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Tidal Wave (Armada)

2008-03-27T00:58:50Z

70.246.193.108:

{{disambig2|the colossal Decepticon warship from Armada|the teeny jetski/jetpack from Classics|Tidal Wave (Classics)}}
{{disambig3|Mirage}}

:''Tidal Wave is a [[Decepticon]] from the [[Unicron Trilogy]] [[continuity family]]. He took the name '''Mirage''' after he took a new body.''

[[Image:Tidal wave looms ps2.jpg|right|thumb|300px|[[Furmanism|Like a vast predatory <strike>bird</strike> fish...]]]]

'''Tidal Wave''' is a powerhouse, one of the largest Decepticons under [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron's]] command. His power is backed up by a brain that doesn't exactly run at optimal speeds; he's not so much stupid as he is single-minded and easily frustrated, although his tendency to shout his own name repeatedly as a sort of battle cry doesn't do much to refute his reputation as a knucklehead. In battle he is merciless, an unyielding engine of destruction.

He is unquestionably loyal to Megatron and his ideals, and will quickly sign up with anyone that promises power to the Decepticon cause.

Tidal Wave's [[Mini-Con]] partner is [[Ramjet (Armada)|Ramjet]].

{{quote|Tidal Wave...Tidal Wave...|Tidal Wave, too many times to properly source}}

:''Japanese ''Armada'' name'': '''Shockwave'''<br>
:''Japanese ''Energon'' name'': '''Shock Fleet''' (Mirage body)
:Hungarian name'': '''Szökőár''' ('''Árhullám''' on the ''Ultimate Battle DVD'')
:Hungarian name as Mirage'': '''Délibáb'''

==Fiction==
===Animated Continuity===
====''Armada''====
'''Voice actor''' [[Doug Parker]] (US), [[Jin Yamanoi]] (Japan)

[[Image:ArmTVTidalWave.jpg|left|thumb|250px|Crumbs, chief.]]

Tidal Wave was originally brought to [[Earth]] by the [[Decepticon]] strategist [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] in an attempt to bolster the Decepticon forces so that they could obtain the [[Requiem Blaster]]. Thrust claimed Tidal Wave was a general that led Decepticon forces to a victory, an unsubstantiated claim that seems rather out of place considering Tidal Wave's... lack of grace. This was exemplified when [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] and [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] capsized the huge warship and sent it to the bottom of the deep. However, Tidal Wave quickly recovered and transformed into his massively powerful robot mode, quickly sending the Autobots scrambling for cover. {{Storylink|Awakening}}

Pounding the Autobots with firepower, Thrust called out to Tidal Wave to initiate his party piece. Tidal Wave transformed and split into three component vehicle sections (which also somehow shrank in size), headed for Megatron and Powerlinked with him, forming a combination known as ''Burning Megatron''. Megatron declared that "The Power is Mine!" before setting off in pursuit of Jet Optimus. Tidal Wave gave Megatron flight capability and an overwhelming amount of firepower, which kept Jet Optimus at bay long enough for Megatron to slice the connection point between Optimus Prime and [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] with the Star Saber. {{Storylink|Desperate}}

After Starscream cracked and attacked Megatron, Tidal Wave was sent after him to Earth when the rogue Decepticon jet escaped their moon base with the Star Saber in his possession. The Autobots initially assumed both Decepticons were part of a combined attack, but eventually came to Starscream's assistance against Tidal Wave when the Decepticon shot him down. [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] nailed Tidal Wave in the eye with his axle cannon, but the powerful Tidal Wave recovered quickly and caused problems for Jet Optimus, whom couldn't so much as scratch him. This prompted Starscream to toss the Star Saber to the Autobot leader, which he used to slice off one of Tidal Wave's chest guns and forced the Decepticon to retreat. {{Storylink|Regeneration}}

Tidal Wave was present at the meeting between the Autobots and Decepticons during the [[Unicron Battles]] in which the two sides formed a temporary truce, notably shaking hands with Jetfire. {{Storylink|Alliance}}
{{-}}

====''Energon''====
'''Voice actor''' [[Doug Parker]] (US) [[Jin Yamanoi]] Japan

After the end of the Unicron Battles, Tidal Wave loyally followed [[Megatron (Armada)|Galvatron]]'s last request - that the Decepticons remain at peace with the Autobots. During the ten year period that followed, Tidal Wave somewhere along the line changed not only his color palette but his occupation - instead of being a warrior, he was now a guardian of the [[energon]] mines in the Sol system's asteroid belt.

Tidal Wave's post was one of the first targets of the [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcon]] hordes. After being attacked and abducted, he was brought to [[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]] and [[Alpha Quintesson]]'s base of operations, where they convinced him to side with them by promising to revive Megatron, a deal which Tidal Wave eagerly agreed to. Although he clearly disliked Scorponok, he carried out orders in attacking other energon reserves run by the Autobots until Megatron returned. Following this, he continued raiding Autobot bases, only under Megatron's orders.

Tidal Wave would later show disdain for the madman [[Decepticon]] recruit [[Shockblast (Energon)|Shockblast]]. During a battle on Cybertron, an [[energon tower]] collapsed on top of Tidal Wave due to a shot from Shockblast. Megatron called for a retreat and hauled Tidal Wave's damaged body back into space, where the giant Decepticon was reformatted into "Mirage".

Mirage traded his gigantic, hulking body for a smaller, sleeker, and speedier form. He also apparently gained an upgrade in intelligence, although he also started to buddy up with [[Demolishor]] and [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Snow Cat]] to form a comedy relief trio. He continued to serve Megatron throughout the war for [[energon]].

When Galvatron flung himself into the energon sun to destroy [[Unicron]]'s spark, Mirage loyally followed after him and seemingly ended his life.

{{note|In Japan, after becoming Mirage, Tidal Wave became straight-up Gay For Galvatron. Seriously. The dub dodged the issue as best it could (although honestly, that was probably more due to the fact that the English writers didn't seem to know what was going on in the show at the best of times), with Mirage's love-struck remarks being replaced with simple cheering for his leader or something else entirely - but it couldn't do anything about his repeated coquetteish gestures, doe-eyed expressions, or that one time he pirouetted and struck a pose while surrounded by a glowing pink heart.}}

[[image:Gayforgalvatron.jpg|800px|thumb|center|''Geezus,'' Japan.]]

===Dreamwave Comics continuity===
====''Armada''====

Tidal Wave was little seen in the ''Armada'' comic from Dreamwave, appearing only in a panel or two in the final story.

====''Energon''====
In ''Energon'', Tidal Wave was recruited by [[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]], joining the [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcon]]s. While he went on several raids and missions with the Terrorcons, it became clear to him that he wasn't the most respected of the team. [[Alpha Quintesson]], however, saw something in him, and reformatted him into Mirage, noting as he did so that Scorponok had fallen out of [[Unicron]]'s favor.

===Playstation 2 Video Game===
[[Image:Tidalwave pushup.gif|thumb|left|Megatron might be a jerk, but he cares for his troops' physical fitness.]]

Tidal Wave, in his combined battleship mode, was stationed as a relay and refuel point off a small chain of islands in the Mid-Atlantic. The [[Autobot]]s made their way inside him to take out the [[Decepticlone]] platoons inside and destroy him, but discovered that Tidal Wave wasn't merely a transport. They escaped just in time to avoid being crushed as Tidal Wave transformed into his titanic robot mode.

Tidal Wave walked around the island chain in the deep waters, unloading volleys of missiles, lasers, and the occasional [[Jet Laser]] on the tiny-by-comparison Autobots. Despite his impressive size, firepower, and nigh-impenetrable armor, the Autobots managed to do enough damage to Tidal Wave's one weak point -his face- to cause a chain reaction that caused multiple explosions inside him, sending him falling face-first to the ocean floor.

The Autobots were able to extract information from Tidal Wave's computer that the Decepticons' main base was located in Northern Alaska, but the information was planted there by Megatron to lead the Autobots into a trap.

{{-}}

==Toys==
===Armada===
*'''Tidal Wave with Ramjet''' (Ultra-Con, 2003)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''MD-06'''
**''Accessories:'' Ramjet Mini-Con partner, 2 missiles

[[Image:Armada_Tidal_Wave_toy.jpg|right|thumb|"TCS Tiger's Claw, Transform!"]]

: Tidal Wave is a robot that is made up of three different aquatic vehicles; an aircraft carrier, a double-bowed battleship, and a troop-landing craft. All three can combine to form a single gigantic warship, which from there can transform to robot mode ''without'' having to separate. Each smaller craft has its own gimmick; the carrier has a working storage elevator for Tidal Wave's [[Mini-Con]] partner [[Ramjet (Armada)|Ramjet]], the battleship has Mini-Con [[Powerlinx]]-activated swiveling cannons (also usable in robot mode), and the landing craft opens up to reveal seats for Mini-Cons to sit on.

[[Image:Micron_Shockwave_toy.jpg|left|thumb|180px|Alleged Decepticon Military Genius.]]

: Tidal Wave can also combine with Megatron (and the Galvatron redeco), with Tidal Wave's aircraft carrier and battleship clipping onto Megatron's arms and his troop transport clipping onto Megatron's back (after the turret has been positioned in Full Blast Mode configuration) as a jetpack.

: The [[Takara]] and [[Hasbro]] versions are considerably different. Takara's "Shockwave" replaces all the green plastic with purple, darker grays, and several of the paint colors are altered. These changes were made to align the toy more closely to the cartoon's appearance, though they're not completely accurate.

{{-}}
===Energon===
*'''Tidal Wave with Ramjet''' (Ultra, 2004)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''SD-04'''
**''Accessories:'' Ramjet Mini-Con partner, 2 missiles

[[Image:Energon_Tidal_Wave_toy.jpg|thumb|200px|Tidal Wave...Tidal Wave...Tidal Wave...]]

:Tidal Wave's ''Armada'' toy was [[redeco]]ed for the early part of ''Energon'', with "energy" patterns resembling stylized lightning bolts painted across it. Several portions of his body were cast in transparent green plastic, suggesting that his body was now infused with Decepticon-energy [[energon]].

:Tidal Wave retains his ability to combine with ''Armada'' Megatron/Galvatron, as well as ''Universe'' [[Megazarak (Universe)|Megazarak]].

{{-}}
*'''Mirage''' (Mega, 2004)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''SD-15'''
**''Accessories:'' 2 missiles

[[Image:Energon_Mirage_toy.jpg|thumb|left|200px|He went from a boat to a ferry.]]

: Mirage is an upgraded body for Tidal Wave, transforming into a sleek assault speedboat with multiple spring-loaded missile launchers, as well as fold-out wings for his "Hyper Mode". Something of a shellformer, Mirage's transformation sequence is one of the most complex for the ''Energon'' toy line, and as a side effect, he ends up with some obnoxiously large vehicle mode shell [[kibble]]. Some bad design and excessively tight knee joints means his lower legs will often detach from the upper thighs whenever one tries to bend his knees.

:The initial releases of Mirage were one-per-case, and part of a wave that saw limited distribution due to a glut of early product on the shelves. However, Mirage was later put into "Mega-Buy" multi-packs at a buy-one-get-one-free price at numerous chains, including Toys 'R' Us and Wal-Mart, relieving much of the demand for the item.

: This mold was also [[redeco]]ed into ''Energon'' [[Dreadwing (Energon)|Dreadwing]].

{{-}}

==External Links==
* [http://www.tfu.info/2003/Decepticon/TidalWave/tidalwave.htm Tidal Wave at TFU.info]

[[Category: Armada characters]]
[[Category: Combiners]]
[[Category: Decepticons]]
[[Category: Energon characters]]
[[Category: Terrorcons]]
[[Category: Unicron-related 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>

Kickback (G1)

2008-03-26T22:58:22Z

70.246.193.108:

{{picsneeded|Fictional appearances}}

:''Kickback is a [[Decepticon]] [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticon]] from the [[Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:DreamwaveCover3.jpg|right|300px|thumb|I'm the one everybody hates, and I'm in the front? This is awesome!]]

'''Kickback''' is one of the most charming, likable beings you're ever likely to meet. He collects friends the way others do [[energon cube]]s. Scratch the surface, though, and you find a manipulative blackmailer that loves digging up dirt on his new "pals" to force them to work for him. Humans are particularly likely to fall prey to his honeyed words. In insect mode his super-charged legs allow him to jump great distances and kick through solid steel, though he's vulnerable in that mode when attempting to fly through high winds.

:''Italian name'': '''Atrox'''
:''French-Canadian name'': '''La Raude'''

==Fiction==
===Animated continuity===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Clive Revill]] (US), [[Toshiro Ishii]] (Japan)

Kickback, [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] and [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]] landed on [[Earth]] in their own space pod before the Ark crashed to Earth. ''(It is unclear whether this pod was launched from the [[Nemesis]] or not, as the dialogue seems to suggest maybe it was, but the Insecticons and Megatron's Decepticons do not seem to know each other.)'' Their pod crashed into the region that would become known as "Demon Swamp" and their computers adapted them to transform into insects and eat organic food to survive. The "Insecticons" apparently lived in the swamp for millions of years until discovered by Megatron's Decepticons. They form an uneasy alliance with Megatron, never coming fully under his command but working with the Decepticons when they could be convinced there was something (usually food) in it for them. The Insecticons were able to create vast clone armies of themselves at will, a formidable ability that may have been the reason they were able to maintain their autonomy from Megatron. {{storylink|A Plague of Insecticons}}

On one occasion, the Insecticons were chowing down on redwoods in a national forest when [[Hound]], [[Beachcomber]] and [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] arrived on the scene and attempted to stop them. Despite the equal odds, the Insecticons managed to overpower their Autobot opponents and send them into retreat after launching a massive fallen tree trunk at the heroes (naturally, Kickback used his legs to push the tree instead of his arms like the others). Megatron then arrived and offered a deal: if he led the Insecticons to a fresh new source of energy, they would aid him in acquiring some useful data from the heavily-guarded [[Iron Mountain]] installation. Agreeing, the Insecticons accompany the Decepticons to the [[Nova Power Core]], an energy source of considerable power. Consuming it, the Insecticons find themselves more than doubling in size and strength.

Naturally, both groups of 'Cons are planning to eliminate each other at the most opportune opportunity, but the Insecticons get the upper hand first by secretly placing [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] under the control of Bombshell's cerebro-shells. Before the mission at Iron Mountain is completed, the rest of the Decepticons sans Megatron are also under Insecticon control. Kickback and the others plan to use Soundwave to acquire Iron Mountain's data for themselves, but little do they know that the Nova Power in their systems is explosively unstable. With the help of the Autobots, Megatron manages to administer the antidote to the Insecticons (reversing their invincibility and self-destruct cycles) and reclaim his soldiers. Because Shrapnel was critically wounded in the final battle, Kickback and Bombshell quickly repair him and them flee to fight another day. {{Storylink|The Insecticon Syndrome}}

When the Decepticons invade Autobot City on Earth in 2005, a keen-eyed [[Hot Rod]] spots their hijacked shuttle before they are able to penetrate the city's defenses. As a result, the Autobots had time to activate the base's heavily-armored transformation sequence, and the Decepticons are forced to physically breach the defenses. Kickback and his fellow Insecticons attempt to eat their way into the city, but keep their eyes on their stomachs and are caught off guard by the returning Hot Rod and [[Kup]]. Kup uses Kickback's head as a ramp to jump his way into the closing city, crushing the Insecticon's skull in the process.

Heavily damaged, Kickback managed to crawl back aboard [[Astrotrain]] as the Decepticons fled hours later, but proved too weak to resist when the 'Cons tossed him and several other weakened warriors out of the shuttle to "make room". His corpse is soon used by [[Unicron]] as raw materials, and is reformatted into a [[Sweep]]s drone to serve under [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]], the Tracker. {{Storylink|The Transformers: The Movie}}

===Marvel Comics continuity===

Kickback was one of Lord [[Straxus]]'s warriors operating out of [[Polyhex]] and, without realizing it, barely escaped being killed by the [[Wreckers]] in [[Operation: Volcano]]. He was later summoned to Earth by Megatron, and became an Insecticon alongside his partners Shrapnel and Bombshell.

===Dreamwave Comics continuity===

Seen in his pre-Earth dragster mode, Kickback and the pre-Insecticons joined [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] and [[Ravage]] in making an assassination attempt on the recently-risen [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], hoping to extract the power of the [[Matrix]] from the green Autobot leader. Instead, they learned a valuable lesson about underestimating any newborn Prime whose name isn't "[[Hot Rod|Rodimus]]". {{Storylink|The War Within}}

At some point after the disappearance of the [[Ark]] and [[Nemesis]], [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] managed to track the ships to the planet Earth, and dispatched Kickback, [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]], and [[Bombshell]] to the planet as part of some longterm machinations which were never made clear. Shortly after landing, they were confronted by the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dynobots]] who followed them to the planet, but somehow managed to give them the slip. {{Storylink|The Rules of Extinction}}

The Insecticons were supposed to remain in hiding on Earth until an unknown time, and managed to keep their presence on the planet secret even after the Autobot and Decepticon spaceship crews awoke and began regularly battling it out on Earth. However, Bombshell began instituting plans of his own, mutilating cattle, kidnapping fleshlings, and growing techno-organic "Insecticlones", among other things. Kickback noticed a minor power struggle between Shrapnel and Bombshell, and enjoyed stirring things up between his partners. Bombshell's antics drew the attention of the Autobots and [[Earth Defense Command]], and the Insecticons were forced into the spotlight to do battle. Kickback was personally taken down in combat with [[Sunstreaker]]. {{Storylink|Extermination}}

The Insecticons were taken into custody by [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] and his Autobots after the encounter. {{Storylink|The Route of All Evil}}

===IDW Comics continuity===
Kickback is very briefly seen among the newly-formed Decepticons as they leave [[Kaon]]'s jail and began laying waste to the city-state. {{Storylink|Megatron Origin issue 4|Megatron Origin #4}}

===IDW ''[[Hearts of Steel]]'' continuity===
Kickback, Bombshell, and Shrapnel rob a train carrying cash and bullion from the Denver Mint, on [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]'s orders. They deliver the stolen property to Starscream and [[Tobias Muldoon]] the following morning.

Kickback forms one end of the "Insectrain" (as it is called in the concept art); the front end, in its one appearance. He has piledrivers mounted to force other trains off the tracks. {{Storylink|Hearts of Steel issue 2}}

{{-}}
==Toys==
===Generation 1===
*'''Kickback''' (Insecticon, 1985)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''40'''
**''Accessories'': "Electrothermic Blast Tube"

[[Image:G1Kickback_toy.jpg|thumb|right|150px|I'll transform into a giant mechanical grasshopper and no one will notice me.]]

: Kickback transforms into a robotic grasshopper/locust. He doesn't do a whole lot more than that.

: The mold has gone through a few variations, primarily in the chromed-silver wings. Original versions only had a single [[rubsign]] indent, on the outer right-robot-mode wing. Later versions not only added indents to all four faces of the wings (for symmetry, apparently), but ''shortened'' the wings as well.

: In Japan, Kickback and the other Insecticons were "re-released" as mail-order items from 1987 through 1988. They each cost 880 yen (their normal retail price) and two [[robot points]].

: This mold was used to make the [[Shothole]] drones.

*'''Insectrons''' (Transformers Collection multi-pack, 2004)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''16''' (full set)

: Kickback was re-released as part of the Japanese "[[Transformers Collection]]" series in a set with [[Bombshell]] and [[Shrapnel]]. This set also included three [[energon cube]] accessories that fit inside their chest compartments.

: The Kickback in this set has ''another'' change to the wings; this time, the "[[for safety reasons|safety circles]]" at the wing-tips added by [[Hasbro]] back in the day are no longer present, giving them pointed tips. The wings also go back to having a single rubsign indent.

===Merchandise===
*'''Kickback''' (Decoy, 1987)

: Kickback was one of the Decepticon [[Decoy]]s packed in with smaller carded ''Transformers'' toys. While the normal purple version could come on any Decepticon toy, the rarer red version was available ''only'' on [[Throttlebot]] cards and only for a short while before the switch to purple.

*'''Destron Hero Collection-22 Set''' (Decoy multi-pack, 1987)

: The entire run of twenty-two Decepticon Decoys were sold as a single boxed set in Japan, only in purple.

{{-}}
==Trivia==
* Kickback --like the other Insecticons-- was originally a ''[[Diaclone]]'' "Waruder Battas" evil alien piloted mech in different colors... which were eventually used when the trio were [[redeco]]ed for [[e-Hobby]] release. This is also the genesis of those opening chest compartments.

{{-}}
==External links==
* [http://www.tfu.info/1985/Decepticon/Kickback/kickback.htm Kickback at TFU.info]

{{charstub}}
[[Category: Insecticons]]
[[Category: Generation 1 characters]]
[[Category: Mail order items]]<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>

Insecticon (G1)

2008-03-26T22:53:33Z

70.246.193.108: /* Animated continuity */

{{disambig3|Insecticon}}

:''The Insecticons are a [[Decepticon]] [[subgroup]] from the [[Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:DreamwaveCover3.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Remember when we were in DWG1v1? That was awesome!]]

The '''Insecticons''' are a group of insectoid troublemakers that [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] trusts as far as he can throw [[Devastator]]. The Insecticons also display a wide array of unique abilities including eating both organic and inorganic matter for energy, creating clones of themselves, weather control, and [[cerebro-shell|cerebro-shells]].

The original Insecticons were...

*[[Bombshell]]
*[[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]]
*[[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]]

These were followed by a set of "Deluxe" Insecticons:

*[[Barrage (Insecticon)|Barrage]]
*[[Chop Shop]]
*[[Ransack (G1)|Ransack]]
*[[Venom]]

Post-G1, several more characters have been [[retcon|retroactively]] added to the group:

*[[Buzzclaw (Timelines)|Buzzclaw]], [[Dirge (Descent into Evil)|Dirge]], and the [[Virulent Clone|Virulent Clones]]
*[[Salvo]], [[Shothole]], and [[Zaptrap]]

''Japanese group name:'' '''Insectron'''<br>
''Italian group name:'' '''Mini-Insectors'''

==Fiction==
===Animated continuity===
[[Image:Insecticons.jpg|right|thumb|Good morning, Charlie.]]

Individualistic, greedy, and arrogant the Insecticons consider themselves a species unto themselves and have only a tenetive on-again/off-again alliance with the main Decepticon forces, mainly when Megatron can bribe them with the energon they need to maintain their clone hordes.

Shrapnel, Kickback, and Bombshell launched in an escape pod from the [[Nemesis]] as it crashed after shooting down the [[Ark]]. Landing in a swamp, their identi-computers damaged, the three gained alternate modes based on local insects, and may have gained their strange abilities from a few millenia of independant evolution on a strange world.

Eventually reunited with their Decepticon comrades, the three warriors put their powers on full display, as well as their willingness to "eat and run". The Insecticons would frequently become a part of one scheme or another, and then would betray/be betrayed by [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] resulting in fighting between the two factions.

After the [[Battle of Autobot City]], the three Insecticons find themselves battered and broken, and on the wrong end of the "weight" jettisoned from [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]]. All three appeared to be reformatted by [[Unicron]] into new bodies, with some debate over who became who. Despite this, the Insecticons were still often seen in the Decepticon army throughout 2006, which can be seen as either:
*a) a function of their cloning abilities, or
*b) a function of bad crowd filling by animators.
*c) the real insecticons survived and their clones got turned into the Sweeps (which somehow function as clones) and Thundercracker and Skywarp became Scourge and Cyclones.

===Marvel Comics continuity===

{{noteukonly}}

The Decepticon warriors Bombshell, Shrapnel, Kickback, [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]], [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]], and [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] were seemingly high-ranking officers under the command of Lord [[Straxus]], Lord High Governor of [[Polyhex]]. Shrapnel served as Straxus's Executive Officer, and was presented as a cruel, sadistic being, with no notable sign of a speech impediment. It was he that supervised the technicians who received- and eventually decoded- a transmission from [[Soundwave]] on [[Earth]], and later he who was given the distinctly thankless task of assisting Straxus in the management of the [[Space Bridge]] project.

The six appeared to serve as [[Darkmount]]'s security in some fashion, since Shrapnel personally captured the [[Autobot]] [[Scrounge]] and brought him to Straxus- and, later, after [[Blaster]] had been deliberately taken prisoner, it was Shrapnel who brought him before the tyrant in the Space Bridge construction hangar- only to be assaulted by a less-than-grateful Decepticon leader. Later, all six were observed flying into battle against Autobot intruders.

At this point, the Insecticon trio transformed into forms which appeared to very closely resemble their later Earthen modes- albeit without any visible shifting of mass (i.e. Shrapnel is still the same size as in his robotic mode, as evidenced when he seizes hold of Scrounge). ''Later, during the attempt to assassinate [[Emirate Xaaron]] (itself in reality bait for the [[Wreckers]]' [[Operation:Volcano]]), Kickback does apparently reduce in size, so it's possible that the Insecticons already have this ability, but that it is optional, in the same way that Soundwave appears able to decide on a whim what size he wishes his alt-mode to be on any given day.''

''After the fall of Darkmount and the crippling of Straxus, the trio continued to be influential figures in the Cybertronian Decepticon Army, and were part of a battle unit regarded by the Autobots as being ten of the Decepticons' deadliest killers- specifically, [[Bombshell]], [[Shrapnel]], [[Kickback]], [[Dirge]], [[Thrust]], [[Ramjet]], [[Blitzwing]], [[Octane]], and [[Macabre]] - so much so, in fact, that Emirate Xaaron planned the dangerous Operation:Volcano to lure them into a deadly trap, believing that the extermination of these ten would deliver a great psychological blow for the Resistance.''

''Fortunately or unfortunately, depending on one's allegiance, after [[Roadbuster]] had tricked a doomed traitor Autobot into passing on fake information to a typically murderous Shrapnel, Operation:Volcano began to fall apart as a result of events on Earth. First, [[Ultra Magnus]] was removed from the Wreckers' strike force to travel to Earth, and second, after Kickback had completed reconnaissance, Megatron himself contacted the Decepticon attack group and ordered the Insecticons to report to Earth- immediately. Nine of the ten, unwilling to risk disobeying Megatron, returned to Polyhex. Macabre, however, determined to kill Xaaron, went on alone, and was killed after taking the life of the Wrecker leader [[Impactor]].''

''Significantly, during these events, the trio are twice referred to as Insecticons by name, suggesting both that Cybertron does possess insect life, and that their forms are indeed already based upon it- an implication absent in the US strip.''

The three Insecticons were sent to Earth via a repaired or rebuilt Space Bridge, where they fell under the command of Megatron, who altered them ''making minor modifications'' in order to allow them to transform into the likenesses of ''Earthside'' insects. Megatron intended to make use of the Space Bridge to revitalise Cybertron, by connecting a vast drilling pipe transdimensionally between Earth and a massive turbine and generator complex constructed on Cybertron, and drilling through Hoover Dam to do it. To this end, he utilised the Insecticons' unique talents- Bombshell used one of his Cerebro-shells to take the mind of one of the Dam's technical staff, [[Ricky Vasquez]], Shrapnel's electrical powers were used to remote-operate the Dam's electrical machinery, and Kickback kicked a door down.

When the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]] on their first mission intervened, both the Insecticons and their three Strike Plane comrades, also having travelled to Earth, fared badly against them. Shrapnel's antennae were twisted, courtesy of Air Raid's torque rifle, and ultimately Ricky Vasquez' free will and love of his daughter were enough to allow him to overcome Bombshell's cerebro-shell entirely, pulling Megatron's trigger and destroying the drill. Battered, Shrapnel and Kickback somewhat unceremoniously carried a still fulminating Megatron off into the distance. Meanwhile, however, Bombshell, having seen an opportunity in his small insect-size, attached himself to the Aerialbot leader Silverbolt, and returned with him to the Ark in secret.

Bombshell planted a cerebro-shell in the head of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], current head of the Earthbound Autobots. The shell failed to take full effect for unknown reasons, but ''did'' permit Megatron and Soundwave to tap into and monitor Optimus' thoughts- including the Creation Matrix. Thus, Bombshell was indirectly responsible for Megatron being able to give life to the [[Stunticon|Stunticons]], and presumably (though it is never stated) the [[Combaticon|Combaticons]] as well.

The point at which he left the Ark is unknown, but the trio continued to make sporadic appearances amongst the Decepticon forces until the [[Underbase Saga]]. Shrapnel notably used his electrical powers to remote-control the bridge of a cargo ship at one point, but beyond that, the trio seem to have faded into the background. Although not shown being deactivated or destroyed by [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] during this conflict, they may have been taken out of action at this point, or possibly during the preceding inter-faction fighting. It is also possible that they simply chose to lie low for a while.

''The Insecticons Chop Shop and Venom, although not specifically identified as Insecticons at any point in this continuity, were part of the Decepticons' original [[Mayhem Attack Squad]], which was sent to Earth in fragile alliance with the Wreckers to hunt down and destroy [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] in late 1988-early 1989. Predictably, few of either group survived the encounter with the future Decepticon, and these Insecticons were apparently slaughtered- either by Galvatron or by the clone of Megatron with whom he had formed an alliance. As the story never presents a full roster of the Mayhem Attack Squad, it is generally assumed that Ransack and Barrage were also present, and were also killed. ''

''The three original Insecticons were among the Decepticons recruited- and possibly reactivated- by Megatron on Earth while [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] and Optimus Prime were attempting to forge an Autobot-Decepticon alliance on [[Cybertron]] (to counter the approaching threat of Unicron), during the [[Decepticon Civil War]]. Although initially loyal to Megatron, they were bested in combat by Starscream - then theoretically under [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]'s command- when he infiltrated Megatron's base. Starscream subdued the trio using an electrically charged flyswat known as a [[Rustbug Hoop]]- thereby proving the existence of Cybertronian insect life- and more or less blackmailed them into joining forces with himself and Soundwave in their plans to reunite both Earthbound Decepticon factions by disposing of Megatron and Shockwave and taking their place.''

''Bombshell's cerebro-shells, now apparently grown somewhat more reliable, were used at least twice during this period- once to drive the Aerialbot gestalt [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] into running amok, and later to rewrite the memories of journalist [[Irwin Spoon]], ensuring the continued success of Soundwave and Starscream's smear campaign against the Autobots.''

''The fate of the Insecticons after this point is unknown. Shockwave, Soundwave and Starscream were all eventually returned to Cybertron, where they appear to have extremely grudgingly temporarily submitted to Optimus and Scorponok's leadership, while Megatron at least was recaptured and imprisoned in stasis in the Ark.''

The Insecticons did not appear during the Unicron war, or during the later battle on [[Klo]]. It is possible that they, like Megatron, were deactivated inside the Ark as prisoners, or they may have been destroyed, or simply escaped once more.

During one alternate future, Shrapnel and [[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] attempted to kill [[Daniel Witwicky]] on the planet of [[Junk]] in the year [[2006]]'', but this particular timeline was rewritten when Galvatron time-travelled back to 1987 to escape [[Hot Rod|Rodimus Prime]].''

===Dreamwave Comics continuity===
Shrapnel, Bombshell, and Kickback, along with Soundwave and Ravage, were sent my Megatron to assassinate the new Autobot leader, Optimus Prime. They failed when Optimus royally kicked their asses. In their Cybertronian modes, Shrapnel transformed into a jet, and while the others were not seen to transform, Bombshell appeared to have the parts to become a tank while Kickback looked to possibly transform into a type of dragster. The remaining Insecticons caused terror throughout Cybertron and joined Shockwave's attack on [[Iacon]]. Chop Shop was seen to transform into a wheeled vehicle (with pincers) while Venom became a jet. {{storylink|The War Within}}

During the [[The War Within: The Dark Ages|Dark Ages]], the Insecticons split among the Decepticon splinter groups. Venom, Chop Shop, Ransack and Barrage joined the [[Ultracon]]s, while Shrapnel, Bombshell, and Kickback remained with the Decepticons under [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]. Although the Decepticon forces were eventually reunited, {{storylink|The War Within: The Age of Wrath}} the former Ultracon Insecticons were reduced to a vampirism, capturing [[Micromaster]]s and draining them of [[Energon]]. By this point, the looked to transform into their Earthen modes somehow. {{storylink|Micromasters}}

Meanwhile, Shrapnel, Bombshell, and Kickback went to [[Earth]] by Shockwave after the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' crash-landed on the planet. They were to guide Earth's development and prepare it for conquest (real logical choice there, Shockwave) but were followed by the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dynobots]]. We're not entirely sure of the sequence of events, but it appears that the Insecticons played dead until [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] and [[Slag (G1)|Slag]] got bored and wandered off. It's assumed they gained their insect forms around this time. {{storylink|Extermination}}

In the present day, after the fall of Shockwave's regime on Cybertron, {{storylink|War and Peace}} the Earthen Insecticons resurfaced in [[San Desto]], taking control of the town and growing an army of Insecticon clones. {{storylink|Infestation}} A team of Autobots assisted by the [[Earth Defense Command]] managed to defeat them. {{storylink|Extermination}}

===''Timelines: Descent into Evil'' continuity===
By the time of the events of [[Descent Into Evil]], the remnants of the Insecticons had been widely dispersed, apparently lacking access to their cloning abilities. The Decepticon general [[Deathsaurus]], seeking to provide the [[Decepticon/Predacon Alliance]] with the means to return the balance of power to their favor, established a research facility on [[Ceti Alpha Seven]]. In this lab, the surviving Insecticons Buzzclaw and Dirge were analyzed, and their genetic cloning ability unlocked once more. The resultant [[Virulent Clone]]s fought against an Autobot team sent to destroy the base, but were ultimately destroyed along with their base, and possibly Buzzclaw.

===IDW ''[[Hearts of Steel]]'' continuity===
Kickback, Bombshell, and Shrapnel robbed a train carrying cash and bullion from the Denver Mint, on [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]'s orders. They delivered the stolen property to Starscream and [[Tobias Muldoon]] the following morning. {{Storylink|Hearts of Steel issue 2}}

In vehicle mode, the three Insecticons combine to form a single fanciful locomotive, called the "Insectrain" in the concept art section of the trade paperback collection. Whether Insectrain is a true gestalt [[combiner]] like [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]], a [[Micromaster]]-style combiner (combined altmodes with no emergent personality), or just three robots hooked up in a train, is unknown.

{{-}}
==Trivia==
* According to the data unlocked with their [[Cyber Planet Key]], the [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcon]] [[Scrapmetal drone]]s have a connection to the Insecticons. What this connection is, however, is unknown.

{{-}}
[[Category: Combiner teams]]
[[Category: Decepticon subgroups]]
[[Category: Generation 1]]
[[Category: Insecticons| ]]
[[Category: Timelines]]<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>

Chop Shop (G1)

2008-03-26T22:49:46Z

70.246.193.108:

:''Chop Shop is a [[Decepticon]] [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticon]] in the [[Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:ChopShop_MTMTE.jpg|thumb|right|300px|There's a good chance he stole his body parts.]]

Are you missing a few [[energon]] chips? Wasn't there a photon rectifier on that table a minute ago? Hey, has anyone seen my [[Action Master]] partner recently? And where the heck did our new [[transwarp]] cruiser go?!

If it's not nailed, screwed, bolted, and nano-fused to the ground, chances are good '''Chop Shop''' stole it while you were reading this. The other Decepticons and his fellow [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]] are well aware of Chop Shop's skill as a master thief, but they have no idea just how deep the compulsion goes. Chop Shop is a closet [[wikipedia:kleptomania|kleptomaniac]], compelled to steal - not just from the Autobots, but also from his allies and even from ''himself''! The more difficult it is to steal something, the more Chop Shop feels compelled to rise to the challenge. No piece of equipment or valuable item in Decepticon HQ is safe when he's around. So far, he's been quick-witted enough to cover his own tracks, but how long his luck holds out, and what his comrades will do when they realize just who's been robbing them blind, is anyone's guess.

== Fiction ==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
Chop Shop was part of the Decepticons' elite [[Mayhem Attack Squad]]. The Mayhems were sent from [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] to help the [[Wreckers]] defeat [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] and [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]]. However, the sheer power possessed by their targets overwhelmed not only the Mayhems and Wreckers, but a number of other Transformers pulled into the fight as well. Chop Shop was destroyed during this battle.

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
8.2 million years ago, Chop Shop participated in [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]'s assault on [[Iacon]]. He presumably retreated with the rest of the Decepticons when [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] activated the planetary engines, devastating the city.

7.4 million years ago, Chop Shop joined [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]]'s [[Ultracon]]s after the disappearance of Megatron splintered the Decepticons. Along with Ratbat, [[Venom (G1)|Venom]], and [[Ransack (G1)|Ransack]], Chop Shop ambushed and captured [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] in the [[Tagan Heights]]. He suggested that Ratbat kill Springer's [[Wreckers]] before killing him, to increase his suffering, but Ratbat opted for the more expedient option. The fuel auditor was prevented from carrying that out, however, when a battle between [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] and [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]] raged out of control, allowing Springer to escape.

Some time later, Chop Shop was involved in a battle against the now-unified [[Autobot]] forces, commanded by [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]]. When the Ultracons were reabsorbed into the Decepticons 6 million years ago, Chop Shop presumably went with them.

Later, after the launch of the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] and the [[Nemesis]], Chop Shop and a number of his fellow Insecticons were reduced to a vampiric existence, capturing [[Micromasters]] in the [[Wastelands]] and drinking their [[energon]]. He and his comrades attacked and devoured [[Falcon (Micromaster)|Falcon]], but were prevented from capturing the [[Hot Rod Patrol]] and the [[Race Track Patrol]] by the arrivals of [[Groundshaker (G1)|Groundshaker]] and Shockwave, respectively - although the latter did toss them [[Flanker]] to snack on.

As ordered by Shockwave, Chop Shop and his mates attacked [[Little Iacon]], searching for the Hot Rod Patrol - Chop Shop accidentally snagged [[ Road Hugger (Decepticon)|Road Hugger]], but was ordered by [[Venom (G1)|Venom]] to throw him back. They eventually landed in the city and recruited the Race Track patrol to aid them in their search. In the course of the search, Chop Shop stole [[Barrage (Insecticon)|Barrage]]'s [[sonic rifle]]. Taking their charges (and a number of captive Micromasters) back to Decepticon HQ, Chop Shop was deactivated when the Hot Rod Patrol infiltrated the base and opened fire on him.

== Toys ==
===Generation 1===
*'''Chop Shop''' (Deluxe Insecticon, 1985)
**''Accessories:'' Gun, trident

[[Image:G1_Chopshop_toy.jpg|thumb|right|200px|There's a good chance he'll steal this toy from you.]]

:Chop Shop transforms into a predominately brown robotic stag beetle. His robot mode carries many of the insect bits over, with the beetle horns rising from each shoulder and insect legs upon both arms. Rather impressively, Chop Shop has a rarity among G1 toys: all six insect legs use ball joints in one way or another.

:Chop Shop, like all of the Deluxe Insecticons, was originally designed by Takatoku Toys for the ''Armored Insect Battalion Beetras'' (機甲虫隊ビートラス) toyline. Takatoku Toys went out of business before the end of the Beetras line and their assets were purchased by fellow Japanese toymaker Bandai. Bandai licensed Takatoku's Beetras molds (alongside toys from '''Special Armored Battalion Dorvack'' and ''Super Dimensional Fortress Macross'') to Hasbro in 1985 to make the Deluxe Insecticons.

:Chop Shop's mold was originally released as the ''Beetras'' toy named Beet Gugal.

:Neither Chop Shop nor the rest of the Deluxe Insecticons ever appeared in an episode of the original Transformers cartoon series. As none of the Deluxe Insecticons were based on toys owned by Takara there is little likelihood that they will ever be reissued by TakaraTomy or Hasbro.

== External links ==
*[http://www.tfu.info/1985/Decepticon/ChopShop/chopshop.htm Chop Shop at TFU.info]

[[Category: Generation 1 characters]]
[[Category: Insecticons]]
[[Category: Ultracons]]<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>