MediaWiki - User contributions [en]

Introdump

2008-05-31T15:24:06Z

71.236.59.94:

[[Image:Decepticonpretenders-behold.jpg|right|300px|thumb|The buying public will never suspect their TRUE NATURES as commercial products until it is TOO LATE!]]

An '''introdump''' (also known as name-dropping, name-checking, forced introduction, or "really awkward self-exposition") is a scene in which new characters are introduced, and the dialog goes out of its way to give each character's name. It is particularly prevalent in certain portions of ''Transformers'' fiction.

Sometimes the characters give their ''own'' names (referring to themselves in the third person). On other occasions, the characters will work each other's names into the dialog. The classic [[Generation 1 (Marvel Comics)|G1 Marvel Comic]] was particularly guilty of this, not least because they introduced on the order of 200 characters across only 84 issues (counting ''[[Headmasters (comic)|Headmasters]]''). In '''that comic''', it was '''usually signified''' by the '''writing''' of '''each new character's name''' in '''bold typeface'''.

Because most ''Transformers'' fiction exists [[to sell toys]], it seems likely that [[Hasbro]] required the writers of the comic to make sure every new character was explicitly named, so the readers could then go out and ask the toy store employee for 'em by name.

Though the G1 comics were particularly notorious for it, introdumps pop up across the whole spectrum of ''Transformers'' fiction. In egregious examples, the characters also describe their "selling points" (weapons, etc.)

Here are four examples, from most graceful to least:

==Transformers Animated==
* Here, the [[Decepticons]] bicker, giving their names and at least one important fact per character:
: '''Lugnut''': Megatron is wise! Megatron is bold! Megatron will return the Decepticons to Cybertron and...<br>
: '''Blackarachnia''': ...and wipe our homeland clean of the stench of Autobot tyranny, blah-dee blah blah blah! Did you memorize that speech, Lugnut? Or is it just hardwired into that thick, one-track processor of yours?<br>
: '''Blitzwing''': As usual, Blackarachnia, your demeanor is as unpleasant as that accursed organic mode of yours.<br>
: '''Blackarachnia''': Blow it out your actuator, three-face.<br>
: '''Blitzwing''': De name is Blitzving, insect!
==Beast Wars==
{{listen
|Introdump_bwep1_thepain.ogg
|Painful Introductions
|The Maximals introduce themselves.
|350 KB }}
* In the sound clip at right, from the first episode of [[Beast Wars (cartoon)|Beast Wars]], the writers at least have the justification that the characters are adopting new names at that moment.
{{-}}

==Transformers Armada==
"Hi, my name is Rad, and I'd like to tell you about the Transformers." At the beginning of half the episodes, no less.

==Marvel Comics G1==
[[Image:MarvelUS22 Stunticons.jpg|thumb|right|275px|Mouseketeer roll call!]]
* At right, the [[Stunticon]]s introduce themselves in "[[Heavy Traffic!]]".
{{-}}
[[Image:Introdump_decepticons_marvelus01.jpg|thumb|right|450px|Ten characters, nine color schemes, and only six [[mold]]s.]]
* A ''particularly'' heavy example, from [[The Transformers (comic issue)|the first issue of the US comic]]. (Note [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]]'s ironic comment of "Can the speeches.")
{{-}}
==External links==
* [http://theswordreview.com/item.php?sub_id=1289 A parallel coining of "introdump", in the context of prose SF.]
* [[Wikipedia:Infodump#The_Plot_Dump|"Infodump", a broader term, at the Wikipedia.]]

[[Category: Media]]<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>

Spotlight: Arcee

2008-05-29T21:06:56Z

71.236.59.94: /* Trivia */

[[Image:Spotlight arcee.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Graduated from St. Trinians with honors.]]
{{comicnav | Spotlight (comics)| 12 | seriesname=''The Transformers: Spotlight''| prev=Spotlight: Blaster| next=Spotlight: Mirage}}
'''This ain't the Fembot we all know and love, folks... She's an entirely ''different'' stereotype!'''

==Synopsis==
An enraged Arcee has been tearing a path of destruction through the universe, necessitating Ultra Magnus to hunt her down and bring her in as authorized by the [[Tyrest Accord]]. After a protracted battle, she gets knocked out by a flash/concussion grenade and taken into custody by Magnus. As they leave the area, a couple of apparent [[drone]]s surface and talk to a monitor {{m-}} promising that the [[Nega-Core]] has not been detected and/or taken, which elicits a confirmation from their [[Jhiaxus|red-helmeted, gold-shouldered master]] that preparations for the Expansion will continue.

[[Garrus-9]] penitentiary: Arcee's [[spark]] is being held in a cell, along with some notable others. Apparent warden Fortress Maximus confers with Jetfire and the Technobots about when they can incarcerate the Monstructor components in the same way; Jetfire notes that they can't break through the destructive programming far enough to rehabilitate/reform the sparks (as per [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]'s orders), and as such, haven't pulled the sparks from the frames. As they confer, the [[Decepticon]] Onslaught leads his Combaticons in a perfectly-timed (as monitored by Banzaitron) assault on the facility, striking at precisely the right grid-sensor-shuffling moment and breaking into the penitentiary.

Fortress Maximus has no choice but to unleash the "threat-level-9" Arcee on them, with the sole caveat of destroying her spark (via a spark casing g-force crush) if she attempts to escape. A furious battle ensues, but after she cuts through Blast Off and plows through Brawl in vehicle mode, the [[Combaticon]]s (who recognized her when she first attacked) manage to teleport out with the unconscious Monstructor 'cons (whom Banzaitron wants to join his Secret Service).

Arcee proposes that she be released to hunt them down or killed on the spot. When asked for '''her''' motivation she grows angry, commenting that "you don't even know you're DOING it...you unconsciously SENSE a difference." She then reveals that [[Jhiaxus]] tampered with her [[CNA]] at creation, turning her into a female, "because he was curious, because he '''could'''," just to see what introducing gender to the Transformer race would do. He then discarded her and left her to her fate. Traumatized and vengeful, all she can think of is wiping out all trace of his tampering in this universe.

Maximus disagrees, pointing the remote spark-casing-control unit at her, but Jetfire tells him to let her go (he'll back up whatever story Maximus concocts for her escape), as they have precious little to lose at this point.

==Credits==
'''Script:''' [[Simon Furman]]<br>
'''Art:''' [[Alex Milne]]<br>
'''Colors:''' [[Josh Perez]] and [[Chris Carter]]<br>
'''Lettering:''' [[Chris Mowry]]<br>
'''Editors:''' [[Andrew Steven Harris]]<br>
* ''Originally published:'' February 20, 2008
* ''Continuity:'' [[IDW continuity]]

===Featured characters===
(''Numbers indicate order of appearance.)
{|border=5 cellpadding=5 cellspacing=5 align=center style="border:#800000"
! style="background:#FFEEEE" | [[Autobots]]
! style="background:#EEEEFE" | [[Decepticons]]
! style="background:#FFEEB8" | Others
|-
| style="background:#FFEEEE" valign="top" |
* [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] (1)
* [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] (2)
* [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] (4)
* The [[Technobots]] (5)
* [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] (6)
* [[Kick-Off]] (9)

| style="background:#EEEEFE" valign="top" |
* [[Banzai-Tron (G1)|Banzaitron]] (8)
* [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]] (10)
* [[Onslaught]] (11)
* [[Blast Off]] (12)
* [[Vortex]] (13)

| style="background:#FFEEB8" valign="top" |
* [[Jhiaxus]] (3)
* [[Pretender Monster]]s/<br>[[Monstructor]] (7)
|}

== Trivia ==
* Arcee states that she was the first female Transformer experiment and it is implied she is something rare and (perhaps) unique. However nothing in the issue states that she was the ''only'' female Transformer created due to Jhiaxus's program. Indeed, in ''[[Megatron: Origin]]'' a number of female Transformers make cameo appearances. It may be that Arcee isn't completely alone and that her trauma stems more from being used, altered (perhaps against her will), and abandoned than anything else. On the other hand, it could also mean that the apparently "female" transformers were actually males with extremely odd taste in body shells.

==Errors==

== Items of note ==
* The issue contains bonus sketch art by Alex Milne, including color tests for Arcee.
* Cameos include:
**Banzaitron's crew: [[Axer]], [[Roadblock (G1)|Roadblock]], [[Gutcruncher]], [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]], [[Blast Off]], [[Vortex]], [[Onslaught]] (note that the only absent G1 [[Combaticons|Combaticon]] is [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]], since he had previously appeared in [[Spotlight: Ultra Magnus]])
**Garrus 9 Autobots: [[Fastlane]], [[Cloudraker]], [[Kick-Off]], [[Rad (G1)|Rad]], [[Jackpot]], [[Rollout (G1)|Rollout]], [[Over-Run (G1)|Over-Run]], [[Skyfall (G1)|Skyfall]], [[Sprocket]], [[Vroom]], [[Windbreaker]], [[Turbofire]]
**Sparks in custody: [[Skyjack]], [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]], [[Longtooth]], [[Ransack (G2)|Ransack]], [[Repugnus (G1)|Repugnus]]
* On page 3, Arcee mentions Jhiaxus's "dark designs". This was the title of a ''[[Generation 2]]'' issue.
* One of the Autobots defending Garrus 9 mentions them being overrun. Let's hope this didn't lead to [[Over-Run (G1)|anyone]] being distracted during the battle.
* Arcee's reference to gendered pronouns makes little sense in context. It stands to reason that a race originally entirely devoid of gender would lack sexually-oriented pronouns in their native language. So the use and "he" and "she" would likely be supplements with a uniform variation of "it" for everybody.
* Cover B was colored in a style that pays homage to the cover of [http://www.darkhorse.com/profile/profile.php?sku=40-180 ''Akira Vol.1''.]<ref>[http://dyemooch.deviantart.com/art/Spotlight-Arcee-alt-cover-72893344 Colorist at deviantART]</ref>

===Covers (3)===
[[Image:Spotlight_Arcee_b.jpg|right|thumb|200px|[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMiSSlwioM0 Look at you, hacker. A pathetic creature of meat and bone, panting and sweating as you run through my corridors...]]]
* '''Cover A:''' Arcee, [[Nova Prime]], the Pretender Monsters, Ultra Magnus, Fortress Maximus and some dead guy by Alex Milne and Josh Perez.
* '''Cover B:''' Arcee being assembled by Alex Milne and Josh Perez.
* '''Cover RI:''' Uncolored sketch of cover B.

===Advertisements===
* ''[[Spotlight: Grimlock]]''
* ''[[Spotlight: Mirage]]''
* ''[[Transformers Classics]]'' Volume 1 TPB
* ''[[Megatron Origin]]'' TPB
* ''[[The Ascending]]'' TPB
* ''[[Target 2006]]'' TPB
* ''[[Transformers: Animated]]'' books
* ''[[All Hail Megatron]]'' series
* ''Star Trek: New Frontier'' (back cover)

==References==
{{Reflist}}
[[Category:Spotlight issues|Arcee]]<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>

Cyclonus (Armada)

2007-11-21T03:54:07Z

71.236.59.94: /* ''Armada'' */

{{disambig2|the Unicron Trilogy Decepticon Cyclonus/Snow Cat|the Generation 1 Decepticon Cyclonus|Cyclonus (G1)}}
{{disambig2|the Unicron Trilogy Decepticon Cyclonus/Snow Cat|the G.I. Joe vehicle|Snow Cat (G.I. Joe)}}

:''Cyclonus is a Decepticon from the [[Unicron Trilogy]] series. He took the name '''Snow Cat''' after recieving a new body.''

[[Image:Cyclonus-AR-DVD.jpg|300px|right|thumb|"Morale? We've never had morale around here!"]]

Cautious. Reliable. Uneager. These are not words to describe '''Cyclonus'''. He is one wild and craaaaaaazy guy. Seriously, he's the guy in the group that even the other Cons think is a little unbalanced. His usual battle tactic is to rush straight in with every piece of artillery he has blazing, all while laughing maniacally. Other times, he yodels while rushing straight in with every piece of artillery he has blazing.

He loves combat, and isn't particularly picky about which side he's on, so long as he gets to shoot things. He's not especially bright, but [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] knows the value of a soldier largely without fear.

:''Japanese name:'' '''Sandstorm''' (''Armada''), '''Snowstorm''' (''Energon'', Snow Cat body)
:''Hungarian name as Cyclonus'': '''Ciklon''' (basically means cyclone)
:''Hungarian name as Snow Cat'': '''Hósapka''' (meaning Snow Ca''p'')

==Fiction==
===Animated continuity===
====''Armada''====
'''Voice actor:''' [[Don Brown]] (US) [[Isshin Chiba]] (Japan)

Cyclonus is a wild soldier under [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]]'s command. He is closely partnered with his comrade [[Demolishor]], with whom he sometimes shares a love/hate relationship. He is known for having a maniacal personality and will often fire at targets frantically, risking damage to his own teammates. He has a quirky and sarcastic personality, often leading to harsh punishment by his commander. For some unknown reason, Cyclonus had the habit of falling asleep at random intervals during downtime after battles.

Cyclonus served Megatron throughout the [[Unicron Battles]], and was a key player in the united Armada against the [[Unicron|chaos-bringer]]. His alternate form is a helicopter, and he often took pleasure in tormenting the three kids under [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime's]] protection. He joined the Autobot unit after the demise of Megatron, though with reservations.

====''Energon''====
'''Voice actor:''' [[Don Brown]] (US) [[Isshin Chiba]] (Japan)

Cyclonus returned as the guardian of [[Cybertron City]] based on the moon. Although he served his role dutifully, he was yearning for the days of combat. Not long after the attacks on Mars and Asteroid City, the moon would also be attacked, a battle through which Cyclonus would hold up a small resistance before he was presumed destroyed. As [[Demolishor]] prepared for more [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcon]] assaults on Earth, Cyclonus surfaced, having tucked tail and ran, abandoning Cybertron City on the moon to be looted of its [[Energon]]. Cyclonus assisted Demolishor and the Autobots until [[Tidal Wave]] showed up wielding [[Megatron's Sword]], a blade forged by [[Alpha Quintesson]] from the Spark of Megatron. Believing that it was proof of Megatron, Cyclonus abandoned the Autobots and Demolishor, joining Alpha Quintesson's forces.

Cyclonus would once again serve Megatron when the commander was revived within Unicron for some time, before sustaining damages from an [[Autobot]] assault while retreating. Having failed to topple the [[Energon tower]]s, Cyclonus returned injured to his commander, begging for repairs. In a rage, Megatron bound Cyclonus to the wall using [[Unicron]]'s internal tentacles as punishment. Cyclonus was then fused with Unicron's essence in a painful manner and upgraded into '''Snow Cat''', who then took up yodeling, and skiing. During the [[Powerlinx Battles]] Snow Cat and Demolisher had to deal with a gigantic [[Insecticon (Energon)|Insecticon]], who was mutated by the [[Super Energon]].

===Cybetron===
''Universe Toy Bio''

Following the [[Powerlinx Battles]] Snow Cat went totally starkers (it wasn't a long trip), and without Megatron to guide him, wandered the streets of [[Kaon]], a raving loon during the planet's evacuation.

: ''('''Note''': Snow Cat's ''[[Universe]]'' bio sets him off-camera during the events of ''[[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' rather within the pre-existing ''Universe'' storyline. This is likely due to the ''Universe'' storyline giving way to and folding into the Fanclub Cybertron comic which is set largely on this abandoned Cybertron.)

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
====''Armada''====
====''Energon''====
Ten years after the destruction of Unicron, Cyclonus was spotted in [[Cyber City]], oddly not blowing anything up. {{storylink|This Evil Reborn}}

Later, Snow Cat, under the command of [[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]], captured the [[Omnicon]]s in a small town in the Yukon and rigged them to a machine that would extract their [[energon]] to feed Unicron, then reprogram them as [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcons]]. However, the Omnicons learned the value of teamwork thanks to the shared-hallucination-indiced disembodied advice-giving head of [[Over-Run (Armada)|Over-Run]], broke free, and totally kicked his ass. {{storylink|Omni-Potent}}

Much later, Snow Cat was one of several Decepticons who attempted to "sneak" into [[Ocean City]] and steal the data for the Autobots' [[Omega Supreme (Energon)|Omega Supreme prototype]]. He rushed into the dark hangar, smacked into a scaffolding like a big dumb doof, and was chased out by security. Megatron didn't buy Snow Cat's recounting of how his daring and skill was thwarted by a "sub sea earthquake" for one second. {{storylink|Dreamwave Summer Special}}

:''('''Note''': Due to the bankruptcy of [[Dreamwave Productions]], it has not been confirmed if Cyclonus and Snow Cat are one and the same in this reality. If Snow Cat was indeed a reformatted Cyclonus, then it is likely that he was taken during the horsemen's attack on Cybertron during [[What Lies Beneath, Part 2|issue 21]].'')

==Toys==
===Armada===
*'''Cyclonus with Mini-Con Crumplezone''' (Deluxe, 2002/2003)
: ''Japanese ID number:'' '''MD-04'''

[[Image:Armada_Cyclonus_toy.jpg|right|thumb|Craaaaaaazy air-taxi!]]

:Cyclonus transforms into a Cybetronian helicopter coloured in light blue, light grey with dark blue and gold accents. His Mini-Con Crumplezone can be attached to the front of his helicopter cockpit for added firepower. Attaching Mini-Cons to either of his wing-mounted weapons pods launches a missile. In robot mode, attaching a Mini-Con to the ports on either side of his legs will make a spring-loaded cannon pop up from his shins.

: The Japanese release of Cyclonus has some slight color differences, including a "separated" painted sigil, and a much brighter white plastic.

: This mold was also used to make ''[[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' [[Buzzsaw (Cybertron)|Buzzsaw]].

{{-}}

*'''Sandstorm w/ Cannon and Destruction Micron''' (Multi-pack, 2003)
: ''Japanese ID number:'' '''MS-04'''

: This Japanese release is largely identical to the single-packed version, except that it comes with the [[Destruction Mini-Con Team]], whose gear-gimmicks were designed to function with Cyclonus.

*'''Cyclonus''' (Happy Meal toy, 2003)

: Part of the McDonald's ''Armada'' promotion, Cyclonus transforms into an assault helicopter. Rolling his vehicle form forward spins his rotor prop, which launches into the air after picking up enough speed, a gimmick like that of the ''[[Generation 2]]'' [[Rotor Force]] toys. He could combine with the Happy Meal versions of [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]], [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] and [[Demolishor]] toys to form a "super vehicle".

*'''Megatron with Leader-1 and Cyclonus with Crumplezone''' (Built to Rule, 2003)

[[Image:Armada_BTR_MegatronCyclonus.jpg|left|thumb|175px|Let's make some crazy Energon!]]

: Part of the largest ''Transformers'' series ''[[Built to Rule]]'' set, Cyclonus can be assembled into an assault helicopter, a robot, or whatever your imagination can do with the blocks provided. Cyclonus is the only ''Built to Rule'' "figure" that does not have some kind of missile launcher. He came with a block-version of his Mini-Con parter Crumplezone, as well as the larger Megatron with [[Leader-1]] model.

{{-}}

*'''Powerlinx Cyclonus with Mini-Con Crumplezone''' (Deluxe, 2003)

[[Image:Powerlinx_Cyclonus_toy.jpg|right|thumb|Still Crazy In Spite Of All These Gears.]]

: This redeco of Cyclonus is designed as something of a questionable homage to [[Springer]], using mostly bright green plastic, as well as dark grey and chocolate-brown. He retains all of his original gimmicks and still has his Mini-Con partner.

: This toy was not released as part of the normal ''Micron Legend'' series in Japan; presumably, it was straight-imported as a [[USA Edition]].

: In November of 2003, US Toys "R" Us stores had special bonus pack Max-Con (Deluxe) toys, which came with a single bonus Mini-Con attached to the card over their sticker, for ''less'' than the price as a normal Max-Con during Toys "R" Us' post-Thanksgiving-day sale. Like Powerlinx [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]], Powerlinx Cyclonus could come with one of the [[Adventure Mini-Con Team]] members: [[Dune Runner]], [[Iceberg]] or [[Ransack (Armada)|Ransack]].

{{-}}

===Energon===
*'''Cyclonus with Mini-Con Crumplezone''' (Deluxe, 2004)
: ''Japanese ID number:'' '''SD-03'''

: This is an 'urban-camouflage' redeco of Cyclonus, presented in mostly dark grey with black and purple. The majority of the paint applications are black and white in a camouflage pattern.

: Released at the start of the Japanese ''Super Link'' line, this toy did not appear in the American ''[[Energon (franchise)|Energon]]'' line until late 2004 as a KB Toys [[exclusive]].

[[Image:Energon_Snowcat_toy.jpg|left|thumb|150px|Does not come with Frostbite :(]]
*'''Snow Cat''' (Deluxe, 2004)
: ''Japanese ID number:'' '''SD-10'''

:Snow Cat transforms into a Snow Cat SAM half-track. He is cast in primarily white and light blue plastics, with clear and burgundy for accents. In vehicle mode, the sideskirts can be lowered to form skis for the vehicle to travel on, while in robot mode the skis fold down from his legs. He features twin spring-loaded missile launchers available to him in both modes. Unusual for Transformers of this era, he has a visible cockpit interior with a partially frosted windshield and working windshield wiper.

===Universe===
*'''Snow Cat''' (Deluxe, 2005)

: The ''Energon'' Snow Cat mold was redecoed and released as an [[exclusive]] to Kay-Bee stores in 2005 along with a redeco of ''Energon'' [[Downshift (Energon)|Downshift]]. However, at the time Kay-Bee was undergoing financial troubles, closing numerous stores across the United States, and it appears that the two toys did not make it to a great many of the stores that remained open. Many did make their way to Toy Liquidator outlets, a sub-company within Kay-Bee. In 2006, it seems the toys finally made it to a wider distribution through the remaining Kay-Bee stories.

==Trivia==
* According to the [[Transformers (Melbourne House)|''Armada'' Playstation 2 game]] instruction booklet, Cyclonus's ''Armada'' body has the following statistics:
:Height: 19' 7" (17' 1" vehicle mode)
:Weight: 16,550 lbs
:Power: 1800 shaft horsepower
:Vehicle top speed: 190 mph

* The Snow Cat toy was designed to resemble a ''[[G.I. Joe]]'' [[Snow Cat (G.I. Joe)|vehicle of the same name]]. This toy ''also'' featured a frosted windshield with movable wiper. Why a good-guy vehicle got turned into a bad-guy robot is unknown.

* The colors chosen for Universe Snow Cat emulate the colors of vehicles present in G.I. Joe's [http://www.yojoe.com/action/subteams/nightforce.shtml Night Force] sub-line.

==External links==
*[http://www.tfu.info/2002/Decepticon/Cyclonus/cyclonus.htm Cyclonus at TFU.info]

{{charstub}}
[[Category: Armada characters]]
[[Category: Built to Rule]]
[[Category: Cybertron characters]]
[[Category: Decepticons]]
[[Category: Energon characters]]
[[Category: Fast food exclusives]]
[[Category: KB Toys exclusives]]
[[Category: Unicron-related characters]]
[[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>

Cyclonus (Armada)

2007-11-21T03:48:09Z

71.236.59.94: /* ''Energon'' */

{{disambig2|the Unicron Trilogy Decepticon Cyclonus/Snow Cat|the Generation 1 Decepticon Cyclonus|Cyclonus (G1)}}
{{disambig2|the Unicron Trilogy Decepticon Cyclonus/Snow Cat|the G.I. Joe vehicle|Snow Cat (G.I. Joe)}}

:''Cyclonus is a Decepticon from the [[Unicron Trilogy]] series. He took the name '''Snow Cat''' after recieving a new body.''

[[Image:Cyclonus-AR-DVD.jpg|300px|right|thumb|"Morale? We've never had morale around here!"]]

Cautious. Reliable. Uneager. These are not words to describe '''Cyclonus'''. He is one wild and craaaaaaazy guy. Seriously, he's the guy in the group that even the other Cons think is a little unbalanced. His usual battle tactic is to rush straight in with every piece of artillery he has blazing, all while laughing maniacally. Other times, he yodels while rushing straight in with every piece of artillery he has blazing.

He loves combat, and isn't particularly picky about which side he's on, so long as he gets to shoot things. He's not especially bright, but [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] knows the value of a soldier largely without fear.

:''Japanese name:'' '''Sandstorm''' (''Armada''), '''Snowstorm''' (''Energon'', Snow Cat body)
:''Hungarian name as Cyclonus'': '''Ciklon''' (basically means cyclone)
:''Hungarian name as Snow Cat'': '''Hósapka''' (meaning Snow Ca''p'')

==Fiction==
===Animated continuity===
====''Armada''====
'''Voice actor:''' [[Don Brown]] (US) [[Isshin Chiba]] (Japan)

Cyclonus is a wild soldier under [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]]'s command. He is closely partnered with his comrade [[Demolishor]], with whom he sometimes shares a love/hate relationship. He is known for having a maniacal personality and will often fire at targets frantically, risking damage to his own teammates. He has a quirky and sarcastic personality, often leading to harsh punishment by his commander. Cyclonus served Megatron throughout the [[Unicron Battles]], and was a key player in the united Armada against the [[Unicron|chaos-bringer]]. His alternate form is a helicopter, and he often took pleasure in tormenting the three kids under [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime's]] protection. He joined the Autobot unit after the demise of Megatron, though with reservations.

====''Energon''====
'''Voice actor:''' [[Don Brown]] (US) [[Isshin Chiba]] (Japan)

Cyclonus returned as the guardian of [[Cybertron City]] based on the moon. Although he served his role dutifully, he was yearning for the days of combat. Not long after the attacks on Mars and Asteroid City, the moon would also be attacked, a battle through which Cyclonus would hold up a small resistance before he was presumed destroyed. As [[Demolishor]] prepared for more [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcon]] assaults on Earth, Cyclonus surfaced, having tucked tail and ran, abandoning Cybertron City on the moon to be looted of its [[Energon]]. Cyclonus assisted Demolishor and the Autobots until [[Tidal Wave]] showed up wielding [[Megatron's Sword]], a blade forged by [[Alpha Quintesson]] from the Spark of Megatron. Believing that it was proof of Megatron, Cyclonus abandoned the Autobots and Demolishor, joining Alpha Quintesson's forces.

Cyclonus would once again serve Megatron when the commander was revived within Unicron for some time, before sustaining damages from an [[Autobot]] assault while retreating. Having failed to topple the [[Energon tower]]s, Cyclonus returned injured to his commander, begging for repairs. In a rage, Megatron bound Cyclonus to the wall using [[Unicron]]'s internal tentacles as punishment. Cyclonus was then fused with Unicron's essence in a painful manner and upgraded into '''Snow Cat''', who then took up yodeling, and skiing. During the [[Powerlinx Battles]] Snow Cat and Demolisher had to deal with a gigantic [[Insecticon (Energon)|Insecticon]], who was mutated by the [[Super Energon]].

===Cybetron===
''Universe Toy Bio''

Following the [[Powerlinx Battles]] Snow Cat went totally starkers (it wasn't a long trip), and without Megatron to guide him, wandered the streets of [[Kaon]], a raving loon during the planet's evacuation.

: ''('''Note''': Snow Cat's ''[[Universe]]'' bio sets him off-camera during the events of ''[[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' rather within the pre-existing ''Universe'' storyline. This is likely due to the ''Universe'' storyline giving way to and folding into the Fanclub Cybertron comic which is set largely on this abandoned Cybertron.)

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
====''Armada''====
====''Energon''====
Ten years after the destruction of Unicron, Cyclonus was spotted in [[Cyber City]], oddly not blowing anything up. {{storylink|This Evil Reborn}}

Later, Snow Cat, under the command of [[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]], captured the [[Omnicon]]s in a small town in the Yukon and rigged them to a machine that would extract their [[energon]] to feed Unicron, then reprogram them as [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcons]]. However, the Omnicons learned the value of teamwork thanks to the shared-hallucination-indiced disembodied advice-giving head of [[Over-Run (Armada)|Over-Run]], broke free, and totally kicked his ass. {{storylink|Omni-Potent}}

Much later, Snow Cat was one of several Decepticons who attempted to "sneak" into [[Ocean City]] and steal the data for the Autobots' [[Omega Supreme (Energon)|Omega Supreme prototype]]. He rushed into the dark hangar, smacked into a scaffolding like a big dumb doof, and was chased out by security. Megatron didn't buy Snow Cat's recounting of how his daring and skill was thwarted by a "sub sea earthquake" for one second. {{storylink|Dreamwave Summer Special}}

:''('''Note''': Due to the bankruptcy of [[Dreamwave Productions]], it has not been confirmed if Cyclonus and Snow Cat are one and the same in this reality. If Snow Cat was indeed a reformatted Cyclonus, then it is likely that he was taken during the horsemen's attack on Cybertron during [[What Lies Beneath, Part 2|issue 21]].'')

==Toys==
===Armada===
*'''Cyclonus with Mini-Con Crumplezone''' (Deluxe, 2002/2003)
: ''Japanese ID number:'' '''MD-04'''

[[Image:Armada_Cyclonus_toy.jpg|right|thumb|Craaaaaaazy air-taxi!]]

:Cyclonus transforms into a Cybetronian helicopter coloured in light blue, light grey with dark blue and gold accents. His Mini-Con Crumplezone can be attached to the front of his helicopter cockpit for added firepower. Attaching Mini-Cons to either of his wing-mounted weapons pods launches a missile. In robot mode, attaching a Mini-Con to the ports on either side of his legs will make a spring-loaded cannon pop up from his shins.

: The Japanese release of Cyclonus has some slight color differences, including a "separated" painted sigil, and a much brighter white plastic.

: This mold was also used to make ''[[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' [[Buzzsaw (Cybertron)|Buzzsaw]].

{{-}}

*'''Sandstorm w/ Cannon and Destruction Micron''' (Multi-pack, 2003)
: ''Japanese ID number:'' '''MS-04'''

: This Japanese release is largely identical to the single-packed version, except that it comes with the [[Destruction Mini-Con Team]], whose gear-gimmicks were designed to function with Cyclonus.

*'''Cyclonus''' (Happy Meal toy, 2003)

: Part of the McDonald's ''Armada'' promotion, Cyclonus transforms into an assault helicopter. Rolling his vehicle form forward spins his rotor prop, which launches into the air after picking up enough speed, a gimmick like that of the ''[[Generation 2]]'' [[Rotor Force]] toys. He could combine with the Happy Meal versions of [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]], [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] and [[Demolishor]] toys to form a "super vehicle".

*'''Megatron with Leader-1 and Cyclonus with Crumplezone''' (Built to Rule, 2003)

[[Image:Armada_BTR_MegatronCyclonus.jpg|left|thumb|175px|Let's make some crazy Energon!]]

: Part of the largest ''Transformers'' series ''[[Built to Rule]]'' set, Cyclonus can be assembled into an assault helicopter, a robot, or whatever your imagination can do with the blocks provided. Cyclonus is the only ''Built to Rule'' "figure" that does not have some kind of missile launcher. He came with a block-version of his Mini-Con parter Crumplezone, as well as the larger Megatron with [[Leader-1]] model.

{{-}}

*'''Powerlinx Cyclonus with Mini-Con Crumplezone''' (Deluxe, 2003)

[[Image:Powerlinx_Cyclonus_toy.jpg|right|thumb|Still Crazy In Spite Of All These Gears.]]

: This redeco of Cyclonus is designed as something of a questionable homage to [[Springer]], using mostly bright green plastic, as well as dark grey and chocolate-brown. He retains all of his original gimmicks and still has his Mini-Con partner.

: This toy was not released as part of the normal ''Micron Legend'' series in Japan; presumably, it was straight-imported as a [[USA Edition]].

: In November of 2003, US Toys "R" Us stores had special bonus pack Max-Con (Deluxe) toys, which came with a single bonus Mini-Con attached to the card over their sticker, for ''less'' than the price as a normal Max-Con during Toys "R" Us' post-Thanksgiving-day sale. Like Powerlinx [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]], Powerlinx Cyclonus could come with one of the [[Adventure Mini-Con Team]] members: [[Dune Runner]], [[Iceberg]] or [[Ransack (Armada)|Ransack]].

{{-}}

===Energon===
*'''Cyclonus with Mini-Con Crumplezone''' (Deluxe, 2004)
: ''Japanese ID number:'' '''SD-03'''

: This is an 'urban-camouflage' redeco of Cyclonus, presented in mostly dark grey with black and purple. The majority of the paint applications are black and white in a camouflage pattern.

: Released at the start of the Japanese ''Super Link'' line, this toy did not appear in the American ''[[Energon (franchise)|Energon]]'' line until late 2004 as a KB Toys [[exclusive]].

[[Image:Energon_Snowcat_toy.jpg|left|thumb|150px|Does not come with Frostbite :(]]
*'''Snow Cat''' (Deluxe, 2004)
: ''Japanese ID number:'' '''SD-10'''

:Snow Cat transforms into a Snow Cat SAM half-track. He is cast in primarily white and light blue plastics, with clear and burgundy for accents. In vehicle mode, the sideskirts can be lowered to form skis for the vehicle to travel on, while in robot mode the skis fold down from his legs. He features twin spring-loaded missile launchers available to him in both modes. Unusual for Transformers of this era, he has a visible cockpit interior with a partially frosted windshield and working windshield wiper.

===Universe===
*'''Snow Cat''' (Deluxe, 2005)

: The ''Energon'' Snow Cat mold was redecoed and released as an [[exclusive]] to Kay-Bee stores in 2005 along with a redeco of ''Energon'' [[Downshift (Energon)|Downshift]]. However, at the time Kay-Bee was undergoing financial troubles, closing numerous stores across the United States, and it appears that the two toys did not make it to a great many of the stores that remained open. Many did make their way to Toy Liquidator outlets, a sub-company within Kay-Bee. In 2006, it seems the toys finally made it to a wider distribution through the remaining Kay-Bee stories.

==Trivia==
* According to the [[Transformers (Melbourne House)|''Armada'' Playstation 2 game]] instruction booklet, Cyclonus's ''Armada'' body has the following statistics:
:Height: 19' 7" (17' 1" vehicle mode)
:Weight: 16,550 lbs
:Power: 1800 shaft horsepower
:Vehicle top speed: 190 mph

* The Snow Cat toy was designed to resemble a ''[[G.I. Joe]]'' [[Snow Cat (G.I. Joe)|vehicle of the same name]]. This toy ''also'' featured a frosted windshield with movable wiper. Why a good-guy vehicle got turned into a bad-guy robot is unknown.

* The colors chosen for Universe Snow Cat emulate the colors of vehicles present in G.I. Joe's [http://www.yojoe.com/action/subteams/nightforce.shtml Night Force] sub-line.

==External links==
*[http://www.tfu.info/2002/Decepticon/Cyclonus/cyclonus.htm Cyclonus at TFU.info]

{{charstub}}
[[Category: Armada characters]]
[[Category: Built to Rule]]
[[Category: Cybertron characters]]
[[Category: Decepticons]]
[[Category: Energon characters]]
[[Category: Fast food exclusives]]
[[Category: KB Toys exclusives]]
[[Category: Unicron-related characters]]
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