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Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)

2009-06-25T05:32:46Z

64.180.1.158:

{{disambigr|Battle for the Spark|the online game in the [[Live-action film series|live action film]] continuity|Battle for the Allspark}}

{{nav-BM}}

'''''Beast Machines''''' is a 26-episode cartoon that aired in the US from 1999 to 2000, in support of the [[Beast Machines (toyline)|toyline]] of the same name. It is a direct follow-up to ''[[Beast Wars (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'', set in the same G1 continuity and featuring many of the same characters. Like ''Beast Wars'', its [[CGI|computer animation]] was created by [[Mainframe Entertainment]].

:''Japanese name:'' '''Beast Wars Returns'''

==Overview==
[[Image:Thereformattingmaximalsmaximize.jpg|left|300px|thumb|The Maximals, in a rare moment of Not Running Away.]]
The show follows the adventures of the core ''Beast Wars'' cast upon their return home to Cybertron; there, Optimus Primal and his crew find that the whole planet is abandoned, and the streets are patrolled by mindless [[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicon drones]] serving [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]], who somehow escaped his captivity.

Worse still, they learn that they are infected with a deadly [[Transformation virus|virus]] that will kill them in a matter of hours. Salvation comes from the mysterious supercomputer known as the Oracle, who sees them fit to complete its mission of a planetwide "reformatting", and turns them into [[technorganic]] warriors, a perfect blend of organic and technological matter.

As the show progresses, Primal and his fellow Maximals learn to balance their technological side with their newly introduced organic aspects, mastery coming in slow stages. Unlike the previous [[Beast Wars (cartoon)|conflict]], where sides had been roughly equal, the four original Maximals were quite outnumbered by their Vehicon enemies, and the battles took on a "guerilla warfare" feel, with the Maximals using sewers and underground levels to their advantage and avoiding surface levels unless for combat purposes. As the show progresses, two brand-new Maximals and a returning face boost their numbers and together, the Maximals eventually turn Cybertron into an [[technorganic]] paradise, though at the cost of their [[Optimus Primal|leader]]'s life.

===Reception===
As early as its premiere episode, Beast Machines provoked much debate among fans about whether the new series' creative team was portraying the individual characters and the broader Transformers backstory as accurately as the creators of Beast Wars had done. Much of the criticism focused on character portrayals and character actions that were seen as inaccurate and inconsistent with how the characters were established in Beast Wars. This is further compounded by the fact that some of the Beast machine voice actors, who also did voices for Beast Wars referred to Beast Machines as "The Bad Thing".

Beast machines was controversial even by the standards of other Transformers [[Unicron Trilogy|reinventions]] (!), ''Beast Machines'' is remembered by some as a series which tried to tackle heavy philosophical concepts with mixed results, discussing such issues like what it meant to live in an increasingly technological society and the dichotomy between the desires of the individual and the needs of society and the paradox of a living technological world. Story editor [[Bob Skir]] describes the series as a "religious epic novel for television." [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAkRF4QBKew]

The series' detractors complained about the show's alleged "hippie" agenda, claiming it would [[Ruined FOREVER|ruin Transformers]]; a few went so far as to send Skir death threats, causing him to cancel a convention appearance in 2000. Even more sympathetic fans have commented that the show lacks the campy, lighthearted humor of ''Beast Wars''. The show also featured seemingly endless scenes of the good guys running away, and that the requirements of the overall plot structure leave it treading water story-wise at times. Many characters had radically different personalities and goals than in Beast Wars ([[Rattrap|Rattrap's]] being the strongest example). The show was and remains the darkest and most thought-provoking Transformers animation to date, and the final animated entry into the Generation 1 story canon, bringing the events in that universe to a rather conclusive ending. If nothing else, the creators had ambitions to do more than [[to sell toys|sell toys]].

Despite all the criticisms, the show continued the high production values of ''Beast Wars'', with solid scripting, excellent voice acting, and CGI that was a considerable step up in quality even from ''Beast Wars''. Mainframe's animators showed their considerable talents in giving highly emotive expression to such alien characters as the [[Vehicon general]]s and even the [[Diagnostic Drone]], which ''didn't have a face at all''. As with ''Beast Wars'', [[Robert Buckley]] provided the series background music, this time creating a stylized electronic music in keeping with the mechanical environment of Cybertron.

With ''Beast Machines'' perhaps not quite living up to Hasbro's hopes, the [[Transtech|followup line]] to Beast Machines was subsequently scrapped. Hasbro's next foray into animation would be to bring over a [[Robots in Disguise (cartoon)|year-old Japanese show]] for consumption in the US, until a [[Unicron Trilogy|new story]] could be concocted. In [[Armada (cartoon)|light]] [[Energon (cartoon)|of the]] [[Cybertron (cartoon)|results]], some fans have found themselves re-evaluating ''Beast Machines'' more favorably, though the newfound positive reception is still not universal by any means.

==Episodes==
{{note|For a detailed list including airdates and production stats, see [[List of Beast Machines episodes]].}}
===Season 1===
[[Image:Tankor flames.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Tankor, YOU'RE FIRED!]]
Season 1 largely centers on the Maximals' efforts to find out what has happened to them, as they arrive on Cybertron with no memories. In addition to Megatron and the core Maximal cast, three new Vehicon generals are introduced, as well as the new Maximal Nightscream. By the end of the season, Optimus Primal has been driven down a road of extremism, and an apocalyptic confrontation marks the season finale...

#[[The Reformatting]]
#[[Master of the House]]
#[[Fires of the Past]]
#[[Mercenary Pursuits]]
#[[Forbidden Fruit]]
#[[The Weak Component]]
#[[Revelations Part I: Discovery]]
#[[Revelations Part II: Descent]]
#[[Revelations Part III: Apocalypse]]
#[[Survivor]]
#[[The Key]]
#[[The Catalyst]]
#[[End of the Line]]

===Season 2: Battle for the Spark===
[[Image:Botanica5.jpg|right|200px|thumb|This freakish, tentacled, multi-limbed creature is one of the kid-friendly good guys!]]
The ultimate face-off at the end of Season 1 is resolved in a most unusual and cerebral manner, setting the tone for Season 2 as Primal realizes his mission is one of balance, not extremism. Silverbolt rejoins the Maximal ranks, a new Maximal arrives from off-world, and two dangerous new generals join Megatron's side as the Maximals search for the lost Sparks of their brethren and battle to regain control of Cybertron.

#[[Fallout]]
#[[Savage Noble]]
#[[Prometheus Unbound]]
#[[In Darkest Knight]]
#[[A Wolf in the Fold]]
#[[Home Soil]]
#[[Sparkwar Pt. I: The Strike]]
#[[Sparkwar Pt. II: The Search]]
#[[Sparkwar Pt. III: The Siege]]
#[[Spark of Darkness]]
#[[Endgame Pt. I: The Downward Spiral]]
#[[Endgame Pt. II: When Legends Fall]]
#[[Endgame Pt. III: Seeds of the Future]]

==Characters==
[[Image:Rattrap bm robotmode.jpg|right|200px|thumb|There's a caption under me?!]]
Because developing new CGI character models was, at the time, an expensive and time-consuming process, the number of named on-screen characters in ''Beast Machines'' was relatively small compared to most other ''Transformers'' shows. It is thus practical to list all the Transformers who appeared in the cartoon. They are listed in order of appearance. (Most drones are not listed, and neither are incidental flashback characters.) Note that many characters besides these are also full-fledged Beast Machines characters, having appeared in other media.

===[[Maximal]]s===
*[[Optimus Primal]]
*[[Rattrap]]
*[[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]]
*[[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]]
*[[Nightscream (BM)|Nightscream]]
*[[Noble|Savage/Noble]]
*[[Silverbolt (BW)|Silverbolt]]
*[[Botanica]]

===[[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicons]]===
*[[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]
*[[Diagnostic Drone]] ([[Spark|sparkless]], hence not a Transformer, but had a speaking role and a personality)
*[[Jetstorm (BM)|Jetstorm]]
*[[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]]
*[[Thrust (BM)|Thrust]]
*[[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] (nominally the same character as Tankor)
*[[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] (nominally the same character as Thrust)
*[[Obsidian (BM)|Obsidian]]
*[[Strika (BM)|Strika]]

===Other===
*[[Vector Sigma|The Oracle]] (not much of a personality, but definitely a major speaking role)

==Japanese release==

The ''Beast Machines'' franchise was not initially released in Japan. As such, the ''Beast Machines'' cartoon did not reach Japan's shores until 2004, where it was retitled '''''Beast Wars Returns'''''. The series was initially broadcast on the satellite-only network TAKARAND. In 2005, it was reaired on [[Cartoon Network|Cartoon Network Japan]] and Gifu Terebi.

The ''Beast Wars Returns'' cartoon was not reworked to the same extent as the previous ''[[Beast Wars (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' series had been in Japan. While the character quirks exclusive to the Japanese version of the series were retained, and a complete cast reunion from ''Beast Wars'' was achieved, the dub did not strive to be an overblown comedy series as before. Instead, ''Beast Wars Returns'' featured a tone more closely resembling the original English version. This less jovial attitude is reflected in the episode titles, which are no longer goofy and full of self-referential gags, but are almost awkwardly ''serious''.

Given the low-key release of the series, a new theme song was not recorded. Instead, "[[Phat Planet]]" by [[Leftfield]] was retained.

==Trivia==
*[[Mainframe Entertainment]] executive [[Dan DiDio]] explicitly told Bob Skir and [[Marty Isenberg]] to ignore all previous Transformers cartoons when writing ''Beast Machines'', because "''Beast Wars'' was too continuity-heavy". It clearly did not work out that way.
*In the May 2008 "DC Nation" editorial appearing in [[wikipedia:DC Comics|DC Comics]] publications, Dan DiDio recounted that writer [[Steve Gerber]] had once pitched a "wildly original take on ''Transformers''" as part of the development of ''Beast Machines''.
*The theme tune for the show was Leftfield's "Phat Planet". This was also used for a famous Guinness advert. The latter proved a more popular TV slot.
*Inexplicably, Season 2, Volume 1 of the R2 DVD release of the series has screen captures from ''Beast Wars'' on the back of the case.
*Apart from flashbacks, visions and such, ''Beast Machines'' takes place entirely on (or in orbit of) Cybertron, thus making it the only television series ''not'' to feature any [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|annoying]] [[Kicker Jones|human]] [[Bud Hansen|companions]].
*While the show was never aired on European French televisions, a DVDs pack for each season has actually been published in French, respectively in 2007 and 2009, under the name "Transformers beast machines" by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.
*[[Simon Furman]] thinks Beast Machines was too dark and serious for being a cartoon show for kids.

[[Category:Beast Machines]]
[[Category:Beast Machines episodes]]
[[Category:Mainframe]]
[[Category:Television series]]

Blackarachnia (BW)

2009-06-25T04:18:17Z

64.180.1.158:

{{factions|maximal|predacon}}
{{disambig3|Blackarachnia}}
:''Blackarachnia is a [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]], [[Maximal]], and a [[Decepticon]] from the [[Beast Era]] portion of the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]]. She's a busy girl, huh?''

[[Image:Blackarachniabw.jpg|right|240px|thumb|Hot, poisonous, and deadly. Rawr!]]
A sultry femme fatale, '''Blackarachnia''' is smart, sexy, and dangerous. She's got eight legs, and she knows how to use them. Of the several rebellious Predacons under [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]'s command, she's one of the very few who can, on occasion, outguile him. Always looking out for Number One, Blackarachnia values her independence and freedom above all else. She would rather be deactivated than be a slave.

Blackarachnia's greatest weakness, other than her overconfidence, is her feelings for the Maximal [[Silverbolt (BW)|Silverbolt]]. Something about his heroic demeanor and the kindness he shows her makes her uneasy. She hasn't experienced unconditional love before, and it scares her, though she'll never admit it.

{{quote|Even when I'm good, I'm still bad.|—Blackarachnia, "[[Crossing the Rubicon]]"}}

:''Japanese name:'' '''Blackwidow'''
:''French-Canadian name (original toy):'' '''Mygale'''
:''French-Canadian name (cartoon):'' '''La Veuve Noire''' (The Black Widow")<ref name=TM2BA>Whether Transmetal II Blackarachnia had different French and Spanish names is uncertain at this point.</ref>
:''Chinese name (Taiwan):'' '''Hēi Jr-jū''' (黑蜘蛛, "Black Spider") / '''Jr-jū''' (蜘蛛, "Spider", used in ''Beast Machines'' sometimes)
:''Cantonese name:'' '''Alaina''' (雅麗娜 ''Aa Lai Naa'')
:''Polish name:'' '''Arachna'''
:''Portuguese name:'' '''Aracniana'''
:''Brazilian name (Beast Wars only):'' '''Viúva Negra'''
:''Spanish name'': '''Araña Negra''' ("Black Spider")<ref name=TM2BA/>

==Fiction==
===Cartoon continuity===
====''Beast Wars'' cartoon====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Venus Terzo]] (English), [[Ryōka Yuzuki]] (Japanese), [[Fátima Noya]] (Portuguese)

[[Image:BAintroduction.jpg|left|250px|thumb|My face is up here!]]
Blackarachnia was born from one of the [[Maximal|Maximals']] fallen [[stasis pod]]s. [[Tarantulas]], watching a black widow fight and devour another spider, was inspired. [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]], observing the slim and attractive Blackarachnia transform and strike a few poses, suggested that he had "ulterior motives behind her beast form selection." But, she was a Predacon, and that was what was important. In the battle with the Maximals that followed, she easily defeated [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] with a few well-placed kicks. She was later reported as "missing," though the reasons why and how were never addressed. {{storylink|Double Jeopardy}}

Blackarachnia made herself renowned among the ranks of both the Maximals and Predacons as a severe headache to Megatron. When Tarantulas found out about the [[Vok]], he tried to craft a stasis pod escape ship for himself, and she was there to forge a partnership {{storylink|Spider's Game}}. When [[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]] and Blackarachnia journeyed to a mysterious, floating island containing immense power, she was there to shove him out of the way and take control of the island herself, only to be defeated by [[Tigatron]] {{storylink|The Trigger, Part 1}}. When [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] took control of [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]]'s body, she was right next to him when he betrayed Megatron, betraying Starscream ''back'' {{storylink|Possession}}. When she aided Tarantulas in breaking into the ''Axalon'' to acquire a stasis pod for conversion into an escape ship, she took over after a following Inferno incapacitated Tarantulas, intending to take the ship for herself. {{storylink|Other Voices, Part 1}} Unfortunately for her, this deception backfired on her in the form of a forced mind link between her and Tarantulas, which remained until she forced the spider into breaking it. {{storylink|Tangled Web}} When Tarantulas forced her to investigate Megatron's [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden]] [[Golden Disk (Vok)|Disk]] backups, she waited until Tarantulas was occupied to download and encrypt the recoverable information. {{storylink|Coming of the Fuzors (Part 2)}}

[[Image:Blackarachnia A shame.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Hiya, hot stuff.]]
When the Vok were moments away from returning, Tarantulas and Blackarachnia both again teamed up in an attempt to flee the dying planet. Megatron, already aware of their next move, used their deceptive tendencies against them and acted unaware of their treachery. As they built their escape ship, he installed his own variant on the design, making it inescapable once sealed and in space. Though it did not destroy either of them, the result was even better: [[Optimus Primal]] wound up in the pod and was destroyed instead. {{storylink|Other Voices, Part 2}} Blackarachnia's wits saved her, as she convinced Megatron that he would need soldiers, which gave him reason to spare her life. She also, much to her disgust, ended up with a telepathic link to Tarantulas which allowed him control of her body. {{storylink|Aftermath}}

Forced by Tarantulas to hack into Megatron's private files and Golden Disk back-ups for him, she discovered that it contained the access codes for the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]]. Taking advantage of his temporary deactivation, she downloaded a copy, destroyed the files and told Megatron [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] destroyed them, while telling Tarantulas a different story, that Megatron had booby-trapped them. {{storylink|Coming of the Fuzors (Part 2)}} Neither of them (apparently) believed her, but neither showed this openly ''yet''... Meanwhile, Blackarachnia forced Tarantulas to end their psychic link by threatening to kill herself and take his mind with her. She also had Silverbolt refuse to fight her because she was female (to the annoyance of Rattrap). {{storylink|Tangled Web}}

[[Image:Blackarachnia fightback.jpg|left|180px|thumb|Spousal abuse!]]
When an energon blast sent her and Silverbolt into the middle of the dense jungles, they were forced to work together. Though attracted to the [[Fuzor]], Blackarachnia was endlessly frustrated by his seemingly idiotic chivalry and need to treat her specially. Megatron, listening in to their commlink chatter, was disgusted by the obvious romance going on. Blackarachnia rather liked the treatment and affection, though she held it under a firm charade of bitter irritation. {{storylink|Bad Spark}}

When the Predacons attacked the valley of proto-humans, Blackarachnia was teamed with Inferno. She did considerable damage to Dinobot before being blasted herself. {{storylink|Code of Hero}}

After confirming the location of the Ark, Megatron sent Waspinator to its location. Realizing what this meant, Blackarachnia abandoned her post and followed him. Silverbolt followed ''her'' and stubbornly refused to leave her alone. Exhausted and in a hurry, she conceded and told him to dig. The two broke through the mountainside and Blackarachnia had a good cackle over the Ark's power being "all mine!"... just as Megatron arrived. Having always intended for her to reach the Ark as he knew she had the access codes, he threatened to vape Silverbolt unless she did what he said. Bitterly, she agreed to his demands.

[[Image:BA Silverbolt Agenda3.jpg|right|180px|thumb|I can walk, you know.]]
Blackarachnia used the Ark's security system to cover Megatron's back, not sure of what he was planning. Once he fired upon [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], history began to change, wiping out all Maximals... {{storylink|The Agenda (Part III)}}which included herself. Not willing to die for Megatron, she activated [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I's]] security nets to force Megatron off the ship. With Silverbolt's help, she got the dying Autobot leader under life support and began the repairs. The Maximals, recognizing what she had done, reluctantly allowed her to join their ranks after an irate Megatron gave her the boot (in the form of nearly killing her). {{storylink|Optimal Situation}} (Quite what ''she'd'' intended to do with the Ark — since she couldn't have altered the timeline without risking erasing herself — was never explored.)

Blackarachnia quickly showed her usefulness to the Maximals, building a hand-powered [[subaquatic stealth vessel]] that could retrieve Sentinel from the ''Axalon'''s underwater resting place. Rattrap was less than thrilled about having to use the "Predacon beach ball". {{storylink|Changing of the Guard}}

She was even less thrilled when she ended up having to escort two human children back to their tribe along with Cheetor, who was exhibiting a boyish crush on her, much to Silverbolt's annoyance. Rattrap was also rather distrusting of her, as earlier he had spied Blackarachnia sneaking some parts from a classified area. But when Megatron's new [[cyber raptor]]s attacked, Blackarachnia showed her good side by defending the children, even taking a hit from Tarantulas for them, which she immediately denied to an impressed Silverbolt by saying she slipped. With the cyber raptors defeated, she informed Cheetor that he was a nice kid - which were two strikes against him, so don't go looking for strike three. {{storylink|Cutting Edge}}

However, tensions began to run high later. After Rhinox scanned her and found the shell program that made her a Predacon, Blackarachnia finally got fed up with Rattrap's attitude and Cheetor's crush, and would have choked/blasted them both if Optimus hadn't intervened. Weary that apparently she hadn't proven herself to the Maximals and thinking that Optimus and Rhinox were planning to force her to remove the shell, Blackarachnia decided to split... which turned out to be a bad decision, as [[Dinobot II]] had been waiting for this moment. Taking turns hunting each other, Blackarachnia got the upper hand but was caught off-guard by Dinobot's power and durability. Fleeing to a mesa, she was found by Silverbolt, who got in a fight with Dinobot and was about to be slagged. Blackarachnia shot him out of the way, then tried to make a deal with Dinobot to take over the Ark and the Predacons, which backfired and allowed Dinobot to stun her, but he was distracted by Silverbolt long enough for the two Maximals to finally defeat him. However, Silverbolt accused Blackarachnia of betraying the Maximals, which angered Blackarachnia who explained she shot him to get him out of Dinobot's grasp and distract him, and countered with Optimus' supposed forcing of her to become a Maximal. But they worked everything out at the end (after a headbutt to Silverbolt also dropped her. He ''does'' have a thick skull). {{storylink|Proving Grounds}}

[[Image:TM2 Blackarachnia.jpg|left|180px|thumb|Calendar Bot]]
Later, Blackarachnia took the [[Transmetal driver]] and attempted to use it on herself. Silverbolt, not realizing what she was planning, bailed her out of the contraption. Like every good girlfriend, she began to chew him out, but was cut off as an energy surge made her lose control of her circuits. A security system Tarantulas installed had been triggered by her tampering with her core, and the only way to fix it was to cut the Predacon [[shell program]] loose. Reluctantly, she agreed. An attack on the Maximal base disrupted the attempt, and she was deactivated.

Distraught, Silverbolt took off to avenge her death. He easily subdued Tarantulas and was moments away from executing him when [[Rampage (BW)|Rampage]] attacked him. Blackarachnia appeared in the nick of time with her new and improved Transmetal 2 body, easily fought off Rampage and rescued Silverbolt. {{storylink|Crossing the Rubicon}}

Later, during Megatron's final assault on the Ark, Blackarachnia "emasculated" Rattrap's tail in an effort to reactivate the Ark. Seriously. {{storylink|Nemesis Part 2}}
{{-}}
====''Tales of the Beast Wars''====
Blackarachnia made a brief appearance in her Transmetal 2 form at [[Omega Point]], being eviscerated by [[Shokaract]]'s firepower. Clearly, she got better as space/time rebooted itself with the destruction of the [[Unicron|Dark Essence]]. {{storylink|Terminus}}

====IDW ''Beast Wars'' comics====
While the Maximals attempted to remove her Predacon shell program, an alternate Transmetal "Vok" body was somehow automatically created (by someone, somehow) in [[subspace]] just in case it was needed. It wasn't, and so it was "sidelined". {{storylink|Beast Wars Sourcebook}}

{{note|This is [[IDW Publishing|IDW's]] way of "sorta" working her [[McDonald's]] Happy Meal premium toy (see below) into continuity}}

====''Binaltech'' (unused)====
As the victorious Maximals travelled forward in time from prehistoric Earth to far-future Cybertron, their shuttle was suddenly struck by a powerful force of darkness. Hurled into the early 21st century, Blackarachnia was forced by Unicron to aid him in his efforts to destroy the [[Matrix of Leadership]]. Her spark was placed inside the silver Beta Unit Honda S-2000 Aero Style body intended for the Autobot warrior [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]], and her mind was overwhelmed by an evil essence that forced her to do Unicron's bidding.

Still possessing her extrasensory Transmetal 2 powers including telekinesis, Blackarachnia gained several additional weapons courtesy of her new form: a long-range Venom Sniper Gun that fired system-disrupting energy bullets, a defensive riot shield that projected an electromagnetic field from its edge, and the ability to fire strong artificial webs from her grill, exhaust pipe and hands in robot mode.

Blackarachnia was partnered with the newly-created [[Decepticharge]] and dispatched to confront [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave's]] forces on Earth. Finding them in the middle of a [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]-led uprising, the pair put down the rebellion and ordered the Decepticons to defeat [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and destroy the Matrix.

While forced to act as a Decepticon, Blackarachnia's true self remained intact but submerged, struggling to overcome Unicron's control and desperate to correct the warped [[Binaltech]] timeline.

[[Blackarachnia (BW)|''Maybe.'']]

====''Beast Machines'' cartoon====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Venus Terzo]] (English), [[Ryōka Yuzuki]] (Japanese), [[Márcia Moreli]] (Portuguese)

[[Image:Thereformattingmaximalsmaximize.jpg|left|300px|thumb|When they say she's all legs, they ain't kidding!]]
When the Autobot shuttle crashed on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] and the Maximal team was gassed, Blackarachnia's Transmetal 2 powers were stripped away from her, as were her memories. As such, the amnesiac Maximal decided to head underground, distraught and confused. Locked out of her robot mode, she awaited her imminent deactivation — until the other three survivors: an equally disoriented [[Optimus Primal]], [[Rattrap]] and [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]]—plunged into her web. Primal made the decision to head underground, and Blackarachnia complied, using her webs to grant them safe passage. However, in her weakened state her webbing was limited, and so the foursome plummeted most of the way down into the chamber of the [[Vector Sigma|Oracle]]. She watched as Optimus emerged in his [[technorganic]] form, and was the fourth and last Maximal to be [[reformat]]ted, emerging as a pink black widow spider with green markings. When attacked by a squadron of Cycle Drones, she put her technorganic mode to good use, trapping one of the [[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicons]] in a tangle of web. {{storylink|The Reformatting}}

[[Image:Blackarachniamasterofthehouse.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Nice forehead!]]
However, her loss of Silverbolt had hardened her, and she was now unable to count on her Maximal allies. Blackarachnia fell back upon her Predacon principles of 'survival of the fittest' and became more withdrawn and skeptical than at the end of the Beast Wars. Blackarachnia had a relatively easy time adapting to her new technorganic form, and was the third Maximal to master transformation, though it took her longer to apply her new robot mode in combat. In robot mode, she was able to fire electrical "stings" through the ground and hurl technorganic webs like discs. However, all of her new abilities and powers were useless as she tried to unravel the mysteries of where and why the population of Cybertron had gone, and why the [[Cybertron InfoCore]] was wiped. {{storylink|Master of the House}} Sometime after that, she received a vision of prehistoric [[Earth]] and her lover. She and Rattrap were then sent to extract data on the Shuttle that ferried them home to Cybertron, before having a run-in with Megatron's new, sentient [[Vehicon general]]s. As she desperately tried to access her missing memories, Megatron manipulated the data link, attempting to probe her mind, and by doing so, finding the Maximal's base. When she realized what was going on, she severed the link at the cost of the Shuttle and their memories. {{storylink|Fires of the Past}}

Blackarachnia and crew later discovered the bat-creature [[Nightscream (BM)|Nightscream]], who led them to a strange organic fruit tree. Upon eating the fruit, Blackarachnia began to revert to her instinctual "animal" mind, and it was only thanks to [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] that her feral mind returned to normal, and thanks to Primal that the bat's life was saved and reformatted into a technorganic body. With the debut of the newest Maximal, Blackarachnia took on a "big sister" role to the inexperienced youth, and as a result mellowed somewhat. {{storylink|Forbidden Fruit}} Later, the group stumbled across one of Megatron's many Transformer junkyards, where the lifeless, [[Spark]]less bodies of the cities were disposed of. When [[Thrust (BM)|Thrust]] and Blackarachnia were split up from the battle, a unofficial truce was made between the two uneasy sides, but when, Thrust saved her life and her [[Spark]], having strange recollections of doing so before, her mind was set: He was Silverbolt, mutated and made evil by Megatron. {{storylink|Revelations Part I: Discovery}}

Blackarachnia made numerous peals for Thrust to realize his "true" Maximal nature, though Thrust seemed hesitant. This culminated in Thrust removing her Spark, as [[Jetstorm (BM)|Jetstorm]] egged him on. As the Spark rocketed into the darkness, Nightscream fought Jetstorm for it. At the same time, on another plane of existence, Blackarachnia encountered Primal, who calmed her astral spirit down, at the same time allowing Nightscream to restore it and bring her back. {{storylink|Revelations Part III: Apocalypse}}

When Tankor gained control of the Key to Vector Sigma and "infected" Nightscream and the new orchard with the Key, Blackarachnia eventually became infected, and temporarily lost her sanity as she was overwhelmed by the "technomatter". {{storylink|The Key}} When the rest of the gang managed to reverse the process, Blackarachnia was saved.

[[Image:Silverboltjetstorm.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Sorry, your boyfriend was behind door number 2!]]
However, not even Thrust's recent behavior would put off the persistent Maximal. Using some of the organic fluid from the Cybertronian core, and after a brief chase, she trapped Thrust in some of her webs and forced his inner personality out, begging for Silverbolt to answer. The reply was not quite what she was looking for.

[[Waspinator (BW)|"Doggie-bot not here!"]]

When Jetstorm attacked, another mishap with the organic goop occurred, and for a moment Silverbolt's true personality emerged, sweeping Blackarachnia in his arms. He returned, but just for a moment. Fighting a passionate [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]], the goo vanished from the both of them, and the Vehicon's minds both returned.

Blackarachnia was involved in the battle in Megatron's Citadel, holding off the Vehicons as Primal confronted Megatron within, though she, along with the others, were all overwhelmed by the Key to Vector Sigma and became comatose. Upon awakening, the four headed to confront [[Optimus Primal|Primal]] in the Oracle, where they convinced him to return to real-space and continue his leadership.

[[Image:Blackarachniasilverboltdarkestknight.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Vamp meets goth.]]
After a brief run-in with the organic Transformer [[Noble|Savage/Noble]], his betrayal, and the introduction of the [[Grand Mal]], Blackarachnia managed to force Jetstorm into a large pool of the organic goo, and his body began to change. Scanning a nearby condor skeleton, he awoke in a new form, a purple technorganic bird of prey. Blackarachnia was startled by the change in him. Instead of the lovable, chivalrous knight in shining armor, he was a brittle, haunted bot, tormented by the images of the evil deeds he had done...done by choice. Though he gave up on himself, she never did, urging Silverbolt to forgive his past, prompting him to head to the Grand Mal to confront his old master and rescue Primal and Cheetor. {{storylink|In Darkest Knight}}

[[Image:Silverboltblackarachniaseedsofthefuture.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Eeek! That smile! Go back to glowering!]]
Even after Silverbolt inadvertently spread a new, [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]-enhanced version of the old [[Hate Plague]] causing dissension in the ranks, her love remained, unbroken and undying, though Silverbolt only felt more guilt on his part. However, Blackarachnia softened once more, and displayed traits similar to her pre-technoganic persona with the reintroduction of her lover. Together, the two battled an [[Botanica|alien plant monster]] only to have it join the Maximals, fought [[Obsidian (BM)|two]] [[Strika (BM)|new]] Vehicons, and went up against strange zombies created by Megatron's depolarized Spark.

By the time the final conflict rolled around, Blackarachnia, like the others, was empowered by the Sparks of Cybertron, depleting the Vehicon ranks. However, like the others, she finally fell and her Spark was extracted once again, as Primal and Megatron fought their final battle, resulting in the sacrifice of them both and the reformatting of Cybertron into a technorganic paradise. Swatting away an angry [[Waspinator (BW)|bug]], looking out over their new home, Silverbolt ruined the emotion with the corniest line possible—

{{quote|The menace has passed! At last, we can truly be together, dark venom of my heart!|—Silverbolt to Blackarachnia}}

{{-}}

====''Universe''====
Shortly after the planet underwent the Great Reformatting, the [[Quintesson|Quintessons]] seized the opportunity to attack, believing that the revolutionary change would have rendered the planets' inhabitants confused and docile. Suffice to say, the Transformers were greatly underestimated. Silverbolt and Blackarachnia were successfully able to fend [[Cybertropolis]] from Quintesson invaders. {{storylink|Wreckers: Finale Part II|Wreckers: Finale Part II}}

[[Image:Blackarachniaabduction.jpg|left|300px|thumb|She stabbed my basketball, and the speakers to my stereo!]]
One year later, Silverbolt and Blackarachnia were chosen to greet a ship of returning Autobot heroes from the Great War. Their welcomes were ignored by the crew, which included [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]], [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]], [[Roulette]], and [[Shadow Striker]], when they realized that their home had been transformed into a strange technorganic paradise. Only [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] was unphased, choosing to talk up Blackarachnia and Silverbolt so that he could mug for [[Rook (Universe)|Rook's]] cameras.

[[Image:TFU Blackarachnia vs Rattrap.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Hey, guys, I turned evil again!]]
Their greeting was interrupted by a series of what appeared to be fireworks. Instead, they were beams of energy sent by [[Unicron]] to capture the returning crew, Blackarachnia, and Silverbolt, and bring them to him. When they arrived, a booming voice welcomed them to the [[Pit]], a dimension inside Unicron. Blackarachnia and her fellow captives were painfully smelted down and reformed; only Trailbreaker emerged unchanged. Since she arrived, Blackarachnia had begun to feel a growing anger that she couldn't control. And in this new Unicron-tainted form, she more than welcomed the swarm of creatures that began swarming her group. Overwhelmed, Blackarachnia and the others were herded into the [[Cauldron]] and filed into prison cells. As Blackarachnia protested, she was silenced by [[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]], one of their hosts.

It was revealed to them by the master of ceremonies, [[Razorclaw (Universe)|Razorclaw]], that they would be forced to fight fellow abducted Transformers. The loser's [[spark]] would fuel and empower Unicron, whose form had fallen into disrepair. Blackarachnia's uncontrollable rage welcomed this bloodsport, as Silverbolt watched helplessly as she fell under Unicron's evil spell. {{storylink|Abduction}}

Optimus Primal, resurrected by [[Primus]], arrived to rescue the prisoners of the Cauldron, and with help from Silverbolt and Trailbreaker, its captives were set free. But Unicron's grip on Blackarachnia was too strong. She began lashing out madly, even at Silverbolt, and the Fuzor took tight hold of her so that he might swiftly remove her from Unicron's grip. But as the others began jumping through a portal that would lead them to their respective homes across the [[multiverse]], Blackarachnia had a moment of clarity. Sadly, she told Silverbolt that Unicron had awakened her ''true'' nature, then bid him farewell and threw him through the portal.

[[Image:Optimusprimaluniverseend.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Closure? Maybe?]]
Soon, she was escorted by Tankor and [[Obsidian (BM)|Obsidian]] to the center of Unicron, where she was repulsed to meet a familiar face: Tarantulas! {{storylink|Escape (issue)|Escape}}

Blackarachnia was dispatched to Cybertron's [[Undercity]], where she observed Rattrap for a while. Finally, she made her presence known, stinging him with her cybervenom. She never had liked the vermin, after all. Suddenly, Rattrap was saved by [[Depth Charge]], back from the dead. Blackarachnia was knocked out, and Depth Charge left the weakened Rattrap to fend for himself. As Depth Charge departed, he found himself surrounded by Blackarachnia's [[Piranacon (Universe)|Piranacons]]. {{storylink|Homecoming}}

{{note|[[3H Productions]] lost the license, and so this story was never finished as intended. However, look into the end of ''Universe'' was shown in a comic published by the next licensee, [[Fun Publications]].}}
Much later, Optimus Primal waged one last desperate assault against Unicron, and his [[Children of Primus]] were able to defeat the [[Minions of Unicron]]. As Unicron himself seemed to dissolve below them, Silverbolt carried Blackarachnia with him, saving her from sharing the gruesome fate of her evil peers. {{storylink|Revelations Part 2}}

{{-}}

===''Beast Wars Metals'' comic===
[[Image:Blackarach24.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Keeping something OUT of her crotch, for once.]]
Following the [[Quantum surge]], Blackarachnia was one of the few Transformers ''not'' to be upgraded into a [[Transmetal]]. As [[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]] and his armies laid seige to the weakened Maximal base, Blackarachnia waited in secret for an opening. When [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] was forced to shut [[Sentinel (BW)|Sentinel]] down to let an injured [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] in, Blackarachnia saw her chance and entered the base. Knocking out Airazor and ripping [[Rattrap]]'s arm off, Blackarachnia confronted Rhinox. Rhinox proceeded to pull out a "gun", but instead of shooting her with it, he blasted himself in the head (the "gun" actually being a machine allowing him to enter [[Transwarp space]]). Confused, but seeing no further use for the Maximals, Blackarachnia left the base. As the base collapsed behind her, she was approached by Quickstrike, who didn't like her "interfering" with his business. Not in the mood, she immediately kicked his head off. {{storylink|Raise the Curtain for Beast Wars Metals!!|Raise the Curtain for Beast Wars Metals!!}}

{{-}}
===''Beast Wars: Transmetals''===
[[Image:N64Blackarachnia.jpg|left|200px|thumb|I'm... sure she has a nice personality... wait, no. No, she doesn't.]]
:''Voice actor:'' ? (English), ? (Japanese)

Transmetal Blackarachnia joins her fellow Predacons in distributing various one-on-one beat downs to the Maximals. Eventually, Silverbolt convinces her to defect to the Maximals but she never truly reforms—once back on Cybertron, she works as a double-agent between the Maximal and [[Tripredacus Council]] with no loyalty to either side. {{storylink|Beast Wars: Transmetals}}

{{note|In the the N64 version of ''Beast Wars: Transmetals'', Blackarachnia was a stretched palette-swap of [[Tarantulas|Transmetal Tarantulas]]. As you can see, this didn't work very well. But it was a nice thought.}}

{{-}}
===''Universe'' CD-ROM===
Blackarachnia followed [[Reptilion|Reptillion]]{{sic}} in battle against [[Optimus Primal]] and his Autobot forces. She teamed up with [[Razorclaw (Universe)|Razorclaw]] to fight [[Striker]] before being abducted by [[Unicron]]. {{storylink|Universe CD-ROM}}

===Transformers Legends Anthology===
==Toys==
===Beast Wars===
{{anchor|Dx1}}
[[Image:Blackarachniabwtoy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Post-op Tarantulas.]]
*'''Blackarachnia''' (Deluxe, 1996/1997)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''D-8'''
**''Accessories'': Launcher, 4 leg-missiles

: Blackarachnia's original toy is a [[redeco]] of the [[Tarantulas]] mold, transforming into a rather generic-looking organic spider. It features a removable spring-loaded launcher hidden in its beast-mode abdomen. It nominally fires the "grappling hook" attached to its abdomen by a string, but its front four beast-mode legs can also be removed and used as ammunition. Like all first-year ''[[Beast Wars (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' Deluxes, the robot-mode head has both a "robot" face and a [[mutant head|"mutant" face]]; Blackarachnia is always depicted in fiction using the "robot" one (or a rough approximation thereof).

[[Image:BW-toy BlackarachniaTakara.jpg|right|250px|thumb|She might have an F-cup...or an E.]]

: The [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] release of the toy has numerous color differences from the [[Hasbro]] version, but they are of dubious merit as far as making her more "show-accurate" go. The bright green of the Hasbro version's forearms is replaced with dull silver, while the brighter purple is replaced with a darker, more desaturated purple. Her dark copper paint is replaced with a brighter gold. Her robot-mode facemask is painted gold, which is closer to the show model... but her face beneath is black with gold eyes (instead of gold with black eyes), and she inexplicably gains a new painted-black forehead crest, where the show model has gold.

: This mold was later used to make the [[Tarantulas|"Beast Wars 10th Anniversary" version of Tarantulas]], and the ''[[#BW10J|Beast Wars Telemocha]]'' version of Blackarachnia. It was intended to be used to make [[#UnUni|a second ''Universe'' version of Blackarachnia]], but that toy set was canceled.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1996/Predacon/Blackarachnia/blackarachnia.htm More information on Deluxe BW Blackarachnia at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|BWJVs}}
[[Image:VS8-TigatronBlackarachnia.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Battle of the redecos.]]
*'''Deep Forest Showdown: Tigatron VS Blackwidow''' (VS set, 1997)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''VS-8'''
**''Accessories'': Launcher, 4 leg-missiles

: In Japan, "Blackwidow" was available both as an individual and in a "VS" pack with [[Tigatron]]. Both toys were identical to their individual releases.

{{-}}{{anchor|BWMcD}}
[[Image:Blackarachniamctm.jpg|right|300px|thumb|She's got a great personality.]]
*'''Blackarachnia''' (Happy Meal, 1997)
**''McNumber'': ??

: Part of the second [[List of Transformers restaurant promotions|McDonald's]] ''Beast Wars'' Happy Meal pack-in, Blackarachnia's "[[Transmetal]]" form rather resembles some sort of dust mite more than a spider, and the robot mode appears to have fallen out of the ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down. It has a ''very'' similar transformation to the earlier promotional figure [[Beetle]].

:Like the other two Transmetal Happy Meal figures, Blackarachnia has some metallic-sheened plastic intended to resemble the colored chromed finish of the retail ''Transmetals'' toys.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1998/Predacon/Blackarachnia/blackarachnia.htm More information on McDonald's BW Blackarachnia at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|TM2}}
[[Image:BW-toy BlackarachniaTM2.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Covers her privates for great justice/children everywhere!]]
*'''Blackarachnia''' (Transmetal 2, 1999)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''C-48'''
**''Accessories'': Mandible grapnel-line

: The Transmetal 2 version of Blackarachnia transforms into a large, organic/mechanical, monstrous spider, featuring a grappling hook, switching [[faction symbols]] activated by [[#TriviaTM2spark|rotating her spark crystal around]], and a spring-loaded spin-kick action feature. She also has a half-assed "defense mode", bringing the chromed abdomen bits down to cover her chest. Like all larger Transmetal 2s, Blackarachnia has hints of an abandoned "transport" mode, mainly the free-spinning wheels and concealed rockets in the spider-mode abdomen.

: This toy was initially hard to find at retail, as one of the toy's features, a piece of removable chest armor (no, really), was altered slightly, delaying later shipments.

: This mold was used to make the [[BotCon 2000]] [[exclusive]] [[Arcee (G1)#Toys|Arcee]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1999/Maximal/Blackarachnia/blackarachnia.htm More information on Transmetal 2 Blackarachnia at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

===Beast Machines===
[[Image:Beast Machines Blackarachnia Toy.JPG|right|300px|thumb|She's definitely going to need a big nail file.]]
*'''Blackarachnia''' (Deluxe, 2000)

: An early toy in the ''[[Beast Machines (toyline)|Beast Machines]]'' line, Blackarachnia transforms into a [[technorganic]] spider. In spider mode, squeezing its pedipalps together raises its central fangs; they were spring-loaded to release and lower, respectively. In keeping with the early ''Beast Machines'' "articulated features" motif, her robot mode head has a multi-piece articulated brow, which can slide up to reveal two extra sets of eyes, as she does on the cartoon.

: This mold was later redecoed to make the [[#UniDx|''Universe'' version of Blackarachnia]], as well as [[Crystal Widow]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2000/Maximal/Blackarachnia/blackarachnia.htm More information on Beast Machines Blackarachnia at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|BMMcD}}
[[Image:Blackarachniamcbm.jpg|right|300px|thumb|This is transformed correctly, right? Right?]]
*'''Blackarachnia''' (Happy Meal, 2000)
**''McNumber'': ??

: As one of ''ten'' toys in the third Transformers McDonald's Happy Meal promotion, Blackarachnia is a super-simplified version of her retail toy, with a coloration closer to the [[Mainframe Entertainment|Mainframe]] CG model, though more shockingly pink rather than maroon. This toy is designed for the younger set, with softer plastic and no removable parts.

: She is the only [[Beast Era]] character to get two McDonald's Happy Meal toys.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2000/Maximal/McBlackarachnia/blackarachnia.htm More information on McDonald's BM Blackarachnia at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|BWR}}
[[Image:Blackarachniabeastwarsreturnstoy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|You will pay a lot of money to own this extra-pink girl <strike>doll</strike>action figure.]]
*'''Blackwidow''' (Deluxe, 2005)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''BR-04'''

: Part of the Japanese Toys "R" Us-[[exclusive]] ''[[Beast Machines (toyline)|Beast Wars Returns]]'' series, this toy is a redeco of the original ''Beast Machines'' Blackarachnia in a more show-like maroon coloration. Reportedly, this toy was limited to 3000 pieces, a full thousand ''less'' than the others in the original assortment. Since she was also the most changed from the US release in the initial batch of toys, this made her considerably harder to get.

{{-}}
===Universe (2003)===
{{anchor|UniDx}}
[[Image:Blackarachniauniversetoy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|You can pick your faction, and you can pick your girlfriend, but you can't pick your girlfriend's faction.]]
*'''Blackarachnia''' (Deluxe, 2003)

: Part of the second wave of ''[[Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' Deluxes, Blackarachnia returned as a [[Decepticon]] and as a redeco of [[#BMDx1|the original ''Beast Machines'' figure]]. However, her forearms were [[Misassembly|mistakenly swapped]], leaving her forearm "spikes" pointing up towards her biceps rather than down near her elbows. She received a Decepticon [[faction symbol]] over her [[spark crystal]] as well.

: This mold (with the same swapped-forearms error) was used to make [[Crystal Widow]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Decepticon/Blackarachnia/blackarachnia.htm More information on Universe Blackarachnia at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|UnUni}}
[[Image:Blackarachnia unreleased.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Eyow.]]
*'''Leatherhide Vs. Blackarachnia''' (Halloween Horrorcon value pack, unreleased)
**''Accessories'': Launcher, 4 leg-missiles

:In 2004, a group of test-shots made their way onto eBay, among them a [[redeco]] of the original ''Beast Wars'' Tarantulas/Blackarachnia mold in black with silver spider-legs and salmon-colored robot parts. Later, Hasbro's official website checklist featured listings for two ''[[Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' "Halloween [[Horrorcon (Universe)|Horrorcon]] Value Packs" that were to be Wal-Mart [[exclusives]]... which also likely explains why they were canceled. (Wal*Mart had taken a good half-dozen exclusives and released them more-or-less simultaneously, leading to a huge glut. A lot of other ''Transformers'' exclusives were canceled during the ''Universe'' era.) One of the sets was "[[Leatherhide]] Vs. Blackarachnia"... and thus, the mystery spider was confirmed, as the other test-shots in that group lined up with the name listings given in the sets.

{{canceledtoy}}
{{-}}
===Beast Wars Telemocha Series===
[[Image:Blackarachniatelemocha.jpg|right|300px|thumb|It almost works!]]
*'''Blackwidow''' (Deluxe, 2007)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''TM-06'''
**''Accessories:'' Launcher, 4 leg-missiles

: As part of the ''[[Beast Wars Telemocha Series|Beast Wars Telemocha]]'' line, the [[#Dx1|original Blackarachnia toy]] was ''extensively'' redecoed with a ridiculous number of gold [[paint application]]s, making her closer to [[Show-accuracy|show-accurate]] in coloration than the other versions of the mold, but still not quite there. (Her biceps are silver in the show.) All of the [[gimmick]]s of the original toy were retained, though her alternate head didn't receive any paint that wasn't intended to make her nominal head look more show-accurate.

:She came with a DVD containing "The Assassin Virus", the Japanese dubbing of ''Beast Wars'' episode 10, "[[Gorilla Warfare]]".

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2007/Destron/BlackWidow/blackwidow.htm More information on Telemocha Blackarachnia at TFU.info]''

{{-}}
===Binaltech===
[[Image:Blackwidowwildrider.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Honda wouldn't appreciate their car being hot, poisonous, and deadly.]]
*'''Blackwidow''' (Binaltech, unreleased)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''BT16'''
**''Accessories'': Engine-rifle, roof-shield

: In 2005, the mold used for ''[[Alternators]]'' [[Decepticharge]] was presented as an upcoming release for the Japanese ''Binaltech'' line. They decided to give the toy an entirely new deco, as the Hasbro toy's deco didn't appeal to their ideal of "real-life accuracy". In robot mode, the toy was given a color scheme based on Transmetal 2 Blackarachnia, with the toy's name being changed to "Blackwidow", Takara's name for the character. Though a [[bio]] and story chapter were written to accommodate it into the ''Binaltech'' fiction, and photoshopped images released through an online retailer revealed the intended color scheme, Takara ultimately decided to cancel the toy altogether, as they were fearing that another redeco (in addition to the upcoming ''Binaltech Asterisk'' toys) would be too repetitive. Plans to release this toy as part of a different line were never picked up again.

: This mold was ultimately released in Japan as part of an unexpected ''Binaltech'' continuation, this time as [[Arcee (G1)#Binaltech|Arcee]]. The original version of the mold was used to make ''Alternators'' [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] and ''Binaltech'' [[Overdrive]].
{{canceledtoy}}
{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===Robot Heroes===
[[Image:Robotheroescheetorblackarachnia.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Cute and poisonous.]]
* '''Cheetor vs. Blackarachnia''' (2-pack, 2008)

: Part of the first wave of ''[[Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]''-branded [[Robot Heroes]], Blackarachnia is a simple, yet well-detailed two-inch tall figurine with exaggerated, cartoony proportions. She was only available in a two-pack with [[Cheetor (BW) toys|Cheetor]].

{{-}}

==Trivia==
[[Image:BWBlackarachniaCardArt.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Dirty girls, make some noise. Move that ass for dirty boys.]]
* Blackarachnia's original Beast Wars card art has her wearing a spike-studded collar... while her chest seems to be leopard-spotted. Kinky.

* Reportedly, Blackarachnia's show model was created after some Mainframe folks had taken the design modeler to a strip club only a few days prior for, um... ''inspiration''.
{{anchor|TriviaTM2spark}}
* Even though Transmetal 2 Blackarachnia's toy has a unique faction-switching [[spark crystal]], the feature doesn't make sense in a fictional context. By that point in the ''Beast Wars'' television series, the Transmetal Driver had destroyed her Predacon [[shell program]], making her fully Maximal. (Though, to be fair, it ''had'' happened mere moments previously.)

* Blackarachnia exhibited what appears to be telekinesis not long after gaining her Transmetal 2 form, levitating a steel girder to stop Rampage in "[[Master Blaster]]". The ability only appeared once and was never explained, though it resembles the other strange, almost supernatural powers wielded by Transmetals 2 in the cartoon. Following her reformatting in ''Beast Machines'', Blackarachnia no longer possessed this ability.

* In the "jovial" Japanese dub of ''Beast Wars'', Blackarachnia's character underwent a few small (depending on your point of view) changes. Firstly, she had a voice that can only be described as "bipolar". She would switch between her usual sultry, flirtatious voice to a screaming blood-thirsty maniac at the drop of a hat. Another notable change is that, while still a strong female character, she was made less independent and was occasionally prone to ''begging for mercy'' from her enemies, something she never did in the English version. However, this isn't the first time the Japanese have done their best to [[Arcee (G1)|"improve" upon a female character]].

* Character and fiction information for the cancelled BT-16 "Blackwidow" toy finally emerged in late 2007 with the release of ''The Transformers Binaltech Stories: Profiles and Technical Specifications'', an unofficial publication by ''Binaltech'' story writer [[Hirofumi Ichikawa]] that compiled all then-current ''Binaltech'' information as well as that of the unreleased Blackarachnia and [[Ginrai]] toys. As it was never officially released, this information can be considered [[Pseudocanon|pseudocanonical]] at best.

==References==
<references />

[[Category:Alternators]]
[[Category:Beast Machines characters]]
[[Category:Beast Wars characters]]
[[Category:Decepticons]]
[[Category:Fast food exclusives]]
[[Category:Female Transformers]]
[[Category:Maximals]]
[[Category:Minions of Unicron]]
[[Category:Predacons]]
[[Category:Robot Heroes]]
[[Category:Transmetals]]
[[Category:Transmetals 2]]
[[Category:Turncoats]]
[[Category:Universe characters]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]

Blackarachnia (BW)

2009-06-24T21:13:32Z

64.180.1.158:

{{factions|maximal|predacon}}
{{disambig3|Blackarachnia}}
:''Blackarachnia is a [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]], [[Maximal]], and a [[Decepticon]] from the [[Beast Era]] portion of the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]]. She's a busy girl, huh?''

[[Image:Blackarachniabw.jpg|right|240px|thumb|Hot, poisonous, and deadly. Rawr!]]
A sultry femme fatale, '''Blackarachnia''' is smart, sexy, and dangerous. She's got eight legs, and she knows how to use them. Of the several rebellious Predacons under [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]'s command, she's one of the very few who can, on occasion, outguile him. Always looking out for Number One, Blackarachnia values her independence and freedom above all else. She would rather be deactivated than be a slave.

Blackarachnia's greatest weakness, other than her overconfidence, is her feelings for the Maximal [[Silverbolt (BW)|Silverbolt]]. Something about his heroic demeanor and the kindness he shows her makes her uneasy. She hasn't experienced unconditional love before, and it scares her, though she'll never admit it.

{{quote|Even when I'm good, I'm still bad.|—Blackarachnia, "[[Crossing the Rubicon]]"}}

:''Japanese name:'' '''Blackwidow'''
:''French-Canadian name (original toy):'' '''Mygale'''
:''French-Canadian name (cartoon):'' '''La Veuve Noire''' (The Black Widow")<ref name=TM2BA>Whether Transmetal II Blackarachnia had different French and Spanish names is uncertain at this point.</ref>
:''Chinese name (Taiwan):'' '''Hēi Jr-jū''' (黑蜘蛛, "Black Spider") / '''Jr-jū''' (蜘蛛, "Spider", used in ''Beast Machines'' sometimes)
:''Cantonese name:'' '''Alaina''' (雅麗娜 ''Aa Lai Naa'')
:''Polish name:'' '''Arachna'''
:''Portuguese name:'' '''Aracniana'''
:''Brazilian name (Beast Wars only):'' '''Viúva Negra'''
:''Spanish name'': '''Araña Negra''' ("Black Spider")<ref name=TM2BA/>

==Fiction==
===Cartoon continuity===
====''Beast Wars'' cartoon====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Venus Terzo]] (English), [[Ryōka Yuzuki]] (Japanese), [[Fátima Noya]] (Portuguese)

[[Image:BAintroduction.jpg|left|250px|thumb|My face is up here!]]
Blackarachnia was born from one of the [[Maximal|Maximals']] fallen [[stasis pod]]s. [[Tarantulas]], watching a black widow fight and devour another spider, was inspired. [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]], observing the slim and attractive Blackarachnia transform and strike a few poses, suggested that he had "ulterior motives behind her beast form selection." But, she was a Predacon, and that was what was important. In the battle with the Maximals that followed, she easily defeated [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] with a few well-placed kicks. She was later reported as "missing," though the reasons why and how were never addressed. {{storylink|Double Jeopardy}}

Blackarachnia made herself renowned among the ranks of both the Maximals and Predacons as a severe headache to Megatron. When Tarantulas found out about the [[Vok]], he tried to craft a stasis pod escape ship for himself, and she was there to forge a partnership {{storylink|Spider's Game}}. When [[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]] and Blackarachnia journeyed to a mysterious, floating island containing immense power, she was there to shove him out of the way and take control of the island herself, only to be defeated by [[Tigatron]] {{storylink|The Trigger, Part 1}}. When [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] took control of [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]]'s body, she was right next to him when he betrayed Megatron, betraying Starscream ''back'' {{storylink|Possession}}. When she aided Tarantulas in breaking into the ''Axalon'' to acquire a stasis pod for conversion into an escape ship, she took over after a following Inferno incapacitated Tarantulas, intending to take the ship for herself. {{storylink|Other Voices, Part 1}} Unfortunately for her, this deception backfired on her in the form of a forced mind link between her and Tarantulas, which remained until she forced the spider into breaking it. {{storylink|Tangled Web}} When Tarantulas forced her to investigate Megatron's [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden]] [[Golden Disk (Vok)|Disk]] backups, she waited until Tarantulas was occupied to download and encrypt the recoverable information. {{storylink|Coming of the Fuzors (Part 2)}}

[[Image:Blackarachnia A shame.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Hiya, hot stuff.]]
When the Vok were moments away from returning, Tarantulas and Blackarachnia both again teamed up in an attempt to flee the dying planet. Megatron, already aware of their next move, used their deceptive tendencies against them and acted unaware of their treachery. As they built their escape ship, he installed his own variant on the design, making it inescapable once sealed and in space. Though it did not destroy either of them, the result was even better: [[Optimus Primal]] wound up in the pod and was destroyed instead. {{storylink|Other Voices, Part 2}} Blackarachnia's wits saved her, as she convinced Megatron that he would need soldiers, which gave him reason to spare her life. She also, much to her disgust, ended up with a telepathic link to Tarantulas which allowed him control of her body. {{storylink|Aftermath}}

Forced by Tarantulas to hack into Megatron's private files and Golden Disk back-ups for him, she discovered that it contained the access codes for the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]]. Taking advantage of his temporary deactivation, she downloaded a copy, destroyed the files and told Megatron [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] destroyed them, while telling Tarantulas a different story, that Megatron had booby-trapped them. {{storylink|Coming of the Fuzors (Part 2)}} Neither of them (apparently) believed her, but neither showed this openly ''yet''... Meanwhile, Blackarachnia forced Tarantulas to end their psychic link by threatening to kill herself and take his mind with her. She also had Silverbolt refuse to fight her because she was female (to the annoyance of Rattrap). {{storylink|Tangled Web}}

[[Image:Blackarachnia fightback.jpg|left|180px|thumb|Spousal abuse!]]
When an energon blast sent her and Silverbolt into the middle of the dense jungles, they were forced to work together. Though attracted to the [[Fuzor]], Blackarachnia was endlessly frustrated by his seemingly idiotic chivalry and need to treat her specially. Megatron, listening in to their commlink chatter, was disgusted by the obvious romance going on. Blackarachnia rather liked the treatment and affection, though she held it under a firm charade of bitter irritation. {{storylink|Bad Spark}}

When the Predacons attacked the valley of proto-humans, Blackarachnia was teamed with Inferno. She did considerable damage to Dinobot before being blasted herself. {{storylink|Code of Hero}}

After confirming the location of the Ark, Megatron sent Waspinator to its location. Realizing what this meant, Blackarachnia abandoned her post and followed him. Silverbolt followed ''her'' and stubbornly refused to leave her alone. Exhausted and in a hurry, she conceded and told him to dig. The two broke through the mountainside and Blackarachnia had a good cackle over the Ark's power being "all mine!"... just as Megatron arrived. Having always intended for her to reach the Ark as he knew she had the access codes, he threatened to vape Silverbolt unless she did what he said. Bitterly, she agreed to his demands.

[[Image:BA Silverbolt Agenda3.jpg|right|180px|thumb|I can walk, you know.]]
Blackarachnia used the Ark's security system to cover Megatron's back, not sure of what he was planning. Once he fired upon [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], history began to change, wiping out all Maximals... {{storylink|The Agenda (Part III)}}which included herself. Not willing to die for Megatron, she activated [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I's]] security nets to force Megatron off the ship. With Silverbolt's help, she got the dying Autobot leader under life support and began the repairs. The Maximals, recognizing what she had done, reluctantly allowed her to join their ranks after an irate Megatron gave her the boot (in the form of nearly killing her). {{storylink|Optimal Situation}} (Quite what ''she'd'' intended to do with the Ark — since she couldn't have altered the timeline without risking erasing herself — was never explored.)

Blackarachnia quickly showed her usefulness to the Maximals, building a hand-powered [[subaquatic stealth vessel]] that could retrieve Sentinel from the ''Axalon'''s underwater resting place. Rattrap was less than thrilled about having to use the "Predacon beach ball". {{storylink|Changing of the Guard}}

She was even less thrilled when she ended up having to escort two human children back to their tribe along with Cheetor, who was exhibiting a boyish crush on her, much to Silverbolt's annoyance. Rattrap was also rather distrusting of her, as earlier he had spied Blackarachnia sneaking some parts from a classified area. But when Megatron's new [[cyber raptor]]s attacked, Blackarachnia showed her good side by defending the children, even taking a hit from Tarantulas for them, which she immediately denied to an impressed Silverbolt by saying she slipped. With the cyber raptors defeated, she informed Cheetor that he was a nice kid - which were two strikes against him, so don't go looking for strike three. {{storylink|Cutting Edge}}

However, tensions began to run high later. After Rhinox scanned her and found the shell program that made her a Predacon, Blackarachnia finally got fed up with Rattrap's attitude and Cheetor's crush, and would have choked/blasted them both if Optimus hadn't intervened. Weary that apparently she hadn't proven herself to the Maximals and thinking that Optimus and Rhinox were planning to force her to remove the shell, Blackarachnia decided to split... which turned out to be a bad decision, as [[Dinobot II]] had been waiting for this moment. Taking turns hunting each other, Blackarachnia got the upper hand but was caught off-guard by Dinobot's power and durability. Fleeing to a mesa, she was found by Silverbolt, who got in a fight with Dinobot and was about to be slagged. Blackarachnia shot him out of the way, then tried to make a deal with Dinobot to take over the Ark and the Predacons, which backfired and allowed Dinobot to stun her, but he was distracted by Silverbolt long enough for the two Maximals to finally defeat him. However, Silverbolt accused Blackarachnia of betraying the Maximals, which angered Blackarachnia who explained she shot him to get him out of Dinobot's grasp and distract him, and countered with Optimus' supposed forcing of her to become a Maximal. But they worked everything out at the end (after a headbutt to Silverbolt also dropped her. He ''does'' have a thick skull). {{storylink|Proving Grounds}}

[[Image:TM2 Blackarachnia.jpg|left|180px|thumb|Calendar Bot]]
Later, Blackarachnia took the [[Transmetal driver]] and attempted to use it on herself. Silverbolt, not realizing what she was planning, bailed her out of the contraption. Like every good girlfriend, she began to chew him out, but was cut off as an energy surge made her lose control of her circuits. A security system Tarantulas installed had been triggered by her tampering with her core, and the only way to fix it was to cut the Predacon [[shell program]] loose. Reluctantly, she agreed. An attack on the Maximal base disrupted the attempt, and she was deactivated.

Distraught, Silverbolt took off to avenge her death. He easily subdued Tarantulas and was moments away from executing him when [[Rampage (BW)|Rampage]] attacked him. Blackarachnia appeared in the nick of time with her new and improved Transmetal 2 body, easily fought off Rampage and rescued Silverbolt. {{storylink|Crossing the Rubicon}}

Later, during Megatron's final assault on the Ark, Blackarachnia "emasculated" Rattrap's tail in an effort to reactivate the Ark. Seriously. {{storylink|Nemesis Part 2}}
{{-}}
====''Tales of the Beast Wars''====
Blackarachnia made a brief appearance in her Transmetal 2 form at [[Omega Point]], being eviscerated by [[Shokaract]]'s firepower. Clearly, she got better as space/time rebooted itself with the destruction of the [[Unicron|Dark Essence]]. {{storylink|Terminus}}

====IDW ''Beast Wars'' comics====
While the Maximals attempted to remove her Predacon shell program, an alternate Transmetal "Vok" body was somehow automatically created (by someone, somehow) in [[subspace]] just in case it was needed. It wasn't, and so it was "sidelined". {{storylink|Beast Wars Sourcebook}}

{{note|This is [[IDW Publishing|IDW's]] way of "sorta" working her [[McDonald's]] Happy Meal premium toy (see below) into continuity}}

====''Binaltech'' (unused)====
As the victorious Maximals travelled forward in time from prehistoric Earth to far-future Cybertron, their shuttle was suddenly struck by a powerful force of darkness. Hurled into the early 21st century, Blackarachnia was forced by Unicron to aid him in his efforts to destroy the [[Matrix of Leadership]]. Her spark was placed inside the silver Beta Unit Honda S-2000 Aero Style body intended for the Autobot warrior [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]], and her mind was overwhelmed by an evil essence that forced her to do Unicron's bidding.

Still possessing her extrasensory Transmetal 2 powers including telekinesis, Blackarachnia gained several additional weapons courtesy of her new form: a long-range Venom Sniper Gun that fired system-disrupting energy bullets, a defensive riot shield that projected an electromagnetic field from its edge, and the ability to fire strong artificial webs from her grill, exhaust pipe and hands in robot mode.

Blackarachnia was partnered with the newly-created [[Decepticharge]] and dispatched to confront [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave's]] forces on Earth. Finding them in the middle of a [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]-led uprising, the pair put down the rebellion and ordered the Decepticons to defeat [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and destroy the Matrix.

While forced to act as a Decepticon, Blackarachnia's true self remained intact but submerged, struggling to overcome Unicron's control and desperate to correct the warped [[Binaltech]] timeline.

[[Blackarachnia (BW)|''Maybe.'']]

====''Beast Machines'' cartoon====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Venus Terzo]] (English), [[Ryōka Yuzuki]] (Japanese), [[Márcia Moreli]] (Portuguese)

[[Image:Thereformattingmaximalsmaximize.jpg|left|300px|thumb|When they say she's all legs, they ain't kidding!]]
When the Autobot shuttle crashed on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] and the Maximal team was gassed, Blackarachnia's Transmetal 2 powers were stripped away from her, as were her memories. As such, the amnesiac Maximal decided to head underground, distraught and confused. Locked out of her robot mode, she awaited her imminent deactivation — until the other three survivors: an equally disoriented [[Optimus Primal]], [[Rattrap]] and [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]]—plunged into her web. Primal made the decision to head underground, and Blackarachnia complied, using her webs to grant them safe passage. However, in her weakened state her webbing was limited, and so the foursome plummeted most of the way down into the chamber of the [[Vector Sigma|Oracle]]. She watched as Optimus emerged in his [[technorganic]] form, and was the fourth and last Maximal to be [[reformat]]ted, emerging as a pink black widow spider with green markings. When attacked by a squadron of Cycle Drones, she put her technorganic mode to good use, trapping one of the [[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicons]] in a tangle of web. {{storylink|The Reformatting}}

[[Image:Blackarachniamasterofthehouse.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Nice forehead!]]
However, her loss of Silverbolt had hardened her, and she was now unable to count on her Maximal allies. Blackarachnia fell back upon her Predacon principles of 'survival of the fittest' and became more withdrawn and skeptical than at the end of the Beast Wars. Blackarachnia had a relatively easy time adapting to her new technorganic form, and was the third Maximal to master transformation, though it took her longer to apply her new robot mode in combat. In robot mode, she was able to fire electrical "stings" through the ground and hurl technorganic webs like discs. However, all of her new abilities and powers were useless as she tried to unravel the mysteries of where and why the population of Cybertron had gone, and why the [[Cybertron InfoCore]] was wiped. {{storylink|Master of the House}} Sometime after that, she received a vision of prehistoric [[Earth]] and her lover. She and Rattrap were then sent to extract data on the Shuttle that ferried them home to Cybertron, before having a run-in with Megatron's new, sentient [[Vehicon general]]s. As she desperately tried to access her missing memories, Megatron manipulated the data link, attempting to probe her mind, and by doing so, finding the Maximal's base. When she realized what was going on, she severed the link at the cost of the Shuttle and their memories. {{storylink|Fires of the Past}}

Blackarachnia and crew later discovered the bat-creature [[Nightscream (BM)|Nightscream]], who led them to a strange organic fruit tree. Upon eating the fruit, Blackarachnia began to revert to her instinctual "animal" mind, and it was only thanks to [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] that her feral mind returned to normal, and thanks to Primal that the bat's life was saved and reformatted into a technorganic body. With the debut of the newest Maximal, Blackarachnia took on a "big sister" role to the inexperienced youth, and as a result mellowed somewhat. {{storylink|Forbidden Fruit}} Later, the group stumbled across one of Megatron's many Transformer junkyards, where the lifeless, [[Spark]]less bodies of the cities were disposed of. When [[Thrust (BM)|Thrust]] and Blackarachnia were split up from the battle, a unofficial truce was made between the two uneasy sides, but when, Thrust saved her life and her [[Spark]], having strange recollections of doing so before, her mind was set: He was Silverbolt, mutated and made evil by Megatron. {{storylink|Revelations Part I: Discovery}}

Blackarachnia made numerous peals for Thrust to realize his "true" Maximal nature, though Thrust seemed hesitant. This culminated in Thrust removing her Spark, as [[Jetstorm (BM)|Jetstorm]] egged him on. As the Spark rocketed into the darkness, Nightscream fought Jetstorm for it. At the same time, on another plane of existence, Blackarachnia encountered Primal, who calmed her astral spirit down, at the same time allowing Nightscream to restore it and bring her back. {{storylink|Revelations Part III: Apocalypse}}

When Tankor gained control of the Key to Vector Sigma and "infected" Nightscream and the new orchard with the Key, Blackarachnia eventually became infected, and temporarily lost her sanity as she was overwhelmed by the "technomatter". {{storylink|The Key}} When the rest of the gang managed to reverse the process, Blackarachnia was saved.

[[Image:Silverboltjetstorm.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Sorry, your boyfriend was behind door number 2!]]
However, not even Thrust's recent behavior would put off the persistent Maximal. Using some of the organic fluid from the Cybertronian core, and after a brief chase, she trapped Thrust in some of her webs and forced his inner personality out, begging for Silverbolt to answer. The reply was not quite what she was looking for.

[[Waspinator (BW)|"Doggie-bot not here!"]]

When Jetstorm attacked, another mishap with the organic goop occurred, and for a moment Silverbolt's true personality emerged, sweeping Blackarachnia in his arms. He returned, but just for a moment. Fighting a passionate [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]], the goo vanished from the both of them, and the Vehicon's minds both returned.

Blackarachnia was involved in the battle in Megatron's Citadel, holding off the Vehicons as Primal confronted Megatron within, though she, along with the others, were all overwhelmed by the Key to Vector Sigma and became comatose. Upon awakening, the four headed to confront [[Optimus Primal|Primal]] in the Oracle, where they convinced him to return to real-space and continue his leadership.

[[Image:Blackarachniasilverboltdarkestknight.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Vamp meets goth.]]
After a brief run-in with the organic Transformer [[Noble|Savage/Noble]], his betrayal, and the introduction of the [[Grand Mal]], Blackarachnia managed to force Jetstorm into a large pool of the organic goo, and his body began to change. Scanning a nearby condor skeleton, he awoke in a new form, a purple technorganic bird of prey. Blackarachnia was startled by the change in him. Instead of the lovable, chivalrous knight in shining armor, he was a brittle, haunted bot, tormented by the images of the evil deeds he had done...done by choice. Though he gave up on himself, she never did, urging Silverbolt to forgive his past, prompting him to head to the Grand Mal to confront his old master and rescue Primal and Cheetor. {{storylink|In Darkest Knight}}

[[Image:Silverboltblackarachniaseedsofthefuture.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Eeek! That smile! Go back to glowering!]]
Even after Silverbolt inadvertently spread a new, [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]-enhanced version of the old [[Hate Plague]] causing dissension in the ranks, her love remained, unbroken and undying, though Silverbolt only felt more guilt on his part. However, Blackarachnia softened once more, and displayed traits similar to her pre-technoganic persona with the reintroduction of her lover. Together, the two battled an [[Botanica|alien plant monster]] only to have it join the Maximals, fought [[Obsidian (BM)|two]] [[Strika (BM)|new]] Vehicons, and went up against strange zombies created by Megatron's depolarized Spark.

By the time the final conflict rolled around, Blackarachnia, like the others, was empowered by the Sparks of Cybertron, depleting the Vehicon ranks. However, like the others, she finally fell and her Spark was extracted once again, as Primal and Megatron fought their final battle, resulting in the sacrifice of them both and the reformatting of Cybertron into a technorganic paradise. Swatting away an angry [[Waspinator (BW)|bug]], looking out over their new home, Silverbolt ruined the emotion with the corniest line possible—

{{quote|The menace has passed! At last, we can truly be together, dark venom of my heart!|—Silverbolt to Blackarachnia}}

{{-}}

====''Universe''====
Shortly after the planet underwent the Great Reformatting, the [[Quintesson|Quintessons]] seized the opportunity to attack, believing that the revolutionary change would have rendered the planets' inhabitants confused and docile. Suffice to say, the Transformers were greatly underestimated. Silverbolt and Blackarachnia were successfully able to fend [[Cybertropolis]] from Quintesson invaders. {{storylink|Wreckers: Finale Part II|Wreckers: Finale Part II}}

[[Image:Blackarachniaabduction.jpg|left|300px|thumb|She stabbed my basketball, and the speakers to my stereo!]]
One year later, Silverbolt and Blackarachnia were chosen to greet a ship of returning Autobot heroes from the Great War. Their welcomes were ignored by the crew, which included [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]], [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]], [[Roulette]], and [[Shadow Striker]], when they realized that their home had been transformed into a strange technorganic paradise. Only [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] was unphased, choosing to talk up Blackarachnia and Silverbolt so that he could mug for [[Rook (Universe)|Rook's]] cameras.

[[Image:TFU Blackarachnia vs Rattrap.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Hey, guys, I turned evil again!]]
Their greeting was interrupted by a series of what appeared to be fireworks. Instead, they were beams of energy sent by [[Unicron]] to capture the returning crew, Blackarachnia, and Silverbolt, and bring them to him. When they arrived, a booming voice welcomed them to the [[Pit]], a dimension inside Unicron. Blackarachnia and her fellow captives were painfully smelted down and reformed; only Trailbreaker emerged unchanged. Since she arrived, Blackarachnia had begun to feel a growing anger that she couldn't control. And in this new Unicron-tainted form, she more than welcomed the swarm of creatures that began swarming her group. Overwhelmed, Blackarachnia and the others were herded into the [[Cauldron]] and filed into prison cells. As Blackarachnia protested, she was silenced by [[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]], one of their hosts.

It was revealed to them by the master of ceremonies, [[Razorclaw (Universe)|Razorclaw]], that they would be forced to fight fellow abducted Transformers. The loser's [[spark]] would fuel and empower Unicron, whose form had fallen into disrepair. Blackarachnia's uncontrollable rage welcomed this bloodsport, as Silverbolt watched helplessly as she fell under Unicron's evil spell. {{storylink|Abduction}}

Optimus Primal, resurrected by [[Primus]], arrived to rescue the prisoners of the Cauldron, and with help from Silverbolt and Trailbreaker, its captives were set free. But Unicron's grip on Blackarachnia was too strong. She began lashing out madly, even at Silverbolt, and the Fuzor took tight hold of her so that he might swiftly remove her from Unicron's grip. But as the others began jumping through a portal that would lead them to their respective homes across the [[multiverse]], Blackarachnia had a moment of clarity. Sadly, she told Silverbolt that Unicron had awakened her ''true'' nature, then bid him farewell and threw him through the portal.

[[Image:Optimusprimaluniverseend.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Closure? Maybe?]]
Soon, she was escorted by Tankor and [[Obsidian (BM)|Obsidian]] to the center of Unicron, where she was repulsed to meet a familiar face: Tarantulas! {{storylink|Escape (issue)|Escape}}

Blackarachnia was dispatched to Cybertron's [[Undercity]], where she observed Rattrap for a while. Finally, she made her presence known, stinging him with her cybervenom. She never had liked the vermin, after all. Suddenly, Rattrap was saved by [[Depth Charge]], back from the dead. Blackarachnia was knocked out, and Depth Charge left the weakened Rattrap to fend for himself. As Depth Charge departed, he found himself surrounded by Blackarachnia's [[Piranacon (Universe)|Piranacons]]. {{storylink|Homecoming}}

{{note|[[3H Productions]] lost the license, and so this story was never finished as intended. However, look into the end of ''Universe'' was shown in a comic published by the next licensee, [[Fun Publications]].}}
Much later, Optimus Primal waged one last desperate assault against Unicron, and his [[Children of Primus]] were able to defeat the [[Minions of Unicron]]. As Unicron himself seemed to dissolve below them, Silverbolt carried Blackarachnia with him, saving her from sharing the gruesome fate of her evil peers. {{storylink|Revelations Part 2}}

{{-}}

===''Beast Wars Metals'' comic===
[[Image:Blackarach24.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Keeping something OUT of her crotch, for once.]]
Following the [[Quantum surge]], Blackarachnia was one of the few Transformers ''not'' to be upgraded into a [[Transmetal]]. As [[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]] and his armies laid seige to the weakened Maximal base, Blackarachnia waited in secret for an opening. When [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] was forced to shut [[Sentinel (BW)|Sentinel]] down to let an injured [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] in, Blackarachnia saw her chance and entered the base. Knocking out Airazor and ripping [[Rattrap]]'s arm off, Blackarachnia confronted Rhinox. Rhinox proceeded to pull out a "gun", but instead of shooting her with it, he blasted himself in the head (the "gun" actually being a machine allowing him to enter [[Transwarp space]]). Confused, but seeing no further use for the Maximals, Blackarachnia left the base. As the base collapsed behind her, she was approached by Quickstrike, who didn't like her "interfering" with his business. Not in the mood, she immediately kicked his head off. {{storylink|Raise the Curtain for Beast Wars Metals!!|Raise the Curtain for Beast Wars Metals!!}}

{{-}}
===''Beast Wars: Transmetals''===
[[Image:N64Blackarachnia.jpg|left|200px|thumb|I'm... sure she has a nice personality... wait, no. No, she doesn't.]]
:''Voice actor:'' ? (English), ? (Japanese)

Transmetal Blackarachnia joins her fellow Predacons in distributing various one-on-one beat downs to the Maximals. Eventually, Silverbolt convinces her to defect to the Maximals but she never truly reforms—once back on Cybertron, she works as a double-agent between the Maximal and [[Tripredacus Council]] with no loyalty to either side. {{storylink|Beast Wars: Transmetals}}

{{note|In the the N64 version of ''Beast Wars: Transmetals'', Blackarachnia was a stretched palette-swap of [[Tarantulas|Transmetal Tarantulas]]. As you can see, this didn't work very well. But it was a nice thought.}}

{{-}}
===''Universe'' CD-ROM===
Blackarachnia followed [[Reptilion|Reptillion]]{{sic}} in battle against [[Optimus Primal]] and his Autobot forces. She teamed up with [[Razorclaw (Universe)|Razorclaw]] to fight [[Striker]] before being abducted by [[Unicron]]. {{storylink|Universe CD-ROM}}

===Transformers Legends Anthology===
==Toys==
===Beast Wars===
{{anchor|Dx1}}
[[Image:Blackarachniabwtoy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Post-op Tarantulas.]]
*'''Blackarachnia''' (Deluxe, 1996/1997)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''D-8'''
**''Accessories'': Launcher, 4 leg-missiles

: Blackarachnia's original toy is a [[redeco]] of the [[Tarantulas]] mold, transforming into a rather generic-looking organic spider. It features a removable spring-loaded launcher hidden in its beast-mode abdomen. It nominally fires the "grappling hook" attached to its abdomen by a string, but its front four beast-mode legs can also be removed and used as ammunition. Like all first-year ''[[Beast Wars (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' Deluxes, the robot-mode head has both a "robot" face and a [[mutant head|"mutant" face]]; Blackarachnia is always depicted in fiction using the "robot" one (or a rough approximation thereof).

[[Image:BW-toy BlackarachniaTakara.jpg|right|250px|thumb|She might have an F-cup...or an E.]]

: The [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] release of the toy has numerous color differences from the [[Hasbro]] version, but they are of dubious merit as far as making her more "show-accurate" go. The bright green of the Hasbro version's forearms is replaced with dull silver, while the brighter purple is replaced with a darker, more desaturated purple. Her dark copper paint is replaced with a brighter gold. Her robot-mode facemask is painted gold, which is closer to the show model... but her face beneath is black with gold eyes (instead of gold with black eyes), and she inexplicably gains a new painted-black forehead crest, where the show model has gold.

: This mold was later used to make the [[Tarantulas|"Beast Wars 10th Anniversary" version of Tarantulas]], and the ''[[#BW10J|Beast Wars Telemocha]]'' version of Blackarachnia. It was intended to be used to make [[#UnUni|a second ''Universe'' version of Blackarachnia]], but that toy set was canceled.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1996/Predacon/Blackarachnia/blackarachnia.htm More information on Deluxe BW Blackarachnia at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|BWJVs}}
[[Image:VS8-TigatronBlackarachnia.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Battle of the redecos.]]
*'''Deep Forest Showdown: Tigatron VS Blackwidow''' (VS set, 1997)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''VS-8'''
**''Accessories'': Launcher, 4 leg-missiles

: In Japan, "Blackwidow" was available both as an individual and in a "VS" pack with [[Tigatron]]. Both toys were identical to their individual releases.

{{-}}{{anchor|BWMcD}}
[[Image:Blackarachniamctm.jpg|right|300px|thumb|She's got a great personality.]]
*'''Blackarachnia''' (Happy Meal, 1997)
**''McNumber'': ??

: Part of the second [[List of Transformers restaurant promotions|McDonald's]] ''Beast Wars'' Happy Meal pack-in, Blackarachnia's "[[Transmetal]]" form rather resembles some sort of dust mite more than a spider, and the robot mode appears to have fallen out of the ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down. It has a ''very'' similar transformation to the earlier promotional figure [[Beetle]].

:Like the other two Transmetal Happy Meal figures, Blackarachnia has some metallic-sheened plastic intended to resemble the colored chromed finish of the retail ''Transmetals'' toys.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1998/Predacon/Blackarachnia/blackarachnia.htm More information on McDonald's BW Blackarachnia at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|TM2}}
[[Image:BW-toy BlackarachniaTM2.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Covers her privates for great justice/children everywhere!]]
*'''Blackarachnia''' (Transmetal 2, 1999)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''C-48'''
**''Accessories'': Mandible grapnel-line

: The Transmetal 2 version of Blackarachnia transforms into a large, organic/mechanical, monstrous spider, featuring a grappling hook, switching [[faction symbols]] activated by [[#TriviaTM2spark|rotating her spark crystal around]], and a spring-loaded spin-kick action feature. She also has a half-assed "defense mode", bringing the chromed abdomen bits down to cover her chest. Like all larger Transmetal 2s, Blackarachnia has hints of an abandoned "transport" mode, mainly the free-spinning wheels and concealed rockets in the spider-mode abdomen.

: This toy was initially hard to find at retail, as one of the toy's features, a piece of removable chest armor (no, really), was altered slightly, delaying later shipments.

: This mold was used to make the [[BotCon 2000]] [[exclusive]] [[Arcee (G1)#Toys|Arcee]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1999/Maximal/Blackarachnia/blackarachnia.htm More information on Transmetal 2 Blackarachnia at TFU.info]''

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===Beast Machines===
[[Image:Beast Machines Blackarachnia Toy.JPG|right|300px|thumb|She's definitely going to need a big nail file.]]
*'''Blackarachnia''' (Deluxe, 2000)

: An early toy in the ''[[Beast Machines (toyline)|Beast Machines]]'' line, Blackarachnia transforms into a [[technorganic]] spider. In spider mode, squeezing its pedipalps together raises its central fangs; they were spring-loaded to release and lower, respectively. In keeping with the early ''Beast Machines'' "articulated features" motif, her robot mode head has a multi-piece articulated brow, which can slide up to reveal two extra sets of eyes, as she does on the cartoon.

: This mold was later redecoed to make the [[#UniDx|''Universe'' version of Blackarachnia]], as well as [[Crystal Widow]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2000/Maximal/Blackarachnia/blackarachnia.htm More information on Beast Machines Blackarachnia at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|BMMcD}}
[[Image:Blackarachniamcbm.jpg|right|300px|thumb|This is transformed correctly, right? Right?]]
*'''Blackarachnia''' (Happy Meal, 2000)
**''McNumber'': ??

: As one of ''ten'' toys in the third Transformers McDonald's Happy Meal promotion, Blackarachnia is a super-simplified version of her retail toy, with a coloration closer to the [[Mainframe Entertainment|Mainframe]] CG model, though more shockingly pink rather than maroon. This toy is designed for the younger set, with softer plastic and no removable parts.

: She is the only [[Beast Era]] character to get two McDonald's Happy Meal toys.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2000/Maximal/McBlackarachnia/blackarachnia.htm More information on McDonald's BM Blackarachnia at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|BWR}}
[[Image:Blackarachniabeastwarsreturnstoy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|You will pay a lot of money to own this extra-pink girl <strike>doll</strike>action figure.]]
*'''Blackwidow''' (Deluxe, 2005)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''BR-04'''

: Part of the Japanese Toys "R" Us-[[exclusive]] ''[[Beast Machines (toyline)|Beast Wars Returns]]'' series, this toy is a redeco of the original ''Beast Machines'' Blackarachnia in a more show-like maroon coloration. Reportedly, this toy was limited to 3000 pieces, a full thousand ''less'' than the others in the original assortment. Since she was also the most changed from the US release in the initial batch of toys, this made her considerably harder to get.

{{-}}
===Universe (2003)===
{{anchor|UniDx}}
[[Image:Blackarachniauniversetoy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|You can pick your faction, and you can pick your girlfriend, but you can't pick your girlfriend's faction.]]
*'''Blackarachnia''' (Deluxe, 2003)

: Part of the second wave of ''[[Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' Deluxes, Blackarachnia returned as a [[Decepticon]] and as a redeco of [[#BMDx1|the original ''Beast Machines'' figure]]. However, her forearms were [[Misassembly|mistakenly swapped]], leaving her forearm "spikes" pointing up towards her biceps rather than down near her elbows. She received a Decepticon [[faction symbol]] over her [[spark crystal]] as well.

: This mold (with the same swapped-forearms error) was used to make [[Crystal Widow]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Decepticon/Blackarachnia/blackarachnia.htm More information on Universe Blackarachnia at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|UnUni}}
[[Image:Blackarachnia unreleased.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Eyow.]]
*'''Leatherhide Vs. Blackarachnia''' (Halloween Horrorcon value pack, unreleased)
**''Accessories'': Launcher, 4 leg-missiles

:In 2004, a group of test-shots made their way onto eBay, among them a [[redeco]] of the original ''Beast Wars'' Tarantulas/Blackarachnia mold in black with silver spider-legs and salmon-colored robot parts. Later, Hasbro's official website checklist featured listings for two ''[[Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' "Halloween [[Horrorcon (Universe)|Horrorcon]] Value Packs" that were to be Wal-Mart [[exclusives]]... which also likely explains why they were canceled. (Wal*Mart had taken a good half-dozen exclusives and released them more-or-less simultaneously, leading to a huge glut. A lot of other ''Transformers'' exclusives were canceled during the ''Universe'' era.) One of the sets was "[[Leatherhide]] Vs. Blackarachnia"... and thus, the mystery spider was confirmed, as the other test-shots in that group lined up with the name listings given in the sets.

{{canceledtoy}}
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===Beast Wars Telemocha Series===
[[Image:Blackarachniatelemocha.jpg|right|300px|thumb|It almost works!]]
*'''Blackwidow''' (Deluxe, 2007)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''TM-06'''
**''Accessories:'' Launcher, 4 leg-missiles

: As part of the ''[[Beast Wars Telemocha Series|Beast Wars Telemocha]]'' line, the [[#Dx1|original Blackarachnia toy]] was ''extensively'' redecoed with a ridiculous number of gold [[paint application]]s, making her closer to [[Show-accuracy|show-accurate]] in coloration than the other versions of the mold, but still not quite there. (Her biceps are silver in the show.) All of the [[gimmick]]s of the original toy were retained, though her alternate head didn't receive any paint that wasn't intended to make her nominal head look more show-accurate.

:She came with a DVD containing "The Assassin Virus", the Japanese dubbing of ''Beast Wars'' episode 10, "[[Gorilla Warfare]]".

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2007/Destron/BlackWidow/blackwidow.htm More information on Telemocha Blackarachnia at TFU.info]''

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===Binaltech===
[[Image:Blackwidowwildrider.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Honda wouldn't appreciate their car being hot, poisonous, and deadly.]]
*'''Blackwidow''' (Binaltech, unreleased)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''BT16'''
**''Accessories'': Engine-rifle, roof-shield

: In 2005, the mold used for ''[[Alternators]]'' [[Decepticharge]] was presented as an upcoming release for the Japanese ''Binaltech'' line. They decided to give the toy an entirely new deco, as the Hasbro toy's deco didn't appeal to their ideal of "real-life accuracy". In robot mode, the toy was given a color scheme based on Transmetal 2 Blackarachnia, with the toy's name being changed to "Blackwidow", Takara's name for the character. Though a [[bio]] and story chapter were written to accommodate it into the ''Binaltech'' fiction, and photoshopped images released through an online retailer revealed the intended color scheme, Takara ultimately decided to cancel the toy altogether, as they were fearing that another redeco (in addition to the upcoming ''Binaltech Asterisk'' toys) would be too repetitive. Plans to release this toy as part of a different line were never picked up again.

: This mold was ultimately released in Japan as part of an unexpected ''Binaltech'' continuation, this time as [[Arcee (G1)#Binaltech|Arcee]]. The original version of the mold was used to make ''Alternators'' [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] and ''Binaltech'' [[Overdrive]].
{{canceledtoy}}
{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===Robot Heroes===
[[Image:Robotheroescheetorblackarachnia.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Cute and poisonous.]]
* '''Cheetor vs. Blackarachnia''' (2-pack, 2008)

: Part of the first wave of ''[[Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]''-branded [[Robot Heroes]], Blackarachnia is a simple, yet well-detailed two-inch tall figurine with exaggerated, cartoony proportions. She was only available in a two-pack with [[Cheetor (BW) toys|Cheetor]].

{{-}}

==Trivia==
[[Image:BWBlackarachniaCardArt.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Dirty girls, make some noise. Move that ass for dirty boys.]]
* Blackarachnia's original Beast Wars card art has her wearing a spike-studded collar... while her chest seems to be leopard-spotted. Kinky.

* Reportedly, Blackarachnia's show model was inspired by a stripper at a club to which some Mainframe folks had taken the design modeler only a few days prior for, um... ''inspiration''.
{{anchor|TriviaTM2spark}}
* Even though Transmetal 2 Blackarachnia's toy has a unique faction-switching [[spark crystal]], the feature doesn't make sense in a fictional context. By that point in the ''Beast Wars'' television series, the Transmetal Driver had destroyed her Predacon [[shell program]], making her fully Maximal. (Though, to be fair, it ''had'' happened mere moments previously.)

* Blackarachnia exhibited what appears to be telekinesis not long after gaining her Transmetal 2 form, levitating a steel girder to stop Rampage in "[[Master Blaster]]". The ability only appeared once and was never explained, though it resembles the other strange, almost supernatural powers wielded by Transmetals 2 in the cartoon. Following her reformatting in ''Beast Machines'', Blackarachnia no longer possessed this ability.

* In the "jovial" Japanese dub of ''Beast Wars'', Blackarachnia's character underwent a few small (depending on your point of view) changes. Firstly, she had a voice that can only be described as "bipolar". She would switch between her usual sultry, flirtatious voice to a screaming blood-thirsty maniac at the drop of a hat. Another notable change is that, while still a strong female character, she was made less independent and was occasionally prone to ''begging for mercy'' from her enemies, something she never did in the English version. However, this isn't the first time the Japanese have done their best to [[Arcee (G1)|"improve" upon a female character]].

* Character and fiction information for the cancelled BT-16 "Blackwidow" toy finally emerged in late 2007 with the release of ''The Transformers Binaltech Stories: Profiles and Technical Specifications'', an unofficial publication by ''Binaltech'' story writer [[Hirofumi Ichikawa]] that compiled all then-current ''Binaltech'' information as well as that of the unreleased Blackarachnia and [[Ginrai]] toys. As it was never officially released, this information can be considered [[Pseudocanon|pseudocanonical]] at best.

==References==
<references />

[[Category:Alternators]]
[[Category:Beast Machines characters]]
[[Category:Beast Wars characters]]
[[Category:Decepticons]]
[[Category:Fast food exclusives]]
[[Category:Female Transformers]]
[[Category:Maximals]]
[[Category:Minions of Unicron]]
[[Category:Predacons]]
[[Category:Robot Heroes]]
[[Category:Transmetals]]
[[Category:Transmetals 2]]
[[Category:Turncoats]]
[[Category:Universe characters]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]