {{storylink|Brothers' Burden}} Mirage quickly realigned himself with the Autobot cause when Shockwave's true plan was revealed, and Cliffjumper seemed to forgive him, as Mirage had saved Cliffjumper from [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] by sneaking up on him invisibly. {{storylink|Revelation (War and Peace)|Revelation}}

Unfortunately for Mirage, the Autobots' acting commander Prowl soon came to the conclusion that they needed to return to Earth and establish a more significant beach-head there for the future. Mirage tried to argue against the idea, as he was more than thrilled to finally be back home on Cybertron, but then [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] cut in and reminded Mirage that Shockwave's united government had sold off his riches and property while he was gone. Ooooh—burn. {{storylink|Atonement}} The Autobots readied themselves for the return mission on a new shuttle, and began construction of Autobot City upon their arrival on Earth. {{storylink|The Route of All Evil}}

===Devil's Due ''G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers'' comics===
[[Image:GIJoevsTF4_Mirage_Ferret.jpg|thumb|left|250px|]]
[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] found Mirage's holo-projector aboard the ''Ark'', and used it to make a better holographic driver for himself than [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] could. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 2}}

Meanwhile, Mirage was among the dormant Transformers discovered by [[Cobra]], reprogrammed for nefarious purposes, and given new alternate modes (Mirage now transformed into a Cobra [[Ferret]]). Upon being freed from Cobra's control by Wheeljack, Mirage's group located Optimus Prime and helped fight back against the newly freed Decepticons. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 4}} He later stood watch as the damaged Prime was formulating a plan to defeat Megatron. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 5}}

{{-}}

===Dreamwave ''Transformers/G.I. Joe'' comics===
Mirage was apparently among the Autobots awakened on the [[Fera Islands]] in [[1939]], as Optimus Prime mentioned that he had been killed in the battle against [[Cobra]]. {{storylink|The Iron Fist}}

===IDW comics continuity===
Mirage was a suspect in the assassination attempts on [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]], as he was one of only four Autobots present on the [[Autobot Orbital Command Hub|Hub]] during both attacks. He and two of the other Autobots were cleared when it was discovered that a mind-controlled [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] was the true culprit. {{storylink|Spotlight: Blaster}}

A year later, he delivered information to the Autobots that there was a power-struggle among the Decepticons, information that turned out to be false and drew Optimus and an Autobot team (including the former ''[[Ark-19]]'' crew) into a hideous ambush that left them trapped on Cybertron. Before dumping them on Cybertron, Megatron revealed that there had been a willing traitor collaborator involved in his trap, and Mirage was the prime suspect {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 7}} with everyone but [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] and [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] believing he'd betrayed them to the Decepticons. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 4}}

[[Image:AHM7_Ironhide_assaults_Mirage.jpg|thumb|left|200px|[[All Hail Megatron issue 4|Ironhide. Punches. ''Everyone.'']]]]
It's not all bad, though; he got to use his invisibility trick to sneak up on [[Kup (G1)|Kup]]'s crew when Jazz was trying to prove his command skills. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 5}} Not long after, a raging [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] dragged the "traitor" into a corner and blamed him for the trap, which had nearly killed Optimus Prime. Mirage could only protest weakly as Ironhide beat him half to death and ripped off his Autobot badge. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 7}}

It was eventually revealed that [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] had been the real traitor, and Ironhide tried to apologize to Mirage. Mirage wouldn't accept his apology, however, leaving his badge off out of spite and warning Ironhide against ever talking to him again. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 9}} However, despite his harsh words, Mirage came to Ironhide's rescue during a [[Insecticon swarm|swarm]] attack, urging his comrade to save himself. Ironhide refused, and instead proved that he trusted Mirage again by staying behind to help him fight the monstrosities. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 10}} After the Autobots were saved by [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]], they returned to Earth and fought against the Decepticons in [[New York City]]. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 11}}

Three years later, the Autobots were still squatting on Earth at Optimus Prime's insistence, keeping the humans "safe" from the Decepticons while being hunted by those very same humans. Mirage was present when [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] finally went stir-crazy and demanded some action. That "action" led to Ironhide's death and Prime surrendering himself to the human robot-hunters, [[Skywatch]]. {{storylink|...For All Mankind}} Along with [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]], [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]], and several others, Mirage joined Hot Rod in breaking off from what remained of the Autobot forces to leave the planet of mud and water behind. At first, they tried convincing Omega Supreme to leave with them, but Hot Rod's speeches failed to overcome Omega's loyalty to Optimus Prime. Instead, they found unlikely allies in a pack of roving Decepticons led by [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]]. {{storylink|New Arrivals, Old Encounters}} With the additional manpower, they began construction of a new space cruiser to leave Earth forever, despite the unease the new allies had for one another. {{storylink|A Rude Awakening}} Mirage busied himself checking a datapad for the new flight control systems. {{storylink|Seasons in Flight}}

Unsurprisingly, the Decepticons eventually betrayed Hot Rod's team and attempted to take the space cruiser for themselves. Mirage and the others fought against their new creation, [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]], and eventually brought him down. Mirage was one of several Autobots who were injured in the battle, and was repaired by Skywatch technicians. {{storylink|Earthworks}}

{{note|The events of ''Spotlight: Mirage'' possibly take place in an alternate/unknown continuity.}}
[[Image:SpotlightMirage trappedHound.jpg|right|200px|thumb|This didn't actually happen. Or did it? No, it didn't.]]
Mirage was haunted repeatedly by dreams of being a Decepticon. Or actually ''is'' a Decepticon from another universe who, after helping kill the last Autobots, got blown back through time and space to the main universe. Or via [[Zodiac]] energy has gained flashbacks of an alternate Decepticon Mirage. God knows what's going on there. {{storylink|Spotlight: Mirage}}
{{-}}

===''Henkei! Henkei!'' pack-in comic===

{{storylink|Mirage's Rebirth}}

{{charstubfiction}}

===''Henkei! Henkei!'' Bun Bun manga===

{{storylink|Enter! The Transformers}} {{storylink|The Emperor of Destruction Appears!}} {{storylink|Kingdom of Giants}} {{storylink|The Enemy from the Arctic}} {{storylink|Wataru's Power}}

{{charstubfiction}}

{{-}}
==Games==
===The Transformers (1985)===
Mirage was among the few remaining Autobots in the wake of the Decepticon creation of ROBO-CLONING technology. With his energy-starved comrades, he desperately sought pieces of the Autobot Energon Cube before the Decepticons could get their hands on them. {{storylink|The Transformers (Commodore 64)|The Transformers}}

{{-}}
==Toys==
{{picsneeded|G2 Go Bot, Universe Spychanger, Binaltech}}
===Generation 1===
[[Image:G1Mirage toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|I don't need to be street-legal; I'm rich.]]
*'''Mirage''' (Autobot Car, 1984/1986/1991)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''07'''
**''Accessories:'' "Rocket-Dart Hunting Rifle", missile launcher, 3 missiles

: Mirage was part of the original 1984 Autobot car assortment. His mold was originally used for a ''[[Diaclone]]'' F-1 [[wikipedia:Ligier JS11|Ligier JS11]] racer. The toy was specifically designed to work with the launcher mechanism contained in the Optimus Prime / Battle Convoy trailer. This toy is easily broken at the waist pivot. The labels on the toy are references to several real-world companies. The largest name, Citanes, is a deliberate corruption of Gitanes, a French cigarette company. (Quite unusual for a child's toy, but not the only [[Marlboor Wheeljack|cigarette reference in ''Diaclone'']].) The toy included Gitanes' logo of a dancing gypsy woman on what ends up as Mirage's belt in robot form. "Ligier" is the name of the company that manufactured the JS-11 chassis and fielded the team, traditionally wearing 25 and 26 on the F1 grid, while "elf" is a reference to a French oil company that has since merged with TotalFina to become TotalFinaElf.

: In 1986, he was made available as a mail-away item (as he was no longer shipping to retail shelves) in multiple offers, including a [[Digital Doom on the Highway to Destruction]] flier packed with most boxed ''Transformers'' toys. He cost $8 and two [[robot points]]. In Japan Mirage was also included in the 1986 ''Goodbye Convoy'' [[giftset]]. This was the final release of the mold, making Mirage the only one of the original Autobots not to have been reissued in some form.

: Hasbro and/or Takara have announced that the mold for Mirage is [[Mold#Issues with Reissues|either lost or damaged]], so a reissue is unlikely. This presumably excludes the molds obtained by [[Knockoff|certain Chinese companies]] to produce several Mirage "perfect" [[Bootleg|bootlegs]] in a variety of flavors including original, clear, smoke, and red, based on the ultra-rare version from the [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys|Diaclone Powered Convoy]] giftset.

===Generation 2===
* '''Mirage''' (Go-Bot, 1995)
**''Accessories:'' Gun

: Mirage was released in 1995 as a black and yellow recolor of the [[Go-Bot (G2)|Go-Bot]] [[Double Clutch (G2)|Double Clutch]], transforming into a 1:64-scale Lola T94 Indy car with through-axle construction, making him compatible with racing sets from the "Hot Wheels" and "Matchbox" toylines.

: This mold was also used to make ''[[Robots in Disguise (toyline)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Mirage (RID)|Mirage]].

::*''[http://tfu.info/1995/Autobot/Mirage/mirage.htm More information on Go-Bots Mirage at TFU.info]

{{note|Mirage was also planned to be released in ''[[Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' as a flipchanger, but the line was canceled to make way for ''[[Beast Wars (toyline)|Beast Wars]]''. The unreleased mold was first used in ''[[Machine Wars]]'' (see below).}}

{{-}}

===Machine Wars===
[[Image:Mwmirage.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Gah! I'm teal! Somebody recolor me, please!]]
* '''Mirage''' (Basic, 1997)
**''Accessories:'' 2-part rifle

: Mirage's form in ''[[Machine Wars]]'' transforms into a blue and white Indycar. Like the other Machine Wars basics, the toy is a flipchanger (having a one-step, spring-loaded transformation), and his weapons are hidden in his alt mode. Unlike most of the ''Machine Wars'' toys, the head looks very similar to his Generation 1 form. This is because the mold was originally designed as Mirage for ''[[Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]''.

: This mold was also used to make ''Machine Wars'' [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] and ''[[Robots in Disguise (toyline)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Skid-Z (RID)|Skid-Z]].

{{-}}
===Robot Masters===
[[Image:RMRijie toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Phew. Thanks.]]
* '''Rijie''' (Basic, 2004)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''RM-03'''
**''Accessories:'' 2-part "Molecular Bonding Gun", "JS Laser Gun"

: ''[[Robot Masters (franchise)|Robot Masters]]'' "Rijie" used the ''Machine Wars'' Mirage mold, but in a much more [[Generation 1 (toyline)|Generation 1]]-based coloration and deco. He also came with an extra chrome-silver "JS Laser Gun" (like the other bonus weapons of ''Robot Masters'', it is suspected to be a mold originally developed yet ultimately unused by the cut-short ''[[Microman]] LED Powers'' line).

: Because of legal reasons, "Ligier" could not be used for the name of the ''Robot Masters'' toy, so "Rijie", which has the same pronunciation in Japan, was used instead. Curiously, the toy's instructions still identify it as "Ligier".

{{-}}
===Alternators===
[[Image:AlternatorsMirage toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|This toy is clearly black, red, and silver. You're just deluding yourself.]]
* '''Mirage''' (Alternator, 2006)
**''Alternator ID number:'' '''22'''
**''Accessories:'' Engine/tonfa weapons

: ''[[Alternators]]'' Mirage transforms into a finely detailed 1:24 scale replica of a Ford GT, featuring opening doors, engine bay and trunk, with a realistic interior. As with most Alternators, his car body is mostly unpainted, but the metallic-flake deep blue plastic makes this hard to see.

: Featuring an innovative, different robot mode, Mirage is not a straight re-interpretation of the original Mirage's robot mode, due to the completely different types of vehicles. But coincidentally the Ford GT's hood features a shape that echoes a F1-type racing car's nose and front spoiler. His engine's supercharger forms two separate tonfa weapons that can also be interpreted as guns.

: Mirage was retooled into [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys|Hot Rodimus]] for the ''[[Kiss Players (toyline)|Kiss Players]]'' line, which was further redecoed into ''Alternators'' Rodimus. Later in 2007, he was redecoed in clear plastic colours to represent his 'invisibility mode' as an [[e-Hobby]] exclusive in the ''[[Binaltech]]'' line.

===Universe===
*'''Mirage''' (Spy Changer, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' Gun

: For ''[[Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'', Mirage is identical to the last [[KB Toys]] [[exclusive]] redeco of ''[[Robots in Disguise (toyline)|Robots In Disguise]]'' [[Mirage (RID)|Mirage]], transforming into a translucent green Lola Indy car. He was available only on an individual card from discount chains like The Dollar Store.
{{-}}

===Classics===
[[Image:Classics Mirage toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Applied to [[Revoltech]] club; rejected.]]
*'''Mirage''' (Classics Deluxe, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' Gun/front spoiler
:''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'' Mirage was released in November 2006 in wave 2, along with the [[shortpacked]] [[Grimlock (G1)/toys|Grimlock]]. He transforms into a closed-canopy Formula racer concept car. Mirage's paint details contain a few ''Transformers'' in-jokes in the form of sponsor logos such as "[[Sparkplug Witwicky|Witwicky Sparkplugs]]" and "[[Lithone (planet)|Lithonian]] Drivetrain." Additionally, his racing number is still 26, as it was on the original toy. Other logos, which include "Plasma Injection Energy" and "F.P. Racing," refer to "pie" and the initials of [[Joe Kyde|the deco artist]]'s super-secret non-gay friendship cult, respectively.

:The front detaches to become a handheld electro-disruptor weapon which is said to be able to create illusions and allow him to appear invisible. (This is a reconciliation of Mirage's illusion-creation ability from his original tech spec profile and his invisibility power from the animated series.) He is ''extremely'' poseable.

: This mold was also used to make ''[[Movie (toyline)|Movie]]'' [[Fracture (Movie)|Fracture]] and ''[[Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Drag Strip]].

{{-}}
===Timelines===
[[Image:BotCon2007freeMirage.jpg|right|300px|thumb|I leave your toilets fresh and blue everytime you flush!]]
*'''Hologram Mirage''' (BotCon, 2007)
**''Accessories:'' Gun/front spoiler

:A redeco of Classics Mirage in translucent and opaque blue, Mirage was available only as a "freebie" gift to attendees at BotCon 2007.

{{-}}

===Binaltech===
* '''Rijie''' (e-Hobby exclusive, 2007)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''BT-18'''
**''Accessories:'' Engine/tonfa weapons

:Rijie is a redeco of ''Alternators'' Mirage using mostly transparent plastic. The toy was exclusively available from [[e-Hobby]] in September 2007.

:Even though Takara had briefly contemplated releasing a [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rodimus]] (Hot Rod) retool of Alternators Mirage as the next ''Binaltech'' toy after [[Ginrai]] (both toys would ultimately come out as part of the ''[[Kiss Players (toyline)|Kiss Players]]'' line instead), they apparently never created any [[die-cast]] molds for the Ford GT sculpt. To justify the absence of diecast parts from a ''Binaltech'' toy, Takara decided to use clear plastic parts to represent an "invisible" mode, officially called an "Electro-Disrupter" {{sic}} mode on the packaging.

{{-}}

===Henkei! Henkei!===
[[Image:Henkei Mirage toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Sculpted in 2006. Decoed in the late 70s.]]
*'''Ligier''' (Deluxe, 2008)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-04'''
**''Accessories:'' Gun/front spoiler

: ''[[Henkei! Henkei! (toyline)|Henkei! Henkei!]] Transformers'' Ligier is a redeco of ''Classics'' Mirage. In an effort to make him appear more accurate to Mirage's cartoon appearances, Ligier lacks most of the sponsorship tampographs that appeared on ''Classics'' Mirage. As with all ''Henkei'' toys, he lacks the heat-sensitive rubsign seen on the ''Classics'' version, but features [[Vacuum metallizing|vacuum-metallized]] parts: his rear spoiler and his front spoiler.

{{-}}
[[Image:HenkeiElectroDisruptorLigier.jpg|thumb|200px|Clear, black, '''and''' chrome? It's like he's a living embodiment of Takara itself!]]
*'''Electro Disruptor Ligier''' (Deluxe, 2009)

: Electro Disruptor Ligier is a translucent plastic version of ''Henkei'' Ligier offered as a mail-away exclusive to those who have bought the book [[Transformers Generations 2009|Transformers Generations 2009 Volume 1]].

: This toy was repurposed as "[[Shattered Glass (toyline)|Shattered Glass]]" [[Mirage (SG)|Mirage]].

{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===Choro-Q===
*'''Ligier''' (2000)

:''[[Choro-Q]]'' Ligier is a mostly translucent [[redeco]] of the Honda Jordan F1 toy from Takara's ''Choro-Q'' toyline of non-transforming [[super-deformed]] vehicles. He was an [[exclusive]] at [[BotCon]] Japan 2000, and features a [[pull-back motor]] and a rear license plate that reads "BotCon Japan 2000".

:Along with ''Choro-Q'' [[Optimus Prime (G1)/merchandise|Convoy]] and [[Megatron (G1)/toys|Megatron]], Ligier was given out randomly to convention attendees. Each toy was limited to 1000 pieces.

===Robot Heroes===
[[Image:RH Mirage vs Starscream.jpg|right|200px|thumb|I'm too rich to be cute.]]
* '''Mirage Vs Starscream''' (2007)

:Packaged with [[Starscream (G1)/toys|Starscream]], Mirage is a two-inch-high robot sculpted in super deformed style with articulation at the head and shoulders. The toy has a sculpted missile launcher, like the original character, but oddly it is resting on the figure's back instead of the shoulder. This mold was later redecod into ''Hologram'' Mirage.

{{-}}
[[Image:Hologram Robot Hero Mirage.jpg|right|150px|thumb|What he said.]]
* '''Decepticon Sneak Attack''' (2007)

:Hologram Mirage is a recolor of the two-pack Mirage cast in transparent blue with slightly different paint details. Most notably, the Autobot symbols on his arms have been replaced with part of the word "Citanes", to evoke the original toy. Mirage was packed with ''Metallic Finish'' Optimus Prime, ''Metallic Finish'' Megatron, Cliffjumper, and Skywarp. This pack was sold exclusively in Walmart, and Walmart.com.

{{-}}

==Notes==
*Mirage is absent from the fictional events of 2005 and 2006 without explanation; a storyboarded scene from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' featuring Mirage was cut from the finished film. Amidst the transformation of [[Autobot City]], Mirage was to ambush the Insecticon [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] and then be fired upon by Megatron. Whether or not this would have killed Mirage is not made clear, but given the film's casual body count, it seems highly probable.
*Mirage has been a traitor/suspected traitor in nearly every continuity he's popped up in. You just can't trust those coastal elite.

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.toybin.org/search.php?q=1984+Autobot+Mirage ToyBin Mirage Toy Gallery]
* [http://www.tfu.info/1984/Autobot/Mirage/mirage.htm Mirage at TFU.info]
* [http://www.ntfa.net/universe/english/index.php?act=view&char=Mirage Mirage's Universe profile at NTFA.net]

[[Category:Alternators Autobots]]
[[Category:Classics Autobots]]
[[Category:Convention exclusives]]
[[Category:KB Toys exclusives]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 2 Autobots]]
[[Category:Go-Bots]]
[[Category:Henkei! Henkei! Autobots]]
[[Category:Machine Wars Autobots]]
[[Category:Mail order items]]
[[Category:Robot Heroes]]
[[Category:Robot Masters Autobots]]
[[Category:Saboteurs]]
[[Category:Spies]]
[[Category:The Headmasters Autobots]]

Jazz (G1)

2010-12-25T20:13:48Z

190.20.173.129: /* The Transformers cartoon */

{{factions|autobot|autobotg2}}
{{disambig3|Jazz}}
{{featured}}{{suite}}
:''Jazz is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]]. He is also known as '''Meister'''.''

[[Image:jazz-g1-shout-dvds.jpg|right|300px|thumb|He's either about to bust a move or bust your face.]]
'''Jazz''' is [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]'s [[Second-in-command|right-hand man]]. Unlike [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]], Prime's military strategist, Jazz responds well to change and improvisation. Whatever surprises the Decepticons spring, Jazz can deal with it. His position as [[Special Operations]] head calls for all the skills he possesses, yet he still has time to add some style to everything he does. Jazz's upbeat and outgoing personality make him one of the most popular Autobots among the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'s crew.

An admirer of [[Earth]] music of every kind, Jazz loves culture. More than most other Autobots, he has his finger on the pulse of Earth trends and lingo, effortlessly incorporating human slang into his vocabulary. Chances are, Jazz could tell you the status of almost any reality television show and each week's Top 40 list.

:''Preliminary name'': '''Jazzz''' 
:''Portuguese name (Brazil comics)'': '''Lero-Lero'''
:''Japanese name'': '''Meister''' 
:''French-Canadian name'': '''Saxo''' 
:''Italian name'': '''Tigre''' ("Tiger") 
:''RTM1 dub name'': '''Marshall'''

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Generation 1====
{{noteukonly}}
[[Image:Jazzg1marvelfirst.jpg|left|100px|thumb|Hey, man, this is not my scene!]]
''Before Optimus became leader, Jazz was part of the self-styled [[Magnificent Six]], a team of Autobot warriors who were tortured and humiliated by the sadistic [[Megadeath (G1)|Megadeath]].'' {{storylink|The Magnificent Six!}}

Jazz was one of the Autobots aboard the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] who crashed on [[Earth]] four million years ago, waking up in 1984. Jazz showed an affinity with [[human]] pop culture almost immediately, responding to [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]]'s non sequitur assertion that his "logic center dictates the most advantageous course of action in any situation" with "Well, that is neat-o, Prowl." {{storylink|The Transformers (issue)|The Transformers}}

[[Image:LastStand-Jazzneverfear.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Jazz loves Earth... FRIED!]]

Jazz's first foray into action came when the [[Decepticon|Decepticons]] attacked him and his fellow Autobots at [[Witwicky Auto Repairs]], resulting in the kidnapping of [[Sparkplug Witwicky]]. {{storylink|Power Play!}} Later, when Sparkplug was rescued and it was learned that the auto repairman had devised a way for the Decepticons to convert Earth fuel into a usable resource, the Autobots were enraged. Jazz shot a stream of fire to prevent Sparkplug's escape, causing the human to suffer a heart attack. {{storylink|The Last Stand}}

It was discovered that after the Autobots crash-landed on Earth, a rescue ship was sent after them which was buried somewhere in [[United Kingdom|England]]. The [[Man of Iron (Autobot)|Man of Iron]], one of its crew, had awakened a number of times in England's history and had become a local legend. Jazz, along with [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]], [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]], and [[Bluestreak]], was dispatched to England under [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]'s supervision. Jazz befriended (and kidnapped) a young boy, [[Sammy Harker]], whose dad worked at the castle where the Autobot rescue ship had been partially unearthed. After questioning the boy, it became apparent that the rescue ship had to be destroyed. At the climax of a battle with the Decepticons over the buried ship, Jazz fired his weaponry down into it, and it was pulverized. {{storylink|Man of Iron (story)|Man of Iron}}

[[Image:ManofIron-CodeAdam.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Code Adam! CODE ADAM!]]

''Jazz and a handful of other Autobots were beginning repairs on their crashed spaceship when an electrical accident altered [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]]'s personality in a very bad way. Brawn became violent and paranoid, and Jazz was unable to keep the tiny but mighty Autobot restrained. At the end of Brawn's subsequent adventure, Jazz was relieved to see that he had survived and was back to his old self.'' {{storylink|The Enemy Within!}}

''At some point, the Autobots met the Decepticons in battle at [[Sherman Dam]]. When the dam's structural integrity was compromised, Optimus Prime ordered Jazz and some others to get the neighboring humans to safety before imminent flooding destroyed the area. Jazz and [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] raced each other as they carried some younger humans away from the nearby town.'' {{storylink|Decepticon Dam-Busters!}}

After [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]], upon his sudden return from being snared in a tar pit for the past 4 million years, destroyed the Autobots with one blast, the Decepticons moved into the Ark, and Jazz's lifeless body was hung with the other Autobots' from the ceiling. {{storylink|The New Order}} [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]], the only surviving Autobot, heard of the fate of his peers and snuck into the Ark to investigate. Sadly, Jazz and the others were still being kept in this sad state. {{storylink|Warrior School!}}

[[Image:DisintegratedCircuits-JazzBlackrock.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Seriously, Jazz, you've really got to stop kidnapping every single person you need to talk to.]]

After Ratchet reclaimed the Ark from the Decepticons, Jazz and the other Autobots were rebuilt and repaired. Ratchet briefly worried about Jazz during a diagnostics run when the Autobot didn't transform like the others. Jazz explained that he stayed transformed because he was listening to a [[Madonna]] song, and it would be rude to interrupt it. After the Autobots returned home, it was Jazz who had a solution to their fuel problems: telling [[G.B. Blackrock]] that with the Decepticons around, owning an oil industry was ''dangerous'' work, and it'd be a ''shame'' if something happened, when for just a bit of fuel, the Autobots could ensure he had "protection". Jazz was given authorization to present Blackrock with this deal, which he did after kidnapping the poor industrialist and driving off a cliff. Despite this rocky beginning, Blackrock knew a good deal when he saw one, and he agreed.

Soon after, Jazz and [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] hid behind the stage in their [[alternate mode]]s while Blackrock unveiled his [[Anti-Robot Photonic Multi-Cannon]] to the press. Unfortunately, not only was the cannon sabotaged by the demented and powerful human villain [[Circuit Breaker]], but [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] were there as well to destroy it. The violent efforts of both Circuit Breaker and Starscream put Jazz out of the fight. {{storylink|DIS-Integrated Circuits!}}

Blackrock was invited to tour the Ark and was disconcerted by the sight of the Jazz's arm being repaired and reattached while he was still conscious. Jazz assured him this was normal. {{storylink|The Next Best Thing to Being There!}} Meanwhile, the head of Optimus Prime had been held captive by the Decepticons all this time, but surveillance by Prowl revealed that the Decepticons were planning to ditch the head in a swamp. Prowl led Jazz and the other Autobots to that swamp to retrieve it, but there was a slight problem: When they returned the head to Prime's body, they quickly learned that this was an impostor head controlled by Shockwave. Jazz and the other Autobots were torn down by both the impostor Optimus Prime and a group of Decepticons led by [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]]. Their lives were spared at the end of this battle once Prime's real head was retrieved. {{storylink|Prime Time!}}

[[Image:G1 Jazz ChristmasBreaker.jpg|left|150px|thumb|She's not a material girl.]]

''Jazz later was [[Christmas]] shopping with [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]] when he was again attacked by Circuit Breaker. However, Buster's pleas (and the spirit of Christmas) prevented her from killing him.'' {{storylink|Christmas Breaker!}} ''After this, Jazz took the side against building Autobot [[Ultimate Autobot|super-warriors]] in a heated debate ''{{storylink|Crisis of Command!}} ''and was part of the team retrieving [[Slag (G1)|Slag]] in the Dinobot Hunt.'' {{storylink|Dinobot Hunt!}}

Sans a leg, Jazz was seen once again in Ratchet's repair bay with several others. Because of these drastic losses to the Autobot ranks, Optimus Prime began building additional warriors. {{storylink|Rock and Roll-Out!}}

''Later, Jazz took part in a mission in England to find a power source that reversed Transformers' personalities. Jazz eventually ended up destroying the core of [[PARD]] during a battle with [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]].'' {{storylink|To a Power Unknown!}}

''Jazz spent three weeks in a shipping container in order to get to Skagway, [[Alaska]] unnoticed by the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]. [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] then became stuck while scouting the local base, and Jazz suffered brain damage while coming to his aid. Hoist was forced to drag the uncooperative, bewildered Jazz through hostile territory to safety. The damage was repairable.'' {{storylink|The Mission}}

''When [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] time-jumped to 1986, Jazz was sent to scout out Decepticon territory and was captured. He was then used as bait to draw the Autobots into an ambush and was told of Galvatron's origin before his brain was operated on to turn him into a murderous [[zombie]]-soldier. He was used against his fellow Autobots and needed severe repairs afterward.'' {{storylink|Target: 2006}}

[[Image:DarkStar-Jazz.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Shot in the crotch, and lore's to blame!]]

Jazz was among the dozens of Autobots who gathered on the Moon to watch Blaster and Grimlock battle for Autobot leadership, and subsequently came under Decepticon attack. {{storylink|Totaled!}}

When an [[Underbase]]-powered [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] attacked New York, Jazz was part of the team sent to ambush him. Although most of the team was easily defeated, Jazz managed to hit him with a photon blast from behind, and while Starscream retaliated with a fatal blow, Jazz's attack was still enough to throw him off the Brooklyn Bridge and into the jaws of the [[Seacon (G1)|Seacons]]. {{storylink|Dark Star (issue)|Dark Star}}

[[Image:Autobotclassicpretenders-us58.jpg|left|thumb|250px|Jazz likes humans so much, he wears one as his skin.]]

Later, exhausted from the workload of fixing all the Autobots Starscream damaged, Ratchet began having nightmares of being attacked by his deactivated comrades. The Decepticon [[Sports Car Patrol]] took advantage of this mental breakdown and took control of Jazz and others' circuits to [[Zombie|"zombify"]] them and torment him. When this failed, the [[Sports Car Patrol]] passed themselves off as Autobots and convinced Ratchet to come with them to Cybertron to get medical supplies. Ratchet took Jazz, along with [[Bumblebee (G1)|Goldbug]] and [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]], with him, only to find [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] waiting for him! {{storylink|Back from the Dead}} While Ratchet was forced by Megatron to revive Starscream using [[Pretender]] technology, he had an idea of what to do with three discarded Pretender shells... {{storylink|The Resurrection Gambit!}} which turned out to be repairing Jazz, Grimlock and <strike>Goldbug</strike> Bumblebee! {{storylink|All the Familiar Faces!}}

While the others dealt with Megatron, Jazz had more than his hands full fighting off the Sports Car Patrol, who were definitely tougher than they appeared. Finding out from Ratchet that he could remotely control his shell, Jazz managed to turn the tide against his smaller opponents, but Megatron realized two heads weren't necessarily better than one when he bashed Jazz's head against his shell's and tossed them out of [[Megatron's base|his base]], where Jazz was safe from the explosives Ratchet teleported back from the Ark. {{storylink|Skin Deep}} After the explosion, Jazz searched the detritus for their bodies, but with no success. Ratchet and Megatron were assumed to have been atomized. {{storylink|Eye of the Storm}}

Along with Bumblebee and Grimlock, he remained on Cybertron for a while, ''and would be sent to investigate a brutal group-killing'' {{storylink|Demons!}} ''that saw him and several Decepticons battle the ferocious [[Demon]]s.'' {{storylink|Dawn of Darkness}}

[[Image:PrimalScream Jazz fights Bludgeon.jpg|thumb|right|250px|We knew Jazz was badass, but ''damn''.]]

The [[Classic Pretender|Classics]] emboldened the Autobot resistance, leading eight successful raids on Decepticon fuel and ammunition depots before getting reassigned to Earth. However, the [[Mayhem Attack Squad]] attacked the [[Autobase]] and accelerated the dimensional interface, sending Jazz, Bumblebee, Grimlock and the [[Rescue Patrol]] to the heart of Cybertron and face to face with their creator, [[Primus]]! {{storylink|Yesterday's Heroes!}} Despite the objections of Grimlock, Jazz and the others prostrated themselves before their creator and listened to the [[Keeper (Transformer)|Keeper]]'s story of how Cybertron came to be. Interrupted by an assault from the Mayhem Attack Squad, Jazz quickly traded blows with [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] but was overmatched. Thankfully, he was rescued by Bumblebee before Bludgeon could deliver the killing blow. After recovering, he cleverly introduced [[Stranglehold]] to a very hard wall. Unfortunately, a stray shot from [[Octopunch]] awakened Primus, just as the dimensional interface was repaired. [[Emirate Xaaron]] ordered Jazz and company sent to Earth. {{storylink|Primal Scream (issue)|Primal Scream}}

Along with his Pretender mates, Jazz was part of the team sent to [[VsQs]] to retrieve the [[Matrix of Leadership|Creation Matrix]] during the [[Matrix Quest (Marvel)|Matrix Quest]]. Unfortunately, all they found on VsQs was a creepy, abandoned science station with a closet full of dead scientists. Despite being "scared oil-less," Jazz implored his team to not give up on finding the Matrix, as the fate of their race hung in the balance. They weren't the only mechs looking for the Matrix, however, and Jazz and the others soon found themselves surrounded by [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]] and his Decepticons. Thunderwing proved too powerful even for all three Autobots put together, but thankfully(?), the battle was interrupted by the [[Matrixspawn]], the frightening creature responsible for the death of the science team. The three Autobots escaped, and when Jazz fell through the floor, the Autobots luckily found the Matrix hidden under there, presumably where the Matrixspawn had stashed it. The fuel-challenged Autobots grabbed the Matrix and ran for it. {{storylink|Dark Creation}}

It was not Jazz and the others who returned to the Ark with the Matrix, however. It was Thunderwing, who had managed to best the Matrixspawn, defeat the weary Autobots, and secure the Matrix for himself. {{storylink|All Fall Down (issue)|All Fall Down}} After Thunderwing and the Matrix were defeated and shot into space, Optimus Prime sent the [[Powermaster]]s back to VsQs to retrieve Jazz and the others. Jazz and Bumblebee were worse off than Grimlock by then, and had to be carried away on hoverbeds. {{storylink|Eye of the Storm}}

Eventually, Jazz fought in the battle against Unicron and was briefly rear-ended on his [[sky-sled|hoverscooter]] by a speeding [[Siren]]. {{storylink|On the Edge of Extinction!}}

[[Image:Furmanismsrod.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Jazz is a [[Furmanism]] machine!]]

In an alternate future of 2009, Jazz was one of the last seven Autobots left alive in the universe. After the destruction of Cybertron and the death of [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]], [[North America]] was left completely under the control of [[Galvatron II|Galvatron]] and the Decepticons. With the rest of the world united as a [[European Crisis Coalition]], Jazz and the human leader, [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]], were left with a 24-hour deadline to show the world America was still fighting. If they didn't, the remaining human governments were going to unleash nuclear armageddon in a last-ditch effort to eliminate the Decepticons. With little time to spare, the few Autobots left staged an assault on the Decepticon powerbase. [[Getaway]], [[Chainclaw (G1)|Chainclaw]] and [[Guzzle (G1)|Guzzle]] made a suicidal play to keep the most powerful Decepticons, [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] and [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]], occupied, while [[Crossblades (G1)|Crossblades]] sacrificed his life to let Jazz and the others in through the base's force field. Forced to fight Galvatron himself single-handedly, Jazz held out long enough for Spike to scale the base's tower and unfurl an American flag, showing the world outside that there was still fight left in the U.S. of A. As if to punctuate that point further, the heralds of Unicron known as [[Hook, Line, and Sinker]] suddenly arrived from cross- and down-time, disabling Galvatron in moments and then vanishing with him in a flash of light. Shocked by his sudden good fortune, Jazz led his two remaining comrades, Prowl and [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]], in a renewed effort to save the human race. {{storylink|Rhythms of Darkness!}}
{{-}}
=====Earthforce=====
{{earthforcefiction}}
[[Image:Jazz life in the slow lane.jpg|left|thumb|Earthforce Jazz likes to wear his pants high.]]
''When Optimus Prime took the Ark out into space and named [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] as Autobot Commander of Earth, Jazz chose to remain on Earth under his Dino-buddy's leadership as part of [[Earthforce]].'' {{storylink|Break-Away!}} ''His first mission was to recover the poison gas [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] had planned to seed in Earth's atmosphere by rocket. He and [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] raced to the site where [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] had forced the rocket to crash, hoping to beat the two Decepticon factions to it before they could recover the poison. They failed, as both the [[Battlecharger|Battlechargers]] and the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]] got there ahead of them. Jazz was ready to risk fighting through the 'Cons, but Prowl showed up and pulled him aside. It seemed Prowl had already had plenty of time to render the rocket harmless, and now the Decepticons were fighting over a useless contraption!'' {{storylink|Life in the Slow Lane}}

[[Image:BadGuysBall-Jazzparty.jpg|right|thumb|300px|It's party time! It's party time! Hey, everybody, it's party time!]]

''On another occasion, Jazz joined Sunstreaker, [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] and [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] in infiltrating the Decepticon [[Enclave]]. They arranged a fake assassination attempt against Megatron and framed [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]'s men for it. The feuding that followed carried the Decepticons out of the cave where they were holding their detente, and so Jazz and the others took the opportunity to listen to their music and eat their munchies. Partee!'' {{storylink|The Bad Guy's Ball!}} ''Later, he also joined Earthforce and the [[Survivors]] in bringing down the [[Mayhem Attack Squad]]. He scored an impressive hit against [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]], paying him back for [[Primal Scream (issue)|past indignities]] that probably did not or would not happen in this timeline.'' {{storylink|Where Wolf?}}

''When [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] unveiled his new defense system for the Autobot Earthbase, he forgot to keep track of the little details, like how it wasn't a good idea to bring everyone outside for a demonstration when the defense grid could only be turned off from ''inside the base.'' As Prowl ran the gauntlet to reach the shutdown control center, Jazz and Bumblebee ran interference for him, drawing the fire from some of the defensive cannons to clear his path.'' {{storylink|The House that Wheeljack Built!}} ''Soon after, Jazz helped repel a Decepticon attack on the Earthbase, while their defenses were still down from the earlier incident.'' {{storylink|Divide and Conquer!}}

[[Image:Jazz end of the road.jpg|left|200px|thumb|]]

''As time passed, one Decepticon named [[Octane]] began making even more trouble among the humans than his fellow soldiers. A bully by nature, Octane enjoyed "playing" with humans, scaring them on the highways before ultimately driving them off the roads. Fed up with the Decepticon's antics, Jazz posed as a human vehicle and presented himself as bait. By eluding Octane's attempts to run him down, Jazz enraged the Decepticon to the point where he chased his "prey" without paying attention to where they were going, and so Octane ended up stranded in the middle of a military testing ground, chock-full of inflammable fuel and running the risk of exploding at any second. As Jazz watched from a nearby hilltop, the icing on the cake came when Octane radioed his fellow [[Triple Changer|Triple Changers]] for help, and instead they abandoned him after hearing how he got himself into the mess.'' {{storylink|Manoeuvres!}}

''After training in the Combat Room with Ironhide, Jazz was called into action when the Stunticons kidnapped the Autobots' reporter friend, [[Irwin Spoon (G1)|Irwin Spoon]], and he joined his fellow cars in chasing down [[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]]. Jazz managed to get close enough to transform and shoot out the Stunticon leader's rear tires, but this gave [[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]] a chance to ram Jazz's legs out from under him as well. Still, Bumblebee and [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] managed to catch up to the slowed Motormaster and recover Spoon.'' {{storylink|End of the Road! (UK)|End of the Road!}}

''Jazz, along with [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]] and the remaining [[Magnificent Six]], was sent in 1990 to recover any traces of the Underbase in [[Yuss]], where they'd run afoul of [[Megadeath (G1)|Megadeath]]. They re-encountered their old enemy and were tortured by their memories, and it was up to Silverbolt to convince them to fight on. Jazz helped beat Megadeath to death, exorcising his demons.'' {{storylink|The Magnificent Six!}}
{{-}}

=====Marvel UK future timelines=====
[[Image:Jazz primes rib.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
''Jazz was present in 1995 at the California football stadium where Optimus Prime unveiled [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] to a [[Feminist mob|group of human feminists]] as the "first female Autobot". Observing Prime's misguided efforts to placate the interest group, Jazz tried to explain to [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] the difference between human men and women, but only ended up offending one of the women while describing her "upper chassis".'' {{storylink|Prime's Rib!}}

''In 2007, after the defeat of [[Unicron]], the Autobots were trying hard to defend their territory from Shockwave's Decepticons. Jazz was seen working with [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]], ambushing a [[Airborne hunter squad|team of Decepticon flyers]] when they made an assassination attempt on Rodimus Prime.'' {{storylink|Wanted: Galvatron — Dead or Alive!}}

====''Generation 2''====
Before the Autobots broke off into micro-units after [[Klo]], they had another encounter with [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]]'s Decepticons on a long abandoned world. Jazz was part of that unit alongside Prime and the others. He separated from the rest of the Autobots for a time but, when Optimus Prime and Grimlock discovered the threat of the [[Cybertronian (faction)|Cybertronian Empire]], they called in Autobots scattered across the galaxy, including Jazz. He was first seen as part of the rescue squad Grimlock assembled to pull Prime out of Decepticon clutches on Earth. {{storylink|The Gathering Darkness}} Jazz remained involved, if peripherally, in the conflicts with the Cybertronian Empire on Ethos and Earth over the coming days. {{storylink|Escalation!}} {{storylink|Total War!}} When Autobots and Decepticons alike joined forces to defend against the coming [[Swarm (G2)|Swarm]], Jazz worked with [[Rotor Force]] member [[Powerdive]] to assemble the shield generators that would protect their position. {{storylink|A Rage in Heaven!}}

====''Generation 2'' (UK)====
When Bludgeon began his assault on Earth, Optimus Prime was summoned back to the planet by Grimlock and brought Jazz, [[Skram]], and [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] with him. While Prime confronted Bludgeon directly, Jazz and his operatives engaged another detachment of Decepticons. Despite their small numbers, Jazz's team defeated their more plentiful opponents thanks to the fact that the 'Cons were operating on reduced power levels. Too much prolonged death and destruction takes its toll. {{storylink|War Without End (issue)|War Without End}} They then joined up with Optimus and the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] to drive off the returning Megatron as well. {{storylink|War Zone}}

===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
:''Voice Actor:'' [[Scatman Crothers]], [[Wally Burr]] ("[[Kremzeek!]]" only) (English), [[Kōki Kataoka]], [[Minoru Inaba]] ([[The Transformers: The Movie|The Movie]] only) (Japanese), [[Francis Lax]] (French), [[Antônio Patiño]] (Brazil), Carlos Nieto (Latin American)

[[Image:Cybertronjazz.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Spoiler Alert. HAW!]]
Blacker than the inside of a drive shaft—that's how Jazz described the north side of Cybertron. The slang-talking operations specialist was on a recon mission to ascertain Cybertron's bleak energy reserves, and his reports were what prompted the Autobot mission to search for new sources of energy outside of their home world. Jazz served as pilot for the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] until severe asteroid turbulence knocked him from his seat. The Decepticons took advantage of the confusion and attacked, and both vessels and parties crash-landed on [[Earth]].

Four million years later, in 1984, the Autobots and Decepticons awoke reformatted to fit in on the planet. Jazz traded in his sleek Cybertronian form for an even sleeker Porsche 935 Turbo mode. As a lieutenant to [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]], Jazz was charged with assembling a task force to counter a Decepticon raid on an oil rig, calling the Autobots out and assembling them for battle. Jazz accompanied the first mission to the offshore oil rig, {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 1}} where his wrist-mounted grappling hook and winch came in handy saving Optimus Prime. He used the same line to stop Prime from riding the rapids at [[Sherman Dam]] {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 2}} and to pull [[Bluestreak]] and [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] from an unscheduled lake swim.

[[Image:MTMtE Part3 Jazz ScrapDecepticon.jpg|thumb|left|200px|"Man, this is what happens when you only use [[ball joint]]s in a toy."]]

Jazz was one of the first Autobots to discover that a Decepticon "attack" on a fake rocket base set up by the Autobots was, in fact, a decoy attack by animated dummies. With the Decepticons poised to return to Cybertron with a ship full of energon cubes, Jazz made the call for volunteers to go on the dangerous mission to stop them, and joined in the battle himself. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 3}}

Taking Spike for a ride through the city and cranking up the tunes, Jazz was the first to notice a blackout originating at a solar power plant, caused by a Decepticon incursion. Jazz joined up with Optimus Prime's strike team as they searched for the Decepticons' new [[space bridge]], battling them in a cave and somehow knocking aside a null ray blast with a stalactite. He's just that cool. {{storylink|Transport to Oblivion}}

Jazz helped defend Autobot Headquarters against an antimatter-powered Decepticon attack, {{storylink|Roll for It}} and again when Optimus Prime was knocked out of action. {{storylink|Divide and Conquer}} He journeyed with a strike team to the [[Arctic|Arctic Circle]], where the Decepticons were draining heat energy from the Earth's core, and helped in the battle to stop them. {{storylink|Fire in the Sky}}

[[Image:SOSDinobots Jazz avoids fire.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]
The discovery of [[dinosaur]] bones prompted Jazz to opine they must have been mighty ugly. When the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]]s were built and promptly ran amok, Jazz attempted to stop them and was later part of the "firing squad" who sealed them in a cave. During a battle at the [[Great Falls]], Jazz and the majority of the Autobot forces were captured, and only an attack by the reactivated Dinobots saved them all from termination. {{storylink|S.O.S. Dinobots}} Jazz also took part in a mission to [[Peru]], which was successful in preventing Megatron from using the [[Crystal of Power]] for evil purposes. {{storylink|Fire on the Mountain}}

Jazz got to try out some "crazy new waterskis" during an attempt to defend a solar plant on the coast of [[India]], though it all turned out to be a diversion so the Decepticons could kidnap [[Sparkplug Witwicky]]. In turn, he and the other Autobots took part in a diversionary attack on Decepticon headquarters, so another team could sneak in and retrieve Sparkplug. Sparkplug was part of a Decepticon plan to enslave humans using [[hypno-chip]]s, and when the Autobots attempted to stop the Decepticons' latest scheme, they found themselves being attacked by hypnotised humans. They were unable to prevent Cybertron from being dragged into Earth's orbit. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 1}}

[[Image:CountdownExtinction Jazz plays Laserbeak.jpg|thumb|left|200px]]
Jazz and Trailbreaker at least got to mock the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]]s when the environmental conditions caused their weapons to backfire on them. They retreated back to Autobot Headquarters, Jazz using his magnet beams to start locked on Ironhide's tail. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 2}} During later efforts to stop the Decepticons taking advantage of the wild conditions, Jazz surfed in to attack Megatron's [[sea funnel]]. Unfortunately, the Autobots crashed along with the wave, and the Decepticons escaped with the energon they'd collected. Despite the failure, Jazz took part in another attack on Megatron's shuttle, and the Autobots were able to destroy it, knocking Cybertron out of orbit. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 3}}

Though the Autobots were occupied for a time rebuilding Earth, they were soon able to pick up the Decepticons' trail. After being led into a quick sand trap, Jazz was able to play Laserbeak, revealing that the Decepticons were heading for [[Doctor Arkeville]]'s laboratory. The Autobots reached the lab in time to prevent Arkeville's [[Exponential Generator]] from destroying the planet. {{storylink|Countdown to Extinction (episode)|Countdown to Extinction}} Jazz was also among the Autobots who turned out to cheer on Optimus during a duel with Megatron, only to watch in horror as their leader was beaten. It later turned out that Megatron had cheated, freeing them to fight back and blast the Decepticons into a crevasse full of lava. {{storylink|Heavy Metal War}}

[[Image:ChangingGears jungleclearing.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Cram it, Nature!]]
Jazz took part in the battle to rescue Spike from the Decepticons, after the boy's mind was transferred into a robot body and subsequently warped by Megatron. Following Spike's realisation that he was on the wrong side, Jazz was present when his mind was transferred back into his human body. {{storylink|Autobot Spike}} Following another battle, during which the Autobots were struck down by "energised boulders" and [[Gears (G1)|Gears]] was captured by the Decepticons, the Autobots travelled to Africa to mount a rescue. Jazz and [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] cleared a path through the jungle by riding on the sides of Optimus Prime's cab and lasering the way ahead, all so they could reach Megatron's [[Solar Needle]]. {{storylink|Changing Gears}}


[[Image:AutobotRun Bonecrusher throws Jazz.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Here's the wind-up...]]
As one of the faster Autobots, Jazz excelled in the charity race the Autobots organised and even provided some driving music. He was one of the first Autobots across the finish line, though they soon discovered that they were unable to transform, due to the effects of Megatron's [[Transfixatron]], which had been surreptitiously used on them during the race. Forced to a ghost town where Megatron had constructed a crushing machine, the Autobots attempted to protect Ironhide, but Jazz was simply tossed aside so that the Constructicons could get to their victim. Help soon arrived in the form of an [[anti-transfixation grenade]], and the Autobots were finally able to fight back. {{storylink|The Autobot Run}}

Jazz set out with Bumblebee one day to test out his sound system, newly souped up by Spike and Sparkplug. The deafening music was enough to disrupt a nearby cliff, prompting Jazz and his human pals to beat a hasty retreat. Returning to Autobot Headquarters, Jazz immediately came under attack by Bluestreak. Subduing his manic comrade, he and Bumblebee soon discovered that they were the only Autobots not transmutated to an evil state by a [[personality destabilizer device|personality destabilizer]] planted in the Autobots' [[recharging chamber]]. Jazz helped test out an "[[attitude exchanger]]" built by Sparkplug to restore the Autobots to their normal state, first distracting Bluestreak, and later applying exchangers to Hound and Ratchet. With the other Autobots restored, Jazz used his sonic abilities to cripple a Decepticon rocket before it could escape Earth's atmosphere with a valuable solar satellite. {{storylink|Attack of the Autobots}}

[[Image:EntertheNightbird Jazz sound and light show.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Jazz likes disrupting motor functions!]]
The theft of some experimental [[electro-cell]]s resulted in Jazz being part of an unsuccessful mission to recover them from the Decepticons. {{storylink|Traitor}} When Wheeljack demonstrated his [[Wheeljack Instant Immobilizer|Immobilizer]] by freezing a river solid, Jazz wasn't quite convinced...until he tried leaping onto the solidified water and found it harder than rock. Later, with the device in Decepticon hands, Jazz provided a crucial distraction with his [[sound and light show]] while [[Carly]] and Brawn sabotaged the device. {{storylink|The Immobilizer}}

Jazz was present when Optimus called for volunteers to investigate mysterious energy readings at the bottom of the Atlantic, but didn't volunteer. Maybe he preferred football with the Dinobots. {{storylink|Atlantis, Arise!}} He revealed that he'd been reading up on ninjas while the Autobots guarded [[Nightbird (G1)|Nightbird]]. After the robot was stolen by the Decepticons, he promised [[Doctor Fujiyama the Famous Scientist|Doctor Fujiyama]] they'd get her back unharmed. Instead, the Autobots ended up pursuing Nightbird after she stole the [[World Energy Chip]]. Jazz's attempt to disable her with his sound and light show failed when she busted his speakers with throwing stars. {{storylink|Enter the Nightbird}}

[[Image:PrimeProblem Jazz is in the way.jpg|left|200px|thumb]]
He was impressed by a huge deposit of [[korlonium crystal]]s, thinking that they put his light and sound show to shame. After a battle with the Decepticons, the Autobots returned to base, only to discover that somehow they'd picked up an extra Optimus Prime. After a series of inconclusive tests to determine which Prime was the real deal, the Autobots returned to the crevasse, where one of the two Primes destroyed Starscream, finally convincing the Autobots he was the genuine article. It wasn't until he chose to pass up rescuing Spike that Jazz realised that he was the fake, and the Autobots blasted the faux Optimus into the crevasse. {{storylink|A Prime Problem}}

Jazz was part of Sunstreaker's team when they stumbled on a Decepticon installation along a river and were attacked by [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]]. After some unsuccessful attempts to engage the combiner in combat, Jazz used his sound and light show to distract the giant long enough for [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] and Sunstreaker to take him down [[AT-AT|Imperial walker]] style, and the Autobots escaped. They later mounted a commando operation, attaching [[dominator disc]]s to the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]]s to bring Devastator under their thrall. Back at base, Jazz was repaired by [[Hook (G1)|Hook]], but during the later attack on the Decepticon position, Megatron was able to override the dominator discs. Ultimately, the Autobots succeeded in destroying Megatron's drill and saving the Earth, so it wasn't a total loss. {{storylink|The Core}}

[[Image:Insectsyndromejazzhelps.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Peekaboo! I see you!]]
Jazz took part in attempting to defend the [[Nova Power Plant]] against the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticon]]s, and he was impressed by [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]]'s sharpshooting. He rescued some pilots who were trapped in a crashed helicopter and helped pull [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] out from under a destroyed tower, helping Wheeljack to climb into Prime's trailer for the trip back to base. He later took part in the attempt to defend the [[Iron Mountain]] military base, and he was the only Autobot with the sense to take cover when [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]] exploded. {{storylink|The Insecticon Syndrome}}

[[Image:InsecticonSyndrome Inferno fires.jpg|thumb|200px|left]]

During another rampage on the part of the Dinobots at Autobot headquarters, Jazz had to get out of the way of [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] and [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] as they rushed to extinguish a fire. {{storylink|Dinobot Island, Part 1}} After strange time warps began opening, he, Inferno, Red Alert and Prowl interceded in a conflict between some cowboys and bikers. Jazz used his sound and light show to scare the cowboys off. {{storylink|Dinobot Island, Part 2}}

Jazz took part in [[Autobot Day]], a celebration which quickly turned sour when incriminating footage of the Autobots was broadcast. After a remarkably swift trial, the Autobots were all ordered to leave the planet, and they departed in a spaceship provided by [[Shawn Berger]]. {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1}} While the footage was revealed on Earth as a frame-up job by the Decepticons, the Autobots found themselves on a collision course with the [[Sun]]. Fortunately, they were able to escape their fiery fate and return to Earth in time to free it from Decepticon tyranny. {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 2}}

[[Image:DesertionDinobots1 Jazz half transformed.jpg|thumb|200px|right|The Transformer version of a car seat?]]
While engaging the Decepticons in battle to prevent them from stealing the plans to the [[Ultra Plane]], Jazz was able to use his sound and light show on the enemy, and he was impressed by Hound's use holographic trickery to persuade the Decepticons to retreat. A [[cybertonium]] deficiency later caused the Autobots to start malfunctioning—starting with Jazz having trouble transforming. Then his sound and light show went on the fritz, and he was blasted by [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]]. By the time they got back to Headquarters, Jazz was unable to transform fully. {{storylink|Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 1}} Luckily, Spike, Carly and the Dinobots brought some more Cybertonium back from Cybertron, and everyone was repaired. {{storylink|Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 2}}

When Blaster broadcast a heavy metal rock concert directly into Autobot Headquarters, Jazz found that it had a good beat and you could dance to it. The other Autobots weren't nearly as sanguine about the high-volume intrusion, and it stopped them from preventing the theft of the [[Voltronic Galaxer]]. {{storylink|Blaster Blues}} Jazz was among the Autobots who coated themselves in [[electrum]] to strike back against the Decepticons. Unfortunately, the pool of electrum and surrounding area did not survive the battle. {{storylink|The Golden Lagoon}}

[[Image:GodGambit Jazz on Starscream action.jpg|thumb|200px|left|So is this "doing it with style"?]]
Jazz tagged along with Perceptor and Omega Supreme on a mission to rescue Cosmos from where he had crashed on Saturn's moon of [[Titan (moon)|Titan]]. He helped free [[Titan (species)|the locals]] from subjugation by Decepticons pretending to be gods and appeared particularly horrified at the Decepticons' use of religious enslavement. He did his best to explain to the natives that he and his fellow visitors weren't gods, "just fancy machines". {{storylink|The God Gambit}}

During an initiative by the Autobots to clean up [[New York City]], Jazz was part of a team who came to [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]]'s aid when he stumbled on a Decepticon plot, and he took part in a later assault on a Decepticon base in the [[Pine Barrens]]. {{storylink|Make Tracks}} Unfortunately for Jazz, he was [[Kremzeek]]'s first victim, having his circuits thoroughly scrambled by the tiny energy critter. {{storylink|Kremzeek!}} His bad luck would continue; during a search for Tracks and Bumblebee, Jazz was snared by [[Lord Chumley]]'s diabolical car wash trap. At Chumley's castle, he was subjected to some unknown torture until Optimus Prime finally succeeded in freeing all of the captives. {{storylink|Prime Target}}

Jazz rolled out to stop the Decepticons from turning Earth into metal using the [[Key to Vector Sigma]], but didn't last long in the battle before he was knocked into a tree by [[Drag Strip]]. {{storylink|The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 2}} He later came to the aid of the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbot]]s when they were led into a trap by the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticon]]s, {{storylink|Aerial Assault}} and was infected by [[Cosmic Rust (disease)|Cosmic Rust]] but was cured in time to help defend the [[Statue of Liberty]] against the Decepticons. {{storylink|Cosmic Rust (episode)|Cosmic Rust}}

[[Image:StarscreamsBrigade Vortex capture.jpg|thumb|200px|]]

Jazz and [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] attended the dedication of an [[Optimus Prime memorial]]. No sooner had Jazz unveiled the statue than they were attacked by Starscream and the Combaticons, who took them prisoner and took their [[energy absorber]]s. The pair were left chained up at a power plant until the arrival of Megatron's forces provided a distraction so that the Autobots could rescue them. {{storylink|Starscream's Brigade}}

After intercepting the Stunticons during another of Megatron's plans, a group of Autobots disguised themselves as the Decepticon team in order to find out what was going on. Jazz disguised himself as [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] and seemed quite cool with the whole thing, unlike [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] and [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]]. They were even able to take the ruse as far as merging into [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]], though when the deception was eventually uncovered, they found themselves battling the real thing. Luckily, the rest of the Autobots arrived to provide backup. {{storylink|Masquerade}}

[[Image:JazzTFmovie.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Did I ever tell you folks about "The Shine"?]]
By 2005, those dang Decepti-jerks had overtaken all of Cybertron, forcing the Autobots to operate on [[Moonbase One]], [[Moonbase Two]] and [[Autobot City]] on Earth. Though most of the Autobots' senior command staff were killed as a result of the Decepticons' [[Battle of Autobot City|attack on the city]], Jazz remained on Moonbase One, where he and Cliffjumper survived. Bad news was, the ginormous [[Unicron]] arrived and unceremoniously began devouring the entire moon, base and all. Jazz and Cliffjumper's attempt to escape in a shuttle failed, and they were sucked into the monster's maw. Winding up on a deadly conveyor belt in Unicron's depths, Jazz, Cliffjumper, Spike, and Bumblebee were all spared when Spike's son [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel]] saved them from being dropped in an acid pit. Jazz and the other Autobots drove out of Unicron (and through space) and arrived on Cybertron, where he joined in the chanting of "[['Til all are one]]" as Unicron's severed head orbited Cybertron. {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie|The Transformers: The Movie}}


With peace restored to Cybertron, Jazz took up more pleasurable pursuits and was seen participating in and winning a race in the [[Galactic Olympics]]. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1}} Not long after, he defended Cybertron against a massive Decepticon attack, fighting alongside his new leader, Rodimus Prime. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5}}

In 2006, he was seen racing again, only this time, he wound up trapped in a time loop, repeating the race over and over again, thanks to chronal energy leaking from a [[Quintesson]] time window. {{storylink|Forever Is a Long Time Coming}} Later in the year, when [[Tornedron]] attacked Cybertron, Jazz was seen rushing to his post with Bumblebee at his side. {{storylink|Call of the Primitives}}
{{-}}

====Japanese cartoon continuity====
{{note|The events of the American animated series occur in Japanese continuity as noted above, except that the events of 2006 were moved back to 2010. Japanese animated continuity inserts a large number of additional storylines, told through various different media, into the timeline, as detailed below.}}

=====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' story pages=====
[[Image:Srlf_story_page_jazz_vs_laserbeak.jpg|right|thumb]]

When Jazz and his fellow sports car Autobots were keeping themselves in shape by having a friendly race, they wound up wandering into a Decepticon ambush, courtesy of Soundwave. Hound was able to take care of Soundwave, punching out his chest window, while Jazz grappled with the outmatched Laserbeak. {{storylink|Fight!_Super_Robot_Lifeform_Transformers_(story_page)|Sic 'em, Hound!}}

=====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' comic=====

When the Decepticons began focusing their attacks on [[Japan]] in the late 1980s, Jazz was among the Autobots who relocated to the country to help protect it. Along with [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]], [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] and [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]], Jazz responded to news of a Decepticon attack on Yokohama, but he never expected to be facing the power of Megatron's newest transformation, the "Super Megatron Gun"! Jazz tried to dissuade Warpath from making a headlong charge at the Decepticons, but the feisty little 'bot didn't listen, and got crushed beneath [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]]'s treads for his trouble. Jazz could do little against the Decepticons, and was content to watch and cheer as Optimus Prime and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] arrived to beat the stuffing out of them. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 4|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #4}}
{{-}}

=====Scramble City: Mobilization=====
[[Image:Scramblecity_jazz_and_prime.jpg|left|thumb]]

Before the 80s were through, the Autobots began construction of a mobile battle fortress dubbed "[[Metroplex (G1)|Scramble City]]". When the Decepticons discovered Scramble City's construction site and sent the Constructicons in to destroy it, Jazz was among the Autobots who rolled out to stop them. The battle was going well until the Constructicons formed Devastator, who nearly crushed Jazz and Optimus Prime with a boulder, and then sent them flying with a laser blast. As [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] tended to the fallen Jazz, the Aerialbots appeared on the scene to force Devastator back. Jazz and the Autobots returned to their headquarters, but soon had to depart for battle once again when the Stunticons came a-knocking. This time, it took the power of the completed Scramble City, which transformed into its robot mode of [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]], to end the fight. {{storylink|Scramble City: Mobilization}}

=====Full Throttle Scramble Power!=====

Jazz was stationed at Scramble City in Japan when the Decepticons threatened the world with their new [[Omega Whip]]. He rolled into action with Optimus Prime and another team of Autobots to rescue their human allies [[Toru]] and [[Jenny (G1)|Jenny]] from the Decepticons' clutches, but during the battle that erupted, he got clobbered by Menasor. Luckily, the arrival of Metroplex and the entire Autobot army tipped the scales of battle just a teeny bit. {{storylink|Full Throttle Scramble Power!}}

=====''The Stargate Battles''=====

[[Image:Stargatebattles_jazz.jpg|right|thumb|250px|...to get down and boogie.]]

Continued interaction between the Autobots and humanity led to a formal alliance being forged between the heroic robots and the government of the United States in the 1990s. Jazz was one of a delegation of Autobots who attended a press conference to announce the creation of the interstellar teleportation system known as "[[Warp Gate|The Trigger]]" to the world. Despite his best efforts, Jazz couldn't get Wheeljack and Ratchet to shush during Optimus Prime's speech. Three days later, when the Decepticons staged an attempt to take the Trigger for themselves, Jazz joined a team of Autobots in rescuing the Trigger's human crew and fending the villains off. {{storylink|First Contact}}

Several months later, once the Trigger had been repaired, the Decepticons predictably made another play for it, and Jazz was once again present to fight them off. This battle went strangely: Starscream fused himself with the Trigger and began attacking all the Autobots and Decepticons, requiring Prime and Megatron to unite their power to stop him. The explosion created by their combined might was so colossal that Jazz and all the other Transformers were caught in the backwash and sent plummeting down to Earth, burning up in free-fall, not to be heard from again for several months. {{storylink|The Stargate Battles (issue)|The Stargate Battles}}

=====''Story of Binaltech''=====

[[Image:Binaltech meister card art.jpg|left|thumb|225px|"Hey you! I don't see you boogieing!"]]

In 2004, when Megatron was making his big push to take over Cybertron and the Earth was comparatively unguarded, the Autobots were struck by a Decepticon sneak attack and infected by a plague of [[Cosmic Rust (disease)|Cosmic Rust]]. Jazz was stationed on Earth at the time, but was lucky enough to avoid contamination. Many of his fellow Autobots were not so lucky, but were saved and made battle-ready again by an alliance with the [[Earth Defense Command]] that led to the foundation of the [[Binaltech Project]] and the construction of brand new powerful bodies for the fallen warriors. {{storylink|Story of Binaltech, Chapter 1}}

To counteract the Autobots' new strength, the Decepticons, with the aid of [[Doctor Arkeville]] and the human cabal known as the [[Concurrence]], infiltrated the Binaltech Project and began co-opting Binaltech bodies for their own soldiers. {{storylink|Arise! Evil Binaltechs}} When their actions were uncovered, a wave of mistrust and suspicion threatened to tear the Autobot-E.D.C. alliance apart. In order to corral the situation and weed out any traitors in the system, "[[Operation: Carwash (operation)|Operation: Carwash]]" was put together, headed up by [[Flint (G.I. Joe)|D.R. Faireborn]] and Jazz. Given the dangerous situations the upcoming undercover work was going to place him in, Jazz agreed to upgrade himself into a Binaltech body equipped with the [[Genetronic Translink System]], which would allow him to control multiple bodies at once. One of these bodies was a red version of himself, outfitted with a learning A.I. system based on Jazz's personality, which Jazz decided to nickname "[[Zoom-Zoom]]". {{storylink|Operation: Carwash}} Together, the team discovered that there were no true traitors: the moles in the system were unfortunate victims of Arkeville's mind-controlling [[hypno-chip]] technology. {{storylink|Expose All of Evil's Designs!}}

As the Binaltech conflict continued, the actions of the time-tossed Decepticon [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] resulted in history being altered when he transported Megatron and the Decepticons outside of time so the Autobots would have to face to the looming threat of [[Unicron]] alone. {{storylink|Changing Lanes}} Thanks to a mysterious being from beyond time and space known as the [[Optimus Primal|Protector]], the timeline was corrected, and the alterate "BT World" timeline to which the Binaltech warriors belong was preserved as parallel timeline. Following the defeat of Unicron, however, Jazz was the one to report on the return of Megatron's forces from beyond time, still in fighting trim and poised to wipe out the Autobots, who had been weakened by their battle with the planet-eater. {{storylink|Binal Time}}

{{Note|At this point, the original timeline was retroactively restored and the events of the ''Story of Binaltech'' diverged into a parallel universe. Skip to the next section to continue reading about the original timeline; exactly how many (if any) of the events related in this section, even prior to the divergence, occurred in the original unaltered timeline are unknown.}}

The Decepticons were successful at first and overran Cybertron, but were stopped with the activation of the Quintesson [[large switch|kill switch]] which shut the villains down while leaving Jazz and the other Binaltech Autobots unaffected. {{storylink|Kill Switch}}

As the Autobots picked up the pieces, they encountered a surprising visitor from another dimension: the [[Bluestreak]] who hailed from the original, unaltered timeline. The [[spark]] of the BT World's [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] had previously been lost in a [[subspace]] accident, and Bluestreak revealed that it had materialized in his dimension, but that a signal emanating from the BT World was destabilizing it. {{storylink|Unfinished Business, Part 1}} Analyzing Bluestreak's [[energy wave tracker]], Jazz pinpointed the source of the signal and lead an Autobot raiding part straight to it. The signal was coming from an artificial [[electrum]] giant created by Doctor Arkeville, which was drawing power from Prowl's spark. Activating his powerful new "Argent Armor", Jazz was able to convert his own armored hide into synthetic electrum, which proved powerful enough to go up against the giant's metal skin. Grimlock tossed Jazz his sword, and Jazz extended his electrum armor to cover it, then used the blade to penetrate the giant's hide and destroy the subspace node draining Prowl's spark. {{storylink|Unfinished Business, Part 2}}

=====''The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers'' comic=====
Jazz was stationed at Autobot City when it was attacked by [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] in 2010. {{storylink|The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers issue 3|The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers #3}}

=====''The Headmasters'' cartoon=====

:''Voice actor:'' [[Masato Hirano]] (Japanese)

[[Image:Headmasters_jazz_stockfootage.jpg|right|thumb|220px]]

In 2011, Jazz was stationed at the Autobots' secondary headquarters on the planet [[Athenia]], under Optimus Prime. When the Decepticons began a full-scale assault on Cybertron in order to get their hands on [[Vector Sigma]], he followed his leader to the planet to help reinforce their defenses, and was seen shooting down [[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]]. {{storylink|Four Warriors Come out of the Sky}} When the Autobot [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]] arrived to tip the battle in the Autobots' favor, Jazz was able to return to Earth, where he helped co-ordinate the effort to locate the missing [[Matrix of Leadership]]. {{storylink|The Mystery of Planet Master}} Jazz was then among the Autobot units who ran interference for [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]], helping to keep the Decepticons off his back as he began his Matrix quest. {{storylink|Birth of the Fantastic Double Prime}}

Following the successful recovery of the Matrix, Jazz stayed on Earth, working under Ultra Magnus at [[Autobot City]]. Together, Jazz and Magnus took Metroplex into battle against Trypticon when the giant Decepticon city appeared to be attacking an oil field, but neither Autobot realized they were walking into a trap. Metroplex was zapped by the Decepticons' newest weapon, the [[Madmachine]], which scrambled all of Jazz's computers and left Metroplex helpless. After the Decepticons pulled out, Jazz analyzed what data he could recover from the computers, and had Magnus pass it along to Rodimus Prime on Athenia as a warning against future Madmachine attacks. {{storylink|The Great Cassette Operation}}

Jazz returned to defend Cybertron again when Galvatron sought to steal the new [[Cybertonuron]] super-metal, and was again seen shooting down Blast Off. He must really not have liked that guy! {{storylink|Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 2}} Later, when the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobot]]s were ambushed by [[Sixshot]] and [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]], Jazz made his final appearance, helping Ultra Magnus mobilize Metroplex to come to the rescue. {{storylink|Explosion on Mars!! Maximus Is in Danger}}

=====Hero Set=====

In year 2025, Jazz joined Grimlock and Bumblebee in battling Starscream in the far reaches of space. <ref>Packaging blurb for the Japanese-exclusive "Hero Set" release of the [[Classic Pretender]] versions of Bumblebee, Jazz, Grimlock and Starscream, confirmed to be part of cartoon continuity by Takara's [[Generation 1 cartoon timeline (Japan)|2007 timeline]].</ref>

===Official Transformers Generation 2 Annual===
[[Image:Jazz day of the decepticons.jpg|thumb|left|150px|"What, these G1 faction symbols? Ignore 'em. G2 all the way, baby!"]]
Jazz served as Optimus Prime's second-in-command on Cybertron. He was instrumental in the defence of [[Iacon (city-state)|Iacon]] and saved his leader's life after a surprise attack rendered Prime non-functional. {{storylink|Official Transformers Generation 2 Annual|Official Transformers Generation 2 Annual profile}}

Jazz, along with the rest of the Ark crew, crash-landed on Earth and awoke millions of years later to find that the war continued there. As part of a plan devised by Optimus Prime's new second-in-command Prowl, Jazz and the other Autobots were stationed at [[Table Mountain]] in [[Africa]] to defend a newly discovered spaceship with the power to return them to Cybertron. When the Decepticons arrived to take the ship by force, Jazz was easily swatted aside by Megatron, and the Autobots retreated to let the victors claim their prize. The doors of the ship slammed shut, and it began to hurtle uncontrollably away from the planet, leaving the Decepticons to realise they had walked into a trap and leaving Jazz back on Earth to ponder: If they'd conned the Decepticons, did that make them ''Deceptibots''? {{storylink|Day of the Decepticons}}

Jazz was on duty at the Ark when one of its automatic sensors picked up a Transformer power emission emanating from [[Brazil]], and he, Optimus Prime and [[Blaze]] drove there to investigate. Upon arrival in Brazil, Jazz was immediately knocked offline by [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] and played no further part in the proceedings. {{storylink|The Dinobots!}}
{{-}}

===''Beast Wars'' cartoon===
[[Image:Agenda3-AutobotsonArkattack.jpg|right|thumb|300px|He's fallen and he's not getting up.]]
Four million years ago, Jazz, Ratchet, Optimus Prime, Prowl, and Ironhide were on the bridge of the Ark when it was suddenly attacked by the ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]''. It crashed in a dormant volcano for untold years until it was disturbed by the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]], who had traveled from the far future. Jazz's body was sprawled across a section of the navigation controls. Frozen in [[stasis lock]] as he was, Jazz was unable to stop the Predacon from assassinating the equally comatose Optimus Prime. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part III)}} This act would have rewritten history from that moment forward, but the ensuing time storm was stopped by [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] and some time-traveling [[Maximal]]s. {{storylink|Optimal Situation}}
{{-}}
{{-}}
===Dreamwave comics continuity===
8.2 million years ago, Jazz and [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] met [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] in the remains of [[Praxus]]'s [[Helix Gardens]] to discuss the worthiness of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optronix]] to lead the Autobots. Jazz later attended the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]]-transfer ceremony at the [[Chamber of the Ancients]]. He attempted to save Optronix—now Optimus Prime—when Prime was attacked by [[Decepticon|Decepticons]], but was restrained by Grimlock. When Prime defeated the assassins, Jazz was convinced of his worth. {{storylink|The War Within issue 1}}

[[Image:Jazz war within.jpg|thumb|left|250px|"Exits to the sides and rear, dig?"]]
Soon afterward, Jazz questioned Prowl's decision to allow Prime to explore the depths of the planet alone, but was prevented from pressing the issue any further when [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] attacked Iacon with an army of Decepticons. {{storylink|The War Within issue 2}} Jazz helped direct the battle from the [[Decagon]], but the defenders were soon overwhelmed. {{storylink|The War Within issue 3}} Jazz was forced to begin evacuating important artifacts and hardware from the city, but was unable to finish before the Decepticons overran the Decagon. {{storylink|The War Within issue 4}} He and a handful of Autobots made a desperate last stand, {{storylink|The War Within issue 5}} but were saved from extinction when [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] activated the planetary engines, devastating the city and forcing Shockwave's army to retreat. {{storylink|The War Within issue 6}}

7.4 million years ago, Jazz witnessed the [[space bridge]] explosion that seemingly killed Prime and [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]. After the subsequent fragmentation of the Autobot faction, Jazz remained with the Prowl-led Autobots, though he longed for the days when the Autobots were a united force. {{storylink|Fragmentation}} He accompanied a group of Autobots to investigate a [[Trypticon (G1)|new mobile battle base]] at the [[Praetorus Wharf]], only to learn that the base was fully operational. {{storylink|Devastation (Dreamwave)|Devastation}} Despite the arrival of reinforcements, the titan was too much for Jazz and his cohorts; only when Shockwave recalled Trypticon to the [[Neutral Territories]] were they saved from certain doom. {{storylink|Revelation (The Dark Ages)|Revelation}}

Battered, Jazz and the others limped back to Iacon, only to be forced to repel an attack on [[Autobase]] by the [[The Fallen|Fallen]]. Although Jazz, [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]], and [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] fought valiantly, the mysterious entity defeated them and achieved his objective: freeing [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] from captivity. {{storylink|Confrontation (issue)|Confrontation}}

Jazz was among the crew of the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] when it crashed on [[Earth]], and he awoke in 1984 to battle the Decepticons. After years of fighting, Jazz and the other Autobots took part in [[Operation Liberation]] in 1998, a joint human/Autobot operation that defeated and captured the Earth-bound Decepticons. However, the ''[[Ark II]]'', which was meant to convey the Autobots, the captured Decepticons, and a number of humans back to Cybertron, was sabotaged by General [[Robert Hallo]], sending Jazz and his comrades to the bottom of the Arctic Ocean. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 1|Prime Directive #1}}

[[Image:Jazz prime directive.jpg|thumb|right]]
A few years later, Optimus Prime awoke Jazz and a number of other Autobots to combat the sinister [[Lazarus]]. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 2|Prime Directive #2}} He aided in the cleanup of Lazarus's latest target, the SmitCo oil refinery, and then moved on to Lazarus's base, which had been taken over by a revived Megatron and his deadly "metal virus". Jazz and the others briefly battled the Decepticons, but were stopped in their tracks when Hallo dropped a nuclear bomb on them. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 3|Prime Directive #3}} The virus absorbed most of the blast, leaving the Transformers unharmed, but continued to expand across the countryside. Jazz remained behind with a team to combat the virus, while Optimus Prime took a contingent of warriors to combat Megatron in [[San Francisco]]. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 4|Prime Directive #4}} Armed with [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]]-designed blasters to combat the virus, Jazz and his squad fought bravely, despite the blasters draining their energy and the well-meaning interference of the [[Canada|Canadian]] Army. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 5|Prime Directive #5}} But soon the virus overwhelmed them, forcing Wheeljack to sacrifice himself to destroy it. Jazz mourned over Wheeljack's fallen form. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 6|Prime Directive #6}}

Some time later, Jazz participated in a battle in Alaska over possession of an escape pod containing [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]], only to be forced to flee with the other Autobots when Shockwave arrived from Cybertron, proclaiming a new era of peace. As the other Autobots bickered over what to do, Jazz told them to shut up, as they were making his head hurt. {{storylink|New World Order}} Jazz couldn't believe [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] working as Shockwave's lieutenant, and almost got into a fight with Grimlock over the matter. Though he wasn't confident about his abilities, Jazz was left behind on Earth to command a small team of Autobots while Optimus and the rest of the Autobots surrendered to Magnus. {{storylink|Brothers' Burden}} After Magnus and Prime had departed, Jazz, [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]], and [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] returned to the battlefield, but found no trace of the pod or Scourge. {{storylink|Cold War}}

[[Image:Marissafairebornedw.jpg|thumb|left|150px]]
When Starscream returned to Earth with a small unit of Decepticons, Jazz and his team fought back against them and managed to capture most of the invaders. Starscream's enforcer [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]], however, proved to be too much for them to handle, and Jazz was deactivated and left to rust at the bottom of a lake by the mighty super-robot. {{storylink|Night of the Combaticons}} He was eventually fished out by [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] and [[Bumper (G1)|Bumper]] (who had arrived from Cybertron with Bumblebee with supplies), but they were waylaid by [[Earth Defense Command]]. {{storylink|The Omega Effect}} The EDC completed the repairs on Jazz, Sunstreaker and [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] themselves, and asked a favor in return: for the Autobots to accompany their agents in investigating [[San Desto|a small town]] which had mysteriously gone off the grid a few days before. With [[Marissa Faireborn]] and some [[EDC Night Force Unit|EDC soldiers]], they explored the deserted town, only to find the cause of the problem — a swarm of techno-organic Insecticlones which rose out of the ground and surrounded them. {{storylink|Infestation (Dreamwave)|Infestation}} Jazz and Marissa [[Crothers Auto-Body|escaped]] the swarm and found the hatching facility beneath [[Aztec Theatres|a theater]]. Jazz torched the eggs, only to confronted by [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]] and [[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]], who were mighty annoyed that he'd destroyed the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticon]]s' work. Back on the streets, the Autobots were confronted by the towns people, rendered zombies by [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]]'s [[cerebro-shell]]s, and the Autobots were unwilling to fight against human foes. [[Bumper (G1)|Bumper]] was able to use a spare shell to disable Bombshell's control, saving them all. {{storylink|Extermination}}

Afterward, Jazz farewelled Marissa at the EDC base in Nevada, as the Autobot forces departed for Alaska in the ''[[Orion (ship)|Orion]]''. {{storylink|Lost and Found (issue)|Lost and Found}} In Alaska, they found Prowl's forces constructing [[Autobot City]]. {{storylink|The Route of All Evil}}

{{note|...And then Dreamwave went bankrupt.}}

===''G.I. Joe vs. Transformers''===
[[Image:GIJoevsTF2_Jazz_Stun.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
Jazz was aboard the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' when it crashed on Earth several million years in the past. The vessel was eventually discovered by the human terrorist organization [[Cobra]], who decided to use its deactivated occupants for their own needs. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 1}} Jazz was reprogrammed to serve Cobra and rebuilt to transform into a three-wheeled Cobra [[Stun]] vehicle. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 2}}

When the reprogramming was undone by [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]], Jazz joined [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]], [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] and [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] and continued the battle against the Decepticons, who had also been freed. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 4}} Jazz warned a damaged [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] about attacking [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] head-on, but was rebuffed, as there was no other option. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 5}} The Decepticons on Earth were eventually defeated with help from [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]], and the Autobots returned to Cybertron aboard a new ''Ark''. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 6}}

[[Image:GIJoeTFJazzPimpmobile.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Number 5, Pimpmobile.]]
Unfortunately, [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] had all but conquered the planet in their absence, and the Autobots became little more than a team of resistance fighters. After a successful mission to steal [[energon cube]]s from the Decepticons, Jazz was suddenly sent to 1970's Earth when a malfunctioning [[Teletran 3]] cracked the timestream. As complicated issues with time travel threatened to destroy Earth, a number of G.I. Joe and Cobra members followed Jazz into the past in order to retrieve him. Finding Jazz trapped in the form of a car owned by a local pimp: a 1970s [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cadillac_Eldorado#1971-1978 Cadillac Eldorado], [[Snake-Eyes]] planted a [[disruption unit]] on the Autobot, allowing him to reboot and help them find other trapped Transformers. Together the group located [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] and [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] before returning to present-day Cybertron. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II issue 1}}

However, this mostly meant that Jazz had to sit tight inside a force field surrounded by the entire Decepticon army. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II issue 2}} The Autobots were captured when the force field went down, but were soon saved by the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]]s. The following day, Jazz joined Bumblebee and Optimus Prime in saying goodbye to the Joes and Cobras. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II issue 4}}

{{-}}
===''Transformers/G.I. Joe''===
[[Image:DWTFJoe2_Jazz_Prowl.jpg|thumb|right|200px|]]
Jazz was among the Autobots that lay dormant and buried somewhere on the [[Fera Islands]] for three million years until [[1939]], when [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] accidentally awakened them. After getting reformatted into a military jeep, Jazz voiced his gratitude to the humans for bringing him and his friends back online. {{storylink|Transformed}}

Though not clearly seen again during the following conflict with Cobra and the Decepticons, Jazz was presumably deactivated with all the other Transformers when [[Snake-Eyes]] shattered the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]]. {{storylink|The Iron Fist}}

{{-}}

===''Transformers Legends'' anthology===
When a badly-damaged Starscream was brought to the Ark, Jazz was firmly of the opinion that it was a trap. He later spoke up in favor of fiddling with the helpless Decepticon's logic centers. Though the amnesiac Starscream seemed to side with the Autobots for a while, once he regained his memory, he promptly rejoined the Decepticons, which Jazz decided proved his earlier theory. {{storylink|Redemption Center}}

===IDW comics continuity===
{{ongoing}}
[[Image:SpotlightJazz-promise.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Don't give up hope! We're from 1984!]]
Millions of years ago, Jazz was a member of the Kaon Security Services prior to the Decepticon uprising and the subsequent civil war. He spent many an hour being bored to death by Prowl. How little things change. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 2}}

During the war, Jazz was part of a team taking part in a rescue mission. He managed to find the blinded lone survivor, [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]], but before the two could be extracted, their transport was destroyed by the Predacons. Though Tracks was rightfully frightened to face Megatron's most elite troops, Jazz convinced him to not give up hope. Jazz's first attempt to ambush the Predacons met with some success, but Jazz was heavily damaged as a result. The two fled, but they wouldn't escape the Predacons for long. Finally, after Jazz dressed down Tracks for giving up hope, they were surrounded. Jazz fought the Predacon leader, [[Razorclaw (G1)|Razorclaw]], in a one-on-one battle that would have ended badly for Jazz if a second extraction team hadn't found them. Tracks and Jazz were lifted away and sent off for repairs. Tracks never did learn Jazz's identity, but he did learn a strong lesson from his mysterious helper. {{storylink|Spotlight: Jazz}}

Four million years ago, Jazz was present at a victory celebration after the Autobots halted a major Decepticon energon convoy. {{storylink|The Iron Age}}

[[Image:SpotlightBlaster Jazz Smokescreen Landfill.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Let's see if there's anything on that screen. I hope it's CMTV!]]
Shortly after [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing's]] rampage across Cybertron, Jazz was holed up in a bunker with [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] and [[Landfill (G1)|Landfill]] while they awaited a rousing, morale-boosting broadcast from [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]], a transmission that was never made. Shortly thereafter, their position, along with every other Autobot position on the planet, was hit by the Decepticons. {{storylink|Spotlight: Blaster}}

In modern times, Jazz was part of a detachment of Autobots that had operated covertly on [[Earth]] for at least four years, attempting to foil a Decepticon insurgency. He was present when Prowl gave [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] a dressing down for risking their secrecy by saving [[Verity Carlo]], [[Hunter O'Nion]] and [[Jimmy Pink]] from the Decepticon [[Infiltration protocol|infiltration team]]. {{storylink|Infiltration issue 3}} When Ratchet and Bumblebee's unauthorised sojourn to the abandoned Decepticon bunker in [[Nebraska]] uncovered [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]'s plans for [[Ultra-Energon|Ore-13]] and [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron's]] arrival on Earth, Jazz and the rest of the Autobots moved out to the Decepticon Siege Armature in [[Oregon]] in the hopes of containing the confrontation between the Decepticon leaders. Fortunately for all concerned, Megatron downgraded the Infiltation status of the mission and left the Autobots alone. {{storylink|Infiltration issue 6}}

Jazz went with the Autobots to investigate Decepticon activity in the country of [[Latveria]]. There they discovered a heavily shielded "array" that the Decepticons were using as a base. {{storylink|Man and Machine, Part One}} They skirmished with the humans that were assembled outside who were under the influence of the Decepticons' mind-altering [[Psycho-Prism]]. Bumblebee used his holomatter avatar in a "damsel in distress" ruse. While [[Wolverine (superhero)|Wolverine]] was distracted trying to tell [[Luke Cage]] that the projection had no scent, Jazz was able to run him over, pinning him to the ground. Jazz got his tire slashed with adamantium claws for his trouble. Ratchet was able to attach an inhibitor device to [[Captain America]] which nullified the effects of the Psycho-Prism. He gave Captain America enough devices for everyone on his team. Now calmed down, the two groups teamed up to destroy the Psycho-Prism. They began attacking the array's defenses which caused the Decepticons to attack. {{storylink|Man and Machine, Part Two}}

As they fought, Ratchet, Prowl, and Luke Cage were able to slip into the array. Outside, Bumblebee, Jazz, and Prime gave a power-boost to [[Iron Man]] in his Transformer-sized armor. After the battle quited down, Megatron communicated via hologram from inside the array with his new ally [[Doctor Doom]]. They showed their captives, Ratchet, Prowl, Luke Cage, and [[Spider-Man]]. Megatron ordered their surrender or the captives would die. Optimus Prime ordered the quick destruction of the array. After a brief discussion, they all attacked the array. Megatron turned on Doctor Doom for being incorrect about them surrendering. Megatron didn't go through with his threat to kill his captives, instead he went outside to face his opponents and carrying Luke Cage. {{storylink|Man and Machine, Part Three}}

While Megatron was attacking, Bumblebee, Jazz, and [[Wolverine (superhero)|Wolverine]] [[orbital jump|orbital bounced]] into the array. They found that Doctor Doom switched sides and freed Spider-Man, so they went to find the Psycho-Prism. They found it guarded by [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]], who wasn't in the mood to fight for Megatron's cause and left. Wolverine destroyed the Prism. {{storylink|Man and Machine, Part Four}}

[[Image:Escalation2 Jazz transform.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Whoops! I better wind down my woofers!]]

Shortly after the arrival of Optimus Prime on Earth, Jazz received a crash course on Earth culture by Hunter, Verity and Jimmy, and was surprised to find the emotionless, dead-eyed fixed smile on his [[holomatter]] avatar creeped people out. However, the humans were forced to leave the ''[[Ark-19]]'', ostensibly for their own safety. Jazz observed how unhappily the humans took their eviction, so he later thanked them for their help. {{storylink|Escalation issue 1}} After Ironhide and [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] were ambushed (and the latter thought to have been destroyed) by [[Machination|a highly skilled and organized human group]], Jazz and [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] were attacked by the clandestine organization's agents when trying to locate (Sunstreaker's remains, but fortunately survived. {{storylink|Escalation issue 2}} He was later deployed to [[Brasnya]] with the other Autobots to investigate Megatron's meddling in the fragile region's politics. He remarked that [[orbital jump|orbital bounces]] scrambled his circuits, to which Prowl told him to shut up. Prowl is a jerk. {{storylink|Escalation issue 3}} He was forced to engage the Decepticons when they tried to stop the Autobots from capturing the [[Georgi Koska]] [[facsimile construct]]. {{storylink|Escalation issue 4}} After Optimus Prime was [[The many deaths of Optimus Prime|seemingly killed]] by Megatron, Jazz didn't think even their best efforts could stop the Decepticon leader. Fortunately, Optimus Prime returned from the brink of death and Megatron was forced to retreat. {{storylink|Escalation issue 6}}

[[Image:Devastation4 Sixshot Jazz armrip.jpg|left|250px|thumb|[[DIS-Integrated Circuits!|He's had worse.]]]]
After it was decided to move the ''Ark-19'' due to the Machination's knowledge of their whereabouts, Jazz brushed off Verity and Jimmy when they pointed out that the Autobots were doing very little to find out about Sunstreaker and Hunter's disappearance. Jazz was tasked with monitoring the engines when the ''Ark-19'' lifted off from [[Lake Michigan]] and subsequently shot down by the Decepticon "living weapon" [[Sixshot]]. {{storylink|Devastation issue 1}} He fought Sixshot alongside the other Autobots, but was seriously injured when the Decepticon tore off his right arm with apparent ease. {{storylink|Devastation issue 4}} He was still injured when Optimus Prime ordered the Autobots to leave Earth for [[Garrus-9]] due to the liberation of the prison's [[Pretender Monster|newest inmates]] {{storylink|Devastation issue 6}}

Jazz soon returned to Earth with the other Autobots, only to be lured into a Decepticon trap due to a traitor among the Autobot ranks. They were summarily defeated by [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] and thrown in a portal leading to Cybertron, where the [[Insecticon swarm]] was waiting for them. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 8}} With Optimus Prime severely injured, Jazz took command of the Autobots. At one point, Prowl brought him some bad news which left him despondent. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 1}}

The Autobots had begun to despair due to their situation, but Tracks told the story of how he was rescued by a mysterious Autobot from the Predacons. His peers' spirits lifted, Jazz thanked Tracks for giving them hope. {{storylink|Spotlight: Jazz}}

Jazz then had to sort out an argument between Prowl and Ironhide that ended with Ironhide punching Prowl after he told Ironhide that he might be the suspected Autobot traitor that put them in this predicament. Prowl wondered why Ironhide wasn't afraid of him, but was of Jazz, to which Jazz replied "tone", after which they discussed their situation. Later, Jazz and Ironhide talked about the good old days, with Ironhide getting upset that Jazz was hiding something from him and the Autobots. Ironhide also believed that [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] was the one who'd sold them out, but Jazz told him to leave Mirage alone. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 4}}

[[Image:AHM4-Jazztone.jpg|right|thumb|300px|His tone is "I'll kick your ass."]]

Not long afterwards, the ''[[Trion]]'' crashed on Cybertron, and Jazz met with the commander of the vessel, [[Kup (G1)|Kup]]. Kup wasn't too impressed with Jazz's supposed "special ops" skills, but changed his mind after seeing Jazz shove a gun in his face after taking out [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] and [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] in mere seconds. After Jazz had proved himself to Kup, he showed Optimus's comatose body to the older Autobot. Kup easily figured out what it was Jazz was keeping secret from the other Autobots: Megatron had seized the [[Matrix of Leadership]]. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 5}}

Jazz and Kup subsequently combined their forces, with Kup offering Jazz the position of his second-in-command. However, Jazz didn't approve of the way Kup's team worked, and was none too happy about becoming "another of Kup's little soldiers". Kup retorted that Jazz's hands weren't exactly clean either—he had read files on the top secret missions Jazz had carried out in the past. While at first speechless, Jazz quickly realized that arguments would get them nowhere, and accepted the position at Kup's side. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 6}} Later, he gave Kup a detailed story about how his team had ended up on the planet. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 7}}

[[Image:AHM10 ProwlandJazz.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Never tell me the odds!]]

After [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] revealed himself as the traitor, and subsequently killed himself, Jazz told [[Drift (G1)|Drift]] not to confront Ironhide about it. Drift didn't listen. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 8}} When Optimus Prime recovered from his injuries, Jazz stood by his side. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 9}} Shortly afterwards, he asked Prowl what he thought about an incoming swarm attack. When told that there was less than .01% of an Autobot victory, he suggested that Prowl keep that little calculation to himself. Luckily, Prowl hadn't anticipated that [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] would appear out of nowhere and save them. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 10}}

Omega carried Jazz and the others back to Earth, where they confronted the Decepticons in [[New York City]]. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 11}} They won, but were left knowing the Decepticons were dropping a nuclear bomb on the city. Jazz stated the obvious in that they needed someone who could fly in order to take it out. Thankfully, the Decepticon [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] offered to do it, and Jazz and the others celebrated as the nuke was diverted and the Decepticons left Earth. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 12}} When Bumblebee went missing in one of the human disaster areas after the Decepticons evacuated, Jazz was part of an Autobot squad who went in to retrieve him. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 16|Hidden}}

[[Image:EnemiesoftheSystem-Jazz.jpg|right|thumb|200px|What am I doin', workin' for [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|The Man]]?]]

Jazz was still on Earth two years later, hiding in a cave system along with the other Autobots. {{storylink|New Arrivals, Old Encounters}} After Bumblebee was elected to be their new leader, Jazz listened to his speech about how they would stand up to their treacherous ally, the [[Skywatch]] Colonel [[Gordon Horiuchi]]. {{storylink|The Impossible Knot}}

When [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] learned that [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]]'s splinter faction of Autobots had joined forces with the Decepticons to build an illegal spacecraft, Jazz was one of the Autobots recruited by Magnus to arrest Hot Rod and the others. These Autobots escorted Ultra Magnus to the construction site, where it was discovered that the Decepticons who Hot Rod had taken under his wing had double-crossed him, and in a very bad way. Jazz watched as the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticon]]s merged for the first time into [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]], a recent creation of the treacherous [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]]. {{storylink|Enemies of the System}}

After the Autobots and Skywatch had unofficially formed an alliance, Jazz was one of several Autobots sent to [[South Korea]] when the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] invaded under the command of [[North Korea]]. Because the [[President of the United States]] had unwittingly declared that nations using Cybertronians as mercenaries would be considered to be using weapons of mass destruction, the Autobots and Skywatch were forced to operate in disguise, fighting in vehicle mode with Skywatch weapons bolted onto their bodies. During the ensuing battle, Jazz fought [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]], but at a disadvantage in vehicle mode, failed to prevent the Decepticon's escape. {{storylink|International Incident Part 2: "Ranks of Bronze"}} After their initial failure to apprehend the Combaticons, the Autobots formulated a new strategy that would allow them to fight in robot mode whilst spy satellites monitoring the situation would be none the wiser. Now, without needing to be stuck in vehicle mode, Jazz helped Prowl fight Brawl by holding his tank turret in place while his comrade blasted at the gap between the turret and hull. Then the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]] showed up. {{storylink|International Incident Part 3: "Hawk Among the Sparrows"}}

Thanks to some aggravating from the Combaticons, a battle broke out between the Autobots and Predacons, but it was cut short when the spy satellite plan failed and the conflict was revealed to the world. [[Russia]] immediately attempted to nuke the Transformers, causing the Predacons to flee while the Autobots figured out a plan to stop the incoming warhead. Jazz was hoping that their temporary ally Thundercracker could do his nuke-aversion-trick again, but dismissed the Decepticon as a coward upon hearing that he had already flown off somewhere. {{storylink|International Incident Part 4: "All My Sins Remembered"}}

{{-}}

===Timelines: ''Wings of Honor'' continuity===

Jazz was back on Earth in 2010 after [[Moonbase One]] got gobbled up by some gi-normous planet. At [[Autobot City]], he got word that some Auto-buddies were having Decepticon trouble in Switzerland, so he assembled a team to respond. Using the Geneva [[Space Bridge]] nexus, the Autobots soon rolled onto the scene and joined the fight against the Syndicate. {{storylink|Generation 2: Redux}}
{{-}}

==Games==
===''The Transformers'' (1985)===
Jazz was among the few remaining Autobots in the wake of the Decepticon creation of ROBO-CLONING technology. With his energy-starved comrades, he desperately sought pieces of the Autobot Energon Cube before the Decepticons could get their hands on them. {{storylink|The Transformers (Commodore 64)|The Transformers}}

===''The Transformers'' (PS2)===
:''Voice actor:''

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

==Commercial appearances==
[[Image:LiveActionJazz-Skywarp01.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Not cosplay—cos'''work'''.]]

[[Image:PretenderJazzModel.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Dag! My visor's all outta whack!]]

[[Image:Hotrodpatrolcommercial.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
Jazz has appeared in numerous [[Commercial|television commercials]] over the years:

* He appears in the first Transformers appearance ''ever'', an animated advertisement for [[The Transformers (issue)|the first issue]] of the Marvel Comic. The animation features [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]], and [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] attacking a power plant; Jazz, [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]], and [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] drive out from their headquarters to counterattack. When Megatron joins the battle, the three Autobots fly away. The cover of Marvel #1 is shown, with a note that it's "Coming Soon". Non-speaking role.

* In an advertisement for the 1985 Autobot cars, Jazz is briefly shown fighting alongside Optimus Prime in Earth's ubiquitous rocky deserts. Non-speaking role.

* Jazz is featured in a 1986 commercial for the [[Prizes in Disguise]] contest. When some humans approach an Autobot base, Jazz orders to Cosmos to shine their headlights on them, to reveal their allegiance. Jazz then declares that it's okay, since they humans are wearing Transformers [[Iron-on patch|reflective patches!]] Jazz is voiced by [[Scatman Crothers]], his usual voice actor on the cartoon. One of the contest prizes was a party with "life-size" Transformers! Among the "life-size" Transformers shown were Jazz and [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]]. If you actually did party with Jazz and Skywarp, please let us know. So far, only a certain "Starscreamer89" has reported going partying with them.

* Jazz next appears in a 1988 commercial for the [[Classic Pretender]]s, emerging from his shell alongside Bumblebee and running up to help Optimus Prime in a darkened city. Prime gives them both a hug. Non-speaking role. This marks a rare use of his Pretender Classics animation model; for his Pretender appearances in the Marvel Comics, his original design was used.

* He appears ''very'' briefly in an ad for the Micromaster base; he can be glimpsed alongside Bumblebee as they pull two Micromaster vehicles into an Autobot base.

* Jazz returned a year later in the first [[Action Master]] commercial. When Prime challenges a group of Autobots to give up their transforming powers to become "faster stronger more alive", Jazz is the first to volunteer. He's voiced by a sound-alike doing a passable Scatman Crothers imitation.

* Jazz appeared soon afterwards in an ad for the [[Hot Rod Patrol]], telling Optimus Prime to check them out. The same voice actor provides his one line.

* Jazz appeared in one of the first ''Generation 2'' commercials; he was depicted in CGI driving down a ramp in a city and transforming. Victor Caroli noted that he came equipped with a "robot ripping rocket launcher".

==Toys==
{{main|Jazz (G1)/toys}}

==Notes==
[[Image:UnicronTrilogy jazz.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Fire, Heart, Wind and Rock n'Roll]]
* In recent years, toys sporting the name "Jazz" require an additional prefix to make it easier to defend as a [[trademark]]. The most common prefix is "Autobot", hence making the toys' official name "'''Autobot Jazz'''". Other variants, most of them used for [[Jazz (disambiguation)|different-universe counterparts]] of Jazz, include "Final Battle Jazz", "Battle Jazz", "Stealth Ninja Jazz", "Freeway Jazz" and "Special Ops Jazz". For his ''Alternators'' toy, meanwhile, Hasbro used his traditional Japanese name, "Meister", which is the German word for "master" (used mostly in the "someone who excels in his field" sense). Ironically, [[Bob Budiansky]]'s original version of the character's name had it spelled "Jazz'''z'''", with three "z"s, which might or might not have made it easier to defend as a trademark in recent years.

*Early in development, Bob Budiansky's original profiles for the Transformers characters also included nicknames by which they were known; Jazz went by "'''Coolsville'''". These nicknames were removed from the profiles when they were published as Marvel's ''[[Transformers Universe (Marvel comic)|Transformers Universe]]'' series, but some of them saw publication in ''[[The Transformers Comic Magazine]]''.

* An actor in a Jazz costume was among "live" Transformers one could meet at the 1985 [[Universal Studios Tour]].

* Jazz is in the unusual position of appearing a few times in season three of ''The Transformers'' without having a toy on the shelves at the time (the only other such characters were the iconic Optimus Prime, and a handful of [[Windcharger (G1)|probable]] [[Brawn (G1)|animation]] [[Huffer (G1)|errors]].) He had no spoken lines, however; fans often claim that he was planned to have a larger role in the season which was cut following the death of his voice actor [[Scatman Crothers]], but no real evidence exists to support this notion. Jazz is given speaking lines and more on-screen time, however, in the Japanese-exclusive ''[[The Headmasters (cartoon)|Headmasters]]'', a cartoon far less concerned than ''The Transformers'' about what toys were on the shelves.

* Scatman Crothers (as Jazz) is often credited as having coined the term "ginormous" (a portmanteau of "gigantic" and "enormous") when using it to describe [[Unicron]] in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', a term which was officially added by the Merriam-Webster Online dictionary in 2007<ref>[http://www.m-w.com/info/newwords07.htm Merriam-Webster adding the word "ginormous]</ref>; however, the term has actually been around for much longer, being listed in the Oxford English Dictionary as a "British informal" word that has existed since at least the mid-20th century. <ref>[http://www.askoxford.com/results/?view=dict&freesearch=ginormous&branch=13842570&textsearchtype=exact Oxford dictionary entry for "ginormous"]</ref>

* Like a lot of other G1 characters, Jazz's character model was subject to a few re-uses in the [[Unicron Trilogy]], first apppearing as a hapless victim of Unicron who had been absorbed into the chaos-bringer's body in the ''[[Armada (cartoon)|Armada]]'' episode, "[[Portent]]". Later, in the ''[[Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]]'' episode, "[[Balance]]", Jazz turned up in a less-generic capacity, as one of the [[ancients]] who began the [[space bridge]] program—although he seemed a little like the odd 'bot out in the group, given that the others were Optimus Prime, Ultra Magnus and Rodimus Prime. Curiously, neither appearances adheres strictly to his original character model—"Portent" gives him individual eyes, rather than a visor, and "Balance" outfits him with [[Show-accuracy|toy-accurate]] shoulder-doors.

==References==
<references />

==External links==
* [http://www.toybin.org/search.php?q=1984+Autobot+Jazz ToyBin Jazz Toy Gallery]
* [http://www.tfu.info/1984/Autobot/Jazz/jazz.htm Jazz at TFU.info]
* [http://www.ntfa.net/universe/english/index.php?act=view&char=Jazz Jazz's Universe profile at NTFA.net]

[[Category:Action Masters]]
[[Category:Alternators Autobots]]
[[Category:Autobot leaders]]
[[Category:Beast Wars Autobots]]
[[Category:Classics Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 2 Autobots]]
[[Category:Pretenders]]
[[Category:Robo-Capers characters]]
[[Category:Robot Heroes]]
[[Category:Saboteurs]]
[[Category:Special operations agents]]
[[Category:The Headmasters Autobots]]
[[Category:United Autobots]]
[[Category:Universe Autobots]]

Ironhide (G1)

2010-12-25T20:12:46Z

190.20.173.129: /* The Transformers cartoon */

{{factions|autobot|autobotg2|maximal}}
{{disambig3|Ironhide}}{{suite}}
:''Ironhide is an [[Autobot]] and a [[Maximal]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Ironhideg1guido.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Properly pronounced "Arn-hahhhd".]]
'''Ironhide''' is one of the oldest and toughest Autobots, and has been on [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]'s team for a long time. "They don't make them like they used to" is an apt description of Ironhide—he's yesterday's model, but he's built to last.

Gruff and ornery, he prefers actions to words, and dislikes talk for talk's sake. (He wouldn't enjoy being paired up with [[Bluestreak]].) But though he may be rough around the edges, he's still optimistic and upbeat. The upside to being through more than your share of trouble means trouble ain't so big a scare anymore.

Ironhide's most distinctive ability is the [[water gun]], a weapon which can generate and shoot a liquid of virtually any type. Liquid nitrogen is historically a favorite, but there have been acids, mortar, and more.

His vehicle mode sometimes splits into his robot and a [[Onebox component|separate component]].

{{quote|When are we gonna start bustin' Deceptichops?|Ironhide's version of diplomacy|''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''}}

:''French-Canadian name'': '''Rhino'''
:''Hungarian name'': '''Acélfej''' ("Steel-head")
:''Hungarian name (Movie):'' '''Vasököl''' ("Ironfist")
:''Italian name'': '''Falco''' ("Hawk")
:''Portuguese name (Brazil comics):'' '''Couraça''' ("Armor")
:''Portuguese name (Portugal comics):'' '''Arma-de-Ferro''' ("Iron Weapon")
:''Russian name:'' '''Bronevik''' (''Броневик'', "Armored Car")
:''Chinese name (Taiwan):'' '''Tzáng Tǐeh''' (藏鐵, "Iron hiding")

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Generation 1====
{{noteukonly}}
[[Image:Ironhideg1firstappearance.jpg|left|150px|thumb|HAY GUYS CAN I HAVE A CHARACTER MODEL PLEASE KTHANX]]
Four million years ago, when the war was still young, [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] fought an uphill battle against the Decepticons. Ironhide was beside him when Optimus Prime, despite being wounded, refused to raise the white flag, and due to their courage, the tide of the war was turned. {{storylink|Surrender!}}

Ironhide was chosen to join the [[Ark (G1)|Ark ]] mission to save Cybertron from an asteroid belt—a mission that saw him stranded on [[Earth]] for four million years. Upon reactivation in [[1984]], Ironhide immediately began bickering with [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]]. {{storylink|The Transformers (issue)|The Transformers}} [[Image:Ironhidehufferlaststand.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Phew. There we go.]] This rivalry continued when it was discovered that the [[human]] [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] had created useable fuel for the Decepticons during his kidnapping. Huffer demanded Sparkplug pay for his treason, while Ironhide suggested sympathy. However, this argument only provided a distraction for Sparkplug and his son, [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]] to escape; this attempt was aborted when Sparkplug suffered a heart attack. Soon, the Decepticons, fully refueled, came for the Ark, and Ironhide was one of just five Autobots selected to fight the invasion, using pooled fuel from his comrades. Their near-victory was robbed from them when [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] arrived, surprising everyone, and blasted the surviving Autobots into spare parts. {{storylink|The Last Stand}}

Ironhide was next seen being hung from the ceiling of the Ark, prepared by Shockwave to be used as spare parts for the next generation of Decepticons. {{storylink|The New Order}} [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]], the only surviving Autobot, returned to the Ark in secret to see this for himself; indeed, Ironhide and the others still hung deactivated. {{storylink|Warrior School!}} Ratchet managed to re-secure the Ark, and Ironhide was subsequently rebuilt. {{storylink|DIS-Integrated Circuits!}} Ironhide would be one of the first Autobots to battle the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] when his team attempted to destroy a transmission from [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] to his Decepticon comrades back on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. {{storylink|The Next Best Thing to Being There!}} Ironhide also suffered damage at the hands of a Decepticon-controlled [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] body shortly before their fallen leader was restored to them. {{storylink|Prime Time!}}

[[Image:Ironhidetarget2006.jpg|left|150px|thumb|When Ironhide's in charge, he nominates Megatron to take over. Scary, huh?]]
''Once repaired, he worked alongside [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] in the Dinobot Hunt, initially distrusting and clashing with him because of his Decepticon origins. He learnt to trust him during the mission.'' {{storylink|Dinobot Hunt!}} ''He at one point broke protocol to single-handedly break a [[Greater glory terrorist|terrorist]] siege in [[Los Angeles]], only to become frustrated when the police almost ruined it.'' {{storylink|Perchance to Dream}} ''Later on, he would be dispatched as a bodyguard for [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]] to prevent any reprisal attacks from the Decepticons—he had a more successful rematch against the Constructicons, and was also happily introduced to the wonders of demolition derbies.'' {{storylink|Devastation Derby!}}

''When the time-travelling [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] arrived in 1986 and Optimus Prime, Ratchet, and [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] were both lost in [[Limbo]], Ironhide was one of the Autobots who battled the Decepticon. It went so poorly that the beaten and humiliated Ironhide was desperate enough to salvage the similarly-defeated [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] and [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] to temporarily take command of the Autobots.'' {{storylink|Target: 2006}}

Ironhide would go on to fight against [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]]'s forces on the [[Moon (moon)|moon]] shortly before the crews of the Ark and the ''Steelhaven'' joined under one banner. {{storylink|Totaled!}} ''He was also briefly seen fighting alongside the Transformers of two eras against Galvatron during the Time Wars.'' {{storylink|Time Wars (issue)|Time Wars}}

Although not explicitly named as being among those who were taken offline by the [[Underbase]]-powered [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], Ironhide probably fell victim to this fate since, when he was next heard from, he was offline in a stasis aboard the Ark. In [[1990]], [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] revived him and all the other invalid Autobots with [[Nucleon]] in time to participate in the climactic battle with [[Unicron]] on Cybertron. {{storylink|On the Edge of Extinction!}} Shortly after the planet-eater's destruction, Ironhide was seen loading supplies onto one of the ships the Autobots were about to use to depart Cybertron. {{storylink|A Savage Circle}}
{{-}}

=====Earthforce=====
{{earthforcefiction}}
''While in stasis aboard the Ark, Ironhide was hacked into by an alternate [[Galvatron II|Galvatron]], who was looking for potential soldiers with dark sides he could corrupt. As a result, Ironhide was reactivated and helped stop Galvatron.'' {{storylink|Perchance to Dream}} ''He went on to be a founding member of [[Earthforce]], fighting against Megatron and Shockwave's rival Decepticon armies.'' {{storylink|Break-Away!}}

''In his first mission, alongside [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], he used his knowledge of Decepticon [[automated defense ring]]s & riddles to get into a Decepticon facility and end their attempts at creating a new [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]].'' {{storylink|Desert Island Risks!}} ''Later, he was present at the Decepticon [[Enclave]], and came up with a devious plan to stop Megatron & Shockwave from uniting their two factions. Knocking out [[Headstrong]] and using him as a patsy, Ironhide and the other Autobots faked a sniper attack on Megatron, prompting the Decepticons to shoot back at the rock cropping where they were hiding. The Autobots then dropped Headstrong off the ledge as if he'd been hit, framing him and Shockwave's army for trying to assassinate Megatron. The Enclave quickly turned into a [[Ruckus (G1)|ruckus]]. A [[Brawl (G1)|brawl]]. A [[Mixmaster (G1)|mixmas]]—no, wait. That one doesn't work.'' {{storylink|The Bad Guy's Ball!}}

''Ironhide also joined Earthforce and the [[Survivors]] in taking down the [[Mayhem Attack Squad]]. {{storylink|Where Wolf?}} While fighting to protect Starscream from Decepticon assassins, in order to get a systems boost for [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]]'s fading health, Ironhide had to fight against Megatron. He took several hits from the [[fusion cannon]], going down and leaving the fight to the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]].'' {{storylink|The Lesser Evil}} ''Perhaps looking to sharpen his skills, Ironhide was next seen working out with Jazz in the Combat Room against a robot drone.'' {{storylink|Front Line!}}

=====''Another Time and Place''=====
Ironhide was part of a commando unit sent to [[Hydrus Four]] after the Dinobots. He and a small group of Autobots surprised [[Fangry]] and tore him limb from limb. {{storylink|Another Time and Place}}

====Generation 2====
When Optimus Prime and Grimlock discovered the threat of the [[Cybertronian (faction)|Cybertronian Empire]], they called in Autobots scattered across the galaxy, including Ironhide. And, when Grimlock chose to disobey Prime's directives and make a tactical first strike against [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]]'s ships, Ironhide went with him. They were quickly found out and captured, though, leaving it to Optimus to bail them out of trouble. {{storylink|Devices and Desires! (Marvel)|Devices and Desires!}}

Later, when Prime had the brilliant idea that Megatron would be willing to "just talk" after laying waste to much of the planet Earth, Ironhide joined the rescue party Grimlock threw together to bail him out. {{storylink|The Gathering Darkness}} He was also involved in the defense of [[Ethos]]. Ironhide took several shots to the chest while protecting that world, and was apparently killed. {{storylink|Escalation!}}

====''Classics''====
Ironhide came to Earth, along with [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] and [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]], to bolster Optimus Prime's forces as Megatron began reassembling his army. Ironhide was seen defending a human settlement from the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]] as Megatron and the captive Ratchet watched on. {{storylink|At Fight's End}}

===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Peter Cullen]] (English), [[Show Hayami]] (Japanese), [[Francis Lax]] (French), [[Pierluigi Astore]] (Italian, second dub), [[André Luiz Chapéu]] (Brazil), Juan Cuadra (Latin American)
[[Image:Mtmte1_ironhide_mans_laser.jpg|left|thumb|220px]]

Ironhide was part of the bridge crew of the [[Ark (G1)|Autobots' spacecraft]] when it embarked on its fateful voyage to seek out new sources of energy beyond [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] four million years ago. When the ship was caught in a meteor shower, Ironhide was flung into a console and began leaking lubricants from a wound in his shoulder, but he quickly recovered and leaped to man the craft's laser gun, blasting a path through the asteroids. No sooner had the Autobots made it to safety, however, than their ship was attacked and boarded by Decepticons in mid-flight. Ironhide struck a dirty blow against [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]], sneaking up behind the Decepticon communications officer while he was fighting a trio of other Autobots and downing him with a flying kick to his back. As the battle raged, the ship was caught in the gravity of the nearby prehistoric [[Earth]] and crashed, knocking all the Transformers aboard offline.

In 1984, a volcanic eruption awakened the dormant Transformers, and Ironhide was reformatted by [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] with the [[alternate mode]] of a terrestrial Nissan van. In addition to his role in maintaining the security of the Autobot headquarters on Earth, Ironhide would embark on numerous missions to stop the Decepticons on their energy-raiding strikes around the planet, starting with a battle on an offshore oil rig during which he and [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] duelled with metal pipes. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 1}}

[[Image:Mtmte2_ironhide_diverting_river.jpg|right|thumb|220px]]

Soon after, when the Decepticons churned the currents of the river blocked by [[Sherman Dam]] to raise its energy output, Ironhide quelled the resultant tidal wave with the help of [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], using his built-in laser cannon in van mode to cut a new series of tributaries for the raging river to flow into. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 2}}

[[Image:Mtmte3_ironhide_flies.jpg|left|thumb|220px|Ironhide auditions for the part of elpheba]]

Later, when the Decepticons escaped being buried in the [[Ruby Crystal Mines of Burma|Burma ruby mines]], a furious Ironhide took to the air in pursuit. Prime fruitlessly tried to call him back, and [[Bluestreak]] took off after Ol' Red to talk him out of any rash action. Still, Ironhide did manage to score a rocket strike against [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]], but that only earned him a similar strike in return, thanks to the Decepticon's teleporting ability. Ironhide crash-landed into a lake, where he suffered back-end damage to his linkages. The immobilized Ironhide was fished out of the lake by Bluestreak and [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]], and he recovered under the ministrations of Doc [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]]. He was hale and hearty enough to take part in the final strike on the Decepticon space cruiser. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 3}}

After the Decepticons resurfaced, Ironhide joined a team of Autobots to confront them at the solar power station. During the battle, he took a heavy hit shielding [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] from a blast from [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]]'s gun mode, but pulled through the damage he took to his terminal just fine. He then took part in a rescue mission for [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]], who was caught snooping around the new [[space bridge]]. When [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] started popping out cassettes left and right, Ironhide did the rare but logical thing and grabbed the Decepticon's arm to keep him from pushing his eject button. While those two were struggling, however, Megatron took aim to finish the job he started earlier at the power station. Prime returned the favor, though, knocking his bodyguard buddy out of the line of fire.{{storylink|Transport to Oblivion}} During the battle for the [[antimatter]] formula, Ironhide was caught in the blast of one of the explosive cubes but, as always, Ratchet managed to piece him back together. {{storylink|Roll for It}}

[[Image:Divandconq_liquid_nitrogen.jpg|right|thumb|220px|Get your mind out of the gutter reader!]]

While Optimus Prime was out scouting for the Decepticon space bridge, the Autobots received reports of a Decepticon attack at the power plant. Ironhide led a squad to rendezvous with Prime at the plant, but they arrived too late—Optimus had already suffered serious damage while trying to battle four Decepticons and keep the humans safe at the same time. After Ratchet and [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] determined Prime needed a new [[cosmitron]] from Cybertron to survive, Ironhide led the team to recover the missing part. With [[Chip Chase]] in tow, he, Bluestreak, [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]], and Bumblebee hijacked the Decepticon space bridge and made their way to Cybertron. Ironhide even got to put the quick freeze on [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] with his liquid nitrogen spray. Once they got to Cybertron, Ironhide again used liquid nitrogen to blast their way out of [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]'s lair, only this time he...grabbed a spray nozzle off the wall? Apparently he didn't have enough freezy stuff for two blasts. Braving [[acid rain]], Ironhide's team recovered the cosmitron and returned to Earth in time to save Prime's life. {{storylink|Divide and Conquer}}

[[Image:Sosdinos sonadar sensors.jpg|left|thumb|350px]]

Next, Ironhide joined the Autobots on a trip to the Arctic Circle, to prevent the Decepticons from draining the heat energy out of Earth's core. Ironhide and some buddies got separated from the others, and met up with the Decepticons first. They were taken off-guard by [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] and Skywarp, and would have been executed by Starscream without [[Hound (G1)|Hound]]'s holograms. The new Decepticon [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] was blasted while trying to stop their execution, and so Ironhide brought him back to Ratchet for repairs. {{storylink|Fire in the Sky}} When [[Ark (G1)#Autobot Headquarters|Autobot Headquarters]] started tremoring again, Ironhide suspecting it to be the work of [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] until his [[sonodar]] sensors located a hidden cavern inside the volcano itself. The dinosaur bones discovered in the cave inspired the creation of the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]]s, who saved Ironhide and the other Autobots when they were beaten by the Decepticons in a battle at the [[Great Falls]]. {{storylink|S.O.S. Dinobots}}

During an assault on the Incan temple, Ironhide was shot by the [[Crystal of Power]] energy weapon during his first charge up the temple steps. After the second charge, he made it to the top, tackled Megatron, and pounded him in the face. Megatron overpowered Ironhide and threw him off the temple, right into the waiting arms of Optimus Prime. {{storylink|Fire on the Mountain}}

As a dangerous meteorite hit Earth, Ironhide once again demonstrated his selflessness when he saved Chip and Spike from a rain of meteorite debris. Later, Ironhide helped in the construction of two new Dinobots, [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] and [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]], and then tried to fight them during the first test of their abilities. His attempt to overpower Snarl by hanging on to his tail was not successful. Outsmarted by a dino-dodo...how embarassing. {{storylink|War of the Dinobots}}

[[Image:Tud3_ironhide_in_volcano.jpg|right|thumb|220px|These neighbors on top! It looks as if their W.C. leaks again!]]

When Rumble infiltrated Autobot Headquarters to cause some tremors, Ironhide showed off another of his many sensors by plugging a seismograph into the ground to pinpoint the junk-punk's location. Later, he joined the Autobots as they attempted to stop a massive space bridge from bringing Cybertron into Earth's orbit, but failed. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 1}} Ironhide comforted Optimus Prime after the battle, telling him he had done all he could do. When [[Mount St. Hilary|the Autobots' volcano]] erupted due to Cybertron’s proximity to Earth, they had to evacuate their base, but once they had done so, Ironhide turned right around and drove back inside looking for the volcano's off-switch. He plugged the eruption by causing an avalanche in the core with his laser rifle. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 2}} Ironhide later surfed into battle against the Decepticons, but the resulting tidal wave allowed Megatron to escape before the fight even started. A small contingent of Autobots eventually tracked the Decepticon energon shuttle to a tropical coast, and engaged them in battle. The fully charged Decepticons soon began to overpower the Autobots, however, driving them back to the safety of some convenient trenches. Ironhide and Prowl both advocated regrouping and reinforcements to Prime, but luckily Skyfire soon arrived with a team of Autobots from Cybertron to even the odds. Cybertron was pushed out of Earth's orbit, and the planet was saved. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 3}} Hunting down the Decepticons after the destruction, Ironhide and the Autobots were led into the Valley of No Return, and were caught in quicksand. Ironhide used his liquid nitrogen spray to freeze the sand solid, stopping the sinking and letting the Autobots climb out to safety. {{storylink|Countdown to Extinction (episode)|Countdown to Extinction}}

[[Image:Plagueofinsecticons fire fighting.jpg|left|thumb|220px]]

After hearing about giant robot insects running amok in Bali, Ironhide and the Autobots drove down to investigate. This led to a battle with the Decepticons and [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticon]]s at an oil refinery. Once Thundercracker set fire to some of the oil, Ironhide used his fire retardant spray to keep the whole place from going up in flames. {{storylink|A Plague of Insecticons}} Soon after, Ironhide's security signals alerted him to Megatron's imminent arrival at the Ark. Surprisingly, the Decepticon leader was there to talk, not to fight. He suggested a trial by combat between himself and Optimus Prime for control of the Earth, and Prime agreed. Unbeknownst to the Autobots, Megatron rigged the deck in his favor by hording the [[power chip rectifier]]s of his fellow Decepticons. Prime inevitably fell before the combined might of the entire Decepticon army. Ironhide was ready to strike back at the Decepticons anyway, regardless of their agreement, but Optimus decreed that personal honor and Cybertron law mandated that they respect the agreement. Smashin' Decepti-creeps is hardwired into his programming, though, and Ironhide again attempted to violate the law when he saw the Dinobots engaged in battle with [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]]. No 'Bot was happier than Ironhide when Teletraan I uncovered Megatron's cheating ways, giving the Autobots a reason to ignore the agreement with him, and strike back. {{storylink|Heavy Metal War}}

When [[Autobot X]] went berserk, Ironhide vowed to teach the pile of parts some manners. With the help of Prowl and Trailbreaker, Ironhide put the mismatched robot down by force using his "water gun". Later, during battle at the Air Force rocket base, Spike was targeted by Megatron and injured by a [[fusion cannon]] blast. Ironhide pulled Spike from Bumblebee’s damaged form and put him inside Ratchet for transport to the hospital. {{storylink|Autobot Spike}}

[[Image:Cityofsteel_ironhide_grapple.jpg|right|thumb|220px]]

As the Autobots rushed to answer a distress call, [[Gears (G1)|Gears]] was squawking about his squeaking. Ironhide stopped for a moment to remind Gears of his personal credo, "Action first, maintenance later." Later on, in Africa and out of options, Optimus volunteered himself to penetrate the force field around Megatron's solar needle. Ironhide volunteered to go in Prime’s place, declaring himself to be more expendable than the Autobot leader. He later called Megatron a "monster" for changing Gears’ personality from a cranky hypochondriac into a happy-go-lucky pushover. Apparently, Ironhide knows the value of a good grumbling. {{storylink|Changing Gears}}

When the Decepticons hit New York, Ironhide was part of the team that found Optimus Prime’s missing arm and weapon on top of the rebuilt [[Empire State Building]]. Ironhide used a grappling hook inside his arm so he, Prime, and Ratchet could scale the outside of the building. Devastator swatted Ironhide and Ratchet into the building interior, and the duo used the opportunity to shoot out the floor under Megatron and Soundwave. When Optimus and Devastator fell and were plummeting to the ground, Ironhide saved Prime from hitting the pavement. {{storylink|City of Steel}} Ironhide also aided the Autobots in the search for the missing [[electro-cell]]s. {{storylink|Traitor}}

[[Image:TheImmobilizer Ironhide firingwildly.jpg|left|220px|thumb|"Ah'm here fer laser fire an' bubble gum, and ah'm plum outta bubble gum!"]]

One day, [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] planned a demonstration for his latest gadget, the [[Wheeljack Instant Immobilizer|Immobilizer]], with Hound's holographic copy of Laserbeak as the guinea pig. Unfortunately, Ironhide showed up late to the demo, saw Laserbeak, and immediately started blasting away at the "intruder". He very nearly buried Wheeljack alive in debris, and took a serious blow to his confidence as a result. Ironhide was assigned guard duty while the rest of the Autobots tested the Immobilizer a safe distance away from the Ark. Distracted by a visit from [[Carly]], Ironhide soon learned that the Decepticons had ambushed Optimus Prime and the Autobots while his guard was down. He tried to intervene but, despite his best efforts, the Decepticons stole the Immobilizer right out of Ironhide's grasp. Blaming himself, Ironhide resigned from active duty, a resignation Prime accepted with some trepidation. While still "retired" Ironhide swam down to Decepticon headquarters to rescue the captured Carly, was immobilized, then re-mobilized, recovered the Immobilizer from Megatron, helped save the Autobots, then destroyed the device. His request to be put on active duty again was wholeheartedly received by his friends. Ironhide, together with [[Sparkplug Witwicky|Sparkplug]], proudly watched as Spike went on a date with Carly. {{storylink|The Immobilizer}}

[[Image:Autobotrun_ironhide_carcrusher.jpg|right|thumb|220px]]

Spike and Chip suggested the Autobots participate in a race for charity, and Ironhide voiced his approval of the idea. He and Trailbreaker got to compete to see which of them was bigger and slower. During the race, he and the other Autobots were subjected to Megatron’s [[Transfixatron]] and were trapped in vehicle mode. Taken prisoner by Megatron, Ironhide was the first to be subjected to a crushing machine built by the Constructicons, but he was saved when Optimus Prime rammed it. After the Transfixatron effect was reversed, Ironhide and Trailbreaker pounded the device into pieces. {{storylink|The Autobot Run}} Ironhide was part of the Autobot strike unit dispatched to [[Washington, D.C.]] when it came under attack by the Decepticons and [[Sub-Atlantica]]ns. He kept clear of the main battle on the Great Lawn, but later helped repair the damage done to the city. He and Ratchet reattached the statue of Lincoln to the memorial, after Megatron had removed it to use the throne. {{storylink|Atlantis, Arise!}}

[[Image:Dotm_ironhide_pull_my_finger.jpg|thumb|left|220px|"Pull mah finger!"]]

Next, the Autobots responded to an SOS when the super-computer called [[TORQ III]] ran amok. Unfortunately, they discovered Torq was capable of controlling other simple machines in the area, and so Ironhide and the others found themselves facing a horde of angry droids. Ironhide apparently didn't think much of the threat—he calmly walked up to a droid firing a highly pressurized spray at his chest and stuck his finger in the hose. The pent up pressure blew out the back of the machine, destroying it completely. {{storylink|Day of the Machines}} Ironhide was on the scene for the unveiling of [[Nightbird (G1)|Nightbird]], [[Doctor Fujiyama the Famous Scientist|Doctor Fujiyama]]'s new ninja robot, when the Decepticons attacked. He was trying to shoot down Laserbeak when a stray blast dropped some girders on his backside. His injuries left him inactive during the search for Nightbird. {{storylink|Enter the Nightbird}}

Ironhide's experience and wisdom often came in handy. After Optimus Prime mistakenly called him "Bumblebee", and a second Optimus Prime showed up on the Autobots' doorstep, it was Ironhide who thought twice about his orders to obliterate the new Prime on sight. When the Autobots' tests proved inconclusive, Ironhide also assumed full command of the team, overruling BOTH Primes until they could prove their veracity. {{storylink|A Prime Problem}}

[[Image:Insecticonsyndrome_ironhide_monogram.jpg|right|220px|thumb]]

Faced with the threat of a Decepticon deep-drilling scheme and its nigh-unbeatable sentry, [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]], the Autobots orchestrated a plan to take control of the mighty gestalt by placing [[dominator disc]]s on each of his Constructicon components. Ironhide helped arrange a diversion at the Decepticons' temporary drilling base in order to draw the Constructicons out. He used a liquid nitrogen spray to freeze the waterfall the Constructicons were using as a natural coolant for their drill. {{storylink|The Core}} Ironhide accompanied Prime and the other Autobots to the [[Nova Power Plant]], where they attempted to stop the Insecticons from lunching on the nova power. They failed. A high-voltage blast from the hyper-charged [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]] nearly overloaded Ironhide's circuits. [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] sprayed the still-sparking Ironhide with insulating foam and loaded him into the back of Prime's trailer. He was brought back to Ratchet at Autobot Headquarters for repairs. Ironhide recovered enough to join the Autobots in the final battle with the augmented Insecticons at [[Iron Mountain]]. {{storylink|The Insecticon Syndrome}}

Ironhide was normally good-natured, but even he couldn't stand [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]]'s taste in music. It almost made him lose his temper with the Dinobots during their "training". Lucky for him, Prime kept Ironhide from leaping headfirst into a fray he couldn't get himself out of. {{storylink|Dinobot Island, Part 1}} When a chronal disturbance opened up near the library, Ironhide joined the Autobots in investigating. They found a horde of woolly mammoths and barbarians parading down Main Street. Ironhide corralled some of the barbarians with an adhesive spray, then helped send all the mammoths back into the time warp before it closed. He also joined the Autobots in driving the Decepticons off of [[Dinobot Island (G1)|Dinobot Island]], ending the source of the time warps. {{storylink|Dinobot Island, Part 2}}

[[Image:AutoBerserk Ironhide Not RedAlert.jpg|left|thumb|220px]]

Ironhide battled Devastator once again after the Constructicons tricked [[Grapple]] and [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] into helping them build a [[Solar Power Tower]]. {{storylink|The Master Builders}} Next, Ironhide worked with [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] and Wheeljack on the [[Negavator]] project, designing a new super-weapon for use against the Decepticons. The project bunker soon came under attack by Soundwave and his entire Cassette army. Although they failed to grab the Negavator, Optimus decided the weapon needed to be moved. This gave the Decepticons another shot at the Negavator, though, and Ironhide was buried with Prime under an avalanche triggered by Rumble's pile drivers. They had to be dug out by Grapple and Hoist. When it became clear their security expert, Red Alert, was malfunctioning, the Autobots tried to confront him, but he ran away into the nearest city. Ironhide inadvertently assaulted a real fire chief's car while looking for his buddy. {{storylink|Auto Berserk}}

Being the old fogey that he is, Ironhide burned out one of his memory chips and suffered some mild amnesia. He relied on [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] to repair the broken chip and get the ol' noggin processing again. He soon joined the Autobots in South America to fight Megatron for the [[Heart of Cybertron]]. {{storylink|Microbots}}

Ironhide could be a hothead at times. Duped by Megatron’s hoax, [[Shawn Berger]] brought his private army to arrest the Autobots. Ironhide was ready to trash tanks, but Optimus Prime stopped him and surrendered to the humans—a move with which Ironhide did not agree. {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1}} Later, when humans banned the Autobots from Earth for crimes they didn't commit, the Autobots ended up on a spaceship heading to parts unknown. Ironhide blamed Optimus Prime for their predicament and almost led a mutiny. Prime changed his mind shortly thereafter, so the question of whether Ironhide would have actually tried to overthrow Optimus was rendered academic. They returned to Earth to disrupt the illusion of Megatron's little scheme and, as Ironhide put it, "show 'em a little reality." Several hundred laser-charged rounds of reality later, the Decepticons staggered away in defeat, and the Autobots' reputations were restored. {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 2}}

[[Image:Dotd1_malfunctioning_ironhide.jpg|right|thumb|220px]]

Evidently, Ironhide doesn’t pay close attention to his passengers, since both Soundwave and Ravage once hid inside him. Maybe he was taking a nap. He only realized the subterfuge when Blaster and Ravage started fighting in his back end. Later, Ironhide gave Jazz a literal kick start when [[cybertonium]] depletion kept Jazz from transforming. The effects of the depletion affected Ironhide himself during the next fight as he tried to shoot liquid nitrogen at the Decepticons. When his hand wouldn’t retract, Ironhide froze himself solid. {{storylink|Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 1}} The lack of cybertonium left the Autobots virtually lifeless, but Ironhide and his friends were eventually revived when Spike, Carly and the Dinobots brought back a full stock of cybertonium from Cybertron. {{storylink|Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 2}}

Ironhide got another dose of Blaster's music being piped through by Teletraan 1. The serenade was worse than the first, and the Autobots nearly missed a distress call because of it. {{storylink|Blaster Blues}} He was among the Autobots temporarily rendered invulnerable by [[electrum]], and fought the Decepticons for control of the golden lagoon. {{storylink|The Golden Lagoon}} He also helped stop Megatron from taking over New York City with an army of robot car drones. {{storylink|Make Tracks}} Ironhide went with Prime and a group of Autobots to the baseball stadium where the Decepticons were interrupting the game with their new space bridge. He got a grand slam with a stadium lighting pole against [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]]. When Prime and several other Autobots were launched into space by the malfunctioning bridge, Ironhide took command of the Autobots until Optimus managed to find his way back. {{storylink|Child's Play (episode)|Child's Play}}

[[Image:TheSearchforAlphaTrion Ironhide acidblasts.jpg|left|220px|thumb|"An internal liquid chemical factory, and I'm shootin' TANG?!"]]

When the [[Morphobot]]s took root on Earth, Ironhide and the team attempted to free their comrade [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] from behind the plants' indestructible vines. Ironhide tried a variety of liquid sprays on the Morphobots—the plants briefly crusted over, but cracked free from the chemical resin a moment later. After the Autobots discovered the plants were repelled by Blaster's music, he and Ironhide worked together to clear a path to Cosmos. Once the plants pushed back from Blaster, Ironhide used liquid nitrogen to hold them frozen in place long enough to free their friend. {{storylink|Quest for Survival}}

Ironhide led [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] and [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] in protecting [[San Francisco]] when it was being attacked by a [[Asteroid bird alien|giant alien creature]]. Although severely outmatched, they held out long enough for [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] to arrive and lead the alien back out into space. {{storylink|The Secret of Omega Supreme}} When the Decepticons began squabbling amongst themselves for leadership, Ironhide was ready to jump right into the thick of things. Optimus restrained him, however; instead Prime pitted Megatron against the also-rans, leading to a disastrous fight that left all the Decepticons spent. Even Ironhide had to admit it was fun watching the Decepticons beat themselves up for a change. {{storylink|Triple Takeover}} After [[Lord Chumley]] began swiping Autobots off the street, Ironhide was present when the big game hunter declared his terms to Optimus Prime over Teletraan I. {{storylink|Prime Target}}

[[Image:Search4a3_ironhide_and_chromia.jpg|right|thumb|220px]]

Ironhide led [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] and [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] to Cybertron to follow and find Optimus Prime after he left, without telling anyone, to rescue [[Elita One]]. When his team arrived via the [[space bridge]], Starscream announced that he had killed Prime by melting him down in a vat of acid. Ironhide angrily ordered the Autobots to attack and avenge their fallen leader. During the battle, they met up with Elita One's [[Female Autobots|squad]], which gave Ironhide a chance to reunite with his old gal [[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]]. {{storylink|The Search for Alpha Trion}} He was briefly seen at Sparkplug's garage after Powerglide's adventure with [[Astoria Carlton-Ritz]]. {{storylink|The Girl Who Loved Powerglide}}

[[Image:Ktvs2_ironhide_vs_slingshot.jpg|left|thumb|220px|"No, Ah will not pull yer finger. Where d'ya kids get this stuff?]]

When Megatron took his new [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticon]] group to Cybertron in the hopes of giving them life, Ironhide was among the Autobots who went after them in Omega Supreme. {{storylink|The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 1}} When they failed to stop Megatron, the Autobots instead decided to counter him, creating a team of Autobot Jets known as the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]] through the power of [[Vector Sigma]]. Unfortunately, the Aerialbots were, well...''jerks''. [[Slingshot]] in particular rubbed Ironhide the wrong way, after the Aerialbots "saved" the Autobots by intervening during their first battle with the Stunticons. The Aerialbots eventually learned their lesson, and Ironhide made peace with Slingshot. {{storylink|The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 2}} Then they were jerks again. Once again, Ironhide was at odds with the little twerps, as they sat in awe of the Decepticons for their ace flying abilities. The Aerialbots learned their lesson (again), and Ironhide made peace with the punks...again. It seemed to stick this time. {{storylink|War Dawn}}

Ironhide was grumbling about the Stunticons during an appointment with Ratchet when those psychos turned up for real on Teletraan I's sensors. After the Autobots captured the Stunticons in the field, Prime had an idea to disguise themselves as the Stunticons using [[camouflage paint]] in order to infiltrate the Decepticons. Ironhide and several others stayed behind to keep an eye on the prisoners, but [[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]] soon shattered the bars and freed his fellow Stunticons, who then sent the Autobots packing as [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]]. Ironhide and the Autobots chased after Menasor to warn Prime that the jig was up, and they ended up arriving at the battle just in time to drive off the Decepticons. {{storylink|Masquerade}} Ironhide was also seen applying [[Corrostop]] to the [[Statue of Liberty]], and later helped rescue Perceptor from Fox Creek Canyon. {{storylink|Cosmic Rust (episode)|Cosmic Rust}}

[[Image:TFTM Ironhide dies.jpg|right|220px|thumb|Megatron prepares to kitbash a toy-accurate Ironhide.]]

When Jazz and Cliffjumper were kidnapped by Starscream's [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]], Ironhide traveled to the Amalgamated Water & Power Plant with the other Autobots to rescue them. Wisely, the Autobots completely avoided the war between the Decepticons and Combaticons taking place immediately to their left—they just grabbed their pals and split. {{storylink|Starscream's Brigade}} After the Autobots received a curious SOS from [[Benjamin Franklin Pierce High School]], Ironhide, [[Gears (G1)|Gears]] and Bumblebee responded. They discovered a science project gone awry—a [[B.O.T. (robot)|homemade robot]] brought to life using the personality component of the Combaticon named [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]]. The Autobots seriously underestimated their opponent, and Ironhide ended up sunk in the floor thanks to his own corrosive spray. {{storylink|B.O.T. (episode)|B.O.T.}}

In the year 2005, Ironhide was stationed on [[Moonbase One]] as part of the Autobots' ongoing mission to retake Cybertron. Unfortunately for the action-oriented Ironhide, Optimus Prime felt the Autobots needed more time to gather forces and supplies before attempting to retake their home planet. He sent Ironhide on a shuttle along with a group of other Autobots headed for Earth, bringing energon to [[Autobot City]]. When the shuttle was attacked by a Decepticon strike force en route, Ironhide bravely fought back against the hijackers, but was not powerful enough to drive off the numerous foes. He was shot several times before going down, but was still determined to defeat the enemy by whatever means possible. Lacking the power to stand on his own, Ironhide crawled to Megatron's feet in a vain attempt to continue fighting. He was mercilessly executed by Megatron's fusion cannon at point blank range, for indulging in "heroic nonsense". {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie}}

Ironhide's grave was later mentioned aboard the interstellar [[Autobot Mausoleum]] amongst those of the other Autobots who died during the [[Battle of Autobot City|attack]] on [[Autobot City]]. Along with the mausoleum itself, Ironhide's remains were later plunged into a red sun as a side-effect of a [[Quintesson]] plot. {{storylink|Dark Awakening}}
{{-}}

====Japanese cartoon continuity====
=====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' comic=====

While the Autobots were busy defending [[Ark (G1)|Autobot headquarters]] from a Decepticon attack in [[Arizona]], they realized that [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] was not present and likely loose in Japan. Ironhide was dispatched to track down the villain, though the lone [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] found him first. Bumblebee defeated Soundwave with his mighty "Bumble Kick" just as Ironhide and [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] arrived to back him up. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 2|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #2}}

=====Scramble City: Mobilization=====

In their efforts to defend Earth against the Decepticons, the Autobots began construction of a massive defense base named Metroplex, codenamed: [[Metroplex (G1)|Scramble City]]. When Decepticon spies uncovered the existence of the Scramble City project, however, several Decepticon squads were sent by Megatron to eliminate the potential threat to his reign. Under Optimus Prime's command, Ironhide joined [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]], [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]], [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] and [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] in setting out to intercept these Decepticons, allowing [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] and the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobot]]s to complete work on Scramble City. {{storylink|Scramble City: Mobilization}}

=====Full Throttle Scramble Power!=====

Ironhide was one of dozens of Autobots who arrived with Scramble City to help [[Hound (G1)|Hound]], [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] and the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbot]]s against Megatron's forces. {{storylink|Full Throttle Scramble Power!}}

=====''The Stargate Battles''=====

Ironhide and a squad of Autobots travelled into space aboard [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] when Megatron assumed control of the "[[Warp Gate|Trigger]]" teleportation platform the Autobots helped humanity construct. {{storylink|First Contact}}

Ironhide and his comrades later returned to the Trigger when Starscream and his Ghost from Another Future Dimension (can't make this slag up...) commandeered it. The battle was epic in scope, as the Starscreams united with the Trigger to make it into a massive transforming exo-frame. He(they?) also assumed command of the [[C-X]] drones and turned them against the Autobots, and Ironhide was the first to feel the sting of their betrayal...and energy blasts. The Autobots' human ally, [[Makoto (FSRL)|Makoto]], used his knowledge of the Trigger to disrupt Starscream new form. The fiend then threw Makoto's lifepod into Earth's atmosphere, leaving him to burn up on re-entry. Ironhide and Bumblebee tried to reach the pod, but were too slow. Luckily, Optimus Prime arrived late to the battle and saved Makoto from burning up. {{storylink|The Stargate Battles (issue)|The Stargate Battles}}

=====''The Headmasters'' cartoon=====
[[Image:Hmep27_ironhide_undead.jpg|right|thumb]]
Some time before the Transformers' war left Cybertron, Ironhide briefly engaged the Decepticons with his comrades. {{storylink|Four Warriors Come out of the Sky}} In 2011, a robot resembling Ironhide was seen amongst the crowds of Autobots going about their daily business in [[Autobot City]]. Given that Ironhide was dead by that point, though, it ''prrrrooobably'' wasn't him. {{storylink|Miraculous Warriors, Targetmasters (Part 1)}}

{{note|Ironhide's revival is probably one of those "WTF?" errors that happened in the Japanese series as a result of [[The Transformers: The Movie|the movie]] not reaching Japan until many years later.}}

{{-}}

=====e-Hobby comics=====
Then again, Ironhide was looking pretty sprightly several decades later when he attended Optimus Prime's briefing on a series of attacks on human shipping vessels by biomechanical creatures believed to be connected to the Decepticons, so maybe he's okay after all! When Prime expressed concern over the use of an [[Eldedroid]] controlled by the mind of the human, [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Dan]], in the mission to investigate the creatures, Ironhide told him he didn't need to be so pessimistic. {{storylink|MP-1B Cybertron Commander / Convoy Black Ver.}}

{{note|Ironhide wouldn't be the [[Prowl (G1)|only]] [[Wheeljack (G1)|character]] to have died in the movie who later reappeared in Japanese fiction. The storyline of ''[[Story of Binaltech|Binaltech]]'' introduced the [[Genetronic Translink System]] to explain these "resurrections", and may be the reason for Ironhide's continued existence. His appearance in this comic came several years after the ''Binaltech'' story was written, though, so he was not referred to by name in ''Binaltech'' as there was nothing to explain away at the time.}}

===Transformers in 3-D===
[[Image:TFin3D2 Ironhide rips through wall.jpg|thumb|right|200px|There's a door just to your left, Ironhide.]]
When a distress call from [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] reached [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], Ironhide set off to find out why the small Autobot was so far from his assigned area. This lead him to the planet [[Andellor]], to which Cosmos had traveled in search of the [[Prism of Power]]. Ironhide first managed to dispatch [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] and [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] without breaking a sweat, before he, Cosmos, and the five children who needed the Prism, encountered [[Grogg]], guardian of the ancient artifact. Though Ironhide pleaded with Grogg that they needed the Prism, Grogg insisted they answer his riddle or die. After one of the children answered the riddle, Ironhide returned with Cosmos and the children to the [[Exton-9]] space station and defeated [[Razorclaw (G1)|Razorclaw]] in battle.{{storylink|Transformers in 3-D issue 2|Transformers in 3-D #2}}
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===Dreamwave comics continuity===
{{notekeepers}}
{{picsneeded}}
Before the war, Ironhide was a construction engineer, working on the bridges that connected cybertron's city states.
When war broke out, he joined [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]]'s commando unit, along with [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] and [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]], when they attempted to defend [[Altihex]] against the Decepticons. Though Altihex was lost, the unit survived to attend [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]'s inauguration. {{storylink|The War Within issue 1}} He took part in the preparations for the evacuation of Cybertron at the [[Central Spaceport]], despite expressing his disagreement to [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] about the new Prime's decision. The pair subsequently observed Grimlock's even greater dissatisfaction and the Dinobot stormed off. {{storylink|The War Within issue 2}} During a Decepticon attack, he and the rest of the unit met Grimlock on the [[Tri-Torus Loop]], only to be surprised by Grimlock's decision to leave [[Iacon (city-state)|Iacon]] to the foe. Instead they traveled to the crater of the [[Forum of Enlightenment]] to look for Optimus. {{storylink|The War Within issue 4}}

Underground, Ironhide's sensors led the group to find a [[planetary engine turbine]]. Grimlock ordered him, Kup and Wheeljack to shut it down. The trio listened in on [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]'s plans, but were discovered by the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]. {{storylink|The War Within issue 5}} Ironhide and Kup worked to fight the Constructicons off, becoming pinned down until Grimlock arrived to lend a hand with Optimus. They kept the Decepticons distracted long enough for Wheeljack to take out the planetary engines. Though Ironhide expected Optimus to resume the evacation, Prime announced they were staying. {{storylink|The War Within issue 6}}

After Prime was lost through a space bridge, and the Cybertronians fell into even more factions, Ironhide became a part of Grimlock's [[Lightning Strike Coalition]]. During an attempt by Starscream's forces to seize a couple of transporters full of energon, Ironhide and Wheeljack were able to board and fly off in the transporters while the rest of the team kept Starscream busy. {{storylink|Fragmentation}}

He was part of the ''Ark'''s original crew four million years ago, and awoke with the rest of them in 1984. After the crash of the ''[[Ark II]]'', however, Ironhide was among the Transformers secretly acquired by [[Lazarus]] as a potential weapon of mass destruction for sale. He was tortured and heavily damaged by the Decepticons when they broke Lazarus' control over them, and was unable to immediately aid Prime and the others against Megatron. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 4}}

''When [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] returned from an alien world with the malevolent [[Keeper (species)|Keepers]] in tow, Ironhide was one of the first Autobots who joined them in the fight against the invaders. The Keepers had taken residence in [[Las Vegas]], Nevada, and a united force of Autobots and Decepticons descended on the city in the hopes of stopping the aliens before the United States government unleashed a nuclear strike. When Optimus Prime used an energon pool to supercharge himself and the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]], Ironhide and the other Autobots joined their own energon with Prime to enhance his efforts. Through their combined energies, the nuclear missile was averted and the Keepers were displaced into the Void. {{storylink|Annihilation}}''

''After the battle, Optimus Prime was forced by a debt of honor to hand over the Matrix to Megatron, a decision which didn't sit well with many of the Autobots. Ironhide did his best to defend his leader's actions against the likes of [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]], but even he had trouble justifying the decision. Ironhide also joined the Autobots in confronting the American military in the Nevada desert, where the President attempted to have them assassinated. The military used [[Deconstructionite|deconstructionites]], reverse-engineered Cybertronian technology in the form of tiny microchips that literally sapped away the Transformers' strength. Ironhide was the first of the Autobots to fall before this assault, and had to be hauled to safety inside Prime's trailer segment. {{storylink|Fusion (novel)|Fusion}}''

[[Image:PassiveAggression-KupIronhidereunite.jpg|left|thumb|250px|Old people ''never'' stop doing it. Now try to get that out of your brain!]]

Sometime after Ironhide was repaired, the Autobots again confronted the Decepticons, this time over a mysterious shuttle pod that landed in Northern Canada. [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] got the drop on Ironhide during the fight, riddling his backside with explosive shells. The feisty security agent had to be dragged off the battlefield so that Ratchet could perform the necessary repairs back at base. {{storylink|New World Order}} In the meantime, a force of United Cybertronians arrived on Earth and demanded that Prime and his crew surrender themselves into protective custody, in order to prevent them from rekindling the war which had been over on Cybertron now for centuries. Leaving behind a skeleton crew to watch over Earth, Optimus Prime, Ironhide and the other Autobots allowed [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] and his operatives to bring them back to their home planet. {{storylink|Brothers' Burden}} On Cybertron, Optimus Prime was separated from the other Autobots, and Ironhide's team was covertly brought by [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] to the Autobot resistance. Many Autobots on Cybertron questioned the beneficence of their "commander", [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]], and had organized into several insurgency cells. Ironhide and Prowl met with [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]]'s unit, who in turn brought them in touch with Optimus and second unit led by [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] and Kup. Ironhide quickly exchanged greetings (and a few good-natured insults) with his war-buddy Kup. {{storylink|Passive Aggression}} With the ''Ark'''s crew at hand, the insurgency took to the streets, fighting back against Shockwave and his "[[Guardian robot|Dark Guardians]]". Ironhide joined [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] and Hot Rod on the front lines during the advance. {{storylink|Countdown to Extinction (issue)|Countdown to Extinction}}

In the days that followed, Ironhide, Prowl and Kup attempted to coordinate things on Cybertron, but gratefully stepped aside once Ultra Magnus had finished his repair cycle. Ironhide was greatly amused when the uncharismatic Prowl attempted to make a public address at New Iacon's central hall, only to be bombarded with questions from concerned citizens. Later, he, Prowl and Kup knocked back [[kremzeek|refreshments]] and reflected upon the changing political landscape of Cybertron, and wondered if it would be best for old warriors such as themselves to leave. {{storylink|Skyfire (issue)|Skyfire}} With the discovery of a [[Sunstorm (G1)|mysterious cloned Transformer]] possessing the accumulated knowledge of [[Vector Sigma]] heading towards [[Earth]], Prowl decided that the ''Ark'''s old crew had an obligation to return there and defend their second home. Though some such as [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]], [[Gears (G1)|Gears]] and [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] griped, Ironhide knew that for all of their complaints, they would join the mission anyway. {{storylink|Atonement}} They returned to Earth and and began construction of a new Autobot base of operations: [[Autobot City]]. {{storylink|The Route of All Evil}}

===Devil's Due ''G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers'' comics===
[[Image:GIJoevsTF1_Ironhide_HISS.jpg|left|thumb|200px|]]
Many years after the ''Ark'' had crashed on Earth, the human terrorist organization [[Cobra]] discovered it and its dormant crew. The Transformers were reprogrammed to be under Cobra's control and given new alternate modes, with Ironhide, Ratchet and Optimus Prime now turning into [[H.I.S.S.]] tanks. Along with [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] and [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]], the three Autobots were forced to attack a peace summit in [[Washington, D.C.]] {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 1|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #1}} The reprogrammed Transformers were eventually freed thanks to [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]], and despite Cobra's efforts to regain control of Ironhide, the Autobot got away when Ratchet ripped their control cables out of his head. Along with [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] and [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]], the two then joined Optimus Prime in fighting back against both the freed Decepticons and Cobra. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 4|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #4}} During the battle, Ironhide didn't do much but liken the density of Decepticons on [[Cobra Island]] to that of [[astro tick]]s on [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]]'s behind. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 5|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #5}}

After defeating the Decepticons on Earth, the Autobots returned to Cybertron, which [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] had conquered in their absence. With the Autobots reduced to a small resistance band, Ironhide helped Optimus Prime and Jazz steal a pile of [[energon cube]]s from the Decepticons. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II issue 1|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II #1}} He was understandably surprised when his two friends suddenly disappeared in a flash of light. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II issue 2|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II #2}}

Much later, when Optimus Prime was captured by [[Serpentor|Serpent O.R.]], Ironhide joined a team of Autobots who were waiting for a chance to free him. {{storylink|The Art of War issue 4|The Art of War #4}} When Serpent O.R.'s hostages were freed and [[G.I. Joe (team)|reinforcements]] arrived from Earth, the team attacked and ultimately defeated the Decepticon army. {{storylink|The Art of War issue 5|The Art of War #5}}

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===Dreamwave ''Transformers/G.I. Joe'' comics===
Along with the other Autobots, Iron Hide {{sic}} lay deactivated among the [[Fera Islands]] for four million years, until one day in [[1939]] when [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] arrived on the archipelago to defeat [[Cobra]]. [[Roadblock (G.I. Joe)|Roadblock]] accidentally activated the Autobots' [[Sky Spy|repair drone]], which awakened the Autobots and reformatted them, starting with Iron Hide, who was given the form of a human tank. The spooked humans opened fire on the metal giant, but their bullets merely bounced off, and Iron Hide politely asked them to cut it out before the ricochets hurt anyone. After things had settled down, Iron Hide supported the idea of the Autobots helping G.I. Joe, as he needed some workout after that little nap they took. {{storylink|Transformed}}

On behalf of [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], Iron Hide later asked [[Scarlett]] what she was brooding about. The human cryptically said that someone important was missing, but wouldn't explain [[Snake-Eyes|who]]. Shortly afterwards, Iron Hide was shipped out on a barge to attack the [[Terrordrome]] along with [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Hound (G1)|Hound]]. {{storylink|Trenches}} During the ensuing battle, he punched out [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] and offered to help [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] in his duel with [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]], but it turned out Grimlock didn't need any help. Iron Hide presumably perished when the life-giving [[Matrix of Leadership]] was shattered in order to stop [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]]. {{storylink|The Iron Fist}}

{{note|But apparently he was intended to [[Unreleased Dreamwave issues#Transformers/G.I. Joe: Divided Front|get better]] if Dreamwave hadn't folded.}}

===''Transformers Legends'' anthology===
When a badly-damaged Starscream was brought to the Ark, Ironhide agreed with Jazz that it was probably a trap. When Starscream turned out to be amnesiac and amenable to the Autobot cause, Ironhide and Cliffjumper were assigned to him as escorts, just in case. Ironhide would later join Optimus in shielding Starscream from the Decepticons, when they turned up to retrieve their comrade, noting that as Starscream was weaponless, it would hardly seem fair to not protect him. {{storylink|Redemption Center}}

===IDW comics continuity===
{{ongoing}}

Back before the war, Ironhide was part of the Security Services. He performed both public and private security work, keeping the streets safe while also overseeing specific businesses and events. Ironhide was working the crowds at the Cybertronian raceway when [[Outback|a small 'bot]] burst through the line and attempted to shoot [[Drag Strip]], one of the star racers. Ironhide stopped the shooting and turned the little guy over to the authorities, paying little heed to his warnings about Megatron and the growing Decepticon movement. {{storylink|Iron in the Blood}}

[[Image:MegatronOrigin4 Ironhide fightin Thrust.jpg|right|180px|thumb|"Get over here you—you—what the frag are you?"]]
Ironhide attended the funeral of [[Bumper (G1)|Bumper]] and [[Fastback (G1)|Fastback]] with [[Chromia (G1)|a familiar fembot]], and listened to [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]]'s eulogy/rally call. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 3}} He was on the streets with Sentinel Prime and [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] during the Battle of [[Kaon]], when the Autobots tried to halt the rebel Decepticons. Ironhide was dishing out justice the old fashioned way—with his fists. He was with the Autobots that contacted [[Iacon (city-state)|Iacon]] when Sentinel's body was deposited in front of them, and Prowl ordered an evacuation. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 4}}

In the early days of the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]], Ironhide was part of an Autobot unit led by [[Kup (G1)|Kup]]. During a mission to prevent an assassination attempt on [[Zeta Prime]], he saved the confused racer [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] from wandering right into their crossfire. {{storylink|Spotlight: Blurr}} After first serving in the [[Cybertronian Civil Militia]], Ironhide joined the more formal Autobot army. He was initially skeptical of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime's]] ability to win the war, but Optimus proved willing to take advice from the more experienced soldier. Optimus believes Ironhide made him the leader he is today, and they saw many battles together (including one where Optimus would not leave him behind to save himself). {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 13|Old Ways}}

[[Image:Infiltration2 Ironhide.jpg|left|150px|thumb|He's looking for the man who shot his pa.]]

As the war raged on, Ironhide led an rescue team to extract [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] and [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]], whom Jazz was originally assigned to evacuate. They arrived just in the nick of time to ward off the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]] and save their comrades. On the trip back to Iacon, Jazz told Ironhide what had happened and what to tell the blinded Tracks. After Jazz had left, Tracks asked Ironhide who had saved him. Ironhide said simply that he was just an Autobot like Tracks was, and that he should never forget what that meant. {{storylink|Spotlight: Jazz}}

Four million years ago, Ironhide and Prime were defending a city from the Decepticon advance. They broke off from the other Autobots to intercept a Decepticon fuel convoy headed for Megatron's troops. Through grit and determination, the duo managed to capture the entire convoy without firing a single shot. The Autobots won the day and were eager to celebrate their victory that night by over-energizing a tad. Ironhide remained resolute, however, constantly scanning the crowd for trouble even amidst the festivities. Lucky that he did, because a Decepticon assassin named [[Axer]] had infiltrated the party, and pulled a concealed blaster to execute Optimus Prime from behind. True to his duty, Ironhide flung himself into the path of Axer's shot, taking the full blast for his friend and commander. Although he eventually recovered from his injuries, this incident would have long term consequences for Ironhide. {{storylink|The Iron Age}}

Millions of years later, Ironhide was second-in-command (under Prowl) of a detachment of Autobots that had operated covertly on [[Earth]] for at least four years, attempting to foil a [[Infiltration protocol|Decepticon insurgency]]. Although more bound to the regulations than [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]], he was still willing to bend the chain of command for the right reasons, and sent a pulsewave to Optimus Prime behind Prowl's back. {{storylink|Infiltration issue 3}} When Ratchet and Bumblebee's unauthorized recce uncovered evidence of the Decepticons' previous operations and reported Megatron's appearance, Prowl turned to the experienced Ironhide for tactical advice. {{storylink|Infiltration issue 5}}

[[Image:Escalation2 Ironhide ANGRY.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Ironhide's holomatter avatar is a pissed-off old man. Fitting.]]

After Optimus Prime arrived on Earth, Ironhide was assigned the task of escorting a trio of humans back from the Autobots to their homes alongside [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] who was carrying [[Hunter O'Nion|Hunter]], while he transported [[Jimmy Pink|Jimmy]] and [[Verity Carlo|Verity]]. He became separated from Sunstreaker, who was immobilized and seemingly destroyed in an ambush by the [[Machination|a mysterious human organization]]. {{storylink|Escalation issue 1}} Once it was revealed that the debris recovered from the Machination was not that of Sunstreaker, Ironhide suggested himself for the search mission to find Sunstreaker's whereabouts, as he felt he owed it to him, but his wishes were dismissed by Optimus Prime. Prowl was mondo-pissed that Ironhide went around the chain of command and banished him to base duty while the other Autobots who had not (yet) pissed Prowl off left for [[Brasnya]] to confront the Decepticons. {{storylink|Escalation issue 3}} Proving his willingness to break the rules if needed, Ironhide disobeyed his orders to remain and monitor Decepticon activity, joining Ratchet, Verity and Jimmy in their attempts to uncover the fate of Sunstreaker and Hunter. {{storylink|Escalation issue 4}} However, while removing Verity and Jimmy from a building that was due to explode, Ironhide was caught in the explosion and went M.I.A. {{storylink|Escalation issue 6}}

After Optimus Prime returned from his meeting with [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]], [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] and [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] learned that Ironhide was due to be crushed and compacted at a human dump and went to rescue him. {{storylink|Devastation issue 1}} They ran into some [[Headmaster (technology)|problems]] on the way there, however. They prevailed, and after Optimus Prime received word of the incident on [[Garrus-9]], he ordered [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] to retrieve Hot Rod and the others. Hot Rod refused to go though, wanting to see the Headmaster mystery to the end. Hardhead reluctantly let him go and took Wheeljack and Ironhide back with him. {{storylink|Devastation issue 6}}

[[Image:Ironhidepuncheseveryone.jpg|left|250px|thumb|[[:Image:Ironhide_punches_Hot_Rod.jpg|And he's not done yet!]]]]
Over the next year, the Decepticons went quiet and intell dried up. Prowl advised to do nothing, but Ironhide, able to speak more to the warrior inside of Optimus, advised action. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 15|Everything in its Right Place}}. Whoops, action led the Autobots into a Decepticon trap! {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 7}} As a result, Ironhide was among the battered Autobots trapped on Cybertron. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 1}}

As frustrations boiled over in the Autobot camp, Tracks attempted to lift their spirits by telling the story of the time he was saved by a mysterious Autobot. Though Ironhide knew it was Jazz who had saved Tracks that day, the old story gave them hope, and he thanked him for it. {{storylink|Spotlight: Jazz}}

Holding a deep suspicion that Mirage had sold them out to the Decepticons and knowing that Prowl and Jazz were shutting him out {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 8}}, Ironhide came to blows (or really, blow) with Prowl over the issue before Jazz told him to walk it off. Later, Jazz talked to Ironhide about it, and the latter revealed his deep regret at Optimus Prime's current condition. [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] soon asked Ironhide to accompany him to check out an emergency message from Wheeljack and Bumblebee, who were out on a scouting patrol. The two ran across Hot Rod, (well really, Ironhide's fist ran across Hot Rod's face), who seemed delighted to find other Autobots on Cybertron, having thought the planet was deserted. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 4}}

Not long after Kup and his Autobot squad joined up with Prime's battered unit, Ironhide met with [[Roadbuster]] and tried to attempt to tell him the truth about why they got here, but the appearance of the [[Insecticon swarm]] rendered it moot. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 6}} After getting Energon from the ''[[Trion]]'' and taking a rest, Ironhide noticed Sunstreaker storming out of a building. When Sunstreaker told him about his brother complaining about being a jerk toward Mirage along with, Ironhide couldn't take it anymore. Cornering Mirage, Ironhide proceeded to beat him senseless, leaving him in serious condition. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 7}} After being chewed out by [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] and being reminded of his past troubles, the conversation ended when the Swarm caught up to them. When the Autobots drove to a bridge to lure the Swarm there, so that they could blow it up and prevent them from advancing, Ironhide noticed Sunstreaker standing on the bridge. When Ironhide asked him what he was doing, Sunstreaker revealed to him that he was the real traitor, having made a deal with Starscream that would supposedly have resulted in Megatron's demise. Before more could be said, both were taken down by the Swarm. [[Drift (G1)|Drift]] came and rescued Ironhide just as Sunstreaker blew up the bridge, killing himself and taking a large portion of the Swarm with him. Upset, Ironhide went to rest and recover. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 8}}

[[Image:All Hail Megatron 10 Optimus and Ironhide.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Seen shortly before being reminded of how he [[All Hail Megatron issue 13|used]] to hate Op's guts.]]
Feeling like a complete twat, Ironhide attempted to apologize to Mirage, but was angrily rebuffed. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 9}} Once Optimus Prime was back on his feet, Ironhide asked him why the others hadn't told him that Megatron had stolen the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]], but was told not to hold it against them. After thinking about this, Ironhide called Prime the "greatest bot I've ever known," which Prime found amusing, considering how they clashed when they first met. When the Swarm assaulted the Autobot base, Ironhide found himself side by side with Mirage at the front line defenses. Mirage told Ironhide to run for it while he distracted the enemy, but Ironhide threw himself into the fray, refusing to let his comrade sacrifice himself. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 10}} When Omega Supreme saved them and took them to Earth, Ironhide participated in the battle against the Decepticons. However he worried that [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] and the others would be on the Autobots in seconds. His worry, fortuately, was unfounded, as Omega subsequently stepped in and slagged Devastator. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 11}} Later, after [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] sniped Megatron, Ironhide called [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] a coward because he and the Decepticons were leaving. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 12}} When Bumblebee went missing in one of the human disaster areas after the Decepticons evacuated, Ironhide was part of an Autobot squad who managed to retrieve him. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 16|Hidden}}

[[Image:Ongoing Issue 1-Ironhide Bites The Dust.jpg|left|thumb|200px|Either Hot Rod's jinxed or he secretly wants the entire 1984 cast dead.]]
Two years later, the Autobots were still on Earth. Optimus Prime's guilt over the devastation their war brought to the world prevented the Autobot army from leaving the humans behind. Even worse, the humans weren't at all interested in Prime's guilt, but were actively hunting Autobot and Decepticon alike. Several Autobots were taken prisoner by [[Skywatch]], the American robot-hunting organization. Events reached an apex when Prowl was captured while trying to prevent the execution of a wandering Decepticon. Optimus Prime finally relented on his hands-off policy, and sent [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] and a squad into the Skywatch holding facility to rescue Prowl. Ironhide went with him to keep an eye on the kid, and promised Optimus nothing would happen to Hot Rod. The situation escalated horribly, however, and the humans began responding with lethal force against the Autobots during the breakout. Ironhide spotted a particle cannon turret being leveled against Hot Rod and Prowl, and threw himself into the weapon's path, taking a fatal shot through the chest to protect his field leader and keep his promise to Prime. Prowl brought Ironhide's body back to the Autobots' hidden base after the battle.

Optimus blamed himself for his old friend's demise, which served as a catalyst for his resignation from the Autobots.{{storylink|...For All Mankind}}

But Ironhide wasn't dead at all. At least...not completely. One year later, he awoke on Cybertron fully repaired, yet unable to recall anything from after his ill-fated confrontation with Axer four million years before. {{storylink|The Iron Age}} Unaware of how Cybertron had fallen into ruin since [[Thunderhead Pass]], Ironhide wandered Iacon in shock, unable to comprehend why the whole planet seemed to be abandoned and in disrepair. He also wasn't familiar with the three thousand strong [[Insecticon swarm]] that now inhabited the planet, but that quickly changed. The bugs got in his face, so Ironhide smashed in theirs, enjoying the chance to vent his frustrations. On the verge of succumbing to grief and isolation, Ironhide was finally found by a [[Scamper|small drone]] who asked him to simply "Follow." With nothing better to do, Ironhide accompanied the little robot until he reached their destination -- a brightly lit and functioning complex, the only signs of life and power on the whole planet. {{storylink|Iron in the Blood}}

Inside, Ironhide met the legendary sage [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]]... whom he had never heard of before. While Trion's self-important attitude got on his nerves, he was able to learn that Cybertron had been abandoned for the four million years he had been "dead". An incredulous Ironhide accepted these facts, but soon turned his attention towards a nearby screen, which was detecting Sunstreaker's life signal on the planet. Having no memory of Sunstreaker's betrayal, Ironhide ignored Alpha Trion's warnings and headed out to save his friend. He found the heavily damaged Sunstreaker in a pile of swarm corpses and couldn't understand what he kept apologizing about, then fought his way through even more swarm members to bring him back to Alpha Trion. Upon arriving, Ironhide demanded to know what Sunstreaker just was talking about, and Trion explained to him how he had actually kept living after Axer's attack and only died just recently. Alpha Trion himself had managed to revive Ironhide, though with only a few of his memories intact, so that he could exterminate the Insecticon swarm and make Cybertron habitable again. {{storylink|Ironing Out the Details}}

Ironhide accepted the task given to him, strapping himself with as many weapons as he could carry and going head-to-head with hundreds of swarm members. He also stumbled upon the wreckage of the starship ''[[Trion]]'' and managed to use its guns to destroy a portion of the swarm, though he was forced to self-destruct it when the monsters got too close for comfort. In the end, he was fighting an estimated 200 of the creatures with his bare hands, and was forced to call Alpha Trion for help. His call was heeded, and Trion revealed that his base of operations was actually the gigantic Autobot [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]], who smashed the remaining members of the swarm with one hand. This got Ironhide rather angry, as Metroplex could've done the work instead of him, and it didn't help that Alpha Trion just dismissed his worries and prepared to leave him on the planet to exterminate the last few swarm monsters. He finally snapped and socked the old guy in the face. Though surprised, Alpha Trion shrugged off his act of assault and explained that he was only a small piece in a large game, and he didn't need to know everything. Before Trion left into space, Ironhide faced him with one last question: how did he know Ironhide was going to die? The answer gave him something to think about: he was going to sacrifice himself sooner or later, it was just in his nature. Soon, Ironhide and Sunstreaker were left as the only Autobots on Cybertron, with a lot of stuff to catch up on and a lot of things to think about... {{storylink|Any Old Iron}}

{{-}}

===IDW ''Beast Wars'' comics===
[[Image:Maximalimperium.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
Ironhide served on the [[Maximal Imperium]], alongside [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] and [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]]. Leadership seemed to have robbed him of a bit of his gusto, although according to [[Big Convoy]] he was 'right honorable'. Ironhide, Prowl and Silverbolt sent [[Ikard]] to request a report from Big Convoy, but he refused, citing his need to investigate the [[Angolmois]]-fueled murders. {{storylink|The Ascending issue 2}}

{{-}}
===IDW ''[[Hearts of Steel]]'' continuity===
Ironhide was part of the Autobot forces who fought the Decepticons on Earth in the distant past until an incoming ice age threatened to deactivate them all. Both sides went into hiding underground, remaining in stasis until the 1860's, at which point they were accidentally awakened by [[human]]s. {{storylink|Hearts of Steel issue 1}} As they resumed their war with the Decepticons, Ironhide and the others took on train modes and allied themselves with [[John Henry]] in order to pursue the [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]]. {{storylink|Hearts of Steel issue 3}} Ironhide was the second car in the Autobot train, an artillery boxcar with his name on it. When [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] began to attack the Autobot train from above, he partially transformed to robot mode in order to shoot him down. After the Decepticons were defeated, the Autobots went back to sleep underground. {{storylink|Hearts of Steel issue 4}}

{{note|For unclear reasons, in the trade paperback collection, the Autobot who shoots down Scourge identifies himself as [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]], not Ironhide. Ironhide is present, but does not speak or act.}}

===''Timelines''===
[[Image:Ratchetironhidedescent.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Amazingly not dead.]]
Ironhide was severely injured during a battle on [[Moon Base Four]], but Optimus Prime used his [[Reconfiguration Matrix]] to create a new body for his old friend.<ref>Ironhide's ''Timelines'' toy bio</ref>

Years after the Autobot-Decepticon Wars ended, Ironhide and five other Autobots were sent to [[Ceti Alpha Seven]] to destroy General [[Deathsaurus (Victory)|Deathsaurus]]'s [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticon]] clone lab and stop his planned Decepticon uprising. After a team of four (consisting of [[Outback|Fallback]], [[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]], [[Flareup (Timelines)|Flareup]], and [[Ricochet (Descent into Evil)|Ricochet]]) failed, Ironhide and [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] followed to help. After battling swarms of [[Virulent Clone]]s and [[Buzzclaw (Timelines)|Buzzclaw]], they finally met up with Deathsaurus himself. Ironhide stayed to fight the general, and Ratchet separated to find their fallen friends. However, Ironhide was shot in the back by [[Flamewar]] and he went into stasis lock. Ironhide woke up restrained inside Deathsaurus' lab with Ratchet, while Deathsaurus appeared to them on a monitor and told them he planned to destroy the lab by remote. Before the lab could detonate, Ricochet snuck in and freed them, allowing them to gather their fallen and escape. {{storylink|Descent into Evil}}
{{-}}

===''Henkei! Henkei!'' pack-in comic===
{{charstubfiction}}
{{storylink|Henkei! Henkei! volume 7|Henkei! Henkei! #7}}

{{storylink|Henkei! Henkei! volume 9|Henkei! Henkei! #9}}

{{storylink|Mirage's Rebirth}}
{{-}}
===''Henkei! Henkei!'' Bun Bun manga===
{{charstubfiction}}
{{storylink|To the Sea of Stars}}
{{-}}

==Toys==
{{main|Ironhide (G1)/toys}}
==Merchandise==
{{main|Ironhide (G1)/toys#Merchandise}}

==Notes==
*It has been speculated by some fans that, in cartoon continuity, Ironhide may have been created from [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Orion Pax]]'s friend [[Dion]], the same way and at the same time Prime and [[Elita One]] were rebuilt by [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]].

:''For further elaboration, see [[Dion|Who is Dion?]].''

==References==
<references/>

==External links==
*[http://www.ntfa.net/universe/english/index.php?act=view&char=Ironhide Ironhide's Universe profile at NTFA.net]
*[http://www.e-hobby.co.jp/cgi-bin/omc?port=33301&tno=11964126283JGBV&req=PRODUCT&code=tfe27 e-Hobby's page for Black Protect Ironhide]

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[[Category:Universe (2008)]]

Hound (G1)

2010-12-25T20:09:24Z

190.20.173.129: /* The Transformers cartoon */

{{factions|autobot|autobotg2}}
{{disambig3|Hound}}
:''Hound is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:G1 Hound reissueart1.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Rejected as kid appeal character. Why? Not [[Bumblebee (disambiguation)|yellow]] enough.]]
'''Hound''' wishes he were [[human]]. The dark, barren metalscapes of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] no longer interest him. Now that Hound has been shipwrecked on [[Earth]], he considers this planet his home. He sees humankind as beautiful and wishes he could interact with their ecosphere the same way they do, to feel what they feel and to see what they see.

He treasures his job as an Autobot scout, making good use of his ability to project [[hologram]]s for added disguise. He uses this opportunity to explore the breathtaking caverns and mountainous expanses that Earth provides. He's a meek, benevolent soul, even compared to his fellow Autobots. He gets along with the [[Cliffjumper (G1)|more blood-thirsty of their ranks]] but not the [[Blades (G1)|''most'' blood-thirsty of their ranks]].

:''Nicknames'': '''Sarge''', '''Nose''', '''Sniffer'''<ref>Nicknames found in early ''[[Transformers Universe (Marvel comic)|Universe]]''-style profiles published in [[The Transformers Comic Magazine]].</ref>
:''French-Canadian name'': '''Dépisteur''' ("The Tracker")
:''Hungarian name:'' '''Vadászeb''' ("Hound / Hunter")
:''Italian name'': '''Canguro''' ("Kangaroo")
:''Portuguese name (Portugal comics):'' '''Caçador'''
:''Portuguese name (Brazil comics):'' '''Rastreador''' ("Tracker")
:''Russian name:'' '''Okhotnik''' (''Охотник'', "Hunter")
:''Chinese name (Taiwan):'' '''Lìeh-chǐuan''' (獵犬, "Hound")
:''Chinese name (China):'' '''Tan Zhang''' (探長，"Chief Detective")

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Generation 1====
{{noteukonly}}
[[Image:Houndfirstappearance.jpg|left|100px|thumb|Hi, I'm friendly!]]
Hound was a part of the crew on board the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] when it crashed into [[Earth]] four million years ago while clearing an asteroid field in the path of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron.]] Upon reviving in 1984, Hound marveled at this world's strange and diverse lifeforms, and couldn't wait to explore its surface—not for business, but for pleasure. However, [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] cautioned him, reminding Hound that their primary purpose was to spare Earth's inhabitants from the onslaught of the Decepticons. Hound was chosen as part of the first field expedition into the world under [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]]'s command, and his new surroundings overwhelmed him. His sensors alerted them to a drive-in movie theatre, a serene scene that quickly turned into a battle when the Decepticons arrived. Hound was able to divert [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], though Hound worried more about [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]'s whereabouts, as the small scout had gone missing. {{storylink|The Transformers (issue)|The Transformers}}

[[Image:Tellhimwhodefeatedyouthisday.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Ravage, who defeated you this day?!" "Uh, the guy that Jazz keeps getting colored as, I think?"]]
Fortunately, Bumblebee was later able to radio his location to Hound, who informed the other Autobots. Better still, he had located a [[human]] who could convert Earth fuel into a substance they could use! Hound and the others traveled to the home (and auto repair shop) of [[Sparkplug Witwicky]], where they were, of course, attacked again by the Decepticons! [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] apologized for leaping in front of Hound to get closer to their enemies, but Hound was fine with it so long as Decepticons were destroyed one way or the other. Unfortunately, the Decepticons left the battle with their prize, Sparkplug Witwicky, in the hopes that the human could convert fuel for them instead! {{storylink|Power Play!}}

The battle left Hound and Sideswipe low on fuel, so Optimus Prime offered to carry the two home inside his trailer. After Hound had been attended to, he and the other Autobots met with the amazing [[Spider-Man]], who offered to help them rescue Sparkplug from the Decepticons' [[Fortress Sinister|cliffside headquarters]]. Hound drove Spider-Man past the Earth military blockade himself with Spider-Man posing as his driver, but Hound stayed behind to help draw the Decepticons' fire while Spider-Man and [[Gears (G1)|Gears]] slipped into the headquarters. {{storylink|Prisoner of War!}}

''Following this, he was present when the Autobots countered the Decepticons when the latter attacked the [[Sherman Dam]], hoping to steal its energy. At Prime's order, Hound submerged into the water to locate the source of the dam's problems and found [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]]. After a fight between the two, Hound was blasted out of the water by Rumble's piledrivers. The sight of this distracted Optimus Prime during his fight with Megatron atop the dam, and Megatron was able to use this distraction to knock Prime from the dam. {{storylink|Decepticon Dam-Busters!}}''

When Hound was next seen, he was hanging from the ceiling of the Ark with the other Autobots, the work of the evil Decepticon [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]], who had returned and taken leadership of the Decepticons for himself. [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]] was shocked to discover this terrible development, and the human returned to tell [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]], the sole Autobot survivor. {{storylink|The New Order}} Ratchet was eventually able to restore the Ark to the Autobots after outwitting Megatron, and Hound and the others were repaired. However, Optimus Prime's head was still in the hands of the Decepticons. {{storylink|DIS-Integrated Circuits!}}

Hound's next mission involved stopping [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] from sending a message to the Decepticons back on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], but matters were complicated when they faced the newly-created [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]. Their merging into the mighty [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] did not help things, either, but thanks to help from [[Bomber Bill]], a human trucker, the communications array was destroyed before the entire message could be sent. {{storylink|The Next Best Thing to Being There!}}

[[Image:Houndholomap.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Google Maps later rendered Hound obsolete.]]
The conversations of Shockwave's Decepticons, stationed at [[Blackrock Aerospace Assembly Plant Number One]], were being listened in on by Hound and the other Autobots, and so they overheard Shockwave's plans to dump Prime's head into a nearby swamp now that he was no longer useful to them. {{storylink|Brainstorm!}} Hound led a long Autobot convoy to the swamp, and they were able to form a human-chain to rescue the head from sinking to the bottom of it, but when the head was placed on Optimus Prime's body, it attacked them. This was not the real head of Optimus Prime, but an imposter head controlled by Shockwave! A group of Decepticons led by Soundwave joined the imposter Optimus Prime in destroying them, but during the course of battle the real head was restored and the Decepticons defeated. Hound was one of the few Autobots left standing. {{storylink|Prime Time!}}

[[Image:Houndravagecrisisofcommand.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Noticing a pattern?]]
''Now that Prime and the [[Matrix of Leadership|Creation Matrix]] had been returned to them, Hound was one of the Autobots who opposed using the Matrix to create super-warriors. Soon after, he assisted [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] in capturing [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], though Ravage's capture was part of the Decepticon's plan. Once Ravage learned what he wanted to know, he escaped. {{storylink|Crisis of Command!}}''

Hound was next seen being reconstructed, along with a handful of other Autobots. {{storylink|Rock and Roll-Out!}}

''When [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], Cyclonus and Scourge made their time-jump to 1986, Optimus Prime, Ratchet and [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] were lost in [[Limbo]]. Suspecting Decepticon involvement, Hound and [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] were sent to spy on their foes. [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] discovered the spying Autobots and attacked, taking out Jazz and beating Hound within an inch of his life while expositing about his [[Life Spark|past self]]. Only the arrival of [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] saved Hound.''

[[Image:Target2006-houndandmagnus.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Well, someone had the scale guide, at least.]]
''After getting a lift back to the Ark from Magnus, Hound tried several times to get Ultra Magnus to assist the Autobots against Galvatron; he also defended their strategy of allying with Megatron. Hound was part of the raiding party which captured Scourgetook a critical view of [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]]'s tactics, especially as the Autobots were beaten again and again. {{storylink|Target: 2006}}''

[[Image:Newyorkunderbase.jpg|right|200px|thumb|He should really stick to fighting Ravage.]]
''In the wake of Galvatron's trip from the future, Optimus Prime faked his death to teach the Autobots how to survive without him. Hound was one of the Autobots who attended his funeral, moments before Optimus Prime reappeared. {{storylink|Resurrection!}}''

When [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] and [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] fought on Earth's [[Moon (moon)|moon]] for leadership of the Autobots, Hound was among the dozens who disembarked from the Ark to be spectators. {{storylink|Totaled!|Totaled!}}

Some time after, he and the other Autobots answered a distress call from Buster Witwicky, but when they arrived to rescue him, they were attacked by both Earth-based Decepticon armies. Hound was pounced upon by [[Weirdwolf]].

The battle was discovered to be a ruse by [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] to cover his efforts to claim the powers of the [[Underbase]]. Hound was subsequently part of a team sent to confront Starscream in [[New York City]]. Unfortunately, Hound and several of his peers ended up slaughtered by Starscream on the Brooklyn Bridge. {{storylink|Dark Star (issue)|Dark Star}}
{{-}}

====Generation 2====
[[Image:G2houndprimalfear.jpg|left|250px|thumb|"This is my O Face!!"]]
Hound joined Grimlock's unit in leaving Cybertron to find new conflicts and fought against the technoforming fleets of the [[Cybertronian (faction)|Cybertronian Empire]]. He was disgusted by the bloodlust shown by [[Blades (G1)|Blades]], who berated Hound for being a liability. {{storylink|War Without End!}} Following this, he was the only Autobot not infected by the [[Shadow parasite|psychic parasites]] of the [[K'tord Nebula]], due to a blow to the head that knocked him off-line. After Prime and [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]] managed to temporarily cease fighting long enough to deal with the parasites, Hound scanned the Transformers for any remnants in their systems. {{storylink|Primal Fear!}}

As one of the more level-headed Autobots, Hound did not participate in Grimlock's ill-advised strike on the Liege Centuro and his fleet. {{storylink|Devices and Desires! (Marvel)|Devices and Desires!}} Still, he knew good sense when he heard it, even from Grimlock, and when Prime thought it was a good idea for him to go meet the Decepticons alone, Hound arrived with Grimlock and a rescue battalion just in time to keep Megatron from destroying his old nemesis. {{storylink|The Gathering Darkness}} Later, Hound also got involved in protecting the planet [[Ethos]] from genocide. {{storylink|Escalation!}}
{{-}}

===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Ken Sansom]] (English), [[Kenyū Horiuchi]] (Japanese), [[Vladimiro Conti]] (Italian, second dub), Javier Pontón (Latin American)

[[Image:MTMTE1 Hound and Cliffjumper roll out.jpg|thumb|right|240px|Those seats looks surprisingly comfortable for a jeep.]]
Hound was one of the original Autobots aboard the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] when it crash-landed on Earth four million years ago. When awakened in 1984, he was reformatted to have a terrestrial alt-mode, that of a Mitsubishi military jeep.

As the Autobots got their bearings on this strange, new planet, [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] dispatched Hound on a recon mission to find the [[Decepticon|Decepticons]]. The impetuous [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] tagged along uninvited, itching to start a fight, and took a pot-shot at [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] once Hound sniffed out the Decepticon base. Cliffjumper missed, and the Decepticons gave chase. [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] pursued the two Autobot eavesdroppers, and Hound took the brunt of the assault, getting blasted by Laserbeak's cannons. Hound spun out of control on the winding mountain roads and crashed into a ravine.

Cliffjumper returned with help: the Autobot medic, [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]]. Hound was too injured even to transform, so the crane truck [[Hauler]] had to lift him out of the gulch so he could be dragged back to the Ark for repairs. Despite the mishap, Hound bore no ill will against Cliffjumper. The scout had heard enough about Megatron's plans to plunder the Earth's resources that Optimus immediately launched a mission to stop the Decepticons. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 1}}

[[Image:MTMTE2 Hound resuscitates Spike.jpg|thumb|left|220px|... Do we even need a caption here?]]
Later, when the [[Autobot|Autobots]] counter-attacked the Decepticon siege of [[Sherman Dam]], Hound got into an underwater fight with [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]]. The pint-sized Decepticon managed to trap Hound under a pile of boulders so that he couldn't move. Then [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] jumped in and removed the boulders, thus freeing Hound to resurface and rejoin his teammates. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 2}}

After they came back from the [[Ruby Crystal Mines of Burma]], Hound and [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] came up with a plan to fool the Decepticons: They would create a hologram of a rocket fuel base. The Decepticons would go there to use the resources to create energon cubes, at which point the trap could be sprung. Optimus Prime agreed, and the then-imprisoned [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] was allowed to escape with the false information. However, Megatron outsmarted the Autobots, went to the real rocket fuel base and used its resources. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 3}}

After [[Chip Chase]] was kidnapped by the Decepticons, who were after the antimatter formula, Hound and Mirage used their respective powers to sneak into the antimatter laboratory in order to mount a rescue. While Hound distracted Megatron with an army of holographic duplicates, Bumblebee and Spike swooped in to save the prisoner, and the Autobots beat a hasty retreat through a fourth-floor window. Megatron had already obtained the formula, and he attacked Autobot Headquarters. When Starscream unleashed the power of the antimatter gun in his direction, Hound ended up buried up to his waist in rubble. {{storylink|Roll for It}}

[[Image:FireintheSky Hound's huge hand.jpg|thumb|right|260px|"That picture up there was completely innocent in context, I swear! Please put the mace down!"]]
He again defended the base when Optimus Prime was incapacitated and required a new [[Cosmitron]]. Though the fight didn't got well for the Autobots, they held off the Decepticons long enough for Optimus to be repaired. {{storylink|Divide and Conquer}} After enjoying a snowball fight in mid-summer, the Autobot traced the source of the strange temperature drops to the [[Arctic]]. Hound was one of the Autobots who went there to investigate and immediately encountered a new Decepticon, [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]]. When Spike and [[Sparkplug Witwicky|Sparkplug]] became trapped on the ice, Hound was unable to rescue them and watched helplessly as they were carried off by Skyfire. As the Autobots followed, Hound, [[Gears (G1)|Gears]], Ratchet and [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] were separated from the others and subsequently captured by the Decepticons. Skyfire was ordered to eliminate the foursome as a test of loyalty, but refused and was blasted by Starscream. Hound employed his holograms to allow the four Autobots to avoid a similar fate. Once they'd repaired Skyfire, the jet happily defected, but ended up buried in ice following the defeat of Megatron's plan. The Autobots held a memorial for him. {{storylink|Fire in the Sky}}

[[Image:SOSDinobot Hound radios in.jpg|thumb|left|230px|"Yes, hello, I'm looking for a Mrs Hugginkiss, first name Amanda..."]]
After the Autobots discovered fossilized dinosaur bones inside a cavern in the [[Mount St. Hilary|Autobot volcano]], Hound was accompanied Spike on a trip to the museum, a new Earth experience that excited him. He scanned three dinosaur skeletons with his hologram gun, and the resulting holographic simulation inspired [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] and Ratchet to build the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]]. However, [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] severely damaged [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] when the exceptionally dim-witted Dinobots went on a rampage, forcing Hound and Spike to scout for Decepticon activity while the Autobot base computer was being repaired. Hound didn't mind the extra work, as it allowed him to do sightseeing of the surrounding Earth landscape. He managed to detect Decepticon activity at the [[Great Falls]] hydroelectric power facility and relayed the information to Optimus Prime. Arriving at the falls, he was extremely impressed with the view. When no Decepticons were in immediate view, [[Bluestreak]] jokingly wondered about the occupancy of [[glitch mice]] in Hound's database, to the amusement of no one. Hound was among the Autobots subsequently captured by the Decepticons, but was freed when Wheeljack and the Dinobots arrived to save the day. {{storylink|S.O.S. Dinobots}}

[[Image:UltimateDoom2 Bumblebee in Hound.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Carpooling taken to the next level.]]
Hound was on the Autobot squad, along with the Dinobots, which was on-hand when [[Meteorini Chipperoni|a meteor]] crashed to Earth in a ghost town. {{storylink|War of the Dinobots}} After Sparkplug was abducted by Laserbeak, Hound took part in a diversionary attack on the Decepticon base while a small team went in and rescued Sparkplug. Later, he and the rest of the Autobots attempted to stop Megatron from activating a giant [[space bridge]]. They failed, and Cybertron was drawn into Earth's orbit. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 1}} During the retreat back to Headquarters, Hound and Bluestreak had to save Spike from Laserbeak. Hound used his sensors to locate Bumblebee, who'd fallen into a crevasse, so that [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] could haul the diminutive Autobot out. As he was out of gas, Bumblebee had to ride back to Headquarters in Hound. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 2}}

Hound took part in the cleanup efforts after Cybertron was ejected from Earth's orbit. After the Decepticons were spotted on the move, the Autobots gave chase. After a brief stop in a quicksand trap, they caught up with the Decepticons outside [[Doctor Arkeville]]'s secret laboratory and prevented the explosion of the [[Exponential Generator]]. {{storylink|Countdown to Extinction (episode)|Countdown to Extinction}} Hound turned out to cheer on Optimus Prime during the Autobot leader's one-on-one fight against Megatron. To the shock of all of the Autobots, Prime lost, and they were legally obligated to vacate the planet. Once they returned to base, they discovered that Megatron had cheated, and the results of the fight were void. Faced with the Decepticon's huge new warrior, [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]], Hound projected an [[Halo|even bigger Autobot]], distracting the combiner long enough for Optimus defeat him. The Autobots subsequently blasted the Decepticons into a crevasse filled with lava. {{storylink|Heavy Metal War}}

After Spike's mind was transferred into a [[Autobot X|robot body]], the process affected the boy and Megatron turned him against the Autobots. Hound rolled out to bring Spike back to Autobot Headquarters and stood by his bedside as his mind was transferred back. {{storylink|Autobot Spike}} Hound was later on another mission to a gold mine. The mission didn't go well, resulting in the Autobots being battered by energised boulders, and Gears being kidnapped. When Megatron activated his [[Solar Needle]], the Autobots were obliged to travel to [[Africa]] to shut down the operation and rescue Gears. They did briefly consider leaving him with his temporary affable personality, but were overruled by Gears himself. {{storylink|Changing Gears}}

[[Image:CityofSteel Hound tracking.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Illusion, Michael. A trick is something a whore does for money...or candy.]]
The Autobots visited [[New York City]] when the Decepticons began replacing buildings with Cybertronian architecture. Optimus Prime was captured by the Decepticons, and Hound, along with Spike, Bumblebee, Ratchet and Mirage, entered the sewer system in an attempt to rescue their leader. After tangling with an [[Alligatorcon]], Hound became confused by the fact that his sensors detected Prime ''behind'' them. His sensors were correct—the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]]s had built the Alligatorcon out of Prime's parts. Hound, Mirage and Ratchet ended up wrangling it so Optimus could be rebuilt. During the battle for New York, Hound found himself battling [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] in a subway with Bluestreak, then consoling Wheeljack after the scientist's remote-controlled helicopters failed to stop Devastator. {{storylink|City of Steel}}

[[Image:AttackAutobots Hound crushes dumpster.jpg|thumb|right|200px|OM NOM NOM]]
When Megatron used a [[personality destabilizer device]] on the Autobot [[recharging chamber]], Hound was one of the Autobots turned to evil. He and Ratchet went after [[Doctor Harding]], who had plans for a new solar satellite. When she escaped them at the lab by jumping out of a window, Hound pursued her into an alleyway, where she jumped into one of the dumpsters. As he picked up the dumpster she was in, Jazz arrived and distracted him long enough for Sparkplug to use an [[attitude exchanger]] to restore Hound's good nature. The Autobots set about finding the rest of their number, and Hound struck on the idea of firing the exchangers from their guns, enabling them to restore the rest of the Autobots. {{storylink|Attack of the Autobots}}

During a test of Wheeljack's latest invention, the [[Wheeljack Instant Immobilizer|Immobilizer]], Hound projected a hologram of Laserbeak, only for Ironhide to mistake it for the real thing. The Autobots dove for cover as he fired, and the only casualty was the Immobilizer itself. {{storylink|The Immobilizer}} Hound took part in an Autobot charity event, during which the Decepticons took the opportunity to test out their new [[Transfixatron]]. Stuck in vehicle mode, the Autobots were taken to a ghost town, but Hound was able to use his holographic gun to send a message back to base. Though his gun was blasted by [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]], the message had been received, and the Autobots back at base came to the rescue with an [[anti-transfixation grenade]]. {{storylink|The Autobot Run}}

[[Image:Houndfootball.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Another potentially humorous image ruined by some pedant calculating that the football has to be about ten feet long.]]
Hound bravely participated in a game of football against the Dinobots, resulting in him coming off second best when he ran into [[Slag (G1)|Slag]] while heading for a touchdown. Investigating strange energy readings, he and the other Autobots encountered the [[Sub-Atlantica]]ns and Decepticons beneath the sea. The Autobots raced for Washington, which their combined enemies intended to conquer. Hound warned the other Autobots to be careful that they didn't damage any of the historical structures there as they fought, but all of the Autobots were overcome by [[Nergill]]'s [[magnetic dysfunction ray]]. It wasn't until the Dinobots arrived and the weapon was destroyed that the Autobots were freed from its power. The Autobots assaulted Sub-Atlantica, and the city was destroyed by Nergill's own hand. {{storylink|Atlantis, Arise!}}

While the bulk of the Autobot forces went to investigate the reprogramming of [[TORQ III]] at [[Quantum Laboratories]], Hound, Spike and Skyfire were left on their own to check out why the world's fleet of [[oil tanker]]s were converging on a spot near the Decepticon base. They found the Decepticons had built an oil platform, and they used one of the tankers to sneak aboard, only to be almost immediately captured. Spike's deft use of an electromagnet broke the trio out, and Hound was able to destroy the shield generator protecting the platform. The main Autobot force stormed the base, and Prime helped the trio get clear before it was destroyed. {{storylink|Day of the Machines}}

After [[Nightbird (G1)|Nightbird]], a human-invented robot, was reprogrammed by the Decepticons and stole the [[World Energy Chip]] from Autobot Headquarters, the Autobots gave chase. Hound used his infrared sensors to track her down, but it was only after a prolonged fight that they got the chip back and Nightbird was disabled. {{storylink|Enter the Nightbird}} On one strange occasion when the Autobots found that they had two Optimus Primes, Hound accompanied the Autobot forces to a crevasse from which strange energy readings were emanating, and he ended up fighting Starscream briefly. {{storylink|A Prime Problem}}

[[Image:InsecticonSyndrome Houndlifting.jpg|right|260px|thumb|To beat this guy, you need speed. You don't have it. You've got arthritis in your neck and calcium deposits on most o' yer joints, so sparring is out. So what we're gonna be calling on is good old blunt force trauma—heavy duty power punches that're gonna rattle his ancestors. Yeah!!! Let's start buildin' some Hurtin' Bombs.]]
Hound, [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] and Bumblebee investigated reports of chewed-up trees and quickly realised that the Insecticons were behind it. After tracking down their quarry, the three Autobots, along with Spike and [[Jeff (ranger)|Ranger Jeff]], were chased off a cliff by a fallen tree trunk. They were able to take shelter on a small ledge, and Hound used a hologram to fool the Insecticons into thinking the Autobots had been destroyed. After radioing base to warn them that the Insecticons and their Decepticon allies intended to attack the [[Nova Power Plant]], the trio headed to the target themselves, but were too late to prevent the Insecticons from devouring the [[Nova Power Core]]. Hound and Jazz ended up pulling Wheeljack out of the wreckage of a pylon. The Autobots tried to head off a subsequent attack on [[Iron Mountain]], but the power-saturated Insecticons blasted them. Hound ended up under [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]], who was under a ton of rock. He then ended up at ground zero as the Insecticons were about to explode, but swift work by the Autobots prevented too much of a disaster. {{storylink|The Insecticon Syndrome}}

Hound was witness to another of the Dinobots' rampages at headquarters, after which they were sent to the newly discovered [[Dinobot Island (G1)|Dinobot Island]] to work on their technique. {{storylink|Dinobot Island, Part 1}} Responding to strange energy readings in the city, Hound used his sensors to locate Bumblebee and Spike under some rubble, before taking part in the effort to round up a bunch of barbarians on mammoths who'd wandered through a time warp. He and [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] kept the warp open long enough for the barbarians to be returned through it. {{storylink|Dinobot Island, Part 2}}

[[Image:MMP2 Hound scans ahead.jpg|thumb|left|200px|"My scans show we are...''in a ship!'']]
The Autobots were taking part in an [[Autobot Day]] parade to celebrate their accomplishments, when a tape was shown which incriminated them all for energy theft. Hound and the others were put on trial, swiftly found guilty, and ordered to leave the planet. With little other choice but to obey the law, they boarded a spacecraft supplied by [[Shawn Berger]]. {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1}} When Cliffjumper proved unable to alter the ship's flight path, Hound pinpointed their destination: the [[Sun]]! Unable to prevent the ship's destruction, they used one of [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]]'s force fields to link to [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] and were able to return to Earth. There, Megatron's frame-up had already been exposed, and the Autobots brought the full might of their forces down on the enemy. {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 2}}

[[Image:DesertionDinobots1 Hound projecting hologram.jpg|thumb|right|240px]]
Hound attended a demonstration of the [[Ultra Plane]], only for the experimental drone craft to be destroyed by the Decepticons. He took part in the defense of the lab behind the Ultra Plane, using one of his holograms to trick Starscream and Soundwave into believing that Megatron had retreated. A short while later, he and the rest of the Autobots were afflicted by [[Cybertonium]] depletion and were unable to function. {{storylink|Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 1}} Luckily, Spike, [[Carly]] and the Dinobots were able to retrieve some more from Cybertron. {{storylink|Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 2}} Hound rolled out to prevent the theft of the [[Voltronic Galaxer]] and again later to help the humans when Megatron used the device to block radio waves planet-wide. {{storylink|Blaster Blues}}

[[Image:Masquerade Hound.jpg|thumb|left|200px|The lack of engine detailing makes poor Hound sad.]]
He was part of a second wave of Autobots who went up against [[electrum]]-coated Decepticons. They didn't have much better luck than the first wave. Once they found the pool of electrum that the Decepticons had been utilising, the Autobots were able to even the odds. {{storylink|The Golden Lagoon}} Hound rolled out to rescue [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] from a Decepticon trap, and he was presumably subsequently struck down by the same [[Cosmic Rust (disease)|Cosmic Rust]] that afflicted the other Autobots. {{storylink|Cosmic Rust (disease)|Cosmic Rust}} After the Autobots captured the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticon]]s, who were out on a mission for Megatron, Hound probed their memory banks but only came up with a map to a crater. A number of the Autobots, including Optimus, disguised themselves as the Decepticon team, but after they'd gone to uncover Megatron's plan, the real Stunticons broke out of their cells. Hound came to see what all the noise was, and was blasted by [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] as the combiner departed. The damaged Autobots recovered in time to provide much-needed reinforcement to Prime's team. {{storylink|Masquerade}}

In the year 2005, Hound was stationed at [[Autobot City]] on Earth. Shortly before [[Battle of Autobot City|the Decepticon attack]], Hound was part of [[Kup (G1)|Kup]]'s detail, placing a roadblock on the trail to Lookout Mountain. During the battle, he managed to get to the shuttle landing pad as Optimus Prime began his counterattack on the Decepticon forces. {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie}}

{{note|While Sunstreaker is clearly shown to be arriving on Optimus Prime's shuttle despite having earlier appeared at Kup's roadblock (creating a continuity error), it is less clear with Hound, as he is merely shown outside of Prime's landed shuttle. However, the way he is drawn heavily implies that he disembarked from the shuttle.}}

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

One day, Hound decided to participate in a friendly race amongst the Autobots, though his Jeep mode wasn't expected to bring him a victory against the numerous race and sports cars he was up against. Little did anyone know, [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] was aware of the race and set a trap within a narrow canyon. Once inside, all the racecars became trapped and were unable to escape due to their poor traction over the rough terrain. Soundwave began firing upon them and his victory seemed assured. However, Hound's rough, tough and all-around manly Jeep mode proved the ''real'' victor, as it allowed the Autobot to traverse the rugged landscape, transform and punch Soundwave so hard it shattered his chest.

Eat it, you sissy racecars. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (story page)|Anime Theater 2: Sic 'em, Hound!}}

====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' comic====

When [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] attacked [[Ark (G1)|Autobot headquarters]] in [[Arizona]] with nearly the entire Decepticon army, Hound responded with the rest of the Autobots in defense. They eventually won the day, though the attack was little more than a diversion while [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] performed ''evil'' in Japan. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 2}}

[[Image:4WheeldriveBrigade1.jpg|thumb|200px|LOCK AND LOAD! MAXIMUM FIRE! SHOCK AND AWE! SOME OTHER PHRASE!]]

As leader of the [[4-Wheel-Drive Brigade]], Hound responded to a Decepticon threat within a crater in Kyushu. The threat turned out to be the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticon]]s, who trapped the Brigade within a smoking pit thanks to some well-placed landmines. Hound "combined" (er, ''formed a human pyramid'') with the other members of the Brigade, creating the "4-Wheel-Drive Robo Combination Scrumbuster" attack, which busted the Insecticons' scrum and sent them into retreat. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 3}}

Later, Hound accompanied [[Kenji]], [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] and [[Seaspray (G1)|Seaspray]] on a mission to an island utopia so they could reconvene with another Autobot unit. Upon arriving, however, they found [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] and his troops being held captive by the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]]s! Turns out that Megatron had chosen the island utopia as the perfect place to complete the creation of [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]]. With the giant transforming city standing before them, Perceptor and Hound concocted a clever scheme to defeat the villain. While [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] protected the local wildlife, Hound projected a hologram of [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] through Perceptor's lenses, enlarging it. Trypticon mistook the phony Metroplex for the real deal and rushed it, passing through the hologram and falling into the sea. Hound and the other Autobots then put the captive Constructicons to work, restoring the island utopia to its former beauty. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 6}}

====''Story of Binaltech''====

Hound was one of many Autobots who suffered from the [[Cosmic Rust (disease)|Cosmic Rust]] virus when [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] unleashed it upon them. Working together with the humans, the Autobots created the [[Binaltech|Binaltech Project]] as a means of transferring the injured Autobots' sparks into super-powered new bodies created from human technology. Along with [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]], [[Bluestreak]], [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] and [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]], Hound was part of the first wave of Binaltech warriors, who assembled on Earth under the command of [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]]. {{storylink|Story of Binaltech, Chapter 1}}

====''The Headmasters'' cartoon====
[[Image:FourWarriors HotRod Hound.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Hey, it's that green guy!]]

:''Voice actor:'' [[Michitaka Kobayashi]] (Japanese)

In the year 2011, Hound was stationed at the Autobot base on [[Athenia]]. When Optimus Prime wondered how the Decepticons had managed to invade Cybertron so easily, Hound theorized that releasing the energy of the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] might have destabilized [[Vector Sigma]]. He was right. {{storylink|Four Warriors Come out of the Sky}}

{{-}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
During the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]], Hound was an Autobot warrior under the command of Optimus Prime. When Prime disappeared, and the Autobots fractioned into several smaller armies, Hound remained with the primary Autobot faction under [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]]'s leadership. {{storylink|War Within: The Dark Ages|The War Within: The Dark Ages}}

Some time later (and four million years ago), Hound was part of the crew of the ''Ark'' spaceship, and crashlanded on the planet Earth after a conflict with the Decepticons. The Autobots and Decepticons on board remained in [[stasis lock]], buried at the base of [[Mount St. Hilary]] in Oregon, until the volcano exploded in 1984, freeing them. Hound and the other Autobots under Prime's command waged war against the Decepticons on Earth, until finally capturing them all. Roughly a decade after they arrived, the Autobots planned to return to Cybertron with their prisoners aboard the ''[[Ark II]]''. Tragically, however, sabotage led to the spaceship exploding on its maiden voyage, and all aboard were believed dead.

Not so. In fact, a human mercenary named [[Lazarus]] had recovered a great number of the Transformers that had been on-board, including Hound. He went to work on these deactivated robots, installing programming directives that would turn the Cybertronians into mindless drones for his own purposes. In 2002, Hound was repurposed as Lazarus' transport jeep when he entertained the "freedom fighter" Bishop, and stood guard against anybody following them. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 1}} Lazarus was prepared to unleash his robot soldiers on the world, only to fail at the starting gate when Megatron reasserted control over his own programming and resumed the war. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 2}} Hound, along with the other Autobots Lazarus had salvaged, were used to power Megatron's metallic virus. [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] reported barely functional state. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 4}}

Not long thereafter, Hound and the Autobots were confronted with an envoy from Cybertron, which had apparently ended the war sometime ago, creating a Unified Cybertronian government. Allegedly in order to prevent the warlike Transformers of Earth from igniting old passions, Hound and many of his fellow Autobots were captured by [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]], [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]], and their operatives. Brought back to Cybertron aboard [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]], Hound and the Autobots were removed from their prison cells by the [[Triple Changer]] named [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]], and brought into contact with a resistance cell led by [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]]. It seemed Shockwave actually had a hidden agenda (of course), and many Autobots had begun taking up arms again to fight back against his regime. Hound joined in the insurrection at [[Iacon (city-state)|Iacon]], and the resistance ultimately pushed Shockwave out of command, retaking Cybertron for the Autobots. {{storylink|War and Peace}}

As Ultra Magnus began re-establishing Autobot control over the planet, Prowl decided the ''Ark'''s crew would be best served by returning to Earth and establishing a permanent base of operations there. Being the Earth-lover that he is, Hound was all for the idea. He was last seen at the site of the future [[Autobot City]], using his holograms to help [[Grapple]] visualize his plans for the city. {{storylink|The Route of All Evil}}

===''G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers''===
[[Image:GIJoevsTF5_Hound_dies.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Hound's career as "[[To sell toys|hi-and-die]]" was short-lived.]]
Hound was present during the chaotic battle on [[Cobra Island]] between the Autobots, Decepticons, [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] and [[Cobra]]. He was blasted in half by [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]], sending [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] and [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] into a fit of rage. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 5|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #5}}

{{note|As Hound only appears in a single panel, it's unclear where he came from and if he was among the Transformers recently freed from Cobra's control. He does not appear to have a Cobra vehicle mode, however.}}

{{-}}

===''Transformers/G.I. Joe''===
Hound lay dormant and buried on the [[Fera Islands]] for a long time, until he and his comrades were awakened in [[1939]] thanks to the battle between [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] and [[Cobra]]. After he was reformatted into a military jeep and had the situation explained to him by [[Duke (G.I. Joe)|Duke]], Hound was eager to help the Joes with their mission. {{storylink|Transformed}} As the battle began in earnest, he proved ignorant as to the existence of paratroopers. {{storylink|Trial by Fire (issue)|Trial by Fire}}

During a run-in with [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]], Hound sat around in vehicle mode and got dented by the Decepticon's earthquakes, but was otherwise unharmed. {{storylink|Wolves}} As the Autobots advanced towards the [[Terrordrome]], Hound's scanners detected Cobra soldiers forcing slaves to act as human shields, so he suggested that they clear out a nearby trench to hide the slaves in. {{storylink|Trenches}} When a few of the slaves fell in the ocean, Hound and [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] helped G.I. Joe pull them up. Unfortunately, both Autobots were killed in battle shortly afterwards. {{storylink|The Iron Fist}}

===''Transformers Legends'' anthology===
While Hound was out driving with Bumblebee and Spike, the trio happened on a badly-injured Starscream, whom Hound's sensors told him had fallen down the side of a nearby mountain. Hound initially feared it was a trap, but Bumblebee persuaded him to carry the Decepticon back to the Ark. {{storylink|Redemption Center}}

===IDW comics continuity===
[[Image:MegsOrigin4 Hound.jpg|left|250px|thumb|It's rainin' Hounds!]]
Before the war on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], Hound was a veteran member of the Autobots, having served under [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]] with the Security Services force in [[Kaon]]. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 2}} During the mass prison break of [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s gladiators and Kaon's most dangerous criminals, Hound and the Autobot security forces struggled to hold the line against the rioting malcontents. After Sentinel Prime returned to the battlefield in his Apex armor, Hound served as optic lead for Sentinel's heads-up scanners in targeting Megatron. However, Megatron destroyed Sentinel Prime's display helmet by throwing Hound's heavily damaged form at the Autobot commander. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 4}}

Hound survived, and continued to serve with the Autobot war effort as the situation escalated. He was working with Optimus Prime, [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]], [[Groove (G1)|Groove]], [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] and [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] in defending one of Cybertron's cities as Megatron's forces began expanding his empire. {{storylink|The Iron Age}}

[[Image:SpotlightGalvatron Hound.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Guido Guidi draws Cybertronian Hound and makes me cry.]]

Much, much later, Hound was the current leader of a combat unit consisting of [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]], [[Leadfoot (G2)|Leadfoot]], [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]], [[Road Rocket (G2)|Road Rocket]] and [[Skram]], manning a permanent guard post around [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]]'s hidden base in [[Thunderhead Pass]]. Hound was a by-the-book guy who followed his mission parameters. Sideswipe was an authority-challenging, loud-talking belligerent who constantly insulted this dull posting and demanded they head for Earth to search for his missing brother [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]]. Working with him makes Hound cry.

To add insult to injury [[Galvatron (G1)|a mysterious and powerful being]] barged into the base, killed Leadfoot, seriously damaged everyone else, and then stole the inactive form of [[Thunderwing (G1)|the planet-murdering Thunderwing]] himself. {{storylink|Spotlight: Galvatron}} In the middle of briefing [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] on this event, Hound was interrupted by Sideswipe going on about Sunstreaker again. To Hound's surprise, Optimus agreed and called the team to Earth, {{storylink|Devastation issue 1}} only for him to then order them to [[Garrus-9]] instead when the "[[Pretender Monster|Monstructor Six]]" were broken out of the prison there. {{storylink|Devastation issue 6}}

As they headed off in ''[[Ark-12]]'', Hound had to listen to, yep, Sideswipe moaning they weren't looking for Sunstreaker. His angry retort to Sideswipe to take it up with Prime was interrupted by an attack from [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]]; Hound followed protocol in fighting him off and prepared to carry on instead of investigating the incident (necessity before need), only for the dead Cyclonus to ''get up again'' and keep shooting. [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] received Hound's distress call from and drove off the threat, but poor Hound got berated by Sideswipe into diverting from their mission to investigate. That divergence led them to [[Corata-Vaz]] where Sideswipe goaded Cyclonus into attacking instead of surrendering and then insulted Hound when criticised over this, Cyclonus deadened Hound's arm, and then Thunderwing was awakened to swat the Autobots all aside. {{storylink|Spotlight: Cyclonus}}

Prowl regarded the battle with Hound's unit and the [[Wrecker|Wreckers]] versus Thunderwing as suicidal. {{storylink|Spotlight: Hardhead}} Observing that the battle was not going well, [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] decided to try and take control of Thunderwing using [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]]'s Axis Cradle, telling [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] to take their forces into the [[Nega-Core]] chamber as quickly as possible should he be successful. {{storylink|Spotlight: Doubledealer}}

Hound's unit were pulled out of Corata-Vaz and, along with [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]], dispatched to Earth to mess up the enemy's Space Bridge set-up there. Hound sent his men through the Bridge portals to nab all the [[Nega-Core|Nega-Cores]], except for Skram who was sent to get [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]], and Sideswipe who volunteered to keep the enemy forces off their backs. Hound didn't understand Sideswipe's reasons but admitted he'd been wrong about the mech, and announced it was an honour to have served with him. {{storylink|Spotlight: Sideswipe}}

Some time later, Hound joined Optimus Prime's Autobots on Earth, only to be defeated when they were all lured into a Decepticon trap. The Decepticons subsequently dumped them all on Cybertron in hopes that the [[Insecticon swarm]] would finish them off. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 7}} Hound and the others were stuck on the ruined planet while the Decepticons rampaged across Earth. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 1}} During one battle with the swarm, he let [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] ride him in vehicle mode, although he had traction problems on the planet's metallic surface. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 8}} Hound later watched in silence as the leaderless Autobots broke into one argument after another. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 9}}

Following the Autobots' return to Earth, Hound located [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]], who had helped them defeat the Decepticons by sniping Megatron, and brought him to Optimus Prime. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 12}} He was later part of an Autobot squad sent to retrieve [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] after he went missing in the ruins of [[New York City|New York]]. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 16|Hidden}}

Three years later, Hound was still stationed on Earth with Optimus Prime. He was present when [[Hot Rod]] demanded to go on a rescue mission for Prowl, and again after the mission went bad and Prime abdicated his leadership role. {{storylink|...For All Mankind}} He watched as Hot Rod led a group of Autobots in seceding from the main army {{storylink|New Arrivals, Old Encounters}} and as [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] arrived to perform his internal affairs report on [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]]'s murder. {{storylink|A Rude Awakening}}

Hound was among those who cheered when Bumblebee was nominated as the new leader of the Autobots. He went with [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] and Bumblebee to investigate [[Gordon Horiuchi]]'s proposed alliance between the Autobots and his loyalists in [[Skywatch]]. Hound's scans didn't turn up anything improper, though, and so the Autobots became Skywatch's newest robot hunters. They captured [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]], and [[Axer]], and several others in the hopes of building up enough goodwill for Skywatch's governing body to recognize that they weren't a threat. Their hopes were dashed, however, when Horiuchi demanded they capture one of their own deserters, [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]]. He also demonstrated a hidden failsafe measure in the badges Skywatch had provided them, letting him remotely mode-lock any Autobot who disobeyed orders. {{storylink|The Hanging Sword}}

Not having any other choice, Hound and the others reluctantly captured Blurr, but refused to turn him over in the end. Bumblebee's badge was damaged in combat, and so the Autobots worked out a ruse so that he could roam free and find a means of freeing them from Skywatch. {{storylink|The Impossible Knot}} Hound and the others continued to play along with Horiuchi while Bumblebee ran his solo mission. {{storylink|The Gift Horse}} Eventually, Bumblebee successfully disabled the badges and, to accomodate his new role as leader, he had Hound and [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] upgrade his body with additional strength and armor. {{storylink|Wings of Wax}}

{{note|The events of ''Spotlight: Mirage'' possibly take place in an alternate/unknown continuity.}}
[[Image:SpotlightMirage Hound dies.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Second death, but it still doesn't count.]]
On Earth, Hound's friend Mirage was seriously injured, and as he recuperated, he was haunted repeatedly by dreams of being a Decepticon. In this dream, Hound was among the last of the Autobots holding out in a losing battle with the Decepticons. He was working on a way to convert the cross-dimensional [[Zodiac]] energy for consumption in lieu of energon when Mirage tricked the Autobots into letting him enter their hideout. During the subsequent scuffle, Hound killed Soundwave, but the Autobots were forced to surrender when Mirage held Jetfire hostage, yet promised to spare their lives. Unfortunately for Hound, Mirage was ordered by Megatron to execute the Autobots. Hound was killed by Mirage as defiance to Optimus Prime's pleas for him to see reason. But it was just a dream (or some alternate dimension mumbo-jumbo), so it didn't matter. Right? {{storylink|Spotlight: Mirage}}
{{-}}

===''Henkei! Henkei!'' pack-in comic===
{{charstubfiction}}
{{storylink|Henkei! Henkei! volume 8|Henkei! Henkei! #8}}

===''Henkei! Henkei!'' Bun Bun manga===
{{charstubfiction}}
{{storylink|To the Sea of Stars}}

{{-}}
==Games==
===The Transformers (1985)===
Hound was among the few remaining Autobots in the wake of the Decepticon creation of ROBO-CLONING technology. With his energy-starved comrades, he desperately sought pieces of the Autobot Energon Cube before the Decepticons could get their hands on them. {{storylink|The Transformers (Commodore 64)|The Transformers}}

===The Transformers: Battle to Save the Earth===
[[Image:C64Hound.jpg|thumb|250px|"Fold in the middle! *flump*"]]

Along with his fellow Autobots, Hound protected Earth from the menace of the Decepticons. He was ostensibly under the command of [[Rodimus Prime (G1)|Rodimus Prime]]. {{storylink|The Transformers: Battle to Save the Earth}}

{{-}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[Image:G1Hound toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Short but sweet.]]
* '''Hound''' (Autobot, 1984/1985/2004)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''02''', '''TFC-14'''
**''Accessories:'' "Hologram Gun", machine gun, missile launcher, 3 missiles, spare tire, gas can

: Hound was released as part of the initial Autobot assortment in 1984, transforming into a Mitsubishi J59 Jeep. Mounted on the back of the vehicle mode is a large, [[Vacuum metallizing|vacuum metallized]] silver machine gun turret which doesn't really go anywhere in robot mode. Other vehicle accessories include a spare tire and a fuel canister which also don't really go anywhere in robot mode.

: In robot mode, Hound is armed with a large, silver "holographic rifle" and a shoulder-mounted, spring-loaded, firing rocket launcher with three silver projectiles. The US version of this launcher had severely weakened springs [[for safety reasons]].

: He was reissued in 2004 by [[Takara]] in their [[Transformers Collection]] "bookbox" reissue series.

: This mold was used to make the [[e-Hobby]] [[exclusive]] [[Detritus]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1984/Autobot/Hound/hound.htm More information on Generation 1 Hound at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Generation 2===
[[Image:Un autorollers.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Sgt. Hound. Starring Steve Martin. (Hound is the white payloader.)]]
*'''Sgt. Hound''' (Auto Roller, 1995)
**''Accessories'': 4 missiles

: A [[redeco]] of the [[Auto Roller]] [[Roadblock (G2)|Roadblock]] was planned for release in 1995 as "Sgt. Hound", but was one of several redecos and molds that were canceled with the end of the [[Generation 2 (toyline)|''Generation 2'' line]]. He would have transformed into a payloader. As an [[Auto Roller]], a switch on his vehicle-mode back end connects a gearing mechanism attached to his rear axle, which makes him [[autotransform]] from vehicle to robot mode when pushed forward, and back when pulled in reverse. His right arm ends in a spring-loaded missile launcher, while his left features a spring-gear-activated spinning circular saw. All four of his missiles can be stowed on his rear wheel wells. No known samples of the toy have surfaced.

: This mold was also used to make [[Autocrasher]] from ''[[Beast Wars II (toyline)|Beast Wars II]]''.

{{canceledtoy}}
{{-}}

===Alternators===
[[Image:Alternators Hound toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|"At long last, I HAVE ELBOWS!!!"]]
* '''Autobot Hound''' (2004)
**''Alternator ID number:'' '''3'''
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''BT-04'''
**''Accessories'': Pistol

: For the ''[[Alternators]]'' line, Hound's vehicle mode was updated to a [[Wikipedia:Jeep Wrangler|Jeep Wrangler]], with opening doors, hood (with mock engine bay) and tailgate, and a detailed interior. Hound also features a working suspension system, similar to [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|20th Anniversary Optimus Prime]], but lacks steering. In robot mode, he greatly resembles both the original toy in detail and the Generation 1 cartoon model in proportions and personality. In this form, Hound is armed with a holographic projector gun stored inside his spare tire.

: The Japanese ''Binaltech'' release of the toy is largely identical to the [[Hasbro]] version, except for the use of painted [[die-cast]] metal for numerous vehicle-mode panels.

:The mold was [[Retool|retooled]] into ''Alternators'' [[Rollbar (G1)|Rollbar]] and [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Autobot/AltHound/hound.htm More info on Alternators Hound at TFU.info]''

===Universe (2008)===
====Classic Series====
[[Image:Hounduniverselegends.jpg|right|300px|thumb|But not any more...]]
*'''Autobot Hound''' (Legends, 2008)

: Part of the second wave of ''[[Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Legends Class|Legends-class]] figures (but the first wave to feature new-mold items, not simply ''[[Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]''-series [[Redeco|redecoes]]), the first ''Universe'' Hound toy is sculpted to closely resemble his Generation 1 design, particularly in the way his vehicle mode resembles a somewhat outdated, old-fashioned army Jeep. For legal reasons, the vehicle mode has been slightly tweaked, such as sporting squared headlights and horizontal vents in the front grille, as compared to the characteristic round headlights/vertical grille vents design of a real-life Jeep. Due to his small size and [[size class|price point]], he has no weapon in either mode.

: This mold was also used to make [[Transformers (2010 toyline)|2010 ''Transformers'']] Tracker Hound.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Autobot/LegendsHound/hound.htm More information on Universe Legends Hound at TFU.info]''
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====Generation 1 Series====
{{anchor|Univ2008Dx}}
[[Image:Universe2008 G1Hound.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Wait, never mind! I found them!]]
*'''Autobot Hound''' (Deluxe, 2008)
**''Accessories'': Missile launcher

:Part of the fourth wave of ''Universe'' Deluxe-class toys, this version of Hound is more of an evolution of the character rather than the reproduction the Legends class toy represents. His vehicle mode resembles a [[Wikipedia:Jeep Hurricane|Jeep Hurricane]] concept car, once again with a modified front section that avoids the trademark Jeep look with round headlights and vertical grille vents. Unlike his Legends class toy, Deluxe class Hound features his familiar (non-firing) rocket launcher in both vehicle and robot modes.

:Hound comes with a figure of [[Ravage (G1)/toys|Ravage in an all-new sculpt]], who can fit (in tape form) on the back of Hound's vehicle mode. Other [[Mini-Cassette]] Transformers can fit there too, though not as well as the new Ravage.

:This mold was also used to make ''[[Timelines (toyline)|Timelines]]'' [[Scorch|Turbomaster]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Autobot/TFUHound/hound.htm More information on Universe Deluxe Hound at TFU.info]''
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===Henkei! Henkei!===
[[Image:Henkei_houndravage.jpg|right|300px|thumb|A friend to all the animals.]]
*'''Hound''' (Deluxe, 2008)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-13'''
**''Accessories'': Missile launcher

:The Japanese version of ''Universe'' (2008) Hound, ''[[Henkei! Henkei! (toyline)|Henkei! Henkei!]]'' Hound is primarily cast in a darker shade of green plastic for a better match to his original toy and appearances in fiction. Where ''Universe'' Hound had white plastic, ''Henkei'' Hound replaces it with grey, and overall has more elaborate paint applications, such as the toy-homaging yellow stripe around the edges of his his hood and silver paint on his hubcaps. As with all ''Henkei! Henkei!'' toys, Hound has [[Vacuum metallizing|vacuum-metallized]] plastic, specifically his grill guard, albeit in an unusually dark color to make it resemble dark polished metal.
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===Transformers (2010)===
[[Image:TF2010-toy_Tracker_Hound.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Probably likes to hang out with [[Pyro#Timelines|Disco Inferno]].]]
*'''Tracker Hound''' (Legends, 2010)

: Tracker Hound is a redeco of ''[[Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' Legends-class Autobot Hound in black with gold striping.

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==Merchandise==
===Robot Heroes===
[[Image:Robotheroeshoundblitzwing.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Not included: Awkwardly-positioned Spike.]]
*'''Autobot Hound''' vs '''Blitzwing''' (2008)

: Released in the first wave of ''Universe''-branded ''[[Robot Heroes (toyline)|Robot Heroes]]'', Hound is posed, like many Robot Heroes, in a squat crouching pose. However, he has a few noteworthy aspects: he's one of the few Generation 1 characters to be sculpted with a handheld weapon. More surprising than that, Hound is currently the ''most'' articulated Generation 1 Robot Hero, having swivel joints at his head, shoulders and ''waist''.

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===SpeedStars===
====Stealth Force====
[[Image:StealthForce_Hound_toy.jpg|thumb|right|250px|]]
*'''Autobot Hound''' (Basic, 2010)

:''[[SpeedStars]]'' Hound is part of the "Stealth Force" subline, consisting of vehicles without robot modes, but with plenty of flip-out panels with hidden weapons. The toy is a model of jeep more or less identical to Hound's ''Universe'' Deluxe toy, and features non-firing weapons in its hood, fenders, doors and trunk.

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==Notes==
[[Image:Hound braver roadking armada generics.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
* The Hound toy was originally a ''[[Diaclone]]'' "J59 Jeep", coming with a blue-and-white pilot figure and several IP-infringing decals.
* Ken Sansom's voice for Hound sounds not unlike famous actor [[Wikipedia:James Stewart (actor)|Jimmy Stewart]].

* Due to the animation models of the characters being based on box art as much as the actual toy, Hound's holographic rifle was misinterpreted as a small pistol thanks to the foreshortening used. The Alternators toy uses the "pistol", which led people more familiar with the original figure's gigantic rifle to quip that his new weapon was "far too small".

* Like those of many Generation 1 characters, Hound's animation model has appeared as an unnamed cameo in the [[Armada (cartoon)|''Armada'' cartoon]]. He is visible both reacting to the [[Mini-Con]] beacon alongside [[Braver]] and [[Road King]] in "[[First Encounter]]" (seen at right), and in a flashback in "[[Prehistory]]".

* The Alternators version of Hound was originally planned as a Jeep Rubicon, sporting a slightly different transformation that would have somewhat reduced the back kibble. Presumably, the change from the Rubicon to the Wrangler was due to Jeep wanting their more common model featured.
[[Image:Universe Hound concept.jpg|200px|thumb|]]

*The Japanese book ''[[Transformers Generations 2009|Transformers Generations 2009 Vol. 1]]'' contains concept art (by [[Don Figueroa]]) for an earlier version of ''Universe'' Hound, resembling a Humvee instead of the Jeep form of the final figure.
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==References==
{{reflist}}

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

[[Category:Alternators Autobots]]
[[Category:Classics Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 2 Autobots]]
[[Category:Henkei! Henkei! Autobots]]
[[Category:Robot Heroes]]
[[Category:Trackers]]
[[Category:The Headmasters Autobots]]
[[Category:Transformers (2010) Autobots]]
[[Category:Scouts]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]