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Sticker

2011-10-25T14:31:40Z

58.69.4.144: /* Generation 1 */

Details on a [[Transformer]]s toy that are not molded, [[tampograph|printed]], or [[Paint operation|painted]] on may be provided by the application of one or more '''stickers'''. Generally called labels, peel-and-stick labels, pressure-sensitive decals, or simply decals in polite conversation, none of these terms have achieved the popularity of the simpler vernacular.

These devices are simply a flexible substrate with colors and designs printed on one side, and some sort of gummy glue on the other. Generally they are stuck to a wax-coated protective sheet before use, and often the individual stickers are [[die-cut]] from a single sheet of backing while attached to this waxy sheet. Many toys have stickers already applied to them at the manufacturing plant.

Stickers were abundant throughout the first decade of the ''Transformers'' franchise, but since then have been all but totally replaced with other detailing methods.

==Use in Transformers==
===Generation 1===
{{stub}}

As the original line lost retail steam around the globe, cost-saving measures went into effect, and paper decals became more prevalent.

===Generation 2===
As the first year of ''[[Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' in the US was almost wholly recycled molds, stickers were still the norm. The concurrent molds from the European line (which were often released in both the prior-year's packaging style ''and'' under the new ''Generation 2'' brand) kept stickers as well, both factory-applied and on separate sticker sheets. Most new-mold toys from this year used foil stickers (the [[Color Changer]]s/[[Aquaspeeder]]s/[[Stormtrooper (G1)|Stormtrooper]]s, the [[Axelerator]]s and [[Skyscorcher]]s,) though others ([[Megatron (G1)/toys#Generation 2|tank Megatron]], the [[Lightformer]]s, [[Trakkon]]s and [[Obliterator]]s) kept with thick paper, thankfully using stronger adhesives than the Japanese paper-decal toys just a few years prior.

[[Image:AeroRaid-stickers.jpg|right|thumb|200px|You didn't buy this, and you certainly didn't apply this.]]

As the line entered its second year though, the apply-your-own separate sticker sheets vanished almost completely. Most toys still used factory-applied paper decals for more intricate detailing, typically for rally deco and text, but paint operations and tampographs became more and more commonplace. Even the recycled Generation 1 [[Aerialbot (G1)#Generation 2|Aerialbot]] and [[Combaticon (G1)#Generation 2 2|Combaticon]] toys lacked separate sticker sheets (as did the ultimately-unreleased [[Protectobot (G1)#Generation 2 2|Protectobots]] and [[Stunticon (G1)#Generation 2|Stunticons]]). By 1995, many toys had eschewed sticker detailing altogether.

The only exception to the "no separate sticker sheet" rule in the US line from 1994 until ''Generation 2''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> end is [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#LaserOptimusPrime|Laser Optimus Prime]], 1995's big-ticket item, which also featured a lot of "random robot-mode tech greeblies" sticker detailing that called back to the early days of the line. Japan also brought back separate sticker sheets, though in a much more low-key manner; their releases of the Autobot [[Cyberjet]]s each came with a separate transparent-plastic sheet full of extra detailing, including "battle damage" markings. It appears, however, that no instructions were given as to ''where'' on the toy these decals were supposed to go. You could take a few educated guesses, but still.
{{-}}

===Beast Wars===
In 1996, the rounded, organic, heavy-sculpted-detail styling of the [[Beast Wars (toyline)|''Beast Wars'' toys]] made even factory-applied stickers ridiculously impractical for detailing purposes. Paint operations became the norm, and sticker detailing all but disappeared from new-mold toys since then. In the second year of ''Beast Wars'', the toys gained a very subtle sticker addition; the "[[rubsign|energon chip]]", a tiny, often-hidden heat-reactive sticker that would reveal the robot's allegiance, bringing back the classic "rubsign" [[gimmick]] from Generation 1. These stickers stuck (ha ha) with the line up through the third year, but were replaced by the snazzier-looking "[[spark crystal]]s" of the [[Transmetal|Transmetal 2s]].

Stickers made a very brief comeback in the super-short 1997 ''[[Machine Wars]]'' sub-series, liberally mixing painted details with decals. The Basic-sized figures had factory-applied paper stickers only, while the larger boxed toys retained apply-your-own paper sticker sheets, modified from the original iterations of the toys.

Japan would once again let stickers linger a bit longer with their unique releases. ''[[Beast Wars II (toyline)|Beast Wars II]]'' made ample use of molds developed for ''Generation 2'', resulting in a fair amount of factory-applied sitckers on [[Megastorm#Toys|Megastorm]], [[Starscream (BWII)#Toys|Starscream]] and [[BB#Toys|BB]]. In 1999, ''[[Beast Wars Metals (toyline)|Metals]]'' [[Ravage (G1)/toys#Beast Wars Metals|Jaguar]] not only had a factory-applied sticker inside an opening chest compartment (revealing a [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] faction symbol), but also the first separate sticker sheet in a ''Transformers'' toy since 1995. This foil sticker sheet featured two replacement "viewscreen" images for the chest-sticker ([[Megatron (G1)|Generation 1 Megatron]]'s head, and the classic [[Decepticon]] insignia on a purple grid background) as well as two Predacon symbols and two Decepticon symbols to be placed on his biceps as you wish. Mind, due to the rounded biceps, they don't really stay on well. The [[redeco]] of this toy, [[BotCon 2001]]'s [[Tigatron#BC01|Transmetal Tigatron]], also had a similar decal sheet.

===Beyond the beasts===
Despite the general return to toys with more flat planes suitable for stickers once the [[Beast Era]] ended, for the most part they have been replaced by paint operations and tampographs. From this point forward, it is far quicker to name the individual toys that ''do'' have stickers than to list all the groups that ''don't''.

Most of these have come in the form of [[convention]]-[[exclusive]] toys, and mostly due to necessity rather than preference. Aside from the aforementioned [[BotCon 2001]] Tigatron, [[OTFCC 2003]]'s [[Sideswipe (G1)#Universe|Sideswipe]] and [[Sunstreaker (G1)#Universe|Sunstreaker]] had simple block-decals on their roofs, due to the use of white [[unpaintable plastic]] as part of their car-mode exteriors, which were supposed to be red and yellow (respectively). [[BotCon 2006]] [[Thrust (G1)#Timelines|Thrust]] had small circular stickers applied to the tops of the screws in his new-mold wings, in order to hide them since they were ''supposed'' to be on the ''underside'', but an error placed them on top. And while 2011's [[Ramjet (G1)#Timelines|''Generation 2'' "Classics" style Ramjet]] is not technically a convention toy, being a [[Transformers Collectors' Club]] release, it's in the same spirit, and uses factory-applied stickers to replicate a lot of the detailing from [[Ramjet (G1)#Generation 2 2|the original ''Generation 2'' Ramjet toy]].

Stickers used on toys released at "normal" retail are rare nowadays, but do happen from time to time.

The [[Robots in Disguise (toyline)|''Car Robots/Robots in Disguise'' toylines]] (beginning in 2000 in Japan) featured several pieces that were redecoes of older toys and thus included some stickers. ''Car Robots'''s [[Mega-Octane|Dolrailer]] and [[Ruination (RID)|Baldigus]] had several factory-applied stickers (which were removed from the Hasbro version of the toy, one of several small but significant deco changes made), as did as both versions of [[Scourge (RID)|Black Convoy / Scourge]]. The [[Target]]-exclusive [[Dreadwind (RID)|Dreadwind]] and [[Smokejumper]] set also utilized a traditional peel-off sticker sheet.

2003's [[Masterpiece]] [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Optimus Prime]] used stickers to put images on the flip-up "communications screens" on his forearms. In the same vein, the older-collector-oriented ''[[Alternators|Alternators/Binaltech]]'' line (as well as its spin-offs) would see multiple uses of separate sticker sheets, though the overwhelming majority of them were from Japan. Later releases of [[Tracks (G1)#Alternators|the ''Binaltech'' blue Tracks]] came with an optional hood decal based on the [[Tracks (G1)#Toys|flame-deco of his original toy]]; this sheet was also included without changes (yes, even having Japanese text) with [[Swerve (G1)#Alternators|''Alternators'' Swerve]], making that rarely-spotted toy all the more desirable to collectors. [[Skids (G1)#Alternators|''Binaltech'' Skids]] lost the Hasbro version's flame tampographs, but toy came with a sticker sheet with the flames, a set of stripes resembling [[Skids (G1)#Toys|those from his original toy]] (Takara slavish to 1985? ''Noooooooo!''), as well as a Japanese "New Driver" badge for the window. His ''[[Binaltech Asterisk]]'' redeco, [[Blaster (G1)#Binaltech Asterisk|Broadblast]], also came with a separate sheet of stickers, including the flames, but also decals to turn him into a "TBN" news-Scion. Finally, the ''[[Kiss Players (toyline)|Kiss Players]]'' [[Autorooper#Toys|Autorooper]] came with a sticker sheet full of squad markings, enabling you to have your Autorooper be any of the 48 individual units from the story, not simply the one assigned to [[Atari Hitotonari]], his pack-in "partner". (It is unknown if anyone actually ''did'' assemble a full compliment of 48 Autoroopers. And if they did, what the hell they did with the other 47 Ataris. Though 48 [[Kremzeek]]s sounds pretty awesome.)

Several of the [[Movie (toyline)|2007 movie's]] [[Real Gear Robot]]s have factory applied stickers used for display images. These include: [[Farsight T-20]], [[Hacker X-3]], [[Highline 1070]], [[Longview (Movie)|Longview]], [[Photon T-34]], [[Power Up VT6]], [[Speed Dial 800]], [[Spy Shot 6]], [[Wire Tap V20]], and [[Zoom Out 25X]]. The Real Gear Robots were originally designed for ''[[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'', and several of these displays feature images from that franchise.

In 2011, Hasbro [[rebranding|rebranded]] the [[Transformers (2010 toyline)|gold-packaging ''Transformers'' line]] as "[[Reveal the Shield]]", bringing the heat-sensitive [[rubsign]]s back for another go, though this time rather than being squares, they were cut in the rough shape of the Autobot [[insignia]].

===Modern Generation 1 reissues & redecos===
Reissues and redecoes of Generation 1 molds naturally retained their separate decal sheets, but as time went on, more and more began replacing factory-applied stickers with more durable tampographs. The most notable examples are in the reissues and redecoes of the [[Sideswipe (G1)#Toys|original Sideswipe mold]]: the rally-deco headlamps on every use of the mold since the "New Year Special" release in 2002. The Takara ''[[The Transformers: Micromaster|Micromaster]]'' series (also begun in 2002) used nothing but paint operations for the five Micromaster six-teams, often leaving areas once covered by more complex-detail stickers blank and adding entirely new detailing to other areas. However, the final releases in the series, the "DX Micromaster" versions of [[Multiforce]], used factory-applied paper decals for their robot-mode torso detailing.

==Pros and cons==
A distinct advantage of stickers over paint in general is the ability to do much more intricately-detailed, multicolor detailing for a cheaper price. Many fans also enjoy the simple act of applying stickers, adding an almost personal touch to the toy upon ownership.

But, well... there are some disadvantages to them too. Okay, a lot of disadvantages.

Stickers are a common area for early wear-and-tear, as the designs can be abraded away, leaving ugly residue underneath. (There are many plastic-safe chemicals to quickly remove this munge, but still.) Some toys have stickers meant to be applied to areas all but guaranteed to destroy them by simply transforming the toy, one of the most notorious being the thigh stickers on the original [[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]] [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Hot Rod]]. While the later [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys#Targetmaster|Targetmaster Hot Rod]] used smaller thigh decals, scraping was still a problem. Paper stickers can lose their clear-plastic top-layer, making the paper underneath ''much'' more vulnerable to damage, plus they are (obviously) more susceptible to water damage, so no tub-time play!

While the transparent-plastic decals are probably the most resilient to physical damage, they have their own problem, namely that even the color details tend to be semi-transparent, which can lead to the details getting lost should the sticker be applied to darker plastics. Also, any dirt that happens to get under the sticker becomes much more visible, and discoloring has been known to happen. Foil stickers have also been known to simply fade, losing their color details without the sticker below being scraped.

Just how "sticky" a sticker is can also lead to problems, especially when taking into account the materials they're made of and the surfaces they're meant to cover. As noted above, the paper decals used on several toys in the ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Victory (toyline)|Victory]]'' line and beyond in Japan had notoriously weak adhesive, meaning stickers wouldn't stay on terribly well. This was especially problematic with stickers meant to bend around corners or rounded surfaces, as the thickness of the paper made them more likely to come off on one side. (Apparently they've yet to properly solve this problem as the 2004 [[e-Hobby]] [[Detritus]] toy also suffered from paper-sticker issues). Even foil stickers can have this problem, the most notorious example being the ridiculous "eye" sticker on the [[Seeker (body-type)#Generation 1|original "Seeker"-style jet mold]] that was supposed to go over the bridge of its nose, though several ''[[Diaclone]]'' molds wanted you to fold stickers at a 90-degree angle. [[Skids (G1)#Toys|The original Skids toy]] does that, plus has the problem of the instructions telling you to place circular stickers over the rounded screw-heads on his shoulders, which actually stick out ''beyond'' the background plastic of the shoulders! There's almost no way those are going to stay put, even if you never ever rotate his shoulders outward. Add in that his upper-thigh decals are much too easy to place in a way where they scrape against his crotch-plate when transforming, and you've got the triumvirate of Sticker Placement Annoyances.

And bringing back the "apply it yourself" angle, this often causes minor issues when buying old toys secondhand. More often than not, these stickers were applied without a lot of care by little kids, which mean stickers can end up misaligned or just flat-out in the wrong places. The sometimes-ambiguous instructions don't help.

[[Image:SpringerG1Toy.JPG|right|thumb|150px|I demand to be called "Blinger" now.]]

One complaint about stickers that pops up that is not really inherent to stickers themselves, but still worth noting, is their aesthetic value even when mint. Throughout Generation 1, most of the robot-mode sticker detailing can be best described as multi-colored, utterly random, meaningless "greeblies", though some are worse than others (see the image to the right for a particularly egregious example). While [[live-action film series|excessive amounts of tech detailing are not necessarily a bad thing]], some find them very incongruous with the simpler, blockier designs of the early toys, especially their rainbow of colors and occasionally odd stylistic choices, such as the reel-to-reel tape details on [[Hot Spot (G1)#Toys|Generation 1 Hot Spot's crotch]] (which makes the sticker featuring 5-inch [[floppy disk]] drives on [[Kup (G1)#toys|the original Kup toy]], a figure of an "old guy" character, all the funnier). Some fans prefer to omit certain stickers based on looks alone.

All told, it's little wonder why stickers have fallen out of favor with [[Hasbro]] and [[TakaraTomy]], as well as most other toymakers, it seems. While paint may not be as intricate (at least, not affordably intricate), such intricacy is rarely called for nowadays, and it is (usually) far more durable and fade-resistant.

==Aftermarket replacements==
Aftermarket manufacturers have sprung up that supply reproduction stickers. Some are available that were designed and never used on the original toy, and still others are original designs, supplied as improvements, to provide detail not previously found.

[[Category: Toys]]

Powerglide (G1)

2011-10-25T12:46:35Z

58.69.4.144: /* Universe (2008) */

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

[[Image:MTMTEPowerglide.jpg|right|350px|thumb|He's sick of getting the bronze medal in the Ego Olympics. Sunstreaker and Tracks never let him live it down.]]
'''Powerglide''', unlike most Autobots, can fly under his own power, and it goes straight to his pointy head. Give him any excuse and awaa-aa-aay he goes, dashing off into the stratosphere at 500 mph—but not in a straight line. No, Powerglide is an aerial acrobat, able to perform stunts other Transformer planes would never dream of. Barrel rolls, tail stands, death spirals, screaming 3200-mph powerdives: none of these are too tough for this Autobot barnstormer, and if he has an audience, be they friendly or enemy, he is guaranteed to put on the air show of their lives.

Yet this seeming frivolity has saved his life countless times in combat. Powerglide is lightly armed with small concussion bombs and a nose-mounted thermal beam, and the former is practically useless in the air. Furthermore, his speed and power, impressive as they are, are vastly outclassed by most [[Seeker (body-type)|aerial Decepticons]]. Like the flying aces of World War I, Powerglide resorts to dogfighting maneuvers, using his flying skills to confuse and evade the enemy. This tactic works very well.

In fact, Powerglide's skill only aggravates his greatest weakness. He is good, and he knows it, and he misses no chance to show it. If this means he will seek out ever tougher foes to prove his mettle—then he'll do that, even if it kills him. Some day, it might.

{{quote|And awaa-aa-aay we go!|Powerglide, pretty much all the time|"[[The Girl Who Loved Powerglide]]"}}

==Fiction==
===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Michael Chain]] (English), [[Hirotaka Suzuoki]] (Japanese), [[Giorgio Locuratolo]] (Italian), [[Javier Pontón]] (Latin American)
[[Image:DinobotIsland1 Powerglide.jpg|thumb|left|200px]]
Powerglide was a brash barnstormer with a penchant for spouting gung-ho sayings like "And awaaa-aaa-aay we go!". He literally appeared out of ''nowhere'' to save [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] when the boy had been thrown overboard [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]]'s spaceship, after the latter's plan to use a clone of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] to destroy the Autobots failed. {{storylink|A Prime Problem}}

[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] and Powerglide were sent on a reconnaissance mission to investigate some strange energy readings out at sea. Inside the temporal anomaly, they discovered a [[Dinobot Island (G1)|prehistoric island]] inhabited by [[dinosaur]]s. Powerglide had to save Bumblebee from an aggressive pterodactyl, then attempted to repair Bumblebee's damaged jetpack, before abandoning it and flying Bumblebee off the island. Later, after it was decided that the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] should be relocated to the island, Powerglide led the large brutes and Spike to the island. After Spike unwittingly got himself into several dangerous situations, Powerglide flew him back home. {{storylink|Dinobot Island, Part 1}}

[[Image:MasterBuilders Powerglide jet mode.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]
Called on to find [[Grapple]] and [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]], Powerglide soon located the pair working on their [[Solar Power Tower]] with the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]. He reported back to Optimus and later took part in the battle to destroy the tower, attacking [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] and dogfighting with [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]]. {{storylink|The Master Builders}} Though he was damaged during an unsuccessful attempt to prevent the Decepticons retrieving the [[Heart of Cybertron]], Powerglide volunteered to carry [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]]'s miniaturised team and drop them off on Megatron's body. To his surprise, he found the Decepticons in a state of inebriation due to over-energizing. He dropped off his cargo and made a clean getaway, despite Megatron taking a shot at him. {{storylink|Microbots}}

[[Image:DesertionDinobots1 Powerglide no head.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Little known fact: Powerglide was the first Headmaster.]]
All of the Autobots were exiled from Earth after being framed by the Decepticons. {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1}} They ended up being set on a collision course with the [[Sun]], but at the last minute, were able to return to Earth and kick Decepticon tailpipe. {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 2}} After a disastrous battle at an airport, Powerglide helped [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] and Grapple reconstruct a building, only for it to be demolished by Grapple's inaccurate placing of the roof. Ironhide and Powerglide had a laugh at their friend's expense, but it soon turned out that the problem was more serious than a minor glitch — the Autobots were suffering by [[Cybertonium]] depletion. Powerglide's symptoms included his head falling off. {{storylink|Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 1}}

When Megatron's latest plan blocked radio transmissions all over Earth, Powerglide, Spike and [[Carly]] helped Optimus guide commercial aircraft safely to the ground. They were attacked by [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] and [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]], leaving Prime incapacitated and Powerglide in danger of crashing. Spike used a spare rocket pack to stablise Powerglide's flight, and the Autobot was able to pick up Optimus and carry him back to base. There, Carly made emergency repairs, and they took [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] to the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]], where they watched Optimus and Megatron fight. {{storylink|Blaster Blues}}

[[Image:GoldenLagoon Powerglide seashore.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]
Powerglide was part of a group of Autobots taking a walk along a beach when they were attacked by Decepticons. As the battle raged on, [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] found a pool of [[Electrum]] and, once coated with the stuff, became impervious to the Autobot weapons. While [[Seaspray (G1)|Seaspray]] and Perceptor were captured, Powerglide and the others escaped. Powerglide was part of the retaliatory mission; however, the rest of the Decepticons had already coated themselves in Electrum, rendering anything the Autobots could do ineffective. Damaged, Powerglide washed up on the shore in time to spy the Decepticons utilising the pool of Electrum, enabling him to fly back to base and warn the Autobots. {{storylink|The Golden Lagoon}}

The Autobots set up a sting operation in [[New York City]] to apprehend car thieves, of which Powerglide was a part. He and [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] chased Starscream into a shopping mall, but the two Autobots were unable to prevent him from getting away. {{storylink|Make Tracks}} Cosmos suggested Powerglide lead an assault on the Constructicons, who were working on an asteroid, but, to Powerglide's disappointment, Prime went to talk to Omega Supreme instead. Powerglide later helped defend [[San Francisco]] from an [[Asteroid bird alien|alien creature]] unleashed from the asteroid. {{storylink|The Secret of Omega Supreme}} During a coup by [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] and [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]], Powerglide spied on what the triple changers were up to and was able to rescue Spike when the city was flooded. {{storylink|Triple Takeover}}

[[Image:SearchAlphaTrion Powerglide and Moonracer.jpg|thumb|left|200px]]
After Megatron demanded Optimus Prime's surrender in exchange for [[Elita One]], Powerglide was among the Autobots who followed him to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. Once there, he was disbelieving of Starscream's claim that Optimus Prime had been destroyed. During their vengeful attack on the Decepticons, Powerglide met up with his old friend [[Moonracer]]. {{storylink|The Search for Alpha Trion}}

[[Image:Pgalove.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Don't worry, I won't hug her too hard."]]
Soon after hooking up with Moonracer, he saved the fleshling female [[Astoria Carlton-Ritz]] from being kidnapped by Ramjet, Thrust and [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]]. He was assigned to escort her back to Autobot HQ, but they were again attacked by the coneheads, who injured Powerglide and snatched Astoria. After receiving some repairs from [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]], Powerglide set off for the Decepticon [[Sky Platform]] to rescue Astoria. Caught in the platform's security field, Powerglide was helped by Astoria herself, who destroyed an energy tower. Unfortunately the damage left the platform plummeting out of control, but Powerglide was able to rig it to crash into the [[Decepticon Headquarters (G1 Earth)|Decepticon base]].

Afterwards, it seemed as though Powerglide had developed feelings for Astoria, much to the amusement of the other Autobots. The only lasting result was a series of flashing lights under his chestplate in the form of a stylized heart. What purpose this served (other than being disturbing) is not immediately clear. {{storylink|The Girl Who Loved Powerglide}}

[[Image:Hoist goes hollywood1.jpg|left|250px|thumb|"Hey, human, when I'm in jet mode, you fit in my head."]]
After thoroughly embarrassing himself by accidentally destroying several sets and props in an attempt to show off, Powerglide was among [[Sunstreaker (G1)|several]] [[Tracks (G1)|egotistical]] [[Warpath (G1)|Autobots]] who demanded to be given a role in a movie that [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] was starring in. Initially, his "role" amounted to crashing into a STORE while in jet mode (supposedly to stop "the crooks"). Soon afterwards, Powerglide and the other would-be-actor Autobots asked Hoist to talk to the [[Director]] to get them some "real" acting roles. After reworking the movie into ''[[Attack of the Alien Robots]]'', the Director had the Autobots given cheesy alien face masks. Powerglide remarked that the role was "the pits", and that he would rather do the stunt crashes. In a later scene, Powerglide demonstrated his rather wooden acting "skills". Guess he was better suited for stunts. {{storylink|Hoist Goes Hollywood}}

Powerglide was one of the Autobots who volunteered to rescue Perceptor from the Decepticons. {{storylink|Cosmic Rust (episode)|Cosmic Rust}} He took part in the defence of headquarters against another attack by the Decepticons, only to be puzzled when Megatron almost immediately called a retreat. After some investigation, it turned out Starscream had stolen some [[personality component]]s to create the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]]. Powerglide set out to find the rebel Decepticons, and soon found them fighting Megatron's forces at the [[Amalgamated Water and Power Plant]] {{storylink|Starscream's Brigade}} During a massive attack on a human city by the Insecticons, Powerglide dropped Spike and Perceptor off in the battle zone, so the pair could warn the Autobot leader about strange signals coming from Cybertron. {{storylink|The Revenge of Bruticus}}

Powerglide and the rest of the Minibots tried to repel the Decepticons' [[Trypticon (G1)|new mobile assault base]]—and failed. When the colossal 'con took several direct hits and seemed to be falling apart, Powerglide cheerfully reported that they had destroyed it—then in his shock, just happened to [[To sell toys|narrate aloud]] that it had a reptilian mode too.{{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5}}

[[Image:GhostinMachine Powerglide and Bumblebee.jpg|right|200px|thumb]]
Powerglide appeared to have been destroyed during a disastrous Autobot attack on the [[Quintesson]]s led by a resurrected, reprogrammed Optimus Prime. {{storylink|Dark Awakening}} However, he was later among the Autobots who attempted to stop [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] and Starscream's [[Spark|ghost]] from stealing [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]'s [[Sensors|eyes]], so he must have gotten better. Unfortunately, a blind Metroplex accidentally shot him down, but [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] saved him. {{storylink|Ghost in the Machine}}

{{note|The above appearance in "Dark Awakening" is likely a result of a careless animation team using the animation model of Powerglide to represent an Autobot spaceship rather than Powerglide himself, as the footage of "his" destruction is used twice during the battle sequence.}}
{{--}}
====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' comic====
Arriving in Tokyo, [[Japan]], Powerglide intervened on [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]]'s attack on [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] and the Autobots' human friend, [[Kenji]]. Instead of shooting the Decepticon from the air, Powerglide zoomed in close and decked Ravage with a partially transformed hand. PG then grabbed Kenji and flew off, leaving Bumblebee alone to face [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] and his cassettes. For some reason. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 2|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #2}} Later, Powerglide was also present when Optimus Prime was showing Kenji around the Autobots' base in Japan. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 4|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #4}}

While surveying the desert, Powerglide came across the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] hunting down an innocent [[Murdered puppy|puppy]]. He interfered with their mission, but took heavy firepower shielding the animal with his own body. Seriously injured, Powerglide transformed in a desperate attempt to keep the dog alive just a little longer inside his cockpit. Surprisingly, the puppy managed to hotwire his control console and keep Powerglide moving long enough for a [[Minibot]] patrol to respond to his SOS. It seemed that Megatron had incorporated powerful Decepticon technology inside the puppy as an experiment. In order to avoid being used by the Decepticons, the puppy sacrifice himself to channel massive amounts of [[Scramble Power]] into Powerglide. United as one, Powerglide and the Minibots used Scramble Power to deliver a mighty blow on [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]], defeating the Combaticons. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 8|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #8}} Powerglide was also present with the massive Autobot reinforcements called in against Megatron's [[Omega Whip]]. {{storylink|Full Throttle Scramble Power!}}

===Marvel Comics continuity===
{{noteukonly}}
[[Image:Powerglidereadytoblastoffrightnow.jpg|left|250px|thumb|We bet you are. Don't be crude, Powerglide.]]
Powerglide was a member of [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]]'s [[Cybertron Seven|resistance cell]] on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] during the reign of [[Straxus (G1)|Straxus]]. Like most of his comrades, he found more inspiration in [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]]'s bravado than the calculated caution of Perceptor. When their untrustworthy scout, [[Scrounge (G1)|Scrounge]] went missing, Powerglide and his peers fell in line with Blaster's plan to find and rescue him, overruling Perceptor. After much searching, all but Blaster had given up on Scrounge, but Powerglide had stayed to secretly shadow Blaster, allowing the air-capable Autobot to deliver him to safety out of the [[smelting pool]] (regrettably leaving Scrounge behind). This act gave Perceptor's small group of Autobots the first good news they had heard in eons, for Scrounge had handed them evidence that [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] lived. {{storylink|The Smelting Pool!}}

[[Image:Powerglideblastercybertronic.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Cybertronic altmode: paper airplane]]
Further reconnaissance by Blaster and Powerglide revealed startling news—the Decepticons were building a [[Space Bridge]]! As this would spell certain doom for both Cybertron and [[Earth]], a desperate raid on Straxus's [[Darkmount]] fortress was launched. This attack was mostly successful, as it leveled Darkmount and ended in Straxus's destruction, but he and the rest of his Autobot comrades had to retreat to Earth over the Space Bridge as it self-destructed. Here they were greeted immediately by a group of humans. {{storylink|The Bridge to Nowhere!}}

However, the humans, belonging to the anti-robot attack team, [[Rapid Anti-robot Assault Team|RAAT]], captured Powerglide and the others with the help of [[Circuit Breaker]]. Disassembled, the Autobots were only released after Circuit Breaker was forced to elicit their aid to defeat the [[Battlecharger|Battlechargers]]. {{storylink|Decepticon Graffiti!}}

''Following [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] back to the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]], Powerglide and the others got lost after their guide spontaneously vanished into [[limbo]]. Even worse was the reason for the disappearance—[[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] had returned to the present. Unlike most of his fellows, Powerglide actually managed to get a good shot in before Galvatron knocked the circuits out of him. {{storylink|Fallen Angel (issue)|Fallen Angel}} After Galvatron was forced into retreat by the vagrant [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]], Perceptor's team finally managed to reach the Ark, where they learned of Optimus Prime's apparent demise at the hands of the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]]. Powerglide attended Prime's funeral and assimilated into Earth's depleted Autobot forces, though it was soon revealed that Prime's death was a ruse. {{storylink|Resurrection!}} ''

[[Image:Blasterbeourleaderplease.jpg|left|300px|thumb|"Is this the line for the mutiny?"]]
When Optimus Prime died ''(for real)'' after a digital battle with [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]], Powerglide observed with the other Autobots as [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] failed to successfully repair their fallen leader. After attending Prime's ''(real)'' funeral, a criminal known as the [[Mechanic (G1)|Mechanic]] turned the Ark's new security systems on the mourning Autobots, with devastating results. {{storylink|Funeral for a Friend!}} [[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]], Prime's successor, turned out to be a self-interested tyrant, but he did help get the Ark repaired and off of Earth, a large process that Powerglide contributed to by feeding [[Energon cube|Energon cubes]] to their new [[Geothermal Generator]]. {{storylink|Child's Play (issue)|Child's Play}} Nevertheless, Powerglide was among the Autobots who begged Blaster to overthrow him, but the mutiny didn't pan out. {{storylink|Spacehikers!}} Later, Blaster and Grimlock battled for supremacy on Earth's [[Moon (moon)|Moon]], as Powerglide and the other Autobots cheered Blaster on. {{storylink|Totaled!}}

Some time after Optimus Prime's return, Powerglide was among several Autobots who responded to [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]]'s distress call near the Decepticons' [[Club Con|arctic base]]. However, this was a trap, and Powerglide was shot down in battle by some Decepticon aerial aces, including [[Slugslinger (G1)|Slugslinger]] and the ever-frightening [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]]. {{storylink|Dark Star (issue)|Dark Star}} He was identified as deactivated several weeks later. {{storylink|Yesterday's Heroes!}}
{{-}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
[[Image:Powerglideoutbackwarwithin.jpg|right|100px|thumb|The paper-airplaneness of his Dreamwave Cybertronic altmode is unknown.]]
Powerglide was operational during the early days of the war, and was seen in [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]] shortly after [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]]'s demise. {{storylink|The War Within issue 2|The War Within #2}}

[[Image:Powerglidenightofthecombaticons.jpg|left|220px|thumb|Bumblebee needs a smaller command chair.]]
In the modern era, Powerglide was a member of one of the later-formed Autobot resistance cells on Cybertron, in communication with [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] and [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] along with several other [[Mini Vehicle|Minibots]]. {{storylink|Countdown to Extinction (issue)|Countdown to Extinction}} He participated in the final insurrection which threw [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] and his Decepticons out of power on Cybertron. Afterwards, he was assigned to [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]'s command and traveled to Earth on a supply run aboard the starship ''[[Orion (ship)|Orion]]''. {{storylink|Night of the Combaticons}} Their simple supply mission ended with heavy combat against the amazingly-powerful clone, [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]]. The Autobots, in a fit of temporary insanity, decided to ally themselves with [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] in order to deal with this threat. Powerglide might have raised a complaint to being assigned to guard their new "partner", but Starscream betrayed them and deactivated Powerglide's unit so fast, it's hard to be sure he even had a chance to speak up. {{storylink|The Omega Effect}}

[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] presumably got him back online in time to help with the construction of [[Autobot City]]. {{storylink|The Route of All Evil}}

{{-}}
==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[Image:G1Powerglide toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|The first Transformers toy that can stand with his arms akimbo. Appropriate!]]
*'''Powerglide''' (Mini-Vehicle, 1985)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-62'''

: Powerglide transforms into an [[Popular Earth vehicle alternate modes#A-10 Thunderbolt|A-10 Thunderbolt]] ground-strike plane. He is notable for being one of the earliest Autobots with an aerial alt-mode. Due to his transformation, Powerglide has more robot-mode articulation than any other [[Mini Vehicle]]. His head can turn, his shoulders have what amounts to universal joints, and his elbows bend.

===Transformers Collection===
*'''Minibot Team''' (Multi-pack, 2004)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''TFC-12'''

: In January of 2004, Powerglide was reissued in a ''[[Transformers Collection]]'' six-pack with [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys|Bumblebee]], [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]], [[Gears (G1)|Gears]], [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] and [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]]. With the exception of an added factory-applied [[insignia]] sticker, there are no notable differences between the original and the reissue versions.

: This entire set was redecoed to make the "[[GoBots (G1)|G1 GoBots]]" set: Powerglide was used to make [[Bad Boy]].
{{-}}

===Universe (2008)===
{{picsneeded|Japanese version}}
[[Image:Powerglideuniversetoy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Someone's been eating their Wheaties.]]
*'''Powerglide''' (Ultra, 2008)
**''Accessories:'' Chaingun/missile launcher, "thermal beam" missile

:Although now upsized to an Ultra class toy with electronics, ''[[Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' Powerglide still transforms into an A-10 (though the nose looks more like that of its canceled counterpart, the Northrop YA-9, probably for licensing reasons). In order to preserve some semblance of realism in his [[Alternate mode|altmode]], however, he is mostly off-white in color, with red trim. His noggin, at least, is still entirely red, and even has an off-center cannon barrel sculpted into it in homage to his original toy, even though here, his head ''doesn't'' become the nosecone.

:In vehicle mode, pressing the prominent orange button on the jet's fuselage triggers three electronic sound effects (an engine ignition, a swooping noise and a barrage of machine-gun fire that persists for as long as you hold down the button, the same ones are used for Universe [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]]), accompanied by red LEDs in the turbines and cockpit. During transformation to robot mode, the classic transformation sound effect is triggered as the torso is moved into place; it plays in reverse as he is transformed back to vehicle mode. In robot mode, pressing the orange button triggers the machine-gun sound effect only, with newly-exposed lights illuminating Powerglide's eyes as well as those seen in jet mode.

:In robot mode, Powerglide features a wide range of articulation, and can wield in his hand the thermal missile launcher which mounts under his jet-mode nosecone. In what can only be described as one of the most hilarious homages in Transformers history, Powerglide's chestplate can flip up to [[:Image:Ultra powerglide heart.jpg|reveal]] the raised [[:Image:Powerglide heart.jpg|image]] of [[The Girl Who Loved Powerglide|a heart]].

:Rather unfortunately, his small feet and top-heaviness make him difficult to pose and stand up.

:The Japanese "USA Edition" release for Powerglide is colored in mostly red with white detailing, essentially reversing most of the colour layouts. He retains the same [[tampograph]]ed unit-markings as the Hasbro version.

: This mold was also used to make ''Universe'' [[Storm Cloud]].

{{-}}{{anchor|WalmartRed}}
[[Image:Universe2008toy-PowerglideRed.jpg|right|thumb|300px|More [[show-accuracy|show-accurate]] than the [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] version!]]
*'''Powerglide''' (Ultra Class, 2009)
**''Accessories:'' Chaingun/missile launcher, "thermal beam" missile

:The second version of ''Universe'' Powerglide is a [[Walmart]]-[[exclusive]] red redeco similar to TakaraTomy's Japanese release of this sculpt, but with some significant differences in color layout. In an effort to make the toy more [[show-accuracy|accurate to the cartoon]], the arms are cast in light gray plastic, unlike the all-red arms on the Japanese version.

:The characters on his tailfins are "NA W4Y W3 60," which reads "And away we go!"

:His instructions omit a simple step: pulling the lower legs down to expose the knees and increase his height.
{{--}}

==Notes==
[[Image:NowIKnow.jpg|right|150px|thumb|We need an adult!]]
* ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'' [[Fireflight (G1)|Fireflight]], a [[redeco]] of ''[[Legends Class|Legends of Cybertron]]'' [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]], was originally intended to be Powerglide, but Hasbro apparently could not secure the [[trademark]] at the time.
* Powerglide makes an appearance in one of the five Transformers [[public service announcements]], speaking out against gender discrimination.
* 3200 miles per hour is Mach 4.16, MUCH faster than ANY modern combat jet, let alone a real [[wikipedia:A-10_Thunderbolt_II|A-10 Thunderbolt II]]... not that jet-based alt modes are known for realism.
*He is the only Generation One transformer with 4 digits on each hand (if you discount the Monster Pretender shells).

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Powerglide''' (パワーグライド ''Pawāguraido'')
*''French:'' '''Survolo''' (Canada)
*''Greek:'' '''Keraynόs''' (Κεραυνός, "Lightning")
*''Hungarian:'' '''Motorszárny''' ("Motorwing")
*''Italian:'' '''Jumbo'''
*''Portuguese:'' '''Planador''' (Portugal comics), '''Planador''' (Brazil comics)
*''Russian:'' '''Vetrorez''' (Ветрорез, "Windcut")

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

[[Category:Classics Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Mini Vehicles]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]
[[Category:Wal-Mart exclusives]]

Powerglide (G1)

2011-10-25T12:45:28Z

58.69.4.144: /* Universe (2008) */

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

[[Image:MTMTEPowerglide.jpg|right|350px|thumb|He's sick of getting the bronze medal in the Ego Olympics. Sunstreaker and Tracks never let him live it down.]]
'''Powerglide''', unlike most Autobots, can fly under his own power, and it goes straight to his pointy head. Give him any excuse and awaa-aa-aay he goes, dashing off into the stratosphere at 500 mph—but not in a straight line. No, Powerglide is an aerial acrobat, able to perform stunts other Transformer planes would never dream of. Barrel rolls, tail stands, death spirals, screaming 3200-mph powerdives: none of these are too tough for this Autobot barnstormer, and if he has an audience, be they friendly or enemy, he is guaranteed to put on the air show of their lives.

Yet this seeming frivolity has saved his life countless times in combat. Powerglide is lightly armed with small concussion bombs and a nose-mounted thermal beam, and the former is practically useless in the air. Furthermore, his speed and power, impressive as they are, are vastly outclassed by most [[Seeker (body-type)|aerial Decepticons]]. Like the flying aces of World War I, Powerglide resorts to dogfighting maneuvers, using his flying skills to confuse and evade the enemy. This tactic works very well.

In fact, Powerglide's skill only aggravates his greatest weakness. He is good, and he knows it, and he misses no chance to show it. If this means he will seek out ever tougher foes to prove his mettle—then he'll do that, even if it kills him. Some day, it might.

{{quote|And awaa-aa-aay we go!|Powerglide, pretty much all the time|"[[The Girl Who Loved Powerglide]]"}}

==Fiction==
===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Michael Chain]] (English), [[Hirotaka Suzuoki]] (Japanese), [[Giorgio Locuratolo]] (Italian), [[Javier Pontón]] (Latin American)
[[Image:DinobotIsland1 Powerglide.jpg|thumb|left|200px]]
Powerglide was a brash barnstormer with a penchant for spouting gung-ho sayings like "And awaaa-aaa-aay we go!". He literally appeared out of ''nowhere'' to save [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] when the boy had been thrown overboard [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]]'s spaceship, after the latter's plan to use a clone of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] to destroy the Autobots failed. {{storylink|A Prime Problem}}

[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] and Powerglide were sent on a reconnaissance mission to investigate some strange energy readings out at sea. Inside the temporal anomaly, they discovered a [[Dinobot Island (G1)|prehistoric island]] inhabited by [[dinosaur]]s. Powerglide had to save Bumblebee from an aggressive pterodactyl, then attempted to repair Bumblebee's damaged jetpack, before abandoning it and flying Bumblebee off the island. Later, after it was decided that the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] should be relocated to the island, Powerglide led the large brutes and Spike to the island. After Spike unwittingly got himself into several dangerous situations, Powerglide flew him back home. {{storylink|Dinobot Island, Part 1}}

[[Image:MasterBuilders Powerglide jet mode.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]
Called on to find [[Grapple]] and [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]], Powerglide soon located the pair working on their [[Solar Power Tower]] with the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]. He reported back to Optimus and later took part in the battle to destroy the tower, attacking [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] and dogfighting with [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]]. {{storylink|The Master Builders}} Though he was damaged during an unsuccessful attempt to prevent the Decepticons retrieving the [[Heart of Cybertron]], Powerglide volunteered to carry [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]]'s miniaturised team and drop them off on Megatron's body. To his surprise, he found the Decepticons in a state of inebriation due to over-energizing. He dropped off his cargo and made a clean getaway, despite Megatron taking a shot at him. {{storylink|Microbots}}

[[Image:DesertionDinobots1 Powerglide no head.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Little known fact: Powerglide was the first Headmaster.]]
All of the Autobots were exiled from Earth after being framed by the Decepticons. {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1}} They ended up being set on a collision course with the [[Sun]], but at the last minute, were able to return to Earth and kick Decepticon tailpipe. {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 2}} After a disastrous battle at an airport, Powerglide helped [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] and Grapple reconstruct a building, only for it to be demolished by Grapple's inaccurate placing of the roof. Ironhide and Powerglide had a laugh at their friend's expense, but it soon turned out that the problem was more serious than a minor glitch — the Autobots were suffering by [[Cybertonium]] depletion. Powerglide's symptoms included his head falling off. {{storylink|Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 1}}

When Megatron's latest plan blocked radio transmissions all over Earth, Powerglide, Spike and [[Carly]] helped Optimus guide commercial aircraft safely to the ground. They were attacked by [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] and [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]], leaving Prime incapacitated and Powerglide in danger of crashing. Spike used a spare rocket pack to stablise Powerglide's flight, and the Autobot was able to pick up Optimus and carry him back to base. There, Carly made emergency repairs, and they took [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] to the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]], where they watched Optimus and Megatron fight. {{storylink|Blaster Blues}}

[[Image:GoldenLagoon Powerglide seashore.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]
Powerglide was part of a group of Autobots taking a walk along a beach when they were attacked by Decepticons. As the battle raged on, [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] found a pool of [[Electrum]] and, once coated with the stuff, became impervious to the Autobot weapons. While [[Seaspray (G1)|Seaspray]] and Perceptor were captured, Powerglide and the others escaped. Powerglide was part of the retaliatory mission; however, the rest of the Decepticons had already coated themselves in Electrum, rendering anything the Autobots could do ineffective. Damaged, Powerglide washed up on the shore in time to spy the Decepticons utilising the pool of Electrum, enabling him to fly back to base and warn the Autobots. {{storylink|The Golden Lagoon}}

The Autobots set up a sting operation in [[New York City]] to apprehend car thieves, of which Powerglide was a part. He and [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] chased Starscream into a shopping mall, but the two Autobots were unable to prevent him from getting away. {{storylink|Make Tracks}} Cosmos suggested Powerglide lead an assault on the Constructicons, who were working on an asteroid, but, to Powerglide's disappointment, Prime went to talk to Omega Supreme instead. Powerglide later helped defend [[San Francisco]] from an [[Asteroid bird alien|alien creature]] unleashed from the asteroid. {{storylink|The Secret of Omega Supreme}} During a coup by [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] and [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]], Powerglide spied on what the triple changers were up to and was able to rescue Spike when the city was flooded. {{storylink|Triple Takeover}}

[[Image:SearchAlphaTrion Powerglide and Moonracer.jpg|thumb|left|200px]]
After Megatron demanded Optimus Prime's surrender in exchange for [[Elita One]], Powerglide was among the Autobots who followed him to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. Once there, he was disbelieving of Starscream's claim that Optimus Prime had been destroyed. During their vengeful attack on the Decepticons, Powerglide met up with his old friend [[Moonracer]]. {{storylink|The Search for Alpha Trion}}

[[Image:Pgalove.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Don't worry, I won't hug her too hard."]]
Soon after hooking up with Moonracer, he saved the fleshling female [[Astoria Carlton-Ritz]] from being kidnapped by Ramjet, Thrust and [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]]. He was assigned to escort her back to Autobot HQ, but they were again attacked by the coneheads, who injured Powerglide and snatched Astoria. After receiving some repairs from [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]], Powerglide set off for the Decepticon [[Sky Platform]] to rescue Astoria. Caught in the platform's security field, Powerglide was helped by Astoria herself, who destroyed an energy tower. Unfortunately the damage left the platform plummeting out of control, but Powerglide was able to rig it to crash into the [[Decepticon Headquarters (G1 Earth)|Decepticon base]].

Afterwards, it seemed as though Powerglide had developed feelings for Astoria, much to the amusement of the other Autobots. The only lasting result was a series of flashing lights under his chestplate in the form of a stylized heart. What purpose this served (other than being disturbing) is not immediately clear. {{storylink|The Girl Who Loved Powerglide}}

[[Image:Hoist goes hollywood1.jpg|left|250px|thumb|"Hey, human, when I'm in jet mode, you fit in my head."]]
After thoroughly embarrassing himself by accidentally destroying several sets and props in an attempt to show off, Powerglide was among [[Sunstreaker (G1)|several]] [[Tracks (G1)|egotistical]] [[Warpath (G1)|Autobots]] who demanded to be given a role in a movie that [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] was starring in. Initially, his "role" amounted to crashing into a STORE while in jet mode (supposedly to stop "the crooks"). Soon afterwards, Powerglide and the other would-be-actor Autobots asked Hoist to talk to the [[Director]] to get them some "real" acting roles. After reworking the movie into ''[[Attack of the Alien Robots]]'', the Director had the Autobots given cheesy alien face masks. Powerglide remarked that the role was "the pits", and that he would rather do the stunt crashes. In a later scene, Powerglide demonstrated his rather wooden acting "skills". Guess he was better suited for stunts. {{storylink|Hoist Goes Hollywood}}

Powerglide was one of the Autobots who volunteered to rescue Perceptor from the Decepticons. {{storylink|Cosmic Rust (episode)|Cosmic Rust}} He took part in the defence of headquarters against another attack by the Decepticons, only to be puzzled when Megatron almost immediately called a retreat. After some investigation, it turned out Starscream had stolen some [[personality component]]s to create the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]]. Powerglide set out to find the rebel Decepticons, and soon found them fighting Megatron's forces at the [[Amalgamated Water and Power Plant]] {{storylink|Starscream's Brigade}} During a massive attack on a human city by the Insecticons, Powerglide dropped Spike and Perceptor off in the battle zone, so the pair could warn the Autobot leader about strange signals coming from Cybertron. {{storylink|The Revenge of Bruticus}}

Powerglide and the rest of the Minibots tried to repel the Decepticons' [[Trypticon (G1)|new mobile assault base]]—and failed. When the colossal 'con took several direct hits and seemed to be falling apart, Powerglide cheerfully reported that they had destroyed it—then in his shock, just happened to [[To sell toys|narrate aloud]] that it had a reptilian mode too.{{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5}}

[[Image:GhostinMachine Powerglide and Bumblebee.jpg|right|200px|thumb]]
Powerglide appeared to have been destroyed during a disastrous Autobot attack on the [[Quintesson]]s led by a resurrected, reprogrammed Optimus Prime. {{storylink|Dark Awakening}} However, he was later among the Autobots who attempted to stop [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] and Starscream's [[Spark|ghost]] from stealing [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]'s [[Sensors|eyes]], so he must have gotten better. Unfortunately, a blind Metroplex accidentally shot him down, but [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] saved him. {{storylink|Ghost in the Machine}}

{{note|The above appearance in "Dark Awakening" is likely a result of a careless animation team using the animation model of Powerglide to represent an Autobot spaceship rather than Powerglide himself, as the footage of "his" destruction is used twice during the battle sequence.}}
{{--}}
====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' comic====
Arriving in Tokyo, [[Japan]], Powerglide intervened on [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]]'s attack on [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] and the Autobots' human friend, [[Kenji]]. Instead of shooting the Decepticon from the air, Powerglide zoomed in close and decked Ravage with a partially transformed hand. PG then grabbed Kenji and flew off, leaving Bumblebee alone to face [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] and his cassettes. For some reason. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 2|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #2}} Later, Powerglide was also present when Optimus Prime was showing Kenji around the Autobots' base in Japan. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 4|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #4}}

While surveying the desert, Powerglide came across the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] hunting down an innocent [[Murdered puppy|puppy]]. He interfered with their mission, but took heavy firepower shielding the animal with his own body. Seriously injured, Powerglide transformed in a desperate attempt to keep the dog alive just a little longer inside his cockpit. Surprisingly, the puppy managed to hotwire his control console and keep Powerglide moving long enough for a [[Minibot]] patrol to respond to his SOS. It seemed that Megatron had incorporated powerful Decepticon technology inside the puppy as an experiment. In order to avoid being used by the Decepticons, the puppy sacrifice himself to channel massive amounts of [[Scramble Power]] into Powerglide. United as one, Powerglide and the Minibots used Scramble Power to deliver a mighty blow on [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]], defeating the Combaticons. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 8|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #8}} Powerglide was also present with the massive Autobot reinforcements called in against Megatron's [[Omega Whip]]. {{storylink|Full Throttle Scramble Power!}}

===Marvel Comics continuity===
{{noteukonly}}
[[Image:Powerglidereadytoblastoffrightnow.jpg|left|250px|thumb|We bet you are. Don't be crude, Powerglide.]]
Powerglide was a member of [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]]'s [[Cybertron Seven|resistance cell]] on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] during the reign of [[Straxus (G1)|Straxus]]. Like most of his comrades, he found more inspiration in [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]]'s bravado than the calculated caution of Perceptor. When their untrustworthy scout, [[Scrounge (G1)|Scrounge]] went missing, Powerglide and his peers fell in line with Blaster's plan to find and rescue him, overruling Perceptor. After much searching, all but Blaster had given up on Scrounge, but Powerglide had stayed to secretly shadow Blaster, allowing the air-capable Autobot to deliver him to safety out of the [[smelting pool]] (regrettably leaving Scrounge behind). This act gave Perceptor's small group of Autobots the first good news they had heard in eons, for Scrounge had handed them evidence that [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] lived. {{storylink|The Smelting Pool!}}

[[Image:Powerglideblastercybertronic.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Cybertronic altmode: paper airplane]]
Further reconnaissance by Blaster and Powerglide revealed startling news—the Decepticons were building a [[Space Bridge]]! As this would spell certain doom for both Cybertron and [[Earth]], a desperate raid on Straxus's [[Darkmount]] fortress was launched. This attack was mostly successful, as it leveled Darkmount and ended in Straxus's destruction, but he and the rest of his Autobot comrades had to retreat to Earth over the Space Bridge as it self-destructed. Here they were greeted immediately by a group of humans. {{storylink|The Bridge to Nowhere!}}

However, the humans, belonging to the anti-robot attack team, [[Rapid Anti-robot Assault Team|RAAT]], captured Powerglide and the others with the help of [[Circuit Breaker]]. Disassembled, the Autobots were only released after Circuit Breaker was forced to elicit their aid to defeat the [[Battlecharger|Battlechargers]]. {{storylink|Decepticon Graffiti!}}

''Following [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] back to the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]], Powerglide and the others got lost after their guide spontaneously vanished into [[limbo]]. Even worse was the reason for the disappearance—[[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] had returned to the present. Unlike most of his fellows, Powerglide actually managed to get a good shot in before Galvatron knocked the circuits out of him. {{storylink|Fallen Angel (issue)|Fallen Angel}} After Galvatron was forced into retreat by the vagrant [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]], Perceptor's team finally managed to reach the Ark, where they learned of Optimus Prime's apparent demise at the hands of the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]]. Powerglide attended Prime's funeral and assimilated into Earth's depleted Autobot forces, though it was soon revealed that Prime's death was a ruse. {{storylink|Resurrection!}} ''

[[Image:Blasterbeourleaderplease.jpg|left|300px|thumb|"Is this the line for the mutiny?"]]
When Optimus Prime died ''(for real)'' after a digital battle with [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]], Powerglide observed with the other Autobots as [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] failed to successfully repair their fallen leader. After attending Prime's ''(real)'' funeral, a criminal known as the [[Mechanic (G1)|Mechanic]] turned the Ark's new security systems on the mourning Autobots, with devastating results. {{storylink|Funeral for a Friend!}} [[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]], Prime's successor, turned out to be a self-interested tyrant, but he did help get the Ark repaired and off of Earth, a large process that Powerglide contributed to by feeding [[Energon cube|Energon cubes]] to their new [[Geothermal Generator]]. {{storylink|Child's Play (issue)|Child's Play}} Nevertheless, Powerglide was among the Autobots who begged Blaster to overthrow him, but the mutiny didn't pan out. {{storylink|Spacehikers!}} Later, Blaster and Grimlock battled for supremacy on Earth's [[Moon (moon)|Moon]], as Powerglide and the other Autobots cheered Blaster on. {{storylink|Totaled!}}

Some time after Optimus Prime's return, Powerglide was among several Autobots who responded to [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]]'s distress call near the Decepticons' [[Club Con|arctic base]]. However, this was a trap, and Powerglide was shot down in battle by some Decepticon aerial aces, including [[Slugslinger (G1)|Slugslinger]] and the ever-frightening [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]]. {{storylink|Dark Star (issue)|Dark Star}} He was identified as deactivated several weeks later. {{storylink|Yesterday's Heroes!}}
{{-}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
[[Image:Powerglideoutbackwarwithin.jpg|right|100px|thumb|The paper-airplaneness of his Dreamwave Cybertronic altmode is unknown.]]
Powerglide was operational during the early days of the war, and was seen in [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]] shortly after [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]]'s demise. {{storylink|The War Within issue 2|The War Within #2}}

[[Image:Powerglidenightofthecombaticons.jpg|left|220px|thumb|Bumblebee needs a smaller command chair.]]
In the modern era, Powerglide was a member of one of the later-formed Autobot resistance cells on Cybertron, in communication with [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] and [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] along with several other [[Mini Vehicle|Minibots]]. {{storylink|Countdown to Extinction (issue)|Countdown to Extinction}} He participated in the final insurrection which threw [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] and his Decepticons out of power on Cybertron. Afterwards, he was assigned to [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]'s command and traveled to Earth on a supply run aboard the starship ''[[Orion (ship)|Orion]]''. {{storylink|Night of the Combaticons}} Their simple supply mission ended with heavy combat against the amazingly-powerful clone, [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]]. The Autobots, in a fit of temporary insanity, decided to ally themselves with [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] in order to deal with this threat. Powerglide might have raised a complaint to being assigned to guard their new "partner", but Starscream betrayed them and deactivated Powerglide's unit so fast, it's hard to be sure he even had a chance to speak up. {{storylink|The Omega Effect}}

[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] presumably got him back online in time to help with the construction of [[Autobot City]]. {{storylink|The Route of All Evil}}

{{-}}
==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[Image:G1Powerglide toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|The first Transformers toy that can stand with his arms akimbo. Appropriate!]]
*'''Powerglide''' (Mini-Vehicle, 1985)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-62'''

: Powerglide transforms into an [[Popular Earth vehicle alternate modes#A-10 Thunderbolt|A-10 Thunderbolt]] ground-strike plane. He is notable for being one of the earliest Autobots with an aerial alt-mode. Due to his transformation, Powerglide has more robot-mode articulation than any other [[Mini Vehicle]]. His head can turn, his shoulders have what amounts to universal joints, and his elbows bend.

===Transformers Collection===
*'''Minibot Team''' (Multi-pack, 2004)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''TFC-12'''

: In January of 2004, Powerglide was reissued in a ''[[Transformers Collection]]'' six-pack with [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys|Bumblebee]], [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]], [[Gears (G1)|Gears]], [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] and [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]]. With the exception of an added factory-applied [[insignia]] sticker, there are no notable differences between the original and the reissue versions.

: This entire set was redecoed to make the "[[GoBots (G1)|G1 GoBots]]" set: Powerglide was used to make [[Bad Boy]].
{{-}}

===Universe (2008)===
{{picsneeded|Japanese version}}
[[Image:Powerglideuniversetoy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Someone's been eating their Wheaties.]]
*'''Powerglide''' (Ultra, 2008)
**''Accessories:'' Chaingun/missile launcher, "thermal beam" missile

:Although now upsized to an Ultra class toy with electronics, ''[[Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' Powerglide still transforms into an A-10 (though the nose looks more like that of its canceled counterpart, the Northrop YA-9, probably for licensing reasons). In order to preserve some semblance of realism in his [[Alternate mode|altmode]], however, he is mostly off-white in color, with red trim. His noggin, at least, is still entirely red, and even has an off-center cannon barrel sculpted into it in homage to his original toy, even though here, his head ''doesn't'' become the nosecone.

:In vehicle mode, pressing the prominent orange button on the jet's fuselage triggers three electronic sound effects (an engine ignition, a swooping noise and a barrage of machine-gun fire that persists for as long as you hold down the button, the same ones are used for Universe [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]]), accompanied by red LEDs in the turbines and cockpit. During transformation to robot mode, the classic transformation sound effect is triggered as the torso is moved into place; it plays in reverse as he is transformed back to vehicle mode. In robot mode, pressing the orange button triggers the machine-gun sound effect only, with newly-exposed lights illuminating Powerglide's eyes as well as those seen in jet mode.

:In robot mode, Powerglide features a wide range of articulation, and can wield in his hand the thermal missile launcher which mounts under his jet-mode nosecone. In what can only be described as one of the most hilarious homages in Transformers history, Powerglide's chestplate can flip up to [[:Image:Ultra powerglide heart.jpg|reveal]] the raised [[:Image:Powerglide heart.jpg|image]] of [[The Girl Who Loved Powerglide|a heart]].

:Rather unfortunately, his small feet and his top-heaviness make him difficult to pose and stand up.

:The Japanese "USA Edition" release for Powerglide is colored in mostly red with white detailing, essentially reversing most of the colour layouts. He retains the same [[tampograph]]ed unit-markings as the Hasbro version.

: This mold was also used to make ''Universe'' [[Storm Cloud]].

{{-}}{{anchor|WalmartRed}}
[[Image:Universe2008toy-PowerglideRed.jpg|right|thumb|300px|More [[show-accuracy|show-accurate]] than the [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] version!]]
*'''Powerglide''' (Ultra Class, 2009)
**''Accessories:'' Chaingun/missile launcher, "thermal beam" missile

:The second version of ''Universe'' Powerglide is a [[Walmart]]-[[exclusive]] red redeco similar to TakaraTomy's Japanese release of this sculpt, but with some significant differences in color layout. In an effort to make the toy more [[show-accuracy|accurate to the cartoon]], the arms are cast in light gray plastic, unlike the all-red arms on the Japanese version.

:The characters on his tailfins are "NA W4Y W3 60," which reads "And away we go!"

:His instructions omit a simple step: pulling the lower legs down to expose the knees and increase his height.
{{--}}

==Notes==
[[Image:NowIKnow.jpg|right|150px|thumb|We need an adult!]]
* ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'' [[Fireflight (G1)|Fireflight]], a [[redeco]] of ''[[Legends Class|Legends of Cybertron]]'' [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]], was originally intended to be Powerglide, but Hasbro apparently could not secure the [[trademark]] at the time.
* Powerglide makes an appearance in one of the five Transformers [[public service announcements]], speaking out against gender discrimination.
* 3200 miles per hour is Mach 4.16, MUCH faster than ANY modern combat jet, let alone a real [[wikipedia:A-10_Thunderbolt_II|A-10 Thunderbolt II]]... not that jet-based alt modes are known for realism.
*He is the only Generation One transformer with 4 digits on each hand (if you discount the Monster Pretender shells).

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Powerglide''' (パワーグライド ''Pawāguraido'')
*''French:'' '''Survolo''' (Canada)
*''Greek:'' '''Keraynόs''' (Κεραυνός, "Lightning")
*''Hungarian:'' '''Motorszárny''' ("Motorwing")
*''Italian:'' '''Jumbo'''
*''Portuguese:'' '''Planador''' (Portugal comics), '''Planador''' (Brazil comics)
*''Russian:'' '''Vetrorez''' (Ветрорез, "Windcut")

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

[[Category:Classics Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Mini Vehicles]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]
[[Category:Wal-Mart exclusives]]

Powerglide (DOTM)

2011-10-25T12:34:39Z

58.69.4.144: /* Cyberverse */

{{factions|autobot}}
{{disambig3|Powerglide}}

:''Powerglide is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Dark of the Moon (franchise)|Dark of the Moon]] portion of the [[live-action film series]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:MechtechWarsOnlineDOTMPowerglide.jpg|thumb|300px|But what Victoria's Secret model will play [[Astoria Carlton-Ritz|Astoria]]?]]

'''Powerglide''' possesses great bravery and showmanship and is so skillful in the air that ace [[human]] pilots are known to have studied his moves. His acrobatic prowess compensates for a lack of endurance and physical strength. Plus he's just not that smart.

{{TOCclear}}

==Toys==
===Dark of the Moon===
====Cyberverse====
[[Image:DOTM-toy_Cyberverse_Powerglide.jpg|thumb|250px]]
* '''Powerglide''' (Cyberverse Commander, 2011)
**''Series:'' '''1'''
**''Number:'' '''006'''
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''CV14'''
**''Accessories:'' 2 x Missile Pods

: Part of the second wave of ''[[Dark of the Moon (toyline)|Dark of the Moon]]'' [[Cyberverse]] Commander single-pack toys, Powerglide is a near Scout-class-scale figure that transforms into a heavily-armed [[Popular Earth vehicle alternate modes#A-10 Thunderbolt II|A-10 Thunderbolt II]] attack plane. His fists and hand-weapon are compatible with the [[C joint]] clip-weapon system. The two detachable missile pods can be combined to form an "assault weapon".

{{-}}
{{anchor|Ultimategift}}
*'''Ultimate Gift Set''' (Cyberverse multi-pack, 2011)
**''Accessories:'' 2 x Missile Pods

: A green [[redeco]] of the original toy.

{{comingsoontoy}}
{{-}}

[[Category: Cyberverse]]
[[Category: Dark of the Moon Autobots]]
[[Category: Toy-only characters]]

Teeth

2011-10-25T12:27:55Z

58.69.4.144:

[[Image:Teeth.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Green spittle not always included.]]
'''Teeth''' are a part of [[Transformer]] anatomy sometimes found inside the mouth, surrounding the [[tongue]]. Though Transformer teeth seem similar in structure and appearance to the teeth of [[Human|humans]], what function they serve on Transformers can be a subject of debate.

Humans use teeth primarily for breaking down the foods they consume into digestible portions, but Transformers fuel is mostly, if not entirely, [[Energon (fuel)|liquid]]. Human teeth are also used to help form certain sounds in their language, in conjunction with the tongue. Transformers are capable of human speech, and sometimes are shown to have both teeth and a tongue, so it's possible their teeth may be used for communication. Two functions of teeth definitely shared between humans and Transformers are [[Galvatron II|using them as a weapon]] and baring them to indicate hostility.

Transformers who have animal-based [[alternate mode]]s tend to have [[Mecha molar|teeth]] in those adopted forms. Most of these alternate modes were acquired after contact with other planets such as [[Earth]], so the inclusion of teeth in Transformer anatomy is often irrelevant to understanding why some Transformers have them. However, eons of conflict have taught the Transformers to take advantage of whatever weapons one can find, and [[Dinobot (G1)|some]] have taken quite a liking to teeth.

{{quote|I'll rip you to pieces with my ''bare claws'', tear out your circuits with my teeth and spit your diodes back at you!|[[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] demonstrates one use of Transformer teeth|[[On the Edge of Extinction!]]}}

{{-}}
{{note|The only medium which ultimately avoided Transformer teeth entirely was the [[Generation 1 (cartoon)|original cartoon]], in which the inside of the mouth was for the majority of the time depicted as a solid dark gray. Occasional shots from the series' [[Generation_1_(cartoon)#Season_1|first season]] do show Transformers with gray teeth (matching the inside of their mouths), but these numerous instances are now regarded as [[Animation error|goofs]]. In all other media, teeth were either uniformly used (such as in ''[[Beast Wars (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'') or their appearance varied by artist (such as in [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel Comics]]).}}

<center>
<gallery>
Image:Megatronmarvelteeth.jpg|[[Don Perlin]] gave [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] teeth when he felt like it. {{storylink|I, Robot-Master!}} {{storylink|Gone but Not Forgotten!}}
Image:Noteethcartoon.jpg|Transformer mouths had no interior detail in the original cartoon. {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie|TFTM}}
Image:Galvatroniiteeth.jpg|"Using teeth as a weapon," check. {{storylink|The Last Autobot?}}
Image:15arm.jpg|We discern a trend. {{storylink|15 Go! Go!}}
Image:BWDinobot arrival.jpg|Many animal-based alternate modes require teeth. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 1)}}
Image:Megatronbwteeth.jpg|Teeth are helpful in creating a variety of facial expressions. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part III)}}
Image:Opoptooth.jpg|One of [[Optimal Optimus]]'s teeth was knocked out during a fight. {{storylink|Nemesis Part 2}}
Image:Hotshotarmada.jpg|Teeth are helpful in demonstrating a love of JaAm. {{storylink|Palace}}
Image:Override-Teeth.jpg|A vanishingly-brief moment of somebody actually having a [[Dull surprise|facial expression]] in ''[[Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]]''. {{storylink|Ambush}}
Image:Movie Megatron teeth.JPG|I don't even want to ''know'' why he has teeth. {{storylink|Transformers (2007)|Transformers}}
Image:DOTM-Shockwavecloseup.jpg|This guy too. {{storylink|Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon}}
Image:Barnicle bots.jpg|Specialized teeth, called fangs, are EXTREMELY useful in creating a more menacing appearance. {{storylink|Nature Calls}}
Image:SG-Ricochet-bio.jpg|Teeth are instrumental in making terrifying evil grins of doom. {{storylink|Shattered Glass}}
Image:LegionRape1.jpg|[[Kiss Players]] found a way to make them MORE sinister.
</gallery>
</center>

[[Category:Transformer anatomy]]

Shockwave (Movie)

2011-10-25T11:38:59Z

58.69.4.144: /* Voyager Class toys */

{{factions|decepticonfilm}}
{{disambig3|Shockwave}}
:''Shockwave is a [[Decepticon]] from the [[live-action film series|live-action movie]] [[Continuity family|continuity family]].''

[[Image:ShockwaveDOTMgamepromo.jpg|right|thumb|400px|[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]'s most bewildering foe: the faceless!]]

'''Shockwave''' was left to watch [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] by [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] long ago, arriving on Earth to hunt for the [[AllSpark]] shortly after Megatron. A peerless scientist with deadly efficiency and a cold devotion to logic, he is one of the very few who could rival Megatron. Shockwave is ready and willing to destroy the Autobots with his arm-mounted AstroMag Cannon.

{{bigquote|Emotionless, coldly logical, utterly ruthless... killing is all Shockwave lives for.|[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]|[[Dark of the Moon issue 1|''Dark of the Moon'' #1]]}}

==Fiction==
===IDW live-action film prequel comics===
[[Image:Foundation1-Shockwavedoesntlikeit.jpg|left|thumb|250px|"'''Your star burns!''' I require frozen treats."]]
Eons after the [[Dynasty of Primes]] were vanquished, Cybertron fell into dark times. The [[AllSpark]] had been buried somewhere within Cybertron and been dismissed as a legend, and the planet itself lacked a star to orbit. As energy became more and more scarce, Cybertronians segregated into tribes. Shockwave chose to rally behind [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]], who claimed to be descended from [[Primus]] himself. However, he faced opposition from the non-believer [[Thetacon (tribe)|Thetacons]], and Shockwave joined [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]], [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus]], and several others in repelling their attacks. Ultimately, Sentinel Prime won the day, as he and [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Wheeljack]] were successful in locating the lost AllSpark and harnessing a new sun to orbit. This, however, did not please Shockwave. Now that the war was over, he was dissatisfied, and he no longer knew his purpose. This shocked his old friend, Megatron, and Shockwave explained that it was the journey he enjoyed, not the destination. Plus, well, that new sun was kind of bright. {{storylink|Foundation issue 1|Foundation #1}}

The next day, Megatron detailed to Shockwave how he had eavesdropped on a conversation between Sentinel and Optimus, where Sentinel had tried to pass on leadership to Optimus, who refused, unable to accept he was also a Prime. At the outskirts of [[Thetacon (polity)|Thetacon]], they encountered a [[Driller]], a subterranean lifeform that had been brought to the planet's surface by the new energy flowing through it, which was attacking a group of [[Hatchling]]s and their protector [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]]. Shockwave was amazed by the creature and called it "magnificent". After besting it, he joined the Cybertronian [[Defense Force]] that Sentinel placed under Megatron's command, rooting out dissident Transformers. {{storylink|Foundation issue 2|Foundation #2}}

After the war broke out he joined the Decepticons. As Starscream was asking what to do next minutes before the [[Nemesis (ROTF)|''Nemesis'']] went to space, Shockwave told him that they would obey Megatron's orders without any question. {{storylink|Foundation issue 3|Foundation #3}} When the Autobots attacked [[Simfur Temple]], Shockwave attempted to apprehend [[Elita-One (Movie)|Elita-One]], but with no success. When Starscream blew up the [[Ark (DOTM)|ship]] carrying Sentinel and his [[pillar|secret weapon]], Shockwave ordered the annihilation of the retreating Autobots, but Megatron made him stand down, gleefully predicting Optimus would return with a vengeance. {{storylink|Foundation issue 4|Foundation #4}}

Shockwave returned with Megatron to his [[Lord High Protector citadel|citadel]] during Optimus's revenge attack. {{storylink|Foundation issue 1|Foundation #1}} Shockwave asked Megatron if he could kill Optimus Prime and [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] after they had been stuck by the [[smelting pool]], but Megatron was disappointed by Shockwave's lack of vision. {{Storylink|Foundation issue 3|Foundation #3}} Optimus got inside to fight Megatron, while Starscream and Shockwave attempted to kill their former comrade Ironhide. Suddenly, the skies darkened: the Autobots had attacked the citadel to distract the Decepticons from their true goal of stealing the AllSpark from the temple. Optimus blasted Starscream and Shockwave, and the two Autobots escaped. {{storylink|Foundation issue 4|Foundation #4}}

[[Image:RisingStorm2-ShockwaveAllSpark.jpg|thumb|250px|]] Some time later, after the Autobots sent the All Spark into space, Starscream left Shockwave in charge of the Decepticons still on Cybertron as he went in search of his prize. During a battle with a team of Autobots, Shockwave heard the scream of the AllSpark when it was found by [[Sector Seven]]. Leaving [[Dreadwing (Movie)|Dreadwing]] in charge of the Decepticons on Cybertron, Shockwave set out in an impossibly fast ship, swearing not to return without the AllSpark. He crashed in Tunguska, [[Siberia]] in [[1908]].<ref>''Rising Storm'' issue 2 reveals that Shockwave caused the mysterious real-life [[wikipedia:Tunguska_event|Tunguska event.]]</ref> He remained buried there in [[stasis lock]], healing until [[Soviet Union|Soviet Russia]] found him ten years later. Using stolen research from the U.S., who had found Megatron the same way, the Russians reverse-engineered his technology to invent nuclear power plants. {{storylink|Rising Storm issue 2|Rising Storm #2}} {{storylink|Frozen}}

There were no digital records of Shockwave's existence, and the physical documents pertaining to him were lost, burned, shredded or stolen in the wake of the Soviet Union's collapse. The Siberian facility was abandoned and Shockwave was left forgotten. {{storylink|Convergence chapter 4}}
{{-}}

===Titan Magazines===
While Starscream doesn't like or trust Shockwave, he respects his intelligence and, if he had to choose, would give the nod to Shockwave being his successor. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 21|#21's Star Screams}}

===''Revenge of the Fallen'' film===
[[Image:Shockwave-ROTFnewspaper.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Quick, add him to the character list!]]
At some point during 2009, Shockwave was caught on film and the event was written up for a newspaper article. A newspaper page with the headline "Mysterious Robot Spotted" was discarded in [[Egypt]], where it was sucked up by a rampaging [[Devastator (ROTF)|Devastator]]. {{Storylink|Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen}}
{{-}}

===IDW ''Dark of the Moon'' comics===
[[Image:RisingStorm_Shockwave_and_astrotrain.jpg|left|thumb|250px|"Astrotrain, go away. You're spoiling the G1 ambiance around me."]]
Soundwave discovered the satirical article and its photograph, and deduced it was based on stolen Soviet documents. {{storylink|Convergence chapter 4}} In [[2010]], Megatron freed Shockwave and brought him to his "base" in [[Namibia]], where he was eager to get back to killing Autobots as soon as possible. {{storylink|Rising Storm issue 2|Rising Storm #2}}

Shockwave and [[Astrotrain (DOTM)|Astrotrain]] made their presence known on Earth near [[Dalian]], [[China]], where they quickly disposed of the Autobots [[Longarm (Movie)|Longarm]] and [[Salvage (Movie)|Salvage]] and stole material for a mysterious construction project.

Shockwave began following the exploits of Earth's stranded Transformers from afar, and derided its war's combatants as idiots after watching a skirmish in [[California]]. After contacting Astrotrain for an update on their project, he tracked [[Divebomb (Movie)|Divebomb]]'s radiation trail back to Starscream's current base of operations, in a junkyard on the outskirts of [[Mexico City]]. Blasting his way through the Decepticons unwise enough to try defending Starscream, Shockwave informed the treacherous air commander that Megatron had "requested his services." Before the conversation could go any further, Astrotrain radioed Shockwave with some bad news: the "[[Brains|brain unit]]" scrap drone that held the control software for the machine he was constructing had escaped. Shockwave charged Starscream and his followers with recovering the drone. {{storylink|Rising Storm issue 1|Rising Storm #1}}

[[Image:Risingstorm_3_shockwave_on_NEST.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Shock blast!]]

Shockwave contacted an angry Starscream who thought he was promised the Autobots would be occupied. Shockwave countered that they were occupied, but, you know, with Starscream, leaving Shockwave free to leave a message for [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] at the [[NEST]] Headquarters in [[Diego Garcia]]. After killing [[Knock Out (ROTF)|Knock Out]], [[Dune Runner (ROTF)|Dune Runner]], and other Autobots who stood in his way, Shockwave confronted the trembling humans left to fend for themselves. When Shockwave asked who was in command, [[Theodore Galloway]] told him that he was. Shockwave killed Galloway and the other humans save one, and he asked his question one more time. {{storylink|Rising Storm issue 3|Rising Storm #3}}

After killing [[Jolt (ROTF)|Jolt]], he and [[Fearswoop (ROTF)|Fearswoop]] left Diego Garcia, then he arrived in [[Philadelphia]] killing [[Elita-One (Movie)|Elita-One]] in the process and shot down [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Wheeljack]] and [[Mirage (Movie)|Mirage]]. Enraged by the death of Elita-One and the other Autobots. Optimus Prime battled Shockwave destroying half of his face and body, Prime was about to kill Shockwave, till Shockwave's [[Driller|"pet"]] came to save his master. the badly damaged Shockwave returned to Namibia along Starscream and Soundwave. {{storylink|Rising Storm issue 4|Rising Storm #4}}
{{-}}

===''Dark of the Moon'' film===
:''Voice actor'': [[Frank Welker]] (English), [[Jirō Saitō]] (Japanese), [[Miguel Ángel Ghigliazza]] (Latin American Spanish)

[[Image:DOTM - ShockwaveDriller.jpg|left|thumb|300px|"We have wormsign."]]

Shockwave and his pet [[Driller]] attacked the Autobots when they were summoned to [[Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant|Chernobyl]] by the Decepticon agent [[Voskhod]]. This was done as an act of misdirection to ensure that the Autobots did not realize that the Decepticons actually wanted them to find the fuel cell from the [[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]] located within the facility. After Optimus retrieved the fuel cell from the Driller, Shockwave emerged from it to reveal himself to Optimus, and the pair quickly retreated underground, leaving Optimus very disturbed to see Shockwave on Earth.

[[Image:DOTM-Shockwavecloseup.jpg|right|thumb|250px|The four tall tales of Robodian the one-eyed jerk.]]

Later, Shockwave took part in the invasion of Chicago. He and the Driller emerged from beneath the convoy of Autobots, and the Driller separated Optimus from his trailer. Shockwave left the Driller and proceeded to track down the Autobots. The [[Wrecker]]s were sent to distract him, peppering his armor with fire from their machineguns. He used a car as a shield and fired at them, and once they drove off he menacingly began to pursue them down the road, missing the two small Autobots, [[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] and [[Brains]], who quickly fled.

[[Image:830px-Dotm-shockwave&driller-film-chicago.jpg|left|thumb|250px|BUUUUUUMMMMMMM]]
Later, he noticed humans inside a building, and sent his Driller into the fray to topple a building and kill [[Sam Witwicky]], [[Carly Spencer]], [[Robert Epps]], and the other humans inside. However the beast was killed by Optimus Prime using his flight gear, and Shockwave, enraged by the death of his pet, opened fire on the Autobot leader, briefly disabling him and taking him out of the fight.

[[Image:DOTM-OptimusShockwave.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Welcome to the refinery.]]

He soon joined [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] and [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] to round up the other Autobots. Brains and Wheelie forestalled the Decepticon's from further executing their prisoners by taking control of a Decepticon gunship, and dropping [[Orbital Assault Carrier|fighters]] onto the battlefield. Shockwave retreated further away with Barricade and some other Decepticons. However the human soldiers had set a trap, and while firing at them, Shockwave was blinded by one of their parachutes, and his eye was then shot out, causing it to dangle by its wires. Optimus Prime then came charging back into the battle, and when Shockwave fired at him the Autobot dodged the shot, donned a set of knuckle-spikes, and punched Shockwave so hard that part of his abdomen shattered. Even this did not put Shockwave down, but Prime did not let up - he punched Shockwave again, pinned the Decepticon down and tore his dangling eye out through his throat, finally ending the Decepticon's life. Optimus then used Shockwave's cannon to shoot out the control pillar set up in the city. {{storylink|Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon}}

==Games==
===''Transformers: The Game'' (console)===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Daniel Riordan]]

[[Image:Tf2007console shockwave.jpg|left|200px|thumb|1% assorted Shockwave parts, 99% weapons.]]
Under the orders of Starscream, Shockwave attacked [[Tranquility]] in an effort to interfere with [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]'s attempt to rescue [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] from [[Sector Seven]]. Prime actually had a grip on the helicopter net that held Bumblebee, but the force of Shockwave's entry mode's impact knocked him off, allowing Sector Seven to get away.

[[Image:Tf2007console shockwave turrent.jpg|200px|thumb|Death Cannon OF LOGIC!]]
Landing in downtown, the [[Triple Changer|triple-changing]] Shockwave adopted a helicopter and an artillery emplacement as his alternate modes, promptly transforming into the latter and lobbing explosives around the city. Prime, forced to cut off his rescue, charged in and pounded Shockwave until the goliath transformed and retreated to another position. Prime doggedly kept at Shockwave, following him every time he retreated, eventually defeating the Decepticon and saving Tranquility. {{storylink|Transformers The Game (console)|Transformers The Game (console)}}

Later, when the Autobots returned to Cybertron, Shockwave appeared on the planet alongside (and presumably leading) an army of Decepticon drones. Optimus quickly defeated the drones and once more defeated Shockwave.

{{note|Shockwave is not a playable character in the game, appearing only as a boss character during the Autobot campaign. He also appears (but does not transform) as one of the enemies battled in the Autobot campaign's bonus level set on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], but what this implies about Shocky is debatable at best, given the level's questionable in-game continuity.}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers: The Game'' (PSP)===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Daniel Riordan]]

[[Image:Shockwave movie psp.jpg|left|170px|thumb|He makes up for his loss of weapons by being the most awesome character in the game. It is only logical.]]

The massive Shockwave might ''look'' like he's purely about muscle and firepower, but he's actually remarkably shrewd and cunning. Coveting the position of Decepticon leader for himself, Shockwave has been working to oust Megatron for years. As you might imagine, he and Starscream don't get along very well.

When the Decepticons arrived on Earth in search of their lost leader, Megatron, Shockwave adopted a tank as his alternate mode. Shockwave was supposed to join [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]] in his attack on the [[SOCCENT Forward Operations Base]] in [[Qatar]], but instead busied himself surrepticiously searching for leads to the location of the [[AllSpark]]. After receiving a communique from [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]], who informed him that the Autobots were on Earth and had discovered their own leads to the location of Megatron, Shockwave had [[Thundercracker (Movie)|Thundercracker]] airlift him to Qatar, where he helped Blackout take care of the last few military units opposing him. He relayed Frenzy's message to Blackout, then departed for the Arctic with Thundercracker, intending to investigate the site where Megatron's body was discovered.

In the Arctic, Shockwave and Thundercracker faced resistance from an Autobot unit in the area, but fought their way through them to discover that Megatron's body had been moved by [[Sector Seven]]. The trip was not a wasted one, however: after scanning a computer terminal in the cavern, Shockwave discovered that Megatron had brought an army of drones with him to Earth to help in the search for the All Spark. These drones were presently lying dormant all over the Earth, and Shockwave schemed to reactivate them so that they could serve him as his personal army. The signal required to reanimated the drones had to be broadcast from a great height, so Shockwave and Thundercracker quickly made their way to a rocket launch site, where Shockwave
programmed the code into a rocket that subsequently beamed the signal down over the Earth from space. Drones sprang to life all over the planet, and began attacking the Autobots. Shockwave's control of his
self-made army was short lived, however, as Autobots [[Trailbreaker (Movie)|Trailbreaker]] and [[Hound (Movie)|Hound]] successfully transmitted a virus that shut the drones down. Simultaneously, Shockwave received another message from Frenzy that the he had discovered the location of Megatron, and that the Decepticon leader was about to reawaken.

After the Autobots defeated Megatron and most of the other Decepticons in battle in [[Center City]], Shockwave retreated back to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], as did Starscream. Back on their homeworld, Shockwave and Starscream faced off for leadership of the Decepticons, with Starscream ultimately claiming victory. {{storylink|Transformers The Game (PSP)|Transformers The Game (PSP)}}

{{note|In contrast to the console version of the game, Shockwave ''is'' a playable character on the PSP.}}

===Autobot Stronghold===

Shockwave was used as the basis for an army of [[drone]] units, who were part of the constant attacks on the Autobot's [[LG]] Stronghold. For some reason, these drones had ''two'' Sparks. {{storylink|Autobot Stronghold}}

===''Transformers: Dark of the Moon - The Game''===
====(Xbox 360/PS3)====
[[Image:Dark of the Moon game Shockwave.jpg|thumb|300px|Shockwave on the warpath.]]
Shockwave had crashed on Earth thousands of years ago and fell into stasis mode. He wsa discovered by the Russians and a facility was built to contain him. He was frozen to prevent him from waking up (similer to Megatron being frozen by Sector 7 for 70 years)

Three years after Megatron was wounded the Decepticons took refuge in that same Russian facility to repair them selves. His leader [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] decided to release his assassin, since he was needed for the upcoming operation. The base however came under fire thanks to Starscream leading them strait to Megatron. The cons abadnoned base but still left Shockwave to thaw out.

[[Image:Transformers DOTM Shockwave Game.jpg|thumb|left|300px]]
Optimus discovered Shockwave and ordered Ratchet to activate more freeze tanks to keep him frozen. However his pet Driller woke from its slumber, and lashed out at the intruder. Shockwave eventually woke up and decided to destroy the Autobot leader. However, he wasn't fully combat ready, something Optimus took advantage of and attack the Decepticon assassin. But Shockwave fully recovered and lashed out at Prime with everything he had. Autobot reinforcements arrived but weren't helping Optimus, as they were dispatched quite easily. During their skirmish, Optimus Prime (with a little help from [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]]) deduced his weak spot as the three cylinder-shaped generators mounted on his back. Optimus Prime was then able to take down Shockwave with his jetpack/machinegun upgrades, until the Driller decided to intervene, and blocked off the shots while retreating with its master.

Shortly after that, he met up with Megatron, [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]], and [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] in Nambia, Africa and was ordered to find a device in a nuclear power plant named Chernobyl. Shockwave agreed and listened to Megatron tell his plans to the other Decepticons about Operation Pillar.

==Toys==
===Dark of the Moon===
====Cyberverse====
{{anchor|CyberverseActionSet}}
[[Image:DOTM Cyberverse Shockwave FusionTank.jpg|thumb|350px|right|It's a fusion of terror and more terror.]]
*'''Shockwave / Fusion Tank''' (Cyberverse Action Set, 2011)
**''Series:'' '''1'''
**''Number:'' '''006'''
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''CV19'''
**''Accessories:'' Battle Cannon/Particle Wave Blaster, rubber hose, arm blade, missile, Chicago

: The [[Cyberverse]] Commander class Shockwave is cast in a lighter purple than his Voyager class figure. Like that larger toy, he transforms into a Cybertronian tank, and features a removable cannon, blade, and hose. He also has a [[Fusion Tank add-on|back component]] that attaches to his vehicle to form a "Fusion Tank," and that can separately transform into "Ground Weapon" and "Battle Base" modes.

: Shockwave's alternate mode has some rather annoying problems with the treads refusing to straighten out or peg onto his body and front "wheels" securely. As a result, combining him with the action set to form the "Fusion Tank" mode will result in the back treads becoming parallel with the rest of the tank... while the front treads split open and detach from the wheels.

: Like other action sets, Shockwave comes with a cardboard backdrop. In his case, it’s a scene of Chicago under attack. Oddly, the box bio mentions ''Shockwave'''s ability to drill through the ground, with no mention of his [[Driller|friend]].
{{-}}

{{-}}

====Voyager Class toys====
[[Image:DOTM_Shockwave_Voyager.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Observation: gun hose. Conclusion: awesome.]]
*'''Shockwave''' (MechTech Voyager, 2011)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''DD05'''
**''Accessories:'' [[MechTech]] Battle Cannon/Particle Wave Blaster, rubber hose, arm blade

: Part of the second wave of ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (toyline)|Dark of the Moon]]'' Voyager Class [[MechTech]] toys, Shockwave transforms into a purple Cybertronian tank. He has a large, detachable MechTech Battle Cannon on his right arm with a rubber tube which connects to his back, and a removable blade on his left arm. When a lever is pushed on the rear of his arm cannon, MechTech gearing opens up the cannon wider with more barrels and blades. [[C joint]] rungs are located on Shockwave's arm-blade, one concealed underneath said blade, and two on his AstroMag cannon, two more on his backpack, and two more on his feet. Other MechTech weapons can peg into Shockwave's hands, on the barrel of his cannon, and behind each shoulder blade. Due to the nature of his MechTech weapon being integrated with his arm, it is not a prime candidate for swapping with other toys, due to the shape and color of the weapon.

: Shockwave's forearms seem to be backward in robot mode, with the screws holding them together facing out while the backs of his forearms are smooth and screw-hole-free. Also, his arm blade, when put in its proper place on his tank mode, is clearly backward. The blade has an obvious back, its left side, marked with gaps, whereas the mold detail on its right side is much cleaner. These may have been done to keep the screw-holes out of sight in vehicle mode and the gaps out-of-sight in robot mode as a form of compromise, instead. It should be noted that disassembling the figure's forearms and swapping them would change the cannon to the left and the blade to the right, which shouldn't be done because:
::1) it's [[Show-accuracy|movie-inaccurate]],
::2) the wrists are each held together with a pin which can be tricky to remove,
::3) you'll end up with the screw-holes visible in tank mode instead,
::and 4) the gun hose is clearly meant to go to the right in robot mode, otherwise it will restrict articulation or keep falling off - though it should be mentioned that the peg hole where the hose attaches to the gun can actually be rotated 180 degrees instead of 90 (with the slightly more flexible plastic used in these areas allowing such movement), thus enabling the hose to be positioned on either side of the weapon.
:The extra barrels in the cannon also feature gaps like the arm blade.

: The instructions tell you to keep the cannon attached to his right arm in tank mode, though it is possible to stick it in between the arms. This is done by sliding the cannon's bottom in between Shockwave's thumbs. It is fairly stable, matches some stock photography and makes for a more coherent tank.

: Shockwave's stock photography depicts him in a much, much brighter and bluer purple while the MechTech lever on the cannon is bright red. Although partly cropped, his packaging photography on the box-front depicts an alternative placement of his gun hose in tank mode, plugging into the port on the side of his rear treads, which actually aligns better than the awkward frontal position depicted in the [[instructions]]; in the box-back, there is no gun hose, but since the picture is taken from a left profile, it could just be covered by the toy itself, reinforcing the alternate placement. The stock photography shown also depicts Shockwave's hands to be articulated at the wrists, as the right arm in the photo has the hand rotated 90 degrees from the position actually possible with the figure. Also many more paint applications are present in the stock photography, not limited to the red lever on the cannon, but vents on the vehicle mode are picked out in silver as well as gold details on the hips and both halves of tread on each side of the body being painted silver. Overall, the colour scheme shown on the box photography is completely different from the actual figure within, with the stock photo's silver replaced with a metallic lilac on the hands, feet spikes and knees.

{{-}}
{{anchor|CyberArmor}}
*'''Optimus Prime vs. Shockwave''' (MechTech Voyager 2-pack, 2011)
**''Accessories:'' [[MechTech]] Battle Cannon/Particle Wave Blaster, rubber hose, arm blade

: Advertised as "'''SHOCKWAVE with CYBER METAL Armour'''" on the sticker, this [[Costco]]-[[exclusive]] two-pack contains a redeco of Shockwave along with an unchanged ''Dark of the Moon'' Voyager class [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#Voyager_Class_toys_4|Optimus Prime]].

:His purple plastic was changed to dark blue and gray, the lilac was replaced by gray, and the gray on his face cover and feet was replaced by a dark purple, with all the grays being darker and cooler in general. Paint differences include the purple on his crotch being replaced by dark blue, the purple on his shoulders being replaced by metallic lavender, the bronze on all three of his "wheel" rims being replaced by pink, the bronze on the sides of his back treads being replaced by a "worn out" silver, the metallic lavender on his knee flaps being replaced by a dark silver, his spiky bumper and head lacking paint in favor of having his ribs painted silver, and his treads and aforementioned ribs being painted in a much brighter silver than usual. His MechTech weapon has also been redecoed, with the purple housing and black hose being cast in a brighter, translucent purple plastic, the gray parts also being darker and cooler, the silver paint on the main barrel being replaced by the brighter silver, and the silver paint on the sides being replaced with a ''very'' faint and subtle brownish orange.

{{picsneeded}}
{{-}}

==Notes==
* [[Transformers The Game (console)|''Transformers: The Game'']] Shockwave was designed by artist [[Ken Christiansen]].
*The "Attack Copter", "Recon Chopper" and "Stealth Chopper" [[Create-A-Bot (Autobot)|Create-]][[Create-A-Bot (Decepticon)|A-Bot]] vehicle modes from the [[Transformers Autobots/Decepticons|Nintendo DS video games]] transform into robot modes bearing some resemblance to Shockwave. The Attack Chopper is the only one that can be customized to appear purple, though.
*The photo on the newspaper article in ''Revenge of the Fallen'' is of [[:Image:Shockwaveministatue.jpg|Palisades's statue]] of [[Shockwave (G1)|Generation 1 Shockwave]], with something digitally added in the foreground.
*Shockwave was heavily touted as the new main villain prior to the release of ''Dark of the Moon'', no doubt in an attempt to conceal [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]]'s unexpected betrayal halfway through the movie. A piece of information that commonly popped up in media coverage was the claim that Shockwave was the ruler of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] while the other Autobots and Decepticons were duking it out on Earth.<ref name="pushpops">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/transformers-3-plot-summary-revealed-170756/ "Transformers 3 Plot Summary Revealed"], TFW2005, October 2010.</ref> The last bit could be written off as a case of [[Wikipedia:Chinese whispers|chinese whisper]]: Shockwave got announced as the villain for ''Dark of the Moon'', mainstream media (such as USA Today<ref name="usatodayswitch">[http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2010-06-11-Transformers11_ST_N.htm "Next 'Transformers' is due for a switch"], USA Today, June 2010.</ref>) who aren't versed in Transformers lore looked up the character, found out about his ''[[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]]'' [[Shockwave (G1)|namesake]]'s role in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|cartoon]], included it as a piece of trivia to show they did their research, and then the trivia note got picked up as gospel by other media. Nevertheless, it was included in the ''official plot summary'' by Paramount's German branch (which also claimed that ''Shockwave'' was the robot discovered inside the ''[[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]]'' as seen in the trailer).<ref name="germansite">[http://www.transformers3-film.de/ Official German DOTM site] including faulty plot summary.</ref>
*Despite being one of the most highly anticipated characters in the film, Shockwave has very minimal screentime. His only understandable line in the film is at Chernobyl: "Optimus," and seems more like a drone than Megatron's greatest assassin. In the [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon Movie Adaptation|comic adaptation]], which was based on early drafts of the script, Shockwave had more lines during the Chicago battle.
*Shockwave does not have the same form in IDW's ''[[Transformers: Rising Storm]]'' and ''[[Transformers: Foundation|Foundation]]'' that he does in ''Dark of the Moon'' despite both being Cybertronian forms. His form in the comics is less skeletal in robot mode than his appearance in the film, and he also transforms into a Cybertronian jet, much like [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]'s original body, whereas his film design transforms into some form of Cybertronian tank. (Following the leader, maybe?) [[John Barber]] commented on his Twitter account that he isn't sure why Shockwave's appearance is different from that in the film, but that an explanation will be given in issue 4 of ''Rising Storm''. <ref>http://twitter.com/#!/TheJohnBarber/status/60710221739339776</ref> While the issue doesn't explicitly show how he gets his ''Dark of the Moon'' body, Shockwave is indeed badly damaged by Optimus Prime. Possibly because of this extensive reconstruction, Shockwave doesn't transform in the film (or the video game prequel before it, which displayed him with his current body instead of the old, G1-esque one).
*[[Shockwave (G1)|Generation 1 Shockwave]]'s original voice actor, [[Corey Burton]], expressed that he had no interest in voicing him for ''Dark of the Moon'', explaining "[I] have practically no interest in that kind of mega-budget movie enterprise involvement" and that the inspiration for his Shockwave voice, [[wikipedia:David Warner (actor)|David Warner]], was rumored to have been considered.<ref>[http://www.coreyburton.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?p=2707&highlight=#2707 Corey Burton's message board post.]</ref> In the end, Shockwave's almost-entirely-wordless-snarl-based role would have been something of a waste of Warner; the role ultimately went to Frank Welker. There's a nice touch of symmetry in the casting, with Welker taking over a Burton-originated role not long after Burton took on a Welker-originated character in [[Megatron (Animated)|''Animated'' Megatron]].
*Hasbro's online bio for Shockwave claims he had spent decades trapped under Chernobyl, but this was not reflected in any actual media; both the video game and ''Rising Storm'' comics have him held at a Russian facility from which he is freed shortly before the film's events, and the film itself doesn't give any indication that his appearance at Chernobyl in its opening scenes is an "escape" of any kind.
[[Image:ShockwaveBoxartFace.jpg|thumb|150px|right|"Logically, I must gnaw your head off."]]
*Bucking tradition, this Shockwave has a mouth. Sure, it's more like a horrifying maw of teeth, but it's there.
*Shockwave's AstroMag cannon is a reference to [[Shockwave (G1)/toys#Notes|the original Shockwave's]] toy mold being first released by ToyCo as the "[http://www.robot-japan.com/Gallery/Takara/Transformers/G1/AstroMagnum/Toybox-Astro-Magnum.asp 4 Changeable Astro Magnum]".
*Select [[Toys"R"Us|ToysЯUs]] stores in the US had a promotion for a Shockwave poster with the purchase of any [[Transformers brand]] [[toy]] from [[June 5]], 2011 to [[June 11]], 2011.
*Although Shockwave's toy transforms into a Cybertronian tank, this alternate mode is never seen in the [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|live-action movie]] nor the video game.
*While Shockwave's weapon of choice is described as a particle or laser cannon in most related Dark of the Moon media, it appears to be some variety of cluster missile launcher in the movie proper.
*Early artwork for Shockwave for ''Dark of the Moon'' showed '''Blitzwing''' as a working name for the character.<ref name="nizzi">[http://www.joshnizzi.com/TF3.htm Josh Nizzi DOTM concepts.]</ref>
*Shockwave appears to have the ability of flight in his robot mode.
===Foreign names===

*''Japanese:'' '''Shockwave''' (ショックウェーブ ''Shokkuwēbu'')
*''Mandarin:'' '''Jèn-dàng-pō''' (震盪波, "Shock Wave") '''Zhengdangbo''' (震荡波, "Shock Wave")

== References ==
<references/>

==External links==
*''Transformers: The Game'' Shockwave [http://badflipblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/tf1-shockwave-01.html concepts], [http://badflipblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/tf1-shockwave-02.html vehicle mode renderings], [http://badflipblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/tf1-shockwave-03.html robot mode and head concepts], [http://badflipblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/tf1-shockwave-04.html final robot mode rendering] and [http://badflipblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/tf1-shockwave-05.html transformation animation guide] on Ken Christiansen's blog.
* [http://www.gamespot.com/video/932116/6172356/transformers-the-game-interview-1 ''Transformers: The Game'' video interview with Daniel Suarez, featuring Shockwave footage]

[[Category:Dark of the Moon Decepticons]]
[[Category:Movie Decepticons]]
[[Category:Revenge of the Fallen Decepticons]]
[[Category:Scientists]]
[[Category:Triple Changers]]

Air Raid (Movie)

2011-10-25T02:09:47Z

58.69.4.144: /* Notes */

{{factions|autobotfilm|sector7}}
{{disambig3|Air Raid}}
:''Air Raid is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Movie (franchise)|2007 movie franchise]] in the [[live-action film series]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:ReignofStarscream3 AirRaid Smokescreen die.jpg|right|350px|thumb|I can breathe in space with a gaping hole in my chest.]]
Criminals. They are a superstitious, cowardly lot, and '''Air Raid''' has zero tolerance for them. He believes that respect for the law is a defining characteristic of sentient beings, separating them from non-living [[Drone|drones]], and is disgusted by the [[Decepticon|Decepticons]]' disregard for the laws of their own [[Cybertron (planet)|home planet]].

Air Raid has dedicated his life to tracking down the worst of them, spending centuries pursuing them all throughout the galaxy, and he intends to keep this up until every single one has been brought to justice.

==Fiction==
===IDW ''Transformers'' movie sequel comics===
[[Image:ReignofStarscream3 AirRaid vehicle.jpg|left|200px|thumb|[[Furmanism|Like some vast, khaki bird...]]]]

Many years ago, Air Raid was a member of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]'s [[Science Division]] under [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus]]. After a [[The Fallen|strange relic]] was uncovered and aliens from the [[Eshems Nebula]] attacked, [[Megatron (Movie)|Protector Megatron]] declared a military dictatorship, demanding the full cooperation of the entire population. Air Raid was one of those who heeded Optimus' plea for them to not abandon their society's ancient traditions and beliefs. {{storylink|Defiance issue 2|Defiance #2}} After Optimus ''Prime'' and his followers were declared traitors, civil war erupted across the planet. Air Raid joined Optimus Prime's Autobots and led aerial missions against the [[Decepticon]] fliers. {{Storylink|Defiance issue 4|Defiance #4}}

Years later, following the defeat of Megatron on [[Earth]], Air Raid was part of a small Autobot unit led by [[Arcee (Movie)|Arcee]] that tracked [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]], now the leader of the Decepticons, to his base on [[Mars (planet)|Mars]]. {{storylink|The Reign of Starscream issue 2|The Reign of Starscream #2}} Air Raid took to the skies in the ensuing assault, but was shot down by [[Thundercracker (Movie)|Thundercracker]]. [[Smokescreen (Movie)|Smokescreen]] attempted to evacuate his badly damaged comrade, but they were both blown to oblivion by Starscream. {{storylink|The Reign of Starscream issue 3|The Reign of Starscream #3}} His lifeless body was later found by [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]]. {{storylink|Convergence chapter 4}}
{{--}}

==Games==
===''Transformers: Dark of the Moon - The Game''===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Rick Wasserman]]

====(Xbox 360/PS3)====
[[Image:DOTMxbox-Aerialbots.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Air Raid is that guy on the right who's basically Spawn.]]
[[Stratosphere]] was tasked with carrying home early [[MechTech]] samples for safekeeping and was intercepted by [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]], who was ordered to destroy it. Thankfully, Stratosphere was escorted by the [[Aerialbot (ROTF)|Aerialbots]], and when Starscream had proven too potent a threat, the Aerialbots [[Breakaway (ROTF)|Breakaway]], [[Silverbolt (ROTF)|Silverbolt]], and Air Raid exited Stratosphere's cargo area to battle Starscream. Unfortunately, after a lengthy dogfight, all three Aerialbots were defeated. {{storylink|Dark of the Moon (Xbox 360/PS3)}}
{{--}}

==Toys==
===Transformers (2007)===
[[Image:Movie2007 AirRaid toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Well, he can blend into the skies over Los Angeles, at least.]]
*'''Air Raid''' (Scout, 2007)
**''Acccessories:'' Cannon, jet boosters (all combine to form a spear)

: Part of the third wave of [[Target]]-[[exclusive]] Scouts, Air Raid is a [[redeco]] of the ''[[Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' [[Skyblast (Energon)|Skyblast]] mold, transforming into a Cybertronic starfighter. He comes with multiple accessories that can attach to his jet mode for rocket-boosters and an under-slung cannon. In robot mode, these parts re-assemble to form a giant spear, although if preference desires, you can leave them separated and have the spear handle as a hand-held rifle, with the head split in half and clipped to his wrists. Fittingly enough, he has an Automorph gimmick on his chest and head, where rotating the chestplate into position would likewise rotate the head.

: This mold was also used to make his fellow movieverse Autobot [[Skyblast (Movie)|Skyblast]]. It was also used as the basis for the non-transforming ''[[Attacktix]]'' Decepticon piece [[Thrust (Attacktix)|Thrust]], as well as the CGI models for [[Backslash]] and pre-beast [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]] in "[[Theft of the Golden Disk]]".

: In 2009, a [[rebranding|rebranded]] version of this toy was released in the [[Walmart]] [[Black Friday (event)|Black Friday]] exclusive [[Universe (2008 toyline)|''Universe'']] "War of the Waves" two-pack as a ''[[Unicron Trilogy]]''-based [[character]] also named [[Air Raid (Universe 2008)|Air Raid]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2007/Autobot/TargetAirRaid/airraid.htm More info on Target Scout Air Raid at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Revenge of the Fallen===
[[Image:Universe2008 AirRaid.jpg|right|300px|thumb|"I'm the long ARM of the law, if you catch my drift."]]
*'''Superion''' (Multi-pack, 2009)
**''Accessories:'' 2 dual-barrel cannons, connector piece, Autobot-type [[energon star]]

:Available only as a component of [[Superion (ROTF)|Superion]], Air Raid is a dark grey and black redeco of the ''[[Energon (franchise)|Energon]]'' [[Windrazor (Energon)|Windrazor]]/[[Treadshot (Energon)|Treadshot]] mold, transforming into a small, futuristic fighter resembling an F-22 Raptor. He can also form a leg or arm to any ''Energon''-series "[[Powerlinx]] [[Combiner]]" super robot, though his nominal placement is as the left leg to Superion. He comes with two double-barreled guns and a connector piece, which can form hand-held weapons as well as become a footplate or "hand" for his combined mode, plus a blue "super energon" Autobot-style energon star that fits over his [[spark crystal]]. His mold was retooled to round out the nosecone, and does not attach as tightly as previous uses of the mold, or as well as his pack-in teammates.

:Air Raid shares his mold with fellow Superion pack-mate [[Airazor (ROTF)|Airazor]].

:This mold was also used to make [[Fun Publications]] [[Transformers Collectors' Club]]-[[exclusive]] [[Breakaway (Classics)|Breakaway]] and ''[[Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'' [[Airazor (Universe)|Airazor]]. Air Raid's deco is identical to the ''Universe'' [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] component [[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Autobot/AirRaid/airraid.htm More information on Air Raid at TFU.info]''
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===Dark of the Moon===
[[Image:DOTM_MechTech_Deluxe_AirRaid.jpg|thumb|300px|He's in one bloody comic years ago, and he never ''stops'' milking that to try and get money from fans! ]]
*'''Air Raid''' (MechTech Deluxe, [[May 14]], 2011)
**''ID number:'' '''DA12'''
**''Accessories:'' MechTech Blaster/Shot Cannon

:''[[Dark of the Moon (toyline)|Dark of the Moon]]'' Air Raid is a redeco and slight [[retool]] of ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' [[Thrust (ROTF)#Toys|Thrust]], adding [[MechTech]] ports to his arm/top of the jet and the undersides of his wings. He transforms into approximation of an [[Wikipedia:F-35 Lightning II|F-35 Lightning II/Joint Strike Fighter]] and has a non-firing cannon with rotating barrel on his right arm, activated by a gear-wheel embedded in his forearm. His [[Mech Alive]] gimmick is located in his upper arms; turning his forearms makes the machinery inside his biceps turn in time. Air Raid's MechTech Blaster weapon is a retool of [[Topspin (DOTM)|Topspin]]'s, replacing the claws with two halves of a barrel, which form the "Shot Cannon". Thus far, this toy is only available in Japan.

:Air Raid comes packed with a character card and an accompanying transparent plastic card of his MechTech weapon for the MechTech Wars online game. [[TakaraTomy]]'s stock photos of Air Raid (shown on this page) don't show the MechTech ports under his wings.

:The original version of this mold was first used for ''Revenge of the Fallen'' [[Breakaway (ROTF)|Breakaway]].

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[[Image:DOTM_MechTech_Deluxe_AirRaid_2.jpg|thumb|300px|]]
*'''Air Raid''' (MechTech Deluxe, 2011)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''DA33''' ([[November 17]], 2011)
**''Accessories:'' MechTech Shield/Assault Blaster

: A brand new mold, Air Raid ("Seeker Air Raid" in Japan) now transforms into a green AEW&C Boeing E-767. His radar dome can be detached and held as a shield in robot mode, and turns into an blaster when a button is pushed and slid forward. (This weapon is referred to instead as both a "Battle Shield" and an "Ion Pulse Blaster" in the [[bio]])

:He has an [[Automorph]] [[gimmick]], wherein swiveling his cockpit closer up to his back brings his head up.

:Ironically, his swiveled elbows have a greater range of articulation ''backwards'', being able to bend in ''much'' further the other way, compared to forwards (as per the instructions and [[stock photo]]s), when a combination of sculpted details on the front of his upper arms and the plane [[kibble]] on his forearms prevents any further articulation. As both the instructions and stock photos depict the front details of the upper arms being from the "forwards" configuration, his upper arms do ''not'' appear to be [[misassembly|misassembled]].
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==Notes==
*If this article seems haphazard, it's no coincidence. Seven apparently different movie continuity jet Autobots named Air Raid were created over the years by multiple different parties. The Transformers Wiki has elected to assume they are all the same character for simplicity and hilarity.

* Much like many other Target-exclusive Scouts, ''Transformers'' Air Raid's only faction marking (aside from his [[spark crystal]] and molded but unpainted Autobot emblems) is a [[Sector Seven]] logo. How he could ''possibly'' hide in their motor pool is a mystery. Perhaps he used a [[scanning|scan]] of [[Ghost 1]].

* Since the [[stock photography|stock photos]] used on a toy's packaging usually depict hand-painted [[prototype]]s, the Target exclusive Scout Class Air Raid, despite being a redeco of a toy released several years earlier, is depicted using the old prototype design for ''Energon'' [[Skyblast (Energon)|Skyblast]] on his packaging, featuring the original feet with human-like "toes" that were changed to more robotic feet for the production model of Skyblast.

* Air Raid's ''Dark of the Moon'' video game body is a reuse of the [[Seeker Warrior]]s from the ''Revenge of the Fallen'' game.

* The [[bio]] for TakaraTomy's exclusive Air Raid redeco of ''Revenge'' Thrust parses his name as "[[Engrish|Airlaid]]", despite the rest of the packaging rendering it correctly. <small>boom boom SEXY TIME</small>

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Air Raid''' (エアレイド ''Ea Reido'')

[[Category:Aerialbots]]
[[Category:Combiners]]
[[Category:Dark of the Moon Autobots]]
[[Category:Movie Autobots]]
[[Category:Revenge of the Fallen Autobots]]
[[Category:Sector Seven]]
[[Category:Seekers]]
[[Category:Target exclusives]]

Instructions

2011-10-25T02:05:05Z

58.69.4.144: /* Problems with modern-day instructions */ Update.

[[Image:Bumblebee-instructions.jpg|right|350px|thumb|Basically, you make him do yoga.]]
All Transformers [[toy]]s that can be <strike>[[trademark|transformed]]</strike> [[transformation|converted]] between [[alternate mode|different modes]] come with '''instructions'''. Usually, those are included in the form of a sheet of paper (once called "instruction booklet"); however, some smaller toys have them printed on the back of their packaging instead (usually only for toys that come packaged on blister cards).

Instructions always give visual directions for how to convert the toy between its different modes and, if applicable, how to use its [[gimmick]]s and action features, either in the form or photos of the toy itself (or a [[prototype]]) or simplified line artwork. Additional text explanations were common in the [[The Transformers (toyline)|early days]] of the [[Transformers brand|brand]], but have since been dropped at least as far as [[Hasbro]]'s market is concerned.

If the toy includes loose accessories, the instructions will also depict the entire content of the package.

==US ''Transformers'' instructions through the years==
===Generation 1===
[[Image:Overbite-instructions.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Oh sure, he's a giant metal shark with arms and legs, but he's not an ''attack monster'' till you stick some guns on him.]]
All toys from [[Hasbro]]'s 1984 ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]]'' line-up used full-color photos of the toys themselves to illustrate their instructions, with little arrows pointing out the required parts movements for the individual transformation steps. The toys used were actually either [[prototype]]s or recycled ''[[Diaclone]]'' or ''[[Micro Change]]'' production toys. This is most evident in the case of [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]], whose instructions depict him in the infamous blue and silver ''Diaclone'' color scheme, whereas the actual ''Transformers'' toy is entirely silver and sports a different deco.

The [[Mini Vehicle|Mini-Cars/Mini-Vehicles]] and the [[Mini-Cassette]] two-packs featured instructions printed on the back of their blister cards, as did smaller toys from later years that also came packaged on cards. All the toys that came packaged in boxes, meanwhile, featured their instructions printed on a sheet of paper, officially called an "Instruction Booklet" (a name that was dropped after 1989), which was included inside the packaging. The sheets originally came in a format slightly larger than a playing card and could be folded out horizontally, printed on both sides. The instruction sheet for larger toys additionally also had to be folded out vertically. Carded [[combiner]] team members also came with additional instruction sheets, printed on a small, heavily-folded sheet of paper, which showed how to convert all of them into their combined mode. Boxed team members simply had the same line art for the gestalt assembly printed on the back of their instruction sheets. Combiner giftsets had all instructions on one single sheet.

[[Image:G1BluestreakInstructionsSample.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Oh boy. What did ''[[Bluestreak (G1)|this]]'' [[Misconceptions and urban legends about Transformers|start]].]]Starting in 1985, all new toys stopped using photos for their instructions, now using black and white line art depictions of the toys instead, with two-tone color shading to clarify which part was to be moved. Typically, Autobot toys featured gray and red highlights, whereas Decepticons were color-coded gray and purple. In subsequent years, the shading was limited to a single color, and the overall was reduced to the most necessary minimum. [[Micromaster]] Patrol four-packs also introduced alternate colors for highlighted parts that weren't directly faction-related. The [[Micromaster Combiner]] Squads and the [[Action Master]] single packs from 1990 even omitted highlight colors entirely, only featuring only black and white line art with red arrows indicating movement.

All the ''Generation 1'' toys included a verbal description of the action to be taken ("Grasp rear section of [[Blades (G1)|helicopter]] and extend back"), in addition to the visual illustration. With weapons in place and arms swung forward, the instructions would note in congratulatory fashion that "Blades is now ready to battle the evil Decepticons!"

Generation 1 instruction booklets featured a "main" image of the character on their outermost fold as some kind of "cover" art. In 1984, this was a recycled version of the toy's [[package art]]; starting in 1985, the "cover" image also changed to line art, but the nature of this art would vary widely: Sometimes it was a simplified line art reproduction of the package art, or a slight variation thereof; other times, it was a straightforward line drawing of the toy; and in other cases, it was a unique composition, showing an articulated interpretation of the toy, or occasionally a different design altogether. These variations appeared with little regard to toy assortment or sub-line. For example, [[Snapdragon (G1)|Snapdragon]]'s instructions feature line art of his toy, while his [[case]]-mate, fellow [[Horrorcon]] [[Apeface]], has a line version of his box art.
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<center><gallery>
Image:Instructionart-optimusprimeg1.jpg|1984 instructions featured the toy's [[package art]].
Image:Instructionart-tracks.jpg|1985 instructions featured line art based on the package art. [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] is in a slightly different pose than his final box art.
Image:Instructionart-hotspot.jpg|Much of 1986 had straighforward line drawings of the toys.
Image:Instructionart-clones.jpg|1987 was marked by line drawings of the toys, but in poses the toys themselves couldn't achieve.
Image:Instructionart-nightbeat.jpg|1988: [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] uses his head lasers for the first (and [[Cheap Shots|almost last]]) time ever.
Image:Instructionart-bombburst.jpg|1988: the Pretenders got a double cover panel. The first wave Pretenders had straight line art of the toys...
Image:Instructionart-splashdown.jpg|...while the second wave got more of a character interpretation, with posing and altered proportions.
Image:Instructionart-hothouse.jpg|1989: [[Hot House]] is so important that he isn't even in the art!
</gallery></center>
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===Generation 2===
''[[Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' changed very little on the instruction booklet format. Toys that came on genuine blister cards still had their instructions printed on the back of their cards while boxed toys had their instructions printed on the usual separate sheet. Some larger toys, however, came in clam-shells with cardbacks which were unique tho the ''Generation 2'' line. Like their boxed brethren, these toys also included separate instruction sheets.

The instructions themselves continued to use line drawings with additional written instructions, and the established wide variety of different-natured line drawings for their "cover" images. The ''quality'' of the cover art, however, took a sudden nosedive as the line neared its end.

<center><gallery>
Image:Instructionart-optimusprimeg2.jpg|1994: Laser Optimus Prime has tidy art based on his toy...
Image:Instructionart-megatrong2combat.jpg|...while Combat Megatron has a character interpretation.
Image:Instructionart-hooligan.jpg|1995: Hooligan's art is not only terrible, but he's not even transformed correctly.
</gallery></center>

===Beast era===
[[Image:Magmatron-instructions.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Yeeeeeeeah. Good luck figuring this one out, kids.]]
''[[Beast Wars (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' continued to use line drawings of the toys with two-tone shading. Unlike in previous lines, the line art was often simplistic and somewhat crude, making it hard to follow at times—particularly as the toys became more and more intricate. The same applied to the "cover" images, which now depicted both the robot and [[alternate mode]]s, with the robot modes usually depicted in poses that were actually possible with the toys, due to improved articulation.

''Beast Wars'' introduced uniform [[size class]]es that are, by and large, still used today. The Basic and Deluxe figures, which came packaged on blister cards, once again featured their instructions printed on the their cardbacks. Boxed toys (Mega and larger) came with the usual separate instruction sheet.

Early ''[[Beast Machines (toyline)|Beast Machines]]'' toys also used toy line art, at about the same level of quality and detail as ''Beast Wars''. With the 2001 lineup, however, Hasbro suddenly returned to photographic illustrations of the toys, now depicting photos of gray [[prototype]]s and the important parts for each transformation step highlighted in red (which was added in post-production). The [[Dinobot (BM)|Dinobots]] were an exception to this, as they still used line art for their instructions.

The ''[[Machine Wars]]'' toys ''all'' had their instructions printed on the back of their packaging, even larger toys such as Optimus Prime, [[Starscream (G1)/toys|Starscream]] or [[Soundwave (G1)/toys|Soundwave]] that came packaged in boxes.
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===Robots in Disguise and Unicron Trilogy===
[[Image:Scavenger-instructions.jpg|left|200px|thumb|STOMP/FRAPPEZ/ESTAMPILLA]]
Toy instructions from the ''[[Robots in Disguise (toyline)|Robots in Disguise]]'' returned to using line art, but recycled the line art from Takara's Car Robots instructions, which featured a much greater level of accuracy and detail than the Beast Era line instructions, with highlighted parts in various shades of red or purple. The "cover" images also switched to more accurate line drawings. ''[[Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'', ''[[Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' and ''[[Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'', as well as the first ''[[Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' line, ''[[Alternators]]'' and ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'', continued in the same fashion (though ironically, the toys initially became much simpler to transform with ''Armada''). With the corresponding proliferation of electronics during the ''Armada'' franchise, much of the instruction sheet was taken up by warnings and legal declarations regarding the batteries.

With ''Robots in Disguise'', Hasbro also started to use [[multilingual packaging|trilingual packaging]] (English/French/Spanish) across the North American market, which extended to the packaging. Pressed for space, Hasbro abandoned the practice of printing instructions on the back of blister cards altogether, and even smaller carded toys like the simplistic [[Spy Changer]]s and ''Armada'' [[Mini-Con]] three-packs now had their own instruction sheets inside their blister bubbles. It wasn't until the introduction of the [[Legends Class]] during ''Cybertron'' that instructions would be printed on the back of the packaging again, and even then only for single-packed Legends figures.

As a result of the now trilingual instructions, the amount of written instructions was vastly reduced, now mostly limited to headers such as "change to robot" and small number of verbal descriptions for "key" steps, instead relying mostly on the images to provide the information. ''Cybertron'' finally saw a return to English-only instructions for the United States market, which also applied to the remainder of ''Universe'', new ''Alternators'' toys and ''Classics'', but additional written instructions never made a comeback.

The format of the instruction sheets also changed with ''Robots in Disguise'', as the vertical fold no longer matched the instructions' horizontal rows, and many instructions had to be folded out primarily downwards rather than sideways. With the ''Alternators'' line, Hasbro started to print the instructions entirely on one side of the sheet, leaving the other side blank. With the launch of the ''Cybertron'' line, Hasbro also started to apply that format to their other ''Transformers'' lines, which also affected later toys from the original ''Universe'' line. The ''Cybertron'' Mini-Con two-packs were an unusual exception in that they still featured double-sided instructions. Larger toys (Ultra, Leader and Supreme Class figures), however, still continued to use double-sided instruction sheets.

===Movie and beyond===
[[Image:MovieBlackoutInstructionsCover.jpg|right|150px|thumb|[[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]] is now ready to slaughter the heroic US military!]]
The Movie franchise toys continued to use one-sided sheets with detailed line art, but replaced the line art "cover" images with gray-scaled [[stock photography|stock photos]] of airbrushed toy prototypes. This remained unchanged for ''[[Transformers Animated (toyline)|Animated]]'', the second ''[[Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' line and ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'', with only the background image the stock photos were super-imposed over changing with each line. US editions are in English only, but still without verbal instructions.

Instructions for smaller toys still largely continue to be printed entirely on one side of the sheet, leaving the other side blank. Larger toys such as Ultra, Leader and Supreme Class figures or ''[[Movie (toyline)|Movie]]'' [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys|Ultimate Bumblebee]], meanwhile, usually still have double-sided instructions. There's no cut-and-dry rule, however—[[Human Alliance]] Bumblebee from the ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' comes with double-sided instructions, while Human Alliance [[Sideswipe (ROTF)|Sideswipe]] from the same assortment features a one-sided instruction sheet. With the [[Transformers (2010 toyline)|2010 ''Transformers'' line]], two-sides instructions have become a new standard, with the flip side now depicting the reverse transformation, rather than relying on a note such as "Reverse order of instructions to convert back into robot".

With the launch of the ''[[Dark of the Moon (toyline)|Dark of the Moon]]'' toy line, the instructions would see a change yet again. Instructions now feature grayscale unpainted prototypes (like later Beast Machines instructions), with the transformation steps highlighted in either red(Autobot) or purple(Decepticon). Most, if not all, instructions are double-sided and cover both going from the mode the toy is packaged in, and back again. Hasbro also began uploading video instructions on [[YouTube]].
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==International instructions==
===Japan (Takara/TakaraTomy)===
[[Image:BinaltechHoundInstructions.jpg|thumb|110px|left|So much negativity for something so helpful!]]
[[TakaraTomy|Takara's]] early ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers]]'' toys used gray-scaled versions of the photos from Hasbro's corresponding ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]]'' instructions where available, and the same line artwork as found in Hasbro's instructions for the rest where available. Takara-only toys featured line artwork following the same style for their instructions. An unusual case was [[Megatron (G1)/toys|Megatron]], who used toy photos in ''addition'' to the mainly line-art-only instructions.

For their ''[[Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' instructions, Takara used gray-scaled photos of the actual toys, but returned to line art for their ''[[Beast Wars (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' instructions. Though the line art featured about the same crude ''quality'' as Hasbro's instructions, the line art wasn't actually the same. Some ''[[Beast Wars (toyline)|Beast Wars Metals]]'' toys such as [[Ravage (G1)/toys|Jaguar]] used color photos of the toys (or colored [[prototype]]s) for their instructions.

With ''[[Robots in Disguise (toyline)|Car Robots]]'', Takara returned to line drawings, but of a much higher detail and better quality than their ''Beast Wars'' instructions. Those same line drawings were later used by Hasbro for their ''Robots in Disguise'' port of the toys. For ''[[Cybertron (toyline)|Galaxy Force]]'' instructions, Takara used photos of gray prototypes, highlighting the important parts for each transformation step in red, similar to Hasbro's later ''[[Beast Machines (toyline)|Beast Machines]]'' instructions.

[[Image:ROTFBludgeon_japanese_instructions.jpg|thumb|300px|''Revenge of the Fallen'' Bludgeon's instructions showing verbal descriptions of the steps, and additionally naming his bladed weapons.]]

For their ''[[Alternators|Binaltech]]'' line, Takara used actual stapled instruction booklets, where one had to flip through the individual pages. The instructions used negative line art with white lines on black backgrounds, with no highlight colors whatsoever. In addition, the line art was different (if not to say better and more clear and helpful) than that used for Hasbro's instructions for their Alternators versions of those same toys. In addition to the actual instructions themselves, those booklets also contained a small gallery of the toy with highlights and text descriptions of various features, a fictional "system description" of the Transformers character, a text-only chapter of [[Hirofumi Ichikawa]]'s "Binaltech Story" and technical details of the [[licensed vehicle alternate modes|real-life]] [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]].

Unlike Hasbro's instructions, Takara's instructions have never stopped using additional verbal descriptions of the individual transformation steps.
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===International Hasbro instructions===
[[Image:EuropeanROTFDuneRunnerInstructions.jpg|thumb|350px|right|(GB) Typical European instructions. (F) Des instructions Européenes typiques. (D) Eine typische europäische Anleitung. (E) Instrucciones europeas típicas. (P) Instruções tipícas europeias. (I) Tipiche istruzioni europee. (NL) Een typisch Europese handleiding. (S) Typiska europeiska instruktioner. (DK) Typisk europæiske instruktioner. (N) Typisk Europeiske instruksjoner. (FIN) Tyypillisiä eurooppalaisia ohjeita. (GR) Τυπικές Ευρωπαϊκες οδηγίες. (PL) Typowa europejska instrukcja. (H) Egy tipikus európai utasitás. (TR) Genel Avrupa Açıklaması. (CZ) Typicky evropský popis. (SK) Typický európsky návod.]]
Canadian and European ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]]'' were, for the most part, unchanged from their United States counterparts. However, Canadian instructions featured text descriptions in both English and French, which resulted in somewhat cluttered spaces. Toys released by Hasbro in Europe, meanwhile, featured a drastically reduced amount of verbal instructions depending on how many different languages the instructions had to cover—the more alternate languages in the same instructions, the less text the instructions featured.

The "[[Classics (Europe)|Classics]]" re-issues of older toys released by Hasbro in Europe in 1990 and 1991 reused the original toys' instructions with minimal changes, including photographic illustrations for the toys originally released in 1984.

With ''[[Robots in Disguise (toyline)|Robots in Disguise]]'', Hasbro used the same trilingual (English/French/Spanish) instructions for the Canadian, Mexican and United States market, with minimal text instructions. After Hasbro returned to English-only instructions for the US market, Canada and Mexico continued to get trilingual instructions, but like their US counterparts, they still lacked text descriptions. The same applies to European instructions, which haven't featured verbal instructions ever since the days of the European-exclusive tail-end ''Generation 1'' toys, and have added more and more languages with subsequent lines (see "[[multilingual packaging]]" for more on this), which results in headers such as "Change to robot" cluttering a lot of space, while the individual instruction steps remain entirely text-less.
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==Undocumented features==
In some cases, instructions completely neglect to inform the owner of a toy about some of its features. This is different from actual ''problems'' with the instructions (see below), as this does not affect the functionality of the toy or make it harder to transform; knowledge of these features simply adds extra play value to the toy. In either case, the feature was clearly designed on purpose, and isn't simply a freak coincidence (such as various toys' standardized [[5mm post|5 millimeter pegs]] being the same size as [[Mini-Con]] ports, and thus allowing for Mini-Cons to be attached to them).

Sometimes this may be a partially abandoned [[gimmick]], or sometimes it can be minor elements of the transformation, such as the flip-out spikes or claws on ''[[Movie (toyline)|Movie]]'' Deluxe Class [[Barricade (Movie)#Deluxe Class|Barricade]] and Leader Class [[Brawl (Movie)#Leader Class|Brawl's]] feet. Sometimes it can also be an additional possible configuration, such as [[Nightstick (Cyclonus)|Nightstick]] from ''[[Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] being able to be attached to Cyclonus's wrist (with the hand not flipped out) in gun mode.

Sometimes it can also be the compatibility of the toy with one or more separately available toys. For example, instructions for the "Dollar store" [[exclusive]] [[rebranding|rebranded]] re-releases of various ''[[Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' [[combiner]] components in ''[[Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' packaging made no mention of their combining ability, unlike their previous ''Energon'' releases. This might be because not all components were re-released in ''Universe'' packaging, and not all of them in the same [[wave]]. Similarly, the abandoned combined mode for ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' [[Arcee (Movie)#Revenge of the Fallen|Arcee]], [[Chromia (ROTF)|Chromia]] and [[Elita-One (Movie)|Elita-1]] was not mentioned in any of the toys' instructions (Hasbro promised to publish these instructions online, but ultimately never followed suit). More oddly, the ''Revenge of the Fallen'' [[Legends Class]] [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#Legends Class 2|Optimus Prime]] and [[Jetfire (ROTF)#Legends Class|Jetfire's]] ability to combine was not acknowledged anywhere in their individual releases' instructions.

Sometimes these omissions are glaringly bizarre: For example, the instructions for [[Transformers (2010 toyline)|2010 ''Transformers'']] Scout Class [[Breacher]] completely neglect to mention the fact that his [[weapon]] can be detached from the roof mount/back of the robot and attached to the side of either hand using a [[C joint|C-clip]]—''even though the weapon is shown attached to one of his hands in the official [[stock photography]] on the back of the toy's packaging!''

==Problems with modern-day instructions==
[[Image:MovStarscreamInstructionsWeird.jpg|thumb|left|250px|I'm supposed to do ''what'' exactly?]]As the toys became more complex, Hasbro's instructions became less and less helpful. In some cases, they are unclear on vital steps or even skip steps entirely. For example, when ''[[Movie (toyline)|Movie]]'' Voyager Class [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream's]] instructions try to show how to flip out the legs, the important steps occur on the ''opposite'' side of the body as opposed to the one the reader is looking at. Meanwhile, ''[[Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl's]] instructions fail to point out that his feet can be pulled out in addition to being flipped out, despite showing them in their extracted state in the following step.

Furthermore, in some cases the line art is based on early [[prototype]]s and depicts steps that aren't ''possible'' with the final toys, as some transformation steps, joints and features still present on the prototypes have been [[design change|gutted]] for budget reasons. For example, ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' Voyager Class Starscream's instructions refer to an additional joint inside the hand's palms that allows to fold them up in jet mode, and depict the forearm cannons in a position where they are moved forward when illustrating the push-button missile firing [[gimmick]], even though the actual toy's hands are cast in one piece, and the cannons are sculpted in place on the actual toy.

[[Image:UniSideswipeWrongRobotMode.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Seriously, Hasbro?]]In the case of [[retool]]s, Hasbro often fail to properly address the changes in the line artwork used for the instructions for those toys. For example, the instructions for ''[[Alternators]]'' retools such as [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]], [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]], [[Ravage (G1)/toys|Battle Ravage]] or [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] reflect the changes in vehicle mode, but incorrectly still depict the original toys' head sculpts. An even worse example is ''[[Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]], a retool of ''Universe'' [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]], who not only sports a different head sculpt, but also uses a slightly ''different transformation scheme'', with the upper torso rotated by 180 degrees as compared to Sunstreaker. ''Neither difference is reflected in the instructions' line art'', which is simply recycled from Sunstreaker's instructions.

''Revenge of the Fallen'' Leader Class [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime's]] instructions are infamous in the ''Transformers'' [[fandom]] for being vague and unclear, leaving out some steps in an attempt to economically use the space available on the instruction sheet. Evidently, the instructions were considered so poor that when [[TakaraTomy]] released their Buster Optimus Prime retool of this toy, they included supplementary photograph steps that were left out in the original instructions. Even worse is [[Transformers (2010 toyline)|2010 ''Transformers'']] Voyager Class Battle Blades Optimus Prime: The instructions show a way of concealing his head that ends up wedging it in place almost permanently inside his chest... ''unless'' one were to find and use the concealed hinge at the base of Prime's back (the roof of the sleeper) that the instructions make no mention of, despite it greatly simplifying the transformation. The instructions clearly show the hinge and yet ignore it completely—in fact, going strictly by the instructions and not making use of the hinge makes several steps of the transformation ''impossible'' due to parts getting into each others' way; or worse yet, they could clip through each other to get in place, thus ''damaging the toy''. In addition to that, the instructions fail to mention several other design elements that tremendously increase the ease of the transformation.<ref name="hftdprime">[http://www.allspark.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=73197 Allspark thread about the bad instructions of 2010 ''Transformers'' Voyager Class Battle Blades Optimus Prime.]</ref>

Sometimes instructions are also just ''weird'' and seemingly random: ''Revenge of the Fallen'' [[Human Alliance]] [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys|Bumblebee's]] instructions don't suggest rotating and unfolding the kneepads until the step that shows how to stand [[Sam Witwicky|Sam]] in Bumblebee's back so he can handle the shoulder launcher, as if Bumblebee was only supposed to have "proper" knees when Sam is riding in his back. Some of Hasbro's [[stock photography|stock photos]] also depict the incompletely transformed kneepads as part of the "proper" robot mode; then again, the photographer might have actually used the instructions as a reference. Also, the stock photos depicted on top of the instruction sheet itself show the knees folded out; but then again, Sam is riding in Bumblebee's back in those photos.

Hasbro have recently addressed the increased difficulty with modern-day toys as well as the resulting problems for the instructions. A change in the instruction format has been promised for 2010 which will supposedly address these problems.<ref name="tflqa">[http://www.transformerland.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3789 December 2009 Hasbro Q&A at Transformerland.com]</ref> As of the third quarter of 2011, this is thus far reflected in the instructions of various ''Dark of the Moon'' toys, replacing the line-art of previous lines with photos of gray-scale prototypes, as well as illustrating the subtler portions of the transformations with alternate angles, highlighting certain elements like pegs and their respective peg-holes to show where they connect, and even the rare verbal instruction. Also, as mentioned before, most instructions are now double-sided, with Hasbro uploading video instructions online as well.
{{-}}

==Notes==
[[Image:GreekInstructionsCatapultRobot.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Changes from car to Greek catapult and back again!]]
*With the second [[wave]] of the 2008 ''[[Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' line, Hasbro changed multi-language text headers such as "Change to robot" in their European instructions from mixed case to upper case. Somehow, however, a weird error sneaked its way in: The Greek version of "Change to robot", previously correctly rendered as "Αλλαγή σε Ρομποτ" in mixed case, was changed to "ΑΛΛΑΓΗ ΣΕ ΚΑΤΑΠΕΛΤΗ" in uppercase... which translates as "Change to catapult".
*Despite being usually grammatically correct in most instances, the wording isn't always the best: The German version of [[Ravage (G1)/toys|Ravage's]] instructions from ''Universe'' [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] translates the word "Beast" (a call-out to the ''[[Beast Wars (franchise)|Beast Wars]]'' and their "beast modes") as "Monster", rather than the more appropriate "Tier" ("animal"). Worse, the Slovakian version of "Changing to vehicle", "Zmena na automobil", uses "automobil" as a standard translation for "vehicle", including tank (''[[Movie (toyline)|Movie]]'' [[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]]) and helicopter (''Movie'' [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]]) [[alternate mode]]s, even though the Slovakian word "automobil" specifically refers to cars. Likewise, "Tvar automobilu" translates as "shape of car", not "vehicle mode".
{{-}}

==External links==
*[http://www.botchthecrab.com/archive/instructions/ Botch the Crab's Generation 1 instructions archive]
*[http://tfwiki.net/~fortmax/ FortMax's Instructions Archive]

==Footnotes==
<references/>

[[Category:Hasbro]]
[[Category:TakaraTomy]]
[[Category:Toys]]

Battle Unicorn

2011-10-25T01:26:41Z

58.69.4.144: Undo revision 651240 by 86.163.230.112 (Talk)

{{factions|maximalbm}}
:''Battle Unicorn is a [[Maximal]] from the [[Beast Machines (franchise)|Beast Machines]] portion of the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''

[[Image:BM-toy BattleUnicornRobot.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Always, I want to be with you, and make believe with you, and live in harmony, harmony, oh love...]]

Certain [[Vehicon general|Vehicon generals]] doubt the existence of a mysterious [[technorganic]] [[unicorn]] which doesn't show up on radar, moves without sound, appears and disappears like magic, and leaves only scrambled, indecipherable sensor logs in his wake. Those that have fought '''Battle Unicorn''', however, quickly learn that his fanciful alternate mode and prosaic designation disguise a powerful warrior, as intelligent and stealthy as he is skilled with his battle axe should a combatant actually manage to engage him. His stealth armor, sound dampers, sensor-scrambling hoof-stomps, and unique teleportation abilities combine to make this a rare occurrence, and make Battle Unicorn an excellent scout.

==Fiction==
===''Universe''===
{{note|In the original script to the unreleased [[The Wreckers: Finale Part 1|''Wreckers'' issue #4]], "Battle Unicorn" was not an individual, but the name of a legion of warriors with the same body form. They were considered the best of the best of the post-''Beast Machines'' Cybertronian army: polished, epic, and intimidating. They let the less-organized and less-impressive rabble ride into battle on their backs.}}

[[Image:Maximalhighcouncil.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Primal interrupted their intense zoning regulations debate.]]

One week after the [[Great Reformatting]], as [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] fought the invading [[Quintesson]] forces, he was surrounded by brigades of Battle Unicorns and their [[Sharkticon (G1)|Sharkticon]] opponents. Later, as [[Nightscream (BM)|Nightscream]] joined a handful of other Maximals in their descent through Cybertron's layers to stop the Predacon gangster [[Cryotek (RID)|Cryotek]], he wondered why they didn't bring a "phalanx of Battle Unicorns." {{storylink|Wreckers: Finale Part II}}

An apparently politically ambitious Battle Unicorn was a member of the [[Maximal High Council]] in the time after [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]'s defeat and [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]'s [[technorganic]] [[Great Reformatting|reformatting]]. He, like the rest of the council, was apparently unmoved by [[Optimus Primal]]'s return and prophecies of [[Unicron]]-borne doom. {{storylink|Homecoming (issue)|Homecoming}}

When the [[Universe war]] began in earnest, Optimus Primal was successful in warding off most invading forces and keeping both the High Council and civilization in general undisturbed. This all changed suddenly and dramatically with "the [[Culling]]," which began when Unicron's hordes attacked Cybertron en masse. The Maximal High Council (and its Battle Unicorn) were among the first to fall as the general population was harvested for their [[spark]]s. {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 9|Beast Wars 10th Anniversary Optimus Primal's bio}}
{{--}}

==Toys==
===Beast Machines===
[[Image:BM-toy BattleUnicornBeast.jpg|right|250px|thumb|For some reason, a lot of dyslexic fans seem disappointed to see me.]]
*'''Battle Unicorn''' (Basic, 2001)
**''Accessories'': Battle-ax

: Battle Unicorn transforms into a technorganic unicorn. The dial containing his [[spark crystal]] on the beast mode's left shoulder activates an "attack" gimmick, moving his head up and down in a headbutt/ramming attack. His tail 'n' mane form a massive battle axe for use in robot mode.

: Released at the very end of the [[Beast Machines (toyline)|''Beast Machines'' line]], Battle Unicorn had an exceptionally short "shelf life", leading to many fans never seeing him on the shelf at all. However, [[Hasbro]] worked out a deal with online toy store [[BigBadToyStore]], selling them solid cases of the figure (which managed to fill their warehouse for a good eight years).

: This mold was later [[redeco]]ed to make [[Magna Stampede]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2001/Maximal/BattleUnicorn/battleunicorn.htm More information on Battle Unicorn at TFU.info]''

[[Category:Beast Machines Maximals]]
[[Category:Mass-produced Transformers]]
[[Category:Maximal leaders]]
[[Category:Scouts]]
[[Category:Universe Maximals]]

Ironhide (Movie)/toys

2011-10-24T12:33:10Z

58.69.4.144: /* Cyberverse */

{{suite}}

'''[[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]]''' has enough toys to afford several new cannons.

==Toys==
===Transformers (2007)===
====Legends Class toys====
[[Image:Movie Legends Ironhide DesertBlackout.jpg|right|300px|thumb|''Don't mess'', Blackout, or Ironhide will wave his fist angrily while you fly out of range!]]
*'''Ironhide Vs. Desert Blackout''' (Legends "Allspark Battles" two-pack, 2008)

: An all-new Ironhide tooling that packs considerable accuracy into his small, simple design. Unlike the Voyager class toy, Legends Ironhide stores his cannons in the truck's bed. He comes with a desert scheme redeco of Legends class [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]].

: Amusingly, this version of Ironhide is one of only two American toy releases that has full-length exhaust stacks. Also, there are many complaints about the fists sticking out of the back of the truck and the weird truck proportions.

{{-}}

====Voyager Class toys====
[[Image:Movie Voyager Ironhide toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|[[Guiltaur]] called, he wants his weapon back.]]
*'''Ironhide''' (Voyager Class, 2007)
**''Japanese ID Number:'' '''MA-09'''
**''Accessories:'' Left & right cannons, 4 missiles

:Ironhide transforms into a modified black 2006 [[wikipedia:GMC Topkick|GMC Topkick]] 4500 four-wheel drive pickup truck. Although Hasbro's official stock photos and early packaged [[Prototype|samples]] featured two real-life accurate full length exhaust smokestacks behind the rear cabin, they have been slightly shortened for [[For safety reasons|safety]] and durability reasons for the actual release of the toy. Otherwise, however, the vehicle mode is very accurate to the real prop truck... well, aside from the fact that Ironhide's massive missile launchers are quite visible underneath the vehicle. Despite rumors to the contrary, TakaraTomy's Japanese release of the toy features the same shortened smokestacks as the Hasbro version.

:Ironhide features an [[Automorph]] gimmick in his legs during transformation: As the user swings down his feet, all of the panels that make up his legs automatically shift and fold into place. This gimmick does not affect Ironhide's articulation. Confusingly, the instructions omit the exact positioning of the roof panels and rear window on his back, though they can fold into a compact design for maximum articulation.

:In robot mode,his arm-mounted cannons are inactive while mounted on both arms. However, detaching the left arm cannon and combining it with the right arm creates a '''huge''' functional missile launcher that is almost as big as Ironhide himself. The missile-launching mechanism itself isn't the typical spring-loaded button design, instead relying on a pressure-launch system to fire the missiles from the four barrels.

:The soles of his feet/truck bed are completely smooth and featureless, hiding his feet in truck mode. Unfortunately, the smooth soles also mean that his feet have trouble gripping most surfaces. This, combined with his loose above-the-knee swivels, means that he has trouble standing up in all but the stiffest of poses. The peg that holds his windshield is also prone to cracking, which makes it become loose, and might even result in breakage.
{{-}}

{{anchor|VoyagerOffroad}}
[[Image:Movie Voyager Offroad Ironhide.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Ironhide in full-fledged colour!]]
*'''Offroad Ironhide''' (Voyager Class, 2008)
**''Accessories:'' Left & right cannons, 4 missiles

:Released as part of the "Allspark Power" refresh of the Movie toyline, Offroad Ironhide is a fairly extensive redeco of Voyager class Ironhide in colors reminiscent of the ''[[Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' [[Go-Bot (G2)|Go-Bot]] [[Motormouth]]. As he's now made of several colors of plastic, he's no longer the most monochromatic toy in the 2007 ''Movie'' line.

{{-}}

{{anchor|VoyagerPremium}}
[[Image:Movie Ironhide PremiumVoyager toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|The skies leaked powder on me.]]
*'''Ironhide''' ("Premium Series" Voyager Class, 2008)
**''Accessories:'' Left & right cannons, 4 missiles

:Premium Ironhide is a redeco of the previous released Voyager class Ironhide, painted in a gloss black finish, silver trim on his smokestacks, Road Armor winch and side turn signal detailing, but with them are several inaccurate deco additions including silver detailing to the rims, frosted windows, silver paint on the roof ridges and a large Autobot sigil tampographed onto the hood.

:In robot mode Ironhide is considerably more accurate with gold and gunmetal detailing colors which were missing from the first Voyager release. His large cannons are now molded in mostly black plastic, then painted metallic teal with gold detailing.
{{-}}

====Fast Action Battlers====
[[Image:Movie FAB Ironhide.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Pop goes the Autobot.]]
*'''Cannon Blast Ironhide''' (Fast Action Battler, 2007)
**''Accessories:'' 1 missile

:Part of the [[Fast Action Battlers]] line, "Cannon Blast" Ironhide is a simpler version of the larger toy, geared more towards the younger set who might find the big toy too complicated to transform. He still transforms into the customized GMC Topkick. He features a spring-loaded missile launcher in his left cannon. But, thanks to the simpler transformation, the hood and wheels trap his arms below the wheel. He can't punch or aim his cannon at all, and the elbows have no articulation but swiveling that knocks the arm off his body.

{{-}}

{{anchor|FABPulse}}

[[Image:Movie FAB PulseCannon Ironhide.jpg|right|300px|thumb|It's a squirrel-squashin', deer-smackin', drivin' machine!]]
*'''Pulse Cannon Ironhide''' (Fast Action Battler, 2008)
**''Accessories:'' 1 missiles

:A redeco of the Fast Action Battler Ironhide, this version sports a silver and blue color scheme that is both a reversal of the "Offroad" Ironhide Voyager figure... and seemingly an [[homage]] to the [[:Image:G2Gobot_Ironhide.jpg|''Generation 2'' Go-Bots version]] of his ''[[Generation 1]]'' [[Ironhide (G1)|counterpart]], a redeco of Motormouth (see above). Funky!

{{-}}

====Cyber Slammers====
[[Image:Movie CyberSlammers Ironhide.jpg|right|300px|thumb|"Slam" This!]]
*'''Ironhide''' (Cyber Slammer, 2008)

:Cyber Slammers Ironhide is an amazingly cute GMC Topkick that transforms into an amazingly cute trigger happy weapons specialist. 'Slam' his robot mode down into car mode and he rolls along, slowly transforming back up into robot mode. Like most Cyber Slammers, Ironhide manages to cram most of his vehicle mode's major details into a compact, super-deformed version of that mode. Interestingly enough, this is the only pre-Revenge of the Fallen merchandise to feature Ironhide's scarred right eye.

{{-}}

====Titanium Series====
[[Image:Movie TitaniumRM Ironhide.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Dances to every Bon Jovi song...ever.]]
*'''Ironhide''' (3-inch Robot Masters, 2007)
**''Accessories:'' Movie Autobot sigil display stand

:''[[Titanium Series]]'' Ironhide is a small, 3-inch-tall [[die-cast]] metal mini-statue of Ironhide's robot mode. He has swivel points at the shoulders and head, and comes with a clear plastic movie-style Autobot sigil stand.

{{-}}

===Revenge of the Fallen===
====Legends Class toys====
[[Image:ROTF-toy IronhideEnforcer.jpg|thumb|300px|Right colors, wrong <s>bot</s> toy.]]
*'''Enforcer Ironhide''' (Legends, 2009)

:Enforcer Ironhide is a [[redeco]] of 2008's [[Legends Class|Legends class]] [[Ironhide (Movie)#Legends Class toys|Ironhide]] in a more [[Ironhide (G1)|Generation 1-looking red]] colour scheme. As with all wave three Legends figures, the photo on the back of the figure's packaging shows a mistransformed robot mode, where his chest is not aligned properly.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Autobot/LegIronhide/ironhide.htm More information on Enforcer Ironhide at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Straightaway}}
[[Image:ROTF-toy_IronhideSS.jpg|thumb|300px|Colours suck!]]
*'''Straightaway Shootout''' (Legends multi-pack, 2009)

:A redeco of 2008 Legends Ironhide featuring his regular colors, but using different color layouts and [[Paint operation|paint applications]]. He was only available in the [[Target]]-[[exclusive]] "[[Straightaway Shootout]]" 5-pack together with [[Mudflap (ROTF)#Straightaway|Mudflap]], [[Swerve (Movie)#Straightaway|Swerve]], [[Runamuck (ROTF)|Runamuck]] and [[Sparkcrusher]].

:In [[Canada]], the set was released as a Zellers exclusive.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Autobot/TargetLegIronhide/ironhide.htm More information on Straightaway Shootout Ironhide at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

====Voyager Class toys====
[[Image:ROTF Voyager Ironhide.jpg|right|300px|thumb|No matter which mode he's in, Ironhide still outguns you.]]
*'''Ironhide''' (Voyager, 2009)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''RA-02'''
**''Accessories:'' Missile launcher cannon, energy cannon, projectile

: ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' Voyager class Ironhide is a retool of the toy from the 2007 ''Transformers'' movie line. The original arm cannons have been replaced by new, more accurate (and less [[Gimmick|gimmicky]]) cannons that can be connected together and mounted on top of Ironhide's truck bed cover. The truck bed cover and arm mountings for this Ironhide's cannons are unchanged from the 2007 movie line voyagers. So any voyager Ironhide can carry and use both the original and new weapons. The large cannon features screwdriving firing action in which the barrel section twists forward before firing the missile. The small cannon can retract its barrel and has a 5mm hole on its underside that allows it to plug into the peg on the large cannon like a scope if so desired. The smaller cannon can also be swung down flush with the barrel of the larger cannon, evoking the giant missile launcher combo from the 2007 mold. Since the weapons can connect to each other, the figure (and all other uses of this mold) can hold these and the combined 2007 cannons at once. All four cannons can fit on his truck mode as well, the old ones underneath and the new ones on top. Ironhide's head has been replaced with a more accurate, asymmetrical head. Ironhide also features a new grey colour scheme with some red pin stripes and a [[NEST]] logo on each of his doors.

: According to the box pictures and instructions, the small cannon is misassembled. The gray sliding shaft is actually reversed from the direction it is supposed to be facing. This doesn't affect anything, but can be easily fixed by loosening the screws on the black outer section, sliding out the shaft, then turning it around and putting it back in.

: A packaging variant determines whether the missile is loaded or unloaded in the box.

{{-}}{{anchor|Recon}}
[[Image:ROTFtoy-JungleAttackIronhideVoyager.jpg|right|thumb|300px|John Rambot.]]
*'''Recon Ironhide''' (Voyager, 2009)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''RA-26'''
**''Accessories:'' Assault rifle, mini-gun, knife A, knife B, bullbar/crossbow, cannon, spring-loaded cannon/crossbow, projectile

:Recon Ironhide is an extensive retool, replacing his doors with military Humvee-style armoured door panels, adding a roof/truck bed-mounted lighting rig/weapons rack and replacing his Road Armor fender with a massive bullbar that can be removed and combined with his spring-loaded cannon to form a crossbow weapon. Ironhide's traditional arm-mounted weapons have been replaced with the aforementioned spring-loaded cannon, a smaller static version of his right-arm mounted cannon, an assault rifle, a mini-gun, and two combat knives, one being short and serrated, the other being long and straight-edged.

:In one of the first intentional uses of the [[C joint]] system (if not ''the'' first), either knife can be attached to the front of the rifle to act as a bayonet, and the rifles and knives can be attached to his various bars and rails. The rifle and mini-gun can be pegged to the sides of his arm mounted cannons, and they can also peg into the main barrel of his static arm cannon.

:Think he's armed enough yet? Additionally, this retool of Ironhide includes a new head-sculpt featuring his battle mask.

:In an unfortunate change, possibly [[For safety reasons|for durability reasons]], all of Ironhide's (newly-tooled) windows are now cast in opaque plastic, compared to the translucent plastic seen on previous versions of this toy.

{{-}}

====Fast Action Battlers====
[[Image:Ironhide ROTF FAB toy.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Again, so near, yet so far.]]
*'''Cannon Force Ironhide''' (Fast Action Battler, 2009)
**''Accessories:'' 1 missile

:Cannon Force Ironhide is a redeco of 2007's Cannon Blast Ironhide figure. His colourscheme matches the mostly-red deco seen on the Legends class Enforcer Ironhide toy.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Autobot/FABIronhide/ironhide.htm More information on Cannon Force Ironhide at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

====Robot Replicas====
[[Image:ROTF RobotReplicas Ironhide.jpg|right|150px|thumb|]]
*'''Ironhide''' (Robot Replica, 2009)

{{charstubtoys}}
{{-}}

====Titanium Series====
*'''Offroad Ironhide vs. Deep Desert Brawl''' (3-inch Robot Masters multi-pack, 2009)
**''Accessories:'' Movie Autobot sigil display stand

:This [[Toys"R"Us]]-exclusive set features an unchanged version of 2007's ''Titanium Series'' Ironhide (despite package claims to the contrary) and a [[redeco]]ed [[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]].
{{-}}
{{picsneeded}}

===Transformers (2010)===
====Legends Class toys====
[[Image:DesertDecimationIronhide.jpg|thumb|300px|"Brawl and Bonecrusher again OH COME ON!!! I'm going to feed their corpses through the damn shredder this time..."]]
*'''Desert Decimation''' (Legends multi-pack, 2010)

:A redeco of 2008 Legends Ironhide featuring metallic sand deco. He was only available in the [[market six]]-[[exclusive]] "[[Desert Decimation]]" 4-pack together with [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]], [[Brawl (Movie)|Decepticon Brawl]], and [[Bonecrusher (Movie)|Bonecrusher]].

{{-}}

====Deluxe Class toys====
[[Image:Transformers2010DeluxeIronhide.jpg|thumb|300px|]]
*'''Ironhide''' (Deluxe, 2010)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''AA-03'''
**''Accessories:'' Weapon pod

:A new-sculpt Deluxe-sized figure of Ironhide, with a surprisingly complex transformation and an almost ridiculously [[show-accuracy|movie-accurate]] (and surprisingly stable) robot mode. His smokestacks are of the long variety.

:The toy comes with a transforming weapon accessory, his missile turret from the [[Revenge of the Fallen (Xbox 360/PS3/PC)|''Revenge of the Fallen'' video game]]. Sadly, this goes at the expense of a movie-accurate cannon for the left arm. The turret can stay attached to his arm when transforming back to his vehicle mode, thanks to a hard to notice joint on the other arm's cannon flipping open to allow more room, ensuring no chance of losing this accessory. In an undocumented feature, the turret can also attach to the back of Ironhide's vehicle mode by slotting two of its legs into two small holes on the truck bed, the third leg can them be positioned forward and slot into a groove on the back of the cab. This can be quite difficult however if (in another undocumented feature) you do not fully extend the turret's legs which are attached to a black piece which allows all 3 legs to fold down further than just pulling each one out individually; this allows for a greater range of movement and allows the turret to be aimed upwards. Interestingly, his hands can hold 5mm weapons, which means he can use Recon Ironhide's or MechTech weapons. In one more undocumented feature,you can swivel his arm kibble around and use the bottom of his smokestacks as machine guns.
{{picsneeded|Japanese version}}

:The [[TakaraTomy]] ''Autobot Alliance'' release of this figure features a significant colouring change: Where Hasbro's release cast much of Ironhide's legs, feet, hands, shoulders and some joints in a bright gunmetal colour, TakaraTomy's uses dark grey plastic.
{{-}}

====Voyager Class toys====
{{picsneeded}}
*'''The Fury Of Bonecrusher''' (multi-pack, 2010)
**''Accessories:'' Assault rifle, minigun, knife, bullbar/crossbow, projectile

:This [[Walmart]]-exclusive two-pack contains a redeco of ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Recon Ironhide in blue with sand details painted on his vehicle mode and bits of Allspark blue on his cannons. He is packaged with a redeco of Deluxe-class [[Bonecrusher (Movie)|Bonecrusher]] from the first movie and, as part of the "[[Hunt for the Decepticons]]" promotion, a "Most Wanted" collector's card featuring the Decepticon.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2010/Autobot/WMIronhide/ironhide.htm More information on Ironhide at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

====Activators====
[[Image:TF2010-toy Activators Ironhide.jpg|thumb|right|300px|D'awww, and he's got a cute ickle smile!]]
*'''Ironhide''' (Activator, 2010)

:[[Activators]] Ironhide is a smaller toy with cutesified proportions and a simplified transformation. Like all Activators, he features [[autotransformation]] from vehicle to robot, activated by pressing a button on his roof.
{{-}}

===Dark of the Moon===
====Cyberverse====
[[Image:DOTM_CyberverseCommande_Ironhide_toy.jpg|thumb|300px|About time.]]
*'''Ironhide''' (Cyberverse Commander, 2011)
**''Series:'' '''1'''
**''Number:'' '''004'''
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''CV06'''
**''Accessories:'' 2 Cannons

:''[[Cyberverse]]'' Commander Ironhide is a brand new mold, being much better in proportion than his previous Legends-class figure. His articulation has also improved significantly, as he's roughly as articulated as his Deluxe-class figure. Unfortunately, his arms don't swing out far enough in robot mode, although his elbows can bend in quite a lot to easily compensate for this.

:He comes with two cannons that can attach to the sides or top of his Topkick mode. One of his cannons has a [[C joint]], allowing it to attach to the bed cover, and both cannons can combine into a larger weapon. In robot mode, he can attach his guns on the sides of his arms, his back, or hold them in his hands. The multi-barreled cannon features a free spinning barrel.

{{-}}

[[Image:Ironhide_Target_Cyberverse.jpg|thumb|300px|"Wait. Am I Ironhide or Kup?"]]
{{anchor|TargetCyberverseVs}}
*'''Leadfoot and Ironhide''' (Cyberverse 2-pack, 2011)
**''Accessories:'' 2 Cannons

: This [[Target]]-exclusive Ironhide is a redeco of the Cyberverse Commander figure. He is now dark blue and has [[cyberglyphics]] on the hood and doors of his vehicle mode. He comes in a two-pack with a redecoed [[Leadfoot_(DOTM)|Leadfoot]].

{{-}}

====Deluxe Class toys====
[[Image:DOTM_Deluxe_Scan_Ironhide_toy.jpg|thumb|300px|Sorry Ironhide, we're going to have to take away your gun...]]
*'''Ironhide''' (Deluxe, 2011)
**''Accessories:'' Weapon pod

:This redeco of Deluxe class Ironhide is [[exclusive]] to [[Toys"R"Us]]' Mission Earth: The Scan Series, to represent him [[Trans-scan|trans-scanning]] his vehicle mode. As such, the rear half of his vehicle mode is cast in translucent clear plastic.

:His packaging [[stock photography]] shows his legs as being cast in translucent plastic, when the final product has these cast in opaque gray plastic, possibly [[for safety reasons|for durability reasons]].

{{-}}

====Voyager Class toys====
[[Image:DOTM_Voyager_Ironhide_toy.JPG|thumb|300px|...so we can give you this ''bigger'' gun!]]
*'''Ironhide''' (MechTech Voyager, 2011)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''DA04'''
**''Accessories:'' MechTech Booster/Particle Cannon

:''[[Dark of the Moon (toyline)|Dark of the Moon]]'' Voyager class Ironhide is an all-new mold that is smaller, but more accurate, than previous Voyager class Ironhide toys.

:He comes with a large [[MechTech]] "Booster" that converts into a "Particle Cannon" by extending and spinning its barrels when the back is pressed. Twisting the knob at the back of the weapon when it is fully extended will lock it into place. The Booster/Particle Cannon (or any other MechTech weapon) can be attached to Ironhide via [[5mm post]] MechTech ports on either side and on top of Ironhide's vehicle mode, as well as being held in his fists or mounted under his forearms via MechTech ports in robot mode. Additionally, the Booster/Particle Cannon itself features a Mechtech port on its housing. The cannons and weapons included with the previous Voyager class Ironhide toys can also be used with this figure.

:He also has an [[Automorph]] gimmick on his vehicle front end/chest, wherein pushing it automatically deforms both halves of the front end into his chest, and pulling it reforms it back to the vehicle front end.

:This new mold also addresses the stability issues of previous Voyager Ironhides by having the soles of his feet be more textured and rough, allowing it to stand up better. Unfortunately, this results in unsightly gaps on the truck bed in vehicle mode. Oh well.

:The [[stock photo]] on the right has him mis-transformed. The vehicle mode kibble on his left leg has not been pegged in, his feet are backwards, and the tailgate pieces, normally folded into the soles of his feet, are left flipped out and sticking out from the back.

:The Japanese release comes packed with a character card and an accompanying transparent plastic card of his MechTech weapon for the MechTech Wars online game.

*'''Cannon Force Ironhide''' (MechTech Voyager, 2011)
**''Japanese ID number:''
**''Accessories:'' MechTech Booster/Particle Cannon
:Cannon Force Ironhide is a redeco of Dark of the Moon Voyager class Ironhide in a G1-inspired color scheme, with most of his black parts being cast in red. His deco consists of the upper half of his vehicle being red and his lower half being painted a matte black, with an orange stripe running in-between. His Mechtech weapon has been redecoed as well, with a cooler shade of gray for the housing, and black for the main cannon body.

{{picsneeded}}
{{-}}

====Leader Class toys====
[[Image:DOTM-Leader-Class-Ironhide.jpg|thumb|300px|Oh for god's sake, it's where you left it, 'hide.]]
*'''Ironhide''' (Mechtech Leader, 2011)
**''Japanese ID Number:'' '''DA16'''
**''Accessories:'' Knife, leg-mounted removable spring-loaded cannon, one projectile

:This version of Ironhide is his first [[Size class|Leader Class]] toy and features all sorts of weaponry and other [[gimmick]]s.

:His main gimmick is his chest-mounted Cybertronian Blitz Cannon, which is activated when either the license plate panel (used as a lever) on his abdomen is flipped and pushed down (similarly to [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#Leader Class toys 2|the ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Leader class Optimus Prime toy]]), or when a tall gray piece on the back-right of his head is pressed down. Two flaps on his abdomen open up, and a back-lit spinning cannon is deployed, lighting up his eyes as well as playing a rapid-fire shooting sound until the button is released, in which the cannon retracts back into his innards and a winding/powering-down sound is played.

:Ironhide's other lights and sounds gimmick is related to his head: when either the button on his chest or the lever on the back of his head are used, his [[mouthplate]] moves down, his eyes flash green and says the following the phrases, "Ironhide, here" and "Weapons ready". He also features cannons mounted on his arms/roof that pop out and deploy when each respective smokestack is pulled, and can be used in either vehicle or robot mode. There is also a small button behind the cabin that emits a (rather vague) sound of the vehicle driving and firing its cannons/ramming through obstacles when it is pressed. If the button is held down further, additional driving and engine revving sounds are emitted.

:Lastly, Ironhide has two weapons hidden in each of his legs. Opening the side of his left leg reveals and pops up a removable knife, whereas opening his right leg deploys a detachable spring-loaded cannon, either of which he can wield.

:Some units have the spring pushed and compressed too far back into the launcher, preventing the projectile from even shooting out. This ''can'' be fixed, but pulling and stretching the small spring further out while it is in the launcher may be rather difficult.

:The two of his hood halves also frequently detach from the ball joints they are mounted on during transformation, quite possibly [[for safety reasons]].

:Despite being advertised as a MechTech figure, Leader class Ironhide's gimmicks are almost entirely unrelated to the interchangeable, spring-loaded MechTech weapons seen on most of the other ''Dark of the Moon'' MechTech toys. Besides his fists, the only two 5mm post/MechTech ports on Ironhide are the ones on the hood halves above his shoulders, which can only be accessed in robot mode.

:His box mentions "Automatic conversion sounds", yet no such sound plays during transformation. Additionally, he is mis-transformed in his stock photography, as his vehicle front-end chest is not connected to his [[Kibble#"Faux-parts"|faux-bumper]] grille, nor are the wheels angled into his chest.

:The Japanese release comes packed with a character card and an accompanying transparent plastic card of his arm cannons for the MechTech Wars online game, even though his arm cannons aren't actually MechTech weapons in the sense that they are removable weapons that can be given to other characters.
{{-}}

====Robo Power====
=====Robo Fighters=====
*'''Ironhide''' (2011)

{{charstubtoys}}
{{-}}

{{anchor|DOTMActivators}}
=====Activators=====
[[Image:DOTM_Activators_Ironhide.jpg|thumb|300px|gwwwwrrrr im a solja]]
*'''Ironhide''' (2011)

{{-}}

==Merchandise==
====Lunchables====
* '''Ironhide''' ("Pocket Transformers" toy prize, 2007)

: A fold-out "pseudo-figure" of Ironhide "transforms" from a flat, blue platform decorated with the Autobot symbol and the word "Transformers" to a robot by folding out. Ironhide is represented by stickers decorated with artwork of the character on the top, bottom, and two fold out "arms". His name is also spelled out, across his feet in this mode.

: This mold was also used to create the lunchables figure for [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus]], and [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]]. A similar mold was used to create the Lunchables figure for [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]], [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]] and [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]], though with the Decepticon symbol sculpted in instead of the Autobot one. Each iteration of this mold was made with a different color of plastic.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2007/Autobot/LunchIronhide/ironhide.htm More information on Lunchables Ironhide at TFU.info]''
{{-}}
{{picsneeded}}

====Burger King====
*'''Ironhide''' (2007)

:Ironhide represented in his GMC Topkick alternate mode. Pulling him back will wind up his wheels, letting him go will let him go and pop out two missile launchers (non-functional) and an Autobot insignia from his bed.
{{-}}
{{picsneeded}}

===''Transformers'' 3D Battle-Card Game===
[[Image:3DBattleCard_Ironhide.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Primary Weakness: Gusts of wind.]]
*'''Ironhide''' (3D Battle Card, 2007)
**''Card number:''

: A 41-point "rare" character in the [[3D Battle-Card Game]], Ironhide "transforms" into a grey pickup truck of indeterminate make. He uses the same parts layout as [[Dropkick]] and [[Skids (G1)|Skids]]. He is equipped with a Radial Launcher and Chem Cannon.
{{-}}
{{picsneeded}}

===Transformers (2007)===
====Transformers Movie Danglers====
[[Image:Movie Ironhide dangler.jpg|right|171px|thumb|]]
*'''Ironhide''' (2007)

:Released by [[Tomy Yujin]] in November 2007<ref>[http://www.gachausa.com/products/transformers.asp Tomy Yujin ''Transformers'' page]</ref> as part of the [[Danglers Collection]], this toy is a weird plastic [[Super deformed]] version of Ironhide that pops out his vehicle mode when you squeeze him. This little figurine has a little strap on it so that it can be put on cell phones or portable gaming devices.

{{-}}

===Robot Heroes===
[[Image:Rhboneiron.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Ironhide is cute as he blows everything into slag.]]
*'''Ironhide vs. Bonecrusher''' (Robot Heroes 2-pack, 2007)

:Part of the ''[[Robot Heroes (toyline)|Robot Heroes]]'' line, this incarnation of Ironhide is an adorable soft-plastic PVC figurine in a chunky, "super-deformed" style. He has swivel points at the shoulders and neck. He came in a two-pack with the Decepticon [[Bonecrusher (Movie)|Bonecrusher]].

{{-}}

[[Image:Rhironhidedispensor.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Transformers 2: Electric Boogaloo.]]
*'''Ironhide and Dispensor''' (Robot Heroes 2-pack, 2008)

:Part of the ''Robot Heroes'' line, this incarnation of Ironhide is an adorable soft-plastic PVC figurine in a chunky, "super-deformed" style in his "somersaulting" pose from the Mission City battle. He came in a two-pack with [[Dispensor]].

{{-}}

[[Image:Robotheroesironhidemixmaster.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Well, he's back on his feet!]]
*'''Ironhide and Mixmaster''' (2009)
:Part of the second wave of the ''Revenge of the Fallen'' portion of the ''Robot Heroes'' line, Ironhide is a redeco of his first ''Robot Heroes'' figure in gunmetal and tan. He comes packaged with [[Mixmaster (ROTF)|Mixmaster]].
{{-}}

[[Image:Robotheroesmegatronfallenprimejetfireironhide.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Whoa, who ordered the extra-large The Fallen?]]
*'''Battle for the Fallen''' (box set, 2009)
:This ''Robot Heroes'' box set of figures comes with [[The Fallen]], [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] (tank mode), [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Jetfire (ROTF)|Jetfire]] combined, and Ironhide (truck mode). Ironhide proooobably has no articulation.

{{-}}

===Revenge of the Fallen===
====Missile Mania Board Game====
*'''Ironhide'''
: Ironhide is one of eight characters featured in the [[Missile Mania]] board game, represented by a small standee adorned with artwork of the character.
{{-}}
====RPMs - Robot Powered Machines====
[[Image:ROTF-toy_RPM_Ironhide.jpg|thumb|right|300px|"I'm going to the party dressed as me!"]]
*'''Ironhide''' (2009)
**''Series:'' '''Combat Series'''
**''Number:'' '''03 of 04'''

:''[[Robot Powered Machines]]'' Ironhide is a small, non-transforming GMC Topkick 4500 with his robot mode sculpted on the truck's underside.

{{-}}
[[Image:ROTF-toy_RPM_Ironhide_vs_Starscream.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Starscream hides under another F-22 to avoid Ironhide.]]
*'''Ironhide VS Starscream''' (2009)
**''Series:'' '''Battle Series'''
**''Number:'' '''07 of 08'''

:A [[NEST]]-based redeco of the single-pack Ironhide, coloring part of the truck silver and the windows green. This version was only available in a two-pack with [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]].

{{-}}
*'''Enforcer Ironhide VS Mixmaster''' (2010)
**''Series:'' '''Battle Series 2'''
**''Number:'' '''06 of 06'''

:Redecos of Ironhide and Mixmaster, with Ironhide's deco based on his [[Legends Class]] "Enforcer Ironhide" toy. Unreleased in the United States, this two-pack has been found in stores in Asia and Europe.
{{-}}
{{picsneeded}}

====Figure Collection====
[[Image:ROTF-Merchandise Figure Collection Ironhide.jpg|right|150px|thumb]]
*'''Ironhide''' (2010)
**''Accessories:'' Stand
:The [[Figure Collection]] edition of Ironhide appears to be modeled on his [[#Fast_Action_Battlers|Fast Action Battlers]] toy, though with very spindly arms.

{{-}}

===Speed Stars===
[[Image:SpeedStars_Revealers_Ironhide.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Who knew that vehicles could get Liefeldian anatomy?]]
*'''Ironhide''' (2010)
**''Series:'' '''Revealers'''
**''Number:'' '''01 of 03'''

:''[[Speed Stars]]'' "Revealers" Ironhide is sculpted with various robot-mode parts protruding from his car mode, as if he's in mid-transformation. This toy was given away free as part of a Daily Mirror promotion in the UK.

{{-}}
[[Image:SpeedStars_MetalHeroes_Ironhide.jpg|thumb|right|300px|G1 Ironhide didn't like Movie Ironhide getting all the toys, but nobody expected him to turn to vehicular homicide!]]
*'''Ironhide''' (2010)
**''Series:'' '''Metal Heroes'''
**''Number:'' '''06 of 08'''

:Speed Stars "Metal Heroes" Ironhide is a redeco of RPM's "Metal Heroes" Ironhide based on the red Ironhide redeco from RPM's Battle Series 2, though it features fewer paint details than the RPM version. It is made of [[die-cast]].

:During the period between 26 December 2010 and 31 January 2011, Hasbro ran their "Supercharge Your Holidays" promotion: for every $20 spent on Hasbro-branded product, customers could receive a free, random product from a list provided by Hasbro. Among the items on the list were "Transformers Combiners and Speed Star Mini-Vehicle" and "Transformers Activator and Speed Star Mini-Vehicle." According to [http://www.allspark.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=75487 this discussion thread on Allspark.com], Speed Stars Metal Heroes Ironhide was one of the figures distributed.

{{-}}
[[Image:SpeedStars_BattleSeries_IronhideMixmaster.jpg|thumb|right|300px|]]
*'''Enforcer Ironhide VS Mixmaster''' (2010?)
**''Series:'' '''Battle Series 2'''
**''Number:'' '''06 of 06'''

:As RPM's Battle Series 2 was carried over into ''Speed Stars'', this is another release of the red Ironhide. Again, it features less paint than the original release.

{{comingsoontoy}}
{{-}}
[[Image:SpeedStars_NEST_Ironhide.jpg|thumb|right|300px|"Hey guys, if we colour me like this, we don't need Jolt at ''all''! Alright!"]]
*'''Ironhide''' (2010?)
**''Series:'' '''N.E.S.T. Global Alliance'''
**''Number:'' '''03 of 03'''

:NEST Ironhide is a redeco of the RPM mold in blue with silver patterns on his doors and a [[NEST]] insignia on his hood.

{{comingsoontoy}}
{{-}}

====McDonald's====
*'''Ironhide''' (Happy Meal, 2010)

:Part of the 2010 [[McDonald's]] Revenge of the Fallen promotion, Ironhide does not transform but features a "punching/firing" mechanism instead, a switch on his back rocks his arms forwards and backwards in an alternating motion. Ironhide features blue [[light-piping]], an unexpected feature for a fast food promotional toy, but does not feature any form articulation. He was only available during week 5 of the promotion, and came with an instruction sheet that doubles as an ad for [[McWorld]], featuring an exclusive code for the website.

{{-}}
{{picsneeded}}

==Bigger toys==
[[Image:Movie MonroeTopkickIronhideEdition.jpg|right|300px|thumb|What do you mean there are no cannons?]]
*'''GMC TopKick 4500 Ironhide Edition''' (2007)

:As reported at [http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=121589 Edmunds], [http://www.monroetruck.com/index.asp Monroe Truck Equipment], in association with Hasbro, released a GMC TopKick 4500 Ironhide special edition featuring most of the modifications made to the Ironhide vehicle props used in the movie, with the only difference being that the truck will retain its stock orange running lights (the movie used blue) and the large stock sideview mirrors.

:Sadly, installing a grumpy trigger-happy alien robot and deadly high-tech weaponry into the works is not part of the included modifications. Production on the GMC Topkick truck ceased when General Motors exited the medium-duty truck market in 2009.
{{-}}

==Footnotes==
<references/>

[[Category:3D Battle-Cards]]
[[Category:Cyberverse]]
[[Category:Dark of the Moon Autobots]]
[[Category:Movie Autobots]]
[[Category:NEST]]
[[Category:Revenge of the Fallen Autobots]]
[[Category:Robot Heroes]]
[[Category:Target exclusives]]
[[Category:Titanium Series]]
[[Category:Transformers (2010) Autobots]]
[[Category:Wal-Mart exclusives]]
[[Category:Toys "R" Us exclusives]]

Onslaught (G1)

2011-10-24T10:27:30Z

58.69.4.144: /* Universe (2008) */ Corrections, additions

{{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, USA Edition "Universe" toy}}
[[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 [[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 (G1)|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, the blue paint on his arms and crotch is replaced by a dark greenish-blue, and the silver and dark silver on the sides of his face is replaced by teal. He also has slightly more paint on his face, with his mouth-plate being painted silver.

: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 and thus looks like it is attached by other means. His deco is also different: the cannons and hands are shown to be black when the final product has this in white on both versions instead. He is also shown to be in a noticeably darker shade of blue than the light blue or teal that each version possesses.

: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)]]

Darksteel (DOTM)

2011-10-24T09:08:48Z

58.69.4.144: /* Dark of the Moon */

{{factions|decepticon}}

:''Darksteel is a [[Decepticon]] from the [[Dark of the Moon (franchise)|Dark of the Moon]] portion of the [[live-action film series]] [[continuity family]].''
[[Image:DarksteelToyPromo.JPG|thumb|350px|Snakeman! Call Dennis Quaid!]]
'''Darksteel''' is dark and presumably made of steel. Tarnation! He was trained on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] as a master swordsman, and although he's still capable of utilizing blasters, he doesn't trust them. There's nothing else with the killing power or reliability of a good blade.

==Toys==
===Dark of the Moon===
*'''Darksteel''' (MechTech Deluxe, 2011)
**''Accessories:'' 2 MechTech Cannons/Swords

:Part of the fifth wave of ''[[Dark of the Moon (toyline)|Dark of the Moon]]'' ''[[MechTech]]'' Deluxe Class toys, Darksteel is a [[retool]] of MechTech Deluxe [[Sideswipe (Movie)|Sideswipe]], with a new head and new weapons. Darksteel changes into a Corvette Stingray concept convertible in very dark brown with a teal flame deco. The interior is highly detailed, with seats, dashboard and steering wheel all molded into the compartment, though it's missing its floorboards.

:He comes with retooled versions of [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream's]] MechTech weapons, with one weapon being static and the other being functional. Both weapons are double-sided, featuring a cannon barrel (which looks like a machine-gun barrel) on one side and a "sword" on the other. Pushing forward the scope on the functional weapon will cause the sword weapon to extend, increasing its reach. The peg and cannon barrel on the static weapon correspond to the peg-hole and the hole of the scope of the functional weapon, meaning his weapons can combine to form a long, double-sided bladed weapon. This means that he is one of the few Deluxe figures to have a MechTech weapon that can remain locked in both modes.

:This retool changes the appearance of the weapons, with the static weapon gaining a second blade and now resembling snake fangs, and the functional weapon now resembling a scorpion's stinger. Additionally, the lever and the slide mechanism, which were originally two separate pieces, are now molded as a single piece. The holes and the pegs used to combine the two weapons have also been widened, making the static "fangs" weapon incapable of combining with the original version of the spring-loaded weapon. One could still combine the original static weapon with this version's spring-loaded "stinger" weapon, however.

:The packaging [[stock photography]] shows his stinger weapon painted the same red-orange as his fangs weapon, when the final product leaves it unpainted.

:The static weapon's cannon barrel is ''slightly'' longer than the hole it's meant to combine with, meaning that it's pegged a bit crookedly.

:In Japan, this figure was a BIC Camera [[exclusive]] released in September for 3,150 yen (approximately $40 US at then-current conversion rates).

==Notes==
*As revealed at [[BotCon 2011]], Darksteel is an intentional [[homage]] to ''[[Beast Wars (franchise)|Beast Wars]]'' [[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]]. This occurred because designer [[Lenny Panzica]] likes snakes.
*Darksteel's name was originally announced at BotCon 2011 as Dark Iron (possibly Darkiron). Evidently plans changed at some point in production.
*Darksteel's instruction sheet incorrectly refers to him as an Autobot.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Darksteel''' (ダークスチール ''Dākusuchīru'')

[[Category: Dark of the Moon Decepticons]]
[[Category: Toy-only characters]]