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Prowl (G1)

2008-03-02T19:05:33Z

66.16.175.217: /* Universe (2008) */

{{disambig3|Prowl}}

:''Prowl is an [[Autobot]] and [[Maximal]] from the [[Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Prowlg1.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Prick.]]

'''Prowl''' is the Autobot military strategist. As such, [[Prime (rank)|Autobot Commander]] [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] keeps Prowl near at hand for his indispensable expertise. Prowl believes his dedication to logic and rational thought puts him next in line for Optimus Prime's job and dreams of making grand speeches {{m-}} even though in reality he's stoic and uncharismatic.

He really doesn't tend to get along well with his fellow Autobots, many of whom find his strict adherence to military protocol stifling, and his uptight personality sure doesn't help matters. He does not react well to the unexpected and despises disorder. The [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]] commander [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]], who is disorder made manifest, ''especially'' honks Prowl off, and Grimlock feels pretty much the same way in return, only with more swear words. He's very fond of his [[acid pellet]]s, though.

:''French-Canadian name:'' '''Cervo''', '''Rôdeur ''' (as Action Master)<br>
:''Hungarian name'': '''Portyázó''' (meaning Prowler)<br>
:''Italian name:'' '''Pantera'''

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
{{noteukonly}}
''Before Optimus became leader, Prowl was part of the self-styled Magnificent Six, a team of Autobot warriors who would be tortured and humiliated by the sadistic [[Megadeath]].'' {{storylink|The Magnificent Six!}}

Prowl was one of the select Autobots chosen by [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] to travel aboard the [[Ark]], and ended up in stasis lock for four million years at the base of [[Mount St. Hilary]] with the rest of the crew. Once the volcano exploded, Optimus chose Prowl to lead the first away mission into civilization. {{Storylink|The Transformers (comic issue)|The Transformers}} Like most of the Autobots, though, he soon ran out of energy without any option of refueling on Earth, and suffered even greater injuries when the Ark and the deactivated Autobots aboard were taken over by [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] and the Decepticons. ''He was eventually revived when [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] and the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] reclaimed control of the Ark from Shockwave's drone, the [[Guardian]]. {{Storylink|The Wrath of Guardian!}}''

With Optimus Prime's head still in Decepticon possession, Prowl took command of the Autobots until their true leader could be restored. At [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]]'s suggestion, he forged an alliance with human fuel magnate, [[G.B. Blackrock]], arranging an exchange of free gasoline for the Autobots for their help in protecting Blackrock's facilities from the Decepticons. The Autobots were eventually successful in recovering Prime's head, and restoring him to functionality, but Prowl suffered some injuries battling the Decepticons and a false Prime in the process. {{Storylink|Prime Time!}}

''Shortly thereafter, Prowl was the ringleader of a group of Autobots strongly requesting that Prime use his [[Creation Matrix]] to create Ultimate Autobot super-warriors to wipe out the Decepticons for them. The lethal efficiency of Prowl's stance was just as strong opposed by another faction who saw such action as a perversion of their sacred lifeforce, and the potential for laying waste to Earth. Prime's long absence and relative weakness after his recent ordeals left Prowl and the others less deferential than normal to his will, but after he singlehandedly fought through the Decepticons to rescue [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], Prowl and the other Ultimate Autobot proponents backed down and accepted Prime's final word on the subject. {{Storylink|Crisis of Command!}} When the Dinobots were driven feral by their primitive circuitry, Prowl nearly sacrificed himself crashing a shuttlecraft straight into the feuding [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] and [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]]. {{Storylink|Dinobot Hunt!}}''

Prowl's injuries kept him out of action for some time, ''though he was back in action briefly (and later deactivated by means unknown) during the Battlecharger's rampage, and attempted to bring them in despite the endangerment of human life.'' {{storylink|Perchance to Dream}} Ratchet did manage to briefly revive him in order to exploit Prowl's police car mode against a human thief named the [[Mechanic]] who had infiltrated the Ark. {{Storylink|Funeral for a Friend!}} Prowl was fully revived in time for Grimlock and [[Blaster]]'s grudge match on the moon, and fought alongside the combined crews of the Ark and [[Steelhaven]] against the Decepticon party-crashers. {{Storylink|Totaled!}} Unfortunately, it wasn't too long afterwards that Prowl was once again knocked off-line, this time battling the [[Underbase]]-charged [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] in New York. {{Storylink|Dark Star!}}

He would remain in stasis for some time, until Grimlock acquired a large supply of super-energy known as [[Nucleon]], and pumped it into all of the Ark's stasis chambers. Prowl found himself revived just in time to engage the Chaos-Bringer known as [[Unicron]] for the sake of all Cybertron, and then bury his longterm friend and leader, Optimus Prime, who sacrificed himself to destroy Unicron. {{Storylink|On the Edge of Extinction!}} At Prime's last request, Prowl reluctantly supported Grimlock as new leader of the Autobots. While Grimlock pursued his own interests, though, Prowl found himself working almost alone trying to maintain the tenuous peace between the Autobots and Decepticons. He ended up overplaying his hand, and gave Decepticon leader [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] a chance to betray the Autobots, leaving them trapped on the dying world of Cybertron, without transport, while the Decepticons fled to conquer new civilizations. Luckily for Prowl, Grimlock had anticipated the Decepticons' treachery (By Primus, how'd he manage that...?!?) and had secured alternate starships. The Autobots chased their foes to the planet of [[Klo]] and, thanks to the resurrection of Optimus Prime and the arrival of the Last Autobot, managed to drive off Bludgeon's forces, sending them into at least temporary exile. {{Storylink|End of the Road! (Marvel US comic)|End of the Road!}}

Following the discovery of the Cybertronian Empire, Prowl once again took up arms and served under Optimus.

'''Earthforce'''

''(Note: These stories do not fit into the normal Marvel UK continuity. See [[Earthforce]] for details.)''

''Prowl was reactivated by Galvatron's interference; he easily shook off an attempt at brainwashing him via his baser instints and shot Galvatron in the face. Along with Wheeljack, he lamented about the proliferation of newer types of Transformers, claiming these newcomers gave him a headache just thinking about them. {{storylink|Starting Over!}} He went on to risk his life to stop a Decepticon weapon, leading to both being lost; it turned out he'd survived and deactivated the weapon weeks ago, and was just taking it easy in Louisiana. Now part of Earthforce, he became second-in-command under Grimlock - and had much more success with it than in US #76-80! He also pursued Megatron back into the past when he used Flashback technology to try and alter the events of [[Dark Star!]]; possessing his own past body, Prowl thwarted Megatron and then had to let his past self be killed by Starscream. {{storylink|Flashback}}''

''Along with the surviving Magnificent Six and Silverbolt, Prowl once more faced Megadeath in 1990 and, encouraged by Silverbolt to overcome the past, helped beat Megadeath half to death.''

===Animated continuity===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Michael Bell]] (US), [[Toshirō Ishii]] (Japan)<br>

[[Image:G1_Prowl_Bluestreak_Rollforit.jpg|thumb|left|200px|It's like looking into a mirror...well, not really.]]

Prowl was part of the crew of the ''[[Ark]]'', the Autobot starship that left Cyberton looking for alternate sources of energy only to crashland on [[Earth]]. Four million years later, the Transformers were reawakened by the eruption of the volcano the Ark had crashed in and reformatted by Teletraan-1. Despite being situated in the United States, Prowl was reformatted as a Japanese police car. No one seemed to notice. {{Storylink|More Than Meets the Eye, Part 1}}

On Earth, Prowl continued to serve as [[Optimus Prime]]'s right hand man, filling the role of military advisor and strategist. His precision thinking and by-the-books planning served as a valuable counterpoint to Jazz's more improvisational style, and it was up to Optimus Prime to weigh their views and come to a decision.

During an attack against the Decepticons, Prowl's battle computer was knocked offline by a particularly fierce blow. Crippled, Prowl extended his antenna to seek out an online computer that he could patch into. He found [[Chip Chase]]'s desktop terminal, and the young human ally momentarily took control of Prowl, animating the massive Autobot warrior with his computer. {{Storylink|Roll For It}}

[[Image:Wheresmyface.jpg|thumb|right|200px|I'm glad [[Skyfire]]'s here Prime, but where's my face?]]

[[Skids]] and Prowl attempted to stop the mayhem caused by [[Blitzwing]]'s Decepticons, but instead the two Autobots crashed into each other and were temporarily rebuilt into a throne by [[Scrapper]]. {{Storylink|Triple Takeover}}

Prowl met [[Primus|his manufacturer]] in the year 2005, alongside fellow Autobots [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]], [[Brawn]] and [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]]. During a [[Decepticon]] assault on a shuttle run to Earth from Moonbase One for energon. He very nearly shot [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]'s head off, but was felled by a single blast from [[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]], which penetrated his armour, burned his innards horribly, and extinguished his spark. {{Storylink|The Transformers: The Movie (1986)|The Transformers: The Movie}}

Prowl's body was evidently recovered for interment, as his grave was housed in the interstellar Autobot mausoleum. Along with the mausoleum itself, Prowl's remains were later plunged into a red sun as a side-effect of a [[Quintesson]] plot. {{Storylink|Dark Awakening}}

===Headmasters cartoon===
Prowl appears as an extra on Earth, even though he died in the movie five years or so previously.

''('''Note''': Prowl's revival can be chalked up to error, especially since [[The Transformers: The Movie (1986)|the Movie]] did not actually reach Japan until many years later. However, he was listed as deceased in [[Dark Awakening]], which did air in Japan, so who knows? Maybe he got better like [[Wheeljack#Victory|Wheeljack]] did?)''.
Another possibility is that the robot identified as Prowl was in reality [[Bluestreak]], mistakenly portrayed with Prowl's colour scheme.

===Binaltech===

When Prowl's [[laser core]] was lost to [[subspace]] in a [[GT System|GT]] Transfer accident, his longtime friend Chip Chase volunteered to sacrifice his very own soul in order to breathe life into the now-lifeless Prowl 2. With the help of [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] and [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]], Chip's consciousness was transported into Prowl's frame. The new entity created in this fusion is virtually indistinguishable from Prowl's old persona, thanks to copies of the original Prowl's [[memory core]] and [[datatrax]], while a separate neurocomputer handles Chip's thought processes.

===Kid Stuff Talking Story Books===
:''Voice actor:'' Unknown

:''"OUR MISSILES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1!"''

Prowl appears in this storyline as Optimus Prime's over-acting right-hand man.

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
Prowl was an Autobot from [[Praxus]]. After the death of Sentinel Prime, [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] called him, [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]], and others to the ruins of Praxus, where he declared that if the new [[Prime (rank)|Prime]] was insufficient, they would take control of the Autobot military. Prowl was present at the ceremony when Optronix became Optimus Prime, and was restrained by Grimlock when Prime was attacked. Prowl became Optimus Prime's [[Sub-Commander|immediate subordinate]] and advisor. When Optimus ordered a planetary evacuation, Prowl told Prime that there were many voices raised in opposition against it. When Prime asked if Prowl's own voice was raised in opposition, Prowl looked away but did not reply. The planetary turbines were activated by Megatron, and Prime left to investigate. As [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] lead an assault on Iacon, Prowl and Jazz lead the defense, and Prowl sent out an order to all Autobots outside Iacon to regroup and dig in elsewhere. After Iacon was devastated by the mecha-forming process, Prime aborted the evacuation. {{storylink|The War Within}}

After Prime and Megatron disappeared in a [[space bridge]] test, the Autobots fractured, leading to the [[Lightning Strike Coalition]] and [[Wreckers]] leaving the main Autobot army. Prowl took over leadership of the Autobots. He worked with Shockwave, who had assumed command of the Decepticons, to prevent the [[Fallen]]'s plans from coming to fruition. He and Shockwave agreed to let the [[Well of All Sparks]] remain sealed [['Til all are one]], as Shockwave put it. Prowl thought the line was catchy. {{storylink|The War Within: The Dark Ages}} Eventually, however, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] took command of the Autobots, and reunited the three factions. {{storylink|The War Within: The Age of Wrath}}

Prowl was one of many Transformers under the control of rogue government engineer-turned-arms dealer [[Adam Rook]]. He, along with several Autobots and Decepticons, attacked the Smitco Oil Refinery Artic facilty during Rook's sales demonstration to several terrorist organizations. Unfortunately, the invasive program that controlled Prowl killed a helpless human refinery worker escaping from the destruction. {{Storylink|Prime Directive, Part 2}}

===Transformers Legends anthology===
When Optimus Prime accidentally kills a fellow Autobot, Prowl--who never liked [[Geosensus|the dead guy]] anyway--covers it up so the rest of the team won't lose faith in their leader.

===IDW Beast Wars comics===

Prowl is a member of the Maximal counterpart to the Tripredacus Council, the [[Maximal Imperium]], alongside former Autobot teammates Ironhide and Silverbolt. {{storylink|The Ascending issue 2|The Ascending #2}}

===IDW comics continuity===
{{ongoing}}
Prowl has been serving the Autobots for a long time, dating back to the days of [[Sentinel Prime#IDW comics continuity|Sentinel Prime]] if not earlier. He was part of the team that attempted — and failed — to crack down on the illegal [[gladiatorial combat]] in [[Kaon]]. When Megatron defeated Sentinel and devastated the Security Team HQ, it was Prowl who took control and ordered the evacuation of security forces from Kaon. {{storylink|Megatron Origin}}
[[Image:Prowl_avatar.PNG|right|thumb|100px|When he takes those sunglasses off, "Won't Get Fooled Again" starts playing out of NOWHERE.]]

In more recent times, he was the leader of a detachment of Autobots that operated covertly on Earth for at least four years, attempting to foil a Decepticon insurgency lead by [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], and blindly following the Autobot rules of counterinsurgency. He almost threw [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] in the brig for breaking cover to rescue three humans from the Decepticons, and subsequently refused to contact Optimus Prime until further evidence of enemy activities was uncovered. He did not willingly believe Ratchet when the medic tells him that the Decepticons had stepped up their presence by constructing a [[infiltration protocol|second base]]. However, [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] ended up sending a pulsewave transmission to Prime behind Prowl's back. {{storylink|Infiltration}} Once Optimus arrived, Prowl showed himself to be a trusted and loyal officer.

Like most Autobots operating on alien worlds, Prowl used a [[holomatter]] avatar to act as his "driver" while driving on the highway.{{storylink|Infiltration issue 6}}

When [[Springer]] ordered several Autobots on a lethal mission to rescue the damaged and deranged Kup from an alien world, Prowl evidently helped conceal [[Springer]]'s efforts from Optimus. But he still felt it was a misguided effort, asking Springer if Kup would want other Autobots killed rescuing him. {{storylink|Spotlight: Kup}}

When everything kicked off in [[Brasnya]], Prowl led Jazz and Wheeljack (and later [[Hot Rod]] and [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]]) into battle, attempting to capture a Decepticon [[facsimile]] — he risked his life in the attempt (though Hot Rod mucked up the first try). When Optimus was temporarily offline and believed dead, Prowl assumed full command and came up with a strategy for fighting Megatron (shoot him, then run away). {{storylink|Escalation}}

Under orders from Optimus, Prowl oversaw the moving of ''[[Ark-19]]'' to a more secure location; he turned to Prime rather than order the launch on his own discretion (Prime had to order him to use his own discretion). When [[Sixshot]] blew them out of the sky, Optimus took command of the situation until the Autobots were safe aboard the ''[[Ark-32]]''.

Once on the ''Ark-32'', Prowl found that, due to injuries and separate missions, he and Hardhead were the only active Autobots; he was annoyed about this, and mildly slagged off Optimus and [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] for being elsewhere. He was then shocked when Optimus abruptly ordered their unit to withdraw from Earth to handle a situation at the [[Garrus-9]] secure facility. {{storylink|Devastation}}

===IDW ''[[Hearts of Steel]]'' continuity===
With Optimus Prime in stasis lock, Prowl and [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] appeared to be the co-leaders of the Autobots in the 19th century. {{Storylink|Hearts of Steel issue 1}} Despite [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]'s pleading, he was reluctant to interfere with the humans, but nevertheless participated in the pursuit of [[Astrotrain (G1)|the Astrotrain]] as it headed to New York. {{Storylink|Hearts of Steel issue 4}}

His "Ice Age Wars" altmode is uncertain, but it is spiky, and possibly aquatic. His 19th century altmode is a small black-and-white locomotive with a glowing red smokestack.

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
* '''Prowl''' (Autobot Car, 1984/1985/1990/2002/2003)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''09''', '''TFC-02'''
**''Accessories:'' Acid pellet gun, 2 x missile launchers (left & right), 3 x wire-guided missiles

[[Image:G1Prowl_toy.jpg|left|thumb|I ain't fallin' for no banana in the tailpipe...]]

: Prowl was part of the first series of Autobots released in 1984, reusing a mold originally developed for a ''[[Diaclone]]'' [[Wikipedia:Nissan 280ZX|Datsun Fairlady Z (280 ZX)]] police car, with his decals altered to remove the "Diaclone" marks. (The European "[[Classics (Euro)|Classic Heroes]]" re-release retained the ''Diaclone'' stickers, for unknown reasons).

: In 1985, Mexico imported ''Transformers'', but there were some notable changes on numerous toys. Prowl's helmet, arms, and boots turned black, plus his "POLICE" decals became "POLICIA". There was also a wide running change (or just factory error) that left out the black paint on his car hood.

[[Image:Prowl-Mexico.jpg|right|thumb|150px|Also known as 'El Pricko'.]]

: In 2002, Prowl was re-released as part of the [[Transformers Collection]] series in Japan. This version has slightly-altered decals, and fully-functional spring-loaded missile launchers.

: In 2003, Prowl was released as part of the Toys "R" Us [[exclusive]] "[[Commemorative Series]]" line in the US. This version of Prowl uses a softer , unchromed black plastic for his rifle and missiles owing to [[for safety reasons|breakage issues]], plus his launchers are completely non-firing. He uses the same decals as the Japanese "bookbox" release.

: The same mold was used for [[Bluestreak]] and [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]].

* '''Prowl''' (Action Master Blaster, 1990)
**''Accessories:'' Turbo Cycle, small cannon, 2 x missiles, 2 x engine covers (left & right), shield/gas tank cover

: A non-transforming action figure, [[Action Master]] Prowl is modeled after his cartoon model with a few toy-based liberties taken. He came with his [[Turbo Cycle]] vehicle, though the main figure was compatible with all other Action Master vehicles and weapons.

===Beast Wars===
*'''Magnaboss''' (Ultra, 1997)
**''Accessories:'' Tail

: Prowl transforms from a lion into a robot, with his cat-butt turning into a "cyber tail claw" weapon. He is able to combine with [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] and [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]], his package buddies, into [[Magnaboss]].

: This mold was used to make [[Lio Junior]].

:The toy packaging gives no indication as to who the Magnaboss components are as characters. Their being Generation 1 characters was established by [[IDW]].

===Machine Wars===
* '''Prowl''' (Basic, 1997)
**''Accessories:'' Gun (gun body & barrel)

[[Image:Mwprowl.jpg|right|thumb|Do you have any idea how fast you were going?]]

: Sharing a mold with ''[[Machine Wars]]'' [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]], Prowl transforms into a Formula-1 race car, and converts to robot mode with a spring-loaded, one-step transformation. His rifle-halves store in his legs in car mode. He --and the entire ''Machine Wars'' line-- was available only at Kay-Bee stores.

: Prowl's usual function is strategist, but, in an ironic twist, in this first non-police car form he's described as chief of security.

: This mold was also used to make ''[[Robots in Disguise (franchise)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Skid-Z (RID)|Skid-Z]].

===Smallest Transformers===
* '''Prowl''' (2003)
: ''Japanese ID number:'' '''GTF-09'''
[[Image:STF_Prowl.jpg|left|thumb|Wee-woo-wee-woo-wee-woo.]]

: Released in Wave 2 of Smallest Transformers, STF Prowl is the smallest possible transforming toy based upon the original Prowl toy. He faithfully repoduces the transformation sequence for the most part, but due to parts-cost limitations, he has little articulation, his legs cannot separate and his wheels do not roll.

{{-}}

===Alternators===
* '''Prowl''' (Alternator, 2005/2006)
**''Alternator ID number:'' '''16'''
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''BT-15'''
**''Accessories:'' Engine/gun, traffic direction baton

[[Image:AlternatorsProwl.jpg|right|thumb|200px|You better get a lawyer, son...]]

: ''[[Alternators]]'' Prowl transforms into a 1:24-scale [[Wikipedia:Acura RSX|Acura RSX]] with police lights, opening doors, hood and trunk. His engine becomes a (non-firing) gun, while a clear-plastic nightstick is hidden under his car-mode rear section. He was among the last of the "red box" Alternators, but was included in new "white box" assortments in 2006. The "white box" version of Prowl had additional Acura logos on the rear of the car that the "red box" version did not.

[[Image:BinaltechProwl.jpg|left|thumb|200px|...you better get a real good one.]]

: For his standard Japanese ''Binaltech'' release, Prowl got a different vehicle mode deco based on a real Japanese police car (the [[Hasbro]] version's deco being based more on the original [[Generation 1]] toy), a different spoiler mold, different rims, right-side steering, a Japanese police cherry blossom emblem instead of an Acura logo, and gray plastic instead of stony-blue. He was also labeled as a "Honda Integra Type-R", the model's make in Japan.

{{-}}
* '''Prowl Vivid Blue Pearl Edition''' (Binaltech, 2005)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''BT-15'''
**''Accessories:'' Engine/gun, traffic direction baton

[[Image:Binaltech_Blue_Prowl_toy.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Prowl on his day off...]]

: Like [[Jazz]], Prowl got two different ''Binaltech'' decos released in equal numbers. The second version, known as Vivid Blue Pearl Prowl, is a civilian version with no police lights, a mostly blue interior, a Honda logo (instead of the cherry blossom emblem) on the grill, and a solid blue car-shell. His robot-mode parts remained mostly the same color, however.

: This mold (the Japanese blue Prowl variant, combined with parts from American police Prowl) was used to make ''Alternators'' [[Camshaft]].

* '''Prowl Satellite Patrol Edition''' (Binaltech, 2005?)

: The [[Hasbro]] version of Prowl, using the Hasbro red box packaging, was supposed to have been released in Japan as an exclusive to a satellite TV provider. The only notable difference from the Hasbro version was the "Satellite Patrol" markings on his doors. It is unknown if this toy was ever actually released, however.
{{-}}

===Universe===
*'''Prowl''' (Autobot, 2005)
*''Accessories:'' Gun

: A redeco of the ''Robots in Disguise'' [[Prowl (RID)|Prowl 2]] mold, ''[[Universe]]'' Prowl transforms into a Chevrolet Caprice police car with through-axle construction for super-speedy rolling on smooth surfaces. His gun hides as his car mode's tailpipe. Originally only available at Kay-Bee stores in packaging with no sub-line markings, his entire assortment was later repackaged under the ''Universe'' banner and sold through "dollar store" chains like Family Dollar.

===Universe (2008)===
*'''Prowl''' (Deluxe, 2008)
**''Accessories:'' Gun

: Prowl transforms into a modified [[Wikipedia:Nissan 350Z|Nissan 350Z]]. Like previous ''Generation 1'' Prowl toys, his paint job is based upon that of a Japanese police car. The pre-production versions of ''Universe'' Prowl featured an American-style rectangular light bar, but later versions features an swept-back Japanese-style light bar.

{{comingsoontoy}}

{{-}}

===Attacktix===
*'''Prowl''' (Booster, 2007)
**''Accessories:'' Missile
[[Image:Tf2-16-400.jpg|left|thumb|150px|I got a big... gun.]]

: Introduced in Series 2 of [[Attacktix]], Prowl is a Captain class unit with the special ability to stun an opposing player unit. His sculpt is based upon his G1 cartoon model with some additional details. His weapon is a '''hugely''' oversized version of his rifle, capable of firing a large silver projectile.

{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===3D Battle-Card Game===
*'''Prowl''' (2007)

: A 25-point "uncommon" character in the [[3D Battle-Card Game]]'s "Energon Wars" expansion, Prowl "transforms" into a black and white police car that vaguely resembles a Nissan Z. He uses the same parts layout as [[Transformers (2007)|Movie]] [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] and [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]].

==Trivia==
* Prowl's ''[[Diaclone]]'' predecessor also came with additional, optional stickers that would identify him as being part of the police forces from existing Japanese cities, namely "Tokyo City", "Sapporo City", "Sendai City", "Osaka City" and "Fukuoka City".

* The original ''Transformers'' instruction booklet shows a visible Japanese label sheet, complete with the cherry blossom emblem found on Japanese police cars, which did not make it to final product.

* ''Machine Wars'' Prowl's card-art is actually an altered version of the art for the ''[[Generation 2]]'' [[Laser Rod]] [[Jolt (G2)|Jolt]].

* [[Transmetal 2]] [[Prowl (BW)|Prowl]] may ''possibly'' be the same spark as the Generation 1 character reincarnated... though the IDW series makes this REALLY complicated.

* At [[OTFCC 2004]], Hasbro stated that there was no Prowl ''Alternators'' toy in the works, but some other emergency vehicle (which got a chorus of boos). In fact, the Acura RSX [[Alternators]] mold was originally supposed to be [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]], as backed up by a placeholder listing found at Hasbro's website and a Takara color guide for the toy that used a control drawing which sports a head sculpt based on G1 Red Alert (but colored as Prowl).<ref>[http://www.fantofan.jp/earlybirdsp/bt-15.jpg Color guide for Binaltech Prowl, sporting a G1 Red Alert head sculpt, at Fan to Fan]</ref> Eventually, however, it was decided to release the toy as Prowl instead.

*Instead of having a normal gunshot death, Prowl is shown having orange smoke coming from his mouth as he dies. ''Hardcore.''

==Footnotes==
<references />

==External links==
*[http://www.tfu.info/1984/Autobot/Prowl/prowl.htm Prowl on TFU.info]

[[Category: Action Masters]]
[[Category: Alternators]]
[[Category: Attacktix]]
[[Category: Autobots]]
[[Category: Autobot leaders]]
[[Category: Beast Wars characters]]
[[Category: Classics characters]]
[[Category: Combiners]]
[[Category: Generation 1 characters]]
[[Category: Headmasters characters]]
[[Category: KB Toys exclusives]]
[[Category: Machine Wars characters]]
[[Category: Maximals]]
[[category: Maximal leaders]]
[[Category: Security officers]]
[[Category: Strategists]]
[[Category: Universe (2008)]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>

Sideswipe (G1)

2008-02-19T05:41:02Z

66.16.175.217: /* Universe (2008) */

{{disambig3|Sideswipe}}

:''Sideswipe is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:G1Sideswipe_MTMTE.jpg|thumb|right|250px|I've never done anything important, but people love me anyway! Sweet!]]

'''Sideswipe''' is not nearly as much of sociopath as his brother [[Sunstreaker]], but he is every bit as skillful. He's more into battle for the sport of it. A bit of a jock, Sideswipe most craves a glorious fight to the finish as a test of his mettle.

There is a reckless edge to Sideswipe's tactics. He makes rash decisions that may endanger him, all in the name of possible victory. Cheating is also not out of the question. When everything is on the line, for Sideswipe, nothing is out of the question. However, Sideswipe is not without his humor. It's long accepted that Sideswipe is the resident prankster of the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'', along with the occasional prank from [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]].

''Italian name:'' '''Freccia'''<br>
''French-Canadian name:'' '''Frérot'''<br>
''Japanese name:'' '''Lambor''' (ra-n-bo-ru, ランボル)''<br>
''Hungarian name'': '''Csatár''' (meaning Striker)

==Fiction==
===Generation 1 Cartoon===
:''Voice Actor:'' [[Michael Bell]] (US), [[Kōki Kataoka]] (Japan)

{{charstubfiction}}
Sideswipe was part of the initial crew of Autobots aboard the ''Ark'' when it crash-landed on [[Earth]] four million years ago. He awoke along with his fellow Transformers in 1984, with both he and brother being reformatted into Lamborghini sports cars. Sideswipe loaned [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] the use of his rocket pack when the Decepticons nearly escaped from Earth with a starship full of [[Energon]]. {{Storylink|More Than Meets the Eye, Part 3|MTMTE Part 3}}

[[Image:Sideswipe FakeBreakdown.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Maybe someday [[e-Hobby|there]] will be a Sideswipe toy [[redeco]] with [[Breakdown]]'s color scheme.]]

Sideswipe and Sunstreaker often operated together. When [[antimatter]]-fueled [[Decepticon]]s attacked the ''Ark'' on one occasion, Sideswipe and Sunstreaker took to the air to battle with the incoming [[Seeker]] jets, in a rambunctious, if ultimately ineffective, display of "jet judo." {{Storylink|Roll For It}}

When investigating tremors that were shaking the [[Ark|Autobot base]], [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]]'s scanner found some interesting objects inside a rock wall. Sideswipe, using his piston-like arms, helped [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] remove the rock wall and found a cave full of dinosaur bones, the discovery of which would lead to the development of the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]]. {{Storylink|S.O.S. Dinobots}}

Sideswipe once disguised himself as [[Breakdown]] in order to stop [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s evil plan, along [[Windcharger|with]] [[Jazz (G1)|four]] [[Mirage (G1)|other]] [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Autobots]]. {{Storylink|Masquerade}}
{{-}}

===Marvel Comics continuity===
====''Generation 1''====
Sideswipe, along with his brother Sunstreaker, was part of the original crew of Optimus Prime's ''Ark''. When the Decepticons attacked the ship it crashed on Earth and Sideswipe, along with the rest of the combatants, lay dormant for 4 million years. When the volcano that housed the ''Ark'' erupted, the ''Ark''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s internal mechanisms revived all Transformers, making no distinction between [[Autobot]] and [[Decepticon]]. Sideswipe was alive again.

When the Autobots went to retrieve their fallen comrade [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] from [[Sparkplug Witwicky]]'s garage, they were attacked by Decepticons. Against his brother's better judgment, Sideswipe employed his energon-gobbling rocket pack to take the fight right to the Decepticon jets. The 'Cons were driven off, but without a source of fuel to recharge on, several Autobots, including Sideswipe, were left virtually empty after the battle, and were sidelined. {{Storylink|Power Play!}} ''Though he could not go on missions, Sideswipe was still able to defend the ''Ark'' from invasion when the Decepticons came right to his doorstep. He was confronted by that junk-punk [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]]'s earthquake-making ability and turned the tables on him, overpowering Rumble with his pile-driver punches. {{Storylink|Raiders of the Last Ark}}''

Sideswipe's inactivity continued even longer after [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] took over the ''Ark'' and deactivated all the Autobots in the ship. After [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] regained control of the ''Ark'' for the Autobots, he was able to revive Sideswipe to full functionality in short order, and their new deal for fuel with [[G.B. Blackrock]] kept them energized. ''During the Dinobot Hunt, Sideswipe traveled to [[Doonstown]] with [[Huffer]] and [[Bluestreak]] on a mission to capture the feral [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]]. It... didn't go so well, and the various gnawed-upon pieces of Sideswipe were not seen again for some time. {{Storylink|Dinobot Hunt}}''

Sideswipe would eventually be seen again at the feud fight between [[Blaster]] and Grimlock on Earth's [[Moon (moon)|Moon]]. {{Storylink|Totaled!}}

====''Generation 2''====
Sideswipe was part of Grimlock's Firestormers, acting as a raiding party against territories controlled by [[Jhiaxus]]' [[Cybertronian]]s. He had a more prominent role in subsequent events than he has had in the past. Sideswipe was present for the last battle against the [[Swarm]], but his final fate is uncertain.

====Generation Two Comics (UK)====
Sideswipe was part of [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]]'s Special Commando Unit, summoned to Earth along with Optimus Prime by Grimlock when [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] began open war on the humans.

===3H ''[[Universe (comic)|Universe]]'' comics===
Sideswipe, Sunstreaker, [[Trailbreaker]], [[Roulette]] and [[Shadow Striker]] returned to the [[technorganic]] [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] after a prolonged journey and were welcomed by the [[Maximal]]s. [[Unicron]] abducted these newly-returned Transformers, in addition to many others from different times and universes, to start a final confrontation against [[Primus]]. Sideswipe and Sunstreaker were rebuilt into new forms, corrupted by Unicron's influence, and set against one another in the [[Cauldron]]. Before either brother could land a killing blow, however, the fight was broken up by [[Optimus Primal]]. Sideswipe then fought his way out of Unicron alongside many other Transformers rescued by Primal and returned to Cybertron.

===Dreamwave ''Generation 1'' Comics===
Sideswipe was one of the few Autobots to continue operating under that title during the [[Dreamwave timeline#The Dark Ages|Dark Ages]] of Cybertron. Sideswipe was one of the elite warriors serving under [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] and as such was chosen for the mission that sent him against the newly constructed Decepticon battle station, [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]]. Of course the mission was a failure, but that isn't likely to have discouraged Sideswipe.

Sideswipe was part of Operation Liberation in 1998, a joint human-Autobot effort to defeat the Earth-bounded Decepticons. At the end it was a success, and the captured Decepticons along with the Autobots and a human crew departed Earth en route to Cybertron in the ''[[Ark II]]''. The ship, however, was sabotaged and exploded upon liftoff.

A few years later, Megatron and other Transformers, including Autobots, were seen causing havoc. It was discovered that [[Lazarus]], a scientist who participated in the ''Ark II'' project, was responsible for the sabotage of the ship and the resurrection of several Transformers under his control via technological tampering. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 1}}

[[Robert Hallo|General Hallo]] of the [[United States Military|US Military]] contacted [[Spike Witwicky]] to ask him if he could do something to help them reactivate Optimus Prime, whom they had recovered locked in a state of stasis. Spike managed to reactivate Optimus with a portion of the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] that Optimus had given him prior the ill-fated journey of the ''Ark II''. Optimus subsequently went to the Arctic and used the Matrix to reactivate several Transformers, including Sideswipe. {{Storylink|Prime Directive issue 2}}

Sideswipe accepted the new task at hand and fought alongside his brother when the Autobots faced the Decepticons at Lazarus' ruined base (punching Starscream in the face for attacking Wheeljack) before Hallo betrayed the Autobots by attempting to destroy both factions with a nuclear weapon. {{Storylink|Prime Directive issue 3}} The Autobots survived when Megatron's technovirus absorbed the blast, and Sideswipe helped his comrades recover the captive Autobots imprisoned inside the base. {{Storylink|Prime Directive issue 4}}

As Jazz's unit worked on Megatron's virus, Sideswipe followed Optimus Prime to [[San Francisco]] for the last battle against Megatron and his Decepticons. When [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] was taken down, Sideswipe and Sunstreaker heroically (though foolishly) charged at [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]], and they were smashed between the giant Constructicon's palms for their trouble. After Optimus Prime brought Devastator down with a blast to the head, Sideswipe was restrained by the surviving Decepticons. {{Storylink|Prime Directive issue 5}} However, through [[human]] intervention, Optimus Prime freed his Autobots and the battle was rejoined. Sideswipe tag-teamed with his brother to pummel [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]], though the Decepticons eventually escaped when Superion sacrificed his life to save the city from General Hallo's unauthorized nuclear missile launch. {{Storylink|Prime Directive issue 6}}

[[Image:G1_Sideswipe_Sunstreaker_DWissue7.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Hi, I'm a jock.]]

Sideswipe remained on Earth as part of Jazz's unit, while Optimus Prime returned to Shockwave's united Cybertron. He was deactivated in battle with [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] when Starscream and his followers returned to Earth, and was left to rust at the bottom of a lake. {{Storylink|Night of the Combaticons}} [[Warpath]] and [[Bumper]] later dredged him and the others up, only to be taken into custody by [[Earth Defense Command]]. Jazz, Sideswipe, and Sunstreaker were reactivated to help [[Marissa Faireborn]] and her team in investigating an outbreak of [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticon]]s in small-town America. {{Storylink|Infestation}} After routing and capturing the Decepticons, Sideswipe and the other Autobots joined up with the returning team from Cybertron under Prowl's command, and began construction of [[Autobot City]]. {{Storylink|The Route of All Evil}}
{{-}}

===IDW comics continuity===
[[Image:MegsOrigin3_Sunstreak_Sideswipe_glory.jpg|thumb|right|350px|Sideswipe's just feeling small standing under [[Nova Prime]]'s crotch.]]

Before the war, Sideswipe appears to have attended illegal underground arena [[gladiatorial combat|deathmatches]] alongside Sunstreaker, witnessing Megatron's 54th victory.{{Storylink|Megatron Origin issue 2}} When his brother Sunstreaker wanted to join Megatron's underground fighting team, Sideswipe went along to try and talk him out of it. Whether they stuck around and were caught up in the Autobot Security raid is unknown. {{Storylink|Megatron Origin issue 3}}

Later, as war engulfed Cybertron, Sideswipe was one of the many Autobots trained by [[Kup]]. {{Storylink|Spotlight: Kup}}

[[Image:SpotlightGalvatron_Sideswipe_rocketfist.jpg|thumb|left|250px|This hand of mine glows with an awesome power!]]

Much to his dismay, Sideswipe was recently stationed at [[Thunderhead Pass]] on Cybertron guarding [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]]'s remains. Sideswipe wanted action, something he wasn't going to get standing guard over comatose Decepticons. His desire to "bust some heads" became even stronger after Sunstreaker was apparently kidnapped during his duties on Earth, and Sideswipe began actively disregarding his squadron leader, [[Hound (G1)|Hound]], to routinely contact High Command and demand a transfer. His need for action was alleviated, however, when [[Galvatron (G1)|a mysterious and powerful transformer]] attacked Cybertron. Sideswipe blew off part of the being's head, but he recovered almost immediately and knocked Sideswipe and the rest of the Autobots offline, then stole Thunderwing away. {{Storylink|Spotlight: Galvatron}}

Soon after, Optimus Prime apparently caved in to Sideswipe's pleading and put [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] in charge of Thunderhead Pass, transferring Hound's entire team, including Sideswipe, to Earth once Megatron began breaking [[Siege Mode|Infiltration protocol]]. {{Storylink|Devastation issue 1}}

===IDW ''[[Hearts of Steel]]'' continuity===
Sideswipe participated in the pursuit of [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]], and partially transformed from artillery boxcar mode to robot mode in order to shoot down [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]]. He is the only Autobot other than [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]], and [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] to speak in the whole story, and he only gets one line: "The name is Sideswipe." {{Storylink|Hearts of Steel issue 4}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
*'''Sideswipe''' (Autobot Car, 1984/1985, 2001/2002/2003)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''04''', '''TFC-07'''
**''Accessories:'' Gun, missile launcher, 3 missiles

[[Image:G1sideswipe.jpg|right|thumb|200px|He had the look before it was [[Spy Changer|trendy]].]]

: Originally a ''[[Diaclone]]'' "New Countach LP500S", Sideswipe transforms... well, into that. In robot mode he is armed with a white rifle and a missile launcher that can clip onto either of his shoulders. The launcher can fire one of three included white missiles, in theory, as the springs were weakened for the US release. The original 1984 US release did not have the [[rubsign]] found on later releases.

: In 2001, Sideswipe was re-released by [[Takara]], bundled with the mold-sharing [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]], as a show-[[exclusive]] set, but his license plate decal was changed from the infringing "COUNTACH" to "CAR MACHINE". Sideswipe and Red Alert were re-re-released together in 2002 as an [[e-Hobby]] "New Year" set, with several factory-applied decals replaced with [[paint application]]s, the "CAR MACHINE" plate-decal now blank, plus an additional recolored alternate sticker sheet for each one. This version, minus the extra decal sheet, was re-re-''re''-released as part of the [[Transformers Collection]] "book-box series". Finally, this version, albeit with its spring-loaded launcher de-sprung [[for safety reasons]], was released in the US as part of [[Hasbro]]'s [[Commemorative Series]] VIII line, one of the last American reissues. In fact, despite the Commemorative Series' exclusivity to Toys "R" Us stores, CS Sideswipe ended up at Kay-Bee stores, and at heavy discount.

: This mold was also used to make [[Clamp Down]], [[Deep Cover]] and [[Tigertrack]].

*'''Sideswipe w/ Vanguard''' (Action Master, 1991)
**''Accessories:'' Gun, Vanguard partner accessory

[[Image:ActionmasterSideswipe_toy.jpg|left|thumb|I have a hat!]]

: A non-transforming action figure, [[Action Master]] Sideswipe is compatible with any other Action Master weapon or vehicle. His partner-unit [[Vanguard]] forms a backpack and battle helmet, and complements Sideswipe's color scheme quite well.

:''Action Master'' Sideswipe was only available in Europe.
{{-}}

===Generation 2===
*'''Sideswipe''' (Autobot Heroic, 1993)
**''Accessories:'' Gun, missile launcher, 1 missile

[[Image:G2Sideswipe_toy.jpg|right|thumb|150px|He got dressed in the dark and accidentally put his colors on backwards.]]

: Part of the first assortment of Autobot cars, Sideswipe's original toy had his colors re-arranged to a black car mode with red and white robot parts. His original rocket launcher was removed, and replaced with a large spring-loaded launcher that could be hand-held or mounted on his [[retool]]ed car-mode roof.

:His new spring-loaded missile launcher was taken from [http://www.yojoe.com/action/91/snowserpent2.shtml Snow Serpent] from the [[G.I. Joe]] toyline.

*'''Sideswipe''' (Go-Bot, 1995)
**''Accessories:'' Gun

[[Image:G2GobotSideswipe.jpg|left|thumb|120px|He shrank and faded in the wash.]]

: A redeco of [[Go-Bot (G2)|Go-Bot]] [[Firecracker]], Sideswipe transforms into a blue Lamborghini Diablo with through-axle construction for super-fast rolling in car mode.

: This mold was also used to make Go-Bot Optimus Prime and ''[[Robots in Disguise (franchise)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[R.E.V. (RID)|R.E.V.]]

{{-}}

===Universe===
*'''Sideswipe''' (Deluxe, 2003)
**''Accessories:'' 2 launchers (left & right), 2 flame missiles

[[Image:UniverseSideswipe_toy.jpg|right|thumb|I should've had a [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] retool!]]

: One of several [[exclusive]]s to [[OTFCC 2003]], ''[[Universe]]'' Side Swipe is a redeco of the ''[[Robots in Disguise (franchise)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Prowl (RID)|Prowl]] mold, once again transforming into a Lamborghini Diablo. A pair of add-on thrusters become arm-mounted launchers for robot mode; each one being a pressure-launch missile launcher.

: It is notable that the part that connects the toy's windshield to the main body uses a red decal rather than paint, as that part is made out of [[unpaintable plastic]]. The police lights from the original mold were removed, leaving this area bare.

: This mold was also used to make ''Universe'' [[Inferno (TFU)|Inferno]] and Sunstreaker.

===Smallest Transformers===
*'''Lambor''' (2003)
:''Japanese ID number:'' '''GTF-02'''
[[Image:STFLambor.jpg|left|thumb|Yet another release Sunstreaker just wasn't cool enough for.]]

: ''[[Smallest Transformers]]'' Lambor is a very small-scale, extensively simplified replica of the original Sideswipe toy. He has very little articulation, he has no weapons, and his vehicle mode wheels cannot roll.

: This mold was [[retool]]ed to make ''Smallest Transformers'' [[Red Alert (G1)|Alert]].

{{-}}
===Alternators===
*'''Side Swipe''' (2003, 2004)
**''Alternator ID number:'' '''2'''
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''BT-02'''
**''Accessories:'' Dodge Viper Engine/gun

[[Image:AlternatorsSide_Swipe_toy.jpg|right|thumb|Not [[Side Burn (RID)|Side Burn]].]]

: The second ''[[Alternators]]'' toy released, Side Swipe transforms into a licensed 1:24 scale [[wikipedia:Dodge Viper|Dodge Viper]] featuring opening doors, a detailed interior, and a hood that opens to reveal an engine bay holding a replica Viper V-10 engine. The vehicle mode also features movable steering and rubber tires with vacuum-metalized wheels. His removable engine becomes a blaster.

: The main difference between the American ''Alternators'' and the Japanese ''Binaltech'' releases is that the Japanese version has die-cast metal parts for most of the car's outer body shell, with the exception of the rear end, and the entire red exterior of the car is fully painted, unlike the ''Alternator's'' flat red plastic.

: This mold was [[retool]]ed to make [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] and [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]].

===Titanium Series===
*'''Side Swipe''' (Robot Master, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' Engine blaster

[[Image:TitaniumRM_Side_Swipe.jpg|left|thumb|110px|Sideswipe turns small a lot.]]

: ''Titanium'' Side Swipe is based upon Sideswipe's ''Alternators'' toy. Constructed partially of die cast metal, Side Swipe has limited articulation located in his shoulders and neck. He comes with a removable engine blaster and an Autobot symbol display stand.

{{-}}

===Attacktix===
*'''Sideswipe''' (2007)

{{-}}

===Universe (2008)===
*'''Sideswipe''' (Deluxe, 2008)
This new version of Sideswipe will be a repaint/retool of his "brother" figure, Sunstreaker.
He is set to have a different chest transformation and weapons.
{{comingsoontoy}}

===Merchandise===

==Trivia==
* Sideswipe's Japanese name, "Lambor" is derived from the name of his vehicle mode, a Lamborghini. It may also be a word play on the Japanese word "Rambo", which means "reckless, violent, rough". Wouldn't be the [[Autrooper|last]] [[Nine Great Demon Generals|time]] Takara's done such word puns.

* Sideswipe's [[Transformers Universe (Marvel comic)|TFU]] bio text describes features of Sunstreaker's toy, leading many to believe Sideswipe's original toy was supposed to be created from Sunstreaker's mold and vice-versa, with the colors swapped between the molds. The [[Diaclone]] Sunstreaker toy was available in red<ref>[http://diaclone.net/orid/dia036/index.html "Countach-LP500S/Super Tuning" at Diaclone.net (Japanese site)]</ref> and police<ref>[http://diaclone.net/orid/dia038/index.html "Countach-LP500S/Super Tuning Policecar Type" at Diaclone.net (Japanese site)]</ref> versions, but not yellow. The mold used for Sideswipe, on the other hand, was released in ''Diaclone'' in both red and yellow decos.<ref>[http://diaclone.net/orid/dia050/index.html " New Countach-LP500S" at Diaclone.net (Japanese site)]</ref>

* During the 1990s, another company held the "Sideswipe" trademark in the "toys" field, even though Hasbro still released two toys using that name as part of the [[Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]] line (it's unclear if this resulted in any legal repercussions for Hasbro). When Hasbro finally managed to reclaim the name for the [[Robots in Disguise (toyline)|Robots in Disguise]] line, the name was now parsed as "[[Side Swipe (RID)|Side Swipe]]", in two words, for whatever reason. The only two toys since then to spell "Sideswipe" as one word again were the OTFCC 2003 exclusive and the [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Armada Super-Con]]. However, the former was referred to as "Side Swipe" when featured as a cross-sell on the packaging for the OTFCC 2003 [[Shadow Striker]]/[[Roulette]] two-pack, whereas a packaging variant for the latter released as part of the "Unicron Battles" refresh of the [[Armada (toyline)|''Armada'']] line also saw the name changed to "Side Swipe".

* The ''Alternators'' Dodge Viper mold was originally designed to be a new body for [[Tracks]] after the first attempt to secure the Corvette license had fallen through. Eventually, though, Chevrolet had a change of mind and granted Hasbro and Takara the license for the Corvette design after all. As a result, the Viper mold was slightly redesigned, was given a new head sculpt and released as Sideswipe (or "Side Swipe") instead. This explains why, unlike most of the early Alternators toys, Side Swipe's robot mode bears little resemblance his G1 self. The most noticeable redesign from the "Tracks" design was the vehicle mode's doors being moved from the "backpack" [[kibble]] (where they would have resembled the G1 Tracks toy's wings) to the sides of the arms, thus being the most obvious visual cue taken from the G1 Sideswipe toy.

==External links==
* [http://www.tfu.info/1984/Autobot/Sideswipe/sideswipe.htm Sideswipe at TFU.info]
* [http://www.ntfa.net/universe/english/index.php?act=view&char=Sideswipe Sideswipe's Universe profile at NTFA.net]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category: Action Masters]]
[[Category: Alternators]]
[[Category: Attacktix]]
[[Category: Autobots]]
[[Category: Convention exclusives]]
[[Category: E-Hobby]]
[[Category: Generation 1 characters]]
[[Category: Generation 2 characters]]
[[Category: Headmasters characters]]
[[Category: Go-Bots]]
[[Category: MyClone]]
[[Category: Titanium Series]]
[[Category: Toys "R" Us exclusives]]
[[Category: Universe characters]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>