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Friend or Foe!? The True Form of the Monster!!

2010-08-19T03:52:46Z

207.81.16.34: /* Continuity errors */

{{episode
|series=Masterforce
|ep=13
|image=Friendorfoe.jpg
|caption=Paramount Pictures presents...
|title="Friend or Foe!? The True Form of the Monster!!"
|japanese=敵か味方か!?モンスターの正体!!
|romaji=Teki ka Mikata ka!? Monster no Shōtai!!
|production code=
|production company=[[TakaraTomy|Takara]], [[Toei]]
|writer=[[Yoshihisa Araki]]
|director=[[Tetsuo Imasawa]]
|animation studio=[[Toei]]
|airdate=[[July 12|12 July]] 1988
|continuity=[[Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}
'''The chase is on when Ginrai's Transtector activates on its own, and leads the Autobots and Decepticons to a mystery buried at a construction site.'''

:''Omni Productions dub title:'' "'''The True Face of the Mysterious Rock'''"
:''Also known as:'' "'''Is the Monster Friend or Foe?'''"

==Synopsis==
[[Image:FriendorFoe DHeadmasters Bullhorn has failed.jpg|thumb|left|200px]]
The [[Decepticon]] [[Headmaster Junior]]s decide to hunt down [[Ginrai]] themselves to prove their worth, but in the middle of the mission, they discover a group of girls playing tennis, and [[Bullhorn]] tries propositioning a few of them with "some fun", only to have them flee in terror. Bullhorn blames the ugliness of their [[Transtector|Transtectors]], but Wilder cites the ugliness of Bullhorn's ''face'' as the main reason. Bullhorn claims that his mother says he was the cutest kid in the world, and, suitably stupefied by that revelation, the boys decide to get back to work.

Meanwhile, the object of the Juniors' search, Ginrai, is being given a tour of the [[Autobot Base (Masterforce)|Autobot base]] by [[Shūta Gō|Shūta]], who shows him their combat simulator. Although he is impressed, Ginrai is still not sold on the idea of joining the Autobot army and losing his free-roaming lifestyle to its command structure. He idly remarks that he can even understand the Decepticon Headmaster Juniors' viewpoint—after all, who wouldn't want to cut loose if they were suddenly given that level of power? Shūta is appalled that Ginrai can even say this, so Ginrai quickly changes subjects by remembering that [[Cab]] has invited them to a [[Karin Islands|Karin Island]] fire-pit barbecue. [[Minerva]] has been invited as well, but after her recent clash with Ginrai over his treatment of [[Cancer]] when he was a prisoner, she is feeling guilty and thinks he will hate her for it. [[Metalhawk|Hawk]] convinces her to go, and she arrives just in time to overhear the three boys talking about her. Ginrai speaks highly of her honesty and makes it clear he's not angry with her, so she plucks up the courage to join them, and she and Ginrai apologize to each other.

[[Image:FriendorFoe Ginrai pratfall.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]
On the coast of Japan, [[Hydra (Masterforce)|Hydra]] and [[Buster (Masterforce)|Buster]] are also searching for Ginrai, and split up to cover more ground. At the same time, the Headmaster Juniors are perched on a roadway bridge somewhere in the middle of a city, watching the trucks that go by to see if any of them are Ginrai's. The roasting sun begins to take its toll on Bullhorn, however, and the group takes a break beside a lake to cool off. While looking at the landscape, Cancer thinks he recognises the mountain in the distance from when he was taken to the Autobot base, but as he was blindfolded, he can't be certain, and the trio don't follow up the lead.

[[Image:FriendorFoe workers find monolith.jpg|thumb|left|200px|"Aieeeee! Lensflare of doom!"]]
Back at the Autobot base, Ginrai and the Headmaster Juniors decide to have a race in their Transtectors, but when they arrive in the motor pool, Ginrai discover that his truck's engine is idling. Quite sure that he had turned it off, he climbs into the cab to investigate, only for the door to shut with him inside and for the truck to pull out of the base entirely under its own power! Shūta and Cab pursue him as the truck takes him back to his hometown of Nagano—to the base of Mount Yatsugatake, to be precise, where a construction team has found its efforts to blast a tunnel through the base of the mountain stymied by a mysterious black obelisk that lies in their path. Here, the truck stops, and Ginrai, Shūta and Cab join the crowd that surrounds the site as a news team reports on the strange occurrence—a report that is seen by the Decepticon Headmaster Juniors as they relax in a ramen shop, prompting them to head for Nagano.

[[Image:FriendorFoe Ginrai's new trailer.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Just what I always wanted! A box with wheels.]]
When the black obelisk begins to flare with destructive energy, the prefecture's hazardous materials team is called in, but Ginrai, struck by a sensation of destiny, pushes past the construction workers to enter the tunnel and take a look for himself. Once he is inside, the obelisk flares again, but this time, it begins to ''move'', working its way forward until it bursts out of the tunnel mouth, sending the crowd scattering. The Decepticon Juniors choose this as their moment to attack, and Ginrai attempts to reason with them, to absolutely no avail. Hydra, Buster and Metalhawk all soon arrive to join the fight, but when Ginrai comes under fire from Buster's [[Chōkon Power]], the mysterious obelisk reacts and once again erupts with energy. Its black surface layer is stripped away as it explodes with light from within, and Buster and Hydra are blasted by its energy and sent into a hasty retreat. The shocked Decepticon Juniors likewise make themselves scarce, leaving the Autobots to discover what the obelisk has become—a trailer for Ginrai's Transtector!

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Metalhawk]] (6)

'''Human Autobots'''

* [[Ginrai]] (4)
* [[Shūta Gō]] (5)
* [[Cab]] (7)
* [[Minerva]] (8)

|c2=
'''Human Decepticons'''

* [[Bullhorn]] (1)
* [[Cancer]] (2)
* [[Wilder]] (3)
* [[Buster (Masterforce)|Buster]] (9)
* [[Hydra (Masterforce)|Hydra]] (10)
}}

==Quotes==

"My mom says I was the cutest kid in the world!"
:—'''Bullhorn'''

"What're they doing here?! They have way too much free time!"
:—'''Cab''' on the Decepticon Headmaster Juniors.

==Notes==
===Continuity errors===
*Minerva professes to have said "mean things" to Ginrai yet all she said was "Mr. Ginrai!" and "But he's… he's…" And that's it.
*As in "[[Birth! Headmaster Jrs]]", the news reporter in this episode knows what Autobots and Decepticons are, and the fight between them in this episode is broadcast on live television—yet in later episodes, much of the world will be utterly clueless about Transformers even existing!

===Continuity notes===
*Cancer's capture, Ginrai's trip to Japan and his fight with Minerva all occurred in the [[A Strange Friendship: Cancer and Minerva|previous episode]].

===Real-world references===
*When musing about his Godmaster powers and what a person could do with them, he compares Godmasters to comic-book superhero [[wikipedia:Superman|Superman]].

===Trivia===
* There was a two-week break between the previous episode and this one when they originally aired on Japanese television.
* At the start of the episode, the girls playing tennis were nonplussed but otherwise unbothered by the sudden appearance of three [[Transtector|giant robot monster looking things]]. It wasn't until Bullhorn popped out to try his luck with them that they ran screaming. Clearly he's the [[Sam Witwicky|ladies' man]] of the group.
* For most of the scene with the Decepticon Headmaster Juniors eating noodles, Wilder has his hair tucked up under his headband, finally revealing that he does, in fact, have two eyes after all.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote|jsubs}}
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Super-God Masterforce'' — DVD Box 01 ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — The Takara Collection Vol 2 — ''Transformers: Super-God Masterforce'' ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Takara Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2008 — ''The Transformers: Super God Masterforce'' ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers: Japan Generation 1'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment)

[[Category:Super-God Masterforce episodes]]

T-Wrecks

2010-08-10T20:53:10Z

207.81.16.34: /* Toys */

{{factions|dinobot}}
{{picsneeded}}
:''T-Wrecks is a [[Dinobots (BM)|Dinobot]] from the [[Beast Machines (franchise)|Beast Machines]] portion of the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''
{{mainpic|10:24, 24 April 2009 (EDT)}}

Former attack specialist '''T-Wrecks''' was stationed in sector 17 of the [[Mirtonian constellation]], but returned to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] just in time to be reformatted by the [[Oracle]], and become leader of the new Dinobots. He is a staunch defender of the [[Maximal]] cause, and his prowess on the battlefield has led his troops to nickname him "Big Rex".

==Fiction==
===''Universe: The Wreckers'' comics===
The Dinobots were sent to an unnamed planet by the Oracle in order to awaken the "sleeping giant" for a mysterious purpose. However the mission was a fool's errand, arranged by the [[Quintesson]]s, and designed to destroy the Dinobots. The planet held prisoner one of their most dangerous creations, the energy-draining [[Trans-Organic]] creature known as the [[Dweller]]. {{storylink|Betrayal}}

T-Wrecks, [[Triceradon (BM)|Triceradon]], [[Terranotron (BM)|Terranotron]] and [[Dinotron]] survived their encounter with the Dweller and managed to get off-planet. They met up with [[Devcon (G1)|Devcon]] at [[Spaceport CSSB-16]], and joined him on his quest to hunt down [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]]. {{storylink|Disclosure}}

{{charstubfiction}}
{{-}}
==Toys==
===Beast Machines===
[[Image:BM T-Wrecks toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Look, ma! No hands!]]
*'''T-Wrecks''' (Ultra, 2000)
**''Accessories'': 2 spring-launched blade-missiles, water squirter

: T-Wrecks is a [[redeco]] of the Ultra-class ''[[Beast Wars (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] [[Megatron (BW)/toys|Megatron]]. He transforms into a ''Tyrannosaurus rex'', with a water-spraying gimmick inside his dino-mode mouth. In robot mode, his left arm has a lunging/snapping claw gimmick, plus he has a pair of hip-mounted spring-loaded missile launchers. He retains the "[[mutant head]]" gimmick as well: a pair of bat-like "wings" on his helmet that swing forward to cover his face as a "battle mask" (a feature which, unlike the original Megatron's, was actually depicted in fiction).

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2000/Dinobot/T-Wrecks/t-wrecks.htm More information on T-Wrecks at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

==Notes==
*Several hints in his bio suggest T-Wrecks may be the same character as the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]] [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] in a new body, such as being a "former attack specialist" (his ''Beast Wars'' function) and some references to ''[[Generation 2 (franchise)|Generation 2]]''. However, he was not portrayed as such in his fictional appearances.

[[Category:Beast Machines characters]]
[[Category:Dinobots]]
[[Category:Maximals]]
[[Category:Timelines characters]]
[[Category:Universe characters]]

Barricade (Movie)

2010-06-13T09:42:39Z

207.81.16.34: /* Transformers (2007 film) */

{{factions|decepticonfilm}}
{{disambig3|Barricade}}
:''Barricade is a [[Decepticon]] from the [[Movie (franchise)|2007 movie franchise]] in the [[Live-action film series|live-action film]] [[continuity family]]. He is also known as '''N.B.E. 04'''.''

[[Image:MovieBarricade render1.jpg|right|300px|thumb|"I'm always the Bad Cop. And don't bother asking for the Good Cop. I killed him."]]

'''Barricade''' is apparently a complicated robot. He's considered "fractious" even by Decepticon standards, yet is willing to give [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] the benefit of the doubt and follow where he leads, at least for the time being. Though not totally dedicated to the service of the Decepticons' current leader, he is much more cautious and reserved about expressing mutinous dissent than say [[Blackout (Movie)|''most'']]. He believes that Starscream is vital in their search for [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] and the [[AllSpark (Movie)|All Spark]]. In many ways this makes him Starscream's closest ally in the naturally combative Decepticon ranks. Then again, it's been said that he likes to trick people into trusting him, just so he can see their reactions when they find out just how much of a bad idea it was. As such, he has disguised himself as an Earth police car in an attempt to fool the humans around him.

If his attitude toward his fellow Decepticons is inconsistent, his attitude toward the [[Autobot|Autobots]] is not: kill them all. Barricade might not be as large as most of his peers, but he is every bit as deadly. He thoroughly relishes every chance in fighting the Autobots. He's smart enough to let one live if he thinks he or the Decepticons can use it to their advantage, but most of the time, they're dead before someone's even thought of a plan.

{{quote|Autobots, foul Autobots, here we come. Let our long war resume—and let it end here.
|Barricade, ''[[Ghosts of Yesterday]]''}}

:''Chinese name (Taiwan):'' '''Pàn Gūan''' (叛官, "Treacherous Official")
:''Chinese name (China):'' '''Lu Zhang''' (路障, "Barricade" or "Roadblock")

==Fiction==
===IDW ''Transformers'' movie comics===
[[Image:Defiance3_BrawlCrankcaseBarricade.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Are you trying to out-complain the complainer?]]

Many years in the past, Barricade was a member of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]'s defense forces, under the command of Protector [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]. After the discovery of a [[The Fallen|mysterious relic]], unknown alien hostiles attacked Cybertron. Megatron ordered Barricade and Scorponok to perform recon. {{Storylink|Defiance issue 1}} Following the battle, Megatron changed significantly, altering the military's mission from one of protection of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] to making war upon the hostile aliens and anybody who would stand in their way. {{Storylink|Defiance issue 2}}

Barricade was sent on a mission to capture science division leader (and thorn in Megatron's side) [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus]] and eliminate his fellow scientists and the unwitting security team sent to arrest him. He and [[Crankcase (Movie)|Crankcase]] observed [[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]] nailing the "traitors" with an explosive round, and he was eager to get into the fight. He was ordered back by the glory-hound [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]], but Barricade had the last laugh when the wily Optimus managed to bury the aerial forces under a mountain of rubble. After they were dug out, they all joined the rest of Megatron's new "Decepticon" faction. {{Storylink|Defiance issue 3}}

During the subsequent civil war, Barricade was one of the Decepticons under the command of Starscream at a battle outside of [[Tyger Pax]]. As they were mopping up the last remnants of Autobot resistance, Barricade amused himself by playing with the decapitated head of a fallen Autobot. When he saw the All Spark jettisoned into space, Barricade realized that Cybertron would soon die. Bonecrusher said to let it die, and he could join it. Barricade did not bring up the discussion again. {{storylink|Planetfall}}

Ordered by Megatron to follow Optimus Prime's ship, Starscream hastily assembled a crew to go after them. Barricade not-exactly-quietly questioned the need to hurry, as he thought Megatron would have captured the All Spark by now and would have take care of the Autobots in time. He also questioned Starscream's truthfulness. Unfortunately, he was overheard by Starscream and was chastised for his big mouth. While pursuing the ''Ark'', they were led into a trap and had to limp back to Cybertron for repairs. Once their ship was repaired, they continued on with their mission, landing on the [[Mars (planet)|fourth planet]] of the solar system where they detected the All Spark's trace energy pulse. {{storylink|The Reign of Starscream Issue Number One|The Reign of Starscream issue 1}}

The Decepticons landed in the [[Earth]] nation-state of Afghanistan. During their attack on a nearby [[United States Military|US Military]] installation, Barricade used a facade of friendliness to trick nearby human soldiers into lowering their guard, whereupon he slaughtered them at point-blank range. Later, he was almost hit by a localized EMP weapon from a human, but it instead hit his comrade [[Wreckage (Movie)|Wreckage]]. {{storylink|Planetfall}}

{{note|"Planetfall"'s depiction of Barricade's arrival on Earth in Afghanistan conflicts with IDW's own ''Prime Directive'' prequel comic, which implies he actually landed somewhere in North America, and it remains unexplained how the land-based Decepticons would later appear in America, given Blackout immediately leaves to attack [[SOCCENT Forward Operations Base|SOCCENT Qatar]] in this comic. However, this scene was later used in IDW's [[The Reign of Starscream]] movie sequel comic.}}

[[Image:Movie Barricade IDWprequel nowitnesses.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Christine... is that you?]]

The Decepticon infiltration unit under the command of Starscream arrived on Earth in the year 2003. Barricade scanned a Saleen S281 police car, then destroyed the original human vehicle to cover his tracks, as did his fellow Decepticons when choosing their new forms. It is uncertain how he managed to scan what appears to be a 2006 model in 2003. Maybe he's just that good. {{storylink|Movie Prequel issue 4|Prime Directive (IDW) issue 4}}

Barricade tailed [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] outside of [[Denver]], [[Colorado]] as the Autobot was eluding [[Sector Seven]] while working on a new lead on the [[Witwicky|Witwickys]]. {{storylink|Interlude}} Unfortunately Bumblebee got wind of him and escaped. A new opportunity presented itself when Bumblebee was lured into a trap by Sector Seven; trouble was, the rest of Starscream's team had been lured as well. Barricade suggested that they let the Autobot go to see where he led them, which Starscream agreed to, but told Barricade to make it look convincing. {{storylink|Movie Prequel issue 4|Prime Directive (IDW) issue 4}}

===''Transformers: Beginnings''===
{{charstubfiction}}

The Decepticon infiltration unit under the command of Starscream arrived on Earth in the year 2003. Barricade scanned a Saleen S281 police car<ref>It is uncertain how he managed to scan what appears to be a 2006 model in 2003. Maybe he's just that good.</ref>, then destroyed the original human vehicle to cover his tracks, as did his fellow Decepticons when choosing their new forms. However, Bumblebee got wind of his presence and escaped. A new opportunity presented itself when Bumblebee was lured into a trap by Sector Seven. Trouble was, the rest of Starscream's team had been lured into it as well. Barricade suggested that they let the Autobot go to see where he led them. Starscream agreed, but told Barricade to make it look convincing.

Barricade tailed Bumblebee outside of Denver, Colorado as the Autobot was eluding Sector Seven while working on a new lead on the Witwickys.

{{note|"Transformers: Beginnings" is a condensed, Flash-animated retelling of the [[IDW Publishing|IDW]] [[Prime Directive (IDW)|Prime Directive]] Movie Prequel that is detailed above this section.}}

===''Ghosts of Yesterday'' prequel novel===
{{cleanup|May 2009|Needs expansion telling us of his adventures in the story, not a general description of what he's like in it.}}

Barricade acted as pilot and chief science officer for the ''[[Nemesis (Movie)|Nemesis]]''. Through this he apparently possessed an impressive "mastery of physics", being very intelligent. He claimed to have chafed under Starscream's leadership, but was willing to tolerate him for the moment. Barricade spent most of his time rubbing everyone the wrong way and loving every minute of it. [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] once said that Barricade could be as dangerous as [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]]. {{storylink|Ghosts of Yesterday}}

===''Transformers'' (2007 film)===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Jess Harnell]] (English), [[Katsuhiro Kitagawa]] (Japan), [[Oliver Siebeck]] (German), [[Júlio César]] (Brazil)

[[Image:BarricadeVsSam.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Barricade negotiates an alternative to PayPal.]]

After being active on [[Earth]] for some time, Barricade arrived to pick up [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]] after the smaller Decepticon's attempt to hack into and sabotage the United States military network on [[Air Force One]]. Using data Frenzy had acquired, the two learned of [[Sector Seven]], "Project Iceman", and [[Archibald Witwicky|Witwicky man]], the discoverer of the entombed [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]. The duo were able to use the internet to learn of both Witwicky man's descendants, [[Sam Witwicky|ladiesman217]], and a pair of glasses that Megatron had accidentally marked with the location of the long-lost [[AllSpark (Movie)|All Spark]]. Frenzy declared that they needed to find ladiesman217, and Barricade moved out in search of him.

[[Image:Movie Barricade defeat.jpg|left|250px|thumb|He got better.]]

Later, Barricade confronted ladiesman217 regarding his recent [[eBay]] auctions while the human was fleeing [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]], whom the human mistakenly believed was out to harm him. Ladiesman217 fell for Barricade's ruse, and requested the "officer's" help, only for Barricade to transform before him. As ladiesman217 fled, Barricade knocked him onto the hood of an abandoned car, then violently demanded information on eBay item 21153. Ladiesman217 and his [[Mikaela Banes|female friend]], who had been drawn into the encounter, managed to escape him when Bumblebee convinced the boy to trust him, and Barricade pursued both the Autobot and two humans to a junkyard. After temporarily losing and then regaining their position, he charged into battle, activating his mace/rotating blade, and dispatched Frenzy to chase down the humans. However, his battle with Bumblebee ended with Barricade heavily damaged. Considering the fact that Frenzy was decapitated, he got off lucky.

[[Image:Decepticons highway.JPG|right|250px|thumb|Nope, nothing suspicious about this.]]

Evidently, though, he recovered, and was back to working order when Frenzy (who had survived and infiltrated Sector Seven) transmitted both Megatron and the All Spark's location to his fellow Decepticons. When the humans fled with the All Spark, Barricade joined in the pursuit along with [[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]] and [[Bonecrusher (Movie)|Bonecrusher]]. Brawl soon broke off on an alternate route, while Barricade and Bonecrusher hit the freeway, making contact with the Autobot/human convoy. Barricade attempted to clear some room for the two Decepticons by activating his sirens; Bonecrusher simply rammed everything in his way. Ladiesman217 recognized Barricade, and warned that they were in danger. [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]], [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]], and [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] aligned to block their access to Bumblebee, who contained the humans and the All Spark. He was never seen again... {{storylink|Transformers (2007)}}

{{-}}

===Titan Magazines ''Transformers'' movie comics===
{{note|The following event is unique to the Titan Magazines continuity, and occurs nowhere else.}}

Barricade was killed in the <strike>[[Mission City]]</strike> [[Los Angeles]] battle and then resurrected as a zombie for a few minutes by Starscream. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 7|Starscream's Militia}}

{{note|The following events occur in the Star Screams timeline.}}

Starscream would like to make Barricade his second-in-command. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 16|#16's Star Screams}}

{{notetitantlg}}
Barricade was part of two punitive Decepticon attacks: a raid on a supply convoy at Shreveport, [[Louisiana]] {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 16|Dark Spark}} and a solo strike on Cincinnati, [[Ohio]] as part of a "Stop supporting Autobots OR ELSE!" campaign. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 23|Revolution Part 1}}

When Starscream started open warfare, he did indeed make Barricade one of his generals. However, Barricade soon found himself bogged down in fighting [[Stockade (Movie)|Stockade's]] "New Decepticons". {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 24|Revolution Part 2}}

===IDW ''Transformers'' movie comics===
[[Image:Barricade and Starscream ROS issue 1.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Elvis ain't dead!]]
During the motorway chase, Barricade attempted to close on Bumblebee, but was taken out by Ironhide, knocking him off the road and causing him to go offline. He was later reactivated by "Lord" Starscream, and suggested to his new leader that they should find [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]]. {{storylink|The Reign of Starscream Issue Number One|The Reign of Starscream issue 1}}

He remained on Earth, watching over a Sector Seven research base. {{storylink|The Reign of Starscream issue 3}}

Barricade spied on the Autobots as they prepared to help [[William Lennox|Captain Lennox]] and [[Robert Epps|Sergeant Epps]] dispose of the Decepticons' bodies. He amplified the conversation and transmitted it to whoever was listening—and, as it turned out, Starscream, having returned from Cybertron to Mars, was ready and willing to answer. {{storylink|Alliance issue 1}}

When more Decepticons under [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] arrived on Earth, Barricade provided them with intelligence on which Autobots they were facing. He continued to plague the Autobots and the new [[NEST]] team, escaping each time. {{storylink|Alliance issue 4}}

Barricade returned to Tranquility, where he captured Sam and interrogated him again by chaining him to a hook over a car compacter. He also sent a message to Bumblebee: "The All Spark for the boy." Bumblebee came to the boy's rescue, eventually knocking Barricade into a pool of gasoline and firing on him, setting off a massive explosion. Surviving, Barricade drove off in car mode. {{storylink|Tales of the Fallen issue 1}}

===''The Veiled Threat'' prequel novel===
{{Note|The events of ''The Veiled Threat'' take place during [[IDW Publishing]]'s ''Alliance'' comic.}}

After the traitorous businessman [[Bruno Carrera]] and Starscream had trapped Optimus Prime in the Colosseum in Rome, [[Italy]], Starscream turned the situation over to Barricade, who was more than delighted to see his old enemy in such a prone state. However, before he could strike the final blow, a bunch of [[human]]s began attacking, which wouldn't have been a problem if they weren't equipped with the scientific genius of [[Kaminari Ishihara]] and [[Petr Andronov]], in addition to [[William Lennox]] and [[Robert Epps]] firing sabot rounds into him. He was about to stomp on the insects when Prime broke free of the trap and engaged him. Once the humans were clear, Optimus pulled a surprise move by jumping out of the pit and dumping rock on top of him.

Once he was buried, Optimus melted the top layer of rock, trapping Barricade long enough for the NEST team to defeat Starscream and take him in. Unfortunately, Barricade was nowhere to be found; instead, a passing crew working on the subway found a strange new tunnel, leading from the Colosseum to the center of a park. Whatever had dug the new passage overnight was nowhere to be seen. {{storylink|The Veiled Threat}}

===Titan Magazines ROTF comic===

{{Note|The following details Barricade's tenure as letter-answerer on the Law and Disorder letters page.}}

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

With Starscream suffering a nervous breakdown and was sent to a special home (the Decepticons made sure it was a very ''secure'' special home (#12)), Barricade took control of the letters page; however, the Autobots dispatched [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] to co-run it, much to the Decepticon's irritance. He shares Starscream's contempt for ''you'', the reader (#1), and continues the tradition of threatening violence against ''anyone'' who cosplays as an Autobot (#7). This, however, doesn't stop him bragging to Ironhide when the letters are pro-Decepticon, and at one point he held a popularity contest to see who the kiddies wanted to be "subjugated by this issue!" (#6).

Relations appear to have broken down between the Decepticons and [[DreamWorks]], as they're back to targeting Bay et al for their propaganda films (after a brief [[Revenge of the Fallen (film)#Titan Magazines Transformers movie comics|alliance]] with the second film). Barricade personally enjoyed the scene in the first film when [[Mojo|a dog]] peed on Ironhide though! (#1) Barricade won't even work with the film's tie-in media, refusing to allow his likeness to be used in one of the ROTF video games. (#4) (He claims he never wanted to be in ''[[War for Cybertron]]'' but his tears disprove that (#12)) He later decided fame was more important than principles though, submitting a script and auditioning for a part in the third film by threatening [[Michael Bay]] with death (#8). He's absolutely ''disgusted'' by [[fandom|our]] enjoyment of the films: he lost ''friends'' during filming, man. (#10)

In the early days, he appeared to be separated from the rest of the Decepticons, as his knowledge on their current status is spotty; while he knows [[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] has turned traitor, he seemed unaware that [[Ravage (ROTF)|Ravage]] had been terminated. (#4) He later re-established contact, being aware of [[Grindor (ROTF)|Grindor's]] status and [[the Fallen]]. (#7) He also has a ''shockingly'' bad knowledge of Transformers [[units of time]]. (#8)

He doesn't think much of Starscream's intelligence or ability to lead (a bit of a pisser when Starscream considered ''him'' to be 2IC material!), but ''much'' prefers him over Megatron. (#1) He once explained some of Megatron's flaws, only to get scared and state how he totally respects him ''really''. (#3) He also dislikes [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]], claiming the guy ''never'' pulls his weight and is just Megatron's fave. (#7) On top of that, while he follows the party line and claims the Decepticons have "policies" (#7), he's shown signs of discontent with being a Decepticon: the long hours, the lousy food, the admin work... (#5)

Ironhide has started to offer Barricade the chance to defect to the Autobots. The copper outright rejected this offer the first time, saying he couldn't bear the thought of listening to Optimus moralise. (#9) The second time, however, he merely stated the horrific penalties for defecting Decepticons (#10) and the third, he desperately said he just ''couldn't'' do it, even if it would be nice to hang with other cars for once... BUT HE CAN'T! Ironhide's friendliness is starting to disturb him. (#11)

Barricade has watched the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original 1980s cartoon]] (#3) and approves of humanity's fascination with giant robots. In contrast, he is ''completely'' bewildered by pop music. (#7)

He's apparently got an eye for [[Female Transformer|the ladies]], making sure to flirt right back when a neutral femme wrote into the letter's column looking to play "bad cop/bad cop pretending to be good cop" with him. (#5)

Like Starscream before him, he somehow has awareness of [[Unicron]]. And Unicron gives him the shits. (#6)

Like Starscream before him, he's refered to being active during the 1980s. At the time, he was a [[Barricade (G1)|Micromaster]]. (#12)

He is fed up of Ironhide bringing up how Bumblebee kicked his arse, and is determined to get revenge on "that little yellow cretin"...

===Cyber Missions===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Bronco D. Jackson]]
After a high speed pursuit through [[Scramble City (city)|Scramble City]], Barricade managed to ditch [[Sideswipe (ROTF)|Sideswipe]] and used
his [[Moustache Man|holo avatar]] to break into a secure facility. Standing guard while [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]] raided the computers, he somehow failed to hear Sideswipe bushwhack his partner and was only alerted when Frenzy's crumpled-up form rolled into his foot. After throwing Frenzy at Sideswipe, Barricade engaged the Autobot in combat, managing to defeat him by freezing him to a wall. He then made off with Frenzy and the [[NEST]] access codes. {{storylink|Cyber Missions 6}}

==Games==
==="Flight of the Bumblebee" online game===
Barricade was one of a group of Decepticons who trapped Bumblebee in a canyon. He stood around on a rocky butte, walking back and forth and waiting for Bumblebee to drive up to him. When the Autobot dropped in, Barricade immediately opened fire, blasting Bumblebee continuously. Unfortunately, Bumblebee had the idea to shoot back, blasting him right out of the picture with just one shot. {{storylink|Flight of the Bumblebee|Flight of the Bumblebee}}
{{-}}

===Transformers The Game (console)===
:''Voice actor'': [[Keith David]]

====Autobot campaign====
Barricade was sent to Tranquility to hunt down Sam Witwicky and the glasses that held the location of the All Spark. He attempted to capture Sam and Mikaela outside their high school, but Bumblebee stepped in. The humans fled for the nearby baseball field with Barricade in pursuit, but Bumblebee beat him to them, protecting them while they ran away again. He followed them to the power plant, but was once again foiled by Bumblebee and sent packing.

Later, in [[Mission City]], Barricade made one last grab for the All Spark after [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]], [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]] and [[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]] had each fallen to the Autobots. However, he was once again intercepted by Bumblebee, and finally defeated for good. {{storylink|Transformers The Game (console)}}

====Decepticon campaign====
Upon reaching Tranquility and choosing his alternate mode, Barricade attempted some recon, but encountered a squad of Autobot drones, a battle which spilled out to the local baseball field. Shortly afterwards, he was informed by Starscream that [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]] had information they needed, but the diminutive Decepticon had been captured by [[Sector Seven]] agents. Barricade tracked them to the power plant, then hounded the agents across town in their highly resistant van, wrecking every building in his path until Frenzy was recovered.

Finally on the trail of Sam, he was stopped cold by Sam's protector Bumblebee. Barricade got the upper hand, but the Autobot led him on a chase that ended in [[Bay Demolition|Bay's Demolition]] lot, and an ambush courtesy of a lot of Autobot drones. Barricade overcame the odds, and hunted down Bumblebee once more, finally besting the Autobot and taking the glasses from Sam. Having located Megatron, Barricade relayed his findings to Starscream, who directed him to specific coordinates while coming to the aid of Bonecrusher and Brawl.

When the Decepticons converged on Mission City, Barricade was tasked with taking out the Autobot [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]]. He later stood in Megatron's presence after the All Spark had been recovered and [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] ordered the Earth to be destroyed before they left it on their way to conquering all of known space. {{storylink|Transformers The Game (console)}}

===''Transformers Autobots/Decepticons'' (Nintendo DS)===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Keith David]]

====''Transformers: Autobots''====
When Bumblebee went to investigate the source of an image found on the internet, he found Barricade waiting for him. Barricade blew up a nearby car and took off, sending out messages on the police radio that Bumblebee was responsible. After failing to lose Bumblebee in spite of all of Tranquility's police force being after him, he engaged him in combat. Unable to defeat Bumblebee, he hastily retreated. Later on, he encountered Bumblebee and Optimus Prime as the two were leaving Hoover Dam. With a large helicopter Decepticon at his side, he demanded the All Spark from Prime, not even caring about the consequences. He was killed, but revealed to Prime he was merely a distraction while other Decepticons freed Megatron from his icy prison. {{storylink|Transformers Autobots/Decepticons|Transformers: Autobots}}

====''Transformers: Decepticons''====
When the [[Create-A-Bot (Decepticon)|Decepticon Create-A-Bot]] arrived on Earth, his mentor, Starscream, directed him to rendezvous with Barricade, already active on the planet. Barricade was not enamored with the idea of a partner, feeling that the Create-A-Bot would only slow him down, but after putting the rookie through his paces, he permitted him to join him on his mission in the town of [[Tranquility]]. Barricade revealed to the Create-A-Bot what Starscream had not—that the signal which had brought the Decepticons to Earth had come from Megatron himself. The rookie dismissed Megatron as a relic, and was struck by Barricade for the insult. With some help from the rookie, Barricade discovered that the Autobot Bumblebee was already on Megatron's trail; Barricade pursued Bumblebee, defeated him in battle on the outskirts of Tranquility, and acquired the data he had gathered.

Now aware that the human military organization [[Sector Seven]] was holding Megatron, Barricade arranged for [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]] to the Create-A-Bot to a [[Qatar]] military base, where they and [[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]] hacked Sector Seven's databanks. The file they obtained was brought back to Barricade in Tranquility for deciphering, and revealed that Megatron was being held by Sector Seven in the [[Hoover Dam]]. The Create-A-Bot suggesting relaying this to Starscream, but Barricade loudly refuted the idea, happy that the impending resurrection of Megatron would mean that he would no longer have to serve under a cowardly, back-stabbing bureaucrat like Starscream. Swayed by Barricade's words, the rookie revealed a fact that Starscream had told only him—that the All Spark was also present on Earth. Shocked by the revelation, Barricade realized that Starscream had been scheming to acquire the All Spark for himself, to ensure that not even Megatron could remove him from power. With the rookie now turned from Starscream and on his side, Barricade was able to liberate Megatron from Sector Seven, and the Decepticons pursued the Autobots, now in possession of the All Spark, back to Tranquility. During the battle, Starscream finally claimed the All Spark from Bumblebee, and Barricade stood against him, intent on bringing him in for treason. Alas, the All Spark-powered Starscream destroyed Barricade, but with in death, Barricade proved to the Create-A-Bot what it truly meant to be a Decepticon. An interesting note: Barricade became one of the only Decepticons to transform while fighting in this game, and he was very effective at it. {{storylink|Transformers Autobots/Decepticons|Transformers: Decepticons}}

===''Transformers Revenge of the Fallen Decepticons'' (Nintendo DS)===
Despite not appearing in [[Revenge of the Fallen (film)|the movie]], Barricade still appears in the Decepticons version of the DS game. He did a good deal of [[energon (fuel)|energon]] collection for [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] and Starscream. Apparently, he also had the time to race [[Sideways (ROTF)|Sideways]] through a munitions factory, despite the ongoing war with the Autobots. Yeah. {{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen: Autobots/Decepticons|Revenge of the Fallen: Decepticons}}

==Toys==
===Transformers (2007)===
====Legends Class toys====
[[Image:LegendsBarricade.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Yes, he is movie-accurate.]]
* '''Barricade''' (Legends Class, 2007)
**''Japanese name:'' '''EZ Collection Barricade'''

: The smallest transforming version of the character, [[Legends Class|Legends]] Barricade features limited articulation and detail. In what could only be defined as an anomaly of physics, compared to the other Movie Legends, Barricade is quite close in appearance and transformation to the larger deluxe figure. Legends Barricade's instructions also overlook the fact that his grill can flip down to fill out his torso and raise his chest higher.

{{-}}

[[Image:Movie Allspark Legends pack.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Round up the usual suspects.]]
*'''Battle for the Allspark''' (Toys'R'Us exclusive multi-pack, 2007)

: A Toys'R'Us exclusive, this six-pack of Legends class figures contains unmodified toys of [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]], [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]], [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]], [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]], [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] and Barricade.

{{-}}

[[Image:Movie Legends CliffjumperBarricade toys.jpg|right|250px|thumb|It's Redeco versus Redeco—I'm putting my money on Redeco.]]
*'''Cliffjumper vs. Recon Barricade''' (Legends Allspark Battles multi-pack, 2007)

: Released as part of the ''AllSpark Battles'' refresh of the ''Movie'' toyline, Legends class Recon Barricade is a redeco of the regular Legends class Barricade in a paint scheme based upon the Deluxe class Recon Barricade. Yes. He comes packed with Legends class [[Cliffjumper (Movie)|Cliffjumper]], itself a repaint of Legends class Bumblebee.

*'''Recon Barricade''' (Legends, 2008)

: An individually packaged release of the Legends class toy, released within Europe.

{{-}}

====Deluxe Class toys====
[[Image:Movie DeluxeBarricade toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|The secret love child of [[Blackjack]] and [[Stakeout]].]]
* '''Barricade''' (Deluxe Class, 2007)
**''Japanese ID Number:'' '''MD-02'''
**''Accessories:'' Frenzy mini-figure

:Barricade transforms into an accurate [[wikipedia:Saleen|Saleen S281 Police Cruiser]]. As with [[Bumblebee (Movie)|MOST]] deluxe-class cars in the ''Movie'' line, he features clear windows for his windshield and doors, but oddly his rear window is opaque black plastic. Stored inside the engine bay, behind the car's ram bar is a mini-figure [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]] disguised as Barricade's grill. We say mini, but Frenzy would be about six feet tall, scale wise.

: In robot mode, Barricade quite faithfully reproduces the CGI design, though his chest cannot deform to the same extent. He features a reasonable amount of articulation with ball joints for his shoulders and upper legs, ratcheting and swivels for his elbows and double-jointed knees (although the knees make it difficult to properly align the upper and lower portions of his legs). Barricade has no neck joint as the two car hood halves slot into place between the bottom of the head and the plate on which it sits. Barricade does not have any [[Automorph Technology|Automorphing]] [[gimmick]] to speak of; in its place is a spring-loaded extending "punching" attack on his left arm.

: As with almost all Transformers toys issued over the last few years, a few of his transformation quirks are undocumented; in robot mode front wheel panels on his shoulders are ball-jointed, allowing one to position them in a manner similar to what is seen in the movie renders. Additionally, the sections that become his claws (apart from the thumb hinge) can swing up slightly to make themselves more pronounced, and spikes on the top of his feet can be swung up. His head is also able to be pulled up farther, allowing for a less "Hunchback of Cybertron" look, and panels just behind his neck resting on top of the hood to hold it there.

{{-}}

[[Image:Bumblebee Barricade deluxeboxset.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Mullethead vs. Cop]]
*'''Bumblebee vs. Barricade: First Encounter''' (Wal*Mart exclusive multi-pack, 2007)
**''Accessories:'' Frenzy mini-figure

: This Wal*Mart exclusive battle pack contains the deluxe-class Barricade and the 1974 Camaro deluxe-class [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] figures, based upon their confrontation as seen in the movie. The box features a diorama-style background from a movie scene, but toys themselves are unchanged from their original carded releases.

{{-}}

[[Image:ReconBarricade.jpg|right|255px|thumb|Barricade escaped by disguising himself as [[Prowl (Energon)|''Energon'' Prowl]].]]
*'''Recon Barricade''' (Deluxe, 2007)
**''Accessories:'' Frenzy mini-figure

: A [[redeco]] of the normal Deluxe Barricade toy, this time in a "local security" blue and gray pattern. All the [[Gimmick|gimmicks]] remain the same, including his little pal [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]], who is now colored more [[FIRRIB|G1-accurate]] (as well as [[Show-accuracy|movie-accurate]] colored eyes not seen on any other Frenzy toy).

: Recon Barricade's license plate reads "SAGE2764", a reference to the screenname of a member of a Chinese newsgroup used by [[Joe Kyde]] (who would later design the deco for Recon Barricade) to disseminate [http://tformers.com/Unknown-Megatron-Drawing-Possible-Movie-Design/6030/news.html hoax information] for a thesis project.

{{-}}

[[Image:Movie ScreenBattles FirstEncounter.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Which one of these is different from the others? Go ahead, guess!]]
*'''First Encounter''' (Screen Battles, 2007)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''SB-01'''
**''Accessories:'' Sam Witwicky figure, Mikaela figure and Frenzy figure

: This Screen Battles pack features a largely unchanged Deluxe class Barricade figure. The only real difference is the Frenzy mini-figure, which is now cast entirely in black plastic, sports ''no'' paint applications and is supposed to be stuck permanently inside Barricade's chest thanks to a new, additional piece of plastic (as a matter of fact, the Frenzy figure is also neither advertised on the packaging nor depicted in the instructions).

:This only applies to the Hasbro version, however—TakaraTomy's Japanese release of the pack features a Barricade that is identical to the single pack version, including an easily removable Frenzy figurine cast in grey plastic with painted red eyes.

:The pack also comes with non-posable figurines of Sam Witwicky in a running pose, Frenzy menacing [[Sam Witwicky|Sam]] and [[Mikaela Banes|Mikaela]] holding the power saw she uses to attack Frenzy. The set is packaged in a special window box with a diorama depicting the battle between Barricade and Bumblebee.

:According to details listed in an official checklist on Hasbro's website<ref name="checklist">[http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/default.cfm?page=Collectors/Checklist Hasbro Transformers Collectors Checklist]</ref>, this pack was originally supposed to feature Sam with a bike, and Mikaela with a Scooter.

{{-}}
[[Image:Movie-toy_AllSparkBarricade.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]
*'''All Spark-Enhanced Barricade''' (Target Exclusive Deluxe, 2007)
**''Accessories:'' Frenzy mini-figure

: This Target exclusive features the Deluxe Class Barricade in unique cylindrical packaging, with the only difference from his standard release being that key robot mode parts are highlighted by the 'All Spark Blue' color for no other reason than [[to sell toys]]. Interestingly, in what can only be explained as an "''answer''" to Recon Barricade's blue [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]], ''this'' release's Frenzy is cast in red plastic with a minor black color application to the chest area, making him now resemble [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]]. Thanks to Hasbro, the debate [[FIRRIB|continues]]...

{{-}}

[[Image:Movie Deluxe PremiumBarricade.JPG|right|250px|thumb|I thought the Makeup Department would never get their butts in gear!]]
*'''Barricade''' (Deluxe Class "Premium Series", 2008)
**''Accessories:'' Frenzy mini-figure

: ''This'' version of Deluxe Barricade features a slightly more [[Show-accuracy|movie-accurate]] deco, with additional "911" markings that were missing on earlier releases. However, confusingly his windows have a frosted paint deco applied to them for no apparent reason, other than to make the toy look 'different'.

:Unlike some earlier "Premium Series" toys, Barricade was available at general retail.

{{-}}

====Fast Action Battlers====
[[Image:FABBarricade.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Wait, how's this "yo-yo" thing work again?]]
* '''Blade Shield Barricade''' (Fast Action Battler, 2007)

: Fast Action Battlers Barricade is similar to the regular Deluxe class toy. However, the details are simplified, and the proportions in both vehicle mode and robot mode are less realistic, generally skewed towards are more stylised and exaggerated appearance. Instead of the punching hand gimmick seen on the Deluxe class toy, FAB Barricade's left arm features a flip out arm extension with a shield made out of blades based on his spinning blades from the Movie.

{{-}}

====Cyber Slammers====
[[Image:Barricade-CS.jpg|right|255px|thumb|Awwwwwww. Bawwicade's so cute, he'll kill us all!]]
* '''Barricade''' (Cyber Slammers, 2007)

:Cyber Slammers Barricade is an ''amazingly cute'' Saleen S281 police car that transforms into an amazingly cute treacherous Decepticon pretending to be a cop. 'Slam' his robot mode down into car mode and he rolls along for a while, then pops back up into robot mode. Like most Cyber Slammers, Barricade manages to cram most of his vehicle mode's major details into a compact, super-deformed version of that mode.

{{-}}

[[Image:Movie CyberSlammers PatrolBarricade.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Cute evil, now in Blue!]]
*'''Patrol Barricade''' (Cyber Slammers, 2008)

: This adorable, pudgy version of Barricade's car mode zips forward with a little motor. The robot mode Patrol Barricade pops up after a little while, rolling along. So cute! The colors are similar to Recon Barricade, but oddly enough, the scheme is different, and the markings are for a sheriff's car.

{{-}}

====Robot Replicas====
[[Image:Movie RobotReplica Barricade.jpg|right|150px|thumb|SOMEone spent a little too much time in the bathtub...]]
* '''Barricade''' (Robot Replica, 2007)

: A non-transforming action figure, [[Robot Replicas]] Barricade hews much closer to the CGI model of the character (albeit wrong paint job). With joints similar to the [[Revoltech]] series, he is also more posable than his transforming counterpart, plus features replacement arms that feature his "blender-blade tires" alternate hands briefly seen in the movie.

:Barricade's shoulders/upper arms and shins (including the feet) are incorrectly assembled as compared to the CG design used for the [[Transformers (2007)|movie]]. This can easily be fixed due to the interchangability of the Robot Replica limbs. (Although the CG design raises the question how exactly his transformation in the movie is supposed to work. The markings on the arms are located on opposite sides of the body as compared to the vehicle mode.)

{{-}}

====Micro IR Transformers Cars====
[[Image:Movie Barricade MicroIR.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Weirdest police gun we've ever seen!]]
* '''Barricade''' (2007)

: Made under license by [[RadioShack]]. Three-function infrared remote, in Barricade's signature colors, gives you control of the car with forward and reverse turn movement. More than just a vehicle styled after the Movie character, the car also transforms to robot mode. The transformation is very reminiscent of the Generation 2 [[Gobots (G2)|Gobots]], but the toy is an entirely new mould.

:The top of the gun-shaped IR remote serves as a storage point for Barricade, but the remote can't stand freely so it's nearly useless for display. The tip of the gun's barrel can also be unscrewed to reveal a ballpoint pen, which... wait... what? It's actually just a pen cartridge which sorta hangs freely and is difficult to use for writing, because you have to hold it and support the entire gun's weight while you do.

:Each of the Micro IR toys comes with a generic instructions sheet printed in black and white and showing the transformation for all three toys.

{{-}}

===''Revenge of the Fallen''===
====Deluxe Class Toys====
*'''Interrogator Barricade''' (2009)
[[Image:Interrogator Barricade ROTF deluxe toy.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Comes with NIPPLE ARMS!]]
:This retool of 2007's Barricade was first officially revealed on Walmart's website <ref>[http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=10973094 Interrogator Barricade listing and image at Walmart.com]</ref>. He has the vehicle mode tool arms he used to threaten Sam Witwicky in the first movie, which take the place of Frenzy from the first toy. Surprisingly, his deco seems to be ''exactly the same'' as the original toy, ignoring the Premium Series update.

{{-}}
====Human Alliance====
*'''Barricade with Frenzy''' (2009)
[[Image:ROTF_HumanAlliance_Barricade%26Frenzy.jpg|right|thumb|300px|]]
:[[Human Alliance]] Barricade comes with a posable figure of [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]], who can either sit inside the car in vehicle mode or be stored in Barricade's chest as with the Deluxe figure. Barricade also comes with two fold-out arms / weapons in vehicle mode that approximate the 'Interrogator Arms' he uses to threaten Sam Witwicky.

:In Barricade's robot mode, his main weapon is a spinning spiked flail which replaces his left hand, similar to the one seen during his duel with Bumblebee in the first movie. Aside from the interrogator arms (which can also flip out in robot mode to act as a sort of weapon for a chest-mounted Frenzy) his only other weapon is a cannon / missile rack in his right shoulder, which Frenzy is supposed to be able to operate from his seat (see the stock photo). There seems to be a bit of forced perspective going on with that; the gun rack is too far from the seat for Frenzy to actually be able to reach. Barricade's eyes have red light-piping, and instead of a battle-mask, his mouth can be opened and closed by tilting the top of his head. The chest is also capable of more deformation than shown in the stock photo to make him more movie-accurate, by angling the two bumpers up and adjusting the tilt of the grille.

:There's something odd going on with his hips; they only come out to a 45° angle, which prevents his legs from being fully straightened, This is most likely to simulate his crotching position seen in the movie and his deluxe toys. The socket is capable of the full rotation, though, and the blocking plastic can be easily sliced off. Additionally, the waist was at one point capable of rotation, but this has been oddly blocked by the addition of a small blocking bar molded on to plastic rotation axis. This weird mold change can also be easily sliced out to restore full functionality.

{{-}}

====Gravity Bots====
[[Image:ROTF-toy_GravityBots_Barricade.jpg|thumb|right|300px|]]
*'''Barricade''' (2010)
:[[Gravity Bot]] Barricade is a cute, blocky little toy that [[Autotransformation|autotransforms]] in a really neat fashion using gravity.
{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===Transformers 3D Battle Card Game===
*'''Barricade''' (3D Battle Card, 2007)
**''Card number'': '''14'''

: Barricade is a 33-point "Rare" piece in the [[3D Battle-Card Game]]. Constructed of punch-out pieces from randomly packed plastic cards (two full robots per pack), he can be assembled into his car mode or into a rather stumpy robot mode. His twin blaster-weapons can be mounted on his arms (their nominal placement) or on his shoulders.

: His card art was done by [[Lucio Parrillo]], and he uses the same construction as [[Earth]]-mode [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]], [[Mirage (Movie)|Mirage]] and [[Swerve (Movie)|Swerve]].

===Transformers (2007)===
====XMODS® Evolution Transformers====
* '''Barricade''' (2007)
**''Model Number'': '''60-185'''

[[Image:Movie Barricade XMODS.jpg|left|150px|thumb|Don't you think about pissing me off, or I'll turn you into a pancake.]]
[[Image:Movie Barricade XMODS weapons.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Look into my pokey eyes and see the future...]]
:Barricade is one of the first Transformers characters to be licensed by [[RadioShack]] from [[Hasbro]] and [[DreamWorks]] for their XMODS Evolution line of radio control cars. "The maximum in modification", Barricade is a base kit that can be upgraded with '''XMODS® Evolution Weapons and Light Kit for Barricade™''' a weapons and light kit featuring the weapons/manipulators he uses in the film and rocket launchers that were cut from the film (''Model Number'': '''600-barricade3'''), as well as any of the optional motor upgrades, body kits, steering and suspension upgrades, and more available for the brand.

{{-}}

====ZipZaps® Micro RC====
* '''Barricade''' (2007)
**''Model Number'': '''6000181'''

[[Image:Movie Barricade ZipZap.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Oooh...scary!]]
:Barricade is also one of the first Transformers characters licensed by RadioShack for their ZipZaps line of pocket-size radio control cars. As a ZipZap, Barricade can be customized, trimmed, and tuned with any other accessories available for the brand. He has working headlights and requires four "AAA" batteries for the charger.

{{-}}

====Unleashed====
*'''Blackout and Barricade''' (2008)

[[Image:Movie UnleashedTurnarounds BlackoutBarricade.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Invading Australasia NOW!]]
: The Blackout and Barricade turnaround is a 3D sculpture of the two characters in both robot mode emerging from rubble and explosions, with a movie-accurate sculpt (compared to the various transforming toys.) The 'turnaround' aspect of these sculptures simply means one can turn the piece around to display a raised-relief of the movie-style Decepticon sigil instead.

: This product's release was cancelled for the US market, but was released in Australia and in Asia.

{{-}}

====Basic Fun====
*'''Barricade''' (Figural keychain assortment, 2007)

: Produced by [[Basic Fun]], this keychain is a likeness of Barricade's robot mode with articulated arms, legs, head, waist, and a keyring sticking out of his ass.

{{-}}

====Transformers Movie Screen Cleaners====
[[Image:Movie Barricade screencleaner.jpg|right|97px|thumb|To polish and clean up.]]
*'''Barricade''' (2008)

:Released by Tomy Yujin on January 2008<ref name="TomyYujin">[http://www.gachausa.com/products/transformers.asp Tomy Yujin ''Transformers'' page]</ref>, this dangler is a faction logo-shaped screen cleaner for your cell phone, with a stock image of Barricade printed on the other side.

===Revenge of the Fallen===
{{-}}
====RPMs—Robot Powered Machines====
=====Battle Series=====
[[Image:ROTF-toy_RPM_Bumblebee_vs_Barricade.jpg|thumb|right|300px|]]
*'''Bumblebee VS Barricade''' (2009)
**''Number:'' '''01 of 08'''

:''[[Robot Powered Machines]]'' Barricade is a small, ''Hot Wheels''-style Saleen S281 Police Cruiser. The toy doesn't transform, but has Barricade's robot mode sculpted and painted onto its underside, along with his name and faction insignia. It features through-axle construction which lets it reach high speeds on smooth surfaces. He was sold in a two-pack with the 1970's Camaro version of [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]].

=====Commander Series=====
*'''Barricade''' (2009)
**''Number:'' '''03 of 04'''

:Barricade was also available by himself as part of the "Commander Series" of RPMs. The toy is identical to its two-pack release.

{{-}}
=====Battle Series 2=====
*'''Nightwatch Bumblebee VS Patrol Barricade''' (2010)
**''Number:'' '''02 of 06'''

: For the second series of two-packs, RPM Barricade was redecoed in blue with black doors. He was only available with a redeco of Bumblebee, who uses a different mold than their original versus pack.

{{-}}
=====Radio Control=====
*'''Barricade''' (2010)

: Radio Control Barricade is a non-transforming remote-control car, larger than his previous Micro IR and ZipZaps toys. Unlike previous Radio Control toys (Optimus Prime and Bumblebee), his remote controller is not shaped like his robot mode—it's just a generic design featuring a stock photo of Barricade on the front. Batteries (of Hasbro's own [[Powrfuel]] brand) were included for the controller, but not for the car.

{{-}}

===Robot Heroes===
[[Image:Movie RobotHeroes BumblebeevsBarricade.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Just about the only fiction-accurate RH pack. Ever.]]
* '''Bumblebee vs. Barricade''' (2007)

:The first Robot Heroes version of Barricade, he's sculpted in a bit of a hunched, thuggish crouch. He has the standard Robot Heroes articulation: Both shoulders swivel, and his head rotates.

{{-}}

[[Image:Movie RobotHeroes BarricadeVsOptimusPrime.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Fast as fast can be, you can never catch me.]]
* '''Barricade vs. Optimus''' (2008)

:This ''Robot Heroes'' pack features Barricade in a running/attacking pose, and Optimus Prime posed as he was in the Movie as he awaited Bonecrusher's attack. This version of Barricade only has articulation at the shoulders, and oddly enough has his shoulder pylons attached to his torso, as opposed to his arms.

{{-}}

[[Image:Ratchet_and_barricade_robot_heroes.jpg|thumb|300px|Medic versus police! Who will win?! (Okay, EVIL law enforcement-impersonator, that is.)]]

*'''Ratchet vs Barricade''' (2009)

:A redeco of the first ''Robot Heroes'' Barricade mold, now packaged with [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]].

{{-}}

==Second Life avatars==
There is a full replica of the Sector Seven base which contains a giant discussion room where Michael Bay held a question board in Second Life. This room contains a giant frozen Megatron replica and free avatars of both Bumblebee and Barricade. Both freebees are non-transforming. However, some sellers have created a transforming version.

==Trivia==
[[Image:Movie Barricade finalappearance.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Barricade pulls everyone over for ''driving on the wrong side of the road.'']]

* Barricade's disappearance from the film is puzzling. It appears he was originally meant to be destroyed, as both the novel and comic adaptations of the movie depict his destruction by [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]], who had both destroyed Bonecrusher and was delayed in joining the humans and fellow Autobots. (Alternatively the children's chapter book adaptation of the film ''[[The Transformers Quest for the Allspark]]'' describes Barricade as being destroyed by the US military.) Regardless, in the movie proper, Barricade simply does not appear again after Bonecrusher transforms. At the time, his fate caused a great deal of speculation. Since then, however, he has appeared in ''[[The Reign of Starscream]]'', ''[[Alliance (comic)|Alliance]]'', and ''[[Tales of the Fallen]]'', although it remains to be seen whether he'll reappear in the movies proper.

[[Image:Barricade-comicsadaptation-death.jpg|right|200px|thumb|F*** tha poh-leece!]]
*Writer [[Roberto Orci]] stated in a message board Q&A session that Barricade's disappearance from the remainder of the film is a "thread for Movie 2".<ref>[http://boards.transformersmovie.com/showpost.php?p=384946&postcount=33 Roberto Orci on Barricade's fate in the movie, at the official movie boards]</ref> Two years later, he stated that he honestly couldn't remember the reason why Barricade didn't show up in ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'', even though it was considered having him return.<ref>[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-movie-discussion/180451-welcome-mr-roberto-orci-you-may-ask-him-questions-283.html#post3785383 Orci's Q&A at TFW2005]</ref>

* An early version of the script featured Barricade and [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]] as one and the same character, named "[[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]]". He would have infiltrated the CIA headquarters (rather than Air Force One) in the form of a "portable stereo" and then transformed (and size-shifted) into a Humvee for his escape.<ref name="early">Details from an early script draft [http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/showpost.php?p=2213120&postcount=297 summed up here], [http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/showpost.php?p=2214148&postcount=303 confirmed as authentic by Roberto Orci here].</ref>

*[[Prowl (Movie)|Prowl]] was originally part of the Autobot line up for the movie, but was removed, as the writers loved the perverse idea of Barricade becoming a police car. This represents quite a step within any/all Transformers continuities, as a Decepticon has never before taken on a form (most) humans could so easily "trust", in a sense. <s>Sorry, Prowl, better luck [[Revenge of the Fallen (film)|next time]].</s> Uh, [[Transformers 3|third time]]'s a charm?

*An early working name for Barricade was "Brawl"<ref name="barribrawl">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-images/events/Botcon-2007/Hasbro-Tour/PICT5108.JPG.html?g2_imageViewsIndex=1 Early design for Barricade with working name "Brawl" shown during the BotCon 2007 Hasbro Tour]</ref>, which was later given to [[Brawl (Movie)|another movie character]] (but not in the movie itself).

* Early concept art for Barricade<ref name="barribrawl">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-images/events/Botcon-2007/Hasbro-Tour/PICT5108.JPG.html?g2_imageViewsIndex=1 Early design for Barricade with working name "Brawl" shown during the BotCon 2007 Hasbro Tour]</ref> also suggests that he was originally going to transform into a white and black Crown Victoria (somewhat akin to Prowl's original G1 color scheme). Hasbro, continuing to capitalize on unused concepts/ideas, had Recon Barricade's redeco vaguely mirror the Vic's deco.

[[Image:Movie2007 Barricade carweapon.jpg|thumb|200px|]]

* During the rather truncated chase scene between Barricade and Bumblebee in the 2007 ''Transformers'' movie, Barricade was to deploy some serrated drill-like missiles from his hood and fire them at the fleeing Autobot. Though these weapons were constructed and fitted to one of the Barricade prop vehicles, this scene was ultimately cut, explaining the abrupt shift to night time at the conclusion of the chase. Until artist [[Sean Haworth]] uploaded a photo of the weapon prop onto his website, the only official proof of the existence of these weapons was page 12 of IDW Publishing's [[Movie Adaptation Issue Number Two|Movie Adaptation issue 2]] and the RadioShack ''XMODS® Evolution'' Barricade radio control car's weapons and light uppgrade kit.

* The [http://www.saleen.com/transformers.htm promotional Saleen S281E cars] that appeared at events and premieres featured the slogan "Power in the hands of a few" rather than the "To punish and enslave" motto, as well as Saleen decals rather than the Decepticon decals seen in the movie. Hmmm...

* The [[IDW Publishing|IDW]] ''[[Prime Directive]]'' Prequel ''seems'' to contradict the very existence of his alternate mode, since the Decepticons were depicted as having come to Earth in 2003, yet his alternate mode is a 2006 model car. However, a little-known fact is that the Mustang design that would eventually be the 2006 model debuted sometime in 2003, with police car modifications showing up in car shows not long after. It could very well be that, similar to when/how Jazz scanned a Solstice in a dealership late at night, Barricade scanned a Police Mustang in one such car show display after-hours, explaining why there were "no witnesses" after he assumed this form ''and'' why his police deco has no state or city markings/I.D.

*In an act of both love for his child and extreme fanwank, Jessie Vigil from New Mexico turned his own Ford Mustang into a homage of Barricade's alt-mode, right down to Decepticon symbol and the sinister twist on the LAPD motto. Though this has brought the ire of the New Mexico police upon him, let's just concentrate on the fact of how insanely cool this is. His kid is one lucky ''Transformers'' fan.

*A common misconception among fans is that Barricade's Saleen Mustang alternate mode was spotted on the set of ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]''. '''This is not true.''' In fact, a truck transporting three "Barricade" prop vehicles was spotted in Culver City, California, in March 2008, more than ''two months'' before principal shooting for ''Revenge of the Fallen'' started.<ref name="vehspotted">[http://www.superherohype.com/news/transformersnews.php?id=6980 Superhero Hype reporting on the spotting of Barricade vehicles in March 2008]</ref>

* For [[Alliance (comic)|Transformers: Alliance]], [[Chris Mowry]] had planned for Barricade to appear and be turned into Sideways, but Hasbro rejected the idea.<ref>[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/members/mowry-73165-page2.html#vmessage170099]</ref>
[[Image:Battle bios barricade.jpeg|thumb|right|200px||Boo!]]
* The [[Battle Bios]] feature on Hasbro's website displays, as a profile link for Barricade, what appears to be an unused head design or battle mask.

{{-}}

==External links==
* [http://www.tfu.info/2007/Decepticon/Barricade/barricade.htm Barricade at TFU.info]

==Footnotes==
<references />

[[Category:3D Battle-Cards]]
[[Category:Decepticons]]
[[Category:Exclusives]]
[[Category:Interrogators]]
[[Category:Movie characters]]
[[Category:Pilots]]
[[Category:Revenge of the Fallen characters]]
[[Category:Letters page answerers]]
[[Category:Robot Heroes]]

Tracks (G1)

2010-06-12T09:52:53Z

207.81.16.34: /* Trivia */

{{factions|autobot|autobotg2}}
{{disambigr|Tracks|the ''Animated''-series Autobot|Tracks (Animated)}}

{{picsneeded|Fictional appearances}}

:''Tracks is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Tracksg1.jpg|right|350px|thumb|If God had wanted Tracks to multiply, he would have given him the Creation Matrix and luscious lips. But he only gave him the luscious lips.]]

'''Tracks''' is a little bit of a narcissist, according to his Autobot buddies, and it's hard for him to stay lighthearted and gay under such criticism. He attributes it to jealousy, since few Autobots are so well-endowed with a sleek, muscular, and tastefully decorated sports car mode as his.

The truth is, Tracks's armament is considerable. In the wink of an eye, he can erect his hardened launcher shafts and deploy two flaming incendiary missiles. These projectiles are heat-seeking, seeking out warm Decepticon bodies and striking hard in sensitive places. With his long and powerful "binding" black-beam gun, which negates light, he strikes his enemies in the darkness. Whether defending [[San Francisco]] or displaying his trademark moves in [[Dancitron]], Tracks is one fantastically flamboyant fighter!

Tracks can even fly like a butterfly by deploying his secret, hidden wings from their protective closet.

He should be a dangerous opponent, but his concern with preserving his stylish appearance and poor ability to work with fellow Autobots hampers him. Often he simply cruises the metro area alone all night, looking for Decepticons worthy of his attentions. Tracks may not always get along with his friends, but he knows his enemies. He knows them very well, indeed.

His [[Action Master partner]] is [[Basher]].

{{quote|Keep San Francisco clean—LEAVE!|Tracks to the Asteroid bird alien|"[[The Secret of Omega Supreme]]"}}

:''French-Canadian name'': '''Le Sillage''' ("The Trail")
:''Hungarian name'': '''Vagány''' ("Tough guy")
:''Italian name'': '''Puma'''
:''Portuguese name (Portugal comic):'' '''Rasto''' ("Track")
:''Portuguese name (Brazil comic):'' '''Trilho''' ("Track")

==Fiction==
===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Michael McConnohie]] (English), [[Show Hayami]] (Japanese)

{{charstubfiction}}

Tracks was one of several Autobots who appeared out of nowhere one day. {{storylink|Dinobot Island, Part 1}} He, [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] and [[Seaspray (G1)|Seaspray]] were sent out to intercept and drive back a pirate ship that had appeared through a temporal anomaly due to Megatron's interference on the temporally displaced [[Dinobot Island (G1)|Dinobot Island]]. {{storylink|Dinobot Island, Part 2}}

{{storylink|The Master Builders}} {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1}} {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 2}} {{storylink|Blaster Blues}}

[[Image:G1MakeTracks TracksRaoul.jpg|left|180px|thumb|It's not what it looks like, honestly!]]
Tracks and [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] assisted the [[New York City|New York]] Police Department's Crime Buster program by parking themselves in a seedy, run-down neighborhood to entice car thieves to steal them, then capturing the thieves and their buyer. Back at [[Sparkplug Witwicky|Sparkplug]]'s garage, Tracks opined that New York City was exhilarating and that they could remain there forever as far as he was concerned, to the amusement of the other Autobots. Annoyed at their attitude, Tracks took off for a joyride, but almost immediately fell prey to a gang of would-be car thieves who shot out Tracks' tires as he tried to run them off the road. Crashing into a streetlight, Tracks was badly damaged and unable to transform. Fortunately, the car thief with a heart of gold, [[Raoul]], happened by and decided to take possession of Tracks, who quickly revealed he was no ordinary badly damaged dark blue Corvette Stingray with a giant flaming logo on his hood. Together, they foiled a Decepticon plot to use the local criminal element to steal cars so that Megatron could build an army of remote-controlled, transforming car drones. {{storylink|Make Tracks}}

{{storylink|Quest for Survival}}

When [[San Francisco]] was threatened by an [[Asteroid bird alien|alien bird creature]], Tracks risked his life in battle to defend the city. {{storylink|The Secret of Omega Supreme}}

{{storylink|Triple Takeover}}

Whilst out on a supply run with [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], Tracks opined that [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] had sent him out on this task to show the humans that Autobots didn't just have strength, but refinement as well. When Bumblebee sharply pointed out his comrade's lack of humility, Tracks replied that he feared ''some'' Autobots had much to be humble about. Together, they watched a storefront television report by [[Hector Ramirez (G1)|Hector Ramirez]] on the disappearance of a [[Daina|top secret Soviet jet]], for which blame was placed on the [[United States of America]]. Bumblebee suspected Decepticon involvement, which was convenient, as Tracks saw [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] and [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] lurking about nearby. The Autobots gave chase, only to discover the 'Cons were holographs projected by the big game hunter [[Lord Chumley]], and the pair were quickly subdued. After several more Autobots were captured, the imprisoned hostages were forced to run through several cruel and unusual torture devices. Tracks in particular was forced to race around a small, spiked track while laser cannons fired at him. {{storylink|Prime Target}}

[[Image:G1Auto-Bop Tracks girl.jpg|right|180px|thumb|"Eeek, Mr. Tracks, can I have your autograph?" "Sure thing, baby."]]
Tracks and Blaster were reunited with Raoul when the human and [[Bop Crew]] were being chased by [[Furg]]'s gang outside of the [[Dancitron]] night club. Tracks stylishly defeated the thugs by arcing his laser fire horizontally, simultaneously destroying several of the weapons wielded by Furg's men. As he did so, he noticed that one of the gang members was a man dressed in a business suit. The Autobots decided to investigate further.

Inside the club, Tracks declined to dance with some girls, and another patron asked him where he could "get those threads" (meaning Tracks's robot body). As Tracks left, remarking that Dancitron wasn't ''his'' kind of club, he noted that there were more out-of-place humans, including a housewife in a bathrobe and a garbage man. Tracks and Blaster came to Raoul's aid again when the driver of a train in which the humans were traveling was "activated' by [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] and accelerated the train to unsafe speeds. Later, Tracks and Raoul were attacked by brainwashed "workers" at a construction site for something large and mysterious. Bravely risking his paint job, Tracks protected Raoul from red-hot rivets fired by a brainwashed construction worker.

[[Image:Trackscruc2.jpg|left|180px|thumb|Tracks forgot his safeword.]]
Returning to the club, Tracks was lured into a trap by the mind-controlled [[Poplock]] and [[Rocksteady]]. Barely evading Starscream's attack, Tracks was assaulted by the rest of the club's patrons and chained up to the sound system, where the Decepticons hoped the music would eventually shake him apart. After Raoul de-hypnotised the club patrons by getting them slightly wet, the humans freed Tracks, who proceeded to take off after the fleeing Starscream. Crazy like a fox, Tracks seeded the clouds above the mysterious construction site, causing rain to fall down on the hypnotised workers, totally ruining Starscream's plan forever. Knowing that despite his good looks, he was outgunned and outpowered, Tracks used his superior agility to trick Starscream into flying into the half-constructed building and damaging himself when the Decepticon failed to avoid obstructions. With the Decepticons defeated, Tracks and Blaster destroyed the mysterious building. Grateful to the Bop Crew for saving his life, Tracks had Blaster help them out by acting as the boom box for their curbside breakdance sessions, to the latter's horror. {{storylink|Auto-Bop}}

{{storylink|Hoist Goes Hollywood}}

Later, Tracks was one of several Autobots facing off against the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]] near the [[Seattle-Tacoma area]] when Megatron was using the [[Key to Vector Sigma]] to transform the land into metal. He was rammed by [[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]] into a boulder and flipped over. {{storylink|The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 2}}

Tracks was one of several Autobots who participated in the [[Europa 2000]], a charity race from Paris to Istanbul which, if the Autobots won, would have netted them a million dollars, which they would give to charity. Tracks was disdainful of the arrogant American driver [[Auggie Cahnay (G1)|Auggie Cahnay]] and his suped-up [[Symultech Industries]] car. During the race, Tracks tried to contact the other Autobots, only to find out they had been disabled by the Stunticons in Megatron's quest to stop the Autobots from interfering with his plans for the [[Pearl of Bahoudin]]. Teamed up with Cahnay and [[Professor Teranova|a scientist who mysteriously disappears]] during the course of the battle, the Autobots defeated [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] and destroyed the Pearl. {{storylink|Trans-Europe Express}}

{{storylink|Cosmic Rust (episode)|Cosmic Rust}} {{storylink|Starscream's Brigade}} {{storylink|The Revenge of Bruticus}}

Tracks was part of a responsive strike against a series of Stunticon raids on human compounds. He took to the air at one point, prompting [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] to remark that his flying car mode was "droll". In retaliation for this unwarranted remark, Tracks blinded Dead End with his black light gun, which caused the Decepticon to drive into the car-crushing fists of [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]]. {{storylink|Masquerade}}

====''Binaltech''====
When the Decepticons unleashed Cosmic Rust on Earth, Tracks was one of the many Autobots infested with the virus. As [[Earth Defense Command]] created the Binaltech Project in order to help the Autobots, Tracks was one of the first patients to undergo transference into an [[electro-cell]] powered new body. With the help of his fellow Binaltech Autobots (Smokescreen, [[Hound (G1)|Hound]], [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] and [[Bluestreak]]), Tracks and his new powers were used to drive the Decepticons off the planet. He remained part of the soldiers based at Autobot City on Earth.

Tracks apparently now had the power to change and update his paint job at will. Thrilling. Simply thrilling.

====''Headmasters'' cartoon====
[[Image:JHeadmasters09Tracks.jpg|thumb|"Look, I'll stop asking you to fix my every little nick and scratch, '''I swear!'''" "KIYAAAAAAAA!"]]
Some time before the Transformers' war left Cybertron, Tracks briefly engaged the Decepticons with his comrades. {{storylink|Four Warriors Come out of the Sky}} Years onward, Tracks was seen on Earth working with [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]]. Alongside [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]], [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] and [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]], he was dispatched to intercept invading Decepticons and prevent them from interfering with [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]]'s search for the Matrix. The group was not actually seen to confront anyone. {{storylink|Birth of the Fantastic Double Prime}} Later, while defending Cybertron, Tracks got kicked in the face ''really hard''... by [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]]. Uh, heat of the moment? {{storylink|Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 1}}

{{-}}

===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Generation 1====
{{noteukonly}}
Tracks was (re?)constructed on Earth by the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] when the Autobots' forces were depleted using the [[Mind Bank]], his mind downloaded into a new body from a memory crystal. He attended [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]'s field training exercise on human culture—rock and roll wasn't quite Tracks' taste, but when the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]] tried to steal and convert sonic energy from the concert, surface-to-air combat with the enemy seemed quite a bit more enjoyable for him. {{storylink|Rock and Roll-Out!}} On a later mission, he attempted to help [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] prevent [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] from being reawakened by the Decepticons, but the mistrustful human armed forces kept them at bay long enough for [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] to revive his leader. {{storylink|I, Robot-Master!}} ''Shortly thereafter, Tracks joined [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]], [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] and [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] in protecting [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]] from Soundwave and the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]. He and Smokescreen actually managed to hold their own against [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] for a short period of time. {{storylink|Devastation Derby!}}'' Tracks also was part of the Autobot strike on Decepticon headquarters which allowed Bumblebee to record Devastator's transformation and combination sequence, giving the Autobots a chance to replicate the unique gestalt technology. {{storylink|Command Performances!}}

''The Autobots experienced a major setback when Optimus Prime, [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] and [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] dematerialized before their eyes at a meeting, seemingly atomized in seconds. Matters only became more pressing when [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], Decepticon commander of 2006, arrived in the present, kidnapped [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]], and co-opted the Constructicons for his own purposes. Goaded into rash action by their friend's distress, the Autobots rushed into battle with the new warriors. Tracks stood shoulder to shoulder with [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]], Ironhide, and Smokescreen against Galvatron, but the future Decepticon just laughed and voluntarily allowed them to unload their firepower on him. Staser bolts, high-density lasers, thermal charges, fracture rockets... all hit Galvatron dead center, and all did absolutely nothing. To add injury to insult, he then beat the helpless Tracks and his comrades into a pulp for good measure.''

''Beyond desperate, the Autobots actually stooped to reviving Megatron from where Galvatron had left him to rust earlier, and working with him to concoct a strategy against their common foe. Their gambit was somewhat successful, as Tracks and the Autobots managed to capture Galvatron's lieutenant, [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]], with Megatron's aid. When Tracks and the others went for a prisoner exchange to get Jazz back, however, they found that Galvatron had lobotomized their friend and turned him into a rampaging zombie. Jazz disabled Tracks and the others for a time, and they only woke up into time to wander into the climax, when [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] and the future ''Autobots'' destroyed Galvatron's new space cannon in a massive explosion, convincing him to return the future empty-handed. Needless to say, the Autobots were glad when Optimus Prime and the others miraculously returned after Galvatron and his men returned the future, reversing the mass-substitution effect. {{storylink|Target: 2006}}''

Tracks and the Autobots became much less involved in Earth affairs when [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] assumed control of the army after Prime's death and took the Ark back out into space. Tracks was trapped on the moon for some time with the combined crews of the Ark and Steelhaven after a Decepticon attack damaged their transport. {{storylink|Totaled!}} He was later deactivated while battling the combined Decepticon armies in the Arctic, when he received an unexpected acid bath from [[Blot (G1)|Blot]]. {{storylink|Dark Star (issue)|Dark Star}}

=====Earthforce=====
{{earthforcefiction}}
''In his [[Body Shop]] at Autobot Earthbase, Wheeljack was attempting to revive Tracks, but Grimlock kept sabotaging his efforts, hoping to move efforts towards Autobots he thought were more deserving. Not only did he fail to stop the reconstruction, Optimus Prime ended up assigning Tracks to Earthforce, to Grimlock's eternal regret. {{storylink|Makin' Tracks!}} Later on, he joined the other Autobots in hunting [[Motormaster]], who had kidnapped their human ally, [[Irwin Spoon]]. The other [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]] tried to stop them, and did manage to derail several others, but Tracks and Bumblebee got Motormaster to separate from his trailer (apparently he can do that..?) and then led [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] and [[Drag Strip]] into knocking their own leader off the road. {{storylink|End of the Road! (UK)|End of the Road!}}''

====Generation 2====
Tracks was operating out of Autobase on Earth after the Autobots began confronting the threat of the Cybertronian Empire. When Megatron agreed to join forces with Prime, Tracks began working closely with the Decepticon Rotor Force members [[Leadfoot]] and [[Manta Ray (G2)|Manta Ray]]. It's possible his friendship and influence had something to do with their interest in switching sides. {{storylink|Total War!}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
Tracks was an active member of the Autobot forces as far back as the days of [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]]. {{storylink|The War Within}} He served with the Autobots for several million years until the time of the [[Great Shutdown]], working with Prowl and his faction during the Dark Ages. {{storylink|War Within: The Dark Ages|The War Within: The Dark Ages}}

Afterwards, Tracks seemed to lapse into semi-retirement while other Autobots worked towards establishing a new unified Cybertronian government with the Decepticons. He was seen among the general populace observing the Anti-Prime propaganda [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] was pumping out through the cortex. {{storylink|Cold War}} He eventually recognized the rotten core of their alliance with Shockwave, though, and formed a resistance cell with [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]], [[Devcon (G1)|Devcon]] and the [[Triple Changer|Triple Changers]]. They and their [[Minibot]] allies joined the major offensive alongside Optimus Prime, [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] and the other cells, which ultimately overthrew Shockwave's control. {{storylink|Countdown to Extinction (issue)|Countdown to Extinction}}

===Devil's Due ''G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers'' comics===
Tracks was among the ranks of a team of Autobots led by [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]], waiting for [[Serpent O.R.]]'s hostages to escape so that they could assault the Decepticon base. {{storylink|The Art of War issue 4}} When the opportunity arose, they headed into the fray alongside human reinforcements from [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]], eventually defeating the Decepticon army. {{storylink|The Art of War issue 5}}

===Timelines===
Tracks (in his [[Alternators|Alternator's body]]) is one of countless "offworlders" residing in [[Axiom Nexus]]. {{storylink|Gone Too Far}}

===IDW ''Hearts of Steel'' continuity===
Tracks was among the Autobots who battled the Decepticons on Earth millions of years ago, until an ice age forced them to hide underground, powered down. He was reactivated in the mid-19th century when the Autobots learned that the Decepticons had woken up. {{storylink|Hearts of Steel issue 2}}

===IDW comics continuity===
{{ongoing}}
In the early days of the war, Tracks was among the new Autobot soldiers lined up to be inspected by [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 13|Old Ways}}

On his very first combat mission, Tracks' unit was attacked and he was the only survivor. He was rescued by [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]], who was being tracked by the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]]. The Predacons pinned the two down, but thanks to bravery and trickery by Jazz, three of the 'cons were disabled. When Jazz faced off alone against the remaining two, Tracks overcame his doubts and cowardice and attacked [[Divebomb (G1)|Divebomb]], knocking them both unconscious. Jazz battled [[Razorclaw (G1)|Razorclaw]] alone and was saved by a shuttle crew of [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]], [[Bluestreak]] and [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]], who repaired the two Autobots and took them back to base. Tracks didn't know Jazz's identity until later, but he knew what it meant to be an Autobot. {{storylink|Spotlight: Jazz}}

{{spoiler|The Iron Age|June 12}}

Four million years ago, Tracks was present at a victory celebration after the Autobots halted a major Decepticon energon convoy. {{storylink|The Iron Age}}

In the modern day, both Tracks and Jazz ended up as part of Optimus Prime's forces on [[Earth]], only to be defeated in battle with [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] and unceremoniously dropped on the ruins of Cybertron. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 7}} There, they had to fend against the [[Insecticon swarm]] while [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] tried to repair Optimus Prime. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 1}} At one point during their stay on the planet, Tracks boosted his comrades' spirits by telling them the story about how Jazz had heroically saved him. {{storylink|Spotlight: Jazz}} Unfortunately, the positive emotions didn't seem to last, and everyone was back to brooding before long. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 4}} When the crew of the ''[[Trion]]'' crashlanded on Cybertron, Tracks listened to [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]]'s tale about how it happened. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 5}} He wanted to know when [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] got scary. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 6}}

Tracks later defended the Autobot base against a massive swarm attack. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 9}} The battle didn't go in their favor, but thankfully they were saved by [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]]. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 10}} Omega ferried Tracks and the rest back to Earth, where they battled the Decepticons in [[New York City]]. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 11}}

Two years later, Tracks defected alongside [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]], [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] and [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]], as they were afraid that [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] might arrest the Autobots on Earth due to various recent events. The four left to join [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]]'s team instead, only to come under attack from [[Skywatch]]. Upon seeing [[Campologno]] take out Beachcomber, Tracks raised his gun at the human in panic and anger, but Hoist stopped him from firing. He tried to run for it, but didn't make it far before being stuck in vehicle mode and captured. {{storylink|A Rude Awakening}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[Image:G1Tracks toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Some looks just don't go out of fashion, my dear.]]
*'''Tracks''' (Autobot Car, 1985, 1991, 2002/2003)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''44''', '''TFC-4'''
**''Accessories:'' "Black Beam Gun", 2 missile launchers, missile launcher mount, 4 missiles

: The original Tracks toy transforms into a blue [[Popular Earth vehicle alternate modes|Corvette Stingray]] with a large flame decal on his hood. Tracks's vehicle mode can achieve a [[Transportation mode|flight mode]] via two flip-out wings and attachable rocket launchers. In robot mode, Tracks is armed with a long rifle that covers most of his lower arm, and the two white rocket launchers are now mounted above his head. The rifle can also attach to his back for storage or for additional weaponry in flight mode.

[[Image:RoadRage-toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Flaming hot.]]

: The European version of Tracks by [[Milton Bradley]] was initially available in red, based on the original ''[[Diaclone]]'' color scheme. This toy is featured on the box art on the back of 1985 toys. Due to poor sales, Hasbro decided to re-release Tracks in Europe{{fact}}, this time in his blue color scheme. Because of this, the red Milton Bradley version ended up being rather rare.<ref>[http://www.tf-1.com/articles/eurous_frame.php?art=mb "Milton Bradley and the Transformers Red Tracks" at TF-1.com]</ref>

: He was rereleased in Europe in 1990 as part of the [[Classics (Europe)|Classics]] line.

: Tracks was reissued by [[Takara]] in 2002 as part of their "book-box" [[Transformers Collection]] series. The following year, [[Hasbro]] re-released him as part of the Toys "R" Us [[exclusive]] [[Commemorative Series]] V.

: This mold was used to make [[Road Rage]], an [[e-Hobby]] [[exclusive]] based on the red European version.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1985/Autobot/Tracks/tracks.htm More information on Tracks at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{Anchor|ActionMaster}}
[[Image:AMTracks toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|As if I would be seen wearing that.]]
*'''Tracks with Basher''' (Action Master, 1991)
**''Accessories:'' "Black Beam Gun", "Basher" partner/backpack

: This version of Tracks was a European exclusive, sculpted to resemble his cartoon appearances more closely. As with all [[Action Master]]s, he cannot transform, but is highly articulated by the standards of the time. He came with small tank [[Action Master partner|partner]] named [[Basher]], who forms a battle helmet/backpack for Tracks (or any other Action Master), colored in bright green and baby blue. Tracks is compatible with all Action Master vehicles and accessories.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1991/Autobot/Tracks/tracks.htm More information on Action Master Tracks at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

[[Image:BlackTracksToy.jpg|thumb|300px|From the people who brought you "Caddyblack", "Blackdraft", and "Black Kramer vs. Kramer"]]
*'''Black Tracks''' (2002)
**''Accessories:'' "Black Beam Gun", 2 missile launchers, missile launcher mount, 4 missiles

:A [[redeco]] of the original Tracks, Black Tracks was offered as part of a contest connected to the release of the ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: The Comics]]'' manga compilation. 300 Black Tracks figures were awarded through this contest.

:The figure was apparently inspired by a rare black redeco of the ''Diaclone'' Corvette Stingray mold that was only available in Finland (!).

::*''[http://www.tf-1.com/articles/pretf/blacktracks_template.html More info on TF Black Tracks and the Finnish Diaclone Black Corvette Stingray at TF-1.com]''

{{-}}

===Alternators===
[[Image:BTTracks toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|You can colour me blue, you can colour me yellow, but I will still be that most excellent fellow.]]
*'''Autobot Tracks''' (2004, 2006)
**''Alternator ID number:'' '''5'''
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''BT-06'''
**''Accessories:'' Engine/blaster

: Tracks was first released in Japan under [[Takara]]'s ''[[Binaltech]]'' line, with a yellow paint job, but was later released in blue to match [[Hasbro]]'s ''[[Alternators]]'' release. Tracks transforms into a [[Popular Earth vehicle alternate modes|Corvette Z06]] featuring open doors and hood and a realistic interior. Amusingly enough, his rocket launchers are stored next to the passenger and driver seats.

: In robot mode, Tracks greatly resembles his Generation 1 self, though with one major difference: The roof of his actual car no longer forms the front of his chest. Instead, he has a pseudo-car-roof chest piece that folds down. His large shoulder pads, formed from the rear halves of the car, give the impression of the wings his original toy had. He is armed with his double-barreled engine gun, two pairs of double-barreled, slide-out wrist blasters, and two shoulder-mounted rocket launchers, making him the most heavily armed ''Alternators'' toy.

: The main difference between the Japanese and US releases is that the Japanese ''Binaltech'' versions are constructed of die-cast metal for the majority of the car body panels, which are also fully painted. The blue version of ''Binaltech'' Tracks also came with a large reproduction of his original hood flame sticker. This sticker was eventually released with Hasbro's own ''Alternators'' [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]], a [[retool]] of Tracks.

: This mold was more significantly retooled to make ''Alternators'' [[Ravage (G1)|Battle Ravage]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Autobot/AltTracks/tracks.htm More information on Alternators Tracks at TFU.info]''
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Cybertron/Tracks/tracks.htm More information on yellow Binaltech Tracks at TFU.info]''

===Merchandise===
* '''Cybertron Hero Collection 22''' (Decoy multi-pack, 1985)

: In Japan, a red rubber mini-figure of Tracks 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.

*'''Tracks''' (Decoy, 1987)
**''Decoy number'': '''15'''

: The [[Hasbro]] [[Decoy]] release of the Tracks 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.

==Trivia==
*It is frequently joked amongst Transformers fans that Tracks is a homosexual, although the character has not actually demonstrated any romantic interest in other male characters. All his romantic interest was focused squarely on himself. An ''Auto-sexual'', if you will.

* Voice actor [[Michael McConnohie]] claims Tracks is not gay. He chose the voice of Thurston J. Howell III from ''Gilligan's Island'', played by [[wikipedia:Jim Backus|Jim Backus]], as the basis for Tracks' snooty voice and mannerisms. McConnohie refers to Tracks's [[Accents|manner of dialect as a "Harvard Lockjaw"]].

*Tracks appeared in one of five original Generation 1 [[public service announcement]]s, warning kids not to steal cars, even if it's just for joy-riding. He seems to have a ''thing'' for carjackers, that Tracks.

* In parts of Europe, Tracks was released in the Diaclone toy's red deco through Milton Bradley in 1985. Due to being a royal shelfwarmer, the toy was re-released in its proper Transformers colors through Hasbro a year later. It is possible Hasbro had originally planned for Tracks to be released in Diaclone colors, as Tracks is red complete with the Diaclone hood stickers ("CS" instead of the Autobot sigil) on the 1985 back-of-the-box mural.<ref>[http://www.botchthecrab.com/galleryImage.asp?gallery=7&image=34 Back of the Box Art: 1985 - USA]</ref> Interestingly, the 1985 box-mural from Japan shows not only the red Tracks in the center, but another Tracks, this one in his Hasbro blue deco, in the upper right area.<ref>[http://www.botchthecrab.com/galleryImage.asp?gallery=7&image=35 Back of the Box Art: 1985 - Japan]</ref> Perhaps this indicates that there were plans to create more than one ''Transformers'' character from the Stingray mold, as had been done with many of the other Diaclone molds, that were unrealized.

* In later years, toys sporting the name "Tracks" require an additional "Autobot" prefix for [[trademark]] reasons, hence making the official name "'''Autobot Tracks'''".

* Chevrolet initially denied Hasbro and Takara the license for the Z06 Corvette that was going to be released as part of the [[Alternators]] line. Thus, Hasbro and Takara came up with an auxiliary plan for Tracks, this time as another "well-known American sports car", a Dodge Viper. 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 ultimately ended up as [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] instead (called "Side Swipe" for trademark reasons). Control drawings for the Viper as Tracks, sporting a Tracks head sculpt and a different transformation for the doors, allowing them to more closely resemble Tracks's G1 wings, are depicted in the Japanese ''Transformers: Binaltech & TF Collection Complete Guide'' book.

* Hasbro initially intended to release their ''Alternators'' toy in yellow, with a blue [[running change]] [[variant]] coming later down the line. However, problems with the darker interior parts being visible though the yellow plastic encountered at the [[Prototype|test shot]] stage prompted Hasbro to cancel the yellow version and instead release the toy in blue right away. Thus, the only yellow version of the mold is Takara's ''Binaltech'' release. Supposedly, yellow Hasbro Tracks never made it beyond the paint sample stage (a few pieces were leaked to the public), although there have been rumors that the yellow version was actually shipped out to stores and later recalled. Conveniently, anyone who claimed to have seen the packaged toy in person was unable to take a photo as evidence. Thus, this rumor is considered to have similar credibility to the infamous "blue G1 [[Bluestreak]] in Hasbro packaging" myth or, to be more precise, "lies."

* He's not gay. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

==References==
{{reflist}}

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

[[Category:Action Masters]]
[[Category:Alternators]]
[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 1 characters]]
[[Category:Headmasters characters]]
[[Category:Transformers with three modes]]
[[Category:TransTech characters]]

Hoist (G1)

2010-05-01T03:54:49Z

207.81.16.34: /* Generation 1 */

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

[[Image:G1Hoist MTMTE.jpg|right|300px|thumb|If you get shot, I'll patch you up and give you a lithium lollipop!]]

If [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] is the Autobots' chief surgeon, then '''Hoist''' is their family doctor. Everyone reports to Hoist for routine check-ups and maintenance, no exceptions! A jovial, friendly robot, the up-beat Hoist enjoys his job and it shows. He speaks with a cultured [[Accents|British-sounding accent]] and can usually be found playing "Dr. Watson" to his friend [[Grapple]]'s troubled artist in his off-hours.

:''Preliminary name'': '''Winch'''
:''French-Canadian name'': '''Treuil'''
:''Hungarian name'': '''Csörlő'''
:''Italian name'': '''Bufalo''' ("Buffalo")
:''Portuguese name (Brazil comic):'' '''Guindaste'''
:''Portuguese name (Portugal comic):'' '''Roldana'''
:''Russian name'': '''Tyagatch''' ('''Тягач''', "Tractor")

==Fiction==
===Generation 1 cartoon===
: ''Voice actor:'' [[Michael Chain]] (English), [[Kōki Kataoka]] (Japanese)

[[Image:Hoist goes hollywood1.jpg|left|160px|thumb|There were script problems from day one.]]
{{storylink|Dinobot Island, Part 1}}
{{charstubfiction}}
Hoist and Grapple proposed the construction of an enormous [[Solar Power Tower]] to [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], even showing him a darling little functioning model. Prime rejected the idea, but Grapple and Hoist persevered on it anyway. The Constructicons lent assistance to build the tower before sealing the builders within it so that the Decepticons could use it, exactly as Prime had feared. The entire situation was hardly Hoist's cup of tea. {{storylink|The Master Builders}}

{{storylink|Auto Berserk}} {{storylink|Microbots}} {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1}} {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 2}} {{storylink|Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 1}} {{storylink|Blaster Blues}}

During a spot of gosh and bother with some frightfully rambunctious [[Decepticon|ruffians]], Hoist and [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] were transported backwards in time to medieval England, and they hadn't the foggiest idea of how to return home or how to take a brief respite for their exhausted energy supplies. {{storylink|A Decepticon Raider in King Arthur's Court}}

[[Image:MakeHoistHuffer.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Oh, Primus, not another traffic jam—I'm in a hurry for the audition!]]
He also drove the lorry [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] once ([[Scale|how he fit in the cab]] is perhaps a question best left unasked), and he was jolly well cross at a ghastly traffic jam. {{storylink|Make Tracks}}

{{storylink|Quest for Survival}} {{storylink|Kremzeek!}} {{storylink|Triple Takeover}} {{storylink|Prime Target}}

Following these misadventures, Hoist and some of his fellow Autobot chums were cast in a dubiously written and [[Director|directed]] [[Attack of the Alien Robots|motion picture]]. Our boy was repeatedly referred to as "Moist". Certainly not fit for viewing by Her Majesty. {{storylink|Hoist Goes Hollywood}}

Hoist was also one of the Autobots who created the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]] on Cybertron. {{storylink|The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 1}}

{{storylink|The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 2}} {{storylink|Aerial Assault}} {{storylink|Cosmic Rust (episode)|Cosmic Rust}} {{storylink|Masquerade}}

===Marvel Comics continuity===
{{noteukonly}}
[[Image:Newyorkunderbase.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Front and center! Finally, Hoist is the favorite one!]]
Hoist was one of a group of Autobots who allowed their brainwave patterns to be encoded on crystals and stored aboard the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' in case more warriors were needed. Despite the fact that the ''Ark'' ''did'' come under attack during that mission, these warriors were not taken out of storage until after the ''Ark'' crash-landed on Earth and spent four million years collecting dust before reawakening in 1984. However, once the Autobots got their act together, Hoist and his crystal-stored friends were reactivated and sent with [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] on a training mission. {{storylink|Rock and Roll-Out!}}

''Later, Hoist was sent to [[Alaska]] to track the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]. While sneaking up on their base, he fell into an old snow-covered mineshaft, and became wedged in place, requiring rescue. But when [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] came to his aid, he was shot in the head, and Hoist had to wrangle his brain-damaged teammate to safety while being hunted by the Constructicons.'' {{storylink|The Mission}}

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

====Marvel UK future timelines====
''Hoist was stationed at the ''Ark'' in 2003. He was present to hear [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]]'s vision of a new, transforming [[Autobot City]]. {{storylink|Ark Duty}}''

===''Transformers in 3-D''===
After Optimus Prime's resurrection, Hoist and [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] bugged Prime to undergo a full checkup, though he felt fine. [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] believed this was just their way of saying it was good to have their leader back. A short time later, a Decepticon strike force led by [[Sixshot]] attacked, and Hoist took part in trying to fight them off. It turned out to be a diversion while [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] used his [[Nullification Cannon]] on Cybertron's Energon stocks, and Hoist could only watch as the strike force promptly fled once the deception was uncovered. {{storylink|The War Against the Destructons, Chapter 1 of 3}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
Nine million years ago, Hoist was allied with the Autobot cause when [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optronix]] first rose to become Optimus Prime. He was briefly seen helping make the preparations to abandon Cybertron, in response to the new Prime's orders. {{storylink|The War Within}}

After the [[Great Shutdown]], Hoist was one of several Autobots [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] "helped" into a position of power as the Autobot High Council. Ostensibly, Shockwave was to rule beside the Council as the Unified Cybertronian government. In fact, however, Shockwave arranged for the council to be composed of Autobots whom he could easily manipulate, and so slowly amassed the majority of true political power for himself, leaving Hoist and his comrades as little more than figureheads. When Optimus Prime and the crew of the Ark returned to Cybertron and helped lead the various Autobot resistance cells in outright insurrection, Hoist and the rest of the High Council finally got the wake-up call, and took to the streets alongside their fellow Autobots, overthrowing Shockwave entirely. {{storylink|Revelation (War and Peace)|Revelation}}

There were several victims of the revolution, however, including Optimus Prime and Ultra Magnus. Hoist personally attended to their recuperation cycles. {{storylink|Black Sunshine}} Later, he accompanied [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] and the ''Ark'''s crew back to Earth, where they set up camp and prepared for the construction of Autobot City. He was last seen going over [[Hound (G1)|Hound]]'s holographic blueprints with Grapple. {{storylink|The Route of All Evil}}

{{note|Hoist was all-but left out of Dreamwave's story. Although the War and Peace TPB confirmed that he was intended to be a member of the High Council, Hoist was apparently juuuuust off-panel throughout that entire series, making only a one-panel cameo in a flashback from issue #6. He did not actually make a modern appearance in the timeline until "Black Sunshine".}}

===Timelines===
Hoist (in his ''[[Universe (2003 franchise)|Universe]]'' body) is a member of the [[Axiom Nexus Security Administration]]. He was part of the group investigating the discovery of [[Comet]]'s body. Later, [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] called him to pick up [[Escargon]]'s body from the ''[[Widow's Cafe Cybertronian]]''. {{storylink|Withered Hope}}

===IDW comics continuity===

Hoist joined [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]'s troops on [[Earth]] at some point after the failed Decepticon conquest of the planet, but following Prime's surrender, he decided to get out before [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] started arresting people. [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] tried to get him to stay, but Hoist calmly explained his reasoning and apologized before driving off with [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]], [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] and [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] to join [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]]'s team of defectors, who were currently attempting to get off the planet. As Hoist led his comrades in Hot Rod's general direction, the four Autobots were attacked by the human organization [[Skywatch]], who quickly took out Beachcomber. Hoist only had time to stop Tracks from opening fire on humans before he too was offlined and stuck in vehicle mode. {{storylink|A Rude Awakening}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[Image:G1 Hoist toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|"Oh, I say old chaps, anyone in need of a lift?"]]
* '''Hoist''' (Autobot, 1985/2001/2003/2008)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''46'''
**''Accessories'': Left & right fists, left & right "Radar Panels", "Full Spectrum Multi-Sensor", 2 "Twin Blasters", 2 missiles

: A [[retool]] of 1984's [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] featuring a new head and an orange towing apparatus to replace Trailbreaker's canopy, Hoist transforms into a green Toyota Hi-Lux pickup. The truck has blue tinted windows and black and yellow caution decals running the length of the body side. In robot mode, Hoist is mostly green with chrome legs and orange trim. The toy comes equipped with two plug in fists, but Hoist is usually depicted with one hand and one weapon. The spring-launchers in his forearms were severely neutered for all US releases of the toy.

: In [[IGA|Mexico]], Hoist retained the original Trailbreaker head, but cast in green plastic. Weird.

: Hoist was re-issued in Japan in 2001 as part of a one-day convention deal. He was later re-re-issued in 2003 by [[Hasbro]] as part of the Toys 'R' Us [[exclusive]] [[Commemorative Series]].

: Hoist was re-issued again in Japan in 2008 as part of the [[Encore|Transformers Encore]] line. Of note, his eyes were changed to blue, and has no white outlines on the caution stripes on the sides.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1985/Autobot/Hoist/hoist.htm More information on Generation 1 Hoist at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

===Machine Wars===
[[Image:MachineWars Hoist toy.jpg|right|250px|thumb|"Really now, chaps. Black, this is simply too much."]]
* '''Hoist''' (Basic, 1997)
**''Accessories'': Grill/rifle

: A mold originally designed for — but never released in — ''[[Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'', ''[[Machine Wars]]'' Hoist shares a mold with ''Machine Wars'' [[Hubcap (MW)|Hubcap]], transforming into a Kenworth W900 wrecker truck. He is a "flipchanger", meaning most of his transformation sequence is an [[autotransform]], springing into robot mode by lifting a catch (in his case, his towing hook). His rifle is made up of his front grill and bumper.

: This mold was also used to make ''[[Robots in Disguise (franchise)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Tow-Line (RID)|Tow-Line]] and ''[[Robot Masters]]'' [[Wrecker Hook]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1997/Autobot/Hoist/hoist.htm More information on Machine Wars Hoist at TFU.info]''

{{-}}
===Universe (2003)===
[[Image:Hoist-Uni03SC1.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]
* '''Hoist''' (Spy Changer, 2003)

: ''[[Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' Hoist is a redeco of the ''[[Robots in Disguise (toyline)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Spychanger]] version of [[X-Brawn]], transforming into a Mercedes-Benz ML320 SUV. He features through-axle wheels to allow for super-fast rolling on smooth surfaces. Like the other toys in his assortment, Hoist uses factory-applied decals for a lot of his vehicle-mode deco, a rarity for toys released since the ''[[Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' toyline.

: Originally a Kay-Bee stores exclusive, the first release of this toy (and the others in the assortment) did not have any sub-line designation at all, but later releases for other chains, most notably "budget" chains like Family Dollar, marked them as ''Universe'' product.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Autobot/SpyHoist/hoist.htm More information on Spy Changer Hoist #1 at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Uni2}}
[[Image:RIDIronhideKB2-UniHoist2.jpg|right|250px|thumb|And yet he's still too big to fit inside Huffer.]]
*'''Hoist''' (Spy Changer, 2006)
**''Accessories'': Rifle

: This version of Hoist is identical to the last Kay-Bee [[exclusive]] redeco of ''[[Robots in Disguise (cartoon)| Robots In Disguise]]'' [[Ironhide (RID)|Ironhide]], transforming into a translucent blue Ford F150 Flareside pickup truck. Being at roughly 1:64 scale and featuring through-axle construction, he is largely compatible with "Hot Wheels" and "Matchbox" brand race tracks and playsets. He was available only on an individual card from discount chains like The Dollar Store.

: This mold was also used to make [[Motormouth]], the [[Go-Bot (G2)|Go-Bots]] version of [[Generation 1]] [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] and ''[[Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Ironhide (Universe)|Ironhide]].

==Trivia==
[[Image:DiacloneHoist.jpg|thumb|250px|Maybe one of them is the real "Moist"?]]
* Like all of the other 1984~1985 Autobot "cars", the first Hoist toy was originally from the Japanese ''[[Diaclone]]'' toyline as a piloted mecha. The "4WD Hi-Lux Wrecker-type" came in two different color schemes: red with black kneecaps and yellow wrecker-rig, or in blue with red kneecaps and yellow rig, which was available in a two-pack with the ''Diaclone'' toy that would become [[Crosscut (Autobot)|Crosscut]]. Yes, the green-and-orange coloration was made up specifically for ''Transformers''.

{{-}}

==External links==
* [http://tfu.info/1985/Autobot/Hoist/hoist.htm Hoist at TFU.info]
* [http://www.ntfa.net/universe/english/index.php?act=view&char=Hoist Hoist's ''Universe'' profile at NFTA.net]

[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 1 characters]]
[[Category:Machine Wars characters]]
[[Category:Universe characters]]
[[Category:Medics]]
[[Category:Spy Changers]]