MediaWiki - User contributions [en]

Long Haul (ROTF)

2011-10-21T01:48:40Z

58.69.198.236: /* RPMs - Robot Powered Machines */

{{factions|decepticonfilm}}
{{disambig3|Long Haul}}
:''Long Haul is a [[Decepticon]] from the [[Revenge of the Fallen (franchise)|Revenge of the Fallen franchise]] in the [[Live-action film series|live-action film]] [[continuity family]].''
[[Image:Long_Haul_ROTF_render.jpg|right|400px|thumb|The big, green, complaining machine.]]
'''Long Haul''' wishes he could spend more time in battle, destroying his enemies with projectile weaponry. Instead, he often finds himself stuck in the role of pack mule, lugging around the other Decepticons' gear. He finds this a highly loathsome task. So it isn't surprising that stuff left in his truck bed has a tendency to get lost in transit.

There are two of him, one of which forms the right leg of [[Devastator (ROTF)|Devastator]], the other may or may not be also named "Long Haul". The Long Haul [[body-type]] is also shared with numerous yellow [[Constructicon Warrior]] [[drone]]s.

{{quote|I'm going to enjoy crushing you idiots.|Long Haul on his one joy|''[[Revenge of the Fallen (Xbox 360/PS3/PC)|Revenge of the Fallen: The Game]]''}}

==Fiction==
===IDW ''Revenge of the Fallen'' comics===
Long Haul's body type was one of the early "construction drones" used to build [[star harvester]]s. One of the Long Hauls joined [[The Fallen]]'s original Decepticons. It was him who discovered [[human]]s on Earth, remarking there were a number of these breakable creatures out there and remarking they weren't "tough like ''us''". When Jetfire ordered work on the harvester to be stopped, as they couldn't kill a living world, Long Haul told him to bog off.

Jetfire turned on the Fallen over this, and so the construction drones were ordered to take him out. Unfortunately for Long Haul, ''he'' got taken out. {{storylink|Tales of the Fallen issue 3}}

===''Revenge of the Fallen'' movie===
[[Image:ROTFMegatronrebirth.jpg|thumb|left|250px|"'Get this.' 'Bring that.' I thought I was finally gonna ''build'' somethin'!"]]
After the [[AllSpark]] shard was retrieved from [[NEST]]'s secure bunker at [[Diego Garcia]], Long Haul, [[Rampage (ROTF)|Rampage]], [[Mixmaster (ROTF)|Mixmaster]], [[Scalpel (ROTF)|Scalpel]], [[Ravage (ROTF)|Ravage]] and [[Scrapmetal (ROTF)|Scrapmetal]] secreted themselves aboard the ''[[Bayos]]'' freighter heading towards the North Atlantic. Once the ship passed over the [[Laurentian Abyss]], the Decepticons jumped overboard and dived down to where [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron's]] broken body lay. Scalpel ordered the death of the smallest Constructicon to rebuild Megatron, a request that Long Haul and the others obliged with. Soon, Megatron was reborn!

[[Image:LongHaul-ROTFlooksforSam.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Not exactly the scouting type.]]
Some time later, Long Haul and another Constructicon with the same [[body-type]] were present during [[Operation: Firestorm]] in [[Egypt]]. The other Long Haul and several other Constructicons waited in a quarry in their construction vehicle disguises until the [[human]]s [[Seymour Simmons]], [[Leo Spitz]] and their Autobot guardians [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]] approached. The Constructicons [[combiner|combined]] into the mighty Devastator and attacked.

[[Image:ROTF Long Haul death.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Well ''of course'' he complained about this.]]
Elsewhere, Long Haul joined [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] and the other Decepticons in their search for [[Sam Witwicky]] and the [[Matrix of Leadership]]. Long Haul, being one of the biggest bots in the group, fought against the NEST forces in the Egyptian town near the great ruins of the pyramids, killing many soldiers and even shooting down a Jordanian helicopter. Meanwhile, [[Devastator (ROTF)|Devastator]] had shrugged off the Autobot twins and was busy demolishing the [[Great Pyramid of Giza]] when Simmons called upon the [[United States Navy]] to attack Devastator. The [[United States Navy#U.S.S. Kidd (DDG-100)|U.S.S. ''Kidd'']] fired her experimental [[rail gun]], smashing one of his arms to pieces and destroying Devastator. Long Haul was destroyed soon after during the [[United States Air Force]] air strike on the remaining Decepticons.{{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen}}
{{--}}

===''Dark of the Moon'' movie===
[[Image:DOTM-LongHaul.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Man, these guys are all over.]]
[[Igor]], the sycophantic head-with-legs who kept Megatron company at his [[Africa]] hideout, may have originally been the head of one of the Long Hauls who perished in the Egypt battle.

A Decepticon who shared Long Haul's protoform body-type was hiding under the surface of [[Earth]]'s [[moon (moon)|moon]] with scores of other troops. Once [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] and [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] activated the [[space bridge]] pillars, he and his hidden brethren were able to cross over from the moon to [[Washington, D.C.]].

The [[garbage truck Decepticon]] also resembled Long Haul.

The Long Haul was present during the Decepticons' occupation of [[Chicago]]. [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] destroyed him in a magnificent, mile-long rampage that left several Decepticons dead. {{storylink|Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon}}
{{-}}

==Games==
===''Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen'' - The Game===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Neil Kaplan]]

====Xbox 360/Sony PS3/PC====
=====Decepticon campaign=====
[[Image:ROTFgame_360PS3PC_LongHaul_shanghai.jpg|thumb|300px|Finally I get to blow something up!]]

Long Haul served as the Decepticons' ground-based heavy-hitter, with his long-range [[charged grenade]]s and flamethrower. He could also initiate a combat repair sequence that would rapidly regenerate his health, much like the Autobot [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]]'s repair ability.

After [[Sideways (ROTF)|Sideways]] cleared out most of the [[Protectobot Scout|Protectobots]] from [[Shanghai]] construction area, Long Haul was deployed to upload a virus into all of the [[NEST]] communications arrays in the area. Soon after, Long Haul was sent to the Shanghai spiral highway to destroy two NEST field headquarters and their defenders, drawing the Autobot [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] out into the open. Both combatants were roughly evenly matched, but Long Haul's long-range charged grenades and his combat repair sequence gave him the edge to defeat Ironhide this time. Long Haul was soon sent back to the spiral highway to follow in the wake of a cloaked Autobot probe, which was, to add insult to injury, created by salvaging Decepticon technology. The Decepticon shrugged off attacks by the Autobot defenders, chased after the probe and destroyed it when it revealed itself.

Later, Long Haul was sent to the [[United States of America|United States]] West Coast oil refinery to capture the human female known as [[Mikaela Banes]], who might know the location of an [[AllSpark|AllSpark fragment]]. He destroyed numerous buildings to force the engineers to evacuate, then brought them to an interrogator probe that plumbed the minds of these primitive organic beings. Though none of the subjects survived the torture, one did provide the location of the human female before he expired, and Long Haul was able to capture her. Unfortunately, she was rescued by the Autobots soon after Long Haul left the area.

After Megatron's glorious resurrection, Long Haul was deployed to the East Coast industrial area to chase after and destroy yet another cloaked Autobot probe. Soon after, he was sent to the East Coast city with the L-train to send a message to the pathetic humans that their NEST and the Autobots could not protect them. Despite overwhelming odds, Long Haul attacked and destroyed the primitive power plant and the crude televisual broadcasting station.

Following their journey to Egypt, the Decepticons discovered that the Autobot collaborators had given the human insects the [[Axiom Gun]], which was being used in [[Cairo]] to attack the Decepticons. Furious, Megatron ordered Long Haul to destroy the weapon. {{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (Xbox 360/PS3/PC)}}

=====Autobot campaign=====
At the Shanghai spiral highway, Ironhide was eager for payback for his earlier defeat at the hands of Long Haul. He destroyed the [[Combaticon (ROTF)|Combaticon]] units assigned to the area to draw Long Haul out, then the two titans went to town on each other. Once again, both were roughly evenly matched in terms of physical strength and firepower, but in the end, Ironhide's experience and cunning prevailed.

{{Note|As well as the "main" green Long Haul, there were also several ''yellow'' Long Haul [[Constructicon Warrior]] units that were a constant pain for the Autobot forces. These units were equipped with an [[Energon Wave Cannon]] similar to [[Grindor (ROTF)|Grindor]]'s. Also, Long Haul himself has an alternate color scheme which matches the Warrior's paint job, albeit with Long Haul's abilities.}} {{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (Xbox 360/PS3/PC)}}

==Toys==
===Revenge of the Fallen===
====Legends Class toys====
[[Image:ROTF_Legends_LongHaul.jpg|thumb|300px|"Gimme an H!"]]
*'''Long Haul''' (EZ Collection DX, 2009)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''D6'''

:Long Haul and the six other Legends class Constructicons combine to form Devastator. In Japan, the Legends class Constructicons are sold individually. He forms Devastator's right leg.

*'''Constructicon Devastator''' (Legends figure multi-pack, 2010)

:In [[Hasbro]]'s markets, the Legends Constructicons are sold together as a store [[exclusive]].
{{-}}

[[Image:ROTFLegends_LongHaulG1Colors.JPG|thumb|300px|]]
*'''EZ Collection Devastator - G1 Colors Version''' (Legends, 2010)
:Takara will reissue the seven Legend class Constructicons in G1 inspired green and purple color schemes.

{{-}}

====Voyager Class toys====
[[Image:ROTF_Voyager_LongHaul.jpg|thumb|300px|You can pick your friends and you can pick your nose, but don't let this friend pick your nose.]]
*'''Long Haul''' (Voyager, 2009)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''RD-17'''

:Part of ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' Voyager Class wave 5, Long Haul transforms from a green genericized "earth mover" dump truck with a functional truck bed into a bulky robot mode. In robot mode, he has three [[Mech Alive]] gimmicks in which turning his head also turns a cog in his chest, while bending his elbows moves some pistons and finally the "springs" connected to his feet move inwards when moving them. Only the piston gimmick is advertised on the packaging. Meanwhile, each forearm houses a spring-loaded flip-out sword.

:Long Haul was packaged in vehicle mode in very limited numbers before a [[running change]] packaged him in robot mode.

:This mold was later [[redeco]]ed to make the [[Transformers (2010 toyline)|2010 ''Transformers'' toyline]]'s [[Payload (Movie)|Payload]].
{{--}}

====Combiner Class toys====
[[Image:ROTF Devastator combiner toy.jpg|thumb|300px|]]
*'''Constructicon Devastator''' (2009)

:The roughly [[size class|Deluxe size]] Long Haul dump truck transforms into Devastator's right leg. Due to cost, stability and design concerns, the Long Haul truck cannot turn into a robot itself. He can only form the right leg unless you want a backwards walking Devastator.
{{--}}
====Fast Action Battlers====
[[Image:Long Haul ROTF FAB.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Long Haul smash!]]
*'''Devastation Blast Long Haul''' (Fast Action Battler, 2009)

: Part of the ''[[Fast Action Battlers]]'' subline, "Devastation Blast" Long Haul is a simplified toy aimed at younger children. His main [[gimmick]] is a "punching" attack that causes his right arm to extend, activated by pushing a button on his shoulder. Due to this gimmick, his right arm has no elbow joint.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Decepticon/FABLongHaul/longhaul.htm More information on Devastation Blast Long Haul at TFU.info]''

{{--}}

====Mega Power Bots====
[[Image:ROTF MegaPowerBots Devastator.jpg|right|300px|thumb| Wow, and we thought Gravity Bots were simplistic.]]
*'''Constructicon Devastator''' (2009)
: Mega [[Power Bots]] Devastator is a simple toy for younger children, featuring plenty of playing sounds and flashing lights. His limbs have limited swivel articulation and do not detach into separate vehicles. He has a distinctly more humanoid stature than normal.

: Unlike regular [[Power Bots]], and unlike other portrayals of the character in general, Devastator features a transformation! It consists of putting his arms up and laying him flat on his stomach, which lets him roll around using the wheels on his limbs.

: Pressing down the Decepticon shield on his crotch (!) spins the vortex in his chest, lights up his eyes and makes him utter one of many Welker-recorded phrases, including [[The Transformers: The Movie|"Prepare for extermination!"]], "Crush Autobots!" and "I am Devastator!" Pressing on the crane of his excavator arm makes a cannon blast sound effect, while pressing the cab of his loader arm turns the scoop into claws.
{{--}}

===Transformers (2010)===
====Legends Class toys====
[[Image:TF2010-toy_Legends_Long_Haul.jpg|thumb|right|300px|]]
*'''Long Haul''' (Legends, 2010)

:This Legends class Long Haul is an all-new mold that is different from the Legends class Long Haul that came with Legends class Constructicon Devastator. Because he is not encumbered with the need to combine, both his robot and vehicle modes are much more accurate and detailed.

:This mold was also used to make the Japanese-exclusive Legends Class [[Payload (Movie)|Payload]].

{{-}}
[[Image:TF2010-toy_Legends_combiner_Long_Haul.jpg|thumb|right|300px|"Green again?", Long Haul sighed to himself. While he would never admit it, he was beginning to feel jealous of [[Rampage (ROTF)|Rampage]]'s constant color shifting.]]
*'''Constructicon Devastator''' (Legends figure giftset, 2010)

:A [[Toys"R"Us]]-exclusive Generation 1-themed redeco of Legends Devastator and his components. Unlike Takara's go at the same idea, the Constructicons have few purple details, though this doesn't change Long Haul much. He doesn't have a gray grill anymore, though he does get brown [[paint operation]]s on and around his wheels to simulate dirt.

{{-}}

*'''Megatron Rising''' (Figure multi-pack)

:This retailer exclusive multi-pack recreated the scene in ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' where the Constructicons resurrect Megatron. The Long Haul figure itself appears to be an unchanged version from the Revenge of the Fallen release of the Legends Constructicon Devastator combiner figure, and comes packed with (apparently) similarly unchanged Constructicon Devastator figures of [[Mixmaster (ROTF)|Mixmaster]], [[Rampage (ROTF)|Rampage]], a red redeco of [[Scrapper (ROTF)|Scrapper]], who was probably intended to be [[Scrapmetal (ROTF)|Scrapmetal]], and a metallic green redeco of Voyager class Megatron

:It has never been revealed for which retailer this multi-pack was intended for.
{{canceledtoy}}
{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===Revenge of the Fallen===
====Robot Heroes====
[[Image:RobotHeroes_BumblebeeLongHaul.JPG|right|300px|thumb|]]
*'''Bumblebee and Long Haul''' (2009)

:''[[Robot Heroes (toyline)|Robot Heroes]]'' Long Haul is a [[super deformed]] figure with limited articulation in his neck and shoulders. He came in a two-pack with [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]].

{{-}}
[[Image:rotf_desertdevastation_rh.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Stompy!]]
*'''Desert Devastation''' (Multi-pack, 2009)

:Long Haul is the sculpted right leg of "Desert Devastation" Devastator, a super-sized ''Robot Heroes'' figure. He is only available in a multi-pack with [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]] in their vehicle modes and [[William Lennox]].

{{--}}
====Burger King====
[[Image:ROTFMerchandise-BurgerKingLongHaul.jpg|thumb|right|200px|I think it's gone bad...]]
*'''Devastator''' (2009)
:An extremely-simplified version of Long Haul's vehicle mode is included as part of [[Devastator (ROTF)#Burger_King|Burger King Devastator]]. His bucket is hollow and capable of carrying material, however its pinched shape prevents it from carrying much. Though his ball socket is compatible with any of Devastator's limb connections, it's marked with a C to indicate he forms Devastator's right leg.
{{--}}

====RPMs - Robot Powered Machines====
[[Image:ROTF-toy_RPM_LongHaul.jpg|thumb|right|300px|]]
*'''Long Haul''' (2009)
**''Series:'' '''Combat Series'''
**''Number:'' '''04 of 04'''

:''[[Robot Powered Machines]]'' Long Haul is a small, ''Hot Wheels''-style dump truck. While he can't transform, his robot mode is sculpted on the truck's underside alongside his name and a Decepticon insignia. His truck bed is articulated and his wheels feature through-axle construction that lets him roll smoothly on flat surfaces. The truck is decorated with the number 0728, unlike the Voyager-class toy which features the number 1214.
{{-}}

[[Image:RPMOptimusPrimeVsDesertLongHaul.jpg|thumb|300px|]]
*'''Optimus Prime Vs. Desert Long Haul''' (2010)
**''Series:'' '''Battle Series 2'''
**''Number:'' '''04 of 06'''

:Mini-Vehicle Long Haul was redecoed in desert-themed colors as part of a two-pack with [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]. Notably, while both the card-art and the back of the package photography depict Desert Long Haul as being yellow (like [[Payload_(Movie)#Transformers_.282010.29|Payload]]), the toy itself is actually sandy tan.

:This two-pack was either not shipped to stores in the United States at all or saw extremely limited distribution. It was mainly available in foreign markets, such as Europe and Asia.

{{-}}

===SpeedStars===
[[Image:SpeedStarsOptimusPrimeVsDesertLongHaul.jpg|thumb|300px|Orange you glad I'm being sold in stores?]]
*'''Optimus Prime Vs. Desert Long Haul''' (2010)
**''Series:'' '''Battle Series 2'''
**''Number:'' '''04 of 06'''

:For the SpeedStars release of the Battle Series 2 range, Mini-Vehicle Desert Long Haul went from the tan of its ''Robot Powered Machines'' iteration to orange. While the vehicle mode card art reflected this change, the robot mode card art did not, remaining yellow.

:Like all the other SpeedStars vehicles that had once been sold as RPMs, Desert Long Haul has fewer paint applications than its predecessor.
{{-}}

==Notes==
*Artist [[Josh Nizzi]] attracted the attention of [[Hasbro]]'s ''Transformers'' design director [[Aaron Archer]], director [[Michael Bay]] and the ''Transformers'' [[fandom]] when he created a "movie-style" design for Long Haul in [[2007]]. Nizzi's work impressed Hasbro and the director enough for him to be hired as a concept artist and for his Long Haul design to actually be used for the character in the movie, associated media and merchandise. It was the very first design approved for ''Revenge of the Fallen''.<ref>[http://www.news-gazette.com/news/local/2009/06/23/champaign_native_realizes_dream_with Josh Nizzi interview at News-Gazette.com, June 23, 2009]</ref>
* In the original fanart by [[Josh Nizzi]], Long Haul's [[alternate mode]] is a [[Wikipedia:Caterpillar 797|CAT 797]], with an overall length of 14.5m / 47.67ft. However, the vehicle which becomes the left leg of Devastator is a smaller CAT 773B with an overall length of 10.3m / 33.5ft. Either this was a change made during the adaptation from art to CGI, or the two Long Hauls are in fact different vehicles.
* On the [[cross-sell]] for "[[The Fury of Fearswoop]]" multipack, Long Haul is mistakenly given the name "[[Longarm (disambiguation)| Long Arm]]", and is listed as an [[Autobot]].

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Long Haul''' (ロングハウル ''Rongu Hauru'')

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Combiners]]
[[Category:Dark of the Moon Decepticons]]
[[Category:Fandom]] 
[[Category:Revenge of the Fallen Constructicons]]
[[Category:Robot Heroes]]
[[Category:Transformers (2010) Decepticons]]

Soundwave (ROTF)

2011-10-20T12:19:19Z

58.69.198.236: /* Dark of the Moon */

{{faction|decepticonfilm|hofsilver}}
{{disambig3|Soundwave}}
{{featured}}

:''Soundwave is a [[Decepticon]] from the [[Live-action film series|live-action film]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Rotf soundwave satellite mode.jpg|thumb|right|375px|Just wait till he tentacle rapes that other satellite!]]

'''Soundwave''', the Decepticon communications officer and one of [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]'s staunchest supporters, doesn't just master the frequencies that carry information across our planet, he revels in them. Stationed high in the upper atmosphere and capable of processing millions of data streams at once, he is fully capable of taking over communications on a planetary scale. Whether he uses this to direct civilization or destroy it remains to be seen.

Soundwave has two extremely powerful weapons: his spread of [[sonic cannon]]s... and Megatron. If any Decepticon crosses him, he does not hesitate to send a full record of said Decepticon's failures to Megatron, almost certainly ensuring an untimely demise. His lofty position has made [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] suspicious, so Soundwave has his minion [[Ravage (ROTF)|Ravage]] keep an eye on the [[Air Commander]] if he gets out of hand. Soundwave is also nearly defenseless in space, as his devastating sonic cannons only work within the atmosphere.<ref>[http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/en_US/discover/Battle-Bios.cfm Hasbro Soundwave Battle Bio]</ref>

{{quote|Nothing moves on the orb below without '''my''' being aware of it. I see and hear everything, be it out in the open or behind closed doors. My reach is invisible, intangible. My grip...cast-iron.|Soundwave is watching you...|[[Nefarious issue 1|Nefarious #1]]}}

==Fiction==
===Titan Magazines ''Transformers'' movie comics===
[[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] was in talks with Soundwave to get him to join in the attack on Earth and be in [[Michael Bay]]'s next documentary. Soundwave is known for talking in several frequencies at once, apparently just to be annoying. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 15|#15's Star Screams}} Starscream doesn't trust Soundwave but notes his intelligence, and so views him as a worthy successor in the event of his death. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 21|#21's Star Screams}}

===IDW ''Transformers'' movie comics===
Thousands of years ago on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], Soundwave stood by [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]'s side on Unification Day, when a new era of Cybertronian government was ushered in that saw the planet ruled by two bodies—Megatron's [[Defense Force]], of which Soundwave became a part, and [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus]]'s [[Science Division]]. Megatron's lust for power soon led him to claim dominion over Optimus, however, and Soundwave was silently present when Megatron summoned Optimus and made this declaration. {{storylink|Foundation issue 2}}

[[Image:Defiance4Soundwave.jpg|thumb|left|100px|No full body shot in the movie or comics.]]

Some time later, Megatron came under the influence of [[The Fallen]], who sought to be freed from the [[sarcophagus]] that was his trans-dimensional prison. To this end, Soundwave was assigned captaincy of the newly built spacecraft ''[[Nemesis (ROTF)|Nemesis]]'', which would take the sarcophagus across the galaxy to find the world on which The Fallen had built a [[Star Harvester]] millennia beforehand. Soundwave and his crew left Cybertron with The Fallen's sarcophagus just before the outbreak of war. {{storylink|Defiance issue 4}}{{storylink|Foundation issue 3|Foundation #3}}

After thousands of years of searching the stars, Soundwave's ''Nemesis'' detected the faint energy signature of the [[AllSpark]], which had been jettisoned from Cybertron in their absence. Unfortunately for them, so did [[Ark (DOTM)|the Ark]], an Autobot spacecraft that had also left Cybertron after the ''Nemesis'' and which was teleporting around space and time via a [[space bridge]]. The Ark materialized partially within the ''Nemesis'', the intersection of their molecules crippled both ships. While the Ark teleported away, leaving a temporary space bridge portal lingering in its wake, the Decepticons managed to set the ''Nemesis'' down on a barren moon. For the first time, The Fallen, recognizing the space bridge as the technology of [[Dynasty of Primes|his people]], spoke directly into Soundwave's mind, directing him to take the Decepticons aboard the smaller ship ''[[Longshot (DOTM)|Longshot]]'' and follow the Ark through the portal. Complying, Soundwave's crew found themselves hurled into the future, appearing in the vicinity of Earth in the year [[1961]] alongside the Ark. The Autobot craft proceeded to crash on Earth's [[Moon (moon)|moon]], and Soundwave quickly determined to keep [[human]]kind from plundering the treasures it contained: mysterious [[pillar]]s that he had his crew set about removing from the ship and stockpiling. {{storylink|Convergence chapter 1}}

Unfortunately for Soundwave, humanity detected the crash of the Ark upon the Moon, and a "space race" began between the [[United States of America]] and the [[Soviet Union]] to be the first to reach the Moon. The Soviets were first to send probes that photographed the moon's surface: in [[1963]], their [[Luna 4]] captured an image of the pillars as they were being moved. {{storylink|Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon}} Realizing the necessity of infiltrating the ranks of humanity in order to control the flow of data, Soundwave had the [[Alice|Pretender]] kill and replace Spetsnaz agent [[Alisa Morozov]] in [[1964]]; then, in [[1965]], as the Soviets' [[Luna 6]] was in flight, he sent her to [[Soviet Research Station Oktober]] to massacre the scientists awaiting data the probe would send back. Convinced by the Pretender that Humanity could be subverted towards their ends, Soundwave struck a deal with the sole surviving scientist, [[Voskhod]], to curtail further Soviet moon missions. In the process, the Pretender also learned that both America and Russia allegedly had a Cybertronian in their individual custodies, but Soundwave dismissed them as rumors, preferring to focus on the trail of the AllSpark and the Star Harvester. {{storylink|Convergence chapter 2}}

[[Image:RisingStorm2 soundwave voskhod.jpg|thumb|right|300px|]]

Realizing that a captive American secret agent, [[Bill Simmons]] had escaped from Research Station Oktober during the Pretender's attack, Soundwave spent two months scanning information lines in search of him, eventually discovering him when he returned to North America and made contact with his superiors. Although the Pretender failed to finish him off, Soundwave had at last learned of Simmons's well-hidden organization: [[Sector Seven]]. {{storylink|Convergence chapter 3}} In [[1969]], he monitored the launch of their [[Ghost 1]] craft, believing it to be of greater importance than the [[Apollo 11]] moon mission, but his guess proved incorrect: Thanks to Soundwave's being distracted, astronauts [[Neil Armstrong]] and [[Buzz Aldrin]] were able to carry out the first brief excavation of the Ark. Incensed by his failure, Soundwave grew even more determined to find a mole within the American space program, and he set [[Ravage (ROTF)|Ravage]] to find prospective candidates. He found a NASA accountant named Gould and tapped the stock market to provide enough financial persuasion for the human to manipulate the NASA budget to halt moon missions from [[1972]] onwards. {{storylink|Convergence chapter 4}}

Soundwave spent the rest of the 1970s recruiting more human pawns to prevent the Ark from being rediscovered. Eventually, in [[1979]], deciding that everything was secure, he and his crew departed Earth on the ''Longshot'' to reconvene with The Fallen back aboard the ''Nemesis'', but with no space bridge portal to teleport them, the voyage took something in the vicinity of fourteen years. A brief talk with The Fallen yielded information: in Soundwave's absence, Megatron had visited the ''Nemesis'', on the trail of the AllSpark. Soundwave realized that his leader must have been one of the Cybertronians in captivity on Earth, and immediately departed to return to the planet, putting most of his crew in statis. Before leaving, he presented The Fallen with one of the pillars from the Ark; after he left, The Fallen used it to finally free himself from his sarcophagus. {{storylink|Convergence chapter 4}}

[[Image:SoundwaveAllianceIssue2.jpg|left|300px|thumb|Alas, poor Dreadwing. I knew him, Ravage.]]

During Soundwave's return voyage to Earth, Decepticon forces under the command of [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] had arrived on the planet and freed Megatron, only for both the Decepticon leader and the AllSpark to be destroyed in battle in [[Mission City]]. Soundwave returned one month after his leader's death, but detoured briefly to investigate a space-time anomaly on [[Mars (planet)|Mars]]. There, he discovered a jury-rigged space bridge created from one of the Ark's pillars (created by [[Thundercracker (Movie)|Thundercracker]]), the remains of [[Dreadwing (Movie)|Dreadwing's]], an imprint of [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy's]] body, {{storylink|Alliance issue 2}} and a message from Starscream that informed him of the recent events on Earth. {{storylink|Convergence chapter 4}} Soundwave immediately made contact with Starscream, who had just finished battling [[Wreckage (Movie)|Wreckage]], and ordered him back to the ''Longshot'' to awaken the rest of his crew from stasis. {{storylink|Alliance issue 2}}{{storylink|Convergence chapter 4}} Dispatching what few crew members were currently active to begin searching the planet for the Star Harvester, Soundwave assumed the form of a satellite and took up orbit around Earth. {{Storylink|Alliance issue 4}}

As the search continued, Soundwave re-established contact with his many human pawns, including Gould's son [[Dylan Gould|Dylan]], who had inherited his father's role as Decepticon liaison. {{storylink|Convergence chapter 4}}

===Titan Magazines ''Revenge of the Fallen'' comics===
Soundwave appeared unknown to the Autobots. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.4|New Tricks}} He commanded a small Decepticon cell, based out of [[Mars (planet)|Mars]]' moon [[Phobos]]. While nominally under the command of [[The Fallen]], The Fallen was merely in ''contact'' with the Decepticons and currently incapacitated. This left Soundwave free to do his ''own'' thing... {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.8|Back-to-Back}}

[[Image:Titan4_Soundwaveinterrogate.jpg|left|thumb|200px|Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi, you're my only... Oops, wrong movie.]]

One of his goals was to find the location of the [[Tomb of the Primes]]. The aging [[Seeker (ROTF)|Seeker]] [[Ransack (ROTF)|Ransack]] knew it but would only tell it to The Fallen. ''Strangely'' unwilling to put The Fallen and Ransack in touch and ''oddly'' preferring to personally know the location of [[Matrix of Leadership|the key to a monstrous superweapon]] himself {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.8|Back-to-Back}}, Soundwave turned to the dormant Seekers instead. He directed [[Grindor (ROTF)|Grindor]] to [[Las Vegas]] to carve up one such Seeker for its "memory tree". He refused to explain the reason ''why'' to Grindor. When [[NEST]] showed up, Soundwave appeared contemptuous of them and their [[Human|whole species]], noting Transformers owned this world ''long'' before mankind. To Grindor, he simply said to get the memory tree to him and not get captured. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.3|Learning Curve}}

Later, [[Transformers Comic issue 2.2|on The Fallen's orders]], he directed [[Ravage (ROTF)|Ravage]] to find [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]], find out what they knew about The Fallen's plans and who they'd told it to, and then terminate them. When Ravage had cornered Mudflap, Soundwave talked through him and attempted to interrogate the Autobot; this failed, with Mudflap not even being bothered about who Soundwave was. While the hit was a bust, Soundwave ensured the base was bugged. As a result, he discovered [[Sideswipe (Movie)|Sideswipe]] distrusted the twins.

[[Image:Titan6_SoundwaveIAm.jpg|right|thumb|250px|"[[Sanctuary|There you go]], fellas!"]]

This was something Soundwave found interesting {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.4|New Tricks}} and he hatched a plan to ensure the twins were believed to be traitors: which would ensure nobody would follow up on their intell! Somehow, he got [[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponok]] to [[Diego Garcia]] at the same time the twins were there. He then had [[Sideways (ROTF)|Sideways]] get captured, so that when he was taken to [[Diego Garcia]] Scorponok would free him. With the Decepticon attacking at the same time the twins were distracting Optimus and on top of previous acts, they seemed guilty and were taken into custody. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.5|Reversal of Fortune}} Soundwave sent [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] to blow up the soldiers escorting the twins to orbitary exile, and [[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] parachuted in to convince them to defect. When [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] tracked down the twins—who had kidnapped [[Sam Witwicky]] in a failed attempt to convince him to speak to Optimus on their behalf - Soundwave finally landed on Earth and blasted the scout. Soundwave told the twins The Fallen would offer them sanctuary, something they seemed happy to accept... {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.6|Outlaw Blues}}

[[Image:Titan7_Soundwave_GO!.jpg|left|thumb|200px|]]

Poor Soundwave soon had to put ''up'' with the twins, as they insisted on chatting through his briefings and dissing the other 'cons. He ''just'' about, through ominous glares, got them to pay attention to their mission: to capture Ransack and bring him in to be "re-educated". This, however, was all a big con on the twins: he just wanted them as expendable bait to draw out Ransack, so Grindor and Sideways could knock him out. Soundwave also spoke for the entire Decepticons when he said that if the twins survived any encounter, ''kill them anyway''. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.7|Turnabout}}

[[Image:Titan8_Soundwave_FWATT.jpg|right|thumb|200px|KERPOW!]]

Once Ransack was in his hands, Soundwave beat the snot out of him and demanded the location to the Tomb of the Primes. The Seeker still refused to talk, and insulted Soundwave as being a mere cog who could barely understand the big picture. He almost killed Ransack for that, having to be held back by Starscream (don't want The Fallen ''knowing'' you've killed his Seeker!), but the elder continued to mock him for believing he had freedom of action just because The Fallen was absent.

When the twins, revealed to have been faking their defection, returned to beat the crap out of the Phobos base, an annoyed Soundwave ended their brief success with overwhelming violence. Unfortunately, before he could kill the Autobots, Ransack took the opportunity to leg it; desperate to stop The Fallen from being informed of what he'd been up to, Soundwave gave chase and the Phobos base was abandoned. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.8|Back-to-Back}} As he's still around later, it seems Soundwave made ''sure'' Ransack never made it to The Fallen...

{{note|The following events occur in the Law and Disorder continuity.}}

[[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] considers Soundwave to be an untrustworthy jerk who ''never'' pulls his weight in a fight. Megatron, however, loves the guy. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.7|#7's Law and Disorder}}
{{-}}

===''Revenge of the Fallen'' film===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Frank Welker]] (English, French, Italian), [[Horst Lampe]] (German), [[Daisuke Gōri]] (Japanese), [[Leonardo García]] (American Spanish)

[[Image:ROTF-Soundwaveface.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Next time, Gadget. Next time.]]
Soundwave received a transmission from [[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]], who was tailing [[Mikaela Banes]], and instructed him to obtain a surviving shard of the [[AllSpark|AllSpark]] in her possession. He found a satellite transmitting a conversation between [[NEST]] and the [[United States military]]. Tapping into it with his tentacles to listen, Soundwave overheard [[Theodore Galloway]] mention another shard of the AllSpark in storage at [[Diego Garcia]], and of [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]'s burial in the [[Laurentian Abyss]].

[[Image:ROTF Soundwave ejects Ravage.jpg|thumb|left|300px|Ravage: Eject. Operation: [[Ruined FOREVER|Childhood rape]].]]

Formulating a plan, Soundwave waited until it would be nightfall on Diego Garcia, then ejected [[Ravage (ROTF)|Ravage]] (who was equipped with [[Scalpel (ROTF)|Scalpel]] and the [[Microcon (ROTF)|microcons]] comprising [[Reedman]]) to Diego Garcia to steal the shard. Once they had stolen the shard, they reunited with some [[Constructicon (ROTF)|Constructicons]] and managed to resurrect their leader.

Soundwave remained in space, tapping into the satellite he had found. When Megatron decided to reveal the Transformers presence on Earth after killing [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]], Soundwave issued the mobilization order to the waiting troops on the ''[[Nemesis (ROTF)|Nemesis]]''. As the Decepticons streaked toward Earth, Soundwave tracked down [[Ron Witwicky|Ron]] and [[Judy Witwicky]] in [[France|Paris]]. He called Judy on her cellphone, demanding to know where Sam was, which the human dismissed as a crank call by a pervert. This allowed the Decepticons to track them down and capture them to use as bait for Sam.

[[Image:SoundwaveSatellite.jpg|thumb|300px|Yes, yes, you fans all thought about ''[[Transformers: Kiss Players (franchise)|Kiss Players]]'' when you saw me do this.]]

When the CIA discovered that Sam was in [[Egypt]], Soundwave relayed the information to the Decepticons. During [[Operation: Firestorm]], Soundwave blocked the satellites covering the Egyptian area, making things appear normal. General [[Morshower]] was unconvinced though and got other local informants to know what was happening at the [[pyramid]]s. {{storylink|Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen}}

{{note|In the comic, Megatron rendezvoused with Soundwave after killing Optimus, making the demand for Sam Witwicky himself, which Soundwave broadcast through the satellite he clutched. {{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen issue 2|Revenge of the Fallen #2}}}}

{{-}}

===IDW post-''Revenge of the Fallen'' comics===
Months after the battle in Egypt, Soundwave detected [[Ravage (ROTF)|Ravage]] was alive and active, and was furious someone else was ordering his pet around. {{storylink|Tales of the Fallen issue 5}} Monitoring Earth, he observed [[Alice]]'s attempt at flight and subsequent termination by [[NEST]]. [[Buzzsaw (ROTF)|Buzzsaw]], who he'd dispatched to [[Kingdom Petrochemicals]] to investigate Ravage's status, reported back that there were non-NEST humans poking around there, so Soundwave sent in [[Ratbat (ROTF)|Ratbat]], [[Rumble (ROTF)|Rumble]] and [[Beastbox (ROTF)|Beastbox]] to attack. Surprisingly [[Initiative|the humans]] were a match for the Decepticons, and Soundwave moved in to take direct action, however at that point the Autobots arrived. Soundwave destroyed [[Breakaway (ROTF)|Breakaway]], but when the human forces pulled out, so too did Soundwave. To his surprise, he found he wasn't able to track where the departing humans had gone. {{storylink|Nefarious issue 1|Nefarious #1}}

[[Image:Nefarious3 Soundwave bondage.jpg|thumb|left|300px]]
Ravage was reactivated by Buzzsaw, allowing Soundwave to access his memories. Acting on one memory, he sent Buzzsaw to help [[Strike Team Ursa]] while he rendezvoused with Ravage for an examination. When Strike Team Ursa triggered defenses, Soundwave warned them to withdraw. They did, but ran into [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] and [[Sideswipe (Movie)|Sideswipe]], and Soundwave was forced to come to their aid. Unfortunately, Optimus Prime was also on the way, and Soundwave was no match for the Autobot leader. He tried to suggest it would be advantageous for them to let him go, but Optimus took him into custody. {{storylink|Nefarious issue 2|Nefarious #2}} Soundwave was secured and put on a plane bound for [[Odessa]], [[Texas]], however the plane was shot down by Buzzsaw, and then [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]]'s team had [[Dirt Boss (ROTF)|Dirt Boss]] and Soundwave's minions to contend with as well. Soundwave tried to get Ravage to free him, but the cat's free will was overridden by an external force. In the end, Soundwave was too much trouble and Bumblebee let the Decepticons have him back. {{storylink|Nefarious issue 3|Nefarious #3}}

Soundwave tracked Ravage back to the [[Initiative base]] in [[California]]. After sending the other Decepticons in first to test the base's defenses, he moved in himself, only to find that the foe he faced had an army of brainwashed Transformers. He somehow escaped them and proceeded to the NEST base in Odessa. {{storylink|Nefarious issue 4|Nefarious #4}} He led the Autobots to the base's location, though he "neglected" to tell them about the brainwashed Transformers, but the base was gone, leading to the conclusion it was somehow mobile. Tapping into traffic cameras, he traced the base to [[Oregon]]. When they got there and began the assault, Soundwave was snootily dismissive of the Autobots' combat banter. {{storylink|Nefarious issue 5|Nefarious #5}} While the Initiative was distracted, Soundwave was able to reactivate Ravage and send [[Reedman]] to attack Initiative head [[Carter Newell]]. When Newell tried to flee with the AllSpark, Soundwave ordered Buzzsaw to assist Optimus Prime in pursuing him. It was only after everything was over that NEST discovered that the Initiative databanks had been mysteriously picked clean... {{storylink|Nefarious issue 6|Nefarious #6}}

Adopting a new body, Soundwave then took up residence at Megatron's base in [[Namibia]]. {{storylink|Rising Storm issue 2|Rising Storm #2}} When [[Arcee (Movie)|Arcee]], [[Elita-One (Movie)|Elita-One]] and [[Chromia (ROTF)|Chromia]] discovered [[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]]'s [[Driller]] in the [[Adirondack Mountains]], Soundwave was present to jam their communications and then send his minions to attack them. {{storylink|Rising Storm issue 3|Rising Storm #3}} With Elita-One leaving to warn the Autobots about Shockwave in person, the other two were surrounded by Soundwave and his animals. They chose to sacrifice themselves using a powerful bomb, though Soundwave managed to escape the explosion and return to Namibia. {{storylink|Rising Storm issue 4|Rising Storm #4}}

===''Cyber Missions''===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Bronco D. Jackson]] (English), [[Salvador Reyes]] (Latin American-Spanish)

[[Image:CyberMission1-Soundwave.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Through the dark, to the light, it's a super sonic flight!
Gotta keep it goin'!]]

{{quote|No! Too many sonic booms! I can't absorb—!}}

When Soundwave and [[Bludgeon (ROTF)|Bludgeon]] descended on [[Diego Garcia]], they interrupted an Autobot mission briefing. While Ironhide headed outside to face Bludgeon, Bumblebee remained inside to guard the Autobots' precious [[datatrax|data tracks]] from Soundwave. Bumblebee fired shot after shot, but Soundwave was able to simply use his sonic powers to repel the attacks back towards Bumblebee. However, Bumblebee gambled that Soundwave would be unable to repel a great number of attacks simultaneously, and the Decepticon was overwhelmed by Bumblebee's automatic weaponry. {{storylink|Cyber Missions 1}} Bumblebee confined Soundwave inside a vacuum-sealed electromagnetic bubble, where his sonic weaponry would be useless. {{storylink|Cyber Missions 2}}
{{-}}

===Titan Magazines post-''Revenge of the Fallen'' comics===

Instructed by Megatron to "hound" humans and "get up close and personal" in his attacks, Soundwave cut a swathe of destruction across the North Atlantic, destroying ships as he headed on a course towards Florida. Identifying his pattern, [[William Lennox]] and [[Robert Epps]] staged an ambush, laying out a cargo ship for Soundwave to attack and then blindsiding him with a volley from a hidden warship. Badly damaged in the surprise assault, Soundwave was forced to retreat, venturing into the confines of...the [[Bermuda Triangle]]! (Dun dun dunnnn!)

[[Image:Titan15_Soundwaveghostship.jpg|left|thumb|250px|Bustin' makes ghosts feel good!]]

Amidst the storm clouds, Soundwave discovered another ship that he decided to attack out of spite, but faltered when his databanks identified it as a [[United States Navy]] vessel that had been lost in [[1918]]. Caught off-guard by a volley of primitive weaponsfire (even for humans!) and damaged even further, Soundwave tried to limp away, only to cross paths with ''another'' mystery ship, this one allegedly from [[1941]]! Pelted from both sides and unable to get a handle on his situation, Soundwave fled high into the air, out of the ships' range...and right in the path of a squadron of [[World War II]] bombers! Rattled by their machine gun fire and unable to overcome their superior flying skills, Soundwave decided to break upwards...''all'' the way upwards. Whatever strange chronal chaos he had encountered in the depths of the Bermuda Triangle, Soundwave concluded that the solar radiation, meteor showers and space debris he would face on the ''[[Moon (moon)|Moon]]'' would be ''much'' safer! {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.15|Making Waves}}

[[Image:Titan3-3_soundwaveyoutwo.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Look out! Soundwave is pretending to be the Fat Controller!]]

When the Autobots were about to discover an ''Ark'' fragment that could lead them to [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]], Soundwave and Starscream sprang into action. From his position in high orbit, Soundwave hacked and took over NEST's defensive guns and left the [[Fiesole Cathedral]] wide open. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 3.1|Fight for Fiesole}}

Striking out on his own and using a brand new body, Soundwave scanned the Earth for a large seam of [[gold]] and, having discovered the legendary [[El Dorado]] in [[Colombia]], used the human [[Tanto Gang]] to help him dig it up. Once they found it, he began shooting at them: he wanted it for himself so he could flood the markets with gold and crash the economy! NEST attempted to stop him and he fought Optimus Prime directly, but in the end he was driven off when the Tanto Gang triggered a bomb for revenge. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 3.2|Blood And Gold}}

Soundwave then allowed NEST to find him, pretending to be injured from the battle... and then opened fire with full weaponry, injuring [[Robert Epps]] and nearly killing Bumblebee. When Optimus arrived, Soundwave was able to force him to agree to a fight without weapons (''Optimus''' weapons anyway) and attempted to blast him off the [[Spain|Sierra Nevada]] mountains. Unfortunately for him, he got too into it and his sonic blasts began to cause avalanches, while Optimus was able to locate a fissure in the rock and sneak up behind him. Surprised, he was shoved into the avalanche he'd start and almost killed.

Somehow, Soundwave had also gained the power to transform from alien satellite form into a robot form that looked like it turned into a car!{{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 3.3|Dealing with the Devil}}
{{-}}

===''Dark of the Moon'' film===
:''Voice actor''; [[Frank Welker]] (English), [[Jirō Saitō]] (Japanese), [[Leonardo García]] (American Spanish), [[Mario Bombardieri]] (Italian)

[[Image:DOTM-LaserbeakSoundwave.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Carly will wonder why her car has claw marks all over the door.]]

During the 1970s, Soundwave had tried to hide the [[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]]'s presence on the [[moon (moon)|moon]] by gaining human contacts in the [[United States of America|United States]] and [[Soviet Union]], whose creative accounting would render further trips to the moon financially unfeasible. One of these was [[Dylan Gould|Dylan Gould's]] father, while Dylan himself would later accept Soundwave as a ''client''. But with the failure of Megatron and The Fallen's schemes, the Decepticons now planned to alert [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] to the ship's existence so he could revive [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] with the [[Matrix of Leadership]] for them.

[[Image:Soundwavecapturescarly.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Boo!]]
Soundwave went undercover on Earth as a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. He and his winged minion [[Laserbeak (DOTM)|Laserbeak]] visited the incapicitated Megatron in [[Africa]], and informed the ex-tyrant that Optimus had discovered an Ark fuel cell at the [[Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant]], and had recovered the body of [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] and five of his Space Bridge [[Pillar|pillars]]. Megatron decided it was time to eliminate loose ends in their plan, so Soundwave sent Laserbeak to further draw out the Autobots by killing many of their human contacts, including [[Jerry Wang]].

[[Image:DOTM-Soundwavecar.jpg|left|thumb|250px|Unknown to Speed, Racer X is secretly his older brother, Soundwave, who ran away from home years ago!]]

Meanwhile, the disguised Soundwave was "given" by their human ally Dylan, the one human they did not kill, as a gift to [[Sam Witwicky]]'s new girlfriend [[Carly Spencer]]. During a party hosted by Gould, Sam and Carly tried to leave, only for Soundwave and Laserbeak to reveal themselves, and the sonic warrior took Carly hostage. Gould explained his relationship with the two Decepticons while Soundwave used his tentacles to threaten Carly. The pair forced Sam into finding out the Autobot's plan for a counter-attack.

[[Image:DOTM-Soundwaveexecute.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Look, I'm kind of busy. [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]], want to do some of my lines for me?]]

During the Decepticon occupation of [[Chicago]], Soundwave took several Autobots prisoner until Gould stated that things had gotten personal and the Autobots needed a lesson of respect, and Soundwave happily concurred: "No prisoners, only trophies". He and [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] began by executing [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que]]. He then selected [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] to be his victim and dragged him forward, pushing him onto the body of his fallen comrade. He then told the Autobot to turn around and was about to execute him when he was distracted by [[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] and [[Brains]]'s sabotage of a Decepticon aircraft carrier, raining [[Orbital Assault Carrier|fighters]] onto the battlefield. The Autobot scout took advantage of this small slip of opportunity and punched Soundwave. The two warriors battled, with Bumblebee shooting Soundwave in the leg, which caused him to drop one of his guns. He then delivered the final blow by throwing an uppercut to Soundwave's torso and shooting Soundwave upwards, disintegrating his head. {{storylink|Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon}}

==Games==
===''Revenge of the Fallen'' - The Game (Xbox 360/Sony PS3/PC)===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Peter Jessop]] (English)

=====Decepticon campaign=====
[[Image:ROTF_360PS3PC_DLC_Soundwave.jpg|thumb|250px|]]

{{charstubfiction}}

{{Note|On [[August 27]], [[2009]], Soundwave was made available as a playable character (for multiplayer games) as optional downloadable content for Xbox 360 and Sony Playstation 3 owners. However, instead of the silver colour scheme established on his regular release toys and movie appearance, the character model was coloured blue, like [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] and the [[Toys"R"Us]]-[[exclusive]] Soundwave figure from the ''Gathering at Nemesis'' figure pack. His special attack in robot mode consisted of a deployable turret that generated earthquakes, a reference to [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]], who was one of Generation 1 Soundwave's tape minions. While using his special in vehicle mode deployed a radar jammer pod in the sky that also fired a laser at nearby enemies, a likely reference to Laserbeak, another of Generation 1 Soundwave's tape minions.}}
{{-}}

===''Revenge of the Fallen'' - The Game (Wii/PS2)===
{{charstubfiction}}

===Transformers Autobots/Decepticons===
{{charstubfiction}}
{{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen: Autobots/Decepticons}}

===''Transformers: Dark of the Moon - The Game''===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Isaac C. Singleton, Jr.]]

====(Xbox 360/PS3)====
[[Image:DOTMgameSoundwave.jpg|thumb|250px|]]
During Megatron's exile after the Egypt skirmish, Soundwave remained in orbit, monitoring Autobot transmissions and messages to send to his leader for information. Soon, Soundwave was ordered to disconnect from the satellite as Bumblebee had implanted a virus into his network which allowed the Autobots to follow Decepticon operations.

After landing on the planet and taking the form of an SUV, he was ordered to destroy a base that formerly served as a [[Sector Seven]] facility. Megatron required Soundwave to do so because it contained information on their ally contained in Russia. Soundwave completed this with the utmost efficiency, destroying every Autobot encountered and displaying great courage as he blasted Autobot scouts from the inside of a laser cage. After exploring the corridors of the base and having Laserbeak incapacitate anyone standing in his way, Soundwave destroyed the base and escaped the erupting base unscathed, as did his condor companion.

He later helped escort Megatron to [[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave's]] location in a cryogenics facility in a Soviet country, and appeared in Africa with Megatron, Starscream and Shockwave as Megatron announced his plans were far from over.
{{storylink|Transformers: Dark of the Moon (Xbox 360/PS3)|Dark of the Moon}}
{{-}}

==Toys==
===Revenge of the Fallen===
====Legends Class toys====
*'''Soundwave''' (Legends, 2009)
[[Image:ROTFLegends Soundwave.jpg|right|300px|thumb|No matter what mode you put him in, he is always ready to get down and dirty with unsuspecting satellites.]]

: Part of the fifth wave of ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' [[Legends Class]] figures, Soundwave transforms into a simplified version of his satellite alt mode which is notable for being more movie-accurate than his Deluxe Class toy. The satellite head is completely covered in blue, however. Amusingly enough, his chest is sculpted in his Deluxe toy's flipped-up 'mode' (with the three circles showing) but is painted in the colors of the Deluxe's flipped-down form (shown on the Deluxe toy's packaging).

{{-}}

*'''Infiltrator Soundwave''' (EZ Collection, 2010)
[[Image:EZCollectionInfiltratorSoundwave.jpg|thumb|]]

: In Japan, Legends class Soundwave was [[redeco]]ed as Infiltrator Soundwave (インフィルトレイターサウンドウェーブ) to match the colors of Deluxe Infiltration Soundwave (see below). He was part of the Japanese ''[[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Transformers Animated]]'' promotion, and was only available to those who bought the Voyager "[[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]] VS [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]]" set at Amazon.jp and Yamada Denki stores.

{{-}}

====Deluxe Class toys====
[[Image:Soundwaverotfpreviewtoy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|War fork!]]
*'''Soundwave''' (Deluxe, 2009)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''RD-04'''
**''Accessories:'' 1 Ravage missile

:Part of the initial Movie Preview wave, Soundwave is a [[Triple Changer]], transforming into a satellite and a Cybertron jet, which are not exactly what could be described as "distinct" from one another. In all three modes, Soundwave features a spring-loaded missile launcher which fires a missile intended to resemble [[Ravage (ROTF)|Ravage]], in reference to the scene in the film in which he launches the feline fiend down at Earth. In his (rather stocky) robot mode, Soundwave has blue light piping in his visor, but it is disabled, having been painted over in red; his other modes feature a second, armored version of his face, which is stored on the back of his robot mode. Probably to avoid giving the toy a very obviously two-headed robot mode, the alternate face lacks any paint details, and has an unpainted blue visor. Soundwave features numerous red and gold [[Paint operation|paint application]]s which are ''very'' cleverly and subtly positioned around his body to replicate similarly-colored and -positioned details on the [[Soundwave (G1)|original Soundwave toy]].

:The configuration for the satellite mode depicted in the toy's instructions is not the way Soundwave appears in the film, featuring a different angling for the panels on his shoulders. It's not a big change, but transforming the toy in accordance with his movie appearance ''does'' help to distinguish the jet from the satellite a little, since otherwise, virtually the only difference is in the positioning of the large panel "wings".

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Decepticon/Soundwave/soundwave.htm More information on Soundwave at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|GatheringNemesis}}
[[Image:ROTFtoy-GatheringattheNemesis.jpg|right|thumb|300px|You can get him in blue, but you gotta get those other guys, too!]]
*'''Gathering at Nemesis''' (Figure multi-pack, 2009)
**''Accessories:'' 1 Ravage missile

: A [[Toys"R"Us]]-[[exclusive]] three pack (technically four pack if you want to count the Ravage missile), also featuring The Fallen, and a silver Voyager Class Megatron from the first movie toyline. Soundwave is [[redeco]]ed predominantly in blue as an homage to the [[Soundwave (G1)|original Soundwave]]. The Fallen was unchanged from his original release.

{{-}}{{anchor|BlackVersion}}
[[Image:CharaHobbyROTFSoundwaveBlack.jpg|thumb|300px| So...waiting for any ROTF Soundblaster jokes...]]
*'''Soundwave Black Version''' (Deluxe, 2009)
**''Accessories:'' 1 Ravage missile
:Exclusive to the 2009 "C3 X Hobby Chara Hobby" show that ran across [[August 29]]-[[August 30|30]] in Japan, Soundwave Black Version is a redeco of the deluxe ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Soundwave toy in black and red with orange highlights. Following the convention, remaining quantities of the figure were made available to purchase via lottery through the [[E-Hobby|e-Hobby]] website.

::*''[http://www.e-hobby.co.jp/cgi-bin/omc?port=33301&req=PRODUCT&code=tf_ev_07 Soundwave Black Version at e-Hobby]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Infiltration}}
[[Image:ROTFtoy-SoundwaveNESTAlliance.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Look out for Escalation Soundwave, Devastation Soundwave, and Soundwave Loves Drift-Chan.]]
*'''Battlefield Bumblebee Vs. Infiltration Soundwave''' (Deluxe 2-pack, 2010)
**''Accessories:'' 1 Ravage missile

:Part of the [[N.E.S.T. Global Alliance]] campaign, Infiltration Soundwave is another redeco of the Deluxe Class Soundwave mold, this time in dark blue and dark gray, plus bright red that simulates the intense heat of orbital reentry. He also comes with new light-piping that ''isn't'' painted over. He comes with Battlefield Bumblebee, a retooling of Cannon Bumblebee with a new battlemask head. Also included in the packaging is a "Mission Guide" catalog and ordering form for the mail-in exclusive Recon Ravage, a "starter sticker" for said ordering form, and a N.E.S.T. Global Alliance iron-on patch. Two additional stickers from specially-marked N.E.S.T. Global Alliance products and $4.95 shipping are required for the promotion. Sadly, this promotion does not exist in Europe or Australia, but Recon Ravage was made available in the latter country as a Toys R Us exclusive. Surprisingly, the package does not recognize his Cybertron jet mode, instead only acknowledging his satellite mode. His instructions ''do'' still mention his jet mode, though.
{{-}}

===Dark of the Moon===
====Cyberverse====
{{anchor|BeeSoundwaveRodimus}}
[[Image:DOTMCyberverseBumblebeeVsSoundwaveWRod.jpg|thumb|300px|Nope, definitely not a car in the third film. Nooooo way.]]
*'''Bumblebee / Soundwave''' with '''Rodimus''' (Cyberverse 3-pack, 2011)

:Part of a [[Walmart]] exclusive pack alongside [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#BeeSoundwaveRodimus|Bumblebee]] and [[Rodimus (DOTM)|Rodimus]], Soundwave is a redeco of the ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Legends Class Soundwave, with a new deco inspired by the [[Toys"R"Us]] exclusive ''Gathering at Nemesis'' gift set (see above), which in turn was heavily influenced by [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]]. The toy is mostly blue with grey, black, and some gold on his solar panels.
{{-}}

{{anchor|CyberverseLegion}}
[[Image:DOTMLegionSoundwave.JPG|thumb|300px| Inside is a teeny Carly being menaced by tentacles.]]
*'''Soundwave''' (Cyberverse, 2011)
**''Series:''
**''Number:''
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''CV26'''
:This all-new [[Cyberverse]] Soundwave mold transforms into a fully-licensed Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG.
{{-}}

====Deluxe Class toys====
[[Image:DOTMtoy_deluxe_soundwave.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Remember, if a stranger asks you to go into his car, he's probably driving a giant evil robot with a satellite fetish.]]
*'''Soundwave''' (MechTech Deluxe, 2011)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''DD13'''
**''Accessories:'' MechTech Satellite Dish/Shoulder Cannon
{{comingsoontoy}}
{{-}}

====Human Alliance====
[[Image:DOTMtoy_HA_soundwave.jpg|right|thumb|300px|All these features, and yet no tentacles?! You robbed us, Hasbro!]]
*'''Soundwave / Mr. Gould''' with '''Laserbeak''' (Human Alliance, 2011)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''DD09'''
**''Accessories:''

:A new Human Alliance mold of Soundwave in his SLS AMG mode. He comes with Laserbeak and [[Dylan Gould]]. He has "SUPERIOR" tampographed on his license plate.

{{comingsoontoy}}
{{--}}

==Merchandise==
===Burger King===
[[Image:ROTFMerchandise-BurgerKingSoundwave.jpg|thumb|right|300px|I spy with my little eye.....impending tentacle rape.]]
*'''Seeking Soundwave''' (2009)
**'''Accessories:''' 2 blue solar panels
:The [[Burger King]] version of Soundwave is a representation of the communications satellite which Soundwave hacked into in the movie. The dishes have tendril details added to them. Peering into an opening in the top gives a sort of periscope effect, although as there is only one mirror, everything looks backwards.

{{-}}
[[Image:DOTMMerchandise-BurgerKingSoundwave.jpg|thumb|right|150px]]
*'''Flip-Out Soundwave''' (2011)
:A plastic Soundwave head which opens to allow a small body to flip-out, resulting in a "super-deformed" figure which is otherwise reasonably accurate to his on-screen appearance. Circles on his front and back are daubed with glow-in-the-dark paint.
{{-}}

===RPMs - Robot Powered Machines===
[[Image:RPM_Soundwave_toy.jpg|thumb|right|300px|See? You ''have'' your damn ''Prime'' toys, now shut up!!]]
*'''Soundwave''' (2010)
**''Series:'' '''Metal Heroes'''
**''Number:'' '''04 of 08''' (only 6 released)

:''[[Robot Powered Machines]]'' Soundwave is a small, non-transforming pseudo-Scion XB with his robot mode sculpted underneath. Said robot mode resembles [[Soundwave (Prime)|another Soundwave]] for some reason. The car's wheels feature through-axle construction for speedy racing on flat surfaces. Unlike other RPMs, Soundwave, along with the rest of the Metal Heroes, is made of [[die-cast]] metal.

:RPM Soundwave is probably the most homage-heavy Transformer ever produced: he has [[Soundwave (Animated)|''Animated'' Soundwave]] alt mode and a mix between his regular and Electrostatic incarnations "tattoos", [[Soundwave (Prime)|''War for Cybertron'' Soundwave]] robot mode (which in turn was heavily based in [[Soundwave (G1)|G1 Soundwave]]) and despite this, the bio and toyline clearly identify him as ROTF Soundwave. You can try and add [[Soundwave (Cybertron)|Cybertron Soundwave]] to the list if you want, but that would be overkill.

:This toy's American release and the rest of the Metal Heroes were canceled in favor of the [[Speed Stars]] versions of the toys. They have been released in the Philippines, New Zealand and Mexico (at a discounted price compared to past RPM releases), however. Both versions were eventually available at retail in those countries.

{{-}}

===Speed Stars===
[[Image:SpeedStars_Soundwave_toy.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]
*'''Soundwave''' (2010)
**''Series:'' '''Metal Heroes'''
**''Number:'' '''04 of 08'''

:[[Speed Stars]] Soundwave is a [[redeco]] of the RPM vehicle, featuring many differences in comparison to the Robot Powered Machines release. Namely, the Speed Stars version lacks paint in the doors and tail lights, as well as the chest, arms, legs and face of the "robot" mode. The plastic at the bottom of the car is cast in gold instead of bronze. This version also lacks the "Soundwave-Audio" written on the inferior part of the doors. The red that borders the rims of his wheels is also not as bright or vibrant.

:This toy was given away free as part of a Daily Mirror promotion in the UK.

{{-}}

====Stealth Force====
[[Image:SpeedStars_StealthForce_Soundwave_toy.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Three continuities for the price of one!]]
*'''Soundwave''' (Basic, 2010)

:This Soundwave toy is part of the "Stealth Force" subline, consisting of vehicles without robot modes, but with plenty of flip-out panels with hidden weapons. Like the smaller Metal Heroes toy, Soundwave has ''Animated'' Soundwave's Scion XB altmode and features ''War for Cybertron'' Soundwave on his packaging. He features non-firing weapons hidden all throughout the toy, activated by pulling part of the roof back.
{{--}}

==Notes==
[[Image:EarlyMovieBlackout.jpg|right|200px|thumb|A Soundwave-headed Blackout from an animatic.]]
[[Image:ROTFEarthSoundwaveConcept.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Soundwave, before losing weight.]]
* Soundwave was originally supposed to feature in [[Transformers (2007)|''Transformers'']]; he fulfilled both [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] and [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]]'s roles, hacking into the CIA headquarters as a portable stereo, then [[size changing|morphed]] into a Humvee to track down [[Sam Witwicky]].<ref>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> [[Michael Bay]]'s decision to minimalize the amount of morphing in the film resulted in a change to a helicopter who openly attacks the army. Soundwave and [[Ravage (ROTF)|Ravage]] were changed to [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]] and [[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponok]] as the film's location was changed from a jungle to a desert.<ref>[http://boards.transformersmovie.com/showpost.php?p=234188&postcount=2008 Roberto Orci confirms that Ravage was replaced by Scorponok at the official movie boards]</ref><ref>[http://boards.transformersmovie.com/showpost.php?p=234188&postcount=2008 Roberto Orci confirms that Ravage would have appeared in a different terrain at the official movie boards]
</ref> Soundwave's name remained attached to the separated portable stereo character for a while, but Hasbro felt the resulting character did not properly represent the original Soundwave. He was first renamed Soundbite, but eventually ended up with the name Frenzy.
*According to the trade paperback, Soundwave was a major character in the third draft of ''[[The Reign of Starscream]]''.

* In early drafts of ''Revenge of the Fallen'', Soundwave came to Earth and scanned a black Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck form. Artist [[Paul Ozzimo]] created a visualization of this idea, and Hasbro based the Cybertronian satellite form's robot mode on this abandoned concept, particularly a Cybertronian version of the Chevy grill and small headlights on the lower torso. They then combined Ozzimo's body design with an unused, heavily G1-esque head design that had been created by artist [[Josh Nizzi]] (although Soundwave's finalized head design was also incorporated into the toy's satellite mode, in a manner akin to [[kibble#Faux parts|faux parts]]).

*Even though [[Frank Welker]] returned to voice Soundwave for the movie, his voice was not vocoded, but rather synthesized in the same way all the other Transformer voices in the movie were. Because of this, the voice he uses is much closer to that of "The Cave of Wonders" from [[Wikipedia:Aladdin (film)|Walt Disney's ''Aladdin'']], Dr. Claw from ''Inspector Gadget'' and Darkseid from ''The Super Powers Team: Galactic Guardians'', all voiced by Welker. However, in the ''Revenge of the Fallen'' video game, Soundwave's voice ([[Peter Jessop]]) is vocoded in a manner similar to that of ''[[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Animated]]'' [[Soundwave (Animated)|Soundwave]]'s first voice, only with a more musical tone.

*[[Frank Welker]] voiced Soundwave not only in the English version of ''Revenge of the Fallen'', but also in a large number of foreign dubs, including the Italian one. Welker described the process as "very hard".<ref name="welkernewsarama">[http://www.newsarama.com/tv/090915-Animated-Shorts-Welker.html Newsarama interview with Frank Welker], September 2009.</ref> Although Welker is also credited in the German dub of the movie, German dubbing insiders insist that the voice heard in the actual movie is by someone else ([[Horst Lampe]], who also dubbed ''[[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|Animated]]'' [[Ratchet (Animated)|Ratchet]]), presumably as a last-minute decision because Welker's "German" performance was considered sub-standard.<ref name="germandub">[http://215072.homepagemodules.de/t511643f11775323-Transformers-Die-Rache-Transformers-Revenge-of-the-Fallen-7.html German dubbing board thread about ROTF, with a discussion about Soundwave's voice]</ref> Welker is also credited in the American Spanish dub. (Which character he voiced is not listed, but it was most likely Soundwave, or he could have been credited for Devastator, Ravage, Grindor and Reedman, since all the sounds Welker did for them were kept in the American Spanish dub.) Doblaje Wiki, on the other hand, claims he was voiced by [[Andrés García]] or [[Salvador Reyes]]. You see, Wikis tend to get confused a lot on this issue, now it claims he was voiced by [[Leonardo García]] in ''Revenge of the Fallen''.

* Soundwave was included as a downloadable addition to the roster of the Revenge of the Fallen Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 video game, along with several [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] homages and fellow movie character [[Sideswipe (Movie)|Sideswipe]]. Soundwave's special abilities deploy an aerial jammer pod that looks suspiciously like [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]], and an AOE pod that continuously smashes the ground with piledrivers; undoubtedly a nod to Generation 1 [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]]'s minion [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]]. According to concept artist [[Ken Christiansen]], his appearance was based more closely on the Deluxe class toy than his movie design.

* Early artwork for Soundwave for ''Dark of the Moon'' identified him as '''Breakdown''', but considering other names presented on other concept artwork, it was likely just a smokescreen to hide his true identity in case of a leak.<ref name="nizzi">[http://www.joshnizzi.com/TF3.htm Josh Nizzi DOTM concepts.]</ref>

[[Image:TF3HasbroSoundwaveBio.JPG|thumb|200px|right|SPOILER ALERT]]
* Before the release of ''Dark of the Moon'', Michael Bay and other official parties tried ''really'' hard to suppress the plot twist of the silver Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG given to Carly by Dylan turning out to be Soundwave's new alternate mode. After the Mercedes had been spotted on the set, with [[Rosie Huntington-Whiteley]] exiting it,<ref name="mercedesset">[http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=67518 DOTM Set Photos], ComingSoon.net, July 2010.</ref> the first hint that it was more than meets the eye came with the trailer for the [[Dark of the Moon (Xbox 360/PS3)|video game]], which showed Soundwave's robot mode with car [[kibble]] such as wheels that heavily resembled those of the Mercedes. In addition, [[Rising Storm issue 3|issue 3]] of ''[[Transformers: Rising Storm]]'' depicted Soundwave's robot mode not only with car kibble, but with a Mercedes star on his chest. Despite this, director Michael Bay insisted that the Mercedes was simply Carly's car, claiming that "Mercedes would never let us make their car into a bad Decepticon. Car company's {{sic}} really frown on that. I can't say what the game company and comics do that's their own thing. They don't have the same constraints movies do. It's Carly's car."<ref name="baynomerc">[http://www.shootfortheedit.com/forum/showthread.php?8724-Update-Is-Soundwave-the-silver-Mercedes-on-set-of-DOTM&p=169598&viewfull=1#post169598 Michael Bay's response to the fan theory that Soundwave is the Silver Mercedes.], April 2011.</ref> On April 19, 2011, an event for promoting the ''Spider-Man: Edge of Time'' and ''Transformers: Dark of the Moon'' video games was held in London. As part of this, [[High Moon Studios]] released promotional stills from the ''Dark of the Moon'' game, one of which depicted Soundwave's new robot mode, again with Mercedes parts. However, a news embargo was enforced on the attending press, which was broken by South African video game site [http://egamer.co.za egamer].<ref name="egamera">[http://egamer.co.za/2011/05/exclusive-hands-on-transformers-dark-of-the-moon/ egamer's preview of the ''Dark of the Moon'' video game]</ref> The site was soon asked to take down the article and images, as were various ''Transformers'' fan sites that had reported on the article and mirrored the images. On May 2, 2011, Hasbro's [http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/en_US/ official Transformers website] was given a massive overhaul, including the addition of the new [http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/en_US/discover/cybertronian-database.cfm Vector Sigma database]. The entry for Soundwave initially identified his alternate mode as a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, but was soon changed to "satellite". On May 3, 2011, the embargo for the video game article and promotional stills was finally lifted, allowing sites to freely show the image of Soundwave's new robot mode. Whether Mercedes approved of this remains or not to be seen.
*The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG car prop sported a German/European Union [[license plate]], "'''M JS8509'''", registered in the city of Munich, on the Chicago set for ''Dark of the Moon''.<ref name="chicago">[http://www.flickr.com/photos/aperturesun/archives/date-taken/2010/07/17/ Dark of the Moon Chicago set] at Flickr.</ref> (The design of the plate is slightly inaccurate, as there should be a space between "JS" and "8509" if it were a real German plate. Also, a German car would have a license plate on the front as well.)

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Soundwave''' (サウンドウェーブ ''Saundowēbu'')

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Communications specialists]]
[[Category:Cyber Missions characters]]
[[Category:Dark of the Moon Decepticons]]
[[Category:Hall of Fame]]
[[Category:Human Alliance]]
[[Category:Revenge of the Fallen Decepticons]]
[[Category:Satellites]]
[[Category:Spies]]
[[Category:Triple Changers]]
[[Category:Wal-Mart exclusives]]

Swerve (Chevy)

2011-10-20T12:09:55Z

58.69.198.236: /* Notes */

{{factions|autobot}}
{{disambig3|Swerve}}
:''Swerve is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Universe (2003 franchise)|Universe]] conflict.''

[[Image:Swerveaveorobot.jpg|right|300px|thumb|International Bot of Mystery]]
"A mystery wrapped in a riddle inside an enigma, blindfolded and dunked in delicious milk chocolate" would be a charitable way to describe '''Swerve'''. He is the result of the most unusual toy release in the history of the [[Transformers brand|brand]].

==Toys==
===Universe===
*'''Swerve''' (Deluxe, 2008)

: Swerve transforms into a [[Licensed vehicle alternate modes|licensed]] Chevy Aveo LT. Despite this [[alternate mode]] and the timing of his release, he has no relationship to [[Aveo]], [[Sphinx]], or the rest of the [[Chevy Autobot]]s. He also has no [[gimmick]]s whatsoever, not even a non-firing weapon.

[[Image:ChevySwerve car.jpg|left|150px|thumb|Mystery Machine]]

: On [[March 25]]th 2008, the Chevrolet online store began to offer Swerve as a "special featured item"... but only from its branches in [[Switzerland]] and the United Arab Emirates. Swerve officially sold for €12.80, which, depending on the order location and currency conversion rates, translated into to approximately $20~$30 before shipping. However, orders from customers in the United States were subject to a "processing" fee of over $50 ''and'' a "trans-Atlantic shipping fee" of almost $100(!). Less than two days later, the order page was taken down without explanation. By the end of the month, purchasers reported that their Swerves were indeed arriving.

: Over a year later, Chevrolet/GM made Swerve available again through a contest promotion at several mall displays in Ontario, [[Canada]], running from [[June 18]]th to [[August 2]]nd, 2009. As before, numbers were extremely limited, but this time they were given out for ''free''.

: After about another year, the toy surfaced officially for a third time, when Hasbro supplied some to the popular online dealer [[BigBadToyStore]]. In this case, the Swerves were in-stock by May 2010, going for about $75.

: His next venue? We're betting [[Moon (moon)|the Moon]].

{{-}}

==Creation and release==
Swerve had an... interesting past. Samples of the toy originally surfaced on Asian websites in August 2007, packaged in polybags that had English text printed on them, and came with standard English-language Hasbro instruction manuals, featuring the logo of the original [[Universe (2003 toyline)|2003 ''Universe'' line]]. All "final" samples were the same red color; one specimen appeared to be yellow, but in fact had been hand-painted. The instructions lacked an assortment number, leading to the conclusion that it was a standalone release, presumably an [[exclusive]], though the venue was unknown; for that matter, whether it would even be released ''at all'' seemed uncertain for a long time.

When the first samples turned up in China, some of the dealers claimed the toy was supposed to be available as a freebie for ''buying a real-life Chevy Aveo'', which would have made it far and away the single most expensive official Transformers toy. However, contradictory rumors claimed the toy would be available as a freebie for ''test-driving'' a Chevy Aveo, or that it was a promotional Chevy exclusive to be only available in ''China''. None of those reports were ever verified, and to this day it is unclear whether the toy was ever officially available in China at all or whether all the samples from Asia were of the usual [[prototype|<strike>stolen</strike> "leaked" variety]].

Early reports throughout the fandom, tepidly verified by [[Hasbro]] sources, suggested that the [[mold]]'s creation had been commissioned by Chevrolet for that company's [[exclusive]] use; neither Hasbro or [[TakaraTomy]] can use it in their own lines. This amounts to the first time that a "mainstream" Transformer mold was created to be an exclusive (as opposed to things like Happy Meal toys, which are obviously distinct from standard product and cost far less to design and produce).

Those rumors were confirmed at [[BotCon 2008]]. Hasbro revealed that it had produced the toy at cost for Chevy as thanks for their successful partnership. It was designed for a promotional campaign in European markets, with the toys given away to people who took a test-drive of a real Chevy Aveo. (It's also still unclear if, when and where this purported promotional campaign actually happened.) The toys were never meant to be sold; a handful were left after the promotion had ended (assuming it actually happened), and so they were shunted onto Chevy's website where these last few remainders very quickly sold out (so quickly that some fans who had placed acknowledged orders never got them).

For the 2009 Canadian promotion, the Swerves were one of several incentive prizes used to entice customers to fill in an entry form for an even bigger contest—the ultimate prize in that case being a real 2010 Chevy Camaro. Contest managers reported that they had fewer than 20 Swerves to distribute each day, with a limit of 1 per customer.

To date, Swerve's only confirmed releases have been through GM itself. For Hasbro to issue the toy on their own, they would have to negotiate for the rights, and they have no plans to do so.

We knew Chevy/[[General Motors]] had gotten close with Hasbro, but, ''damn''.

==Notes==
* Oddly, Chevrolet themselves seem to think that the idea of a transforming Aveo isn't exactly the best marketing strategy, based on a 2008 commercial for the Aveo.<ref name="commercial">[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwbVQ7sBrxY Chevrolet Aveo commercial], featuring a transforming and dancing Ford Focus and a ''non''-transforming Aveo.</ref> Although the truth probably is that they were just jealous that Citroën had beaten them to the idea by several years, before GM even got involved in the [[Transformers (2007)|''Transformers'' movie]].<ref name="citroen">[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4ckJFNkra8 Citroën C4 commercial] featuring a transforming and dancing C4 (long version), the commercial spoofed by the Aveo one.</ref> (The commercial was also the work of Chevrolet's European division and produced in the Netherlands.<ref name="comback">[http://www.amsterdamworldwide.com/aww/blog_detail/amsterdam_worldwide_and_chevrolet_-_dancing_robot Background of the Aveo commercial]</ref><ref name="comdetails">[http://www.coloribus.com/adsarchive/tv-commercials/chevrolet-aveo-transformers-11902305/ Production details about the Aveo commercial]</ref>)
* This Swerve is [[Swerve (disambiguation)|the only toy called such]] that has a mold unique to it. The others are [[redeco]]s/[[retool]]s.
* Strikingly, Swerve's face is modeled after the Autobot faction logo, making him somewhat of a counterpart to G1 Soundwave.

==External links==
* [http://www.chevrolet-store.com/chevrolet/default.asp?mscssid=ddgnxs23f7s59h0wtehelvbwt6bja5u0s2h0t6 Chevrolet website that was selling Swerve for about 36 hours in 2008]

* [http://www.cybertron.ca/boards/showthread.php?t=16536 Message board announcement of the 2009 Canadian release]

* [http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=HAS18719&mode=retail BigBadToyStore's listing page for 2010]

==Footnotes==
<references/>

[[Category:European-original characters]]
[[Category:Exclusives]]
[[Category:Toy-only characters]]
[[Category:Universe Autobots]]

The Transformers (toyline)

2011-10-20T11:42:10Z

58.69.198.236: /* 1988 */

{{disambig2|the original toyline|other uses of ''The Transformers''|Transformers (disambiguation)}}
{{Nav-G1}}

{{bigquote|Look! Two more Transformers to add to our collection!|[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] is excited to find [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] and [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]]|"[[Starscream's Brigade]]"}}

'''''The Transformers''''' (retroactively called '''Generation 1''' or '''G1''') started as a joint venture between two companies: [[Hasbro]] of America and [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] of [[Japan]]. After an idea to rebrand and sell Takara's ''[[Diaclone]]'' and ''[[Micro Change|Microchange]]'' [[Toy|robot toys]] as a whole new line with a new concept behind it, Hasbro unknowingly would wind up creating what would be one of its longest-running [[franchise]]s.

[[Image:Seekers ad.jpg|right|350px|thumb|Ahh, 1984's book of dreams.]]

In contrast to today's franchises, which tend by design to run 12 to 18 months, ''Generation 1'' was essentially an unbroken line from 1984 to 1991; its logo and packaging format only underwent one major change in that time. Toys tended to linger longer in the line; a few (Starscream, Bumblebee) were even sold for three years in a row (the record for non-re-issues is four years, set by cassettes [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]], [[Rewind]], [[Steeljaw (G1)|Steeljaw]], [[Ramhorn (G1)|Ramhorn]], and [[Eject]]). The changing circumstances of retail have made this a thing of the past; toy lines now require yearly rebranding.

The ''Generation 1'' line introduced a number of concepts which would stay with subsequent iterations of the brand. Most prominent among these were [[package art]] showing the character's robot form, [[Tech Spec]]s rating the character's abilities, [[bio]]s giving a personality profile of the character represented by the toy, and (in the Japanese toylines) [[Japanese ID number list|ID numbers]] for each figure to identify them. Other "premiums" which didn't survive the 1980s included [[Robot Point]]s and various mail order exclusives.

In addition to the toy and its weapons and accessories, ''Generation 1'' toys typically included a sticker sheet, instructions showing how to transform the toy and apply the stickers, and a [[Catalog|toy catalog flyer]] showing the entire year's toy line. In the early years of the line, a red plastic "tech spec decoder" and various [[Pack-in material#Mail-order flyers|mail-away offers]] were included as well.

The line began with toys already designed by Takara and other companies, but over time it expanded into numerous original designs and concepts. While its run ostensibly ended after seven years with the advent of ''[[Generation 2 (franchise)|Generation 2]]'', it was resurrected almost a decade later in Japan via the ''[[Transformers Collection]]'' line of reissues, supplemented by [[e-Hobby]]-exclusive reissues and new creations. A year later, Hasbro began retooling many of those reissues and selling them in North America as the ''[[Commemorative Series]]''. Even after Hasbro discontinued that line, TakaraTomy continued selling reissues under the ''[[Encore]]'' label. This toyline has changed direction and focus so many times that a year-by-year breakdown is the only way to get the full picture.

See also:

* Japanese ''Generation 1'' mini-franchise toylines:
** 1985—''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)]]''
** 1986—''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers 2010 (toyline)]]''
** 1987—''[[The Headmasters (toyline)]]''
** 1988—''[[Super-God Masterforce (toyline)]]''
** 1989—''[[Victory (toyline)]]''
** 1990—''[[Zone (toyline)]]''
** 1991—''[[Return of Convoy (toyline)]]''
** 1992—''[[Operation Combination (toyline)]]''

* ''[[Generation 1 (European toyline)]]''
* ''[[Generation 1 (Chinese toyline)]]''

==1984==
===Overview===
[[Image:G1Prowl toy.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Prowl, one of the 1984 line's more iconic toys. In today's secondary market, he's usually found with his roof broken off. Prowl was redecorated to make two other characters as well, which was pretty common in the first two years.]]
The first two years of ''Transformers'' product in America mostly consisted of toys from the two Takara lines. A wide range of sizes and price points, from $3 Mini-Vehicles up to larger toys costing $20 or more, ensured that every kid could pick up at least a few Transformers, and still have a few left for the Christmas wishlist — a marketing strategy that continues up to the present day.

The early G1 toys were largely marked by attention to vehicle mode detail, rubber tires, the frequent use of [[die-cast]] metal (particularly on larger toys), and a variety of loose parts which had to be kept track of and attached separately. The early toys were also marked by a lack of posability — not a single one of the [[Autobot Cars|Autobot cars]] had knee joints, and most had feet that were fused together. The Decepticon jets couldn't do anything but raise their arms forward.

The combination of heavy die-cast and the brittle plastics of the time also made many of the toys fragile; toys such as Prowl and Mirage are infamous for winding up broken.

Due to products coming from different pre-existing product lines, the 1984 toys were highly inconsistent in terms of relative [[scale]]. Later years would not do much to mitigate this issue.

Many of the 1984 toys included the pack-in brochure [[Reinforcements from Cybertron!]]

===Autobots===
'''Autobot [[Mini Vehicle|Mini-Cars]]'''

{{columnlist|3|
* [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys|Bumblebee]]
* [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]]
* [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]]
* [[Gears (G1)|Gears]]
* [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]]
* [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]]}}

{{note|Although the official catalogs and the box artwork depict Bumblebee in yellow and Cliffjumper in red, both toys were actually available in both colors. Additionally, a third toy of a similar design was also available in yellow, and sold on Cliffjumper cards. That toy was not officially marketed by Hasbro as a separate character, but was later dubbed "Bumblejumper" by fans, which was shortened to just "[[Bumper (G1)|Bumper]]" by the time he was officially integrated into the fiction as a character in his own right.}}

'''[[Autobot Cars]]'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]]
* [[Hound (G1)|Hound]]
* [[Ironhide (G1)/toys|Ironhide]]
* [[Jazz (G1)/toys|Jazz]]
* [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]]
* [[Prowl (G1)/toys|Prowl]]
* [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]]
* [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]]
* [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]]
* [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]]
* [[Wheeljack (G1)/toys|Wheeljack]]}}

'''Autobot Commander'''
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Optimus Prime]]

===Decepticons===
'''Decepticon [[Decepticon Mini-Cassette|Cassettes]]'''
* [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] & [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (available as a two-pack)
* [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] & [[Ravage (G1)/toys|Ravage]] (available as a two-pack)

{{note|Another Decepticon Cassette, Buzzsaw, was available with Soundwave.}}

[[Image:Redeco.jpg|right|150px|thumb|L to R: Skywarp, Starscream, Thundercracker]]

'''Decepticon [[Seeker (body-type)|Planes]]'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Starscream (G1)/toys|Starscream]]
* [[Thundercracker (G1)/toys|Thundercracker]]
* [[Skywarp (G1)/toys|Skywarp]]}}

'''Decepticon Communications'''
* [[Soundwave (G1)/toys|Soundwave]] (with [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]])

'''Decepticon Leader'''
* [[Megatron (G1)/toys|Megatron]]

{{-}}

==1985==
:''For the toyline released in Japan this year comprising many of these toys and the 1984 figures, see: [[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)]]''

===Overview===
[[Image:1985catalogue-diorama.jpg|right|250px|thumb|The 80s! When toy companies actively encouraged you to play with fire!]]

The initial toyline was wildly successful, making "Transformers" a household word for the rest of the 1980s and leading to an ever-expanding product line. 1985's offerings more than doubled those of 1984. Additional cars, jets, and mini-vehicles were released; many of the standard cars and jets were retooled versions of 1984 toys (or of each other, in the case of Grapple and Inferno).

The line also veered into mechanical dinosaurs and insects, and futuristic vehicles. Some of these toys were designed and manufactured by companies in competition with Takara, among them Jetfire, the Deluxe Insecticons and the Deluxe Vehicles. These toys are among the few G1 toys with good articulation. However, their conflicting origins doomed most of them never to appear in the cartoon, as Takara did not wish to sponsor a show advertising its competitor's products. See ''[[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]]'' for more.

This year's toys primary pack-in brochures were "[[Earthlings: THE S.T.A.R.S. need your help now!]], and later [[Have the Decepticons defeated us once and for all?]].

In 1985, the Transformers line (with a few deletions) was ported back to Japan, as [[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (franchise)|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers]].

===Autobots===
'''Autobot [[Mini Vehicle|Mini Vehicles]]'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]]
* [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]]
* [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]]
* [[Seaspray (G1)|Seaspray]]
* [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]]}}

{{note|The "Mini-Cars" were renamed into "Mini-Vehicles" beginning with 1985. The 1984 Mini-Cars/Mini-Vehicles were re-released. 1985 Mini-Vehicles were briefly available with extra [[Mini-spy|Mini-Spies]], later replaced the Autobot symbols with rubsigns like the ones first featured on the Mini-Spies, and later shipments of the rubsign versions were available with iron-on patches. The versions of Bumblebee and Cliffjumper that came with the Mini-Spies were available in both yellow and red; the rubsign versions still featured color variants. The Bumper mold was no longer available.}}

'''[[Autobot Cars]]'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]]
* [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]]
* [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]]
* [[Skids (G1)|Skids]]
* [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]]
* [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]]
* [[Grapple]]}}

{{note|The 1984 Autobot Cars were re-released. All 1985 Autobot Cars sported rubsigns. The European version of Tracks released by Milton Bradley was originally available in red.}}

'''[[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]]'''
{{columnlist|3|
*[[Grimlock (G1)/toys|Grimlock]]
*[[Slag (G1)|Slag]]
*[[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]]
*[[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]]
*[[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]]}}

'''[[Jumpstarter|Jumpstarters]]'''
{{columnlist|3|
*[[Topspin (G1)|Topspin]]
*[[Twin Twist]]}}

'''Autobot [[Deluxe Vehicle|Deluxe Vehicles]]'''
{{columnlist|3|
*[[Roadbuster (G1)|Roadbuster]]
*[[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]]}}

'''Autobot Air Guardian'''
*[[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]]

'''Autobot Communicator'''
*[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]]

'''Autobot Scientist'''
*[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]]

'''Autobot Motorized Defense Base'''
*[[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]]

'''[[Powerdasher]]s'''
{{columnlist|3|
* "Drill Type"
* "F-1 Type"
* "Jet Type"}}

{{note|The Powerdashers were only available via mail-order. Figure names are in quotes because these figures were not officially named. Names are taken from the Diaclone versions.}}

'''[[Omnibot (G1)|Omnibots]]'''
{{columnlist|3|
*[[Camshaft (G1)|Camshaft]]
*[[Downshift (G1)|Downshift]]
*[[Overdrive]]}}

{{note|The Omnibots were only available via mail order.}}

'''Promotional toys'''
* "[[PepsiCo|Pepsi]]" Optimus Prime

{{note|A limited-edition variant of Optimus Prime was available with additional "Pepsi" stickers on the trailer. The [[Canada|Canadian]] version sported yet another variant with a large sticker covering the entire side of the trailer.}}

* "Cookie Crisp" Jazz

{{note|A variant of the Jazz toy was available as a Cookie Crisp promotional premium via mail order. Unlike the regular version, the "Martini" decals are missing from the doors.}}

====Notes====
* The entire 1984 lineup was still available in 1985, only now sporting [[rubsign]]s.
* Curiously, though animation models exist, Topspin and Twin Twist were also not shown in the cartoon, or even animated for commercials.

===Decepticons===
'''[[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]]'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]]
* [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]]
* [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]]}}

'''[[Insecticon (G1)|Deluxe Insecticons]]'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Barrage (Insecticon)|Barrage]]
* [[Chop Shop]]
* [[Ransack (G1)|Ransack]]
* [[Venom (G1)|Venom]]}}

'''[[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]]
* [[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]]
* [[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]]
* [[Hook (G1)|Hook]]
* [[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]]
* [[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]]
* [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] (giftset)}}

'''[[Triple Changer]]s'''
{{columnlist|3|
*[[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]]
*[[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]]}}

'''Decepticon [[Seeker (body-type)|Planes]]'''
{{columnlist|3|
*[[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]]
*[[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]]
*[[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]]}}

'''Decepticon Military Operations Commander'''
*[[Shockwave (G1)/toys|Shockwave]]

====Notes====
* The entire 1984 assortment of Decepticons was still available in 1985, in updated packaging, now also sporting rubsigns.
* The Deluxe Insecticons made no appearances in the animated series.

==1986==
:''For the nearly-identical toyline (minus Sky Lynx) released in Japan this year, see: [[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers 2010 (toyline)]]''

===Overview===
[[Image:Protectobots-collectallfive.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Collect all five! The little ones are cheap, and you can bug your mom to buy you the big one!]]
1986 broke more ground with multiple [[combiner]] teams, two large "city" robots, and a full-length feature film to push a new crop of toys. By this point, Hasbro had gone through almost all of the "suitable" ''Diaclone'' and ''Microman'' toys, and were using up the last of the pre-existing (yet previously unmade) Takara design concepts, mostly in the form of the [[Scramble City (toyline)|Scramble City]]-style combiner teams and the two citybots; thus the toys for ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' became the first original designs developed by Hasbro (and also the first of a ''very'' few times that characters' in-fiction designs predated their toy designs). That year also marked the end of rubber tires and die-cast metal in the toys, as shipping and manufacturing costs dictated an all-plastic approach; many toys from that year were available both with and without rubber and die-cast. Though many fans regard this as a drop in quality, it had the effect of creating much sturdier toys.

Starting with 1986, the first Transformers toys - the Mini-Cassettes, the Triple Changers, the newly introduced Special Teams Mini-Vehicles and the [[Special Teams]] Large Vehicles - were available in mixed assortments that contained both Autobot and Decepticon characters. The 1986 toys are still listed as Autobots and Decepticons for simplicity's sake.

Some assortments of the movie character toys included one of four free [[posters]] promoting the [[Decipher the Decepticon]] contest. Many toys included the S.T.A.R.S. advertisement [[You Have Been Chosen.]] Mini Vehicles included an iron-on patch promoting the [[Prizes in Disguise]] contest.

===Autobots===
'''Autobot [[Mini Vehicle|Mini-Vehicles]]'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]]
* [[Hubcap (G1)|Hubcap]]
* [[Outback (G1)|Outback]]
* [[Pipes (G1)|Pipes]]
* [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]]
* [[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]]}}

{{note|Bumblebee, Beachcomber, Seaspray, Cosmos, Powerglide and Warpath were re-released. All twelve 1986 Mini-Vehicles were alternatively available with or without an iron-on patch.}}

'''Autobot [[Autobot Mini-Cassette|Mini-Cassettes]]'''
* [[Rewind]] & [[Steeljaw (G1)|Steeljaw]] (available as a two-pack)
* [[Ramhorn (G1)|Ramhorn]] & [[Eject]] (available as a two-pack)

'''[[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]]'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]]
* [[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]]
* [[Fireflight (G1)|Fireflight]]
* [[Slingshot (G1)|Slingshot]]
* [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]]
* [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] (giftset)}}

'''[[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]]'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Streetwise (G1)|Streetwise]]
* [[Groove (G1)|Groove]]
* [[Blades (G1)|Blades]]
* [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]]
* [[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]]
* [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]] (giftset)}}

{{note|The smaller Aerialbots and Protectobots were alternatively available with or without an iron-on patch. Silverbolt and Hot Spot have never been found with a poster.}}

'''[[Triple Changer]]s'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Springer (G1)|Springer]]
* [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]]
* [[Sandstorm (G1)|Sandstorm]]}}

{{note|All 1986 Triple Changers were alternatively available with or without a poster.}}

'''[[Autobot Cars]]'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]]
* [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys|Hot Rod]]
* [[Kup (G1)|Kup]]}}

{{note|All three 1986 Autobot Cars were alternatively available with or without a poster.}}

'''Heroes'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys|Rodimus Prime]]
* [[Wreck-Gar (G1)|Wreck-Gar]]}}

'''Autobot [[City Commander|City Commander]]'''
* [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys|Ultra Magnus]]

{{note|A variant version of Ultra Magnus was available exclusively from KB Toys stores, replacing the diecast parts and rubber tires with plastic parts and sporting unpainted heads.}}

'''Motorized Autobot Space Shuttle'''
* [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]]

'''Autobot [[City-bot|City]]'''
* [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] with [[Six-Gun]], [[Slammer]], and [[Scamper]]

====Notes====
* A limited edition version of Optimus Prime was available with a "Movie Edition" certificate.
* Sunstreaker, Mirage, Ratchet and Wheeljack, none of which were shipping to regular stores anymore by this point, were made available again via mail order.

===Decepticons===
'''Decepticon [[Decepticon Mini-Cassette|Mini-Cassettes]]'''
* [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] & Frenzy (available as a two-pack)

{{note|Frenzy was a re-release of the 1986 Decepticon Cassette, now available as a two-pack with the new mold Ratbat rather than with Laserbeak. The two-pack of Ravage and Rumble was also re-released.}}

'''[[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]]'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]]
* [[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]]
* [[Wildrider (G1)|Wildrider]]
* [[Drag Strip (G1)|Drag Strip]]
* [[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]]
* [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] (giftset)}}

'''[[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]]'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]]
* [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]]
* [[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]]
* [[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]]
* [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]]}}

{{note|While packaged samples might exist, Bruticus was presumably never officially released in giftset form in the USA.<br />The smaller Stunticons and Combaticons were alternatively available with or without an iron-on patch. Motormaster and Onslaught have never been found with a poster.}}

'''[[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]]'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Razorclaw (G1)|Razorclaw]]
* [[Rampage (G1)|Rampage]]
* [[Headstrong]]
* [[Tantrum]]
* [[Divebomb (G1)|Divebomb]]}}

{{note|Predaking was never available in giftset form outside of Japan.}}

'''[[Sharkticon (G1)|Sharkticons]]'''
* [[Gnaw]]

{{note|All five Predacons as well as Gnaw were alternatively available with or without a poster.}}

'''[[Triple Changer]]s'''
* [[Octane]]

{{note|Blitzwing and Astrotrain were re-released. All 1986 Triple Changers were alternatively available with or without a poster, and Astrotrain and Blitzwing are very difficult to find.}}

'''Decepticon Planes'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]]
* [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]]}}

{{note|Starscream, Dirge, Ramjet and Thrust were re-released. Only Scourge and Cyclonus have been found with or without a poster. The other four jets in the asortment have never been found with a poster.}}

'''[[Battlecharger]]s'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Runabout (G1)|Runabout]]
* [[Runamuck (G1)|Runamuck]]}}

'''Decepticon [[City Commander]]'''
* [[Galvatron (G1)/toys|Galvatron]]

'''Motorized Decepticon [[City-bot|City]]'''
* [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] with [[Brunt (G1)|Brunt]] and [[Full-Tilt]]

'''[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]]'''
{{columnlist|3|
*[[Spectro]]
*[[Spyglass]]
*[[Viewfinder]]}}

{{note|Reflector was only available via mail order.}}

====Notes====
* A limited edition version of Megatron was available with a "Movie Edition" certificate.
* Thundercracker, who was no longer shipping to regular stores by this point, was made available again via mail order.

==1987==
:''For the marginally different toyline released in Japan this year, see: [[The Headmasters (toyline)]]''

===Overview===
[[Image:Technobots-specialteams.jpg|right|250px|thumb|28 dollars?! But in 1987, that was like... um... factor inflation... multiply by 2.1314159... carry the 1... um... a LOT!]]

1987 was dominated by two sublines, the [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]] and [[Targetmaster]]s. It also marked the peak of the line's ambition, as it introduced the two-foot-tall [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] toy — still the largest Transformer ever produced and, at nearly $100 in 1987 dollars, still one of the most expensive.

At the other end of the price scale, the $3 Mini-Vehicles of previous years were replaced by the [[Throttlebot]]s. Apart from them, the line was dominated for the first time by fictional vehicle modes (variously explained as "Cybertronian" or "futuristic") and mechanical monsters and beasts.

The smaller carded toys were sometimes available with a rubber [[decoy]] figure, as well as a bonus mini-comic. Larger toys included the pack-in mail-away brochure [[Digital Doom on the Highway to Destruction (G1)|Digital Doom on the Highway to Destruction]].

===Autobots===
'''[[Technobot (G1)|Technobot]]s'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Afterburner (G1)|Afterburner]]
* [[Nosecone (G1)|Nosecone]]
* [[Strafe (G1)|Strafe]]
* [[Lightspeed (G1 Technobot)|Lightspeed]]
* [[Scattershot (G1)|Scattershot]]
* [[Computron (G1)|Computron]] (giftset)}}

{{note|The Aerialbots and Protectobots were also re-released. All individual Aerialbots, Protectobots and Technobots were alternatively available with or without a rubber decoy.}}

'''[[Throttlebot]]s'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys|Goldbug]]
* [[Chase (G1)|Chase]]
* [[Freeway (G1)|Freeway]]
* [[Searchlight (G1)|Searchlight]]
* [[Rollbar (G1)|Rollbar]]
* [[Wide Load]]}}

{{note|The Throttlebots were alternatively available with or without a rubber decoy.}}

'''Autobot [[Clone (subgroup)|Clones]]'''
* [[Fastlane]] & [[Cloudraker (G1)|Cloudraker]] (available as a two-pack)

'''Autobot [[:Category:Spies|Double Spy]]'''
* [[Punch (G1)|Punch-Counterpunch]]

'''[[Monsterbot]]s'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Grotusque]]
* [[Doublecross]]
* [[Repugnus (G1)|Repugnus]]}}

'''Large [[Targetmaster]] Autobots'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Pointblank]] with [[Peacemaker]]
* [[Sureshot (G1)|Sureshot]] with [[Spoilsport]]
* [[Crosshairs (G1)|Crosshairs]] with [[Pinpointer (G1)|Pinpointer]]
* [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] with [[Haywire]]
* [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] with [[Recoil]]
* [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys|Hot Rod]] with [[Firebolt]]}}

'''Large [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]] Autobots'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] with [[Stylor]]
* [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] with [[Duros]]
* [[Brainstorm]] with [[Arcana]]
* [[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] with [[Gort]]}}

'''Headmaster Autobot [[City-bot|Base]]'''
* [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] with [[Cerebros (G1)|Cerebros]], [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] and [[Cog (G1)|Cog/Gasket/Grommet]]

====Notes====
Metroplex, Rodimus Prime, Wreck-Gar, Ultra Magnus and Sky Lynx were also still available. The Autobot Mini-Cassette two-packs of Rewind/Steeljaw and Ramhorn/Eject were re-released.

===Decepticons===
'''[[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]]'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Rippersnapper (G1)|Rippersnapper]]
* [[Sinnertwin (G1)|Sinnertwin]]
* [[Cutthroat (G1)|Cutthroat]]
* [[Blot (G1)|Blot]]
* [[Hun-Gurrr]]}}

{{note|[[Abominus (G1)|Abominus]] was never officially released in giftset form in the USA.}}

{{note|The Stunticons and Combaticons were also re-released. All individual Stunticons, Combaticons and Terrorcons were alternatively available with or without a rubber decoy.}}

'''Decepticon [[Decepticon Mini-Cassette|Mini-Cassettes]]'''
* [[Slugfest (G1)|Slugfest]] & [[Overkill (G1)|Overkill]] (available as a two-pack)

{{note|The two-pack of Ratbat and Frenzy was also re-released.}}

'''[[Duocon]]s'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Battletrap]]
* [[Flywheels]]}}

'''Decepticon [[Clone (subgroup)|Clones]]'''
* [[Pounce]] & [[Wingspan]] (available as a two-pack)

'''Decepticon [[Six Changer]]'''
* [[Sixshot]]

'''Large [[Targetmaster]] Decepticons'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Triggerhappy]] with [[Blowpipe (G1)|Blowpipe]]
* [[Slugslinger (G1)|Slugslinger]] with [[Caliburst (G1)|Caliburst]]
* [[Misfire]] with [[Aimless]]
* [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] with [[Nightstick (Cyclonus)|Nightstick]]
* [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] with [[Fracas]]}}

'''Large [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]] Decepticons'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Skullcruncher]] with [[Grax]]
* [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]] with [[Vorath]]
* [[Weirdwolf]] with [[Monzo]]}}

'''Headmaster [[Horrorcon]]s'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Apeface]] with [[Spasma]]
* [[Snapdragon (G1)|Snapdragon]] with [[Krunk]]}}

'''Headmaster Decepticon [[City-bot|Base]]'''
* [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] with [[Zarak (G1)|Zarak]] and [[Fasttrack (Scorponok)|Fasttrack]]

====Notes====
Galvatron, Trypticon, the Predacons and the Sharkticon figure Gnaw were also still available.

==1988==
:''For the noticeably different toyline released in Japan this year, see: [[Super-God Masterforce (toyline)]]''

===Overview===
[[Image:G1Bomb-Burst toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Bomb-Burst, a typical full-sized Pretender.]]
[[Image:PowermasterOptimusPrime toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Finally! They're selling Optimus Prime again!]]
1988 introduced a new logo design and tagline (More... MUCH more than meets the eye), but otherwise continued the directions of 1987, with a new line of Headmasters and the new [[Powermaster]] gimmicks, and a mixture of realistic and fanciful vehicle forms.

1988 also introduced the [[Pretender]]s, bringing non-transforming figures into the line for the first time. The Pretenders tended to have ''very'' simplified transformations and often unconvincing vehicle modes, though their designs make them among the most well-articulated of all G1 toys. The outer shells, by contrast, rarely featured any articulation beyond a swivel joint at the shoulders.

Other sublines of note included the [[Triggercon]]s, [[Triggerbot]]s, [[Sparkabot]]s and [[Firecon]]s, which took the Throttlebots' place as the line's low-end offerings.

G1 tended to be extremely non-self referential; until 1988, only one existing character, Bumblebee, had ever been revived with a new toy after having his older toy discontinued. That year, however, Hasbro seemingly began to realize the strength of the characters they had developed, as the line featured the return of Optimus Prime in Powermaster form following his death in ''Transformers: The Movie'' two years prior. The following two years would see more 1984/1985 characters return in Pretender and Action Master form.

This year's toys included the pack-in mail-away brochure [[The Autobots Are Under Attack!]].

===Autobots===
'''[[Sparkabot]]s'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Fizzle]]
* [[Sizzle (G1)|Sizzle]]
* [[Guzzle (G1)|Guzzle]]}}

'''[[Triggerbot]]s'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Backstreet (G1)|Backstreet]]
* [[Override (G1)|Override]]
* [[Dogfight]]}}

'''Autobot [[Autobot Mini-Cassette|Cassettes]]'''
* [[Grand Slam (G1)|Grand Slam]] & [[Raindance]] (available as a two-pack)

{{note|The Rewind/Steeljaw and Ramhorn/Eject two-packs were also re-released once again.}}

'''Small [[Targetmaster]] Autobots'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Landfill (G1)|Landfill]] with [[Flintlock]] and [[Silencer]]
* [[Quickmix (G1)|Quickmix]] with [[Boomer]] and [[Ricochet (G1)|Ricochet]]
* [[Scoop (G1)|Scoop]] with [[Holepunch (G1)|Holepunch]] and [[Tracer (Nebulan)|Tracer]]}}

{{note|The Large Targetmaster Autobots Pointblank, Sureshot and Crosshairs were also still available.}}

'''Small [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]] Autobots'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] with [[Muzzle]]
* [[Siren]] with [[Quig]]
* [[Hosehead]] with [[Lug]]}}

{{note|The Large Headmaster Autobots Chromedome, Hardhead, Brainstorm and Highbrow and the Headmaster Autobot Base Fortress Maximus were also still available.}}

'''[[Powermaster]] Autobots'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Getaway]] with [[Rev]]
* [[Slapdash (G1)|Slapdash]] with [[Lube]]
* [[Joyride (G1)|Joyride]] with [[Hotwire]]}}

'''Powermaster Autobot Leader'''
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Optimus Prime]] with [[Hi-Q]]

'''Autobot [[Six Changer]]'''
* [[Quickswitch]]

'''Large Autobot [[Pretender]]s'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Landmine (G1)|Landmine]]
* [[Cloudburst]]
* [[Waverider]]
* [[Groundbreaker]]
* [[Sky High (Pretender)|Sky High]]
* [[Splashdown]]}}

'''Autobot [[Pretender Beast]]s'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Chainclaw (G1)|Chainclaw]]
* [[Catilla (G1)|Catilla]]}}

'''Autobot [[Pretender Vehicle]]s'''
* [[Gunrunner (G1)|Gunrunner]]

{{note|The Autobot Double Spy Punch-Counterpunch, the Autobot Clones two-pack of Fastlane/Cloudraker and the Monsterbots Grotusque, Doublecross and Repugnus were also still available. The Technobots were re-released.}}

===Decepticons===
'''[[Firecon]]s'''

{{columnlist|3|
* [[Cindersaur]]
* [[Flamefeather]]
* [[Sparkstalker]]}}

'''[[Seacon (G1)|Seacons]]'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Overbite (G1)|Overbite]]
* [[Seawing (G1)|Seawing]]
* [[Nautilator]]
* [[Skalor]]
* [[Tentakil (G1)|Tentakil]]
* [[Snaptrap (G1)|Snaptrap]]
* [[Piranacon (G1)|Piranacon]] (giftset)}}

{{note|The Piranacon giftset only included five of the six individual Seacons; Nautilator was left out for reasons unknown.}}

{{note|The Terrorcons were also re-released.}}

'''[[Triggercon]]s'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Crankcase (G1)|Crankcase]]
* [[Ruckus (G1)|Ruckus]]
* [[Windsweeper]]}}

'''Decepticon Cassettes'''
* [[Squawktalk]] & [[Beastbox (G1)|Beastbox]] (available as a two-pack)

{{note|The Slugfest/Overkill two-pack was also re-released.}}

'''Small [[Targetmaster]] Decepticons'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Spinister (G1)|Spinister]] with [[Hairsplitter]] and [[Singe]]
* [[Needlenose]] with [[Sunbeam]] and [[Zigzag]]
* [[Quake (G1)|Quake]] with [[Tiptop]] and [[Heater]]}}

{{note|The Large Targetmaster Decepticons Triggerhappy, Slugslinger and Misfire were also still available.}}

'''Small [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]] Decepticons'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Horri-Bull]] with [[Kreb]]
* [[Fangry]] with [[Brisko]]
* [[Squeezeplay]] with [[Lokos]]}}

{{note|The Large Headmaster Decepticons Skullcruncher, Mindwipe and Weirdwolf, the Headmaster Horrorcons Apeface and Snapdragon and the Headmaster Decepticon Base Scorponok were also still available.}}

'''[[Powermaster]] Decepticons'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]] with [[Hi-Test]]
* [[Darkwing]] with [[Throttle (G1)|Throttle]]}}

'''Powermaster Mercenary'''
* [[Doubledealer]] with [[Knok]] and [[Skar]]

'''Large Decepticon [[Pretender]]s'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Skullgrin]]
* [[Bomb-Burst (G1)|Bomb-Burst]]
* [[Submarauder (G1)|Submarauder]]
* [[Iguanus (G1)|Iguanus]]
* [[Bugly]]
* [[Finback]]}}

'''Decepticon [[Pretender Beast]]s'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Carnivac (G1)|Carnivac]]
* [[Snarler]]}}

'''Decepticon [[Pretender Vehicle]]s'''
* [[Roadgrabber]]

{{note|The Deception Clones two-pack of Pounce/Wingspan and the Decepticon Six Changer Sixshot were also still available.}}

==1989==
:''For the totally different toyline released in Japan this year, see: [[Victory (toyline)]]''

===Overview===
[[Image:G1Thunderwing toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Thunderwing, a Mega Pretender. This toy commands shocking secondary market prices as a result of the character's prominent appearances in the later Generation 1 comics.]]
By 1989, Hasbro's Transformers releases had been effectively split into two almost distinct sub-lines - Pretenders and Micromasters - that were available concurrently, a separation that was stronger from a marketing standpoint than the Autobot/Decepticon distinction from previous years.

The Pretender subline expanded to include [[Pretender Monster|a combiner team]] and increasingly complex gimmicks, including robots with multiple shells, and outer shells which could transform themselves and even combine with their inner robots.

The 1-inch-tall [[Micromaster]]s attempted to capitalize on the popularity of the Micro Machine toyline. They were originally sold in carded 4-member "patrols", and later with various bases and vehicles. Micromasters tended to have realistically styled vehicle forms. Though the first five patrols featured relatively diverse transformation schemes, as the subline proliferated, their designs would become extremely standardized.

===Pretenders===
====Autobots====
'''Small Autobot [[Pretender]]s'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Pincher]]
* [[Doubleheader]]
* [[Longtooth]]}}

'''Autobot [[Pretender Classic]]s'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys|Bumblebee]]
* [[Grimlock (G1)/toys|Grimlock]]
* [[Jazz (G1)/toys|Jazz]]}}

'''Autobot [[Legends (G1)|Legends]]'''
{{columnlist|3|
* Bumblebee
* Grimlock
* Jazz}}

{{note|The Legends figures were identical to the Pretender Classics' inner robots, but lacking the Pretender shell. They were exclusively available from KMart stores. Curiously, Jazz and Bumblebee appear to have switched weapons.}}

'''Autobot [[Mega Pretender]]s'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Crossblades (G1)|Crossblades]]
* [[Vroom]]}}

'''Autobot [[Ultra Pretender]]s'''
* [[Skyhammer (G1)|Skyhammer]]

=====Notes=====
* Powermaster Optimus Prime, the Autobot Cassette two-packs of Rewind/Steeljaw, Ramhorn/Eject and Grand Slam/Raindance and the Large Autobot Pretenders were also still available.

====Decepticons====
'''[[Pretender Monster]]s'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Icepick (G1)|Icepick]]
* [[Bristleback]]
* [[Wildfly]]
* [[Scowl]]
* [[Slog]]
* [[Birdbrain]]}}

'''Small Decepticon [[Pretender]]s'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Octopunch]]
* [[Stranglehold]]
* [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]]}}

'''Decepticon [[Pretender Classic]]s'''
* [[Starscream (G1)/toys|Starscream]]

'''Decepticon [[Legends (G1)|Legends]]'''
* Starscream

{{note|The Legends figures were identical to the Pretender Classics' inner robots, but lacking the Pretender shell. They were exclusively available from KMart stores.}}

'''Decepticon [[Mega Pretender]]s'''
* [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]]

'''Decepticon [[Ultra Pretender]]s'''
* [[Roadblock (G1)|Roadblock]]

=====Notes=====
* The Decepticon Cassette two-packs of Slugfest/Overkill and Squawktalk/Beastbox and the Large Decepticon Pretenders were also still available.

===Micromasters===
[[Image:Micromaster-sportscarpatrol-toys.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Here a novelty; soon an infestation.]]
====Autobots====
'''[[Micromaster]] Autobot Patrols'''
* [[Off Road Patrol]] ([[Highjump (G1)|Highjump]], [[Mudslinger (G1)|Mudslinger]], [[Powertrain]] & [[Tote]])
* [[Race Car Patrol]] ([[Tailspin]], [[Free Wheeler]], [[Roadhandler (G1)|Roadhandler]] & [[Swindler]])
* [[Rescue Patrol (G1)|Rescue Patrol]] ([[Seawatch]], [[Stakeout (G1)|Stakeout]], [[Fixit (G1)|Fixit]] & [[Red Hot]])
* [[Battle Patrol]] ([[Big Shot]], [[Sidetrack]], [[Sunrunner]] & [[Flak (G1)|Flak]])

'''Micromaster Autobot [[Micromaster Transport|Transports]]'''
* [[Erector (G1)|Erector]] (with [[Crane]])
* [[Overload (G1)|Overload]] (with [[Car carrier trailer]])

'''Micromaster Autobot Stations'''
* [[Hot House]] (with [[Fire station]])
* [[Ironworks]] (with [[Construction station]])

'''Micromaster Autobot Bases'''
* [[Groundshaker]] (with [[ATV]])

'''Micromaster Autobot Rocket Base'''
* [[Countdown (G1)|Countdown]] (with [[Rocket Base|Rocket base]])

====Decepticons====
'''Micromaster Decepticon Patrols'''
* [[Air Strike Patrol]] ([[Nightflight (G1)|Nightflight]], [[Storm Cloud]], [[Whisper (G1)|Whisper]] & [[Tailwind (G1)|Tailwind]])
* [[Sports Car Patrol]] ([[Detour (G1)|Detour]], [[Blackjack]], [[Hyperdrive (Micromaster)|Hyperdrive]] & [[Road Hugger (G1)|Road Hugger]])

'''Micromaster Decepticon [[Micromaster Transport|Transports]]'''
* [[Flattop (Decepticon)|Flattop]] (with [[Aircraft carrier]])
* [[Roughstuff]] (with [[Military transport]])

'''Micromaster Decepticon Stations'''
* [[Greasepit (G1)|Greasepit]] (with [[Gas station]])
* [[Airwave]] (with [[Airport]])

'''Micromaster Decepticon Bases'''
* [[Skyhopper]] (with [[Helicopter]])

'''Micromaster Decepticon Jet Command Center'''
* [[Skystalker (G1)|Skystalker]] (with [[Interstellar shuttle]])

==1990==
:''For the totally different toyline released in Japan this year, see: [[Zone (toyline)]]''

===Overview===
[[Image:Actionmaster Jazz.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Action Master Jazz, reintroducing a character from the line's early years.]]
Like 1989 before, 1990 also effectively saw two almost distinct Transformers sub-lines being available concurrently: the vastly-expanded Micromasters, and the non-transforming [[Action Master]] figures. The Micromasters came both in the $5 carded patrols and with transforming bases, some of which were quite large. The Actionmasters likewise came as carded figures with small transforming partners, and also with larger boxed vehicles.

The [[Generation 1 (European toyline)|European version of the "G1" line]], which continued after Hasbro had abruptly cancelled the line in the USA, would furthermore add the "Classics" sub-line to the mix.

Waning popularity led to the line's cancellation at this point; ''Transformers'' disappeared from shelves for two years, not returning until the debut of ''[[Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]''.

===Micromasters===
====Autobots====
'''[[Micromaster]] Autobot Patrols'''
* [[Construction Patrol]] ([[Neutro]], [[Groundpounder]], [[Crumble]] & [[Takedown]])
* [[Air Patrol]] ([[Sky High (Micromaster)|Sky High]], [[Eagle Eye (G1)|Eagle Eye]], [[Blaze Master]] & [[Tread Bolt]])
* [[Monster Truck Patrol]] ([[Hydraulic]], [[Slow Poke]], [[Big Hauler]] & [[Heavy Tread]])
* [[Hot Rod Patrol]] ([[Big Daddy (G1)|Big Daddy]], [[Trip-Up]], [[Greaser]] & [[Hubs]])

'''Micromaster Autobot Combiner Squads'''
* [[Metro Squad]] ([[Wheel Blaze]], [[Roadburner]], [[Oiler]], [[Slide]], [[Power Run]] & [[Strikedown]])
* [[Astro Squad]] ([[Phaser]], [[Blast Master]], [[Moonrock]], [[Missile Master]], [[Barrage (Micromaster)|Barrage]] & [[Heave]])

'''Micromaster Autobot [[Micromaster Combiner Transport|Combiner Transports]]'''
* [[Missile Launcher]] (with [[Retro]] & [[Surge (G1)|Surge]])
* [[Tanker Truck]] (with [[Pipeline]] & [[Gusher]])

'''Micromaster Combiner Autobot Battlefield Headquarters'''
* [[Battlefield Headquarters]] with [[Full-Barrel]] & [[Overflow]]

=====Notes=====
* The Micromaster Transports Overload and Erector, the Micromaster Stations Hot House and Ironworks and the Micromaster Autobot Rocket Base Countdown were also still available.

====Decepticons====
'''[[Micromaster]] Decepticon Patrols'''
* [[Race Track Patrol]] ([[Roller Force]], [[Barricade (G1)|Barricade]], [[Ground Hog]] & [[Motorhead (Decepticon)|Motorhead]])
* [[Military Patrol]] ([[Bombshock (G1)|Bombshock]], [[Tracer (Decepticon)|Tracer]], [[Dropshot (G1)|Dropshot]] & [[Growl (G1)|Growl]])

'''Micromaster Decepticon Combiner Squads'''
* [[Battle Squad]] ([[Meltdown (G1)|Meltdown]], [[Half-Track (G1)|Half-Track]], [[Direct-Hit (G1)|Direct-Hit]], [[Power Punch (G1)|Power Punch]], [[Fireshot (G1)|Fireshot]] & [[Vanquish (G1)|Vanquish]])
* [[Constructor Squad]] ([[Stonecruncher (G1)|Stonecruncher]], [[Excavator (G1)|Excavator]], [[Sledge (G1)|Sledge]], [[Hammer (G1)|Hammer]], [[Grit (G1)|Grit]] & [[Knockout (G1)|Knockout]])

'''Micromaster Decepticon [[Micromaster Combiner Transport|Combiner Transports]]'''
* [[Cannon Transport]] (with [[Terror-Tread]] & [[Cement-Head]])

'''Micromaster Combiner Decepticon Anti-Aircraft Base'''
* [[Anti-Aircraft Base]] with [[Blackout (G1)|Blackout]] & [[Spaceshot]]

=====Notes=====
* The Micromaster Transports Flattop & Roughstuff, the Micromaster Stations Greasepit and Airwave and the Micromaster Decepticon Jet Command Center Skystalker were also still available.

===Action Masters===
====Autobots====
'''Autobot [[Action Master]] Figures'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Grimlock (G1)/toys|Grimlock]] with [[Anti-tank cannon]]
* [[Jazz (G1)/toys|Jazz]] with [[Turbo Board]]
* [[Rad]] with [[Lionizer]]
* [[Rollout (G1)| Rollout]] with [[Glitch]]
* [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys|Bumblebee]] with [[Heli-pack]]
* [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] with [[Flight Pack]]
* [[Jackpot (G1)|Jackpot]] with [[Sights]]
* [[Mainframe (G1)|Mainframe]] with [[Push-Button]]
* [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] with [[Hydro-Pack]]
* [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] with [[Tyrannitron]]
* [[Skyfall (G1)|Skyfall]] with [[Top-Heavy]]
* [[Kick-Off (G1)|Kick-Off]] with [[Turbo-Pack]]}}

'''Autobot Action Master Action Blasters'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Turbo Cycle]] with [[Prowl (G1)/toys|Prowl]]
* [[Attack Copter]] with [[Over-Run (G1)|Over-Run]]}}

'''Action Master Autobot Vehicles'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Turbo Racer]] with [[Wheeljack (G1)/toys|Wheeljack]]
* [[Attack Cruiser]] with [[Sprocket (G1)|Sprocket]]}}

'''Action Master Autobot Armored Convoy'''
* [[Armored Convoy]] with [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Optimus Prime]]

====Decepticons====
'''Decepticon [[Action Master]] Figures'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Soundwave (G1)/toys|Soundwave]] with [[Wingthing (G1)|Wingthing]]
* [[Treadshot (G1)|Treadshot]] with [[Catgut]]
* [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] with [[Scorpulator]]
* [[Krok (G1)|Krok]] with [[Gatoraider]]
* [[Shockwave (G1)/toys|Shockwave]] with [[Fistfight (G1)|Fistfight]]
* [[Banzai-Tron (G1)|Banzai-Tron]] with [[Razor-Sharp]]}}

'''Decepticon Action Master Action Blasters'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Off-Road Cycle]] with [[Axer]]
* [[Turbo Jet]] with [[Starscream (G1)/toys|Starscream]]}}

'''Action Master Decepticon Attack Vehicles'''
{{columnlist|3|
*[[Megatron (G1)/toys|Megatron]]'s [[Neutro-Fusion Tank]]
*[[Gutcruncher (G1)|Gutcruncher]]'s [[Stratotronic Jet]]}}

==2000==
:''For the line of ''Generation 1'' reissues begun in Japan this year, see: [[Transformers Collection]]''

==2001==
:''For the supplementary, store-exclusive Japanese line of ''Generation 1'' reissues and new creations begun this year, see: [[e-Hobby]]''

==2002==
:''For the North American counterpart to the Japanese ''Generation 1'' revival, see: [[Commemorative Series]]''

==2006==
:''For the ''Titanium Series'' toys with a "Generation 1" sub-label, see: [[Titanium Series]]''

==2007==
:''For the line of ''Generation 1'' reissues begun in Japan this year, see: [[Encore]]''

==2008==
:''For the "Generation 1 Series" toys, see: [[Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]''

==Innovations and lasting effects==
Naturally, the original toy line introduced the original "[[gimmick]]" of <strike>[[trademark|transforming]]</strike> [[transformation|converting]]. Aside from that and introducing a plethora of "classic" [[character]]s, there were other notable features coming out of the original line:
*Like transformation itself, spring-fired projectiles were a common feature from the get-go (except where the springs were removed [[for safety reasons]]).
*1985 saw the introduction of the [[combiner]] concept. 1986 expanded on that with the introduction of [[Scramble City (toyline)|Scramble City]]-style combiners with interchangeable limbs.
*1985 also introduced [[Triple Changer]]s, the first toys with multiple [[alternate mode]]s. 1987 went a step further with the introduction of [[Six Changer]]s.
*Furthermore, 1985 introduced [[rubsign]]s.
*In the early years, every new toy was designed and marketed as an entirely new [[character]]. Hasbro's policy in this regard changed gradually: 1987's [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys|Goldbug]] was the first toy to be clearly designed as the same character as 1984's Bumblebee; but despite being marketed as such, he was still sold under a different name. 1988's [[Powermaster]] [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Optimus Prime]] was the first new toy to be designed as a new version of an older character ''and'' sported the same name. This was followed by the [[Classic Pretender]] in 1989, and then half the [[Action Master]] line-up in 1990.
*In the early years, Hasbro also released a plethora of different gimmicks in multiple assortments each year, some of them shipping in Autobot- or Decepticon-specific assortments and others in mixed assortments. It wasn't until 1989 that Hasbro made their first attempt at streamlining the [[Transformers brand|brand]] into unified gimmicks with (excluding larger toys that shipped all by themselves) mixed Autobot/Decepticon assortments, in this case "[[Pretender]]s" and "[[Micromaster]]s". 1990 followed suit, with the year's entire Transformers output divided into "Micromasters" and "Action Masters".

{{DEFAULTSORT:Transformers (toyline), The}}

[[Category:Generation 1| Transformers (toyline)]]
[[Category:Toylines]]

Onslaught (G1)

2011-10-20T11:31:36Z

58.69.198.236: /* Universe (2008) */

{{factions|decepticon|decepticong2|autobot|eliteguard}}
{{disambig3|Onslaught}}
:''Onslaught is a [[Decepticon]] [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticon]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''
{{picsneeded|Wings of Honor fiction}}
[[Image:MTMTEOnslaught.jpg|right|300px|thumb|''The Combaticons are warring! Onslaught is ROARING! He is one metamorphin' DUDICUS!'']]
'''Onslaught''' is what you'd call the "hands-off" type. He doesn't enjoy getting his mitts dirty, but instead prefers the thrill of designing battle plans, strategies, and tactics, and then watching his [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticon]] soldiers carry them out. While he typically crafts his strategies to exclude his direct involvement, Onslaught is no coward. When required, he will engage in battle with strength, cunning and earthquaking fury. This darker, more brutish side of Onslaught might lead some [[Decepticon]]s into thinking he has a secret blood-lust stashed away in his circuits. But truth be told, he's really just ticked off that his plans didn't work out the way they were supposed to.

Onslaught can combine with his fellow Combaticons to form [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]], who is considerably dumber than Onslaught.

{{quote|I beg your pardon?! My strategies are brilliant!|Onslaught to [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]|"[[The Revenge of Bruticus]]"}}

==Fiction==
===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
:''Voice actor:'' [[S. Marc Jordan]], [[Steve Bulin]] (English), [[Yū Shimaka|Yutaka Shimaka]] (Japanese), [[Jin Horikawa]] (Japanese, ''The Rebirth'' only), [[Edgar Wald]] (Latin American)
[[Image:StarscreamsBrigade OnslaughtVortex.jpg|left|200px|thumb|"Heave! Next time, Vortex, ''chew'' your food!"]]
Onslaught was one of the five [[renegade Decepticon]]s liberated by [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] in the Air Commander's latest attempt to unseat [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]]. As an element of their imprisonment, they had been reduced to mere [[personality component]]s, so Starscream installed them into abandoned [[World War II]] military vehicles. The transplant caused the vehicles to immediately reconfigure themselves: Onslaught in particular went from being a [[wikipedia:Half-track|half-track]] troop carrier to being a flatbed missile-truck, before turning into a robot. Starscream called them "Combaticons" and announced their names as they transformed, but they didn't recognize him. Nor did they feel particularly indebted to him for their release; in the end, Starscream only guaranteed their loyalty though having given them bodies bereft of [[energy absorber]]s, so they would be dependent upon him to refuel.

Onslaught and his fellow Combaticons agreed to work with Starscream to overthrow Megatron on the promise of being given the vital components. Onslaught worked in capturing two [[Autobot]]s, though he got into an argument with [[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]] over who was responsible for the act. Later, while recharging at a power station, Starscream's brigade was confronted by the Decepticons under Megatron's command. Anticipating that [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] might come into play, Starscream ordered Onslaught and the other Combaticons to merge into the dim-witted [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]]. The Combaticon combiner managed to soundly defeat Devastator, but was in turn defeated by a surprise attack by [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]]. For their treachery, Megatron banished Onslaught, his comrades and Starscream in space on a desolate asteroid. {{storylink|Starscream's Brigade}}

[[Image:Revenge of bruticus 4 changing course.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Megatron felt quite foolish once Onslaught showed him the one loose wire preventing his [[Victory (G1)|space cruiser]] from flying again.]]

After a falling out with Starscream, Onslaught became the mastermind of [[Operation Revenge]] and helped defeat [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]'s forces on Cybertron. He also used his external backpack and altered the Space Bridge to send Earth into the sun. It didn't work as he was defeated by the allied Decepticons and Autobots. Then Megatron had the Combaticons, including Onslaught, reprogrammed to serve him. Poor guy, can't seem to get a break. {{storylink|The Revenge of Bruticus}}

[[Image:AerialAssault Onslaughtattacks.jpg|left|200px|thumb|In Soviet Russia, [[Aerialbot (G1)|skeet]] shoots back!]]

After that little lobotomy, the Combaticons were deployed to Earth's Middle East to assist in Megatron's scheme to steal military jets, rebuild them into cars, drive them out of the owners' nations, and then rebuild them back into drone jets in friendly territory. Yeah. Onslaught and the other Combaticons attacked the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]] when they snooped around, managing to force [[Slingshot (G1)|Slingshot]] to crash into a cave (YAY!). Later, Onslaught and the ground-based Combaticons formed an anti-aircraft screen against an Aerialbot attack on [[Giant Purple Griffin|the Fortress]], then merged into Bruticus, but was rather quickly defeated by [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] before being blown away by the exploding oil wells. {{storylink|Aerial Assault}}

Back in the [[United States of America|United States]], Onslaught led the Combaticons in driving down the road of a random city for no apparent reason until they were confronted by [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]]. Though the Combaticons formed Bruticus, they were blown to pieces by a single shot from the Autobot, with [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] being the only survivor. Swindle later sold the parts of his comrades, but was forced to buy them back for Megatron's next Crazy Scheme. The Combaticons formed Bruticus to operate the orbital disruptor cannon, but was shot by the cannon itself when [[B.O.T. (robot)|B.O.T.]] tampered with it. {{storylink|B.O.T. (episode)|B.O.T.}}

[[Image:FFoD1 DamagedOnslaught.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Stoopid 'Cons never lisssen t'me. I'ma bloody genius, a strategic maschter *hic* maschtermind, but they's still following a [[Galvatron (G1)|looney wit'a big gun]]. Just—it just ain't right. *hic* Aw, I'm gonna over-energize all over my face-plate...]]

By the year 2006, the Decepticons had been forced into retreat on the ruined, burned out world of [[Chaar]]. Onslaught warned first [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] and then the [[Quintesson]]s that the Decepticons would no longer be powerful enough to attack the Autobots directly, but he joined most of the other Decepticons in their attack on the Autobots anyway. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 3}} Much later, [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] sent Onslaught, [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]] and [[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]] to assassinate the Decepticon exile [[Octane]]. Onslaught attempted to hold his troops until the proper moment presented itself, but Octane was still able to seek cover before their laser fire could terminate him. The traitor's Autobot partner, [[Sandstorm (G1)|Sandstorm]], then used his eponymous ability to blind and disorient the Combaticons long enough for the two [[Triple Changer]]s to escape. {{storylink|Starscream's Ghost}}

Onslaught's next mission was to lead the Combaticons in an attack on an Autobot shuttle waiting to deliver [[human]]s to a peace conference. He had a complicated and cunning strategy of misdirecting the Autobots by dressing up like Bruticus and having Swindle painted like [[Hound (G1)|Hound]], but the Autobots were unfazed by the confusion. The Combaticons succeeded in busting up the shuttle a little before being driven away by the Autobots. {{storylink|Surprise Party}} As part of Bruticus, Onslaught watched the Decepticon assault on [[Paradron]], {{storylink|Fight or Flee}} and was infected by the [[Hate Plague]], along with the rest of the galaxy. {{storylink|The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 1}}

During the battle for the [[Plasma Energy Chamber]], Onslaught led his Combaticons in the crafting of a giant planetary rocket engine that would be used to propel Cybertron into orbit around Earth. This engine was fueled by the reprocessed body parts of defeated Autobots. Gross. {{storylink|The Rebirth, Part 3}}
{{--}}

====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' comic====
[[Image:DecepticonTrailerBrigade1.jpg|left|140px|thumb|"Eleven foot six? Damn you!"]]
When Menasor's baseball stadium/command base was attacked by Superion and Defensor, Bruticus (so by proxy, Onslaught) came to his aid. He quickly took out Defensor, damaging [[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]] and preventing the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] from combining again. However, Superion blasted Brawl and Swindle away with his [[Electrostatic discharger rifle|electrostatic discharger rifle]], allowing [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] and [[Streetwise (G1)|Streetwise]] to steal their places as Bruticus's legs and fly away with Onslaught and his troops. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 5|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #5}}

In order to make the Autobots look bad, Onslaught joined the Stunticons in destroying factories while wearing the Autobot [[insignia]]. When they were caught, all but him and [[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]] fled the scene, but Onslaught had an ace up his sleeve: Together, he and Motormaster made up the [[Decepticon Trailer Brigade]]! With their spinning "Decepticon Great Wheel" attack, the subgroup leaders held the Autobots at bay for a while, but were eventually defeated by [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]]'s "Prime-Magnus Finish Double" kick. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 7|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #7}}

Onslaught then led his Combaticons in murdering a [[Murdered puppy|puppy]]. They succeeded, but the [[Mini Vehicle|Minibots]] got them good. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 8|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #8}}
{{--}}

====Scramble City====
When the Stunticons were dispatched to hinder the Autobots from constructing [[Metroplex (G1)|Scramble City]], they were attacked by the Aerialbots and did not fare too well. Onslaught's Combaticons arrived to help, and together Bruticus and Menasor easily overpowered Superion. However, Scramble City itself soon arrived and blasted both combiners away. {{storylink|Scramble City: Mobilization}}

====''The Great Transformer War''====
[[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] and the Decepticons kidnapped the scientist Doctor [[Dalton (G1)|Dalton]] to help advance their combination technology. When the Aerialbots and Protectobots arrived to save Dalton, Onslaught and Motormaster merged with [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] in base mode, deploying their fellow Decepticons into battle. The Decepticon combiners then formed Bruticus and Menasor, but were ultimately defeated by their Autobot counterparts. {{storylink|The Great Transformer War issue 1|The Great Transformer War #1}}

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

Onslaught and the Combaticons participated in an all-out Decepticon attack on Cybertron, {{storylink|Four Warriors Come out of the Sky}} until [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] arrived and drove them away. {{storylink|The Mystery of Planet Master}} Shortly afterwards, [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] set out to find the [[Matrix of Leadership]] and bring it to Optimus Prime, and the Combaticons were among the troops sent out to stop him. They were ambushed by the Protectobots, and defeated when Defensor buried Bruticus in a rockfall. {{storylink|Birth of the Fantastic Double Prime}} Not long after that, the Combaticons defended [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] against [[Blaster (G1)|Twincast]]'s attempted infiltration, but failed when the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]] arrived and distracted them. {{storylink|The Great Cassette Operation}}

[[Image:UltraMagnusDies Combaticons.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Jeez, Galvatron, why put HIM with the Combaticons?"]]

The Combaticons were later part of ''another'' attack on Cybertron, during which they killed plenty of [[Generic|soldiers]] before getting into another fight with Defensor. {{storylink|Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 1}} They lost. {{storylink|Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 2}} When the Decepticons planted a giant carnivorous plant in [[San Francisco]], the Combaticons and Stunticons were stationed to attack any Autobots who arrived to kill it. {{storylink|Head On!! Fortress Maximus}} Sixshot later sent the Combaticons, [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]] and [[Horrorcon]]s to attack an Autobot energy facility in [[Miami]], in order to lure Autobot troops away from [[Autobot City]]. {{storylink|Ultra Magnus Dies!!}} The Combaticons also unleashed Bruticus as Sixshot continued his reign of terror over the Autobots on Earth. {{storylink|The Emperor of Destruction Vanishes on an Iceberg}}

Onslaught was present when [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] held a speech about Galvatron's recent death and took control of the Decepticons. {{storylink|I Risk My Life for Earth}} Bruticus was later part of a small group of Decepticons who tried to lead Fortress Maximus away from the Decepticon base on [[Master (planet)|Master]]. {{storylink|The Zarak Shield Turns the Tide}} The combiner then stood by and laughed as [[Predaking]] sank the luxury liner ''[[Queen World]]'' in the Atlantic Ocean. {{storylink|The Final Showdown on Earth (Part 1)}} As Bruticus, the Combaticons participated in the final battle with the Autobots at the North Pole, and retreated into space when Scorponok's energy-absorbing satellite started tearing the Earth apart. {{storylink|The Final Showdown on Earth (Part 2)}}
{{--}}

====''Zone'' cartoon, comic and story pages====
Seeking to create a [[Decepticon Zone]] to counter the [[Micro|Autobot Zone]], [[Emperor of Destruction|Decepticon Emperor]] [[Violen Jiger]] gathered together the [[Nine Great Demon Generals]], upgrading them with powerful new armor and weaponry, then sent them forth to conquer planets. Onslaught was one of those summoned, but only as part of Bruticus. {{storylink|Zone (story page)|Zone Part 1}} {{storylink|Zone (manga)|Zone}} {{storylink|Enter the New Supreme Commander, Dai Atlas!}}

===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Generation 1====
{{noteukonly}}
[[Image:Onslaught Marvel41.jpg|right|200px|thumb|[[Wikipedia:Onslaught (comics)|BEHOLD MY MIGHTY HAND!]]]]
Onslaught is the leader of the Combaticons, ''one of the [[Special Teams]] foretold by the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]]. {{storylink|Second Generation!}}'' Onslaught and his team were first seen on Earth fighting the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] inside the Multi-World computer game. They didn't fare too well. Onslaught got "fused by a fireball" from Hotspot. {{storylink|Afterdeath!}}

''Later on, he led his team to kill [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] while he was trapped in a volcano, and Onslaught was the only Combaticon not taken down by a [[Cindy Newell|trio of]] [[Susan Hoffman|human]] [[Joy Meadows|women]]. He would've killed them if the [[Throttlebot]]s hadn't shown up as the cavalry. {{storylink|Ladies' Night}} In response to that humiliation,'' Onslaught and the Combaticons hunted the Throttlebots down. The Throttlebots were trapped in a used car lot and the Combaticons were forced to bid for them in an auction against RAAT and the Protectobots, but Onslaught cut through this by trying to have the lot's owner assassinated. RAAT would get the Throttlebots and the Combaticons were beaten by [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]]. {{storylink|Used Autobots}}

Onslaught's shining moment came when he got to lead a massed Decepticon assault on the Autobots, which came close to wiping them all out. {{storylink|Totaled!}}

=====Marvel UK future timelines=====
''In an alternate timeline after the attack of [[Unicron]] in 2006, Onslaught was still active in 2008 and was one of [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]]'s lieutenants when the [[Quintesson]]s invaded. {{storylink|Space Pirates!}}''

====Generation 2====
Onslaught was one of the Decepticons operating aboard the [[Warworld]]. At the death of [[Mindset (G2)|Mindset]], a [[Cybertronian (faction)|Cybertronian]] killed light years away, Onslaught was briefly overcome by pain, hinting of a genetic connection between these two. {{storylink|Escalation!}} He was offlined along with the entire Combaticon team by [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] shortly thereafter, and this was never delved into. It is unknown if he was killed or later repaired. {{storylink|Total War!}}

{{note|The origin of the Combaticons in the Marvel Comic is somewhat unclear. The UK comic clearly indicated that the Combaticons were to be newly created on Earth by the Creation Matrix, much like the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]] and [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]] were. While this could be inferred from the US comic, it was not explicitly stated. What makes things even more confusing is Onslaught's reaction to the death of Mindset in the Generation 2 comic. The clear inference there was that Mindset had cyber-genetically descended from Onslaught through the [[Reproduction|budding process]], implying then that Onslaught was around on Cybertron millions of years ago when budding was still performed.}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
[[Image:Onslaughtwarwithin.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Those Autobots are in for some "wheel" trouble now!]]
Onslaught unleashed his considerable firepower against the Autobots during the Decepticon assault against [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]]. {{storylink|The War Within}} He and his fellow Combaticons were later upgraded into Combiners. After the Crisis Intervention Accords were enacted, however, it is unknown if Onslaught joined up separately with any faction.

After the Great Shutdown and the peace that followed it, Onslaught and the Combaticons were labeled as war criminals and held in stasis in a penitentiary. That is, at least until Starscream freed them. {{storylink|Revelation (War and Peace)|Revelation}}

When [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]] appeared on Earth, the battered Combaticons were ordered by Starscream to combine into Bruticus and deal with the crazed zealot. It did not end well. {{storylink|Black Sunshine}}

[[Image:Onslaught G1DW routeofallevil.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Well, isn't he a bossy one...]]
The repaired Combaticons were brought to Guadalcanal where they could hone their somewhat lackluster combat skills and listen to Starscream's long-winded aspirations of glory. Starscream ordered them to defeat the magnificent Autobot [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]] as a means to train themselves for greater battles. Unfortunately, the Combaticons did not fare well when the crafty Autobot split into his two forms, with Onslaught nearly crushed by the Lynx's right paw as he was issuing orders. After Starscream deactivated Sky Lynx, Onslaught berated his team as buffoons for not paying attention to his battle plan.

This was the least of their troubles, however, as [[Predaking]] showed up as soon after Sky Lynx shut down. Onslaught ordered his men to keep moving and maintain formation so as to remain smaller, faster targets, then as they neared Predaking, formed Bruticus. This encounter did not end well either... {{storylink|The Route of All Evil}}
{{--}}

===Two for the Price of One===
The discovery that Swindle was selling Decepticon weapons on the black market lead Megatron to berate Onslaught on his inability to keep his team member under control. Onslaught asked for another chance to get Swindle under control, but Megatron denied his request, giving [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] the task of bringing Swindle in. {{storylink|Two for the Price of One}}

===''G.I. Joe vs. The Transformers''===
The Combaticons were among the Decepticon army on Cybertron when [[Serpent O.R.]] took control of it. As the new Decepticon leader was assaulted by Optimus Prime, he called Onslaught and several other subgroup leaders to his aid. Prime fought back, grabbing [[Razorclaw (G1)|Razorclaw]]'s sword and slashing Onslaught with it. It is unclear if this killed him or merely damaged him, but Onslaught wasn't seen for the remainder of the battle. {{storylink|The Art of War issue 5|The Art of War #5}}

===IDW comics continuity===
[[Image:SpotlightArcee Onslaught.jpg|right|200px|thumb|[[JaAm|Crumplezone! Hump that tank!]]]]
Onslaught led the Combaticon tactical unit assigned to the [[Decepticon Secret Service]] under [[Banzai-Tron (G1)|Banzaitron]]'s command. They were the storming squad which participated in the ground assault raid of the [[Garrus-9]] penal facility, successfully blasting their way through Autobot resistance and capturing [[Pretender Monster|the "gestalt" transformers]]. He was the only one not to wee himself over [[Arcee (G1)|the raging death that is Arcee]], and he berated the other Combaticons for fearing her. {{storylink|Spotlight: Arcee}}

After a deal was negotiated between Arcee and Banzai-Tron, Onslaught and the other Combaticons later helped her in an attempt to recapture [[Monstructor (G1)|Monstructor]] (who had been stolen by [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]] and [[Nova Prime|Nemesis Prime]]'s forces), though the insane Autobot disappeared mid-battle. {{storylink|Spotlight: Sideswipe}}

{{note|Due to the truncated nature of the ''[[Revelation (IDW)|Revelation]]'' miniseries, the outcome of this battle is unknown, though it appears that [[Devastator (G1)|the Secret Service won]].}}

A few years later, Onslaught went to [[Earth]], where he was captured by the human organization [[Skywatch]]. He was among the deactivated captives retrieved by [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]]'s team as they searched for more allies for their quest to get off the planet. {{storylink|A Rude Awakening}} When Swindle unleashed Menasor on the Autobots and the combiner was defeated, Onslaught was one of the Decepticons who managed to slip away. {{storylink|Earthworks}}

After reuniting with Brawl and Vortex, Onslaught was hired by [[North Korea]]n leader [[Kim Jong Du]] to lead an attack on [[South Korea]], destroying a South Korean military outpost at the de-militarized zone in the process. He was surprised by a shot from a tank, but Brawl and Vortex quickly joined in and wiped out the human forces. This attack was directly responsible for the [[President of the United States]] declaring any country working with Cybertronians was considered in possession of weapons of mass destruction. {{storylink|International Incident Part 1: "The Land Ironclads"}} None of the Combaticons much enjoyed working for humans, but unfortunately these humans knew more about the production of [[Energon (fuel)|energon]] than they did. Onslaught assured the others he was formulating a better plan, but it was clear that they needed Swindle for these situations. As the Combaticons argued amongst themselves, the Autobots and [[Skywatch]] performed a surprise attack on them. Onslaught and the others were overwhelmed at first, but soon turned the tide after noting that the Autobots were forced to stay in their vehicle modes and that their only air support was a [[Jetfire (G1)|scientist]]. They took out two Autobots and fled back to North Korea without suffering much damage. {{storylink|International Incident Part 2: "Ranks of Bronze"}}

As Onslaught toasted to their victory in North Korea, the Autobots returned and resumed their assault, having dealt with their transformation issue. [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] began wrestling with Onslaught while also telling him that helping the humans with their infighting would only lead to chaos. Onslaught was unimpressed by his words, since the Autobots had their own human "masters" in Skywatch, but found himself defeated when rebellious Decepticon [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] bombed him. {{storylink|International Incident Part 3: "Hawk Among the Sparrows"}} As the battle got close to the [[China|Chinese]] border, the combatants found that the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]] had allied themselves with the Chinese government just like the Combaticons had with North Korea. The Predacons were willing to let them off with a warning, but as they turned to leave, Onslaught decided to shake things up by shooting [[Rampage (G1)|Rampage]] in the back. Mistaking this for an Autobot attack, the Predacons attacked Optimus Prime and the others, while Onslaught presumably giggled to himself. The battle ended when [[Russia]] attempted to nuke everyone present: Onslaught confirmed this via radio contact with the North Koreans. In the end, the Combaticons were set free as the Autobots didn't have the resources to keep them as prisoners, but their alliance with Kim Jong Du ended with a boom as Thundercracker bombed North Korea's energon factories. {{storylink|International Incident Part 4: "All My Sins Remembered"}}

{{--}}
===Wings of Honor===
In the early days of the war, Onslaught was a top Autobot cadet at [[Omnihelix Academy]], specializing in battle strategy and tactics. His skill was impressive that he was elected a field leader for the [[Cybertron Elite Guard|Autobot Elite Guard]] straight out of the Academy, acting as head of the experimental new Special Ops Team, the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]]. {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 33|Onslaught's ''Wings of Honor'' profile}}

[[Image:EliteGuardCombaticons TheComingStorm2.jpg|left|thumb|300px|]]

Onslaught and the Combaticons were assembled by [[Magnum]] and [[Sentinel Major]] to take out the various [[Decepticon Warlord|leaders]] of the new Decepticon faction, in the hopes of ending the war quickly. At Elite Guard headquarters they were introduced to one of the other recently minted units, [[Metalhawk]] and his Strike Team. {{storylink|The Coming Storm: Part 2}}

After a short exchange, Onslaught and Metalhawk brought their teams before [[Big Bang]] for their first mission together. It was a rather pedestrian assignment, lending military-grade explosives and know-how to a civilian archeological dig. The mission was primarily designed to smooth some ruffled feathers in the High Council about the Elite Guard in general.

Upon arrival in [[Median]], however, events became a bit more serious. The dig had uncovered Cybertronian construction facilities that indicated an inherent dichotomy in Transformer design. Onslaught personally scoffed at the scientists' theory that this dichotomy could explain and excuse the warlike nature of the Decepticon rebels, but the more pressing find was the second part of their discovery: a spark of unprecedented power called the [[Brimstone (Universe)|Heart of the Dragon]], allegedly housing the essence of a Transformer whose power levels went off the scale. Decepticon rogues called the [[Stormtrooper (G1)|Stormtroopers]] had learned of the Heart, and were planning a raid on Median to steal it.

As the rest of the Elite Guard did their best to fortify the dilapidated city, Onslaught and Metalhawk grilled [[Flip Sides (G1)|Flipsides]] and the other dig members about the Stormtroopers and any information they had. When the attack came, Onslaught's plan took down the Stormtroopers' advance assault, [[Roadgrabber]] and his exo-shell, by hiding a pit behind an obviously weak part in the defenses as a lure. The Decepticon leader [[Rage]] and his three lieutenants managed to sweep by Metalhawk, however, forcing Onslaught's secondary team to hunt them down. The Stormtroopers split-and-run tactics were enough to keep all the Elite Guard chasing their tails long enough for Rage to grab the Heart, however. [[Terror-Tread]] and [[Cement-Head]], two massive Decepticons held in reverse, then surprised and distracted the Elite Guard long enough for Rage and the others to escape.

The Elite Guard chased the Stormtroopers back to their mobile base, the [[Metrotitan (Zone)|Metrotitan]]. Onslaught and the others managed to make their way inside, where they were confronted by [[Brimstone (Universe)|Brimstone]], the reincarnated physical form of the Heart of the Dragon. Despite his small stature, Brimstone still had the ability to decouple molecules with his plasma breath, making him a formidable foe. Onslaught led the Elite Guard in a swift but strategic advance to the rear, giving [[Ironfist (G1)|Ironfist]] time to rig all his explosives for one massive blast. Although Brimstone was still standing after the blast, his outer casing had been damaged enough to let his internal energies rage out of control, destroying the Metrotitan in one enormous blast.

Back at Elite Guard headquarters, Onslaught and Metalhawk made their field reports to Magnum. Despite the unconventional nature of the mission in some regards, Magnum congratulated his men on a job well done. They were deployed again almost immediately for a mission to [[Praxium]]. {{storylink|Flames of Yesterday}}

The Special Ops Team and Strike Team worked so well as a combined unit that Magnum kept them together for several weeks. Onslaught and Metalhawk became close comrades, as did their men, sharing stories about the different warlords they brought down, such as [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]] and [[Blue Bacchus]]. Onslaught was aware that Metalhawk could be squemish about some of the darker parts of warfare, though, and so he made sure [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]] and [[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]] had privacy during their interrogations of a Decepticon prisoner of war.

Onslaught coordinated their next strike against a Decepticon faction leader named [[Shadowcaster]]. Using explosives and fog grenades, the Elite Guard carried out Onslaught's battle plan, forcing Shadowcaster out in the open for the Combaticon leader to take out with a killshot. Despite the mission's success, Onslaught felt something was amiss. Shadowcaster hardly seemed the type to lead a parade, much less a Decepticon splinter cell. Smelling a larger party at work, Onslaught kept the Combaticons out in the field while Metalhawk and the Strike Team returned to base. Onslaught's instincts were right on target, but even they couldn't keep him and his team from being captured by Warlord [[Deathsaurus (Victory)|Deathsaurus]] and his troops. {{storylink|The Coming Storm: Part 3}}

After being held for some time in a cell behind unbreakable Oan force bars, Onslaught and the Combaticons were inexplicably released by the polite and apologetic [[Falcon (G1)|Falcon]] and [[Vanquish (G1)|Vanquish]]. Although wary of their intentions, Onslaught agreed to follow the Decepticons to Deathsaurus's throne room for a meeting. The silver-tongued Deception Warlord then proceeded to sway the Combaticons to his side. He appealed to Onslaught's pride and vanity, innocently mocking how easily the Combaticons were captured by his forces and intimating that all their greatest successes had been alongside the Strike Team, not on their own. After putting Onslaught on the defensive, Deathsaurus proclaimed how ''he'' truly believed in Onslaught's gift for tactics, and was willing to support the Combaticons in a bid to seize power for themselves. After all, how better to prove their superiority and ensure peace on Cybertron than to eliminate the Elite Guard and establish themselves in the Guard's place? Onslaught and his men gave in to their darker impulses and agreed to work alongside Deathsaurus, receiving the upgrades he promised them as well. {{storylink|The Coming Storm: Part 4}}

Sometime later, the Combaticons launched their attack on Elite Guard headquarters accompanied by some of Deathsaurus's [[Seeker (body-type)|Skyraider-Seeker Brigade]]. Onslaught chose not to reveal their trump card until the Combaticons appeared surrounded and defeated by the Guard. He then initiated their combination into the massive [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]], crushing their former commanding officer Sentinel Major in one mighty hand. {{storylink|The Coming Storm: Part 5}} Bruticus killed most of the assembled Guard before [[Dion]] was able to blind the giant, forcing the Combaticons to disengage. Onslaught reacted to Metalhawk standing in their way by simply blowing a hole through his old comrade, and the Combaticons headed back to Deathsaurus's base for repairs, but not before Onslaught promised they'd be back to deal with the Council. {{storylink|The Coming Storm: Part 6}}

During repairs, Onslaught was stunned to learn that Deathsaurus had had it rigged so that the combination into Bruticus could be triggered at Deathsaurus's will. Protesting that it wasn't part of the deal, Onslaught was nonetheless forced to form the torso of Bruticus, though the blinded giant proved difficult for Deathsaurus's Constructicons to control. {{storylink|Battle Lines, Part 2}} The Combaticons subsequently defended the base against Magnum and the remains of the Elite Guard. Onslaught confirmed to Magnum that Deathsaurus hadn't tampered with the Combaticons' brain modules at all, and they'd turned of their own free will. As they fought the Guard, Onslaught taunted [[Thunder Clash]] while he was grappling with [[Landshark]], much to the latter Autobot's annoyance. Finally he ordered the Combaticons to merge, only them to be blasted mid-combination. {{storylink|Battle Lines, Part 3}}

To Onslaught's dismay, the culprits were more survivors the massacre at Elite Guard HQ. He agreed with Brawl's sentiment that they should take the opportunity to end some more Autobots and started to give the command to attempt another merge, only to find that Blast Off was inconveniently missing. When Deathsaurus called a retreat, Onslaught briefly considered staying to find Blast Off, and his hesitation allowed [[Flak (G1)|Flak]] to belt him. He and his entire team were subsequently taken captive by the Autobots. {{storylink|Battle Lines, Part 4}}

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

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[Image:G1Onslaught toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|The Real American Decepticon]]
* '''Onslaught''' (1986, 1990)
**''Team ID number:'' '''C5'''
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''D-64'''
**''Accessories'': "[[Sonic stun-gun]]" rifle, double-barreled turret, chest shield, ramp, Bruticus chest shield, Bruticus head, left & right Bruticus fists, left & right Bruticus foot stands

: Originally designed for the aborted ''[[Diaclone]]'' line ''Jizai Gattai'' ("Free Combination") and then brought over to the ''Transformers'' toyline, Onslaught transforms into a dark blue and green mobile anti-aircraft truck of made-up origin, armed with a large double-barreled cannon mounted on the flatbed of his vehicle mode. Like all of the original four [[Scramble City (toyline)|Scramble City]]-style combiner team leaders, he can also assume a base/gun emplacement mode with a ramp that smaller Combaticons can use, which can be connected to both the Autobot city [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] (a feature not mentioned in either toy's instructions, for obvious reasons) and to the Decepticon city [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] (a feature only documented in Trypticon's instructions). As with [[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]] and [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]], Onslaught was originally designed to feature a spring-loaded launching mechanism in base mode that would propel the smaller vehicles off him. Hasbro dropped the feature, perhaps [[for safety reasons]], but it was retained on the Japanese edition of the figure.

: In robot mode, Onslaught is armed with a long olive [[sonic stun-gun]] and is accessorized by a small chest plate. The gun can store on his backpack in either mode via two rectangular pegs which hold onto his gun sight. Holes in the side of the gun are, probably coincidentally, just the right size to peg in the smaller weapons from the other Combaticons—a feature that would be canonized only for the later Ruination version of the mold.

:Onslaught combines with the other Combaticon toys into Bruticus, forming the central body component of the super-robot with the addition of a large silver chest plate and Bruticus's head. He also comes with Bruticus's hands and feet.

: The complete set of Combaticons were re-released in the European-market "[[Classics (Europe)|Classics]]" line in 1990; these releases typically have the [[rubsign]] indent removed from the molding. However, Onslaught has his indent intact, and the indent remains even in more recent reuses of the mold.

: This mold was [[redeco]]ed as ''[[Operation Combination (toyline)|Operation Combination]]'' [[Great Cannon]], ''[[Robots in Disguise (toyline)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Mega-Octane]], and ''[[Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' Mega-Octane.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1986/Decepticon/Onslaught/onslaught.htm More information on Onslaught at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Bruticus}}
*'''Bruticus''' (Gift set, 1985, 2009)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''D-69'''

:Bruticus, along with the other Combaticons, were included in a [[giftset]] that was only available in [[Japan]] and [[Italy]].

:In 2009, this set was reissued under the ''[[Encore|Transformers Encore]]'' line, using the [[retool]]ed molds from the ''[[Car Robots]]'' and ''[[Robots in Disguise (toyline)|Robots in Disguise]]'' lines.
{{--}}

====Encore====
*'''Bruticus''' (Encore Multi-Pack, Japan 2009)
**''ID number:'' '''16'''

:A reissue of the original G1 Onslaught, this is in reality a G1 Onslaught [[redeco]] of the Hasbro [[Mega-Octane]] version of the mold, complete with shortened rifle and all other subsequent mold changes and a plastic chest—however, the Japan-only base mode launcher mechanism was reinstated for this release. The mold also has quite a bit of visible mold wear-and-tear thanks to the inordinate number of times the Onslaught mold has been reused and [[retool]]ed.
{{--}}

===Generation 2===
[[Image:G2Onslaught toy.jpg|right|250px|thumb|I'm a Goofy Goober, yeah!]]
* '''Onslaught''' (1993)
**''Team ID number:'' '''C5'''
**''Accessories'': "Sonic stun gun" rifle, double-barreled turret, missile launcher, 2 missiles, chest shield, ramp, Bruticus chest shield, Bruticus head, left & right Bruticus fists, left & right Bruticus foot stands

: In ''Generation 2'', Onslaught was redecoed in a rather outlandish colour scheme of bright orange covered in purple camouflage, with purple replacing most of his olive and silver colours. The stickers on the back of his truck proudly state that he is indeed Onslaught. In this form he was reputedly "one metamorphin' dude-icus."

:His new spring-loaded missile launcher was taken from [http://www.yojoe.com/action/91/snowserpent2.shtml Snow Serpent] from the ''[[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]]'' toyline, and was the same one used by Gen2 [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] and [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]]. His backpack cannon was [[retool]]ed with a peg-hole to mount this new launcher. This is the only peg-hole on Onslaught to accommodate the gun's smaller peg, rather than its 5mm peg. (In theory the other smaller Combaticons can also hold the rifle, and their weapons can store on Onslaught's backpack now. Not that Onslaught's about to lend his gun to Swindle or Brawl.)

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1994/Decepticon/Onslaught/onslaught.htm More information on G2 Onslaught at TFU.info]''

{{--}}

===Universe (2008)===
[[Image:Onslaughtuniverselegends.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Because ''Classics'' Legends [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] was ''super''-popular.]]
*'''Onslaught''' (Legends, 2008)
**''Series'': Classic Series

: Part of the very first wave of ''[[Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'' [[Legends Class]] toys, Onslaught is a [[redeco]] of Legends Class [[Cybertron (toyline)|''Cybertron'']] [[Red Alert (Armada)#LOC|Red Alert]], transforming into a SWAT-deco'd BTR-90 armored personnel carrier mounted with a top-mounted missile similar to a SCUD launcher. Because apparently SWAT teams now have missiles. <small>Well, maybe in [[Chicago]]....</small> Onslaught uses the Movie-style Decepticon symbol.

: This mold was also used to make [[Classics (2006)|''Classics'']] [[Perceptor (G1)#Classics|Perceptor]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Decepticon/LegendsOnslaught/onslaught.htm More information on Universe Legends Onslaught at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Uni08Ultra}}
* '''Onslaught''' (Ultra, 2008)
**''Accessories'': Shield

[[Image:Onslaughtuniversetoy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|He found your phone number and wants to ask you a few questions.]]
: The large ''Universe'' version of Onslaught transforms into a six-wheeled SWAT assault truck with top-mounted twin cannons. When the button on his rotating turret is pressed, electronic lights in his head and turret flash and one hears either machine gun fire or a siren sound, either of which are continuous if held down. Rolling the vehicle's middle left tire activates a third sound effect of him causing extensive property damage on something unfortunate enough to get caught under his wheels. A looped driving sound will then be continuously played until the tire stops rolling, when a final sound of the vehicle driving away/to a halt is played.

:He comes with a riot shield, which can either connect to a flip up tab on Onslaught's left arm in robot mode, or store on top of his turret in either mode. The small flap at the top of the shield is used to access the turret's button, either by pressing on the flap itself, or by flipping it open and pressing the button directly. A button on Onslaught's right arm spring-deploys an arm-mounted weapon.

:The robot mode [[Kibble#.22Faux-parts.22|cheats]] somewhat, having a second tow-winch on his belt-buckle immediately below his vehicle hood, while the actual vehicle mode winch splits in two to form his shoulders ([[#Notes|see below]] for more on this).

:Interestingly enough, Onslaught on his own stands almost exactly as tall as the combined mode of the original Bruticus toy.

:The Japanese [[TakaraTomy]] version of Onslaught was released in American ''Universe'' packaging as a USA Edition toy. He is redecoed to more closely resemble the colours of the original Onslaught toy and his appearance in the ''Generation 1'' cartoon. His sparkly metallic slate-blue is replaced with swirly metallic teal and the blue paint on his arms and crotch is replaced by a dark greenish-blue. He also has slightly more paint on his face, with his mouth-plate being painted silver, the silver on the sides of his face being replaced by teal, and the teal face paint reaching all the way up to the sides of his forehead, instead of only reaching up to his visor.

:The first waves of Onslaughts gave only very brief clips of sound when the button gimmick was activated. (The siren ended up sounding like a set car alarm) This was changed in the Japanese release and as a [[running change]] in the U.S. version, so that the gun and siren noises are now restored to their intended full lengths.

: "MONZO 12782" is [[tampograph]]ed onto the front of the vehicle mode on both versions, a reference by Hasbro to the ever-helpful [[Fandom|fan]] [[User:Monzo|Monzo]] and his birthdate, [[December 7]], [[1982]], or 12-7-82.

:The [[stock photography]] on the right shows him as slightly mis-transformed. The flap on his back has not been folded and slid up, and his "toes" aren't folded back into his feet. Also of note is the fact that his shield isn't attached to his arm via the flip-up tab.

:This mold was redecoed as ''[[Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] and retooled as ''[[Timelines (toyline)|Timelines]]'' [[Clench (G1)|Clench]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Decepticon/TFUOnslaught/onslaught.htm More information on Universe Ultra-Class Onslaught at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|BrutMaxSet}}
[[Image:Universe-ROTF-toy_Onslaught.jpg|thumb|right|300px|[[Grindcore (G1)|Grindcore]] stole his design, so he stole Grindcore's colors.]]
*'''Bruticus Maximus''' (Box set, 2008)
**''Series'': G1 Series

:The third ''Universe'' Onslaught toy is a [[redeco]] of ''[[Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' [[Barricade (Energon)|Barricade]], transforming into an eight-wheeled armored personnel carrier with a rear-mounted (non-firing) missile rack that turns and elevates. Amusingly, Barricade has a more Onslaught-accurate colour scheme than ''Universe'' Onslaught. He was only available with ''Universe'' Bruticus Maximus giftset, and when combined with the other Combaticons, Onslaught forms the torso. Almost every Onslaught also has a paint error on the right robot knee, in that there is no paint around the hole immediately below the knee, where there ''is'' paint on the left one. This error is also evident in the box photos for the individual robot mode, but not the combined mode, curiously.

:As the Bruticus Maximus multi-pack was also released under the ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (franchise)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' banner, this toy is identical to ''Revenge of the Fallen'' [[Onslaught (ROTF)|Onslaught]], including the paint error. The mold was [[retool]]ed to make [[Heatwave]].

:The alphanumeric code "C5" tampographed on the front of his vehicle mode is a reference to the original Onslaught toy's American release's team ID number. For a little extra G1 flair, Onslaught's (as well as any other variations of the mold) missile rack in vehicle-mode can be clicked back to be dragged behind, elongating the entire vehicle, similar to the original toy.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Decepticon/TargetOnslaught/onslaught.htm More information on Universe multipack Onslaught at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

==Notes==
[[Image:Onslaughtmodelsheetshood.jpg|right|160px|thumb|Onslaught's early, unused character model (left) is more toy-accurate, if you ignore a heck of a lot.]]
* Onslaught's ability to combine with Metroplex is due to the fact that both were originally designed as part of the [[Diaclone]] line, where both were presumably part of the same faction. Neither were ever released under the Diaclone brand, as it had long since been overtaken by the Transformers.
* Like the rest of the Combaticons, Onslaught had an earlier, unused [[character model]] which superficially resembles the toy, other than the head design. There are other problems, such as wheel placement, but it's possible the artist of the unused character model was working off crappy source material.
[[Image:EuroClassicOnslaughtPurple.jpg|thumb|160px|]]
* When the unused character model was redrawn into the final character model, it kept the odd wheel placement and gave Onslaught his toy's head, but did some bizarre things with his transformation. Like with many of the other Combaticons' final character models, such as Swindle's, his torso is the bumper, hood, and roof of the vehicle mode flattened out. Years later, Onslaught's Ultra class ''Universe'' toy attempted to replicate this transformation scheme.
* The packaging of the 1990 European [[Classics (Europe)|Classics]] release of the original Onslaught toy depicted Onslaught and the Combaticons in new color schemes—Onslaught himself was mainly purple—despite the fact that the actual toys looked identical to their original releases. While it may never be known for certain, it has been theorized that these colors originated from a packaging printing error rather than a legitimate attempt to [[redeco]] the Combaticons.
[[Image:Universe Onslaught originalsculpt.jpg|right|160px|thumb|The dream is dead.]]
* In the [[commercial]] advertising the Generation 2 Aerialbots and Combaticons, Onslaught is referred to as "one metamorphin' dudicus". It is presently unknown what a dudicus ''is'', or what qualifications Onslaught has met to be the only known one.
* As revealed on Hasbro's ''Transformers'' website,<ref>[http://replay.web.archive.org/20090121131445/http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/universe/default.cfm?page=News/Item&newsid=A795A47F-D56F-E112-48649ACADFB6ADDC Hasbro's preview of ''Universe'' Wave 1's toys]</ref> ''Universe'' Ultra class Onslaught's original prototype featured a larger head that lacked a neck section, and the front section of his vehicle with a (non-functional) winch folded down to become his stomach and waist, as well as more cartoon-accurate sculpted detailing on his waist. However, on the final version of this mold, the winch remains on his shoulders while another winch is molded onto the battery cover as part of his waist.
* In the Wings of Honor continuity the Combaticons are swayed to the Decepticon side by Deathsaurus appealing to their darker natures, represented by one of the Seven Deadly Sins. Fittingly enough, as the leader of the team Onslaught falls to the most dangerous of the Sins: Pride.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Onslaught''' (オンスロート ''Onsurōto'')
*''French:'' '''Abordage''' (Canada, "Boarding")
*''Hungarian:'' '''Cudar''' ("Rascally")
*''Italian:'' '''Destroyer'''
*''Mandarin:'' '''Tú-jí''' (Taiwan, 突擊, "Onslaught"), '''Anslo''' (Taiwan ''Universe'', 安史羅 ''Ān Shr Lúo''), '''Xiji''' (China, 袭击, "Raid")
*''Spanish:'' '''Oslat'''
*''Russian:'' '''Osilok''' (Осилок)
{{--}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

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

[[Category:Classics Decepticons]]
[[Category:Combaticons]]
[[Category:Elite Guard]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 2 Decepticons]]
[[Category:The Headmasters Decepticons]]
[[Category:Transformers with three modes]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]

Unicron (disambiguation)

2011-10-20T10:34:31Z

58.69.198.236:

There are several ideas or concepts in the Transformers franchise involving the name "Unicron", including:

*[[Unicron]], dimension-crossing being of pure evil, and his associated [[Unicron/toys|toys]].

*"[[The Legacy of Unicron!]]", a [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel UK]] comic storyline.

*"[[Unicron Revived!?]]", an episode of ''[[Beast Wars Neo: Super Lifeform Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars Neo]]''.

*"[[Unicron's Ambition]]", another episode of ''Beast Wars Neo''.

*The [[Cybertron-Unicron warp gate]], a mysterious warp gate from the ''[[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)|Armada]]'' cartoon.

*The [[Unicron of Light]], a green energy construct formed by the power of [[Mini-Con|Mini-Cons]].

*[[The Unicron Battles]], the "refresh" of the ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' toyline.

*The [[Unicron virus]], a pathogen which affected Transformers involved in the [[Universe war]].

*"[[Go for Unicron!]]", an episode of ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Transformers: Energon]]''.

*"[[Unicron Unleashed]]", another episode of ''Transformers: Energon''.

*"[[Unicron Perishes]]", '''another''' episode of ''Transformers: Energon''

*The [[Unicron Singularity]], a massive black hole and the focus of the ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Transformers: Cybertron]]'' cartoon.

*The [[Unicron Trilogy]] is a catch-all term encompassing the meta-series ''[[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'', ''[[Transformers: Energon (franchise)|Energon]]'', and ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]''.
*The [[Unicron Trilogy cartoon timeline]] attempts to piece together the cartoon histories of the above franchises.
*The list of [[Unicron Trilogy guidebooks]] attempts to list the publications related to the above franchises.

Unicron is periodically served by:

*The [[Herald of Unicron|Heralds of Unicron]], a group of evil dudes (who are not the [[Blendtron|Blendtrons]], but may or may not include them).
*The [[Unicron cultist|Unicron cultists]], a group of Transformers brainwashed by Unicron. They wear hats shaped like his head!
*The [[Unicrons]], a faction inadvertently created by a [[Rhino Entertainment|Kid Rhino]] packaging blurb.
*[[Unicron's Spawn]], an insult by [[Megatron (BW)|Beast Wars Megatron]] that [[Retcon|retroactively]] grew into ''another'' faction.
*The [[Minion of Unicron|Minions of Unicron]], a group of Transformers from the [[Universe war]].

'''Unicron should not be confused with'''

*[[Battle Unicorn]]
*[[Grand Galvatron|Other]] [[Powdered Sugar|unicorns]]
*[[Unicorn]]s in general.

{{disambig}}