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Reverb (Cybertron)

2010-12-18T18:21:03Z

190.205.21.41: /* Cybertron */

{{factions|gigantion|minicon|autobot}}{{picsneeded|fiction}}
{{disambig3|Reverb}}
:''Reverb is a [[Gigantion]] [[Mini-Con]] from the [[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]] portion of the [[Unicron Trilogy]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:CybReverb01.jpg|right|250px|thumb|[[Optimus Minor]]?]]
'''Reverb''' is one of the three members of the [[Recon Mini-Con Team]]. Originally hailing from [[Gigantion]], he's the most adventurous of the three, but tends to get in over his head. He's been lost in time more than once in his life while traveling with [[Vector Prime]].

:''Japanese name:'' '''Bumper'''
:''Russian name:'' '''Echo'''

==Fiction==
===''Cybertron'' cartoon continuity===
{{charstubfiction}}

==Toys==
===Cybertron===
[[Image:Cybertron Reverb toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Minor God.]]
*'''Recon Mini-Con Team''' (Scout-class, 2005)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''GC-07'''

: Reverb transforms into a pickup truck based on a Cadillac Escalade EXT, sold only in a three-pack with his Team-mates [[Jolt (Cybertron)|Jolt]] and [[Six-Speed]]. The [[Hasbro]] and [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] versions are slightly different, the primary change being differing [[Paint operation|paint applications]]; Hasbro Reverb has more deco on the robot-mode chest, painting nearly the whole chest orange rather than the more select details of the Takara version.

: This mold was also used to make [[Plier]], [[Rockslide]], [[Guardian Powered]] and [[Transformers (2010 toyline)|2010 ''Transformers'']] [[Drivetrain (TF 2010)|Drivetrain]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Mini-Con/Reverb/reverb.htm More information on Reverb at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|MicronGalaxy}}
*'''Bumper''' (Micron Galaxy, 2005)
**''Micron Galaxy ID number'': '''2'''

: Part of the "[[Change Micron|Micron Galaxy]]" assortment of [[Candy toy|candy toys]] for ''Galaxy Force'', this version of Reverb comes with a small plank of chewing gum. Though the mold is largely identical to the normal retail version, it is in fact an entirely new tooling, most notably not being [[Gang-molding|gang-molded]] with his teammates, but also contains a number of small differences. The most immediately noticeable among these are different wheels and blue-plastic biceps instead of black.

{{-}}{{anchor|Shadow}}
[[Image:Cybertron ShadowRecon MiniCon team toys.jpg|250px|thumb|Hey, where'd they go??]]
*'''Shadow Recon Mini-Con Team''' (Scout class, 2006)

: Part of the final wave of ''Cybertron'' Scouts, the Recon Team was entirely [[Redeco|redecoed]] in clear-blue, clear-colorless, clear-black and opaque-black plastics, a "stealth" coloration.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Mini-Con/Reverb/reverb.htm More information on Shadow Reverb at TFU.info]''

[[Category:Candy toys]]
[[Category:Cybertron Autobots]]
[[Category:Cybertron Mini-Cons]]
[[Category:Gigantion]]
[[Category:Reconnaissance specialists]]

Mini-Con

2010-12-18T18:20:08Z

190.205.21.41: /* 3-pack team molds */

{{disambig2|the Transformers type "Mini-Con"|the unit of time "minicon"|Units of time}}
:''Mini-Cons are a faction/type of [[Transformer]] in multiple [[Continuity family|continuity families]], most prominently the [[Unicron Trilogy]].''

[[Image:Minicon symbol.png|right|250px|thumb|Intentionally designed to look like the letter "M", the Mini-Con symbol is also reflected in the design of Unicron's helmet]]
'''Mini-Cons''' are a race of small, roughly [[human]]-sized Transformers capable of [[powerlinx]]ing with a larger Transformer to impart extra abilities or greatly increase their strength.

Their origins (when explored) vary depending on the continuity in which they appear. In some timelines they are creations of [[Unicron]], while in others, they are creations of the [[Last Autobot]]. Others are just... there.

:''Japanese term:'' '''Micron'''
:''French-Canadian/Spanish term:'' '''Minimodus'''

==Fiction==
===''Universe: The Wreckers'' comics===
[[Ramulus]] uses "Mini-Con" as a term of derision, implying that [[CatSCAN]] is timid or insufficiently assertive.

===Unicron Trilogy===
====Animated continuity====
[[Unicron]] created the Mini-Cons to be mindless tools, sent to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] as an agitating element to the Transformers' civil war. The power-enhancing "smart tools" would be unleashed upon the populace, who would snap them up and bond with them, and the war would only get more destructive, as Unicron drank in the negative psychic energies from the death and destruction. Once he'd gathered the power he needed, the Mini-Cons would turn on their supposed masters, incapacitating them, and Unicron would fully awaken to devour the planet and all Transformers on it, eliminating his biggest obstacle to devouring all of existence.

But through a strange warp in space and time that no one really bothered to explain, three [[human]] children from the future—[[Rad White|Rad]], [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] and [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]]—were sent to the Mini-Cons' birthing chamber on Cybertron just seconds before the small robots emerged from their pods. As the Mini-Cons had been designed to form mental bonds with other life forms, when Rad touched the Mini-Con who he knew from the future as [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]], High Wire apparently formed his bond then, with Rad... and through the Mini-Cons' shared "soul dimension", the [[Linkage (dimension)|Linkage]], sentience and free will spread throughout the Mini-Cons, forming "souls", and crippling Unicron's plans drastically.

====Dreamwave comics continuity====
[[Image:Mini-cons.jpg|right|400px|thumb|Gotta catch 'em all!]]
Mini-Cons are a second race of Transformer, mostly living in designated sectors by themselves, which left them open to attack when [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] led his Decepticons on capture raids. Through experimentation on prisoners, the Decepticons discovered the Mini-Cons were rewired, their power (disproportionate to their size) could be added to a Transformer through [[Powerlinx]]ing. Mini-Cons are also capable of tapping an extra-dimensional energy source of unknown origin, but are wary of doing this, and most have inhibitors installed to prevent this from happening.

[[Over-Run (Armada)|Over-Run]], a Mini-Con refugee from another dimension, led Cybertron's collected Mini-Cons in tapping that dimension's energies and channeling them into an attack on Unicron which left him stranded on the far fringes of space.

After Unicron's defeat, most Mini-Cons re-established their villages in the Mini-Con sector. When Unicron reappeared ten years later, no one went to fetch the Mini-Cons to battle Unicron again, so it seems likely the Mini-Cons' connection to their extra-dimensional power source was severed.

{{note|There is no indication that Mini-Cons are related to Unicron in Dreamwave continuity.}}

====Powerlinx and Evolution====
Mini-Cons have the special ability to actually evolve other machines, from transforming simple cars into jet-powered assault vehicles, to upgrading Transformers to have new weapons spring from their body. The nature of Powerlinxing is emphasized more in the Japanese ''[[Armada (franchise)|Micron Legend]]'' counterpart to Transformers ''[[Armada (franchise)|Armada]]''. Once powerlinked, the Autobot would call out "EVOLUTION!" and a portion of their body would literally reconfigure to become a new weapon. Afterwards, they retained this new ability without the powerlinking of the Mini-Con which granted it. Linking to that Mini-Con again simply enhances their firepower. The Mini-Con is not required in order to use the evolved weaponry afterwards. This has caused some confusion in the Armada viewing audience due to dub issues and the downplaying of the "Evolution" theme. Despite this, the term is used twice in the American series by Megatron.

====Gigantion Mini-Cons====
The exact origin of the Gigantion Mini-Cons is questionable as presented within the context of the show itself. The show offers little to nothing on their genesis, merely their function as "little detail" workers whose brains developed similarly to human children because of this (uh, yeah). [[Snarl (Cybertron)|Snarl]] speculated that they evolved a small stature to adapt to Gigantion like he adapted to the [[Jungle Planet (Cybertron)|Jungle Planet]]. In ''Galaxy Force'', they are stated to have existed since ancient times and controlled the larger Transformers. There are even ancient ruins discovered with inscriptions using ''Armada'' Mini-Con model sheets.

The [[Fun Publications]] fiction has linked these Mini-Cons to those of ''Armada'', which simply has them migrating to Gigantion (as well as the other colony worlds) with the Transformers carrying the [[Cyber Planet Key]]s, offering the only definitive origin of those Mini-Cons. This would also make them creations of Unicron. However, this does not fully line up with the fiction, as the Mini-Cons in Armada are shown appearing in the time of Optimus Prime, years after the world colonization—so the matter is left more than a bit vague.

====Packaging blurb====
Long ago, Mini-Cons fled Cybertron to escape the endless war between Autobots and Decepticons. Many teams were broken up in that war, leaving only a few left living in peace while roaming the universe.<ref>[[Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]] Armada Series Mini-Con multi-pack packaging blurb.</ref>
===Generation 1===
====Classics====
Mini-Cons were created by the [[Last Autobot]] to cleanse Cybertron of [[Demon]]s and [[Mutant (G1)|Mutants]] before the Autobots returned. {{storylink|The New World}}

===="Eternal Prisoner"====
The latest (as of this update) assortment of [[Micron Booster]]s features Mini-Cons with [[Autobot]], [[Decepticon]], [[Maximal]] and [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] insignia. There is little to no information about when this set "takes place".

Similarly, three store-[[exclusive]] Mini-Cons released at the time, [[Torque Gain]], [[Noise Effect]] and [[Wedge Shape]] seem to be in the same boat, especially as Wedge Shape's toy is branded as a Maximal (though his instructions claim him to be a Predacon).

====Beast Wars (Japan)====
[[Dragoyell]] is a combatant in the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]], though his ninja-like powers mean he is rarely seen. His bio and instructions explicitly say he's a Maximal... but his toy is branded as an Autobot. Hmm.

===Live action film series===
Mini-Cons [[Longarm (Movie Mini-Con)|Longarm]] and the [[Guardian Micron]]s exist. Beyond that fact, nothing is known about the nature of Mini-Cons in this continuity.

===Prime===
Minicons (no dash) are just small Transformers. They include [[Autobot High Council|High Councilor]] [[Ratbat (Prime)|Ratbat]], [[Frenzy (Prime)|Frenzy]], [[Rumble (Prime)|Rumble]], [[Laserbeak (Prime)|Laserbeak]] and [[Ravage (Prime)|Ravage]]. [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] despises them. {{storylink|Exodus: The Official History of the War for Cybertron}}

==Things that are not Mini-Cons==
There have been a number of character or toys that either have Powerlink 'catcher' ports but are not Mini-Cons, or are recolored from Mini-Con molds (often even having the molded-in faction symbol) but who are nonetheless, according to their associated bios or fiction, not actually Mini-Cons.

{{collist|3|
* [[Laserbeak (Cybertron)|''Cybertron'' Laserbeak]] (sometimes)
* [[Search and Destroy Robot]]}}

==Toys==
:Mini-Con toys debuted as the signature element of the ''Armada'' franchise, bringing the "micro [[play pattern]]" back to ''Transformers'' after many years' absence. Much like ''Armada'' itself, the Mini-Cons proved to be a smash hit with fans and kids, and Hasbro scrambled to include them in the subsequent franchises.

:Most Mini-Cons stand around 2" tall, roughly the same size as their [[Micromaster]] predecessors. Most Mini-Cons are considerably more complex, as well; unlike Micromasters, there's no single dominant transformation scheme. With dozens of molds, Mini-Cons cover a wide range of articulation, size, alternate modes, and complexity. Aesthetically, their facial designs tend toward the unorthodox.

:Each Mini-Con includes one or more [[Powerlinx]] ports somewhere on their body, a round peg-slot that allows them to be attached to any "[[Bulk]]" figure with a corresponding Powerlinx peg. These pegs were standard-issue on the larger, original-mold ''Armada'' toys, where at least one such peg could be used to activate various gimmicks on each large figure. Toys from subsequent franchise have featured Powerlinx pegs only as a static feature.

{{note|Because of the overwhelming number of Mini-Con redecos—we're talking well into the hundreds—the following list is of unique first-use ''molds'' only.}}

===Armada===
====3-pack team molds====
[[Image:Armada airmilitaryteam toys.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Air Military Mini-Con Team]]

{{collist|3|
'''[[Adventure Mini-Con Team]]'''
* [[Dune Runner (Armada)|Dune Runner]] (dune buggy)
* [[Iceberg]] (snowcat)
* [[Ransack (Armada)|Ransack]] (jeep)

'''[[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Mini-Con Team]]'''
* [[Jetstorm (Armada)|Jetstorm]] (Concorde jet)
* [[Runway]] (supersonic bomber)
* [[Sonar (Armada)|Sonar]] (space shuttle)

'''[[Air Military Mini-Con Team]]'''
* [[Gunbarrel (Armada)|Gunbarrel]] (cargo jet)
* [[Terradive (Armada)|Terradive]] (recon jet)
* [[Thunderwing (Armada)|Thunderwing]] (stealth bomber)

'''[[Destruction Mini-Con Team]]'''
* [[Buzzsaw (Armada)|Buzzsaw]] (excavator)
* [[Drill Bit (Armada)|Drill Bit]] (mining vehicle)
* [[Dualor]] (tank)

'''[[Emergency Mini-Con Team]]'''
* [[Firebot (Armada)|Firebot]] (fire engine)
* [[Makeshift (Armada)|Makeshift]] (VTOL plane)
* [[Prowl (Armada)|Prowl]] (police cruiser)

'''[[Land Military Mini-Con Team]]'''
* [[Bonecrusher (Armada)|Bonecrusher]] (missile transport)
* [[Knock Out (Armada)|Knock Out]] (armored personnel carrier)
* [[Wreckage (Armada)|Wreckage]] (tracked missile platform)

'''[[Race Mini-Con Team]]'''
* [[Dirt Boss (Armada)|Dirt Boss]] (rally SUV)
* [[Downshift (Armada)|Downshift]] (Le Mans racer)
* [[Mirage (Armada)|Mirage]] (Indy racer)

'''[[Sea Mini-Con Team]]'''
* [[Oceanglide]] (solar-powered boat)
* [[Stormcloud (Armada)|Stormcloud]] (speedboat)
* [[Waterlog (Armada)|Waterlog]] (hovercraft)

'''[[Space Mini-Con Team]]'''
* [[Astroscope]] (space station)
* [[Payload (Armada)|Payload]] (rocket transporter)
* [[Sky Blast]] (rocket)

'''[[Street Action Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Street Action Mini-Con Team]]'''
* [[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (skateboard)
* [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (dirtbike)
* [[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (motor scooter)

'''[[Street Speed Mini-Con Team]]'''
* [[Backtrack (Armada)|Backtrack]] (sportscar)
* [[Oval]] (sportscar)
* [[Spiral]] (sportscar)
}}

====Partner Mini-Con molds====
[[Image:Armada Leader1 toy.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Leader-1]]

{{collist|3|
*[[Incinerator (Armada)|Incinerator]] (partner: [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]])
*[[Refute]] (partner: [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]])
*[[Jolt (Armada)|Jolt]] (partner: [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]])
*[[Over-Run (Armada)|Over-Run]] (partner: [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys|Supercon Optimus Prime]])
*[[Nightbeat (Armada)|Nightbeat]] (partner: [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]])
*[[Liftor]] (partner: [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]])
*[[Rollout (Armada)|Rollout]] (partner: [[Overload (Armada)|Overload]])
*[[Longarm (Armada)|Longarm]] (partner: [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]])
*[[Rollbar (Armada)|Rollbar]] (partner: [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]])
*[[Comettor]] (partner: [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]])
*[[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]] (partner: [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys|Super Optimus Prime]])
*[[Crumplezone (Armada)|Crumplezone]] (partner: [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]])
*[[Blackout (Armada)|Blackout]] (partner: [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]])
*[[Inferno (Armada)|Inferno]] (partner: [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]])
*[[Wind Sheer (Armada)|Wind Sheer]] (partner: [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]])
*[[Thunderclash (Armada)|Thunderclash]] (partner: [[Skywarp (Armada)|Skywarp]])
*[[Swindle (Armada)|Swindle]] (partner: [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]])
*[[Leader-1 (Armada)|Leader-1]] (partner: [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]])
*[[Ramjet (Armada)|Ramjet]] (partner: [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]])
*[[Rook (Armada)|Rook]] and [[Crosswise (Armada)|Crosswise]] (partner: [[Sideways (RID)|Sideways]])
*[[Dead End (Armada)|Dead End]] (partner: [[Unicron]])
}}

===Energon===
====3-packs====
{{collist|2|
'''[[Energon Saber]] Team'''
*[[Scattor (Energon)|Scattor]] (Concorde)
*[[Skyboom (Energon)|Skyboom]] (space shuttle)
*[[Wreckage (Energon)|Wreckage]] (supersonic bomber)

'''[[Street Action Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Street Action Mini-Con Team]]'''
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (hoverboard)
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (motorbike)
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (four-wheeler)
}}

====Other====
* Kicker/Highwire 2-pack

===Cybertron===
====Partner Mini-Con====
{{collist|1|
*[[Drill Bit (Cybertron)|Drill Bit]] (partner: [[Metroplex (Cybertron)|Metroplex]])
*[[Stripmine]] (partner: [[Quickmix (Cybertron)|Quickmix]])
*[[Heavy Load (Cybertron)|Heavy Load]] (partner: [[Menasor (Cybertron)|Menasor]])
}}

====3-packs====
{{collist|2|
'''[[Recon Mini-Con Team]]'''
* [[Jolt (Cybertron)|Jolt]] (helicopter)
* [[Six-Speed]] (LeMans race car)
* [[Reverb (Cybertron)|Reverb]] (pickup truck)

'''[[Giant Planet Mini-Con Team]]'''
* [[Deepdive]] (submarine)
* [[Longarm (Cybertron) | Longarm]] (double-crane truck)
* [[Overcast (Cybertron)| Overcast]] (military cargo plane)
}}

===Classics (2006)===
[[Image:TFC Clear Sky.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Clear Skies Team]]

{{collist|3|
'''[[Demolition Team]]'''
*[[Broadside (Classics)|Broadside]]
*[[Sledge (Classics)|Sledge]]
*[[Wideload (Classics)|Wideload]]

'''[[Dinobot (Classics)|Dinobots]]'''
*[[Knockdown (Classics)|Knockdown]]
*[[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]]
*[[Terrorsaur (Classics)|Terrorsaur]]

'''[[Night Rescue Team]]'''
*[[Divebomb (Classics)|Divebomb]]
*[[Firebot (Classics)|Firebot]]
*[[Strongarm (Classics)|Strongarm]]

'''[[Clear Skies Team]]'''
*[[Nightscream (Classics)|Nightscream]]
*[[Steel Wind]]
*[[Thunderwing (Classics)|Thunderwing]]

'''[[Dirt Digger Team]]'''
*[[Dirt Rocket]]
*[[Grindor (Classics)|Grindor]]
*[[Oil Slick (Classics)|Oil Slick]]

'''[[Predator Attack Team]]'''
*[[Dreadwing (Classics)|Dreadwing]]
*[[Overbite (Classics)|Overbite]]
*[[Snarl (Classics)|Snarl]]
}}

===Universe (2008)===
*[[Jolt (Armada)|Jolt]] (partner: [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]])

===Micron Densetsu===
*'''Hikari no Unicron''' (campaign prize item)
**''Accessories:'' Chest missile, 6 leg missiles

: The "[[Unicron of Light]]" toy is a [[redeco]] of ''[[Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' [[Unicron]] in an emerald, light green, blue, and white color-scheme. This Unicron was the prize for a lucky-draw contest in Japan.

===Power Core Combiners===
[[Image:PCC-toy Chopster.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Chopster (with Smolder)]]
====Partner Mini-Con molds====

{{collist|2|
*[[Airlift (PCC)|Airlift]] (partner: [[Skyhammer (PCC)|Skyhammer]])
*[[Backwind]] (partner: [[Searchlight (PCC)|Searchlight]])
*[[Caliburst (PCC)|Caliburst]] (partner: [[Huffer (PCC)|Huffer]])
*[[Chainclaw (PCC)|Chainclaw]] (partner: [[Icepick (PCC)|Icepick]])
*[[Chopster]] (partner: [[Smolder]])
*[[Groundspike]] (partner: [[Heavytread (PCC)|Heavytread]])
*[[Pinpoint]] (partner: [[Leadfoot (PCC)|Leadfoot]])
*[[Throttler]] (partner: [[Sledge (PCC)|Sledge]])
*[[Waterlog (PCC)|Waterlog]] (partner: [[Undertow (PCC)|Undertow]])}}

{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===Attacktix===
[[Image:AttacktixMiniConS1.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Goooood.]]
*'''Mini-Con''' (Booster, 2006)

{{attacktix
|ID=TF01
|faction=Autobot
|class=Trooper
|special=Attackback - 4/26 (15%) success ratio
|cost=10
|speed=4
|attacktype=Shooter (small missile)
}}
{{-}}

: The first assortment of Transformers ''[[Attacktix]]'' figures included a "generic" Mini-Con, based on [[Skyboom (Energon)|Skyboom]]. Each Mini-Con figure has 3 points of articulation, including waist and shoulders; however, their shoulders move together due to their gun. One of the shortest, most squat ''Attacktix'' figures, the Mini-Con is very stable despite its small base.

:Its Special Power, "Attackback", allows a free move and attack for any of your in-play Autobot pieces. Mini-Con is an excellent support figure for [[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]], whose "Shootback" power allows up to three Mini-Cons to make a free attack.

{{-}}
[[Image:AttackitxMiniConS2.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Eeeevil.]]
*'''Minicon''' (Booster, 2007)

{{attacktix
|ID=TF03
|faction=Decepticon
|class=Trooper
|special=Attackback
|cost=10
|speed=4
|attacktype=Shooter (small missile)
}}
{{-}}

:An as-yet unreleased redeco of the ''Attacktix'' "Minicon" (''sic'') piece is set for the second series' Booster Packs, though this time as a Decepticon-aligned piece. It features a color scheme not on any incarnation of the actual [[Sonar (Armada)|Sonar]]/Skyboom toy, but wouldn't that be neat? The exact details of its Attackback special power are as yet unknown.

: This piece was later characterized as "[[Bunker-Buster]]" in the members-only portion of the [[Fun Publications]] [[Transformers Collectors' Club]] website.

{{canceledtoy}}
{{-}}

==Notes==
* During the ''[[Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' line, the term "Mini-Con" was also the name of a [[size class]] which consisted of three-packs of small toys (which were also individually referred to as "Mini-Cons"). Other size classes from the ''Armada'' line were named "Super-Con", "Max-Con" and "Giga-Con". However, the name "Mini-Con" was the only one actually used in the corresponding fiction. In the toyline, it was ''also'' used for other small figures of the same size that were available as companion figures with the larger toys. Due to its use in fiction, the name was also carried over into subsequent lines such as ''[[Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' and ''[[Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'', and was used as (part of) the name of a price point again in the ''[[Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' toyline, the "Mini-Con Class", this time consisting of two-packs, and later in the ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'' toyline, now again available as three-packs.

==References==
<references/>

==External links==
*[http://www.tfu.info/faction/minicon.htm Mini-Cons at TFU.info]

*[http://www.tfarchive.com/toys/references/mini-cons_microns.php TFArchive's complete Mini-Con/Micron list]

{{stub}}

[[Category:Armada]]
[[Category:Attacktix]]
[[Category:Beast Wars]]
[[Category:Classics]]
[[Category:Cybertron]]
[[Category:Energon]]
[[Category:Generation 1]]
[[Category:Movie]]
[[Category:Gimmicks]]
[[Category:Mini-Cons| ]]
[[Category:Prime]]
[[Category:Unicron]]
[[Category:Universe (2003)]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]

Sky Blast (Armada)

2010-12-18T01:06:53Z

190.205.21.41: /* Armada */

{{factions|minicon}}
{{picsneeded}}
{{disambig3|Skyblast}}
:''Sky Blast is a [[Mini-Con]] from the [[Armada (franchise)|Armada]] portion of the [[Unicron Trilogy]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Skyblast-armada-packageart.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Be small and have a big stick for an arm.]]
'''Sky Blast''' is a hothead with hot feet. He's always rushing into battle without a second thought, and sometimes not even a first. This gets on the nerves of his friends on the [[Space Mini-Con Team]], but they know he means well. Still, his battle-cry of "''BLAST OFF!!!''" can get annoying quickly.

:''Japanese name'': '''Apollo'''

==Fiction==
===''Armada'' cartoon===

Sky Blast was a Mini-Con whose storage panel lay dormant deep inside the crashed ship that was Autobot headquarters on Earth. When his partner [[Payload (Armada)|Payload]] was pinpointed on a deserted island, a signal went out that located Sky Blast and [[Astroscope]] beneath the Autobot base and on the [[Moon (moon)|moon]], respectively. The [[Street Action Team]] and the Autobots' pet kids went looking for the Mini-Con in the bowels of the base while most of the Autobots were engaged with the enemy on the island. They found Sky Blast and activated him but, in his petrified state, he fired on the children with his hand-cannon. {{storylink|Awakening}}

Despite his fearsome firepower, the kids quickly realized Sky Blast was more scared than they were, and [[Rad White|Rad]] tried his best to be comforting to the Mini-Con. The Autobots were having a rough time against the new super-warrior [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]], and so Rad, [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] and [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] took Sky Blast to the battlefield in the hopes that he could do something to help. The timid Mini-Con was still too unnerved to help, but after both Red Alert and [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] were injured trying to protect him, and Rad constantly stood up for Sky Blast's right to choose for himself, Sky Blast made the brave choice and got involved in the fight. He summoned his fellow [[Space Mini-Con Team]] partners, calling up Payload from the ground and calling down Astroscope from the skies. The three of them linked up into the [[Requiem Blaster]] in mid-air for [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]], as he plummeted to the ground after a disasterous fight with [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] and his [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Dark Fleet armor]]. Prime used the Requiem Blaster to carve out a landing spot for himself in the middle of the ocean, and was saved. {{storylink|Desperate}}

Sky Blast and his teammates briefly ran away from the Autobots, because they didn't want to be used for combat. After Optimus Prime rescued them from [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]], he promised the Mini-Cons they would only join the battles against the Decepticons if they desired it -- no Autobots would force them to fight. {{storylink|Runaway}}

True to his word, Optimus Prime left Sky Blast and the others back at headquarters when the Autobots were called into battle against the Decepticons, with [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] watching over them. The battle was only a lure for the Requiem Blaster, however, and [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] and Thrust soon doubled back to attack the undermanned Autobot headquarters. Smokescreen fought bravely to defend the Space Mini-Con Team, but Megatron managed to subvert their programming and [[powerlinx]] with the trio, forcing them to form the Requiem Blaster and obliterate their Autobot protector. {{storylink|Sacrifice}}

Sky Blast and the Space Team had little time to act as individuals after that, remaining powerlinxed as the Requiem Blaster as Megatron's personal weapon, and later when the Decepticons used the gun as one-third of the [[Hydra Cannon]], before it was stolen by Thrust and used to provide power to the heart of Unicron. Sky Blast, Payload and Astroscope reawakened as individuals with the help of [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] and the [[Street Action Mini-Con Team|Street Action Team]], who had journeyed to Unicron's core with Optimus Prime, [[Megatron (Armada)|Galvatron]] and the Earth children to grant the super-weapon Mini-Cons their freedom. {{storylink|Origin}} Sky Blast fled Unicron aboard the Autobot [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] just before the Chaos-Bringer was finally destroyed. {{storylink|Mortal Combat}}

===Dreamwave ''Armada'' comic===
Back in the day, Sky Blast lived in [[Mini-Con Sector|Mini-Con village D10]] alongside the other Space Team members, until one day when the [[Decepticon]]s trashed the village and captured them. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 1}} Along with most other imprisoned Mini-Cons, they eventually escaped and made their way to [[Earth]], where their [[Exodus (Armada)|ship]] crashed on the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]]. For the next million years, Sky Blast and the others built and resided in a [[Mini-Con Moonbase|fortress base]] on the moon under the command of [[Dualor]]. Him and the Space Team were apparently responsible for the signal that called all the Mini-Cons living on Earth to the moonbase. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 9}} Unfortunately, this attracted the Decepticons, who attacked the base. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 10}}

As Mini-Cons' defenses failed them, Sky Blast packed up his belongings (such as a [[Rubber Ducky|rubber ducky]]) and prepared to take the next escape pod outta there. He was stopped by [[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]], who needed the Space Team's help to save [[Rad White]], a [[human]] who was stuck in one of the moonbase's orbital mines. The team was hesitant, but were eventually convinced that they couldn't just run away. Sky Blast obtained the recall code for the relevant mine, but it didn't work properly, so he improvised a plan to bring the whole minefield to low lunar orbit. When this was done, Sky Blast headed out in person, using his rocket mode to reach the mine and pull it onboard a approaching [[Autobot]] shuttle. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 11}}

With nowhere else to go, the former moonbase residents temporarily sided with the Autobots. Sky Blast was seen listening to one of [[Rook (Armada)|Rook]]'s speeches about Mini-Con independence. {{storylink|Fire & Ice}} A while later, the Space Team oversaw a battle in [[Alaska]], and Sky Blast recognized that the [[Destruction Mini-Con Team|Destruction Team]] had driven [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] berserk by deactivating their [[safety interlock]]s. He was later ordered by [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] to head into space and shoot down [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]]'s destructive [[Solar Scalpel]] satellite, which he did at the very last second. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 13}}

Sky Blast was at the [[Autobase (Armada)|Autobase]] when the Autobots found an alternate-dimension [[Optimus Prime (Worlds Collide)|Optimus Prime]], who passed away after giving them a mysterious warning. {{storylink|Worlds Collide, Part 1 of 4}} With their own Optimus Prime missing somewhere in the multiverse, the Space Team started researching alternate dimensions in an attempt to find him. While Astroscope went on another mission, Sky Blast and Payload stayed at base, where they sent a temporal probe into a [[space bridge]] to scan different realities for Prime. {{storylink|Worlds Collide, Part 2 of 4}} While the defending Autobots were taken out one by one in a Decepticon attack, the two Mini-Cons had no choice but to sit tight, keep scanning and hope for the best. {{storylink|Worlds Collide, Part 3 of 4}} After 75,890,007 realities, the probe finally found Optimus Prime, and Sky Blast quickly sent his spatial coordinates to Sparkplug, [[Over-Run (Armada)|Over-Run]] and [[Comettor]] so that they could retrieve him. {{storylink|Worlds Collide, Part 4 of 4}}

Some time later, all the Mini-Cons on Earth gathered to join the fight against [[Unicron]], including Sky Blast. They traveled to the [[Loop]] on their home planet, where they focused their energies into the [[Mini-Con Matrix]] and released a blast that crippled Unicron. {{storylink|The End}}

===Panini ''Armada'' comics===
[[Image:PaniniArmada9_allthoseinfavour.jpg|thumb|right|200px|]]
In the early stages of the war, Sky Blast was among the Mini-Cons who supported [[Dualor]]'s plan to kill [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] by luring him to the [[Autobot]] headquarters and blowing it up. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 9|Counter-Strike!}}

{{-}}

==Toys==
===Armada===
[[Image:Armada-toy_SkyBlast.JPG|right|thumb|250px]]
*'''Space Mini-Con Team''' (Basic, 2003)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''MM-13'''

: Sky Blast transforms into a multi-thruster rocket based on the Vostok Rocket. He is designed to be carried on his teammate [[Payload (Armada)|Payload]]'s truck-mode. He also forms the main chamber of the combined [[Requiem Blaster]] weapon. He was only available in the Space Team set with [[Astroscope]] and Payload.

: The Space Team was put in "clamshell" packaging with other Mini-Con teams as "bonus buy" packs in several different store chains, including the [[Adventure Mini-Con Team]], [[Night Attack Mini-Con Team]], and [[Road Assault Mini-Con Team]].

: This mold was used to make [[Backblast]]. It was slated for a few other [[Redeco|redecoes]] that were ultimately not released (see below).

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2002/Mini-Con/SkyBlast/skyblast.htm More information on Sky Blast at TFU.info]''

[[Image:2003-spacemicron-xdimension-toys.jpg|thumb|right|250px|]]
*'''Space Micron X-Dimension''' (Basic, 2003)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''MM-14'''

: For their Japanese [[X-Dimension Mini-Cons|X-Dimension]] release, the entire Space Team was redecoed in shades of green and brown... an oddly terrestrial color scheme for a space-based group.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Micron/XApollo/apollo.htm More information on X-Dimension Apollo at TFU.info]''
{{-}}
*'''Apollo''' (Candy toy, 2003)
**''Change Micron ID number'':

: Sky Blast was sold as an individual in the second series of [[Kabaya]] "[[Change Micron]]" [[Candy toy|candy toys]] in Japan. This mold is based on the original, but is in fact an entirely new mold with numerous minor sculpting differences. It's likely this toy is also not [[Gang-molding|gang-molded]] with his teammates like the original. The most notable differences between the [[Hasbro]]/[[Takara]] Sky Blast and the Kabaya version is the latter has darker-blue plastic for the left arm and head, plus lacks the "burn mark" spray-painting on his legs.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Micron/CMApollo/apollo.htm More information on Change Micron Apollo at TFU.info]''

*'''Jetfire w/ Comettor''' (Ultracon, 2003)

: The Space Team was placed in a bubble attached to the top of normal ''Armada'' [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] packages as a bonus-buy in Target stores for a limited time in the US.

===Energon===
*'''Ultra Magnus''' (Ultra, 2004)

: The Space Team was redecoed and packaged in with ''[[Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' [[Ultra Magnus (Energon)|Ultra Magnus]]. Magnus was originally going to be packed with a new-characters redeco of the [[Street Speed Mini-Con Team]] ([[Brakedown (Energon)|Brakedown]], [[Clocker (Energon)|Clocker]] and [[Override (Energon)|Override]], no team name given), but were changed towards the last minute. Exactly why the change to the Space Team was made has yet to be determined.

: The toy was a last-minute redeco, along with [[Rapid Run (Energon)|Rapid Run]] and [[Treadbolt]]. As such, their packaging photography had to be completed before properly painted samples could be obtained, so the box-back photos use the original decos; Magnus's box also shows the original Street Speed Team rather than the Space Team.

: Magnus, Rapid Run and Treadbolt were produced in smaller numbers than the rest of the normal retail ''Energon'' line (reportedly only about 10,000 units each) and were only available in the initial shipments of the line. However, Magnus's shipment saw a very limited release, quickly replaced with the second assortment in the US, making him hard to come by. Magnus later showed up in much larger numbers in Australia, Canada and some European markets, and was made available in Japan through [[e-Hobby]] with the box altered via a black and white sticker, reflecting the Space Team's addition. The back of the European release's box was further corrected, as the Mini-Cons shown were changed along when more languages were added.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Mini-Con/Skyblast/skyblast.htm More information on ''Energon'' Sky Blast at TFU.info]''

*'''Road Assault Mini-Con Team & Space Mini-Con Team''' (Multi-pack, 2004)

: The Space Team was part of a Wal-Mart [[exclusive]] ''Energon''-series six-pack, in their original ''Armada'' deco. They came with the "Road Assault" version of the Race Team.

===Unreleased===
[[Image:Spacewarp-r.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Don't eat the brown acid!]]
* Test-shots of a slightly altered Space Team have popped up from various sources. It's possible this was intended to be a mid-series deco-change for the team, though it looks unfinished at best. The team has the ''exact'' same [[Paint operation|paint application]] layouts in the exact same ''colors'' as the original. Sky Blast's white and blue plastics changed to black, and that's it.

* The Space Team was also slated to be redecoed as pack-in partners for ''[[Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Astrotrain (Timelines)|Spacewarp]]. When the toy was saved from limbo by [[Fun Publications]], they intended to keep the Mini-Con partners, but were told by [[Takara]] that the ''Armada''-era Team molds were too worn out to use again. As such, the team was replaced by a redeco of the [[Giant Planet Mini-Con Team]] when "Astrotrain" finally saw release.
{{--}}

==Notes==
* Sky Blast's persona seems to be based on the [[Fantastic Four]]'s [[Human Torch]], to go with Astroscope being [[Mister Fantastic]] and Payload being the Thing.

==External links==
* [http://tfkenkon.com/collection/act281/ Gallery of the unreleased Armada Space Team at TFkenkon]

* [http://www.blackgears.com/gallery/micro2.html Gallery of the unreleased Spacewarp team at Black Gears]

[[Category:Armada Mini-Cons]]
[[Category:Candy toys]]
[[Category:Combiners]]
[[Category:Energon Mini-Cons]]